Living in the Present Moment
“The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in
from this time on and forevermore.”
--Psalm 121: 8
WARNING: As we end this week's devotions, you may be challenged to move beyond boundaries of your comfort zone. It can be uncomfortable exploring thoughts, concepts or opportunities beyond our normal limits. For example, a few years ago a friend of mine went on a business trip. One day after work, accompanied by several business partners, he went to an Olympic bobsled run and took a new adventure. In speaking with him about this anticipated experience, he was excited, but also quite nervous. He moved beyond his comfort zone. He trusted in the insight from today's Psalm.
A world-renowned Zen master and spiritual leader gives a fresh approach to this verse in these words he penned about two decades ago:
“Our true home is in the present moment.
To live in the present moment is a miracle.
The miracle is not to walk on water.
The miracle is to walk on the green Earth in the present moment,
to appreciate the peace and beauty that are available now.
Peace is all around us—
in the world and in nature—
And within us—
in our bodies and in our spirits.
Once we learn to touch this peace, we will be healed and transformed.
It is not a matter of faith; it is a matter of practice.”
--Ben Keckler
01.28.11
Friday, January 28, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Daily Devotion - Thursday, January 27
Another Question to Consider
“Whom have I in heaven but you?”
--Psalm 73:25
Taking time with the questions of the soul is some of the best work a person can do. Taking time with the questions of the soul can empower us and guide us when the way is particularly difficult. The Psalm writer was comfortable asking questions, even if answers did not readily surface. Asking the questions of the soul — this is good work. Rainer Maria Rilke offers this insight today:
“Have patience with everything unresolved in your heart
and try to love the questions themselves…
Don’t search for the answers, which could not be given to you now,
because you would not be able to live them.
And the point is, to live everything.
Live the questions now.
Perhaps then, someday far in the future,
you will gradually, without even noticing it
live your way into the answer.”
A prayer for today: Holy God, I give you my questions. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
01.27.11
“Whom have I in heaven but you?”
--Psalm 73:25
Taking time with the questions of the soul is some of the best work a person can do. Taking time with the questions of the soul can empower us and guide us when the way is particularly difficult. The Psalm writer was comfortable asking questions, even if answers did not readily surface. Asking the questions of the soul — this is good work. Rainer Maria Rilke offers this insight today:
“Have patience with everything unresolved in your heart
and try to love the questions themselves…
Don’t search for the answers, which could not be given to you now,
because you would not be able to live them.
And the point is, to live everything.
Live the questions now.
Perhaps then, someday far in the future,
you will gradually, without even noticing it
live your way into the answer.”
A prayer for today: Holy God, I give you my questions. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
01.27.11
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, January 26
A Few Minutes Please
“What is humankind that you should be mindful of us?”
--Psalm 8: 5
Today I'd like to continue thinking about the significance of creation. We are part of a cosmic community. I find it helpful to remember that the Creator who set all time and space in motion created us in community with the rest of the cosmos. Stopping to affirm this concept and spending time with it can really be empowering. Here is a little story from the life of St. Francis who often took time to pray with the creatures of the cosmos:
When Francis was hurrying across the Lake of Rieti to the hermitage of Greccio, out of devotion a fisherman offered him a waterfowl. He took it gladly and opened his hands to let it go, but it did not want to. He prayed for a long time with his eyes turned to heaven. After more than an hour, he came back to himself and gently told the bird again to go away and praise God. Having received his permission with a blessing, the bird expressed its joy in the movements of its body, and flew away.
For some, this tale may be difficult to take seriously. The problem is probably not in the story, however. Realizing the integrity and sacredness of creation opens new dimensions for living, especially with chaos. We are a small, small part of a splendid work of creativity. Thanks to a power beyond us for the gift of creation.
--Ben Keckler
01.26.11
“What is humankind that you should be mindful of us?”
--Psalm 8: 5
Today I'd like to continue thinking about the significance of creation. We are part of a cosmic community. I find it helpful to remember that the Creator who set all time and space in motion created us in community with the rest of the cosmos. Stopping to affirm this concept and spending time with it can really be empowering. Here is a little story from the life of St. Francis who often took time to pray with the creatures of the cosmos:
When Francis was hurrying across the Lake of Rieti to the hermitage of Greccio, out of devotion a fisherman offered him a waterfowl. He took it gladly and opened his hands to let it go, but it did not want to. He prayed for a long time with his eyes turned to heaven. After more than an hour, he came back to himself and gently told the bird again to go away and praise God. Having received his permission with a blessing, the bird expressed its joy in the movements of its body, and flew away.
For some, this tale may be difficult to take seriously. The problem is probably not in the story, however. Realizing the integrity and sacredness of creation opens new dimensions for living, especially with chaos. We are a small, small part of a splendid work of creativity. Thanks to a power beyond us for the gift of creation.
