By Lilly Lewin
Another crazy week has ended. Wildfires are raging again in California, refugees are dying in trucks while trying to find a better life in a new country, people are living in chronic pain and dealing with cancer, children are still separated from their parents at the border, and our leaders spend more time accusing and condemning, rather than actually leading.
It’s overwhelming!
I’m grateful to be in the beautiful Pacific Northwest this week visiting with my sister and niece. One dealing with chronic pain and the other a chronic illness… but both still filled with love, laughter and joy! One of our practices when we hang out together is to do puzzles. We go to a great local bookstore nearby and find a new puzzle that inspires us. Then we go to work! We are dedicated! This week, our new puzzle took us only a day to complete! We all loved the vibrant colors and seeing the different British doors. 
I love the process of finding all the outside pieces and beginning to see the picture come to life. I love getting down to the last pieces and actually sorting and looking at them by shape, rather than by color or design. AND I l really love the feeling of accomplishment when a puzzle is completed!
As I put this new puzzle back in it’s box, I was reminded of one of my favorite passages in the Bible
Colossians 1:18-20 The Message (MSG)
We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen. We look at this Son and see God’s original purpose in everything created. For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels—everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him. He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment. And when it comes to the church, he organizes and holds it together, like a head does a body.
He was supreme in the beginning and—leading the resurrection parade—he is supreme in the end. From beginning to end he’s there, towering far above everything, everyone. So spacious is he, so roomy, that everything of God finds its proper place in him without crowding. Not only that, but all the broken and dislocated pieces of the universe—people and things, animals and atoms—get properly fixed and fit together in vibrant harmonies, all because of his death, his blood that poured down from the cross..
Read the passage again . Not only that, but all the broken and dislocated pieces of the universe—people and things, animals and atoms—get properly fixed and fit together in vibrant harmonies, all because of his death, his blood that poured down from the cross.
All things hold together in Jesus! This gives me hope and great comfort! As I put the pieces back in the box, I thought of Jesus holding all the broken things of this world. All the craziness of fires, and floods, and cancer. All the broken systems and broken people.
Can you and I let Jesus hold the pieces for us this weekend?
1. Find a puzzle and take time to put it together…. on your own, with your family, with friends. Talk together. Make it fun, not a competition. Enjoy the process of slowing down and not looking at a screen. What do you notice about the process? Consider how Jesus is fitting the pieces of your life together.
2. Not everyone enjoys the process of puzzle making. What other game, craft or project has lots of pieces that you actually do enjoy putting together or doing? Take time to do this and consider the process and the pieces.
3. Find an old puzzle that has lost some pieces or a buy a very inexpensive puzzle so you can use it just for the puzzle pieces themselves. Read and Listen to this passage as a family, small group, youth group etc. Give everyone in your group a puzzle piece to hold on to and carry with them. Listen to the passage again as you hold the puzzle piece. Keep the puzzle piece with you this week. Carry it in your pocket, put one in your car, or on your desk to remind you that Jesus is holding all the pieces together! He is properly fixing them in their place!
What pieces do you need Jesus to hold together for you this week? Talk to Jesus about this.
What Broken Pieces in our world, in your neighborhood, in your family, or friends to you need Jesus to hold today? Pray for these. Allow Jesus to hold and carry these pieces for you! If you are doing this as a group, talk about these pieces and share your concerns with each other.
Finally, check out Puzzle Pieces and the Examen. by Becky Eldredge. If you’ve never prayed the Examen, it might be the perfect prayer practice to try and a great addition to your walk with Jesus.
Thank you Jesus for Holding the pieces of our World together, even the dislocated ones and the ones we don’t understand. Thank you Jesus that you know the missing pieces of our lives that we need to find. Thank you that you see the finished puzzle even when we are still searching to find those missing pieces. Thank you for holding each of us in the palm of your hand just like we hold this puzzle piece. Hold us close to you as we hold the puzzle piece today. Help us to see more of you in all we do. AMEN
©lillylewin and freerangeworship.com
Here is a beautiful post written by Keren Dibbens-Wyatt for International Artist Day!
