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 — February 4, 2012
Posted on Saturday, February 4th, 2012
Scripture:
“Since you (Solomon) have asked for this,” God said, “and not asked for long life for yourself or riches or the lives of your enemies but have asked for a discerning judgment for yourself, here and now I do what you ask, I give you a heart wise and shrewd as no one has had before and no one will have after you. What you have not asked I shall give you too.” 1 Kings 3:11-12
Prayer
I also—if it is not too late—ask for a discerning heart to do your will.
Response
And know that it is never too late. In fact, it is in the aging limbs, the loss of what were once all-consuming goals, in a gentleness that overcomes competitive zeal that discernment takes root and flourishes to the Lord’s purpose.
What more can be said but the suggestion that you observe this discernment, gentleness, quiet fervor, and stillness of spirit in those you encounter. There will be times that you will have to search as if for a treasure buried in a vast field—but it is worth the search; at other times in your life, you might be in the midst of such souls as if you had enrolled in a select academy; and at other times still, you will recall such meetings but only now realize the blessing you received in such companionship as if a seed is finally coming to fruition in your life.
Estimate with discernment where you are, or rather in whose company you are traveling now, who are those in whose company you were once blessed, and what treasure still lies hidden—perhaps quite close.
All for this morning.
Share on Facebook
Meditation — February 3, 2012
Posted on Friday, February 3rd, 2012
Scripture:
King Herod had heard about (Jesus), since by now his name was well known. Some were saying, “john the Baptist has risen from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him.” Others said, “He is Elijah,” others again, “He is a prophet, like the prophets we used to have.” But when Herod heard this he said, “It is John whose head I cut off; he has risen from the dead.” Mark 6:14-16
Prayer
Help me not to be as casual as Herod, but rather listen to the words I utter aloud and in prayer.
Response
Or, perhaps, you should recall words spoken or heard to which you attached no particular meaning, and then discover later the truth or insight they contained. Here, Herod casually mentions John rising from the dead, only to confront in time the risen Christ. How many times have you spoken a truth, not even realizing the premonition of a truth you would witness? And instead of seeking to ignore the truth that might be looming in your life, you turn your attention elsewhere.
The goal for you in grace is to accept and detach. Sounds like a paradox doesn’t it? How about taking for example the aging process as a truth that some, even you, might seek to ignore, but reluctantly accept? One wistful glance up a long stretch of beach and recalling brisk runs not that many years earlier, or observing someone one third your age doing exactly that helps to put age into a body perspective.
Ah, but the real challenge—more demanding that the run itself—is to detach from nostalgia for a past that does not return; in other dimensions of your life, to detach from the wished for consequences of an activity or effort, and relish the ride in the present. And so, life is more than nodding, I recognize the pattern, but being speechless, astounded by what is happening, unfolding in your life—never to be repeated—especially with the Lord’s grace that is manifested in a creative work, [...]
Share on Facebook continue readingWind Howl
Posted on Thursday, February 2nd, 2012
Wind Howl
Does wind hear its howl,
Do clouds feel thickness,
Does sunrise sense heat,
Will I catch my passion?
Who am I apart from you—
Winds absent resistance,
Clouds without moisture,
Sunrise—no one watching?
Measure me in you,
Grasp me close in doubt,
Sustain me weary,
Lift me high—so lofty.
Release your presence full
Upon this naked helpless,
One who searches wide,
Far distant for you.
Hear my lonely howl,
Pierce cloud tears held,
Rapture sunrise brilliance,
Be with me conscious now.
Share on Facebook
February 2, 2012
Posted on Thursday, February 2nd, 2012
Scripture:
Who will be able to resist the day of his coming? Who will remain standing when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire, like fullers’ alkali. Malachi 3:2
Prayer
How easy it is to glide over words that are unfamiliar or verses which are familiar—though not precisely catching the meaning. Help me to slow down and reflect upon why I won’t be standing /em>when the Lord appears. Help me to accept grace-fully the refinement I am experiencing and the rough cleansing experienced that I would wish to avoid in all aspects of my life.
Response
It would be good not to focus on the cleansing and refinement as much as on the transformation, however grueling at times that is occurring—is being applied— in you. Take note, rather of the gold and silver and antique cloth that you represent even when you do not seem to be—in your current state—fit for a king.
Consider who would have considered—much less you—that in enduring the refiner’s fire or the harsh scrubbing that seemed endless, you would be who you are unfolding to become in the Lord’s presence? Don’t be too satisfied though; the fire must be applied further to the edges of this silver masterpiece you represent and the same harsh scrubbing with lye of the majestic cloth—this same regal cloth you had allowed to become shabby. So indeed you are being restored—sometimes roughly—to an innocent beauty cleansed from self-interest, self-absorption, and vanity to become a vessel of compassion, service, love, and forgiveness.
So, do you appreciate why you will not remain standing, when the Lord enters’ your presence? Spend a few moments, hours, days, or a life-time considering the question and of course your answer. Praise the Lord.
All for this morning.
Share on Facebook
February 1, 2012
Posted on Wednesday, February 1st, 2012
Scripture:
With the coming of the Sabbath he began teaching in the synagogue, and most of them were astonished when they heard him. They said, “Where did the man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been granted him, and these miracles that are worked through him?” Mark 6:2
Prayer
Help me to pause and realize the miracles that have been worked in my life.
Response
Isn’t it easier to plead for the resolution of a difficult life situation, and then when peace is offered, accepted, or restored, your response is a simple thank-you might express, or maybe not? And the maybe not occurs when you have decided that the healing was not exactly for what was prayed, or was not in the solution that was attached to the prayer.
You might not yet realize that the petition is really your expression that you are ready to experience a life changing event or response in your life of perhaps sorrow that you would never have imagined. Indeed, such a plaintive plea or prayer sets you up—states that you are ready to be astonished. And if you throw away the script with the ending so carefully crafted, you too will be astonished. It would not take more than a few moments to see the truth of this statement in your own life.
But the purpose of this lesson contained in this verse is much deeper and relevant to where you sit this day. Leaning out in prayer without your notes on the proposed solution to a dilemma, a sorrow, or concern, places yourself in the presence of the Lord and allows your mind to count sheep if it must. Listen with your heart intently and experience the astonishment the He promises every time in His healing and revelation, and yes miracles. So for today, tear up the ending to your story, and listen intently.
All for this morning.
Share on Facebook
