You speak... but I'm not listening
I'm lost in between what you say and what you mean.
You are splitting words like wood
Your tongue like a knife
No good.
There's really no point in pretend
I'm old
And
Will not tread that path again...
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Lent
Yesterday was Ash Weds ... a simple reminder what we truly are and are not! As I looked around the room..... I thought, " There is nowhere I'd rather be than here." We are called by God to be His own... in the words of our Pastor, "We are Gods dust..." Surely, the sound of that continues to resonate in my heart... Perhaps it will be my mantra for the Lenten Season. As I begin to atone and look at what needs changing in myself, I am encouraged by todays reading. (Duet. 7:6-11)
God has done the "choosing" first-- (not the other way around) and we are chosen to be His, simply because He Loves us...
Let us pray that the reflection seen (by others) be worthy of this Faithful God who has called us to be His very own... what does it mean to be "chosen"... I'm not sure but I am sure that we've done nothing to deserve it.
God has done the "choosing" first-- (not the other way around) and we are chosen to be His, simply because He Loves us...
Let us pray that the reflection seen (by others) be worthy of this Faithful God who has called us to be His very own... what does it mean to be "chosen"... I'm not sure but I am sure that we've done nothing to deserve it.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Spiritual Stimulas Pkg
Oh how Time flies... whether or not one is having fun, it just rolls like a cloud on a windy day.
The benefits of having more free time these days are many but my favorite thing is curling up to a good book (ok books ) and am at liberty to stay up as LATE as I want to, YAY!
The one that is cracking my peas at the moment has been from Macrina Wiederkehr's "A Tree Full of Angels- Seeing The Holy In The Ordinary". I could write about her impact on my little world for days and days... and perhaps I will do just that, we shall see...
With everything that is going on in the world (America) today, people seem to be more apt to Pray for each other, the President (even if they didn't vote for him) and for themselves.... praying that things will soon be BETTER for us all...
Now, I would not want to suggest that the state of affairs we are living in collectively is a good thing but perhaps the struggle we face has brought us closer together in our "poverty"...
The word "poverty" in our culture is synonymous with "failure" or lower quality of life at the very least! HOWEVER, that is not the poverty that I am alluding to, today. Besides, my friends who saw "Slum Dog Millionare" said Americans do not know that level of poverty, debatable perhaps.
"When I accept my poverty, my total dependence on God, I become vulnerable and God can more easily reach me.... How often I've used my possessions to hide my poverty! I try to fill in the gnawing ache in my Life with material things. I sometimes use words to hide from my poverty... I get lost in the illusion of the importance of my words, words that begin to oppress rather than heal. Then there are times when I use my busyness to hide from my poverty. If I am in the midst of a flutter of activity I do not have to feel my poverty. I numb myself to God's Grace with my ceaseless activity..." (Macrina Wiederkehr)
The realization of my poverty has nothing to do with... "what will I eat today?" It has more to do with failing to be more charitible and less selfish. Here is why I think "fasting" is good once in awhile... "If I am too full of myself, I will NEVER find God". (p. 88 A Tree Full of Angels).
Perhaps Americans can reach out of their fears (or poverty) to once again find the One True God. Help someone just don't talk about it.
Can I hear an Amen?? :-)
d.
The benefits of having more free time these days are many but my favorite thing is curling up to a good book (ok books ) and am at liberty to stay up as LATE as I want to, YAY!
The one that is cracking my peas at the moment has been from Macrina Wiederkehr's "A Tree Full of Angels- Seeing The Holy In The Ordinary". I could write about her impact on my little world for days and days... and perhaps I will do just that, we shall see...
With everything that is going on in the world (America) today, people seem to be more apt to Pray for each other, the President (even if they didn't vote for him) and for themselves.... praying that things will soon be BETTER for us all...
Now, I would not want to suggest that the state of affairs we are living in collectively is a good thing but perhaps the struggle we face has brought us closer together in our "poverty"...
