A Time Away
“There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven: …
a time to mourn and a time to dance.”
From Hebrew literature (Ecclesiastes 3: 1, 6)
In 1999 my wife, our children, their spouses and my wife's brother experienced our first family vacation together. We went to the Outer Banks in North Carolina; then the kids were planning weddings, now they’ve been married for a decade; at that time my brother-in-law was in the beginning stages of dealing with grief and loss.
Soon we will have another family vacation. Every time some of us are together, I think back to that first family vacation where we were working through mourning moments, where we were trying to find a way to dance. The verse from Ecclesiastes is true, friend. Mourning does turn to dancing!
Throughout that week eleven years ago, we honored each other’s needs. There was time spent in reflection and there was also time spent in party-like celebration. The same might be true as we gather for this vacation. Now, the grievers may be my daughter and son-in-law. Their oldest starts kindergarten in just a few weeks and they may be grieving that their “little girl” is growing up too fast! We will have to tell stories of her early years and adventures. The rhythm of the mourning/dancing time will again be part of our vacation. The family will become stronger because we took some time together.
May your day have a sense of balance as life unfolds for you. Have a good day.
A prayer for today: God of vacation, thank you for the gift of family. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
07.28.10
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, July 27
A Time Away
“There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven: …
a time to search and a time to give up.”
From Hebrew literature (Ecclesiastes 3: 1, 6)
In September of 2003 my wife and I began to formulate a plan for our 2004 vacation. We dealt with “who, what, when, where, why, how much” questions. Since we wanted to spend some family time with our kids and their spouses, along with my wife’s brother, we first checked to see if they wanted to “party” together for a vacation. We proceeded to then talk about the additional questions.
Recently we've been putting together a trip with comparatively little planning. Just like the wisdom writer of old promised — there is a time to search and a time to give up. Now that there are grandkids, we've found the extended family doesn't have quite as much time to do extensive planning.
I am confident that the time will be good and that renewal will happen. As I trust the rhythms of life, I will have a refreshing time away. I trust that you will have a good week; I am certain that when vacation does start, the adventure will be most meaningful and memorable!
--Ben Keckler
07.27.10
“There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven: …
a time to search and a time to give up.”
From Hebrew literature (Ecclesiastes 3: 1, 6)
In September of 2003 my wife and I began to formulate a plan for our 2004 vacation. We dealt with “who, what, when, where, why, how much” questions. Since we wanted to spend some family time with our kids and their spouses, along with my wife’s brother, we first checked to see if they wanted to “party” together for a vacation. We proceeded to then talk about the additional questions.
Recently we've been putting together a trip with comparatively little planning. Just like the wisdom writer of old promised — there is a time to search and a time to give up. Now that there are grandkids, we've found the extended family doesn't have quite as much time to do extensive planning.
I am confident that the time will be good and that renewal will happen. As I trust the rhythms of life, I will have a refreshing time away. I trust that you will have a good week; I am certain that when vacation does start, the adventure will be most meaningful and memorable!
--Ben Keckler
07.27.10
Monday, July 26, 2010
Daily Devotion - Monday, July 26
A Time Away
“There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven: …
a time to be silent and a time to speak.”
From Hebrew literature (Ecclesiastes 3: 1, 7)
As we begin another week, I am looking forward to some time away. It is almost time to head for the mountains of Colorado and camp with the Colorado kids and grandkids! Vacation begins soon!
There is a time for everything, including vacation time. Self-care is an important part of our work. To be away from all the business, or should I call it “busy-ness”, can be most helpful.
We are giving careful attention to the details of this trip since it is our first camping experience in quite a while. I think we are ready, particularly if I can remember the following prayer attributed to the great musician, Duke Ellington:
“Every person prays in his/her own language,
And there is no language that God does not understand.”
Have a good week!
--Ben Keckler
07-26.10
“There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven: …
a time to be silent and a time to speak.”
From Hebrew literature (Ecclesiastes 3: 1, 7)
As we begin another week, I am looking forward to some time away. It is almost time to head for the mountains of Colorado and camp with the Colorado kids and grandkids! Vacation begins soon!
There is a time for everything, including vacation time. Self-care is an important part of our work. To be away from all the business, or should I call it “busy-ness”, can be most helpful.
We are giving careful attention to the details of this trip since it is our first camping experience in quite a while. I think we are ready, particularly if I can remember the following prayer attributed to the great musician, Duke Ellington:
“Every person prays in his/her own language,
And there is no language that God does not understand.”
Have a good week!
--Ben Keckler
07-26.10
Friday, July 23, 2010
Daily Devotion - Friday, July 23
In Need of Soulful Restoration
“He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
he restores my soul….”
