20 August 2023
 The song 'Head Above Water' by Avril Lavigne reflects themes of struggle, strength, and faith in the face of challenging circumstances. The lyrics convey a sense of being overwhelmed by difficulties, yet seeking the strength to overcome them and keep moving forward. The song's central message is one of resilience and the determination to stay afloat amidst adversity. |
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11 August 2023
 In the original film Shrek, Shrek talks to the donkey about being like an onion with layers. Stating “Ogres are like onions. We both have layers.”Each of us have these layers that need to be stripped away. Sometimes these layers unnecessary as they are, allow us to operate and exist in various settings such as at work, at school, or in our family environments. We have different roles and different expectations. We may even behave differently. |
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10 August 2023
 'Fix You' by Coldplay is a song that conveys themes of comfort, support, and healing in times of difficulty and despair. The lyrics suggest a deep empathy for someone who is struggling, facing challenges, or experiencing emotional pain. The singer offers to be there for the person, metaphorically using the idea of 'fixing' to represent offering solace, guidance, and emotional support to help them overcome their troubles.Throughout the song, there is a recurring motif of 'lights guiding you home' and 'igniting your bones,' which symbolize hope, guidance, and renewal. The message is about being a source of strength for someone during their darkest moments, and the song encourages the listener to keep pushing forward, even when life feels overwhelming or when faced with loss and heartache.In essence, 'Fix You' is about the power of love, compassion, and empathy to help mend emotional wounds and bring light to difficult situations. |
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04 August 2023
 Recently I was sitting outside of a coffee shop waiting while my wife ordered coffee inside. From a distance I overheard two older men in their late 60s talk about business, management and how they can more effectively direct people to do things and be productive. They used words like “2IC” or “second in command”. I reflected silently to myself, “when you are on your death bed, will you care about these things?” and “have they entered the second half of life in a Jungian psychological sense?” When life seems to have fallen apart. Where our systems and or ways of seeing things seem to no longer work. In the Second Half of Life through individuation each person tries to integrate things of deeper of value things which may have been sub conscious through our personal choices and our sense of who we are. Our identity. |
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30 July 2023
 There is a rich tradition within the Christian churches of chanting and singing to God. Saint Augustine said “that when you sing you pray twice”. |
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21 July 2023
 In this captivating interview, Irish poet and philosopher John O'Donoghue emphasizes the human calling to embrace beauty. With a deep fascination for the inner human landscape and the interconnectedness of the visible and invisible worlds, O'Donoghue's words continue to resonate even after his untimely passing in 2008. His works, such as 'Anam Cara' and 'Bless the Space Between Us,' have touched hearts worldwide, bringing ancient mystical wisdom to contemporary longings and uncertainties. Growing up in the limestone landscape of County Clare, Western Ireland, O'Donoghue found himself immersed in a world where the divine manifested everywhere and in everything. |
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12 July 2023
 In our modern Western culture, it is all too common to compartmentalize various aspects of our lives. We tend to view ourselves through the lenses of our professions, roles, and identities, even how we are feeling in one moment often forgetting the interconnectedness of each part. As Lay Marists, we are called to embrace an integrated life, where our roles as teachers, parents, and members of the community may merge more harmoniously. |
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03 July 2023
 In a world inundated with distractions and illusions, it can be challenging to discern what is truly real. As Christians, we are called to seek the truth and embrace authenticity in all aspects of life. Recently, I had a thought-provoking experience that highlighted the stark contrast between the reality of homelessness and the façade of materialism. We explore the significance of encountering the real and how it can deepen our understanding of faith and compassion. |
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14 June 2023
 Brené Brown reflects on their deep admiration for a person referred to as 'my Angela,' who has been their constant source of guidance and inspiration throughout their life. They express their love and appreciation for my Angela's work, except for one quote that has bothered them for decades. The quote suggests that freedom comes from belonging nowhere, which contradicts Brené Brown's understanding of the importance of love and belonging in human suffering. However, upon further exploration, Brené Brown discovers a deeper meaning behind my Angela's words. True belonging, as my Angela explains in an interview, is a spiritual practice that involves finding sacredness in both being a part of something and having the courage to stand alone, even if it means disagreeing or having different opinions. Brené Brown concludes that belonging everywhere and nowhere is liberating. |
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02 June 2023
 Living the virtue of simplicity as a Christian in a complex and materialistic world can be challenging, but it is possible with conscious effort and a focus on your faith. Here are some suggestions for embracing simplicity in various aspects of life. |
