http://www.rulesofengaging.com/leading_from_the_heart_blog Sat, 04 Feb 2012 12:49:13 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Copyright © 2011 info@rulesofengaging.com info@rulesofengaging.com 1440 http://www.rulesofengaging.com/leading_from_the_heart_blog/wp-content/plugins/podpress/images/powered_by_podpress.jpg http://www.rulesofengaging.com/leading_from_the_heart_blog 144 144 info@rulesofengaging.com no no http://www.rulesofengaging.com/leading_from_the_heart_blog/2011/12/13/december-13-2011/ http://www.rulesofengaging.com/leading_from_the_heart_blog/2011/12/13/december-13-2011/#comments Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:18:59 +0000 trdassociates http://www.rulesofengaging.com/leading_from_the_heart_blog/?p=5533 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. See [...]]]> http://www.rulesofengaging.com/leading_from_the_heart_blog/2011/12/13/december-13-2011/feed/ 0 http://www.rulesofengaging.com/leading_from_the_heart_blog/2011/02/09/meditation-february-9-2011/ http://www.rulesofengaging.com/leading_from_the_heart_blog/2011/02/09/meditation-february-9-2011/#comments Wed, 09 Feb 2011 23:03:06 +0000 trdassociates http://www.rulesofengaging.com/leading_from_the_heart_blog/?p=3169 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. Share on Facebook ]]> http://www.rulesofengaging.com/leading_from_the_heart_blog/2011/02/09/meditation-february-9-2011/feed/ 0 http://www.rulesofengaging.com/leading_from_the_heart_blog/2010/08/13/eight-questions/ http://www.rulesofengaging.com/leading_from_the_heart_blog/2010/08/13/eight-questions/#comments Fri, 13 Aug 2010 15:39:38 +0000 trdassociates http://www.rulesofengaging.com/leading_from_the_heart_blog/?p=2197 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? Share on Facebook ]]> http://www.rulesofengaging.com/leading_from_the_heart_blog/2010/08/13/eight-questions/feed/ 0 http://www.rulesofengaging.com/leading_from_the_heart_blog/2010/03/12/damaged-hearts-2/ http://www.rulesofengaging.com/leading_from_the_heart_blog/2010/03/12/damaged-hearts-2/#comments Sat, 13 Mar 2010 03:00:46 +0000 trdassociates http://www.rulesofengaging.com/leading_from_the_heart_blog/?p=1748 “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. Share on Facebook ]]> http://www.rulesofengaging.com/leading_from_the_heart_blog/2010/03/12/damaged-hearts-2/feed/ 0 http://www.rulesofengaging.com/leading_from_the_heart_blog/2010/03/07/sitting-alone-3/ http://www.rulesofengaging.com/leading_from_the_heart_blog/2010/03/07/sitting-alone-3/#comments Sun, 07 Mar 2010 16:26:51 +0000 trdassociates http://www.rulesofengaging.com/leading_from_the_heart_blog/?p=1721 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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