--An ancient song
Psalm 23: 2,3
I don't know how this week has been for you; I hope it has been meaningful. I do know that I've had to deal with yet another loss of a friend I have grown to love and respect, a friend who wasn't that much older than I am. I do not like these moments because the pastures don't feel green and the waters don't seem still when death visits.
I am hopeful that my friend's dear family will spend these next days and weeks, possibly even months and years discovering their green pastures, their still waters, their restoration of soul that feels depleted because a meaningful love has died.
The weekend is very near! I trust that I can start my restoration. I plan to spend time in Mother Earth tending to weeds that seem to forever spring up in my green pasture. Once again I'll need to mow the growing grass that has been encouraged by summer rainfalls. While working I'll think of men who left this sacred garden way too early – John, Dennis, Kipp, Mike, Estes, Jerry. I'll give thanks for their gifts I was privileged to receive. Come soulful restoration, come!
--Ben Keckler
07.23.10
“He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
he restores my soul….”
--An ancient song
Psalm 23: 2,3
I don't know how this week has been for you; I hope it has been meaningful. I do know that I've had to deal with yet another loss of a friend I have grown to love and respect, a friend who wasn't that much older than I am. I do not like these moments because the pastures don't feel green and the waters don't seem still when death visits.
I am hopeful that my friend's dear family will spend these next days and weeks, possibly even months and years discovering their green pastures, their still waters, their restoration of soul that feels depleted because a meaningful love has died.
The weekend is very near! I trust that I can start my restoration. I plan to spend time in Mother Earth tending to weeds that seem to forever spring up in my green pasture. Once again I'll need to mow the growing grass that has been encouraged by summer rainfalls. While working I'll think of men who left this sacred garden way too early – John, Dennis, Kipp, Mike, Estes, Jerry. I'll give thanks for their gifts I was privileged to receive. Come soulful restoration, come!
--Ben Keckler
07.23.10
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Daily Devotion - Thursday, July 22
Building A Sand Castle
"Grandpa, I can't wait to build a sand castle with you and Gran!" said our oldest grandchild a few years ago. We couldn't wait either. My wife and I were eager to work hard and make everything just the way she wanted it. And, I hoped a wave wouldn't wash it away before we finished.
Each of us are building our sand castles, aren't we! We have a plan on how our lives will unfold. Some of us are fortunate to even have a nice moat around our sand castle so that the waters have to work extra hard to destroy our sand castles.
All of us are aware about the devastation of the BP oil spill in the Gulf that finally may be repaired. Life can change dramatically and our sand castles can be washed away so quickly. People along the Gulf Coast still reeling from Katrina's damage now face more devastation! Damaging waters are completely changing the entire environment along the entire Gulf Shore line, and that is only the beginning of the effects each of us will experience as our sand castles experience yet another wave in our journey through time..
I still remember building a sand castle—that was my granddaughter's dream! It was a good day, filled with struggle, crumbling walls and new walls built. May peace surround you today!
--Ben Keckler
07.22.10
"Grandpa, I can't wait to build a sand castle with you and Gran!" said our oldest grandchild a few years ago. We couldn't wait either. My wife and I were eager to work hard and make everything just the way she wanted it. And, I hoped a wave wouldn't wash it away before we finished.
Each of us are building our sand castles, aren't we! We have a plan on how our lives will unfold. Some of us are fortunate to even have a nice moat around our sand castle so that the waters have to work extra hard to destroy our sand castles.
All of us are aware about the devastation of the BP oil spill in the Gulf that finally may be repaired. Life can change dramatically and our sand castles can be washed away so quickly. People along the Gulf Coast still reeling from Katrina's damage now face more devastation! Damaging waters are completely changing the entire environment along the entire Gulf Shore line, and that is only the beginning of the effects each of us will experience as our sand castles experience yet another wave in our journey through time..
I still remember building a sand castle—that was my granddaughter's dream! It was a good day, filled with struggle, crumbling walls and new walls built. May peace surround you today!
--Ben Keckler
07.22.10
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, July 21
Living in the Present Moment
One of the struggles we encounter is the struggle of living “THIS DAY” to the fullest. It is a struggle because we can easily be distracted — looking back and reflecting on our could have/should have opportunities; looking forward and hoping about our I wish/I want desires.
Receive this statement for today: “This is the day that our God has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Today is a new day and each hour, in fact each minute, is a new beginning. It is a time to make things new. As you experience the gift of life today, try to hear that inner voice wanting each of us to hear: “I have a gift for you and can’t wait for you to see it!”
If each of us can listen to that inner voice, we will find that the past is gone and we will never change it. As we keep listening to that voice and maintain the practice of listening to that voice, we will find ourselves discovering more and more the new life hidden in the moment, waiting eagerly to be born.
Enjoy THIS DAY!
