Reasons to Read Blogs

I read blogs to see what other people are thinking about, feeling, hearing, listening to, reading and doing. I'm invariably challenged by the things I read, and often hear the Lord whispering to various parts of my heart in the midst of reading those things...

Here are some bits and pieces that caught my attention this morning...

Ali Edwards linked to this book preview. "How to be an Explorer of the World." I liked paging through the preview and will probably order the book when it releases.

Brian Heasley shared these challenging words from Rick Warren.

And Hope posed the question that has rattled around my soul this morning. "Could you just get as weary of me as I am?" A question that reminded me of many recent moments, and a tribute to her spiritual director that reminded me of a dear friend of mine, one to whom I could easily have posed this question many times in this season.

These are only some of the things bouncing around a very full and active mind this morning, and I'm beginning to hope that words may once again take form, and I'll have new writing to offer you sometime soon.

In the meantime, enjoy the thoughts and ideas offered up by the community of blogs scattered around the world that I read on a daily basis.

Another Thought from Henri

I needed to hear this thought from Henri Nouwen this morning...

Digging Into Our Spiritual Resources

When someone hurts us, offends us, ignores us, or rejects us, a deep inner protest emerges. It can be rage or depression, desire to take revenge or an impulse to harm ourselves. We can feel a deep urge to wound those who have wounded us or to withdraw in a suicidal mood of self-rejection. Although these extreme reactions might seem exceptional, they are never far away from our hearts. During the long nights we often find ourselves brooding about words and actions we might have used in response to what others have said or done to us.

It is precisely here that we have to dig deep into our spiritual resources and find the center within us, the center that lies beyond our need to hurt others or ourselves, where we are free to forgive and love.