Saturday, October 30, 2010

God's Presence


We have a commandment to love our neighbour, whoever they may be,
because we are all made in the image and likeness of God.

When I am kind to you, it is God I love. When you are kind to me, God is the recipient.

Why is this?

The answer is more simple than we may realise. Present in each one of us is the Presence of God. Often we only see 'skin-deep' and fail to experience this wonderful aspect of God, living in us.

We gain an awareness of how and why some people are able to be heroic, able to put others before their own needs, even to the extent of giving up their lives for others.

So,simply put, when we love we open our heart and soul to God's Presence, in ourselves and others.















Tuesday, October 26, 2010

BE POSITIVE!


A positive-minded person is one who is open to change. This means having a willingness to embrace each new day, positively, whatever challenges may come our way.

When we have a a positive disposition we blot out the negative and allow our creative mind to guide us. Therefore, intuitively we do what is best for us and those around us.

Of course, we don't suddenly become totally positive. There is a certain amount of work to be done, as we are aptly told, 'Enough to the day is the evil thereof'.

So, a simple protection to any form of negativity comes about when we 'let go', give up all pre-conceived ideas and opinions. Most important of all is to ignore any feelings of fear.

We owe it to ourselves to grow in becoming a more positive person, someone who is able to step away from the dark side and walk in the light.

'I am the LIGHT of the world. Follow Me.'

Friday, October 22, 2010

A GENTLE HEART


To have a gentle heart is dependent on how tuned in we are to the present moment and the inspirations we receive.

A gentle heart is one that focuses on people and has awareness of the individual needs that each person may have.

Only God knows how weak, or strong, another person is. We can only surmise by 'reading' with our heart.

Therefore, if we have a gentle heart we will be able to respond with love to the needs of others. This is also a way of responding to our own needs.

Love begets love.

A gentle heart is open to God's Loving Will, now and always.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

BE THE BEST WE CAN BE


Most of us have certain goals; places we want to go to / things we want to accomplish etc. And this is good.

Whatever works to get us out of bed and up and doing, is a positive state to be in. Yet, maybe we can examine what it is we are interested in and find out if it's the best that we can be.

If I want to be a pop star and spend all my time and resources aimed at that goal, it would be good for me to find out first if I can sing!

The same applies for most interests we have, to find out first if this if the very best for us.

A spiritually-minded person will have a structured way of knowing the best for them, in focusing on God's Will, and what God is inviting one to do each day.

Whatever makes us happy and lovable is usually a good indication of what is best for us. If we are happy in our job whatever it might be, then we are doing our best. As soon as we become unhappy, then we know it's time to move on, or find out if we are meant to be doing things differently.

Time changes us and the happy person will be able and willing to change.

We owe it to ourselves to be the best we can be.

I

Thursday, October 14, 2010

CONFIDENCE


The ability to have confidence in ourselves is very much related to our belief system.

When I am confident, I know it's because I believe I am loved by God. This love helps me to realise my potential as a person, and also makes me aware of how important it is to love.

A confident person is able and willing to reach out to others. There is no fear of criticism; no fear of being undermined by the weaknesses of others. And also, no fear of one's own weaknesses.

Confidence springs from the faith we have. A truly confident person is positive and well able to bring good out of all that happens.

Confidence is the key to a happy life.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

GLIMPSE of PARADISE


The opportunity came my way to spend a week with friends on the island of Skiathos in Greece.

This was my first introduction to Greek culture. We visited many of the splendid monasteries on the island, enjoying a glimpse into traditional Greek Orthodox religion.

The Chapels are very ornate and beautifully decorated with icons depicting Christ and the blessed virgin and the saints.

I was especially impressed with an icon of the Virgin mother, laced with silver and bearing an appealing smile. However when I tried to capture the image on my phone, I was cautioned not to do so.

I can well understand the Orthodox priests who have thousands of tourists coming their way every summer. They are polite, always, and for women who might forget to dress in a manner suitable for attending Church, they provide lovely colourful shawls.

Now that I am home again, I appreciate our open churches with Mass provided daily, at most churches.

Religion can be a form of art, yet Art will never replace religion.