tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10626278148216599312024-03-14T11:15:33.429-04:00Practicing Sacred RhythmsConsider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil or spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed as one of these. (Matthew 6:28-29)Rhythmic Ritualshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02206778347005065864noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062627814821659931.post-13859176290316507842013-05-23T09:54:00.001-04:002013-05-23T09:54:55.956-04:00Triple … Dog … Dare …<p>I’m working on my doctoral thesis: the premise is that we can induce pure joy into our lives, our community and our congregations by changing the way we think and live.</p> <p>Here is a resource that I’m finding helpful! </p> <p>Join in the Pure Joy Summer Series …</p> <p><a title="http://stringingpearlsbiblestudy.wordpress.com/2013/05/23/this-my-friends-is-a-triple-dog-dare/" href="http://stringingpearlsbiblestudy.wordpress.com/2013/05/23/this-my-friends-is-a-triple-dog-dare/">http://stringingpearlsbiblestudy.wordpress.com/2013/05/23/this-my-friends-is-a-triple-dog-dare/</a></p> <p>Yep, you heard me right. A Triple. Dog. DARE.</p> <p>And in case you didn’t know, <strong>you can’t refuse a triple dog dare</strong>. Once someone has issued one of these babies, you MUST accept the challenge at hand and see it through. I’m totally serious! It’s like a rule or something. “Somewhere it is written…”!!!</p> <p>So now you know! And so <strong>NOW…I TRIPLE DOG DARE YOU</strong> to join us in this <strong>spectacularly life changing</strong>, <strong>Pure Joy inducing, </strong>portion of our summer series: <strong>The Joy Dare</strong>!</p> <p>THIS is the final letter of our <strong>short but sweet</strong> summer word: <strong>JOY. “Y”, </strong>where we hope you join us in celebrating the <strong>JOY You already have </strong>right in your very own life!</p> <p><em><strong>Everything good comes from God. Every perfect gift is from him!</strong> <strong>James 1:17a, ERV.</strong></em></p> <p>I LOVE sharin’ up some good scripture with you! And this one just about turns my heart into happy bursting mode! EVERY GOOD THING comes from God! You heard it here first (or maybe second or third!), ladies and gentlemen! What He gives is GOOD!!! And <strong>I think it’s high time we celebrate all that good stuff we got, don’t you?!</strong></p> <p><strong>The Joy Dare </strong>comes to us directly from author, blogger, speaker, mother, wife, Jesus lover Ann Voskamp. Ann is the author of <em>One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are</em>! And in case you haven’t read it, or even heard about it, let me just take a sec to tell you that it is LIFE changing. The premise? Take time each day to find three things, three blessed little gifts in your life, for which to thank God. The book itself is on our Summer Reading List (<strong>you can access the entire list above under the Pure Joy Summer Series 2013 tab</strong>!). The Joy Dare comes directly from Ann’s awesome blog, <em>A Holy Experience</em>, which can be found at: <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/">http://www.aholyexperience.com/</a>. I highly recommend it for some awesome daily reading!</p> <p>The Joy Dare is a collection of fun little cards that Ann made that break it down to an easy, breezy way to keep track of your daily gratitude! Click this link to see what I’m talking about:</p> <p>The Joy Dare: <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/JoyDareCollection.pdf">http://www.aholyexperience.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/JoyDareCollection.pdf</a> .</p> <p>(This link will also always accessible under the Pure Joy Summer Series tab above!)</p> <p>For each day of the year, Ann recommends <strong>three things</strong> to look for and to think on as blessings/gifts. For instance, <strong>yesterday (May 22nd), her Joy Dare was to find 3 gifts that made you laugh.</strong> If you know me at all, that wasn’t a challenge – almost everything makes me giggle, at least the good stuff! So here is what I found to list as my three Joy Dare Gifts for yesterday:</p> <p><a href="http://stringingpearlsbiblestudy.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/crazy-boy-ted-e1369259438689.jpg"><img alt="crazy boy ted" src="http://stringingpearlsbiblestudy.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/crazy-boy-ted-e1369259438689.jpg?w=225&h=300" width="225" height="300" /></a></p> <p><img alt="Smart Women" src="http://stringingpearlsbiblestudy.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/smart-women-e1369259742418.jpg?w=225&h=300" width="225" height="300" /></p> <p><img alt="lemonade with straw" src="http://stringingpearlsbiblestudy.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/lemonade-with-straw-e1369259842781.jpg?w=225&h=300" width="225" height="300" /></p> <p>Oh my gosh – thank you GOD for ALL things that make me giggle!</p> <p><strong>Today’s Joy Dare is to find 3 gifts found in community</strong>. I think I’ll probably list <strong>something like children swinging at the park; neighbors laughing on my driveway; and the comfort of knowing Glen Ellyn is protected</strong> by our awesome fire department! Try it yourself and see what you can find today!</p> <p>The whole point of the Joy Dare is that <strong>gratitude (the soul-feeling that comes from being thankful) is intrinsically tied to the experience of joy</strong> (come on now, you cannot possibly be grumpy or hopeless AND be grateful – truly grateful – for something at the same time!). She also reminds us that gratitude allows us to find miracles in life, especially in the mundane moments! AND, in her book, Ann wisely shows us that <strong>before every miracle Jesus ever performed, he gave THANKS TO GOD beforehand. We honestly cannot expect joy and miracles without gratitude, sweet friends!</strong></p> <p>So this is how we are going to work <strong>“Y”! </strong>Each time (hopefully every joyful summer day!) you take a look at the Joy Dare Collection gift list for the day, <strong>you will record it in some way</strong>: you can make a mental note of thanks; write them in a journal; take photos of them; draw them; put them to music…the list of expression ideas is endless! AND for every day of the Summer Series, my sweet daughter, Ella, (who, I gotta admit, is a little bit of a budding photographer) and I will be posting photos of OUR three things on my Twitter account (@WendieConnors) and on the Stringing Pearls with Wendie Facebook Page: (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/StringingPearlsBibleStudyMinistry">https://www.facebook.com/StringingPearlsBibleStudyMinistry</a>), AND my Pinterest page for Pure Joy (<a href="http://pinterest.com/wendiewu/stringingpearlspurejoy/">http://pinterest.com/wendiewu/stringingpearlspurejoy/</a>) . Anytime we post something – especially on Twitter – we’ll give it a hash tag that looks like this: #stringingpearlspurejoy. That way, we can all follow along if we search for that particular hash tag!