Space to write, space to create and space to let the spirit speak.
Write Now!
This blog started as a 'Lenten Writing Project', where we wrote each day in Lent. Now that Summer is here, let's keep up the discipline of writing with a weekly writing challenge! A prompt will be posted each week and anyone is welcome to join in and post their writing here or participate just by reading it.
Every writer has their own special light to add to this blog and all of your writing offerings are appreciated, whether poetry, prose, essay, thoughts, lists or comments and encouragement.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Lenten Writing Prompt #26
Write a letter to God from where you are at right now in your life.
Often we are asked what is important in our lives, what our priorities are. I was recently asked this by a close friend and I thought several days before I replied.
Dear God,
I hope you find this answer acceptable:
What are your goals, priorities in life?
The question is not what are my goals and priorities in life, or even yours. The question is......what are His? Find out those and live them.
What is sacred?
Only that which God declares is sacred is sacred. Man historically has a poor record of recognizing the truly sacred.
What is worth living for?
We live, regardless of whether life is 'worth it' or not. We live because God created us. To declare something to be worth living for or worth dying for is redundant.
Dear Lord, First, I’m sorry all my prayers to you always sound like ‘letters to the editor’, but you know what is in my heart. Recently we spoke at the Lenten service and I mentioned that I really just really, truly wanted to work for you. Your answer was that I already do. *Sigh* Why do you have to be so right all the time? You’re right. I do already work for you and I’m working right now. I’m already leading two of your little girls along the bright path of wholeness and goodness, even as I see recurring shadows up ahead that I promise to let you lead us through as I hold their hands. I promise to try to kiss their huge foreheads often, limit my yelling and treasure the blessings that you rain on me instead of living in the fear that those blessings are setting me up for disappointment if I lose it all. I also promise to love, cherish and support my husband through all of his peaks, valleys and weird in-between places that we don’t know what to make of. I will love and care for that man as only I can and as you love us. I also promise to try to be a part of what you are – trying to lead with love in everything I do. I have found some work in your church that my soul loves and I will keep doing that as well because it fascinates me. I guess that’s what I meant when I talked to you last Wednesday. You fascinate me, Lord. The more I learn, the more of an enigma you are. The more I’m challenged. It’s like trying to record all the patterns and beauty of a holy kalidescope. I can see you in pieces in it. I see my mom and dad in it. I see my grandma in it. I see myself in it. I want to know more and I guess what I am asking for, really, is the chance to get closer to you. And I would like to witness what I see in that kaleidoscope to others because I see some really amazing pictures. As far as work…I guess I already am working for you, so all I ask is that you please give me the strength to run this race that you have set before me. Give me the concentration, focus and love to do this. Also, please help me to see when I need to break off and rest and give me the trust to rest peacefully while I gather my strength. I am a hard worker but sometimes I need to remember to play and rest too. And cherish your creation. And not burn out. Help me to balance this so that I can keep in this…well, not exactly a race, but an intense walk-a-thon for the very best causes. And I know that you are cheering me on and rejoicing with me with every step and offering me cups of water, even if I don’t notice who is giving me those cups or even always taking them from you. Thank you for being such a patient, present God. Amen, Ruth Hanley
So now look who's making who cry. I'm so proud of you. You're already there, you know. You just don't know it. And listen to the still small Voice inside you. You know the One. Trouble is, we usually only get to see and feel bits and pieces, like that "in a glass darkly" verse. But oh, those bright spots. They'll carry you a long way. I love you. Mom
You know me so well, God. I don’t need to tell you how things are right now. I have so many mixed feelings and concerns.
I have much concern for some family members. I feel deep grief for changed relationships. I am anxious about some health issues.
I have joyful expectations of spring; I anticipate walking the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday. I look forward to the always-amazing delight of Easter morning.
God, what I really want to do is thank you. I am so grateful for your many blessings, For your never-ending grace and love.
Dear Lord, You have had me wandering in the wilderness for a while now, I am at a fork in the road, please show me that path that you would have me go? JackieD
I'm embarrassed to write to You, since I've skipped so many Prompts lately. I do want to thank You, though, for helping me today.
First, You helped me at Church, to make connections between the Sunday School and the SS homes via working on the newsletter.
Then, You helped me get more info from the SS Super about finding more addresses, so I can get a more complete mailing. I still don't have the baptism dates for the kids in one place, either. What a treasure hunt! I really need Your help. Maybe tomorrow, we can go together to the Church office? I also want to get some kind of Church/SS Family Tree posted, so everyone really sees how we're all connected. Some people think that it is a given in a small town, but I don't see it yet.
You also helped me to catch the busy Pastor, as he was leaving. I was able to make him aware of the simultaneous Holden Village Vespers Service on April 1. Since we have been doing it for our Lenten Services, I thought that he might want to participate. Even if only 12 people came, it would be special for our Church to participate. Anyway, he was interested and hadn't heard about it. I'll bring the info Monday.
