There's something terribly wrong when you find yourself sitting inside on a beautiful Spring day, working on trying to understand the requirements for filing a 1040 US Federal Income Tax form(s). Too many odd things about last year; taking the option to leave Siemens and the cascading impact of changing income streams. I am sooo glad the opportunity was presented to me!!! It was 28 March, 2011 when the adventure began.
This all reminds me of how quickly time passes, how important it is to save for a rainy day, and how getting older has its advantages. I am busy all the time....if not physically, at least in my head;)) I recall reading somewhere, in one of my resources about the Enneagram, that my personality type (the five) is rarely bored because they have such an active inner life.
If you are not aware of the Enneagram, I strongly urge you to check it out. It has been an amazing gift to me....knowing more about how I respond as I do...but also, knowing why others think and act as they do. I have three good resources if you're interested:
The Enneagram Made Easy by Renee Baron & Elizabeth Wagele
The Enneagram - A Christian Perspective by Richard Rohr and Andreas Ebert
The Wisdom of the Enneagram by Don Richard Riso and Russ Hudson
Let me know what you discover about yourself;)))
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
2012 Day Three
The windows are open, a pair of cardinals is doing a mating dance through the trees, it is 80 degrees (a record for this date no doubt), and it's good to be able to enjoy what feels like late May here in Forest Lake. I was glad for the stiff breeze while walking in Heron Creek Forest Preserve, to keep me from overheating!!
I have no deep thoughts at the moment, but I am processing several books I've read in the last few weeks. There is a theme of being grateful, even for the difficulties of life, and thoughts about how transformation moves us to know God and ourselves, to make a difference in this world.
In no particular order:
Soulful Spirituality, Becoming Fully Alive and deeply Human, by David G. Benner PhD.
The Dark Night of the Soul, A Psychiatrist Explores the Connection Between Darkness and Spiritual Growth, by Gerald g. May M.D.
The Crime of Living Cautiously, Hearing God's Call to Adventure, by Luci Shaw
Friendship at the Margins, Discovering Mutuality in Service and Mission, by Christopher L. Heuertz & Christine D. Pohl
One thousand Gifts, A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are, by Ann Voskamp
Shaped by the Cross, Meditations on the Suffering of Jesus, by Ken Gire
The Attentive Life, Discerning God's Presence in All Things, by Leighton Ford.
And in between these deeper readings I've scattered pages of novels about the Irish, read Irish travel guides, and am getting my soul ready for my month in Ireland, County Donegal, departing 20 April, 2012;))))
P.S. And I've started translating a book from Spanish into English. Don't ask... Well, okay...no I don't know Spanish...yes, I'm crazy;)) More on this effort some other time.
I have no deep thoughts at the moment, but I am processing several books I've read in the last few weeks. There is a theme of being grateful, even for the difficulties of life, and thoughts about how transformation moves us to know God and ourselves, to make a difference in this world.
In no particular order:
Soulful Spirituality, Becoming Fully Alive and deeply Human, by David G. Benner PhD.
The Dark Night of the Soul, A Psychiatrist Explores the Connection Between Darkness and Spiritual Growth, by Gerald g. May M.D.
The Crime of Living Cautiously, Hearing God's Call to Adventure, by Luci Shaw
Friendship at the Margins, Discovering Mutuality in Service and Mission, by Christopher L. Heuertz & Christine D. Pohl
One thousand Gifts, A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are, by Ann Voskamp
Shaped by the Cross, Meditations on the Suffering of Jesus, by Ken Gire
The Attentive Life, Discerning God's Presence in All Things, by Leighton Ford.
And in between these deeper readings I've scattered pages of novels about the Irish, read Irish travel guides, and am getting my soul ready for my month in Ireland, County Donegal, departing 20 April, 2012;))))
P.S. And I've started translating a book from Spanish into English. Don't ask... Well, okay...no I don't know Spanish...yes, I'm crazy;)) More on this effort some other time.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Day Two
It has come. I don't know what to call it. But if you know, please tell me.
