"There is none to tell the rich to go on striving, for a rich man makes the law that hallows and hollows his own life." -- Sean O'Casey
I've just returned from a graced journey through the beautiful Emerald Isle of Ireland!
This is the place where I can trace all my family roots on both sides with names like Dunn, Gorman, Roche, Cronin, Gallagher, Reidy and more. This was a milestone journey for me and a gift of immeasurable worth from our good God. I was amazed at how many writers and poets hail from this great land. To name a few: James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, Patrick Kavanagh, George Bernard Shaw, Samuel Beckett, Jonathan Swift, and William Butler Yeats. As I was browsing through a book store one day, I came upon a poetry book of Patrick Kavanagh's that caught my attention. There was one particular poem in there that stirred my soul and I got out my notebook and copied it then and there. Let me share this beautiful poem with you now.
TO A CHILD
Child, do not go
into the dark places of soul.
For there the gray wolves whine,
the lean gray wolves.
I have been down
among the unholy ones who tear
beauty's white robe and clothe her
in rags of prayer
Child, there is light somewhere
under a star
Sometime it will be for you
a window that looks
inward to God.
--Patrick Kavanagh
There is so much pause for reflection and meditation in this poem.
It speaks of real life with darkness and light, struggles and triumphs,
and encouraging words that we can speak into another's life. Here
are a few thoughts you might want to consider for some journaling.
Journal exercise:
Have you ever been in a dark place of the soul?
What were you feeling and experiencing in that place?
Where did you find your light?
Where was your window that looked inward to God?
If you are in that place now.............
Be still.........write out your thoughts and feelings in simple words from your heart!
Believe that God is there with you and will lead you to the light.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
KEEP ON WRITING
"When I am writing I am doing the thing I was meant to do."
-- Anne Sexton
Last week I issued an invitation to write...to pick up your pen and let the words flow. I encouraged you to find your own true "voice" in the writing process. I gave you a Tip and some Prompts to begin the writing journey. Hopefully you were able to stretch yourself in the process. If you are faithful,
I believe you will discover beautiful and hidden treasures within yourself.
Today I want to give you another tip to encourage you and spur you forward in finding your own voice in the written word.
TIP #2
Keep on writing no matter what distractions may come your way.
Be steady and consistent.
Set a time of 15-30 minutes to write each day.(try setting a timer)
Write the date, time, and topic at the top of your page.
Begin to write from your prompt.
Don't stop, edit, rethink, or revise what you are writing.
Remember--this is just practice, practice, practice.
After you have finished, read your piece out loud.
You will be amazed and delighted at what comes forth in your writing.
Quote: "Writing is always a voyage of discovery."--Nadine Gordimer
WRITING PROMPTS:
1. Write about a time someone said yes.
2. Write about a time of small despair.
3. Write about a risk you've taken.
4. Write about a time you made a fool of yourself.
5. Write about a movie you've seen.
Be spirited and energized in your writing this week!
Maybe we'll meet on the page--
Marykay--fellow writer and companion on this incredible journey
-- Anne Sexton
Last week I issued an invitation to write...to pick up your pen and let the words flow. I encouraged you to find your own true "voice" in the writing process. I gave you a Tip and some Prompts to begin the writing journey. Hopefully you were able to stretch yourself in the process. If you are faithful,
I believe you will discover beautiful and hidden treasures within yourself.
Today I want to give you another tip to encourage you and spur you forward in finding your own voice in the written word.
TIP #2
Keep on writing no matter what distractions may come your way.
Be steady and consistent.
Set a time of 15-30 minutes to write each day.(try setting a timer)
Write the date, time, and topic at the top of your page.
Begin to write from your prompt.
Don't stop, edit, rethink, or revise what you are writing.
Remember--this is just practice, practice, practice.
After you have finished, read your piece out loud.
You will be amazed and delighted at what comes forth in your writing.
