Kindred,
Do you think we should develop out of body experience as a coping method to escape quarantine, without breaking quarantine?
For some people, being cooped up is their test of character and being cooped up with their kids the ultimate test, especially if they are asked to home school with zero or negative patience or teaching skill.
It becomes questionable who will survive? The parent or the kids.
Survival now depends upon developing positive coping skills (and teaching skills for parents).
Coping is not escaping (with a bottle or other exteral means), its actually having ability to handle stress or problems in a positive manner.
Unfortunately, most coping strategies include socializing in support groups as a big part of managing stress with shared empathy and sympathy.
But fear not, the same principles apply whether in quarantine or not.
Be honest, especially with your emotions.
Identify the problem; admit it and confess it out loud.
Express your emotions in a positive, do no harm manner;
Use words
Talk about the problem.
Express your emotions with
music, song, dance, plays,
art, journal ....
Exercise, exercise and excercise
(try Yoga or easy workouts).
Hydrate and take vitamins, especially C and D, also your Bs and E.
Self care.
Remember to breathe; take a breather and meditate.
Meditate or pray as many times as necessary.
Give to charity or if in need ask for help.
Reach out and ask for help if you need it.
Do not forget, if you are having difficulties, then so are your kids (link to coping strategies for kids).
Do not let stress build up or lash out in inappropriate ways; use words to express and explain your feelings.
Create a family plan to cope with stress and problems and strategies on how to deal.
When you pray remember to ask for patience and strength to deal and don't forget to thank the Lord for his many blessings.
If you like, you can be like Pollyanna and play the glad game.
May the peace and gentle calm of the Lord be with you.
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Monday, April 27, 2020
Honesty
Kindred,
Honesty is the best policy.
The consequences of not being honest, especially with yourself, is dire; sometimes too dire for words.
Sounds drastic, but it really is an understatement.
Why?
What happens when you are not being honest?
It means that you are running away or hiding from the truth, in other words, being a coward.
Failure to brave the truth, to take responsibility for one's own actions, means failure to assess and correct vulnerabilities in self or the situation.
Would you like real world examples?
Just take a look at the current pandemic situation when some cover up the truth and what the consequences can be; it can be an eye opener and show the true colors of people's character.
Are you getting an inkling of the sometimes too dire for words consequences yet?
How about someone's imagined salvation, when in reality the Judgement will likely be damnation?
How could someone ever receive salvation if not honest with one's own character and actions? Admit and confess sins, in order to repent and atone?
What would happen to the soul in perpetual sin(s)?
An example Biblically of consequences to people living in perpetual sins are what happened the sinners in the cities of Sodom*and Gomorrah; consumed by fire and brimstone (Does this sound like the Lord forgives everyone everything and let's people sin whenever they want? Or continue to turn cities into Sodom and Gomorrahs?).
Without honesty, how can you ever hope to have goodness of character; integrity and trust?
And hope to ultimately have salvation?
*Refers to the sin of nonconsensual
sex, not homosexuality (do not judge
people and as it does not impact
character or how good or bad
person is, it is not anyone else's business); in the case of Sodom, the
heinous sin is the attempted rape
of angels.
Honesty is the best policy.
The consequences of not being honest, especially with yourself, is dire; sometimes too dire for words.
Sounds drastic, but it really is an understatement.
Why?
What happens when you are not being honest?
It means that you are running away or hiding from the truth, in other words, being a coward.
Failure to brave the truth, to take responsibility for one's own actions, means failure to assess and correct vulnerabilities in self or the situation.
Would you like real world examples?
Just take a look at the current pandemic situation when some cover up the truth and what the consequences can be; it can be an eye opener and show the true colors of people's character.
Are you getting an inkling of the sometimes too dire for words consequences yet?
How about someone's imagined salvation, when in reality the Judgement will likely be damnation?
How could someone ever receive salvation if not honest with one's own character and actions? Admit and confess sins, in order to repent and atone?
What would happen to the soul in perpetual sin(s)?
