choice
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Seeing Good
Today,right now,make the decisionto see the good around you: beauty, kindness, color, play, love, diversity, possibilities. Observe the goodfor just 15 minutesand you will be calmer, more focused, more creative, … Continue reading
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Heaven and Hell
I have dug this hole,you see,to hold my fears.Once filledI shall climb in,and thus surrounded,justify my cowardice,prejudice,self-absorption,self-loathing.I have dughell. I have built this hut,you see,to hold my hopes.Once furnishedI shall cross the threshold,and thus surrounded,know my courage,compassion,wisdom,wholeness.I have builtheaven. Text… Continue reading
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Divergence
In the center of the village seven dusty paths diverge. An old woman lives in a cottage that stands just to the East.She watches and listens as each traveler begins the journey.Old as the sea, wise as the mountains, beautiful as songbirds at sunrise,she watches and listens.… Continue reading
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The Choice Is Yours
Catherine of Siena tells us, "It's heaven,all the way to heaven.It's hell,all the way to hell." Which road have you chosen? Jesus tells us, "The kingdom is here and now,within you,available to thosewith open eyes and hearts." Where do you… Continue reading
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Four Lines
I offer four lines,one to save myselfand three to save the world: "I'd rather be kind than right." "I was wrong." "I'm sorry." "Hold me." In vulnerability waits salvation. Text and image © 2013 by Dirk deVries. All rights reserved.… Continue reading
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Christmas Wish #6
In this season,may you discover your own meaning. May you not be sucked inby the expectations of others.May it be (or not be)whatever it is (or is not) for you. Be silly, be joyfulbe withdrawn, be morose,be spiritual, be religious.Let… Continue reading
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Odd Company
You hang with questionable companions: loneliness, suspicion, fear, anger, hurt… Why cultivate such company?With these kinds of friends,who needs enemies? Say, then,"I've lost interest in you.I have a life to live,and you're taking uptoo much time and… Continue reading
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Election Prayer
I pray for our country,that we choose unity over division,hope over despair,poverty over wealth,surrender over dominance,humility over arrogance,peace over violence,compassion over power,the holy over the unholy. I pray for our country. Text and image © 2012 by Dirk deVries. All rights… Continue reading
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Pink
He walked out of his bedroomwearing his pink sweatshirt.At age five, it was his favorite. "He's wearing pink,"said his grandfather. "Yes," said the boy's mother."He likes pink.It's his favorite color." "But it's pink." "Yes, it's pink."the boy walked past themand… Continue reading
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Rheumatoid Arthritis
On a scale of 0ne to ten,his pain hovers at eight. "Why complain." It's not a question;it's a statement. Even his partner can forgethis love's daily struggle for normalcy. The only logical option?Carry on. Self-pity denies life,and life is what… Continue reading