Truth, I long for truth
No more fooled by random persuasion
No more deceived by by old habits
No more camouflaged by things not authentic
I long to live in truth
Guide me into ways of truth
Grant me discernment in webs of deceit
Give me clarity when obscurity is all I know
Surround me with good friends and godly counsel
I long to walk in truth,
About me
About others
About Christ
I long to live in truth
Thursday, November 19, 2009
While I Sleep
Come Father, while I sleep tonight
Sneak into my hidden thoughts, my unformed, raw and sometimes carnal dreams
Speak deeply into my unconscious state -
Place divine secrets within my heart to give me hope
Fill up my empty cisterns with the warmth of your love
Tune my ears to hear the sounds of your love in ways I've
never heard before
Rest my weary muscles, my aching head
Relax the tension in my neck and shoulders from unnecessary worry
Watch over me with care and keep me safe
Keep away the dark shadows that wake me in the wee hours
As I lay down my body, my thoughts, my identity
Breathe on me oh breath of God
And fill me once again, this hallowed night
With your healing love.
Sneak into my hidden thoughts, my unformed, raw and sometimes carnal dreams
Speak deeply into my unconscious state -
Place divine secrets within my heart to give me hope
Fill up my empty cisterns with the warmth of your love
Tune my ears to hear the sounds of your love in ways I've
never heard before
Rest my weary muscles, my aching head
Relax the tension in my neck and shoulders from unnecessary worry
Watch over me with care and keep me safe
Keep away the dark shadows that wake me in the wee hours
As I lay down my body, my thoughts, my identity
Breathe on me oh breath of God
And fill me once again, this hallowed night
With your healing love.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
My Invisible King
God, in his great love, allows us to build relationships and connections with others, that over time shape and form us more into the likeness of Christ. How significant and wonderful the body of Christ fits together. How precious the bonding of our hearts to one another.
God's presence surrounds us - envelopes us and holds us when we can't see him, can't feel him and can't call out to him. He is still there. Invisibly there. But there.
Oh that my eyes could see the invisible. Oh that my heart could love like his. Oh that my thoughts and my mind could understand him, this invisible friend that is faithful to the end. There is no place he cannot find me, no sin too terrible that he will not forgive, no brokenness that he cannot mend.
Oh, this Saviour, Healer, Redeemer and Friend of mine. How can I grow to love you more? How can I follow you when I can't see you? Open my eyes, open them widely, and let them behold you in all your glory.
You are my King and I long to worship and serve you.
God's presence surrounds us - envelopes us and holds us when we can't see him, can't feel him and can't call out to him. He is still there. Invisibly there. But there.
Oh that my eyes could see the invisible. Oh that my heart could love like his. Oh that my thoughts and my mind could understand him, this invisible friend that is faithful to the end. There is no place he cannot find me, no sin too terrible that he will not forgive, no brokenness that he cannot mend.
Oh, this Saviour, Healer, Redeemer and Friend of mine. How can I grow to love you more? How can I follow you when I can't see you? Open my eyes, open them widely, and let them behold you in all your glory.
You are my King and I long to worship and serve you.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Time sets us straight
It's been such a long time since I last wrote on my blog. A lot of internalizing and soul searching, a lot of musing thoughts with the Father, and a lot of times of tears and pain.
Questioning my purpose, direction, calling, accomplishments - all those things which we tend to think about more seriously when middle age comes round the corner.
Everything is evaluated differently. Time seems to move by faster, and yet it seems we move more slowly. It takes longer to recover from a restless night than when we were younger. The ability to over extend our physical, mental and emotional state comes at a higher price now...the reserves are just not there like they used to be.
You notice things around you differently. You spend more time observing people, nature and contemplating the purpose and significance of your surroundings. An appreciation of the "simple things" takes on more relevance. For me, every fall seems to be more spectacular than the previous year; the friendship of close friends, seems dearer; the hugs from family members seem more satisfying; the time it takes to say "goodnight" to your loved one, more intimate.