An example Biblically of consequences to people living in perpetual sins are what happened the sinners in the cities of Sodom*and Gomorrah; consumed by fire and brimstone (Does this sound like the Lord forgives everyone everything and let's people sin whenever they want? Or continue to turn cities into Sodom and Gomorrahs?).
Without honesty, how can you ever hope to have goodness of character; integrity and trust?
And hope to ultimately have salvation?
*Refers to the sin of nonconsensual
sex, not homosexuality (do not judge
people and as it does not impact
character or how good or bad
person is, it is not anyone else's business); in the case of Sodom, the
heinous sin is the attempted rape
of angels.
Sunday, April 26, 2020
The Significance of.....
Kindred,
Why is art so important?
“The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.”
Aristotle
How important is it to see the inward significance of things and to represent its significance tellingly and accurately?
It is in essence the fundamental ability to connect to the substantive or to what is real, to see the heart of the matter and soul of a person;
Then having the ability to express it in art form (in stories, film, plays, music or paintings), a manner which can be understood, seen or heard.
Why then is expressing what matters, at times, so undervalued, underfunded and unappreciated?
Before we turn to the practical, let's look at the foundational.
What matters to the Lord?
What matters to humanity?
What must you see inwardly that is of significance in yourself, in the Holy Spirit, in people and in situations?
Why must you answer?
Because the answers pertain to your salvation, your survival and how well it can be accomplished or not.
Reflect on these questions for today and we will continue later once you have time to think about it further....
Why is art so important?
“The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.”
Aristotle
How important is it to see the inward significance of things and to represent its significance tellingly and accurately?
It is in essence the fundamental ability to connect to the substantive or to what is real, to see the heart of the matter and soul of a person;
Then having the ability to express it in art form (in stories, film, plays, music or paintings), a manner which can be understood, seen or heard.
Why then is expressing what matters, at times, so undervalued, underfunded and unappreciated?
Before we turn to the practical, let's look at the foundational.
What matters to the Lord?
What matters to humanity?
What must you see inwardly that is of significance in yourself, in the Holy Spirit, in people and in situations?
Why must you answer?
Because the answers pertain to your salvation, your survival and how well it can be accomplished or not.
Reflect on these questions for today and we will continue later once you have time to think about it further....
Saturday, April 25, 2020
Upon Reflection
Kindred,
Now is obviously the time for self reflection and meditation.
Take a good look at yourself first before looking at the world, because it matters what kind of lens you see through.
How you perceive yourself affects how you view the world and people.
When you start reflecting, begin at the end on Judgement Day.
What do you think the Lord's Judgement will be?
Take out all the wishful thinking and base it on your true colors and actual actions in life.
The Lord will follow the highest standards of ethics and goodness.
Basically based upon how well you have been obeying Jesus Christ's Commandments to love (includes respect) of the Lord with all and love neighbor as yourself (includes respect what the Lord has created and thus belongs to the Lord).
How far apart you are from the Lord's measuring stick is how far you are from salvation.
The notion that by simple belief in the Lord grants you automatic entry into Heaven only applies if one, you are compatible with the holy and two, if you have the purity of heart to see the Lord and Heaven's Gate to receive entry.
How well did you do?
How good are you?
The good news is that there are chances always to be a better person (today and everyday).
Now is obviously the time for self reflection and meditation.
Take a good look at yourself first before looking at the world, because it matters what kind of lens you see through.
How you perceive yourself affects how you view the world and people.
When you start reflecting, begin at the end on Judgement Day.
What do you think the Lord's Judgement will be?
Take out all the wishful thinking and base it on your true colors and actual actions in life.
The Lord will follow the highest standards of ethics and goodness.
Basically based upon how well you have been obeying Jesus Christ's Commandments to love (includes respect) of the Lord with all and love neighbor as yourself (includes respect what the Lord has created and thus belongs to the Lord).
How far apart you are from the Lord's measuring stick is how far you are from salvation.
