Friday, September 11, 2015

Gospel vs. gossip

"Remove  wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter in your brother's eye."
Luke 6:42
 
As I was praying with this Gospel this morning, I realized the similarities in the words "Gospel" and "gossip."  Gospel signifies good news; the Good News of Jesus.  Gossip is the opposite, really. Gospel is truth, gossip is probably not. Today, let's concentrate on living the Gospel of Jesus and not let ourselves get sucked into the gossip we may hear at work. Jesus gives us the perfect blueprint how to treat others--giving them the benefit of the doubt.  That is truth.  What you may hear around the water cooler, not so much.  Blessings on your Friday and your later summer weekend!  Love, heidi

Thursday, September 10, 2015

The Examen

"Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."
Luke 6:36

One of the prayers that I find very helpful is the Examen, given to us by St. Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Jesuits. One could actually incorporate this prayer into the silence at the end of the day, if that was helpful.  The Examen is simply, prayerfully going through the events of the completed day and seeing where God was vividly present.  God was certainly present in the entire day--every single minute! But, sometimes combing through the events of the day helps us to see God where we may not expect to see God. We could note certain promptings or inclinations that may have occurred through the day. How did we respond?  Can we see where God is present as we look back where maybe we didn't see God while the events were happening?  Are there times we can say, "Wow, I wish I'd done THAT differently!"  Or, "I sure could have gone without saying THAT!" (If that pops up for you, welcome to my head).  The Examen is a time to connect at the end of the day to see the God tracks throughout the day.  It helps us to see how God is very active and present throughout our daily work-a-day lives.  It also helps us to see the times we may want to do a bit better next time.  Love, heidi

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Think of what is above...

"Think of what is above, not of what is on earth."
Colossians 3:2
 
I tried something new last night that really helped me turn off the day and my "thinking of what is on earth." Since it is getting dark so much earlier I took advantage of that, lit a candle and just sat in the candle-light and silence for a while.  I didn't do any reading, thus not engaging my mind there.  I didn't turn on any music, thus engaging my mind there, either.  I just sat in the glow of the candle and let go of the day.  My mind wandered a bit, as it swept out the last of Tuesday, but it gave me such a lovely, peace-filled mind and heart.  Still in silence and without turning on the lights, (don't try this if you don't have some adaptive skills!) I crawled into bed.  I was able to settle into such a peaceful rest and can't help but wonder if letting go of the day like this may be the reason. If you have a difficult time thinking of what is above and letting go of a busy day on earth, you may want to try this little prayer form.  Just sit in the glow of a candle and rest with Jesus.  No need to say anything, read anything or listen to anything except Jesus. Just rest and let go of the day.  Love, heidi

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Happy New Year!

"Brothers and Sisters: We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to God's purpose..."
Romans 8:28
 
It's easy to see things working for good when good things happen, isn't it? It takes a bit more faith, on our part, to see the good when things seem to be going sour or we're just plodding along dismally. That may be because we have such a limited view of things from out little human vantage point. From God's infinite perspective, God can see so many more possibilities that can bring us good--a good we never could imagine on our own. Today, this Tuesday after Labor Day, always feels like the beginning of a new year to me.  Probably because the kids used to always start school this day.  In the spirit of a seasonal new year, Happy New Year to you all!  Let's celebrate with healthy habits, prayerful, eager spirits, and open minds and hearts to seeing God's good in all things!  Love, heidi