“Love God with all your heart and soul and strength and mind,” Jesus said. He was quoting a demand from Hebrew scriptures which was ancient even then.
What occurred to me is that this describes half a relationship -- our half. Humanity’s relationship to God. It’s what we are supposed to do in this life. Align our whole being -- heart, soul, mind -- with the purpose of the Higher Power.
Who is this Higher Power? Supposing we agree with Jesus' life mission to reveal a God who is totally good? This means our having no will that isn’t good as God sees it. Praying for my team to win the football game, for instance,
Showing posts with label purpose. Show all posts
Showing posts with label purpose. Show all posts
Oct 15, 2011
Apr 15, 2011
The sun as a metaphor
 |
| Tucson sunrise |
A couple of weeks ago, I watched a glorious sunrise in Arizona.
Mary Baker Eddy writes of the sun as a metaphor for God. "If we say that the sun stands for God, then all his rays collectively stand for Christ, and each separate ray for men and women."
I like to think about our shining out from God, like rays from the sun. One ray doesn't interfere with another. Each has its own assignment. Yet each is important to lighting the whole day. If the rays could be turned off, one by one, there would be almost imperceptible, but increasingly less light, till there was no light. It would be a sad sun that had no rays.
Each of us is unique, important to God's good purpose for today. Each of us has an assignment only we can fulfill. None of us can interfere with anyone else's shining. God, as infinite light, shines through us. What we do with our moments and our lives makes God known. We are Her shining.
And She, in turn, shines Her approval on us.
"God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us." (Ps. 67:1)
Apr 14, 2011
The climb and the ant
This story came in a recent email. The moral is a useful one. We don't always understand the path before us. But if what we're doing is an answer to a prayer to be of service, we can trust God to adjust our course to Her good purpose, and go about Her work cheerfully.
Brenda was almost halfway to the top of the tremendous granite cliff. She was standing on a ledge where she was taking a breather during this, her first rock climb. As she rested there, the safety rope snapped against her eye and knocked out her contact lens.
'Great', she thought. 'Here I am on a rock ledge, hundreds of feet from the bottom and hundreds of feet to the top of this cliff, and now my sight is blurry.' She looked and looked, hoping that somehow it had landed on the ledge. But it just wasn't there.
She felt the panic rising in her, so she began praying. She prayed for calm, and she prayed that she might find her contact lens. When she got to the top, a friend examined her eye and her clothing for the lens, but it was not to be found. Although she was calm now that she was at the top, she was saddened because she could not clearly see across the range of mountains. She thought of the bible verse 'The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth.'
She thought, 'Lord, You can see all these mountains. You know every stone and leaf, and You know exactly where my contact lens is. Please help me.'
Later, when they had hiked down the trail to the bottom of the cliff they met another party of climbers just starting up. One of them shouted out, 'Hey, you guys! Anybody lose a contact lens?' Well, that would be startling enough, but you know why the climber saw it? An ant was moving slowly across a twig on the face of the rock, carrying it!
The story doesn't end there. Brenda's father is a cartoonist. When she told him the incredible story of the ant, the prayer, and the contact lens, he drew a cartoon of an ant lugging that contact lens with the caption below.
Brenda was almost halfway to the top of the tremendous granite cliff. She was standing on a ledge where she was taking a breather during this, her first rock climb. As she rested there, the safety rope snapped against her eye and knocked out her contact lens.
'Great', she thought. 'Here I am on a rock ledge, hundreds of feet from the bottom and hundreds of feet to the top of this cliff, and now my sight is blurry.' She looked and looked, hoping that somehow it had landed on the ledge. But it just wasn't there.
She felt the panic rising in her, so she began praying. She prayed for calm, and she prayed that she might find her contact lens. When she got to the top, a friend examined her eye and her clothing for the lens, but it was not to be found. Although she was calm now that she was at the top, she was saddened because she could not clearly see across the range of mountains. She thought of the bible verse 'The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth.'
She thought, 'Lord, You can see all these mountains. You know every stone and leaf, and You know exactly where my contact lens is. Please help me.'
Later, when they had hiked down the trail to the bottom of the cliff they met another party of climbers just starting up. One of them shouted out, 'Hey, you guys! Anybody lose a contact lens?' Well, that would be startling enough, but you know why the climber saw it? An ant was moving slowly across a twig on the face of the rock, carrying it!
