A few years ago when I realized that I couldn't even remember my OLW for the year, I decided that I would check-in with my OLW with a slice of life on each fifth Tuesday (there are a few fifth Tuesdays scattered throughout the year). It's been a great way to hold me accountable to my commitment to live with my word. Carol's One Word post in January prodded me to stop dithering and choose my word (although I might say that nourish chose me when I bought the mug). She also inspired me to look back at my previous OLWs and weave them into my 2017 OLW post. Jack's arrival on the first fifth Tuesday of 2017 interfered with my intention to write a fifth Tuesday post in January, although I can say that his arrival has nourished my life in countless ways. And the days marched forward and suddenly it was May and time for a fifth Tuesday check-in. I skipped the August fifth Tuesday check-in since I knew I would be writing about nourish for SJFT in September.
I would like to share some quotes today from a favorite talk "In the Covenant of Grace" by Carol Cornwall Madsen. She speaks of "moments of spiritual connection" that "comfort, inspire, and refresh the spirit." She uses the stories of pioneer women to illustrate that these moments "have need of constant nurturing." She explains that "we can be catalysts for such moments in each other's lives if we follow the counsel of Peter to the Ephesians: 'As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.' (1 Peter 4:10) As good stewards, they ministered to one another in a myriad of ways because they needed each other, drawing together in a community of faith, love, and support."
And so I think of the communities that nourish me - my family, my friends, my faith community, and my blogging friends. And I think of the ways these communities minister to me - a smile, a phone call, a card, a hug, a shared story. I can't wait to read your thoughts on my OLW nourish. I know they will comfort, inspire, and refresh my spirit. I am grateful for the moments of spiritual connection that we share through our posts on SJFT. Please post your links in the comments.
We are on the same page for the word nourish Some people think nourishing person is weak and try to take advantage but in truth they are strong and can rise above such actions.
ReplyDeletePatricia https://writeronahorse.blogspot.com
Thanks for hosting today, Ramona, and for drawing our attention to nourishing communities. With the beginning of school and many programs again in the fall (here in Canada the Labour Day Weekend is that watershed point between summer and autumn), it's nice to be reminded about the abundance of tables from which we feast!
ReplyDeleteMy post today is about being nourished by music. It's here: https://vnesdolypoems.wordpress.com/2017/09/07/nourished-by-music-spiritual-journey-thursday/
I love the thought of your OLW choosing you! And yes to all the ways we nourish one another. Thank you for reminding me of how simple it can be. Here's my link: http://irenelatham.blogspot.com/2017/09/where-is-your-water.html
ReplyDeleteLate to the party, again! I enjoyed reflecting on your word today. And reading your post. Communities certainly do encourage and nourish us along this journey. I appreciate this little community of bloggers and your words today.
ReplyDeleteThis community nourishes me. I wish I had mentioned it in my post. Finding the ways to nourish ourselves is important too. I love how you are living so fully into your retirement. You are an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteHere's my link: https://reflectionsontheteche.com/2017/09/07/spiritual-journey-thursday-nourish/
Thank you, Ramona, for this time to reflect and reset my goals through your beautiful word, nourish. It has been a rough few months with my husband's health. Yesterday was the straw that broke the camel's back. I have been reeling from the news of surgery to remove Richard's prolapsed lapband, aggravated nerve impingements, residual pain from herniated disc and a few more so I needed a reboot. It took all time to find the right words and the time to reset my goals but I am finally here with a post and an action plan. http://beyondliteracylink.blogspot.com/2017/09/nourishing-our-lives.html
ReplyDeleteThank you all for sharing your thoughts on this word. I enjoy this community, and apologize for being late to the table on a couple of occasions. Life gets complicated. I am sad to report that I lost a brother in the summer, and when I think of "nourish" I think of the beautiful solo sung by my cousin at my brother's funeral. My cousin has sung as a number of family funerals, and it has come to mean a great deal to me. He has a strong bass voice, and I feel the power of the message when he sings. Also the tenderness. Such love, shown within our family, but also it seems to me that it reflects God's love for us. That is what nourishes me. The love, the music, the family bonds, the word of God. Blessings to you all in the month to come.
ReplyDeleteKaren, I am so sorry for your loss. Music does have a way of nourishing our soul. Every time I hear Be Not Afraid of think of walking down the Cathedral's aisle with my daughter's hand in mine for my mother's funeral. "The love, the music, the family bonds, the word of God" those are powerful ingredients to nourish our soul.
DeleteKaren, what a beautiful reflection you've written of love and tenderness all wrapped up in music, loss, family and God. All of those things are nourishing as are your words. Blessings to you and your family.
DeleteThanks for sharing about what nourishes you, Karen! I'm like you, nourished greatly by music, family and the word of God. My sympathy for the loss of your brother.
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