CITY BENEATH THE SEA

In sunken halls and chambers dim,
no human watches
as the Lord comes down.

Creatures great and small
Below a ruined  world
Await the Lord’s response to what has above occur’d.

“WHAT HAVE THEY DONE?
Comes the anguished cry
BLOWN THEMSELVES UP!
No human voice lived to deny.

The Lord had had a wondrous plan:
Out of Spirit and of Mind
There would be Creation of a Godlike kind

Billions of earth years  it took  for  a species called Humanity
endowed with earth’s riches to come into full maturity.

So it was that humanity, full of pride
in false sense of self and autonomy despite  many gifts of love
Forgot what  it was meant to be.

Then the creatures great and small gathered on ocean floor
expected the Lord to say ENOUGH
on  itself humanity had closed the door

But, Spirit and Mind  was not deterred
Another chance was given
With great love and patience
Humanity was forgiven

Then a creature emerged from the ocean floor
And crawled up on the sandy shore
And so the long trek to Creation
Began once more.



Composed by Bob Graham and Ruth Morrison.

Happy New Year - _*Dealing with 2015*_

February in the year of the Goat

Or 2015 if you aren't Chinese.

2015? I thought (way back when)

we'd have flying cars and wrist TVs.

OK.  The iPhone _is_ close.

If I'd thought about living in 2015

I woulda/shoulda have taken better care of myself.

And bought Exxon stock.

I guess “I'm Still Here!” is the thing

And if the world is a ghastly mess-and it is-

It is perhaps the best it has ever been.

So, in the spirit of scientific endeavor,

I will put my rabbit's foot in my pocket,

throw salt over my left shoulder,

firmly grasp my Philosopher’s stone

and pour myself a beer.

(Image from www.Storynory.com)

Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) prayer and commentary

Have you heard the phrase “This too, shall pass.”  When bad or upsetting events occur we are only too happy to see them move on, go away, and disappear.  We are ready for a change.  However when everything is going well and we are happy or even delighted with the status quo, we say, “I hope this never stops.”  “I could go on like this forever.”

However, we are often reminded “nothing ever stays the same, change is inevitable.”  What goes up must come down.”  This happens whether we want it to or not—that is the way of our nature.  We are not always in control!

As for me, I am a control freak and an impatient one at that.  You see, when I am in control (or at least I feel like I am), then I am able to direct the ups and downs. I am able to ‘massage’ events and people to follow my way. I like it like that!  And it happens when and how I want!  It feels so good to be the leader of my world and to rest knowing I have everything under control.  I had come to believe it is ALL in my hands—period—done! (Notice that is in the past tense!)

But what happens when life doesn’t go my way and I feel out of control and lost—let go from great job, a loved one dies, money is suddenly very scarce, the kids take on a new role in their life-long play.  I haven’t read this play, I don’t like it and my kids don’t even want me to comment on their performances.

I believe this why people hate change. They work so hard not to become involved or accepting of new, different, other ways. It is way too scary.  Anything could happen to me (and it usually does).  I ask myself, “Why should I change? Now what? Everything was going just fine. (Just ask me!) It is all I need!”

Now being the take control type of person that I am, patience is not my strong point.  In fact, I pray every day for more patience in whatever I do.  It is extremely difficult to go against my own nature.  How does anyone turn their life over to someone else—let alone God—someone you can’t see, can’t personally touch, someone that other people say doesn’t exist at all?  How do I let God be in control? I know what I want. I know what needs to be done and I want it now—just ask me.

But you see God has been there from the beginning. As I look back God has shown this “child”’ that God knows me better than I know myself.  God has watched me and walked with me through more ups and downs than I can remember. I can imagine God smiling and shaking God’s head like a good parent as God reviews my life.  As a loving parent to their wandering child I hear God say, “I told you, I showed you. Why didn’t you listen to me?  I have always been here when you needed me and when you didn’t. And I still am.”

As a mother/grandmother, I say to my own little ones (even if they are 40 yrs. old): “if you ever need me, just call. I’ll pick you up, I’ll be there. I am the one you can trust above all others.  No matter what happens, my love for you won’t change.  If I need to, I’ll help you pick up the pieces.” I can see God smiling as God says, “Yep, you got it now. I will always be here as I have always been with you from the beginning. You can count on me.  I’ll help guide you.  Be patient and don’t be frightened or scared.  I am truly in control and I will provide you with everything you need.” ……………..Karen L. Patton

November sermon

 

Its November but thru the window

the sun is bright on the brick wall

sparse leaf shadows in the luke-cold air

Around me busy conversations as diners

fill the air and empty their plates

So many separate lives

all heading....where?

Me,Too. Heading somewhere.

Most of life – been good! - behind me now

My joints and my chest are telling me

it is my November also.

So it is time - while I have some – to look

Back:  Actually been pretty easy compared to some.

I wonder why I was given tools and abilities others were not

Thank you, Creator

I've tried to do something for the godawful mess I see on Earth

Forward:  Who knows?  I don't see how anything I did/do can hurt/help

the Creator of a 100 billion galaxies. Guess I'll know – or not - someday.

Soon these sunny days will give way to misty chill.

Like the sun, I too must go away.

Will I be back?

----Bob Graham