"The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let everyone who hears say, “Come.” And let everyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift."(Revelation 22:17)
Being invited to things is always pleasing to me. It says at a certain level what we are doing is important and we want you there. That's why I like give as well as receive invitations. There are parts of my life that I wish to share with others, my faith and my experience in church are examples o this.
Of course my hope is that people who accept the initial invitation will catch the Spirit and will also invite others and so on and so on. That's how a faith community grows through invitation. That's how all relationships begin, someone offers an invitation and someone says yes.
The invitation to faith is an open invitation with no RSVP date. And there are even gifts when you come.
Blessings,
Ed
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Monday, June 29, 2015
Reflections for June 29, 2015
"And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb."(Revelation 21:23)
Well after 5 days with out electricity I can start blogging again. I realize this is a first world problem and there are plenty of places around the globe who live just fine without it.
The funny thing is how losing the things you are dependent upon to make life "livable" can really mess with your energy and your psyche.
But throughout this brief "powerless" span I certainly sensed that I was still walking and living in the light of God. I noticed it in the fact that very little damage was done to my house or the church, and while there was significant damage to many in my area, no one was killed. I sensed it in the way close friends invited us to stay with them so we could have access to electricity and get a good nights sleep.
Do I want to live without electricity and hot water again anytime soon? Definitely not. But I know that as long as God is still living and incarnate in the loving kindness of others, I have no need of what gives artificial light to my life.
Blessings,
Ed
Well after 5 days with out electricity I can start blogging again. I realize this is a first world problem and there are plenty of places around the globe who live just fine without it.
The funny thing is how losing the things you are dependent upon to make life "livable" can really mess with your energy and your psyche.
But throughout this brief "powerless" span I certainly sensed that I was still walking and living in the light of God. I noticed it in the fact that very little damage was done to my house or the church, and while there was significant damage to many in my area, no one was killed. I sensed it in the way close friends invited us to stay with them so we could have access to electricity and get a good nights sleep.
Do I want to live without electricity and hot water again anytime soon? Definitely not. But I know that as long as God is still living and incarnate in the loving kindness of others, I have no need of what gives artificial light to my life.
Blessings,
Ed
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Reflection for June 23, 2015
"To declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night."(Psalm 92:2)
When I wake up in the morning I'm reminded of a steadfast love in my life, because usually lying next to me is Gail. I'm thankful for that steadfast love and the gift that she is in my life. I'm thankful for the health I have that when my feet hit the floor I'm ready to greet the day. I'm thankful for the food I'll eat and the coffee I'll drink. I may not articulate it but deep within it is there. And of course a little later I do Morning Prayer.
By the end of the day I take stock of how things went. Was I faithful in doing what I needed to do that day? Did I sense God's faithful presence with me as I went about doing what needed to be done. And of course I wrap it up with Evening Prayer.
Love and faithfulness are not things we can purchase. We receive them freely and we offer them freely. When we have them in our lives how very blessed we are. When we live fully into those words how much of a blessing we can be.
Blessings
Ed
When I wake up in the morning I'm reminded of a steadfast love in my life, because usually lying next to me is Gail. I'm thankful for that steadfast love and the gift that she is in my life. I'm thankful for the health I have that when my feet hit the floor I'm ready to greet the day. I'm thankful for the food I'll eat and the coffee I'll drink. I may not articulate it but deep within it is there. And of course a little later I do Morning Prayer.
By the end of the day I take stock of how things went. Was I faithful in doing what I needed to do that day? Did I sense God's faithful presence with me as I went about doing what needed to be done. And of course I wrap it up with Evening Prayer.
Love and faithfulness are not things we can purchase. We receive them freely and we offer them freely. When we have them in our lives how very blessed we are. When we live fully into those words how much of a blessing we can be.
