Chi Rho Reflection for the Week of December 31, 2006
**********
As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho Press, here is a selection from our book of daily devotions, "Living as the Beloved: One Day at a Time," by the Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.
Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's meditation. We hope you will be blessed.
Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.
Let this child teach us on New Year's Eve
"And Jesus went down with [his parents] and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and people."
Luke 2:51-52
It is New Year's Eve. For many this is a time for celebrating the New Year. Some will party, others attend retreats, church prayer vigils, and worship services while many will chose to stay home and avoid the drunk drivers. I usually enjoy this particular evening at home with friends and loved ones. It is an enjoyable way to reflect on the old year and anticipate the new with good food and friends.
This used to be a very painful evening for me. Many years ago, a very dear friend of mine was killed on New Year's Eve. He was my best friend and I had almost married him. His death was sudden and totally unexpected. He died doing what he loved when his parachute never opened. He crashed into the earth and never regained consciousness. I was paralyzed with grief, along with his many friends and family. As a result, I live in keen awareness of the frailty and preciousness of life. Each day is a gift. I frequently tell my beloved friends and family members that I love them. I often say, "God bless you." I try and live each day as if it might be my last, asking forgiveness when needed, making peace when possible and not letting the sun go down on my anger. Yes, I go dancing, clogging, at every opportunity.
My beloved grandmother taught me to honor the memories of dear departed ones by thanking the good Lord for all the good memories while living one day at a time. I treasure cherished memories of my deceased friend, Bob. As long as we remember, we honor the lives, lived with love, and they still live on within our hearts.
A bookmark of mine shows a little girl at life's crossroad. The road signs point in different directions. One sign points to "Your life." The other sign points to another path significantly named, "No longer an option." The old year is almost finished. This is a great time to reflect on your life and what is no longer an option. It is a wonderful opportunity to reflect inward, upward, and outward. What kind of year has it been for you? Do you have any treasured memories? What was good, bad, beautiful, and ugly? How have you grown? Where has God been present in your life? What are your resolutions, hopes, and dreams for the New Year?
For next year, consider letting the teachings of Jesus help you in the days, weeks, and months ahead. Jesus grew from a remarkable child into the greatest spiritual teacher our world has ever known. His words are full of wisdom, helpful for walking with God and our neighbors, one step at a time when one day feels overwhelming. The Gospels offer many wonderful words of life. Never underestimate their power to help you and those you love. Jesus will always be God's show and tell. Through the Gospel stories, we experience God's loving heartbeat.
Live as God's beloved people. Have a happy New Year. As we close the year, an old Gaelic blessing comes to mind, "And may the Lord hold you in the hollow of God's hand." God bless you.
God, accept our gratitude for this past year. Bless us in the New Year. Help us be loved all our days. Amen.
Grace and peace,
Chi Rho Press
Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site. You can order using our convenient secure shopping cart and pay on line using your credit card! http://www.ChiRhoPress.com
"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each, plus shipping and handling. Six or more copies are $15.75 each, plus shipping and handing. You can find this book on our Web site at http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLivingAsTheBeloved.htm
Subscribe to the Chi Rho Connection, our free twice monthly electronic newsletter, and this Chi Rho Reflection, our weekly meditation, by sending blank e-mail to mailto:ChiRhoPress-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
And visit our new blog at http://chirhopress.blogspot.com
To unsubscribe, mailto:ChiRhoPress-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Reflection, Dec. 24, 2006
Reflection, Dec. 24, 2006
**********
As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho Press, here is a selection from our book of daily devotions, "Living as the Beloved: One Day at a Time," by the Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.
Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's meditation. We hope you will be blessed.
Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.
God in a diaper
"… to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn."
Luke 2:5-7
The most powerful Christmas Eve service over the past forty years for me took place on a U.S. Navy ammunition ship in the Persian Gulf. I was the ship's chaplain. For many of the young men and women on board this would be the first Christmas away from home.
Several of us secretly labored to make it a memorable evening for them. We worked months in advance, thoughtfully preparing for Christmas. Every sailor would be included and would receive a Christmas stocking as his or her gift when they awoke on Christmas Day.
