I am out of town this week. Please enjoy one of the hundreds of lectios in my archives by using the Search field on my website. Be well!

I’m away again (taking my youngest to college). I encourage you to tap into the archives of hundreds of lectios available by way of the search field on my site. Have a nice week! And Peace.

Music: Atonement by Trinity Music*
(https://www.atltrinityworship.org/trinity-music)

*used with permission

Photo by Simon Matzinger from Pexels*

Music: Cello Improvisation by Eugene Friesen*
(paulwinter.com)

*used with permission

 

 

 

 

Photo: Pikes Peak Through the Trees, taken by Todd Spencer
Music: Canyon Chaconne by Paul Winter*
(paulwinter.com)

*used with permission

 

 

 

 

*

• This reading comes from Rubem Alves’ book, Tender Returns. I read this with the expressed permission from the translator of the book, Glenn Alan Cheney. I am grateful for the honor!

 

 

 

Music: Drawing Me Closer by Stephen Iverson*
(http://www.sleepyhollowchurch.org/wp/stephen-iverson-2/)

*used with permission

 

 

 

 

 

 

Music: A Sound Arises by Stephen Iverson*
(http://www.sleepyhollowchurch.org/wp/stephen-iverson-2/)

*used with permission

 

Holy Thursday Contemplative Meditation- 4.9.2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo: Surprising Grace in a Park, taken by Todd Spencer, April 2020.

Music: Be Still My Soul, Trinity Music*
(https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/trinitymusic6)

*used with permission

 

 

 

 

Photo: It Is Well With My Soul Park Bench, taken by Todd Spencer, Rampart Park, Colorado Springs

Music: My Father’s Smile by Jeff Holmes, on Paul Winter’s 23rd Annual Summer Solstice album*

*used with permission

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo: A Prayer for a Pandemic by Cameron Bellm*
(http://krugthethinker.com)

Music: Agnus Dei sung by Jen Reardon with Trinity Music*(https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/trinitymusic6)

*used with permission

 

 

 

 

 

Photo: Pikes Peak Sunset, taken by Todd Spencer

Music: Air for Keetu by  Paul Winter*

*used with permission

 

Friends,

I’m away for Board of Ordained Ministry business all week. Please help yourself to my archives and find one or two lectios to assist your meditation and prayer. I’ll be back soon.

Deepest Peace,

Todd

https://lectiodivinatodd.com/2017/03/06/john-31-17-for-sunday-march-2017/

Artwork: Waiting for the Wind by Jan Richardson*
(janrichardsonimages.com)

Music: The Time Has Come by Stephen Iverson* (https://store.cdbaby.com/Artist/StephenIverson)

*used with permission

 

 

 

 

Another one from my archives for this week’s text. Enjoy!

https://lectiodivinatodd.com/2017/02/27/matthew-41-11-for-sunday-march-5-2017/

Peace with You,
Todd

 

 

For this week’s Lectio on Matthew 17:1-9, drop by here:

https://lectiodivinatodd.com/2017/02/21/matthew-171-9-for-sunday-february-26-2017/

Deepest Peace,

Todd

 

Here is one from the archives! Enjoy!

https://lectiodivinatodd.com/?s=Matthew+5%3A21-37&submit=Search

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo: Prayer Candle in Todd’s Office

Music: Ead’s Alpine Experience by Trace Bundy*
(tracebundy.com)

*used with permission

 

 

 

 

 

 

Artwork: Flight of Knowledge by Mary DeLave
(marydelave.com)

Music: Be Still and Know by Trinity Music*
(https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/trinitymusic6)

*used with permission

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo: HospitALLity by Martha McIver, recently displayed at St. Gertude’s Monastery, Idaho.

