Growing Through Difficulties
“You who live in the shelter of the Most High,
who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
say to the Lord, 'My refuge and my fortress;
my God, in whom I trust.'”
--Psalm 91:1
If you haven’t heard of Matthew J. T. Stepanek, you need to be introduced. He was a courageous young man, who died far too young. He had a rare form of muscular dystrophy and learned so much from his handicap that he should be called “handicapable”. Starting at age 3 he began composing poetic pieces that touch the heart. If you are still looking for Christmas presents, you might want to purchase one of the books. You will not be disappointed.
Mattie obviously struggled with some difficult things in his life and emerged as a person who embraces today’s key verse. Here is an excerpt from the introduction to one of his books, Hope through Heartsongs:
It would be easy for each of us to stay shocked, angry, hurt, or sad with all the difficult things we face in life. And even though it is difficult and sometimes almost overwhelming to examine feelings related to loss and loneliness and alarming turmoil, it is the only way we can grow, individually and together. We cannot let sad or traumatic events, or even acts of terror, be the death of hope. In spite of each struggle, we can and will find hope if we choose to do so.
Have a blessed day and a good weekend.
Prayer: God of this world, help us to see that the hopes and fears of all the years are met as we encounter your presence within. Amen.
--Ben Keckler
12.04.09
Friday, December 4, 2009
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Daily Devotion - Thursday, December 3
What God Has Done
“Come and see what God has done:
God is awesome in his deeds among mortals.”
--Psalm 66:5
Over the past eight years, a large portion of my work has focused on bereavement issues that people experience. As we approach this holiday season, I want to take a moment and tell you that I’ve witnessed some very awesome things this year as people share their grief and pain with one another. There are about 90 people who utilize the various Bereavement support groups here at the hospital. Children, youth and adults of all ages have covenanted to work through their grief and loss.
While many people are making merriment and thinking about gift giving, the walking wounded grievers in our society are trying to make their way through the holidays. They realize that people don’t “get over” their grieving. They are courageously working “through” their pain. If you could see what I’ve seen, if you could hear what I’ve heard this year, you would find that God is still doing some very great and wonderful things.
For me, this holiday season reminds me that God is truly united with creation. God is performing mighty things in the lives of broken people. God is bringing the gift of peace among us. Yes, we can look back to a historic event. But, we can also “come and see” what strength is coming to the souls of people as they work through their tough, tough times together. May you have enough of what you need to find peace and live in peace.
--Ben Keckler
12.03.09
“Come and see what God has done:
God is awesome in his deeds among mortals.”
--Psalm 66:5
Over the past eight years, a large portion of my work has focused on bereavement issues that people experience. As we approach this holiday season, I want to take a moment and tell you that I’ve witnessed some very awesome things this year as people share their grief and pain with one another. There are about 90 people who utilize the various Bereavement support groups here at the hospital. Children, youth and adults of all ages have covenanted to work through their grief and loss.
While many people are making merriment and thinking about gift giving, the walking wounded grievers in our society are trying to make their way through the holidays. They realize that people don’t “get over” their grieving. They are courageously working “through” their pain. If you could see what I’ve seen, if you could hear what I’ve heard this year, you would find that God is still doing some very great and wonderful things.
For me, this holiday season reminds me that God is truly united with creation. God is performing mighty things in the lives of broken people. God is bringing the gift of peace among us. Yes, we can look back to a historic event. But, we can also “come and see” what strength is coming to the souls of people as they work through their tough, tough times together. May you have enough of what you need to find peace and live in peace.
--Ben Keckler
12.03.09
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, December 2
Our Blessings
“Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me bless God’s holy name.”
--Psalm 103: 1
These words are the opening words to an ancient Jewish hymn that talks about the many ways the writer experienced the power of God in life. They are also the words that inspired contemporary composer Andrae Crouch to write the song “Bless the Lord, O my soul” about 40 years ago. Hopefully these words also resonate in your soul today and hopefully you can take time to discover multiple reasons for blessing the name of the Holy One.
