tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33795611945716073722024-03-05T14:02:14.118-08:00spiritually directed...ROBERTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130103117335080071noreply@blogger.comBlogger1001125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3379561194571607372.post-53501469386159026572014-12-25T08:21:00.000-08:002014-12-25T08:21:01.929-08:00Joyeux Noel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkE7v4yUx05MkVxLywSc1Z7khpx4cvw5fiPzFSfYm1ixdP0sDH9vNaD0_ojT_H0CwEhvpdu45rurCrdSanZ7K9UHQnWmytePsGSC4LAZ751FEj8v9lRNZUCfi1GOzWPC7DvAuCw5wB7RT4/s1600/wise+men+noel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkE7v4yUx05MkVxLywSc1Z7khpx4cvw5fiPzFSfYm1ixdP0sDH9vNaD0_ojT_H0CwEhvpdu45rurCrdSanZ7K9UHQnWmytePsGSC4LAZ751FEj8v9lRNZUCfi1GOzWPC7DvAuCw5wB7RT4/s1600/wise+men+noel.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></strong></a></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Wishing everyone a Joyeux Noel </span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">from the Wisemen and their Landlady!</span></strong></div>
ROBERTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130103117335080071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3379561194571607372.post-1010222477272300582014-12-21T19:51:00.004-08:002014-12-21T19:51:45.861-08:00Eiffel Tower<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Dear Landlady,</div>
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This trip has definitely had its ups and downs. First we made it all the way to the top of the Eiffel Tower. The view was stupendous! At least, that's what we heard as we are far too short to see out the window. And for some reason, unbeknownst to us, we have been placed looking in the opposite direction! </div>
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Eventually we made it all the way back down to the bottom and had an opportunity to look up at where we had been. We decided that it was probably wise that we had not been able to see out the window when we were at the top. You know how queasy #3 can get.</div>
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I'm not sure if it was the ride to the top of the tower or the ridiculous traffic but #3 became a wee bit carsick as we made our way to the restaurant for dinner. </div>
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So in order to settle our stomachs after all that driving around in circles we ordered a bottle of wine but you know how poorly #2 holds his alcohol. Before we knew it he was completely tipsy. </div>
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And I mean that in the most literal sense.</div>
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This type of behavior is completely inappropriate for men of our stature (and I'm not talking about height here dear landlady. I'm talking about our being known as "wise.")</div>
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Rest assured, I do plan on having a talk with him when we return to the room. </div>
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So we ordered some food to absorb the fine French vino! </div>
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It's at times like these that arms would definitely come in handy....</div>
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We are very grateful that the day is ending. As delighted as we are for having seen the Eiffel Tower we are in need of rest. Tomorrow we will be heading out on the train to Normandy to see an ancient site of deep spiritual significance. Until then, Bonne Nuit!ROBERTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130103117335080071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3379561194571607372.post-31785107730598330352014-12-10T22:58:00.001-08:002014-12-10T22:58:59.564-08:00Notre Dame Cathedral<strong>Dear Landlady,</strong><br />
<strong>Sorry for the delay in writing but Paris is just too much fun! This week we spent a good bit of our time touring the Notre Dame Cathedral, which, as you probably know, is one of the best known cathedrals in all the world. Such architecture! So different from that feeding trough that we found the Christ child in oh so many years ago...</strong> <br />
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<strong>And we had the good fortune to meet some fellow astronomers. So colorful. They hail from Mumbai where they dwell within a Zoroastrian community. Turns out there was some confusion when they were purchasing their tickets online to return home from their tour of Rome. Somehow they wrote 'Paris' instead of 'Parsi.' They thought the question had to do with their religious identity, not their flight destination. Can you imagine? So a simple spelling error compounded by a misunderstanding caused quite the mix up. As you know, wars have been started over less! But the Parsis have been delightful companions for us.</strong> </div>
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<strong>Of course there was an awkward moment when #3 blurted out that he didn't quite understand how they could possibly have been able to type, never mind purchase tickets online since it's quite obvious to everyone present that their arms are only painted on. Oh my, dear landlady, there was such a cumbersome silence at that point, but the Zoroastrians were kind enough to eventually find the humor in the situation. I'm going to have a word with #3 when we get back to the hotel. </strong></div>
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<strong>Will write more tomorrow. We're off to see the famous Notre Dame bells. I hope the vibration does not knock us off of our nonexistent feet.</strong> </div>
ROBERTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130103117335080071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3379561194571607372.post-72726593382096563012014-12-02T21:28:00.001-08:002014-12-02T21:28:24.834-08:00Are we there yet?<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dearest Landlady,</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just a quick update on our trip so far. We were quite excited (and a wee bit anxious) while waiting to board our plane to New York. It's been several years since our trip to <a href="http://spirituallydirected.blogspot.com/2009/10/stowaways.html">Ireland</a> and we truly hoped we would be allowed to sit together. Here we are waiting patiently while watching our plane being prepared for take off.</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Once on board we were delighted to meet up with our old friend Santa Claus. It seems he has "gone commercial" as he is now hawking carbonated beverages. But it was delightful to spend some time with him again. Such a happy fellow!</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>So here we are in New York. Your friends Karen and Elizabeth (who have now become our dear friends) gave us a delightful ride on our luggage. What a hoot! But I guess you would have had to be here to realize just how hilarious this was. Speaking of which, we miss you....</strong></span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, after boarding yet another flight we finally made it to "Gay Paree" as they used to say in the late 1800's! That's how long it's been since, while en route to the Holy Land one December, we made a bit of a detour. Those were happy times! But we digress....It's a joy to touch down on Parisian soil at last. Here we are checking out all the brochures. So much to see! So little time!</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Here we are arriving in our room. What a lovely view!</strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But after such a long journey we were experiencing some significant jet lag. The only place we wanted to see at this point was our bed, with the mint on the pillow (which we shared.) Tomorrow the adventure begins! </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Good night dear Landlady.</span></strong> <br />
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ROBERTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130103117335080071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3379561194571607372.post-59577612679160986802014-11-26T20:56:00.000-08:002014-11-26T20:56:00.378-08:00Bon VoyageWhen I arrived home tonight I saw that the wise men had been quite busy. Bags were packed and by the door. They were so intent on peering at this map that they didn't even notice my entrance.<br />
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<strong>Me: Excuse me....What are you doing?</strong><br />
<strong>Wiseman #2: Oh hello, dear landlady. We are planning out our itinerary for our arrival in Paris.</strong><br />
<strong>Me: Really? You are going to Paris? When?</strong><br />
<strong>Wiseman #3: We leave tonight.</strong><br />
<strong>Me: What? Let me see the invitation.</strong><br />
<strong>Wiseman #1: Well, that would be difficult as we told a wee lie to your dog Lucy. </strong><br />
<strong>Wiseman #3: Yes, we apologize, but we could not wait for you to return so we told her there was a treat inside of the envelope for her. And knowing the high level of gullibility that your dog possesses, she jumped up onto our bed and ripped it open. Fortunately we were able to read the invitation before Lucy devoured it along with the envelope. You really should do something about that dog's lack of manners!</strong><br />
<strong>Me: Well, you set her up. Anyway, do I need to take you to the airport?</strong><br />
<strong>Wiseman #2: That won't be necessary as a limo is being sent for us.</strong><br />
<strong>Me: What? This is all too much to take in. And you all seem remarkably calm.</strong><br />
<strong>Wiseman #3: You forget, dear landlady, that we are seasoned travelers who have followed stars to a manger in a field outside an obscure village. Travel is in our blood.</strong><br />
<strong>Me: Then why are you studying that map so intently? Can't you just follow the stars in Paris?</strong><br />
<strong>Wiseman #1: Obviously you have not been to Paris of late. The city suffers from high levels of air particle pollution and it would be impossible to navigate by stars. Hence, the map!</strong><br />
<strong>Wiseman #2: Enough of this chit chat! We must get ready! </strong><br />
<strong>Me: Well, how will I know you are ok?</strong><br />
<strong>Wiseman #1: we will text you.</strong><br />
<strong>Me: Really? with no arms?</strong><br />
<strong>Wiseman #1: (icy stare)....cruelty is not becoming dear landlady.</strong><br />
<strong>Me: I know. I apologize. It's just that I'm going to miss you on Thanksgiving. </strong><br />
<strong>Wiseman #3: Knowing how attached you are to our royal-highness-ness, we left you a prayer and some selfies.</strong><br />
<strong>Me: Selfies? I really want to ask how you could possibly take a selfie but I know you will think it cruel so I'm just going to wish you safe journeys and bon voyage!</strong>ROBERTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130103117335080071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3379561194571607372.post-11439204441709184742014-11-26T08:01:00.000-08:002014-11-26T08:01:40.827-08:00You've Got Mail Wiseguys!
