Psalm 69 from Psalms for Praying by Nan Merrill

I was talking with a colleague about prayer yesterday and she mentioned Psalm 69 to me. I looked it up in my favorite Psalm version, Psalms for Praying: An Invitation to Wholeness by Nan C. Merrill. There is much to ponder in this Psalm. 

It's not a short one. It goes from the bottom of page 127 to almost the bottom of page 131. 

As I read and reflect on the words, there are phrases throughout that speak to me. I have written them as they are in their sections. As there are no verses in this version, I will compare to a different version to get the verses.

--------

O Beloved, create within me a clean heart! Let me live simply, sharing what I have with those in need, that the abundance of your creation might be reflected! Let me speak out of the Silence, that through the words given, others will learn of You!

Let me see with the heart's eye; let me hear through the heart's ear.
Give me the sensitivity to hear your Word, and the courage to speak it. 

Let heaven and earth praise the Creator, the seas and all that dwell therein.
For in the Most High lies our salvation, the healing of the nations; 
And we, the people of the Eternal One, are invited, we are called, 
to co-creation, to co-operation; thus will future generations inherit the planet renewed, 

and those who live the way of Love shall dwell with Love forever. Amen. (verses 34-36)

-----------

It's not always easy to "match" the verses, because there is a difference with this version. I was able to "match" the last section. 

Yet, the Psalm is still a prayer. A deep prayer. A prayer for change, healing, wholeness. The passages that have stood out to me this time are worth reflection and pondering.

Looking at what caught my attention, I see the word "heart" repeated several times, as well as "Love". I think I will ponder Psalm 69 a little while longer.

Peace, 

Rev. Deb

Psalm 39:4-6-----God's Loving Presence is with us

My lectio divina reading this morning comes from Psalm 39: 4-6 from Nan Merrill's Psalms for Praying: An Invitation to Wholeness. 

"O Loving Presence, You are with us 

to the end, 

whatever the measure of our days; 

our life passes by as the blinking of an eye!

For the gift of life fades too 

soon away,

yet how precious are we in your sight!

Surely your Plan for us is written in our hearts!

Surely your angels stand ready 

to guide us on our way!

Surely there is nothing to fear, 

for You abide with us; You

await patiently for us to awaken to your Love."

I opened up the book to find a Psalm after reading this in my memories from 10 years ago today: 

"Difficult day to describe hanging out in my grandmother's room. Two workers sang beautiful harmonized songs accapella.  A huge food cart was brought to us. Not much reaction from Meemo,  though if I could lip read. .. maybe.  She is definitely near the end of this leg of the journey, yet didn't go on while I was there. It is beautiful and peaceful except for the labored breathing, for which medical folks administered helpful relief. Living into the bioethics class and conference this intimately is not what I intended.  My emotions are very close to the surface and I am not wearing any masks... so you are likely to see some breakdowns if you see me... Shalom"

I have not compiled my memories from my grandmother's journey of passing, but I think about it. It was a crucible time for me as I was taking a bioethics class on aging, death, and dying, and walking the path with her weekly. It was holy ground, an honor, yet not one without pain.

It's like walking in silence in the woods, under the cathedral of a tree canopy, held close by the surrounding trees and other growth. As you watch, wait, and listen to all that is around you, it is holy. But being in the woods isn't without pain. There can be the unseen root or rock that causes a stumble. Or, by being in the silence, there is the opportunity for the heart, mind, and soul to wander where they might. 

from a hike in November, 2023, Lookout Mtn.

Thus is being at someone's bedside as they near the threshold.  It is holy ground. You sit mostly in silence. You don't know where it will take you. You watch, you listen, you wait.

I am grateful for the memories and the experiences, even as I was taking the biothethics class. Truly, it was incredible timing, though a bit difficult. 

Walking others home has been part of me for a long time, long before I became a pastor. It has been holy ground for me to be with people as they neared transition and/or made the final journey. 

As I read the words from Psalm 39, they seemed to go with my memory today.

We don't need to be at the end of our journey to be reminded that the Loving Presence is with us, though, and that we are precious in their sight. The Loving Presence abided within us and waits patiently for us to awaken to the love they have for us. 

That is amazingly good news!

Peace on this day!

