Faith

Thomas Aquinas, a philosopher and theologian who lived from 1225 to 1274, said, "To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible."

So which category do I belong? I always thought I had a lot of faith, but recently I have wondered. I am just now learning how to handle a new challenge. Do I have enough faith? Do I trust God enough to take this to my Source and leave it there?

Do I have faith to believe that this will be my best life yet? I know that I need to give my best, regardless of what is given to me in return. Do I have enough love in me to keep giving just for the sake of giving?

Second, do I trust and think the best possible thoughts for everyone? Do I refuse to dwell in negativity, no matter what? (Unfortunately, this has not been the case for me lately).

Third, can I rise above pettiness? Can I clothe myself in my spiritual rainment so that I reside in the spiritual world of love rather than the physical world of material success?

Fourth, will I view this as an opportunity to draw closer to God? Will I recapture the feelings of love, joy, peace, and strength that I know in my oneness with God? Will I renew my faith and trust God?


Fifth, will I remain in the light, looking up and rising to the occasion? Will I be open to learning new things? Will I have enough humility and serenity to accept things as they are?

Sixth, will I be able to accept a difference in opinion and establish a connection with everyone I meet? Will I recognize that every person is a unique creation of God and be tolerant and understanding of all?

Seventh, can I refuse to put limitations on myself or others? Do I have the faith to tell my mountains how big my God is? Will I pray without ceasing and receive God's provisions that have already been given to me?

Lastly, am I willing to surrender all to the Will of God? Can I let go of knowing how it will all work out and just trust God to do amazing things with my life? Will I receive my good with gratitude?

The answer to these questions is a resounding yes, only because of my GPS (God's Powerful Spirit). With God on my side, I expect only good. My Source cannot fail so I receive strength and power from this ever-present Help. Thank You, Lord. I have faith.

Love and Light,
Patty

Live for Today

"Sha-la-la-la-la-la, live for today," sang the Grassroots in 1969. What good advice! Here's some more from that famous song, "When I think of all the worries people seem to find and how they're in a hurry to complicate their mind by chasing after money and dreams that can't come true, I'm glad that we are different, we've better things to do. May others plan their future, I'm busy lovin' you."

Yes, I choose to love the present moment and live in it. I don't want to miss a thing. We have been visiting a friend who is terminal, and I am relieved that we get to spend some time with him now before it is too late.

We live one precious moment at a time. Like the Grassroots sang, "We were never meant to worry the way that people do, and I don't need to worry as long as I'm with you. We'll take it nice and easy and use my simple plan. You'll be my lovin' woman; I'll be your lovin' man. Sha-la-la-la-la-la, live for today." Love for today too.

Light and Love,
Patty

Accept and Be Glad!

"The present moment is as it is. Don't sit in judgment of it. That will only cause pain and unhappiness. Don't resist it. Just allow it to be," writes Eckhart Tolle in THE POWER OF NOW. I remember reading the analogy about the river which does not stop when it meets an obstacle. It does not fight the obstacle; it simply goes around, over, or through it. If we could only remember to do that, we would be so much happier and serene. One of my favorite sayings is Carl Jung's "What you resist, persists." If we want freedom from outside circumstances, we need to not only accept whatever happens, but to actually work with it and make friends with it. If we do this, serenity is ours.

My serenity is directly related to my faith in God and His goodness. My belief that God does not bring illness, sorrow, or catastrophe into our lives but rather health, joy, and wholeness keeps me from any discouragement. "It gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom." (Luke 12:32) The kingdom within brings me great joy.

In this very moment I am choosing to be glad. It doesn't the change the fact that a couple of days ago I was disappointed about something. It doesn't change the fact that a friend of mine is having health issues. However, my inner joy and outer smile is dispelling darkness by giving me strength.

I know that it is sunshine that makes the flowers grow and turns the acorn into an oak. I have read this analogy of life to nature many times, and the visual it provides gives me such hope. I want to be a smiling sunbeam that makes things better. I want to count so many blessings in my life that I can't see anything else.

I want to remember that even when clouds cover the sun, it is still there. I will keep singing and rejoicing, come what may. So this very moment, I am in acceptance mode, and even more than that I am choosing joy.

Love and Light,
Patty