Thursday, February 25, 2010
Flight
In reflecting on it, I tried to find out what it is about flying that just captivates me. Perhaps it's because up in the air, I feel closer to God. Maybe, but I think that it may be more of the feeling that in the air, it's just me (assuming I'm solo), the plane, the wind and God. It can be almost surreal and, when things go awry, it can certainly put the fear of God in me.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Master Yourself
“He who controls others may be powerful, but he who has mastered himself is mightier still.” ~ Lao Tzu
Monday, February 22, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Book Review - The Awakening Heart by Betty J. Eadie
My rating: 1 of 5 stars
Ms. Eadie experienced one of the most profound near death episodes on file. I believe there is a lot to be learned about the nature of God and our mortal journey from studying such experiences. However, while her first book told of her experience, this book tells of her road to getting "Embraced by the Light" published. I stopped reading at page 108.
While Ms. Eadie appears to be a very spiritual person, I just cannot relate to her. She talks of all her trials while she seems to almost flaunt her relationship to God and Jesus Christ. For whatever the reason, I just got the feeling that she felt superior to the rest of us poor schmucks who have never had a near death experience. I don't think that was her intention at all but I couldn't shake the feeling. When I compare the telling of her experience to that of Lori Newman in her book, "Here All Along", it's night and day as to empathizing with the person and the siutation. Ms. Newman comes across as real, Ms. Eadie does not.
View all my reviews >>
Ms. Eadie experienced one of the most profound near death episodes on file. I believe there is a lot to be learned about the nature of God and our mortal journey from studying such experiences. However, while her first book told of her experience, this book tells of her road to getting "Embraced by the Light" published. I stopped reading at page 108.
While Ms. Eadie appears to be a very spiritual person, I just cannot relate to her. She talks of all her trials while she seems to almost flaunt her relationship to God and Jesus Christ. For whatever the reason, I just got the feeling that she felt superior to the rest of us poor schmucks who have never had a near death experience. I don't think that was her intention at all but I couldn't shake the feeling. When I compare the telling of her experience to that of Lori Newman in her book, "Here All Along", it's night and day as to empathizing with the person and the siutation. Ms. Newman comes across as real, Ms. Eadie does not.
View all my reviews >>
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Stand for Something!
The late Gordon B. Hinckley admonished people to "Stand for Something". It's a simple yet profound idea. Too often we sit on the fence or remain silent instead of standing up for the things we believe. Don't be afraid to stand behind your values and convictions. You will not always be right but I'd rather be convinced of my errors than avoid defending them. That way if I am wrong, I'll find out sooner than later.
Monday, February 15, 2010
A Vote for Tolerance & Love
Just so we’re clear, I’ll begin by giving you some relevant information about myself. I’m a married, heterosexual male. Personally, the thought of having sex with another man is repugnant to me. Then again, I don’t like sweet potatoes either. But it doesn’t matter to me if someone else likes them. That’s their business.
For some time now I’ve followed various articles and posts concerning current moral issues such as Proposition 8. Over the years I’ve come to realize that you cannot nor should you legislate individual morality. Our society is very diverse. Not only was that diversity one of the overriding reasons the United States came into being; it is inherently ingrained within the nature of freedom. In a democracy, we are not all forced to conform to one viewpoint. The ‘law’, at least in this country, is supposed to grant citizens equal protection and provide them with a uniform application of justice regardless of their personal lifestyle.
So, in the case of legalizing gay marriage for instance; the overriding question for the law is not to determine if gay marriage is moral. No one is forcing anyone to behave in contradiction to their personal moral code. The question is; does the law provide fair and equal treatment of all citizens? In a democracy the majority decides what societal norms are. That these norms can change over time is a testimony to the progressive evolution of society. As we evolve, we become more tolerant of those who are different than ourselves and therefore the law expands to embrace the once excluded. The women’s rights movement and the civil rights movement of the sixties are examples of this.
The early Mormonism practice of polygamy was clearly outside the marital parameters set by civil law. So the Church had two choices; either conform to the law or change it through the democratic process. Societal norms prevented the latter so the former option was taken. The Gay Rights movement finds itself in this same position today and, as in California, it is the people who decide what is allowed within the definition of societal norms. All the posts; either for or against the legalization of gay marriage, are a part of our constitutionally provided right of freedom of speech. It is two sides of an issue being debated in a public forum. Where these posts descend into mudslinging and bigotry is where they become nothing more than childish rhetoric. I for one hope that we will ultimately outgrow our prejudices and vote for equality under the law for all of our citizens. Whether you agree with their lifestyle or not, that is every Americans lawful right.
For those who wallow in the self-righteous condemnation of the supposed heinous sin of homosexuality please show me where Christ teaches bigotry and intolerance. In scrutinizing Christ’s words found in Matthew 22:39 nowhere does he say, “Love your neighbors except for …” In Matthew 7:1 he says "judge not lest ye be judged". In John 8:7 Christ admonishes, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone”. Anyway you twist it, Christ’s message was one of love; love of God, of self and of your fellow man. With that in mind ask yourself; do my words and deeds reflect the love and compassion that Christ taught or do they reflect a narrow minded bias against someone different than myself?
