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Sunday, February 28, 2010

Another Message from God or just the Nyquil talking?

I've been battling a nasty cold this week. In an attempt to get back on my feet quickly, I've decided for once in my life to heed the advice of doctors and get lots of rest and drink plenty of fluids. Since Nyquil enables me to rest and is also technically a fluid, I've come to enjoy this shot of grossness in the past few days before I close my eyes in a serious attempt to snooze my sickness away.

Yesterday, while enjoying a 3 hour mid-day nap, I woke from my deep sleep somewhat startled when I realized a sentence was playing in my head like a broken record. It said, "To understand who I am, you must understand who I am not." Um....huh? I thought. As I slowly came to consciousness, I first focused in on the sentence to make sure I was hearing it right. It played again, and then again, and again. Over and over in my head I heard the words so softly, yet so clearly that I could not mistake them for anything else. The voice said, "To understand who I am, you must understand who I am not." Scrambling to decipher what I thought could be an esoteric message from God, I quickly tried to gain access to my limbic system where my dreams were held to see if I could drum up some clue from my memory as to what this random line could be in reference to. What was I dreaming I wondered that brought about this sentence?

While trying to access this mysterious area of my mind, the sentence came then again, "To understand who I am, you must understand who I am not." I quickly realized that whatever I was dreaming was lost in the darkness of my subconscious, never to be found and all I'd be left with was this cryptic sentence. "To understand who I am, you must understand who I am not."

And so, I'll be on the lookout in the days, weeks, and months that follow for any answer to this question juuuussst in case it was not my nyquil induced state that created this mysterious thought, but instead, my second message from our curious Creator.

I've briefly given it some thought since yesterday but I wasn't exactly fond of where my thoughts were leading me. I talked it out with my husband in a 3 minute one-sided conversation. It went as follows: "Pat, what is God not?" He sat there, looking at me in that way he does when he's thinking how he loves me but wonders how I come up with all these random questions. Without giving him the opportunity to reply. I launched into what God was to me in an attempt to maybe dodge the question.

I told him I thought I had a pretty good idea of what God was. At least I thought I did. God is Love. Unconditional Love. He is one part God, one part Jesus, one part Holy Spirit. "No?" I asked rhetorically. I asked the question not really expecting him to answer, but certain I wasn't satisfied with my own answer as well. Then that puzzling question bubbled up again and I asked another question, "Patrick, if God is all That then what isn't God?" He again didn't answer, assuming I'd launch into another conversation with myself while pretending to direct it to him. And then my brain sizzled a bit. I said, "What isn't God, Pat? I thought God was All? That God was Everything the Alpha and the Omega. The Beginning and the End. I thought that God was the First and the Last" And then I stopped almost scared of the place this conversation had brought me to: I reluctanly said, "Could God be both yin and yang? Good and Evil? If God made the devil could God be...AHHHHH." I shuddered. I'm not so sure I like where this is going. But then, I was quickly reminded of my promise to myself... I can not and will not fear this process. Whatever I find will be for the greatest good.

I'd love to hear what other people think about how a God of Everything would not fit the description of both good and evil? Could this be what the bible meant when it said that He made man in His image? A man, like God, with both evil tendencies and with the ability to Love?

Friday, February 26, 2010

Tantra: Yeah, I said it. Tantra

Well, much to my surprise, I'm being called to a Tantra meeting this Sunday. I was invited by a meet-up member after I signed up for a interfaith religious group in an attempt to solicit church ideas. So, I felt it was only fair to give Tantra a fair shake.

Tantra: The word alone evokes mental imagery of old out of shape hippies having sex with a slew of partners while each watches one another with lust in their hearts. After doing some research into the origins of this mysterious practice, it comes as no surprise to me that that my narrow minded sensationalist ideas about Tantra are based on "new age" stereotypes caused by cultural misrepresentations of this sacred spiritual practice by the Western world.

There are so many varied definitions of the meaning of Tantra. According to the book "Tantra in Practice," author, David White, professor of Religious Studies at the University of California, Tantra is "that Asian body of beliefs and practices which, working from the principle that the universe we experience is nothing other than the concrete manifestation of the divine energy of the Godhead that creates and maintains that universe, seeks to ritually appropriate and channel that energy, within the human microcosm, in creative and emancipatory ways." In White's book, he attempts to educate people on the intentions of Tantric practice and the influence it has had on several different religions such as Buddhism, Sikh, Islam, and Hinduism to name just a few.

While there is much mysticism revolving around the origination of Tantra, many believe this religious science was first taught in India almost 7000 years ago. Theologians suspect that development of Tantra relates back to the development of civilization in ancient India. When Aryans, nomads from central Asia, entered the country of India many of their Rishi sages, were curious about the origins and destiny of the universe. These sages complied sacred books known as The Vedas which were based on the idea of Supreme Consciousness. This Consciousness, according to the Rishis, could be accessed only through an external ritualistic practice as opposed to a personal, intimate relationship from within.

During this same time in history, Aryans fought to conquer indigenous groups in India. These races, Austrics, Mongolians, and Dravidians approached spirituality from a different perspective than the Aryans. It differed from the Vedic practiced because it was rooted in more of an introversion process than external ritualistic one. Aryans were interested in this practice and so they intertwined it with their own. They learned the Tantric system and later the Vedic books were influenced by it.

Legend ascribes the origin of Tantra to Dattatreya, a semi-mythological yogi and the assumed author of the Jivanmukta Gita ("Song of the liberated soul"). Others see Lord Adinath, or Shiva, as the first Guru of Tantra. The "Tan" in Tantra rooted from the Sanskrit word means "expansion" and "liberation" which signifies how Tantra practice elevates and expands the mind toward oneness with God.

Tantra has it's place most commonly in Hindu and Buddhist yoga. Here, mantras play an important role not only for focusing the mind but often through the visualization of specific Hindu gods like Shiva, Ma Kali (mother Kali, another form of Shakti) and even Ganesh, the elephant-headed god of wisdom. Similarly, puja will often involve concentrating on a yantra or mandala.

Tantric believes that the body contains a series of energy centers referred to as chakras which can often be associated with elements, planets or occults powers. The phenomenon of Kundalini, a flow of energy through the chakras, many see as essential to Tantric practices while others regard it as simply unimportant. Kundalini is the flow of the central spiritual current, that, when moving, opens chakras and encourages the "yoking" of a human and God to oneness.

The Western practice of Tantra that finds itself advertised on the cover of pop culture magazines such as Cosmo as "5 new tantra sex moves that will blow his mind" does actually have roots in the ancient Tantra writings that were created 7000 years ago. The most well known and understood of the Tantra texts was designed specifically to teach a meditator how to center the mind and come to a single point of focus. These writings contained 112 meditations that encouraged individuals to attain this focus and clarity. It tickles me to know that of these 112 texts, 3 were relating to sexual meditations and somehow when someone hears the word Tantra, the imagery of old hippies having sex and group orgasms is what comes to mind! My suspicion is, that much like how the practice of yoga has now been manifested into a suburban housewife exercise program, Tantra as known by the American culture has done the same. Meditation, oneness with God, and understanding the human body and it's relation to the mysteries of spirit just doesn't sell as well as sex. So those 3 texts are all that's remembered and the rest, we unfortunately have thrown away.

http://www.newfrontier.com/nepal/whatis.htm

Thursday, February 25, 2010

How to Leave a Comment

Hello!

Since at least 5 people mentioned that they have tried to leave a comment but couldn't, I had my wonderful husband make it a bit easier for everyone. Now, if you want to leave a comment, just follow the directions below.

1. Find the post you want to comment on.
2. Click on COMMENTS directly below the post.
3. Type your message in the box provided.
4. If you don't want to be anonymous, type in your name, email address, and web address if you have one. If you do, don't fill in that information.
5. Click on POST AS GUEST on the small box on the right.
6. Then, it will bring you to a new box. Click the box on the left that says GUEST USER.

You're done! I hope to hear from ya soon!

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

God Calling

Okay....who sent the book??!!!???

Thank you! I can't wait to read it!

8 minutes later......

After writing the above two sentences, I read 4 pages of the mysterious book that was sent to me in the mail today. I am overwhelmed. Whoever the anonymous sender is, you must already know that the "authors" words have been spilling from my lips for weeks. I am sharing their experience.

For once, I am at a loss for words, truly.