Music: My Feeling Heart by Stephen Iverson*
(https://store.cdbaby.com/artist/StephenIverson)

*used with permission

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo: Rock Dove*
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbidae#/media/File:Rock_dove_-_natures_pics.jpg)

Song: Alleluia by Stephen Iverson*
(https://store.cdbaby.com/artist/StephenIverson)

*used with permission

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbidae#/media/File:Treron_vernans_male_-_Kent_Ridge_Park.jpg*

Song: A Quiet Time by Stephen Iverson*

*used with permission

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo: The Bright Star Alpha Centauri*
(https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_bright_star_Alpha_Centauri_and_its_surroundings.jpg)

Music: Afternoon Sun by Paul Winter*
(paulwinter.com)

*used with permission

Hello Listeners,

I’m heading out in a few minutes to have surgery on my shoulder. Your prayers are welcome. I hope to get back to the podcast (and fly fishing!) soon. In the meantime, I encourage you to make use of the Search field on my webpage to find an episode or two that would be helpful for your meditation and prayer. There are more than 300 accessible in my archives. Be well.

And Deepest Peace,

Todd

 

 

 

 

 

Photo: East River near Crested Butte, Colorado; taken by Todd Spencer
Music: Lullaby at Pumpkin Springs by Paul Winter*
(paulwinter.com)

*Used with permission

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Music: Moonstones and Chromosomes by Trace Bundy*
(tracebundy.com)

*used with permission

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo: Benet Hill Monastery Entrance, Black Forest, Colorado; take by Todd Spencer on First Saturday Prayer Day, November 2, 2019.

Song: The Simple Gospel by United Pursuit, sung by Todd Spencer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo: Saint Gertrude’s Monastery, Cottonwood, Idaho, taken by Todd Spencer during the Fall 2019 Residency of the Stewards of the Mystery spiritual direction training program.

Song: I Will Trust by Marty Reardon and Trinity Music*
(https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/trinitymusic6)

*used with permission

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo by my childhood friend, Hugh Hood, who died in a car wreck last week. Just a few days before he died I asked if I could share some of his photos on my podcast page. He was so kind to say yes! I love you Hugh. We will never forget you and all of the joy and laughter you brought to all of us.*

Song: Drawing Me Closer by Stephen Iverson*
(https://store.cdbaby.com/artist/StephenIverson)

*used with permission

 

 

 

 

Photo: Fall in the Rocky Mountains, taken by Pamela Murphy, Colorado Springs, Colorado *

Song: Air for Keetu by Paul Winter *

*used with permission

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Song: Drawing Me Closer, by Stephen Iverson, sung by Todd Spencer

 

 

 

 

 

 

Music: Lullaby at Pumpkin Springs by Paul Winter*
(paulwinter.com)

*used with permission

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo: Taken by Pamela Murphy, near Hugo, Colorado, 8.31.19.*

Song: Cello Improvisation by Eugene Friesen on Paul Winter’s album, 23rd Annual Summer Solstice Celebration*

*used with permission

Photo: Todd fishing the Taylor River near Crested Butte, Colorado.

While I’m away, search my site for an episode that will help you be present with God. There are hundreds on here!

Deepest Peace,

Todd

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo: Campfire Pinecone; by Emeldil; Wikipedia; CC BY-SA 3.0; Created: 27 March 2008

Music: Lullaby on Three by Trace Bundy*
(tracebundy.com)

*used with permission

 

 

 

Photo: Wilkerson Pass, Colorado; taken by Todd Spencer, August 2019

Music: Ead’s Alpine Experience by Trace Bundy*
(tracebundy.com)

*used with permission

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo: Grandmother Tree, Ute Prayer Tree of Fox Run Park in Black Forest, Colorado; taken by Todd Spencer

Song: If I Give it All by Will Reagan sung by Todd Spencer

 

 

 

Photo: Skagway Reservoir, Colorado; taken by Todd Spencer, July 2019

Song: There Is Nowhere by Marty Reardon and Trinity Music*
(https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/trinitymusic6)

*used with permission

 

 

 

 

 

Song: Drawing Me Closer by Stephen Iverson, sung by Todd Spencer*
(https://store.cdbaby.com/artist/StephenIverson)

Photo: Burning barn, from https://www.pca.state.mn.us/featured/growing-problem-burning-demolished-farm-buildings

*used with permission

 

 

 

 

