Author: Molly Lin Dutina

52+ YEARS as wife to Robert! Still deeply loving that man!! He is often responsible for the photos I post. I try to always give him credit!
Posted on in Collection of Quotes, Faith, Just do it, Obedience, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth

Collects – Gather Together

The collects gather together timely thoughts and Scriptures throughout the church year. Sadly the Prayer Book does not give the Scripture references, but then it would likely run to many volumes.

The first Sunday in Advent we prayed the following prayer:

Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of
darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of
this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit
us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come
again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the
dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and
for ever. Amen. Book of Common Prayer Page 211

I thought it would be interesting to compare it with the prayer (or collect) from Christmas Eve! We are encouraged to pay attention to the collects, not just hear them once in a Sunday service.

O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the
brightness of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known
the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him
perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he
lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. Book of Common Prayer Page 212

Both prayers put emphasis on Light and that is so wonderful in this season of fewer hours of sunlight. God gives us grace to CAST AWAY the works of darkness and God causes the brightness of the true Light to shine. God gives us the armor of light and power to put it on.

We thank God that He has made known to us the MYSTERY of that LIGHT on earth. Even as we lit the Advent candles and brightened our homes with decorations and perhaps candle light we acknowledge His blessings of light and power over the works of darkness.

Have you put away all of your holiday decorations? Usually the last of the decorations come down about now. In the church calendar, Epiphany (January 6 this year) commemorates the visit of the Magi, the baptism of Jesus, and the wedding at Cana.  So many things to celebrate and at times they get wrapped into one big day!

The first prayer acknowledges that Jesus came to visit us in great humility and we too are to walk in humility.

Give us grace to Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness; rather, expose them. Ephesians 5:11 NRSVUE

Give us strength to Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil Ephesians 6: 11 NRSVUE

We are to know the mystery of His light here on earth. We look forward to the last day when He shall come in His glorious majesty.

Just an old woman’s random thoughts about our wonderful Father and His plans for our good. Isaiah wrote He is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Whatever title you use to refer to this majestic God remember what it says in James 4:8a Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. 

Mystery of God’s Light

Posted on in Challenge, Faith, Marriage and Memories, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Trust

Why is This Important?

Trust in him at all times, O people;
    pour out your heart before him;
    God is a refuge for us. Selah Psalm 62:8 NRSVUE

I came across this verse the other morning. It spoke to me loud and clear. We all long for someone to listen to us. Yes, I believe every single one of us does!

This verse tells us that God is wiling to be that listener. If we want to be heard we have an obligation to build a relationship with God. An obligation to pour our heart out before Him. An obligation to learn that God is indeed willing to be a refuge for us.

This morning as the hired help from the landscape company came through the neighborhood cleaning driveways and sidewalks with hand snow shovels, Bob pointed out that one of them was wearing a garbage bag as a coat. I was appalled to see it when he came into view. I had taken out granola bars for them as they were finishing our drive. I learned the last time we had a big storm that they really appreciate the snack. Yes, indeed, the young man was wearing a sweatshirt and a garbage bag. Current temperature 21 and still snowing. I had bought a winter coat through Walmart at an unbelievably low price intending to donate it to the local coat drive. In the meanwhile, I had also found a thermal vest to donate. In good conscious I could not let this man go down the street with just a garbage bag for weather protection. All the other men had on winter coats and hoods, etc. So I came in the house and with Bob’s blessing went outside with the new coat for him. He did not give much away with his eyes. It seemed to fit him well. I asked him to give me the garbage bag. It was heavy duty, landscaper grade, so I assume the company gave it to him. When some of the guys began laughing I hollered, “No teasing!” In retrospect I should have pointed to myself and said “Mamacita!”

Who knows? Maybe that man asked God for a coat this morning? What about you? Have you spoken with the Lord today? Will you pour out your heart before Him today? Have you ever experienced Him as your Refuge?

The morning I came across the verse from Psalm 62, I was listening to this melody. It moved me to pour out my heart to Him.

(I recently discovered Sheku, but more about that another time.)