Several U.S. churches had mailed us cookies and fudge for the sailors. Each piece had to be individually wrapped before we stuffed Christmas stockings. Before the shipboard service, we carefully hung the Christmas stockings by each sailor's sleeping area.
I will always remember that particular Christmas Eve. We were thousands of miles away from our loved ones in unfriendly waters. It was a time before e-mail and cellular phones. All we had was each other. We gathered in the ship's cafeteria for a time of Christmas caroling. I had written a simple play and the commanding officer had a major part in it. The young sailors sang, laughed, and seemed to enjoy everything. I remember the looks on their faces as they crowded into the area. Suddenly Santa Claus arrived with gifts. The sailors were delighted. Then we lit candles and listened to the timeless and beloved Christmas story. We closed the Christmas Eve service with singing. Years later, I received a letter from one of those sailors. He wrote, "Dear Chaplain, I should have thanked you then, but didn't. I want you to know that you gave me one of the best Christmases in my life. Thank you for all your hard work."
Compared to Mary and Joseph, my Christmas Eve was quite easy. Mary labored for hours in a small and dirty stable without even a midwife. All she had was anxious Joseph who refused to abandon her. You had to be there to appreciate poor Joseph's stress level. Here baby Jesus was born.
The Prince of peace and light to the nations was born in obscurity and poverty. God's show and tell was then wrapped in swaddling cloths. Mary was no longer great with child. She now had a great child, God in a diaper. Perhaps we should enjoy a pregnant pause and linger with the idea, both funny and serious, of God in a diaper. How like God to dwell among us as a newborn baby.
God, bless us with Christmas joy as we remember the first Christmas with gratitude. Amen.
Grace and peace,Chi Rho PressPlease visit the Chi Rho Press Web site. You can order using our convenient secure shopping cart and pay on line using your credit card! http://www.ChiRhoPress.com.
"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each, plus shipping and handling. Six or more copies are $15.75 each, plus shipping and handing. You can find this book on our Web site at http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLivingAsTheBeloved.htm.
Subscribe to the Chi Rho Connection, our free twice monthly electronic newsletter, and this Chi Rho Reflection, our weekly meditation, by sending blank e-mail to mailto:ChiRhoPress-subscribe@yahoogroups.com..
And visit our new blog at http://chirhopress.blogspot.com
To unsubscribe, mailto:ChiRhoPress-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.
**********
As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho Press, here is a selection from our book of daily devotions, "Living as the Beloved: One Day at a Time," by the Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.
Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's meditation. We hope you will be blessed.
Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.
God in a diaper
"… to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn."
Luke 2:5-7
The most powerful Christmas Eve service over the past forty years for me took place on a U.S. Navy ammunition ship in the Persian Gulf. I was the ship's chaplain. For many of the young men and women on board this would be the first Christmas away from home.
Several of us secretly labored to make it a memorable evening for them. We worked months in advance, thoughtfully preparing for Christmas. Every sailor would be included and would receive a Christmas stocking as his or her gift when they awoke on Christmas Day.
Several U.S. churches had mailed us cookies and fudge for the sailors. Each piece had to be individually wrapped before we stuffed Christmas stockings. Before the shipboard service, we carefully hung the Christmas stockings by each sailor's sleeping area.
I will always remember that particular Christmas Eve. We were thousands of miles away from our loved ones in unfriendly waters. It was a time before e-mail and cellular phones. All we had was each other. We gathered in the ship's cafeteria for a time of Christmas caroling. I had written a simple play and the commanding officer had a major part in it. The young sailors sang, laughed, and seemed to enjoy everything. I remember the looks on their faces as they crowded into the area. Suddenly Santa Claus arrived with gifts. The sailors were delighted. Then we lit candles and listened to the timeless and beloved Christmas story. We closed the Christmas Eve service with singing. Years later, I received a letter from one of those sailors. He wrote, "Dear Chaplain, I should have thanked you then, but didn't. I want you to know that you gave me one of the best Christmases in my life. Thank you for all your hard work."
Compared to Mary and Joseph, my Christmas Eve was quite easy. Mary labored for hours in a small and dirty stable without even a midwife. All she had was anxious Joseph who refused to abandon her. You had to be there to appreciate poor Joseph's stress level. Here baby Jesus was born.
