tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38483281634296562332024-03-14T04:24:07.568-07:00Naked TheologyJake Kampehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386498663215004521noreply@blogger.comBlogger246125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848328163429656233.post-91231825341661691822021-03-12T06:41:00.000-08:002021-03-12T13:04:31.230-08:00Lenten Reflections: Naked <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq4PxJ9lyJ_GHeLaexwkvxwo0eDFvJyLduH8nr8OhiRjqupi_P8BqstUVfeIqT0vwBy8PKd4TkP81OYie9gHcRq8s3ziVJGkoalYH64ZbBiMxXa0Ybp2bZWBjiH9aH5FuiicSoFPLBa2U/s1600/the-naked-truth-dale-frazier.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq4PxJ9lyJ_GHeLaexwkvxwo0eDFvJyLduH8nr8OhiRjqupi_P8BqstUVfeIqT0vwBy8PKd4TkP81OYie9gHcRq8s3ziVJGkoalYH64ZbBiMxXa0Ybp2bZWBjiH9aH5FuiicSoFPLBa2U/s200/the-naked-truth-dale-frazier.jpg" width="320" /></a><i><b><span class="text Rom-6-4" id="en-NIV-28073">"...just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too.."</span></b></i><br />
<br />
<i><b><span class="text Rom-6-4" id="en-NIV-28073">Romans 6:4 </span></b></i><br />
<br />
<span class="text Rom-6-4" id="en-NIV-28073">Resurrection</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Rom-6-4" id="en-NIV-28073">Redemption</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Rom-6-4" id="en-NIV-28073">Hope</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Rom-6-4" id="en-NIV-28073">Restoration</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Rom-6-4" id="en-NIV-28073">Life eternal</span><br />
<br />
<br /><span class="text Rom-6-4" id="en-NIV-28073">Truth stands naked in front of us. There is no need or place for subjective clothing. And yet we often have the conditioned tendency to create emotional coverings to cloak the truth. Mental apparel to shield the world from who we really are. Coverings act as barriers between the divine and humanity. Coverings act as barriers between ourselves and others. A shirt of pride. Pants of arrogance. A dress made of fear. Shoes of selfishness. A suit of individualism. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Rom-6-4" id="en-NIV-28073">Coverings conceal our shame so that the true self is kept from being revealed. </span><br />
<span class="text Rom-6-4" id="en-NIV-28073"><br /></span>
<span class="text Rom-6-4" id="en-NIV-28073">Within the Kingdom of God we all stand naked. Truth becomes obsolete because we no longer need to seek it's definition. Truth simply is what is: Truth is truth.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Rom-6-4" id="en-NIV-28073">Through our Christ nature, truth is simply reality. Coverings fall to the floor and we stand completely unashamed before God and others. Complete unity exists when there is nothing between us. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Rom-6-4" id="en-NIV-28073">Just as Christ stood naked, raised from the depths of the earth, we too will one day stand naked, raised from the death. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Rom-6-4" id="en-NIV-28073">Ashes to ashes. Dust to dust.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Rom-6-4" id="en-NIV-28073">Lent reveals to us the coverings that we adorn. As we make our way through the Lenten season, we strive to lose these coverings, one by one. As we approach Easter, we embrace more truth about ourselves and others, so that as the sun rises on Sunday, we will rise with Christ; naked and unashamed. </span><br />
<br /><span class="text Rom-6-4" id="en-NIV-28073"><i><b>God of all truth, we cover ourselves with clothing of our false selves. Coverings that hide our true spiritual nature. Coverings that lie and avoid the truth. As we move closer to Easter Sunday, enable each of us to shed the coverings that hide the true person that we are in you, so that with you we may stand naked and resurrected. Amen </b></i></span>Jake Kampehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386498663215004521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848328163429656233.post-77312434477149131382021-03-10T04:29:00.001-08:002021-03-10T06:20:09.469-08:00Lenten Reflections: Accusation<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJhStjA99JCUHeXc2wsEEQEVrE6tIudFymi5BZxxpIkG7Q32_49WYfYRno9Cmjp9MnUyqUeMYxcuge1_njn8OPpGHhXFYitkqOK1W9fBzzE0OWfJOlwzcBYOtNBqynvy5-RuGhg_9dEo/s1600/image007.gif" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJhStjA99JCUHeXc2wsEEQEVrE6tIudFymi5BZxxpIkG7Q32_49WYfYRno9Cmjp9MnUyqUeMYxcuge1_njn8OPpGHhXFYitkqOK1W9fBzzE0OWfJOlwzcBYOtNBqynvy5-RuGhg_9dEo/s200/image007.gif" width="150" /></a></div>
<span class="text Matt-26-48" id="en-NIV-24103"><i><b>"Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” Matthew 26:48</b></i></span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Matt-26-48" id="en-NIV-24103">In the simplest of acts, the first wound of Christ was delivered on his cheek. The cruelest of actions in the form of a kiss. The sting of betrayal was no less painful for him that he knew it eventually come. With a kiss, Christ was accused. An act that usually brings warmth, came with pain. A relationship severed. A heart broken. A world to heal. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Matt-26-48" id="en-NIV-24103">False accusations are the beginning. The birth of pride. Based on half truths and lies, we twist the truth and develop disunity based on a false reality. Even those who are closest to us are not immune from the accusations delivered with a knife in the back. Betrayal at the hand of a friend can be the most painful experience and the most destructive to any relationship. And if that weren't enough, we twist the knife until the pain reaches the pinnacle. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Matt-26-48" id="en-NIV-24103">We're good at inflicting pain on each other, aren't we? But we won't admit it, because in the end, we make better liars. </span><br />
<span class="text Matt-26-48" id="en-NIV-24103"><br /></span>
<i><span class="text Matt-26-48" id="en-NIV-24103">"I love you!....</span></i><i><span class="text Matt-26-48" id="en-NIV-24103">But I'll lie in a heartbeat to defend and protect myself. I'll shove this knife into your back quicker than you can say, "I love you too!", and I'll twist is again and again and again and again and again....." </span></i><br />
<i><span class="text Matt-26-48" id="en-NIV-24103"><br /></span></i>
<i><span class="text Matt-26-48" id="en-NIV-24103">"You feel it? Good! I win. You loose. I'm protected. I'm sheltered. No one can come inside, and if you do, you'll get a knife in the back as well! By the way, I love you."</span></i><br />
<i><span class="text Matt-26-48" id="en-NIV-24103"></span></i><br />
<br />
<span class="text Matt-26-48" id="en-NIV-24103">How often do we mask our own selfish, senseless cruelty to others, with "love" based on lies and deceptions? How many relationships die at the hands of pride? How much loss? </span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Matt-26-48" id="en-NIV-24103">I love you.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Matt-26-48" id="en-NIV-24103">I will lie.</span><br />
<span class="text Matt-26-48" id="en-NIV-24103"> </span><br />
I will endure.<br />
<br />
<span class="text Matt-26-48" id="en-NIV-24103">We live false lives and the falsehood accuses the truth. We accuse. We lie. We stab. We kill.</span><div><br /></div><div>We sharpen the knife, in the name of love.<br />
<br /><i><b><span class="text Matt-26-48" id="en-NIV-24103">God, when we lie to each other and accuse each other falsely, we not only hurt each other, we break your heart as well. When we feel the need to protect ourselves with lies, we simply reveal that we don't trust you. As we make our way through Lent, reflecting on the messes we make in this world, help us to trust in you and only in you, the Christ nature within us all. Let the kisses we give to others not be followed by knifes in the back, but with a dagger of love. Amen </span></b></i><br />
<br />
<span class="text Matt-26-48" id="en-NIV-24103"><i><b> </b><b> </b></i></span></div>Jake Kampehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386498663215004521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848328163429656233.post-619513436589925332021-03-09T06:30:00.000-08:002021-05-31T23:52:29.750-07:00Lenten Reflections: Pilate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMQeBj5nSPdzpi4sZTH5pwmzrZTKq2sidJ-7m18aRV-DWeFa2ag_UcXx_EFRE-B6gRBvSCkEjxDYS7ewTVWtWfq5iXnzCJm7UNnsFzGdOQoCCMUQyPvUMUpIqgFRdAyy1zlyurS3Y5BVk/s1600/Jesus-before-Pilate.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMQeBj5nSPdzpi4sZTH5pwmzrZTKq2sidJ-7m18aRV-DWeFa2ag_UcXx_EFRE-B6gRBvSCkEjxDYS7ewTVWtWfq5iXnzCJm7UNnsFzGdOQoCCMUQyPvUMUpIqgFRdAyy1zlyurS3Y5BVk/s200/Jesus-before-Pilate.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<i><b><span class="text John-18-37" id="en-NASB-26823">"Therefore Pilate said to Him, “So You are a king?” - John 18:37 </span></b></i><br />
<br />
<span class="text John-18-37" id="en-NASB-26823">We offer cheap and ineffective defenses when we are threatened. Like scared little children, we defend our tiny little kingdoms and preserve what little control we have. The irony is that we are usually not threatened at all. The external factors that we consider threats, usually have nothing to do with us. The truth is, most of the world that revolves outside of our fortified cities doesn't really care about us and what we've built for ourselves. That's just reality. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="text John-18-37" id="en-NASB-26823">We are arrogant creatures at heart.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text John-18-37" id="en-NASB-26823">We defend what we don't have.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text John-18-37" id="en-NASB-26823">We protect what doesn't need protecting. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="text John-18-37" id="en-NASB-26823">What we defend is really not threatened.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text John-18-37" id="en-NASB-26823">Christ was no threat to Pilate, yet he chose to defend what needed no defense. Fueled by lies, deception and half truths, he chose to believe the propaganda that his kingdom might be destined for destruction. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="text John-18-37" id="en-NASB-26823">Pilate stockpiled pride.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text John-18-37" id="en-NASB-26823">He horded arrogance.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text John-18-37" id="en-NASB-26823">He was prepared for the future. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="text John-18-37" id="en-NASB-26823">In many ways, we're no different from Pilate. We believe the false threats and choose to put our faith in ourselves. We look our for #1. But what we fail to realize, is that while we build trust in ourselves, we diminish trust in our Christ nature. Our true selves. Because.....</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text John-18-37" id="en-NASB-26823"><i>"I've got this, God. You just keep the world spinning and me and my little world will be just fine!" </i> </span><br />
<br />
<span class="text John-18-37" id="en-NASB-26823">The world says THREAT. We defend.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text John-18-37" id="en-NASB-26823">The world says FEAR. We react.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="text John-18-37" id="en-NASB-26823">The world says PREPARE. We stockpile and hoard. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="text John-18-37" id="en-NASB-26823">The world reveals the ENEMY. We shout CRUCIFY! CRUCIFY! CRUCIFY! </span><br />
<br />
<span class="text John-18-37" id="en-NASB-26823">And wash our hands of the enemies blood.</span><i><b><span class="text John-18-37" id="en-NASB-26823"> </span></b></i><br />
<br /><i><b><span class="text John-18-37" id="en-NASB-26823">God, with our faith and trust rooted in you, we know that we have nothing to fear. No threat to our kingdoms. No reason to defend. No reason to protect. Help us to break down the cheap defenses that have been constructed. Yes, the world is a fearful place, God. It's easy to yield to the pressure. It's easy to believe the lies. Help us to be attune to you truth and only and truth; the divine living within us all, as we make our way through this journey of faith. Amen </span></b></i>Jake Kampehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386498663215004521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848328163429656233.post-91738596289791739722021-03-01T08:07:00.000-08:002021-05-31T23:50:47.350-07:00Lenten Reflections: Pride <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqSTt4JtjXBIdlnlBk8t5ChRyHh8_ZPnpHSlIZLJBeTanTa5xOrYahTFBtD08EZOTAeB4cInQiSohIZr76iwXwE1wDwdjmc8Dy9zVaf5fsEWyC6iLihHhVu335nYY-zYUbKGKqeibhD_4/s1600/mr-yuk.gif" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqSTt4JtjXBIdlnlBk8t5ChRyHh8_ZPnpHSlIZLJBeTanTa5xOrYahTFBtD08EZOTAeB4cInQiSohIZr76iwXwE1wDwdjmc8Dy9zVaf5fsEWyC6iLihHhVu335nYY-zYUbKGKqeibhD_4/s200/mr-yuk.gif" width="200" /></a><i><b><span class="text Mark-7-21" id="en-NLT-24457"><span class="woj">"For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder,</span></span> <span class="text Mark-7-22" id="en-NLT-24458"><span class="woj">adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, PRIDE, and foolishness."</span></span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span class="text Mark-7-22" id="en-NLT-24458"><span class="woj">Mark 7:21-22</span></span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span class="text Mark-7-22" id="en-NLT-24458"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span></b></i>
<span class="text Mark-7-22" id="en-NLT-24458"><span class="woj">Look within. See our ashen hearts. What lies just below the surface? Allow me to introduce you to my favorite sin.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Mark-7-22" id="en-NLT-24458"><span class="woj"><i>Pride </i>creeps forward, ever hidden from the conscious mind, ashamed of what it demands. <i>Pride</i> spits forth every evil intention, not the least of which it's very own nature. The Green Monster lurks within, devouring the "selves" of others, in order to feed the "self". </span></span><div><span class="text Mark-7-22"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="text Mark-7-22"><span class="woj">Ravenous. </span></span></div><div><span class="text Mark-7-22"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="text Mark-7-22"><span class="woj">From which all other sins are conceived, <i>Pride</i> gives birth to sin. Sin's origin fights for first place. And when <i>Pride</i> crosses the finish line, it accepts the medal, while the entire family of sin is waiting to celebrate it's</span></span> victory. </div><div>
<br />
<i><span class="text Mark-7-22" id="en-NLT-24458"><span class="woj">"There's Lust, waiting with a smile!"</span></span></i><br />
<br />
<span class="text Mark-7-22" id="en-NLT-24458"><span class="woj"><i>"Oh look!"</i>, <i>Pride</i> thinks to itself, <i>"Greed is here too, pushing himself to the front of the crowd!"</i></span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span class="text Mark-7-22" id="en-NLT-24458"><span class="woj">"Murder's here as well! But where is Sexual Immorality? Oh yeah! Hiding behind that tree, as usual!"</span></span></i><br />
<br />
<span class="text Mark-7-22" id="en-NLT-24458"><span class="woj"><i>"Victory is mine!" </i> </span></span><br />