The notion that by simple belief in the Lord grants you automatic entry into Heaven only applies if one, you are compatible with the holy and two, if you have the purity of heart to see the Lord and Heaven's Gate to receive entry.
How well did you do?
How good are you?
The good news is that there are chances always to be a better person (today and everyday).
Friday, April 24, 2020
Kindred,
For some reason, it feels like we're wondering about in the wilderness, foraging for food, except online.
We're camping, but with all the amenities of home.
It feels like we should be singing Kumbaya, except does not seem quite right in PJs, instead of a camp fire and toasted marshmallows on a stick.
This is time you have to be very disciplined, else the days will meld one into the other without any accomplishments and too much snacking between meals.
Speaking of meals....creating wacky food concoctions might be a strong indicator of too much time watching Food Shows from Around the World.
Whatever your interests are, find the time to keep busy, develop various talents and be productive by being proactive in your health and everyday life.
Stay safe and remember to help out, if you can, those in need.
For some reason, it feels like we're wondering about in the wilderness, foraging for food, except online.
We're camping, but with all the amenities of home.
It feels like we should be singing Kumbaya, except does not seem quite right in PJs, instead of a camp fire and toasted marshmallows on a stick.
This is time you have to be very disciplined, else the days will meld one into the other without any accomplishments and too much snacking between meals.
Speaking of meals....creating wacky food concoctions might be a strong indicator of too much time watching Food Shows from Around the World.
Whatever your interests are, find the time to keep busy, develop various talents and be productive by being proactive in your health and everyday life.
Stay safe and remember to help out, if you can, those in need.
Thursday, April 23, 2020
How Do You Know If You Have Sinned?
Kindred,
All you have to answer is, "Would you like something like this to happen to you?"
To begin to understand the gravity of breaking the Lord's second Commandment, simply answer the above question and how much would you like for this to not happen to you.
That is how you know when something is a sin and how grave a sin might be.
Never assume you will be forgiven by the Lord, because you never really know until Judgement Day.
The best course of action is that if you think you have sinned, confess, repent and atone fully your crimes against humanity, the victim(s) and the Lord ( for disobeying the Lord's Commandments).
All you have to answer is, "Would you like something like this to happen to you?"
To begin to understand the gravity of breaking the Lord's second Commandment, simply answer the above question and how much would you like for this to not happen to you.
That is how you know when something is a sin and how grave a sin might be.
Never assume you will be forgiven by the Lord, because you never really know until Judgement Day.
The best course of action is that if you think you have sinned, confess, repent and atone fully your crimes against humanity, the victim(s) and the Lord ( for disobeying the Lord's Commandments).
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
No Excuse For Boredom
Kindred,
Boredom is a state of mind.
If you are bored, then you're being boring and lack the initiative to try and learn an instrument, language, art, cooking or create a music piece, work of art, storybook or connect with the world and Holy Spirit in service and helping those in need.
You are responsible for the development of your character and state of mind.
Some people, situations, circumstances might drag you down, but it's your job to pick and lift yourself back up.
Take this time to be not only the person you want to be, but the person the Lord meant for you to be.
Boredom is a state of mind.
If you are bored, then you're being boring and lack the initiative to try and learn an instrument, language, art, cooking or create a music piece, work of art, storybook or connect with the world and Holy Spirit in service and helping those in need.
You are responsible for the development of your character and state of mind.
Some people, situations, circumstances might drag you down, but it's your job to pick and lift yourself back up.
Take this time to be not only the person you want to be, but the person the Lord meant for you to be.
Monday, April 20, 2020
Be Responsible
Kindred,
Tell your friends to be responsible and honorable.
In this pandemic, the suffering is real. The numbers do not lie (and are probably underreported).
But the world has seen a worse pandemic in 1918 and still made it through.
In that time, the Spanish Flu, spread worldwide inflected over 500 million (one third of the world's population at the time) and killed at least 50 million people, 675,000 of them in the United States.
The worse was, that unlike the virus pandemic of today, the Spanish Flu killed mostly the young, 20-40, and those under 5 years; the old over 65 suffered too.
