Giving Thanks - Quote of the Week - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

"Only he who gives thanks for little things receives the big things.

We prevent God from giving us the great spiritual gifts He has in store for us, because we do not give thanks for daily gifts.

We think we dare not be satisfied with the small measure of spiritual knowledge, experience, and love that has been given to us, and that we must constantly be looking forward eagerly for the highest good. Then we deplore the fact that we lack the deep certainty, the strong faith, and the rich experience that God has given to others, and we consider this lament to be pious.

We pray for the big things and forget to give thanks for the ordinary, small (and yet really not small) gifts.

How can God entrust great things to one who will not thankfully receive from Him the little things?”

~Dietrich Bonhoeffer in Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Faith in Community

Texas Wildflowers Lessons

We visited good friends in Austin Texas last April. As we traveled around the area sightseeing, we noticed the beautiful wildflowers blooming along every highway. But nothing prepared me for the colorful splendor of the Wildseed Farms, about seven miles outside Fredericksburg.

Wildseed Farms is the largest working wildflower farm in the U.S. The farm has more than 200 cultivated acres at its Hill Country headquarters.

Take in this verse from Matthew, then enjoy the photos of God's palette:

"If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you?

What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving.

 People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works.

Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.

Matthew 6 v 30 - 33 (The Message)

Just think what wildflowers show us about God - His tender care, His precise attention to every detail, His creative and endless imagination. 

If He "gives such attentions to the appearance of wildflowers...don't you think he'll attend to you."

What do wildflowers tell you about God?

It is Well with My Soul - How Music Stirs Our Spirit

I worshiped yesterday.

We helped our son and daughter-in-law moved into their new home outside of Chicago and then went to church with them on Sunday. Proud mommy moment: watching through tears my pastor son praying, preparing and distributing communion. 

But it was the music that captured my heart and enfolded me into worship of our King and Lord yesterday. One particular hymn  - its words, its story and its music - felt like God and I were having an intimate conversation, just between the two of us. Peace swirled in my heart and filled that empty place I keep hidden away.

The hymn?  It is Well with my Soul

Do you know its story? 

A Chicago lawyer, Horatio G. Spafford, a man who had suffered almost unimaginable personal tragedy, wrote this hymn. He was also a devout Christian and faithful student of the Scriptures.

The Spafford's only son died from scarlet fever when he was only four. He lost most of his real estate holdings in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.

He knew his family needed something for some rest and relaxation after all that trauma, so he decided to take his wife and four daughters to England

The Spaffords traveled to New York in November 1873 where they were to catch the French steamer 'Ville de Havre' across the Atlantic. Yet just before they set sail, a last-minute business development forced Horatio to delay. Not wanting to ruin the family holiday, Spafford persuaded his family to go as planned. He would follow on later. With this decided, Anna and her four daughters sailed East to Europe without him.

On November 2nd 1873, the 'Ville de Havre' had collided with 'The Lochearn', an English vessel. It sank in only 12 minutes, claiming the lives of 226 people, including all four of the daughters,

Nine days later, Horatio Spafford received a telegram from his wife after she landed safely in Wales. It read: "Saved alone."

Upon hearing the terrible news, Horatio Spafford boarded the next ship out of New York to join his bereaved wife. During his voyage the captain of the ship had called him to the bridge. "A careful reckoning has been made," he said, "and I believe we are now passing the place where the de Havre was wrecked. The water is three miles deep."

Horatio then returned to his cabin and penned the lyrics of his great hymn.

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,

It is well, it is well with my soul.

Refrain:

It is well (it is well),

with my soul (with my soul),

It is well, it is well with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,

Let this blest assurance control,

That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,

And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought!

My sin, not in part but the whole,

Is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more,

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:

If Jordan above me shall roll,

No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life

Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

And Lord haste the day, when my faith shall be sight,

The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;

The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,

Even so, it is well with my soul.

It is well (it is well),

with my soul (with my soul),

It is well, it is well with my soul.

Those words... the music... the tear filled meaning behind this hymn soothed my soul yesterday. What a prayer for us everyday:

It is well with my soul.

How does this hymn speak to your heart?

The Lord's Blessings - Lectio Divina

"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.

"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.

"You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.

"You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for.

"You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.

"You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.

"You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom.

"Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.

Matthew 5: 3-12 (The Message)

"You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.

Lord, last week I sat silently in the chapel as the leader slowly read this passage, not once but four times, pausing in-between for its words to sink into my soul.

These familiar words bursting with fresh meaning when read prayerfully from a different version of Your Word.

Lord, Your blessings saturated my being and revolutionize my purpose.

You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.

Lord, You start with my heart - my interior spirit - and invite me to align my deepest center with You.

Then I see You, find You in all things.

I can't do it myself. I need You to mold me, guide me and transform me into who You want me to be.

If my inside world is left to my recourse, my heart's compass will fail to find You. I am lost when I try by myself.

