Reaching Out to Others
“For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith,
I have not stopped giving thanks for you,
remembering you in my prayers.”
--A follower (Ephesians 1:15)
What a privilege to work side by side with people who care! Our nation has had to face the devastation that comes from natural disasters. It is not pleasant. Now more than ever, it seems the news overwhelms us with the fragile nature of life. New occasions teach new duties and with new disasters will come new opportunities and new challenges.
It is a true privilege to work with caregiving people here at the hospital. Time and time again we respond above and beyond what others expect. Regularly we are given opportunities to share (United Way, Food Banks, etc). Thank you for demonstrating your compassionate spirits of faith.
Recently I was with some other chaplains who asked me specific questions about the spirit of generosity that exists at my hospital. Wow! Reaching out to others is so important and I give thanks for the way you share from your heart.
Thank you. I give thanks for you daily.
--Ben Keckler
09.30.10
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, September 29
A Reason to Give Thanks
“Then God blessed Noah and his sons, saying to them,
‘Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth…
I now establish my covenant with you and your descendants…’”
--From the story of Noah (Genesis 9, selected verses)
82 years ago my grandfather (Ben Keckler, Sr.) was ordained as a minister. My father (“Junior” as his brothers and sisters knew him) is still an active ordained minister (still preaching at a church he founded 51 years ago) and of course, Ben 3rd is writing this devotional after more than 35 years of active ordained ministry. Just as the story of family and covenant relationship with God is told in the Noah story, so centuries later I can tell a story of God’s blessing. I am grateful for family.
I wish there was a way to know the number of sermons, bible studies, weddings, funerals, baptisms, etc. where a person named Ben Keckler has provided pastoral care during the last 82 years. I think about the thousands and thousands of home and hospital visits that grandpa, dad and I have experienced. It is overwhelming to realize how many people have invited us into their lives to share God’s covenantal love with them.
I am filled with gratitude today for a loving God, a faithful family and a wonderful heritage. Believe me when I tell you that God is good. In the midst of all the STUFF we go through, I can honestly tell you that God is in love with this world and will not keep it a secret. Even in these increasingly turbulent times, I believe! God bless you today!
--Ben Keckler
09.29.10
“Then God blessed Noah and his sons, saying to them,
‘Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth…
I now establish my covenant with you and your descendants…’”
--From the story of Noah (Genesis 9, selected verses)
82 years ago my grandfather (Ben Keckler, Sr.) was ordained as a minister. My father (“Junior” as his brothers and sisters knew him) is still an active ordained minister (still preaching at a church he founded 51 years ago) and of course, Ben 3rd is writing this devotional after more than 35 years of active ordained ministry. Just as the story of family and covenant relationship with God is told in the Noah story, so centuries later I can tell a story of God’s blessing. I am grateful for family.
I wish there was a way to know the number of sermons, bible studies, weddings, funerals, baptisms, etc. where a person named Ben Keckler has provided pastoral care during the last 82 years. I think about the thousands and thousands of home and hospital visits that grandpa, dad and I have experienced. It is overwhelming to realize how many people have invited us into their lives to share God’s covenantal love with them.
I am filled with gratitude today for a loving God, a faithful family and a wonderful heritage. Believe me when I tell you that God is good. In the midst of all the STUFF we go through, I can honestly tell you that God is in love with this world and will not keep it a secret. Even in these increasingly turbulent times, I believe! God bless you today!
--Ben Keckler
09.29.10
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, September 28
Musing About Friendship
“Do not forsake your friend….”
--A wisdom phrase (Proverbs 27:10)
One of the joys of fall that happens across our land is found at tailgate parties. Some are on Friday evening – high school events; some are on Saturday – college events; and some are on Sunday – professional events. Personally I enjoyed the college weekends at Purdue for a number of years, but as grandparent years have arrived, I rather expend my energy with the grandchildren.
When we tailgated we would enjoy the gift of friendship, entertaining folks from Pennsylvania, Ohio and Kentucky as well as from around the state. I do miss those opportunities to celebrate the gift of friendship. It took commitment and energy (using a good college football game as an excuse), but the feeling in my heart at the conclusion of a great weekend was difficult to match. Now we are finding new ways to enjoy the gift of friendship, like a good evening in the backyard by the firepit. (I hope the drought ends soon!)
Enjoy the friends you have, expand your circle of friends and you will be surrounded by one of life’s great treasures.
--Ben Keckler
09.28.10
“Do not forsake your friend….”
--A wisdom phrase (Proverbs 27:10)
One of the joys of fall that happens across our land is found at tailgate parties. Some are on Friday evening – high school events; some are on Saturday – college events; and some are on Sunday – professional events. Personally I enjoyed the college weekends at Purdue for a number of years, but as grandparent years have arrived, I rather expend my energy with the grandchildren.
When we tailgated we would enjoy the gift of friendship, entertaining folks from Pennsylvania, Ohio and Kentucky as well as from around the state. I do miss those opportunities to celebrate the gift of friendship. It took commitment and energy (using a good college football game as an excuse), but the feeling in my heart at the conclusion of a great weekend was difficult to match. Now we are finding new ways to enjoy the gift of friendship, like a good evening in the backyard by the firepit. (I hope the drought ends soon!)
Enjoy the friends you have, expand your circle of friends and you will be surrounded by one of life’s great treasures.