Quote: "Writing is always a voyage of discovery."--Nadine Gordimer
WRITING PROMPTS:
1. Write about a time someone said yes.
2. Write about a time of small despair.
3. Write about a risk you've taken.
4. Write about a time you made a fool of yourself.
5. Write about a movie you've seen.
Be spirited and energized in your writing this week!
Maybe we'll meet on the page--
Marykay--fellow writer and companion on this incredible journey
Monday, April 26, 2010
INVITATION TO WRITE
"I put a piece of paper under my pillow, and when I could not sleep I wrote in the dark." -- Henry David Thoreau
I consider myself a "newbie" in the world of writing. I feel like I'm in a huge mansion that is beautifully decorated and welcoming. But it seems like there are so many rooms with closed locked doors. I'm curious as to what lies behind each of those doors and I feel it will take me a lifetime to find out. I've been given a KEY to begin my exploration and discovery simply because I have the desire to walk out this adventure and grow as a writer. Would you like to join me? Perhaps you will find yourself shy-tentative-and unsure about this experience. But trust me-you are in good company because that's the way I started too. So just be yourself----- if you have even the tiniest desire to write...to find your own voice....to discover the song hidden in your heart...to reach for that long denied dream-then come along and enjoy our time together. I thought that I would begin at the beginning and share some things that will help you begin to write. I'll give you a quote worth pondering-- some tips for writing and some prompts for the week of practice. I'm hoping you'll become a follower and share some of your writing or comments with me. You see--writers need other writers. We need that friendship, fellowship, and feedback to enable us to keep on keeping on in the journey of writing that stretches before us. So let's begin:
QUOTE: "You can't sit around thinking. You have to sit around writing." --David Long
TIP#1:
Just begin to write. Don't worry about grammar, rules, spelling, vocabulary, or sentence structure. Put your pen to paper...write about the Prompt that is given...set your timer for 10-15 minutes and just let the writing flow. Don't lift your pen from the page -don't stop to think- just write and be surprised at what opens up inside of you. In writing practice you are free to be--
WRITING PROMPTS:
ENJOY THE JOURNEY!
I consider myself a "newbie" in the world of writing. I feel like I'm in a huge mansion that is beautifully decorated and welcoming. But it seems like there are so many rooms with closed locked doors. I'm curious as to what lies behind each of those doors and I feel it will take me a lifetime to find out. I've been given a KEY to begin my exploration and discovery simply because I have the desire to walk out this adventure and grow as a writer. Would you like to join me? Perhaps you will find yourself shy-tentative-and unsure about this experience. But trust me-you are in good company because that's the way I started too. So just be yourself----- if you have even the tiniest desire to write...to find your own voice....to discover the song hidden in your heart...to reach for that long denied dream-then come along and enjoy our time together. I thought that I would begin at the beginning and share some things that will help you begin to write. I'll give you a quote worth pondering-- some tips for writing and some prompts for the week of practice. I'm hoping you'll become a follower and share some of your writing or comments with me. You see--writers need other writers. We need that friendship, fellowship, and feedback to enable us to keep on keeping on in the journey of writing that stretches before us. So let's begin:
QUOTE: "You can't sit around thinking. You have to sit around writing." --David Long
TIP#1:
Just begin to write. Don't worry about grammar, rules, spelling, vocabulary, or sentence structure. Put your pen to paper...write about the Prompt that is given...set your timer for 10-15 minutes and just let the writing flow. Don't lift your pen from the page -don't stop to think- just write and be surprised at what opens up inside of you. In writing practice you are free to be--
WRITING PROMPTS:
- Write about something you lost
- Write about a secret place
- Write about a favorite vacation
- Write about a time you cried yourself to sleep
- Write about your best friend
ENJOY THE JOURNEY!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
ACCEPTANCE
"Everything in life that we really accept
undergoes a change." -Kathleen Mansfield
undergoes a change." -Kathleen Mansfield
Accepting and blessing our circumstances is a powerful tool for living a transformed and Spirit-filled life. I read from one of my journals last week that "our circumstances don't get us down but our attitude about our circumstances gets us down." So what does it mean to accept our circumstances? Well, acceptance is surrendering to what is: our circumstances, our feelings, our trials, our visions and dreams, our health, our finances, and our relationships. You see, before we can change anything in our lives we have to acknowledge that this is the way it's meant to be right now. Someone once said that acceptance is a long sigh of the soul. This is the place where I need to trust God....period!