If my ego strives for accomplishment, control and prestige, I end up tangled and trapped at the end of my rope.

I must decrease; You must increase.

Make me invisible, Lord so only You shine through.

Empty me of everything and anything that blocks me from You.

You are the Beloved, loving Your beloved.

And I rest in Your gentle presence with grateful hands open to receive

Your blessings.  

The Knot Prayer - Quote of the Week

Dear God, Please untie the knots that are in my mind, my heart and my life. Remove the have nots, the can nots and the do nots that I have in my mind. Erase the will nots, may nots, and might nots that find a home in my heart. Release me from the could nots, would nots and should nots that obstruct my life. And most of all, dear God, I ask that you remove from my mind my heart and my life all of the am nots that I have allowed to hold me back, especially the thought that I am not good enough. Amen (author unknown)

Choosing Hope

English: photo of Catrien Eagles's pet cat called Tigger. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

"I worry about your little girl," said the tall gray haired lady. "She always looks so solemn."

That little girl was me.

I don't know why that day my facial appearance was serious and sober, but I heard that comment more than once in my life. 

To be honest I was not born optimistic. That line will surprise people who know me now.

Yep, I am a natural Eoyore, not a Tigger. As an adult I have consciously decided to live with a positive attitude. I choose hope.

Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul.
- Emily Dickinson


The glass isn't just half full or half empty. Even if the glass only holds half of its volume with fluid, the brim is topped off with precious life-giving air.  I like to think that space is chocked-full of the Spirit. I hold a full cup each day since God fills in whatever is missing.

So now I am that cockeyed optimist we sing about in music.

That is why I really enjoyed receiving these totes from Dayspring Inspired Deals a few weeks ago. This month Dayspring has their amazing tote bags Buy 2 and Get the 3rd FREE.  You can check out their great collection HERE.   

I do need to let you know I received these tote bags in exchange for an honest review. And I am being honest when I tell you the quality of these bags are great. The Hope bag is made of durable oilcloth material and easily wipes clean, is water resistant and has this great hidden magnetic snap closure.

But the message is even greater. 

My favorite bag has this message: 

Hope for the best. God's in the habit of giving it.

Its scripture is from Matthew 6:8 (TLB) 

Remember, your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask Him!

They even surprised me by sending a second bag. I plan of giving it to my daughter as she is taking the kids to the library this summer and will have lots of books to tote. I love it that she seriously passes on the value and love of reading to my grandkids.  Meet my three year old granddaughter holding her new bag.  

So this Eoyore-transformed -into-Tigger optimist holds hope this week.

Hope as a message on a great tote bag and hope in my heart from a generous encouraging God.

What gives you hope this week?

Prayers that Blessed my Retreat

Prayer opened the door of my heart during my recent retreat. I was surrounded and supportive with prayers from others from their own life journeys and prayers that bubbled up within me as I spent time with God.

I am home now following this two-week retreat on the “Art of Guiding Individually Directed Retreats.” The setting was at the lovely St. Francis Retreat Center in Michigan and sponsored by the Dominican Center at Marywood. 

Our retreat leader was Sister Nancy Brousseau, my mentor and spiritual guide through my formation as a spiritual director.  Nancy always invites us to go deeper, to let go and plunge into God. Knowing that should have prepared me for two weeks of not just learning with my head, but coming home with a new heart.

I wanted to write a post today detailing the retreat about what I experienced and still am encountering with God. But I am lost to find the words to describe the intimacy and sacredness of these ongoing blessings.

Instead I will share with you some of prayers from others that led me deeper and a few that grew from within my heart. Many times during this time away I said these prayers repeatedly, in their entirety or at times only one line. They rose as breath prayers as I walked, ate, listened.

Perhaps they will bless your journey also:

Let nothing disturb you.

Let nothing frighten you.

All is fleeting:

God alone is unchanging.

Patience achieves everything.

Whoever has God lacks nothing.

God along suffices.

   Teresa of Avila

Nothing but You, Lord

    Thomas Aquinas

Jesus may all that is you flow into me.

May your body and blood be my food and drink.

May your passion and death be my strength and life.

Jesus with your by my side, enough has been given.

May the shelter I seek be the shadow of your cross.

Let me not run from the love which you offer,

But hold me safe from the forces of evil.

On each of my dyings, shed your light and your love.

Keep calling to me until that day comes,

When, with your saints, I may praise you forever.

    St. Ignatius

I want and I choose what better leads to God’s deepening his life in me.

   St Ignatius

I am yours and for you.

John of the Cross

Make me invisible, Lord

Soften my willfulness.

    Based on John of the Cross

Speak Lord, I am listening

    1 Samuel 3:4

From my heart:

Lord help me sift and sort my cluttered mind and heart to hear Your voice.

I pray to be open and willing to hear what You want me to know and learn in order to become who You want me to be.

I sit and listen to Your Word, Lord.