--Ben Keckler
09.28.10
Monday, September 27, 2010
Daily Devotion - Monday, September 27
Perspectives
“Wait for God;
be strong, let your heart take courage;
wait for God.”
--Words from a old song, Psalm 27: 14
A few years ago I received 3 e-mails in a 10 minute span. They caused me to think about how we look at life. Times have become increasingly difficult for many and so I'd like to share some snippets from those e-mails as we start another week.
E-mail #1: From Missionaries in Honduras
“We constantly think about keeping safe, whether from parasites in the water or from violence in the streets… We struggle with the reality of extreme poverty… We feel frustration each time we go through the hospital system and its long lines… We feel overwhelmed by the problems in the villages.”
E-mail #2: From a hospital executive about the health care infrastructure of New Orleans. “Essentially the health care infrastructure of New Orleans is gone – it no longer exists,” said Joe Cappiello from JCAHO.
E-mail #3: From an associate at my hospital who forwarded an e-mail titled, “I am thankful.” The e-mail lists a dozen reasons (with brief explanations) why the author is thankful. For example: “I am thankful for my huge heating bill… because it means I am warm.”
We are keenly aware that millions around the world are surviving in ways we find difficult to even imagine and we can be troubled by a seemingly sinking economy. Sometimes in our sheltered and safe existence we are tempted to complain. Thinking of the grieving souls, the starving souls, the homeless souls! Pray for them! Approach your day with thankfulness and gratitude for life and join with all our brothers and sisters as we wait for the Lord.
--Ben Keckler
09.27.10
“Wait for God;
be strong, let your heart take courage;
wait for God.”
--Words from a old song, Psalm 27: 14
A few years ago I received 3 e-mails in a 10 minute span. They caused me to think about how we look at life. Times have become increasingly difficult for many and so I'd like to share some snippets from those e-mails as we start another week.
E-mail #1: From Missionaries in Honduras
“We constantly think about keeping safe, whether from parasites in the water or from violence in the streets… We struggle with the reality of extreme poverty… We feel frustration each time we go through the hospital system and its long lines… We feel overwhelmed by the problems in the villages.”
E-mail #2: From a hospital executive about the health care infrastructure of New Orleans. “Essentially the health care infrastructure of New Orleans is gone – it no longer exists,” said Joe Cappiello from JCAHO.
E-mail #3: From an associate at my hospital who forwarded an e-mail titled, “I am thankful.” The e-mail lists a dozen reasons (with brief explanations) why the author is thankful. For example: “I am thankful for my huge heating bill… because it means I am warm.”
We are keenly aware that millions around the world are surviving in ways we find difficult to even imagine and we can be troubled by a seemingly sinking economy. Sometimes in our sheltered and safe existence we are tempted to complain. Thinking of the grieving souls, the starving souls, the homeless souls! Pray for them! Approach your day with thankfulness and gratitude for life and join with all our brothers and sisters as we wait for the Lord.
--Ben Keckler
09.27.10
Friday, September 24, 2010
Daily Devotion - Friday, September 24
Tending The Garden
“I never had so many good ideas day after day as when I work in the garden.”
--John Erskine
It is Friday morning and, forgive me if you can, I am anxious for the weekend. Yes, it is only 8 AM but, forgive me if you can, 4:30 can't get here quickly enough! This weekend I am hoping to spend some time tending my garden, getting the lawn and the flower beds ready for fall and winter. My neighbor and I have been planning this weekend's activities together and I sense we are both a bit excited to see if our plans will result in even healthier gardens than we had this year.
Like Mr. Erskine, it seems that working in the good earth helps me develop deeper awareness of my connection with all creation. New ideas flow forth from the centuries-old soil; ideas that were always there, ideas I wouldn't have had without the experience of tending the garden.
OOPS! It is Friday morning and there are some souls in the garden (the hospital) that probably have some good ideas, too. I think it is time to get to the tasks of the day so that when the weekend does arrive, I can spend some time with Mother Earth.
--Ben Keckler
09.24.10
“I never had so many good ideas day after day as when I work in the garden.”
--John Erskine
It is Friday morning and, forgive me if you can, I am anxious for the weekend. Yes, it is only 8 AM but, forgive me if you can, 4:30 can't get here quickly enough! This weekend I am hoping to spend some time tending my garden, getting the lawn and the flower beds ready for fall and winter. My neighbor and I have been planning this weekend's activities together and I sense we are both a bit excited to see if our plans will result in even healthier gardens than we had this year.
Like Mr. Erskine, it seems that working in the good earth helps me develop deeper awareness of my connection with all creation. New ideas flow forth from the centuries-old soil; ideas that were always there, ideas I wouldn't have had without the experience of tending the garden.
OOPS! It is Friday morning and there are some souls in the garden (the hospital) that probably have some good ideas, too. I think it is time to get to the tasks of the day so that when the weekend does arrive, I can spend some time with Mother Earth.
--Ben Keckler
09.24.10
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Daily Devotion - Thursday, September 23
A Meaningful Quote
“The more you encourage serendipity.. the more you'll get rich answers.”
--Tim Brown
The other day I read this quote and it really hit home. Several decades ago I spent several weeks being trained in how to facilitate effective groups. My primary mentor was Lyman Coleman, although several college professors were also highly influential in my learning process. Lyman was really good at creating a serendipity atmosphere for group effectiveness. He always had questions so he was prepared to guide the group, but he seldom seemed to get into his questions.