Follow the CDC guidelines on keeping a safe distance and good preventative practices.
Keep in mind, we all need to work together to minimize the crisis and prevent further spread and more deaths (in U.S., over 41,000 and counting), but also work to prevent another pandemic from occurring; therefore, early warning systems and quick response protocols a necessity.
Tell your friends to be responsible and honorable.
In this pandemic, the suffering is real. The numbers do not lie (and are probably underreported).
But the world has seen a worse pandemic in 1918 and still made it through.
In that time, the Spanish Flu, spread worldwide inflected over 500 million (one third of the world's population at the time) and killed at least 50 million people, 675,000 of them in the United States.
The worse was, that unlike the virus pandemic of today, the Spanish Flu killed mostly the young, 20-40, and those under 5 years; the old over 65 suffered too.
Follow the CDC guidelines on keeping a safe distance and good preventative practices.
Keep in mind, we all need to work together to minimize the crisis and prevent further spread and more deaths (in U.S., over 41,000 and counting), but also work to prevent another pandemic from occurring; therefore, early warning systems and quick response protocols a necessity.
Unwise Choices
Kindred,
Again, there are different levels of abilities and skill sets; and how they are used depends upon the character of that person.
Jesus Christ has enormous power, but Christ would never use it to harm, manipulate, subjugate, or for selfish and sinful reasons.
No matter how much power or ability a person has that person still must follow the Law of the Prophets or the Lord's Commandments.
It does no one any good to have dim witted or lesser ability person(s) grandiosing and exaggerating one's talents only to create present and future messes and causing harm to befall people, then trying to get everyone to bale underwater (after the dam breaks) with a straw.
If one chooses to follow Professor Trelawney types or Lockhart types or Voldemort types instead of Dumbledore then you should not be surprised that the results and outcomes are disastrous and will continue to be disastrous.
The only surprise is why some people continue to choose poorly now knowing the bad and tragic outcomes and knowing the consequences are so damning and unholy?
Again, there are different levels of abilities and skill sets; and how they are used depends upon the character of that person.
Jesus Christ has enormous power, but Christ would never use it to harm, manipulate, subjugate, or for selfish and sinful reasons.
No matter how much power or ability a person has that person still must follow the Law of the Prophets or the Lord's Commandments.
It does no one any good to have dim witted or lesser ability person(s) grandiosing and exaggerating one's talents only to create present and future messes and causing harm to befall people, then trying to get everyone to bale underwater (after the dam breaks) with a straw.
If one chooses to follow Professor Trelawney types or Lockhart types or Voldemort types instead of Dumbledore then you should not be surprised that the results and outcomes are disastrous and will continue to be disastrous.
The only surprise is why some people continue to choose poorly now knowing the bad and tragic outcomes and knowing the consequences are so damning and unholy?
Friday, April 17, 2020
Groundhogs Day
Kindred,
Again?
It's like we all somehow ended up Groundhogs Day the movie.
Cooped up, eating the same kinds of food, living the same day over and over again.
In the movie, when Phil, the weatherman, realizes his predicament he tries all kinds of crazy ways to get himself out, including killing himself.
But nothing works; he wakes up each day to "I Got You Babe" (the music from his alarm) and to Groundhogs Day.
Remember, in the beginning of the movie, Phil was a real jerk; self-centered, disrespectful and arrogant.
He tried to pick-up Rita, the news producer, but she was really put off by his offensive and insensitive ways.
It was only when Phil began to realize that a do-over of a day gave him many extra chances to woo Rita that he began to change and tried to be the man that Rita would like.
He succeeded to live into another day only after he became the best person he could possibly be (by helping the townsfolk of Punxsutawney and thus catching the eye of Rita).
Maybe we should also try to use our Groundhogs Day for self-reflection, self-improvement and helping out those that might need it.
We just might become the person the Lord meant for us to be.
Again?
It's like we all somehow ended up Groundhogs Day the movie.
Cooped up, eating the same kinds of food, living the same day over and over again.
