Tag: #Faith

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

The Dark Side of Halloween: A Journey from Innocence to Faith – Part 2

In Part 1, we discovered that Halloween is a fun, family activity full of delight and sweets. Today, we will continue our post with the transitions from the innocence of youth to the darkness of teenagers and beyond.

The Transition from Innocence into the Dark Abyss

Teenagers are another breed. They dress in dark, scary costumes and carry pillowcases clustered in bunches as they “trick-or-treat.” Sometimes downright frightful.

The once light-hearted fun transitions to a darker tone of fear. As often depicted in horror movies, haunted houses, and scary costumes.

This shift causes us to pause and ask:

What is Halloween?

The origins of Halloween are rooted in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. It marked a time when the boundary between the living and the dead was thin. Like a veil.

This festival involved lighting bonfires and wearing costumes to ward off roaming spirits. Hence, it evolved into the more commercialized secular day we call Halloween. Its supernatural roots still linger with a sense of dark, demonic elements.

Darkness Can’t Exist without Light

Halloween can veer into the demonic easily. Yet, it also allows us to reflect on the light. For darkness cannot exist without light. It can be a time to reflect on deeper spiritual truths and the enduring light of faith. For those who feel uneasy about Halloween, you are not alone. Faith and spirituality offer a power counterbalance.

Agree?

The Light & Love of God

When we emphasize the light and love of God, our positive values can be transformative. We can love our community and be the hands and feet of Jesus by shining God’s light on others. Churches and faith-based organizations can host “Harvest Festivals” or “Trunk-or-Treat” events. We can offer safe and wholesome alternatives if we want to change the world. With a bit of motivation and planning, it can be done!

We have a choice.

We can gravitate toward the negative. Or we can gravitate toward the positive.

Our children need to be aware of the dark side of Halloween. They need to be cautious about climbing too far into it. As we try to instill good values in our children, we need to be able to distinguish good from evil. Highlighting goodness over evil is a great place to start. 

God’s love and light are for all who seek faith. 

Our trust in God overcomes darkness and death.

Thus, Halloween can serve as a metaphorical reminder of this eternal truth.

#Halloween #Love #Light #Faith #FamilyFun

The Dark Side of Halloween: A Journey from Innocence to Faith – Part 1

Cobwebs, Witches, Pumpkins, Oh My!

Cobwebs, witches, pumpkins, and tombstones seem to pop up everywhere in October.

Do you see them?

From storefronts and public squares to front lawns all across the country. There is no doubt that Halloween generates considerable sales for retailers.

Children can hardly wait to pick out their costumes as summer fades and fall approaches. It’s become a rite of passage, starting with the Halloween Parade that begins in pre-school. Which, of course, continues in grammar school. And typically ends in middle school.

Pretty as a Pirate

For parents of pre-schoolers, it is a joyous time. Families choose together what their little ones will be for Halloween. More often than not, these young children choose happy and pretty types of costumes.

Would you agree?

Young children pick superheroes, cute animals, or princesses. Which adds a flair of innocence to the holiday.

Then come the parties. 

School parties, town parties, and neighbor parties. All preceding the ‘trick-or-treat’ tradition. Where children go from door to door ringing doorbells in the neighborhood. Having fun as they fill their bags with sweets. Children clad in costumes. Parents prompt and prod along the way. They roam the streets with their pumpkin-shaped baskets as parents linger behind.

In Part 2 we will explore the origins of Halloween and the transition from innocent into the dark abyss.

#Halloween #Innocence #Love #Light #Faith #FamilyFun

Cranberry Lemonade: Faith & New Beginnings

In our previous two posts, we discussed how faith can help us see life through a different lens. We learned how faith can transform and turn us into new creations by providing the courage to move beyond our past. Then, we explored how we can find peace with ourselves and others by seeking reconnection and reconciliation. Today, we will explore divine intervention and new beginnings.

Divine Intervention and New Beginnings

Peace and reconciliation bring newness to our relationships with God, our families, and our communities. Divine intervention allows us to grow into this new creation, like cranberries and stevia, transforming lemonade into something fresh and different. The key is to be receptive and hear God’s calling. We must allow God to work within us as we feel a nudge to do something different.

How do you see divine intervention in your daily life?
What role does prayer play in your life?

Action

This week,
consider reaching out to someone you have lost touch with.