The word "poverty" in our culture is synonymous with "failure" or lower quality of life at the very least! HOWEVER, that is not the poverty that I am alluding to, today. Besides, my friends who saw "Slum Dog Millionare" said Americans do not know that level of poverty, debatable perhaps.
"When I accept my poverty, my total dependence on God, I become vulnerable and God can more easily reach me.... How often I've used my possessions to hide my poverty! I try to fill in the gnawing ache in my Life with material things. I sometimes use words to hide from my poverty... I get lost in the illusion of the importance of my words, words that begin to oppress rather than heal. Then there are times when I use my busyness to hide from my poverty. If I am in the midst of a flutter of activity I do not have to feel my poverty. I numb myself to God's Grace with my ceaseless activity..." (Macrina Wiederkehr)
The realization of my poverty has nothing to do with... "what will I eat today?" It has more to do with failing to be more charitible and less selfish. Here is why I think "fasting" is good once in awhile... "If I am too full of myself, I will NEVER find God". (p. 88 A Tree Full of Angels).
Perhaps Americans can reach out of their fears (or poverty) to once again find the One True God. Help someone just don't talk about it.
Can I hear an Amen?? :-)
d.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Finding Gods Will...
"All A.A. progress can be reckoned in terms of just two words: humility and responsibility. Our whole spiritual development can be accurately measured by our degree of adherence to these magnificent standards."Ever deepening humility, accompanied by an ever greater willingness to accept and to act upon clear-cut obligations - these are truly our touchstones for all growth in the life of the spirit. They hold up to us the very essence of right being and right doing. It is by them that we are enabled to find and to do God's will."
Bill W.TALK, 1965 (PRINTED IN GRAPEVINE, JANUARY 1966)
It absolutely amazes me how God gave such a gift to alcoholics.... not only a way out of a seemingly "hopeless" situation.... but a Spiritual Design for Living ... that creates a new being from the inside-out. Yes, this is proof positive that our Higher Power is in Love with those who need Her the most... marginal folks on the fringe of society... She gathers us in one by one in the Fellowship of AA and other similar Spiritual Communities that are open... and this is not Religiousity at its worse, rather at its best. For many are convinced, that if Jesus Christ was walking around today in His groovy sandles and robe... He'd have not a "High Hat" ... nope, I think he'd be here telling some drunk or other.... " Easy Does It", "First Things First" and "Keep It Simple..."
ALL these places, that in the Spirit of Service and Love have done what the Almighty has asked of them.... for when "done unto the least of my brothers, you have done unto me..."
Bill W.TALK, 1965 (PRINTED IN GRAPEVINE, JANUARY 1966)
It absolutely amazes me how God gave such a gift to alcoholics.... not only a way out of a seemingly "hopeless" situation.... but a Spiritual Design for Living ... that creates a new being from the inside-out. Yes, this is proof positive that our Higher Power is in Love with those who need Her the most... marginal folks on the fringe of society... She gathers us in one by one in the Fellowship of AA and other similar Spiritual Communities that are open... and this is not Religiousity at its worse, rather at its best. For many are convinced, that if Jesus Christ was walking around today in His groovy sandles and robe... He'd have not a "High Hat" ... nope, I think he'd be here telling some drunk or other.... " Easy Does It", "First Things First" and "Keep It Simple..."
ALL these places, that in the Spirit of Service and Love have done what the Almighty has asked of them.... for when "done unto the least of my brothers, you have done unto me..."
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Work and Worth
Monday the Corp. gods sent me packing along with thousands and thousands of others. The good news is they are not my GOD... and so, I'm hopeful... anticipating what God has in store for me because I believe that verse in the Bible that says God looks after each sparrow..... (Since I do not have wings and cannot live in trees,) I have to work somewhere but the point I'm making is my Divine Lover will provide... He/She always, always has.
If God knows what we need then perhaps, it is our "wants" that can get us into trouble. Isn't that why our Country is in such a state??( Greed)..
