prayer: lord, it is night.

Lord, it is night.


The night is for stillness. Let us be still in the presence of God.


It is night after a long day. What has been done has been done; what has not been done has not been done; let it be.

The night is dark. Let our fears of the darkness of the world and of our own lives rest in you.

The night is quiet. Let the quietness of your peace enfold us, all dear to us, and all who have no peace.

The night heralds the dawn. Let us look expectantly to a new day, new joys, new possibilities.

(Night Prayer from the Anglican prayer book in New Zealand)

thank you, Jenny, for posting this on FB.  Needed this tonight.  maybe some of you do, too.  i get so caught up when there's much to do...so much to do.  "what has been done has been done; what has not been dones has not been done; let it be."  letting it be, lovelies.  

colors of my day. 2.5.2012

feeling a little spunky tonight.  saying hello from the kitchen. 

a happy, spunky hello! 

lighting a candle for evening prayers. 

sending love and light.

shaking the mindfulness jar.  thankful for spenge for so many reasons. thank you, spenge, for showing me your jar in your kitchen window.  jo's beautiful green has glitter to match!  spenge linked to chasing the firefly for instructions.  my sweet boy had made a color experiment using watercolors+water ((i think)) and we added glitter + a little mrs. meyers dish soap per spenge's suggestion.  the mindfulness jar works quite well with its sparkly goodness.  we'll have these as make-and-take party favors for jo's 6th birthday this year.

speaking wisdom.  truly. this practice is so i can listen to wisdom.  so many times last year i became aware of those moments of knowing wisdom had spoken and i didn't listen.  i was close and knew i should listen, but i moved quickly past her voice.  i decided to listen.  to really listen.  and here we are.  

creative spaces: creative clergy prayer flags.

before a great trail run with erin, i looked up and saw her prayer flags from creative clergy hung.  my breath caught and then released, knowing how special this space is.  this is home.  this is the space where she creates, sometimes hosts church, lives and loves.  i am thankful to witness these flags in her space, shared here. 

 delight!

deep peace. deep peace.

a prayer for today, asking that the running waves be stilled. asking the earth to quiet. prayers for life and peace. hope and presence. spirit surround all who need care this moment, this day. 

one of my favorite prayers, prayed today for a special one. it's often used iSoul Weavings: A Gathering of Women's Prayers. Edited by Lyn Klug. Augsburg Fortress Publishers. page 147. deep peace to you.

Deep peace, pure white of the moon to you.

Deep peace, pure green of the grass to you.

Deep peace, pure brown of the earth to you.

Deep peace, pure gray of the dew to you.

Deep peace, pure blue of the sky to you.

Deep peace, of the running wave to you.

Deep peace, of the flowing air to you.

Deep peace, of quiet earth to you.

Deep peace, of the shining stars to you.

Deep peace, of the Son of Peace to you.

~Fiona Macleod, Ireland (1855-1905)

(shared in a previous post May 2009 & April 2010)

life stories: a prayer wreath

it's been the season for wreaths. for a number of months, I've been creating this wreath as an act of prayer for a sweet one & her family. each time I code fabrics, ripped fabrics, cut ribbon, tied them on, and looked upon it, I prayed.

a old friend now new friend prayed through selecting fabric, then constructing & creating birds to represent these sweet three.

we are honored to have presented this wreath and invite you to share your prayers as you look upon them here. take the idea and use it. share love and prayer and goodness.

something lost, something found.

while searching for a file, i found something i wrote some time ago.

i'll share this unexpected find with you today:

A spirit who dances is a spirit who sings.

A spirit who sings is a spirit who draws.

A spirit who draws is a spirit who carves.

A spirit who carves is a spirit who creates.

A spirit who creates forms mountains.

A spirit who creates forms worlds.

A spirit who creates spreads seeds.

A spirit who creates ushers peace.

