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Prayerful Morsels
Tidbits of Inspiration & Information
October 17, 2008 |
Morsels From the Editor
Welcome to all!
This issue seems to have taken on the theme of Awareness. It was not in my plan, but the Holy Spirit seemed to be guiding me in that direction. So I wrote an article on writing your own Spiritual Autobiography in order to become more aware of God's loving presence in your life. My Personal Pondering column is also about awareness.
The Prayerful Quote for this issue was just what I needed to hear! How about you?
Again, I am pleased to share with you some reader contributions to the Gratitude Journal. Writing a Gratitude journal is a great way of becoming more aware of the blessings in your life. And remembering to give thanks.
Reminder - We are now archiving each issue of Prayerful Morsels. You can find the links for any of the past issues you missed at my website, Seeking Graces.
If you have any questions, suggestions or comments, please feel free to write a Letter to the Editor. |
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Prayerful Quote Every Christian needs a half hour of prayer each day, except when he is busy, then he needs an hour. - St. Francis De Sales | |
Personal Pondering
by Colleen Spiro
Fr. Anthony DeMello often spoke of the importance of awareness. In fact he wrote a book with the title of Awareness. I read somewhere that he would ask such questions as: "How can you see the wave and not see the ocean?"
I was at the beach one day and looked up from my book to see 2 dolphins cavorting around. They were swimming in circles and jumping up out of the water, looking like they were having a grand old time! It looked like they were playing some kind of game with each other. And they would swim pretty close to some of the swimmers in the water like they were inviting them to join in the fun.
Soon a crowd began to gather on the beach. It became kind of a social event. Adults watching and laughing, kids jumping up and down in the water. Soon people were getting out their cameras and trying to get closer to the dolphins.
In the middle of this joyous "not-often-seen" event, a couple of women came wandering up the beach and through the crowd. Neither one of them looked around at what was going on. They did not seem curious at all about the commotion. They did not seem to even notice the crowd. They were so busy talking to each other, they never once looked out at the water. They just kept walking and talking.
I am not saying there was anything wrong with that. Maybe their conversation was very important to them. But it did make me ponder.
I often go through life, oblivious to what is happening around me. Maybe I am too self absorbed. Or I have too much on my mind. Or I am tired. Or I am talking too much rather than listening.
What God moments have I missed because of being somewhere else? What do I miss when I do not pay attention, when I am not aware? What do I miss when I fail to search for God, when I fail to live in the present moment?
Lord, help me to be more aware. |
| Spiritual Autobiography
by Colleen Spiro It was once suggested to me that I do a spiritual autobiography. This is doing an autobiography but including God in the story. You will be amazed at where you find God in your life. At the times you weren't even thinking about God, God was thinking about you.
Write the spiritual autobiography just for yourself. You don't necessarily have to share. It is a tool that can help you grow in your spiritual life. So get your journal or just grab some sheets of paper and start praying, reflecting and writing.
Go back to your earliest memory of God. Where was it? When was it? Perhaps you were at CCD or Sunday School or church. Maybe your parents were telling you a story about Jesus.
Did you go to a religious school? Did you attend CCD? What did you learn about God at home? Did you say grace before meals and a prayer before bedtime?
Journal the answers as they come to you. Just start writing and see where you are led.
Continue on through your life, your feelings about God, your relationship with God, your prayer life, other people who influenced you or taught you about God. You may find that God was more present in your life than you thought.
When I look back to see how God has acted in my life, it is comforting to me. Now, when crisis strikes, I no longer ask the question, where is God? I am more confident that God is, and always has been, with me.
Writing your spiritual autobiography is not about hanging onto the past. It is about reflecting on your journey and becoming more aware of the action of God in your life - in both your yesterdays AND your todays.
Each of us has a story, but sometimes we need to remind ourselves that God is the Author. |
| A Gratitude Journal
I am grateful for the love that flows between God's people - especially the ones that choose to share it with others. Peace & Love, Kelly
As we get older there are many things to be thankful for in life. A good husband, a loving family, grandchildren and friends. I am especially thankful for the love and warmth I have found here at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Community. I think of all the years we lived up north, oh yes we knew people at church, but here it is just so different. We are friends, family, unified in life by our faith. - Lee Hart
I am grateful for the Prayerful Quote "Do what you can and then pray that God will give you the power to do what you cannot" that was in the October (3rd) issue of Prayerful Morsels. I had been feeling so overwhelmed by news I had received this past week. I didn't know how I was going to be able to accomplish all that God was asking me to do. When I read the quote I knew instantly that I was going to get through the next couple of months because God was going to be by my side, guiding me and giving me the strength I would need to get through each day, one day at a time. - Joan Cushin
What are you grateful for today??? Is there something that you would like to thank God for and would like to share? 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. For more info, see book website: The Third Floor Window.
You are all invited to:
Colleen's Book Signing
Waldenbooks Edison Mall - Fort Myers, FL
Sat., November 29, 1 to 3 pm
Come by and say hi |
| Want to read more of Colleen's reflections? Go check out her blog HERE. | |
| Prayerful Morsels
Copyright 2008 Colleen Spiro - All Rights Reserved |
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