tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-100664562024-03-12T17:05:21.742-07:00The LesRev BlogA blog on life in the life of a lesbian minister traveling the spirit-road.RevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.comBlogger95125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10066456.post-42115513726454642212014-09-20T10:31:00.002-07:002014-09-20T10:33:51.869-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #f4cccc;">Hello, gentle readers...</span><br />
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I've been thinking (always a danger) and considering my "ministry." We know that "ministry" means to serve. And ministry is truly that to which God has called me. That ministry finds itself divided into different camps, so to speak. Today I'm going to try to separate them out and share them with you.</span><br />
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The first is related to the picture above. I am called to care and to listen. I love communication. I love discussing things of importance. Trivial things generally don't matter to me when it comes to knowing a person and caring deeply for them. I question. I contemplate the meaning of answers. I love to help someone question their preconceived ideas and possibly consider a new thought. The biggest obstacle to communication is not listening to genuinely hear what another says. We are taught today to answer before listening. I must admit this is a difficult one for me. Now that I struggle with memory problems, I'm always thinking ahead and, disturbingly, jumping into conversations before I forget what it was I was thinking. Because of that, I think I've lost a step or two on the ministry of listening intently to others and helping them see different ways of thinking. </span><br />
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The second is related to working with those at end of life. It has been a passion to help people cross over the threshold of heaven for some time. In many cases, God asks us to just sit with those in difficulty. We do not have to speak unless the one who is ill asks. In my experience, most who are lucid at death want their loved ones. They want to talk about how they feel and the wonderful times they had together. And at death, go peacefully into heaven. Those who are very ill (or in some cases unconscious) simply need support. They want someone to sit with them, provide comfort, hold a hand. It is this eleventh-hour ministry that means so much to me. When I worked at a cemetery, I had the privilege of burying several small children. The families didn't want a lot of conversation. They wanted comfort. And it is to that ministry of comfort, I feel called and compelled to serve.</span><br />
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And the third, strange as it may seem, is a call to worship in music. Yes, those who have known me for a long time know my love of music. I, at one time, had quite a ministry and sang in many wonderful places. But in His wisdom, God set that on a back burner. I have wrestled with my health. I have stopped playing my guitar, drums, piano, bass. All have been quiet for many years. I have a draw, a yearning, in my heart to begin again. I don't know if I will regain my skill level. Maybe the yearning is for my own edification. Or maybe it is to share with a select few. But if God opened the door for a higher calling in that area, I would make myself available to the Lord. I bought a medium sized Djembe. I have a small one. Once my music area is set, I will set those up and begin working with them. My guitars are tuned and ready. I want to pick up some worship CDs and get my ear in tune, too. </span><br />
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So those are the three main areas of the call of God on my life: Listening and challenging the faithful and the seeking; caring for those facing death and their families who are bereft and in pain; using music to bring myself and those God puts on my path to a place of worship and reverence for our Almighty Lord and Savior.</span><br />
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What are your gifts? What are your areas of ministry, service, to God and man? We all have gifts given to us to help others. Maybe you love children and can help in the nursery at your church. Maybe you like being behind the scenes and help with setting up chairs and tables. And maybe you like music and want to be the "guitar wrangler" at your church or setting up and breaking down the stage and pulpit. Do you care about our young people? Get involved in Youth Ministry helping teens find their way through the maze of temptations before them.</span><br />
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You get the idea. We all bring something to the table. So what's your something? I challenge you to identify it and step out in faith using what you've been given!</span><br />
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Yours in the service of Christ,</span><br />
<span style="color: #f4cccc;">C B</span>RevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10066456.post-58810924770410542042014-09-12T09:46:00.000-07:002014-09-12T09:46:36.323-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It may sound silly, but in the mornings I flip the laptop on and look at the postings on Pinterest. I know, kind of crazy way to see God, right? But something or someone always speaks to my heart. This was the one today. I hope you'll bear with me. I'm going to step on some toes. And I'm going to talk numbers. And ultimately, we are going to talk about faith.<br />
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There are four parts to the prayer in the picture: (1) to have eyes to see the best in folks, (2) to have a heart that forgives the worst, (3) to have a mind that forgets the bad, and (4) to have a soul that never loses faith in God.<br />
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I think <i><b>"...to have eyes that see the best in people..."</b></i> is listed first for a reason. In our world today it is impossible to avoid being bombarded by the worst. We have 24/7 news that is giving us the terrible things that happen around the world. We are told in our churches to avoid those who are different. We are told by our commercials if we are not like those we see in them, we are to be shamed. Think about how many times a day we are assaulted by the negative. <br />
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Now translate that into how we see other people; those created of God and in His image. We cherry pick the Scriptures to pick out ways in which others don't meet standards of preconceived ideas of what a Christian is supposed to look like, be like, act like. When we use those standards to judge (and yes, we judge) others, we see the worst. Different races, skin colors, religions, politics. There are so many ways we can tear each other down. And in so doing, we actually tear down ourselves and the entire Body of Christ.<br />
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Yet, there are so many ways to see the best and encourage it in others. "Thank you for holding that door. That was so sweet of you." "Oh, you look so nice today. I love your shoes." "Oh you really helped me by copying that memo for me. Thank you." There are a million ways you can bless someone. Maybe a co-worker needs a new coffee cup for work and you quietly place one on their desk. Or maybe you could bless your spouse with coffee in bed. (I see a coffee theme here. Maybe I should bless myself with another cup!) Maybe someone you know is having a difficult day. Put a small bunch of wildflowers on their desk with a note that says, "hope this brings a little sunshine." Have a gay friend? Invite her to church and let her know you will be by her side. I had a friend do that for me recently. And I was doubly blessed! Get the idea?<br />
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When you bless others, you bless yourself.<br />
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<i><b>"...a heart that forgives the worst..."</b></i> That's a little more difficult, isn't it? First, let me say that forgiveness does NOT require an apology. Forgiveness is about the forgiver, not the forgiven. Forgiveness gives freedom. I've heard it said that not forgiving others is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. Sounds extreme because it is. I'm going to go out on a limb here. I see the Old Testament (OT) as full of judgment. I see the New Testament (NT) as full of love. Had not God given us Jesus (NT), God's wrath would have continued (OT). <br />
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And how much are we to forgive? Seven times? No, seventy times seven. (<i>Matthew 18:22</i>) Let's look at the numbers. Seven in the Bible is a number representing completion. Our week has seven days. The week is completed. Ten is the number of the Law. God gave ten commandments. Okay, now let's play that out. Seventy is ten sevens, right? Therefore the Law was completed in forgiveness...the forgiveness of God. Jesus filled all the requirements of the Law (OT). <br />
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Therefore, when we are called to forgive, we are called to act as Christ and forgive any and all transgressions.<br />
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<i><b>"...a mind that forgets the bad..."</b> </i> We've agreed to see the best in people and forgive them with our whole heart. Now, we come to forgetting the bad. Ouch. That hurts, doesn't it? Forget? I already had to forgive! Isn't that enough? God says it is not. <i>Psalm 103:12</i> says our transgressions are removed as far as the east is from the west. If that was not so, would they be forgotten? How in the world do we forget the bad? Honestly,this is a work in progress for me. I have been through some pretty difficult things. I can't say I have accomplished the mind that forgets the bad. Have I forgiven? Yes, I believe I have in most cases. There are a few that are more difficult to work through.<br />
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I believe my point here is that, as Paul says, (<i>I Cor. 2:16</i>) we have the "mind of Christ." If that is so, then we have the capability in Christ to forgive and forget. How many times have we heard that colloquialism? Oh just forgive and forget! It isn't easy!!! But we must forget. We must tap into that mind of Christ. Every day I pray for a heart to forgive and the will to forget. In essence, I am praying for the mind of Christ. <br />
