Spiritual Leanings ... From all faiths.

[Glenn]

Ever since I was a baby StoneButch I had, as you call,"spiritual leanings" (if I said this publicly say only 2-3 hundred years ago, I would've probably been burned at the stake). So I became facinated in my teens, with LSD and mahajuana, magic mushrooms, and peyote, hashish, because it was easily accessible by my "spiritual" group of "friends", and also known, as a first "rite of passage" for certain enlightened common youth of the day. I thought gettin high, was gettin closer to my Higher Self and the Master of Myself, and the entire Universe(what Swami Ram Dass called "knocking on the backdoor of heaven"). I wanted to be "drunk with the Spirit." To make a long story short, I sure did find what I was looking for in a Honky Tonk Angel! Y'alll may not believe this, but everytime that regular looking old woman touched me, I felt the greatest high imaginable! I've seen her make a group of grown men cry with joy when they visited her..she was truly a Honky Tonk Angel. Unfortunately we'd all come down from this "high", and I never knew where she lived.There are more people in this world who have these gifts. In India, it takes devotee's years of meditation and breathing excersizes to get to Samadhi or Bliss willfully and summon it whenever they please. I believe this is one way to world peace

[Andrew, Jr.]

Gracefaith,

Thank you for your post. I too keep my eyes on the Lord. "My eyes are ever fixed on the Lord, for He releases my feet from the snare. O look at me and be merciful, for I am wretched and alone." Ezekiel 36:23-26

Then I think of the psalm that we sing in Mass - "If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts."

[citybutch]

Say not in grief that she is no more
but say in thankfulness that she was
A death is not the extinguishing of a light,
but the putting out of the lamp
because the dawn has come.

- Rabindranath Tagore

[citybutch]

Harmony

I am one in Spirit with all people.

We are all connected by an invisible thread of Spirit that binds us as children of God. As we sing in a popular hymn: "We are one in the spirit, we are one in the Lord." If I am feeling out of harmony with the people in my life or perceive injustice or unfairness in the situations around me, I remember that we are all one in the spirit of God.

Looking beyond outer differences, I remember I am spiritually connected to every individual--from my neighbors, family and friends, to people of all nations around the world. I focus on the values that bind us together--such as harmony, cooperation and love. We are one in the spirit of God and the Spirit transcends any differences.

You are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind.--Philippians 1:27

http://www.dailyword.com/

[Andrew, Jr.]

Citybutch,

Everyone has a different perspective on everything in life. Let me try to explain this as best I can. Say someone posts about what it means for them to see someone who is a ftm, and they compare that person to someone else. Then there are a million and one threads on or about what is or isn't man/woman enough if they don't do whatever. It is all about perspective. It can be good, bad, or a mix. For example stereotyping. All guys smoke pipes, cigars, and so on. Or another stereotype is that all guys are atheletic and sports nuts. What about a non-smoker ftm? What about a heavy guy who is not into sports? Does that make him less of a guy? What about a guy who doesn't ride a Harley? What about a guy who looses his job, and moves back with his parents? Is he less than? It is all about perspective.

What I have decided to do is seek out the positive, and rely on the Saints who give me good intentions, feelings, and know my limitations and weaknesses. I also pray for my enemies, family members who I don't talk too, and so on. I do believe that we are all connected in some form or fashion. We may not speak the same language, but it makes no difference. We are all apart of the human race.

Another issue is wealth. Is it wrong that someone is weathly? Heck no. However, I try not to judge that person, but I do. I see how they spend their money. Do they donate to the soldiers fighting in the wars? Japan? Haiti? Hire the unemployed? Help children? Work on helping society grow? I am thinking of someone like Bill Gates.

I hope this makes sense. I tried to cover everything you mentioned above.

Enjoy your Sunday!

[citybutch]

Be Still

I am comforted in the silence, knowing that all is well.

If I am feeling burdened by life's circumstances, I choose to become still. Turning inward, I affirm God's presence in me and all around me. While it may be easy to see divinity in a serene sunset or a newborn baby, I know that God is present in the difficult experiences of life also. Through stillness and silence, I become present to the Divine in me. I know that all is well.

When the mind and heart are still--when I no longer allow my thoughts to rest on external concerns--God is revealed. As I release my needs to God, I am comforted. I am led out of turmoil into peace.

