Insights about womanhood after watching “Wonder Woman,” by Ingrid Peschke
In this article, Ingrid Peschke, a colleague and a syndicated writer, who focuses on connecting consciousness, spirituality and health, gives us much to think about on the topic of womanhood. Ingrid shares her personal experience and spiritual insight in this inspiring article. She addresses the challenges that are unique to women today and solutions that are available to us all. Ingrid acknowledges that through a deep trust in God gained through prayer and reading the Bible, each of us can feel empowered and capable. This article is on my must read list-I hope it will be on yours!
When I was 7, my mother dressed up as Wonder Woman for a costume party. A photo of her taken that night was taped to our family’s refrigerator for years. There she stood striking her best superhero pose in knee-high boots, hands placed confidently on star-studded shorts, with a gold band on her forehead and cuffs around her wrists. This image served as a reminder to me that, costume or not, I could face difficulties with dominion just as my mom did in her life.
Naturally, I was part of the opening-night crowd for the recent blockbuster film “Wonder Woman.” Finally, an action movie that successfully proves to audiences that a female superhero is perfectly able to conquer evil without relying on sheer muscle and violence.
I came away pondering the qualities women bring to the table in facing adversity in our world today. Modern “Goliaths” that loom large for women include equal pay and opportunity in the workplace, access to education, fairness in representation in seats of authority, and diseases deemed specific to women. History shows that women have largely been underrepresented in terms of their impact on the world and the major reforms they’ve brought to society. But all men and women have inherent strength and abilities.
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Kate is interested in sharing blogs about the impact of prayer and spirituality on our health written by her colleagues. As a Christian Science practitioner and teacher, Kate has experienced the power of prayer in her life as well as in the lives of others. She is the media and legislative contact for Christian Science in Maryland. Kate can be contacted through Twitter @CScomMaryland and email at: maryland@compub.org
Resisting the serpent voice, by Moji George
Moji George, a colleague and the Christian Science Committee on Publication for Nigeria West Africa, explores how to resist evil in this inspiring article, Moji shares her spiritual perception and quotes from the Bible describing how we can recognize and correct the temptation of evil suggestions characterized biblically – as the serpent. She acknowledges that we are all the children of God and divinely authorized to recognize and resist all unlike good (God). Enjoy this lovely article and reap the goodness to resist the serpent voice!
The Bible instructs to resist the devil, or temptation, and it will flee – James 4:7. Many attribute temptation to a personal devil, an embodiment of evil having power to afflict hapless humanity. Yet, the Bible reveals that temptation comes as a thought or suggestion, rather than as a devilish personality. It is sometimes symbolically represented scripturally as a serpent voice.
How can Christians recognise temptation? Discernment is a spiritual quality, natural to man made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26). All have the capacity to identify temptation, which comes in different guises – as a contradiction of God’s message, a belief that there is pleasure in evil or wrong doing, insistence that a knowledge of evil is requisite for salvation, a belief that God created evil. Whatever suggests anything other than God as the source of our existence, happiness and health, whether subtle or overt, can be deemed the serpent voice. Evidently, this is neither a talking snake nor a devil with an evil personality.
Succumbing to temptation, openly or in secret, dishonours God, and should bring remorse and a deep sense of the need for repentance, especially since we see from Jesus’ handling of temptation, that we have God-given authority to resist evil and sinful thoughts.
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Kate is interested in sharing blogs about the impact of prayer and spirituality on our health written by her colleagues. As a Christian Science practitioner and teacher, Kate has experienced the power of prayer in her life as well as in the lives of others. She is the media and legislative contact for Christian Science in Maryland. Kate can be contacted through Twitter @CScomMaryland and email at: maryland@compub.org
Football and God’s defensive line of protection, by Thomas (Tim) Mitchinson
With football season starting, this article by Thomas (Tim) Mitchinson, a colleague and a writer, who writes about the relationship between thought, spirituality and health, and trends in that field, offers us much food for thought. Tim shares his spiritual perspective- along with the statements from others who played or are involved in football- on how many spiritual qualities are expressed and honed while practicing and playing the game. Qualities, such as, agility, precision and mental toughness. He acknowledges how a close relationship with God gained through prayer and reading the Bible establishes a deep trust that God is always protecting each and every one of us – no matter what we are doing or where we are. Join me and read what Tim has to share-let the games begin!
