Beauty in nature

Harmonies in the physical creation

Rising to a full appreciation of the beauties of nature, we engage ourselves on all levels. We could systematically describe these levels, beginning with perception, moving through the intellectual discovery of harmony, and culminating with the spiritual realization of divine beauty. But full …

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Walking in beauty

Arts, Beauty in nature, Walking in beauty

A Navajo prayer introduces the concept of walking in beauty. With beauty before me, I walk With beauty behind me, I walk With beauty above me, I walk With beauty below me, I walk From the east beauty has been restored From the south beauty has been restored From the west …

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Coming attractions

Beauty in nature

Congratulations! You have done the heavy intellectual lifting and are ready for Part II: Walking in beauty. We begin with living amid the beauties of nature. During the month of August this blog will present a series that guides you into a better appreciation through posts on the following …

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With all our strength
I’ve been on a quest to live–and write about–loving God with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength. Yesterday I sent to my editor friend a revised section on strength. She discovered weaknesses in it. It didn’t take long for me to realize (this is a pattern) that she had uncovered a fresh, hungry need […]
Faith child
The faith of a little child not only enables us to join the kingdom family of God, it also continues to guide us as we progress. Jesus’s teachings and interactions on this theme are marked by a wonderful simplicity. And the variety of these teachings touches on several concepts that are part of the whole […]
Sean finds God
A 21-year-old computer whiz embraced the concept of the wonderfulness within, but rejected the idea of the spirit of God within–until two weeks ago. How did philosophy help? Watch the 9-minute video or listen to the podcast episode. For the video, I simplified the philosophy so much it’s hardly recognizable. I have organized some ideas […]
Falling across the Pentecost finish line
After acknowledging the failure of an experiment in the last class meeting (falling across the finish line), I summarize a five-week class, "The Journey from Easter to Pentecost." Then I distinguish garden-variety spiritual experience from the taste-and-see variety.
The Journey from Easter to Pentecost
"Lazarus, come forth!" Imagine Jesus saying this to you, and you saying this to others. Here's class that has embarked on that venture.
Composting the ugly
Composting, a process of transformation, a metaphor of a seven-step process of growth.
Happy Mourning
“Happy mourning” sounds like a paradox. Let's probe Jesus’ beatitude: mourning for past, present, future, for self and others, extreme affliction and daily sensitivity and responsiveness to human need.
A leader’s legacy
Jesus was the model for leaders who know they are not going to stay on the planet forever. Jesus made provision for continuing what he had begun. His legacy would sustain the inspiration, make it possible for people to stay true to the mission, and provide for further growth and new developments to come.
Militant action, mission of peace
Coming into Jerusalem for the last time, Jesus communicated a mission of peace and also acted militantly on some occasions. How can we understand this combination?
Jesus tried
When Peter said to Jesus, "You are the Messiah, the Son of God," Jesus affirmed his insight--and then commanded the apostles not to tell this to anyone. Why not?

Beauty in nature

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