tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20548943485585103732024-02-07T13:37:42.430-06:00Clearing the Space: One Woman's Spirituality in the Wisdom YearsNew Posts Each Tuesday Nancy Agneberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05468885971185443888noreply@blogger.comBlogger785125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054894348558510373.post-34387318787116721902021-10-05T10:34:00.000-05:002021-10-05T10:34:14.212-05:00Join Me On My New Blog<p><span style="font-size: large;"> I am no longer posting on this host, but you can find me on my new blog Living on Life's Labyrinth, Spirituality in the Wisdom Years, <a href="https://livingonlifeslabyrinth.com">https://livingonlifeslabyrinth.com</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Thanks to all of you who have been faithful readers over the years, and I hope you will subscribe to the new blog. </span></p>Nancy Agneberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05468885971185443888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054894348558510373.post-50328584593521516402021-07-06T08:45:00.000-05:002021-07-06T08:45:20.490-05:00Summer Sabbatical<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcSZSlxbAhuLdIV-u0CmyZpVee4ss7xW9-HAqOT72QkIPM3WN1UguEwe69oCWJyXysrQ0PGveJJRvRhNuSb9ORJ0aOX0gKH81Sc_en_ACl8kwzoWIWpRALOwZJVYHhBu4T3AEXCh4kVqM/s4032/IMG_0470.HEIC" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcSZSlxbAhuLdIV-u0CmyZpVee4ss7xW9-HAqOT72QkIPM3WN1UguEwe69oCWJyXysrQ0PGveJJRvRhNuSb9ORJ0aOX0gKH81Sc_en_ACl8kwzoWIWpRALOwZJVYHhBu4T3AEXCh4kVqM/s320/IMG_0470.HEIC" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span> <i>God is not found in the soul by adding anything </i></span></span><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: inline; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="text-align: left;">but by subtracting.</i><span style="text-align: left;"> Meister Eckhart </span></span></div></i></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">The journey to clarity</span> <span style="font-size: large;">is always interesting. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I thought my plan for the summer seemed <br />reasonable and workable. First, I would revise the current version of my memoir and when that was complete, I would buy a new laptop. Mine is ten years old, and I know I am overdue for an upgrade. Finally, once I felt comfortable on the new laptop, I would develop</span><span style="font-size: large;"> a </span><span style="font-size: large;">website and include my blog, along with information about spiritual direction and groups I facilitate. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">At the same time I decided to offer two groups at church--a writing group and a T'ai Chi group--along with ongoing participation in two writing groups, and publishing a new post every Tuesday. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So far so good.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">But then the site of my blog announced a change--one</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">that required technological skills above my paid grade and one that affects all of you who receive an email notification each time I publish a new post. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The change happens in July. EEEEK!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I asked my daughter, who is much more savvy about these issues, to help me sort through what I needed to do on the blog for my faithful subscribers. We worked our way through the complicated process and then...the next steps were unintelligible to either of us. We were stuck. What to do!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Kate helped me sort through some possibilities, and I came up with a temporary plan, which wasn't ideal, but would allow me to continue revising the memoir--my main goal--at a steady and satisfying pace.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I turned off the laptop for the day, we left the garret, chatting about other topics, and she went home. My practice most days is to read in the snug for a bit before fixing dinner, but after reading only a few pages, I knew what I needed to do. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The words "Summer Sabbatical" couldn't have been clearer than if they had appeared on a dry erase board in front of me.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">And just as clearly I knew what that meant: not a sabbatical from my summer plans, but a break from this blog. Was this a Scarlett O'Hara "I'll think about it tomorrow," decision because I don't want to deal with the technical issues? Yes, I suppose, in part.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">What the summer sabbatical from my weekly posts is really about is clearing the space. (Remember the name of this blog!) A bit more time for the revision process is welcome, but so is some space for re-imagining next steps and and preparing for those steps. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So here's my new plan: I will resume writing in the blog, but probably not until fall, and it may look different, as well. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">In the meantime, feel free to browse posts from years past, and if you haven't requested my "Savoring Summer Spirituality, A Guide to Enhance the Gifts of the Season." now might be a good time. It's free. To request it simply email me, nagneberg48@gmail.com. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The purpose of the guide is to notice the movement and the gifts of God in these days and in our lives, and it seems I experienced the movement of God in these moments of clarity. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Before I Take A Break--Some Book Notes. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">1. In the June 22 post I listed my summer reading plans. So far I loved re-reading <u>Prodigal Summer</u> by Barbara Kingsolver and also reading for the first time, but maybe not the last, <u>The Seed Keeper </u>by Diane Wilson. What a book--on many levels. I also read the first two books in The Highland Bookshop Mystery series by Molly Macrae. They were entertaining enough, but I don't think I will read other books in the series. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">2. Just because I have a summer reading list, doesn't mean there won't be detours. A few days ago I picked up a couple library holds and will read both of those now: <u>About the Author</u>, a mystery by John Colapinto, and <u>Blind Assassin</u> by Margaret Atwood, a re-read for me. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">3. During morning meditation time I have been re-reading <u>An Altar in the World </u>by Barbara Brown Taylor and her chapter "The Practice of Saying No" is reinforcing. I also just acquired <u>The Divine Dance, The Trinity and Your Transformation</u> by Richard Rohr with Mike Morrell, and I look forward to starting that. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">4. I am browsing and lingering in a new book of poetry, <u>A Family Scrapbook</u>, <a href="https://store.bookbaby.com">https://store.bookbaby.com</a> by a dear family friend, Ralph Pitman. Ralph is a retired Episcopalian priest and officiated at our son and daughter-in-love's wedding fifteen years ago. Our sons played high school football together, and this is a poem he wrote when his son graduated from high school.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> David</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> You stand among men<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> like a young tree in the forest.<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> Your roots sink deep in the soil<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> of laughter and memory.<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> Your trunk is </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">straight</span>,<br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> your bark is clean and even.<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> Your branches reach<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> well beyond the limits<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> of my shaded sight.<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> their tips reach<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> to suns not yet risen.<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> Green life runs through you<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> and pour out into the sky.<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> Some trees are taller,<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> and some are bent and twisted.<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> You will know your own<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> seasons of rain and drought.<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> You may never again stand so straight,<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> but that doesn't matter.<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> You stand today,<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> and our souls ascend<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> on your branches. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Thanks everyone for reading my posts. I am grateful to each of you. And I will be back. Have a wonderful summer. May it include some sabbath time. Light Blessings, Nancy</b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>An Invitation<br /></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>What clarifying experiences have you had and how have they illuminated the movement of God in your life? I would love to know.</i> </span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><br /></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><br /></span></span></span></p>Nancy Agneberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05468885971185443888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054894348558510373.post-17670314216186544982021-06-29T07:13:00.000-05:002021-06-29T07:13:32.933-05:00Savoring Summer <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgra-L4CmWZcT7ziWeNzb3SD-a68-viEzRjMq-yr55HpZFXpj2tqVH-LRQvV6HvYIyRIiJxVmRBzQCLRRu8BDPzpz3PZgWaKyZhzv42P3mnAFhGz6DA7Judn8skmzqSi5uLpuTSqkRzDvsc/s2048/fullsizeoutput_13a3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1984" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgra-L4CmWZcT7ziWeNzb3SD-a68-viEzRjMq-yr55HpZFXpj2tqVH-LRQvV6HvYIyRIiJxVmRBzQCLRRu8BDPzpz3PZgWaKyZhzv42P3mnAFhGz6DA7Judn8skmzqSi5uLpuTSqkRzDvsc/s320/fullsizeoutput_13a3.jpeg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">One summer when our children were young we were not able to go on a vacation and instead, decided to have a Staycation. Each day had a theme, including the "B Day"--books, bakeries, and Batman. We got treats at more than one bakery and bookstore and in the evening went to the new Batman movie. Another day was "Culture Day." We went on a backstage tour of the Guthrie Theatre and attended a performance of "Harvey" in the evening. We enjoyed an outdoor music festival one day and spent the day at a beach on another day. Each night we returned home happy to sleep in our own beds, but eager for the next day's adventure. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We made the best of what had not been our first choice for a vacation. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">That's the way last summer felt to me. </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfChYbLks_6Zuip6yoajAuVrKwypML7uHSOvF2RCOfDf1PZZ3LQJzvduaIB1ZJHcgQ5mF5R-P6CCf31Tn0WWJJLi5-WNmn6vbVFQ2VoJ194F2jvRP4D_3GduwaSfGa6i7z71GCmGk-7en/s4032/IMG_1101.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfChYbLks_6Zuip6yoajAuVrKwypML7uHSOvF2RCOfDf1PZZ3LQJzvduaIB1ZJHcgQ5mF5R-P6CCf31Tn0WWJJLi5-WNmn6vbVFQ2VoJ194F2jvRP4D_3GduwaSfGa6i7z71GCmGk-7en/s320/IMG_1101.HEIC" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">My themes for last summer were "Summer Stillness" and "Summer Simplicity." I stayed home. I rested. I spent more time reading and writing and praying and meditating. I made pesto and walked in the neighborhood. I attended church on YouTube and met with my clients on ZOOM.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">As much as I missed family time last summer, I experienced a new kind of contentment--a quiet acceptance and an agreement to be present to what was offered and what was possible. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">What about this summer? What are the possible themes? </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">For many of us this summer is one of celebrations--a specific happy event or the very fact that we can gather. Perhaps this is a summer to stretch after being confined at home for so long or a summer that feels more spacious and spontaneous. Perhaps this summer feels new and fresh, and we are more attuned to summer senses--what we can see, touch, taste, smell, hear--to all the ways summer can dazzle us. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">As much as I am grateful for a return to a more open and freer summer, I don't want to lose the gifts of last summer --the ability and willingness to enjoy the stillness and to treasure the simplicity of cutting roses for a bouquet on the dining room table or eating lunch at the bistro table in our "Paris" space. Or roaming country roads, but returning to our own bed at night. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Barbara Mahany in <u>Slowing Time, Seeing the Sacred Outside Your Kitchen Door</u> says it so well:</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> <span> You catch the barest shift of breeze, a fluttering of<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span> <span> light, you look up, you realize: Something sacred just<br /></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span> <span> passed by. It came from who-knows-where, but along<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> the way, it surely graced me.<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> And so it is with summer, with those wisps and darts<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> of weightless wing. With the moments when the heaviness<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> of all-year-long is suspended, when breeze blows through<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> the screen, garden leaves flutter, light practically sparkles,<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> and you feel your shoulders drop their heavy load....<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> Where summer settles best is in the soul. In the part of<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> you that remembers not to worry for the moment. To<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> soothe the long ragged edges. To breathe. (pp. 103, 105)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">As June slips into July, I wonder in what ways you encountered God last summer and how do you continue to be aware of the movement of God in your life now, in this summer?</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>An Invitation<br /></b><i>What are the new invitations, the new learnings this summer? I would love to know.</i> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>NOTE:</b> It's not to late to request your free copy of <b>"Savoring Summer Spirituality, A Guide to Enhance the Gifts of the Season."</b> Simply email me at nagneberg48@gmail.com. My earlier guide, "Crossing the Threshold, Honoring the New Year, A Guide to Reflect on the Old and Prepare for the New" is also available. </span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>Nancy Agneberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05468885971185443888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054894348558510373.post-44643748569272752592021-06-22T07:56:00.000-05:002021-06-22T07:56:09.307-05:00Summer Reading <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKU78_6CiTpJ-utfr3mVxMI1IGEVExNnK77oSeevCDPWw345qQZAZWeNTyxOaR1-KGsO4WU69t7bdb1Fv7AXkQhlo6EbGhHFslt3NU6hVpAZfgGDNKHG5jrVZShMNK5oh1_QAmRwzBpdv-/s2048/fullsizeoutput_1382.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKU78_6CiTpJ-utfr3mVxMI1IGEVExNnK77oSeevCDPWw345qQZAZWeNTyxOaR1-KGsO4WU69t7bdb1Fv7AXkQhlo6EbGhHFslt3NU6hVpAZfgGDNKHG5jrVZShMNK5oh1_QAmRwzBpdv-/s320/fullsizeoutput_1382.jpeg" /></a> <span style="font-size: large;">My reading life knows no seasons. Not only do I read voraciously in each of the seasons, but the kind of reading I do does not seem to change with the seasons. My beach reading is simply whatever book I happen to be reading at the moment. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">When I think of summer reading, however, I think about the places where I read in the summer. I slip away from my desk in the garret to read in "Paris" when I have lunch or on the patio when the sun isn't too intense. I remember fondly, almost longingly, the afternoons I lingered on our front porch when we lived in Madison or on the porch swing decades ago when our children were small. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">During our Sweetwater Farm years I reclined on an Adirondack chair under the crabapple tree where the deer came to snack in the early evening hours. And sometimes we drove to Presque Isle on Lake Erie for a white sandy beach day --a lazy day of looking for sea glass and, of course, reading. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The summers I was fortunate enough to spend a week at Chautauqua, my room on the second floor of an old inn looked out on the lake. I claimed a rocking chair on the balcony as my reading room. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">When I was a child we often moved as soon as school was out for the summer. Almost before the moving van door closed, I got my new library card and filled my days with books. What a bonus if I could bike to the library by myself. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Many summers our family spent a week or two in northern Minnesota at a simple family resort in northern Minnesota--the kind that is rare these days. I slept on the screened porch and fell asleep reading, lulled by the rhythm of waves lapping against the dock and the small fishing boats. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">One summer, when I was about 12 or so, my mother claimed I wore out the fabric on a chair, reading with my legs slung over one of the arms. That is probably true. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Even though my summer reading is more about place than genre, that doesn't mean I don't have ideas about what I plan to read this summer. Here's my list--subject to change and whim, of course. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">1. <u>Prodigal Summer</u> by Barbara Kingsolver. I read this lush book years ago, but found a copy in a Little Free Library and now my intention is to reread each of her titles. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">2. <u>A Well-Tempered Heart </u>by Jan-Philipp Sendker. This is a sequel to <u>The Art of Hearing Heartbeats</u>, which I remember enjoying, but may need to reread before reading #2. I think #3 has been published recently as well--for a future list! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span>3. <u>The Overstory</u> by Richard Powers. This has been on my TBR shelf for a long </span></span>time, but now may be the time. Like <u>Prodigal Summer</u> this is a book where the life of the natural world is as much a character as the people in the book. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">4. <u>The Seed Keeper</u> by Diane Wilson. The blurb on the back says the story "follows a Dahkotah family's struggle to preserve their way of life and one woman's search for belonging and community." This book has received great reviews, and besides, it is a book that just feels good to hold. That always counts with me. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">5. <u>Lady Clementine</u>, a historical novel by Marie Benedict. Lady Clementine is, of course, Clementine Churchill, and there is no doubt she has a story that needs to be told. I spotted this book while browsing in a bookstore, and I love it when I make a book discovery on my own. That is true of the next book on the list, too.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>6. <u>Scones and Scoundresl, The Highland Bookshop Mystery Series Book 2</u> by Molly Macrae. The bookstore I was in didn't have Book 1, but it is waiting for me now at the library. I love cozy mysteries, especially if a bookshop figures in the plot. This will be perfect for a rainy day!</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>7. <u>Owls of the Eastern Ice, A Quest to Find and Save the World's Largest Owl</u> by Jonathan C. Slight. The only nonfiction book on my summer reading list, this book comes highly recommended by our daughter and others normally not attracted to this kind of book. Helen Macdonald who wrote <u>H is for Hawk</u>, which I loved, gave this book a glowing review, and it was long-listed for the National Book Award for Nonfiction, if that is something that you take into account. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQgomXYcmB6iHpef3vjfnURTjIMmyfc2wLixfRk11z_TljzpqjC85W9u9Iq7XuGuex3x3AJpzuFCY92MtZCEW_1Kp4z6hwAbzGJhtfRy8GRerrhn0TTmR2jM_V7Ss0-VIOZHpG2y5AFuUf/s2048/2UuUhxBHSh2RiWsMq71V0g.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQgomXYcmB6iHpef3vjfnURTjIMmyfc2wLixfRk11z_TljzpqjC85W9u9Iq7XuGuex3x3AJpzuFCY92MtZCEW_1Kp4z6hwAbzGJhtfRy8GRerrhn0TTmR2jM_V7Ss0-VIOZHpG2y5AFuUf/s320/2UuUhxBHSh2RiWsMq71V0g.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">I know there will be some detours. I will follow the reading road wherever it leads, including to the stack of books I gave my husband for Father's Day. We have both read the first two mysteries by Mark Pryor--all set in Paris--and I gave him the other seven. With titles like <u>The Paris Librarian </u>and <u>The Book Artist</u>, who can resist?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span>Now--isn't it time for a reading break? Happy reading!</span></span></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><b>An Invitation<br /></b></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><i>What does "summer reading" mean to you and what do you plan to read this summer? I would love to know.</i> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">NOTE:</span><span style="font-size: large;"> It's not too late to request my new guide, <b>"Summer Spirituality, A Guide to Enhance the Gifts of the Season." </b>The guide invites you to explore the themes of summer, including Summer Spaciousness, Summer Sacred Space, and Summer Silliness. To receive this new guide simply send an email to nagneberg48@gmail.com.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>My earlier guide, "Crossing the Threshold, Honoring the New Year, A Guide to R</span>eflect on the Old and Prepare for the New," is still available, too. </span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><br /></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>Nancy Agneberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05468885971185443888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054894348558510373.post-68256544574257849902021-06-15T07:25:00.002-05:002021-06-15T07:25:46.776-05:00Rites of Passage<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOxT3PgFOoPWni58YBUYtUOfWJB2VzbKqedw9Grte64aWjKDk2L__0xl9GbZLOIDOYZ0p2x4eDhG3iqQy2QdHIvISI_Snjp8pPlYrOxlXi0bqBsY8DF1hlyHn4VJUs8PVCEf9zqg3lR2t8/s2048/qnocKb2IQpuRFiq0Vys48g.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOxT3PgFOoPWni58YBUYtUOfWJB2VzbKqedw9Grte64aWjKDk2L__0xl9GbZLOIDOYZ0p2x4eDhG3iqQy2QdHIvISI_Snjp8pPlYrOxlXi0bqBsY8DF1hlyHn4VJUs8PVCEf9zqg3lR2t8/s320/qnocKb2IQpuRFiq0Vys48g.jpg" width="320" /></a> <span style="font-size: large;">As noted in my last post, these past days have been important ones in the life of our family. We gathered for important rites of passage in the life of our family: a graveside service to bury my father's ashes and our granddaughter Maren's open house to celebrate her graduation from high school. Surrounding and filling each event and all the in-between times was love, especially the love of reuniting with loved ones whom we had not seen for over a year. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">After the brief (It was hot!!!!), but just right service for my Dad, I asked the representative from the cemetery if they had been busy since Covid restrictions had loosened. "Yes," he said and noted that many families whose loved one had been buried during the pandemic were returning for a more formal and planned service. "We need the ritual, the acknowledgement of change in our lives," he said. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">How good it is to do that. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">After the service for Dad, we met at my sister and brother-in-law's home for food (of course) and to relax into each other's company. I brought all of Dad's diaries and photo albums, which our daughter had organized for him many years ago. Such pleasure those gave him, and we all wondered how often he had leafed through them. </span><span style="font-size: large;">The grandchildren and great-grandchildren shared their memories, as they looked at the pictures, but they also asked questions about their Papa. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4U1LifX2txYkaxqXdTdTGraF0y2RiADRRt9BG390zo9Z3jp8pYYXpxJN13vN8hwpoeygFQ6JCIKsKN0DqF4b4NNVjfxVbPglHMXGfFdtQ7jym_o1QdQyQpzKGgB2_xdSG6SdzOAaI6AU/s2048/bqXhf%2525WNQ%2525S33WuhEc1gTA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4U1LifX2txYkaxqXdTdTGraF0y2RiADRRt9BG390zo9Z3jp8pYYXpxJN13vN8hwpoeygFQ6JCIKsKN0DqF4b4NNVjfxVbPglHMXGfFdtQ7jym_o1QdQyQpzKGgB2_xdSG6SdzOAaI6AU/s320/bqXhf%2525WNQ%2525S33WuhEc1gTA.jpg" width="320" /></a>At Maren's open house friends, young and old, as well as family, enjoyed all the pictures arranged on poster boards telling Maren's story, as well as the board with the map showing where she will be canoeing in Alaska this summer. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I know even if our family did not have such milestone reasons to gather that we would have loved these days, but the events gave us the context, the structure for reconnecting and telling stories, and sharing who we are and how we have weathered the last months, especially the toughest of days. In a way these rites of passage remind us what binds us as family and as friends, and we were extravagant in our love for each other.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Events, such as graduation, confirmation or other religious ceremonies, significant wedding anniversaries or as we age, retirement or a move into different housing, are not just rites of passage for the person in the spotlight. Rather, rites of passage are for the wider circle of family and friends and in some cases, the community. These rites of passage symbolize the past blending into the present, but also leading us into the future. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We have gone through a major chunk of time when we have not been able to celebrate these rites of passage, but it is not too late. If nothing else, celebrate the gift of today, for each day is a rite of passage. </span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>An Invitation<br /></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>What rite of passage needs to be honored and celebrated in your life? I would love to know. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">NOTE:</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"> You may recall that in January I offered free copies of "Crossing the Threshold, Honoring the New Year, A Guide to Reflect on the Old and Prepare for the New." Well, I have written a new spiritual guide, </span><b style="font-size: x-large;">"Summer Spirituality, A Guide to Enhance the Gifts of the Season."</b><span style="font-size: large;"> To receive your free copy, email me at nagneberg48@gmail.com and I will forward you a copy.</span><i style="font-size: x-large;"> </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span><br /></span></p>Nancy Agneberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05468885971185443888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054894348558510373.post-14466259611395309012021-06-08T08:47:00.000-05:002021-06-08T08:47:38.327-05:00A Reframing: From Paralysis to Pause<p><span style="font-size: large;">When I feel overwhelmed, whether by tasks, choices, ideas, or even</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">eagerly anticipated events, I often feel paralyzed. </span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoAaDQtjKFrm2MmkmhS0YNIRbSjcr8aEy8DVET7xqIz8H9kmYMiJpScYwq1-VlHL8ffvUKRgK1qDKTPrs6EIHFSUe9yDI2M8FajJMGn0NfLkk1K5LDe6v265ayK1F3Lf3zdmjK9Zvgtii2/s2048/fullsizeoutput_133f.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoAaDQtjKFrm2MmkmhS0YNIRbSjcr8aEy8DVET7xqIz8H9kmYMiJpScYwq1-VlHL8ffvUKRgK1qDKTPrs6EIHFSUe9yDI2M8FajJMGn0NfLkk1K5LDe6v265ayK1F3Lf3zdmjK9Zvgtii2/s320/fullsizeoutput_133f.jpeg" width="320" /> </a></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I linger in bed in the morning even though I am awake--and time is a wasting! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I play too many games of Solitaire on my phone or check the library online for titles I want to add to my hold list, which is already long.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I promise myself I will read just one more chapter in the book currently at my side, but --no surprise--one chapter turns into two or three more. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I won't reveal all the ways I procrastinate, but there are many. Too many. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Well, Monday morning I had a bit of an ah-ha. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0csBfXoU2vTUifmYg6wfhS87PH1H5O2KaPB_IDUpKT0ESOUvaFsVOviMEbE93mgL1uRfalNbTdM9U0j_O-flXllXIU9nA0bulTlSgR3wGRbVsZ4WlAmcWXC35cWe9fvP6f5_boezUqx9H/s640/IMG_0818.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0csBfXoU2vTUifmYg6wfhS87PH1H5O2KaPB_IDUpKT0ESOUvaFsVOviMEbE93mgL1uRfalNbTdM9U0j_O-flXllXIU9nA0bulTlSgR3wGRbVsZ4WlAmcWXC35cWe9fvP6f5_boezUqx9H/w300-h400/IMG_0818.jpg" width="300" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">This week is a busy one. A week of major milestones. A week greatly anticipated. To begin with on Sunday we attended our granddaughter Maren's high school graduation, and it was glorious. She was stunning in her while suit, and how wonderful it was to celebrate her. After a summer adventure of canoeing in Alaska, she will attend Lewis and Clark in Portland, OR. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">On Thursday our Cleveland kids, Geof and Cricket arrive and oh how I can't wait to have them here after not being with them for over a year. Hugs!!! They are coming both for Maren's open house, but, also, our whole family is gathering for a graveside service to bury my Dad's ashes. An important and emotional time for all of us. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The list is manageable, but still I felt stuck, not wanting to do the next thing. Or much of anything. That feeling of being paralyzed was all too familiar.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">And then the ah-ha! Instead of labeling my inaction as paralysis, why not appreciate it and reframe it as a pause. A pause to breathe. A pause to gather energy. A pause to prepare. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvlcEGhDHdfz7nee3U2HnUZ_w43JHFpiSAhpieATnKUX7qoW8PLx0duqoDaT-7bhhAde1Ksmr2t9geDZr8s-r-_111wY1imvLCcGWAmqm0WiLK_0Xg6X2FVM1HZ45AIPuyf5BjOGAB1MqF/s2048/fullsizeoutput_133d.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvlcEGhDHdfz7nee3U2HnUZ_w43JHFpiSAhpieATnKUX7qoW8PLx0duqoDaT-7bhhAde1Ksmr2t9geDZr8s-r-_111wY1imvLCcGWAmqm0WiLK_0Xg6X2FVM1HZ45AIPuyf5BjOGAB1MqF/s320/fullsizeoutput_133d.jpeg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">A pause to smell the roses and be present. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">A pause to pray.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Why is it we are so hard on ourselves. How often we criticize ourselves for not doing enough or not doing the right thing at the right time or for being lazy or passive? For being paralyzed. Instead, how wise we would be if we paused to listen to ourselves and to the voice of Spirit within.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Pausing is not the same as stopping or ignoring or giving up or disabling or being numb. Or denying. A pause is a recess, a time-out, an interlude. And then we move forward refreshed, more awake, and alert, open, and ready. </span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6dhy1xeULrAVGWvBkzJM0LnLYII45jFf0LOUTpIQjuxnx1YVy4gAfXT72OUhzCo55jtw8ut0iVka3g_8ovqJui8Qul0cfzZm9JgRxzHSAT68yyfB8UhpmpPJ3BdhwGDwLgWwWpatOY0b/s640/IMG_0834.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6dhy1xeULrAVGWvBkzJM0LnLYII45jFf0LOUTpIQjuxnx1YVy4gAfXT72OUhzCo55jtw8ut0iVka3g_8ovqJui8Qul0cfzZm9JgRxzHSAT68yyfB8UhpmpPJ3BdhwGDwLgWwWpatOY0b/w300-h400/IMG_0834.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>An Invitation<br /></b></span><span style="font-size: large;">Do you ever feel overwhelmed? If so, what helps? I would love to know. </span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>NOTE:</b> Next week my "summer spirituality guide" will be available. <br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> </span><p></p>Nancy Agneberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05468885971185443888noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054894348558510373.post-69274733760667737632021-06-01T08:23:00.001-05:002021-06-01T08:23:54.123-05:00Words of Wisdom on the Humane Virtues<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wwMwA49nUOeeAqNvAuO_gkWcCawAKl-JDrIU7P0kIx0Ih0n8vc4ZOdeMTR3R36s5-u-kYhihUqrxNsOlTt_53ZyJVNExiat7NPxrXRk3MLVY3wchii8alzaQ7pjxXOjqIB1m-6TChGwZ/s2048/1FC0A72F-5FBD-4019-80B6-CEF7BD4FC82D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6wwMwA49nUOeeAqNvAuO_gkWcCawAKl-JDrIU7P0kIx0Ih0n8vc4ZOdeMTR3R36s5-u-kYhihUqrxNsOlTt_53ZyJVNExiat7NPxrXRk3MLVY3wchii8alzaQ7pjxXOjqIB1m-6TChGwZ/s320/1FC0A72F-5FBD-4019-80B6-CEF7BD4FC82D.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I have been reading such a wise book, a challenging book, <u>Forgiveness and Other Acts of Love</u> by Stephanie Dowrick. In her book Dowrick examines the humane virtues: courage, fidelity, restraint, generosity, tolerance, and the oh so big one, forgiveness. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Needless to say, I have underlined a lot in this book, and many times I thought I heard the author saying, "Nancy, this paragraph is for you!" or "Go back and read that sentence again, Nancy. Don't pretend these words don't apply to you."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Don't you hate it when that happens--when someone you don't even know, points out the work you need to do! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Yes, I could use more courage, and yet at the same time Dowrick reminds me that I have survived the daily navigations between known and unknown.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Yes, I could exhibit more fidelity to the person I was created to be, but I have also paused along the way to remember what grounds and supports me.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Yes, I could exhibit more restraint, which Dowrick says is an expression of one's choice to act--or not--but somedays I actually start the day with a full consciousness of attitude. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Yes, I could be more generous with my time and my gifts, but I know I have had times when I have flowed with love. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Yes, I could live and act with more tolerance, but I rejoice when I feel myself open to what I don't know and to what challenges me.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Yes, I could forgive myself and others more graciously and willingly. What freedom, what lightness when forgiveness lives in and moves my heart. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The purpose of this book is not to shame you nor is it a guidebook for becoming more virtuous. No, this is a book to read on the patio in the quiet of the day or place on your bedside table or even on your kitchen cupboard to read as you wait for the rhubarb sauce to boil. Read it in bits and pieces. You'll recognize the relevant parts and feel its companionship, one human, one spirit to another. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span> In the chapter on forgiveness, Dowrick writes</span><br /></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> It is the means to let go not only what was done<br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span> <span> <span> <span> to you, but how you were then, so that you can<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">experience yourself as you are now. When it is</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span> appropriate, it is also the means to move on<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span> from an old version of another person to who<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span> that person is now. p. 337</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">The new version of myself is not perfect, that's for sure, but I yearn to be a more complete version of myself, and than means a person who lives with courage, fidelity, restraint, generosity, tolerance, and above all, a person who forgives.</span></p><div><span style="font-size: large;">I have work to do. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Thich Nhat Hanh offers hope. "Looking deeply at our own mind and our own life, we will begin to see what to do and what not to do to bring about a real change." p. 316</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">One more thing. This past week I encountered the same quote in three different places. I guess that means I need to pay attention. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span> <span> <span> Find your practice and practice it.</span></span></span><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> Find your teaching and follow it.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> Find your community and enter it.</span></span></span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> Find the suffering within yourself and the suffering</span></span></span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> of others and </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">heal them.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> James Finley</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>I think Stephanie Dowrick would agree.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><b>An Invitation</b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><i>Which of the humane virtues is most challenging to you? I would love to know. </i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><b>NOTE:</b> Watch for an announcement here in the next couple weeks about my "Summer Spirituality Guide."</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>Nancy Agneberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05468885971185443888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054894348558510373.post-57315726348475366392021-05-25T08:11:00.000-05:002021-05-25T08:11:19.470-05:00A Year After the Murder of George Floyd<p> <span style="font-size: large;">Today we remember and we honor George Floyd.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mrysFZgVB43SPqLR-MWS4hCjcj_XFKmDToFc94Ib-lsUH8qdPuTrIdyvzglqzJfFELKmf-nIM5HM7LYVlQXmWP9aVyA-eSKKxfX8k5och5XmzkOROF3ldoh3kuNNSyH6cuv_T1tcPjHT/s4032/IMG_1040.HEIC" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mrysFZgVB43SPqLR-MWS4hCjcj_XFKmDToFc94Ib-lsUH8qdPuTrIdyvzglqzJfFELKmf-nIM5HM7LYVlQXmWP9aVyA-eSKKxfX8k5och5XmzkOROF3ldoh3kuNNSyH6cuv_T1tcPjHT/s320/IMG_1040.HEIC" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">There will be news programs and articles in newspapers and online venues to mark this day. Social media will burst with comments and analysis. Events and demonstrations, including one at my church this afternoon, are planned. This is an important day, not only to remember a man whose life was taken cruelly and unnecessarily, but also a day to measure what we have done to change ourselves and this country. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">One of the books I use in my daily devotions is Joyce Rupp's <u>Fragments of Your Ancient Name, 365 Glimpses of the Divine for Daily Meditation</u>. Each meditation explores a name by which God is known around the world and in many spiritual traditions. This is my second time around using the prayers in this book, and more than likely it won't be my last, for they so often are exactly what needs to touch or open or nurture my heart.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This is the prayer for May 21. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span> <span> <span> <span> <b>Home of Good Choices</b></span></span></span></span></span><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span>Whether to keep or let go,<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span>To reach out or pull back,<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span>To rest or keep going,<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span>To speak out or be silent,<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span>To forgive or stay angry,<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span>To offer help or turn away.<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span>These choices and more<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span>Tumble and spin around in us.<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span> If we bring them to you,<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span>We will make wise decisions.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><i><span> <span> </span></span>Today</i>: I include my <i>Home</i> in decision-making.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>This past year has demanded that we make good choices, better choices. And there is always a choice. I believe that when we ground our decision-making in God as "home," it is more possible to make good choices. Our choices determine if this year will be another of violence and trauma, of injustice and racial </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">disparity or if this year will lead us closer to justice and equality, to love and compassion. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">The choice is mine. The choice is yours.</span></p><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>An Invitation<br /></b></span><span style="font-size: large;">What informs the choices you make? I would love to know. </span></div>Nancy Agneberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05468885971185443888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054894348558510373.post-50452223422657129682021-05-18T09:06:00.000-05:002021-05-18T09:06:13.111-05:00Easily Led Astray: Time Away from the Desk<p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0BQIs6MYGxYio3MEL6SszHLMiVsDriT7xbZfXQjW76BYrnZmMxzIlJ73sLW8G7Q2lqd4dc0Xh6kWUZiWXiNx6sM-Uj1rLUG-_ghsc_qMv3mSNYJkrdkyZaIL3rYxd07ZrXrOH6rvLcIt/s2048/gg1FO5l%252BSAS5WmSZig0TgA.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0BQIs6MYGxYio3MEL6SszHLMiVsDriT7xbZfXQjW76BYrnZmMxzIlJ73sLW8G7Q2lqd4dc0Xh6kWUZiWXiNx6sM-Uj1rLUG-_ghsc_qMv3mSNYJkrdkyZaIL3rYxd07ZrXrOH6rvLcIt/s320/gg1FO5l%252BSAS5WmSZig0TgA.jpg" /></a> <span style="font-size: large;">My intention was to finish the draft for an essay on aging and reading for <b><a href="http://www.bookwomen.net">BookWomen</a></b>, but then my husband tempted me with a drive to a charming river town where there is one of his favorite nurseries. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">"Great," I said without hesitation and off we went. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I'll write tomorrow I told myself.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">And then the next day just as I was ready to head up to the garret for writing time, that husband of mine enticed me with a another drive, this time to one of our favorite small towns in Wisconsin where, of course, there was another nursery. "We can have lunch at the cafe with the good pie."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I was ready in a flash.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Yes, I am easily led astray, and what a lovely day we had. Lake Pepin was sparkling and the pie (blackberry-raspberry was delicious) and I even found a new journal in one of the sweet little shops. Bruce, of course, bought more plants for the garden, but you'll hear no complaining from me. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">On our way home we turned onto a country road unfamiliar to us and were rewarded by seeing trillium in the woods and farms with calves and colts, newly discovering their world, and even a llama still with his shaggy winter coat. Almost home we saw young people in caps and gowns walking towards Macalester College for their graduation ceremony. I sent them blessings for a rich and meaningful life. </span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxjqtDFo0DtgBXUYlBm0c-_onowbTem8A_X8BSw6-retYqU_UxAo2gpvXKhp1V9XLEf6UCgjmouB6OCqlRMQODtYI8kSGwmkyfYsq04cIEtcaK7o-aSf_4Ou6CZYbFQSTFU6gTpapsRxk/s2048/7fdg2OBuR3mKekehty3y8g.jpg" style="font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxjqtDFo0DtgBXUYlBm0c-_onowbTem8A_X8BSw6-retYqU_UxAo2gpvXKhp1V9XLEf6UCgjmouB6OCqlRMQODtYI8kSGwmkyfYsq04cIEtcaK7o-aSf_4Ou6CZYbFQSTFU6gTpapsRxk/s320/7fdg2OBuR3mKekehty3y8g.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Once home I considered briefly doing some writing, but instead grabbed the book I am currently reading and my wide-brimmed hat and stretched out on the patio sectional. The day was too glorious and the garden too enchanting to only view from a window.</span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYytNYu93Y7TYFr8jN9yikpf7i5x_enSkVxnwERFOqWeP5c3Ss1-L6Qcvz5MZnrpd6y2OcPkBYRFbk48TV1ttgIr8VPVzuvDgv6FTly3PZWU-Lm8xUiycAZZQy_ELOp9yvUajEOkLLP-3H/s2048/b9%252B4m%252BQ7QnqV5s5kxqi0jQ.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYytNYu93Y7TYFr8jN9yikpf7i5x_enSkVxnwERFOqWeP5c3Ss1-L6Qcvz5MZnrpd6y2OcPkBYRFbk48TV1ttgIr8VPVzuvDgv6FTly3PZWU-Lm8xUiycAZZQy_ELOp9yvUajEOkLLP-3H/s320/b9%252B4m%252BQ7QnqV5s5kxqi0jQ.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">I'll write tomorrow, I told myself, and I will. It's not that I dislike writing.</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">In fact, I cherish my hours of writing, but some days are not writing days. Some days are play days. No regrets. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">How grateful I am to have the luxury of being led astray. </span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>An Invitation</b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>How good are you at being led astray? I would love to know. </i></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p><br /></p>Nancy Agneberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05468885971185443888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054894348558510373.post-12396565936221005462021-05-11T08:29:00.000-05:002021-05-11T08:29:04.636-05:00Discernment Process<p><span style="font-size: large;">I've been contemplating a decision.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Y0Bgc8OcHjL35RTyuo5DW12WGar0wNMTkmpGa2hYP5Mn2wBoTSshcuzRa7R9-rM6vok2HrDtUKIAicwmnbML6guwHPzE-B4YmPEWz9AiKN4xerpcBwdygZ0M01MTTKqU4HIJqbOqUskj/s4032/IMG_0722.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Y0Bgc8OcHjL35RTyuo5DW12WGar0wNMTkmpGa2hYP5Mn2wBoTSshcuzRa7R9-rM6vok2HrDtUKIAicwmnbML6guwHPzE-B4YmPEWz9AiKN4xerpcBwdygZ0M01MTTKqU4HIJqbOqUskj/s320/IMG_0722.HEIC" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I am one of those people who has managed the year plus of hibernation quite well. I have enjoyed the spaciousness -- the lack of so many events on my calendar and the shorter weekly To Do list. For the most part I have used my time well, devoting much of the open time to finish the current version of my spiritual memoir. I have read stacks of books, written many letters, and have expanded my morning meditation time. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Of course, I have missed being with family and friends and seeing my spiritual direction clients in person, and I relish the return to some entertaining and to replacing ZOOM calls with hugs.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">But...</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Just how much busyness do I want to allow back into my life?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">What does a full life look like for me now?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">In recent years I have chaired a committee at church, which has involved organizing, sponsoring, and often leading a variety of events. Doing that has been fulfilling and meaningful to me, and I think to others, but I have been puzzled about returning to that role. For quite awhile it was clearly not the right time and easy not to make a decision. However, now with life opening more to pre-Covid norms, although certainly not entirely, the time for discernment sat on my shoulder and whispered in my ear, "Nancy, what do you want to do? What are you called to do?"</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I had no idea, so I did what I usually do when I need to make a decision about a direction and next step in my life. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I wrote in my journal. Again and again.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I sat quietly, hoping to hear words of wisdom.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I asked the "what would you have me do?" question before going to bed, hoping I would wake up the next morning with an answer. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I shared my thoughts with family and friends and my spiritual director. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I reread a book about discernment (<u>Decision Making and Spiritual Discernment, The Sacred Art of Finding Your Way </u>by Nancy L. Bieber), just in case I was missing something.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I walked a labyrinth, and took other contemplative walks. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I brainstormed and made lists. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">After all that, I still didn't have an answer. What to do, especially since a meeting was scheduled to discuss next steps for my committee and the ways I can be of service. An actual in-person meeting with one of my beloved pastors.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">As I drove to church, I truly had no idea what I would say. Then I pulled into the church parking lot, and I knew. There was no neon sign or chorus of angels, but the struggle ended. I entered the building with a plan--a loose one, but one grounded in love for that community. My work there is not done, and I am ready and eager to continue. The pace may be slower. The scope may be somewhat different, but I am ready to move out of the garret and to share my time and energy once again. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The Japanese have a word for what happened in this discernment process:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> <b>saku-taku-no-ki</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I read about this in <u>Take Joy, A Writer's Guide to Loving the Craft</u> by Jane Yolen. (p. 26)</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <b>Saku</b>--the special sound a mother hen makes tapping on an egg<br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span> with her beak.<br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span> <b>Taku</b>--the sound a chick makes tapping from within.<br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span> <b>No-ki</b>--the moment the tappings come together.<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span> <b>Saku-taku-no-ki-</b>-the instant a chick pecking on the inside and the mother pecking on the outside reach the same spot. The egg cracks open. New life emerges. </span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span>Using the spiritual practices that ground me, I had done the inner work. I had tapped from within. What I needed was the reality, the sacred presence of the outer world to open me to new possibilities. </span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span>And that feels exactly right. </span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span>Stay tuned as I move into the next chapter of living a full life.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><br /><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><b>An Invitation</b></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">How are you doing as quarantine requirements change? I would love to know. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p> </p>Nancy Agneberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05468885971185443888noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054894348558510373.post-15134789852665596132021-05-04T08:33:00.000-05:002021-05-04T08:33:35.456-05:00The First Week in May<p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzKJ2bssyegowsT6_Q95f96cUruEN3y9t2xl4gfUhTxfEVywgqQBHLgE0-bYCJYde3ceAFbh5izT0mO49v1LZ2Tj3ixjUZoWhgVHwBjwbr3sIc5C-6kzrcAa_vfBQKdKds7pQlpbv2SSg-/s2048/91501025-7DF1-49F8-92C8-71376D1401F6.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzKJ2bssyegowsT6_Q95f96cUruEN3y9t2xl4gfUhTxfEVywgqQBHLgE0-bYCJYde3ceAFbh5izT0mO49v1LZ2Tj3ixjUZoWhgVHwBjwbr3sIc5C-6kzrcAa_vfBQKdKds7pQlpbv2SSg-/w254-h320/91501025-7DF1-49F8-92C8-71376D1401F6.jpeg" width="254" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This week feels like an open window. Fresh air flows in, along with birdsong, the chimes from the chapel at the University of St Thomas, the lively play of the children on our block, and the congenial conversation of walkers passing by the house. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">At the same time I noticed the grime on the sills between the screens and the glass panes. Nothing that can't be easily removed, of course. All that's needed is some soap and water and a little time. How good it is to cleanse, to freshen what has been unseen. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It is May, the first week of May. A time to welcome, to begin, to renew and revive, to notice, to awaken to pleasures and gifts. </span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCoGhGrh0ySlx2Y54_8U1t9hvBgcqX-yTLRRfYdDGgWnJp7Ept2Mh83uIrvyPYtHoemm7HQwCIBSCU9Ca5Bx5xZTa-l9sz_hRg6WJb5o_hrIFOhcET2zDLnJi7AiNwTs6xoWqxJ__TrOEB/s2048/12346124-0F98-4B7B-BE83-5EB7F4CFC817.