Over the last couple weeks we’ve had some pretty involved discussions here on blogging and online marketing. I feel the need to take a step back, to take a spiritual breather. I thought I’d share a few quotes from a profoundly moving book I’m reading, Life of the Beloved: Spiritual Living in a Secular World
“When the deepest currents of our life no longer have any influence on the waves at the surface, then our vitality will eventually ebb, and we will end up listless and bored even when we are busy.”
“When we keep claiming the light, we will find ourselves becoming more and more radiant. What fascinates me so much is that every time we decide to be grateful it will be easier to see new things to be grateful for. Gratitude begets gratitude, just as love begets love.”
“It is remarkable how easy it is to bless others, to speak good things to and about them, to call forth their beauty and truth, when you yourself are in touch with your own blessedness.”
“Our greatest fulfillment lies in giving ourselves to others. Although it often seems that people give only to receive, I believe that, beyond all our desires to be appreciated, rewarded, and acknowledged, there lies a simple and pure desire to give.”
These beautiful words are my gift to you today. Do they help you feel the deep currents of your life?
Brad,
I love these quotations! Thank you so much for putting them up. They so very well describe the character of your blog and blogging – making wordsell a very special blog.
Ullas last blog post..Arabian Beauty
Hi Ulla, They are lovely thoughts, aren’t they? I never saw any connection to my blog, but your noticing a connection makes me feel very special indeed. Thank you for that gift.
Brad Shorrs last blog post..Spiritual Renewal Monday
Brad, what a lovely way to start the week, thank you.
This sentence in particular jumped out at me.
“Gratitude begets gratitude, just as love begets love.”
When I think of what I’ve learned, the most, from my friends online (your good self included) it’s the power and value of the practice of gratitude.
So… thank you!
Joanna Youngs last blog post..Your Social Media Neighbourhood: Are You Keeping Good Company?
A great way to spend my lunchtime, just reading these quotes. Thank you!
Joely Blacks last blog post..Meeting myself as I was then
Hi Joanna, Gratitude is an easy habit to get into … one of Nouwen’s themes in this book.
Hi Joely, Thank you for visiting & commenting on Word Sell. I’m glad these words helped you and Joanna get the week off on the right foot.
Brad Shorrs last blog post..Spiritual Renewal Monday
Brad,
I especially like the one about the deep currents and the waves at the surface – a wonderful metaphore for the description of shallowness and lack of direction which does not represent a sustainable situation.
Speaking for myself, I feel that it is important for me to take a little time out every now and then just to reflect, give thanks to the lord for every blessing which I have been given.
God has given me many great things in life, and I do not feel that it is too much to ask for me just to reflect on these things every now and show an attitude of gratefulness in return.
Andrews last blog post..Four rants about AIG’s ‘poor performance’ bonus
Andrew, From your blog I got the impression your recent holiday was a spiritually refreshing journey. Taking the time is so important.
Brad Shorrs last blog post..Spiritual Renewal Monday
Brad, I cannot think of a better way to start a brand new week than by living these beautiful words you have shared. Yes they do help me feel the deep currents of my life. Coming out of my own desert season, these words particularly touch my heart and articulate the overwhelming sense of gratitude I have been feeling. They are indeed a gift and I want to personally thank you for sharing them.
Karen Swims last blog post..Silent No More
Thanks, Karen. It seemed a bit counterintuitive to publish a spiritual post on a Monday, when most of us are refocusing on work. But now, thanks to comments like yours, I’m glad I did it this way.
Brad Shorrs last blog post..Spiritual Renewal Monday
As my wife would say, breath, reflect, now back to work. Thanks for the breath of fresh air Brad.
Fred H Schlegels last blog post..Fear, Banking and Bring On The Wolves
Yes, they do help.
Kellys last blog post..Grace in Small Things – 50
Hi Kelly, Fred – Maybe next week I’ll post some more … the book is full of inspiration.
Brad Shorrs last blog post..Spiritual Renewal Monday
Very nice “spiritual breather”, Brad. (Nothing wrong with a little additional renewal the day after Sunday.) The quotations you shared are terrific and they make me want to check out the book.
Hi Brad – I love that quote. And I hope you have a good break. Does that mean you won’t be blogging for a while?
Hi Mark, The book is wonderful. I’ve just discovered Nouwen and am on another one of his books now, also great. Hope you are doing well.
Hi Cath, Nope, still blogging. Back to marketing and writing issues tomorrow. How have you been?
Brad Shorrs last blog post..Spiritual Renewal Monday
That is good – I thought you were going to be having a complete rest. I’ve been good thanks. I did feel as though I’d missed part of the year with being ill and stuff in January and February but I’m slowly catching up.
Cath Lawsons last blog post..Do You Give A Toss If You Offend People?
Brad,
I read this a while back and wanted to comment at the time, but so many outside pressures conspired against it and I never managed to find the time. Just thought I’d take a moment today to tell you what a source of refreshment this post has been — both the last time I read it and today, when I reread it.
Thanks for the inspiration to look within, reassess, and recognize the non-temporal realities we so easily overlook.
This post is indeed a lovely gift.
Thanks!
Jeanne
Hi Jeanne, These quotes are worth reading and rereading. Glad you had a chance to enjoy them.
Brad Shorrs last blog post..Does Your Website Scare Customers Away?