“I bind to myself today God's Power to guide me, God's Might to uphold me, God's Wisdom to teach me.” - From St. Patrick's Breastplate
St. Patrick may have lived centuries ago but the above words - so important to him that he had them engraved on his breastplate - are ones that resonate with me today, here in the 21st century.
God is eternal and so is The Great Mystery’s power, might, and wisdom.
May I too use God’s Power to guide me, His Strength to keep me moving forward especially in the midst of challenges, and His Wisdom to help me live rightly and fully.
Showing posts with label challenge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label challenge. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Thursday, December 24, 2009
The Promise
I was poignantly reminded once again that I am not alone and that God is always with me. This time it was through reading of Madeleine L’Engles’ own trying experience and the Bible story that helped her get through that challenge. The story turned out to sound familiar to me despite my not being raised with the Bible.
It’s the amazing story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. These three young men refused to bow down to an idol, and King Nebuchadnezzar was so furious that he ordered them to be thrown into a furnace so hot that the soldiers who threw them in were killed by the heat.
But Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego stood there in the flames, unhurt, and sang a song of praise of all creation.
King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and asked, "Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?" They answered, "True, O King." He replied, "But I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt, and the appearance of the fourth is like the Son of God."
And that, perhaps, is the most astounding part of the whole story. God did not take Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego out of the fiery furnace. God was in the flames with them.
The promise has never been safety, or that bad things would not happen if we were good and virtuous. The promise is only that God is in it with us, no matter what it is.
As I go through my dark times, I can endeavor to remember this Bible story and choose to believe the promise: God is with me always and sees me through all situations.
At this season of light, may I remember that the Light of God shines in me, through me and around me. God is with me always.
It’s the amazing story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. These three young men refused to bow down to an idol, and King Nebuchadnezzar was so furious that he ordered them to be thrown into a furnace so hot that the soldiers who threw them in were killed by the heat.
But Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego stood there in the flames, unhurt, and sang a song of praise of all creation.
King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and asked, "Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?" They answered, "True, O King." He replied, "But I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt, and the appearance of the fourth is like the Son of God."
And that, perhaps, is the most astounding part of the whole story. God did not take Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego out of the fiery furnace. God was in the flames with them.
The promise has never been safety, or that bad things would not happen if we were good and virtuous. The promise is only that God is in it with us, no matter what it is.
As I go through my dark times, I can endeavor to remember this Bible story and choose to believe the promise: God is with me always and sees me through all situations.
At this season of light, may I remember that the Light of God shines in me, through me and around me. God is with me always.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Three Steps
“I pray. I listen. I act.”
These three steps suggesting how to go through any situation came from yesterday’s Daily Word. However, I didn’t come upon them until I had already applied them to our surreal housing situation.
Rog and I held hands, closed our eyes, took some deep breaths, and then I said an extemporaneous, heartfelt prayer aloud. It encompassed not just the morning’s particular challenge, but expressing our gratitude, and praying for dear friends, many of whom are also facing huge shifts in their lives.
This time greatly calmed me down and I could feel Spirit’s Presence deeply. Then Rog and I proceeded to listen, and Guidance came. One step at a time, we took action the rest of the day, in a calm manner.
How blessed I am to have come to believe in a Power greater than myself that can help in all situations. With peace – with Connection – I can operate in my right mind, at peace, in this crazy world. I am grateful.
These three steps suggesting how to go through any situation came from yesterday’s Daily Word. However, I didn’t come upon them until I had already applied them to our surreal housing situation.
Rog and I held hands, closed our eyes, took some deep breaths, and then I said an extemporaneous, heartfelt prayer aloud. It encompassed not just the morning’s particular challenge, but expressing our gratitude, and praying for dear friends, many of whom are also facing huge shifts in their lives.
This time greatly calmed me down and I could feel Spirit’s Presence deeply. Then Rog and I proceeded to listen, and Guidance came. One step at a time, we took action the rest of the day, in a calm manner.
