I think there's really only one purpose to life - and that is to grow in the image and likeness of Christ. That makes total sense to me. I think we have to grow spiritually before we're ready for Heaven. And I firmly believe that whatever growth we don't achieve here on earth, we will have to achieve before we inherit the Kingdom of God. That's where Purgatory comes in.
The thing about it is - God gives us the opportunity to grow in our every day lives and circumstances but most of the time, we don't see what's right before our eyes. We hate trials of any kind and view them as a curse. We hate loss of any kind - loss of a dream, loss of health, loss of a friend or lover, loss of a job, etc. And loss IS scary. But I've learned that God is faithful. He doesn't bring the trial but He will stay with us through the trial. And if we trust Him, He will bring us out on the other side - wiser and more steadfast in our faith.
My greatest fear I think is to die and only then recognize all the opportunities that I wasted on earth to grow in the image and likeness of Christ.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Satan's most successful lie
"I DESERVE to be happy!"
That is one of Satan's most successful lies. We are a society of people who like to think that we are 'entitled' to everything we want. This attitude goes against the very core of Christianity.
It's not that God is opposed to happiness. He WANTS us to be happy. But He wants us to seek after TRUE happiness. Satan has us chasing illusions of happiness.
How do we know the difference?
If achieving this 'happiness' involves sinning against the very God who created us and who so lovingly sent his only Son to die for us, then we are not 'entitled' to seek after it. We will not find it there anyway because true happiness can not be found apart from God. It just can't.
If achieving this 'happiness' means hurting other people - then we do not 'deserve' this happiness. What gives us the right to seek happiness at another person's expense?
If achieving this 'happiness' means we have to break a personal vow or commitment to God or another, we do not 'deserve' it.
No matter the package Satan wraps it in - if the illusion goes against God's plan for us, it's just that - an illusion. It will bring us and the people around us misery and pain.
That is one of Satan's most successful lies. We are a society of people who like to think that we are 'entitled' to everything we want. This attitude goes against the very core of Christianity.
It's not that God is opposed to happiness. He WANTS us to be happy. But He wants us to seek after TRUE happiness. Satan has us chasing illusions of happiness.
How do we know the difference?
If achieving this 'happiness' involves sinning against the very God who created us and who so lovingly sent his only Son to die for us, then we are not 'entitled' to seek after it. We will not find it there anyway because true happiness can not be found apart from God. It just can't.
If achieving this 'happiness' means hurting other people - then we do not 'deserve' this happiness. What gives us the right to seek happiness at another person's expense?
If achieving this 'happiness' means we have to break a personal vow or commitment to God or another, we do not 'deserve' it.
No matter the package Satan wraps it in - if the illusion goes against God's plan for us, it's just that - an illusion. It will bring us and the people around us misery and pain.
True Joy
There are SO many people around me who struggle. They are unhappy with their life circumstances. It's interesting - but painful - to watch their coping techniques.
Many THINK they know the secret to happiness. "If only I could find a different job." "If only I could be married." "If only my spouse was different." "If only I could lose this weight."
Many actively pursue these changes. Some go so far as to leave their spouse of many years. Some look for other jobs. Many do the on again /off again diet thing! Some don't pursue any changes in their lifestyle - they just fall into depression because they've convinced themselves that they are never going to be happy.
I want to shout at them all that none of the changes they seek will ever make them happy. The changes may FOOL them into thinking they're happy for awhile. But the new boss will disappoint just like the last boss. And the new spouse will be less perfect as time goes on. The weight may come off but other health issues will arise.
Outside circumstances do NOT determine happiness. Happiness comes from within. It comes from being grateful for what we have rather than envious of what we don't have. And the truth of the matter is - if we foster a relationship with God our Father, true joy will come. It will be a part of our very being and it will be present in our lives no matter what the outer circumstances are.
It REALLY is that simple. But most people don't believe it. They work backwards. They think they have to get the outside circumstances right themselves and THEN they'll seek a relationship with their Father in heaven. Oh, how I wish I could make them understand. It's so hard to see them struggling.
Many THINK they know the secret to happiness. "If only I could find a different job." "If only I could be married." "If only my spouse was different." "If only I could lose this weight."
Many actively pursue these changes. Some go so far as to leave their spouse of many years. Some look for other jobs. Many do the on again /off again diet thing! Some don't pursue any changes in their lifestyle - they just fall into depression because they've convinced themselves that they are never going to be happy.
