explore spirituality

That statement is what I have recently learned about myself. I have always had life moments that draw me back to spirituality, but then life keeps happening and I get distracted from learning more. I know that the world is changing and we are waking up to some big, new things. There is a need to go from individuality to recognizing that we are all our brother’s keeper. No matter where I am in life, I can help another. Feeling like I can give when my reserves are low is hard. I must remember that this is all an illusion and darkness is everywhere. We all hold the light and it is up to me to shine through the dark. Books are so important. They allow me to learn and sift through other people’s truth to identify what rings true for me. There is no map to being spiritual. It is an individual process that each of us needs courage to explore.

Today’s Word from Joel and Victoria Osteen

Are you facing a challenge today that seems overwhelming? Through faith and patience, you will see God’s promises come to pass in your life. Understand that the enemy always fights the hardest when he knows you are closest to your breakthrough. He’d leave you alone if he thought you were going to live in mediocrity. If you keep pressing on toward your promise, through faith and patience, you will get there. Don’t be like the Israelites in the Old Testament who were right next to their promised land when they talked themselves out of it. They said, “There are giants in the land. It’s too difficult.”

No, don’t look at the obstacles in your life today; lift up your eyes because you serve Almighty God. Follow the example of Abraham who believed God even when his circumstances looked impossible. Remember, God rewards the people who seek after Him. Stand in faith and keep believing because God will take you places that you never dreamed. As you press toward the promise, you will see God’s hand of blessing in your life and live in the victory He has prepared for you.

in order to enable society to develop, all its members have to assume responsibilites and make their contribution. If we do not make collective contributions then there will be no development.”

-His Holiness the Dalai Lama

How do I do this?

I think there is more to life than in is possible to sense (with ease).

Of course you only have your senses as a guide… so it must be possible to sense spirituality.

How do I go about this?

Through prayer and meditation?

I am brought up in the Christian tradition.

I need to investigate religion.

and you can’t be any present then right now…Feel that fresh air

As from a blazing fire thousands of sparks
Leap forth, so millions of beings arise
From the Lord of Love and return to him.

-Mundaka Upanishad

I have a friend from my teenage childhood that made contact with me about 6 years ago. We lived far away from each other living totally different lives but e-mailed when we could sharing the joys and sorrows of the day…he was mostly the shoulder I could virtually cry on…he always answered my rambling e-mails with words of hope and God’s strength.

Well I moved back to the wilderness of my roots – seems his too. Anyway when B and I split ,I started praying for a man like my friend to share my life with -

Lo and behold I don’t think God heard me right …I said like my friend… 2 weeks ago God literally sent him to my door. I don’t know if this will amount to anything more than the love of our friendship but the friendship we share is stronger than most family ties.

God does work in mysterious ways. :)

“For some reason songs are running through my mind tonight.”

I need a sign
To let me know you’re here
All of these lines are being crossed over the atmosphere

I need to know
If things are gonna look up
‘Cause I feel us drowning in a sea spilled from a cup

And there is no place safe and no safe place to put my head
When you can feel the world shake
From the words that I said

And I’m calling all angels
And I’m calling all you angels

And I won’t give up if you don’t give up
I won’t give up if you don’t give up
I won’t give up if you don’t give up
I won’t give up if you don’t give up

I need a sign
To let me know you’re here
‘Cause my TV set just keeps it all from being clear

I want a reason for the way things have to be
I need a hand to help build up some kind of hope inside of me

And I’m calling all angels
And I’m calling all you angels

When children have to play inside
So they don’t disappear
While private eyes solve marriage lives
‘Cause we don’t talk for years
And football teams are kissing queens
And loosing sight of having dreams
In a world alone
Want is only what we want until it’s ours

And I’m calling all angels
And I’m calling all you angels (And I won’t give up if you don’t give up)
And I’m calling all angels (I won’t give up if you don’t give up)
And I’m calling all you angels (I won’t give up if you don’t give up)
Callin all you angels (And I won’t give up if you don’t give up)
Callin all you angels (And I won’t give up if you don’t give up)
Callin all you angels (And I won’t give up if you don’t give up)

“and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

The Parable of the Lost Sheep

“See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.

“What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?

And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off.

In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.

Right now I am reading Introduction to African Religion by
John S. Mibiti. I have been reading it off and on for about two months. This is a very informative book. I now have a very different outlook on what it means to practice an African Religion.