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Open Poetry #46
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My Daily Bread
| Open Poetry #46 |
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My Daily Bread |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738
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I have always pondered this-- in process of Apostleship, they'd gathered round Him every day, and still they asked Him how to pray. I wondered how they could not know, since everywhere He went, they'd go. Each word He spoke was to their hearts, and still they knew not where to start? But I have asked and have received so many things I did not need. Even prayers for others seem presumptuous--they're always "me" assuming that I know what's best and even prayers become a test of Faith, and trust, and selflessness. "Not my will, but Thine," indeed-- as tiny as that mustard seed. Everything's as it should be? God? Grant me serenity-- for I have nothing without that. If changes must be made--change me. |
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1slick_lady Member Ascendant
since 2000-12-22
Posts 6088standing on a shadow's lace |
and the greatest blessing we receive is that He believes in us |
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Mysteria 
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
I loved this! The only change that matters is the change within, and once settled, external changes happen without one even knowing it. We always seem to get more than we ask for, and much less when we question why me. Why not! Well done and I will wish you serenity, Serenity. |
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Margherita Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236Eternity |
This is very thought provoking and intense as all of your work, dear Karen. May I recommend Neale Donald Walsch's book "When everything changes, change everything"? God, as I see it, needs not to change us, for He loves us the way we are, unconditionally. Everything is all right, indeed. If we feel the need to change in order to live more serenely, we must follow the heart, it always shows the way. Good for us that the Apostles asked, so that we might know too directly from the Source. They fell asleep when He most needed them and ... we continue to fall asleep instead of connecting with Him deep within and trusting fully what comes through. The greatest prayer is the prayer of gratitude and I think your poem is just that, may serenity be granted to you! Love, Margherita  |
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Falling rain
since 2008-01-31
Posts 2178Small town, Illinois |
Wow I really love this. Made me think.  |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
Um, I was talking to a monk the other day... (Okay, it was actually another year) but he explained to me that the order (don't ask, I don't remember) that he belonged to were "devotional". He further explained (because I did ask what that meant) was that they prayed, on a schedule, several times daily. I asked him (of course) what changes they were trying to accomplish, and he explained that the prayers were like, an exercize, to lend strength to themselves. So I was thinking about this, as I pondered what would constitute an unselfish prayer, and still I ended up with the word, "me". I'm sure I'd have to walk a world of labyrinth to get to the place of understanding that my friend, the monk had "achieved". Thanks for reading.  <--hardly  |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
"But I have asked and have received so many things I did not need." ~*~ In line of being careful for what you ask for, still, we get what we really need. Even when we don't think we need it. My "daily bread" is my being grateful for the ability to smack around some dough and undo my harborings of whatever then take the endings of some beginnings to folk, friend, family who might enjoy the labor of such endings. In which they might find new beginnings. Serenity...baking is a good thing.... and that's my story and I'm sticking to it!  |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
RISE, oh Sunshine, RISE!!! *wink* ty... |
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latearrival Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499Florida |
Just beautiful. Not a selfish bone in your body dear lady. I was talking to Tom today and told him how fortunate I was that my life had been so good. I never really had a hard time that was not a lesson in living. I am grateful every day for the strength and love that saw me through without complaint. I also talk to whoever is in charge of my life and give thanks. jo |
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Bill Charles Member Patricius
since 2000-07-11
Posts 10619highways, & byways, for now |
serenity blaze - you're one hell of a writer, but you outdid yourself with this one... BC |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
After reading Bill's comment, I can only say... Ditto. *S* |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
"-they're always "me"" and this one, too. Maybe ESPECIALLY this one. *smile* Thank you, for reading, for thinking, for being here. |
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GG Member Elite
since 2002-12-03
Posts 3532Lost in thought |
Ohhh perfect! This one's for me, I know it. Keeping these words... |
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Dark Stranger Member Patricius