I tell the LORD things I do not tell others. I am certain others get tired of hearing about the chronic pain I have. I even get wearied of writing it down. There is a kind of relief though in knowing that God knows, and hears, and cares about me. So I tell Him. Refuge.

Years ago we assisted teaching a class at church about marriage. One of the tools we used was a word list. It can be helpful in journaling also. There were headings such as mad, sad, glad, afraid, confused, ashamed, lonely, high energy, low energy, uneasy, secure/confident, affectionate, free-and-easy. Under each of those headings are as many as 35 other words to elaborate that feeling. This sheet is helpful in communicating with your spouse, but also when communicating with the LORD. Here is a link to a similar chart. https://www.hoffmaninstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/Practices-FeelingsSensations.pdf

Difficult to read, I get it.

I have a friend who says her husband has difficulty communicating. I wonder if this chart would be helpful to him? Of course, for it to help one must be willing to use it. Getting familiar with these words can certainly be a huge help towards pouring your heart out to God. This is at least a starting place for us. I advise journaling either on paper or electronically. There is something about anchoring your heart in words that make the outpouring more concrete.

Trust in him at all times, O people;
    pour out your heart before him;
    God is a refuge for us. Selah Psalm 62:8 NRSVUE

Maybe even more difficult than pouring out your heart is the first line, “Trust in Him at all times.” If you kept a diary as a child, it might have looked like this.

As an adult it can be more challenging to trust that no one will read your words if you can lock your journal. Of course, with online cloud storage , passwords and private vaults in the cloud it is much simpler to keep your words private.

Why not begin now? Just write a line or two. Perhaps choose a few words from the feelings list?

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Faith, Nature, Trust

Happy Winter Morning!

Cincinnati is having the first huge snow storm in years. (Sunday through Tuesday) At the current moment there are about 12 inches on the ground and still snowing. I saw parents at the grocery store the other day with a 3 year old boy. They had 2 sleds in their basket. I said to them, “Parents excited. Child clueless?” They answered, “Absolutely!” Hoping they are able to get to a sledding hill before the frigid cold moves in. As of this moment there is a Level 2 travel warning: only necessary persons are to travel.

The Beginning

Bird feeders are emptying quickly. Guess we will make a sacrificial stomp to refill them today or maybe tomorrow. All the usual winter birds have been here this morning. Red-bellied woodpecker, slate colored Juncos, Titmouse, sparrows, nuthatch, chickadee, Carolina wren, purple finch, cardinal. No wonder the level is receding rapidly!

The pinwheel seen above (below and left of feeder) is not spinning this morning! Too much snow for that to happen. (see photo below) None of this will melt this week. We are praying we do not get the possible freezing rain today (or any day for that matter)! Temperatures later in the week will drop to near or below zero with more snow possible in about 5 days.

Barely visible pinwheel blades! (left of solar light)

The Slate-colored Juncos were making me laugh this morning. First of all they look to me as if someone held them upside-down by their feet and dipped them into a pot of ink. With the white belly on the white snow they seem improbable at first glance. They are able to hop across the snow pack. When they do, I think of the wind-up toys Bob still likes to buy for the adult children and grandchildren at Christmas.

Junco perching awaiting a turn at the feeder
A Junco named Grace

Have not seen a squirrel or a white-tailed deer today. Guess they are hunkered down and trying to stay warm? Local weather says “Snow continuing. Additional snow accumulations up to three inches. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph.”

In the foreground is our front step. The wire fence is about 14 inches tall.

I think the little white caps on the solar lights are adorable. DON’T open the sliding glass door!

Drift at the back door.
Tenacious oak leaves show off the snow falling

Praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord from the heavens!
    Praise him from the skies!
2 Praise him, all his angels!
    Praise him, all the armies of heaven!
3 Praise him, sun and moon!
    Praise him, all you twinkling stars!
4 Praise him, skies above!
    Praise him, vapors high above the clouds!
5 Let every created thing give praise to the Lord,
    for he issued his command, and they came into being.
6 He set them in place forever and ever.
    His decree will never be revoked.