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<strong>Once upon a time, in the Kingdom of Fifthwheelian, there
slept three very wee wise men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing
disturbed their slumber for months on end until one day the landlady received a
letter addressed to their royal highnesses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What should she do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They looked
so peaceful in their very ornate, very large bed. There they lay, with their pinecone comforter to keep them toasty, while Mary and her precious baby gazed fondly from their rather over-the-top headboard. </strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But this
correspondence might be very important. </span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong> </strong><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggzDoRhSRSA4bkH9eaI6-eSnJkTKoGb9scm6O_NIyLnQmEwW6k07qmewhBossMoXW8YHPohUqmubtmTMTQnjFnaYreZX1JfcF1FrstHclIGOO7kHRPYBwFv7tFBacq-JKqPOEAurwZKnPl/s1600/wisemen+letter.JPG" /></span></span><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">So she crept up beside them and said, "Hey, wiseguys! wake up! You've got mail!" And so the sleepyheads returned to reality, looking like they had overslept, which of course they had.</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">wise man #1: oh my! what an intriguing piece of correspondence! </span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I see the plane and the flag of France!</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">wise man #2: and I see Viva la France!</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">wise man #3: good grief! I see nothing but blur. I must need glasses!</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">me: yes, it is quite blurry. let me bring it closer.</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>wise man #3: Ah much better. Yes, it's definitely from France. </strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>And oh, look! It's marked "personal."</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>me: I noticed that so I didn't open it. But I have to go to work now.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>wise man #1: what? you can't just leave us with this mystery. </strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>We have no arms! who will open it?</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>me: I'll open it when I get home! I must go or I'll be late.</strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Have a great day!</span></strong></div>
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ROBERTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130103117335080071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3379561194571607372.post-1917044726685100542014-11-22T12:03:00.000-08:002014-11-22T12:03:49.855-08:00Chronic unhappiness<br />
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"7 Habits of Chronically Unhappy People" by Tamara Star. When I saw this headline on Huffington Post this morning I just had to click it! (to read the article click <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tamara-star/7-habit-of-chronically-unhappy-people_b_6174000.html">here</a>.) Tamara goes into more detail on the site but here are the 7 habits she describes:<br />
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<strong>1) Your default belief is that life is hard.</strong><br />
<strong>2) You believe most people can't be trusted.</strong><br />
<strong>3) You focus on what's wrong with the world vs. what's right.</strong><br />
<strong>4) You compare yourself to others and harbor jealousy.</strong><br />
<strong>5) You strive to control your life.</strong><br />
<strong>6) You consider your future with worry and fear.</strong><br />
<strong>7) You fill your conversation with gossip and complaints.</strong><br />
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Know anyone who fits all 7? how about 5? 3? how about yourself? I see several that I know quite intimately. And even if none of these apply to you, being around someone who lives these mantras can be draining and exhausting.<br />
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One of the things I've learned working as a hospice chaplain is that even though someone may have spent a large portion of their life viewing the world through several pairs of these skewed glasses, by the time they receive a hospice referral and we have had an opportunity to talk about their impending death, most of these beliefs have been allowed to fade into the background, seen to be not as important to keep holding onto, or even viewed with some humor. When faced with death, many begin to see more clearly or at least get a new prescription for their glasses. Let's not wait until then to change our unhappiness habits.<br />
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<em>unhappy sunflower taken from wallpaper4me.com</em><br />
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ROBERTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130103117335080071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3379561194571607372.post-72521724613683812142014-07-24T19:05:00.000-07:002014-07-24T19:06:24.416-07:0072 Labors of Perpetual CareSo my CPE experience ended two months ago and I've been waiting to see how all that I learned (or unlearned) while at Evergreen will play out in my life. I'm not quite ready to talk about it in detail. I'm just letting it seep into the cracks and crevices of my very being. But I will share the meditation I penned for our biweekly IDG meeting at hospice as it grew as a result of my CPE experience. <br />
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One of the books that our CPE supervisor taught from in weekly Didactic sessions was "How Then Shall We Live" by Wayne Muller. It's a great book. We're reading through it in our Lectio Group. Everyone is enjoying it immensely. Thanks Delmas!<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
following writing is my response/interpretation of a reading from the “How
Shall I Live, Knowing I Shall Die” section of Wayne Muller’s 1996 book, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">How Then Shall we Live.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>Names in the story have been changed for
privacy.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The 72 labors of
perpetual care</span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">July 23, 2014</span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b> </div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is an
old Buddhist prayer that monks recite before meals that begins with this line: "First 72 labors brought us this food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
should know how it comes to us.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their
point being that we should become more aware of all the connections in our
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you ever think about such
labors in regards to your own food? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
light of this prayer let’s consider my morning latte which is something I take
for granted on a daily basis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How many
people did it take for it to get to me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
not exactly sure but here goes: the Farmer who prepared the field, the planter,
the picker, processor, roaster, miller, exporter, importer, dock workers, ship
workers, truckers, packagers, grinders, brewers, cup manufacturers, coffee
machine makers, the coffee stand owner and of course, the Baristas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s just 18 labors that I know of and
that’s without even discussing the milk!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What would
my life be like if I remembered all these connections?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How much more grateful would I be for this
latte that sits in front of me? And how much more would I enjoy the latte
knowing how much I have received?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did
you know that gratefulness slows time down?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Over the
past 2 weeks I’ve had several conversations with people in which the idea of
giving and receiving was mentioned. Everyone agreed that giving was a lot
easier than receiving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For all of us
here at this table today, we know how to give.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s probably why we went into hospice work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We love to give.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But many of us struggle with receiving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We almost bristle at the idea of
receiving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why is that?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it’s because we easily forget
reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that reality is that we
constantly rely on others for our well-being (and for our lattes.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This was
