tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72283518558495245432024-03-29T07:49:08.509-07:00apocalypso nowrevealings of Spirit in the rhythms of everyday lifebrian marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10633279947332285627noreply@blogger.comBlogger832125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228351855849524543.post-88377594754459147492024-03-28T11:55:00.000-07:002024-03-28T11:55:41.162-07:00Hands & Feet & Hearts (Maundy Thursday 2024)<i>i've taken hands</i><div><i>covered in filth</i></div><div><i>that led me</i></div><div><i>into sordid spaces</i></div><div><i>of unimaginable squalor</i></div><div><i>to be shown</i></div><div><i>an uninhabitable reality</i></div><div><i>inhabited by hungry</i></div><div><i>and Holy Humans</i></div><div><i>still holding on</i></div><div><i>to fragile Faith</i></div><div><i>with Sacred Grace</i></div><div><div><i>and touched feet</i></div><div><i>cracked and calloused</i></div><div><i>weary and worn</i></div><div><i>from traversing streets</i></div></div><div><i>looking for Home</i></div><div><i>(or at least</i></div><div><i>some safe shelter)</i></div><div><div><i>caressed by fumbling</i></div><div><i>yet faithful fingers</i></div></div><div><i>splashed with Water</i></div><div><i>which lightens loads</i></div><div><i>and enlightens eyes</i></div><div><i>sparkling with tears</i></div><div><i>uncovering a Courage</i></div><div><i>that overcomes fears</i></div><div><i>recovering a Dignity</i></div><div><i>emanating a Beauty</i></div><div><i>that overwhelms shame</i></div><div><i>and felt hearts</i></div><div><i>crushed by wheels</i></div><div><i>of unfortunate fate</i></div><div><i>and unbearable loss</i></div><div><i>continuing to beat</i></div><div><i>with a Rhythm</i></div><div><i>of audacious Hope</i></div><div><i>amidst all reasons</i></div><div><i>to abandon It</i></div><div><i>(and Life itself)</i></div><div><i>stumbling towards Ecstasy</i></div><div><i>slipping into Infinity</i></div><div><i>yet still i</i></div><div><i>hesitate to share</i></div><div><i>my hesitant heart</i></div><div><i>with Beloved others</i></div><div><i>and bare my</i></div><div><i>burdened bedraggled feet</i></div><div><i>to be humbly</i></div><div><i>and hallowedly washed</i></div><div><i>and dare acknowledge</i></div><div><i>my trembling hand</i></div><div><i>by the bowl</i></div><div><i>for communal dipping</i></div><div><i>on the table</i></div><div><i>of Incarnational Intimacy</i></div><div><i>and Transformational Reality</i></div><div><i>whilst watching another</i></div><div><i>Beloved Peacefully resting</i></div><div><i>their haggard head</i></div><div><i>upon that Carnal</i></div><div><i>and Cosmic Chest</i></div><div><i>and wondering when</i></div><div><div><i>shame will dissipate</i></div><div><i>in the Warmth</i></div><div><i>of unconditional Acceptance</i></div></div><div><i>fear will disappear</i></div><div><i>in the Embrace</i></div><div><i>of radical Belovedness</i></div><div><i>and filthy Hands</i></div><div><i>and calloused Feet</i></div><div><i>and crushed Hearts</i></div><div><i>could be catalysts</i></div><div><i>(even surprising causeways)</i></div><div><i>for Cosmic Convergences</i></div><div><i>within our Selves</i></div><div><i>(and my Self)</i></div><div><i>of catastrophes with Compassion</i></div><div><i>and woundedness with Wellness</i></div><div><i>and despair with Delight</i></div><div><i>and languishing with Love...</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Let It Be.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>#250wordprayers #Lent2024 #HolyWeek2024 #MaundyThursday2024 #TheTransformativeSpiritualityOfPhysicality #LetUsHearOurBodiesTalk</div><div><br /></div><div>('Holy Thursday' © Maxwell Kuzma)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipFMyqLFrGM3j8DGBYUVKGv-R8zt4OhyxoNzgg8wrgfF7cc2g2Ek9H8V5aXYTHy5xXtW3Oifw4JNwa-HHp32itT6hIGM9F4St5LgBxQYHSLDGWMpIUbFwYFbgzdDJA7XGP18HSDOamT4tcv7fWgukkH7hifeKutzVw3I-Bc-0pg7O-sk46WoLdtmV3s01y/s1224/CF7DF28C-A2EB-4177-8CAA-D7DFB05F0980.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="1224" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipFMyqLFrGM3j8DGBYUVKGv-R8zt4OhyxoNzgg8wrgfF7cc2g2Ek9H8V5aXYTHy5xXtW3Oifw4JNwa-HHp32itT6hIGM9F4St5LgBxQYHSLDGWMpIUbFwYFbgzdDJA7XGP18HSDOamT4tcv7fWgukkH7hifeKutzVw3I-Bc-0pg7O-sk46WoLdtmV3s01y/w640-h427/CF7DF28C-A2EB-4177-8CAA-D7DFB05F0980.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>brian marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10633279947332285627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228351855849524543.post-15535517605899316282024-03-08T16:03:00.000-08:002024-03-08T16:03:44.995-08:00(Super)Natural Nurturers<i>for all the Beloved Ones</i><div><i>who nurture Others</i></div><div><i>(with and without Mothers)</i></div><div><i>as Mothers or Others</i></div><div><i>by having courageously</i></div><div><i>and care-fully faced</i></div><div><i>and embraced their experiences</i></div><div><i>of absence and abandonment</i></div><div><i>and appalling lack </i></div><div><i>of nurturing and mothering</i></div><div><i>allowing the atrocious pain</i></div><div><i>to create a Pathway</i></div><div><i>into a deeper Compassion</i></div><div><i>and more ferocious Strength</i></div><div><i>to weather the elements</i></div><div><i>around and within</i></div><div><i>that can paralyze us</i></div><div><i>in affliction and addiction</i></div><div><i>and provide protection</i></div><div><i>and engage empowerment</i></div><div><i>through perpetual perseverance</i></div><div><i>and fierce faithfulness</i></div><div><i>like Mama Bears</i></div><div><i>with their Babies</i></div><div><i>cuddling them with Kindness</i></div><div><i>challenging them with Mindfulness</i></div><div><i>enveloping them in their</i></div><div><i>radiant and maternal Glow</i></div><div><i>developing their innate</i></div><div><i>capacities and capabilities</i></div><div><i>enabling them to grow</i></div><div><i>more fully into Themselves</i></div><div><i>and take courageous steps</i></div><div><i>into the Eternal Flow</i></div><div><i>and to overcome</i></div><div><i>those fear-full barriers</i></div><div><i>that seek to keep</i></div><div><i>their true Selves trapped</i></div><div><i>in caves of shame</i></div><div><i>rather than ride</i></div><div><i>the Waves of Wholeness</i></div><div><i>with Wonder and Wisdom</i></div><div><i>resisting the temptation</i></div><div><i>to exist by perpetuating</i></div><div><i>the cycles of blame</i></div><div><i>by ceasing and desisting</i></div><div><i>and insisting that they</i></div><div><i>have a unique</i></div><div><i>and essential place</i></div><div><i>and role in this World</i></div><div><i>advocating for the Belovedness</i></div><div><i>of all amazing Others</i></div><div><i>by bravely and beautifully</i></div><div><i>living out their Own...</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Thanks.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>#200wordprayers #InternationalWomensDay2024 </div><div><br /></div><div>('Rising' © Giovannina Colalillo)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJfeCPY7mObLnd7QK_xUSalNyGcvoj8fymonNpHYTwoMR9F80Id25j3fHe944zgVDa0UOFn8iPoMDRT2ZkB0v5IrMqMLgIUEYz_HkbmvTcXEGY6je5abMtlxlIMb0Q-ngNG1daHxUS0oCkjaoCzp3KfsJuEI7zTIZQbYQ_R-SxRt4yiY_1RpYTReE8ZOLQ/s615/(Super)Natural%20Nurturers%20-%20Giovanna%20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJfeCPY7mObLnd7QK_xUSalNyGcvoj8fymonNpHYTwoMR9F80Id25j3fHe944zgVDa0UOFn8iPoMDRT2ZkB0v5IrMqMLgIUEYz_HkbmvTcXEGY6je5abMtlxlIMb0Q-ngNG1daHxUS0oCkjaoCzp3KfsJuEI7zTIZQbYQ_R-SxRt4yiY_1RpYTReE8ZOLQ/s16000/(Super)Natural%20Nurturers%20-%20Giovanna%20.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>brian marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10633279947332285627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228351855849524543.post-62540676209934689652024-02-25T14:12:00.000-08:002024-02-25T14:12:18.459-08:00Endless<i>into a world</i><div><i>where Hope waxes</i></div><div><i>and wanes</i></div><div><i>and Kindness taxes</i></div><div><i>and strains</i></div><div><i>to be shown</i></div><div><i>and fear rages</i></div><div><i>and rants and raves</i></div><div><i>in relentless waves</i></div><div><i>you write letters</i></div><div><i>of Love</i></div><div><i>onto the pages</i></div><div><i>of our hearts </i><i>and lives</i></div><div><i>with Patience </i><i>and Purpose</i></div><div><i>Faithfulness </i><i>and Mindfulness</i></div><div><i>Compassion </i><i>and Care</i></div><div><i>in endless ways</i></div><div><i>that remind us</i></div><div><i>that We are</i></div><div><i>not friendless</i></div><div><i>but We are</i></div><div><i>seen and known</i></div><div><i>and even when</i></div><div><i>Life veers us</i></div><div><i>into a hidden</i></div><div><i>and unbidden unknown</i></div><div><i>we are never</i></div><div><i>truly alone</i></div><div><i>you are there</i></div><div><i>always showing up</i></div><div><i>to cheer us</i></div><div><i>and show us</i></div><div><i>that Love</i></div><div><i>always befriends us</i></div><div><i>and mends us</i></div><div><i>and we can</i></div><div><i>always depend</i></div><div><i>on Love</i></div><div><i>because Love</i></div><div><i>is Endless...</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Thank you, dear Kir.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>(*With every trip around the Sun, you shine more brightly and beautifully...thanks for being YOU, dear Kir...and here's to many more of those trips along the journey of Life in Endless Love...Happiest of Birthday MONTHS to you! i Love you, bri :)</div><div><br /></div><div>#118WordPrayerPoemToCelebrateThatYouAreHalfOf118 #HeresToManyManyMore </div><div><br /></div><div>(Kir showing up for dear Ian at Special O swimming :D )</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8kJnDLtv2i81iCN6-qtXrloUdMuX-wCex9kNwOkLYSYetfhzUbBRgBK56-GPq69GctsjpWkZXkNF2iiUyY7CyY8BEeVEwqb6g05xZeEUFWLVpJv69bpjmIVWW_IgFucxsT212k-iCJ4CxK3yOTe_Qx4QgVnf_v1Rzn4lMVKV9FyW6p2cMo7X7X9GIeZVY/s1886/IMG_0498.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1886" data-original-width="1870" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8kJnDLtv2i81iCN6-qtXrloUdMuX-wCex9kNwOkLYSYetfhzUbBRgBK56-GPq69GctsjpWkZXkNF2iiUyY7CyY8BEeVEwqb6g05xZeEUFWLVpJv69bpjmIVWW_IgFucxsT212k-iCJ4CxK3yOTe_Qx4QgVnf_v1Rzn4lMVKV9FyW6p2cMo7X7X9GIeZVY/w634-h640/IMG_0498.jpeg" width="634" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>brian marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10633279947332285627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228351855849524543.post-69196072952242690342024-02-14T08:00:00.000-08:002024-02-14T08:00:12.082-08:00Beloveds (59)<div><i>for all the Beloveds</i></div><div><i>who've seen me</i></div><div><i>in the shadows</i></div><div><i>and the Sunlight</i></div><div><i>and embraced me</i></div><div><i>in the shallows</i></div><div><i>and the Starlight</i></div><div><i>and Graced me</i></div><div><i>with acceptance</i></div><div><i>and forbearance</i></div><div><i>and carried me</i></div><div><i>even when shame</i></div><div><i>almost buried me</i></div><div><i>in desperate dependency </i></div><div><i>and grieved with me</i></div><div><i>over painful losses</i></div><div><i>unbelievable and unbearable</i></div><div><i>and believed in me</i></div><div><i>when i couldn't</i></div><div><i>believe in my Self</i></div><div><i>(which is often</i></div><div><i>still the case)</i></div><div><i>and dreamed with me</i></div><div><i>on floating continents</i></div><div><i>in disparate timezones</i></div><div><i>of incandescent Beaches</i></div><div><i>and desired Realities</i></div><div><i>just beyond reaches</i></div><div><i>yet silently connected</i></div><div><i>by Eternal Hopes</i></div><div><i>and perpetual Possibilities</i></div><div><i>in Transcendent Infinities</i></div><div><i>the faithful Faces</i></div><div><i>of Divine Presence</i></div><div><i>emanating Traces</i></div><div><i>of Revelatory Resonance</i></div><div><i>inhabiting the Spaces</i></div><div><i>in my holey Heart</i></div><div><i>reserved for those </i></div><div><i>who've been brave</i></div><div><i>enough to impart</i></div><div><i>their well-lived Wisdom</i></div><div><i>with fearless familiarity</i></div><div><i>and Holy Hilarity</i></div><div><i>and limitless Love</i></div><div><i>that they've shared</i></div><div><i>with me like</i></div><div><i>they've known me</i></div><div><i>from the start</i></div><div><i>and grown me</i></div><div><i>not merely in part</i></div><div><i>but more wholly </i></div><div><i>into my true Self</i></div><div><i>a dusty</i></div><div><i>and Stardusty Sojourner </i></div><div><i>a wounded</i></div><div><i>and Wondrous Wanderer</i></div><div><i>a bruised</i></div><div><i>and Beautiful Beloved...