Belizean Psalms

Psalm 29

noreply@blogger.com (Creation Care Study Program) — Sun, 05 Feb 2006 16:24:00 +0000

Written By: Kristen, Emily, Shane, Kristen, Peter, Stephanie, Ruth and Mark

1 Look now to the lord O daughters & sons. Speak out of His glory and powerful works.
2 Give glory to the creator and honor his works. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.
3 He speaks over the Mopan River and the God of glory thunders, the Lord thunders over the almighty waters.
4 The voice of the Lord is powerful like a strong river current, the voice of the lord is majestic.
5 The Lord sends the songs of birds to break the morning silence. The voice of the Lord breaks our barriers.
6 He makes us skip like a calf. All of us like a young wild ox.
7 The voice of the Lord rumbles like waterfalls of the Macal River.
8 The voice of the Lord shakes the mountains, the Lord shakes the Maya Foothills.
9 The voice of the Lord twists the palms and strips the jungle bare. And all of Belize cries “Glory”.
10 The Lord sways in a hammock over Nabitunich, the Lord watches over Cayo forever.
11 May the Lord strengthen our community! May the Lord bless his lands with shalom!

Jah’s Rhythm (Psalm 33)

noreply@blogger.com (Creation Care Study Program) — Sun, 04 Dec 2005 23:12:00 +0000

Written by: Katherine, Sarah, Laura G., Eric Daryn and Kori

Bass, Tone, Slap to Jah ye drummers.
It is fitting for us to praise Jah.

Praise Jah with the djembe.
Make music to him on the goatskin.
Jam to him a new song.

Play with rhythm and strong hands.
The word of Jah is right and true.
He is faithful in all he does.

Jah loves righteousness and justice.
The earth resounds with his unfailing love.
By the song of Jah,
The stars were sung into being.

He gathers the manatees into the
warm springs of the Gales Point Lagoon,
and he knows their need for oxygen.

Let all the earth hear Jah.
Let all the people feel
the beating of his rhythm.

For there was a bass,
and the waters came to be.

For there was a tone,
and the winds roared.

For there was a slap,
and the sun burned high in the sky.

Jah’s plans are more complete
than the manatee researcher’s.
His purposes are farther seeing
than the itinerary for our small group weekend.

Jah’s rhythm outlaststs the longest sambai.
His bass, tone, slap is strong and steady.

*Jah is a literal pronunciation and short form of the Hebrew name for God, Yahweh. Eg. Halleujah means praise God (Jah). Jah is the Rastafarian name for God.

Comfort (Isaiah 40)

noreply@blogger.com (Creation Care Study Program) — Sun, 27 Nov 2005 23:38:00 +0000

Written by: Laura C., Gretchen, Leah, Marike and Linda

Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.
Speak tenderly to the people of Belize
And tell them of the promises of joy, peace, hope and love
Which God is offering this advent season.

Comfort to:
• Agricultural workers, who work long hours under harsh conditions for too little pay
• The small farmers who are still trying ot make a living on their own under an oppressive market regime
• The victims of natural disasters due to environmental degredation including hurricanes, storms and mudslides
• The refugees residing in Belize – especially those from Guatemala and El Salvador – who have had to flee their homes because of war and oppressive governments
• Those who face hardships because of unwanted pregnancies, alcoholism, domestic violence and martial unfaithfulness in their homes
• Families who cannot afford proper health care and education for their children

We have encountered this pain and injustice this semester, have been saddened by it and felt called to action as a result. But we also hold out hope because we know that God is aware of your suffering, hears your cries, feels your pain and will heed your call. He has sent you a comforter, in Jesus Christ and his Holy Spirit, and our hope rests in Him alone.

And we believe that the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

Psalm 95: 1 “O come let us sing for the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!”

noreply@blogger.com (Creation Care Study Program) — Sun, 20 Nov 2005 23:24:00 +0000

Written by: Big Pete, Feltercline, Ms Responsible, Iris, Philip

We got to thinking that if God is like a rock,
Than what else could God be like?
What metaphors or similes could we utilize?
Here’s what we thought up one Sunday afternoon
While sitting on Iris and Philip’s roof.

