For those who might be interested and as a bit of history, the concept for this blog was conceived almost a year ago. It's had a long gestation period and is now birthed. Taking those initial baby steps, it was a question of which direction to go with this thing. My intent is that this be a spot to post reflective thoughts expressing gratitude for God's goodness and abundant provision. One of the names originally considered for this blog spot was Simple Abundance - but another blogger had already claimed that for her own.
Saturday morning of this first week of Lent, 2010, reminds me of my simple intent with this quote of Henry David Thoreau: "O how I laugh when I think of my vague indefinite riches. No run on my bank can drain it, for my wealth is not possession but enjoyment."
Simply put, this morning, I am grateful for this cozy time to reflect. Mug of fragrant tea - sweetened with a spoonful of honey (of course) - at hand, sitting in a comfortable chair in a room of my own doing what I love to do. This is the wealth of enjoyment.
What simple pleasures are you grateful for today?
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
practice and performance
If I am to press on with my intention for these forty of Lent and the ongoing race that the Apostle Paul speaks of, I’m giving myself permission to start my practice with baby steps. If I trip up or fall, might I have the grace to get back up and pick up where I’ve left off. The Olympics offer both illustration and inspiration during this first week of Lent. Last night’s figure skaters set good examples for me. U.S. skater, Rachel Flat, reminded me of this quote by Padre Pio: "Be content to progress in slow steps until you have legs to run and wings with which to fly." Rachel began skating at three years of age. Beginning with baby steps, and developing a faithful practice regimen, over the past 14 years, she has developed into an Olympian. Even so, “rising to the moment and the skate of her life,” (quoting the commentator’s rink side critique) Rachel, had the lowest score of the top seven skaters.
Most of these skaters, in the final set of last night’s competition, demonstrated that with in their individual disciplines, there was a margin of error. That didn’t stop them from giving it their best shot. For one, her best attempt involved several missteps and a fall. World class skater that she is, she picked herself up and continued with her long program as though nothing had happened. Final marks took that fall into consideration however, and she too, was out of medal contention. Another demonstrated costly errors and her hopes for Olympic gold were dashed. A fourth contender skated her personal best and yet, for me, there was nothing note worthy about her routine. Joannie Rochette, the stuff of Olympic legend, persevering with grace and dignity under her great sorrow, came away with the bronze. During one performance, commentator Scott Hamilton, suggested that a skater was “playing it safe – going through the motions.” Yet this Japanese skater captured the silver medal. Under intense pressure of expectations for perfection,South Korean,Kim Yu-na, delivered and won the top prize – Olympic gold.
Meanwhile, I plod along through these forty days – grateful that I can do so without the scrutiny of critical judges - grateful that there are no commentators evaluating my every move; grateful that no intricate scoring system is set in place to grade my performance; grateful that no Choctaw turns, triple toe loops, sit spins or spirals are required of me. Lent is a time for practice – not performance.
Most of these skaters, in the final set of last night’s competition, demonstrated that with in their individual disciplines, there was a margin of error. That didn’t stop them from giving it their best shot. For one, her best attempt involved several missteps and a fall. World class skater that she is, she picked herself up and continued with her long program as though nothing had happened. Final marks took that fall into consideration however, and she too, was out of medal contention. Another demonstrated costly errors and her hopes for Olympic gold were dashed. A fourth contender skated her personal best and yet, for me, there was nothing note worthy about her routine. Joannie Rochette, the stuff of Olympic legend, persevering with grace and dignity under her great sorrow, came away with the bronze. During one performance, commentator Scott Hamilton, suggested that a skater was “playing it safe – going through the motions.” Yet this Japanese skater captured the silver medal. Under intense pressure of expectations for perfection,South Korean,Kim Yu-na, delivered and won the top prize – Olympic gold.
Meanwhile, I plod along through these forty days – grateful that I can do so without the scrutiny of critical judges - grateful that there are no commentators evaluating my every move; grateful that no intricate scoring system is set in place to grade my performance; grateful that no Choctaw turns, triple toe loops, sit spins or spirals are required of me. Lent is a time for practice – not performance.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Olympics and Lent
Captivated by the story of Canadian skater, Joannie Rochette, I find myself imagining the hours and hours of practice that went into last night's stunning performance just 48 hours after her Mother's unexpected death.
Perhaps you know where I'm going with this.
Eugene Peterson's, The Message, puts it like this in I Corinthians 9:25 - 27:
"You've all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally. I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me! I'm staying alert and in top condition. I'm not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself."
