Memorial Day Through a Different Lens
Having met a significant number of people who appear to have a platter that is full to over-flowing, the following reminder from Max Lucado seems to be in order:
Release Your Burdens
“This morning, somewhere between your first step on the floor
And your last step out the door, you grabbed some luggage.
The bags you grabbed are not made of leather;
They’re made of burdens.
A suitcase of guilt.
A sack of discontent.
A duffel bag of weariness.
Set them down.”
A new week begins. A day for remembering those who set aside everything for the cause of freedom. I hope you can set down your “stuff” and experience the liberation each of us long to experience.
A prayer: God of this moment, empower me to set down my baggage and trust that you are taking care of things, even when the valley is dark and I fear that my baggage could get lost. By the way God, if they do get lost help, me to realize that it can be a blessing. In fact, without that stuff weighing me down, I may get out of this dark valley. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
05.31.10
Monday, May 31, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
Daily Devotion - Friday, May 28
One Last Psalm 23 Meditation
Psalm 23 is also known as “The Shepherd’s Song.” This is the last of this year’s meditations on this well known and loved psalm.
The closing verse of the Psalm says, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Two quotes for our final devotion on Psalm 23:
1. Attributed to Levi Yitzhak of Beditchev:
“Lord of the universe, I do not beg you to reveal to me
The secret of your ways, for who am I to know them?
But show me one thing,
show it to me more clearly and more deeply,
show me what this which is happening
at this very moment means to me,
what it demands of me,
what you, Lord of the world,
are telling me by way of it.
Dear God, I do not ask you to take away my suffering;
I don’t even want to know why I suffer;
But only this, my God;
Do I suffer for your sake?”
2. Attributed to Julian of Norwich:
“God did not say,
‘Thou shall not be tempted,
Thou shall not be travailed,
Thou shall not be diseased.’
But God did say,
‘Thou shall not be overcome.’”
May goodness and mercy follow you throughout the day and the entire weekend.
--Ben Keckler
05.28.10
Psalm 23 is also known as “The Shepherd’s Song.” This is the last of this year’s meditations on this well known and loved psalm.
The closing verse of the Psalm says, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Two quotes for our final devotion on Psalm 23:
1. Attributed to Levi Yitzhak of Beditchev:
“Lord of the universe, I do not beg you to reveal to me
The secret of your ways, for who am I to know them?
But show me one thing,
show it to me more clearly and more deeply,
show me what this which is happening
at this very moment means to me,
what it demands of me,
what you, Lord of the world,
are telling me by way of it.
Dear God, I do not ask you to take away my suffering;
I don’t even want to know why I suffer;
But only this, my God;
Do I suffer for your sake?”
2. Attributed to Julian of Norwich:
“God did not say,
‘Thou shall not be tempted,
Thou shall not be travailed,
Thou shall not be diseased.’
But God did say,
‘Thou shall not be overcome.’”
May goodness and mercy follow you throughout the day and the entire weekend.
--Ben Keckler
05.28.10
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Daily Devotion - Thursday, May 27
Looking at Psalm 23
Sometimes life can feel like such a maze! The text of Psalm 23 has some wonderful images that can help us on our journey through our maze of life. Annually (and usually in the spring) I like to spend one week of devotions looking at this beloved Psalm.
Yesterday we talked about relying on God’s guidance to lead us through the valleys of deep darkness. Today I want to present a couple of statements about the shepherd’s care giving and I want to suggest a couple of approaches for them.
● “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies.”
● "Thou anointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over.”
First, receive these statements as gifts that flow to you, the created, from your creator.
Then, think about the ways that you have to prepare tables in the presence of enemies (sickness, illness, disease, difficult relationships that need healing); the ways you anoint people with healing oils (in listening, just being with another, helping); the ways you can fill people’s lives to overflowing (like gifts of gentleness, kindness and goodness).
May the grace of God flow through you.
A Prayer attributed to Thomas A Kempis: “Make that possible to me, O Lord, by grace which appears impossible to me by nature. Amen.”
--Ben Keckler
05.27.10
Sometimes life can feel like such a maze! The text of Psalm 23 has some wonderful images that can help us on our journey through our maze of life. Annually (and usually in the spring) I like to spend one week of devotions looking at this beloved Psalm.
Yesterday we talked about relying on God’s guidance to lead us through the valleys of deep darkness. Today I want to present a couple of statements about the shepherd’s care giving and I want to suggest a couple of approaches for them.
● “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies.”
● "Thou anointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over.”
First, receive these statements as gifts that flow to you, the created, from your creator.
Then, think about the ways that you have to prepare tables in the presence of enemies (sickness, illness, disease, difficult relationships that need healing); the ways you anoint people with healing oils (in listening, just being with another, helping); the ways you can fill people’s lives to overflowing (like gifts of gentleness, kindness and goodness).
May the grace of God flow through you.
A Prayer attributed to Thomas A Kempis: “Make that possible to me, O Lord, by grace which appears impossible to me by nature. Amen.”
--Ben Keckler
05.27.10
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, May 26
A Psalm 23 Meditation
This week’s meditations deal with the wonderful verses of Psalm 23. The text offers many wonderful images that can help us through the maze of life.