The story doesn't end there. Brenda's father is a cartoonist. When she told him the incredible story of the ant, the prayer, and the contact lens, he drew a cartoon of an ant lugging that contact lens with the caption below.
Mar 20, 2011
What's the point?
OK. Why are we here, anyway? What’s the point?
What if the point is to affirm life?
What if the point is to tell one another, “I’m so glad you are here, because your life makes a difference to me!”
What if the point is to give joy wherever you can?
What if the point is to challenge apathy and indifference with purpose?
These five gentlemen of advancing years discover something of their purpose by vigorously challenging, together, the limitations of aging. What a courageous first step.
This life-affirming video is captioned, for those of us who don’t read Chinese!
What if the point is to affirm life?
What if the point is to tell one another, “I’m so glad you are here, because your life makes a difference to me!”
What if the point is to give joy wherever you can?
What if the point is to challenge apathy and indifference with purpose?
These five gentlemen of advancing years discover something of their purpose by vigorously challenging, together, the limitations of aging. What a courageous first step.
This life-affirming video is captioned, for those of us who don’t read Chinese!
Jan 22, 2011
What it's all about
Diane Rose doesn't know the meaning of the word "can't." Even if you are not particularly interested in quilting, your life will probably be enriched by meeting her.
Diane's accomplishments, filled with so much love, remind me of Mary Baker Eddy words, "We are all capable of more than we do." Diane is living proof.
Oct 3, 2010
"The Gentle Art of Blessing"
The world, it appears, is full of caring people. You’ll find them among your neighbors, your family, your colleagues, even strangers.
A friend told me recently that Pierre Pradervand’s book had changed her life. I hadn’t even heard of Pierre Pradervand -- one of the world’s more public caring people. A little Google research revealed that one of the delightful things about Pradervand is he does indeed walk his talk.
He can write about unconditional love because he lives it. Apparently he has for some time. I look forward to reading his book.
Here’s an appetizer, a challenge if you will, from a Youtube slide show:
“On passing people in the street, on the bus,
in places of work, and play, bless them.
The peace of your blessing will accompany them on their way
and the aura of its gentle fragrance will be a light to their path.
On meeting and talking to people, bless them in their health,
their work, their joy, their relationships to God, themselves, and others...”
You really need to see the whole seven minutes.
He has it right. Love is the only thing that matters.
A friend told me recently that Pierre Pradervand’s book had changed her life. I hadn’t even heard of Pierre Pradervand -- one of the world’s more public caring people. A little Google research revealed that one of the delightful things about Pradervand is he does indeed walk his talk.
He can write about unconditional love because he lives it. Apparently he has for some time. I look forward to reading his book.
Here’s an appetizer, a challenge if you will, from a Youtube slide show:
“On passing people in the street, on the bus,
in places of work, and play, bless them.
The peace of your blessing will accompany them on their way
and the aura of its gentle fragrance will be a light to their path.
On meeting and talking to people, bless them in their health,
their work, their joy, their relationships to God, themselves, and others...”
You really need to see the whole seven minutes.
He has it right. Love is the only thing that matters.
Oct 11, 2008
Geraldine's poems
My friend Geraldine wrote a book of poems. They speak from deep within her heart. Many people write poems, and some of them are heartfelt. What makes this little book different is that she wrote it while on Death Row.
In a travesty of justice she spent seven years on Death Row before the Illinois Supreme Court overturned her sentence due to corruption in the judicial system.
She says the only way she kept her sanity was to know who she was in Christ. And her poems speak primarily of this relationship and how it lifted her above discouragement and depression.
Geraldine learned early on that bitterness, anger, resentment had no place in her relationship with God, and she let them go.
She found a mission within prison, to introduce Christ to women who didn’t know Him. Other prisoners felt her spirituality. Geraldine writes,
“A lady I never knew
asked me who I was.
I turned and looked at her
And as our eyes met, she said,
‘You are here to help us.’
Another time young women thought the Bible was for old people. Geraldine told them that God uses young people because they relate to Him. She told them how:
· Jesus at twelve years astounded the scholars in the temple.
· David the young man slew the mighty Goliath.
· Joseph the teen-ager thrown into a pit became a leader of Egypt.
· She told them about young Queen Esther who risked her life for her people.
· And about the 12-year old girl Christ raised from death.
· About Mary, the young mother of Jesus
· About young Moses the prince, and young Samuel and many others.
