'Pass It On . . .'

"And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi,

Let me now go to the field,

and glean ears of corn after him

In whose sight I shall find grace.

And she said unto her, Go, my daughter."

Ruth 2:2  KJV

Popcorn pop at
Quaker Haven Camp

One of my favorite Church Camp songs, from my youth, is 'Pass It On.*' I can remember learning it the first year I was at Eagle Lake Camp, in Northern Indiana, between 4th and 5th grade.



'It only takes a spark

to get a fire going,

And soon all those around

can warm up to its glowing.

That's how it is with God's love

once you've experienced it;
You want to spread His love around;

You want to pass it on.

What a wondrous time is spring
when all the trees are budding;

The birds begin to sing,

the flowers start their blooming,

That's how it is with God's love

once you've experienced it;

you want to sing, it's fresh like spring,

You want to pass it on.

I wish for you, my friend,

this happiness that I've found,

You can depend on Him,

it matters not where you're bound.

I'll shout it from the mountain top -

I want my world to know;

the Lord of love has come to me,

I want to pass it on . . . '



Popcorn Pop at
Quaker Haven Camp

Every time I hear or sing this song, it brings back memories of the four years that I spent at Church camp as a kid. It reminds me of sitting around the campfire, with all the new friends I had made at camp that week . . . and how that made me feel inside. Now, I think more about the words and how they make me feel . . . and the feelings I get from all the memories this song recalls to me. And now, as a Quaker, or Friend, this song takes on a new meaning to me - especially the last verse!

So, what's this song saying to me . . .

'It only takes a spark to get a fire going, and soon all those around can warm up to it's glowing . . .' It only takes one, one of us to begin talking about our faith, about God, to get a wider  conversation going with those around us about faith and God. That's pretty powerful to think about. One person - you or me, can get the conversation started and soon everyone around us will we talking and sharing about their faith and God.


Singing during the
popcorn pop at
Quaker Haven Camp

'What a wondrous time is spring when all the trees are budding, the birds begin to sing, the flowers start their blooming.' This verse reminds me of the beauty of the world that God has given to me to live in. I'm reminded to take time to stop and appreciate the beauty of all of God's creation and to enjoy it. It also reminds me of new life . . . the new life that God creates, not just in nature not just in the spring of the year . . . but new life all year long - with the birth of very child, each new flower or plant that sprouts up and of every animal.

'I wish for you, my friends, this happiness that I've found' yes, my wish is that all my F/friends, and family, find true happiness in knowing and believing in God. Happiness in living a life that shows others the way to live.

'You can depend on Him, it matters not where you're bound . . .' I know that I can depend on God to be with me no matter where I am or where I go. He's right there beside me all the way, keeping me safe and guiding my steps.


This song is one of those 'comfort' songs that runs through my head from time to time. I think of this song when I'm up at Quaker Haven Camp, as a counselor, and other times when I get a chance to go up and spend a few days there. And when I get together with my Scouting and Guiding Friends I tend to think of this song . . . the thoughts of camping and campfires and spending time together with Friends.


Bessbrook
Northern Ireland

I even found myself singing this song in my head this summer while on Pilgrimage in Ireland/Northern Ireland, especially the last verse . . . wishing happiness to all my new Irish Friends that I had met, had conversations with and had gotten to know while I was there, among them.

The scripture given in our hymnal for this song is "Since God loved us, so, we ought to love one another." 1 John 4:11

* Words and music by Kurt Kaiser.

'Jesus Loves Me . . . '

"And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi,

Let me now go to the field,

and glean ears of corn after him

In whose sight I shall find grace.

And she said unto her, Go, my daughter."

Ruth 2:2  KJV



Several years ago, OK it's been a bit more than 24 years ago, in the spring or early summer of 1989, when my oldest son was about 2 years old, we were sitting in Meeting for worship one Sunday morning . . .

