Religion and Beyond….Spirituality

For your consideration……

I love the gentleness, kindness, love and HOPE in this picture. It is perfect for today’s message. This time of year we hear a lot of bickering over political correctness in how we greet people. Seriously? Does this seem strange to anyone else? A greeting is a greeting. I trust that whomever I greet will see the spirit of me and me best intentions behind it.

Conflicts in religion, religious wars, have always seemed strange to me. It is though an alter ego takes over and creates a new identity altogether. Do we really believe that anyone’s God wants them to go out and wage battle in their name? Yet clearly some people do. So where does it all go so terribly wrong?

We can study religion. Anyone can. We get a lot of facts and procedures in formal religious training. We learn about our God and the world he wants to see and how he wants us to be. Religion is like the textbook. Spirituality is the study guide. It is where we put into action what we have learned. It is where we practice what has been preached. As always, there will be people who do not want to do the work.

Do you have to own the textbook to do the study guide? Not necessarily. Some people go right to it or skip both and prefer “on the job” training. You get the message. Spirituality is religion put into action.

And it is more than that. Spirituality is an up front and personal relationship with your God. He is your partner in everything. He is in your body, mind and soul always. And you know it and count on Him. Spirituality is developing and strengthening this relationship so you can reach your full potential and complete your life purpose to this universe. That is the HOPE.

Bit by bit, piece by piece, HOPE by HOPE action steps anyone can take…..

-Meditate. It opens up your channels and helps you hear your messages more clearly and easily.

-Drink lots of water. It not only helps with clarity, it purifies your body.

-Get outdoors and take in at least 10 deep breaths.

-Stretch, walk or do an exercise or 2.

-Journal….thoughts, what you are grateful for, dreams etc.

What made me smile yesterday…..

-Breakfast at our club with Carol and Joan. Thank you Joan for treating us.

-My son-in-law’s birthday. Happy Birthday, Will.

-A fun Christmas party with family. It was great, Nick and Kathy. Thanks for having us.

-One more Christmas gift done.

-A joyous Alex. Can’t wait to see you, Babycakes.

Love, Blessings and Gratitude,

Chris