tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44722970059435892822024-03-21T22:07:53.817-07:00A Lenten JourneyAdventures with Phillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00702089476509590860noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472297005943589282.post-84369544209275384982012-03-16T15:16:00.000-07:002012-03-16T15:16:46.935-07:00Solitude & Community<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The world seems so small. We are able to "connect" with old "friends" immediately. We are able to discover what they are reading or doing - who their friends are - what they are listening to - where they are eating - but when it comes down to it, not really know what is going on inside their lives. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Even with hundreds of "friends" - folks can find themselves alone in the world - alone in their struggles - alone facing each day. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Connections are often made with those who are facing similar struggles - a facebook group, a chat room, a support group. Many churches have discovered that support groups often bring folks in the doors that would not normally enter (i.e. divorce recovery, financial peace, MOPs, AA). Connecting with others in this way often brings growth and community. Connecting with others in this way often brings transformation. </span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"<i>Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.</i></span><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>" (Matthew 9:35) </i></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Looking at images of solitude - one often sees images of a person alone. What are your thoughts on solitude? Have you experienced solitude? <i>"We live in a very tense society. We are pulled apart...and we all need to learn how to pull ourselves together...I think that at least part of the answer lies in solitude."</i> (Helen Hayes) </span><br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"All human beings are alone. No other person will completely feel like we do, think like we do, act like we do. Each of us is unique, and our aloneness is the other side of our uniqueness. The question is whether we let our aloneness become loneliness or whether we allow it to lead us into solitude. Loneliness is painful; solitude is peaceful. Loneliness makes us cling to others in desperation; solitude allows us to respect others in their uniqueness and create community.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Letting our aloneness grow into solitude and not into loneliness is a lifelong struggle. It requires conscious choices about whom to be with, what to study, how to pray, and when to ask for counsel. But wise choices will help us to find the solitude where our hearts can grow in love."</i> (Henri Nouwen)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Looking at Lea Kelley's painting, <i>"Network of Solitude" </i>below- </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">what does it say to you about community and solitude? </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE5yTbU1bGSf8QrrO_YgVZr3DCwh3e1jAjLN8X0Nq7ed8tFA28nuqWtDON4FefolA5SLEoc8IzTSouf3rWBQc6dZXZI6T1FZezcKoapqVvl01YQMv2SQzDOMt4JRwsRx2pilLjjqh7O-Zg/s1600/network-of-solitude.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE5yTbU1bGSf8QrrO_YgVZr3DCwh3e1jAjLN8X0Nq7ed8tFA28nuqWtDON4FefolA5SLEoc8IzTSouf3rWBQc6dZXZI6T1FZezcKoapqVvl01YQMv2SQzDOMt4JRwsRx2pilLjjqh7O-Zg/s320/network-of-solitude.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Where do you find yourself in the painting? Connected? Lonely? Experiencing solitude?</span><br />
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</span></div>Adventures with Phillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00702089476509590860noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472297005943589282.post-42307793088851741912012-03-08T12:12:00.000-08:002012-03-08T12:12:29.496-08:00Thursday, March 8th<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8mX5dkXuyrDEm0O9RGuuZvE5ZtBeQFe_8gRqP50W5esTWfHCrBskm5kvOz5nA8SQdiBf1y3w0WX7f7q1apBaFFMYhYIoYl8qxb9-FloFlmwsVKxdrqzXPTqhQKgUV-RP3JDdbB0ljaE1/s1600/scrapbook+page.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8mX5dkXuyrDEm0O9RGuuZvE5ZtBeQFe_8gRqP50W5esTWfHCrBskm5kvOz5nA8SQdiBf1y3w0WX7f7q1apBaFFMYhYIoYl8qxb9-FloFlmwsVKxdrqzXPTqhQKgUV-RP3JDdbB0ljaE1/s200/scrapbook+page.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I look through the scrapbooks of my life,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">remind me dear God of the "Egypts" you have brought me through -</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">remind me of your never failing love -</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">remind me that you are a God of relationships and community</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and we are never alone.</span><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Exodus 20:2 </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"I am the Lord your God who brought you out of Egypt..."</i></span></div>Adventures with Phillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00702089476509590860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472297005943589282.post-85236597723934519352012-03-06T06:01:00.000-08:002012-03-06T06:01:04.242-08:00Tuesday, March 6th<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuc8QOFao0XPyniGYxiKTbY4s5rbKwFM5_PatxwCDuzq_j2vLNfT5T9W4aJi_aYeWgjZZTGgNCYm2953WRyzvz2LDOJCQ0icEseiaTuHxjz_IBNdluX5Pn7htA3ggjCCwxsZXbGwpW5eC0/s1600/open_window.