The View Up Here

Lord, deliver me from all that robs me of freedom and interior peace. Freedom from enslavement to my fears - not being good enough - being poor - being abandoned Freedom from enslavement to my cravings - food beyond nourishment - comfort instead of fulfilling responsibilities - distraction instead of openness to God's will in my life Freedom from enslavement to the demands of the world - busy busy busy busy busy busy busy - money money money money money money money Freedom from enslavement to status and power - gotta look good for others to judge - can't let anyone get the drop on me - gotta be in control - can't be caught looking foolish The enemy plies each and every one of these fears against me. Lord, deliver me from evil. Grant me freedom to embrace you in my daily life, the life of moments. Freedom to do what I ought - righteousness in the sight of the Lord yah, not my own righteousness the righteousness of Jesus Christ who transforms me ...

I just finished a marvelous week with my family in Massachusetts and would be feeling refreshed if I weren't so tired. Actually, I do feel refreshed. My mind is clear and my spirit is refreshed, even if I need to go to bed earlier than my grand nephews' and grand niece's bedtime. However, I feel the need to blog since a couple things hit me during the past week that deserve airing. A close family member of mine is asking the tough questions about God, including, "If he's all-loving, why does God allow suffering of innocents?" The question was asked not as a philosophical exercise, but with righteous anger. Appropriately so. We should be angry at injustice and suffering. If we're not, we need to take Human lessons. Tonight as I was washing dishes in a daze, the answer rose up in my mind in a phrase: God allows suffering so that we can love. Allow me to 'splain. God has given humanity free will to either love each other or hurt each other. Thro...

I don't do a lot with politics on this blog, but there are a few things I feel moved to say in this post-election, pre-Advent, almost-Thanksgiving season. Protesters are out in the streets with signs that declare "Not my president," while headlines blare "Trump's America." Here's a thought:  he is the president whether you like it or not. Be the light, be the love, don't leave it up to the president or anyone else. Will he do some damage to the country? Sure will. Just like every other president has done, some more overtly, some covertly. Will he do some good? Probably, just like even our worst presidents have done.  Do you have to like him? Of course not. But you do have to use your conscience and live your life according to the Law of Love -- well you don't HAVE to, but it really is the only way to a) keep your sanity, b) not alienate others, and instead c) educate with your life, love, and willingness to dialogue with others. Anot...