Spiritual: February 16, 2011 Issue [#4198]![Writers / Writer / Creative Writing](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/creative/writing/writing.gif) |
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This week: Preparing for Spring--Mind, Body & Soul Edited by: Ẃeβ࿚ẂỉԎḈĥ ![](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/costumicons/ps-icon-spiderweb-60.gif) ![](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/icon-mail-off.png?i=2) More Newsletters By This Editor ![](https://www.Writing.Com/nw.gif)
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1. About this Newsletter 2. A Word from our Sponsor 3. Letter from the Editor 4. Editor's Picks 5. A Word from Writing.Com 6. Ask & Answer 7. Removal instructions
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Folks, I am so looking forward to the arrival of spring, next month. I want to take advantage of the beautiful weather and start planning a garden. I want to get together with loved ones who were away for the winter and will be home soon. I want to forget all of the hardships I went through in 2010, without forgetting the lessons I have learned from each experience. let's take a closer look ... |
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Hello, folks! It's an honor and pleasure to be your guest editor for this edition of the Spiritual Newsletter. ![Delight *Delight*](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/e21/delight.png)
Although, last year was a challenging year, to say the least, it was also another year I had to share with those I love. You can't put a price on that, folks. However, at some of those difficult times, I found myself feeling a bit of self-pity and wondering why God thought I should experience these things.
There were a few deaths in the family but there were also a few weddings, too. I had a house fire, followed by several, costly break-downs of major appliances, a furnace and some serious foundation issues. On top of those things, I then ended the year with severe pain due to the disc problems I have in my back. The holidays were filled with pain, because every step I took was excruciating!
Okay, this isn't going to be a woe is me, Newsletter. On the contrary, this Newsletter is meant to uplift the spirit. Why, you may ask? Because I went through it and came out of it in better times. You've probably experienced this after suffering something painful for a while and just wondering when it will end, then it suddenly disappears and you feel reborn. It is such a great feeling that moment you take a few steps and don't feel the agony. Everything looks better in the world around you.
Yes folks, we must go through it to get through it. As corny as that sounds, it really does make us stronger each time we experience the difficult times and manage to live each day with some semblance of grace and gratitude.
It is exactly those difficult times experienced that make us so much more thankful for the good times. Someone commented once, "we need an attitude of gratitude." I so agree! It is time to look forward to spring, a time of regrowth. It's also a good idea to grow along with the new spring. Grow in mind and spirit and spread some joy to those less fortunate or still unable to get it in their own lives.
We all sometimes feel the need to cut corners, slack a little, ignore things that need our attention and pretend that things are just super when they are so-so, just to convince others that we are able to manage it all. Not true, folks, nobody can do or have it all. Something has got to give. You hope and pray that the things that are being sacrificed are not things that will end up deeply hurting those you love.
In conclusion, I want to say that I am a very fortunate woman. I wasn't always that way. I had to work for it, take chances in a big way, and most of all, pray very hard for it. Then one day, miracles started to happen. Oh, I don't mean dramatic, made for TV, movie type miracles. I mean down to earth, home, hearth and friendship miracles.
I am still very much in love with a man I met here on WDC, a few years ago. Both of our lives turned for the better because we took the chance after we prayed so hard for a change for the better in our life. Actually, that is dramatic enough for a TV movie, so I take back that disclaimer in the above paragraph. ![Wink *Wink*](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/e21/wink.png)
Make this spring be your new beginning, if that's what you've been praying to happen. Do the things necessary to get to where you want to be in a positive way. We've hopefully learned that the negative way of trying to get what we want is hurtful and really doesn't work in the long run.
So, until next time, folks, don't whine about it just get it done and move forward.
Regards,
WebWitch
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If we have had a somewhat spiritual life we can time travel to our own encounters with god. This one I sent to you was a time when I had a very intimate moment with God. We have always had the ability to travel through time. Eddie John
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Here are some responses from readers pertaining to the Where Are Your Hands question and other feedback regarding my last edition of the Spiritual Newsletter, "Spiritual Newsletter (January 19, 2011)"
nikkey76 ![](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/costumicons/ps-icon-regular-10.gif) ![](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/icon-mail-off.png?i=2)
As I look at my hands I realize that I have them firmly around my son. Just as my mother has her grip on me.I want my mother to let go and I am very sure my son would like me to to do the same for him. After reading "Where Are Your Hands" I will pray that God gives me the strength to trust in Him and let go.
