Remember to pause and bow to the Lord again

and again,
and again:
at the beginning
the middle
and the end of every activity.

A day of running to keep up with You, Lord!

The children,
so beautiful in their indian costumes
the wee lasses so delighted in being beautiful
the lads strutting around in tunics and crowns
the parents absolutely glowing
watching their delights shine on stage.

Oh Lord
You are in the details
hear and obey your slightest whim
obey,
and even more space for the slightest detail...
A tweek here, a safety-pin there
Praise and encouragement for make-up and hair artists
(parents volunteers backstage)
all a delightful make-believe of a professional play.

Hear the coughs and ensure all had singlets or t-shirts
letting go of ideal costume
even the last T-shirt was just the right colour/size.

Oh Lord!
the fine young voices
amid the glittering riot of colour:
"It is Spirit who makes Fire burn, Air blow and Water flow.
Worship Spirit!"

The thank you's after -
everyone passing on their praise to another.
But of course, it is natural;
all know they can make no claim
for a creation not their own.
The Lord giveth
and the Lord taketh away.
Give all back to our Dear Lord
the Source and Home of all!

Kena Upanishad

Once upon a time, Spirit planned that the gods might win a great victory.  The gods grew boastful; thou Spirit had planned their victory, they thought they had done it all.Spirit saw their vanity and appeared.  they could not understand; they said: "Who is that mysterious person?"
They said to Fire: "Fire! Find out who is that mysterious person"
Fire ran to Spirit. Spirit asked what it was. Fire said: "I am Fire; known to all!"
Spirit asked: "What can you do?" Fire said: "I can burn anything and everything in this world."
"Burn it" said Spirit, putting a straw on the ground.
Fire threw itself upon the straw, but could not burn it.
Then Fire ran to the gods in a hurry and confessed it could not find out who was that mysterious person.
Then the gods asked Wind to find out who was that mysterious person.
Wind ran to Spirit and Spirit asked what it was. Wind said: "I am Wind; I am the King of the Air."
Spirit asked: "What can you do?"  and Wind said; "I can blow away anything and everything in this world."
"Blow it away" said Spirit, putting a straw on the ground. Wind threw itself upon the straw, but could not move it.  Then Wind ran to the gods in a hurry and confessed it could not find out who was that mysterious person.
Then the gods went to Light and asked it to find out who was that mysterious person.  Light ran towards Spirit, but Spirit disappeared upon the instant.
Then appeared in the sky that pretty girl, the goddess of Wisdom.  Light went to her and asked who was that mysterious person.

The goddess said: "Spirit, through Spirit you attained your greatness. Praise the greatness of Spirit." Then Light knew that the mysterious person was none but Spirit.
...
Spirit is the Good in all. It should be worshipped as the Good.  He who knows this shall prevail against evil, enjoy the Kingdom of Heaven, yes, for ever enjoy the blessed Kingdom of Heaven.

Big Hug Lord!

A pox on yor language!

My priest keeps on suggesting we be joyful,
and I often scowl in my pew, thinking
it just ain't possible these days.

Then, after heartfelt petitioning to God,
it dawned
- laugh in the face of those self-criticisms,
and do something darn silly.
Mock the devil and his antics to try keep me down.

And it worked.

After a too-long sleep-in yesterday,
loped out like Caliban,
stuck-out chin, swinging arms and bandy legs,
and laughed in the face of all the housework to be done.

And it shifted!

Each time the cloud would try to settle,
I'd do something to laugh at it,
right in its face!
And so much got done.

Thanks be to God!
What next, dear Lord?

The Kingdom of God is within you

... Christ will come to you
and impart his consolation to you
if you prepare a worthy dwelling
for Him in your heart.

All true glory and beauty is within
and there He delights to dwell
He often visits the spiritual man
and hold sweet discourse with him
granting him refreshing grace
great peace
and friendship exceeding all expectation.

Come then, faithful soul,
prepare your heart
for your Divine Spouse
that He may deign to come to you
and dwell with you.

- dear Thomas a Kempis
consoles and encourages again...

But then I ask
how do I clean my heart now?
and petition Him
telling him of my trips and failures

"Lord,
I start the day
great expectations
great resolve
but this headache
how do I get over this speedbump?

Describe it:

the head fills
the body so heavy
mess and filth all around
the job started...