When I was six years old, my primary school entered an international painting competition and mine was one of the winning entries. It seemed quite a big deal and we were even on tv for five whole seconds!
But the following week my teacher told me I was talented and asked me to paint one of my classmates. The results were not particularly amazing. But instead of encouraging me and getting me to try again, the teacher made no secret of her disappointment.
“Oh,” she said, “I thought you had something, but clearly not.”
I wasn’t particularly hurt, that I remember, but I didn’t really bother getting excited about paints any more. I accepted what the grown-up had said, because they knew better than me. I buried that talent somewhere deep and didn’t remember this episode till a few years ago, when I began painting and drawing again in my near middle age.
It started with a Lenten practice in an online community that required a creative act once a day. I thought I would write a poem. But something in me gave me a nudge. Draw it. But I’m no good at drawing. Draw it anyway. And the community saw my drawing and did not belittle it, or laugh, as I thought they might. They said, “Do some more!” So I did.
Then I tried painting. I had an old set of watercolours. Not a good place for a beginner artist to start, usually, and the results bore that out. I needed something a bit less tricky. My husband Rowan (a multi-talented man) had a small set of pastels. “Might I have a little go with them?” I asked tentatively. “Of course!”
I showed him my first picture and he said, “I think you’ve got something. You should do some more.”
Hundreds of drawings and paintings later, not only can I not imagine my life without art, but I’m not sure I could have got through these past few years of my decades long chronic illness without the joy it has given me. Especially so the last fourteen months during which I’ve been housebound.
I am grateful for the gift God has given me, and the way he uses it. But here’s the thing that makes me even more thankful: the online group could have dismissed my first few childlike drawings, but they didn’t. They might have not even bothered to notice or encourage me. They doubtless had better things to do. But instead they affirmed me.
Likewise, my husband might not have wanted me messing up his pastels. Instead, he not only let me use all his art materials, but he has lovingly encouraged me every step of the way. If something’s bad, he’ll tell me, and I rely on his expertise, but he never discourages me. He always believes I can do things, even though I’m painting for just a short time on a board on my lap, with very weak arms and very little energy. He is rooting for me.
How precious are words of encouragement! How wonderful it is when others give their time to draw gifts and talents out of us and help us use and nurture them! This is such a godly activity!
My teacher would doubtless be horrified that her words stifled my gift for so long. It is so easy to discourage, to show disappointment, and children pick these things up with very little help. But, oh the difference when someone takes the time and makes the effort to give us the freedom to find out who we really are. That’s a kind of wonderful pastoring we can all do in our lives, whether we are creative or think we are not.
I wonder, my friends, what might you nurture in someone else, or what might you begin today that will make you thankful you did?
(the two artworks shown are my very first pastel, along with one done more recently. Hopefully you can tell which is which)
pastel art by Keren Dibbens-Wyatt
pastel art by Keren Dibbens-Wyatt
Keren Dibbens-Wyatt is a chronically ill writer and artist with a passion for poetry, mysticism, story and colour. Her writing features regularly on spiritual blogs and in literary journals. Her full-length publications include Garden of God’s Heart and Whale Song: Choosing Life with Jonah. She has a new book, Recital of Love, coming out with Paraclete Press in June 2020. Keren lives in South East England and is mainly housebound by her illness.
by Christine Sine
Yesterday I went for a walk in the rain with our golden retriever Goldie. I bundled us both up in our raincoats, pulled my hood over my head and took off, – head down intent on avoiding puddles and complaining under my breath at the inclement weather.
Halfway through the walk my attitude changed. I started remembering the delight of walking in the rain as a child, not afraid to get my head and my clothes wet, loving the feel of raindrops on my face and the brisk beautiful feel of wind and rain on my face. So I threw back my hood and for the rest of the walk I relished the delight of rain. I came back feeling refreshed, renewed and uplifted.
This walking in the rain I realized is a very spiritual thing.
Ready to walk in the rain
The Delight of Rain
Evidently rain is good for us not just physically but emotionally and I suspect spiritually too.