Deb

P.S. It turns out that I did collect some of my writings and write them into a blogpost. Here is one from 5 years ago:

Reflections on aging and dying-- January 26, 2019

P.S.S. As I re-read that blogpost from 5 years ago, I might guess as to why the Psalm and the memory hit me as it did today...... my grandmother Meemo passed sometime late on the 22nd, as I wrote about on the 23rd in my post 5 years ago. Our hearts, our minds, our souls, our bodies..... they remember. We are awake to love.

DD

Psalm 62-- my soul waits in silence

as I got out of the car at work and looked up, I saw this

Yesterday I met with a group of people on ZOOM who were in my Spiritual Direction cohort at Columbia Theological Seminary. We were meeting to discuss group supervision.

I felt led to open our time together with  lectio divina (sacred reading) and what chose me was Psalm 62 from Nan Merrill's Psalms for Praying. I had the date 8/2/23 next to verses 6 and 7 and had drawn two trees with a hammock between them, as the words had given me an image of being held as in a cocoon, a hammock. Looking back over my blogposts, I wrote about that time here. So, if you want to read those reflections, go check it out.

I wasn't sure what caused the short passage to choose me yesterday, but after our time of silence, I knew. It spoke to the group. It was needed for each one, in different ways or situations, but needed. I'm glad I listened.

I'm going to share the reading here.

I encourage you to read it through at least two times, slowly. Then spend some time in silence. If you're not used to silence, try 5 minutes. If you are comfortable with silence, I encourage you to sit for 20 minutes. What from the reading captured your attention? Let it soak in.

For You alone my soul waits in silence;
my hope is from the Beloved.
Enfolding me with strength and
steadfast love,
my faith shall remain firm.
In the Silence rests my freedom and
my guidance; for
You are the Heart of my heart, 
You speak to me in the Silence.

Psalm 62:6-7, Psalms for Praying, Nan Merrill

As I reflect on these words today, what stands out for me?

• my soul waits in silence
• my hope is from the Beloved
• strength
• steadfast love
• my faith shall remain firm
• freedom
• guidance
• Heart of my heart
• You speak to me in the Silence

There is so much here, in these short two verses. Going further into the Psalm, in verse 8, there is a line "Let Silence be a refuge for you."

Ah, yes. Silence IS a refuge. And, in the silence, all of the things above, in verses 6 and 7 come out of the silence. 

Making time for silence and making time to be with the Beloved, the Creator, is a vital part of my spiritual practice.

Thanks for joining me today.

Rev. Deb

Psalm 62--lectio divina reflections

I decided to read some Scripture this morning-- or rather to allow it to read me. Lectio divina, sacred reading, is a reading method that resonates with me.  

It is a spiritual practice that I float in and out of. Having just finished Daniel Wolpert's chapter (chapter 2) in Creating a Life with God on it, I decided it would be a good time to dive in.

A few notes from Wolpert before I share from my lectio reading:

• "...allow the words to sink down into the depths of your being." (52)
• "The Word of God becomes real and alive and active in you right here, right now." (54)
• "Prayer is not a product; it is a relationship." (56)

Looking through Nan Merrill's Psalms for Praying, I landed on Psalm 62 and these two verses (6-7):

For You alone my soul waits in silence;

my hope is from the Beloved.

Enfolding me with strength and steadfast love,

My faith shall remain firm.

In the Silence rests my freedom and my guidance;

for You are the Heart of my heart,

You speak to me in the Silence.

As I reflected, these words "enfolding me with strength and steadfast love" stood out to me. 

This brings to mind my spiritual practice of spending time in a hammock, of being. When I am in a hammock I am enclosed, enfolded, almost as if I am in a cocoon. I am able to to rest in that space, knowing I am held. 

The time strengthens me, refreshes me, renews me.

During the days and months of the pandemic, I spent much time in a hammock.  It was healing. It was transformational. 

It helped me be still. It allowed me rest. I waited in the silence and was reminded of love as I regained strength and hope.

I have been missing hammock time and the reading this morning reminded me of the benefits of this spiritual practice for me.

Hammock time was and is a time of freedom and guidance for me. It is a spiritual practice go-to when I am feeling overwhelmed, stressed, uncertain, tired, seeking connection with the Creator, and/or any other thing.

I truly sense the enfolding of the Spirit in that space.

Where (when, how) do you sense the enfolding love, hope, and strength of the Beloved?