As my worries transform into peace of mind, I become a sanctuary for others. My influence is calming and comforting.

Be still, and know that I am God! --Psalm 46:10

http://www.dailyword.com/

[gracefaith]

That's awesome Andrew me and you keep our eyes on the Lord... Yes yes yes...

however there's times I don't have my eyes on the Lord and I really feel it in my spirit... However I'm learning... Learning how to keep my eyes on the Lord...

Um, as strange as this may seem; but let me run this across you ok...

(first I must let you know, at times I struggle with communication ok, I'm improving a lot so maybe its not noticeable...)

ok, um, there's times I have needs yet I'll dismiss my needs in order to align to someone else's idea of what they think is right.

In this I've been learning from God, that I need to align not on someone's so call what is right but actually align on doing what direction I was planning on and doing that direction onto God...

I wonder if this sounds so confusing... But this group is about spiritual learning and well this is the latest thing I've been learning...

Let me see if I can sum this up...

for you see, I have difficulties directing myself as I tend to be a people pleaser, or shall I say very passive...

anyways, I've been learning lately in order for me to do the area that I'm week in which is directing myself in a decision, I can't lean on if it looks good or right in anybodies eyes, but instead, to go lean on doing it onto God...

What happens is I'll get my eyes off of God and onto how others feels as a reverence for my direction.

so this I'm learning is in-spite how my own mind trips me up through analyzing how others feels, I'm doing a direction onto God and its ok to be look upon as wrong or bad, as I do it onto God,

ok do you see what I mean how its difficult for me to communicate?

if non of this makes sense; um, I guess maybe it'll take me time to find words;

to do onto God and not serve others emotions, but go in a direction onto God while other emotions happens while I do nothing about other emotions, but just do onto God my direction plan.

when I do nothing about other emotions, it allows me not having other emotions as my false god.

for when I do for others emotions I then no longer do onto God but I have my eyes off of God and have my eyes on others emotions...

this is what I'm learning... Lately...

I tend to want to make everyone happy and this in it self traps me to have my eyes off of God and onto other emotions...

When I wonder if someone is not happy I go crazy and want to fix it... This keeps my eyes off of God and onto a false god called emotions...

so I'm a baby in this learning and stumbling all over; but for me to keep my eyes onto God, I'll allow God teach me in the midst of the two things happening; any pulls that pulls me towards a false god called others emotions, while in the midst allowing God teach me how to continue my direction doing onto God;

its as if to be in it yes while allowing God teach me how; yes; be in it and allow God teach me;

not to run from but be in it, and allow;

yes yes yes...

allow; I feel God's peace as I'm in it, I'm in it, the pull... I won't run; but instead allow God teach me how...

how to do it onto God a direction yes,

any typing error please then interpret it in your mind to how it should be. Cause this is a long post I wrote...

Originally Posted by Andrew, Jr.

Gracefaith,

Thank you for your post. I too keep my eyes on the Lord. "My eyes are ever fixed on the Lord, for He releases my feet from the snare. O look at me and be merciful, for I am wretched and alone." Ezekiel 36:23-26

Then I think of the psalm that we sing in Mass - "If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts."

[Andrew, Jr.]

Dear Grace,

Let me start by stating I appreciate your posts. I enjoy them.

One of the questions you asked me is about my life from what I gather. I look at my life like this. I would love for everyone to get along, and to be a part of our whole community as 1. However, there are people who have different personalities, and different cultures/regions/religions/identities that separate us. Again, we don't know what the masterplan is that God has for us, individually or as a whole.

There is a huge difference between being sensitive, taking things personally and defending one's honor vs gossip. It is risky letting people into your life. But God tells us to love each other, help each other, take care of each other, and grow with each other. Over time you learn who is trustworthy and who is not. Who is this or that, and they know the same of you. Same with God. Are you a spectator for God and working on the sidelines? OR a disciple for God?