--Ben Keckler
01.26.11
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, January 25
A Significant Question
“What is humankind that you should be mindful of us?”
--Psalm 8: 5
The writer asks God a most interesting question, I believe. It is a question we don’t want to encounter, especially in dialogs or in devotions. It is good to deal with the question. The writer recognizes both how small he/she is and how profoundly privileged he/she is. The question should cause us to realize just how skewed our vision can become.
It seems easy to get stuck, thinking we are the center of the universe. Our affluence can cause us to miss the simple joys in simple things. We take so little time focusing on the biggest picture because we are trying to create a big picture of our own. A collection of objects from nature—stones, feathers, pine cones, a flower, blades of grass can really help us in our spiritual development. Taking 15 minutes in your day to simply be with an object and allow it to “tell its story”, can truly be a meaningful way of getting in touch with our own “infinite smallness”. Taking time with the surroundings of nature that have been around forever can give us new perspectives about our world of “possessions/things”.
Consider, for example, the stories the majestic Canadian Rockies contain after their billions of years of observing the world. Spend 15 brief minutes today looking at a picture of some snow-capped mountain and you too will probably wonder, “Why is God so mindful of me?” Enjoy discovering insights about this important question.
--Ben Keckler
01.25.11
“What is humankind that you should be mindful of us?”
--Psalm 8: 5
The writer asks God a most interesting question, I believe. It is a question we don’t want to encounter, especially in dialogs or in devotions. It is good to deal with the question. The writer recognizes both how small he/she is and how profoundly privileged he/she is. The question should cause us to realize just how skewed our vision can become.
It seems easy to get stuck, thinking we are the center of the universe. Our affluence can cause us to miss the simple joys in simple things. We take so little time focusing on the biggest picture because we are trying to create a big picture of our own. A collection of objects from nature—stones, feathers, pine cones, a flower, blades of grass can really help us in our spiritual development. Taking 15 minutes in your day to simply be with an object and allow it to “tell its story”, can truly be a meaningful way of getting in touch with our own “infinite smallness”. Taking time with the surroundings of nature that have been around forever can give us new perspectives about our world of “possessions/things”.
Consider, for example, the stories the majestic Canadian Rockies contain after their billions of years of observing the world. Spend 15 brief minutes today looking at a picture of some snow-capped mountain and you too will probably wonder, “Why is God so mindful of me?” Enjoy discovering insights about this important question.
--Ben Keckler
01.25.11
Monday, January 24, 2011
Daily Devotion - Monday, January 24
Tuesday on Monday
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”
--Proverbs 14:30
A valuable textbook for living is Mitch Albom’s book Tuesdays with Morrie. Mitch discovered that his revered college professor, Morrie, is dying. He took off a number of Tuesdays to go and visit his old professor. I feel there are some important questions from their second visit that each of us might want to consider throughout this week. Morrie poses these questions as a guide for living:
1. Have you found someone to share your heart with?
2. Are you giving to your community?
3. Are you at peace with yourself?
4. Are you trying to be as human as you can be?
These questions are worthy of thought in the beginning days of 2011. Have a meaningful week.
--Ben Keckler
01.24.11
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”
--Proverbs 14:30
A valuable textbook for living is Mitch Albom’s book Tuesdays with Morrie. Mitch discovered that his revered college professor, Morrie, is dying. He took off a number of Tuesdays to go and visit his old professor. I feel there are some important questions from their second visit that each of us might want to consider throughout this week. Morrie poses these questions as a guide for living:
1. Have you found someone to share your heart with?
2. Are you giving to your community?
3. Are you at peace with yourself?
4. Are you trying to be as human as you can be?
These questions are worthy of thought in the beginning days of 2011. Have a meaningful week.
--Ben Keckler
01.24.11
Friday, January 21, 2011
Daily Devotion - Friday, January 21
Can You Hear Me Now?
Devotional Reflections on prayer, with thanks to Verizon Wireless
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for God;
do not fret over those who prosper in their way,
but take delight in the Lord,
and God will grant you the desires of your heart.”
--An ancient Hebrew song (Psalm 37, selected verses)
NOTE: You probably remember the Verizon Wireless commercial with the young man walking into all sorts of places to check on the “power supply” for communicating with “the person” on the other end of the line. Today is Friday and we dare to explore that question one more time as we look at another wireless connection.
Learning to let life come to us can be a challenge. The longer I live, the more I realize that I don’t need to be “doing” nearly as much as I need to be “listening”. When I listen well, many opportunities will come my way. Here is a little teaching that might be helpful as you work on listening to the Holy One.
Our true home is in the present moment.
To live in the present moment is a miracle.
The miracle is not to walk on water.
The miracle is to walk on the green Earth in the present moment,
To appreciate the peace and beauty that are available now.