Monday, February 22, 2010

#8 Patterson Avenue Seventh-day Adventist Church

This Sabbath, I walked up the familiar steps of the Patterson Avenue Seventh-day Adventist Church located at 3901 Patterson Avenue in the near west end of Richmond. I was no stranger to this church having attended it many Saturdays with my ex, and still faithful friend Danny about 7 years ago. His grandmother is still a loyal Adventist. I was on the look out for her until I had learned from her neighbor that she went to a sister church for the traditional service. I was greatly disappointed. I knew she'd be thrilled to see me at church on Sabbath. She has a sincere love for the church and it's loyal, faithful members. I think her devotion is admirable.

I had never realized the immense cultural differences within the congregation. I silently wondered whether such a diverse group had always been commonplace at Patterson Avenue? I was pleased to see their union under one roof while embracing a universal goal: To praise God.

As I walked through the church doors, several smiling faces welcomed me with a "Happy Sabbath" as they shook my hand and pointed me toward the area of worship.

It is a beautiful brick church. Fairly large inside and you can tell it's very well cared for. The alter is colored in a deep saturated red with a well-defined area where their enthusiastic new Pastor Jack Calkins would give his light-hearted sermon.

Pastor Jack is a jovial looking fellow from Piscataway, New Jersey where he had pastored for 8 years. Pastor Jack recently joined Patterson Avenue where he serves as a solid replacement for the previous Pastor Robert Banks who has moved up in the church's organizational ranks now overseeing different church communities on a regional level.

The new pastor and other members of the congregation led the service. They read from several different areas of the Bible and encouraged our participation as they asked us to follow along in our own Bibles. The service was joyful and Christ-centered. As always, they had all the children come up to the front to listen to a children's story with an underlying Christian theme. I highly enjoy this part of the service. It's a time to acknowledge the beauty that lies in the innocent nature of children as they ask the funniest questions proving their naturally curious and carefree nature. The adults in the congregation also get an opportunity to enjoy a less serious side of God where complex theological questions take a back seat to a simplistic view of a God that loves us individually and wholeheartedly. This simple God doesn't shower his Love upon us because of deep understanding of convoluted scriptural study, or our ability to conduct an in-depth analysis of the struggles of self but plainly because "we're special and our Father always Loves us"

Everyone seemed to be dressed fairly conservatively and there was certainly no coffee or cake...well until afterwards of course. Every Sabbath Patterson Avenue holds a brunch for the entire congregation so they can enjoy a meal together after the service and continue their communion. The brunch usually consists of healthy vegetarian fare.

As the service ended I started toward the door but not before thanking the new Pastor for the moving sermon. With a colossal smile Pastor Jack embraced me as he said, "so, did it all make sense to you?" I agreed that it did. He delivered a compliment regarding my own smile and we happily parted ways so he could visit with the woman behind me.

Before leaving, a pamphlet in the lobby caught my eye. It had a picture of a Bible on the front covered in cobwebs. The words "WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOUR CHURCH?" boldly dressed the cover. I was incredibly curious about who the pamphlet was geared towards so I brought it home with me. I was quickly brought back to a place I was many years before when I had attended the Adventists church. Completely confused on how such a loving, embracing and warm community of people could produce such matter-of-fact literature regarding other church's, in particular the Catholic church.

It takes every bit of "goodness" that I have (which I'm learning isn't all that much) to not criticize the Adventist church for claiming Catholicism is the anti-Christ but then I'm gently reminded, this criticism makes me no less guilty!

I wish I could just upload the entire pamphlet here so you could read it yourself but here is a brief overview of it's basic content. You can make your own discernment regarding the information being taught.

They propose the following questions and give these exact answers:

Question:

1. Can we identify the harlot church that is called "Babylon the Great, the Mother of Harlots" in Revelation Chapter 17?

Answer:

"It is widely known that there is only one church which claims to be the mother church - the great Roman Catholic Church. A prominent Catholic priest O'brien said: "The observance remains a reminder of the Mother Church from which the non-Catholic sects broke away."

The points used in Rev. 17 to describe the mother Babylon and the beast she rides clearly fit the papacy.

a. She persecuted the saints
b. She was dressed in purple and scarlet
c. The seven heads of the beast where the woman is seated are 7 mountains. It is well known that Rome, the world headquarters of the papacy, is built upon seven hills or mountains.
d. The beast is guilty of blasphemy. A point that clearly fits the papacy.
e. She ruled "over the kings of the earth." Alexander Flick says that by the 13th century, the pope was "at least in theory and claim...the ruler of the whole world in temporal and spiritual affairs." This point could fit no other earthly kingdom or government. The papacy is described in Rev. 17 too clearly for doubt."

Question:

2. What are the false teachings contained in Babylon's wine that make people spiritually drunk?

Answer:

"Amazingly, some of the most prominent doctrines of Protestantism today are not found in the Bible at all. They have been brought into the Protestant churches by the mother church of Rome, who received them from paganism. A few of the false teachings are as follows:

A. The law of God has been amended or repealed.
b. The soul is immortal
c. Sinners burn eternally in hell
d. Baptism by immersion is not necessary."

3. Who will be on the Lord's side in the battle of Armageddon?

Answer:

"In the final battle, the angels of heaven (Hebrews 1:13, 14; Mathew 13:41, 42) and God's people--the remnant (Rev 12:17) will be allied with Jesus, who leads the armies of heaven against Satan and it's supporters. God's remnant is composed of those who refuse the falsehoods of Babylon. They are known for their love of Jesus, their loyalty to and faith in Him, and their firm obedience to His Word and commandments."


The Adventist church use this literature to educate people on what they believe to be the false teachings of the Catholic church. They claim the "Anti-christ" or "beast" represented in the Book of Revelation is a combination of the Catholic church (the harlot) and the state and they work as separate, though related entities to fulfill the prophecy of Armageddon.

The beast (the papacy who will rule over church and state), then forms an alliance with the dragon of Revelation (Non-Christian religions such as Taoism, Buddhism, Shintoism, New Age, etc) and the False Prophet of Revelations (apostate Protestantism centered in America) together, the 3 will wage the final prophetic war against God, His law, and His loyal followers. This coalition is called "Babylon the great" by Jesus in Rev. 18:2.

Finally, Adventist do make note that Jesus has children who currently live in Babylon. They believe that Christ has promised His people in Babylon that they will hear his voice and follow and they will come out in safety. They claim "There are millions of sincere Christians in Babylon who have not yet heard THIS urgent warning message." It is the ones who hear the message, and hear His voice and do not deny the mark of the beast (and keep the Sunday as the Sabbath by choice) that will experience His judgment because they did not keep His commandments.

My initial reaction is to judge the above accusations as ridiculously false. Like the Mormon's ideas regarding their high seat in the Celestial Kingdom, I'm uncomfortable with any church's claim that they, and they alone, know the "one Truth path." However, I can't claim to know the Truth regarding future events. I can say that if this all comes down to whether or not we went to church on Saturday as opposed to Sunday, I'll be greatly disappointed. I was hoping there was a better ending than that.

Seventh Day Adventist Community

Seventh Day Adventist, commonly referred to as Adventists, is a Christian denomination distinguished by it's chosen day of worship. The church's denomination was officially founded in 1860. The Adventist movement traces it's origins to the teachings of American preacher, William Miller in Washington, New Hampshire who prophesied that the second coming or "advent" of Jesus was upon them.

Miller promised that in 1844, the second coming of Jesus would be realized. As this was clearly not the case, the prophecy became well known to the Adventists as the Great Disappointment and many of Adventist members left his movement.

Miller was followed by Ellen G. White (1827-1915), a visionary and prophet. In 1847, Ellen White claimed to have a vision that has had a great impact on the church today. She saw the stone tablets of the 10 Commandments in the heavenly tabernacle. The fourth commandment, concerning the Sabbath, was bathed in light. White realized that while all of the Ten Commandments should be kept, this vision was to teach about the Sabbath was particularly important and that we should follow God's example in Creation and rest on the seventh day of the week which White believed to be Saturday. This belief is still a defining characteristic of the Adventist church today. The Seventh-day Adventist Church keeps the Sabbath from sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday, because God set apart the seventh day of creation week to be a day of rest and a memorial of creation. In celebration of Sabbath, families join together on Friday evenings for celebration. The Sabbath is a day for rest, and for Bible study and worship - both in church and in private meditation and prayer. Children are expected to attend Sabbath School.

Adventists share many of same beliefs as mainstream Christians about faith, salvation, and redemption. Below are a couple of the ideas as stated in their official church manual that Adventists hold in high regard. I believe these ideas about the nature of the church, heaven, and expectations of how Adventist live mark their uniqueness.

1. They put a great emphasis on healthy living. Many Adventists are vegetarian although they do not believe it is a sin to eat meat. Alcohol and tobacco are forbidden as are the use of unnecessary narcotics. One must abstain from all 3 in order to be a recognized member of the church.