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28 May 2023
 This sermon by Tim Keller begins with an apology for the upcoming message, acknowledging the contrast between the joyful worship service and the dark theme of Psalm 88 that will be discussed. The speaker highlights that while the psalms often end with a note of hope, Psalm 88 does not, making it a unique and challenging prayer. The psalm teaches four lessons: darkness can last a long time for a believing Christian, dark times are an opportunity to learn about the grace of God, greatness can be cultivated in dark times, and darkness can be put into perspective. The sermon emphasizes the realism of Christianity, cautioning against false expectations and highlighting the mercy of understanding the reality of suffering. The speaker also discusses how the psalmist's desperate prayer, though not perfect, is included in the Bible as a testament to God's understanding and grace. The sermon concludes by suggesting that dark times are not only places of learning but also opportunities for personal growth and the development of greatness. |
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28 May 2023
 Spend 20 minutes mindfully colouring this artwork. Print the PDF and share this as a family, school or community. |
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27 May 2023
 Spend 20 minutes mindfully colouring this artwork. Print the PDF and share this as a family, school or community. |
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21 May 2023
 Spend 20 minutes mindfully colouring this artwork. Print the PDF and share this as a family, school or community. |
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14 May 2023
 Spend 20 minutes mindfully colouring this artwork. Print the PDF and share this as a family, school or community. |
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08 May 2023
 Spend 20 minutes mindfully colouring this artwork. Print the PDF and share this as a family, school or community. |
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07 May 2023
 Spend 20 minutes mindfully colouring this artwork. Print the PDF and share this as a family, school or community. |
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06 May 2023
 Spend 20 minutes mindfully colouring this artwork. Print the PDF and share this as a family, school or community. |
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07 March 2023
 One star burns in the darkness. Shines with the promise, Emmanuel. One child born in the stillness. Living within us, Emmanuel |
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05 February 2023
 Show me Your ways. That I may walk with You. Show me Your ways. I put my hope in You. |
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04 January 2023
 Many tensions within a relationships can be looked at within a concept used within psychotherapy. The idea of rupture and repair. For psychotherapists every moment can be a moment of frustration or rupture. When we suffer a loss of trust within another person in someone we can safely deposit our love and where we believe who can be kind and understanding of our needs. The ruptures can be quite small and the outside observers and outside observers see them as imperceptible. |
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04 January 2023
 I call upon my guardian angel, to be more active in my life. In moments of doubt and concern, encourage me to step out of my comfort zone. Challenge me Guardian Angel, to be more motivated in my life To get off the couch of laziness. |
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30 December 2022
 Where are You now. When darkness seems to win? Where are You now. When the world is crumbling? |
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30 December 2022
 An intimate message from God to you. |
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29 December 2022
 About ten years ago I was invited to dinner by a familyin Cincinnati (it's always nice to invite the pastor). This niceItalian family had three charming children. The youngestwas named Christopher; he had big brown eyes, and hehad just learned to run. After dinner he ran through theliving room and fell down the stairs. But we didn't heara sound or any crying, so we were very worried becausewe didn't know whether he had injured himself. |
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29 December 2022
 Whatever happened to wild Mary to that spirited village woman who brokethe chains and shattered the moulds that tried to tame and angel her? |
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29 December 2022
 Free PRINTABLE bookmark you could give away as a gift - Thank you, God for creating me and for Loving me. Your love is so powerful yet so gentle. Your life giving grace catches me when I stumble, encourages me when I fail, and assures me that I can do better. |
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22 December 2022
 How great the chasm that lay between us. How high the mountain I could not climb. In desperation, I turned to heaven. And spoke your name into the night. Then through the darkness. Your loving kindness. Tore through the shadows of my soul. The work is finished, the end is written. Jesus Christ, my living hope |
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05 December 2022
 Dear ALL, We are looking for your favourite cooking recipes to share with other Marists.As we are getting closer to Christmas, it is great to share these recipes with each other.Please write the title, then List the Ingredients First and Second List the methods or steps to follow.See the examples below.Please click on “Add to conversation”.Thank youMarist Laity Australia |
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02 December 2022
 The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings, but shorter tempers; wider freeways, but narrower view points; we spend more, but have less; we buy more,
but enjoy it less.