Have you ever been in a valley of deep darkness? If we were to translate the Hebrew words literally, that would be a preferred translation for the “valley of the shadow of death”. Think about valleys of deep darkness that people experience. Dare we name them? Loneliness, sadness, being overwhelmed, feeling threatened, isolation, a terminal illness — these are some of those valleys we experience and hesitate to name.
When we are traveling though a valley of deep darkness we feel very vulnerable. It is comforting to know when we are traveling through these difficult places that our Creator is present “with rod and staff” to guide us through. Sometimes the rod is needed to beat back the dangers around us. Sometimes the staff is necessary because the crook can pull us back onto a better path. Valleys of deep darkness don’t need to be lonely! They can be places where the silence teaches us to trust.
Have a good day today. If you aren’t in a valley right now, there may be those around you who are. You may be the rod or staff to help guide them through their darkness. May your care (giving) be blessed with a touch of the divine?
A Prayer attributed to Marcarius the Great: “Lord, help! Amen.”
--Ben Keckler
05.26.10
This week’s meditations deal with the wonderful verses of Psalm 23. The text offers many wonderful images that can help us through the maze of life.
Have you ever been in a valley of deep darkness? If we were to translate the Hebrew words literally, that would be a preferred translation for the “valley of the shadow of death”. Think about valleys of deep darkness that people experience. Dare we name them? Loneliness, sadness, being overwhelmed, feeling threatened, isolation, a terminal illness — these are some of those valleys we experience and hesitate to name.
When we are traveling though a valley of deep darkness we feel very vulnerable. It is comforting to know when we are traveling through these difficult places that our Creator is present “with rod and staff” to guide us through. Sometimes the rod is needed to beat back the dangers around us. Sometimes the staff is necessary because the crook can pull us back onto a better path. Valleys of deep darkness don’t need to be lonely! They can be places where the silence teaches us to trust.
Have a good day today. If you aren’t in a valley right now, there may be those around you who are. You may be the rod or staff to help guide them through their darkness. May your care (giving) be blessed with a touch of the divine?
A Prayer attributed to Marcarius the Great: “Lord, help! Amen.”
--Ben Keckler
05.26.10
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, May 25
Another Meditation on Psalm 23
Annually I like to spend one week of devotions offering meditations on Psalm 23. Also known as “The Shepherd's Song”, the text offers many wonderful images that can help us through the maze of life.
It is only Tuesday morning and, while it is still very early in the week, we may need to experience the soothing words of Psalm 23. “He makes me to lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters, he restores my soul.” There are still many more hours in the week and the demands on each of us will be great.
As this spring season unfolds, it would be really nice to go over to the park, spread out a blanket and lie down surrounded by green grass and observe the budding of new life around us. It would be equally nice to go over to the park and walk next to the stream, listening to the waters gently flowing and making just enough noise to relax our anxious souls. We long for our souls to be restored, don’t we?
The author of this song seems to say, “God leads me to special places, providing for my renewal. Yes, God enables me to discover energy and move ahead.” There are still many more hours this week. Listen closely and you will find your gentle shepherd is framing ways for you to discover wonderful treasures within your soul.
--Ben Keckler
05.25.10
Annually I like to spend one week of devotions offering meditations on Psalm 23. Also known as “The Shepherd's Song”, the text offers many wonderful images that can help us through the maze of life.
It is only Tuesday morning and, while it is still very early in the week, we may need to experience the soothing words of Psalm 23. “He makes me to lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters, he restores my soul.” There are still many more hours in the week and the demands on each of us will be great.
As this spring season unfolds, it would be really nice to go over to the park, spread out a blanket and lie down surrounded by green grass and observe the budding of new life around us. It would be equally nice to go over to the park and walk next to the stream, listening to the waters gently flowing and making just enough noise to relax our anxious souls. We long for our souls to be restored, don’t we?
The author of this song seems to say, “God leads me to special places, providing for my renewal. Yes, God enables me to discover energy and move ahead.” There are still many more hours this week. Listen closely and you will find your gentle shepherd is framing ways for you to discover wonderful treasures within your soul.
--Ben Keckler
05.25.10
Monday, May 24, 2010
Daily Devotion - Monday, May 24
Meditations on Psalm 23
Annually, usually in the spring, I like to spend one week of devotions offering meditations on Psalm 23. Also identified as “The Shepherd's Song”, this brief text offers many wonderful images that can help us through the maze of life.
Sheep are easily frightened. We are told that sheep get lost easily, leaving them vulnerable to attack. Sheep need a lot of guidance. It is good to watch over them, offering protection and encouragement. No one knows this better than a sheepherder. The Psalm starts with the writer confessing the needs of his soul. Another way of beginning this Psalm might sound like this: “Knowing that I possess many of the qualities that sheep possess, I am glad that there is a Holy Presence who is my caregiver, my shepherd.”
Imagine the barren, rocky and dry countryside of Biblical times. It wouldn’t take long for grasslands to disappear. The life of a shepherd was a life of constant movement, searching for a place containing grass and water to nurture his animals. It was probably quite difficult. Yet, the writer says with confidence in his great shepherd, “I shall not want.”
As we begin a new week I encourage you to stay in touch with the caregiver who holds you in the palm of his hand. May your wants and needs be supplied as you face your own barren, rocky, dry landscape. May you be blessed with enough energy to care for others just as your caregiver provides for you.
