Surrender See, I am setting before you the way of life and the way of death. Those who stay in this city shall die by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence; but those who go out and surrender to the Chaldeans who are besieging you shall live and shall have their lives as a … Continue reading Surrender
Category: Life Notes
Finding Simplicity
Finding Simplicity Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29 We live in complex times. We enter … Continue reading Finding Simplicity
Finding Solitude
Finding Solitude For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him. Psalm 52:1,5 To be in solitude is to be alone – really alone. Solitude may happen by a personal choice, or it may be forced upon … Continue reading Finding Solitude
United No More
United No More If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town. Matthew 10:13-14 The General … Continue reading United No More
Podcast of Creative Stillness
Creative Stillness
Creative Stillness He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” Mark 4:39-40 One of the few Bible verses I ever successfully memorized as a child … Continue reading Creative Stillness
Keeping Silence
Keeping Silence Then Moses and the levitical priests spoke to all Israel, saying: Keep silence and hear, O Israel! This very day you have become the people of the Lord your God. Deuteronomy 27:9 The late Father Thomas Keating, a pillar in contemporary contemplative life, wrote, “God’s first language is silence.”1 In the creation story … Continue reading Keeping Silence
The Redeeming Face of Love
The Redeeming Face of Love If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:3 The thirteenth chapter of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians is the love chapter of the Bible. It describes love … Continue reading The Redeeming Face of Love
Lukewarm Living
Lukewarm Living I know your words; you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I am about to spit you out of my mouth. Revelation 3:15-16 The author of the Revelation to John received messages for each of the … Continue reading Lukewarm Living
Staying Awake
Staying Awake Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Mark 14:38 Mindfulness is a popular buzzword these days. Be present to the moment. Be here now. Seize the day. We have many contemporary ways of saying what Jesus … Continue reading Staying Awake
Contemplating Grace 