Daily Devotion - Tuesday, June 15

Making Mud Pies

“The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it,
the world, and those who live in it.”
--Verses from a Hebrew hymn, Psalm 24

This ancient hymn speaks of the beauty of this earth. For centuries faith stories have been linked to the soil. While agrarian society disappears around us and new houses spring up where corn stalks were knee-high, many folks continue to have a little plot for playing in the soil. I've been enjoying our little backyard plot, watching tomatoes beginning to make their summertime appearance.

Spending time each day observing nature and moving the soil can remind us that we are part of a much larger universe. Chief Luther Standing Bear, a Lakota Sioux, offers this observation:

“The old people came literally to love the soil. They sat on the ground with the feeling of being close to a mothering power. It was good for the skin to touch the earth, And the old people liked to remove their moccasins and walk with their bare feet on the sacred earth. The soil was soothing, strengthening, cleansing, and healing.”

When your workday ends, take some time with the soil, even if it is just spreading a blanket on the ground and gazing at white clouds against the blue backdrop of the sky. Practicing simple methods of “slowing down” with Mother Earth can be soothing, strengthening, cleansing, and healing. Why not let your inner child play a bit tonight – make mud pies!

--Ben Keckler
06.15.10

Daily Devotion - Friday, September 4

Vacation Reflections

One more day to the work week and one more animal from the book, More Advice from Nature by Ilan Shamir. I found this wonderful little book in the gift shop at Many Glacier Hotel in Montana’s Glacier National Park. Enjoy today's words titled, “Advice from an Eagle”

“Let your spirit soar
See the big picture
Cherish freedom
Honor the earth and sky
Keep your goals in sight
Bald is beautiful (I really like that advice)
Fly high!”

Have a meaningful weekend and a safe Labor Day holiday.

--Ben Keckler
09.04.09

Daily Devotion - Thursday, August 3

Vacation Reflections

I’ve been home for almost a month from my vacation to the Canadian Rockies and Glacier National Park. The wonderful memories will stay with me forever. It was a trip of a lifetime. We were blessed to see all sorts of wildlife and natural wonder. The book, More Advice from Nature by Ilan Shamir, has good advice from animals and nature. This week we have heard from the bear and the lake. Today it is time for “Advice from an Elk”.

“Don't get stuck in a rut
Cherish wide open spaces
Appreciate life's high points
Be at home in the woods
Make your voice heard
Know when to make tracks
Be magnificent!”

--Ben Keckler
09.03.09

Daily Devotion - Wednesday, September 2

Vacation Reflections

Last month I had a fabulous vacation to Glacier National Park and the Canadian Rockies. The scenery was absolutely beautiful and we were blessed with gorgeous weather. We saw all sorts of wildlife and natural wonder. On the trip I found a marvelous little book entitled More Advice from Nature. It is by Ilan Shamir. Yesterday we had “Advice from a Bear.” Today’s selection is “Advice from a Lake.”

“Be clear
Make positive ripples
Look beneath the surface
Stay calm
Shore up friendships
Take time to reflect
Be full of life!”

--Ben Keckler
09.02.09

Daily Devotion - Tuesday, September 1

Vacation Reflections

Last month I was privileged to vacation in Glacier National Park and the Canadian Rockies. It was a trip of a lifetime and has provided me with a number of devotions related to that grand area of our continent. We saw all sorts of wildlife and natural wonder and so I want to share from a book I found at Glacier National Park in Montana. The book is More Advice from Nature by Ilan Shamir.
Enjoy today's words titled, “Advice from a Bear”

“Live LARGE
Climb beyond your limitations
When life gets hairy, grin and BEAR it
Eat well
Live with the seasons
Take a good, long nap
Look after your honey!”

--Ben Keckler
09.01.09