 Prayer – Let us pray…

Divine Creator,
You are in and around me.
I surrender my life and all of my relationships to the Universe.
Fill me with love.
I trust You will direct my path and journey with me.
Help me to create something spectacular with lemons!

Amen

#Faith #Transformation #SpiritualJourney #Reconciliation #Relationships #NewCreation #Reflections #Peace #DivineIntervention

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Cranberry Lemonade: Faith & Reconciliation

Last time we imagined we were a glass of lemonade. We tried envisioning what we could add to our lives (the lemonade) to make it new and different (cranberries). We learned that faith shapes us and can help us become a new creation.

The Power of Reconciliation

Reconciliation is a natural consequence of personal transformation. We seek to heal past wounds and rebuild broken relationships as we grow in faith. However, reconciliation can be complicated. It takes two willing hearts.

John and Sally

Consider John, who has recently embraced his faith. In his journey of self-discovery, he feels compelled to reach out to his cousin Sally, whom he hasn’t spoken to in over a decade due to an old argument. John is ready to reconcile, but Sally may not be. John’s willingness to reach out is a powerful first step. He has done what he can and now can rest in the knowledge that he has made an effort, continuing to pray and hope for a future reconciliation.

Cranberry Lemonade: A Symbol of Newness

Just as adding cranberry juice to lemonade creates a new and refreshing drink, welcoming the Creator and others into our lives makes us new. Paul’s words echo this truth:

“The old has gone; the new is here!”

This newness isn’t just a surface change—it’s a complete transformation of our spirits, connecting us to the Divine and one another. It’s about embracing a new way of thinking, a new way of living, and a new way of relating to others.

What practical steps can you take today to embrace the newness of realizing you are a faith-based person?

Start by reflecting on your beliefs and values and how they influence your actions. Then, consider how you can align your life more closely with these principles. This could involve regular prayer, attending religious services, or engaging in acts of kindness and compassion.

Finding Peace in Reconciliation

True peace comes when we accept relationships as they are, not as they were or as we wish they might be. In his message, Paul urges us to be reconciled to God. But before we can do this, we must make amends with those around us. Apologizing and seeking forgiveness allows us to find peace within ourselves and the world around us.

In the case of estrangement, I am not advocating writing a letter of amends. However, I am advocating that you write a letter or multiple letters for your eyes only and then place them in a memory box or burn them. Experts have mixed thoughts on this. Remember, both hearts need to be ready. Processing emotions is part of healing, even when reconciliation isn’t possible, yet.

Is there someone with whom you have had a falling out?
How might your own transformation inspire you to reach out and seek reconciliation?

Next time, we will conclude this series on Cranberry Lemonade as we explore the topic of faith and new beginnings, where we will explore divine intervention.

#Faith #Transformation #SpiritualJourney #Reconciliation #Relationships #NewCreation #Reflections #Estrangement

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Cranberry Lemonade: Faith & Transformation

Introduction

Life often hands us challenges—those sour, difficult moments that can leave us bitter or discouraged. But just as we can transform tart lemons into refreshing lemonade, faith has the power to transform our lives in profound ways. Through faith, we become new creations, shedding the past and embracing a future full of hope, reconciliation, and renewal.

In this three-part series, Cranberry Lemonade, we’ll explore how faith can lead to transformation, reconciliation, and new beginnings. We will discuss how faith can lead to personal transformation, turning us into new creations with the courage to move beyond our past. Then, explore the natural outcome of this transformation—seeking reconciliation in our relationships and finding peace with others and ourselves. We will complete this series by considering how divine intervention and reconciliation lead to new beginnings, not just in our spiritual lives but also in our connections with family and community.

A New Creation in Faith

“…Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation…And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.” – 2 Corinthians 5:16-19

Faith is a trust or belief in something, whether it’s nature, the Universe, or Mother/Father God. This belief is deeply personal and shapes us into who we are. Some may adapt to fit their circumstances like chameleons, while others stand firm on their principles. But when faith takes root in our hearts, we undergo a transformation—a rebirth into a new creation. This change can come through various actions, whether connecting with nature, attending church, or exploring biblical prophecy.

The Lemonade Analogy

You’ve likely heard the phrase, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” It encourages us to stay optimistic, even when life presents challenges. With their sourness, lemons symbolize life’s difficulties, while sweet and refreshing lemonade represents the positive outcomes we can create.