Now my house is built on a firm foundation. It isn't built on sand or dirt. The rains will come, and the floods have come. Winds, tornados, winter storms, heat, and on and on. I believe that most people want to do what is right, but deciding to do what is right is hard for them. They want to be a part of a click. That power of emotion is so great. The rock of my foundation comes from God. Pure and simple. I pray, I used to fast, before I was diabetic. I go to Mass. I read/listen to God's Word (Bible). But I also read/listen to other religious beliefs. There is more to God than just one religion. God is in nature. God is in each one of us. We are all children of our creator. To be treasured and loved.

I hope this answers some of your questions.

Namaste,
Andrew

[citybutch]

Faith

I am strong, positive and powerful.

Every person has a purpose. I may discover mine when I am troubled by a situation and feel called to be part of the solution. The path may not be perfectly clear; I may not know what action to take. Nevertheless, I begin right where I am. I trust my inner wisdom to show me the way.

Rather than worry about making a mistake, I pray and take one small step. I trust that God will place a lamp before my feet, guiding me as I go.

As I give of myself in sacred service, everything I need is provided. I joyfully do what is mine to do. My faith grows even deeper as I give from my abundance. As I step out in faith, I am strong, positive and powerful.

You see that faith was active along with his works.--James 2:22

http://www.dailyword.com/dailyword/51893

[gracefaith]

Hi Andrew...

I'm glad you enjoy my posts and I thoroughly enjoy your posts too... (smiles...)

You said, "I would love for everyone to get along, and to be a part of our whole community as 1 However, there are people who have different personalities, and different cultures/regions/religions/identities that separate us. Again, we don't know what the masterplan is that God has for us, individually or as a whole."

Me responding: me too., I would love if everyone get along and be part of our whole community as one... And I understand about separation due to these things you mention...

I think this is the most challenge for me is this so call either connection or feeling separated...

I think where its most painful in separation is when it happens in the family from grandparents to grandchildren or parents to their children; something there when separated is so core,

this area puzzles me in hours of analyzing and very deep pull for me to tend to want to fix when I sense this any where,

Another thought to ponder is: does it begin in the family and then branch outward to community in this area of either connection and separation?

if any separation from these things you were speaking of, are they stem from family upbringing if one digs far enough where its coming from?

Also I too, don't know all of God's master plan, but I have been learning why I'm on earth its for my deeper understanding about relationships between God and us and all of us in what sharing means...

You say, "There is a huge difference between being sensitive, taking things personally and defending one's honor vs gossip. It is risky letting people into your life. But God tells us to love each other, help each other, take care of each other, and grow with each other. Over time you learn who is trustworthy and who is not. Who is this or that, and they know the same of you. Same with God. Are you a spectator for God and working on the sidelines? OR a disciple for God?"


Me responding: I do know I'm way overly sensitive and many times take things very personally... This type of personality that I have clashes with other personality that's fast pace on the go all the time...

I feel I'm a disciple for God, I notice an area of learning that's personal, and it might not jive with others if I speak about what I'm learning; this in it self I wonder if God teaches all of us in a different ways and different insights, for our unique personalities...

I hear you about loving others and helping others and take care of others, but also understanding who we can trust, for some might be dysfunctional and might pull us into their dysfunctional ways...

To know these things and not get caught up in it but keep our eyes on God, is even my challenge, I tend to get pulled into perhaps this is gossip now thinking of it,

I'd never thought of it as gossip, but pulled into others dysfunctions and then become very dysfunctional too as I tend to want to fix, I'll look more into this, as this came to me as I'm writing you this posts - I've never associated this with gossip but now thinking of it - its gossip.


You were saying, "Now my house is built on a firm foundation. It isn't built on sand or dirt. The rains will come, and the floods have come. Winds, tornados, winter storms, heat, and on and on. I believe that most people want to do what is right, but deciding to do what is right is hard for them. They want to be a part of a click. That power of emotion is so great. The rock of my foundation comes from God. Pure and simple. I pray, I used to fast, before I was diabetic. I go to Mass. I read/listen to God's Word (Bible). But I also read/listen to other religious beliefs. There is more to God than just one religion. God is in nature. God is in each one of us. We are all children of our creator. To be treasured and loved."

me responding, "I'm glad your house is built on firm foundation and not on sand and dirt... I hear you, as I'm learning more about firm foundation...

My only type of identity that's built on firm foundation is that I'm a child of God. any other identity I understand is temporary and I can't count on them, for if I did then I will have a foundation on sand...