"Gods Will" is a safer bet regarding true happiness and so, I will trudge that road... wherever it leads! A road to Freedom today is "doing the footwork and leaving the results to God". .. Sr. Kathleen used to say, "move slowly but not so slowly that you stop moving!" So although there is seemingly more time for fishing and resting ... "footwork"' is a lot of work!
And yet the true Worth I have today is that I belong to the Most High (no pun intended a.a.)
The Higher Power, that I choose to call God, employs me each day with a heart full of promise and hope that I will be placed where I am most able to be of Service to others, in whatever form that will come. ;-)
"We work to become... not to acquire". --Elbert Hubbard
If God knows what we need then perhaps, it is our "wants" that can get us into trouble. Isn't that why our Country is in such a state??( Greed)..
"Gods Will" is a safer bet regarding true happiness and so, I will trudge that road... wherever it leads! A road to Freedom today is "doing the footwork and leaving the results to God". .. Sr. Kathleen used to say, "move slowly but not so slowly that you stop moving!" So although there is seemingly more time for fishing and resting ... "footwork"' is a lot of work!
And yet the true Worth I have today is that I belong to the Most High (no pun intended a.a.)
The Higher Power, that I choose to call God, employs me each day with a heart full of promise and hope that I will be placed where I am most able to be of Service to others, in whatever form that will come. ;-)
"We work to become... not to acquire". --Elbert Hubbard
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Serenity Prayer
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.—Reinhold Niebuhr
Now here's the version my Sponsor gave me.... and gee, what a difference a few words makes huh?
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, (which are most things) the courage to change the things I can, (which is only myself) and the wisdom to know the difference.—Reinhold Niebuhr
Now I remember the first time hearing this prayer, recited by a bunch of recovering "ics" of every kind.... and it seemed so simple, trite even, nothing powerful or life changing... boy, what limitations can't grasp, ignorance justifies! Who can conceed to such a simple prayer? What does Serenity have to do with any of this?? What do you mean I cant change MOST things?? WISDOM, WISDOM? What the f***?.....
...................................................................................................................................
The magic (LIES) of manipulation loses its spell once this prayer begins to seep in past the ego... sometimes eeking very slowwwwly, thus requiring it to be recanted a few thousand times --- as other practioners of this prayer have pointed out and I personally, have found to be True.
Once again, its the Simple things that keep my Life Free of the mental messes that self -centeredness or self will run riot can create.
Now here's the version my Sponsor gave me.... and gee, what a difference a few words makes huh?
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, (which are most things) the courage to change the things I can, (which is only myself) and the wisdom to know the difference.—Reinhold Niebuhr
Now I remember the first time hearing this prayer, recited by a bunch of recovering "ics" of every kind.... and it seemed so simple, trite even, nothing powerful or life changing... boy, what limitations can't grasp, ignorance justifies! Who can conceed to such a simple prayer? What does Serenity have to do with any of this?? What do you mean I cant change MOST things?? WISDOM, WISDOM? What the f***?.....
...................................................................................................................................
The magic (LIES) of manipulation loses its spell once this prayer begins to seep in past the ego... sometimes eeking very slowwwwly, thus requiring it to be recanted a few thousand times --- as other practioners of this prayer have pointed out and I personally, have found to be True.
Once again, its the Simple things that keep my Life Free of the mental messes that self -centeredness or self will run riot can create.
An inexhaustible good nature is one of the most precious gifts of heaven, spreading itself like oil over the troubled sea of thought, and keeping the mind smooth and equable in the roughest weather.—Washington Irving
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Just when I think there are no more tears to shed over this INJUSTICE... I read Fr. Geoffs story on how the LA Diocese is "black balling" him and here comes the rain... I have struggled most of life with what Call it is that God has given to me. We are after all, Gods First and then we are each others, some would say that is the same thing... perhaps. However, if you are a GLBT person it seems the Call to Serve God is limited!! I was at a PFLAG meeting last month and heard an uninformed straight man worry that all his son is up to is "gay sex, sex, sex" (John Corvino has an insightful article over at the Independent Gay Forum in which he ponders: “Why are [the] opponents [of gay people and same-sex marriage] obsessed with ‘butt-sex’?”).... and then it hit me, thats ALL some people think about when they hear GLBTs speaking out in favor of Gay rights.... BUT it never has been about that for most of us. Is it not a basic human right to Love and be Loved and all that entails?... This is about Freedom to be that which God has truly called us to be!! Not who YOU think we should be because of some misquided theology or perceptions.
