Category: Book quotes

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Book quotes, Challenge, Faith, Joy, Just do it, Praise, Prayer, Worship

Advent with Every Moment Holy

I looked through the featured liturgies from the daily reading I get from Every Moment Holy. Here is a small portion from the one entitled Entering the Advent Season  by Lanier Ivester

God-With-Us, be my peace 
as I embark upon this holy season.
Help me to carve out quiet for
communion with you
sheltered moments in which to contemplate
the earth-shattering gift of a self-giving Savior.
And where quiet cannot be found,
so tether me to your presence within that
nothing without would unravel my calm.

I love the images there. Help me carve out, not turkey or the ham or any other delight, but more so “carve out quiet for communion with” God.

“Sheltered moment and earth-shattering gift.” This writer understands what we are celebrating right now!

And so, with the confidence your people 
have carried since your first coming,
I look toward your second with
expectant love,
echoing the cry your church
has intoned through the ages:
Even so, come, Lord Jesus

Commenting upon the word Maranatha, Wikipedia says: Use in contemplative prayer

Based on the teachings of John Cassian, John Main recommended the recitation of Maranatha as “the ideal Christian mantra“, meaning “Come Lord”, repeated silently interiorly as four equally stressed syllables Ma-ra-na-tha: “Not only is this one of the most ancient Christian prayers, in the language Jesus spoke, but it also has a harmonic quality that helps to bring the mind to silence. Other words or short phrases could be used but he saw it as important that during the meditation one doesn’t think about the meaning or use the imagination.”[5] Other Christian authors and communities cultivate similar practices centered on this recitation, such as Pablo d’Ors, who also recommends it as one of the linkages (along with the breathing and the hands) for the practice of contemplative prayer.

I have read both John Cassian and John Main. Making Maranatha a prayer to focus upon your breath is very powerful. The focus is upon the four stressed syllables but also upon the plea of the word prayer Maranatha. Come Lord, be with us. Come Lord i your power and glory.

Hearing the Messiah reminded me of the song of the angels in Revelation 7:11-2

All the angels were standing around the throne, the elders, and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before his throne, and worshiped God, 12 saying, “Amen! Blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and might, be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”

If you recite nothing else this Advent I challenge you to recite Blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power and might. These be to our God forever and ever. Amen!

And again in Revelation 5: 11-/13

 I looked, and I heard something like a voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders. The number of them was ten thousands of ten thousands, and thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who has been killed to receive the power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing!”

13 I heard every created thing which is in heaven, on the earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be the blessing, the honor, the glory, and the dominion, forever and ever! Amen!”

Is this what you think about during Advent and Christmas? If not usually, try this with the ten thousands of ten thousands!

power 
wealth 
wisdom
strength
honor
glory 
blessing
dominion
thanksgiving
might
Even so, come, Lord Jesus, come!

Maybe I have to get this printed as a card for next year!!

Posted on in Aging, Book quotes, Challenge, Faith, Focus, Joy, Listen, Memories, Obedience, Poetry, Praise, Rest, Worship

Macrina Wiederkehr

“Macrina Wiederkehr, OSB (1939-2020), was a spiritual guide, popular retreat facilitator, and author who made her home with the monastic community of St. Scholastica in Fort Smith, Arkansas. The Benedictine traditions of deep listening to the word of God and hospitality toward all of life form the roots of her writing and retreat ministry. Wiederkehr is the bestselling author of ten books, including The Flowing Grace of Now, Seven Sacred Pauses, Behold Your Life, and The Circle of Life, which she coauthored with Joyce Rupp.” from Ave Maria Press

Macrina influenced my Christian formation through her writings. I was able to hear her in person once. It was delightful to be under her teaching that evening. I first read this poem a number of years ago and think of it every Advent. I had difficulty finding it this year. Guess I had best print it out for myself!! I used to have the book The Circle of Life where this poem was published.

O God of words, dear Word made flesh
give birth to my thoughts
change them into words
that will help me Christmas up the lives
of those I love, for I am weak and fragile
scared and empty this year
and still I feel You very near.

Jesus, I think I hear You coming
I think I hear a sound that says
you’ve cared your way into my life again.
I think I see a light more lasting
than the ones we hang on trees
I think I see a world
that’s splashed with God again
so gospelled with his presence
so covered with his love yet, lonely still …

O shoppers, dear shoppers put your carts away.
Please put your carts away
and search deep down within your hearts
for gifts that will not rust or fade
for where your treasure is there is your heart. (Matthew 6:19–21)
O look into your God-splashed, gospelled hearts
and see! See Christmas standing there
waiting to be, not bought but given free.