made very evident this week at the office when our co-worker, Lina, quite suddenly became very ill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How frightening that was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And yet she was not alone. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her experience did not occur in a vacuum. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone gathered around her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone felt her pain and her fear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And just as those 18 labors connected me to
my morning latte how much more were we all connected to Lina and one another? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>911 was called.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>EMT’s arrived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rhonda took blood pressure & monitored
vitals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kristen lay on the floor with
her. Doug managed the phones and Julie rode to the hospital with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Doctors and nurses cared for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maggie kept us posted as to her status.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her family gathered around her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Technicians took x-rays and MRI’s and CAT
scans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All those connections.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All that love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You could
feel the tension amongst those of us waiting here in the office as we continued
working while wondering how Lina was doing. I was thrilled when Julie called
looking for a ride back to the office from the hospital for then I too became
one of the 72 labors!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were connected
in our humanity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it served as a good
reminder of what our patients experience from us as caregivers. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What we
forget to remember is that “we are in the perpetual care of others.”</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Berta/Documents/IDG%20lina%20perpetual.docx" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
I looked up the definition of “perpetual.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It means “never ending or changing, occurring repeatedly, so frequent as
to seem endless and uninterrupted.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are not independent. We are in the
perpetual care of one another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are
interdependent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are givers and we are
receivers. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can’t be one without the
other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps in giving we heal
ourselves and in receiving we heal others. Or maybe it’s the other way around? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I invite you to pause today to think through the
72 or 32 or 18 labors of something or someone you take for granted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe it’s the water coming out of your tap,
or the road you drove into work on today or the medication that keeps a loved
one well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever it is, remember that
we have much to be grateful for within all of our daily connections, no matter
how mundane they may appear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let us give
thanks for the opportunity to give to one another and to receive from one
another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May we continue to offer
perpetual care for one another, for ourselves, and for our patients.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And may Lina recover completely from her
vertigo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen</span>
<br />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]--><br />
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;">
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="file:///C:/Users/Berta/Documents/IDG%20lina%20perpetual.docx" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
How Then Shall We Live, Muller, p. 227<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
</div>
ROBERTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130103117335080071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3379561194571607372.post-23877166687222117572014-03-09T11:08:00.004-07:002014-03-09T11:08:54.587-07:00Overcoming fear<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGRWmSmsVAi4Qf3K1zpqdO611_TUxI3fnW_0hWI3sVslQeUkbqAV6FLeEjfcWFrDjo95bx3b_rmnHt_ARohRFqdT8xwbjhI-2RSZtp189iY5dt2ml8KNY0Kw6GeHs4BL4iRe9eNfXmvhox/s1600/overpass+tall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGRWmSmsVAi4Qf3K1zpqdO611_TUxI3fnW_0hWI3sVslQeUkbqAV6FLeEjfcWFrDjo95bx3b_rmnHt_ARohRFqdT8xwbjhI-2RSZtp189iY5dt2ml8KNY0Kw6GeHs4BL4iRe9eNfXmvhox/s1600/overpass+tall.jpg" height="216" width="320" /></a></div>
Tomorrow is the start of a new adventure - Clinical Pastoral Education at Evergreen Health in Kirkland. I've worked as a hospice chaplain for almost a year and a half now and I see the need for more education, more self-awareness, and more diversity, all of which I know I will encounter in the next 12 weeks. My major concern right now is getting to the hospital from my daughter's house in Snohomish. You see, I have a fear of heights and freeway overpasses. You might think, what's the big deal? But if you are one of the countless people who walk around with any sort of anxiety issue, you know this is no small matter.<br />
<br />
Over 10 years ago I hit my head and suffered major inner ear damage which brought on long term vertigo. Tasks I had taken for granted suddenly turned into impossibilities. Driving was at the top of the list. For weeks I refused to drive but I had responsibilities and finally got behind the wheel. I was beyond terrified as I feared losing control of my car. At one point while crossing the Tacoma Narrows bridge I experienced my first panic attack. My breathing became shallow, my heart rate raised and I involuntarily removed my foot from the gas pedal and came to a stop. I would not recommend doing this. It makes other drivers extremely irritated. <br />
<br />
After that incident I began limiting my life. I came up with all sorts of rules about what I could not do. No driving on bridges, no driving over water, no driving at night, no driving in the rain. The list was endless. <br />
<br />
But my doctor told me that my inner ear would eventually compensate for the damage from the fall. It would take years but he was right. Unfortunately my brain didn't get the message regarding all my rules. I accepted the fears as reality.<br />
<br />
Over the last two years I've made remarkable progress thanks to my spiritual director. I now drive on freeways, drive at night in rain and can cross a bridge, as long as it's on the water. However, two fears remain that I have not faced yet. Heights and overpasses. <br />
<br />
So what does this have to do with CPE? Well, the easiest route to take is over a very tall freeway overpass that connects the 522 to the 405. Am I going to tackle it on my first day? No, as I have other fears to contend with such as the fear of sleeping in and being late. So I am leaving earlier and taking another route. But in the midst of all this I have come up with some strategies to use when I decide to take the quickest route. <br />
<br />
<br />
I found this quote that says "The only thing standing between where you are and where you want to be is your fear." I replaced "fear" with the "fear of overpasses" as I need to literally cross that bridge to get to the hospital! So I decided to do <a href="http://www.thework.com/index.php">The Work</a> on my fears.<br />
<br />
Here's words to say as I approach my fear (bridge): <br />
I look forward to crossing this overpass. Each time will be easier than the last.<br />
I am thankful that my body wants to protect me from harm. It's doing it's job, but I'm not in Danger, I'm in Discomfort!<br />
I know that this panic attack will end.<br />
<br />
<br />
Here's to overcoming this fear which will allow me to concentrate on my yet undiscovered fears of CPE!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
ROBERTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130103117335080071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3379561194571607372.post-91480314176549206122014-02-26T18:15:00.000-08:002014-02-26T18:15:04.447-08:00one small thing<div align="center" class="poemTitle">
A friend sent the following poem to me today. It lists many of the labels we use to introduce ourselves. I began listing mine but stopped counting at around twenty. The poet asks us to consider suspending usage of the labels in order to focus on the beauty of the present moment.</div>
<div align="center" class="poemTitle">
And just now, looking out the window I saw my son-in-law and grandson digging for worms in the vegetable patch. As I watched the father and child feed worms to the chickens I knew that this was what Susan Glassmeyer is guiding me toward as the "one small thing that cost us nothing but our attention." </div>
<div align="center" class="poemTitle">
The photos capture the "something simple that nourished my soul" today. </div>