Lovely response, Nikkey! You know you need to let go of your grasp and that is the first step to freeing yourself and being yourself. Perhaps your mother should also read "Where Are Your Hands," so that she can unglue her grip on you. Prayers are still necessary, though. A mother's grip is very strong! ![Wink *Wink*](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/e21/wink.png)
embe ![](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/costumicons/ps-icon-regular-10.gif) ![](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/icon-mail-off.png?i=2)
My reply to - "Where are your hands"
The visionary dream of faith deep inside me
How do you weigh a ton of fire in the sky?
Can you command the wind to blow?
How will you bring back yesterday
And know when you will die?
Asking me these questions
Knowing I can't answer
I was born in this world
Without my consent,
Searching for wisdom
To understand why
If only to bow my knee,
Praying a prayer in faith
My Savior he died for me
There on the cross of Calvary,
My storms of life now set free
Solving the three confused riddles.
What happens in this world gone mad
The human mind we cannot understand
A time for sorrow and time for dancing.
The time for silence and time for joy
God on high seeing the scene
Finding faith day by day,
Life's sorrows passed away
Will your soul be saved today?
There in heaven the doors open wide,
Angels singing praises holding your hands.
by embe.
Simply beautiful, Embe! I have no better words to add to your poetic response.
Thank you!
Winnie Kay ![](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/costumicons/ps-icon-thought_surprise-60.gif) ![](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/icon-mail-off.png?i=2)
Your Newsletter on the subject of 'letting go' gave me much to think about. It's hard to remember sometimes that we are not in control. The article you directed us to read by RipRoaringWriter reveals this truth in a superb display of courage and truth. Thanks WW for reminding me that situations aren't always about me. There is a bigger plan unfolding, and I just need to let go and walk away.
You're right, Winnie, there is a bigger plan. It will all be understood one day. Thank you so much for your insightful comment. ![Thumbsup *Thumbsup*](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/e21/thumbsup.png)
drjim
WW , for some, handing over things to Jesus of Nazareth requires, in truth, a complete surrender of our circumstance, and in doing so, we feel the burden lift once more! However, what happens when the person we care for worsens, continues to make mistakes, not listen - and persist into a stubborn world that they tolerate no one else to enter? Exactly. Its called 'parenthood', yes? I totally commiserate with you, and know full well that we've given a lot to Jesus, even with your friend, who is facing the toughest foe ever encountered in his life! Godspeed, WW, for writing from the heart things requiring our entire soul, strength, might & Muse
Thank you so much for your kind words. You do understand the need to surrender and just give it over to God. Time will tell.
caesaraslan
This newsletter is enlightening, and I come across this, daily, with family, who refuse to try to grow in their own right. It comes to the point, where I cannot bear to even be around them, witnessing them wasting their lives away. I am healthier, being alone, in my own apartment, praying, letting God keep me company, instead of trying to look for these family members to keep me company. Thank God, I found this writers forum, for it keeps me the company I need, and relieves a lot of my loneliness. I'm a newbie, and am looking forward to more Spiritual Newsletters. Amy Roche.
Thank you, Amy! Welcome to WDC and to your readership of the Spiritual Newsletter. I'm happy it offers you the comfort you need.
You bravely went forward with your own life, breaking bonds that were thorny and unhealthy. They must release themselves from their parasitic clinging and learn how to live their lives with honor and purpose.
Duchess Laughing Lemurs ![](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/costumicons/ps-icon-regular-10.gif) ![](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/icon-mail-off.png?i=2)
Thank you so much for sharing "Where are your hands?", Web Witch. This incredible piece went right along with a lesson my mother gave last night in our weekly family home evening. We may be planted in what seems to be the poorest ground (through situation or location) but the Lord knows it, has put us there for a purpose. We can produce beautiful fruit if only we will allow ourselves to be nourished. Thanks again.
