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Journal Archive — July,
2004 |
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AN ONGOING
SPIRITUAL WEBLOG
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July 30, 2004
So, the end of July is here. Summer is breezin’ by. The Democrats
just finished up their national convention and they are all high on hopes,
dreams and promises. Next month the Republicans will go through the same
thing.
I hope you do participate in the process. The one that helps determine
how you and your loved ones live, not to mention your neighbors. Remember
what Jesus said when asked “who is my neighbor?”(the story
of the Good Samaritan, Luke 10:25-37).
While most of us struggle with one thing or another - some of them very
real, scary and difficult - I can’t help but at least mention here
that the situation in Darfur, Sudan is getting pretty desperate. The saddest
thing is we’ve seen this type of inhumanity to humanity happen before.
Too often. Organized, methodical genocide. The very term, “ethnic
cleansing”, has a distasteful antiseptic ring to it.
I know we aren’t going to completely stop suffering. But, maybe you
and I can do something about evil when it in such plain site. Here’s
a link to a website that gives anyone some practical suggested steps
to help stop the Genocide in Darfur.
Tom Gilbert
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July 28, 2004
One of the ways to discover our self-centeredness is when something happens
to someone we love. If an old friend gets sick or dies do we suddenly sit
up and take notice? Do we miss them and reminisce about our times together?
This is particularly acute if you haven’t seen that person in some
time.
Recognizing how deep our concerns and cares about only ourselves runs can
be painful. It may take some spiritual surgery to root it out.
The other danger is to become deluded into thinking we are so spiritually
fit that all our inspiration and ideas are correct. Yes, of course, God
will provide guidance to those who seek Him, but to assume that we have
all the answers is spiritual pride. Unfortunately many good people get
off track here and do things in the name of God that are really just self
will run riot.
Perhaps a way to tell if we are on track is to recognize when we think
we are humble. If we think we are, we’re probably not.
Tom Gilbert
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July 23, 2004
More news from our friend, Tom Terry, who lives and works in Mongolia (go
here for the background story). Tom has been keeping busy spearheading
the efforts for a new broadcast license and facility for Eagle-TV, a much
loved and respected independent news and cultural television station that
through a variety of circumstances has been off the air for a year and
a half. The good news is that Eagle-TV will soon be back on the airwaves.
Pictures often tell a story better than words (yes, even a writer like
me can admit that – ha ha). So, check
out this video of Eagle’s past accomplishments and future plans.
You will need to click the link at the top of the page that says "video".
And, if you are able, please support them – information is on the
page you are linked to for the video.
Tom Gilbert
PS - Addendum: I received another email from Tom Terry and someone has
agreed to provide a matching donation up to $200,000 for the rebuild and
re-launch of Eagle TV. This is a very significant portion of their operating
expenses. So, for every dollar contributed between now and October 31,
2004 up to the $200,000 limit will be matched. You can make a donation
online at www.amongfoundation.com.
There is also information on the web site to mail a donation. Thank you
to everyone who helps this worthy cause.
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July 21, 2004
You probably know the parable Jesus taught about the sower of seeds () and how spreading the Word of God is like that. The Word
(seeds) is going out and it is not reserved for just fertile soil. Sometimes
rocky ground gets tilled and becomes capable of bearing great fruit. People
we meet are at different stages in their journey.
It’s good to honestly look at what cares and concerns are choking
my growth. Am I fertile soil for God’s message? What seed is God
planting in me? How can I help in the harvest?
Tom Gilbert
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July 20, 2004
Today is the 35th anniversary of the first moonwalk. I certainly remember
watching television as a kid and being riveted to the grainy image of Neil
Armstrong stepping down onto the lunar surface.
As amazing as that accomplishment was, the great cosmic event of the Incarnation – God
becoming man – surpasses any other event in history. Jesus Christ,
the Son of God, walked on our planet among us and completed His mission
from the Father to redeem us all. This we can, and should, celebrate everyday.
It is also my wedding anniversary. I am truly grateful for my bride, Annette,
our children and our life together. 19 years is not a bad start.
Tom Gilbert
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July 19, 2004
Welcome to the new week, and as the saying goes, the first day of the rest
of your life. Welcome to right now.
My thoughts are full of living in the present moment. I just came off a
weekend dealing with this topic. I could say I “attended” the
conference, but that’s an insufficient word. Intent, consent, acceptance
and participation are more accurate.
Living in the “now” – the great Eternal Now – is
not some high falutin’ spiritual concept reserved for spiritual gurus.
Connecting with the present and God is something we all should strive for.
This connection transcends our normal concepts of time. It is the unity
that Jesus prayed for in John 17. As hard as it might be to believe, we
can achieve union with God and Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. We can
all become one. This is the Body of Christ.
Oh, but how to do that? This was precisely the theme of the conference. “The
Eternal Now, and how to be there” provided many insights and experiences.
One of the most profound is that this eternal now is not something we “get” to.
It’s not a destination. It’s consent. We can be present in
each moment when we give our “yes” to God (who never forces
His presence on anyone).