Fast forward to 2008. Fortunately there was a support system in place for her when Geraldine was released from prison.
She now works long hours on behalf of her community, getting kids off the street and into school so they can become leaders, not just drifters. She gives them tough-love, and they trust her. When she can find them, she mentors their parents. She has hopes for a Senior Center and an After School safe place for the children to do their homework.
Truly, “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” St. Paul
Geraldine found her spiritual freedom while still behind concrete walls. And she brought that freedom with her into her new life.
In a travesty of justice she spent seven years on Death Row before the Illinois Supreme Court overturned her sentence due to corruption in the judicial system.
She says the only way she kept her sanity was to know who she was in Christ. And her poems speak primarily of this relationship and how it lifted her above discouragement and depression.
Geraldine learned early on that bitterness, anger, resentment had no place in her relationship with God, and she let them go.
She found a mission within prison, to introduce Christ to women who didn’t know Him. Other prisoners felt her spirituality. Geraldine writes,
“A lady I never knew
asked me who I was.
I turned and looked at her
And as our eyes met, she said,
‘You are here to help us.’
Another time young women thought the Bible was for old people. Geraldine told them that God uses young people because they relate to Him. She told them how:
· Jesus at twelve years astounded the scholars in the temple.
· David the young man slew the mighty Goliath.
· Joseph the teen-ager thrown into a pit became a leader of Egypt.
· She told them about young Queen Esther who risked her life for her people.
· And about the 12-year old girl Christ raised from death.
· About Mary, the young mother of Jesus
· About young Moses the prince, and young Samuel and many others.
Fast forward to 2008. Fortunately there was a support system in place for her when Geraldine was released from prison.
She now works long hours on behalf of her community, getting kids off the street and into school so they can become leaders, not just drifters. She gives them tough-love, and they trust her. When she can find them, she mentors their parents. She has hopes for a Senior Center and an After School safe place for the children to do their homework.
Truly, “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” St. Paul
Geraldine found her spiritual freedom while still behind concrete walls. And she brought that freedom with her into her new life.
Oct 5, 2008
How important is it that "they" like us?
One Sunday morning, a mother went in to wake her son and tell him it was time to get ready for church, to which he replied, “I'm not going.”
“Why not?” she asked.
“I'll give you two good reasons,” he said. “One, they don't like me, and two, I don't like them.”
His mother replied, “I'll give YOU two good reasons why you SHOULD go to church: one, you're 59 years old, and two, you're the pastor!”
“Why not?” she asked.
“I'll give you two good reasons,” he said. “One, they don't like me, and two, I don't like them.”
His mother replied, “I'll give YOU two good reasons why you SHOULD go to church: one, you're 59 years old, and two, you're the pastor!”
________________________
Have you ever felt the world didn’t like you, and you didn’t much like the world either?
The mom in the story is right. We all have something worthwhile to give, whether we feel inspired at any particular moment or not.
The reason is not in ourselves, but because we have been created by a very intelligent and infinitely wise Mind to support and encourage one another. It’s second nature – or maybe first nature.
Selfishness, greed, self-centeredness, fear – whatever would tempt us to withhold our caring, would have us not help someone when it is within our power to do so – isn’t our nature at all.
We all have had moments when we have listened to an intuition, gone out of our way to follow through on that intuition, and realized afterwards what a right idea that had been. While this could apply to business, in this context it applies to our relations with others.
Those intuitions are angel thoughts that come to us because somebody needs what we have to give: our cheer, a friendly word or helping hand.
There are two good reasons we can leap out of bed in the morning. One, God loves us unconditionally. Two, as we accept that love as real, here and now, we discover we can pass it along without being depleted. We can pay it forward, regardless of whether or not "they" like us!
The mom in the story is right. We all have something worthwhile to give, whether we feel inspired at any particular moment or not.
The reason is not in ourselves, but because we have been created by a very intelligent and infinitely wise Mind to support and encourage one another. It’s second nature – or maybe first nature.
Selfishness, greed, self-centeredness, fear – whatever would tempt us to withhold our caring, would have us not help someone when it is within our power to do so – isn’t our nature at all.
We all have had moments when we have listened to an intuition, gone out of our way to follow through on that intuition, and realized afterwards what a right idea that had been. While this could apply to business, in this context it applies to our relations with others.
