You begin with your thumb and pray for the strengths in your life, then with the index finger you pray for the things you point to that you are thankful for, with the middle finger you pray for those with power in the world (governments, etc), and the ring finger reminds you to pray for the weakest things in the world (poor, homeless, sick, ill, bereaved), and lastly with the little finger your pray for yourself.

You can use this prayer method anyplace! It is easy to learn and you can create a discipline no matter how busy your day!

Welcome to the Holy Women, Holy Men blog! We invite you to read about this commemoration, use the collect and lessons in prayer, whether individually or in corporate worship, and then tell us what you think. For more information about this project, click here. About this commemoration This feast is appropriately observed on a weekday following the day of Pentecost. The first Book of Common Prayer came into use on the Day of Pentecost, June 9, 1549 … Read More

via Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music

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Many times a family member becomes distant to their birth family through no action on their own. Grudges, prejudices, and other discordant views often make the family distant. Once the parents die, they discord can become more obvious. In my case, it seems that my siblings went on having a relationship with me because I had a relationship with the same parents they have a relationship with! This is not true in the case of all my siblings as my youngest brother and I remain in close contact through both our family connection and love. I do not stop loving my other siblings, only honor their wish for distance and non-communication modes of being. Since we do not live near each other, it takes more effort to HAVE a relationship. It is what it is; and I can’t pretend otherwise. I at last have a sense of peace with my family, where I find and give love!

Relationships are like two way streets and one person cannot make a relationship. Still I have found myself in some profound love relationships with some good friends, and above all my husband whom I adore and he also adores me! What a precious gift this is!

We have celebrated 30 years together recently as a married couple and find such joy in doing and being present for each other. That is the experience of love, no matter what we are present to each other.

Life takes its sudden (and not so sudden) twists and turns, but I for one am thankful for my own life and the lives of those who love me!

I also met an amazing man from World War II who served in 8 countries during his tour of duty. He came to the USA from the Netherlands when he was two years old. Still dressed in his uniform from World War II (and fitting in it too) he was proud to have served and loved being asked about his service! Keep asking, keep telling the stories!

Thank you every military member! Whatever your job, it is well worth doing!

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This commemoration comes from the Holy Women, Holy Men publication of the Anglican Church. Click here to view the reading commemorating these people.

Ethelbert was not a Christian himself but he allowed his Queen Bertha to practice her Christianity. Then in 597, still not convinced, he heard the words of Augustine (then Archbishop of Canterbury):

“The words and promises you bring are fair enough, but because they are new to us and doubtful, I cannot accept them and forsake those beliefs which I and the whole English race have held so long. But as you have come on a long pilgrimage and are anxious, I perceive, to share with us things which you believe are true and good, we do not wish to do you harm; on the contrary, we receive you hospitably and provide what is necessary for your support; nor do we forbid you to win all you can to your faith and religion by your preaching.” – Augustine

The Celts in Britain has been Christian since the 3rd century but often worshipped secretly. Ethelbert was baptized the Pentecost following his encounter with Augustine and became the first Christian king of England.

Our heritage follows a path from events such as this which could not have been predicted. His willingness and promise to Bertha’s father to allow her to worship in her tradition was the open door that enabled Ethelbert to see another way.

Such is often true in our encounters in life where standing for what we believe and have passion for often leads to further advancements and developments. We do not know what actions or stands we take may influence another in an unforeseen way.

Christian hearts, in love united,
seek alone in Jesus rest;
has he not your love excited?
Then let love inspire each breast.
Members on our Head depending,
lights reflecting him, our Sun,
brethren—his commands attending,
we in him, our Lord, are one.
(Moravian Book of Worship 1995: 673)

See full entry from Holy Women Holy Men at
http://liturgyandmusic.wordpress.com/2011/05/10/may-10-nicolaus-ludwig-von-zinzendorf-prophetic-witness-1760/

We are one with each other through Love in God. The idea of a theology of the heart so resonates with me. In love, we are all connected and that love is of God. There is so much strife in relationships, in the world view, and just in the daily life. All around us there are those who have less than we do, yet we feel helpless to make a real difference. In the United States our individualistic society makes reaching out a further challenge compared to other countries that are based on a community model of living and organizing. Nicolaus lived more than two centuries ago, yet his message rings true today. It is love that moves one to action, it is love that speaks to us clearly, it is the love that God implanted in us that urges us onward. This theology of the heart can guide us. It is not limited to a religion or denomination. The work of Nicolaus centered on bringing denominations together and was an early form of ecumenism.

I remember well the day we visited her cell in Norwich England which is attached to St. Julian’s church. It is not known if the church was named in honor of her or she took the name of Julian when she came to be an anchorite living in an 8′x8′ cell overlooking the altar of the church. It was awesome to sit in her cell, knowing that she lived here during the time of her illness and the writing of her “Revelations of Divine Love” or “showings” as she called them. Her cell is an awesome place to visit with it’s stark altar, cross, and small area in which to live and move and have one’s being. Her focus remained steadfast. She is one of the first to see “God as Mother”.

Her life is a tribute to her love of God and the goodness of the mercy of God in all things. She wrote “love was his meaning” and “all shall be well” … touchstones for the times in life when we doubt the closeness of God and the mercy of God. It happens to all of us, and I suspect even Julian.