The Quiet Center
“God leads me beside still waters, restoring my soul.”
--From Psalm 23
One aspect of our spiritual journey during chaotic times falls into the area of self-care. I really appreciate the hymn “Come and Find the Quiet Center”. It expresses feelings related to this subject. Here is another verse of the hymn:
“In the Spirit let us travel; open to each other’s pain,
Let our loves and fears unravel, celebrate the space we gain:
There’s a place for deepest dreaming, there’s a time for heart to care,
In the Spirit’s lively scheming there is always room to spare!”
Take a moment or two (three or four…) and find the restoration your soul deserves.
A prayer: Gentle God, lead me to places where I can care for my soul. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.31.11
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, March 30
Our Quiet Center
“God leads me beside still waters, restoring my soul.”
--From Psalm 23
One aspect of our spiritual journey during chaotic times falls into the area of self-care. I really appreciate the hymn “Come and Find the Quiet Center”. It expresses feelings related to this subject. For the remaining devotions this month we will look at each of the verses.
“Silence is a friend who claims us, cools the heat and slows the pace,
God it is who speaks and names us, knows our being, touches base,
Making space within our thinking, lifting shades to show the sun,
Raising courage when we’re shrinking, finding scope for faith begun.”
Take a moment or two (three or four…) and find the restoration your soul deserves.
A prayer: Gentle God, lead me to places where I can care for my soul. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.30.11
“God leads me beside still waters, restoring my soul.”
--From Psalm 23
One aspect of our spiritual journey during chaotic times falls into the area of self-care. I really appreciate the hymn “Come and Find the Quiet Center”. It expresses feelings related to this subject. For the remaining devotions this month we will look at each of the verses.
“Silence is a friend who claims us, cools the heat and slows the pace,
God it is who speaks and names us, knows our being, touches base,
Making space within our thinking, lifting shades to show the sun,
Raising courage when we’re shrinking, finding scope for faith begun.”
Take a moment or two (three or four…) and find the restoration your soul deserves.
A prayer: Gentle God, lead me to places where I can care for my soul. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.30.11
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, March 29
Finding Your Center
“God leads me beside still waters, restoring my soul.”
--From Psalm 23
One aspect of our spiritual journey during chaotic times falls into the area of self-care. I really appreciate the hymn “Come and Find the Quiet Center”. It expresses feelings related to this subject. For the remaining devotions in March we will look at each of the verses.
“Come and find the quiet center in the crowded life we lead,
Find the room for hope to enter, find the frame where we are freed:
Clear the chaos and the clutter, clear our eyes that we can see
All the things that really matter, be at peace, and simply be.”
Take a moment or two (three or four…) and find the restoration your soul deserves.
A prayer: Gentle God, lead me to places where I can care for my soul. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.29.11
“God leads me beside still waters, restoring my soul.”
--From Psalm 23
One aspect of our spiritual journey during chaotic times falls into the area of self-care. I really appreciate the hymn “Come and Find the Quiet Center”. It expresses feelings related to this subject. For the remaining devotions in March we will look at each of the verses.
“Come and find the quiet center in the crowded life we lead,
Find the room for hope to enter, find the frame where we are freed:
Clear the chaos and the clutter, clear our eyes that we can see
All the things that really matter, be at peace, and simply be.”
Take a moment or two (three or four…) and find the restoration your soul deserves.
A prayer: Gentle God, lead me to places where I can care for my soul. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.29.11
Daily Devotion - Monday, March 28
Surrendering to Mystery and Tension
The journey of life is filled with mystery and tension. Being faithful to self and trusting that a Holy Presence journeys with us is a worthy goal for each of us.
Clearly there are numerous voices on either side of every dilemma. One of the most difficult things in America, especially in these latest times of chaos, is maintaining respect for persons “on the other side of the fence.” Every voice seems able to justify their position and use a variety of quotes to back them up. Maintaining respect for, and carefully listening to the “other side” is tough, tough stuff. Yet, this difficult stuff is what makes America the wonderful place that it is.
United in the desire for liberty, but differing in methodology for maintaining liberty; can we live with that?
--Ben Keckler
03.28.11
The journey of life is filled with mystery and tension. Being faithful to self and trusting that a Holy Presence journeys with us is a worthy goal for each of us.
Clearly there are numerous voices on either side of every dilemma. One of the most difficult things in America, especially in these latest times of chaos, is maintaining respect for persons “on the other side of the fence.” Every voice seems able to justify their position and use a variety of quotes to back them up. Maintaining respect for, and carefully listening to the “other side” is tough, tough stuff. Yet, this difficult stuff is what makes America the wonderful place that it is.
United in the desire for liberty, but differing in methodology for maintaining liberty; can we live with that?
--Ben Keckler
03.28.11
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Daily Devotion - Friday, March 25
Glory of God Amongst Disaster
“The heavens are telling the glory of God;
and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.”