5. 21. 2009 slsv

a prayer for rainbows...

photo ©the small object, 2010. used with permission.

visit sarah and her beautiful wears & blogging

wisdom at www.thesmallobject.com.

a prayer inspired by rainbow babies and the sadness coming from recent reports found here and here.

between the hopes of parent no. 1 and parent no. 2 a child is born into a dreamy landscape, filled with possibilities and horizons. between the uncertainties of person no. 1 and person no. 2 a child is born into a fearful landscape, filled with taunts and rotten tomatoes.

between the hopes and fears of each of us, creator god, bring to our hearts love. bridge fears with knowledge & understanding and dreams with space & awareness. bring us to the spaces in our own hearts where fears and hopes do not drive out what is in the present: children, youth, and adults whose lives are blooming into being.

bring into our eyes the spaces in our creative lives where rainbows are present. where lives are the rainbows. where the way we live is creative and blessed. where our steps go to create paths of peace for the children and youth and adults to follow.

let not another boy or girl be ridiculed into taking their life by a rope or a bullet or a pill. let not another child born receive such sadness and hate and misunderstanding as each develops into the being each born to be. let the rainbow babies among us grow strong, grow healthy, and grow wise.

we are in this together, source of life, and we recognize the spaces we are called to encourage, to love, and to bear witness.

may each of us come into the full awareness of our being, whether on a path straight or curved, uphill or across a meadow. may each of us come into the full awareness of our being, whether held by the hand of a wise elder or with the hands of our peers among us. may the hands that guide us into the full awareness of our being be good stewards of their task, offering love, wisdom and care.

may others see not only the goodness in our lives, but our lives in their sacred form. may we each see each other's lives as we are made to live them: creative, sacred, and loved.

may each step lead us closer into the full awareness of who we are. may we become centered on the sacred within us and the sacred of you that surrounds us. may we use those loving spaces to encircle those who suffer, who are on the path to understanding their creative self, who are entrusted to us as babies, as kindred spirits, as children, and as strangers unknown yet known. may we be the space where their roots are planted and nurtured well. may the rainbows thrive as we live, breathe, and have our being rooted in the daily practices of life.

may each live to see the change taking place. may rainbows be seen now and for years to come.

amen.

daily bread: good quotes no. 9

When I am operating at my best, my work is my prayer.

It comes out of the same place that prayer comes out of - the center, the heart.

~Matthew Fox, PHD

daily bread: good quotes no. 8

Praying

It doesn't have to be

the blue iris, it could be

weeds in a vacant lot, or a few

small stones; just

pay attention, then patch

a few words together and don't try

to make them elaborate, this isn't

a contest but the doorway

into thanks, and a silence in which

another voice may speak.

Mary Oliver, from Thirst

daily bread: a prayer for nourishment

in whatever form this blessing finds you, receive it as you read it. make it yours as you translate it to your space in life this day:

may your spirit be nourished through the work of your hands.

may your children feel the blessing of your presence,

renewed and refreshed, all the way to their toes.

a prayer for others

a prayer for mothers. a pouring of my spirit into writing as a practice. i thought i'd offer the actual text as seen. if there's a request, i can type the print. written on mother's day. more names could be added, but my heart carries them each one.

a holy sigh

*SIGH*

i find that i am able to pause more. i am able to breathe deeper and to enjoy the daily movements in life. as a minister the pace picks with Lent's arrival. i've spent more time in the hustle-bustle phase, getting those endorphins from the rushing around and minute-to-minute planning. with tasks in 4 different churches within the next week, it would be very easy to fall into those old patterns of behavior. so instead, i am reminding myself to stop and breathe. *DEEP BREATH* i find myself sighing a holy sigh, *SIGH* one that speaks in prayer & that also allows my voice to come forth.

