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Journal — May 2006 |
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AN ONGOING
SPIRITUAL WEBLOG
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May 31, 2006
Are you aware of God in your path? What I mean by that are all the different
times in your day when God is present and real in your life. God appears
to us in a very real way, in our thoughts, prayers and working through
other people.
Consider each interaction with another person. Do they happen to say something
that is helpful? Maybe you get some new insight. Or, perhaps they simply
help you in some kind gesture. That's God in your path.
Everyday we face choices. God is the compass and the rudder, if you are
willing to let Him. God will work through you, too, for the benefit of
others. All creation is a reflection of the eternal Creator. It may be
hard to recognize, but be ready to be surprised.
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May 26, 2006
Death can come slow or sudden. People who are in harm’s way – wars,
law enforcement and natural disasters – face this reality every day.
This Monday (May 29) is the Memorial Day Holiday. This weekend traditionally
kicks off summer activities, but it is well worth taking some time to remember
those who’ve made the sacrifice of their lives, often to save the
life of another. War is ugly and brutal, but in that living hell there
can still be opportunities for compassion and unconditional love.
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May 25, 2006
Death can come slow or sudden. People who are in harm’s way – wars,
law enforcement and natural disasters – face this reality every day.
This Monday (May 29) is the Memorial Day Holiday. This
weekend traditionally kicks off summer activities, but it is well worth
taking some time to remember those who’ve made the sacrifice of their
lives, often to save the life of another. War is ugly and brutal, but in
that living hell there can still be opportunities for compassion and unconditional
love.
Our current Spotlight
Link will take you to a special section about Memorial Day
posted by the Christianity Today site. More
here.
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May 22, 2006
The new movie,"The DaVinci Code, based on
the Dan Brown novel, is currently in theaters. It opened to huge box office
numbers and hype this past weekend. The storyline is based on the theory
that Jesus married Mary Magdalene and they had a son, along with various
other atributes that are not part of traditional Christian theology. The
story claims that the Church suppressed this story over the years with
intrigue, murder, etc. These are all elements for a thriller and mystery.
Many people, including lots of Christians, ministers, priests and other
clergy, are concerned that this movie will cause problems. This line of
thinking comes along with every controversial movie about religion. On
the other hand, perhaps this is a great opportunity for dialog. If you
dig into this story you'll discover that much of Dan Brown's research for
his novel is based on questionable sources. Instead of pulling the covers
over your eyes consider the chance to dialog about Jesus using the movie
as the opportunity.
You can find lots (and I do mean, LOTS) of discussion about The
DaVinci Code online. Try starting here at Hollywood
Jesus, a very good site that discusses current films and possible
spiritual connections. There is also a special section on the film at Christianity
Today.
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May 19, 2006
It is not an everyday occurrence to have a family member graduate from
High School. Today my daughter, Kristen, will have her commencement ceremony.
This week has been one full of activities, memories and dreams come true
for her. I'm so delighted and proud of her. Although it does seem like
it was just yesterday that she was a cute little four-year old wrapping
Daddy around her finger!
My wife and I have tried our best to instill in Kristen and our son, Eric,
some values and Christian principles. Ultimately they must walk their own
path, but I know that God is working in and through them just like God
does for each of us when we open our heart to His love.
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May 15, 2006
Dealing wiht the dying process of a loved one can be fearful and stressful.
But it doesn't have to be. God works not only for us, but through us and
we can minister to each other. I found this out personally this weekend
when I went and visited my parents in Kansas City. My mother has cancer
and she will soon die. The best we can do at this time is to make her comfortable
and let her know she is loved. And, most importantly, let her have the
dignity to communicate to her that we know she loves us.
Mom and I had some very good time together, especially on Mother's Day.
I admit that prior to flying out I was thinking that Mother's Day was a
sad occasion this year. But, it was not. It was a tearful and joyful time.
We shared together and she is clearly ready to meet the Lord. She is helping
each of us - the family - to accept her death and increase our faith in
the process!
Tom Gilbert
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May 12, 2006
Let us pray for our planet, our communities, our families and our nieghbors.
Let us pray for those on the margins, those in harms way, the poor, the
common laborers, and the community servants.
Let us pray for the soldiers, the firefighters, the law enforcement professionals
and our teachers (on the frontlines of fighting ignorance).
Let us pray for leaders.
Let us pray for guidance. Let us pray for open-mindedness, for humility,
for the desire to be teachable and for the capacity to love.
Let us pray for the willingness to change what needs to be changed and
to accept what we cannot.
Thank you mothers. Thank you God.
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May 10, 2006
Mother’s Day is this Sunday (May 14). The whole mystery of parenting
is a reflection of the relationship God shows us. God IS relationship.
The Trinity (Father/Son/Holy Spirit) demonstrates this. Constant love and
flow between all three. Equal. Each with a unique part in the equation.
Very mysterious, but much can be learned from it.
I thank God for my mom and for the maternal instinct gifted to women. Through
the years I grew up loved. Yes, I went through my rebellious period and
yes, I also have learned a lot from my parents about raising children.
I have two – a son and daughter. I have a loving wife who is a very
good, patient and loving mother.
This year’s Mother’s Day is bittersweet. My mom discovered
that she has cancer about 6 weeks ago and we are in the time of acceptance
and closure. I will travel to see her and my Dad and sister this weekend.
I am holding on to the promise in Romans 8:28 that God works for good in
all things for those who love Him and are called to His purpose.
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May 9, 2006
Sometimes the best thing we can do to minister to someone in pain is to
just be there. The ministry of presence is powerful. But, I think it means
when we are there with another who is hurting that we must be sure to let
go of our ego needs. To be truly present is to be real, honest and open.
God just IS. Spending endless time trying to define God is merely an intellectual
exercise and we will never be able to adequately define the great I AM.
We can only use human words and human understanding to try to describe
the infinite and boundless, all powerful and merciful grace of the ever
present One.
You ponder that and it becomes easier to just be present with another.
Sometimes that is all you need to do.
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May 5, 2006
Today is Cinco de Mayo, a Mexican holiday that is another excuse for many
in the United States to party. Cinco de Mayo commemorates the defeat of
the French army by the Mexicans at The Battle Of Puebla in 1862.
Mexico, our neighbor to the south, is of course in the spotlight of late
with the immigration controversy. It is interesting to view this controversy
through the lens of Christian principles. Remember that Jesus was an outcast
and he welcomed others on the fringes. Love for all, regardless of their
circumstances, is part of our call. The issue of illegal immigrants is
complex and I'm not going to attempt to oversimplify it. You might want
to spend time thinking about the plight of many who have come to America
seeking a better life. Even if they entered illegally there is still the
story of each individual and they all deserve the dignity that should be
given to all humans. Making all illegal immigrants felons and deporting
them is not a practical or moral answer. Let's pray that the issue will
be addressed and dealt with compassionately and wisely.
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May 1, 2006
The pain we feel when family or loved ones are sick is very real and often
very present. Sometimes it can consume our every waking hour and even enter
our dreams. It is hard to find peace when those we are closest to and care
the most about are hurting or dying.
God is always present. Jesus is there in each of us and gives us the comfort
and strength we need. It is so hard to remember this at times, but if we
truly let go to that then we can find some peace. I'm not speaking of denying
our feelings. Those are real and we must feel them. But Christ knows suffering
and He can show you how to carry it. He shoulders the load with us — if
we will only let Him.
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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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