Blessings
Ed
Monday, June 22, 2015
Reflection for June 22, 2015
"On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone."(Psalm 91:12)
Most of us have heard of having a guardian angel. Whether you believe that such a being exists for you personal protection is a matter of faith. I'm not sure that I have something like "Charlie" from its a wonderful life, but I will say that there have been moments when something should have gone one way and went another, from a negative to a positive.
It certainly is within my belief system that as a beloved child of God, that I feel watched out for. That doesn't mean that I live in 24 hour security or that I'm invited to engage in risky behavior. I'm not called to prove whether God is watching or not.
The other thing about this verse you will recall is that Satan uses it as part of his temptations of Christ. And in there lies the warning. When we use scripture and twist it to invite bizarre behavior we probably have missed the point.
Blessings,
Ed
Most of us have heard of having a guardian angel. Whether you believe that such a being exists for you personal protection is a matter of faith. I'm not sure that I have something like "Charlie" from its a wonderful life, but I will say that there have been moments when something should have gone one way and went another, from a negative to a positive.
It certainly is within my belief system that as a beloved child of God, that I feel watched out for. That doesn't mean that I live in 24 hour security or that I'm invited to engage in risky behavior. I'm not called to prove whether God is watching or not.
The other thing about this verse you will recall is that Satan uses it as part of his temptations of Christ. And in there lies the warning. When we use scripture and twist it to invite bizarre behavior we probably have missed the point.
Blessings,
Ed
Saturday, June 20, 2015
Reflections for June 20, 2015
"It is these who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins; these follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They have been redeemed from humankind as first fruits for God and the Lamb,"(Revelation 14:4)
So who gets in and who doesn't? Seems like this ridiculous argument happens from time to time with Christians, either attacking each other or going after the non-believers. The 144,000 mentioned in Revelation is a number that is brought forth in determining who gets to be in God's presence.
Personally I find the argument silly. First off I'm pretty sure I'm not one of the 144,000. First that's a small number given the amount of time that has past since the vision. Second I wouldn't know from which tribe of Israel I hail. And third as this verse shows I'm out by default of having "defiled myself with women, for they are virgins."
I have, though I wouldn't use the word defiled, and I'm not. So am I doomed. Hardly. Luckily there is in God's presence a vast multitude that cannot be numbered, I'm pretty sure that's where you'll find me.
To focus on the 144000 is to put limits on God. It also shows in my opinion a belief that God plays favorites. So should you ever have the misfortune of being accosted by someone who wants to know if you are part of that 144000, ask them are they sure that they are and then remind them of this caveat.
Blessings,
Ed
So who gets in and who doesn't? Seems like this ridiculous argument happens from time to time with Christians, either attacking each other or going after the non-believers. The 144,000 mentioned in Revelation is a number that is brought forth in determining who gets to be in God's presence.
Personally I find the argument silly. First off I'm pretty sure I'm not one of the 144,000. First that's a small number given the amount of time that has past since the vision. Second I wouldn't know from which tribe of Israel I hail. And third as this verse shows I'm out by default of having "defiled myself with women, for they are virgins."
I have, though I wouldn't use the word defiled, and I'm not. So am I doomed. Hardly. Luckily there is in God's presence a vast multitude that cannot be numbered, I'm pretty sure that's where you'll find me.
To focus on the 144000 is to put limits on God. It also shows in my opinion a belief that God plays favorites. So should you ever have the misfortune of being accosted by someone who wants to know if you are part of that 144000, ask them are they sure that they are and then remind them of this caveat.
Blessings,
Ed
Friday, June 19, 2015
Reflection for June 19, 2015
"Remember how short my time is for what vanity you have created all mortals!"(Psalm 89:47)
I'm now entering the last month and a half of my ministry here at Holy Trinity, my time here is truly short. 19.5 years doesn't seem short but in the grand scheme of things it is. I try to use this ending time to the wrap things up, say my goodbyes well, and to start to prepare for the next thing.