</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Thanks.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>#180wordprayers #ToBeLovedAndToLoveIsToSeeAndBeTheFaceOfTheDivine #LoveIsWhereDistanceIsClosenessAndAbsenceIsPresence #TheGreatestTreasuresAreRarelySeenButAlwaysFelt #59andFeelin(Mostly)Fine #HappyVaLENTinesDay #WeAreDust #WeAreStardust</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkdw8QtKJTqpu5n8QAewN3ggkMrB6-kUTL6fqcEoJ3vv5eDm7b3Yb91bnbWESJBr-Rc8Aaz0CNn7yMFi0hGDRuvMaXOGc5FJTzuATKswboDREwjuHfYd5TS53yQ_XENcoOlcImvaVQkPAuuxCKc8aK9tap_Dbz-T9G931zFI9COKFNkr4OH8uKLrJvv72v/s1152/IMG_1050.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="864" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkdw8QtKJTqpu5n8QAewN3ggkMrB6-kUTL6fqcEoJ3vv5eDm7b3Yb91bnbWESJBr-Rc8Aaz0CNn7yMFi0hGDRuvMaXOGc5FJTzuATKswboDREwjuHfYd5TS53yQ_XENcoOlcImvaVQkPAuuxCKc8aK9tap_Dbz-T9G931zFI9COKFNkr4OH8uKLrJvv72v/w480-h640/IMG_1050.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>brian marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10633279947332285627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228351855849524543.post-60011861504268831662024-02-08T09:00:00.000-08:002024-02-08T09:00:30.203-08:00'old Friends'<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>'As hard as it is to believe that the dry desolate desert can yield endless varieties of flowers, it is equally hard to imagine that our loneliness is hiding unknown beauty. The movement from loneliness to solitude, however, is the beginning of any spiritual life because it is a movement from the restless senses to the restful Spirit, from the outward-reaching cravings to the inward-reaching search, from the fearful clinging to the fearless play.' </i>(Henri Nouwen, <i>Reaching Out</i>)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">i first read these words at a formative time in my life decades ago, and they resonated almost immediately and deeply within me. They were both a powerful description of what my innermost Spirit and Self already knew and what my mind and heart were desiring without having words to articulate it.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">i came across them again this morning, and discovered that same underlying resonance, but in a more nuanced and multi-dimensional way. It's not like solitude grows something within us that's overwhelmingly amazing enough to overpower and eliminate loneliness. i've been learning over many years that perhaps it's more like living with depression.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">You're never fully 'healed' or 'cured' of depression. But as you explore, acknowledge and embrace it more and more as a unique part of your journey and Self - as it gradually becomes integrated into your life - you have chances to discover hidden Gifts that it helps to uncover within you (like deeper empathy and the ability to sit with others in deep pain, for example). You still have times when you experience loneliness and the grief that often accompanies it (like i awakened with this morning). But as you learn to sit with it and allow it simply to be rather than denying it or running from it, you can slowly grow into the realization that this 'desert' of suffering within you contains seeds of comfort and Hope (some of which take root and grow into expressions of new Life in Love).</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">In other words, our sadness can actually be revealed as a source of our salvation.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Or like Nouwen said elsewhere (echoing the words of the ancient prophet Isaiah, and the life of the ancient rabbi Jesus), our wounds can become a source of healing for our Selves and others and our world.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Or as my Beloved favourite songwriter Bruce Cockburn once wrote (echoing another brilliant musical poet, Paul Simon)...</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Sometimes the Road leads through dark places</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Sometimes the darkness is your friend</i></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So for all of us who've entered into this day with that familiar ache of disconnection and longing...may we be reminded that while 'the waiting is the hardest part' (thanks, TP), there are Gifts of Wonder that can emerge our of our waiting...including the astonishing Revelation that the Darkness we wish to flee might actually be one of the 'old Friends' we've looking and longing for all along.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">#ThoughtfulThursdays #DesertRockFacesCanRevealSmilingJoyfulFaces #BarrennessCanUnveilBelovedness</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg62YiXRcil0LGT630B2w3mxIGcOnttp7wuZtTFR7TN0EVn8vhIXvD4OTG8kKAqHatbmhu8XNuIRguzd5Kf8U2ZLwuBzekprY0JtkXD57i3PzkH1V2LpDO8YXRoLRJ-Mz5vztilpkoko_HO2C_2tvMa5c7uXYMsQSRfLAMXQ0weFlfRF-ML5HQXLDXAnBz5/s3780/Smiling%20Rock%20Face.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3780" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg62YiXRcil0LGT630B2w3mxIGcOnttp7wuZtTFR7TN0EVn8vhIXvD4OTG8kKAqHatbmhu8XNuIRguzd5Kf8U2ZLwuBzekprY0JtkXD57i3PzkH1V2LpDO8YXRoLRJ-Mz5vztilpkoko_HO2C_2tvMa5c7uXYMsQSRfLAMXQ0weFlfRF-ML5HQXLDXAnBz5/w512-h640/Smiling%20Rock%20Face.JPG" width="512" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>brian marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10633279947332285627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228351855849524543.post-82382003515385977602024-02-06T20:49:00.000-08:002024-02-06T20:51:07.996-08:00Exits as Entries<div style="text-align: left;"><i>for the steps taken</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>into the Unknown</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>the dark corners</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>that don't trap Us</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>but Transform Us</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>the dim garages</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>that surprise Us</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>as subterranean Sources</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of Sacred Sparks</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>that illuminate connections</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and ignite passions</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>like heavenly headlights</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and ecstatic engines</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>the distant barrages</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of disparate situations</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and stormy separations</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>attempting to deafen</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>the rolling Thunder</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of blissful Breaths</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and powerful Pulses</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>swirling like Surf</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>twirling in Rhythm</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>like Magnificent Waves</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of Infinite Wonder</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>on moonlit Beaches</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>the desolate days</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>beyond the reaches</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of healing Haze</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>where gloomy infamy</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>shades a perennial</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and sensational blooming</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of incandescent Beauty </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and Grace-full Dignity</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>in Transcendent Humanity</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>trancing and Dancing</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>with Resplendent Divinity</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>the dead ends</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>that end up</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>being poetical portals</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>into new Beginnings</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>where exits </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>are revealed</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>to be entries</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>engendering Possibilities </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and tendering Hope</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>for nascent Realities</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>flowing Eternally...</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Thanks.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">#140wordprayers #DistanceAsADoorwayToCloseness #AbsenceAsAPathwayOfPresence #DespairAsAGatewayToHope #LanguishingAsACausewayToLove #ClosingsAsAWayToOpenings</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxG2_XYVAu3C6UTF5pr32IcgG6HQtGprvkFXDzQZinBGPg4v37E4UZctpGn1lKyiGniBPeZKz3FU1-zknuRxEtxI98FtzkYW7kJqCDovKx6Ybc-uLSIIwRlaDKaKGdg0qKrfSXP1OtRKAM7d3N4vDqN4pvKvGSRqmxMraQWF4ZuK38_Hx4qE_eUZrqjpE8/s1152/Exits%20as%20Entries.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="864" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxG2_XYVAu3C6UTF5pr32IcgG6HQtGprvkFXDzQZinBGPg4v37E4UZctpGn1lKyiGniBPeZKz3FU1-zknuRxEtxI98FtzkYW7kJqCDovKx6Ybc-uLSIIwRlaDKaKGdg0qKrfSXP1OtRKAM7d3N4vDqN4pvKvGSRqmxMraQWF4ZuK38_Hx4qE_eUZrqjpE8/w480-h640/Exits%20as%20Entries.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>brian marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10633279947332285627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228351855849524543.post-29358581156840345762024-01-20T07:11:00.000-08:002024-01-20T07:11:50.059-08:00ice<i>it's truly Magical </i><div><i>when it cools</i><div><div><i>a raging fever</i></div><div><i>or keeps</i></div><div><i>our sustenance fresh</i></div><div><i>or creates</i></div><div><i>caverns of protection</i></div><div><i>but cruelly maniacal </i></div><div><i>when it turns</i></div><div><i>safe passageways</i></div><div><i>into ferocious flumes</i></div><div><i>and chaps</i></div><div><i>not only lips</i></div><div><i>but hides</i></div><div><i>and cracks</i></div><div><i>wills and heads</i></div><div><i>and traps</i></div><div><i>innocent peoples</i></div><div><i>in dangerous dungeons</i></div><div><i>of gratuitous gloom</i></div><div><i>inducing Sanity</i></div><div><i>(and even Life)</i></div><div><i>to slip away</i></div><div><i>so for all</i></div><div><i>its brilliant Beauty</i></div><div><i>(amidst impenetrable acuity)</i></div><div><i>when it accumulates</i></div><div><i>over a sequence</i></div><div><i>of neverending days</i></div><div><i>of frustrating frigidity</i></div><div><i>that makes</i></div><div><i>our paths</i></div><div><i>seemingly impassible</i></div><div><i>and causes</i></div><div><i>our ways</i></div><div><i>to perpetuate</i></div><div><i>some sense</i></div><div><i>of Peace</i></div><div><i>to become</i></div><div><i>seemingly impossible</i></div><div><i>exacerbating our wailing</i></div><div><i>and flailing </i><i>futility</i></div><div><i>after no relief</i></div><div><i>from our grief</i></div><div><i>feeling buried beneath</i></div><div><i>its harrowing gaze</i></div><div><i>may some Mystical</i></div><div><i>and Healing Haze</i></div><div><i>(emanating and reverberating</i></div><div><i>and radiating Warmth</i></div><div><i>from Humble Hearts)</i></div><div><i>break through</i></div><div><i>the solidity</i></div><div><i>of space</i></div><div><i>and the rigidity</i></div><div><i>of face</i></div><div><i>with the Infinity</i></div><div><i>of Grace</i></div><div><i>that thaws Us</i></div><div><i>and causes </i></div><div><i>all that is </i></div><div><i>frozen in fear</i></div><div><i>petrified in pain</i></div><div><i>within Us</i></div><div><i>to melt away</i></div><div><i>softening up</i></div><div><i>the fallow Soil</i></div><div><i>of our Selves</i></div><div><i>with </i><i>hallowing rays</i></div><div><i>that mend</i></div><div><i>our tender wounds</i></div><div><i>and render anew</i></div><div><i>the vibrant Vitality</i></div><div><i>and delicate Divinity</i></div><div><i>of our Humanity...