March 18 Echoes of Eternity
Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
II Timothy 1:13
Guard well, My child, the life I have given you. The adversary is ever seeking ways to nullify and make havoc of your faith. You are no match for him without Me, and you easily forget how dangerous it is to wander from the safe path. Let caution warn you not to be presumptuous. I am your safety, your front guard and your rear
guard. You are safe when you stay with Me. That is how you guard the life I have given you.

Experience 40 days of creativity, freedom and true inspiration from the Spirit of God. 25% OFF ##039;40 Days with the Holy Spirit##039;—Try between Easter and Pentecost!##064;spiritchatter

40 Days with the Holy Spirit
www.paracletepress.com
40 Days with the Holy Spirit – 40 Days with the Holy Spirit will inspire you to encounter God in fresh and surprising ways. You’ll develop stronger spiritual muscles as you breathe, read, reflect, and …

#quot;It is without reservation that I recommend this volume to you. If you really want to celebrate St. Patrick’s day with wisdom instead of in a stupor, get this book today.#quot;—Fran Rossi Szpylczyn
http://www.paracletepress.com/vulnerable-faith.html

St. Patrick and #quot;A Vulnerable Faith#quot;
blog.timesunion.com
This is a very short post, but it is meant to be very clear on this St. Patrick##039;s Day. I am not a big St. Patrick##039;s Day reveler though half-Irish I might be. My mother was so proud of her Irish roo…

Build a Better Easter Basket – Building Faith
www.buildfaith.org
Jerusalem Greer shows items with connections to Easter, and scripture, to fill a basket that is truly about Easter. Strengthen children##039;s faith.

March 17 Echoes of Eternity
The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.
Psalm 126:3
Your prayer is heard, My child, your prayer is heard. The desire you express is not yours, but the gift of My Spirit. Flesh recoils at the prospect of its mortality. The spirit within yearns to be clothed with immortality. Cultivate the spirit within. Deny the flesh its grasping, clinging—its fearful demands to be pampered, loved, considered. Fight the battle in the strength I shall give and be whole-hearted in
it. Call to mind, in the heat of battle, what great things I have done for you. I have taken your small, puny faith, and the steps you have taken in faith, and enlarged them beyond anything you can see. Only I know the extent of My blessing, but you can know enough to strengthen you and arm you when the adversary comes in like a flood. Play the man, My child. Your prayer is heard.

Just In! ##039;The Way of Perfection: St. Teresa of Avila##039; celebrating the 500th anniversary of her birth.
#quot;God will ALWAYS give us more than we ask for.#quot;—St. Teresa
http://www.paracletepress.com/the-way-of-perfection-2015.html

St. Patrick##039;s Day is tomorrow! 25% OFF St. Patrick##039;s Day books through tomorrow. http://www.paracletepress.com/books-spirituality-saints.html

St. Patrick##039;s Day is tomorrow! 25% OFF St. Patrick##039;s Day books through tomorrow. http://www.paracletepress.com/books-spirituality-saints.html

March 16 Echoes of Eternity
It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn Thy statutes.
Psalm 119:71
Frail, mortal child of flesh, My love is beyond your grasping. The mysteries of My providence often leave you trembling and confused. What you cannot understand with your mind, you fear. The darkness and shadows that must needs come fill you with uncertainty. Yet I tell you that in all the shadows there is light. In all the uncertainties there is one certainty—My eternal, unchanging love. See and find it. You cannot “grasp” it, but you are held by it.

March 16 Echoes of Eternity
It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn Thy statutes.
Psalm 119:71
Frail, mortal child of flesh, My love is beyond your grasping. The mysteries of My providence often leave you trembling and confused. What you cannot understand with your mind, you fear. The darkness and shadows that must needs come fill you with uncertainty. Yet I tell you that in all the shadows there is light. In all the uncertainties there is one certainty—My eternal, unchanging love. See and find it. You cannot “grasp” it, but you are held by it.

Mobile Uploads
Afternoon Tea for Alzheimer##039;s
Wednesday, March 25th, 2:30pm to 4:00pm at Residences at Wingate in Dedham, MA
For Directions please click here: http://www.residencesatwingate.com/about-wingate/

Mobile Uploads
Afternoon Tea for Alzheimer##039;s
Wednesday, March 25th, 2:30pm to 4:00pm at Residences at Wingate in Dedham, MA
For Directions please click here: http://www.residencesatwingate.com/about-wingate/

Week 4 of Jerusalem Jackson Greer##039;s Lenten Series! GIVE

A Family Lent – Week 4: Give
jerusalemgreer.com
“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” ― Charles Dickens This is Week 4 in our journey through the season of Lent, and this week we are focusing on what it means to #quot;Give.#quot; Giving tends to be a theme during Advent and Christmas, but we don##039;t always associate it with Lent, when we find ourselves thinking more about what we should give up and less about what we could give away. [ 822 more words. ]

Week 4 of Jerusalem Jackson Greer##039;s Lenten Series! GIVE

A Family Lent – Week 4: Give
jerusalemgreer.com
“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” ― Charles Dickens This is Week 4 in our journey through the season of Lent, and this week we are focusing on what it means to #quot;Give.#quot; Giving tends to be a theme during Advent and Christmas, but we don##039;t always associate it with Lent, when we find ourselves thinking more about what we should give up and less about what we could give away. [ 822 more words. ]

Gregorian Chant: The Eternal Song http://www.communityofjesus.org/?p=4497936

Gregorian Chant: The Eternal Song | The Community of Jesus
www.communityofjesus.org
By Cantor Chanting by Heart: A Path to Lively Prayer Just by reading the words #quot;Salve Regina,#quot; many of us have a very familiar and beloved tune begin streaming through our #quot;inner ear#quot; — a sound many of us have known since childhood. Likewise, #quot;O Come Emmanuel#quot; will instantly whisk us inwardly to the time of Advent. If we even begin chanting #quot;Humbly I adore Thee, verity unseen#quot;, we are reminded of Maundy Thursday or the celebration of Eucharist itself. [ 135 more words. ]

By Cantor

Chanting by Heart: A Path to Lively Prayer

Just by reading the words “Salve Regina,” many of us have a very familiar and beloved tune begin streaming through our “inner ear” — a sound many of us have known since childhood. Likewise, “O Come Emmanuel” will instantly whisk us inwardly to the time of Advent. If we even begin chanting “Humbly I adore Thee, verity unseen”, we are reminded of Maundy Thursday or the celebration of Eucharist itself.