Hammock time isn't the sole time for me, but it is what came up in this morning's reading of Psalm 62.

It is good to listen. 

May the listening bring forth fruit.

So be it.

And, may the adventurous journey continue!

Rev. Deb

Psalm 134--Bask in the light of love

This morning I just popped out of bed. I looked outside and noticed the sun was beginning to show its colors on the horizon. 

I got some coffee and Nan Merrill's Psalms for Praying and headed outside.  Cliff heard me and joined me. 

I read Psalm 134 as I watched the beautiful colors spread across the sky. 

Making this time to breathe in and out, to be still, to listen, to enjoy creation is crucial self-care and soul-care for me.

Here is Psalm 134:

Come, bask in the Light of Love, all you who would serve the Divine Plan!

Lift up your hands to the Holy One, singing songs of praise!

Bow down and receive blessing from the Giver of Life!

All praises be to You,

whose Love created heaven and earth!

Nan Merrill, Psalms for Praying, p.269

As you reflect on the Psalm, what stands out to you? What speaks to you? What captures your attention?

Wherever you land in your focus, may you receive love today, along with peace and calm, recognizing that the Giver of Life gives you these things and much more. Yes, even on the days and in times of stress, anxiety, doubt, uncertainty, etc., the Giver of Life has you, has me. 

Peace on this day. 

May the adventurous journey continue.

Rev. Deb

This is what I posted on social media earlier today with the Psalm and the photos: 

"If last night's weather and scenery wasn't beautiful enough, this morning is rising to meet it! The breeze and coolness is exceptional! The colors in the sky have been amazing. Coffee. Cliff. Breathing in. Breathing out."

Psalm 111-- giving thanks for new life

stained glass windows in the chapel of Harrington Center

a tiny "heart" in the concrete on the patio of Harrington Center

I was texting a friend yesterday and was offering a resource on the Psalms that has become dear to me: Psalms for Praying by Nan Merrill.

I wanted to give this person an example of how these readings of the Psalms creates a renewed space for me.

Randomly, I opened the book and Psalm 111 stood out to me.  I had underlined these words: "Your steadfast Love is food for the soul, nourishment in times of fear."  Ah, God's love, God's steadfast love is food for the soul. Yes.

I took pictures of the book and sent them, encouraging my friend to "chew on it", to read it slowly a couple times through and think through these questions: What grabs you? What stays with you? How does it speak to you? What is it calling you toward?  I think suggested that my friend rest in these thoughts and then read it another time through slowly. Afterwards, conclude by giving thanks to God for the time spent together. (Or anything else that came up.)

The reading, the questions and the resting are a way way to practice 'sacred reading' or lectio divina. 

Sometimes I get caught up in the logistics of a practice that I fail to gain the intent of the practice, which is always to draw me closer, nearer to the heart of God. Somehow, explaining lectio divina in the way that I did for my friend above was a simpler way for me and it cut out the steps I have read and practiced before and seemed more organic to me.

I looked up Psalm 111 on line: 

Praise the Beloved, O my soul!
I will give thanks to You with
		my whole heart,
	to all who will listen, I will
		tell of your goodness.
Wondrous is Creation, Great Builder;
	I take pleasure in pondering
		your Work.
Full of honor and integrity are
		your teachings;
	those who follow them will
		find new life.
You lift the hearts of those who
		suffer;
	You come to them in their need.
Your steadfast Love is food for
		the soul,
	nourishment in times of fear.
You are ever-mindful of your
		covenant,
	a very Presence to the weary
		and afflicted.
Your Voice is truth to those with
		ears to hear,
	your precepts are sure;
Written on the hearts of your
		people, they are
	to be lived forever with
	faith-filled love and assurance.
You bring new life to the world;
Yes! life in abundance is your
		gift to us.
	Holy and glorious is your Name!
Reverence for You, O Holy One, is the
		beginning of wisdom;
	a good understanding have all
		who practice it.
	Your Spirit endures for ever!

------------------------------------------------------------------

I invite you to read through the Psalm several times slowly.

Chew on it.

What grabs you? What stays with you? How does it speak to you? What is it calling you toward?

Read it again through one more time slowly.

Offer up a prayer of thanksgiving for whatever things you got out of it and for your time with God, Creator, the Great Spirit, etc. (whatever name you use).

