Twinkling stars in the midnight sky, Whisper secrets from heaven’s gate. Moonlight glistens on blades of grass, Captivating vibrant green lusciousness.
Sturdy as volcanic rock, deep in Earth’s mantle, Billions of years quelling anger, fostering peace. Cascading abundance to believers, Spirit of verdant grace, sprinkle olivine dust.
Melting hearts of iron, Peridot’s spirit lights the path. Transforming souls one by one, Guiding through love’s open door.
Freeing us from this mortal world, The Spirit of the Peridot. Streets made of silver and gold, A place to cherish and adore.
On the Sabbath- we are reminded that we are not human doings, but human beings.
Rob Bell
Most people would agree that rest and rejuvenation are necessary for self-care. We need to be our best so we can take care of ourselves and others. This makes sense. Do you agree?
Then, we can stretch this out to theorize that spending time in nature allows us to nourish our souls so we can rest in creation. Today, we continue the theme of rest, specifically, Sabbath rest.
Rest on the Seventh Day
In the Story of Creation, we learn that God created the heavens, the earth, and everything in between. God created one day each week solely to rest. God made a point of distinguishing one day from all the others. This speaks volumes. God provided the seventh day to rest. To give us permission to take a break from everyday life. In other words, to stop and smell the roses.
Photo Credit: Arkansas Rose by Ruth Walton, iPhone
Action: Set aside one day a week to unplug from work and technology.
Through rest, we can sense God’s love and connection. A mind, body, and soul connection.
“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. – Exodus 20:8-11
Keep the Sabbath Holy
In this scripture, God commands us to keep the Sabbath day holy. What does holy mean? On www.myjewishlearning.com, “Holiness is imparted and maintained through ritual, prayer, formal declaration, and the avoidance of specific “abominations.”” In Britt Mooney’s What Does it Really Mean to be Holy, on chrisitanity.com, “Holy refers to something or someone set apart or consecrated for a specific purpose.”
Holy appears throughout the Bible to describe God’s nature, attributes, actions, and expectations of us.
If we believe that God is holy and is set apart from worldly things, we accept that God is the source of truth and love. These earthly things are temporary. They get in the way of our relationship to nature and to God. The solitude of nature heals us from the brokenness of ourselves and the world.
Sabbath, What is the Big Deal?
This sacred time holds profound historical and spiritual significance, particularly, yet not limited, to Judaism. In Judaism, it is a sign of the covenant between God and the Jewish people. It symbolizes freedom and divine protection to the Israelites by God.
Jewish people all over the world observe the Sabbath. It begins at sundown on Fridays with lighting candles, reciting blessings, and sharing a meal. It concludes at sundown the following evening. This practice of the Sabbath has unified the Jewish people into who they are today.
Reflect on the Present
The Sabbath allows us to rest, reflect, and renew—a sort of balance to all the craziness we experience otherwise. Observing that one day of the week is different from the rest helps us honor time itself. The mundane is set aside for the sacred.
How do you currently spend your weekends? What activities help you feel rested and renewed? How can you create a Sabbath-like rest in your weekly routine?
Sabbath also fosters a sense of community and family bonding. In Kendra Cherry, MSEd’s recent article How to Increase Your Sense of Belonging in VeryWell, she writes, “Our need to belong is what drives us to seek out stable, long-lasting relationships with other people.”
Action: Set aside time each week to spend with family. Create a better sense of belonging by calling and texting family on a regular basis.
The Sabbath’s blend of historical roots and spiritual depth makes it a cornerstone of Jewish life. It offers a weekly reminder of faith, freedom, and community. Honoring the Sabbath connects you to God, self, family, and community. In Sabbath rest, we can unplug technology and focus on what truly matters. What type of Sabbath rest are you seeking?
I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in.
George Washington Carver
Our last post discussed the imperative need to rest and recharge. Today, we will explore the concept of finding rest in nature.
Camping as a Kid
When I was a kid, my family went camping every summer. It was something my dad looked forward to each year. Me, not so much. But, when you are a kid, you learn to grin and bear it.
My dad worked in an environment where noise prevented him from hearing others speak. The air was filled with dust, metal shavings, and oil substances. Gears churned within the walls, and motors whistled, so it was no wonder he wanted to escape to the woods.It was his happy place.