In current-day language, most people speak of performing “by memory” or “without music.” As I re-read my old notes from classes with Mary Berry, I am struck with her continual references to knowing the chant “by heart.”  “By heart” says something very different than “by memory.” “By heart” implies having something buried deep inside ourselves, something which has truly become part of us and which has become connected not just to our memories, but our emotions and spirit as well. THIS is chanting “by heart” and is one of the greatest joys of chant — to learn and know it so well that it becomes a conduit for prayer as a living conversation, full of spirit and verve!

Image Credit
Gregorian Institute of Canada: News www.gregorian.ca

March 15 Echoes of Eternity
But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear Him.
Psalm 103:17
I am the Lord who healeth thee. The adversary meant evil to you, but I mean it for good and for life. Put aside the distractions that pull you from My chosen path. Take each day as a gift of love from the Giver of love. Purify your mind and thoughts with simple cries and prayers. Prove me by the waters of Meribah. Let me turn the bitter into sweet and trust that I can ever do so. None know this save those who choose to become “little children” before their heavenly Father. The oil of My mercy never runs out.

The Merciful Heart:
The heart##039;s pulsing ache—oh to have
that same heart##039;s burning
for persons, for birds, all manner
of animal, and even for the demons.
—A poem by Scott Cairns, from ##039;Endless Life##039;

March 14 Echoes of Eternity
For in Him we live and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also His offspring.
Acts 17:28
You are nearer to Me than you know. I am nearer to you than you realize. Your sense of distance and separation are the fruit of your sin—your independence, pride, and self-absorption. These sins erect barriers in your soul, and they isolate you in a prison of your own making. Yet I am with you—nearer than you realize. Open the door in the wall you have built—or better still, begin anew the destruction
of that barrier. It can be done—and My help is sure.

A lovely little book with a fresh look at the Joyful Mysteries-
20% OFF Luigi Santucci##039;s ##039;Tales of Grace##039;.
“Santucci’s tales transpose the reader from the gospel texts to imaginative times and places that inspire fresh insights and awakenings.”—Andrew D. Ciferni, O.Praem, St. Norbert College

Tales of Grace: Reflections on the Joyful Mysteries
www.paracletepress.com
Tales of Grace: Reflections on the Joyful Mysteries – This compelling and charming book employs story and whimsy, with delicate, lyrical touches, so that readers can experience in new light the joyful …

Jerusalem Jackson Greer, author of ##039;A Homemade Year##039; shares some great thoughts and ideas about lent in her ##039;A Family Lent##039; series. This week##039;s theme is Thanks! A great read…

Posts about Lent on Jerusalem Greer
jerusalemgreer.com
Posts about Lent written by Jerusalem

Just In! Welcome to the Orthodox Church: An Introduction to Eastern Christianity
#quot;This excellent book is most valuable because it is more like a friend than a book. It##039;s the voice you hope to hear beside you in church, murmuring explanations and encouragement as you make your journey. I highly recommend it.#quot; — Rev. Dr. Christopher Metropulos, Executive Director, Orthodox Christian Network

Welcome to the Orthodox Church: An Introduction to Eastern Christianity
www.paracletepress.com
Welcome to the Orthodox Church: An Introduction to Eastern Christianity – There are other introductory books about Orthodoxy. This one comprehensively covers the history, theology, and practice …

Our booth at LA Congress! (Booths 512-516)
TEN REASONS why you won##039;t want to miss us this year:
1. Receive a FREE Love God, Love Others wrist band with any order (while supplies last).
2. Step of the fray and soak in the soothing sounds of Gregorian Chant.
3. Sit for a few moments with the author of our newest book in the Active Prayer Series.
David Brazzeal will be signing Pray Like a Gourmet on Saturday from 2:30 – 5pm ##064;brazzeals
4. Browse our newest book titles, including some great ideas for RCIA gifts!
5. Come see what DRE##039;s are calling the best Bible they##039;ve ever seen for K-2 — The Paraclete Bible for Kids
6. You##039;ve loved our Praying With Your Five Fingers prayer card.
Come see our newest card, The Lord##039;s Prayer
7. Just in time for the Year of Consecrated Life,
pre-order Fr. Albert Haase##039;s Come Follow Me DVD.
8. Get great deals on our DVDs for Adult Formation
including our new Demystifying the Book of Revelation.
9. Play with the new Ten Commandments Cube. It##039;s super cool.10. Meet your reps Kyle, Josh, and Br. Richard in person.
#RECongress ##064;LACongress

If you are going to the LA #RECongress, please stop by our booths 512-516. We have much to offer you- important books, playful prayer cubes, beautiful CDs, educational DVDs—you name it! Also, receive a FREE Love God, Love Others wrist band with any order (while supplies last). We look forward to seeing you there. ##064;LACongress

Los Angeles Religious Education Congress
www.recongress.org

March 13 Echoes of Eternity
According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love.
Ephesians 1:4
In the course of your life, My hand has overshadowed you and protected you. My tender mercies have attended you and spared you. Do not ask why, or doubt that it is so. As you review the past, make it a sure foundation with which to face the future. The foundation is My overarching, unfailing love and care—a foundation that cannot fail.

Take a literary journey through prayer and poetics towards a deep and healing calm – 20% OFF through Monday.

“Donald Sheehan’s journey—through both brokenness and beauty—to a deep and healing calm is at once personal and universal. With a poet’s visionary prose, a scholar’s acuity, and a pilgrim’s devotion, Sheehan offers his reader access to the profound, compelling stillness at the heart of all things. He proves an exceedingly good guide along the way.” —Scott Cairns, author of Slow Pilgrim: Collected Poems

The Grace of Incorruption: The Selected Essays of Donald Sheehan on Orthodox Faith and Poetics
www.paracletepress.com
The Grace of Incorruption: The Selected Essays of Donald Sheehan on Orthodox Faith and Poetics – Professor and scholar, teacher of poets and poetry and convert to Eastern Orthodoxy, Donald Sheehan …

Take a literary journey through prayer and poetics towards a deep and healing calm – 20% OFF through Monday.