Photo: Mountains from Devil’s Courthouse, North Carolina, taken by Todd Spencer
Song: Spirit of the Living God by Audrey Assad, sung by Todd Spencer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo: Old Road in the Forest, St. Gertrude’s Monastery, Idaho; photo taken by Todd Spencer

Song: Most Invited Guest by Stephen Iverson *
(https://store.cdbaby.com/artist/StephenIverson)

*used with permission

 

 

 

 

Hello Listeners,
This week, I am re-broadcasting an episode from 2013 for this week’s lectionary Gospel text. Enjoy.
Deepest Peace,
Todd

Artwork: To Have Without Holding by Jan Richardson*
(http://www.janrichardsonimages.com)

Music: Be Quiet by Mr. Bish*
(http://soundcloud.com/mr-bish/be-quiet)

*used with permission

 

 

 

 

 

Photo: A Forest Chapel, Saint Gertrude’s Monastery; taken by Todd Spencer.

Music: Deleted Scene #1, Plowshares by Trace Bundy*
(tracebundy.com)

*used with permission

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Artwork: Jailer in Philippi, Engraved by Joseph Mulder (1658 – ca. 1728) from the design of Arnold Houbraken; from the collections at Pitts Theological Library, Candler School of Theology, Emory University; http://pitts.emory.edu/dia/image_details.cfm?ID=130228

Song: As a Deer Longs by John Philip Newell, sung by Suzanne Butler*
(https://heartbeatjourney.org/books/)

*Used with permission

No podcast this week. I’m at the side of my Dad in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, as we share his final moments on Earth. He’s home on hospice care. It’s a messy thin place. God is guiding us.

Back soon.

Deepest Peace,

Todd

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo: Saint Gertrude’s Monastery, Cottonwood, Idaho; taken by Todd A. Spencer

Music: Let Me Hear by John Philip Newell, sung by Suzanne Butler*
(https://heartbeatjourney.org/books/)

*used with permission

Photo: The view from the beloved Levine stretch of the Arkansas River; Howard, Colorado. Photo taken by Todd Spencer, April, 2019.

Been on the river fly fishing and now doing the necessary catching up on work. Hope to produce another podcast soon. I encourage you to search my archives for a good Lectio. There are many years of them to choose from here!

Deepest Peace,

Todd

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Music: Look This New Day by Stephen Iverson*(https://store.cdbaby.com/Artist/StephenIverson)

*used with permission

 

 

 

 

 

 

Artwork: Henry Ossawa Tanner, The Three Marys, 1910 Fisk University, Nashville, TN 42″ x. 50″ (as found on http://artvent-artventures.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-calling-of-henry-o-tanner-religious.html, April 15, 2019). From the above listed blog post, Julie Schauer writes of Tanner:

Henry Ossawa Tanner, the most important African-American painter born in the 19th century, should probably be considered America’s greatest religious painter, too.  He came into the world in when our country was on the brink of its Civil War, in Pittsburgh, 1859.  Though his paintings are profound, he normally doesn’t get as much recognition as he deserves.

Religious painting has never been a significant genre in the United States. Mainly, it has been used for book illustration and in churches with stained glass windows. Of course, Europe had its own rich tradition of paintings for Catholic Churches and even in the Protestant Netherlands, Rembrandt made paintings and prints of biblical subjects for their religious significance.

Tanner reinvented religious painting with highly original interpretations.  His father was a minister in the AME Church who ultimately became the bishop of Philadelphia in 1888. His mother was born in slavery, but escaped on the underground railway. Although Tanner was born free, he obviously experienced turbulent times and discrimination; faith could have given him solace….

The Three Marys is a particularly beautiful portrait of women as they see the light in front of Jesus’ tomb and that he has risen from the dead.  The witnessing of a miracle is a profound spiritual event. Each woman has a slightly different psychological response. Like many of Rembrandt’s paintings, The Three Marys is nearly monochromatic, with blue as the primary color. He explained the intent of his paintings, “My effort has been to not only put the Biblical incident in the original setting, but at the same time give it the human touch….to try to convey to the public the reverence and elevation these subjects impart to me.”  It seemed that as time went on, the blues get stronger and stronger in his paintings.

