For those who have been with me from early on, you now have enough patches for a quilt. It is now the time to provide the connecting thread to interlace them. In turn, you should have a warm pall in which to envelope your self and stay of the chill. As we come to a close of another year, it is best to scan and survey the year accessing what has transpired. Now gather what you find at either extreme, it is the same as is you grasp the ends of a cloth and bring them together in preparation to fold. What do you see, a change, if so in what direction, do they continue? Now reorganize and prioritize! 

Next let us begin to mend and darn; the patterns you have are snippets, revealing what you have planted or harvested. If you cite there are items in your basket, which you have been handed, what was that provider’s intent? Cut away all frayed ends and strings, which do not provide either growth nor have relevance to where you are heading. Dismiss, the emotional encumbrances, as this will only distort the beauty not alone the effectiveness of the quilt.

The connective sinews are essential for nutritional value. This life giving substance is what is essential in this fabric of life, which you will need to garner for yourself. Should you long to continue, this quilt will be vital in the next segment of our journey. For tis the season of recollection, desire and renewal. For those who do not, nor elect to carry on, I will endeavor to continue in the monthly blog, and I shall speak with you again on the other side. For those who long to ascend the ladder please read on.

Peace,
Bro Smith SGS

Part II

Welcome my sojourners,
It is only fitting that I convey a sonnet from the fellow brothers/monks of the Carthusian Order.
“Oh Lord you have seduced me, and I have allowed myself to be seduced.” First, let us dismiss and lay aside the carnality of the potential here, for this evokes a far more spiritual essence and one, which has correctly brought you here.

This couplet may be considered their mantra/ mindset, and rightly so, for those who endeavor to engage Him. The first segment addresses the over whelming experience, which stirs deep within us, that “deep calls unto deep.” Brothers Balma, Guigo II, and others express it in a Latin term, “desiderium.” It has come to be translated as ‘desire’ yes, ok, but the true application is “to long for.” Even the term “affectus” or more aptly, “afficere” which means to do something to someone. In this respect then, we may apply the phrase; “We can say nothing of what we are incapable of feeling, but we can feel what we are incapable of putting into words.” Augustine. In short, it is ineffable. Thus, now you know why you are required to create the quilt, and don it, for you who have, and therefore are compelled.

The publishing co., has graciously provided me with a page in which to carry this venture forward; on their website, I will continue in this segway, and promote this ascension up the ladder. In this venture, a second article will be provided, to be used for providing the understanding in tandem with the required knowledge and timing of ascension.

The item is a minute book entitled “Ladder of Monks” by Guigo II, a Carthusian Monk from around the 13th Century. This book, to my knowledge, by Cistercian Publishing, Kalamazoo, Mich., is the only printed edition in America, by the fellow monks of a Cistercian Order. However, there appears to be a European version, no doubt from England. Now I have located a copy of the early manuscript, and have been working on it for quite some time, thus, this work will be published in 2009-2010, via incorporation into a larger collection of shorts. Therefore, I assure you I do not have a copy of their work, since I have passed it on quite some years ago, nor would I attempt to infringe upon their effort.

I will disseminate this work via the publisher’s web site page in Jan 09’ one chapter at a time. This book is crucial to your advancement. It is one to be understood intellectually, this is true , but more importantly, experientially. For intellectual effort will account merely as a key to enter, not the strength required for opening the door, not alone passage thru. Experiential spirituality is what will leave its indelible notation within you. In time, this indelible notation will be a pummel where you may secure one end of your lasso. These will be essential markers in your continued quest. Until then, may you find the resolution to sojourn, and there, on the other side, I will join you.

Peace,

Bro Smith SGS
http://revelationinsight.tripod.com/