In the movie, when Phil, the weatherman, realizes his predicament he tries all kinds of crazy ways to get himself out, including killing himself.
But nothing works; he wakes up each day to "I Got You Babe" (the music from his alarm) and to Groundhogs Day.
Remember, in the beginning of the movie, Phil was a real jerk; self-centered, disrespectful and arrogant.
He tried to pick-up Rita, the news producer, but she was really put off by his offensive and insensitive ways.
It was only when Phil began to realize that a do-over of a day gave him many extra chances to woo Rita that he began to change and tried to be the man that Rita would like.
He succeeded to live into another day only after he became the best person he could possibly be (by helping the townsfolk of Punxsutawney and thus catching the eye of Rita).
Maybe we should also try to use our Groundhogs Day for self-reflection, self-improvement and helping out those that might need it.
We just might become the person the Lord meant for us to be.
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
Real Signs
Kindred,
What happens when you do something really wrong (sinful)?
Do you expect to be struck down by lightening or get away with it?
The real sign in these individual cases is usually not as dramatic as struck down by thunder-storms or as unclimatic as nothing happening or wrong.
The real sign is in the harm caused by the sin(s) or injuries and damages; and the foothold of sin(s), the corruption of your character and mind, and the rotting of your heart and soul.
Do you watch for or are aware of real signs?
What happens when you do something really wrong (sinful)?
Do you expect to be struck down by lightening or get away with it?
The real sign in these individual cases is usually not as dramatic as struck down by thunder-storms or as unclimatic as nothing happening or wrong.
The real sign is in the harm caused by the sin(s) or injuries and damages; and the foothold of sin(s), the corruption of your character and mind, and the rotting of your heart and soul.
Do you watch for or are aware of real signs?
Warning Signs
Kindred,
Do you ever wonder what life would be like if Jesus did not die on the cross?
If Jesus did not die, if Judas did not betray, if.
We would have additional Teachings that perhaps address the sin of power and control or the sin in power of sinners to do harm.
But wait, we already have a direct or prime example of the sin in the power of sinners to harm in the crucifixion of Christ.
What was it that Jesus said in garden of Gethsemane?
"Look! The hour has come for the Son of Man to be handed over to the power of sinners."
What was it like for Jesus to wear his crown of thorns, to be jeared at by the sinners as he carried his cross and have them gloat over the win of making Jesus suffer?
Only after Jesus died, the earthquaked and everything else that happened did the sinners realized that what they did was wrong and knew fear.
Before this, the sinners failed to recognize the signs Heaven signaled to them in the three hours before Jesus's death where the whole country was covered in darkness.
Have you recognized the warning signs (by Heaven)?
Do you even know where a person's position is with the Lord?
How then should you treat a person?
Tuesday, April 14, 2020
Timed to the Holy Spirit
Kindred,
Timing is everything; timed to the Holy Spirit.
Now is not the time for ignorant power trips in sinful grandiose delusions of megalomaniac power and control.
Power will not help you understand any problem or give you wisdom to make good choices.
Again, power is not grace, not wisdom, not kindness and not love.
The manipulation of a few chess pieces is not understanding of the whole board or how things work.
Failure to understand the who, what, where and why of everything means failure of intelligence and fall from wisdom.
This will impact negatively the process and positive timing of everything.
In other words, as continued negatives are added without counterbalance and positves, there is tipping point where dominos will fall negatively with cascading negative impacts and consequences.
Now is the time for wisdom and inspiration.
Time will out the truth.
Time will out the consequences.
You will eventually be able to see clearly the consequences of garbage in and garbage out.
Or see the good works from hard work and tlc (tender, loving, care).
And reap what you sow (if not lost to the gutter).
In other words, everyone leaves behind footprints of character or lack of character.
In time, you will see their track record of life and body of work (or on the flip side body of destruction, fraud, incompetence and lies).
Now is the time to choose wisdom and integrity over ignorance, fear and lies.
How do you know who's sage advice to follow?
Just look at their character, track record and body of work.