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02 December 2022
 Could you please share a “December Prayer Intention” for Marists and other Christians can pray for? |
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30 November 2022
 A small, wooden flute, an empty, hollow reed, rests in her silent hand. it awaits the breath of one who creates song through its open form. |
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29 November 2022
 For I know the plans I haveFor I made you beautifulFor I know the plans I have for youWon't you open up your heartStand & watch my grace aboundFor I know the plans I have for you(They’re good) |
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20 November 2022
 Could you please share a “November Prayer Intention” for Marists and other Christians can pray for? |
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20 November 2022
 We are looking for your favourite cooking recipes to share with other Marists. |
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30 October 2022
 Pilgrim, how you journey. On the road you chose. To find out why the winds die. And where the stories go. All days come from one day. That much you must know. You cannot change what's over. But only where you go. |
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27 October 2022
 You were the Word at the beginning. One with God the Lord Most High. Your hidden glory in creation. Now revealed in You our Christ. |
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22 October 2022
 There's torn up pages in this book. Words that tell me I'm no good. Chapters that defined me for so long. But the hands of grace and endless love. Dusted off and picked me up. Told my heart that hope is never gone |
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21 October 2022
 Overcoming bad inner voices. We don't often think about it and may never discuss it with others at all, but pretty much everyone has voices in their heads. A murmuring stream of thoughts that run along our minds most of the time. Sometimes the inner voices are encouraging calling you to run those final few yards. 'You are nearly there. Keep going. Keep going'. Or urging you to come down because you know it will be okay in the end. But sometimes, the inner voice is not very nice at all. It is defeatist, punitive and panic ridden, and humiliating. It does not represent anything like our best insights or most mature capacities. |
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10 July 2022
 I am going to teach you another way to process emotions. This is a powerful way to process all the jumble of emotions that are all up in your head. Therapists have this phrase 'make the implicit explicit'. You might think you are doing something wrong. But what the academics are saying take something inside your head and to make it clear. Solid. External. Something you can physically touch almost. One thing that is common among all therapy is making the implicit explicit. Taking the vague and making it solid. This is an effective way to solve problems. To resolve internal conflicts and too sooth painful emotions. |
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08 July 2022
 For many, the spiritual life may not seem to require the presence of a writing utensil, but some Catholic groups are encouraging journaling in connection with one’s faith to bring about fruitful spiritual progress in the lives of individual Catholics. |
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08 July 2022
 The year of 1992 changed my life because my English teacher asked me to get a second exercise book and start journaling at the beginning of each lesson for 10 minutes. For the past 30 years I have kept a journal. Through the ups and the downs. Especially in difficult moments. Keeping a journal has helped me process my emotions. When someone has died. Breaking up with a girlfriend. Losing a job. Changing jobs. Dealing with major family issues. Mental illness. COVID. The list could go on. |
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03 July 2022
 Our True self is who we really are. Who we are before God. In contrast our false self is who we think we are. It is our mental self-image and social agreement, which most people spend their lives living up to |
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03 July 2022
 Steve Biddulph likes to remind us that humans are 'big sensitive mammals' with needs for connection and self awareness. |
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18 June 2022
 Many of our sensations are like bells which may not have no solid hard wire back to our consciousness. They ring at a peculiar frequency that is not picked up by our minds when these have been attuned incorrectly. This may for example, happen around tiredness. Our body may have growth extremely weary over many years, but consciousness may not be simply interested because it has been calibrated only to an agenda which sets store by a fast paced pursuit of status and money. |
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11 March 2022
 Are you running round in circles with no place to go?Is there a person in the mirror you don't even know?Someone still sees who you are |
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26 January 2022
 Wake up and smile 'cause it's been awhile. It's been like a whole day since I stopped so You could hold meThis child awaits, strong in the faith. Lord you are the refuge that I can't wait to get to'Cause I can't let a day go. Can't let a day go by. Without thanking you for the joy that you bring to my life. |
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03 January 2022
 God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference... |
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06 December 2021
 John Foley, S.J. Patience, people, till the Lord is come. |
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17 November 2021
 Slow down. Won't you stay here a minute more. I know you want to walk through the door. But it's all too fast. Let's make it last a little while. I pointed to the sky and now you wanna fly. I am your biggest fan. I hope you know I am. But do you think you can somehow. Slow down |
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12 October 2021
 Lord of all creation. Lord of water, earth and sky. The heavens are your Tabernacle. Glory to the Lord on high |
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09 October 2021
 In 2020 there are estimates that people world-wide spent $152 billion on computer games. Most of these computer games promote violence. Some of these top games include Hitman 3, Resident Evil Village and Deathloop 2021. These games simulate killing where users glorify murder. |
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09 October 2021
 At Candlelight May this Sabbath lift our spirits, lighten our hearts.Washing the Hands: Washing the hands, We call to mind the Holiness of the body. |
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05 October 2021
 Dear God, We celebrate the dawning of spring. As the sun rises on a new day, and as the rain of winter is blown away, may we awaken to the new life deep from within. |
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25 September 2021
 Can we accept our imperfections? What philosophies can we take to recognise the nature of our humanity both fragile and sometimes not perfect. This will allow ourselves to be ourselves and less defensive. With a philosophy of acceptance. Our pains fit into a broader picture. |
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19 September 2021
 Remember those walls I built. Well, baby, they're tumbling down. And they didn't even put up a fight. They didn't even make a sound |
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15 September 2021
 By Big Daddy Weave. I see the work of Your hands. Galaxies spin in a heavenly dance, oh God. All that You are is so overwhelming.