We are Christmas shoppers, Lord
We are shopping for a way to make your coming last
O take the blind in us and hold it close
O teach us how to see
decorate our lives with your vision
for Christmas, let us see!

O shoppers, dear shoppers hang lights in your hearts
instead of on your trees
for the One we’ve hung our hopes on
has come, and now we’re free
but only if we see.

Jesus, we long for Christmas-eyes.
Please heal the blind in us
for Christmas, eyes that see! Makrina Wiederkehr

Isn’t she amazing in her imagery and passion for Christ and the lost? I just love it! Addressing us directly, “Shoppers put your carts away!” “Dear shoppers hang lights in your hearts instead of on your trees.” May your God-splashed, gospelled hearts rejoice all through this season!

Posted on in Book quotes, Challenge, Faith, Family, Illness and Health, Prayer, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Surrender, Trust, Yield

Your Prayers Are Needed

I am asking prayers for one recently released from 3 months of therapy and coming to terms with losing custody of her two youngest children, needing AA, counseling, and medications to cope with addiction issues, and mental illness. This is a heavy load for any young woman.

This morning I was touched with this psalm which is similar to a psalm the Lord gave her mother a decade ago when she was recovering from alcohol addiction.


The Lord is a friend to those who fear him *
and will show them his covenant.

My eyes are ever looking to the Lord, *
for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.

Turn to me and have pity on me, *
for I am left alone and in misery. Psalm 25:14-16 BCP

God knows exactly what this woman needs to heal and walk in a sober and upright way. I believe our prayers can help lift her to wholeness and health. Obviously, she must choose that option for herself every single day of her life.

I also believe that we are to “confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.” James 5:16 NRSVUE

So please pray for this extended family member, that she may find her peace and healing in the arms of the Lord and walk with God in deliverance from the enemies of her soul, find ways to make peace and keep her sobriety, finding her health and source of life in the ways of God.


The Lord is a friend to those who fear him.
 
He teaches them his covenant.
My eyes are always on the Lord,
 
for he rescues me from the traps of my enemies.
Turn to me and have mercy,

for I am alone and in deep distress. Psalm 25:14-16 NLT

God is faithful and I believe nothing is impossible to Him with whom we have to do.

“O blessed Lord, you ministered to all who came to you: Look with compassion upon all who through addiction have lost their health and freedom. Restore to them the assurance of your unfailing mercy; remove from them the fears that beset them; strengthen them in the work of their recovery; and to those who care for them, give patient understanding and persevering love. Amen.“ Book of Common Prayer, #56. For the Victims of Addiction

Posted on in Book quotes, Faith, Focus, Listen, Music, Obedience, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Surrender, Trust, Worship

Advent Began Last Sunday

Happy New Year! The church calendar begins all over again. We sang this in church last week and I honestly had never heard it. What a great song!

Refrain:
Lead me, guide me along the way;
For if You lead me, I cannot stray;
Lord, let me walk each day with Thee.
Lead me, O Lord, lead me.

1 I am weak, and I need Thy strength and power
To help me over my weakest hour;
Let me through the darkness Thy face to see,
Lead me, O Lord, lead me.

2 Help me tread in the paths of righteousness;
Be my aid when Satan and sin oppress.
I am putting all my trust in Thee,
Lead me, O Lord, lead me. [Refrain]

3 I am lost, if you take your hand from me;
I am blind, without Thy Light to see;
Lord, just always let me Thy servant be,
Lead me, O Lord, lead me. [Refrain]

The following quote is from a newsletter I get entitled Friends of Silence.

Light dwells deep within each of us
ready to radiate forth
as our will freely surrenders
in alignment with our soul's purpose.
We are here on Earth to lift and deepen
our own awareness and that of creation:
co-partners in the Divine Plan
for the divinization of all creation.
Seek within and find the Source
of Love and Light.
Shine in unity with all whose joy
is to co-birth as a light
in the world.  ~ Nan Merrill in LUMEN CHRISTI...HOLY WISDOM

This is how we are awaiting the second coming of Christ and preparing our hearts to celebrate the first coming in the flesh. We are blessed beyond measure and grateful to our Father.

Let every heart prepare Him room!

Posted on in Book quotes, Challenge, Faith, Just do it, Listen, Obedience, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Surrender, Thanks, Yield

Every Moment Holy book

Grant us strength and grace, O God,
that we might move through today 
folding in humble obedience to you,
sensitivity of your Spirit,
and in joyful expectancy of your coming kingdom." A Liturgy of the Hours Midday, Volume 1

That phrase ‘folding in humble obedience to you,’ that just brought me up short. Folding in humble obedience to you. Yes, Lord, I want to be that sort of obedient.