The person that followed always the law of the prophets is the true prophet.
Timing is everything; timed to the Holy Spirit.
Now is not the time for ignorant power trips in sinful grandiose delusions of megalomaniac power and control.
Power will not help you understand any problem or give you wisdom to make good choices.
Again, power is not grace, not wisdom, not kindness and not love.
The manipulation of a few chess pieces is not understanding of the whole board or how things work.
Failure to understand the who, what, where and why of everything means failure of intelligence and fall from wisdom.
This will impact negatively the process and positive timing of everything.
In other words, as continued negatives are added without counterbalance and positves, there is tipping point where dominos will fall negatively with cascading negative impacts and consequences.
Now is the time for wisdom and inspiration.
Time will out the truth.
Time will out the consequences.
You will eventually be able to see clearly the consequences of garbage in and garbage out.
Or see the good works from hard work and tlc (tender, loving, care).
And reap what you sow (if not lost to the gutter).
In other words, everyone leaves behind footprints of character or lack of character.
In time, you will see their track record of life and body of work (or on the flip side body of destruction, fraud, incompetence and lies).
Now is the time to choose wisdom and integrity over ignorance, fear and lies.
How do you know who's sage advice to follow?
Just look at their character, track record and body of work.
The person that followed always the law of the prophets is the true prophet.
Sunday, April 12, 2020
The Easter Surprise
Dear Snowflakes,
The Lord works in mysterious ways; and therefore, will surprise you in miraculous ways.
The surprise on Easter is the possibility of miracles and rebirth of spirit with Jesus Christ.
When all seems lost, dead and buried, the possibility of miracles and salvation can come alive.
You never know all that will happen in life, the best possible spiritual choice and outcome is to always try to match the Lord's will and the Holy Spirit.
Happy Easter 🐣
Friday, April 10, 2020
The Brave Day - Good Friday
Kindred,
Jesus Christ knew long before it happened what his self-sacrifice would mean; crucifixion, pain and suffering and death at the young age of thirty three.
He could have ran (away before the crucifixion), avoided His fate and calling, but Jesus did not.
In the garden (of Gethsemane), with great sorrow Jesus prayed three times for the Lord's will be done.
Matthew 26: 45
Then he returned to the disciples and said, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Look! The hour has come for the Son of Man to be handed over to the power of sinners."
Jesus had prophesied earlier during the Passover meal on the Festival of Unleavened Bread, that the traitor would betray him with a kiss; therefore, he knew even before the garden prayers, what was going to happen.
Yet, Jesus stayed the course.
He braved the Truth.
He sacrificed himself and died on the cross for our sins.
Today, we celebrate Jesus's sacrifice, His Teachings and His Love (for humanity).
Jesus Christ knew long before it happened what his self-sacrifice would mean; crucifixion, pain and suffering and death at the young age of thirty three.
He could have ran (away before the crucifixion), avoided His fate and calling, but Jesus did not.
In the garden (of Gethsemane), with great sorrow Jesus prayed three times for the Lord's will be done.
Matthew 26: 45
Then he returned to the disciples and said, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Look! The hour has come for the Son of Man to be handed over to the power of sinners."
Jesus had prophesied earlier during the Passover meal on the Festival of Unleavened Bread, that the traitor would betray him with a kiss; therefore, he knew even before the garden prayers, what was going to happen.
Yet, Jesus stayed the course.
He braved the Truth.
He sacrificed himself and died on the cross for our sins.
Today, we celebrate Jesus's sacrifice, His Teachings and His Love (for humanity).
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
Faith of a Mustard Seed
Kindred,
This morning I am thinking about a song about an ant moving a rubber tree plant.
You would think such small tiny creatures could not possibly move a rubber tree plant, but guess what?
It is possible for an ant with its fellow ants to move a rubber tree plant.
Now if an ant can move a rubber tree plant, think of what a person will be able to accomplish if that person gives it all in strength, good will, kindness and persperseverance.
Together we can move mountains and endure any crisis.
We need only the faith of a mustard seed.
