Empowered Thoughts » spiritual journey

Developing Faith

Rev. Christine — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 21:04:00 +0000

In our class we are exploring how to live a faith-based life. There is no right or wrong way to develop faith. We build faith in ourselves when we are willing to step out of our comfort zone. Every time we step out we become more confident, have more clarity.

Spiritual faith is knowing that we don’t walk this journey alone. When we turn our awareness to God we know something greater is supporting us in our efforts and on our journey. As we develop the awareness of something greater than ourselves, we see more dramatic results.

Life can be so challenging. It can shake our faith on a daily basis. I know the more grounded I am in faith, I can meet the challenges that show up. Everyone faces doubt or confusion.

I am truly grateful for my awareness of faith, God’s Love and the extraordinary blessings in my life.

Wheels of Life

Rev. Christine — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 06:28:00 +0000

I noticed a few weeks ago that one of the tires on our car looked a little flat. I stopped at the gas station to put air into it. The tire was not inflating no matter how much air was flowing into it. After a visit to the tire store, it turned out to be a bad valve on the tire.

The car manual states that inflating car tires with the correct amount of air is essential for maximizing gas mileage and ensuring even tire wear. So the same goes for maintaining the balance of spirit, mind and body. If we sustain a constant relationship with our spiritual practice (meditation, journaling, prayer, classes, etc) we are able to retain a presence of a peaceful mind and ease in our daily activities. When we are out of spiritual balance, the peaceful experience leaks out and the body feels deflated and lacks energy and we have difficulty getting tasks accomplished. Stress builds in the body because we are operating with less energy.
I realized that doubt is like a bad valve in our thinking. No matter how many positive affirmations, prayers or good thoughts we have in the moment, doubt is a slow leak that can leave us drained, diminished and discouraged.

Tire pressure is measured in PSI, or pounds per square inch. Spiritual balance can be measured in DDP or daily dedicated practice. As we maintain our practice we leave little room for doubt or uncertainty to take hold.

It is so important during the rough, bumpy road that we seem to be traveling lately to take the time to maintain our spiritual balance. It can boost our faith and keep the wheels of life moving with ease and grace.

Rev. Christine — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:56:00 +0000

I was talking with a friend over the weekend and she was sharing about her new job and new home. She was very grateful for this sudden turn around in her life. I reminded her of her years of trial and error, of dedicated spiritual practice and of faith.

This is similar to when people say that an actor or actress was an ‘overnight’ success. There was nothing ‘overnight’ about it. It was long journey of hard work, patience and dedication. It always seems overnight because when good happens it is sudden and profound.

The same is true of our spiritual journey. It is so important to stay connected to our spiritual practice, intentions and purpose. The Good that we desire is coming…it may not happen on our timeline but it absolutely is on God’s time.