Have you ever tried to carry an unruly child, one kicking and screaming, squirming to get down out of your arms? God does not want us to be like that.

 Listen to me, O house of Jacob,
    all the remnant of the house of Israel,
who have been borne by me from your birth,
    carried from the womb;
4 even to your old age I am he;
    even when you turn gray I will carry you.
I have made, and I will bear;
    I will carry and will save. Isaiah 46:3-4 NRSVUE

Even to old age and gray hair, (or no hair), God wants to be involved in our life.

Will we cooperate with those wishes?

Will we bend our heart in humble obedience, sensitivity to God’s Spirit, and in joyful expectancy of the coming kingdom? I hope and pray you will join me in this sort of yielding.

Posted on in Book quotes, Challenge, Faith, Journal, Listen, Obedience, Praise, Prayer, Rest, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Surrender, Yield

Stand at the Crossroads/Come All Who Are Weary

Before I began my recent retreat I asked the Lord what my focus should be. The following verses are what I heard.

Thus says the Lord:
Stand at the crossroads and look,
    and ask for the ancient paths,
where the good way lies; and walk in it,
    and find rest for your souls.
But they said, “We will not walk in it.” Jeremiah 6:16 NRSVUE

-and-

“Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 NRSVUE

The opening photo reminds me of the Jeremiah passage. Frequently in life we come to a crossroads. We have the choice how we respond. The people of God are instructed in this passage to stand (not run out there), look, ask for ancient paths, where the good way lies and THEN to walk in it. So fitting with me reading Practicing the Way by Mark Comer and trying to put it into practice. Going into silence at the Convent is one of the ancient paths that restores my soul. More than walking in it, it seems that sitting in the silence is my path at first, though walking the grounds in silence is also restorative.

Stand, Look, Ask also requires listening on my part. I want to follow after the Lord and not refuse to walk in the paths I am shown.

A favorite of mine! Hangs next to our bed!

And the second passage from Matthew? I could have spent the entire weekend on that one and not be finished. The Spirit did ask me to write down the things that made me weary from 2025. I filled several pages in a small journal. Those occurrences suddenly morphed into the things that brought me joy! I then added, “Lord, I am finding a sense of REST just writing out the burdens and blessings.” And so the weekend began. My eyes were opened to the continuous presence of the Lord and any blessings that came with the challenges. “Taking your yoke of the Way is helping me. Continue to help me LEARN from you. You are gentle and humble of heart.”

Remember I was looking for the obscure compline hymn? I found that recording on YouTube? I listened to the entire compline service and right there – in that service – they read Matthew 11:28-30. I was blessed, stunned and should not have been at all surprised that my steps were directed to that path!

What a mighty, caring, loving, attention to details God we serve. God is gentle and humble of heart and I am finding rest for my soul. My prayer is that you, also, will find rest for your soul in this mighty Savior.

Posted on in Aging, Amazing Creations, Book quotes, Challenge, Faith, Listen, Look, Nature, Praise, Prayer, Rest, Special Event, Trust, Yield

My Full Stop during Retreat

As I mentioned yesterday in this blog “When I went to the Associates retreat over a week ago I was watching for my full stop. I consider the retreat a success when I finally put everything aside and come to a full stop before the Lord.” The ‘Providence of God’ is defined as the purposeful sovereignty of God. Sovereignty is the royal rank, authority, power.

My full stop came at an unusual time for me. I had decided to honor my need for rest, even if that need interfered with a scheduled convent prayer service or even the Eucharist. Saturday late morning I decided to lay down for a nap. I was looking out my window in the retreat house. The leaves on the tree were blowing, but not yet falling. I was reminded of Brother Lawrence.

Brother Lawrence is reported to have said: “That in the winter, seeing a tree stripped of its leaves, and considering that within a little time, the leaves would be renewed, and after that the flowers and fruit appear, he received a high view of the Providence and Power of GOD, which has never since been effaced from his soul. That this view had perfectly set him loose from the world, and kindled in him such a love for GOD, that he could not tell whether it had increased in above forty years that he had lived since.”

And then I realized:

Seeing this tree in autumn, knowing the changes it will endure as leaves fall and then are renewed, and after that the flower and fruit will appear, I see a high view of the Providence of God, which shall not be effaced from my soul. This view sets me free from the world, and kindles in me such love for God, that I can not tell whether it has decreased since my childhood times fifty years ago in Robison Park with God.

