by Carol Dixon
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Valentine’s day (14 February) is a day when people celebrate love and often send cards as a token of their affection. I thought it might be good to look at the history of the tradition.
It was thought that Valentine’s day began with St. Valentine, who was martyred around 197 AD, but it is more likely to be a Christian interpretation of the Roman festival of Lupercalia, the spring fertility festival celebrated on February 13th-15th. The first recorded mention of Valentine’s day was written in 1382 when Chaucer wrote his poem Parliament of Fowls about 3 male eagles expressing their love for a female bird.
In France in the 15th century it became an annual feast day celebrating romantic love with lavish banquets. A French aristocrat imprisoned in the tower of London after the battle of Agincourt sent the first recorded valentine greeting to his wife (‘I am sick for love for you my gentle Valentine’) which can still be seen in the archives of the British library. Shakespeare also mentions Valentine’s day in Hamlet when Ophelia says ‘Tomorrow is St Valentine’s day and if in the morn be-time, I a maid at your window come to be your Valentine ‘. In 1776 the earliest version of a famous Valentine message was first printed ‘The rose is red, the violet’s blue, the honey’s sweet and so are you’ which was adapted from a quote in Spencer’s Fairie Queen.
The Georgians were the first to send homemade Valentine cards delivered by hand and by the time the Victorians came along the first commercial cards began to appear and were sent by Penny Post. The industry began to blossom – these days it is sometimes over the top with expensive gifts, cordon bleu champagne dinners, and even exotic romantic breaks for two in posh hotels.
Some people past and present sent cards to friends and family (someone is even recorded sending a card to their dog!) but the big question is ‘How do we celebrate love?’ One of the best descriptions of love was written by St. Paul, a man not known for his romantic attachments, who wrote one of the most famous passages on the theme of love in first letter to the Corinthians Ch 13. Here is part of it:
13 1-3 If I speak with the eloquence of human beings and of angels, but have no love, I become no more than blaring brass or crashing cymbal. If I have the gift of foretelling the future and hold in my mind not only all human knowledge but the very secrets of God, and if I also have that absolute faith which can move mountains, but have no love, I amount to nothing at all. If I dispose of all that I possess, yes, even if I give my own body to be burned, but have no love, I achieve precisely nothing.
4 This love of which I speak is slow to lose patience—it looks for a way of being constructive. It is not possessive: it is neither anxious to impress nor does it cherish inflated ideas of its own importance.
5-6 Love has good manners and does not pursue selfish advantage. It is not touchy. It does not keep account of evil or gloat over the wickedness of other people. On the contrary, it is glad when truth prevails. 7-8a Love knows no limit to its endurance, no end to its trust, no fading of its hope; it can outlast anything. It is, in fact, the one thing that still stands when all else has fallen. All gifts except love will be superseded one day
13 In this life we have three great lasting qualities—faith, hope and love. But the greatest of them is love.
My friend Sheila Hamil wrote a wonderful musical version of it called ‘If I have not love’.
I also love this poem ‘What is love’ by Ruth Burgess (from Iona Books)
Love grows…
love laughs…
love sings…
love cares…
love cries…
love dances…
love does.
Love is beautiful…
love is powerful…
love is exciting…
love is hopeful…
love is warm…
love is a journey…
love is.
Love takes risks…
love makes you vulnerable…
love asks questions…
love tells stories…
love stands up for justice…
love gets you…
love does.
So be warned you lovers,
you learners,
you adventurers,
be warned!
Though you can never be ready
love beckons…
love expands…
love changes lives…
love does.
J.B. Phillips’ translation of 1 Corinthians 13 has very special connotations for Donald and I. It was the reading at our wedding chosen by Revd. Ted Mather who married us at St James’s Church Alnwick on July 4th, 1970. In his wedding address (which we still have on reel to reel tape) Ted told us that although Paul’s great description of love is a blueprint for daily Christian living, it is also an ideal to strive for in our relationships with one another. Wise words indeed. I am not sure that Donald and I have always achieved such perfection every day in our marriage but at least we are still trying to put it into practice 52 and a half years later!
