I have completed the training to be a Reiki Master, and now I will apprentice through several classes. When my apprenticeship is completed, I will be able to teach Reiki, as well as to offer Reiki healing sessions. It is an exciting step in my ministry. What a great opportunity to teach others how God can bring healing through the body’s energy and the energy of creation!
Author: KS Richter
Mandala 1 for Lent
Here is a mandala that I started working on a couple days ago. I didn’t draw it; I colored a drawing using markers.
I like the sharp and bright colors that came through with markers. Colored pencils are good, too, but the markers added a much deeper or stronger color to the work.
And so my spiritual discipline of daily mandala making begins for Lent …
Lenten Disciplines
Each year when Lent rolls around, we talk about what we’ll “give up” for Lent. Lent is an opportune time to try out a new spiritual discipline. It is 40 days. It is enough time to establish a new habit. It is not so long that we will give up if the discipline feels too hard for us at the beginning. (I can do anything for a month!)
I’ve been pondering what to do this year for Lent.
- Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days to fast — remembering not only Jesus’ sacrifice of himself out of love for us, but also remembering all of the people in our world who die from hunger/poverty-related reasons every day.
- Calvary has a set of devotions related to our outreach ministries — and the proceeds from the coin banks and folders will be given to the Two Rivers – Mishicot Ecumenical Pantry (TREP) — so I’ll do those daily activities. But, those are … too easy? … too routine? … too ordinary? … I don’t know what to call it. I’ve been doing them for a long time, so I guess I’m a little bored with them.
I want something unique and creative to do this year. I’ve been eager to start drawing mandalas. Perhaps I can work on a mandala for the entire season of Lent — drawing a little more each day. Perhaps I can even post pictures each day on this blog! Hmmm …. sounds like I have my plan for Lent.
This mandala is a painting that was made for me. I love it! It will be interesting to see what happens as I begin to draw one for myself.
Prayer Beads
Prayer beads have been used by many religious traditions for thousands of years. They come in a variety of styles, materials, and configurations.
As I make prayer beads, for example this set, I pray for the person who will receive them. Sometimes I know who that will be, because I am custom-making a set for a particular person. Sometimes I don’t know who that will be, because I’m making a set that will be put at Calvary for anyone to take or I’m making a set that I will be selling on Etsy.
Making prayer beads is a way for me to focus on prayer and also to unwind from the cares of the day. It is relaxing. It keeps me connected with God. And it helps me to lift those whom I love into God’s hands. Not a bad way to spend an evening. 🙂
Life of Faith
What does a life of faith look like?
I’m often asked this question, but it doesn’t have ONE answer. Because God has created each of us with unique talents and traits, each life of faith is going to look a bit different from every other life of faith. Each individual will determine what “a life of faith” looks like for him or her in relation to God.
There are some characteristics that people of faith have in common as they live their lives of faith, however.
- Care and concern for other people … Since God created ALL people, those who live a life of faith care for all people as precious children of God.
- Grace and forgiveness … Since God has shown us grace through unconditional love and forgiveness, those who live a life of faith offer love and forgiveness to others.
I’m open to discussing many topics. A list of discussions that are already happening is in the sidebar. If you’d like to add another topic, contact me, and we can get started.
A Curious Christian 