Category: life
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winds of change
Most years I blurb a little on July 4th, listening to The Battle Hymn of the Republic (written during our horrendous civil war), contemplating our current culture, watching it sadly devolve, hurtling down the same path, repeating history. I have observed the rendering schism, starting at top levels, down through institutions, churches, and families. I’ve…
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a word about sorrow
Sorrow and suffering are a big part of this life and cannot be avoided. If we say this ought not to be so, shall we also say, “God has made a mistake in allowing them”? Personally, I’d like to avoid any more sorrow. However, I read: Suffering either leads to a better self, or it…
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the day after (again)
Father’s Day – this holiday at least I should be insulated from emotions. Then I find myself in tears, watching Dr. Who (#9, Father’s Day episode). Daughter, back in time, saving her father’s life, ultimately confronted with the truth, not the rosy image she created. Truth exposed, forgiveness, love expressed. I am dragged through memories…
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resting
A situation came up and I took a break from blogging – until today, when I read the following in my devotional, followed by the daily verse app. “Come unto Me and I will give you rest.” “Not–I will put you to bed and hold your hand and sing you to sleep; but –I will…
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the fixer
For all my fellow Martha’s. We organize. We get things done. We’re the glue that keeps families and work groups together and functioning. We look ahead and prepare for all sorts of contingencies. The world around us will collapse if not for us. Why us? Perhaps it is our given gifts or personality. Perhaps we…
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waldo
Meet my companion Waldo (he’s the striped snail), a gift from my adopted daughter. I search for him often, and with my gentle coaxing, he has survived for three days. He lives in the bottom of my two-tiered fountain (gift from a friend), which I am trying to turn into an aquaponic habitat, with mixed…
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the day after
[This is for grieving mothers] To those of us who have survived another Hallmark Exploitation Day. This time for mothers who dread that special day magnifying our pain, longing, loss, grief, fear, exhaustion. With smiles pasted on, pretending we’re fine, indeed happy; once again, we call on our resilience to get us through. To my…
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liberty
I sure hope none of you were raised in oppressive religious christianity like I was. If you were, may this contribute to your liberation, as it did for me. I share this morning’s reading from Oswald Chambers. “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free.” Galatians 5:1 “Jesus said, ‘Go and…
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the abyss of love
My grandfather was a pony riding, “hellfire and brimstone” minister, saved after a vision from hell, following extended revelry. My mother raised on this continual scaring, never managed to shake her fear. Even into her 9th decade, she struggled with the love of God. And that is why this morning’s reading touched me, continuing…
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vantage point
Inescapable troubles abound: relational, personal, health, political, etc. Our viewing perspective makes all the difference in navigating the sludge of life. Taking Jesus as our stable viewing point, we can look out and face the “seismic catastrophes” facing us, knowing: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will…
CJ's World 