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCoGhGrh0ySlx2Y54_8U1t9hvBgcqX-yTLRRfYdDGgWnJp7Ept2Mh83uIrvyPYtHoemm7HQwCIBSCU9Ca5Bx5xZTa-l9sz_hRg6WJb5o_hrIFOhcET2zDLnJi7AiNwTs6xoWqxJ__TrOEB/s320/12346124-0F98-4B7B-BE83-5EB7F4CFC817.jpeg" /></a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>May 1</b>: I opened the front door Saturday morning intending to sweep the front steps and what did I see but a May basket! No card was included, but I have an idea who delivered it. What could be sweeter, more uplifting than to be remembered. The flowers are now on the ledge in front of my desk, and a reminder for me to send May blessings to others. Later in the day we had dinner with friends on their patio. We kept saying how good it was--the warmth of the day, the warmth of our friendship. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>May 2</b>: Sunday began with worship, which never fails to inspire and lift, ground and touch me. That evening we gathered with a group of friends in our home. Before the pandemic we shared a potluck supper with these loved ones every six weeks or so and oh, how I have missed those times of sharing and laughter and hugs! How good it was to expand and set the table and know we can begin again.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRb5NeWvTxoSznV5dAS1DBFH60ZNpn3L2Tv6smxGBV6ypEXhS0-P5_WQbRNaeSxC5_pLzcUkHaapkk9r7bnt5WkspknNESkMByI2XTsNL4MzTBaM9oUo-mmIv38Zt8lzq-Tj3yqRPo0UrL/s2048/5B056E32-455C-423C-B043-A4276995D422.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRb5NeWvTxoSznV5dAS1DBFH60ZNpn3L2Tv6smxGBV6ypEXhS0-P5_WQbRNaeSxC5_pLzcUkHaapkk9r7bnt5WkspknNESkMByI2XTsNL4MzTBaM9oUo-mmIv38Zt8lzq-Tj3yqRPo0UrL/s320/5B056E32-455C-423C-B043-A4276995D422.jpeg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>May 3</b>: In April I finished writing the current version of my spiritual memoir. This week I have set aside three days, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, for an in-house retreat. I settled into my Girlfriend Chair in the garret and feeling both eager and anxious, I began to read aloud what I have written in this long process. My intention for these days is to determine my next steps. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>May 4</b>:<span> Along with publishing this new post, I enter Day 2 of my writing retreat. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><b>Looking Ahead: The Rest of the Week. </b></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>May 5</b>: Day 3 of my writing retreat, but also the first meeting of a Writers' Circle I have been invited to join. The purpose of this monthly group led by Elizabeth Jarrett Andrew is not to critique each other's writing, but to be contemplative listeners for each other and ourselves in our writing life. The timing feels exactly right. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>May 6</b>: Nothing on the calendar. Will I need more time to read the manuscript through? Will this day be one of creating a new plan for the book or will it be a day of re-entry to the other aspects of my life? A home-tending day? A play day? A day to sit on the patio and read? I have no idea. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4PdXONZrJGLwc13AbHMq58ek0DrUeQam_6YgCNbyk0piCleF5WaVPuYklVr9bicR4NwuL4vA6Z4gw_Y8gFhVi7L4ivGMnCT7AGLp7uagGbAc7QS6LHFfQYB1dDbObGslNIIP5bJBYsRfx/s2048/525540DA-37B1-4576-AB8B-82496E9FE756.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4PdXONZrJGLwc13AbHMq58ek0DrUeQam_6YgCNbyk0piCleF5WaVPuYklVr9bicR4NwuL4vA6Z4gw_Y8gFhVi7L4ivGMnCT7AGLp7uagGbAc7QS6LHFfQYB1dDbObGslNIIP5bJBYsRfx/s320/525540DA-37B1-4576-AB8B-82496E9FE756.jpeg" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>May 7</b>: A year ago on this day my father died at the age of 96. I have written about him often on this blog, for he was a strong and loving influence in my life. He died peacefully, and unafraid, knowing he was loved. What could be better, but I miss him every day. </span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I look ahead to the rest of the month, which includes Mother's Day, and appointments with clients (several are now in person, rather than on Zoom), times with my writing group, the birthday of a dear friend, a gathering with some friends from college and who knows what else.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">My prayer is that this will be a month of open windows. </span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>An Invitation<br /></b></span><span style="font-size: large;">What windows are you opening? I would love to know. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Note:</b> A reader sent me this link to Black-Owned businesses across the U.S. Check it out. <a href="https://www.websiteplanet.com/blog/support-black-owned-businesses/">https://www.websiteplanet.com/blog/support-black-owned-businesses/</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Nancy Agneberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05468885971185443888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054894348558510373.post-88331020578735235232021-04-27T07:52:00.000-05:002021-04-27T07:52:49.648-05:00After the Conviction<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_hNGQP-II37yuf90TZ4sPdnUyn_Ligyoizh5Qwkm9aQdyhyNDfDztB5PTP23w9RUThB9Exuc6yKyZc0qK226zJtFi6SnejVt9JK8hBcboLfWRFP_reQRNNZpgu4xzyImBPi9nk4PRhKS/s2048/1426F206-A538-4397-A01A-20B54545BD7E.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_hNGQP-II37yuf90TZ4sPdnUyn_Ligyoizh5Qwkm9aQdyhyNDfDztB5PTP23w9RUThB9Exuc6yKyZc0qK226zJtFi6SnejVt9JK8hBcboLfWRFP_reQRNNZpgu4xzyImBPi9nk4PRhKS/s320/1426F206-A538-4397-A01A-20B54545BD7E.jpeg" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">More than one friend, nonresidents of Minnesota, emailed me the day after the conviction of Derek Chauvin to say how relieved I must feel. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I did feel relief, but I wondered if I should feel relief. Why did I feel relief and what exactly did that relief encompass? And what business did I have feeling relief? I am a white, privileged woman in her 70's and what stake did I have in the outcome of the trial? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Besides, this was only one trial, one police officer convicted, and shootings have continued, even as the trial was in process. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I was relieved that riots and violence and property damage were averted.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I was relieved that Minnesota might not be in the news every night.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I was relieved that in at least one case justice was done.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I was relieved for George Floyd's family--that at least their loved one was known as a real person whose life should not have been taken from them. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">In Sunday's sermon Pastor Javen Swanson gave a brilliant sermon about the heaviness he was feeling, and reminded us that "justice occurs when hearts are changed."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Justice occurs when hearts are changed. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">That's the kind of relief I want--the relief that comes knowing hearts have changed. That has yet to be proven. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I have been reading Diana Butler Bass's new book, <u>Freeing Jesus, Rediscovering Jesus as Friend, Teacher, Savior, Lord, Way and Presence,</u> and she mentions Dorothy Day who "displayed a restless sense of moving deeper into both the world and God." (186)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Read that phrase again: "...a restless sense of moving deeper into both the world and God." That's what happens, I think, when hearts are changed. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Bass continues to describe the two spiritual journeys: "the interior one toward knowing our true self and knowing God, and the one directed outward into the world to enact God's justice and love." (186) </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">As a spiritual director, I meet with clients who desire to deepen that interior journey, to awaken to the movement of God in their lives. What often happens then is that their growing awareness leads them into the world to BE the movement of God. Or sometimes a client comes to me whose focus and energy is devoted to making a difference in the world, but they feel some emptiness or exhaustion in their spiritual life. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The interior journey and the one directed outward have a dynamic relationship. Both are needed. Sometimes one is--and needs to be--more dominant than the other. For each of us one journey may feel more challenging, and the other may unfold more naturally. My way of pursuing each of the journeys may look, more than likely will look, different from your paths. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Both paths, entangled sometimes, but always stretching out in front of us, change hearts. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This is hard work. Important work. Sacred work. This is the work God has given us to do. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Here are some words that may help. </span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> <span> Go gently into the new day.<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span> <span> Go with love for yourself and others.<br /></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span> <span> Kindle patience towards all beings, all things.<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> Remain awake as you step in any direction.<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> Keep a hand on the pulse of your creativity.<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> Remember always what is yours to embody.<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> Share yourself freely.<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> Go with your imagination lit and your intuition purring with possibility.<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> When in doubt, be yourself.<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> Step forward. <br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> Glenn Mitchell, Oasis Ministries</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><b>An Invitation</b><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Where are you on the journey to change hearts? I would love to know. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>NOTE: </b>You can watch Pastor Javen's sermon <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Htw-8Wu334" style="font-weight: bold;">here.</a> You can read Diana Butler Bass's blog <a href="https://dianabutlerbass.substack.com"><b>here.</b></a> You can read Glenn Mitchell's daily meditations <a href="https://www.oasismin.org/prayernotes"><b>here.</b></a></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span> <span> </span></span><br /></p><p><br /></p>Nancy Agneberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05468885971185443888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054894348558510373.post-2649549772359573822021-04-20T08:19:00.000-05:002021-04-20T08:19:19.577-05:00Waiting for the Verdict<div class="separator"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiO7CJcoX0pzvGTV34fbICWYb-3NHeIgjlwMBdF_7R9wAHxP9xvk_JgA-x7h_Pml-eu4eHAmXNoJkeEdau9AFOQua__OjsX_T4wAdPpVMzYByf1CSxOYeR8LXZZpwbKJkrtTxPqo2oUihF/s2048/5BBE4840-F755-4C28-B884-F69202F65269.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiO7CJcoX0pzvGTV34fbICWYb-3NHeIgjlwMBdF_7R9wAHxP9xvk_JgA-x7h_Pml-eu4eHAmXNoJkeEdau9AFOQua__OjsX_T4wAdPpVMzYByf1CSxOYeR8LXZZpwbKJkrtTxPqo2oUihF/s320/5BBE4840-F755-4C28-B884-F69202F65269.jpeg" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiO7CJcoX0pzvGTV34fbICWYb-3NHeIgjlwMBdF_7R9wAHxP9xvk_JgA-x7h_Pml-eu4eHAmXNoJkeEdau9AFOQua__OjsX_T4wAdPpVMzYByf1CSxOYeR8LXZZpwbKJkrtTxPqo2oUihF/s2048/5BBE4840-F755-4C28-B884-F69202F65269.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div>Now we wait. </div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Yesterday the closing arguments were presented in the George Floyd murder case, and the jury was given its instructions. </span><div><br /></div><div><p><span style="font-size: large;">The prosecution urged the jury to believe what it saw.</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">The defense relied on "reasonable doubt," saying if you don't have all the ingredients to make chocolate chip cookies, you can't make chocolate chip cookies. If a single ingredient is missing, it is a not a guilty verdict. Does anyone else find that metaphor insulting? Trivial?</span><span style="font-size: large;"> Simple?</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">Yesterday during my church's online worship service, the text for the opening hymn, "Have Mercy, God and Purge From Us" was written by Gloria Dei's assistant director of music and worship production, Paul Damico-Carper (You can listen <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC69ZRi7OSddhdPdyLGM_y1g">here</a>) and several lines keep vibrating within me:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span> <span> <span> Have mercy, God, and purge from us enduring corporate sin...</span></span></span><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span> <span> Lay bare the evil we ignore pretending peace within...</span></span><br /></span></span></span></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> Unbind our hearts, cast out our fears so we will start today to<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> right the centuries of wrongs...</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> Embolden us to be participants in turning our entire society...</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvL9M2EOHnXbdw946p-B_Q4AywhU23FIuiPaCWOzcBMQ52Qq4XLb-WIHD8CuhuXtL7chL9aOtfpZ_lmhyphenhyphenKuYHfhoZz_eZvXwFQnIO7AmkHFfojtBDBNPH0MMNPhuvdQNKSHsae_BzTTgbI/s2048/ED01545D-30F7-48D9-A368-97094483D7B5.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span> Revise our hearts where justice has eluded us too long...</span></span></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Notice the strong verbs, especially "purge," "unbind," "embolden," and "revise." Active verbs. Nothing passive there. Words of change. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I tend to think about what needs to change in our society--and much needs to change, but what needs to change within me? Where am I passive, when I need to be active? What do I need to purge? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">As a white person, I am used to being comfortable. I desire comfort, but this is not a comfortable time. For one thing, waiting for this verdict is not comfortable and if a "not guilty" verdict is found, life will be anything but comfortable. But can a person of color ever describe their life as comfortable? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">And if the verdict is "guilty," does that mean life can return to being comfortable for me, a white privileged woman? It shouldn't. And life in this society will still be uncomfortable for too many. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTcRk3EUK6IcvY1hQlOIYUxctXHdby6A08F0BsqkX9YKzMgTUsg5fdfHiLQgFYk96XwmSIeFsio3sLTMFN2mxAem_HDNj5Fw321woB538H1nSWiBsX9c0SOOSjXZVtWDrCLZJeoCM_ieHE/s2048/48C152A7-5AB3-46FE-872B-1342420212AB.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTcRk3EUK6IcvY1hQlOIYUxctXHdby6A08F0BsqkX9YKzMgTUsg5fdfHiLQgFYk96XwmSIeFsio3sLTMFN2mxAem_HDNj5Fw321woB538H1nSWiBsX9c0SOOSjXZVtWDrCLZJeoCM_ieHE/s320/48C152A7-5AB3-46FE-872B-1342420212AB.jpeg" /></a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I need these words from poet Steve Garnaas-Holmes:</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> <span><span>We will do justice, and love kindness, and walk humbly with God.<br /></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span> We will no longer be afraid<br /></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span> to do justice, to love kindness, to walk humbly with God.<br /></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span> Even in the lingering darkness we are not afraid. </span></span></span></span></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span>And now we wait. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><b>An Invitation<br /></b></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><i>What does being comfortable mean to you? What do you do with your discomfort? I would love to know. </i></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> <b>NOTE:</b> To see more of the portraits I feature in this post go to </span><a href="https://www.mrjohnsonpaints.com"><span style="font-size: large;">https://www.mrjohnsonpaints.com</span></a></p></div>Nancy Agneberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05468885971185443888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054894348558510373.post-44021046649209550192021-04-13T08:49:00.001-05:002021-04-13T08:49:45.116-05:00Anatomy of A Weekend<p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>NOTE: </b>This post was written before I learned about the shooting of Daunte Wright by a police officer. How trite everything else seems. I recommend history professor, Heather Cox Richardson's commentary in her daily newsletter, <a href="https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com">Letters From An American</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-bHnaegDAEJ_p8ilvycWS6yZft19YaSvunzam39GXA8Ny7YZ9nGaMc1XIM_rHGZkcxjsyzgvMMQBTR39cbF0qYy6MZ-tV4TlMVlSPY77BWaoHjrY0c7l791x3yOrVU5BiHtWvq5XNvTv/s2048/740DC0FE-CA11-4822-9290-25B0EE0C2601.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-bHnaegDAEJ_p8ilvycWS6yZft19YaSvunzam39GXA8Ny7YZ9nGaMc1XIM_rHGZkcxjsyzgvMMQBTR39cbF0qYy6MZ-tV4TlMVlSPY77BWaoHjrY0c7l791x3yOrVU5BiHtWvq5XNvTv/s320/740DC0FE-CA11-4822-9290-25B0EE0C2601.jpeg" /></a></div><br />If you are a fan of Downton Abbey (and who isn't?), you probably remember the Dowager Countess of Grantham played by Maggie Smith asking "What's a weekend?"</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Thanks to my husband's retirement, my flexible, self-directed writing and spiritual direction schedule, and pandemic limiting activities, weekends have not had much meaning. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">One day tends to feel like another. What I do on Tuesday, I can easily do on Sunday, as well. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The one exception has been "attending" Sunday morning worship services. On YouTube. For much of our lives, Sunday morning church has been a grounding landmark, and that has been no less true this past year. Sunday gets us to Monday and on Saturday we know what we will be doing, where we will be on Sunday. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Several months ago, however, we realized we needed a Saturday-- a day that would be different from other days in the week. We needed change, a highlight, a day off from the ways we had settled into life during the pandemic. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We started roaming. Saturday has been our day to explore Minnesota. Where can we go in one day? We have driven each direction. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWnZ7r48j0E5m1UVis0M0cgU7U5fjQLaHXP_meFg7NOhzvurzwxMP2HYannHDQZ8N4t4oXTUYaTnGqsLKM0uPqPic7xe2HwsfipRZdrHeJ6OsWYh1_UvFtUIy6cp5Bn2BfQb86GUYFvSE2/s2048/64BEC334-F571-4493-ACEE-4C925700C73B.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWnZ7r48j0E5m1UVis0M0cgU7U5fjQLaHXP_meFg7NOhzvurzwxMP2HYannHDQZ8N4t4oXTUYaTnGqsLKM0uPqPic7xe2HwsfipRZdrHeJ6OsWYh1_UvFtUIy6cp5Bn2BfQb86GUYFvSE2/s320/64BEC334-F571-4493-ACEE-4C925700C73B.jpeg" width="320" /></a>Sometimes we have a specific destination, like Duluth to see the <a href="https://claytonjacksonmcghie.org/2020">memorial</a> recognizing victims of a lynching there in 1920. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes, however, we just pick a direction and go, driving down country roads and through small towns. </span><span style="font-size: large;">We have counted eagles, hawks, and most recently, swans, and have marveled at the beauty of the land and the change of the seasons. We have lunch in our car--MacDonalds crispy chicken sandwich is our first choice and later, as we head home, an ice cream cone. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxgU5pSa7-opoxYeIjNdUoTWJ96c26BcizylHH0LT2QYYs_HUTZmyDTHvtG3ukVbkA1McZnPn7Gk-XvGNowaCYxmL_6_kFCUlvtZzvOg4orY2ZC6vgT86cGNG4R6oj3zHruOLqkc6uvmD-/s2048/57C3272E-D217-47B2-887B-164AEB937A32.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxgU5pSa7-opoxYeIjNdUoTWJ96c26BcizylHH0LT2QYYs_HUTZmyDTHvtG3ukVbkA1McZnPn7Gk-XvGNowaCYxmL_6_kFCUlvtZzvOg4orY2ZC6vgT86cGNG4R6oj3zHruOLqkc6uvmD-/s320/57C3272E-D217-47B2-887B-164AEB937A32.jpeg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Lately, we have stopped at antique stores, and if we are lucky add to our latest collection: vintage copper. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCh07dSaxlncA6jOlqmhg_8fu-kKb9kHmwdRCJHtAwpSEHWjhVP_mMqF6PThy4sYNWeyhFQ9NNcLe-xMvNxggJtQcVqyl17BMJJEoY0T71wFnO7yrlh2sh53HGOEkrttB1aBddL8s6Q3Fn/s2048/2CE546B1-6885-43D9-96C3-1F1F7D2BCE49.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCh07dSaxlncA6jOlqmhg_8fu-kKb9kHmwdRCJHtAwpSEHWjhVP_mMqF6PThy4sYNWeyhFQ9NNcLe-xMvNxggJtQcVqyl17BMJJEoY0T71wFnO7yrlh2sh53HGOEkrttB1aBddL8s6Q3Fn/s320/2CE546B1-6885-43D9-96C3-1F1F7D2BCE49.jpeg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTWiGWf3HbvWEikU8CttvVTY-JRxH_P4Qa1kXeGqEtPkbJYd8uvXqrYgAeV3vnVyE65DDwJMr2UHlS2PBW1hn6oi8xgw7kox3eFf3iRx_zB8aXcvWONtwZiSKjPkY7vIVZaJM6R7LxmeN/s2048/C5F7411D-FE27-414E-8664-CF95CA2ECC0E.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTWiGWf3HbvWEikU8CttvVTY-JRxH_P4Qa1kXeGqEtPkbJYd8uvXqrYgAeV3vnVyE65DDwJMr2UHlS2PBW1hn6oi8xgw7kox3eFf3iRx_zB8aXcvWONtwZiSKjPkY7vIVZaJM6R7LxmeN/s320/C5F7411D-FE27-414E-8664-CF95CA2ECC0E.jpeg" /></a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This past Saturday the small town of Darwin, MN was on our route and much to our surprise, it is the home of the largest ball of twine. Now who can resist that? </span></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivcCLFwfjjhFqNxpIKMVS-pvTl9N97t74cy-XxbOeMbkYqfDS6mc5GhzFGEJtYUrcsfkg8VFczdLpod32nsRXULRhemNaZ319csMOHH6rctEuCfoOoGOMYdsh3stCX9MRyRwH6me-yJHQ6/s2048/9791D2EE-3526-4FA5-B4A4-81A90E4C4C3A.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivcCLFwfjjhFqNxpIKMVS-pvTl9N97t74cy-XxbOeMbkYqfDS6mc5GhzFGEJtYUrcsfkg8VFczdLpod32nsRXULRhemNaZ319csMOHH6rctEuCfoOoGOMYdsh3stCX9MRyRwH6me-yJHQ6/s320/9791D2EE-3526-4FA5-B4A4-81A90E4C4C3A.jpeg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk8Qlx6twtkmZDjfwVwbrPNsD3psSJVblabfafUUQrdYtl3nbIfnwfmFjOHh498i1aH8Utc71tkn5OhWB9PcfLXhkIkIUu63lc0Li_K02UjHN-GdsEhLhm2jH6p3jbA6RjGDEYr3BoYg8C/s2048/46093CE1-D0F5-4D51-8201-B5998341BB7C.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk8Qlx6twtkmZDjfwVwbrPNsD3psSJVblabfafUUQrdYtl3nbIfnwfmFjOHh498i1aH8Utc71tkn5OhWB9PcfLXhkIkIUu63lc0Li_K02UjHN-GdsEhLhm2jH6p3jbA6RjGDEYr3BoYg8C/s320/46093CE1-D0F5-4D51-8201-B5998341BB7C.jpeg" /></a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">And when we pull back into the garage, we feel as if we have been on a trip. We are glad to be home and back to more routine activities, like making banana bread or for Bruce, working in the garden. And church on Sunday morning. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxuiqajVMyWrRVD4sAlJrbgAmsA9Zdjo4EwcwNXD7VLByz0S-pT8XJG_xQMHgVPOt1tD5_e_v3F_6x8tMqz-RZb0vs696tO6-TsEf_YicVDYB6DtHZl8C_mHO9P4Syvob4pwJr4AcCDoXt/s2048/CBD4DF31-0791-4BA4-B883-65C1AAB3B454.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxuiqajVMyWrRVD4sAlJrbgAmsA9Zdjo4EwcwNXD7VLByz0S-pT8XJG_xQMHgVPOt1tD5_e_v3F_6x8tMqz-RZb0vs696tO6-TsEf_YicVDYB6DtHZl8C_mHO9P4Syvob4pwJr4AcCDoXt/s320/CBD4DF31-0791-4BA4-B883-65C1AAB3B454.jpeg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">Then on Monday morning, I am ready to return to my desk. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>An Invitation</b><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Do your weekday activities differ from what you do on the weekend? I would love to know. </i></span></div>Nancy Agneberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05468885971185443888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054894348558510373.post-55508235726854677052021-04-06T09:26:00.002-05:002021-04-06T09:27:35.271-05:00Friends for Dinner<p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8HMmayCgC4CeJ_q6HoKhMJWs0k33MRfWnFnN7j5FYvFir0vDjyk8maYgvdrdiVEef19AM7aTPM-Yy0-Kjkv3XhZSwPWKgBQ0VrpjA7EKJnT05L8VBRsqecAAfVaJP5G3eFSJj_bhyphenhyphenxCnM/s2048/D301CB26-CDFF-4051-8A6E-88DEED64B8A1.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8HMmayCgC4CeJ_q6HoKhMJWs0k33MRfWnFnN7j5FYvFir0vDjyk8maYgvdrdiVEef19AM7aTPM-Yy0-Kjkv3XhZSwPWKgBQ0VrpjA7EKJnT05L8VBRsqecAAfVaJP5G3eFSJj_bhyphenhyphenxCnM/s320/D301CB26-CDFF-4051-8A6E-88DEED64B8A1.jpeg" /></a></div><br />For the first time in over a year, we entertained INSIDE the house! We have gathered friends and family on the patio periodically, but remember, I live in Minnesota, so winter weather has greatly limited that ability.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Now that we have had both vaccinations and are in the "safe" zone, as are many of our friends, we are beginning to open our home, and we invited two friends for dinner on Good Friday.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I laughed at myself and wondered if I would know how to set the table, for Bruce and I have our dinner each evening on tv trays while watching the PBS News Hour. Meal time has been casual, to say the least. My sister teased me, saying I could Google how to set a table if I had forgotten on which sides of the plate to place the flatware. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Like riding a bike, however, I remembered how to do it, and I delighted in the process. I love setting the table not only because we have a variety of pretty dishes, but as I prepare the table, I open my heart to the guests who will enter the door. And after such a long time of not opening the door, of no one crossing the threshold, I was so eager to share our space, or food, our love.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">During the day, as I chopped and sautéed and simmered, I glanced at the waiting table with its tulips, candles, white Damask napkins, blue and white Danish dishes and my mother's flatware, and I remembered other times of gathering with friends or family. The insightful conversation. The warm laughter. The increased connections. Oh, how I have missed that! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">And it was good. I fixed risotto with peas and a delicious green salad with celery seed dressing. Our friends brought a yummy trifle with strawberries and blueberries and even left some for us to enjoy the next day. Don't you wish you had been there?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Now here is a confession. Good Friday is a solemn night--a time of lamentation, and we invited our friends to watch our church's service on Youtube with us and then we would have dinner. Well, we were not very solemn. Instead, we were almost giddy with our eagerness to be together. As we hugged, we seemed to have moved into Easter's rejoicing. I trust we were forgiven.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXwQ5PUZbabEJaGQuNWxU_8Ip1SpoqwE6bYGLqE2JaX2vLlLGVw_Etw7Uv5l7gnQaKjMsaYh9HlE8xQGvo-gz7xQrX7d50r3_4vM2wa3tlgUu7-ywRQYeP3XbWRotBQi0IML7BMYa8-Sc/s2048/16FCDADD-C281-4191-94C4-630288A82C58.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXwQ5PUZbabEJaGQuNWxU_8Ip1SpoqwE6bYGLqE2JaX2vLlLGVw_Etw7Uv5l7gnQaKjMsaYh9HlE8xQGvo-gz7xQrX7d50r3_4vM2wa3tlgUu7-ywRQYeP3XbWRotBQi0IML7BMYa8-Sc/s320/16FCDADD-C281-4191-94C4-630288A82C58.jpeg" /></a>Our routine after our guests have left is to do a complete clean-up. Bruce is in charge of filling the dishwasher, and doing the additional hand washing. I return the table to its previous look, wipe, and put away the dishes. We are a good team. And as we do that, we review the evening's conversation, which feels like an additional blessing. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The next morning when I got up and walked through the house, I sensed a different energy in each of the rooms. It was if the house remembered one of its main purposes--to be a place of love and welcome. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I can't wait to do it again. </span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>An Invitation</b><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Have you entertained recently? How did that feel? I would love to know. </i></span></div><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p> </p>Nancy Agneberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05468885971185443888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054894348558510373.post-82420468139566358352021-03-30T08:27:00.003-05:002021-03-30T08:27:55.318-05:00Blessing the Neighborhood<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWCxJIOsPT01cRvMKOUV3Mp1xi0WXVJCcICywG_-pNixMV6c51EDQcmOQNTHlA5E99O-fqBLsEh3YhpaY87cDqk0adHxF0ahu3Jxk4rzUYoAJu_clcUb553H-pQuFOxiOVNiyAKbvothO/s2048/244440F4-533F-4C79-804E-2099587A9407.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGWCxJIOsPT01cRvMKOUV3Mp1xi0WXVJCcICywG_-pNixMV6c51EDQcmOQNTHlA5E99O-fqBLsEh3YhpaY87cDqk0adHxF0ahu3Jxk4rzUYoAJu_clcUb553H-pQuFOxiOVNiyAKbvothO/s320/244440F4-533F-4C79-804E-2099587A9407.jpeg" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">I tucked our palms from Passion Sunday into the birch basket on the front door. The forsythia branches in the basket signal spring and new growth. I like to think the palm branches, which scripture tells us were spread on the road as Jesus entered Jerusalem, wave blessings into the neighborhood. </span><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> This blessing <br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> is making <br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> its steady way up <br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> the way <br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> toward you.<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> Jan Richardson<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <i>from</i> <u>Circle of Grace</u></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>This blessing is for you if you are Christian and moving through Holy Week towards Easter. Or if you are Jewish and in the midst of Passover. Or if you are Muslim or Hindu or Buddhist.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">And yes, it is a blessing if you know yourself as an unbeliever or one who is unsure of your beliefs. Blessings know no boundaries, and it is good to remember that during these days of pageant and ritual. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Here's what is most important to remember:</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> An American rabbi was once asked what he thought of the<br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span> words attributed to Jesus in St John's Gospel, "I am the way,<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span> and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except<br /></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span> through me" (John 14:6). The rabbi replied, "Oh, I agree with<br /></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span> these words." To which the surprised questioner asked further,<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span> "But how can you as a rabbi believe that Jesus is the way, the <br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> truth, and the life?" "Because," answered the rabbi, "I believe that<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> Jesus' way is the way of love, that Jesus' truth is the truth of<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> love, and that Jesus' life is the life of love. No one comes to the<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> Father but through love."<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> p. 119 <u>A New Harmony, The Spirit, The Earth</u><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <u>and the Human Soul</u><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> John Philip Newell</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>The only way to God is through love. The only way to live, whatever your faith or unfaith, is through love. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>And that's the blessing the palms are proclaiming.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> This blessing<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> looms in the throats<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> of women,<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> brings from the hearts<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> of men,<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> tumbles out of the mouths<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> of children.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> Jan </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Richardson</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><b>An Invitation</b><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><i>What happens when you extend a blessing? I would love to know.</i> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>Nancy Agneberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05468885971185443888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054894348558510373.post-21961447022894553762021-03-23T08:06:00.004-05:002021-03-23T08:06:41.094-05:00Spring and Our Own Growth<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFPd0OZn1mJjfBx83xz6z27YumrxqlZh-pudP1qxYfN6Jhv7Sziymvg2PwCvIw5bdoHR4qx9Kvp2KtHMJYit6dthPfn15MkKSc1uuFye253hp-tZf8hUm7kEWU1ijHi_Hn-uYIcoMsdzLX/s2048/AE1D7D47-3958-44D8-A47C-4E63DD2A5D22.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFPd0OZn1mJjfBx83xz6z27YumrxqlZh-pudP1qxYfN6Jhv7Sziymvg2PwCvIw5bdoHR4qx9Kvp2KtHMJYit6dthPfn15MkKSc1uuFye253hp-tZf8hUm7kEWU1ijHi_Hn-uYIcoMsdzLX/s320/AE1D7D47-3958-44D8-A47C-4E63DD2A5D22.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">A friend wrote that the life of faith is linear because "life with God moves always forward." Yes, but more and more the movement of my life with God feels circular, cyclical. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Saturday we drove into the country on unfamiliar roads. Maybe we had been on some of them before, but not at the same time of earth's unfolding. The fields had an almost scrubbed clean look, steady and quiet, but I imagined the soil actively warming itself, preparing to receive the seeds of new growth. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I saw trees at their barest, skeletal branches open to the sun, ready to welcome their own greening. They've done this before, but still it feels new. Against the unadorned landscape was the occasional hard to miss surprise of willow trees, forsythia yellow in color, leading the way into the exuberance of spring. Don't you love the reminder that not everything happens at the same time?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I saw an eagle's nest and caught a glimpse of a white head, like a ping pong ball, poking out from the nest. Eagles return to the same nest year after year. Some years their young survive, but not always. I think about how often I see eagles, even in my own urban neighborhood, but each sighting thrills me. In ponds and small lakes, wherever there was open water, I saw swans swimming, a fairy tale ballet with spring as the encore. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We've been here, the tip of spring, but it feels stunning, astonishing every year. And we are part of that miracle, for we have moved forward from where we were a year ago to where we are now. We are not the same. Perhaps we look basically the same, but we know underneath the surface we have changed. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We may have suffered losses. We may have worried and wondered and waited. We may have raged, but also been resilient. Perhaps even as we have recited litanies of what we miss, we may have found spaciousness and even focus for our energy, our gifts. This has been a time like no other, but even in that otherness, we may have experienced the movement of God and glimpses of who we were created to be. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Tye4hyTdaBT4nFQs4Q9A16F8FYadZ4CtZNK1hGRKTK0ZQAdC9h6H2KyhewVjvMsIkjTj44Yu4fKk53MOO94LDFLE6npiYEQ9PIj_DfrVOzQhISdhyphenhyphenM6vc5nbpFe9ILIWs6veQDGf7KWS/s2048/4656EB3B-98B5-4383-B6ED-6493FA5EE114.