Untether my heart so it can rise with You, Lord. I want to be free.

All of me for all of You.

What is your favorite breath prayer?

Bearing Fruit in Old Age – Lectio Divina

The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;

planted in the house of the Lord,

they will flourish in the courts of our God.

They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green,

proclaiming,

“The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him. ”

Psalm 92:12-15

They will still bear fruit in old age

She died over a year ago, Lord, just shy of her 100^th birthday.

She may be gone, but her fragrance still lingers in my heart.

She still teaches me, Lord.

Teaches me to smile at each day.

To plant flowers.

To keep moving.

To think and pray for others.

She still bears fruit here, though she is with You.

She bore much fruit in her old age.

Lord, I have no idea how much longer I will walk here on earth.

Illness, accident, or sudden life changing transitions may abruptly veer me off path.

But I am Yours.

I don’t want to rot on the vine, Lord.

Sprinkle Your spirit upon me and nourish my roots so I bear fruit now and into my old age.

May I give more than receive.

May my smile and attitude lift another’s spirit.

May others see Christ in my words and action.

May I bring You glory.

May I bear fruit for You all of my days.

A Prayer – Martin Luther – Quote of the Week

FAITH (Photo credit: cacigar)

Behold, Lord, an empty vessel that needs to be filled. My Lord, fill it.

I am weak in the faith; strengthen me.

I am cold in love; warm me and make me fervent, that my love may go out to my neighbor.

I do not have a strong and firm faith; at times I doubt and am unable to trust you altogether. O Lord, help me. Strengthen my faith and trust in you.

In you I have sealed the treasure of all I have.

I am poor; you are rich and came to be merciful to the poor.

I am a sinner; you are upright.

With me, there is an abundance of sin; in you is the fullness of righteousness.

Therefore I will will remain with you, of whom I can receive, but to whom I may not give.

Amen.

Martin Luther

Be a Cloud Chaser – Looking Beyond

This is the last post about what I am learning about being a cloud chaser. I hope you have enjoyed pondering the clouds with me. I appreciate your comments and insights.

Meteorologists tell us that every cloud contains a weather message. God sculpts all types of clouds as messengers of hope from Him to help us weather the storms in life.

Join me: Become a child once again and capture the wonder as a cloud chaser. God’s canvas shows us surprises every day if we just take the time to look up, look inward, and look beyond our ordinary day-to-day drudgery.

Earth from space, Apollo 17 mission. Credit NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, Scientific Visualization Studio. Source: http://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/vis/a000000/a002600/a002681/index.html

Looking Beyond

Cloud chasing reminds us to look beyond our momentary problems and negative emotions.  We find hope in knowing the sun does still shine on days when can’t see its light.

Looking beyond into the Beyond helps me to focus more on God and less on the downside of life.

Here are some random thoughts as I ponder the clouds beyond:

·      I love the photograph above of the "big blue marble" – earth from outer space.  The astronaut’s eyes see the cloud from both sides. Holding this view in my heart from beyond helps me remember that the sun shines even when I cannot see it.

·      Judy Garland once remarked, "Behind every cloud is another cloud.” Life feels that way at time. Nimbostratus clouds, low-level clouds, coat the earth like a heavy winter coat.

Persistent snow or rain days depress us. Without much light dark, ragged clouds hang over us like a shroud. These clouds are not impressive. We don’t stand on the beach with our camera saying ooh and ahh for this type of cloud. 

The average rain cloud is like the just average day. But would we do without average days? Miracles do exist in the routines, we just don’t see them. Like the interesting details of the tear drop shape of a rain drop, we often have to look closely to appreciate the beauty on even dull days.

“Rain is grace; rain is the sky condescending to the earth; without rain there would be no life.” John Updike

·      I live in an area where fog descends and often doesn’t leave for days. In northwest Ohio, school sometimes is cancelled more for fog than snow. Fog days offer many lessons. For example fog is actually a cloud coming down to earth, symbolic of how God came down to earth as Jesus.

·      “He made darkness his covering, his canopy around him – the dark rain clouds of the sky.” Psalm 18: 11. Watching clouds at night by the light of the moon or stars highlights their features in a whole new way. Here the formation and height of clouds seen in a dimmer reflection of lights streak across the sky like ghosts. Nighttime brings rings round the moon, auroras boleros, and even heat lightening. Scientists have photographed images of noctilucent or night shining clouds. Even in the dark, the clouds still hold lessons.

·       Ever watch the clouds and study their layers? They look like an onion or the rich sweet layers of baklava. At first you may not notice the tiers. We think they are only boring sheets of same color until we look again. Often there are puffy white clouds against grayer background called Stratocumulus. Like warm of layers of clothing against a cold wind they serve a purpose.  

I will close today and this series with an Irish blessing for all of you:

“I believe in the sun when it’s not shining, I believe in love even when I feel it not. I believe in God even when he is silent.” Irish blessing.