Thank you, for your words of wisdom. It is beautiful to know that your family meets once a week to share precious and spiritual moments. There is not enough of that, these days. ![Angel *Angel*](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/e21/angel.png)
COUNTRYMOM-JUST REMEMBER ME ![](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/costumicons/ps-icon-regular-20.gif) ![](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/icon-mail-off.png?i=2)
A great job on the Newsletter! Thank you for including my poem "I Had A Long Talk With God" -
Your words were such a pleasure to read, I look forward to your next Guest Editor time! Well done!
Countrymom
Thank you, Countrymom! I'm so happy that you enjoyed this Newsletter.
It was my pleasure to highlight your item. ![Thumbsup *Thumbsup*](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/e21/thumbsup.png)
Light ![](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/costumicons/ps-icon-regular-40.gif) ![](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/icon-mail-off.png?i=2)
Offering to help another is never a waste of time or of one's energy, even if he or she refuses the help you offer. You have made a difference in that persons life for the better, even if neither of you can perceive the difference at the time.
That is so true!
Thanks so much for your feedback! ![Delight *Delight*](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/e21/delight.png)
Zeke ![](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/costumicons/ps-icon-regular-40.gif) ![](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/icon-mail-off.png?i=2)
I think I disagree with your point that the only person you can change is yourself. I firmly believe that we can affect our children in many ways both positive and negative.
Zeke
Of course, Zeke. We can mold our children in accordance with our beliefs and character traits and pray that they remember the good lessons in life. And yes, that can be either positive or negative input. However, that is all part of raising them. It is not changing them. It is a learning experience, placing them on the road to adulthood. At that point, we cannot change who they've decided to be, we can only try to influence them positively by our advice. They can choose to accept it or deny it. They have to want to change.
However, once they are on their own and choose their paths in life's roadway, they will become the people they want to be.
Thank you very much for your feedback. ![Delight *Delight*](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/e21/delight.png)
ANN Counselor, Lesbian & Happy ![](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/costumicons/ps-icon-regular-10.gif) via email:
My subscription is done and I appreciate your help in making sure I knew you were including my piece in this issue. I hope others are blessed by my words for Mom. It is wonderful
that you edit the spiritual newsletter...I will read it often....Spirituality is so much
more than church and you grasp that enlightenment so well. God bless.. Ann
Thank you, so much, Ann. I appreciate the feedback. It was my pleasure to highlight your item in the Newsletter, it was very encouraging. ![Vignette4 *Vignette4*](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/e21/vignette4.png)
monty31802 via email:
Now that is an exceptional work, I mean a great NEWS LETTER
Have a great New Year,
Thanks, Monty. I appreciate your kind words. You have a great 2011, also!!! ![Vignette6 *Vignette6*](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/e21/vignette6.png)
RipRoaringWriter ![](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/costumicons/ps-icon-regular-10.gif) ![](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/icon-mail-off.png?i=2)
You know, I just reread your newsletter and didn't see the serenity prayer reference title. Any twelve step experience in your background? I know the nature of it is anonymity, but couldn't help asking if there's a "fellow" out there. Thank you again.
Amanda
I love the Serenity prayer. I remember when my father died suddenly, due to a construction accident, that left my mother a relatively young widow. She and I were at a printer's to order memorial cards to send to all those people who had paid their respects. We went through a list of quotes, prayers and philosophical sayings and none of them seemed to fit my father's life and my mother's loss. Then, we saw this prayer in print and both looked at each other and agreed that this really did fit the the feelings we were experiencing.
I was only twenty and never associated it with AA. It was later in life that I saw programs and read articles about the twelve-step program that I saw just how helpful and far-reaching this prayer is. I do have loved-ones that are recovering alcoholics.
I often think back to those younger years when that prayer gave me and my widowed mother hope. It's not just for the twelve-step program. It is there for anyone who is honest enough to accept it as their hope. It is a beautiful thing, Amanda!
Thank you for sending me the letter/response to another Spiritual Newsletter, which gave me such insight to write that January 19th. editorial. It set my heart afire with a new trust in God's plan.
Thank you, folks, for all of your feedback. We editors really appreciate it! ![Delight *Delight*](https://images.Writing.Com/imgs/writing.com/writers/e21/delight.png)
See you next time!
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WW
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