Spiritual Practices: Hopeful Future (Joy- Luke 24:33)

“It is true! The Lord has risen.” -Luke 24:33

Living generously whether it is expressed with our time or our money is one way to acknowledge our trust in God’s future provision. 

Consider making a gift of time or money to an organization or individual you care about.  It could be volunteering at your church, child’s school, or a local non-profit organization.  Maybe you can commit to helping a family member or neighbor on a regular basis. 

Stepping out generously can be scary, but it is also an act of faith and hope that God will provide the time or money you need to fulfill your promise.

We hope this brings you some comfort and joy! You can spread the joy by liking, commenting and sharing this post with others. Be sure to subscribe and never miss a post.

Some Comfort and Joy was developed as a devotional resource that follows the rhythms and seasons of the liturgical year from an Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective.

Spiritual Practices: Hopeful Future (Comfort- Luke 24:33)

“It is true! The Lord has risen.” -Luke 24:33

One of the gifts of faith, is being grounded in the hope of a good future. Even when our circumstances are challenging, the stories of scripture remind us of God’s faithful presence and the promise that this is not the end of our story.

When people talk about being “spiritual but not religious” often what they are trying to describe is the benefit of practices that nurture their spiritual health, while distancing from the institutions and trappings of traditional religious experience (that may have been limiting or harmful).

While growth can be nurtured, it can never be commanded. Engaging in spiritual practices is just that—practice not mastery, process not outcome.

As Kate Morton writes in her book The Secret Garden, “You make a life out of what you have, not what you’re missing.”

What spiritual practices would help you cultivate a life of faith that give you hope for a good future? How can you intentionally pursue a spiritual life?

We hope this brings you some comfort and joy! You can spread the joy by liking, commenting and sharing this post with others. Be sure to subscribe and never miss a post.

Some Comfort and Joy was developed as a devotional resource that follows the rhythms and seasons of the liturgical year from an Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective.

Spiritual Practices: Grounded Present (Joy- Luke 24:30-31)

“When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight.” Luke 24: 30-31

Moonset

Did you ever notice that joy and gratitude operate together in an upward spiral?  In her book Atlas of the Heart author Brene Brown cites research that shows greater gratitude leads to greater joy.  This great joy in turn leads to greater gratitude – an upwards spiral.

This week try to be conscious of moments of joy or gratitude.  When you come upon a joyful moment pause, as in stop what you’re doing if you can, and take three deep breaths in and out.  Name and absorb this moment of gratitude and joy and add it to your long term memory.  

We hope this brings you some comfort and joy! You can spread the joy by liking, commenting and sharing this post with others. Be sure to subscribe and never miss a post.

Some Comfort and Joy was developed as a devotional resource that follows the rhythms and seasons of the liturgical year from an Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective.

Spiritual Practices: Grounded Present (Comfort- Luke 24:34-31)

“When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight.” Luke 24: 30-31

It is so easy to imagine oneself along the road to Emmaus.  I would have been there. Processing the amazing and overwhelming events that had just transpired.  Trying to make sense of all that had happened.  Wondering aloud with my friends.  Walking and talking it out.

Walking and talking it out.

What a gift it must have been to have a wise stranger join them on their journey.  And when suppertime came they did not want him to leave.  Someone who could finally make sense of the chaos was with them.  The disciples were so caught up and present in the moment.  You can imagine their joy and astonishment when they recognized Jesus as he broke bread before them.  A revelation in the very present moment.

Can you think of a time when you have missed the present moment because you were sunk in past pain or focused on the good old days?

Have you ever missed the present moment because you are consumed with what might happen in the future? 

What gifts of knowledge or joy do you find when you are present in the moment?

Have you ever had a moment of astonishing joy or deep contentment?

God of the Present Moment, Open our hearts to experience Your present goodness. Amen.

We hope this brings you some comfort and joy! You can spread the joy by liking, commenting and sharing this post with others. Be sure to subscribe and never miss a post.

