Spiritworks

A Picture of Beauty

Tricia Brown — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:44:31 +0000

I had to stop and send this photo to you, my Spiritworks Community. It is of Mama Arlene and her newest child at the Hope Made Real home for children in Rwanda. Thanks to you Mama Arlene is able to continue this wonderful work. Blessed be, Tricia

Spiritworks Schedule Nov. 16 - 22, 2008

Tricia Brown — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 15:02:06 +0000

Monday, Nov. 17
9:00 - 10:30                     Hatha Flow, Lev. 1
10:30 - 12:00                    Hatha Flow, Lev. 1 & 2
6:00 – 7:30                       Restorative Yoga

Tuesday, Nov. 18
6:00 – 7:30                        Hatha Yoga Lev. 1 & 2

Wednesday, Nov. 19
9:00 - 10:30                     Hatha Flow, Lev. 1
10:30 - 12:00                    Hatha Flow, Lev. 1 & 2

4:15 - 5:15 Yoga at Body Bar, McKnight Road

6:00 - 7:00 Yoga at Body Bar, McKnight Road

Thursday, Nov. 13
6:00 – 7:30 Hatha Flow, Lev. 1 & 2

No Thanksgiving Classes, Nov, 27, 2008

**Individual and group sessions (of at least 2) are encourages and can be scheduled. Email me at pdbrown [at] spiritworks.org or call 412-999-1912.

A suggested donation of $5 is the usual with 10% of your gift going directly to support my 78-year-old mother’s orphanage in Rwanda.

This Busy Day

Tricia Brown — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 02:20:25 +0000

O Lord, thou knowest how busy I must be this day. If I forget thee, do not thou forget me. –-General Lord Astley, 1640

Simple Prayer

Tricia Brown — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 02:27:19 +0000

Pray simply. Do not expect to find in your heart any remarkable gift of prayer. Consider yourself unworthy of it. Then you will find peace. Use the empty, dry coldness of your prayer as food for your humility.

-–St. Makari of Optino, 1439

Spiritworks Schedule: November 9 - 15, 2008

Tricia Brown — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 17:21:30 +0000

Sunday, Nov. 9
4:00 - 5:15 (Begins Oct. 5) Intro Series (Final Week)
6:00 - 7:30 (1st Sunday of the month) Ancient Paths Workshop CANCELED due to few registrations.

Monday, Nov. 10
9:00 - 10:30                     Hatha Flow, Lev. 1
10:30 - 12:00                    Hatha Flow, Lev. 1 & 2
6:00 – 7:30                       Restorative Yoga

Tuesday, Nov. 11
6:00 – 7:30 Hatha Yoga Lev. 1 & 2

Wednesday, Nov. 12
NO Morning Classes: Classes resume next week as usual.

4:15 - 5:15 Yoga at Body Bar, McKnight Road

6:00 - 7:00 Yoga at Body Bar, McKnight Road

Thursday, Nov. 13
6:00 – 7:30 Hatha Flow, Lev. 1 & 2

**Individual and group sessions (of at least 2) are encourages and can be scehduled. Email me at pdbrown [at] spiritworks.org or call 412-999-1912.

A suggested donation of $5 is the usual with 10% of your gift going directly to support my 78-year-old mother’s orphanage in Rwanda.

The Nature of Prayer

Tricia Brown — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 19:06:00 +0000

This is the nature of prayer, that it raises one from earth to heaven, higher than every heavenly name and dignity, and brings one before the very God of all.

-–Gregory Palamas, Mt. Athos, 1296-1359

Spiritworks Schedule for Nov. 2 - Nov. 9, 2008

Tricia Brown — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 15:03:04 +0000

IMPORTANT: Please note that the class schedule has been adjusted to meet current student enrollment.

Sunday, November 2

As announced, there is no 4:00 - 5:15 pm Intro Series this week. Resumes regular schedule next Sunday, Nov. 9 for its final class.

Monday, November 3

Classes CANCELED and will resume next week. (Tricia is away at a conference.)