Image Source: publicdomainpictures dot net
As much as I didn’t like camping, I remember nature’s sounds: the potatoes wrapped in foil crackling in the fire, the crickets chirping, and the owls hooting at night. And then the stars. I remember looking up at the vast sky and seeing millions of stars I had never seen before—or perhaps didn’t choose to stop and appreciate at home. One thing I learned while camping was the closeness I felt to God. I saw God everywhere.
Reflect on Your Past
To better understand your relationship with nature, consider the following:
Did your childhood teach you how to connect with nature? Were you able to explore the outdoors on your own or in groups? How did your parents feel about nature?
Action: Spend a few minutes reflecting on your past experiences with nature. Write down one memorable experience and how it made you feel. Use this reflection to connect with your current relationship with the outdoors.
The Gift of Creation
By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.
Genesis 2:2-3
Nature reflects God’s beauty and provides a sanctuary for rest. Signs of nature are everywhere, from the tiny tadpoles near a stream to the crabs crawling on a beach. If you choose to notice.
Action:Promise yourself to spend time outdoors. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a hike, or simply sitting on your patio, go be in nature. Quiet yourself as you hear the birds and experience the nature around you. Start with short, mindful moments of rest. Rest for your mental and physical well-being. Gradually increase your time spent outdoors.
Connecting with nature opens up the opportunity to connect with Spirit, which allows you to communicate with the Creator of all nature. In God, rest and rejuvenation are found. Like the woman at the well in the Gospel of John 4:10, God offers each one of us living water. It is this water that brings us eternal rest.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30
Summer is the typical time people take vacation. It is a period designed explicitly for rest and relaxation. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus invites the weary and burdened to find rest in Him. By prioritizing self-care, we become refreshed, allowing us to seek God’s peace and restoration.
The daily grind takes a toll on us. The barrage of emails, text messages, and input from outside sources makes us feel like a worn-out sponge. Soaking up the information and then regurgitating it at that moment or another time. Sooner or later, you will dry out and fall apart.
Reflect on Your Past
To better understand your current state of mental health, consider the following:
Did your childhood teach you good self-care? Were you able to speak your mind without retribution? How did your parents take care of themselves?
These questions will reveal your history and your story.
In your story, you can go back and rewrite it. Rewrite the story so you won’t feel guilty when you are not working. Take time to kick up your feet and just relax. Enjoy your family for who they are because you want to, not as an obligation.
Action: Spend 5 minutes thinking about your childhood. Answer one question by writing or typing it out. Build on this each day until you feel you have answered each one adequately.
Verbalize Your Needs
Learning to verbalize your wants and needs is vital for good mental health. It does take practice. So, think about starting this summer! But first, you will need to list what these are. Then, you can reflect upon them. It is essential for good mental health. You can start by asking yourself:
Do I need more alone time or social time? What activities do I like to do alone? What do I want to do with other people? What resources do I need to live a balanced life?
Action: Spend another 5 minutes thinking about your childhood. Write down whether you needed more alone time or social time and list one example to support your answer. Then spend another 5 minutes thinking about the present. Build on this each day until you feel you have answered each one adequately.
Consider Others
When we rest and refresh, we strengthen our relationships with others. Empathy allows us to connect deeply, promoting a sense of community. By understanding and valuing the perspectives of others, we can offer support and kindness in meaningful ways. This balance between self-care and caring for others enriches our lives and helps create a kinder, gentler world.
Imagine the ripple effect: when you take time to care for yourself, you are better equipped to care for those around you. Renewed energy and a positive outlook can inspire others.
Action: Think of one person you can reach out to this week and offer a kind word or run an errand.
The next time you question whether you need to work late, ask yourself, “What would Jesus do?” That should answer your question.
