I just realized I never posted this to let you know I was taking a week off. Oops. Well here is this blog entry very late!!
John Mark Comer has written a phenomenal book entitled Practicing the Way. I have been devouring it and trying to live into it. There is also a website that I found only recently https://www.practicingtheway.org/
Even if you have no intention of purchasing the book or borrowing it from your local library, I would encourage you to look a these materials. At the website practice materials are offered freely. Of course, there are also ways to contribute to the effort of getting the materials out.
There was a saying years ago that if you aim at nothing you are bound to hit it! That is especially true of our spiritual walk.
There are one or more areas where we might ignore the teachings of Jesus. The materials help guide us in contemporary ways to apply the teachings and grow in our own walk. I was familiar with the nine practices, but had never applied some of them to my walk consistently. In the New Year I hope to take this material and use it as my own. Hoping for a more fulfilling, God-honoring, lifestyle by bringing the practices into focus in my own life.
As we wind down 2025, I hope you will take some time to rest. We are truly a driven society and rarely allow our Shepherd to lead us into rest and solitude.
I will be taking the first week of January off from writing. I will also be studying materials for Stephen Ministry as I venture into again becoming a Stephen Minister. May your New Year celebration be blessed and warmly celebrated as we begin again to follow the Lord.
Start 2016 with a practice of resting in Christ. I did take that time off. Now I am back at writing, continuing to study Stephen Ministry materials and planning to work on two separate writing projects. All prayers appreciated!
I get a message from the Daily Liturgy Quote. This one was addressing grief, but I apply it to my overall life.
“Be nearer now, O Christ, than I have ever known.”
Don’t we all need this to pursue our walk with joy? I need God every hour. The hours I do not think of God are the ones in which I am most likely to wander.
I was given Amazing Grace Devotional by Stephanie Sample as a gift this Christmas. So far, I am enjoying the entries immensely! She wrote a morning and evening devotion using the same Scripture verse. The entry for January 3 especially caught my attention when she said, “Like a sponge in the ocean, at once saturated and contained by his vastness, our lives are forever connected.”
As a sponge, we can soak up everything around us. We as Christians can choose which source we absorb from.
Sponge harvester
Thinking about natural sponges that are harvested from the ocean, I found they are being grown and harvested even today across the world. Looking up on Sponge on Wikipedia they wrote, “The sponge is an aquatic invertebrate with a soft porous body. There are as many as 18 species of sponges, with the wool sponge being the most desired because it is soft, durable, and not susceptible to odors or mildew. The yellow sponge is less durable, lasting a year, while the wire sponge is abrasive and often used for manufacturing. The bay sponge is known as the flowerpot sponge and grows a plant or seed.”
Wool sponge
Remembering back to when I used a synthetic sponge in the kitchen for almost every cleaning job, but especially washing dishes, I would get so angry when it turned nasty with moldy odor and mildew. I never knew until now that this natural sponge is not prone to mold and mildew!
Am I willing to become like a wool sponge this year? Like the most desired of all the variety of sponges? Sponges are still harvested and sold at Tarpon Springs , Florida, and sold as well at many other places. There is a road trip that would be fun for shopping!
But more in keeping with the devotional thought, “Like a sponge in the ocean, at once saturated and contained by his vastness, OUR LIVES ARE FOREVER CONNECTED. We are influenced and changed by God in us. We are protected through residing in him.” Thank you Stephanie Sample for reminding me I am protected through residing in God.
“Be nearer now, O Christ, than I have ever known.” And make me more conscious of your indwelling and purpose for my life throughout 2026 I pray. Hold me close and help me reside in you always. Amen.
1. Of the Father’s love begotten, Ere the worlds began to be, He is Alpha and Omega, He the source, the ending He, Of the things that are, that have been, And that future years shall see, Evermore and evermore.
2. At his word the worlds were framèd; He commanded, it was done: Heav’n and earth and depths of ocean, In their threefold order one; All that grows beneath the shining Of the moon and burning sun— [Evermore and evermore.] Aurelius Clemens Prudentius
PBS reports that: “Jews across the religious observance spectrum — from Reform to Conservative to Orthodox — focus on the same theme of bringing light into the darkness and emphasizing that even a small, against-the-odds effort can have a transforming effect.” During their celebration of Hanukah they light a new candle each night on the eight branches menorah. As we mourn with the Jewish community in Australia over the murders and injuries there and beyond, I remember being awakened one night with a thought. Our life is to be like a thousand tiny lights of kindness.
How can you participate in this? Every tiny act of kindness that you do makes you a participant.
There was an elderly woman searching in the deep freezer at the grocery store among the frozen turkeys. She just wanted a small one. The one she had chosen did not have a tag on it. I was able to flag down an employee to help her get it weighed and tagged. He wanted me to follow him and I explained that he needed to carry the turkey and escort her slowly to wherever he was going as she was the one interested in the purchase.
There was someone in the same store using an electric shopping cart. She is tiny and seated. There is an item on a high shelf that she is interested in. I ask if I can reach it for her? She is grateful.
Just looking folks in the eye, greeting them with a smile and saying hello has become a practice that cheers many. Most older folks seem surprised that you see them and care. Every age is somewhat startled if you look them in the eye when you greet them.