Fall is coming, and for many of us, 16 weeks of wonderful competition (plus the playoffs) are about to begin — the NFL football season is almost here!
Why is it that so many of us love to watch football? I find football to be a living expression of spiritual qualities, such as the precision illustrated in a perfectly executed pass; the agility shown in a beautiful catch; and especially, the mental toughness carried out in a goal-line stand by a defensive line that stops an offense cold.
To me and many others, football is more than a game. It is full of life lessons for all of us, including the value of practice, the joy of teamwork, the importance of dedication, and the profitability of spiritual exercise.
Former Chicago Bear Bill Wade knows about these life lessons. In the book Sports and Faith by Bears co-owner Patrick McCaskey, Wade wrote, “We readily admit that the game of life is basically spiritual. As we play the game and learn our purpose, whether it be president of a bank, worker in a factory, secretary, or quarterback of a football team, we must exercise ourselves spiritually to win the battles of life.” Continuing in this vein, Wade identified prayer and reading the Bible as basic exercises that strengthened him spiritually.
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#wellbeing #spirituality #prayer
Kate is interested in sharing blogs about the impact of prayer and spirituality on our health written by her colleagues. As a Christian Science practitioner and teacher, Kate has experienced the power of prayer in her life as well as in the lives of others. She is the media and legislative contact for Christian Science in Maryland. Kate can be contacted through Twitter @CScomMaryland and email at: maryland@compub.org
A survey of one: Spiritual practice key to religion’s survival, by Eric Nelson
Eric Nelson, a colleague and a writer, who writes about the link between consciousness and health from the perspective of a Christian Science practitioner, explores this provocative topic. Eric offers his spiritual insight on the relevance of religion in today’s society. He shares the results of a survey by a San Francisco radio station indicating religion is in decline. Eric acknowledges how (for many years) the experience he has at his church’s Wednesday Meeting has been uplifting, full of grace and offers a healing atmosphere where God’s love is found. Read this extraordinary article on the evidence that religion continues to be a vital part of life today and forever!
Any religion that encourages and supports a deeper appreciation of God and an unconditional love for humanity will continue to progress and to thrive.
By their own admission, the results of San Francisco radio station KALW’s recent religious survey are “not necessarily statistically valid.” Even so, they reinforce what many of the more scientific studies have been suggesting for some time: Religion is in decline.
“I would say [I’m] spiritual and religious by preference,” wrote one survey participant, “but traumatized by several churches, so church is no longer in my life.”
“I agree with many of the ideas and values of Christianity, but am against extremism of any kind,” wrote another. “I feel like ‘religious’ people are the most judgmental individuals ever.”
Still, well over half of those surveyed, regardless of church participation, indicated that some form of daily spiritual practice is important to them – an indication, perhaps, that religion’s so-called decline is not as precipitous, or as inevitable, as some might assume.
As a Christian, one of my favorite spiritual practices is getting together with friends at church every Wednesday night to listen to an inspiring message, sing a few hymns, pray with and for one another, and express our gratitude to God for blessings large and small.
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#wellbeing #spirituality #prayer
Kate is interested in sharing blogs about the impact of prayer and spirituality on our health written by her colleagues. As a Christian Science practitioner and teacher, Kate has experienced the power of prayer in her life as well as in the lives of others. She is the media and legislative contact for Christian Science in Maryland. Kate can be contacted through Twitter @CScomMaryland and email at: maryland@compub.org
Why pray silently? by Moji George
Moji George, a colleague, and Christian Science Committee on Publication for Nigeria, West Africa, explains in this article, how powerful silent prayer really is. She offers her spiritual perspective and quotes from the Bible on how important all prayer is but especially the directive to pray silently, as stated clearly by our Master, Christ Jesus. Moji acknowledges how silent prayer is the honest desire to hear what God is saying-listening for direction and communication spiritually-one on one. Take a moment and see what a compelling message Moji has to share!