Tuesday, November 4

6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Hatha Yoga Lev. 1 & 2

Wednesday, November 5
9:00 – 10:30                 Hatha Flow, Lev. 1
10:30 – 12:00                 Hatha Flow, Lev. 1 & 2
4:15 -    5:15                Yoga at Body Bar Fit., McKnight Rd.
6:00 -    7:00                Yoga at Body Bar Fit., McKnight Rd.
Thursday, November 6
6:00 –    7:30                 Hatha Flow, Lev. 1 & 2
Saturday, November 8
9:00 – 10:30 (Second Sat. of the month)    Children’s Yoga

Pre-registration is required by e-mail or phone call to 412-999-1912.

SPECIAL REMINDER: Next Sunday, Nov. 9, 6:00 - 7:30 (1st Sunday of the month) Ancient Paths Workshop: Prayer Beads.
**Individual and group sessions (of at least 2) are encouraged and can be scheduled.

Mama Arlene in Rwanda November ‘08 Newsletter

Tricia Brown — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 14:36:14 +0000

As you know 10% of all donations to Spiritworks goes to support the ophans in Rwanda. Here is my mom’s latest newsletter. It is a delight!
The Hope Made Real Newsletter for October, 2008
Published November 1st, 2008

Read all about the wonderful progress made in October at
http://hopemadereal.org/2008/10/ or click the box on the right.

- Before We Begin, A Simple Request
- A Storm and a Mud Slide
- The American Garden
- David at 4 Months Old
- Wanted: A Real Farmer
- Love to Share
- Kids at Play
- Our Visitors for October

Thank you for all your prayers, love and support. We couldn’t do it without you.
Arlene Brown
Hope Made Real

The Divine’s Voice

Tricia Brown — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 16:03:54 +0000

Let us open our eyes to the divine light, and with startled ears let us listen to what the divine voice is calling out every day: Today if you should hear his voice, harden not your hearts. -–Benedict, Nursia, 480-550

Prayer of Decision

Tricia Brown — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 16:35:08 +0000

On such decision depends the very foundation of our relationship with God…hence the great significance for time and eternity of these moments of decision. They become moments of lived prayer…

…Hence when we speak of the prayer of decision, we mean that lived prayer in every decision made in accordance with the will of God.

-–Karl Rahner, Prayer, Germany, 1904-1984

Schedule for Oct. 27 - Nov. 1, 2008

Tricia Brown — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 16:32:29 +0000

Mondays
9:00 - 10:30                    Hatha Flow, Lev. 1
10:30 - 12:00                    Hatha Flow, Lev. 1 & 2
6:00 – 7:30                      Hatha Yoga, Lev. 1 & 2

Tuesdays
9:00 – 10:30                     Restorative Hatha
10:30 – 12:00                     Healthy Backs
6:00 – 7:30                       Hatha Yoga Lev. 1 & 2

Wednesdays
9:00 – 10:30                                 Hatha Flow, Lev. 1
10:30 – 12:00                                Hatha Flow, Lev. 1 & 2
4:15 - 5:15                                    Body Bar Fitness Center - Hatha Yoga 1

6:00- 7:00 Body Bar Fitness Center - Hatha Yoga 1

Thursdays
9:00 – 10:30                     Hatha Flow, Lev. 1
10:30 – 12:00                     Healthy Backs
6:00 – 7:30                        Hatha Flow, Lev. 1 & 2

NO INTRO CLASS ON SUNDAY, NOV. 2. RESUMES SUNDAY, NOV. 9, 2008.

NO CLASSES MONDAY, NOV. 3. ALL CLASSES RESUME TUESDAY, NOV. 4, 2008.

Surrender

Tricia Brown — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 23:53:07 +0000

Take, Lord, all my liberty,
my memory, my understanding,
and my whole will.

You have given me all that I have,
all that I am,
and I surrender all to your divine will.

You have given me all that I have,
all that I am
and I surrender all to your divine will.

