“Love is the presence of God within me.”

Karen O'Connor Posted on by

I read this statement one morning last week in one of my devotionals,  A Spring Within Me by Richard Rohr. It really impacted me. I’m reminding myself of this truth every day and I hope you find it true for yourself too.

 

God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. God is love, and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

1 John 4:16

What more can be said?

Memories

Karen O'Connor Posted on by


This morning I picked up a copy of my journal written while my husband Charles and I were on a tour of Ireland in 2012. Hard to believe it’s been ten years since we strolled the cobblestone streets, hiked 100 steps to the top of a castle, and stopped for a bowl of hearty leek soup and brown bread for lunch.

One of the most delightful side trips was a visit to a replica of an old Irish village where I learned the origin of a few Irish sayings.

“It’s raining cats and dogs.”

Family pets slept in the rafters so when it poured rain, the soggy roof on an older home collapsed from the downpour and people shouted, “It’s raining cats and dogs.”

The word lynching came from the act of hanging a man for a crime at the order of a self-appointed judge named Captain William Lynch.

“The walls have ears,” referred to the tiny holes in the corners of the high walls in a castle where the servants could listen to conversations in various rooms and then report what they heard to the king.

“Saving face,” was a phrase used to describe a lady’s face covered with wax makeup as she shielded herself from the heat of the fireplace.

“Sleep tight,” reminded people to tighten the ropes that supported a mattress so they wouldn’t fall on the floor when sleeping.

I hope these quotations bring a smile to your face as they did mine. Maybe you know a few of your own.

The Red Chair

Karen O'Connor Posted on by

A few years ago I bought a leather easy chair for my bedroom. Some time later a friend gave me a decorative pillow as a gift. It was the perfect accent for the chair. Embroidered on the pillow is this beautiful saying: “A day hemmed in prayer will never unravel.” A couple of months ago I decided to start my days with a half-hour meditation. Voila! The red chair was ideal. Now it has become my ‘go to’ spot for reclining and praying and listening to God as I start each day.

It’s amazing what a difference this has made in my life. I wake up each morning eager to sit in my red chair, a blanket on my lap and a prayer on my lips.

I’ve heard from some people that meditating is too hard, confusing or just plain difficult. I thought so at first but I kept at it. There is no special way to meditate. You can focus on a prayer, a word that relaxes you, a loving thought, mindfulness or simply a peaceful sit.

Do you meditate? If so, how does it work for you? Please share. In these times of so much chaos in our world I’m finding these beautiful sessions help me connect with God and send out love to people everywhere.

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. (Psalms 19:14)

 

 

 

Happy Fourth!

Karen O'Connor Posted on by

All is not well in our country at the moment and yet, despite the controversy and chaos, I’m so grateful to be an American and to enjoy the many freedoms we do have and to share this life with you.

Keeping Your Heart Open

Karen O'Connor Posted on by

I was part of a conversation recently where someone asked, “How do you keep your heart open to love?” Especially when there are so many challenges every minute? A war, gun violence, gang activity, misunderstandings among families and friends, illness, death, and so much more?

I thought about that for a long time and then saw clearly that the only way I can keep my heart open is to stay close to the God of my understanding, who is Love itself. The older I get the more I go to that source in every area of my life.

For example, one morning my car wouldn’t start and I had an important appointment that day. I freaked out for a moment but then sat back and waited. A solution came to me. I had neglected to start the car with my foot on the brake–a simple action I had been taking for years–but that day I forgot. Silly me but a loving God who reminded me what to do.

Another day I needed some information about a medication I’m taking. I felt God’s prompting to ask the pharmacist while I was in the drug store. Voila! He had a clear and simple answer that resolved my concern.

And on it goes. I now start my day with a prayer of gratitude and a petition to secure everything I think, say, and do with an open heart and a willingness to love–no matter what. No getting upset. Just proceeding with love.

When I think about the war, or a school shooting, or a challenge with material things like my car, or human beings–especially those I don’t know and likely never will, I’m doing my best to send love to that person or situation. With God in control all will be well at the right time and in the right place–for God is love. And if I trust Him, my heart will stay open to love.

How do you keep your heart open to love? I’d love to hear your story. 🥰

Easy Does It

Karen O'Connor Posted on by

‘Easy does it’ has never come easy to me–or at least not for a good part of my life. Over the years of my adult life I’ve often learned the hard way to rest, to make time for myself, to let go and let God take over. And what a difference it’s made. I’m always happiest when I see the line between myself and another and respect the ‘other’ to make the best decisions for himself or herself.

When I catch myself trying to change someone else, or a situation that has nothing to do with me, it’s time to take a step back and refocus on what I can change. “Easy does it,” I remind myself and in that moment, my shoulders relax, my mind quiets down, my trust in God takes over and all is well.

How do you take it easy?

 

 

Made by Mom With Love

Karen O'Connor Posted on by

I recently came across this little treasure while cleaning out a closet. It’s a darling hat my mother crocheted for me decades ago. It brought tears to my eyes. Mom’s been gone for many years but her spirit of love lives on in our family and I’m so happy I have this tangible evidence of it.

This simple hat is also a reminder of the importance of sharing my love with the people in my life, family, friends, even strangers, whether a hand-made item or a few kind thoughts and words. I find it so interesting to see how the God I know and love continues to lead me in the way I should go. As I move through my days, I’m paying attention to how each next best thing to say or do always originates with love.

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!”

1 John 3:1

 

 

The Anchor of My Soul

Karen O'Connor Posted on by

I recently attended a meeting of friends on Zoom. The topic of our conversation was ‘the anchor of my soul.’ I really enjoyed listening to everyone share what that meant to them:

forgiveness

gratitude

humility

trust in God

peace

I resonated with all, but the one that spoke to me the loudest was gratitude. Now that I’m in the late years I find that more than anything I’m thankful–for my life, my health, my family, good friends, the God of my understanding, and the joy of every breath I take. I did not hear one word that focused on the acquisition of things, or rewards, or titles. It seemed everyone chose a spiritual gift.

…”hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.” Hebrews 6:19 (The Living Bible)

What anchors your soul? What keeps you going each day?

 

Back to Basics

Karen O'Connor Posted on by

I’ve had fun the last few days, streamlining my pantry, fridge, clothes closet, and home office.

Out with chips and peanut butter and rice and cereal that have been around a bit too long. And what about those sandals and running shoes and blouses and sweaters that have passed the five-year mark and the towels that have seen better days? Time to pass them on.

And books and photos and trinkets that could free up space for something fresh and new?

Yep! Back to basics. Back to essentials. Back to what makes me happy and brings me joy–from food choices to wall hangings to plants and paintings.

I notice as I get older I have a tendency to ‘hang on’ to items just because they’re there. No more. From now on, love ’em or let ’em go.

How about you? How are you handling the excess in your life?

“The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.” — Hans Hofmann

 

Takin’ It Easy

Karen O'Connor Posted on by

I woke up today and decided to take it easy–to turn my back on chores and to do’s. The sun is shining, There’s a gentle breeze wafting through the trees. And the birds are tweeting. So I’m going to join in.

Just thinking about the day ahead I already feel happy and peaceful and settled. A simple decision to take it easy has freed me to rest in God’s creation and see what happens. No figuring things out. No wrestling in my spirit. No judging myself or others. No controlling my thoughts and actions. Just for today, for this moment, I will BE.

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)