Inspiration

UU thoughts, sermons, music

Devotional for Day 2

CZ

 

The Cup Of Life
By Lisa Doege

“Why a flaming chalice?” the question comes.
It’s the cup of life, we answer.
A cup of blessings overflowing.
A cup of water to quench our spirits’ thirst.
A cup of wine for celebration and dedication.
The flame of truth.
The fire of purification.
Oil for anointing, healing.
Out of chaos, fear, and horror,
thus was the symbol crafted, a generation ago.
So may it be for us,
in these days of uncertainty, sorrow, and rage.
And a light to warm our souls and guide us home.

 

Monday Starts Chalica

CZ

Chalica is a week-long celebration of our Unitarian Universalist Principles. The holiday first emerged in 2005 out of a wish to have a holiday organized around Unitarian Universalist values.

Chalica begins on the first Monday in December and lasts seven days. Each day, a chalice is lit and the day is spent reflecting on the meaning of that day’s principle and doing a good deed that honors that principle. Not all Unitarian Universalists celebrate Chalica, but it has a growing following. There is a Chalica Facebook page, blog, and many Chalica-themed videos on YouTube.

Here is an article from  UU World about it.

This year we will have two daily blog posts each day, one that will have ideas for activities for each principle and one with a devotion for the day.

 

Hope you enjoy celebrating this unique holiday with us.

Namaste,
Cricket

Broken Hallelujah

CZ

broken-hallelujah

Bring your broken hallelujah here.

Bring your broken hallelujah here.
Bring the large one that is beyond
Repair. Bring the small one that’s
too soft to share. Bring your broken
Hallelujah here. I know that people
Have told you that before you can give
You have to get yourself together. They
Overstated the value of perfection by a
Lot. Or they forgot. You are the gift.
We all bring some broken things, songs
and dreams, and long lost hopes. But
here, and together, we reach within.
As a community, we begin again. And
from the pieces we will build something new.
There is work that only you can do. We
wait for you.

-Theresa I. Soto

 

My friend Theresa wrote this and I thought that is was too perfect not to share. Hope that you all find it as comforting as I did.

Blessings of Peace,
Cricket

The 3rd principle in a post election world

CZ

“Our third UU principle says we will affirm and promote acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations. Are there some ways to encourage one another that don’t sound like judgment or advice?” 

These words were a part of the sermon delivered by Rev. Meg Barnhouse this past Sunday.  For me it it was a needed reminder that we have to remain true to ourselves and how we can still do that while upholding out principles. Below are links to the podcast and the transcript of the sermon.

Namaste, 
Cricket 

http://podplayer.net/#/?id=25054421 via @PodcastAddict

Acceptance and encouragement

What do you need right now?

LinkLdeG

What do you need right now dear ones? How are we going to get through this?

Maybe you’re in shock. Maybe you’re pissed as hell. Maybe you’re weeping. Maybe you’re numb and trying to do all the normal things. Maybe you’re hiding in bed.

All of these reactions are totally normal. There is nothing that makes this ok, because hate is not ok and greed is not ok and violence are not ok. Electing a president who is overtly racist, sexist, violent and endlessly greedy is not an ok thing to do. We all know these next four years won’t be ok.

Blue Boat » What do you need right now?
http://blueboat.blogs.uua.org/2016/11/09/what-do-you-need-right-now/

Help Us Never to Forget | UUA.org

CZ

http://www.uua.org/worship/braverwiser/help-us-never-forget

This week’s Braver/Wiser message comes from Rev. Daniel Gregoire.

“I hope we choose our elected officials wisely, because much is at stake this time around. In the sanctuary of the voting booth, I hope we choose the power of Love above all else. Whatever the outcome on Tuesday—and the next day—we are one nation; one family whatever our political views.”
Take heart. Take a deep breath. But please get out there and vote.

Namaste, 

Cricket