2023-09-19 14:00
Back to basics is the theme for the next few weeks here on Healthy Spirituality. A fitting topic for September and for our spiritual journeys. September is often called the second ne… Read More
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This Christian blog helps others draw closer to God through spiritual disciplines, resources, discussion and experiencing God in new ways.
2023-09-12 14:00
Back to basics is often the first step in September when the kids return to school. Teachers take the time to assess each student’s status and what next steps are needed to bes… Read More
2023-09-05 18:00
Iceland! I just returned from a wonderful, magical, fascinating trip to Iceland. What an adventure to experience such a different culture and environment. God certainly expressed cre… Read More
2023-08-29 14:00
This month I have been revisiting my bookshelf, spending time with “old friends” and seeping in their wisdom.
On the August 8 blog post, I shared this wonderful… Read More
2023-08-22 14:00
“Meeting God in Scripture” by Jan Johnson is the next book to reread, to immerse myself into its wise words over this summer. What fun I have had perusing my shelves, lis… Read More
2023-08-15 14:00
The Cup of Our Life is a wonderful image to hold, ponder and be a conduit to lessons from God. I hunted for this book by Joyce Rupp the other day, wanting to drink again from its wis… Read More
2023-08-08 14:00
I have been revisiting my bookshelf this summer and decided to make this a series in the month of August. Each week I will rediscover an old friend, reread its wisdom and share a tit… Read More
2023-08-01 14:00
I do love books. My hubby says I have too many – I say let’s just get a new bookshelf.
I was looking for a specific book a few weeks ago and came across a book I start… Read More
2023-07-25 14:00
When you travel, hassles happen.When you don’t travel, hassles happen.
I was thinking the other day about some of the glitches that occurred on our vacations. Moments of fru… Read More
2023-07-19 14:05
Practice of the Presence is a new translation of the writings by and about Brother Lawrence. Carmen Acevedo Butcher is the author and I love the way she works with his words and brin… Read More
2023-07-11 14:00
empty
Empty. Simple thoughts stirring in my soul.
Empty is a word unfolding in my heart lately. Holding space within me and for what will be, not full of my plans and to do’s… Read More
2023-07-04 14:00
Flag over Ft McHenry
Freedom is celebrated in many ways but in the United States we set aside the Fourth of July to savor freedom, cheer in parades, wave the flag, and watch glorious… Read More
2023-06-27 14:00
We have hit the mid-year point in 2023 – time for a check-up. Maybe a better word would be check-in as in assessing your inner self where are you, where you wanted to be, and w… Read More
2023-06-20 14:00
Staying SteadfastSteadfast. Now that’s a word I don’t hear often in conversation. “How’s your steadfastness?” “Holding on tight. How is y… Read More
2023-06-13 14:00
Four Somethings is the spiritual practice of remembering, reviewing, and savoring life’s lessons and sacred moments in our lives. So occasionally I share bits of wisdom in four… Read More
2023-06-06 14:00
Are you stressing when pondering your word of the year? I don’t mean freaking out, being anxious, or fall apart. Stressing can also imply importance, weight, significance… Read More
2023-05-30 14:00
Thy holy wings O Savior,
Spread gently over me
And let me rest securely
Through good and ill in thee.
Oh, be my strength and portion,
My rock and hiding place,
And… Read More
2023-05-23 14:00
Advocate is the name for the Holy Spirit mentioned in the gospel of John, the reading a few weeks ago in my church.
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another… Read More
2023-05-16 14:00
F stands for forgiveness.
Forgiveness is a pillar of a healthy spirituality.
In 2023 I plan to explore different building blocks, components, the essential nutrients that suppo… Read More
2023-05-09 14:00
Little words hold power.
I should know this by this point in my life, but I still am discovering often it is the simple, seemingly unimportant words that deepen our understanding… Read More
2023-05-02 14:00
Words are a powerful element in my life. God’s word. Words I scribble in my journal or in this blog or books. Words inspiring me, giving me hope, instilling energy to keep goin… Read More
2023-04-25 14:00
Ever hear of Sylvia Dunstan? I hadn’t until I noticed her name at the bottom of a Lenten hymn, we sang at church a few weeks ago. The words from Bless now, O God, the Jou… Read More
2023-04-18 14:00
What’s saving my life right now? Now. At this present moment. What is life-giving, uplifting, refreshing and stirring my spirit?
What’s saving my life right now… Read More
2023-04-11 14:00
What are the pillars of a healthy spirituality?