Nowadays this kind of love is seen as countercultural especially in these days of selfies, self-awareness, and the importance of our own needs above everyone else’s. Advocating a life of self-sacrifice seems ridiculous to many people. In the media in particular, a person’s right to retaliate instead of forgiving and moving on is seen as normal and any other way is ridiculed. ‘Look what so and so has done to me, I am damaged for life’ is the mantra. Little wonder Paul calls living in Christian love a higher or better way.
Yet love is not all easy going, easy pleasing. It isn’t just an attitude of being nice to everyone. One of the modern misconceptions about Christianity is that love will tolerate all things and do nothing. Obviously, the people who think that have never read the gospels and seen how radical Jesus was!
St. Paul wasn’t a romantic as far as love was concerned. He was a realist and he realized that love wasn’t just a feeling. Love was a choice. Paul chose to follow the command of Jesus and he commended it to his contemporaries as the way that Jesus advocates, as recorded by John in Ch. 15 of his gospel:
Jesus said 11 “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My commandment is this: love one another, just as I love you. 13 The greatest love you can have for your friends is to give your life for them. 14 And you are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 I do not call you servants any longer, because servants do not know what their master is doing. Instead, I call you friends, because I have told you everything I heard from my Father. 16 You did not choose me; I chose you and appointed you to go and bear much fruit, the kind of fruit that endures. And so the Father will give you whatever you ask of him in my name. 17 This, then, is what I command you: love one another. [John 15:11-17 GNB]
This Valentine’s Day it is good to send love to our special loved ones but it is also a reminder to live in love with all – to love one another as Jesus loves us, to choose to try and live by Paul’s practical advice and take Jesus at his word.
Some years ago our singing group at church used to sing a hymn called ‘Love is his Word’ which is still well worth listening to today.
So whether you are on your own, with a friend, or in a wonderful partnership like Donald and I you can still enjoy celebrating love on St Valentine’s day. May we live in love, walk in peace and share God’s blessing with all, on St Valentine’s Day and every day.
Donald & Carol
Golden Wedding
Did you know that alongside Christine Sine’s book The Gift of Wonder, we have many resources available to you? The free downloadable bonus packet or beautiful prayer cards featuring prayers from the book, for example – something to hold and behold! Or perhaps you’d like to journey through the book alongside a retreat – we have that too! You can check it all out in our shop!
by Christine Sine
Last week I listened to a series of meditations by Barbara Brown Taylor. One of them was on the intentional practice of getting lost. What on earth would I want to get lost on purpose for was my first response. I have a very good sense of direction and when Tom and I travel together we rarely get lost. When he travels alone he often lost and has had many unexpected adventures and encounters as a result.
Surprisingly this topic kept revolving in my mind. Maybe it is because I will be traveling to Australia next week for the first time for almost 4 years and I suspect that there have been many changes since then. The possibility of getting lost in what was once a well known landscape is quite high.
Why would I want to get lost on purpose though? Rochelle Seltzer in her article Getting Lost on Purpose explains:
Because when you let yourself wander without an agenda, without knowing what you will find, you are open to surprise. And open to delight. And open to unexpected wonder. Letting yourself be spontaneous and open to whatever you may discover, and delighting in the surprises (even if you come across something like a decaying old factory rather than a scenic babbling brook), fires up your brain. It inspires you and prompts you to think differently. It ignites creativity and opens you to new possibilities.
Wow. This getting lost on purpose is just the kind of activity I delight in and as I think about it, I realize it would make a wonderful practice for my upcoming trip. I love to wander and explore and the idea of wandering aimlessly through a landscape that I once knew well really does inspire me. Such a practice encourages me to walk slowly, to look with wide open eyes and avidly listening ears, to pay attention with all my senses. It is one way of saying – it is not the destination that matters but rather the journey. And as I wander I pay attention not just to the landscape around me but to the voice of God within me. New landscapes, new perspectives, new encounters are often the ways in which God speaks to us.
So here is my proposed practice for the next few weeks. Will let you know how I do and what I learn:
- First I need to set aside sufficient time for this experience. A couple of hours at least 2 or 3 times a week should work well. I also need to take a small journal with me so that I can reflect on my experiences at the end of the excursion.
- Second I plan to take the bus or train to a destination I was once familiar with but that has changed a lot since I last explored it.