<div align="center" class="poemTitle">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpaPcEfY6IXkoy5tstZL5QnscnTCeBPEVdiqG3G1NEUwTq4D-HTxdtIdf8kNkHHukEQ-sCbrHUVY_mecfER43OK50HsCLZxb8ZvGoSdqoumC9TBDCsXqPIqSTHBDmSgarIJ5WZkBxGn5a_/s1600/worm2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpaPcEfY6IXkoy5tstZL5QnscnTCeBPEVdiqG3G1NEUwTq4D-HTxdtIdf8kNkHHukEQ-sCbrHUVY_mecfER43OK50HsCLZxb8ZvGoSdqoumC9TBDCsXqPIqSTHBDmSgarIJ5WZkBxGn5a_/s1600/worm2.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fredrick showing me the worm his dad has unearthed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoKERx8BGY97iI9Nb5xcSw-E2TYmCxMDPUFobr2PN7UfW6oOol_Wwn6f_fYIvlVs_SaU7NNA6j0-jgx5vtjvy8lEAiqwTTGRtaY7w6UHdkA57KFUS7pV0tkr6lrKPqTNkkJcj9QOk8TcvN/s1600/worm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoKERx8BGY97iI9Nb5xcSw-E2TYmCxMDPUFobr2PN7UfW6oOol_Wwn6f_fYIvlVs_SaU7NNA6j0-jgx5vtjvy8lEAiqwTTGRtaY7w6UHdkA57KFUS7pV0tkr6lrKPqTNkkJcj9QOk8TcvN/s1600/worm.JPG" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="poemTitle">
</div>
<div align="center" class="poemTitle">
<strong>Introductions</strong></div>
<div align="center" class="poemTitle">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div align="center" class="poemTitle">
Let's not say our names</div>
<div align="center" class="poemTitle">
or what we do for a living.</div>
<div align="center" class="poemTitle">
If we are married</div>
<div align="center" class="poemTitle">
and how many times.</div>
<div align="center" class="poemTitle">
Single, gay, or vegan.</div>
<div align="center" class="poemTitle">
</div>
<div align="center" class="poemTitle">
Let's not mention</div>
<div align="center" class="poemTitle">
how far we got in school.</div>
<div align="center" class="poemTitle">
Who we know,</div>
<div align="center" class="poemTitle">
what we're good at</div>
<div align="center" class="poemTitle">
or no good at, at all.</div>
<div align="center" class="poemTitle">
</div>
<div align="center" class="poemTitle">
Let's not hint at</div>
<div align="center" class="poemTitle">
how much money we have</div>
<div align="center" class="poemTitle">
or how little.<br /> Where we go to church <br /> or that we don't. <br /> What our Sun Sign is<br /> our Enneagram number<br /> our personality type according to Jung<br /> or whether we've ever been <br /> Rolfed, arrested, psychoanalyzed, <br /> or artificially suntanned.</div>
<div align="center" class="poemTitle">
</div>
<div align="center" class="poemTitle">
Let's refrain, too, from stating any ills.<br /> What meds we're on <br /> including probiotics.<br /> How many surgeries we've survived<br /> or our children’s children's problems. <br /> And, please— <br />let's not mention<br /> who we voted for <br /> in the last election.</div>
<div align="center" class="poemTitle">
</div>
<div align="center" class="poemTitle">
Let's do this instead:<br /> Let's start by telling <br /> just one small thing <br /> that costs us nothing <br /> but our attention.</div>
<div align="center" class="poemTitle">
</div>
<div align="center" class="poemTitle">
Something simple <br /> that nourishes <br /> the soul of our bones.<br /> How it was this morning <br /> stooping to pet the sleeping dog's muzzle <br /> before going off to work. </div>
<div align="center" class="poemTitle">
</div>
<div align="center" class="poemTitle">
Or <br /> yesterday, <br /> walking in the woods <br /> spotting that fungus on the stump <br /> of a maple<br /> so astonishingly orange <br /> it glowed like a lamp.</div>
<div align="center" class="poemTitle">
</div>
<div align="center" class="poemTitle">
Or just now,<br /> the sound <br /> of your <br /> own breath <br /> rising <br /> or sinking<br /> at the end <br /> of this <br /> sentence. <br /><br /><i>-- Susan Glassmeyer</i></div>
<div align="center" class="poemTitle">
<em></em> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoKERx8BGY97iI9Nb5xcSw-E2TYmCxMDPUFobr2PN7UfW6oOol_Wwn6f_fYIvlVs_SaU7NNA6j0-jgx5vtjvy8lEAiqwTTGRtaY7w6UHdkA57KFUS7pV0tkr6lrKPqTNkkJcj9QOk8TcvN/s1600/worm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeCT9Ja1A-Ve-6deYeJo9TCjzE7Sd7laxOMf6VR5Q6EwFD8UBNRhGaXvAsM4joxCpx8TWkcKsje9W79KCn54kcb6tKC2btOiLkKYPMDFvSULRg4iEkYfL-9up0UB9sKkADYKz8DJ_PEFXh/s1600/worm3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeCT9Ja1A-Ve-6deYeJo9TCjzE7Sd7laxOMf6VR5Q6EwFD8UBNRhGaXvAsM4joxCpx8TWkcKsje9W79KCn54kcb6tKC2btOiLkKYPMDFvSULRg4iEkYfL-9up0UB9sKkADYKz8DJ_PEFXh/s1600/worm3.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
action shot of Fredrick offering the worm.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Chickens and small boys move fast!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgooSEAFSqgkaMVt5RSJR5P8dok8gAM-UT2c-MB7bHItQMVQTczU1xaXZWWb0JLAiJWjLkoxfvxYRZ0dpPrfSSPXMK1tUP8VqdFjvHmIYVsLII3AvnjQG3gTlOPtPjyGUBpV1RG138cw1Uz/s1600/worm4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgooSEAFSqgkaMVt5RSJR5P8dok8gAM-UT2c-MB7bHItQMVQTczU1xaXZWWb0JLAiJWjLkoxfvxYRZ0dpPrfSSPXMK1tUP8VqdFjvHmIYVsLII3AvnjQG3gTlOPtPjyGUBpV1RG138cw1Uz/s1600/worm4.JPG" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="poemTitle">
happy chickens</div>
ROBERTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130103117335080071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3379561194571607372.post-54792608037920649932014-02-22T18:06:00.002-08:002014-02-22T18:06:30.697-08:00Forgive More
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCgvcCwAMqVYPv3SS5LT1-m52UmmgAK8SORnJOVPVzf1s8mnNn9w3m9sfkMbkSunxbY-uq7gNip_ctYLVbqfTx90Tzu2FbXxnjfXS1NNhylGlIPrJOiwjQtmxlzvF8BSfN6R5xctjDGqMk/s1600/forgive+more.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCgvcCwAMqVYPv3SS5LT1-m52UmmgAK8SORnJOVPVzf1s8mnNn9w3m9sfkMbkSunxbY-uq7gNip_ctYLVbqfTx90Tzu2FbXxnjfXS1NNhylGlIPrJOiwjQtmxlzvF8BSfN6R5xctjDGqMk/s1600/forgive+more.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have you
ever attended a seminar or conference and been inundated with information to
the point that by the time you leave you can’t remember much of anything that
you heard, even though you took copious notes?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That is a common occurrence and one that I had this past weekend at this year's
Seattle University’s "Search for Meaning" book fair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This event brings together authors whose works focus on our never-ending search for meaning in such arenas as spirituality, diversity, and social justice. After spending the day
listening to amazing speakers I walked away struck by just 2 words that I heard
in one of the sessions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These 2 words
weren’t an integral part of the presentation but they wouldn't leave me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The two
words that stayed with me? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Forgive More</b>…I don’t know why but they
resonated somewhere deep inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
struggle with forgiveness – of others and of myself. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know the importance of forgiveness but more
forgiveness?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m pretty happy with <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Forgive Just Enough</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Many years
ago I was walking thru a grocery store and said hello to a woman I knew from church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked surprised and said, “Oh, so you’re
talking to me now?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was confused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What do you mean by that? Why wouldn’t I be
talking to you?” “Well Roberta,” she replied, “You've been ignoring me for awhile now, but I'm not surprised because everyone knows that you can hold a grudge for a very long time.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ouch….I felt defensive and my ego’s first
response was “No I don’t do that, it’s just not true!” but after really
thinking about it I realized there was truth in what she had said. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It doesn’t help that holding grudges is part
of my DNA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I come from Northern Ireland,
a country that has raised the level of holding grudges into an art form.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> It was common in my family of origin to cut people off for years after an offense or a perceived offense. </span>But that is no excuse. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good grief, I wasn’t even aware that I wasn’t
talking to this woman! And there are those two words again:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Forgive
More.</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In my work
as a hospice chaplain one of the prayers that people love to hear and recite is The
Lord’s Prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know how it
starts:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> "</span>Our Father, who does art in
Heaven, Harold be your name."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you
familiar with that version?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well children are! Probably because they
haven’t learned all the rules about the “right way” to pray and they have the
wonderful ability to hear and interpret words they don't understand in their own way.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is another line in that prayer that is
my favorite interpretation of the Lord’s Prayer. It was written by a 4 year old
– and we all know how wise a 4 year old can be. In Jesus’ version the line says
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“Forgive us our trespasses, as we
