Support System Sunday

-->According to the Bible, it is our responsibility to console, support and protect others during hard times.

Gal. 6:2 tells us: Go on carrying the burdens of one another, and thus fulfill the law of the (Divine Light/) Christ. 

Each of us can contribute to the well-being and growth of those around us, and beyond.  How do we do accomplish this responsibility?  We do this by striving to be, at all times, a source of encouragement and spiritual refreshment to others.

So, then, let us pursue the things making for peace and the things that are upbuilding to one another. Rom. 14:19   Above all things, have intense love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.  Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.  In proportion as each one has received a gift, use it in ministering to one another as fine stewards of God’s undeserved kindness expressed in various ways.  1 Peter 4: 8-10

Let us always be ready and willing to assist others.  Let us share as much as we can, as circumstances allow.   Let us be cheerful givers.  

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 reminds us: But as to this, he that sows sparingly will also reap sparingly; and he that sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Let each one do just as he has resolved in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 

It is up to each us to do the work to connect with others; no one can do it for us.  Sometimes this responsibility to our brothers and sisters can feel overwhelming, especially when fulfilling this responsibility interferes with our own wants and/or needs.  When this happens, let us remember that we are never really alone; the Creator/God, the Divine Light/Jesus and other Spirits are with us.  

Let us take our problems to the Creator/God.  Just as it is up to each us to do the work to connect with others, it is up to each of us to make the connection with the Creator/God.  Sometimes we allow ourselves to get so disconnected and frazzled that we can not reconnect.  The Creator/God knows this and recommends having a support system; it is vital to our success.   Success in most endeavors is a team effort, not a solo performance.      

Proverbs 15:22 states: There is a frustrating of plans where there is no confidential talk, but in the multitude of counselors there is accomplishment. 

A support system is a network of people who interact and remain in informal communication for mutual assistance; members of the network provide practical, emotional and/or spiritual support which sustains other members in their survival and growth, on an as needed basis. 

Successful support systems typically consist of a minimum of 3 people.   There are 2 main, beneficial, reasons for this:

1.     No one is available 24/7; the more people in our support system, the better chance we have of receiving the assistance we perceive we need. We will not always be there to shield others from life’s challenges. 

2.     When we stay focused on the goal of teaching another to stand on his/her own two feet, we are given the opportunity to help empower them.   

To help us stay focused on this goal, we can ask ourselves the following questions:

1.     What can the person asking for help reasonably do on their own? 

2.     Are there things we (the support system) are doing for this person, that they could do for themselves?   If yes, work with the person until sure that they can handle the responsibility on their own. 

3.     How much can each of us reasonably assist this person?

4.     What are our own personal boundaries?

5.     What are our support system group boundaries?

6.     What are the consequences to individual group members, the group at large and to the other person if the boundaries are not respected? Outline potential consequences of actions: good and bad.  In a very covert way, accepting the consequences of our actions helps us learn to rely on support only when necessary.  A good support person will not support a brother or sister in staying stuck.

For each one will carry his own load. Galatians 6:5

At times, we all need support. Let us never hesitate to accept help when struggling to cope.  Keep in mind, however, that if we do not trust a person, they really have no place in our support system.  People in our support system are the people, who, over time, get to know us; the real us.  In an effort to receive assistance, we often find ourselves sharing dis-harmonious/dis-eased thoughts and/or gut-wrenching emotions.  We must be able to trust those with whom we open up to and share our real “earthly” selves with. 

If a support person offers suggestions or options to assist us, we may choose to ignore them … If 2 support people tell us the same thing, it is usually in our best interest to listen … If 3 or more support people tell us the same thing, it is in our best interest to quit whining and take action by following or trying any suggestions or options given. 

Not all options or suggestions given, will work.  This does not mean that we should not do the footwork and try to implement them though.  When we shoot them down automatically, we disrespect and thereby abuse one or more members of our support system.   Let us be willing to do whatever it takes to move forward. 

Let us always accept any support we receive, with appreciation.  Let us never be demanding when asking others to help us handle our problems. Let us be reasonable in how much of their time and attention we expect them to give us.  Let us remember that our brothers and/or sisters may be unable to meet our needs.    

When this happens, let us continue to take our problems to the Creator/God and have faith that the Creator/God will sustain us in whatever trials we may face.

Whether we are giving or receiving help, let us do so in the right spirit.

So it is, sealed in trust, faith and truth, in the Sacred Divine Light/Jesus. Amen.

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Stewardship: Part 2 of 3

This is the 2nd of 3 Discourses on Stewardship.  Part 1 was a brief attempt to Inform the Public.  Part 2 discusses The Spiritual Aspects of Stewardship, and Part 3 will provide some action steps we can take to be better Earth Stewards.

Part 2: The Spiritual Aspects of Stewardship

The Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh was asked
what we need to do to save our world.
“What we most need to do,” he replied,
“is to hear within us the sound of the earth crying.”