“Donald Sheehan’s journey—through both brokenness and beauty—to a deep and healing calm is at once personal and universal. With a poet’s visionary prose, a scholar’s acuity, and a pilgrim’s devotion, Sheehan offers his reader access to the profound, compelling stillness at the heart of all things. He proves an exceedingly good guide along the way.” —Scott Cairns, author of Slow Pilgrim: Collected Poems

The Grace of Incorruption: The Selected Essays of Donald Sheehan on Orthodox Faith and Poetics
www.paracletepress.com
The Grace of Incorruption: The Selected Essays of Donald Sheehan on Orthodox Faith and Poetics – Professor and scholar, teacher of poets and poetry and convert to Eastern Orthodoxy, Donald Sheehan …

An Everyday Question http://www.communityofjesus.org/?p=4474489

An Everyday Question | The Community of Jesus
www.communityofjesus.org
By Sr. Nun Other I##039;ve been thinking about the question Jesus posed to His disciples in Matthew 16:15: #quot;But what about you?#quot; he asked. #quot;Who do you say I am?#quot; Simon Peter answered, #quot;You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.#quot; Who do I say Jesus is, not once, but, everyday? Is He the Messiah, Son of God, savior, liberator, and loving friend?

An Everyday Question http://www.communityofjesus.org/?p=4474489

An Everyday Question | The Community of Jesus
www.communityofjesus.org
By Sr. Nun Other I##039;ve been thinking about the question Jesus posed to His disciples in Matthew 16:15: #quot;But what about you?#quot; he asked. #quot;Who do you say I am?#quot; Simon Peter answered, #quot;You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.#quot; Who do I say Jesus is, not once, but, everyday? Is He the Messiah, Son of God, savior, liberator, and loving friend?

“Who willingly exposes their weaknesses? Yet that is exactly that path Jesus calls us to tread, and for good reason: There is more hope in honest brokenness than in the pretense of false wholeness.#quot;– Jamie Arpin-Ricci
Vulnerable 25% OFF through March 18th
http://www.paracletepress.com/vulnerable-faith.html

St. Patrick, AA, and Vulnerable Faith: A Q#amp;A with Jamie Arpin-Ricci
www.patheos.com
“Who willingly exposes their weaknesses? Yet that is exactly that path Jesus calls us to tread, and for good reason: There is more hope in honest brokenness than in the pretense of false wholeness.

“Who willingly exposes their weaknesses? Yet that is exactly that path Jesus calls us to tread, and for good reason: There is more hope in honest brokenness than in the pretense of false wholeness.#quot;– Jamie Arpin-Ricci
Vulnerable 25% OFF through March 18th
http://www.paracletepress.com/vulnerable-faith.html

St. Patrick, AA, and Vulnerable Faith: A Q#amp;A with Jamie Arpin-Ricci
www.patheos.com
“Who willingly exposes their weaknesses? Yet that is exactly that path Jesus calls us to tread, and for good reason: There is more hope in honest brokenness than in the pretense of false wholeness.

Look who showed up outside the window?! A stunning red-bellied woodpecker!

Look who showed up outside the window?! A stunning red-bellied woodpecker!

March 12 Echoes of Eternity
He calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
John 10:3
I call you by your name and you are Mine. From all eternity I have loved you and to eternity I shall love you. Your mind cannot comprehend this, but your heart can respond to it. Enough to know that you are known and loved.
What are all the baubles of this world in comparison with this? What is fame, power, riches?—things or conditions that pass away even as you use them. Embrace and hold fast this reality—this gift: you are known and loved.

March 12 Echoes of Eternity
He calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
John 10:3
I call you by your name and you are Mine. From all eternity I have loved you and to eternity I shall love you. Your mind cannot comprehend this, but your heart can respond to it. Enough to know that you are known and loved.
What are all the baubles of this world in comparison with this? What is fame, power, riches?—things or conditions that pass away even as you use them. Embrace and hold fast this reality—this gift: you are known and loved.

A Few More Pieces of Lent http://www.communityofjesus.org/?p=4470812

A Few More Pieces of Lent | The Community of Jesus
www.communityofjesus.org
By Melodious Monk Such grief is not Lent’s goal; But to be led to where God’s glory flashes i For by your holy cross and passion you redeemed the world ii The message of the cross is folly to those who are perishing But to us who are being saved it is the power of God. iii are getting deaf, so that when we find ourselves in trouble, we prefer to listen to the enemies that harry us. [ 90 more words. ]

By Melodious Monk

Such grief is not Lent’s goal; But to be led to where God’s glory flashes i For by your holy cross and passion you redeemed the world ii The message of the cross is folly to those who are perishing But to us who are being saved it is the power of God. iii [We] are getting deaf, so that when we find ourselves in trouble, we prefer to listen to the enemies that harry us. But when will spring arrive for us? iv Struggling with the devil of the stairs who wears the deceitful face of hope and of despair Where shall the word be found, where will the word Resound? v Yet even now…”Return to me with your whole heart” vi  Make clear, make clear, make clear where truth and light appear! vii

[i] Percy Dearmer [ii] Good Friday antiphon [iii] 1^st Cor. 1:18 [iv] St. Augustine [v] T. S. Eliot [vi] Joel 2:12 [vii] Percy Dearmer

Don##039;t miss Paraclete Press at LA Congress this week. We##039;re at Booths 512-516. We have much to offer you- important books, playful prayer cubes, beautiful CDs, educational DVDs—you name it! Also, receive a FREE Love God, Love Others wrist band with any order (while supplies last). We look forward to seeing you there. #RECONGRESS ##064;LACongress

A good review on ##039;40 Days with the Holy Spirit##039;.
#quot;Lev­ison shows that there is so much more about the Spirit [than Pen­tecost, baptismal liturgy, gifts of the Spirit—or noisy charismatics] that can enrich our thinking about the God who is Spirit.#quot;— the Christian Century ##064;ChristianCent

A review of 40 Days with the Holy Spirit, by Jack Levison | The Christian Century
www.christiancentury.org
Levison, who teaches Old Testament at Perkins School of Theology, has made a career of studying Spirit in scripture. He puts his significant learning in accessible form in this book intended for use as inspirational reading over a 40-day period, which could be used for Lent or any time of year.

