Category: Thanks

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 Aging, Amazing Creations, Faith, Focus, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Thanks

This Would Be Amazing

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!

Posted on in Art, Faith, Joy, Music, Obedience, Praise, Prayer, Special Event, Thanks, Trust

Why I Like Brandon Lake

This man is a young father to three boys. He is happily married and works really hard for the kingdom of God. He has gained much renown as a singer and songwriter. His performances delight millions of people, especially the young people. Yet, he made time to touch the life of this child and pray over her. His hat commemorates a recent album entitled King of Hearts. While posting this I listened to teh interview several times. I finally had to stop or begin weeping with joy.

Forty-five seconds to bring you this blessing today!

Here is the video and below the lyrics for King of Hearts. Song is 4-1/2 minutes

I saw the nails
I heard the hammer
King of the Jews
Carved into a wooden banner

Made you a crown
Bloodied your temple
You could have come down
But in silence we both trembled

You gave your life
I gave you nothing
You poured me grace
I poured you poison
But still you drank
My cup of shame

With all that I’ve done
Could I be forgiven
Is there still a way
To enter your kingdom
I’m just a thief
Beside a king
King of hearts

I looked to my side
I only had seconds
Please remember we met
When you’re seated high in Heaven

He spoke in a whisper
Looking deep in my eyes
Said son this time tomorrow
We will be in paradise

You gave your life
I gave you nothing
You poured me grace
That blood keeps on running
A love so great
You took my place

After all that I’ve done
I’ve been forgiven
Those scars made a way
To enter your kingdom
On golden streets
Beside a king

King of the poor
King of the lowly
King of the broken
King of the lonely
King of the hopeless
King of the gone too fars
King of hearts

King of the lost
King of the guilty
King of the misfits
King of the filthy
King of the critics
King of the brand new start
King of hearts

You gave your life
I gave you nothing
You poured me grace
That blood keeps on running
A love so great
You took my place

After all that I’ve done
I’ve been forgiven
Those scars made a way
To enter your kingdom
On golden streets
Redeemed and free
A beloved thief
Right beside his king
King of hearts

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 Aging, Faith, Just do it, Listen, Obedience, Praise, Prayer, Thanks, Yield

Capacity for Compassion and Stephen Ministry

Here is a recent quote from Grateful.org.

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 am once again considering becoming a Stephen Minister. If you are unfamiliar with the ministry you can read more about it here. https://www.stephenministries.org/stephenministry/default.cfm/917?mnbsm=1

I was involved in the ministry many years ago. I recently had a Stephen minster of my own and am now ready to serve again in that capacity. I look forward to the multiple books and online training I will be doing. It is always good to give back to any program that has helped or encouraged you. I pray you will do the same!

Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2 NRSV)

There truly is a wealth of information on their website. Please explore it at your leisure and see if this is something that you or your congregation could benefit from!

We are all broken. Some of us just hide it better than others. Care and compassion can heal so much.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-4 NIV

Posted on in Amazing Creations, Faith, Joy, Nature, Obedience, Praise, Thanks

The Garden at Church

Our church has a Creation Care Team. Each year they plant a vegetable and flower garden. It is a great opportunity for the children to learn where some of our food comes from. They also let the children (and adults) pick the vegetables (such as cherry tomatoes) and package them. The tomatoes were donated to Interparish Ministry. It gave me quiet satisfaction when a shopper at IPM chose one of our containers and was delighted to get fresh produce for their family.

The garden has now gone to seed. The giant sunflower stalks were allowed to remain for the birds.

Look closely at right stalk and you can spot a male cardinal.

The garden looks tiny from above but the plants were packed in there and produced so much food. Below is a short video that shows the birds flying to and fro gathering the seeds. The iPhone camera did not know quite where to focus, but I believe you can figure out what you are seeing! Watch for the shadows of the birds. Some are perched on banisters at the stairs.

Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? MT 6:26 NIV

All creatures look to you
    to give them their food at the proper time. Psalm 104:27 NIV

Posted on in Aging, Art, Cooking, Joy, Thanks

Yep, It was my Birthday

Turned the corner on the big 75. Bob is taking great delight in saying things such as, “I have never kissed a woman this old before.” Smart aleck, he is two years old than I am!

It has been a grand celebration of turning 3/4 of a century. Whew! There have been flowers and cake, gifts and greetings galore. We modified my favorite coconut cake because with Type 2 diabetes it was just not good for me. (But the old recipe was so yummy!) This year I bought a Pillsbury sugar free chocolate cake. I asked Bob to add coconut to the batter. He then topped it with cool whip mixed with coconut. Oh it is yummy and I do not have a terrible spike in my blood sugar after eating it!

So yes, when I took the photo I also had eat a forkful, or two!

Every year and most holidays Bob makes me a card using one of his photos. This photo is a mural on a wall in downtown Cincinnati. I was so excited by the mural I could not wait to show it to him. He took the photo shortly after his knee replacement surgery. The little girl obviously has an imaginary friend with her in the mud puddle. He reminds me of the book series I read with the children about Little Bear.

I named it “Birthday Dance!”

I have been unable to find who designed this mural, but I just love the imagination involved!

Since our birthdays are three weeks apart we literally celebrate by finishing one and beginning another. Here we have his cake and card. THE favorite birthday cake for Bob.

His beloved carrot cake. I finally obtained currants this year instead of raisins.

When I saw this card at Target there was NO hesitation to purchase it.

Notice the she snow-person is missing her nose! Talk about sacrifice!!

He SO deserved this card. We decided it might be the best card of the decade! Each year I debate baking two of his cakes. He gives away most of it and is sad when that last sliver hits his plate. Happy birthday to each of you readers in what ever way you celebrate! Have joyous year!