Peace is all around us – in the world and in nature.
And peace is within us –
In our bodies and in our spirits.
When we are in touch with this peace,
we will sense healing and transformation.
Peace is not a matter of faith; it is a matter of practice.
A prayer: Holy God, guide me no further than this very moment. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
01.21.11
Devotional Reflections on prayer, with thanks to Verizon Wireless
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for God;
do not fret over those who prosper in their way,
but take delight in the Lord,
and God will grant you the desires of your heart.”
--An ancient Hebrew song (Psalm 37, selected verses)
NOTE: You probably remember the Verizon Wireless commercial with the young man walking into all sorts of places to check on the “power supply” for communicating with “the person” on the other end of the line. Today is Friday and we dare to explore that question one more time as we look at another wireless connection.
Learning to let life come to us can be a challenge. The longer I live, the more I realize that I don’t need to be “doing” nearly as much as I need to be “listening”. When I listen well, many opportunities will come my way. Here is a little teaching that might be helpful as you work on listening to the Holy One.
Our true home is in the present moment.
To live in the present moment is a miracle.
The miracle is not to walk on water.
The miracle is to walk on the green Earth in the present moment,
To appreciate the peace and beauty that are available now.
Peace is all around us – in the world and in nature.
And peace is within us –
In our bodies and in our spirits.
When we are in touch with this peace,
we will sense healing and transformation.
Peace is not a matter of faith; it is a matter of practice.
A prayer: Holy God, guide me no further than this very moment. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
01.21.11
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Daily Devotion - Thursday, January 20
Can You Hear Me Now?
Devotional Reflections on prayer, with thanks to Verizon Wireless
“Give ear to my prayer, O God;
do not hide yourself from my supplication.
Attend to me, and answer me; I am troubled in my complaint.”
--An ancient Hebrew song (Psalm 55:1, 2)
NOTE: You probably remember the Verizon Wireless commercial with the young man walking into all sorts of places to check on the “power supply” for communicating with “the person” on the other end of the line. This week we explore that question as we look at another wireless connection.
Today’s opening verses sound like the writer isn’t quite sure if God is paying attention. Truly life is filled with many moments like this. If you listen to some of the ways we talk in our religious circles, it sounds like God is always paying attention and doing exactly what we hope God will do. Each day I encounter a number of people who feel like the person who penned the opening words in Psalm 55. The following prayer expresses my heart desires and I pray it regularly. Sometimes when I offer this prayer I’m tempted to be the Verizon wireless guy asking, “Can You Hear Me Now?”
God,
Lead us from death to life, from falsehood to truth.
Lead us from despair to hope, from fear to trust.
I pray for peace to fill my heart, this world, and our universe.
I pray that we might dream together, pray together,
and work together,
Building one world filled with peace and justice for all. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
01.20.11
Devotional Reflections on prayer, with thanks to Verizon Wireless
“Give ear to my prayer, O God;
do not hide yourself from my supplication.
Attend to me, and answer me; I am troubled in my complaint.”
--An ancient Hebrew song (Psalm 55:1, 2)
NOTE: You probably remember the Verizon Wireless commercial with the young man walking into all sorts of places to check on the “power supply” for communicating with “the person” on the other end of the line. This week we explore that question as we look at another wireless connection.
Today’s opening verses sound like the writer isn’t quite sure if God is paying attention. Truly life is filled with many moments like this. If you listen to some of the ways we talk in our religious circles, it sounds like God is always paying attention and doing exactly what we hope God will do. Each day I encounter a number of people who feel like the person who penned the opening words in Psalm 55. The following prayer expresses my heart desires and I pray it regularly. Sometimes when I offer this prayer I’m tempted to be the Verizon wireless guy asking, “Can You Hear Me Now?”
God,
Lead us from death to life, from falsehood to truth.
Lead us from despair to hope, from fear to trust.
I pray for peace to fill my heart, this world, and our universe.
I pray that we might dream together, pray together,
and work together,
Building one world filled with peace and justice for all. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
01.20.11
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, January 19
Can You Hear Me Now?
Devotional Reflections on prayer, with thanks to Verizon Wireless
“To you, O Lord, I call;
my rock, do not refuse to hear me,
for if you are silent to me,
I shall be like those who go down to the Pit.”
--An ancient Hebrew song (Psalm 28:1)
NOTE: You may remember the Verizon Wireless commercial with the young man walking into all sorts of places to check on the “power supply” for communicating with “the person” on the other end of the line. This week we dare to explore that question as we look at another wireless connection.
One day, not all that long ago, I faced a most challenging day. A funeral for a 16-year old young man who died from a cancer; a support group for cancer survivors, knowing that three of them decided to participate in hospice care since our last meeting; visitation requests as per the normal day; and spending a few minutes with our new associates. There was a lot on the schedule that day and it felt pretty overwhelming. My insides echoed the writer of the old Hebrew psalm. Here is the prayer that I wrote for that day:
Holy God,
I know you are strong and willing to grant me strength for my day.