A Prayer attributed to Martin Luther: “Lord, misery and misfortune oppress me. I long to be rid of them. You have said, ‘ask and it will be given you.’ So I come and ask. Amen.”
--Ben Keckler
05-24.10
Annually, usually in the spring, I like to spend one week of devotions offering meditations on Psalm 23. Also identified as “The Shepherd's Song”, this brief text offers many wonderful images that can help us through the maze of life.
Sheep are easily frightened. We are told that sheep get lost easily, leaving them vulnerable to attack. Sheep need a lot of guidance. It is good to watch over them, offering protection and encouragement. No one knows this better than a sheepherder. The Psalm starts with the writer confessing the needs of his soul. Another way of beginning this Psalm might sound like this: “Knowing that I possess many of the qualities that sheep possess, I am glad that there is a Holy Presence who is my caregiver, my shepherd.”
Imagine the barren, rocky and dry countryside of Biblical times. It wouldn’t take long for grasslands to disappear. The life of a shepherd was a life of constant movement, searching for a place containing grass and water to nurture his animals. It was probably quite difficult. Yet, the writer says with confidence in his great shepherd, “I shall not want.”
As we begin a new week I encourage you to stay in touch with the caregiver who holds you in the palm of his hand. May your wants and needs be supplied as you face your own barren, rocky, dry landscape. May you be blessed with enough energy to care for others just as your caregiver provides for you.
A Prayer attributed to Martin Luther: “Lord, misery and misfortune oppress me. I long to be rid of them. You have said, ‘ask and it will be given you.’ So I come and ask. Amen.”
--Ben Keckler
05-24.10
Friday, May 21, 2010
Daily Devotion - Friday, May 21
A Compass for Living
Authentic spiritual wholeness, by its very nature, is open-ended.
It is always in the process of becoming, always incomplete.
--Gerald May, M.D.—Addiction and Grace
Dr. May’s observation paints such a helpful picture for us. On the one hand we long for completeness, for a finished product, for everything to be neatly tied together. On the other hand we need to realize that the journey through life is not a completed map.
Grace and faith are a couple of important gifts we need to access frequently if we are going to be authentic, spiritually vibrant people. John Newton penned it this way:
“Amazing grace how sweet the sound
That saved someone like me
I once was lost but now am found
Was blind but now I see.”
As grace guides us to new places of awareness, we become healthier people. As we experience that grace coming time and time again, we may begin to realize the open-ended nature of spirituality. The more that realization happens, the more life becomes one fabulous journey of “Amazing Grace” or continual renewal.
Authentic living—that is what we long for. Enjoy your day!!! And enjoy your weekend as you continue to experience the many ways that the Holy One is gracing your journey.
--Ben Keckler
05.21.10
Authentic spiritual wholeness, by its very nature, is open-ended.
It is always in the process of becoming, always incomplete.
--Gerald May, M.D.—Addiction and Grace
Dr. May’s observation paints such a helpful picture for us. On the one hand we long for completeness, for a finished product, for everything to be neatly tied together. On the other hand we need to realize that the journey through life is not a completed map.
Grace and faith are a couple of important gifts we need to access frequently if we are going to be authentic, spiritually vibrant people. John Newton penned it this way:
“Amazing grace how sweet the sound
That saved someone like me
I once was lost but now am found
Was blind but now I see.”
As grace guides us to new places of awareness, we become healthier people. As we experience that grace coming time and time again, we may begin to realize the open-ended nature of spirituality. The more that realization happens, the more life becomes one fabulous journey of “Amazing Grace” or continual renewal.
Authentic living—that is what we long for. Enjoy your day!!! And enjoy your weekend as you continue to experience the many ways that the Holy One is gracing your journey.
--Ben Keckler
05.21.10
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Daily Devotion - Thursday, May 20
Thinking About Grief
“If we include our ‘little griefs’
along with our ‘large griefs’
we can say that grief is as natural to every person as breathing.”
--Granger Westburg from Good Grief
A devotional thought on grief? You’ve got to be kidding.
No.
Over the last four or five decades grief awareness has grown remarkably. Unfortunately much of the time we still associate the word grief with death. Westburg reminds us that death is a large grief, but that there are many other “little griefs” that come our way.
During springtime people in the plains and mid-west may have to face “tornado grief”. During economic downtimes, people face “job-loss grief”. With some illnesses like Alzheimer’s, families face the loss of a person before the death of a person. Moving or other types of change in family life brings grief to the forefront. As we know here, a hospital with “growing pains” can be a grief producer. The list, in fact, could be quite lengthy.
Often we sweep this “grief stuff” under the carpet or hide it away in a closet. Grief stuff is OK in public, too! When we open ourselves to the challenge of “working through” our grief (whether little or large), we affirm our common ground with one another. When we pour out our grief, we open ourselves to the healing power that others have to give.
May each of us have the courage to identify and clarify our own “griefs” AND, as we work through them, may they all become “Good Grief”.
A prayer for today: Healing God, grant me honesty that will lead to healing. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
05.20.10
“If we include our ‘little griefs’
along with our ‘large griefs’
we can say that grief is as natural to every person as breathing.”
--Granger Westburg from Good Grief
A devotional thought on grief? You’ve got to be kidding.
No.
Over the last four or five decades grief awareness has grown remarkably. Unfortunately much of the time we still associate the word grief with death. Westburg reminds us that death is a large grief, but that there are many other “little griefs” that come our way.