</p> <p><strong>We are encouraging YOU to do the same!</strong> Share your thoughts, pictures, drawings, etc. on your own Facebook pages, our Facebook page, your Twitter, our Twitter, your Pinterest, and/or mine! Please access the technology section here on the blog for more information on how to do these things! Click on the <strong>Pure Joy Summer Series 2013</strong> tab above (that’s a handy dandy tab up there, isn’t it?!). Ann even has a free app called 1000 Gifts for iPhone/iPad users available in the App Store that helps you take photos and keep track of them! It doesn’t follow the Joy Dare, so to speak, but if you like apps, check it out! It’s so fun!!</p> <p>Whew! There we have it. <strong>Joy in Jesus, Joy in Others. Joy in Your Life.</strong> You can pick and choose how and what to do this summer – that’s the beauty of this series! No set rules, no homework, and just a smidgen of structure! As we like to say around here (thanks to Beth Moore), <strong>“Do What Blesses – Not What Burdens”! </strong>Summer is about hanging out, a looser routine, and experiencing a little bit of a slower pace of life – at least that’s what we are going for in the Connors household this summer!</p> <p><strong>Sweet friends, this summer, let’s build connections, and in doing so, we will build <em>community</em>. Let’s express gratitude, so we cannot help but <em>experience miracles</em>. Let’s fill our hearts with scripture and words of faith-filled wisdom, and in turn, <em>fill our very souls with Jesus</em>. Honestly, what could be more JOYful than all of THAT?!</strong></p> <p>Please join in the fun of <strong>Pure Joy, Stringing Pearls with Wendie Summer Series 2013 </strong>– it won’t be the same without you!!!! We’re kicking off this Monday (Memorial Day!), so -</p> <p><strong>On your mark, get set…</strong></p> <p>Up Monday: <strong>…GO!</strong></p> <p>Peace, love, and <strong>MUCH Joy!!!</strong></p> <p>Wendie</p> Rhythmic Ritualshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02206778347005065864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062627814821659931.post-71177784519542763552013-05-21T09:23:00.001-04:002013-05-21T09:23:57.006-04:00A note about the Oklahoma devastation<p>Insurance companies will be calling this tornado an "act of God." </p> <p>I know what they mean. But whereas they are referring to the destruction wrought by the storm, I see this event as the loci of what we can call "acts of God." Plural. I expect to see God show up in many different ways. And we should not be surprised to hear again and again people witnessing to the presence of God in the hour of their despair.</p> <p>I not only expect God to show up, I expect people to show up. That is, I expect to see the best in the human spirit rise and experience its finest hour. We will see neighbors assisting neighbors, strangers helping each other. We will see unsolicited donations pour in from all over the world. This tragedy, as with other tragedies, will act as a mirror in which we see humanity rising to express their "imago dei" human-ness. Humans as God intended us to be. That's always heart-warming to witness.</p> <p>I expect to see communities show up and stand up on behalf of the victims of this storm. </p> <p>I expect to see people's view of what's important in life to experience a seismic shift because of this quick macro-burst of energy that left scores dead. </p> <p>I expect to see people in each other's arms crying together and holding each other up.</p> <p>I expect many people will re-discover their faith and decide that they no longer can live a life without God. There may be some who will shake their fist in the face of God and walk away. Many more, in my view, will take a journey from fear to faith, and find a renewed strength to face the world.</p> <p>These are just a few thoughts about what I expect to see emerging in the southern Midwest area of the U.S. and particularly Oklahoma and Oklahoma city. What about our local church? What do we expect to see this week? Do we expect to see God? And if so, how? Do we expect to see people rising to be the persons God created them to be? Will we see our community coming together to support the needy, or to uphold justice? Will we see friends weeping with friends, strangers helping each other? Perhaps.</p> <p>An appropriate prayer for those affected by this Oklahoma disaster is Psalm 46. We close with these words.</p> <p>Psalm 46</p> <p>God is our refuge and strength,</p> <p>a very present help in trouble. </p> <p>Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult.</p> <p>God bless you this Sunday as you proclaim the good news.</p> <p>Timothy Merrill</p> Rhythmic Ritualshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02206778347005065864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062627814821659931.post-79627817479217021612013-03-17T10:54:00.001-04:002013-03-17T10:54:37.824-04:00St. Patrick’s Lorica–Morning Prayere<p>St. Patrick's Lorica <br />(Morning Prayer of Saint Patrick) <br />I arise today <br />Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, <br />... Through a belief in the Threeness, <br />Through confession of the Oneness <br />Of the Creator of creation. <br />I arise today <br />Through the strength of Christ's birth and His baptism, <br />Through the strength of His crucifixion and His burial, <br />Through the strength of His resurrection and His ascension, <br />Through the strength of His descent for the judgment of doom. <br />I arise today <br />Through the strength of the love of cherubim, <br />In obedience of angels, <br />In service of archangels, <br />In the hope of resurrection to meet with reward, <br />In the prayers of patriarchs, <br />In preachings of the apostles, <br />In faiths of confessors, <br />In innocence of virgins, <br />In deeds of righteous men. <br />I arise today <br />Through the strength of heaven; <br />Light of the sun, <br />Splendor of fire, <br />Speed of