forgive those who trespass against us.” </b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is a trespass?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An offense, sin, wrong, transgression, or
debt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s the 4 year old version of
that verse:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“Forgive us our trash baskets, as we forgive those who put trash in our
baskets.”</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Forgive more.</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Maybe it means to empty my trash basket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe it means to think about what trash I'm
putting in others’ baskets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> And maybe it means to just </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Forgive More.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">photo from<a href="http://www.thegodarticle.com/11/post/2011/03/forgive-more-judge-less-increase-love-spread-peace-inspire-hope.html"> here</a></span></span></span></div>
ROBERTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130103117335080071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3379561194571607372.post-83680200007103046342014-02-10T19:06:00.000-08:002014-02-11T18:28:31.085-08:00Letter from the Wise OnesGreetings Dear Landlady,<br />
<br />
We have had yet another delightful Epiphany season. We knew you would want to know that we arrived safely (though Herod tried to fool us yet again.) The toddler is a wonder to behold and I think he loved his gifts - though his mother took them away from him for safekeeping - but we completely understand. We hope he can use them later in life. <br />
<br />
We are heading back now but are taking our time as we've met so many other wise ones on our journey . Tell <a href="http://spirituallydirected.blogspot.com/2012/03/wise-men-vsthe-leprechaun.html">the leprechaun</a> that we will probably miss him this year as we probably won't return before his big day in March.<br />
<br />
Please enjoy the photos we've enclosed of our compadres. What a joy to travel!<br />
<br />
Epiphany Blessings!<br />
<br />
The Wise Men<br />
<br />
P.S. The camel is doing splendidly...what a help he has been!<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmCIYMVMQjPbACYZ0LQQjc_ZdjvpUedR6dNr36phOo28KHS-cElp_ZSyS52OE2WiwZey-gl5DkbWDX9ICIfGhJqxmGfXxe81AuP38oyJ1UXTnnDcvde0onbsGsGnc78Ml82iSPgYiqa201/s1600/wise+men+party2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmCIYMVMQjPbACYZ0LQQjc_ZdjvpUedR6dNr36phOo28KHS-cElp_ZSyS52OE2WiwZey-gl5DkbWDX9ICIfGhJqxmGfXxe81AuP38oyJ1UXTnnDcvde0onbsGsGnc78Ml82iSPgYiqa201/s1600/wise+men+party2.JPG" /></a></div>
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Toddler Christ: A Collect</div>
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"Toddler Christ,</div>
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before whom Wise Men knelt,</div>
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after they had foolishly aided a tyrant</div>
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who wanted to destroy you:</div>
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Make us, in the face of dangerous power,</div>
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as crafty as snakes and as harmless as doves,</div>
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so that we know when to be silent,</div>
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when and how to speak,</div>
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and when to take another road, </div>
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in your name. Amen"</div>
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</div>
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from <em>Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany:</em></div>
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<em>Liturgies and Prayers for Public Worship</em></div>
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<em>by Brian A. Wren</em></div>
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<em>p. 199</em></div>
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<span class="addmd"></span> </h1>
ROBERTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130103117335080071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3379561194571607372.post-83941816649507574572014-01-06T14:09:00.001-08:002014-01-06T14:09:25.221-08:00Epiphanies<div style="text-align: center;">
It's the Wisemen's big day. </div>
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They are off on another adventure to find the Christ Child. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEuaFgeOzNjTwC8_mWsebkX-62qi1gG3-532Bf2EeYUnQvIBMPT9Mt20prURlHE386PRhSltf16xqQphUNA3vudUxwz7q7orcXuGh_DsM8dVjJWNPz_tRh03893NepBWhnyW5gjd3O48Xd/s1600/wisemen+camel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEuaFgeOzNjTwC8_mWsebkX-62qi1gG3-532Bf2EeYUnQvIBMPT9Mt20prURlHE386PRhSltf16xqQphUNA3vudUxwz7q7orcXuGh_DsM8dVjJWNPz_tRh03893NepBWhnyW5gjd3O48Xd/s1600/wisemen+camel.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<strong>Me:</strong> Are you excited?<br />
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<strong>Wise1</strong>: Oh yes dear landlady. We are very excited to start our pilgrimage. <br />
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<strong>Me:</strong> But aren't you supposed to be there today?<br />
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<strong>Wise1:</strong> It's all about the journey my dear, not the destination.<br />
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<strong>Me:</strong> Oh...I see....So....I gotta ask....where did the camel come from?<br />
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<strong>Wise2:</strong> A gift from one of the <a href="http://spirituallydirected.blogspot.com/2010/12/wise-men-meet-snoopy.html">Magi</a> we visited last year...<br />
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<strong>Me:</strong> Aha...Well, I must say you did a great job of packing all your gifts upon your camel!<br />
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<strong>Wise2</strong>: Was that yet another insult about our immovable arms?<br />
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<strong>Me:</strong> Heavens no! I was just curious about how you did that?<br />
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<strong>Wise3:</strong> Never you mind....<br />
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<strong>Me:</strong> Any wise words before you leave?<br />
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<strong>Wise1:</strong> Yes indeed. Do not rest on what you believe to be true. <br />
<strong>Wise2:</strong> Keep searching for the divine in all you do and in all you meet and you will have cause to rejoice.<br />
<br />
<strong>Me:</strong> So you're saying that we are all called to celebrate Epiphany?<br />
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<strong>Wise3:</strong> Every day in every situation. Here's a wonderful quote to ponder while we are gone:<br />
<em>"Without the quest, there can be no epiphany." Constantine Scaros</em><br />
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<strong>Me:</strong> Got it...keep the quest alive! See the beauty of Christ in all that you meet.<br />
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<strong>Wise3:</strong> And give thanks for every glimpse of that child's light.<br />
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<strong>Wise1:</strong> You will be delightfully surprised by all the light that surrounds you, and by the light you emit.<br />
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<strong>Me:</strong> Sigh...I miss you guys already....Safe Travels<br />
ROBERTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130103117335080071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3379561194571607372.post-90473872835755480032013-12-31T23:39:00.000-08:002013-12-31T23:39:22.373-08:00Resolutions....<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy New Years Eve! </div>
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May it include party hats, confetti, and noise makers! </div>
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And don't forget the resolutions! </div>
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Do you make them? </div>
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Are they like this one?</div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQPr8-Z1wzwwXfNLfR9NSdXLWE2XanzSpTZxJFasVcKL-mnc6bR98JUWiAQYRs19btTPypZrvERIVpbpQ6cz3HRVmEFF4XChYc4t-3PK8jTyqDKPmBX_WiZiy__YLzlJscXd7Hc5902yE/s1600/NewYearsResolution.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQPr8-Z1wzwwXfNLfR9NSdXLWE2XanzSpTZxJFasVcKL-mnc6bR98JUWiAQYRs19btTPypZrvERIVpbpQ6cz3HRVmEFF4XChYc4t-3PK8jTyqDKPmBX_WiZiy__YLzlJscXd7Hc5902yE/s320/NewYearsResolution.jpg" width="287" /></a></div>
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I read today that 45% of us make resolutions while 38% refuse.</div>
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Also read that if you're in your 20's you have a 39% chance of success,</div>
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but for those of us over 50, our chances drop to a measly 14%.</div>
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What does that say?</div>
