Rekindle the Soul Connection

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Sunday, June 14, 2015

Rekindle the Soul Connection

I love fires. Fires in fireplaces, or in fire pits. Cooking fires when camping. Even gas fires in fancy-shmancy gas fireplaces (no cleaning up afterwards!). Something about setting up the wood to begin with, kindling the flame, feeding the fire. And then, sitting there in comfort, enjoying the crackle of the leaping flames. The warmth of the flickering glow.

How much I relate this to the care and nurture of my soul! Sometimes, I need to see to my soul-connection. Make sure that the fire inside of me is properly banked for a long-term burn. And, I can’t neglect the fire inside, the warmth and light that the fire provides. Provides nurture and care to my insides. Jack Canfield’s chapter in Handbook for the Soul reminded me of this, so strongly.

Canfield spoke of reconnecting with the soul, and mentioned so many different activities. When he participated in these various ways, they aided in his energy and awareness. As he mentioned, “When you set aside time for peace and tranquility—a massage from a loved one, a yoga class, thirty minutes of deep meditation, and the like—it’s hard to stay in a conflicted state of mind. When the benefits are so consistent and reliable, one has to wonder why so few people engage in these soul-energizing practices on a regular basis.” [1]

When put that simply and cogently, I need to truly ask myself: why don’t I engage in these soul-energizing practices on a regular basis?

Yes, many people are fooled into thinking that they don’t have time to engage in these nurturing practices. Except—and I am doing some sincere soul-searching here—I do know the benefits. I have experienced the positive, soul-energizing effects. Why don’t I practice these things, on a regular basis?

Canfield mentions a great many techniques, several for each different type of person. I want to. I really want to have the benefits of this wonderful soul-nourishing practice. Not the least of these is something I try to do on a regular basis. I’ll let him speak for himself: “one very powerful way to connect with spirit, to lift yourself, and to make a difference is to engage in some kind of selfless service, such as feeding the homeless, teaching the illiterate to read, tutoring in an inner-city school, or volunteering at church.” [2]

Amazing journey I’m on. We are all on this journey called life. We all are encouraged to rekindle the soul-connection inside. And, our individual journeys are One Day at a Time. Excellent chapter. Excellent advice. God willing, God can help me in this endeavor.

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And, read my sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er .

[1] Handbook for the Soul, Richard Carlson and Benjamin Shield, editors. (Boston: Little, Brown & Co., 1995), 89.

[2] Ibid, 92.

Day #34 – A Good Steward, Prayerfully

Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Saturday, March 28, 2015

Day #34 – A Good Steward, Prayerfully

Ever hear something (or read something) and immediately have a scene from your past pop into your head? That was me, when I read today’s excellent suggestion from Ruth.

As I went through the colored action suggestions at the end of the blog post, my eye fell on the first one, the green one. And I immediately went back several decades, to when I was twelve or thirteen years old.

My dad was alive then. We were in the little brick house in Chicago where I (and my older brothers and sisters) all grew up. My dad was a statistician, and particularly precise and conscientious where saving money was concerned. We didn’t have too much to spare, especially with my older sisters at the University of Illinois. (Yes, both at the same time.) He drilled it into all of our heads to be thoughtful and careful with what we used, how much we used, and why we used it. This was the same with food to paper products to utilities.

I particularly remember several times when I was either twelve or thirteen. It was winter time, so a time of earlier darkness. A time of more artificial lights. I would go into a room, find what I needed, and automatically flip off the light switch as I left the room.

“Hey! I’m still in here!” was what my dad said, disgruntled. This happened several times. (At least.) I would look back, chagrined. Sorry. Apologetic. “I’m just doing what you said. What you taught me.” I distinctly remember saying that, at least a couple of times.

I know our family was thinking about saving money when we grew up. We needed to count our pennies. (Pennies were worth something in those days! But, I’m showing my age.) Now, when I think twice about turning on lights, or turning down the heat in my condominium, or using that reusable insulated cup for my coffee or tea in the morning, I am also thinking about being a good steward of creation. Of the gifts and blessings God has given me. What a good reminder of what I can do, to make a difference.

@chaplaineliza

Like what you read? Disagree? Share your thoughts with your loved ones and continue the conversation.

(Check out #40acts; doing Lent generously at www.40acts.org.uk )

Why not visit my sister blogs, “the best of” A Year of Being Kind.   @chaplaineliza And read #40acts sermons from Pastor, Preacher Pray-er .