There is strong advocacy for audible prayer within many churches. There are a number of good reasons for this. Usually, a child learns to pray through the example of audible prayer; some pastors encourage praying aloud to ensure alertness and active participation; and, there is a spirit of unity that comes, when we lift our voices together in prayer.
Christ Jesus says when we pray, we must ‘enter into the closet,’ shut the door, pray to the Father in secret, and the Father, who sees in secret shall reward openly. He specifically says when we pray; we must not be like the heathen, who ‘think they shall be heard for their much speaking.’ He adds, ‘After this manner therefore pray ye.’ Then he gave the Lord’s Prayer, (Matthew 6:6-13). While Jesus, at that juncture, does not instruct that we should pray the Lord’s Prayer together, over the centuries, Christians have commonly prayed it aloud together.
Many also pray it when alone. Does this suggest that praying aloud is better than praying silently? Does it suggest that silent prayer is wrong, or ineffective, or worse still, praying amiss? It does not.
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#wellbeing #spirituality #prayer
Kate is interested in sharing blogs about the impact of prayer and spirituality on our health written by her colleagues. As a Christian Science practitioner and teacher, Kate has experienced the power of prayer in her life as well as in the lives of others. She is the media and legislative contact for Christian Science in Maryland. Kate can be contacted through Twitter @CScomMaryland and email at: maryland@compub.org
What are you looking at?
What are you looking at? By Thomas (Tim) Mitchinson
In this article Thomas (Tim) Mitchinson, a colleague and a writer, who focuses on the relationship between thought spirituality and health and trends in that field, gives us much food for thought in this article. He shares his spiritual insight and a story of a woman, who saw herself as ageless, beautiful and vital well into her 9th decade. Tim acknowledges how looking beyond the physical picture we see in the mirror to our true selfhood as God’s spiritual reflection – always beautiful, dearly loved and strong can make all the difference in the quality of our lives. Take a look in the mirror and try to see what God sees-it’s a life changer!
One day while reading in the living room of the retirement home where she lived, Mildred glimpsed a woman on the opposite side of the room. She thought about waving or saying good morning, but decided against making the effort because the woman didn’t look too friendly. As she studied the Bible in her lap, the thought came to her that no matter how unfriendly the stranger might look, she could behave in a loving manner.
Mildred prayed quietly to see the woman as God saw her–lovely and perfect. She smiled and nodded at the woman, and the woman smiled and nodded right back! That’s when Mildred realized she was looking in a mirror, and that grumpy – now smiling–woman was her own reflection!
When you look in the mirror, what do you see? Many of us see someone who isn’t as young as he or she used to be. We may wish we had darker hair, fewer wrinkles and not quite so much of a double chin! Maybe it is time to be like Mildred and look deeper than our outward appearance. The Bible offers this view: “…let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us” (Ps. 90:17). We can do this no matter our age.
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#wellbeing #spirituality #prayer
Kate is interested in sharing blogs about the impact of prayer and spirituality on our health written by her colleagues. As a Christian Science practitioner and teacher, Kate has experienced the power of prayer in her life as well as in the lives of others. She is the media and legislative contact for Christian Science in Maryland. Kate can be contacted through Twitter @CScomMaryland and email at: maryland@compub.org
A letter to my goddaughter on the occasion of her first Communion, by Eric Nelson
A letter to my goddaughter on the occasion of her First Communion, by Eric Nelson
Eric Nelson, a colleague and a writer, who writes about the link between consciousness and health from the perspective of a Christian Science practitioner, shares a personal experience in this lovely article. He writes a letter to his dear goddaughter expressing how special spiritual communion with God is and how loved she is by God. Eric acknowledges how communion can and should be celebrated everyday-the love of God is unbreakable, eternal and always present. Read this heartwarming article and cherish your communion with God today!