I want to shout at them all that none of the changes they seek will ever make them happy. The changes may FOOL them into thinking they're happy for awhile. But the new boss will disappoint just like the last boss. And the new spouse will be less perfect as time goes on. The weight may come off but other health issues will arise.
Outside circumstances do NOT determine happiness. Happiness comes from within. It comes from being grateful for what we have rather than envious of what we don't have. And the truth of the matter is - if we foster a relationship with God our Father, true joy will come. It will be a part of our very being and it will be present in our lives no matter what the outer circumstances are.
It REALLY is that simple. But most people don't believe it. They work backwards. They think they have to get the outside circumstances right themselves and THEN they'll seek a relationship with their Father in heaven. Oh, how I wish I could make them understand. It's so hard to see them struggling.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Two Worlds
I live in two worlds. That's what I have to remember. There is the physical world - which is everything I experience with my senses. And there is the spiritual world which I can only experience through my faith.
The spiritual world is a little bit tougher to live in - I guess because my senses are better developed than my faith and at times they want to take over! The physical world has a big influence on me because it's LOUD and visible. The spiritual world is laid back and it doesn't force itself on me. I have to seek it out and sometimes it's hard to remember to do that!
I envision two overlapping circles - one being the physical world and the other being the Kingdom of God (the Spiritual world.) I am standing firmly in the part that overlaps. At any given time, I can go either way - step into either world. I've noticed that I LIKE stepping into the spiritual world - the Kingdom of God. It's warm and cozy there. I feel love and joy. But I've noticed that often I only put one foot in at a time. Kind of like testing the waters. Not sure I want to jump in with both feet. So, one foot stays firmly planted in the physical world. Occasionally, I make the leap! I must not jump in too far though because I always manage to find my way back!
What's it like to take the LEAP into the Kingdom of God? It's truly forgiving somebody who has hurt me - and then praying for them! It's doing something nice for somebody and not wanting to be recognized for it. It's visiting the lady at the nursing home - when I'd rather be home taking a nap! It's refusing to be negative about others when I don't feel appreciated. It's recognizing MY faults and shortcomings instead of focusing on the meanness of other people. It's about recognizing the GOODNESS in me (because that is GOD in me)AND the goodness in others. Because everybody has both.
When I LEAP into the physical world, I hold onto hurts. I become angry and bitter and negative. I do nice things - but make sure people know about it. I let down the lady at the nursing home. I complain constantly so everybody knows I'm unhappy and have been treated unfairly. I refuse to work on my own faults but sure wish everybody else would work on theirs so I wouldn't have to complain so much. I see only what's wrong with the world - and don't do a thing to help it!
The thing about it is, in reality both worlds totally overlap at all times. So every time I LEAP into the Kingdom - I bring the Kingdom to the physical world. I make it a better place (or rather, I allow God to make it a better place through me.)And every time I LEAP into the physical world, I make it a darker place (or rather, I allow Satan to make it darker through me.)
God tries to lead me more toward the spiritual. He gives me the grace to respond to that leading but sometimes I guess I squander the grace He gives me. Forgive me, Lord. I want to live for YOU alone!
The spiritual world is a little bit tougher to live in - I guess because my senses are better developed than my faith and at times they want to take over! The physical world has a big influence on me because it's LOUD and visible. The spiritual world is laid back and it doesn't force itself on me. I have to seek it out and sometimes it's hard to remember to do that!
I envision two overlapping circles - one being the physical world and the other being the Kingdom of God (the Spiritual world.) I am standing firmly in the part that overlaps. At any given time, I can go either way - step into either world. I've noticed that I LIKE stepping into the spiritual world - the Kingdom of God. It's warm and cozy there. I feel love and joy. But I've noticed that often I only put one foot in at a time. Kind of like testing the waters. Not sure I want to jump in with both feet. So, one foot stays firmly planted in the physical world. Occasionally, I make the leap! I must not jump in too far though because I always manage to find my way back!
What's it like to take the LEAP into the Kingdom of God? It's truly forgiving somebody who has hurt me - and then praying for them! It's doing something nice for somebody and not wanting to be recognized for it. It's visiting the lady at the nursing home - when I'd rather be home taking a nap! It's refusing to be negative about others when I don't feel appreciated. It's recognizing MY faults and shortcomings instead of focusing on the meanness of other people. It's about recognizing the GOODNESS in me (because that is GOD in me)AND the goodness in others. Because everybody has both.
When I LEAP into the physical world, I hold onto hurts. I become angry and bitter and negative. I do nice things - but make sure people know about it. I let down the lady at the nursing home. I complain constantly so everybody knows I'm unhappy and have been treated unfairly. I refuse to work on my own faults but sure wish everybody else would work on theirs so I wouldn't have to complain so much. I see only what's wrong with the world - and don't do a thing to help it!