<span class="text Mark-7-22" id="en-NLT-24458"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text Mark-7-22" id="en-NLT-24458"><span class="woj"><i>Pride </i>puts "ME" above "EVERYONE ELSE". Me first. You last. I win. You loose. I'm great. You suck.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Mark-7-22" id="en-NLT-24458"><span class="woj"><i>Pride </i>climbs the ladder of success, makes as much money as it can, in order to buy more than anyone else. <i>Pride </i>hordes what it produces and justifies it as <i>"The American Dream"</i>. </span></span></div><div><span class="text Mark-7-22"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="text Mark-7-22"><span class="woj">Pride sends us across the globe, to "minister" to the poor, while we kick them out of our communities at home. Then pride calls us <i>"Missionaries"</i>. Makes us feel better, doesn't it? </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Mark-7-22" id="en-NLT-24458"><span class="woj"><i>"Not in my backyard!"</i>, <i>Pride </i>screams out.<i> "But downtown? That's fine. I'll drive down there Saturday night and help, before the sun goes down." </i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Mark-7-22" id="en-NLT-24458"><span class="woj"><i>Pride </i>hurts. Not just the others that it devours, but our own hearts as well. Because <i>Pride</i> reveals what we hate to see.</span></span><br />
<br />
<i><span class="text Mark-7-22" id="en-NLT-24458"><span class="woj">"</span></span>You know, you think that ol' pride's gonna choke you going down, but I
tell you what.. Ain't a night goes by I don't thank the boss up there for
giving me a big enough throat.... Think about it Bud, pride's one of those seven deadlies, you know what I mean?" - Uncle Bob</i><br />
<br />
<i>Pride</i> made Bud flip off Sissy from his Ford Pickup.<i> </i><br />
<br />
<i><span class="text Mark-7-22" id="en-NLT-24458"><span class="woj">"</span></span>Even those tears; I. Me. Mine. I Me Mine. I. Me. Mine." - George Harrison</i><br />
<br />
Don't try and console me! I'll suffer alone!<br />
<br />
<i><span class="text Mark-7-22" id="en-NLT-24458"><span class="woj">"They cannot take your PRIDE." - Bono</span></span></i><br />
<br />
<span class="text Mark-7-22" id="en-NLT-24458"><span class="woj">Oh, how I wish they would. </span></span><br />
<br /><span class="text Mark-7-22" id="en-NLT-24458"><span class="woj"><i><b>God, we look around and see that pride is strangling our world, killing our families, destroying our society. Starve our ravenous pride so that we may hunger instead for truth love, unity, community, selflessness and our spirits. Starve us for humility. Amen </b></i></span></span></div>Jake Kampehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386498663215004521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848328163429656233.post-51574029700196542702021-02-28T06:00:00.000-08:002021-02-28T07:43:46.169-08:00Lenten Reflections: Here<br />
<i><b><span class="text Matt-28-20" id="en-NLT-24189"><span class="woj"> </span></span></b></i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg7BmPUr1u_YqdwTDkS7w4Q77fxTG5pbS3ws1V2w3KbkdJ61ChBJ9hjJvTqXAD8nh9j25-uomPd3z7kd5zWNH9j9X_WRXW35a1GnSx50qB47zbq_PtuXPavxMWDpoglBi6A_cijhaVbS0/s1600/images.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg7BmPUr1u_YqdwTDkS7w4Q77fxTG5pbS3ws1V2w3KbkdJ61ChBJ9hjJvTqXAD8nh9j25-uomPd3z7kd5zWNH9j9X_WRXW35a1GnSx50qB47zbq_PtuXPavxMWDpoglBi6A_cijhaVbS0/s1600/images.jpg" /></a><i><b><span class="text Matt-28-20" id="en-NLT-24189"><span class="woj">"And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” - Matthew 28:20</span></span></b></i><br />
<br />
<i>"I'll be with you. I'll be HERE." </i><br />
<br />
Promises.<br />
<br />
<i>"I'll be right HERE." </i><br />
<br />
<i>"I promise to never leave you."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>"I promise to stay HERE until it's over."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>"I promise to get you through this."</i><br />
<br />
<i>"I promise to be HERE when you get back." </i><br />
<br />
<i>"I'm HERE." </i><br />
HERE<i></i><br />
<br />
We make a lot of promises in our lives. We keep some and others we break. We promise to be HERE.<br />
<br />I Promise.<br />
<br />
Promising to be HERE for one another is one of the most difficult of all promises, because the ego often gets in the way. We begin with the best of intentions, but life, and the false self, have the tendency to pull us in different directions; away from HERE. <div><br /></div><div>Selfishness takes control and before we know it, we're not HERE any longer. We end up THERE; alone, isolated and consumed by guilt for leaving the one to whom the promise was made. Even if we physically stay connected, we can leave emotionally or spiritually. We're here, but not HERE. <br />
<br />
The promise that Jesus made in Matthew 28:20 is the only promise to be HERE that has ever been kept.<br />
<br />
He's HERE. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Christ nature dwelling within us all. <br />
<br />
There is a duality of Lent. Through our journey, we rest in knowing that God is HERE. He has been, he is and he will be. But we lament that we are not always HERE for one another. As we face the isolation of a global pandemic, being HERE for one another has become that much more difficult and complex. But perhaps this illuminates the truths of Lent with even more clarity. While Christ no longer dwells the earth in physical form, he still remains HERE. Within the spiritual realms. Within each one of us. Does that not reveal a much deeper dimension of being HERE?<br />
<span class="text Matt-28-20" id="en-NLT-24189"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span><span class="text Matt-28-20" id="en-NLT-24189"><span class="woj">In this time of isolation and solitude, let us be reminded that being HERE does not always manifest itself in the physical, but the spiritual. In fact, as with the presence of Christ, our spiritual connections can be much deeper. We're on this journey together; physically, emotionally and spiritually. However we connect with one another, let us commit to be HERE for one another.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-28-20" id="en-NLT-24189"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text Matt-28-20" id="en-NLT-24189"><span class="woj">I'll do my best. You'll do yours. </span></span><br />
<span class="text Matt-28-20" id="en-NLT-24189"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text Matt-28-20" id="en-NLT-24189"><span class="woj">But let's face it: You'll leave from time to time, and I will as well. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Matt-28-20" id="en-NLT-24189"><span class="woj">Occasionally you won't be HERE. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Matt-28-20" id="en-NLT-24189"><span class="woj">From time to time, I won't be HERE. I'll leave. I'll let you down.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Matt-28-20" id="en-NLT-24189"><span class="woj">I promise.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Matt-28-20" id="en-NLT-24189"><span class="woj"><i><b>Lord, we do our best to be HERE for one another, but selfishness often gets in the way. Life gets in the way. Help us to be as committed to one another as You have been to us. Amen </b></i></span></span></div>Jake Kampehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386498663215004521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848328163429656233.post-66491108507068582652021-02-21T05:00:00.001-08:002021-02-21T08:27:10.853-08:00Lenten Meditations: Heartsick <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCxfir5GAZqE-_3ekk1VW4ALJM9eQiHifHSUzF5lVjWetoT06f2UshjRAuLzMeNoQWnHgQQEJb1osfM7YYM0XG7LTYo9pMXWowehTP_OSiAUDHDpHMjMp_CWmBLQgJNx31VX1awxLb02E/s1600/black.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCxfir5GAZqE-_3ekk1VW4ALJM9eQiHifHSUzF5lVjWetoT06f2UshjRAuLzMeNoQWnHgQQEJb1osfM7YYM0XG7LTYo9pMXWowehTP_OSiAUDHDpHMjMp_CWmBLQgJNx31VX1awxLb02E/s200/black.jpg" width="200" /></a><i><b><span class="text Jer-17-9" id="en-NIV-19367"> </span></b></i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span class="text Jer-17-9" id="en-NIV-19367">"The heart is deceitful above all things</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Jer-17-9">and beyond cure.</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Jer-17-9">Who can understand it?"</span></span></b></i><br />
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Jer-17-9"><i><b>Jeremiah 17:9 </b></i></span></span></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Jer-17-9">Look within. </span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Jer-17-9"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Jer-17-9">We don't chose to admit it. It's not a pleasant realization. We don't talk about it in social settings. But each of us, deep within the recesses of our souls, have the capacity for evil. We are all prone to mistreat others and ourselves in the most unthinkable ways, and yet always seem to find ways of justifying or excusing what comes from the heart. </span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Jer-17-9"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Jer-17-9">Look within. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Jer-17-9"><i>"I would never do something like that!"</i> That's what he said before he had an affair and divorced his wife.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Jer-17-9"><i>"At least I'm not like those scumbags!" </i>You are. You just <i>think </i>about it. They <i>do</i> it. <i><b> </b></i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Jer-17-9"><i>"What a sick freak!" </i>You or her? </span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Jer-17-9"><br /></span></span>
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Jer-17-9">Look within.</span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Jer-17-9"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Jer-17-9">Darkness.</span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Jer-17-9"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Jer-17-9">It lies just below the surface, waiting for just the right time. A moment of weakness. A temptation that is just too strong to avoid. The next little incremental step in progression.</span></span></span><div><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Jer-17-9" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Jer-17-9">Baby steps. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Jer-17-9"><i>"How did I get here?" </i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Jer-17-9">Give evil an inch, it takes a mile. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Jer-17-9">Out hearts are dark. Sickness undiagnosed. There's no sugar coating it. We just have plenty of band-aides and antibiotics to keep the inflection at bay. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Jer-17-9">The water within is dark and contaminated. We just have a good filter to purify what comes out. <b>CHANGE FILTER AFTER 6 MONTHS</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Jer-17-9">Admitting how messed up we are, and what we are capable of is essential. It builds our defenses. We become alert. More aware. We avoid being caught off guard, because we know what could be. We keep evil in remission. Three months evil free. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Jer-17-9">Look within. Embrace what's within. </span></span><br />
<br />
<b><i><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Jer-17-9">"</span></span></i><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Jer-17-9"><i><span class="arial14">The confession of evil works is the first beginning of good works.</span>" - St. Augustine </i></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Jer-17-9">As we begin this second week of Lent, let us keep in mind that it is only through the divine nature of Christ and Spirit that transformation is possible. Our dark hearts can become hearts of light. The sick tissue can become healthy. Our hearts of stone can become loving hearts that beat within us and give hope to the world around us.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Jer-17-9">Look within. Embrace within. Embrace without. </span></span><br />
<br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Jer-17-9"><b><i>God, we know that we have the capacity of evil. We admit this and come to grips with it this morning. But as we trust in you, the divine source of light, help us to open ourselves up to your love, in order for our hearts to be transformed. Work in us so that your Kingdom can be realized in this dark, chaotic and uncertain world. Amen. </i> </b></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Jer-17-9"> <i> </i></span></span></span></div></div></div>Jake Kampehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386498663215004521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848328163429656233.post-18295251524840699452020-12-24T05:30:00.001-08:002020-12-24T08:08:58.313-08:00Advent Reflections: Christmas Eve <div style="text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><i><b><span face="Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0XpGRyWoJBkr4AuRr18Im73CtqcDdo9nZBkPGvj27tmQb8b_w_rCBoHwZVx2zsncjcpwhyphenhyphenZxO5dLt8IdsfE9dCQ-JfcsLV_Gk-ha-wEtSC9t4mlM15kqCBUGi5x7uWdf4jKVQK0B_Rs/s320/candles-933383_640_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0XpGRyWoJBkr4AuRr18Im73CtqcDdo9nZBkPGvj27tmQb8b_w_rCBoHwZVx2zsncjcpwhyphenhyphenZxO5dLt8IdsfE9dCQ-JfcsLV_Gk-ha-wEtSC9t4mlM15kqCBUGi5x7uWdf4jKVQK0B_Rs/s0/candles-933383_640_3.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Love</span></span></span></b></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span face="Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"><span>“</span></span>He
will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, or mourning
or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Revelation
21:4 </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
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<span face="Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"><i><span face="Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"><b>Reflection</b></span></i></span></span></div>
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</xml><![endif]--><br /><span face="Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"><span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span face="Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif">Take a few seconds and enjoy the silence of this moment. Our journey through Advent has finally come to an end. We've reached our destination. Along the road, we've visited <i>hope</i>, stopped along the way to visit with <i>peace</i>, spent some time with <i>joy, </i>and spent a few evenings with <i>love</i>.<i> </i>These themes of Advent have illuminated our path and guided us as we've made our way to this day. Now is the time to rest. Now is the time to reflect. Now is the time of the realization of our true Christ nature, and allow it to shine as the Star of Bethlehem. <i> </i></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span face="Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span face="Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"><span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span face="Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif">Take a deep breath and meditate on </span>the spiritual truth from these words from the Book of Revelation.<span> </span>Imagine the essential meaning
and implications of this verse. </span></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Although this verse refers to the second coming of Christ, I’m amazed that the essential truths apply to his birth as well. Through our Christ nature, our
tears <i>are</i> wiped away. Through Christ, there <i>is</i> no more death, for we all posses eternal life as spiritual beings. Through that spirit, our mourning, tears and pain
subside, as we trust in Christ with every heartache and burden. <i>“the
