We Connect Better

 We Connect Better

          We seem to connect with each other better through our brokenness than through our wholeness.  Nobody understands what I’m going through, until I hear their story.  Then my perspective is changed and I feel different, and I’m connected with another.

          I’ve learned that youth who go on retreat feel alone, because they think “no one knows what I’m facing,” until they hear others’ stories in Talks and some new connections get established.  These blessings can enhance our lives in many ways.

          Those that are for us as a Support Group are ones we can rely on.  Such people encourage us and build up incredibly.  This foundation keeps us stronger and holds us upright.

          The bridges we have between us allow amazing connections.  Sharing stories and ideas open opportunities that brighten our lives immensely.  There is so much illumination available if only we see it that way.

          So be a blessing to someone by sharing your brokenness, letting them connect with you.  Open new avenues, make roadways possible that can let them discover the best version of themselves.  They will connect with another person somewhere, sometime.

Easily Dehydrated

Easily Dehydrated

          In tribes where there’s a medicine man, (a patient) complaining of being disheartened, dispirited, or depressed, would be asked one of four questions – “When did you stop dancing?”, “When did you stop singing?”, “When did you stop being enchanted by stories?”, or “When did you stop finding comfort in the sweet territory of silence?”

          It’s so easy to get dried out in different situations and tired in various environments.  When we can inspire ourselves or others, and that can be so refreshing.

          The ways to stay positive and upbeat can improve our outlook.  We can be so changed and renewed.  The way we perceive things affects us immensely, and we make decisions about our outcome accordingly.

          We might react in certain ways, but we are called or challenged to respond in our choices.  In society “first reactors” are not honored, rather “First Responders” are.  Usually the “response” is done in a calmer method.

          Be hydrated that you can respond well in situations.  Refresh yourself and others brought to your path, enhancing the environment for all.

 

 

When I shared this with a group someone gave a quote:  “We don’t stop playing because we grow old.  Rather we grow old because we stop playing.”

My 2nd confirmation

 My 2^nd confirmation

          My 1^st Confirmation, the sacramental one, was when I was in the 6^th Grade.  It was a blessing to be confirmed by the Bishop, at Sacred Heart parish in Coronado, in 1974.

          What I refer to as my 2^nd confirmation happened just before I turned 21.  I was looking for a group for me, no longer just the faith of my parents.  I found a young adult group, through which God fed my faith, and allowed me to grow with a community.

          That group expanded my knowledge and spirituality allowing God the space in my life which was part of a foundation for many things in future endeavors.  I was opened up to varied experiences and other communities, and God offered me opportunities as blessings not only to me but also those brought to my path.

          The stories God has introduced me to through authors as well as ones I’ve been inspired to write have brought new ideas to consider.  So much has been sparked and new fires started.  It is like a burning of faith, love and hope, and flames are contagious toward others too.

          Staying connected has meant blessings for so many.  And the encouragement for each other have been quite incredible.  The lessons learned and growing in faith are so significant for us all.

You Are Not Far From Hope

 

You Are Not Far From Hope

One time as I felt attacked, I prayed in the sanctuary by the Stations of the Cross.  As I stood by the first station, “Jesus is condemned to death”, I could identify with some of the things Jesus went through.

As I prayed, God said to me, “Look to the left.”  As I did, I noticed the sanctuary candle, which shows where the Tabernacle is placed.  The Tabernacle houses the Body of Christ.

What God said to me was “You are not far from hope.”  Being close to the resurrected Jesus fills me with the needed hope.  I felt closer to our Divine Savior, and was comforted.

That comfort, also shared with others gives them some needed hope amid their own struggles, to go on in whatever they’re battling.  We are there for and with one another as support and encouragement.  God uses us to answer each other’s prayers.

The ways we’re there for each other builds community and God’s kingdom/family.  We are strengthened and strengthen each other for a better outlook in various environments.  God gives us hope through one another by connections formed.

Take the Anger Away

 Take the Anger Away

          In a story I read an African couple had a dispute with parents so they gave their daughter a name that meant “Take the Anger Away”.  That may have had some affect in the relationship.