Most importantly, today You gave me an opportunity to encourage one of my daughters, who, in turn, shared with me a gift of a lovely song that she created for children. You, again, helped me link her with a gift from her grandfather(a published musician), who happily arranged her music on paper for her.
Finally, I'm realizing today, that I still have the gift that You gave me once, for brainstorming and coordinating ideas and people. I used to be able to do it; and somehow it got lost in the shuffle of anxiety and Life's struggles.
It was nice to see it back again. It made me feel useful to myself, to You, and to others: like and old beat-up car that finally gets cleaned up, with a new coat of paint and a tuned up engine that is able to start up again. Maybe I have a few good miles of service left in me yet. Thanks. Love, s.h.
Thank you for loving me, even though I know I'm a pain at times. Having been reminded today by the readings and Pastor Katy, I've been quiet about this miserable weather. I certainly don't want any snakes gathering from my pitiful whining.
It's been a quiet, Sabbath kind of day around here, except for the usual pre-church flurry which wasn't so bad this morning. I'm also thankful M. enjoyed being at the Seder meal at Youth Night.
I enjoyed the treat of seeing the pink flowering plum trees in bloom and am hopeful of seeing lots of blooms from the new bulbs I planted last Fall.
I'm thankful to be here, alive and where I am, for my children, grandchildren, other family, church, friends, and the ability to participate in activities I enjoy. Of course, there's always more I'd like to squeeze in, and I apologize for having such a "gimme more" attitude. There's that part of me that wants you to freeze time for a few years so I can get everything in before I leave here. Yet, you and I both know that I would always need a few more years and still I wouldn't get it all done. But another part is starting to accept that what doesn't get done doesn't matter in the long run (except to let my loved ones know how much I have been blessed by their being part of me). So, I'm just saying that whatever will be, will. And I'm fine with that too.
Except, I'd really, really like to keep my sense of humor until my last breath. And a warm Spring would...oops, sorry.
Good night Lord, sleep tight. Please keep us all tucked in safely (away from the snakes) here till morning light.
by Pat Mason
ReplyDeleteOften we are asked what is important in our lives, what our priorities are. I was recently asked this by a close friend and I thought several days before I replied.
Dear God,
I hope you find this answer acceptable:
What are your goals, priorities in life?
The question is not what are my goals and priorities in life, or even yours.
The question is......what are His?
Find out those and live them.
What is sacred?
Only that which God declares is sacred is sacred.
Man historically has a poor record of recognizing the truly sacred.
What is worth living for?
We live, regardless of whether life is 'worth it' or not.
We live because God created us.
To declare something to be worth living for or worth dying for is redundant.
What is worth dying for?
See above.
Dear Lord,
ReplyDeleteFirst, I’m sorry all my prayers to you always sound like ‘letters to the editor’, but you know what is in my heart.
Recently we spoke at the Lenten service and I mentioned that I really just really, truly wanted to work for you. Your answer was that I already do. *Sigh* Why do you have to be so right all the time? You’re right. I do already work for you and I’m working right now. I’m already leading two of your little girls along the bright path of wholeness and goodness, even as I see recurring shadows up ahead that I promise to let you lead us through as I hold their hands. I promise to try to kiss their huge foreheads often, limit my yelling and treasure the blessings that you rain on me instead of living in the fear that those blessings are setting me up for disappointment if I lose it all.
I also promise to love, cherish and support my husband through all of his peaks, valleys and weird in-between places that we don’t know what to make of. I will love and care for that man as only I can and as you love us.
I also promise to try to be a part of what you are – trying to lead with love in everything I do. I have found some work in your church that my soul loves and I will keep doing that as well because it fascinates me. I guess that’s what I meant when I talked to you last Wednesday. You fascinate me, Lord. The more I learn, the more of an enigma you are. The more I’m challenged. It’s like trying to record all the patterns and beauty of a holy kalidescope. I can see you in pieces in it. I see my mom and dad in it. I see my grandma in it. I see myself in it. I want to know more and I guess what I am asking for, really, is the chance to get closer to you. And I would like to witness what I see in that kaleidoscope to others because I see some really amazing pictures.
As far as work…I guess I already am working for you, so all I ask is that you please give me the strength to run this race that you have set before me. Give me the concentration, focus and love to do this. Also, please help me to see when I need to break off and rest and give me the trust to rest peacefully while I gather my strength. I am a hard worker but sometimes I need to remember to play and rest too. And cherish your creation. And not burn out. Help me to balance this so that I can keep in this…well, not exactly a race, but an intense walk-a-thon for the very best causes. And I know that you are cheering me on and rejoicing with me with every step and offering me cups of water, even if I don’t notice who is giving me those cups or even always taking them from you. Thank you for being such a patient, present God.
Amen,
Ruth Hanley
So now look who's making who cry. I'm so proud of you.