A service at a local Catholic Church reminds this writer of the promise he’s made to be just as good, just as generous, just as loving as Jesus.
June 19, 2017 – Dear Isabella,
What a joy it was to watch you taking part in your first Holy Communion. Everything about the event – the music, the prayers, the cheerful priest, you in your pretty white dress – all of it made for a truly memorable day.
I remember seeing you the night you were born, attending most of your eight birthday parties and showing up for a handful of your soccer games and school productions. But for some reason, seeing you walk down the aisle of St. Robert’s Church stands out as the most special moment of them all. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that this was the first time since your christening that you and I had taken part as fellow Christians in such a sacred ceremony.
Although I’d never attended an event like that before, communion is something I celebrate every day, just not in the same way. Like you, perhaps, I see communion as a kind of promise I make to do my best to be just as good, just as generous, just as loving as Jesus – only without the bread and wine.
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Kate is interested in sharing blogs about the impact of prayer and spirituality on our health written by her colleagues. As a Christian Science practitioner and teacher, Kate has experienced the power of prayer in her life as well as in the lives of others. She is the media and legislative contact for Christian Science in Maryland. Kate can be contacted through Twitter @CScomMaryland and email at: maryland@compub.org
Expanding our definition of ‘spiritual competence’, by Eric Nelson
In this provocative article, Eric Nelson, a colleague and a writer, who writes about the link between consciousness and health from the perspective of a Christian Science practitioner, explores this current topic. He shares his personal experience, spiritual insight and statements from health care professionals on the meaning of ‘spiritual competence’. The meaning in its most generic term means considering something (sometimes religion or spirituality) other than a patient’s physical condition to give the best care possible. Eric acknowledges how spiritual competence means so much more. It is the ability through prayer to see our true identity as an expression of God (Spirit). This seeing not only enables better mental and physical health but it enables us to understand that God (omnipotent Love) loves and cares for us always. See what Eric has discovered-it can be a life changer
The first thing I remember as I regained consciousness, lying in a hospital emergency room, was hearing a nurse ask my mom if I was allergic to any foods. With my eyes still closed, I thought to say, “Asparagus,” thinking this might reduce the chances of anyone serving me what was then a dreaded vegetable.
“Asparagus,” repeated the nurse, making a note on my admission form.
And then, with a chuckle and what must have been a great sense of relief to see me alert, Mom said, “He’s not allergic to anything; he just doesn’t like asparagus. Obviously nothing has happened to his sense of humor.”
I was 15 years old and had just been airlifted off the side of a mountain after sliding nearly a thousand feet down an ice- and rock-covered chute. By the time I came to a stop, my body had taken quite a beating. My pelvis was shattered; my leg was broken in two; my face was pretty banged up; and as I would later find out, there was some internal bleeding.
Obviously, there was a lot of work to do in order to put me back together. Little did I know, however, that it would be what Mom said about my apparently unscathed sense of humor that would provide the first line of defense against what my doctors predicted would be a long and uncertain recovery.
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Kate is interested in sharing blogs about the impact of prayer and spirituality on our health written by her colleagues. As a Christian Science practitioner and teacher, Kate has experienced the power of prayer in her life as well as in the lives of others. She is the media and legislative contact for Christian Science in Maryland. Kate can be contacted through Twitter @CScomMaryland and email at: maryland@compub.org
What is a Christian Science Reading Room?, by Thomas (Tim) Mitchinson
Thomas (Tim) Mitchinson, a colleague and a writer, who focuses on the relationship between thought, spirituality and health and trends in that field, gives an informative and interesting answer in this article. Tim shares his spiritual perspective, geographical statistics and historical knowledge of the purpose and significance of a Christian Science Reading Room in today’s society. He acknowledges how this library-bookstore nurtures spiritual growth and development while offering a healing atmosphere for all who enter its door. Read this interesting and inviting article-a Christian Science Reading Room may offer just the atmosphere you have been looking for!
