Simply Soul Searching

WEEK FOUR: REFRESHMENT

REDISCOVER

1 John 3:1 (NRSV)

See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. 

1 Corinthians 12: 4-6 (NRSV)

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. 

Our last word of this week of Refreshment is rediscover. Today’s Bible passages assure us that we are all God’s children, and that God has created us uniquely. Two incredible thoughts! God loves us as God’s own children. And God made each of us creatively, with unique gifts, special talents, and individual interests for serving and sharing with others. Living as God’s beloved children and according to God’s creative design, we can serve others capably, abundantly and joyfully. God delights in our delight!

Today we will explore our childhood a bit to rediscover any dreams and delights that may have been buried or set aside as we matured. We are created to live even ordinary days with childlike, wild abandon. With sheer, unbridled joy. Exuberance. Vivid imagination. Wide-eyed wonder. To see every day as an exciting adventure. To view every moment as a fresh discovery. But for a variety of reasons, we often forget this way of living and being. Today let’s rediscover ourselves in a new light- that of a beloved child of God, ready to learn and listen. Who am I as a child of God? How did God create me to live?

Loving Creator God, as we consider these next questions, please open our eyes and our wonder. Guide us in our thoughts, that we may learn and grow as your beloved children. Reveal to us any delightful hopes that have been hidden in our hearts. Remind us of our gifts. Help us to rediscover what we may need to be the people you have made us to be. Amen.

“We have what we seek. We don’t have to rush after it. It was there all the time, and if we give it time it will make itself known to us.” ~ Thomas Merton

Questions to ponder:

“When I grow up, I want to be a …. ”

Just for fun, I would like to…

When I feel creative, I would enjoy…

I wish I had more time to learn about…

One of my favorite childhood memories is when…

My ideal day would look like this…

I would like to expand my horizons by…

If I had the time, resources and courage, I would…

I regret that I haven’t yet…

I would like to be remembered as…

A person I admire is…      because…

I believe God created me to be…

WEEK FOUR: REFRESHMENT

RETREAT

Psalm 32:7 (NRSV)

You are a hiding place for me;
    you preserve me from trouble;
    you surround me with glad cries of deliverance.

Jesus invited his disciples to “Come away and rest” after hearing of the death of John the Baptist (Mark 6:31). He understood the need for them to come away from their pace and people, to rest in the refuge of God, and to regroup, console, and encourage. Today our word is retreat. We retreat to find rest, to abide in safety until we are ready to face our daily challenges, to strengthen, to refresh, and to listen. God serves as our hiding place and shelter- not for us to escape or ignore what lies before us- but to abide in God’s protective embrace until we are rested and prepared to go again.

When I took a course in Spiritual Foundations, I was nervous about attending the four-day silent retreat that was recommended during Lent. I had participated in other retreats and always came away longing for more. But this first silent retreat was intimidating to anticipate and difficult to experience. In fact, I texted my family too often, I only stayed three days, and I couldn’t even keep totally silent. I said, “Good morning!” to a Sister in the hallway, and had the giggles with a classmate. Since I couldn’t do the physical silences well, you can imagine how much I struggled to silence my inner thoughts and just BE with God.

Do you find it difficult to retreat, to take time away from the clamor of life to just be with God? Sure, we have many other obligations or responsibilities pulling at us. Schedules are full, and we tend to put ourselves last when time is limited. But might we also be avoiding something more?

Are you afraid to slow down and bare your soul before God? Have you ever thought, “I am not going to think about this because I don’t have time for tears right now”? Do you like to be busy so you don’t have time to think? Are you afraid of what might be revealed? Have you ever actually arranged and attended a retreat, only to struggle the entire time? If so, know you are not alone…

To retreat is a sign of wisdom, not weakness. To retreat is to choose to pause instead of push. To retreat is not giving up, but giving way for God. To retreat means to allow God to expose your own soul’s wounds and needs with soothing, healing light. To retreat is to simply allow God to love you even when you are feeling unworthy or inadequate. To retreat is to cease from handling everything around you and begin handling what is within you. To retreat is to be able to do these things, all the while feeling fully loved, in the safety and security of God’s hiding place.

