SISTER SUE TRACY’S TOPIC TITLES & DESCRIPTIONS

 1)    AFFIRMATIONS…CREATIVE VISUALIZATION…GUIDED IMAGERY…

We are bodymindspirits with remarkable mind powers to optimize our physical and emotional health. These modalities help tap into inner resources towards renewed health. We will acquaint ourselves with each and practice them.

 2)    THE ABC’S ‘N’ XYZ’S OF PRAYER

St. Paul said, “Pray always.” We say, “How can this be?” We will look at 26+ new and old ways to pray and take time to experience some. There’s something new for everyone including an Alphabet Prayer & handouts for further reflection.

 3)    CELEBRATE LIFE COME WHAT MAY DAY BY DAY

As we add years to our lives, how do we add life to our years? What should we pursue? What should we avoid? We’ll explore responses to these questions and hopefully leave convinced that we can celebrate life day by day come what may.

 4)  LAFF JEST FOR THE HEALTH OF IT !!

We hunger for humor and we long for laughter. Yet many don’t realize how vital these “nutrients” are for the well being of our bodymindspirits. We’ll look at benefits, practice hearty laughter and leave energized with hopes no one will die laughing. JJJ

 5)    THE SEASONS OF OUR LIVES

We live the same four seasons inside of us which we observe outside of us. How would you respond to these questions:

1) What is something that’s developing or being birthed in you?

2) What is something in your life that is bearing fruit?

3) What is something in your life that needs to be let go?

4) What is something that has died, is dormant or feels frozen?

6)    SISTER TALK: EVERYTHING YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT SISTERS BUT HAVEN’T HAD THE CHANCE TO ASK

There’s something mysterious about Sisters even though most do not wear habits as in yesteryears. We’ll talk about what causes them to choose this life, why they stay and what they do all day.

7)    THE ART OF THANKSGIVING IS THANKS-LIVING

Wilferd Peterson said, “The art of thanksgiving is thanks-living.” Meister Eickhart once said, “If the only prayer we ever said was THANK YOU, it would be enough.” We’ll explore how to enhance an attitude of gratitude and how to be humbly grateful and not grumbly hateful.

8)    UNWRAPPING GOD’S GIFTS

God’s G-I-F-T-S come in a variety of packages. All are good but some are not obviously so. We’ll take time to focus on a few G-I-F-T-S to see how well we recognize them and respond accordingly. We will depart feeling gift-ed in refreshing ways.

 9)    CANCER TIMES FOUR: THE FACTS, FAITH AND FEELINGS

Although the diagnosis of cancer can be life threatening, it is not a death sentence. One can live, love, laugh and learn through this experience and discover there is a lot that one CAN do and learn through or despite CAN-cer. This is possible even after hearing the “c” word four times.

 10) WHY SUFFERING? WHERE’S GOD WHEN LIFE HURTS?

Somewhere in our psyche we believe life’s norm should be smooth, harmonious and pain-free. Is it possible to affirm that suffering is not God’s great goof and that pain can turn us towards God? Borrowing on valuable insights from Philip Yancey’s book entitled Where is God When It Hurts? and watching an impacting video entitled “Encounter with Garvan Byrne’, we’ll leave with a lot to ponder.

 11) GRIEVING AND THE INVINCIBLE SUMMER WITHIN

An opportunity for those who are grieving to deepen in respect of their own pain, to honor their individuality and process while avoiding comparison with others. We’ll view a video entitled “The Invincible Summer” and share insights gleaned by its message.

 12) THE GIFT OF HEALING PRESENCE

Gifts are always welcome and most don’t need a box or ribbon. We’ll delve into eight gifts that do not cost a cent and create a list of others which make life worth living.

13) THE TAPESTRY OF OUR LIVES

Using short video vignettes of Julian of Norwich, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Trudy the Bag Lady, Dorothy Day and Mary of Nazareth, we will deepen in our awareness of these remarkable women who met struggles and grew through them, whose lives have left a legacy worth our time and reflection.

 14)  PASSIONATE SPIRITUALITY

How deep and rich is our connection with God these days? What might we do to enhance the fervor of our faith? We’ll ponder ways other people have pursued the topic and see what fits for us. We’ll also consider books, movies, plays, quotations and sacred places that nudge us to desire faith-filled living.

An example of Sister Sue speaking can be heard at the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oSaQcJ5WQE&list=PLioYENKB_wXnv4AMbYAHDzyQk1QQvJ-2k&index=1, which is  a recording of her talk entitled “Laffter is Carbonated Holiness” at the Fountain Street Church on August 11, 2013.