 Spiritual: September 12, 2007 Issue [#1946] |
  Spiritual
This week: Edited by: Puditat  
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Spiritual: relating to the spirit or soul and not to physical matter; intangible. Collins Dictionary and Thesaurus
This newsletter explores ideas of the spiritual nature that exists in each and every one of us in an open and non-judgemental manner.
Each editor brings to the newsletter their own backgrounds, experiences, beliefs and opinions. Whether you disagree, agree, doubt or applaud the views expressed, let us all show respect to each other. Together we can learn something about the many varied aspects of the spiritual self and enjoy our differences in true meaning of the Spirit of Community.
Enjoy! 
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 When Life Gets You Down
Recently I've grown weary. Weary of waiting for an agent to pick me up, weary of writing day after day after day and not seeing any results from something that is my only income. So far that income is looking distinctly unhealthy. I have even become weary of doing this newsletter and have toyed with the idea of giving it up; after all, I've been doing it several years now.
Yet, I know that I have a talent for writing; I believe a natural God-given ability to place words in such a manner as to make them interesting and sensible. And every time I think about giving up doing the editorial for this newsletter, I am encouraged by particularly supportive feedback, or God inspires me with a topic when I thought I'd exhausted everything I could write about.
Life does get tiresome from time to time. A change can make all the difference - holiday, listening to music, a walk, or changing the routine. What about those other times when we come back and still feel the same? Less than enthused, in fact, depressed about the status of things.
This is very much a spiritual issue as those feelings permeate our spirit and tend to colour life as a whole, when really it is only one or two aspects that aren't going so well. A walk may suffice, but for the times when that fails to lift your flagging spirit, try these little pick-me-ups.
 Go and visit someone, particularly someone who has few friends, is ill, or could do with a helping hand. Take them a gift, card, or packet of biscuits. Out of your own frustration, cheer someone else up and it might catch on.
"A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25
Take time to remember what you are doing and why. Often anything worthwhile takes time and the rewards can take even longer. Maybe you do need to take stock and make some changes to be more realistic or have a greater chance of achieving what you desire.
"He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgement." Proverbs 12:11
Are there attitudes or beliefs you hold which are contributing to a general weary mood? Perhaps the answers to a problem have been provided, but there is unwillingness to follow through or accept that guidance.
"Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice." Proverbs 13:10
Though it is good to take advice, you also need to weigh it up. Is the advice sound? Does it serve to only boost your pride, or worse, do the opinions of others make you feel worthless and incompetent? The words of others can affect us very deeply, often more so than we care to admit.
"The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction." Proverbs 16:21
Congratulate someone on their success. Think about the successes of people in the same area as you're attempting and realise it is possible to succeed. Use this to combat any jealousy that might be colouring your mood.
"A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones." Proverbs 14:30
Examine your motives for wanting to achieve a certain goal. Is it healthy, honest, and worthwhile? Does it honour yourself, your family, your friends or colleagues...God?
"All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord." Proverbs 16:2
Take the time to ask God about what is giving you trouble. Pray for guidance and strength, commit the acts/goal to His service and glory. Ask Him to work on your behalf.
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3
There are so many little things we forget as we go about living. How easy it is to get caught up in our own world and the issues within it. Bringing focus onto the broader picture and giving oneself a 'thought-process examination' can help bring perspective back to whatever is bringing us down.
May you continue your journey with peace and joy in Christ.
Till next time:
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Here are some other thoughts from members as a companion to mine. I hope you find them inspiring.
Listen to what God is telling us.
Avoid focusing on your own problems.
The title says it all 
Another one that needs no introduction.
Sharing an issue can help bring light to the darkness.
Our life is a journey.
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 I may have already responded here, and if so, please excuse and ignore me.
I find it hard to believe that anybody can fell 100% sure of their faith. Faith, by definition, is not proven and holds an element of doubt to make it possible.
Wren
I believe the answer to your point lies in whether someone is convinced their beliefs are right. I am totally, absolutely convinced in the one God, Jesus Christ His Son and my Saviour, and the Holy Spirit. Yes, it requires faith to believe that, but I am 100% certain that my faith is accurately placed. A result showing a lesser percentage reflects that the respondent has doubts that their beliefs are true/exclusive, that there might be other possibilities. If the doubt you mention is carried by the believer, then their faith is less than 100% certain, but if they see the doubt and reject it, then they are fully convinced in their faith.
I think this is a great survey for all of us to take a look on the inside, to our soul. It makes us think about where our belief truly resides. Do we even have a faith, and if we do, is that faith Christ? For me, it is. I have experienced the miracles of God. So, I have no doubt he exists. Thanks for a great newsletter.
blstelljes
I'm glad you enjoyed the newsletter and the survey. The survey was an interesting and illuminating process for me, and I'm thrilled it was for others as well. Thank you for your kind words.
Thanks for including my comments on the survey in the newsletter! It was a great survey, and very informative. Thanks for doing it!
faithjourney
You're very welcome! 
Hi Puditat,
I think it's wonderful that so many people shared their thoughts and feelings concerning their faith. And I feel you presented the feedback in a useful, laid-back way. I enjoy knowing why others have chosen particular paths and I agree with the multiple people who suggested that there may be more than one way to reach God. Sometimes it IS just a feeling with me as well...and there's nothing wrong with listening to one's own gut and mental musings, especially if in listening and acting, we do no harm to others.
Keep up the excellent newsletters!
Best to you,
Tehanu
Thank you so very much for the feedback and your support. I appreciate it greatly.
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