--From Psalm 19:1
We have experienced some spring-like weather. Right now we are waiting for that spring-like weather to return. Then the renewal of nature will sing mighty songs! Along with a song of anticipated beauty, we can hear a song proclaiming the steady rhythm of the life. Season after season declares the glory of God. (Candidly this writer is glad that winter is behind us, I’m ready for a season of life!)
In the midst of life budding forth among us, we are all dealing with another song as well. The drumbeat of disaster is depicted before us daily. The painful stories continue to mount and, from what we are told, we may only be beginning to hear stories of trauma, death, destruction, courage and bravery. Each of us has personal perspectives when international disaster strikes; respecting each person’s opinion is difficult, if not impossible. The challenge of prolonged chaos is always difficult, just like the challenges of our long, hard winter!
The song of springtime is a song of new life. Nature is telling the glory of God. May we carry the song of new life to the lives of those we encounter this weekend.
A prayer: God of springtime, bring peace. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.25.11
“The heavens are telling the glory of God;
and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.”
--From Psalm 19:1
We have experienced some spring-like weather. Right now we are waiting for that spring-like weather to return. Then the renewal of nature will sing mighty songs! Along with a song of anticipated beauty, we can hear a song proclaiming the steady rhythm of the life. Season after season declares the glory of God. (Candidly this writer is glad that winter is behind us, I’m ready for a season of life!)
In the midst of life budding forth among us, we are all dealing with another song as well. The drumbeat of disaster is depicted before us daily. The painful stories continue to mount and, from what we are told, we may only be beginning to hear stories of trauma, death, destruction, courage and bravery. Each of us has personal perspectives when international disaster strikes; respecting each person’s opinion is difficult, if not impossible. The challenge of prolonged chaos is always difficult, just like the challenges of our long, hard winter!
The song of springtime is a song of new life. Nature is telling the glory of God. May we carry the song of new life to the lives of those we encounter this weekend.
A prayer: God of springtime, bring peace. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.25.11
Daily Devotion - Thursday, March 24
Quiet Space for Reflection
“God, teach me lessons for living so I can stay on course.
Give me insight so I can do what you tell me—
My whole life being one long, obedient response.”
--From Psalm 119
As written in The Message
Chaos, complete with devastation, destruction and death is a part of our world once again. People in every part of this world are now faced with the reality of emotions that disaster brings. New occasions teach new duties. Lessons for living are being taught even as we read these words.
Why not take time to find a quiet space to pause and spend prayerful time learning the lessons you need for living. Finding the quiet center of life is very important.
Finding a place where your personal space is respected will help you to center and be still. May your moments of prayer help you stay on course.
Sometimes a specific time for gathering (like worship) is important. Today, allow me to simply encourage you to find a safe space for quiet reflection.
A prayer: God of my journey, give me insight and bring peace. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.24.11
“God, teach me lessons for living so I can stay on course.
Give me insight so I can do what you tell me—
My whole life being one long, obedient response.”
--From Psalm 119
As written in The Message
Chaos, complete with devastation, destruction and death is a part of our world once again. People in every part of this world are now faced with the reality of emotions that disaster brings. New occasions teach new duties. Lessons for living are being taught even as we read these words.
Why not take time to find a quiet space to pause and spend prayerful time learning the lessons you need for living. Finding the quiet center of life is very important.
Finding a place where your personal space is respected will help you to center and be still. May your moments of prayer help you stay on course.
Sometimes a specific time for gathering (like worship) is important. Today, allow me to simply encourage you to find a safe space for quiet reflection.
A prayer: God of my journey, give me insight and bring peace. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.24.11
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, March 22
Do You Hear Me?
“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.”
--Psalm 55:1, 2
Recently we have watched how the world can change in just a moment or two. I remain hopeful. I’ve been praying. Sometimes I feel like my prayers haven’t gotten past the ceiling. Like the writer of today’s verses, I am troubled. My world, our world, is ever changing. It will probably change in more dramatic ways than we have ever experienced.
The rhythm of life will go on. Time will tell how our new and renewing world will look. In the year 1790 a Seneca Indian, Cornplanter, addressed George Washington with these words,
“When you gave us peace, we called you father,
because you promised to secure us in possession of our lands.
Do this, and so long as the lands shall remain,
the beloved name will remain in the heart of every Seneca.”
As these next days, weeks, months and years unfold, we will learn if there can be a peace that is in the best interests of the world. Often I feel helpless and disappointed. I feel mad and sad. Another day has dawned and the work of healing lives, locally and globally, is still before us. May you experience enough of all you need for today.
--Ben Keckler
03.22.11
“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.”
--Psalm 55:1, 2
Recently we have watched how the world can change in just a moment or two. I remain hopeful. I’ve been praying. Sometimes I feel like my prayers haven’t gotten past the ceiling. Like the writer of today’s verses, I am troubled. My world, our world, is ever changing. It will probably change in more dramatic ways than we have ever experienced.
