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Holy Smoke on the Water

Holy Smoke on the Water

And God said, Let there be Light

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Category: Theology

Posted on March 12, 2018January 19, 2019

How does God’s Garden Grow?

This is a response to some concerns posed about my previous post, I Asked for This Suffering.  My friend said that he was wondering about my implying that God would be proud of Adam and Eve for eating of the tree.  He added that "it would seem too much like "an evil game or ploy" …

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Posted on March 10, 2018

I asked for this suffering

A dear friend sent me a message this morning, "Oh, Catherine! You are amazing to keep on going. It is such a mystery why the suffering isn't shared around more evenly. You inspire me." Bless her. This is what I have come to understand, and my belief is supported by my experience... and more so …

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Posted on February 15, 2018March 9, 2018

Brilliance of the Human Condition

Last year, I learned that all of the loss I've experienced in the past 10-15 years has put me in a good starting position to adopt Jesus' kenotic path...enough to follow Him much closer than I could have before. This year, I'm learning that it has been through the numerous heart breaks throughout my life …

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Posted on February 12, 2018March 9, 2018

Wrapping up: the Final Black Hole of Love

I'm reading What is the Bible by Rob Bell. (It's awesome.) In chapter 5, Bell starts dissecting a line from Paul: "G-d made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment--to bring unity to …

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Posted on February 8, 2018March 9, 2018

that’s God you hear

  the falling of snow... ...has a large muffling capacity, like the sound of one hand clapping, it holds the senses still and enlarges the heart.  One expects to hear the steady constant falling of snow flakes, just as one would expect to hear the voice of God, but both reach us at a frequency …

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Posted on February 8, 2018March 9, 2018

“The Gospel of Jesus…

"—the good news of Jesus’ own message—is that there is a way of being that moves beyond both secular and religious conventional wisdom. The path of transformation of which Jesus spoke leads from a life of requirements and measuring up (whether to culture or to God) to a life of relationship with God. It leads …

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Posted on February 8, 2018March 9, 2018

“God is not ‘a being,’ but is Being.”

...so writes a friend.  I believe I am beginning to understand this.  I add... God and I, therefore, are not beings, but are Being... together. You, and God, and I are not beings, but we are Being. All of us are not beings, but rather we are all Being...all of us...even 'them.'. All of it …

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Posted on February 6, 2018March 9, 2018

What is man…

"We are all made up of yearning and light" - Mark Nepo

Posted on February 6, 2018February 6, 2018

The Knitted Doll

I seem to fluctuate between a sense of God as 'all of it' and then a few moments later I am aware of a yearning to be closer or more drawn in...or drawn out. My fluctuations in appreciation are as subtle as breathing. Somewhere in my distant past I heard an analogy of God to …

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Recent Posts: Notes from the Margins

“Maybe you’re a Marxist.”

I will not adopt another man’s (or woman’s) theology as long as I am able to craft my own.

Open Letter to God

You’ve got to do something. No one believes anymore that there is a benefit to being ethical, honest, loving, or kind. I’m heartsick. Insurance company: “Yeah but it’s not illegal.” Brother: “Hey, business is good and that’s all I care about.” Neighbor: “You don’t want to stock up too much, people will steal from you.” […]

This is How

Jesus was a wise rhetorician; his approach was to change the game by changing the initial conditions.

“Nice little machine you have.”

My ‘little blue wonder car’ always draws attention. I turned to greet the smiling eyes of an older gentleman in a plaid shirt and straw fishing hat, walking toward me with a cane.  We were in the shaded parking area in front of the assisted living facility where my sister lives.  I assumed this gentleman […]

“Oh, for God’s Sake!”

(1985) “Is there anyone here I can talk to?   Excuse me….hello….is there anyone here I can talk to?” “What do you need?” “I need someone to talk to.” “What about?” “I just need to talk to someone.  Isn’t there a priest here or something?” “Follow me….this is Father *****, assistant priest here at Trinity Episcopal.” […]

Recent Posts: Today's Teachable Moment

In Chaos there is Opportunity

Now offers Opportunity

“Your Mother is Deranged!”

America has a two-parent, legislative government which allows for our Congress to act like the two parents of a healthy, functional country.

Spring Practice

Survival is of the alert. Those who make it through these changes are not so much ‘survivors’ as they are the riders at the crest of the waves of change.

Recognizing Christ

Clemson’s head football coach, Dabo Swinney, spoke to reporters recently about Clemson’s new 5-star wide receiver signee from California, saying, “He’s got an amazing mind and leadership abilities. I mean, he is an incredibly well-rounded young person that I think will impact our community and impact a lot of people’s lives through the platform of […]

Our Hope is Built on Nothing Less…

…than being Fully Human. Fully cognizant of God’s ever-presence Fully connected to each other and all of life…in love Fully engaged in the battles and brawls that strengthen us and teach us everyday, but . . . Especially in these focused, dedicated events to demonstrate our resolve and our purity of heart. Go TIGERS!

Recent Posts: The View from 5022

Coming About

You are not fouled….your wind is. You are a sturdy, well-built, little craft. Get out of the foul wind and sail on.

Brush-B-Gone and Jesus

I serve God, through Jesus, with strength and conviction from the Holy Spirit

Please and Thank You

…and, “I love you” and “good night.”

The Mosquito Moped

I love him, dearly, and he brought me such joy

An Enlightening Article

disrupting my comfortable and familiar views and stretching my awareness

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