I'm Irish and I can be stubborn--I've noticed that in myself. At times when I've been discontent, I've noticed that I am resisting what is and what God is asking of me. When I finally- let go and release it to God- I'm flooded with an incredible peace. What I most resist turns out to be the area of greatest blessing and opportunity for me. Then I'm open to all the goodness and grace that God wants to pour into my life. Acceptance lights my path and broadens my perspective.
Whatever situation, trial, circumstance, or problem you are encountering in your life right now...may I suggest that you accept it and embrace it. Natalie Goldberg, one of my favorite authors, says "Cast a glance around and acknowledge what's going on. This is my tiny kitchen with the dirty floor, this is how much I weigh, this is my checking account balance, this is where I work right now. This is what is really happening in my life at the present moment.This is okay. This is real life."
So-today, at this time in your life, let go of the struggle. Accept what is so that you can begin the healing process of change and move forward in your life.
This is an amazing principle of Grace.
"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or want. I can do all things through Him who gives me strength." Phil.4:12-13
ACTION STEP:
Write in your journal the thing you are most resisting now in your life.
Write under that what you think God might be asking of you.
Write how you feel about it....be honest.
Write what your struggle is....
Write how that situation might look like if you would accept it and surrender it to God.
Write a prayer to God asking him for his help and grace to surrender to His will in your life knowing He has a purpose and a plan and your best interests at heart.
I'm Irish and I can be stubborn--I've noticed that in myself. At times when I've been discontent, I've noticed that I am resisting what is and what God is asking of me. When I finally- let go and release it to God- I'm flooded with an incredible peace. What I most resist turns out to be the area of greatest blessing and opportunity for me. Then I'm open to all the goodness and grace that God wants to pour into my life. Acceptance lights my path and broadens my perspective.
Whatever situation, trial, circumstance, or problem you are encountering in your life right now...may I suggest that you accept it and embrace it. Natalie Goldberg, one of my favorite authors, says "Cast a glance around and acknowledge what's going on. This is my tiny kitchen with the dirty floor, this is how much I weigh, this is my checking account balance, this is where I work right now. This is what is really happening in my life at the present moment.This is okay. This is real life."
So-today, at this time in your life, let go of the struggle. Accept what is so that you can begin the healing process of change and move forward in your life.
This is an amazing principle of Grace.
"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or want. I can do all things through Him who gives me strength." Phil.4:12-13
ACTION STEP:
Write in your journal the thing you are most resisting now in your life.
Write under that what you think God might be asking of you.
Write how you feel about it....be honest.
Write what your struggle is....
Write how that situation might look like if you would accept it and surrender it to God.
Write a prayer to God asking him for his help and grace to surrender to His will in your life knowing He has a purpose and a plan and your best interests at heart.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
GOD CARES FOR YOU
"Worry does not empty tomorrow of sorrows; it empties today of strength."
Corrie ten Boom
In the darkest moments of our midnight hour it is sometimes difficult to believe that God is there. All too often we feel alone, deserted, forsaken and abandoned in our time of trial. Everywhere we turn we see trouble magnified and feel that blessing is minimized. We ask where God is-- why doesn't He answer--why doesn't He come to our rescue? We are feeling out of control and giving in to panic and unbelief. Is that where you find yourself today? Are you searching and seeking God in your time of distress? Well--be encouraged because He cares for you and tells you to cast your burdens on him and he will come to you. We know that our seasons of trial and suffering strengthen us in our faith and shape our character after Christ. Sometimes God will remove the trial but many times He simply walks with us through the storm giving us grace that is sufficient for the day. Life can be tough but God's promises are tougher and we can rely on Him because He is faithful. Be encouraged by some of these promises from His Word:
SCRIPTURES
Nahum 1:7 "He cares for those who trust in him."
