Thursday, October 23, 2008

Deep places...

If you sometimes wonder why it takes me so long to write a post... well, I could say it is because I'm really busy with work, or that life in general has consumed me once again.

But that isn't often the reason. While life does get very busy, the space between posts is more likely to mean that I'm processing something deep that is going on in my heart.

I was in this spot recently, and was profoundly moved by what I saw, felt, and heard. There really are no words to say how deeply this place touched my heart.
I didn't plan on making a pilgrimage that day, I was just being a tourist on the east coast of this country that I love. I asked the Lord to show me his heart for his people...and He led me here.

Isaiah 43

1 But now, this is what the LORD says:
He who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.

3 For I am the LORD, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I give Egypt for your ransom,
Cush and Seba in your stead.

4 Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
and because I love you,
I will give men in exchange for you,
and people in exchange for your life.

5 Do not be afraid, for I am with you;
I will bring your children from the east
and gather you from the west.

6 I will say to the north, 'Give them up!'
and to the south, 'Do not hold them back.'
Bring my sons from afar
and my daughters from the ends of the earth -

7 everyone who is called by my name,
whom I created for my glory,
whom I formed and made."

8 Lead out those who have eyes but are blind,
who have ears but are deaf.

9 All the nations gather together
and the peoples assemble.
Which of them foretold this
and proclaimed to us the former things?
Let them bring in their witnesses to
prove they were right, so that others may hear
and say, "It is true."

10 "You are my witnesses," declares the LORD,
"and my servant whom I have chosen,
so that you may know and believe me
and understand that I am he.
Before me no god was formed,
nor will there be one after me.

11 I, even I, am the LORD,
and apart from me there is no savior.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

On distant shores....

When I'm at work, my days are scattered. The bombardment of questions starts pretty much as soon as I arrive, and ends only when either I leave or the others get tired of waiting in line. Seems strange to me (I'm an accountant). If I was in a call center I'd understand.

Thankfully, even with the chaos in the markets, I have a reprive for a few days. Friends of mine are getting married this weekend ... and as a result I get to step away from the office for a few days and even get to spend time near deep waters.... and let my mind rest for a bit, and my body too. And of course, see a beautiful couple exchange their vows before God.

While I'm sure there will be lots of time to engage with friends, I plan on getting some much needed alone time with the Lord. I'll sit somewhere, with the scriptures and play a few worship Cds. At the moment, there is no journal in my purse to capture notes. I may pick up one along the way, but I'm thinking it's time to just listen.

One of my very favorite things is to get really still, and just hear the rythm of the wind and the waves blend with my heartbeat. I'm thankful and excited to do just that this weekend, with family and friends.

For however you choose to spend Thanks Giving, I hope it's with people you treasure and full of activities you truly enjoy.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Psalm 97

Sunday, October 5, 2008

The saints among us....

I like these old polish saints. This quote is from Sister Mary Faustina: "Neither graces, nor revelations, nor raptures, nor gifts granted to a soul make it perfect, but rather the intimate union of the soul with God. These gifts are merely ornaments of the soul, but constitute neither its essence nor its perfection. My sanctity and perfection consist in the close union of my will with the will of God" (Diary 1107).


I would like to visit the chapel near Krakow. Maybe it's just nostalgia given my polish family roots. Even so the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy at Lagiewniki seems like a beautiful place to visit.





Thursday, October 2, 2008

guardian angels...

"May the angels lead you into paradise; may the martyrs come to welcome you and take you to the holy city, the new and eternal Jerusalem."
http://www.therecord.com/news/obituaries/obituaries2020_5252962.html