Check out my new 'World Reflections" Section
Interesting stories and anecdotes that reach into insights I have gained abroad.
Healing Grief, On-line Course, by Terry Douglas.
You are invited to participate in an 8-
week, on-line course, entitled
Healing Grief Page that captures a journey of healing following deep loss.
Meditation — October 4, 2019
Posted on Friday, October 4th, 2019
Scripture: If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts. Psalm 95:8
Prayer: The sun is rising—a beam of light—through the curtains of my window. All is quiet—even the birds—entranced we are by the dawning day.
Response: This scripture is one of your most familiar, going back many years. Isn’t it of note that this is also the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi who travelled as assiduously as you did in his life? Pause and reflect upon his life of service in the Lord.
How many inspirations of the love of the Lord you receive deliberately as encouragement and motivation to continue your journey in the confidence of the Lord’s company to wherever you roam, and today is no exception. In fact, the brilliance of the sunrise speaks of a creativity of sorts that will turn you into the depth of your being.
So today, listen especially for His whisper that has already touched you. See where it leads and be quick to follow as did St. Francis. Praise God!
All for this morning.
Meditation — October 3, 2019
Posted on Thursday, October 3rd, 2019
Scripture: The precepts of the Lord are honest, joy for the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, light for the eyes. Psalm (of David) 19:8
Prayer: I greet the sun rising through my window, the birds tweeting their morning chatter.
Response: There are some mornings when simply reading and reflecting on the anointed words of scripture are more than sufficient to restore the energy that seems lacking.
Joy for the heart—Repeat those words throughout your day and you will discover His joy resounding loudly in the depth of your being. As evidence, you will discover that your creative pursuits will blossom in His grace, which incidentally will provide the light you seek.
Pray deeply this day for loved ones and those seemingly stranded and immobile—some of whom also seek deeply this sometimes, elusive joy of the heart. Praise your ever-loving God!
All for this morning.
Meditation — October 2, 2019
Posted on Wednesday, October 2nd, 2019
Scripture: (Your) God rescues you from the snare of the fowler set on destruction; He covers you with His pinions, you find shelter under His wings. His constancy is shield and protection. Psalm 91:3-4
Prayer: This morning, looking out on the bright morning, I find shelter in the Lord’s presence.
Response: The shelter you seek is provided even when the wind lashes and the rains cause you to seek shelter as you have discovered without fail in the course of your life, and is even manifested more clearly in this time of your life.
How else to explain the peace you are experiencing just now, alone with hands clasped in reflection and prayer? You are indeed blessed to recognize the Lord’s presence and His continued presence in each step of your refreshed journey of the heart.
Be especially alert to each step you take this day, beginning now, to discover His presence even more deeply. Be bold in reaching out for His hand to guide you. Sing His praise even if you might be viewed as unusual, though you might have established that reputation some time ago. Yes, you are blessed, and especially for your recognition that stirs you this moment. Praise God!
All for this morning.
Meditation — October 1, 2019
Posted on Tuesday, October 1st, 2019
Scripture: At this time the disciples came to Jesus and said: “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” So, He called a little child to Him whom He set among them. Then He said: “In truth, I tell you, unless you change and become like little children you will never enter the kingdom of Heaven. And so, the one who makes himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven.” Matthew 18:1-4
Prayer: It seems so many years ago—and it is—that I was a little child, however, right now on my last lap, I have been reborn as a little child, listening calmly to the Lord’s whisper down so deep in my soul.
Response: You are enjoying the Lord’s grace and love right now as you realize that the words of Jesus touch you deeply and bring you the peace that you search for daily upon waking and throughout the rest of the day
In a very real sense, you are called, called to put aside any concerns, to embrace His presence in the midst of any turmoil, to pause as you do now and reflect deeply on the Lord’s promise, to kindle that heat that touches your inner being with its warmth.
All this is your gift of His love this morning. Don’t rush off but stay still for a moment can consider how deeply you are loved. Praise God!
All for this morning.
Meditation — June 8, 2019
Posted on Saturday, June 8th, 2019
Scripture: For Yahweh is upright and loves uprightness, the honest will ever see his face. Psalm 11 (of David):7
Prayer: My prayer this morning is one of thanksgiving. I am thrilled with love for loved ones and for whom I am becoming in the Lord’s over-powering glance.
Response: Recognize this moment as a special grace revealing at the deepest level the Lord’s over-whelming presence in each moment of your life. This clarity is contrasted by the clouds that range above and seem to obscure the dawning light.
If you listen carefully, you can hear His footstep as He invites you forward in the rapture of this moment. All your plans are subsumed in quiet surrender to His Love. How did you manage to find your way to this holy place, or was it His design and intention?
Sing praise to the Lord who ever reveals Himself to you in each step you take, with each person you encounter, and in your not so idle thoughts about eternity, love, forgiveness, and service. Praise God!
All for this morning.