The thing about it is, in reality both worlds totally overlap at all times. So every time I LEAP into the Kingdom - I bring the Kingdom to the physical world. I make it a better place (or rather, I allow God to make it a better place through me.)And every time I LEAP into the physical world, I make it a darker place (or rather, I allow Satan to make it darker through me.)
God tries to lead me more toward the spiritual. He gives me the grace to respond to that leading but sometimes I guess I squander the grace He gives me. Forgive me, Lord. I want to live for YOU alone!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Advent - Come Lord, Jesus
In my faith tradition, Roman Catholicism, the weeks leading up to Christmas is called the season of Advent. It is a time we are to prepare ourselves for the coming of the Christ Child. The Church tries really hard to get us to focus on the true meaning of Christmas but I have a feeling that most of us aren't really getting it.
We are like most other people. We are focused on getting all of our shopping done, decorating our houses and baking cookies for our holiday get-togethers. And we're trying to fit all of this in our already too busy schedules of work, ball games, TV programs, etc. We begin to feel stressed over the fact that we have way too much to do and way too little time. We become cranky and short-tempered - and never quite settle ourselves down long enough to meditate on celebrating the birth of the Christ Child and what it means for us today. Christmas Day comes, we go to Church, open gifts, eat a big meal and secretly, we're glad it's over so we can get some rest.
I think most of us are operating under the assumption that we are celebrating a birth that happened 2000 years ago. What most of us don't realize is that we should use the weeks leading up to Christmas anticipating a birth that is still to come. For though Jesus was physically born into our world 2000 years ago, He is still waiting to be born in the 'hearts' of many of us. That's what Advent and the Christmas Season is really all about - preparing our 'hearts' to receive the Christ Child - to allow Him to be born in our own lives.
How ironic it is. As Christians we are offended when other faith traditions want to take Christ out of Christmas. We are offended when someone says 'Happy Holidays' rather than 'Merry Christmas'. But Christmas is more than a greeting.
I wonder how the world might become different, if, as Christians, we celebrated the birth of Christ, not by exchanging expensive gifts with our family and friends, but instead focusing our attention on the needs of the world around us. What if we showed God's love by giving of ourselves - all year long - to the hungry and the poor. What if we denied ourselves some luxuries - ate out less, drove less expensive cars, lived in smaller homes, had fewer electronic toys, a simpler cell phone plan, etc. and instead shared some of our blessings with those in need. You see, most of us are not opposed to sharing with those less fortunate -as long as we don't have to give up any of our own comforts. We will gladly share a little of our 'extras' but don't ask us to give till it hurts.
All these years I've been celebrating Christmas and I still haven't gotten it right. Not even close. It's hard to change traditions but I think I need to distance myself a little bit each year from the particular ways I've been taught to celebrate this seadon, for I truly want Christ to be born anew in my heart.
This is a time of WAITING and PREPARING for what's REALLY IMPORTANT. Come, Lord Jesus. Come, fill my heart with your love. Fill it until it overflows into the world around me - and then fill it some more. Amen.
We are like most other people. We are focused on getting all of our shopping done, decorating our houses and baking cookies for our holiday get-togethers. And we're trying to fit all of this in our already too busy schedules of work, ball games, TV programs, etc. We begin to feel stressed over the fact that we have way too much to do and way too little time. We become cranky and short-tempered - and never quite settle ourselves down long enough to meditate on celebrating the birth of the Christ Child and what it means for us today. Christmas Day comes, we go to Church, open gifts, eat a big meal and secretly, we're glad it's over so we can get some rest.
I think most of us are operating under the assumption that we are celebrating a birth that happened 2000 years ago. What most of us don't realize is that we should use the weeks leading up to Christmas anticipating a birth that is still to come. For though Jesus was physically born into our world 2000 years ago, He is still waiting to be born in the 'hearts' of many of us. That's what Advent and the Christmas Season is really all about - preparing our 'hearts' to receive the Christ Child - to allow Him to be born in our own lives.
How ironic it is. As Christians we are offended when other faith traditions want to take Christ out of Christmas. We are offended when someone says 'Happy Holidays' rather than 'Merry Christmas'. But Christmas is more than a greeting.
