  Spiritual
This week: Edited by: windac
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"You don't have a soul. You are a Soul. You have a body."
- C. S. Lewis -
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Your Spiritual Newsletter editors are, Puditat  , Love is a Mommy (no foolin)  , kittiara, and me, windac.
Hello, and welcome to this edition of the Spiritual Newsletter. More than anything else, writing included, each editor desires to bring to the forefront those things, those times, when we need guidance, assurance and comfort to get through each day, and the faith that gives us the ability to do so with dignity and grace. I strongly believe that, for whatever reason, each of us was specially chosen for this task. This may have more to do with being open, honest, and willing to share our life stories than it does with the actual gift of writing, although it would seem that we were blessed with the gift of both. Although this statement may sound a bit conceited, it is really born from feeling truly honored to share the spiritual side of life with others. As always, it is my sincerest hope that something in this edition will encourage, uplift, or touch your heart in some small way.
"The invariable mark of wisdom is to see the miraculous in the common."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson -
Do you see the miraculous in the common? Can you see it in yourself? These are important questions that have everything to do with how you feel about yourself, your family, friends, and the world at large. If the answer to either of these is no, then what exactly are you looking for, and more importantly, are you looking at all? The smallest, most seemingly insignificant things happen every day, virtually screaming for our attention, but in our frantic rush to do this, that or the other thing, we simply aren't taking the time to notice. Either that, or we're too self-involved to really look outside ourselves.
"There is not one blade of grass, there is no color in this world
that is not intended to make us rejoice."
- John Calvin -
For the longest time, I thought nature encompassed nothing more than plants, animals, land, water, and weather. But, if these things were created by God, wouldn't nature include us humans as well? After all, we too were created. Actually, we are the crown of His creation! Each and every thing in nature is a miracle made by God's own hand, and gives us more than ample reason to rejoice. Now, take it one step forward. If God created all this beauty, does it not make sense that He would cherish and care for that beauty? Take one more step forward. As dark as our hearts can be, as unforgiving, prideful and sinister as we are, God loves us anyway, and wants what's best for us. I don't know about you, but to me that is one big miracle... perhaps the biggest of them all.
"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle.
The other is as though everything is a miracle."
- Albert Einstein -
Now, take a giant leap forward. If God can love us no matter how dark and hardened our hearts may be, why can we not do the same for each and every person we come in contact with? Why can we not center our lives - our very thoughts - on being loving and kind? There is no difference between me and a homeless person on the street, except our circumstances. There is no difference between me and an African American, except the color of our skin. Our religions, beliefs, circumstances, and outward appearances are all unique. It's what's underneath it all that makes us the same - human beings that hunger, thirst, hope, dream, hurt, and bleed.
"Love is what we were born with. Fear is what we learn. The spiritual journey
is the unlearning of fear and the acceptance of love back into our hearts.
Love is the essential reality and our purpose on earth. To be consciously aware of it, to experience love in ourselves and others, is the meaning of life."
From A Return To Love by Marianne Williamson
I find it incredible that we make life more difficult than it has to be. We hold useless grudges, waste precious time living in the past, and each day close our hearts and minds just a little tighter. Who said that life was easy? Let's face it, life hurts, and sometimes it downright sucks. But hurts and disappointments are necessary if we are to grow spiritually. We should live our lives learning from the past - what worked and what didn't. And it should always be from the perspective of, "What did I do wrong?" and, "How can I not make this mistake again?" Laying blame on others does nothing but derail us from choosing the higher path.
"We can't become what we need to be by remaining what we are."
- Oprah Winfrey -
If you want to grow spiritually, you must at some point take a long, hard look within. What you don't like, change. What you do like, make better. Don't waste time doubting yourself, and look to God for affirmation. He created you, and He doesn't make mistakes. Carry this knowledge with you and build on it, and as you grow, keep in mind that people from all walks of faith, color, and nationality are God's creation as well. What He wants for you, He wants for them. This is the key to understanding, and that unchains the bonds of bigotry, hatred, and apathy. We must care, we must love, if ever this world of ours will know true peace. We are God's instruments for a better world!
"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you."
Spoken by Jesus to the disciples - John 15:12, NIV
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Submitted By: PastVoices
Submitted Comment:
Dear Wind, I just read this again. If I commented already, forgive me and ignore this. The pieces you found and quoted were quite moving and hit me where I live as I prepare two sermons for Sunday. Thank you.
Submitted By: PastVoices
Submitted Comment:
Wind, you have done it again. It is a wonderful newsletter. I appreciate so much your research for the Native quotes. They were moving!
PV, your comments are always welcomed. Your support means the world!
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Submitted By: kittiara
Thanks so much for this wonderful Editorial! It did truely touch me and I fully agree with the sentiments you express. Thanks for sharing. Kit
Thank you Kit, for you support!
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Submitted By: Kingfan
I am amazed at the time and effort you put into each and every newletter. I don't read them all but when I do it reminds me that I am better living in the light than the dark. Thanks for helping people grow both as a person and spiritually.
Thank you for taking the time to comment!
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Submitted By: hdelphyne
I loved the selection of quotes in this newsletter. Thank you. Thea
Thank you Thea, for taking the time to send comments!
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Submitted By: maylee
I loved this weeks newsletter. The words of Oriah Mountain Dreamer were very thought provoking. What I got from ts is LIVE life, don't just be alive; be present and feel in all things. And also, love and accept yourself; then do the same of others.
I think one of the coolest things about sharing feelings about God with someone else is during the conversation I learn something new from it. Even if I'm the one talking about God. Does that make sense? It's like when someone is hurting from something and you are listening to them and you suddenly come up with some really right on target words that helps that person. Sooner or later you realize that the words were not just meant for that person but for yourself as well. You are both healed. Not sure if that makes sense.
Anyhow, I really enjoyed your letter!
It makes SO much sense! We were meant to share our stories MayLee, and I so appreciate you sending in feedback. It makes what I do so much more satisfying.
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Submitted By: megsie2584
Great newsletter. Thank you for sharing the elder's words.
Thank YOU for taking the time to respond!
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Submitted By: kelly1202
What a wonderful and uplifting newsletter. "The Invitation" was a wonderful read and asked some very important questions we all should answer. Looking inside oneself is never easy, especially when you don't like what you see. As long as you're here today, it's never too late to change things about yourself we don't find appealing or like. Keep up the great work!
Thanks so much for the positive feedback. And, as always, comments and ideas are always welcome! |
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Spiritual: November 30, 2005 Issue [#740]
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