Random Acts of Culture

Imagine you went shopping on Saturday, October 30th of this year- to Macy's in Philadelphia - the once magnificent Wanamaker's Department Store with its vast pipe organ at the store's "center court."    You are a bit surprised to see decorations for Christmas and in the midst of your shopping you hear the music from the organ.  Then suddenly you get hit with this "random act of culture."  Catch the expressions and sense of spontaneous worship. last Saturday - to Macy's in Philadelphia - the once magnificent Wanamaker's Department Store with its vast pipe organ at the store's "center court."    You are a bit surprised to see decorations for Christmas and in the midst of your shopping you hear the music from the organ.  Then suddenly you get hit with this "random act of culture."  Catch the expressions and sense of spontaneous worship.

Hear the music

 

Morning Light



When you worry and hurry 
through your day,
it is like an unopened gift,
thrown away.
Life is not a race.
Take it slower.
Hear the music
before the song is over.

What angels look like.

"IBUKU MALAIKATKU, (MY MOM MY ANGEL)"
   by Sashi Maritza Naya Prahita / CICI (age : 6),
   Crayon and Water Color on Paper, August 2010.
   Entered into the Japan International Children's Painting Competition 2010

Sashi, age 6, is a student of Daun Sanggarlukisanak's Children's Art School in Indonesia.

I asked and recieved

In an August, 2010 Journal entry I wrote as I prayed.

Please help me to keep a lifted spirit Oh Lord.
I trust in your goodness and grace
to guide me through my days.
Creating many opportunities to live the best life
I can to your Glory.

Help me see I plead.
Hold me close.
Never let me go.

The world is so loud.
This world is so confusing and messed up.
Help me quiet my mind so I can hear
your small still voice
speak to me.
I am listening.


Within a moments I heard the voice softly speak.

BE STILL

And then I was given the story of Jesus on the sea with his disciples. Which I felt drawn to instantly write in my own words in my journal.

Jesus and his disciples were on a boat at sea. They all had been asleep resting comfortably as they were at total ease on a calm sea. A storm awoke the disciples and panic struck them as their boat felt threatened by the turbulent waters, high winds and pounding rain. They were afraid for their lives and totally out of control of their once calm emotions. All had been well in their eyes and mind only a few minutes before.

Jesus was fast asleep and resting calmly which totally shocked them. They shook Jesus to alarm him of the danger they felt, as they thought it only appropriate that he as well should participate in their nightmare. When Jesus awoke and realized what was happening he was angry and perturbed. In exasperation he stood and demanded THAT ALL BE STILL!

Immediately the water calmed and the wind died. The men as well calmed as the storm dissolved before their eyes. They were in total awe. Awe at the power Jesus had just displayed. Among themselves they ask "Who is this man whom the sea and sky obey?"

Jesus is still exasperated with the whole situation and admonishes the group. "Why are you afraid you men of little faith? Where is your faith? You still don't get it do you? After all this time with me FEAR got the best of you. Don't you remember my words? BE NOT AFRAID." His command to "BE STILL!" was directed as much to the fears of the men as to the raging waters. As their fear had risen so had the storm.