A tiny thousand lights of kindness. Wishing a harried store clerk a good day. Telling them to take a deep breath while you find your credit card. Urging the world to slow down for one minute. Tiny light of kindness.
Yielding to a car in traffic and being genuinely glad about it.
Thanking the letter carrier for service. The last one I greeted was delivering mail in 13 degree weather. I asked how he stayed warm. He replied you just have to dress for the weather.
Giving the delivery man a home baked cookie when he brings your package to the door.
In the gospel of John we are told
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 NIV
The word light is used seven times in the first nine verses of John 1. In the passage above, a mere three verses, it is used four times. We are to pay attention to this idea. We are to shine the light God has given us. Shine and shine and then shine some more. No place does it say the light of the world got weary of shining and stopped. We too are called to this shine work.
Have you ever attended a concert where the performer asked people to turn on their cell phone flashlight? Or they were given wristbands they were to light up at a certain time? Can you imagine if all of those people left that stadium with the conviction to shine the light God gave them to others around the world? You can help with this effort every single day of your life. If you no longer leave the house you likely still have conversations with others. Smile through your words and bring light and life to each situation.
PBS goes on to report: “A menorah is lit in each household and traditionally is placed where it can be seen from the outside, such as a doorway or windowsill, to symbolize the spreading of God’s light to all nations.”
A thousand tiny lights of kindness. “Even a small, against-the-odds effort can have a transforming effect.” Yes, that means each of us. Just as we celebrate Jesus, the Light of the world, at this time of year (and always) we are to be set on fire for the Kingdom good news! Many are credited with this saying, Saint Francis most notably.
You might remember that when I made my last retreat the Lord gave me a couple passages of Scripture to cling to? One of those was as follows.
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly 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
I was blessed to hear Handel’s Messiah at the Cincinnati Symphony Music Hall last week with the magnificent May Festival Chorus. What a delight! Approximately 144 voices plus four soloists! I had never heard it performed live before. I told my friend who attended with me that I was unaccustomed to attending church at Music Hall!Being familiar with the Scripture passages that Handel used in his 1741 composition enhanced my enjoyment tremendously! (The lyrics were composed by Charles Jennens from King James Bible and the Book of Common Prayer.)
Now, a few days later, one melody is rolling around in my soul. It took me a while to identify and locate it among the many songs offered at the performance, but here it is! I have no idea what that instrument is behind the alto? Some sort of harpsichord/guitarish thing? It must be considered ancient. It was not used at the performance I attended.
I pray you enjoyed that snippet. Regardless, may you find rest in the arms of God this season.
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
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.
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.
I wrote this last week. Then I hit the wrong date for it to post. It went up. I took it down. I reset for a different date. Bob said nothing seemed to post at all on that date. So, if you saw this video and read this already forgive me. Welcome to my world of less than perfect writer!
My husband took this video for me. He knows the poem I wrote about lily leaves at the pond. Trying to get ‘mercurial glistening spheres’ in words was tough. Perhaps the video will help you catch the vision! Please watch his video and then read or re-read the poem.
Lily pads at the pond grow on stalky stems leaves unfold at opened palm cupped at center point summer shower starts to drop mercurial glistening spheres gathering in the center spot 'til bulbous weight smears silver drops into glistening globs and tips the leaves so full to pour their content overboard and rising from the spill stately shielded lily-hands begin the cycle once more
Keep my stalk flexible, Lord my hands open cupped eager to receive Your all questioning not Your skill only trusting the power of Your love to melt my rigid will
drench me Lord in Your shower of love let me gather and drink my fill then spill over on those around and rise to await your will
Send water of You Spirit to tip me over, pour me out then wash over me once again fresh cleansing by Holy Words
Shine Your light through this enshrouding mist color me with covenant this: Abiding presence and constant love, indwelling grace that conquers sin Transfigured rigid I Yielded and bent in Your service Spilling forth rivers of living water and giving rest to croaky voiced frogs who, when Spirit-kissed become priests and kings singing their praises to You.
Perhaps You ask me jut it be Your lily leaf stand and tip.
Grateful Living says: Brother David Steindl-Rast — 99 year-old author, scholar, and Benedictine monk — is beloved the world over for his enduring message about gratefulness as the true source of lasting happiness. Known to many as the “grandfather of gratitude,” Br. David has been a source of inspiration and spiritual friendship to countless leaders and luminaries around the world including Desmond Tutu, the Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hanh, Thomas Merton, and more. He has been one of the most important figures in the modern interfaith dialogue movement, and has taught with thought-leaders such as Eckhart Tolle, Jack Kornfield, and Roshi Joan Halifax. His wisdom has been featured in recent interviews with Oprah Winfrey, Krista Tippett, and Tami Simon and his TED talk has been viewed almost 10,000,000 times. Brother David Steindl-Rast
Imagine a country whose citizens—maybe even its leaders—are brave, calm, and open towards each other; a country whose people realize that all human beings belong together as one family and must act accordingly. Br. David Steindl-Rast
Brave
Calm
Open to each other
One family
That would be amazing, wouldn’t it? Maybe we can begin today. Just each one of us reading this trying to live out the message and make a difference, right where we are, right now!
Treasures in Plain Sight, A Christian Blog 