2. Adventists put great emphasis on the coming of Christ. During worship, they consistently emphasis the Book of Revelation and focus on His return.

3. * Adventists believe that the dead are not in heaven or hell but instead they are asleep and unconscious until the return of Christ where they will then be raised and judged.

4. * Adventist believe that during the Second coming of Christ, the righteous dead will be raised to heaven with Jesus. The Second Coming is followed by a period of a thousand years (the Millennium) during which the earth is deserted except for Satan and his helpers, the righteous live with God in Heaven, and the "wicked dead" are judged. After the 1,000 years, there will be a new earth where we will one day live free of sin.

5. * Adventist believe in the literal creation of the earth in six days.

6. *Adventist believe in what they call "the great controversy" which is a battle between Satan and Christ and we are to choose Jesus in order to be seen as righteous in God's eyes.

7. *Adventist believe in a "heavenly sanctuary" which has 2 areas. The holy place and the most holy place. Adventists believe that after 2300 years (in 1844), Christ went into the most holy place to cleanse it before his second coming on Earth, and that while he is doing that, the Holy Spirit was working to cleanse God's people. The heavenly sanctuary is where Jesus decided on his judgment of who will be with him in heaven and who will be raised and identified as unrighteous.

8. Adventist believe Ellen White was the Lord's messenger and held the gift of prophecy.

9. Adventists believe that the Second Coming of Christ will happen soon. Christ's return will be "will be literal, personal, visible, and worldwide".

10. Adventist believe their clothing should be of good quality and becoming colors. Characterized by modesty, beauty, and grace. They should not be the first to adopt new fads, or the last to wear old clothing. They are to dress plainly and not to adopt jewelry and ornaments of any kind.

11. Adventist believe that social dancing has an evil influence. Music such as jazz, rock, or related hybrid forms should be shunned.

As stated on their website at http://www.adventist.org/beliefs/fundamental/index.html there fundamental beliefs are as follows:

Seventh-day Adventists accept the Bible as their only creed and hold certain fundamental beliefs to be the teaching of the Holy Scriptures.

Seventh-day Adventists accept the Bible as their only creed and hold certain fundamental beliefs to be the teaching of the Holy Scriptures. These beliefs, as set forth here, constitute the church's understanding and expression of the teaching of Scripture. Revision of these statements may be expected at a General Conference session when the church is led by the Holy Spirit to a fuller understanding of Bible truth or finds better language in which to express the teachings of God's Holy Word.


1. Holy Scriptures:
The Holy Scriptures, Old and New Testaments, are the written Word of God, given by divine inspiration through holy men of God who spoke and wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. In this Word, God has committed to man the knowledge necessary for salvation. The Holy Scriptures are the infallible revelation of His will. They are the standard of character, the test of experience, the authoritative revealer of doctrines, and the trustworthy record of God's acts in history. (2 Peter 1:20, 21; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17; Ps. 119:105; Prov. 30:5, 6; Isa. 8:20; John 17:17; 1 Thess. 2:13; Heb. 4:12.)

2. Trinity:
There is one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, a unity of three co-eternal Persons. God is immortal, all-powerful, all-knowing, above all, and ever present. He is infinite and beyond human comprehension, yet known through His self-revelation. He is forever worthy of worship, adoration, and service by the whole creation. (Deut. 6:4; Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14; Eph. 4:4-6; 1 Peter 1:2; 1 Tim. 1:17; Rev. 14:7.)

3. Father:
God the eternal Father is the Creator, Source, Sustainer, and Sovereign of all creation. He is just and holy, merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. The qualities and powers exhibited in the Son and the Holy Spirit are also revelations of the Father. (Gen. 1:1; Rev. 4:11; 1 Cor. 15:28; John 3:16; 1 John 4:8; 1 Tim. 1:17; Ex. 34:6, 7; John 14:9.)

4. Son:
God the eternal Son became incarnate in Jesus Christ. Through Him all things were created, the character of God is revealed, the salvation of humanity is accomplished, and the world is judged. Forever truly God, He became also truly man, Jesus the Christ. He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He lived and experienced temptation as a human being, but perfectly exemplified the righteousness and love of God. By His miracles He manifested God's power and was attested as God's promised Messiah. He suffered and died voluntarily on the cross for our sins and in our place, was raised from the dead, and ascended to minister in the heavenly sanctuary in our behalf. He will come again in glory for the final deliverance of His people and the restoration of all things. (John 1:1-3, 14; Col. 1:15-19; John 10:30; 14:9; Rom. 6:23; 2 Cor. 5:17-19; John 5:22; Luke 1:35; Phil. 2:5-11; Heb. 2:9-18; 1 Cor. 15:3, 4; Heb. 8:1, 2; John 14:1-3.)

5. Holy Spirit:
God the eternal Spirit was active with the Father and the Son in Creation, incarnation, and redemption. He inspired the writers of Scripture. He filled Christ's life with power. He draws and convicts human beings; and those who respond He renews and transforms into the image of God. Sent by the Father and the Son to be always with His children, He extends spiritual gifts to the church, empowers it to bear witness to Christ, and in harmony with the Scriptures leads it into all truth. (Gen. 1:1, 2; Luke 1:35; 4:18; Acts 10:38; 2 Peter 1:21; 2 Cor. 3:18; Eph. 4:11, 12; Acts 1:8; John 14:16-18, 26; 15:26, 27; 16:7-13.)

6. Creation:
God is Creator of all things, and has revealed in Scripture the authentic account of His creative activity. In six days the Lord made "the heaven and the earth" and all living things upon the earth, and rested on the seventh day of that first week. Thus He established the Sabbath as a perpetual memorial of His completed creative work. The first man and woman were made in the image of God as the crowning work of Creation, given dominion over the world, and charged with responsibility to care for it. When the world was finished it was ``very good,'' declaring the glory of God. (Gen. 1; 2; Ex. 20:8-11; Ps. 19:1-6; 33:6, 9; 104; Heb. 11:3.)

7. Nature of Man:
Man and woman were made in the image of God with individuality, the power and freedom to think and to do. Though created free beings, each is an indivisible unity of body, mind, and spirit, dependent upon God for life and breath and all else. When our first parents disobeyed God, they denied their dependence upon Him and fell from their high position under God. The image of God in them was marred and they became subject to death. Their descendants share this fallen nature and its consequences. They are born with weaknesses and tendencies to evil. But God in Christ reconciled the world to Himself and by His Spirit restores in penitent mortals the image of their Maker. Created for the glory of God, they are called to love Him and one another, and to care for their environment. (Gen. 1:26-28; 2:7; Ps. 8:4-8; Acts 17:24-28; Gen. 3; Ps. 51:5; Rom. 5:12-17; 2 Cor. 5:19, 20; Ps. 51:10; 1 John 4:7, 8, 11, 20; Gen. 2:15.)

8. Great Controversy:
All humanity is now involved in a great controversy between Christ and Satan regarding the character of God, His law, and His sovereignty over the universe. This conflict originated in heaven when a created being, endowed with freedom of choice, in self-exaltation became Satan, God's adversary, and led into rebellion a portion of the angels. He introduced the spirit of rebellion into this world when he led Adam and Eve into sin. This human sin resulted in the distortion of the image of God in humanity, the disordering of the created world, and its eventual devastation at the time of the worldwide flood. Observed by the whole creation, this world became the arena of the universal conflict, out of which the God of love will ultimately be vindicated. To assist His people in this controversy, Christ sends the Holy Spirit and the loyal angels to guide, protect, and sustain them in the way of salvation. (Rev. 12:4-9; Isa. 14:12-14; Eze. 28:12-18; Gen. 3; Rom. 1:19-32; 5:12-21; 8:19-22; Gen. 6-8; 2 Peter 3:6; 1 Cor. 4:9; Heb. 1:14.)

9. Life, Death, and Resurrection of Christ:
In Christ's life of perfect obedience to God's will, His suffering, death, and resurrection, God provided the only means of atonement for human sin, so that those who by faith accept this atonement may have eternal life, and the whole creation may better understand the infinite and holy love of the Creator. This perfect atonement vindicates the righteousness of God's law and the graciousness of His character; for it both condemns our sin and provides for our forgiveness. The death of Christ is substitutionary and expiatory, reconciling and transforming. The resurrection of Christ proclaims God's triumph over the forces of evil, and for those who accept the atonement assures their final victory over sin and death. It declares the Lordship of Jesus Christ, before whom every knee in heaven and on earth will bow. (John 3:16; Isa. 53; 1 Peter 2:21, 22; 1 Cor. 15:3, 4, 20-22; 2 Cor. 5:14, 15, 19-21; Rom. 1:4; 3:25; 4:25; 8:3, 4; 1 John 2:2; 4:10; Col. 2:15; Phil. 2:6-11.)