Walking In the rain lifts our spirits. Have you noticed that whereas standing inside watching the rain pour down makes us feel grumpy and depressed, getting out and walking in the rain actually lifts our spirits? Raindrops on our faces and wind in our hair, makes us feel alive and renewed. There is nothing more invigorating than the smell of rain after a long period of dry weather. And evidently there is a reason for that.
Bacteria, plants and even lightning can all play a role in the pleasant smell we experience after a thunderstorm; that of clean air and wet earth.
Known as petrichor, the scent has long been chased by scientists and even perfumers for its enduring appeal. (Petrichor: Why Does Rain Smell So Good? )
God has designed us to appreciate rain and to be enlivened by it.
Rain is a miracle that helps us see the world and the people in it differently. It changes our view of reality as though we are looking through a different lens. Familiar places look different. Well known people look different and in the midst we sometimes catch different glimpses of God – a God who provides the miracle of rain to refresh the earth so that the crops will grow, and people will thrive. –
-
He does wonderful things that confound,
infinite numbers of miracles.
10 He gives rain to the earth,
sends down water to the fields;
11 He lifts up the downtrodden, bolsters the bereaved,
raising them to safety. (Job 5:9-11 The Voice)
Rain teaches us acceptance. Rain is indifferent to our plans and our desires. I remember once praying fervently that God would stop the rain… because I had planned a picnic for that day. And guess what the rain did not stop. God (and the rain) were indifferent to my self-centeredness. It helped me to let go of my best laid plans and expectations of the day.
Rain represents something beyond our control, like the absurdities that happen in our daily lives. Accepting things as they are and choosing to continue to go about our business of living life in a positive mood leads to greater happiness. (The Benefits of Walking In The Rain)
More than that walking in the rain helps build stamina and resilience preparing us for the less than ideal conditions that we experience in other parts of our lives too. It takes more effort to walk in the rain, especially against the wind.
Rain provides a place of solitude. I love to walk with my husband and with friends, to talk and share moments of delight as we walk, but I also love the aloneness of a rain filled walk that isolates me into a secret world of my own thoughts. This is particularly true of an urban walk through usually noisy and crowded streets which have suddenly become a quiet refuge that you have all to yourself.
Rain cleans the air, and for those who live in heavily populated urban areas this might be the most healthy time to get out and explore the neighbourhood.
What Is Your Response?
Is it raining where you live? Consider a walk on your own outside to enjoy the invigorating effects. Lift your face to the wind.
Feel the rain in your hair and the wind on your face. How does it make you feel? Are you aware of God touching your spirit in the same way that the rain is touching your face?
Taste the raindrops landing on your tongue. Imagine them cleansing not just the air around you but also your spirit and your soul. Is there something specific that needs cleaning in your life that God is prompting you to consider?
Look around you – what do you notice that looks different? Is there something that God would speak to you about through that difference?
Listen for the voice of God in the silence. In the uncluttered space without traffic noise is there something that you hear God saying to you?
When you get home watch the video below, spend some time in prayer and journal about what you heard God say.
On November 1, we celebrate All Saints Day and I thought that you would appreciate some of the resources that are available here on Godspace to help you celebrate. Here are some suggestions on how to celebrate:
Remembering those who impact our lives, those who have gone before, and those who are still with us is an important part of our faith. The Episcopal Church website explains:
We step aside from the flow of the propers and celebrate all the saints. We stop. We notice, We are surrounded by a flock of witnesses in our midst – many who have gone before us, some we are just now releasing, and still more with a full life ahead of them.
I love the Anglican tradition of renewing our baptismal vows on this day. Reminding ourselves of the journey we have taken personally is a good place to start in remembering the saints of God. In this tradition, all baptized Christians, living and dead known and unknown are considered saints of God. This means everyone including ourselves.
So as you get ready for All Saints Day, think about your own faith journey. Remember the faithfulness of God in your past. Notice the movement of God in the present. Think about your hopes and dreams for the future. Get ready to celebrate all that you are as a saint of God.