At this time, 'Communion in the Mannor of Friends' (a period of 'un-programmed' or silent worship) was just before the Pastor got up to give the morning message. I remember being pregnant with my younger son at the time, and my older son standing up, holding on to the pew in front of us, rocking back and forth ever so slightly . . . and softly singing!

Yep, he was singing . . . but ever so softly . . .

'Jesus loves me this I know,

For the Bible tells me so;

Little ones to Him belong,

They are weak but He is strong.

Yes, Jesus loves me!

Yes, Jesus loves me!

Yes Jesus loves me!

the Bible tells me so.'

Well, his singing was so sweet and soft and I honestly didn't think anyone else heard him. But I soon found out I was wrong! I soon heard an all too familiar voice behind me, his Great-Grandmother - my husbands Grandmother, telling me to quiet him down. Shhhhhh, shhhhhh, shhhhhh! I sorta chuckled at that . . . but not out loud!

Oh, come on I thought, he's singing ever so sweetly and softly . . . What harm is he doing? After all, the song he felt led by the Spirit to share that morning was quite appropriate for Meeting for worship and for this point in the worship service. And who was I to stop anyone, including my two year old son, from sharing what he was led my the Spirit to share? I thought to myself, it could have been worse, he could have been singing something else, like . . .

'I love you, you love me,

We're a happy family . . .'

You do recognize the 'Barney song,' don't you? OK, maybe this example wouldn't have been too bad, but it could have been worse!

After a while, our Pastor, Rick, got up and stood behind the pulpit, ready to close out our silent worship with a short prayer and begin his message. He stood there for a few minutes, just watching and listening to my son singing. Then Pastor Rick, ever so kindly, thanked Charles for sharing his song with us and told him it was now his turn to speak.

Charles quickly and quietly took his seat next to me and listened.

Doral, a member of our Meeting wrote about this in a devotional about eight years later. She titled her devotion 'Through the Words of Little Children.' I'm sure I saw it and read it back then, but I just ran across it a couple of days ago, while I was looking for something else in our Meetings' Library. I just love the words Doral used in her devotional, and I'd like to share some of that with you.

Doral wrote: "We sat in silence for a time - no one spoke - but we felt the presence of the Holy Spirit. All at once a little voice began singing 'Jesus loves me, this I know . . . ' God spoke to us through this child with his message that God loves us all. The pastor closed by saying 'Charles has said it all." Her prayer: "Dear Lord, help us to listen and be open to your voice through the words of little children."

The scripture that she used was "And Jesus said, 'Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not for of such is the kingdom of God."     Mark 10:14 KJV

I felt so blessed this week when I found this devotional. Blessed to have this reminder, from Doral, who is no longer here, and to be able to read and to share with you, share how my Friend recalled my son's first vocal ministry during worship and how she chose to share it. This short devotional, from over 16 years ago, serves as a special memory and a blessing from Doral to me.

Yes, 'though the words of little children' . . . we can learn a lot . . . if we just take the time to stop and listen.

I was surprised to read the scripture for this in our hymnal was: "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?" Romans 8:35. I would have expected it to be Mark 10:14.

Prayer is the Key . . .

"And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi,

Let me now go to the field,

and glean ears of corn after him

In whose sight I shall find grace.

And she said unto her, Go, my daughter."

Ruth 2:2  KJV



Looking up at Blarney Castle
from the Fern Garden
Ireland

'Prayer is the key to heaven,

But faith unlocks the door.

Words are so easily spoken

A prayer without faith

Is like a boat without an oar.

Have faith when you speak to the Master

That's all He asks you for.

Yes prayer is the key to heaven

But faith unlocks the door.'





A gated door
Glendalough,
Ireland



This song has been playing in my head this week, and I've been trying to figure out why. I've loved this song since I learned it back when I was a member of the International Order of Rainbow for Girls*, but I don't remember ever thinking too much about it before, about the words that is.

So why is it in my head this week? What is it that I'm suppose to see in it? Why is it speaking to me now? And what does it mean? Wondering if it has anything to do with all the time I've spent focused in prayer for a specific Friend the last couple of weeks.