7 Praise the Lord from the earth,
    you creatures of the ocean depths,
8 fire and hail, snow and clouds,
    wind and weather that obey him,
9 mountains and all hills,
    fruit trees and all cedars,
10 wild animals and all livestock,
    small scurrying animals and birds,
11 kings of the earth and all people,
    rulers and judges of the earth,
12 young men and young women,
    old men and children.

13 Let them all praise the name of the Lord.
    For his name is very great;
    his glory towers over the earth and heaven! Psalm 148:1-13 The Message

Posted on in Faith, Illness and Health, Trust

All Five Unlikely

With another holiday this week it is unlikely I will get all 5 posts for the week written. I am recovering from the nasty cold that is circulating in our area. Already had to cancel my participation in two things due to illness! Trying to stay focused on the Lord and hold all things loosely.

So may your New Year holiday be wonderful. May you celebrate the 12 days of Christmas in holy fashion. (They continue until the Feast of the Epiphany, Monday January 6, 2025, when the Kings possibly arrived to meet Jesus.)

Were there 3 kings or 2? We might never know details this side of heaven. Stories, art work, number of gifts presented to Jesus all cloud things. I just embrace that they too worshiped my King Jesus! (Matthew 2.)

In the meanwhile, I will hopefully be well enough to bake gingerbread cut outs with the Grandgirls, get some decorations taken down and be healed! All prayers appreciated.

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Book quotes, Humor

Rosamund Young

I think I heard about his book on NPR? You know by now my love of nature so when someone tells me about a good new book I try to remember the title so I can find it. The Wisdom of Sheep, Observations from a Family Farm had my full attention.

When we were in Ireland, the first morning in Glendalough, we took a walk. I could hear a lamb bleating. It was like a beacon of sound calling to me. We walked through the tiny neighborhood and suddenly there was a fenced area around one house with lovely sheep. We watched them for a bit. Bob had his camera out and got a few good shots. Once he stored his camera one little lamb, sneezed so hard she rolled part way down the hill. It was hilarious! Her photo before the sneeze is below.

photo by r m dutina

Published in 2024 by Penguin Press, New York I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a gentle read. She writes about the cattle they keep, the sheep and local flora. To give you a little taste of her work, I have copied one little chapter entitled Gamboling by Night.

At fifteen minutes past midnight one late October evening I saw to my astonishment two lambs playing in the moonlight. The big moon had come up and seemed to linger for a minute on the horizon before rising slowly and lighting up the night sky.

We’d finished supper just before midnight but then Gareth heard a lamb calling. I decided to go and investigate. At the very least, I thought, one of them must have got stuck in a fence, or was trying to wriggle under one. I homed in on the sound, torch in hand, in case the moon’s rays were insufficient. Cry, Cry. I spoke to them: Dandelion? Daphne? And zoom, two missiles were at my feet to be cuddled. Nothing wrong at all; very unusual.I stayed for a little while, enjoying the affection; as I turned to walk away, they stayed by the orchard fence. Suddenly I was ‘attacked’ from behind. Daphne had run full tilt into the back of my leg, nearly throwing me off balance, I remonstrated and walked forward. They both followed in glorious, jumpy bursts of speed all the way to the gate. I climbed over and they began a game, racing and chasing each other in circles, ellipses and all sorts of other shapes.

What could I conclude? They had been as good as gold all day, eating, and now they wanted some fun. But why did they call again and again and again, until I went to see them? Well, I could invent a reason but, luckily, I shall never know for sure. They played and I saw them; that’s enough reason and a perfect way to end my day. I am wondering how long they will continue.

This is a perfect example of her book. I got mine from the library and made it my lunchtime read. Bob reads his newspaper on his iPad and I read a book. I am sorry this one is finished. Once a librarian told me that you know it was a good book if you find yourself wondering what the characters are doing when you are not reading it!

Posted on in Challenge, Faith, Illness and Health

Inside Out

We have had a terrible cold going through our household. It is complete with all the nasty symptoms you never want to have from nose to throat to chest to headache to chills, no fever,etc. I find these times especially challenging. I do not know how to keep my primary focus upon God under these circumstances. I had one religious wise guy once ask “What are you doing under the circumstances?” Another groan for Christianity.

Never one, usually 5-6 tissues!