A prayer: God of today, keep me attentive to each moment of this day. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
07.21.10
One of the struggles we encounter is the struggle of living “THIS DAY” to the fullest. It is a struggle because we can easily be distracted — looking back and reflecting on our could have/should have opportunities; looking forward and hoping about our I wish/I want desires.
Receive this statement for today: “This is the day that our God has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Today is a new day and each hour, in fact each minute, is a new beginning. It is a time to make things new. As you experience the gift of life today, try to hear that inner voice wanting each of us to hear: “I have a gift for you and can’t wait for you to see it!”
If each of us can listen to that inner voice, we will find that the past is gone and we will never change it. As we keep listening to that voice and maintain the practice of listening to that voice, we will find ourselves discovering more and more the new life hidden in the moment, waiting eagerly to be born.
Enjoy THIS DAY!
A prayer: God of today, keep me attentive to each moment of this day. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
07.21.10
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, July 20
A Companion in a Dark Valley
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no evil…”
--An ancient song
Psalm 23: 4
Have you ever spent some time in a dark valley; some years ago I was privileged (?) to do so. The mission was in Nicaragua after Hurricane Mitch had devastated the countryside. Some years before the great hurricane hit, warring political forces had occupied the mountains surrounding the valley. It was a dark valley. The nearest dusk to dawn light was 15 miles away. The town that became our home only had 4 houses with electricity and each of those houses had one 60-watt bulb. Believe me, it was a dark, dark valley. Yet, none of the mission team felt fear. As we built homes with the Nicaraguans, we could sense God’s hope pouring into that dark valley.
Sometimes we are in the dark valley but more often we encounter folks in their own form of a dark valley. For the sick we bring God’s rays of healing. For the grieving we point them toward the glimmering stars of reunion. For the dying we spend time encouraging them to feel the flame of the eternal within. For those who are confused we journey beside them with gentle compassion. In the dark valleys of the personal journey, there is enough light. May your day present you with opportunities to bring light to those in darkness; and, if your valley is particularly dark know there are caring listeners for you.
A prayer: God of mountain and God of valley, be with me today. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
07.20.10
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no evil…”
--An ancient song
Psalm 23: 4
Have you ever spent some time in a dark valley; some years ago I was privileged (?) to do so. The mission was in Nicaragua after Hurricane Mitch had devastated the countryside. Some years before the great hurricane hit, warring political forces had occupied the mountains surrounding the valley. It was a dark valley. The nearest dusk to dawn light was 15 miles away. The town that became our home only had 4 houses with electricity and each of those houses had one 60-watt bulb. Believe me, it was a dark, dark valley. Yet, none of the mission team felt fear. As we built homes with the Nicaraguans, we could sense God’s hope pouring into that dark valley.
Sometimes we are in the dark valley but more often we encounter folks in their own form of a dark valley. For the sick we bring God’s rays of healing. For the grieving we point them toward the glimmering stars of reunion. For the dying we spend time encouraging them to feel the flame of the eternal within. For those who are confused we journey beside them with gentle compassion. In the dark valleys of the personal journey, there is enough light. May your day present you with opportunities to bring light to those in darkness; and, if your valley is particularly dark know there are caring listeners for you.
A prayer: God of mountain and God of valley, be with me today. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
07.20.10
Monday, July 19, 2010
Daily Devotion - Monday, July 19
Learning From Mother Earth
“The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it,
the world, and those who live in it.”
--An ancient song
Psalm 24: 1
Let's begin our week with a prayer of the Ute, a Native American tribe who learned so much from Mother Earth.
“Earth teach me stillness as the grasses are stilled with light.
Earth teach me suffering as old stones suffer with memory.
Earth teach me humility as blossoms are humble with beginning.
Earth teach me caring as the mother who secures her young.
Earth teach me courage as the tree which stands all alone.
Earth teach me limitation as the ant which crawls on the ground.
Earth teach me freedom as the eagle which soars in the sky.
Earth teach me resignation as the leaves which die in the fall.
Earth teach me regeneration as the seed which rises in the spring.
Earth teach me to forget myself as melted snow forgets its life.
Earth teach me to remember kindness as dry fields weep with rain.”
A prayer: Creator God, thanks be to you for your good earth that teaches many life lessons.
--Ben Keckler
07.19.10
“The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it,
the world, and those who live in it.”
--An ancient song
Psalm 24: 1
Let's begin our week with a prayer of the Ute, a Native American tribe who learned so much from Mother Earth.
“Earth teach me stillness as the grasses are stilled with light.
Earth teach me suffering as old stones suffer with memory.
Earth teach me humility as blossoms are humble with beginning.
Earth teach me caring as the mother who secures her young.
Earth teach me courage as the tree which stands all alone.
Earth teach me limitation as the ant which crawls on the ground.
Earth teach me freedom as the eagle which soars in the sky.
Earth teach me resignation as the leaves which die in the fall.