For some time now I’ve followed various articles and posts concerning current moral issues such as Proposition 8. Over the years I’ve come to realize that you cannot nor should you legislate individual morality. Our society is very diverse. Not only was that diversity one of the overriding reasons the United States came into being; it is inherently ingrained within the nature of freedom. In a democracy, we are not all forced to conform to one viewpoint. The ‘law’, at least in this country, is supposed to grant citizens equal protection and provide them with a uniform application of justice regardless of their personal lifestyle.
So, in the case of legalizing gay marriage for instance; the overriding question for the law is not to determine if gay marriage is moral. No one is forcing anyone to behave in contradiction to their personal moral code. The question is; does the law provide fair and equal treatment of all citizens? In a democracy the majority decides what societal norms are. That these norms can change over time is a testimony to the progressive evolution of society. As we evolve, we become more tolerant of those who are different than ourselves and therefore the law expands to embrace the once excluded. The women’s rights movement and the civil rights movement of the sixties are examples of this.
The early Mormonism practice of polygamy was clearly outside the marital parameters set by civil law. So the Church had two choices; either conform to the law or change it through the democratic process. Societal norms prevented the latter so the former option was taken. The Gay Rights movement finds itself in this same position today and, as in California, it is the people who decide what is allowed within the definition of societal norms. All the posts; either for or against the legalization of gay marriage, are a part of our constitutionally provided right of freedom of speech. It is two sides of an issue being debated in a public forum. Where these posts descend into mudslinging and bigotry is where they become nothing more than childish rhetoric. I for one hope that we will ultimately outgrow our prejudices and vote for equality under the law for all of our citizens. Whether you agree with their lifestyle or not, that is every Americans lawful right.
For those who wallow in the self-righteous condemnation of the supposed heinous sin of homosexuality please show me where Christ teaches bigotry and intolerance. In scrutinizing Christ’s words found in Matthew 22:39 nowhere does he say, “Love your neighbors except for …” In Matthew 7:1 he says "judge not lest ye be judged". In John 8:7 Christ admonishes, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone”. Anyway you twist it, Christ’s message was one of love; love of God, of self and of your fellow man. With that in mind ask yourself; do my words and deeds reflect the love and compassion that Christ taught or do they reflect a narrow minded bias against someone different than myself?
Friday, February 12, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
~Finding Your Own Truth: A Consultation to the Journey of Self~
Finding your own inner truth is a yet to be released book by Reed Critchfield. After reading it I wanted to be able to give it to some people I know who could benefit from the message it has. Reed talks of finding your own truth by knowing who you are and what understanding yourself truly means and requires.
Reed gives insights into how we can achieve the best of ourselves; he gives us the true core values of what gives us all a balanced, successful present, and ways to continue a balanced future. Reed talks about the importance of balance in our lives and gives us a list of Core truths that guides us in the direction of starting our own list of Personal truths. The key ingredient being to let go of our personal egos so we can remain open to growth. Trust, being the foundation of all relationships and accepting the fact that we are all responsible for our own happiness.
Each chapter has a beautiful poem or excerpts from a song to help set the mood and is summed up at the end to enforce the teachings. There are great metaphors and personal stories to help us identify better with the nature of each chapter’s lesson.
This is a great book for those searching to find balance, peace, and harmony within their own lives. Teenagers and young adults would benefit from this book for it would help them to recognize the importance of a balanced platform for their future. We are all searching for something and in Reed’s book Finding Your Own Truth, Reed talks about the steps one needs to reach self happiness and awareness.
I really enjoyed and appreciated Reed’s message and that he himself accepted he was the one responsible for his own truth and happiness made his message come across with humility and sincerity.
A great book to read for everyone who is looking for the elements to begin or maintain a strong sense of self, this is a must read for everyone.
Stay posted for the release date.
Reviewed by Lori Newman Author of Here All Along
Reed gives insights into how we can achieve the best of ourselves; he gives us the true core values of what gives us all a balanced, successful present, and ways to continue a balanced future. Reed talks about the importance of balance in our lives and gives us a list of Core truths that guides us in the direction of starting our own list of Personal truths. The key ingredient being to let go of our personal egos so we can remain open to growth. Trust, being the foundation of all relationships and accepting the fact that we are all responsible for our own happiness.
Each chapter has a beautiful poem or excerpts from a song to help set the mood and is summed up at the end to enforce the teachings. There are great metaphors and personal stories to help us identify better with the nature of each chapter’s lesson.
This is a great book for those searching to find balance, peace, and harmony within their own lives. Teenagers and young adults would benefit from this book for it would help them to recognize the importance of a balanced platform for their future. We are all searching for something and in Reed’s book Finding Your Own Truth, Reed talks about the steps one needs to reach self happiness and awareness.
I really enjoyed and appreciated Reed’s message and that he himself accepted he was the one responsible for his own truth and happiness made his message come across with humility and sincerity.
A great book to read for everyone who is looking for the elements to begin or maintain a strong sense of self, this is a must read for everyone.
Stay posted for the release date.
Reviewed by Lori Newman Author of Here All Along
Monday, February 1, 2010
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