But don’t stop there. This is a special day for celebrating. Here are some suggestions:
This year (2022) we wrote icons for All Saint’s Sunday. We were given blank icon templates and asked to write an icon of a “saint” who influenced our lives. Some chose famous people they have met like Desmond Tutu but most of us wrote about family members – mothers and grandmothers, fathers and grandfathers being the most common. We then shared some of the stories. It was a wonderfully enriching process.
Plan a special “remembering” table to set up in the nave. Have congregants bring photos or small memorabilia of dear ones who have gone before us and place them on the table. During the worship on All Saint’s Day, hold a special blessing of the photos and memories. Our church, Saint Andrews Episcopal in Seattle provides white ribbons for people to write the names of their departed loved ones on. These are wound around the communion rail and hung around the church for the season after All Saints Day.
- To adapt this for 2020, ask congregants to have their photos and white ribbon or paper ready during your online service so you can still participate in this activity at home. Recommend that they hang their ribbon/paper in a place where they will see it throughout the season.
Hold an All Saints’ Day party – a great alternative to Halloween. Get everyone to dress as their favourite saint, or to bring a picture of this saint. During the festivities, get everyone to share a story about their saint and the impact he or she has had on their lives. Or you might like to get participants to guess who each person represents.
- Absolutely possible to do online through video chat!
Plan a family heritage party. Invite people to do some work beforehand researching their family history and particularly the Christian saints who were a part of it. Ask them to bring photos and stories to share. Finish with a time of prayer for all those that have gone before us.
- Also, a lovely idea for gathering together online and connecting with others in a deeper way for this holiday.
Several years ago, when my youngest brother went to Greece, where my father comes from, he found out that it is possible that our family name, Aroney, comes from the name Aaron and that our family probably originated in Jerusalem many centuries ago. It is probable that one of the reasons they began the journey out of Jerusalem first to Constantinople, then to Rhodes and finally to the tiny island of Kithera, at the bottom of the Peloponnese mountains, is because they became Christians. There are a number of Greek orthodox priests in my father’s family history and my Aunt Mary was a very devout Greek Orthodox Christian. nI know less about my mother’s family history but would love to find out where her family has had profound encounters with God too.
Plan an All Saints Day pilgrimage. Again this might require some before time research. Explore the Christian heritage of your community. Where did the first Christians come from? How did they interact with the native peoples? Where was the first church established? Who were some of the early Christians who impacted your community. Plan a pilgrimage walk to the site of the first Christian community and, if possible, have a time of prayer and possibly even a eucharistic celebration to remember those who have gone before.
This Taize service from St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church may also inspire some ideas for celebrating or just allow you to contemplate the celebration of this day.
What are your ideas for celebrating All Saints Day this year? It is a great alternative to Halloween and we would love to hear what you are doing.
We encourage you to also check out these great posts written a few years ago –
- One Protestant’s Reflection on All Saints Day by Kathie Hempel and
- All Saint’s Day: An Opportunity to Remember Every Day Saints by Lynne Baab.
- The Gift of All Hallow’s Eve – Jan Blencowe
- Coming Home for All Saints Day
Below is a beautiful poem written by Ana Lisa de Jong –
THE COMMUNION OF THE SAINTS
He who sits outside time
wraps us in light.
We, a globe suspended in the sky,
are circled by the saints.
We circle the centre
of our solar systems place,
in an ancient universe
growing every day.
Yet we are still firmly
and tenderly held.
Secured by laws of gravity,
and grace.
We, who sit inside time
live tied yet to the ground
He, outside us where all is clear,
reigns in community.
We cannot know,
but sometimes have the strangest view
of a world beyond our grasp.
We sense a smile, we feel the robes
of ones gone long before.
It does not matter if we are yet to know,
enough we feel their presence.
The love of those who hold us close
in the communion of heaven.
I also wrote this prayer a number of years ago in reflection of All Saint’s Day:
God we are surrounded by a cloud
Faithful witnesses who have gone before
Those who have loved where we would have hated
Those who have healed where we would have hurt
Those who have spoken out when we would have remained silent
God may we walk in their footsteps
Learning courage from their sacrifice
Gaining strength from their faithfulness
May we learn to give so that others may receive
May we learn to love so that others may be set free
May we learn to die to ourselves so that others might live
God may we join that cloud of faithful witnesses
Treading paths of loving obedience
Leaving footprints that others desire to walk in
God may we too lead kingdom lives
Amen
It is impossible to think about gratitude without being reminded of these beautiful prayers/meditations by Brother David Steindl-Rast. I have posted tem several times over the years that Godspace has been in existence and love to return to them to help me relax and remind myself of all that I have to be grateful for.