I will cherish the "short time" that I've been privileged to be here. I have many happy memories, baptisms, weddings, Sunday worship, and of course the people. Even outside of church I will continue to remember this short time in my life, where I got to be a Scout leader, a coach and perhaps the chaplain to a town.
All of those memories are a little bit vain. They are about me after all. But we are created and put in a specific place for a specific time in order to do something that hopefully makes a positive impact. Time and space will tell the story. And no matter how many short times I have left, I hope they will be filled with joy, peace and health.
Blessings,
Ed
I'm now entering the last month and a half of my ministry here at Holy Trinity, my time here is truly short. 19.5 years doesn't seem short but in the grand scheme of things it is. I try to use this ending time to the wrap things up, say my goodbyes well, and to start to prepare for the next thing.
I will cherish the "short time" that I've been privileged to be here. I have many happy memories, baptisms, weddings, Sunday worship, and of course the people. Even outside of church I will continue to remember this short time in my life, where I got to be a Scout leader, a coach and perhaps the chaplain to a town.
All of those memories are a little bit vain. They are about me after all. But we are created and put in a specific place for a specific time in order to do something that hopefully makes a positive impact. Time and space will tell the story. And no matter how many short times I have left, I hope they will be filled with joy, peace and health.
Blessings,
Ed
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Reflection for June 18, 2015
"Rejoice then, you heavens and those who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, for the devil has come down to you, with great wrath, because he knows that his time is short."(Revelation 12:12)
A very frightening image is given to us in this verse from Revelation. The idea of an anthropomorphesized evil, wreaking havoc on us. Having lost the battle in heaven turning its anger on those of us here.
I do not believe in the devil, but I do believe fully that there is evil in the world. I only have to turn on the news to have this sadly affirmed. As we know last night 9 members of a church were killed by a lone gunman for no other reason probably than that they were black. Racism still alive and rearing its ugly head. I keep hoping that the last part of the verse might actually hold true that "his time is short." That in my lifetime I might be able to go a day without hearing of some incredibly evil action being done.
The level of wrath and anger that still swirls around us is for me what keeps the clock running on "the devil" We keep buying him more time. Either by fueling it with our own seething or even by not confronting it when it happens.
Here's hoping one day we can say "rejoice then you earth and sea and all who dwell in them.
Blessings,
Ed
A very frightening image is given to us in this verse from Revelation. The idea of an anthropomorphesized evil, wreaking havoc on us. Having lost the battle in heaven turning its anger on those of us here.
I do not believe in the devil, but I do believe fully that there is evil in the world. I only have to turn on the news to have this sadly affirmed. As we know last night 9 members of a church were killed by a lone gunman for no other reason probably than that they were black. Racism still alive and rearing its ugly head. I keep hoping that the last part of the verse might actually hold true that "his time is short." That in my lifetime I might be able to go a day without hearing of some incredibly evil action being done.
The level of wrath and anger that still swirls around us is for me what keeps the clock running on "the devil" We keep buying him more time. Either by fueling it with our own seething or even by not confronting it when it happens.
Here's hoping one day we can say "rejoice then you earth and sea and all who dwell in them.
Blessings,
Ed
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Reflection for June 17, 2015
"But I, O Lord, cry out to you; in the morning my prayer comes before you."(Psalm 88:13)
I've tried over a period of time to develop routines at least to start the day. I find the morning routines are easier to maintain mainly because things can happen as the day goes on that might interfere with those routines.
I try to get to the gym in the morning and usually do. But I have become very consistent with Morning Prayer. Most of the major religions have time set aside for prayer. For some it is at very specific times. At least in my part of the body of Christ we don't get down to a specific hour but more a range of time, Morning, Noontime, Evening and Nighttime(compline). As I said Morning Prayer is the one that I keep 7 days a week. I've almost gotten Evening Prayer to that point as well.
But I'll admit to liking Morning Prayer best. It allows me that chance to get centered to pray for focus during the day and to bring myself fully into the day that lies ahead.
