  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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What does it matter?
I was reflecting on some of my polls that have been around the site for a while, some of which were created specifically for previous issues of the Spiritual Newsletter. Some of the responses I've had have thrilled my heart, and others have left me wondering. A few have even left me feeling heartbroken for the person who sent it.
It seems there is a pervasion and perversion in this world, of attitudes about self - self-importance, self-interest, self-advancement, suiting oneself. Now mostly these are not bad things, but when they take on the proportions such as they have now, they become not only wrong, but very dangerous.
When exactly did the world become so focussed on one's own situation to the exclusion of others. How is it that technology has become so advanced that we now know a lot more about our world, but we seem to take delight in ignoring any influence we might have?
What does it matter? Do you personally take a stake in what is happening in this world? Do you help your brother, neighbour, old lady walking down the street? Do you send funds to devastated areas, or say a prayer for the people affected by war?
I'm on a little bit of a soap box today, so please do not take offense at anything I write, as it is not attacking or accusing anyone. I am simply frustrated by the lack of world responsibility and wanting to make people think for a moment.
Let's leave the bigger, publicised issues of famine, war, and natural disasters alone, and look at some practical situations that I'm sure are just around the corner, or maybe even next door, to every single reader.
I don't know about America, but in New Zealand there is an increasing level of disrespect and behavioural issues amongst children. Whether it be ADHD or graffiti, stealing a chocolate bar or bad-mouthing a teacher, such sights are common-place. Even when I was a child I remember neighbours would tell me off or people down the street report back to my parents any slip of decorum. Now, people are too insulated - either they don't care or they are afraid of being pegged as busybodies or perverts.
In this day and age there is much discussion about the environment and 'carbon credits'. Some people blindly ignore it all as rubbish or not concerning to them. Others take it all to heart and make others feel guilty about buying an imported pineapple. Where is the balance? How did things get so out of proportion. I love the environment - nature and animals are crucial to my enjoyment of this earth and I love every unique aspect (except spiders  ). I also have two log burners to heat my home, and we go out cutting firewood regularly. I have been utterly devastated to see a local valley denuded of its trees to make way for 'progress' (there's a poem about that somewhere in my portfolio). I bet you're wondering about the seemingly conflicting parts of my statements. That is balance. I don't believe in stripping, but I do believe in sustainability and being wise. Planting to replace what is needed whilst protecting land from erosion or being stripped of nutrients.
I believe in recycling, and always put out a larger recycling bag for collection than I do for the rubbish, but I have no compunction about reserving some newspapers to light my fire, or buying bottled water - though I do reuse the bottle by filling it with tap water until the bottle becomes yukky.
Then there is the whole issue of government. I am sure this is an issue in many countries, but it is especially noticeable in New Zealand right now as we head to elections. The government and opposition are so busy fighting over policies and finances - who spent what on election campaigns and which plan will sound better to attract the winning number of voters - that they have lost sight that they are supposed to be serving the people. So our house prices have soared and many new-home owners are being forced to sell up because they can no longer afford the mortgages. A huge majority of our population objected to the passing of the anti-smacking law, and yet politicians pushed it through. The people's predictions on the effects have been proved correct - contrary to political assurances. Our petitions calling for a referendum to have it repealed has as yet been ignored. For everyone who made the effort to object, how many objected in thought or idle conversation but did not act?
The list of government offences toward its people goes on ... taxes are being added to our fuel on top of the oil price rises to pay for roads when there is already a several million dollar surplus in roading funds that they just 'don't want to touch'. Our butter, other dairy products, and meat is exported while so many families can barely afford to buy a pound at over $5.00, or cheese at near $15.00 a kilo. Is it any surprise that I get frustrated? Our church has run a foodbank for the last 10 years and the number of people in need in the last year has increased at a dramatic rate compared to the previous 9 years.
I could go on, spouting my personal viewpoints and frustrations, but I know you do not want to hear all that. So, I want to know what you think. Please send me feedback or emails about one, some, or all of the points below...
- are there any issues that particularly upset you?
- is there something you are doing or your community is doing to make a difference?
- does your viewpoint differ to mine? If so, how and why? Balanced viewpoints are healthy.
- anything else you'd like to comment on in regards to this subject
What does it matter?
Here is a final, Biblical comment to end my spiel:
"...learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow." Isaiah 1:17
Till next time:
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These items all reflect, in some manner, the topic for this newsletter. May they cause you to think and question the world around you today.
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 Thank you, Puditat, for an excellent newsletter. Well said. I'm glad your on the mend and sorry for the loss of closeness with family and friends. God bless, you!
Maria Mize 
Thank you very much.
I send my deepest condolences to you on your present losses. I'd also like to say that as a person who is battling severe depression, I felt the reality of this article. I'm on meds, and I'm in counseling, and I meditate frequently and find other ways to escape this world that sometimes gets too difficult to bear. Sometimes I get thrilled when I just breathe in and out. Little things need to be appreciated. LAL
weeowl flying free!
I appreciate your kind words and for sharing your own personal journey. I so agree that the little things are important. It can be what keeps us grounded, or at least calmer than the feelings associated with trying to view too big a picture. May you soon find an end to the depression walk forward in love in health and happiness.
Dear KiwiAngel,
An absolutely wonderful and informative news letter. Thank you, and may you be blessed, in Jesus's Mighty Name! So be it! 
Hannah ♫♥♫
Thank so much! I receive that blessing. 
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Spiritual: May 14, 2008 Issue [#2389]
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