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Day 285: The Fruit of the Spirit


"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law".
~Galatians 5:22-23

Working on my soul these days.

I copied the above scripture on a little lavender 3x5 card and I keep it in my purse. I pull it out and read it numerous times during the day.  Beth Moore uses this scripture in her book Breaking Free, which I am inhaling.

  1. Joy
  2. Peace
  3. Patience
  4. Kindness
  5. Goodness
  6. Faithfulness
  7. Gentleness
  8. Self-control
No matter what challenges I face during my day, I can meditate on these qualities and choose a better reaction than my old ways.

This is difficult work, but oh so rewarding.

I am also intent on solving the joint pain puzzle.  I am still trying to limit my use of NSAIDS.  Trying to stay away from all foods in the evening, especially overly salty foods and sugar.  Stretching first thing in the morning and last thing in the evening. Today, I did not get a good walk in. It was pouring down rain and I was involved in my piano practice. So, in lieu of my walk, I popped in a yoga DVD and did a short session.  It seemed to help.

But I do ache in the morning.  I've been reading about arthritis. It seems joint pain that is worse in the morning, could possibly be rheumatoid arthritis.  I am going to keep on working on self care for the next few weeks. I have a 2 week break from teaching over spring break. I'll visit my doctor, get some acupuncture, get a massage and get back to the gym.

In the meantime, I am reading about nutritional healing for sufferers of arthritis.  Tart cherry juice and oily fish are on my grocery list tonight!

My hymn of the day is "Almighty God, Thy Word is Cast". I was flipping through my hymn book this morning, and the text of this hymn popped out at me.  Possibly because I was meditating on fruits of the spirit, and the second verse a reads "To bring forth fruits of love".

I have played the tune for this hymn in churches in the past, but to different lyrics. I may have to print out these words. They do resonate with me!

 Almighty God, Thy Word is Cast
Words by John Cawood (1819)
Tune: ST FLAVIAN
1 Almighty God, Thy word is cast
Like seed upon the ground;
O may it grow in humble hearts,
And righteous fruits abound.
2 Let not the foe of Christ and man
This holy seed remove,
But give it root in praying souls
To bring forth fruits of love.
3 Let not the world's deceitful cares
The rising plant destroy,
But may it, in converted minds,
Produce the fruits of joy.
4 Let not Thy word, so kindly sent
To raise us to Thy throne,
Return to Thee, and sadly tell
That we reject Thy Son.


I was listening to the Catholic radio station, Mater Dei Radio (88.3 FM in Portland) last night. They have this program called "the Evening Review". I find it very peaceful and healing. You look back over your day and think about your blessings. What you did that was kind and loving. And what you did that perhaps you need to seek forgiveness for.

It reminds me of the Jesuit "Examen" tradition that I learned about on a SEEL (Spiritual Exercises in Everyday Life) retreat.

I found this Examen card on www.ignatiusspirituality.com

I would like to incorporate this into my evening spiritual practice.


And now, speaking of practice, I have some students to visit.

Happy Thursday! :)



The Examen Prayer Card

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