Loving our next door neighbors

We’ve all had “those” neighbors, I’m sure. The ones who move in and seem to disrupt our routine, our quiet, our peace, etc. We had those neighbors, too. But then they did a surprising act of kindness, and this one positive interaction with them completely changed our perspective. They were the Good Samaritans helping us with car trouble, and we were given the opportunity to learn more humility, grace, and understanding from the experience. Now we have a relationship based on appreciation for one another. Have you had an experience like this, too?

You can read about this experience in my recent article for The Christian Science Monitor. 


Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay

Happy New Year

What are your New Year’s resolutions?

Last New Year, my family and I made a resolution to reduce our landfill waste. It took being aware of what we were throwing away and finding ways to reduce and creative ways to reuse. After just 3 weeks, we reduced our trash by 70% and we have stuck with it the entire year. Composting and recycling are a big help, and so is being mindful about what we are throwing away and looking for alternatives to plastic. Each family member has participated and developed a greater awareness of our purchasing decisions.

It’s really freeing!

Another New Year is upon us and I’m reminded of an even deeper resolution that we can carry in our hearts. It is conveyed in this quote.

Today my soul can only sing and soar. An increasing sense of God’s love, omnipresence, and omnipotence enfolds me. Each day I know Him nearer, love Him more, and humbly pray to serve Him better. –Mary Baker Eddy

Feeling more of God’s presence and love, expressing God’s qualities when we speak heart to heart, pausing and listening more deeply, and being willing to help and take the time for our neighbors will revitalize our thought and bring healing to the world.

Have a blessed, peaceful, and happy New Year!

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This beautiful image is from pixabay.com.

Living in harmony with nature

The leaves of the trees are for the healing of the nations…Revelation 22:2

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Being in the forest and witnessing the awesome beauty of nature has inspiring and transforming effects. A recent newspaper article reports that spending time in nature has many health benefits including a release of stress and anxiety. I think many of us have felt the calming effect of taking a walk through the woods.

I certainly love my walks in the woods and I especially love autumn leaves. To me, autumn leaves are a little way God is saying “see how awesome and beautiful I am!” The beautiful skies and gentle breezes in the leaves are incredible. On my walks I always gain much needed inspiration and feel an affinity for the Creator and creation.

The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein. Psalms 24:1

20181120_152021.jpgAll creation including the land, animals, and humans exist to show forth God’s awesomeness. Recognizing this enables us to appreciate each other and helps us find ways to live in harmony. How do we live in a way that enables every thing that has breath to praise the Lord? This was one of the questions posed by Dr. Barry Huff in his wonderful talk entitled “The Earth is the Lord’s…” (Ps 24:1): Biblical Inspiration for Sustainability.

God is love, and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. I John 4:16

When we dwell in love, we naturally express appreciation and respect for those around us including people, forests, and animals. Our prayers and actions can lead us to solutions for environmental challenges. When we broaden our sense of divine Love to include love and care for every living being, we see harmony, balance, and order restored to God’s beautiful creation.