Music: Alleluia by Stephen Iverson*
(https://store.cdbaby.com/Artist/StephenIverson)

*used with permission

 

 

 

 

 

 

Song: A Quiet Time by Stephen Iverson*
(https://store.cdbaby.com/Artist/StephenIverson)

Photo: Young Donkey Colt
(found on: http://westernjurisdictionumc.org/lent-2017-good-news-riding-on-a-colt-of-a-donkey/; April 8, 2019)

*used with permission

 

 

 

 

Image: Spikenard Flower
(as found on https://tisserandinstitute.org/spikenard-sustainability/)

Music: Atonement by Trinity Music*
(https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/trinitymusic6)

*used with permission

With family in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma this week. Dad is back in the hospital. We welcome prayers. Thank you.

God’s Peace with You,

Todd

 

 

 

 

Image: Hawk in Kurdistan by Sarchia Khursheed *(https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hawk_in_Kurdistan.jpg)

Music: Majmin by Trace Bundy*
(tracebundy.com)

*used with permission

Friends,

I will not get to record this week’s lectio podcast. I’m in Wyoming for Board of Ordained Ministry meetings and now delayed due to the “bomb cyclone” blizzard (I know, what?) that came through here yesterday. The interstates are closed. Glad to be with a whole bunch of good souls from my UMC connection though! Hope to be back to my podcast next week.

Passing the Peace of Christ to ALL,

Todd

 

 

 

 

 

Artwork:Brooklyn Museum – Jesus Ministered to by Angels (Jésus assisté par les anges) – James Tissot – overall.jpg; Created: between 1886 and 1894 – Public Domain

Song: Alleluia by Stephen Iverson*
https://store.cdbaby.com/Artist/StephenIverson

*used with permission

 

 

Photo: Cumulus Clouds Panorama *
(Fir0002/Flagstaffotos;https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cumulus_clouds_panorama.jpg)

Music: Cello Improvisation by Eugene Friesen*
(paulwinter.com)

*used with permission

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Song: Can I Take This Weight by Stephen Iverson*
(https://store.cdbaby.com/Artist/StephenIverson)

*used with permission

 

 

 

 

 

 

Song: Moonstones and Chromosomes by Trace Bundy*
(tracebundy.com)

*used with permission

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Song: Majmin by Trace Bundy*
(tracebundy.com)

*used with permission

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Artwork: Mandela by Karla Neumann Smiley*

Music: Air for Keetu by Paul Winter*
(paulwinter.com)

*used with permission

 

I had a family emergency and won’t be creating a podcast this week. I encourage you to dig into my archives for an episode to pray and meditate with. Hope to be back next week.

Godbless,

Todd

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo: Flyfishing Lower Grape Creek, Colorado by Todd A. Spencer*
Song: Ead’s Alpine Experience by Trace Bundy*
(tracebundy.com)

*used with permission

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo: Rock Dove, by Alan D. Wilson*
http://www.naturespicsonline.com – http://www.naturespicsonline.com/galleries/14#5 (higher resolution version obtained in correspondence with website owner), CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1488292

Song: Alabaster by Trace Bundy*
(tracebundy.com)

*used with permission

 

 

 

 

Dear Listeners,

I’m back home in Broken Arrow where I grew up, visiting my parents. No podcast this or next week. But here’s a little merciful bit from Parker Palmer’s latest book, On the Brink of Everything, for your day:

“Solitude does not necessarily mean living apart from others; rather, it means never living apart from one’s self. It is not about the absence of other people — it is about being fully present to ourselves, whether or not we are with others.”

I’m pondering whether I agree entirely. I do know this is true in my experience: when I make space, clear islands of time, live in humane rhythms which allow for physical, actual solitude, and breathe deep there, I give my soul a real chance to then show up more fully when I am with others. I am one who needs and desires the literal solitude, daily. It gives me the freedom to be my better self wherever I am — alone or with others.

Praying this to be real today, here in Oklahoma. May your Christmas season be filled with grace and joy.

