The Glory......

"The glory of God is the human person fully alive"!*

–  Irenaeus, 2nd Century bishop of Lyon –

The quote is from Irenaeus, the exclamation point is from me:)

Today's my birthday

Yes, today's my birthday and I'm loving it!*

Last evening after my spouse and I had celebrated the occasion in our most favorite restaurant, we laughed and gave thanks for the wonder of how fast the years fly by, how young we feel, how healthy we are, and how grateful we are to live with God's presence in our lives.  There's not much way to significantly change any of these thanksgivings - rather they will perhaps change by themselves.

The years will unlikely not be slowing down for us, the youthful feelings may take on a burnished edge, the health, although we will continue to guard it as best we can, may falter now and then.  And our gratefulness for the life we live together, along with our friends and family, will only grow as God's presence continues to be with us and manifest itself in outward signs of love, caring, and humility.

Yes, today's my birthday and I'm celebrating it!

*Early celebration in NY w/daughter Kari, granddaughters Addison and Morgan

Fire, Furnace and Fears

Fire was the element of reflection this week in my Easter E-Course, so herewith - more fire -

See, I have refined you, but not like silver;

I have tested you in the furnace of adversity.

Isaiah 48:10

So what of the fire, the refinement, the fears, the furnace

Step in and die

Step in and live

What fears will become ashes

That of failure

Of being judged by one's friends and foe

Fear of non-creativity

Of everything

Rather, why not the crucible

Taking on courage with the fire

Taking on confidence with the purification

Taking on the badge of honor and creativity

Taking only the shield of God's perfect judgement of his creation