Today let’s start with a mini-retreat. Take some time to read the names of God in the list below. (These were compiled from a variety of sources.) Choose the one that describes how you most need God at this time. Which name speaks to your heart? Now spend time in a quiet embrace with the God you have named, allowing God to provide what and all you need for these days and times.

Abba… All-powerful God… Hope of All the Earth… God of Life and Death… Almighty God… Great and Awesome God… Binder of Wounds… Ancient of Days… The Alpha and Omega… God of all Compassion… Living God… Creator of Heaven and Earth… Generous Provider of all Good Gifts… Healer of Our Every Ill… Eternal Might… God of All Being… Giver of Love… Inspiration of Goodness… Everlasting Light… Prince of Peace… God of Truth… God of Radiance… Proclaimer of Justice… Righteous One… God of Unchangeable Power… Dwelling Place… Sustainer of Souls… God of All Comfort… God of Steadfastness and Encouragement… Fountain of All Holiness… God of All Times and Places… I AM THAT I AM… Heart that Inspires in a Vision of Justice and Love… Giver of Peace… Helper of the Weak… Wonderful Counselor… Heart’s Delight… Infinite God… Guide of Humanity… Companion of the Lonely… Creative Source of All Being… God of All Goodness… Judge of All Humankind… Eternal Spirit of the Universe… Giver of Every Good and Perfect Gift… Forever God… Brightness of Faithful Souls… God of the Beginning and End… God of Hope and Joy… God of Light and Sun… Gracious Giver of Knowledge… God of Many Deliverances… God of all Generations… Faithful God… Architect of our Souls… Holy One… Skilled Potter… Consuming Fire… Helper of the Helpless… God of My Song… Spring of Living Water… Tender Shepherd… God of ALL… Gracious and Merciful God… True God… Strong Deliverer… Helper of the Weak… Hidden God… Our Source and Our End… Power that Shields… God of Radiance… Light of the Mind… God of Wonders… God of Freedom and Right… Eternal Source of Knowledge… The God Who Sees… God of All Creatures… All-knowing God… Ever Present God… God of My Salvation… Author of Life… Author of Our Faith… Bread of Life… Bright Morning Star… Cornerstone… Strong Foundation… Everlasting Father… Gentle Whisper… Giver of Life and Health… Living Water… Savior of the World… Teacher… Sustaining Vine… True God… God of the Morning, Noon and Evening of Life… Guide of the Meek… Guardian of Our Lives.

WEEK FOUR: REFRESHMENT

REPEAT

Deuteronomy 6: 4-9 (NRSV)

Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. Bind them as a sign on your hand, fix them as an emblem on your forehead, and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

We hear the stories about elderly people who struggle with memory loss, even to the point of no longer being able to speak. But when they hear a favorite Bible passage or a prayer being said, they suddenly perk up and join in! These passages and prayers have become such an integral part of their lives and memory that they are never forgotten. The words have been repeated so many times that they are permanently etched in their minds. I imagine they provide such comfort and peace for the elderly one- and the ones who love them.

Our word for today is Repeat. This passage from Deuteronomy instructed the people of Israel to do everything they could to commit the commandments of God to memory. They were to talk, write, bind and repeat them, often and everywhere they could. This repetition would help them retain these important words and make them part of their very being.