As I take my time this evening, spending time with this Psalm, here is what stands out to me:

• new life
• lift the hearts of those who suffer
• your steadfast Love is food for the soul
• new life (hmmm... what does that say that it stood out to me 2x?)
• life in abundance
• a very Presence to the weary

As I read through this Psalm, it is a breath of fresh air and renewal for me, it is life-giving. I give thanks to the Creator, the One who knows me best and for these words of new life and life in abundance.

If you'd like to share your reflections from the Psalm in the comments, I invite you to do so.

Continuing on this adventurous journey, 

Rev. Deb

Photos are mine. Columbia Theological Seminary. 

Simple Presence--Psalm 107

My current Zoom background.

A digital image of the heart painted

by Donna Strongheart Godwin 

Yesterday's Simple Presence with people in my Spiritual Direction cohort came from an excerpt from Psalm 107. 

The excerpt was read twice and then we sat in silence,  on our zoom gathering,  allowing the Psalm to speak to us.

I looked up to excerpt that was shared later to reread it. It was a powerful one for me yesterday and resonated deeply.

Here is the excerpt we heard. I invite you to read it slowly a couple of times and then sit in silence,  reflecting on what words and phrases resonated with you.

"Let your heart be clear and simple,

          and your soul filled with Light;

Enter the place of gentleness, 

          the heart-space of the Beloved,

                      the embodiment of Love!

For we are invited to radiate the

                     Divine Presence, 

          to be blessing to one another;

Thus do we become the very image

                     that we reflect. 

Whoever is wise, let them ponder

                     these things, 

           let all people reflect on the 

                     gifts of the Beloved."

Psalms for Praying: An Invitation to  Wholeness by Nan Merrill,  pages 220-221.

There were several things that stood out to me yesterday: 

• heart clear and simple
• light
• radiate
• reflect on the gifts of the Beloved 
• ponder these things

Yet, the one thing that resonated deep within me was this: "enter the place of gentleness".

Ah. Wow. That with some things I have received recently are causes for a pause, a need to reflect and ponder. 

These are some of the things for me that the Psalm excerpt ignited.

What about you?

I invite you to share in the comments. 

Peace on this day as your enter the place of gentleness. 

May it be an adventurous journey!

Rev. Deb

Reflections from Psalm 124

new life stemming from acorn

(photo taken by me)

Psalm 124 was recommended to me several weeks ago. I got around to reading it this morning and the accompanying letter/sermon from a baptism that went with it. The best version of Psalm 124, I was told, to read was that of Nan Merrill from her Psalms for Praying: An Invitation to Wholeness.  No problem, as that has become a special version for me.

I invite you to read Nan Merrill's Psalm 124 prayerfully:

If it were not for You, O Beloved,
            You who make all things new,
Fear and chaos would reign
                        in every heart; in You
            will I trust forever.
When doubt threatens to overwhelm
                        and separate me,
            when anger makes me blind,
Then You, O Merciful One, are
                        ever-ready
            to Awaken the holy, the sacred
                        within me;
Then do your Living Streams of Grace
                        enfold me.
Blessed are You, who are a very
                        Presence to us,
            a comfort to troubled hearts!
Grant us the strength of eagle wings,
            the courage to soar to new heights!
Break within us the bonds of fear
            that we may live with love!
Our guidance comes from You,
                        O Counselor,
            Blessed are You, O Giver of Life!
            Beloved of my heart!

You may want to read through the Psalm two or three times slowly. As you do that, what captures your attention? What speaks to you or resonates within you?

For me today, I am reminded of these things:

God, the Beloved:

• makes all things new
• awakens the holy, the sacred within me
• enfolds me with living streams of grace
• comforts my troubled heart
• grants me strength and courage
• helps me live with love
• guides me
• gives me life

It is easy to get caught up in the day-to-day busyness of life and to not take time to to reflect on who and whose we are. This Psalm allows me to remember who and whose I am and that foundation is crucial to my being and my doing.

In addition to the Psalm, I was encouraged to read the letter/sermon to the child that was baptized. What a gift that letter will be to that child as they grow older.  "Always remember you are valued by God and deeply loved by the Creator." Yes! No matter what happens in life, what we do or what is done to us, that truth is a non-negotiable.  Oh, to help all of us remember that, especially in the difficult moments.