Ps.145:18 "He is near to all who call on him"
Jer.33:3 "Come to me, and I will answer you."
1 Pe 5:7 "Cast your cares on the Lord."
Ps.41:1 "The Lord delivers him in times of trouble."
Ps.40:2 " He lifted me out of the slimy pit,out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
he put a new song in my mouth."
Now, don't those verses give you hope and expectation? Put your trust in him and he will strengthen you; he will answer you; he will deliver you from all your fears and put a new song in your mouth- a hymn of praise to our God. He is faithful and true!
Action Steps:
Pray these scriptures every day till you get your blessing
Seek the Lord in prayer every day
Speak to someone you trust and ask for their prayer, support and godly counsel
Speak positive words of faith and hope into your circumstances
Refuse to let the enemy put you down
Rise up in the mighty power of your God
Prayer:
Lord, you are worthy of praise and honor. Forgive me for the times I have taken my eyes off you. You are worthy of my full attention and complete trust. There is none like You. Teach me to better focus on your greatness and majesty so that I might have an eternal perspective in my time of trial. Faith is believing that you are exactly who you say you are. Increase my faith, Lord!
Corrie ten Boom
In the darkest moments of our midnight hour it is sometimes difficult to believe that God is there. All too often we feel alone, deserted, forsaken and abandoned in our time of trial. Everywhere we turn we see trouble magnified and feel that blessing is minimized. We ask where God is-- why doesn't He answer--why doesn't He come to our rescue? We are feeling out of control and giving in to panic and unbelief. Is that where you find yourself today? Are you searching and seeking God in your time of distress? Well--be encouraged because He cares for you and tells you to cast your burdens on him and he will come to you. We know that our seasons of trial and suffering strengthen us in our faith and shape our character after Christ. Sometimes God will remove the trial but many times He simply walks with us through the storm giving us grace that is sufficient for the day. Life can be tough but God's promises are tougher and we can rely on Him because He is faithful. Be encouraged by some of these promises from His Word:
SCRIPTURES
Nahum 1:7 "He cares for those who trust in him."
Ps.145:18 "He is near to all who call on him"
Jer.33:3 "Come to me, and I will answer you."
1 Pe 5:7 "Cast your cares on the Lord."
Ps.41:1 "The Lord delivers him in times of trouble."
Ps.40:2 " He lifted me out of the slimy pit,out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
he put a new song in my mouth."
Now, don't those verses give you hope and expectation? Put your trust in him and he will strengthen you; he will answer you; he will deliver you from all your fears and put a new song in your mouth- a hymn of praise to our God. He is faithful and true!
Action Steps:
Pray these scriptures every day till you get your blessing
Seek the Lord in prayer every day
Speak to someone you trust and ask for their prayer, support and godly counsel
Speak positive words of faith and hope into your circumstances
Refuse to let the enemy put you down
Rise up in the mighty power of your God
Prayer:
Lord, you are worthy of praise and honor. Forgive me for the times I have taken my eyes off you. You are worthy of my full attention and complete trust. There is none like You. Teach me to better focus on your greatness and majesty so that I might have an eternal perspective in my time of trial. Faith is believing that you are exactly who you say you are. Increase my faith, Lord!
Monday, March 15, 2010
DON'T QUIT
"Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Heb.12:1
Have you ever been at a point in your life when you were so tired, frustrated and discouraged that you just wanted to lay it all down and quit! You say- "Enough is enough- I'm through. I give up." I think if we're honest with ourselves many of us would have to confess that we've been there at one time or another.
