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Journal Archives – February, 2003 |
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| AN ONGOING SPIRITUAL WEBLOG |
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February 27, 2003 *Updated
A
Sad Day in the Neighborhood
I just found out that Fred Rogers (yes, the Mr. Rogers
of children television fame), passed away this morning.
If you ever had a chance to see him, you know that he
transcended the glitz and the flash of typical media (or
life, for that matter) and lived a life of simple, honest,
timeless principles.
I found a nice tribute to him on this blog
that echoes my sentiments.
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Previous post on Thursday, February 27
Peace in our world — peace outside ourselves — can only
come from inner peace. It starts there, on the inside.
This Monday is 03/03/03. I've commented before on dates,
when the numbers line up in a certain way (like January
when we had 01/02/03). God is a mysterious Trinity. God
in three persons (Father, Son and Holy Spirit). This Monday
would be a good day to contemplate that. And to pray for
that inner peace. Join with others around the world in
prayer on March 3 — see the World
Prayer Team website for more.
Tom Gilbert
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February 24, 2003
Norman Vincent Peale continues to amaze and encourage
me. Although he died a few years ago his writing and thoughts
are very much alive. At times they leap off the page and
jump right into my heart. He wrote with such conviction
and enthusiasm. Yet, he also related as a real human who
faced the same fears and doubts we all do. (The Peale
Foundation does good work, visit the Daily
Guideposts website.)
I was reading something he wrote about prayer last night
before going to bed. Part of what struck me from his insight
was how we might be blocking God’s blessings and
answers to our prayers. That reminds me that our heavenly
Father wants to answer our prayers with all the good he
has in store for us. Sometimes I’m blocked, though.
Blocked by my fear, or doubt, or self centeredness.
Today I pray that I will be open to God’s message,
that the Holy Spirit will flood me with love and understanding
and that I will see Jesus in each person.
Tom Gilbert
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February 19, 2003
The more we do things (at least the good things) the better
we tend to get at it. This is true with our work, skills
and various talents. Think about how any new sport is
usually pretty frustrating until you get the basics.
Prayer is like that. The more you do it the more you discover
its rich depths. I’m also discovering that I can
pray in different ways. It’s really important for
the quiet morning- prayer time, but throughout the day
and with others is really great, too.
Like my golf swing, I need to remember that my prayers
need good follow through. Sometimes it’s an action,
like checking in with someone I’ve interceded for.
Other times, it’s just maintaining confident faith
and looking for the results.
Tom Gilbert
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February 18, 2003
If more people would just change their stubborn ways,
life would be so much better!
Better for whom? Well, um, gee…I guess, better for
everyone. Right? Oh, here’s a valuable lesson. It’s
not about changing others as much as it is about changing
me. Even when I think my motives are pure. If there is
any attempt to “fix” somebody else, I better
take a look at those motives. That adds another dimension
to “let go, let God”
Tom Gilbert
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February 13, 2003
Two things have been very much on my mind these days.
The first is the real probability of war in Iraq and other
threats to world peace. The other is this call to contemplative
prayer.
I’ve never been very good at quiet meditation. My
understanding of contemplative prayer is that it’s
more listening, more sitting in the presence of God. My
prayers are often telling God about all the things I need
help with, along with a few requests for others thrown
in for good measure.
This morning as I sat at the breakfast table I felt an
urge to sit quietly and just contemplate being with Jesus.
I’d just finished reading from the Bible, from Mark
7:24-30. This is the passage where a Gentile woman comes
to Jesus asking him to cast a demon out of her daughter.
Jesus’ reply is that it’s not right to take
the children’s bread and throw it to dogs. That
seems harsh, doesn’t it? The message is that the
Jewish people were to be the first to hear the message,
but the teacher is not callous or unmerciful. As she persisted
(“even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the
table”) Jesus granted her request.