The rhythm of life will go on. Time will tell how our new and renewing world will look. In the year 1790 a Seneca Indian, Cornplanter, addressed George Washington with these words,
“When you gave us peace, we called you father,
because you promised to secure us in possession of our lands.
Do this, and so long as the lands shall remain,
the beloved name will remain in the heart of every Seneca.”
As these next days, weeks, months and years unfold, we will learn if there can be a peace that is in the best interests of the world. Often I feel helpless and disappointed. I feel mad and sad. Another day has dawned and the work of healing lives, locally and globally, is still before us. May you experience enough of all you need for today.
--Ben Keckler
03.22.11
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, March 23
Journey of Awareness
“Answer me when I call, O God of my right!
Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer.
I will both lie down and sleep in peace;
For you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.”
--Psalm 4: 1, 8
One of the great journeys, maybe the greatest journey, we make is the journey of awareness. Hundreds and hundreds of writers have penned words to help us make the journey. The Psalm writer was making the journey and appears to be doing it with a measure of success in today’s Psalm. The song tells us of a person who is able to sleep peacefully, who is able to feel safety. These qualities hint that there is a measure of self-acceptance, a measure of awareness.
Daily I receive e-mails, texts and phone calls from friends voicing their reactions about the fragile nature of life. Times like these push us to remember who and whose we are. A very helpful book for making the journey is James McMahon’s, Radical Self-Acceptance. The book pushes the reader to work on significant aspects of life so that the “finished product” radiates the qualities of joy, compassion and peace.
Particularly in times when the surrounding culture is filled with chaos, it is important to journey inward. As we do this, we find ourselves in relationship with a big, big universe. As we do this, we discover that we can sleep in peace and lie down in safety. Have a good, good day!
A prayer: God of my journey, empower me on my journey through difficult times. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.23.11
“Answer me when I call, O God of my right!
Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer.
I will both lie down and sleep in peace;
For you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.”
--Psalm 4: 1, 8
One of the great journeys, maybe the greatest journey, we make is the journey of awareness. Hundreds and hundreds of writers have penned words to help us make the journey. The Psalm writer was making the journey and appears to be doing it with a measure of success in today’s Psalm. The song tells us of a person who is able to sleep peacefully, who is able to feel safety. These qualities hint that there is a measure of self-acceptance, a measure of awareness.
Daily I receive e-mails, texts and phone calls from friends voicing their reactions about the fragile nature of life. Times like these push us to remember who and whose we are. A very helpful book for making the journey is James McMahon’s, Radical Self-Acceptance. The book pushes the reader to work on significant aspects of life so that the “finished product” radiates the qualities of joy, compassion and peace.
Particularly in times when the surrounding culture is filled with chaos, it is important to journey inward. As we do this, we find ourselves in relationship with a big, big universe. As we do this, we discover that we can sleep in peace and lie down in safety. Have a good, good day!
A prayer: God of my journey, empower me on my journey through difficult times. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.23.11
Monday, March 21, 2011
Daily Devotion - Monday, March 21
Trees
“I lift up my eyes to the hills—
from where will my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.”
--Psalm 121: 1, 2
The weekend kept calling us—come outside and enjoy the beauty of tulips and daffodils pushing up through the now thawed ground. Hints of springtime were evident everywhere this weekend. The birds were busy readying their houses and you could see the branches of the trees telling us that they were eager to bud. The heavens and the earth again remind us that there is a great rhythm at work. These days where tsunami and meltdowns of nuclear power appear to be center stage! It is good to take time and meditate, allowing springtime re-creation to remind us that there is a creative touch more powerful than those who wield words and weapons. Today a prayer by Margueritte Harmon Bro expresses our kinship with creation:
“We thank thee for Trees!
We thank thee for the trees of our childhood
In whose shade we played and read and dreamed;
For the trees of our schooldays,
The trees along the paths where friendship walked.
We thank thee for special trees
Which will always stand large in our memory
Because for some reason of our own, they became our trees.
We thank thee for the great stretches of trees, which make the forests.
May we always stand humbly before thy trees
And draw strength from them as they, in their turn,
Draw sustenance from thy bounties of earth and sun and air.”
A good Monday to you, friend!
--Ben Keckler
03.21.11
“I lift up my eyes to the hills—
from where will my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.”
--Psalm 121: 1, 2
The weekend kept calling us—come outside and enjoy the beauty of tulips and daffodils pushing up through the now thawed ground. Hints of springtime were evident everywhere this weekend. The birds were busy readying their houses and you could see the branches of the trees telling us that they were eager to bud. The heavens and the earth again remind us that there is a great rhythm at work. These days where tsunami and meltdowns of nuclear power appear to be center stage! It is good to take time and meditate, allowing springtime re-creation to remind us that there is a creative touch more powerful than those who wield words and weapons. Today a prayer by Margueritte Harmon Bro expresses our kinship with creation:
“We thank thee for Trees!