- Next I will wander aimlessly through the area without a map or my phone GPS turned on and with no destination in mind. What landmarks still look familiar? What has changed beyond recognition? What unexpected sites caught your attention and gave me joy? I am excited about the possibility of discovering gardens I never saw before, or murals on buildings.
- If I see a plaque on a building I will stop and read it and spend a few minutes imagining the person, the event or the place it commemorates.
- I will take photos as I walk of whatever catches my eye.
- When I find a place to sit down I will take time to look through my photos and reflect on my experience and on the sense of God’s presence within my wandering.
- I will write about it in my journal and then say a prayer of thanks to God for the experience.
I realize that there are lots of things that could derail this practice for me over the next few weeks, but if I don’t practice it in Australia, I look forward to doing so once I return home. Setting out aimlessly without a destination in mind gives me permission to explore and to listen in ways I don’t normally do.
When Rochelle Seltzer suggested it to her (without the spiritual elements) they report that the peace and pleasure of their short excursions have a big positive impact on the rest of their day, and opened up their thinking in surprising ways. I am looking forward to trying it. I hope you will too.
~ Goodfellow
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by Hilary Horn
February, but more distinctly, Valentine’s day, can create a variety of emotions for different people in all walks of life. For my kids, it’s about hearts, candy and receiving little notes at school. For couples, it may be a special date, beautiful flowers or a treat together. For singles, I’ve experienced “galentines” where you just create a fun space with friends. No matter what stage or age, it can be a special month to create spaces of hospitality, connection and celebrate the love you have between you, your spouse, and your friends & family. Even if it creates a pang of isolation or loneliness, no matter your age or stage in life, Valentine’s Day can be celebrated because of God’s great love.
All love stories, no matter if it’s a platonic friendship or with a partner have a chance to embody virtues, but above all we can practice love. These aren’t hasty experiences. Often when we cultivate friendship and love they are long journeys. They need time, care, commitment, and humility.
Try this fun activity. When you think of the definition of love in 1 Corinthians 13, ask yourself how you can be this way towards those you are trying to build a deeper connection with. Get nitty gritty with each word that describes Love. Make it really attainable in the month of February. No matter if it is a spouse, a dear friend or a new one!
Here’s some ideas:
Patience: Embody listening by attentively paying attention to whoever is talking with you. If someone easily frustrates you, take a pause to ask why and think of a way to practice patience with them.
Kindness: Help someone out that you have never met with a practical need. It could be as simple as helping reach something on a shelf at a grocery store, volunteering for something when someone is overwhelmed or doing a chore at home that isn’t your typical responsibility.
Not Envious: Take space to do some soul care and ask where you may be envious of others? Dig deep to understand why and ask the Lord how you can let that go and practice gratitude for what you do have.
Not Proud: Another opportunity where you can ask the Lord where you may be prideful. If you’re brave, ask your spouse! Creating some humble learning and work towards maturity.
Not rude: Smile more! Put your phone away when you are engaging with someone.
Not Self-seeking: At your workplace, how can you help out in a new way that isn’t just for a promotion or recognition? How can you serve in a way that is unseen?
Not Angered: Next time you experience something that upsets you, take a breath and ask yourself why. Instead of immediately responding out of emotion, give yourself a 1 minute “timeout” to collect yourself.
No records of wrongs: Have you been tallying wrongs in your head towards your spouse or friend? Next time someone offends or hurts you, speak about it out right away. Don’t fester until you blow up on them.
Not delight in evil: Think of the media you may be consuming and how it may not be best for entertainment.
Rejoices in truth: How can you be more authentic in relationship and towards yourself? Learn about your values and how to walk freely in them. Meditate on a scripture this month.
Protects: Volunteer at your kids school. Advocate for the more vulnerable this month or serve at a nonprofit like a homeless shelter.
Trusts: Encourage open communication even when it is difficult. Do an activity with a loved one that will build connection, trust and intimacy even if it is a simple walk or a fun experience at an Escape Room!
Hopes: Recognize the uncertainty, but create goals! This can give you action steps and hope as you walk into something that may seem difficult.
Perseveres: Write down a way you can connect with someone each week that you want to foster a more meaningful relationship. Easy things are texting a friend to set up a time to meet for coffee, call a relative to check in and see how they are doing, plan a date night with your spouse.