Give me only your love and your divine grace.
With this I am rich enough,
and I have no more to ask.
–Ignatius of Loyola, Spain, 1491-1556

Spiritworks Schedule for 10/19 - 10/25/2008

Tricia Brown — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 23:50:36 +0000

Sunday, October 19
4:00 - 5:15 (Begins Oct. 5)            Intro Series     (6 weeks)
6:00 - 7:30 (1st Sunday of the month)    Ancient Paths Workshop
Monday, October 20
9:00 - 10:30                    Hatha Flow, Lev. 1
10:30 - 12:00                Hatha Flow, Lev. 1 & 2
6:00 – 7:30                     Hatha Yoga, Lev. 1 & 2
Tuesday, October 21
9:00 – 10:30                 Restorative Hatha
10:30 – 12:00                 Healthy Backs
6:00 – 7:30                     Hatha Yoga Lev. 1 & 2
Wednesdays, October 22
9:00 – 10:30                 Hatha Flow, Lev. 1
10:30 – 12:00                 Hatha Flow, Lev. 1 & 2
Thursday, October 23
9:00 – 10:30                    Hatha Flow, Lev. 1
10:30 – 12:00                 Healthy Backs
6:00 – 7:30                     Hatha Flow, Lev. 1 & 2

At My Side

Tricia Brown — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 14:02:00 +0000

Angel of God, my Guardian dear
To whom God’s love commits me here.
Ever this day be at my side
To light and guard to rule and guide.
Guardian Angel Prayer

Spiritworks Schedule: Oct. 12 - 18

Tricia Brown — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 01:09:50 +0000

Sunday
4:00 - 5:15 (Begins Oct. 5) Intro Series (6 weeks) CLASS FULL

Monday, Oct. 13
9:00 - 10:30                    Hatha Flow, Lev. 1
10:30 - 12:00                   Hatha Flow, Lev. 1 & 2
6:00 – 7:30                      Hatha Yoga, Lev. 1 & 2
Tuesday, Oct. 14
9:00 – 10:30                    Restorative Hatha
10:30 – 12:00                   Healthy Backs
6:00 – 7:30                    Hatha Yoga Lev. 1 & 2
Wednesday, Oct. 15
9:00 – 10:30                    Hatha Flow, Lev. 1
10:30 – 12:00                    Hatha Flow, Lev. 1 & 2
Thursdays
9:00 – 10:30                    Hatha Flow, Lev. 1
10:30 – 12:00                    Healthy Backs
6:00 –   7:30                    Hatha Flow, Lev. 1 & 2

Saturday Yoga for Children - Register Now

Tricia Brown — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 18:54:56 +0000

Spiritworks
Children’s Yoga & Meditation
October 11, November 15, December 13
9:00 – 10:30 – Pre-Registration Required
Ages 5 – 8 ($10 per class or $25 for the 3-Month Series)

Children today are under a lot of stress with school, homework, peer-pressure, and activities. And just like adults, children can turn to yoga and meditation to stay centered and calm in difficult situations throughout the day. Yoga for Children is a natural way to exercise, relax, focus, and strengthen the body/mind/breath connection. Yoga helps young ones develop better body awareness, flexibility, coordination and self-control. Children also carry these skills beyond the studio into their daily lives.

Spiritworks Children’s Yoga & Meditation is informed by and adapted from the ancient Eastern practices. Yoga is a system of physical and mental exercises that link and integrate the mind, body and breath. In yoga practice, you consciously synchronize breath and movement while stretching and holding poses. This unification of body, mind and breathing is powerfully restorative and transformational for the whole mind-body system.

Spiritworks yoga and meditation for children is a remarkable class that offers simple and accessible breath, movement, relaxation and visualization practices that support well-being and produce both immediate and long-term positive results in focus, attention, communication, productivity and effectiveness. Children who are taught mind-body integration tools develop self-awareness and self-care and are empowered to make healthier choices for themselves.

Studies have also shown that yoga is an effective self-help therapy for hyperactive and attention-deficit children. All children crave movement and sensory/motor stimulus. Yoga helps channel these impulses in a positive way. Many poses help instill calm while others bring confidence and balance. Children are influenced to go beyond “doing” the postures to become like the postures — strong and confident. I encourage relaxation through guided visualization and relaxing music. At the end of the practice I encourage the children to share their experiences.

Parents are welcome to remain in the adjoining room during the lessons and ease drop in on their child’s experience.

