Author Archives: Devoree

HOLY WEEK

Palm Sunday ushers in Holy Week. It is a week that marks the center of the Church Year. It is the most sacred time of the year for me. I find myself thinking about the life of Jesus and the risks he IMG_0141atook to promote God’s view of the world where all are loved, all are precious and equal in the eyes of God. We all have differing gifts but we are each loved and cherished by the God who created us. Sharing that message in that time was dangerous because the power structure kept the poor at the bottom suffering greatly, while those at the top basked in glory with much wealth. The message is the same today. Here in the U.S. we run the risk of falling into that same social situation if we don’t remember to care for each other and for the poor in particular. My last post showed a dollar amount that could end poverty. I was astonished and while I realize it isn’t a simple task wouldn’t it be nice if people just thought about it. If in this week of remembrance of Jesus and his commitment to God’s desire for love in the world, we would try to think in that way – that God is wanting us to build up those who are hurting even if it requires sacrifice on our part? Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice, we are only asked to sacrifice a little. It might make the celebration of Easter that much more bright, meaningful and real. Maybe we will be moved to action.

Troubling statistic

A friend posted these figures on Facebook today.
The world spent $1735 Billion on war in 2012.  It would take $135 Billion to TOTALLY ERADICATE poverty.
That’s less than a tithe. We could do so much more to change the world by defeating poverty. Do you think war would be less necessary if there were no longer poverty or is it in fact war that causes (or at least maintains) most of the poverty in the world?   Food for thought.

LENT

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We had a wonderful Ash Wednesday service at church this week. It marks the beginning of Lent, a time of reflection and realigning our lives with God at center. I like to think about how I have managed to keep God as my center and how I have let myself fall off the path. It is a good time to pray.

We are deep in winter but with weird weather. In some ways I long for snow, maybe tonight…

I saw God today

True friends are rare and enrich your life by their very presence. Today I spent time with a friend who let me be myself and listened as I shared some hurts and some irritations. I never felt judged. I spoke the truth without fear that I’d lose my friend. This blessing reminds me that God’s love is often carried to us in the form of a simple gesture like a touch, a smile, a shared idea, or eye contact. The holy presence is so evident in these special caring persons.

A shout out to Mom and Dad

I’m fresh back from a soul nurturing visit home with brother and sister. I always get fed with unconditional love there. God loves me especially well through my family. It was a good time there and hard to leave. I can see mom and dad in each of us. They gave so much love to us with beautiful life lessons. I miss them both. The comfort is knowing they are with God and God is in turn with me bringing all that love back again and again. Thank you, oh most holy One, for your love and a shout out to Gerald and Beatrice Clifton, the best parents ever!

Winter

trees1000x750   I’ve been noticing the bare trees and their beauty. I especially like seeing the blue sky behind the branches. Lovely. It got me to thinking that there is still life in those dormant trees. It reminds me that even when things seem slow and I don’t feel like I’m making much progress, God is working. The living God is always with me giving me life.

And So It Begins

Welcome to my blog!  I plan to share thoughts on many subjects. Some may seem stream of consciousness but I hope they can help me practice the ministry of Spiritual Direction more fully. It is my belief that God, The Holy, Force of Life interacts with us in all aspects of life.  Our task to become more fully aware, to awaken to the Divine Presence and to open up to it, by paying attention.