I'm grateful for this annalogy of an athlete in training. Like the Apostle Paul, I'm running hard for the finish line. My hopeful prayer for these forty days that are Lent is that these spiritual practices will help keep me fit and alert - fully prepared for what lies ahead - ready to take the ice, as it were, even in the face of the unexpected.
Appreciative of an athletes example, I got out the snowshoes again today and tromped around in the winter wonderland - my heart swelling with gratitude for joints that moved freely - for the warmth of protective outer wear, crisp, fresh air and the ability to simply breath.
What are you grateful for today as you train and run this race that is life?
Perhaps you know where I'm going with this.
Eugene Peterson's, The Message, puts it like this in I Corinthians 9:25 - 27:
"You've all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally. I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me! I'm staying alert and in top condition. I'm not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself."
I'm grateful for this annalogy of an athlete in training. Like the Apostle Paul, I'm running hard for the finish line. My hopeful prayer for these forty days that are Lent is that these spiritual practices will help keep me fit and alert - fully prepared for what lies ahead - ready to take the ice, as it were, even in the face of the unexpected.
Appreciative of an athletes example, I got out the snowshoes again today and tromped around in the winter wonderland - my heart swelling with gratitude for joints that moved freely - for the warmth of protective outer wear, crisp, fresh air and the ability to simply breath.
What are you grateful for today as you train and run this race that is life?
first week of Lent - Tuesday
And then, along came Tuesday...
Insomniac that I was last night, this morning came too early and I pondered the dailyness of this thing called Lent. And we have to do this for forty days?
Trying to stay in a Lenten state of mind, I reminded myself of Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness and prayed that I would not be led into temptation.
Then I thought of Jonah's 40 days in the belly of the whale - oh, no! that was only three days!
It was Noah who was in the ark for 40 days of rain.
Sometimes it feels like it's rainin' all over the world.
At other times, a desert experience is what one is going through.
Then, again, perhaps this day finds you in haven of rest amidst calm seas.
No matter where you are, can you say with Julian of Norwich, a 14th century mystic , " All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well."
Job said, "The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord"
Where are you today and for what are you grateful?
Here's my top five for this first Tuesday of Lent:
a reliable car that got me across town today and back again
my warm home
supper simmering on the stove
a relaxing evening ahead of me
a good book
anticiaption of a good nights sleep
Insomniac that I was last night, this morning came too early and I pondered the dailyness of this thing called Lent. And we have to do this for forty days?
Trying to stay in a Lenten state of mind, I reminded myself of Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness and prayed that I would not be led into temptation.
Then I thought of Jonah's 40 days in the belly of the whale - oh, no! that was only three days!
It was Noah who was in the ark for 40 days of rain.
Sometimes it feels like it's rainin' all over the world.
At other times, a desert experience is what one is going through.
Then, again, perhaps this day finds you in haven of rest amidst calm seas.
No matter where you are, can you say with Julian of Norwich, a 14th century mystic , " All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well."
Job said, "The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord"
Where are you today and for what are you grateful?
Here's my top five for this first Tuesday of Lent:
a reliable car that got me across town today and back again
my warm home
supper simmering on the stove
a relaxing evening ahead of me
a good book
anticiaption of a good nights sleep
first week of Lent - Monday
Waking up this morning, I found myself overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude realizing that community is being formed – Cheri in Cascade, Jami in Jenison, Tara in Buffalo, Leah in Seattle are living out
I Thessalonians 5:11 for me, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” The Little Black Book suggests this morning that Lent is “a time when we think long thoughts about the long haul.”
Borrowing a phrase from the Beatles, I dare say that during the long haul of Lent, I’ll get by with a little help from my friends. And then this quote from Henri Nouwen came to my INBOX: “When we persevere with the help of a gentle discipline, we slowly come to hear the still, small voice and to feel the delicate breeze, and so to come to know the presence of Love.”
So, today, I’m grateful for a growing sense of community.
For gentle disciplines and the encouragement of friends.
For waking up refreshed and sharing with another a feast with God in the early hours.
Might God be praised on this Monday of the first week of Lent.
I Thessalonians 5:11 for me, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” The Little Black Book suggests this morning that Lent is “a time when we think long thoughts about the long haul.”