A great review on Vulnerable Faith- Just in!
#quot;It’s only as people have the courage to embrace vulnerability… …that they can live as whole people.#quot;—Publisher##039;s Weekly
25% OFF through March 18th http://www.paracletepress.com/vulnerable-faith.html

Religion Book Review: Vulnerable Faith: Missional Living in the Radical Way of St. Patrick by…
publishersweekly.com
Arpin-Ricci (#lt;em#gt;The Cost of Community#lt;/em#gt;) combines the story of St. Patrick with Alcoholics Anonymous’s 12-step program to illustrate what a life beyond pretense looks like. Humans, Arpin-Ricci say

March 11 Echoes of Eternity
For it pleased the Father that in Him should all fullness dwell; and having made peace through the blood of the cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself.
Colossians 1:19,20
In this sign you will conquer. In My cross is your victory. Mine is a finished work. Mine is a perfect work. And it is yours, My child, as My gift of love to you. There is no other victory. There is only striving after emptiness and wind. Blessed are you if you know this and remain faithful to it.
Do not chafe at the restrictions My cross lays upon you. Yield quickly to My way and let not your heart be troubled. I see all and know all—and I am with you every step of your way. In this sign you will conquer.

Come visit us at LA Congress this week! Booths 512-516 #RECONGRESS

A terrific review from Publisher##039;s Weekly on ##039;Pray Like a Gourmet: Creative Ways to Feed Your Soul##039; by David Brazzeal. Coming soon- a new release this month! ##064;brazzeals ##064;PublishersWkly

Religion Book Review: Pray Like a Gourmet: Creative Ways to Feed Your Soul by David Brazzeal….
publishersweekly.com
Brazzeal (#lt;em#gt;Now Paul, He was a Servant#lt;/em#gt;) has written a cookbook for prayer—literally. After a first section that likens learning to pray to learning to cook and also notes the importance of food

Just In! ##039;The Complete Cloud of Unknowing##039;
Intellect and emotion both fail in seeking God, who can only be encountered by rejecting all common earthly means in a “cloud of forgetting” and the discovery of Godself in the dark “cloud of unknowing” that can be pierced only with a “lance of longing love#quot;. http://www.paracletepress.com/the-complete-cloud-of-unknowing.html

Saint Patrick##039;s Day Book Sale! 25% OFF St. Patrick books through March 18th.
http://www.paracletepress.com/books-spirituality-saints.html

Just in time for St. Patrick##039;s Day! (March 17th) – 25% Off through March 18th.
http://www.paracletepress.com/vulnerable-faith.html

Timeline Photos
Look what arrived at ##064;[141915492327:274:Paraclete Press] today! Shipping soon!

March 10 Echoes of Eternity
And He arose and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still.
Mark 4:39
Peace, be still! Let the waves of uncertainty and fear subside. Know that I am with you, and will carry you through every trial. Peace, be still, and learn to trust where you cannot see.

March 9 Echoes of Eternity
And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent.
John 17:3
I am the Lord your God who dwells in you, nearer than breath itself. I am your life and the meaning of your life. This is life, to know Me and Jesus Christ whom I have sent. Set your affections on Me—and where I am, there you will be also. When your heart goes out for the things of this world, you reap unto yourself a harvest of deadness. I would that you have an abundant harvest of living fruit—life-bringing fruit that will bless others and glorify Me. The key is here: set your affections on Me.

A wonderful review on ##039;Vulnerable Faith##039; from Patheos Book Club.
#quot;The author acknowledges that each of us has our wounds and shame that we so deeply fear being exposed, but shows us that those same fears can be our path out of fear and toward hope and resurrection.#quot;—Wendi Matusic

Patheos Book Club: “Vulnerable Faith” by Jamie Arpin-Ricci
www.patheos.com
Each of us has our wounds and shame that we so deeply fear being exposed. So how do we still live in community?

This is the third installment of NPR##039;s series #quot;Inside Alzheimer##039;s#quot;, about Greg O##039;Brien##039;s experience of living with the illness. This time we hear from Greg##039;s wife, Mary Catherine:
http://n.pr/1CO5CmB

Timeline Photos
#quot;I don##039;t get angry anymore. I did, at the beginning…. But what are you going to do?#quot;
– Mary Catherine O##039;Brien

This is the third installment of NPR##039;s series #quot;Inside Alzheimer##039;s#quot;, about Greg O##039;Brien##039;s experience of living with the illness. This time we hear from Greg##039;s wife, Mary Catherine:
http://n.pr/1CO5CmB

Gregorian Chant: The Eternal Song http://www.communityofjesus.org/?p=4442329

Gregorian Chant: The Eternal Song | The Community of Jesus
www.communityofjesus.org
By Cantor Lent III: Sounds from Advent and Pentecost! The Sunday introit for the third week of Lent, Oculi mei semper ad Dominum (I will my eyes always to the Lord) has audible connection to the introit for the 2nd Sunday of Advent (O People of Zion) and the Communion (There came a mighty sound ) for Pentecost. [ 152 more words. ]

By Cantor

Lent III: Sounds from Advent and Pentecost!

The Sunday introit for the third week of Lent, Oculi mei semper ad Dominum (I will my eyes always to the Lord) has audible connection to the introit for the 2nd Sunday of Advent (O People of Zion) and the Communion (There came a mighty sound ) for Pentecost.

During this past Advent, we looked at several pieces whose incipits (opening motives) could be likened to a trumpet call. It is a unique sound in the chant repertoire and immediately demands your attention. Further, we looked at how this motive often appeared in chants speaking of the kingship of God.

Advent, Lent, and Pentecost are all seasons of waiting — waiting for the appearance of the Lord, waiting for His action of Resurrection upon our lives, and waiting for the arrival of the Holy Spirit.  Each of these chants speaks of waiting with excitement and expectation. With just a few notes at the opening of these chants, they remind us that we are not waiting on just anything but on God himself, coming to us in so many different ways.

Image credit:  Gregorian Chant –
Elaborate initial with a face [IM-10068 …cepuckett.com

March 8 Echoes of Eternity
In that day shall the branch of the Lord be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel.
Isaiah 4:2
This, My child, is My promise to you—if you obey My voice and walk in the paths I lay out for you. My will is life—not darkness and death. You can still bring forth fruit unto My praise. Only redeem the time! Do not fritter away these precious days as though they will last forever. Claim the grace I offer and bear fruit for eternity.

A Word:
She said God. He seems to be there
when I call on Him but calling
has been difficult too. Painful.

And as she quieted to find
another word, I was delivered
once more to my own long grappling

with that very angle here–still
here–at the base of the ancient
ladder of ascent, in foul dust

languishing yet at the very
bottom rung, letting go my grip
long before the blessing.
–Scott Cairns from ##039;Idiot Psalms##039;

Any Day Now http://www.communityofjesus.org/?p=4442326

Any Day Now | The Community of Jesus
www.communityofjesus.org
By Sr. Nun Other I portray myself as a negative person. But I##039;m realizing that in the midst of my negativity, I nurture a constant ember of hope. It remains there, uncrushable and available, with the capacity to eradicate all gloomy inclinations. So I look at crusty, misshapen snow sculptures, bury my feet in frozen slush, stare out dirty windows and think, #quot;Any day now.#quot; A bird will sing, a crocus will emerge, we##039;ll wash the windows and I##039;ll smile, because God is in charge.