We thank thee for the trees of our childhood
In whose shade we played and read and dreamed;
For the trees of our schooldays,
The trees along the paths where friendship walked.
We thank thee for special trees
Which will always stand large in our memory
Because for some reason of our own, they became our trees.
We thank thee for the great stretches of trees, which make the forests.
May we always stand humbly before thy trees
And draw strength from them as they, in their turn,
Draw sustenance from thy bounties of earth and sun and air.”
A good Monday to you, friend!
--Ben Keckler
03.21.11
Friday, March 18, 2011
Daily Devotion - Friday, March 18
Life in the Garden
This weekend I plan to continue planting flower seeds. This weekend I will be doing the work with my 4 year old granddaughter. She loves to help and I love to nurture her enjoyment of flowers and the earth.
• Today the story of the Zinnia seeds. This year we decided to buy some new seeds for our zinnia bed. These zinnias don’t have much of a story that connects with the past. Some seed company packaged them and by summer's end they will be 3 feet tall. I’m just certain they are anxiously awaiting their arrival in to the earth where they can grow and bloom, providing us with fresh cut flowers throughout the summer.
• The zinnias connect us with the known and unknown of our tomorrows. We have some idea what to expect -- we’ve grown zinnias in the past and the packet told us how tall they would be. What we don’t know is what color each of these plants will be. The zinnia is a lot like life. The rhythm of life goes on daily but we can’t be certain about the rhythms tomorrow will present.
• Today is Friday. Receive life as it comes to you today, regardless of the exact colors/challenges you experience. And have a great weekend.
A prayer: Gift me with a vision clear enough to see and receive the new things that today will bring. In your name, O God. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.18.11
This weekend I plan to continue planting flower seeds. This weekend I will be doing the work with my 4 year old granddaughter. She loves to help and I love to nurture her enjoyment of flowers and the earth.
• Today the story of the Zinnia seeds. This year we decided to buy some new seeds for our zinnia bed. These zinnias don’t have much of a story that connects with the past. Some seed company packaged them and by summer's end they will be 3 feet tall. I’m just certain they are anxiously awaiting their arrival in to the earth where they can grow and bloom, providing us with fresh cut flowers throughout the summer.
• The zinnias connect us with the known and unknown of our tomorrows. We have some idea what to expect -- we’ve grown zinnias in the past and the packet told us how tall they would be. What we don’t know is what color each of these plants will be. The zinnia is a lot like life. The rhythm of life goes on daily but we can’t be certain about the rhythms tomorrow will present.
• Today is Friday. Receive life as it comes to you today, regardless of the exact colors/challenges you experience. And have a great weekend.
A prayer: Gift me with a vision clear enough to see and receive the new things that today will bring. In your name, O God. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.18.11
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Daily Devotion - Thursday, March 17
Life in the Garden
It is almost spring and I have once again started to plant flower seeds. Many are from our flowers last year. Some of them have quite a history, connecting us with special people in our lives.
• Today the story of the Pink Poppy. My wife’s mother lives in a retirement community in beautiful Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. A couple of years ago while visiting her mom, my wife met one of the master gardeners at the home. This master gardener was not an employee. This master gardener was a resident, around 90 years old. Her flowerbeds were meticulously groomed. Because she had macular degeneration, her gardening efforts were done more by feel than by sight. We were privileged to receive several types of seeds, one of which was the Pink Poppy. We are certain that pink poppies would not be a part of our gardening except that a master gardener shared her seeds with us.
• The flowerbed near the bird feeders will have delicate pink poppies dancing in the summer breezes. We will take some time to reflect on wonderful master gardeners, particularly those who don’t let aging change their love for the beauty of the earth.
• Today is Thursday. Take some time today to think of some master gardeners who have helped make you the person you are.
A prayer: Through the seed and soon the budding flower, help me to remember and give thanks for people like the master gardener. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.17.11
It is almost spring and I have once again started to plant flower seeds. Many are from our flowers last year. Some of them have quite a history, connecting us with special people in our lives.
• Today the story of the Pink Poppy. My wife’s mother lives in a retirement community in beautiful Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. A couple of years ago while visiting her mom, my wife met one of the master gardeners at the home. This master gardener was not an employee. This master gardener was a resident, around 90 years old. Her flowerbeds were meticulously groomed. Because she had macular degeneration, her gardening efforts were done more by feel than by sight. We were privileged to receive several types of seeds, one of which was the Pink Poppy. We are certain that pink poppies would not be a part of our gardening except that a master gardener shared her seeds with us.
• The flowerbed near the bird feeders will have delicate pink poppies dancing in the summer breezes. We will take some time to reflect on wonderful master gardeners, particularly those who don’t let aging change their love for the beauty of the earth.