 Yes, my full stop. I then went peacefully to sleep.

God is able to grow these trees, to keep these trees through drought and storms, wind and hail, all of the seasons and even the insults of mankind. God is able to keep me, also, regardless of what comes my way. There have been so many events in 2025 that have been difficult and/or upsetting, yet I have been kept through all of them. There is such a love for God kindled in my soul. I am in awe.

Sit for a minute and reflect upon your year thus far. Remind yourself of all the many ways you have been kept. Be grateful and in awe.

 

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Book quotes, Faith, Just do it, Look, Nature, Worship

Glimmers

Recently I was given a magazine called “First for Women.” I kept it because I wanted to read the cover article about Queen Latifah. I came to appreciate her talent through a TV program that aired for a couple of seasons. That article was pretty good, but what got me really excited was the article about “Glimmers.”

I had not heard of this idea before. It is similar to gratitude or gratefulness, yet slightly different. I guess it began with research by Deb Dana, LCSW with Stephen W. Porges, Ph.D. He is a Distinguished University Scientist at Indiana University where he is the founding director of the Traumatic Stress Research Consortium. He is Professor of Psychiatry at the University of North Carolina, and Professor Emeritus at both the University of Illinois at Chicago and the University of Maryland. Their research has to do with study of the polyvagal theory in trauma treatment. The concept of glimmers has gone viral on TikTok. (I do not use it, but the magazine reported it.) Deb Dana says, “In these moments the vagus nerve is in a state of regulation. To fully thrive, we also have to experience safety and connection. Glimmers remind us that good does exist in this crazy world.”

Speaking with The New York Post Ms. Dana said, “Glimmers are these tiny moments of OK-ness, joy, excitement, ease, calm, any of those flavors that give you the feeling that you are safe enough in the world to feel present and OK,” Dana said.

How do you know if you’ve bumped up against a glimmer?

“You may feel something happen in your body, a warmth or an openness or breath change, or your eyes might focus on something. It may bring a slight smile. So there’s an embodied response,” she added.

“The brain follows suit with its own response, recognizing that something is beautiful or fun or that it likes it: “It’s a body-brain experience, and they work together,” Dana noted.

“Noticing glimmers is a powerful healing practice. It’s important to remember that no glimmer is too small to notice. Each small moment of goodness contributes to a broader sense of well-being and recovery. Think about each glimmer as one piece of a larger puzzle. By actively looking for and appreciating these moments, you can gradually shift your focus from the pain of trauma to the small joys in life.

“Over time, this practice can lead to significant improvements in your mental health and resilience.”

I believe we all need improvements in our mental health especially in this tumultuous year of 2025. So if you have grown tired of listing gratitudes, or sharing your gratefulness, why not begin to look for glimmers? Then take the bold step of sharing them with someone else! Remember, no glimmer is too small!

Here are some of my micro moments of happiness

Which glimmers are your favorites?
Wish I could send you the fragrance!
at Transfiguration Spirituality Center

American Beauty Bush
Black walnut feast
Rose hips
October dandelion
Posted on in Aging, Amazing Creations, Book quotes, Challenge, Faith, Just do it, Listen, Look, Music, Nature, Obedience, Surrender, Yield

Autumn

The first definitive rain and cold front moved through here the other day. Up at the flower shop the wind even threw on its side a potted tree. The many oak leaves that had littered the yard are gone – poof! – taken off to other places. The maples are starting to change, but have not yet blessed us with yellow showers. That will begin momentarily.

Writing about October author Joyce Rupp in her book “May I Have This Dance” says, “Although autumn might seem to be a harsh reminder of death, we can also be encouraged to enter into the mystery of eternal life. We see autumn standing in surrender as the winds sweep her trees naked. The frost browns her meadows and deadens her plants. But a deeper truth is beneath the appearance of death.

“A movement toward life takes place in autumn. Dead leaves that seem to have no value are transformed by winter snows and spring rains to rich humus for new growth… No new growth will come unless autumn agrees to let go of what has been. The same is true of our lives.”

Is that woman a great author or what?!? Are we willing to let go of what has been? Bob and I celebrate our birthdays about three weeks apart. He is two years older than I am. This aging thing brings both of us face to face with the changes that have occurred in our bodies over the many years we have been married. We are no longer strong and as frivolous like in our youth. We both want to approach aging with calmness, peace and an acceptance of what is. That is easier to write than to do. So much easier.

Turn the page

I do know from reading and re-reading the book Radical Acceptance that I only increase my suffering by refusing to accept what is. So here I am turning the corner on 75 and he just turned 77. My older friends in their 80s and 90s tell me I am still young. Whew! I do not feel young!!

