Feelings
I sometimes take the people closest to me for granted
and fail to extend the respect, courtesy, and love I feel for them. I need to treat the people I love and value as well as I treat co-workers, friends, and casual acquaintances. Without attention and awareness, close relationships can suffer from familiarity—that attitude of quiet indifference. We expect people to know that they are…
Read MoreA loving God does not cause pain, but alleviates our misery;
Does not test his children, but provides solutions when we are tested by life. Does not make us wander in the wilderness of confusion, but offers clear purpose and direction. Does not willingly afflict his children, but soothes and strengthens us when we are afflicted. Does not take people, he receives them. Perceptions and expectations…
Read MoreMy forgiveness for myself is in direct proportion to the forgiveness that I have granted others
If we are not enjoying happiness, peace and serenity, consider the possibility that we may suffer from “un-forgiveness.” Do we experience any internal conflict, guilt, remorse, or regurgitated anger when we remember a past situation? We may be aware of these remnants of the past; they may linger like a shadow just below the surface,…
Read MoreA campfire is easier to extinguish than a blazing forest fire; handling small problems prevents big ones
Common sense dictates that extinguishing a small fire is much easier than trying to control a roaring inferno. The same logic applies to our problems and discontent. Yes, there are problems that come out of nowhere; we have no warning until faced with the raging blaze that demands immediate resolution. But more often, we encounter…
Read MoreTomorrow’s dread is not real today
Worry and anxiety about tomorrow devastate today’s serenity. We start focusing on the future, thinking something “might” happen and it will have the worst possible outcome. Our fear-driven thoughts develop into an obsession that makes it impossible to feel peace in this moment. When this happens, we can stay unsettled or we can change. We…
Read MoreI should listen with my heart instead of my ears
Our relationships vary from casual contacts, friends, to those very intimate and loving associations. For each of them, it is important that we actually hear in addition to listening. Listening with our heart includes active listening; we give the person our undivided attention to demonstrate the value we place on them and on their words…
Read MoreWhenever I am upset, there is something wrong with ME.
I must be responsible for all my feelings or forever feel un-peaceful. Yes, bad things happen; people inflict real or imagined wrongs, life is hectic and I get frustrated when people or events do not meet my expectations. I cannot control other people but I can choose how I react. I must slow down, take…
Read MoreThe less love in any person’s nature, the greater his or her need for love
We sometimes encounter people who hurt us, try to use us, or even abuse us. We have a choice in how we respond. Accepting the simple truth that “Those who feel loved, act lovingly” offers a perspective that might temper our response. All true love comes from the divine source, flows to each person, through…
Read MoreMuch of our misery results from unconscious decisions.
We seldom make a conscious choice to worry or get angry or engage in many other emotional upsets. An event happens; we automatically react; we experience thoughts, feelings, and possibly take action without making a conscious decision; then, our mind justifies and reinforces our response. Past reactions to similar situations have become so deeply ingrained…
Read MoreShed the darkness of religious lethargy; Enjoy the amazing adventure of personally experiencing divine power
Religion without a vibrant, personal spiritual connection to the divine source is like the reflection of a flame in a mirror; it contains no heat. Some discover an exciting, intimate association with God through religious participation. Others may use such involvement as a substitute; they assume that attending church and participating in ritual constitutes a…
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