  Spiritual
This week: Edited by: windac
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The great awareness comes slowly, piece by piece.
The path of spiritual growth is a path of lifelong learning.
The experience of spiritual power is basically a joyful one.
- M. Scott Peck - |
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Welcome to this edition of the Spiritual Newsletter! Your editors are Puditat  , kittiara, Love is a Mommy (no foolin)  , and me, windac.
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Psalm 139:23 NIV
Amazingly, this is my 23rd issue. One more, and I will have been doing this for two full years. The newsletter has by far been one of the most fulfilling, rewarding experiences of my life. But recently, questions of where to go from here, and whether or not I should continue at all, have been plaguing me. A special friend, PlannerDan , sent me an e-mail recently, stating that he had noticed a change in my approach. In a follow up e-mail, he asked two very important questions: What was the goal when I undertook the newsletter, and had I acheived that goal? Very good questions indeed. I was forced to visit the past to answer the first question.
What was my goal?
To say that I was nervous in the beginning would be an understatement, so much so that I almost didn't seek the editors position. But, before I could over think the idea, it was time to simply go for it. After receiving word that the spot was mine, not only were nerves a factor, there was genuine fear as well. What exactly did I want to say, and how would I go about saying it? I knew that there were people from all walks of faith, and from many different belief systems. How could I go about sharing my own story in a way that would strike a chord with the obviously diverse readership, and not have them tune out altogether? Therein lay the challenge. I went so far as to talk to the Pastor of my church, explaining the situation, and gained much insight as to how to proceed.
I've never hidden the fact that I am of Christian faith, but I've never been extremely overt about it either. I wanted the ideals presented to be universal in nature - something that everyone could relate to their own life struggles. Inspiration for newsletter ideas came from real situations and experiences, from the day to day process of living life, and how to find the strength and courage to face what it slings at you. What I wanted to do was point the way to God. I thought that If you could grasp the idea of a living God, the Creator of all things, then possibly you could grasp His Son. That was my goal.
Have I achieved that goal?
Have I said all there is to say? Of this I am not sure. My special friend also pointed out something that I really already knew. We can only share that which we know. The rest is up to the Holy Spirit. Maybe it's not possible for me to point the way. Maybe all I can do is continue to bring you along on my personal quest - a journey of the soul searching for truth. I suppose that's what it all boils down to... the quest, the search, the truth.
Over the last 22 months I've touched on but some of the many aspects of faith and spirituality as seen through my eyes, and how these aspects affect the way we think and act. In the process of attempting to point the way to God, I may have done myself, the readership, and most especially Jesus Himself a disservice. I pray this is not true, but also in this process I've learned much about myself, have grown spiritually and mentally, striving very hard to keep my heart and mind in the right place.
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Romans 5:1-5 NIV
Thank you all for sharing in this quest of mine. At this point I'm not sure if the quest will ever end, because I'm still looking, and I'm still searching. I've grown in the last two years, and I want this growth to continue, but I don't have all the answers. The best I can do is rely on my faith, and move forward. For now, the Spiritual Newsletter is a part of that. So, you're stuck with me for at least a few more months.
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This is a true story of pain, loss and survival.
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Another true story from a remarkable young woman.
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A very short, but very powerful poem.
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A short, but provoking essay on prayer.
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A true story of true faith.
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Thanks from the bottom of my heart to all who took the time to send in comments. Please know that any talent or ability I have comes from God Himself, and therefore all the glory is His!
Submitted By: Tammy~Catchin Up~
Submitted Comment:
Great newsletter. Your questions/comments should make all think about our behavior and actions.
You say it all with the fear and love part.
Tammy
Thank you Tammy, for your supportive comments and support!
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Submitted By: essence of thought
Submitted Comment:
hello Windac,
your words are great, they pass easily and really touches ones heart and conscious.
thanks for your big heart that gave these blessed thoughts
Thank you so much for taking the time to send such wonderful comments!
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Submitted By: Caliska
Submitted Comment:
Thank you for that encouraging and loving newsletter!
Thank you!
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Submitted By: werden 
Submitted Comment:
I agree that we need to see life from other people's perspectives as much as possible. I find that most people seem to only see themselves, while understandable is still a tragedy.
Yes, I agree, and thank you for sending comments my way!
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Submitted By: schipperke
Submitted Comment:
I'll try, Wind, to change my perspective, but it will be tough!
LOL! Yes, I know the feeling, but we must at least try. Thanks Schip!!
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Submitted By: chucksmith
Submitted Comment:
I enjoyed this newsletter tremendously. I think your editorial was wonderful and I appreciated how you blended such diversity into such deep truth. Thank you for the list of questions. They promise to be some upcoming writing prompts for me. Thank you for the heart and spirit you present here.
Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to send encouragement!
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Submitted By: PlannerDan
Submitted Comment:
Wind, very well done. Your words have caused me to revise my initial response to that one who offends me. You are absolutely right, it is not the person that offends it is the action. Actions can be adjusted to and even corrected. The Bible says, "Be not hasty in your spirit to be offended because anger abides in the bosom of the fool." Perhaps I should curb my haste. Well done, again.
It's always an honor and a pleasure to hear from you Dan, and your encouragement means so much!
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Submitted By: kafkaesque
Submitted Comment:
This newsletter was a work of genius. Thanks for teaching us.
While I appreciate your most kind words, genius is not a word usually associated with me. I am but a mere vessel, but I thank you just the same! |
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Spiritual: January 25, 2006 Issue [#845]
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