Earth teach me regeneration as the seed which rises in the spring.
Earth teach me to forget myself as melted snow forgets its life.
Earth teach me to remember kindness as dry fields weep with rain.”
A prayer: Creator God, thanks be to you for your good earth that teaches many life lessons.
--Ben Keckler
07.19.10
Friday, July 16, 2010
Daily Devotion - Friday, July 16
Restoring the Soul
“He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
he restores my soul….”
--An ancient song, Psalm 23: 2,3
Another work week is ending and today is a day for many of us to anticipate the renewal of the weekend. The week has been demanding for each of us—every week is. Soon, very soon, we can move from the labors of the week to the fulfillment that comes in resting, relaxing, playing, partying and doing tasks around the house. The “honey-do” list may even be longer than we want it to be!!!
Renewal is critical. We have to rest in order to be healthy. We need to have some time to “let loose” of the stuff that has piled up within. Max Lucado writes, “The bow cannot always be bent without fear of breaking. For the field to bear fruit, it must occasionally lie fallow. SLOW DOWN and God will heal you. He will bring rest to your mind, to your body, and most of all, to your soul. God will lead you to green pastures” (even if it is a lawn to be mowed!).
Slowing down… important stuff. May your weekend give you enough time to mow your green pasture and then sit in a lawn chair and sip on a beverage and enjoy the beauty of your world.
A prayer: God, I’m looking forward to a weekend that allows you to restore my soul. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
07.16.10
“He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
he restores my soul….”
--An ancient song, Psalm 23: 2,3
Another work week is ending and today is a day for many of us to anticipate the renewal of the weekend. The week has been demanding for each of us—every week is. Soon, very soon, we can move from the labors of the week to the fulfillment that comes in resting, relaxing, playing, partying and doing tasks around the house. The “honey-do” list may even be longer than we want it to be!!!
Renewal is critical. We have to rest in order to be healthy. We need to have some time to “let loose” of the stuff that has piled up within. Max Lucado writes, “The bow cannot always be bent without fear of breaking. For the field to bear fruit, it must occasionally lie fallow. SLOW DOWN and God will heal you. He will bring rest to your mind, to your body, and most of all, to your soul. God will lead you to green pastures” (even if it is a lawn to be mowed!).
Slowing down… important stuff. May your weekend give you enough time to mow your green pasture and then sit in a lawn chair and sip on a beverage and enjoy the beauty of your world.
A prayer: God, I’m looking forward to a weekend that allows you to restore my soul. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
07.16.10
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Daily Devotion - Thursday, July 15
It's a Special Day
Thirty three years ago today I was scurrying about in Lima, Ohio trying to make certain my son was cared for while we went to St. Rita's hospital to experience the birth of daughter, Amy. What a wonderful gift she is! Amy and Jason are the proud parents of two children. I can't believe it, but the oldest starts kindergarten in just a few weeks. Before school begins we will go out to Colorado, do some camping and just relax at their wonderful home.
I am grateful for the special day when Amy came among us and I am thrilled to watch how her family is developing. I can hardly believe that my “baby” has a child ready to enter kindergarten. Every Thursday we in Indiana get up like two kids at Christmas because we know there will be an e-mail with pictures attached sharing special parts of their family life. Little did I know that communication would change so dramatically in 3 decades.
I am so blessed. I am thankful. Thanks be to God for this special day.
--Ben Keckler
07.15.10
Thirty three years ago today I was scurrying about in Lima, Ohio trying to make certain my son was cared for while we went to St. Rita's hospital to experience the birth of daughter, Amy. What a wonderful gift she is! Amy and Jason are the proud parents of two children. I can't believe it, but the oldest starts kindergarten in just a few weeks. Before school begins we will go out to Colorado, do some camping and just relax at their wonderful home.
I am grateful for the special day when Amy came among us and I am thrilled to watch how her family is developing. I can hardly believe that my “baby” has a child ready to enter kindergarten. Every Thursday we in Indiana get up like two kids at Christmas because we know there will be an e-mail with pictures attached sharing special parts of their family life. Little did I know that communication would change so dramatically in 3 decades.
I am so blessed. I am thankful. Thanks be to God for this special day.
--Ben Keckler
07.15.10
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, July 14
Enough for Today
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life…”
--An ancient song, Psalm 23: 6
How easy it is to think about all the days of our lives. Some of us are looking forward to some vacation days and it is easy to allow our thoughts to drift toward a sunny beach or the deck of a cruising ship. In my case, I'm looking forward to some time in the Rocky Mountains camping with my wife and our daughter's family. Some of us are aware that we, or members in our family, are scheduled for a visit to the doctor because of health issues. The list is probably endless. We tend to think more about tomorrow and how the goodness and mercy of the Lord will be experienced in our tomorrows.
