Currently reading: Wondrous Encounters : Scripture for Lent by Richard Rohr 📚

I liked this picture for the photoblog challenge with the prompt, analog.

Happy Oberon Day!

Here are #3goodthings from March 17, 2023:

1. Time with good friends
2. Good food
3. Crazy upsets in college sports

Hit the gym early. Figured this was as good as any for today’s photoblog challenge. @challenges

THE BREASTPLATE OF ST PATRICK

I arise today Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, Through belief in the Threeness, Through confession of the Oneness of the Creator of creation.

I arise today Through the strength of Christ’s birth with His baptism, Through the strength of His crucifixion with His burial, Through the strength of His resurrection with His ascension, Through the strength of His descent for the judgment of doom.

I arise today Through the strength of the love of cherubim, In the obedience of angels, In the service of archangels, In the hope of resurrection to meet with reward, In the prayers of patriarchs, In the predictions of prophets, In the preaching of apostles, In the faith of confessors, In the innocence of holy virgins, In the deeds of righteous men.

I arise today, through The strength of heaven, The light of the sun, The radiance of the moon, The splendor of fire, The speed of lightning, The swiftness of wind, The depth of the sea, The stability of the earth, The firmness of rock.

I arise today, through God’s strength to pilot me, God’s might to uphold me, God’s wisdom to guide me, God’s eye to look before me, God’s ear to hear me, God’s word to speak for me, God’s hand to guard me, God’s shield to protect me, God’s host to save me From snares of devils, From temptation of vices, From everyone who shall wish me ill, afar and near.

I summon today All these powers between me and those evils, Against every cruel and merciless power that may oppose my body and soul, Against incantations of false prophets, Against black laws of pagandom, Against false laws of heretics, Against craft of idolatry, Against spells of witches and smiths and wizards, Against every knowledge that corrupts man’s body and soul; Christ to shield me today Against poison, against burning, Against drowning, against wounding, So that there may come to me an abundance of reward.

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise, Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me.

I arise today Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, Through belief in the Threeness, Through confession of the Oneness of the Creator of creation.

Today’s photoblog challnege is, road.

My favorite road is often no road at all.

Here are #3goodthings for March 16, 2023:

1. Experienced two new coffee shops and they were fantastic.

2. A day filled with quality conversations.

3. Exploring Flint Township was a great time.

@3goodthings@a.gup.pe

Here are #3goodthings for March 15, 2023

1. It was sunny today
2. I had a great lift
3. Bowling was an absolute riot

Today’s photblog challenge: patience

The journey toward health in whatever area demands patience.

Wednesdays are great days because they end with bowling league and time with fantastic friends.

March 14, 2023 #3goodthings

1. An unreal conversation that lasted hours with a new friend.

2. A massive incline workout.

3. Ice cold beer.

@3goodthings@a.gup.pe

Today’s photoblog challenge, horizon. One of my favorite views in Ypsi.

Here are #3goodthings from yesterday, March 13, 2023:

1. The dinner I cooked up was dang good

2. My son sent me a picture of the fantastic meal he cooked

3. I rested

@3goodthings@a.gup.pe

I did the thing today. 💪

Day 13 of the Photblogging Challenge: connection

I have learned the critical importance of connection to my body. Working out has been crucial to that process. I live a lot in my head and trying to figure out how live embodied has a been a journey.

ON REST

As I meditate this morning on rest I am struck by the fact that I don’t do it well.

My inclination is distraction. To turn on the television and watch something. To fill my ears with sound. To give my mind a distraction away from whatever is happening inside it. Some turn to drugs or alcohol, for me it’s shows.

Distraction and rest are not the same.

Rest, a true rest, I’m learning is a quieting of the mind and an unburdening of the soul. This can’t be done, for me, with the screen running. I am learning of my need to be present to my story and not simply getting lost in the telling of another’s.