Some Comfort and Joy was developed as a devotional resource that follows the rhythms and seasons of the liturgical year from an Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective.

Spiritual Practices: Processed Past (Joy- Luke 24:32)

“They asked each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?’” -Luke 24:32

The couple smiled lovingly at each other; an incredible seascape spread in panorama behind them.

 “I am thankful to have been where I have been and to not be there anymore.” She typed in the caption below the photo. Reflecting on her memory of a years ago “failed” mission assignment, the wisdom of a processed path came through in my friend’s reflection.

 Set aside some time this week to reflect on an experience in your past that feels tender to you. How have you grown and changed since that time? What did that experience teach you? What words of grace and tender love can you offer to your past self?

May your healing Spirit surround the wounds from my past. Transform my perspective so I can graciously release the things that have weighed me down. May I embrace with joy the person I have become. Amen.

We hope this brings you some comfort and joy! You can spread the joy by liking, commenting and sharing this post with others. Be sure to subscribe and never miss a post.

Some Comfort and Joy was developed as a devotional resource that follows the rhythms and seasons of the liturgical year from an Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective.

Spiritual Practices: Processed Past (Comfort- Luke 24:32)

“They asked each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?’” -Luke 24:32

“What was your biggest ministry mistake?” he asked. Famous for put-you-on-the-spot questions, my colleague seemed to relish the look of horror that crossed my face as all the eyes in the room moved to watch my reaction. Since it was my farewell luncheon, there was no way to pass on the question, to step out of the conversation.

“That’s the worst question you could ask an enneagram one!” I reply with a laugh as my brain frantically scrolled through scenarios, trying to decide on an honest yet innocuous answer. “As if I don’t replay everything, always reminding myself how I could have done better?!”

As I now look back on how I could have handled that awkward moment, the questions of theologian Christena Cleveland have helped me to reframe my thinking, allowing me to extend more generosity and kindness to myself.

“What if regret is a lie?” she posits. “And instead, every decision or action is a pathway to deeper, embodied wisdom?”

Our past experiences are what have brought us to the present moment. Good, bad, well done or regrettable, processing the events that have shaped us, the choices we have made and the ways we have behaved is a necessary step to embrace our future in healthy ways.

Just as the disciples reflected on their encounter with Jesus and realized they had an internal knowing (hearts burning within), how might our own examination of times of confusion, disappointment or regret reveal a deeper knowing that provides guidance for our present?

God of transformation and revelation, may I recognize the deep knowing and gifts that have come through my past. May I attend to your faithful presence as I navigate the unfolding. Amen. 

We hope this brings you some comfort and joy! You can spread the joy by liking, commenting and sharing this post with others. Be sure to subscribe and never miss a post.

Some Comfort and Joy was developed as a devotional resource that follows the rhythms and seasons of the liturgical year from an Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective.



Spiritual Practices: Series Introduction

“Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened…But we had hoped that he was the one…” -Luke 24: 13-14, 21

I don’t know that I have ever had a favorite scripture. I’m rather disillusioned by cherry-picked verses screen-printed on mugs, t-shirts and rustic wall signs. The trappings of consumer Christianity have left me cynical and jaded, if I’m being completely honest. 

And then– a text shimmers– and I am reminded why I just can’t let go of this journey of faith. The Word reveals and illuminates and I am drawn in again by the complexity, honesty and mystery of the Good News.

But we had hoped. 

Brutal honesty. Disappointment. Discouragement. 

But we had hoped. 

After the whole thing goes up in flames, the disciples talk together as they walk along the way. 

Perhaps deconstruction is written off as trendy now, but many of us have had our own Emmaus Road moments. The betrayal, the diagnosis, the death. No matter the form, at some point the rug of our faith gets pulled out from under us and we are left wounded, broken, wondering…wait, what? 

But we had hoped. 

Where do we turn when our assumptions about the future are upended? When the world gets rearranged against our will? When structures and institutions we have trusted and invested in cause great harm? 

It’s tempting to shake the dust off our feet and move on. To redefine everything; to choose to be spiritual but not religious (as if it all parses out so neatly). However, in the face of distress and pain, we need safe spaces to reflect, to share and to (ultimately) heal.

In this series we will explore practices connected to three distinct spaces: processed past, grounded present, and a hopeful future. Join us in thoughtful engagement and life-giving spiritual practices that will nurture your spiritual well-being.

We hope this brings you some comfort and joy! You can spread the joy by liking, commenting and sharing this post with others. Be sure to subscribe and never miss a post.

Some Comfort and Joy was developed as a devotional resource that follows the rhythms and seasons of the liturgical year from an Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective.

Lent Reflection: Prayer of Restoration (Philippians 2: 9-11)

“Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2: 9-11

Jesus, Master Carpenter,

My son’s workbench, which always has room for a new project.

Reframe our souls.

Build your home here. 

Clean out the corners filled with our insecurity and close-mindedness. 

Construct new shelves to hold Your love, God.

Renew our minds, frame windows and doors open to Your possibilities.

We want our lives to be evidence of Your creative work in the world.

Do not give up on us God, we pray.

AMEN

We hope this brings you comfort and joy. You can spread the joy by liking, commenting and sharing this post with others!

Lent Reflection: My Confession (Philippians 2: 5-8)

Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form,  he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death– even death on a cross.
Philippians 2: 5-8

Holy God, 

This is my confession.

I am selfish. I would rather be in control than actually helpful.  I am happy to give someone a jacket, or a blanket, or a meal rather than a listening ear.  I am sure others see the world the same way I do.

I am fearful of change and suffering.  I refuse to face my inner pains at the cost of my own transformation.  I avoid others who are hurting to protect myself, like their hardship is contagious.

I don’t want to appear weak.  I would rather take the casserole than need one.

I confess I am controlling, fearful, and want to know the future.  My faithlessness hounds my loved ones.

This week we remember the great humility of Your Son Jesus.

Jesus did not make power grabs.

Jesus who walked the dusty roads and touched the people others rejected.  He listened and looked at their suffering with open eyes.

Jesus was the embodied expression of You in this world.  Jesus who suffered and even died to show Your Great Love.

Lord hear my prayer and expand my vision beyond myself. Please forgive me.

This is my confession.

We hope this brings you comfort and joy. You can spread the joy by liking, commenting and sharing this post with others!

Epiphany Comfort: Commissioning + Blessing

“Trust in the Lord, and do good.” -Psalm 37:3

The season of Lent is nearly upon us. This is the stretch of time in the liturgical year when we prepare for Easter. The 40 days of Lent hold the echos of Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness. And so often we use the coming weeks as a time of fasting and reflection. Most of us would not choose a wilderness season. The starkness, the pruning, the longing are all uncomfortable feelings. 

Yet we know that there is a rhythm to life. No one stage is enduring. Seasons change, each bringing its own beauty and meaning.

We hope this Epiphany season has been one of light, hope and revelation. And, that the things you have discovered and nurtured in these weeks will sustain you in the coming season.

The Psalm for this week is a blessing for us all. There are many imperatives listed here. Receive these words as invitations to a life-giving way of being. Experience this as a commissioning as we move into the next: 

Do not fret because of the wicked;

    do not be envious of wrongdoers,

 for they will soon fade like the grass,

    and wither like the green herb.

 Trust in the Lord, and do good;

    so you will live in the land, and enjoy security.

 Take delight in the Lord,

    and he will give you the desires of your heart.

 Commit your way to the Lord;

    trust in him, and he will act.

He will make your vindication shine like the light,

    and the justice of your cause like the noonday.

Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him;

  -Psalm 37:1-7

**If you have the Epiphany Comfort Kit, place the sticker in a place that will remind you of the hope and blessing of this season of reflection and awakening.

We hope this brings you some comfort and joy! You can spread the joy by liking, commenting and sharing this post with others.

Some Comfort and Joy was developed as a devotional resource that follows the rhythms and seasons of the liturgical year from an Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective.