Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven

But nobody wants to go now.  Ain't that the truth?  I mean no matter what your definition of heaven is and how great it is...who wants to go now?  Not me that's for dang sure.   Heck...I'd take a pass for a few thousands years or so ;)

 

Oh and for the theologists out there...I know people don't get wings and halos and that hell isn't mentioned in the Old Testament but it's a SONG people.  ;)  Try and enjoy and not overanalyze!

 

PS

The official video is cooler but the embed is disabled so I couldn't share it.

Motivate

The problem with my spiritual self is that it gets pushed to the bottom of my to do list on a regular basis...as does this blog because it is a reflection of my spiritual journey.  Sometimes I think I'm ready for enlightenment and other times I really hope there is reincarnation so that I can get it right on the next go around, ya know?

Of course if I really believed in reincarnation and a second chance around I'd be about worthless because I'd have even less motivation than I do now...I'd spend all my time reading and playing games and listening to music and never get around to doing anything to move myself forward.

As it is, I'm looking for motivation.  Hit me with the motivation mojo, come on people, what gets you motivated to be more than a rock on the shore?

Incomplete

Not only do I love Alanis....nope.  I just love her ;)  Ok...she does a fantastic job of explaining what the song means to her and I was so happy to find it because it also does a grand job of explaining what it meant to me the first time I heard it.  I love it more every time I listen to it (and I listen to this particular album quite a lot)

 

 

"...and I'll know God and I'll be constantly one with her night dusk and day." Be God male, female, or nothing I can conceptualize it is my goal to be at one.

 

<3

Reminders of God

Just a little list of ten things that remind me of God.

1. My baby
2. Sunrise over the bay
3. Thunderstorms
4. Music
5. A full moon
6. Birds chirping
7. Being pregnant
8. Roses
9. Baby chicks
10. The wind blowing through the trees

 

What reminds you of God?

The Search for Peace

I have a little metal sign that I bought at Christmas one year that says 'Peace".  I hung it in my classroom and it was always what I would look at and focus on when I'd get riled, or disappointed, or angry.  I've wanted peace in my life and in the world for what feels like ages.  It is a total conflict for me because of my temper and tendency to hold a grudge.  I strive for peace within and wish for peace all around and yet everyday I do something that is counterproductive to my search. 

I lose my temper at my husband, some random person, or country.  I feel angry (I get ticked off pretty easily) or disappointed (which makes me angry) or hurt (which also makes me angry) or scared (yup, anger again)...so not like the peace I want.  I want peace like a Buddhist monk.  I want to be able to let go of the things that aren't important (everyday stuff) and focus on what is (becoming one with peace).

How do you do that?  How does anyone get there?  What steps am I missing that I'm not there yet?  Is it even possible for anyone to become peacefilled?

I say I want the world to get along and work through their problems but I can't even do it within myself....

Time to stop before my mind implodes.

The Pledge of Allegiance

While I'm on my education tirade...the pledge has always bugged me to.  I mean... "one nation under God" is a bit presumptuous, don't you think?  Does everyone in this nation believe in God? No.  Do those that do believe in God believe in the same God?  No.  Do those who believe in the 'same' God see him in the same way? No.  So what's with forcing the children of the nation to lie?  That's what it is you know, a lie.  They don't believe the same thing so saying they do is teaching them that one must conform and lie to be accepted.  (I know technically they aren't forced, but as a former teacher, trust me when I say that is just a technicality). 

This is not the educational lesson or the moral lesson I think children should be taught in public schools.  I want the children of our nation to learn to think for themselves and to critically examine what is around them, not be led about like sheep in a pin.  I want them to learn to explore their world, their God, their lives and not sit passively by and have others tell them what to do.

Don't pledge your heart and soul mindlessly.  Do it with purpose or not at all.

Evolution and Creationism

I was talking to a friend of mine the other day who homeschools her child (something I plan to do as well) and we were talking about curriculum and evolution came up.  She said she was going to teach it basically as being wrong.  That started me thinking about all the people who are totally opposed to teaching evolution and those who want to teach creationism.  In a public school I just can't wrap my mind around teaching a single form of creationism...when people use that term they typically mean the Christian creationist myth (that's what it is...no proof = myth...or if it'll make you feel better belief).  I just don't see it as fair.  How many Christians would have a problem with public schools teaching Native American creationist myths/beliefs, or Hindu, or Greek, or any other religion.  I'd venture to guess all of them would have a problem if it was taught in a science class and probably if it was taught in any class as valid.  They'd say it was a myth (and not see the irony). 

Evolution(or another scientific theory) is the only thing that belongs in a science class.  Of course I'm one of those people who doesn't think evolution and creationism are separate...so I'm an odd duck anyway. 

At any rate...if everyone can agree that all creationist myths MUST be taught along evolution I'll jump on the bandwagon...otherwise, let's leave science in school and belief systems in homes. 

Quaker

No, it isn't just an oatmeal brand.  I've pretty much decided that I'm not going to be able to get away from my fundamental Christian beliefs....at least not yet...and so I've spent a good deal of time looking at all the various groups of Christians.  So far my favorite is the Quakers.  It's actually kind of hard to pin them down on doctrine, and that's one of the reasons I identify.  Another is that they believe in being still to hear God...another thing I'd worked out on my own.  AND they believe that anything that gets you closer to God is a good thing...something else I'd worked out on my own. 

When I started reading some Quaker websites and books more and more it felt RIGHT.  For the first time, I didn't feel 'bad' because I wanted to explore other faiths and I wanted to know God on my own and not through someone else's interpretive sermon. 

I would like to be able to talk with a Quaker or go to a meeting but, alas, I live in the middle of nowhere and haven't yet been able to find a meeting.  So..more reading and research (something I love anyway).

When people ask me what religion I am (isn't that an odd question) I usually say it's none of your business, why does it matter, or I haven't picked one.  I'm getting closer to saying I am a Quaker, but I'm not there quite yet.

Have you studied Quaker beliefs?  What do you think about Quakers?

This I Believe

Sometimes I'm not sure what I believe.  Or rather, I don't know how to express my beliefs in a way that would be coherent enough to allow others to understand them.  I think that is why the This I Believe segment I hear on NPR always transfixes me.  Every so often I'll catch one of the essays (people write and submit an essay on their belief then if they are selected read it aloud for the audience) and I'm always enthralled.  It doesn't matter if the belief is completely alien to me or if it resonates deeply.  They are all beautifully written and have something meaningful to say.  This website showcases all of the essays from our time as well as those from the 50s when the series first started.  I hope you will take the time to listen and if you decide to write an essay of your own link it to me and I'll check it out.

What do you believe?

I Believe - Brooks & Dunn

One of (ok, probably my only) readers suggested this song.  It has been one of my favorites from the first moment I heard it and I am happy to share it with you all.  I think I'm going to start making this a regular feature... Musical Mondays.  Music is an important part of my spiritual life.  I'll give the details later but music truly does make me believe.

 

My favorite line... You can't tell me it all ends with a slow ride in a hearse.

What music makes you believe?

Daily Om

Daily Om is a website that has a bunch of really cool spiritualesque things to explore. The tag line is "nurturing mind body and spirit" and I think it is a great site to visit once or twice a week for a little bit of peace. There are daily articles and horoscopes and book recommendations and you can personalize the page by registering (for free of course).
Give it a go and let me know what you think :) Are there any spiritual or religious websites you are particularly fond of that you'd like to share?

My Tolerance Level

One of the reasons I have started this blog is because I hope through spirituality I will become a better, calmer, more understanding, and tolerant person. I actually have a really hard time with tolerance because illogical and stupid people dive me nuts and make me go all terminator. I'm really good with kids because they haven't reached the point where it is difficult to understand new ideas and they still have the ability to be open minded (something I find sadly lacking in many adults). Most of my other blogs deal with my low tolerance threshold in some form or another but this one is going to (occasionally at least) be about me trying to learn to accept people the way they are and leave their judgement up to a higher power...so hard though.

I use to say why can't I be the sword of God ;)

How about you? What has brought you to your spiritual path? Do you want personal growth? Personal understanding? Personal Peace? A bit of all or something all together different?

Tolerance

It amazes me what some people will do in the name of God.  I wonder if they even realize that nothing in the Bible would ever justify the actions they are taking.  What got me thinking about this?  A blogger buddy of mine wrote a post about the Southern Baptist Reverend Phelps.  It seems that Mr. Phelps, in the true spirit of Jesus, has decided to cast a few stones.  Yes, that was sarcasm, for those of you who don't know me very well yet.  I've mentioned before that my background is Southern Baptist, and this really bothered me.  I don't like it when anyone of any faith corrupts the doctrine to turn it into a hate machine but I always take it personally when it comes from a Southern Baptist (silly and sentimental of me I know). 

At any rate.  I feel like I can definitely speak with some authority on the Southern Baptist faith (you pick up something after fifteen years) and I can't remember anywhere in the Bible where it says that it is up to us (Christians/people in general) to pass judgement.  From what I remember that is up to God.  Supreme being and all that jazz.  Isn't it a bit presumptuous for one to say they know definitively that someone else is going to hell?  Or for that matter that they  are going to heaven?  From all my studying I don't think that any individual has the final say in that matter.

So back to my title...tolerance.  While it saddens me that these people feel the way they do and, more so, feel the need to make their feelings known in such a hateful manner, I do feel they have the right to express those feelings.  That is the beautiful thing about our country... people like Reverend Phelps and his followers are free to express their beliefs and others (like me) are free to question their motives and beliefs.

Hmmm...y'all have no idea how hard I work at being tolerant.  Might have to rant about that later.

 

What do you think about Phelps and company?  Do you think they are right?  If so, could you explain it to me?  I'd love to hear your point of view (also if you disagree, of course!)

I Saw God Today

The video below is for the song I Saw God Today by George Strait.  There isn't an official video but this one had good sound quality...I digress. 

