Spirituality – Page 5 – I and Thou Reflections

Penny and the Polarization of a Country

A little story about a girl named Penny.

Penny is hardly described as a political person, which is ironic since she holds a master’s degree in public administration. She took several government courses and found them interesting at the time. But that is another story.

Today, Penny wants to write about how she is dealing with the polarization of political views where she lives. It could be scary to some.

An Alien in a Foreign Land

Yet, for Penny…She is not of this world. She is an alien in a foreign land. At least, that is how she has felt since the day she was born.

Penny’s hope is in her faith.
Her faith drives her to calmness.
To hopefulness.
To gratitude.

How Awesome is the Universe?

She can’t imagine how any human can question how the universe was formed. It didn’t just happen. Did it?

Penny spent many waking hours wondering how the universe was formed. How the stars got to be in the sky, and why the sun doesn’t fall out of the sky.

For Penny, the universe is how it is. It is awesome, as is nature itself.

Penny had a few experiences that made her think twice about coincidences.
Like when she was in a car accident, and the car flipped over three times. She and her two friends walked away with minor scrapes and bruises.

Or when she had $3 and change and didn’t know how she would buy groceries. She had to decide: “Do I pay my bills or eat?” Then, a $200 check arrived in the mail, which was the exact amount to cover the difference between her inflows and outflows. For two years! The check came each month, and she could buy fresh food for dinner for her and her youngest child. Her older child chose to live with his father and not speak to her for over a decade.

So, you may ask, how could Penny have faith when her kid didn’t talk to her?

Or that her marriage failed her after repeatedly praying that it wouldn’t?

Good questions!

Life is Funny

Life is funny that way.

It doesn’t always go the way you expected. And there lies the rub.

Penny believes we must place our whole selves into the hands of our Creator and follow the inner voice in our hearts. It’s pretty simple. Although it took her a long time to figure it out.

Penny’s prayer went like this in 2015:
“Almighty God, I have tried to find a job to no avail. I fully surrender to your will. I will expand my job search to a national level and go where you lead.”

A few months later, she was on her way to a foreign land. (the midwest)

Now, let’s get back to the day at hand. The day after the Election of 2024.

Just like any other day. A day where Penny will put her trust in the Almighty God and go where she is led.

Today, her prayer is:
“Almighty Creator of the Universe, You define the trajectory of the world. I fully surrender to your will. I will go where you lead. I trust you will give me the strength and energy for what lies ahead.”

What is your prayer today?

#Polarization #Election 2024 #Faith #Prayer

I and Thou: Shhh…Green Pastures are Within Us

Meditative Coloring Soothes the Soul.

When we feel depleted, it’s easier to turn to God. Let’s try to turn to God every day!

Remember that God’s mighty hand leads us through life’s twists and turns and provides us access to the calm, gentle dwelling Spirit within us.

Focusing on the colors and shading helps the brain to disengage from the world. It allows us to invite God to calm our thoughts and engage in quiet reflection. Amid natural disasters, remember to take a break and breathe. Breathe in God’s goodness and exhale the worry and fear.

Green Pastures

Breathe in God’s Goodness.

Hold. Exhale Worry and Fear.

Find the Peace Within.

#GreenPastures#Reflections#MeditativeColoring#Peace#Love

I and Thou: Prayer for Healing

*Image:* *Galactic Sunrise Source: alphacoders*.com

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

#Healing #MightyGod #Prayer #PrayerforHealing

The Spirit of the Diamond

The Spirt of the Diamond

O mighty Spirit of the Diamond,
Cast your spell on us, humble mortals.
Majestic heavens embrace your power,
Where galaxies collide, and stars ignite.

Reveal to us your universal secrets,
Magnetic forces under your command,
Guiding planets in their cosmic dance,
Around the blazing orb of day.

Pull us toward the gravitational center,
Infuse us with your holy Spirit,
Impart your wisdom to us, we pray,
Renounce the demons, cleanse our souls.

Mesmerize us with incandescent brilliance,
Chip away our dark and hardened shells,
Revealing the authenticity within,
An unadulterated mind, free to soar.

Your flawlessness radiates purity,
Summoning Angels from realms on high,
To join us in celestial harmony,
Welcoming us with such delight.

Sanctify us with your transformative power,
Pour forth the nectar of the gods,
Nourish us on this spiritual journey
From now until the end of time.

#Diamond #Poetry #Sacredstone #April #Birthstone #Spirituality

I and Thou: Decluttering The Soul Step 4 – Simplify and Prioritize

Winter layers begin to shed as the days of spring arrive. Leaves are raked to make room for the newness to unfold. Seedlings start to push through the dirt, and sprigs of life appear. Leaves turn green, and so does grass. The sun shines brighter, and the days are longer.

Today, we will explore ways to simplify and prioritize our spirituality.

Simplify and Prioritize

Identify Distractions

Spiritual clutter can hinder our intimacy with God. Like messy desk, a messy soul impedes focus and hinders our relationship with God.

What is distracting you from your spiritual walk? Is it social media? The busyness of life? Worldy pursuits?

Release Burdens

We often carry emotional baggage that hinders our closeness to God. We harbor ill-will. Bitterness, unforgiveness, guilt, shame, the list goes on. We can release these burdens by forgiving ourselves first. Then, we can forgive others. Remember that forgiving doesn’t necessarily mean forgetting or being a doormat. It means to forgive, as God commands. So, go ahead and release grudges and hurts. Let go of resentment and replace it with gratitude and grace. Detach from anything and anyone that hinders your spiritual journey.

Fellowship

Engage with others who have similar faith and belief systems. Join groups where you can be authentic and share what is in your heart. Make a point to have meaningful conversations with friends, family, and others. Fellowship provides encouragement and accountability. It’s like having God in your midst. More so than if you were not practicing your faith.

Easter is a time of forgiveness and redemption. It is time to reflect on the Cross.

Take time to reflect on God’s…
Love
Grace
Redemption

Use this season to turn toward God.

Image Credit: Decluttering An Overwhelming
Soul Tyler Speegle dot com

Decluttering the soul is an ongoing process. Be intentional, seek God’s guidance, and allow grace to transform you. You’ll experience a deeper connection with God as you simplify and prioritize.

Remember, be patient with yourself. As you align your thoughts with God’s truth, you’ll experience greater peace, clarity, and spiritual growth. In this season of renewal, may our hearts, minds, and words reflect the beauty of spring—a fresh start, growth, and the hope of resurrection.

#SpringCleaning #Decluttering #DeclutteringYourSoul #Simplify #Prioritize #Easter

I and Thou: Decluttering The Soul Step 3 – Clean Your Words

Fresh air.

Sunshine.

Spring flowers.

It’s time to renew our hearts, minds, and spirits. Our hearts contain our emotions, wants, and feelings. Our minds conceptualize thoughts and feelings, and our words express them.

Today, we will explore what and how we say words and the impact they have on the world.

Clean Your Words

Words. They can build you up or tear you down.

Recently, I attended a webinar on estrangement. The speaker highlighted how overwhelming experiences distort our narratives, often leading to blame. When hurt or overwhelmed, we instinctively seek someone to hold responsible. But here’s the twist: in that state of overwhelm, we miss crucial details and context, creating a distorted story. This distortion fuels exaggerated or minimized blame, resulting in multiplying misunderstandings.

The vicious cycle continues: clouded thinking, jumbled emotions, and a lack of clarity. We lose confidence and retreat inward. The antidote? Talking about our experiences with an empathetic listener. This opens space for our “distorted” story to become a “mature” story. One that is appreciated, acknowledged, and affirming of the truth.

Be Choosy With Your Words

Just as God spoke the universe into existence, our words shape our reality. If we choose life-giving words, we can encourage, affirm, and inspire others.

Encourage others.
Affirm their worth.
Inspire hope.

When we speak positive words, we create a more positive atmosphere around us. Instead of complaining or criticizing, find ways to uplift and inspire. Replace negatives with affirmations.

“I can do this!” Or “I’m learning!”

Be Mindful

Gossip, negativity, and complaining clutter our minds and our environment. They drain our energy and deplete us. Let’s try to be more mindful of what we say and how we say it.

Be Christ-like

Our words should reflect truth and love. How did Jesus speak? He spoke with kindness yet firmness, honestly yet with compassion. Let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no.

When we speak from a place of love, our words become the healing balm of Gilead. Love is our foundation. It is solid, like a rock.

Be Redemptive

Choosing affirming words is redemptive, not only to ourselves but to others. It is a powerful spiritual practice that involves intentionally selecting the words that come out of our mouths.

Appreciate
Acknowledge
Affirm

Speak what you desire into the universe. Say positive words aloud. Speak affirmations and declarations to yourself and to others. Watch how these words will change your life and the life around those you love.

“I am worthy.” “You are worthy.” “I am loved.” “You are loved.” “I am strong.” “You are strong.” “I can do anything.” “You can do anything.”

Let’s declutter our mouths by purging harmful words and replacing them with life-giving expressions. Go ahead and declare blessings over your life and the lives of others. Take a moment to reflect on your most recent conversations. Are you contributing positivity to those you talk to?