• Today is Thursday. Take some time today to think of some master gardeners who have helped make you the person you are.
A prayer: Through the seed and soon the budding flower, help me to remember and give thanks for people like the master gardener. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.17.11
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, March 16
Life in the Garden
Recently I started planting this year's seeds for our flower and herb gardens. Most of them are from our flowers last year. Some of them have quite a history, connecting my wife and me with special people in our lives.
• Today the story of the Moon flower seeds. More than a decade ago I was Senior Pastor of a church in Tell City, Indiana. Our neighbors were Jeff and Carla. I was privileged to officiate at their wedding, celebrated by a lake in the Hoosier National Forest on a beautiful Tuesday morning in October. They were gifted gardeners. Often their backyard was featured as part of the Perry County garden tour. We enjoyed poolside visits adoring their flowers. Jeff introduced us to the Moon flower, a vine whose white flowers open at dusk and look like a full moon.
• I've never had success growing Moon flowers. This year, as a celebration of our friendship with Jeff and Carla, I will try again. We miss them, we miss our pool side parties, we miss worshiping with them. But we still remember them and the ways they graced our lives.
• Today is Wednesday. Take some time today and call a friend or two.
A prayer: Through the seed and soon the budding flower, remind me of friends that you’ve given me. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.16.11
Recently I started planting this year's seeds for our flower and herb gardens. Most of them are from our flowers last year. Some of them have quite a history, connecting my wife and me with special people in our lives.
• Today the story of the Moon flower seeds. More than a decade ago I was Senior Pastor of a church in Tell City, Indiana. Our neighbors were Jeff and Carla. I was privileged to officiate at their wedding, celebrated by a lake in the Hoosier National Forest on a beautiful Tuesday morning in October. They were gifted gardeners. Often their backyard was featured as part of the Perry County garden tour. We enjoyed poolside visits adoring their flowers. Jeff introduced us to the Moon flower, a vine whose white flowers open at dusk and look like a full moon.
• I've never had success growing Moon flowers. This year, as a celebration of our friendship with Jeff and Carla, I will try again. We miss them, we miss our pool side parties, we miss worshiping with them. But we still remember them and the ways they graced our lives.
• Today is Wednesday. Take some time today and call a friend or two.
A prayer: Through the seed and soon the budding flower, remind me of friends that you’ve given me. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.16.11
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, March 15
Back to the Garden
A few days ago, I started planting flower seeds. Some of them are from our flowers last year. Some of them have quite a history, connecting my wife and me with special people in our lives. Many of you have commented on my “seed stories” over the years; for newer readers, I feel you deserve to hear one of these stories as well:
• There’s the morning glory seed. Our original morning glory seeds came from the wife of a cancer patient some years ago. She brought the seeds to me and told me, how during the last months of her husband’s life, they would get up and walk in their back yard sipping on their morning coffee. She told me about his favorite line as they walked by their morning glory beds. “Good morning glory, it is going to be a glorious day.” She gave me the seeds and told me that she was giving them to people who would keep her husband living in this world.
• We have a number of trellises that will be filled with morning glories again this year. I will remember a dear man of God, still living, even though cancer called him from this life prematurely. I have some extra seeds if you’d like to enjoy your summer LIVING with a person you’ve never met.
• Today is Tuesday. Good morning glory! It is going to be a glorious day.
A prayer: Through the seed and soon the budding flower, connect me, O God, with you. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.15.11
A few days ago, I started planting flower seeds. Some of them are from our flowers last year. Some of them have quite a history, connecting my wife and me with special people in our lives. Many of you have commented on my “seed stories” over the years; for newer readers, I feel you deserve to hear one of these stories as well:
• There’s the morning glory seed. Our original morning glory seeds came from the wife of a cancer patient some years ago. She brought the seeds to me and told me, how during the last months of her husband’s life, they would get up and walk in their back yard sipping on their morning coffee. She told me about his favorite line as they walked by their morning glory beds. “Good morning glory, it is going to be a glorious day.” She gave me the seeds and told me that she was giving them to people who would keep her husband living in this world.
• We have a number of trellises that will be filled with morning glories again this year. I will remember a dear man of God, still living, even though cancer called him from this life prematurely. I have some extra seeds if you’d like to enjoy your summer LIVING with a person you’ve never met.
• Today is Tuesday. Good morning glory! It is going to be a glorious day.
A prayer: Through the seed and soon the budding flower, connect me, O God, with you. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.15.11
Monday, March 14, 2011
Daily Devotion - Monday, March 14
Hurting Hearts
“Out of the depths I call to you.
O God, hear my voice!
I wait for the Holy One.”
--A song from a hurting heart
The songwriter was not afraid to express the feelings that were written on the heart. The same should be said for us. As a new week of work begins, many of us are pretty silent this morning. Working in the health care field, many of us know that life is very delicate, but we find ways to insulate/protect ourselves from the fragile. Sometimes we find we can’t do that, however! We find that we, too, are brought to our knees, that we, too, are crying tears that won’t quit coming from our eyes, that we, too, are aching deep in our souls.