Never fails: The more space and time we take to create moments of connection and to love others, the more we work towards a successful and loving relationship. It’s not all fluffy hearts and rainbows, but it takes intentionality and work! Fun work! Hard work! Good work!
To help you out on your journey of connection you may find these toolbox couple questions and weekly navigating questions will help reinforce and build strong foundations for you and your partner. They are something both my husband Trevor and I have implemented in our lives. We have seen deeper connection, growth and intimacy together because of it!
These questions have been designed to help build a deeper meaningful connection between couples of any age whether the newly married or seasoned couple. Grow in your communication, voicing your needs and making sure you both are on the same page each week! Sometimes in relationships we forget to ask the important questions and take time to listen intently with our partner. These questions have been carefully thought through, and they encourage you to look within yourself and enjoy meaningful conversations that can have a real positive impact on your relationship and future.
Use these tools and think through ways you could implement 1 Corinthians 13 in your action plan this upcoming February! Celebrate love month with intentionality and deeper connection!
No matter the time of year, it’s important to pause and take time to reset and restore. An excellent way to do that? Take a personal retreat. Building a retreat into the rhythm of your life is a spiritual practice often lost in our helter-skelter, busyness-is-next-to-godliness world. This booklet is based on the most popular posts about spiritual retreats published on Godspacelight.com over the last few years and provides resources for taking a spiritual retreat either on your own or with a friend or spouse. Check it out in our shop!
Today’s post is coming to you from the Finding Your Thinplace Retreat at The Bishop’s Ranch in beautiful Healdsburg, CA. We spent time together reflecting on John 15 and God’s love for each of us, then we actually spent time in the vines at Hawley Vineyard and Winery.
“I am the Real Vine and my Father is the Farmer. He cuts off every branch of me that doesn’t bear grapes. And every branch that is grape-bearing he prunes back so it will bear even more. You are already pruned back by the message I have spoken.
4 “Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can’t bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can’t bear fruit unless you are joined with me.
“I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can’t produce a thing. Anyone who separates from me is deadwood, gathered up and thrown on the bonfire. But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon. This is how my Father shows who he is—when you produce grapes, when you mature as my disciples.
9-10 “I’ve loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in my love. If you keep my commands, you’ll remain intimately at home in my love. That’s what I’ve done—kept my Father’s commands and made myself at home in his love. John 15:1-10
Each one of us is invited by God to be a part of His Body or as in this passage a part of His vine. The invitation is one that is one of love. It is an invitation of perfect love that is offered – yet it is also a love gift that has to be personally accepted. When one offers a gift to another we trust that the gift will be received, taken and opened. There are many different reasons for gifts to be given and there are also different responses to different gifts as they are received. Sometimes we may feel that there is an ulterior motive or a certain response that is required when a gift is given or a gift is received. How is it with God then when we consider the Scriptures? We often talk about God’s unconditional love and how it is that one can embrace this love from God. As I was pondering God’s love in this passage, I decided to think about what love looks like and ended up with many descriptive words of love. I am going to share 26 of them as I wrote them down.
A – God’s love is an affectionate love which cherishes
B – God’s love is a beautiful love which creates beauty from ashes
C – God’s love is a cherishing love which holds each one close to His heart
D – God’s love is a destined love that secures eternity for His children
E – God’s love is an eternal/everlasting love that outlives one’s earthly life
F – God’s love is a freeing love as it allows one to let go of fears
G – God’s love is a grieving love as He embraces our earthly grief as well as He grieves over the issue of Sin
H – God’s love is a holistic love as it allows us to embrace the ‘presence of holy healing’ in our lives
I – God’s love is an infinite love as it is for all at all times, forever available
J – God’s love is a just love – offered unconditionally to anyone who seeks it
K – God’s love is a kindred love as Jesus experienced humanity here on earth
L – God’s love is a loyal love, a love that will never let one down or let one go
M – God’s love is a magnificent love – beyond understanding
N – God’s love is a nestling love – inviting one to snuggle in His arms
O – God’s love is an open love – He openly receives anyone who comes to Him
P – God’s love is precious – His Son came to live on earth to show His precious love
Q – God’s love is a quality love – it has infinite dimensions
R – God’s love is a radical love – it cost the Father and His Son separation for a time
S – God’s love is a shared love – God shared His Son with the world
T – God’s love is a touching love – it reaches and touches the most broken
U – God’s love is an undying love – it goes on forever and ever – it is eternal
V – God’s love is a victorious love – it takes all power away from sin
W – God’s love is a wise love – it offers healing, wholeness and forgiveness to all
X – God’s love is an (e)xtraordinary love – totally forgives all/any sin
Y – God’s love is a yearning love – it is able to draw anyone into God’s love
Z – God’s love is a zealous love – it seeks anyone, everyone, anywhere.
