Perhaps one of the most precious and powerful gifts we can give another person is to really listen to them, to listen with quiet, fascinated attention, with our whole being, fully present. This takes presence within and a stance of self-control. Where we moderate our own thoughts, perspectives, and agendas and empty ourselves to create space and holy ground, this is sacred listening.
Continue reading “Week Thirty-Two. Moderation. Sacred Listening.”Moderation creates space. It invites possibility rather than keeping us entrenched in a certain attitude, opinion or behavior. It’s important to my well being to live in the hope of what’s possible. It is easy to get distracted by the darkness of our world and lose sight of God’s goodness. The space of moderation orients my heart toward meaning. Love defines my attitude and brings peace and hope to my day.
Continue reading “Week Thirty-Two. Moderation. Making Space.”Are you stretched thin by the anxieties of everyday life? Are you impacted by fatigue, sadness, or apathy? Does it feel like your relationships are stagnating, despite your best efforts? Are wounds from past relationships affecting your ability to live joyfully?
Continue reading “Week Thirty-Two. Moderation. Well-being. “What if I just let go? What will I find? Where would I fall? Would I lose all control or would I actually gain self-control? Would I live in moderation or excess and extremes? Would I find my reality is what it is supposed to be and everything is exactly as it should be? My fear of falling affects my self-control.
Continue reading “Week Thirty-Two. Moderation. My True Self. “Moderation is to avoid excess or extremes, especially in behavior or political opinions. The virtue of temperance helps us live a life of moderation. I would say that we all need a big dose of this virtue, especially for those of us in the Western world where greed and excess abound. As disconnected people, we live our individuality all in the vein of success. Sometimes I think about the similarities of today and those of the Roman Empire. History cycles over and over. Do I place my hope in the world or do I use these thoughts to draw me to God? Where do I find meaning? In a life full of love.
Continue reading “Week Thirty-Two. Moderation. Holding Life Together.”Settle in and take a few minutes to ponder –
Every sense experience tends to become a thought;
Every thought tends to become a desire;
Continue reading “Week Thirty-One. Modesty. Looking for God’s Goodness and Weekly Reflection Summary.”Today I’m praying for discretion. Discretion is determining what should be done or not done in a particular situation. As someone who has always been a “doer” I have the tendency to act and I’m learning a lot of this action is based on what I think is best and what should be done. This is the hurdle of pride I must overcome.
Continue reading “Week Thirty-One. Modesty. Discretion. “I’ve spent a lot of time in my life thinking about what I wanted to wear and the image I wanted to uphold. A lot of energy and effort has gone into finding the right outfit, earrings, shoes or purse. As a Christian, I need to ask “What am I saying by what I am wearing? In other words, what am I “packaging” and advertising? What am I trying to draw attention to?” If my intent is to show off my body and draw attention to myself, especially in a sexual way, and pique the curiosity of another, then I have violated modesty, and the virtues of humility, studiousness, and modesty in dress and behavior.
Continue reading “Week Thirty-One. Modesty. Decency.”We are called to walk the right road in life, one of truth and virtue. Patience is an important virtue in our journey as it helps us not give into our impulses and resist temptation. Whether it be in thoughts, emotions or actions, my faith helps me take a modest approach to life.
Continue reading “Week Thirty-One. Modesty. Patience.”A cosmic notion of the Christ competes with and excludes no one, but includes everyone and everything (Acts 10:15, 34). In this understanding of Christianity’s message, the Creator’s love and presence are grounded in the created world, and any mental distinction between “natural” and “supernatural” falls apart.
Continue reading “Week Thirty-One. Modesty. Protecting the Soul.”
Smitten With Goodness 