View across
the lower lake
Glendalough,
Ireland

I have a rather lengthy prayer list of F/friends, yes, I have an actual hand written list. I've been writing the names of both individuals and groups in my bulletin every Sunday morning, on the page that says 'Please Pray For.' I have written these names in my bulletin each week, usually before worship begins, and it gives me something to focus on during prayer time and throughout the coming week. And every now and again one or more of these F/friends rises above others on that list - which I either highlight or underline.

 



Creek at
Glendalough,
Ireland

One particular Friend has been on the top of this list now for nearly two weeks - seems as though I'm finding myself offering constant prayers for her. So I'm now wondering if this is why this song is in my head. Thinking that maybe it's time to think about the words to this song . . .

 

I know that prayer is a conversation with God, and if I have/put my faith in God, He will answer my prayers. And as the song says 'but faith unlocks the door.' It's my faith, or my belief in God, my belief that He is listening to me and that He will answer my prayers that's the key. My words are just words but they become a prayer when I have the faith that God is listening to me . . . listening to my words, listening to my prayers. If I don't have faith in God and faith that He is listening when I pray then my words are just words - they don't have any meaning. So if I believe and have faith I will receive the key. The key that opens the door to heaven and to God for me.



Open gate . . .
in the Fern Garden,
Blarney Castle,
Ireland

I have faith and I believe in God. I believe that He listens to my prayers and the prayers of others. He answers them . . . in His time and in His way. At times I may think He's not listening, that He doesn't care about me and my concerns, but He does. I may not always like the way God answers my prayers and I may not understand why He answers them the way He does or His timing. But He does answer them . . . I just need to be listening.

 

. . . it's all a part of His plan.

 

I leave you with the following scriptures that came to mind as I've worked on this post . . .

 

 

"And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive."

Matthew 21:22 NKJV 

 

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."

Hebrews 11:1 NIV

 

"And now abideth faith, hope and charity, these three;

but the greatest of these is charity."

1 Corinthians 13:13 KJV

 

 

 

* The International Order of Rainbow for Girls is one of the two Masonic organizations for young girls, the other being Jobs Daughters. I was a member of St. Joseph Assembly #83 in South Bend, Indiana.

 

 

 

Prayer Shawl Ministry . . .

"And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi,

Let me now go to the field,

and glean ears of corn after him

In whose sight I shall find grace.

And she said unto her, Go, my daughter."

Ruth 2:2  KJV




My first 'Prayer Shawl'
for a Girl Scout Friend

I first heard about prayer shawls through the Facebook postings of one of my younger cousins who was making them. As she finished each one she would post a picture of it on her Facebook page. The more she posted the more interested I got . . . I loved the colors and the patterns. I asked questions and I did a web search to find out more about this idea.

 

What I found out was there's a whole 'prayer shawl ministry' going on out there! There are knitting, crocheting, sewing, quilting and Church groups all over the world making and giving prayer shawls. The prayer shawls are used as an 'aid,' a way of recognizing a space as sacred. That is the prayer shawls are used as a physical aid when praying - much like some use prayer beads and candles. And as one makes or creates a prayer shawl by sewing, knitting, crocheting or weaving it - prayers are said for the person they will be giving it to.

The prayer shawl is given to remind the recipient of God's love and blessings and that someone is praying for and with them. Prayer shawls are given to the sick, the grieving, to members of confirmation classes, to the young and old alike . . . to anyone that the maker feels could use it's comforting hugs, prayers and encouragement.



Second Prayer Shawl
for my oldest daughter

Prayer shawls come in all sizes, shapes and colors. They are usually large enough to wrap around one's shoulders or drape over one's head - and thus 'create' a sacred space in which to meditate or pray. Some shawls are large enough that an adult can wrap themselves and their child inside of it. Others are small so that they are manageable by someone whose arm strength isn't what it used to be - small enough that they can easily be used by the elderly . . . finding comfort in chilly drafts as well as a comforting space where they are reminded of God, His blessings and the prayers of others - a space where they can also find encouragement. I think of it as a way of giving hugs . . . as they wrap the shawl around their shoulders they are wrapped up in a hug from God.

