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Thought for Today

“Enjoy the journey, enjoy every moment, and quit worrying about winning and losing.” — Matt Biondi

Today is celebrated in the United States as Independence Day. For many this is a day off of work. If this is a day off for you I encourage you to actually take the day off. This means not using the “extra” day to get caught up on housework, your blog, social networking or that business you are trying to get started. It means a day that you leave the cellphone and other electronic devices at home and spend time with friends, family or enjoying nature. Have a little fun. This can be really difficult for those of us who are self employed and work at home, but it is important. Take the day off.

Now for those of you outside the U.S. this applies to your national or work holidays when they roll around. In fact I hope everyone takes at least one day out of every week off. We need it, not just to rest, relax and recharge, but also to remember that life is supposed to be fun. Take time to enjoy it!

Thought for Today

“In the midst of our struggle to find out who we are, there are infinite possibilities for beauty, and hope, and wonder, and love.”
― Mandy Hale, The Single Woman: Life, Love, and a Dash of Sass

A Simple Discipline: Enjoying the Journey

There is a popular saying, “Life’s a journey, not a destination.” That is correct, it is a journey. But sometimes it seems the journey is all about struggle and hardship. We work so hard at this thing we call life, accomplishing, achieving, acquiring and conquering. We have a dream we believe must be realized at all costs.

We forget that we are supposed to enjoy the trip. So how do we remember, and how do we enjoy the trip?

Value experiences. The simple things like watching the sunrise, swimming in the ocean or walking the dog have lessons and joy waiting for us.
Unplug once in awhile. Put away the devices and get involved in the “real world”.
Take an actual vacation. Don’t take your work with you or spend all your time texting people at home.
Have fun. Smile, laugh, play, sing, color, tell a joke, whatever is fun for you. If you need help with this talk to a child.

There is nothing wrong with having dreams and goals. Just don’t let them consume you. Life’s a journey. Enjoy the trip.

Thought for Today

“Sometimes in order to achieve your dreams you forget to enjoy the journey of life.” — Sushan Sharma

Saying YES to Love and NO to Fear: Part 2

Scriptures and holy books may be used for both good and evil. We see the words from sacred texts of different faiths and traditions being used to justify hatred and killing and to instill fear and even push followers toward violent action. But these same texts also inspire goodness, holiness, love, grace and peace. So what are we to believe?

The Christian Scriptures have a lot to say about fear. The words “fear not” appear throughout the Bible. These are a few of the scriptures I turn to when facing fear.

Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. — Luke 12:32

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. –– 2 Timothy 1:7

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. — Romans 8:15

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. — 1 John 4:18

⁶Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? ⁷But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. — Luke 12:6-7

Hebrews 13:5-6 King James Version (KJV) Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. ⁶So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. — Isaiah 41:10

Ye shall not fear them: for the Lord your God he shall fight for you. — Deuteronomy 3:22

And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. — Matthew 8:26

And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? — Mark 4:40

And finally… whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. — Philippians 4:8

I used Bible Gateway to search for these scriptures because it is easier, quicker and more reliable than counting on my memory or using a concordance. These should all be King James Version (just because I love the beauty of the language).

Please take a minute to visit Espirational Faith and read Bob’s beautiful poem I AM.

Saying YES to Love and NO to Fear — Part 1

Everyone’s biggest enemy in the world right now is fear. It is the cause of increased isolation, the planned closing of borders, and citizens arming themselves. We are turning against each other out of fear. We are making irrational decisions out of fear. We are blindly following leaders who are fanning the flames of fear to gain power. We think we are being persecuted because someone disagrees with us. We believe we are being brave and bold by arming ourselves and preparing for battle. When will it stop, or will we destroy ourselves, our country and our world — through fear?

It will only stop when we say a resounding “NO!” to fear. I know this is not easy, I struggle with it everyday. We must remember that we create our own reality with our thoughts and we are capable of bringing our greatest fears into reality. I see this happening in the world now. But the good news is that we can also use our thoughts to create a new positive reality.

So how do we stand up to fear? With love. That’s it. Yes, it really is that simple. Say a resounding “YES!” to love and “NO!” to fear.

How do we resist falling prey to the negative hype, hoopla and fear mongering? We gain control of our thoughts and our emotions. Not so easy. Pray, meditate, surround yourself with loving, positive people, memorize scriptures, mantras, affirmations, whatever it takes which helps to give you the reminders of assurance you need to obtain and maintain peace within yourself. If you are disturbed by the impending election in the U.S. check out Meditate the Vote. Scroll down if content does not appear at the top of the page.

How do we react to the craziness of this world? First we resist fear, anger, violence and the urge to respond with violence. Seem impossible? Tell me about it. We cannot stand for truth, love and peace if we respond to hatred, fear and violence in like-kind.

How do we stay strong? Remember who and whose you are. You are a child of the living God (created in God’s image and likeness), a citizen of God’s Kingdom. Surround yourself with the white light of God’s presence and protection, pray, meditate, and live in the light and love of God.

How do I say no to fear when I am surrounded by people who are giving in to it? Good news: Not everyone is giving in to fear. People are awakening to their spiritual calling every day. We are out there. It’s time to start looking for each other and come together. No one is alone in this spiritual endeavor; the enlightened ones and the awakening do exist, but they may show up in unexpected places.

Bob and I are coordinating our posts today. Please go to Espirational Faith to read his beautiful poem “I AM.”

Tomorrow: Saying YES to Love and NO to Fear Part 2

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Thought for Today

“A thought transfixed me: for the first time in my life I saw the truth as it is set into song by so many, proclaimed as the final wisdom by so many thinkers. The truth — that love is the ultimate and the highest goal to which man can aspire. Then I grasped the meaning of the greatest secret that human poetry and human thought and belief have to impart: The salvation of man is through love and in love. … For the first time in my life I was able to understand the meaning of the words, ‘The angels are lost in perpetual contemplation of an infinite glory.‘” — Lucy MacDonald