In reality the most important thing is that we find some time to come before God with our prayers.
Blessings,
Ed
I've tried over a period of time to develop routines at least to start the day. I find the morning routines are easier to maintain mainly because things can happen as the day goes on that might interfere with those routines.
I try to get to the gym in the morning and usually do. But I have become very consistent with Morning Prayer. Most of the major religions have time set aside for prayer. For some it is at very specific times. At least in my part of the body of Christ we don't get down to a specific hour but more a range of time, Morning, Noontime, Evening and Nighttime(compline). As I said Morning Prayer is the one that I keep 7 days a week. I've almost gotten Evening Prayer to that point as well.
But I'll admit to liking Morning Prayer best. It allows me that chance to get centered to pray for focus during the day and to bring myself fully into the day that lies ahead.
In reality the most important thing is that we find some time to come before God with our prayers.
Blessings,
Ed
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Reflection for June 16, 2015
"So I took the little scroll from the hand of the angel and ate it; it was sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it, my stomach was made bitter."(Revelation 10:10)
We're all familiar with the phrase you will eat those words. That usually means that what you say may come back to haunt you. No matter how sweet and satisfying things may seem at first, especially if they are said from a place of anger or bitterness, ultimately they wind up causing you an upset stomach.
Sometimes the nastiness is so obvious that it is like eating rotten food as soon as it hits your stomach you are sick. Of course it may also take a while for what we've done or said to sink in, to digest, and again a very bitter feeling emerges.
I try to make sure that what I say won't come back to haunt me later. I also try not over indulge, which while momentarily pleasurable also causes uneasiness.
When our words are chosen with thought as to how they will ultimately wind up being understood we have a greater chance of no feeling sick to our stomachs.
Blessings,
Ed
We're all familiar with the phrase you will eat those words. That usually means that what you say may come back to haunt you. No matter how sweet and satisfying things may seem at first, especially if they are said from a place of anger or bitterness, ultimately they wind up causing you an upset stomach.
Sometimes the nastiness is so obvious that it is like eating rotten food as soon as it hits your stomach you are sick. Of course it may also take a while for what we've done or said to sink in, to digest, and again a very bitter feeling emerges.
I try to make sure that what I say won't come back to haunt me later. I also try not over indulge, which while momentarily pleasurable also causes uneasiness.
When our words are chosen with thought as to how they will ultimately wind up being understood we have a greater chance of no feeling sick to our stomachs.
Blessings,
Ed
Monday, June 15, 2015
Reflection for June 15, 2015
"But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness."(Psalm 86: 15)
As a person of faith I have experienced the presence of God in my life. Not in a physical way but more in the way I've generally been treated throughout my life. I generally have experienced mercy. I have personally experienced graciousness from others. I have seen people not so quick to get angry and I've witnessed a steadfastness and faithfulness in many relationships.
True I've also seen and experienced personally the opposite as well. And in those times I don't experience God's presence. All of us have seen unmerciful acts, a lack of graciousness, a readiness to react in anger and double dealing and unfaithfulness in all sorts of ways. And we know how evil that feels.
So when I try to live a godly, sober and righteous life I try to imitate these aspects of God. My goal each day is to show mercy if needed. Graciousness even when I'm not being treated in that way. To not make anger my default position, but save it for something worth the effort. And to be as loyal to my friends and relationships.
If that is how God has been towards me and what I hope for from others, I can do no less myself.
Blessings,
Ed
As a person of faith I have experienced the presence of God in my life. Not in a physical way but more in the way I've generally been treated throughout my life. I generally have experienced mercy. I have personally experienced graciousness from others. I have seen people not so quick to get angry and I've witnessed a steadfastness and faithfulness in many relationships.
True I've also seen and experienced personally the opposite as well. And in those times I don't experience God's presence. All of us have seen unmerciful acts, a lack of graciousness, a readiness to react in anger and double dealing and unfaithfulness in all sorts of ways. And we know how evil that feels.