Do you remember the story of how the prophet Elijah struggled with this very thing. He had just experienced the amazing and incredible power of God on Mount Carmel and then immediately afterward was running for his life. Elijah was afraid of the death threats from Jezebel and so retreated to the desert. He sat down under a broom tree and prayed that he might die. He said, "I have had enough, Lord, take my life."(1 Kings 19:4) We know that God sent his angel to minister to him and prepare him for the journey to Mount Horeb. When he arrived there he spent the night in a cave. "The word of the Lord came to him: Elijah, what are you doing here?" Elijah told God how zealous he was for him but felt alone and afraid. God told him to stand on the mountain because the presence of the Lord was going to pass. God wasn't in the earthquake nor was he in the fire...........He was in the gentle whisper.
At Elijah's darkest hour God came to him and he will do the same for us. Yes- sometimes we feel alone, rejected, empty, helpless and want to throw in the towel. We tell God how faithful we are and all the good things we are doing. We question WHY these things are happening in our lives.
We ask him where he is with all his miracles and power. We forget that God will not always show up in a flashy- clanging symbol way...but in the still small voice. He does not abandon or forsake us in our trials. He wants us to rely on him and to trust him completely. He does not want us to sit down under our oak, elm, or maple tree and give up. No....he wants us to get up and get moving. As we walk in faith and perseverance, all the grace we need will be given us and more.
Let's take to heart his words, " My grace is sufficient for you. for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Cor.12:9
ACTION STEP: IF YOU ARE READY TO QUIT............
* Pray and ask God for strength to persevere
* Get in the word of God and find 3 specific scriptures to help you--
write them on 3 by 5 index cards and read them often out loud
* Find a trusted friend or mentor to pray for you and guide you
* Tell the enemy to "get lost" and reclaim your power in Christ
* Believe that you are close to victory so...........don't quit no matter what
* Believe that you CAN DO all things in Christ who strengthens you--Hallelujah!
Have you ever been at a point in your life when you were so tired, frustrated and discouraged that you just wanted to lay it all down and quit! You say- "Enough is enough- I'm through. I give up." I think if we're honest with ourselves many of us would have to confess that we've been there at one time or another.
Do you remember the story of how the prophet Elijah struggled with this very thing. He had just experienced the amazing and incredible power of God on Mount Carmel and then immediately afterward was running for his life. Elijah was afraid of the death threats from Jezebel and so retreated to the desert. He sat down under a broom tree and prayed that he might die. He said, "I have had enough, Lord, take my life."(1 Kings 19:4) We know that God sent his angel to minister to him and prepare him for the journey to Mount Horeb. When he arrived there he spent the night in a cave. "The word of the Lord came to him: Elijah, what are you doing here?" Elijah told God how zealous he was for him but felt alone and afraid. God told him to stand on the mountain because the presence of the Lord was going to pass. God wasn't in the earthquake nor was he in the fire...........He was in the gentle whisper.
At Elijah's darkest hour God came to him and he will do the same for us. Yes- sometimes we feel alone, rejected, empty, helpless and want to throw in the towel. We tell God how faithful we are and all the good things we are doing. We question WHY these things are happening in our lives.
We ask him where he is with all his miracles and power. We forget that God will not always show up in a flashy- clanging symbol way...but in the still small voice. He does not abandon or forsake us in our trials. He wants us to rely on him and to trust him completely. He does not want us to sit down under our oak, elm, or maple tree and give up. No....he wants us to get up and get moving. As we walk in faith and perseverance, all the grace we need will be given us and more.
Let's take to heart his words, " My grace is sufficient for you. for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Cor.12:9
ACTION STEP: IF YOU ARE READY TO QUIT............