10. Experience of Salvation:
In infinite love and mercy God made Christ, who knew no sin, to be sin for us, so that in Him we might be made the righteousness of God. Led by the Holy Spirit we sense our need, acknowledge our sinfulness, repent of our transgressions, and exercise faith in Jesus as Lord and Christ, as Substitute and Example. This faith which receives salvation comes through the divine power of the Word and is the gift of God's grace. Through Christ we are justified, adopted as God's sons and daughters, and delivered from the lordship of sin. Through the Spirit we are born again and sanctified; the Spirit renews our minds, writes God's law of love in our hearts, and we are given the power to live a holy life. Abiding in Him we become partakers of the divine nature and have the assurance of salvation now and in the judgment. (2 Cor. 5:17-21; John 3:16; Gal. 1:4; 4:4-7; Titus 3:3-7; John 16:8; Gal. 3:13, 14; 1 Peter 2:21, 22; Rom. 10:17; Luke 17:5; Mark 9:23, 24; Eph. 2:5-10; Rom. 3:21-26; Col. 1:13, 14; Rom. 8:14-17; Gal. 3:26; John 3:3-8; 1 Peter 1:23; Rom. 12:2; Heb. 8:7-12; Eze. 36:25-27; 2 Peter 1:3, 4; Rom. 8:1-4; 5:6-10.)

11. Growing in Christ:
By His death on the cross Jesus triumphed over the forces of evil. He who subjugated the demonic spirits during His earthly ministry has broken their power and made certain their ultimate doom. Jesus' victory gives us victory over the evil forces that still seek to control us, as we walk with Him in peace, joy, and assurance of His love. Now the Holy Spirit dwells within us and empowers us. Continually committed to Jesus as our Saviour and Lord, we are set free from the burden of our past deeds. No longer do we live in the darkness, fear of evil powers, ignorance, and meaninglessness of our former way of life. In this new freedom in Jesus, we are called to grow into the likeness of His character, communing with Him daily in prayer, feeding on His Word, meditating on it and on His providence, singing His praises, gathering together for worship, and participating in the mission of the Church. As we give ourselves in loving service to those around us and in witnessing to His salvation, His constant presence with us through the Spirit transforms every moment and every task into a spiritual experience. (Ps 1:1, 2; 23:4; 77:11, 12; Col 1:13, 14; 2:6, 14, 15; Luke 10:17-20; Eph 5:19, 20; 6:12-18; 1 Thess 5:23; 2 Peter 2:9; 3:18; 2 Cor. 3:17, 18; Phil 3:7-14; 1 Thess 5:16-18; Matt 20:25-28; John 20:21; Gal 5:22-25; Rom 8:38, 39; 1 John 4:4; Heb 10:25.)

12. Church:
The church is the community of believers who confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. In continuity with the people of God in Old Testament times, we are called out from the world; and we join together for worship, for fellowship, for instruction in the Word, for the celebration of the Lord's Supper, for service to all mankind, and for the worldwide proclamation of the gospel. The church derives its authority from Christ, who is the incarnate Word, and from the Scriptures, which are the written Word. The church is God's family; adopted by Him as children, its members live on the basis of the new covenant. The church is the body of Christ, a community of faith of which Christ Himself is the Head. The church is the bride for whom Christ died that He might sanctify and cleanse her. At His return in triumph, He will present her to Himself a glorious church, the faithful of all the ages, the purchase of His blood, not having spot or wrinkle, but holy and without blemish. (Gen. 12:3; Acts 7:38; Eph. 4:11-15; 3:8-11; Matt. 28:19, 20; 16:13-20; 18:18; Eph. 2:19-22; 1:22, 23; 5:23-27; Col. 1:17, 18.)

13. Remnant and Its Mission:
The universal church is composed of all who truly believe in Christ, but in the last days, a time of widespread apostasy, a remnant has been called out to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. This remnant announces the arrival of the judgment hour, proclaims salvation through Christ, and heralds the approach of His second advent. This proclamation is symbolized by the three angels of Revelation 14; it coincides with the work of judgment in heaven and results in a work of repentance and reform on earth. Every believer is called to have a personal part in this worldwide witness. (Rev. 12:17; 14:6-12; 18:1-4; 2 Cor. 5:10; Jude 3, 14; 1 Peter 1:16-19; 2 Peter 3:10-14; Rev. 21:1-14.)

14. Unity in the Body of Christ:
The church is one body with many members, called from every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. In Christ we are a new creation; distinctions of race, culture, learning, and nationality, and differences between high and low, rich and poor, male and female, must not be divisive among us. We are all equal in Christ, who by one Spirit has bonded us into one fellowship with Him and with one another; we are to serve and be served without partiality or reservation. Through the revelation of Jesus Christ in the Scriptures we share the same faith and hope, and reach out in one witness to all. This unity has its source in the oneness of the triune God, who has adopted us as His children. (Rom. 12:4, 5; 1 Cor. 12:12-14; Matt. 28:19, 20; Ps. 133:1; 2 Cor. 5:16, 17; Acts 17:26, 27; Gal. 3:27, 29; Col. 3:10-15; Eph. 4:14-16; 4:1-6; John 17:20-23.)

15. Baptism:
By baptism we confess our faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and testify of our death to sin and of our purpose to walk in newness of life. Thus we acknowledge Christ as Lord and Saviour, become His people, and are received as members by His church. Baptism is a symbol of our union with Christ, the forgiveness of our sins, and our reception of the Holy Spirit. It is by immersion in water and is contingent on an affirmation of faith in Jesus and evidence of repentance of sin. It follows instruction in the Holy Scriptures and acceptance of their teachings. (Rom. 6:1-6; Col. 2:12, 13; Acts 16:30-33; 22:16; 2:38; Matt. 28:19, 20.)

16. Lord's Supper:
The Lord's Supper is a participation in the emblems of the body and blood of Jesus as an expression of faith in Him, our Lord and Saviour. In this experience of communion Christ is present to meet and strengthen His people. As we partake, we joyfully proclaim the Lord's death until He comes again. Preparation for the Supper includes self-examination, repentance, and confession. The Master ordained the service of foot washing to signify renewed cleansing, to express a willingness to serve one another in Christlike humility, and to unite our hearts in love. The communion service is open to all believing Christians. (1 Cor. 10:16, 17; 11:23-30; Matt. 26:17-30; Rev. 3:20; John 6:48-63; 13:1-17.)

17. Spiritual Gifts and Ministries:
God bestows upon all members of His church in every age spiritual gifts which each member is to employ in loving ministry for the common good of the church and of humanity. Given by the agency of the Holy Spirit, who apportions to each member as He wills, the gifts provide all abilities and ministries needed by the church to fulfill its divinely ordained functions. According to the Scriptures, these gifts include such ministries as faith, healing, prophecy, proclamation, teaching, administration, reconciliation, compassion, and self-sacrificing service and charity for the help and encouragement of people. Some members are called of God and endowed by the Spirit for functions recognized by the church in pastoral, evangelistic, apostolic, and teaching ministries particularly needed to equip the members for service, to build up the church to spiritual maturity, and to foster unity of the faith and knowledge of God. When members employ these spiritual gifts as faithful stewards of God's varied grace, the church is protected from the destructive influence of false doctrine, grows with a growth that is from God, and is built up in faith and love. (Rom. 12:4-8; 1 Cor. 12:9-11, 27, 28; Eph. 4:8, 11-16; Acts 6:1-7; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; 1 Peter 4:10, 11.)

18. The Gift of Prophecy:
One of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is prophecy. This gift is an identifying mark of the remnant church and was manifested in the ministry of Ellen. G. White . As the Lord's messenger, her writings are a continuing and authoritative source of truth which provide for the church comfort, guidance, instruction, and correction. They also make clear that the Bible is the standard by which all teaching and experience must be tested. (Joel 2:28, 29; Acts 2:14-21; Heb. 1:1-3; Rev. 12:17; 19:10.)

19. Law of God:
The great principles of God's law are embodied in the Ten Commandments and exemplified in the life of Christ. They express God's love, will, and purposes concerning human conduct and relationships and are binding upon all people in every age. These precepts are the basis of God's covenant with His people and the standard in God's judgment. Through the agency of the Holy Spirit they point out sin and awaken a sense of need for a Saviour. Salvation is all of grace and not of works, but its fruitage is obedience to the Commandments. This obedience develops Christian character and results in a sense of well-being. It is an evidence of our love for the Lord and our concern for our fellow men. The obedience of faith demonstrates the power of Christ to transform lives, and therefore strengthens Christian witness. (Ex. 20:1-17; Ps. 40:7, 8; Matt. 22:36-40; Deut. 28:1-14; Matt. 5:17-20; Heb. 8:8-10; John 15:7-10; Eph. 2:8-10; 1 John 5:3; Rom. 8:3, 4; Ps. 19:7-14.)

