LIVING IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD |
Living in the Presence of God is . . . Living in the presence of God is being open to the beauty of God’s creation— to see the hand of God in all the good that surrounds our daily lives! Living in the presence of God is being mindful that we live in the presence of the Resurrected Lord Jesus Christ and that it is His love and His power that fills our lives! Living in the presence of God is listening for and being open to the leading of the Holy Spirit! Living in the presence of God is a life lived in such a way as to intentionally create a place in our heart of hearts for God and responds with “yes” and “thank you” to God’s expressions of love in our lives. Living in the presence of God is opening our eyes and our hearts to see things we otherwise would not see. It gives us new eyes to see and a more tender heart—more aware of the pain and need that surrounds us. Living in the presence of God is going places and doing things we would not otherwise do—because we are called to be amid the pain and help meet the need. It is saying “Here am I” to the call to live the love of God in our world! ABOUT THIS WEBSITE The first four Links on the Navigation Bar are textual discussion of the spiritual discipline of "Living in the Presence of God": what it means, how to live it, the fruit and the pain that come from endeavoring to so live, and historical context. The next four Links are poetry of praise, gratitude, and thanksgiving to God for the gift of life and God's faithful presence in our lives. Before and Now reflects on the changes we experience in the journey of faith and the movement from being told about God to experiencing God and God's love! It is followed by a short piece on grief. Sunrise at the Ocean expresses sheer delight at the gift of sunrise and gives praise to God for the gift of life! A Conversation With Death faces death squarely and considers its many faces, and responds with the affirmation that Death shall not triumph because we know the Victor, Christ Jesus our Lord! Living in the Presence of Fear is a personal reflection on the fears that haunt us and the blessing of God's presence and God's Love. The final four Links include a reflection, based on Bible teachings, as to why we suffer and where is God in our Suffering, and is entitled Jesus on Why we Suffer. It closes with a poem entitled "The Suffering Tree." The next link considers the core theological question: How God Acts and considers from one writer's perspective whether God causes the events and circumstances of our lives. The website closes with Photographs of nature and extends this invitation: "Through God-colored glasses . . . we are invited to view the creation and prayerfully consider what it reveals about the Creator!" The last link is a Post-Script that is updated from time to time with new thoughts, or responses from viewers of this Website. The writings and poetry reflect a relational theology and are most heavily influenced by the writings and theology of Henri Nouwen. Nouwen's writings and teachings have so influenced my life and understanding of God, that it is now impossible for me to remember what I thought and understood before I began reading his books more than 10 years ago. WHAT'S NEW?
Now, "The Suffering Tree" has been added to Jesus on Why We Suffer, and "When You Hide Your Face, They are Dismayed" has been added to "Living in Fear". "A Conversation With Death" has been added as a new page found at Conversation with Death. Also, please visit the blog of a dear brother in Christ who has helped me to see even more clearly the Presence of God in my life--and the lives of others! http://biggspaul.blogspot.com/ AND MAY YOU SEEK, EMBRACE, AND GIVE THANKS TO GOD FOR THE GIFT OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD IN YOUR LIFE IF YOU PREFER TO MOVE THROUGH THE SITE USING THE NAVIGATION BAR TO THE LEFT, please click on "Living" on the Navigation Bar to the left. When you choose to leave the "Living"page, click "How to", and so on down the Navigation Bar to "Post Script." At any time, you may return to this page by clicking "Home" |
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