To Register Contact: Tricia @ Spiritworks Home Studio
301 Overdale Road, (Forest Hills, Edgewood Acres) Pittsburgh, PA 15225
pdbrown [at] spiritworks.org
www.spiritworks.org
412-999-1912

Live Harmoniously

Tricia Brown — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 01:21:06 +0000

The chief motivation for your sharing life together is to live harmoniously in the house and to have one heart and one soul seeking God. –The Rule of Augustine

Spiritworks Schedule for 10/6 - 10/12

Tricia Brown — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 01:33:08 +0000

Monday 10/6
9:00 - 10:30                    Hatha Flow, Lev. 1
10:30 - 12:00                   Hatha Flow, Lev. 1 & 2
6:00 – 7:30                      Hatha Yoga, Lev. 1 & 2

Tuesday 10/7
9:00 – 10:30                     Restorative Hatha
10:30 – 12:00                    Healthy Backs
6:00 – 7:30                       Hatha Yoga Lev. 1 & 2

Wednesday 10/8
9:00 – 10:30                     Hatha Flow, Lev. 1
10:30 – 12:00                    Hatha Flow, Lev. 1 & 2
4:15 - 5:15                      Body Bar Fitness, McKnight Rd
6:00 - 7:00                      Body Bar Fitness, McKnight Rd.
Thursday 10/9
9:00 – 10:30                    Hatha Flow, Lev. 1
10:30 – 12:00                 Healthy Backs
6:00 – 7:30                      Hatha Flow, Lev. 1 & 2

Saturday 10/10
9:00 – 10:30 (Second Sat. of the month) Yoga for Kids

Sunday 10/11
4:00 - 5:15 (Begins Oct. 5) Intro Series (6 weeks) CLASS FILLED

**Individual and small group sessions (of at least 3) are encouraged and can be scheduled by appointment.

The First Rule

Tricia Brown — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 01:19:49 +0000

The first rule of right prayer is to have our heart and mind framed as becomes those who are entering into converse with God.
John Calvin, 1509-1564, Switzerland

Mama Arlene’s October Newsletter from Rwanda

Tricia Brown — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 03:08:51 +0000

Mama Arlene has now posted her October Newsletter. You can read her latest news by simply clicking on the Hope Made Real tab to your right.

The Spirit For Guide

Tricia Brown — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:05:25 +0000

He who applies himself to prayer, having taken the Spirit for guide and support, burns with the love of the Lord and is enkindled with desire, not finding satiety in prayer but being always enflamed with the desire of the good.

–Gregory of Nyssa, Bishop, Turkey, 330-395

Thursday, June 2 Yoga Classes Canceled (Sudden Death in Family)

Tricia Brown — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 23:33:57 +0000

Due to a sudden death in my husband’s family I need to cancel Thursday’s classes. Feel free to e-mail me or phone as you need. I look forward to seeing you at all other regularly scheduled classes.

Blessed be, Tricia

This Weeks Spiritworks Schedule 10/1 - 10/7

Tricia Brown — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 15:06:18 +0000

Wednesday, October 1
9:00 – 10:30 Hatha Flow, Lev. 1 - Forest Hills Studio
10:30 – 12:00 Hatha Flow, Lev. 1 & 2 - Forest Hills Studio

4:15 - 5:15 Body Bar Fitness, McKnight Rd. Hatha Flow, Lev. 1 & 2

6:00 - 7:00 Body Bar Fitness, McKnight Rd. Hatha Flow, Lev. 1 & 2

Thursday, October 2
9:00 – 10:30                Hatha Flow, Lev. 1 - Forest Hills Studio
10:30 – 12:00                 Healthy Backs - Forest Hills Studio
6:00 – 7:30                    Hatha Flow, Lev. 1 & 2 - Forest Hills Studio

Sunday, October 5
4:00 - 5:15 (Begins Oct. 5) Intro Series (6 weeks)
6:00 - 7:30 (1st Sunday of the month) Ancient Paths Workshop: Walking the Labyrinth

Blessed Sacrament

Tricia Brown — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:48:21 +0000

The time of business does not with me differ from the time of prayer; and in the noise and clatter of my kitchen, while several persons are at the same time calling for different things, I possess God in as great tranquility as if I were upon my knees at the Blessed Sacrament.

