Category: Challenge

Posted on in Challenge, Faith, Listen, Look, Obedience, Worship

Snowflake or Drop, Your effort Counts

Remember the recent post about avalanche? This quote came up and I had to share it with you. There is a great sense of helplessness in the world right now; especially in the United Sates. Mother Teresa had wisdom to share with us regarding this sense of helplessness.

We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.

SAINT MOTHER TERESA

Bob volunteers at the local food pantry once a week. We were going together on a separate day, but it got to be too much standing on the concrete with shoppers for a couple hours. We might go back though as the Inter Parish Ministry foodbank is swamped by people in need.

There is an evening “drive through” that was averaging 20 neighbors a week. Last week they had over 100 at that one event. Much of the food is bagged in advance. The staff was bagging food at 8 AM on Tuesday to try to provide for the drive through neighbors for Tuesday. Usually the bags are filled by volunteers.

One week I was amazed there was no shampoo to give out. V05 shampoo is about $1.25 a bottle at Walmart. Recently I found some environmentally safe shampoo at a resale shop in downtown Batavia. I bought what they had to try to make my “drop in the ocean” contribution.

What might you provide to your neighbors in need? I do not mean, Pat, next door. The IPM ministry is not calling those who come in need clients. We are referring to them as neighbors. And they are our neighbors.

Toilet paper, paper towels, diapers, shampoo, soap, canned foods, peanut butter, bread, so many needs. They tell us that a cash donation to the ministry is the best. The ministry can buy things from The Freestore Foodbank at better prices than we can obtain.

I find it disgraceful that we are supposed to live in the richest country in the world and we have people who are hungry, unhoused, un-cared for. Please do your part to help out in any way that you can where you live.

Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can. John Wesley’s Rule of Life

Posted on in Aging, Challenge, Faith, Family, Memories, Rest, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Thanks, Trust

Sixty-four Years Ago

My Dad died so long ago and my mom almost as long ago (fifty years ago). It is sad when one can no longer remember traits of a parent. I know stories about them, but the actual sound of their voice or personal traits, not so much. In this day and age of digital recordings, hopefully some of you might have a copy of your parent’s voice?

If not, how do you fill that gap? At age eleven or twelve when I realized that no one could replace my Dad, I began to pursue God. Even that lofty pursuit left holes and tears in the fabric of my living.

I have learned that the Trinity loves me tenderly like a mother, shields me daily like a father.

“As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.” – Isaiah 66:13

“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.” – Matthew 23:37

The term “El Shaddai” translates to “God Almighty” or “the God who is sufficient.” It originates from ancient Hebrew, where “El” refers to God, and “Shaddai” is thought to denote strength or mountains, symbolizing power and stability. Some scholars suggest “Shaddai” comes from the root word “shad,” meaning “breast,” emphasizing God’s nurturing and protective qualities. https://biblicalchronology.com/what-is-the-biblical-meaning-of-el-shaddai/

One of the best loved Psalms declaring God’s protection is 91.

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.”

3 Surely he will save you
    from the fowler’s snare
    and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
    and under his wings you will find refuge;
    his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
    nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
    nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
    ten thousand at your right hand,
    but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes
    and see the punishment of the wicked.

9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”
    and you make the Most High your dwelling,
10 no harm will overtake you,
    no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
    you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

14 “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
    I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;
    I will be with him in trouble,
    I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
    and show him my salvation.” Psalm 91 NIV

May you find nurture and protection, shelter and relationship in your fellowship with God.

Posted on in Aging, Amazing Creations, Challenge, Faith, Just do it, Listen, Nature, Praise, Prayer, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Surrender, Thanks, Yield

Move A Snowflake

Saw this quote and wanted to share it.

Every avalanche begins with the movement of a single snowflake, and my hope is to move a snowflake.