20. Sabbath:
The beneficent Creator, after the six days of Creation, rested on the seventh day and instituted the Sabbath for all people as a memorial of Creation. The fourth commandment of God's unchangeable law requires the observance of this seventh-day Sabbath as the day of rest, worship, and ministry in harmony with the teaching and practice of Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath. The Sabbath is a day of delightful communion with God and one another. It is a symbol of our redemption in Christ, a sign of our sanctification, a token of our allegiance, and a foretaste of our eternal future in God's kingdom. The Sabbath is God's perpetual sign of His eternal covenant between Him and His people. Joyful observance of this holy time from evening to evening, sunset to sunset, is a celebration of God's creative and redemptive acts. (Gen. 2:1-3; Ex. 20:8-11; Luke 4:16; Isa. 56:5, 6; 58:13, 14; Matt. 12:1-12; Ex. 31:13-17; Eze. 20:12, 20; Deut. 5:12-15; Heb. 4:1-11; Lev. 23:32; Mark 1:32.)

21. Stewardship:
We are God's stewards, entrusted by Him with time and opportunities, abilities and possessions, and the blessings of the earth and its resources. We are responsible to Him for their proper use. We acknowledge God's ownership by faithful service to Him and our fellow men, and by returning tithes and giving offerings for the proclamation of His gospel and the support and growth of His church. Stewardship is a privilege given to us by God for nurture in love and the victory over selfishness and covetousness. The steward rejoices in the blessings that come to others as a result of his faithfulness. (Gen. 1:26-28; 2:15; 1 Chron. 29:14; Haggai 1:3-11; Mal. 3:8-12; 1 Cor. 9:9-14; Matt. 23:23; 2 Cor. 8:1-15; Rom. 15:26, 27.)

22. Christian Behavior:
We are called to be a godly people who think, feel, and act in harmony with the principles of heaven. For the Spirit to recreate in us the character of our Lord we involve ourselves only in those things which will produce Christlike purity, health, and joy in our lives. This means that our amusement and entertainment should meet the highest standards of Christian taste and beauty. While recognizing cultural differences, our dress is to be simple, modest, and neat, befitting those whose true beauty does not consist of outward adornment but in the imperishable ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit. It also means that because our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit, we are to care for them intelligently. Along with adequate exercise and rest, we are to adopt the most healthful diet possible and abstain from the unclean foods identified in the Scriptures. Since alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and the irresponsible use of drugs and narcotics are harmful to our bodies, we are to abstain from them as well. Instead, we are to engage in whatever brings our thoughts and bodies into the discipline of Christ, who desires our wholesomeness, joy, and goodness. (Rom. 12:1, 2; 1 John 2:6; Eph. 5:1-21; Phil. 4:8; 2 Cor. 10:5; 6:14-7:1; 1 Peter 3:1-4; 1 Cor. 6:19, 20; 10:31; Lev. 11:1-47; 3 John 2.)

23. Marriage and the Family:
Marriage was divinely established in Eden and affirmed by Jesus to be a lifelong union between a man and a woman in loving companionship. For the Christian a marriage commitment is to God as well as to the spouse, and should be entered into only between partners who share a common faith. Mutual love, honor, respect, and responsibility are the fabric of this relationship, which is to reflect the love, sanctity, closeness, and permanence of the relationship between Christ and His church. Regarding divorce, Jesus taught that the person who divorces a spouse, except for fornication, and marries another, commits adultery. Although some family relationships may fall short of the ideal, marriage partners who fully commit themselves to each other in Christ may achieve loving unity through the guidance of the Spirit and the nurture of the church. God blesses the family and intends that its members shall assist each other toward complete maturity. Parents are to bring up their children to love and obey the Lord. By their example and their words they are to teach them that Christ is a loving disciplinarian, ever tender and caring, who wants them to become members of His body, the family of God. Increasing family closeness is one of the earmarks of the final gospel message. (Gen. 2:18-25; Matt. 19:3-9; John 2:1-11; 2 Cor. 6:14; Eph. 5:21-33; Matt. 5:31, 32; Mark 10:11, 12; Luke 16:18; 1 Cor. 7:10, 11; Ex. 20:12; Eph. 6:1-4; Deut. 6:5-9; Prov. 22:6; Mal. 4:5, 6.)

24. Christ's Ministry in the Heavenly Sanctuary:
There is a sanctuary in heaven, the true tabernacle which the Lord set up and not man. In it Christ ministers on our behalf, making available to believers the benefits of His atoning sacrifice offered once for all on the cross. He was inaugurated as our great High Priest and began His intercessory ministry at the time of His ascension. In 1844, at the end of the prophetic period of 2300 days, He entered the second and last phase of His atoning ministry. It is a work of investigative judgment which is part of the ultimate disposition of all sin, typified by the cleansing of the ancient Hebrew sanctuary on the Day of Atonement. In that typical service the sanctuary was cleansed with the blood of animal sacrifices, but the heavenly things are purified with the perfect sacrifice of the blood of Jesus. The investigative judgment reveals to heavenly intelligences who among the dead are asleep in Christ and therefore, in Him, are deemed worthy to have part in the first resurrection. It also makes manifest who among the living are abiding in Christ, keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and in Him, therefore, are ready for translation into His everlasting kingdom. This judgment vindicates the justice of God in saving those who believe in Jesus. It declares that those who have remained loyal to God shall receive the kingdom. The completion of this ministry of Christ will mark the close of human probation before the Second Advent. (Heb. 8:1-5; 4:14-16; 9:11-28; 10:19-22; 1:3; 2:16, 17; Dan. 7:9-27; 8:13, 14; 9:24-27; Num. 14:34; Eze. 4:6; Lev. 16; Rev. 14:6, 7; 20:12; 14:12; 22:12.)

25. Second Coming of Christ:
The second coming of Christ is the blessed hope of the church, the grand climax of the gospel. The Saviour's coming will be literal, personal, visible, and worldwide. When He returns, the righteous dead will be resurrected, and together with the righteous living will be glorified and taken to heaven, but the unrighteous will die. The almost complete fulfillment of most lines of prophecy, together with the present condition of the world, indicates that Christ's coming is imminent. The time of that event has not been revealed, and we are therefore exhorted to be ready at all times. (Titus 2:13; Heb. 9:28; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:9-11; Matt. 24:14; Rev. 1:7; Matt. 24:43, 44; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; 1 Cor. 15:51-54; 2 Thess. 1:7-10; 2:8; Rev. 14:14-20; 19:11-21; Matt. 24; Mark 13; Luke 21; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; 1 Thess. 5:1-6.)

26. Death and Resurrection:
The wages of sin is death. But God, who alone is immortal, will grant eternal life to His redeemed. Until that day death is an unconscious state for all people. When Christ, who is our life, appears, the resurrected righteous and the living righteous will be glorified and caught up to meet their Lord. The second resurrection, the resurrection of the unrighteous, will take place a thousand years later. (Rom. 6:23; 1 Tim. 6:15, 16; Eccl. 9:5, 6; Ps. 146:3, 4; John 11:11-14; Col. 3:4; 1 Cor. 15:51-54; 1 Thess. 4:13-17; John 5:28, 29; Rev. 20:1-10.)

27. Millennium and the End of Sin:
The millennium is the thousand-year reign of Christ with His saints in heaven between the first and second resurrections. During this time the wicked dead will be judged; the earth will be utterly desolate, without living human inhabitants, but occupied by Satan and his angels. At its close Christ with His saints and the Holy City will descend from heaven to earth. The unrighteous dead will then be resurrected, and with Satan and his angels will surround the city; but fire from God will consume them and cleanse the earth. The universe will thus be freed of sin and sinners forever. (Rev. 20; 1 Cor. 6:2, 3; Jer. 4:23-26; Rev. 21:1-5; Mal. 4:1; Eze. 28:18, 19.)

28. New Earth:
On the new earth, in which righteousness dwells, God will provide an eternal home for the redeemed and a perfect environment for everlasting life, love, joy, and learning in His presence. For here God Himself will dwell with His people, and suffering and death will have passed away. The great controversy will be ended, and sin will be no more. All things, animate and inanimate, will declare that God is love; and He shall reign forever. Amen. (2 Peter 3:13; Isa. 35; 65:17-25; Matt. 5:5; Rev. 21:1-7; 22:1-5; 11:15.)



