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Living The Solution – Online Newsletter |
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July 24, 2008 ISSUE |
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Opening Thoughts:
When we consider our lives and our world
we are often confronted by the many things we perceive
as wrong. There is much hate, violence and injustice. This
can make us sad. It can make us mad. How we respond says
much about our spiritual maturity.
We absolutely should be convicted about the injustices
of our world. At the same time we should embrace the beauty
that is around us. Holding both – good and bad – in
a calm and trustful way with a reliance on God’s
great healing spirit is our call. To do this is quite a
challenge. Most of us are taught to react and to get angry
and righteous over wrongs. But the very oppositional energy
we use in this manner only creates more of the same. Instead
we must find a different way. That way is best illustrated
by Christ Jesus. He is not only the model for non-violence
and peaceful living; He is the very power we need. We need
Jesus in our lives.
In this issue I invite you to consider the idea of standing
up for what is right without falling into the trap of failing
to love. Recall the words of the prophet Micah 6:8 – “But
he's already made it plain how to live, what to do, what
God is looking for in men and women. It's quite simple:
Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate
and loyal in your love, And don't take yourself too seriously—take
God seriously” (The Message).
Peace and joy,
Tom Gilbert
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IN THIS ISSUE
Feature Article: Go and Grow with the Flow
In The Spotlight: Women in Black
Daily Thoughts: Help for Your Doubts
Prayer & Sharing Requests
Quotable: Move With the Flow |
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| FEATURED
ARTICLE |
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Go and Grow With the Flow
Article by Tom Gilbert — © July 2008
Do you like acronyms?
Acronyms are words formed from the initial
letters of a name. One of my favorites
is “good orderly direction” forming an
acronym that spells – yes – GOD.
Another GOD acronym is “grow or die”.
Let’s face it, unless we continue
to spiritually grow we are essentially
decaying and dying, at least on a spiritual
level. And spiritual development is where
it’s at. Spiritual growth means a
growing awareness of the true essence and
purpose of our lives. God consciousness,
the deep awareness of the great unfathomable
and unconditional love of God, Higher Power,
Creator, or whatever term you use, stretches
and evolves us. Life is more than self
striving to get whatever we want. As a
wise person, Fr. Richard Rohr, told me, “Life
is not about you; you are about life!”
I think that one of the true spiritual
discoveries that gives meaning to that
previous statement is that there is a flow
to the spiritual life that we need to go
with. If we are fighting, avoiding or resisting
this flow we create only conflict and frustration.
God’s flowing grace is like a river
of ever-renewing goodness. Grace is an
unmerited gift, but once we accept it and “go
with it” we live more purposefully.
It’s exciting to go with this flow,
but it can also be scary. You have to let
go of controlling your life and you have
to let go of controlling others and events.
When you grow and go with the flow you
no longer burn up energy foolishly. Life
is easier to live, even when dealing with
difficulties, such as illness, persecution
and suffering.
Going with the flow does not mean being
pushed around without a focus or being
a doormat for others. You can be strong
and stand up for what is right, but still
not be consumed by anger or fall into the
trap of fighting and violence. It’s
a mistake to think that you have to fight
to oppose. Let go to God’s way. Trust
in the true goodness that God’s Spirit
will reveal. Jesus talked about this in
the Gospels and it is evident in many of
the New Testament writings. If God dwells
within us and we agree to be an instrument
of God’s will in the world then we
are truly growing, and going, with the
Flow.
More articles here.
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| IN THE SPOTLIGHT |
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Women in Black
Maybe you’ve seen them – women
dressed in black standing quietly along streets or
in front of Federal buildings. I noticed them in downtown
Albuquerque long before I knew who they were or what
they were doing.
Women in Black are everyday women for justice and against war. They don’t
call it “protesting”, because that implies they are against. They
are “for” peace and justice. Their silent witness is effective in
many parts of the world and we invite you to discover more about their non-violent
witnessing.
Details
Here
Be sure to visit our
Spotlight Specials page for other special resources and causes.
Our Living the Solution online store
has resources to help you grow spiritually. It’s
secure and extensive with many great gift ideas!
Visit our
online store
There is something for everyone. When you shop with us,
you support our ministry – thank you!
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DAILY THOUGHTS & REFLECTIONS |
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Help for Your Doubts
Jesus said, "If? There are no 'ifs'
among believers. Anything can happen." No sooner were the words
out of his mouth than the father cried, "Then I believe. Help me
with my doubts!" (Mark 9:23-24 — The Message)
Father, you have made it crystal clear
that there is nothing that is impossible with you, that
we can do all things with and through you. You have made
us sons and daughters, princes and princesses, and have
given us your authority so that what is your will that
we speak in your name will be done. Whatever we bind will
be bound and whatever we loose will be loosened. You have
given us your Holy Spirit to guide, mentor and empower
us. You have said that everything you did, healing the
sick, giving sight to the blind, having the lame walk
and setting people free from evil spirit oppression and
influence, we would do and more.
Forgive us for our disbelief and doubts. Help us, Father, with our doubts. You
are God almighty, the Captain of the heavenly army of angels, the Creator of
all that is and that will ever be. It is by Your word and will alone that all
things are held together. Help us get beyond only what we see and move into Your
realm and see things as they really are. Help us see ourselves for how we really
are and to see and embrace the authority You have bestowed on us. Lord, help
with our doubts and disbeliefs. Help us move on and become the sons and daughters
You created us to be; help us to embrace and move in the power and authority
You have given us.
In Your Son’s precious and Holy name…
Live intentionally, purposely, free and with passion,
Pete Reinbold
Get daily inspiration with a Scripture verse and commentary
at
Daily Thought
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PRAYER REQUESTS & RESULTS |
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Prayer works. It really does.Submit your prayer
requests and we will pray for them.
Of course, we keep your information confidential.
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My thoughts are shared regularly on the pages of
our web site, especially on
the Journal pages.
We welcome and appreciate your feedback. If you would
like to submit an article please see our writer's
guidelines.
It is our hope that the content of Living The Solution will
stimulate you to deepen your faith. That is certainly a result for us in both
our writing and reading. If you would like to see articles on a particular topic
or you have comments please let us know.
Send an email
Quotable: Move With the Flow
"A process cannot be understood by stopping
it. Understanding must move with the flow of the process, must join
it and flow with it."
— Frank Herbert
Copyright 2008 Living the Solution, all rights reserved.
Tom Gilbert
Editor/Web-servant
Living The Solution
www.livingthesolution.com
P O Box 25584
Albuquerque, NM 87125-5584
Toll free 1-800-399-2564 (US only) or 505-247-3232
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