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuc8QOFao0XPyniGYxiKTbY4s5rbKwFM5_PatxwCDuzq_j2vLNfT5T9W4aJi_aYeWgjZZTGgNCYm2953WRyzvz2LDOJCQ0icEseiaTuHxjz_IBNdluX5Pn7htA3ggjCCwxsZXbGwpW5eC0/s200/open_window.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During this time of preparation - </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> this time of examination -</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> this time of remembering,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">look in every corner - every room - every nook and cranny of my life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Help me rediscover those rooms that are filled with clutter -</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> those rooms where I have closed the door - to deal with another day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sweep away the cobwebs of self reliance!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Dust the counter tops of faith!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Clean the mirrors of immediacy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Shake out the rugs of regret!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Clear away the stacks of intentions!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Open the draperies of arrogance!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Open doors - </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> open windows - </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> open house!</span><br />
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</span>Adventures with Phillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00702089476509590860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472297005943589282.post-22399892630310218402012-03-01T20:56:00.000-08:002012-03-01T20:56:04.207-08:00Thursday, March 1st<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJv36H3ZqmYxfRE8vYmRcvTBR-ZB_VFM0MRe4849NlOYRMmve1lNWn-yT4pS3gIQ_iaRewpEJIvCg6us_yW5Z_E54sH_iOFChjDdyZ5POmhI99JeaaKr2kxswPMBzi4186r7WuG0MNOleh/s1600/NTO+Monastary+Trip+3-1-12+095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJv36H3ZqmYxfRE8vYmRcvTBR-ZB_VFM0MRe4849NlOYRMmve1lNWn-yT4pS3gIQ_iaRewpEJIvCg6us_yW5Z_E54sH_iOFChjDdyZ5POmhI99JeaaKr2kxswPMBzi4186r7WuG0MNOleh/s320/NTO+Monastary+Trip+3-1-12+095.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b style="font-size: x-large;">Silence </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Syrian forces overrun opposition in rebel stronghold of Homs...death toll over 7500...Davy Jones dies at 66...tornadoes hit the midwest...Republican presidential candidates look to super Tuesday...Madame Tussauds reveals new wax figure of Justin Bieber for his birthday...a silen movie, "The Artist," wins Best Picture...three men were killed during drug deal in Gwinnett County...temperatures are rising and I forgot to put pre-emergent on my lawn...I wonder if the sandwiches will be good at lunch...I hope folks remember to turn off their cellphones during the mid-day prayer today...where did I put the money for the tip?...I sure hope the weatherman was right! It would be awful trying to get all these folks off the motorcoach and into the monastery with only a few umbrellas.............</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 16px;">Look! just beyond the trees! The Monastery of the Holy Spirit!</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 16px;">Our schedule will be as follows....this gives you plenty of time to relax and enjoy your time here.....be careful as you exit the motorcoach...</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">"Welcome!"</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 16px;">"My name is Brother Peter."</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">"I am Phill. So good to meet you! Should the folks look around the gift shop until it is time for the video...or perhaps they should wait in the lobby"........</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">"They are welcome to look around the gift shop."</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">..."Okay folks, look around the gift shop until it is time for the video."....</span></span></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>"The monastery is a school of the Lord's service </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>where Christ is formed in the hearts of the brothers through the liturgy, </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>the abbot's teaching and the fraternal way of life. </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Through God's Word the monks are trained in a discipline of heart and action</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">to be responsive to the Holy Spirit and so attain purity of heart </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">and a continual mindfulness of God's presence."</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Commitment</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"How?" "Why?" "God." </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Silence</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"Are you sure it is possible?" "I can hear the beat of one's heart." </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Discipline</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"Get up at 3:45 a.m.!" "I am not alone."