Why? Because he believed what Tim Brown is saying in today's quote.
Lyman believed that, no matter how good his questions were, the discussion would lead to better questions and dialogue. He believed that, no matter how much he was prepared, the direction of the group would unfold best when his open-ended questions were valued as secondary to the dynamics of the group process.
We talk about a culture where there is playfulness. Playful spirits emerge best when they are allowed to live in the world of serendipity. I vote for a serendipity type of world because there are some rich, rich answers that have yet to emerge, giving us clear guidance for life's uncharted tomorrows.
--Ben Keckler
09.23.10
“The more you encourage serendipity.. the more you'll get rich answers.”
--Tim Brown
The other day I read this quote and it really hit home. Several decades ago I spent several weeks being trained in how to facilitate effective groups. My primary mentor was Lyman Coleman, although several college professors were also highly influential in my learning process. Lyman was really good at creating a serendipity atmosphere for group effectiveness. He always had questions so he was prepared to guide the group, but he seldom seemed to get into his questions.
Why? Because he believed what Tim Brown is saying in today's quote.
Lyman believed that, no matter how good his questions were, the discussion would lead to better questions and dialogue. He believed that, no matter how much he was prepared, the direction of the group would unfold best when his open-ended questions were valued as secondary to the dynamics of the group process.
We talk about a culture where there is playfulness. Playful spirits emerge best when they are allowed to live in the world of serendipity. I vote for a serendipity type of world because there are some rich, rich answers that have yet to emerge, giving us clear guidance for life's uncharted tomorrows.
--Ben Keckler
09.23.10
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, September 22
Catch
As sports-loving grandparents, we could not wait to get our one year old a ball for his first birthday. Start 'em young, you know! Our grandson got a football. This is not your ordinary football – it has a soft, fuzzy material on the exterior and a super squeezy soft stuffing inside. Probably will be a better pillow than a ball to use for playing catch.
We all play catch.
Every day people throw things our way and we throw things to others. Generally the ball is words. Sometimes the words we catch hurt – maybe an unkind remark or an observation about a perceived shortcoming. The pain can be great and so we throw the ball back, hoping the sting we felt can be felt through our retort. This ballgame may go on and on, escalating in velocity much like a pitcher warming up to come into save the ball game. Not a healthy game to play.
Next time you find yourself playing catch, why not put the ball down and refuse to play. OR..........call me and I'll find a football for you like the one my wife found for our grandson.
--Ben Keckler
09.22.10
As sports-loving grandparents, we could not wait to get our one year old a ball for his first birthday. Start 'em young, you know! Our grandson got a football. This is not your ordinary football – it has a soft, fuzzy material on the exterior and a super squeezy soft stuffing inside. Probably will be a better pillow than a ball to use for playing catch.
We all play catch.
Every day people throw things our way and we throw things to others. Generally the ball is words. Sometimes the words we catch hurt – maybe an unkind remark or an observation about a perceived shortcoming. The pain can be great and so we throw the ball back, hoping the sting we felt can be felt through our retort. This ballgame may go on and on, escalating in velocity much like a pitcher warming up to come into save the ball game. Not a healthy game to play.
Next time you find yourself playing catch, why not put the ball down and refuse to play. OR..........call me and I'll find a football for you like the one my wife found for our grandson.
--Ben Keckler
09.22.10
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, September 21
Effective or Right?
This seems like a good topic for today's devotions. I’m almost finished with my Healthstream testing for the year. I am glad that I don't have to get every question right in order to pass the test. (I like getting 100%, but that doesn't happen all the time.)
Daily in my listening I hear people talking about wanting to do things right or to get “this (life)” right. Because most of that listening focuses on guiding folks through their grief walk, it seems important to remind people that “right/wrong” is one way of walking but “good/better/best” is also a way of walking.
Each of us have principles (that which is right). It is important that we do have principles. Few of us, very few, violate our own principles. Sometimes we confuse principles and preferences. Most things are a matter of preference, not principle. To be effective it is important to distinguish these two words in each dilemma of life.
“Focus on being effective instead of being right” is a helpful standard. Personally I'm glad that I didn't need 100% on every test. The rest of the day I'm going to work practicing effective pastoral care. You see, I believe that effectiveness is found in doing the right things more than in doing things right!
--Ben Keckler
09.21.10
This seems like a good topic for today's devotions. I’m almost finished with my Healthstream testing for the year. I am glad that I don't have to get every question right in order to pass the test. (I like getting 100%, but that doesn't happen all the time.)
Daily in my listening I hear people talking about wanting to do things right or to get “this (life)” right. Because most of that listening focuses on guiding folks through their grief walk, it seems important to remind people that “right/wrong” is one way of walking but “good/better/best” is also a way of walking.
Each of us have principles (that which is right). It is important that we do have principles. Few of us, very few, violate our own principles. Sometimes we confuse principles and preferences. Most things are a matter of preference, not principle. To be effective it is important to distinguish these two words in each dilemma of life.
“Focus on being effective instead of being right” is a helpful standard. Personally I'm glad that I didn't need 100% on every test. The rest of the day I'm going to work practicing effective pastoral care. You see, I believe that effectiveness is found in doing the right things more than in doing things right!