If I could sing, could I rely on my identity that I can sing; no... for singing is built on sand... for what will happen if something happens to my voice, I'll have an identity crises... however weather I can sing or not, I can be a child of God., so this I can count on for my identity...

I'm using singing as an example...

you mention about and I too was writing about emotions; I so agree with you my rock of my foundation comes from God. also I agree with you about other religions; I love learning from other religions as well, I learn form Buddhism about the circle and I apply this in my life...

I also believe we're all children of God... I believe God lives in all of us, and we're not separated from God... its of lies that people believe they're separated, and I think this is what happens in separation of communities is of lies as well...

however there's people who really believe they're separated from God and or from others, even I had believe in these lies when it came to separation from others: especially when it looks like I'm separated from others... feeling alone...

One of the things I hadn't of yet experience is feeling separated from God, I hadn't of yet felt this or believe in this lie of that.,

my life has been more a struggle feeling connected with people and during my dark hours I had only God to go to., so I hadn't of yet experience this lie that I'm separated from God, however I have witness others who actually believe they are separated from God and or believe that others are separated from God...

So I agree with you, how we're all children of God and how we can learn from other religions... as well as I have found the richness form learning from God who lives in me...

Thank you so much for sharing and yes your answering questions; my wondering is how to write a posts, does that make sense?

to articulate is a fine art...

thank you for being you here and sharing...

Originally Posted by Andrew, Jr.

Dear Grace,

Let me start by stating I appreciate your posts. I enjoy them.

One of the questions you asked me is about my life from what I gather. I look at my life like this. I would love for everyone to get along, and to be a part of our whole community as 1. However, there are people who have different personalities, and different cultures/regions/religions/identities that separate us. Again, we don't know what the masterplan is that God has for us, individually or as a whole.

There is a huge difference between being sensitive, taking things personally and defending one's honor vs gossip. It is risky letting people into your life. But God tells us to love each other, help each other, take care of each other, and grow with each other. Over time you learn who is trustworthy and who is not. Who is this or that, and they know the same of you. Same with God. Are you a spectator for God and working on the sidelines? OR a disciple for God?

Now my house is built on a firm foundation. It isn't built on sand or dirt. The rains will come, and the floods have come. Winds, tornados, winter storms, heat, and on and on. I believe that most people want to do what is right, but deciding to do what is right is hard for them. They want to be a part of a click. That power of emotion is so great. The rock of my foundation comes from God. Pure and simple. I pray, I used to fast, before I was diabetic. I go to Mass. I read/listen to God's Word (Bible). But I also read/listen to other religious beliefs. There is more to God than just one religion. God is in nature. God is in each one of us. We are all children of our creator. To be treasured and loved.

I hope this answers some of your questions.

Namaste,
Andrew

[Andrew, Jr.]

Dear Grace,

Thank you for your post to me. I am sure others enjoyed it as well.

For me, I use other religious principles like Buddist, & Judism intertwined with my Christain values. For me, there is no right or wrong when it comes to worship or praising God. It is a means of living life - making the right decisions for me (and me alone).

Life is a struggle for me. Every day is tough. But like I say one day is enough. So I live day to day. For the last 2-3 years I have endured major loss, personal devistation, and my health has really gone down hill. If you have your health, you are so very blessed. It is so expensive to be sick here in the States. That is why I am such a huge advocate for universal healthcare coverage for everyone. My faith is the only thing that has kept me going.

I never wish evil on anyone, but at the sametime, there are some people I just do not wish them well. It is a personal take of mine. I have witnessed karma in action and it is a bear. Something I never want to endure.

People are people every where you go. Good and bad. It is a matter of figuring them out. I struggle with that.

I hope this makes sense.

Namaste,
Andrew

[storyofmylife]

What a Blessing to read!

[gracefaith]

Hi Andrew

One thing I learn in Judaism or ones who study Judaism is they tend to to ask themselves what are they learning, where I notice with Christians they tend to cling to repentance,

could it be that the Judaism had given up keeping all their hundreds and hundreds of laws so then decided to find a different purpose and just then learn through asking what they're reading - where as for Christians they only have 10 laws to follow and have a loop hole called repentance so then try to perfect their laws still to this day?

