REAL

The Bible is about today and is real life.  The strange thing is we are not to take it literal but it does contain literal truth.  So there are lots of good self help books but for me the spiritual input is important.  There are a lot of people who claim to be Christians but actually turn people away because of their attitudes and their actions.

In spite of this there is an intriguing and charismatic pull that still seems to attraction the attention of non-believers.  I believe that it is because he was real and he treated each person who came to him with dignity and respect, willing to listen to their needs.  Every one has value.

When questioned Jesus would give direct no nonsense replies.

TALENTS

This is Ben singing at the school Christmas concert.  No one knew he could sing because he always played sports and did not join the choir.

We all have our talents and discovering new ones makes life more interesting.  We treasure our talents that keep us hopeful with a deeper sense of security and significance.  The important point is to be free to create your story and to leave a message that will live on with those who have motivated us to be our best.

One of the greatest experiences of my life is the moment when I made a decision to become a follower of Jesus.  What this would mean would change over the years as I studied his words and was not restricted by church law or dogma.  Faith that goes hand in hand with reason will stand the test of time.

I look at nature and feel inspired.

I am learning to take pictures that express peace and wonder!

GRACE

How do I live in a spirit of grace, of kindness and compassion?

I wake up with good intentions but I am soon challenged with every day problems.  There is always a lot to do like shopping and cleaning and cooking.  And always a pile of laundry to be sorted and put away. 

I start by talking to God knowing His strength and wisdom are available to me as I pray and as I listen.  A word of scripture from a devotional book is always helpful.

TIME

A cold dreary day in Nov. at Kwantlan College.

I believe that it is important to take time to look for the light of spiritual truth that shines into the dull and dark days.  Life is uncertain  and there are lots of questions that come into our minds.  Our relationship with this light reveals our willingness to trust and obey what is being revealed to me alone.

For me this means to stop being an over-thinker.

I need to take time to

open my ears to hear

open my mind to understand

open my heart to feel the softness of wonder

open my soul to find peace and serenity.

In the early morning it is dark when I come down to our kitchen.  Darkness reminds me of all the sadness that is in this world.  Doubt can creep into my heart when I question why all this fighting and poverty and illness seems to be everywhere.

I can only start with myself asking what kind of person do I want to become?

How can my life make a difference? 

Life can be a spiritual quest in search of a convincing story that gives our individual life meaning and purpose.

As I read and meditate the light begins to penetrate the darkness and my prayers help me to think of others and be aware of their needs.  Sometimes my prayer will call me to action knowing small acts of kindness make the world a better place.

Jesus taught that it is a blessing to be poor in spirit.

Poverty of spirit is to be humble and open with a hopeful outlook on life.