At the end of his life Saint Francis is quoted as saying, “I wish I had been more kind to Brother Ass.” That was his name for his own body.

I was reminded this morning of a poem I wrote in 1988. It is as follows Inside Out ©Molly Lin Dutina 1988

I want to live from the inside out,
Always within the center-down silence.
Having to struggle to get back to within
Is not the direction I choose. 

Teach me, Lord, and help to know
how to grow from the peaceful
Sanctuary within.

Show me please where I can go
to refresh our love.
Give me attitudes 
that will unravel me
from the sin which
so easily entangles.

Make me one with You, Lord,
so I will know how to be close
to all that is around me.

Help me, Father
and be glorified in my life.





So I suppose part of the answer is that Jesus differs so much from me because my body can still be subject to sickness? I do not have an explanation for why humans are so mightily distracted by illness in the physical body. If anyone figures this out, please let me know!

Until then I still long to live from the inside out, in contrast to coughing my blowing my insides out! Stay well, y’all!

Posted on in Faith

O come, O come

Come and rejoice in the birth of God’s son, our brother and Savior! Wikipedia says, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel is a Christian hymn for Advent, which is also often published in books of Christmas carols. The 1851 translation by John Mason Neale from Hymns Ancient and Modern is the most prominent by far in the English-speaking world, but other translations also exist. ”

Few if any of us use hymnals these days. Few if any hold to not singing Christmas carols during Advent. (One radio station in Cincinnati begins Christmas music on November 1st!) Well, Advent is officially over and the Christmas season in the liturgical calendar is here!

If you are wondering about Immanuel and Emmanuel, Immanuel is the English transliteration from the Hebrew and Emmanuel is the English transliteration from the Greek. I just know Him as God with us, day in and day out to my delight and comfort!

1  O come, O come, Immanuel,
and ransom captive Israel 
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear.

Refrain:
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel
shall come to you, O Israel.

2 O come, O Wisdom from on high,
who ordered all things mightily;
to us the path of knowledge show
and teach us in its ways to go. Refrain

3 O come, O come, great Lord of might,
who to your tribes on Sinai's height
in ancient times did give the law
in cloud and majesty and awe. Refrain

Have you invited Immanuel into your life and heart? I cannot get enough of this hymn this year.

Posted on in Book quotes, Challenge, Faith, Prayer, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Yield

A Book Returned

I loaned someone a book about 25 years ago. I lost track of where it went. (I maybe should write down who I loan to?) I usually put a sticker int he front of my books that reads: “Please return to Molly Dutina. She will eventually notice I am missing from her bookshelf, but she won’t have a clue who has me! (My phone number and then) no matter how long I’ve been gone.” She returned it recently. I do not know if she read it, hated or enjoyed it, no feedback. When I read books I own I usually mark a page number in the front cover with a few words that struck me at the time of reading. Here are a few of my notes inside my copy of God’s Joyful Surprise by Sue Monk Kidd, published 1987.

Page 67 “How strange that we tend to stand ankle-deep in the spiritual life even though the grounding depth of intimacy with God is the most nourishing experience of our lives and affirms our very being!“

Do you remember the Scripture about the depth of the water in Ezekiel 47, where the water was ankle deep, knee deep, waist deep and then swimming only deep? How strange we stand just ankle deep when the entire river is given to us.

Just the paragraph prior to the above quote Kidd wrote: “Though I wanted the safe, familiar world of before, I also wanted to follow the challenge of dwelling deep in God . . .in prayer . . in His presence. I could not choose; I could only sit on the fence with a foot in each pasture.”

She devotes the remainder of the book to how she found disciplines to help her explore and remain in that place of deep waters. So whereabouts are you? On the fence, ankle deep , or diving deep into the challenge of dwelling deep in God?

Is 2025 the year you finally dive into the river of God’s presence and learn to swim with Him? This book is a wonderful place to begin.

On page 208 she talks about the difference between ‘saying’ our prayers and the change of consciousness that helps us become prayer. “As we grow in the spiritual life, we come to think of Him as deep within us, in our thoughts, moods, feelings, aspirations. God flows inside us. He is our center. As we come to perceive God in this more intimate way, we are filled with a growing sensitivity to Him. We cannot separate ourselves from Him. “ Today this referred to as non-dualism.