–Brother Lawrence, Carmelite, France, 1611-1691

Yoga/Meditation Intro Series - OCT. 5

Tricia Brown — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 22:49:24 +0000

INTRO SERIES START DATE – Sundays beginning Oct. 5 from 4:00 - 5:15.
Intro Series: A 6-week intro series is a great place to begin your yoga practice. Increase flexibility and strength, release tension and develop concentration and body awareness. This series is designed to provide an understanding of basic yoga postures and breath practices.

Cost is $55 for 6 classes. Payment is non-refundable and non-transferrable after the first class. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Register by calling 412-999-1912 or e-mail pdbrown [at] spiritworks.org
Please arrive 10 minutes early with an empty stomach and an open mind. Mats and props are provided. No previous yoga experience required.

You Truly Are

Tricia Brown — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 11:05:11 +0000

If you are a theologian, you truly pray. If you truly pray, you are a theologian.
–Evagrius Ponticus, Turkey, 345-399

Teach My Heart

Tricia Brown — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 03:32:14 +0000

O Lord my God,
Teach my heart where and how to seek you,
Where and how to find you.
Lord, if you are not here but absent,
Where shall I seek you?
But you are everywhere, so you must be here,
Why then do I not seek you?

–Amselm,1033-1109, Normandy

How to Choose

Tricia Brown — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 00:24:44 +0000

In making a choice or in coming to a decision, only one thing is really important

— to seek and to find what God calls me to at this time of my life.

–Ignatius of Loyola, 1491-1556, Spain

Fall Schedule Now Posted (Revised 9/19)

Tricia Brown — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 00:22:11 +0000

The revised schedule of the Fall schedule has now been posted. Go to the side bar and click “Workshops and Events” to see the new and improved offerings and times.

Clergy for Obama

Tricia Brown — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 14:30:30 +0000

Dear Spiritworks Readers,

Because I believe that the political is personal, I invite you to prayerfully consider the Clergy for Obama web site. I have added my name endorsing Senator Obama for President and will host a home gathering for the Pittsburgh Area on September 28th from 7:00 - 8:00. RSVP at pdbrown [at] spiritworks.org.

Blessed be,

Tricia

Spiritworks Fall Class Schedule

Tricia Brown — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 03:09:41 +0000

Spiritworks Fall Schedule

All classes, unless otherwise noted, are held at the Spiritworks Forest Hills Studio, 301 Overdale Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15221. Register for classes and workshops by e-mail: pdbrown [at] spiritworks.org or by phoning 412-999-1912. Drop-ins are also welcome as space allows.

(Tomorrow, Sept. 19, the schedule of fees will be posted.)

Sundays

4:00 - 5:15 (Begins Oct. 5) Intro Series (6 weeks)

6:00 - 7:30 (1st Sunday of the month) Ancient Paths Workshop

Mondays

9:00 - 10:30 Hatha Flow, Lev.

1 10:30 - 12:00 Hatha Flow, Lev. 1 & 2

Tuesdays

9:00 – 10:30 Restorative Hatha

10:30 – 12:00 Healthy Backs

6:00 – 7:30 Hatha Yoga Lev. 1 & 2

Wednesdays

9:00 – 10:30 Hatha Flow, Lev. 1

10:30 – 12:00 Hatha Flow, Lev. 1 & 2

6:00 – 7:30 (Begins Oct. 8) Intro Series (6 weeks)

Thursdays

9:30 – 11:00 (@Forest Hills Pool Lodge) Hatha Flow, Lev. 1

**Registration is through the Forest Hills Boro. Office

Saturdays

9:00 – 10:30 (Second Sat. of the month) Yoga for Kids

**Individual and small group sessions (of at least 3) are encouraged and can be scheduled by appointment.

Spiritworks Yoga/Meditation Fall Class Descriptions

Tricia Brown — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 19:40:31 +0000

Classes begin in October. Plan now to come and join me at the new Spiritworks Studio in Forest Hills, Pittsburgh, PA. Below are the class dresciptions. Interested in a particular class? E-mail and let me know: pdbrown [at] spiritworks.org. Class times will be posted tomorrow, on Wednesday, Sept. 17. Subscribe (see the sidebar on the right) to receive automatic updates.

