If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5
No golf planned today, so I thought I would tell you about some of my favorite reads. Well, I guess I can stick in some golf. Before you putt (see yesterday's blog) you have to gather some knowledge. You look for rises or ridges between your ball and the hole, which way does the grain of the grass lay, any divots in your line. Then you take this knowledge and decide which way your ball is going to roll, how hard to hit it. Then you act. After years of doing this you should become wise in the way to putt. Notice the word "should"! My friend Judy would point out to you that all my knowledge, accumulated over many years of golfing, has not put me anywhere near wise.
I love to read, to gather knowledge. I especially love books and publications about spirituality. I noticed this morning an ad for GuidepostMag.com in that Google thingy over there on the right side. Well, that reminded me of a great publication I read, Weavings. I just received my May/June copy. I haven't read it yet, however, I can tell you I won't be disappointed. This one is about "Many Gifts". Each journal has 8 to 10 contributors and they are always thought provoking. You can find the subscription site at http://www.weavings.org/.
Kathleen Norris has written three books that are excellent. Dakota:A Spiritual Geography, The Cloister Walk, and Amazing Grace. I especially love the last two. Amazing Grace is about the vocabulary of religion that can be a roadblock to some of us.
As Peter says in 2Peter 1:5-6 add knowledge to your faith and goodness. As you gather knowledge and contemplate it, meditate over it, pray about it, God will lead you into wisdom. Our Creator will give it generously.
It may take some of us longer to become wise, but we ought not to give up. Ask God to lead you to the right source for your walk. It's out there. Every time I go into my favorite used bookstore a book usually shouts out to me "here I am, buy me!". You'd be amazed how often a book cover will draw your eye, while you miss the ones meant for someone else.
Feed your spirit, there are plenty of resources out there. Go to it.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Putting perseverance
Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking in anything. James 1:4
Putting is the finishing action you take to get the job done on each hole. It is the last stroke you take on the course. It might be a twenty footer or a tap in; doesn't matter, the ball has to go in the hole. Sometimes you can do it so smoothly, other times it seems as if you cannot do anything right. But to have a completed scorecard the little round ball has to go into the little round hole. Sometimes you have to persevere through some bad putting to get the job done.
I love James because he is so direct. He does not mess around with you, he is straight to the hole every time! When it comes to Bible study, prayer, improving ourselves, getting a task done we have to persevere. Work through the bumps on the course. Our Creator will give us all that we need, we will not lack any support from God. We will eventually become the mature and complete person God created us to be if we don't give up.
Open yourself up to God's support. It is always there, always close by. Sometimes we don't see the line clearly, as on the putting green, but it is there. Look and follow.
Putting is the finishing action you take to get the job done on each hole. It is the last stroke you take on the course. It might be a twenty footer or a tap in; doesn't matter, the ball has to go in the hole. Sometimes you can do it so smoothly, other times it seems as if you cannot do anything right. But to have a completed scorecard the little round ball has to go into the little round hole. Sometimes you have to persevere through some bad putting to get the job done.
I love James because he is so direct. He does not mess around with you, he is straight to the hole every time! When it comes to Bible study, prayer, improving ourselves, getting a task done we have to persevere. Work through the bumps on the course. Our Creator will give us all that we need, we will not lack any support from God. We will eventually become the mature and complete person God created us to be if we don't give up.
Open yourself up to God's support. It is always there, always close by. Sometimes we don't see the line clearly, as on the putting green, but it is there. Look and follow.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Praise
"...so that in all things God maybe praised through Jesus Christ." 1Peter 4:11
Praise, who doesn't love it! I played in a golf tournament this weekend. Gents verses the Ladies. We had a great time. So much laughter and teasing went on it was hard to catch it all. And praise. As I passed different foursomes it was gratifying to hear the compliments and praises being offered. Some of them hidden in a joke or tease, many of them out right admiration for a great shot or putt. Partners building up partners, opponents appreciating another's skill. You could see the joy praise gives by the look on the receiver's face. It seems to take us to a higher level. Some players just glowed to hear something nice said about them. When you give praise it makes you feel so good to see it's effect in the body language of the other person. Good for both. And it spreads. It is so much more fun to build up than to tear down.
As we praise God's creation we please and praise the Creator. How do I know? If you praise me about a scarf I knitted for you, I am so happy to know that you are happy and that you appreciate the time and work that went into my gift. And in whose image are we made ?? When we compliment or praise a fellow creation of God, God is praised. So, praise God through your prayers, songs, and thoughts. But also, don't forget to praise God by lifting up his people with compliments and praise.
