I give my mind, my heart, my body, my spirit, my day, my life, to you. For all I am and all I have is from you. All are gifts, that I return in gratitude and love to you. To you, Self-giving God, who gives all you are to me and to us all. To you, whose life and love were poured out to us in Christ. To you who comes to us, ever so intimately as Spirit, to dwell with us, in us. To you who draws … [Read more...] about Morning Prayer
Your Will
The familiar words spill off the page, falling onto my lap. What? Really? Joy is your will for me? It sounds like pollyanna pretense. It is not how I imagine your will to be, I protest, scooping the words into my hands. Continual joy, prayer and thanksgiving? I hold the words up to you because I cannot do this, your will, without your help. Please, show me how. And so you do, opening the eyes of … [Read more...] about Your Will
Open Spaces
The land stretches far, moving beyond horizons on every side, lying flat, receptive, beneath the great sky. Broken open by farmers’ plow prepared to drink in rain and sun and yield the staff of life. We call these vast open spaces, these majestic plains, the Heartland. And I think, as I fly above them in my mind’s eye, how life’s changes and challenges stretch me. And how you offer to use such … [Read more...] about Open Spaces
Perfectly Loved
“I know things aren’t perfect,” she said as an aside, judging the imperfections she observed by harsh standards she holds herself and others to. The wonder, that I noticed with quiet celebration, Lord, was my ability to embrace this truth with gratitude. Not perfect. Yes. But no shame. Only quiet joy. Messy. Healing still. Not perfect. Yet perfectly loved by you. And resting in this, the deepest … [Read more...] about Perfectly Loved
The Ache of Missing
I feel the downward pull, the pout brewing, the demands building, wanting to hang onto what was never mine. I watch as this happens. How I let go and let go only to want to grasp again in selfish greed that would wound us all. Grant me strength to stay with the ache of missing. Grant me the trust of a small child to bow to your will and way in this season of separation. Remind me, that although … [Read more...] about The Ache of Missing
First Thanks
For early morning light coming in sideways, waking day lilies, for neon-blue-breasted hummingbird, feeding on golden hibiscus, for towering maple, laden with summer’s deep green foliage, thank you. For breezes playing wind chimes and cooling skin, for violin concerto in the flight of the fly, for quiet delighting with you at the start of this new day, thank you. —— Delight yourself in … [Read more...] about First Thanks
Returning
Skin and muscle have come loose from their moorings starting their descent back to earth’s dark womb. While spirit raises joyful child arms heaven ward stretching with awe and wonder toward your loving light. —— Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who sustains you. I have made you and I will carry you, I will sustain you and I will rescue you. Isaiah 46:4 From Heaven … [Read more...] about Returning
Today’s Praise
Thank you for palm trees swaying, fountain flowing, ocean breezes blowing, out the window as I hear I am five years, cancer free. Thank you for three year old singing, nine year old fishing, nearby family visiting, in this new community that is becoming their own. Thank you for grace while waiting, loan finally closing, keys soon opening the blessed place he will now call home. Thank you for … [Read more...] about Today’s Praise
You are God, Calling Us
As seas rise, and island nations disappear, causing our hope to crumble, you are God. As drought leaves earth barren and rock hard, matching our despairing hearts, you are God. As mighty winds rip and endless rains destroy, tearing at the fabric of our trust, you are God. As corrupt powers rule and oppress the weak, crushing our spirits, you are God. As violence abounds and wars persist, darkening … [Read more...] about You are God, Calling Us
Quieted
You quieted me. I came to you with fears, finally willing to acknowledge them to myself so I could speak them to you. How you comfort me. How gently you receive me. How sweetly you remind me of your Presence, drawing me into that still center where I am free to simply be, where I rest in your goodness, your greatness, your love, where I know, again, that you are God. —— Be still and … [Read more...] about Quieted