The meaning of ordinary tasks just seem to be more wonderful when you realize how little time there is in all the moments of our lifetime.
Middle age, for the most part is another great adventure. Our bodies remind us we are not invincible.... our wisdom gained from past lessons and experiences give us an equity when asked our opinion. We do KNOW some things!! Life has been a great teacher. Some lessons we are still having to learn again.
I'm learning to "let things go"... "choose my battles"... "redeem the day"... don't sweat the "small things"... and to live life with a more grateful heart each day.
When it's all said and done,... our attitude will speak the loudest.... how we have journeyed through life, embraced difficulties and treated others will be our score card.
It's not too late to begin again.
Questioning my purpose, direction, calling, accomplishments - all those things which we tend to think about more seriously when middle age comes round the corner.
Everything is evaluated differently. Time seems to move by faster, and yet it seems we move more slowly. It takes longer to recover from a restless night than when we were younger. The ability to over extend our physical, mental and emotional state comes at a higher price now...the reserves are just not there like they used to be.
You notice things around you differently. You spend more time observing people, nature and contemplating the purpose and significance of your surroundings. An appreciation of the "simple things" takes on more relevance. For me, every fall seems to be more spectacular than the previous year; the friendship of close friends, seems dearer; the hugs from family members seem more satisfying; the time it takes to say "goodnight" to your loved one, more intimate.
The meaning of ordinary tasks just seem to be more wonderful when you realize how little time there is in all the moments of our lifetime.
Middle age, for the most part is another great adventure. Our bodies remind us we are not invincible.... our wisdom gained from past lessons and experiences give us an equity when asked our opinion. We do KNOW some things!! Life has been a great teacher. Some lessons we are still having to learn again.
I'm learning to "let things go"... "choose my battles"... "redeem the day"... don't sweat the "small things"... and to live life with a more grateful heart each day.
When it's all said and done,... our attitude will speak the loudest.... how we have journeyed through life, embraced difficulties and treated others will be our score card.
It's not too late to begin again.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Sometimes
Sometimes I am the ointment that is applied to the gaping wound
Sometimes I am the wind that fills the sails of the ship lost at sea
Sometimes I am the elevator that takes people one floor higher
Sometimes I am the warm blanket that is placed over those who are cold and lonely
Sometimes I am the canvas God paints
Sometimes I am the training wheels to support young riders
Sometimes I am the fragrance of beauty
Sometimes I am the chalice that holds the wine for the Eucharist
Sometimes I am the bread that is broken and multiplied
Sometimes I am the ears of God
Sometimes I am the smile of God
Sometimes I am the tears of God
Sometimes I am the one who nailed my Lord to the Cross
Sometimes I am the one casting lots for his clothes
Sometimes I am the one who breaks his heart
Always, I am the one forgiven
Always, I am the one loved
Sometimes I am the wind that fills the sails of the ship lost at sea
Sometimes I am the elevator that takes people one floor higher
Sometimes I am the warm blanket that is placed over those who are cold and lonely
Sometimes I am the canvas God paints
Sometimes I am the training wheels to support young riders
Sometimes I am the fragrance of beauty
Sometimes I am the chalice that holds the wine for the Eucharist
Sometimes I am the bread that is broken and multiplied
Sometimes I am the ears of God
Sometimes I am the smile of God
Sometimes I am the tears of God
Sometimes I am the one who nailed my Lord to the Cross
Sometimes I am the one casting lots for his clothes
Sometimes I am the one who breaks his heart
Always, I am the one forgiven
Always, I am the one loved
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Don't Shrink
A recurring phrase has lodged itself within my mind for the last few weeks now. Simply stated, this is it - "don't shrink".The more expanded thought encourages me to not play small, but rise up and become what God destined me to become. Aware somewhat of what that might be, I gather courage and a stiff upper lip and attempt the difficult task.
How easy it is for me to step back and disappear among the crowds, preferring to remain "unnoticed", "plain", "insignificant". It requires less courage, less energy, and less risk of failure. After all, who wants to fail?
