Thanks, Engel, for sharing this meaningful piece of work. You have a beautiful family. In our humanity we do tend to let the things of this life consume us. Thanks for the reminder to allow God to center us, direct us, and be ever present in all of our decisions and actions. When we get side tracked by our own emotions, desires, concerns, and cares, it’s easy to lose the peace that comes from being totally in tune with God. It helps me to start each day with a quiet time of focusing on my relationship with him and orienting my plans to his guidance. Thanks, Graham, for another special guest and his beautiful writing.
God is love . The poem and explanation was absolutely beautiful . Great question today. When I’m feeling consumed by my life, how do I bring myself back to centre? It usually involves something simple like going for a walk at the beach watching the sunset or sunrise, this always helps to clear our minds from negative thoughts. Looking forward to the next zoom, I love it that it falls on a Sunday for us here in Australia . Thanks Graham and Engel, blessings to the both of you.🙏💖✨
Sharing a poem is like sharing a part of you. I appreciate your willingness to provide such personal insights. Your expression of love for your wife is quite touching, and it’s beautiful to see that you have such love in your life. This poem made me stop everything and reach deep inside, to what really matters. It is easy to be distracted by all that is happening in our lives and all around us and to lose touch with our center, where God dwells. How to get back there when distracted? Not an easy question to answer. What I have found is that I need to first quiet down….stop thinking, be still and keep quiet. Let God do the talking. It also helps to get active, whether it means a walk on the trail or running errands. Prayer and meditation are also important to help get me back to my centre. Thanks again, Engel, for sharing your poem!
Engel - beautiful poem. For me, my faith in God is always the centre of my being. God is the guiding light that leads me each and every day. The poem is a gentle reminder for me to stay focused on GOD and let him lead me down the path of life wherever that takes me. Thank you Engel for sharing this wonderful poem with us. Thank you also Graham. Safe travels. Cheers!
Engel thank you for your guest contribution to our forum. I just celebrated 45 years last week with my wife! My grandfather “fixed” me up w her- she was his bank teller and he had a things for blonds. He asked her if she was single and she said yes. Two hours later I called her I met her three days later and that was it. I never dated again, two months later I asked her to marry me and it took her 22 months to finally say yes!!! I felt totally consumed with my feelings but I knew reality had to remain present. She wanted to finish college I had two more years of med school and internship. Obsession is the product of not remaining in the present. Despite intense feelings life goes on and you must remain present and aware of who you are and what you want in life before you let relationships with others consume and cloud your judgement. I’ve spent my life as close to center: by doing so it takes little to turn straying magnetically to attract you back to the center. Guess that’s why 45 years later we are still in love and still enjoying life together!!
Thanks for sharing your love story with us Jeffrey. Your grandfather had great insight to see the 2 of you were compatible. My husband and I were set up by his 9 year old niece who I taught. She asked her mom if we could meet, left her lunch at home, he brought it to her and the rest is history. 💕
Jeffrey what a sweet love story!!! I loved it!!! Thanks for sharing. I was only 14 when I met my husband and he was 16. How can we fall in love so young and know that this is the person we want to spend the rest of our lives with? ???? Just like Amy and Ty we went though some up and downs but found our way back . But I always knew he was the one.
So beautifully written and a very good explanation Engle, thank you Graham for bringing a very special guest . Finding my center? I have always put God first, Love and my family. I promise myself not to let myself become so distracted by the woes and pulls of the world that I sublet the importance of refilling your spirit. I sometimes forget the omnipotent power of Holy Spirit and impotence of our own efforts when walking alone. These times can be trying and there are so many fears being pushed through the media , I turn it off , and I turn to God. No matter what our circumstances, are we overflowing with thank to God. I am thankful today . Lord thank you for never ending Grace and Love even when we don’t deserve it, today, refill each and everyone of us, let us desperately seek your touch, help us to be more intune with you today then when yesterday, let us turn it all over to you and not burden ourselves with loads that are too heavy to carry. “ Be humble yourself before the Lord and he will lift you up”. James 4:10 Cheers🙏❤️
Thanks! Engel for the beautiful poem and for sharing your love story for the poem.
When everyday life events start taking over, I have to tell myself first to stop take a step back, take a breathe or two, think about what is really going on, and let go of the things I can’t control. Then give those things over to God, trust that He will show me the steps I need to take. Taking walks, sitting silently in nature, taking a moment to appreciate what life has given me and my faith all help to bring me back to my center to fully appreciate the gift I’ve been given.
This quote from my favorite book Love Letters to the World also helps me.
I love this quote Linda! As I have gotten older I find myself doing just as the poem suggests. I love to look at the beautiful sky and contemplate the beauty and blessings God has given us.
I love the quote. It's so accurate. There's something about looking at the sky and also being in nature that makes you realize how awesome it is to be alive. Thanks for sharing.
What a nice surprise today!! Thank you Graham for sharing your friend Engel with us. Engel thank you for sharing this beautiful poem!! In addition to the Podcast Graham did with Engel last summer, I also watched the two of them together on Engel's Podcast several months ago. Graceful Living Podcast episode #4. Uncovering the Idea of God. Engel is so easy to listen to, such a soft, soothing voice. I also became all consumed with love at a very early life. Met my husband so young fell so madly in love that all I could think about was looking to the day we could marry. Definitely could say I was off center. How did I get back to reality??.. Breathe, concentrate, pray to God for his help to later get us where we wanted to be. Patience and faith in God guided us through all that we had to do before we could get to the place and life together we wanted. God was good to us . We will soon be married 56yrs. We most certainly have been blessed!!!!!❤❤❤ Thank you Graham for sharing!!
Oh I so needed these beautiful words today, we have just had to put our gorgeous dog of 13 1/2 yrs to sleep after he was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer. For the last few days I have been lost, but listening to Engel ‘s soothing words I am ready to allow God to centre me again🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Sorry for your loss Ann. I feel your pain, we have had to do that more time than I like over the years . It hurts so bad. The first time we experienced it I was a basket case. I couldn't even go to work the next day . I cried for weeks . It is the right thing to do when they are sick and in pain but it still hurts. Take care!!
Such a beautiful poem and even more beautiful explanation of what the words mean to you Engel. God is Love and as long as we have a love affair with Him, He will guide us and place people/opportunities in our path. When times are tough; I try to remember that I am a beloved child of God and there is nothing that can happen in this life that He can’t overcome. My soul is safe with Him and His love is the beginning and end of all I need. Thanks for the sharing such beautiful, meaningful words.
Engel this poem was absolutely beautiful it brought up so much emotion at one point in me I was crying for me my center is god I feel he’s with me always and I try to breath it’s what brings clarity Inyo my life ❤️
We are able to love because we are loved and shown love by God. Thank you Engel for sharing your love story with us. Such a beautiful love of two beautiful people. Can there be anything greater?
Life has a way of sidetracking us and Engel you ask how are we brought back to our center. For me I have wandered from center many times in my life and yet was able to find my way back. Maybe this was because I always had a strong faith. I grew up in a church where my grandfather had constructed the alter, my grandmother was the choir director and my other grandmother sat by my side each Sunday during worship. Church was a happy, music filled and joyous place! It was home for me and it was comfortable.
As years went by I continued going to church and bringing my children there. And then life took a turn, I was a single mom juggling a full time job, struggling to make ends meet, getting kids to their activities and keeping a frantic pace for so many years that I just let attending a physical church go.
At first there was a bit of guilt attached to that. But I came to peace with it. Church isn't God. I take my church with me. I talk to God in my bed at night and in my easy chair during the day. I speak to Him in the car sometimes or in a park gazing at the trees and birds. I have God with me because I have faith he is there. I'm not religious. I don't believe you find God in the walls or the doctrines of a church. I believe God is everywhere and he looks different to each of us.
So how do I get centered when I go off course you ask? I pray, I meditate and I have faith that I can get back there no matter how grim things seem at the time. I know I am loved and return to that love each and every time because God is love and never leaves my side.