I wonder how the world might become different, if, as Christians, we celebrated the birth of Christ, not by exchanging expensive gifts with our family and friends, but instead focusing our attention on the needs of the world around us. What if we showed God's love by giving of ourselves - all year long - to the hungry and the poor. What if we denied ourselves some luxuries - ate out less, drove less expensive cars, lived in smaller homes, had fewer electronic toys, a simpler cell phone plan, etc. and instead shared some of our blessings with those in need. You see, most of us are not opposed to sharing with those less fortunate -as long as we don't have to give up any of our own comforts. We will gladly share a little of our 'extras' but don't ask us to give till it hurts.
All these years I've been celebrating Christmas and I still haven't gotten it right. Not even close. It's hard to change traditions but I think I need to distance myself a little bit each year from the particular ways I've been taught to celebrate this seadon, for I truly want Christ to be born anew in my heart.
This is a time of WAITING and PREPARING for what's REALLY IMPORTANT. Come, Lord Jesus. Come, fill my heart with your love. Fill it until it overflows into the world around me - and then fill it some more. Amen.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
The Great Debate
It's that time of year again. The FWD's are flooding my e-mail box. The Great Debate.
Is it a Christmas Tree - or a Holiday Tree? Should I say 'Merry Christmas' or 'Happy Holidays'? And then there's the video I keep getting with the song "Christmas with a Capital C"
I don't see what the big deal is!! If I'm celebrating Christmas, I'm putting up a Christmas Tree. If somebody else is celebrating something other than Christmas, then I guess they're putting up a Holiday Tree. If I'm speaking to somebody who shares my belief system, I will wish them a Merry Christmas. If I'm speaking to someone who has a different belief system, then I will wish them 'Happy Holidays'. It's not about being 'politically correct.' It's about respect for others, peace and goodwill.
Does God care which words I use when I greet people during this special season? I doubt it. He probably cares about my attitude toward that person. He probably cares whether or not my greeting is motivated in love. But I can't see God being offended if I wish a Jewish person, a Muslim, a Hindu, or an atheist a Happy Holiday instead of a Merry Christmas.
"Glory to God in the Highest - and PEACE to men of good will"
Merry Christmas - and Happy Holidays to all!
Is it a Christmas Tree - or a Holiday Tree? Should I say 'Merry Christmas' or 'Happy Holidays'? And then there's the video I keep getting with the song "Christmas with a Capital C"
I don't see what the big deal is!! If I'm celebrating Christmas, I'm putting up a Christmas Tree. If somebody else is celebrating something other than Christmas, then I guess they're putting up a Holiday Tree. If I'm speaking to somebody who shares my belief system, I will wish them a Merry Christmas. If I'm speaking to someone who has a different belief system, then I will wish them 'Happy Holidays'. It's not about being 'politically correct.' It's about respect for others, peace and goodwill.
Does God care which words I use when I greet people during this special season? I doubt it. He probably cares about my attitude toward that person. He probably cares whether or not my greeting is motivated in love. But I can't see God being offended if I wish a Jewish person, a Muslim, a Hindu, or an atheist a Happy Holiday instead of a Merry Christmas.
"Glory to God in the Highest - and PEACE to men of good will"
Merry Christmas - and Happy Holidays to all!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
What is Faith?
What is Faith?
There was a time in my life when I thought 'faith' was believing that God exists. End of story. And so if someone had asked me if I was a person of faith, I would have answered 'yes.'
I've come to understand that believing that God exists is merely the starting point of a long and wondrous journey. All journeys have a starting point and the journey of faith begins with believing that God exists. At least for me that's where it began.
Is that enough to get you into heaven? Maybe. I'm not sure. Some people think so and so their journey ends there.
Some people believe the journey begins with baptism and I guess that could also be true. But I was baptized on somebody else's faith. I don't think I truly began to 'grow' until it became my faith. My parents planted the seed but eventually it took root in my own heart.
I believe that this particular journey can last a life time. It can take you as far as you want to go. For me, I look back and see how far I've come and I'm filled with wonder. I look ahead to see how far I can still go and I get excited.
My journey began with simple faith. I believed. Later I developed a love of scripture. Reading scripture helped me to learn 'about' Jesus. And then one day, knowing 'about' Him wasn't enough for me anymore. I wanted to know Him personally. I wanted a relationship. My faith began to come alive when I began to 'live' what I believe. Or maybe I should say 'try' to live what I believe. It's a struggle sometimes. It means rising above pettiness to embrace the bigger picture of love and forgiveness. It means trying to separate myself from this world and live for the kingdom of God which is hard to find amidst all the chaos of our physical world.
It means trusting God with my whole heart and soul. Trusting His wisdom and His love.