I have repeated the Lord’s Prayer so often that, at times, this is exactly what it becomes… a rote repetition. I may not always think about its meaning or earnestly pray as I say the words. Yet I still come away feeling a sense of peace or presence, simply by slowing and reciting the prayer. I believe we receive an inner gift even when the prayer is said without much thought…

Repeat. Sometimes the practice is needed even more than the presence. Friends tell me that the repetitive prayer of the rosary is calming and centering. Many people repeat the 23rd Psalm during trying times. When Jim and I had our serious health issues, we found comfort in our simple morning routine. Activities such as making the bed, brewing the coffee, lighting a candle, writing in my journal, and praying together brought a sense of normalcy and order. These repeated routines felt comforting and reassuring, providing a bit of control into our disarrayed lives. Repeating memorized scripture passages can do the same, settling and soothing our souls.

What is your most meaningful and treasured Bible verse? How does it bless you?

What rituals and routines comfort you and center you in times of trial?

Is there a new practice that might bless you by repeating each day?

If you have time today, try to find a new Bible verse, poem or quote that speaks to your soul. Repeat this a few times and then throughout the day until it is committed to memory. My prayer for you is that these words will become a treasured, integral part of your being, and one day may be easily recalled and repeated at the moment when you need them most.

Teaching God,

Your words and commands are precious gifts to us. Guide us to repeat them often, and to make them part of our very being. Help us to choose the words you would have especially for us. Thank you for daily practices that help us to center and settle; gentle reminders of your presence with us always. Amen.

WEEK FOUR: REFRESHMENT

REVIVE

Romans 12:11 (NRSV)

Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord.

Has this happened to you? There have been times when I have attended a retreat, or enjoyed a restful vacation, or walked in nature, or experienced a meaningful study, worship or prayer time. I have this “mountaintop” moment and come away feeling fired up for God! I am ready to serve, filled with joy, close to God- and so alive in the Spirit!

But then the routine begins. Life becomes busy. I become distracted. Unexpected trials come. And soon, that feeling of euphoria and delight has diminished, now merely a memory of a wonderful moment. Paul’s words to us, “Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in the Spirit” feel less like an invitation and more like a burden. I miss that exuberant, thrilled, and expectant feeling. My faith becomes more of a boring background rather than an anticipated adventure.

Our word for today is Revive. Revive means to resuscitate or recover, but also means to revitalize and refresh. How might we keep our faith alive despite our everyday routines and obstacles? How do we revive our souls when the world has smothered them?

As we think about reviving, CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) may come to mind. To keep a dying person alive, the person administering the CPR is breathing for them. The helper’s breath is keeping the other alive. In the creation story, life began with God’s CPR:

…then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living being. ~Genesis 2:7 (NRSV)

And then there is the breath or wind of the Spirit that moved through the disciples and now moves through us. Consider too, that when we are bored, our breathing slows and becomes shallower. What do we do? We yawn! This deep breath restores oxygen to our blood and helps energize us. These examples suggest that our souls and faith can be revitalized and revived by taking in deep breaths of God; breaths of the Spirit!

In fact, you may already know that the word, “enthusiasm” is derived from two Greek words, en and theos. Theos is the Greek word for God. Enthusiasm means, “full of God.” God’s breath, fully in us, creates our enthusiasm- our zeal!

So for our refreshment today we will be practicing a breath prayer. Today’s practice is shared by Rev. Betsey Heavner:*

Breath Prayer takes the continuous and mechanical motions of our breathing and incorporates words of prayer to create an act that is useful, especially whenever our normal prayer lives are interrupted. In fact, this prayer pattern offers remedies for our anxious minds and bodies on two fronts: we call upon God’s attention to our need, while at the same time, we calm our bodies with the rhythm of breathing.

WEEK FOUR: REFRESHMENT

REWIND

Romans 8:38-39

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Today let’s offer that courtesy to us. What if we were to rewind our lives back to the beginning and replay them again? The story wouldn’t change, but could our perspective? Could we notice some things we hadn’t before?

I love watching our favorite movies a second (or third) time. When we do, I benefit in several ways. Knowing the ending gives more meaning to the rest of the story. I can see where the story line was leading, and how each character and scene contributed to its outcome. I notice more of the subtleties, nuances and back stories that hadn’t caught my attention before. I understand how supporting roles were important to the whole story. Often I see a character in a new light, now knowing how he or she will evolve. Insignificant moments are seen as significant. I know where the story is going, how it will end, and how the rest of the movie is the means to get us all there.