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Community</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>"all brothers are of one heart and one mind, they have everything in common. </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>By bearing one another's burdens they fulfill Christ's law, participating in his sufferings </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>in the hope of entering the kingdom of heaven."</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Praying ......... together</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Working ................................................. together</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Eating ......... together</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Living ...................................................... together</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Dying ......... together</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them."</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trees...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> birds... flowers...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">gentle breeze</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> smell of coffee... incense...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> bells... wind chimes...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">smiles...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></div>Adventures with Phillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00702089476509590860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472297005943589282.post-22791441450356666022012-02-28T19:45:00.000-08:002012-02-28T19:45:37.119-08:00Tuesday, February 28th<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">During a recent time of reflection on retreat, I wrote the following psalm:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Creator God, ruler of the universe -</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> along the shores of life, </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I seek your presence</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> I long for the light</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> of your campfire in the darkness.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Around every bend in the river</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfYCjlT600Rx0aOTDx50vGyY5ZOIwl7gWx-WKl3iXLH8Ab74R2Yw4i3wD4Fmez7qh_9faDoZIY1pt6-Km1TWkc35R5UzV3IXjqRYALrV-FRfZV0pZH1wLcjIT4FI1wBzat2aqhGKuwhpq/s1600/river.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGfYCjlT600Rx0aOTDx50vGyY5ZOIwl7gWx-WKl3iXLH8Ab74R2Yw4i3wD4Fmez7qh_9faDoZIY1pt6-Km1TWkc35R5UzV3IXjqRYALrV-FRfZV0pZH1wLcjIT4FI1wBzat2aqhGKuwhpq/s320/river.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> I hope to find you calling me from a distant shore.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The rapids have often overtaken me - </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> breathless I find myself on the other side.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Are you aware of my journey?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> Are you aware there are days </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> when the sun beats down upon me </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> and I desire shade and a place of rest?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My friends taunt me from the shore - </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> waving banners and cheering</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> unaware of where I've been </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> or where I'm going.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">When the river consumes me</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> and beats me against the rocks -</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Will you be there?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">River maker - </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> bring calm to the waters ahead. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">And when I face the rapids </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> help me to see you on the other side.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Help me to remember when you tossed me a line</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> and pulled me to shore</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> and I found rest in you.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Creator God - ruler of the universe -</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">You are my guide and comfort,</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> in you I find peace and rest.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>"When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand." </i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>- Henri J. M. Nouwen</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>Adventures with Phillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00702089476509590860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472297005943589282.post-61835956538454112922012-02-26T18:17:00.000-08:002012-02-26T18:17:33.595-08:00Sunday, February 26th<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This weekend we visited our niece and her family on Friday night in Birmingham. Her daughter Bowden Ann will soon be 2 years old! We told Jessica we were coming to see her and Doug. If the truth be known, it was all about Bowden Ann. Almost 2 - she is full of energy and full of chatter! Looking into her eyes one sees innocence, imagination, wonder.... </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">During our visit in Birmingham, Lisa and I also visited some dear friends, Sigurd and Sara Bryan. Lisa and I had Dr. Bryan for our Survey of the Old Testament class at Samford. We have said many times that in his presence we felt like we were on holy ground. Sara is the organist at Shades Crest Baptist Church - our church home when we got married. Looking into Sigurd's eyes one sees humility, kindness, gentleness, love, joy, peace, goodness, faithfulness...