Crystals and beads

As I was looking for a replacement to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, I came across a rosary called The Wreath of Christ. Rosaries have always been taboo, probably because they seem to mostly be associated with Mary and penance. This one seemed interesting. So I went to a bead shop to build one. Each bead has symbolic meaning. So, yesterday and today I've been going through the prayers and have found the exercise pretty neat. There is something nice about touching something that represents mystery or the texture of sand. I also found it relaxing.

As a side note, before I got to the bead shop, I went to the natural food store for direction and there was a crystal for 50% off. I have fond memories of crystals lighting up beautifully at a New Age grade school. My apartment's windows face the East and I've thought often about getting one for its beauty. I've been reluctant because of the New Age-ness of it. But in getting it, I intentionally reject that symbolism and replace it with God's love. I have prayed over it that it must submit to what Christ is doing in my home. Perhaps this has delved into the superstitious a little, but the last thing I want to do is dishonor the Lord.

One of the thoughts I had as I was putting this entry together was on consumerism. Am I excited about this because I bought this? That the process of buying to fulfill the place of God is really the issue? I hope not, but we'll see...

Below are prayers associated with the Jesus Wreath:

• God (large, gold)- you are immense, you are near, you are light, you are beyond what I can image, yet you are in me through the Holy Spirit
• Me (pearl) - you created me as your own image. Let me see your image in myself and reflected in who I am and all I do
• Baptism (large, dark green)- you have invited me. In your hands I commend my life. Those things of old are gone and all things are new in you
• Desert (brown with lots of texture) - keep me holy and I will be holy kept. Heal me and I will be healed. Draw me near yourself, and my heart will have peace. Jesus the Christ, give me mercy
• Carefree (blue with other colors)- I give away my load of worries. I receive your peace. I breath out worry and I breath in your peace
• God's Love (round, red) - O Lord, you love me more than anyone else and you love the world whole heartedly
• Sacrifice (diamond-ish, red) - let me love my neighbor with your love. Let me appreciate your sacrifice deeply. I pray on behalf of...
• Mystery (three small, gray with black) - I give thanks, I ask for, I pray... I think, I am happy for... There are mysteries and needs beyond what I can fathom or make sense of. The touch of the bead is a prayer. Lord, you know. Take care...
• Night (black with gold band and three spines)- out of the depths have I tried to you, O Lord. Lord, please hear my voice. May distance collapse and my love for you be without ill motive. Do not abandon me
• Resurrection (opaque, green) - here there is no time. Here there is no distance. I have peace in my heart because of you. Here is where your touch in humanity has and continues to change everything. Help me to live the resurrection in all of my being. Here I want to stand