since 2001-03-19
Posts 13631West Coast |
um...so do you have change for a 20? (nodding at your reli-gin) kewl stuff serene one |
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jwesley Member Rara Avis
since 2000-04-30
Posts 7563Spring, Texas |
...unlike "Him" since we are physically finite and limited in our ability to see spiritually while encapsulated in our physicallity, one has to be "right" with one's "me" to be truly "right" with others. And since we are simply imperfect effigies of His wonder we will always be in doubt, and striving to help others is an effort to perfect "me" as well as to comfort them in their need. One cannot dry the tears of another while wiping away one's own - therefore the constant need for the change in "me". You’re not alone, my friend, but a step ahead by being able to vocalize that which the rest of us have yet to find words. Very good write…I think your steps are far ahead of the monk’s need for ‘scheduled’ prayer. jimmy |
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The Lady Member Rara Avis
since 2005-12-26
Posts 7634The Southwest |
I agree with Bill and suthern you're one hell of a writer! |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
Nice...James |
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Dadygoose Member
since 2010-01-01
Posts 162A Communist country |
I love the sentiment, though I no longer believe in the Jesus God and prayer stuff. But to those who yet believe, it can elevate, comfort, and inspire. Alas, I am hopelessly lost to paganistic Unitarian Universalism and find my comfort there. J Hey, nobody's human! |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
"Not my will, but Thine," indeed-- as tiny as that mustard seed. Everything's as it should be? God? Grant me serenity-- for I have nothing without that. If changes must be made--change me. Indeed! Very well expressed, Karen. |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
Really like this one...James |
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OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa |
Karen, the moment I read this exquisite piece of Poetry/Humanity/Godliness/Karenness, (my current mega-favourite poem of yours - I have learned to use the word “current” because whenever I say that of somebody without using “current”, they prove me wrong with another poem that I love even more!), I was formulating my answer. As always, I read all the replies first, and love them all particularly, Margherita’s, Jo’s and Jimmy’s. Jimmy expressed one part of my reply and he and Jo expressed another, both of them in words so much more eloquent. The first part of my message Jimmy put better than I did, was that Me has to do the praying, and so Me HAS to pray from Me’s point of view otherwise it can’t be honest and selfless. The second part of my reply that Jimmy and Jo said for me is that you are one of the most humble people, I have ever met – no, no, no, I see you shaking your head there, listen to me now. That unbelievable, unshaking no-matter-what-self-honesty of yours allows you to confess all of what you regard as your sins, but your 200% Sister Theresa-type (in that it is real beyond real) humility sometimes hides from you your angelic (yes, yes, yes, DON’T argue with me!) goodness. I know you don’t like my using the I-word, but you don’t fit the mould of people of your extreme intelligence. You are so much nicer, not to mention how extremely interesting your mind is and we Pipsters are so much the richer for knowing you. Along with Sharon and Margherita, I say, may God grant you serenity, Serenity. Oh, and God, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE DON’T change Karen. We need her just as she is! Owl |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
Well now. I wrote myself into a pickle, here, 'cause if I can't argue, then I kinda have nothin' to say--except thank you. And Jaimie? I wrote this using Christian terminology because I wanted to demonstrate that I believe I believe in the same stuff--just different terminology. If the above statement is considered a gauntlet for argument by anyone, please know that I'm at a disadvantage since I'm not allowed to argue.  My love to all.  |
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OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa |
Giggles, Karen. Yep, you are in a pickle, but enjoy the pickles around you. They are generally delicious. Owl |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
 Thanks again, Diana. Methinks I need to incorporate that "no arguing" rule into my personal life. I've noticed that people who simply say what they want to say without further elucidation or apology, are more...um, authoritarian-like? *wince* I shall go work on being more convincing.  huggggggggggggggggs |
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Lighthousebob Member Elite
since 2000-06-14
Posts 4725California |
I really liked your poem and it did remind me a bit of the philosophies of Michael who wrote ... “I'm starting with the man in the mirror, I'm asking him to change his ways.” Man In The Mirror Good job and God bless, -Bob |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
Thank you, Bob. I'm not here (Pip) as much as I used to be, but I did happen to notice that you post a poem in spiritual, nearly every day. I won't lie and say I read you every day, but I will say I am always impressed with daily devotion. I very much appreciate your time and consideration on this one, most especially. *hearthugs* |
