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Journal |
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AN ONGOING
SPIRITUAL WEBLOG
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July 3, 2009
What does freedom look like to a Christian believer?
The July 4th holiday is a time for Americans to reflect
on our freedoms and be grateful for them. They were achieved
through great sacrifice.
A New Freedom is
part of living for God. In truth, we live for God and
God lives for us. God is in us and lives with us and through
us!
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July 2, 2009
Everything Belongs is the one book by Richard
Rohr (noted author, speaker and founder of the Center
for Action and Contemplation) I recommend more than any
of his others. He has written many wonderful books, but
this one contains several of the oft-repeated themes found
in his other writings.
Subtitled The Gift of Contemplative Prayer,
this work helps us to see a number of things that we often
have been blinded to, even if we think we are good Christians.
Each chapter has many nuggets of insight which help us
discover, or remind us again of the existence of what
I call the Great Mystery of Divine Reality.
read the entire
review
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June 26, 2009
We live in a world and culture that seems obsessed with
celebrities. It's more apparent this week with the deaths
of Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett and now Michael Jackson,
the eccentric, yet extraordinarily talented, "King
of Pop".
What makes up a live lived well? That's one of the all
time great questions. Celebrities and public figures,
like or not, are under more scrutiny than the average
person. And they're beliefs and behaviors impact others.
Steve Stockman is an author and minister known for his
spiritual insight into music, especially rock music of
the past 40 years. I found myself in agreement with his
blog entry (from Soul Surmise) on Michael Jackson's
passing.
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June 24, 2009
It has been said that nothing listens like paper. That's
why writing as part of my prayer and devotion time is
so important to me. First I get quiet with God. I turn
my intention and attention away from the worldly clamour
and towards my Creator. Later I might write and find that
God has planted in me messages that I need to write and
then read.
That's how it works for me, anyway. You might have a different
practice. But I know I am not alone in this as I saw today
with the entry at aholyexperience.com. Journaling
as a Spiritual Discpline: An Act of Prayershares
insight into this process and credits Walter Brueggeman
for the inspiration.
I very much liked the quote I read from a great creative
writer:
"This is praying time, and the act of listening
in prayer is the same act as listening in writing."
~Madeleine L'Engle
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June 22, 2009
Hope you all had a good Father's Day. Spiritual growth
in men is one of my favorite topics and pursuits.
If you are in the Albuquerque area there are two upcoming
men-oriented events worth considering. | more
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June 19, 2009
What is male spirituality all about? It is worth exploring.
My experience is that women are better at getting in touch
with their spirituality than men are. But don't confuse
male spirituality as being something for men to get in
touch with their "feminine side". No! This is
about learning what it truly means to be a man and a beloved
son of God.
As Father's Day is this Sunday I highly encourage you
to visit the site of M.A.L.E.s
- Men as Leaders and Elders - and discover some
great articles, resources and inspiration about male spirituality. |
June 18, 2009
Abortion Violence and American Democracy is
the title of an article by Jon A. Shield that you can
read
at ChristianityToday.com. In the wake of the murder
of George Tiller, an abortion physician, there has been
an outcry opposing radical extremists who push a pro-life
agenda but use violence and hate to accomplish their means.
That, of course, is never morally correct.
But abortion is still a great immoral sin and the tragic
killing of millions upon millions of unborn babies casts
a great sadness across America. Abortion is not the only
wrong and social ill pro-lifers (which should rightly
include all Christians), but we need to continue to oppose
it. No one is more innocent than the unborn in the womb!
Pray and support especially those who work in pregnancy
crisis centers as they deal one-on-one with women who
are struggling with their situation. These brave souls
can carry the message of love and the sanctity of life
that these pregnant women desperately need.
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June 16, 2009
This Saturday, June 21, is a special day. Yes, I know
it is Father's Day, but what I'm referring to is
National
Go Skateboarding Day. Skateboarding has been a popular
sport for many years - one of the few youth pursuits from
the 70's to still be popular today.
There have been a number of churches and groups who have
successfully used skateboarding as ministry opportunities.
I thought you might want to check out this
site by pro skater Tim Byrne who is on fire
for Jesus.
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June 12, 2009
I just finished reading an inspiring new book about the
need to really surrender our own will to follow Jesus.
The message of the cross is too often taking as something
done for us. But we have our part to do. That means picking
up our own cross. It means letting Jesus live through
us.
Read the review
of Dying to Live — The Paradox of The Crucified
Life.
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June 11, 2009
As you go through your day you may face various challenges.
You might also encounter occasions of joy. Moments of
peace. Calls to help.
Little
reminders are helpful along the way.
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June 9, 2009
In your head...or in your heart?
Do you think a lot? All the time? Are your thoughts positive
and productive? Or are you "spinning your wheels"
with repetitive thoughts?
Try being more in your heart. | read
more |
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June 7, 2009
You can't figure out the Holy Trinity with your own human
understanding. God in three distinct persons - Father,
Son and Holy Spirit - yet all One God is a mystery.
But I just love the relationship I believe the Holy Trinity
demonstrates to us. Constant love in a circle between
the three. Complete and unconditional.
Here's a beautiful prayer to the Holy Trinity from Father
Richard Rohr, OFM.
God for us, we call You Father,
God along side us, we call You Jesus,
God within us, we call You Holy Spirit.
You are the Eternal Mystery
that enables, enfolds, and enlivens all things,
even us,
and even me.
Every name falls short of your
Goodness and Greatness.
We can only see who You are in what is.
We ask for such perfect seeing.
As it was in the beginning, is now,
and ever shall be.
Amen.
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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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