</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Let It Be.</i></div><div><br /></div><div>#200wordprayers #Icepocalypse2024 #SnowIsSensational #RainIsRevelational #ButIceInvokesInstabilityInsustainabilityAndInsanity #MeltTheIceWithTheWarmthOfLove</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>('Melt My Frozen Heart' © Ivana Simulnovic)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnKG8P-t9ozTMS4o4U1yTUfeJKEuLlnuGPS_hRAT-cSoHxVhK9eBNpaYYUN0WeADD2Y__2gm750ozQIsbYyNWiC_EAm6PsczT-UvsLJWG2PnxyeXMdc2OS085s01NZHaIMh1UzUAIrRvBwU6sct4EC0YwYPvdlZROP6qsWnlDFst-e_Eo0HvTRIr5inBgT/s736/Ice%20-%20Melt%20My%20Frozen%20Heart%20-.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="736" data-original-width="736" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnKG8P-t9ozTMS4o4U1yTUfeJKEuLlnuGPS_hRAT-cSoHxVhK9eBNpaYYUN0WeADD2Y__2gm750ozQIsbYyNWiC_EAm6PsczT-UvsLJWG2PnxyeXMdc2OS085s01NZHaIMh1UzUAIrRvBwU6sct4EC0YwYPvdlZROP6qsWnlDFst-e_Eo0HvTRIr5inBgT/w640-h640/Ice%20-%20Melt%20My%20Frozen%20Heart%20-.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>brian marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10633279947332285627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228351855849524543.post-45839032465993400082024-01-15T11:33:00.000-08:002024-01-15T11:33:51.144-08:00Stick (MLK Day 2024)<div style="text-align: left;"><i>on this Day</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>where most</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>(if not All)</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of Us</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>are feeling stuck</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>in the muck</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of distrust</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and despair</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>where misogyny</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and misery</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>hold more sway</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>than Mutuality</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and Mystery</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and vitriolic violence</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>seems to override</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Sacred Silence</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>may we side</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>with Brother Martin</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>who decided</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>to Stick</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>with Love</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>even in</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>the face</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of death</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and provided</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>real Hope</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>for generations</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of huddled</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and hallowed masses</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>yearning with each</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Blesséd Breath</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>for Freedom</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>for All</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of Us</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>surrendering the part</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of Our pride</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>that traps Us</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>in a cell</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of self-interest</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and preservation</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>(subjecting Some</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>fellow Beloveds</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>to interments</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and plantations</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and reservations)</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>engendering the Heart</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>that is beating</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>with Healing Rhythms</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>reminding Us</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>that We</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>are stuck</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>intrinsically together</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>as One Mosaic</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of </i><i>Magnificence</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and </i><i>Majesty</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>One Dance</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of Divinity</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and Destiny</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>One Garment</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of Grace</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and Glory</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>remembering the start</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of Our Story</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Our innate Innocence</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and Radiance</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and no matter</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>how or why</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>We find Ourselves</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>stuck in systems</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>that dissipate some</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and elevate others</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and cause Us</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>to stick it</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>to our Siblings</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and Sisters</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and Brothers</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>(and not just</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>the Man)</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Equality and Justice</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>will always Flow</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>deep below</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>the sordid surface</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of hatred</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and dividedness</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>to Us</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>(and Hopefully</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>through Us)</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and Love</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>will always Stick</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>with Us...</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Let It Be So.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">#220wordprayers #MLKDay2024 #HateIsHeavyButLoveIsLight #WeAreTheBelovedCommunity #HeresToLessPostingOfTheQuotesAndMoreLivingOfTheWords</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">('MLK Love' © Oliver Jeffers)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG8XfwcBH1p8C5H5-ec0hv0zRLr6oG-ILlBX7sc1_LBe0bwOHYtWvsI1tF-lEgPahtNWNFJ7eYvhZm_np7Q8DaWTI1gSeELqofMfRh9Eb1Uactuu7wekMU9nl_wHmrpywsmHJ1KyUuvJveBz8ao1wwoggxiPn6ZRNXv2kdNBPpW4pn5lO18eN4qbzMd7r0/s554/IMG_0926.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="554" data-original-width="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG8XfwcBH1p8C5H5-ec0hv0zRLr6oG-ILlBX7sc1_LBe0bwOHYtWvsI1tF-lEgPahtNWNFJ7eYvhZm_np7Q8DaWTI1gSeELqofMfRh9Eb1Uactuu7wekMU9nl_wHmrpywsmHJ1KyUuvJveBz8ao1wwoggxiPn6ZRNXv2kdNBPpW4pn5lO18eN4qbzMd7r0/s16000/IMG_0926.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>brian marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10633279947332285627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228351855849524543.post-56838971606266352012023-12-25T08:07:00.000-08:002023-12-25T08:07:33.477-08:00Love in Darkness (Xmas 2023)<div style="text-align: left;"><i>may the Love </i><i>that emerges</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>from the darkness </i><i>of the womb</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and emanates </i><i>more powerfully</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>than the darkness </i><i>of the tomb</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>illuminate Our hearts </i><i>and hearths</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>in these days </i><i>of perpetual darkness</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>giving Us Vision </i><i>to journey</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>through the darkness, </i><i>free from fear,</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>in ways </i><i>that enlighten </i><i>Our roads</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and lighten </i><i>Our loads</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and brighten </i><i>Our abodes </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and world </i><i>with the Light </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of Justice </i><i>and Oneness</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>in Belovedness </i><i>and Life</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>empowering Us </i><i>to soar </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>on wings </i><i>of eagles </i><i>(even angels)</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and join </i><i>in the Song</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>all Creation sings</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>from below and above,</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>'We are Loved...</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and We are Love!'</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Amen.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">#100wordprayers #HappyXmas2023 #TheChildIsTheLightOfTheWorldAndSoAreWe #WeAreLoved #WeAreLove </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">('Star of Promise, Child of Love' © Holly Schoenbeck)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbD1OCbeijzKx7dojatqTMMli1FALVkbV7Tpu3msenfWpS6kloGJesPuiZRZ17O94HIGlS6DdV01s_TxVqOLe3ns0VYNlmk9Wd8X2bATDfTLN5z6w9A4b9CGq-JbUchTFy5v1n6Og1VMPqdzE2W8dT0QP0O8EAG9jcQA_qvmxLaxhTrblDQ8GfaGojiyP/s3687/IMG_0644.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3687" data-original-width="2772" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbD1OCbeijzKx7dojatqTMMli1FALVkbV7Tpu3msenfWpS6kloGJesPuiZRZ17O94HIGlS6DdV01s_TxVqOLe3ns0VYNlmk9Wd8X2bATDfTLN5z6w9A4b9CGq-JbUchTFy5v1n6Og1VMPqdzE2W8dT0QP0O8EAG9jcQA_qvmxLaxhTrblDQ8GfaGojiyP/w482-h640/IMG_0644.jpeg" width="482" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>brian marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10633279947332285627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228351855849524543.post-72457243448872166422023-12-22T21:02:00.000-08:002023-12-22T21:02:09.087-08:0012:22 on 12/22<div style="text-align: left;"><i>wishing upon the convergence</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of clocks and calendars</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>for all who suffer</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>in disparate and distanced </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>places of despair</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>or chaotic and clamorous</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>cases of conflict</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>or languid and loathsome</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>spaces of loss</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>where there is seemingly</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>no way to find</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Reconnection and Reconciliation</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and all who struggle</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>in solitude and silence</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>required by circumstances</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>requited to changes</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>relegated to carry </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>a strange combination</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of sorrow and shame </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and Awe and Wonder</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>for </i><i>perpetuating incarnations</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>that created and contributed </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>to trauma and Transformation</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>may the polarities embraced </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>by the similarities </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of the numbers</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>reveal the underlying</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Eternal Connectivities</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>pulsing and pumping</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and providing us with</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>traces of Hope...