If we were to rewind and watch our lives in review all over again, we would be blessed in these same ways. Today I invite you to recall a few memorable moments in your life, whether or not they bring joy or sorrow. “Watch” these scenes again with a new vision, now as you know more of the rest of your story. Revisit these moments with the vision of God’s presence through all of them.

How did God’s presence make this moment a significant, teachable one for you? Did this moment bring you to a new understanding?

Can you see any ways in which this moment brought you to where you are today?

How might you envision a back story, a story of love, growth and faithfulness?

Are there any new meaningful revelations that seemed insignificant at the time?

When we rewind and watch our story again, our story doesn’t change. But our story does become rewritten as a loving lesson, a growth opportunity, a meaningful enrichment, a journey that makes more sense. Our story seems more worthwhile. The story doesn’t change, but we are better able to comprehend how God was always with us, “letting nothing separate us.” God was always at work… making good emerge, making sense of the incomprehensible, providing comfort, sharing our joy, and most of all, gracing all of our moments with love.

Please be kind (to yourself). Rewind.

God of our amazing life story,

When we look back on the moments of our lives, we do see your ever present love, guidance, healing, teaching, help and hope. We witness your amazing work in each day. When we remember moments- when we happen to rewind to a certain time- help us to see them in a new light, to see them with your love working in them. Thank you that we truly know that our ending will be a joyful one… and not an ending at all. Amen.

WEEK FOUR: REFRESHMENT

REVIEW

Psalm 139:1-6, 23-24 (NRSV)

O Lord, you have searched me and known me.
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
    you discern my thoughts from far away.
You search out my path and my lying down,
    and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
    O Lord, you know it completely.
You hem me in, behind and before,
    and lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
    it is so high that I cannot attain it.

Search me, O God, and know my heart;
    test me and know my thoughts.
See if there is any wicked way in me,
    and lead me in the way everlasting.

Well, here we are almost midway through Lent, but Easter is still a few weeks away. We are almost to the spring season, but gray, cold winter days still linger. This week I believe we could all use a little refreshment for our souls, don’t you? Each day’s devotion will be a time to take a mini-retreat and refresh ourselves in the Spirit.

When I studied Spiritual Foundations through the Dominican Center of Marywood, I learned of St. Ignatius Loyola and the Daily Examen. This beautiful practice will be our mini-retreat for today. The Daily Examen may be done as a review of our day at its close, or as a review of the previous day as we begin a new one. We ask God to guide our examen, as God knows our hearts better than we do.

Psalm 139 describes God’s help so beautifully. If you have time, I recommend reading the entire chapter! Even though the psalmist asks God to search and know his heart, we understand that God already has. The “search me” phrases become our invitation for God to reveal what we need to know, what God has found and known in us.

There is an abundance of information and beautiful resources about the Examen and other practices at  www.ignatianspirituality.com. Here is one version of our practice for today, the Examen:

“The Examen is a method of reviewing your day in the presence of God. It’s actually an attitude more than a method, a time set aside for thankful reflection on where God is in your everyday life. It has five steps, which most people take more or less in order, and it usually takes 15 to 20 minutes per day. Here it is in a nutshell:” 

1. Ask God for light. ~I want to look at my day with God’s eyes, not merely my own.
2. Give thanks.  ~The day I have just lived is a gift from God. Be grateful for it.
3. Review the day.  ~I carefully look back on the day just completed, being guided by the Holy Spirit.
4. Face your shortcomings.  ~I face up to what is wrong—in my life and in me.
5. Look toward the day to come.  ~I ask where I need God in the day to come.