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Tye4hyTdaBT4nFQs4Q9A16F8FYadZ4CtZNK1hGRKTK0ZQAdC9h6H2KyhewVjvMsIkjTj44Yu4fKk53MOO94LDFLE6npiYEQ9PIj_DfrVOzQhISdhyphenhyphenM6vc5nbpFe9ILIWs6veQDGf7KWS/s320/4656EB3B-98B5-4383-B6ED-6493FA5EE114.jpeg" /></a>At one of our stops, an antique shop, I bought a bundle of twisty, curly pussywillows, another one of those signs of spring I count on. Normally, I buy them in the grocery store's flower section, and they are quite domestic looking, manageable and straight. This bunch of pussywillows, however, looks wild and unexpected. I can almost hear them whispering, "Spring will return, as it does every year, but maybe it will feel different, be different. Maybe you are different."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Here's what I think about moving forward in my life with God. Each single step feels like I am moving on a linear path, but when I look back after taking many steps, I see I am on a curve. The curve doesn't lead me back to where I have been, but rather carries me through the cycles of life, the cycles of the universe and invites me to find new growth. </span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>An Invitation<br /></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Spring is just beginning here in Minnesota. You may be in a different stage of spring. What are you noticing this spring? I would love to know. </i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>NOTE:</b> It has been a heavy week. I invite you to pause and lift these names:<span> <span> Soon Chung Park, 74;<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> Suncha Kim, 69;<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> Yong Ae Tue, 63;<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> Hyun Jung Grant, 51;<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> Xiaojie Tan, 49;<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> Delaina Yaun, 33;<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> Daoyou Feng, 44<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> Paul Andre Michels, 54.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><b>One More Note:</b> We celebrate our son Geof's 42nd birthday today. He is a blessing in our life. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWbhFprH2IxqFR3aWZf_FeK0_xkUt5uRvjqbQ9Z7VZKMIDkzY61Nwrx2U78HP7_6foWjvTTIrNGVYw1dn8uvwmu_-YsPnCDZO_doYJ0UHbienbxaUSQwlWIzDsfon91iFHyWjwN0E7D75/s2048/4359EB79-5206-43BE-9AE0-87142757A08F.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWbhFprH2IxqFR3aWZf_FeK0_xkUt5uRvjqbQ9Z7VZKMIDkzY61Nwrx2U78HP7_6foWjvTTIrNGVYw1dn8uvwmu_-YsPnCDZO_doYJ0UHbienbxaUSQwlWIzDsfon91iFHyWjwN0E7D75/s320/4359EB79-5206-43BE-9AE0-87142757A08F.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>Nancy Agneberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05468885971185443888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054894348558510373.post-27539279941778692432021-03-16T07:25:00.000-05:002021-03-16T07:25:33.721-05:00The Pandemic and Walking A Labyrinth<p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOlylK_7c9tGG1lSSq6XUVakCysiGi8ktPopqhrf5J2RZNCzcnbx5TBGPJN9BCSjS7LdJFQBDUfEyvhRSOPgq7nbNbvf6Fi5HtjbvIlu3JoHXiPXv7NgSzsRrUYZc1R41FBZOCV2GttbFc/s2048/FD346612-0E6E-441A-A48E-048BC7219B54.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOlylK_7c9tGG1lSSq6XUVakCysiGi8ktPopqhrf5J2RZNCzcnbx5TBGPJN9BCSjS7LdJFQBDUfEyvhRSOPgq7nbNbvf6Fi5HtjbvIlu3JoHXiPXv7NgSzsRrUYZc1R41FBZOCV2GttbFc/s320/FD346612-0E6E-441A-A48E-048BC7219B54.jpeg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />The labyrinth is an ancient meditation tool, a path to prayer, a path of prayer. Meditation in motion. A container for reflection and an intentional way to connect with God, the Holy, the Sacred.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Living during this pandemic reminds me of walking a labyrinth.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">When I stand at the threshold of a labyrinth, I sometimes feel anxious, for I have no idea what my experience might be, and that is exactly how I felt a year ago when life changed so dramatically. The path ahead was an unknown, and all I could do as I tried to look ahead was take a deep breath and ask for guidance. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Tentatively, I took those beginning steps, asking what was required of me. How am I to live during this time? The walk towards the center of the labyrinth is a time to <b>release</b>. And isn't that what we were asked to do? We put on our masks and released our normal ways of living and moving in the world, experiencing losses along the way.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Along the way, we adapted, finding ways to manage the challenges. Zoom meetings with friends and family. Online church services. Ordering groceries online or shopping at times that weren't busy. Our day to day rhythms changed, and we relaxed into a slower pace. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">And yet, daily we yearned for this time to end. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">On an actual labyrinth, there is the moment when the center seems close. That was where we wanted to be. Home and safety; a feeling that we made it. But the labyrinth plays a trick on us: the curving path swings us away from the center and we go round and round yet again. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Life during the pandemic turned out to be much longer than imagined.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">And reaching the center was not what we wanted it to be. We thought once we arrived in the center, the pandemic would be over, and we could return to our normal ways of living. No such luck.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Being in the center may have felt like nothing was happening, but on good days we felt this was a time to <b>receive</b> --greater clarity about what is important to us; an awareness of our own resilience and who we are; gratitude for our health and the love and support of our dear ones; and an appreciation for stillness and solitude. Perhaps we accessed our contemplative side and noticed the movement of God in our lives. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Now that more and more of us have been vaccinated, we are ready to resume movement and the path away from the center is a time to <b>return</b>. That is a long path, too, however, and no less important than the walk to the center. This path is a time to ask ourselves new questions.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span> How have I changed since I first stood on the threshold?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span> What do I bring with me from the hibernation time in the center? </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span> What has changed in my life and what are my intentions for life after the pandemic? </span></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span> What have I learned? What choices have I made that supported <br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span> who I was created to be? </span></span></span></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span>Eventually, we will cross the threshold and leave this particular labyrinth, this specific time of our lives, but the lessons, the learnings can remain with us and prepare us for the next labyrinth in our life.</span></span></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>A Prayer from Henri J. M. Nouwen</b></span></p><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span> The choice for your way has to be made every moment of my<br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span> life. I have to choose thoughts that are your thoughts, words<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span> that are your words, and actions that are your actions. There<br /></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span> are no times places without choices. And I know how </span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">deeply</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span> I resist choosing you.<br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span> Please, Lord, be with me at every moment and in every<br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span> place. Give me the strength and the courage to live this<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span> season faithfully, so that, when Easter comes, I will be able<br /></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span> to taste with joy the new life which you have prepare for me.<br /></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span> Amen. </span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><b>An Invitation</b></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i>What stage of the labyrinth are you on now? What are you learning? I would love to know. </i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghRNizVFauYd1Hu7AtXyjvYv4hQw3uJfGqs09vY4PIzDTnZHvsd7wkhDFm5wKNdq8kihgCfyDsbpUhMpUo1U052WeXKujaN89_1UEJsygjMbxwyF7eOv8eDstbd0bKLk6GUBBiURQ158PN/w640-h480/DF4B4B1E-FE96-4F99-99B3-25BC8C8C5BC1.jpeg" width="640" /></span></div><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>Nancy Agneberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05468885971185443888noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054894348558510373.post-18663154602040140192021-03-09T07:54:00.000-06:002021-03-09T07:54:34.443-06:00Book Recommendation: Caste by Isabel Wilkerson<p><span style="font-size: large;">I am not a white supremacist.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4fj696yZzgFksLFfBvYmti7cqIOIZ0Ap8QF3NFMJRMmYXAOWE9tEpDxBgoum0np57P4qs92GnzazA_4qSFNDenQRhc_BYwlvifpvZF6Ir285f2Cprjfl7hF2KBkHC_dEMEt597j6AC4-c/s2048/6RK%2525vsmXSnCrlszqAJWSig.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4fj696yZzgFksLFfBvYmti7cqIOIZ0Ap8QF3NFMJRMmYXAOWE9tEpDxBgoum0np57P4qs92GnzazA_4qSFNDenQRhc_BYwlvifpvZF6Ir285f2Cprjfl7hF2KBkHC_dEMEt597j6AC4-c/s320/6RK%2525vsmXSnCrlszqAJWSig.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I suspect, however, as much as I don't want to be, I am a racist in some of my behaviors and attitudes. I am trying to become aware of those behaviors and attitudes. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">What is clear, especially after reading <u>Caste, The Origins of Our Discontents</u> by Isabel Wilkerson, is that I am a member of the dominant caste. And I am in the dominant caste because I am white. </span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Normally, this is the kind of book in which I would underline line after line, paragraph after paragraph of relevant and well-written content, but in this case there would be little left unmarked. I marveled at the superb writing and agonized at the overwhelming examples of caste throughout the history of the United States. And I remain deeply saddened by the ways caste, mainly the division between the dominant and the subordinate castes</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">, </span><span style="font-size: large;">remains a firm reality today.</span></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">Here is one paragraph I did underline:</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> What people look like, or, rather, the race they have been<br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span> assigned or are perceived to belong to, is the visible cue<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span> to their caste. It is the historic flash card to the public<br /></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span> of how they are to be treated, where they are expected<br /></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span> to live, what kinds of positions they are expected to hold,<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span> whether they belong in this section of town or that seat<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> in the boardroom, whether they should be expected to<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> speak with authority on this or that subject, whether<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> they will be administered pain relief in a hospital,<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> whether their neighborhood is likely to adjoin a toxic<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> waste site or to have contaminated water flowing from<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> their taps, whether they are more or less likely to survive<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> childbirth in the most advanced nation in the world,<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> whether they may be shot by authorities with impunity. <br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> pp. 18-19</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>I am white and in the dominant caste, and if you are a Black American or perceived to be black, then you are in the subordinate caste. And being in the subordinate class means you are considered less than. You are considered not quite as human as I am. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>We have all been shaped by this rigid caste system.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Wilkerson compares the caste systems of the U.S. to both India and Nazi Germany. When Martin Luther King, Jr visited India in 1959 a principal of a high school introduced King to his students, saying, "Young people I would like to present to you a fellow untouchable from the United States of America." Wilkerson also documents how the Nazis studied the racial systems in America to plan their outcasting of the Jews.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8f6NdSAqv-drLit-eFp3IdDXRwXMyjCijYjf7j0PmutY8b834_NDutc1hQZTsJQoMF57n2yIiGei9BCQlTTj7oBcLqdv3Q5tZt2CJ-vXn6XY2mQb99-FGTwQCl6J09uIobExrf9Tz40VT/s2048/%2525wLTn%2525bRRyyO%252Bp4EDvW7Pw.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8f6NdSAqv-drLit-eFp3IdDXRwXMyjCijYjf7j0PmutY8b834_NDutc1hQZTsJQoMF57n2yIiGei9BCQlTTj7oBcLqdv3Q5tZt2CJ-vXn6XY2mQb99-FGTwQCl6J09uIobExrf9Tz40VT/s320/%2525wLTn%2525bRRyyO%252Bp4EDvW7Pw.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>As example after example is given of how African Americans are mistreated and abused mentally, physically, and spiritually, including the author herself, I find it hard to imagine how this long-standing system can be dismantled. I know that can't happen, however, unless we confront the truth about ourselves as white people, as the dominant caste--even those among us who are more aware and are working actively for racial and social justice. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> Radical empathy, on the other hand, means putting in<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> the work to educate oneself and to listen with a humble<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> heart to understand another's experience from their <br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> experience from their </span></span>perspective, not as we imagine<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> we would feel. Radical empathy is not about you and <br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> what you think you would do in a situation you have<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> never been in and perhaps never will. It is the kindred<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> connection from a place of deep knowing that opens<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> your spirit to the pain of another as they perceive it.<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> p. 386</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">This week the trial of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin accused of murdering George Floyd begins. What needs to be on trial is the racially disportionate treatment of Black Americans by the police--treatment that is caused by the caste system. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Wilkerson's previous book, <u>The Warmth of Other Suns</u>, is brilliant as well, and I hope you will read that, too, but this one does more than enlarge your knowledge of history. <u>Caste</u> opens your heart.</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>An Invitation<br /></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>What have you learned or experienced recently that has cracked open your awareness? I would love to know. </i></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span> </span><br /></span></span></p><p> </p>Nancy Agneberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05468885971185443888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054894348558510373.post-36126771668534159242021-03-02T07:45:00.000-06:002021-03-02T07:45:34.485-06:00Being Present Via Zoom<p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwTUdgXGfbk_92g0LkgJe4iThiZf568Dp4lKy-aPyrCUMQ6VCWY6otxU49iAm3JpKuC6PmNIQT7Rh6rgSv16k_WSt1N9-jGe7GIIicLOki1T3wgUdxuZRsweJFucUVk3qdH3RH4egABMiV/s2048/AADC3D01-BA74-4B59-89A5-70943466AAA0.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwTUdgXGfbk_92g0LkgJe4iThiZf568Dp4lKy-aPyrCUMQ6VCWY6otxU49iAm3JpKuC6PmNIQT7Rh6rgSv16k_WSt1N9-jGe7GIIicLOki1T3wgUdxuZRsweJFucUVk3qdH3RH4egABMiV/s320/AADC3D01-BA74-4B59-89A5-70943466AAA0.jpeg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">One afternoon this past week my writing group met. On Zoom, of </span><span style="font-size: large;">course. Before the pandemic we gathered in my living room. We each had our self-assigned seats and after years of meeting, I know their beverage preferences. I provided some sort of treat, usually homemade, but sometimes bowls of popcorn or nuts. Before receiving each others' writing, we checked in about other our lives and our concerns about current events in the world. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Later in the week I participated in another kind of Zoom meeting. This was a group of women from church who had agreed to share insights about the challenges and gifts of these pandemic months and how the Third Chapter, Spirituality As We Age committee could address our needs as elders during the pandemic. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Oh, how I wished we could have gathered in my living room, instead of on a screen, greeting and hugging one another. I would have added chairs to enlarge the circle and offered something to eat and drink before we settled in to share our wisdom, our insights, our concerns, our losses, but also our joys. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">In addition, I met with clients this week on Zoom, and Bruce and I had a fun screen time conversation with good friends. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">In each of these cases, I missed welcoming them to our home, to being together in the same space, but I was also aware of our ability to adapt to what is required. I was grateful for the willingness to connect even when it doesn't feel quite the same. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Being on ZOOM or FaceTime takes a different kind of energy than being together in person, and so I think carefully about when and how often I will use that energy. However, w</span><span style="font-size: large;">ould I have preferred not being in communion with these loved ones because we couldn't meet in person? Absolutely not.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We were able to be present to each other, even though we were not physically in the same place. We felt the presence of God in each other's presence. </span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> any thing, any person, any situation <br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"> is a word addressed to me by God.<br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"> Brother David Steindl-Rast</span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Any situation. Even Zoom.</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>An Invitation</b><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Where have you experienced the presence of God in a new way? I would love to know. </i></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Nancy Agneberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05468885971185443888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054894348558510373.post-80938758047955171392021-02-23T08:12:00.000-06:002021-02-23T08:12:33.195-06:00Lenten Practice #1: Letting Go of Books<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-pwyJITRz-1DUn0RHOcl9aTHmgS3nwCCoSuMR_WjAfJd3WLIFdFjYN3mw-XEsIlNPDbFZXXIPJnKJcJ2qfHRqvmrFlzTGofJjDWD5ILEl1s5w0DFnnaK9MB_DC_x_gwBWoRrG7U5oqcwN/s2048/91D505A9-CFDE-4134-8324-F42CB6B22D3B.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-pwyJITRz-1DUn0RHOcl9aTHmgS3nwCCoSuMR_WjAfJd3WLIFdFjYN3mw-XEsIlNPDbFZXXIPJnKJcJ2qfHRqvmrFlzTGofJjDWD5ILEl1s5w0DFnnaK9MB_DC_x_gwBWoRrG7U5oqcwN/s320/91D505A9-CFDE-4134-8324-F42CB6B22D3B.jpeg" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">For the second year in a row one of my Lenten practices is to let go of books. Last year I eliminated over 100 books from my garret bookshelves, which is where I keep my spirituality, theology, and writing books, and this year I have decided to accept the same challenge. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Books are my comfort, which I wear like a shawl. They are my terra firma. When I am puzzled about something or facing a new challenge, or need a guide as I reflect and process, I turn to a book. Books are the threshold I cross and the return that welcomes me. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Saying goodbye is no small task. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Eliminating books from my library is my version of giving up sugar or caffeine during Lent--something that takes willpower and focus and persistence and self-control. But this practice is also a kind of love and a way to honor my growth as a spiritual being. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Each day during Lent I browse one of my shelves for at least one title I can take to a Little Free Library, where, I hope, just the right reader, spiritual seeker or writer will find it. I pull out possibilities and browse the pages. How likely is it that I will want to read this book again? Or if I have not read it, has its time passed? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">For example, I have many books on feminist theology, and I remember the days when I saturated myself in that content, hungry to fill that gap in my education and awareness. I read many of them, and I am so grateful for writers, researchers, theologians who opened themselves --and then me--to that material. Will I read ones I have not yet read in the next years of my reading life? Probably not. Will I re-read any of them? Probably not. Ok, add them to the pile. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Before adding a book to the pile, I notice what I have underlined or where I have made a note. For example, in <u>Seeking God, The Way of St Benedict </u>by Esther de Waal, my eyes land on text highlighted in pink with a star next to the passage:<span> </span></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span> Only after we give up the desire to be different and<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span> admit that we deserve no special attention is there space<br /></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span> to encounter God, and to discover that although we are<br /></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span> unique and that God calls us each by name, that is <br /></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span> completely compatible with the unspectacular, possibly<br /></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span> the </span></span></span>monotony, of life in the pace in which we find ourselves.<br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"> p. 61</span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">(An aside: I am an enneagram 4, and this passage really fits my 4 personality.)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I spend a bit more time with the book and even copy a couple passages into my journal, but still decide to add it to the "pass it on" pile. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes when I have loved a certain book by an author, I have then collected and read everything written by that person. For example, Natalie Goldberg's <u>Writing Down the Bones </u>will remain in my library forever, even though I may never read it again, but while I enjoyed and benefited from other titles, such as <u>The True Secret of Writing </u>and <u>The Great Spring</u>, I am comfortable passing them on. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I will keep Twyla Tharp's <u>The Creative Habit</u>, but will move on her more recent book, <u>Keep It Moving</u>, not because it wasn't worth reading, but it didn't speak to me in the same way. Plus, I found this book in a Little Free Library and it seems fitting to return it for someone else to find. I admit I wonder about the person who received this as a gift. The inscription in the front reads, "Christmas, 2019. For Kate, As you move forward, a book about moving forward. Much love, Bill and Julie." Did the book resonate with Kate?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I thank each book for its wisdom, for the insights and new learning it brought to me, and I thank the author for the effort it took to bring that book to fruition. I think about the reason I added that book to my library in the first place and what I learned; how it added to my spiritual and my writing life. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This process becomes a kind of meditation. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I notice books that seem especially meaningful for my life today, such as the rows of books on aging. I hold those who have been companions along the way. I give thanks. I rejoice. I note books that hold promise for me now. I marvel at the new books on my shelves written by young theologians, young people exploring their faith and their lives as spiritual beings, and I welcome their presence. I reflect on lessons learned and those still a work in process. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">My intention in this Lenten practice is not to empty my shelves. In fact, I have added new titles to my shelves, but not nearly as many as I have eliminated. Each of these titles will have their own time and then perhaps be passed on. Or not.</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 1. <u>Three Steps on the Ladder of Writing </u>by Helene Cixous<br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"> 2. <u>16 Ways to Create Devotional Writing </u>by David Sluka<br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"> 3. <u>Ron Carlson Writes a Story </u>by Ron Carlson<br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"> 4. <u>An Interrupted Life</u> by Etty Hillesum<br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"> 5. <u>A Rhythm of Prayer</u>, edited by Sarah Bessey<br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"> 6. <u>Sacred Time, Embracing an Intentional Way of Life</u> by Christine<br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Valters Paintner.</span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sorry, family, but you will more than likely have to pack and carry heavy boxes of books down the stairs, just as you lugged them upstairs for me when we moved here. I promise to continue this practice of deciding what to keep and what to release, not just during Lent, but as on ongoing process. However, books nurture and expand me, and in a paradoxical way they are part of my inner process, a bigger process of creating space in which I encounter God. </span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>An Invitation<br /></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Do you have a Lenten practice? I would love to know. </i></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">A second part of the challenge both this year and last was to limit the number of books added to the shelves</span></p>Nancy Agneberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05468885971185443888noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054894348558510373.post-64868717388076699802021-02-16T07:49:00.000-06:002021-02-16T07:49:41.653-06:00Vote Your Conscience<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0Xjv-h7ltiKnPT1cBs9IMM3gw2kVEDHCoFho-NUKxfBDQgAQKltU8ilfIVUHmUOnCDYd290yd5lnJuB0mLvsAai4RPl3fxhtJTN5yW2iKNNIarcdqiasHabaWmTjwGkMnC-iuIqnZXm1/s2048/B0BFDD78-4CF2-4DF4-B79D-DC3AF489189B.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0Xjv-h7ltiKnPT1cBs9IMM3gw2kVEDHCoFho-NUKxfBDQgAQKltU8ilfIVUHmUOnCDYd290yd5lnJuB0mLvsAai4RPl3fxhtJTN5yW2iKNNIarcdqiasHabaWmTjwGkMnC-iuIqnZXm1/s320/B0BFDD78-4CF2-4DF4-B79D-DC3AF489189B.jpeg" /></a> <span style="font-size: large;">"Vote your conscience." That statement was made many times during the impeachment trial last week, and each time I heard it I hoped that would happen.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">In my view, voting one's conscience in this case meant voting to convict the former president. To vote otherwise, I felt, would be to deny the truth. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">How can they sleep at night? How can they look themselves in the mirror? How can they face their children, grandchildren? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">What is the future they are creating?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The outcome of the vote on Saturday was not surprising, but even so the reality of it was and remains upsetting. For many of us the words repeated over and over leading up to January 6 and the ugly and frightening videos of that day will not disappear. How does one go on with business as usual now?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Don't they have a conscience? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I am re-reading all of Louise Penny's wonderful mysteries, and I love them even more this second time around. Not only does the murder case in each book still intrigue me, but the characters offer so much wisdom about living compassionate and loving lives; lives, not always easy, but ones reaching towards integrity and authenticity. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">How amazed I was when I read this section in <u>Glass Houses</u> after checking my phone for the results of the vote. In a discussion about the archangels Michael and Lucifer, Ruth, one of the ongoing characters in the series, a poet and often viewed as crazy says,</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> "Well, I start off praying that anyone who's pissed me off meets<br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span> a horrible end, Then I pray for world peace, and then I pray for<br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span> </span>Lucifer."<br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span> "Did you say Lucifer?" asked Myrna.<br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span> "Who needs it more?"</span></span></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span>And then Ruth talks about </span></span>conscience.</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> "Stupid, stupid angel...It's generally thought that a conscience<br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span> is a good thing, but let me ask you this. How many terrible<br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span> things are done in the name of conscience? It's a great excuse<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span> for appalling acts?... A conscience is not necessarily a good<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span> thing. How many gays are beaten, how many abortion clinics<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span> bombed, how many blacks lynched, how many Jews <br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span> murdered, by people just following their conscience?</span></span></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span>Myrna, a black woman, and former psychotherapist who owns a book store in the small community, says,</span></span></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span> "A conscience guides us...To do the right thing. To be brave. <br /></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span> To be selfless and courageous. To stand up to tyrants whatever<br /></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span> the cost."</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span>I suppose all who cast their votes on Saturday feel they voted their conscience, and I suspect many who stormed the capital felt they were doing what needed to be done. I wonder, however, what the deep, small, quiet voice inside is whispering to them--if they could only listen. If they could only sit in stillness, in silence.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here's the deal: What happened Saturday in the Senate is not just about "they" and their consciences. <i>(And, oh how aware I am of the "they" language, the reference to "other" I am using. Ouch!)</i> I need to stay in close contact with my own conscience, my own still, small voice inside. I need to nurture it and clear it of mean and judgmental thoughts. I need to wash it in love and compassion and hope. I need to strengthen its ability to guide me to do the right thing. I need to awaken and stay awake to the presence of God in my life and I need to be that presence. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">And that is no small task. May we know the presence of God in one another. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thanks to Interfaith Action of St Paul for offering prayers by local clergy for a country in need. Here's one:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> Our God, and God of our ancestors</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> And God of our </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">descendants, in these incessant </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> days of challenge, I need you.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> Steady my breaths.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> Quell my worries.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> Calm my anger.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> Alleviate my sadness.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> Allow my mind and heart to trust</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> That decency, law, and reason will abide.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> Help me find the strength to</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> Protect myself and all people against racism, </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> antisemitism, islamophobia, and all hatred of</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> the other.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> Open my eyes to see the good in our</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> time and give me the ability to nurture that</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> good in others.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> And, please God, may I experience</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> living in an America where all feel safe, our</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> democracy is sanctified and streets peaceful, and</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> all shall sit under their own vine and fig tree, and</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> no one shall make them afraid.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> Amen. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> --Adam Stock Spilker, Rabbi,</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> Mt Zion Temple</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">You can read the rest of the prayers <a href="https://interfaithaction.org/2021/01/09/prayers-for-a-country-in-need/">here.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKbr6XffV1GMNwkY-Msq8fhhX00bxCCMG9f4KWax1CkGS2UJKHWMS3SAQHgosyM2vEzGF3M0-jqPjZzfHKIVkDui9Oe7NfTdlGTSBx2UvW58BWLVhSs7_eIi8ZElp7m4ZOmgRaMB7HgIpp/s2048/098C4532-A948-439B-8E6B-261BD0828589.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKbr6XffV1GMNwkY-Msq8fhhX00bxCCMG9f4KWax1CkGS2UJKHWMS3SAQHgosyM2vEzGF3M0-jqPjZzfHKIVkDui9Oe7NfTdlGTSBx2UvW58BWLVhSs7_eIi8ZElp7m4ZOmgRaMB7HgIpp/s320/098C4532-A948-439B-8E6B-261BD0828589.jpeg" /></a>Back to reading. I only have three more Louise Penny books left, and then I wait till August when #17 is published.