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Take a look at <i>Philippians 2:1-8</i>. (ESV - my favorite)<br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/philippians/2-1.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;"><b>1</b></a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, </span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/philippians/2-2.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;"><b>2</b></a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.</span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/philippians/2-3.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;"><b>3</b></a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. </span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/philippians/2-4.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;"><b>4</b></a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. </span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/philippians/2-5.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;"><b>5</b></a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,</span><span class="footnote" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0066aa; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; line-height: 21px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 1px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><sup><a href="http://biblehub.com/esv/philippians/2.htm#footnotes" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;" title="Or which was also in Christ Jesus">a</a></sup></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"> </span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/philippians/2-6.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;"><b>6</b></a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,</span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/philippians/2-7.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;"><b>7</b></a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant,</span><span class="footnote" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #0066aa; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; line-height: 21px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 1px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><sup><a href="http://biblehub.com/esv/philippians/2.htm#footnotes" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;" title="Greek bondservant">b</a></sup></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"> being born in the likeness of men. </span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/philippians/2-8.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;"><b>8</b></a></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.</span></span><br />
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I think those verses sum up the first three items on our prayer list. <i>Verse 2</i> says to be of the same mind of Christ; same love, in full fellowship with one another. <i>Verse 3</i> says to not be selfish or conceited but humble. <i>Verse 4</i> says you are your brother's keeper, to keep that brother or sister in the best light. And <i>verse 5</i> sums it up: Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.<br />
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Hear that last promise. The mind of Christ is promised to us all. And it is that mind that forgives, forgets, and sees the best in all.<br />
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That leads us to our last point, <i><b>"...a soul that never loses faith in God..."</b></i> If we are living the <i>Philippians 2</i> life, we will not lose faith in God. We may lose faith in other people, but not in God. Let me give you some background on this for me:<br />
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I came to Christ at 17 years of age, on my knees in my small bedroom, knowing that I needed a savior. I was born into a non-practicing Christian family. So my background was that of a Christian. Not long after my "conversion" I found myself in deep trouble. I had feelings from the time I was a child that I had no idea what to label. I found myself dealing with what being "gay" meant. I was shocked at myself. I was clueless (a very immature kid). My dad said it made him "sick." My mom, who never cared for me, became even more open with her negative view of me. My church, which I had just turned to for help, kicked me out. Matter of fact, several churches (even though I never sought a relationship with anyone in the churches), kicked me to the curb. I was forcibly exorcised, "layed hands" on, preached at, called before churches and deacon boards, etc. You simply cannot imagine the horrible treatment I received at the hands of the church. I tried to be what they wanted. I really tried. I could not. And through it all I learned that God hated me, his people hated me, and there was no place for me in God's world.<br />
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It's been a long road to seeing that I was the victim of terrible folks doing terrible things in the name of God. But I now see that they were NOT God. God loves me. (<i>John 3:16</i>) God accepts me. I am fearfully and wonderfully made. (<i>Psalm 139</i>) He knew me from the time I was in my mother's womb. He knew. He knew everything about me. And GOD loved me. The church may not, but GOD does.<br />
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If anyone has a reason to lose faith in God, I do. Truly. But God, in His loving way, brought people into my life who treated me like a "whosoever." They admited they knew what they were taught, but in some ways cannot reconcile it with who they know God is. <br />
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I have worked though my life and understand what it means to have a soul that never loses faith in God. And I pray, through God's love, I won't lose faith again. What are your obstacles to keeping faith with/in God? And how will you knock down those obstacles? Do not lose faith in God. He will provide a way you can accomplish the previous three prayers.<br />
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So we are full circle. We commit to see the best in folks. We commit to open our hearts to forgiveness. We commit to the mind of Christ in forgiving others and we commit to never losing our faith in God.<br />
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Just for today, pray this prayer. Just for today. And tomorrow. And the next day. <br />
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God's blessings,<br />
TheLesRev - Cindi<br />
<br />RevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10066456.post-83787716922950232812014-09-09T15:59:00.000-07:002014-09-09T16:52:03.906-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWVRnGW73goQZ8sqX76rqWPcAKJ6mhUTy2RWDTxj3gnxn-Y6fkDjUBsitxMbOq_qKj7w6gTSKQXMSyYgMm6AAmslwkVIfojkX0nlmGGFLI3Qh-GdwuE4UPq62LDad1lwlsaidt/s1600/n+ga+mtns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWVRnGW73goQZ8sqX76rqWPcAKJ6mhUTy2RWDTxj3gnxn-Y6fkDjUBsitxMbOq_qKj7w6gTSKQXMSyYgMm6AAmslwkVIfojkX0nlmGGFLI3Qh-GdwuE4UPq62LDad1lwlsaidt/s1600/n+ga+mtns.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: black; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Hello, Gentle Readers...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It has been several years since I posted to this blog. I pray now it will be a regular practice as I learn and grow.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The photo posted reminds me of the rest we have in Christ, and of the flow of the Holy Spirit in our lives. I also see the wonder that is creation and know that every leaf can speak the Word of God to our lives. As was written (Luke 19:40 - <span style="line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">He answered, "I tell you, if they were to keep silent, the stones would cry out!"</span><span style="line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"> )</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">And I'm sure you are wondering why? Why post to this blog now? The answer is simple: I was lost in a world of paganism following a very hurtful event that drove me away from God. But the love of God is eternal and ever-seeking those that are lost. And He found me. I reaffirmed the Love of Christ in my life. Yes, I did. And now I am working my way back to full understanding of the working of the Holy Spirit in my life.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">How did that come about? Through the love, concern and prayers of some wonderful people whom God placed in my life as examples of Christ. There was the sweet woman and her mom who took my dog training classes and loved me no matter what. They would come in the store and be so kind to me. I remained friends with that woman named Diane. And through social media we kept in touch. Her simple walk with God reached me.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">The there were my corgi friends (yep I'm a crazy person for corgis). Mary Ann, Mary Elizabeth, Marcia, and Rebecca. Each loved me through my lost state of being. No pressure, just a wonderful experience of love with each. And I found myself wondering, questioning. Could God still love me? If these women could, couldn't God?</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">And then there is Haley. I met Haley and her mom many years ago when Haley was just a teen. Both had such a sweet, gentle, caring spirit about them. I knew when I met Haley, she was someone special. I knew she was chosen by God for great things. Deep in my heart, the Spirit stirred. Over time, we became friends. The middle aged lesbian and the young Christian woman. No judgments! I was amazed at this love. I had not experienced it in Christian circles. I had been beaten, raped, dragged in front of deacons and preachers, forcibly "delivered", forcibly exorcised. But here was someone, and her mom, who were just sweet, genuine people. They hold a special place in my heart.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">All of these folks showed me the way. All of them prayed for me. All of them loved me. And all of them celebrated with me when I bowed my head before God and asked Him to take me back. Much like the prodigal son, I was stunned at the celebration thrown for me.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">So, here I am again. I hope you will walk this journey with me. I hope you will be generous in your comments. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: black; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">God be worshiped. Jesus be praised. Holy Spirit come down.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">God's blessings to you all,</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: black; line-height: 20px;">Rev. Dr. Cindi Green Bautista </span></span></div>
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RevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10066456.post-32177104599093407612008-04-09T10:33:00.001-07:002008-04-09T10:55:47.399-07:00Go With the Flow<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0lZWYo-ReUmthTAQHJOdEdUGKR6Vv33TkIdGRoF5ojq4OMNJZk7gjicfGnsVgRZL5y9DY5QQL5HwzJRytfTZwo6mhpJs2xZM_BQB3ApnjMPvH430lqsd3TbeuJBkasvboiwtZ/s1600-h/Woodland+stream.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5187300153340546082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0lZWYo-ReUmthTAQHJOdEdUGKR6Vv33TkIdGRoF5ojq4OMNJZk7gjicfGnsVgRZL5y9DY5QQL5HwzJRytfTZwo6mhpJs2xZM_BQB3ApnjMPvH430lqsd3TbeuJBkasvboiwtZ/s320/Woodland+stream.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgENE2Lm_NT3YwginrpxYwXl_-zame6y7kEAxh8LuHvQ0bHDoX3uhpFqy1XWFb2QP_AtaIv1bSAzNZleP_9AVWpoSQhM7g7fNu9nLVd3z6UIdNbkqphhdMgLT457pPZBsLYZwYp/s1600-h/Woodland+stream.jpg"></a><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:85%;">Hello again, gentle readers... </span></div><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:85%;">Yes, it's been a good while since my last post. Life gets in the way and it's easy to get caught up in the worries and drama of the day. I think we are all guilty of that in some way or another. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:85%;">I added a link to a Daily OM post I recently read. It's an excellent article and one which caused me to pause and think about how I walk through life. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:85%;">There is "the flow." You can call it what you will: spirit, destiny, fate. It matters not the name, only that it is and we are on the journey. Some days it is a rushing river that carries us along at breakneck speed and we fail to slow down and experience the fullness of the trip. And sometimes it is a lazy river that slowly urges us to enjoy the scenery and the lessons it has to teach. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:85%;">One of the points of the article was that we all participate in "the flow." I think it is important that we engage our conscious minds to be open to the images and experiences that come our way. If we simply put ourselves on "auto pilot" and ride without conscious effort, we never experience the fullness of life. </span></div><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:85%;">My life as of late has been one of busyness. Busy at work. Busy at home. Just plain busy. I relish the times that I have quiet. I find myself turning off the TV and turning on the soft sounds of the music of mindfulness. I escape to my place of rejuvenation. And it gets difficult to turn off the sounds of the world around me. The dogs bark. The phone rings. Just to get to that place of being able to drown out the noise and engage "the flow!" How I long for it! </span></div><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:85%;">So what is your life like? Are you going with "the flow?" Are you experiencing Spirit in all things? Do you rejoice in Mother Earth and all the wonderful creation around you? Or do you get bogged down in the worries of the day? </span></div><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:85%;">If getting bogged down is the issue, then take a moment to break away and engage "the flow." Quietly listen to Spirit and enjoin yourself with the Universe. Be the quiet you wish to experience in your life. Go with "the flow." </span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><a href="http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2008/13327.html">http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2008/13327.html</a></div>RevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10066456.post-69769946851214324302008-01-29T07:14:00.001-08:002008-01-31T15:29:43.887-08:00Spirituality as a Life Practice<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkTkKWUiaAMstlpsD2zVw8jYHyhH3TkYrup5xAv1kL4Po2kejpZbVWAEesQoIhZloY7IP37XnoYE3XcqfaRmYhocN7-TYz4bD83CCg8E92lpH4eyiWm_aBGoPIyVNsWSLAAXEm/s1600-h/Bridid+Celtic+Goddess.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkTkKWUiaAMstlpsD2zVw8jYHyhH3TkYrup5xAv1kL4Po2kejpZbVWAEesQoIhZloY7IP37XnoYE3XcqfaRmYhocN7-TYz4bD83CCg8E92lpH4eyiWm_aBGoPIyVNsWSLAAXEm/s400/Bridid+Celtic+Goddess.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160917322255917634" border="0" /></a><br />Spirituality as a Life Practice<br /><br /><br />To exist as a spiritual being in a world of matter is often a difficult process. One must be continuously aware of both planes. The material world pulls our focus off being content to selfishness. We start to respond to the negative and allow our inner selves to be compromised by toxic people, places, things and circumstances. This focus is one of imbalance: a lack of harmony.<br /><br />The condition of harmony brings to mind a part in an old car I once owned. I loved that car! It was an '89 Chrysler LeBaron Convertible. I had a very difficult time getting it to run properly. Why? A part called a “harmonic balancer.”<br /><br />Because of the car's age, the part was obsolete. I searched high and low through parts houses and salvage yards. You see, that part was essential to making the car's engine run smoothly. Without it, the car sputtered and struggled and wore out the other parts which relied on it far before their time.<br /><br />The Spiritual Life is the “harmonic balancer” for all other things.<br /><br />Spirit brings us an acute awareness that we are co-creators with the Goddess and, therefore, have great affect on the material world around us. The situations and people we encounter cannot throw us off balance if we are operating on the spiritual plane. The “harmonic balancer”, Spirit, takes all the things that we face and lines them up in harmony.<br /><br />So how can we be spiritually aware? I find the Five Principles of Brigit a great compass.<br /><br />1. Protect the Earth - It is our home and our Mother.<br />2. Be a Peacemaker - Wear peace as a mantle.<br />3. Care for the Poor - Serve others with gladness and humility.<br />4. Be a Place of Sanctuary - One who brings comfort to the hurting.<br />5. Carry a Spirit of Meditation - Focus on the Goddess and hear the<br />Spirit Voice.<br /><br />As a daily practice, let us tune in to the Spirit of balance, contentment, co-creation and harmony to bring about a better life for ourselves an those around us.<br /><br />Blessed Be!<br />CLGRevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10066456.post-56249975406103097272007-12-25T08:37:00.000-08:002007-12-25T08:39:04.413-08:00Happy Holidays<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRzCjcDdQY35vSxO1Dsg3kn8PJ-WLMJPgml9rGQbz-gLYJZqfxzoQp2oYp2KZjKFeUjD70cXhYItPsE5fq8JTNTksGvxr-B-eUVCNV01ntaWEURC6fAbbhLiUHZ14DiNnykk90/s1600-h/Winter+Covered+Bridge.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRzCjcDdQY35vSxO1Dsg3kn8PJ-WLMJPgml9rGQbz-gLYJZqfxzoQp2oYp2KZjKFeUjD70cXhYItPsE5fq8JTNTksGvxr-B-eUVCNV01ntaWEURC6fAbbhLiUHZ14DiNnykk90/s400/Winter+Covered+Bridge.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5147950862422301010" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Blessings to you all, gentle readers, during this holiday season. Thank you for sharing your time with me and for all of your comments. It is an honor to share my thoughts with you all.<br /><br />As many know, my day job is as a pet trainer for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">PetSmart</span>. Because of that, I have the joy of saying, "Happy Holidays" to a lot of folks. In the deep South, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">them's</span> fighting words.<br /><br />Any use of "Happy Holidays" will, on more than one occasion, lead to a confrontation with someone who believes there is a "war on Christmas." I've been hollered at, forced to acknowledge Christmas before someone would leave my checkout line, told I was "the devil" or "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">satan</span>" for not saying, "Merry Christmas." The list goes on and on. How in the world did we get from having respect for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">another's</span> holy days to a "war on Christmas?" It's so not about ignoring Christmas! It's about being respectful of someone <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">else's</span> beliefs or holy days. Good heavens, people!!<br /><br />I just don't understand all the militant attitudes by Christians. Forcing someone to submit to Christmas is about as encouraging as scaring them to Jesus during Halloween! Do the Christian fundamentalists honestly believe that this will convert people to their personal belief? How could it?<br /><br />In a way, I'm glad the Christmas holiday has come and gone. When I go back to work tomorrow, I won't have to worry about a rabid fundamentalist Christian going off on me for saying, "Happy Holidays!" It will take a good bit of stress away from working during this time of year. Fortunately, "Happy New Year" is much less threatening to the religious right. Dear Goddess, I hope they don't find a way to make it a religious holiday or work will be unbearable!<br /><br />My wish this holiday season is that we could all stand, hand in hand, heart to heart, and honor each other's traditions without the need to convert; without the need to force our beliefs on another. So, as you go through this holiday season, take time to wish someone who does not share your belief a Happy Chanukkah, Blessed Yule, Happy Kwanzaa, etc. What is so awful about that? Does it detract from your celebration, your holy day? Heavens no! But what it does do is recognize the spiritual in each person, respecting and celebrating with instead of against.<br /><br />So for this coming year, consider giving respect to other's spiritual paths; honoring their holy days. Avoid forcing your personal spiritual beliefs on another person and take time within yourself to worship in the way you would do.<br /><br />Happy Holidays and wishes for a prosperous and blessed New Year!RevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10066456.post-27567421612255952262007-12-08T18:31:00.000-08:002007-12-08T18:37:04.683-08:00Take a Little Trip...<img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/CINDI%7E1.BAU/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-3.jpg" alt="" />Going back to Mississippi is always traumatic. And it's usually because of a trip to the VA for my beloved. So...double trauma.<br /><br />This trip, we drove through Louisiana because of a corgi rescue in Lake Charles (it's further than I thought it was). Now, it's difficult to look at the leftovers of Katrina in Mississippi. The pic at the left is one of them. We see this house on the beach each trip. Never fails to amaze me when I look at it. And, yes, those are slabs all around it. Slabs everywhere.<br /><br />But I digress. I haven't been through New Orleans in a good year. And to be honest, I'm so sick of hearing about New Orleans when the folks on the Mississippi Gulf Coast are so very crushed. Everyone seems to have forgotten that the hurricane hit <span style="font-style: italic;">Mississippi</span>. The levees broke in New Orleans. (Sorry I channel the disgust at every turn.)<br /><br />However, during this trip I looked at the east side of New Orleans. Really looked. It's just horrible. There are buildings upon buildings that lie empty and full of mold and rats everywhere you turn. Lines of apartment buildings that used to be someone's home are in shambles, some ravaged by fire and looters. Businesses have started to reopen, but there is no neighborhood to serve. The Wal-Mart and Sam's Club lie in ruins, open to the rotten air.<br /><br />As we left the east side traveling through Metairie and west, there were rebuilt homes everywhere. Road projects going at full steam were tying up traffic in knots. I can clearly see where all the FEMA money went...to the wealthy. The poor and minorities who need the help can't get it and the city wants to demolish what's left of their homes.<br /><br />Don't misunderstand me, I get why these homes have to be torn down. They are a health hazard, and have been for some time. But, to take the hope of a home away and not give the opportunity for a new one is a travesty in a country like America! America, where everyone has an equal shot at prosperity. America, where we take care of our own.<br /><br />I think not.<br /><br />What a shame that the poor and minorities have been so forgotten. Isn't the premise of Christianity to care for the widows and orphans? Where are our Christians now? Where is our president who claims a mandate from God? He handed over a bunch of money to private companies associated with his family and the money went to line the pockets of the rich. This is our America, and it saddens me greatly.<br /><br />To our brothers and sisters in New Orleans, my humble apologies for being so selfish over the slight of the Gulf Coast. You certainly need the help. It's unfortunate that our leaders, both local and federal, choose to look the other way while their pockets get heavy off the backs of the poor.