The Prince of peace and light to the nations was born in obscurity and poverty. God's show and tell was then wrapped in swaddling cloths. Mary was no longer great with child. She now had a great child, God in a diaper. Perhaps we should enjoy a pregnant pause and linger with the idea, both funny and serious, of God in a diaper. How like God to dwell among us as a newborn baby.
God, bless us with Christmas joy as we remember the first Christmas with gratitude. Amen.
Grace and peace,Chi Rho PressPlease visit the Chi Rho Press Web site. You can order using our convenient secure shopping cart and pay on line using your credit card! http://www.ChiRhoPress.com.
"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each, plus shipping and handling. Six or more copies are $15.75 each, plus shipping and handing. You can find this book on our Web site at http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLivingAsTheBeloved.htm.
Subscribe to the Chi Rho Connection, our free twice monthly electronic newsletter, and this Chi Rho Reflection, our weekly meditation, by sending blank e-mail to mailto:ChiRhoPress-subscribe@yahoogroups.com..
And visit our new blog at http://chirhopress.blogspot.com
To unsubscribe, mailto:ChiRhoPress-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.
Friday, December 22, 2006
Happy Christmas!
The Board of Directors and Staff of Chi Rho Press want to wish all our readers a very blessed Christmas. In this special time of the year, we are especially grateful for our customers, investors, contributors, authors, volunteers, and all of you who are partners in this ministry. May you be filled with joy, love, and contentment at this Christmas time.
As a special gift in this new blog, we would like to offer you this meditation from "The Road to Emmaus," a book of daily meditations written by and for the LGBT community of faith. http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevRoadToEmmaus.html
These meditations each start with a Gospel reading and a meditation based on it written by by a large number of LGBT Christians. This meditation for Christmas was written by R. Adam DeBaugh.
Please read Luke 2:1-14
Patrick was young and very little. He sat with wonder in his eyes as he listened to the Christmas story in the second chapter of Luke. Great peace and joy seemed to come over his little spirit as he listened and all tension left him. When I finished reading, I asked, "How did you like that story?"
"It's the best!" Patrick was emphatic, yet calm and at peace. The story had made such an impact that I had to ask, "What's so good about the story for you?"
"Be not afraid," Patrick answered. "That's the best part. We were afraid and the angel said, 'Be not afraid.' We don't have to be afraid ever again."
I asked Patrick what kinds of things he might be afraid of as this year draws to a close. He said, "Getting sick, being alone in the dark, not having friends, not doing good in school, stuff like that."
In his simple, innocent, unsophisticated way, little Patrick hit the nail on the head! The meaning of Jesus' humble birth in a rude stable in an obscure corner of the Roman Empire is "Be not afraid."
No matter what our fears, today's Gospel message echoes down the centuries to speak to us, "Be not afraid." Like little Patrick, we are comforted with the knowledge that Christ has come to bring "peace among those with whom God is pleased."
Blessed Saviour, thank you for coming to us with your divine message of grace and peace. Thank you for having your angels comfort and assure us, saying, "Be not afraid." Amen.
Amen.
We at Chi Rho Press wish you all a very happy Christmas, filled with peace, love, and joy.
As a special gift in this new blog, we would like to offer you this meditation from "The Road to Emmaus," a book of daily meditations written by and for the LGBT community of faith. http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevRoadToEmmaus.html
These meditations each start with a Gospel reading and a meditation based on it written by by a large number of LGBT Christians. This meditation for Christmas was written by R. Adam DeBaugh.
Please read Luke 2:1-14
Patrick was young and very little. He sat with wonder in his eyes as he listened to the Christmas story in the second chapter of Luke. Great peace and joy seemed to come over his little spirit as he listened and all tension left him. When I finished reading, I asked, "How did you like that story?"
"It's the best!" Patrick was emphatic, yet calm and at peace. The story had made such an impact that I had to ask, "What's so good about the story for you?"
"Be not afraid," Patrick answered. "That's the best part. We were afraid and the angel said, 'Be not afraid.' We don't have to be afraid ever again."
I asked Patrick what kinds of things he might be afraid of as this year draws to a close. He said, "Getting sick, being alone in the dark, not having friends, not doing good in school, stuff like that."
