Why name this blog the rent veil?

In Judaic thought, when one wanted to experience God, they entered the temple. There, God dwelt in the Holy of Holies. Only the high priest had access to the Holy of Holies and he could only enter once a year; the Day of Atonement. A great veil separated the Holy of Holies from God’s people.

At the crucifixion, the veil of the temple ripped from top to bottom, signifying God’s presence among his people. That Friday was the day given for our atonement. Through Jesus Christ, not only would God enter into the world, he would enter into every heart that would receive him.

This blog provides me an opportunity to share moments where I see God’s activity in the world and in our lives. The veil is rent. Thanks be to God!

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Different Perspectives

This past week I was afforded the opportunity to go flying with my two oldest children. It was their first flight and to say they were excited would be an understatement. Since I have flown many times, I was not as awestruck by certain things. I heard them say over the headset..."Look at those people. They are so small. It looks like an ant village." I was struck by the fact that the distance between the airport (one hour away) and our home by plane was incredibly short. We were flying over our church, their school and our home in a matter of minutes. It broadened us all to see things from a different perspective.

How often in life we perceive difficulties to be larger than life. In fact, the passage of time and the gift of hindsight often allow us to see how minuscule they really are. Likewise, the older we get the faster time seems to pass. Milestones come and go in what seems a matter of minutes. Perhaps a change in perspective might allow us to live in the moment more often handing our troubles over to God faster.

It seems strange to me that all that I hold dear in this life will in fact pass like the blink of an eye. At the same time I am comforted that the same properties of time govern those whom I hold dear. In no time we will all be in the presence of God. If life on this earth (which is tarnished by the presence of our sin and selfishness) can produce so many breathtaking experiences of sheer joy, how awesome eternity with our God will be.

Perhaps I should fly with my children more often!

Monday, August 3, 2009

Children's Quotes

The other evening, Sara (our youngest) was awakened in the middle of the night by the sound of a bird. She settled down quite easily even though the bird continued it's call well into the morning. When she awakened I asked if she would make the sound that she had heard. She looked at me as though this was a ridiculous question and said...

"I can't.....I don't have wings."

I'm Back

Everyone,

After quite the hiatus, I am blogging again. I simply needed some time to get to know Trinity Ecumenical Parish. All of my time and energy has been channeled to that end over the past months. I have streamlined my activities on various committees and boards and now have a more manageable schedule that does not detract from my God given duties as father and husband. Sooo... there will be more to come.

Friday, October 10, 2008

Dear Friends,

I am finding that I do not have the time and energy to maintain regular posts. At this point, I will keep the site running and add material whenever possible.

Peace,

Philip