Jody, Have you heard of Dr. David Jeremiah? He has a church and ministry in San Diego. He is a wonderful Bible pastor. I watch him on TBS and RFD. Check him out. God is with us no matter where we are, but the blessing of Christian fellowship is a gift from God. God commands His believers to gather together because He knows we need this fellowship and encouragement. I hope you will visit his church-Shadow Mountain Community Church in ElCajon. I wish I could visit it. I live in Illinois. Blessings
He is such an awesome messenger of God's word-a Bible scholar. The church is very big, but do not be overwhelmed. I am sure it is a wonderful church. I watch him most everyday in the morning. Let me know how you like him. You can listen to his podcast also but going to church is very special. Blessings. My email is linda@raderfamilyfarms.com
Thank you Engel for sharing you great poem with us! It spoke to me because sometimes I get so consumed with things in my life that I leave God out. But I always come back and ask for forgiveness! I put God back in the center of my life. That is where he belongs in the center. He is the hub of my life. But sometimes I get so bogged down that I forget to pray or read the Bible. Then I hear that small quit voice that says I am still here. It brings me back to him.
Life is so fast paced now. Everything is moving so fast and I say slow down and I go off by myself and have some alone time with the Lord and that brings my focus back to him. That is important that we take a few minutes each day by our self and spend time with the Lord. That is how I handle things when I am so busy and I forget God. I know that he is not gonna leave me where I am at. He always brings me back. Here is a thought that I found by Anne Graham Lots it is called Just Look To Jesus
Do you want to know what is on the mind of God?
Then look at Jesus!
Do you want to know the will of God?
The look at Jesus!
Do you want to know what is in the heart of God?
Then look at Jesus!
Jesus is the exact revelation of what is
on the mind
and in the heart
and in the will of God!
So in conclusion I just want to say that in life with all of it's confusion, chaos, that is in this world. We just need to look at Jesus!
God Bless you Engel!!! You have a beautiful family! Have a very blessed day!!!❤❤
I do the same thing Carolyn, things gets so hectic between running my own small business and running my household plus making time for my family and myself sometimes I forget to put the most important one first. I pray so hard and ask him for forgiveness. It always reminds me of the song “Jesus take the wheel”
Amazing poem. Thank you for sharing. I have found you have to love yourself before you can love anyone else. God is love . Thanks Graham for taking time to share your time . BLESSINGS TO YOU.
Engel thanks for this beautiful poem and it’s meaning to you. You know when i first read the poem my thought was centered around the times I look at the sun and the moon and how I am immediately affected…I close my eyes … relax as in deep thought … and say The Lords Prayer…and I say this beautiful prayer with such strong conviction and with such an intentional tone…and oh how such a moving feeling consumes my whole body. This is me coming to God and thanking Him for my many blessings…and showing Him my love. And this is my way of bringing myself back “to centre.” Thanks Graham for bringing Engel to us.
Thanks, Engel, for sharing this meaningful piece of work. You have a beautiful family. In our humanity we do tend to let the things of this life consume us. Thanks for the reminder to allow God to center us, direct us, and be ever present in all of our decisions and actions. When we get side tracked by our own emotions, desires, concerns, and cares, it’s easy to lose the peace that comes from being totally in tune with God. It helps me to start each day with a quiet time of focusing on my relationship with him and orienting my plans to his guidance. Thanks, Graham, for another special guest and his beautiful writing.
Thanks Engel for this poem of love and faith .
God is love . The poem and explanation was absolutely beautiful . Great question today. When I’m feeling consumed by my life, how do I bring myself back to centre? It usually involves something simple like going for a walk at the beach watching the sunset or sunrise, this always helps to clear our minds from negative thoughts. Looking forward to the next zoom, I love it that it falls on a Sunday for us here in Australia . Thanks Graham and Engel, blessings to the both of you.🙏💖✨
Sharing a poem is like sharing a part of you. I appreciate your willingness to provide such personal insights. Your expression of love for your wife is quite touching, and it’s beautiful to see that you have such love in your life. This poem made me stop everything and reach deep inside, to what really matters. It is easy to be distracted by all that is happening in our lives and all around us and to lose touch with our center, where God dwells. How to get back there when distracted? Not an easy question to answer. What I have found is that I need to first quiet down….stop thinking, be still and keep quiet. Let God do the talking. It also helps to get active, whether it means a walk on the trail or running errands. Prayer and meditation are also important to help get me back to my centre. Thanks again, Engel, for sharing your poem!
