First Signs ~

And inside, things are already happening: hope, strength, expectation . . .

Courageous Women ~

In Germany we presently have two heroes:

The Bishop of the German Protestant Church, Margaret Kässmann, who was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol [alcohol content of 0.154 percent] and going through a red light. She admitted that she had made a grave mistake and she willed to pay the price. No attempt at covering up. She immediately resigned from her high position as the first woman bishop in Germany. "You cannot fall deeper than into God's hand", were her words.

The second is Sabine Leutheusser-Schnarrenberger, Head of the Department of Justice in Germany. She challenges the bishops of Germany to quit covering up cases of pedophilia and to start working hand in hand with civil authorities.

Looking Forward ~

Outside my window it is bitter cold, the snow is drifted high on the lawn but the chickadees are out there checking out the birdhouse in the maple tree.

Practice Dying ~

I went back and asked the Old Monk why I should try to practice dying. He said when we die we are in a state in which we have shed everything worldly. Only at that moment are we ready to receive God.