Image by ulterior epicure via FlickrQuote of the WeekIt is very important to realize that our vocation is hidden in where we are and who we are. We are unique human beings, each with a call to realize in life what nobody else can, and to realize it in the concrete context of the here and now.We will never find our vocations by trying to figure out whether we are better or worse than others. We are good enough to do what we are called to do. Be yourself!Henri Nouwen from Bread for the Journey … [Read more...]
Celtic Benediction – J. Philip Newell
Image via WikipediaIn the busyness of this day, grant me a stillness of seeing, O God. In the conflicting voices of my heart, grant me a calmness of hearing. Let my seeing and hearing my words and my actions be rooted in a silent certainty of your presence. Let my passions for life and the longings for justice that stir within me be grounded in the experience of your stillness. Let my life be rooted in the ground of your peace, O God, let me be rooted in the depths of your peace.from CELTIC BENEDICTION by J. Philip Newell … [Read more...]
Blessing for the New Year – Quote of the Week
May this year we have peace within.May we trust God that we are exactly where we are meant to be and exactly where we are supposed to be heading.May we not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.May we use those gifts that we have received, and pass on the love thathas been given to us .May we be content knowing we are a child of God.Let this presence settle into our bones, and allow our soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.It is there for each and every one of us.St. Theresa … [Read more...]
Advent Prelude – Quote of the Week
“The house lights go off and the footlights come on. Even the chattiest stop chattering as they wait in darkness for the curtain to rise. In the orchestra pit, the violin bows are poised. The conductor has raised his baton. In the silence of a midwinter dusk, there is far off in the deeps of it somewhere a sound so faint that for all you can tell it may be only the sound of the silence itself. You hold your breath to listen. You walk up the steps to the front door. The empty windows at either side of it tell you nothing, or almost nothing. For a second you catch a whiff of some fragrance that reminds you of a place you’ve never been and a time you have no words for. You are aware of the beating of your heart…The extraordinary thing that is about to happen is matched only by the extraordinary moment just before it happens. Advent is the name of that moment.” Frederick Buechner … [Read more...]
The Fire of Advent Quote – Edward Hays
"Advent, like its cousin Lent, is a season for prayer and reformation of our hearts. Since it comes at winter time, fire is a fitting sign to help us celebrate Advent.If Christ is to come more fully into our lives this Christmas, if God is to become really incarnate for us, then fire will have to be present in our prayer. Our worship and devotion will have to stoke the kind of fire in our souls that can truly change our hearts. Ours is a great responsibility not to waste this Advent time."Edward Hays … [Read more...]
A Thanksgiving Quote – Quote of the Week
Image by kylesteed via FlickrThe unthankful heart... discovers no mercies; but let the thankful heart sweep through the day and, as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings! --Henry Ward Beecher … [Read more...]
Spiritual Awakening – Quote of the Week
Image via WikipediaThe day of my spiritual awakening was the day I saw - and knew I saw all things in God and God in all things.Mechtild of Magdeburg … [Read more...]
Silence and Reverence – Quote of the Week
Image by melolou via FlickrThere are times when to speak is to violate the momentWhen silence represents the highest respect.The word for such times is reverence.The prayer for such times is “Hallowed be thy name.”Max Lucado … [Read more...]