Devotionals

Wednesday, February 29 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances…  –1 Thessalonians 5:16-18a Hi, I am Bette Norton and I have a chronic illness called Spasmodic Torticollis or a more common name, Cervical Dystonia. This is a chronic neurological movement disorder. “This disorder is described by sustained muscle contractions causing repetitive and […]

 You have turned my mourning into dancing; you have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,     so that my soul may praise you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you for ever. –Psalm 30:11-12 I was in Divinity School when my Grandfather died suddenly of […]

“Happy is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors.” words spoken by “Wisdom”—Proverbs 8:34  On Retreat at the Ashram Arriving at the gate. Wondering what lies beyond. Here, now, later. An invitation to retreat closer to the self. A time for inner silence and reflection. Awakening to […]

Then Jesus said to him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ The blind man said to him, ‘My teacher, let me see again.’ 52Jesus said to him, ‘Go; your faith has made you well.’ Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way.   Mark 10:51-52 Every time I read […]

Friday, February 24 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,  though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;  though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with tumult.             from Psalm 146 […]

Thursday, February 23 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits—  who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love […]

…You are dust, and to dust you shall return.”   Genesis 3:19b In his “Season of the Spirit” reflection for February 2012, my friend and spiritual director, Dr. Ken Orth, writes this: ‘Momento mori’ means ‘remember your mortality.’  It is one of the phrases used for centuries in monastic orders and spiritual communities.  It is not […]