It is amazing what happens when I turn to the quiet the numerous thoughts that fill my mind. The weight of my calling comes fully to bear and a near sense of panic drifts in. If I can press through the initial moments of this and then turn my attention toward the Divine and offering the weight of life to the Divine.

It is in the offering that I experience rest.

Mondays are my favorite day of the week. This is the day that I catch my breath. #Today, I stop and look around and rest a bit.

I enjoy unhurried coffee, unhurried exercise, and unhurried reading.

Perhaps, I may even write ✍️ today!

Come hang out with me Tuesday night!

gettogether.community/events/30…

Does anyone have a FOSS alternative for Facebook events that they like?

Here are #3goodthings for March 12, 2023

1. An amazing breakfast conversation with a good friend.

2. I think my sermon didn’t suck.

3. There was no traffic between Ypsilanti and Flint!

@3goodthings@a.gup.pe

Today’s phot blog prompt is, shiny.

This ring is the shiniest thing I own and yet it pales in comparison to the one whom it represents.

I have finally figured out my approach to this whole fediverse thing. Thankful to finally have found micro.blog and so now the consolidation has begun. I can finally have one place for all my social musings as well as photos and long form writing!

I have finally figured out my approach to this whole fediverse thing. Thankful to finally have found micro.blog and so now the consolidation has begun. I can finally have one place for all my social musings as well as photos and long form writing!

If the Red Wings can hold on and win this game, it would be such a great win. It points to the reality that they are truly improving. The Yzerplan is real. 🏒

I have posted this week’s message, “Acts 4:23-31 - When the Bad Happens”

anchor.fm/acts13/ep…

How about #3goodthings for March 11, 2023?

1. We arrived home safely from Florida

2. Naps!

3. Quality time with my Aunt Mo

@3goodthings@a.gup.pe

Photo blogging challenge for March 11, gimcrack.

Here are #3goodthings for March 10, 2023

1. A quiet gorgeous morning on the patio.

2. Breakfast with some of my favorite people, but Libby in particular.

3. Sitting in the shade at a ball field.

@3goodthings@a.gup.pe

Jumping in for the Micro Blog photoblog challenge for March.

March 10: Ritual

The morning coffee…

Currently reading: The World-Ending Fire by Wendell Berry 📚

As I continue to slowly work my way through this text, I am reminded that I live too fast. I don’t savor life and am rarely as present as I would like to be.

One last delightful warm and sunny morning before returning to the misery that is Michigan’s March.

#3goodthings for March 9, 2023

1. A cool morning

2. Gorgeous weather for baseball

3. A good walk

Just running a little test post. 

MARCH 9, 2023

March 9, 2023

The post March 9, 2023 first appeared on Daniel M Rose.

Sitting outside on a blissfully cool morning in central Florida, reading, meditating, and drinking coffee; I’m not sure that life gets much better.

I’m so grateful.

March 8, 2023 #3goodthings

1. Coffee with Amy
2. Conversations with E
3. The dinner conversation with Amy, E, Dennis, and Jeanne

@3goodthings@a.gup.pe

This one kicked my butt. #challenge

I am beginning to learn that to love well demands a letting go of ego as much as it is an embracing of the other.

In so many ways, the former is way more difficult than the latter.

On Tuesday evenings I host a time of intentional conversation. I’d love for you to join me on Tuesday, March 14 at 8 pm.

danielmrose.com/events/ta…

It’s hard to believe that this was 16 years ago. But now, here we are. Both of these two little ones are grown and living their best lives. Ethan is spending his Spring Break playing baseball. Libby is spending hers on the beach with friends.

Amy and I are joyfully resting.

March 7, 2023 #3goodthings

1. A quiet morning reading Scripture, Wendell Berry, Richard Rohr, and TS Eliot
2. Watched some good baseball
3. Wings!

@3goodthings@a.gup.pe

March 6, 2023 #3goodthings

1. I worked out

2. For whatever reason, my coffee was particularly delicious today

3. I got to spend some great time with a good friend and mentor

My favorite feature of the house we are staying at in FL may be the patio ceiling fan. This area is always shaded and this fan makes it so comfortable when you’re done with the sun.