I never seek the spotlight. I avoid it (not that it is looking for me anyway). And yet, there are times I find myself there, not by my own choosing, but because somehow along the way, I've been invited to it.
I believe that God wants to do more in us and through us than we ever dared to imagine. Somehow, we are limited in our finite minds as to the endless possibilities of living wholly surrendered, wholly committed lives, whatever the cost. Who really knows what a life completely yielded to Christ looks like? It's in this journey of becoming like him, that we resolve, one way or another, to "not shrink", but take up our cross and follow him. And, it looks different for each one of us.
There are certain events that need to unfold by our mere participation in the role we are called to play. We must rise up, on cue, for the production to continue. We have an important part to act out that needs our specific gift and talent that we've been handed and it takes great faith to deliver what we are unsure we have been given.
So rise up, don't play small - a whole cast needs you to do your best and contribute to the ongoing building of a huge spiritual body, a living, holy organism.
How easy it is for me to step back and disappear among the crowds, preferring to remain "unnoticed", "plain", "insignificant". It requires less courage, less energy, and less risk of failure. After all, who wants to fail?
I never seek the spotlight. I avoid it (not that it is looking for me anyway). And yet, there are times I find myself there, not by my own choosing, but because somehow along the way, I've been invited to it.
I believe that God wants to do more in us and through us than we ever dared to imagine. Somehow, we are limited in our finite minds as to the endless possibilities of living wholly surrendered, wholly committed lives, whatever the cost. Who really knows what a life completely yielded to Christ looks like? It's in this journey of becoming like him, that we resolve, one way or another, to "not shrink", but take up our cross and follow him. And, it looks different for each one of us.
There are certain events that need to unfold by our mere participation in the role we are called to play. We must rise up, on cue, for the production to continue. We have an important part to act out that needs our specific gift and talent that we've been handed and it takes great faith to deliver what we are unsure we have been given.
So rise up, don't play small - a whole cast needs you to do your best and contribute to the ongoing building of a huge spiritual body, a living, holy organism.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Commentary on Elizabeth Gilbert - "A Different Way to Think About Creative Genius"
A Ted.com reflection assignment for Ministry Module March 2009
Elizabeth Gilbert is the author of the international bestseller "Eat, Pray, Love" which has launched her into literary success. This has challenged her to think differently about creative genius. She refers to the anguish creative people go through to continue to produce or create another work of inspiration, particularly after a successful accomplishment.
"Why do creative ventures make us afraid?" "Why is it that anyone should be afraid of the work that they were put on this earth to do?" "Why do we fear we cannot repeat success?" These are some of the difficult questions she poses.
"Why are people who are creative genius undone by their gift?" "We accept the notion that creativity and suffering are somehow inherently linked and artistry in the end will ultimately lead to anguish."
Gilbert thinks this assumption is dangerous and it should not be perpetuated. She says we need to encourage our great creative minds to live.
Her question as to how this can be done is legitimate. How do we create safety for the artist from the onslaught of criticism and negative reactions? How do we protect the artist? For her protection she creates a psychological construct between her and the anxiety towards her writing.
Another poignant question she raises is how do we help creative people manage the risks of creativity?
Gilbert refers to the history of the Ancient Greeks and Romans and their belief that creativity did not come from within themselves but instead from a divine attendant spirit that came to humans from outside somewhere, as magical, divine entities or disembodied spirits. These spirits would help with the creative process and collaborate with the work of the artist. Then, if the work was a success or a failure, the results could be attributed to the genius and their part in the creative process. This in a sense, protected the artist from the expectation and the pressure to deliver other successful work.
Gilbert suggests this inspiration is not a part of our being but rather is a genius on loan from some unimaginable source that will be passed along to someone else when they are finished with you.
I agree that there is an element of creativity that does not always come from within us. Mastery and skill of ones craft can produce amazing work, but I believe there is an influence from a "divine" being that comes when least expected and inspires us to create in a way that is above our natural abilities and beyond our realm of creative expression. The artist never knows when this will happen so the discipline of continuing to create is necessary.