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

Restorative Hatha: Enjoy the benefits of hatha yoga in a slower, more restorative pace. Great for all levels, those working through injuries, and those just beginning a physical exercise routine.

Hatha Flow: Find balance between effort and relaxation in a class that combines the strength of held postures and the serenity of breath-directed movement. Classes are based around the fluid movements of the sun saluation.

Intro Series: A 6-week intro series is a great place to begin your yoga practice. Increase flexibility and strength, release tension and develop concentration and body awareness. This series is designed to provide an understanding of basic yoga postures and breath practices.

Healthy Backs: Focusing on the six directions of the spine, you will experience poses that restore and rejuvenate the spine keeping the body healthy and strong.

Morning Practice: Welcome the new day with this flowing and invigorating class. Awaken yourself to the physical and mental benefits of a disciplined morning practice to enter into a renewed spiritual day.

Meditation: Ancient meditation techniques teach you how to relax and be in the present moment. Through the use of visualization, the mind and breath find a rhythm that will bring you to clarity in your own life.

Ancient Paths to Prayer: Using Tricia’s book, Paths to Prayer: Finding Your Own Way to the Presence of God, you will discover your prayer type and explore over 40 ways to pray from 2000 years of Tradition. Workshops are held monthly on the first Sunday evening of the month.

Individual Spiritual Direction: Meeting one-on-one, both bi-weekly and monthly appointments are available. Based in the ancient Jewish/Christian question, “What do you seek?,” “What do you truly what?”, you will find guidance and clarity for your life.

Spiritworks Coming to Pittsburgh!

Tricia Brown — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 21:34:03 +0000

Tomorrow, Tuesday, September 16 Spiritworks will be listing all their yoga, mediation, and other classes. So, come back and check in with us with your calendar ready.

Welcome to Spiritworks, a Pittsburgh studio located in Edgewood Acres, Forest Hills.

At Spiritworks, we are committed to building community through the study and practice of yoga and mediation. More than just a physical practice, we practice a compassionate way of life. These ancient disciplines promote healing, growth and transformation.

Tricia strives to share the wealth and beauty of the traditions with people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. Come enhance your life with classes and workshops.
Located in the Pittsburgh neighborhood of Edgewood Acres, Forest Hills, Spiritworks is convenient and welcoming. We offer a variety of classes to meet the needs of our diverse community.

Light of Light

Tricia Brown — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 01:59:04 +0000

We bless you now, O my Christ, word of God,
light of light without beginning, bestower of the Spirit.
We bless you, threefold light of undivided glory.
You have vanquished the darkness
and brought forth the light, to create everything in it.
–St. Gregory Nazianzen, 325-389, Turkey

In Hearts

Tricia Brown — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 15:07:07 +0000

When faith came to be in writings rather than in hearts…contention grew hot and love grew cold…That which is forced cannot be sincere, and that which is not voluntary cannot please Christ. –Desiderius Erasmus, Holland, 1466-1536

Read the September “Mama Arlene in Rwanda” Newsletter

Tricia Brown — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 13:29:45 +0000

The Hope Made Real Newsletter for August, 2008
Published September 1st, 2008

Read all about the wonderful progress made in August
An Update on David, Our Beautiful Baby
Our First Marriage in the Urukundo Family
Introducing Dr. Jean Bosco and Our Medical Wishlist
Our Visitors in August
Our Tiki Hut Brings Us Together

http://hopemadereal.org/2008/08/
Arlene Brown
Hope Made Real
BP 179
Gitarama-Muhanga
South Province
Rwanda, Africa

arlene [at] hopemadereal.org
Office Phone: 250-08769422
My Cell 05102964
Web Site: hopemadereal.org

I Search for You

Tricia Brown — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 00:27:44 +0000

Too late I loved you, O Beauty so ancient yet ever new!

Too late I loved you! And, behold, you were within me,

and I out of myself,
and there I searched for you.

——Augustine, 354-430, North Africa

Groans and Words

Tricia Brown — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 22:20:44 +0000

The best prayers have more often groans than words.