</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Let It Be.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">#111wordprayers #Advent2023 #ForThoseWishingOnClocksOrCalendarsOrAngelsOrMoonsOrMessiahsToBringHope #PeaceInIsraelPalestineAndOurWorld</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgiLTniUD0upSAeMpX1W4V42JJmgPR0EHLesmjPr5VY3SzyQGN6hS7OwDpKtvvxT-9TezT2dyfMtm4NrY_PvCc_3k-187NtZ5jyPkiza07s9f9Zne6wlNTo20D8kb1ik7rvlF_xA_fQ3qMr4Ebs9yMIcpnhSepWKJU4pxho42hJOTTZUQH68ACNiUAZ5j/s156/IMG_0768.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="155" data-original-width="156" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgiLTniUD0upSAeMpX1W4V42JJmgPR0EHLesmjPr5VY3SzyQGN6hS7OwDpKtvvxT-9TezT2dyfMtm4NrY_PvCc_3k-187NtZ5jyPkiza07s9f9Zne6wlNTo20D8kb1ik7rvlF_xA_fQ3qMr4Ebs9yMIcpnhSepWKJU4pxho42hJOTTZUQH68ACNiUAZ5j/w640-h636/IMG_0768.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>brian marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10633279947332285627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228351855849524543.post-19928788958790530802023-12-21T10:39:00.000-08:002023-12-21T10:39:26.064-08:00Low (Winter Solstice 2023)<div style="text-align: left;"><i>when society demands</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>that we stretch</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>our schedules and resources</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>to host the holliest</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and jolliest parties</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and grab the latest </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and greatest gifts</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and stress our Selves</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>out to the limits</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of our bearings</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and Beings</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>(to Infinity </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and Beyond)</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>just to actualize</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>what we are taught</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>to fantasize about</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>all year long </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>the holographic hope</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of the holiday high</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and the Cosmos</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>gives us the unexpected</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and unbidden Gift</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of the darkest</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of Days</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and the longest</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of Nights</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>just to recognize</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>all the reasons</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>we have to agonize</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>beneath the weight</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of the World</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>while we wait</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>for the Light</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>to be unfurled</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and lighten the load</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of our burdens</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>the irretrievable losses</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>the unbelievable strains</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of inconceivable pains</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of hearts and lives</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>being torn apart</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>like Mother Earth</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>or a mother</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>giving birth again</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>to new Life emerging</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>out of seasons</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>in the Darkness</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>(which often feels</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>less like a friend</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and more like</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>the maniacal means</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>to our end)</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>digging further into</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>the Sacred Soil</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>the fragrant fertilizer</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>the Cosmic Compost</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of Holy Humus</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>to gently unearth</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>the hidden Treasure</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>buried beneath the surface</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>coming face to Grace</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>with our inestimable Worth</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>as Sister Sun hangs</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>in the heavens</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>at her least altitude</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>above the horizon</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>the Dark enlights us</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>to see new Visions</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of Incarnagraphic </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and Humble Hope</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>within the Herizon</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>a deeper Reality</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>with Eternal Vitality</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>(through Infinity</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and Beyond)</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>which Wisely reminds us</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>as unreality incites us</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>to stay high</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Divinity invites us</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>to go Low...</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Thanks.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">#255wordprayers #Advent2023 #WinterSolstice2023 #TheLongestNightHoldsThe DeepestHope #ItsOkayToBeAfraidOfTheDark #JustRememberAllLifeBeginsInTheDark #YouAreNotAlone #YouAreLoved #YouAreLove</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">('Befriending Darkness' © Marek Piwnicki)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6bcYhUFOXix4YzMirwh2yEENPUzJZb8YUyH-dnDC2vLgXFfRh9M-4nxMuRaOn1Hv23ORL5drDfXnNFB2FcYccWXstxvUpiU1xTMrCYUbPJFCQL48LJCfdIYfQSasVRulgLUm1BAg3VnYDWkNW1Xs6725OZZcLaJPMR3zWYBYk_tW87Iwg0H1JeCQ-m62/s2500/Low%20-%20Befriending%20Darkness%20-%20The%20Sophia%20Society.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6bcYhUFOXix4YzMirwh2yEENPUzJZb8YUyH-dnDC2vLgXFfRh9M-4nxMuRaOn1Hv23ORL5drDfXnNFB2FcYccWXstxvUpiU1xTMrCYUbPJFCQL48LJCfdIYfQSasVRulgLUm1BAg3VnYDWkNW1Xs6725OZZcLaJPMR3zWYBYk_tW87Iwg0H1JeCQ-m62/w640-h426/Low%20-%20Befriending%20Darkness%20-%20The%20Sophia%20Society.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>brian marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10633279947332285627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228351855849524543.post-3567440857454617802023-12-20T10:49:00.000-08:002023-12-20T10:49:50.101-08:00Grow<div style="text-align: left;"><i>for the ways</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>that our Bodies</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and Beings expand</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>through the pains</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and strains of</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>new Life beginning</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and struggling to</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>take shape within</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><i>the Silent Dark</i></div><div><i>hosting the Spark</i></div><div><i>that ignites our</i></div><div><i>Hopes and fears</i></div><div><i>with paradoxical tears</i></div><div><i>the harrowing haze</i></div><div><i>hiding the Gaze</i></div><div><i>of luminous Delight</i></div><div><i>illumining our Ways</i></div><div><i>through doxological years</i></div><div><i>the hideous heartbreak</i></div><div><div><i>stretching our sinews</i></div><div><i>and Spirits like</i></div></div><div><div><i>a friendless wake</i></div></div><div><i>under flexible Steeples</i></div><div><div><i>the endless Wait</i></div><div><i>for the state</i></div><div><i>of perfect Peace</i></div><div><i>to permeate our</i></div><div><i>Psyches and Peoples</i></div></div><div><i>the arduous Ache</i></div><div><i>for the sake</i></div><div><i>of giving Love</i></div><div><i>in the form</i></div><div><i>of living Love...</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Thanks.