lightning, <br />Swiftness of the wind, <br />Depth of the sea, <br />Stability of the earth, <br />Firmness of the rock. <br />I arise today <br />Through God's strength to pilot me; <br />God's might to uphold me, <br />God's wisdom to guide me, <br />God's eye to look before me, <br />God's ear to hear me, <br />God's word to speak for me, <br />God's hand to guard me, <br />God's way to lie before me, <br />God's shield to protect me, <br />God's hosts to save me <br />From snares of the devil, <br />From temptations of vices, <br />From every one who desires me ill, <br />Afar and anear, <br />Alone or in a multitude. <br />I summon today all these powers between me and evil, <br />Against every cruel merciless power that opposes my body and soul, <br />Against incantations of false prophets, <br />Against black laws of pagandom, <br />Against false laws of heretics, <br />Against craft of idolatry, <br />Against spells of women and smiths and wizards, <br />Against every knowledge that corrupts man's body and soul. <br />Christ shield me today <br />Against poison, against burning, <br />Against drowning, against wounding, <br />So that reward may come to me in abundance. <br />Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, <br />Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, <br />Christ on my right, Christ on my left, <br />Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, <br />Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me, <br />Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me, <br />Christ in the eye that sees me, <br />Christ in the ear that hears me. <br />I arise today Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, <br />Through a belief in the Threeness, <br />Through a confession of the Oneness <br />Of the Creator of creation <br />St. Patrick (ca. 377)</p> Rhythmic Ritualshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02206778347005065864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062627814821659931.post-91882272683947231262013-02-06T07:42:00.001-05:002013-02-06T07:45:33.578-05:00Ignatian Lenten Retreat Offered Online<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EXjPEuJaf18/URJPmL0TIrI/AAAAAAAAAFc/XSrIIzKkXmU/s1600-h/Ignatian-Prayer-Adventure-475%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Ignatian-Prayer-Adventure-475" border="0" alt="Ignatian-Prayer-Adventure-475" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1fCtQdlC9Sg/URJPmfUE2PI/AAAAAAAAAFk/daskfssuExE/Ignatian-Prayer-Adventure-475_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="428" height="140" /></a><a href="http://www.ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-spiritual-exercises/an-ignatian-prayer-adventure/week-1/" target="_blank">Lenten Devotions</a></p> <p>Click the link for 8 weeks of material. Use as little or as much as you find helpful in your time of prayer and reflection.</p> Rhythmic Ritualshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02206778347005065864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062627814821659931.post-42773688844684482762012-11-21T07:18:00.001-05:002012-11-21T07:18:55.039-05:00Thanksgiving Greeting from Praise Gathering<p>by Randy Vader and Rose Aspinall on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 - Category: Devotions</p> <p><img style="margin: 0px 0px 5px" alt="" src="http://www.praisegathering.com/UserFiles/image/blog%20pics/thanksgiving%20prayer2.jpg" width="347" height="233" /></p> <p>Dear Father in heaven ~</p> <p>Thank You for the promise that in You I shall not want. <br />When I am overwhelmed, You calm my restless heart. <br />In trials that overpower me as mighty torrents in a raging river, <br />You call me to rest beside still waters. <br />In a world that only knows what it means to take, <br />You bring the peace that restores to me even those things I did not know I had lost. <br />So many voices call to me, beckoning me to walk another road, <br />But You—You invite me to walk in paths of Your righteousness in the name of Your Son. <br />In the inevitability of the shadow of death, I thank you Father that I need not fear the Unknown. I need only look to You for comfort and protection. <br />Even in the midst of those things that bring fear— that make me feel alone, You prepare a banquet and Your sure love overwhelms my enemies. The things that burden me are washed away in Your presence and I am overcome with Your grace. <br />Abba, I could never ask for that which You offer to me as gift. My heart overflows. Your goodness and mercy are always with me and I rejoice in the invitation to dwell in Your house forever. <br />Praise You Loving Father. <br />Praise You Son of God. <br />Praise You Holy Spirit. <br />May my life be a never ending psalm of Thanksgiving.</p> Rhythmic Ritualshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02206778347005065864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062627814821659931.post-12098219074629537662012-11-05T10:42:00.001-05:002012-11-05T10:42:15.117-05:00A prayer for our election ….<p><b>Let Us Pray</b> <br /><em><b>Prayer for Leadership</b></em> <br />Give us, O God, <br />leaders whose hearts are large enough <br />to match the breadth of our own souls <br />and give us souls strong enough <br />to follow leaders of vision and wisdom.</p> <p>In seeking a leader, let us seek <br />more than development for ourselves— <br />though development we hope for— <br />more than security for our own land— <br />though security we need— <br />more than satisfaction for our wants— <br />though many things we desire.</p> <p>Give us the hearts to choose the leader <br />who will work with other leaders <br />to bring safety <br />to the whole world.</p> <p>Give us leaders <br />who lead this nation to virtue <br />without seeking to impose our kind of virtue <br />on the virtue of others.</p> <p>Give us a government <br />that provides for the advancement <br />of this country <br />without taking resources from others <br />to achieve it.</p> <p>Give us insight enough ourselves <br />to choose as leaders those who can tell <br />strength from power, <br />growth from greed, <br />leadership from dominance, <br />and real greatness from the trappings of grandiosity.</p> <p>We trust you, Great God, <br />to open our hearts to learn from those <br />to whom you speak in different tongues <br />and to respect the life and words <br />of those to whom you entrusted <br />the good of other parts of this globe.</p> <p>We beg you, Great God, <br />give us the vision as a people <br />to know where global leadership truly lies, <br />to pursue it diligently, <br />to require it to protect human rights <br />for everyone everywhere.</p> <p>We ask these things, Great God, <br />with minds open to your word <br />and hearts that trust in your eternal care. <br /><em>Amen.</em></p> <p><strong>–Joan Chittister</strong></p> Rhythmic Ritualshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02206778347005065864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062627814821659931.post-84519238490798475922012-08-14T13:56:00.001-04:002012-08-14T13:56:31.515-04:00Go My Children–With My Blessing<p>Go, My children, with My blessing, Never alone. <br />Waking, sleeping, I am with you; You are My own. <br />In My love's baptismal river I have made you Mine forever. <br />Go, My children, with My blessing, You are My own. <br />Go, My children, sins forgiven, At peace and pure. <br />Here you learned how much I love you, What I can cure. <br />Here you heard My dear Son's story <br />Here you touched Him, saw His glory. <br />Go, My children, sins forgiven, At peace and pure. <br />Go, My children, fed and nourished, Closer to Me <br />Grow in love and love by serving, Joyful and free. <br />Here My Spirit's power filled you; Here His tender comfort stilled you. <br />Go, My children, fed and nourished, Joyful and free. <br />I the Lord will bless and keep you And give you peace <br />I the Lord will smile upon you and give you peace <br />I the Lord will be your Father, Savior, Comforter, and Brother. <br />Go, My Children, I will keep you and give you peace. <br />- Jaroslav J. Vajda</p> Rhythmic Ritualshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02206778347005065864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062627814821659931.post-56057858767848481812012-05-15T11:30:00.001-04:002012-05-15T11:30:02.512-04:00Celebrating the Ascension …<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rjHbjO_2ijM/T7J2d8A_28I/AAAAAAAAAEc/ahIduH2FlX8/s1600-h/Ascension%252520Sunday%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Ascension Sunday" border="0" alt="Ascension Sunday" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7yWVFgdcll0/T7J2eRrylGI/AAAAAAAAAEk/qiQojCLMdl8/Ascension%252520Sunday_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="409" height="252" /></a></p> <p align="center">Spirit Series by Angela Taylor Perry</p> <p> </p> <p>Ascension Day is the crowning event of the ministry of our Lord. On the fortieth day after Easter, Jesus went to the Mount of Olives with his disciples and ascended to heaven before their eyes (Acts 1:1-12).</p> <p>The ascension of Christ is filled with theological significance. Christ’s ascension means that in heaven there is one who, knowing firsthand the experience of suffering and temptation, prays for us and perfects our prayers. His ascension is a witness and guarantee of our own bodily resurrection, as well as an invitation for us to set our hearts and minds “on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God” (Col. 3:1-2) to rule over all things in heaven and throughout the universe (Eph. 1:10, 20-23). Finally, the ascension of Jesus serves as the prelude to Pentecost, when the power of the risen Christ came upon all believers through the Holy Spirit.</p> Rhythmic Ritualshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02206778347005065864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062627814821659931.post-89307591385820242182012-04-11T16:42:00.001-04:002012-04-11T16:42:56.142-04:00Beautiful story that the world should know …<p>I do not know who wrote this, but I do know that this story is pure fact and one of the most inspiring stories I’ve ever heard. Two of my sermons this month included references to the John and Annie because they truly are American heroes and fine Christian examples!</p> <p> </p> <p>For half a century, the world has applauded John Glenn as a heart-stirring American hero. He lifted the nation's spirits when, as one of the original Mercury 7 astronauts, he was blasted alone into orbit around the Earth; the enduring affection for him is so powerful that even now people find themselves misting up at the sight of his face or the sound of his voice.  <br />But for all these years, Glenn has had a hero of his own, someone whom he has seen display endless courage of a different kind:  <br />Annie Glenn.  <br />They have been married for 68 years.  <br />He is 90; she turned 92 on Friday.  <br />This weekend there has been news coverage of the 50th anniversary of Glenn's flight into orbit. We are being reminded that, half a century down the line, he remains America 's unforgettable hero.  <br />He has never really bought that.  <br />Because the heroism he most cherishes is of a sort that is seldom cheered. It belongs to the person he has known longer than he has known anyone else in the world.  <br />John Glenn and Annie Castor first knew each other when -- literally -- they shared a playpen.  <br />In New Concord, Ohio, his parents and hers were friends. When the families got together, their children played.  <br />John -- the future Marine fighter pilot, the future test-pilot ace, the future astronaut -- was pure gold from the start. He would end up having what it took to rise to the absolute pinnacle of American regard during the space race; imagine what it meant to be the young John Glenn in the small confines of New Concord.  <br />Three-sport varsity athlete, most admired boy in town, Mr. Everything.  <br />Annie Castor was bright, was caring, was talented, was generous of spirit. But she could talk only with the most excruciating of difficulty. It haunted her.  <br />Her stuttering was so severe that it was categorized as an "85%" disability -- 85% of the time, she could not manage to make words come out.  <br />When she tried to recite a poem in elementary school, she was laughed at. She was not able to speak on the telephone. She could not have a regular conversation with a friend.  <br />And John Glenn loved her.  <br />Even as a boy he was wise enough to understand that people who could not see past her stutter were missing out on knowing a rare and wonderful girl.  <br />They married on April 6, 1943. As a military wife, she found that life as she and John moved around the country could be quite hurtful. She has written: "I can remember some very painful experiences -- especially the ridicule."  <br />In department stores, she would wander unfamiliar aisles trying to find the right section, embarrassed to attempt to ask the salesclerks for help. In taxis, she would have to write requests to the driver, because she couldn't speak the destination out loud. In restaurants, she would point to the items on the menu.  <br />A fine musician, Annie, in every community where she and John moved, would play the organ in church as a way to make new friends. She and John had two children; she has written: "Can you imagine living in the modern world and being afraid to use the telephone? 'Hello' used to be so hard for me to say. I worried that my children would be injured and need a doctor. Could I somehow find the words to get the information across on the phone?"  <br />John, as a Marine aviator, flew 59 combat missions in World War II and 90 during the Korean War. Every time he was deployed, he and Annie said goodbye the same way. His last words to her before leaving were:  <br />"I'm just going down to the corner store to get a pack of gum."  <br />And, with just the two of them there, she was able to always reply:  <br />"Don't be long."  <br />On that February day in 1962 when the world held its breath and the Atlas rocket was about to propel him toward space, those were their words, once again. And in 1998, when, at 77, he went back to space aboard the shuttle Discovery, it was an understandably tense time for them. What if something happened to end their life together?  <br />She knew what he would say to her before boarding the shuttle. He did -- and this time he gave her a present to hold onto:  <br />A pack of gum.  <br />She carried it in a pocket next to her heart until he was safely home.  <br />Many times in her life she attempted various treatments to cure her stutter. None worked.  <br />But in 1973, she found a doctor in Virginia who ran an intensive program she and John hoped would help her. She traveled there to enroll and to give it her best effort. The miracle she and John had always waited for at last, as miracles will do, arrived. At age 53, she was able to talk fluidly, and not in brief, anxiety-ridden, agonizing bursts.  <br />John has said that on the first day he heard her speak to him with confidence and clarity, he dropped to his knees to offer a prayer of gratitude.  <br />He has written: "I saw Annie's perseverance and strength through the years and it just made me admire her and love her even more." He has heard roaring ovations in countries around the globe for his own valor, but his awe is reserved for Annie, and what she accomplished: "I don't know if I would have had the courage."  <br />Her voice is so clear and steady now that she regularly gives public talks. If you are lucky enough to know the Glenns, the sight and sound of them bantering and joking with each other and playfully finishing each others' sentences is something that warms you and makes you thankful just to be in the same room.  <br />Monday will be the anniversary of the Mercury space shot, and once again people will remember, and will speak of the heroism of Glenn the astronaut.  <br />But if you ever find yourself at an event where the Glenns are appearing, and you want to see someone so brimming with pride and love that you may feel your own tears start to well up, wait until the moment that Annie stands to say a few words to the audience.  <br />And as she begins, take a look at her husband's eyes.</p> Rhythmic Ritualshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02206778347005065864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062627814821659931.post-41146694217431254572012-03-24T11:43:00.001-04:002012-03-24T11:43:59.827-04:00Thought for the Day …<blockquote> <p>"The LORD directs the steps of the godly. <br /> He delights in every detail of their lives. <br />Though they stumble, they will never fall, <br /> for the LORD holds them by the hand." <br />                                                  Psalm 37:23–24</p> <p> <br />ENCOURAGEMENT FOR TODAY:</p> <p>How secure does it make you feel to know that God is directing your every step, that if you stumble you will not fall? How much can you relax in him, knowing that he delights in every detail of your life? The ordinary, mundane chores of everyday life—waking, eating, sleeping, cleaning up messes, working, talking to others—all these things God delights in, maybe more than you do! Let today be a delightful day, shared with the God who is with you every step of the way.</p> <p> <br />           —Diane Eble, author of Abundant Gifts: A Daybook of</p> <p>           Grace Filled Devotions</p></blockquote> Rhythmic Ritualshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02206778347005065864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062627814821659931.post-25558260090074751292012-02-23T08:27:00.001-05:002012-02-23T08:41:31.301-05:00Lenten Readings ….<p><img style="margin: 0px 0px 5px" src="http://html.slidesharecdn.com/01ashwednesday2-22-2012-120207160647-phpapp02/output001-600.jpg?1328653159" width="415" height="313" /></p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:b1a474f7-0210-40dc-b2b1-fd7feef53fd9" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="ae007374-8f28-4b61-9a5f-31466e55e24d" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3L3c23MfC0&feature=player_embedded" target="_new"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hDt9adUfBzg/T0ZCB4_WMqI/AAAAAAAAAEU/HDUqaR62Ook/videodf50928ca618%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('ae007374-8f28-4b61-9a5f-31466e55e24d'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"295\" height=\"165\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/m3L3c23MfC0?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/m3L3c23MfC0?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"295\" height=\"165\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div><div style="width:295px;clear:both;font-size:.8em">A brief explanation of Ash Wednesday and Lent …</div></div> Rhythmic Ritualshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02206778347005065864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062627814821659931.post-6458085794599196312011-12-08T17:28:00.001-05:002011-12-08T17:28:29.508-05:00Waiting for God ….<p>“How do we wait for God? We wait with patience. But patience does not mean passivity. Waiting patiently is not like waiting for the bus to come, the rain to stop, or the sun to rise. It is an active waiting in which we live the present moment to the full in order to find there the signs of the One we are waiting for.