You Are Called

Romans 8:30 says: "Those whom He predestined, He also called, and those whom He called, He also justified, and those whom He justified, He also glorified."
There's a lot in that verse to unpack, but that's not my plan today. My plan is to invite you to take a few moments to meditate on your calling. Do you feel a nudge from God that you are being called to something higher? Isaiah 58:11 says, "Where God guides, He provides."
Ultimately, step one toward hearing God's calling on our lives is about giving up control and saying, "Okay, God. You know better. You know what I need and where I can best be useful and glorify Your name. My life is in Your hands."
I don't know about you, but the magnitude of that is exciting and terrifying all at once. I believe that each and every one of us on this planet has a higher calling from God--we just need to listen to what He wants. That's where step two comes in as we draw on Isaiah 58:11: trust that He will provide for us when we step forward in faith into our new calling.
Whether you're on the brink of a change, sailing in clear waters, or going through a storm in your life right now, know that God provides. He will be there for you, and He will provide. All of our life experiences will be used for our good, somehow, someday, even if we can't see it right now.
Whatever you are going through, know that if you need prayer, you can submit a confidential request here.

Fall Changes

Yes, fall does bring on a plethora of changes. We move through a multitude of colorful leaves to cooler weather to life style changes… No longer do many of us have the carefree days of summer for this season heralds responsibilities and numerous tasks. Students and teachers prepare for classes, many folks close up summer cottages and some of us begin the search in closets for stored sweaters and warmer jackets.

We do, if fully aware, embrace other changes with the new season. In lieu of walking outdoors, private prayer and meditation times may occur indoors. Just as there are numerous changes in our gardens and forest, we are also aware of the many ways we can talk to God. Today, as I was considering my morning prayer, I was led to think that our Creator does not expect unceasing oral prayer, but an acknowledgement of who He/She/It is. To be grateful is an awesome form of praying. As I looked at my picture of my Meditating Jesus, I declared my thanks to God and sent love to the heavenly realms.

Just as the season brings on change, we can also elect to change how we worship and pray. Many find comfort in outside prayers, walking in meadows and forests. Some prefer to sip the morning coffee snugly inside talking to God. Whether in the rural, suburban or urban setting, Spirit is not absent. One’s focus can be on top of a brick building, on a tree or mountain top, on a neighbor’s garden…and one still finds God. Our Creator has many ways to make Himself known. It is up to the worshiper to select the best for him/herself.

To me, this is freedom-to worship/pray, talk to God in a way that is uniquely mine and to change as I mature in my faith. Just as fall leads us to the realization of changes in nature, I am learning that it is OK to change how I perceive God and follow my prayer life. Writing, dancing, walking, running, chanting, and gardening are some forms of prayer that can express one’s devotion to our Creator.

We have to remind ourselves that change can lead us deeper in our spiritual devotion. As fall beautifully reminds us of seasonal transformation, it is also permissible to adjust how we grow in our daily devotion to a Higher Source. Change can become a path to evolving growth. I believe that the more we embrace and try novel ways in our dialogue with God, the richer our prayer life becomes. Thus we can change seasonally as Mother Nature illustrates so beautifully four times a year.

Thus, the promise to myself at the close of this summer season is to embrace change.

Fall Season: The New Beginning

With the end of summer and the approaching season of fall, we begin to witness the start of bright colors of the foliage. To many, it becomes a time to reflect on this past summer’s accomplishments, and for others, it may be a time of regrets of not accomplishing the goals they set out to do. These regrets should not be regarded as failures, but learning tools and stepping stones for future planning. As the trees shed their beautiful leaves, we should discard our negative feelings of what was not accomplished and use the fall season to establish projects/goals for the winter season. 

The new cool fresh air of the fall and upcoming early winter weather act as a cleansing and healing of one’s inner self. The fall season, the changing of nature, is also the changing of energy within us. The fall harvest makes available new seasonal vegetables and fruit which enhances our nutrition. Therefore, they assist in healing of our body and spirit. 

The fall season also relates to emotional changes as well as spiritual. Some of us will experience sadness and loss due to the separation of summer friends and family until next year. This separation can cause feelings of emotion and anxiety, which must be let go. It is essential we look forward to the upcoming season, applying our energy as a way to heal oneself emotionally and spiritually. Use this energy in a positive way by giving and sharing love with others. 

Some steps to take during the upcoming fall season are to attend one or more of the CLM EOH, WOH Retreats or local healing sessions with a church or friends. When making new connections with others, a Spiritual well being takes place, and the summer season is replaced with a new beginning, Fall.

With fall, the rigorous routines of work and school start over again. Take time to reflect on the fall season and apply your energy to new projects and set goals to enhance your well being, both physically and spiritually. Do not neglect to create a time for yourself for meditation and relaxation. The healing taking place will be Spiritual, Physical, and rewarding. In turn, your new well being/healing will spread out amongst those around you.