(Version of the Examen from A Simple, Life-Changing Prayer by Jim Manney © Loyola Press)

May your time bless you with awareness of the gifts and graces of the day. May you feel God’s gentle, enlightening presence guiding your review. May you grow in love for the One who knows you even better than you know yourself- the One who unconditionally loves you even more than you love yourself.

All-knowing and searching God,

We know that you already know us completely. We know you have searched us thoroughly. Today we ask that you reveal anything and everything you would want us to know. We long to be perfectly obedient, fully loving, completely surrendered to you. Show us how. Amen.

WEEK THREE: RENOVATION

REBUILD

Romans 6:3-5 (NRSV)

Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.

Today is our last day of renovation. Of the many renovation shows on television, Jim and I also like to watch, “Texas Flip and Move” occasionally. During each episode, renovators buy houses to move to a new location and restore for sale. More often than not, these homes are in such bad shape, or the layout is so impractical, that the renovators decide to take the houses down to the studs and basically rebuild from there. Of course, this takes much more work, but the end result is a new, practical, solid, efficient and lovely home! The house has been given new life, recreated in the vision and design of its renovator.

You know where this is going. Sometimes life takes us down to the studs, doesn’t it? We become undone, completely spent, feeling as if we have nothing left. Any number of events can do this to us. Poor decisions. Illness. Accident. Natural disaster. Broken relationships. Loss of career. Financial difficulty. Theft. Addiction. Unfulfilled dreams or promises. Sinful ways. We hit rock bottom… and no one wants to be there.

Eventually we come to understand, “Well, I guess there isn’t any choice except to rebuild from here.” And THIS becomes the magnificent moment when God can really go to work! There are no obstacles that God needs to work around, adapt to, make fit, or remove. God has been given a cleared floorplan and the freedom to create as only God can.

Knowing God as our rebuilder gives us new perspective for all of life. This passage from Romans provides the hope and the comfort we need to endure our rock bottom times. When we die to ourselves in our baptism, we are taken down to the studs. Our lives are no longer ours. But what comes next? We “are cleared” to receive so much more. We walk in newness of life! And this new life is even better than the one we had- or even imagined. So it is with all of the losses we have in this life. We are always rebuilt into a lovelier, more usable creation of our perfect designer’s vision.

What has been your most difficult time of life? Have you ever felt you have been taken down to the studs? How did you recover? Have you recovered?

If you could start your life completely over, would it look any different? How might you offer this to God? Can rebuilding your new life begin today?

What do you need to clear out in order to gain something new?

God our Re-builder,

You make good come from everything. Thank you for your wondrous love! Thank you that through Jesus, we know you share in our heartaches and trials. You only work to restore and rebuild. Help us to use our trials as a clearing time for you to work more freely and perfectly in us! Amen.

WEEK THREE: RENOVATION

REDECORATE

Psalm 16:8-11 (NRSV)

I keep the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices;
my body also rests secure.
For you do not give me up to Sheol,
or let your faithful one see the Pit.

You show me the path of life.
In your presence there is fullness of joy;
in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

So far during this week of renovation, we have been thinking about major overhauls. Today, let’s focus on a simpler and easier way to renovate ourselves. Sometimes all we need is a little redecorating!

Our home interior has been entirely painted in one color and there are hardwood floors throughout. The interior itself is rather nondescript. But I have the advantage of easily changing color schemes and seasonal themes more often, just by changing or adding accessories and decorations. The changes refresh the house and boost our spirits. This doesn’t take much work or effort, but a quick change up at the end of each season gives us variety, color, and a new outlook.  Changing up even simple things- pillows, flowers, pictures, candles- can rejuvenate our spirits.

This uplifting passage from Psalm 16 inspires us to redecorate in one important way. “I keep the Lord always before me.” And we learn that in doing this, we also can experience what the psalmist finds: gladness, gratitude, security, and most of all, fullness of joy. If we redecorate our lives by keeping God first, our paths will bloom with life and the pleasures of God.