Those intuitions are angel thoughts that come to us because somebody needs what we have to give: our cheer, a friendly word or helping hand.
There are two good reasons we can leap out of bed in the morning. One, God loves us unconditionally. Two, as we accept that love as real, here and now, we discover we can pass it along without being depleted. We can pay it forward, regardless of whether or not "they" like us!
Oct 1, 2008
Whither happiness?
The lottery winner screams with happiness. She is almost delirious. She has beaten the odds. However, at the winning moment she isn’t thinking about how family, neighbors, and others will suddenly jockey with each other to become her new best friends. Former lottery winners have found that their lives have indeed changed as a result, not always in the direction of carefree bliss they had expected.
The tendency is to assume that happiness comes from “things,” from getting what we want.
The advice to “Be careful what you wish for, because you might get it,” understands that happiness is not necessarily getting what we think we want. Getting what we think we want sometimes leads elsewhere.
True contentment, at least in my experience, comes from a quiet joy in our relationship to our Father-Mother God. If that Being is good, present, caring, and wholly Spirit, He/She is active and has no limitations. And that’s a rather interesting parentage.
Take Joseph, youngest son of Jacob, whose brothers were so jealous of him, they nearly killed him, but decided to turn a profit, and sold him into slavery instead. What gladness could possibly lie ahead? Suddenly there was no one who loved or cared about him, no parents to guide and protect him.
But wait. Is there a Father-Mother God guiding him, if Joseph just asks for that guiding?
The Bible story doesn’t specifically tell us Joseph was happy, but it shows him in a productive life of service in Egypt. First he served in Potiphar’s household in a position of trust and authority. Later he served Pharaoh in a position of even greater authority, saving Egypt and its neighbors from mass starvation.
The tendency is to assume that happiness comes from “things,” from getting what we want.
The advice to “Be careful what you wish for, because you might get it,” understands that happiness is not necessarily getting what we think we want. Getting what we think we want sometimes leads elsewhere.
True contentment, at least in my experience, comes from a quiet joy in our relationship to our Father-Mother God. If that Being is good, present, caring, and wholly Spirit, He/She is active and has no limitations. And that’s a rather interesting parentage.
Take Joseph, youngest son of Jacob, whose brothers were so jealous of him, they nearly killed him, but decided to turn a profit, and sold him into slavery instead. What gladness could possibly lie ahead? Suddenly there was no one who loved or cared about him, no parents to guide and protect him.
But wait. Is there a Father-Mother God guiding him, if Joseph just asks for that guiding?
The Bible story doesn’t specifically tell us Joseph was happy, but it shows him in a productive life of service in Egypt. First he served in Potiphar’s household in a position of trust and authority. Later he served Pharaoh in a position of even greater authority, saving Egypt and its neighbors from mass starvation.
Helping those less fortunate
The clue is “service.” When I worked in a nursing facility years ago, I discovered it was fun to be on duty on the holidays – Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, etc. It was totally satisfying to bring special joy and cheer to clients on these days when often they did not have family coming to see them.
Happiness isn’t selfish. Happiness is spiritual and it’s found in service. Selfishness may deceive us for awhile, but eventually we discover that self-serving is out of sync with the laws of the universe.
Some say we are hard-wired to be happy when we are able to contribute to making others happy, to feel that our lives are somehow making the world a better place.
It does seem to be human nature, hard-wired or otherwise, to discover meaning and purpose through unselfish caring.
Jul 29, 2008
23rd Psalm - a thoughtful view
Sheep trust their shepherd to keep them safe.This came in an email. Someone sat down and asked the question of each line, "What does this mean?" Thought you might enjoy these conclusions.
Psalm 23
The Lord is my Shepherd = The most important Relationship, one of trust!
I shall not want = Supply!
He makes me to lie down in green pastures = Rest!
He leads me beside the still waters = Refreshment!
He restores my soul = Healing!
He leads me in the paths of righteousness = Guidance!
For His name sake = Purpose!
Yea, though I walk through the valley of
the shadow of death = Courage!
I will fear no evil = Protection!
For You are with me = Dependability!
Your rod and Your staff they comfort me = Discipline and safety!
You even prepare a table before me in the
presence of mine enemies = Peace!
You annoint my head with oil = Consecration!
My cup overflows = Abundance!
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life = Peace and Blessing !
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord = Security!
Forever = Eternity!
