The sun has set and the Vesper Lights flicker and glow
In the wee hours of the morning two years ago
My dear Mother slipped the bonds of this earthly existence
Every day I remember
How my precious wife and partner in life and ministry cared for her
Waking every few hours to care for her
This night had been a night of comfort and tears
For your presence I thank you Lord
Now as my eyelids grow heavy
I lift this humble prayer to you
Dona Nobis Pacem
Grant Us Peace
A wee prayer from the heart of your Padre…
“To discover who I really am, my true self or nature, I have to give up my own plans for myself and listen deeply for the desires that God planted in my heart. I must discover who I am beneath the accolades and achievements.”
— Christine Valters Paintner, PhD, Eyes of the Heart: Photography as a Christian Contemplative Practice
Today was a day of preparation and planning
Is Thanksgiving really next week?!
Is Advent soon to be upon us?!
As my sweet partner in faith and life worked together
As the ideas and plans for Advent bubbled up
Your Spirit was a constant presence
Our four-legged neighbors reminded us
In the midst of the crazy schedule
Be Still and know
Be Still
Be
Now as we have spent the evening relaxing
Yet another reminder
Be Still and know
Be Still
Be
Sabbath rest calls us to do just that
Be Still
The sun has set and the Vesper Lights flicker and glow
The day is over
Night is upon us
Circle us, Lord
Keep us safe from harm
Circle us, Lord
Give us sound sleep
Circle us, Lord
Give strength for tomorrow
Now as my eyelids grow heavy
I lift this humble prayer to you
Dona Nobis Pacem
Grant Us Peace
A wee prayer from the heart of your Padre…
The sun has set and the Vesper Lights flicker and glow
Time spent in fellowship with dear friends
Time spent with this handsome ram
Time spent listing to the music of wonderful friends
Time spent reading, sharing stories, and enjoying the company of friends who are family
Thank you Lord, for this day
Now as my eyelids grow heavy
I lift this humble prayer to you
Dona Nobis Pacem
Grant Us Peace
A wee prayer from the heart of your Padre…
Hilda and Caedmon
A beautiful Sonnet on her Feast Day ❤️❤️
— Read on malcolmguite.wordpress.com/2019/11/19/hilda-and-caedmon-4/
The sun has set and the Vesper Lights flicker and glow
A time of rest and renewal
A time to Be Still
A time to slow down and recuperate
A time to enjoy your Creation, Lord
Fellowship and renewal
Hope and revitalization
For your gifts I thank you, Lord
Now as my eyelids grow heavy
I lift this humble prayer to you
Dona Nobis Pacem
Grant Us Peace
A wee prayer from the heart of your Padre…
The sun has set and the Vesper Lights flicker and glow
A wonderful Lord’s Day of worship
A time of fellowship, love, and laughter
An afternoon of snoozing and relaxing
A time of reading and reflection
An evening of music with a dear friend
So many blessings, Lord
Now as my eyelids grow heavy
I lift this humble prayer to you
Dona Nobis Pacem
Grant Us Peace
A wee prayer from the heart of your Padre…
Thank you for this wonderful reflection and insight, John ❤️
“To claim that the Bible is inspired by God is not to claim that it was dictated by God to humans who simply wrote down what they were told. To claim the Bible is inspired by God is to claim that humans were inspired, compelled, by their interactions with the divine presence or experience to write down their stories.”
— John Valters Paintner, MTS, Watershed Moments in the Hebrew & Christian Scriptures: An Online, Self-Study Retreat
I took this picture of St Francis of Assisi Anglican Church in February, 2018. It was a beautiful day and it was also a time for reflection and introspection. When Saint Francis was “called to his ministry” he distinctly heard God say, “Francis, rebuild my church.” He thought God was talking about the little ruined chapel where he would go to pray. Actually, God was talking about the Church in general and not a specific building.
First Reading – Isaiah 12
Second Reading – Luke 21:5-19
Sermon – What Is the Body of Christ?