In 2023 I am exploring different building blocks, components, the essential nutrients that support a vibrant strong life with God… Read More
2023-04-04 14:00
Going on retreat is an essential spiritual discipline for me. Time for silence and learning informs the mind and forms the spirit. I leave refreshed, renewed, transformed – not qu… Read More
2023-03-28 14:00
Are you sure? A friend asked me this question the other day and I paused. I love the power of questions (read about questions on these blog posts, here and here.) and use them as gui… Read More
2023-03-21 14:00
Four Somethings is the spiritual practice of remembering, reviewing, and savoring life’s lessons and sacred moments in our lives. So occasionally I share bits of wisdom in four… Read More
2023-03-14 14:00
I leave later this week for a four-day silent retreat. The practice of attending a retreat at least yearly is life-giving for me and essential for my walk with God. I believe so… Read More
2023-03-07 15:00
I humbly present the next pillar of a healthy spirituality – humility. I don’t hear cheers and loud applause for this virtue. I know I hesitated even to invite humi… Read More
2023-02-28 15:09
Evelyn Underhill is my first lamplighter for 2023. I heard the term Lamplighters from wisdom teacher mystic Cynthia Bourgeault who described the spiritual teachers in her l… Read More
2023-02-21 15:12
I can’t believe it is almost time for Lent to begin. Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday marking the first day of solemn repentance for most Christians as we turn our hearts an… Read More
2023-02-14 15:00
Word of the year practice can be a driving force in deepening our self-knowledge, in finding clarity and meaning, and in growing closer to God.
Peeling off the layers of our words… Read More
2023-02-07 15:00
Lent, one of my favorite listening to God seasons, begins with Ash Wednesday, Feb 22.
Lent is the season before Easter lasting 40 days, not counting Sundays. It is a time to refle… Read More
2023-01-31 15:00
What are the pillars of a healthy spirituality?
In 2023 I plan to explore different building blocks, components, the essential nutrients that support a vibrant strong life with Go… Read More
2023-01-24 15:00
Four Somethings is a regular blog post where I feature bits of wisdom in four categories.
Gathering Four Somethings makes me aware of all the blessings often hidden under bu… Read More
2023-01-17 15:00
When you write things down, articulate your dreams, goals, and prayers, struggle to find just that right word or phrase that describes a deep desire, God breaks in with pow… Read More
2023-01-10 15:00
My word for the year wavers this year. I have done this practice of exploring and pondering one word throughout the year for more than 10 years. A word for the year is a reward… Read More
2023-01-03 14:50
Declutter is one of my favorite chores at the first of a new year. A new year stirs up the cleaning bug within my heart. I want to start the year right – with a new calen… Read More
2022-12-27 15:00
Some of us are still celebrating with family.
Some of us are already packing away all the holiday decorations.
Some of us are still on vacation mode not quite ready to go back to w… Read More
2022-12-20 15:00
God grant you the light in Christmas, which is faith;
the warmth of Christmas, which is love;
the radiance of Christmas, which is purity;
the righteousness of Christmas, whi… Read More
2022-12-13 15:00
Share Four Somethings is a regular blog post where I feature bits of wisdom in four categories.
I love this practice as it collects moments for reflection and growth. These &ldq… Read More
2022-12-06 15:00
“Hark, The Glad Sound” was the first hymn we sang this year during our church’s midweek Advent Service. I noticed it also is the first hymn listed in our hymnal in… Read More
2022-11-29 15:00
This Advent prayer was written by one of my Lamplighters, mentors, and guides – Henri Nouwen. The words shape my morning prayers in this season. May this prayer ble… Read More
2022-11-22 15:00
I have used this blessing for our Thanksgiving meal and on retreats. Rereading its words this past week reminded me of God’s goodness, grace, and lavished unconditional love. I am… Read More
2022-11-15 14:13
“Everything is a gift—one hundred percent pure gift. The reason any of us woke up this morning had very little to do with us and everything to do with God. All twenty-fou… Read More
2022-11-08 15:00
Brown – not my favorite color.
In fact, I am not sure how much I pay attention to this hue. Brown? It’s okay. Neutral. More of a background. Not exciting.
The trees… Read More
2022-11-01 14:00
Second guessing – I get caught in this mood quite a bit. Do you find yourself second guessing your decisions, motives, and actions? Me too.
When I pay attention… Read More
2022-11-01 14:00
Second guessing – I get caught in this mood quite a bit. Do you find yourself second guessing your decisions, motives, and actions? Me too.
When I pay attention… Read More
2022-10-25 14:00
“Small moves, Ellie” is a line spoken near the beginning and repeated towards the end of the movie, Contact. I attended a retreat quite a while back where the speak… Read More
2022-10-18 14:01
What’s saving my life right now? When I first heard this question, I wasn’t impressed. How odd, I thought. I don’t get the value of asking this.