</i></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">#100wordprayers #Advent2023 #ThePenultimateLongestNight #TheEndlessWaitForPerfectPeaceIsEmpoweredBySubversiveJoy #WeAreEnlargedInTheWaiting </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">('Earth Birth' © Judy Chicago)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJprp4wlWJRalL629EqbRlvtWAk9TI0-ar4nmR9pfIdAvbxcQbRwSzQKpK9umB4eOPpoT3uEF9fwDFT1sBtbdRBjDBzaCjaZQd5exWpHIcGIipVWGZUii8orh7lm6GfKV4qxA7DrULLlCvNMGZqygT8xwERtOE3Z6zEMkBgy5rNk_mt86nheEFRYK5z4L/s919/Grow%20-%20Judy%20Chicago%20-%20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="919" data-original-width="918" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJprp4wlWJRalL629EqbRlvtWAk9TI0-ar4nmR9pfIdAvbxcQbRwSzQKpK9umB4eOPpoT3uEF9fwDFT1sBtbdRBjDBzaCjaZQd5exWpHIcGIipVWGZUii8orh7lm6GfKV4qxA7DrULLlCvNMGZqygT8xwERtOE3Z6zEMkBgy5rNk_mt86nheEFRYK5z4L/w639-h640/Grow%20-%20Judy%20Chicago%20-%20.jpg" width="639" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>brian marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10633279947332285627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228351855849524543.post-40102707963411492062023-12-14T10:06:00.000-08:002023-12-14T10:06:23.988-08:00Whoah<div style="text-align: left;"><i>galloping through the grass</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>in the dazzling Darkness</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>straining to make it</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>through the next pass</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>before the draining gloom</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>envelops my scared senses</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>in a walloping doom</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of recriminations and regrets</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>from an uncertain past</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>a convergence of commitments</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>meant to shatter pretenses</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>but only serving to</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>stir up internal chatter</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and infernal accusations of</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>lack of Essential Integrity</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>leaving my conscience flailing</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>in an attempted explaining </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of how i wandered</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>so far from Home</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and what a waste</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of time and energy</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>my Life has been</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>as i make haste</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>through the frozen futility </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>towards whatever daunting destiny</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>awaits my sordid Self</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>adrift and all alone</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>until i discover</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>a Peaceful clearing</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>which enables me</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>to say whoah</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>to trotting terrors</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and cantering chaos</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and allow my</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>eyes to adjust</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and expand vision</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>in the Night</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and quell derision</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>that keeps me</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>trapped in fright</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and opens me</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>to slowly recognize </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><i>a hidden Treasure</i></div><div><i>waiting for me</i></div><div><i>to gently uncover</i></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>in those depths</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of seeming despair</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>with no choice</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>but to embrace</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>what i'm fearing</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>with the Grace</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>to fully face</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>my perpetual woe</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and gradually recover</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>my real Self</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>my true Heart</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>my authentic Voice</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>to Breathe a</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>sigh of relief</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and a confession</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of doubting belief</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and a proclamation </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of humbled Exaltation</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and guttural Gratitude</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>for this expansive</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and Eternal Latitude</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>which can only</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>be expressed through</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>a languageless Song</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of limitless Love</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>in endless Flow</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>a wordless Cry</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>an indescribable Wow</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>a Sacred Whoah...</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Thanks.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">#250wordprayers #Advent2023 #ForAllJourneyingWithAnxietyAndDepression #RidingThroughTheDarknessCanUnveilRevelatoryNewLight #DontGiveUp #YouAreNotAlone #YouAreEnough #YouAreLoved #YouAreLove</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">('The Magical Horse and Rider' © Daniil Lipin)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix9zkFK09jhT6hljuFiEFh1HigqkwhGqEXoHQ8OGfirCACRCHQdN2kUjE6Omu6Py0u3OEhbXzeAp8TtOSs6SSy3lxX3_CaN4Xmm283Y9OmxWUPz1T_fBRfsMm8STy4eoqWCAH4dT3O5vYVPXGk3Cz6lHt3e3QUWSug6ztdychhOvyuCt9x-4FCbHHhfcUP/s450/Whoah%20-%20the-magic-horse-standing-alone-against-the-colorful-night-sky%20-%20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix9zkFK09jhT6hljuFiEFh1HigqkwhGqEXoHQ8OGfirCACRCHQdN2kUjE6Omu6Py0u3OEhbXzeAp8TtOSs6SSy3lxX3_CaN4Xmm283Y9OmxWUPz1T_fBRfsMm8STy4eoqWCAH4dT3O5vYVPXGk3Cz6lHt3e3QUWSug6ztdychhOvyuCt9x-4FCbHHhfcUP/s16000/Whoah%20-%20the-magic-horse-standing-alone-against-the-colorful-night-sky%20-%20.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>brian marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10633279947332285627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228351855849524543.post-6633342365974893292023-12-08T10:28:00.000-08:002023-12-08T12:16:30.005-08:00Slow<i>with Life whizzing by</i><div><i>a million miles</i></div><div><i>each minute</i></div><div><i>and a Planet shriveling</i></div><div><i>more and more</i></div><div><i>each second</i></div><div><i>and a People struggling</i></div><div><i>to simply Breathe</i></div><div><i>each instant</i></div><div><i>and so many challenges</i></div><div><i>weighing Us down</i></div><div><i>in woe</i></div><div><i>it can seem inspired</i></div><div><i>(even required) to</i></div><div><i>move fast</i></div><div><i>buzzing from one thing</i></div><div><i>to the next</i></div><div><i>eyes glassed</i></div><div><i>over by seeing too</i></div><div><i>many Beloveds distraught</i></div><div><i>and aghast</i></div><div><div><i>putting memories away and</i></div><div><i>packing them into</i></div><div><i>the past</i></div></div><div><i>believing there is no</i></div><div><i>time for grieving</i></div><div><i>or feeling </i></div><div><i>but whether we are</i></div><div><i>reeling in grief</i></div><div><i>or belief</i></div><div><i>Love reminds Us Healing</i></div><div><i>comes as We</i></div><div><i>go Slow...</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Thanks.</i></div><div><br /></div><div>#100wordprayers #Advent2023 #GrievingAndHealingTakesTimeSpaceGrace #BeGentleWithYourSelf #GoingSlowGrowsOurSoulsAndHealsOurSelvesAndOurWorld</div><div><br /></div><div>('Grief and Healing' © Deb)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNYttL3BHk0NCmntWkli19uYVvRfpzf3Ow1yWjpREe_VQzGAPA3FuSd1UNfqnZ89qlGN4m3DtXIteFmvs0Lo8UOHSKbJkh-Mg8HRqr03rgTdxywtOo1FhMvFp-vXBGv7L2dUvJ8PfWP2m8az0VwodDcNPKDUX_a4_v6FNYOyZ6NYYlyNT35gei4nk-fTb/s918/Slow%20-%20heart%20-%20.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="736" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNYttL3BHk0NCmntWkli19uYVvRfpzf3Ow1yWjpREe_VQzGAPA3FuSd1UNfqnZ89qlGN4m3DtXIteFmvs0Lo8UOHSKbJkh-Mg8HRqr03rgTdxywtOo1FhMvFp-vXBGv7L2dUvJ8PfWP2m8az0VwodDcNPKDUX_a4_v6FNYOyZ6NYYlyNT35gei4nk-fTb/w514-h640/Slow%20-%20heart%20-%20.jpg" width="514" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>brian marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10633279947332285627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228351855849524543.post-7641881788059138282023-12-07T10:12:00.000-08:002023-12-07T10:12:21.643-08:00Glow<div style="text-align: left;"><i>before the Sun appears</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>there's a continuous Emission </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>with contiguous Frisson</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of all Senses swirling</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Magical Mandarins</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and Mysterious Musk</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>mixing it up</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>with Roses of Sharon</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and Cedars of Lebanon</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Lychee and Peaches</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Deserts and Beaches</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Faces appearing in Spaces</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>usually barren of Graces</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Voices arising with Rejoices</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>that echo courageous Choices</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>an undefinable Presence</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>enveloping all Fragrance</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and Radiance and Resonance</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>in Ecstatic Expressiveness</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>developing Eternal Expansiveness</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of all Senses whirling</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>with dazzling Delight</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>within the wild Darkness</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>an unexpected Celebration</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of Wondrous Warmth</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and Luminous Light</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>an unending Invitation</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>to Grow within</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>the Glow of Incandescence</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>like the Magnificence</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of Mother Mary</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and the Innocence</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of the Child</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>the Two fused together</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>in Scents of Spirit</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and Senses of Love</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>as the Essence</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of The One...</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Thanks.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">#130wordprayers #Advent2023 #WhenConsciousReflectionsRemindUsOfSubconsciousConnections</div><div style="text-align: left;">#EternalGratitudeForTheInfiniteInvitationAndSubversiveRelation </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">('Mother and Child' © Lori Kingston)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMjVQ4oFF6ilyInA_wH08ECvdkHFsvhCKDHMqjygs3wfhrGSZ7HfMDL8_wz7zg4h_vaUeEULO9GB_R0Uy-qgI12uplFFOtaDU8FLRKG8aLACe197_jwOF7UCKsgyXBGZ7chB9s-9YA_pLQVZApQZfOEd69Y5APg9k7D5LBRWQIokNxGM9_vhc4_K7TZCAN/s900/Glow%20-%20mother%20and%20child%20-%20lori%20kingston.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="675" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMjVQ4oFF6ilyInA_wH08ECvdkHFsvhCKDHMqjygs3wfhrGSZ7HfMDL8_wz7zg4h_vaUeEULO9GB_R0Uy-qgI12uplFFOtaDU8FLRKG8aLACe197_jwOF7UCKsgyXBGZ7chB9s-9YA_pLQVZApQZfOEd69Y5APg9k7D5LBRWQIokNxGM9_vhc4_K7TZCAN/w480-h640/Glow%20-%20mother%20and%20child%20-%20lori%20kingston.