A Legacy of Love

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For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you. Philemon 7 ESV

When we think of great leaders, there are few who compare with Alexander the Great. He became King of the small nation of Macedon at the age of 20, after the assassination of his father. At first Alexander simply consolidated power in the region of modern-day Greece. But what happened next was truly amazing. In just 12 short years Alexander went on to conquer all of the middle east, including Turkey, Iran and Iraq, along with Israel, Syria and Egypt. When at the age of thirty-two Alexander died, he left an incredible legacy of military conquest though his kingdom was soon divided between his generals.

Photo by Miggy Rivera on Pexels.com

Philemon on the other hand was a different kind of leader. Though Paul begins his letter mentioning that a church is meeting at Philemon’s house, the New Testament says very little about his position. In fact, when Paul writes to the Colossian church he does not even mention Philemon. What we do know about is Philemon’s love. Paul begins his letter by calling Philemon beloved, and then goes on to say he thanks God in his prayers because of the reports he has heard about Philemon’s love. Then we come to today’s verse and Paul tells his friend that he is comforted and joyful because of his love. While Alexander was great because of battles, Philemon was great because he refreshed the hearts of others when he shared the love of Christ. Philemon’s legacy is not the cities named after him or the statues carved in his honor, but his love for others. What greater legacy could anyone leave than that?

Children’s Book

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As Promised from a couple of weeks back, my new book All Creatures Most Small is now out. This is my first book that is exclusively children’s poetry and was appropriately illustrated by my young friend Emilia (9 years old). Watching both Emilia and my friend and graphic designer Robert Keller come onboard to illustrate and frame my poems was a huge blessing in my life. I am grateful to them for their enthusiasm and advice as well as the kind and encouraging words from both Emilia’s mom and grandmother.

Here is another little peek – Into what All Creatures Mostly Small is about

We were having a great time storytelling and singing around the campfire, late into the night at our church camp out for boys. The youngest of them felt like we were in the wilderness even though it was really just behind the house of one of our church members. When the time came for everybody to head for bed, it took a while to get the boys settled into their sleeping bags. While I lay there listening to the cicadas singing and the frogs chirping, a little voice whispered from the back of the tent, “We can’t sleep. It sounds scary!”

“Oh, don’t be afraid.” I told them. “That just sounds like God talking to me.” I answered back. “Oh!” The small voice whispered. Then just a few minutes later things got quiet and I could hear the gentle snoring of the boys telling me that yes, they had heard God speaking too. I am thankful for all the lessons both large and small that God has taught me with the voice of even His tiniest creatures. and I invite you in these poems to hear God talking to you too.

Here is the softcover edition which is available on Amazon today. This is also an e-book format for those who prefer tablets instead of physical books.

Than Any Dreams

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Today I recalled a song that I loved as a teen-ager by Joni Mitchell called, “Both Sides” There was something hauntingly beautiful about her lyrics (and her voice!) singing about the other side of clouds and dreams. But at the time that was another side that was unknown to me. I was so sure of right and wrong and completely rejected any kind of made up religion. Then life happened and my concepts, my hopes and my own dreams broke down, and got mired in a mud pit. That is where Jesus found me and I am so glad He did. This simple contemplative glance back shares a little of my journey and I pray it may be a blessing to you as well. 

Than Any Dreams Could Be

The future was so far away
And I had dreams and hopes so true
I hadn’t time for growing old
There was so much to do

Till aches and pains became my friends
That stumbled on my way
And loss and grief showed up to greet
My heart from day to day

Then weaknesses and failures came
To teach Christ’s way for me
And show His cross was precious more
Than any dreams could be!

Than Any Dreams Could Be -by Peter Caligiuri
copyright 2021 All Rights reserved

It occurred to me today that some of my younger generation readers have no idea of who Joni Mitchell is (I get it..my Mom liked The Tommy Dorsey Band but I never heard of him from anyone else!) So here is a link to her live performance of that song, though the audio recording is poor, it actually shows Joni in concert.