old order of things has passed away.” </i>Jesus has come into the world. In the flash of an instant, in a single moment of time, God broke
through our earthly realm and became man. He became one of us and in a short 33 years, he dwelt among us. Our burdens have. <i>Emmanuel, God with us.</i> He <i>was</i>
with us. He <i>is</i> with us. He <i>will be</i> with us. He has come. Advent.</span><br />
<br />
<span face="Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"> I've always felt that Christmas Eve seems to have a magical feel to it. Almost a “real time” sense, as if the events that transpired are about to happen for the first time; and in a sense perhaps they are. Through Christ and our divine nature, all things are made new each day, as well as each year. The reality of Christmas is just as true today as it was over 2000 years ago. And as our journey and time together comes to a close, let us carry that with us beyond the Christmas Season. As we reflect over the last month of Advent, let us not think of Christmas Eve as the end of the journey, but the beginning. Hope. Peace. Joy. Love. All things new. Beginnings.</span><br />
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</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span><i><span face="Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"><b>Prayer</b></span></i></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span face="Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif">Most Gracious and Loving God, today we celebrate the birth Christ. As we come to the end of our Advent journey, we do so with hearts filled with hope, peace, joy and love. To you we give you all praise and thanks. Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. </span>Amen</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">May hope, love, joy and Peace be with us all!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Haribol </span></div>
Jake Kampehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386498663215004521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848328163429656233.post-86723365604970097432020-12-23T03:25:00.000-08:002020-12-25T03:26:41.162-08:00Advent Reflections<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLO2A0Ms5VoRKkl0zwjNmZEtDbqonKnDLPdD1_0mxItD88VSkvAKQgR9vyuAVzkhNloAXmwVoONVpqmZH5WFDotrVuLDFYp568HnGZkw0XdBT7ehq9ncrJyS7HNObrFq5glNTNCRiuem4/s320/candles-933383_640_3.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLO2A0Ms5VoRKkl0zwjNmZEtDbqonKnDLPdD1_0mxItD88VSkvAKQgR9vyuAVzkhNloAXmwVoONVpqmZH5WFDotrVuLDFYp568HnGZkw0XdBT7ehq9ncrJyS7HNObrFq5glNTNCRiuem4/s0/candles-933383_640_3.jpg" /></a></div> <p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Love</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>“The Word became flesh and
made his dwelling among us. </span><span>We have seen his glory, the
glory of the one and only Son, </span><span>who came from the Father,
full of grace and truth.</span><span> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">John 1:14 </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Reflection</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“The Word<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>became<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>flesh and made his dwelling among us.”</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the silence of this moment, meditate on these words for a moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Imagine the essential meaning and
implications of this verse from the Gospel of John.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> The </span>God of the universe and of
complete perfection came to earth, physically and spiritually inhabiting our physical dwelling. Not by obligation. Not by universal mandate. But because of the depth of his eternal love for us all. So much so that He was willing to leave his
heavenly dwelling, and in divine condescension, walked this earth in order to live
among us and impart to us the Christ nature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> The divine </span>cloaked
in the vessel of an infant child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The perfect, living among the imperfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God and man,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> c</span>omplete in both substance and essence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">During this hectic time of
year, it’s easy for us to forget the significance of why we celebrate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although we may be flooded with reminders of
what Christmas is all about, sometimes it is as if the essential truths of Advent fall on deaf ears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Although enjoyable aspect of the season, </span>Christmas is not only about trees,
decorations, presents and “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">chestnuts
roasting on an open fire”</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not about the Christmas lights, music, parties and get togethers or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A
Charlie Brown Christmas</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While all
of these wonderful aspects of Christmas bring joy, warmth and laughter, they are
ultimately not what it’s all about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They are only supplements to the essential truth of Christmas: “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Word became flesh and made his dwelling
among us.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">As we celebrate this
season with all of the traditions, gatherings and festivities that we hold
dear in our hearts, may we celebrate with the knowledge that the God of the universe
became one of us, made his dwelling among us, imparted his true nature to us and dwells with us today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Prayer<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Most Gracious God, as we celebrate
Christmas with all the pageantry, tradition and splendor, let us remember that
the true reason that we celebrate is that you became flesh and made your dwelling
among us. Enable us to remember that as we
go from here to there, in celebration of Christmas, that you go with us as
well. You divine nature dwells within us. May this be your celebration. Amen.
</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">May God bless you. May he keep you. May his face eternally shine upon you. And may he give you peace!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Haribol</span></p>Jake Kampehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386498663215004521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848328163429656233.post-44638105291506656532020-12-22T07:45:00.001-08:002020-12-22T07:47:02.852-08:00Advent Reflections: Love and Winter Solstice<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRYzHAF6qYVZ770YtaA87rfJ3uDNtEoGfWAfHo5LAY5exOXgo1DP2s3e-Esmcz1lJ8T2UyuWkRTGNabfqsDeJp7h-u1lwQME6W4skkSS81t0YSFl9xtbDI2Xsd45Q6pNCNQxGUuBBPyI/s441/candles-933383_640_3.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="293" data-original-width="441" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRYzHAF6qYVZ770YtaA87rfJ3uDNtEoGfWAfHo5LAY5exOXgo1DP2s3e-Esmcz1lJ8T2UyuWkRTGNabfqsDeJp7h-u1lwQME6W4skkSS81t0YSFl9xtbDI2Xsd45Q6pNCNQxGUuBBPyI/s320/candles-933383_640_3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Love</i></b></span><span> </span></div></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>“Jesus did many other things
as well.</span><span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If every one of them were written down, I
suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would
be written.”</span><span> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">John 21:25 <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Reflection<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Yesterday began the beginning of the Winter Solstice. A time of new energy, new beginnings and a time of healing endings. A time to reflect on both light and dark. A time of reflect on birth and death. A time to meditate on the sacred cycles of our world and the universe. The Winter Solstice is a time to reflect inwardly and the gradual progression from darkness to the anticipation of brighter days; physically and spiritually. It's a time to welcome the silence of the darkness and acknowledge our yearnings, hopes and aspirations to come to fruition. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Advent encapsulates the same aspects of the Winter Solstice. During our celebration of
Advent, we focus our attention on one single divine moment of time, but also reflect on both the past and future and transitions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No other historical event has transformed our
world more radically and spiritually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Christ came
into the world, history from that moment on was forever changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even the concept of modern time keeping revolves
around this miraculous event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Throughout
the Christmas Season, our devotion, focus and activities center around the
birth of a baby born into obscurity, oppression and poverty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> But Advent also carries with it the subtle undertones of death. Advent is about beginnings and new life, but it also encapsulates the natural reality of death. Advent is about transition. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Christmas is a birthday celebration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Not only the birth of Jesus, but the birth of our Christ nature, and a spiritual transformation of our human existence. A</span></span><span>s with any birth, Advent is about both beginnings and endings.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span>New life springing
forth into humanity, both physically and spiritually and death of the past.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span>All of us celebrate our birthday each year.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span>It’s a reminded of the miraculous moment that we came into the world and the exciting events that surrounded that day.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span>We remember the birth of people we love,
honor and respect.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Those who still life and those who have passed on to the spiritual realms. </span><span>We celebrate birth
because it reminds us of how precious and miraculous life is, but there is also a underlying aspect of transition and death.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span>Birthdays cause us to reflect on or lives, our mortality, and as we get older, birthdays
can become more reflective because our lives become increasingly filled with
memorable and life-transforming events.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Unfortunately, it is quite common that when our Christmas celebrations come to and end, so often does our commitment to the spiritual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christmas comes to an end and we pack away our decorations for another year, and quite often pack away the realization of our true Christ nature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
return gifts and find room for the gifts that we’ve acquired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> A</span>s we clean up the house and take a deep
breath to relax, we slowly slip back into life as usual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The problem is that some of us proverbially pack up the truth that we are spiritual transitory beings as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> In two short days, </span>Advent will come to an
end, and quite commonly, so do our times of meditation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Jesus did many other things as well”.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> These words from the Gospel of John, give is the opportunity to </span>commit
to ourselves, and to one another, to continue sharing these stories in our families and collective communities each and
everyday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> We do many things within our lifetime. Some carry light that shines and illuminate those around us, and some are enveloped in the dark that draws us inward. May </span>the spirit of Advent
encourage us to move forward with this duality of life, and remember that the birth of Christ is only the
beginning. The beginning of the realization of the Christ nature that dwells with is all through all seasons of life.. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Prayer<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">God of the Universe and All Existence, as we move toward the ending of Advent and observe the transitions of Winter Solstice, let us be renewed in mind and spirit that the celebration of
Christmas marks only the beginning of the life of your son, Jesus Christ. After the holidays are complete, let us
commit to ourselves to the <i>many other things as well</i>. Let us remember that Christmas marks the beginning of not only the birth of Christ, but his divine nature dwelling within all humanity. Amen.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-size: large;">Peace, Shalom, Shanti, and Eternal Blessings us All</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-size: large;">Haribol </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span>
<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;"><br /></p>Jake Kampehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386498663215004521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848328163429656233.post-21416045466565393982020-12-21T06:20:00.002-08:002020-12-21T06:21:09.348-08:00Advent Reflections: Love<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqHqj7vrQEo7dxrjWD1xQrZX5NzMKwZaqdG_gabTOI5YB5XXBcrHbx27aKKNp8On2jJFYFB9gBv-fBL7ooEHnE7fRRg4IA6aP6NGksNT7M91EDgG1JYzcq8pTSIxI51jl0t9xDl8tGXgI/s441/candles-933383_640_3.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="293" data-original-width="441" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqHqj7vrQEo7dxrjWD1xQrZX5NzMKwZaqdG_gabTOI5YB5XXBcrHbx27aKKNp8On2jJFYFB9gBv-fBL7ooEHnE7fRRg4IA6aP6NGksNT7M91EDgG1JYzcq8pTSIxI51jl0t9xDl8tGXgI/s320/candles-933383_640_3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><i><b>Love</b></i></span><span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"> </span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>“The angel answered, </span><span>“The Holy Spirit will come
on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. </span><span>So the holy one to be born
will be called the Son of God.”</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p><span> </span></o:p><span>Luke 1:35 </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Reflection<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">In the flash of an instant
and within the divine intervention of an angelic messenger Gabriel, Mary’s life would
be forever transformed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s hard to
imagine some of the thoughts that must have been racing through her young
mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>“Why me?”, "I'm nothing special.”, “I’m far from being good enough”, “I’m far too young”, “I’m not ready for this”, "This isn’t what Joseph and I had planned. How am i supposed to explain this to him?”</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><i> </i></span>But yet there she was, facing a choice that was essentially no choice at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>“I am the Lord’s servant,”,</i> Mary answered.
