Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Thursday, October 4, 2012
aint it a shame
I entitled this aint it a shame as a way to start making excuses about why I had not written anything for a long time. Just the activity of writing that sentence reminded me of how we so quickly move into an "excuse" posture when dealing with many things in our lives. Even if we believe we have valid reasons for not doing something we will create some grand reason why it was impossible for us to accomplish what we had planned. There are a few lessons we should take from this scenario.
1. We need to reclaim our lives. Live more in the flow of our own timing and
believe when the time is right we will do what needs to be done. We are taught, and/or socialized to believe we should be doing something every minute. We no longer appreciate quiet moments, moments for prayer and meditation, moments spent just looking out the window. We speak of time lost. There is a saying in New Thought Christianity that "Nothing is lost in Spirit". If we lodge ourselves in only what we see and the ideas of our time, we start thinking we need to compete with a clock. Our time on earth is not to be a competition. We have all the time we should have. Enjoy every moment. There is something to be learned and gained from your coming here. Your coming was not a mistake. Your biggest accomplishment should be your comfortable relationship with God. There is no one to race.
2. Stop giving others such power over our lives. We give our power away by promising people things we shouldn't and then feeling badly when we were unable to keep that promise. And how often have people encouraged our guilt.
These days not only do families know how to make you feel guilty but others in our circle often do the same. Slow down and realize that you are an unique expression of God that must first respond to the spirit in you and then to others.
Now that I do not have to give an excuse for being away from writing so long, I think I'll go and meditate (lol). Take time to have fun and enjoy life. Its not about
the deadlines. And do not worry, you will finish what needs to be finished all in good time.
Peace
1. We need to reclaim our lives. Live more in the flow of our own timing and
believe when the time is right we will do what needs to be done. We are taught, and/or socialized to believe we should be doing something every minute. We no longer appreciate quiet moments, moments for prayer and meditation, moments spent just looking out the window. We speak of time lost. There is a saying in New Thought Christianity that "Nothing is lost in Spirit". If we lodge ourselves in only what we see and the ideas of our time, we start thinking we need to compete with a clock. Our time on earth is not to be a competition. We have all the time we should have. Enjoy every moment. There is something to be learned and gained from your coming here. Your coming was not a mistake. Your biggest accomplishment should be your comfortable relationship with God. There is no one to race.
2. Stop giving others such power over our lives. We give our power away by promising people things we shouldn't and then feeling badly when we were unable to keep that promise. And how often have people encouraged our guilt.
These days not only do families know how to make you feel guilty but others in our circle often do the same. Slow down and realize that you are an unique expression of God that must first respond to the spirit in you and then to others.
Now that I do not have to give an excuse for being away from writing so long, I think I'll go and meditate (lol). Take time to have fun and enjoy life. Its not about
the deadlines. And do not worry, you will finish what needs to be finished all in good time.
Peace
Monday, May 28, 2012
We can learn to use FEAR as Information only!
In my community we enjoy saying fear is false evidence appearing real. That is somewhat true, but what we often miss is that fear is needed information in our pursuit of our purposes and plans. Even if we have created a multitude of reasons for not moving ahead with a particular plan, our fear can show us what we believe stands in our way. It is at the point of identifying what is standing in the way that we have learned from our fear. Our job is not just to cut fear from our lives, but to use it more successfully as a tool to create what we need to create.
This week I have been learning from several of my friends what it means to learn from our fears and what we need to have in place to overcome our anxieties. If you are reading this and believe you see yourself in one of my examples, don't worry it is probably only because so many of us have the same issues we believe everything is about us or it may be that I learned from you this week, and must thank you for being the lesson in my life this week.
My first friend, wants to have life the way she dreams it, but she is afraid none of her family will understand and they will ostracize her desire to be different and live differently than they do. We all desire to be a part of a family, group, community, church, or organization etc. Fear of separation looms large in all of us. How can she be true to herself and not lose her community?
Another of my friends is a pastor and needs more finances to do what the church believes it needs to do. What does he need to do to move from fear to enough finances? Should the church's agenda change to fit the finances they have or is there another answer to his fear of failure? No one wants to fail. We see this failure as loss of ego, where we are humiliated and shamed by our inability to fulfill our role in a competent way. What does he need?