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>An Invitation</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Where do you see and know the presence of God? I would love to know. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><br /> </p><p><br /></p>Nancy Agneberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05468885971185443888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054894348558510373.post-47001629597865193672021-02-09T07:33:00.000-06:002021-02-09T07:33:02.154-06:00Waiting for the Vaccine<p><span style="font-size: large;">"Have you received your vaccine yet?"</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5uqRxeYLrA7sn0b75bbAPcc6hJD_6sw2Xw_HC33ZXK_g0kwpcDE9KW8VgNFxnvCFXqte5X3lLQZI19jevpqDbnhUKJVvCY-1bSGiCTEaOm2ivsd0B5oXuHqJHMXvAqNLP2m-TTqeCeki/s4032/IMG_4041.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5uqRxeYLrA7sn0b75bbAPcc6hJD_6sw2Xw_HC33ZXK_g0kwpcDE9KW8VgNFxnvCFXqte5X3lLQZI19jevpqDbnhUKJVvCY-1bSGiCTEaOm2ivsd0B5oXuHqJHMXvAqNLP2m-TTqeCeki/s320/IMG_4041.HEIC" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">How often have you been asked that question lately? How often have you asked that question?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We quiz each other about our age, our health plans, attempts we've made to get an appointment. We offer congratulations if there has been success and then ask about the second dose. We have our pictures taken with our sleeves rolled up and grateful looks on our faces.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We monitor the progress--how many doses are expected to be delivered in our area and what the new plan is. We check our emails from our health provider and sit on hold, our phones pressed against our cheeks, waiting to talk to someone with the secret. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Once again we are stressed.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Once again we are in a time of waiting. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Once again we are invited to be patient, to assess what is possible and what is out of our control. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">While we wait, here are some words of wisdom:</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> <span> "...anything, any person, any situation is a word<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span> <span> addressed to me by God."<br /></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> Brother David Steindl-Rast</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>What is God saying to you during this specific time of waiting? Is God inviting you to trust? No, you will not be left behind. Yes, you will have your turn. Is God inviting you to listen to the worries and fears of others and to be a compassionate and loving presence? Is God inviting you to remember that we are part of something larger than ourselves; something larger than what we can control. Is God inviting us to honor the losses from the past, the grief we still hold, and to be gentle with ourselves? Is God inviting us to open to the gifts of each day and to </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>remember as Martha Whitmore Hickman writes in her book of daily meditations, <u>Healing After Loss,</u> "At the bottom of the well, one can look up and see the sky." </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Perhaps God is inviting you to discover how waiting can be a spiritual practice.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Begin by breathing. Close your eyes lightly, not tightly. Take a deep cleansing breath and then gently breathe in and out, in and out, finding your own rhythm. Return to calm. </span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>An Invitation<br /></b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>How are you experiencing this latest time of waiting? I would love to know. </i></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> </span></span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>Nancy Agneberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05468885971185443888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054894348558510373.post-71752569470613144982021-02-02T07:20:00.000-06:002021-02-02T07:20:07.957-06:00An Unfair Accusation<p> <span style="font-size: large;">What? Really? How is this possible? </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpjeev-ifaKczY5ERDm_CESfeSNlTe9_iFVrxuZq_xqRsDF_U2n3imCl2NoO92ppV28LxUT-np1JjLcjK3EZJmDBpUP1DBmbLmBQvLdLrj4neDbqpa5D_pWh4vJ81sRcHHm9MUwdquAG9/s2048/E661FBD5-DFD8-4BEF-AA00-3C4E4E82FD1A.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpjeev-ifaKczY5ERDm_CESfeSNlTe9_iFVrxuZq_xqRsDF_U2n3imCl2NoO92ppV28LxUT-np1JjLcjK3EZJmDBpUP1DBmbLmBQvLdLrj4neDbqpa5D_pWh4vJ81sRcHHm9MUwdquAG9/s320/E661FBD5-DFD8-4BEF-AA00-3C4E4E82FD1A.jpeg" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We received an official notice from the City of St Paul--actually three of them--one addressed to me, one to my husband, and one to "occupant." </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">NOTICE TO REMOVE SNOW AND/OR ICE FROM SIDEWALK</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Someone had lodged a complaint that our sidewalk had not been shoveled. The law in St Paul requires property owners to clear sidewalks of snow and/or ice within 24 hours of the most recent snowfall or ice accumulation. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">A good law, one I appreciate, AND a law we have complied with always. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I was indignant and felt shamed.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Who complained? I don't believe it could be neighbors on our block. We have a terrific block, good neighbors whom we enjoy. We are one of the older couples on the block, and I am quite sure if our sidewalks weren't shoveled that someone would check on us and/or go ahead and do it. </span><span style="font-size: large;">In fact, one of our neighbors has a snowblower and he routinely clears our sidewalk before my husband even has a chance to get out there and shovel. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We love our home and take good care of it, and to be accused of not being good homeowners bruised my pride. Besides, there are many houses where that is not the case. Did anyone complain about them?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Maybe the wrong address or street was reported. Or maybe someone is making random complaints, much like the rash of car windows that have been smashed in our neighborhood recently. Should I get on our neighborhood app and ask if anyone has been reported unfairly? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I seethed and stewed, and my husband shrugged his shoulders. That is one of the differences between the two of us. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">And then I did what I should have done before wasting all that self-righteous energy. I sat quietly in my Girlfriend Chair and closed my eyes lightly, not tightly, and breathed in gently, in and out, in and out, finding my own rhythm. And I listened for a wiser voice, </span><span style="font-size: large;">"Nancy, let it go."</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">First, I agreed to let it go--my indignation, my need to understand and justify myself, to prove we had not done anything wrong, the shame I felt, and even my doubt (Maybe we did do something wrong!). And then I listened for what I might learn from this experience, from these feelings. <b>Note:</b> Agreeing to let go does not mean that is automatically accomplished!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I thought about all the times those far less fortunate than I am, far less able to defend themselves, have been accused unfairly and often tragically of doing or being something wrong. I thought about all the incorrect assumptions, the entitlements and inequities suffered by many, especially people of color. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">And then I thought about the person who complained to the city about us, and I prayed for his/her safety while moving through the days. I prayed for greater ease and light in the life of the person who complained, and I prayed for guidance for myself. May I live these wintry days with an open and loving heart.</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>An Invitation</b><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i>When have you felt unjustly accused and what did you do? I would love to know. </i></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Nancy Agneberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05468885971185443888noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2054894348558510373.post-87230759455019592072021-01-26T07:40:00.000-06:002021-01-26T07:40:50.901-06:00Today's Word : UNiTY<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsJDgVnjjcZE1g1xNVTT_LXCYjmjJcb4pp4xLfK3_qPZw5ZCi7baOU2uvMtVkJh0m4p7palF15zaY_wvB6NzlnxS7DGirEVuAZrTuildKMtm_oI9I1kc1MM2tmzyQ4xLAYllPZDZmLm4Y_/s2048/30EFF0F2-D184-4777-94E2-AC7CE15ECE98.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsJDgVnjjcZE1g1xNVTT_LXCYjmjJcb4pp4xLfK3_qPZw5ZCi7baOU2uvMtVkJh0m4p7palF15zaY_wvB6NzlnxS7DGirEVuAZrTuildKMtm_oI9I1kc1MM2tmzyQ4xLAYllPZDZmLm4Y_/s320/30EFF0F2-D184-4777-94E2-AC7CE15ECE98.jpeg" /></a> <span style="font-size: large;">During the past week, the word "unity" has been proclaimed </span><span style="font-size: large;">frequently. Most notably in President Biden's inaugural speech,</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> <span> <span><span>To overcome these challenges --to</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span> restore the soul </span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>and to secure the</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> future </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>of </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">America requires more than </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> words.</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">It requires</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">that</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">most </span><span style="font-size: large;">elusive </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> of</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">things </span><span style="font-size: large;">in</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>a </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>democracy:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> Unity.<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> Unity.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>He used the word "unity" or "uniting" nine more times in his speech, including, "With unity we can do great things. Important things."</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Others in the government, as well as political and social commentators and religious leaders, recently have declared their hope for unity, as well. A noble hope after these disruptive and frightening years, but when we hope for unity, what do we mean? What does unity look like and how is it achieved? Do we all mean the same thing?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">One of my favorite pastimes is to browse or shop my library shelves in the garret. Sometimes I scan my shelves not looking for anything specific, but simply seeing what appeals to me, what attracts me. Often, of course, I find what I didn't know I was looking for. Sometimes, however, I search for something specific. In this case, references to "unity." </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Here's a sample of what I found:</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Julia Cameron, the author of <u>The Artist's Way</u>, has a lot to say in her three small books of "prayers and declarations for a changing life, " <u>Transitions</u>, <u>Heart Steps</u>, and <u>Blessings.</u> </span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> <span> <span> We are one tribe. I cherish our unity. We are united<br /></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> by our suffering and by our joy. One life flows<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> through all life. One heart holds every heart. <br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <u>Blessings</u>, p. 89</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>In <u>The Soul of Tomorrow's Church,</u> Kent Groff refers to the Moravian tradition: "unity in </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">essentials, liberty in nonessentials, and charity in all things," (p. 56). Of course, that leads me to wonder how it is decided and who decides what is essential and what is isn't. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">When I looked up the word "unity" in the index of <u>The Seeker's Guide, Making Your Life A Spiritual Adventure</u> by Elizabeth Lesser, I was directed to references to "inter-being." In a whole fascinating chapter that opens with a quote from Hildegard of Bingen and closes with words from Martin Luther King, Jr's <u>Letter from Birmingham Jail</u> and inbetween is a long section on "Karma and Faith," here's what shimmered for me.</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> ...unity-consciousness, a state of being where all things <span> <br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span> are so deeply connected that they are no longer </span>experienced<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span> as opposites, and therefore are not in conflict, but rather hold<br /></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span> together in a meaningful and creative unfolding. p. 342</span></span></span></span></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">One book led to another--A chapter on "Sacred Wholeness" in Richard Rohr's <u>The Universal Christ</u>; uplifting words in <u>A New Harmony, The Spirit, The Earth, and The Human Soul</u> by John Philip Newell, which I have just started reading ("We and all people, we and those who have gone before us, we and all creatures, we and the universe are traveling together in one river of life. We carry each other within us. And the universe carries us within itself." p. 12); and many scripture passages listed in my thesaurus for the Bible under the category of "one."</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I had definitely gone down a rabbit hole with a pile of books threatening to collapse on top of me at the bottom of that hole! What I needed was some direction, a practice or two, and I found that in <u>Spiritual Rx, Prescriptions for Living A Meaningful Life </u>by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat. </span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> <span> <span> The spiritual practice of hospitality helps us<br /></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> learn to respect differences and celebrate diversity<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> in the Creation. Unity is about affirming commonalities.<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> This can be as simple as acknowledging how you are<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> like another person. It can lead to actions demonstrating<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> your solidarity with others. Without unity, there is little<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> hope for compassion, justice, or peace. p. 254-255.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">And then they suggest using the phrase "just like me," to signify my unity with others. Whenever I feel the need to criticize or judge someone or even when I compliment someone, the Brussats suggest thinking, "just like me." For example, "He is so inconsiderate of other people's feelings, just like me." Or "What a nice smile she has, just like me."</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">All of a sudden unity becomes more than a theory and not just something vague or out-of-reach. Unity is something I can practice and live each day, and I believe individual practice creates collective change. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">One more reference, a good way to send us into a world that desires unity.</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> Unifier<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> We need you, divine Unifier,<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> To join what has broken apart<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> in our human relationships.<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> Perceived wrongs separate.<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> Jealousies increase hostility.<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> Misuse of power divides.<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> Selfishness easily isolates.<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> Disloyalty dissolves trust.<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> Bring us closer to one another.<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> Unify us in your one great heart.<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <u>Fragments of Your Ancient Name, <br /></u></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <u>365 Glimpses of the Divine for Daily</u><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <u>Meditation,</u> prayer for August 8<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> Joyce Rupp</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE8nGKOhfOfyHlkVYsHjGYM9RB_D-1StlafA_LkoXZ4M8p62M5Ya5Qow2WAm4kWJmeUEbSznn1L-l7BHb-ZDW19MT_2HOrXup2-9_DZgqtsTB5zxgtJzu9iHLbSsaxJA7ufTddXIxy8qxd/s2048/8B75D53E-73DC-44CE-8D9B-8952E65C3DCE.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE8nGKOhfOfyHlkVYsHjGYM9RB_D-1StlafA_LkoXZ4M8p62M5Ya5Qow2WAm4kWJmeUEbSznn1L-l7BHb-ZDW19MT_2HOrXup2-9_DZgqtsTB5zxgtJzu9iHLbSsaxJA7ufTddXIxy8qxd/s320/8B75D53E-73DC-44CE-8D9B-8952E65C3DCE.jpeg" /></a>Excuse me, I need to put all these books back on my shelf. Who knows what I will find as I do that! </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><b>An Invitation<br /></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><i>How do you define unity? I would love to know. </i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>Nancy Agneberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05468885971185443888noreply@blogger.com0