❇️ NOTE: The video above doesn’t include sound.

It’s an exciting day and I’m happy to tell you that…

we are on the very cusp of releasing the interactive desert seeker experience that precedes my book release:

“The Way of the Desert Elders”

But, we need YOUR HELP!

We are on “pause”…

When you help,you get access to be one of the first players to travel to the desert communities of the monastics in the 300s and seek the guidance of desert mothers and fathers—tie up your sandals and get ready for a pilgrimage through the sands!

Please, Contribute here [https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/MDGZVC56DFH4U]!

New to my work? ⬇️

DESERT PILGRIM QUEST

• You begin in bustling ancient Alexandria, Egypt.

🔉There are sights and sounds that greet you with each step. You can gaze around 360º to see the sky, sand, and city, as you look in every direction.🕯️

• After you get off the boat,

you head to the Dock Master and visit the marketplace to find the help of a famous early Church Father…

…Then!

You begin to travel a desert path, across the sands—like hundreds of thousands did before you—to visit the communities of those devoted to God in the barren wilderness… 👣

Who might you meet along the way?

• As you meet wise elders, they guide on your way and teach you the ways of early Christian desert spirituality and how to renew your faith! ❤️‍🔥 Here is a gallery of glimpses of what’s coming~

🙌🏼 Ready to travel to distant lands for an experience you won’t forget?

It’s not just an encounter with history, but a chance to slow down, connect richly to the people of the period and experience new ways and practices of devotion as you encounter the wisdom and places from forgotten saints of the past. ❤️

Please help and re-stack orshare what’s happening, today ⬇️

❤️ Your support and contributions mean everything.

Thank you.🙏🏽-Lisa

Here’s more!

• Which Desert Elder do you hope to meet?

• What adventures or spiritual lessons would you like to encounter in this experience?🙂AND If you have questions—ask away!



This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkmymuse.substack.com/subscribe [https://sparkmymuse.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Press "E" for encounter!

Welcome to February everyone!

It’s my birthday month and I’ve been know to give gifts in February over the last 15 years of doing a blog and podcast.

This is one of those times.

I hope you give enjoy this. USE the discount code 2025BIRTHDAYGIFT during February

at this link [https://www.patreon.com/sparkmymuse/shop/map-your-inner-world-discovery-tool-on-858830] and you can try my new discovery tool/product for almost free. $15 off!This is LIMITED TO THE 1ST 20 PEOPLE who use the code…because I’m created these customs maps on my own, and that’s all I can handle.Help me spread the news and share this with anyone you think would like it.

Check out the details by clicking the map image below.Stay warm, and thanks for your support ❤️❤️❤️

Your satisfaction is guaranteed or you get your money back.



This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkmymuse.substack.com/subscribe [https://sparkmymuse.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Giving YOU a gift for my birthday 

HAPPY NEW YEAR

For reasons I don’t understand, the video message I sent a few days ago with a post was deleted. So I redid it and that’s what you see here plus a little more. Thank you to you who commented and liked the original. ❤️

🏆 I also wanted to point you to a recent conversation I had with Sara Wolcott here [https://www.sequoiasamanvaya.com/mapping-the-inner-landscape].

We get into portions of my new book material as well. She’s created an intriguing map of her interior terrain you can download there which is based on the material of my Wild Land Within book. Don’t miss that. It may inspire you to create one also.

I’m in the process of creating an interactive tool to make that easier. Let me know if you are interested and I’ll try to get you a beta version.Stay tuned!

[repost]As you settle out the year and gather strength for the new one I wanted to come to you to wish all of you well.

Thank you for companioning with me in 2024. Welcome to all of you new folks.

I love bringing you wisdom from an elder of the 1900s, Howard Thurman and this time is in on the temptation Jesus faced in the garden. Confronting the notion of death and finality to his mission when he knew there was more he could do in the world. More life to live, more lives to heal, and more bringing of the Kingdom.

That was left to us. We too confront the finitude and the difficulties of laying down our will and plans to the bigger ones and the Will of the Father.

You are invited to reflect deeply on this message, to pray with it and let it touch you.

But also to share it with others and leave your thoughts and comments for others to read.

Leave a comment [https://substack.com/app-link/post?publication_id=555341&post_id=153686622&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&isFreemail=false&comments=true&token=eyJ1c2VyX2lkIjo1NDIyODc3LCJwb3N0X2lkIjoxNTM2ODY2MjIsImlhdCI6MTczNTMyMzE1NywiZXhwIjoxNzM3OTE1MTU3LCJpc3MiOiJwdWItNTU1MzQxIiwic3ViIjoicG9zdC1yZWFjdGlvbiJ9.30pTrAeVJ5Rzr3lKhmHb4KKcf8uBfoenHWQUg2zSmr4&r=388bh&utm_campaign=email-half-magic-comments&action=post-comment]

Thanks for reading Little Spark Stack [https://substack.com/redirect/2/eyJlIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9zcGFya215bXVzZS5zdWJzdGFjay5jb20_dXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPWVtYWlsLWhvbWUmcj0zODhiaCIsInAiOjE1MzY4NjYyMiwicyI6NTU1MzQxLCJmIjpmYWxzZSwidSI6NTQyMjg3NywiaWF0IjoxNzM1MzIzMTU3LCJleHAiOjE3Mzc5MTUxNTcsImlzcyI6InB1Yi0wIiwic3ViIjoibGluay1yZWRpcmVjdCJ9.s5Pz7jXPMaUmUPBfxl3LTJ8KYYF6K8CzZFA-obJz9GM?]. This post is public, so feel free to share it.