--Ben Keckler
09.21.10
Monday, September 20, 2010
Daily Devotion - Monday, September 20
A New Week Begins
Trying to live in the present moment is really challenging. Beginning a new week of work seems to be a fitting time to focus on living in the present. Daily I am honored to listen to people talk about life. Many focus so much on their yesterdays that they can't live in the moment. I am like that from time to time, too!
This insight might be helpful: “Drive home tonight but only look in the rear view mirror and... see how long it takes you to crash. Are you feeling anger or resentment towards someone or something that is in the rear view? There is a solution: Let it go. Relationship amnesia can be a good thing and it helps you focus on the road ahead where your effort matters!” (Anonymous)
Your yesterdays are history and they won't change, your tomorrows aren't here yet. Each of us has today-- a day to the make the most of, a day to help the world be a more peaceful place, a day to bring a rainbow of hope where darkness seems overpowering! Enjoying your new week means that you must enjoy today. May you be surrounded by a peaceful presence that allows today's potential to overwhelm you.
--Ben Keckler
09.20.10
Trying to live in the present moment is really challenging. Beginning a new week of work seems to be a fitting time to focus on living in the present. Daily I am honored to listen to people talk about life. Many focus so much on their yesterdays that they can't live in the moment. I am like that from time to time, too!
This insight might be helpful: “Drive home tonight but only look in the rear view mirror and... see how long it takes you to crash. Are you feeling anger or resentment towards someone or something that is in the rear view? There is a solution: Let it go. Relationship amnesia can be a good thing and it helps you focus on the road ahead where your effort matters!” (Anonymous)
Your yesterdays are history and they won't change, your tomorrows aren't here yet. Each of us has today-- a day to the make the most of, a day to help the world be a more peaceful place, a day to bring a rainbow of hope where darkness seems overpowering! Enjoying your new week means that you must enjoy today. May you be surrounded by a peaceful presence that allows today's potential to overwhelm you.
--Ben Keckler
09.20.10
Friday, September 17, 2010
Daily Devotion - Friday, September 17
Creativity
A lesson: Read Psalm 40
“God put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.”
We conclude this week’s thoughts on creativity with this prayer by Roberta Porter. May you have a weekend filled with many creative expressions of love, peace and joy.
“A Prayer for Becoming” by Roberta Porter
“Lord,
may I live each day
creatively, in you,
beginning with thanks for life itself,
for life in you.
“May I find my gifts, knowing
in the searching I am becoming
who you created me to be.
“May I use these gifts
to serve each task
as serving you, seeing in the work
and in others
your face, your light.
“And, at the end of the day
may I rest in your grace,
always grateful.
Amen.”
--Ben Keckler
09.17.10
A lesson: Read Psalm 40
“God put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.”
We conclude this week’s thoughts on creativity with this prayer by Roberta Porter. May you have a weekend filled with many creative expressions of love, peace and joy.
“A Prayer for Becoming” by Roberta Porter
“Lord,
may I live each day
creatively, in you,
beginning with thanks for life itself,
for life in you.
“May I find my gifts, knowing
in the searching I am becoming
who you created me to be.
“May I use these gifts
to serve each task
as serving you, seeing in the work
and in others
your face, your light.
“And, at the end of the day
may I rest in your grace,
always grateful.
Amen.”
--Ben Keckler
09.17.10
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Daily Devotion - Thursday, September 16
Creativity in the Quiet
“The discipline of solitude is one of the most powerful disciplines.
It is a simple, though not easy, way to free us from the slavery
of our occupations and preoccupations and begin
to hear the voice that makes all things new.”
--Henri Nouwen
Making All Things New, page 75
Now here is a major challenge for each of us – creating a space to be alone for a few minutes each day. Listening to silence is wonderful, but it can be tough to feel comfortable in silence. We are surrounded by distractions and interruptions, we are surrounded by noise and busy schedules, and in fact we’ve even created “surround sound”!
Oh for the moments of silence! I’ve recently returned from a visit with our granddaughters in Colorado (did take some time for daughter and son-in-law too!). They live near the base of Pike’s Peak in Colorado Springs. In between the care giving for our grandchildren, I was able to take some quiet time. Sitting in their living room and watching the wildlife graze in their front yard made quiet time pretty relaxing. The challenge now is to find ways to “be still” and know that God is renewing me day after day after day.
A prayer: God be near me as I creatively develop places of solitude. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
09.16.10
“The discipline of solitude is one of the most powerful disciplines.
It is a simple, though not easy, way to free us from the slavery
of our occupations and preoccupations and begin
to hear the voice that makes all things new.”
--Henri Nouwen
Making All Things New, page 75
Now here is a major challenge for each of us – creating a space to be alone for a few minutes each day. Listening to silence is wonderful, but it can be tough to feel comfortable in silence. We are surrounded by distractions and interruptions, we are surrounded by noise and busy schedules, and in fact we’ve even created “surround sound”!
Oh for the moments of silence! I’ve recently returned from a visit with our granddaughters in Colorado (did take some time for daughter and son-in-law too!). They live near the base of Pike’s Peak in Colorado Springs. In between the care giving for our grandchildren, I was able to take some quiet time. Sitting in their living room and watching the wildlife graze in their front yard made quiet time pretty relaxing. The challenge now is to find ways to “be still” and know that God is renewing me day after day after day.