Max Lucado, popular writer and pastor, reminds us that we need to spend our time with today. “Don’t start tackling tomorrow’s problems UNTIL tomorrow. You don’t have tomorrow’s strength yet. You simply have enough for TODAY. We don’t need to know what will happen tomorrow.” Wow—pretty tough stuff to hear! (Even though we know he is right on target.)
So, here we are. Right here. Right now. Lord, what is this moment all about?
A prayer: God, grant me enough of what I need today. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
07.14.10
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life…”
--An ancient song, Psalm 23: 6
How easy it is to think about all the days of our lives. Some of us are looking forward to some vacation days and it is easy to allow our thoughts to drift toward a sunny beach or the deck of a cruising ship. In my case, I'm looking forward to some time in the Rocky Mountains camping with my wife and our daughter's family. Some of us are aware that we, or members in our family, are scheduled for a visit to the doctor because of health issues. The list is probably endless. We tend to think more about tomorrow and how the goodness and mercy of the Lord will be experienced in our tomorrows.
Max Lucado, popular writer and pastor, reminds us that we need to spend our time with today. “Don’t start tackling tomorrow’s problems UNTIL tomorrow. You don’t have tomorrow’s strength yet. You simply have enough for TODAY. We don’t need to know what will happen tomorrow.” Wow—pretty tough stuff to hear! (Even though we know he is right on target.)
So, here we are. Right here. Right now. Lord, what is this moment all about?
A prayer: God, grant me enough of what I need today. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
07.14.10
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, July 13
What's in a Number?
A few years ago we experienced the 7th day of the 7th month of the 7th year in this millennium. More wedding celebrations occurred on that day than any day in recorded history. Some people said they had decided to take a gamble that this “three of a kind” Saturday would deal them a winning hand. Others said they decided to be married on that day because the number 7 is a spiritual number, one of the numbers that keeps recurring in Biblical stories. Is there anything special in a number?
Personally, I officiated at two weddings that day. Each was very special. One was a small backyard ceremony, simple and beautiful. The other was a large outdoor wedding at sunset, it was a big celebration. One had small numbers, the other had big numbers. Is there anything special in a number?
Today some of us will do specialized caregiving for patients who occupy a room that has a number. Today some of us will work with numbers on the accounting side of the business. Today each of us will work with numbers in some way. One special thing about numbers is that they help guide important parts of my decision making process.
The important number for me is the number 1. One God – beyond religion. One way of treating people – better than in the past. One way of dealing with life – with integrity in word, in thought and deed. One way of living – authentically.
Have a blessed day!
--Ben Keckler
07.13.10
A few years ago we experienced the 7th day of the 7th month of the 7th year in this millennium. More wedding celebrations occurred on that day than any day in recorded history. Some people said they had decided to take a gamble that this “three of a kind” Saturday would deal them a winning hand. Others said they decided to be married on that day because the number 7 is a spiritual number, one of the numbers that keeps recurring in Biblical stories. Is there anything special in a number?
Personally, I officiated at two weddings that day. Each was very special. One was a small backyard ceremony, simple and beautiful. The other was a large outdoor wedding at sunset, it was a big celebration. One had small numbers, the other had big numbers. Is there anything special in a number?
Today some of us will do specialized caregiving for patients who occupy a room that has a number. Today some of us will work with numbers on the accounting side of the business. Today each of us will work with numbers in some way. One special thing about numbers is that they help guide important parts of my decision making process.
The important number for me is the number 1. One God – beyond religion. One way of treating people – better than in the past. One way of dealing with life – with integrity in word, in thought and deed. One way of living – authentically.
Have a blessed day!
--Ben Keckler
07.13.10
Monday, July 12, 2010
Daily Devotion - Monday, July 12
A Family Reunion
During the summer months many families like to get together for family reunions. More and more families are spread out all across this vast nation, in fact across the global village. For example, I have a nephew serving in the Army and stationed in Iraq; his sister serves in the Peace Corps and is stationed in Togo, Africa; their parents live in northwest Arkansas. My nephew is back home on leave and his parents are excited about this reunion time. They are also excited about an end of summer vacation to Paris where they will have a reunion with their daughter.
It is good to gather and celebrate the gift of family. I believe it is important to blend the generations of family in times of reunion. This year I am particularly pleased that our Arkansas family will have the opportunity to reunite!
Yes, another week is upon us; here at the hospital it is a time for us to reunite our efforts in providing quality care for people experiencing life's tough travels. I hope we have a good week. Wherever you are, may your week be blessed.
--Ben Keckler
07.12.10
During the summer months many families like to get together for family reunions. More and more families are spread out all across this vast nation, in fact across the global village. For example, I have a nephew serving in the Army and stationed in Iraq; his sister serves in the Peace Corps and is stationed in Togo, Africa; their parents live in northwest Arkansas. My nephew is back home on leave and his parents are excited about this reunion time. They are also excited about an end of summer vacation to Paris where they will have a reunion with their daughter.