Divine Healer, You are a mighty God, Who streams a mighty arch of colors across the sky. You are a mighty God, Who stirs the mighty pot of gold. You are a mighty God, Who directs the radiant sun to rise and fall. As you do, the countless stars to shine. [pause]
You are a mighty God, Who rises from the grave, To bring us love and life. You are a mighty God, Who feeds the thousands with five loaves and two fish. You are a mighty God, Who goes after the one lost sheep. [pause]
You are a mighty God, Who knows what lives within the sanctum of our weary hearts. You are a mighty God, Who heals the broken-hearted, no matter how broken we are. [pause]
You are a mighty God, We ask you for divine healing. Healing for our children. Healing for our families. Healing for ourselves. Healing for others. Healing for our country. Healing for the world. O Divine Healer, Heal us, we pray. Amen
Freedom is one of those words that is hard to describe. Its meaning is unique to each person.
The Cambridge Dictionary describes freedom as:
The condition or right of being able or allowed to do, say, think, etc., whatever you want to, without being controlled or limited.
Such as: freedom of choice freedom of speech freedom of thought freedom of information freedom from (condition)
For me, freedom is having peace of mind. It is about feeling safe. And you can’t have freedom without respect.
Respect for property. Respect for others. Respect for yourself.
When I think about freedom, it’s not about politics or whether you believe in God. Freedom is the right to live in a society without fear. It also means going home to a place of safety.
So what exactly is freedom for you, and how does it apply to your life?
Imagine a world where kids can be kids. A world where parents love (storge) their children and family members love (philos) each other and feel safe. One where love (eros) does not enter the picture before the brain can mature.
Imagine a world where adults do not inflict their own pains and trauma on their children or younger siblings. Where children can speak openly and honestly without fear of condemnation from their parents, church, or themselves.
Imagine a world where college students can learn and focus on academics without feeling pressure to socialize. Or, if they choose to do so, not to worry about being forced into a situation they can’t get out of.
Feeling helpless is not freedom. Imagine a world where no means no.
Imagine living in a world where spouses speak to one another in kindness. One where respect for one another is essential. It does not stifle. Mutual love encourages freedom.
Freedom to explore. Freedom to experience. Freedom to be yourself.
Imagine a world where your partner builds you up instead of tearing you down.
That is what freedom looks like to me.
But let’s get real.
Life is life. Life is made up of imperfect people. People who have been caught in a vicious cycle. People who hurt each other and make mistakes.
How do we sympathize and try to understand their plight? How do we stand up for ourselves and not harm others? Do others need to pay for the harm they do to us?
I’d love to hear your thoughts. What does freedom mean to you?
Share your thoughts in the comments below or on social media.
What better month to reflect on the modern wedding ceremony than now?
In parts 1-4, we heard ancient whispers from Juno in our ear about ancient Roman wedding ceremonies. We could almost taste the spelt cake the bride and groom fed each other during the ceremony. Then, we heard the loud shout of the decree announcing Christianity as the Roman Empire’s official religion. Hence, faith shifted from inward to a more personal God.
Today, we contemplate wedding traditions through the lens of Juno.
Image Credit: Hallmark Channel
Do you know a June bride?
It is an amazing time of the year to tie the knot. In New Jersey, June is typically a warm month, but not so hot to work up a sweat. The first wedding I attended in June was a beautiful sunny day with a nice breeze. The second wedding I attended was one of the hottest days in June on record. Beads of sweat dripped down my neck all the way down my spine. It was THAT hot and humid.
The Unity Candle
Modern-day weddings may include a candle-lighting ceremony where there are three candles. One represents the bride, the other represents the groom, and the center candle represents God. The couple lights their candles and then lights the center candle together. This signifies two lives joining as one, with God as the head of the household, much like Juno.
The Timeless Influence of Juno
Over the past few posts, we have seen how contemporary wedding rituals and traditions date back to the ancient Roman Empire and some even further.From June wedding dates to wedding cakes, the modern-day marriage ceremony honors a tradition that dates back millennia. The symbolism of unity, prosperity, and divine blessing continues to be central to wedding ceremonies worldwide.
As we trace the evolution of these traditions from ancient Rome’s pagan practices to the early Christian era and contemporary society, we see a remarkable continuity. The sacredness of marriage, the involvement of close family and friends, and the desire for divine blessing are themes that resonate across time and cultures.
By understanding our wedding customs’ historical and cultural roots, we can appreciate their richness and depth. Juno’s influence on weddings is a testament to the timeless nature of human beliefs and practices, which continue to shape and enrich our lives today.
Tell us your wedding traditions. We’d love to hear them.