</p> <p>“The word patience comes from the Latin verb <i>patior</i>, which means to ‘suffer.’ Waiting patiently is suffering through the present moment, tasting it to the full, and letting the seeds that are sown in the ground on which we stand grow into strong plants. Waiting patiently always means paying attention to what is happening right before our eyes and seeing there the first rays of God’s glorious coming.”</p> <p>~~Henri J. M. Nouwen</p> <p>Good is the Lord to one who waits for him, to the soul that seeks him; it is good to hope in silence for the saving help of the Lord. </p> <p>Lamentations 3:25-26</p> Rhythmic Ritualshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02206778347005065864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062627814821659931.post-56770869272154456652011-11-23T20:39:00.001-05:002011-11-23T20:39:44.017-05:00Happy Thanksgiving!<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CY29zNxUbgg/Ts2gXBsnupI/AAAAAAAAAD0/Vz7pa19a6ss/s1600-h/image%25255B3%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BYBgLsmHMrA/Ts2gXlB0fZI/AAAAAAAAAD8/etZSP4zLUvk/image_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="405" height="326" /></a></p> Rhythmic Ritualshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02206778347005065864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062627814821659931.post-36658963444701598232011-08-20T07:18:00.001-04:002011-08-20T07:18:16.871-04:00Statement of Faith …<p>I believe in the one holy God of Israel who created heaven and earth and all of its inhabitants to live in community with the Triune God and with each other. Through our sin, both personal and corporate, we are separated from God and unable to bring ourselves back into communion. When the words of the prophets went unheard and unheeded because of our inherent rebellion, God in loving kindness and steadfast mercy sent Jesus Christ into the world so that we might be restored to a right relationship through the sacrifice made on our behalf. </p> <p>Knowing that we continually struggle in all of our relationships, the Holy Spirit draws us near to God through admonition and encouragement. Through the scriptures of both Old and New Testaments, we see testimony to the steadfast faithfulness of God and are given instruction to guide us. Scripture is divinely given and an infallible witness to God's saving grace through Jesus Christ. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, our hearts are softened to hear the gospel message of salvation and our minds and souls are strengthened for the Kingdom work to which we are each called.</p> <p>Although God saves each of us individually, there is a communal nature to our worship. We are meant to gather as the beloved children of God to form the body of Christ. On earth, the Kingdom of God is made visible through the local church. The church then is called to worship and action through the proclamation of the Word and the Sacraments of Baptism and The Lord's Supper. Our baptisms remind us that God knew us before we were formed in our mother's wombs and that each of us is called to be in relationship with God through Christ. The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper is a symbol that we are united as one body and nourished by the food which Christ provides. Both sacraments are visible signs of the promises and blessings of God's covenant agreement with all those who believe.</p> <p>As believers, we are equipped by the Holy Spirit with gifts suitable for work in the Kingdom of God. We are called to be faithful and cheerful givers of our time, talents, and gifts so that others might be lifted up out of the oppression of physical, mental, and spiritual bondage. No longer are we to remain isolated from creation. Instead, we are called to full participation in God's mission. The saints of the church are to be set apart - marked for radical discipleship - as the Holy Spirit continually sanctifies us and teaches us the heart and mind of Christ.</p> <p>When we realize the fathomless depths of God's love, we can't help but bow our knees before the throne, and cry "Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty." As we bow, God enlarges our hearts and our minds to reach out to others and transforms us from lonely and selfish individuals into joyful people of faith who stand in the intersection of the sacred and the ordinary.</p> <p>May it be so in our hearts and lives today so that we are faithful until the day when Christ returns to redeem all of creation.</p> Rhythmic Ritualshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02206778347005065864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062627814821659931.post-78825801711080217142011-07-29T04:08:00.001-04:002011-07-29T04:08:51.247-04:00Friday Five: Decisions, Decisions<h5> </h5> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sokref1/89716857/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; float: none" alt="DSCN0414.jpg" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/32/89716857_d14a5f07fc.jpg" width="320" height="240" /></a></p> <p>I am pinch hitting today, my first time, as your Friday Five RevGal. Like the song <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sN62PAKoBfE&feature=related">"The Macarena"</a> was for Los Del Rio, this could very well be a one-hit wonder, so thanks for playing! <br />Today we play off of one of my favorite and most memorable Friday Fives to blog from: <a href="http://revgalblogpals.blogspot.com/2010/07/friday-five-decisions-decisions.html">Decisions, Decisions posted by Songbird</a> last July 23. I went back to that post to make sure I had new choices for you to make. I found out -- again -- that she was then, as I have been recently, in the midst of a discernment process and thinking about what goes into decision making. </p> <p>A decision from history: There is a chair that still sits in the Assembly Room of the Pennsylvania State House (Independence Hall). Legend has it that it was <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/more/sun.htm">George Washington's chair</a>, the back carved with a half sun. Benjamin Franklin would look at it and wonder whether it was a rising or a setting sun. Eventually Franklin decided it was the hopeful symbol of the rising sun, a sign of the future of our new republic.