Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Memorizing the Bible, and other writings

A friend at Centering Prayer told me about her project to memorize scripture, so that it would come back to her and fill her life.

In my case, there are long passages of scripture I would like to remember, but also poems and passages in books that speak to me, that I would like to remember, so that I can reflect on them or bring them to mind when I need them.

Looking back through old photos yesterday I realized that our life, the life of my family, has been richer and fuller than I saw at the time.

Bright Light

During Meeting for Worship I had an experience of the light becoming brighter and brighter. I can't put it into words and I feel awkward posting about it but I want to remember it.

Friday, March 28, 2008

A moving story on NPR's web site

There is a great story on NPR's website about a man who actually did the "offering your coat" thing, as in the New Testament:

He was walking toward the stairs when a teenage boy approached and pulled out a knife.

"He wants my money, so I just gave him my wallet and told him, 'Here you go,'" Diaz says.

As the teen began to walk away, Diaz told him, "Hey, wait a minute. You forgot something. If you're going to be robbing people for the rest of the night, you might as well take my coat to keep you warm."

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Pictures in a Bible

I've found a new blog, First Born Stories, by a Christian Arab-American that makes interesting reading. In one post, he talks about discovering a picture of a Middle Eastern looking man in an old Bible at a used bookstore, and says that there is a tradition of putting pictures in your Bible of people you are praying for.

I think this is a moving idea, and gives me the idea for a different kind of Commonplace Book; where I can keep track of friends, family, and even strangers in the news, that I need to hold in the light.

Friday, February 29, 2008

A Native American mystic

Next time I'm home I'll get the quote, but there is an astonishing passage in a Puritan diary I have that describes a Native American mystic who tries to purify the religion of his people, and also discourage alchohol use.

Monday, February 18, 2008

Irritability Quotient

My IQ was high yesterday. That's my Irritability, not my Intelligence. I've been on a low carb diet to lose weight, which is working, but I have not started any kind of relaxation, meditation, centering, calming practice to address my grouchiness.