<i>“May your word to me be fulfilled.”</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God
chose Mary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An ordinary young woman, with
faults like anyone else, recognized that the <i>love</i> of God, and the Christ nature within us, was about to overwhelm all of humanity and that she would be used as a divine spiritual vessel. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">How often do we question our
abilities when God wants to use us?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Instead of recognizing the astounding fact that a loving God chooses to use
flawed human beings, we resist; thinking that we know better than the divine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Like all of us, </span>Mary was far from perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> In Hebrew society, she was a nobody, a poor woman in an obscure corner of Israel. </span>She was afraid, overwhelmed and more than confused.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">But in God's perfect, divine and eternal love, he chose her in bring the Christ nature to all humanity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With all of her fears, imperfections and confusion, she heard the voice of the divine, chose not to
hesitate and acknowledge that his plan was much bigger than anything she imagined for herself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In love, God chose Mary and in obedience, she
was willing to say, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I am the Lord’s servant.”</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">During this final week of
Advent, may we set aside of our plans, hesitations and fears of imperfection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Let us release selfish desires and turn our focus outward and remain open to God's call for us. </span>May we trust in a God that chooses to use flawed messed up human beings,
not because he has to, not because we are perfect, but because of his unconditional <i>love</i>, and
nothing more. May we <i>"love one another", </i>without preconceived conditions, expectations, social status or cultural privilege. May we <i>love</i> unconditionally and without fear. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Prayer</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Most Gracious God, who sets the universe in motion, it is in this quiet
moment that we acknowledge your presence and perfect love for all of us. We know that we are far from perfect, and we realize that our imperfections sometimes hinder us from the abundant life you long for is all. But as we meditate on your perfection, help us
to trust in you and that your decisions always manifest in divine perfection. Give us the strength to step forward when you
call, knowing that it is because of your love that you chose us. Let it be only in love that we follow you, and may our love overwhelm all of our brothers and sisters of humanity. Amen. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Peace, Shalom, Shanti, Salam be will All of You!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Haribol! </span></p>Jake Kampehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386498663215004521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848328163429656233.post-34220678060015612132020-12-20T08:23:00.001-08:002020-12-20T08:25:54.438-08:00Advent Reflections: December 20<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i></i></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoCmowQzT5bQD9CEOp-4adXTXLEeImUGWtpgfbf8u4pY7Nh9HLW9ttjFkVvGRMZnSIJDvhndDC934WG42rJT4biZ3JrkMREmg-YmQZx4PFEqzdzrkluNtDGl2drMBRQOASEcUtHFPvz48/s441/candles-933383_640_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="293" data-original-width="441" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoCmowQzT5bQD9CEOp-4adXTXLEeImUGWtpgfbf8u4pY7Nh9HLW9ttjFkVvGRMZnSIJDvhndDC934WG42rJT4biZ3JrkMREmg-YmQZx4PFEqzdzrkluNtDGl2drMBRQOASEcUtHFPvz48/s320/candles-933383_640_3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Love<br /></span></i></b></div><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>“For God so loved the world </span><span>that he gave his one and
only Son, </span><span>that whoever believes in him
shall not perish but have eternal life..”</span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p><span> </span></o:p></b><span>John 3:16</span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Reflection</i><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p><span> </span></o:p></b><span style="text-align: left;">Today begins the forth and final week of Advent, and we continue
our journey together.</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">Remembering the
<i>hope</i> that we have in our Christ nature, the <i>peace</i> that we possess through his nature, and the <i>joy</i> that comes from that realization. We now reflect and meditate on the everlasting, infinite and all inclusive <i>love</i> that
God has for each and every one of us.</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: left;">What words communicate these essential truths more clearly than this verse from the Gospel of John?</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">These words call to us from the
prophecies of the Old Testament, in their fulfillment in the birth of Christ
and through his eventual death and resurrection.</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">This common thread of God’s love stretches
through the entire message of scripture and reaches out to us in the most
essential attributes of who God is.</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">God
is love.</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">And his love is revealed in its
purity through Christ.</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Love is an all encompassing emotion; bringing both the
greatest of joys and the deepest of pains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s no wonder that God uses love to illustrate who se is and what his
Kingdom is all about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In divine
dichotomy, Jesus’ life on earth represented the pinnacle of pain and suffering,
and the deepest illustrations of the purity of love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But as we celebrate this final Sunday of Advent, in the quiet of this
moment, let us reflect not on the sufferings of life, but on the inexpressible love of Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> The love that he calls us to reflect to all humanity. </span>Reflect on
that moment when God broke through our earthly realm, descended from his heavenly
dwelling and made himself a fellow human being.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the
first breath that he drew from his lungs, the love of God was revealed in a humble infant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The essence of love was revealed and became
an earthly reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Prayer</i><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Most Loving God of all creation, as we celebrate this final Sunday of Advent, let us remember the deep love that you have for us. In the birth of your Son, Jesus Christ, we
truly see the deep eternal love that you have for this world and all humanity. Let us remember that regardless of our circumstances, regardless of who
we are, what we’ve done or will do; your love is eternal. Your love is true. Your love is real. Your love is You. You are love. Amen.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Peace, Shanti and Shalom to Us All </span><o:p></o:p></p>Jake Kampehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386498663215004521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848328163429656233.post-74986467035759010592020-12-19T03:00:00.005-08:002020-12-19T05:13:06.738-08:00Advent Reflections: December 19<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Y3gTkyHu4z-fz8saQPw-dbQEGPYShyVpwrjjJMT5ysOZB8WZtKVkoGjCbv56hAZwsIpGXuoRrLAvqMdq65fjIDUCiBU53NYwGlSzuJrCxE6jai8qq9PICK0Bto072OPiqwqiRiWd6bs/s480/candles-calls-meditation-lighting_2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Y3gTkyHu4z-fz8saQPw-dbQEGPYShyVpwrjjJMT5ysOZB8WZtKVkoGjCbv56hAZwsIpGXuoRrLAvqMdq65fjIDUCiBU53NYwGlSzuJrCxE6jai8qq9PICK0Bto072OPiqwqiRiWd6bs/s320/candles-calls-meditation-lighting_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Joy</b></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">
</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">“When
Israel was a child, I loved him, <br />
and out of Egypt I called my son.”</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">
</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Hosea
11:1</span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b> <i>Reflection </i></b></span></span></div>
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</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">In the silence of this moment, imagine a moment in life when you faced a particularly difficult situation. Think about that situation and all of the details
that encompassed it. Perhaps you felt
fear. Perhaps you felt anger. You may have felt frustration, confusion and helplessness in changing your situation. Perhaps you felt a sense of hopelessness and found that faith was difficult to cling to.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Now imagine the
moment that you realized that unexpected circumstances were finally going to transform your situation, and what was once an issue of great difficulty was about to turn the corner for the good. Can you remember the
overwhelming relief that you felt in the realization that everything was going to be OK? Can you remember
the feeling of release as the burden seemed to be lifted from your shoulders? Do you remember the <i>joy </i>that suddenly overcame your fear?</span></span></div>
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</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Mary and Joseph also faced a
difficult situation. With their
new baby boy and the challenges of being young new parents, they also faced anxiety and
uncertainty. Fearing that
his reign and power would be threatened, King Herod forced this new family to become refugees and into exile. In fear and confusion, they were forced to flee their home in the
dark of night and move to a foreign, unfamiliar and unwelcoming land. More than likely, they felt abandon and frustrated,
knowing that if Jesus was really divinity in human flesh, why would God have allowed things to suddenly deteriorate? As
God had delivered the tribe of Israel from Egypt through the hand of Moses, why would he not deliver them from the same land of captivity?</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">But circumstances changed, as they often do. God intervened and began to set into motion a plan that would change the course of history. Imagine the <i>joy</i> that overwhelmed Mary and Joseph when they finally heard the words, <i>“It’s time to go
home.”</i><i> </i>In perfect timing and within divine circumstances, God illuminated a path in the darkness that led them
out of exile. They would finally
bring their baby home in safety, and eventually see his Christ nature burst forth for
the entire world.</span></span></div>
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</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">God’s plans, timing and
circumstances do not always line up in the way we think they should. They don't always fit the pattern of what we believe our lives are supposed to be. We often find ourselves waiting in our own
places of captivity and exile. Our own Egypt. Spiritual refugees. We feel fear, frustration and anger, many
times even questioning our spirituality and our very faith in God. But when we begin to see difficult situations change, and the details of God’s plans coming to perfect fruition, the burden suddenly begins to be lifted. Fear dissipates. Anger subsides. And <i>joy</i> overwhelms us once again. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><b>Prayer</b></i></span></span></div>
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</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Most Divine God, as you brought a poor family of refugees out of exile and revealed the perfection of your divine plan, let us all remember that you are always faithful, you are loving and you can always be
trusted. Deliver all of us from spiritual, emotional and physical exile. Even when it is difficult to realize, enable us to come to the spiritual truth that you are our source of <i>joy</i>.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">May Peace, Shalom and Shanti be with you all!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Haribol! </span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>Jake Kampehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386498663215004521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848328163429656233.post-72208659916613422802020-12-14T05:00:00.002-08:002020-12-14T07:22:35.818-08:00Advent Reflections: December 14: Joy<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-color: initial; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-style: none; border-top: medium none; border-width: medium; text-align: center;">
<i></i></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih63GzX7KQUsfyTenVBYt5jhyphenhyphenym_ZDbrKlR3fnDyBnQN7F74a6e_hKwSyC9D8FYJqrINbfTxa_Xen-MTUYgQE5dqU0Kk9pG9fwVbqgZVRAz2swa3sLf1m3ygWbFt3l4zUJqj4CsDcIg-Q/s480/candles-calls-meditation-lighting_2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="480" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih63GzX7KQUsfyTenVBYt5jhyphenhyphenym_ZDbrKlR3fnDyBnQN7F74a6e_hKwSyC9D8FYJqrINbfTxa_Xen-MTUYgQE5dqU0Kk9pG9fwVbqgZVRAz2swa3sLf1m3ygWbFt3l4zUJqj4CsDcIg-Q/w276-h213/candles-calls-meditation-lighting_2.jpg" width="276" /></a></div><i><b><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">Joy</span></span></b></i></div>
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</span></span></div>
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</span></span></div>
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<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">“But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found
favor with God.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him
Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will
reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; His kingdom will never end.”</span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> Luke
1:30-33</span></span></span></div>
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<i><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><b>Reflection</b></span></span></i></div>
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</span></span></div>
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<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">Sometimes it is not until our
darkest hour that we finally hear the words from God, <i>“Do not be afraid.”</i> We often
go about our days, rushing from one place to another, feeling as though we are
spinning our wheels. We attempt to
conquer our to-do lists, but they seem to end up longer than before. We pay one bill, and two more come in the
mail. We strive for perfection, only come to the realization that we are far from it. We finally “get there”, wherever
that may mean, only to realize that we are utterly and completely lost. This is the point that many of us know all
too well: the point of complete
exhaustion. The point when we feel as if
we can’t take another step. We can’t
handle another responsibility or deal with another disappointment, and then…</span></span></div>
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<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">Through the silence of this cold morning. Through the pauses for a deep breath. Through the anxiety and fear. We hear it.