DeleteYou're already there, you know. You just don't know it. And listen to the still small Voice inside you. You know the One. Trouble is, we usually only get to see and feel bits and pieces, like that "in a glass darkly" verse. But oh, those bright spots. They'll carry you a long way. I love you. Mom
from: Larry Morris Plarrymorris@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteto: God Topdog@alphanandomega.org
Hey dude
Not so much on the humor prompt - don't take it personally - we'll get it - some day! Ha! LOL
Larry
ps friend me facebook!
Dear God,
ReplyDeleteYou know me so well, God.
I don’t need to tell you how things are right now.
I have so many mixed feelings and concerns.
I have much concern for some family members.
I feel deep grief for changed relationships.
I am anxious about some health issues.
I have joyful expectations of spring;
I anticipate walking the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday.
I look forward to the always-amazing delight of Easter morning.
God, what I really want to do is thank you.
I am so grateful for your many blessings,
For your never-ending grace and love.
Love,
RuthAnn
Dear Lord,
ReplyDeleteYou have had me wandering in the wilderness for a while now, I am at a fork in the road, please show me that path that you would have me go?
JackieD
Lenten Prompt # 26 Sunday March 18 2012
ReplyDeleteDear God,
I'm embarrassed to write to You, since I've skipped so many Prompts lately. I do want to thank You, though, for helping me today.
First, You helped me at Church, to make connections between the Sunday School and the SS homes via working on the newsletter.
Then, You helped me get more info from the SS Super about finding more addresses, so I can get a more complete mailing. I still don't have the baptism dates for the kids in one place, either. What a treasure hunt! I really need Your help. Maybe tomorrow, we can go together to the Church office? I also want to get some kind of Church/SS Family Tree posted, so everyone really sees how we're all connected. Some people think that it is a given in a small town, but I don't see it yet.
You also helped me to catch the busy Pastor, as he was leaving. I was able to make him aware of the simultaneous Holden Village Vespers Service on April 1. Since we have been doing it for our Lenten Services, I thought that he might want to participate. Even if only 12 people came, it would be special for our Church to participate. Anyway, he was interested and hadn't heard about it. I'll bring the info Monday.
Most importantly, today You gave me an opportunity to encourage one of my daughters, who, in turn, shared with me a gift of a lovely song that she created for children. You, again, helped me link her with a gift from her grandfather(a published musician), who happily arranged her music on paper for her.
Finally, I'm realizing today, that I still have the gift that You gave me once, for brainstorming and coordinating ideas and people. I used to be able to do it; and somehow it got lost in the shuffle of anxiety and Life's struggles.
It was nice to see it back again. It made me feel useful to myself, to You, and to others: like and old beat-up car that finally gets cleaned up, with a new coat of paint and a tuned up engine that is able to start up again. Maybe I have a few good miles of service left in me yet. Thanks.
Love,
s.h.
Love you Suzy (the little blue Coupe)...I know you are doing many good works there in the Lutheran Holyland of Wisconsin and Minnesota.
DeleteDear God,
ReplyDeleteSome slick slam-dunks, some ugly misses,
Some keen applause, some piercing hisses.
Freedom of choice is a wondrous thing,
But who can predict the results it’ll bring?
Mine have been mixed, but on the whole, groovy,
Some scary scenes in a four star movie.
In spite of myself, I’ve been totally blessed,
My family and friends—they’re simply the best.
Who cares if a bogy precedes every par?
Thanks to you, big guy, for getting me this far.
Your perpetual rookie,
Dave
Dear God,
ReplyDeleteThank you for loving me, even though I know I'm a pain at times. Having been reminded today by the readings and Pastor Katy, I've been quiet about this miserable weather. I certainly don't want any snakes gathering from my pitiful whining.
It's been a quiet, Sabbath kind of day around here, except for the usual pre-church flurry which wasn't so bad this morning. I'm also thankful M. enjoyed being at the Seder meal at Youth Night.
I enjoyed the treat of seeing the pink flowering plum trees in bloom and am hopeful of seeing lots of blooms from the new bulbs I planted last Fall.
I'm thankful to be here, alive and where I am, for my children, grandchildren, other family, church, friends, and the ability to participate in activities I enjoy. Of course, there's always more I'd like to squeeze in, and I apologize for having such a "gimme more" attitude. There's that part of me that wants you to freeze time for a few years so I can get everything in before I leave here. Yet, you and I both know that I would always need a few more years and still I wouldn't get it all done. But another part is starting to accept that what doesn't get done doesn't matter in the long run (except to let my loved ones know how much I have been blessed by their being part of me). So, I'm just saying that whatever will be, will. And I'm fine with that too.
Except, I'd really, really like to keep my sense of humor until my last breath. And a warm Spring would...oops, sorry.
Good night Lord, sleep tight. Please keep us all tucked in safely (away from the snakes) here till morning light.
All my love,
Marlene