So when I try to live a godly, sober and righteous life I try to imitate these aspects of God. My goal each day is to show mercy if needed. Graciousness even when I'm not being treated in that way. To not make anger my default position, but save it for something worth the effort. And to be as loyal to my friends and relationships.
If that is how God has been towards me and what I hope for from others, I can do no less myself.
Blessings,
Ed
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Reflection for June 11, 2015
"O my God, make them like whirling dust, like chaff before the wind."(Psalm 83:13)
Have you ever just wished something would go away. Perhaps even someone. The situation or person is becoming so annoying that you feel only outside forces can rid you of it.
Often the psalms give voice to feelings we may not be able to or comfortable with expressing. This is one of those instances for me.
But I know that often a fresh wind blowing through a situation can also get things moving, a real clean sweep. Dust often clings to stuff and when the wind blows you can see it move.
What in your own life feels like it might need to be like chaff before the wind?
Blessings,
Ed
Have you ever just wished something would go away. Perhaps even someone. The situation or person is becoming so annoying that you feel only outside forces can rid you of it.
Often the psalms give voice to feelings we may not be able to or comfortable with expressing. This is one of those instances for me.
But I know that often a fresh wind blowing through a situation can also get things moving, a real clean sweep. Dust often clings to stuff and when the wind blows you can see it move.
What in your own life feels like it might need to be like chaff before the wind?
Blessings,
Ed
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Reflection for June 10, 2015
"Mortal, say to the prince of Tyre. Thus says the Lord God: Because your heart is proud and you have said, 'I am a god; I sit in the seat of the gods, in the heart of the seas,' yet you are but a mortal, and no god, though you compare your mind with the mind of a god." (Ezekiel 28:2)
"I say 'You are gods, children of the Most High, all of you.'"(Psalm 82:6)
As I was reading the passages assigned for today in the Bible Challenge, I was struck by these two seemingly contradictory statements. Ezekiel pointing to a self ascribed godhood, one that rings hollow and proves false and the psalmist with the God's way of viewing us as gods, albeit with some strings attached.
When we get to full of ourselves we may begin to believe we are minor deities. While we may have strengths in certain areas and achieve great things we also have weaknesses and often miss the mark.
That type of ego centrism usually leads to quite a fall.
And yet we can also fail to see the image of God in ourselves when we focus on our failings and our shortcomings, missing how much that image comes from being a beloved child of God. The invitation I hear in that Psalm is to be more like God while acknowledging that I'm not God. To use the gifts and talents that I have. At the same time acknowledging those places where I am weak without letting them be the only thing that defines me.
Blessings,
Ed
"I say 'You are gods, children of the Most High, all of you.'"(Psalm 82:6)
As I was reading the passages assigned for today in the Bible Challenge, I was struck by these two seemingly contradictory statements. Ezekiel pointing to a self ascribed godhood, one that rings hollow and proves false and the psalmist with the God's way of viewing us as gods, albeit with some strings attached.
When we get to full of ourselves we may begin to believe we are minor deities. While we may have strengths in certain areas and achieve great things we also have weaknesses and often miss the mark.
That type of ego centrism usually leads to quite a fall.
And yet we can also fail to see the image of God in ourselves when we focus on our failings and our shortcomings, missing how much that image comes from being a beloved child of God. The invitation I hear in that Psalm is to be more like God while acknowledging that I'm not God. To use the gifts and talents that I have. At the same time acknowledging those places where I am weak without letting them be the only thing that defines me.
Blessings,
Ed
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Reflection for June 9, 2015
"After this I looked, and there in heaven a door stood open. And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, 'Come up here and I will show you what must take place after this.'"(Rev. 4:1)
I'll have to admit that today as I went public with my news about being called to a new parish the idea of being shown what comes next feels appealing. Granted what John saw in his vision would frighten most of us.