I closed my eyes. I pictured sitting by a peaceful river,
under a shade tree. Jesus was there, too, sitting on a
rock. I looked at him, questioning in my mind, what about
Saddam Hussein? He looked at me, but did not spoke. Just
eyes full of compassion and love. Osama bin Laden? Again
the compassionate look, with a touch of sadness, but certainly
love. Ok, President Bush? Same look. Me? Yes, love for
us all.
Suddenly several little children showed up and they all
crowded around Jesus, the smallest one climbing into his
lap and giggling. Jesus was smiling and cuddling them.
He cast me a glance full of love, cheer and comfort.
I've got to tell you, when I opened my eyes I felt peaceful.
I still feel that way a couple of hours later. Is all
my anxiety about war and terrorism gone? No. But, I realize
that just being with Jesus is going to change something.
It’s going to change me.
Tom Gilbert
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February 11, 2003
Winner or whiner? Not everyday is going to be wonderful
or trouble free. This may be hard to come to grips with
once you give your life to God. He’s supposed to
take care of us, right? Yes, but that means more than
life being smooth sailing.
I think God allows us to go through the trouble in life
so that we will learn what’s important…and
to always rely on Him, even when the going gets tough.
That has to be the main reason for the story of Job
in the Bible.
Trusting in God and learning the real meaning of loving
others does have many rewards. There will be many times
of peace and joy. Just don’t let the hard times
allow you to give up. Because, if you do, what’s
the alternative? We don’t have the power or the
solutions that God has.
If you are going through hard times now don’t give
up! Pray and turn to God for help. If you need a little
inspiration, read Sara’s
story.
Tom Gilbert
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February 10, 2003
I’m continually surprised at how many of the important things
in life are lessons I was taught early. It seems to
take a lifetime to learn them.
The proper way we treat others and how we should live are really
very simple. Because my nature has a side to it that
is willful and rebellious it becomes a continuous process
to turn from my self-will to God’s will. It truly
is an inside job. This is why it is so important to
each day spend some time doing the things that will
help transform me. Things like quiet reading of the
Word, prayer, meditation, smiling, helping others and
checking my attitude.
It’s an inside job.
Tom Gilbert
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February 6, 2003
Humility is not thinking less of yourself...it's thinking
of yourself less.
Tom Gilbert
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February 5, 2003
Is war with Iraq inevitable? Does it really matter if
we pray for peace?
Sometimes it may seem to us that it’s pointless
to pray for peace. There is so little of it in the world.
That’s precisely why we should keep praying! Jesus
says that the peace he gives us is not as the world gives
it (). It’s not transitory—it’s
real and lasting.
There can be no peace in the world as long as there is
no peace in our hearts. Yes, I must keep praying for peace.
I must remember where the true peace comes from. I don’t
want war in Iraq. I don’t want innocent lives to
be lost. Each of us can contribute to world peace. It
started with Jesus (the Prince of Peace). It continues
with and through us. May the peace of Christ be with you!
Tom Gilbert
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February 2, 2003
Today in the United States there is a somber mood as the
reality of the space shuttle disaster settles in. On Saturday
morning Columbia disintegrated over Texas upon re-entry.
The exact cause is yet to be determined, although there
are already ideas and a thorough investigation will take
many months. Regardless, this tragic incident shows once
again that we are not masters of our fate. We do not know
when our lives may end.
The outpouring of love and compassion for the families
and friends of the astronauts is moving and I’m
grateful to see
it. Like many other Americans I’ve grown up with
the space program. In a way it has helped define our generation.
We love the adventure and the amazing reach into space.
I’m again reminded, however, of why it seems to
take tragedy to move so many of us to a compassionate
attitude. It does get our attention. What can I do today
to keep my attention on God, the beauty of life, the gratitude
for my many blessings and the needs of others? I need
to be more aware of the importance of a kind word, a loving
act and an outreach for the suffering. What can any of
us do?
We can certainly do something. Today I will strive to
be more grateful, kinder and more loving. And certainly
to be more aware of God and his desire for us to love
him and all his children.
Tom Gilbert
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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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