In his simple, innocent, unsophisticated way, little Patrick hit the nail on the head! The meaning of Jesus' humble birth in a rude stable in an obscure corner of the Roman Empire is "Be not afraid."
No matter what our fears, today's Gospel message echoes down the centuries to speak to us, "Be not afraid." Like little Patrick, we are comforted with the knowledge that Christ has come to bring "peace among those with whom God is pleased."
Blessed Saviour, thank you for coming to us with your divine message of grace and peace. Thank you for having your angels comfort and assure us, saying, "Be not afraid." Amen.
Amen.
We at Chi Rho Press wish you all a very happy Christmas, filled with peace, love, and joy.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Reflection, Dec. 17, 2006
Reflection, Dec. 17, 2006
**********
As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho Press, here is a selection from our book of daily devotions, "Living as the Beloved: One Day at a Time," by the Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.
Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's meditation. We hope you will be blessed.
Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.
God has a big eraser
"As it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah,
'The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
"Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight.
Every valley shall be filled,
and every mountain and hill shall be made low,
and the crooked shall be made straight,
and the rough ways made smooth;
and all flesh shall see the salvation of God."'"
Luke 3:4-6
Is it a bit odd to think about God's judgment on the world so soon before Christmas? Yet Advent (the four weeks preceding Christmas) is historically a time where Christians are called to prepare for Christ's second return. Since the beginning of the Christian Church, people have been urged to turn from their sins in repentance, and live better lives in preparation for that great and terrible future day of divine judgment.
Repentance is an unpopular word, but it is important for our spiritual health. We need to turn away from what is offensive to God, and turn to God in contrition and humility. Repentance involves an inner change in attitude. It is when we repent that we submit to God without excuse. We need to call sin, sin. Sin is offensive to God. The Bible tells us the effects of sin are deadly.
Repentance takes courage. Honesty is always the best policy with God. Remember that repentance turns us towards God. It is a continuous, daily lifestyle. We are to be like Jesus in word and deed. New life in Christ calls us to daily holiness. We are to be new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17-21). God wishes to transform us from the inside out (Romans 12:1, 2).
God is eager to forgive when we admit our failings. Forgiveness is a wonderful gift through Jesus Christ. What a wonderful Christmas gift!
The babe in the manger came to erase our sins. Here is the meaning of Christmas. Christ came to destroy sin and the power of sin in the world. This is why the baby grew up and died on the cross. Someday he will return in power and glory. Until that day, cultivate the mind and heart of Christ in daily living. Err on the side of human kindness and compassion. Confess sin and call it what God calls it.
God is in the business of helping sinners become saints. God is eager to erase sin from our lives.
Lord, make me more like Yourself, less like myself. Amen.
Grace and peace,
Chi Rho Press
Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site. You can order using our convenient secure shopping cart and pay on line using your credit card! http://www.chirhopress.com/
"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each, plus shipping and handling. Six or more copies are $15.75 each, plus shipping and handing. You can find this book on our Web site at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLivingAsTheBeloved.htm
Subscribe to the Chi Rho Connection, our free twice monthly electronic newsletter, and this Chi Rho Reflection, our weekly meditation, by sending blank e-mail to mailto:ChiRhoPress-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
And visit our new blog at http://chirhopress.blogspot.com/
To unsubscribe, mailto:ChiRhoPress-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.
**********
As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho Press, here is a selection from our book of daily devotions, "Living as the Beloved: One Day at a Time," by the Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.
Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's meditation. We hope you will be blessed.
Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.
God has a big eraser
"As it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah,
'The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
"Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight.
Every valley shall be filled,
and every mountain and hill shall be made low,
and the crooked shall be made straight,
and the rough ways made smooth;
and all flesh shall see the salvation of God."'"
Luke 3:4-6
Is it a bit odd to think about God's judgment on the world so soon before Christmas? Yet Advent (the four weeks preceding Christmas) is historically a time where Christians are called to prepare for Christ's second return. Since the beginning of the Christian Church, people have been urged to turn from their sins in repentance, and live better lives in preparation for that great and terrible future day of divine judgment.
Repentance is an unpopular word, but it is important for our spiritual health. We need to turn away from what is offensive to God, and turn to God in contrition and humility. Repentance involves an inner change in attitude. It is when we repent that we submit to God without excuse. We need to call sin, sin. Sin is offensive to God. The Bible tells us the effects of sin are deadly.
