Unconquerable Gladness

Rise above it all. Spread the sails of faith.
Let the Spirit blow.
Rise above the confusion, the frustrations.
Rise above the depressing realities.
Let not the griefs pull you down.
Walk on the waters of sorrows.
Find that unconquerable gladness—
That ability to see goodness
And to know the strong rock beneath you—
And the difference between time and eternity.
See the end from the beginning.
See the surface appearances of evil for what they are.
They are destined to fail—to end in infamy.
Evil is only for a moment. It is under judgment.
See it in history.
Understand it plainly.
God’s sovereign goodness will prevail.
The cross seems to be the end.
But the tomb is empty—that is the great surprise!
Unexpected! Goodness is unexpected!
Evil we can anticipate.
We must rise above it all.
We must see the centuries instead of the decades.
We must see eternity instead of time.
Then and only then can we prevail.

Arthur Christmas, 1997

enlightenment

photo by: Phil Miller ________________________ click on photo to enlarge

Enlightenment is a way of saying that all things are seen in their intrinsic empty nature, their Suchness, their ungraspable wonder. Names or words are merely incidental, but that state which sees no division, no duality, is enlightenment.

-Prajnaparamita

Ohio River Sunsets

Photos by: Bette Bloss ********** Submitted by: Arthur Christmas

Carols for Infinite Grace

A unique form of energy was instantly created. While the music murmured sweet woodwinds and sent me on my tip-toes to a tin, the choice was easily made. Once viewing the remains, I could have but TWO (2) pieces. One had an autumn tint of yellow while the other a rich dark color of coal. Both were equally sweet and so very luscious. "Spirits" immediately danced on the table while humming the tune "I'll be home for Christmas."

by: SMG

Angels Are Near

Two of them touched the wick of the candle.

Suddenly it glowed. It was not magic but a gift.

They shared a silent bond of peace and joy

in all the glorious celebration of the Birth.

Awe, mercy and greatness filled the room.

by: SMG