A time to connect the dots between Ancient Rome and our modern-day wedding ceremony.
In parts 1-2, we saw how the goddess Juno influenced weddings in Ancient Rome. Part 3 discussed the faith shift from multiple gods to a single triune God.
Here, we will hear the echos of Juno, which are still heard across wedding venues near and far.
Blending of Traditions
Christianity reinterpreted or replaced many of the ancient wedding traditions. Let’s look at a few.
Sanctification of Marriage
The early Christian Church viewed marriage as a sacred covenant. For new Christians, the sacred covenant transitioned from Juno to God. Wedding ceremonies included Christian prayers, blessings, and the presence of clergy.
June Weddings
In Part 1, we learned how the calendar month of June derived from Juno. Hence, it was a favorite month to marry. The Church continued this tradition and endorsed June weddings.
Wedding Attendants
The role of the “pronuba” paved the way for bridesmaids and groomsmen. Wedding attendants were and still are supportive figures for the bride and groom. Just like the ancient pronuba. This tradition is an example of how an ancient tradition was redefined. It morphed into the tradition of involving close friends and family in the ceremony.
An elaborate gold and onyx Roman wedding ring from the 3rd century. (Argyor) Image Source: ancientorigins dot net
Wedding Rings
Wedding rings date back to the Egyptians, 3000 BC. Even then, rings symbolized eternal love and commitment, but not in the way they are today.
The Romans continued the tradition of the wedding ring. But the groom often gave the ring to the bride’s father, as it served as a sign of a bride purchase.
By the second century BC, the bride was given a gold ring to indicate the groom’s trust in her as his property. In ancient Rome, brides were given two rings. One was gold. The other iron. The gold ring was worn for social engagements, and the iron ring was worn at home.
Bridal Veil
The bride’s veil, however, had a deeper, darker meaning. It was designed to ward off evil spirits. Today, the modern-day bride can choose to wear one or none. The veil came to be a covering to prevent the groom from seeing the bride until the exchange of vows.
The Wedding Cake
Over the years, the spelt cake eaten during the wedding ceremony gradually became one of the highlights of the modern-day wedding reception. Namely, the wedding cake. Most brides and grooms feed each other a piece of cake in front of family and friends. Did you know this tradition started in Ancient Rome?
Part 5 will wrap up this series. We will discover more themes linking ancient customs to contemporary weddings.
And a time to think about love. The love of friends. The love of God.
In Part 1, we explored Juno, the goddess of marriage, and her central role in wedding ceremonies. Part 2 peeked at ancient wedding traditions. During the ceremony, we learned the significance of the bride and groom eating spelt cake. And, of course, the significant role of “Pronubas” in keeping tradition.
Part 3 will discuss the shift of faith in the Roman Empire and its effect on Juno and other gods.
From Multiple Visible Gods to One Invisible Triune God
Christianity swept through the Roman Empire. It became the official religion in 380 AD. This transformation reshaped beliefs and practices.
The Spread of Christianity (Map 300-600 AD) Image Source: orthodoxchristianity.net
Imagine the upheaval, the confusion, and the uncertainty. An entire religious and spiritual system was being upended and replaced by a new faith. Ancient Rome, a pluralistic region, converted to Christianity seemingly overnight. From worshipping many gods and goddesses to the belief in one invisible triune God.
Hardworking citizens who had crafted small household gods were now rendered obsolete. Picture the uproar, the disbelief, and the resistance of business owners. The society they once knew was shifting its core beliefs right before their eyes. The worshipping of statues became a mere admiration and, in some cases, a symbol of power.
An Omniscient God
Faith took a new form.
Time and space limited existence.
But not God.
God, now unseen and untouched, defied the constraints of time and space.
Imagine a circle without a beginning or an end. Then, think of God. Try to visualize God as an all-encompassing circle. God is the beginning and the end. And everywhere in between. Not only the creator of the universe but a divine being who lives within each of us. This new God couldn’t be seen or touched. Yet, some were touched by God and were never the same.
It must have been mind-boggling for ancient Rome to undergo such a transition.
In the next post, we will look at the Christianization of Roman Wedding Traditions. Join us in Part 4 as we unravel the threads connecting Juno to the vows we still exchange in today’s modern world.
I and Thou Reflections 