How blessed I am to have come to believe in a Power greater than myself that can help in all situations. With peace – with Connection – I can operate in my right mind, at peace, in this crazy world. I am grateful.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Still...
As we lay down to go to sleep last night, Rog commented that he was glad the day was over, an unusual sentiment coming from him. Still, I can understand why.
From our house mailbox, we received a letter related to our bankruptcy requesting another pile of documents with a deadline for submission. There was incorrect information written in it and it had not been sent to our mailing address as it should have been, so had been sitting for a week. Still, I was grateful that the letter wasn’t from the mortgagor setting a new trustee sale.
From our other mailbox, we received a letter from our homeowners association. It was another annoying complaint, once again shedding no specific light on what we were supposedly not in compliance with. Still, I was grateful that I’d already called them weeks back about the matter in general and was confident that we would prevail. I was also grateful that Rog said he’d draft a response.
The website I had hoped to complete building and go live by mid afternoon took me into the evening. Still, I was grateful that my client is a warm, easy-going person to work with and appreciates the extra mile that I go. And, when there was a delay for the site to go live, I was grateful that the hosting server company had a helpful associate to work with, that I had uploaded the files correctly, and that the site will go live as soon as the company finishes its process.
And, if this all wasn’t enough to test my attitude, the saga of my front tooth was brought to life once again. Still, I was grateful that my crown came out during the dentist’s work week, and that he is a kind, compassionate good man with a great staff. I’ll call this morning for an emergency appointment and trust that God will arrange it so I don’t have to delay today’s trip to Tucson. Also, I’m grateful that I’m no longer so vain about the gap in the front of my mouth – when I speak, I just place my hand in front of it to cover the grossness.
Yes, my peace was challenged yesterday, but all in all I think I did a pretty good job of asking Spirit for help and coping. But what I noticed - and am so grateful for - is that, in most cases, my upbeat take on each situation was an immediate response. I’ve come a long way from when I would have immediately gone into a tailspin or a fit of lingering angry, both of which would have stoked my eating disorder and not made me a particularly nice person to be around. Mostly these days, I am able to see the blessings in every situation and feel gratitude. These challenges become opportunities to grow closer to God.
Oh, did I mention that Rog accidentally brewed decaf coffee for himself and high test for me for our afternoon coffee vacation?!
As we lay down to go to sleep last night, and the caffeine was still surging through my body, Rog commented that he was glad the day was over; I can understand why. I had some more than usual awake time before falling asleep so I converted the challenge into an opportunity. I used the time for extra prayers to God and my angels, thankful for my growing consciousness and the many blessings in my life.
From our house mailbox, we received a letter related to our bankruptcy requesting another pile of documents with a deadline for submission. There was incorrect information written in it and it had not been sent to our mailing address as it should have been, so had been sitting for a week. Still, I was grateful that the letter wasn’t from the mortgagor setting a new trustee sale.
From our other mailbox, we received a letter from our homeowners association. It was another annoying complaint, once again shedding no specific light on what we were supposedly not in compliance with. Still, I was grateful that I’d already called them weeks back about the matter in general and was confident that we would prevail. I was also grateful that Rog said he’d draft a response.
The website I had hoped to complete building and go live by mid afternoon took me into the evening. Still, I was grateful that my client is a warm, easy-going person to work with and appreciates the extra mile that I go. And, when there was a delay for the site to go live, I was grateful that the hosting server company had a helpful associate to work with, that I had uploaded the files correctly, and that the site will go live as soon as the company finishes its process.
And, if this all wasn’t enough to test my attitude, the saga of my front tooth was brought to life once again. Still, I was grateful that my crown came out during the dentist’s work week, and that he is a kind, compassionate good man with a great staff. I’ll call this morning for an emergency appointment and trust that God will arrange it so I don’t have to delay today’s trip to Tucson. Also, I’m grateful that I’m no longer so vain about the gap in the front of my mouth – when I speak, I just place my hand in front of it to cover the grossness.