Repentance takes courage. Honesty is always the best policy with God. Remember that repentance turns us towards God. It is a continuous, daily lifestyle. We are to be like Jesus in word and deed. New life in Christ calls us to daily holiness. We are to be new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17-21). God wishes to transform us from the inside out (Romans 12:1, 2).
God is eager to forgive when we admit our failings. Forgiveness is a wonderful gift through Jesus Christ. What a wonderful Christmas gift!
The babe in the manger came to erase our sins. Here is the meaning of Christmas. Christ came to destroy sin and the power of sin in the world. This is why the baby grew up and died on the cross. Someday he will return in power and glory. Until that day, cultivate the mind and heart of Christ in daily living. Err on the side of human kindness and compassion. Confess sin and call it what God calls it.
God is in the business of helping sinners become saints. God is eager to erase sin from our lives.
Lord, make me more like Yourself, less like myself. Amen.
Grace and peace,
Chi Rho Press
Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site. You can order using our convenient secure shopping cart and pay on line using your credit card! http://www.chirhopress.com/
"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each, plus shipping and handling. Six or more copies are $15.75 each, plus shipping and handing. You can find this book on our Web site at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLivingAsTheBeloved.htm
Subscribe to the Chi Rho Connection, our free twice monthly electronic newsletter, and this Chi Rho Reflection, our weekly meditation, by sending blank e-mail to mailto:ChiRhoPress-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
And visit our new blog at http://chirhopress.blogspot.com/
To unsubscribe, mailto:ChiRhoPress-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Chi Rho Connection
The latest edition of our electronic newsletter, the Chi Rho Connection Vol. VII, No. 16, has been sent out to our subscription list and posted on the Web site. Read the Chi Rho Connection on line.
1. 2007 Liturgical Calendar
2. Stained Glass for Christmas!
3. Step Number 8: "Read and Study the Gospels"
4. Christmas Shopping Made Easy
5. Obituary: The Rev. Joseph Gilbert
6. Adam's Last Word
I hope these links work! It's the first time I have posted the Connection to our new Blog.
Brother Adam
1. 2007 Liturgical Calendar
2. Stained Glass for Christmas!
3. Step Number 8: "Read and Study the Gospels"
4. Christmas Shopping Made Easy
5. Obituary: The Rev. Joseph Gilbert
6. Adam's Last Word
I hope these links work! It's the first time I have posted the Connection to our new Blog.
Brother Adam
Saturday, December 9, 2006
Reflection, Dec. 10, 2006
Reflection, Dec. 10, 2006
**********
As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho Press, here is a selection from our book of daily
devotions, "Living as the Beloved: One Day at a Time," by the Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.
Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's meditation. We hope you will be blessed.
Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.
Soul Water
"Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it. Athletes exercise self-control in all things; they do it to receive a perishable garland, but we an imperishable one. So I do not run aimlessly, nor do I box as though beating the air; but I punish my body and enslave it, so that after proclaiming to others I myself should not be disqualified."
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NRSV)
Years ago, I had the crazy idea of running a marathon in honor of my fortieth birthday. My neighbor, Joe, had successfully run five marathons and offered many valuable insights and suggestions that I followed carefully during the rigorous training schedule.
"Joe," I asked on our way to the starting line, "what do I have to do to finish the race? What is the one most important thing?"
"Well . . . hmm . . . there is only one thing," he said. "If you do this, you will finish the marathon. If not, you won't. Drink water. Stop at every water station and drink deep. Drink whether you feel like it or not. If you do, you'll be OK."
Joe was well in the lead when I lost sight of him. I ran with thousands of runners and stopped at every water station, drinking glasses of water whether I was thirsty or not. At mile 23, I was hurting and wanted to quit. I found myself singing the doxology. I refused to quit and determined to crawl to the finish line if necessary. And I finished the race! Receiving a medal, hugs, and congratulations was a joyful experience.
