 Spiritual: November 01, 2006 Issue [#1350] |
  Spiritual
This week: Edited by: windac
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A voyaging ship was wrecked during a storm at sea and only two of the men on it were able to swim to a small, desert-like island. The two survivors, not knowing what else to do, agreed that they had no other recourse but to pray to God. However, to find out whose prayer was more powerful, they agreed to divide the territory between them and stay on opposite sides of the island.
The first thing they prayed for was food. The next morning the first man saw a fruit-bearing tree on his side of the island, and was able to eat its fruit. The other man's parcel of land remained barren.
After a week, the first man was lonely and he decided to pray for a wife. The next day, another ship was wrecked, and the only survivor was a woman who swam to his side of the land. On the other side of the island, there was nothing.
Soon the first man prayed for a house, clothes, more food. The next day, like magic, all of these were given to him. The second man still had nothing.
Finally, the first man prayed for a ship so that he and his wife could leave the island. In the morning, he found a ship docked at his side. The first man boarded the ship with his wife and decided to leave the second man on the island. He considered the other man unworthy to receive God's blessings, since none of his prayers had been answered.
As the ship was about to leave, the first man heard a booming voice from Heaven. "Why are you leaving your companion behind?"
"My blessings are mine alone, since I was the one who prayed for them," the first man answered. "His prayers were all unanswered, and so does not deserve anything."
"You are mistaken!" the voice rebuked him. "He had only one prayer, which I answered. If not for that, you would not have received any of my blessings."
"Tell me," the first man asked the voice, "what did he pray for that I should owe him anything?"
"He prayed that all your prayers be answered."
The motto? For all we know, our blessings are not the fruits of our prayers alone, but also those of another praying for us.
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Hello, and welcome to this edition of the Spiritual Newsletter! Your editors are Puditat  , Love is a Mommy (no foolin)  , Becky Simpson , and me, windac.
Most of you know by now that I am of Christian faith, so it would stand to reason that the majority of what I write stems from that faith. Knowing that the readership is comprised of many belief systems different from my own, I try hard to include topics that are relative to us all. Maybe I've succeeded, maybe not.
Part of what I'm sharing this month is definitely from a Christian point of view. But, I think if you'll take this information and apply it to your own faith and experience, you'll find that it can encompass virtually every aspect of daily life.
This month I want to speak about apathy, or what I call, "sitting on the fence", that inability to draw the line and take a stand on one side or the other. With it being an election year here in the States, we are being bombarded with politics through every available medium. Sadly, the bombardment is mostly in the form of mud slinging, versus stating and sticking to a solid platform. The really sad fact of this is that most tune out altogether. But I digress.
The point is, we each have opportunities every single day to draw the line - to not cross over into that area of apathetic indecision. To finally say, "I don't agree, and I'm not going to be bullied into doing anything that goes against what I believe!" Drawing a line could mean anything from telling your child that rap music isn't allowed, to saying no to taking on another project that you simply don't have the time or energy for. Both of these examples may seem minor, but you get the gist.
Today's world is overflowing with hatred, rage, oppression, abuse, poverty, greed, corruption, and an incredible lack of remorse and disregard for human life. I'm of the mind that if we don't wake up soon, the world as we know it (and would like for it to be) will cease to exist. Government can't fix it. The UN can't fix it. We - you and I - CAN fix it. But we have to make a stand - we have to unite on some level, and say enough!
All this leads to the statement I'm about to share. Some of you may be familiar with Rick Warren and his book, The Purpose Driven Life. I've read it and found it to be helpful in my own journey. The thing that strikes me most is that Mr. Warren has an abiding faith unlike any I've ever come across. A faith that leaves me feeling weak in comparison to my own.
As you read the statement below, apply it to your own life, your own faith, your own experiences, and then explore opportunities that could make this world a better place in which to live.
The Purpose Driven Movement Vision
(The Angel Stadium Declaration - April 17, 2005)
By Rick Warren
Today I am stepping across the line. I'm tired of waffling and I'm finished with wavering, I've made my choice, the verdict is in, and my decision is irrevocable. I'm going God's way. There's no turning back now!
I will live the rest of my life serving God's purposes with God's people on God's planet for God's glory. I will use my life to celebrate his presence, cultivate his character, participate in his family, demonstrate his love, and communicate his word.
Since my past has been forgiven, and I have a purpose for living, and a home awaiting in heaven, I refuse to waste any more time or energy on shallow living, petty thinking, trivial talking, thoughtless doing, useless regretting, hurtful resenting, or faithless worrying. Instead I will magnify God, grow to maturity, serve in ministry, and fulfill my mission in the membership of his family.
Because this life is preparation for the next, I will value worship over wealth, "we" over "me," character over comfort, service over status, and people over possessions, position, and pleasures. I know what matters most and I'll give it all I've got. I'll do the best I can with what I have for Jesus Christ today.