I came home from the grocery store today, was putting away what needed to go into the refridgerator and it hit me!! There were no eggs on the shelf. But several days ago I purchased a dozen. I remember standing at the egg display, trying to decide if I should get white or brown. I decided on the brown. But there are no brown eggs in my refridgerator today. No, I haven't eaten a dozen eggs in the last few days.
So, what should I do? Should I look and see if I put them in my sock drawer? Maybe they're in the laundry room? Sigh...
No doubt the real answer is that they were in a separate bag on one of those turntable checkout things and I walked out of the store without them. So, since I keep ALL my receipts, perhaps I should just check and see what I find there...make sure I really did purchase them. But then what? $2.08, plus tax. I can't believe it!!
And that's the end of the story;)))
So, Happy Friday!!
I came home from the grocery store today, was putting away what needed to go into the refridgerator and it hit me!! There were no eggs on the shelf. But several days ago I purchased a dozen. I remember standing at the egg display, trying to decide if I should get white or brown. I decided on the brown. But there are no brown eggs in my refridgerator today. No, I haven't eaten a dozen eggs in the last few days.
So, what should I do? Should I look and see if I put them in my sock drawer? Maybe they're in the laundry room? Sigh...
No doubt the real answer is that they were in a separate bag on one of those turntable checkout things and I walked out of the store without them. So, since I keep ALL my receipts, perhaps I should just check and see what I find there...make sure I really did purchase them. But then what? $2.08, plus tax. I can't believe it!!
And that's the end of the story;)))
So, Happy Friday!!
Thursday, February 16, 2012
2012 Day One
Inside the carton from Goldenhen Farm Fresh Eggs...
I usually pay no attention to what is written inside any carton unless it is for something that I need instructions for ... like making scones from Ireland. But today, I decided to make some hard boiled eggs; no instructions required;)) And what caught my eye? This....
"This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!!" Psalm 118:24
Indeed...
Have a blessed day!!
I usually pay no attention to what is written inside any carton unless it is for something that I need instructions for ... like making scones from Ireland. But today, I decided to make some hard boiled eggs; no instructions required;)) And what caught my eye? This....
"This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!!" Psalm 118:24
Indeed...
Have a blessed day!!
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Day Nine
The question for today is.... What do you do, if in your more mature years, you discover that you might actually have roots in Ireland? Not a 'probably', just because your mother and your niece have red hair, but because you now have a name that may be the connection?
I am so excited I can hardly contain myself!! When I posted some photos on Facebook, of my July trip to Ireland, my cousin Karen asked if I'd done any research on our ancestors while I was there. Up to this point, for me, Celtic or Irish ancestry has only been a lovely dream. I have been drawn to that part of the world; the natural beauty, the history, the music, the language, the culture, the people, their faith, their accomplishments and their pain. Since my first trip to Ireland in 2008, then Scotland in 2009, I have continued to read and at times immerse myself in learning more about everything Celtic.
Now I have a name........O'Neil. And the name from my childhood that I discarded many years ago comes back, with a wee lovely lilt;) Rosie...and add the O'Neil. I can hear a voice singing to me, a most captivating tune, "Will you go, lassie, go?"
Sigh..... What a journey!!!
I am so excited I can hardly contain myself!! When I posted some photos on Facebook, of my July trip to Ireland, my cousin Karen asked if I'd done any research on our ancestors while I was there. Up to this point, for me, Celtic or Irish ancestry has only been a lovely dream. I have been drawn to that part of the world; the natural beauty, the history, the music, the language, the culture, the people, their faith, their accomplishments and their pain. Since my first trip to Ireland in 2008, then Scotland in 2009, I have continued to read and at times immerse myself in learning more about everything Celtic.
Now I have a name........O'Neil. And the name from my childhood that I discarded many years ago comes back, with a wee lovely lilt;) Rosie...and add the O'Neil. I can hear a voice singing to me, a most captivating tune, "Will you go, lassie, go?"
Sigh..... What a journey!!!
