Prose and poetry selections from UUA meditation manuals published since the 1961 Unitarian and Universalist consolidation. An eloquent reminder of the UU tradition of inspirational writing by ministers and laity. Hardcover with ribbon. $15
Some Wishes For You
I wish for you a troubled heart at times
As woes of world and friend come close behind
And keep you sleepless.
I wish for you the thrill of knowing
Who you are,
And why.
Especially why.
Not prosperity, but dreams I wish for you;
Not riches, but a sense of your own worth I wish
For you.
Not even long life, however proud we'd be to
have it so.
But life is crammed with living
Hour by hour.
And love I wish for you;
May you give it frequently.
I wish for you solitude in the midst of company,
And a mind full of company within your quiet times.
Full todays I wish for you, and full tomorrows.
- Charles S. Stephen, Jr.,
1985
Collected in Day of Promise
Interview with Editor Kathleen Montgomery
How did you get the idea for this collection?
It came out of a conversation at a meeting here at the UUA about whether we should reprint meditation manuals. We agreed that we should not but also noted that there were really wonderful meditations that well deserved attention. How did you locate some of the older meditations?
I collected all meditation manuals since consolidation (1961). Some I borrowed from friends and made copies. Some were here in the Publications Office. Some I had on my own bookshelves.
I've just put together a collection of Beacon Press books that are on sale through the UUA Bookstore. Please have a look!.
This is a great opportunity to support Beacon Press in its mission as Unitarian Universalism's voice for good in the greater world. It's also a great way to pick up some brilliant books. They are all discounted by 40 percent.
"Gay marriage should be legal if just to raise the standard of dancing at receptions."
-Liz Langley
But if anyone has seen the movie Milk, you will feel a renewed sense of urgency around gay and civil rights issues. It's an amazing film about the rise and assasination of America's first openly gay elected official (Milk was a San Francisco city supervisor). In 11 months in office, he managed to pass a very stringent gay rights ordinance.
Of course, California has just seen some setbacks to gay rights, and some of the words in this book are not only funny, but poignant and inspiring.
Nearly 200 selections of prose, poems, blessings and readings gathered to welcome and honor children. "In a time when society pays laser-focused attention to parenting, from court cases to advice books, this equisite volume expresses the spectrum of parental feelings, from awe to anxiety.
"There are two lasting bequests we can give our children. One is roots. The other is wings."
- Hodding Carter, Jr.
This imaginative collection offers poems, prose, blessings, chants-tributes of all kinds-to the animals in our lives. An ideal gift for welcoming a new pet, sympathizing with the loss of a pet, and for animal-lovers in general. A perfect resource for animal-blessing ceremonies and other rituals honoring the animal kingdom.
"There is always a greater love. Those who wish to pet and baby wild animals, "love" them. But those who respect their natures and wish to let them live normal lives, love them more."
- Edwin Way Teale
Over 200 diverse poems, reflections and meditations on love, marriage and commitment. Includes UU contributors plus selections from different cultures and faith traditions, ancient and modern. Enduring collection ideal for worship and personal use. An excellent resource for ministers, and a perfect gift for couples of all ages.
"I am he that aches with amorous love;
Does the earth gravitate? does not all matter, aching, attract all matter?
So the body of me to all I meet or know."
- Walt Whitman
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