</p> <p>How do you decide? Check out the following pairs and tell which one of each appeals to you most: </p> <p>1) <b>Sunrise</b> or <b>Sunset – Sunset</b></p> <p>2) To the <b>Mountains</b> or To the <b>Beach – to the beach</b></p> <p>3) <b>Coffee</b> or <b>Tea – Definitely tea, particularly since spending time in Malawi where tea time is a time of slowing down and giving thanks in the midst of the busy schedule. Tea time speaks of slowing down for gratitude, friendship and fellowship while coffee seems to be a frantic attempt to enable us to do more.</b></p> <p>4) <b>Advent</b> or <b>Lent – This was a tough call because I think both are important. However, Advent speaks of new beginnings and reminds me that God’s mercies are new every morning.</b></p> <p>5) "<b>Raindrops on Roses</b>" or "<b>Whiskers on Kittens</b>" – absolutely no preference here …. </p> <p><b>BONUS</b>: Tell more about one of the pairs. Why did you choose it? Difficult or easy choice? A story from your own experience?</p> Rhythmic Ritualshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02206778347005065864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062627814821659931.post-16155225568473348332011-07-22T07:11:00.001-04:002011-07-22T07:11:50.399-04:00Drop your Dread .. Dare to Hope<p><img style="margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; float: none" alt="Weekly Word for Leaders: Dump Your Dread…And Hope Instead" src="http://www.churchvolunteerdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/dread.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p>In every season, we have two choices, to fear and dread…or to hope and believe. Dreading the future (or any event, change, or situation) robs us of peace and joy in the present. Hoping and trusting frees us to enjoy every season and to stay grounded in the present. It keeps worry and anxiety at bay.</p> <p>Perhaps you are looking ahead to the fall – and your upcoming responsibilities – with dread. Or your mind might be racing with disturbing questions:</p> <p>Will we have the resources and people we need? Will families return this year? Will I be able to keep up with the demands of family, ministry, and my own personal needs? Will leadership be more supportive and helpful this year?</p> <p>The answer is found in Psalms 43:</p> <p><em>“Why are you downcast oh my inner self? And why should you moan over me and be disquieted within me? Put your hope in God and wait expectantly for him, for I shall yet praise him, my help and my God…” (AMP) <br /></em></p> <p>I pray that you, too, will lay down any circumstances or challenges you are dreading – even those that seem impossible – and encourage your soul to “Hope in God!” Choose to have positive expectations about the upcoming year and trust him to provide everything you need to serve him joyfully!</p> <p>Permalink: http://www.churchvolunteerdaily.com/?p=2757</p> Rhythmic Ritualshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02206778347005065864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062627814821659931.post-70845434865151935892011-03-20T18:46:00.001-04:002011-03-20T18:46:45.777-04:00Easter Express …<p align="center"><font size="6"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="6">Get on board </font></p> <p align="center"><font size="6">the <b>Easter Express</b>…</font></p> <p align="center"><b>Gladden UP</b><b></b></p> <p align="center"><b>755 Millers Run Road</b></p> <p align="center"><b>March 29, April 5, 12, 19th</b></p> <p align="center">6 to 8 p.m.</p> <p align="center"><b><i>Event includes: </i></b><i>Craft, meal, Bible story and games</i></p> <p align="center"><i>for children in grades <b>preschool to Grade 5</b></i></p> <p align="center"><b><i>with opportunities for older youth </i></b></p> <p align="center"><b><i>to participate as leader assistants</i></b><i></i></p> <p align="center"><b><i></i></b></p> <p align="center"><b><i></i></b></p> <p align="center"><b><i>Please help us be good stewards of resources </i></b></p> <p align="center"><b><i>and pre-register</i></b></p> <p align="center"><b><i>by calling </i></b></p> <p align="center"><b><i>412-221-5594 by Mar. 25</i></b></p> Rhythmic Ritualshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02206778347005065864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062627814821659931.post-86030133503849611722011-03-07T09:03:00.001-05:002011-03-07T09:03:12.324-05:00“Seraphim in Disguise” by Ted Loder<p>A friend sent this to me this weekend, and I thought it was worth keeping and sharing:</p> <p>O God,</p> <p>everywhere present, but nowhere obvious, here I am where I always seem to be; betwixt cold fronts and crocuses, dreams and disappointments, failures and summons, flaws and gifts, growing up and growing old; betwixt isolation and intimacy, despair and hope, confidence and fear, life and death.</p> <p>O God,</p> <p>you must know how hard it is</p> <p>to be in this between</p> <p>where nothing is certain,</p> <p>everything's in flux,</p> <p>this relentless churning</p> <p>from something I can't quite grasp</p> <p>to something I can't quite see,</p> <p>and it's all up for grabs,</p> <p>and - please,God –</p> <p>for grace. </p> <p>Mercy out of me</p> <p>this tumorous sense of fault,</p> <p>this dead-weight of doubt</p> <p>that I am not two-sparrows' worth,</p> <p>and no concern of yours. </p> <p>Deepen into me</p> <p>the liberating assurance</p> <p>that I am where you are with me,</p> <p>stretched between the kingdom in our midst and the slow fullness of its coming. </p> <p>Muster my courage</p> <p>to let go of the clutch of grievances</p> <p>that keep rendering me vaguely the same, to become vulnerable to surprise - by being one – taking some outrageous, specific dare of love. </p> <p>Strengthen my trust</p> <p>that you are in the turbulence</p> <p>to intensify my struggles,</p> <p>and to render me, as well,</p> <p>sociable to joy, subject to your grace. </p> <p>Keen my awareness</p> <p>that uncertainty is my dance with you,</p> <p>crises, seraphim in disguise,</p> <p>rumpling the air with choice and change, tonging the coals of another chance, proclaiming betwixt as holy, cleansing my soul for gratitude, freeing me, when sent, to go for you, a little less afraid, a little more at ease.</p> Rhythmic Ritualshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02206778347005065864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062627814821659931.post-64011210194039872072011-02-04T20:34:00.001-05:002011-02-04T20:34:03.158-05:00Friday Five: Five Perks of Ministry<p>1.  Undoubted one of the greatest perks is the privilege of sharing in the congregation’s greatest joys and sorrows. Being in ministry means I am part of the family of God … an extended family which nurtures and cares for one another… and for the most part that has been true.