Inspiration

Guidelines For Life

Reflections for contemplative living

There are a number of universal principles to be considered in the plan of God for our lives and there are certain things every Christian should do. God does have a plan for our lives and this plan is good. To discover this plan, we need to follow the guidelines given in Scripture: give thanks, be set apart, do what is right, and understand suffering and glorification in Christ. These are the biblical guidelines we are given to live life.

Continue reading “Guidelines For Life”
Inspiration

Truths of Happiness

Reflections for contemplative living

In her study of happiness, Gretchen Rubin identified eight fundamental principles of happiness. In a spiritual sense, this is her “rule of life.” She determined her purpose and mission for what she wanted from life, which was to be happy. She derived the foundational principles and called them her Eight Splendid Truths. In reading these truths, I’m reminded of sacred scripture which I have also noted:

Continue reading “Truths of Happiness”
Inspiration

The Heart of God

Reflections for contemplative living

Do you take the time to reflect on what pleases God? The heart of God is easy to please when we have a posture of love. Where God is the center of our adoration, we can’t help but have an outpouring of love towards others and ourselves. But this takes fortitude in holding our ground and resisting poor choices. You know the ones, the choices that lead you away from being the best version of yourself.

Continue reading “The Heart of God”
Inspiration

Halloween Goodness

Reflections for contemplative living

Did you know that the true substance of Halloween belongs to the Catholic Church?

Any violence, gore, sensuality, or demonism now commonly associated with Halloween is not, in fact, true to the origins of this holiday (by the way, the word “holiday” comes from the words “holy day”).

Continue reading “Halloween Goodness”
Inspiration

Walking In Faith

Reflections for contemplative living

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.(Hebrews 11:1-3)

Continue reading “Walking In Faith”
Inspiration

Whose Am I?

Reflections for contemplative living

As I reflect on my life, most things have come easy to me.  Seeking to understand myself better, I see how this draws me towards comfort rather than greatness.  I tend to take the path of least resistance until I take the first step to do something different.

Continue reading “Whose Am I?”
Inspiration

A New Heart

Reflections for contemplative living

Do I allow negative self-talk, fear, guilt, selfishness, or pride stop me from giving my heart completely to God? Are there hidden wounds stopping me from trusting in God and His goodness? Am I allowing Jesus to go deeper into my heart and heal me?

Continue reading “A New Heart”
Inspiration

Key to Life

Reflections for contemplative living

It is said that righteousness is the key to life. I’ve always struggled with this word because it seemed judgy or pompous. But in wrestling with its definition as defined in its deeper spiritual meaning, I’m learning that righteousness is the quality of being right in the eyes of God, including character (nature), conscience (attitude), conduct (action), and command (word). Righteousness is, therefore, based upon God’s standard because He is the ultimate Lawgiver (Isaiah 33:22)

Continue reading “Key to Life”