A prayer: God be near me as I creatively develop places of solitude. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
09.16.10
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, September 15
Creativity Within
“I am about to do a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert”
--Isaiah 43:19
This verse contains a really wonderful insight about creativity. It tells us that creativity comes out of silence and listening. The source of new things in our lives is all about what the Holy One, the creator, is doing within us. As we take time to practice the art of stillness we will find ourselves dreaming dreams, seeing pictures in our minds, coming up with solutions for problems, …
Often we jump to statements about our inability. It is easy to do. For example, many people feel very inadequate with their artistic abilities. When asked to draw something I find myself getting uptight; I think, “I can’t draw.” The same is true with mechanical abilities, musical abilities and so on. We tend to jump to the concluding statement rather than allowing the silence to work a new thing within us.
In the pre-computer age we didn’t know about double-clicking on icons so that a screen would appear. Now millions who never thought they’d have any literacy about the “new thing” called computers have quietly discovered that they are doing things they never perceived they could do!
Enjoy the discoveries you make as creative wonder springs up within you!
--Ben Keckler
09.15.10
“I am about to do a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert”
--Isaiah 43:19
This verse contains a really wonderful insight about creativity. It tells us that creativity comes out of silence and listening. The source of new things in our lives is all about what the Holy One, the creator, is doing within us. As we take time to practice the art of stillness we will find ourselves dreaming dreams, seeing pictures in our minds, coming up with solutions for problems, …
Often we jump to statements about our inability. It is easy to do. For example, many people feel very inadequate with their artistic abilities. When asked to draw something I find myself getting uptight; I think, “I can’t draw.” The same is true with mechanical abilities, musical abilities and so on. We tend to jump to the concluding statement rather than allowing the silence to work a new thing within us.
In the pre-computer age we didn’t know about double-clicking on icons so that a screen would appear. Now millions who never thought they’d have any literacy about the “new thing” called computers have quietly discovered that they are doing things they never perceived they could do!
Enjoy the discoveries you make as creative wonder springs up within you!
--Ben Keckler
09.15.10
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, September 14
Creativity Within Us
“I will sing a new song to you, O God;
upon a ten-stringed harp I will play to you.”
--Psalm 144:9
Claiming your creative edge or edges can be a most energizing activity. You’ve heard someone say something like: “I’m not creative.” Possibly, you have even uttered those words. The reality is that each of us has creative potential within. Over the years, I’ve observed people display gifts I had no knowledge they possessed. They demonstrated the creative potential that was written in their spirit.
One way of discovering the creative genius within us is practice. A musician discovers the depth of their creative edge as they practice the basics of scales, chords, melody, harmony and technique. A gourmet chef develops their creative edge practicing with herbs and spices and then dreaming “outside the recipe box.” A gardener learns more and more about their creative edge by nurturing various plants and working in various soils. The more we practice the more we develop an inner confidence. With time we are ready to “sing new songs” and play new instruments of praise to our Creator. Having honed our skills, we are better prepared to listen with calm confidence to that inner voice that empowers us to create something unique.
--Ben Keckler
09.14.10
“I will sing a new song to you, O God;
upon a ten-stringed harp I will play to you.”
--Psalm 144:9
Claiming your creative edge or edges can be a most energizing activity. You’ve heard someone say something like: “I’m not creative.” Possibly, you have even uttered those words. The reality is that each of us has creative potential within. Over the years, I’ve observed people display gifts I had no knowledge they possessed. They demonstrated the creative potential that was written in their spirit.
One way of discovering the creative genius within us is practice. A musician discovers the depth of their creative edge as they practice the basics of scales, chords, melody, harmony and technique. A gourmet chef develops their creative edge practicing with herbs and spices and then dreaming “outside the recipe box.” A gardener learns more and more about their creative edge by nurturing various plants and working in various soils. The more we practice the more we develop an inner confidence. With time we are ready to “sing new songs” and play new instruments of praise to our Creator. Having honed our skills, we are better prepared to listen with calm confidence to that inner voice that empowers us to create something unique.
--Ben Keckler
09.14.10
Monday, September 13, 2010
Daily Devotion - Monday, September 13
Creativity
“I’ll give you a new heart, put a new spirit in you.”
--The Message (Ezekiel 36: 26)
I remember a couple of years ago here at work we experienced a wave of creativity. A jungle theme came alive; the hospital facilities seemed to warm up as department after department united in the theme. Visitors, patients and staff were smiling more as people accepted the challenge to be creative. The hospital became therapeutic in a new way. Generally we focus on healing through the gifted care of a medical community touching the aching person. What we discovered (and hopefully we will not forget) is that new life came to hurting persons through artistic, aesthetic touches. A generally sterile setting had new life.
Some of us may remember the “giftedness” of our community. I wonder if, in the midst of all the challenges we face, we can find ways to call forth that creativity on a regular basis? The reading for today talks about a “new spirit” dwelling within and among the people of God. That new spirit has the potential to emerge here — a spirit of creativity. I wonder if we can rediscover ways to let that dormant creativity be alive in the routines of our daily work. Truly creativity is an important part of treating people better.
--Ben Keckler
09.13.10
“I’ll give you a new heart, put a new spirit in you.”
--The Message (Ezekiel 36: 26)
I remember a couple of years ago here at work we experienced a wave of creativity. A jungle theme came alive; the hospital facilities seemed to warm up as department after department united in the theme. Visitors, patients and staff were smiling more as people accepted the challenge to be creative. The hospital became therapeutic in a new way. Generally we focus on healing through the gifted care of a medical community touching the aching person. What we discovered (and hopefully we will not forget) is that new life came to hurting persons through artistic, aesthetic touches. A generally sterile setting had new life.