<i>“Do not be afraid.”</i> We've heard it before. The voice that transcends our realty and calls out to you when you
feel as if the final wave has crashed over you, and no amount of strength will
bring you to the surface. But we hear
it. <i>“Do
not be afraid,”</i>. And suddenly, when we least expect it, we feel joy and peace. We realize that God is with us all, that his love is infinite and we have found favor with him. We always have through our Christ nature. </span></span></div>
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<span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">It’s easy to imagine that
Mary may have been in a place like this.
She had been going about her life as usual, trying to make ends meet and
prepare for her marriage to Joseph. From
what we know of this young couple, they didn’t have it easy. Life was not without struggles and fears, and
they had both probably accepted that their future would be bit of an upward
climb. Needless to say, scripture tells
us that Mary was afraid when the Angel Gabriel appeared to her. But rather than first announcing to her that
she would become pregnant, and that her baby would posses such an eternal purpose, the angel chose to focus on Mary’s immediate need first.
One of his children was afraid and he comforts her in the most essential ,say. <i>“Do
not be afraid.”</i> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">God of the Universe and All That Exists, we thank you for the comfort that you give us when we need you the most. Thank you that none of us have to attain perfection and we journey through the imperfections of life. And as the Angel Gabriel assured Mary that she did not need to be afraid, may we all hear those same
words when we face fears, uncertainties and troubles in life. Let us find our joy and peace in you and only you. Amen</span></span></span><br />
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<span><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> May Peace, Shalom and Shanti be with you all!</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Haribol! </span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<![endif]--></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><br />Jake Kampehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386498663215004521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848328163429656233.post-31133071898390421182020-12-07T04:30:00.000-08:002020-12-07T05:05:58.200-08:00Advent Reflections: December 7<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFvYYRqz-L9oG3r39-CeseFVdW4kSxFE97rYWsBrn9muN51gTttN-jYPaxcLJk9ZTmVFFwceBCoRwjQ4IxgkqCARSGfPAyNBarSUpr_xVPW_HrV5L-N63lkFiLcFJ9gBQj8B4ZvbTKCZo/s640/1_C0fj5qhsirBYWHWofErW4A_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFvYYRqz-L9oG3r39-CeseFVdW4kSxFE97rYWsBrn9muN51gTttN-jYPaxcLJk9ZTmVFFwceBCoRwjQ4IxgkqCARSGfPAyNBarSUpr_xVPW_HrV5L-N63lkFiLcFJ9gBQj8B4ZvbTKCZo/s320/1_C0fj5qhsirBYWHWofErW4A_2.jpg" /></a></div><br />Peace</span></span></b></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">“For
as the soil makes the sprout come up <br />
and a garden causes seeds to grow, <br />
so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness <br />
and praise spring up before all nations.”</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Isaiah
61:11</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>Reflection</b></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Peace is often a perplexing and often misunderstood state of mind. Unlike hope, peace is not a result of external circumstances. In fact, peace has very little to do with anything that occurs beyond our inner selves. Our lives may outwardly appear to be the picture of contentment and tranquility, but in reality we may fell as void of peace as a dessert barren of water. Our paths may cross others whose lives appear to be in complete chaos from an outward perspective, but inwardly they posses more peace than can be imagined. Either way, if we're honest with ourselves, most of us need much more peace in life; especially as we come to the ending of 2020. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Peace can come in the
simplest and most unexpected places. In
the midst of facing difficult obstacles and walking through the most challenging of times, the light of peace can break through and overshadow even the most impossible of situations. Be it a cup of coffee, an embrace from a friend, the laughter of a baby, the silence of a morning sunrise or the reflective presence of an evening sunset, peace can transcend our circumstances and elevate us to a divine place where we
can say to ourselves, <i>“It’s going to be OK.” </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Advent reminds us to be prepared for peace. If the soil of our lives is ready to receive the seeds that God provides, the sprouts of peace will eventually grow uncontrollably and without effort. Sometimes all that is needed is soil.
Even in the most unfavorable conditions, a sprout can rise up with peace and transcend our circumstances. Peace </span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">multiplies and creates
more peace if we allow it to grow. </span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">Advent is about finding peace, even
in the dark places of life. Peace transforms us, changes our perspective and restores hope that once seemed lost. Peace brings new life. Peace opens doors. Peace renews our spirit and encourages us to see life in a different way. </span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">As we begin the second week of Advent, let us prepare ourselves for peace. It may come in the most unlikely places, at the strangest of times and from the most unusual sources. But is that not what Advent is all about? Doesn't that encapsulate the essential and transformative meaning of Christmas? Is that not the mystery of our Christ nature? </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>Prayer</b></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">God of peace, as we spend this time
with you, let us remember that your peace is always available. As we begin this second week of Advent, let us see life as new and fresh. Grant us new life and let peace overwhelm us with each new day.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Amen.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">May Peace, Shalom, Shanti, be with you always. </span></span></div>
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<![endif]-->Jake Kampehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386498663215004521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848328163429656233.post-5551350739199261712020-12-05T05:00:00.000-08:002020-12-05T06:24:06.835-08:00Advent Reflections - December 5<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-color: initial; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-style: none; border-top: medium none; border-width: medium; clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-color: initial; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-style: none; border-top: medium none; border-width: medium; clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3THyuUHYVTub6noCetUbU4CTz4d6-74tfOzY5R3AScTkYmqZ7hLVe4NB2-pdOs0xPSIcmigmB9jVlFjJvR5mR_AdwOIfHsMPJlD9UuDhmPs1_FmQQrcXxSttyNN80IavLytckUoJG4OU/s900/meditation-candle-burning-old-black-stones-path-14514578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3THyuUHYVTub6noCetUbU4CTz4d6-74tfOzY5R3AScTkYmqZ7hLVe4NB2-pdOs0xPSIcmigmB9jVlFjJvR5mR_AdwOIfHsMPJlD9UuDhmPs1_FmQQrcXxSttyNN80IavLytckUoJG4OU/s320/meditation-candle-burning-old-black-stones-path-14514578.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div>
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<i><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"> <b>Hope<br /></b></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.” </span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br />Isaiah 9:6-7</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Reflection</b></i></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">There is nothing in life more cathartic than when <i>hope</i> is finally fulfilled. A dream is realized. A goal has been met. A vision comes to fruition. A life passion fully comes becomes attained. A love is returned. A new day begins, and a day comes to an end. <i>Hope</i> is the impetus that keeps us grounded and balanced with the contentment of the present moment. </span></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>“A child is born”</i> </span></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">In the birth of Jesus, our Christ nature and <i>hope</i> came to a divine completion that can only come
through a loving God that set the universe and all of creation into motion. And it is in his birth that we can still find and cling to <i>hope</i> today.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">As we end this first week of Advent
together, we reflect on the theme of <i>hope</i>. We remember that hope is sometimes not easy to come by. We remember that<i> hope</i> requires patience, trust and
faith. We see that <i>hope</i> is often a journey, and journeys are not always without obstacles. The journey often takes time. Sometimes days. Sometimes weeks. And sometimes
thousands of years. We see that it begins with a people living in a very
different time and land, and ends with common people like you and me. But in
the midst of waiting, <i>hope</i> is always fulfilled through a God who broke into
history and made all things new.</span></span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">End this week with the peace of knowing
that God is a God who encourages <i>hope</i>.
He joins us as we wait. He walks with us through our journey. He mourns with us
in our sadness. He rejoices with us in our pleasures. He calms us in our fears.
He rests with us in our peace. And He stands with us in our <i>hope</i>.</span></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">The divine is within us all! Immanuel! </span></span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Prayer</b></i></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">God of all creation, we end this first week
of Advent holding on to <i>hope</i>, knowing and accepting that <i>hope </i>is not always easy. We give thanks to you for fulfilling all <i>hope</i>; past, present and future. It is in this
<i>hope</i> that we trust in you, and it is in this <i>hope</i> that we find our peace. </span></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">Amen. Shalom. Shanti. Haribol.</span></span></div>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span></div>
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Jake Kampehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386498663215004521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848328163429656233.post-82144533197346717782020-12-03T03:30:00.003-08:002020-12-03T06:44:55.721-08:00Advent Reflections - December 3: Hope<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPh49rHQZGQhyphenhyphenA1-ddCMv-ENJuBQRFqJWalkj4P5oTnBy5JTj2IfXP8bLvUdo-H4-AX8mJ6KosQ6wkpRPsiPPjezejYxaqIqR8_PPKmKqDt7rjh8c48WV1CQ7oitFvBa61EVCiBN2KAJc/s900/meditation-candle-burning-old-black-stones-path-14514578.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPh49rHQZGQhyphenhyphenA1-ddCMv-ENJuBQRFqJWalkj4P5oTnBy5JTj2IfXP8bLvUdo-H4-AX8mJ6KosQ6wkpRPsiPPjezejYxaqIqR8_PPKmKqDt7rjh8c48WV1CQ7oitFvBa61EVCiBN2KAJc/s320/meditation-candle-burning-old-black-stones-path-14514578.jpg" /></a></div><br />Hope </i></span></b></span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><i>“Therefore the Lord himself</i></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><i>will give you a sign:</i></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><i>The virgin will conceive and</i></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><i>give birth to a son,</i></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><i>and will call him Immanuel.”</i></span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><i>Isaiah 7:14 </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Reflection</i></b></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">It's cold this morning. As I sat on my patio, enjoying my first cup of coffee, the chill cut through me, almost as a physical entity that invaded my spirit. I gazed upon the dark clouds that billowed above, seemingly like a warm blanket that descended and cloaked me with comfort and warmth, and the chill suddenly dissipated. Peace and tranquility overwhelmed me, as I meditated on the beauty of the changing of the season. I felt the presence of the divine, and felt a union with nature and humanity. I experienced the revelation that I am not alone. God dwells within me. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><i>"Immanuel, God with us."</i> To read and meditate on these words is to know the quintessential truth of Advent.
To believe in a God that is not far off and aloof but literally <i>within us all</i>, is to rest in the fact that we are never alone. In the fulfillment of the words of Isaiah the Prophet, God conceived a son from a young woman in little obscure town in ancient Palestine.
Christ would be born into the world through the vessel of a human being, just
as each and every one of us. God is truly with us, within us and the Christ nature now resides in us all. And yet, why is it then that we often feel alone during the holidays?</span><br />
<br /><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">It's no secret that the Christmas
holidays are not always an easy time for many of us. It’s common for feelings of loneliness, depression and isolation to increase during this time of year, causing many of us to feel anything but <i>“joyful and triumphant”</i>. When
family gatherings, parties and festivities increase, unfortunately so do painful emotions. Even while surrounded by people we love the most, the stressful pace of the
holidays can make any of us feel disconnected, alone and unbalanced. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">These are the times that we must reach for and cling to the inner most truth of Advent: Through the birth of Christ, his divine nature lives and dwells with all of us today. The sign was given over 2000 years ago, we have
seen it come to pass, and we rejoice in the reality of knowing that it is divinely true.
<i>Immanuel!