–John Bunyan, 1628-1688, England

The Long Journey

Tricia Brown — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 05:18:28 +0000

Dear Lord, I will remain restless, tense, and dissatisfied until I can be totally at peace in your house…There is no certainty that my life will be any easier in the years ahead, that my heart will be any calmer. But there is the certainty that you are waiting for me and will welcome me home when I have persevered in my long journey to your house.
—Henri Nouwen, Holland, 1932-1996

Quiet and Peaceful

Tricia Brown — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 08:59:44 +0000

O God, make us children of quietness and heirs of peace.

–Clement of Alexandria, 150-216, Greece

Clear Eyes

Tricia Brown — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:14:40 +0000

Lord, give us weak eyes for things which are of no account
and clear eyes for all your truth.

–Soren Kierkegaard, 1813-1855, Denmark

Come… My Love

Tricia Brown — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 05:00:07 +0000

Come, my Way, my Truth, my Life:
Such a Way as gives us breath:
Such a Truth as ends of strife:
Such a Life as killeth death.

Come, my Light, my Feast, my Strength:
Such a Light, as shows a feast:
Such a Feast, as mends in length:
Such a Strength, as makes his guest.

Come, my Joy, my Love, my Heart:
Such a Joy, as one can move:
Such a love, as none can part:
Such a heart, as joys in love.

–George Herbert, 1593-1633, Wales

Blessed Unrest

Tricia Brown — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 05:12:36 +0000

Faith means just that blessed unrest, deep and strong, which so urges the believer onward that (s)he* cannot settle at ease in the world and anyone who was quite at ease would cease to be a believer.

–Soren Kierkegaard, 1813-1855, Denmark

*my addition

Today… tonight… and forever

Tricia Brown — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 03:17:07 +0000

My dearest Lord,
be thou a bright flame before me,
be thou a guiding star above me,
be thou a smooth path beneath me,
be thou a kindly shepherd behind me,
Today—tonight—and forever.
–Columba, 521- 597, Ireland

To Know

Tricia Brown — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 20:17:27 +0000

Grant me, O Lord To know what I ought to know,

To love what I ought to love,

To praise what delights you most,

To value what is precious in your sight,

To hate what is offensive to you.

Do not allow me to judge according to the sight of my eyes, nor to pass sentence according to the ears of ignorant men; but to discern with a true judgment between things visible and spiritual, and above all things, always to inquire what is the good pleasure of your will .

–Thomas A Kempis, 1379-1471, Germany

Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace

Tricia Brown — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:33:31 +0000

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love,
where there is injury, pardon,
where there is doubt, faith,
where there is despair, hope,
where there is darkness, light,
where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that we may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
not so much to be understood as to understand,
not so much to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

–Francis of Assisi, 1181-.1226, Italy

Today–Tonight–Forever

Tricia Brown — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 05:58:58 +0000

My dearest Lord,
be thou a bright flame before me,
be thou a guiding star above me,
be thou a smooth path beneath me,
be thou a kindly shepherd behind me,
Today—tonight—and forever.

–Columba, 521-597, Ireland

The True

Tricia Brown — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 06:32:34 +0000

Prayer, fasting, watching may be good in themselves; yet it is not in these practices alone that the goal of our Christian life is found, though they are necessary means for its attainment. The true goal consists in our acquiring the Holy Spirit of God.

–Seraphim of Sarov, Russia, 1759-1833

God’s Dwelling

Tricia Brown — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 16:53:27 +0000

May the yoke of the law of God
Be on your shoulder,
The coming of the Holy Spirit
On your head,
The sign of Christ
On your forehead,
The hearing of the Holy Spirit
In your ears,
The smell of the Holy Spirit
In your nose,
The vision of the people of heaven
In your eyes,
The speech of the people of heaven
In your mouth,
The work of the Church of God
In your hands,
The good of God and of neighbor
In your feet.
May God dwell in your heart
and may you belong entirely to God the Father.
Breastplate Prayer of St. Fursa

Restless Hearts

Tricia Brown — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:26:30 +0000

You move us to delight in praising you; for you have made us for yourself,

and our hearts are restless till they find rest in you.
–Augustine, 354-430, North Africa