<br /><br />Christianity, indeed.RevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10066456.post-35030347613168876642007-11-12T06:36:00.000-08:002007-11-12T06:37:24.781-08:00Atypical Veterans Day Blog<h3 class="post-title entry-title"> <a href="http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htmoral/articles/20070425.aspx"><br /></a> </h3> <p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_4JK4lxEfVFjsESvl58dunZrM9ETJ7UrcLSWd2WCdD_3Jd1FhNc2jbEjW0TLBx8yui_64fQSIlLwjpsPh9yiz8TNe13b8leZh3n755fjZTzAeagfDUppSViIKqBslAjkHyRT/s1600-h/Tomb+of+the+Unknowns.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_4JK4lxEfVFjsESvl58dunZrM9ETJ7UrcLSWd2WCdD_3Jd1FhNc2jbEjW0TLBx8yui_64fQSIlLwjpsPh9yiz8TNe13b8leZh3n755fjZTzAeagfDUppSViIKqBslAjkHyRT/s320/Tomb+of+the+Unknowns.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5131958959607230466" border="0" /></a><br />Why atypical? Because I wonder how many of our Pagan brothers and sisters are serving in silence. Because I wonder how many of our military brothers and sisters would harm them for their religious belief. It took until April 2007 before the US Government was FORCED to recognized Pagan soldiers with appropriate grave markers. Grave markers!!<br /><br /><br />Okay, call me nuts, but isn't what is put on someone's grave marker the final honor we give them? Were I Christian I certainly wouldn't want a pentagram on my grave marker, any more than were I Wiccan would I want a cross! Ughh. That this would even need debate amazes me.<br /><br /><br />And to take this thought one step further, how many Pagan soldiers are being given the opportunity for corporate worship should they choose? Not many. Why? Because the overwhelming number of Christian ministers in the military refuse to offer it. So the Pagan soldier is left to his own thoughts, choosing who he/she comes out of the "broom closet" to for fear of retribution by Christian superiors.<br /><br /><br />So then what do we do? We give vocal support to Pagan Soldiers. Find the organizations who are providing legal and moral support to these men and women and get involved. The least you can do is get involved in petition drives! Many sites have lists of Pagan soldiers to whom you can write and encourage.<br /><br />So, to all vets, thank you from the depths of my heart for your selfless service. Whether one agrees with war or not, it is the soldier who deserves our gratitude. To the families of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice, thank you. You have our thanks and our prayers. And to our Pagan brothers and sisters, may you find you do not have to serve in silence any longer.<br /><br />The veterans are the foundation of our country.</p>RevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10066456.post-12125551438046715962007-11-05T06:49:00.001-08:002007-11-05T06:49:54.144-08:00A Ripple In The Water<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5KIORnHbhLu91AwvkFIzPl_yh4FN-y53aBUISxgHxMJM6YvpFsms0n3u21XIbDHnfqXF8GvK0nTRl9ycGc8VmF0spUcU_NY8wkhic0X5yLkxIeOqXsjvbYq6gn56CSAF9Ngdj/s1600-h/Ripple+in+the+Water.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129368548227264066" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5KIORnHbhLu91AwvkFIzPl_yh4FN-y53aBUISxgHxMJM6YvpFsms0n3u21XIbDHnfqXF8GvK0nTRl9ycGc8VmF0spUcU_NY8wkhic0X5yLkxIeOqXsjvbYq6gn56CSAF9Ngdj/s320/Ripple+in+the+Water.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv8VaxxgOlYfL5aFa0XNlVDcFUI6aX4wXAcjw3JkNnlRMvlCdmwnTaGeLkpUDfi5uTWtPacEN7TfLnSUM-NMzoZp093dQbLENOpR6J6is7pJVGd-e1_dIMTDRHU6ZukSqiFjH0/s1600-h/Ripple+in+the+Water.jpg"></a><br />Hello Gentle Readers...<br />My partner and I have been attending a UU church in town the past couple of weeks. A friend who is Pagan spoke yesterday about her journey from a fundamentalist family to her life as a Pagan. It was incredibly interesting and I found myself hanging on every word and hanging on the edge of my chair.<br />This is some of my story, as well, minus the amazing education to which this woman has had access. I began life in the United Methodist/Congregational Methodist church and through many incarnations of religious thought have found myself on the door of Paganism. It is a long and thoughtful journey.<br />During my friends talk, she discussed the tenets of Paganism: "An' it harm none, do as ye will." I've always considered this the main thought in earth-based religion. Don't harm the environment, for it is Divine. Don't harm another, for they are Divine. And start with don't harm yourself, for you are Divine. One thought was that if one thinks ill against another it, by expense of energy, affects the other. Our energy enters this sphere with each action and thought. So if I think or harbor ill against another, I affect their lives. And in turn, this can affect the lives of others: the ripple in the water.<br />But, while we were discussing this concept, another woman spoke up and made this an even more important thought. She reminded us all that just as ill begets ill, so love begets love. If we chose to take that affect and turn it for good, we engage the ripple affect for good! Yes! This is that upon which we must focus! Returning good for evil. Changing what we feel by using our Divine nature and making the choice to be well and happy. We take that which would ruin us and use it to become even more Divine!<br />Oh my, what a revelation! We do not, as Divine Beings, have to simply take what is poured out on us by others with suspect intentions! We can choose to be Divine. I cannot tell you how this affects me! When my day at work is difficult, I can choose to be happy...and in that happiness and joy, overcome the evil or dark that would take my joy!!!!<br />I know this is rambling, and I apologize. But my mind is running in fast forward over this concept and truth. I hope you catch the enthusiasm this has brought to me and allow it to flow all over you! You can change your life. You can change your world. And you can overcome that which would hold you back!<br />Thank Goddess! </div>RevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10066456.post-46570318886814817392007-10-21T08:30:00.001-07:002007-10-28T06:20:58.905-07:00Blessed Samhain<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpX7zmP8RdyZScuGgQ2-FFYFKCz7IO-gbZxv3upjM5TSBECKX1OwOuKs20hfag30l_HLQR-zSgrmlUsp05PjkFaXNUoeM7xchNxiEd6VePvaYIfzP57xXxmmu-qwov6i4Tcbz-/s1600-h/Harvest+Altar.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpX7zmP8RdyZScuGgQ2-FFYFKCz7IO-gbZxv3upjM5TSBECKX1OwOuKs20hfag30l_HLQR-zSgrmlUsp05PjkFaXNUoeM7xchNxiEd6VePvaYIfzP57xXxmmu-qwov6i4Tcbz-/s320/Harvest+Altar.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126376364771225106" border="0" /></a><span><span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></span><br /><br />Merry Meet...again gentle readers...<br /><br />We are fast approaching Halloween, the ancient festival Samhain (Sow'ehn) which celebrated the end of the harvest and the beginning of the winter season. This was a time of year where the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest.<br /><br />In ancient lore, the Goddess enters the place of the Crone. The God dies to be reborn at the beginning of Summer. To some, this would sound absurd. But to the ancients, who celebrated two seasons, this made perfect sense and it was how they celebrated the spiritual. The spiritual for these people infiltrated the whole of their lives. All things living and dead were honored.<br /><br />In my personal journey, I have found a kinship to this spirituality. I have seen how my life has ebbed and flowed according to the seasons. As I seek to celebrate this Samhain, I am looking for ways to honor the dead who have gone before. Of course there are specific ways to celebrate and one can find them all over the internet. But what makes this personal is finding my own way to celebrate and give honor.<br /><br />So this week I am seeking wisdom on this very thing. The altar set up you see in the picture above is beautiful. But where to set up an altar where the cats and dogs can't bother it? And where to find the wonderful things that are shown on it? There is a woman who has a booth in our flea market and I can probably find some things there. However, there is a strong sense of nature on this altar. And being in the deep south makes it difficult to find strikingly beautiful fall colored leaves. I am considering evergreens as a sign of the circle of life in which we all find ourselves.<br /><br />I suppose this should be a blog of great insight and import. I am at a place along this spiritual path of seeking my own way and the immortals that would guide me in that way. Samhain this year will be a beginning of a new path, not necessarily an ending: finding my way through the winter season and learning to communicate with and honor those who have gone before.<br /><br />To those Christians who would be agast at this journey, remember that your own journey infused these holidays and named them for your own use. What we in the Pagan community celebrate as Samhain, you named All Saints Day. The same is true with most, if not all, Christian holidays. They were borrowed from the Pagans and Heathens as their own. So how can one assimilate Christianity and Paganism? I can't say I understand. However, for me, they do infuse each other into a wonderful tapestry of spirituality.<br /><br />So I encourage you to study Samhain and see how you can make this celebration your own. Look across the year and seek to honor the dead...and the living. Understand that you are fast approaching the end of summer and the beginning of the winter season. I have come to realize the refreshing that is winter. In meditation and celebration, you will see it too if you have an open heart and mind...and spirit...to that which is Samhain.<br /><br />I wish you a blessed Samhain and a refreshing winter season!RevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10066456.post-91857108458869590012007-08-06T08:34:00.000-07:002007-08-06T08:40:27.458-07:00Warrantless Wiretaps Approved????<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQrB3jfa3cLxSERE15ZkByqbVkyvUOVgJ1Dpkv_WrmtxhSm2-7QrhrDBEe8vgndk3r4ZHEPjgE8o6jLnlqP5_QGLDA1gUDo0T1G4Flu_KlJz_K2i5WCQuOleMWFMpSZyjx52VV/s1600-h/OIF+Fathers+Day.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQrB3jfa3cLxSERE15ZkByqbVkyvUOVgJ1Dpkv_WrmtxhSm2-7QrhrDBEe8vgndk3r4ZHEPjgE8o6jLnlqP5_QGLDA1gUDo0T1G4Flu_KlJz_K2i5WCQuOleMWFMpSZyjx52VV/s320/OIF+Fathers+Day.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5095605514581412434" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />You'll be broken-hearted by the image at the left. If you're not, you're not breathing.<br /><p><br />In the last election, this country gave the Congress to people we had hoped would care about what America stands for; the freedoms and privacy we have sent our men and women to die for!<br /><br />All hope has now escaped me. Just when I thought they, the Congress, might rebound and show some intestinal fortitude. I was wrong. Dead wrong. Lead by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, they gave our mal-administration an open door to spying on their own people - US - the Americans who bleed red, white and blue.</p><p>Even though none of it truly surprises me since I've seen this Bush group at work for several years now, it disappoints me to the point of despair. When will our senators and representatives stand up for us? When will we stand up for ourselves? Gee, we thought we did that during the last election when we effectively made George Bush and his minions lame ducks. But...no...here come the Dems we hoped to save us, save our military men and women, and preserve our freedoms and rights, and shove us under the bus of fascism.