</p> <p>2.  The flexible schedule afforded by ministry is a blessing.  I may work longer hours but it is possible to juggle my responsibilities as a wife and mother.</p> <p>3.  I get paid to read – what a concept. I can curl up with a good book and honestly call it work.</p> <p>4.  Excellent health benefits – with a husband on disability and a daughter prone to accidents – this perk has been a tremendous blessing.</p> <p>5.  The opportunity for continuing education and travel experiences including travel to our sister congregation in Blantyre, Malawi, Africa.</p> Rhythmic Ritualshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02206778347005065864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062627814821659931.post-69481001282350796542011-01-22T13:29:00.001-05:002011-01-22T13:29:26.027-05:00The Call Comes to You in the Midst of Life<p><font size="4"><strong>The Call</strong> comes to you in the midst of life</font></p> <font size="4"> <p> <br />The Call comes <strong>to you</strong> in the midst of life</p> <p> <br />The Call comes to you <strong>in the midst of life</strong></p> </font> Rhythmic Ritualshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02206778347005065864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062627814821659931.post-90996018563389560922011-01-11T21:49:00.001-05:002011-01-11T21:49:47.052-05:00The presence of the Holy Spirit<p>I’m starting 2011 as sick as I’ve been in many years … probably since high school when I landed in the hospital sick as a dog for some undiagnosed reason … Whatever the symptoms, the real culprit is definitely stress – it was then and it is now.</p> <p>This past year has been a roller coaster of emotions … in my personal life, in corporate worship, and in my family. And I’ve been begging to get off the ride.</p> <p>Two things have made me face reality:  a trip to Disney with a friend over New Year’s Eve which found me facing my fears and going on rides … which I found oddly not nearly as frightening as I anticipated because I was facing them with a friend… and preaching about the baptism of Jesus and realizing that even Jesus didn’t get to escape the roller coaster of life … in one pericope he’s hearing, “This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased,” and in the very next pericope he’s in the wilderness facing temptation and loneliness. And the presence of the Holy Spirit is found in both places.</p> <p>I really wanted to hear that I had spent my year on the roller coaster ride and would be allowed to jump off in 2011. But if anything, the heights seem much higher and the drops seem much steeper.</p> <p>May the Holy Spirit be present and may I continually claim the calm assurance that Jesus still speaks, “Peace, be still.”</p> Rhythmic Ritualshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02206778347005065864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062627814821659931.post-85240800712223329012011-01-06T16:34:00.001-05:002011-01-06T16:34:37.479-05:00Come …..<p align="center"><font size="4" face="Arial">We ask for all <br />In trouble <br />Not knowing where to turn <br />We ask for a miracle <br />Come break through <br />Come dawn <br />Breath <br />Deep peace <br />Love diving <br />Grace unbound <br />Relieve your children's <br />Burden and pain <br />Come fill us <br />Center us in <br />Prayer <br />Silence <br />Companionship <br />Shared space <br /></font><font size="3"></font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">by <br />Annette Joseph <br />Strong, Maine</font></p> <p>Joseph, Annette. "Come." Lifting Women's Voices: Prayers to Change the World. Ed. Margaret Rose, Jenny Te Paa, Jeanne Person, Abagail Nelson. NY: Morehouse Publishing, 2009. 264.</p> Rhythmic Ritualshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02206778347005065864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062627814821659931.post-85675629838755145052010-12-24T09:37:00.001-05:002010-12-24T09:37:10.975-05:00Christmas Eve<p><i>The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them light has shined.</i> (Isaiah 9:2)</p> <p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxAdyIiKBgyXX8jtWmLxhSDOae3JKsopA1lrKD5EcDXHCdu9JB2mK4FfjnjVgHkcQ2ebfWoDO9SN7YFPMYT8k7IfiQWrziNkdWknebJVoAbEMtIZMdUuSMf8R_5rM3eaB7wFHSf-FsuYdR/s1600/Gertrude_Kasebier-Manger.jpg" width="383" height="532" /></p> Rhythmic Ritualshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02206778347005065864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062627814821659931.post-59163625768012654772010-12-22T08:35:00.001-05:002010-12-22T08:35:06.362-05:00Contemporary Mother and Child<p><a href="http://s303.photobucket.com/albums/nn130/jaymemartin/?action=view&current=eggenberger_nativity-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 5px; display: block; float: none" border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn130/jaymemartin/eggenberger_nativity-1.jpg" /></a></p> <p>Several contemporary images of Mary and the baby Jesus have surfaced on the web recently …this is one of them.</p> Rhythmic Ritualshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02206778347005065864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062627814821659931.post-88737528033736750432010-12-07T08:34:00.001-05:002010-12-07T08:34:26.071-05:00Letting the mud settle …..<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_q0eBsgUhgYVHBwWtczVsG1SPk4pD6L6H7bL2L7eC0SYfRZAL3jF6Fs8z2zb1LhjF0To9eYXpdTEQSrzREx2kGckvNT18_B-c0x-0Voz0-tagpeeDWMnt7k68iiyWDD8t-Qo1Z4TE1g/s1600/patience.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="clip_image001" border="0" alt="clip_image001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_UuC-FJTgFUI/TP434EobHPI/AAAAAAAAADo/kHDhdowVxzw/clip_image001%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="399" height="206" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.listenforjoy.com/art/patience.html">Artist Melanie Weidner</a> says of this painting that it is "Based on a quote from the <i>Tao Te Ching</i>: "Do you have the patience to wait until your mud settles and the water is clear? Can you remain unmoving until the right action arises by itself?" (By the way, if you havent been to her site yet, check out Melanie's <a href="http://www.listenforjoy.com/gallery.html">other beautiful work here</a>.)</p> Rhythmic Ritualshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02206778347005065864noreply@blogger.com0