*DEEP BREATH*

as i sigh i am reminded of the generous moments with the young clergy women almost 2 years ago at our last preaching conference, where we practiced deep breathing, sighing, and speaking from our well within using the Linklater method. i tap into the well. i breathe deep within my stomach, sending oxygen throughout my body. as it turns out, i didn't always breathe fully, which is another story for another day.

as i breathe deeply i can feel my well being fed by the source of light and life. i'm so pleased to have others who feed into the well, offering their rich wisdom which becomes a part of my own. over the past week, i have listened and learned from women in a variety of places & spaces. from coaching to therapy, from worship to comedy, from wisdom of crazy glue to wisdom of healing & wholeness, i am listening. so much affirmation has been given as i pursue wholeness, centering myself around my inner self/divine spark/my light. the echo of each draws my attention into what i am living: that if we operate out of our who we are made to be, we will find delight & grace & peace & wholeness. we will live in wisdom & God's presence. i have devoted my attention, time, and focus to mindfulness, deep breathing, yoga & pilates, creativity, and love. all of these center around the Creator, the Source of Light & Life. i am finding myself healthier, happy, and whole. i do not believe it's all about "being happy" but about being whole. Being wholly me, which sometimes means releasing a holy sigh and accepting the grace that i can be whole.

kindred spirits of the best kind

kindness is shared when kindred spirits meet.

each moment is an experience of newfound energy & growth.

seeds are planted. watering ensues. over time there's a bloom.

my kindred spirits speak in words unspoken.

subtle smiles, eyes brightened, and soothing tones.

my kindred spirits happen upon me at the right moment.

they are present at the right step in the path.

how did we get so lucky to find one another?

like the bread kneaded by loving hands,

our time together kneads us in loving ways.

our experience of justice, love, and peace is intertwined

in the expression of presence.

we see each other.

we know each other.

there's no boundary because we exist together in the same space.

aah.

breathing room.

speaking room.

being room.

thank you, kindred spirits for your loving presence. thank you for the hands that love and the hands that knead. my meditation on kindred spirits is linked to the writing that will be posted on a darling blog soon! more to come. always.

reflecting & remembering

Thoughts on Your Hands…

Yours are the hands I hold.
the hands I rub lotion onto.
the hands I wash, the hands I dry.
yours are the hands that are folded in prayer.
the hands that know my touch.
the hands that greet me and the hands that wave good bye.

My hands are the hands I hold.
my hands greet your hand with gentleness and love.
my hands are worn and dry from the hundred hand washings a day, but I hold
my hands in great esteem, so I care for them, rubbing lotion on them.
for my hands are now more cared for from your touch.
when my hands work for yours, when you cannot brush your teeth or eat your
meal, my hands are hands that bring nourishment and health.

May your hands be blessed. May your hands be cared for the way that you show care to others. Your hands are a blessing unto others. Be blessed, friends. Be blessed. Your hands (hearts, minds, & bodies) are in my prayers. Share love. Share peace.

written on 6.9.2008

this prayer & poem was written as i was departing a chaplain position in 2008. i grew in many ways during that time and am thankful for the experience. as i write & prepare, gathering thoughts, quotes, ideas, and art for the next retreat, i read my words & share them here. my mind, body, and spirit are growing in love and life as i create something new in each day. may you receive blessing & inspiration today also.

a prayer

may those who stare at broken spaces &

places find the healing that is needed.

may those who long for news receive word.

may those who are hurting and helpless

be held in loving arms & receive blessing.

may healing be found, doors be opened, &

food be served. may families find one another.

may stranger & guest share together.