This is very helpful, Phillip. Thank you.
Engel - beautiful poem. For me, my faith in God is always the centre of my being. God is the guiding light that leads me each and every day. The poem is a gentle reminder for me to stay focused on GOD and let him lead me down the path of life wherever that takes me. Thank you Engel for sharing this wonderful poem with us. Thank you also Graham. Safe travels. Cheers!
Engel thank you for your guest contribution to our forum. I just celebrated 45 years last week with my wife! My grandfather “fixed” me up w her- she was his bank teller and he had a things for blonds. He asked her if she was single and she said yes. Two hours later I called her I met her three days later and that was it. I never dated again, two months later I asked her to marry me and it took her 22 months to finally say yes!!! I felt totally consumed with my feelings but I knew reality had to remain present. She wanted to finish college I had two more years of med school and internship. Obsession is the product of not remaining in the present. Despite intense feelings life goes on and you must remain present and aware of who you are and what you want in life before you let relationships with others consume and cloud your judgement. I’ve spent my life as close to center: by doing so it takes little to turn straying magnetically to attract you back to the center. Guess that’s why 45 years later we are still in love and still enjoying life together!!
Thanks for sharing your love story with us Jeffrey. Your grandfather had great insight to see the 2 of you were compatible. My husband and I were set up by his 9 year old niece who I taught. She asked her mom if we could meet, left her lunch at home, he brought it to her and the rest is history. 💕
OMG Vicky that is out of a movie!!! Like Sleepless in Seattle where the son is trying to get the father fixed up! ( I think I got the right movie!)
Let’s ask, nothing to lose and a lot to gain.
The tall one needs to play you, my husband was shorter. 😂
That’s literally a stretch!
Well, Jeffry, let’s make a movie. I wonder where we could find a good actor 🤔😍
Know who is not acting right now and another one who not working Dec to June think we can sign them?
Happy anniversary, Jeffry. My husband and I will celebrate 45 years in September!!
Tough road but we’ll work it
Thanks for sharing your beautiful 45 year love story with us Jeffry! So beautiful!
Jeffrey what a sweet love story!!! I loved it!!! Thanks for sharing. I was only 14 when I met my husband and he was 16. How can we fall in love so young and know that this is the person we want to spend the rest of our lives with? ???? Just like Amy and Ty we went though some up and downs but found our way back . But I always knew he was the one.
I love the way you express yourself, Jeffry. So clear and concise. Much love 💜 to you.
So beautifully written and a very good explanation Engle, thank you Graham for bringing a very special guest . Finding my center? I have always put God first, Love and my family. I promise myself not to let myself become so distracted by the woes and pulls of the world that I sublet the importance of refilling your spirit. I sometimes forget the omnipotent power of Holy Spirit and impotence of our own efforts when walking alone. These times can be trying and there are so many fears being pushed through the media , I turn it off , and I turn to God. No matter what our circumstances, are we overflowing with thank to God. I am thankful today . Lord thank you for never ending Grace and Love even when we don’t deserve it, today, refill each and everyone of us, let us desperately seek your touch, help us to be more intune with you today then when yesterday, let us turn it all over to you and not burden ourselves with loads that are too heavy to carry. “ Be humble yourself before the Lord and he will lift you up”. James 4:10 Cheers🙏❤️
Thanks! Engel for the beautiful poem and for sharing your love story for the poem.
When everyday life events start taking over, I have to tell myself first to stop take a step back, take a breathe or two, think about what is really going on, and let go of the things I can’t control. Then give those things over to God, trust that He will show me the steps I need to take. Taking walks, sitting silently in nature, taking a moment to appreciate what life has given me and my faith all help to bring me back to my center to fully appreciate the gift I’ve been given.
This quote from my favorite book Love Letters to the World also helps me.