For anyone who needs to hear that truth today, you are valued by God and deeply loved by the Creator. If you don't believe me or the quote above, check out Psalm 139, any version.  You will find in that Psalm that you are valued and deeply loved by God, the Creator.

Would it help to personalize the statement?

Try this: put your name where the blank is in the sentence below and say it out loud.

____________, you are valued by God and deeply loved by the Creator.

OR

Change the pronoun to the first person and say "I am valued by God and deeply loved by the Creator."

If speaking this truth out loud is too difficult or a tad bizarre, try writing it out.

It may also help to use other names/titles for God that are meaningful to/for you.

The bottom line is to realize and remember who and whose you are and live from that truth, trusting that the One who created you will continue to 

• make all things new
• awaken the holy within you
• enfold you with grace
• comfort your troubled heart
• grant you strength and courage
• guide you
• give you life

Enjoy the adventurous journey, 

Rev. Deb

Psalm 97 reflection

In yesterday's Simple Presence with my spiritual direction cohort, Psalm 97 by Nan Merrill was shared.  There was much in it that caught my attention, yet what became the focus for me in the silence became a Haiku. 

I wrote: 

Hardened hearts open
Heaven delights over this 
We are welcomed home

[DD, 4/12/21]

This came from 2 different sections of the Psalm, verses 8 and 9. 

1st-- "Heaven delights and rejoices when a hardened heart breaks open and recognizes Love's ever-patient Presence abiding within."

2nd--"For you, O Beloved, encompass and bless all the earth; You forgive our wrongdoings and welcome us home."

Nan Merrill's Psalms for Praying are delightfully refreshing and reflective.

I recognize that my heart must remain open and pliable to the One who created me and to those with whom I live and serve. If I allow my heart to become hardened, then I am unable to live, love, or lead like Jesus. 

May my heart remain open. 

So be it.

Rev. Deb 

Psalm 126 from Psalms for Praying by Nan Merrill

On Monday morning we had another "Simple Presence" in our Spiritual Direction program, via ZOOM.  This one was a 20 minute sit after hearing Psalm 126 from Nan Merrill's Psalms for Praying.

I haven't been in a group for Centering Prayer since I haven't been with the Friday group at Grace Episcopal and it was good to be in a group again.  Being in a group online is different than being in person in that with everyone on mute, one doesn't hear the breathing of one another.  However, I had neighborhood dogs, my own dog scratching on the door to get in, my own gulping/sips of coffee (yes, I drink coffee during silence) and other noises that I could hear-- even with my headphones on.  That's all a part of silence though.  Silence is never fully silent, on the exterior or the interior.  One learns to let sounds and thoughts go and flow.  It's part of the process.

As I listened to the Psalm reading, there were a couple of words and phrases that caught my attention: 

• laughter
• joy
• gladness
• restore us to wholeness, O healer
• shouts of joy

As I sat in the silence, one of the phrases I often use in Centering Prayer came to mind "Peace, be still".  Another thing that came to mind was the song that has the lyrics: "trading my sorrows... for the joy of the Lord".

Here's one version of the song:

Here are the lyrics:

I'm trading my sorrow
I'm trading my shame
I'm laying them down for the joy of the Lord

I'm trading my sickness
I'm trading my pain
I'm laying them down for the joy of the Lord

[Chorus:]
And we say yes Lord yes Lord yes yes Lord
Yes Lord yes Lord yes yes Lord
Yes Lord yes Lord yes yes Lord Amen

I'm pressed but not crushed persecuted not abandoned
Struck down but not destroyed
I'm blessed beyond the curse for his promise will endure
And his joy's gonna be my strength

Though the sorrow may last for the night
His joy comes with the morning

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now, for Psalm 126.  Here is the Psalm.  As you read over the Psalm, I invite you to read it at least twice.  Read it slowly.  Allow it to read you.  What words or phrases stand out to you?  Hold those in prayer.

I also invite you to set a timer for 5, 10, 15, or even 20 minutes of silence.  Allow some time to listen, to be, to rest in the silence.

If you're not familiar with Centering Prayer, here is a link you can check out for more information from Contemplative Outreach: Centering Prayer.

Psalm 126: (from Psalms for Praying)

Psalm 126

When the Divine Lover enters the 
		human heart,
	all yearnings are fulfilled!
Then will our mouths ring forth 
		with laughter,
	and our tongues with shouts of joy;

Then will we sing our songs of praise 
	to You, O Beloved of all hearts.
For gladness will radiate out for 
		all to see;
	so great is your Presence 
		among us.