But what if we take this a step further? Imagine adding cranberry juice and stevia to plain lemonade. This new combination is something wonderfully different, just as we can be transformed when we embrace reconciliation.

If your life were a glass of lemonade, what ‘cranberry juice’ (new element) would you add to make it even more refreshing?

It could be forgiveness, understanding, or a new perspective. Consider what you can add to your life to make it more refreshing and transformative.

Transformation Through Faith

When we accept faith and become a new creation, we experience a profound sense of freedom. The past no longer holds us back, and we are empowered to move forward with courage and strength. This transformation naturally leads us to consider our relationships—especially those needing mending.

Can you recall a time when you experienced a significant transformation?
How did faith play a role in that change?
What old habits or mindsets have you let go of since embracing your faith?

Next time, we’ll look at the power and peace of reconciliation as a symbol of newness in this journey of life.

#Faith #Transformation #SpiritualJourney #Reconciliation #Relationships #NewCreation #Reflections

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Summer: Time for Sabbath

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?

#Summer #SpiritualRest #Rest #Renew #Vacation #Self-Care #Reflection #Relationships #MentalHealth #Nature #Creation #Sabbath

Summer: Time to Rest in Creation

 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.

#Summer #SpiritualRest #Rest #Renew #Vacation #Self-Care #Reflection #Relationships #MentalHealth #Nature #Creation

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

Finding the Sacredness in Tragedy – Part 2: Cain & Abel

Image Found: haelantherapies.com (Source Unknown)

When adversity strikes, the wounds can be deep.

Today, we will examine the questions we might ask ourselves when tragedy attacks.

In the face of such pain, people find themselves grappling with profound questions such as:

“Where was God?” and “Why did this have to happen?”

Every day, lives and dreams disappear in the twinkling of an eye. In Part 1, we saw how they disappeared the moment the O-rings failed following the launch of the Challenger space shuttle. 

Life is truly short.

We turn now to the Old Testament.

The Story of Cain and Abel

Two brothers. 
One jealous. 
One not. 
One life.
One death.

In the fourth chapter of Genesis, the first book of the Bible, we learn of the tragic tale of Adam and Eve’s family. They have two sons, Cain and Abel. Then, one day, in a fit of jealousy, Cain kills his brother Abel.

Let’s read a few verses.

 In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord.  And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock.
The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor.
So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.

Genesis 4:3-5

“Where was God?” and “Why did this have to happen?”

We really don’t know. Cain may have felt God’s absence, which may have fueled the fire. Yet, there is no doubt that Cain was angry. But we don’t know how furious he was or what type of anger management issues he may have had.

Which brings us more questions than answers.

Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?”
“I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s keeper?”
The Lord said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground.”

Genesis 4:9-10

After God asks Cain what he has done, Cain lies. God banishes Cain from his presence and makes him a wanderer. And that is the end of the story.

So, these questions remain:

Where was God when Cain killed Abel?
Why did God let this happen?
Where is the sacredness in this story?

Like in all tragedy, God is there. Right? I tend to think, yes. Yet, many people may feel that God is no where to be found during difficult times. This theme will be woven throughout this series. In this Story of Cain and Abel, God was in the midst. Smack in the middle! As we see in the dialogue between God and Cain.

Another compelling question to consider, not listed above, in the Cain and Abel story is: “What made one offering more acceptable to God than the other?” This question might get at the heart of the matter, “Why did God let this happen?” Perhaps God’s favoritism toward Abel was the trigger for his murder.

Favoritism

If you ask siblings if their parents had a favorite, I’m pretty sure most of the time, a sibling would be able to “name” the favorite. It could be the oldest, the youngest, or the one who was the most “obedient” child. But let’s flip this a bit. How would you feel if you weren’t the favorite? Pause and think about it. 

Before we leave the hot topic of “favorites,” consider this: How would you feel if God favored someone over you? This situation seems to take it up a notch, doesn’t it? And, in a roundabout way, it brings us back to one of the initial questions.

A Tricky Question

“Why did God let this happen?” A tricky question, for sure. Why does God let any tragedy happen? Cain could have been pissed off at God. He didn’t have to kill his brother, did he? It’s complicated. Clearly, we don’t have all the facts.

In the next few posts, we will continue to search for the sacredness that is either in or emerges from tragedy. Hang in there, dear reader, Part 3 will shed more light. I promise.

#Cain&Abel #Sacredness #WhereWasGod #Tragedy #LifeQuestions