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So while the usual suspects top the list of the ten most popular resolutions </div>
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(i.e. weight loss, getting organized, and quitting smoking)</div>
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I prefer these words from author <a href="http://journal.neilgaiman.com/2011/12/my-new-year-wish.html">Neil Gaiman's blog</a>:</div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>"I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, </strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. </strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>You're doing things you've never done before, and more importantly, you're Doing Something.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>So that's my wish for you, and all of us, and my wish for myself. Make New Mistakes. </strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Make glorious, amazing mistakes. </strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Make mistakes nobody's ever made before. </strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Don't freeze, don't stop, don't worry that it isn't good enough, </strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>or it isn't perfect, </strong></span><strong><span style="font-size: medium;">whatever it is: </span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">art, or love, or work or family or life. </span><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: medium;">Whatever it is you're scared of doing, Do it. </span><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Make your mistakes, next year and forever."</strong></span></div>
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ROBERTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130103117335080071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3379561194571607372.post-50097598327203948972013-12-30T00:30:00.000-08:002013-12-30T00:30:26.299-08:00sheer joy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibOX3s8VmdM7GkEtZ4EN5ZKyQYI4X1BsoRXvTXdglB3V00OxFJyr7y54Yaf3mkz10SB9lFyP2XTOOjHvuWD6lzVvJqzD1k0GpW33Z9S10BetaScqLYqNiI90dam-RyCZIHalMihLYVHa7a/s1600/WISEMEN+WINDOW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibOX3s8VmdM7GkEtZ4EN5ZKyQYI4X1BsoRXvTXdglB3V00OxFJyr7y54Yaf3mkz10SB9lFyP2XTOOjHvuWD6lzVvJqzD1k0GpW33Z9S10BetaScqLYqNiI90dam-RyCZIHalMihLYVHa7a/s1600/WISEMEN+WINDOW.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
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What do wise men do all day?</div>
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Meditate? Pray? Discuss deep theological topics?</div>
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I often wonder if they tire of one another</div>
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as they are always together.</div>
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As an extrovert I love being around people,</div>
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but I would tire of being in the constant presence of others.</div>
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And yes, the wise men have had their tiffs,</div>
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but for the most part, they exude such a strong bond of love.</div>
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So I asked them today.</div>
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<strong>Me: "How do you get along so well with one another?</strong></div>
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<strong>Wise1</strong>: "Ah...excellent question, dear one." </div>
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<strong>Wise2</strong>: You see, we really don't consider ourselves as separate."</div>
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<strong>Me</strong>: <strong>"Huh? I'm not sure I understand?"</strong></div>
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<strong>Wise3</strong>: "Understanding is not the holy grail."</div>
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<strong>Wise2:</strong> "And seeking explanations will only make you cranky."</div>
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<strong>Me:</strong> <strong>"Sounds rather Zen to me."</strong></div>
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<strong>Wise3</strong>: "Our spiritual practice is to focus on Love."</div>
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<strong>Wise1</strong>: "And we <u>practice</u> Loving one another. </div>
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Just like the Love born in Bethlehem. </div>
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For is not God known by relationships?"</div>
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<strong>Me</strong>: <strong>"I don't completely comprehend your mysterious ways but I do love you!"</strong></div>
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<strong>Wise2</strong>: "And we love who we are when we are with you."</div>
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<strong>Wise3</strong>: "Thomas Aquinas said it best:"</div>
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<strong><em>"God is sheer joy, and sheer joy demands company."</em></strong></div>
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<strong><em></em></strong> </div>
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<strong>Me: "Oh, I like that image of God as sheer joy! </strong></div>
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<strong></strong> </div>
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<strong></strong> </div>
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<strong>And once again, the company of the wise ones brings me joy....</strong></div>
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<br />ROBERTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130103117335080071noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3379561194571607372.post-28153072608263519372013-12-16T09:15:00.000-08:002013-12-16T09:15:42.397-08:00Wise Men Seeking the Light<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOSowsaWe2idjs79ksRLQXYcp19mkZFIFfjAGuNvqNaLWySoHu1aFnbiCmBq3Qh73rcxB7Z0hknebwAmzVF-SSzQCtPZGWaQi7ufwFzdmcda2M4aS6Chmq8MsTLtyCIgwIqfK5Q1HUUQef/s1600/wise+men+trailer2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOSowsaWe2idjs79ksRLQXYcp19mkZFIFfjAGuNvqNaLWySoHu1aFnbiCmBq3Qh73rcxB7Z0hknebwAmzVF-SSzQCtPZGWaQi7ufwFzdmcda2M4aS6Chmq8MsTLtyCIgwIqfK5Q1HUUQef/s320/wise+men+trailer2.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: black;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black;">While lighting
my Advent wreath last night for the 3<sup>rd</sup> Sunday in Advent I noticed
the <a href="http://spirituallydirected.blogspot.com/2013/01/move-in-day.html">3 wise men </a>had made a move. They had been back in the corner for the longest time so I was surprised to see them this close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not wanting
to irritate them in any way (which they say I do on a regular basis) I just stood
there, waiting for them to initiate a conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It didn’t take long for them to speak and as
usual they got right to the point.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">Wise1:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Why haven’t you been speaking to us?</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black;">Me:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever happened to people greeting one
another with ‘Hello, how are you?’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">Wise1:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hello, how are you, and why haven’t you been speaking to us?</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">Me: That’s a
bit better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m well, thank you very
much, and you know me, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like to give
you guys your space.</span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">Wise2:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We think you forgot about us. That you’ve moved on or outgrown us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We figured that’s why you moved us into this
storage unit.</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">Me:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First of all, this is <u>not</u> a storage unit, it’s
a 5<sup>th</sup> wheel and I could never forget about you three!</span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">Wise3:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>5<sup>th</sup> wheel?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re on 5 wheels?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dear God, don’t start this thing on an odd
number of wheels!!!</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">Me:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Silly wee men, we would have to be attached
to a truck to go anywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is our
home at the present time. Don’t you think it’s kind of cozy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought you’d like it better since you are
no longer closed off in a bathroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now
you have a view of the whole world…</span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">Wise1:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
Which </span>reminds us of that Disney song, “It’s a Small World After All.”
