Friday, April 20, 2018
ONE NIGHT WITH THE KING (Esther the Bible Movie)
https://www.thoughtco.com/book-of-esther-701112
Esther was a Jewish woman who was selected by the Persian King Ahasuerus to be his wife. He had banished his former wife and chose Esther through a contest. However, the king did not know she was a Jew. (Esther 1-2) Esther’s uncle was Mordecai. Mordecai learned of a plot to kill the king and made it known to Esther who passed the news to the king.
Saturday, April 14, 2018
Reflections
THANK YOU, Gracious God, for my home.
Thank you that even though your own son had no home, I have been blessed with a place to live. Thank you for its walls, its roof, its windows and doors.
…As I consider my home, I think of those who do not have walls, floors, ceilings, or a roof. I think of them, cold and shivering in the dark. I love my home, but my treasure isn’t in my possessions, in my home. …
And in my gratitude, O God, I also offer you a prayer for the homeless of this world —
those across the sea,
those in faraway lands,
those in other nations,
and those in my own backyard.
those across the sea,
those in faraway lands,
those in other nations,
and those in my own backyard.
I don’t know how to pray for these people, Gracious God. I suppose I’d like to ask you to give a home to each person. I know you can do this only through your people.
I am one of your people. Open my heart so that I can share my wealth and prosperity with others.
– Quiet Spaces
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
Sunday, February 18, 2018
The Wall (1982), The Warsaw Ghetto Uprising
In 1940, the Nazi SS and SD rounded up the Jewish families of Warsaw and forced them into what became known as the Warsaw ghetto. The Nazis then systematically starved, murdered and finally deported thousands within the ghetto for “resettlement in the East” – a thinly disguised euphemism for extermination in the Treblinka death camp. When the Nazis invaded the ghetto the Jews fought back and temporarily defeated the invaders. SS General Jürgen Stroop relieved the former commander, and ordered the entire Ghetto to be systematically burned down and blown up building by building. All of the survivors, including men, women, and children were either killed on the spot or deported to extermination camps. Stroop’s actions resulted in the deaths of 50,000 Jews, leaving only a handful of survivors.
This made for TV movie is based on John Hersey’s book “The Wall”.
The Upper Room
Today’s Reflection
CENTERINGImagine that you are in a boat rocking wildly on the choppy waves of a rough ocean. Then the waves become calm, and the boat moves gently with the water. Feel the rhythm as the boat lifts and falls like a cradle being rocked. Allow yourself to relax.
PRAYING
Ever-present God, thank you for being here with me right now. In the chaos of my life, I often forget that you are always with me, always seeking to bring me peace.
People demand so much of me and my time. I face the requests of others, the needs of others, the expectations of others — always others.
I have so much to do and so many responsibilities resting on my shoulders.
I feel overwhelmed, as if the world around me is a heaving, crashing sea, and I am adrift in a small boat, unable to keep the waves from closing over me.
Only you can bring order out of this chaos. Say the word, All-Powerful God, and I know the seas will be calmed and that I will be safe. I know this — yet I’m afraid to let go of the tiller and trust you.
My mind skitters around my many concerns: What if something doesn’t get done? What if someone is angry with my actions? What if…?
Even as I say these words, I can hear how foolish they are. You, the God of my life, are also the God of order. Bring order to my life, and in doing so, take care of all those concerns that rise up around me like stormy waves. Calm the seas of my busyness; still the waters of my “doingness.
” Let me drift on the gentle swells of your love and care. ….
Thank you, O God, that the same hand that stilled the waters holds my hand.
LISTENING
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” ~John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” ~John 16:33
RETURNING
Throughout the day, imagine yourself on a calm ocean, quietly rocking in a small boat.
~ Quiet Spaces: Prayer Interludes for Women
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