During springtime people in the plains and mid-west may have to face “tornado grief”. During economic downtimes, people face “job-loss grief”. With some illnesses like Alzheimer’s, families face the loss of a person before the death of a person. Moving or other types of change in family life brings grief to the forefront. As we know here, a hospital with “growing pains” can be a grief producer. The list, in fact, could be quite lengthy.
Often we sweep this “grief stuff” under the carpet or hide it away in a closet. Grief stuff is OK in public, too! When we open ourselves to the challenge of “working through” our grief (whether little or large), we affirm our common ground with one another. When we pour out our grief, we open ourselves to the healing power that others have to give.
May each of us have the courage to identify and clarify our own “griefs” AND, as we work through them, may they all become “Good Grief”.
A prayer for today: Healing God, grant me honesty that will lead to healing. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
05.20.10
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, May 19
The World of Persons
“There are two ways of looking at the world, of entering into relationship with it. We may see in it nothing but things. On the other hand, one can lay oneself open to the world of persons.”
--Paul Tournier
Dr. Paul Tournier is one of the pioneers of holistic health care. Decades ago this Swiss physician began writing books, calling health care providers to be concerned about the entire person. The books are classics and need to be referenced in each and every decade. Three of those books, The Meaning of Persons; The Healing of Persons; and Medicine of the Whole Person, are in the Chaplaincy Department library.
Our gadget-filled, convenience-oriented society puts a great deal of emphasis on having the “latest and greatest” stuff! For example, after a day at work it is often easier to go home and turn on the radio or TV than it is to take 20 or 30 minutes relating to those significant persons in our lives. We could create an endless list of the ways that the world of things takes precedence over the world of persons.
The “things” of our society are not necessarily bad or evil. Take this devotional. The world of computers has given us a means to generate this. Tournier’s reminder is about our relating to the world. If we relate only through things, we are missing the wonderful world of heart and soul interaction. Relational time can contribute to healthier living.
Take some time today to “open to the world of persons.” It is a tremendous opportunity that may bring the Holy One closer to you than you ever imagined. Take some time and think about how you are relating to the things and persons around you. May your day be filled with blessedness!
--Ben Keckler
05.19.10
“There are two ways of looking at the world, of entering into relationship with it. We may see in it nothing but things. On the other hand, one can lay oneself open to the world of persons.”
--Paul Tournier
Dr. Paul Tournier is one of the pioneers of holistic health care. Decades ago this Swiss physician began writing books, calling health care providers to be concerned about the entire person. The books are classics and need to be referenced in each and every decade. Three of those books, The Meaning of Persons; The Healing of Persons; and Medicine of the Whole Person, are in the Chaplaincy Department library.
Our gadget-filled, convenience-oriented society puts a great deal of emphasis on having the “latest and greatest” stuff! For example, after a day at work it is often easier to go home and turn on the radio or TV than it is to take 20 or 30 minutes relating to those significant persons in our lives. We could create an endless list of the ways that the world of things takes precedence over the world of persons.
The “things” of our society are not necessarily bad or evil. Take this devotional. The world of computers has given us a means to generate this. Tournier’s reminder is about our relating to the world. If we relate only through things, we are missing the wonderful world of heart and soul interaction. Relational time can contribute to healthier living.
Take some time today to “open to the world of persons.” It is a tremendous opportunity that may bring the Holy One closer to you than you ever imagined. Take some time and think about how you are relating to the things and persons around you. May your day be filled with blessedness!
--Ben Keckler
05.19.10
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, May 18
Journey Toward Poverty or Wealth?
In a fabulous necklace I had to admire
the anonymous string by which the whole thing
was strung together.
--Dom. Helder Camara,
Brazilian bishop to the poor
Each and every day more people are born into or arrive at the door of poverty than the number of people who are born into or arrive at self-sustaining affluence. It happens in our land and it happens in every country of the world. Global village realities are often ignored because we look at the fabulous necklace rather than the string.
How we long for a life where everyone is self-supporting, a life where everyone has nice gems on their necklace string! The reality is that fewer and fewer people are self-supporting. I treasure this story from Susan Classen (Mennonite missionary to El Salvador):
“A group of women in El Salvador called the ‘Mothers of the Disappeared, Tortured and Assassinated’ meet regularly as a support group. Affluent security forces during the civil war killed their husbands and/or children. One of the ladies, Antonia, says, ‘My life is like a necklace—the beads would have gone rolling all over the floor with the suffering I’ve experienced, if it weren’t for the support group that holds me together just like the string that holds the beads together.’”
Poverty has many different forms. We usually think of it economically. Yet, there are many different losses that cause each of us to arrive at a door of poverty. A support group kept poor Antonia affluent in the midst of her poverty. Support groups are important for every person. In order to have a deep and lasting trust, we must open our hearts to the hearts of others. As we take time to weave strands of trust, we are remembering the importance of the fine string holding the gemstones of our life.
A prayer for today: God of all creation, show me my poverty. Help me as I strengthen the string that holds the gems you have given me. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
05.18.10
In a fabulous necklace I had to admire
the anonymous string by which the whole thing
was strung together.
--Dom. Helder Camara,
Brazilian bishop to the poor
Each and every day more people are born into or arrive at the door of poverty than the number of people who are born into or arrive at self-sustaining affluence. It happens in our land and it happens in every country of the world. Global village realities are often ignored because we look at the fabulous necklace rather than the string.