Take a few minutes today to relax, breathe deeply and listen to one (or both) of these beautiful meditations.
If you enjoyed this you might like to visit Gratefulness.org/ where you can find more of Brother Steidl-Rast’s meditations.
Updated for 2022
Halloween is still a week away, but by the Halloween costumes, candy and gruesome house decorations appearing, and the horror movies ready to launch, I would say it is very much on peoples’ minds here in the U.S. So it is time to think about what you are going to do. Now I am not an advocate for Halloween. When I grew up in Australia it was not really celebrated and it always seems weird to me that Christians celebrate it as much as non Christians but here in America it is such a part of the culture that we really need to think about creative faith-based ways to celebrate. And I must confess that carving Halloween lanterns can be fun.
I am not going to get into the theology here. Some Christians see this celebration as evil and like to stay home with lights off. Others feel we should participate in ways that engage and redeem the culture. I am of that persuasion and so thought that you might like some resources to help you too:
Verge Network has a useful article Twelve Simple Ways to Be Missional this Halloween
Another helpful article from Grace to You: Christians and Halloween. It includes some historical perspectives as well as some suggestions for alternative celebrations like harvest or Reformation festivals. They also point out that there are some not so good alternatives like Hellhouse evangelism. I particularly love the idea of taking acts of mercy out into the community and treating treating” needy families with food baskets, gift cards, and the gospel message.
One alternative is to hold an All Saints Party. Rather than celebrating Halloween celebrate All Saints Day November 1st. Have kids dress up as their favourite person or saint. Finding Truth in Halloween is a good article to start with. It has some great ideas for All Saints/Halloween party with downloadable coloring pages for kids.
This is a great alternative way to share stories (maybe of the saints that have most influenced you life), decorate pumpkins if you must but also consider some alternatives like decorating window panes with non-toxic paint markers, making Christmas decorations and wreaths. This article from Christianity Today is a thoughtful approach. You may also like to look at: Should Christians Celebrate Halloween and Should Christians Celebrate Halloween (yes 2 different articles with the same name) which are good articles about this.
One of my favourite ideas is Reverse Trick or Treating: The goal is to publicize the fact that most chocolate sold in the US is tainted by child slavery and exploitative conditions for adult workers. Fairtrade eliminates child labour and ensures healthy working conditions with a living wage for workers.
Thousands of groups of Trick-or-Treaters in the United States and Canada will unite to help:
- END poverty among cocoa farmers
- END forced/abusive child labor in the cocoa industry
- PROTECT the environment
- PROMOTE Fair Trade
How? By distributing Fair Trade chocolate to adults, attached to a card explaining these problems in the cocoa industry and how Fair Trade presents a solution. You can learn more about this initiative here.
My growing concern for just working conditions for children makes me a strong advocate for this. I think it is a wonderful way to raise awareness of these issues and show consistency for our values.
I love this little video that some reverse trick or treaters put together a couple of years ago – not sure if they were part of the Fair Trade movement though.
Green America also posted an interesting article a couple of years ago that is worth a read. It highlights some of the concerns about the toxicity of paint and the waste of materials. Here are some of their thoughts and suggestions:
- Sustainable Halloween Practices: “In 2019, the National Retail Federation expected the 172 million people who celebrate Halloween to spend a whopping $86.79 per person, mostly on costumes and candy. That money adds up to a staggering $8.8 billion across the nation.” On this note, Dana Shugrue has put together a wonderful list of suggestions for 7 Easy Ways To Reduce Halloween Waste
- Face paint: A 2009 study by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics found that 10 out of 10 children’s face paints tested contained at least trace levels of lead. This article provides some DIY alternatives.