Contemplative prayer and the practice of centering prayer prepare us to
accept God’s gift of living in the now. You can’t truly give
your consent until you are ready to accept it.
Give God the gift of your silence and intent. It is the most important
way to begin each day.
Tom Gilbert
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July 15, 2004
Very often I find myself praying just to do what God calls me to do, but
then when certain opportunities arise I shy away. I’m not qualified
for that, I cry!
It’s best to remember that like so many before us, God does not necessarily
call the equipped, but He equips those He calls.
Tom Gilbert
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July 14, 2004
Because of my life-long love of music I spent many years working in radio.
As a result I’ve developed a pretty eclectic taste and I can enjoy
everything from classic and alternative rock, rhythm and blues, reggae,
jazz, classical, country, folk, inspirational – you name it.
I particularly like finding inspiration and spirituality in songs. If you’ve
heard the current hit song, “Heaven” by Los Lonely
Boys you can’t help but be moved by the plaintive prayer-like
quality of the lyrics set to a bluesy-latin rock mix. I wrote a song reflection
about it.
| more here |
There’s also a good article, Meeting the Los Lonely Boys,
by Jonathan Blundell at the Relevant Magazine site – read it here.
BTW, they are quite good live. I enjoyed their performance at the Rio Grande
Zoo here in Albuquerque on June 25th.
Tom Gilbert
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July 13, 2004
Living life on a daily basis often means dealing with the seemingly small,
mundane and trivial aspects. It’s hard to get real excited about
some of this. Many of us are addicted to chaos and when things are going
smoothly we can mistake it for boredom. Do you ever find yourself sabotaging
the day by creating a little havoc?
The truth of our daily existence is that how we live in the little and
seemingly inconsequential moments affect how we will handle the really
big deals when they come along. And those big deals will happen.
Good self esteem is essential. Being enthusiastic about life everyday,
even in the commonplace…especially the commonplace…is fundamental
to a life of gratitude and serenity. Our new puppy reminds me of this every
morning. He’s just so excited and enthusiastic about seeing me. Wouldn’t
it be nice if we could find a way to enjoy every moment? We can
when we realize that God doesn't make junk and we are all amazing beings!
Tom Gilbert
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July 7, 2004
What does it mean to be spiritual? Not superficially or compartmentalized,
but in every aspect of our lives? Joan Chittister, a Benedictine
and Beliefnet
columnist, put it this way: “living the ordinary life extraordinarily
well”.
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July 6, 2004
The long holiday weekend is over the presidential political campaign in
the States is heating up. Today Senator John Kerry announced Senator
John Edwards, his closest rival for the Democratic nomination, as his running
mate.
As we come off the patriotic 4th of July weekend we should remember our
responsibility as citizens to participate in our democratic process. If
you aren’t registered to vote, or need to update your status, you
can do so here.
There’s also a movement by presidentialprayerteam.org to “pray
the vote” – more
info here.
Tom Gilbert
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July 2, 2004
This weekend Americans celebrate the birth of our country, the United States
(July 4th is Independence Day). As a U.S. citizen I am grateful for the
many freedoms and blessings I have. I’m also aware that a true patriot
loves their country enough to stand up for what is right and be willing
to oppose what is wrong.
The dangers of any country are a government that becomes too intrusive,
restrictive, arrogant and self-serving. The citizens must avoid apathy
or blind allegiance.
The United States of America grew from a loose collection of colonies that
no longer would stand for imperialistic oppression to a global superpower
in only two hundred years. This is historically a short period. We need
to pray for our country, leaders and citizens that we will mature and remain
both strong and humble. Admittedly, this is a great challenge.
This posting today is made all the more poignant as I read a new email
from Tom Terry, an American who has been living in Mongolia for two years
and is working hard to get Eagle TV, an independent news,
sports and cultural voice of democracy, back on the air in that country.
There have been a lot of difficulties in this (read more here and here),
but he continues to work hard to be able to broadcast the truth (including
some Christian programming). His email tells of the peaceful protests in
Mongolia over their recent election and the encouragement he received from
many about Eagle TV. You can see pictures and more at Mongolia
Life.
As a citizen of God’s kingdom I have an allegiance to an eternal,
loving, wise and merciful King. This king who teaches that the greatest
must serve the least and that whatever we do to anyone, especially those
less fortunate, we do to the King.
Let’s pray for servant-leaders everywhere.
Tom Gilbert
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July 1, 2004
There’s a guy I know, big fella (about six foot four), grizzled and
tough looking, but who walks a spiritual path. He has a bumper sticker
on his car. Big Dave says it’s not for other people, but for him
because it reminds him of who he is and that he needs to show that in his
behavior.
The bumper sticker: Love is who you are.
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Scripture taken from the
Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.Copyright © 1973,
1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved
throughout the world. Used by permission of International
Bible Society.
NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® and NIV® are registered trademarks of
International Bible Society. Use of either trademark for the offering of
goods or services requires the prior written consent of International Bible
Society.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living
Translation, copyright ©1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House
Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL 60189, USA. All rights reserved.
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PSALM 118:24
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"This
is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad
in it."
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(NIV)
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