Ordination paperwork is nearly completed, so Feetclean is back (you can decide if it's better than ever). On this Thanksgiving day, here is a silly little rhyme that has nothing to do with being thankful.
I spy; though I try
I really don't, and I won't
unless you feel you will reveal
yourself to me, then it will be.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Monday, November 03, 2008
Absence by Paperwork
As I stare down the paperwork required for final ordination, I must admit that hiatus from feetclean blogging is a necessary reality. For the one or two of you who look occasionally, I'll be back in December.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
The Sign
The people asked for a sign to prop up their faith,
But you refused.
So they made their own by carving into wood
“King of the Jews,”
And nailed it to the cross above your crown of thorns;
Headline of The Good News.
But you refused.
So they made their own by carving into wood
“King of the Jews,”
And nailed it to the cross above your crown of thorns;
Headline of The Good News.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
The Entry-Point
Cudos to the Kingdomtide Reader from Asbury this fall; it has been helpful in my quiet time each morning. Some excerpts from this morning's devotion are difficult to really digest, but very true.
"Anyone who intends to come with me must let me lead. Don't run from suffering, embrace it."
"They are difficult words, but they are the entry-point to the Kingdom. It is in self-denial, in considering others better than ourselves, that we truly live...(because) through the conflict of our self interests we will destroy one another."
The idea here is not to find creative and unique ways to hurt ourselves or make ourselves miserable; it is not suffering for suffering's sake. Rather, those who try to keep their lives by hoarding the positive somehow wind up with their own little kingdom bereft of life and love. Those who share the positive in ever-increasing ways enter into the kindom of life and love.
One problem is that there is a competing kingdom - the world - with values counter to the Kingdom of Heaven. This counter-kingdom screams for us to lead our own lives, to eliminate suffering, to obtain power, pleasure and self-security. It, like Peter's response to Jesus' announcement that he must suffer and die, tells us that self-denial and love of others is flat out insane...maybe even stupid.
Finally, this line; "we should first learn to live our lives with the Lord in secret, and learn the lesson of love while we sit at his feet. Then let us go love and serve our fellow-beings as we love our own selves." This is the key to self-denial - to be so filled with the truth of God's love, grace and acceptance that we don't need to earn value or seek the praise of others. It protects us from self-denial for self's sake. We love and serve out of an overflow of love rather than mustering up our own altruism.
"Anyone who intends to come with me must let me lead. Don't run from suffering, embrace it."
"They are difficult words, but they are the entry-point to the Kingdom. It is in self-denial, in considering others better than ourselves, that we truly live...(because) through the conflict of our self interests we will destroy one another."
The idea here is not to find creative and unique ways to hurt ourselves or make ourselves miserable; it is not suffering for suffering's sake. Rather, those who try to keep their lives by hoarding the positive somehow wind up with their own little kingdom bereft of life and love. Those who share the positive in ever-increasing ways enter into the kindom of life and love.
One problem is that there is a competing kingdom - the world - with values counter to the Kingdom of Heaven. This counter-kingdom screams for us to lead our own lives, to eliminate suffering, to obtain power, pleasure and self-security. It, like Peter's response to Jesus' announcement that he must suffer and die, tells us that self-denial and love of others is flat out insane...maybe even stupid.
Finally, this line; "we should first learn to live our lives with the Lord in secret, and learn the lesson of love while we sit at his feet. Then let us go love and serve our fellow-beings as we love our own selves." This is the key to self-denial - to be so filled with the truth of God's love, grace and acceptance that we don't need to earn value or seek the praise of others. It protects us from self-denial for self's sake. We love and serve out of an overflow of love rather than mustering up our own altruism.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Sharing
Blessed - bless
Forgiven - forgive
Loved - love
Reconciled - reconcile
Lord, may your gifts to me overflow to those whom you bring my way this day.
Forgiven - forgive
Loved - love
Reconciled - reconcile
Lord, may your gifts to me overflow to those whom you bring my way this day.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
CNN Advocates Praying for Your Enemy...Sort of
I just watched a report on CNN about how to reduce your stress. The report was made in response to the stress that the financial downturn is causing. They're suggestion? "Compassion Meditation." What is that, you ask? Well, it is thinking of something or someone you don't like and then thinking good thoughts and wishing good things for them.
What does that sound like? Sure sounds a lot like "but I say, pray for your enemies..." Of course their report had information about breathing techniques to quiet yourself (is this a Holy Spirit thing?) and visualization techniques - non threatening images (like Jesus?). I actually thought they would talk to someone who would make this connection, but instead it was the Dalai Lama.
What does that sound like? Sure sounds a lot like "but I say, pray for your enemies..." Of course their report had information about breathing techniques to quiet yourself (is this a Holy Spirit thing?) and visualization techniques - non threatening images (like Jesus?). I actually thought they would talk to someone who would make this connection, but instead it was the Dalai Lama.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)