by Christine Green | Feb 27, 2009 | Uncategorized
I just returned from a 10 day pilgrimage in Israel. I had the intention to blog from there but when technology would not cooperate, I knew I was supposed to pay attention and be present with all that was going on around me. It was an extraordinary trip as I traveled with 21 other pilgrims to Tel Aviv, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Jerusalem and many places in between. I will share my insights in the days to come as I re-enter life. I am so grateful for the opportunity and the teachings I received from Rev. Marcia and my fellow pilgrims. So grateful to my loving husband for supporting me on my journey and to all those who were praying for us while we were away. So many miracles occurred as storms cleared out and there was sunshine, fog lifted and revealed a most beautiful valley, crowds seemed to disappear and allow us private time at some of the most magnificent churches. My faith is renewed and strengthened and I am so grateful for God’s unlimited graciousness in my life.
by Christine Green | Jan 26, 2009 | Uncategorized
I was in class last week and make an off-handed political comment that I felt was harmless. The next day one of the class members called and shared her feelings about what I had said. I apologized and could completely relate because I had been offended when I was in the company of others with political differences and heard their hurtful comments. Really, I know better than that.
Later that day I recalled my previous blog post quoting President Obama quoting scripture…”it is time to set aside childish things.” I realized that remarks like that are the childish things…judgments, criticisms, ridicule, belittling, blame, etc. They do nothing to empower and everything to sap energy.
I received a powerful reminder this week of the power of the word. One I won’t forget soon.
by Christine Green | Jan 21, 2009 | Uncategorized
“In the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history, to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.”
President Barack Obama
It’s been an awesome day. An unforgettable one. I am grateful for the freedom to speak, the freedom to vote, the freedom to watch our country change political power in peace, harmony and joy.
It’s been an amazing day.
by Christine Green | Jan 20, 2009 | Uncategorized
Martin Luther King, Jr
1929 – 1968
“Let freedom ring. And when this happens, and when we allow freedom ring—when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God’s children—black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics,—will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual: “Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!”
by Christine Green | Jan 14, 2009 | Uncategorized
I admit it. I’m a tree hugger. I love to see big beautiful bountiful trees that serve as homes for neighborhood squirrels and birds, provide shade for humans and energy and oxygen for all life. I am very sad when I see those majestic towers cut down to make room for more houses, more parking, more industry. I know it’s progress. I know it’s change. It still makes me sad.
I saw changes in our neighborhood this week that made me very sad. I promise that if I ever have to have a tree cut down on our property, I will replace it with another. I would like to see an ordinance passed that for every tree a homeowner cuts down, they have to replace it with another or donate to Friends of Trees so they can plant another.
I can’t help it. I’m a tree hugger.
by Christine Green | Jan 11, 2009 | Uncategorized
I think I stopped walking outside after the time changed in November. It suddenly became very dark, cold and wet. It was a pain to find a time to walk in what little daylight there was. It was too cold and wet to venture out. So I moved my exercise program indoors and was very proud of myself. That lasted oh, about 45 days. Until I hurt my back. Exercise dwindled and so did my spirits. Then the snow came. There was really no point in going outside.
One day I realized that I only went out to run errands. I avoided going out for any length of time. I missed fresh air, my brisk walk, my spiritual ritual. One day last week I suited up with rain gear and boots, scarf and gloves and ventured out for an early morning walk. It felt glorious. Our beautiful neighborhood was even more spectacular. The walk felt invigorating.
Fresh air is freedom, joy, beauty and a spiritual necessity.