 

OK, so this sounded like a really great idea and something that I could do . . . I was 'hooked' literally! I've been knitting since I was about 7 years old and crocheting nearly as long - I took knitting in 4-H and my Grandma Meller (my mom's mother) was a big help with all my knitting projects, my mom - not so much. Many of my knitting projects needed a bit of crocheting around the edges, to finish them off, and so it was off to grandmas' house for help. I've always said that 'My grandma taught me enough about crocheting to get me into trouble!' In college I made a ton of 'granny squares' . . . they were so addictive! They're in a bag or box somewhere . . . never did figure out how to put them all together! Like I said, my grandma taught me enough to get me into trouble!

 



Third Prayer Shawl for
Quaker Haven Camp
Counselor Friend

So I found a pattern for a crocheted shawl that I liked and some really soft fluffy yarn that spoke to me. Now those of you reading this, those of you that really know me, are thinking 'Did she just say crochet pattern? Is she crazy?' Yes, I'm crocheting, not knitting or sewing/quilting, my prayer shawls. And no, I'm not crazy! I was ready to get started, as soon as I got out my crochet hook. The yarn that 'spoke to me,' well I've spoken to it several times this last year, it's not easy to work with . . . but I absolutely love the way it works out - it's so soft, fluffy, light weight and I just love the pattern that unfolds with the variegated yarn. The more I use it the more I just love it, and yes, we still have our occasional conversations!



I made my first prayer shawl last fall for one of my Girl Scout Friends who was recovering from shoulder replacement surgery in another State, hoping that it would bring her some comfort and that she would feel the gentle hugs. Shortly after I finished that one, I made one for my oldest daughter who was expecting her first child, my first grandchild, for a bit of encouragement to go with the hugs. Next, for a Friend and fellow counselor from Quaker Haven Camp, just because she came to my mind and I knew that she too could always use some encouragement and hugs. Then there's my Friend who took time this Spring to help me when she had so much else going on herself, but she still found time to help and encourage me - I knew through our conversations that she needed prayers, encouragement and hugs, too, so I made a prayer shawl for her. And the last one I made was for another one of my Girl Scout Friends, she had done a lot for me a few years ago that meant a lot to me, and she has been very helpful to me over the years, and I thought she could use the prayers and hugs.



Fourth Prayer Shawl
for a Friend
who helped me

As I crocheted these  prayer shawls I not only said specific prayers for each of my Friends and my daughter, but I also found myself spending a lot of time thinking about each of them as well. Thoughts about how and where we meet. Things we had done and are doing together. What lead me to choose her? Why that color? How I hoped this prayer shawl and the prayers I said for each of them would affect them.

 

Early last month I was looking for another 'pick-up' project - one of those projects that I could take with me to work on when I went someplace and had to sit and wait or that I could work on while watching/listening to the TV. I had just purchased some more of the yarn that I have been using to make my prayer shawls, so I thought I start another one, for no one specific at the time. But I didn't get very far with it, only about six rows done and then it got put aside . . . other things came up that had to be done.

That is until I picked it up again a couple of days ago, as I now have a need to work on it so I can send it to another Friend. A new Friend, that I met briefly this Spring but got to know a bit more about as we spent time together this summer. I found out earlier this week that she's in the hospital and I wanted to send her some prayers, encouragement and HUGS. So I will be spending the next couple of days working on this one so I can get it finished and send it to her.



Fifth Prayer Shawl
for another
Girl Scout Friend

While one works on a prayer shawl, whether crocheted, knitted, sewn or woven, the stitcher says prayers for the person they are making it for. I've also read about the symbolism within the pattern(s) . . . most of the patterns are worked in threes - representing the Trinity - multiples of three stitches, spaces, triple crochet, rows in a pattern, or colors. With this in mind, a stitcher knows who she/he is making the prayer shawl for and offers prayers specific to that person and circumstances they may be going through at that time. This has been true for all the  prayer shawls that I have made.