I guess I have to tell you about the outcome of the tournament. The fellows won. Just wait until next year guys, us ladies have plans !!
Praise, who doesn't love it! I played in a golf tournament this weekend. Gents verses the Ladies. We had a great time. So much laughter and teasing went on it was hard to catch it all. And praise. As I passed different foursomes it was gratifying to hear the compliments and praises being offered. Some of them hidden in a joke or tease, many of them out right admiration for a great shot or putt. Partners building up partners, opponents appreciating another's skill. You could see the joy praise gives by the look on the receiver's face. It seems to take us to a higher level. Some players just glowed to hear something nice said about them. When you give praise it makes you feel so good to see it's effect in the body language of the other person. Good for both. And it spreads. It is so much more fun to build up than to tear down.
As we praise God's creation we please and praise the Creator. How do I know? If you praise me about a scarf I knitted for you, I am so happy to know that you are happy and that you appreciate the time and work that went into my gift. And in whose image are we made ?? When we compliment or praise a fellow creation of God, God is praised. So, praise God through your prayers, songs, and thoughts. But also, don't forget to praise God by lifting up his people with compliments and praise.
I guess I have to tell you about the outcome of the tournament. The fellows won. Just wait until next year guys, us ladies have plans !!
Friday, April 25, 2008
Strengthen me
"encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word." 2Thessalonians 3:17
I am home. I arrived Wednesday about noon to a loving husband and two happy dogs. My time with my friends was beautiful. We talked until we were worn out and then we talked some more. So when I got home I was very grateful to have a husband who encouraged me to relax and slow down. He fixed lunch, listened to my tales and then let me sit and ponder for a while. That was nice.
Yesterday, after doing the wash and some straightening, I headed to the course to hit some practice balls. Did I tell you it was windy? The weather report used the word breezy, I think they were trying to be nice. When I got up on the practice tee the wind was blowing so hard my sunglasses blew off my visor. Since it had been over ten days since I had practiced I decided to hit some balls anyway. When you play in the wind you have to hold steady and get your balance from the strength in your legs. You have to have a firm foundation, yet you cannot fight the wind. It is like a flow coming out of a solid foundation. You gage where the wind is coming from and adjust your aim. You also get a lot of sand and dirt in your hair! The better your swing is, the closer to the ideal swing, the better you can hit in the wind. If your swing is in the groove, the right path, the strength of your foundation will sustain you.
Through the fellowship of our retreat we gathered to us God's grace and strength. We filled ourselves with knowledge, wisdom and love. We gathered the"eternal encouragement and good hope" also mentioned in verse 17. When we are faced with life, our words and deeds will be enhanced as we look for the good. As we look for the correct path (as in grooving my swing) we will be strengthened and encouraged by the ideas, conversations, wisdom and love we found God infilling us with.
Out of the strength of our foundation, we can face the wind of life. We can aim for the good and flow with our Creator's love and eternal encouragement.
I am home. I arrived Wednesday about noon to a loving husband and two happy dogs. My time with my friends was beautiful. We talked until we were worn out and then we talked some more. So when I got home I was very grateful to have a husband who encouraged me to relax and slow down. He fixed lunch, listened to my tales and then let me sit and ponder for a while. That was nice.
Yesterday, after doing the wash and some straightening, I headed to the course to hit some practice balls. Did I tell you it was windy? The weather report used the word breezy, I think they were trying to be nice. When I got up on the practice tee the wind was blowing so hard my sunglasses blew off my visor. Since it had been over ten days since I had practiced I decided to hit some balls anyway. When you play in the wind you have to hold steady and get your balance from the strength in your legs. You have to have a firm foundation, yet you cannot fight the wind. It is like a flow coming out of a solid foundation. You gage where the wind is coming from and adjust your aim. You also get a lot of sand and dirt in your hair! The better your swing is, the closer to the ideal swing, the better you can hit in the wind. If your swing is in the groove, the right path, the strength of your foundation will sustain you.
Through the fellowship of our retreat we gathered to us God's grace and strength. We filled ourselves with knowledge, wisdom and love. We gathered the"eternal encouragement and good hope" also mentioned in verse 17. When we are faced with life, our words and deeds will be enhanced as we look for the good. As we look for the correct path (as in grooving my swing) we will be strengthened and encouraged by the ideas, conversations, wisdom and love we found God infilling us with.