Another friend is concerned that she can't care for her children in the way she should? Her fear is two-fold, being a terrible parent and failure as a working person. Should we fear our circumstances? Is there something to be learned in looking at where we are, are we to appreciate where we are before we can go forward into the purpose and mission God has created for each of us? Her fear is loss of autonomy, as a non-working adult needing help from social services and fearing loss of ego.
None of the above situations are simple. We so often want to fix everything for everyone. This is not my intention here. One of the hardest lessons from fear I have received is knowing who I am as a child of God. For you non-believers, you may begin your scorn of me now. There is something in knowing who you are and what power you have because you are that person. This will not mean you will always remember and not fear, but when you do fear anything, remember you have the power of God, the anointing of the Holy Spirit and nothing can separate you from the love of God. That love covers you and gives you everything you need in each situation. You need to stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.
Thoughts you need to compel your fear to instruct you will come and all you desire will be completed. Trust God and use fear.
Peace
This week I have been learning from several of my friends what it means to learn from our fears and what we need to have in place to overcome our anxieties. If you are reading this and believe you see yourself in one of my examples, don't worry it is probably only because so many of us have the same issues we believe everything is about us or it may be that I learned from you this week, and must thank you for being the lesson in my life this week.
My first friend, wants to have life the way she dreams it, but she is afraid none of her family will understand and they will ostracize her desire to be different and live differently than they do. We all desire to be a part of a family, group, community, church, or organization etc. Fear of separation looms large in all of us. How can she be true to herself and not lose her community?
Another of my friends is a pastor and needs more finances to do what the church believes it needs to do. What does he need to do to move from fear to enough finances? Should the church's agenda change to fit the finances they have or is there another answer to his fear of failure? No one wants to fail. We see this failure as loss of ego, where we are humiliated and shamed by our inability to fulfill our role in a competent way. What does he need?
Another friend is concerned that she can't care for her children in the way she should? Her fear is two-fold, being a terrible parent and failure as a working person. Should we fear our circumstances? Is there something to be learned in looking at where we are, are we to appreciate where we are before we can go forward into the purpose and mission God has created for each of us? Her fear is loss of autonomy, as a non-working adult needing help from social services and fearing loss of ego.
None of the above situations are simple. We so often want to fix everything for everyone. This is not my intention here. One of the hardest lessons from fear I have received is knowing who I am as a child of God. For you non-believers, you may begin your scorn of me now. There is something in knowing who you are and what power you have because you are that person. This will not mean you will always remember and not fear, but when you do fear anything, remember you have the power of God, the anointing of the Holy Spirit and nothing can separate you from the love of God. That love covers you and gives you everything you need in each situation. You need to stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.
Thoughts you need to compel your fear to instruct you will come and all you desire will be completed. Trust God and use fear.
Peace
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Is your worship really yours?
This continues our last conversation on tribalism.
We choose places and groups with which to worship, but how often have we really looked at why we have chosen this place. Do our friends attend this church? Is it the most prestigious church in the neighborhood? Is the music just so fabulous? Is the leader handsome or beautiful or pleasant to watch. I have heard persons remark on the quality of the food served after church. What is it that sends you off on an early Sunday morning to sit with these people? Is this really your way of worshiping. Are these worship practices feeding your spirit, or have you just decided what difference does it all make? IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE! Whatever you do to feed your spirit changes you. It's not really about the church, it's more about , as John Wesley said, "How fares your soul? If what you choose does not really feed you, it is time to get serious about your spiritual needs. Some people go places for years and don't grow, allowing their souls to become stagnant and diseased. We do not all have the same diets and we should not all be seeking the same worship experience. What do you need? Find what feeds you and changes you - that is your authentic worship. There is the most important word for all of us - "authentic". Stop judging what others do and find what works for you. Preachers feed well those that choose your place and don't worry what is happening at some other church. Jesus said where two or three are gathered , he would be in their midst. Find what feeds you, it may be a loud place or a quiet place, it may be 1hour or 3 hours, they may teach scripture verse by verse or issue by issue. One thing is clear, there should be great love there, and you should feel valued and respected plus fed well. Your spiritual life is important, treat it like it is.