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>brian marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10633279947332285627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228351855849524543.post-73348954746206402012023-12-06T12:03:00.000-08:002023-12-06T12:27:24.413-08:00Flow<i>as the tossing</i><div><i>and turning gives</i></div><div><i>way to yawning </i></div><div><i>and yearning </i></div><div><i>as Mysteriously muddled </i></div><div><i>impressions and obsessions </i></div><div><i>flood my mind </i></div><div><i>blurring my brain </i></div><div><i>like a whirring </i></div><div><i>train rumbling down </i></div><div><i>tracks of terror </i></div><div><i>through my Psyche </i></div><div><i>whistling a warning </i></div><div><i>into my Spirit </i></div><div><i>and i sense</i></div><div><div><i>a subtle welling</i></div><div><i>of Mystical moisture</i></div><div><i>in the ducts</i></div><div><i>filled with detritus</i></div><div><i>from languished longing</i></div><div><i>and primal pain</i></div><div><i>needing to drain</i></div><div><i>out the compression</i></div><div><i>a gentle rain</i></div><div><i>of tender tears</i></div><div><i>rolling down cheeks</i></div><div><i>shuttling out sleep</i></div><div><i>from my eyes</i></div><div><i>flushing out fears</i></div><div><i>and immersive lies</i></div><div><i>of subversive shame</i></div></div><div><i>a surprising Gift</i></div><div><i>within the Eternal Flow...</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Thanks.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>#100wordprayers #Advent2023 #TheHopesAndFearsOfAllOurYearsAreMetWithTearsOfHealingAndHope</div><div><br /></div><div>('Tears for the Earth' © Corina Chirina)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOhDwpZ_EzEi7L0Zgw8Ey49hXJh443dAzG-5FpXpZz-Ex-6kdgL4VMabMuC7-ANV1_pH1XzebRSn4F8zTMy8c5HuS0trQotUC76Gkv7mPGmPjyS9wTmkROEHXZ439LWtbaNKSsnEBLZsKVBRU-eWg763eNU2fp-OPxOtbz_JFZmVOqT8Hfw4lSj4KdlEy/s900/Flow%20-%20tears-for-the-earth-chirila-corina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="883" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOhDwpZ_EzEi7L0Zgw8Ey49hXJh443dAzG-5FpXpZz-Ex-6kdgL4VMabMuC7-ANV1_pH1XzebRSn4F8zTMy8c5HuS0trQotUC76Gkv7mPGmPjyS9wTmkROEHXZ439LWtbaNKSsnEBLZsKVBRU-eWg763eNU2fp-OPxOtbz_JFZmVOqT8Hfw4lSj4KdlEy/w628-h640/Flow%20-%20tears-for-the-earth-chirila-corina.jpg" width="628" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div>brian marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10633279947332285627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228351855849524543.post-81590252788174021892023-12-05T07:52:00.000-08:002023-12-05T07:52:29.478-08:00Blow<div style="text-align: left;"><i>sometimes i awaken</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>gasping for It</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>like a runner</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>straining for hours</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>collapsing for It</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>or a mogul</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>deluded by power</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>grasping for It</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><i>and anxiety is</i></div><div><i>rowing my boat</i></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and panic is</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>closing my throat</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and my fear</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>has decided to</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>take It away</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>but then Love</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>senses my struggle</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>with intense suffocation </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>morphing </i><i>into supplication</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and in Silence</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and Infinite patience</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>gives It back</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>in a Way</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>that freely opens</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>my constricted airway</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>to receive It</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and fully expands</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>my shriveled lungs</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>to Breathe It</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>like the Spirit</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>continues to Flow</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>like the Wind</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>continues to Blow...</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Thanks.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">#100wordprayers #Advent 2023 #GiftsInTheDarkness #ForEachBreathInTheStarknessAndTheRadiance</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">('Come, Breath' © Lance Brown)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCPTZ03TU-RybRCpawYgEd58shj3btfrDnWxzvfavbALfYE6PdgLV12RSpOGWFjP5WuP6Jb7EW3cu9f7oMx_0gVMjxKxUA0im1fZRc5sCDCMzRBx_KAVHfuStK-oZEMNYMfzdM465p77uduUZ6qF0AYwvwqJtXJus9IlzkRAE_h7yQApi6DtQpmQ-TsSfa/s902/Blow%20-%20Come,%20Breath%20-%20Lance%20Brown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="902" data-original-width="736" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCPTZ03TU-RybRCpawYgEd58shj3btfrDnWxzvfavbALfYE6PdgLV12RSpOGWFjP5WuP6Jb7EW3cu9f7oMx_0gVMjxKxUA0im1fZRc5sCDCMzRBx_KAVHfuStK-oZEMNYMfzdM465p77uduUZ6qF0AYwvwqJtXJus9IlzkRAE_h7yQApi6DtQpmQ-TsSfa/w522-h640/Blow%20-%20Come,%20Breath%20-%20Lance%20Brown.jpg" width="522" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>brian marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10633279947332285627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228351855849524543.post-68473252972767097112023-12-04T11:41:00.000-08:002023-12-04T12:47:10.235-08:00Beat<i>when something stirs</i><div><i>my subconscious suddenly</i></div><div><i>a fleeting dream</i></div><div><i>a harrowing nightmare</i></div><div><i>scaring me half</i></div><div><i>way to death</i></div><div><i>impairing the draft</i></div><div><i>of my Breath</i></div><div><i>distorting my Vision</i></div><div><i>as it blurs</i></div><div><i>contorting my Perception</i></div><div><i>in the pre-dawn</i></div><div><i>darkness </i><i>of perplexities</i></div><div><i>and infernal anxieties</i></div><div><i>convincing me things</i></div><div><i>are actually just</i></div><div><i>as they seem</i></div><div><i>but i feel</i></div><div><i>Something more Real</i></div><div><i>comforting my corpus</i></div><div><i>and my conscience</i></div><div><div><i>the persistent Pulse</i></div><div><i>of the Little</i></div><div><i>Wet Engine within</i></div><div><i>that always </i><i>can </i></div><div><i>and always </i><i>will </i></div><div><i>until it can't</i></div><div><i>yet still emanates </i></div></div><div><i>and consistently reverberates </i></div><div><i>with the Rhythm</i></div><div><i>of sublime Resurrection</i></div><div><i>the Divine Beat</i></div><div><i>on Eternal repeat</i><i>...</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Thanks.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>#100wordprayers #Advent2023 #GiftsInTheDarkness #TheHumblenessAndHolinessOfHeartbeats</div><div><br /></div><div>('Rainbow Heart in the Dark' © Angela Erwin)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0QDgOgJkI7lZPKCpERxNYiZ5i9JSeaxctQYCJ8yW9F5HnzQaYo6DZWnPoLfQISsnaI__HxI7Cmo6W4W9UdQoqr-ENv51FdLGiZj20eKWlkzZM-yp72g80kj66ibidmlZquOKXvNDLmANmOuIZSYhoNXM1bEBJ7nD89pxWk9FeZMCiO0IHY6Hxfd_xJrk/s720/Beat%20-%20Rainbow%20in%20the%20Dark%20Heart%20-%20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="720" height="453" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0QDgOgJkI7lZPKCpERxNYiZ5i9JSeaxctQYCJ8yW9F5HnzQaYo6DZWnPoLfQISsnaI__HxI7Cmo6W4W9UdQoqr-ENv51FdLGiZj20eKWlkzZM-yp72g80kj66ibidmlZquOKXvNDLmANmOuIZSYhoNXM1bEBJ7nD89pxWk9FeZMCiO0IHY6Hxfd_xJrk/w640-h453/Beat%20-%20Rainbow%20in%20the%20Dark%20Heart%20-%20.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div>brian marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10633279947332285627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228351855849524543.post-30556779780418427082023-11-23T09:01:00.000-08:002023-11-23T09:02:45.667-08:00saying Grace (Thanksgiving 2023)<div><i>while saying Grace</i></div><div><i>may seem like</i></div><div><i>an unnecessary formality</i></div><div><i>around a table</i></div><div><i>including empty chairs</i></div><div><i>producing empty stares</i></div><div><i>reflecting empty spaces</i></div><div><i>in our Hearts</i></div><div><i>and lonely places</i></div><div><i>with languishing people</i></div><div><i>in our World</i></div><div><i>maybe our taking</i></div><div><i>that unneeded pause</i></div><div><i>and waiting with</i></div><div><i>some baited breaths</i></div><div><i>could cause us</i></div><div><i>to open our</i></div><div><i>eyes to recognize </i></div><div><i>and honour those</i></div><div><i>who have spent</i></div><div><i>(and still spend)</i></div><div><i>their days receiving</i></div><div><i>and displaying Grace</i></div><div><i>without saying much</i></div><div><i>since their Lives</i></div><div><i>do the talking</i></div><div><i>that is needed</i></div><div><i>breathing new Hope</i></div><div><i>into our World</i></div><div><i>by Being authentic</i></div><div><i>and believing in</i></div><div><i>our shared Reality </i></div><div><i>our Sacred Humanity</i></div><div><i>through Love that</i></div><div><i>illumines the Night</i></div><div><i>and Laughter that</i></div><div><i>confuses our fright</i></div><div><i>and Candor that</i></div><div><i>awakens our Sight</i></div><div><i>and Presence that</i></div><div><i>unveils the Light</i></div><div><i>and perhaps making</i></div><div><i>room for simple</i></div><div><i>moments like these</i></div><div><i>could help us</i></div><div><i>realize that those</i></div><div><i>spaces of absence</i></div><div><i>are in actuality</i></div><div><i>Places of Presence</i></div><div><i>Soil seeded </i></div><div><i>with Possibility</i></div><div><i>where we can</i></div><div><i>find our Selves</i></div><div><i>feeling traces of</i></div><div><i>Joy and Hope</i></div><div><i>and seeing Faces </i></div><div><i>of simple Beauty</i></div><div><i>and profound Spirit</i></div><div><i>who live on</i></div><div><i>in the Present</i></div><div><i>and in Memories</i></div><div><i>and within Mysteries</i></div><div><i>that are both</i></div><div><i>fleeting and freeing</i></div><div><div><i>and that may </i></div><div><i>end up being</i></div><div><i>our saving Grace...</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Thanks.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>#200wordprayers #HappyThanksgiving2023 #RememberingAndCelebratingBelovedsPresentInPersonAndInSpiritAlways </div><div><br /></div></div><div>('Community of Thanksgiving' © Terri Davis)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWjTSOda_zbcPY92B63dcC0fjuJBUudsE5hxj6OVTNFcWq-SSWiZuCjSML9AM_aXYw6TSFkjxS_DJ6zYqTuNyPa-E6XbUqSxWOpSeL4HV_KW65m9mm48Q7GWEiwCkUqernzkTSr2OwlZbywx88MFQSgnaU3__wDa6S5Se-JHa6k8adel5Yv36bbmQiEdE_/s1403/Image%2011-23-23%20at%208.58%20AM.