August 7, 2015
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A few evenings ago my small part of North Texas was blessed with an almost unheard of late June rain storm. As the rain fell, I went out to sit in our covered patio to enjoy the air cooled by the rain and experience the night sky lit up by cloud to cloud lightning.

(c) Bonnie Oden
(c) Bonnie Oden

The thunder rolled almost continually and made me think that was what the author of Rip Van Winkle was describing as playing ‘nine pin’. Was God enjoying the game of lawn bowling and sharing it with North Texas? My preference was to think ‘yes’ and reveal in the thought.

As I sat enjoying this gift, I was reminded of Paul’s message to the Philippians, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again, rejoice!” And I did just that, I rejoiced in the fire flies that flitted nearby, in the peepers serenading the damp night and thought of the other creatures living in my back yard, taking shelter from the rain. I was left with an attitude of gratitude for God’s generosity in his creation.

Paul continues to say…”whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Once we have learned this lesson of positive thinking and practice it with diligence, God’s peace will be ours. Rejoice!

 

Thank you, Holy One,

For the surprising ways

You choose to visit my life,

May I be open to your messengers.

Joyce Rupp

(c) 2015 Donnie Hawley

About The Author:

My simple life… is not simple at all. Yet it is so simple when I let God lead me. I have been married to Greg for 27 years and we have three wonderful children. My simple life is not simple at all. Yet it is so simple when I let God take control. I followed God’s call to begin seminary at Perkins School of Theology in January 2006. I graduated in May 2011. My life is not simple at all. Yet it is so simple when I listen for God’s call. I began the Degree in the Art of Spiritual Direction at San Francisco Theological Seminary in January 2009. I graduated in May 2011. My life is not simple at all. Yet it is so simple when I listen for God's call. I was ordained in the Presbyterian Church USA and spent three amazing years in Pastoral Ministry at Highland Springs Senior Living in Dallas, TX. My life is not simple at all. Yet it is so simple when I listen for God's call. My passion is the Christian Spiritual Life. As a spiritual director and retreat leader, I am so blessed to hear how God is at work in the world. How is God at work in your life?

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