Help me to feel your presence and trust in your promises.
I really do believe, for I have felt your amazing grace.
Since you already know about the challenges of my day,
forgive me for checking, but
CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?
--Ben Keckler
01.19.11
Devotional Reflections on prayer, with thanks to Verizon Wireless
“To you, O Lord, I call;
my rock, do not refuse to hear me,
for if you are silent to me,
I shall be like those who go down to the Pit.”
--An ancient Hebrew song (Psalm 28:1)
NOTE: You may remember the Verizon Wireless commercial with the young man walking into all sorts of places to check on the “power supply” for communicating with “the person” on the other end of the line. This week we dare to explore that question as we look at another wireless connection.
One day, not all that long ago, I faced a most challenging day. A funeral for a 16-year old young man who died from a cancer; a support group for cancer survivors, knowing that three of them decided to participate in hospice care since our last meeting; visitation requests as per the normal day; and spending a few minutes with our new associates. There was a lot on the schedule that day and it felt pretty overwhelming. My insides echoed the writer of the old Hebrew psalm. Here is the prayer that I wrote for that day:
Holy God,
I know you are strong and willing to grant me strength for my day.
Help me to feel your presence and trust in your promises.
I really do believe, for I have felt your amazing grace.
Since you already know about the challenges of my day,
forgive me for checking, but
CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?
--Ben Keckler
01.19.11
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, January 18
Can You Hear Me Now?
Devotional Reflections on prayer, with thanks to Verizon Wireless
“How long, O Lord?
Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?”
--An ancient Hebrew song (Psalm 13:1)
NOTE: You may remember the Verizon Wireless commercial with the young man walking into all sorts of places to check on the “power supply” for communicating with “the person” on the other end of the line. The rest of this week we dare to explore that question as we look at another wireless connection.
A few years ago I developed a presentation, “Tell Me Your Heart Song”, I included one of my favorite stories about prayer. It is a story about Dan Rather interviewing Mother Teresa. My paraphrase follows:
Rather: “So what do you say when you pray to God?”
Mother Teresa: “Nothing, I just listen.”
Struggling quickly to come up with the next question, probably believing that the answer would be longer,
Rather: “Well, what does God say to you?”
Mother Teresa: “Nothing. He just listens too!”
The Psalmist was feeling silence from the Divine and could keep quiet no longer. The three quick questions that begin this devotional seem to cry out, “Can you hear me now?”
Sometimes prayer is like that.
--Ben Keckler
01.18.11
Devotional Reflections on prayer, with thanks to Verizon Wireless
“How long, O Lord?
Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?”
--An ancient Hebrew song (Psalm 13:1)
NOTE: You may remember the Verizon Wireless commercial with the young man walking into all sorts of places to check on the “power supply” for communicating with “the person” on the other end of the line. The rest of this week we dare to explore that question as we look at another wireless connection.
A few years ago I developed a presentation, “Tell Me Your Heart Song”, I included one of my favorite stories about prayer. It is a story about Dan Rather interviewing Mother Teresa. My paraphrase follows:
Rather: “So what do you say when you pray to God?”
Mother Teresa: “Nothing, I just listen.”
Struggling quickly to come up with the next question, probably believing that the answer would be longer,
Rather: “Well, what does God say to you?”
Mother Teresa: “Nothing. He just listens too!”
The Psalmist was feeling silence from the Divine and could keep quiet no longer. The three quick questions that begin this devotional seem to cry out, “Can you hear me now?”
Sometimes prayer is like that.
--Ben Keckler
01.18.11
Monday, January 17, 2011
Daily Devotion - Monday, January 17
N or V?
“Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord,
Then I shall have an answer for those who taunt me,
for I trust in your word.”
--Psalm 119: 41, 42
Today is set aside as a day to remember a faith-filled leader who became a voice of the people during the Civil Rights turmoil several decades ago. Martin Luther King, Jr. did not dream of a day set aside as a holiday in his name. He did dream of a nation, this country we love, living the principles of liberty and justice for all. We’ve made some strides, but we have a long way to go!
King’s boldness was strengthened by his unwavering faith. He was aware that God would not turn against him. He went about his work with this inner confidence. Max Lucado writes:
“Your family may turn against you, but God won’t.
Your friends may betray you, but God won’t.
You may feel alone in the wilderness, but you’re not.
God is with you. And because God is with you,
everything is different.
You are different. God changes your n into a v.
So go from lonely to lovely.”
Have a good day and a good week. Bask in the sunshine of an eternal, steadfast love embracing you.