God with us!</i> </span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>Prayer</b></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">God of all creation, may our hope lie in
the truth that we are never alone. Let us rest and find hope in the knowledge that you are
with us. You dwell within us. You have been. You are. You forever will be.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">Amen. Shalom. Shanti. Haribol. </span></div>
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Jake Kampehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386498663215004521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848328163429656233.post-81297559175432332122020-12-02T04:00:00.003-08:002020-12-02T07:19:17.896-08:00Advent Reflections - December 2: Hope<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbTl-AbzIqZ4sfW-rdNFRGZ2Gu0HO3Bz09g-Ut_UAfGUBoJLvib-R19ol3w2BzCBHjS-H6-jFcQ_lKsBGFj7IQb8VniHeQvitwN-fOlqSqpF5dZ0VygA1fCB8X5jlhXk_0__Hr1CUYePA/s900/meditation-candle-burning-old-black-stones-path-14514578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbTl-AbzIqZ4sfW-rdNFRGZ2Gu0HO3Bz09g-Ut_UAfGUBoJLvib-R19ol3w2BzCBHjS-H6-jFcQ_lKsBGFj7IQb8VniHeQvitwN-fOlqSqpF5dZ0VygA1fCB8X5jlhXk_0__Hr1CUYePA/s320/meditation-candle-burning-old-black-stones-path-14514578.jpg" /></a></div><br />Hope</i></span></b><br />
<b><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></b>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i>"Listen! </i></span><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s
the voice of someone shouting,</i></span><br />
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><i>
“Clear the way through the wilderness<br />
for the L<span style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-numeric: normal;">ord</span>!<br />
Make a straight highway through the wasteland<br />
for our God!”<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><i>Isaiah
40:3</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">
</span>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></span>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><i><b><br /><br /><br /></b></i></span>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Reflection</b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">As I settle into the flow of this morning, the rain is gently falling from the heavens and a cool breeze is flowing through my patio door, filling my soul with peace and <i>hope</i>. There is something about the rain that calms the spirit, as it cleanses the earth and the mind. I feel a sense of hope. <i>Hope</i> that the coming year will bring much needed change and encouragement for my self and our country and the earth. I feel <i>hope</i>. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">It's no secret that 2020 has been a difficult and challenging year for all of us. As we begin the Christmas season, many of us feel the bitter chill of isolation, loneliness and depression. Our emotions lay scattered, like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle that seem to have no connection. A few sections fall into place, but hope can seem to be that one segment of the puzzle that has no connection to the whole. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"> Each year I reflect on how the Christmas marketing onslaught seems begins earlier and earlier. Practically from the moment that the last Trick or Treater beckons at our doorsteps, we are inundated with an instantaneous assault of advertising and commercialism
that can cause the person of strongest resolve to submit to the temptation
of over consumption. Before we know it, we realize that our journey to
Christmas has become a hectic blur through a wilderness of activity, shopping,
spending and stress that leaves us exhausted and unfulfilled. If we're honest, many of us find ourselves longing for the Christmas season to quickly just pass us by. We may cling to <i>hope</i>,
but in reality, we may realize that we've obtained very little. That's simple the reality of the times that we live in today. I feel overwhelming blessed that for this moment, I feel <i>hope</i>. And for the present moment, I feel grateful. <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span> </span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">Despite the struggles that we've faced in 2020, both individually and collectively, let us take a few moments in silence and meditation this morning. What are some of the things that you <i>hope</i> for today? This Christmas? This year? Close you eyes, take a few deep breaths and contemplate what <i>hope</i> means to you. In the quiet of this moment, as the rest of the world may seem to be rushing towards Christmas at full speed, let us commit ourselves to just slow down. </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">Despite the pressure of things that we feel need to be accomplished and the places that we may need to be, let us allow ourselves to slow our pace in life. Let us find a fresh grounding of our spirits and obtain balance. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">Advent is a journey, but not all journeys require expediency. <i>Hope</i> may seem illusive, but <i>hope</i> often takes a great amount of time to come to fruition. But there also times when hope immediately and mysteriously out of nowhere. </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">In the recess of our souls, let us imagine ourselves moving into the slow lane of seasonal traffic. See the road ahead of you. It’s clear, straight and illuminated with the universal light. The voice of the divine calls to us, far beyond all distractions saying, <i>"Make a straight highway through the wasteland..."</i></span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Prayer</i></b></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">Most divine God of <i>hope</i>, in the stillness of this moment, grant peace to us in our minds, bodies and spirits. Let us feel the pace of life slow down, despite the rush of the Christmas Season. As we focus on you and you alone, enable us to keep the <i>hope </i>of our Christ nature alive in our hearts, and let it shine forth in infinite light for all to see. We all need illumination for the journeys that we face. Allow that light to shine for all to see, offering much needed <i>hope</i> for ourselves and the world around us. </span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">Peace. Shalom. Shanti. <i>Hope</i>.</span></div>
Jake Kampehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386498663215004521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848328163429656233.post-55571449357020026002020-12-01T04:30:00.000-08:002020-12-01T06:59:45.645-08:00Advent Reflections - December 1: Hope<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnVFM9pXekx5qf23XvckQxqB8WX5UGgZEwJmEYUYL9AWh_CzSNcW4m5VeHaX_HIGW5xvUS5bUiSmMEv_dAxlZDE3ha6GnQSYoFldrYtfwGbKihWngteMPze6H7RxwL-EsHf4tu_W5e4F0/s900/meditation-candle-burning-old-black-stones-path-14514578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnVFM9pXekx5qf23XvckQxqB8WX5UGgZEwJmEYUYL9AWh_CzSNcW4m5VeHaX_HIGW5xvUS5bUiSmMEv_dAxlZDE3ha6GnQSYoFldrYtfwGbKihWngteMPze6H7RxwL-EsHf4tu_W5e4F0/w213-h281/meditation-candle-burning-old-black-stones-path-14514578.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Hope</b></i> </span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">“The days are coming, ”declares the LORD, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land.” </span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">Jeremiah 23:5</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Reflection</i></b> </span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">We all long for political
leaders that will govern with wisdom, peace, strive for justice and lead with freedom at the forefront of their political policies. Sometimes that happens and sometimes it doesn’t. Some of us witness
freedom while others suffer the pain of injustice and oppression. Some live in peace, while others face the agony of death on a daily basis. </span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">Many of our hopes and dreams
rest on the decisions that our leaders implement. And those decisions are more than often not for our highest good. </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">The people of ancient Israel hoped for many of
the same things that we do. They had hope in the promise that God would one day
send a savior into the world that would </span><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">“reign
wisely and do what is just and right in the land.”</i><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">They longed for a leader that would grant freedom for their people that would last for all eternity. With the birth of Jesus, their hope finally came to fruition. </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">But he was something
different, and not quite what they expected. They expected a political, military
and religious leader that would physically reign, physically save their nation and literally
build a great Kingdom of God’s chosen people.</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">The people of Israel lived in fear for quite a while. Violence was a daily reality that they had been conditioned to live with. They prayed and expected a leader that would lead with a sword and defeat their enemies with military might. Sound familiar? But God had a different plan. Jesus came to reign within the spiritual realms,
spiritually save and inaugurate a spiritual Kingdom that would overshadow all
that we know on earth.</span></div>
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<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">The Kingdom of God is very
different than the earthly kingdoms that govern planet earth. Within the kingdom of God, there is no reason for fear. In God's kingdom there is no reason to arm ourselves with weapons of defense. There is no need to kill. Through the Christ nature within us all, and living
as citizens of his kingdom, we are set apart to live differently. We follow a spiritual king that transcends the governments of earth and satisfies all hopes
and dreams more than any earthly leader could ever accomplish. Through the kingdom of
God, we begin to comprehend what God longs for all of us to have, and through our Christ nature, we see it inaugurated. We see the divine dwelling within us all. </span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><i><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>Prayer</b></span></i> </span><br />
<br /><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">God, as we join together in
celebration of Advent, we give you praise and thanks because you are our king; our divine guidance that leads us to our highest good.
We thank you because all of our dreams, hopes and desires are in you, and in you
alone. Despite the violence, death and instability that we have witnessed in our world this year, enable us to remember that through your divine presence, and through your kingdom, <i>all is calm and all is bright</i>.</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">Amen </span></div>
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<![endif]-->Jake Kampehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386498663215004521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848328163429656233.post-59717851221762322582020-11-30T04:30:00.001-08:002020-11-30T05:43:39.109-08:00Advent Reflections - November 30<br /><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-color: initial; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-style: none; border-top: medium none; border-width: medium; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG7fEPc3Yp-n_ifVeTCggEEWQBOKtbokGwO9FTfTi-OYTrqYS_G-rCDDZiVP0xNq_Xm6gUS6UPTJfFN9TC9HDxC266OGHjtYr8n-OA-pxNREu-OtEMspMx92pv9RSv6IQIXpvjK6wzkEo/s900/meditation-candle-burning-old-black-stones-path-14514578.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG7fEPc3Yp-n_ifVeTCggEEWQBOKtbokGwO9FTfTi-OYTrqYS_G-rCDDZiVP0xNq_Xm6gUS6UPTJfFN9TC9HDxC266OGHjtYr8n-OA-pxNREu-OtEMspMx92pv9RSv6IQIXpvjK6wzkEo/s320/meditation-candle-burning-old-black-stones-path-14514578.jpg" /></a></div>
<b><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><i>Hope</i></span></b><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><i>“</i></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;">But you, Bethlehem</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-22636A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-22636A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; text-align: start; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;">Ephrathah,</span></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; text-align: start;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Mic-5-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">though you are small among the clans of Judah,</span></span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; text-align: start;" /><span class="text Mic-5-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative; text-align: start;">out of you will come for me</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; text-align: start;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; text-align: start;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Mic-5-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">one who will be ruler<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-22636C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-22636C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> over Israel,</span></span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; text-align: start;" /><span class="text Mic-5-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative; text-align: start;">those origins are from of old, </span></span><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Mic-5-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative; text-align: start;">from ancient times.</span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">”</span></i><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Micah 5:2</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Reflection</i></b></span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">It's difficult to have patience in the fast food, microwavable, hyper-technological culture in which we life. Instant self-gratification has become a cultural norm for most of us. It's an unfortunate pre-conditioned attribute that we've allowed ourselves to agree with for most of our lives. There are not many aspects of life in which we welcome waiting. I suppose that's one of the negative side effects of instantaneous gratification. And perhaps that's why many of us wander through the landscape of life, seeming to have so little <i>hope. </i>Because the most essential
aspect of having <i>hope</i> is also welcoming and embracing patience. Patience involves waiting, and waiting takes time. We wait. We hope. We wait longer. We lose patience. We wait even longer. We lose <i>hope</i>. </span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">We <i>hope</i> for a lot of things in the course of life's journey. We <i>hope</i> for our families to be healthy; physically, emotionally and spiritually. We <i>hope</i> for our children to grow up and find contentment, peace and personal fulfillment. We <i>hope</i> for that new job and wait for a positive response. We <i>hope</i> for political, social and economic change in an unstable world. We <i>hope</i> for financial security. We <i>hope</i> for the tumor to
disappear and wait for a miracle. We <i>hope</i> for peace and wait for an end to war, violence and injustice. We <i>hope</i>. We wait. We <i>hope</i> for the things that we desire
most. <i>Hope</i> is a passion that runs deep
within all of us, manifests itself in inner-peace and carries us forward in times of
trial. But <i>hope </i>is also a spiritual discipline, and discipline reveals the duality of our human nature. </span><br />
<br /><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">Despite the origins of <i>hope</i>, things
don’t always happen according to when we would like them to.
Sometimes the things that we <i>hope</i> for take more time than we're comfortable with. We <i>hope</i>.