Around the world, leaders of the great religious/spiritual traditions respect and care for Mother Earth and all her inhabitants.  These spiritual leaders have been taught that, despite diversity in teachings and traditions, it IS our spiritual duty to care for Mother Earth and all her inhabitants. 

The Scriptures very clearly state our human responsibility to the Creator/God for the care of Mother Earth and all her inhabitants.  Over and over throughout the bible, starting at the beginning of Genesis through the end of Revelation, mandates regarding our role and responsibility as Earth Stewards are clear.

Despite the clearness of these scriptures, Earth-based spirituality was banned by the early Christian Church in Rome.  As a result, many modern-day Christian and Jewish spiritual leaders have not heard or read this teaching; just as often, those that have heard or read it, have dismissed and/or forgotten the teaching.

“… the ox knows his duty, but humans have forgotten their Lord.” Isaiah 1:3

The Bible tells us that Mother Earth was created with humans in mind. We were created from the dust of the earth. 

”The first man is out of the earth and made of dust …” Corinthians 15:47

“And Jehovah God proceeded to form the man out of dust from the ground and to blow into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man came to be a living soul.”  Genesis 2:7

“In the sweat of your face you will eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken.  For dust you are and to dust you will return.” Genesis 3: 19  

“For he himself well knows the formation of us, remembering that we are dust.”  Psalm 103:14  

“All are going to one place.  They have all come to be from the dust, and they are all returning to the dust.”  Ecclesiastic 3:20

Being but a speck of dust, in the cosmos, at large, connects us to the earth. 

“God . . . did not create it (Mother Earth) simply for nothing [but] formed it even to be inhabited.”  Isaiah 45:18 

The Creator/God endowed Mother Earth with everything that her inhabitants needed, not just to exist, but to joyfully flourish.  Many micro-ecosystems enable life to flourish.  

 Early on in the bible, humans were given stewardship of Mother Earth and all her inhabitants.  To tend and keep the garden is one of the first mandates in the bible regarding the care of Mother Earth and her inhabitants.  

“And Jehovah God proceeded to take the man and settle him in the garden of E′den to cultivate it and to take care of it.” Genesis 2:15

We were also given dominion over creation and charged with stewardship of its bounty.

“Further, God blessed them and God said to them: “Be fruitful and become many and fill the earth and subdue it, and have in subjection the fish of the sea and the flying creatures of the heavens and every living creature that is moving upon the earth.” Genesis 1:28

“For every species of wild beast as well as bird and creeping thing and sea creature is to be tamed and has been tamed by humankind.” James 3:7  

All who serve the Creator/God are Earth Stewards.  To tend and take care of Mother Earth and all her inhabitants is a great honor and privilege.  To be entrusted to tend and take care of Mother Earth and all her inhabitants is also a great responsibility. 

 As Earth Stewards for the Creator/God, we are allowed to utilize Mother Earth and her inhabitants.  We are not, however, given a license, or free reign to abuse, rape, ravage, pollute or ruin in any other manner, any part of her or her inhabitants. 

“We … do not destroy the harmony of nature … We care for and nurture our environment, trying to be all-forbearing like Mother Earth.  This gives us union with all existence, all the creatures which live in the world: wild animals, little crawling things, even men.” (San Ildefonso Pueblo, New Mexico)

As a whole, humans are not living up to the spiritual responsibility we were mandated to fulfill.  Rather than cultivating Mother Earth and taking care of her, and all her inhabitants, we abuse and desecrate our environment to such a degree, that sacred substance has all but disappeared. 

The way that we treat Mother Earth and her inhabitants, reflect our individual and collective values.  The second mandate given by the Creator/God, to humans, is to love our neighbors as ourselves. Ignoring and/or neglecting our spiritual responsibility to care for Mother Earth and all her inhabitants, directly contributes to the suffering of our human and non-human brothers and sisters. 

Around the world, more than 50% of all of the problems humans currently face can be directly and/or indirectly linked to environmental issues. Polluted drinking water, genetically modified seeds and food, toxic chemicals via agricultural herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, growth hormones, etc., are all major causes of death and disease. Barren soil and poor crops play a significant role in urbanization, poverty and hunger. The list goes on and on.

When we act as good Earth Stewards, we care about Mother Earth and all her inhabitants.  This includes, but is not limited to:  the trees, the fields, the plants, the air, the rivers and oceans, the hills and mountains, the wild animals, the livestock, the domestic animals, the birds, the fish, the reptiles, the insects, etc.  We recognize that each has an intrinsic value which does not include being a resource/raw material to be exploited for human consumption and/or commerce. 

Mother Earth and her inhabitants exist for all of us, as well as for future generations. We must not destroy it to meet our immediate wants.  We each have a spiritual duty to leave the world in a better state.  When our actions show respect for Mother Earth and all her inhabitants, we are exhibiting love for the Creator/God, which is the first mandate given to us. 

“Let all creation rejoice before the Lord.”  Psalm 96:13 

Let us fulfill the mandates to love the Creator/ God, to love our neighbors as ourselves, and to care for Mother Earth and all her inhabitants.

Let us Pray:

The manifestation of each of your children is beautiful and each contributes to your beauty. A clear lake, a green pine, a pink cloud, a snow-capped mountain top, a fragrant forest, a white crane, a golden deer... these miraculous manifestations of life are all your children and each one of them enhances and magnifies your beauty. Your children include millions of species, each with its own language. Since you are our Mother, you understand all these languages, including the languages of humans. You are a planet, Mother of all beings, not just of humans, therefore we feel very at ease every time we talk to you and offer you our prayer. We are all your children, and at the same time, we are you, for you are fully present in each one of us.

There are those of us lacking right thinking, who consider this place on which we live to be separate from the Pure Land. They advise us to reject this land and to aspire to be reborn in a faraway Pure Land. They do not know that if their minds are calm and pure, filled with love, if they have the capacity to transform compost into flowers, to use mud to grow lotuses, then they will see that their afflictions are in fact realizations and that this very land is already the Pure Land. They do not know that their way of perceiving has a lot to do with whether or not this is the Pure Land. Each physical manifestation on your body, such as a floating cloud or a falling leaf is sufficient for us to see the no-birth and no-death, no being and no non-being nature of reality. We then can appreciate and enjoy life fully, without being fearful or worrying about being or non-being, having or not having, increasing or decreasing, being the same or being different.  (Thich Nhat Hanh, Intimate Conversations with Mother Earth: The Earth is Not the Environment—the Earth is Us)

 

So it is, sealed in trust, faith and truth, in the Sacred Divine Light/Jesus. Amen.

Please join us next week as we outline some action steps we can take to be better Earth Stewards.

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This Little Light of Mine …

This Little Light of Mine …

Was written around 1920 by musical composer and teacher, Harry Dixon Loes. Although many think of it as a Negro spiritual, it has never been found in any 19^th century jubilee or plantation collection.  In 1939, the song entered the folk tradition. In the 50’s and 60’s, it became the anthem for the Civil Rights movement.

No one seems to know for certain, the true history behind the lyrics.  It has been speculated by many/most to be based upon one or more of the following scriptures:

"You are the light of the world. A city cannot be hid when situated upon a mountain.  Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Likewise, Let your light shine before men, that they may see your fine works and give glory to your Father who is in the heavens."  Matthew 5:14-16  

"After lighting a candle, a person puts it, not in a vault nor under a bushel, but upon a lampstand, that those stepping in may behold the light." Luke 11:33 

In the song, we shine our light so bright that all the world can see, every day, in every way; we are not hiding our light from the world under a bushel basket; we are not letting it dim or go out.

Sometimes though, without our even noticing it, our light begins to dim. When this happens, we often want to retreat from the world, and hide our light.  If we allow ourselves to get to this point, we often begin to feel that we are alone in the dark.

It is universally agreed upon that any/all of the following have the ability to dim our light.

• People who are negative/Criticize us
• Negative/critical self-talk
• Being over-tired
• Over committing ourselves to anything
• Agreeing to do things our heart isn’t in
• Acting like a martyr
• Overindulging in junk food, sex, drugs and/or alcohol, etc.
• Being false to our true spirit
• Being stuck in clutter, disorganization and/or confusion.

Keeping our light shining brightly requires personal dedication and commitment.  Once we become aware of our own inner light, we need to respect it and honor it, by keeping an eye on it and cherishing it; we need to put the welfare of our inner light above any/all other things.  If we do not do this, unwanted dimness has a way of creeping in.

Allowing for some individual variation, here are some things we can do if we find our light starting to dim. 

• Listen to Motivational music.
• Watch Motivational videos
• Read Motivational books, articles, etc.
• Spend time with Inspiring, positive people
• Engage in Positive self-talk
• Eat Healthy nutritious food
• Get enough Sleep
• Exercise regularly
• Get plenty of fresh air
• Engage in hobbies/activities that are fun
• Stimulate the Creative part of our brain
• Help someone with something … ANYTHING
• Make a difference
• Move forward on a goal
• Work toward making our Dreams … our Reality
• Live authentically

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence our LOVE automatically liberates others." Speech by Nelson Mandela, written by Marianne Williamson 

We can keep our own personal, little light lit and shining brightly, every day, every way.  We do have a choice. 

Let us choose to be a beacon of light for those who are stumbling or lost in the darkness.   Let Your Light Shine (youtube video)

So it is, sealed in trust, faith and truth, in the Sacred Divine Light/Jesus. Amen

FORGIVENESS: Part 2 of 2

It is impossible to maintain successful relationships without forgiveness.  Without forgiveness, resentments and mistrust grow.  Resentments and mistrust act as toxic poisons and kill (destroy) relationships. Be quick to forgive.

Let the sun not set with you in a provoked state.   Ephesians 4:26

What if we are unable to forgive quickly?  Emotional wounds take time, love and patience to heal.  Love and patience help us to forgive someone whom we perceive is really trying.  

It serves us well to remember to ask the Creator/God to cultivate a forgiving spirit toward any offender who makes an honest effort to alter their thoughtless, unkind, harmful words and/or actions, and sincerely asks for our forgiveness. 

Hmmm … We ask for a forgiving spirit … What does that mean?

When we are on the receiving end of thoughtless, unkind, harmful words and/or actions, it can be difficult for us to allow these words and/or actions to pass through us,.  This is  due, largely in part, because reactions to personal offenses are usually emotion based reactions.  Emotional responses to perceived offenses can range from mild to strong; it is not uncommon for us to feel angry or betrayed; we may even desire justice or revenge. 

When we are hurt by others,  we often want to retaliate and hurt them back in some way, as pay back.   We can reduce anger and other negative emotions with understanding, open-mindedness, a willingness to forgive, and love for one another.  

When others offend us, being willing to forgive, out of love, keeps us from automatically assuming that anothers motives are bad.    

Above all things, have intense love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.  1 Peter 4: 8

Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely if anyone has a cause for complaint against another. Even as Jehovah freely forgave you, so do you also. But, besides all these things, [clothe yourselves with] love, for it is a perfect bond of union.  Colossians 3:13-14

Determining why we are upset reduces our emotional responses.  Using our rational mind to analyze offensive words and/or actions, and understanding the reason(s) for our reaction, allows us to consider what would be the most appropriate response. 

Do not hurry yourself in your spirit to become offended, for the taking of offense is what rests in the bosom of the stupid ones.  Ecclesiastes 7:9  

Taking time to calm down and view the situation from the position of an “objective observer” helps us to remain open-minded and respond more appropriately. When we remove our subjective, emotional selves from the picture and examine the scenario as objective observers, we find that many negatively perceived words and actions flow right through us.  The more  we practice taking our subjective, emotional selves out of the picture, the more we will see that most of the things that are said or done to us, is not personal; it is not about us.   This objectiveness helps us see that others typically are not being deliberately hurtful or thoughtless; our offenders are simply being their imperfect human selves. 

He that is slow to anger is abundant in discernment, but one that is impatient is exalting foolishness.  Proverbs 14:29 

The insight of a man certainly slows down his anger, and it is beauty on his part to pass over transgression  Proverbs 19:11  

Know this, my beloved brothers. Every man must be swift about hearing, slow about speaking, slow about wrath; for man’s wrath does not work out God’s righteousness.  James 1:19-20  

By maintaining a positive view of our offender, in spite of what they are saying or doing to us, we build them up, rather than tear them down.  When we reflect back to them what we perceive they are putting out, we give ourselves, and them, an opportunity to clear up misunderstandings; each is also given the opportunity to gain/maintain control over their own behavior.  What a gift!

Therefore keep comforting one another and building one another up, just as you are in fact doing.  1 Thessalonians 5:11

We each have that power within us to create love, joy, peace and contentment, within our own hearts.  Learn to forgive.  If anybody upsets us, don’t take it to heart, forgive them.  If we have any ill-feelings, any grudges, please forgive them.  Forgive them,  that's the only way we can go forward and go on with our life. Grandmother Agnes (13 Indigenous Grandmothers) 

 

So it is, sealed in trust, faith and truth, in the Sacred Divine Light (Jesus Christ). 

Amen 

Reasonableness

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In the Bible, the word “reasonable” relates to the concept of being considerate, and conveys a sense of not being too strict.   Many people believe that they always need to do more, do better, or be better.  If we strive to attain unreasonable goals regardless of the cost, we subject ourselves to unnecessary stress.  Developing a reasonable view of what we CAN do, will greatly reduce our day to day stress levels.

Many of us are able to view others reasonably (with consideration), yet we find it very difficult to be considerate with ourselves. When we are reasonable, we are able to view our own circumstances in the same objective, balanced manner in which we view others.  To have a reasonable view of our own limitations can be challenging. 

We need to learn to recognize the signs that may tell us when we are approaching our own limits.  Proverbs 11:17

Once we identify our perceived limitations, it is not in our own best interest to become too lenient with ourselves, using our limitations as an excuse for doing less than we are capable of.  Though self examination and self adjustment can be challenging, it brings rich blessings.  Remember, the Creator/God never asks more of us than we can give. 

Just as it is not in our best interest to become too lenient with ourselves, it is not in our best interest to continue to focus our attention on our limitations.  To do so, prevents us from seeing what IS within our reach. 

It is to our benefit to do our best to make an honest appraisal of our abilities and limitations, and then cultivate reasonable expectations in light of our personal abilities and circumstances.  When we discern and appreciate the possibilities that ARE within our reach, instead of dwelling on our limitations, we are able to set balanced goals, and achieve a sense of achievement, despite our limitations.

The Creator/God understands human limitations and loves us when we serve him to the best of our ability, in spite of our limitations. 

Remembering that the Creator/ God is not a strict taskmaster, will help us to be modest in what we expect of ourselves, recognizing our limitations.  Micah 6:8

We may feel stress as we make personal adjustments.  Take time to speak to the Creator/God, the “Hearer of prayer” frequently.  Psalm 65:2

When we pray, we can ask the Creator/God to help us to make necessary adjustments in our lives.  Likewise, we can safely tell him about any anxiety we may be feeling, knowing that he cares for us.  1 Peter 5:7 

Self-adjustment requires personal determination and effort.  Adjusting the way we use our physical, mental, emotional and/or spiritual resources can help keep our life in balance.  When we have reasonable expectations and set reachable goals, our activities bring us deep satisfaction and joy.

“Always rejoice in the Lord. Once more I will say, Rejoice! Let your reasonableness become known to all men.”  Phil. 4:4,5

So it is, sealed in trust, faith and truth, in the Sacred Divine Light.
Amen

An Overview of Common Ways to Meditate

My tongue swirled slowly
around the soft pink flesh,
pausing only …
to taste its’ sweetness.

Can you guess what I’m talking about? I know what many of you might be thinking … and the answer is NO … I’m not talking about sex … I’m actually talking about eating a piece of watermelon!

About a dozen years ago, I attended a weekend seminar on Mindful Meditation. One of the many meditation exercises on mindfulness, was a mindful eating meditation.

A small group of us were sitting around a table talking, while we waited for the waiter to bring our breakfast. When it arrived, our facilitator led us in a short, group prayer. She then proceeded to instruct us that for the next 30 minutes, there was to be no conversation; we each were to pay attention to, and be mindful of, every bite we took. She asked us to pay particular attention to our sensory perceptions while we ate; when we were through eating, we were to write something which accurately described our experience; it was from this experience that “Ode to a Watermelon” was born.

An eating meditation is only one form of meditation. “There are many forms of meditation. Anything ranging from increasing and stimulating sexual pleasures to traveling through the memories of past lives on a spiritual journey. The Eastern Philosophies have been doing this for centuries, whereas the Western Culture has suppressed it.” (Thanks Brother Brett!)

Although there are numerous forms of meditation, they can be categorized into one of two primary forms:

1: Mind-focused meditations (mindful meditations)
2: No-Mind Meditations (mindless meditations)

The meditations Brett speaks of all fall under the category of Mind-Focused or Mindful Meditations. As Brett stated, “The Eastern Philosophies have been doing this for centuries whereas the Western Culture has suppressed it.”

Meditative practices are not only accepted, but encouraged, by most religions. The practice of meditation is firmly anchored in the Bible, which specifically directs its readers to meditate. I have been told that the Bible mentions meditate or meditation twenty times; thus far, I have found nineteen references; seventeen in the Old Testament and two in the New Testament. I am still looking for the twentieth.  :>)

God commands his people to meditate on his word day and night to instill obedience.  His delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law he meditates day and night.  Joshua 1:8, Psalms 1:2

Most Christian Meditative practices are Kataphatic. Kataphatic tradition seeks deeper realization of God through visions, feelings, imagery, words, and other sensate or symbolic forms of experience. All of these meditative practices fall under the category of mind-focused or mindful meditations.

However, there are some Contemporary Christian Meditative practices that are no-mind or mindless meditations. These meditative practices are predominately Apophatic. I say, predominately because most apophatics have a number of kataphatic experiences prior to becoming apophatic. All mind-focused meditations serve as a preparation tool for no-mind or mindless meditations ~ true meditations.

Apophatic tradition acts as a bridge between East-West teachings; followers of this tradition believe that opening and expanding one’s consciousness to the divine presence within ourselves will enable one to transcend the physical realm; followers believe that the Creator can be known, not intellectually, but with the heart. To achieve this transcendence from the physical to spiritual realm(s), this Christian tradition mimics the teachings of the East, by utilizing both a sacred word to express the intention to be in the Creator’s presence, and the progressive letting go of any/all identified psychological baggage.

Apophatic experiences can be psychologically and spiritually threatening; some people will continue to seek Kataphatic sensory experiences for years before they develop an Apophatic attraction to the mystery behind and beyond experience, but in stripping delusions about the Creator (God) from our minds, we prepare ourselves for the truth, and by eliminating all that is not the Creator (God), we begin to penetrate to the heart of the truth ~ where the Great Mystery is then revealed.

The real purpose of every mind-based meditation is to get to the point of transcendental mindlessness and union. It is helpful to think of mind-based meditations as pre-meditations for the real meditation, which is mindless. With this knowledge in mind, we will begin next week with Chakra (pre) Meditations. By utilizing these mind-based (pre) meditations one can safely start to practice these mental exercises until we each, collectively, reach a state of pure beingness in mindless meditation.

May we dedicate ourselves to the practice of pre-meditation, with an intensely honest willingness, so we may be prepared to receive our ticket to enlightenment and ascension.

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58

AMEN

The Pro’s and Con’s of Meditation: Part 2 of 2

This week’s discourse is intentionally short.

As there are very real dangers to meditating, this week’s discourse will confine itself to the basic Con’s of Meditation.

The following information is spiritually factual, but to minimize confusion, no scriptures are offered.

Many scriptures in the bible allude to meditation; several state that we should practice meditation on daily basis. The key word, or point, is “practice.”

If we attempt to go too deeply into a meditation, too fast, we can open the door to temporary or permanent insanity. Repressed or unconscious memories (trauma) can bubble up from our subconscious, and rapidly flood our conscious. Rather than achieving a state of communion with the Creator (God), we can become psychologically tormented by our own, now distorted, unconscious memories.  When this happens, we experience psychological and emotional demons; the D(evil) of our own unconscious minds.

If we do not rush ourselves to dive into the depths of meditation, our unconscious memories will slowly rise up, and allow us to stretch our consciousness. As our consciousness is stretched, unconscious memories will begin to surface, one at a time to be processed. We will not be flooded by them; nor will we become so emotionally or mentally overwhelmed that we temporarily or permanently go insane.

If we are unable to process any and all visions or intuitive perceptions received, during meditation, we (or others, especially medical Doctors and those in the mental-health field), may mistake our visions and perceptions as hallucinations, and label us with a diagnosis of psychosis, delusions or schizophrenia.

May we take time to “practice” daily meditation, taking great care not to go too deep, too fast; may we be humble enough to confide in (share) and seek assistance from spiritually knowledgeable teachers/guides who can help us process visions and/or insights gained during our meditations.


AMEN

The Pro’s and Con’s of Meditation: Part 1 of 2

Psychoanalysts "have this cute little god called Freud and a very well-paid priesthood and the faithful go weekly to worship on couches." (from "Glittering Images," a novel by Susan Howatcvh)

Those wishing to maintain balance in the physical realm only, go to psychoanalysts (therapists, counselors, etc.), but those wishing to maintain balance in the physical realm AND progress spiritually to the point of ascension into the kingdom of God/Heaven, MEDITATE!

His disciples said to him. “ … When will the new world come?” He said to them, “What you are looking forward to has come, but you don’t know it” Gospel of Thomas, Verse 51

The Pharisees asked him, ‘When will the kingdom of God come?’ He said: ‘You cannot tell by observation when the kingdom of God comes. There will be no saying, “Look, here it is!” or “there it is!”; for in fact the kingdom of God is within you.” Luke 17:20-21

Jesus’ disciples said unto him: “When will the kingdom come?” Jesus answered, “It will not come by waiting for it. People will not say, ‘Look! Here it is!’ or ‘There it is!’ But the kingdom of the Creator (Father) is spread out upon the earth and people do not see it.” Gospel of Thomas, Verse 113

And he said, “It has been granted to you to know the secrets of the kingdom of God …” Luke 8:10 “… it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven …” Matthew 13:11

Meditation is an ancient Spiritually-based modality, which utilizes Vibratory Spiritual Energy (Universal Life Energy, Prana, Chi, Ki, Holy Spirit, Spirit Within, etc.), and provides a pathway for opening perceptions to higher planes of consciousness (Christ Consciousness, Union with the Creator/God) . It is a Spiritual practice which helps one connect more fully with the Source of Life.

Meditation is a process and may/may not happen with only one “practice” session; it may take a considerable amount of time and sessions to regain health/wholeness/holiness.

The founders of the now infamous Alcoholic Anonymous Program, were aware that meditation was an important step which must be taken, if one wished to advance spiritually.

“Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out. Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, we tried to carry this message … and to practice these principles in all our affairs.” (the 11th and 12th steps of Alcoholics Anonymous; also found in other 12 Step Programs)

While it is true that Spiritual Awakenings can and do happen suddenly, they are the exception, rather than the rule. In most cases, a “true” Spiritual Awakening, one in which profound personality changes occur, takes time and conscious effort.

To make progress spiritually, is to learn through daily meditation, to transcend the physical SELF; that is to say, the SELFish ego, which consists of SELF-delusions, SELF-seeking attitudes and behaviors, SELF-pity, SELF-grandeur, SELF-will, and SELF-centeredness.

Issues concerning diet, physical/mental health, mindset, attitude, support system, repressed memories/emotions, and/or other environmental factors usually rise to the surface of one’s consciousness; this is all part of the process. Any/ALL identified issues need to be worked through, as they surface, before one’s soul is “fully” liberated.

“Meditate upon these things: give yourself wholly to them, so that your progress will be plain to all. Persevere in them, keep close watch on yourself and your teaching; by doing so you will further the salvation of yourself and your hearers. 1 Timothy 4:14-16

Matthew said: “Lord, I wish to see that place of life … where there is no wickedness but only pure light.” The Lord said, “Brother Matthew, you will not be able to see it as long as you bear flesh.” Matthew said: “Lord, even if I will not be able to see it, let me know it. The Lord said, “Those who have known themselves have seen it.” The Complete Gospels: Annotated Scholars Version 14:1-4

“The kingdom of heaven is within you and it is outside of you. If you will know yourselves, then you will be known, and you will realize that you are children of the living Creator (Father). But if you do not know yourselves, then you dwell in poverty and you are poverty.” Gospel of Thomas, Verse 3

May we take time to “practice” daily meditation; may we continue to be humble enough to confide in (share) and seek assistance from spiritually knowledgeable teachers who can help us process visions and/or insights gained during our meditations, and help us overcome any/all stumbling blocks along the way, so that we may transcend the SELFish ego of our physical SELFves, and progress spiritually to the point of ascension into the kingdom of God/Heaven.

“Listen to my words, Creator (O LORD), consider my meditation.” Psalms 5:1 “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight …” Psalms 19:14 “May my meditation please the Creator (LORD), as I show my joy in him!” Psalms 104:34


AMEN

Manifesting Hope

A strong desire for something, coupled with an expectation of obtaining the object(s) of our desire, constitutes hope . Hope is the belief that our present day desires will, in fact, manifest as reality at some point in the future; it is a universal blessing.

While we look forward to the manifestation of something we are waiting (hoping) for, it serves us well to wait patiently and confidently. In Hebrew, the word for hope is confidence; it implies a confident expectation of the future.

As long as we maintain our hope, that our desire will, in fact, be attained, and we realize that it must be delayed for a certain period of time; we can wait patiently for the manifestation process to complete itself. As long as we sustain hope and patience, we can overcome obstacles and endure trials and pain, no matter their severity or intensity.

When we have a strong desire without a corresponding expectation of obtaining it, we tend to become impatient. Without hope, the darkness of desperation and anguish result.

”But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” Romans 8:25

The more that we believe that our hope has a high probabiltiy of being attained, the easier it will be for us to endure any tribulation that comes our way while we are patiently waiting for our hope to manifest itself. Prayer helps to strengthen our faith that our hopes will indeed eventually manifest; prayer raises the vibrational frequency of our hopes.

"In hope, rejoicing; in tribulation, enduring; in prayer, persevering." Romans 12:12

The ability to bring energy/light into form is a great spiritual gift and challenge. By manifesting, we are in active alignment with our spiritual selves, the Divine Light (Jesus), and the Creator (God).

“To each person has been given the ability to manifest the Spirit for the common good. “ I Corinthians 12:7

Energy follows thought; therefore, what we think about is extremely important, not only for ourselves but for the universe at large. Thought creates feelings (emotions). Doubt weakens or completely nullifies our ability to manifest. Therefore, it is important for us to identify any/all possible reasons (fears and doubts) which might prevent us from manifesting what we desire.

Desire provides the fuel to power the thoughts we project. The more desire we have, and the more we believe that our desires will manifest, the more successful we will be.

“And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship the Creator (God), and report that the Creator (God) is in you of a truth.” 1 Corinthians 14:25

When we let go and trust that the universe will provide what we need, exactly when we need it, we begin to attract support. Visible and invisible support not only helps move our manifestation process forward, but also help us gain the courage we need, to take, and continue taking, the steps we need to take.

That which we wish to manifest already exists; every possible outcome, conceived of in our thoughts, is already accomplished. When we recognize and are grateful for this knowledge, and expect our manifestations to come into being (form) they will; gratitude greatly accelerates the manifestation process. It may take a little time before our desire to manifest appears; it requires patience to sit back and wait. Our ability to remain patient is in direct proportion to how happy we are.

Manifestations that align our desires with our own individual Soul’s purpose manifest quite easily. Likewise, manifestations that are in alignment with our own, individual Ego, face many obstacles and stumbling blocks along the way. If we keep hitting a brick wall, we may want to turn around and take another path. Manifestation works best when we manifest selflessly, for the greater good; correct alignment of our will brings more energy/light to ourselves and others.

We can only manifest things that are in alignment with our belief that we are worthy. In other words, we can only manifest what we believe we can have. Our ability to be willing and open to receive the gift of manifestation, greatly affects what we manifest; we will only rise to the level of our own resistance.

"It is for this very purpose that I have lifted you so high--that I may make manifest in you My power, and that My name may be proclaimed far and wide in all the earth." Romans 9:17

So it is, sealed in trust, faith and truth, in the Sacred Divine Light.
Amen

Edifying Communication

To communicate is a form of sharing. The spirit of our inter-relational existence, can be found in the ways in which we communicate; the world is both dependent on and affected by communication. The way we speak and the words we choose have a tremendous effect upon our spirit.

