The Cumberland Pearl
The second and last book of thoughts, and to some controversal Poems. From a long and grateful life in America, from one deep South to the wild West.
Went to bed early last night and woke up very early, which is a nice time to pray and write for me, all the world is so quiet outside and it seems to allow all the time in the world to gather and sort out thoughts.
In reading over The Monks writing about our Soul, it seemed so pertinant to today's emphasis on the speculation of when the soul enters the body.
This seems as logical as any time, when The Lord, can impregnate one with a Soul, if the Lord does that? Or whether we open ourselves up to one, as natural to our being and personal enviromentmental experience.
Maybe could happen at times for a special reason, like with the birth of Jesus, or like any of the other world of Prophets, certainly the Prophet Jeremiah, which he seemed to have told Jeremiah he did or is so recorded in Biblical Scriptures. But for the 25% or more of miscarrages that will occur in the womb of Mothers, at least 15% in the first couple of months, before the brain and nevous system, or even heart, begins to form and beat. Would seem more logical that the soul would not be given until when one first becomes aware, humanly aware, of it's "I AM".
I remember vividly when that happen for me, the realization of me, on a warm white sandy beach in Long Beach, CA.U.S.A in the late 30's, My Mother and baby brother near by under an umbrella, my Father and Uncle playing in the blue waves of the then unpolluted ocean, of not too many people. I was only 3.
Here the good Friar says it may happen first in Solitude. I tend to feel it there most.
"Question of the Day: What defines me?
Do you know what the answer for deep loneliness is? Solitude! No one would have ever imagined it, but I promise you it is true.
(How true that has been in my own life of 75 years, most of them trying to live like a monk)
In solitude, we are able to let Reality/GOD define us from the inside out. We stop looking outside of ourselves for diversions, entertainment, or real satisfaction. It is the birth of the soul. When we keep looking outside of ourselves, we always and forever need another and then another diversion.
In solitude we slowly learn to live face to face with a Presence that asks nothing of us but presence in return* It is too good to be true. This is the birth of the soul.
If we've never lived in the realm of pure presence without any need for achieving and performing, we don't know how to breathe there at first. It is like living on a different planet. But eventually, we allow ourselves to be defined by relationship itself, instead of by the good or bad or even the holy things we've done. And now it is relationship with everything, the rocks at our feet, the air that we breathe consciously, the little animals and birds, the GOD Who is now obvious and praisworthy in all things. Solitude, ironically and surprisingly, can connect us to everything else.
Who would have thought?
* When I was a child I thought and reasoned like a child; but when I grew up I gave up childish ways. likewise, at present we see dimly as in a mirror, but then we shall see face to face. Now we know in part, but then I will know as I am known. Now we have faith, hope and love, these three, but the greatest of these is love. I Corinthians 13:12 (JB).
---------------~ Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM; February 2010
Written in Hermatige"
My favorite description of God is in I John 4:16 from one of the disciples of Jesus who seemed to understand Jesus the best, as Jesus wanted to be closest to him much of the time. He described God as: "God is Love, when we live in God, we live in Love and God lives in us."
So I don't see God as separate from ourselves, except when we use our Free Will to keep us separated, from the fullness of ourselves.
What should be our priorities right now? Should we be pouring gas on the unpredictable wildfires of War?
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Can Peace flow from doing what is right?
No question it does in individual hearts but how much does it do in
affecting those we have contact with?
If peace, like war is contagious and lots of reasons to think this is so.
There aren?t enough of us increasing peace, either through our work or through the rest of the day.
What would help?
First seek forgiveness in your heart, with God and Others.
Then you?ll be able to help create a more peaceful world before up to 1/3 will die and the rest will wish they had.
Terrible for those with child, already we see the D.U. depleted
uranium radiation effect! There are literally thousands of tons, set
to explode!
This year Peace must be a number one priority, can you see that? If not
what is more important, for our times?
It is our choice.
Choose Peace,
Please pass on to your email list, Religious, or Political representatives.
Blessings that come from Peace and Goodwill towards All.
Betty C.
www.goldenrulefamily@saypeace.com
IMMIGRATION
The greatness of America stands or falls not by the dollar but by whether it continues to progress towards Freedom, as long as it does not take away or deny the same rights and freedoms to others, such as our freedom of Religious Belief, Speech, and
Equal Opportunity.
From the beginning there have been selfish, greedy, and prejudiced people who will try
to destroy these Freedoms for others, while seeking more power for themselves. The
fruits of their language and actions speak for themselves.
What right do we have to exclude anyone who comes here to work?
Government services are provided by those who work! Business taxes are passed
on to consumers of their product, as are State and Federal Taxes on goods and services. Local property taxes are paid by owners and are included in the cost of any rentals paid for by the renter.
It is time to seek Peace and not stir up more hate and violence, less you be consumed by
your own negative-ness.
Blessings that come from Peace and Goodwill,
Betty C. Dudney