Speaking of Spirit

  Photo (c) 2010 Rev. Linda M. Rhinehart Neas The Grace of Beauty is a puzzling concept, mostly because of our preconceived notions of beauty. Hollywood and the fashion industry have defined beauty for most of the world for decades.  However, before the advent of these industries, beauty wore many faces. The ancestors saw beauty in nature. Sunrises and sunsets were observed in awe and ritual. The spirit of plants and flowers was seen and respected. The ancient ones, even found beauty in animals so rich and important that they recognized them as sacred. Matthew Fox, priest and theologian said, “Animals are here in part to grant glimpses of the grace of beauty.” I had never pondered this type of grace before. When I thought of it, I immediately recognized how we could see the beauty of animals. But, grace?  I was going to need more than a few minutes to reflect on this. So, I began looking at the photos I had taken of animals over the years. Hundreds of birds,...

  August Jernberg [Public domain]     “God’s provision; timeless resources.”  ~ Lailah Gifty Akita ~   When we hear the word "provision" what comes to mind?  Are there visions of a pantry stocked to overflowing; what about a table heaped with delicacies; or, perhaps grocery bags filled with the necessities need for the week ahead? The word "provision" comes from Latin and literally means "a foreseeing, foresight, preparation, prevention ." The Grace of Provision is, for me, the ability to trust that what is needed will be there when the time comes. Grace, remember, is God's blessing. So, Grace of Provision is the blessing that the Divine foresees our needs and provides what we need, when we need it. Throughout my life, I have experienced this type of Grace. I learned early on that if I do what I am called to do, Creator supplies the rest. The serendipity of this Grace can be so profound that it often seems inconceivable. Some pass ...