1.12.2010

life stories: mindful change

i'm beginning to think that if we each spent 10 minutes (or more) a day in still, mindful meditation we'll change the world. that change will begin within each of us, and the possibilities are limitless... i'm not the first to think such thoughts, but i join in the belief system that exists.

as i remove myself from social media, as i quiet our home with no sounds other than those natural "home" sounds and the sounds from outside, as i breathe deeply & sit still, there's something that takes shape from within. there's an inner stillness & awareness that wakes up within me and speaks to the world, the universe around me. there's a loss of time and space and an new creation of presence.

each moment that i spend still, quiet, focused, mindful i find myself using fewer words. i find my comprehension & thoughts focusing and i am in love with the ability to speak well. i am in love with the ability to be centered and positive.

what has surprised me are those moments of recognition where sarcasm, once practiced, is not so present. i even read & hear sarcasm in others as complaint rather than humor. [friends, i'll still love you, but i may distance myself from some of those tweets or comments on facebook.] you likely won't know. i'll just bid you blessings and peace.

when another friend called this week and spoke of my status updates & desire to be at a table with me, to sit and be in a thoughtful, well-intentioned conversation, i was humbled. during our conversation, memories of what i read that day that weren't so thoughful or well-intentioned (says the inner critic) poured into my mind. my conversation with this beloved friend wasn't as focused or centered. my mouth opened with questions and concerns. i said OUT LOUD some of my gut's instincts over recent days. i'm not sure if it "felt" good to be unburdened and share these thoughts with this kindred spirit or not. there's no guilt or regret, just questions of why so much welled up within. what i do hope is that we have the same desires each time we speak to want to be with the other person at table, sharing a meal or coffee together. to know that when we are low, there are folks who can help us to retain our balance. to know that we can first sit in a quiet stillness, listening to the sounds of our breathing, acknowledging our own thoughts that come into play as we sit and breathe.

we have so much potential inside of us. we are full of infinite possibility. (says one of my mini mixed media) while i am not attempting to share fortune cookie-like comments, i do feel full of good things. i want to express those good thoughts & share my life story. if negative thoughts or emotions come, i don't ignore them, but send them on their way. there's no room, no space left for them.

as my loving husband told me last night, "your mind is on other things." and he's right on target: my mind is on other things. mindful, thoughtful, peaceful, loving things. still in recognition of illness, death, and sorrow. much of that is spoken of in conversations with family & friends & those in the bereavement support group. i am in tune with that reality as well. awareness is so much of what brings that mindfulness through the creative spirit. then i can create & pray. i can be mindful that life is good, even when it's not.

Reflections on the Sacred Center

Read my newest article on Fidelia's Sisters.

life stories: a song in my head

There are many people
who will say they're Christians
and they live like Christians on the Sabbath day

But come Monday morning, til the coming Sunday
They will fight their neighbor all along the way

{chorus}
Oh you don't love God, if you don't love your neighbor
if you gossip about him, if you never have mercy
if he gets into trouble, and you don't try to help him
then you don't love your neighbor, and you don't love God

In the Holy Bible, in the Book of Matthew
Read the 18th chapter in the 21st verse
Jesus plainly tells us that we must have mercy
There's a special warning in the 35th verse

Oh you don't love God, if you don't love your neighbor
if you gossip about him, if you never have mercy
if he gets into trouble, and you don't try to help him
then you don't love your neighbor, and you don't love God

There's a God almighty, and you've got to love him
if you want salvation and a home on high

If you say you love him while you hate your neighbor
then you don't have religion, you just told a lie

Oh you don't love God, if you don't love your neighbor
if you gossip about him, if you never have mercy
if he gets into trouble, and you don't try to help him
then you don't love your neighbor, and you don't love God

Oh you don't love God, if you don't love your neighbor
if you gossip about him, if you never have mercy
if he gets into trouble, and you don't try to help him
then you don't love your neighbor, and you don't love God

then you don't love your neighbor, and you don't love God

Lyrics of Rhonda Vincent's Oh, You Don't Love God if You Don't Love Your Neighbor. View a version on YouTube.

These days I carry this song with me as I walk my neighborhood. A neighborhood where there has been a great deal of violence and injustice over the years, while maintaining the charm of it's beginnings. I am among good people; some who live on the edge of existence. Some neighbors (I'll use this loosely here because I do not need to mean the house to my left or right, but my larger community) are on the edge of violence, of job security, of gas/electricity/water. Some neighbors have come and some have gone. The possible stories echo through my mind as this song courses through my head. After hearing a story on NPR related to memories that come through music, I began to connect the memory-making/importance of THIS song and THESE lyrics.