Prayer for today:
Grant wisdom and courage for the facing of each hour, O God. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
01.17.11
“Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord,
Then I shall have an answer for those who taunt me,
for I trust in your word.”
--Psalm 119: 41, 42
Today is set aside as a day to remember a faith-filled leader who became a voice of the people during the Civil Rights turmoil several decades ago. Martin Luther King, Jr. did not dream of a day set aside as a holiday in his name. He did dream of a nation, this country we love, living the principles of liberty and justice for all. We’ve made some strides, but we have a long way to go!
King’s boldness was strengthened by his unwavering faith. He was aware that God would not turn against him. He went about his work with this inner confidence. Max Lucado writes:
“Your family may turn against you, but God won’t.
Your friends may betray you, but God won’t.
You may feel alone in the wilderness, but you’re not.
God is with you. And because God is with you,
everything is different.
You are different. God changes your n into a v.
So go from lonely to lovely.”
Have a good day and a good week. Bask in the sunshine of an eternal, steadfast love embracing you.
Prayer for today:
Grant wisdom and courage for the facing of each hour, O God. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
01.17.11
Friday, January 14, 2011
Daily Devotion - Friday, January 14
Toward A New Dawn
A Week of Prayers for the year 2011, Prayer 5
I trust you have found this week of prayers beneficial for your journey for the day, for the winter season, for the year.
“I have no other helper than you, no other father, I pray to you.
Only you can help me. My present misery is too great.
Despair grips me, and I am at my wit’s end.
O Lord, Creator, Ruler of the World, Father.
I thank you that you have brought me through.
“How strong the pain was — but you were stronger.
How deep the fall was – but you were even deeper.
How dark the night was – but you were the noonday sun in it.
“You are our father, our mother, our brother, and our friend. Amen.”
--An African prayer
--Ben Keckler
01.14.11
A Week of Prayers for the year 2011, Prayer 5
I trust you have found this week of prayers beneficial for your journey for the day, for the winter season, for the year.
“I have no other helper than you, no other father, I pray to you.
Only you can help me. My present misery is too great.
Despair grips me, and I am at my wit’s end.
O Lord, Creator, Ruler of the World, Father.
I thank you that you have brought me through.
“How strong the pain was — but you were stronger.
How deep the fall was – but you were even deeper.
How dark the night was – but you were the noonday sun in it.
“You are our father, our mother, our brother, and our friend. Amen.”
--An African prayer
--Ben Keckler
01.14.11
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Daily Devotion - Thursday, January 13
Toward A New Dawn
A Week of Prayers for the year 2011, Prayer 4
I trust you will find this week of prayers beneficial for your journey for today, for this winter season, for the year.
“Help me to let go of my preoccupations with the future.
Give me the strength to stop my futile attempts
to predict and control the future.
Let me see no value in my plan of what the future should be.
Rid me of my senseless questions about tomorrow
and of all my desires to exercise control of others.
“Remind me that my fears and uncertainties of tomorrow
are only related to my unfounded fear of You.
“Help me be still; help me listen and love.
“Let me feel Your Freedom within me,
And let me laugh at the illusions that my ego
once made me feel were so real.
“Let me be the Light; let me be joy;
let me know that I am the reflection of You
wherever I am, and wherever I go.”
--Gerald G. Jampolsky
--Ben Keckler
01.13.11
A Week of Prayers for the year 2011, Prayer 4
I trust you will find this week of prayers beneficial for your journey for today, for this winter season, for the year.
“Help me to let go of my preoccupations with the future.
Give me the strength to stop my futile attempts
to predict and control the future.
Let me see no value in my plan of what the future should be.
Rid me of my senseless questions about tomorrow
and of all my desires to exercise control of others.
“Remind me that my fears and uncertainties of tomorrow
are only related to my unfounded fear of You.
“Help me be still; help me listen and love.
“Let me feel Your Freedom within me,
And let me laugh at the illusions that my ego
once made me feel were so real.
“Let me be the Light; let me be joy;
let me know that I am the reflection of You
wherever I am, and wherever I go.”
--Gerald G. Jampolsky
--Ben Keckler
01.13.11
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, January 12
Toward A New Dawn
A Week of Prayers for the year 2011, Prayer 3
I trust you will find this week of prayers beneficial for your journey for today, for this winter season, for the year.
“After a while you learn the subtle difference
between holding a hand and chaining a soul.
And you learn that love doesn’t mean leaning
and company doesn’t mean security.
And you begin to learn that kisses aren’t compromises
and presents aren’t promises.
“And you begin to accept your defeats
with your head up and your eyes ahead
with the grace of a woman or a man, not the grief of a child,
because tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain for plans
and futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight.
“After a while you learn that even sunshine burns
if you ask too much.
So you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul
instead of waiting for someone to buy you flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure,
that you really are strong,
and you really do have worth.