Jul 17, 2008
The gift of giving
Helene's son Kenny on his horse Cowboy- about 50 years ago
A favorite song by Peter Link says God’s gifts are given generously to each of us. That each of us has at least one specialty: perhaps patience, kindness, generosity, mothering, fathering, teaching, healing. That these gifts are God’s love in action.
He goes on to say that sharing these gifts goes on endlessly, because the giving of our goodness to one another is never done!
Don’t you love this sense of purpose unconfined!
My friend Helene celebrated her 93rd birthday earlier this week. She thought nothing would give her more joy than to have her favorite birthday pie, lemon meringue, surrounded by her best friends. So she prepared two tables with crocheted placemats and her fine china for this select group of women. I was honored to be included as one of four not from her generation.
As we ate, blue jays, cardinals, goldfinches, and hummingbirds provided constant entertainment for those facing the windows.
The conversation was lively and stimulating. At one point I wished I had one of those new Flip camcorders to record some of the local history being recounted.
These vibrant women were gifts to me that day. They included a retired school teacher, a retired business owner, a woman still active in her family business in her ninth decade, a retired mayor, as well as those who had been simply devoted to their families, now grown and flown.
They stay active, interested in their communities and their neighbors. Their lives say they understand that the giving goes on endlessly, because the gifts God has given us are always fresh and new. They never wear out, never deplete, never deprive or compete.
Each of us has our special gifts that need to be shared.
He goes on to say that sharing these gifts goes on endlessly, because the giving of our goodness to one another is never done!
Don’t you love this sense of purpose unconfined!
My friend Helene celebrated her 93rd birthday earlier this week. She thought nothing would give her more joy than to have her favorite birthday pie, lemon meringue, surrounded by her best friends. So she prepared two tables with crocheted placemats and her fine china for this select group of women. I was honored to be included as one of four not from her generation.
As we ate, blue jays, cardinals, goldfinches, and hummingbirds provided constant entertainment for those facing the windows.
The conversation was lively and stimulating. At one point I wished I had one of those new Flip camcorders to record some of the local history being recounted.
These vibrant women were gifts to me that day. They included a retired school teacher, a retired business owner, a woman still active in her family business in her ninth decade, a retired mayor, as well as those who had been simply devoted to their families, now grown and flown.
They stay active, interested in their communities and their neighbors. Their lives say they understand that the giving goes on endlessly, because the gifts God has given us are always fresh and new. They never wear out, never deplete, never deprive or compete.
Each of us has our special gifts that need to be shared.
Jun 22, 2008
How many shades of green in infinity?
A busy stream in Vancouver's rain forestJoan and I took a before-dinner walk in West Vancouver’s “Canyon.”
The trail begins in the city, and works its way into rain forest. No kidding. A soggy, damp and most beautiful rain forest. Stumps, trees, branches – become a fashion show for as many shades of green as possible. Moss and/or lichens cover everything in jade. Just for variety, one forested hillside is layered with dark ivy. Another with bright ferns. The trail is natural mulch.
Everything is green! Everything.
There had been a recent heavy storm. Already cleanup crews had cut newly fallen logs and pulled them from the path. Washed out paths had warning tape across them, with signs pointing to hastily constructed detours.
We met lots of people – many walking, or running, with their dogs. Dogs are so good-natured, thrilled to be invited to go anywhere their people are going.
After a couple of hours, Joan answered my unasked question, “Yes, there is a purpose to this walk. Only a little further.”
Hidden between the mountains and the rainforest -- Capilano Dam. Vancouver’s water supply.
Off to the east pine-covered mountains perched patiently under low clouds. You had the feeling their tops were in the sunshine.
At eye level, hikers leaned on the railings to view the cataract that plunged magnificently, apparently from beneath our very feet.
Mist rises from beneath our very feet
The dam is manmade, and serves its purpose well. But the magnificent mountains, the incredible rain forest, even the "idea" for a dam to store drinking water. These things make us ask with the psalmist, “What is man that You even take notice of him?”
May 19, 2008
Finding the child heart
Kite flying - pure joy!
This little girl takes advantage
of a windy day at a nearby park.
"Life goes on.” That was the title of a great family TV show two or three decades ago. Life does go on, and times are too adventurous to be left behind.
Smart young people, in my book, are those who, while embracing new ideas, have also learned to value the generations on whose shoulders they are standing.
