Reblog: Bright light from senior workers

Bright light from senior workers

By Barbara Vining (Reblogged from CSMonitor.com)

It’s encouraging to know that age is not a barrier to progress.

I learned that lesson early from a neighbor – a childhood friend’s father, Mr. Fierke. We were still in high school when he reached the mandatory retirement age of 65 at General Mills, where he managed the flour division. Without hesitation, he enrolled in a six-month training course to become a stockbroker, after which he began a 23-year career with a well-known brokerage firm. After that, he continued to live an active life.

In recent times, age has become less and less a factor in deciding when one should retire – or whether one should retire at all. It’s quite common for individuals to want – or need – to continue working during their senior years. Many businesses are actually wooing senior workers, and mandatory retirement ages have been disappearing from the horizon. Employers are valuing seniors for their maturity, dependability, and experience – and, I also think, for the inspiration their example can bring to the workplace.

Mr. Fierke’s example certainly inspired me, as well as many others, I’m sure… Read more

Reblog: from Huff Post Lifestyle UK

Spiritual Care – As Fortifying as the Roar of an Olympic Crowd!

by 

 

Head to Stratford for London 2012 and you’ll find one thing that’s almost as noisy as the home crowd egging on the Team GB athletes.

It is the impassioned voices of men and women who fervently believe that their Christian calling impels them to stand on a street corner informing passersby that they are sinners.

However, this megaphone approach to religion is the exception rather than the rule. The vast majority of people of faith involved in the London Olympics are expressing their love through being on hand to help… Read more

Working together


During the summer, I often have the privilege of working as a Christian Science practitioner, or spiritual healer, at a summer camp for teens.

I just returned from this 2 week trip and it was an amazing time. The summer camp provides opportunities for sea kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, games, and connecting with friends. There is also a greater feeling of being at one with God and increased spiritual growth that happens during this time.

I’m always so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this endeavor. And I learn so much!

One thing I learned is the spiritual power behind everyone praying and supporting an event together. Each morning we, as the staff members, would prepare for our day by studying the Bible and the teachings of Christian Science. The campers would pray about their God-given spiritual identity free from limitation, lack, fear or suffering. There was an expectation of good, protection, love, joy and freedom.

What a blessing it is to be in a mental and spiritual atmosphere such as this! The 2 week session was a great success. And when challenges did arise they were handled with spiritual dignity and resolved quickly.

I’m so grateful for the spiritual receptivity, childlikeness, innocence and purity which is natural to each of us, and enables us to see clearly Spirit’s harmonious government of our being.