March 5, 2023 #3goodthings

1. I got to cook a delicious dinner for my family

2. Hitting golf balls for the first time since November

3. Spending the afternoon with E

March 4,2023 #3goodthings

1. Morning coffee on the patio

2. Staying on schedule with eating even on vacation

3. Perfect weather

@3goodthings@a.gup.pe

Currently reading: The World-Ending Fire by Wendell Berry 📚

Sitting outdoors and enjoying a cuppa, a good read, fresh air, and sunshine may be my favorite way to start a day. #goodlife #emptynest

March 3, 2023 #3goodthings

1. The sun was shining and warm

2. The joy of my son on a baseball diamond

3. Spending an afternoon outside watching baseball

@3goodthings@a.gup.pe

This is what it’s all about.

Life is good.

That morning coffee hits different when you’ve been driving all night! #baseballparents

March 2, 2023 #3goodthings

1. Ethan and Libby got to their spring break destinations safely.

2. I took a nap.

3. Road tripping with Amy to Florida by ourselves for the first time since 2001.

@3goodthings@a.gup.pe

I’m intrigued by indieweb rsvp. But, I’m missing how to create an event. Where does one do that?

I forgot yesterday’s #3goodthings!

So, #3goodthings for March 1, 2023:

1. I cleared a pre-travel to do list
2. I enjoyed time at my favorite coffee shop
3. We had bowling league last night and it was a great time with good friends

@3goodthings@a.gup.pe

LIFE MUST BE LIVED FORWARD

Do you ever read something or hear something that you just know is true? I bumped into a quote today from the Danish philosopher, Søren Kierkegaard, “Life must be lived forward, but it can only be understood backward.(Rohr, Richard. Wondrous Encounters : Scripture for Lent (p. 32). Franciscan Media. Kindle Edition.)“

I have been meditating on it all day.

It’s just stuck my mind like a splinter in the brain. It’s like I can’t escape it.

Life must lived forward…

We can’t stop it. Life is going to do what life does regardless of what want. There are times when my adult children are home and I walk into their rooms and they are sleeping and as I look on their faces I can seethe child that they once were. Perhaps this is the desire many of us have to slow time. We can’t slow it down.

It’s not possible.

Life will be lived. As Ian Malcolm in Jurassic Park says, “Life always finds a way.” We cannot slow time, we cannot stop time, life must be lived. The sooner we accept the reality that life is moving forward the sooner we can embrace it.

Life can only be understood backwards…

In the midst of the living and the ticking of the clock we will struggle to find understanding and meaning. Instead of trying to find the meaning in the moment we might want to consider seeking to live fully in the moment first.

I wonder, what have I missed in my life by trying to perceive the meaning in the moment as opposed to living into it? How much joy have I robbed myself of?

Life is understood backward. As we look back on life with the perspective of time and experience we are able to see the meaning of the past moment.

I so desperately want to free myself from demanding meaning in the moment. I want to embrace it for itself. I want to be right here and right now as fully as I can be.

Perhaps this is the way to learn to be content in every situation?

The post Life Must Be Lived Forward first appeared on Daniel M Rose.

LIFE MUST BE LIVED FORWARD

Do you ever read something or hear something that you just know is true? I bumped into a quote today from the Danish philosopher, Søren Kierkegaard, “Life must be lived forward, but it can only be understood backward.(Rohr, Richard. Wondrous Encounters : Scripture for Lent (p. 32). Franciscan Media. Kindle Edition.)"

I have been meditating on it all day.

It’s just stuck my mind like a splinter in the brain. It’s like I can’t escape it.

Life must lived forward…

We can’t stop it. Life is going to do what life does regardless of what want. There are times when my adult children are home and I walk into their rooms and they are sleeping and as I look on their faces I can see the child that they once were. Perhaps this is the desire many of us have to slow time. We can’t slow it down.