How we long for a life where everyone is self-supporting, a life where everyone has nice gems on their necklace string! The reality is that fewer and fewer people are self-supporting. I treasure this story from Susan Classen (Mennonite missionary to El Salvador):
“A group of women in El Salvador called the ‘Mothers of the Disappeared, Tortured and Assassinated’ meet regularly as a support group. Affluent security forces during the civil war killed their husbands and/or children. One of the ladies, Antonia, says, ‘My life is like a necklace—the beads would have gone rolling all over the floor with the suffering I’ve experienced, if it weren’t for the support group that holds me together just like the string that holds the beads together.’”
Poverty has many different forms. We usually think of it economically. Yet, there are many different losses that cause each of us to arrive at a door of poverty. A support group kept poor Antonia affluent in the midst of her poverty. Support groups are important for every person. In order to have a deep and lasting trust, we must open our hearts to the hearts of others. As we take time to weave strands of trust, we are remembering the importance of the fine string holding the gemstones of our life.
A prayer for today: God of all creation, show me my poverty. Help me as I strengthen the string that holds the gems you have given me. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
05.18.10
Daily Devotion - Monday, May 17
Thank You, Emily
“We both believe and disbelieve a hundred times an hour
which keeps believing nimble.”
--Emily Dickinson
What would it have been like to know and talk with Emily Dickinson? From time to time one of her great lines appears and it makes so much sense. She was so insightful. The quote above is one of those insightful quotes.
The struggle to trust God in all things is so very difficult. Trusting calls for a real leap of faith. Life really is acting in faith as if we trust and then, when we discover that we are kept safe, trust emerges. When we take enough time to listen to our hearts, we encounter a dialog going on – a dialog between belief and disbelief. It goes something like this:
“Should I leave this place of comfort, not knowing whether
there is going to be comfort beyond this place?”
As we leap into the uncharted space, we discover that the boundaries of God’s love are greater than we imagined. We find an “at-home-ness” that keeps expanding.
It’s a new week filled with hundreds of possibilities. Leap into the spaciousness of the eternal, ever-present one; or…debate about it; or … stay in the present; or …???
May your trusting stay nimble.
--Ben Keckler
05.17.10
“We both believe and disbelieve a hundred times an hour
which keeps believing nimble.”
--Emily Dickinson
What would it have been like to know and talk with Emily Dickinson? From time to time one of her great lines appears and it makes so much sense. She was so insightful. The quote above is one of those insightful quotes.
The struggle to trust God in all things is so very difficult. Trusting calls for a real leap of faith. Life really is acting in faith as if we trust and then, when we discover that we are kept safe, trust emerges. When we take enough time to listen to our hearts, we encounter a dialog going on – a dialog between belief and disbelief. It goes something like this:
“Should I leave this place of comfort, not knowing whether
there is going to be comfort beyond this place?”
As we leap into the uncharted space, we discover that the boundaries of God’s love are greater than we imagined. We find an “at-home-ness” that keeps expanding.
It’s a new week filled with hundreds of possibilities. Leap into the spaciousness of the eternal, ever-present one; or…debate about it; or … stay in the present; or …???
May your trusting stay nimble.
--Ben Keckler
05.17.10
Friday, May 14, 2010
Daily Devotion - Friday, May 14
Rhythms in the Life Journey
“You visit the earth and water it, your greatly enrich it….”
--A songwriter announce his/her belief
in the Creator’s springtime goodness
Psalm 65: 9
This week we’ve spent our devotional time with some prayers and thoughts about the life journey. We’ve looked at a number of various passages in the life journey: the baptism/blessing of a child, adolescence, advice/instructions to youth, marriage.
Today we end the week with this meditation by Elias Amidon:
“Friend, you lie quiet, watching the dawn light color your heart,
Dreaming of healing for your hurt body, laying there unanswerable to your will.
You breathe deep and your breath has two sides: inside and outside.
You are on both, being breathed.
The future approaches. You will heal or you will go back to being God.
Which will you do?
“Oh by all that is beautiful—may it be that you live!
May your body heal happy and whole! May energy fill and delight you!
May we join the dance your presence gives. May you live!
“And if you die? Oh dear self, by all that is beautiful,
Know you are Safe! Everything is All Right Forever and Ever and Ever!
The most wonderful, exquisite, familiar truth is what is True, and welcomes you.
It will be very easy.
“You lie quiet now, praying. A great healing is coming and you want to be ready.
The colors of your heart blend with the light of the morning and
YOU ARE BLESSED!”
Have a good weekend!
--Ben Keckler
05.14.10
“You visit the earth and water it, your greatly enrich it….”
--A songwriter announce his/her belief
in the Creator’s springtime goodness
Psalm 65: 9
This week we’ve spent our devotional time with some prayers and thoughts about the life journey. We’ve looked at a number of various passages in the life journey: the baptism/blessing of a child, adolescence, advice/instructions to youth, marriage.
Today we end the week with this meditation by Elias Amidon:
“Friend, you lie quiet, watching the dawn light color your heart,
Dreaming of healing for your hurt body, laying there unanswerable to your will.
You breathe deep and your breath has two sides: inside and outside.
You are on both, being breathed.
