I Know of a Man Who Was Named Saul

There once was a man named Saul. He seemed to be a very heartless person. You see, Saul had a spirit of self righteousness and absolutely hated Christians! We all know how the ego part of us get us in to trouble. Well, Saul had a big one of those! I have a personal theoryContinue reading “I Know of a Man Who Was Named Saul”

The Challenge of Hosea

Hosea was a prophet to Israel canonized in the bible as a part of the old testament. In his time he was the only prophet God appointed to Israel and was challenged with bringing Israel back to God as they worshiped false gods. Hosea, whose name means “salvation” was told by God to marry anContinue reading “The Challenge of Hosea”

What is “the Sacred”

The sacred is what someone might consider to be divine, holy, of religious content, or deserving of veneration. What is sacred is different for everyone. When I personally think of the word I consider what is holy for me. This can be a holy moment of meditative prayer. Or, it can be a meaningful photoContinue reading “What is “the Sacred””

Characteristics of Love: Love Keeps No Record of Wrongs (Forgives) and MORE!

I’m almost at the end of my series on love as it is described in the bible. I think this one is harder for most people than the rest, but it sure is not hard for God. Love keeps no record of wrongs. This means true God-love forgives, but more than that. It also meansContinue reading “Characteristics of Love: Love Keeps No Record of Wrongs (Forgives) and MORE!”

Have You Been Stricken By Cupid’s Arrow?

For some reason we always associate a heart with an arrow sticking through it as a symbol of someone stricken by love. It does actually mean that but even further, it means a heart that has been tormented by a love that has caused agony. The picture doesn’t have much appeal anymore does it? WhoContinue reading “Have You Been Stricken By Cupid’s Arrow?”

Characteristics of Love: Love Does Not Delight in Evil but Rejoices With the Truth

If you have been following along with my blog posts lately you might have discovered my “love” series is taken from the attributes of love described in the bible in the book of 1 Corinthians chapter 13. Isn’t it nice that we have a guideline? I kind of skipped to this one because it stoodContinue reading “Characteristics of Love: Love Does Not Delight in Evil but Rejoices With the Truth”

Characteristics of Love: Love is Not Rude

God is love. Can you imagine God’s love ever being rude? Rudeness is offensive and God can not create an offense. It violates universal standards and characteristics of God and love. With everything God has created there is a standard that can be aligned with. One of the standards of God’s love is being polite;Continue reading “Characteristics of Love: Love is Not Rude”

Characteristics of Love: Love Does Not Boast and is Not Proud

I lumped boasting and pride together because I think they like to hang out together. Have you ever been at a gathering and overheard someone talking about their latest accomplishment or success? This is different than sharing great news. Boasting and being prideful has an inner working of the heart that states someone believes theyContinue reading “Characteristics of Love: Love Does Not Boast and is Not Proud”

Characteristics of Love: Love Does Not Envy

Envy is an interesting thing. It’s more than jealousy. It wants what someone else has, is or does. Sometimes envy even wants to live the life of another. It can truly go too far, and it happens. In Buddhist tradition, all suffering or discontentment comes from wanting what we can’t have. I think it alsoContinue reading “Characteristics of Love: Love Does Not Envy”

Characteristics of Love: Love is Kind

Kindness shines its light as a reflection of love especially during times of distress. As I explained in a previous blog post, there is a difference between being “nice” and being kind. Kindness takes compassion and empathy. It fulfills its power by giving to another without expectation of anything in return. It is an actContinue reading “Characteristics of Love: Love is Kind”