It is good to gather and celebrate the gift of family. I believe it is important to blend the generations of family in times of reunion. This year I am particularly pleased that our Arkansas family will have the opportunity to reunite!
Yes, another week is upon us; here at the hospital it is a time for us to reunite our efforts in providing quality care for people experiencing life's tough travels. I hope we have a good week. Wherever you are, may your week be blessed.
--Ben Keckler
07.12.10
Friday, July 9, 2010
Daily Devotion - Friday, July 9
Where Are You Looking These Days?
Never look down to test the ground
Before taking your next step:
Only he who keeps his eye fixed on the far horizon
Will find his right road.
--from Markings by Dag Hammarskjold
Former Secretary-General of the United Nations
Dag Hammarskjold was a person of incredible insight. His spiritual diary, Markings, is filled with some pretty remarkable statements, statements that demand some attention. Today’s quote is intended to remind us of a vision we need to claim.
As we complete this devotional week focusing on patriotism, these words seem helpful. During this past year many of us (probably all of us) have spent quite a bit of time looking down and testing the ground. One way of describing our post 9/11 lifestyle is that we are consumed with looking for where the land mines might be.
Hammarskjold reminds us that “getting on the right road” requires vision, vision into the distant tomorrows. What are the dreams you are dreaming? What work are you doing now because your eye is fixed on a far-horizon dream?
I still am a dreamer who believes there is a distant horizon out there where peace is a reality. It seems there is a distant horizon where creation is singing the same song. It seems that there is a world where there can be sharing by all and scarcity for none.
Working toward sustaining a global village where there is such hope may be a far horizon, but it is the deepest patriotic thing that we can do.
A prayer for today: God of all creation, help me to look up and see the far horizon that you’ve placed before all of us. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
07.09.10
Never look down to test the ground
Before taking your next step:
Only he who keeps his eye fixed on the far horizon
Will find his right road.
--from Markings by Dag Hammarskjold
Former Secretary-General of the United Nations
Dag Hammarskjold was a person of incredible insight. His spiritual diary, Markings, is filled with some pretty remarkable statements, statements that demand some attention. Today’s quote is intended to remind us of a vision we need to claim.
As we complete this devotional week focusing on patriotism, these words seem helpful. During this past year many of us (probably all of us) have spent quite a bit of time looking down and testing the ground. One way of describing our post 9/11 lifestyle is that we are consumed with looking for where the land mines might be.
Hammarskjold reminds us that “getting on the right road” requires vision, vision into the distant tomorrows. What are the dreams you are dreaming? What work are you doing now because your eye is fixed on a far-horizon dream?
I still am a dreamer who believes there is a distant horizon out there where peace is a reality. It seems there is a distant horizon where creation is singing the same song. It seems that there is a world where there can be sharing by all and scarcity for none.
Working toward sustaining a global village where there is such hope may be a far horizon, but it is the deepest patriotic thing that we can do.
A prayer for today: God of all creation, help me to look up and see the far horizon that you’ve placed before all of us. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
07.09.10
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Daily Devotion - Thursday, July 8
I Love This Land!
“This land is your land,
This land is my land
From California to the New York Island,
From the redwood forest to the Gulf Stream waters,
This land was made for you and me."
From the time the Declaration of Independence set in motion the United States of America to this present day when we celebrate that declaration, the expansive boundaries of our land have invited people of the world to come and participate in this movement of freedom. Our history contains dark moments and moments when freedom’s torch burned with brilliance.
In our work and our leisure in these days following our national holiday, give some time to thinking about the multitude of blessings you experience in this land. Today is a day to spend time asking yourself questions about how you can make this land of opportunity a better “melting pot” for all people. Today is also a day to give thanks for founding fathers, for dedicated women and men, for leaders who carry forth the drumbeat of freedom.
This is a day which God has made! Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
--Ben Keckler
07.08.10
“This land is your land,
This land is my land
From California to the New York Island,
From the redwood forest to the Gulf Stream waters,
This land was made for you and me."
From the time the Declaration of Independence set in motion the United States of America to this present day when we celebrate that declaration, the expansive boundaries of our land have invited people of the world to come and participate in this movement of freedom. Our history contains dark moments and moments when freedom’s torch burned with brilliance.
In our work and our leisure in these days following our national holiday, give some time to thinking about the multitude of blessings you experience in this land. Today is a day to spend time asking yourself questions about how you can make this land of opportunity a better “melting pot” for all people. Today is also a day to give thanks for founding fathers, for dedicated women and men, for leaders who carry forth the drumbeat of freedom.
