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Prayerful Morsels
Tidbits of Inspiration & Information
September 5, 2008 |
Morsel From the Editor
Welcome to our second issue! I wish to thank all our new subscribers who signed up after reading our premier issue. If you have any comments or suggestions for this new ezine, please feel free to write a Letter to the Editor. Write "Letter to the Editor" in the subject line of your e-mail and we may include it in an issue of Prayerful Morsels.
In this issue, there is another morsel of information on spiritual direction as well as a reflection on the charism of hospitality and A Gratitude Journal.
Also I am pleased to include an article from guest author, Karin Peavy, on "Recognizing Your Blessings."
Enjoy!
Blessings
Colleen | |
Personal Pondering
All guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ, for he himself will say: "I was a stranger and you welcomed me." The Rule of St. Benedict, Chapter 53
When I was at the Pecos Monastery in New Mexico, I was struck by their hospitality. I could not get over how they made me feel special. Everyone and anyone who came through their door was welcomed and made to feel at home.
We don't need to live in a monastery to follow this Rule. All of us in our everyday life need to remember to treat others as Christ. I know I could do better in my job as parish secretary as well as in my ministry as a spiritual director. I am afraid I am rather inconsistent. Prayer is definitely called for. How can we do this by ourselves?
What kind of a world would it be if we all prayed for the charism of hospitality? If we all prayed to be able to treat each person we meet as if he or she were Jesus?
Blessings
Colleen |
| Recognizing Your Blessings
by Karin Peavy I live in beautiful Southern California. To the north there are the mountains. And, just 15 minutes to the west is the Pacific Ocean. When I was younger, these two pleasures were so special they moved me beyond words. But, unfortunately, as I became older, I took them for granted. I'd see them without recognizing how tremendous they were.
But one day, while driving down a hill, I looked at those majestic mountains and was filled with awe and respect for God.
On a separate day, a friend and I drove to Santa Monica to see a movie screening. There it was, right at the end of Wilshire Boulevard, the mighty Pacific Ocean, blue and gleaming. How wonderful! Just the thought of this beautiful scenery fills my heart with faith.
Some of our greatest blessings can be trivialized and forgotten. I used to take my health for granted and focused on material gain. But I learned that I'd never enjoy any kind of prosperity without wellness. My health is the cornerstone of success. When I am sound in body and mind, I am able to use the gifts God has given me. I can receive God's wisdom on how to use my abilities. I can think, create, and produce. Glory to God!
Today God is helping us to recognize our blessings. Sometimes what we need the most is right in front of us: a husband, parents, friends, and yes, even nature which shows forth the glory of God.
Read 1 Corinthians 2:9-10.
Karin Peavy is the author of Hot Chocolate For the Spirit. She is also the Publisher of What is God Up to Today? a free, weekly ezine which is read by more than 3,000 subscribers in 9 countries. To learn more about Karin's ministry, visit: http://www.karinpeavy.com |
Why Go to a Spiritual Director?
by Colleen Spiro
There are many reasons to seek spiritual direction. Some reasons may be because you:
- Want to learn more about prayer or how to pray in a certain way
- Want to grow closer to God
- Need help with discernment such as regarding a change in ministry
- Are having a spiritual crisis of some kind
- Are feeling the need for a guide or companion for the journey
I starting going for spiritual direction because my prayer life was changing. I found myself more interested in silent kinds of prayer rather than the rote prayers I had been using for a long time. I kept hearing about centering prayer and wanted to know more about it.
At the same time, I met someone who "just happened" to be a spiritual director. I felt like I was getting a "nudge" from the Lord.
How about you? Any nudges lately? |
A Gratitude Journal
by Colleen Spiro
I am grateful for my book being published.
I am grateful for my Benedictine brothers and sisters.
I am grateful for my son and daughter-in-law's hospitality last weekend.
I am grateful for my husband's love and support.
I am grateful for sunsets.
What are you grateful for today??? Is there something that you would like to contribute? Write to the Editor and put in the subject line - "Gratitude." | |
| Colleen's memoir about surviving child sexual abuse, The Third Floor Window, A True Story of Secrets, Survival and Hope, is now on sale at Booklocker.com. Click here. | |
| Prayerful Morsels
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