Keeping God before us means that we keep God in the forefront, allow God to lead us, and make God our primary focus and center. Doing so isn’t always easy! But for today, what one simple redecoration could we do to remind and encourage us? What is one thing we can do to keep God before us?

~Keep the Lord always before me. What can you do to redecorate your home or office to remind you of God’s presence? Is there a picture, symbol or poem to display? Jim and I have a small table that we have made into a home altar. This Lent, we have a purple candle, three crosses, a large nail, a photo of Jesus in the wilderness, and a print of bread and wine displayed to remind us of the journey Jesus endured for us.

~Keep the Lord always before me. How might you redecorate your inner self to remind you of God’s presence? Would a practice such as fasting or meditating bless you? Is there a small object you can carry in your pocket, or a piece of jewelry that could wear to gently remind you of the presence of Christ within you? Is there a simple but meaningful Bible verse to memorize and hold in mind?

One and Only God,

You ARE the One we want to keep always before us! We are sorry for the ways we become distracted, inattentive, self-centered and ignorant of your presence. Today, we hope to redecorate our lives with YOU. Help us to place you first in every moment. Help us to do those practices that help us to remain focused on you. May we also serve as a reminder of You for someone else. Amen.

WEEK THREE: RENOVATION

REDUCE

Luke 12:15 (NRSV)

And he said to them, “Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.”

Jesus continues his theme in the verses following this one, telling us not to worry about our earthly possessions but to strive for his kingdom first. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (verse 34).”

There has been a lovely trend on the home renovation shows. People are choosing to minimize, to simplify their lives. Tiny homes are becoming popular. Books and blogs are being written about the joys of minimalism. More and more people are seeing the benefits of having fewer possessions and smaller homes. In spending less time and money on houses and possessions, they are finding more time to do the things that matter to them- time for activities, relationships, rest, and travel.

This is the time of year when many of us are ready for some spring cleaning. As we continue our personal renovation, how might we clean and cull our closets, drawers and shelves? Perhaps it is time to evaluate our possessions with an attitude of simplicity and minimalism. What benefits come when we reduce some of our possessions?

Mel Johnson, in her article on tinybuddha.com writes that decluttering leads to mindful purchasing, money saved from unnecessary and frivolous purchases, time saved by being able to find things more easily, space saved by owning less, quicker and easier cleaning and tidying, more freedom, and a happier outlook. “Surrounding yourself with items you love and displaying only the items most valuable to you will make you feel happier. Gone are the days of saving your favorite things for a special occasion. Every day is a special occasion now that I am only using the things I love and my life is happier as a result.”*

What things should we choose to keep? The things that bring us joy. The things that are significant. The things that are useful. The things that hold deeper meaning. That same article includes a quote from William Morris: “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”

What if we were to take that one step further and spring clean our souls? We all have the clutter and weight of heavy schedules, emotional baggage, and burdens of stress. Can we examine the things we have carried with us for so long, asking the same questions?

Is this worry useful?

Is this belief significant enough to keep?

Do I carry this emotion because of some deeper meaning?

Could another idea replace this old one?

Are these feelings worthwhile and uplifting?

Could someone else benefit from doing this task better than I?

Do these memories bring me joy?

May we courageously and rigorously begin to declutter our inner selves. Freeing our souls opens more space for the Spirit to move! May we keep the spirit of William Morris’ thought, and work to “Have nothing in our souls that we do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”

Selfless, generous Jesus,

We can get so caught up in worldly goods, buying and searching for more. Your words to us are wise and needful. We forget that true joy comes only in you, and in living the way you would have us live. We also get caught up in carrying extra burdens and baggage in our souls. As we begin our personal spring cleaning, help us to reduce. Guide us to rid ourselves of excess, both around us and within us. May we open space in our lives and  in our souls in order to BE. To BE with you. To BE with those we love. To BE present to the moment. To BE part of your intended life for all of us. Amen.

*From https://tinybuddha.com/blog/7-ways-decluttered-life-can-result-decluttered-mind/