During this season Christians are inspired by the words of Mary as she took time to bless the Lord for all the good that she was experiencing in her life. The beautiful words of the Magnificat are found in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 1, and verses 47-55. They are an excellent example of a person who feels extremely blessed. Taking a moment to read this prayer may serve as an additional inspiration for you to examine your blessings.
Our days may be demanding as we respond to the pressures of life. This may be a very good time to stop and reflect on the ways you are blessed. As we offer thanks for our blessings we are able to view the challenging times in a healthier way.
--Ben Keckler
12.02.09
“Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me bless God’s holy name.”
--Psalm 103: 1
These words are the opening words to an ancient Jewish hymn that talks about the many ways the writer experienced the power of God in life. They are also the words that inspired contemporary composer Andrae Crouch to write the song “Bless the Lord, O my soul” about 40 years ago. Hopefully these words also resonate in your soul today and hopefully you can take time to discover multiple reasons for blessing the name of the Holy One.
During this season Christians are inspired by the words of Mary as she took time to bless the Lord for all the good that she was experiencing in her life. The beautiful words of the Magnificat are found in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 1, and verses 47-55. They are an excellent example of a person who feels extremely blessed. Taking a moment to read this prayer may serve as an additional inspiration for you to examine your blessings.
Our days may be demanding as we respond to the pressures of life. This may be a very good time to stop and reflect on the ways you are blessed. As we offer thanks for our blessings we are able to view the challenging times in a healthier way.
--Ben Keckler
12.02.09
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, December 1
Another Month Begins
The final month of 2009 has arrived and I am reminded of the many things that compel me to take some time to offer prayers of thanksgiving. Many of us had good weekends, the kind of weekend that you want to keep enjoying or at least savor for a while longer. While the pace of weekends becomes a bit hectic around this holiday season, at least we can still call our experiences good! As you begin this December what are a couple of things you should include in your thanks to the God? (you fill it in).
Let us not forget that there are some people whose weekends weren’t as pleasant. Some battled the “bugs” that are going around, some continued their battles with significant problems related to their health or other personal stuff. Some had to face the “angel of death” and listen to the silence of their emptiness. We think of all these folks in the midst of their less-than-pleasant journeys and wish for them a better December.
May you find time in your day to have a few prayers of thanksgiving.. Have a good day and a December filled with God’s peace.
--Ben Keckler
12.01.09
The final month of 2009 has arrived and I am reminded of the many things that compel me to take some time to offer prayers of thanksgiving. Many of us had good weekends, the kind of weekend that you want to keep enjoying or at least savor for a while longer. While the pace of weekends becomes a bit hectic around this holiday season, at least we can still call our experiences good! As you begin this December what are a couple of things you should include in your thanks to the God? (you fill it in).
Let us not forget that there are some people whose weekends weren’t as pleasant. Some battled the “bugs” that are going around, some continued their battles with significant problems related to their health or other personal stuff. Some had to face the “angel of death” and listen to the silence of their emptiness. We think of all these folks in the midst of their less-than-pleasant journeys and wish for them a better December.
May you find time in your day to have a few prayers of thanksgiving.. Have a good day and a December filled with God’s peace.
--Ben Keckler
12.01.09
Daily Devotion - Monday, November 30
A Nice Ending to Our Month
Several years ago, a fellow employee asked me to pass these thoughts along to the staff. I think it is very appropriate for today and so I share it with you as we begin another week and end another month.
● May there be peace within today.
● May you trust your highest power that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
● May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
● May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
● May you be content knowing you are a child of God.
● Let Holy presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of you!
Thanks, Gert! I haven't forgotten your powerful thoughts!
--Ben Keckler
11.30.09
Several years ago, a fellow employee asked me to pass these thoughts along to the staff. I think it is very appropriate for today and so I share it with you as we begin another week and end another month.
● May there be peace within today.
● May you trust your highest power that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
● May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
● May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
● May you be content knowing you are a child of God.
● Let Holy presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of you!
Thanks, Gert! I haven't forgotten your powerful thoughts!
--Ben Keckler
11.30.09
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