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.
December 13, 2011
Posted on Tuesday, December 13th, 2011
Scripture: “What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ He said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but afterwards he changed his mind and went. The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,’ but did not go. “Which of the two did his father’s will?” They answered, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. Matthew 28:28-31
Prayer: My life is replete with instances of repentance, so I can easily identify with the first son. Help me more and more be a son where my initial response is followed through with action, responding to the Lord’s will for me.
Response: True repentance is measured in the internal dialogue that takes place between the first denial and the acceptance of the Lord’s will for you in life, as well as the time that elapses before one’s clarity of purpose sounds clearly. Isn’t it so that you would have the Lord believe that you did not hear His will expressed, perhaps because you were distracted or so busy? But isn’t it true also that it was your self-absorption that contributed to your reluctance to be whom you were ordained to become. Isn’t it like pausing at a refreshment stop in the course of a long race, and not resuming the journey?
Think of the many stops you made before you realized that life is not standing idly by refreshing oneself. Now, that realization did not just happen, but rather is evidence of the Holy Spirit nudging you forward into areas of life not previously explored: like marriage, parenting, death-loss, love—always love, aging. And all the time, it might seem, or once seemed, attractive to linger in denial, but then comes that grace-filled nudge that has you back on the path, more determined than ever to complete the journey.
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Meditation – February 9, 2011
Posted on Wednesday, February 9th, 2011
Meditation – February 9, 2011
Scripture
When you hide your face, they are lost. When you take away their breath, they perish and return to the dust from which they came. When you send forth your breath, they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. Psalms 104:29-30
Prayer
My attention is caught by events in Egypt and the words of the psalmist: you renew the face of the earth. Help me to gain perspective in your presence as I view the world.
Response
It is through your actions, especially in prayer, that the renewal and transformation takes place and becomes evident despite the turmoil that seems to engulf the world. In prayer you can earn a place at the barricades of those who seek to express openly and at great risk their deep longing for free expression, as more powerful forces would squelch freedom’s declaration.
There is no golden age in which to return but the present age to renew, refresh, transform from the anger and frustration that permeates society to one of reverence and participation. Feel God’s breath in service, by sharing the poverty of hope in the homeless and unemployed, in each encounter of every day with those you meet of whatever station in life.
Renewing the face of the earth begins today as you witness and pass along the gift of the Spirit generously and with no thought of recompense. See if you can detect the shift that results throughout the day from your activity, recalling examples later in the quiet of the evening. While you are still standing, so to speak, make a difference.
All for this morning.
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Eight Questions
Posted on Friday, August 13th, 2010
What is happening to our nation where everyone has answers, but few have questions?
Where talking heads preach, politicians agitate, and religious leaders are befuddled?
Where people rage in fear as they chase shadows?
Where strength is measured in sales and wealth — not character and courage?
Where listening is a forgotten art and interruption routine?
Where curiosity is overwhelmed by ignorance?
Where welcome was once extended boldly to the beleaguered?
Where thanks were offered in community solemnly for our blessings and the liberty earned, shared and tested?
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Damaged Hearts
Posted on Friday, March 12th, 2010
“Damaged Hearts”
They say once damaged
A heart is wise-confirmed,
With eyes wide-wonder,
Watching vigilant patient,
Quiet-still now listening
Alone resilient in tread
Soft along untraveled
Lonely eye-needle paths.
These damaged hearts
Refresh enlighten us
With mischievous laughter,
Tears transporting all to
Regions of unchartered
Dreams not remembered,
Artists who share generously
Treasures snared on desolate peaks.
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Sitting Alone
Posted on Sunday, March 7th, 2010
Sitting alone
Sitting alone
At table quiet
Sounds magnificent,
Especially internal –
A sip that rushes
Across tongue poised,
A swallow heard
Throughout interior,
A thought slipping
Into consciousness
With every morsel
Selected careful.
Yet silence unnerves
Those who chatter loud
In windless dreams;
For me – pause to reflect,
Sitting alone.
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