Sunday, June 24, 2012

amidst giants and storms

The readings for Sunday service were David and Goliath, and Jesus calming the storm.
It was ask of those in attendance to consider the "giants" that this world faces today -those things that seem so huge that they are impossible to fight, let alone beat.  Giants: war, slavery, environmental degridation, epidmeics, poverty.
Then it suggested that such giants are not faced by one person but, rather by a community.  David goes out to fight Goliath on behalf of his community.  He goes with a deep trust and faith.  He also carries something extremely special and priceless.  David goes with FIVE SMOOTH STONES on his belt.
The stones were taken, not when Daivd was with Goliath, but when David was with his people, in community. Perhaps the stones are a reminder of the five books of the Torah and all the knowledge their in.
What is it that you learn in community, what stones have you found to take into the world to fight the giants?  Has your community given you stones of hope, grace,faith, trust, love, peace, humility, patience, more hope?
Choose your stones and with the whole community go into the world and dispel the darkness, slay the giants one stone at a time.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

But By the Grace of God

Have you had one of those days were you are angry or frustrated?  When the phone keeps ringing every time you sit down to eat?  When someone asks you to fix something that they could easy have done themselves without having to complain too?

It has been one of those days.  A normal human day.  For whatever reason though the "normal" seems to much.  And then, when you sit down for a moment to chat with another human being, you realize that they too are experiencing the same, "normal as too much".  In the conversation and solidarity with the other, in the relationship of being honest and real, there is grace.  Drawing the conversation to a close, both leave to finish their day, but by the grace of God.

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Grace from Osho's "Art of Tea"

Rejoice in everything,
even small things.
If you start rejoicing,
even a cuup of tea
starts having a sacred significance.

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Silence is not a word
it is an experience.
It is not a doctrine, a dogma
but a taste on the tongue.
Somethingto be eaten, to be drunk, to be digested
something that becomes part
of your blood, bones and very marrow.

God Is Known- Eye to Eye, Heart to Heart

  The following lines from today’s scripture weave together in my mind.   I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their he...