Smart senior citizens, in my book, are those who increase their circle of friends to keep including young people. Otherwise, how common that sad lament, “All my friends are dying.” Why would anyone limit their circle of friends only to those the world categorizes as “old”?
Because it’s comfortable? Because young people bring new ideas that require some mental wrestling? Because we don’t have to stretch mentally when we stick with friends of our own generation?
Youngest grandson came for two nights this past weekend. He had a whole list of activities for us. I harnessed some of that energy to clean old winter leaves and dirt from the garage floor. What a great worker!
He discovered my Xooter scooter, and nothing would do but for me to ride my bike while he propelled himself on that scooter until he was worn out. We decorated a gingerbread Christmas train – yes in May – until the kitchen was a mess of sticky frosting ambushes.
Amazing Gingerbread Train
Friends come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and ages. It’s OK to push outside our comfort zones and to value those younger, older, and from cultures different from our own. In fact, life requires it.
Everyone has some spark of the divine. As we seek that spark in our “new” friends, as well as our established friendships, life becomes the spiritual adventure it is intended to be. That doesn’t mean danger and excitement, so much as exploring new mental and spiritual horizons together.
“Love never loses sight of loveliness. Its halo rests upon its object. One marvels that a friend can never seem less than beautiful.”
Apr 15, 2008
No and Yes - the poem, revised
Each of us is unique, special,one of a kind!
No, no, no-no-no!
God’s goodness does not come and go.
Yes, yes, yes-yes-yes.
Good is now and here to bless.
What God intends, He carries out,
It will not do to fret or doubt.
You are essential to God’s plan
Of perfect God and perfect man.
You are the proof that Love is here,
That good is real, that man is dear.
Wherever you go, you are God’s light,
Scattering fear and darkest night.
You’re cherished now, one of a kind,
Unique expression of one Mind.
He needs you and you love to be
His child – holy, pure and free.
Yes, yes, yes-yes-yes.
You better believe you’re here to bless.
Your job today? To make God known
Through our love, His love is shown.
No, no, no-no-no!
What comes from God won’t ebb and flow.
His love is focused, won’t digress.
You are His great delight, oh yes!
God’s goodness does not come and go.
Yes, yes, yes-yes-yes.
Good is now and here to bless.
What God intends, He carries out,
It will not do to fret or doubt.
You are essential to God’s plan
Of perfect God and perfect man.
You are the proof that Love is here,
That good is real, that man is dear.
Wherever you go, you are God’s light,
Scattering fear and darkest night.
You’re cherished now, one of a kind,
Unique expression of one Mind.
He needs you and you love to be
His child – holy, pure and free.
Yes, yes, yes-yes-yes.
You better believe you’re here to bless.
Your job today? To make God known
Through our love, His love is shown.
No, no, no-no-no!
What comes from God won’t ebb and flow.
His love is focused, won’t digress.
You are His great delight, oh yes!
by Sandi Justad
Feb 14, 2008
Noah - everything we need to know
This email has been making the rounds, and if you would enjoy a semi-light-hearted review of life-lessons learned from Noah, this list may be for you.
Everything I need to know about life, I learned from Noah's Ark
One : Don't miss the boat.
Two : Remember that we are all in the same boat.
Three : Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.
Four : Stay fit. When you're 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.
Five : Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.
Six : Build your future on high ground.
Seven : For safety's sake, travel in pairs.
Eight : Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.
Nine : When you're stressed, float awhile.
Ten : Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.
Eleven : No matter how long the storm, when you are with God there's always a rainbow waiting...
Feb 13, 2008
Turning lives around
Valuing others' lives --A mama swan protects her babies.
One of today’s encouraging phrases runs something like, “He did a complete turnaround.” Or “She did a one-eighty -- referring to the number of degrees required to change from facing in one direction to facing the exact opposite direction. North to south, east to west.
I love when “one-eighty” praises someone’s ability to make a dramatic course correction.
Jesus was always doing that – turning people’s lives around, facing them in new and promising directions. It was as though he put a gentle finger under a downcast chin and lifted the gaze from the ground – helping them to see their world on an eye-to-eye basis, literally lifting their self-esteem to glimpse their worthiness as children of a loving Father.
The woman dragged to him for judgment makes a great example. From the scant information provided, it sounds like an entrapment – she had been set-up and caught having sex with a man not her husband. The Pharisees, Jesus’ self-appointed very public critics, had tossed her in front of him as so much trash, daring him to not have her stoned to death as Moses’ law required.