It’s not possible.

Life will be lived. As Ian Malcolm in Jurassic Park says, “Life always finds a way.” We cannot slow time, we cannot stop time, life must be lived. The sooner we accept the reality that life is moving forward the sooner we can embrace it.

Life can only be understood backwards…

In the midst of the living and the ticking of the clock we will struggle to find understanding and meaning. Instead of trying to find the meaning in the moment we might want to consider seeking to live fully in the moment first.

I wonder, what have I missed in my life by trying to perceive the meaning in the moment as opposed to living into it? How much joy have I robbed myself of?

Life is understood backward. As we look back on life with the perspective of time and experience we are able to see the meaning of the past moment.

I so desperately want to free myself from demanding meaning in the moment. I want to embrace it for itself. I want to be right here and right now as fully as I can be.

Perhaps this is the way to learn to be content in every situation?

A well deserved nitro cold brew with some heavy cream at my favorite coffee shop, Cafe Liv in Ypsilanti, MI.

Self-care includes doing things that make you feel tired and sore and gross.

My favorite discussion topic from last night’s Tap Room Tuesday conversation was, “Name three things that bring you joy.”

I would love to know yours!

Mine were:

1. Being outside
2. Being in an intellectual flow
3. Helping others discover something new

#3GoodThings - February 28, 2023

1. I got to drive with Amy to and from work today. It was quality time.

2. I had three fantastic conversations (two with groups and one individual).

3. I get to host a conversation tonight of intentional discussion.

@3goodthings@a.gup.pe

Finished reading: Faithful Presence: Seven Disciplines That Shape the Church for Mission by David E. Fitch 📚

Currently reading: The Acts of the Apostles by JG Dunn 📚

Currently reading: The Wisdom Pattern by Richard Rohr 📚

Game night!

The Red Wings are buzzing tonight! They are playing with some urgency in Ottawa. #LGRW

#3GoodThings February 27, 2023

1. A quiet day of reading, writing, and processing

2. A good day of eating healthy

3. Rediscovered the music of Parliament Funkadelic and it made me smile

@3goodthings@a.gup.pe

I’m following all the #baseball micro.blog users I can. ⚾️

Popped on this playlist on a whim, and woo! It was exactly the move for a rainy quiet day off. music.apple.com/us/playli… #funkadelic #gfunk

On Tuesday nights I host a gathering of intentional conversation, Tap Room Tuesdays. Join me! Details are here: danielmrose.com/events/ta…

What are three specific things you’re doing today to help yourself to flourish?

For me:

1. I exercised
2. I meditated on Scripture
3. I am choosing to spend time with friends tonight

#health #well-being #flourishing

When it’s gross outside and you decide to do a body weight workout at home. But then, you realize your body weighs more than anything you lift at the gym! #health #exercise #journey

ACTS 3:11-4:22 - IN THE NAME

We explore the aftermath of Peter and John healing the man at the gate called Beautiful. Originally recorded at Peace Presbyterian Church in Flint, MI.

Jordan Walker is that guy. #cardinals

I’m working hard at becoming the best version of me. So, a green smoothie 5-6 days per week is breakfast. It tastes better than it looks (191 cals, 25g protein). #foodnotpills

I’m pondering my shadow self this morning. As opposed to running from it or hiding it, I want to understand more deeply how to include it and transcend it.

STARTING AGAIN

Over the last few years I have become more interested in engaging with the seasons of the Church calendar. I know that as a child our church followed a regular liturgy that included a focus on the seasons. Advent, Lent, etc…were all times of the year that meant something.

I didn’t really notice.

Yet, as I grow older and look around our world, I think there is something critically important to mark the rhythms of life with these seasons.