Matthew 17:20
And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
This morning I am thinking about a song about an ant moving a rubber tree plant.
You would think such small tiny creatures could not possibly move a rubber tree plant, but guess what?
It is possible for an ant with its fellow ants to move a rubber tree plant.
Now if an ant can move a rubber tree plant, think of what a person will be able to accomplish if that person gives it all in strength, good will, kindness and persperseverance.
Together we can move mountains and endure any crisis.
We need only the faith of a mustard seed.
Matthew 17:20
And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.
Tuesday, April 7, 2020
CONSTANT VIGILANCE!
Kindred,
Remain calm.
The time to panic is when you rid yourselves of Einsteins that can actually solve real world problems or real doctors that can actually heal.
Thankfully not everyone is that stupid.
Perhaps now is the time to say in the words of Professor Moody, "CONSTANT VIGILANCE!"
Safety first, care and consideration of neighbors in these trouble times a requirement.
Remain calm.
The time to panic is when you rid yourselves of Einsteins that can actually solve real world problems or real doctors that can actually heal.
Thankfully not everyone is that stupid.
Perhaps now is the time to say in the words of Professor Moody, "CONSTANT VIGILANCE!"
Safety first, care and consideration of neighbors in these trouble times a requirement.
Sunday, April 5, 2020
Good Neighbor
Kindred,
In times of trouble, it is okay to be fearful, to be stressed out, to have difficulties coping.
Turn to the Lord to help you through, give you strength.
Know that you need only try, the college try for good, and you will receive the strength you need to cope with anything.
When you pray for strength or healing, pray with intention and sincerity of heart and receive with thanksgiving.
We all need help at some point in life; the type of help differ in accordance to each circumstance.
There is no shame in seeking help when you need it; the only shame is in not giving when you have it.
Luke 10: 25-37
Jesus answered what it means to be a good neighbor in the parable of a good Samaritan.
A traveler that was robbed, beaten and left half dead, did not receive help from a priest, not from any passerby, but a good Samaritan.
Only the Good Samaritan acted like a good neighbor by giving the injured traveler kindness, care, shelter and coins.
In these trouble times, it is okay to fearful and if injured or sick seek help; turn to the Lord in prayer and the Lord will help send a good neighbor.
But in order for the Lord to send that good neighbor, you have to remember to be that good neighbor.
In times of trouble, it is okay to be fearful, to be stressed out, to have difficulties coping.
Turn to the Lord to help you through, give you strength.
Know that you need only try, the college try for good, and you will receive the strength you need to cope with anything.
When you pray for strength or healing, pray with intention and sincerity of heart and receive with thanksgiving.
We all need help at some point in life; the type of help differ in accordance to each circumstance.
There is no shame in seeking help when you need it; the only shame is in not giving when you have it.
Luke 10: 25-37
Jesus answered what it means to be a good neighbor in the parable of a good Samaritan.
A traveler that was robbed, beaten and left half dead, did not receive help from a priest, not from any passerby, but a good Samaritan.
Only the Good Samaritan acted like a good neighbor by giving the injured traveler kindness, care, shelter and coins.
In these trouble times, it is okay to fearful and if injured or sick seek help; turn to the Lord in prayer and the Lord will help send a good neighbor.
But in order for the Lord to send that good neighbor, you have to remember to be that good neighbor.
Friday, April 3, 2020
On Earth, as It Is In Heaven
Kindred,
Matthew 6:10
May your Kingdom come;
May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
How would you interpret the above scripture passage?
Know first that it is part of Jesus Christ's teaching about prayer.
From Matthew 6:5
"When you pray, do not be like hypocrites!"
Matthew 6:7
"When you pray, do not use a lot of meaningless words..."
Secondly, know who is being addressed (or the audience) in the passage.
Though Jesus is teaching people about prayer, the prayer is to the Lord.
What should your attitude be at this time (when speaking to the Lord)?
Humbly, respectfully and reverently, awaiting or preparing to receive the Lord's will or reply.
