 Spiritual: December 20, 2006 Issue [#1440] |
  Spiritual
This week: Edited by: Puditat  
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Spiritual: relating to the spirit or soul and not to physical matter; intangible. Collins Dictionary and Thesaurus
This newsletter explores ideas of the spiritual nature that exists in each and every one of us in an open and non-judgemental manner.
Each editor brings to the newsletter their own backgrounds, experiences, beliefs and opinions. Whether you disagree, agree, doubt or applaud the views expressed, let us all show respect to each other. Together we can learn something about the many varied aspects of the spiritual self and enjoy our differences in true meaning of the Spirit of Community.
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Just this past week one of my dear little boys (cat) bought home a baby rabbit. A darling wee girl bunny of the common brown variety, who immediately stole my heart. I could not find any wounds on her and she appeared quite content in my hands. I rang hubby to see what I should do with her and he was keen to keep her as a pet. I hunted out the cane picnic basket that has hinged flaps, and settled her in with an old towel, water and food. She ate revenously and was unperturbed when picked up for a cuddle. Together my husband and I chose the name, Satin.
Overnight Satin somehow managed to get out of the basket. When I got up at 4am, I found the basket empty. I woke my husband up and he found her hiding behind the door. It was a very great leap to get up out of the basket and down from the top of the chest freezer to the floor. She was safely settled back, and this time the flaps were weighted with rocks. We gave Satin a good supply of fresh food and went back to bed.
I was out all day the next day and when I returned the rabbit hutch had arrived from my father-in-law. I went in and gave Satin cuddles. About an hour after that Satin passed away.  I was with her for every horrible step of it until her body stilled and I cradled her as she cooled.
I still cannot believe how quickly she became a part of my life and my affections. I cried the heart-wrenching sobs of someone who has lost a close family member. It surprises me how deeply I was affected. Perhaps it is made more intense because of the recent loss of my husband's Grandma, I don't know. 
When we lose someone precious to us, it is a hard heart-blow. And this leads me to the title of this issue - Celebrating Life.
It may seem a strange introduction to an editorial on life, but death reminds us just how important life is and how quickly it can all end.
At this time of year we celebrate the life of Christ - the beginning of his earthly life. Jesus was not born on the day we celebrate Christmas. Nor was the Queen born on the day that the countries of the Commonwealth celebrate her birthday. It is purely a day globally chosen to be the day of remembrance, a day of celebration. Whether you choose to celebrate on the exact date (as far as it can be ascertained in September) or Christmas Day, the actual date is of no real consequence to God, I believe. The point is that we take the time to remember and thank Him.
Christmas is a great time to bring family and friends together, to remember times through the year(s), to laugh and share in the comraderie of giving. Often it can be the only time in a year that the family does meet and communicate face to face. I have been fortunate in my life to have not experienced this, having a close, loving family close by.
As we look forward to the day of celebrations and deal with all the craziness of the run-up, won't you take even a few moments to commune with God? He is there waiting to hear from you!
Blessings and peace to you all,
Puditat
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 I liked Harry Potter stories. It's no different to me than the Wizard of Oz or the Hobbit or any other fantasy stories. If the editor of this newsletter is a Christian, of course this person will reflect what his/her belief system is. I am a Christian and if the editor was any other faith and it offended me, I would simply unsubscribe rather than expect the editor to conform to my belief system. That's what freedom of coice is all about. I wish you all a blessed day.
sujaz
Thank you for the comments.  Blessings to you also!
Thank you for sharing about your life. I enjoy reading about other people's lifes. I actually get to know some of them even though we never personally connect.
werden 
You're welcome. In a world of faceless names and lack of personal contact that is the WWW, we risk becoming a world that does not know how to relate or communicate in a real sense. Hopefully this is one small step to sharing the real me. 
The Bible warns us that “Spiritualism” will be at the highest popularity during the end times (before Jesus’ second coming). The occult, witchcraft, Ouija boards, séances are the devils tool to keep us at bay from Jesus. A lot of people (even the elect) will be drawn to these practices.
I’d like to point out though that I think we should not judge people no matter what their practices are as we would not want them to judge us. With everybody there is a choice whether we follow Jesus or go astray from him. On the subject of witches that were burned, I feel that’s not the way Christians should act nor anybody for that matter. It also states in the Bible that Christians will be persecuted as well for their beliefs. Take for instance John the Baptist who was beheaded, as well as Daniel and his friends that were thrown into the fiery furnace for not bowing down and worshipping the golden statue. But God does say to hold steadfast and whoever is persecuted for His namesake will be greatly rewarded in Heaven, and in that, we have hope of a future of no pain, death or disease. A home where we will live forever with our Heavenly Father free of darkness and full of God’s brilliant light.
I just wanted to say Puditat to not let others discourage you from writing this Newsletter! I think it's wonderful what you do! Non believers just don't understand what we as Christians feel, think, and what the Bible truths are. They can't understand because they do not have Jesus in their hearts. Keep spreading the word of God, even in the face of persecution!