Saturday, February 20, 2010

Reconnecting with Spirit

I'm a couple of days behind on my posts. I've already attended the church that I'm going to write about this week but have yet to do the research portion so I'll get back to the project tomorrow. But for today, I just want to write about joy. I felt the need to get online to share my enthusiasm. I am so filled with the Spirit of God today that I want to share it! I am so fortunate that I have His unwavering Love. Oh thank you, God! As I write this, tears fill my eyes and Love overwhelms me.

In the past few days (which explains my lack of posts) I've felt "luke warm" about God. I've felt unconnected. It happens to me sometimes. Life gets in the way and somehow God seems to have vanished. I realize that it is me who has distanced myself since God is always present, but the emptiness exists regardless. Usually, I must come to a place of sorrow or misery before I throw in the towel and return to God and ask that he reinsert himself into my life. But this time, I was only "alone" for a couple of days. Thankfully, because of this blog, I am responsible for writing about God weekly and attending church so it makes it much more difficult to ignore him!

Last night, before going to bed, I clasped my hands and asked God to gently move me back closer to where He was. I prayed, "God, how can you expect me to give people hope by sharing your message of Love if I go through periods where I don't feel your presence? How does that make me a worthy subject for to witness on your behalf? God, I don't even need to know why I fall away from you. I just need to know that when I ask, you'll bring me back...quickly and for my sake, gently."

And today, well, as you can see, my prayers were answered. I feel so connected. So IN LOVE with the Spirit. In this post, I want to thank God for the joy he continues to bring my way. I'd also like to remind myself of a couple of tips and tricks that can bring me back to Spirit when I feel that I've drifted away. So, here they go...

1. When I pray on the floor, on my hands and knees with my hands clasped..tightly. Eyes shut.

2. When I pray with my hands up toward the sky. This one is totally knew for me but WOW it has done wonders. One day, I was talking to my brother Jon about my sister's pregnancy and her having to go on bed rest. I asked him to pray for her. He said, "well, Jess. Why don't we pray now?" My immediate reaction was to say, "Nah, that's weird to pray on the phone." but instead, the Spirit pushed me to say yes. So we prayed for my sister, her husband, and for her unborn babies. My brother led the prayer and said, "Lord, we put our hands up toward you, and God, we give this situation to you because it's bigger than ourselves and our capabilities. We trust in you, God." And when Jon spoke, my hand just instantly raised with my palm facing upwards and I felt so overwhelmed by the Spirit of God. Since then, I have prayed on several occasions with my palms facing toward heaven and I feel like it somehow opens me up to God even further.

3. Giving of myself. When I start giving to people whether it be money, my time, my ear, or even my food, I feel Love and in turn, I feel God. It feels really good for me to give and to care for people. I do it I guess for selfish reasons in a way because the more Love I give, the more Love I feel from God. It's almost instantaneous that when I give something of myself that I feel the presence of the Spirit in my heart.

4. Going to church. Before this project, I'd been to church about twice in the past year. Returning has done wonders for me. I'm hungry for it by Wednesday and when I walk outside after a good service, I've got a noticeable pip in my step.

5. Being healthy. I don't know why, but when I'm buzzing after a run or light on my feet because I've eaten lots of veggies...I feel like I'm more in tune with Spirit.

6. Being aware. I think this is a major benefit of meditation. When I'm on the look out for God, I see Him much more clearly. Being aware of who I meet, what they say, and the "themes" in my life make me much more susceptible to God. Recognizing "God winks" makes them much more prevalent. I guess that's what faith is all about.

7. Being gracious. When I'm able to see my many blessings and recognize them for what they are, I feel that God shows Himself that much more. When I thank God sincerely for my small victories and blessings, He creates new opportunities for me and when He does, I see Him at work in my life.

8. Being in a state of Love. What I mean by that is loving people, animals, the earth, whatever just loving something up! For me, it's romantic love as well as brotherly love. When I'm loving someone, like really loving them with the kind of love God wants us to have, it's impossible NOT to feel God. Because that Love IS GOD.

9. Reading about God. Whether it's the Bible, or a prayer book, or a book about theology, meditation, or Love etc. I get inquisitive about "what God is" which makes me search, and therefore find God. Asking questions about God and spirituality brings me to a place of joy.

These have been incredibly valuable for bringing me back to a place of Spirit when I feel lost. And that's all I have for today.

I hope if you're reading....whomever you are...that you spend some time with God today thanking Him for what He's done in your life. I hope you exemplify the Spirit of Love. I have already thanked him for YOU. You, are one of my many blessings. Thank you for caring enough to read these words. Peace and Chicken Grease.

Friday, February 19, 2010

#7 Ekoji Buddhist Sangha

When I pulled up to the temple located at 3411 Grove Avenue, I called my husband to double check that I was at the right place. When picturing the location, I had envisioned a golden temple with Buddhist statues and fountains out front in a quiet secluded neighborhood. In reality, it was a modest duplex on a busy fan street that resembled apartments I had rented while attending VCU. I should have known the picture I had created in my mind of the temple was a far cry from reality since I knew it was located in the fan and in my 7 years of living downtown, I had never seen a golden temple or a quiet neighborhood.

I entered the front door at 6:45 for first time orientation. It seemed as though I was a bit late since most people had already started their meditation practice. There was a small cubby area to the right of the entrance that held everyone's shoes. I took my boots off, and laid my jacket down and stood there in the doorway watching the students while they sat silently. Kevin Heffernan, the meditation instructor, warmly greeted me at the door and gave me a quick rundown which he referred to as meditation 101. He said, "You're a visitor, right?" I nodded. He said, "I'll give you the short version since we only have a few minutes..... Sit down on one of the pillows. And don't say anything." And so I did.

The room was approximately 500 square feet and I enjoyed the comforting smell of rich incense as it burned on the alter that held an ornate statue of Buddha. A few people who entered the temple would bow to the statue before meditating. There were approximately 15 students downstairs and 10 on the second floor. From 7-7:30, we all sat silently on square cushions with a circle cushion on top of them. My zazen meditation experience was far from enjoyable.

I had read that in Zen meditation, one should not close their eyes completely because they'd get sleepy. They should also not open their eyes all the way because they could get distracted. Instead, a person should relax their eyes half way while focusing on a spot on the floor in front of them. Unfortunately, the floor in front of me was covered up by another meditator's backside. As one could imagine, that sight didn't inspired me to "get in my True mind". So I opted to close my eyes and explore the world that lay behind my eye lids.

Meditation is not a practice that comes easy for me. Actually, it's as enjoyable to me as a root canal. The objective is to silence your thoughts. However, here is just a glimpse of some of the interferences I had when trying to access my mental sanctuary.

Did I tell patrick the right time to take the chicken out of the oven?
I think I'm getting "luke warm" about God. I haven't picked a church yet for this week.
Someone's feet seriously stink.
How am I going to write about this place if I don't have a pen and paper.
I'm going to write about the thoughts I'm having now.
I should visit my friend Kira before I go home since she's right down the street.
I think I drank too much coffee today.
Meditating is so hard.
My back is killing me. I think it's PMS.
This position is so uncomfortable.
The noise outside is so loud. They shouldn't have a temple on a busy street.
Should I go to my sisters this week?
I don't think I'm ready for kids.
I could close 3 deals this week. Man, that would be great for business.
I should use that word I learned from Wayne Dyer to get me in the zone here. "DOWWWWW."
I forgot what that word means? Does it mean God?
I wonder if God wants us to meditate?
That one time I meditated at the beach, I swear I felt God that time.
Why don't I feel him now?
I wonder if these people are all members of this temple?
I've only ran 3 miles this week. I need to step it up if I'm going to run the 10k.
Should I make mashed potatoes or mac n cheese with that chicken tonight?
I can't believe that chicken was only $3 at ukrops. That place is so expensive now. I love their mac' n cheese.
I like the name Martin's for the new Ukrops.
Why am I thinking of Ukrops. Back to meditation. "Dowwwww"
That time I told my brother Joe about the DOW meditation was funny.
I should read some Wayne Dyer.
I need to read the 2 books I have already before picking out more.
I wonder how these people got into meditation.
Is that guy sitting in front of me Kira's ex-boyfriend?
There is no way I'm going to Richmond Hill tomorrow. I'm just in no way ready for this type of disciple for an entire 24 hours.

And the list goes on. I think those thoughts occupied about the first 4 minutes of my meditation. So you can imagine the 26 minutes that followed. I tried counting back from 5 while I breathed in through my nose, and then another 5 as I breathed out. I tried just meditating on nothing but the small light that flickered in all the darkness when my eyes were shut. I basically tried everything. And then...... I stopped trying.