By Sr. Nun Other

I portray myself as a negative person. But I’m realizing that in the midst of my negativity, I nurture a constant ember of hope. It remains there, uncrushable and available, with the capacity to eradicate all gloomy inclinations. So I look at crusty, misshapen snow sculptures, bury my feet in frozen slush, stare out dirty windows and think, “Any day now.” A bird will sing, a crocus will emerge, we’ll wash the windows and I’ll smile, because God is in charge. Any day now. He’ll throw a handful of spring in His recipe, then pour it our direction.

March 7 Echoes of Eternity
Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.
Jeremiah 31:3
From My mouth My Word goes forth to bring life to the world. This world which I created, I created in love. It is still My world. My love is eternal. My love is infinite. My love is life-giving. My Word is My love. Hear My Word and live. Receive My Word and give. Give up the ways of death that life may blossom forth in all its abundance. Do you not see? Life for death. That is what My love offers—not
once for all, but a daily, moment by moment exchange: My life for your death. My way for your way. This is what My love offers My world—and you, My child.

This Lent, push the pause button and revel in The Word.
25% OFF ##039;Sacred Pause: A Creative Retreat for the Word-weary Christian##039; through Monday.

Sacred Pause: A Creative Retreat for the Word-weary Christian
www.paracletepress.com
Sacred Pause: A Creative Retreat for the Word-weary Christian – Our lives are full of words. We rarely pause to attend to them, much less take time for personal retreat. This book encourages you to …

Timeline Photos
Gloriae Dei Cantores presents choral chamber concerts with music of the early Renaissance and Poulenc, March 6 #amp; 7 in Orleans.
We invite you to join us at 7:30pm!

#quot;Truly golden sound and beautifully nuanced singing.#quot;
AMERICAN RECORD GUIDE

#quot;Scripture is a sacrament of this Word, but the Word also reaches us through our interactions with others and through the events of our lives, which we are also called to read, listen to, reflect on, and interpret. Through our meditation, we give meaning to the events of our daily lives, we discern the presence and Word of God in the work, and in history, and we become capable of living in conformity with the Word.#quot; —Enzo Bianchi, author of our new book on Lectio Divina

March 6 Echoes of Eternity
Even so, every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. Wherefore, by their fruits ye shall know them.
Matthew 7:17,20
The tree does not know how the fruit is made or what its end will be. Its task is to be and to send its roots deep into the soil. So with you, My child. It is not your care to be concerned about what will become of the “fruit” of your life. Keep sending the roots into the fertile soil of My Word, and into the living water of My Spirit. The fruit will be good and it will bless others. That is all you need to know—or can afford to know.

Bestselling Lent eBook Sale – 2.99 on paracletepress.com and Amazon – Scot McKnight, Jon Sweeney, Scott Cairns, Frederica Mathewes-Green, Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove, Jana Reiss, Jack Levison, Fr. Alexander Men and others:
http://www.paracletepress.com/ebook-sale.html

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_st_price-asc-rank?keywords=paraclete+press#amp;qid=1425519496#amp;rh=n%3A133140011%2Ck%3Aparaclete+press#amp;sort=price-asc-rank

Ebook Sale
www.paracletepress.com
Ebook Sale …

New Release! Vulnerable Faith: Missional Living in the Radical Way of St. Patrick
#quot;Gently and yet provocatively, Jamie Arpin-Ricci uses the life and teaching of St Patrick to show us that it is only through accepting our common weakness, our brokenness and our unequivocal need for grace that we can find the opportunity for fullness of life and true freedom.#quot; —Michael Frost, author of Incarnate

VULNERABLE FAITH – Book Trailer

This is #quot;VULNERABLE FAITH – Book Trailer#quot; by RebelSkyMedia on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

You##039;ve heard of Lectio Divina—Now##039;s a good time to try it.
25% OFF Through Monday.
“We need lectio divina today more than ever…” —from the Introduction http://www.paracletepress.com/lectio-divina-from-gods-word-to-our-lives.html

March 5 Echoes of Eternity
Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Ephesians 5:16
Quench not the Spirit when He prays within you. Remember, My child, that He searches all things and makes intercession according to My will. You do not know the extent of your need or the needs of others. Your prayers still lack the intensity of importunity. But the Spirit knows and bears your burden, waiting for you to comprehend. So do not despise My provisions for your welfare and for the welfare of those for whom you pray. Trust the Spirit’s interceding cry, and do not quench His gift to you.

Pieces of Lent http://www.communityofjesus.org/?p=4425507

Pieces of Lent | The Community of Jesus
www.communityofjesus.org
By Melodious Monk This year, Jesus again walks with us on our Lenten journey. As we go, I want to try and find new delights of God that I can gather together and take into springtime, with the hopes of understanding a few more aspects of the love of God. Here are a few nuggets I picked up this week from French writer Leon Bloy. [ 237 more words. ]

By Melodious Monk

This year, Jesus again walks with us on our Lenten journey.  As we go, I want to try and find new delights of God that I can gather together and take into springtime, with the hopes of understanding a few more aspects of the love of God.  Here are a few nuggets I picked up this week from French writer Leon Bloy.

Freedom is nothing but this: the respect God has for us…

If [God] desires to have us, he must seduce us, for if his Majesty does not please us, we can throw it from our presence, buffet it, scourge it, and crucify it to the applause of the vilest rabble. God will not defend himself with power, but only with his patience and his beauty….

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.  (Rev. 3:20)

Suffering! Here then is the key word! Here the solution for every human life on earth! The springboard for every superiority, the sieve for every merit, the infallible criterion for every moral beauty! People absolutely refuse to understand that suffering is needful…Suffering is necessary. It is the backbone, the very essence of moral life. Love is recognized by this sign, and when this sign is lacking, love is but a prostitution of strength or of beauty. I say that someone loves me when that someone consents to suffer through or for me…

If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. (Luke 9:23)

There is but one sorrow, and that is to have lost the Garden of Delights, and there is but one hope and one desire, to recover it.