Staying in touch with our feelings and acknowledging them to one another and to Holy Presence is the best that we can do. Sing your heart song today. Know that your hurting soul is heard.
God of compassion,
Watch over the ways of all of us
And weave out of terrible happenings,
A blanket of love that will sustain us as we experience
An end of winter days that can bring life's cold realities to our lives.
Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.14.11
“Out of the depths I call to you.
O God, hear my voice!
I wait for the Holy One.”
--A song from a hurting heart
The songwriter was not afraid to express the feelings that were written on the heart. The same should be said for us. As a new week of work begins, many of us are pretty silent this morning. Working in the health care field, many of us know that life is very delicate, but we find ways to insulate/protect ourselves from the fragile. Sometimes we find we can’t do that, however! We find that we, too, are brought to our knees, that we, too, are crying tears that won’t quit coming from our eyes, that we, too, are aching deep in our souls.
Staying in touch with our feelings and acknowledging them to one another and to Holy Presence is the best that we can do. Sing your heart song today. Know that your hurting soul is heard.
God of compassion,
Watch over the ways of all of us
And weave out of terrible happenings,
A blanket of love that will sustain us as we experience
An end of winter days that can bring life's cold realities to our lives.
Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.14.11
Friday, March 11, 2011
Daily Devotion - Friday, March 11
Little Prayers
As we move toward the beauty of spring, we focus on little prayers that can help our souls dance with praise to God. We close this week of devotions with one verse from the Chinook Song Book.
“O Lord,
May we today be touched by grace, fascinated and
Moved by this, your creation,
Energized by the power of new growth at work in your world.
“May we move beyond viewing this life not only through a frame, but
Touch it and be touched by it,
Know it and be known by it,
Love it and be loved by it.”
May spring come to us, be in us, and recreate life in us. Amen.”
Enjoy your weekend!
--Ben Keckler
03.11.11
As we move toward the beauty of spring, we focus on little prayers that can help our souls dance with praise to God. We close this week of devotions with one verse from the Chinook Song Book.
“O Lord,
May we today be touched by grace, fascinated and
Moved by this, your creation,
Energized by the power of new growth at work in your world.
“May we move beyond viewing this life not only through a frame, but
Touch it and be touched by it,
Know it and be known by it,
Love it and be loved by it.”
May spring come to us, be in us, and recreate life in us. Amen.”
Enjoy your weekend!
--Ben Keckler
03.11.11
Daily Devotion - Thursday, March 10
Little Prayers
As we move toward the beauty of spring, we focus on little prayers that can help our souls dance with praise to God. Today this wonderful prayer, written by Anne Baring, demonstrates the vibrancy of God’s springtime.
“Beehive source
Trellised womb
Mother of all beginnings
“Hold me
Gather me
Feed me
With the honey-nectar
From the hive.
“Nourished
I will sing
The Bee-song
The long-forgotten threnody
Of praise to thee.”
--Ben Keckler
03.10.11
As we move toward the beauty of spring, we focus on little prayers that can help our souls dance with praise to God. Today this wonderful prayer, written by Anne Baring, demonstrates the vibrancy of God’s springtime.
“Beehive source
Trellised womb
Mother of all beginnings
“Hold me
Gather me
Feed me
With the honey-nectar
From the hive.
“Nourished
I will sing
The Bee-song
The long-forgotten threnody
Of praise to thee.”
--Ben Keckler
03.10.11
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, March 9
Little Prayers
As we move toward the beauty of spring, we focus on little prayers that can help our souls dance with praise to God. Today I encourage you to spend some time with this prayer ascribed to Mohammed.
“O God, give me, I pray Thee,
light on my right hand
and light on my left hand
and light above me
and light beneath me.
O Lord, increase light within me
and give me light
and illuminate me.”
--Ben Keckler
03.09.11
As we move toward the beauty of spring, we focus on little prayers that can help our souls dance with praise to God. Today I encourage you to spend some time with this prayer ascribed to Mohammed.
“O God, give me, I pray Thee,
light on my right hand
and light on my left hand
and light above me
and light beneath me.
O Lord, increase light within me
and give me light
and illuminate me.”
--Ben Keckler
03.09.11
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, March 8
Little Prayers
As we move toward the beauty of spring, we focus on little prayers that can help our souls dance with praise to God. Today I encourage you to spend some time with this observation from French philosopher and theologian, Pierre Theilhard de Chardin.
“We are one, after all, you and I;
together we suffer,
together we exist
and forever will recreate each other.”
--Ben Keckler
03.08.11
As we move toward the beauty of spring, we focus on little prayers that can help our souls dance with praise to God. Today I encourage you to spend some time with this observation from French philosopher and theologian, Pierre Theilhard de Chardin.
