Abbey this week

I will be spending several days at the Abbey of Gethsemane this week. It will be an extended time of prayer and reflection plus celebration birthday party for Father Carlos.

I will be writing reflections each day if you wish to follow. Also am beginning another book, maybe called My Travels with Thomas Merton.

Prayer request include: guidance and direction as I retire in a month, a continuous sense of God's presence,  time for prayer and contemplation, time of prayer for many friends, healing for others, a sincere desire to be in the center of God's will, clear leadership in seeking God's leadership for my life and my family, and yes always Thanksgiving for so many blessings.

I covet your prayers.

Bro. Dan

Cheekwood

Enjoying chihuly exhibit.

What is it?

Dead animal caught on my Ham radio animal. What is it? How did it get there?

Cuddles

Cuddles welcoming me home from work.

Jim Forest.First day ...Reflection

My first day off, preparing for. retirement. I sit outside with Aidend and Cuddles. It is partly cloudy and 66 degrees.
I am reading The Ladder of the Beautitudes by Jim Forest. I bought the book last night at St. ELIZABETH'S Orthodox. Church in Murfreesboro TN.  Jim was the speaker. He spoke on Christianity in a world of Conflict. It was a meaningful and moving experience for me.
Some of his quotes:
What does Jesus mean about love? How we care for each other.

Whenever you pray for someone there is a connection.

God does not need our advice.

Essence of sin is fear of the other which is rejection of God.

We are made in the image of God. There is no such thing as a completely evil person.

Life goal---the attempt to love one's enemy .

Things to think about

Retirement

The normal routine will change from day to day
First off como va am trying to learn to relax
Relaxing is my main momentum. I feel I really need the rest and how difficult it is when a routine dominates our every momeni

I also need to learn how to listen. What does the wind say, or a doggie scratching in the sunlight? Do the leaves become the primary determinate of the time of year?

No longer full-time employee

I am no longer employed full time. I am relaxing in my backyard. I slept until 815 and ate breakfast at cracker barrel. From my vantage point in the backyard I see three tiny birds at the bird feeder and the squirrel rushing around in the back area of the yard.
Morning time is a special time for me. It is a quiet time when I study the bible, pray, and plan the day
I am already realizing that days will be a different. The getting up routine, the not rushing to work, maybe a cup of coffee somewhere. #### am hoping to relax some.

Birthday fever

Going to Cajun steamer for birthday bash.

Fwd: Thomas Merton site

This is great Merton story.  Enjoy.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Randall De Trinis" <sherando1@ntelos.net>
Date: Oct 4, 2010 1:26 PM
Subject: Thomas Merton site
To: <brodanphillips@gmail.com>

You might enjoy this site of mine.

Randy De Trinis

Website: Website: http://mertonocso.wordpress.com/