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13 September 2021
 The theologian and ecologist Thomas Berry says, 'We are talking only to ourselves. We are not talking to the rivers, we are not listening to the wind and stars. We have broken the great conversation. By breaking that conversation we have shattered the universe. Berry goes on to say, “The universe is a communion of subjects, not a collection of objects.” |
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05 September 2021
 By Chris Tomlin. Oh, I've heard a thousand stories of what they think You're like. But I've heard the tender whisper of love in the dead of night. And You tell me that You're pleased and that I'm never alone |
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20 August 2021
 Macks daughter was brutally killed by a man. Through an encounter in the shack where Mack tries to find the killer of his child, he is knocked unconscious and has an encounter where he meets the Trinity or God. |
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03 August 2021
 You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains.You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas. I am strong, when I am on your shoulders. You raise me up to more than I can be. |
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01 August 2021
 Lord I come, I confess. Bowing here, I find my rest. Without You, I fall apart. You're the one that guides my heart. |
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01 August 2021
 It’s perfectly normal to feel weak, lost, and unable to cope. Here is a collection of thoughts to remind us of our inner reserves of resilience. |
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31 July 2021
 An inspirational scene and encounter with God. Where Mack is suffering because of the death of his daughter. God appears as a woman and tries to convey the love she has for Mack. Mack doubts.. |
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09 July 2021
 Listen to a 10 minute guided meditation on letting go and trusting God. |
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09 July 2021
 Peace be still. Say the word and I will. Set my feet upon the sea. Till I'm dancing in the deep. Peace be still. You are here so it is well. Even when my eyes can't see. I will trust the voice that speaks |
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19 June 2021
 Jesus poses the question to his followers “Who do you say I am?” in Matthew 16:13-16, Mark 8:27-29, and Luke 9:18-20. When we listen to the question, we hear a surface level answer “some say John the Baptist, still others Elijah, while others one of the prophets”. But Jesus is looking for a deeper answer “who do you say I am?” Simon responds, “You are the Messiah”. But in in effect the Messiah was something they did not expect. Jesus was not a political Messiah who would free Jews from the Romans. But are we today to answer also with surface level answers? Jesus’ is someone far beyond our words or labels. In effect, the question is an existential question. A question which could have an infinite ending. When Moses asks the burning bush for a name God answers, “I am who I am” (Exodus 3:14). |
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18 June 2021
 I was sure by now. God, You would have reached down. And wiped our tears away. Stepped in and saved the day. And once again. I say, 'A-men' and it's still rainin'
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18 June 2021
 We are all sailing across the sea of life. Some of you are sailing across a storm right now. God didn’t promise smooth sailing. But, he did promise you will reach the other side. Some of you have lost your jobs. Some of you are going through a marriage crisis. Some of you are experiencing business failures. Some of you are going through a time of illness. Some of you have experienced unexpected tragedy. It is like lightning striking you out of a clear blue heaven. What can we learn from chaos? |
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06 June 2021
 Pray with the healing power of Christ. In twelfth century German Saint Hildegard of Bingen had a vision of a “man in sapphire blue” whom she named as Christ who is present in all things. Christ is “the son of justice having the lightning of burning love and existing with such glory that every creature becomes illuminated by the brightness of his light.” He bends “compassionately in the direction of the poverty of the human race.” We become that Blue Man; we become the compassionate Christ; we become the radiance of God. |
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28 May 2021
 Studies have also found that writing in a journal can lead to better sleep, a stronger immune system, more self-confidence and a higher I.Q. |
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28 May 2021
 A 30 day project of seeing whether journalling works... |
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23 May 2021
 Holy Spirit, You are welcome here. Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere. Your glory, God, is what our hearts long forTo be overcome by Your presence, Lord |
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09 May 2021
 Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.Life is beauty, admire it. Life is bliss, taste it. Life is a dream, realize it. Life is a challenge, meet it. |
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19 April 2021
 There is a vehement passion in man. That propels him to search for God. In these days, This drive, as it appears, Is inarticulate, And dimly realised. |
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18 April 2021