Finally,
at the end of the day
it is enough that the dishes are cleared
the room is tidied
and the head reels
at all that is undone
self-criticism pounds the head
the leg is sore, the eyes blur
and the heart a watery stone

So, prepare a place for Me.
You are the last I want to see!
so ashamed I have let you down
fall into temptation so quickly
so easily, so willingly.

It'a this thick head which descends
almost possible to move
to see, feel the silence, the loneliness.

Lord?
This is the block I can't move;
have many directions, many loose ends
neither the strength nor confidence to complete, start.

Like the blank page
needing a brilliant first line?
What is your response?

Just start, simple.
Write an outline, notes
then fill in between the lines...
Just write nonsense if need be
But do begin...

Fall still,
or wave your arms about
do something you know is silly
pull a face
laugh at the obstacle
and start
one line at a time

--- a cake is eaten
one mouthful at a time.

Break it into smaller parts
reward and encourage often.

(smile, it is getting better Lord)

So,
what shall we do when this block arises?

Stand still, remember Me
I come not to judge
but to commend.
I adore all stumbling steps to reach Me.
Know I stand with you
Sometimes I stand back
but let go and let Me.

You don't have to do anything
just remember Me
follow My guiding hand
Listen and obey.

and if I turn away?

Ah, don't judge
acknowledge, apologise even
but give no further attention
- I have already forgotten.

Return again
Still, whole, pure, perfect, complete.
I am waiting.
Ah, see, Here I Am!

Now, let's go
you and I
and conquer faltering hearts.

There is still time.

Relax
remap
let go all results
and follow Me.


And so I laugh in the face of temptation
my husband plays the guitar
my sons squirt waterguns
and it ain't so serious again.

Bless
Thank you Lord!

When I say...

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'."
I'm whispering "I was lost,
Now I'm found and forgiven."

 When I say... "I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
And need His strength to carry on.

 When I say. "I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
And need God to clean my mess.

 When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
But, God believes I am worth it.

 When I say... "I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner
Who received God's good grace, somehow."

— Maya Angelou

AMEN

Amen. I return to Church again and again, not because I am good, but because I need help... and Jesus overwhelms me with love, when I feel I least deserve it... other times I return with gratitude, other times with a lukewarm heart, even s...ometimes with complete indifference. He never lets me approach Him with pride, or knowing. Only simple obedience will do, and the love grows from there. Then in gratitude, what else can I do but serve Him? In whatever He places before me. Be it a child, a dirty pot, a stranger, or a task. Thanks be to God

Mother and Son...

Share a moment with my 12-year-old son with you.

He and I had a lovely day, we trained home, it was late, and we were tired. We got in the car, and I asked him to take his feet off the seats, he complained, and wouldn't. It escalated, so I pulled over, so he could open the door and untangle himself from his bag, amid loud tantrum wailings. I decided an apology for rudeness was in order (probably the mistake) and waited, and waited, and waited. Finally, it was getting dark, no apology forthcoming, so we drove home, and I hotly suggested (sigh) that he go to his room until he's ready to apologise. So he took off. The younger son upset, went to his room - I don't like it when you fight...

What now? Many uncharitable thoughts of locking him out, bed without dinner, etc. ran through the mind as the time ticked away, self-justification, etc. All escalation, not resolution. What would I do when he returns? Decided to unlock the door and ignore him, show him how running away wasn't going to affect me.

Lord, what would you do? Darn it, as I prepared bosyenberry toasties (he won't get any of these!), He reminded me of the prodigal son and his father. Maybe the prodigal and his father were always clashing and it seemed like the only solution at the time. Many run away, and think no-one cares, not realising parents are angry, but also pacing the house, waiting.

The father welcomed the prodigal home, showered affection and relief on him... Lord, I can't do that! He'll think he can do that again to manipulate me...

Just try. As an experiment.

So, when the front door opened quietly, I walked to the door, and gave him a hug (not open-heartedly, but it was a hug). Told him (oh how gently the words came out(!)) how worried I was (leaving out the revengeful thoughts), and so glad that he was home, wondering if he'd been hurt, not knowing where he was. Tears filled his eyes, said he'd walked to the shops, got as far as the Auld's place (about 1km). (Inside, I was shocked, I thought he was sitting coatless out in the orchard, not walking down the open country road in the dark with no footpaths!) No mention was made of the earlier fight, just held him a little longer. Then said I was making special boysenberry toasties, yes, he would like some, and he meekly sat at the table. Younger brother came over to me and I whispered I was giving his brother a treat. He asked if he could too, and picked out his favourite chocolate biscuits (three!) from the tin, and only had a plain biscuit himself....!

