2025

Dear Friends,

I write this message to you on Martin Luther King Day, a day of remembering a man that spoke of love as a fundamental quality of our humanity. I am grateful to have lived in his lifetime and seek to carry the lessons of justice, that he lived and died for, in my heart. This quote from “Strength to Love,” challenges me to renew my commitment to love on a daily, even hourly, basis, especially when challenging circumstances arise. May we all choose love on this day.

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”

January’s cold still surrounds us in New England and I wanted to offer another Glimmer to share news about my schedule. As you know, in addition to Spiritual Direction and writing, my ministry has included retreats, day-long programs and talks. This March 2025 will bring 2 opportunities in my grief ministry, which will be followed by a pause, on that topic, as I explore other invitations and places of growth. If you, or someone you know, have been curious about the healing work I offer, please take advantage of these upcoming grief retreats.

• March 7-9, Notre Dame Spirituality Center in Ipswich, MA: A two-night retreat “Tending to One’s Grieving Heart – listening for healing words” that incorporates writing, quiet, community and prayer as resources for healing. More information by clicking here.
• March 29, Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center in West Hartford, CT: A day program “Tending to a Grieving Heart” that offers a safe space to learn and touch into key elements of grief’s healing process. More information by clicking here.

I so appreciate our connection over the years and across the miles, thank you for your responses and thoughts shared. I’ve a couple other ministry moments coming up that you might consider attending. Please keep me and my call in your prayer, as I hold each of you tenderly in mine.

• March 19, Diocese of Norwich, Keynote Speaker for the Women’s Conference in Waterford, CT “How are we the image of Christ?” that includes dinner and conversation with women engaged in church ministry. More information by clicking here.
• July 13-20, Mercy by the Sea, Directed Retreat in Madison, CT that offers an opportunity to withdraw from the busyness of life and enter more deeply into relationship with God. Registration starts January 21, 2025, more information by clicking here.

To close, another quote from Martin, our brother on this path of life. Peace to you friends, and love, Lisa

“We must use time creatively, in the knowledge that the time is always ripe to do right.”

Dear Friends,

As the New Year begins, and we encounter 2025’s movement in our lives, I find myself returning to a childhood memory. I used to sit close, with my teddy bear and blanket, while my mother played her piano. The melodies, harmonies and rhythms filled the room, they filled my body. I didn’t understand it at the time, but the pulses and vibrations of musical energy touched me and nourished me. Even now, I find myself brought to an inner stillness when I hear the piano’s voice.

Recently, I received a message from one of my favorite teachers, Simon de Voil, an online musician, preacher, wisdom figure. As you can read and hear from this youtube video, he is sharing the birthing of this new instrument. The playing is just 1 1/2 minutes, it leaves me wanting more. It was as if my heart heard its own song in the dark of the early morning. There are no lyrics to direct my thoughts, no other images besides hands moving across piano keys, just a quiet, tender melody that brought me home.

And thus my prayer began.

Oh, I fall into the prayer of longing, of asking why. And, fortunately, I practice the prayer of gratitude, as I look at scenes in my life and say “thank you.” But this prayer of coming home, of resting in silence as the final notes are played, changes me. It places me right into the arms of God where “all shall be well” and I am safe, loved and whole. In that grace-filled place of quiet, my heart opens to Nan Merrill’s translation of Psalm 78, that I offer to you here:

“Listen long in the Silence that the Word may be heard,

that decisions arise from the depths of your Inner Being where Wisdom dwells.

For the Spirit of Truth is written upon gentle and open hearts….

With steadfast love will the Counselor guide you.”

Blessings on your new year, friends, may we each find a prayer that leads us home and surrounds us with Love.

You are a blessing to me, Lisa