Out of the strength of our foundation, we can face the wind of life. We can aim for the good and flow with our Creator's love and eternal encouragement.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Longing Fullfilled
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. Proverbs 12:12
We have longed for this time together for a year. It has been worth every minute of waiting. We have again stretched each other out of our comfort zone so that I can see seeds sprouting. The seeds we plant in each other will grow until next year.
I am turning the blog over to the Las Vegas sister for her take on this time of fellowship.
How to begin to understand such a blessing of fellowship... You couldn't plan to make such special friends. You couldn't dream of the different personalities, backgrounds, ages and tastes coming together to share the most intimate stories of our lives with full acceptance and love. Tonight we are thinking of eating ice cream with no judgment and guilt associated , just finger lickin pleasure as we had as little girls. Then the discussion turns to going home, our next year get-together and our hopes and plans in between. It has been like the most fun summer camp complete with arts and crafts, lovely treasures to take home to remind us of our time together.
I can only encourage other women to make a circle of 3 or 4 girlfriends and spend one or two or four days of uninterrupted time together. No matter how long you have been friends, even if it is a short time, the connection runs deep and propels you into a place of understanding that you could get no other way. We all owe it to each other.
We have longed for this time together for a year. It has been worth every minute of waiting. We have again stretched each other out of our comfort zone so that I can see seeds sprouting. The seeds we plant in each other will grow until next year.
I am turning the blog over to the Las Vegas sister for her take on this time of fellowship.
How to begin to understand such a blessing of fellowship... You couldn't plan to make such special friends. You couldn't dream of the different personalities, backgrounds, ages and tastes coming together to share the most intimate stories of our lives with full acceptance and love. Tonight we are thinking of eating ice cream with no judgment and guilt associated , just finger lickin pleasure as we had as little girls. Then the discussion turns to going home, our next year get-together and our hopes and plans in between. It has been like the most fun summer camp complete with arts and crafts, lovely treasures to take home to remind us of our time together.
I can only encourage other women to make a circle of 3 or 4 girlfriends and spend one or two or four days of uninterrupted time together. No matter how long you have been friends, even if it is a short time, the connection runs deep and propels you into a place of understanding that you could get no other way. We all owe it to each other.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Grace
We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to God's grace. 2Corinthians 1:12
We had about 5 to 6 hours of discussion today. It was beautiful. We discussed two of our books and got about half way through another. The deepest point for me was a time of prayer. As it is said, when three or more of you gather in my name...we gathered, we prayed and the Presence was with us. It was one of the most amazing gifts of grace I have been involved in. We truly were one. I hope tomorrow one of my soul sisters will tell you more.
When you look at yourself with no one else around, when you get into that quiet space of your soul you can find out so much. When you then take what you have learned and place it before your friends it can be scary. Not so today. I have very rarely felt so safe as I did today. God is so good to give us friends who make you feel safe. SO, the topics we discussed were meaningful, insightful, thought provoking. But the essence of our group had the sweet smell of love, the feel of trust, the touch of concern, the sight of beautiful faces, the hearing of the word.
Tomorrow.
We had about 5 to 6 hours of discussion today. It was beautiful. We discussed two of our books and got about half way through another. The deepest point for me was a time of prayer. As it is said, when three or more of you gather in my name...we gathered, we prayed and the Presence was with us. It was one of the most amazing gifts of grace I have been involved in. We truly were one. I hope tomorrow one of my soul sisters will tell you more.
When you look at yourself with no one else around, when you get into that quiet space of your soul you can find out so much. When you then take what you have learned and place it before your friends it can be scary. Not so today. I have very rarely felt so safe as I did today. God is so good to give us friends who make you feel safe. SO, the topics we discussed were meaningful, insightful, thought provoking. But the essence of our group had the sweet smell of love, the feel of trust, the touch of concern, the sight of beautiful faces, the hearing of the word.
Tomorrow.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Abundance
"...and you brought us to a place of abundance." Psalm 66:12
Oh, my!! We just walked in from the grocery store. You talk about abundance...we have enough food for an army for 6 days. We shopped for only the first day and a half. And my sister just added "only four people!" Our storehouse is overflowing. We are prepared. There will be an abundance of good food for all.
There will be an abundance of all sorts of food. Food for thought, food for discussion, food for meditation, food for prayer, food for the soul. We will be given the exact amount of manna that each one of us needs, in the form we need it.