THOMAS FREY

Doesn’t that make you want to DO something? This morning we are having our first snowfall of the season. It won’t accumulate much, but there is snow on the grassy places and on most every rooftop. Almost every plant is bowed over, not from the weight of the snow but the bitter cold. Wind chills are in the 20’s and teens. The birds are crowding the feeder.

Where do you need an avalanche in your sphere of influence? Can you attempt to move a snowflake and begin needed change? An avalanche is usually destructive, but what if that avalanche just clears away accumulated, unwanted debris?

Thomas Frey hopes to move a snowflake. What do you hope to do? Here is a little video from Nat Geo. Enjoy!

This leaf was the day before the snowfall. Yes, one was face up and next one was face down.

What would change if I moved some of the things cluttering up life? Bob cleans every drawer and closet annually. Not exactly an avalanche, but when I do it there tends to be a huge donation pile for Goodwill. As the weather brings us indoors more and more I look forward to moving some snowflakes and creating avalanches of unnecessary items to be taken out of here.

It is truly right, and good and joyful, to give you thanks, all-holy God, source of life and fountain of mercy. You have filled us and all creation with your blessing and fed us with your constant love; you have redeemed us in Jesus Christ and knit us into one body. Through your Spirit you replenish us and call us to fullness of life. The Great Thanksgiving, BCP

Yes, Father God, move heaven and earth to help us uncomplicate our lives and give more and more of our attention to the Holy Trinity. May we yield to you with grace and peace.

Posted on in Challenge, Faith, Just do it, Prayer, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Surrender, Thanks, Yield

Our Brokenness

This sums up what I often try to express. Yes I used it another blog recently. Then it was posted on Gratefulness.org and I realized I had more I wanted to share on the topic.

Our brokenness is also the source of our common humanity, the basis for our shared search for comfort, meaning, and healing. Our shared vulnerability and imperfection nurtures and sustains our capacity for compassion.

BRYAN STEVENSON

I have a friend who has usually prided herself on her perfection. Make-up, clothing, hair, conversation topics at meals. I never measured up to her standards. Ever.

Recently she has had some changes in her life and consequently in her attitudes. This month we met for lunch. She gave me a card with this envelope. Told me that even her pen would not work correctly that morning.

initials for Molly Linda Cheryl Rush Dutina

Don’t you know this envelope made her even more endearing to me? I am by no means perfect in anything I do. Aren’t you relieved when you can be with someone who does not expect perfection from themselves or from you?

“Our common humanity, shared vulnerability and imperfection.” Oh, that we would each learn this lesson and approach one another as the plain human beings that we are! Flawed, yes. Honest, rarely. We need transparency with one another if our relationships are to thrive and grow.

“Our shared search for comfort, meaning, and healing.” What do you want the most in a friend? That is likely what they want most in their friendship with you!

I pray for the remainder of the year you can find ways to nurture and sustain your capacity for compassion. Then show that compassion to those around you. Amen.

Truly a challenge as the holidays approach!

Posted on in Aging, Amazing Creations, Challenge, Faith, Humor, Joy, Memories, Nature, Poetry, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Thanks

Yes, Lord

When I was at the Convent November 9 for our JTIS meeting, I again remembered this prayer poem. Thirty one years later this is still my prayer.

Grow On! ©1994 by Molly Lin Dutina                

Wild the wind that sends the leaves aloft
Gleefully they chatter, “I’m free! I’m free!”
‘Falling’ leaves of autumn
Travel far from their beginning
Mixing with a flock of birds
As we, all earth bound, fail to see
Which is bird and which is leaf.

Mighty Force of God, capture me in Your updraft
Hurl me headlong in Your love
Drift me sideways with the angels
Take me far from all complacency
Where the familiar dulls my senses
Gently land me back at the place
On my Pilgrim Journey path where
You meet me with new courage
To grow on.

I wrote this while at the Convent of the Transfiguration in 1994. The wind caught the Japanese Maple leaves and the poem tells the rest of the story. I still need new courage to grow on. Lead me oh Thou Great Jehovah in your paths of truth and righteousness.