Some of us may remember the “giftedness” of our community. I wonder if, in the midst of all the challenges we face, we can find ways to call forth that creativity on a regular basis? The reading for today talks about a “new spirit” dwelling within and among the people of God. That new spirit has the potential to emerge here — a spirit of creativity. I wonder if we can rediscover ways to let that dormant creativity be alive in the routines of our daily work. Truly creativity is an important part of treating people better.
--Ben Keckler
09.13.10
Friday, September 10, 2010
Daily Devotion - Friday, September 10
One Last Musing about Waterfalls
“O Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
--A song of praise, Psalm 8
Have you been to Niagara Falls? I've been there on numerous occasions and I believe I remember something from every visit to the falls. I've got some really funny stories to write about when I can take the time to journal them. For now they will remain fixed in my mind, they will probably gain some embellishments as memory interprets their realities. Folklore is always better, don't you agree?
One memorable trip was riding out toward the falls on the Maid of the Mist. The boat had to moan and groan a great deal as we journeyed closer and closer to the powerful rushing falls of the Niagara. Majestic-- beyond measure! Powerful-- beyond description! Energizing-- beyond words! I concur with the Psalm writer. Truly awesome!
It is just about time for the weekend. I think I'll take this week's devotions about water and waterfalls and recall many wonderful life experiences. Maybe I'll even work on some embellishments!
--Ben Keckler
09.10.10
“O Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
--A song of praise, Psalm 8
Have you been to Niagara Falls? I've been there on numerous occasions and I believe I remember something from every visit to the falls. I've got some really funny stories to write about when I can take the time to journal them. For now they will remain fixed in my mind, they will probably gain some embellishments as memory interprets their realities. Folklore is always better, don't you agree?
One memorable trip was riding out toward the falls on the Maid of the Mist. The boat had to moan and groan a great deal as we journeyed closer and closer to the powerful rushing falls of the Niagara. Majestic-- beyond measure! Powerful-- beyond description! Energizing-- beyond words! I concur with the Psalm writer. Truly awesome!
It is just about time for the weekend. I think I'll take this week's devotions about water and waterfalls and recall many wonderful life experiences. Maybe I'll even work on some embellishments!
--Ben Keckler
09.10.10
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Daily Devotion - Thursday, September 9
More Musings about Water
“O Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
--A song of praise, Psalm 8
On Tuesday I told you about Athabasca Falls, a powerful waterfall in Alberta, Canada. As you journey north from the falls toward Jasper, Alberta there is a white water rafting business. During our holiday last year, my wife's brothers decided they would experience the white waters. (We opted for horseback riding!) Recently we got a CD of their trip. Water, water everywhere! Smiling faces indicated the great joy the trip created.
Majestic doesn’t seem a powerful enough description for the awe I felt as they told of their excursion! (Personally, I thought our ride on the mountain trail was pretty majestic!) Yet, listening to their stories I could sense their water experience was more energizing than our ride on the trail horses. Their stories seemed to resonate these words: “O Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
Today I will not ride a horse, nor will I board a raft or journey down a river. But in these few moments of devotion, I will journey with the pictures and the stories of a day spent rafting on the Athabasca River. And, I will recall the majesty of the Holy One.
--Ben Keckler
09.09.10
“O Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
--A song of praise, Psalm 8
On Tuesday I told you about Athabasca Falls, a powerful waterfall in Alberta, Canada. As you journey north from the falls toward Jasper, Alberta there is a white water rafting business. During our holiday last year, my wife's brothers decided they would experience the white waters. (We opted for horseback riding!) Recently we got a CD of their trip. Water, water everywhere! Smiling faces indicated the great joy the trip created.
Majestic doesn’t seem a powerful enough description for the awe I felt as they told of their excursion! (Personally, I thought our ride on the mountain trail was pretty majestic!) Yet, listening to their stories I could sense their water experience was more energizing than our ride on the trail horses. Their stories seemed to resonate these words: “O Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
Today I will not ride a horse, nor will I board a raft or journey down a river. But in these few moments of devotion, I will journey with the pictures and the stories of a day spent rafting on the Athabasca River. And, I will recall the majesty of the Holy One.
--Ben Keckler
09.09.10
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, September 8
Water and Waterfalls – a Musing
“O Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
--A song of praise, Psalm 8
Last year when we vacationed in the Canadian Rockies, we had the opportunity to journey out onto the Columbia Ice Fields. Our excursion took us very close to a three way continental divide (from that point the waters flow to the Pacific, the Atlantic and the Arctic oceans). A glacier is huge – in order to qualify as a glacier the ice mass must be at least 100 ft. in depth, cover at least 25 acres of land and annually have measurable movement. Try to imagine standing on that much frozen, yet melting (ever so slowly) water.
Majestic doesn’t seem a powerful enough description for the awe I felt as we spent time on the glacier and observed the water trickling toward a destination in one of the world's oceans. We had just received word of the birth of our grandson. I bent down on the ice, collected some glacial water and brought it home for his anticipated baptism. We recently celebrated that baptism and our grandson has now experienced his first water from another land! I won't forget either experience for quite some time, I am certain. “O Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
Today I am in my reality. I grateful for water and its cleansing, refreshing nature. From time to time today I will allow water to cleanse my hands as I go through the work day. I will drink water to quench my thirst. I rejoice that I was able to enjoy water's sacramental splendor, last month.