<br /></p><p>Dear Goddess deliver us from this evil. If there ever was a wolf in sheep's clothing, this is it. If you think I'm incorrect, take time to go to the White House website and view the (p)resident's "signing statements." These are nothing more than Bush's circumventing of the checks and balances our forefathers saw as necessary to keep us free.</p><p>Stop a moment and read the article in The Christian Monitor. It's an eye-opener. And if you are enlightened, start doing your own research into the disaster which is this mal-administration. Amazing what one can find on the internet - if you look at overseas media. Certainly, our media is either hog-tied or tongue-tied (or both) and shamefully deficient at providing truth.</p><p>You ask what this has to do with spirituality? Everything! Spirituality is a search for truth. One only need to meditate on Goddess' goodness to see that America has been an experiment in designing a country around truth. Sadly, that truth has been twisted into a lie and many people are suffering for it.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">(</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:78%;" >click on the title to see the CSM article in full.)</span></span></p>RevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10066456.post-66761519810819174172007-07-01T15:10:00.000-07:002007-07-01T15:11:06.529-07:00Independence Day<h3 class="post-title"> <a href="http://thespiritjourney.blogspot.com/2007/07/independence-day.html">Independence Day</a> </h3> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirn4iTkzOWWR4wQ5w3k7tLz6vstFetDJVMUXVrbuwRj_-Qh1BGETZoR8oL_c1WInlafDUfkbAvjHHC_bFZjkvVlaayq6I81g0wmucJBFHcBUlA3OYzoGQTMFY5JnTdbQZmDW5O/s1600-h/Tomb+of+the+Unknowns.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirn4iTkzOWWR4wQ5w3k7tLz6vstFetDJVMUXVrbuwRj_-Qh1BGETZoR8oL_c1WInlafDUfkbAvjHHC_bFZjkvVlaayq6I81g0wmucJBFHcBUlA3OYzoGQTMFY5JnTdbQZmDW5O/s200/Tomb+of+the+Unknowns.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082348376838467522" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: lucida grande;"><span style="font-size: 130%;">I could not let this holiday pass without asking each of us to thank a soldier. </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-size: 130%;">A soldier is the highest expression of courage and selflessness. </span><span style="font-size: 130%;"><br /><br /><br />But, be angered by the carelessness of this Administration and their lack of concern for those who would serve them. The conditions at Walter Reed and many other VA Hospitals are deplorable. The backlog in determinations of disability are unforgivable. All the while these men and women suffer through war and its aftermath, those in the Administration continue to line their financial pockets with the profits of their blood lust.<br /><br /><br />It is wrong. Simple and to the point. Wrong. However, unless those of us who understand that to WAGE PEACE is the better way stand up and demand that our voices of dissent be heard, the wars will continue.<br /><br /><br />Iraq and Afghanistan. We are losing soldiers by the hundreds each month. And those countries are losing citizens by even greater numbers. It is holocaust. Now some in Congress and the White House are calling for, and implementing, plans to invade Iran. There is continuing war in Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria... And the list continues to grow. We have the threat of North Korea, which is very real and very ignored. Unless something miraculous happens, we are well on our way to another World War.<br /><br /><br />And who is caught in the middle of this giant pissing contest by our leaders? Our brave, courageous and wonderful soldiers! They committed themselves to protect this country from all threats, foreign and domestic. But, this wasn't a threat until our (p)resident decided to invade a sovereign country, topple a foreign leader, and take over his country...and then take control of the country's biggest trade...the OIL. Oh, and "Osama who?" Our soldiers in Afghanistan are spitting in the wind trying to bring the one person responsible for 9/11 to justice!<br /><br /><br />All the while, our soldiers are </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-size: 130%;">fighting for their lives</span><span style="font-size: 130%;">. Be a stand up person this Independence Day. Stand up for our soldiers! Express your deep and abiding gratefulness for their continued sacrifice. Stop staring at the pretty colors of the fireworks and get a real sense of what is going on in our world today. Then get active! </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51); font-size: 130%;">Wage peace. </span><span style="font-size: 130%;"> Write your congressional representatives. Tell them to stop the madness that is this war.<br /><br />Goddess bless our military men and women...and their families who sacrifice greatly for our good.</span></span>RevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10066456.post-51121434041427240882007-06-18T06:14:00.001-07:002007-06-18T06:15:13.885-07:00An' ye harm none...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ujoQg_6jDTj1yZTqhDLXNB-pt5LfIGk0AK8YfqrdevWckgBCDamnEmO75H3jYIPjdCpHAOhVWXyEvGovvmmBkomqKVGKcuT2ODnLYdG9bn4DtsMCzP5PLp3YnHQbXwd_Y5wF/s1600-h/wiccan+rede.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ujoQg_6jDTj1yZTqhDLXNB-pt5LfIGk0AK8YfqrdevWckgBCDamnEmO75H3jYIPjdCpHAOhVWXyEvGovvmmBkomqKVGKcuT2ODnLYdG9bn4DtsMCzP5PLp3YnHQbXwd_Y5wF/s200/wiccan+rede.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5077392184071499666" border="0" /></a><br />This is the Wiccan Rede. The two principles shown are pretty good...and pretty standard for <span style="font-style: italic;">anyone</span> who seeks a spiritual path.<br /><br />First, "An' ye harm none, do what ye will." So how is that important today, regardless of your spiritual path? Simple. What's the golden rule? Do unto others as you would have done unto you? Sound familiar?<br /><br /><br />I think every religion or spirituality has some kind of rule that is similar. It's important to act with respect and concern for others...and for onesself. The Rede does say, "An' ye harm none..." Doesn't that include self? I believe it does. So if we are living a path that is full of self-harm and self-degredation, are we not failing to follow the Rede?<br /><br /><br />An example comes to mind. Recently on a forum in which I participate a couple of folks were talking about being confronted by Christians (as they are Wiccan) or others who wanted to engage in conversation. One person seemed flustered and ended the conversation without even purchasing the book they went there to get. Another spoke about religious folks who come to your door.<br /><br /><br />Here's the rub: Are we to be kind-hearted and gentle with these souls even though we disagree and think they're obnoxious? Or are we to meet them head to head on spiritual matters? I think kindness wins out. Here's why: If we are confrontational, have we not done the exact thing we dislike in them? I believe so. Just as they are not going to change our beliefs with their approach, neither are we going to change theirs. It just becomes a stand-off of who's the better fighter. To me, this fails the Wiccan Rede. We are harming them by being confrontational and rude. And in the end, aren't we really harming ourselves by allowing our peace to be shattered by our rudeness?<br /><br /><br />Some may disagree, but I would put forth that it is easy to get caught up in the affairs of the world around us that can and will cause us to give up the peace we seek. And if that is the case, does the junk that clogs up our spiritual conduit give us an impairment when we seek to perform rituals or prayers?<br /><br />I had to learn a while back that what Christians have been taught as "witnessing" is nothing more than quoting bible verses. When most are asked to explain their spirituality, they cannot. Again, they revert back to quotes. Now, does that mean we cannot involve ourselves in meaningful dialogue with them? No, of course not. I LOVE a good conversation on spiritual matters. It challenges me to think through my spiritual journey and to understand within myself that which is important. I don't really think of challenging the other. I think of what I can learn. However, in so doing, the person I am with is challenged, as well. This is the essence of conversation, isn't it? Mutual stimulation! There is a difference between the challenge of stimulation and the challenge warring against another's beliefs.<br /><br />So, I offer <span style="font-style: italic;">you</span> the challenge. When confronted by others who may not share your spiritual journey, consider your speech and body posture. Are you one who encourages another to find their inner self and God(s) or Goddess(es)? Or are you simply argumentative for arguments' sake? Arguments never solved a problem, nor have they ever encouraged self-discovery.<br /><br />Dialogues do just that. So take to heart the Wiccan Rede which reads, in part: "An' ye harm none, do as ye will."RevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10066456.post-33744848352636515852007-05-31T21:32:00.000-07:002007-05-31T21:33:08.978-07:00Memorial Day 2007<h2 class="date-header">Sunday, May 27, 2007</h2> <a name="2321588221507503857"></a> <h3 class="post-title"> <a href="http://thespiritjourney.blogspot.com/2007/05/memorial-day-2007.html">Memorial Day 2007</a> </h3> <div class="post-body"> <p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDSMuDnG93m-SKPWI2zGltvls_Gk0axSida_pI6lOIXgwL-oPUGYCVmUVCOhvBLwMlz0eQVSOoaUZj3VkbcIHkZmP_HYOQg6xUrivz3hSvQVoK9KnQRWHCIxuTV8utjeJGU17F/s1600-h/Tomb+of+the+Unknowns.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDSMuDnG93m-SKPWI2zGltvls_Gk0axSida_pI6lOIXgwL-oPUGYCVmUVCOhvBLwMlz0eQVSOoaUZj3VkbcIHkZmP_HYOQg6xUrivz3hSvQVoK9KnQRWHCIxuTV8utjeJGU17F/s200/Tomb+of+the+Unknowns.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069352631394316322" border="0" /></a><br />In memory of those who served selflessly and gave all.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvuGKVX2sy74X3NfvUbgg6r-utagQlpEjCwuw1to5krQSeXKuV9BztTO_2AbMAs-D9-07ZlCQKZA4n8qzuGGOuDDwQwEcLQaDBeE-fMS8q-THT29Yv7b3PIkcQgyJDHAp6CmP/s1600-h/women+in+combat.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvuGKVX2sy74X3NfvUbgg6r-utagQlpEjCwuw1to5krQSeXKuV9BztTO_2AbMAs-D9-07ZlCQKZA4n8qzuGGOuDDwQwEcLQaDBeE-fMS8q-THT29Yv7b3PIkcQgyJDHAp6CmP/s200/women+in+combat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069352824667844658" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />In memory of and to honor our female soldiers. They supposedly don't serve in combat roles. But our Defense Department lies. Many mothers, sisters and daughters have fallen in Iraq. Many who have returned home, are suffering not only the physical and mental scars of war, but are treated as wimps and whiners by their own V.A.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgawNornXm8bRLlKMovzhNy8tV1ONmXkwtFeDFokl-a1I6xxSO4qAiZOW0-gIw9lwIvYlv7nGUFyumBosF8nBz1gQHQe7769mnJnEKnBb8tG43M4zOStbzDIFaXUH6E6fiQswK-/s1600-h/Soldier+Embrace.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgawNornXm8bRLlKMovzhNy8tV1ONmXkwtFeDFokl-a1I6xxSO4qAiZOW0-gIw9lwIvYlv7nGUFyumBosF8nBz1gQHQe7769mnJnEKnBb8tG43M4zOStbzDIFaXUH6E6fiQswK-/s200/Soldier+Embrace.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069353726610976834" border="0" /></a><br /><br />To honor soldiers who have faced the ugliness of war, cried for their lost comrades, and come home to horrible treatment at Walter Reed when they should receive the very best America has to offer. May we rise up in protest and give them the health care they need and deserve!