Where do you go for inspiration? What do you do to nourish a sense of wholeness within? 
 
Last week in church the children and I had a conversation about Terry Fox. We wished all those participating in the Walk/Run that day well (and were glad to see the pictures that Matthew sent later in the day). We talked about Terry's amazing journey through cancer, and his decision to make a difference in people's lives. We talked about him being an "inspiration" to so many people in Canada. 

We said that someone who inspires us is someone who makes us want to do good things. Someone who gives is the courage to act, to do what we know needs doing. That's what Terry has done for many, many people. And that's what our runners and walkers have done for us.

The root of the word "inspire" is the same as for "spirit". It means "to breathe". In the Hebrew Scriptures of the Bible the "spirit" of God was also called the "Breath" of God. It is the Spirit that inspires us to do good things! How will you follow the Spirit this week?

What will you do? 
 

We are back! Boyd and I had a terrific time in Scotland, and it is good to be home. We miss the view of Loch Leven that we saw each morning when we awoke at our friends' home. But we are happy to be back, refreshed and invigorated by the adventures of body and spirit we had while away. 

For me, Scotland is a place that nurtures my soul. The first time I traveled there I was a young girl and I have returned to this magical place of my childhood many times over the years. I was first introduced to Celtic spirituality in Scotland. It continues to be an important part of my spiritual practice. Celtic spirituality is grounded in nature. Celtic spirituality finds the Spirit of God in the elements - the the earth, in the wind, in the water, in the trees and rocks. It celebrates the embodied Spirit within each of us, and in all of the simple daily tasks that we do.

The Celts had prayers for everything - for getting up in the morning, for washing, for making breakfast, for tending their sheep, for going to bed at night. Nothing they did was separate form their faith and their relationship with God. They saw their lives as sacred and celebrated that with each moment of their living. 
 
Here is blessing in the Celtic tradition you may want to use in your own home. 


Bless this house and those within.
Bless our giving and receiving.
Bless our words and conversation.
Bless our hands and recreation.
Bless our sowing and our growing.
Bless our coming and our going.
Bless all who enter and depart.
Bless this house, your peace impart.

More Celtic Prayers

Good luck to all those on Team AUC participating in the Terry Fox events on Sunday! We will miss you at worship but hold you in our prayers.