When we speak, we give life to our thoughts; whenever we speak our thoughts out loud, the vibrational level of our thoughts change. It’s better to say nothing at all, than to say something negative. Some commonly used negative words like: But, Try, If, Might, Would Have, Should Have, Could Have, Can't and Don't, negate our ability to successfully be our “Highest Selves,” and affect the Higher Selves of those we speak to.

The goal of effective communication, is to share our message while edifying/building others up, not tearing them apart. Unfortunately, most of us tend to think, and thereby communicate our own interests, in an effort to get others to see things our way, rather than what might be in the best interest of those with whom we are communicating.

If we wish to lift/raise others with the words we use when communicating, our words need to be pleasant and peaceful, even if we are not in agreement with our listener; it is important to remain respectful! Our words will serve us best if we do not come across as being too wise, too good and/or too great.

Anyone who has ever written newspaper copy knows the importance of communicating just the Who, What, When, Where and Why of their message.

To be an effective communicator and get our point across without misunderstanding and confusion, it is best if we do not communicate too much information, too fast, or if our words are not disorganized or too complex.

“I keep six honest serving-men
(They taught me all I knew);
Their names are What and Why and When
And How and Where and Who.”
(Rudyard Kipling, from "The Elephant's Child" in Just So Stories )

Words which edify:

• instruct by providing new information whichs helps remove ignorance,
• counsel those in trouble/danger to overcome their difficulties,
• comfort by imparting consolation, and/or
• foster truthful discussion.

Regardless of whether we are engaged in instruction, counseling, providing comfort or truthful discussion, words that come from the heart are usually useful and edifying.

Edifying words are:

• pleasant
• courteous
• gracious
• respectful
• loving
• truthful
• kind
• encouraging
• informative
• harmonious
• profitable for all involved parties

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” Ephesians 4:29

Non-Edifying words are:

• foul/abusive
• abrasive
• harmful to the other person/people
• offensive
• degrading
• disrespectful
• demoralizing
• character assassinators
• accusatory/blaming
• fault-finding
• angry
• prideful
• arrogant
• false

“But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.” Colossians 3:8

It is best if all parts of ourselves work in balance and harmony. When the speech of our mind is in disagreement with the speech of our heart, the words that come out of our mouth are false; they run contrary to edification; they do not shine the light of truth on anyone’s mind.

Words that are not pleasant to others, are destructive to the spirit of both the “listener” and the “speaker.” Effective communication can improve our inter-relations by increasing intimacy, trust and support; likewise, non-effective communication can weaken bonds, create mistrust and breed contempt.

We cannot edify anyone when we are full of anger, contentious and/or quarrelsome!

“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” Romans 14:19

So it is, sealed in trust, faith and truth, in the Sacred Divine Light.
Amen

The Power of Words

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The way we speak and the words we choose have a tremendous effect upon our spirit. 

Each word you speak has an energetic resonance that attracts its equivalent and creates a form that corresponds to its vibration. 

“The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.” Proverbs 13:3  

Most of us have a running internal dialogue with ourselves; our internal voices give us direction. Many psychologists believe that it takes up to seventeen positive statements to offset one negative statement. We reinforce our programming with our internal dialogue. We can use our words to curse our life; we can use our words to bless our life.

“From the fruit of a man's mouth he enjoys good, But the desire of the treacherous is violence.” Proverbs 13:2

Negative thoughts don’t need to become negative words. Whenever we speak our thoughts out loud, the vibrational level of our thoughts change. 

An interesting experimental study, much like Masaru Emoto’s work with water crystals, gives visual proof of the power and impact of our words. This particular study, by Doreen and Grant Virtue, found then whenever spiritual or loving positive words were spoken, pleasant, round shapes were produced on a graph, and rose above the middle base line. Likewise, whenever negative words were spoken, sharp, pointy, angular shapes were produced on a graph, and fell below the middle base line. This experimental study provides additional preliminary proof that someone who talks negatively, does indeed, have an energetically “sharp tongue.”

When we speak, we give life to our thoughts. Our words become self-fulfilling prophecies; we prophesize our future by the words we speak in the present. We are the co-creators of our own experiences; we receive what we speak. It’s better to say nothing at all, than to say something negative. 

“The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.” Proverbs 13:3

Here’s a short list of some commonly used negative words, which when used, negate our ability to successfully be our “highest selves.”

But: Negates any words that are stated before it.
Try: Presupposes failure. If we "try" to do something, we give our unconscious mind permission not to succeed. We will reap many benefits by removing the word "try" from our vocabulary.
If: Presupposes that we may not.
Might: It does nothing definite. It leaves options for your listener..
Would Have: draws attention to things that didn't actually happen.
Should Have: draws attention to things that didn't actually happen (and implies guilt.)
Could Have: draws attention to things that didn't actually happen but the person tries to take credit as if it did happen.
Can't/Don't: forces listeners to focus on the opposite of what we say. (cew 12:37

So it is, sealed in trust, faith and truth, in the Sacred Divine Light.
Amen