Restore us to wholeness, O Healer,
	like newborn babes who have 
		never strayed from You!
May all who sow in tears
	reap with shouts of joy!
May all who go forth weeping tears 
		of repentance, bearing 
		seeds of Love,
Come home to You with shouts 
		of joy,
	leaving sorrow behind.


From Psalms for Praying © 2007 Nan C. Merrill
Reprinted with permission of the publisher
Continuum International Publishing Group
www.PsalmsForPraying.com

If something sparks your attention from the Psalm or the song and you'd like to comment, please do.  I enjoy conversation.

As I close this post and reflect on some of the many things that bring me laughter, joy, and gladness, I decided to share a few of those with you in picture form:

Family-- my son Charlie, our dog Cliff, and my husband Riley.

Water-- the ocean, waterfalls, and lakes (and really any body of water).

Spending time in the hammock.

Hiking.

Bike riding.

Praying a labyrinth.

Coffee.  (No photo.) 

These things, among others, restore me to wholeness.

May there be adventure and joy on your journey!

Rev. Deb 

And so it begins... my spiritual direction program

Tonight was the official beginning of the spiritual direction program through Columbia Theological Seminary.

Like many things, our first residency was not a residency, but rather a zoom introduction.  We will have other monthly opportunities to build community these next three months with hopes we will be able to meet in person in the Spring.

We began our time together with Simple Presence, a short reading and three minutes of silence.  CeCe Balboni, our cohort leader for this session, led us.  She read a portion of Psalm 132 from Nan Merrill's Psalm Prayers, one of our required books.

As we listened to the reading, these words and phrases stood out to me:

• healing
• wholeness
• peace
• be not afraid

And then the thought came to mind, "And so it begins...".   What a great way to begin this journey.

The reading and the silence reminded me of how we always began our FUMSDRL board meetings.  There was some form of centering, be it native american flute or a reading, and always some silence.  

Silence allows us to center, to clear away any clutter, to become present.  

I was grateful for the beginning tonight.

And then we spent time in introductions, getting to know the leaders and each of the participants.

It's not how we expected to begin our time together.  In fact, even the leadership has changed some, as Jane Vennard retired earlier.  It's all good.  

When we are able to be open handed to receive that which comes to us loosely, without holding on tightly, we are more able to go with the flow of things. It's not always easy.  Even without tons of expectations, there is still some disappointment.  Yet, it's still good.  It's still an adventure.  It's still a journey.

One can still learn and grow and be transformed in the process.

Though I don't know fully what's ahead of me or where this journey will take me, I do know that I am looking forward to it.

I look forward to the readings, the relationships, the challenges, the growth.  Even tonight we had some technological challenges.  That has happened during the pandemic with other things.  It's all good.

The first major assignment is an eight hour day of silence and solitude and a two page reflection paper on that experience.

Woo hoo!  Packing my hammock and hiking poles as I write.  Not literally.  Just mentally.   Let's see.... I can drive somewhere, hike in to a waterfall, hang out a while, and hike back out.  That's one option.  It has been a long while since I have done a full 8 hours of silence and solitude, so I might need to start working my way back up to it.

One thing I miss right now is being able to talk to my spiritual director about this.  Due to the pandemic, we haven't met in a while, only texted.  I will text her this week.  

Here is the portion of Psalm 132 that was shared tonight:

Psalms for Praying (link to entire Psalm)

Those who follow the way of Love
	with calm and faith-filled
		intent,
Know that all is working toward
		healing and wholeness.
And may the healing power of Love
	lift you from the limitations
		of fear and ignorance
		into the arms of freedom.
May the peace of the Spirit bless
		you, and
	lead you on life’s journey.
Be not afraid of the Silence, for
	Wisdom’s Voice is heard there!

I invite you to click above on the "Psalms for Praying" link to read the entire Psalm.  I posted what stood out to me in the above section.  There is more in the entire Psalm that resonates with me.  It might with you too.

In closing, these two lines seems like a proper benediction in these days: 

"May the healing power of Love lift you from the limitations of fear and ignorance into the arms of freedom.  May the peace of the Spirit bless you, and lead you on life's journey."

Rev. Deb