Jesus let them rant awhile and then posed a solution. Anyone of you, he proposed, who has never committed a sin, never done anything wrong, go ahead and throw the first rock. His simple statement demanded honesty and self-knowledge. Quietly, they all left.
And the woman! What a sense of freedom and relief when Jesus helped her see that no one was accusing her anymore. He sent her home with the admonition to stay out of trouble - specifically to sin no more. Was he was showing her God-given sinless nature? the satisfaction and self-worth that come from recognizing the genuine beauty and purity of her true femininity?
When he healed people – blind, crippled, diseased – usually long-time sufferers, he restored purpose and value. Jesus' life message was one of hope, healing, transformation.
He told his followers to do what he did. I wonder, if we all made a special effort to value those who come into our lives today, how much hope and purpose we might bring without even knowing it? Might we just help turn somebody's life around?
Jan 3, 2008
Being independent of time
Comfort doesn't take time
Greg pointed out recently that, "God is never in a hurry, but he is always on time."
I love it!
Truth is never in a hurry. It doesn't have to be. Truth doesn't have to rush anywhere to be true. That the earth is round it timelessly true. 9 x 9 = 81 is timelessly true.
Infinite Love is never in a hurry. It doesn't have to be. Ever-present love is always present. It is always in time and on time.
Have you ever rushed someplace because you were afraid of being late? Some of us go through life rushing here and there, and missing the beauty of life's journey.
I love it!
Truth is never in a hurry. It doesn't have to be. Truth doesn't have to rush anywhere to be true. That the earth is round it timelessly true. 9 x 9 = 81 is timelessly true.
Infinite Love is never in a hurry. It doesn't have to be. Ever-present love is always present. It is always in time and on time.
Have you ever rushed someplace because you were afraid of being late? Some of us go through life rushing here and there, and missing the beauty of life's journey.
The records we have of Christ Jesus' life indicate that he was never worried about being late. Even when others were anxious for him to come heal their crisis, and he was sometimes delayed, he arrived and restored health and purpose at the right time.
I'm visiting dear relatives in the peace and serenity of Wisconsin's north woods. The tempo is different with retirees -- it's relaxed. Double that for the north woods.
What I'm reminded of on this trip is to consider which things are important and why. The snowpacked roads are not salted, and if you rush around as though you lived in greater Chicago, you end up in a snowbank. The fresh sand spread in the morning gets worked into the road snow by mid-afternoon. Drivers simply slow down to a safe speed.
Speed is not important. Being somewhere an hour ago is not important. Impatience is just rude. Taking time to listen to people is important. Hearing their cares and their joys is important.
If God is ever-present good, and good is always present, its opposite cannot be at the same time in the same place. I'm willing to trust God to show me how this is true. And how I don't have to rush around to express the good purpose he has in mind.
My job is to move with the grace, kindness, and thoughtfulness that is independent of time -- whether in the northwoods or back at home.
Dec 15, 2007
Repeating what's really good
Rocks and thawing floods"repeat the sounding joy"
Joy to the world, the Savior reigns!
Let all, their songs employ;
while fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains
repeat the sounding joy
repeat the sounding joy,
repeat, repeat, the sounding joy
This Christmas season brings to mind the traditional carol, “Joy to the World,” which includes this invitation, “Repeat the sounding joy!”
What a great statement of purpose. Yours and mine. To repeat the resounding joy of God and man -- not distant and angry, but in tender and warm relation to one another.
There are, in the course of one’s day, certain things not to be repeated. Here’s the only time the word “repeat” is even used in the King James Bible:
“He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.” (Prov 17:9)
or in today’s vernacular:
“One who forgives an affront fosters friendship, (New Revised Standard)
but he who repeats or harps on a matter separates even close friends.” (Amplified)
The wisdom writer understood that dwelling on a dispute separates friends, while forgiveness gives space for friendship to grow.
Other events to not repeat are our own past failures. Mistakes are to learn from, not to hash over. Once we have discovered the needed lesson so that it doesn’t happen again, move on. Life will provide plentiful opportunities to get it right the next time. And the next.
Simple rule of living: repeat whatever is good about God and man. Refuse to repeat (or gossip) disputes, discord, failings. Don’t be the 5 pm local news. Rather be grateful for all the good you can find.