          Our name may have some significance in the environment we exist in.   The meaning can be important for us or someone else, but the relevance may reach further than we realize.

The name “Ian” is of Scottish Gaelic origin (& related to John), and means “God is gracious.”  That has some giving and giftedness tones associated with it.

Some ways I’ve been called and challenged to be involved have helped others see differently, including their faith perspectives.  What we share with others may be a blessing for them, or they might provide an answer to questions in our own journey.

 Each of us must openly receive the gift presented, but also we must unwrap or unpack it to put it to effective use.  Holding onto something that is anger related can be harmful and devastating.  Taking the anger away can be quite healing.

What Fills Your Emotional and Spiritual Cup?

 What Fills Your Emotional and Spiritual Cup?

          Our cup, whether Emotional or Spiritual, or whatever other kind may need replenishing from time to time can be topped off in lots of ways.  What helps us reach that brim level?

          In a book I’m reading the author recommended slowing down and taking an inventory.  I thought of “blessings” as one of the things that would be filling.

          Also as I walked somebody reminded me to smile.  As I pondered that, it was a recalling to add joy into my life and is certain to fill up my “emotional” and “spiritual” cup to a more enhanced level.

          When my cup is fuller then I might be able to be a blessing to others that are brought to my path.  The chance to improve another’s outlook can help them see things differently.

          In a reflection the author inspired a question:  “What has helped me feel “giddy” about certain things?”  That made me think about possibilities to fill my cup in many ways.  We also build each other up with immense ideas and various suggestions.

To Not Forgive

 

To Not Forgive

          We could hold grudges against others and that may be unhealthy.  To not forgive is like allowing someone to live rent-free in our mind, our emotions or our spirit.

          Also not forgiving is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.  Blaming another for an act may be something we try to put on someone else, but ultimately it inflicts us with more discomfort.

          The poet Maya Angelou said “Anger and hate are like acids.  They corrode the containers that hold them.”  We are such containers, more delicate than we realize.

          Forgiving, whether another or ourselves also means letting go of something negative we’re holding onto.  And that can be healing, truly resolving a benefit, improving our outlook.

          We must be willing to let go of things we’re holding onto in favor of moving forward.  That which we grasp too tightly can harm us greatly and leave lasting marks.  Forgiveness is a freeing act, mostly benefitting the forgiver.

The Hiding Place for the Holy

 The Hiding Place for the Holy

          God is within us, we think secretly concealed because the Divine Presence may not have yet been revealed.  God does show up as “aha moments”, sometimes when we least expect it.

          The messages we get could be words in a book or song, or in a picture we see.  It could be a burst in nature or a thought that crosses our mind.  God reaches out to us in so many ways.

          The word “holy” came to me as simply a “connection with God”.  We are holy not because of what we do or say, but because we are connected with God.

          God is available to us whenever we open ourselves to that possibility.  We are a temple that houses the Divine Presence, but we are the ones who actively reveal that Holy Resider.

          God looks at each of us and says “she’s/he’s Mine.”  This proud proclamation is an incredible statement not only of who we are, but also Who’s we are.  Not only are we blessed, but also all those brought to our path; God works miracles in us and through us.

What can I do, right now, to be in the light?

 What can I do, right now, to be in the light?

          There are so many choices we can make, to be right or wrong.  We may be in darkness or in the light.

          The things we do could illuminate our paths so that we might brighten ways for others as well as ourselves.  Matthew Kelly has used the phrase, “Become the best version of yourself.”

          Those words have so much meaning and God offers encouragement in various methods.  We can pick up lessons from experiences that will teach us so much.  Be aware and alert because we are continually being fed with opportunities.

          But there will always be challenges, and cycles of light or Sdarkness.  And we rarely understand about what we are going through while we’re going through it.  Stay open to what God wants to show us, that we can comprehend and appreciate the graces and blessings bestowed upon us each day.

          To be in the light is a place we can choose from the circumstances presented to us.  We examine situations and make decisions about so many things.  Our choices improve our plight, or not, but we are free to say “no” or “yes”.  What we are not free from is the results from the choices.  Choose well and become the best version of yourself.