Spirit to Spirit Writing Project
The word Lent comes from an old English word meaning lengthening of days. In Christianity, it refers to the time before Easter, traditionally observed through repentance and learning. It's a season to be intentional about changing and growing. Some people give up items to create space and time for new life and habits to grow. Instead of giving something up, I invite you to try to commit to answering these writing prompts each of the 40 days of Lent. The discipline it takes to set aside time each day to reflect and write about God and your relationship with spirituality is a journey that you will emerge from with a renewed spirit. Every writer has their own special voice to add to this project, whether poetry, prose, essay, thoughts, lists, or through comments, prayer, and encouragement.
How do I participate?
Each day, a writing prompt will be posted. A prompt is a question or statement that is meant to inspire your thoughts in whatever genre you feel moved to write. Post your reflections as a comment under each day's prompt (for further instructions, see 'How To Post' on the right side of the page). It is up to you if you write, read, or pray along with us each of the 40 days of Lent or just drop in from time to time when the spirit moves you to participate. Writing regularly is a discipline that many writers struggle with and this is a way to involve that discipline as a Lenten practice. Through writing and leaving encouraging words for others in this project, we become a supportive spiritual writing community
I have found that talking with someone who has a similar experience is liberating. Over reflecting limits me to only what I can imagine or understand. I have to thank my Daughter Ruth for the many deep insights she has given me over the years. Our times together are not just deep or challenging, but happy and wonderful, as well as ordinary as tea. A dad and a person can't ask for better than that. Doug Millar
ReplyDeleteA joy indeed.
Deleteronaldo
Bright Sadness
ReplyDelete[Bunessan]
In the dawn’s fair light, Spirit does summon,
Promises healing, rest from all cares.
Nothing can vanquish Creator’s sure love,
Place in the Lord’s hands all the day dares.
Life brings us challenge, asks of us answers,
Pushes for solace, from busyness balm;
Resources empty, our minds distracted,
Only in God’s care can we find calm.
Walking fair Lent’s path, deep contemplation,
Word Made Flesh ‘sures us, we’re not alone,
Ours a fine mission serving and caring,
Together vision, grace we condone.
Gentle our journey, soft the path’s surface,
Gone the restrictions, birdsongs delight,
Solitudes kindness, friend’s consolation,
Hugs, reassurance, fear takes to flight.
So ‘midst sad longing, in each day’s wholeness,
We find a safe place, to rest our heads.
Restored in spirit, renewed for journey,
Our hearts uplifted, gone the world’s dreads.
The Rev. Ronald Allen Melver, M.Div.
10 March 2014
The two hands I hold in the seasons of sadness, are friends and memories.
ReplyDeleteFriends remind me that I am not alone. Not so much in their words but in the comfortable presence. In their gracious years of togetherness I am gifted.
Memories call me to the love I couldn't always see at the time, but often came to the for as the years past. Memories are the great bouquet in my life that never fades but stands at the ready to go with me on the journey "Remember when..."
Friends and memories are two of the greatest gifts to me.
Pastor Larry
SUNBREAK BASKING
ReplyDeleteHow can I count them? The breaks in dark clouds
that allow the sun to get through.
I could write a book, wait, I am,
about the horde of radiant beams
that will not let me sulk, cringe,
throw my guilt over my head and give up.
At every curve in my crazy, winding road of a life
there have been friends, Pastors, counselors, my daughter,
who have helped me rise from sadness, notice the sunlight,
and grab at the rays.
A lot is up to me and God, whose nudges are seldom subtle.
I go to water aerobics, line dancing, zumba where
my concentration is necessary so I don't bump into people;
I throw my sadness and anger onto the page,
I seek resources to learn and advocate,
I read books that draw me into the stories,
get into the beauty of nature, I plunge
into my faith community for prayer,
encouragement, humor and activity.
I listen to Garrison Keilor, Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me,
and Vinyl Cafe and laugh out loud at our common dilemmas.
and when we have clear skies and bright sunshine, I try
to pass on what I've learned.
Happy Sunny Day today!
Marlene Obie