<span style="color: #001320;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">.</span></span></span></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Eyes. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Today we often find ourselves so busy that we fail to look others in the eyes. We fail to see what might be going on there - </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">hurt? </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"> despair? </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"> anger? </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"> joy? </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"> peace? </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 21px;">love?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">You can assume you know what is going on in someone's life -</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"> but when was the last time you looked into his or her eyes?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTuYF_i1Bh5SX1hKOnj8SX1UD2uyEyZRt8kT_FgeX5G-Hv7wJJzBSYpJSJ5gUarnuhpzHWqA-BdETZxseYfMeELGtM-aNghmx-bNCd8-Gexpm9BjZMHkg30P_zrH8g2qz8jxUuWP8-SM6/s1600/Phillips+Eyes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTuYF_i1Bh5SX1hKOnj8SX1UD2uyEyZRt8kT_FgeX5G-Hv7wJJzBSYpJSJ5gUarnuhpzHWqA-BdETZxseYfMeELGtM-aNghmx-bNCd8-Gexpm9BjZMHkg30P_zrH8g2qz8jxUuWP8-SM6/s1600/Phillips+Eyes.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Open my eyes that I may see....</span></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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</span></span>Adventures with Phillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00702089476509590860noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472297005943589282.post-83017340064874553312012-02-24T14:52:00.000-08:002012-02-24T14:52:44.015-08:00Friday, February 24th<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What is repentance? </span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What are images and words that come to mind when you hear the word, "repentance"?</span><br />
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</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The words "I'm sorry." can seem trite. I remember when my children were little if one hurt another he or she would try to get by with simply saying the words, "I'm sorry." It wasn't until I made him or her look at the other in the eyes and say it that I think he or she truly meant it. Once the eyes met and the words were spoken, the tears began to flow.</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">With the word repentance in your mind, take a look at the painting "Repentant Mary Magdalene" by Simon de Vos below. What does it say to you about repentance?</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGerAtSfOm7E-LxpXvJY-9n_sLjD5lxAT8ohG390Lftla-uNKC1eSU9ZSnojOEHtGkI6kEvVDttXl_1fxR67uoXA1a4sGcYb3Oa5CaFec-OrxcHV7SGYu1J2VwVW2Nni2V59Urq05zrbv/s1600/Repentant+Mary+magdalene.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGerAtSfOm7E-LxpXvJY-9n_sLjD5lxAT8ohG390Lftla-uNKC1eSU9ZSnojOEHtGkI6kEvVDttXl_1fxR67uoXA1a4sGcYb3Oa5CaFec-OrxcHV7SGYu1J2VwVW2Nni2V59Urq05zrbv/s320/Repentant+Mary+magdalene.jpg" width="254" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">There is a way that appears to be right, </span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> but in the end it leads to death. </span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Proverbs 16:25</span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</span></div>Adventures with Phillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00702089476509590860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472297005943589282.post-36935108145759813002012-02-23T15:20:00.000-08:002012-02-23T15:20:34.019-08:00Thursday, February 23rd<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr69dPn_iv2UMgjeqNcLjUCkgZR4ORBYDD50mY-U5k3lexoB1h5vdUxdpMZHCdieDpyxzF7PaufJmyivHK3tWZgvLGNxhiHzNwbNWidWRbWKp9uL23pQ9tA64y0r3_fgxXM8AZid7Gdc1g/s1600/crocus+bulbs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr69dPn_iv2UMgjeqNcLjUCkgZR4ORBYDD50mY-U5k3lexoB1h5vdUxdpMZHCdieDpyxzF7PaufJmyivHK3tWZgvLGNxhiHzNwbNWidWRbWKp9uL23pQ9tA64y0r3_fgxXM8AZid7Gdc1g/s200/crocus+bulbs.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The mark of the ashes has been washed away. Reminded of my humanity I faced a new day today. As with any day I could have gone with the flow and allowed the motions of everyday to guide me and to speak to me. I have discovered that living life in this way leaves you numb - unaware of people - unaware of nature - unaware of life. </span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Look at the crocus bulb. If the crocus bulb relied only in itself - it would remain a dull, fuzzy looking object and over time would simply dry up. Taking that same crocus bulb and planting it in the ground and allowing it to interact with the earth, the sun, the rain...all of nature, it becomes a beautiful flower and message of hope - spring is coming! - to all who pass by. </span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2x53KQs_KcLuTk16AFnlnYnQMfX2Orte2lzrBumo2UXhcTn7dlzXP00k30QvST0QquctUf_pqQYNq5Ucl2qxXLWE8Phe5mBvwKRFfwaojwy0AzFs7eiO7RnnqTMe5Ha2Hx9FarMLaD8hw/s1600/crocus.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2x53KQs_KcLuTk16AFnlnYnQMfX2Orte2lzrBumo2UXhcTn7dlzXP00k30QvST0QquctUf_pqQYNq5Ucl2qxXLWE8Phe5mBvwKRFfwaojwy0AzFs7eiO7RnnqTMe5Ha2Hx9FarMLaD8hw/s200/crocus.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A friend shared these words with me today:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In this portion of his "<i>Psalm of the Great Reversal</i>" </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Jerry Webber describes his journey in light of David's:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I've lumbered through life with this illusion</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">that the center of life is about what I do <i>for You</i>,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">that I need to find great and small things to do <i>for You</i>;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">When all along,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">You've wanted to do something <i>in me</i>!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">You've desired to build a life of meaning <i>in me</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">a life animated by Your Spirit,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">and lived from the soul,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>inside out</i>!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">David had it backward;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">he didn't need to build a house for You.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">You wanted to build a house</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">inside him!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This is my own Great Reversal:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The shift in consciousness</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">to which I open myself daily,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">as You build a life of meaning within me...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>To this Reversal, I open myself</i>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Like the crocus...God desires to work in us and through us!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />
</div>Adventures with Phillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00702089476509590860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4472297005943589282.post-38470285074677417832012-02-21T21:38:00.000-08:002012-02-21T21:38:58.472-08:00<img height="200" src="http://www.headingwest.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/299.jpg" width="165" /><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: white;">Ash Wednesday</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: left;">occurs on </span><span style="text-align: left;">the first day of Lent -</span><span style="text-align: left;"> the seventh Wednesday before Easter. On this day ashes are placed on the foreheads of the faithful to remind them of death, of the sorrow they should feel for their sins, and of the necessity of changing their lives. The practice, which dates from the early Middle Ages, is common among Roman Catholics, Anglicans and Episcopalians, and many other Protestants.</span></span><br />
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</span></div><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-left;"><i>"Honesty before God requires the most fundamental risk of faith we can take: the risk that God is good, that God does love us unconditionally. It is in taking this risk that we rediscover our dignity. To bring the truth of ourselves, just as we are, to God, just as God is, is the most dignified thing we can do in this life."</i> --Gerald May</span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Psalm 8</span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">O LORD, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. 2 Out of the mouths of babes and infants you have founded a bulwark because of your foes, to silence the enemy and the avenger. 3 When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established; 4 what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them? 5 Yet you have made them a little lower than God, and crowned them with glory and honor. 6 You have given them dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under their feet, 7 all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, 8 the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas. 9 O LORD, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth!</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What a week for Ash Wednesday! Looking at the night skies we see Venus, Mars AND Jupiter!!! What a marvelous sight!! Most of us have only seen them in models in public school classrooms - styrofoam balls floating above our heads! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Beginning this Lenten adventure - we pause to examine ourselves AND look at God. In the next 40 days, my prayer is that we will discover more about ourselves and God as we travel together </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">and in the process our lives will be changed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">God be with us!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Phill</span><br />
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</span></span></div>Adventures with Phillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00702089476509590860noreply@blogger.com0