Submission to the Lord's whim
- instead of continued shouting and further punishments,
a blossoming of the sweetest surprising love in us all...

And a little later, duirng washing up, he quietly stood beside me and said sorry, he probably didn't have to make an argument of it... All that was needed was an understanding arm round the shoulder, and he set up his homework on the dining room table.

Just wanted to share - the magic of what seems like an impossible request from the Lord....

Bobby McFerrin and Mozart

Watching Bobby McFerrin, 

Master of one, master of all. 

Love one another as I have loved you...

In love, with love, through love

he blossoms love in all

music an intimate conversation

how he shines when someone will 

let go

play with him...

Bobby McFerrins Impro #2

Bobby McFerrin Improvisations

I love it when this happens, the audience/choir willing to trust and follow....
The jovial light shines!

"We miss you..."

Who is "We" that misses me?

Who is my Counsellor now?
Who will sit still and listen
sort the chaff and the grain?
to find the kernel of Truth
and the feeble effort to stay sane?

Find Me in the least of thy duties
Simple steps, giant strides I will take
to find you and bring you home.

Is it again pride, Lord?
which keeps me separate?
O Lord, help me.

I used to be so full of confidence
of love and life
music, drama, dance, motherhood,
serving You daily
in everything
hearing You often
in the least
in the stillness
in the delight...

What has changed?

I remember the self-delight
"I know better,
see how I sit still first
before I pray?
can sit and feel God all around
and I was special.

Child,
you are special to Me
as everyone is
I delighted in your swooning.

Child,
come to Me
closer now, full in My Face
I Am is here, now.

Show no mercy to inferior thought
See Me, now.
I Am Here, now.
Let no disbelief enter
It is the enemy
snatching you away
into the darkness still.
I Am Here now
That is All
filling every crevis
every ravine.
There is no hiding now
There is no turning away.

See Me
See My Face
Full authority
full meekness
Tenderness divine
I will have no other
You are mine.

I will let no-one snatch you away
I will have you alone
in all your meekness and shame
I will enfold you in My Arms
kiss away all doubt
that I Love you all ways.

You are mine
and that is all.
You are a victim of My Love.

Lord? May I speak?
Is not this Mr Rochester
and I his simple Jane
a myth I have lived under...

Child,
there is truth everywhere
his hurt is My hurt
his rough love is My Love
put aside the idol and see Me
the essence of the kernel
the hurt, the shame,
the love, the same.

Let Me be
and come home.
In the least of thy duties
find Me.
Measure out the day (gently)
to the fullest possible extent
Serve Me (but I fall short!)
I will accept all
and grace all with My Mother's kiss.

All will be well
and all will be well
and all shall be good.

Rest in Peace
in My Love and Adoration

yes, for you,
My speck of creation.

I fashioned you
from my finest linen
I cherished you
watched you grow
to fine womanhood
now you are my mother
to cherish my children
with My Love.

Chickadee, My love
My wife,
settle at My Side
and serve My family.

I am waiting
Fresh, pure, complete.

Are you ready?
(Nearly)
Go.

Dear Lord
He who stands still to listen
who puts aside, sits still, to listen
who sifts the chaff from the kernel
turns silver to gold,

Blessed Lord!
who has even been with me on my darkest shame,
to find the kernel of truth and feeble effort
in the struggle to stay sane.

I petition you Lord!

Help me put an end to this lethargy!

Come home to Me, mother,
put it off no longer,
see Me in the least of My duties
find us, safe, and come home
We are waiting
We miss you.

Amen

Contentment...

It must learn to be content with little,
to take pleasure in simple things
and not to complain
at any hardship
- Thomas a Kempis
The Inner Life

Meditation in a Toolshed - CS Lewis

I was standing today in the dark toolshed.
The sun was shining outside and through the crack at the top of the door there came a sunbeam. From where I stood that beam of light, with its specks of dust floating in it, ws the the most striking thing in the place. Everything else was almost pitch-black. I was seeing the beam, not seeing things by it.

