One thing Jesus encountered in the wilderness was simplicity. There were no distractions, no complications. Just nature, and God. Nothing else was needed. Nothing else was wanted. ********** Not that life was simple in those days. An agrarian society was at the mercy of nature. Poverty and slavery were rampant. The Jews were suffering under…
Month: March 2022
“Centering”
The Quakers have a tradition called “Centering,” also known as “Palms up, palms down.” It is similar to the steps I posted on Saturday, consisting of Release, Receive and Rest. PREPARE*Sit comfortably, with your hands resting on your lap. *Gently notice your breathing as you become still. RELEASE YOUR BURDENS*Turn your palms down and allow yourself…
Practicing
These steps help me settle myself as I prepare to meet with God. I use them to practice solitude, silence and stillness. *FIND A PLACE WHERE YOU CAN MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS.Silence all TV, radio or online chatter.Don’t sit where you can see waiting chores. Let them wait without guilt. This is your time with God. *RELAX…
Silence & Stillness
On summer mornings, when I would sit outside for my quiet time, I was constantly aware of an underlying hum of traffic on the expressway a mile away. Except on Sundays, when there was no traffic. Everything felt so peaceful on Sundays. Silence and stillness were plentiful in the wilderness, but they are rare commodities…
Outside the Window
Ten days ago, the groundhog saw his shadow. At least they said he did. I wasn’t there. But looking out at the snow and thermometer, I believed it. That is, until today. Although we no longer have bird feeders in our garden, the neighbors do. We can still watch all the swooping and fluttering. As…
Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou. I’m ashamed to say I knew very little about this amazing, wise woman. On God If I was asked, “Say your definition of God in one word,” it would be ‘all.’ On Being Present I want to thank You, Lord, for life and all that’s in it. Thank you for this day and…
Solitude
In the wilderness, Jesus experienced Solitude: “the state or situation of being alone.” Solitude may come to us by choice or by circumstance. Jesus was led into solitude by the Holy Spirit, but throughout His ministry, He voluntarily chose solitude again and again. But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer. Luke 5:16 NLT…
Ash Wednesday
Ashes. Ashes and dust. A reminder. By the sweat of your brow will you have food to eatuntil you return to the ground from which you were made.For you were made from dust, and to dust you will return.” Genesis 3:19 New Living Translation Ashes and dust. Messy. They symbolize the messy emotions of grief and repentance. I…
Led by The Spirit …
And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.” The Spirit then compelled Jesus to go into the wilderness, where he was tempted by Satan for forty days. He was out among the wild animals, and angels took care of him. Mark 1:11-13 NLT ********** What makes…