Share [https://substack.com/app-link/post?publication_id=555341&post_id=153686622&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&utm_campaign=email-share&action=share&triggerShare=true&isFreemail=false&r=388bh&token=eyJ1c2VyX2lkIjo1NDIyODc3LCJwb3N0X2lkIjoxNTM2ODY2MjIsImlhdCI6MTczNTMyMzE1NywiZXhwIjoxNzM3OTE1MTU3LCJpc3MiOiJwdWItNTU1MzQxIiwic3ViIjoicG9zdC1yZWFjdGlvbiJ9.30pTrAeVJ5Rzr3lKhmHb4KKcf8uBfoenHWQUg2zSmr4]



This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkmymuse.substack.com/subscribe [https://sparkmymuse.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

repost & update [VIDEO] End of Year Greeting, Blessing, and Prayer

Thank you for companioning with me in 2024. Welcome to all of you new folks.

I love bringing you wisdom from an elder of the 1900s, Howard Thurman and this time is in on the temptation Jesus faced in the garden. Confronting the notion of death and finality to his mission when he knew there was more he could do in the world. More life to live, more lives to heal, and more bringing of the Kingdom.

You are invited to reflect deeply on this message, to pray with it and let it touch you.

But also to share it with others and leave your thoughts and comments for others to read.



This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkmymuse.substack.com/subscribe [https://sparkmymuse.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

[VIDEO] End of Year Greeting, Blessing, and Prayer

MLK Jr Day is a National Holiday and National Day of Service

- find out more here: https://www.americorps.gov/newsroom/events/mlk-day

Please enjoy the audio for today that includes a reading from “Strength to Love”
from Chapter 3.

Dont’ forget to get a copy of “Strength to Love” wherever you get books or here:
https://bookshop.org/a/15826/9780800697402

Episode Music info and credits:

• First music featured “I Want to be Ready” The Hampton Institute Quartet”
[https://archive.org/details/78_ezekiel-saw-de-wheel_the-hampton-institute-quartet_gbia0047560]
Music archive found at the Internet archive - Creative Commons material.

• Last music featured “God Put a Rainbow in the Sky” sung by Mahalia Jackson
[http://www.mahaliajackson.us/biography/]
http://www.mahaliajackson.us/biography/(1911-1972). She often accompanied Dr.
MLK Jr and sang at services, rallies, and events.

Follow what Robert J. Monson is doing in this series!

Robert's podcast— https://anchor.fm/blackcoffeeandtheology
[https://anchor.fm/blackcoffeeandtheology/]

and his writing!

Donate to Robert here:
Cash App $RobertMonson
Venmo: Robert-Monson-2

Donate to Lisa here:
• VENMO: venmo.com/lisadelay
• PayPal.me/lisacolondelay [http://paypal.me/lisacolondelay]

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers
or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkmymuse.substack.com/subscribe
[https://sparkmymuse.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Dangerous Altruism 

Hello friends!
I’m sending out some audio thoughts and wishing you a restful weekend.
This is a message to hold space for our sadness and despair and to also
encourage us to find ways to overcome the evil we face so we can build an actual
democracy where our false one now stands.
I ask that you will share this with others if you choose.

Please leave your imaginative ideas in the comments.

To hear the latest Spark My Muse episode (from Nov 17, 2021) go here:
https://lisadelay.com/blog/our-curious-dna-of-desire/

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers
or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkmymuse.substack.com/subscribe
[https://sparkmymuse.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

A call for active imagination

WRITTTEN DISPATCH PORTION:
Hello,
I’m bringing you a Little Sparkcast

This time,
it’s the audio section from a short video I made today. It speaks about the
upcoming Winter Retreat Online hosted by Jenn Layte and it’s also a short intro
about me. Other presenters will be contributing short intro videos too.
DATES: January 7-9, 2022
If you are able, watch the video that goes with the audio: go here ➡️ ::Video
[https://www.instagram.com/p/CWHDOU6AUV5/]::



Key links:
The Pilgrimage website [https://the-pilgrimage.org]
Find out the about each of the 8 presenters.
Get your Tickets here (at Eventbrite) ➡️:
https://www.eventbrite.com/x/winter-solace-epiphany-tickets-192309531987
What’s the COST?
Yes, there is a cost to come.
It helps cover the costs and compensate guest presenters for their time and
effort.
⭐️If money is too tight for something like this, we have GOOD NEWS!
There are discounts and scholarships for those who need them. So, please, do not
let money be the obstacle that keeps you from attending. And if you happened to
blessed with something extra to give to someone in need, there is a place to
contribute on the event page
[https://www.eventbrite.com/x/winter-solace-epiphany-tickets-192309531987].
Thank you for being generous. ❤️
I have 3 discount codes I can give to the first 3 people who ask. Please let me
know!