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1403" data-original-width="1051" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWjTSOda_zbcPY92B63dcC0fjuJBUudsE5hxj6OVTNFcWq-SSWiZuCjSML9AM_aXYw6TSFkjxS_DJ6zYqTuNyPa-E6XbUqSxWOpSeL4HV_KW65m9mm48Q7GWEiwCkUqernzkTSr2OwlZbywx88MFQSgnaU3__wDa6S5Se-JHa6k8adel5Yv36bbmQiEdE_/w479-h640/Image%2011-23-23%20at%208.58%20AM.jpeg" width="479" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>brian marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10633279947332285627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228351855849524543.post-30515788844668756812023-11-22T14:17:00.000-08:002023-11-22T14:32:06.382-08:00Aho (Thanksgiving Eve 2023)<div><i>when trying to imagine</i></div><div><i>an honest way</i></div><div><i>to celebrate this Day</i></div><div><i>of giving Thanks</i></div><div><i>as a coming together</i></div><div><i>at one Table</i></div><div><i>of different People</i></div><div><i>with different stories</i></div><div><i>(or different versions</i></div><div><i>of the same story</i></div><div><i>that for some</i></div><div><i>has become</i></div><div><i>a fantastical fable)</i></div><div><i>surrendering their convictions</i></div><div><i>and not nursing</i></div><div><i>their afflictions</i></div><div><i>while remembering that </i></div><div><i>the oppression experienced </i></div><div><i>by my forebears</i></div><div><i>in their Homeland</i></div><div><i>as beyond the pale</i></div><div><i>still pales in comparison</i></div><div><i>to the devastation</i></div><div><i>and discrimination endured</i></div><div><i>by those already here</i></div><div><i>in their Homeland</i></div><div><i>(at the hands</i></div><div><i>of my forebears)</i></div><div><i>and yet amidst</i></div><div><i>the glares of contempt</i></div><div><i>somehow there were flares</i></div><div><i>of Light sparking</i></div><div><i>embers of reflection</i></div><div><i>upon our Innate</i></div><div><i>and Sacred Connection</i></div><div><i>explorers (who were</i></div><div><i>sometimes exploiters)</i></div><div><i>seeking deeper Wisdom</i></div><div><i>from the Excluded</i></div><div><i>settlers acting upon</i></div><div><i>what they believed</i></div><div><i>was their </i><i>God-given </i></div><div><i>(yet deluded) right</i></div><div><i>in taking the Land</i></div><div><i>now Gifting the Land</i></div><div><i>back to those</i></div><div><i>who recognize</i></div><div><i>that their sweat </i></div><div><i>and tears and blood </i></div><div><i>emerge from It</i></div><div><i>and return to It</i></div><div><i>and are made of It</i></div><div><i>who realize</i></div><div><i>that the clearest</i></div><div><i>most authentic sight</i></div><div><i>comes as a Surprise</i></div><div><i>more from our hearts</i></div><div><i>than through our eyes</i></div><div><i>then perhaps the ways</i></div><div><i>we can only envision</i></div><div><i>the divisions throughout</i></div><div><i>our world and lives</i></div><div><i>as smoke signals</i></div><div><i>of darkening and daunting</i></div><div><i>and ominous Skies</i></div><div><i>are actually a smokescreen</i></div><div><i>an incendiary haze</i></div><div><i>hindering our ability</i></div><div><i>to perceive with clarity</i></div><div><i>what is happening</i></div><div><i>in the deepest Parts</i></div><div><i>of our Psyches</i></div><div><i>and Somas and Spirits</i></div><div><i>and the Sordid</i></div><div><i>Sacred Soil Itself</i></div><i>maybe the idealized portrait</i><div><i>of Indigenous and Indignant</i></div><div><i>together at one Table</i></div><div><i>is less a pipe dream </i></div><div><i>floating in from afar</i></div><div><i>and more a silkscreen</i></div><div><i>(saturated in smoke</i></div><div><i>from a Peace Pipe)</i></div><div><i>flowing through from within</i></div><div><i>depicting an honest Vision</i></div><div><i>of Who and Whose</i></div><div><i>We really are</i></div><div><i>One People connected</i></div><div><i>in One Love</i></div><div><i>on One Land</i></div><div><i>(that no one owns</i></div><div><i>and from which</i></div><div><i>We all emerge</i></div><div><i>and to which</i></div><div><i>We all return</i></div><div><i>and of which</i></div><div><i>We are all made)</i></div><div><i>who have no reason</i></div><div><i>to be afraid</i></div><div><i>and every reason</i></div><div><i>to be in Love</i></div><div><i>since That </i></div><div><i>is ultimately</i></div><div><i>the Sacred Stuff</i></div><div><i>of which We</i></div><div><i>all are made...</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>May It Be So</i></div><div><i>(in every Season)...</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Aho.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>('Aho' is a word used in multiple Indigenous communities, most notably in Cherokee meaning 'Amen' and Kiota meaning 'Thank You'...which also happen to be the two ways i most regularly end prayers.)</div><div><br /></div><div>#360wordprayers #HappyThanksgiving2023 #MayTheBelovedCommunityWeAreMoreFullyEmergeFromWhatIs</div><div><br /></div><div>('Rainbow Dance' © Yoram Raanan, Beit Me'ir, Israel)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO8anP9tbdD7dvHH0CXWgpYVlWqafltFTPR3-gfhwxJ1S5RZKWXzL4mx5zVrxVDMLCh_Et2lN1XWMd7QDXypYluBt4wmFnumGzR4Jpmov5DdeAG6ajEe9u6xb9uI0xZuMd_VkCHlKpwfj8-BEe2W84tERm1Gwoj4bBjcE3zws8pA_0OscaYD5cUO8_Y1vK/s573/Aho%20-%20Rainbow%20Dance%20-%20.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="457" data-original-width="573" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO8anP9tbdD7dvHH0CXWgpYVlWqafltFTPR3-gfhwxJ1S5RZKWXzL4mx5zVrxVDMLCh_Et2lN1XWMd7QDXypYluBt4wmFnumGzR4Jpmov5DdeAG6ajEe9u6xb9uI0xZuMd_VkCHlKpwfj8-BEe2W84tERm1Gwoj4bBjcE3zws8pA_0OscaYD5cUO8_Y1vK/s16000/Aho%20-%20Rainbow%20Dance%20-%20.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>brian marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10633279947332285627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228351855849524543.post-58308871808079883332023-11-15T08:01:00.000-08:002023-11-15T08:01:27.435-08:00Hardness<div style="text-align: left;"><i>Your Beloved Ian</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>when faced</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>with a challenging</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>circumstance will say</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>'This is HARD'</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and he's right...</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><i>being absent</i></div><div><i>from Beloveds</i></div><div><i>trapped in turmoil</i></div><div><i>and terror</i></div><div><i>is hard</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><div><i>feeling distant</i></div><div><i>in the midst</i></div><div><i>of instantaneous and</i></div><div><i>inevitable danger</i></div><div><i>is hard</i></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>staying silent</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>in the throes</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of actual and </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>anticipated agony</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>is hard</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and yet</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>hard things</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>in Creation</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>can caramelize</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>what's petrified</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>for protection</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>in fear</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and cauterize</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>old wounds</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and catalyze</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>new ways</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of opening</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and flexing</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and adapting</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and evolving</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and Being</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>in Love</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>so may</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>the Hardness</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>not harden</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>our Heads</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>but humble</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>our Hearts</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and penetrate</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>our Psyches</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and soften</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and Spirits</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and harness</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>our energies</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>like Horses</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>to ride</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>onto new trails</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>into new Realities</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of Healing</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>in the Rhythm</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of Revealing</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and swaying</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>to the Music</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of neighing</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>the Song</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>ever sung</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>in Love...</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>(even in absence</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and distance</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>and Silence...)</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Let It Be.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">#150wordprayers #HopefulNovember #PeaceInIsraelPalestineAndAllOverOurWorld #ComfortForAllWhoAreGrievingLossesAbsencesDistancesSilences #AllDistanceHasAWayOfMakingLoveUnderstandable #WilcoFTWOnceAgain</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">('Stained Glass Horse' © Dianne Connolly)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9UerNJaC4ShGGrO2poFORFXURMjqEDOXGylqLA5nvSIAxhc-q6nkDJUhv_BzZ-wBD-7JvS_6WwxapHGaCrKaj55lAyuzvU5yw9maVOlBzghT-RHFop-rKYLR2_qoqElfYoPDJjwSNh9X_0DK-WMt_qsZ6oc1SRFgK-pQeQiIJRisPxmwa_Lo3g7DPU-xl/s600/Hardness%20-%20Dianne%20Connolly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="447" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9UerNJaC4ShGGrO2poFORFXURMjqEDOXGylqLA5nvSIAxhc-q6nkDJUhv_BzZ-wBD-7JvS_6WwxapHGaCrKaj55lAyuzvU5yw9maVOlBzghT-RHFop-rKYLR2_qoqElfYoPDJjwSNh9X_0DK-WMt_qsZ6oc1SRFgK-pQeQiIJRisPxmwa_Lo3g7DPU-xl/s16000/Hardness%20-%20Dianne%20Connolly.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>brian marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10633279947332285627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228351855849524543.post-15730253402741292402023-11-13T08:35:00.000-08:002023-11-13T08:35:06.166-08:00the Dreaming<i>while there </i><i>are </i><i>dreams </i><div><i>that are </i><i>meant </i><i>to be</i><div><div><i>held onto </i><i>with Hope</i></div><div><i>(like Peace on Earth</i></div><div><i>and Justice for All</i></div><div><i>and the seeming</i></div><div><i>impossibility of Love</i></div><div><i>accepting and connecting</i></div><div><i>and enlivening All)</i></div><div><i>even these dreams</i></div><div><i>that </i><i>capture </i><i>our imaginations</i></div><div><i>can also </i><i>hold Us </i></div><div><i>captive </i><i>to our machinations</i></div><div><i>visions of fascination</i></div><div><i>that devolve into fixation</i></div><div><i>upon that final destination </i></div><div><i>trapped within a stifling</i></div><div><i>incarceration of scheming</i></div><div><div><i>and sweating and steaming</i></div><div><i>(and sometimes screaming)</i></div></div><div><i>to make the dream</i></div><div><i>into a reality...</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>but what if</i></div><div><i>it's not so much</i></div><div><i>the dream itself </i></div><div><i>but the Dreaming</i></div><div><i>that sets our Spirits</i></div><div><i>soaring and streaming</i></div><div><i>into new realms</i></div><div><i>of growth and healing</i></div><div><i>we never imagined</i></div><div><i>were possible before</i></div><div><i>(even when we're feeling</i></div><div><div><i>like we're kneeling</i></div><div><i>and needing to wish</i></div><div><i>on every Blue Moon</i></div><div><i>in the night</i></div><div><i>without a lucky</i></div><div><i>Star in sight)</i></div></div><div><i>and reminds us</i></div><div><i>that dreams possibly</i></div><div><i>are sent </i><i>less </i></div><div><i>to believe in</i></div><div><div><i>as a final destination</i></div><div><i>of full realization</i></div><div><i>and more to receive</i></div><div><i>as a liminal inspiration</i></div><div><i>towards fuller actualization</i></div><div><i>of Self and Soul</i></div><div><i>fleeting Incarnations</i></div><div><i>that break our hearts</i></div><div><i>apart and wide open</i></div><div><i>and make our parts</i></div><div><i>more wholly Whole</i></div></div><div><i>and helps us</i></div><div><i>not to forget</i></div><div><i>how holding on</i></div><div><i>(while something Life</i></div><div><i>requires us to do</i></div><div><i>from time to time</i></div><div><i>in order to survive)</i></div><div><i>ultimately sets the stage</i></div><div><i>for the Glorious Gifts</i></div><div><i>of Grace to arrive</i></div><div><i>on wings of Freedom</i></div><div><i>(enabling us to thrive</i></div><div><i>and float and fly</i></div><div><i>like beautiful leaves</i></div><div><i>falling in the Breeze)</i></div><div><i>that are only perceived</i></div><div><i>and received </i><i>and realized</i></div><div><i>in the letting go...?