“ For one minute walk outside,
Stand there in silence,
Look up at the sky,
And contemplate how
Amazing life is.”
I love this quote Linda! As I have gotten older I find myself doing just as the poem suggests. I love to look at the beautiful sky and contemplate the beauty and blessings God has given us.
I completely understand this quote as it is what I do on a regular basis, I find everything I need in nature.
I do not have the faith you have in God, my faith is in nature.
I love the quote. It's so accurate. There's something about looking at the sky and also being in nature that makes you realize how awesome it is to be alive. Thanks for sharing.
Yes!! breathe, have faith and God will show us the way.
Awesome quote!
Love the quote, Linda! I do that as often as possible.
What a nice surprise today!! Thank you Graham for sharing your friend Engel with us. Engel thank you for sharing this beautiful poem!! In addition to the Podcast Graham did with Engel last summer, I also watched the two of them together on Engel's Podcast several months ago. Graceful Living Podcast episode #4. Uncovering the Idea of God. Engel is so easy to listen to, such a soft, soothing voice. I also became all consumed with love at a very early life. Met my husband so young fell so madly in love that all I could think about was looking to the day we could marry. Definitely could say I was off center. How did I get back to reality??.. Breathe, concentrate, pray to God for his help to later get us where we wanted to be. Patience and faith in God guided us through all that we had to do before we could get to the place and life together we wanted. God was good to us . We will soon be married 56yrs. We most certainly have been blessed!!!!!❤❤❤ Thank you Graham for sharing!!
You are blessed my friend! 56 years of marriage...I just love that!
Thanks Barbara so grateful!!
Thank you for sharing Kathleen. Congratulations on 56 years of marriage. That’s amazing and a true blessing. ❤️❤️
Thank you Leigh. We have been together for so long and still young at heart, good health and active. I am truly grateful for what God has given us!
Congratulations on your 56 years you are blessed Kathleen!
Thank you so much Lucy!!! I am so thankful to God!!!
Congratulations on the 56 years together. I cannot find the podcast of several months on Engels's podcast.
Oh I so needed these beautiful words today, we have just had to put our gorgeous dog of 13 1/2 yrs to sleep after he was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer. For the last few days I have been lost, but listening to Engel ‘s soothing words I am ready to allow God to centre me again🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Sorry for your loss Ann. I feel your pain, we have had to do that more time than I like over the years . It hurts so bad. The first time we experienced it I was a basket case. I couldn't even go to work the next day . I cried for weeks . It is the right thing to do when they are sick and in pain but it still hurts. Take care!!
Thank you, feeling a lot better, we have his ashes home and put them in a soft toy that looks like him, so he is still getting lots of cuddles💓💕💓
So sorry for your loss Ann, Pet’s are like family when they cross the rainbow bridge a piece of you goes with them. You are in my prayers.
Such a beautiful poem and even more beautiful explanation of what the words mean to you Engel. God is Love and as long as we have a love affair with Him, He will guide us and place people/opportunities in our path. When times are tough; I try to remember that I am a beloved child of God and there is nothing that can happen in this life that He can’t overcome. My soul is safe with Him and His love is the beginning and end of all I need. Thanks for the sharing such beautiful, meaningful words.
I also appreciated so much Engel's explanation of his lovely poem - and his voice. I can close my eyes listening to him and think I am doing Yoga!
Engel this poem was absolutely beautiful it brought up so much emotion at one point in me I was crying for me my center is god I feel he’s with me always and I try to breath it’s what brings clarity Inyo my life ❤️
We are able to love because we are loved and shown love by God. Thank you Engel for sharing your love story with us. Such a beautiful love of two beautiful people. Can there be anything greater?
Life has a way of sidetracking us and Engel you ask how are we brought back to our center. For me I have wandered from center many times in my life and yet was able to find my way back. Maybe this was because I always had a strong faith. I grew up in a church where my grandfather had constructed the alter, my grandmother was the choir director and my other grandmother sat by my side each Sunday during worship. Church was a happy, music filled and joyous place! It was home for me and it was comfortable.
