Speaking of Spirit

When I was asked to contribute to the Gratitude Quilt, I wasn't sure what it was going to look like.  What a wonderful surprise to see the words of so many people patched together into a word quilt. Thank you, Laura Hegfield for creating such a lovely example of Gratitude! http://www.shinethedivinecreativityisaspiritualpractice.com/2014/11/gratitude-quilt-2014.html

Image via Wikipedia When we think of the word parables, many people automatically think of Jesus. Parables, simple stories that taught a moral or spiritual lesson, were a common means of teaching during his day.  Jesus was a master storyteller! Other great teachers used stories, as well.  Here is a parable from the Buddhist traditions: The 84th Problem A man once came to see the Buddha to get help with his problems. After the man had told the Buddha one of his problems and asked for help, the Buddha replied: "I cannot help you get rid of that problem." The man was surprised that the Buddha could not help him in this regard, but he told the Buddha about another problem; he thought to himself that the Buddha should at least be able to help him with that problem. But the Buddha told him "I cannot help you with that problem either." The man started to get impatient. He said: "How can it be that you are the perfectly Enlightened Buddha, when yo...

Veteran's Day is, for me, a sacred day of remembrance. I am the daughter, granddaughter, sister, cousin, niece and friend to many veterans. With utmost gratitude for their sacrifices and ever-constant prayers for lasting peace, I post the following.      The Navy Hymn By William Whiting Verse 1: Eternal Father, strong to save, Whose arm hath bound the restless wave, Who bidd'st the mighty ocean deep Its own appointed limits keep; Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee, For those in peril on the sea! Verse 2: O Christ! Whose voice the waters heard And hushed their raging at Thy word, Who walked'st on the foaming deep, And calm amidst its rage didst sleep; Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee, For those in peril on the sea! Verse 3: Most Holy Spirit! Who didst brood Upon the chaos dark and rude, And bid its angry tumult cease, And give, for wild confusion, peace; Oh, hear us when we cry to T...

Around the world, during the months of October and November, people celebrate various observances for those who have died. Honoring the dead during is different from culture to culture. Yet, many of the old ways inform how we celebrate and honor the dead, today Halloween comes from an ancient Pagan feast called, Samhain.  This was part harvest celebration and part feast of the dead, because the Pagan people of Ireland and Great Britain believed that during this time of the year, the veil that separated this life from the next was lifted.  They believed their dead ancestors would come to visit, along with unwelcome spirits.  The creation of jack-o-lanterns was a way to keep unwanted ghosts from visiting.      Image via Wikipedia   JACK-O-LANTERNS Later, this celebration was divided into two celebrations - All Saints Day and All Souls Day. The faithful would celebrate all the saints, asking for help or intercession in the year ...