Blessings,
Michelle M
Your words are of great encouragement, and indeed keep me plodding on. It is sometimes difficult, but I feel the rewards are huge even if I can touch only one person. I totally agree with you about not judging people. It reminds me of Jesus's words "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." (John 8:7b NIV) We are called to love people but not necessarily their actions/life paths. Again, thank you! 
Thank you for sharing your background. It's good to know what has influenced you.
I too am a Christian, and I'm sorry others have been offended by the tone of these letters. I do think the suggestion to call this a Christian Newsletter, rather than a Spirituality Newsletter, is a good one.
You asked, "Is not Christianity 'spiritual'?" No, it is a religion. That religion, or any other, may be formative in a person's spirituality, but is not essential for everyone.
Spirituality is much more encompassing than what, or who, we believe in. It is about what gives meaning to our lives, what breathes the breath of life into our hearts. It is about how we relate to each other, to our world, and to ourselves, as well as how we relate to a Supreme Being if we believe in one.
Wren
Thank you for your kind words of support. I disagree on one point. I do not believe Christianity is a religion. Of course, some treat it that way - as a thing done out of habit, guilt, or expectation. To me Christianity is the relationship I have with Christ. This has been a subject debated before, so perhaps I should replace Christianity with 'Christ follower' or similar to get across that I am not talking about religion but a real, living, intimate relationship with Jesus Christ and God the Father.
I do agree with you about spirituality encompassing more than just the relationship with God. I have covered such subjects ("Sweetly Spiritual or a Wimp", Keeping Faith After Tragedy", "Peace", "Joy" and most recently, "Spiritual Writing") and will continue to do so as I feel led by the Holy Spirit. Relationship with God is interwoven throughout those subjects.
Puditat,
Thanks for sharing your background with us. I agree with your thought that knowing you better will let us readers understand more about where your editorial thoughts come from. Thank you for sharing with us.
Incurable Romantic
Thank you, Jim. I'm glad that sharing my brief life story met with reactions such as yours.
I enjoyed the newsletter very much, especially your biographical information, your 'story.' I found it very interesting that you went from an anglican background to a pentecostal one, quite a difference. It's clear your aim is to serve God as best you can, and I admire you for that. :) God bless you
Iva Lilly Durham 
Thank you for your sweet comments. The change for me was quite a marked one when I think back. I changed from being a reluctant goer (dragged by Mum) to being eager for every Sunday's service.  I had not truly appreciated that change in my life until I read your message.
Puditat, as I've discovered in life, it is impossible to please everyone even once in a while, much less all the time. All we can do is present things as we know and understand them.
I remember when we had editors of the Spiritual Newsletter that advocated ideas far from my beliefs, and some of them were rather hateful about other beliefs. I just deleted the ones that didn't add to my understanding or which disrepected the beliefs of others. Too bad some people don't recognize the delete button. ~~ Viv
Vivian 
Viv, no wonder you've earned the delightful persona of 'site mom', as your words of wisdom strike the right note in my ears, and in my spirit. Thank you.
A great newsletter that I wish some of the scrollies would have seen several days ago when debating others religions. One's religion is his/her own, and those beliefs should not be ridiculed. Faith...I have it and am proud to say so.
Sherri
SHERRI GIBSON
Thank you, Sherri.
Amen, Puditat . You must not apologize for being a Christian, or for writing like one.
Maybe each editor should put just name and faith in bold at the beginning of the newsletter. Any who dislike Christians could choose not to read.
Sadly, though, by choosing not to read what people of other faiths have to say, we might be missing out on something. I'm not a Catholic, but I know that some of the wisest quotations (besides what's in the Bible) have come from Popes and priests and saints. Are the sayings any less wise because they came from Catholics? I don't think so. The Dali Lama is very wise. Confucius was also wise. Should we ignore these men because they are/were not Christian?
Some of most meaningful discussions in the workplace about faith were between myself a Wican priest. Others - of all kinds of faiths - didn't understand that at all. Some stayed away from him entirely, as if just being nearby was going to make something rub off.
Kenzie 
More words of truth! Thank you, Kenzie. I think we run a devastating risk if we ignore what others have to say. Not only do we have much to learn from people, but we deny the 'light' if we don't associate with certain groups of people. "No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light." (Luke 8:16 NIV)
Jesus also said that they that are born of the spirit are free! In light of his message, and his controversy with the established religious system of his day, I take this to be a reference to freedom from the Dogmatic chains of religion.
Ominous
Interesting comments. I would agree: God is not interested in religion - He is interested in people. He wants us to really know Him. God desires to be allowed into every part of our lives -- not to just see us for 1-2 hours once a week.
"Money Isn't Everything?" This is a holiday piece which is not festive; it's more like a plea for readers to think of the less fortunate during the holidays, and urge them to perhaps give a little extra to food banks, Salvation Army, etc. It's not a great poem technically, but I think it has something important to say. Thanks for your consideration.
Starr* Rathburn
Thank you for submitting it. I do like to include notes or items which remind us that this festive season is not always easy or fun for people. This is the perfect inclusion for this Christmas edition. |
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