 

Making prayer shawls is a spiritual practice which embodies many thoughts and prayers for the receiver. It is a gift that is freely given with no strings attached. Putting a price on a shawl defeats the purpose of the ministry, so they are not made for sale. There's a wonderful ministry in the making and giving of prayer shawls. It's a ministry of love, caring and encouragement. I've found it to be a way to be able to wrap far away Friends in hugs along with sending them prayers and encouragement . It's a ministry that blesses not only the recipient but the giver as well.

 

Before giving a prayer shawl away, the maker says a blessing, prayer or wish over the shawl, while keeping the receiver in mind. A short note explaining a bit about the prayer shawl and/or the blessing/prayer/wish is usually enclosed with the shawl. One might also explain the reason for a particular color used as well. 

 

The reasons for making each of the prayer shawls I've made has been as different as the Friends I've made them for. Although I may not have known when I first started this one exactly who it was for, seems that God knew I was going to need to make one and He knows how I struggle with the first couple of rows . . . so He gave me a head start.

Work in progress . . .

 

I am a bit disappointed this last month to find out that the yarn that I've been using for my prayer shawls, which is exclusive to one store that I shop at, was in their clearance sale. I've got a bit of a 'stash' built up, but at some point I will run out of this yarn and will have to look for something different to use.



Orlagh . . .

"And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi,

Let me now go to the field,

and glean ears of corn after him

In whose sight I shall find grace.

And she said unto her, Go, my daughter."

Ruth 2:2  KJV
 

Orlagh

OK, Orlagh is not some sort of weird or strange sort of word that I've picked out to write about - it's the name of the retreat centre we stayed at our second night in Ireland, on the southside of Dublin. I looked up the name 'Orlagh' and found that it means "Golden Queen." Interesting when you look at the picture and see that it has been painted a golden yellow color.

 

Orlagh - coming up the drive

After we turned off the highway, as we looked around, we spotted this huge building up on the side of the hill and began wondering if it was Orlagh. We turned off the highway and drove up through two housing estates and then drove through the gates and up the long avenue up to the house, which takes you into a different world. And yes, the huge building or house that we had seen up on the side of the hill was Orlagh! In the brochure I picked up it says "The location of Orlagh is one of its great assets." And it's not hard to understand why . . . it's situated on a hundred acres of pasture and woodland in the Dublin hills with an amazing panoramic view of the city of Dublin and the Dublin Bay.





View from in front of Orlagh -
looking north towards Dublin

Once we arrived and parked the van, we got out and as I took a look around I was in awe of the amazing view laid out before me! Looking straight out I could see Dublin and looking to my right was Howth, where we had visited Monday night for a walk around the harbor, the Abby and dinner at the Abbey Tavern.

 

We were warmly greeted by one of the Augustinian Father's at Orlagh. He gave us instructions for using the keypad by the front door, so we could get inside . . . and then we walked inside! It's very plain and nondescript on the outside and the inside wasn't exactly what I expected it to be. The tall ceiling with exposed timbers, beautiful tiled floor and the huge stairway that was before us and at the same time very simple. The Father took us upstairs and showed us the six rooms they had ready for us and then where the shared toilets and showers were. I was on the backside and had a lovely view of the woods.

 

My room - loved the duvet cover!

We left our things in our rooms and then went downstairs to the dining room where the Father had tea and biscuits for us. This was a lovely break after our drive. The Father explained a bit of the history of Orlagh and gave us some directions to help us get to Glendalough, which was on our list to go and see that afternoon.

Before I go any further, let me give you a quick it of history of Orlagh . . .

The original house in Orlagh was built in 1790 by Lundy Foot. The third owner, Andrew Carew O'Dwyer bought the house in 1835. O'Dwyer was active with Daniel O'Connell in the campaign for Catholic Emancipation and many of the prominent political figures of the nineteenth century were entertained at Orlagh.

