October 16, 2023
#746 HOW GOD SPOKE TO ME TODAY
July, 2023 So many people write so brilliantly about God. I love the Bible–there is no substitute for it–yet my faith has been so greatly enhanced by writers who express their views about God–about what the Bible means–about how it plays out in this world–about how we might respond. A list of some of my favorites: Frederick Buechner and C.S. Lewis and Henri Nouwen and Brian Doyle and Richard Rohr and Evelyn Underhill and Andrew Murray and Richard Foster and Kathleen Norris. These writers speak to me as clearly as all the songwriters I’ve mentioned in the past. If you share that experience, I would love for you to tell me writers who speak to you.
October 17, 2023
Golf Tuesday–the torn bicep era…
#747 HOW GOD SPOKE TO ME TODAY
August, 2023 God is teaching me to be adaptable. I am not sure how well I am learning it. I like both definitions: (adj.) 1. able to adjust to new conditions; 2. able to be modified for a new use or purpose. God throws up to me little challenges–not tests, more like learning exercises–and I am to respond to them positively, keeping in mind St. Paul’s motivator: “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances.” For example, I cannot golf for the next 3–6 weeks. That opens up a five hour hole in many of my days. Another example: I like to sit out on my back porch in the evening. It is my favorite place to pray and to write and to visit. In order to do that, I have to sit in a 95–100 degree temperature. Both of those are not annoyances; they are adaptations. Dear Lord, teach me to adapt.
October 18, 2023
This was my favorite moment of our trip to Spain…
#748 HOW GOD SPOKE TO ME TODAY
September, 2023 This is why the Lord brought me to Spain. He wanted to tell me: I was here to place the moon into the sky. I was here when they built this magnificent cathedral. And I am here now as people enjoy this life as I intended.
October 19, 2023
#749 HOW GOD SPOKE TO ME TODAY
July, 2023 A recurring theme in my contemplation is the exterior and interior journey. Most of my life has been focused on the exterior–how am I serving, what is my role, what kind of witness am I? All of that can easily turn egocentric. The interior journey has untold riches to uncover–”…Christ in you, the hope of glory…”; “…we have the mind of Christ…”; …abide in Me and I in you…”. All of that is directed to the soul, not the ego. Prayer and meditation are two spiritual exercises which illuminate the interior journey.
October 20, 2023
#750 HOW GOD SPOKE TO ME TODAY
JULY, 2023 Discipleship. That word scared me when I was a young Christian. Hardcore. I opted for the more comfortable “believer” and I maintained that choice for many years. I’ve come to realize that disciple means I know I am with Him (and I know who He is) and I am learning to do what He says. Sign me up for discipleship.
October 21, 2023
#751 HOW GOD SPOKE TO ME TODAY
September, 2023 My pastor quoted his dad today: “The only reason some people open their mouths is to change feet.” And I had this epiphany: Wisdom (the topic of his sermon) is more about when I speak than what I say. Reminds me of one acerbic psalm verse that I would occasionally share in my classroom: “Even a fool appears to be wise if he remains silent.” (Psalm 17:28)
October 22, 2023
A grandfather’s dream for Family Sunday…
#752 HOW GOD SPOKE TO ME TODAY Yesterday, 2023 I got to take my granddaughter Elliotte to her softball tournament game because her parents had an engagement. As I was driving her, I told her I wanted her to hit a home run. “I already hit one today,” she said. “Well, hit another.” She stepped to the plate in the second inning. Crack! She sped around the bases, crossed home plate, ran up to where I was sitting by the fence. “I did it!” she yelled, jumping up and down. My cup runneth over. (one of the best photos I ever took)
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