Warmly,

Todd

 

 

 

 

 

 

Artwork: Adoration of the Shepherds (1622), by Gerard van Honthorst – Google Art Project, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=45542035*

Music: Sweet Dreams, Little One by Paul Winter*
(https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18456094)

*used with permission

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo: Vulpes Fox, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Vulpes_vulpes_laying_in_snow.jpg; Shiretoko-Shari Tourist Association*

Song: Light that Finds Me by Stephen Iverson
(https://store.cdbaby.com/Artist/StephenIverson)*

*used with permission

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo: By Steve Jurvetson – Flickr, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=23906915*

Song: Alleluia by Stephen Iverson*
(https://store.cdbaby.com/Artist/StephenIverson)

*used with permission

 

 

 

 

 

Photo: Flowers outside a home in the village of Lindisfarne Island, UK, taken by Todd A. Spencer, 2010.

Song: Make Your Home in Me by Stephen Iverson*
(http://www.audiblefaith.com/pages/cd000204)

*used with permission

May you catch the Joy, always…

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo: Ruins of the Abbey on Lindisfarne Island, take by Todd A. Spencer*

Song: Moonstones and Chromosomes by Trace Bundy*
(tracebundy.com)

*used with permission

 

 

 

 

 

Photo: Early Morning Before Sunrise, Schweitzer Mountain, Idaho; take by Todd A. Spencer, 2018

Music: Ead’s Alpine Experience by Trace Bundy*
(tracebundy.com)

 

Photo: View from Schweitzer Mountain, Idaho, taken by Todd Spencer, 2018; during Stewards of the Mystery spiritual direction training residency #1.

Song: Silence of a Candle, sung by Theresa Thomason with Paul Winter Consort*
(paulwinter.com)

*used with permission

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo: Good Morning Estes Park, taken by Todd A. Spencer, 2018*

Music: Alabaster by Trace Bundy*
(tracebundy.com)

*used with permission

I’m away this week for Board of Ordained Ministry and Clergy Orders meetings. I will not be creating a podcast. I encourage you to use the search field on the website to find an episode for your meditation and prayer this week. Deepest Peace!

Todd

Photo: Good morning, from Estes Park taken by Todd Spencer, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo: A Fall Day on the Prayer Path, John Wesley Ranch, taken by Todd Spencer

Music: Song to the Mountains by Paul Winter*
(paulwinter.come)

Benediction Song: May the Lord Bless You and Keep You by Todd Spencer, 2018

*used with permission

 

 

 

 

 

Photo: Aspen Glory at John Wesley Ranch, taken by Todd A. Spencer

Music: Lord I Have Good Reason by Stephen Iverson*
(http://www.audiblefaith.com/authors/Stephen+Iverson)

Benediction Song: May the Lord Bless You and Keep You by Todd A. Spencer*

*used with permission

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo: Sanctuary of St. Aloysius Catholic Church, on the campus of Gonzaga University, Spokane, Washington, taken by Todd A. Spencer

Song: May the Lord Bless You and Keep You by Todd A. Spencer

 

 

 

 

Artwork: Mobius Strip By JoshDif – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0* (https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18456094)

Music: Redbud Siesta by Paul Winter*
(paulwinter.com)

*used with permission

 

 

 

 

 

Photo: Canyon Rim of Ute Valley Park, Colorado Springs, taken by Todd Spencer

Music: Lullaby on Three by Trace Bundy*
(tracebundy.com)

*used with permission

I encourage you to use the Search field on my website to find a text and episode to guide your time for holy listening this week.

Deepest Peace with You!

Todd

 

 

 

 

Photo: Todd at an ancient Bristlecone Pine Ute Prayer Tree on Pikes Peak, leading a contemplative hiking group. Bristlecone Pines like this are 1,500-4,000 years old. Photo taken by Susan Wesley Hartley.

Music: Atonement by Trinity Music*
(https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/trinitymusic6)

*used with permission

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Music: Hummingbird’s Ballad by Paul Winter*
(paulwinter.com)

*used with permission