Last week I hear… Read More
2022-10-11 14:00
Can we hear wisdom from mountains?
In September Bill and I took a wonderful trip to six national parks. Three in the US (Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, and Glacier) and three in… Read More
2022-10-05 13:27
All as my word of the year continues to teach me, form me, stretch me. Who would think such a small “insignificant’ word held such wisdom. This spiritual practice is a wonde… Read More
2022-09-27 14:03
Pause – we all need a break to rest, take a breather, slow down.
I will be traveling the next couple of weeks. I originally planned to blog ahead but simply ran out of time. I am g… Read More
2022-09-20 14:00
September invites me to pause, savor, and reflect on the ebb and flow of this past season. The joy of family and families gathering for celebrations. The tender moments of reconnecti… Read More
2022-09-13 14:19
Be encouraged, not discouraged! We just missed The National Day of Encouragement held yesterday September 12. This day is dedicated to encouraging and having a positive impact… Read More
2022-09-06 14:00
Trust the Slow Work of God, written by Teilhard de Chardin, is a challenging quote, but one that I repeat often. This year especially its words call to me. Sometime “borr… Read More
2022-08-30 14:00
Seasons of the Soul, On Becoming Who You Are is a new book written by one of my favorite authors, Michelle DeRusha.
The book takes you through the four seasons of the year with de… Read More
2022-08-23 14:00
All is my word of the year. All walks with me. Shows up unexpectedly in books and conversations. Stops me and says, “Hey, take a moment and listen. I have something to tell you.&r… Read More
2022-08-16 14:00
Share Four Somethings is a regular blog post where I feature bits of wisdom in four categories.
I love this practice as it collects moments for reflection and growth. These… Read More
2022-08-09 14:00
Questions! Do you have a curious faith?
Some people belong(ed) to church that discourages asking questions. As a spiritual director I have learned the power in the spiritual practice… Read More
2022-08-02 14:00
Book Lover Day is coming! August 9. This is a day to relax and enjoy a book – of course I think that could be every and any day. I sure do like reading and often am pouring my… Read More
2022-07-26 14:00
The prayer of abandonment by Charles de Foucauld has haunted me all year. The words keep appearing in readings. Its message scares me yet draws me into contemplation. This pra… Read More
2022-07-19 14:00
Simplicity is a spiritual practice promoted by many. But I am going to be honest – keeping it simple is hard for me and this is one practice I ignore and neglect. Anyone… Read More
2022-07-12 14:00
50 years ago on July 15th I married my hubby.
A partnership with no regrets.
Lots of love and challenges.
Ups and downs.
Joys and unforgettable moments together.
I do… Read More
2022-07-05 14:00
Intention means what one plans to do or is aiming for in a particular situation.
Every retreat I have been on the last few years, the leader has asked us what are our retreat int… Read More
2022-06-28 13:57
Hymns are beautiful forms of worship and moments of prayer. Often, I just say, not sing, hymn lyrics when being with God. This practice deeply connects me with that song plus… Read More
2022-06-21 14:16
After all is a phrase that includes my word of the year. All is my word of the year and so when I see, hear, noticed this word I look deeper with eyes of my heart. Is there a lesson… Read More
2022-06-14 13:54
No power.
I woke up suddenly knowing something happened while we slept. In my foggy first moments I realized the power was out and pitch blackness saturated the room.
I could… Read More
2022-06-07 14:00
Share Four Somethings is a regular blog post where I feature bits of wisdom in four categories.
I love this practice as it collects moments for reflection and growth. These &ldq… Read More
2022-05-31 14:00
Pilgrimage. Journey. Travel.
I just returned from a 12-day pilgrimage through Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic. I fully believe that travel gifts us in three ways: the jo… Read More
2022-05-17 14:00
Ascension-tide? Ever hear of it?
The church year calendar is full of wonderful opportunities for us to learn more about God, to open our hearts to new perspectives, and to grow s… Read More
2022-05-10 14:04
All is my word of the year and I have watching for and collecting prayers containing this word. Such a simple word – you would think I would have an endless list by now… Read More
2022-05-03 14:00
Do you practice self-compassion?
I value self-care. I am learning soul-care. But I never really considered the importance of self-compassion before.
Lately my inner critic has… Read More
2022-04-26 14:00
Optimism. I grew up in a serious household, with serious parents, and serious expectations.
My parents were not pessimists or realists, but they definitely didn’t practice… Read More
2022-04-19 14:03
“All” is my word of the year.