I won't be captivated by culture, manipulated by critics, motivated by praise, frustrated by problems, debilitated by temptation, or intimidated by the devil. I'll keep running my race with my eyes on the goal, not the sidelines or those running by me. When times get tough, and I get tired, I won't back up, back off, back down, back out or backslide. I'll just keep moving forward by God's grace. I'm Spirit-led, purpose-driven and mission-focused so I cannot be bought, I will not be compromised, and I shall not quit until I finish the race.
I'm a trophy of God's amazing grace so I will be gracious to everyone, grateful for everyday, and generous with everything that God entrusts to me.
To my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I say: However, Whenever, Wherever, and Whatever you ask me to do, my answer in advance is yes! Wherever you lead and whatever the cost, I'm ready. Anytime. Anywhere. Anyway. Whatever it takes Lord; Whatever it takes! I want to be used by you in such a way, that on that final day I'll hear you say, "Well done, thou good and faithful one. Come on in, and let the eternal party begin!"
One of these days I'd like to be able to say that my convictions are as strong and unmovable as Mr. Warrens.
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Thank you to all who rose to the occasion to send spiritual articles my way. There weren't many, so I've included them all in this issue. Please take the time to read, rate, and review!
Excerpt: I noticed a lake that seemed to sparkle like multi-faceted diamonds. The waters seemed so alive and shimmery. No doubt these were the "living waters" that I've often heard or read about.
|  | The Dream (E)
This was published in 2004. It also won a description and a dream contest in this forum!
#988227 by Michelle M  |
This particular item was not sent as a result of my request last month, but it is a moving, true look at death from an amazing woman. Excerpt: Who would have thought that one would make new friends while dying? I really didn't think I had any more room in my very old, tired heart, but apparently I do.
Excerpt: Cautiously turning to face my naivete, her revolutionary yet delicately spoken words, appeared to blow (in slow motion) from a deeply hidden calm, just beyond her angel lips.
Excerpt: It is our experiences in life that create connections. What gives me peace and fulfillment is feeling and cultivating these connections.
| |  | Invalid Item
This item number is not valid.
#1164704 by Not Available. |
Excerpt: We had nowhere to go. We ran nearly five miles without brakes. Our load was heavy. My heart was pounding. I wanted to jump, realizing at the speed we were traveling, I would be killed if I jumped. I also realized I would die if we crashed.
Excerpt: Spirituality is about believing in a higher purpose, something that cannot be seen or touched. Something that is felt deep within.
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Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
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Also, a BIG thank you to those who took the time to send feedback my way!
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Submitted by: diana
Your newsletter reminded me of an old Japanese proverb: "In the confrontation between the rock and the water, the water will always win, not because of
strength, but because of endurance."
It is those very emotions that give us our strength and the knowledge to know when they are needed. They are an endearing quality vital to our own existance
if we are to understand anything in our lifetime.
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Submitted by: DC 
This story was great. I loved it. To me, this shows when paul says "therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall," (1 Corinthians 10:12)to watch myself when I advise others to do something that i do not practice myself. It is easy for christians who think they are mature to fall out of place and ascend to the "holier than though" status. This may or may be done inadvertantly. I for one encourage people in my "circle" when they deal with issues. However, when the wind of life is blowing, I shiver a bit.When one encourages me with the exact remedy I used on them, I feel dumb and stupid because i felt I should of handled myself better even though I am exceedingly grateful for that person.Your newsletter was sort of an admonishment, encouragement, and a "self checker."
Thank you so much in sharing your words of wisdom and "spats" (lol)with your brother and his wife. With blessing my fellow laymen.
One love.
David
SONS OF ABRAHAM Ministries
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Submitted By: Richard Vance
I'm fairly new to writing.com. I read your newsletter for the first time and really enjoyed it. You didn't haveany editor's picks in this edition but I do look forward to following/reading some of your picks in upcoming editions of this newsletter.
keep up the good work!
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Submiitted By: AWAND FREBO
Enjoyed the newsletter. My favorite part...life is extreme,extremly hard and extremly short.
What is that the Bible says, our life is that of a vapor. A vapor only last for seconds. However hard our life is, the one thing to remember, is if we have God on our side, and we allow Him to intercept the hardness, He will soften life for us. He is a wonderful God. And you do a great job with your newsletters.
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Submitted By: Karen Bristow
What a great newsletter! I too am an emotional person. I cry when others cry; I cry at songs, movies, tv shows, comercials, etc.
Unfortunately for me, I have no edit function on my mind and no mute button on my mouth, so my emotional nature sometimes gets me into trouble.
It's very nice to know that I'm not alone out here!
Keep up the great work!
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Submitted By: Daizy May 
Good newsletter. I am a crier also; whether happy, sad, or touching. I even cried when I beheld the beauty of the Andes mountains. Emotions are natural. Let 'em show! Mrs.H
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Submitted By: catnap
Wind, I can relate to the tears coming, mostly when I'm really mad as well. Then that bugs me and I have to walk away and shrug it off. I try not to take it out on the person giving me the bad news, but sometimes it is hard to hold back. Thanks for putting those feelings out there! |
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Until next time, draw the line, make a stand! 