The future approaches. You will heal or you will go back to being God.
Which will you do?
“Oh by all that is beautiful—may it be that you live!
May your body heal happy and whole! May energy fill and delight you!
May we join the dance your presence gives. May you live!
“And if you die? Oh dear self, by all that is beautiful,
Know you are Safe! Everything is All Right Forever and Ever and Ever!
The most wonderful, exquisite, familiar truth is what is True, and welcomes you.
It will be very easy.
“You lie quiet now, praying. A great healing is coming and you want to be ready.
The colors of your heart blend with the light of the morning and
YOU ARE BLESSED!”
Have a good weekend!
--Ben Keckler
05.14.10
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Daily Devotion - Thursday, May 13
Rhythms in the Life Journey
“You visit the earth and water it, your greatly enrich it….”
--A songwriter announce his/her belief
in the Creator’s springtime goodness
Psalm 65: 9
This week’s devotional time is spent with prayers and thoughts about the life journey. The month of May is busy, busy, busy: end of school and graduations, births, weddings, even funerals, and just the general routine of daily living. Today’s verse is Stephen Mitchell’s adaptation of Psalm 1, recast in the setting of personal relationship of two souls merging into one.
“Blessed are the woman and the man
Who have grown beyond their greed
And have put an end to their hatred
And no longer nourish illusions.
“But they delight in the way things are
And keep their hearts open, day and night.
They are like trees planted near flowing rivers,
Which bear fruit when they are ready.
Their leaves will not fall or wither.
Everything they do will succeed.”
--Ben Keckler
05.13.10
“You visit the earth and water it, your greatly enrich it….”
--A songwriter announce his/her belief
in the Creator’s springtime goodness
Psalm 65: 9
This week’s devotional time is spent with prayers and thoughts about the life journey. The month of May is busy, busy, busy: end of school and graduations, births, weddings, even funerals, and just the general routine of daily living. Today’s verse is Stephen Mitchell’s adaptation of Psalm 1, recast in the setting of personal relationship of two souls merging into one.
“Blessed are the woman and the man
Who have grown beyond their greed
And have put an end to their hatred
And no longer nourish illusions.
“But they delight in the way things are
And keep their hearts open, day and night.
They are like trees planted near flowing rivers,
Which bear fruit when they are ready.
Their leaves will not fall or wither.
Everything they do will succeed.”
--Ben Keckler
05.13.10
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, May 12
Rhythms in the Life Journey
“You visit the earth and water it, your greatly enrich it….”
--A songwriter announce his/her belief
in the Creator’s springtime goodness
Psalm 65: 9
This week we are spending our devotional time with some prayers and thoughts about the life journey. May is a busy month: births, end of a school year, graduations from high school and college, weddings are celebrated, and death visits, too! Today an anonymous prayer, probably of a parent attempting to summarize some important lessons for their “already mature” teenager:
“If you open it, close it.
If you turn it on, turn it off.
If you unlock it, lock it up.
If you break it, admit it.
If you can’t fix it, call in someone who can.
If you borrow it, return it.
If you value it, take care of it.
If you make a mess, clean it up.
If you move it, put it back.
If it belongs to someone else and you want to use it, get permission.
If you don’t know how to operate it, leave it alone.
If it’s none of your business, don’t ask questions.
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
If it will brighten someone’s day, by all means, say it!”
--Ben Keckler
05.12.10
“You visit the earth and water it, your greatly enrich it….”
--A songwriter announce his/her belief
in the Creator’s springtime goodness
Psalm 65: 9
This week we are spending our devotional time with some prayers and thoughts about the life journey. May is a busy month: births, end of a school year, graduations from high school and college, weddings are celebrated, and death visits, too! Today an anonymous prayer, probably of a parent attempting to summarize some important lessons for their “already mature” teenager:
“If you open it, close it.
If you turn it on, turn it off.
If you unlock it, lock it up.
If you break it, admit it.
If you can’t fix it, call in someone who can.
If you borrow it, return it.
If you value it, take care of it.
If you make a mess, clean it up.
If you move it, put it back.
If it belongs to someone else and you want to use it, get permission.
If you don’t know how to operate it, leave it alone.
If it’s none of your business, don’t ask questions.
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
If it will brighten someone’s day, by all means, say it!”
--Ben Keckler
05.12.10
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, May 11
Rhythms in the Life Journey
“You visit the earth and water it, your greatly enrich it….”
--A songwriter announce his/her belief
in the Creator’s springtime goodness
Psalm 65: 9
This week we are spending some devotional time with prayers and thoughts about the life journey. The month of May usually means our schedules are hectic: children are born, children complete a school year, youth graduate from high school and college, weddings are celebrated, and death visits, too!
Today a Mary Mackintosh prayer, filled with the spirit of Irish descendants, offers this prayer for a child transitioning into adolescence:
“Power of raven be yours,
Power of eagle be yours,
Power of the Fianna.
“Power of storm be yours,
Power of moon be yours,
Power of sun.
“Power of sea be yours,
Power of land be yours,
Power of heaven.
“Goodness of sea be yours,
Goodness of earth be yours,
Goodness of heaven.
“Each day be joy to you
No day be too sad for you,
Honour and tenderness embrace you always.”
Note: Fianna refers to a listing of heroes and heroines of Irish folk legends.
--Ben Keckler
05.11.10
“You visit the earth and water it, your greatly enrich it….”