As years went by I continued going to church and bringing my children there. And then life took a turn, I was a single mom juggling a full time job, struggling to make ends meet, getting kids to their activities and keeping a frantic pace for so many years that I just let attending a physical church go.
At first there was a bit of guilt attached to that. But I came to peace with it. Church isn't God. I take my church with me. I talk to God in my bed at night and in my easy chair during the day. I speak to Him in the car sometimes or in a park gazing at the trees and birds. I have God with me because I have faith he is there. I'm not religious. I don't believe you find God in the walls or the doctrines of a church. I believe God is everywhere and he looks different to each of us.
So how do I get centered when I go off course you ask? I pray, I meditate and I have faith that I can get back there no matter how grim things seem at the time. I know I am loved and return to that love each and every time because God is love and never leaves my side.
You always have the words to express so well what you are feeling!!
Jody, Have you heard of Dr. David Jeremiah? He has a church and ministry in San Diego. He is a wonderful Bible pastor. I watch him on TBS and RFD. Check him out. God is with us no matter where we are, but the blessing of Christian fellowship is a gift from God. God commands His believers to gather together because He knows we need this fellowship and encouragement. I hope you will visit his church-Shadow Mountain Community Church in ElCajon. I wish I could visit it. I live in Illinois. Blessings
He is such an awesome messenger of God's word-a Bible scholar. The church is very big, but do not be overwhelmed. I am sure it is a wonderful church. I watch him most everyday in the morning. Let me know how you like him. You can listen to his podcast also but going to church is very special. Blessings. My email is linda@raderfamilyfarms.com
Thank you Engel for sharing you great poem with us! It spoke to me because sometimes I get so consumed with things in my life that I leave God out. But I always come back and ask for forgiveness! I put God back in the center of my life. That is where he belongs in the center. He is the hub of my life. But sometimes I get so bogged down that I forget to pray or read the Bible. Then I hear that small quit voice that says I am still here. It brings me back to him.
Life is so fast paced now. Everything is moving so fast and I say slow down and I go off by myself and have some alone time with the Lord and that brings my focus back to him. That is important that we take a few minutes each day by our self and spend time with the Lord. That is how I handle things when I am so busy and I forget God. I know that he is not gonna leave me where I am at. He always brings me back. Here is a thought that I found by Anne Graham Lots it is called Just Look To Jesus
Do you want to know what is on the mind of God?
Then look at Jesus!
Do you want to know the will of God?
The look at Jesus!
Do you want to know what is in the heart of God?
Then look at Jesus!
Jesus is the exact revelation of what is
on the mind
and in the heart
and in the will of God!
So in conclusion I just want to say that in life with all of it's confusion, chaos, that is in this world. We just need to look at Jesus!
God Bless you Engel!!! You have a beautiful family! Have a very blessed day!!!❤❤
I do the same thing Carolyn, things gets so hectic between running my own small business and running my household plus making time for my family and myself sometimes I forget to put the most important one first. I pray so hard and ask him for forgiveness. It always reminds me of the song “Jesus take the wheel”
Thank you Engel for this beautiful and so true poem. It was a moment of peace in this hectic time of moving...🙏☀
I will have to miss the monthly chat as I am on my way to France this weekend.
Many greetings to everyone! 💕
Safe travels, a successful move a quick transition into life in France Bie
Thinking of you Bie and your move and wishing you a safe journey.
Safe travels! Hope the move goes well for you.
Amazing poem. Thank you for sharing. I have found you have to love yourself before you can love anyone else. God is love . Thanks Graham for taking time to share your time . BLESSINGS TO YOU.
Engel thanks for this beautiful poem and it’s meaning to you. You know when i first read the poem my thought was centered around the times I look at the sun and the moon and how I am immediately affected…I close my eyes … relax as in deep thought … and say The Lords Prayer…and I say this beautiful prayer with such strong conviction and with such an intentional tone…and oh how such a moving feeling consumes my whole body. This is me coming to God and thanking Him for my many blessings…and showing Him my love. And this is my way of bringing myself back “to centre.” Thanks Graham for bringing Engel to us.
Thanks Graham…looking forward to the podcast with Shaun later today.