MORE THOUGHTS ABOUT LIFE

A COUPLE OF SUNDAYS AGO I went to a Trappist monastery in a neighboring county. I absorbed my first visit to the newly constructed, new-from-old church. My mind sorted while classifying what I was seeing, hearing, and considering. Phrases, tunes, chants, and homily all met my inner being in that quiet place of peace.  The pipe organ under the command of a monk played the old familiar tune to “Fairest Lord Jesus.” My thoughts took a wide berth that day.

A contemplative person likes to contemplate. (duh) That’s me. I contemplate all the time, all day long, even at night. I wish I could turn off the narrative. Well, actually, I do whenever I’m praying, talking, reading or watching a program. Pondering and wondering come naturally to me. Reading is a close second. I think it wonderful to have a mind that eagerly desires to think. You never know what it is going to produce.

CONTEMPLATION

LANGUAGE OF LOVE

WISDOM SPEAK
. Words that affirm, speak the language of love.
. Glances that communicate acceptance, speak the language of community.
. Actions that help others, speak the language of kindness.
. Gifts that enrich relationships, speak the language of connection.

GOSPEL IN MINIATURE

THE GOSPEL in one sentence–

“He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised for our justification.” Romans 4:25

LASTING IMPACT

I LOVE a book that leaves me pondering its deeper truths. My mind takes pleasure in thinking through the book’s message. It’s like unwrapping a gift, delighting in it, and then using it according to its intended purpose. Books have the ability to impact me for forever.

SAY WHAT?

HOW WE FEEL is important. What we KNOW is important. Which one is MOST important? Feelings can bend. What we know is where we find its true nature. Thought vs Feeling is a go-to exercise in problem solving. Feelings can mislead us. Ask yourself, what is true about this? There you have it.

TRUE TRUTH

TRUTH STANDS ALONE. One of God’s standards is truth. When lies proliferate around us and seemingly bury the idea of a one true truth, they still cannot change what is. Truth still stands whether its believed or not–even when its being impugned, mocked and assailed.

Nor do I wish the call of God to go unanswered. When God speaks, listen to Him. When God calls, answer Him. When God convicts, confess His name. When God approaches (in thought or word), bow the knee and worship. God is near, very near, and He knows your name and mine.

OPEN EYES, OPEN HEART

I AM CONVINCED that most people see only what they want to see when it comes to the spiritual. Until. Yes, until. Until they are willing, open, and responsive to the things of God. God calls, impresses, loves, welcomes. One can resist, refuse, deny. Only believe.

SPIRITUALLY AWARE

BE PROACTIVE in your private, spiritual life. When the Spirit speaks, heed it. Never discount the spiritual realm. Train your spiritual eye to know God’s Word. Train your spiritual ear to discern God’s direction. Train your spiritual heart to follow God’s truth.

Be encouraged.

Thanks be to God for His wisdom, grace, and truth.

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