After coming home and showering, I called my friend Joe. His worried wife answered the phone. She had not seen him finish the race and had hoped he was with me. Hours later, she found Joe in a nearby hospital. He was seriously dehydrated. You see, he had not followed his own advice. He had decided during the thrill of the race to run for speed and neglected to drink water at the numerous water stations along the course. He collapsed at mile 23 and needed emergency intravenous fluids. He was unable to complete the race.
The church is our water station. If we are to thrive and serve God, we need water stations with other people of faith to encourage and cheer us on. And we will encourage and cheer them. It goes both ways. God calls us to run as a community of faith. We need regular worship as part of our race training, whether we feel like it or not. We need to slow down weekly, and drink deeply from the word of God, praying and caring for others, before returning to our busy lives.
As Christmas draws near, consider going to church for a long drink of water. Search for a church that welcomes people of all sexual orientations. Help each other run the marathon of life. Enjoy remembering the reason for the season. And praise God when the going gets difficult.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Christ, all creatures here below; Praise Holy Spirit, Comforter; One God, Triune, whom we adore. Amen.
(Doxology prayer attributed to Thomas Ken, 1674. Thomas Ken was an Anglican priest, author, chaplain, bishop, poet, and hymn writer who lived from 1637-1711. Some of his works can be enjoyed at http://www.cyberhymnal.org/bio/k/e/ken_t.htm)
Grace and peace,
Chi Rho Press
Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site. You can order using our convenient secure shopping cart and pay on line using your credit card! http://www.chirhopress.com/
"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each, plus shipping and handling. Six or more copies are $15.75 each, plus shipping and handing. You can find this book on our Web site at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLivingAsTheBeloved.htm
Subscribe to the Chi Rho Connection, our free twice monthly electronic newsletter, and this Chi Rho Reflection, our weekly meditation, by sending blank e-mail to mailto:ChiRhoPress-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
And visit our new blog at http://chirhopress.blogspot.com/
**********
As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho Press, here is a selection from our book of daily
devotions, "Living as the Beloved: One Day at a Time," by the Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok.
Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's meditation. We hope you will be blessed.
Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.
Soul Water
"Do you not know that in a race the runners all compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it. Athletes exercise self-control in all things; they do it to receive a perishable garland, but we an imperishable one. So I do not run aimlessly, nor do I box as though beating the air; but I punish my body and enslave it, so that after proclaiming to others I myself should not be disqualified."
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NRSV)
Years ago, I had the crazy idea of running a marathon in honor of my fortieth birthday. My neighbor, Joe, had successfully run five marathons and offered many valuable insights and suggestions that I followed carefully during the rigorous training schedule.
"Joe," I asked on our way to the starting line, "what do I have to do to finish the race? What is the one most important thing?"
"Well . . . hmm . . . there is only one thing," he said. "If you do this, you will finish the marathon. If not, you won't. Drink water. Stop at every water station and drink deep. Drink whether you feel like it or not. If you do, you'll be OK."
Joe was well in the lead when I lost sight of him. I ran with thousands of runners and stopped at every water station, drinking glasses of water whether I was thirsty or not. At mile 23, I was hurting and wanted to quit. I found myself singing the doxology. I refused to quit and determined to crawl to the finish line if necessary. And I finished the race! Receiving a medal, hugs, and congratulations was a joyful experience.
After coming home and showering, I called my friend Joe. His worried wife answered the phone. She had not seen him finish the race and had hoped he was with me. Hours later, she found Joe in a nearby hospital. He was seriously dehydrated. You see, he had not followed his own advice. He had decided during the thrill of the race to run for speed and neglected to drink water at the numerous water stations along the course. He collapsed at mile 23 and needed emergency intravenous fluids. He was unable to complete the race.
The church is our water station. If we are to thrive and serve God, we need water stations with other people of faith to encourage and cheer us on. And we will encourage and cheer them. It goes both ways. God calls us to run as a community of faith. We need regular worship as part of our race training, whether we feel like it or not. We need to slow down weekly, and drink deeply from the word of God, praying and caring for others, before returning to our busy lives.
As Christmas draws near, consider going to church for a long drink of water. Search for a church that welcomes people of all sexual orientations. Help each other run the marathon of life. Enjoy remembering the reason for the season. And praise God when the going gets difficult.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Christ, all creatures here below; Praise Holy Spirit, Comforter; One God, Triune, whom we adore. Amen.