</i></div><div><br /></div><div>#255wordprayers #HopefulNovember #WhereWouldWeBeWithoutWishfulThinkingOnTheMoonTonight #KudosToTweedyAndFogelbergAndBuechner</div><div><br /></div></div><div>('Trust' © Netanel Morhan)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5f6hyphenhyphennTuI3hbTVyb9JwbKV8cieHO-63XA_z1Ulg3RGXeJ6oc7cphbc_4XVrONalp9Jyo_7xHpHUnuYy1Bpq84UbX2sOhyphenhyphenIEBVzbr6G_mqmTbm-DL8zCpmh-Ld1eUoRtG8PpZdjZLFVsyHUs06SaXDHDN8ebtWnkEZdv-JHlScHuHlOxp5-JMfnLahSk2Y/s1012/the%20Dreaming%20-%20Trust%20-%20Netanel%20Morhan.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="880" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5f6hyphenhyphennTuI3hbTVyb9JwbKV8cieHO-63XA_z1Ulg3RGXeJ6oc7cphbc_4XVrONalp9Jyo_7xHpHUnuYy1Bpq84UbX2sOhyphenhyphenIEBVzbr6G_mqmTbm-DL8zCpmh-Ld1eUoRtG8PpZdjZLFVsyHUs06SaXDHDN8ebtWnkEZdv-JHlScHuHlOxp5-JMfnLahSk2Y/w556-h640/the%20Dreaming%20-%20Trust%20-%20Netanel%20Morhan.jpg" width="556" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div></div>brian marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10633279947332285627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228351855849524543.post-19455224256183845472023-11-11T20:31:00.000-08:002023-11-11T20:31:48.821-08:00Ultimate Sacrifices (Veteran's Day 2023)<i>as we Honour all </i><div><i>who have served</i></div><div><i>our country faithfully</i></div><div><i>and sacrificially <br /></i><div><i>(including those </i></div><div><i>who have made</i></div><div><i>The Ultimate Sacrifice</i></div><div><i>which is ultimately</i></div><div><i>a Bridge</i></div><div><i>we all cross</i></div><div><i>one Day</i></div><div><i>but giving thanks</i></div><div><i>for the Way</i></div><div><i>in which</i></div><div><i>It is crossed</i></div><div><i>by some</i></div><div><i>giving all</i></div><div><i>for the sake</i></div><div><i>and safety</i></div><div><i>and protection</i></div><div><i>and Peace</i></div><div><i>for All</i></div><div><i>laying down life</i></div><div><i>for the lives</i></div><div><i>of others</i></div><div><i>like that Bridge</i></div><div><i>over troubled waters)</i></div><div><i>may those Sacrifices</i></div><div><i>(ordinary and Extraordinary</i></div><div><i>intimate and Ultimate)</i></div><div><i>not have been</i></div><div><i>made in vain</i></div><div><i>but serve</i></div><div><i>to empower</i></div><div><i>Our collective Consciousness </i></div><div><i>and compassionate </i><i>Conscience</i></div><div><i>to recognize </i><i>and honour</i></div><div><i>the Belovedness</i></div><div><i>in All Others</i></div><div><i>and to shower</i></div><div><i>down Blessings</i></div><div><i>more than bullets</i></div><div><i>and to build</i></div><div><i>fewer barriers</i></div><div><i>and barricades</i></div><div><i>and more Bridges</i></div><div><i>modeling the Love</i></div><div><i>that embodies</i></div><div><i>The Ultimate Sacrifice</i></div><div><i>the Surrender</i></div><div><i>that engenders</i></div><div><div><i>new Sight</i></div><div><i>from blindness</i></div></div><div><i>new Strength </i></div><div><i>in Kindness</i></div><div><i>new Solidarity </i></div><div><i>in Oneness</i></div><div><i>and the Courage</i></div><div><i>to Encourage All</i></div><div><i>along the Pathway</i></div><div><i>to Peace...</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Thanks to all</i></div><div><i>the sacrificial servants...</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>and to</i></div><div><i>the Servant</i></div><div><i>of All.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Amen.</i></div><div><br /></div><div>#170wordprayers #VeteransDay2023 #MayPeaceProtectAllWhoServeInHarmsWayAndBringPeaceWithoutFightingOneDay</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLR7rrcsMy2n83DHFT7CQP6FCsJqpKJOoL2J1gVbuWosYw19vhRIamOfM_BTgx4Lx99oot-uD3ay98KGG0Br9nYcDydz4iQ501UHLYgPkVBAC2g7MnLA6iSNLWeEpTXk7QJdekTuCCbjGAnPb20r8L0vjfdh8vvVrAz7lZ2Iq7sxEXFj4CCSPe-z0Yufo/s3024/IMG_E0559.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLR7rrcsMy2n83DHFT7CQP6FCsJqpKJOoL2J1gVbuWosYw19vhRIamOfM_BTgx4Lx99oot-uD3ay98KGG0Br9nYcDydz4iQ501UHLYgPkVBAC2g7MnLA6iSNLWeEpTXk7QJdekTuCCbjGAnPb20r8L0vjfdh8vvVrAz7lZ2Iq7sxEXFj4CCSPe-z0Yufo/w640-h640/IMG_E0559.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div></div>brian marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10633279947332285627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228351855849524543.post-26815318584167025172023-11-08T18:55:00.000-08:002023-11-08T18:55:57.745-08:00Refracted<i>with so many things</i><div><i>causing our intentions</i></div><div><i>to be impacted </i></div><div><i>(often </i><i>less like </i></div><div><i>a hidden truth</i></div><div><i>and more like</i></div><div><i>a wisdom tooth)</i></div><div><i>and our attentions</i></div><div><i>to be distracted</i></div><div><i>in maniacal ways</i></div><div><i>far beyond belief</i></div><div><i>leaving us reeling</i></div><div><i>in encroaching darkness</i></div><div><i>groping for sight</i></div><div><i>may our eyes</i></div><div><i>adjust for vision</i></div><div><i>in the Night</i></div><div><i>and even faintly</i></div><div><i>recognize the Light</i></div><div><i>less being reflected</i></div><div><i>in familiar ways</i></div><div><i>more being Refracted</i></div><div><i>into Wondrous Rays</i></div><div><i>that Radiate Hope</i></div><div><i>in new Directions</i></div><div><i>transforming afflictions</i></div><div><i>into Affections</i></div><div><i>and infections</i></div><div><i>into Incarnations</i></div><div><i>of Boundless Love</i></div><div><i>transcending borders</i></div><div><i>ascending boundaries</i><i> </i></div><div><i>that are futilely </i></div><div><i>attempting </i><i>to maintain</i></div><div><i>the status quo</i></div><div><i>with Sparks </i><i>of Spirit</i></div><div><i>spraying sideways</i></div><div><i>which contain</i></div><div><i>the Uncontainable Force</i></div><div><i>of Belovedness</i></div><div><i>pausing our conventions</i></div><div><i>to open the Way</i></div><div><i>for mind-bending</i></div><div><i>and heart-stretching</i></div><div><i>new Inventions</i></div><div><i>like multi-level garages</i></div><div><i>becoming the places</i></div><div><i>for multi-dimensional Revelations</i></div><div><i>the dead ends</i></div><div><i>of parking spaces</i></div><div><i>opening up </i><i>into Living</i></div><div><i>and Loving Beginnings</i></div><div><i>to surprising Races</i></div><div><i>of Infinite distances</i></div><div><i>with ubiquitous Graces</i></div><div><i>saturating all instances</i></div><div><i>of anticipated defeats</i></div><div><i>as Everybody competes</i></div><div><i>and Everybody wins</i></div><div><i>through euphoric evenings </i></div><div><i>and muted </i><i>mornings</i></div><div><i>with guttural moanings</i></div><div><i>Miraculously unveiled</i></div><div><i>as Magical Symphonies</i></div><div><i>of Enchanted Ecstasy</i></div><div><i>with radical Empathy</i></div><div><i>that embraces </i></div><div><i>infernal distinctions</i></div><div><i>and melts them down</i></div><div><i>into expired extinctions</i></div><div><i>in the illuminating Glow</i></div><div><i>of Eternal Oneness...</i></div><div><br /></div><div><i>Let It Be.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>#210wordprayers #HopefulNovember</div><div><br /></div><div>('Refracted Light in the Heavens'...photo taken midair over Pacific Ocean, modified by Prisma)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAAtkAsLsap1A-vWXSOXMVtEVeY2_rho_55NyR9c4u5E_SNPAhvfqcGwc1fe1I7YCb0KOaMkjyg2EWGLIYs_qQvWEktrZkWGBGszOEgxfLkcQXCefutfsdzqdMPVbFEutzqXmc9iqFiD8LbV10hbR-dH80P1feL1pO1oF-enABEZc_8Lj-4sLvFj2HnJiL/s984/IMG_0519.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="984" data-original-width="984" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAAtkAsLsap1A-vWXSOXMVtEVeY2_rho_55NyR9c4u5E_SNPAhvfqcGwc1fe1I7YCb0KOaMkjyg2EWGLIYs_qQvWEktrZkWGBGszOEgxfLkcQXCefutfsdzqdMPVbFEutzqXmc9iqFiD8LbV10hbR-dH80P1feL1pO1oF-enABEZc_8Lj-4sLvFj2HnJiL/w640-h640/IMG_0519.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>brian marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10633279947332285627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7228351855849524543.post-67797034213138593012023-11-03T22:50:00.035-07:002023-11-04T09:06:00.243-07:00Together<div><i>when all we see</i></div><div><i>around us is disparate</i></div><div><i>elements mixing it up</i></div><div><i>but blending as well</i></div><div><i>as oil and water</i></div><div><i>blistering </i><i>examples </i></div><div><i>of survival</i></div><div><i>of the fittest</i></div><div><i>fatal clashes</i></div><div><i>over the Land</i></div><div><i>(none of which</i></div><div><i>is actually 'ours')</i></div><div><i>futile slashes</i></div><div style="font-style: italic;"><i>over the lines</i></div><div style="font-style: italic;"><i>drawn in Sand</i></div><div style="font-style: italic;"><i>(all of which</i></div><div style="font-style: italic;"><i>we are made)</i></div><div style="font-style: italic;"><i>gratuitous gashes</i></div><div style="font-style: italic;"><i>into the Heart</i></div><div style="font-style: italic;"><i>of our Terrestrial</i></div><div style="font-style: italic;"><i>Hearth </i><i>and Home</i></div><div style="font-style: italic;"><i>(through which</i></div><div style="font-style: italic;"><i>we are Connected</i></div><div style="font-style: italic;"><i>and N</i>ourished)</div><div style="font-style: italic;">and two families</div><div style="font-style: italic;">of Creatures</div><div style="font-style: italic;">distinct yet similar</div><div style="font-style: italic;">find their Way</div><div style="font-style: italic;">into the same</div><div style="font-style: italic;">Sacred Space</div><div style="font-style: italic;">and abide Peacefully</div><div style="font-style: italic;">as One Family</div><div style="font-style: italic;">in Beauty</div><div style="font-style: italic;">and Grace</div><div style="font-style: italic;">and remind</div><div style="font-style: italic;">Us All</div><div style="font-style: italic;">that not</div><div style="font-style: italic;">in spite of</div><div style="font-style: italic;">but with</div><div style="font-style: italic;">all that may</div><div style="font-style: italic;">keep us apart</div><div style="font-style: italic;">what might lead</div><div style="font-style: italic;">us to fight</div><div style="font-style: italic;">or fright</div><div style="font-style: italic;">or flight</div><div style="font-style: italic;">what we may</div><div style="font-style: italic;">conceive or perceive</div><div style="font-style: italic;">or believe differently</div><div style="font-style: italic;">We All Breathe</div><div style="font-style: italic;">common Air</div><div style="font-style: italic;">and are made</div><div style="font-style: italic;">of the same</div><div style="font-style: italic;">Soil and Water</div><div style="font-style: italic;">(and Wonder)</div><div style="font-style: italic;">and share </div><div style="font-style: italic;">the same innate </div><div style="font-style: italic;">sense of Wisdom</div><div style="font-style: italic;">to instinctively know </div><div style="font-style: italic;">that when One</div><div style="font-style: italic;">of Us thrives</div><div style="font-style: italic;">We All Flourish</div><div style="font-style: italic;"><i><div>and whether</div><div>the glass</div><div>is proverbially </div><div>half empty </div><div>or full</div></i></div><div style="font-style: italic;">and regardless</div><div style="font-style: italic;">of which class</div><div style="font-style: italic;">we end up</div><div style="font-style: italic;">(in a plane</div><div style="font-style: italic;">or a school</div><div style="font-style: italic;">or a society)</div><div style="font-style: italic;">we all go down</div><div style="font-style: italic;">and go around</div><div style="font-style: italic;">and go up</div><div style="font-style: italic;">and go on</div><div style="font-style: italic;">Together...</div><div style="font-style: italic;"><br /></div><div style="font-style: italic;">Thanks.</div><div><br /></div><div>#210wordprayers #ThankfulNovember #AmidstInsaneMassacresAndIntenseMeetingsWeAreAllInThisTogether #WeAreBetterAndStrongerTogether</div>
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<br /></div><div>('Pelicans & Seagulls Together on Oregon Coast' © Rick Saul)</div>
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brian marshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10633279947332285627noreply@blogger.com0