#quot;I cannot say how much this book was a blessing that points myself and others towards God and others in forgiveness. This book will surely challenge you to see forgiveness through the lens of God’s love and move you toward a life of forgiveness.#quot;
—Spencer Cummins
http://spencerdeancummins.blogspot.com/2015/02/freedom-and-forgiveness.html

#quot;I highly recommend ##039;God for Us##039;, and it would make a beautiful and inspiring gift. For anyone interested in deepening their experience of God in the Christian tradition, this book is not to be missed.#quot;—Lisa Rand

God for us: Rediscovering the meaning of Lent #amp; Easter
lighttoreadby.wordpress.com
Searching for Lenten books at my library, I found a beautiful collection of readings from Paraclete Press, God for Us: Rediscovering the meaning of Lent and Easter. The season of Lent can be a nour…

March 4 Echoes of Eternity
Ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawns and the daystar arise in your hearts.
II Peter 1:19
I move through the thickets of your thoughts, a ray of light and truth for your soul. Your thoughts weave a thicket of darkness— twisted, tangled, leading nowhere. My light and My truth lead you outward and onward. Do not drag the thicket with you. I will help you cut loose from the old patterns of desire and ambition. Believe
Me, My child, it can happen if you are willing. But it must be sought and desired. Look for the light shining through the thicket and follow where it leads.

Merton and Waugh: A Monk, A Crusty Old Man, and The Seven Storey Mountain

Thank-you to Paraclete Press for sharing Merton and Waugh: A Monk, A Crusty Old Man, and The Seven Storey Mountain (2015) with the Emerging Scholars Network (ESN)! In an age of virtual friendships, Ma

March 3 Echoes of Eternity
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Matthew 5:7
Have mercy, My child, on those who have offended you. Remember how many times you have offended Me. My way is not the grudge-bearing way, but the forgiving way. I have called you in righteousness to walk a holy way—a way that leads to life abundant, full and free. That is the prize I call you to seek. Seek it with all your heart and pay any price it may demand. Do not hate the instruments I choose to crucify your pride. Pride is the enemy—not the poor human who has offended.

March 2 Echoes of Eternity
For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth.
Ephesians 5:9
Stand in truth. Seek the truth and pursue it. Flee from fantasies and falsehoods; the “icing” on the cake of deceit. Truth often cuts, sometimes wounds, but only to heal. Do not fear the truth. Stand in it boldly. Speak it courageously, even when it threatens a false peace. Know that I, the Lord, am the God of truth. Know that I, the Son of God, am the Truth embodied in a human life. Respect the truth, nay, reverence and honor it—for the truth brings life.

March 2 Echoes of Eternity
For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth.
Ephesians 5:9
Stand in truth. Seek the truth and pursue it. Flee from fantasies and falsehoods; the “icing” on the cake of deceit. Truth often cuts, sometimes wounds, but only to heal. Do not fear the truth. Stand in it boldly. Speak it courageously, even when it threatens a false peace. Know that I, the Lord, am the God of truth. Know that I, the Son of God, am the Truth embodied in a human life. Respect the truth, nay, reverence and honor it—for the truth brings life.

Paraclete Poetry is dedicated to the notion that great poems are for everyone and their themes are universal. Poetry allows us to linger with language and explore light and darkness. Great poems permit us to wander, to linger, to grow—in ways that other writing does not. It has been this way since the Bible was written. King David wrote poems about every emotion imaginable, and the prophets wrote in poetic form because they knew they had a truth too deep for prose. So, too, Paraclete Poetry is dedicated to the idea that verse is one of the best ways to explore spiritual meaning, to help all of us find our way home.

Join the Paraclete Poetry Facebook group by clicking here. We invite you to share, post and interact!

Paraclete Poetry

• #quot;Paraclete continues to issue carefully selected books of poetry. . . they have modestly put themselves into the front ranks of poetry publishers in America.#quot;
  — Ray Olson, former poetry editor, ALA B…
• 6 members

Paraclete Poetry is dedicated to the notion that great poems are for everyone and their themes are universal. Poetry allows us to linger with language and explore light and darkness. Great poems permit us to wander, to linger, to grow—in ways that other writing does not. It has been this way since the Bible was written. King David wrote poems about every emotion imaginable, and the prophets wrote in poetic form because they knew they had a truth too deep for prose. So, too, Paraclete Poetry is dedicated to the idea that verse is one of the best ways to explore spiritual meaning, to help all of us find our way home.

Join the Paraclete Poetry Facebook group by clicking here. We invite you to share, post and interact!

Paraclete Poetry

• #quot;Paraclete continues to issue carefully selected books of poetry. . . they have modestly put themselves into the front ranks of poetry publishers in America.#quot;
  — Ray Olson, former poetry editor, ALA B…
• 6 members

An insightful book review on The Grace of Incorruption, by Donald Sheehan from the Orthodox Arts Journal. http://www.orthodoxartsjournal.org/donald-sheehan-grace-incorruption-book-review/

An insightful book review on The Grace of Incorruption, by Donald Sheehan from the Orthodox Arts Journal. http://www.orthodoxartsjournal.org/donald-sheehan-grace-incorruption-book-review/

Gregorian Chant: The Eternal Song http://www.communityofjesus.org/?p=4401963

Gregorian Chant: The Eternal Song | The Community of Jesus
www.communityofjesus.org
By Cantor Lent##039;s Return Last Friday, I ran to the service of Lauds, leaving the house a little later than usual and feeling disturbed about something that I couldn##039;t shake. I wanted to just #quot;wall off#quot; for a few minutes while I went to the service, but the thought went through my head: “Don’t harden your heart.” I threw on my robe, checked the page numbers in my service book, and hoped I wouldn##039;t be late. [ 192 more words. ]

Gregorian Chant: The Eternal Song http://www.communityofjesus.org/?p=4401963

Gregorian Chant: The Eternal Song | The Community of Jesus
www.communityofjesus.org
By Cantor Lent##039;s Return Last Friday, I ran to the service of Lauds, leaving the house a little later than usual and feeling disturbed about something that I couldn##039;t shake. I wanted to just #quot;wall off#quot; for a few minutes while I went to the service, but the thought went through my head: “Don’t harden your heart.” I threw on my robe, checked the page numbers in my service book, and hoped I wouldn##039;t be late. [ 192 more words. ]

By Cantor

Lent’s Return

Last Friday, I ran to the service of Lauds, leaving the house a little later than usual and feeling disturbed about something that I couldn’t shake. I wanted to just “wall off” for a few minutes while I went to the service, but the thought went through my head: “Don’t harden your heart.”