(Doxology prayer attributed to Thomas Ken, 1674. Thomas Ken was an Anglican priest, author, chaplain, bishop, poet, and hymn writer who lived from 1637-1711. Some of his works can be enjoyed at http://www.cyberhymnal.org/bio/k/e/ken_t.htm)
Grace and peace,
Chi Rho Press
Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site. You can order using our convenient secure shopping cart and pay on line using your credit card! http://www.chirhopress.com/
"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each, plus shipping and handling. Six or more copies are $15.75 each, plus shipping and handing. You can find this book on our Web site at
http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLivingAsTheBeloved.htm
Subscribe to the Chi Rho Connection, our free twice monthly electronic newsletter, and this Chi Rho Reflection, our weekly meditation, by sending blank e-mail to mailto:ChiRhoPress-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
And visit our new blog at http://chirhopress.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, December 6, 2006
Liturgical Calendar Published
Read about the new 2006-2007 Liturgical Calendar and Lectionary at this link: http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLiturgicalCa06_07.html
Order yours now!
Order yours now!
Adam's First Blog Entry
Well, thanks to my Virtual Personal Assistant, Ronald, Chi Rho Press now has a Blog.
Our goal is to be adding things periodically like the weekly Chi Rho Reflection; a link to the lengthier, twice monthly newsletter, the Chi Rho Connection; announcements of new publications; book reviews; and all kinds of stuff.
At some point I will start posting my "Tales from a Micro-Press," about the process of how Chi Rho Press runs and functions.
I invite your comments and please post to the Blog. Let us know what you think!
And please visit the Web site at www.ChiRhoPress.com
Adam
Our goal is to be adding things periodically like the weekly Chi Rho Reflection; a link to the lengthier, twice monthly newsletter, the Chi Rho Connection; announcements of new publications; book reviews; and all kinds of stuff.
At some point I will start posting my "Tales from a Micro-Press," about the process of how Chi Rho Press runs and functions.
I invite your comments and please post to the Blog. Let us know what you think!
And please visit the Web site at www.ChiRhoPress.com
Adam
Reflection, Dec. 3, 2006
Reflection, Dec. 3, 2006
**********
As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho Press, here is a selection from our book of daily devotions, "Living as the Beloved: One Day at a Time," by the Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok. Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's meditation. We hope you will be blessed.Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.Solved by Walking
"But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary,they shall walk and not faint."
Isaiah 40:31
Walking is good for our souls. Many walk for love and wisdom. A local hospice program owns a large portable labyrinth and calls their ministry, "walking the trail of wisdom." By facilitating a number of my own labyrinth walks and retreats, I have learned walking helps us break old patterns of thinking, doing, and being. Walking helps us honor body and spirit. Everything instructs as we slow down and see, listen, taste, feel, pause, and grow.
Walking helps release hurtful and negative feelings. Walking is known as the perfect total-body exercise. Here are four great reasons to walk: it brightens your mood; it strengthens your body; it energizes your mind; it burns calories (Fenton, Mark and the Editors. "Walking: The New Walker's Logbook," p. 67). Oprah Winfrey has often said, "I've been through every diet under the sun, and I can tell you that getting up, getting out, and walking is always the first goal."
Age-old wisdom reveals that aging people who remain active maintain the vigor and strength of someone ten to fifteen years younger. I looked at a walking journal the other day, and it specifically mentioned that we use more of our body's 650 muscles and 208 bones when we walk, than when we run. Walking also helps prevent osteoporosis (age-related bone loss).
Step by step, we can breathe peace with every step. By breathing a little slower and deeper, we enjoy placing one step in front of the other. People walk for all kinds of reasons. We walk for peace, justice, civil rights, health and wellness, and many other social causes. We walk and talk, walk and meditate. We walk for our physical health, so why not walk for our spiritual health?