CONFESSION: I’m been mistakenly saying/thinking Solstice instead of Solace.
How very silly of me!
Solstice happens in December. It’s that thing with the sun and experiencing the
shortest amount of daylight for the Northern hemisphere of the Earth. Not. a.
fan.

Solace is comfort and consolation in a time of sadness or distress. That will be
happening at our online event Jan 7-9, 2022 hosted by Jenn Layte and through her
non-profit The Pilgrimage. This time is one of the best ways to begin the New
Year that I can possibly think of. Join with your devoted guides and others in
an environment of openness, encouragement, and support as you are nourished
spiritually, acknowledged in whatever state you find yourself in, and able to
have the opportunity to richly connect with others in generative ways.

That’s it!
• We will keep you posted with more info and post it to the event page as
preparations unfold. ❤️

If you’re a paid subscriber, you can comment, and I’d love to hear from you.
Will you be able to come?
P.S.
Please help us share the news!
If you’ve gotten this from a friend, you are invited to subscribe!

❤️
-Lisa

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers
or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkmymuse.substack.com/subscribe
[https://sparkmymuse.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Solace for your New Year

Hi everyone!

Greetings as I kick off broadcasting and posting (using Substack).

I’m so happy to include all of you as I get started.
NOW, get ready to click a few BUTTONS.

(you CAN skip this part)

Look, Memory Lane—
It started in 2005—blogging. I would do it up to 3 times a week. The site was
called wit4life.com

Then it became life-as-prayer on Blogger and then on Wordpress in 2009 [because
I was writing a book with that name
(If you are interest this -sometimes-rudely long amazon affiliate book link will
get you there: https://amzn.to/3ESLhin).]
After that, it wasn’t long until I wanted my own domain name and I picked my own
name lisadelay.com so I could became “a brand” and become further dehumanized.
Um, no, not really.
Then, in 2015 that I began Spark My Muse podcast to engage with authors and
expand beyond writing and teaching in-person; and I’m 410 or so episodes in. The
URL sparkmymuse.com goes to my lisadelay.com site.

🌺 HERE’S WHAT’S UP!

Upgrading to Substack unites the two worlds (blog/writing and podcasting/audio)
and hopefully eases the financial burden in a happy evolution in this whole
“life’s work” stuff.

Everything I’ve podcasted or posted on my website until now will be here with no
paywall! There will be new articles and audio here as this becomes a main hub
for what I do and how I get it to you! 😃 It’s an upgrade for everyone! woot.
TO CLARIFY:
• Each week you can still hear my Spark My Muse podcast —free— on any podcast
catcher (iTunes, iHartRadio, GooglePlay, Stitcher etc)
or at sparkmymuse.com [http://sparkmymuse.com].
If you are a paid subscriber, it finds YOU.
It will be delivered straight to your inbox or you can pop back here where you
will also get the companion show notes.
🥰PLUS! There will be special Subscriber ONLY podcasts called The Little
Sparkcast available here only.
Will you please help me share what is going on? I need your help very badly.
Thank you, thank you!

NEWS: ONLINE RETREAT 2022!

Soon!
I’m joining a faculty of amazing pastors, spiritual directors, and presenters to
kick off 2022 in a beautiful way and I’ve love for you to come too. It’s worth
the cost, and donations are being taken to help others who cannot manage the
financially. If that’s you, contact organizer Jenn Layte to see about funds
(follow link button below).

HEY!
• A few discounts are available on a first come, first serve basis.
Use code: 15OFFwinterretreat (but hurry!)

A BIG THANK YOU🙏🏽
All my lovely Patreon supporters who have been rays of hope, encouragement, and
beacons of goodness. I have something for you. I’m giving ALL of you Free
Premium Subscriptions FOR LIFE.
❤️ You, fantastic people are the WIND BENEATH my armpits. I love you so much and
I don’t have wings…yet!

But, if you feel like sharing the wealth and you want to give a subscription of
some sort, guess what? You can!
⭐️For the rest of you, there’s also a special SURPRISE!
Check out the super du

I got a new groove!

Tips from Thomas Merton on meditation, mental temperament, and how to use the
gospel scenes to create intimacy with Jesus during prayer

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers
or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkmymuse.substack.com/subscribe
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Praying with the Gospels; Tips from Thomas Merton [SSL 208]

How sitting still in silence can change your life.

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers
or get access to bonus episodes, visit sparkmymuse.substack.com/subscribe
[https://sparkmymuse.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Eps. 203: Transformational Presence; Guest, Brian Russell

The next iteration of the Spark My Muse Project with Lisa Colón DeLay

sparkmymuse.substack.com [https://sparkmymuse.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast]

Little Spark Shorts