I am most grateful for the fact that my connection to God is not limited to any four walls... as I find "Church" in the most unlikely gatherings and community life. However, it is still deeply surprising to me how very much it hurts me, when Prophets and Truthtellers are being bullied by the establishment, that deems itself worthy of being called The Church...
Oh God, Mother and Mystery, ...that we may be Faithful to Your Call!!
Here is an excerpt from Fr. Geoffs blog:
These authoritarian churchmen are threatened by the free expression of ideas which differ from their own. They are even more acutely sensitive on this particular issue than on most others because they know that many priests (and bishops) are gay. They take it as a personal affront that threatens not only their power and position, but perhaps even more frightening, it threatens to unmask many of them as closeted gay men. The simple solution of granting gay and lesbian Catholics the practical dignity which they have conferred upon them theoretically is a non-option. This is true because of sociological reasons. Most Catholics live in the Third World and are not prepared to accept women priests, let alone gay and lesbian equal rights. I entered the seminary in 1978 because of a sincere religious conversion. I have been privileged to know many holy priests and nuns. I have meditated on the Word of God and have been inspired by the Truth of Divine Mercy. I know that I am imperfect and have fallen short in my life but I can honestly say that I have never acted out of malice towards others. I know that the truth cannot be destroyed by free discussion and that ultimately, free discourse of ideas serves the truth since, it reveals it. Those who would lead us spiritually must do so by the wisdom and reason of their argumentation and not by coercion. They must embrace and manifest love and mercy as central values which they manifest through their words and deeds. This is how our founder proclaimed the Good News.
The link below tells Fr. Geoffs story.
http://www.bilerico.com/2009/01/catholic_church_maliciously_blocks_new_j.php
I am most grateful for the fact that my connection to God is not limited to any four walls... as I find "Church" in the most unlikely gatherings and community life. However, it is still deeply surprising to me how very much it hurts me, when Prophets and Truthtellers are being bullied by the establishment, that deems itself worthy of being called The Church...
Oh God, Mother and Mystery, ...that we may be Faithful to Your Call!!
Here is an excerpt from Fr. Geoffs blog:
These authoritarian churchmen are threatened by the free expression of ideas which differ from their own. They are even more acutely sensitive on this particular issue than on most others because they know that many priests (and bishops) are gay. They take it as a personal affront that threatens not only their power and position, but perhaps even more frightening, it threatens to unmask many of them as closeted gay men. The simple solution of granting gay and lesbian Catholics the practical dignity which they have conferred upon them theoretically is a non-option. This is true because of sociological reasons. Most Catholics live in the Third World and are not prepared to accept women priests, let alone gay and lesbian equal rights. I entered the seminary in 1978 because of a sincere religious conversion. I have been privileged to know many holy priests and nuns. I have meditated on the Word of God and have been inspired by the Truth of Divine Mercy. I know that I am imperfect and have fallen short in my life but I can honestly say that I have never acted out of malice towards others. I know that the truth cannot be destroyed by free discussion and that ultimately, free discourse of ideas serves the truth since, it reveals it. Those who would lead us spiritually must do so by the wisdom and reason of their argumentation and not by coercion. They must embrace and manifest love and mercy as central values which they manifest through their words and deeds. This is how our founder proclaimed the Good News.
The link below tells Fr. Geoffs story.
http://www.bilerico.com/2009/01/catholic_church_maliciously_blocks_new_j.php
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)