The Augustinians bought the house from O'Dwyer's sons in 1872. It served as a novitiate for the Augustinians until 1990, and since 1997 has been used as a retreat centre and a place of welcome for those seeking time apart for personal renewal.

I wish we had had more time at Orlagh . . . time to explore the grounds outside and time to just sit and soak in all that Orlagh has to offer.

I will leave you with this piece that I found this in the front of a brochure that I picked up when I was at Orlagh, I find that in some way it speaks to me . . .

 

The Spirit of Orlagh

We explore faith in a way that speaks to life

We use scholarship that feeds the search for meaning and truth

We celebrate Liturgy that invites participation

We offer a welcome that is inclusive and give people a space to "be"

We promote a spirituality that brings faith and experience together

We encourage a way of being and doing that promotes fellowship on life's journey



Night view from Orlagh -
looking north towards Dublin



'Teach Me to Stop and Listen . . . '

"And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi,

Let me now go to the field,

and glean ears of corn after him

In whose sight I shall find grace.

And she said unto her, Go, my daughter."

Ruth 2:2  KJV






Lake,
Quaker Haven Camp
Syracuse, Indiana

We sang the song, 'Teach Me to Stop and Listen,' at the USFW  (United Society of Friends Women) Fall Retreat earlier this month up at Quaker Haven Camp. This isn't a new song for me as I've sang this song many times before, but I never really sat down and looked at the words before and how many times have we all done this - sang a song, recited a poem, a prayer, a scripture or ____________, you fill in the blank, and not thought about the words we were saying or hearing? The last few weeks though, as I've taken the time to stop and not only listen to the words, but to really think about them, I can see how these words really seem to sum up so much of what this year has been for me . . .

Teach me to stop and listen,

Teach me to center down,

Teach me the use of silence,

Teach me where peace is found.

Teach me to hear your calling,

Teach me to search your word,

Teach me to hear in silence,

Things I have never heard.

Teach me to be collected,

Teach me to be in tune,

Teach me to be directed,

Silence will end too soon.

Then when it's time for moving,

Grant it that I may bring,

To every day and every moment,

Peace from a silent spring. *

Listening, it's something we do all day, everyday. Who or what do you spend your time listening to? Your family - spouse, children, parents, F/friends, neighbors, co-workers, others? How about the TV or radio - the news, shows, talk shows, music?

As Quakers, we spend time in silence, silent worship, in 'expectant waiting,' listening for and to the voice of God or the Spirit. Listening for and to 'that still small voice' that is inside each of us.



Howth, Ireland

Personally, over the years I have found this difficult - coming from a different faith background where there really wasn't any silence in worship, not knowing what to listen for, distractions of noises outside of the Meetinghouse and for many years the distraction of just being a mom. And I don't mean this in a bad way, I mean caring for my children, having to keep an eye on anywhere from one to four of them during Meeting for worship. And occasionally missing worship because I was sitting with my children and maybe other children in the nursery or helping with/leading Children's Church.

Well, I don't have the distraction of keeping track of my children any more, they're 17-26 years old now. I'm not distracted by the babbling of the little ones that we now have in Meeting for worship, including my young granddaughter . . . their babbling brings a smile to my face and some how gives me something to focus on . . . our Young Friends and how we need to love and nurture them and teach them about our Quaker faith and beliefs and about God. The other noises . . . I've learned how to tune that all out.

Fern Garden at
Blarney Castle
Ireland

There have been a few times in the past when I heard voices in my head, felt a good swift kick or knock on the side of my head. I didn't think of it as God's voice at the time - maybe that was part of God's plan for me. Maybe God knew I wasn't ready to hear Him right then, at those times in my life, but if I thought it was someone else from my life that I would listen, I'd be a better listener. I thought the voices I was hearing were my grandparents or my mom or dad. Voices telling me to go here or there, voices telling me to go and visit someone, voices telling me not to go somewhere, voices directing me a different way . . . both physically and spiritually. So many times I would set out to go somewhere, usually shopping, and instead of going the way I normally went I would end up going a totally different way, or start out and realize that I had forgotten something and turned back to get it. Now, not every time, but more times than I can count, I would hear about or see an accident or other trouble that happened. I wasn't there, I wasn't involved . . . somehow I missed it.