--A songwriter announce his/her belief
in the Creator’s springtime goodness
Psalm 65: 9
This week we are spending some devotional time with prayers and thoughts about the life journey. The month of May usually means our schedules are hectic: children are born, children complete a school year, youth graduate from high school and college, weddings are celebrated, and death visits, too!
Today a Mary Mackintosh prayer, filled with the spirit of Irish descendants, offers this prayer for a child transitioning into adolescence:
“Power of raven be yours,
Power of eagle be yours,
Power of the Fianna.
“Power of storm be yours,
Power of moon be yours,
Power of sun.
“Power of sea be yours,
Power of land be yours,
Power of heaven.
“Goodness of sea be yours,
Goodness of earth be yours,
Goodness of heaven.
“Each day be joy to you
No day be too sad for you,
Honour and tenderness embrace you always.”
Note: Fianna refers to a listing of heroes and heroines of Irish folk legends.
--Ben Keckler
05.11.10
Daily Devotion - Monday, May 10
Rhythms in the Life Journey
“You visit the earth and water it, your greatly enrich it….”
--A songwriter announces his/her belief
in the Creator’s springtime goodness
Psalm 65: 9
This week I’d like for us to spend some devotional time with some prayers and thoughts about the life journey. This month is usually filled with more than enough: children are born, children complete a school year, youth graduate from high school and college, weddings are celebrated, and death visits, too! These rhythms come to us because Holy Presence visits us and our lives are enriched. Today a prayer for a baptism or blessing of a child, as written by The Rev. Mark Belletini:
“We bless this child with the elements of our common being,
With earth, air, fire and water.
“With earth, which is as solid as your given frame, my child, we bless you.
Take care of yourself as a body; be good to yourself, for you are a good gift.
“With air, which is as fluctuating as your given passion my child, we bless you.
You will know sorrow and joy, rage and contentment, resentment and ecstasy.
Feel your passions my child, they are good gifts.
“With fire, which is as illuminating as your given intelligence my child, we bless you.
Reason with care, test the world, and think with care, for your mind is a good gift.
“With water, which is as clear as your spirit my child, we bless you.
Grow in conscience, be rooted in good stories, and grow spiritually,
for spirit too is a good gift.
“Bless you, my child.”
--Ben Keckler
05.10.10
“You visit the earth and water it, your greatly enrich it….”
--A songwriter announces his/her belief
in the Creator’s springtime goodness
Psalm 65: 9
This week I’d like for us to spend some devotional time with some prayers and thoughts about the life journey. This month is usually filled with more than enough: children are born, children complete a school year, youth graduate from high school and college, weddings are celebrated, and death visits, too! These rhythms come to us because Holy Presence visits us and our lives are enriched. Today a prayer for a baptism or blessing of a child, as written by The Rev. Mark Belletini:
“We bless this child with the elements of our common being,
With earth, air, fire and water.
“With earth, which is as solid as your given frame, my child, we bless you.
Take care of yourself as a body; be good to yourself, for you are a good gift.
“With air, which is as fluctuating as your given passion my child, we bless you.
You will know sorrow and joy, rage and contentment, resentment and ecstasy.
Feel your passions my child, they are good gifts.
“With fire, which is as illuminating as your given intelligence my child, we bless you.
Reason with care, test the world, and think with care, for your mind is a good gift.
“With water, which is as clear as your spirit my child, we bless you.
Grow in conscience, be rooted in good stories, and grow spiritually,
for spirit too is a good gift.
“Bless you, my child.”
--Ben Keckler
05.10.10
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Daily Devotion - Thursday, May 6
Holy Ground
Fourth in a Devotional Series dealing with a Sacred Text
“Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals,
for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”
--Part of a conversation between God and Moses
Recorded in Exodus, 3:5
The quest to understand holy ground is important. The following story might help.
Most of my days are filled with normal tasks—people interaction, desk work, conversations, some reading and some writing. Late one day I visited with a person I met several months before. She really didn’t recognize me, so she wanted to hear about the times we had spent together while she was comatose for more than 40 days and nights. Now, dealing with the many emotions of a required return, she needed some extra emotional strengthening. At one point, she told me that she was encountering a number of staff who were stopping by-- former caregivers from across the hospital. “I didn’t expect to be remembered,” she said. And then she added, “I know this is a special place.”
As my visit concluded, I had learned a little more about holy ground.
--Ben Keckler
05.06.10
Fourth in a Devotional Series dealing with a Sacred Text
“Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals,
for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”
--Part of a conversation between God and Moses
Recorded in Exodus, 3:5
The quest to understand holy ground is important. The following story might help.
Most of my days are filled with normal tasks—people interaction, desk work, conversations, some reading and some writing. Late one day I visited with a person I met several months before. She really didn’t recognize me, so she wanted to hear about the times we had spent together while she was comatose for more than 40 days and nights. Now, dealing with the many emotions of a required return, she needed some extra emotional strengthening. At one point, she told me that she was encountering a number of staff who were stopping by-- former caregivers from across the hospital. “I didn’t expect to be remembered,” she said. And then she added, “I know this is a special place.”
As my visit concluded, I had learned a little more about holy ground.
