Monday, November 12, 2012

One Thousand Gifts Re-read: Chapter One.


Loving this book is a cliche, but the book itself so is not. Since reading it for the first time a year and a half ago I've revisited favorite chapters and passages, but this is the first time I've actually dived back in to read straight through. So glad I am: it's just what my heart is needing. All emphases mine...



"Satan's sin becomes the first sin of all humanity: the sin of ingratitude.
Adam and Eve are, simply, painfully, ungrateful for what God gave. Isn't that the catalyst of all my sins?

Our fall was, has always been, and always will be,
that we aren't satisfied in God and what He gives...

the fall: humanity's discontent with all that God freely gives."


"We were lured by the deceptions that there was more to a full life,
there was more to see."


"Living with losses,
I may choose to still say yes.
Choose to say yes to what He freely gives.

Could I live that-
the choice to open the hands
to fully receive
whatever God gives?"

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Human Needs Global Resources Covenant, 2009

As fellow travelers on this journey, we commit to this covenant before God. Lord, in Your mercy, hear these our prayers:

When confronted with scarcity, need, and inadequacy, may we be nourished by the Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation. Abundance overflows from Your table, sustaining all who come in faith. Father, help us.

When monotony blurs our vision and dulls our senses, may we encounter others as Christ did, through intentional presence in daily life, submitting as clay to be formed into vessels filled with the Spirit. Christ, guide us.

When wounded by the fractured condition of Your people, may we be united by Your Lordship in faith, hope, and love; seeing, as through the facets of a diamond, the beautiful spectrum of Your light reflected onto Your holy Church joined in praise. Spirit, empower us.

When all Creation groans, afflicted by injustice and driven to despair, may the promise of redemption root us in the hope of Your Kingdom: "Behold, I am making all things new!"

Holy Trinity, send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve You with gladness and singleness of heart.

Amen.