Every time I hear this song I can't help but wonder how anyone could not believe in God.  It doesn't have to be my idea of God...any god.  How can people think that everything is an accident.  I get people who don't care if there is a God, but I don't get not believing at all.  The first time I saw my son as a blip on the ultrasound screen I felt like I had seen God.  Every time I've seen him since has brought back that same feeling..that's why I love this song. 

 

There are a lot of little moments throughout the day where I see God.  Where do you see God?

A Quiet Place

My Inner World is one of my favorite spiritual websites.  There are a ton of ways to calm down and focus on yourself and your connection with others.  It isn't religious, but then my blog is more about faith and spirituality so I guess that's ok :)  One of my favorite things is the wishing well.  You make a wish (write it on a rock) and then toss it into the well.  You can make your wish public for others to read or private.  There is also this place where you can toss your problems into a fire.  Great graphics and sound effects make it feel real.  Love it.  There is a garden where you can plant ideas and dreams a meditation area and a self discovery castle.  I really think this website has helped me relax and get more into the spiritual side of myself.

Give it a try and let me know what you think :)

Guilt

You know sometimes I wish I had a religion that made you not feel guilty. Like Catholics. From what I understand if they do something wrong they just get to ask a priest to forgive them then they get instant forgiveness and they don't have to wonder for the rest of their lives if they are going to be forgiven. I know there are rules (when aren't there rules) but mostly that's it. Heck that's the way it was in my little Baptist church except you cut out the middle man and asked God.
It kind of sucks that now I'm not sure if God will forgive me for things, even when I'm not sure if what I've done is wrong but I still feel bad. You know, like when you upset someone you really didn't want to upset or you let a friend down? You say the wrong thing when you were really trying to say the right thing...maybe that only happens to me.
I like the philosophy of the religions that say to let go of things like guilt and live in the now...wish I could do it more effectively.
Taoist philosophy...take the least resistant path..be like water... but how does that help with my guilt?!

Blog Name

I completely flaked yesterday and forgot to write in my blog at all. I know for now I’m mostly writing to myself anyway but nonetheless

I'm back and at a loss of what to talk about.  Usually I have about a billion different things I'm thinking of in regards to spirituality but now that I've started the blog I go all blank.  Doesn't that just figure?  So I've decided to answer a question I figure all of you (when there is an all) will have. 

Where did I get the blog name?

I'm so glad you asked.  A good friend of mine, JD (initials, we don't actually call him JD), used that as his closing in all of his emails.  He's not really the blogger type yet so I asked him if he'd care if I used it because it fits the way I feel about spirituality perfectly.  Oddly enough he's a rather conservative, orthodox Christian and I don't see him ever losing his religion...I always thought it a rather ironic closing for him actually.  Nevertheless, he's a wonderful guy and he was nice enough to let me swipe his slogan :)  Thanks buddy!  Oh and JD if you're reading this you are too conservative AND orthodox. ;op

Keeping My Faith

As I mentioned in my last post I lost my religion around the time I turned sixteen.  I am now thirty and consider myself to still have a great deal of faith.  Actually, I've kept my faith the entire time.  I know for sure that God is there.  It's the details I'm all confused about.  For the longest time (really even before I was sixteen) I've been interested in all religions.  Their beliefs, their practices, their histories.  I think it is as interesting as some people find sports, or fashion, or I don't know whatever hobby they are interested in.  I think all of my studying has made my faith stronger and I look forward every day to learning something new.

This blog and the website I'm making to go along with it are all going to be a part of my exploration of faith and my attempt to build a community to discuss, learn, and grow with.  I hope you will join me on my journey.

Lose your religion.  Keep your faith. 

Keep your faith.

Losing My Religion

I was taken to church, southern Baptist if you were wondering, every time the doors were open.  My Granny loved church and I loved it too.  I loved the music (still love southern gospel), I loved the people, and I loved learning.  My Sunday school teachers use to get a kick out of me asking the most random questions and more often than not they didn't know the answer.  I would ask how dinosaurs could come first if the bible said people came first and Mrs. M would just laugh and say she didn't know.  (this was long before it was vogue to talk about creationism vs evolution). 

One day around the time I was fifteen or sixteen our new pastor wanted me to pray aloud for the Sunday school class.  I politely declined because I had never been comfortable praying in public.  Heck, I don't like talking in public period.  But more than that I figured what I had to say to God was private and I didn't want to put on a dog and pony show for anyone else.  So, I said no.  Then he and the entire class began to tell me that if I denied Jesus then when I died Jesus would deny me.  Well!  I didn't say anything at the time to defend myself (for example, I wasn't denying Jesus AND Jesus also said to pray in private and not to do it to look good for other people) but I walked out of class and left the church.  That was pretty the straw for my little back.  There had been other things but that was the last thing.  Ever since then I have been exploring other religions in depth.  Prior to that I was looking into other beliefs but if I asked questions most people (here in the Bible belt) told me those other beliefs didn't matter and that they were the work of the devil.  Ahh, living in a small town. 

Thus, I lost my religion.