Wednesday, December 21, 2011

If You Want...







Several years ago, Jud and I took training to become non-denominational Spiritual Directors. It was a wonderful experience. We met a weekend each month for two years and our class was full of diversity in religion and, well, not men exactly. There were two, one male leader and a whole lot of wonderful women.







At this time,  I found a "don't miss" retreat concerning using the arts in spiritual direction and traveled to a beautiful retreat center on the ocean shore of Washington state, where we studied, prayed and played for a week. The leaders, Christine Valters Paintner and Betsy Beckman were terrific and now have written several books. Christine also has a blog and, this morning, I was again reminded of this poem.





  1. If You Want

    If
    you want,
    the Virgin will come walking down the road
    pregnant with the holy,
    and say…
    “I need shelter for the night, please take me inside your heart,
    My time is so close.”
    Then, under the roof of your soul, you will witness the sublime
    intimacy, the divine, the Christ
    taking birth
    forever,
    as she grasps your hand for help, for each of us
    is the midwife of God, each of us.
    Yes, there, under the dome of your being does Creation
    come into existence eternally, through your woman, dear pilgrim –
    the sacred womb of your soul,
    As God grasps our arm for help’ for each of us is
    His beloved servant
    never far.
    If you want, the Virgin will come walking
    Down the street pregnant
    With light and
    …sing. 

    -St. John of the Cross from Love Poems to God translated by Daniel Ladinsky



My final words to you...may you, whatever faith or belief you hold, give birth to whatever is sacred in your heart.

And thank you, during this terrible and wonderful time, for surrounding me with caring and hope.

P.S. I do have a pretty new "face"  on my blog. More about that very soon. I can't seem to get rid of the yellow. Susie Hibdon to the rescue!!!

17 comments:

  1. sounds wonderful...thank you, suz, same to you...peace and love..xo

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  2. Thinking about you two and praying every day. Hugs!

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  3. It's so good to see a post from you today. What a beautiful poem "If You Want" is. Thanks so much for sharing it with us. Wishing you and Jud a blessed holiday. May you be surrounded by love, hope, and peace.
    xo
    jeanne

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  4. Dear Suz-I have been thinking about you- I so hope for you both. And pray that your holidays are pieceful-and beautiful.
    Love to you,dear.
    Dorthe

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  5. ooo wonderful post...
    you and Jud have such a beautiful way of expressing yourselves

    happy that you got some help with your bbb issues...just look at how pretty it looks now...the pink lotuses are ooh la laa superbe!

    sending gentle hugs and so much Love your way dear ones
    oxo

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  6. suz, I am hoping and praying for all good things for you and Jud. I'm glad you have faith. I dont know how people get through any day with outit.
    I hope you have a wonderful christmas filled with love, joy and blessings overflowing!!!
    merry Christmas
    xoxo
    vivian

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  7. Merry Christmas, Suz!
    Big Texas hugs for you, Jud and Kat!!!

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  8. Such beautiful thoughts, Suz...you always share the most hope-filled, lovely things...

    As ever, you and your dear husband remain in my thoughts and prayers. Wishing you peace, joy and overflowing love during this most wonderful time of the year...

    Merry Christmas, dear friend...

    Julie

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  9. Wishing you and Jud good health and contentment -- for decades to come. xoxo

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  10. Happy Christmas, sweet friend. love you so much.
    xo
    lynn

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  11. Merry Christmas to you,Jud and Kat.
    Sending hugs and prayers,dear friend.
    Marie

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  12. Somehow this post slipped by me...hope you had a Christmas full of love. I'm thinking of you, Suz, and praying that you are Jud are doing okay and having some special family times together. Sending love...XO

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  13. SUZ!!!!!!

    OH IT IS SO NICE TO SEE YOU AGAIN!!! We must meet. How is your husband??????

    Do you have any connection with Bethel University? My husband is a prof there....

    Oh FAITH AND LOVE AND HOPE ARE THE ONLY THINGS to strive for, aren't they? I do hope every day of 2012 will bring you wisdom, strength, but most of all, a deep peace that no matter what, you are protected by HIS GRACE! PEACE and thank you so much for visiting!!! Anita

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  14. Dear Suz,
    Wishing you and Jud a Happy New Year filled with miracles...I pray for his health and strength and for God's blessings upon you both as you go through this journey together.
    Love, Cindy

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  15. This post is so beautiful in so many ways Suz. Thanks for blessing me through reading it today.
    New Year Blessings sweetheart.
    ~ Katie

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  16. I wish you both joy in every moment, love with every breath, and hope with every sunrise. Much love this, the last night of 2011. xox Rella

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  17. Sending you oooodles of love for 2012 my sweet friend...may God hold you in His hand tightly and joy and peace follow you through the days. xoxoxox

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