Every blessing in abundance

And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work 
~2 Corinthians 9:8

This curious world

On this beautiful day in the middle of summer, I loved thought this quote from Thoreau"

‎"This curious world we inhabit…is more wonderful than convenient; more beautiful than useful; it is more to be admired and enjoyed than used."-Henry David Thoreau

Glorious views from a recent run

I was recently up in Vermont and had the chance to go on a few runs, a good hike and some bike rides.  Here are some glorious views from one of those recent runs.

Hoping blessings and joy to all today!

~The Rev. Peter M. Carey

August 2011 ~ Emmanuel Way Article ~ The Rev. Peter M. Carey

The Rev. Peter M. Carey

Emmanuel Way Newsletter Column, August 2011

With the season of Pentecost beginning on June 12^th, we enter the “Ordinary Time” in which we recognize the coming of the Holy Spirit among the disciples as they struggled to see how this Jesus Movement would continue after Jesus’ crucifixion, resurrection and ascension.  The coming of the Holy Spirit brought with it the sense of the many gifts that are given to us in our lives.  We are given our life itself, we are given some time on this earth, we are given some health, some wealth, and some skills and attributes.  Perhaps we wish for more health, or wealth, or skills or attributes.  There are days when I wish I could run as quickly as an NFL wide receiver or that I could increase the hours in a day.  However, I pray that I will be grateful for the gifts that have been given to me, and I pray that I might live more often a life of gratitude rather than a life of regret or envy. 

We have been given many gifts individually, and we have been given many gifts here at Emmanuel.  We are blessed with many many wonderful people who help us to continue the great story of God in this place and this time.  I am deeply thankful for the many gifts that you offer to us, and I pray prayers of thanksgiving for all that you bring to our community. 

In this season of Pentecost, when we remember the ways that the Spirit has offered each of us many gifts, we also hope that you might consider offering your gifts in new and even more abundant ways to Emmanuel and to the greater world.  What gifts do you have that are not fully engaged?  We need your help, we need you to offer more of yourself to the others in our church.  I pray that you might reflect on the gifts that you have been given and consider how you might offer these to our church.  There are many many opportunities for ministry here, and where we don’t have a program or ministry that matches up with your gifts, there is room for the Spirit to move us to do something new, something different.  As we move into the late summer and fall, you will hear about opportunities to give your gifts here at Emmanuel.  I pray that you might offer a bit of the many gifts you have to others in our community, knowing that in giving freely a bit of your abundance you will also receive abundantly.

In gratitude for all you are, and all you give,

In Joy,

Peter+

Get away from it all

Getting away from it all
by Marcus Arelius


People try to get away from it all---to the country, to the beach, to the mountains. You always wish you could too. Which is idiotic: you can get away from it anytime you like. By going within. 

Nowhere you can go is more peaceful---more free of interruptions---than your own soul. Especially if you have other things to rely on. An instant's recollection and there it is: complete tranquility. And by tranquility I mean a kind of harmony. So keep going away from it all---like that. Renew yourself. But keep it brief and basic. A quick visit should be enough to ward off all...and send you back ready to face what awaits you. 

What's there to complain about? People's misbehavior? But take into consideration: that rational beings exist for one another; that doing what's right sometimes requires patience; that no one does the wrong thing deliberately; and the number of people who have feuded and envied and hated and fought and died and been buried; and then keep your mouth shut. 

So keep this refuge in mind: the back roads of your self. Above all, no strain and no stress. Be straightforward. Look at things like a human being, like a citizen, like a mortal. And among the things you turn to, these thoughts: that things have no hold on the soul. They stand there unmoving, outside of it. That disturbance comes only from within---from our own perceptions That everything you see will soon alter and cease to exist.


hat tip to Inward/Outward blog