This year my younger brother, Dave, asked about Lent sharing that he wanted to intentionally engage with it. We are three days in and I’m sitting here pondering the readings from the week and the prayers that I’ve been meditating on and I’m struck with an overwhelming sense of gratitude.

I’ve been feeling restless since the Fall when my house was emptied of children. I needed to start again.

Lent, is providing a touchstone for starting again.

Many Christians this past Wednesday went to worship and received ashes on their foreheads. These ashes were from the palms of last year’s Palm Sunday worship. It is a reminder of the death and resurrection of Christ.

I’m struck that Lent is a time to start again.

When we start again, we start with the acknowledgement of death and the fragility of life. I suppose that’s why many give something up during this season. But, I’m finding that I’m more inclined to start something.

I’m starting a new intention of reading and praying and meditating on Scripture. I’m starting a new intention of being more present with my family.

As I meditate on the death of Christ my mind is almost immediately drawn to the resurrection and the hope of starting again.

Huge Red Wings game tonight. Two points back with four games in hand. I have become a believer! #lgrw #hockey

What steps have you taken to move beyond dualistic thinking toward a more wholistic perspective that is rooted in grace?

I’ve never really been all that into posting my sermons online. But, here we are. You can find them at Acts 13 Network.

Socrates is quoted as saying, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” Let’s make life worth living!

ACTS 3:1-10 - FROM THE FRINGES

This week we continue exploring the story of people in the book of Acts. Dan challenges us to consider restoring dignity and removing shame from those in the fringes. This was originally recorded at Peace Presbyterian Church in Flint, MI.

ACTS 2:42-47 - SCRIPTURE, FELLOWSHIP, PRAYER, AND FOOD

In this episode we explore together Acts 2:42-47. This message was recorded at Peace Presbyterian Church in Flint, MI.

ACTS 2:1-41 - READY OR NOT

What happens when God shows up?

ACTS 1:12-26 - THE ONE NEXT THING

The early church is left in a state of bewilderment and shock. Now what do they do?

ACTS 1:1-11 - THE STORY OF PEOPLE

We begin our study of the Book of Acts.

THE ACTS 13 NETWORK (TRAILER)

IT’S A NEW YEAR!

I’ve been thinking about the New Year, a bit. In so many ways we often start the New Year thinking about shortcomings.

It’s the “I‘m nots…”

So, we make resolutions to try and “fix” whatever it is we are “not.”

I read a book last year about habit forming, Atomic Habits, and one of the things that has really stuck with me is the importance on setting my mind on the kind of person that I desire to be. But not with an “I hope…” or an “I should…” but with an “I am…”

What if this year we chose not to make resolutions but to identify one or two aspects of who we are?

Here is what I’ve been thinking about as I stare into the face of 2023:

“I am the kind of person who takes care of his body.”

“I am the kind of person who is present in the lives of others.”

Yes, those statements are broad. But, they help make hard choices easier. The pursuit of these “I am…” statements are beginning to create in me a desire “for” and “to be”.

Do you have any “I am” statements that drive you toward a sense of becoming?

The post It’s A New Year! first appeared on Daniel M Rose.

IT’S A NEW YEAR!

I’ve been thinking about the New Year, a bit. In so many ways we often start the New Year thinking about shortcomings.

It’s the “I‘m nots…”

So, we make resolutions to try and “fix” whatever it is we are “not.”

I read a book last year about habit forming, Atomic Habits, and one of the things that has really stuck with me is the importance on setting my mind on the kind of person that I desire to be. But not with an “I hope…” or an “I should…” but with an “I am…”

What if this year we chose not to make resolutions but to identify one or two aspects of who we are?

Here is what I’ve been thinking about as I stare into the face of 2023:

“I am the kind of person who takes care of his body.”

“I am the kind of person who is present in the lives of others.”

Yes, those statements are broad. But, they help make hard choices easier. The pursuit of these “I am…” statements are beginning to create in me a desire “for” and “to be”.

Do you have any “I am” statements that drive you toward a sense of becoming?