“And you learn. And you learn.
With every difficulty or failure you learn.”
--Anonymous
--Ben Keckler
01.12.11
A Week of Prayers for the year 2011, Prayer 3
I trust you will find this week of prayers beneficial for your journey for today, for this winter season, for the year.
“After a while you learn the subtle difference
between holding a hand and chaining a soul.
And you learn that love doesn’t mean leaning
and company doesn’t mean security.
And you begin to learn that kisses aren’t compromises
and presents aren’t promises.
“And you begin to accept your defeats
with your head up and your eyes ahead
with the grace of a woman or a man, not the grief of a child,
because tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain for plans
and futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight.
“After a while you learn that even sunshine burns
if you ask too much.
So you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul
instead of waiting for someone to buy you flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure,
that you really are strong,
and you really do have worth.
“And you learn. And you learn.
With every difficulty or failure you learn.”
--Anonymous
--Ben Keckler
01.12.11
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, January 11
Toward A New Dawn
A Week of Prayers for the year 2011, Prayer 2
I trust you will find this week of prayers beneficial for your journey for today, for this winter season, for the year.
“Infinite Spirit, when I pray each day for shelter for the homeless,
let me not ignore the pet without a home;
“As I ask for protection for those in areas of turmoil and unrest,
let me not forget endangered species of life;
“When I pray that the hungry be fed,
let me be mindful that all God’s creatures have need of sustenance;
“As I ask Divine assistance for those afflicted
by fire, flood, earthquake, storm or drought,
let me remember that this includes every living thing;
“In seeking miracle cures for human disease,
may I also speak for the well being of the planet itself.
“Let the words of my mouth, the meditations of my heart
and the actions of my life be as one,
that I may live each day in harmony with Mother Earth. Amen.”
--Jennie Frost Butler
--Ben Keckler
01.11.11
A Week of Prayers for the year 2011, Prayer 2
I trust you will find this week of prayers beneficial for your journey for today, for this winter season, for the year.
“Infinite Spirit, when I pray each day for shelter for the homeless,
let me not ignore the pet without a home;
“As I ask for protection for those in areas of turmoil and unrest,
let me not forget endangered species of life;
“When I pray that the hungry be fed,
let me be mindful that all God’s creatures have need of sustenance;
“As I ask Divine assistance for those afflicted
by fire, flood, earthquake, storm or drought,
let me remember that this includes every living thing;
“In seeking miracle cures for human disease,
may I also speak for the well being of the planet itself.
“Let the words of my mouth, the meditations of my heart
and the actions of my life be as one,
that I may live each day in harmony with Mother Earth. Amen.”
--Jennie Frost Butler
--Ben Keckler
01.11.11
Daily Devotion - Monday, January 10
Toward A New Dawn
A Week of Prayers for the year 2011, Prayer 1
I trust you will find this week of prayers beneficial for your journey for today, for this winter season, for the year.
“This being human is a guest house.
Every morning is a new arrival.
“A joy, a depression, a meanness,
Some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor.
“Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows, who violently sweep your house
Empty of its furniture,
Still, treat each guest honorably.
The Holy One may be clearing you out for some new delight.
“The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
Meet them at the door laughing, and invite them in.
“Be grateful for whoever comes, because each has been sent
As a guide from beyond.”
--Rumi, as translated by Coleman Barks
--Ben Keckler
01.10.11
A Week of Prayers for the year 2011, Prayer 1
I trust you will find this week of prayers beneficial for your journey for today, for this winter season, for the year.
“This being human is a guest house.
Every morning is a new arrival.
“A joy, a depression, a meanness,
Some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor.
“Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows, who violently sweep your house
Empty of its furniture,
Still, treat each guest honorably.
The Holy One may be clearing you out for some new delight.
“The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
Meet them at the door laughing, and invite them in.
“Be grateful for whoever comes, because each has been sent
As a guide from beyond.”
--Rumi, as translated by Coleman Barks
--Ben Keckler
01.10.11
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Daily Devotion - Friday, January 7
Five Thoughts for a New Year
“Self-reverence, self-knowledge, self-control;
these three alone lead life to a sovereign place.”
--Tennyson
We are at the end of the first week of the new year. This week I have been sharing some basic thoughts that help me in my work. Hopefully they are helpful to you as well.
FRIDAY: Each day is all about GRACE.
Saving the best til last, I chose to write about grace today! All of the thoughts for the New Year shared with you this week are significant in living life well. The most significant thought for living well is always taking a moment to explore: "What is the grace-filled response I can give at this moment?"
There is a saying attributed to our Native American brothers and sisters: "If we look at the path, we do not see the sky. We are Earth people on a spiritual journey to the stars. Our quest, our Earth walk, is to look within, to know who we are, to see that we are connected to all things, that there is no separation, only in the mind." I believe there is a great deal of truth in this statement. Since we are connected to all things, doesn't it makes sense to be "grace-filled"?