The Holy Spirit assures me that God is not finished with me yet. As I learn what I am to lay aside and where to proceed I remember the trees and the changes autumn brings.

Molly, can you stand in surrender and be encouraged to enter into the mystery of eternal life? Dallas Willard taught that eternal life begins now for those of us who love and follow closely after God. There truly are times in my encounters with the Holy One that I can forget the challenges by body presents and breath deeply of the life God offers me in the here and now.

The following piece of music helps me do just that if I will stop, breathe deeply and listen closely. I hope it helps you draw close to God in the present moment and blesses you. I hope you will take the time to listen to all of this piece. For me, it is like a musical prayer. Three minutes, 53 seconds of bliss. Just stop and listen.

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

Practicing the Way

John Mark Comer has me on a growth course. I am trying to do his ‘first thing in the morning exercise.’ I get my coffee and sit in my prayer chair at the bedroom window. Lately I have been reviewing the day before briefly with the Lord. Then I ask for a Psalm or Scripture to focus upon. I pray that passage to God. I talk with God about my life. I listen for his voice and “attempt to just let go.” Comer goes on to instruct, “But most of the time I just sit there. I breathe. And I look at what my eyes can’t see.” Lately, I have taken that looking to mean adoration.

My journal entries from this practice have blessed and carried me throughout the day. I have returned to wearing my beaded bracelet that reads, “Constantly renewed immediacy.” When it rattles or gets my attention I do my best to renew my immediate awareness of the Lord’s presence.

The time flies past when I practice this. And it also takes almost no time at all! I am amazed and delighted. I refer to the daily Lectionary readings to find the psalm(s) of the day. Sometimes I use those. Or one of the readings, or we just sit together. Here is one entry from last week.

25-10-9 Awaken me to You

Lord the day has begun as a computer mess. Like a bucket of messy spaghetti poured all over the floor. I choose to let that distraction go and pray for you to “hold my face in your hands” as Stephanie sings in “When You’re This Close.” My heart’s desire is to know you as this close. I am dizzy with new drug dose. Getting 2 immunizations today and needing your touch with those. Protect me my Lord from side effects and reactions I pray. I already have a clenched stomach since yesterday.

I look to you as my healer. Psalm for the daily office – Ps 131

O Lord, my heart is not lifted up, my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me.
But I have calmed and quiet my soul,
Like a child at it’s mother’s breast
Like a child that is quieted is my soul.

But I have calmed and quieted my soul,
like a weaned child with its mother;  my soul is like the weaned child that is with me.
O Israel hope in the Lord from this time forth and for evermore.


As I still my soul and make it quiet I realize it is drugged and bleary. Lord hold me close. Awaken me to your presence and your care. I want to be aware of you. Like Brother Lawrence I want to be aware of your closeness and touch. I want to hear your voice saying turn to the right or turn to the left. Isa 30:21

I wait and listen for you now. As I got still I heard,

This is just a season, an episode, like a cloud passing over the earth, an occurrence that will pass. Wait it out with expectations for great things, not doom. Look to me and be radiant.   (Ps 34)

You are a good, good Father. Even as I read out to Pastor Brad (at Bible study last night so he could write them on the white board) what the psalms were for today I did not catch 131 as one of my favorites. Even as I typed it and read it with bleary eyes it did not register until I had the computer read it back to me this morning, until you encouraged me with “wait it out with great expectations.” O Lord forgive me for gloom and help me to fix my eyes upon you with great expectations. The Insight meditation about letting go of control brought me ‘round to facing you fully and being held in your arms of love. I am going to be okay.

EXPECTATIONS FOR GREAT THINGS, NOT DOOM

7:14AM new bird call, still seems dark. Not new, Merlin Bird ID says little Carolina Wren singing praises.

So I went into that day trying to calm and quiet my soul. Waiting upon the Lord with expectations for great things. The next day I had to remember the message I heard from this day as the side effects of the immunizations kicked in. One evening Bob and I both felt just lousy and went to bed early, but we tried not to let that get us down. The immunization side effects have lessened now. The new drug dose, well, I still am not accustomed to it. Hopefully I will adjust soon!

Have you tried this method of starting your day? Have you written down the experience. I strongly encourage both. I never do this with the idea of sharing with anyone else. I do it for myself. Though sometimes, I am asked to let you glimpse what happens between my Lord and me. I hope those glimpses encourage you to try this sort of practice. God is no respecter of persons. He will help you and bless your attempts to practice his presence.