I threw on my robe, checked the page numbers in my service book, and hoped I wouldn’t be late. As I sat down, the words of the opening antiphon leapt off the page: “If today you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” The tune started, and I found my spirit lifting.

This particular antiphon is chanted every weekday at Lauds during Lent, giving us this message every day. What amazed me was that as I saw, and heard, this antiphon again for the first time this year, it was like hearing the voice of an old friend say my name after not having seen him for many months. There was no condemnation, but rather a hopeful sound that I would welcome again in my own ears and heart.

This is one of the most beautiful aspects of chant — its return! In the annual repetition of this antiphon, it has become part of my own spiritual life. This can be and is true for any chant learned, repeated, and savored — it will become part of you in unexpected ways and unimagined moments — even when running late to a service!

Image credit:Gregorian Institute of Canada: News
www.gregorian.ca1526 × 2291

March 1 Echoes of Eternity
Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of Thy wings.
Psalm 17:8
My child, My child, why do you doubt My love? It grieves My heart for you to question the ways of My Providence. Have I not been with you in every dark place? Has there ever been an end to My amazing grace? Trust then; the future is all in My hands. The wind and the waves still obey My commands. Nothing shall touch you but by My permission. Relax and be still: that is My commission.

The Soul##039;s Permanence:
I##039;m asking. If the soul—the breath
of God—has suffered by its being
both a heavenly and an earthly
element (as, say, a light might be
concealed in a cave), it remains
in any case divine, immortal.
—Scott Cairns

February 28 Echoes of Eternity
Provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Luke 12:33,34
Traveling along the road of your pilgrimage, there are lessons to be learned every day. There are old ties to be cut or loosened, so they will have no power to hold you back on your journey toward Me. Remember, My child, that is where your journey leads, toward Me— your true End and Home. All these earthly scenes are passing ones. They change constantly because that is their nature. They serve their purpose, but they are not the End. Mourn if you must the loosening ties, but do not linger long in tears. I am your Comforter and abiding Joy. Abide in Me.

“With waffle crumbs and bacon drippings and brown sugar crystals, Jerusalem Jackson Greer leaves a Hansel and Gretel-like path to follow as we travel through the seasons of the liturgical year. I was charmed and moved by this book.” —Sybil MacBeth, author of Praying in Color
40% OFF with coupon code HOMEMADEYEAR4LENT. http://www.paracletepress.com/a-homemade-year.html

February 27 Echoes of Eternity
Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
Matthew 17:20
Oceans and mountains are no problem for Me. Harder it is to work a change in the human heart. Not only does sin cling closely to the heart—the heart clings closely to its sin. You experience the same old aches and longings, My child, and are lazy in your struggle to be free of them. Struggle you must, because I will not violate your will and do it for you. I will give you the grace and strength you need, and I
want you to be free of them. It can take place—if your heart will let go.

No time for devotional reading? Listen to the Psalms . . . 3 CDs for $30. Be transported by the meditative and transparent beauty of the Psalms of David—at any place or time. http://www.paracletepress.com/anglican-psalmody-set.html

The Sign of the Cross: The gesture, the mystery, the history
40% OFF using coupon code SIGN40
http://www.paracletepress.com/the-sign-of-the-cross-the-gesture-the-mystery-the-history-p.html
#quot;This book is a little masterpiece: it informs and it explores, it recounts history and it provokes a religious quest. It##039;s a personal book, yet it explores the great questions of theology; it is full of learning, but not ponderous; it is written from the perspective of faith, but is not off-putting to the inquirer.#quot; —Thomas O##039;Loughlin, Professor of Historical Theology University of Nottingham

On Thick Ice http://www.communityofjesus.org/?p=4375885

On Thick Ice | The Community of Jesus
www.communityofjesus.org
By Sr. Nun Other Last Sunday, I chose the path less traveled. That is to say, I refused to walk around, behind and through a building to get to my destination. Instead I followed a shorter path. Shorter, but ice-covered. With turtle-like steps, I wobbled atop a good three inches of frozen water. I sometimes wonder where memories come from. Not scientifically, but, why-and why now? [ 143 more words. ]

By Sr. Nun Other

Last Sunday, I chose the path less traveled. That is to say, I refused to walk around, behind and through a building to get to my destination. Instead I followed a shorter path. Shorter, but ice-covered. With turtle-like steps, I wobbled atop a good three inches of frozen water. I sometimes wonder where memories come from. Not scientifically, but, why-and why now? My twenty-five yard journey from one door to the other stirred “the memory pot.” As a child, I lived in awe of my older sister and her best friend. We grew up country in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains. They often took their younger siblings on adventures, and in the winter dare devil sledding and ice skating on Hettenbaugh Creek topped the list. One very cold night, we built a small fire on the bank of that creek, and skated beneath a star-laden sky. It was magic created, not digitally or by a list of gifted people whose names are read at the end of a movie. It was melded creation and courage, grounded in trust that we were loved and watched over. No foolishness, mind you, but neither was there doubt we would return home frozen but victorious.

February 26 Echoes of Eternity
We look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are unseen are eternal.
II Corinthians 4:18
Turn your eyes away from the drabness of the day and look at the brightness of My dwelling. I dwell in the high and holy place— and that means that where I am there is all the brightness and beauty you could desire. And I dwell with those who are of lowly and contrite hearts—which means that My beauty and glory will be yours to the extent that you have a contrite heart.

An Unknowing Gift-Giver http://www.communityofjesus.org/?p=4375882

An Unknowing Gift-Giver | The Community of Jesus
www.communityofjesus.org
By Melodious Monk One of the ways I have often known God to talk to me is through other people, and at often unexpected moments. Last Tuesday, in the middle of a physical therapy appointment for my back, the therapist said rather plainly, “if your back starts to hurt doing an exercise, the answer here is not to push through the pain.” This was sort of a side-bar comment in between sets of exercises as she gave me the next set of instructions. [ 195 more words. ]

By Melodious Monk

One of the ways I have often known God to talk to me is through other people, and at often unexpected moments. Last Tuesday, in the middle of a physical therapy appointment for my back, the therapist said rather plainly, “if your back starts to hurt doing an exercise, the answer here is not to push through the pain.” This was sort of a side-bar comment in between sets of exercises as she gave me the next set of instructions.  Inside of me, everything froze for a split second, and these words were emblazoned in my ears and minds-eye like a bright neon light.

