Teacher of Simplicity, who lifts us as we let go,
Use this silence to focus our intention on each breath. Empty us of what is no longer useful and fill us with unique energies that bring healing to our world. Show us the ways we overextend ourselves taking on more than we can manage. Guide us in living more simply, releasing everything we hold too tightly so that we can carry more compassion. Send us floating through this day reminded that each moment has it’s own wholeness. Amen
Author Archives: Janet Salbert
Making Space
Creator of Space, who makes room for life to emerge,
As we begin a new day, center us on your Presence and peace. Energize us for our work, strengthening us to discover unused gifts for the challenges ahead. Remind us to not overlook what is alive and gives purpose in the hearts of those we work with. Give us the grace to bring balance and objectivity to each task. And amidst our work, help us make space to gather together in moments of quiet and rest and unity throughout this day. Amen.
Relating Past Work To Current Work
We are all artists growing in becoming our true self. The gift to the world is the process. It is how we see both what is human and what is divine.
Deepen Our Roots
Tree of Life, who justifies our lives through Spirit,
As a new day dawns and the soft morning air greets us, open us to take in all this day has to offer. Deepen our roots giving us courage and an increasing humility to both stand in the shadows when needed and at other times, to receive your brilliant, abundant light. We patiently wait for all that is to come listening for you in the ordinary birds full of song, the voices of those we speak with and the noise of work or play happening around us. Ground us in experiencing your grace so that we grow with passionate mercy becoming a place of healing and hope for the needs of our world. Amen.
Contemplative Morning Prayer
Pilgrim of Peace, who brings purpose that leads to contentment,
In silence, we long for the voice we hear to be yours. Relieve us from our distractions so that we are deepened by an awareness of your Presence. Rather than skimming along the surface of routine, give us courage to move toward what is unknown. Help us to trust the the invisible thread that guides us when we feel lost. Use the fog of our misperceptions to improve our sense of clarity. As we search for what is real, let us not be disappointed when our hearts break. Initiate new understanding and purpose in us as we find the sacred center of this day. Amen. >
Rich Peace
Wise Friend, who welcomes us with arms outstretched,
Widen our hearts in this time of silent waiting. Nurture our intent to invite the Spirit’s leading. Open us to the possibility that any encounter with your Presence might help us to see the other who we do not yet know. Teach us to enjoy the rich peace that comes with acceptance. Then, send us out into this day gathering love. Amen.
A Step Beyond
Loving Liberator, who overcomes our fear through faith,
Drop us into the depths of our interior in this silent moment. Refresh us with a sense of peace through each new breath. Shift our awareness from our thoughts to your Presence. Guide us to explore a step further than we have known before. Gently uncover what is hidden until we bring a unity to our words and deeds today. Amen.
RevGalBlogPals Friday Five on Saturday
I’m fortunate to be on the emailing list of a friend and business coach. Her enthusiasm for helping people strive toward achieving dreams and living authentically inspires me regularly, and even if I don’t always take advantage of the opportunities she shares, the resources she tells us about are always close at hand.
This week she told us about an app called “timehop.” It looks back at where we’ve been as a touchstone to seeing where we are now. It’s also a helpful reminder of what other people were experiencing in their lives, and can serve to encourage us to reach out and touch.
For today’s Friday Five, share with us where you were and what you were up to 1, 3, 5, 10, and 20 years ago! What were your dreams—did you follow them? Who was journeying with you? Feel free to keep it light (I was on vacation at the beach with my bestie!) or reflect more deeply (a call was brewing…). Have any pictures from those moments to share? We’d love to see them!
_______________________________________________________2013 was a wonderful year! Our youngest son, Daniel, graduated from high school so our year was sprinkled with college visits, prom and parties. Then, in late August, he headed off for adventure and my husband and I began the journey of empty nesters.
And our oldest son, Eric got married in 2013. We spent the year planning an October wedding. Eric and Mystie had asked to be married in Va even though they live in Ca. They also invited me to officiate and then asked for the small reception to be held in our home. Our entire family was in on the planning and love was thick in the air. What a blessing when love pours out over everyone, this young married couple began their life together sharing their joy so generously, we look forward to all that lies ahead.
In 2011, our son, Ives, graduated with a BA in Art from Belmont University. He uncovered his gift for art while studying music business and his gifts continue to be revealed. He has a wonderful sense of depth which feeds his sculpture process and a sensitivity to character which impacts his portraiture.
In 2010, my mom had a stroke and our family gathered around her to support this part of her journey. My sisters, who lived locally, took amazing care of her day-to-day. It was a bittersweet good-bye with so many thanksgivings and deep sadness for her suffering. After five months, she died in July and we continue to celebrate her life every day.
Wow, 2004 is going back aways! I was in my third year of a five-year journey in seminary. I loved learning, more importantly, I loved the people who taught me, professors and students alike. I was surrounded by a special small group of women who all knew we were called in a variety of ways but had yet to understand what that would mean. These women continue to bless my journey.
In 1994, twenty years ago, my husband and I were pregnant with our fourth child and going through the unique process of building a house. We had so much fun! Our plans came together with an amazing amount of agreement. Even when it came to pick out the interior paint color, one out of about five hundred neutrals, without telling one another, we selected the same chip. Macadamia nut, for those of you who might be curious. Our son, was born in January of 1995 and we celebrated his baptism surrounded by family and friends in our new home in November. We still live in that house today, twenty years of memories have made our house a home.
Building Strength
Maker of Miracles, whose healing power is at work in all brokenness,
Transform our fear with your Presence. Lead us to accepting the possibilities that arise when we learn openness toward what is unknown. Help us to see all you provide to strengthen and sustain us. As each new detail is set in place, remind us that wholeness comes through the miracle of community. Amen.
Mindful of Mystery
Eternal One, whose imagination is seen in the vast display of creation,
Use this silence to help us listen for what is beyond. Make us mindful of mystery and fill our hearts with wonder. Shine light on us, around us and through our ordinary lives. Insert us into the myriad of possibilities that spring forth from love. Surprise us with new perspectives every time our story touches the story of another. Amen.