There will be an abundance of love. Love will flow out of the abundance God has put in our hearts for each other. There will be no way to suppress it. Love will be pressed down and then overflowing.
Our creator will have us situated in the very heart of abundance tomorrow night as we sit down to share our first meal together. Situated in the heart of study Friday morning. Most joyously the Spirit will place us in the very center of an never ending pool of love.
Oh, my!! We just walked in from the grocery store. You talk about abundance...we have enough food for an army for 6 days. We shopped for only the first day and a half. And my sister just added "only four people!" Our storehouse is overflowing. We are prepared. There will be an abundance of good food for all.
There will be an abundance of all sorts of food. Food for thought, food for discussion, food for meditation, food for prayer, food for the soul. We will be given the exact amount of manna that each one of us needs, in the form we need it.
There will be an abundance of love. Love will flow out of the abundance God has put in our hearts for each other. There will be no way to suppress it. Love will be pressed down and then overflowing.
Our creator will have us situated in the very heart of abundance tomorrow night as we sit down to share our first meal together. Situated in the heart of study Friday morning. Most joyously the Spirit will place us in the very center of an never ending pool of love.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Safe Trip
Howdy, I made it to Missouri. The sister and I are getting ready for the arrival of our friends. So far no sibling arguments! Kind of scary when you find us agreeing on every thing. I wonder why God made brothers and sisters as our closest biological ties and yet some some of the mightiest arguments occur between them. Bible stories are a case in point. Probably because we are two sides of the same coin. Fortunately my sister and I have had only little tiffs in our shared history. We are truly blessed.
We are so looking forward to the upcoming laughter, discussions, fellowship and meals. We know we will be stretched and lead to new levels of love and friendship.
Stay tuned. We will see you tomorrow.
We are so looking forward to the upcoming laughter, discussions, fellowship and meals. We know we will be stretched and lead to new levels of love and friendship.
Stay tuned. We will see you tomorrow.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Another Group
A friend loves at all times, a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs 17:17
A repeat of yesterday's verse, because it is certainly worth repeating. Repeating and meditating on. On both sides of the thought; as a friend and about our friends.
Yesterday I said I would explain about my second group God has placed me with. This group is made up of very different ladies. One from Florida, one from Las Vegas and one from Missouri. I became involved with the first two through churches, the third by shared parents. They did not know each other, although I talked about them to each other so much they felt as if they did. So last year we decided it was time to get everyone together for a retreat. It turned out to be such a special and glorious event we are hoping to make it yearly. So tomorrow I leave for Missouri for our Second Annual Retreat. We each pick a book that we consider important to our spiritual life, then we read all four and discuss them at our get together. We share and stretch and grow our faith and understanding of what God means to us in our lives. We are at different places on our faith walks so it is a lively and informative discussion. Now don't get me wrong, we also have time to eat, shop, gossip and eat some more! But you would be correct in assuming we talk all the time.
God has given me each of these ladies at the exact time I needed them and need them I did and do. One was presented as my Christmas gift, a live doll I could love and boss around. One came at the darkest time of my life. With God wrapped around her waist she pulled me through the darkness. We are not only on the same page of searching, we on the same letter of the same word in the same sentence. The last beautiful woman shared a prayer group experience with me that took our prayer life to an altogether deeper level than I ever expected. We went from prayer to, as one friend put it, "holy talk".
I can in no way thank God enough for these friends. I can not praise God enough for this group. When we are together God's love is so palatable, it is as if a white, airy blanket is placed around us. We are know by his love shining from our souls.
I will be traveling for two days, but Tuesday I rejoin you and we will start the retreat together. Come join me and my three soul sisters. We will love to have you along. I may get one of them to write something!
God has put a group out there for you. Maybe you are already aware of it. If so, I hope and pray you cherish it as I do my two groups. If you haven't found yours yet, look around you, they are there. You need them and they need you. God made us to love and he made loving friends for us to find.
God bless and I'll see you Tuesday. P.S. The husband just came in and asked me to go play nine holes this afternoon! Play the course.
A repeat of yesterday's verse, because it is certainly worth repeating. Repeating and meditating on. On both sides of the thought; as a friend and about our friends.