This is a day which God has made! Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
--Ben Keckler
07.08.10
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, July 7
A Mountain Top Story
Have you ever been to Pikes Peak in Colorado? On a clear, clear day the Peak is visible on the western horizon for well over an hour before you get there. In 1893, Katharine Lee Bates was so inspired by the view from the peak that she wrote some beautiful lyrics and then kept revising them until 1911. Finally the hymn was ready for publication.
O beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties above the fruited plain.
AMERICA! AMERICA! God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea.
O beautiful for Pilgrim feet, whose stern, impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat across the wilderness!
AMERICA! AMERICA! God mend thine every flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control, thy liberty in law!
O beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved, and mercy more than life!
AMERICA! AMERICA! May God thy gold refine,
Till all success be nobleness and every gain divine!
O beautiful for patriot dream that sees beyond the years,
Thine alabaster cities gleam undimmed by human tears!
AMERICA! AMERICA! God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea!
--Ben Keckler
07.07.10
Have you ever been to Pikes Peak in Colorado? On a clear, clear day the Peak is visible on the western horizon for well over an hour before you get there. In 1893, Katharine Lee Bates was so inspired by the view from the peak that she wrote some beautiful lyrics and then kept revising them until 1911. Finally the hymn was ready for publication.
O beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties above the fruited plain.
AMERICA! AMERICA! God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea.
O beautiful for Pilgrim feet, whose stern, impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat across the wilderness!
AMERICA! AMERICA! God mend thine every flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control, thy liberty in law!
O beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved, and mercy more than life!
AMERICA! AMERICA! May God thy gold refine,
Till all success be nobleness and every gain divine!
O beautiful for patriot dream that sees beyond the years,
Thine alabaster cities gleam undimmed by human tears!
AMERICA! AMERICA! God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea!
--Ben Keckler
07.07.10
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, July 6
Struggles with Independence
More than two hundred twenty years ago, one Revolutionary Army officer wrote George Washington a letter suggesting that a country with Mr. Washington as king was more preferable than “a nation under a republican form of government.” George wrote a letter that included these words:
“I am not deceived in the knowledge of myself,
you could not have found a person to whom your schemes
are more disagreeable--………
Let me conjure you this, if you have any regard for your country—
Concern for yourself or posterity—
Or respect for me, to banish these thoughts from your mind…..”
--George Washington
November, 1782
The temptation of powerful kingdoms is really great. The father of this nation realized that true strength would come as people patiently work to create a republic where sharing by all could mean scarcity for none. Most of us are quite affluent, especially when we look at the majority of the world. Thanks be to God that Mr. Washington took time to realize his “help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121: 2)
Long may this land be bright with freedom’s holy light!
A prayer for today: God of our leaders and our God, build within us a deepening respect for our brothers and sisters in this land. Empower us to work for greater and better tomorrows in your global village. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
07.06.10
More than two hundred twenty years ago, one Revolutionary Army officer wrote George Washington a letter suggesting that a country with Mr. Washington as king was more preferable than “a nation under a republican form of government.” George wrote a letter that included these words:
“I am not deceived in the knowledge of myself,
you could not have found a person to whom your schemes
are more disagreeable--………
Let me conjure you this, if you have any regard for your country—
Concern for yourself or posterity—
Or respect for me, to banish these thoughts from your mind…..”
--George Washington
November, 1782
The temptation of powerful kingdoms is really great. The father of this nation realized that true strength would come as people patiently work to create a republic where sharing by all could mean scarcity for none. Most of us are quite affluent, especially when we look at the majority of the world. Thanks be to God that Mr. Washington took time to realize his “help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121: 2)
Long may this land be bright with freedom’s holy light!
A prayer for today: God of our leaders and our God, build within us a deepening respect for our brothers and sisters in this land. Empower us to work for greater and better tomorrows in your global village. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
07.06.10
Monday, July 5, 2010
Daily Devotion - Monday, July 5
Independence Reflections
Throughout this week the devotions will have a patriotic theme. We begin with some lyrics that you will recognize immediately. Try to get the feeling that Samuel Smith might have had as he penned these words 170 years ago. The first public performance was July 4, 1832 in Boston.
My country ‘tis of thee,
Sweet land of liberty: of thee I sing.
Land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrim’s pride,
From every mountainside let freedom ring.
My native country—thee,
Land of the noble free, thy name I love:
I love thy rocks and rills, thy woods and templed hills,
My heart with rapture thrills like that above.
Let music swell the breeze,
And ring from all the trees sweet freedom’s song.
Let all that breathe partake, let mortal tongues awake,
Let rocks their silence break, the sound prolong.
Our fathers’ God to thee,
Author of liberty, to thee we sing.
Long may our land be bright, with freedom’s holy light,
Protect us by thy might, Great God, our King.
