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God's Gift of Abundant Time

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Time is not ours; it belongs to the Holy Spirit. We can neither speed time up nor slow it down. Heaven knows, we expend a considerable amount of energy—and time—trying to do both, but we cannot. And then when we look back on the timing of events, we often note a rightness there that we could not have orchestrated were we able. Beyond our control--perhaps thankfully

This is good news, though we may not, at first, greet it as such. It rises out of the foundational belief that God can be trusted to provide. We may have learned, over the years, to accept that when God asks us to do something, God will also provide us the means to do so. Oddly, we often find it hard to believe God will be as generous with time as with ability.
 

Discernment is key to this arrangement. If we are saying "yes,” to something God asks us to do, we will be given the time, as well as the means, to do it. But often we make decisions about time without regard to focusing on God’s invitation first. There is both humility and wisdom in praying at the start of each day, "Lord, give me the time to do all that you ask of me today—nothing more, nothing less (nothing else)—and help me to know the difference.”

When I find myself "forcing" things because of a felt need to meet a timeline or control an outcome, I have learned to let go and surrender that significant detail to the Holy Spirit. There is a peace that comes with that, especially with a lot of practice.

These past two weeks have been yet another exercise in that for me. A good portion of that time was given over to the intense re-editing of my book so that it could move into the production process to meet our projected publication date. That process and the publication date are now in better Hands than mine. And I am feeling really peaceful about that. All of which is to say that the actual publication of WHY THESE WOMEN will, likely, be moved out a month or two. I will be keeping you posted on that. I am, however, even more excited about the book after spending so much additional time in its pages--it is really good! Can't wait to share it with you! And when it comes out, the timing will be just right. 

The Poetry Of St Teresa Of Avila: 

Icon into Her Spirituality

Live, interactive, mini-session 

Monday, November 15

9am - 11pam

United Lutheran Church
100 Cooper Road

Bella Vista, AR

Please join us if you are in the area.

Did I tell you how excited I am to be presenting for Abbey of the Arts? (see retreat below) Founders, Christine and John Valters Paintner, live in Ireland and have created a virtual online monastic community that connects spiritual seekers worldwide. They are dedicated to nurturing the artist in everyday life, cherishing creation, and growing as contemplatives within the world.

Once Upon A Time in a Town Called Nazareth

Friday Evening, Nov. 19th
and Saturday, Nov. 20th
a ZOOM presentation

Please join us! Betsey Beckman and I have collaborated annually to bring to life this Sabbath retreat. Once again, we will journey with the young Jewish girl, Mary, as she encounters the Angel Gabriel and says "yes!” to God’s call. Through creative practices, ritual, and imagination, we will explore how God calls each of us to the gift of incarnation and invites us to the birthing of new life. 

We are honored to be sponsored this year by the virtual monastery and global community, Abbey of the Arts. Cost: $90 USD, sliding scale

To register and for more info go to

 Abby at the Arts

"Make new friends, but keep the old; one is silver, the other gold," so went a song from Girl Scout days. If ever there was an old, dear friend, it is St. Placid Abbey for whom I have presented over many years and with whom I partnered intensely during this last year of COVID. St. Placid's is truly gold to me. I have created a new Advent presentation for them (see below) and invite you to join me.  

Blessed is she who believed…(Luke 1:45)

 An Advent Retreat inspired by Mary and Elizabeth 
Saturday, December 18*, 2021. 9 am – noon (PST)

Zoom format hosted by St. Placid Priory, Lacey, WA
*note date change--to correspond with readings for 4th Sunday of Advent

This NEW Advent retreat will take us to the scene after the Annunciation, to Mary's encounter with Elizabeth in the Visitation. The joy of the Magnificat, the tender scene of reunion, the friendship between women of shared faith--what better way to celebrate the wondrous season that is Advent.

Come join us for this uplifting morning--and invite a friend to come too! Cost: $45 OR 2 for $75 if you bring that friend. (Who has been your Elizabeth?)

To register and for more info go to

 Advent at the Priory

Once again, I want to share a recommended piece from Teresa Pirola, a major contributor to the Jewish-Christian dialogue, who writes out of Australia. Each week she offers an insightful, thought-provoking commentary on that Sabbath's reading. This week's portion is on the death of Sarah. I love her sensitivity to women in the Bible and her frequent use of Midrash, traits we share. Here's the link to this week's commentary

 Light of torah

Thank you for joining me today. I'd love to hear from you and can be contacted by email.