Yes, God’s love is so incredible that it is beyond all the descriptive words one can find in any/all languages. Yet it is sweet, totally forgiving and healing, and makes beauty from the most broken personal human vessel. Yes, there are times when it may seem as if God’s love is not present or at least not present as one would like it. It is at those times when we one seems so alone that trust and faith is necessary – and maybe one even needs someone to come alongside to affirm God’s presence and care.
As we are approaching a celebration of love for many, I encourage each of us to take some time to think about giving God a love gift. How might that be done? A few years ago, Valentine’s day was on Sunday. Before our congregants arrived, I placed blank hearts on each seat. In my sermon I talked about God’s love for each one of us and then challenged us to think about what we wanted our valentine to say if we gave one to God. During our fellowship time after the service there were stickers and markers at the altar for them to decorate or write on their hearts. As I was packing up my things after wards there were several hearts laying on the altar. As I picked them up and looked at them they were from all the children in our church – with coloring, writing if they could etc. What was most precious is each child had put their name on there creation. They took me literally and left their valentines at the altar as they recognized it as a place of God’s presence. As I close today you have a few days to consider this idea – why not make a valentine for God to share with Him and tell Him how much His love means to you.
God, we love You so much. It is hard to think of giving You a valentine – it may seem a bit frivolous. Today we want to also receive a special infilling of Your love to share with our family, friends, neighbors and with people who are not yet our friends. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Writing and photos by June Friesen. Scripture from The Message.
Join Lilly Lewin on a Finding Your Thinplace Retreat or Pilgrimage to Iona in Scotland THIS AUGUST 28! A few spots still available! More information here!
I recently enjoyed the blessing of attending the Godspace Following the Star Retreat led by Christine Sine and Lilly Lewin. It was facilitated with such hospitality and inclusion, a gentle creative approach to what can be a somewhat daunting feeling at the beginning of a new year, with all of the expectations we tend to build up about what we are finally going to achieve.
We were encouraged to make New Year’s intentions instead of resolutions, which felt like more of an invitation towards contemplating possibilities and encouraging a more focussed awareness of what is truly important to us, to guide the way forward. It was wonderful to hear from Christine and Lilly as well as the sharing of participants in such a way that we felt as though we were in one room, not separated by continents and borders.
Afterwards, this got me to thinking about affirmations for the year ahead and as I got started I almost couldn’t stop writing! In South Africa we have been having ongoing load shedding (blackouts) which can last for 2 and up to 4 hours at a time where we live. And this can go on throughout the day depending on which stage of load shedding we’re in, with sessions in the morning, afternoon, evening and on and off throughout the night. I particularly felt it would be helpful to go back to affirmations in the light of this situation (or lack of light!) in our country. It is that one extra thing that can cause me to feel tired when I can’t do the things I need electricity for and must come up with another plan! As my husband Karl says, we need to practice the Serenity Prayer at this time. “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” I can practice peace and gratitude, learning to rest in Jesus, knowing he has our lives in the palms of his hands. And one of the ways I can do that is by making a list of affirmations to help me centre myself in God.
May this list of 101 Joyful Affirmations be a blessing to you and may you be inspired to write your own affirmations for the year, keeping them in sight together with your New Year’s intentions and words for the year. These all help us to keep our true north in Spirit as we continue abiding in the heart of God for us, guiding us faithfully through it all.
