This blog is best suited for people who often feel like travelers on some kind of journey…home.
Do you desire to tap into something richer and more meaningful in life on a consistent basis? Is there a thirst that draws you to search for something better, but just out of reach? Maybe it’s more like a far flung, but powerful feeling that home exists, but you haven’t really been there yet. Then, you’ve come to the right place. I feel the same way.
This website doesn’t give simple pat answers, and pretend that such things as suffering, loss, and pain, or even beauty and joy can be quickly understood, or explained away. It does offer insights, ideas, and suggestions, from me and fellow pilgrims, to aid in a more enriching relationships with God, and others. In traveling thus, we can better come into our own, and experience life in a much more settled, or comforted fashion–open to grace and growth as we encounter whatever happens in life, together.
The name of the blog “Life As Prayer” refers to what life can be like when it’s seen a bit differently–as prayer. It doesn’t mean you have to fold your hands and close your eyes.
Most people think of prayer as something they can do, but many don’t see it as something they can become. Seeing life a gift gives value and hope to so much more in life. A book about that outlook or lifestyle is in progress right now. I will post updates here as they become available. (Find out who I am by clicking the “bio”.) The book with the working title “Life As Prayer,” will consider, “What if the spiritual wasn’t just an aspect of one’s life, or something to dabble in, but what if it was considered the paradigm for reality itself?”
The question becomes: If God, The Eternal Mind, The Creator, is omnipresent, do we really “find God”? Or, is it is an awakening, and also a slow, epiphanic journey of viewing and experiencing our existence with newer, increasingly focused perceptions toward the One who created us, and redeems us graciously. We all want to be known and loved, and this type of life-as-prayer paradigm embraces that on a grander level, and includes all of humanity, and creation.
At this site, your thoughts are welcome, even if they differ from mine, or the majority, so long as they aren’t spiteful. I believe dialogue, participation, and involvement are crucial as we encounter this fascinating journey for all of us on the road we travel together–right now.
At least four times per week there will be something new to read, engage in, or be a part of here. I really enjoy giving gifts, too. Sometimes I’ll give out things I love, like coffee, books, gadgets, goodies, or something I think may brighter your day. And also, if you enjoy a good blog or article that relates to what I’m doing here, let me know. I’ll link to it. (No strings-attached.)
Also look on the materials/resources page to receive helpful tools I’ve created and made available for use. I’ll be updating that page with more items, as I get the chance. Lastly, it’s my hope to conduct online learning groups. 6-10 of us, at a time, will be able gather, and go over something very specific, like “praying with a visual aid,” or “fasting,” or “life-to-life discipleship,” or “communal meals,” and other things. I’ll share information from my research, education, and reading. We’ll reflect, experiment, share, dialogue, and learn together. (More on that later.) The site is searchable on the homepage for most of what I’ve mentioned so far–fill in the Search field on the right sidebar. The Archives tab gives a great overview of all the posts, at a glance.
Thank you for coming by. By clicking the green technorati fav. button on the homepage, (lower right side) you help more people find this site. Please point others this way, and link to helpful articles here when you can. (For instance, by linking from your facebook page, blog post/site, or twitter tweet.)
*If you’ve found anything here enjoyable, or useful, that makes it really worthwhile to me. I ask that you please consider helping me with a gift to defray expenses. Even a dollar or two would be a kind gesture. I am grateful for it. The time I devote here, takes away from my opportunities at making income. (A secure Paypal donation link is on the homepage.)
If you forget everything else you see here and never return, I ask that you please remember just two messages from this place. 1. Never forget your worth, and 2. Please believe (or, at the very least, hope) that Eternal Love is available, and ever-near, (and keep searching if it’s only hope you have). It is, in fact, hope, an eternal ideal in itself, that points the way to the Eternal Source who is just off the map of ordinary perceptions. Peace be with you.
photo: Lisa Colón DeLay All rights reserved. Cressona, PA
I love your site. Keep it up !
By: knowledgetoday on March 24, 2009
at 4:57 pm
Awesome job with the “About” section. And now I know you’re writing a book. Do you have a release date with a publisher yet?
By: Jeannie on April 3, 2009
at 12:45 pm
The book “Life As Prayer” is at the proposal stage, and with my agent Chip MacGregor (chipmacgregor.com). He’s in the process of readying it and pitching it to publishers.
Your interest, and the interest of others, helps us to know there is a genuine need for the book, and potential readership for the topic/view point. Hopefully, the word will spread.
I also hope that the idea isn’t really just about a book, by me, but a whole way of seeing the world anew. It’s been life-changing for me, and others, to venture into this type of spiritual purview about Reality.
As the ‘project’ (with the book, or anything else) moves forward, all updates will be posted here. Your comments, thoughts, and participation are not just appreciated, they are necessary for the things to be at their best. Thanks for your enthusiasm and encouragement.
-Lisa
By: Lisa DeLay on April 3, 2009
at 2:12 pm
I am a student in Chip’s editing class. I read a portion of your story, and I think it has great potential. It seemed to have a different personality than any other book on prayer I have read. I look forward to seeing it in print.
By: Melissa Kerkhoff on April 21, 2009
at 11:13 pm
thank you for writing. Chip is off the chain, what must it be like to have him in class? What a hoot. Or, maybe he just talks so fast that typing notes isn’t possible. Chip, sent word today that a Tyndale editor wants to see a few things fleshed out, but sounds interested. (I’m doing a happy dance.) I adore Tyndale. I would greatly appreciate your prayers, and input here at this blog. (That includes everyone, people!) One thing I would to really pursue is the idea that perhaps those of the Catholic tradition are more acquainted with, and that is that negative (so-called) portions of our spiritual journey or a normal part of the process. Dark times, un-SUNSHINE MOUNTAIN times, are part of what God uses, and quite positive, though they might not feel like it. Many people tend to think of God’s displeasure, or his withholding of blessing when they don’t feel his love, are suffering, or not being blessed. There is much to learn here, and take to heart.
Hope you stop by again soon!
By: lisacolondelay on April 22, 2009
at 4:26 pm
Your book project sounds really worthwhile. Hope it comes to fruition. If you can’t find someone to publish it, there is always the possibility of independently publishing.
By: slgreatsuess on July 7, 2009
at 3:51 pm