Benedictions: 26 Reflections

Benedictions is about the presence of the sacred in ordinary things: the ground beneath our feet the ways we bless each other loss and grief the making of our homes even doubt and darkness. In the everyday experiences described here Gods presence is palpable and real. Cleave the wood and I am there says Isaiah in the apocryphal gospel of Thomas. Lift up the stone and you will find me there. These benedictions--literally good words blessings tastes of God--remind readers to live life with feeling and passion and art to pay attention to the holiness of the commonplace. Each reflection opens a door inviting the reader into an experience they might understand as an encounter with God and an exploration of the many meanings of the sacred. Benedictions is also a personal collection about places and people seasons of life and seasons of experience that convey much more than the ordinary. A statement and questions for further conversation and discussion follow each reflection. Hopefully readers will discover their own benedictions here in the wonder grace and mystery of Gods presence in daily life. These earthy reflections from Julie Aageson offer spiritual refuge for anyone who lives an ordinary yet busy life. You can almost smell the ocean and cedar of her childhood as she paints you into the canvas of Gods sacred presence. Relax and let the Holy take you in. --Terri Lackey Director for Communication Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Aagesons reflections lead us on a trail of rich storytelling uplifting ways we experience Gods presence in our everyday lives. Stop along the way to savor each one. Leave refreshed and grateful for the tug of Gods hand in yours leading you to become an ongoing benediction in the world. --Sandra Anderson Childrens Christian educator and curriculum writer Personal yet universal. Julie Aagesons lovely writing captures the holiness of everyday things and experiences. She invites us through her finely crafted reflections to pause in our busy lives and notice Gods presence all around us. At the end of each reflection essay Julie encourages us to pause and reflect either as a solo reader in a family or other small group with questions to draw out our own memories ponderings and benedictions. --Beth A. Lewis President & CEO Augsburg Fortress Benedictions by Julie K. Aageson overflows with blessings. With exquisite attention to the ordinary Aageson draws us into pondering where we find meaning shelter comfort company hope beauty resurrection purpose and God in daily living. Hers is the voice of a friend opening her home and speaking lovingly and elegantly of the places people events and deeds that reveal Gods face in the journey that is life. --Elna K. Solvang Professor Department of Religion Concordia College Julie K. Aageson has served as a resource specialist and writer for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She writes a regular column for the ELCA magazine GATHER and is a co-author of One Hope: Re-Membering the Body of Christ honoring the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.