Then I moved, so that the beam fell on my eyes. Instantly the whole previous pciture vanished. I saw no toolshed, and (above all) no beam. Instead I saw, framed in the irregular cranny at the top of the door, green leaves moving on the branches of a  tree outside and beyond that, ninety-odd million miles away, the sun.
Looking along the beam, and looking at the beam, are very different experiences.
CS Lewis Planet Narnia
by Michael Ward

Good endeavour

Oh, if you could only know how great a joy for your fellows your good endeavour would win, you would have greater care for your spiritual progress.

- Thomas a Kempis

The Inner Life

Lukewarm...

When a man grows dull and lukewarm in spirit, even the smallest of labour distresses him, and he eagerly welcomes any worldly comfort (the pantry!)  But when he begins to overcome self and advance manfully in God's way, then he regards as nothing those labours which he previously found so burdensome...
... the man who turns himself wholy to God loses his sloth and becomes transformed into a new creature
- Thomas a Kempis
The Inner Life

Banish discouragement

Banish discouragement from your heart as best you can, and if trouble comes, never let it depress you, or hinder you for long. At least bear it bravely if you cannot bear it cheerfully. Even if you are reluctant to bear it, and feel indignant, yet control yourself, and let no rash words escape you that may harm Christ's little ones.  The violence of your feelings will soon subside, and grace return to heal your inner pain.  "I live," says the Lord, "ready to help and comfort you more than ever, if you will trust Me, and call on Me with devotion."
Be of good heart, and steel yourself to endure greater trials.  All is not lost, however often you feel tempted or sorely troubled.  You are a (wo)man, not God; you are human, not an angel.  How can you expect to remain always in a constant state of virtue, when this was not possible even for an angel of Heaven, nor for the first (wo)man in the Garden?
I am He who grants healing and comfort to those in distress, and I raise up to My Divinity, those who acknowledge their weaknesses.
- Thomas a Kempis
The Inner Life

Avoid public gatherings as much as possible,

... for the discussion of worldly affairs becomes a great hindrance, even though it be with the best of intentions, for we are quickly corrupted and ensnared by vanity. Often I wish I had remained silent, and had not been among men...
The reason we are so fond of talking with each other is that we think to find consolation in this manner, and to refresh a heart wearied with many cares...
Alas, however, all of this is often to no purpose, for this outward consolation is no small obstacle to inner and diviine consolation.
We must watch and pray, that our time may not be spent fruitlessly.
When it is right and proper to speak, speak to edify.
Evil habits and neglect of spiritual progress are the main cause of our failure to guard the tongue.
But devout conversation on spiritual matters greatly furthers our spiritual progress, especially with those who are heart and soul with us in the service of God.
- Thomas a Kempis
The Inner Life

Thomas a Kempis

A true understanding and humble estimate of oneself is the higest and most valuable of all lessons.
To take no account of oneself, but always to think well and highly of others is the highest wisdom and perfection.
Should you see another person openly doing evil, or carrying out a wicked purpose, do not on that account consider yourself better than him, for you cannot tell how long you will remain in a state of grace.
We are all frail; consider none more frail than yourself.
- Thomas a Kempis
The Inner Life

All the world's a stage...

Quite a grouping of actors parade across our international stage:

Osama and Obama headline again
Osama, who inspires murder of millions with terrorist actions

Obama, whose ok with murder of millions through planned parenting policies

A fake picture of Osama's mutilated face

A royal wedding

with the ghost of the Queen of Hearts...

whose funeral overshadowed the death of a saint

A beatification of a beloved Pope

whose successor spent a brotherly time
with the Church of England

and the Monarch

to celebrate the sainthood of a convert.

Meanwhile, natural disasters

and war

are everyday news.

Lord Jesus Christ

Mother Mary

and all the saints

Pray for us!

What have they done!

I turn to Mother Church
and she soothes with wise counsel:

"Osama bin Laden
as we know,
bore the most serious responsibility of
spreading hate among populations
causing the deaths of unnumerable people,
and manipulating religions for this purpose.

"In the face of a man's death
a Christian never rejoices,
but reflects on the serious responsibilities
of each person before God and before men,
and hopes and works so that
every event may be the occasion
for the further growth of peace
and not hatred."

Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi, S.J.,
released this statement regarding the death of Osama bin Laden: