Category: Ignatian Spirituality

Forgive

As we get ready for the start of the holiday season, this timely message from John Eldredge arrived in my inbox this morning. Over the next several weeks, we’ll be with people who love us, but also with those who’ve hurt us. We’ll be given chances to forgive, to seek forgiveness, to reconcile, to bring peace into a broken world. Isn’t that what we should be doing anyway?

Forgive

We must forgive those who hurt us. The reason is simple: Bitterness and unforgiveness are claws that set their hooks deep in our hearts; they are chains that keep us held captive to the wounds and the messages of those wounds. Until you forgive, you remain their prisoner. Paul warns us that unforgiveness and bitterness can wreck our lives and the lives of others (Eph. 4:31; Heb. 12:15). We have to let them go.

Continue reading “Forgive”

Ignatian Spirituality Inspiration Prayer

Footprints In The Sand

I don’t know how we got on the topic, but last night my fourth grade class got to talking about some of their favorite possessions. You wouldn’t have been surprised with most of them: computer games, toys, lacrosse sticks, ipods, etc.

When one boy raised his hand, I thought for sure he would say something related to sports. I can tell already that he loves playing sports, and I’m pretty sure he’s good at whatever he plays.

So when he talked about a little plaque that hangs on his wall, I was surprised. He told the class that he loves the words to the poem Footprints In The Sand, which are printed on the plaque. To be honest, I was so surprised by what he said, I think I just mumbled thanks and moved on to the next kid.

Later, I began thinking about the old expression, you can’t judge a book by its cover. This little guy really impressed me.

Ignatian Spirituality Prayer Spirit

Prayer, Anyone?

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all he has done.

Then, His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

Our former pastor used to tell us a simple way to remember to pray:

A. S. A. P. (Always Say A Prayer)

Prayer is a funny thing. We all know we should do it, but for most of us, it sits pretty low on the to do list. Why is that?

Ignatian Spirituality Inspiration Prayer type II diabetes

Freedom with God

Yesterday, I had the chance to visit with a group of people attending a Diabetes Workshop at our local hospital. They were all looking for ways that they could improve their health despite dealing with this chronic illness. As you may know, I think bringing God into the situation is the missing key that many people forget. That goes for any situation, not just an illness.

Today’s three-minute retreat from Loyola Press speaks beautifully to this idea. As I was reflecting upon their message this morning, I thought I should share it on this blog. I know some of you already subscribe and get the retreats emailed to you. If you don’t, you should. They are a great way to start your day, and you’ll join about 16,000 people who visit the site each day.

Click here and take the next three minutes to pray about what it could mean to you to have

Freedom With God

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Another Chance

Over the last three days, I’ve been participating in a daily blogging program for American Diabetes Month. Today is Wordless Wednesday, and we were asked to post an image that best represents my biggest help in managing diabetes. This sunrise (and all the others) is it for me.

To me, the fact that I can have a fresh start every day is my biggest encouragement. It doesn’t matter how things went yesterday, when the sun comes up, we’re all given a second chance. Whatever your issues may be, every day is a new day to turn things around, to celebrate yesterday’s wins, to reconcile with someone, to encourage a friend. What would it be for you?

Take advantage of this gift, not just today, but every day. Watch what happens in your life and in the lives of those around you.

Ignatian Spirituality Inspiration Prayer Spirit

Gratefulness

As I was driving home from Virginia yesterday, I was able to see some magnificent fall color. If I had to pick one particular season that I like the best, I think it would have to be fall. Growing up in Southern California, we didn’t see much when the seasons changed. In my neighborhood, the Pilcher and the Blaines families had Liquidamber trees, whose leaves changed when the weather cooled, but that was about it. Not that they didn’t put on a show. According the Wikipedia, The autumnal coloring (of the Liquidamber) is not simply a flame, it is a conflagration. Wow 🙂

During my first fall in Baltimore, I got to see some of the most beautiful foliage I had ever seen. Next to Johns Hopkins University is an area called Wyman Park. The various trees planted there many years ago put on an unbelievable display. Right then and there, fall became my favorite season. Fall is also a season of gratefulness. I’m not just talking about Thanksgiving.

Ignatian Spirituality Inspiration Spirit

Balance Is The Key

Last night a group at my church began the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. You can learn more about this great spiritual tool by hitting the St. Ignatius tab to the right.

Listening to Nancy, our facilitator, I was reminded of my own first encounter with the Exercises. During this first session, we talk a lot about balance. In fact, balance is one of the key factors in Ignatian Spirituality.

Ignatian Spirituality Inspiration Spirit

Tomorrow Is Here

Given the present economic situation most of us find ourselves in, we have become afraid of risk. Caution seems to be the word of the day. I’m wondering, though, if our caution and risk aversion has given way to a kind of paralysis. Many have become afraid to do anything, but at the same time feel frustrated and trapped. Does this resonate with you?

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Use Your Imagination

I know, it’s a bit early for Nativity scenes, but let me explain 🙂 Use of our imagination is a key component of Ignatian Spirituality. It’s funny, as we get older most of us don’t daydream like we used to. Remember when you were a kid, and you could close your eyes and instantly transport yourself to some epic event, with you playing a key role? I’m not sure how it happens, but it seems to me that we become so focused on the reality of our lives that we stop dreaming.

Ignatian Spirituality Inspiration Prayer

The Examen

I spent the evening up at Mc Daniel College, listening to a friend of mine introduce the college students to Ignatian Spirituality. If you want to know more about St. Ignatius and the gift he left us, check out my page to the right.

As it turned out, tomorrow will mark the one year anniversary of my starting the Spiritual Exercises. Nancy, the person who led me in the Exercises, and I met for the first time on the Feast of St. Robert Bellarmine, which is September 17th. What a year it has been!