Peace
We choose places and groups with which to worship, but how often have we really looked at why we have chosen this place. Do our friends attend this church? Is it the most prestigious church in the neighborhood? Is the music just so fabulous? Is the leader handsome or beautiful or pleasant to watch. I have heard persons remark on the quality of the food served after church. What is it that sends you off on an early Sunday morning to sit with these people? Is this really your way of worshiping. Are these worship practices feeding your spirit, or have you just decided what difference does it all make? IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE! Whatever you do to feed your spirit changes you. It's not really about the church, it's more about , as John Wesley said, "How fares your soul? If what you choose does not really feed you, it is time to get serious about your spiritual needs. Some people go places for years and don't grow, allowing their souls to become stagnant and diseased. We do not all have the same diets and we should not all be seeking the same worship experience. What do you need? Find what feeds you and changes you - that is your authentic worship. There is the most important word for all of us - "authentic". Stop judging what others do and find what works for you. Preachers feed well those that choose your place and don't worry what is happening at some other church. Jesus said where two or three are gathered , he would be in their midst. Find what feeds you, it may be a loud place or a quiet place, it may be 1hour or 3 hours, they may teach scripture verse by verse or issue by issue. One thing is clear, there should be great love there, and you should feel valued and respected plus fed well. Your spiritual life is important, treat it like it is.
Peace
Monday, April 9, 2012
What's Your Tribe?
In the April 9th, 2012 issue of Newsweek magazine, there is an article by E.O. Wilson, on Tribalism. This article outlines humans need to affiliate with like persons and see all non-members as "other". Without knowing much history we can see there is a logic to what Dr. Wilson says about our need to relate in specific ways. I don't want to bore you with the biological and social implications of this article. Most of you who read this blog are looking at spiritual concerns. Don't stop reading. This is a serious concern for all of us. The article says we have evidenced throughout history a need to align ourselves with like persons and label all those outside of our group as "other". We, then give ourselves permission to take from the "other" (without asking) or persecute the other for not agreeing with us, or destroy the "other" or judge the other less than ourselves. We often speak of how awful it is when someone is shot or hurt by one gang encroaching on another gang's territory. We don't seem to see the same behavior in ourselves, when we speak of persons with a different belief system than our own or cultural expression than ours. We are always on the lookout for the "other" in our experience. I can hear some of you saying as you read this I am never guilty of this. Each time we determine that someone else's religion is not as good as ours we act just like the gang members. We now have churches that represent gangs in our lives. We consider one better than another. One preacher better than another. Christians better than Muslims, Jews better than B'hai, Mormons better than Jehovah Witness or Methodist better than all of those listed. For those who claim to follow Jesus, pay attention to who you are making the "other". The story Jesus tells of the Good Samaritan in
John 10:29-37, answering the question of "who is my neighbor?" should give all Christians pause to think differently about our response to "others" in our lives.
The example of what is happening in our political life should scare all of us back into a saner way of living out our beliefs. For one group to want to interpret for all of us what it means to be Christian and to interpret the Bible for us, should awaken in us a move to teach, worship and live out our beliefs in a less tribal way. If Dr. Wilson is right and somehow it is inscribed on our DNA, we must live more consciously aware of even our conversations about "others" in our lives.
We are not simply our basest instincts, but have been gifted with a spark of divinity which when accessed can lead us into more fruitful living. What's your tribe? Is it your church, your religion or are you living consciously aware of the worth and value of others. As a Christian I am compelled to choose the consciously aware life.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Going Home (A Story)
There was an old lady who felt her life on earth should end. She believed that she was ready to go. She reminisced about all her work on earth. She said , "I know I will be able to go home. I have been in the kitchen of that church every weekend. I taught Sunday School for 50 years. I led the missionaries even longer than that. There was not a program that happened that I did not attend. I always raised the most money every Women's Day. I am sure they will be happy to see me come home." She called for angels to come and take her home to God.
