Lynne

“wounds. Hard work and gracious people have been the key to my health and happiness. If I look very closely, I can still see the faint scars on my heart and mind, but they don’t limit me in any way. They do not burn, they do not itch, and they do not cause any concern. I usually don’t even notice them. And every now and then, when I do see a scar, I smile. My scars remind me of what I’ve endured. And they bear witness to the immeasurable strength within the human spirit, within my spirit.  I’m proud of my scars.”
― Susan I. Spieth, Fall Out: Courage Always Stands its Ground

“The sermon followed and it had to be the best sermon I’ve heard in a long time. It was probably less than ten minutes long, but he packed a punch. The Gospel lesson from Luke 7:1, 7-14, tells when Jesus went to a Pharisee’s house for a sabbath meal. When he noticed the guests jockeying for the best seat, Jesus admonished them, saying they should choose the lowest seat. By choosing the lowest, Jesus said, the Host may elevate and honor us. But if we choose the highest place, the Host may replace us with someone more worthy, and we will be shamed or embarrassed at the very least. This pastor artfully elaborated and articulated on this message. Then, toward the end of his sermon, he took the meaning one step further. He said that the lowest place of all is death. And every one of us, without exception, will one day sit at the lowest seat of death. The pastor said this scripture reminds us that in that day, when we sit in the seat of death, our Host will say to us, “Friend, what are you doing down there? Come on up here and sit next to me.” I can tell you that his interpretation had a deeply moving effect on the congregation, myself included.”
― Susan I. Spieth, I Was a Stranger: Reflections From First-Time Visits to 50 Churches

“I counted my years and found that I have less time to live from here on than I have lived up to now.
I feel like that child who won a packet of sweets: he ate the first with pleasure, but when he realized that there were few left, he began to enjoy them intensely.
I no longer have time for endless meetings where statutes, rules, procedures and internal regulations are discussed, knowing that nothing will be achieved.
I no longer have time to support the absurd people who, despite their chronological age, haven't grown up.
My time is too short:
I want the essence,
my soul is in a hurry.
I don't have many sweets
in the package anymore.
I want to live next to human people,
very human,
who know how to laugh at their mistakes,
and who are not inflated by their triumphs,
and who take on their responsibilities.
Thus, human dignity is defended, and we move towards truth and honesty.
It is the essential that makes life worth living.
I want to surround myself with people who know how to touch hearts, people who have been taught by the hard blows of life to grow with gentle touches of the soul.
Yes, I'm in a hurry, I'm in a hurry to live with the intensity that only maturity can give.
I don't intend to waste any of the leftover sweets.
I am sure they will be delicious, much more than what I have eaten so far.
My goal is to reach the end satisfied
and at peace with my loved ones
and my conscience.
We have two lives.
And the second begins when you realize you only have one.
Credits: Mário Raul de Morais Andrade
(Oct 9, 1893 – Feb 25, 1945)
Brazilian poet, novelist, musicologist, art historian and critic, photographer”
― Mario Raul de Morais Andrade

“Call me old fashioned, but I always think it's important to read scripture from the Bible. Actually, holding the Bible. I think something is lost when the reader holds a piece of paper, or an iPad. It may be more convenient, but it’s important for people to see a real Bible. Even better, the scripture reader should ask everyone to open their pew Bibles and read along. It helps instill a familiarity with the scriptures, and it's just a good practice to do week after week, year after year.”
― Susan I. Spieth, I Was a Stranger: Reflections From First-Time Visits to 50 Churches