- I abide in the centre of God
- I shed the weight of the past
- I practice the fine art of being and becoming
- I belong in God’s love
- I live intentionally
- I make time for positive movement
- I eat mindfully in support of health
- I release what hasn’t happened yet
- I embrace what God is doing
- I love myself supportively
- I come up with good ideas
- I intercede for my family, friends, my nation and the world
- I am curious to learn new things
- I make space for reading
- I take time to appreciate nature
- I am aware of God’s creation
- I make room for God to move
- I am open to miracles
- I listen to others carefully and with presence
- I listen more than I speak
- I am not in a hurry to get somewhere
- I spend, save and give money wisely
- I am thoughtful of others
- I do not try to fix what’s not mine to fix
- I laugh often and heartily
- I do not partner with depression
- I am open to new ways of doing things
- I am not rigid in my ways
- I release past offenses and regrets
- I forgive and let go
- I hold sacred my precious memories
- I nurture all forms of hope
- I am available for God’s desires
- I listen to the Holy Spirit daily
- I breathe deeply and well
- I worship from my heart
- I don’t do things out of obligation
- I make wise choices and decisions
- I enjoy the simple things of life
- I make time for what is important to me
- I celebrate the beauty of life
- I ease into the day without striving
- I sleep deeply and well
- I receive wisdom from my dreams
- I am open-hearted
- I live in a clear space, free of clutter
- My friendships are fulfilling
- I make room for creative expression
- I am calm and peaceful
- I trust in Jesus
- I step out and take risks
- I am not easily angered
- I lean back into grace
- I am open to receive
- I am self regulated
- I am present to the now moment
- I will not worry about the future
- I live more slowly and mindfully
- I come to Jesus for rest
- I listen to sound wisdom and advice
- I am confident and capable
- I am well-balanced
- I make room for connection
- I take a step back before responding
- I follow inspiring mentors
- I encourage as a daily practice
- I bless others generously
- I engage in joyful prayer practices
- I do not restrict myself by past expectations of what is possible
- I am open to enter new doors of opportunity
- I accept myself graciously
- I depend upon the goodness of God
- I am close to Jesus
- I share my gifts and talents without restriction
- I embrace a teachable humble spirit
- I learn from others
- I grow in wisdom and grace
- My paths are ordered by the Lord
- I look forward to God’s best plans for my future
- There is no obstacle holding me back
- God is generous towards me
- I have more than enough to give generously
- I do not fret for it leads only to evil
- I live in harmony with God’s purposes
- God has plans to prosper and not to harm me
- I live a blessed life
- I belong in the kindness of God
- I live in alignment with God’s heart
- I practice daily rhythms of grace
- There is more than enough time for everything
- I see from a broader perspective
- I live in God’s best plans for today
- I will see the puzzle pieces come together
- People’s intentions towards me are good
- I live from a joyful centre
- I delight in small and delicate things of beauty
- I make time for silence and quiet
- I listen to inspiring uplifting music
- I connect deeply with my family
- I look forward to surprises
- Anything is possible!
Watch 101 Joyful Affirmations for 2023 on my YouTube channel here.
A free printable of 101 Joyful Affirmations for 2023 is also available here.
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Pen and Paint Ponderings with Karen and Karen
by Karen Wilk (writer) and Karen Tamminga-Paton (painter)
Before you read the reflection below, we invite you to take a moment to contemplate the artwork. Pause and reflect, and notice your own observations about the work and what thoughts it sparks in you. Then read the poem below.
Goodness, Gentleness and Patience Rest on Main.
Do they?
In the midst of pain
Violence, addiction
Garbage, decay, dereliction?
Where is GOODNESS
When the market, the climate,
Our neighbourhood, our health
The whole world seems bad?
Could goodness be found
In the smile an old lady on a bench bears
In an open gesture that welcomes and shares
In the bright yellow, the dandelion growing up through the crack, wears?
Indeed goodness sits with arms folded in her lap
Contented, present, attentive to what ere she might meet
For Creator
And all Creation
Are good
Very good…
Thus Goodness rests in orange
– with slippered feet.
Goodness, Gentleness and Patience Rest on Main.
Do they?
Where is GENTLENESS
Amongst harsh words, raised fists,
Racists and riots,
Bigots, bullies…
So much injustice, fear and hate.
What could be gentle in this sorry state?
How could the beauty of ruby red, and hidden hands
rest—and make a difference…
Shift the sands,
Calm the storm
Calm in the storm?
