by Christine Green | Oct 22, 2009 | Uncategorized
I love the scripture below because it reminds me of the importance of gratitude. It is so easy to forget about God when things are going well. We become proud of our efforts and complacency sets in. Our spiritual practice falters and we neglect our meditation time. But we know all good comes from God. As we acknowledge God we stay connected in Grace. As we give thanks for the blessings we receive each day, we open the door for more to flow in. It can be as simple as ‘I am grateful God is gracious.’
When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you. Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, 1and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. He led you through the vast and dreadful desert, that thirsty and waterless land, with its venomous snakes and scorpions. He brought you water out of hard rock. He gave you manna to eat in the desert, something your fathers had never known, to humble and to test you so that in the end it might go well with you. You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today. Deuteronomy 8:10-18
by Christine Green | Oct 8, 2009 | Uncategorized
On the way to visit my family in early September, Laurence and I stopped in Hartford, Connecticut to visit my aunt, Sister Mary Jeanette. We took her to lunch and had a great time listening to her life story. Although I have talked with her many times, I heard her story of courage and faith in a new way.
When Sister Jeannette was a teenager, she heard the inner call to enter the convent. When she told her parents her news, her father told her he did not have the money for her dowry needed to enter the convent. She left school and worked as a nanny and housekeeper until she earned enough for her dowry. When the time came for her to leave, my grandfather didn’t own a car, so he hired a driver to take them to Fall River, Massachusetts where she entered the order of Felician Franciscan Sisters.
It was two years before her family had the chance to see her again. Life in the convent was hard work. With no teaching experience, she was given a class of second graders to teach. Catholic schools were bursting at the seams in those days and it was not a surprise to find classroom sizes of 40 to 50 students. She learned quickly and excelled at teaching. She was sent to New York City and throughout the New England states to teach during her years of service. Many of her students stay in contact with her and share stories of their families and their lives.
Next year Sister Jeanette will celebrate her 70th year in the Felician order. Her story is one of surrender and love. She realized her calling early on and never questioned her decision or her devotion. She followed her heart to serve God and serve humanity. There were times that were challenging but she has never lost faith.
Her life is a reminder to walk in faith at whatever we are called to do. Every job is an opportunity to serve humanity. Every task is an opportunity to express love. I am grateful for the blessing to learn from my aunt and to be inspired by her life of faith.
by Christine Green | Oct 1, 2009 | Uncategorized
Heard author Karen Armstrong speak on her new book, ‘A Case for God.” Her words reminded me that God is an experience that cannot be explained. We strive to know God better but don’t know what God looks like or what the experience should be like. She encouraged us to walk in the unknown and build faith.
Here are some other jewels I came away with from her talk.
• The desire to live in transcendence is the human condition. God is in the silence.
• Come to the place of doubt—that is where you begin.
• Socrates was wise because he realized how little he knew.
• The purpose of dialogue is not to convert but to realize you know nothing.
• The next time go into dialogue be prepared to change!
• Science can help us with the diagnosis but cannot help with the pain of grief.
• Jesus asked not for belief in dogma but for commitment.
• I belief in order that I may understand.
• Live first, conviction comes.
• All the world’s religions preach compassion, put others before yourself so we can reach the Divine.
• Don’t confine your benevolence to your own group.
by Christine Green | Sep 25, 2009 | Uncategorized
I was speaking to a group recently and the question was asked on how to develop faith. I wish there was a five-step process. Or a ten-week practice. Or a three-tiered approach. No such thing. I have such a clear image of the Indiana Jones movie where Harrison Ford’s character stands at edge of the bottomless chasm while the bad guys are chasing him and coming close. The chalice he is searching for is on the other side of the chasm, as is his freedom. He is at risk whether he stays or goes. Or so it seems. When he finally takes a step into the void, there magically appears a solid step to support him. And another and another until he makes it to the other side.
That is the practice of faith. Each day stepping out not knowing how or what will support each step that we take. But trusting that what we need will show up. It is an individual process of growth, patience and willingness. The practice yields ever deepening faith and trust.
In Scientific Christian Mental Practice, Emma Curtis Hopkins speaks so eloquently about doubt, “You cannot help noticing how chilling and depressing doubt is. It comes up and shakes you. Its name is fear. Maybe some of you call it apprehension. Maybe you call it the blues. Its honest name is doubt. . . Faith stands near. You know she can do anything. She can raise your hopes to highest heaven. You can choose faith, or you can choose doubt. Both are near. One is the reality of life, the other is unreality. One or the other is chosen by what you say most vehemently.”
Faith is the freedom in knowing that whatever I need will be provided; whether it’s having the strength to face the day, the courage to speak my truth, or help for a loved one. Faith is appreciating every day as a treasure and every experience as a gift.
by Christine Green | Sep 21, 2009 | Uncategorized
Fun day at the beach
by Christine Green | Sep 18, 2009 | Uncategorized
Laurence and I visited my family back east. My Mom is in a care facility and my Dad is still living at home. My Mom was pretty good while we were there. She has moments of not remembering, or remembering very strange experiences due to her dementia. My Dad is lonely at home but it is much easier not having to care for my Mom 24/7. It is touching to see them together and how much they care for each other. Will be married 68 years this year! Amazing.
