Our selves, and our homes, can be "temples of God". We are "living stones of His Temple" each with our own "inner monastery" of contemplations, prayers & praises.
¶ All gardens and green places, upon the earth, are part of the whole earth garden. The original garden was completely at peace (gen 1:30) long before nature turned cruel. And the finished or completed garden will be also... "each (person) will abide under their own vine (and fruit tree)... no one will bother them..." Micah 4:3,4 "...the lion will eat straw like the ox... the bear will graze with the cow... there will be no hurting in all my holy mountain" (kingdom). Isaiah 11:7,9.
¶ The gardens of a fruitful, Spirit filled monastery have many well worn paths, trees and flowers. Surely vegetables and wild flowers are part of the landscape.
¶ Perhaps one or two chickens live there and peck along the paths and in the gardens. ...And a huge, furry dog; and three large lazy cats.
¶ The paths are for reverie and contemplations, and the quiet nooks and crannies with benches, are for prayers and meditations... There's a creek for fishing, or for just listening to..
¶ There are grass fields where it feels like past, future and present all meet. Spiritual mirages such as a herd of antelope, or lions stretching in the sun, are not uncommon.
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¶ The 'part' of the Original Spirit of all Life, which cannot help but shine and bless forth from the center (of all that is) and is with man and earth, is known as the third mystery person of the trinity
- the sustaining, nurturing, deeply caring,
caressing, (weeping), singing, dancing for joy, Holy Ghost.
¶ In the deep quietness and peace of prayer and reverence, we find this joyful presence of the Father - the breath of life.
¶ It is the Spirit and Presence of the creator and source of all life, in whom "we live and move and have our being". It is the Spirit and Presence of God (YHWH) in our heart which cries "Abba! Father, my Father!" and this is the "Seal of God on our heart", the "proof of His ownership" and "promise of all that is to come"! (Romans 8:14-16; 2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13,14)
¶ Times in nature are very special, for nature is a reflection of God's beauty and majesty, and is a cathedral which lifts the heart to prayer. Places, nooks, and corners of restful retreat encourage quietness of heart and mind, and inspire a listening ear and communion via His holy Bread of Life, and His Holy Spirit. (Bible reading and through prayer, the Holy Ghost teaching and leading our understanding, which we find to be overflowing with "treasures both old and new".)
¶ Life can keep us busy, but there is great benefit, in such set apart times of day, "in season and out of season", even as it was Jesus' practice to do. If you never return here, I hope that I can impress upon you the importance of seeking, and searching for, and habitually yielding to, the history changing, Judeo/Christian, benevolent Father God. He is the highest dreams and expectations of all. "All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD, and all families will rejoice in Him" Psalm 22:27.
"Call upon Me, and I will answer you and show you
great and mighty things which you know not" Jeremiah 33:3
"I have loved you with an everlasting love, and with
lovingkindness have I drawn thee" Jeremiah 31:3
"He will joy over you with singing" Zephaniah 3:17.