Then you’ll feel the joy your life is repeating.
Dec 3, 2007
23rd Psalm at Christmas Time
A carved shepherd tenderly carriesa lost sheep back to the fold
A friend sent this email, saying it helps her combat the bombardment of commercialism at this time of year.
The Lord sets my pace;
I will not rush.
He makes me to stop for quiet intervals;
He provides me with images of stillness
which restore my serenity.
He leads me in the ways of His purpose
through calmness of mind,
His guidance is safe and peaceful.
Even though there are many things to accomplish
I will not fret
for His presence is here.
His timelessness, His goodness
Keeps me in balance.
He prepares refreshment and renewal
in the midst of many demands.
He anoints my mind with His oil of tranquility
My cup overflows with renewed joy.
Surely harmony and good purpose
shall be the fruits of my hours;
And I will walk in the dependable rhythm of the Lord
And dwell in His house forever.
Nov 17, 2007
Watching for love gifts
Greek honor guardat the tomb of the unknown soldier
Chris and I had about three hours free time in Athens. We had been encouraged to go to the Plaka, a unique labyrinth of local shops and restaurants.
Starting out with directions and map, we became distracted by a crowd of people in front of an official looking pink and white structure. We later learned this was the Parliament building.
On a marble plaza in front of the Parliament, an honor guard for the Greek Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was preparing to be relieved by the next shift. These tall, handsome young men performed their carefully choreographed routine with precision, accuracy, focus, and total disregard for tourists bold enough to have their pictures taken next to these on-duty soldiers.
We quickly exchanged a temptation to be disappointed at not finding the Plaka, for recognizing the privilege of stumbling upon the changing of the guard.
God frequently works serendipitously in our lives. He/She hides little gifts here and there along our paths. If we're too busy, self-absorbed, or determined to follow a specific agenda, we miss some, or perhaps most, of the gifts. On the other hand, if we're willing to look at a wrong turn and not label it a "mistake," we often discover something or someone delightful. And to find a God-guided good purpose for our being in an unexpected place.
It's important, for me anyway, to learn the flexibility of looking for the presents in the present, that indicate infinite Mind's ever-present goodness.
God doesn't make any wrong turns, and as I try to stay close to my highest sense of what I think His purpose is for me at any given time, I feel his gentle guiding. I'm learning to trust that direction, even when it doesn't take me to where I thought I should be headed.
It's a more gracious way to live, a less hectic approach to life and relationships. No wonder Jesus taught, Your heavenly Father will give you what you need, "if you give him first place in your life and live as he wants you to." (Living Bible) This approach takes away all the stress.
Starting out with directions and map, we became distracted by a crowd of people in front of an official looking pink and white structure. We later learned this was the Parliament building.
On a marble plaza in front of the Parliament, an honor guard for the Greek Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was preparing to be relieved by the next shift. These tall, handsome young men performed their carefully choreographed routine with precision, accuracy, focus, and total disregard for tourists bold enough to have their pictures taken next to these on-duty soldiers.
We quickly exchanged a temptation to be disappointed at not finding the Plaka, for recognizing the privilege of stumbling upon the changing of the guard.
God frequently works serendipitously in our lives. He/She hides little gifts here and there along our paths. If we're too busy, self-absorbed, or determined to follow a specific agenda, we miss some, or perhaps most, of the gifts. On the other hand, if we're willing to look at a wrong turn and not label it a "mistake," we often discover something or someone delightful. And to find a God-guided good purpose for our being in an unexpected place.
It's important, for me anyway, to learn the flexibility of looking for the presents in the present, that indicate infinite Mind's ever-present goodness.
God doesn't make any wrong turns, and as I try to stay close to my highest sense of what I think His purpose is for me at any given time, I feel his gentle guiding. I'm learning to trust that direction, even when it doesn't take me to where I thought I should be headed.
It's a more gracious way to live, a less hectic approach to life and relationships. No wonder Jesus taught, Your heavenly Father will give you what you need, "if you give him first place in your life and live as he wants you to." (Living Bible) This approach takes away all the stress.
St. Paul, the whole purpose for my trip to Greece, was so convinced of the solidity of his relationship to God, that he didn't worry about what might appear to others to be mistakes. He could say with honesty and the conviction of experience that nothing could separate him from the love of God, which he had discovered through Christ Jesus.
Thanks to Christine Proctor for the excellent photo
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