In the midst of disease that does not go away, politics that polarize, selfishness that breeds anger and conflict, threats of war, and of course, bad weather, some might be tempted to doubt the existence or love of God.
But even that does not stop the grace or blessings from coming.
It may help to change the way we see and recognize God with us and love for us.
Blessed are the curious, for they shall seek, and they shall find. When we want to know, we will devote, commit, and pursue, until we are satisfied. (Usually, we get more than we ask for)
If we do it for the right things and in the right ways, we may receive more joy, peace, confidence, meaning and well-being that lasts way beyond our lifetimes, and blesses more lives than we know.
To live like this is to be one that is wise
Some discount the story of the birth of Jesus as something cute, or quaint from long ago. Some see it as myth or folk tale. But if it is the true story of God, then is it not about the past, as much as it is about who God is, How God comes, and the difference it makes.
How many of us are trapped in the negative about persons, things past, or problems present?
How many of us want to be? As opposed to how many want to be free?
Here is a way for you and me.
We are pretty swift, and pretty good, determining our own position on things. Whatever we choose to let guide us, we follow, feel pretty good about it and are ready to defend it.
But what about the “other guy”, the one who is different from us or takes a different side? Don’t they do the same things too?
And when they do, if it is not in line with us, isn’t conflict the inevitable result?
Maybe it does not have to be that way!
Is anyone else sick and tired of being sick and tired?
In this week’s podcast, Greg suggests we are all affected by the worldwide pandemic, in spiritual ways, just as much as physical and emotional ways.
Perhaps if we can resolve the spiritual illness we may be able to improve and even enjoy our journey to wholeness and wellness.
How are you feeling? It seems like the whole world is afflicted with the coronavirus! Many of us are not showing physical symptoms, shortness of breath, loss of smell etc. But we are showing symptoms of a worldwide disease, lethargy, apathy, anger, frustration, sadness, anxiety, and fear. We do not want to live like this for another year!
Here is a way for at least some of us, to break free of the disease, and show the way, toward peace and well-being.
Today, too many, spend too much time and energy on the wrong things. It tends not to help, but rather increase fear and dismay.
Maybe there is another way. This episode is about making the most of our freedom, of mind, heart and spirit, and finding joy in the middle of the mess.
We tend to live by routines and habits. This is not in itself bad. We like familiarity. But what happens when we become trapped in our patterns thoughts and ways? Sometimes we forget our freedom and allow the wrong things to influence, even rule our thoughts words, and actions.
We might do better to realize when we are slipping back to ways that were less effective, and not give power to that which limits or harms. We may be able to adapt and enjoy our lives more by celebrating and maintaining our own freedom and responsibility.
In the remembrance of the events of 9/11 the nation re-unites in grief and memorial. Part of the conversation, was lamenting the loss of national unity. Maybe we do not have to live in that grief. Perhaps we can recover, restore and rebuild and renew.
How much hard do we do? How much have we done so often we do not even notice anymore? How much do we take for granted of ourselves, others, and God?
No wonder we feel lost, alone, and miserable.
It does not have to be that way!
Maybe if we took control and renewed ourselves from the inside out, we may find better for our living and being, good that lasts.
It is easy to complain and feel miserable, but it is not necessary.
It is easy to surrender to emotion, or what seems to overwhelm or overpower, but to give power to the negative, accomplishes no good.
It is easy to try to escape, but the cost and consequences, though not apparent at the beginning are far worse, long reaching, and longer lasting.
Today’s episode reveals that we have more freedom and power than we realize. With just a little attention, we can see the good, all around, not screaming for attention, but gently offering and inviting. In spite of the bad, there is good. And focus upon that, enjoying that, being grateful for that, brings us to joy.
And when we share that joy, we help others to enter that joy as well.
Indeed, “The Joy of the Lord is our strength”!
We do not realize enough the power of our spirits and our words. Too often we trip over our tongues, and we never learned how to cram the crud back down our throats.
Too often we have had to do too much, for too long, to make up for the impulse, the passion of the moment, thoughtlessness, and slips of our lips, or the pounding of our fists.
But maybe it doesn't always have to be that way...
It’s about breaking free from simple mistakes, and taking steps to improve our responses and other’s reactions in times of stress or surprise.
Proverbs 3:1-8 and John Wesley’s simple rules, we can break free of limitations and learn how to respond to life with wisdom.