We wait. And we wait even longer. Sometimes the passage of time means that our <i>hope</i>
dwindles. And sometimes it seems that <i>hope</i> is completely lost. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">Long ago, the people of Israel had
<i>hope</i>. They hoped for a savior, long ago promised them through the prophets. For hundreds of years the Israelite people held on
to the <i>hope</i> of a coming ruler that would emerge from the small and obscure town
of Bethlehem, and remove injustice and oppression. Generation after generation recited the words of <i>Micah 5:2 </i>among families and communities and anticipated it's fulfillment. A long time would pass as they
waited and God seemed to remain silent. <i>Hope</i> must have dwindled as each year passed. <i>Hope</i>. Time. Waiting. Patience. Silence. <i>Hope</i>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">In the classic film, The Shawshank Redemption, you may recall the letter that Andy wrote to encourage his friend Red. Still incardinated and losing <i>hope</i>, Red once warned Andy that <i>"Hope is a dangerous thing, my friend. It can kill a man.".</i> Andy, finally realizing the vital truth of <i>hope</i>, pens the words, <i>"But remember, Red. Hope is a good thing. Maybe even the best of things. And good things never die." </i> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"> As you spend this quiet time in communion with the divine source of all <i>hope</i>, allow the spirit to flow through you and let <i>hope</i> be renewed. Whatever you <i>hope</i> for in life, no matter what you long for, or how long you’ve waited, let it begin anew today. Let patience be refreshed and discouragement diminish. Let the the spiritual truths of Advent be a powerful reminder that the God, who dwells within all humanity, keeps his promises
and we indeed have reason for <i>hope</i>. <i>Hope</i> is a good thing. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>Prayer</b></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">Most gracious source of <i>hope</i>, in you we live. In you we have faith. In you we have patience, and in you we <i>hope</i>. Renew our <i>hope</i> this day and enable us to rest in
the <i>hope</i> that was fulfilled through Jesus Christ and his divine nature dwelling within us all this day; the divine coming into the
world.</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">Amen. Shalom. Namaste. Haribol. </span></div>
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<![endif]-->Jake Kampehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386498663215004521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848328163429656233.post-89925133413159262692020-11-29T04:00:00.002-08:002020-12-05T05:47:47.111-08:00Advent Reflections - December 1<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-color: initial; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-style: none; border-top: medium none; border-width: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95z3yVwmajYltpzFqUvUgTLTdkg9Y42DUc13mQv-Mbs7SiPZTIZtC7xImJ8mEIjaKwBx8ut8ijC7iy19mV5wg4Cb1_0HvbEXKBZy79N6fqf88SV_pr7_2YdALalHjJsXfNZ46DKrKlVA/s900/meditation-candle-burning-old-black-stones-path-14514578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95z3yVwmajYltpzFqUvUgTLTdkg9Y42DUc13mQv-Mbs7SiPZTIZtC7xImJ8mEIjaKwBx8ut8ijC7iy19mV5wg4Cb1_0HvbEXKBZy79N6fqf88SV_pr7_2YdALalHjJsXfNZ46DKrKlVA/w213-h253/meditation-candle-burning-old-black-stones-path-14514578.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br /><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><i><b><br />Hope </b></i></span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><i>“The scepter will not depart from Judah,<br />
nor the ruler’s staff from his descendants,<br />
until the coming of the one to whom it belongs,<br />
the one whom all nations will honor.”<br /> </i></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><i> Genesis 49:10 </i><b><i> </i></b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Reflection</i></b></span></div>
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<br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">Journey. Life is full of journeys. Some require great distance and endurance, while others are quite short in duration; ending before we've realized that they've begun. Some journeys are meant to be taken alone; proceeding in isolation. And some are meant to be shared with others; in communal precession; in the company of other sojourners.</span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">Today we begin a journey
together. A journey based on beginnings,
but also a journey manifested in <i>hope</i> fulfilled.
As we read these ancient words from the book of Genesis, we see that from the
very beginning of time, God was breathing the eternal seeds of <i>hope</i> into the world. This truth came to fruition in the story of
Christmas, transcends time and encourages us today, thousands of years later. </span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">As we light the first candle of Advent, we
are reminded that within our Christ nature, that resides in all humanity, <i>hope</i> stands as one of the true essentials
of faith.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">Unfortunately, <i>hope</i> is not always easy to cling to. The world is unstable in 2020. The future is uncertain. We dwell in a world faced with the fears of an ongoing and deadly pandemic, isolation, a chaotic and failing political system, racial injustice, global terrorism, environmental destruction, national disunity or threats of world war. W</span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">e seem to be consumed within a culture that is influenced by anything that inspires <i>hope</i>.</span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"> When troubles and discouragements seem to multiply
each day, it becomes easy to lose our way and draw inward, isolating ourselves from the world and each other. <i>Hope</i> can seem to be pointless and
unrealistic. Some may say that <i>hope</i> is
just an idealistic utopian fantasy in the world in which we live. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">But the season of Advent is
about <i>hope</i>. Hope in a God that joined humanity and lived among us. Walked the same paths and breathed the same air. Lived with the pain, fears and discouragements of life. And that same God dwells within us today. In the sometimes overwhelming reality of existence, and in the most minuscule and seemingly insignificant details of our
daily lives. </span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">Advent is about the same <i>hope</i> that the people of Israel had over 2000 years ago. A
hope in a God that <i>“all nations will honor”,</i> bringing peace, justice, universal harmony and unity to the world.</span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"> As we begin this journey of Advent together, let us focus our
minds and spirits on this <i>hope</i> filled truth: the Divine came into the world to live among us. And despite the chaos and turmoil that surround us today, his nature chooses to remain within us all. </span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><i>Emmanuel, God with us.... </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Prayer</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">God of the universe and all that exists, as we begin this
journey of Advent together, let our hearts be renewed with <i>hope</i>; the same <i>hope</i>
that the world has had since the beginning of time, and the same <i>hope</i> that we have today. In the silence of this moment, calm our hearts and
minds. Enable us to hold onto <i>hope</i> during this Advent Season, trusting in the Spirit that dwells among us all. </span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">Amen </span></div>
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Jake Kampehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386498663215004521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848328163429656233.post-13007259399215433982020-11-26T08:35:00.000-08:002020-11-26T08:35:14.292-08:00Thanksgiving and Contentment<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-color: initial; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-style: none; border-top: medium none; border-width: medium; clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><b>"give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread." Proverbs 30:8 </b></i><br />
<br />Quite a counter-cultural statement, isn't it? It doesn't sound very aspiring. It doesn't paint a picture of someone climbing the proverbial ladder of success, and it doesn't exactly seem like someone who thinks they will become financially blessed by God because they have faith stronger than the next person. It doesn't sound like someone who has read the latest Christian self-help book. And it doesn't exactly sound very American, or very "Christian" for that matter. <div><br />
Contentment is a bad word during this time of year. I mean, isn't that the antithesis of what holiday is all about? Does it represent what the real motive in the act of giving? For many, the holiday season is not really about what "they" want, but rather about what "we" can get. Let's face it. That's the essential motive of all Christmas advertising. Companies rely on the restless discontented spirit of Americans and hone in on that one question that many of us ask ourselves, "What do I WANT?"<span style="color: black;">, </span><br />
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Every year, it seems earlier and earlier that the stores begin packing the aisles with festive Christmas advertising, displays and Christmas themed products, which produces a mindset of over-consumption. Each and every year it begin well before Thanksgiving, which causes me to often wonder if we're gradually moving toward one single collective "Winter Holiday Season”, rather than two individual celebrations. Thanksgiving is basically rolled over by the Christmas steam engine. Kids find it boring and stores see it to be just an unprofitable holiday that is more obligatory rather than intentional. Just a low profit celebration stuck between the big money profits of Halloween and Christmas. A Speed bump.<br />
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When I was in college, my parents gave me an inspirational picture for Christmas that I eventually hung in my first office. The peaceful image was of a golden sunset silhouetted by a man in a kayak rowing across a calm glassy lake. Beneath the picture was the title <i><b>Contentment</b>,</i> followed by a small caption that read, <i><b>“When you can look at the past with pride and the future with hope, you can live comfortably with today”</b></i>. It wasn't until many years later that I realized how true and essential these words really are.<br />
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In his letter to the Philippians, the Apostle Paul writes, <b><i>“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.</i> - <i>Philippians 4:11-13 </i></b><div><i><br /></i></div><div>To quote the words of the Dali Lama, <b><i>"If one's life is simple, contentment has come. Simplicity is extremely important to happiness. Having a few desires, feeling satisfied with what you have, is very vital: felling satisfied with just enough food, and shelter to protect yourself from the elements. And finally, there is an intense delight in abandoning faulty states of mind and in cultivating helpful ones in meditation." </i><i> </i></b></div><div>
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From these essential words of universal truth, we begin to realize that contentment is now. We have no real control over the past or the future. The only period of time that we can physically and spiritually live within is the present moment, and our present situations in life can only be made peaceful through a complete centered focus on the true inner-self, not on possessions. And does this not seem to be the essence of what being thankful is all about? It's no wonder that advertisers don't want our focus to be on thanksgiving and gratefulness. We just might grasp the essential meaning being grateful and not spend as much because we realize that we are truly content with what we already possess, not what we acquire.<br />
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As we celebrate this day of Thanksgiving, may we commit ourselves to actually being thankful; not just in the utterance of the word, in conversation or prayer, but in the honest and spiritual act of giving thanks. Let us put our Christmas plans on pause. Take a break. In light of the recent challenges that we've faced in 2020; physically, financially and politically, it's not difficult to realize that we have much more to be thankful for than we may realize. If you have life, have a roof over your head and a tribe of family and friends surrounding you this day, you have more than you need be content. And if circumstances beyond your control have left you alone today, get in touch with me. You have a place around my collective table.<br />
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Celebrate Thanksgiving. Take some time to meditate on what it means to be thankful. Let us remember that contentment doesn't lie in the endless accumulation of possessions. Contentment lies in being infinitely thankful for what we have been given each and every day; whether good or bad. Contentment is living life within the now. Not yesterday. Not tomorrow. Contentment is real-time. Time is an illusion. Contentment is a continuous thankful spirit for each moment. Breathing in and out and focusing on the precious gift of life. Now. Contentment. Freedom. <br />
<br /><i><b>"Just become totally content and happy from within. Then you will get all you want." Shri Shri Ravi Shankar</b></i></div></div>Jake Kampehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386498663215004521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848328163429656233.post-3601540249007321742020-06-21T05:00:00.000-07:002020-06-21T14:51:10.151-07:00Dad<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw89XszomW4EgiEk78FQh5CyvlcJ-E7Swwt_zoAbkfz9eXH6lS9ZHuGS_9u1WLZefbCeS8W3JQ_kX7df0-Luihj-wrQfGhvZb-4sXDKmotk4MTuAQzJaJqgNNZwMFdbZ-jlQtg0S-SP9I/s1600-h/dad2.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423346492987642498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw89XszomW4EgiEk78FQh5CyvlcJ-E7Swwt_zoAbkfz9eXH6lS9ZHuGS_9u1WLZefbCeS8W3JQ_kX7df0-Luihj-wrQfGhvZb-4sXDKmotk4MTuAQzJaJqgNNZwMFdbZ-jlQtg0S-SP9I/s200/dad2.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 200px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 143px;" /></a>It's another Father's Day, so in honor of my dad, Bill Kampe, I'm re-posting this blog (as I seem to do every year), that I wrote many years ago. Happy Father's Day, Dad. I miss you. More now than ever. I could really use your advice and wisdom, because the world and life are crazy right now.<br />
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My dad died about 15 years ago. That’s something that I never thought I would have to say, let alone write in a blog.<i> “My dad died.”</i> You always look at your parents as being somewhat immortal; especially dads. But in the natural order of this physical life, they die. And I suppose that a small part of us was created to expect it. It's natural to lose your parents one day, but it doesn’t make it any easier on the soul that breaks, and carry's the crack in it for the rest of our lives. <br />
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Each time I talk about my dad, and get to the point of discussing his death, I feel my eyes water up and my voice cracks just a bit; even today. It’s funny, but I miss him more as the years go by. Some thought will pop into my mind, some issue that I want to share with him, or something will happen where I could really use his advice. It’s funny, but sometimes I have to remind myself that he’s not there.<br />
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When he was in grade school, my now 17 year old son was experimenting with his electronic set and asking questions that were a little out of my field of knowledge. My dad was an outstanding electrical engineer and I began to tell my son about how this was the kind of stuff that Paw Paw did for a living. He didn't realize it at the time, but dad would have loved teaching him how it all worked and the fact that his grandson was showing some aptitude in this area would have filled him with so much pride. More than likely, my son Lucas will be an engineer. He'll be majoring in engineering in the Fall. How I wish that my dad could see that.<br />
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But my dad was so much more than that, and this is how he connected with both of his grandsons. He was also an deeply introspective thinker, a poet, a philosopher, and he loved this first grandson, my 24 year old, more than life itself. I sometime meditate on the deep philosophical conversations that they would have had, and the advice on love and living life to it's fullest that he would have passed on. I can only hope to pass on that same wisdom as gracefully and lovingly as my dad did with me. <br />
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It’s funny, but I can still hear my Dad’s voice, as clear as if I had just talked with him a few days ago. When I’m away from my boys, and others that I love deeply, I sometimes forget their voices, but I remember my dad’s voice. I remember the deep tone it had and the calm and methodical way he spoke, as he stroked his beard. When he was excited or passionate about something, he would get more animated and stutter a little. That’s how you could tell that he was really engaged and interested in the conversation. But when he was distraught, concerned, or even angry, especially with his rebellious son, he always remained calm, listened and found a way to solve the problem.<br />
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I remember my dad coming home from work late in the day. He would open the door quickly and come through with a big stride. He always had the paper in his hand and would lightly hit me with it. <i>“Hey, guy!”</i>, he would say with a big smile, and would go in the kitchen to say hi to Mom. That “dad smell” would waft passed me as he went by, and I felt comfortable. I felt safe. Dad was home. <br />
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I’ve learned that being a dad is much more difficult than being a son. My dad once shared with me that I would never feel the same security that I did when I was a boy living at home, once I had my own family. And he was right, to an extent. I’m the one who carries the burdens and fights the monsters of the soul that used to live under the bed. I’m the one that is responsible for creating the safe structure of home and peace that my boys can rest in. As a divorced dad, that is often quite a challenge, but I do the best I can.<br />
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But like I said, my dad was only right to an extent. I believe that even though I have the enormous responsibility of being a father, the burden is not 100% on my shoulders. I'm simply a spiritual steward of these amazing gifts that God has given me. God still calls the plays; we just carry the ball. And I do feel some shades of that security that I once felt as a child from time to time. When I feel close to God and the presence of spirit is evident, flowing around me, I feel safe. When I come to him as a little child, and rest in his arms, I feel peace. And as I comfort my boys and do my best to create the peaceful structure that they deserve, I feel God doing the same for me. He’s my Father. He’s Dad.<i> (John 20:17)</i><br />
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My dad believed in God, but I don’t know if he felt the same security of which I’ve learned to depend. I think that he carried a lot of burdens that he didn’t realize were not his to carry. Burdens that I carry myself. My grandfather, his dad, died when my Dad was only 9 years old. He had to learn how to be a dad with only a small point of reference. He had to learn to depend on himself for much of his life and that made him his soul just a but harder. He grew up without a father and I often wonder how much different his life would have been had his dad lived a longer life. And for that matter, what would my life be like today?<br />
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Either way, dad did his very best at raising two boys, and he did a damn good job; maybe better than me. I told him that a few years before he died. I simply told him that I know that he did his best, that being a dad is difficult,that I loved and appreciated him..He said that that was one of those things you wait your entire parenting life to hear. I hope to hear that someday, and I hope that my boys will grow up feeling just a little more security than I did. Not security from me, but from God, who wants them to have a peace that transcends all of their understanding.<i> (Philippians 4:7)</i> I want them to feel that security of knowing that everything is OK. It’s taken care of. Dad’s home.Jake Kampehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386498663215004521noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848328163429656233.post-80973255913992741112019-12-31T08:28:00.009-08:002021-01-05T05:53:25.370-08:00Do Over!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxFaTh-55cC2NaS9GrgG5QtwCnz7-hI08OoQKQ6hZSBq-l04XqNK9CEj9QN-OLIEPYPXux__CZiL5UqD7LQVgEbTkZrUJbV5nSmxQJzK03NWIQ8GiEZvMX-dBZfkpRd-LKSN2r2BTra44/s1600/parc_princes_nicolas_de_stael.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxFaTh-55cC2NaS9GrgG5QtwCnz7-hI08OoQKQ6hZSBq-l04XqNK9CEj9QN-OLIEPYPXux__CZiL5UqD7LQVgEbTkZrUJbV5nSmxQJzK03NWIQ8GiEZvMX-dBZfkpRd-LKSN2r2BTra44/s200/parc_princes_nicolas_de_stael.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Growing up in the late 70s and early 80s, I was lucky enough to experience the advent of youth soccer. It was just beginning to gain popularity in American suburbia and I jumped in feet first. In fact, I think my Mom still considers herself to officially be first "soccer mom". As Saturdays became Game Day, I absolutely fell in love with the burgeoning sport and became obsessed with every detail of the game. I practiced daily in my backyard, creating targets on the fence, often having to repair broken pickets with my own money. I would draw soccer fields on loose leaf paper, and create plays with toy soldiers, positioning them in just the right places for the perfect shot at the goal. I think that I even slept with my soccer ball from time to time. </span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">But despite the official games, cool uniforms and cheers of the crowd, I always loved playing neighborhood soccer best of all. There was just something about playing soccer with my buddies and the freedom that came with starting up a game whenever we wanted. No rules, no uniforms, no rain-outs and no refs. We seemed to play a little harder, get a lot more sweaty and dirty, sometimes even a little blood. But most of all, we seemed to have had a lot more fun, imaging that we were professional all-stars, following in the footsteps of Hugo Sanchez, Diego Maradona, Socrates and of course, legendary soccer deity, </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122;">Pelé. </span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">
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But despite our love of the game, our soccer heroes, and the passion we had for playing, the one thing that I remember most was the amount of grace we allowed each other in our makeshift games. And we granted that grace with the ever popular <i>"do over"</i>. A team mate would misplace a pass and someone would shout, <i>"Do over!"</i> The ball would accidentally go out of bounds because of wind, <i>"Do over!"</i> Your friend slipped while attempting to pass to your wing man, and you insisted, <i>"Do over!"</i> It was an intricate aspect of our games, and one of the only rules we held ourselves too with utter reverence. Not because we encouraged sloppy playing or didn't take our games serious, but simply because we all knew that at some point everyone was going to need a <i>"do over"</i> at some point. We all needed <i>"do overs", </i>and truth be told, they helped us grow and play better when we re-joined our official teams. <i> <br /></i>
<br />As we face the early days off 2021, I assume that I'm not alone in my recollection and contemplation of the <i>"do overs". </i>2020 was a historic year, filled with darkness, countless challenges, fear, chaos, injustice, hatred, disunity, pain and loss that our country has ever seen. It was a year filled with misplaced passes, countless fouls, yellow and red cards, mistimed shots at the goal and continuing to play the game when we were all aware that we were completely out of bounds. It was a year in which all of us desperately need, and deserve a <i>"do over".</i> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">It's part of our human nature to reflect over the last year and take inventory of our lives. One New Year's Eve and day, I found myself meditating and physically listing my intentions of the various things that I wanted to change in my life. Many things went through my mind, but the predominate thought was that I want to be a better spiritual influence for others in my life. I want to feel like I'm doing more than just going through the motions. I want to connect with people on a deeper spiritual level. I'm not exactly sure what that might mean or how it will manifest itself. Perhaps it will be being more bold in sharing spiritual insights. Maybe it will just be the sharing of the amazing things that the Divine is doing in my life. It could be that I just need to listen to others a little more. Most importantly, it may mean that I need to reflect more inwardly, connect more spiritually with my inner-self, and continue with the discipline of removing the masks of the false-self. Whatever it might be, I'm calling a <i>"do over"</i>. <br />
<br />Perhaps you may not feel like you need a <i>"do over"</i> in these areas of your life. Despite the challenges and difficulties of 2020, you may feel as if all the pieces have fallen into place perfectly. But let me just ask you to join me in one commitment to the New Year. If you're a parent, grandparent, a teacher, life coach, counselor, a spiritual leader of any kind, or perhaps all of the above, you spend a great amount of our time with people. And this gives you a significant opportunity because there are probably </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">many people in your lives that don't reflect too deeply on the past year. Sure, all of us have memories that we recall to mind. We share stories and discuss particular aspects of the year that stand out more than others. But how many of us deeply reflect on the past 365 days of our lives as we usher in a annual cycle? </span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">So, let us ask ourselves a few vital and sacred questions. What has 2020 looked like for the people in our lives that we love and influence the most? What are the obstacles they have they faced? What victories have they been a part of? Where do they find themselves on their spiritual path, and are there any particular milestones that mark their journey? </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">
<br />Let us give some time to contemplate these questions. Let us ask these questions of ourselves. Let us spend some time with the Divine power in our lives and reflect. Ask yourself, "How am I connecting with my divine nature, and helping others do the same?" And if you see some things that you might have been able to do a little better with others in your life , then I officially make the call!<br />
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"Do over!!"</span></div>Jake Kampehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386498663215004521noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848328163429656233.post-11681181108469799342019-12-17T05:00:00.000-08:002019-12-17T16:10:56.633-08:00Advent Reflections: December 17<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8KN6dfUxPTLmKgEjUN1pkd2U8IiwdpAEAcYxCeDdmDJdX9-GNvNDLEtn-0H3bmA2AMC7flSTY8o-ZSEgTSX6WntyPz8mMnktMX9QagtCcCUvAW8zftGiYedgDHTtwlY8YXQGi7y_C0n8/s1600/adventcandles3.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8KN6dfUxPTLmKgEjUN1pkd2U8IiwdpAEAcYxCeDdmDJdX9-GNvNDLEtn-0H3bmA2AMC7flSTY8o-ZSEgTSX6WntyPz8mMnktMX9QagtCcCUvAW8zftGiYedgDHTtwlY8YXQGi7y_C0n8/s320/adventcandles3.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>Joy</b> </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>“An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i> </i>Luke 2:9-12 </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Reflection</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Fear of the unknown is a
very common emotion these days. As our world continues to change, unknown
factors of life increase as well. Our lives are filled with many uncertainties,
all of which contain a litany of various unfamiliar aspects and results. When
faced with the unfamiliar, many of us find ourselves
reacting with every emotion from uneasiness to shear panic. Basically,
most us just don’t like to face the unknown.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But with every unknown
situation, there is the opportunity for joy to transcend our fears. Unfortunately,
fear is one of the greatest factors that hold most of us back from
accomplishing extraordinary things. Think about
this for a moment. Is it not usually true that when we take a critical step
of faith, trusting God even while consumed with fear, that the overwhelming
joy we experience overshadows previous fears? Is it not usually worth the
risk? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As the Angel of the Lord
appeared to the Shepherds, and the manifestation of the glory of God surrounded
them, they were afraid. Who wouldn't be? In the presence of the unknown, fear overshadowed the
joy that the Divine was about to proclaim. By the angel’s words, <i>“Do not be afraid”</i>,
the Good News of Christ was proclaimed, and the unknown became known.
Fear became joy. Truth transcended uncertainty. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>Prayer</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">God, we face many
uncertainties in this world and confess that the unknown causes great fear. But in your declaration of truth, through Christ, all fears are transcended to joy.
Allow the essential truth that was declared to the shepherds to be the same joy that finds us
today. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Amen </span></div>
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<![endif]-->Jake Kampehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386498663215004521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3848328163429656233.post-74582747264557925382019-12-15T05:30:00.000-08:002019-12-15T06:35:48.893-08:00Advent Reflections: December 15<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Joy</span></span></b></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>“And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him,from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”<br />
</i>Luke 1:46-55</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Reflection</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br />
</i></b>As we continue our journey into the third week of Advent together, most of us just might be finally settling into the routine of the Christmas season. There may be a last minute gift to buy, a few decorations to set in the perfect place and a few meals to prepare, but more than likely, things are probably settling down into a more consistent pace of life. Perhaps we can all finally take a breath and relax, if only for a few minutes. These are important times. The times when we can reflect and meditate on what is most important in our lives. These are the times when joy begins to fill our hearts, and anxiety slips away just a bit.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">When we read the words of today’s passage, often called Mary’s Song, it’s impossible to not feel the deep joy that she must have felt in uttering these words. She cannot contain the emotions that fill her soul as she calls out, praising the God from where her joy comes. Her joy is overflowing from deep within her, and she wants all who hear her to feel the same joy that she does. Even today, over two thousand years later, her cries of joy can be felt in these quiet moments of our Advent celebrations.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">As with peace, joy is often misunderstood in today's culture. Joy is a lasting emotion that rests deep in the recess of our soul. As with peace, joy is not based on the circumstances or our day to day ups and down, but transcends the external, and rest deep within the internal of our true selves.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Let us take time to reflect on the blessings that God has given us and those we love. Let us hear the words of Mary that are just as true for us today as they were with her so long ago. They are true. They are real. They are now. Let them fill our hearts, our minds and our spirits.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Prayer</i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b>God, as we settle into the Christmas Season, allow our hearts to settle as well. Let our hearts be filled with peace and the same overwhelming joy that Mary felt so long ago. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Amen</span></span></div>
Jake Kampehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17386498663215004521noreply@blogger.com0