Tenderness in the rough?
Kindness dispelling meanness
Grace forgiving offenses
Disarming
Charming
Salt and pepper hair
Fruit of the Spirit
Embodied in the midst of it all
Gentle
Friendly
For us not against us…
Like a grandmother.
Goodness, Gentleness and Patience Rest on Main.
Really?
Like a grandfather
Resting on his walking stick
Leaning forward
Observant
Patient
Patience on Main
Through all the street’s changes
The world’s changes,
Life stages…
Still
Expectant
Trusting
Full of gratitude
For in all the mystery
In all the questions
In all the what ifs and why not’s
God rests among us.
WITH US
IN US.
As human frailty, failure and faultiness are made new
In the good and gentle ways
Of patient Love
GRACE ABOUNDS
On a bench
In the muted sun
On Main Street
Embracing every one of us.
Your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life,
and I will live forever in your house, Lord. Psalm 23:6 CEV
Did you know that alongside Christine Sine’s book The Gift of Wonder, we have many resources available to you? The free downloadable bonus packet or beautiful prayer cards featuring prayers from the book, for example – something to hold and behold! Or perhaps you’d like to journey through the book alongside a retreat – we have that too! You can check it all out in our shop!
It’s only 2 weeks until the beginning of Lent and I hope that you are already thinking about your theme, the books you will use and practices that will guide you. I had planned to leave my Lenten practices fairly open this year. I will be away in Australia for two of its five weeks, and expect that my focus will be more on family I have not seen for 4 years than on Lent. That does not sit comfortably with me, however. The recent killing of Tyre Nichols, another wave of mass shootings in the U.S., the devastation of atmospheric rivers events that have caused flooding in Auckland, New Zealand, the ongoing war in Ukraine and now the horrific earthquakes in Turkey and Syria made me change my mind. Justice for both the people of God’s world and God’s creation itself is what aches in my heart as I prepare for Lent. So I decided that my theme this year would be breaking down walls – walls of racial injustice, of climate change denial, of the violence from guns and war and of the growing gap between rich and poor.
The challenges faced by God’s good creation and by the people who inhabit our world are always on my mind and I want to make sure I do what I can to change my behaviour as well as that of others to be more in keeping with our God of love and compassion and justice. In yesterday’s Mediation Monday: Breaking Down Walls I shared some of the steps I will take to move my heart in the right direction. I encourage you to consider these as well. You might also like to download our free resource Hungering for Life that I produced together with Jean Andrianoff several years ago which also focuses on justice. In fact we have several Lenten resources, available through our store, some as free downloads, others for purchase, that you might like to consider using for the season.
We also have a number of resource lists for both Lent, Holy Week and Easter on the blog, that you might like to revisit as they have now been updated for 2023. There are lots of links to prayers, to posts and to activities. One of my favourites is Celebrating Lent with Kids. If there are other resources that you think should been on these lists please do not hesitate to send us your suggestions.
This last week was a very rich week of posts on Godspace. Lilly Lewin’s Birthday Examen is a must read from my perspective, as is the Opening the Doors to Spring – Worship for Candlemas with litanies and music compiled by Carol Dixon and Sheila Hamil. I also loved Karen Wilk’s reflections on her friend Karen Taming-Paton’s beautiful artwork. It is wonderful to see the ways that friends are collaborating to bring us such rich and varied posts for the Godspace blog.
One of the highlights of my week was the emergence of my beautiful dark red amaryllis. It was supposed to bloom at Christmas, but it really is far more spectacular now as it is one of the few flowers on my dining room table. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Let me close with a prayer for the people of Turkey and Syria:
Lord have mercy on the people of Turkey and Syria,
devastated by the horror of earthquakes.
We pray for those trapped, those waiting and those who have lost loved ones.
Let your love and your compassion surround them.
Grant them peace in the midst of their pain and fears.
Protect those that respond to the disaster.
Help them find survivors without putting their own lives at risk.
Keep them safe and give them wisdom as they dig in the rubble.
Be with leaders who make decisions
That could mean the difference between life and death.
May this catastrophe unite the people of the world
In kindness and compassion and generosity.
Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy, Lord have mercy.
May the peace of God be on us all this week.
Christine Sine
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