Spiritual poetry

You may or may not know that one of my great loves is reading and sometimes attempting to write poetry. I have decided to include some of my favorite poetry selections on my blog for you to read and reflect upon, and perhaps from time to time I will risk including some of my own work. I have found that my personal reflection upon prose has proven to not only help me rest and relax but it has also jolted my soul and spirit into a deeper understanding of God. I hope that in some way reading these selections will be of some benefit to you. Much of what I will include will be from the medieval poet Jelaluddin Rumi. Below is my first selection and one of my favorite Rumi poems; "The Music We Are."

Did you hear that winter's over? The basil
and the carnation cannot control their
laughter. The nightingale back from his
wandering has been made singing master
over the birds. The trees reach out their
congratulations. The soul goes dancing
through the king's doorway. Anemones blush
because they have seen the rose naked.

Spring, the only fair judge, walks in the
courtroom, and several December thieves steal
away. Last year's miracles will soon be
forgotten, New creatures whirl in from non-
existence, galaxies scattered around their
feet. Have you met them? Do you hear the
bud of Jesus crooning in the cradle? A single
narcissus flower has been appointed Inspector
of Kingdoms.

A feast is set. Listen, the wind is pouring wine!
Love used to hide inside images, no more!
The orchard hangs out its lanterns.
The dead come stumbling by in shrouds.
Nothing can stay bound or be imprisoned.
You say "End this poem here,
and wait for what's next" I will. Poems
are rough notations for the music we are.
-- Jelaluddin Rumi

week 3

Well I have no triumphant news to report about week 3. I knew that I would have my hands full trying to keep on track and indeed I did. I slipped in week 3; I gained a pound so that moves my weight loss to 10 pounds instead of 11. Hope to have better news soon. The main thing is that I do not want to give up and that is important. I had a bad week but I can and will do better. I did not gain my weight over night nor will I lose in such a manner. I must settle my self in for the long haul. Thanks for your continued support.

BLOG COMMENT CHANGE

Due to a high number of spam comments I have switched my comment filter so that I have to approve your comments before they will post on my blog. Sorry for having to do this but I was getting way too many junk comments. Please continue to leave your comments but know that it may be a few hours before they post due to the fact that they will first be sent to my e-mail for approval.

Week 2

I had my Weight Watcher's check in this past Thursday and I am glad to report that my total weight loss is now at 11 pounds. I know from past encounters that the 3rd week has proved problematic for me, so I trust this next week will bring success. I'll keep you all posted.

Week 1 Weight Loss

The first week of weight loss is in the books and I am happy to report that I lost 8.2 pounds this week. I know that the first week is the time that you have the most dramatic loss but I am relishing in the moment. I am prepared for next week not being as significant, but progress is progress and I will take what I can get. I feel good about the discipline and success of this week. Thanks to you all who are part of my support.

Credit Where Credit is Due

I am excited to say that perhaps someone in the Southern Baptist's International Mission Board has acted in the spirit of grace and humility. Associated Baptist Press just released an article stating that the missionary couple dismissed by the IMB, for starting a church with non SBC missionaries, has been reinstated by an official of the IMB. It is rare that the current SBC and its agencies would over turn a decision no matter how wrong they are, but in this case I am proud to report that at least one official has broken rank. I hope this decision will uphold but I am sure that it has the potential to be over turned by the IMB trustees. I give applause to Gordon Fort for taking the risk of going against the totalitarian leadership of the IMB and instead doing what is just and right by restoring this missionary couple so that they can minister to the people God has called them to serve. You can read the complete article at the following link