Jim Leonard … aka … Jim the Bible Guy

I'm a wannabee children's book writer and a serious Bible Study enthusiast.

Observing Nature 02/09/2011

Feb 12

Posted by Jim in Healing, prayer, Spirituality | No Comments

Little Rabbit on My Trail

I found this little guy on my trail yesterday morning, Feb. 9, 2011 at 10:00 am. At the time I was carefully listening and observing Creation while stretching my legs and getting a little exercise.

For some reason that I can’t explain, I am always thrilled to be near wildlife. I first noticed this little guy scurrying around some bushes near the western Damon-Garcia Sports Field. The find prompted a short hike off the sidewalk and up a small hill. I was hoping to find the little rabbit, but mostly I wanted to see the view from the top.

The first image is looking East toward Islay Hill near my home.

The second image is looking West from the sidewalk, toward the place where I first noticed the little rabbit.

Two more images concluded my time on the hill.

Then sitting quietly for a few minutes, resting in the Presence of Creation, I heard Creation speaking to me. My spiritual senses revealed a glimpse of the Creator’s excitement and glee with his Universe. Maybe that is why I also love it so much?

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Witnessing Lou’s Burial at Sea

Feb 6

Posted by Jim in christianity, prayer | No Comments

At 1:30pm Sat. Feb. 5, 2011 following lunch at the Anderson Café in Morrow Bay, CA we gathered at the southwestern point of Morro Rock to observe Lou’s cremains being transported by a small boat from the Bay out to the Pacific Ocean. Then a representative of the Wheeler-Smith mortuary would sprinkle his ashes into the sea.

Standing near the water as the boat approached the opening to the sea we said a few prayers for the occasion and watched the boat disappear from view. Those present included: Frank D., Ken P., Cari K., and myself. It was a beautiful day, warm, bright sun, clear, and calm. I felt happy and peaceful to be part of the event. I knew in my heart we were fulfilling God’s wishes for Lou, as orchestrated by the urging of the Holy Spirit.

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Prayer for My Friend Lou Asta

Feb 6

Posted by Jim in christianity, Community, prayer | No Comments

Yesterday morning (Sat. Feb. 5, 2011) at the 7am Mass in the Old Mission Catholic Church I was inspired to vocalize the following prayer during the time for intentions, immediately following Monsignor Steiger’s homily.

Father: We offer a prayer of thanksgiving for putting Lou Asta into our lives to show us true humility, perseverance, and genuine friendship. Amen.

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Creed for the Third Millennium

Oct 5

Posted by Jim in Bonaventure, Delio, prayer, Spirituality | No Comments

Last night, 10/04/2010, was our class graduation at the Monastery of the Risen Christ. For the event all of the students were asked to provide their conclusions on Ilia Delio’s book, Christ in Evolution. The conclusions were celebrated during the liturgy of the Word, as part of Father Steve Coffey’s Homily. My contribution was an updated Creed.
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of the evolutionary universe. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only son, born of the Virgin Mary, was crucified, died, and was buried. On the third day, he arose as the Risen Christ, ascended to the Father, and became the Cosmic Christ, the center of the universe. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the breath of life, who transforms the human heart into hearts of love of God and love of neighbor. I believe in the power of contemplation, with the help of the Holy Spirit, we radiate spiritual energy, and assist the Cosmos to move into the future.
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Prayers for My Trip to Maui

Oct 4

Posted by Jim in Healing, Maui, prayer | 1 Comment

Following Mass at the Monastery of the Risen Christ, on Sunday 10/03/2010, I informed Abbot David of my upcoming trip to Maui, Hawaii. I’m leaving home on Thursday 10/07/2010 and flying from LAX to Maui on Friday 10/08/2010 and returning on Friday 10/15/2010. I asked for his blessing and prayers for the journey and a safe return. The prayers were attended by Brother Alphonso, Brother Michael, Father Stephen, Father Albert, and Connie Mayrhofer.

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Trip to Maui 10/08 – 10/15/2010

Sep 27

Posted by Jim in exploring, meditation, sightseeing | No Comments

I’m preparing for my first trip to Hawaii. I will be staying in my daughter’s condo in Maui. A little sightseeing, exploring, and then quite time for pondering the beauty of it all. I am hoping to find that beautiful rainbow in the western horizon.

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Oblate Meeting on 09/25/2010

Sep 27

Posted by Jim in Community, Monastery, Oblate, prayer | No Comments

We had a smaller group than normal due to Walking Event on the same day. Father Ray gave us some information from “Perspectives on the Rule of Benedict.” St. Benedict appears to have been a man living in his world with open ears and an attentive heart, taking ideas from wherever he perceived something good. Then we watched a DVD on Life in the Benedictine Monastery of Mount Savior in upstate New York. Our shared meal featured two types of delicious pork prepared by Fr. Ray. Father Albert joined us for Vespers and later we prayed over Fr. Ray for his upcoming trip to Sienna, Italy.

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Updated Post Title Color 09/26/2010

Sep 26

Posted by Jim in uncategorized | 1 Comment

Goto Appearance > Editor > Stylesheet > h2.post-title a {

change color #000 to #FF0000

h3.post-title a, h2.post-title a{
text-decoration: none;
color: #FF0000;
}

Then update the file.

This changes POST TITLES from BLACK to RED.

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My Guide for Lectio Divina

Sep 11

Posted by Jim in christianity, meditation, prayer | No Comments

Today I received another book for my Lectio Library, Christian Spirituality: Themes from the Tradition, Lawrence S. Cunningham and Keith J. Egan, 1996, published by Paulist Press.

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My Guide for Practicing Lectio Divina

Sep 11

Posted by Jim in christianity, prayer, Spirituality | No Comments

I’m preparing a simple Lectio Divina guide for Young Adults. Possible usage includes youth and adults in RICA and Confirmation Programs. So far I’ve been researching the web to see what’s out there. I found many books and pamphlets on the subject and I’ll use them as reference material.

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