I wonder now, was that the voice of God speaking to me back on December 14, 1986 nudging me to go up to South Bend to see my grandpa? My grandpa had had a stroke a couple of weeks earlier, we drove up to South Bend and saw my grandparents. Several hours later, as I walked in the front door at home, the phone was ringing, it was my dad, calling to tell me that grandpa had died. When? About two hours after we left.



Waterfall,
Fern Garden at
Blarney Castle
Ireland

Friday, April 19, 1996, I was at home with my four children, ages 6 weeks to 9 years, when severe weather came through our area. I remember my TV show being interrupted by the weather reports . . . and they kept talking about the weather. I remember just wanting them to get off already and get back to my show! Then it happened, that swift kick, that hard slap to the side of my head! I got up, walked down the hallway, picked up my sleeping 6 week old daughter out of the cradle, called to my other three children, who were watching TV and playing in the family room, and told them to come and sit in the hallway, with my free hand I grabbed a heavy sleeping bag off one of the beds in the other room and threw it over them. And before I could take another step, with my baby in one arm and the cordless phone in the other it hit! Nearly seventeen and a half years later I can still hear it and feel it . . . the glass of the bedroom windows breaking. Broken windows, gutters ripped off one side of the house and hail damage to the roof, the swing set in the back yard - picked-up and flipped 3 1/2 times to the other side of the yard . . . nothing that couldn't be fixed. We were lucky, we were all safe, we were blessed!



Fern Garden at
Blarney Castle,
Ireland

More recently, October 6, 2010, going over to the local nursing home during my long lunch break between religious education classes - to check-in on my husbands' great-aunt. As I sat on the floor, next to her bed, she reached out to grab my hand and held onto it with all the strength she had. When it came time for me to leave and go back for my afternoon classes she wouldn't let go of my hand, she wanted me to stay. I told her I'd be back in an hour and a half, after my classes were over. She finally let me go. About 45 minutes later I got a call from the nursing home . . .telling me she had died. Thinking back, why wouldn't she let go of my hand? Was she trying to tell me something? Or did she know something, did she know this was the end and she didn't want to be alone? Had I known . . . I would have stayed with her.

In these three situations, I thought I was hearing my grandpa calling me to come and visit with him one last time. I thought I heard my mom telling me to gather my children together to keep them safe from the tornado. And I thought I heard my husbands' great-aunt's voice encouraging me to go and visit her that day. Now I wonder, was 'that still small voice' speaking to me on these three occasions actually the voice of God speaking to me? I listened and I responded to that voice. I didn't think of it being God's voice speaking to me then . . . until now.



Giants Causeway,
Northern Ireland

The story of Samuel keeps playing in my head . . . and the words Samuel spoke 'Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.' Like Samuel, as a servant of God, I have had to learn to listen for and to that still small voice, the voice of God giving me direction.

Do you take time to listen? To really listen? To listen to that still small voice, speaking to you? To listen to the voice of God? What is God saying to you? What is it that God wants you to do - to help grow His kingdom?

This year, I've learned to really stop and listen, I've found it easier to center down, I've learned the use of silence and I've learned where peace can  be found. I've heard the 'still small voice of God' calling to me, and I've found myself recalling scriptures or looking for scriptures to fit a situation and I've heard so many new things. I'm learning to be collected and to get in tune and I've been directed . . . I'm not ready for the silence to end. I'm still working on the last part.

I challenge each of you reading this, to spend time in the silence this next week . . . spend time really listening to and for that 'still small voice.'

* I do want to give credit here to Ken Medema, who wrote the words and the music for "Teach Me to Stop and Listen."