--Ben Keckler
05.06.10
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, May 5
Holy Ground
Third in a Devotional Series dealing with a Sacred Text
“Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals,
for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”
--Part of a conversation between God and Moses
Recorded in Exodus, 3:5
Over the years I have come to know John rather well. He is a fellow associate and we've had some good talks over dinner; we've cried some tears together, too-- his wife died here in this place I call Holy Ground. He is now retiring, having moved from full time to part time; the time has come to say good-bye. His retirement party showed me a thing or two. Retirement parties are filled with sweet goodies-- just what we desire in the afternoon. However, John is diabetic and so his co-workers made certain there was a sugar free chocolate pie and unsweetened drinks. Nice touch!
I took a couple of minutes to wish John well. He asked if I could spend some time remembering his family in prayer. A 10 year old granddaughter was hospitalized, diagnosed with cancer. In the midst of HIS party, he took time to share the longing of his soul. Another meaningful encounter in this Holy Ground place.
--Ben Keckler
05.05.10
Third in a Devotional Series dealing with a Sacred Text
“Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals,
for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”
--Part of a conversation between God and Moses
Recorded in Exodus, 3:5
Over the years I have come to know John rather well. He is a fellow associate and we've had some good talks over dinner; we've cried some tears together, too-- his wife died here in this place I call Holy Ground. He is now retiring, having moved from full time to part time; the time has come to say good-bye. His retirement party showed me a thing or two. Retirement parties are filled with sweet goodies-- just what we desire in the afternoon. However, John is diabetic and so his co-workers made certain there was a sugar free chocolate pie and unsweetened drinks. Nice touch!
I took a couple of minutes to wish John well. He asked if I could spend some time remembering his family in prayer. A 10 year old granddaughter was hospitalized, diagnosed with cancer. In the midst of HIS party, he took time to share the longing of his soul. Another meaningful encounter in this Holy Ground place.
--Ben Keckler
05.05.10
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, May 4
Holy Ground
Second in a Devotional Series dealing with a Sacred Text
“Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals,
for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”
--Part of a conversation between God and Moses
Recorded in Exodus, 3:5
I heard the overhead page and by the time I arrived at the Emergency Department, I knew what I would be facing. Arriving at the quiet room I found a very holy scene unfolding as a new mom poured out the anguish of her heart. Sitting beside her on the floor was a medic, he'd been through a couple of similar experiences-- he just sat with the mom gently rubbing her back and consoling her. On a chair right next to them sat two fellow employees, each of them had experienced their own painful losses. I simply observed a very spiritual moment. Truly, as they sat in sacred silence I sensed that the place I was standing on was holy ground. I decided to quietly meditate.
Compassionate, caring touches were noticed, felt, remembered. It occurred to me that it might be time to take off my sandals.
--Ben Keckler
05.04.10
Second in a Devotional Series dealing with a Sacred Text
“Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals,
for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”
--Part of a conversation between God and Moses
Recorded in Exodus, 3:5
I heard the overhead page and by the time I arrived at the Emergency Department, I knew what I would be facing. Arriving at the quiet room I found a very holy scene unfolding as a new mom poured out the anguish of her heart. Sitting beside her on the floor was a medic, he'd been through a couple of similar experiences-- he just sat with the mom gently rubbing her back and consoling her. On a chair right next to them sat two fellow employees, each of them had experienced their own painful losses. I simply observed a very spiritual moment. Truly, as they sat in sacred silence I sensed that the place I was standing on was holy ground. I decided to quietly meditate.
Compassionate, caring touches were noticed, felt, remembered. It occurred to me that it might be time to take off my sandals.
--Ben Keckler
05.04.10
Monday, May 3, 2010
Daily Devotion - Monday, May 3
Holy Ground
First in a Devotional Series dealing with a Sacred Text
“Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals,
for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”
--Part of a conversation between God and Moses
Recorded in Exodus, 3:5
Good morning! Seven years ago I did my first “Holy Ground” series of devotionals. I bring back the theme this year, using recent experiences. I invite you to journey with a variety of people this month who are having experiences similar to those of Moses.
I met a new friend at the door and strolled with them through the corridors. I wanted them to get acquainted with the personality of our hospital, to give them a feel for what we mean when we say we “treat people better.” In the quarter of a mile walk we were greeted with genuine interest a number of times; my new friend commented that he'd never been in a place so spotless. It felt good to be on my daily turf and have a new observer be so impressed. Sort of confirmed my feeling that I'm privileged to work on some Holy Ground.
A prayer: God who spoke to Moses, thank you for still speaking today!
--Ben Keckler
05.03.10
First in a Devotional Series dealing with a Sacred Text
“Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals,
for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”
--Part of a conversation between God and Moses
Recorded in Exodus, 3:5
Good morning! Seven years ago I did my first “Holy Ground” series of devotionals. I bring back the theme this year, using recent experiences. I invite you to journey with a variety of people this month who are having experiences similar to those of Moses.
I met a new friend at the door and strolled with them through the corridors. I wanted them to get acquainted with the personality of our hospital, to give them a feel for what we mean when we say we “treat people better.” In the quarter of a mile walk we were greeted with genuine interest a number of times; my new friend commented that he'd never been in a place so spotless. It felt good to be on my daily turf and have a new observer be so impressed. Sort of confirmed my feeling that I'm privileged to work on some Holy Ground.
A prayer: God who spoke to Moses, thank you for still speaking today!
--Ben Keckler
05.03.10
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