Borrowing a phrase from the Beatles, I dare say that during the long haul of Lent, I’ll get by with a little help from my friends. And then this quote from Henri Nouwen came to my INBOX: “When we persevere with the help of a gentle discipline, we slowly come to hear the still, small voice and to feel the delicate breeze, and so to come to know the presence of Love.”
So, today, I’m grateful for a growing sense of community.
For gentle disciplines and the encouragement of friends.
For waking up refreshed and sharing with another a feast with God in the early hours.
Might God be praised on this Monday of the first week of Lent.
1st Sunday of Lent 2010
My companion during this Lenten season is a copy of The Little Black Book – six minute meditations on the Passion of Mark. The book’s intent is to guide the reader through the daily meditative readings and develop a practice of prayer based on reflection and meditation. The intentional use of this Little Black Book is framing my observance of Lent in a simple way and for this, I am grateful. Simplicity is what I need so as to not get caught up in a legalistic performance based adherence. This first Sunday of Lent finds me in a place of peaceful, joyful consolation – a stark contrast to the unsettling desolation of Ash Wednesday. Getting ready for church this morning, I wondered if I could genuinely commemorate Lent unless I sink into a dark place of serious introspection, sacrifice and penance. Imagine my sense of relief and freedom when our new teaching pastor, Shane Hipps, invited anyone who is in a place of light during this dark season – a counterpoint to the glory of Easter, to observe Lent as a symbol of solidarity for those in our community who are grieving. If you are dreading the darkness, might you find here a little beam of light which will illuminate your path – a loving presence representative of the Living Christ - to point you to the liberating Truth of the gospel – the good news that will help to set you free from some hidden snares of avoided places of grief, pain and old wounds. Perhaps, walking together through the next five weeks of Sundays, we can find simple things to be grateful for each day despite the solemnity of these days before Easter and thus direct thankful hearts to our loving Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
With that said, here’s my list of five things that I’m grateful for today:
The Little Black Book
Our new teaching pastor, Shane Hipps
The fellowship of disciples that is Mars Hill Bible Church
Sabbath rest
This season of Lent
What are you grateful for today? Can you name five things? or is the darkness keeping you from seeing them? What one thing, then?
With that said, here’s my list of five things that I’m grateful for today:
The Little Black Book
Our new teaching pastor, Shane Hipps
The fellowship of disciples that is Mars Hill Bible Church
Sabbath rest
This season of Lent
What are you grateful for today? Can you name five things? or is the darkness keeping you from seeing them? What one thing, then?
Lent Intent
So, what about Lent?
Others on facebook have posted what their intentions might be for this season of reflection. Caroline suggested, "I've been thinking I might finally nail myself down to the discipline of writing every day." This prompted me to reply, " hmmm - Carolyn - to yield to that discipline suggests a letting go of something else. I might just do the same."
On this Saturday after Ash Wednesday you'll find me still pondering what to give up this year. Last year I gave up facebook for Lent. But I found that I need you, my facebook friends. I've come to the discernment that this year I am going to give up isolation. I see how facebook might be used as a vehicle to facilitate community - as well as make good on my intentions shared with Carolyn.
From now until Good Friday and Easter I invite as many as are willing and able to participate - to share what you are especially grateful for today.
Each day I hope to share five things for which I am grateful. What follows is the beginning of my Gratitude Journal. Read along if you like.
Let me get the ball rolling here by saying that I'm grateful for this technology.
Today I am also grateful for sunshine and blue sky (three days in a row!) For these eyes and the vision to see. For my glasess that clarify the vision.
What are you grateful for today?
Others on facebook have posted what their intentions might be for this season of reflection. Caroline suggested, "I've been thinking I might finally nail myself down to the discipline of writing every day." This prompted me to reply, " hmmm - Carolyn - to yield to that discipline suggests a letting go of something else. I might just do the same."
On this Saturday after Ash Wednesday you'll find me still pondering what to give up this year. Last year I gave up facebook for Lent. But I found that I need you, my facebook friends. I've come to the discernment that this year I am going to give up isolation. I see how facebook might be used as a vehicle to facilitate community - as well as make good on my intentions shared with Carolyn.
From now until Good Friday and Easter I invite as many as are willing and able to participate - to share what you are especially grateful for today.
Each day I hope to share five things for which I am grateful. What follows is the beginning of my Gratitude Journal. Read along if you like.
Let me get the ball rolling here by saying that I'm grateful for this technology.
Today I am also grateful for sunshine and blue sky (three days in a row!) For these eyes and the vision to see. For my glasess that clarify the vision.
What are you grateful for today?
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