- The Candy Problem: 41 million kids in the U.S. go trick or treating. No wonder one out of three children in America are overweight and many will develop diabetes. Consider making your own healthy treats, giving out non food items like polished stones, temporary tattoos, or friendship bracelets.
- Swap costumes: Millions of costumes are purchased in the U.S. each year. Consider holding a pre-Halloween party to swap, mend, make, or borrow costumes from your friends.
- Organize a Community or Neighbourhood Event. Green Halloween started in Seattle but grew into a national phenomenon with community events at more than 50 locations. You might want to join in the fun and get to know some of your neighbours.
What to do with the pumpkins though? Make the most of them. Kids and adults alike love carving and decorating pumpkins, but I hate to watch them slowly rotting on the porch. I grew up with pumpkin as the main part of my diet. It is great in soups, pies and roasted as a vegetable. Or as pumpkin bread or muffins. You can also save the seeds and toast them in the oven with a little salt. Here are links to some of my favourite recipes:
- Pumpkin Soup Carribbean Style with Black Beans
- Walk Through the Garden Soup
- Pumpkin Bread. This is a great recipe – and as it says it is adaptable.
- Gluten-Free, Grain Free Chocolate Chip Muffins I have not tried this recipe but it looks interesting – uses almond butter and honey instead of sugar.
- Gluten-Free Pumpkin Oatmeal Anytime Squares. Again I have not tried these but they look very interesting.
by Christine Sine
This week’s gratitude scavenger hunt has taken me in directions I never expected.
I started by walking around our beautiful home thanking God for the many blessings it provides for us –
For office space that has become sacred space – big enough for a desk, an altar, shelves for lots of plants and to display my prayers.
For space to do hospitality and the appliances that make it easy – stove, microwave, electric kettle, crockpot, a spare room, a big living room and dining room for entertaining.
For plenty of light that keeps us all cheerful in the winter dark and helps my houseplants grow;
For private space for Tom and I where we can relax away from the pressures of community.
For a big backyard to grow vegetables in and lots of flowers to make us all smile.
Gratitude for home
The list seemed to go on forever but as we talked about this at our community meal on Tuesday Lisa reminded us that her family in Northern California is without power and I was brought up short by the reminder of so many who lack the privileges I take for granted. Flush toilets and electricity and warm showers. There is a whole realm of thanksgivings that I need to add to my list. Without these life is harsh and unsanitary. My thanksgivings need to elicit a response. What can I do to make it easier for some of those who are houseless and without sanitation to find a safe and secure place to live?
So as I bask in the joy and gratitude of a home when so many do not have one I am reminded to pray and to commit to a response.
I read through Isaiah 65:21-22 here quoted in The Voice and claim it as God’s promise for all those who are without shelter today.
People will confidently build houses and make them their homes;
they will plant vineyards and enjoy their fruit for years to come.
22 They won’t worry that someone else will come along, drive them out,
and take it all away.
For My people will live as long as these age-old trees;
My chosen will use up and wear out whatever they make.
Photo collage of those who have lost homes
I am reminded of those who have lost their homes because of hurricanes and fires and war. Spent quite a bit of time praying for those in the Bahamas who still do not have homes and for so many others in Puerto Rico who even after so many years are still without shelter. And that is only the tip of the iceberg. People in California and Australia who have lost their homes to wildfires, and most devastating of all the impact of war, the devastation of bombing and the need to flee with little hope of a secure place to land.
I was reminded too of those who have been pushed out of their homes because of injustice, economic pressure, and greed. We love Camano Island Coffee partly because this company partners with Agros to help people in Central America build houses and form community.
My gratitude for what I have needs to spill over into compassionate action. As I say in The Gift of Wonder:
Gratitude is about changing our perspectives not our circumstances. We can all reframe what happens to us with gratitude not resentment recognizing the richness of our lives in comparison to others. I am grateful for flush toilets, but millions in our world don’t have them. It is an added delight to think about how I could I make someone else’s life better by making this luxury available to them.
My reflections this week led to the creation of 2 collages – one of photos of our house and another of photos of those who lack housing. It is a good reminder for me to ensure my gratitude rolls over into action.
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