Reflections

The Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration publish a bi-monthly journal called Spirit and Life.  In the January/February 2012 issue they had this to say about  The Artist’s Rule: Nurturing Your Creative Soul with Monastic Wisdom: This author’s work is firmly rooted in Benedictine spirituality, making special note of the “ladder of humility” and Lectio Divina. Moving through the twelve weeks of experimentation with deepening artistic experiences, readers are guided into deeper and broader insights into many aspects of their work and life. They may find that the contemplative aspect of their lives, too, is blossoming. Rather than stressing “how to,” Paintner gives

*Leave a comment on this post in the comment section below and enter a random drawing for a free copy of Simplifying the Soul: Lenten Practices to Renew Your Spirit* I am a big fan of Paula Huston’s work.  Her book The Holy Way: Practices for a Simple Life is one of my favorites and I attended a writing workshop with her a few years ago through the Image Journal in Santa Fe.  She is a generous teacher and writer and when I received her newest book for the season of Lent for the Patheos book club, my heart felt

Such aching beauty in the offerings at this week’s Poetry Party.  Have you stopped by yet?  Pour a cup of tea and then linger with the amazing poems gathered there.  Then write your own response to the theme or image and share it with the Abbey community.  If you share it before Sunday, you could win a space in my upcoming online art retreat for the season of Lent – Soul of a Pilgrim (February 22-April 7, 2012).

The Give Me a Word invitation ends tomorrow – stop by to see over 400 responses, share your own word and receive a free gift, and enter a drawing to win some lovely prizes! It has been an amazing gift to read the reflections coming in – it gives me a profound sense of hope and joy to know how many of you are reflecting on what will challenge you in the coming year, listening to what is calling forth your heart’s deep longing.  Thank you to everyone who has participated!