A Family Altar

A family went to the Holy Land and took their 5 year old with them. The mother narrated the sightseeing the first day. She pointed out the various places that had historical significance in Christ’s time. The next day she did the same thing and later that evening the 5 year old asked, “Where did we see Jesus today?”

A family altar provides a place where you and your family can reflect on where you have seen Jesus in the every-day activities of your life. We walk in prayer knowing events occur daily that strengthen and sometimes, test our beliefs. A family altar is a place to put such occurrences in a tangible manner. The Altar is a place to share victories and losses, concerns and problems-solved. It is a place to say “thank you” and a place to say “help.”

For the past few years I have made a commitment to follow The Rule of Benedict. Benedictine spirituality asks one to see God’s presence in everyday places and relationships. I have learned when I look expectantly for something; I inevitably begin to find it over and over again. A family altar makes tangible the sacred moments and actions that occur everyday in our families. As each family member contributes to the altar it becomes a common table – a place to celebrate and share our triumphs and a place to receive family support in times of need.

What to put on the altar? Just about anything that represents a feeling or concern. Perhaps a report card, a grandchild’s art, an invitation, an obituary, a newspaper article. Maybe a set of car keys to announce a new driver in the family, a toy that was nicely shared, a lab report or a picture of a pet. The list is as unique as each and every family.

Your altar may be a place of sharing and story telling. If it is located in the center of the dinner table then it will become an active part of each day. Perhaps, the altar is in a quiet retreat. It could be in a place where you go to center and be close to God in prayer. The kitchen is often the center of family life and could be just the place for your altar, or maybe it is right on the door of your refrigerator for all the world to share.

Sue Bender is the author of a book called “Everyday Sacred.” She speaks of Buddhist Monks roaming the countryside with a “begging bowl.” A Monk begins each day with a small bowl and faith that by day’s end it will have contained all that is necessary to sustain them on that day. A family Altar is a visible place of faith. It is our reminder that with faith we will receive all that we need to sustain us each day. Sharing this faith with your family is a powerful statement.

About my Wonderful Business

The first set of Prayer Beads that I bought were so special. I couldn’t bear to part with them. I carried them in my pocket, my car, and my purse. Each bead held a message for me. “Be Still and hear The Word,” the beads seemed to say.

Soon, I wanted everyone to have prayer beads. I gave so many away. The first ones were of recycled jewelry and not very sturdy. Someone asked if I could make them for a Stephen’s Ministry Group and other’s wanted them for a choir, and still more for Daughter’s of the King. And so my business started.

Where have my beads been, you ask? Well they have been just about everywhere. You’ll find them in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain, Japan, Germany, Holland and the good old USA. More importantly, they have been in birthing rooms, board rooms, vestry meetings, exams, airplanes, backpacks, tanks, purses, pockets. And just who has my prayer beads? I’ve made them for Catholics, Episcopalians, Anglicans, Methodists, Lutherans, Baptists, and many more. You will find them in the hands of ministers, soldiers, sailors, police officers, nurses, teens, doctors, grandparents, students, parents and even cowboys. And what makes them so special? Your prayers of course!

These praying beads are made of natural materials like gemstones and olivewood. A few are made of glass. Each set is unique. I do not mass produce. My prices are low because I want everyone to be able to afford them. And over the past 12 years I have found wonderful, loyal suppliers who have not increased their prices. I ship immediately because nobody likes to wait. I will provide a discount for purchases of 10 or more sets. I will always repair broken prayer beads and usually I do not charge unless you lose most of the beads or the cross.

Please enjoy my website. It’s organized by types of crosses and rosaries. I strive to accurately describe each set. If you find a mistake or problem on the site, please let me know. I’m the webmaster and the bead stringer. I am assisted by a loving spouse and two Golden Retrievers.

Almost Christmas

About 10 years ago - maybe longer - a nice lady came to my church and showed us how to make Anglican Prayer Beads. Something really happened to me as I sat there quietly stringing beads. It was the same feeling that comes on me when I serve at Communion. I still have that wonderful feeling of being surrounded by love. That's the best I can do to describe it.

Lately I've been twittering the daily office from a variety of Anglican and Catholic resources on line. I hope you are enjoying this because I sure am! You know there is a way to incorporate this with your prayer beads. As you read the office and open your heart does something hold your attention? Is there a sentence or phrase that catches your eye? Hold that thought and repeat it. Meditate on it. You will be practicing a simple form of Lecto Divina.

Here's some resources for you: http://www.gotquestions.org/lectio-divina.html
and another is: http://www.qvdays.org/pdf/lectio_divina.pdf

Praying for All to be Well

We just returned from Oregon. Both of my parents are in not-so-good health. My mother decided it was time for Hospice to be brought in. I am so thankful to have them caring for my dad. My 90-year-old parents are not very well acquainted with Hospice. They are not very comfortable talking about death so this was an enoroumos step for them.

My mantra these days is "All will be Well." Julian of Norwich, who some believe was the first woman to write a book, made her mark on the world with these powerful words: "All will be well
And all will be well
And all manner of things will be well."

Talk about an "attitude of graditude!" This all happened when she had a visionary experience during a serious illness. Years later she is credited with writing what is now called, "Showings or Revelations of Divine Love." So when things are seemingly at their very worst knowing that "All will be Well," provides abiding hope to me.

How's Business?

Sometime last year I began relaxing about my little business. I stopped paying for tons of advertising and consulted my business manager on high. Letting Go and Letting God - seems to be working. At least I think I'm being a bit less like Martha.

Not being absorbed in trying to figure out advertising, I've begun to really enjoy Twittering. It causes me to dig deep and return to the practice of praying the Daily Office. This is a good thing for me.

I love this business of making pray beads and rosaries. I enjoy hearing from customers. They are like family to me. Now and then I receive a broken set to repair and I find myself remembering putting it together and I wonder where it has been and how it has comforted.

Now that I have more or less figured out Twittering, I'm going to try hard to turn my attention to this little blog. This is a discipline that I need to embrace.