</span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">Wise3: I apologize for my compadre's rude remark. We just miss our bathroom shelf, especially
our leprechaun and our book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We felt comfortable
there and don’t understand why we had to leave.</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">Me:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, life is about change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately your leprechaun pal caught a glimpse of a rainbow outside the bathroom window and ran off in
search of yet another pot of gold, but I could provide you with some sort of diversion. How about a new book to
read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would you like that?</span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">Wise2:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yes please. We so enjoy a good read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
And we're pretty sure that leprechaun took our Thomas Merton book with him! </span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Me: I've told you fellas that you can <em>never</em> trust a leprechaun...</span></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Wise2: And wifi would be terrific. </span>In the meantime, is it really the 3<sup>rd</sup> week of Advent?</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">Me:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Indeed it is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The week of Joy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Known as Gaudete
Sunday which comes from the Latin word for “rejoice.” This marks the halfway
point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are you feeling joyful? </span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">Wise3:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not really.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve been having a
bit of a pity party and not wanting to reach out.</span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black;">Wise1:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But now we’re glad we did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black;">Me:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Me too…I haven’t been good about keeping
connected and for that I apologize. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which reminds me of this wonderful quote about
our need for one another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Check it out
while I search for that book…</span></span></span></div>
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<strong><em><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="color: black;">Sometimes our light goes out, but
is blown again into instant flame by an encounter with another human being.
</span></span></em><em><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="color: black;">Each of us owes the deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this inner
light. </span></span></em><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: black;"><em><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">-Albert Schweitzer</span></em></span></span></i></strong></div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<em><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Wise3:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, this is a lovely quote that wise men like us should practice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> And w</span>e really didn’t mean to complain about the
housing you’ve provided.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> You are kind, b</span>ut when we
focus only on ourselves, we tend to get a bit melancholy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s to rekindling one another’s light as
we continue walking this path together!</span></b></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Me: Amen!</span></em></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><em><span style="color: blue;">(If you are new to this blog and would like to read of previous adventures of the wise ones click on the "wise men" in the Labels section to the left.)</span></em></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span> </div>
ROBERTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130103117335080071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3379561194571607372.post-1716727729036353842013-12-12T07:51:00.000-08:002013-12-12T07:51:13.020-08:00Guadalupe Feasting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvl0rBN0F-xvOeOWLijaxQPP6U-KN2bicgp6j6C-7Zu0eUJ7V5iejpKx4fiFQHS5vKbz0sW4n0wv7ZY_dhE0kjN9xoNs9D_peEmNXmTezeyVXhIW7icNIy51_ivRZqAsNEVlxzI812Biqh/s1600/guadalupe+fruit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvl0rBN0F-xvOeOWLijaxQPP6U-KN2bicgp6j6C-7Zu0eUJ7V5iejpKx4fiFQHS5vKbz0sW4n0wv7ZY_dhE0kjN9xoNs9D_peEmNXmTezeyVXhIW7icNIy51_ivRZqAsNEVlxzI812Biqh/s1600/guadalupe+fruit.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
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Today is the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe</div>
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This image (which I stole from<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sara-Miles/152978483594?hc_location=timeline"> Sara Miles FB page</a>)</div>
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gives a much richer meaning to "feast" day!</div>
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ROBERTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130103117335080071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3379561194571607372.post-49038889714747063532013-12-04T20:36:00.001-08:002013-12-04T20:36:43.183-08:00practicing eternity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1QgzVIZpWx9vTOgsXuHs-s2Q0HG8RnPhMfQqtsBjOcSCzyXwdQrIq8Gjrfdr2funERXR_C9fcLVvcJcWsImFkglpr1WO2x61UIskjXb25ytH9mFoOClv1eMc1gfrNuZCZuCk-IrsfITu/s1600/AdventWords-e1354139168452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1QgzVIZpWx9vTOgsXuHs-s2Q0HG8RnPhMfQqtsBjOcSCzyXwdQrIq8Gjrfdr2funERXR_C9fcLVvcJcWsImFkglpr1WO2x61UIskjXb25ytH9mFoOClv1eMc1gfrNuZCZuCk-IrsfITu/s1600/AdventWords-e1354139168452.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">"Seeing into darkness is clarity.</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">Knowing how to yield is strength.</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">Use your own light</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">and return to the source of light.</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">This is called practicing eternity."</span></strong></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Tao Te Ching - Stephen Mitchell</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">p.52</span></em></div>
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ROBERTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130103117335080071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3379561194571607372.post-11596354606431669462013-12-03T21:58:00.001-08:002013-12-03T21:58:28.509-08:00something on the horizonIn light of artist/author Jan Richardson's husband Garrison Doles having died today, I wanted to use one of her wonderful Advent quotes. May she find the light in the darkness as she grieves the loss of her beloved.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXebN6ah3fwF_bVkk5jFWib4sLMdfF-hgl6ZscVbSG4ytVmA4JDBs5dXrppExjZ0mh5nWHasno5xleq8XUD0oV_z7_ukUv9v2c4dtJiv2C3gZtQhlTmg4tK8uqbzp1qixuooDV4CII-j1S/s1600/horizon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXebN6ah3fwF_bVkk5jFWib4sLMdfF-hgl6ZscVbSG4ytVmA4JDBs5dXrppExjZ0mh5nWHasno5xleq8XUD0oV_z7_ukUv9v2c4dtJiv2C3gZtQhlTmg4tK8uqbzp1qixuooDV4CII-j1S/s400/horizon.jpg" height="400" width="285" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>“<em>The season of Advent means there is something on the horizon </em></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>the likes of which we have never seen before… .</em></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>What is possible is to not see it, to miss it, </em></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>to turn just as it brushes past you. </em></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>And you begin to grasp what it was you missed, </em></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>like Moses in the cleft of the rock, </em></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>watching God's [back] fade in the distance. </em></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>So stay. Sit. Linger. Tarry. Ponder. Wait. Behold. Wonder. </em></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>There will be time enough for running. </em></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>For rushing. For worrying. For pushing. For now, stay. </em></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>Wait. Something is on the horizon.”</em></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><br />Jan L. Richardson, Night Visions: </strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Searching the Shadows of Advent and Christmas. </strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To join her Advent online retreat go to <a href="http://paintedprayerbook.com/2013/11/23/advent-and-the-unexpected-vigil/#.Up5kK8KA2po">the painted prayerbook</a><strong>.</strong></span></div>
ROBERTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130103117335080071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3379561194571607372.post-31805856648369351412013-12-02T21:42:00.002-08:002013-12-02T21:42:24.596-08:00Cast Away Calendar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy0K80Yub_WU7xj7wxliRtcxCMAnhTnd8s_GMl3oogRDSOyADGV2tWU8i2gsffZtBtGEKIvmsGiYu0o0TesRfUop4O9fCYKNPx1oyzc1YDOJjd1u7ShmzgzavOnYbbscSgQiovegtunvAp/s1600/advent+calendar+wilson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy0K80Yub_WU7xj7wxliRtcxCMAnhTnd8s_GMl3oogRDSOyADGV2tWU8i2gsffZtBtGEKIvmsGiYu0o0TesRfUop4O9fCYKNPx1oyzc1YDOJjd1u7ShmzgzavOnYbbscSgQiovegtunvAp/s320/advent+calendar+wilson.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<strong>Do you remember <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cast_Away">Cast Away</a>?</strong></div>