Yesterday I said I would explain about my second group God has placed me with. This group is made up of very different ladies. One from Florida, one from Las Vegas and one from Missouri. I became involved with the first two through churches, the third by shared parents. They did not know each other, although I talked about them to each other so much they felt as if they did. So last year we decided it was time to get everyone together for a retreat. It turned out to be such a special and glorious event we are hoping to make it yearly. So tomorrow I leave for Missouri for our Second Annual Retreat. We each pick a book that we consider important to our spiritual life, then we read all four and discuss them at our get together. We share and stretch and grow our faith and understanding of what God means to us in our lives. We are at different places on our faith walks so it is a lively and informative discussion. Now don't get me wrong, we also have time to eat, shop, gossip and eat some more! But you would be correct in assuming we talk all the time.
God has given me each of these ladies at the exact time I needed them and need them I did and do. One was presented as my Christmas gift, a live doll I could love and boss around. One came at the darkest time of my life. With God wrapped around her waist she pulled me through the darkness. We are not only on the same page of searching, we on the same letter of the same word in the same sentence. The last beautiful woman shared a prayer group experience with me that took our prayer life to an altogether deeper level than I ever expected. We went from prayer to, as one friend put it, "holy talk".
I can in no way thank God enough for these friends. I can not praise God enough for this group. When we are together God's love is so palatable, it is as if a white, airy blanket is placed around us. We are know by his love shining from our souls.
I will be traveling for two days, but Tuesday I rejoin you and we will start the retreat together. Come join me and my three soul sisters. We will love to have you along. I may get one of them to write something!
God has put a group out there for you. Maybe you are already aware of it. If so, I hope and pray you cherish it as I do my two groups. If you haven't found yours yet, look around you, they are there. You need them and they need you. God made us to love and he made loving friends for us to find.
God bless and I'll see you Tuesday. P.S. The husband just came in and asked me to go play nine holes this afternoon! Play the course.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Friends
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs 17:17
I am blessed with two groups of good friends. One is my group of golfing buddies, the other is made up of my prayer sisters. Today I am sorely missing one group and preparing to spend five glorious days with the other.
I really miss my golfing pals. I had not been able to join them for two weeks and then yesterday we cancelled because of the wind. Now it will be another two weeks because I will be out of town again. Then when I get back two of them will be gone traveling...one of them for 5 months! Woe is me. They are funny, dear, smart, articulate women. They show genuine love and concern for each other. They help each other in times of distress and family problems. Sometimes all they do is listen, other times they take an active hand in organizing relief. They love to celebrate the successes of each other. No jealousy, a lot of teasing.
I love this group God has put me in. You will find when you get to know me that I do not believe in coincidences. No way. There is a reason I was led to join this particular group of lady golfers. The more attention I pay to God's will in my life, the more I realize how God has put the paths and door ways right in front of me. If I look for them there are always opportunities. The invitation to join this golf group was an invitation from God to get to know and love a wonderful group of women.
Why? I don't know yet (other than a lot of fun!). But years from now, when I look back on our time together, I will see so many instances of how we have supported each other, offered help, advice, prayer. We are a circle of God's active love in the world.
Has God invited you to join a group? Has someone recently offered you an invitation to go somewhere or help some how? Say yes. God has some friends for you. Look for them on the course, they are already there.
Tomorrow I'll tell you what is planned with my other special group. I planning to take you with me on that trip!
I am blessed with two groups of good friends. One is my group of golfing buddies, the other is made up of my prayer sisters. Today I am sorely missing one group and preparing to spend five glorious days with the other.
I really miss my golfing pals. I had not been able to join them for two weeks and then yesterday we cancelled because of the wind. Now it will be another two weeks because I will be out of town again. Then when I get back two of them will be gone traveling...one of them for 5 months! Woe is me. They are funny, dear, smart, articulate women. They show genuine love and concern for each other. They help each other in times of distress and family problems. Sometimes all they do is listen, other times they take an active hand in organizing relief. They love to celebrate the successes of each other. No jealousy, a lot of teasing.
I love this group God has put me in. You will find when you get to know me that I do not believe in coincidences. No way. There is a reason I was led to join this particular group of lady golfers. The more attention I pay to God's will in my life, the more I realize how God has put the paths and door ways right in front of me. If I look for them there are always opportunities. The invitation to join this golf group was an invitation from God to get to know and love a wonderful group of women.
Why? I don't know yet (other than a lot of fun!). But years from now, when I look back on our time together, I will see so many instances of how we have supported each other, offered help, advice, prayer. We are a circle of God's active love in the world.
Has God invited you to join a group? Has someone recently offered you an invitation to go somewhere or help some how? Say yes. God has some friends for you. Look for them on the course, they are already there.