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />And to my brave soldier, my partner, my life. Her time in Iraq cost her much. But she wore the uniform with pride and served in spite of terrible conditions and a lying President. She will always be my hero.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2rxH-RqvBwqKVilWKf5C4ffcc9whPNGB5Yv66BCberZv7cWi55IXOvWZLK3jpi9lndoIpRiQ59ZE5GGcaBLdHFGQr0gvCV37kGx_4WT6ouorwJ2wiggVUVT6l9SGnpj_TU8i/s1600-h/Patti+in+Balad.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2rxH-RqvBwqKVilWKf5C4ffcc9whPNGB5Yv66BCberZv7cWi55IXOvWZLK3jpi9lndoIpRiQ59ZE5GGcaBLdHFGQr0gvCV37kGx_4WT6ouorwJ2wiggVUVT6l9SGnpj_TU8i/s200/Patti+in+Balad.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5069354456755417170" border="0" /></a><br />Today, as you meet people through your journey, thank a soldier. Thank them for their selfless service. Thank them for being brave. Thank them for our freedom. Because without their willingness to sacrifice, there would be no America.</p> </div> <span class="post-author"> </span><span class="post-timestamp"></span><span class="post-comment-link"></span><span class="post-backlinks post-comment-link"></span><span class="post-icons"><span class="item-action"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/email-post.g?blogID=7558551629219165736&postID=2321588221507503857" title="Email Post"><span class="email-post-icon"></span></a></span></span>RevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10066456.post-36836297699870259132007-02-14T06:43:00.000-08:002007-02-14T06:47:38.352-08:00New Blog<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyarSxX9HRPTtXyKxCV_2fVmcwUNryC5DSHGmPdY3g3pnKjMUc-lwjtBGfdrbjAazi50JQMFu2N9QijNKv3KYP6_cl7qyE4MCDR3PS8RKF1PmP5023zmOmuLV9IIqOd6UEHvi1/s1600-h/splendor+of+ireland.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5031400863224621170" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyarSxX9HRPTtXyKxCV_2fVmcwUNryC5DSHGmPdY3g3pnKjMUc-lwjtBGfdrbjAazi50JQMFu2N9QijNKv3KYP6_cl7qyE4MCDR3PS8RKF1PmP5023zmOmuLV9IIqOd6UEHvi1/s320/splendor+of+ireland.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><p><span style="font-size:130%;">I am pleased to announce a new blog: The Spirit Journey. I have found myself traveling along a path that is one of depth and surprise. I hope to continue to share my journey with you. As a Celtic Christian, I find myself reaching back to my ancestry to a place of reverence for nature and creation. I invite you again to join me on the journey.</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;">Rev. Cindi</span></p><p><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://thespiritjourney.blogspot.com">http://thespiritjourney.blogspot.com</a></span></p><p> </p>RevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10066456.post-1171210640126571912007-02-11T08:08:00.000-08:002007-02-11T08:17:20.140-08:00Sunshine<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5783/761/1600/861245/Slashpine.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5783/761/320/408309/Slashpine.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#ffff00;">Sunday. For some, a day of rest. For some, a day of worship. For some, a day for work.<br /><br />This day has started out with a bang. Patti was rear-ended on the way to work. What started out as a day of work quickly turned into a day of worship and a day of rest.<br /><br />I've wondered how a day can be all three things. It would seem that rest would negate the action of worship and worship would negate the requirement to work, etc. But here we are.<br /><br />A dear friend and co-worker was on the doorstep this morning letting me know about the accident. My peace was quickly shattered and I prayed that Goddess had protected my partner.<br /><br />Funny thing though. As I got to the accident site, I was struck by the beauty of the morning. Yes, everyone was alright, albeit a bit beat up and sore. But the sun was shining with a brightness I've not seen in days. The air was crisp and cold, heightening the senses. The dew had frozen on the windshield in the most amazing shapes and sizes! There was so much to behold.<br /><br />As all of the people involved met with the police and exchanged information, I saw the trees on the side of the road. They were tall southern pines. Their size spoke of majesty. Neat thing about these southern pines: they grow very tall but all the branches are at the top of the trees. It's like the entire tree trunk is a root for the new growth.<br /><br />I began to think about how much like those trees our lives become: We grow and each new level of understanding becomes a foundation for new growth.<br />So, even in the midst of confusion and concern our Mother speaks to us in the depths of our spirit about the importance of life. </span>RevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10066456.post-1166493684501259182006-12-18T17:50:00.000-08:002006-12-18T18:03:43.836-08:00Christmas Message<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5783/761/1600/2327/Winter%20Church.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/5783/761/320/24389/Winter%20Church.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Dear friends,<br /><br />During this holiday time, let us remember that there is no war on Christmas. Christians the world over celebrate in as many different traditions as there are denominations to hold them. We are still, in America, given the privilege of worshiping in freedom. And those who do not celebrate as we do, are given the freedom to celebrate their own traditions. We must remember that there is nothing wrong with that!<br /><br />When you encounter those who would wish you Happy Holidays, don't take offense. Be thankful that you live in a country where you have the privilege of expressing those wishes. Realize that the Christian faith is not the faith of all and offer your best wishes to others who celebrate differently. Nothing says you have to agree with their personal choices or convictions. But if one truly believes the Christian message, one will offer respect and graciousness in light of differences.<br /><br />So to my Christian, Jewish, Pagan, Wiccan, and other friends, my partner and I wish you a happy holiday season. May you find great personal connection to your Creator(s) this season. May you have a New Year full of prosperity and joy.<br /><br />May God/dess bless you richly!RevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10066456.post-1164053375513984512006-11-20T11:44:00.000-08:002006-11-20T12:09:35.766-08:00A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5783/761/1600/charlie%20brown%20thanksgiving.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5783/761/320/charlie%20brown%20thanksgiving.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Well, it's that time again. We in America gather around our dinner tables and televisions to celebrate Thanksgiving with our friends and family. Christians tend to gravitate toward this holiday, proclaiming it a time of blessing. It all sounds so great, this Thanksgiving holiday. Plenty of food and fun to go around. Lots of football. <br /><br />But, if we go back to the origin of what we consider the first Thanksgiving, things weren't so nice. First, we must remember that the Puritans (who were called that for a reason) came seeking a place where they could be separate from those whom they considered too liberal in their faith. They had very strict rules and were quite fundamentalist in their beliefs. <br /><br />They took over a sovreign nation (the Wampanoag who lived here) and proclaimed their faith as law, overrunning the native inhabitants. (Seeing a pattern?) The Puritans felt they had a mandate from their God to subdue the so-called savages and convert them. They disarmed the Wampanoag through deceit and force, thus taking over the land and all of the inhabitants.<br /><br />Does any of this sound familiar? I know this should be a typical Thanksgiving post. But, that's not where our country is really at, is it? Just as the Puritans land-grabbed and dominated because they felt their God made them special, so has our government done the same. The Christian fundamentalists have grabbed control in the name of dominion and are slowly taking away all of our rights and liberties, just as the Puritans took away all of the ways of the Native American Wampanoag.<br /><br />I encourage you this Thanksgiving holiday to consider the true history behind the holiday. Consider what is becoming of our country; how disrespected we are now because of sweeping facism and religious fundamentalism. Take time to thank your God for the year's blessings. By all means, do that. But then remember those who cannot because of war, famine, homelessness and lies. Be thankful....but remember to be humble.RevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10066456.post-1163003102009404552006-11-08T08:06:00.000-08:002006-11-08T08:25:02.066-08:00Election Results...Now let's get busy!<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">My friends,</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">The election is over, with a few disputed races and recounts with which to deal. I, for one, am glad I will not have to suffer those horrid negative campaign ads for a while. The candidates really do go after each other. You know, when it gets personal I'm just not interested. Here in Alabama, home of ugly politics and politicians in jail, they got pretty ugly. Don't tell me how nasty your opponent is. Tell me what you will try to do if elected. Ughh. It won't be long before we start hearing the next election garbage ads...and that one will be even worse.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">That said, let's now turn our focus to getting this country back on track. We have suffered such a terrible loss of respect in the world (with good reason, mind you). I'm very disappointed to hear that incoming Speaker Pelosi has taken the impeachment issue off the table. I truly believe the whole lot of them should be thrown out of office, tried and convicted of war crimes. But, that's just me.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">While we are spending billions trying to save face for President Bush, our own are starving and homeless. Just think of how much money we've spent in Iraq. Over $9 million is still unaccounted for! If we had not attacked a sovreign nation, who has been proven to have NOTHING to do with 9/11, we could make such a dent in our own problems at home. Don't misunderstand my love and commitment to our troops. As you well know, Patti was one of those who served with honor in Iraq.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">But, had our President not done this, we would have three thousand men and women at home with their families this holiday. We would have men and women who would be able to kiss their children and loved ones tonight and wake up to them tomorrow. That's not to even mention, let alone forget, the over half million Iraqis who have been lost. And the number of both is still rising.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">So, my hope is that our incoming government will have some cajones and redeploy our troops; bring 'em home! Let's take the money we would have spent on war and spend it on peace. Let's allow our National Guard to get back to their daily lives. Let us build affordable housing for those who are without homes (like those who suffered dramatic losses in Katrina). Let's get food out to those who starve, especially the children. Let's take care of our ill.