--Ben Keckler
09.08.10
“O Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
--A song of praise, Psalm 8
Last year when we vacationed in the Canadian Rockies, we had the opportunity to journey out onto the Columbia Ice Fields. Our excursion took us very close to a three way continental divide (from that point the waters flow to the Pacific, the Atlantic and the Arctic oceans). A glacier is huge – in order to qualify as a glacier the ice mass must be at least 100 ft. in depth, cover at least 25 acres of land and annually have measurable movement. Try to imagine standing on that much frozen, yet melting (ever so slowly) water.
Majestic doesn’t seem a powerful enough description for the awe I felt as we spent time on the glacier and observed the water trickling toward a destination in one of the world's oceans. We had just received word of the birth of our grandson. I bent down on the ice, collected some glacial water and brought it home for his anticipated baptism. We recently celebrated that baptism and our grandson has now experienced his first water from another land! I won't forget either experience for quite some time, I am certain. “O Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
Today I am in my reality. I grateful for water and its cleansing, refreshing nature. From time to time today I will allow water to cleanse my hands as I go through the work day. I will drink water to quench my thirst. I rejoice that I was able to enjoy water's sacramental splendor, last month.
--Ben Keckler
09.08.10
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, September 7
Another Musing about Water/Waterfalls
“O Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
--A song of praise, Psalm 8
Last year I was privileged to see a part of the world I’d never visited. We vacationed in the Canadian Rockies. We spent time in Glacier National Park in Montana, as well. The trip included visits to Calgary, Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff. We were also privileged to spend time on the Columbia Icefields. The list of experiences was and still is rather phenomenal.
Majestic doesn’t seem a powerful enough description for the awe I felt as we spent time at Athabasca Falls! The passage for the falls is quite narrow, especially compared with the wide river behind it filled with the melted snows from the mountains. The scene was filled with energy as rushing water made its way through the passage to a wide river bottom below. It is as though I can still hear and feel the power of the moment months later. I concur with the ancient song of praise, “O Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
Today I am into the daily routine of caregiving still recalling a memorable vacation from before and a long, relaxing weekend just ended. I am trusting that we can bathe patients in a waterfall of healing graces that brings them to a better place. Compassionate caregiving gives patients and families the opportunity to experience the majesty and power of God.
A prayer: Holy One, may our simple acts of caregiving bring the restoring, healing touch that patients and their families need. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
09.07.10
“O Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
--A song of praise, Psalm 8
Last year I was privileged to see a part of the world I’d never visited. We vacationed in the Canadian Rockies. We spent time in Glacier National Park in Montana, as well. The trip included visits to Calgary, Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff. We were also privileged to spend time on the Columbia Icefields. The list of experiences was and still is rather phenomenal.
Majestic doesn’t seem a powerful enough description for the awe I felt as we spent time at Athabasca Falls! The passage for the falls is quite narrow, especially compared with the wide river behind it filled with the melted snows from the mountains. The scene was filled with energy as rushing water made its way through the passage to a wide river bottom below. It is as though I can still hear and feel the power of the moment months later. I concur with the ancient song of praise, “O Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
Today I am into the daily routine of caregiving still recalling a memorable vacation from before and a long, relaxing weekend just ended. I am trusting that we can bathe patients in a waterfall of healing graces that brings them to a better place. Compassionate caregiving gives patients and families the opportunity to experience the majesty and power of God.
A prayer: Holy One, may our simple acts of caregiving bring the restoring, healing touch that patients and their families need. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
09.07.10
Monday, September 6, 2010
Daily Devotion - Monday, September 6
Musings about Water and Waterfalls
“O Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
--A song of praise, Psalm 8
Seven years ago I was privileged to see a part of the world I’d never visited. Because of a generous gift, we vacationed in Copenhagen, Denmark and Edinburgh, Scotland. Ten additional days in between were spent cruising through Norway’s fjords. We climbed a glacier, we saw one waterfall and then another and another and another. We walked the streets within the Edinburgh Castle, visited a “Stave” church of simple design in Norway and saw the Crown Jewels of both Scotland and Denmark. The list of experiences was and still is rather phenomenal.
Majestic doesn’t seem a powerful enough description for the awe I felt as we spent time on the glacier and observed the waterfalls! Hearing the rushing water make its way over the mountainside cliffs and rapidly descend in magnificent beauty to the awaiting pool (lake) beneath, I must concur with the ancient song of praise, “O Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
Today I am in my reality. I am trusting that, even on this holiday, we can bathe our hospital patients in a waterfall of healing graces that brings them to a better place. Compassionate caregiving gives patients and families the opportunity to experience the majesty and power of God. I still remember how good it was to be away and be refreshed by the majesty of a Norwegian waterfall. It is equally wonderful to be a part of this hospital family of care giving people!
HAVE A GOOD HOLIDAY!
A prayer: Holy One, may our simple acts of caregiving bring the restoring, healing touch that patients and their families need. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
09.06.10
“O Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
--A song of praise, Psalm 8
Seven years ago I was privileged to see a part of the world I’d never visited. Because of a generous gift, we vacationed in Copenhagen, Denmark and Edinburgh, Scotland. Ten additional days in between were spent cruising through Norway’s fjords. We climbed a glacier, we saw one waterfall and then another and another and another. We walked the streets within the Edinburgh Castle, visited a “Stave” church of simple design in Norway and saw the Crown Jewels of both Scotland and Denmark. The list of experiences was and still is rather phenomenal.