Yes, my peace was challenged yesterday, but all in all I think I did a pretty good job of asking Spirit for help and coping. But what I noticed - and am so grateful for - is that, in most cases, my upbeat take on each situation was an immediate response. I’ve come a long way from when I would have immediately gone into a tailspin or a fit of lingering angry, both of which would have stoked my eating disorder and not made me a particularly nice person to be around. Mostly these days, I am able to see the blessings in every situation and feel gratitude. These challenges become opportunities to grow closer to God.
Oh, did I mention that Rog accidentally brewed decaf coffee for himself and high test for me for our afternoon coffee vacation?!
As we lay down to go to sleep last night, and the caffeine was still surging through my body, Rog commented that he was glad the day was over; I can understand why. I had some more than usual awake time before falling asleep so I converted the challenge into an opportunity. I used the time for extra prayers to God and my angels, thankful for my growing consciousness and the many blessings in my life.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Blessings in Disguise
The following is the full reading for 12.27.08 from Science of Mind: A Guide for Spiritual Living. You may have already heard the story of the Chinese farmer and realized its message. I loved reading it again for I know that it is always a good reminder for me to not judge circumstances from my limited perspective.
Happy reading!
_______________________
“... man himself shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.”
- Romans 8:21
“All things work for our good. Suffering should teach is a lesson which would cause us to refrain from making more mistakes; it carries a blessing with it when we learn how to garner knowledge from the experience.” - The Science of Mind, page 485
There is a Chinese story of a farmer who used an old horse to till his fields. One day, the horse escaped into the hills, and when the farmer’s neighbors sympathized with the old man over his bad luck, the farmer replied, “Bad luck? Good luck? Who knows?”
A week later, the horse returned with a herd of horses from the hills and this time the neighbors congratulated the farmer on his good luck. His reply was, “Good luck? Bad luck? Who knows?” Then, when the farmer’s son was attempting to tame one of the wild horses, he fell off and broke his leg. Everyone thought this to be very bad luck. The farmer’s only reaction was, “Bad luck? Good luck? Who knows?” Some weeks later, the army march into the village and enlisted every able-bodied youth they found there. When they saw the farmer’s son with his broken leg, they let him stay. Now, was that good luck or bad luck? Who knows?
Everything that seems to be a challenge may be a blessing in disguise. We are wise when we leave it to God to decide what good fortune is and what is a challenge, and thank the Divine for blessings.
Affirmation
I am blessed by the Infinite Power that creates every situation. I look for the pearl of wisdom in every situation and am blessed no matter what the appearance.
Happy reading!
_______________________
“... man himself shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.”
- Romans 8:21
“All things work for our good. Suffering should teach is a lesson which would cause us to refrain from making more mistakes; it carries a blessing with it when we learn how to garner knowledge from the experience.” - The Science of Mind, page 485
There is a Chinese story of a farmer who used an old horse to till his fields. One day, the horse escaped into the hills, and when the farmer’s neighbors sympathized with the old man over his bad luck, the farmer replied, “Bad luck? Good luck? Who knows?”
A week later, the horse returned with a herd of horses from the hills and this time the neighbors congratulated the farmer on his good luck. His reply was, “Good luck? Bad luck? Who knows?” Then, when the farmer’s son was attempting to tame one of the wild horses, he fell off and broke his leg. Everyone thought this to be very bad luck. The farmer’s only reaction was, “Bad luck? Good luck? Who knows?” Some weeks later, the army march into the village and enlisted every able-bodied youth they found there. When they saw the farmer’s son with his broken leg, they let him stay. Now, was that good luck or bad luck? Who knows?
Everything that seems to be a challenge may be a blessing in disguise. We are wise when we leave it to God to decide what good fortune is and what is a challenge, and thank the Divine for blessings.
Affirmation
I am blessed by the Infinite Power that creates every situation. I look for the pearl of wisdom in every situation and am blessed no matter what the appearance.
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