The World I Live In by Mary Oliver
“I have refused to live
locked in the orderly house of
reasons and proofs.
The world I live in and believe in
Is wider than that.
And anyway, what’s wrong with Maybe?
You wouldn’t believe what once or
twice I have seen.
I’ll just tell you this:
only if there are angels in your head will you ever,
possibly, see one.”
I have seen the Spirit moving behind the gathering clouds, with wings the color of rainbows. I have watched the light of creation split the sky, as angels pound the drums of heaven. What is holy is not what is tame, what is divine is as wild as a desert rain. Love is not a timid breeze, but a storm of change, sweeping the comfortable before it like leaves, blowing the dust off our ordered lives, challenging us to dare the elements of our own vision. What is holy is not what is tame, so when you stand to pray, stand facing the wind.
I followed my passion and was guided by the light inside of me.
That light does not belong to me alone.
It is innate in all of us.
Everyone has it.
But more often than not, we choose not to see it.
LILY YEH
(PHOTO by Andres Chamorro, Brother Mohammand and Lily Yeh- Mural)
a network for grateful living
I want to sing like the birds sing,
not worrying who listens or what they think.
~ Rumi
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This week a group of Christian educators/faith-formers have joined one another in the mountains of North Carolina for a conference filled with inspiration and resources. Everyone has brought something to enrich the experience. With music, art and reflection we have learned new skills and shared our own insights.
Through the patient guidance of a gifted and faith-filled artist, Roger Hutchinson, I told a story today with finger paint and a white canvas. As we began, I turned with a smile and said – ‘really Roger, finger paint – for someone with little use of their fingers!’ In the midst of this ironic fact, I knew I was game, always have been, and so the painting began.
Limitations are often self-designed. Be it self-conscious or fearful, many opportunities are refused with statements such as ‘I can’t do that’. Yes, it takes courage but as time moves on the need for courage often changes into a healthy dose of curiosity.
We form in faith with one another. Through trust and the stir of God’s spirit, a vision can be born and nurtured into life. I am grateful for those willing to be companions in this journey of faith.
Carrie's Bench 
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