In these challenging times, practice being grace-filled. I believe that is one of the things Tennyson meant when he talked about self-reverence.
--Ben Keckler
01.07.11
“Self-reverence, self-knowledge, self-control;
these three alone lead life to a sovereign place.”
--Tennyson
We are at the end of the first week of the new year. This week I have been sharing some basic thoughts that help me in my work. Hopefully they are helpful to you as well.
FRIDAY: Each day is all about GRACE.
Saving the best til last, I chose to write about grace today! All of the thoughts for the New Year shared with you this week are significant in living life well. The most significant thought for living well is always taking a moment to explore: "What is the grace-filled response I can give at this moment?"
There is a saying attributed to our Native American brothers and sisters: "If we look at the path, we do not see the sky. We are Earth people on a spiritual journey to the stars. Our quest, our Earth walk, is to look within, to know who we are, to see that we are connected to all things, that there is no separation, only in the mind." I believe there is a great deal of truth in this statement. Since we are connected to all things, doesn't it makes sense to be "grace-filled"?
In these challenging times, practice being grace-filled. I believe that is one of the things Tennyson meant when he talked about self-reverence.
--Ben Keckler
01.07.11
Daily Devotion - Thursday, January 6
Five Thoughts for a New Year
“Self-reverence, self-knowledge, self-control;
these three alone lead life to a sovereign place.”
--Tennyson
The new year is well underway. This first week of the year I am sharing some basic thoughts that help me in my work. Hopefully they will be helpful to you as well.
THURSDAY: Each day is all about living within your boundaries.
As we continue looking at some thoughts that I find helpful, we must look at a very significant subject: boundaries. This can be a tough one. Some of you when reading the subject began to vision borders or walls. Some of you, on the other hand may have thought, "the sky is the limit." Life lived successfully is really about exploring what your boundaries are and then living within them.
A few years ago a friend decide to set some new boundaries for her care giving. For years she shared her gifts with marginalized people within her home church. She performed her tasks with great compassion. Then she decided to expand her boundaries and spend time with the homeless of her community. She now finds great joy in serving those who have no walls around them. Boundaries can be redefined; knowing them and living within them is critical
In these challenging times are you aware of your boundaries? Are you content? Is living within them right for you or do you need to broaden your boundaries? Living within them is the practice of self-control.
--Ben Keckler
01.06.11
“Self-reverence, self-knowledge, self-control;
these three alone lead life to a sovereign place.”
--Tennyson
The new year is well underway. This first week of the year I am sharing some basic thoughts that help me in my work. Hopefully they will be helpful to you as well.
THURSDAY: Each day is all about living within your boundaries.
As we continue looking at some thoughts that I find helpful, we must look at a very significant subject: boundaries. This can be a tough one. Some of you when reading the subject began to vision borders or walls. Some of you, on the other hand may have thought, "the sky is the limit." Life lived successfully is really about exploring what your boundaries are and then living within them.
A few years ago a friend decide to set some new boundaries for her care giving. For years she shared her gifts with marginalized people within her home church. She performed her tasks with great compassion. Then she decided to expand her boundaries and spend time with the homeless of her community. She now finds great joy in serving those who have no walls around them. Boundaries can be redefined; knowing them and living within them is critical
In these challenging times are you aware of your boundaries? Are you content? Is living within them right for you or do you need to broaden your boundaries? Living within them is the practice of self-control.
--Ben Keckler
01.06.11
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, January 5
Five Thoughts for a New Year
“Self-reverence, self-knowledge, self-control;
these three alone lead life to a sovereign place.”
--Tennyson
A New Year has begun. This week I am sharing five basic thoughts that help me. Hopefully you will find them helpful, too.
WEDNESDAY: Each day is all about following your plan.
Yesterday we focused on taking each day for what it is – not looking back and not looking too far into the future. Today we talk about following a plan. Mike Tully offers this insight: "Your priorities determine your progress." Do you have a plan for today? I would encourage that. Naturally there will be things that will distract you from that plan. Give attention to the distractions – they can be part of a larger plan beyond your control. But make sure you follow your plan for the day, every day! (If you are like me, you may need to write down your plan in case memory fails you!)
When you start your day with a plan, many things can be accomplished, even with all the challenges we will encounter. In fact, you might be amazed by all the things that happen to you in 2011 when you follow your plan. Plan well and journey through, friend. This is Tennyson's self-knowledge component!
--Ben Keckler
01.05.11
“Self-reverence, self-knowledge, self-control;
these three alone lead life to a sovereign place.”
--Tennyson
A New Year has begun. This week I am sharing five basic thoughts that help me. Hopefully you will find them helpful, too.