Remember our words have a ripple effect and they impact our own hearts and minds, as well as those around us. Choose words that align with your spiritual values, bringing light, love, and truth into our relationships and experiences.

With God, life’s “overwhelming” experiences can be less overwhelming when we meet God on our daily walk.

#SpringCleaning #SpiritualDecluttering #Decluttering #CleanYourWords #BeMindful

I and Thou: Decluttering The Soul Step 2 – Clean Your Mind

Spring is a great time of year for spring cleaning. We need to clean our minds as we open our windows and let the fresh air in. Do you agree? Our hearts represent our emotions, desires, and affections. On the other hand, our mind stores our thoughts, reasoning, and intellect. It processes information, analyzes, and forms beliefs.

In terms of regular clutter, most of us understand that too much clutter leads to disorganization. Like a desk, for example.

What does your desk look like? Is it messy, like mine used to be? Or is it neatly cleared from clutter? Are papers stored in files or loosely strewn all over? How about your stapler? Is it on the desk? Or in the drawer, out of sight?

If a messy desk can prevent you from focusing on the task at hand, think about what spiritual clutter will prevent you from doing.

So, go ahead, get the scrub brush out and…

Clean Your Mind

Hear the 4-Star General bellow a command?

“YOU. ARE. DISMISSED. RETURN TO YOUR BARRACKS.”

Then, a siren goes off. The loudspeaker echoes through the stillness of the night.

“TAKE COVER. ENEMY FIRE”

Wow! That would make me a bit worried! Then, how can you protect yourself?

Good question!

Acknowledge Your Mind is a Battleground

Your mind is a battleground where spiritual warfare takes place. Negative thoughts, doubts, and lies can clutter your thinking. These mental strongholds hinder spiritual growth.

Identify Your Struggles

Identify areas where you struggle. Fear, anxiety, insecurity. Recognize them as targets for decluttering. So you can bring every thought into alignment with God’s love.

Make Time For God

The mind is noisy. At least mine is, most of the time! It is constantly gathering and processing information. Yet, we must allow ourselves to be quiet. Stillness permits us to hear God. Spending time in God’s presence, meditating on His Word, and surrendering ourselves to God will transform our minds.

Say Goodbye To Toxic Thought Patterns

Ask God to reveal any toxic thought patterns. Pray for wisdom, discernment, and the courage to confront negative thinking.

Fear often originates in the mind, but it affects the heart. It paralyzes, steals peace, and hinders trust. Try to replace fear with trust. When fear-based thoughts arise, intentionally shift your focus. Remind yourself that God is faithful. Recall past instances where God showed up. Trust that God is with you even when you are uncertain. Declutter your mental space and align your thinking with God’s promises. Reading Psalms is a great place to start.

Change Your Viewing Habits

The mind consumes information. What we read, watch, and listen to. It also shapes our beliefs, whether we think that or not.

Be intentional about what you feed your mind.

Avoid toxic content such as news, harmful entertainment, and gossip. Instead, try uplifting, inspirational content. Fill your mind with God’s Word and positive influences.

Allow God to transform your mind. Romans 12:2 encourages us: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” We can do this by reading, studying, praying, and reflecting.

Decluttering is an ongoing process. As you align your thoughts with God’s love, you’ll experience more peace, clarity, and spiritual growth.

#SpringCleaning #Decluttering #DeclutteringYourMind #MakeTimeForGod

I and Thou: Decluttering The Soul Step 1 – Clean Your Heart

Spring is a season of renewal, not only for your home but also for your spirit. As you dust off the winter cobwebs and declutter your living spaces, let’s take a moment to consider how you can apply the same principles to your inner lives. The next few posts discuss steps to spring-clean our hearts, minds, and words.

Today, we start with hearts.

Clean Your Heart

Just as you open your windows to let in fresh air, consider opening your heart to God. Let God breathe new life into it. Take Pentecost, for example. The Holy Spirit descends upon the disciples. Picture this:

Rushing winds.

Tongues of fire.

Different languages.

Wow! That would make me take notice! Then, how do you go about cleaning and opening up your heart?

Start with Prayer

By praying daily, you open yourself to God. You can commune with a higher power. The One who created you and who lives inside each of us. Some of us may say, but I pray, and God doesn’t hear me. Is that true? First, ask if you have accepted God. Accepting God is the first step. Acknowledging God as the Divine Creator is a great place to start. If you have questions, be bold. Ask God to reveal the power of his love and grace to you.

Then, listen.

Go to a quiet space and ask God to join you for a conversation. Once you have established a pattern of spiritual intimacy with God, keep the pattern going with prayer, worship, and meditation. It doesn’t require hours and hours. Just a few minutes each day will be impactful.