It means letting go of anger and forgiving someone - even when I still kind of hurt. It means 'doing' what Scripture says is right - even when I WANT to do it my way. It means not judging other people for their shortcomings - because God knows I have enough shortcomings of my own to overcome!
Faith is understanding that I do not live for this world but for the Kingdom of God. I do not have to be upset when somebody mistreats me - because GOD will hold them accountable. That doesn't mean they're going to hell necessarily. It just means that when God gets done with them they will have a clear understanding of how they hurt me by their selfishness or greed or whatever and they WILL receive justice at the hands of my Father. (Vengeance is MINE says the Lord) Yes, faith is giving my anger to GOD and KNOWING that HE will see that justice is done. Faith is understanding that if I insist on holding on to that anger, I am simply holding myself back on my walk with God. I hurt myself when I do not forgive - not the other person.
Faith is knowing that God loves me and wants me to grow to full maturity. He will never abandon me but He will not remove all trials from my life. He loves me so much that He allows me to grow THROUGH these trials. He will not permit any trial in my life that He cannot use to make me stronger in my walk with Him.
Faith is KNOWING that God is my Father. Faith is KNOWING that He loves ME even more than I love my OWN kids - and that's a lot! But I'm just a human and I can't possibly love as purely as He loves. Faith is KNOWING that He is REAL and ALIVE and ACTIVELY involved in my life. He knows ALL and He loves me anyway. He knows that I love Him and that I'm doing my best. And that's what counts. I'm trying. I don't have to be perfect - I just have to do my best. He will do the rest.
There was a time in my life when I thought 'faith' was believing that God exists. End of story. And so if someone had asked me if I was a person of faith, I would have answered 'yes.'
I've come to understand that believing that God exists is merely the starting point of a long and wondrous journey. All journeys have a starting point and the journey of faith begins with believing that God exists. At least for me that's where it began.
Is that enough to get you into heaven? Maybe. I'm not sure. Some people think so and so their journey ends there.
Some people believe the journey begins with baptism and I guess that could also be true. But I was baptized on somebody else's faith. I don't think I truly began to 'grow' until it became my faith. My parents planted the seed but eventually it took root in my own heart.
I believe that this particular journey can last a life time. It can take you as far as you want to go. For me, I look back and see how far I've come and I'm filled with wonder. I look ahead to see how far I can still go and I get excited.
My journey began with simple faith. I believed. Later I developed a love of scripture. Reading scripture helped me to learn 'about' Jesus. And then one day, knowing 'about' Him wasn't enough for me anymore. I wanted to know Him personally. I wanted a relationship. My faith began to come alive when I began to 'live' what I believe. Or maybe I should say 'try' to live what I believe. It's a struggle sometimes. It means rising above pettiness to embrace the bigger picture of love and forgiveness. It means trying to separate myself from this world and live for the kingdom of God which is hard to find amidst all the chaos of our physical world.
It means trusting God with my whole heart and soul. Trusting His wisdom and His love.
It means letting go of anger and forgiving someone - even when I still kind of hurt. It means 'doing' what Scripture says is right - even when I WANT to do it my way. It means not judging other people for their shortcomings - because God knows I have enough shortcomings of my own to overcome!
Faith is understanding that I do not live for this world but for the Kingdom of God. I do not have to be upset when somebody mistreats me - because GOD will hold them accountable. That doesn't mean they're going to hell necessarily. It just means that when God gets done with them they will have a clear understanding of how they hurt me by their selfishness or greed or whatever and they WILL receive justice at the hands of my Father. (Vengeance is MINE says the Lord) Yes, faith is giving my anger to GOD and KNOWING that HE will see that justice is done. Faith is understanding that if I insist on holding on to that anger, I am simply holding myself back on my walk with God. I hurt myself when I do not forgive - not the other person.
Faith is knowing that God loves me and wants me to grow to full maturity. He will never abandon me but He will not remove all trials from my life. He loves me so much that He allows me to grow THROUGH these trials. He will not permit any trial in my life that He cannot use to make me stronger in my walk with Him.
Faith is KNOWING that God is my Father. Faith is KNOWING that He loves ME even more than I love my OWN kids - and that's a lot! But I'm just a human and I can't possibly love as purely as He loves. Faith is KNOWING that He is REAL and ALIVE and ACTIVELY involved in my life. He knows ALL and He loves me anyway. He knows that I love Him and that I'm doing my best. And that's what counts. I'm trying. I don't have to be perfect - I just have to do my best. He will do the rest.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)