  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.
Enjoy! 
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Grace
Grace...easy to say and hard to operate in.
Grace is the ability to handle things - people and situations - with consideration for others, kindness and patience, and a humble self-attitude. Grace is what makes us respond pleasantly when we are being tested. Grace allows us to step out of our own personal considerations and give something else our attention when we least feel like it.
It is easy to act out of our emotions. Anger, tiredness, frustration, guilt, and envy are grace-stealers, as are many other things. I quite often find my grace tested, and embarrassingly enough, I have to admit I fail more times than I should. Grace is one of those things that you do not 'get' and then never have to work on again. Nope, afraid not. Grace is a constant effort and consistent need. At times it will be easy. Sometimes we can say, "It's ok, Johnny, you have that biscuit" when we haven't eaten anything for 10 hours, and be quite happy. At other times we may just eat the hand that reaches for that biscuit.
I find myself in a situation, of my own making would you believe, where my grace is tested on a daily basis. At the present moment I am 'hiding' with my laptop (a week-old purchase that I praise God for!). I had a choice, to react harshly from the distraction, or remove myself politely from the situation. I chose the latter in this instance, particularly because I now have the ability to still work while not tied to my desktop PC. However, in times past that has not been the case.
When we are faced with a grace tester, we have a choice. We may:
A. Be rude by reacting out of our negative emotion. This usually involves harsh/terse words or glares.
B. Be dismissive. Not as blantant as being rude, although it is still a rude reaction. This includes non-specific verbalisations, failure to make eye contact or show interest.
C. Demonstrate grace. Smile, respond with positive tone and words, even when we're not interested in the thing or situation.
Once your intial reaction is over, then comes the next step. You may need to remove yourself from this situation, as I've done today. You may need to explain to the person that you need some space. If you've chosen options A or B above then an apology is quite likely in order. That's never as much fun as acting once with grace and then making steps to see the situation does not recur.
Speaking without grace has a two-way negative impact. We know we were rude, and the person we're rude to knows it as well. We both end up feeling unhappy over what was probably a simple, short-lived diversion from our task.
The above deals with direct instances where grace is needed. Other situations are silent. I have personal examples where I have experienced the need to adopt grace for something where the 'offender' has no knowledge that they've offended. These are interesting cases, and require the same choices. Do we make a big deal of it, do we have a patient word, or choose to give away that offense and not let it affect our life or attitudes? By way of a practical example, I suggest something as simple as a cup of coffee. Say there's a situation where you always ask a person if they want a drink when you are making one, but that other person very rarely repays in kind, often making only themselves one. Make this not a one-day thing, but a daily pattern. What do you do? Small situations can become some of our biggest grace testers.
Failure to act graciously brings down our spirit. It grates on the spirit, abrasive like a little bit of grit in an oyster shell. Developing grace leads to a brighter, more rounded spiritual life, turning us into that pearl. A person with grace will not only feel better, but be more appealing to be around.
Daily I call upon God for the grace not to let petty annoyances overtake my spirit, and daily He helps me.
So, in what situations do you find your grace tested? How have you managed to maintain grace in difficult circumstances?
Till next time:
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 Dear Puditat: Your article is excellently written and you've summed up in a few paragraphs a 50 page teaching book I wrote a few years ago. Of course my book elucidated on your main points to help new and more Holy Spirit advanced Christians learn how to maintain their walk according to Galations 5:16-18.
I'm a non-denominational, full-Gospel minister who also gives University lectures on 'God's Reality & His Miracles' so I can fully appreciate the conciseness as well as depth you used. The Rev.
johnnybaby
Thank you for such kind feedback. Your reponse gave me a giggle, and that is a gift in itself. Your book sounds very interesting. 
I love this particular Newsletter...it touches all the bases so often overlooked or too easily dismissed in our too busy and too noisy lives and world. Saving this one as a keepsake for the uplifting and inspiring message it shares and stirs within. Thank you.
Muse At Scribe's Loft
You're very welcome. I am touched when people find my writing worthy of a second read. 
Thank you for this very inspiring newsletter. So often items under the "spiritual" heading are really too religious. I consider myself a spiritual person but not necessarily a religious one. This article was wonderfully balanced and honest.
mamia
Thank you. 
I really enjoyed your writing on taking care of your spiritual being. You touched upon the most important ways to go about it. Everyone should tap into their own spirit in order to grow in all aspects.
Amanda Sanz
I'm glad you found the newsletter enjoyable and thank you so much for taking the time to give me feedback. 
I thoroughly enjoyed this issue, and definitely agree that all points apply to anyone regardless of belief system.
Reminders of my faith are everywhere: a cross hangs from a chain on the rearview mirror of my car; a cross and angel sit on my desk at work, and three daily devotionals come to me via e-mail Monday through Friday.
I say prayers everyday on my way to (and sometimes from) work. Sometimes I don't have much to say, and then sometimes I let loose! It's comforting to know that my prayers are being heard and that I matter.
Again, great issue!! 
windac
Yes, you strike on a wonderful point Winda. Comfort! It is so very comforting to have that relationship wherever we go. Thank you for your enduring support, my friend.
Great examples!
The part you wrote about the importance of reading the bible I personally relate to. Several years back I took a college placement test after being out of school for many years, I made a 100 in reading and 92 in English and grammar. It was all possible simply because of all the devotion I was giving to bible study at the time.
I find it respectful that you included other faiths not just your own.
Keep up the good work!
Lots of love,
Aleta
Congratulations on those wonderful results and for sharing your testimony. I also thank you for the delightful feedback.
This is a very well written newsletter. It made me realize that there are some things in my spiritual life that could use some improvement.
Thank you
unseen forces
You are most welcome. I write where the spirit leads me. 
Hi, I find the way I cope with this life is to consentrate on it being simple...
also looking after myself is a key to being able to help others....Don.I will give your article a 10.
donald
Ah, simple is best isn't it. How I long sometimes for days like Adam and Eve must have enjoyed before they sinned. I'm sure they never knew the concept of being bored either. Thank you for such a generous rating. 
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Spiritual: December 05, 2007 Issue [#2099]
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