Ask for a Scrub Brush

If you have become complacent in your faith, ask God to scrub your heart. God will brush away all the bad stuff. You just have to ask! Then, God can reignite your heart with the fire of the Holy Spirit.

Still Unsure?

Look at creation. Nature. The intricate design of a flower. The vastness of the night sky. If you are still unsure, read stories of transformed lives. Testimonies of faith, if you will. There are hundreds, if not thousands, on YouTube.

Be open to what spiritual gifts you have.
Be open and eager to consider opportunities that God presents.
Allow the Spirit to empower you for service and ministry.

Have Faith

By examining your priorities, you can rekindle your passion for God. Like the church in Ephesus, return to a new zest for life. Like a new creature!

You can become stronger in your faith. Remember, you only need faith the size of a mustard seed.

May your heart burn brightly with divine love, purpose, and a hunger for God’s presence.

#SpringCleaning #SpiritualDecluttering #Decluttering #CleanYourHeart

Let’s Join Australia in Celebrating Harmony Week

Unity

Australia is one of the most successful multicultural countries in the world. Each year, it celebrates its diversity by acknowledging the integration of migrants into its community. It supports the value of unity.

Belonging

What I love about this event is that it draws attention to how important the sense of belonging is to all of us. How do we as a society foster belonging? Let’s start with empathy and compassion. Then, we can throw in honor and respect for good measure. We must work on ourselves first to move forward as individuals, families, communities, and nations. Mindfulness, reading self-help resources, and engaging with others can help us become comfortable in our skin. Build up tolerance. Learn the tools to communicate effectively. Practice acceptance. Once you have done the introspective work, lean into your strengths and identify your weak spots. Know what they are. So you can work on becoming a safe person. A person who receives others without judgment.

Building Bridges

Building a sense of belonging requires effort and, thus, action. Belonging doesn’t just happen. Yet, you can make it happen by being the honey bears want. Draw people toward yourself, don’t push them away. Focus on others and practice active listening. Try new things. Do something different. Get out of your comfort zone.

Concentrate on what you have in common with others. Not what you might differ on. Build bridges with an attitude of acceptance. Validate yourself and validate others.

Respect

You, my friend, are a child of the Almighty God. Yes, you are. Shouldn’t you respect yourself and others if God created and respects you? We can choose to be optimistic and forgiving or miserable and bitter. Remember, if you want to have a sense of belonging, you need to accept others so they feel like they belong. In so doing, we build communities where diversity is valued and differences are embraced.

#HarmonyWeek #Unity #Belonging

Valentine, Oh Valentine – Part 4

The Sacredness of the Strawberry

The Goddess of Love

Vibrantly red in color with the sweetness of sugar, strawberries have been around for centuries. Ancient Romans believed the fruit to be a symbol of Venus, the goddess of love. This led to rituals associating strawberries with love and fertility.

The Heart Chakra

A sacred fruit to some, symbolizes the heart, as in the heart chakra, the energy center of love and compassion. It represents purity, abundance, and the sweetness of life. Indulging in strawberries can be a mindful practice that invites us to savor each bite as we thank God for the blessings in our lives.

Sensuality

*Image Credit: gypsygirlgourmet.blogspot.com*

Chocolate-dipped strawberries add a hint of passion and sensuality to its characteristics. Often thought of as an aphrodisiac, chocolate stimulates the release of endorphins and “feel good” hormones, which can tingle the senses. This Valentine’s treat symbolizes desire and indulgence and is a thoughtful gift for a special person in your life.

Eating together is considered a sacred act in tantric and spiritual traditions. It symbolizes a union. A sharing of nourishment at a physical and spiritual level. Thus, eating strawberries with a loved one can deepen emotional connection.

Fresh and Sassy

Whether strawberries are picked in a garden or bought from the grocery store, they are fresh and sassy. They are versatile, too! They can adorn a beautiful platter of cheese and crackers by slicing them thinly, fanning them, and keeping the stem intact. Dipping them in chocolate and poking them on sticks can resemble a vase of flowers. Dicing them and placing them in a glass bowl, whisper, “Use me as a topping.” For salads, for ice creams, for whatever you can dream.

The next time you reach for a strawberry, pause. Take it in. Allow yourself to fully experience the lusciousness this fruit provides.

The color.

The taste.

The love.

Share God’s Love

May the next strawberry you eat connect your soul profoundly and meaningfully to God, to love, and to others. Go and savor the heart-shaped fruit and experience the simple beauty of nature.

Happy Valentine’s Week!