Today I began to realize that as I walk through my neighborhood, I can make my exercise not only a mission of health, but moreover a mission of prayer & peacekeeping for my neighbors. For the unknown, untold stories, I take a step for peace. Then I take another step for love, and yet another for joy. [Stop. Reach down for that piece of trash.] For the new faces that smile and say good morning or hello, I say hello, I love you, too. Sometimes a nod of the head, but good acknowledgement.

While I've been working on thoughts regarding motherhood and social justice, motherhood as a social justice issue, other ideas and thoughts are pouring through. And this blog entry relates. The connection is made in a new way in my mind. Small steps, but movement nonetheless. Some thoughts continue to percolate, as they do in my mind. Others are transferred into my new, happy system for receiving ideas and creative juices. While the motherhood + social justice article is still formulating, I record today's thoughts and connections.

Thus, I share with little of my life story as it happens. Rhonda Vincent, like many others, speak words of truth-telling in their music. Funny thing, as I'm actually wearing the earphones listening to other tunes & words, I find myself humming or singing THIS song as I travel the roads surrounding my home each morning. Speak to me, God. Speak in true tones. Speak to me God, words worthy of hearing. I have not always been a good neighbor. I'll admit that first. Yet, there are moments of grace and forgiveness and for this I am thankful.

birthing miracles: a prayer

photo courtesy of fertilecrescentfarm.

Creator of Life, who breathes us into being, whose spirit can be the first breath, whose knowing can be the first knowing, grant your spirit of love, presence, and peace surround parents who birth hope today. To parents whose child comes from birthing waters of development into the world full of infinite possibility, draw your loving presence near. As you draw near, dance among these, pouring all the love and affection coming from many parts of creation to these we love and bless.

Well maker, bless the wellspring whose waters flow: tears of love, tears of gratitude, tears of pain, tears of joy, tears with no name. These waters from your source become waters of welcome, as part of the birthing waters this day.

Creative Presence, as you have paired creatively these who will love and be loved, may your spirit work within the transformation taking place through love. whether by labor of love in a car, train, and plane to birth a new daughter who is birthed through hopes and dreams and love in a creative, courageous way, or through the process of labor, birthing a child in a room with midwife and father, soothe and support their laboring love.

Wellspring of Life, may the anticipation of waiting and watching and laboring become the sacred gift of life, the gift of hope, the gift of dream. Bless these who wait, these who welcome, these whose hearts are filled so full. Bless the prayers and hopes and dreams surrounding this creative mystery this day.

Mothering God, may birth bring pure love, light and peace to these and their supportive families and friends. Delight be shared in all ways in this day and the days to come for these as parents who travel to meet their child and for children who travel to meet their parents. May the birthing waters within, surrounding, and oceans below be for these the waters that bring miracles.

Amen.

Today, may S, A & B each be blessed as they bless. Receive love, friends.

deep peace

one of my favorite prayers.  it's often used in worship and in prayerful experiences since receiving the book.  Soul Weavings: A Gathering of Women's Prayers.  Edited by Lyn Klug.  Augsburg Fortress Publishers (at 50% off). page 147.  deep peace to you.

Deep peace, pure white of the moon to you.  

Deep peace, pure green of the grass to you.

Deep peace, pure brown of the earth to you. 

Deep peace, pure gray of the dew to you. 

Deep peace, pure blue of the sky to you.

Deep peace, of the running wave to you.

Deep peace, of the flowing air to you.

Deep peace, of quiet earth to you.

Deep peace, of the shining stars to you.

Deep peace, of the Son of Peace to you.

~Fiona Macleod, Ireland (1855-1905)