CircuOsity .21

Today's reflection invites listeners to consider how to be joyous with preparing for the wilderness with God - joyfully.  Howell Sasser writes "It is tempting to take the widest, most visible path. For some it may be consumerism, for others, fashionable cynicism. But, even for those seeking to follow a faithful path, the easiest of most conventional one may not be the most Godly. (Sasser, Paths, p.8, 2019).

Jim describes his discomfort as well as his curiosity for the wilderness he observes congregations dwelling in during these complicated days. Financial and spiritual deficits are causing church communities strife and despair.  Jim references Dwight Zscheile's wise words in The Agile Church. Zscheile writes: "the realities facing the church today are complex and ambiguous, realities for which there are no quick or easy solutions.  ... We look to leaders to resolve this ambiguity by providing quick fixes, giving us a clear map of where to go..." (Zscheile, The Agile Church, p.60, 2014).

Jim suggests that Jesus' prayer reminds us to seek daily bread, no more than that amount. Jesus example harkens back to the Israelites wandering in the wilderness and the manna God sustained them with each day.  Jim references Eckhart Tolle's teaching that gratitude in the present moment provides the key we need to open up the spiritual dimensions of our lives. (Tolle, Present Day Reminder, March 10, 2019)

In sum, contentment, surrender, and awareness of reality as it is and discovering bread for nourishment may be enough to dwell with God as we discern where and how we should be living our lives.

 

Blessings along The Way.

Jim offers a reflection for Monday, March 16th.  Howie writes that "It is commonly observed that Nature has little use for straight lines. If this is true, and if nature (including us) is to be seen as God's creation, the the appearance of straight lines in the threads of our lives is all the more extraordinary." (Sasser, Paths, page, 8, 2019).

Jim considers the joy and complexities of wandering around in circular rather than straightforward endeavors. He shares a story of a recent wandering on his way to Delaware. Jim shares wisdom some of Br. Curtis Almquist's wisdom. Curtis is a member of the Society of St. John The Evangelist. 

We strive to make this podcast meaningful and useful as cairns throughout Lent and beyond. Please offer us your technical and spiritual feedback.  If you like what you hear, follow us on Podbean, Facebook, and Twitter.  Share the words with your friends too.

 

Blessings along The Way, Jim

Today's Podcast introduces Paths' author, The Rev. Dr Howell (Howie) Sasser. Jim introduces Howie. Howie shares a bit about his life's path and pivotal moments. Howie tells us what inspired him to write the book, his purpose in writing it, and hopes for his readers. Jim and Howie then consider together today's theme of setting out on Lent's pilgrimage with full faith. They discuss Jesus' and their own temptations in the Wilderness. We conclude with contemplating how to be faithful without seeing clearly the path we travel.  Howie offers a farewell blessing.  

 

Blessings along The Way - Howie and Jim

This morning's episode offers a reflection upon this scripture: 

I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture.

I am the gate. (door) Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. (John 10:9)

Jim reflects that all transformational beginnings begin with endings. Lent begins as EPiphany ends. Jesus' life as a carpenter ends as he begins his journey as Emmanuel - God with Us (at the Jordan River.  Jim includes a couple of life experiences.

He then concludes by suggesting that this Ash Wednesday may be a transformational beginning for those who begin their Lent earnestly in prayer.

 

Howie writes. "Every Path has a beginning. Sometimes it is apparent, but often it passes unnoticed. To find oneself already on the road, the familiar receding and the next place of rest still over the horizon, is to be in the hands of God, the one who has no beginning or ending." (Sasser, Paths - 2019, p4).

 

Blessings along The Way, Jim and Howie

 

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Welcome to CircuOsity's Special Lenten Series.  Paths is a daily Lenten practice for studying God's word, offering prayer, and learning a little bit more about the Lenten calendar. This introduction includes a prayer from Boethius.  I also mention some info. about awesome Lenten programs on the Episcopal Church's 'Lenten Resource page. You can join in at Lent Madness too. Mostly though, I introduce what Howell Sasser (my spouse) and I are offering together this Lent.  His creative writing in "Paths" offers space and time for my reflections and our weekly conversations. We're building it as we go along. We invite you to share some of your time each day with us this Lent. Share the word. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Dear People of God: The first Christians observed with great devotion the days of our Lord's passion and resurrection, and it became the custom of the Church to prepare for them by a

season of penitence and fasting. ... Thereby, the whole congregation  (and our listeners) was (were) put in mind of the message of pardon and absolution set forth in the Gospel of our Savior, and of the need which all  Christians continually have to renew their repentance and faith.We invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent, by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading andmeditating on God's holy Word. (especially on this podcast) 

 

Blessings along The Way, Jim and Howie

Today's Episode invites listeners to craft their own circle.  You get to shape your circle by asking yourself a few questions about who you are, what and who you value, who you desire to become, and what's in your way.  I've included a prayer and a little info. about Brendan the Navigator. Enjoy and look for a new podcast Facebook page in the next couple of days. If you like what you hear, pls. share the podcast with your friends. Email me with your ideas, suggestions, questions. And check in if you'd like.

 

Blessings along The Way, Jim

So, we've hung out as human beings in circles - Forever.  I'm curious about Circles - how circles shape who we are - how we meet, what circles mean for us in big, bold - small, secret ways. I'm learning about The Circle Way. It is re-creating my spirituality, psychology, and way I show up in the world. I thought I'd start a podcast and see if anyone else wants to learn more about the circular way of life, love, and learning.