There is a point in our creative expressions that if we can forget our limitations and become like little children and believe anything is possible, then our art takes on a heightened perspective. Something happens when we begin to create. Something is released in us that was there from the beginning of our created lives. Beauty erupts, through endless ways of expression – art, music, dance, prose, and more, and we find ways to speak the language of our Creator. And this all happens because we fulfill the reason for which we were created.
I believe this sanctity happens, this holy space emerges, even if we do not know the Creator personally. His influence is within and throughout our very beings and we can not help but allow it to come forth at some point.
As created beings, we have this inherent desire to want to create. The expectation and pressure we sometimes feel about our personal work can distract and harm our ability to create freely.
Gilbert insists that we not be afraid or daunted, but continue to do our job, continue to show up for our part and if we are fortunate, our genius may show up and leave some sort of wonderment for all our efforts. "And if this happens", she says, "then 'Ole`' and if not, then 'Ole`' to you for the sheer stubbornness of showing up."
Elizabeth Gilbert is the author of the international bestseller "Eat, Pray, Love" which has launched her into literary success. This has challenged her to think differently about creative genius. She refers to the anguish creative people go through to continue to produce or create another work of inspiration, particularly after a successful accomplishment.
"Why do creative ventures make us afraid?" "Why is it that anyone should be afraid of the work that they were put on this earth to do?" "Why do we fear we cannot repeat success?" These are some of the difficult questions she poses.
"Why are people who are creative genius undone by their gift?" "We accept the notion that creativity and suffering are somehow inherently linked and artistry in the end will ultimately lead to anguish."
Gilbert thinks this assumption is dangerous and it should not be perpetuated. She says we need to encourage our great creative minds to live.
Her question as to how this can be done is legitimate. How do we create safety for the artist from the onslaught of criticism and negative reactions? How do we protect the artist? For her protection she creates a psychological construct between her and the anxiety towards her writing.
Another poignant question she raises is how do we help creative people manage the risks of creativity?
Gilbert refers to the history of the Ancient Greeks and Romans and their belief that creativity did not come from within themselves but instead from a divine attendant spirit that came to humans from outside somewhere, as magical, divine entities or disembodied spirits. These spirits would help with the creative process and collaborate with the work of the artist. Then, if the work was a success or a failure, the results could be attributed to the genius and their part in the creative process. This in a sense, protected the artist from the expectation and the pressure to deliver other successful work.
Gilbert suggests this inspiration is not a part of our being but rather is a genius on loan from some unimaginable source that will be passed along to someone else when they are finished with you.
I agree that there is an element of creativity that does not always come from within us. Mastery and skill of ones craft can produce amazing work, but I believe there is an influence from a "divine" being that comes when least expected and inspires us to create in a way that is above our natural abilities and beyond our realm of creative expression. The artist never knows when this will happen so the discipline of continuing to create is necessary.
There is a point in our creative expressions that if we can forget our limitations and become like little children and believe anything is possible, then our art takes on a heightened perspective. Something happens when we begin to create. Something is released in us that was there from the beginning of our created lives. Beauty erupts, through endless ways of expression – art, music, dance, prose, and more, and we find ways to speak the language of our Creator. And this all happens because we fulfill the reason for which we were created.
I believe this sanctity happens, this holy space emerges, even if we do not know the Creator personally. His influence is within and throughout our very beings and we can not help but allow it to come forth at some point.
As created beings, we have this inherent desire to want to create. The expectation and pressure we sometimes feel about our personal work can distract and harm our ability to create freely.
Gilbert insists that we not be afraid or daunted, but continue to do our job, continue to show up for our part and if we are fortunate, our genius may show up and leave some sort of wonderment for all our efforts. "And if this happens", she says, "then 'Ole`' and if not, then 'Ole`' to you for the sheer stubbornness of showing up."
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