Wednesday, May 18, 2016

If the Lord wills it...

"If the Lord wills it, we shall live to do this or that..."
James 4:15

Ask anyone--I'm full of plans for the future! First this, then that, then something new after that...on it goes.  Eventually, I get back around to wanting to do God's will.  Dear God knows by now that I like really clear instructions. Neon signs are good. Sign posts pointing one way are good.  I want to do God's will--really I do!  I guess it was when I finally realized, through study, prayer and personal experience, that God puts God's will into my very own heart and makes it look like my idea. Our deepest desires are actually God's deepest desires for us.  God draws us in and gives us the very desire we need to pursue something.  That God!  We do need to be a little careful with this, though, Friends.  Surely God can put a desire for ice cream within us, sending us racing to Dairy Queen! But, we need to prayerfully and carefully ponder our deep desires, talk them over with a trusted friend or Spiritual Director, make sure they "sound" like God.  We need to make sure they have some positive implication for God's greater good for others.  I will be away for a couple of days, Friends, but, if the Lord wills it, will be back Monday.  Love, heidi

Monday, May 16, 2016

The world is enchanted

"Contemplation teaches us how to see. When we see that the world is enchanted, we see the revelation of God in each individual person and creature."
Fr. Richard Rohr, Daily Meditation, 5/16/16

Most of yesterday was a Silent Sunday for me. I say "silent" meaning that I was silent, but the world around me was wonderfully noisy.  Very early in the morning, I opened the back door so I could hear the gentle rain and occasional clap of thunder.  After the rain, the birds started singing their morning set.  It was so amazing! If I'd had music playing or (God forbid) the TV on, I would have missed it completely.  Later I walked the dog and enjoyed the smells of the just washed trees and shrubs. I saw a robin with a big, juicy worm in her mouth, taking it home to the kids.  In the silent and quiet observation of what was around me, I could see, hear and appreciate God's Presence.  It doesn't have to be a whole day of silence or a three day silent retreat.  But in just a couple of hours with the phone off, the music stopped, and our eyes open, we can touch God right here in our world.  Love, heidi