I was in college and had just started a new part-time job at a florist and gift shop. One day the store’s buyer asked me to hang some new paintings throughout the store. “Don’t lose my hammer!” she told me as I left her office. After spending quite a bit of time hanging those works of art, I was asked by the manager to go to the bank to make a deposit. On my way there, I realized I didn’t know where the hammer was! It was my first weekend on the job and I panicked.
After making the deposit, I wanted a quiet place to just think for a while. I passed a Christian Science Reading Room. I knew I could go in there – my mom worked there. I went in and sat in the study room. The quiet and peace I felt there was just what I needed to be able to think clearly about this situation. In a short while, I remembered that I had put the hammer on an antique desk in the corner of the salesroom. I left the Reading Room, went back to the store, and there was the hammer – on the antique desk in the corner. This may not seem much to you, but to a college student who really needed a job to pay for college costs, this quiet place was just what I wanted.
You may have seen one of the Christian Science Reading Rooms located in towns all over Illinois. There is one on Jefferson Street in Naperville; one on Addison Street in Elmhurst; one across from the Capitol Building in Springfield; and one in Chicago’s loop on Wabash and Wacker Drives. As a matter of fact, there are approximately 1500 Christian Science Reading Rooms, not only all over the United States, but in nearly 80 other countries! If you have seen one, you may have wondered, “What is a Christian Science Reading Room? What goes on in there?”
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#wellbeing #spirituality #prayer
Kate is interested in sharing blogs about the impact of prayer and spirituality on our health written by her colleagues. As a Christian Science practitioner and teacher, Kate has experienced the power of prayer in her life as well as in the lives of others. She is the media and legislative contact for Christian Science in Maryland. Kate can be contacted through Twitter @CScomMaryland and email at: maryland@compub.org
Building On Our Expectations, by Steven Salt
In today’s clime, we are barraged by infomercials via the media, social networking, television, radio or the internet on how to stay healthy. Steven Salt, a colleague and a writer, who focuses on health, spirituality and thought, writes about this current topic. He talks about a paradigm shift that can take place (in each of us) by focusing less on the physical and replacing it with a spiritual expectation of maintaining good health. Steven shares his spiritual perspective and the results of a 30 year study by the Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health at Duke University that found that there is definitely a positive connection between consciousness, spirituality and health. Steven acknowledges how prayer can impact our expectation of health by aligning our thought with the healing presence of God. See what you think after reading this eye opening and insightful article!
“The only way to keep your health is to eat what you don’t want, drink what you don’t like, and do what you’d rather not.” Mark Twain made that observation years ago when jokingly offering his philosophy on what it takes to stay healthy. Obviously, his expectations for lasting health were not too high.
Today we are treated to a similar message through various sources that a disease-free life is practically impossible to maintain without the intervention of diets, drugs, exercise routines, therapies, and more. With the constant barrage in media to “do this to stay healthy,” we are accepting a subtle, but relentless sub-message that illness is inevitable.
What are your health prospects? It is an important question. If living by a “Murphy’s Law” mentality you are essentially portending anything that can go wrong will happen to you at some point in time adding to a life full of doubt and anxiety.
On the other hand, giving your consent to living a life grounded by spiritual, guiding principles that supersede health uncertainties empowers you to be the expression of wellness. There is Biblical authority behind having this kind of outlook. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
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Kate is interested in sharing blogs about the impact of prayer and spirituality on our health written by her colleagues. As a Christian Science practitioner and teacher, Kate has experienced the power of prayer in her life as well as in the lives of others. She is the media and legislative contact for Christian Science in Maryland. Kate can be contacted through Twitter @CScomMaryland and email at: maryland@compub.org