Majestic doesn’t seem a powerful enough description for the awe I felt as we spent time on the glacier and observed the waterfalls! Hearing the rushing water make its way over the mountainside cliffs and rapidly descend in magnificent beauty to the awaiting pool (lake) beneath, I must concur with the ancient song of praise, “O Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
Today I am in my reality. I am trusting that, even on this holiday, we can bathe our hospital patients in a waterfall of healing graces that brings them to a better place. Compassionate caregiving gives patients and families the opportunity to experience the majesty and power of God. I still remember how good it was to be away and be refreshed by the majesty of a Norwegian waterfall. It is equally wonderful to be a part of this hospital family of care giving people!
HAVE A GOOD HOLIDAY!
A prayer: Holy One, may our simple acts of caregiving bring the restoring, healing touch that patients and their families need. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
09.06.10
Friday, September 3, 2010
Daily Devotion - Friday, September 3
A Holiday Weekend
Today is the final day of the work week for many of us and it comes with an extra day – Labor Day! In the field of health care, however, it is good to remember that the rhythm of a hospital is 24—7—365!!!! Many of us will spend the weekend renewing ourselves; some will be here at work.
It is important that we do everything that needs to be done today. It is equally important to remember with thanksgiving those who are here this weekend—those who are enabling patients and families to peacefully experience their “present tense” moment.
The Cheyenne Indian had a proverb: “When you lose the rhythm of the drumbeat of God, you are lost from the peace and rhythm of life.” Listen to the drumbeat today, all weekend long, and always!
A prayer: O God, satisfy us with your steadfast love so that we may share your beauty with those who need our caring touch. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
09.03.10
Today is the final day of the work week for many of us and it comes with an extra day – Labor Day! In the field of health care, however, it is good to remember that the rhythm of a hospital is 24—7—365!!!! Many of us will spend the weekend renewing ourselves; some will be here at work.
It is important that we do everything that needs to be done today. It is equally important to remember with thanksgiving those who are here this weekend—those who are enabling patients and families to peacefully experience their “present tense” moment.
The Cheyenne Indian had a proverb: “When you lose the rhythm of the drumbeat of God, you are lost from the peace and rhythm of life.” Listen to the drumbeat today, all weekend long, and always!
A prayer: O God, satisfy us with your steadfast love so that we may share your beauty with those who need our caring touch. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
09.03.10
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Daily Devotion - Thursday, September 2
I Ought To Have...
Erasing the “ought to have” and the “if only” aspects of our lives is important. To forget what is behind is the best way to face today. It is also a very, very, VERY difficult thing to do.
Henri Nouwen writes, “So many things have happened in our lives about which we feel uneasy, regretful, angry, confused or ambivalent. And all these feelings are often colored by guilt. Guilt that says: ‘You ought to have done…..’ or ‘You ought to have said…..’” The result is that we cannot be fully present in the moment because we are holding on to past feelings that obscure our living in the moment.
The same is true of our “what if” moments. When we are wondering things like “What if the stock market plunges even more?” we are contemplating things beyond our control. We can end up missing the beauty that surrounds us.
Each of us has this moment, this day to be present and attentive to our inner voice, our work, each other. Be alert friends, the One who is, is present right now.
A prayer: God, help me to discover you right here, right now! Amen.
--Ben Keckler
09.02.10
Erasing the “ought to have” and the “if only” aspects of our lives is important. To forget what is behind is the best way to face today. It is also a very, very, VERY difficult thing to do.
Henri Nouwen writes, “So many things have happened in our lives about which we feel uneasy, regretful, angry, confused or ambivalent. And all these feelings are often colored by guilt. Guilt that says: ‘You ought to have done…..’ or ‘You ought to have said…..’” The result is that we cannot be fully present in the moment because we are holding on to past feelings that obscure our living in the moment.
The same is true of our “what if” moments. When we are wondering things like “What if the stock market plunges even more?” we are contemplating things beyond our control. We can end up missing the beauty that surrounds us.
Each of us has this moment, this day to be present and attentive to our inner voice, our work, each other. Be alert friends, the One who is, is present right now.
A prayer: God, help me to discover you right here, right now! Amen.
--Ben Keckler
09.02.10
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, September 1
If Only
It can sometimes be a struggle to live “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.
In the midst of this we might hear the exclamation, “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, try to hear that inner voice that says to each of us: “I have a gift for you and can’t wait for you to see it!”
Choosing to listen to that inner voice will find each of us experiencing that the past is gone and we can never change it. As we keep listening to that voice, we will find ourselves opening more and more to discover the new life hidden in the moment, waiting eagerly to be born.
Enjoy THIS DAY!
A prayer: God of today, keep me attentive. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
09.01.10
It can sometimes be a struggle to live “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.
In the midst of this we might hear the exclamation, “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, try to hear that inner voice that says to each of us: “I have a gift for you and can’t wait for you to see it!”
Choosing to listen to that inner voice will find each of us experiencing that the past is gone and we can never change it. As we keep listening to that voice, we will find ourselves opening more and more to discover the new life hidden in the moment, waiting eagerly to be born.
Enjoy THIS DAY!
A prayer: God of today, keep me attentive. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
09.01.10
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