THE WHOLE TRUTH, SO HELP ME, GOD

It can be interesting to watch a film where a court-case is being portrayed. At least one person will be asked to place their hand on the Bible and swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God.

Could I put my hand on the Bible and swear that all I have said and done, during the day, was the whole truth, so help me God? Could you? Not that we are liars or cheaters, but it can be so easy to ‘colour’ the truth, to tell things from our point of view, favouring ourselves. Perhaps we are not even aware when we do so.

To speak the truth, plainly, objectively, is the sign of a free person - free from prejudice and open to love. Perhaps that is the key - LOVE.
The truthful person is both loveable and loving, with no hidden agendas.
God is Truth, and Love. When we live a truthful life, we are enveloped in love and become like Him in whose image we are created.

THE FLAG

Although not a ‘follower’ as such, I couldn’t help being effected by Ireland when it took place in the World Cup. Flags and banners everywhere, on cars and windows and even in the hands of babies in their prams. Such a warm, excited and happy feeling by everyone, especially whenever we did well. Employers in general, facilitated employees so the games would not be missed. High enterprise took a back-seat and enjoyment came to the fore-front.
This, to me, is Irish spirit at its best. .
I know there has been a down-side when drink and over-high spirits have taken a negative turn, yet on the whole Ireland has proved itself a good competitor and a happy nation.
All we need is a goal and we can reach the sky!
Perhaps this also applies to our individual lives. When we are motivated and happy, we too can reach the stars. After all, God is on our side.

QUIET TIME

The value of quiet time is self-evident. Just watch a mother with her child, holding, touching, looking… no words are necessary.

This quiet time is enveloped in love.

For most of us in our busy lives, we may forget the value of taking time out to appreciate those we love. No expensive presents are needed.

The gift we give is ourselves, our time, our interest.

In the spiritual life, we are invited to take time out, for ourselves.

To show appreciation for the gift of life, the uniqueness of our being, how special we are. Strangely enough, it’s only when we are loving, in giving and doing, that we learn to appreciate the value of our own uniqueness.

We are special, a once-off masterpiece, created by the Master himself.

THE FACE OF GOD.

I was feeling a little low and out of sorts. Somehow the sunny side of life was absent. Then I met a friend.
He greeted me, warmly. He was interested and glad to see me. We spoke for a few minutes before parting.
However, I was and felt different. I was happy and able to see the sunny side of life, even without sunshine.
In a spiritual context, I had met the Face of God.
Perhaps this is true for most of us. We meet the presence of God in each other.

And, because God loves us infinitely, the effect of meeting Him in each other is powerful. We are lifted out of ourselves and united with Love.
This is the power of friendship, of being a good friend. We represent God’s love to each other, knowing we are loved and able to love.
When I see the Face of God in others, I can be sure they are seeing the Face of God in me.

THE JOY OF LIVING.

Enjoy life NOW!

It occurred to me the other day how important it is to pray,

to make morning aspirations.

We probably all have different methods. For some of us it’s the traditional morning offering and morning prayers - an awareness of God’s presence and having an ‘alive’ relationship with Him.

Others may be drawn to positive affirmations, a method of abolishing all negative thoughts and worries.

Whatever method we like to use will be the one that opens us to a positive respect and appreciation for the joy of living.

It’s so easy to lose this appreciation for life. We know we must always have respect for others, yet often the person we may lack respect for is ourselves.

Do we begin the day in a mad rush to get somewhere? Have we no time to say hello - give or receive a hug - answer a question, politely - give way on the road?

So many little things are forgotten about or overlooked when we neglect to have time for ourselves, and for each other. The awful truth - for one of us, this will be the beginning of our last day. There won’t be a tomorrow. There won’t be time to say sorry - to change - to love.

Time is so precious and yet we can often behave as though it was limitless.
For the spiritual mind, there is an after-life - a bond between this world and the next where minds can still communicate, yet we no longer will have the ability for hugs and kisses and shared laughter.
NOW is the best time for appreciating the joy of living!

HAVE A HEART!

I wonder, in this new-age world we live in , do we forget to have a heart - to care for each other?

It’s so easy to glide through life with blinkers on, seeing only what we want to see and being involved totally with our own interests. Granted, these interests may incorporate our immediate family and friends. That’s good. At least we’re reassured of not being totally self-centred, yet there is a big world out there and a lot of needy people.

We can reach out a helping hand - perhaps to our immediate community? As soon as we remove the blinkers, we will be amazed at how much can be done. If each one of us is willing to do a little extra, it will mean so much.
Have a heart!
Let’s open our eyes and allow ourselves to develop a deeper and happier lifestyle!

THE INNER PERSON.

I have a friend, a good person, whose life is centred on God. Sometimes,, my lack of thought acts like sandpaper on my friend’s sensitive nature and vice versa. To placate pride and return to love, a healing must take place.

A kind thought - a kind word - a kind act will soothe and soften ruffled pride and before we know it, we are on the path of love again.

Don’t listen to the ‘friend’ who tells you to assert yourself and guard your pride. Instead, listen to yourself - the inner person - your true self. The presence of wisdom - the Holy Spirit - is living in the INNER PERSON.