Tomorrow I'll tell you what is planned with my other special group. I planning to take you with me on that trip!
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Wind
He makes the clouds his chariot and rides the wings of the wind. He makes wind his messengers... Psalm 104:3-4
No golf today. Wind at 35 miles an hour, gusts to 50. Blowing dust advisory. Well, I guess! Seems as if those to pieces of info go together.
More to add to yesterday's ponder list. I will be safely inside, watching the dust fill the valley. Psalm 1:4 also speaks of the wind..."Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away." Wind in Hebrew is from the root word ruwach to blow, i.e. breathe. Used as wind, by resemblance breath. I think I will spend some time this afternoon, as I watch this weather event, looking at the chaff I need to have God blow away out of my life. There are many spots I need God to breath on.
How will I do it? First isolate and identify one as a separate grain of dust, then let my eye rest on each little speck, then shine a beam of light on it to make it really clear, then ask God to help me blow it away.
So, it's not windy at your house today? Maybe you are in the part of the country where it is raining. Raindrops are good to use. Waves on the ocean...grains of sand...dust bunnies in the air...
No golf today. Wind at 35 miles an hour, gusts to 50. Blowing dust advisory. Well, I guess! Seems as if those to pieces of info go together.
More to add to yesterday's ponder list. I will be safely inside, watching the dust fill the valley. Psalm 1:4 also speaks of the wind..."Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away." Wind in Hebrew is from the root word ruwach to blow, i.e. breathe. Used as wind, by resemblance breath. I think I will spend some time this afternoon, as I watch this weather event, looking at the chaff I need to have God blow away out of my life. There are many spots I need God to breath on.
How will I do it? First isolate and identify one as a separate grain of dust, then let my eye rest on each little speck, then shine a beam of light on it to make it really clear, then ask God to help me blow it away.
So, it's not windy at your house today? Maybe you are in the part of the country where it is raining. Raindrops are good to use. Waves on the ocean...grains of sand...dust bunnies in the air...
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Vast expanses
Have you comprehended the vast expanses of the earth? Tell me if you know all this. Job 38:18
We are home. Home to the desert. Home to the mountains. It was a great trip. The sea was calm and I did not get sea sick !! We saw some beautiful places and met some very nice people.
On this trip I was able to spend quite a large chunk of time on the deck watching the sea. I had my books with me, so I could read and then look out to sea, pondering and praying. I love vast expanses for pondering time. I grew up in Missouri surrounded by trees and hills. There were beautiful views, many actually breathtaking, but not the vast expanses of the ocean or my desert/mountain views.
I don't completely understand how this expansion of view can work so gloriously on my soul, but it sure does. I think as I look out over the sea or the spread of the desert or survey the huge mountains I register a feeling of the wonder of all the different types of vastness God created. They are so different. Then I look up at the sky and see another vast wonder. It is all made of the same physical waves and particles, but it is made visible to us in such different forms. Sky, mountains, desert, sea...me. When I let that work around and settle into my soul I become so peaceful.
It's a beautiful creation, made for us to ponder. Made for us to see. Made for us to take into our hearts and then expand ourselves. Stretch our love and peace and calm and prayers out over the whole of creation. Spread ourselves thin as we expand our love to cover all the vastness of God's creation.
We are home. Home to the desert. Home to the mountains. It was a great trip. The sea was calm and I did not get sea sick !! We saw some beautiful places and met some very nice people.
On this trip I was able to spend quite a large chunk of time on the deck watching the sea. I had my books with me, so I could read and then look out to sea, pondering and praying. I love vast expanses for pondering time. I grew up in Missouri surrounded by trees and hills. There were beautiful views, many actually breathtaking, but not the vast expanses of the ocean or my desert/mountain views.
I don't completely understand how this expansion of view can work so gloriously on my soul, but it sure does. I think as I look out over the sea or the spread of the desert or survey the huge mountains I register a feeling of the wonder of all the different types of vastness God created. They are so different. Then I look up at the sky and see another vast wonder. It is all made of the same physical waves and particles, but it is made visible to us in such different forms. Sky, mountains, desert, sea...me. When I let that work around and settle into my soul I become so peaceful.
It's a beautiful creation, made for us to ponder. Made for us to see. Made for us to take into our hearts and then expand ourselves. Stretch our love and peace and calm and prayers out over the whole of creation. Spread ourselves thin as we expand our love to cover all the vastness of God's creation.
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