Psalm 134--Bask in the light of love

This morning I just popped out of bed. I looked outside and noticed the sun was beginning to show its colors on the horizon. 

I got some coffee and Nan Merrill's Psalms for Praying and headed outside.  Cliff heard me and joined me. 

I read Psalm 134 as I watched the beautiful colors spread across the sky. 

Making this time to breathe in and out, to be still, to listen, to enjoy creation is crucial self-care and soul-care for me.

Here is Psalm 134:

Come, bask in the Light of Love, all you who would serve the Divine Plan!

Lift up your hands to the Holy One, singing songs of praise!

Bow down and receive blessing from the Giver of Life!

All praises be to You,

whose Love created heaven and earth!

Nan Merrill, Psalms for Praying, p.269

As you reflect on the Psalm, what stands out to you? What speaks to you? What captures your attention?

Wherever you land in your focus, may you receive love today, along with peace and calm, recognizing that the Giver of Life gives you these things and much more. Yes, even on the days and in times of stress, anxiety, doubt, uncertainty, etc., the Giver of Life has you, has me. 

Peace on this day. 

May the adventurous journey continue.

Rev. Deb

This is what I posted on social media earlier today with the Psalm and the photos: 

"If last night's weather and scenery wasn't beautiful enough, this morning is rising to meet it! The breeze and coolness is exceptional! The colors in the sky have been amazing. Coffee. Cliff. Breathing in. Breathing out."

Haiku inspired by Jesus

There are many places at Lake Junaluska in NC that I want to visit each time I am there: the Rose Walk, the chapel, the bookstore, the cross, Inspiration Point and Jesus.

I made it by to see Jesus on our way out this last time. The statue of Jesus shows him offering the bread and the wine. For whatever reason, this statue captures my attention. 

His feet remind me of the verse that says:

"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”" ~Isaiah 52:7

It's pretty cool that this statue is overlooking the mountains and Lake Junaluska in a beautiful setting.

Here is the Haiku inspired by the statue as I was thinking about it last night:

following Jesus:
humility, letting go;
Come, Holy Spirit.
DD, 6/26/22

As I transition into family leave of absence, I follow Jesus. It is a journey, an adventurous journey. There is much unknown, but Thomas Merton assists me in this time as well with his prayer:

"My Lord God,
I have no idea where I am going.
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end.
nor do I really know myself,
and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so.
But I believe that the desire to please you
does in fact please you.
And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.

And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road,

though I may know nothing about it.
Therefore will I trust you always though
I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.

I will not fear, for you are ever with me,
and you will never leave me to face my perils alone."

Rev. Deb

Photos are mine, taken on 6/11/22.

Haiku inspired by bamboo

I was reflecting on yesterday's Bamboo Encounter and this photo.

The result is this Haiku:

open space beckons 
archway invites entering
sacred space awaits

DD, 6/26/22

Psalm 108

With coffee #2, I sat back down outside with Psalms for Praying: An Invitation to Wholeness by Nan C. Merrill.

I wanted to find a Psalm that mentioned clouds implicitly or explicitly because of the cloudy morning. (Note: this version doesn't contain the English word "clouds". Here is a different version, the Contemporary English Version, of verse 4 that began this post: "Your love reaches higher than the heavens, and your loyalty extends beyond the clouds.")

A Google search offered Psalm 108 as an option.  As I read through the Psalm slowly and deliberately (lectio divina), I found the words meaningful and appropriate. 

Here is Psalm 108. Read it through slowly. What captures your attention? Read it through again. Allow some silence to see what bubbles up from the reading. Give thanks to Creator God for the time together and any insight.

My heart is united with

      Your Heart, O Beloved!

I sing, and I will sing praises!

      My soul is awakened:

O joy, O gratitude!

      I arise to the new dawn!

I give thanks to You, Beloved,

                   among the peoples, 

      I sing praises to You among

                    the nations.

For your steadfast Love is great

                    through all the world, 

       your faithfulness remains

                    for all eternity. 

Be exalted, O Radiant One, throughout

                    the universe!

       Let your Glory extend to the 

                     ends of the earth!

That your friends may be set free

                    from fear,

       Come to our aid, waken us all!

For You have been our Promise for

                    all generations:

        "Come to Me when your hearts 

                     are heavy,,

          and I will give you rest.

For as I am in you, so do you 

                     live in Me;

          we are One in the Spirit of Love.

Be my messengers of peace;

          be bearers of mercy and justice;

          let Love triumph over fear."

Who will answer the Invitation of Love?

          Who will lead others into 

                    the new dawn?

Stay Awake, O my soul, to

                    the Beloved within;

           O, that I might shine as a light

                     in the world!

Released from the darkness within,

            I extend your Peace

                                out to the world;

            for You are my Peace and

                      my Light!

With You I can do all things;

            into your Heart I commend

                      my soul always.

(pages 221-222)

As I reflect on these words this morning,  here is what captures my attention and sticks with me:

• a united heart with God, the Beloved
• an awakened soul
• God's steadfast Love and faithfulnes
• Be my messengers of peace;
            be bearers of mercy and justice;

 I am challenged by these questions:

Who will answer the Invitation of Love?

          Who will lead others into 

                    the new dawn?

As I sit with this Psalm this morning, I find hope and encouragement from the One who knows me best.

I invite you to share any thoughts from your reflection time with Psalm 108 in the comments below. 

The journey continues to be an adventure!

Rev. Deb