Friday, July 19, 2013

Something Worth The Read In A Newspaper!

Insights gained in a talk with God while waiting in the movie line | Leonard Pitts - The News Tribune


The article above is worth the read.  It looks at the world a bit like Jesus would.  He must have the patience of a saint to put up with this creation of His :0)  This past weekend saw our family gathering together to witness Alexandria and Timothy proclaim their vows of Marriage.  There are lots of photos on facebook and I will try to post a few here at a later time.  My friend and brother in the Franciscan tradition, David, did the officiating at the service and I was able to say a few words as well.  The event was a great success.  On Monday Michael, Tanya and I took a trip up the hill to "Camp David" to view the "Franciscian Style" Labyrinth which is in the process of being installed.  We call it Franciscian as it is a classical style but with honor and respect for the natural terrain and doing no damage to the site.  This means using the native rocks and following the contours of the area.  There is another labyrinth about a mile down the road built by Earthteach back in the 90's.  It is of the 11 circuit Chartes style which is very popular and as a matter of fact is even visible from above via Google Earth.  Davids on the other hand is based on a seven circuit classical Greek style and probably will never be visible from above as it winds through an old growth tree canopy, kind of like how St Francis may have done in the hills above Assisi.  I have included the "butterfly" above because I have seen many up in the woods and they always make me remember Sherita.  When we walked the labyrinth on Monday we stopped at each switchback and had a thought.  It is one way to enjoy the path other than just walking in silent meditation.  Any technique, with respect, is certainly appropriate.  Anyhow I've included a few of the thoughts here for reflection.  These are quotes from many sources which are short and cause for reflection.  We hope to inscribe these among others at each turn on a "tree cookie".  It seems appropriate to change them out on occasion as well.  In this style there are actually twenty switchbacks and one at the beginning.  We begin with:
1.  In The Beginning Was The Word!  I AM the Alpha!  The Bible
2.  It Is Better To Light One Candle, Than To Curse The Darkness!  The Christophers
3.  God Created Us In His (Their) Image and We Were Kind (Arrogant) Enough To Return The Favor!  Various
4.  The Truth I Have Now Come To Realize Is That God Does Not Have Favorites, But That Anybody Who Fears God And Does     What Is Right Is Acceptable To Him! (Acts 10:34-Peter)
5.  God Comes To Us Disguised As Our Life!   Paula D'Arcy
6.  (Those Who) Dedicate Our Lives To Building Bridges...The Price Is That You Will Always Pay, Like All Bridges, Is To Be Walked On From Both Sides! 
7.  Lord! Make Me An Instrument Of Your Peace!  St Frank
8.  Learn And Obey The Rules Very Well, So You Will Know How To Break Them Properly.  Dali Lama
9.  Truly Generous Orthodoxy - They Have Transcended But Also Included All That Went Before!  Brian McLaren
10.  Preach The Gospel (Praise God) Always And When Necessary...Use Words!  St Francis
11.  Live Simply...So Others May Simply Live!
12.  Service Above Self!  Rotary International
13.  Act Justly - Love Tenderly - Walk Humbly (With God)!  Mi 6:8
14.  May We Also Be Someone In Whose Presence Others Are Better Able To Recognize God's Presence In Their Lives!                    James Findley
15.  Lord! May We Never Want To Live In Houses With Doors!  African Prayer
16.  The Strongest Poisen Known To Man Came From Caesar's Laurel Crown!  William Blake
17.  The Arc Of The Moral Universe Is Long, But It Bends Toward Justice! Martin Luther King paraphrase of Theodore Parker
More To Come.....Pax Christi!  Roberto