“Longing”

“When you are in deep darkness, even the smallest light seems bright.”

I look for light

I’m sure it’s there

Soft strands in people

In lives being lived

In brief moments

A crack of Light breaks through

And is magnified

Through people’s love

And kindness

Hope holds firm

In melodies

And words of songs

Christ is present in loving concern

In offerings of heart and self

In a hug

Christ is in the Light

Christ IS the Light

Find it, see it

Capture it, keep it

O Gentle Light

Guide my eyes to see

Help me find strength

In just a sliver

Shine in me, Christ Child

Through me, around me

Over me

Surround me, envelop me

Hold me, rest in me

Oh Desire of the Nations

Love me.

“God is Light; in Him there is no darkness.”

by Sally M.

Psyche’s Tasks

On Saturday, February 7^th, Sister Olga Wittekind (OSF) led the program ‘A Woman’s Journey Toward an Undivided Life: Psyche’s Task’s’ at the Oldenburg Franciscan Center. Using Robert Johnson’s book She, participants dropped deeper into their souls to discover more fully which of Psyche’s Tasks is leading them to greater wholeness. Discussion was centered on how we are by nature deeply relational and need to find balance in our lives.

The day was focused on how women can integrate their relationships with God, families, and others. Looking at the 4 tasks that Psyche (ourselves) had to accomplish in order to reach Love (God) encouraged this group of 35 women on their spiritual journeys. The tasks of discernment, focusing, going into solitude and learning to say, “No” when appropriate gave the women encouragement on their journeys to God.

Our next program will be ‘Women’s Day: Women of Love’ on Saturday, March 7^th. The theme for Women’s Day is ‘Love Beyond All Measure’. Lunch is included! For more information about programs, or to register, call us at 812.933.6437 or visit our website at www.oldenburgfranciscancenter.org

Finding the Center

The labyrinth is a design based on a single path leading to the center and then back out of the same path. Along the way there are many twists and turns, symbolic of the twists and turns in our lives.

Often the labyrinth is confused with a maze, but the two are opposites. The path of the labyrinth always leads to the center. The maze has many paths that lead nowhere. In a maze we lose ourselves. In a labyrinth we find ourselves. The labyrinth allows us to relax and be present on the journey itself. Many times we see our lives as mazes…we feel that we have lost our way, that our path is leading nowhere.

As Christians on a spiritual journey, we need to change our view of ‘our life as a maze’ to that of ‘our life as a labyrinth’. We need to acknowledge that our path leads to One center.

The center is where we will all eventually meet.

Be thankful for your journey, cherish the moments, memories, and people you meet along the way.

An outdoor labyrinth can be found at Michaela Farm.

For smaller labyrinths, stop by the center. We have several that can be enjoyed!

The following poem was written by Sally Meyer, 2014. Sally is a participant in OFC programs.

The Labyrinth

Entering into Your presence

Guide my heart

Draw me in O God

~

Send my feet

Each step intentional

You lead

~

Revealing pure moments

That come

Then go

~

I move on

Unknown paths

Yet I’m drawn

~

Trusting each step

With each prayer

Aware and listening

~

The final turn

The center

Stopping and waiting

~

My end

Is my beginning

Choosing to enter

~

Fire awaits

To cleanse and refine

Purify me

~

Exposed yet surrendered

Shameful yet humble

Merciful presence

~

Heart and hands

That in this place

Only God can hold

~

Turning back

To life

Renewed and loved

~

Shadows & Grace, a video blog by S. Olga Wittekind

In continuation of last week’s video blog on the “Journey to Wholeness,” S. Olga Wittekind offers more insight this week into the Jungian concept of the shadow, and how through God’s grace we may grow in wholeness by acknowledging and integrating our less favorable personal attributes.

S. Olga Wittekind, OSF, is a Franciscan Sister, Jungian Psychologist, Spiritual Director, and the Director of the Oldenburg Franciscan Center, where she focuses on helping individuals of all faiths grow in wholeness through spirituality & psychology.

COMING SOON at OLDENBURG FRANCISCAN CENTER: