Bill Douglas is one of my favorite musicians. I first discovered his music about three years ago. I find his work very restful and contemplative.
My Love Is Like A Red, Red Rose by Bill Douglas
I hope you enjoy it.
Shift Happens
I may have written about this before, but it’s more timely each day. It’s a story that isn’t told much on mainstream media. Today’s politicians are focused on “important issues” like gay rights, gay marriage and abortion. The media has a larger story to tell about Paris Hilton and other celebrities. The MSM can’t be bothered with stories that really matter to you and I. That is why a short video clip has to circulated by bloggers, the Gutenbergs of the twenty-first century. I hope you take time to watch this well done video and ask yourself how this affects your life.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMcfrLYDm2U]
We’re surrounded by lots of folks who don’t realize that the world we were born into is changing. The United States is on its way down and both India and China are on their way up. Did you know that China holds most of our debt? When I was a young boy, Nikita Krushchev, former Soviet Premier, stood at the United Nations and stated, “we will bury you.” That was frightening to a little boy. We were soaked in fear by our government that the Soviets were going to do us in. We had air raid drills and nuclear disaster drills. We were always prepared for an armed onslaught from the dreaded Russians. It never happened, but what has happened is the gradual sell off of the United States by our own politicians and policy makers. We buried the Russians, but the Chinese and Indians are going to bury us and they won’t even fire a shot.
Dad
My father died 34 years ago today. I can remember getting a visit from our leading chief at the Naval Dispensary where I worked at the time. I was twenty years old and over a thousand miles from home. I was lucky. I wasn’t in a war zone like some of today’s twenty year olds are. Hearing about the death of your father can be a traumatic experience. I wasn’t totally surprised by the news. My Dad had been sick for a number of years prior to his death. At the time the autopsy showed that he died of pulmonary emboli. Continue reading “Dad”
The Narrow Path
I came upon a compelling video presentation by Fr. John Dear, SJ. It speaks for itself. It is a product of the San Damiano Foundation.[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZK4B74ci2y4]
Giving
Today was timeout. A day of silent retreat in my own hermitage. Today I read a book that’s been around for a relatively long time. I was aware of some of the principles in the book and I even practice them in my daily life, but I had forgotten to be gentle with myself and today was the day for that. Continue reading “Giving”
Thoughts
Today’s paper has an article about how the United States culture has strayed from the original intent of the founding fathers. In particular the author was taking umbrage with the interpretation of the establishment clause of the United States Constitution. Many so-called conservative Christians are quick to point out that God is mentioned frequently by the founding fathers and that this country was founded on a Judeo-Christian tradition. Continue reading “Thoughts”
Soul Searching
I just finished watching a documentary I purchased today while visiting Abbey of the Genesee. Entitled “Soul Searching–The Journey of Thomas Merton,” it’s well worth your viewing time. Continue reading “Soul Searching”
Messiah
I just finished reading a book I read rather quickly because it was tough to put down. I recommend “The Messiah of Morris Avenue.” I think it’s a timely book and I wasn’t quite prepared for its message and ending. I’ve thought for a long time if Jesus ever did come back to earth that he’d be crucified again. I was slightly wrong in my assessment and you’ll have to read the book to discover the new ending.
I have always hated wars waged in my name. God is on our side! Gott mitt uns! Deus Vult! God Bless America! I am on no one’s side. I am not on America’s side, or Islam’s, or Israel’s or Europe’s. I have never been on the British, the German, the Spanish, the Dutch, the Catholic, or the Protestant side; I did not uphold the Crusaders, not the Turks or the Golden Hordes, not the sons of Ali or the sons of Muhammad. I did not guide the hand of David or Solomon, or the hand of Caesar or Alexander or Ptolemy. Thou shalt not kill. There are no exceptions.–p.192, The Messiah of Morris Avenue
Blessed imperfection
In the last couple of days there have been two politicians exposed for hypocrisy. Why is it that these right wingers have taken it upon themselves to attempt to legislate a morality that they themselves cannot endure. Thomas Merton wrote of the shadow. Continue reading “Blessed imperfection”
Personal virtualization
I’ve been reading about virtualization lately and I’ve been experimenting with Virtual Box and VMWare. Next week I’m enrollled in a four day seminar where I’ll learn more about VMWare ESX. As I was running I thought of the power of virtualization Continue reading “Personal virtualization”