One way I companion my word each year is to find a sign to put near my home altar using the selected word. I found a great sign last yea… Read More
2022-04-12 14:00
Stand up straight.
Don’t slouch.
I heard this a lot growing up and perhaps you did too as our moms encouraged good posture for our physical health.
What about our spi… Read More
2022-04-05 14:00
Share Four Somethings is a new regular blog post I began this year modeling after several of my blogger friends who publish bits of wisdom in four categories.
I love this p… Read More
2022-03-29 14:01
Read any good wisdom words lately?
As mentioned last week I recently attended a silent retreat. I listened deeply to God but also found thoughtful guidance from the written words… Read More
2022-03-22 14:00
Attending a silent retreat is an opportunity to slow down and be with God. I find too often I rush into this time away dragging the world’s craziness and noise with me. I am l… Read More
2022-03-15 14:20
I heard the term Lamplighters from wisdom teacher mystic Cynthia Bourgeault who described the spiritual teachers in her life – both ancient and contemporary – as la… Read More
2022-03-08 15:00
What season are you in right now?
Depending on how you define the word “season” will influence your answer.
Is it winter leaning into spring? Is there a chan… Read More
2022-03-01 15:00
“All” is my word of the year, and I am exploring, listening, and watching for its wisdom and lessons. I am still in the get-to-know phase of my new friendship with my wo… Read More
2022-02-22 15:00
Ash Wednesday is in two weeks. Two weeks!! Then the season of Lent shapes us as we walk towards Easter. Easter this year is April 17 – the day we celebrate our Lord’s re… Read More
2022-02-15 15:00
What was the best job you’ve ever had? This was the question sent to me this past week from Storyworth. My daughter gave me a subscription to Storyworth for Christmas. T… Read More
2022-02-08 15:00
When you hear this word – enough – what comes to mind?
Two phrases arising in my heart in response to this word are being enough and doing enough. I know others may p… Read More
2022-02-01 15:00
What category or part of speech is your word of the year? Does it even matter? Every word can be categorized as a part of speech based on its function. Does this affect ou… Read More
2022-01-25 15:00
Share Four Somethings is a regular blog post several of my blogger friends publish sharing bits of wisdom in four categories. Heather’s 2022 categories are Something Lov… Read More
2022-01-18 15:00
Joy doesn’t come easy for me. I tend to be a focused, serious, get it done gal and am envious of others whose smiles light up a room and whose presence brings delight.
When… Read More
2022-01-04 15:03
I love the start of a new year. Days stretch before us full of promise, newness and undiscovered goodness. I pray you savor many blessings in 2022.
John O’Donohue wrote a w… Read More
2021-12-28 15:00
Treasure, Toss, and Tweak
I heard this phrase earlier this month as a guideline for year-end review of our lives. I am carrying this phrase into this week as I review what worked… Read More
2021-12-21 15:00
The post Merry Christmas! appeared first on Healthy Spirituality Read More
2021-12-14 15:00
What are Chrismons?
Chrismons are Christmas decorations styled with Christian symbols. These ornaments remind us of the true meaning of Christmas – the celebration of Jesus… Read More
2021-12-07 15:01
I am a list maker. And this time of year, my lists multiply like bunnies in springtime.
Gift list.Cards to send list.Yummies to bake list.Travel list.Year-end tasks and goa… Read More
2021-11-30 15:00
The new church year has begun. Happy New Year! The church calendar flipped the page onto a new cycle of readings and messages and music beginning last Sunday.
I love following th… Read More
2021-11-16 15:00
Guigo II – do you know him? I certainly didn’t until Jim Finley introduced him to me in the wonderful podcast Listening to the Mystics. Guigo became a new la… Read More
2021-11-09 14:34
Advent? Already? Yes, this special time of year is coming soon. Advent begins November 28 and is one of my favorite seasons of the year. The candles, music, words, and themes stir m… Read More
2021-11-02 14:00
Creating space for God – a special place to connect and just be with the Lord slows me down, opens my heart, and helps me enter a time to worship, listen, and be fully present… Read More
2021-10-26 14:00
Autumn invites us to reflect. We sense the year wrapping up and we wonder where the time has gone. We remember what we wanted to get done and can no longer even find the paper where… Read More
2021-10-20 14:00
Go is my word for the year. No one warned me in January that this tiny word would so powerfully weave its meaning into my world. Go stretched me in new surprising ways.
My expect… Read More
2021-10-12 12:11
Reflection is an essential spiritual practice. The Enneagram offers insight and guidance in how we are motivated and how we see the world. I know some people are suspicious of… Read More
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