Rev. Anne Abdy Reflections List

Childhood garnet hunts in Kuiseb’s riverbed remind us: Advent calls us to stay awake, watchful, and grounded in Christ.

The recent Cursillo weekend offered rest, reflection, and my first East Carolina experience as Spiritual Advisor “pilgrim” observer.

Reminder to the faithful at Holy Cross of Bishop’s Visitation and Election of 9th Bishop

Christianity is a living tradition of contemplation and action, growing through renewal, justice, and deep spiritual presence.

Faith is leaping into the unknown, trusting God to hold us beyond fear—like the springbok, we cannot scale walls when paralyzed by fear.

A reflection on the Gospel of Mark, chapter 5 story of the Hemorrhaging Woman who touched Jesus’ cloak and was healed written by The Rev. Nadia Bolz-Weber, Lutheran minister, author and public theologian.

The story of a lost dog reminds us of the parables of the Lost Coin and Lost Sheep, emphasizing the importance of community and love in finding the lost.

God calls in many ways—even at 3 a.m. Through restlessness or invitation, we’re nudged to respond, serve, and say, “Here I am, Lord.”

In the wake of a devastating school shooting during chapel at Annunciation Catholic School, I grieve the loss of innocent lives, reflect on Christ’s comforting presence in suffering, and find solace in the tender embrace of grandmothering—reminded of our sacred call to love, serve, and be instruments of peace.

Divine peace is unearned, overwhelming, comforting in chaos.

The passage describes a prayer practice where individuals use colored pebbles to symbolize prayers.

Hospital stay met with lasagna, love, and deep connection.

During a recent trip to Montana, Rev. Anne explored the National Bison Range and reflected on the beauty of nature and the Genesis stories of creation.

Lisa Richey's message at Holy Cross encouraged finding renewal in chaotic times through simple acts of creativity, like doing something new each week, as a way to reconnect with one's inner spark. Reflecting on this, Rev. Anne explores the dual meaning of “inspiration”—as both divine breath and creative energy—and invites others to consider how honoring that breath can lead us to deeper motivation, joy, and creative purpose.

The passage discusses the importance of change and growth in Christian living, and outlines upcoming changes to worship services, including a new seating arrangement for the Season of Ordinary.

We have a new Pope! Pope Leo XIV. What a joy he brings to the world and an inspiration to each of us as ministers of God’s Word. This quote from him was taken off a Facebook post and it crystalizes for me how God works in our lives and the reach he has within us. Enjoy!

Amidst the hustle and bustle of our lives today there is a peace that can be found in stillness. In the stillness there is renewal of the spirit. With renewal comes a closer connection to God.

Discovering the things of value gives meaning and direction to our lives.

There are times when storms are gathering, overwhelming us and we are forced to choose, to wait, to plow on, to crawl back in bed. OR, refocus our energies on the tasks at hand and the awareness that the storms of life will pass.

"Go tell it on a mountain, over the hills and everywhere..." we have six wonderful people who have taken on the responsibilities of "Preacher" in our Parish. Their discernment and study will provide us with fresh insights once a month. Join us.

REST (Read-Explore-Study-Thrive), it is the way in which we renew our strength and gain insight and direction. We have been given the ability to solve all problems. The key is in the word "solve." To do that, we need the rest that allows us to refocus, renew energy, and regenerate ideas.

The Easter Vigil, the awakening of the spirit, increased awareness, and love. Beginning at sundown on Holy Thursday and concluding with the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday this continuous vigil encompasses the Mass and highlights our unity in Christ.

Remembering that love, freely given, resurrects us from complacency and gives us strength to love others.

Finding our way as Disciples of Christ is not always easy. We are called to be illuminators of the Word. How do you do that. What is your story?

Changes allow us to stretch and grow as a community of faith and as an individual. Have you been searching for a way to make changes in your life? Here is a suggested reading and a list of possible changes to make. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in opening up to change and making that effort to to expand that we can grow.

Transforming our lives, and maybe even the lives of others during Lent, is to be open and engaged in deep soul-searching, listening and then to choosing right action.

Self-Reflection, slowed down and done with a purpose allows us to act with intention during Lent and grow spiritually as Jesus learned during his 40 days 40 days of discovering Truth and Peace in the wilderness.

"We must see everyone as our neighbor and serve them as we would serve Christ."

It is the Lenten Season, a time of renewal, a time of new beginnings in faith, in our service, and in our approach to life's challenges. Join us as we welcome those with different footsteps on the same path.

Finding Your Power

Opening the Mind and Heart

Sleep from Blessed Peace

"AND"

"Get Out of the Boat"

Each Person is Beautiful and Made in God's Image

Determining Directions

When God "Pokes," Pay Attention

The Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles