Today's post is a repeat from 2020, but we wanted to re-share this relaxing music video that showcases beautiful images of God's creation. You'll notice that the images repeat after the first sequence. What can you notice within the same image when viewing it a second or third time? Taking a few moments to relax and connect with nature, even via technology, can provide a calming effect that lasts throughout our day. Be still. “Who covers the heaven with clouds,…
Now that activities have resumed, are you finding that your calendar feels too full? Are you stressed from feeling pulled into too many directions with endless 'to-do' lists? Today's post offers reflections from the gifted Joyce Rupp that may help you to relish a few quiet moments in contemplation, especially as we approach Holy Week. So, let's sit in a comfortable position, let's breathe in and out, in and out, and pray to be able to hear that still, small…
Mary DeTurris Poust presented a virtual Lenten retreat last month and shared a beautiful guided meditation with the guests. We're happy to share this with our readers too. Please see below. So, let's take a deep breath and enjoy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pWDC3iOYNU
Keeping with the spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr., we are sharing a week of prayers for peace today. Will you commit just a few minutes to sit in silence and pray for peace each day this week? Sunday Lead me from death to life, from falsehood to truth. Lead me from despair to hope, from fear to trust. Lead me from hate to love, from war to peace. Let peace fill my heart, my world, my universe. Amen. ~Universal…
It's easy to focus on the cold and barren setting of winter, but there is so much beauty in the season too. Let's take a few moments to meditate on some of the wonders of this quiet season and connect with our Creator. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0l-k-LyQB8
Is this season of waiting difficult for you to grasp and appreciate? Today's post by retreat presenter and gifted writer, Mary DeTurris Poust, may resonate with you. An Unlikely Advent Journey For the longest time, I considered myself more of a Lent person than an Advent person. The journey through the desert felt familiar, the three-prong practice of fasting, prayer and charity was concrete and easy to grasp. As I age, I find myself learning to love this season of…
Today's post comes from retreat presenter, Mary DeTurris Poust. It's a great reminder, especially as we begin the season of Advent. Will you take some time to pause during this special time of anticipation and hope? Becoming a participant in your own life by Mary DeTurris Poust on November 3, 2021 It’s amazing how we can convince ourselves that we simply don’t have the time to do even the little things that might make our lives demonstrably better. We race…
The phrase 'Fear not' and similar wording is mentioned over and over again in the Bible. Clearly this is a message that God wants to make sure that we hear! It's been very difficult not to have deep feelings of fear during the pandemic though, right? So, let's take time today to refresh our hearts and minds with the scripture below. Then, take a few moments of silence to unwind, close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, relax your…
“These are some of the things that prayer is. Prayer is rhythm. Prayer is comfort. Prayer is disappointment. Prayer is words and shape and art around desperation, and delight and disappointment and desire. Prayer can be the art that helps you name your desire.” ~ Padraig O Tuama In this weekend retreat we will explore prayer practices that invite us to a new relationship with God, with ourselves, and with the people in our lives. Our time together will include…
Let's take a few moments to center ourselves with prayer and a (virtual) walk through the forest. Many of the scenes in this beautiful video could be from the woods around our Center. May you have a deeper appreciation for the simple vine wrapping around a tree in the sunlight or the diligent ant making it's journey home on your next walk in nature. Pray with us. Creation Prayer God our Father, you created the world and sent your own…
