Meditating is done from the still mind and a quiet heart and can be most fruitful during normal daily activities. There is no one accepted way, as it is what is comfortable to the individual. There are many types of meditation and all involve the reflective and contemplative thinking processes. A word, action, question or parable that is turned over and over will eventually open to the understanding as the truth in the message is revealed. The purpose of meditation…
Find the place of peace and spiritual safety. This is done through constant forgiveness and unaffected humility in the very circumstance a believer seems to be stuck in. True humility is to trust and rely on the very one who holds your life in His hands and has your best interest at heart. During the process, yielding to a defensive attitude will take you down a road that you will not enjoy, for it will open the door to anger, sorrow,…
A recent post came from a favorite author, Jon Bloom. Called Seven Ways to Pray for Your Heart, each prayer begins with “whatever it takes, Lord”. The prayers are bold, and they are courageous. The prayers show God that we are engaged in what we want to happen in our life. “Whatever it takes, Lord” shows that we trust God completely on the Spiritual Journey to make us Christ-like. Whatever it takes, Lord, give me delight in You as the…
Quieting the soul and reading the following passage can help believers visualize and understand the movement that represents the Spiritual Journey. “Head up the mountain and listen, for there are many things that are to be revealed. The road is steep, but it has been traveled before. Hush and stillness fill the air during ascension. Notice the fragrance. Sit for a while and gaze upon the distant hills and valleys below. There is a haze and darkness that fills the…
There is a lot written about the quiet and the silence on the Spiritual Journey. Even though there can be long periods of silence, listening intently for what the Spirit is saying should never cease. Much can still be heard and received in the quiet. Sacred Forest poem by E.A. Wilhelm I come this way a lot, you know, It’s cool and quite so still. The sanctity of life itself can silence nature’s trill. But in the calm and…
In a dream, I was flying in a little plane and was in the back seat. I took this flight daily and was comfortable with the pilot who only flew high and straight, level and cautious. On one particular day, I noticed the pilot of my plane was different. We took off and immediately he began to fly along power lines, close to the road, up and over telephone lines, and back down close to the ground. He looped and…
Feeling lost, alone and helpless, and subsequent crying and upset, can be part of the Spiritual Journey. Many feelings will surface but they are not the guide: The eternal Spirit is. Crossing over is difficult, dry, alone and confusing, but you are being prepared to leave what is and enter what will be. While there is movement forward, no place is going to be fitting for a long time. Home isn’t where you want to be, work isn’t where you…
“Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet been done.” – C.S. Lewis
Overcoming is not meant to conquer and destroy every obstacle that hinders movement. To overcome is to eliminate the power of a situation and the ideas that stem from it. The response to the obstacle or oppression determines whether it continues or ceases activity. Obviously, the situation would not exist if it were possible to merely walk away from oppression or ignore it altogether. Overcoming difficulties in life does not require physical strength or mental brilliance. To triumph over whatever…
When the carnival comes to town each year, it is always a fun time for all. We can especially enjoy the roller coaster, the tilt-a-whirl, the Ferris wheel and the carousel, all going around and around. Games like whack-a-mole, the bean bag toss and throwing darts hoping to pop a balloon all offer fun and entertainment. Night after night, friends can enjoy the rides, the games of chance, the music, the colors and all the amusements and delights. However, after…