As the new year still settles in, we are taking a little time to remind ourselves to live this year with great intention, to remain focused on God, and to be gentle with ourselves and others. “As the dawn breaks on a new year, let us give thanks for all we hold dear: our health, our family and our friends. Let us release our grudges, our anger and our pains, for these are nothing but binding chains. Let us live…
This week we are recognizing and celebrating Spiritual/Pastoral Care Week. Have you be touched by the gifts of a spiritual director/companion, pastor or chaplain? These special individuals offer hope and healing so we pause to offer this blessing for continued connection to God's presence in all that they do. A Blessing for Presence May you awaken to the mystery of being here And enter the quiet immensity of your own presence. May you have joy and peace in the temple…
It is the beginning of a new school year in most areas of our country. Let's take a few moments to hold students in prayer for a peaceful and successful school year, full of growth and support. A Prayer for Our Students I pray for: Strength - that God gives them the strength to do what they need to do each day. Courage - that they will be brave as they face the challenges that are before them. Peace -…
Happy Father's Day to all of the dads out there! We celebrate you today! Fathers in Our Lives We give our thanks, Creator God, for the fathers in our lives. Fatherhood does not come with a manual, and reality teaches us that some fathers excel while others fail. We ask for Your blessings for them all and forgiveness where it is needed. This Father's Day we remember the many sacrifices fathers make for their children and families, and the ways--both…
In recognition of Black History Month, we offer this beautiful prayer by Howard Thurman today. If you would like to learn more about this inspiring mystic, teacher and prophet, we encourage you to check out the powerful retreat by Rev. Joan Crawford at our Center on Monday, May 15. Click here to read more. Let's take a few quiet moments to pray for an open spirit as we strive to respect and bring equality to our world of many colors.…
Valentine's Day is just a few days away. It's a special day to celebrate love and share it with others. Named after the many myths surrounding St. Valentine, the common theme is one of love and devotion. Many now refer to the day as a "Hallmark Holiday" yet why not use it as an excuse to share your appreciation for loved ones? Here are a few quotes, poems and a prayer that you may want to share with someone. Love…
Retreat presenter, Fr. Michael Schleupner, offers today's post and he continues his series on 'Spiritual Wellness'. Let's take a few quiet moments to read his thoughts about the importance of how we care for others and that relationship with our own spiritual wellness. Spiritual Wellness - 6 Look Beyond Yourself Dear Friends, We can say that we are to look beyond ourselves because that is what God has told us to do. We can say that we are to be…
We continue Fr. Michael Schleupner's series on spiritual wellness today with gratitude for his willingness to share with our blog audience! We hope that this reflection reinforces the knowledge that YOU are a child of God and provides inspiration for spiritual wellness today. Spiritual Wellness - 2 See Yourself As Beloved Dear Friends, Last week I began this series on Spiritual Wellness with the importance of staying centered on Christ. That, I believe, must come first - there is no…
Tomorrow, we commemorate Martin Luther King, Jr. and the incredible contributions that he made to racial justice, peace and spirituality. Many of the popular quotes that share his wisdom and passion will be shared across all forms of media tomorrow, but it isn't as common to see or hear his beautiful prayers, so we selected this particularly inspiring one. Will you take a few quiet moments to pray with us? Thou Eternal God, out of whose absolute power and infinite…
Happy New Year! As we embark on this fresh start, we invite you to intentionally summon the blessings and gratitude for the positive moments of the year behind us and set positive intentions for 2023. Let's step into the new year with love and cling to hope for the future... Love - to be the north star in my soul, leading me always in the direction of Divine Light. Stillness - to sweet through my restless mind, instilling calmness and…