Page 206 of my copy, which is 248 pages before the notes, she not only quotes Brother Lawrence, Paul on pray without ceasing, Jesus, and Augustine, but she dispels the notion that prayer without ceasing in not only for ‘super-Christians’ but for every Christian. “Ordinary people. Contrary people. People who dress children for nursery school, rush to work, stare at televisions, forget dentist appointments. People like us. Praying an unbroken prayer in not something to struggle and perspire over. It springs up inside us and becomes a way of life, as natural as breathing.”

She notes we are to prayer simultaneously with our daily activities, keep our mind in God, an attitude and attentiveness that permeates our lives. Our neighbors seem to rejoice in any opportunity to set off fireworks. It terrifies poor Lucky. I am hoping that this New Year when you hear or see fireworks you will be inspired to make 2025 the year when this desire is ignited within you.

Posted on in Book quotes, Challenge, Faith, Listen, Praise, Prayer, Spiritual growth, Trust, Yield

Trying to Get You to Relate

Brother Lawrence wrote letters about his relationship with God. Not just church knowledge, not just prayer at set hours, but talking with the Living God as he went about his daily tasks. Do we do that?

Quoting Brennan Manning, Tyler Stanton in Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools wrote, Manning was an accomplished spiritual guide. Alone and undistracted, though, he was confronted by the gap between spiritual theory and actual experience. “The great divorce between my head and my heart had endured throughout my ministry. For eighteen years I proclaimed the good news of God’s passionate, unconditional love – utterly convinced in my head but not feeling it in my heart. I never felt loved.”Stanton goes on to tell the story of how Manning, ‘stripped of all distraction, activity, and busyness, on a mountain with nothing to dress himself up with – that’s where he knew the love of God.”

Have you experienced that love? Do you walk with Him and talk with Him? Have you heard Him tell you that you are His own? You are a loved child, adopted into God’s family through the blood of Jesus – His sacrifice and offering of the gift of the Holy Spirit to your very self.

Stanton quotes Dane Ortlund as writing “He knows us to the uttermost, and He saves us to the uttermost, because His heart is drawn out to us to the uttermost.” In other words, no matter how deep the sin we have participated in, no matter how dark our loneliest place is, God is there loving us.

Eastern Orthodox Bishop Kallistos Ware wrote, “Christianity is not merely a philosophical theory or a moral code, but involves a direct sharing in divine life and glory, a transforming union with God “face to face.”

May this season of Christmas bring you closer than ever before to the Living Christ in your day-to-day life. A Franciscan priest, a 17th century French monk, an Eastern Orthodox Bishop, a contemporary Christian writer who helped begin an international prayer movement and a little old lady writing a blog in Ohio all are saying the same thing. If they are not wrong then what is holding you back from this intimate relationship with God?

As my mother taught me to sing, try this out for yourself.

His divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Thus he has given us, through these things, his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of lust, and may become participants in the divine nature. 2 Peter 1:3-4 NRSV

“A transforming union with God, face-to-face.” Reach for it. Ask for it. Rest in it. I told God years ago that if the teachings of the New Testament and the promises were not for this century then I would quit seeking them. He is still teaching me how accessible those teachings and promises are for today.

Posted on in Faith, Humor, Illness and Health, medical treatment, Obedience, Praise

Banana

If I do not keep a steady glucose reading through the night, the Continuous Glucose Monitor wakes us up with an alarm if my glucose drops too low. Doc says low glucose is more detrimental than high glucose if not addressed.

Did I tell you I have found an 85% successful method to keep my glucose steady through the night? I eat an under-ripe banana, smeared with reconstituted powdered peanut butter. On occasion I even top it with Breyer’s frozen dessert which has very low carbs. The photo below sort of describes how I am feeling after many months of doing this!

My bananas look beat up like her head after being the fridge!

When I have no appetite I tell myself this is just part of my medication routine. Eat the banana and be glad. So with the Minions I cry, “BANANA!!”

Thank you, Lord, for under ripe bananas to treat this disease. It sure beats another needle!