Recently, when I said the familiar words, “ … make me an instrument…,” I stumbled over “make me.” God is the doer, the maker. I was reminded that I am only the instrument or tool whom God selects to do what he wants to do . . .
Music Power
Thankful
Everybody Needs a Lucy
Recalibration
The Fork Story
Play
Lately, I’ve been thinking about play, specifically about outside play that involves nature. During the pandemic, I am more grateful than ever to have outside space and a garden. Even though I recognize that gardening makes me happy, I never specifically thought of it as play, nor as prayer, until I met Dr. Christine Sine and learned of her work.
Christian Meditation?
Straddling
Book Share: The Gift of Being Yourself
Thomas Merton said, “There is only one problem on which all my existence, my peace, and my happiness depend….” We all want to know the answer to that problem. Dr. David Benner’s The Gift of Being Yourself: The Sacred Call to Self-Discovery is a powerful little book that shows you how to find the answer for yourself.
Q. and A.
Change
In these unsettling times, I really need serenity and health, and I’m pretty sure that you do too! In the U.S. we have been dealing with climate change, gun violence, racism, political strife, impeachment…and now the coronavirus. My two brothers live in the Seattle area, where multiple deaths have occurred. My daughter lives in Italy, another hot spot. She just called and told me the schools in all of Italy have closed for at least two weeks. That is when I sat down to write this blog post.
Know Your ACE PLACE
In card games, getting an Ace is always a good thing. But, the story for ACEs, Adverse Childhood Experiences, is different. ACE refers to childhood experiences of mental, physical, or sexual abuse; neglect; addiction or violence in the home; or, divorce or separation. Research has clearly shown that ACEs translate into higher rates of adult physical and mental illness, as well as behavioral difficulties in life.
I Wonder...
This blog was conceived during my recent visit to the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. My husband and I rode the metro downtown to see the exhibit of pastels, called “The Touch of Color,” which will run until January 26, 2020. Pastels are a mix of pigment, chalk or clay, and a binder all mixed together into sticks that look like chalk as we know it.
Dancing on a Treadmill?
Let me introduce you to Annette. She drew my attention at the gym because she was having so much fun dancing on the treadmill. Wearing headphones, she jives, twirls, and sometimes sings to the music while effortlessly balancing on the treadmill. She is absolutely oblivious to me and all the other patrons as she glides and slides to her Latin music for two straight hours, three times a week.
10 Steps to Less Stress, More Serenity, Health, and God
Donna's Beauty Tips
You might be wondering why I’m sharing my beauty tips….promoting beauty is slightly off-topic, right? After all, my message focuses on health of body, mind, and spirit—not beauty. For me, a beautiful person (male or female) is one who is loving, serene, giving, peaceful, joyful, patient, kind, open, and vibrant. My tips describe the things I try to do as I strive for this kind of beauty. As you will see, there are multiple links between my beauty tips, positive psychology, health, and, ultimately, beauty…
My Drawer Spoke to Me
New Feature: Book Share
Have you ever read a book and felt the author was speaking directly to you, looking in your eyes to ensure you’re listening? This recently happened to me with Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero, the founding minister of the New Life Fellowship Church in Queens, N.Y.