It is not your will that matters, but the Lord's.
It is also not the will of Caesar or anything on earth that can dictate to heaven; because
you ask the Lord not command, it is the Lord's will being done (not. yours or Caesar's), nothing on earth can be taken into heaven, when you die you cannot take with you your money, power, prestige or anything, but your true colors.
What your true colors happens to be at the moment of your death is what will be Judged.
How you will be Judged depends upon the Lord's will (not your will or Caesar's).
Is it the Lord's will that bad things happen?
Obviously, no.
Tragedies happen as natural part of life; however, it is exasperated due to failures of people to heed the Lord's warning, to work together, to prevent harm or protect from harm (usually man-made harm from power and control trips and other sins).
What good is money and power if most are wiped out by a pandemic?
You can't use any of it if you die.
If you die, how will you be Judged by the Lord?
When you pray, what is your attitude?
Do you prepare to receive the Lord's answer and will?
Therefore, "on earth, as it is in heaven" refers to what?
The Lord's will.
Not whatever happens on earth will also happen in heaven; for example, no pandemics in heaven.
P.s
You can ask for forgiveness, but it does not mean you will receive it or be able to receive if your heart is unrepentant (still filled with selfish desires, jealousies, greed, hate and sins).
And more importantly, you will be Judged upon the true colors of your heart and soul, not on the Lord's or tthe victim's capacity for forgiveness.
Matthew 6:10
May your Kingdom come;
The Lord's will.
Not whatever happens on earth will also happen in heaven; for example, no pandemics in heaven.
Thursday, April 2, 2020
Resilience In Love and Faith
Kindred,
Nothing can conquer the human spirit;
indomitable in strength of resilience in love, faith, kindness and generosity.
We need to remember to do our best, do what we can, learn from our experiences, adapt and adopt best practices and strategies.
Move forward with the Holy Spirit knowing whatever happens, we can come together, work together even miles apart (really stay miles apart), and contribute in some small (or big) measure to allieviate and mitigate this crisis.
Prayers work in mysterious ways, just like the Lord; so let's remember to pray for those in need, in the front lines, our family, friends and humanity.
Besides prayers remember to give if you can to charities like your local food pantry.
Take proper safety precautions and practical steps to keep yourself and your family safe.
Nothing can conquer the human spirit;
indomitable in strength of resilience in love, faith, kindness and generosity.
We need to remember to do our best, do what we can, learn from our experiences, adapt and adopt best practices and strategies.
Move forward with the Holy Spirit knowing whatever happens, we can come together, work together even miles apart (really stay miles apart), and contribute in some small (or big) measure to allieviate and mitigate this crisis.
Prayers work in mysterious ways, just like the Lord; so let's remember to pray for those in need, in the front lines, our family, friends and humanity.
Besides prayers remember to give if you can to charities like your local food pantry.
Take proper safety precautions and practical steps to keep yourself and your family safe.
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
Kids Suggestions
Kindred,
A good way to entertain the kids; brush up on your Bible stories.
Veggie Tales have some good bible stories videos on You Tube (that you can buy or rent or watch sample clips).
Or sing some songs, like A gift to You and put on a performance.
When you need to scream, scream into a bucket of water; it helps you vent without attracting too much attention.
Or a good cry always helps (pretend you just finished chopping onions).
Try not to resort to having too much spirits as this is a marathon and not a sprint.
If all else fails, try baking a batch of cookies. (I hear people can make fantastic shapes and designs, not just the gingerman kind)
A good way to entertain the kids; brush up on your Bible stories.
Veggie Tales have some good bible stories videos on You Tube (that you can buy or rent or watch sample clips).
Or sing some songs, like A gift to You and put on a performance.
When you need to scream, scream into a bucket of water; it helps you vent without attracting too much attention.
Or a good cry always helps (pretend you just finished chopping onions).
Try not to resort to having too much spirits as this is a marathon and not a sprint.
If all else fails, try baking a batch of cookies. (I hear people can make fantastic shapes and designs, not just the gingerman kind)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)