“We are one, after all, you and I;
together we suffer,
together we exist
and forever will recreate each other.”
--Ben Keckler
03.08.11
Monday, March 7, 2011
Daily Devotion - Monday, March 7
Little Prayers
As we move toward the beauty of spring, we focus on little prayers that can help our souls dance with praise to God. Today, a proverb from our Native American brothers and sisters:
“May your life be like a wildflower,
growing freely in the beauty
and in the joy of each new day.”
--Ben Keckler
03.07.11
As we move toward the beauty of spring, we focus on little prayers that can help our souls dance with praise to God. Today, a proverb from our Native American brothers and sisters:
“May your life be like a wildflower,
growing freely in the beauty
and in the joy of each new day.”
--Ben Keckler
03.07.11
Friday, March 4, 2011
Daily Devotion - Friday, March 4
Tuesday on Friday
“Teach us to count our days
that we may gain a wise heart.”
--An old hymn of Israel
One book that can be a helpful devotional book is Tuesdays with Morrie. I’ve referred to this book several times in the past and want to again today. Morrie, as you may recall, is a retired college professor who is dying from ALS. His former student, hearing of Morrie’s illness, decides to take some of his Tuesdays flying from Detroit to Boston just to learn more from Morrie. For today, Morrie’s thoughts about our emotions:
“If you hold back on the emotions—if you don’t allow yourself to go all the way through them—you can never get to being detached, you’re too busy being afraid. You’re afraid of the pain, you’re afraid of the grief. You’re afraid of the vulnerability that loving entails. By throwing yourself into these emotions, by allowing yourself to dive in, all the way, over your head even, you experience them fully and completely. You know what pain is, what love is, what grief is.”
He then shares this powerful observation:
“I know you think this is just about dying
but it’s like I keep telling you:
When you learn how to die,
you learn how to live.”
This seems to be the message of today’s verse from the Psalms. May your day and your weekend be filled with wonderful (difficult) encounters with the emotions of your soul.
A prayer for today: O God, give me courage to face the emotions of my soul.
--Ben Keckler
03.04.11
“Teach us to count our days
that we may gain a wise heart.”
--An old hymn of Israel
One book that can be a helpful devotional book is Tuesdays with Morrie. I’ve referred to this book several times in the past and want to again today. Morrie, as you may recall, is a retired college professor who is dying from ALS. His former student, hearing of Morrie’s illness, decides to take some of his Tuesdays flying from Detroit to Boston just to learn more from Morrie. For today, Morrie’s thoughts about our emotions:
“If you hold back on the emotions—if you don’t allow yourself to go all the way through them—you can never get to being detached, you’re too busy being afraid. You’re afraid of the pain, you’re afraid of the grief. You’re afraid of the vulnerability that loving entails. By throwing yourself into these emotions, by allowing yourself to dive in, all the way, over your head even, you experience them fully and completely. You know what pain is, what love is, what grief is.”
He then shares this powerful observation:
“I know you think this is just about dying
but it’s like I keep telling you:
When you learn how to die,
you learn how to live.”
This seems to be the message of today’s verse from the Psalms. May your day and your weekend be filled with wonderful (difficult) encounters with the emotions of your soul.
A prayer for today: O God, give me courage to face the emotions of my soul.
--Ben Keckler
03.04.11
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Daily Devotion - Thursday, March 3
A Day with St. Francis of Assisi
“Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my thoughts.
See if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.”
--From an old hymn, Song 139
A few years ago writer David Hazard did some research on Francis of Assisi and was inspired to write a book of 40 meditations, A Day in Your Presence. From time to time in these next weeks we will reflect on some of the writings St. Francis left to inspire people. Obviously, St. Francis wrote from a Christian perspective. Some minor editing may be done from time to time for our multi-faith staff here at the hospital.
“I am awed at the glory of it, amazed at the great and holy gift that is ours—to have a Creator who cares. Deep within me the very wonder of it burns with a holy fire. When I am faced with my own sin, it warms me with consolation. When I face a world of cruelty and vices, it brightens my soul with its beauty and with flames of holy wonder. To have a God who has willingly and lovingly promised to be ours forever!” --St. Francis, from his second letter to the faithful
As we continue our journeys through this week, take time and realize the gift that is within you AND within those you encounter.
--Ben Keckler
03.03.11
“Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my thoughts.
See if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.”
--From an old hymn, Song 139
A few years ago writer David Hazard did some research on Francis of Assisi and was inspired to write a book of 40 meditations, A Day in Your Presence. From time to time in these next weeks we will reflect on some of the writings St. Francis left to inspire people. Obviously, St. Francis wrote from a Christian perspective. Some minor editing may be done from time to time for our multi-faith staff here at the hospital.
