Just cling, cells interlocked, bark intact, and let the sap flow: slowly but surely through winter frost, tingling gently, keeping you alive; vibrantly pouring when summer sun saturates the world with heat; a constant feeding in the sleep of night. Rest, but cling, fruit will come! When I picture myself a branch clinging to theContinue reading “Cling, Be Nourished!”
Tag Archives: spiritual formation
In the House of Love
He makes his home in me. And I, I live inside this house of love, his banner flapping bright above, his pleasure my desire. I bring him blooms to grace the place he sets for me (no matter that, outdoors, corruption slimes the world and evil lurks in gray). I will not fear. For heContinue reading “In the House of Love”
Powering Up
Exhaustion depresses like bricks on foam squeezing out air, leaving you heavy, squished, flat-out dense. Sleep and love, contemplation, are nectar, nutrients (just eat what fits). Breathe in, exhale. Find a place deep inside a favorite space: grab a book; take a look at what brings you joy. In time you’ll stretch, get back upContinue reading “Powering Up”
Pen in Hand
pen in hand the words press out anxious for paper a place to live the silence sizzles sentient and longing standing on tiptoe to read the news what I am hearing what has been forming in hidden spaces how I’ve been growing invisible the thoughts take on colors and edges given a page Yes, myContinue reading “Pen in Hand”
A Contemplative Life
Checking Out My Ways
This I desire: integrity— heart and mind undivided unfragmented undistracted truly focused deeply centered all transparent and devoted— set apart for only You. So take this moment: give me grace to know truth see your hand understand what you did how you worked what I did what it meant— how to live set apart forContinue reading “Checking Out My Ways”
Grateful for this Morning Hour
I thank you, Lord, for this morning hour, when you deign to come and sit with me, when you calm me by your Spirit’s power, and open my eyes so that I can see. Without you, days would just pass by, empty of meaning, empty of peace. But with you teaching my heart to fly,Continue reading “Grateful for this Morning Hour”
Let’s Celebrate
God, who fills the universe, who made it all, the stars and space, did choose to put mankind on earth and focus on this tiny place. Hallelujah! We sing God’s praise! He offers us his warm embrace, for as a man he took our place to pay for sin — amazing grace! The perfect worldContinue reading “Let’s Celebrate”
Set Apart
Set apart from the start (once I gave myself to you) I did not know how far you’d go to make me someone new! But I am yours, much-loved, learning like a daughter should who wants to know how best to grow and act just like you would. When my Nyarafolo translation partner Moïse andContinue reading “Set Apart”
Longing for Quiet
The words come crashing in like chattering kids. They’re only in my head but they are deafening. I cannot stem the tide. A billion babblings jostle for position. One sinks, one bubbles up. He says, “Be silent,” and I long for quiet to listen for his voice, to know that he is God. I’m desperateContinue reading “Longing for Quiet”
Linnea's Lines 