Married, Father, United
It is advisable to refrain from
pursing riches.
Continual handling and sharpening
wears away the most durable things.
If the house is full of jewels,
who will protect it?
Wealth is a burden
that needs too much care.
To stop when good work is done
is the way of Heaven.
1. Serenity
2. Core
3. Truth
4. Faith
5. Works
A part of the Daily Study Bible Series which had a lot of very good information, some very interesting asides, and some very strange historical conjecture. It took me a very long time to get through this 222 page book, but in the end I think I learned something from this series that I could not have learned anywhere else. I am glad that I read it.
Avoiding distinctions of merit
prevents quarreling.
Not setting a value on rare things
prevents theft.
Not overly indulging the senses
brings peace.
Thus the Sage teaches
by ridding the heart of desire,
by providing nourishment and strength.
Being of non-action,
The Sage is respected by all.
1. Listen to the sounds of nature
2. Do not react
3. Do not respond
4. Be present at moments of stress
5. Be of service to family
This is a good sign. Lisa has been sick for a long time. Jack is just getting better. I am moving more into a leadership roll inside my family and it is nice to get a message that with love and kindness and focused attention things may work out best for everyone.
In the first age of mankind
the people had respect for their superiors.
In the second age
they served and flattered them.
In the third age they feared them.
In the fourth age they despised them.
Where love is lacking, trust does not arise.
How careful we must be in our attitudes!
When we have acted from love
we know we are true.
One who knows others is wise.
Knowing oneself, one is enlightened.
One who conquers others is strong.
Conquering oneself, one is awakened.
One who is well satisfied is rich.
One who has no objective is at ease.
One who can easily change remains secure.
One who dies without being corrupted
Enjoys a good old age.
1. Return
2. Do not form
3. Learn in boredom
4. Share what you have
5. Feel authentic
First of all it must be understood that it is the duty of all
Christians – especially of those whose calling dedicates them to
the spiritual life – to strive always and in every way to be
united with God, their creator, lover, benefactor, and their
supreme good, by Whom and for Whom they were created. This is
because the center and the final purpose of the soul, which God
created, must be God Himself alone, and nothing else – God whom
Whom the soul has received its life and its nature, and for Whom
it must eternally live.
David Given Schwarm 