As we think about independence almost a decade after the tragedy of September 11, I must ask if two reactionary wars have made our land brighter or dimmer? Maybe there is something to taking care of our land and our people from shore to shore. If we struggle with that priority, America will truly be blessed.
A prayer: God of our mothers and fathers, create a sensitive and seeking spirit within me and within all my brothers and sisters who live in this nation of freedom. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
07.05.10
Throughout this week the devotions will have a patriotic theme. We begin with some lyrics that you will recognize immediately. Try to get the feeling that Samuel Smith might have had as he penned these words 170 years ago. The first public performance was July 4, 1832 in Boston.
My country ‘tis of thee,
Sweet land of liberty: of thee I sing.
Land where my fathers died, land of the Pilgrim’s pride,
From every mountainside let freedom ring.
My native country—thee,
Land of the noble free, thy name I love:
I love thy rocks and rills, thy woods and templed hills,
My heart with rapture thrills like that above.
Let music swell the breeze,
And ring from all the trees sweet freedom’s song.
Let all that breathe partake, let mortal tongues awake,
Let rocks their silence break, the sound prolong.
Our fathers’ God to thee,
Author of liberty, to thee we sing.
Long may our land be bright, with freedom’s holy light,
Protect us by thy might, Great God, our King.
As we think about independence almost a decade after the tragedy of September 11, I must ask if two reactionary wars have made our land brighter or dimmer? Maybe there is something to taking care of our land and our people from shore to shore. If we struggle with that priority, America will truly be blessed.
A prayer: God of our mothers and fathers, create a sensitive and seeking spirit within me and within all my brothers and sisters who live in this nation of freedom. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
07.05.10
Friday, July 2, 2010
Daily Devotion - Friday, July 2
God Is Still Among Us!
Psalm 90 served to inspire Isaac Watts, the father of English hymnody, to write the hymn “O God, Our Help in Ages Past.” Watts, who lived from 1674 to 1748, penned words for more than 600 hymns. His 250 year-old text still makes sense today:
O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come,
our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home.
Time, like an ever rolling stream, bears all its sons away;
they fly, forgotten, as a dream dies at the opening day.
O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come,
be thou our guide while life shall last, and our eternal home.
The mystery of how our lives fit in the continuum of time will always be with us. Do you realize that we are almost 10% of the way through the 21st century? (Remember the Y2K doomsday folk?)
Recently, a poll was conducted over the Internet. The question was, “Should the words ‘under God’ be deleted from the pledge?” 88% of the respondents said, “NO!” This strong indication of belief affirms that God, who has been our help in the past, will be our hope for years to come, our guide in life and our eternal home. May your day (and your weekend) be filled with a deepened confidence in the One who from everlasting to everlasting is God. Happy Independence Weekend!
--Ben Keckler
07.02.10
Psalm 90 served to inspire Isaac Watts, the father of English hymnody, to write the hymn “O God, Our Help in Ages Past.” Watts, who lived from 1674 to 1748, penned words for more than 600 hymns. His 250 year-old text still makes sense today:
O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come,
our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home.
Time, like an ever rolling stream, bears all its sons away;
they fly, forgotten, as a dream dies at the opening day.
O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come,
be thou our guide while life shall last, and our eternal home.
The mystery of how our lives fit in the continuum of time will always be with us. Do you realize that we are almost 10% of the way through the 21st century? (Remember the Y2K doomsday folk?)
Recently, a poll was conducted over the Internet. The question was, “Should the words ‘under God’ be deleted from the pledge?” 88% of the respondents said, “NO!” This strong indication of belief affirms that God, who has been our help in the past, will be our hope for years to come, our guide in life and our eternal home. May your day (and your weekend) be filled with a deepened confidence in the One who from everlasting to everlasting is God. Happy Independence Weekend!
--Ben Keckler
07.02.10
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Daily Devotion - Thursday, July 1
Already Thursday
Good morning God,
The week is traveling too quickly!
I admit that I have gotten pretty busy,
Pretty harried,
Pretty preoccupied with the details of an unraveling week.
Slow me down enough that I can feel the wind of your renewing Spirit.
There are times when I wish everything could slow down.
Perhaps it could help me on my troubled Thursdays,
Perhaps I could me more aware on my twisted Thursdays,
Perhaps …
What I do know is this:
It is already Thursday and I need (desperately) your Divine touch.
--Ben Keckler
07.01.10
Good morning God,
The week is traveling too quickly!
I admit that I have gotten pretty busy,
Pretty harried,
Pretty preoccupied with the details of an unraveling week.
Slow me down enough that I can feel the wind of your renewing Spirit.
There are times when I wish everything could slow down.
Perhaps it could help me on my troubled Thursdays,
Perhaps I could me more aware on my twisted Thursdays,
Perhaps …
What I do know is this:
It is already Thursday and I need (desperately) your Divine touch.
--Ben Keckler
07.01.10
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