WEDNESDAY: Each day is all about following your plan.
Yesterday we focused on taking each day for what it is – not looking back and not looking too far into the future. Today we talk about following a plan. Mike Tully offers this insight: "Your priorities determine your progress." Do you have a plan for today? I would encourage that. Naturally there will be things that will distract you from that plan. Give attention to the distractions – they can be part of a larger plan beyond your control. But make sure you follow your plan for the day, every day! (If you are like me, you may need to write down your plan in case memory fails you!)
When you start your day with a plan, many things can be accomplished, even with all the challenges we will encounter. In fact, you might be amazed by all the things that happen to you in 2011 when you follow your plan. Plan well and journey through, friend. This is Tennyson's self-knowledge component!
--Ben Keckler
01.05.11
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, January 4
Five Thoughts for a New Year
“Self-reverence, self-knowledge, self-control;
these three alone lead life to a sovereign place.”
--Tennyson
A New Year has begun and this week I am sharing five basic thoughts that help me in my work. Hopefully you can find them helpful as well.
TUESDAY: Each day is all about "the moment."
Learning from the past and looking forward to/planning for the future are both critically important. Yet, being absorbed in the past or the future can be futile pathways to travel. The past is done – forgive yourself where you need to and beam for a moment recalling good moments. The future is totally uncharted – the only thing for certain is that it will come; there will be many good decisions and many misjudgements! There is really only one thing to do – live this moment well! Colin Cowherd says it well, in my opinion, "It's important to live life in the is and not in the was." Deciding "what is the best thing to do in this moment" is a solid, healthy choice!
These are challenging times. Can you life in this moment and do the very best that you can do in this moment? Personally, life will present me with many challenges today. I must be present to each moment as it comes to me. This is a choice of self-control, I believe.
--Ben Keckler
01.04.11
“Self-reverence, self-knowledge, self-control;
these three alone lead life to a sovereign place.”
--Tennyson
A New Year has begun and this week I am sharing five basic thoughts that help me in my work. Hopefully you can find them helpful as well.
TUESDAY: Each day is all about "the moment."
Learning from the past and looking forward to/planning for the future are both critically important. Yet, being absorbed in the past or the future can be futile pathways to travel. The past is done – forgive yourself where you need to and beam for a moment recalling good moments. The future is totally uncharted – the only thing for certain is that it will come; there will be many good decisions and many misjudgements! There is really only one thing to do – live this moment well! Colin Cowherd says it well, in my opinion, "It's important to live life in the is and not in the was." Deciding "what is the best thing to do in this moment" is a solid, healthy choice!
These are challenging times. Can you life in this moment and do the very best that you can do in this moment? Personally, life will present me with many challenges today. I must be present to each moment as it comes to me. This is a choice of self-control, I believe.
--Ben Keckler
01.04.11
Monday, January 3, 2011
Daily Devotion - Monday, January 3
Five Thoughts for a New Year
“Self-reverence, self-knowledge, self-control;
these three alone lead life to a sovereign place.”
--Tennyson
A New Year has begun and this week I want to share five basic thoughts that help me in my work. Hopefully you can find them helpful as well.
MONDAY: Each day is all about attitude.
Each and every day we are faced with choices. Choices start the moment the alarm clock goes off; for example, am I going to hit the snooze button? Choices continue throughout the day. The foundation for making our choices is also a choice we make. I believe that foundation can be called our attitude, often we hear it referred to as a positive mental attitude or a negative mental attitude. Judith Knowlton puts it this way: “I discovered I always have choices and sometimes it's only a choice of attitudes.”
These are challenging days, this will be a challenging year. What attitude will you choose for the living of your day(s)? Personally, I plan to face each day rejoicing in the gift of life surrounded by chaos, pain and challenge! This is a choice of self-reverence, I believe.
--Ben Keckler
01.03.11
“Self-reverence, self-knowledge, self-control;
these three alone lead life to a sovereign place.”
--Tennyson
A New Year has begun and this week I want to share five basic thoughts that help me in my work. Hopefully you can find them helpful as well.
MONDAY: Each day is all about attitude.
Each and every day we are faced with choices. Choices start the moment the alarm clock goes off; for example, am I going to hit the snooze button? Choices continue throughout the day. The foundation for making our choices is also a choice we make. I believe that foundation can be called our attitude, often we hear it referred to as a positive mental attitude or a negative mental attitude. Judith Knowlton puts it this way: “I discovered I always have choices and sometimes it's only a choice of attitudes.”
These are challenging days, this will be a challenging year. What attitude will you choose for the living of your day(s)? Personally, I plan to face each day rejoicing in the gift of life surrounded by chaos, pain and challenge! This is a choice of self-reverence, I believe.
--Ben Keckler
01.03.11
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