* Pray and ask God for strength to persevere
* Get in the word of God and find 3 specific scriptures to help you--
write them on 3 by 5 index cards and read them often out loud
* Find a trusted friend or mentor to pray for you and guide you
* Tell the enemy to "get lost" and reclaim your power in Christ
* Believe that you are close to victory so...........don't quit no matter what
* Believe that you CAN DO all things in Christ who strengthens you--Hallelujah!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS
Have you ever thought about yourself as a peacemaker? If we're honest with ourselves, there are probably times we encounter people or circumstances that make us raise a flag that does not represent peace. That's because we live in a world that deals with rivalry, conflict, competition, greed, and jealousy. Yet the word of God calls us to peace. Ps.34:14 "Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it."
So what is this peace that we are to pursue? The dictionary calls it concord, harmony, agreement, reconciliation, and tranquility. The word of God says, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." Matt.5:9
As we look at this verse we need to consider 3 types of people:
#1 Peacebreakers...........they go out of their way to cause trouble and division; conflict and disagreements. Their motivation is self-centeredness and they can be very manipulative. One of the biggest ways to be a peacebreaker is with your tongue- spreading gossip, rumors, and slander.
#2 Peacekeepers.....they prefer peace over truth. They can't deal with conflict and discord. Therefore they will settle for a fake or surface peace rather than deal with the hard issues. Their motto: peace at any cost!
#3 Peacemakers......they are prepared to tell the truth and trust God for the outcome in order to have a peace that is worthwhile, genuine and lasting. They want real peace by resolving the cause of the conflict. They are prepared to put others' well-being above their own. They are motivated out of love. This is the kind of peace Jesus demonstrated in his life and ministry.
My question to you and myself is this:
Under which category do I fall? Am I a peacebreaker....peacekeeper....or peacemaker? Perhaps this week you'll choose to be a peacemaker in your home or at work or in your relationships. You can do this by:
humbling yourself (saying you're sorry)
confront falsehood with truth in a loving way
going out of your way to see the offender or offended...extend hand of peace
choosing your battles...........letting little things slide
spreading a spirit of harmony
being content with all that God has given you
Okay.........let's try it for a week! Let's see how many times we can be PEACEMAKERS!!!!!!! Let's pray for each other. Go for the GOLD IN PEACE!
Have you ever thought about yourself as a peacemaker? If we're honest with ourselves, there are probably times we encounter people or circumstances that make us raise a flag that does not represent peace. That's because we live in a world that deals with rivalry, conflict, competition, greed, and jealousy. Yet the word of God calls us to peace. Ps.34:14 "Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it."
So what is this peace that we are to pursue? The dictionary calls it concord, harmony, agreement, reconciliation, and tranquility. The word of God says, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." Matt.5:9
As we look at this verse we need to consider 3 types of people:
#1 Peacebreakers...........they go out of their way to cause trouble and division; conflict and disagreements. Their motivation is self-centeredness and they can be very manipulative. One of the biggest ways to be a peacebreaker is with your tongue- spreading gossip, rumors, and slander.
#2 Peacekeepers.....they prefer peace over truth. They can't deal with conflict and discord. Therefore they will settle for a fake or surface peace rather than deal with the hard issues. Their motto: peace at any cost!
#3 Peacemakers......they are prepared to tell the truth and trust God for the outcome in order to have a peace that is worthwhile, genuine and lasting. They want real peace by resolving the cause of the conflict. They are prepared to put others' well-being above their own. They are motivated out of love. This is the kind of peace Jesus demonstrated in his life and ministry.
My question to you and myself is this:
Under which category do I fall? Am I a peacebreaker....peacekeeper....or peacemaker? Perhaps this week you'll choose to be a peacemaker in your home or at work or in your relationships. You can do this by:
humbling yourself (saying you're sorry)
confront falsehood with truth in a loving way
going out of your way to see the offender or offended...extend hand of peace
choosing your battles...........letting little things slide
spreading a spirit of harmony
being content with all that God has given you
Okay.........let's try it for a week! Let's see how many times we can be PEACEMAKERS!!!!!!! Let's pray for each other. Go for the GOLD IN PEACE!
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