The venerable Thich Nhat Hanh reminds us that "everything depends on our steps. We struggle in our mind and body, and don't touch the peace and joy that are available right now – the blue sky, the green leaves, the eyes of our beloved" (Hanh, Thich Nhat. "The Long Road Turns to Joy," p. 5). He calls us to be deeply mindful and in touch with the present moment. Our understanding of what is going on will deepen, and we can begin to be filled with acceptance, joy, peace, and love. Thich Nhat Hanh encourages everyone to begin to practice walking meditation. Because it might be new, we may feel unbalanced, like a baby learning to walk. He says this, "Follow your breathing, dwell mindfully on your steps, and soon you will find your balance. Visualize a tiger walking slowly, and you will find that your steps become as majestic as his" (Ibid., p. 49).
Walk and find strength with God.
God, help us build our strength by walking, walking with You. Amen.
Grace and peace,
Chi Rho Press
Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site. You can order using our convenient secure shopping cart and pay on line using your credit card! http://www.ChiRhoPress.com
"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each, plus shipping and handling. Six or more copies are $15.75 each, plus shipping and handing. You can find this book on our Web site at http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLivingAsTheBeloved.htm
Subscribe to the Chi Rho Connection, our free twice monthly electronic newsletter, and this Chi Rho Reflection, our weekly meditation, by sending blank e-mail to mailto:ChiRhoPress-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
**********
As one of the on-going ministries of Chi Rho Press, here is a selection from our book of daily devotions, "Living as the Beloved: One Day at a Time," by the Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok. Please read the Scripture passage and Dr. Bochonok's meditation. We hope you will be blessed.Thank you for forwarding this to your friends.Solved by Walking
"But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary,they shall walk and not faint."
Isaiah 40:31
Walking is good for our souls. Many walk for love and wisdom. A local hospice program owns a large portable labyrinth and calls their ministry, "walking the trail of wisdom." By facilitating a number of my own labyrinth walks and retreats, I have learned walking helps us break old patterns of thinking, doing, and being. Walking helps us honor body and spirit. Everything instructs as we slow down and see, listen, taste, feel, pause, and grow.
Walking helps release hurtful and negative feelings. Walking is known as the perfect total-body exercise. Here are four great reasons to walk: it brightens your mood; it strengthens your body; it energizes your mind; it burns calories (Fenton, Mark and the Editors. "Walking: The New Walker's Logbook," p. 67). Oprah Winfrey has often said, "I've been through every diet under the sun, and I can tell you that getting up, getting out, and walking is always the first goal."
Age-old wisdom reveals that aging people who remain active maintain the vigor and strength of someone ten to fifteen years younger. I looked at a walking journal the other day, and it specifically mentioned that we use more of our body's 650 muscles and 208 bones when we walk, than when we run. Walking also helps prevent osteoporosis (age-related bone loss).
Step by step, we can breathe peace with every step. By breathing a little slower and deeper, we enjoy placing one step in front of the other. People walk for all kinds of reasons. We walk for peace, justice, civil rights, health and wellness, and many other social causes. We walk and talk, walk and meditate. We walk for our physical health, so why not walk for our spiritual health?
The venerable Thich Nhat Hanh reminds us that "everything depends on our steps. We struggle in our mind and body, and don't touch the peace and joy that are available right now – the blue sky, the green leaves, the eyes of our beloved" (Hanh, Thich Nhat. "The Long Road Turns to Joy," p. 5). He calls us to be deeply mindful and in touch with the present moment. Our understanding of what is going on will deepen, and we can begin to be filled with acceptance, joy, peace, and love. Thich Nhat Hanh encourages everyone to begin to practice walking meditation. Because it might be new, we may feel unbalanced, like a baby learning to walk. He says this, "Follow your breathing, dwell mindfully on your steps, and soon you will find your balance. Visualize a tiger walking slowly, and you will find that your steps become as majestic as his" (Ibid., p. 49).
Walk and find strength with God.
God, help us build our strength by walking, walking with You. Amen.
Grace and peace,
Chi Rho Press
Please visit the Chi Rho Press Web site. You can order using our convenient secure shopping cart and pay on line using your credit card! http://www.ChiRhoPress.com
"Living as the Beloved" is available for $20.95 each, plus shipping and handling. Six or more copies are $15.75 each, plus shipping and handing. You can find this book on our Web site at http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLivingAsTheBeloved.htm
Subscribe to the Chi Rho Connection, our free twice monthly electronic newsletter, and this Chi Rho Reflection, our weekly meditation, by sending blank e-mail to mailto:ChiRhoPress-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
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