 When you stop comparing yourself to others, you can accomplish great things, says wheelchair athlete Dean Furness. He shares how, after losing the use of his legs in an accident, he discovered a powerful new mindset focused on redefining his 'personal average' and getting better little by little. |
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13 April 2021
 When a bowl is broken in Japan, it's put back together with the cracks being filled with gold, creating a beautiful lining. This is to emphasize the beauty in what was once broken, they believe that when something has suffered damage and has a history. It makes it more beautiful and the same goes for human beings, everything that you're going through. |
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23 March 2021
 Spend 3 minutes in meditation with Dadirri. Aboriginal spirituality of Deep Listening. Guided by Aboriginal Elder Miriam Rose. |
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20 March 2021
 By Chadwick Boseman. Sometimes you need to get knocked down before you. Can really figure out what your fight is. And how you need to fight it. Sometimes you need to feel the pain and sting of defeat. To active the real passion. And purpose that GOD predestined inside of you. GOD says in jeremiah. |
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16 March 2021
 By Switchfoot. When it feels like surgery. And it burns like third degree. And you wonder what is it worth?When your inside's breaking in. And you feel that ache again. And you wonder what's giving birth? |
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03 March 2021
 This is a great breathing exercise for both adults and children to help alleviate anxiety. Basic breathing exercises that encourage breath control can help release stress. Feel free to modify it so it suits your comfort level and needs. |
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03 March 2021
 There goes my heart beating. 'Cause you are the reason. I'm losing my sleep. Please come back now.There goes my mind racing.And you are the reason. That I'm still breathing. I'm hopeless now. |
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02 March 2021
 I donot want you shooting this ball around with you all night. |
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28 February 2021
 By Parker Palmer. We live in a world where to let our own identity and integrity reveal itself. We build this wall partly for interior reasons. As we grow older, we work our way through a series of institutions. Especially, schools and the workplace. Where we are actively taught to keep that wall high, wide and thick. |
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27 February 2021
 Every moment and every event of every person’s life on earth plants something in her or his soul. For just as the wind carries thousands of winged seeds, so each moment brings with it germs of spiritual vitality that come to rest imperceptibly in the minds and wills of men and women. |
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26 February 2021
 In the end what matters most is:How well did you live? How well did you love? How well did you learn to let go? |
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25 February 2021
 Today, O Lord, I yield myself to you. May your will be my delight today. May your way have perfect sway in me. May your love be the pattern of my living. |
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25 February 2021
 Sacred silence, Holy ocean. Gentle waters, washing over me. Help me listen, Holy Spirit. Come and speak to me. God my father, Christ my brother |
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20 February 2021
 By Parker Palmer. Whenever I speak to people about soul I always try and acknowledge the fact that this is one of those words has to be held very lightly because it points towards a mystery. It is a mystery which nobody has the true name or the real story. |
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17 February 2021
 Jesus, I come into the warmth of your presence knowing that you are the very emptiness of God. I come before you holding the water jar of my life. Your eyes meet mine and I know what I'd rather not know. |
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31 January 2021
 Want to be happy? Be grateful | David Steindl-Rast. The one thing all humans have in common is that each of us wants to be happy, says Brother David Steindl-Rast, a monk and interfaith scholar. And happiness, he suggests, is born from gratitude. An inspiring lesson in slowing down, looking where you're going, and above all, being grateful. |
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25 January 2021
 An inspiration song by Shawn Mendes about wondering. To be loved by a significant other. Is this significant other .... God? |
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20 January 2021
 An Amazing version of Amazing Grace by Garth Brooks Garth Brooks performs 'Amazing Grace' at Joe Biden's inauguration. |
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16 January 2021
 Blessed be the longing that brought you here and that quickens your soul with wonder. May you have the courage to befriend your eternal longing. May you enjoy the critical and creative companionship of the question: 'Who am I?' and may it brighten your longing. |
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26 December 2020
 A picture of two little penguins cuddling as the lights of Melbourne's CBD twinkle in the background has won a top photography award. German photographer Tobias Baumgaertner's image, taken at St Kilda in 2019, took out the community prize for Oceanographic magazine's Ocean Photograph Awards. |
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