Topic: Meditation

Meditation is achievement

By Rev. Charles Moreland | June 8, 2008 |

In an  issue of Newsweek arrives on Tuesday or Wednesday, I peruse the contents and give priority to articles and stories that appeal to me at the moment. After that, I read it from cover to cover, starting at page 1. Recently the story No Buddha Required captured my attention and lead the competition as to what i would read first.

Rembrandt’s “Philosopher in Meditation”

No Buddha Required is by no means a critical, derogatory or fault-finding expose of Buddhism. Being the international city Clarksville is, there are believers in this world religion among us. I know several practicing Buddhists, productive citizens who have a depth of compassion. Their teachings are respectful of all God’s creatures. «Read the rest of this article»

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Epiphany: A journey home renews faith

By Rev. Charles Moreland | April 13, 2008 |

As a junior in high school, at the age of 16, I made a commitment to God. I find that I desire daily literature that gives me a spiritual direction. I continue to read the Bible for spiritual illumination, and recognize it as one source of information and understanding.

A few days ago during my “quiet time”, I had an epiphany as I read Luke 24:13-35. Epiphany is used in two ways: it is an annual festival of Christianity that starts on January 6, and commemorates the revealing of Jesus to the Gentiles as personified by the Magi, and the baptism of Jesus. It is also much more personal: Epiphany is also a moment of sudden intuitive understanding, a “flash of insight.”

I have read this scripture annually on my spiritual pilgrimage. Today it revealed a new thought, that of home. I have never over the years understood this scintillating story in the framework of “Home.” The two saddened disciples in this story were going to their hometown, on a path towards a home-cooked meal and a welcome to the their family. «Read the rest of this article»

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Winter: A morning meditation

By Christine Anne Piesyk | January 4, 2008 |

It is snowing. Lightly. Soft flurries that dance to the earth, not in the wild frenzy of a winter storm but rather, in a time-honored waltz that whispers “I’m here, come out and walk with me!” So what if it is -4. There is no wind, ergo, no wind chill.

A half hour before, I unfurled myself from the toasty warmth of wooley blankets and prepared to meet the day. Destination: computer lab. I step from my dorm to the outdoors when the magic of that gentle snow happened. In the lamplight, the ground (which is measured in feet of snow) sparkled with the crystalline glitter of well chilled granular snow, diamonds and shards of silver reflecting light. From the low roofline of the Clockhouse (below) icicles are measured by the yard, growing downward, earthbound and more weighty with each new inch.

I am the only one up and about, just me,  with a fleece scarf loosely hung around my neck, my wool coat still unbuttoned, gloves neatly folded in the pocket. «Read the rest of this article»

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Kindness: A choice from the heart

By Rev. Charles Moreland | November 25, 2007 |

John earned his daily bread repairing TVs and installing antennas in the small Missouri town of Dixon, population 1,200, near Fort Leonard Wood. His most outstanding characteristics were competency, dedication, caring and generosity. He was also known for his leadership, loquaciousness and communicative nature. His in-depth knowledge and understanding of spirituality endeared him to this Methodist Pastor.

On a quiet afternoon we sat in his office and workshop discussing many issues of the town, community, and nations. During this exchange he stated an idea that still resonates with me and to which I can still say “Amen.” Looking me in the eyes, he displayed his understanding of the teaching of religious leaders as he spoke.

“Pastor Charles,” he said, I believe the teachings of Jesus can be summarized in one brief sentence: ‘Be kind to each other.’” «Read the rest of this article»

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Daily Devotionals: Renewing the spirit

By Rev. Charles Moreland | October 28, 2007 |

Having a period of time for a daily devotional is a personal goal that I achieve most days. This is a period that I carefully and thoughtfully keep as sacred. It is a mean of spiritual renewal for me.

As I recommend spiritual discipline, several questions arise.

First: What does it mean to “have devotions?” Then, what are the components of this discipline? Lastly, what is the value of this exercise on regulated activity? There are benefits to be derived from this self-enforced practice.

I describe here the basic seven-step pattern I use in devotion. These seven steps enable me to be strengthened spiritually. «Read the rest of this article»

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‘The Upper Room:’ a spiritual vitamin

By Rev. Charles Moreland | October 21, 2007 |

Our spirituality requires nourishment to bloom and to be an asset or resource for our daily lives. The nutrients, the “vitamins and minerals” that enable our spiritual resources to radiate, are at hand.

On such vitamin for me is the devotional book The Upper Room. Over the miles of my spiritual journey it has been a steady companion, strengthening me wherever I went. In Vietnam, Korea, and Germany, stateside in Fort Bliss and Fort Hood, and now here in Clarksville, The Upper Room provided me with the sustenance required to develop and sustain spiritual stamina.

Some of the titles and prayers I favor are listed for September, but favored and appropriate for any time. Each devotional is listed with the following components: date, title, scripture narrative, prayer, thought for the day and “prayer focus.” «Read the rest of this article»

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Daily meditation energizes the spirit

By Rev. Charles Moreland | September 16, 2007 |

How we start the day in our attitude and thinking influences the success of our day. Since my high school days, I’ve begun every day with meditation, contemplation, reflection and prayer that includes spiritual readings; it’s a productive habit that I continued through college, seminary, pastorate and my 20 years as a U.S. Army Chaplain.

Since retiring, it has continued to be a designated time, a time of refreshment and strengthening. Morning devotions are an effective way for for me to celebrate each new day. For my devotionals, I find The Upper Room daily devotional guide to be a great help.

I was particularly moved by the devotion of September 3, which referred to the characteristics of the battery and the AC clocks which abound in our home. «Read the rest of this article»

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‘Soul Maintenance’ key to quality living

By Rev. Charles Moreland | September 9, 2007 |

I’ll always remember my 16th birthday, and events that happened some 55 years ago. On this auspicious occasion I received my driver’s license and soon after, my first car. I paid cash for the car and the expensive (even then) insurance. I held a job after school and on weekends, so I could afford the car and upkeep. But I digress…

I named this ‘46 Plymouth Coupe ‘The Blue Goose’. And yes, it was blue. My father offered his mechanical skills in the ongoing maintenance, which kept the Blue Goose running in the cold of winter and heat of summer. The Blue Goose faithfully got myself and four friends to school every day; it was a reliable car. And as my father gently reminded me, “a dollar’s worth of maintenance may save you ten dollars (remember, this is 1946) in repairs later.” «Read the rest of this article»

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