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<strong>Poor Chuck Noland (Tom Hanks) spent four years on his island waiting.</strong></div>
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<strong>The good news is that we have only four weeks to wait.</strong></div>
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<strong>And we don't have to converse with only a volleyball.</strong></div>
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<em><strong>(unless you're into that, </strong><strong>which of course is just fine.)</strong></em></div>
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<strong>photo from</strong><a href="http://occupyadvent.blogspot.com/"><strong> Occupy Advent</strong></a></div>
ROBERTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130103117335080071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3379561194571607372.post-74015750364672120452013-12-01T18:29:00.001-08:002013-12-01T18:29:49.262-08:00First Sunday Advent 2013<strong>'Tis the first Sunday in Advent 2013.....in today's sermon I heard "it's time to do the deep work of Advent"....I wonder what that will look like? </strong><br />
<strong>Here's what I have for today - a quote by Fr. Alfred Delp who lived a deep and meaningful life...</strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUgLk4hXArNV6AsKlPW7GROG7ouVrofSQzPh6Ax6iDLDqRRe0Yl2EIXN7bsB_GGRErIXhyphenhyphenWpKXyLDvGzJrqaycfoeJGRe4Efj4xzC_vcj36FG0K_3-O-N1rM8I8vpsZ0u6CfSMCJVhhiKw/s1600/advent+flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUgLk4hXArNV6AsKlPW7GROG7ouVrofSQzPh6Ax6iDLDqRRe0Yl2EIXN7bsB_GGRErIXhyphenhyphenWpKXyLDvGzJrqaycfoeJGRe4Efj4xzC_vcj36FG0K_3-O-N1rM8I8vpsZ0u6CfSMCJVhhiKw/s1600/advent+flag.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>"Light your candles quietly,</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>such candles as you possess,</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>wherever you are."</strong></span></div>
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<strong>Do you like my 'candles'???</strong><br />
<strong>My husband put lights on my prayer flag that attaches to the side of our 5th wheel....</strong><br />
<strong>They are making me very happy~!</strong><br />
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ROBERTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130103117335080071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3379561194571607372.post-78265512253213620002013-11-20T18:59:00.000-08:002013-11-20T18:59:10.208-08:00touching difficult memories<div style="text-align: center;">
Two delicious quotes from Stephen Levine's book " A Year to Live" </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP1LyU7UHHdKWzmWj78dPNwEUfaNZiMT184oCAjNZ1ynI8J0OrVXHhgQpMFh_aYLn2O1985mTfY1vbiQJdf_cpQXEV8OkqGHuQ7M35Yf95cSGT543dAC2vyV0ZkL4gFLc3Hb5N3aSdttQs/s1600/stepehn+levine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP1LyU7UHHdKWzmWj78dPNwEUfaNZiMT184oCAjNZ1ynI8J0OrVXHhgQpMFh_aYLn2O1985mTfY1vbiQJdf_cpQXEV8OkqGHuQ7M35Yf95cSGT543dAC2vyV0ZkL4gFLc3Hb5N3aSdttQs/s400/stepehn+levine.jpg" width="370" /></a></div>
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"Simply touching a difficult memory</div>
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with some slight willingness to heal</div>
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begins to soften the holding and tension around it.</div>
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Page 74</div>
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"If there is a single definition of healing</div>
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it is to enter with mercy and awareness</div>
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those pains, mental and physical,</div>
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from which we have withdrawn in judgment and dismay."</div>
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Page 48</div>
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ROBERTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130103117335080071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3379561194571607372.post-13154825281152547302013-11-18T09:03:00.000-08:002013-11-18T09:05:28.783-08:00The Sacredness of Autumn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcJR9PhjDdj8bG3r4ZGIx2jjTHirs_rdg-YrmYlG4t8KMvnp_onP4IbC78ihIDCnzFuP4Bc4eIx_bbwOrXXwKYNmItSMT5SKkC31mZxgyNAcuk-DK6xvy6pXEaBuAWLqWs_h5AgEf8rwm/s1600/helen's+leaves.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcJR9PhjDdj8bG3r4ZGIx2jjTHirs_rdg-YrmYlG4t8KMvnp_onP4IbC78ihIDCnzFuP4Bc4eIx_bbwOrXXwKYNmItSMT5SKkC31mZxgyNAcuk-DK6xvy6pXEaBuAWLqWs_h5AgEf8rwm/s400/helen's+leaves.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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O sacred season of Autumn, be my teacher,<br />
for I wish to learn the virtue of contentment.<br />
As I gaze upon your full-colored beauty,<br />
I sense all about you an at-homeness with your amber riches.</div>
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You are the season of retirement,<br />
of full barns and harvested fields.</div>
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The cycle of growth has ceased,<br />
and the busy work of giving life<br />
is now completed.</div>
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I sense in you no regrets:<br />
you’ve lived a full life.</div>
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I live in a society that is ever-restless,<br />
always eager for more mountains to climb,<br />
seeing happiness through more and more possessions.</div>
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As a child of my culture,<br />
I am seldom truly at peace with what I have.</div>
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Teach me to take stock of what I have given and received,<br />
may I know that it’s enough,<br />
that my striving can cease in the abundance of God’s grace.</div>
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May I know the contentment<br />
that allows the totality of my energies<br />
to come to full flower.</div>
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May I know that like you I am rich beyond measure.</div>
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As you, O Autumn, take pleasure in your great bounty,<br />
let me also take delight<br />
in the abundance of the simple things in life<br />
which are the true source of joy.</div>
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With the golden glow of peaceful contentment<br />
may I truly appreciate this autumn day.</div>
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Edward Hays, contemplative, spiritual director, author, chaplain, etc.</div>
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This poem/prayer is taken from the book <em>Earth Prayers</em></div>
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<em>photo is of leaves at Earth Sanctuary taken by Helen Forshee<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/photosbyhelen/sets/72157637554848823/with/10831240435/">.</a> </em></div>
ROBERTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130103117335080071noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3379561194571607372.post-35642702411014668922013-11-13T07:52:00.000-08:002013-11-13T07:52:05.449-08:00any of these look familiar?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabpTWm9Y86rCN0-rgU9pYRIenxQMwbTWmyaLWGy7dRsXBRWMjycZUip5wqFnMaeYDNy8JqCDV-F7_l-d0eN4bquuA9iUs11-jXE7z4zpCu36ncTTZOI0AHB9I2U46ob1EaX_N4Bjx-rm9/s1600/change+50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabpTWm9Y86rCN0-rgU9pYRIenxQMwbTWmyaLWGy7dRsXBRWMjycZUip5wqFnMaeYDNy8JqCDV-F7_l-d0eN4bquuA9iUs11-jXE7z4zpCu36ncTTZOI0AHB9I2U46ob1EaX_N4Bjx-rm9/s640/change+50.jpg" width="498" /></a></div>
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<br />ROBERTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130103117335080071noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3379561194571607372.post-64137440287126154942013-11-08T09:59:00.000-08:002013-11-08T09:59:15.483-08:00the hardest of these is loveI received this poem today from Inwardoutward.org and loved it:<br />
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<strong>IF PRAYER WOULD DO IT</strong><br />
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If prayer would do it<br />
I'd pray.<br />
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If reading esteemed thinkers would do it<br />
I'd be halfway through the Patriarchs.<br />
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If discourse would do it<br />
I'd be sitting with His Holiness<br />
every moment he was free.<br />
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If contemplation would do it<br />
I'd have translated the Periodic Table<br />
to hermit poems, converting<br />
matter to spirit.<br />
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If even fighting would do it<br />
I'd already be a black belt.<br />
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If anything other than love could do it<br />
I'd have done it already<br />
and left the hardest for last.<br />
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Stephen Levine<br />
Source: Breaking the Drought<br />
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<em>That first line about prayer brought discomfort. I often commit to praying for someone in an effort to remain detached or to comfort myself with the thought, "well, at least I'm praying for them." </em><em> </em><br />
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<em>My prayer for today is to remain open to new ways to love one another, for that is what Christ continues to do ....Love costs but as the saying goes, it pays well. </em><br />
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ROBERTAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09130103117335080071noreply@blogger.com1