For about 2 minutes of my entire 30 minute meditation, I think I got somewhere close to where I was supposed to be. I got tired of trying to "make myself meditate" so I gave up. And when I did, my body no longer hurt from the uncomfortable lotus position it was in. My mind wasn't wandering in a hundred different directions. I was relaxed and thoughtless. And in that state of complete peace, the door opened and a freezing cold breeze entered the room. And in that very moment, it dawned on me...... I wanted the mac n' cheese.

The seated meditation came to an end with the sweet sound of the singing bowl that the instructor used to indicate it was time for walking meditation. We all slowly emerged from our seated position into a circle to do the 10 minute walk. I found this much more relaxing. The objective was to walk around the room in a circle so slowly that you pretty much couldn't even tell we were moving at all. I think I got all of 3 baby steps in the 10 minutes. It came as no surprise that I consistently found myself wanting to move forward instead of staying in my current position.

Following the meditation, we had the pleasure of attending a Dharma Talk led by Kazuaki Tanahashi, a Japanese artist, writer and peace worker. The discussion was titled the "Dharma of Stupidity." Kazuaki gave a very simple, yet engaging lecture about stupidity. He was a self-proclaimed "stupid person" and he urged us to all look at ourselves that way. He said only with this type of humility can we gain wisdom. At first, I was troubled by his willingness to accept such a negative affirmation. The idea of calling ourselves stupid as a means to become more enlightened didn't make much sense to me. But then, he defined American stupidity and I knew with this definition...I was one of the stupid ones.

Stupidity is not being able slow down. It is rushing from one thing to the next. It is wanting more. Speaking without thinking first. Stupidity is about multi-tasking. Using email as our only means of communication. It is inner chaos and lack stillness. And knowing that you are "stupid" is essential to overcoming this stupidity and gaining wisdom. It is self-awareness. I am ashamed to say that just that morning while driving my car and rushing to get a cup of coffee at 7:45, I was checking my bank balance on the cell phone while turning the station on my radio. Without thinking, I slowed through a stop sign. I came about 2 inches away from being pummeled by a school bus. It was only by the grace of God that I turned to my left and saw the bus rushing toward me. I slammed on my brakes and avoided a major accident. Once my heart stopped wildly beating out of my chest, my eyes welled up with tears because of my fear. I silently reprimanded myself for my stupidity. My bank balance, the radio, and even my coffee was not worth sacrificing my life or the lives of the children on that school bus for.

The experience at the Ekoji Temple was a difficult one. The realization of how stupid I really am was quite eye opening. I'm hoping to use meditation as a means to slow my life down. Not to one of laziness, but one of mindfulness because that's what meditation is about. It is about being in a place of understanding and acting out of choice, not just hastily without wisdom guiding our steps. It's about slowing down so we can do things with purpose and thoughtfulness.

Psalms 49:3 - My mouth shall speak wisdom; the meditation of my heart shall be understanding.

Monday, February 15, 2010

Zen Buddhism

Zen Buddhism is perhaps the most widely recognized form of meditation in the United States. Zen traces its origins to India, but the philosophy was formalized in China between the 6th and 7th century.

The word Zen was derived from the Sanskrit word Dhyana meaning "meditation." Zen is translated from the Chinese word Ch'an to Japanese when it took root in Japan in the 13th century.

Zen Buddhism is rooted in the philosophy that all humans have a "Buddha nature" inside of them and that self-knowledge is the key to attaining enlightenment. A Buddha nature can be characterized by compassion for all beings and true freedom. Zen Buddhist believe that ignorance (the ego) is the veil that separates humans from Buddahood and that ignorance can be silenced if one can clear their minds through the strict religious discipline of meditation. Meditation is the most important aspect in attaining enlightenment according to the Zen philosophy. To know thy true self, is to be a Buddha.

Zen Buddhism differs from the many traditional forms of Buddhism as it is the only sect that does not take it's name from sacred scriptures such as the Lotus sect, and the Consciousness-only sect which are more historically religious as opposed to philosophical.

The history of Buddhism dates back to around 595 BC when, according to the legend, in a city 160 miles northeast of Benares, India a 29-year-old man named Prince Gautama Siddhartha first discovered the path to enlightenment while meditating under a tree. As a seeker of Truth, Gautama honestly wanted to find the answer to why humans suffer and what can be done to stop it. During his exploration, Gautama tried to immerse himself in wordly pleasures but found no peace. He then did the exact opposite and denied himself of all wordly pleasures which still produced no true answers. After many years of searching, he finally gave up. Exhausted and frustrated Gautama collapsed underneath a tree and he declared that he wouldn't move an inch until he understood the solution to human suffering.

According to legend, several days later, as he glanced up at the morning star his mind became clear and he was enlightened. From this, he postulated the Four Noble truths of Buddhism:

1. Human life is suffering. This is referred to as Dukkha.

2. The reason our lives are filled with suffering is because we are ignorant. This cause can be abated. This is referred to as Avidya.

3. There is a path one can take to get rid of suffering, it is to end human desire. This is referred to as Margo Yoga.

4.) Desire can be ended by following the "Eightfold Noble Path" which includes

1)right understanding

2) right thought

3) right speech

4) right action

5) right livelihood

6) right effort

7) right mindfulness

8) right concentration.

The reason we do not know who we are is because we are blinded by our egos which doesn't allow us to see beyond our selfish selves. Yoga, contemplation, and self-examination are ways to remedy this. Once we are able to remedy this through discipline, we are to become just as enlightened as Gautama was that day under the tree. This awakening can come gradually or it can come as a flash of insight.

Zen practice emphasizes zazen, or seated meditation, as the primary means to realize the teachings of the Buddha. Zen practice also includes walking meditation, bowing, chanting, and working closely with a teacher.

Because I'm always a bit skeptical of information that comes from the internet, I have done my best to "fact check" several sites with other books and online resources to see if they're all saying the same thing. Sometimes the versions differ a bit but I found the following resources all claim that the above data is "true" so take that for what it's worth.

Eastern Definitions: A Short Encyclopedia of Religions of the Orient published in 1980 by Edward Rice

http://www.sacred-texts.com/bud/zen/

http://www.ciolek.com/WWWVL-Zen.html

http://www.zenguide.com/

Whoops! Blog Mistakes

So, there are 2 hiccups I've seen in my writing that I think need to be addressed. I've noticed grammatical errors after reading through my posts but I have intentionally kept them the way they are. I truly believe that this writing project comes from a place of inspiration and I don't want to mess with trivial things like grammar or spelling errors! I don't want to alter my original writing the same way I wouldn't want to tell a child to color in the lines because it looks better.

With that being said, inaccuracies are something completely different and I strongly feel that I need to bring two to light. Not writing errors, but errors in Truth that I have made based on presumptions I've had about 2 church's in particular. So, here they are.... I ask for forgiveness from my readers, the Catholic and LDS church's and from God.

1. To prove a point that I thought Catholicism tended to be exclusive, I noted that even in the Apostles Creed, it states that "I believe in the holy catholic church." At first glance, I felt it was proof that they needed to insert Catholicism into everything as if the church was responsible for man's salvation. Well, it was gently brought to my attention that I was interpreting the statement incorrectly. Note that the "c" in catholic is not capitalized. This is because Catholic has a complete different meaning that catholic. While obviously Catholic is used to describe a religious denomination, the latter is used to describe "universalism" which is defined as "to no one denomination." So that quote not only has an entirely different meaning than how I rashly interpreted it, but it actually is a statement of love. It is saying that they believe in One holy universal church, REGARDLESS of denomination. Wow. Not only did I call them out for being exclusive, I used a statement of proof that was actually highlighting that they were indeed inclusive. Serves me right. I sincerely apologize.

2. I mentioned in my post on Mormonism that the Elders, after walking me to my car, asked me if my husband would be home when they came by to witness to me. I immediately was under the assumption that they were trying to "close the deal" by having my partner home at the same time so we could both buy into the story of Joseph Smith. But instead, it is strictly enforced that LDS missionaries are never to enter the home of a woman when she is alone. And I have a great deal of respect for that. So once again, here I am assuming away. And everyone knows what assuming does....so shame on me. They were only trying to do what's right and I assumed it was a shady sales tactic. Serves me right. I sincerely apologize.

Whew, now that we got that out of the way, I can't wait to talk about Zen Buddhism this week!