When her call reached heaven, God sent Gabriel to respond to her request. Gabriel came to her early one morning and gently woke her. She was startled that she was awakened. She asked him why he awakened her; didn't this trip usually take place during sleep? Gabriel responded, "I can't take you." "Why?" she was now a little worried. Gabriel responded, "The Father wants to get to know you a little better. You seldom prayed, and there was no obvious joy in your life. We don't have many records of you saying thank you. Yes, you slaved in your church kitchen, but life is built on relationships and the first relationship you should have built with God. Because you neglected that relationship the rest of the relationships you could have had and did have suffered. Even you being a missionary did not stem from the love of God in your heart being expressed and sent out over the world. Love without love of God is merely a shadow of what could be. For God is love. But because God loves you, you are being given some more time to find love, peace and joy. I am sure when it is really your time you won't have to call; your love will draw you to God."
When her call reached heaven, God sent Gabriel to respond to her request. Gabriel came to her early one morning and gently woke her. She was startled that she was awakened. She asked him why he awakened her; didn't this trip usually take place during sleep? Gabriel responded, "I can't take you." "Why?" she was now a little worried. Gabriel responded, "The Father wants to get to know you a little better. You seldom prayed, and there was no obvious joy in your life. We don't have many records of you saying thank you. Yes, you slaved in your church kitchen, but life is built on relationships and the first relationship you should have built with God. Because you neglected that relationship the rest of the relationships you could have had and did have suffered. Even you being a missionary did not stem from the love of God in your heart being expressed and sent out over the world. Love without love of God is merely a shadow of what could be. For God is love. But because God loves you, you are being given some more time to find love, peace and joy. I am sure when it is really your time you won't have to call; your love will draw you to God."
Monday, January 16, 2012
TRUST SPIRIT
I have been reading conversations from churches in prominent denominations. I have witnessed the frustration and disappointment of those who lead and those who follow leaders of churches in major denominations. The consensus is that we are living in strange times. There seems to be a different experience of "church", one that is unfamiliar to most "baby boomers". Many are asking why are there so many problems with our leaders and diminishing numbers in the pews? This is often answered by saying that this is a sign of the times.
In some ways this is true. Often when change comes, we don't understand or see the changing process clearly. It is usually the work of some historian who looks back and identifies when and how the change occurred. This I believe is an evolutionary shift. Spirit is working. Then what is our job during this period? It is our responsibility to trust Spirit. We quickly forget that those of us who claim God as our Source cannot at the same time believe that everything is being destroyed. We who are empowered by the Holy Spirit should see what others cannot. Is God creating or destroying? Do you trust that whatever God is doing will produce good for God's people. If we knew or understood all that happens around us, we would be as God. But our greatest responsibility is living the best that we can everyday. If we are members of a congregation that is struggling, what have we offered that can be a balm for the healing of that group. How have we ushered in the healing that needs to occur. How do we bring peace into the situation. It is not our job to judge, punish, or kill those who have harmed the church, it is our responsibility to make it better , and if you don't believe you can, go where you believe you can make a difference. Each day we are called to be the best that God intends for our lives. Be the BEST!. Stop complaining, stop procrastinating, know that you are a powerful ONE. Do what God has given you to do. Trust Spirit...All things work together for good...
Peace
In some ways this is true. Often when change comes, we don't understand or see the changing process clearly. It is usually the work of some historian who looks back and identifies when and how the change occurred. This I believe is an evolutionary shift. Spirit is working. Then what is our job during this period? It is our responsibility to trust Spirit. We quickly forget that those of us who claim God as our Source cannot at the same time believe that everything is being destroyed. We who are empowered by the Holy Spirit should see what others cannot. Is God creating or destroying? Do you trust that whatever God is doing will produce good for God's people. If we knew or understood all that happens around us, we would be as God. But our greatest responsibility is living the best that we can everyday. If we are members of a congregation that is struggling, what have we offered that can be a balm for the healing of that group. How have we ushered in the healing that needs to occur. How do we bring peace into the situation. It is not our job to judge, punish, or kill those who have harmed the church, it is our responsibility to make it better , and if you don't believe you can, go where you believe you can make a difference. Each day we are called to be the best that God intends for our lives. Be the BEST!. Stop complaining, stop procrastinating, know that you are a powerful ONE. Do what God has given you to do. Trust Spirit...All things work together for good...
Peace
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