JTIS is our group for crochet, knit, any hand crafting an associate or friend wants to do. We started the group a decade or so ago. Most of us sat in silent retreat with one another, but did not know anything about each other. So we began with inviting the Cincinnati, (i.e., local) Associates of the Convent. The initials stand for Journey Together In Stitches. Not just sewing stitches, but laughter, too. Sadly, our group has begun to dwindle of late. One month another person and me were the only ones in attendance. This past week there was only one Associate and two sisters, another friend and me. I wonder if the group can be sustained?

I asked if anyone had any ideas how we might grow the group. I was told about the Methodists wanting to join communion with the Episcopalians. Perhaps we can invite Methodist women to join us?

I ask your prayer for this group to grow and prosper. We all need others to complete our walk. We need the stories of others. We need the encouragement of others. The joy and laughter cannot be substituted with things on line. The face-to-face meeting is special and to be cherished.

I know things change and evolve, but not everything needs to be thrown out. This fellowship has been working and in my opinion can continue to work for years to come. In AA they say, “Keep coming back. It works if you work it.” I pray the members of this group will return to coming back and working the magic of fellowship in Christ.

19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.

20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:19-20 KJV

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV

 

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, Challenge, Faith, Focus, Just do it, Listen, Look, Spiritual discipline, Thanks

Glimmers on A Couple of Different Days

Driving on interstate highway in torrential downpour, first surprise was a vulture flying over the road. Second surprise, falling leaves in the midst of the downpour.

Walking the dog this morning, first surprise was a hawk sitting on the fence. Second surprise a flock of geese flying overhead and honking. Third surprise three vultures flying the opposite direction.

Have you been able to find glimmers during your day? Though we have had some nights with temperatures in the very low 40s I was still able to pick a couple bouquets of flowers! Those Bachelor’s Buttons just keep giving that lovely deep blue. Nasturtiums entertain us with the various colors. A few mums here and there and a dianthus to pink up the blossoms. Won’t be long before the only flowers are store bought.

A few weeks ago I planted the remaining Bachelor Button seeds. Not certain what came up! Leaves do not resemble the others. Decided to just let them grow and see what happens in the spring, assuming they survive the winter!

Watch for the glimmer sin your day. Note them. Give thanks for them. Take this beyond the gratitude list. Ponder how fortunate you are to have noticed these things. You are fortunate! I have a friend who is legally blind. She would love to be able to see what you can see. I have another friend who cannot smell any thing. Are you aware that it is s gift just to be able to take your next breath? And this one?

Glimmers and gratitude can both interrupt our mundane boring day. Open your eyes and ears and all of your being to this very moment in your/q

Rejoice evermore.

17 Pray without ceasing.

18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. life. And give thanks.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 KJV

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 Aging, Challenge, Faith, Just do it, Spiritual discipline

Calm App

Jeff, one of the guided meditation leaders on the app, recently noted there are 4 medicines of meditation

  1. Concentration – home base
  2. Clarity – notice what is actually happening, return to the present
  3. Letting things be exactly as they are – allow, deep medicine of equanimity
  4. Care – give self love and support

I was impressed that those are also what we try to get closer to by following the Jesus Way!

By concentration I think of as not being distracted by the things of the world. Focus upon God.

Clarity hoping to have the mind of Christ in this present moment. Here and now.

Letting things be exactly as they are – not trying to change things to suit ourselves and not whining and complaining about God not doing this MY way.

Care for ourself and others. Most of us have never learned consistent, healthy self care.

These four ‘medicines’ are taught by many different disciplines. I think they are important for us to remember and apply to our own lives.

These four merit occasional review to see how we are doing. Bob keeps reminders in his desk calendar on when to change the furnace filters, when to do various jobs throughout the year. Maybe we could each put these 4 in our calendars to review for ourselves once a month?!?

Concentration, Clarity, Let be, Care