God is like...
Tina the trooper: we take Tina for granted when we are riding smoothly but we are reminded to appreciate it more when it is not so straightforward.
A mother: She is full of care, gentleness, and compassion bringing forth and sustaining life.
Bad dancing: bad dancing has no formula, it is loose, arrhythmic, open to spontaneity and experimentation.
Deaf children at the CDI: they are full of curiosity, zeal, and are always raising trouble.
An emerald toucanet in an enormous big tree: you can hear it, you know it is there, through your naked eye you can see evidence of its movements, but sighting it can be a jolly hard (if very rewarding) task.
A buttress root: it is strong, stabilizing and the tree must depend on the root at all times.
A zookeeper serenading a jaguar at the Belize Zoo: the zookeeper plays her guitar and soothes the wild dangerous animal with tender words.
The rain on Garifuna Settlement Day in 2005: strong, persistent, ubiquitous.
Nitrifying bacteria: it takes our worst and makes it clean and useful.
An email from home: instantaneous, exciting, thrilling.
A ride on an untamed horse: it takes you places you do not want to go at speeds you do not want travel.
A lazy Sunday afternoon: relaxing, rejuvenating, and restful.
A fleece jacket: it lies abandoned during warm weather but when the temperature drops the fleece is there to provide warmth and protection.
A night dive on the coral reef: the dark waters are full of mystery, danger, and the unknown; but just as full with wonders, beauty, and awe-inspiring sights.
A strangler fig: it replaces the old with new.
The sun drying your laundry: there is nothing you can do to make your laundry dry, only the sun can help you with that.
A female hawk moth: it is elusive, precious, and highly sought after.
A cattle egret: it rids the cows of their ticks.
A troop of howler monkeys at Tikal: they are very loud, noisy and very vocal, but hidden from sight high up in grand trees.
A mosquito inside your mosquito net: almost inconspicuous but still incessant and bugging.
A botfly: it gets under your skin.
A crazed soccer mom: she is totally impassioned, totally irrational, and totally biased.
Miranda’s infatuation with snakes: it is not understood, but it sure is sweet.
A monarch butterfly: it is gentle, full of ease and grace.
An epiphyte: it creates space for life in unexpected and difficult places.
Cayo Twist: Delicious.
Wearing Eric’s shorts: they are tight and grippy.

Romans 12:9-21

noreply@blogger.com (Creation Care Study Program) — Sun, 16 Oct 2005 17:48:00 +0000

To our companions at CCSP Belize Fall 2005.
Written by: Katherine, Eric, Kori, Laura G., Sarah and Daryn

Eric – Verse 9
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
Do not show counterfeit affection to your neighbor.
Amplify the god in your experiences and relationships,
let that focus create your memories and shape your attitude.
The evil that seems so pervasive in the world is to be hater,
to be shunned by our hearts and our actions.
Let righteousness pervade our minds, our relationships, our place,
let wretchedness take no part of it.

Katherine – Verse 10
Be devoted good friends who love deeply. Practice taking second place, putting others above your own egos.
Greet each other with smiles.
Give each other hugs before bed.
Play games together in childlike glee.
Act silly with each other and let your guards down.
Stick up for and support each other.
Ask your roommate how they’re really doing.
Put flowers in someone’s room.
Give a massage.
Encourage the prof.
Say thank you.
Say I love ya.

Sarah – Verse 11
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Don’t burn out.
Pray with each other.
Put notes of encouragement in each other’s mailboxes.
Be excited to share what God is teaching you with your small group.
Share your thoughts with your roommate.
Make your roommate’s bed.
Help someone with their laundry.
Pray for each other.

Laura – Verse 12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Don’t quite in hard times; pray all the harder.
Take time out of each day to reflect on God.
Spend time in prayer alone, and together.

Daryn – Verse 13
Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice creative hospitality.
Respect each other’s cottages,
but open them to times that can be spent together.
Respect each other’s personal lives,
but open them to share in community.
Welcome Brian and Anna into our humble abode and include them cheerfully.

Kori – Verse 14
Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Don’t get into a negative space.
When the internet shuts down, be thankful that we have access most of the time.
When you’re hosting a botfly, be thankful for the company.
When you wake up with bowel trouble, be thankful for your toilet seat.
When you leave class confused, be thankful for being able to challenge and guide each other.

Eric – Verse 15
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
We are strangers and sojourners together,
children of the same Father God and Mother Earth.
We experience the same things, brothers and sisters:
Life and death, freedom and oppression.
When one stranger rejoices, let our community rejoice.
When one sojourner mourns, let our community mourn also.

Katherine – Verse 16
Live in harmony with one another, don’t be stuck up. Don’t think of yourself as better, cooler or smarter than others.
Consider the gifts and experiences of other students, staff and faculty.
Allow yourself to be surprised by others and yourself.
Invite and encourage others to speak up in class.
Create welcoming spaces.
Use welcoming speech.
Tell your fellow students what gifts you recognize in them.
Show each other grace and forgive each other.
Get to know a Belizean.
Learn a few local plant and animal species.
Care for the earth, and everything in it like you believe it belongs to God.

Sarah – Verse 17
Do not repay evil for evil; don’t hit back, but recognize beauty in everyone. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.
Be patient with one another.
If you upset someone, talk to them (not their roommate).
Be gentle in confrontation.
If your fellow community member doesn’t refill the Crystal water,
don’t be angry with them.
Instead put a new jug in and offer to fill their nalgene.

Laura – Verse 18
If it is possible, if you’ve got it in you, live at peace and get along with everyone.
We live in close quarters, so take some time to yourself if you need it.
Be a peacemaker. Take up the challenge of conflict resolution among your peers.
Think of something new to ask someone you don’t feel you know so well.
Pray for friendliness.
Pray for eyes to see each other as God sees us.

Daryn – Verse 19
Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God. He brings justice.
Stop the cycle of grudges with forgiveness.
Let God keep track of who wrongs who.
We all get annoyed, it’s no surprise.
Expressing such emotions in a healthy manner supports health community.
Don’t be afraid of communication. Much Respect.

Kori – Verses 20-21
Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he’s thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.
If someone borrows then finishes your toilet paper, get them another roll.
If someone takes down your laundry and throws on the ground, help them fold theirs next time.
Community is both a joy and a challenge.
Let’s be generous and loving as we walk together this semester.

Never Be Moved (Psalm 15)

noreply@blogger.com (Creation Care Study Program) — Sun, 09 Oct 2005 21:40:00 +0000

Written by: Phil, Iris, Pete, Laura K., and Hannah.

ALL: HOW CAN WE WORSHIP GOD?
SG: “Speak the truth in your heart.”
Iris: Peel away your masks of pretension
Be honest with yourself, with others and with your God
Be authentic
Be vulnerable
Let the Spirit permeate your whole life
ALL: HOW CAN WE LIVE IN SHALOM IN GOD'S EARTH?
SG: “Discern between what is good and what is evil.”
Philip: Strive for all that is pure, beautiful, faithful;
In both familiar and unexpected places.
Celebrate it. Enjoy it. Revel in it.
Rout out all that is cruel, oppressive, selfish;
In both familiar and unexpected places.
Mourn it. Face up to it. Get angry with it.
Know that the Lord of Life desires life in its fullest.
ALL: WHAT PLEASES GOD?
SG: “Do works of righteousness. Do not charge interest on loans. Do not take bribes.”
Pete: Energizing what is in keeping with Christ’s vision of fairness and justice.
Firmly opposing the structures that take advantage of the least of these:
The EPZ at Fruta Bomba;
The IMF;
The World Bank;
And other structures that oppress.
When faced with locally grown goods and imported goods, do not be bribed
By the lower prices multinationals offer, but support what is right and pure.
ALL: WHAT DOES THE LORD REQUIRE OF HIS PEOPLE?
SG: “Do not do evil to a friend. Do not take up reproach with a neighbor. Do not slander.”
Hans: Be intentional in community with Christ,
fellow human beings and the whole of creation.
Fight for justice and peace
Delight in living in right relationships.
ALL: HOW CAN WE DWELL RIGHTLY ON GOD'S GOOD EARTH?
SG: “Walk blamelessly.”
Laura: Love
Love passionately
Love exuberantly
Love unconditionally
Love irrationally
Love achingly
See God's love in every living thing
Love the way God loves
Be drunk in love.
ALL: THE ONE WHO DOES THESE THINGS SHALL NEVER BE MOVED.

Isaiah 55

noreply@blogger.com (Creation Care Study Program) — Sun, 02 Oct 2005 21:50:00 +0000

Written by: Laura C., Marike, Linda, Leah, and Gretchen.

For as the sun is higher than Xunantunich,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.

For as the torrents of rain pour down from heaven
and do not return there until Chalillo dam is filled to overflowing
making the mucky worms spring forth from the soil,
giving 10 beans to the Belizean farmer and garnaches to the CCSP student,
so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
it shall not return to me empty.
But it shall accomplish that which I purpose it
and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

For you shall go out from the palapa in joy
and bus back from San Ignacio in peace
the Maya mountains and the toilet paper mansion before you
shall burst into reggae
And all the rhastas of the streets shall play their turtle shells before you.
Instead of the fire ants shall come up the weewees
instead of the mildew shall come up clean clothes
And this will be for the Lord’s renown
For an everlasting sign that will not be eroded.

Come all you who are sweaty
Come tot eh Macal
And you who have no Fanta,
Come, drink and recycle!
Come, buy Cayo Twist and real milk
Without money and without powder
Why do you spend your money on what is not Miss Martha’s tortillas?
And your labor for what is not sustainable?
Listen, listen to me and play Frisbee golf
and your soul will delight in the humid Belizean air.

On the Bridge at the Confluence (Psalm 104: 10-23)

noreply@blogger.com (Creation Care Study Program) — Sun, 18 Sep 2005 22:33:00 +0000

Written by: Justin, Anna, Miranda, Kenny and Kristel

10 He makes the Mopan and Macal Rivers conflu, they flow together becoming the Belize River.

11 They give water to all of the fauna of the fields; the contented pigs drink deeply.

12 The green iguanas bask in the sun; they nod their heads among the branches.

13 He floods the plain with His mighty torrents; the alluvial soils are the fruits of His work.

14 He makes grass grow for the humpback cattle, and corn for Belizeans to cultivate, bringing forth food from the soils.

15 Belikins make merry the hearts of passers-by. Sweat makes their faces shine. Rice and beans sustain their lives.

16 The ‘igu’ (fig) trees of the Lord are well-watered; the spiny-bamboo that He planted.

17 There the egrets make their nests; the grackles have their homes everywhere.

18 The high rivers belong to the Morelet’s crocodiles, and the trunks of the trees provide a highway for the termites.

19 The moon marks off the seasons and the sun knows when to go down.

20 You bring darkness, it becomes night; and all the carnivores of the jungle prowl.

21 The jaguars growl after armadillos and hunt their prey from the bounty of the rainforest.

22 The sun rises and they hide from tourists’ eyes; they return to the deep rainforest and hide under the dense canopy.

23 And then the students of CCSP go about exploring God’s creation, to their studying until the setting of the sun.

Toucan Prayer (Psalm 34:1-10)

noreply@blogger.com (Creation Care Study Program) — Sun, 11 Sep 2005 22:28:00 +0000

Keel-Billed Toucan
Originally uploaded by Creation Care Study Program.

Written by: Phil, on a day that three toucans were sighted at Nabitunich

I will bless the Lord at all times. I will voice his praise early in the morning. You will hear my croaks in the evening blessing his name. It is right for a toucan to give him praise.

The Lord is a mighty ceiba in whose branches I find safety and rest. His foliage protects me from predators. He stands tall and strong against all threats.

Let all the rainforest animals hear my croak and be glad. Come and voice praises with me and together we will exalt his name.

I sought the Lord and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. In my distress I called out to the Lord and he heard me. Although the harpy eagle soared overhead, it failed to see me. Although the ocelot padded by, it did not even notice me. Even when a human walked by, it decided to only look at me and do nothing more.

The Lord protected me from all my predators. Surrounded by his angels I was safe and sound.

Look to him, all of you. Let your absurdly long beaks let forth praise. Let your plumage glisten bright in the morning sun.

Taste and see that the Lord is good; as juicy as thrusting your beak into a ripe papaya or flicking a soft fig into the air and swallowing it in one gulp. The Lord is sweet and tasty, to be relished and enjoyed.

Fear the LORD, you his holy ones. Those who fear him have no wants. All their needs are met. The powerful young jaguars – swift to pounce on their unsuspecting prey – sometimes go hungry for lack of food. However, those who seek the LORD will have a safe perch, the company of friends, and enough food to stuff in your beak till it begins to burst.

Lord of the Tropical Downpour (Psalm 29)

noreply@blogger.com (Creation Care Study Program) — Mon, 23 May 2005 19:07:00 +0000

Written by Philip on May 23, 2005 during the middle of the first storm of the rainy season, the first storm to break the long dry of early 2005. It was a glorious storm. The rain hammered down on the tin roofs. Lightning flashed left, right. Thunder boomed all around – no specific bolt and no specific boom seemed to connect. The power was temporarily cut out, leaving us for a moment in darkness.

Praise the Lord, you heavenly beings; praise his glory and power.
Give to the Lord the glory his name deserves. Worship the Lord in his holy
splendor.
The voice of the Lord rolls over the waters. The God of glory thunders.
His voice echoes over the Caribbean Sea.
The voice of the Lord is powerful. The voice of the Lord is majestic.
The voice of the Lord breaks the mahoganies. The Lord splinters the
full-grown mahoganies of Belize.
He makes Victoria Peak skip along like a frightened gibnut, and Mountain
Pine Ridge like a startled squirrel.
The voice of the Lord strikes with flashes of lightning.
The voice of the LORD makes the wilderness tremble. The LORD makes the
tropical rainforest tremble.
The voice of the Lord splits the gumbolimbo and strips the trees of
Cockscomb bare. Everyone in his Temple is saying “Glory to God!”.
The Lord sat enthroned over the flood; The Lord sits enthroned as king of
Belize forever.
The Lord gives strength to his people. The Lord blesses them with peace."