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Day Eight
Confession.... I thought this was going to be easier - to write my thoughts and an occasional nugget - something that might have come to me in the processing moments of my life.
I don't know if it is the 'season' of my life, moving into 'retirement', or summer, or my 'vacation' trip to Ireland, or trying to read too many books at the same time, or what, but I am currently processing myself in circles. I occasionally get a glimps of something that I think may be the dawning of a bit of wisdom, however, before I can write about it, I'm onto a slightly new perspective. Sigh...
So I've decided that if I'm going to post more often, it will not be about the conclusions I've come to in my processing. My new thought is to just attempt to let you know the questions I'm trying to answer, or the books I'm reading, or maybe even something that is stirring me from a conference or talk I've heard.
Confession over...
The question that is being processed now is this.... "What if my greatest blessing is also my deepest wound?"
What does your life tell you about this question?
Have a blessed day!
R.
I don't know if it is the 'season' of my life, moving into 'retirement', or summer, or my 'vacation' trip to Ireland, or trying to read too many books at the same time, or what, but I am currently processing myself in circles. I occasionally get a glimps of something that I think may be the dawning of a bit of wisdom, however, before I can write about it, I'm onto a slightly new perspective. Sigh...
So I've decided that if I'm going to post more often, it will not be about the conclusions I've come to in my processing. My new thought is to just attempt to let you know the questions I'm trying to answer, or the books I'm reading, or maybe even something that is stirring me from a conference or talk I've heard.
Confession over...
The question that is being processed now is this.... "What if my greatest blessing is also my deepest wound?"
What does your life tell you about this question?
Have a blessed day!
R.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Day Seven
Sigh.... Overwhelming; that's what it feels like to have posted nothing since June 8th. Most days I can barely remember what I did yesterday. But then, this blog is about thoughts and feelings on a journey, not the details of what, when and where. So, where should I begin today?
Ireland, a 'thin place', where the division between earth and heaven is invisible and God will speak to a fragile and open heart in ways that are inexplicable. Yes, I find those thin places whenever I have extended times in nature, soaking up the magnificent creation God has provided for us to enjoy. Eleven days is too short of a time to be in such surroundings. But one can only absorb so much before retreating inside for processing. (Yes, that is just my way of rationalizing the disappointment of having to leave so soon. I'd LOVE to be able to spend significantly longer periods of time in thin places.)
Ireland is a most lovely landscape and we had exceptional weather; little rain, cool air, sunshine with a few clouds and a wee bit of mist. I love sheep, cows, puffins, foxglove, thistle, rolling hills, water, big water, history, and the search for where God is at work. This trip was all of that, and more.
But all I think I want to say about the trip today is that friendship is a very precious thing. Friendship that has love for God in the middle of everything is priceless. Sometimes we call that kind of friendship, "sacred companions". I hope you have at least one that you treasure and cherish. I believe God intends for it to be so; to help in the transformation of our hearts and souls to be more like Jesus.
Have a blessed day!
Ireland, a 'thin place', where the division between earth and heaven is invisible and God will speak to a fragile and open heart in ways that are inexplicable. Yes, I find those thin places whenever I have extended times in nature, soaking up the magnificent creation God has provided for us to enjoy. Eleven days is too short of a time to be in such surroundings. But one can only absorb so much before retreating inside for processing. (Yes, that is just my way of rationalizing the disappointment of having to leave so soon. I'd LOVE to be able to spend significantly longer periods of time in thin places.)
Ireland is a most lovely landscape and we had exceptional weather; little rain, cool air, sunshine with a few clouds and a wee bit of mist. I love sheep, cows, puffins, foxglove, thistle, rolling hills, water, big water, history, and the search for where God is at work. This trip was all of that, and more.
But all I think I want to say about the trip today is that friendship is a very precious thing. Friendship that has love for God in the middle of everything is priceless. Sometimes we call that kind of friendship, "sacred companions". I hope you have at least one that you treasure and cherish. I believe God intends for it to be so; to help in the transformation of our hearts and souls to be more like Jesus.
Have a blessed day!
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