I've notice this; I'm not saying all ok, but I've notice this...

Have you notice this?

Christians rely on repentance to perfect and Judaism rely on asking what they learn to do giving up on trying to follow so many hundreds of laws.

I just notice this seems to be their comprehension aim when reading;

I can't find me to use the loop hole of repentance, but I can go in the area of asking what am I learning; however with the old and the new testament, then, is a combination of Judaism and Christian, however I feel the new testament should had been after Jesus risen,

Jesus walk the earth in the old testament what are your thoughts on this; did Jesus walk the earth during a new testament or still the old testament?

gracefaith

Originally Posted by Andrew, Jr.

Dear Grace,

Thank you for your post to me. I am sure others enjoyed it as well.

For me, I use other religious principles like Buddist, & Judism intertwined with my Christain values. For me, there is no right or wrong when it comes to worship or praising God. It is a means of living life - making the right decisions for me (and me alone).

Life is a struggle for me. Every day is tough. But like I say one day is enough. So I live day to day. For the last 2-3 years I have endured major loss, personal devistation, and my health has really gone down hill. If you have your health, you are so very blessed. It is so expensive to be sick here in the States. That is why I am such a huge advocate for universal healthcare coverage for everyone. My faith is the only thing that has kept me going.

I never wish evil on anyone, but at the sametime, there are some people I just do not wish them well. It is a personal take of mine. I have witnessed karma in action and it is a bear. Something I never want to endure.

People are people every where you go. Good and bad. It is a matter of figuring them out. I struggle with that.

I hope this makes sense.

Namaste,
Andrew

[gracefaith]

Life is a struggle for me too; Andrew,

and in my dark time, God is my light; burning in my spirit fire, I feel for you as you injured major loss, personal devastation, and your health...

I wonder what it'll be like someday when we have bodies that won't die and get sick

I"ve learn about my moods which even though you welcome me a great weekend; it'll soon be the weekend; my moods as of right now are on the slight over the the side of where I'm going more into surrender and even more into surrender; ;

and in the midst of my dad saying he doesn't want to ever see me again; this is triggering this mood thats quite interesting; I tell you; in the midst of this mood, I will worship God, allow God to teach me;

for a while I was rebelling against this mood, as I regress backward into my huge panic, as if this mountain of fear and I tell you; I feel I'm on the same page as you, faith that gets me through;

oh at times I'll enjoy dissecting different faiths; such as grammar, did Jesus walk the earth during the old or new testament; fun to dissect...

but there's this: in this mood this mood that I'm in, if I lose everyone if I become homeless I have God.

I won't become homeless now; but I have been homeless before; so I know what that's like; but the point I'm making is; if I lose everything; everything; I have God; I have God who's my home, who's my rock; who's my identity;

all I need is God;

I will live by faith and not by sight; I will be cloth in God's white light; white light that feeds my spirit fire of life; fire of life in my spirit in my chest area; if I fail; God will use it; if my dad never sees my love for him; God will use it; I'm available God;

God I pray; I pray onto you; I give you me; just as I am in this mood; in the midst of this mood; in the shadow I will walk in God; to those who can't forgive me and who never want to see me again; such as my dad; the type of forgiveness where I can't live up to his expectations; if he can't forgiven me then I'll see him in heaven - for he doesn't want to see me here on earth;

to whom rejects me; I'll see in heaven; in this fire of life healing; where there's no death but connection for truth will only be; and this includes even me; where I need healing; my own blame where I went wrong; all can be heal; all is good in God;

I'm in this mood; yet I won't try to rid of this mood; instead in the midst of this mood I'll allow God teach me; yes God yes God a personal relationship;

Andrew actually as this is in this thread; any who reads this; I have zero compass; I had no guidelines I don't know how to be here; I don't know the rules; if I address to you; I'm sure its ok if others writes too; but it is this; I feel God's peace right now; it is God who I will serve, I'm God's child

I might be silent for a while; cause I need God; I need to drink God be alone with God; I need to cry onto God; but I will dress in faith my spiritual clothing God; white light; that lives in me... burns fire of reason to go on;

I'm married to God. God is my husband. I'm God's wife. God is my butch... I'm God's femm...

this I'm attach to, die to self; live as Christ; I will die to self yes and live Christ;


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