Actually I really don't want to know what comes next. That would take the adventure out of it, that would ruin the surprises that will come along the way. I know that a door stands open and over the next seven weeks I'll start heading towards that threshold. I'm going back to a place that is familiar yet I'm sure different. What I also know is that as a person with a deep faith that the voice calling me to come up is one I can trust, whose love for me knows no bounds. And while everything will reveal itself in its time, the God of surprises will not cause me hurt or harm and has equipped me to meet what lies ahead with joyful expectation.
Blessings,
Ed
I'll have to admit that today as I went public with my news about being called to a new parish the idea of being shown what comes next feels appealing. Granted what John saw in his vision would frighten most of us.
Actually I really don't want to know what comes next. That would take the adventure out of it, that would ruin the surprises that will come along the way. I know that a door stands open and over the next seven weeks I'll start heading towards that threshold. I'm going back to a place that is familiar yet I'm sure different. What I also know is that as a person with a deep faith that the voice calling me to come up is one I can trust, whose love for me knows no bounds. And while everything will reveal itself in its time, the God of surprises will not cause me hurt or harm and has equipped me to meet what lies ahead with joyful expectation.
Blessings,
Ed
Monday, June 8, 2015
Reflection for June 8, 2015
"I know your works; you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either cold or hot."(Revelation 3:15)
Revelation is such a strange book. I've been told it almost didn't make it in. It get's used in bizarre ways as people try to see it as a prophecy that finally gets fulfilled in their own time. Problem is that most of it is specific, like these comments to the 7 churches. The 7th one Laodicea reminds me of many places. They are reasonably comfortable, not on fire but not dead, just sort of being. Lukewarm was the word used to describe them.
When I think about my own faith life it really hasn't been hot or cold just steady. But the thought that lukewarm or that gray area might not be good enough gives me pause.
I suppose what I'd like to see is if I can know when to turn up the heat, and when to cool it down. And in between those times to keep moving.
I hope I don't get spit out, but treading water isn't always an option.
Blessings,
Ed
Revelation is such a strange book. I've been told it almost didn't make it in. It get's used in bizarre ways as people try to see it as a prophecy that finally gets fulfilled in their own time. Problem is that most of it is specific, like these comments to the 7 churches. The 7th one Laodicea reminds me of many places. They are reasonably comfortable, not on fire but not dead, just sort of being. Lukewarm was the word used to describe them.
When I think about my own faith life it really hasn't been hot or cold just steady. But the thought that lukewarm or that gray area might not be good enough gives me pause.
I suppose what I'd like to see is if I can know when to turn up the heat, and when to cool it down. And in between those times to keep moving.
I hope I don't get spit out, but treading water isn't always an option.
Blessings,
Ed
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Reflection for June 3, 2015
"This was the guilt of your sister Sodom:she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy."(Ezekiel 16:49)
When Christians start throwing Bible verses at each other, especially around the topic of homosexuality, inevitably the story of Sodom and Gomorrah is used to show why homosexuality is bad. Look what God did to that town because the men wanted to have gay sex. The problem is that from Genesis we can't actually tell what sins that caught God's attention were. We know in the end the "men" who visited Lot were accosted by the men of Sodom. Basically they wanted Lot to send out the strangers so that they could be raped.
First off I think we can agree that gang rape, no matter whether being done male to male or male to female is really bad. Should not be tolerated in any way, shape or form. It is also true that their behavior violated hospitality codes of the ancient world, you don't do that to guests.
But Ezekiel tells us what the original problem the one that had God ready to destroy them, the wealthy and prosperous people paying no attention to the needy in their midst. Literally these people were so full, that they had more than enough. They weren't even being asked to sacrifice anything, just to share with others.
Perhaps that's the real warning we should bring from this story to our times. That God's expectations of us, who are very blessed, is to give aid to those less fortunate than ourselves. This is not the only example in scripture about this by the way. God's people get in trouble when they fail to help the poor. And that message needs to be heard even today.