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">I know it sounds like a total Dem agenda. But, really, it's a HUMAN agenda. My goodness, we've gotten so proud of our, " It's not my problem. " attitude! The poor are not my problem. The homeless are not my problem. We've become a selfish nation hell-bent on having more and more and leaving the suffering behind us. Shame on us!</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">So I say to our incoming representatives and senators, grow up! And for those of us who live in our comfortable homes and shop the bargains at Wal-Mart, pick up a few extra items for someone who needs them. Give a bag of food and necessities to a charity. Help Habitat for Humanity build a home. Use your vacation to make a difference in the life of one person instead of spending a couple thousand on a beach hotel room. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">If we all gave as we were able, the entire world would be a better place. And you know what they say, charity begins at home.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Hey, leaders...hear what we're saying! Peace not war. Food not starvation. Homes not a cheap tarp picked up from the trash strewn over two trash cans. We are the richest nation on the planet. There's no excuse for not helping the poor and widows.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">May God bless you richly this day...and may you find a way to make a difference in your little corner of the world. Oh, and don't forget to write or call your representatives and senators with a few suggestions from their constituents!</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Cindi</span>RevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10066456.post-1159889716636959522006-10-03T08:34:00.000-07:002006-10-03T08:35:16.650-07:00<a href="http://360.yahoo.com/my_profile-TQMuNCw6crJMgxYWBwZHKO96">http://360.yahoo.com/my_profile-TQMuNCw6crJMgxYWBwZHKO96</a><br /><br />My Yahoo 360 profile, including pics of me, Patti and "the kids." Just check out the photo album on the right.RevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10066456.post-1159305098482700952006-09-26T13:25:00.000-07:002006-09-27T08:57:10.633-07:00The Pharisaic Spirit<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5783/761/1600/Mobile,%20AL.1.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5783/761/200/Mobile%2C%20AL.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Hello, Gentle Readers...<br /><br /><br />Odd title for a blog: The Pharisaic Spirit. But it is a topic which I feel compelled to address.<br /><br />First, who were the Pharisees? They had some good things going for them. They believed in the "One God." They believed that humankind had free will. They also believed that God was all-knowing and therefore had foreknowledge of humankinds' decisions. The Pharisees also believed in the resurrection of the dead. Great. These are all teachings that have followed history to this very day.<br /><br />How did Jesus see them, though?<br /><br /><em>Matthew 23.</em> The bulk of the writing is the reported words of Jesus about the Pharisees. Let's look at <em>v.2</em> and <em>3</em>: <span style="color:#ff6666;">"The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach."</span><br /><br />Ouch.<br /><br />Jesus calls them hypocrites in <em>v.13</em>. He tells them even though they go to great lengths to create one convert, the Pharisees and their converts are children of hell. In <em>v.23</em> Jesus calls them out for being diligent to pay tithes, but neglecting the more spiritual things: justice, mercy and faith. In <em>v.28</em> Jesus hits them with the righteous judgment of God: <span style="color:#ff6666;">"So you also on the outside look righteous to others, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness."<br /></span><br />This last statement, <em>v.28</em>, is the crux of the matter. What is a Pharisaical Spirit? It begins in the heart of a Christian with a thought. In quiet tones it whispers, "You're better than that." You're better than that skid row man who just walked in the back of the church and smells. Oh, you say hello and maybe smile. But you walk away to find <u>your</u> seat; the one you always sit in.<br /><br />You're better than that one who does not show forth the same gifts. Certainly, you are better, more spiritual, more mature because of it. You're better than that. You smile and say hello, and then make your way to the front of the church so all can see you sing and raise your hands.<br /><br />You're better than that one who sits in their seat with their head bowed, humbled by the small gift they have to offer. It may be their last dollar, but Jesus views it as the greatest of gifts in the offering plate. What do you do? You despise the offering as lacking faith, shout and make a show of putting your check in the plate, and thank God you're better than "them."<br /><br />You seek places of leadership, not places of service. You seek recognition and not a quiet closet of prayer. You seek not faith, even though you talk about it all the time. You seek prosperity instead of being poor in spirit and meek in countenance. You find for yourself the head of the table.<br /><br />And what is God's Word for all of this? Humble yourself before your God and kiss the Son's feet lest He condemn you! We are called to be servants, givers of life and meet the needs of the poor. We are called to be kindhearted, gentle encouragers of those who face adversity!<br /><br /><em>Galatians 6:1</em>. <span style="color:#ff6666;">"My friends, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness..."</span> <em>v.2 </em><span style="color:#ff6666;">"Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ</span>."<br /><br />There is no room for us to have "better than" attitudes. There is no room for judgment against a brother or sister. Only God is the righteous Judge. Not a single one of us, myself included, should push away one of our own family. A good friend once said to me that Christians are the only army that shoots their own wounded. And I hate to admit that it is so.<br /><br />I compel you in Christ to look inside and recognize the Pharisaical Spirit and cast it out. (It can be a subtle spirit!) I learned this lesson a couple of years ago and it was heart-wrenching. I suggest to you that our churches are full of Pharisaical Spirits that have caused us to be a laughing stock in the World. Put away this spirit and live, says the Lord. Reach out in love and kindness and restore those who have been wounded. And remember that each of us may be in the position someday to need someone to lift us up, and we would want our friends to care for us, not cast us away.<br /><br />May God bless these words and carry them to fertile soil.RevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10066456.post-1157172083879308082006-09-01T21:37:00.000-07:002006-09-01T21:41:49.630-07:00Real Christians Fight Intolerance<span style="font-size:85%;">This writing came to me recently on a group in which I participate. I found it quite moving and wished to share it with you. I hope you are blessed by the writer as I was.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;"><em>Real Christians Fight Intolerance</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;"><em>By Rev. Jim Rigby, AlterNet. Posted July 14, 2006.<br /><br />Progressive Christians tend to be non-judgemental and to feel that challenging the intolerance of others is itself intolerant. For that reason we often sit by silently when Fundamentalist Christians criticize homosexual persons. We tend to think of this as being open minded.</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;"><em><br />Not that long ago, it was considered consistent to be a Christian, and yet, hold slaves. The day came when slavery was understood as an affront to the gospel itself. I want to suggest that the day has come when Christians must declare that gay bashing is an attack on the gospel and that real Christians do not participate in any form of discrimination.<br /><br />Several years ago, I was asked to do the funeral of a gay man who had been beaten to death in a hate crime. At that time, I had never thought deeply about the danger many gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people face in this culture. That week as I worked on the service, I kept hearing a local "Christian" radio station blaming gay and lesbian people for everything wrong in America. By the end of the week I understood the link between religious hate speech and the funeral I was performing.<br /><br />I know that critics of homosexuality do not consider themselves to be hateful. They would say they "love the sinner but hate the sin." If the shoe were on the other foot, however, and someone were attacking their families, trying to take their children away, and constantly working to pass legislation to deprive them of basic civil rights, at some point they would understand that "homophobia" is too mild a word for such harassment. "Hatred" is the only proper term.<br /><br />I was raised in Dallas, Texas and had classmates who were in the Klan. I remember that they did not consider themselves to be attacking other people. They perceived themselves to be defenders of Christian America. Their "religion" consisted of an unrelenting attack on people who were black, Jewish or homosexual. If anyone challenged these views, these Klan members considered themselves under attack and believed that their right to free exercise of religion was being threatened. In other words, they felt that harassing other people was a protected expression of their own religious faith.<br /><br />In the Gospel, biblical literalists and judgmental people were the negative example in many of the stories. The point of those stories was to teach us the hypocrisy of judgmental religion. When a woman was caught in adultery, the Biblical literalists lined up to protect family values. They pointed out that the Bible literally says that adulterers are to be stoned. If Jesus took the Bible seriously, they claimed, he would have to participate in the mandated biblical punishment of an adulteress.<br /><br />Instead of following scripture, Jesus tells the woman to get her life together and tells everyone else to drop their stones of judgment. The only way to take this story seriously is to conclude that real Christians don't use the bible to condemn other people.<br /><br />It violates the teaching of Christ to say that God will get angry if America does not confront homosexuality as a sin. Jesus did not mention homosexuality and it is a lie to say he did. Furthermore, Jesus said "Judge not or you will be judged." These false prophets are saying "Judge or else you will be judged."Jesus was kind and understanding, but he was not silent about those who abused the vulnerable. He called them "wolves in sheep's clothing."<br /><br />Christians must follow the example of Jesus and confront those vicious predators who use the Christian religion as a camouflage for bullying. We must be as understanding and kind as we can be, but to be tolerant of the oppression of others is not true tolerance.<br /><br />I believe the time has come to say that genuine followers of Jesus Christ do not participate in discrimination against gay and lesbian persons. Is it intolerant to challenge intolerance? Are we doing the same thing as those we are challenging?<br /><br />Gay bashing is not just an opinion, it is an assault. Just as the Klan did, religious fundamentalists have a right to believe that homosexuality is a sin. They even have a right to preach a message of hate. But when they harass people in public, it is time for Christians to rise to challenge their intolerance. We have an obligation to protect our neighbors from harassment and slander, especially when it is done in our name.