“I am awed at the glory of it, amazed at the great and holy gift that is ours—to have a Creator who cares. Deep within me the very wonder of it burns with a holy fire. When I am faced with my own sin, it warms me with consolation. When I face a world of cruelty and vices, it brightens my soul with its beauty and with flames of holy wonder. To have a God who has willingly and lovingly promised to be ours forever!” --St. Francis, from his second letter to the faithful
As we continue our journeys through this week, take time and realize the gift that is within you AND within those you encounter.
--Ben Keckler
03.03.11
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, March 2
Worthy of Consideration?
“My soul thirsts for God, for the living God,
When shall I come and behold the face of God?”
--An old song (Psalm 42:2)
Over the years we meet people who have a profound impact on our lives. Recently we had a series of devotions centering on Henri Nouwen’s book, Here and Now. One day Henri was walking to work and was struck by the mirror of a passing motorist. His injuries took him to the door of death. He did recover and wrote a wonderful reflection on life and death. The book is titled Beyond the Mirror.
The rhythms of the past week have brought me near to a number of folks who are reflecting on the end of life, grief, loss, and recovery from serious illnesses or diseases. For whatever reason, Henri came to mind. The following excerpt, from the chapter on recovery:
“The way my friends reacted to my recovery caused me to reflect on the way life and death are perceived in our society. Unanimously, they congratulated me on my restoration to health and expressed their gratitude that I was doing so well again. Although I was deeply grateful for the attention and affection, the encounter with God in my hours near death made me wonder whether being ‘better again’ was indeed the best thing for me.”
Maybe these reflective words from a fellow journeyer can help in understanding what it feels the songwriter was wrestling with centuries ago. Have a good day and enjoy every minute of life.
--Ben Keckler
03.02.11
“My soul thirsts for God, for the living God,
When shall I come and behold the face of God?”
--An old song (Psalm 42:2)
Over the years we meet people who have a profound impact on our lives. Recently we had a series of devotions centering on Henri Nouwen’s book, Here and Now. One day Henri was walking to work and was struck by the mirror of a passing motorist. His injuries took him to the door of death. He did recover and wrote a wonderful reflection on life and death. The book is titled Beyond the Mirror.
The rhythms of the past week have brought me near to a number of folks who are reflecting on the end of life, grief, loss, and recovery from serious illnesses or diseases. For whatever reason, Henri came to mind. The following excerpt, from the chapter on recovery:
“The way my friends reacted to my recovery caused me to reflect on the way life and death are perceived in our society. Unanimously, they congratulated me on my restoration to health and expressed their gratitude that I was doing so well again. Although I was deeply grateful for the attention and affection, the encounter with God in my hours near death made me wonder whether being ‘better again’ was indeed the best thing for me.”
Maybe these reflective words from a fellow journeyer can help in understanding what it feels the songwriter was wrestling with centuries ago. Have a good day and enjoy every minute of life.
--Ben Keckler
03.02.11
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, March 1
A Prayer of Thanks
“O give thanks to the Lord,
for God is good and God’s steadfast love endures forever.”
--The beginning of a hymn of praise,
Psalm 136
Today’s key verse centers on the theme of giving thanks for the blessings we receive on the journey through life. Over the centuries many wonderful prayers of thanksgiving have expressed the theme of this verse. For today, a contemporary expression echoes the theme.
Loving God, we offer you thanks and praise
For all the surprising graces which come to us,
For those that sustain our lives and those that change them:
For food—familiar diets and startling new aromas and tastes;
For homes—places of steady surroundings and settings for redemptive love;
For friendships—old friends who are willingly open in their affection and their correction and new friends who remind us that your spirited presence still dwells within us and others;
For tasks to perform—routine actions which we do well and which bring order to our days and tasks at which we have failed, restoring a needed humility in us;
For your steadfast love—reminding us of our heritage
and enabling us to move into our tomorrows with confidence and courage.
We offer you thanks and praise, great and mighty God.
Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.01.11
“O give thanks to the Lord,
for God is good and God’s steadfast love endures forever.”
--The beginning of a hymn of praise,
Psalm 136
Today’s key verse centers on the theme of giving thanks for the blessings we receive on the journey through life. Over the centuries many wonderful prayers of thanksgiving have expressed the theme of this verse. For today, a contemporary expression echoes the theme.
Loving God, we offer you thanks and praise
For all the surprising graces which come to us,
For those that sustain our lives and those that change them:
For food—familiar diets and startling new aromas and tastes;
For homes—places of steady surroundings and settings for redemptive love;
For friendships—old friends who are willingly open in their affection and their correction and new friends who remind us that your spirited presence still dwells within us and others;
For tasks to perform—routine actions which we do well and which bring order to our days and tasks at which we have failed, restoring a needed humility in us;
For your steadfast love—reminding us of our heritage
and enabling us to move into our tomorrows with confidence and courage.
We offer you thanks and praise, great and mighty God.
Amen.
--Ben Keckler
03.01.11
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