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Marchmadness Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271So. El Monte, California |
Love it, Ida |
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Lighthousebob Member Elite
since 2000-06-14
Posts 4725California |
 Big, BIG Blush! Uhmmmmm, I believe you're thinking that I'm Bob Gotti over in Spiritual, but, anyways, so you know, he's much, much more disciplined than I, but, thank you, thank you soooooo very much for the compliment. -Bob |
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LindsayP Member Elite
since 2007-07-28
Posts 3410Australia, Victoria |
Dear Karen that beautiful poem was a real delight to read, one of your best. I loved the way you placed your words. may God bless you dear friend. Lindsay |
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LindsayP Member Elite
since 2007-07-28
Posts 3410Australia, Victoria |
Dear Karen that beautiful poem was a real delight to read, one of your best. I loved the way you placed your words. may God bless you dear friend. Lindsay |
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steavenr Member Elite
since 2003-11-17
Posts 4058 |
lovely write with a great message...love these lines: "even prayers become a test of Faith, and trust, and selflessness" ...for you have touched the soul of sharing... |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
I did indeed err, Brother Bob. Thus, more proof of my imperfection! I usually just write to amuse myself, but I confess that it gives me some comfort to learn when others relate. I've a habit of layered metaphor that tends to baffle people, and that's not deliberate (usually) so once again, thanks all for taking the time to encourage me. (And my apologies to both Bobs for my confusion.) Now I'm going back to read my current book--How to Cope with Difficult People. I'm highlighting the stuff that reminds me of me. (So far the label that is most apt is...The Exploder.) sheesh  <--see? |
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Robert E. Jordan Member Rara Avis
since 2008-01-25
Posts 8541Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
Yo dear Serenity blaze, Jesus taught everyone in the Christian Tradition how to pray, not just the Twelve Apostles. Check out Matthew 6:9-13, and Luke 11:2-4. Note the slight difference in wording. There are also differences between the King James Version, and my Mackerel Snapper (read Roman Catholic), the Saint Joseph Edition of the New American Bible. The important thing is the idea. Love Bobby [This message has been edited by Robert E. Jordan (04-06-2010 10:25 PM).] |
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Earl Brinkman Senior Member
since 2010-03-03
Posts 1183Osaka, Japan |
The second stanza of this piece is outstanding. |
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OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa |
Me again, though I have been back several more times without commenting. Just had to read this again (and again) (and again, etc, etc, etc). I loved your last reply to me as well. Your mind is almost as interesting as you are! Owl |
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vlraynes Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-25
Posts 8229Somewhere... out there... |
*smiling* So, this is what I've been missing... *smile* I've missed reading you, Karen... and this is one of my favorites of yours... I need to get in here and read more often... Love you, my sis... "When the power of love overcomes the love |
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Bailey Junior Member
since 2010-04-09
Posts 12Georgia, US |
Im very excited that you posted this it has inspired me. You have left me with great topic starters and conversations for my youth group meeting coming up. You are an amazing writer and I greatly appreciate your posting your poetry!!! Bailey |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
a hug for my virgil I love you, lady.And Baily, now that's just really...NICE. I thought you might like to know that a recent thrift store purchase was a book handed to me by my husband: How To Cope With Difficult People" (it's an inside joke) but I bought it, for a dollar, it's a bargain, right? So I was over there-->in bed, munching on the end of my highlighter pen, and I found myself growing increasingly disappointed. That's when it dawned on me--the title was not "How to CHANGE Difficult People" or "How to Get People to Do Ya Want", it was simply, "How to Cope..." So yep, I realize, I can't change anyone else, but I can change my reaction to unpleasant situations, which oddly enough, occasionally brings about some changes in others anyhow. (I thought you might like that one for topic discussion.) If you're interested there's a great anecdote about Ghandi insisting on having tea with an irate British Officer.) Great stuff. Good luck with your group. And thank you. |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
So yep, I realize, I can't change anyone else, but I can change my reaction to unpleasant situations, ~*~ Dittoing that. We can only hope to change ourselves, our outward and inward selves... and with hope, a bit of luck, some challenging statements that are meant only for good... might we inevitably help others to change, as well. Not an easy task. Especially with that "self" stuff. Hugging you really tight, 'cause I need it!  |
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