<br /><br />It is time to say that gay bashing is not only wrong, it is unchristian. If Christianity is grace, then judgment is the ultimate apostasy. If Christianity is love, then cruelty is the ultimate heresy.<br /><br /><br />The Rev. Jim Rigby is pastor of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Austin, Tex. He can be reached at </em></span><a href="mailto:jrigby0000@aol.com" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;"><em>jrigby0000@aol.com</em></span></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></em></span>RevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10066456.post-1155919992629431092006-08-18T09:34:00.000-07:002006-08-18T09:54:58.796-07:00What do you do when...Hello gentle readers...<br /><br />Well, things are moving along swimingly. I received my promotion at the day job. I'm now an accredited pet trainer. I have three classes going right now and I really enjoy them. But I have a dilemma...<br /><br />What do you do when you are called to minister and your regular job drains you? This is where I'm at right now. To be fair to our members and friends, I truly need to devote a good bit of my time to phone calls and visits. It just isn't that easy with the hours I work. So I've spent the past couple of weeks or so just being quiet. I know there are needs out there, but I've just not felt I can make a positive impact on others at this point.<br /><br />I am reminded of when Jesus went off to pray. There were folks with him, although they surely weren't much of a support system. When Jesus needed them the most, to support him and move the ministry of God's Word forward, what did they do? They fell asleep. Yep, they crashed. How discouraged Jesus must have felt! He knew he had to accomplish overcoming death and bring salvation to those who would believe on him. Yet, there he was alone without the help of those who were to minister with and for him.<br /><br />I can only say that, as one who is supposed to lead, it isn't easy to feel like you're going it alone. Oh sure, I know others are doing the ministry sending cards, making calls, visiting the sick, and bringing communion to the homebound. I simply feel set apart from this effort. How does one lead? How does one organize individuality? This is my place right now.<br /><br />I know that God has me in the right place at the right time. But, I am easily discouraged at this point. There's so much to accomplish and so little time to accomplish it!<br /><br />All I can do in this place is trust that God is guiding. To do what I know to do and to not do it would be sin. So, I continue to try to minister healing to God's children, even when I seem to have no direction. It's all about the trust. It's all about the faith. It's all about the hope.<br /><br />Today, when you look at what you need to do and how limited your time and budget are, remember the trust, faith and hope that God brings to you. Step back. Take a deep breath. And go forward knowing that God goes with you.<br /><br />This is my prayer for you: That you would know God intimately, walk in faith, know to trust, and offer hope to the world around you. I would hope you would pray the same for me.<br /><br />God's blessings,<br />CLG-BRevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10066456.post-1154614265087890442006-08-03T06:52:00.000-07:002006-08-03T07:18:07.783-07:00Update on LifeHello gentle readers...<br /><br />It's been awhile since I've posted. Life is busy, as I'm sure it is for all of you. It's amazing how we can get caught up in the everyday and forget the eternal.<br /><br />I spent the past couple of weeks near New Orleans in training for my new position with PetSmart. I am now an accredited pet trainer. That's rather scary for me, I must admit. You see, I've come a long way from the 12 year old girl who was terrified of dogs.<br /><br />As a friend and I were riding our bikes to our softball practice, a german shepherd lunged over it's enclosure and attacked us. My friend was very badly mauled. I escaped physical harm. However, the emotional scars were there for decades. As I got older, I lived with girlfriends who had dogs and I mostly avoided them. When I entered a covenant relationship with Patti, I knew she was a "dog person" and I would have to get over my fear.<br /><br />The first step was to take a job with the local humane society. I worked as an adoption counselor and forced myself to deal with my fear by walking the large dogs. In time, the fear became less and less. Then, knowing what great therapy a dog can be and being a bit afraid of being on my own while Patti was deployed, I got a puppy. Tank is a marvelous dog! I can't imagine life without his little Corgi butt parading around the house!<br /><br />When we were displaced by Hurricane Katrina, I got a job at PetSmart as a cashier. Of course, that required me to be friendly with all of the animals that entered the store. Quickly I realized that I wasn't so much afraid anymore! Amazing. A true healing of the soul by God.<br /><br />When the position of Pet Trainer came open, I applied honestly expecting to be turned down for the job. Surprise of all surprises, I was offered the job! I focused on my training. My area trainer said that she was amazed at how much of the book material I had retained. So, I graduated from training school on 7/29 and my first class is this coming Saturday, 8/5! I'm so psyched. I hope I avoid the jitters that come with something new and am a good fit for this job.<br /><br />The reason I share all of this is two-fold:<br /><br />First, God has taken a very fearful situation and made it whole. Years ago, I could have given up and given in to that fear and just lived in it. But, I made a conscious decision to face the fear and give God an opportunity to bring healing. Not only is healing continuously occuring, but God has brought me to a job that will provide for my family. For someone who deals with being bipolar and the difficulties that come with it (including holding down a job), this is a tremendous victory.<br /><br />Second, I have learned that even the most simple things that affect our lives, like a fear of dogs, can be overcome by prayer and diligence. Prayer is important. It is our communication (and that is a two-way conversation) with our God. But unless one acts on the prayer, puts some action to the request, nothing much gets accomplished. Prayer requires us to play an active role. I am an active participant in my spiritual journey. It's not just about God leading us around by a ring in our nose. It's about us in continual contact with our God and walking in the understanding we are given. How can we expect more wisdom without acting on the wisdom we have? That is how we learn, my friends.<br /><br />So, I am thankful and full of praise for God's continuing work in my life. I am thankful that God has shown me how I must respond to all that God shows me before I can expect to grow further. And I am prayerful that my experience will compel you to respond to God and seek growth for your own spiritual journey.<br /><br />May God richly bless you as you seek God's best for your life...<br /><br />CLG-BRevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10066456.post-1152043451385316352006-07-04T12:36:00.001-07:002006-07-07T20:17:33.446-07:00Independence Day<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5783/761/1600/Flying%20US%20Flag.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5783/761/320/Flying%20US%20Flag.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><p>My dear friends...</p><p>On this 4th of July holiday, I feel compelled to write on independence. More than 200 years ago, some very wise individuals came together to create a country. They took their ideals and put pen to paper. Those documents still govern us today. </p><p>My question is whether the spirit of those ideals still remains? In my humble opinion, I think not. Here is why.</p><p>First, all people do not have the privilege of <strong>all </strong>of the rights guaranteed to our citizens. All minorities still suffer under prejudice and hatred. Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered Americans remain without any civil rights or legal recourse. <u>This should not be</u>. The widest interpretation of those words given at the inception of our country should be accepted to understand that ALL people are created equal, and as such should be afforded all rights and liberties under our system of laws.</p><p>Second, we were given by these founders a tri-fold system of governance so that not one single part would gain control and create dictatorship and infringe on the rights of the individual. We suffer horribly under our present administration's dismissal of this concept. We have an appointed leader (not one supported by the vote of the people), who has taken to himself complete control including the decimation of civil liberties. This has been accomplished through government secrecy and violation of individuals by obtaining their bank records, phone records, and anything else the administration wants. This is done without regard to the law. And it continues to be done without the oversight of an emasculated Congress.</p><p>Third, our government was meant to provide representation for the public's taxation. We were to live within our means as a country. Thanks to the current war of aggression against the sovereign country of Iraq and massive spending by this administration, we as a country are in deep, deep debt. Much of this money is being borrowed through foreign countries, making us dependent upon their mercy financially, commercially, and politically. As individuals, you and I must live within the confines of our paycheck. We cannot simply give ourselves a raise. We cannot spend on a whim knowing our rent is due. We must be frugal. And with our economy as it currently stands, our status in life is certainly not improving. Yet...our government spends without concern for its citizens and their limited ability to pay taxes. What will be the outcome of this frivolity?</p><p>You want to know the state of this Union? It is easily found in the media reports from those who are not afraid of this administration; who will not be manhandled by a corrupt government. Unless something changes, and quickly, our beloved country may not be around much longer. We have become weak by spreading our defenses around the world, where they cannot defend us at home. We have become weak by becoming the slave to other countries' finances and commerce. We have become weak by giving away those very precious rights and privileges given to us by our founding fathers. The Patriot Act has stripped us of our rights and privacy. </p><p>Yet, we keep on living in our own dream, rose colored glasses intact, hoping things will improve. Wake up! Wake up, my friends. Unless we do, we will see all of our rights denied us. No more freedom of/from religion. No more right to privacy. No more right to a free press. Kiss them all goodbye.</p><p>Let us not only PRAY for relief that God might hear from Heaven and have mercy on us, but let us act! Use your vote wisely, for you have seen what can happen when it is taken away and the Supreme Court appoints a leader. Let this 4th of July, this Independence Day, signal a renewal of purpose to save this great nation. And celebrate the great nation that was...and will be again!</p><p></p><p>May God richly bless you this day. </p><p>CLG-B</p><p></p>RevCindihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03278247661878094394noreply@blogger.com0