For a few weeks the link will also be posted here. Just click on the text below the candle. On the site click on an unlit candle to start. The candles will be lit under the group heading which are the letters of the name of this blog. We will also be able to see each others prayers and comments. The picture is not mine.
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Today I woke and was blessed with the sight of what God created for wonder and awe - every tree and branch down to the smallest stem of the beech trees golden brown winter cloaked leaves were covered with snow. Since we have had so little snow this winter here in Maine it came as a surprise that filled me with delight to come alive on this day to such a scene. There is indeed glory in the moments that our loving God seems to enjoy presenting to us, especially as it seemed winter was soon to be over.
I got dressed, 6:30 AM (late for a lot of people but early for me) grabbed the camera and became truly present to the beauty that I felt greatly gifted to behold. This was an exclamation point and an affirmation that mindfulness and awareness to each moment has rewards beyond limits. The last decade of meditation and the practice of prayer as the present moment to be experienced has given me moments such as this morning.
All efforts to be ready to be taken into God's Presence have their answers come alive when least expected. How have I found the willingness to be ready for the Gifts always waiting on my inner sight coming alive? The answer to the Carnegie Hall joke has my truth, "practice, practice, practice." The effort is simply to "Be here now." (Note the period.) Putting in the necessary time, years in my case, have granted me the patience to wait on God's desires for any given day, and the gift of generosity to myself to be patient has been the path of least resistance.
Here are two pictures of this wonderful morning.
There are days when I find it hard to believe I live surrounded by nature's beauty. Thanks be to God.
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An offering from another who had immense gratitude for blessings no matter where he was. A lesson for me to ponder.
The Akathist Hymn: "Glory to God for All Things"
This Akathist, also called the "Akathist of Thanksgiving," was composed by Protopresbyter Gregory Petrov shortly before his death in a prison camp in 1940. The title is from the words of Saint John
Kontakion 1
Everlasting God, Your will for our salvation is full of power. Your right arm controls the whole course of human life. We give You thanks for all Your mercies, seen and unseen. For eternal life, for the heavenly joys of the Kingdom which is to be. Grant mercy to us who sing Your praise, both now and in the time to come. Glory to You, O God, from age to age.
Ikos 1
I was born a weak, defenseless child, but Your angel spread his wings over my cradle to defend me. From birth until now Your love has illumined my path, and has wondrously guided me towards the light of eternity; from birth until now the generous gifts of Your providence have been marvelously showered upon me. I give You thanks, with all who have come to know You, who call upon Your name.
Glory to You for calling me into being
Glory to You, showing me the beauty of the universe
Glory to You, spreading out before me heaven and earth
Like the pages in a book of eternal wisdom
Glory to You for Your eternity in this fleeting world
Glory to You for Your mercies, seen and unseen
Glory to You through every sigh of my sorrow
Glory to You for every step of my life's journey
For every moment of glory
Glory to You, O God, from age to age
Glory to You, showing me the beauty of the universe
Glory to You, spreading out before me heaven and earth
Like the pages in a book of eternal wisdom
Glory to You for Your eternity in this fleeting world
Glory to You for Your mercies, seen and unseen
Glory to You through every sigh of my sorrow
Glory to You for every step of my life's journey
For every moment of glory
Glory to You, O God, from age to age
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Last week I put a link here to a video called "Simple Gratitude" which if you haven't looked at it please spend the 5 minutes it takes to view it, you will not be disappointed. Here is the link to another video by the same photographer on the beauty of pollination is many forms.
The video starts at 3'15" into the showing with an explanation by the creator of fine images.
An offering from Chabbad, the site of the Lubovitcher Jewish sect on gratefulness and the bagel.
A short article that has a lot to offer ...
http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/1755346/jewish/Gratefulness-and-the-Holey-Bagel.htm
A song from John Michael Talbot, a Franciscan whose music has meant a great deal to many, many people. This song is about who we may find ourselves to be if we allow God to have God's way in us.
http://www.box.com/s/co5q24uclqjz9o8981oc
Here is the entrance to the Metropolitan Museum Of Art in NYC, one of the most remarkable places in the world, and my favorite place to be in Manhattan. It is a picture of a gateway to so many surprises and wonders the bring up awe frequently and unexpectedly to all visitors.
Until next week, Peace and Serenity, The Gifts of the Spirit. be with us all.
Bill Lagerstrom
A song from John Michael Talbot, a Franciscan whose music has meant a great deal to many, many people. This song is about who we may find ourselves to be if we allow God to have God's way in us.
http://www.box.com/s/co5q24uclqjz9o8981oc
Here is the entrance to the Metropolitan Museum Of Art in NYC, one of the most remarkable places in the world, and my favorite place to be in Manhattan. It is a picture of a gateway to so many surprises and wonders the bring up awe frequently and unexpectedly to all visitors.
Until next week, Peace and Serenity, The Gifts of the Spirit. be with us all.
Bill Lagerstrom
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