Blessings,
Ed
When Christians start throwing Bible verses at each other, especially around the topic of homosexuality, inevitably the story of Sodom and Gomorrah is used to show why homosexuality is bad. Look what God did to that town because the men wanted to have gay sex. The problem is that from Genesis we can't actually tell what sins that caught God's attention were. We know in the end the "men" who visited Lot were accosted by the men of Sodom. Basically they wanted Lot to send out the strangers so that they could be raped.
First off I think we can agree that gang rape, no matter whether being done male to male or male to female is really bad. Should not be tolerated in any way, shape or form. It is also true that their behavior violated hospitality codes of the ancient world, you don't do that to guests.
But Ezekiel tells us what the original problem the one that had God ready to destroy them, the wealthy and prosperous people paying no attention to the needy in their midst. Literally these people were so full, that they had more than enough. They weren't even being asked to sacrifice anything, just to share with others.
Perhaps that's the real warning we should bring from this story to our times. That God's expectations of us, who are very blessed, is to give aid to those less fortunate than ourselves. This is not the only example in scripture about this by the way. God's people get in trouble when they fail to help the poor. And that message needs to be heard even today.
Blessings,
Ed
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Reflection for June 2, 2015
"Although I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink; instead I hope to come to you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete."(II John;12)
No matter what kind of mediums we have at our disposal nothing beats a face to face conversation. And that includes "facetime, and video conferencing."
While I love keeping up with people via facebook and certainly communicate pretty regularly via texting and email, it lacks a certain depth. It is also hard tor read intent and hurt feelings often occur.
I like my face to face time with my friends and family. I try to create those opportunities. But in between time I'll still use the other mediums available to me. Staying in touch is what ultimately matters.
Blessings.
Ed
No matter what kind of mediums we have at our disposal nothing beats a face to face conversation. And that includes "facetime, and video conferencing."
While I love keeping up with people via facebook and certainly communicate pretty regularly via texting and email, it lacks a certain depth. It is also hard tor read intent and hurt feelings often occur.
I like my face to face time with my friends and family. I try to create those opportunities. But in between time I'll still use the other mediums available to me. Staying in touch is what ultimately matters.
Blessings.
Ed
Monday, June 1, 2015
Reflection for June 1, 2015
"I will give them one heart, and put a new spirit within them; I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh."(Ezekiel 11:19)
It has been a couple of months since I blogged. I have no excuse really accept perhaps I just wasn't feeling it, too much else going on that was distracting me and frankly perhaps a hardening of heart for it.
I know that biologically speaking the heart is a muscle that when it isn't working we are literally dead. But the metaphorical language of the heart as used by Ezekiel also speaks to me. Things that are soft and alive can in fact harden over time. Our attitudes towards things and people. An indifference to things that use to matter. All of these can feel like a heart of stone.
We will often talk of having a change of heart and I find that often is the Holy Spirit giving me that jump start that breaks that heart of stone, but puts back in a heart of flesh, one that beats, gets the creative juices flowing again and energizes me to do things that bring me joy.
Blessings,
Ed
It has been a couple of months since I blogged. I have no excuse really accept perhaps I just wasn't feeling it, too much else going on that was distracting me and frankly perhaps a hardening of heart for it.
I know that biologically speaking the heart is a muscle that when it isn't working we are literally dead. But the metaphorical language of the heart as used by Ezekiel also speaks to me. Things that are soft and alive can in fact harden over time. Our attitudes towards things and people. An indifference to things that use to matter. All of these can feel like a heart of stone.
We will often talk of having a change of heart and I find that often is the Holy Spirit giving me that jump start that breaks that heart of stone, but puts back in a heart of flesh, one that beats, gets the creative juices flowing again and energizes me to do things that bring me joy.
Blessings,
Ed
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