Laying there on my back on top of the physio-ball, I immediately felt like these words were coming from God. As God often seems to be, His help was simple, clear…and unexpected!  “The answer here is not to push through the pain.”  Right away I knew this was God’s answer to a prayer I’d been specifically asking for guidance and clarity of direction on since early Monday morning. (The prayer request had nothing to do with my back)

Initially I was so excited I wanted to ask the therapist to: 1) please repeat what she had just said, 2) if there was any more to the message from God? 3) could she possibly answer a few more questions I have for the Almighty?!  I’m sure she had no idea that she might have been speaking on behalf of God. Nevertheless, I still believe she was. I think God used those words to care for me, and to assure me once again that he is listening, and responding to our prayers.

Jesus loves the little children – Beloved gifts for Baptism #amp; First Communion 30% OFF. http://www.paracletepress.com/books-childrens-baptism.html

Chicago Tribune Article on Flunking Sainthood Every Day:
Spiritual roundup: ##039;The Norton Anthology of World Religions##039; Flunking Sainthood Every Day: A Daily Devotional for the Rest of Us, by Jana Riess, Paraclete, 328 pages, $21.59

Roundup: Books for the soul
If you##039;re inspirationally inclined — meaning you tend to rip wisdom-steeped paragraphs out of whatever your read and pin them prominently wherever they##039;ll stir you to action (the pantry, the dashboard, tucked under the toothpaste) — this little book has, effectively, hauled out the scissors, mastered the clipping and pasting, and packed a year##039;s worth of finely curated wisdom into its pages.

And these aren##039;t your everyday inspirers, the usual host of holy thinkers. Here, you##039;ll find the likes of Marmee from Louisa May Alcott##039;s #quot;Little Women#quot; or A.A. Milne##039;s #quot;Winnie the Pooh.#quot; You##039;ll find Annie Dillard at her literary best, and St. Augustine of Hippo, C.S. Lewis and Thomas Merton, for a sweep through the centuries. Kathleen Norris and Desmond Tutu are among the enlightened. The index at the back of the book will help you put your finger on thinkers from Angelou, Maya, to Singer, Isaac Bashevis.

It##039;s a book of daily readings centered on 12 spiritual practices Jana Riess explored in her wry and deeply humble 2011 memoir, #quot;Flunking Sainthood: A Year of Breaking the Sabbath, Forgetting to Pray, and Still Loving My Neighbor.#quot; Riess made it abundantly clear back then that trying and failing is more or less the whole point. And in her latest work, she offers day-by-day #quot;courage to laugh at our shortcomings as we pick ourselves up to try, once again, to inch just a little closer to God.#quot;

While it##039;s written with an eye and an ear to Christianity, this is a book that transcends denominations.

Flunking Sainthood Every Day: A Daily Devotional for the Rest of Us
www.paracletepress.com
Flunking Sainthood Every Day: A Daily Devotional for the Rest of Us – Over one year recounted in Flunking Sainthood, Riess failed twelve different spiritual practices. To her surprise, thought, she …

Global Ministries Newsletter
February 2015 Issue 2

MISSION INSIGHTS FROM THE GENERAL SECRETARY
Thomas Kemper.
The Holy Spirit and Lent

I was overjoyed when I discovered a Lenten resource centered on the Holy Spirit, published in time for this year’s observance of the season. 40 Days with the Holy Spirit (Paraclete Press) is a series of lively, provocative and inspiring meditations for these 40 days of preparation for Easter. The author is Jack Levison, professor of Old Testament interpretation and biblical Hebrew at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas.

Our very own Global Ministries’ statement of mission theology affirms the important role of the Spirit in leading us as Christians “to fullness in God’s purpose,” that is, in God’s mission. The centrality of the Holy Spirit in mission is also affirmed in “Together Towards Life: Mission and Evangelism in Changing Landscapes,” a document prepared by a group organized by the World Council of Churches. The focus on Spirit in each of these statements provides guidance for our engagement in God##039;s mission.

Each of the 40 sections in Levison##039;s book contains scripture, thoughts to consider, prayer and opportunity to reflect. Each also focuses on the breath in spiritual practice. I like this in part because it reflects the intention of “Take a Breath,” our weekly staff service of prayer and meditation at the General Board of Global Ministries. Taking a breath makes room for the Holy Spirit!

Those of us who work together in God’s mission need also to pray and study together—to be silent in one another’s presence, to listen to the Holy Spirit, who visits us in manifold ways.

This year for our Lenten preparation, the leadership team (the “cabinet”) of Global Ministries is using 40 Days with the Holy Spirit as our prayer and study guide.

I was privileged to have the opportunity to read and comment on the book prior to publication. I am deeply impressed by the sensitive, inclusive and biblically relevant insights Professor Levison brings to our awareness of the Holy Spirit and to the experience of Lent. I encourage others to spend “40 days with the Holy Spirit” this year in preparation for the celebration of the Risen Christ.

40 Days with the Holy Spirit
www.paracletepress.com
40 Days with the Holy Spirit – 40 Days with the Holy Spirit will inspire you to encounter God in fresh and surprising ways. You’ll develop stronger spiritual muscles as you breathe, read, reflect, and …

Scot McKnight, New Testament scholar, blogged about Jack##039;s new book on the Holy Spirit:

Fresh Air for Every Day
www.patheos.com
Jack Levison studies, meditates, prays, and writes of the place of the Holy Spirit in our lives with more skill and understanding than anyone I know. His latest book, 40 Days with the Holy Spirit, is conspicuous for its lively, down-to-earth conversation in this much neglected and misunderstood aspe…

February 25 Echoes of Eternity
Thus saith the Lord, In an acceptable time I have heard thee, and in a day of salvation I have helped thee.
Isaiah 49:8
None ever called on Me in vain. None. Though they knew Me not, though they may never have realized that their cry was heard, their call was not in vain. My ears are open to the cries of all My children, and My heart is open to their needs. Think not that I am unmoved at the sight of the suffering in the world.
Today I give you this word: Trust Me in all things. Everything is in My hands, and you can leave to Me whatever is disturbing or troublesome to you. Trust Me and seek to live in My peace.

Love##039;s Purpose:
In love did He bring the world
into being, and in love
does He guide its difficult,
slow-seeming journey now
through the arc of time. In love will He
one day bring all the world to a wondrous,
transformed state, and utterly
in love will it be taken wholly up
into the great mystery of the One
who has performed these things—and all of this so that
in love absolutely will the course
and form and governance of all creation
at long last be comprised.
—from The Endless Life: Poems of the Mystics