Saturday, February 13, 2010

The Break Up

I've been struggling with the fact that I have been spending so much time with the LDS church studying their beliefs and haven't given the other churches the same amount of time and attention. So with much consideration, today I went ahead and cut the cord. I officially broke it of with the Mormons. Being my people pleasing self, it took all the courage I had to call up the Elders and let them know I wouldn't be attending church this Sunday, nor do I expect them to show up next week for our previously scheduled Bible and Book of Mormon study.

The Elder I spoke with seemed genuinely disappointed that I wouldn't be occupying the seat beside him in the Celestial Kingdom, but he said he understood and respected my need to continue exploring. I let him know that it wasn't him...it was me. I just wasn't ready for a committed church relationship. So, I'm excited that now I have Sunday free! I'm going to do some research today to figure out where I want to go.

After speaking with some family members about this project, I realized that I was hovering around my comfort zone in my selection of church's so far. While the LDS community was definitely a bit abstract for what I was used to, I think it's time for me to get out there and explore something I know nothing about. My initial thought was the Jehovah Witness church, but I have a funny feeling I'd be going through another break up next week if I went down that road now.

I've called the Church of Scientology about 5 times in the past 2 weeks and I have yet to get through to anyone but I would like to go there soon. I've ordered the book written by L. Ron Hubbard so I'll be well prepared when the time comes and they do finally pick up their phone.

I'll have to give this a bit more thought.

Friday, February 12, 2010

24 Hour Retreat at Richmond Hill

There's a large part of me that thinks in an attempt to maintain focus and clarity, I should not convey all of my personal spiritual experiences on this blog but instead, just write about the history of different churches and my experience attending different ones in the Richmond area. However, when an opportunity to realize God presents itself, it's hard for me to not include it as part of this project.

I have been introduced to Richmond Hill, located at 2209 East Grace Street, a monastery in downtown Richmond that described as "an ecumenical Christian fellowship and residential Community who serve as stewards of an urban retreat center within the setting of a historic monastery."

Richmond Hill's mission is to "advance God's healing of Metro Richmond through prayer, hospitality, racial reconciliation and spiritual development." As I browsed their website located at www.richmondhillva.org, it quickly became clear to me that I am to attend a one day spiritual retreat at their facility. I've decided to write about my time there in lieu of the traditional Sunday church service.

I'm not 100% certain yet whether I'm going to utilize this time as an opportunity to silently pray/meditate for 24 hours, or whether I'm going to take advantage of the spiritual guidance they offer and meet with a guide throughout my stay to discuss my search for Truth.

I'm going to leave that up to God. My desire is to have a guide work with me since I adore personal communication and talking about God, but the other part of me thinks that this may be the exact reason why I should embrace a 24 hour vow of silence. It might be just what the Dr. ordered. I'm confident that I'll know which route to take when the time comes.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a bit apprehensive about having 24 hours solely focused on God. I was once told that if you're leery of spending time in quiet reflection and meditation, it's a sure fire sign that you need to spend time in quiet reflection and meditation.

I'd have to agree with that statement.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Have a Little Faith

So, I decided to have a little faith and share this blog with my closest friends and loved ones. It wasn't long before God winked. Within 24 hours, I had received my first comment and it wasn't from any one of the people I had shared it with. A little faith..... just a little......is enough to move mountains. When I was finally ready to share my experience, to share God with others, He gave me more than I hoped for. Not only did I get showered with love and support from my friends and family, I also received my first reader!

Before I get too ahead of myself--just a quick reminder--IT'S NOT ABOUT ME! Whew. Glad I got that out of the way! Thank you, God. I hope this is what you had in mind for me.

Okay, I have to go now....I need to put on my dancin' shoes.

Monday, February 8, 2010

#6 Maranatha Baptist Church, Glen Allen

I am happy to report that I was able to get out of my house and to church this week! I had the pleasure of attending Maranatha Baptist Church in Glen Allen, VA which is housed inside The Comfort Inn Suites conference room on Innslake Drive.

While I was initially a bit turned off by the meeting place, it wasn't long before I grabbed my 1980's style chair and sat myself down that I realized why the people in this congregation chose to call this church home.

Some of the meaningless things that stood out to me.

1. There were 24 people there.

Because of a snow storm, the service was delayed from its regular time of 11am, to 2pm. I was told the congregation is usually larger but because of the snow, a few of the older members were not present.

2. All 24 people were white.

3. The ages ranged from 5-85

4. The dress was fairly formal.

5. It was in a conference room at the comfort suites.

6. Nobody was eating or drinking.

Some of the more important things I noticed:

1. The church's pastor is named Nate Clark and he IS incredible! I loved his enthusiasm and passion for Jesus Christ. Have you ever seen one of those people who are like goofy happy because they have the Lord? Well, this guy is just like those people. It's the kind of joy you want. The "I don't care whose lookin' because I got a friend in Jesus" joy. It's something I greatly admire. He was honest, forthright, and totally grateful for Jesus Christ. He was the greatest highlight of my afternoon.

2. You could see with your eyes the genuine love the preachers wife had for him. She sat right behind me, and continually expressed her enthusiasm during the service. Every time we made eye contact, she smiled in such a way that brought me peace. It's funny as I write these lines I feel that same peace. It's dawning on me as I sit here now that the reason I have chose to even mention the pastor's wife is because I could feel God when I was in the presence of her and her husband. What a wonderful reality that is for me. I love recognizing the Holy Spirit in my life through the people I meet.

3. Pastor Nate Clark picked up his Bible firmly and read from it with confidence.

We read from the book of Amos. The sermon was was the 3rd part of a 4 part series. The sermon was comparing the pagan ways of Israel before it's judgment to the sinful ways of today. Reverend Clark was urging us to look inside our hearts to see if we are truly living for God. Continually in the book of Amos, God is prophesying through Amos about the horrible things he will bring to their nation as a result of their sins. The underlying theme was destruction and judgment for living in darkness.

This type of sermon usually doesn't resonate with me. As mentioned before, I would like to see church's ministry base itself on the goodness that God brings to your life rather than continually focus on and warn against His wrath. I get the point and that stuff is biblicaly rooted, I just don't think, like the Mormons, it's a great sales strategy when trying to get more people to follow Jesus Christ. It's a turn off. His wrath is completely irrelevant if you find His pleasure. It's like convincing someone to lose weight. You don't show them pictures of really obese people and say "you don't want this!!! so stop eating!!!" Instead, I think a more effective method would be showing them how health and vitality FEELS and then hoping they make the right choice. I guess I want to believe people choose God because He's AMAZING not because they're afraid that they're going to suffer an awful Judgement if they don't.

Regardless of my preaching preference, the sermon was strong and the Holy Spirit was present in every nook and cranny in that conference room. I could feel the Love radiating off of everyone. It is my honest position that someone seeking to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ would find Him quite easily among this group of believers. However, if you're turned off by the fact that the church is in a hotel conference room, or that you can't drink coffee, or that every active member has an outdated sense of style, then you may want to skip it. But I think short sleeved floral dresses are a small price to pay to be one of those lucky ones with that goofy God loving smile.

If you'd like to learn more about their beliefs and their story, visit them online at www.mbaptist.com or come to the Sunday service at 11am or Wednesday service at 7pm.

Sunday, February 7, 2010

The Baptist Church

While researching the history of the Baptist church, it became rather evident that there is no definitive starting point as to when they arrived on the scene. Many Baptists claim that Adam was the first Baptist. Other credit John the Baptist with the title of first Baptist. According to the Baptist History and Historical Journal, their historical evidence points to the church coming into existence in the early 17th century when emerging out of the Puritan-Separatist movement in the Church of England.

Since no one can accurately pin point who was responsible for the Baptist movement, the institution is only left to speculate who in the New Testament was responsible for the influence of the church. Many scholars believe that Paul may have preached in Britian and his words had great bearing on the English people in the 17th century. Most were Roman Catholic at the time but in following centuries evangalical Christian groups were formed which opposed the Romanism. In the 16th century there were several English Christians that were demanding reform in the church. Rooted in the belief that the current Roman Church had become corrupt and had abandoned the messages in the Scripture, many men including those who had been led by reformers such as Martin Luther and John Calvin rallied for a new church rooted in simple biblical principles. At this time, a new English Translation of the Bible allowed common people to share in the word of God. Political and social changes of the time encouraged more people to attend church.

John Calvin's desire to work from within the Church of England and reform its current state led to the emergence of the "Puritans", a new group of church goers who insisted on more purity in their church. These puritans insisted on educating themselves through the teachings of the New Testament within the Church of England. Many frustrated Puritans felt overwhelmed by the process of reformation within the church and separated themselves from the Church of England altogether. This group called themselves "Seperatists" and built new independent churches. By 1600 several of these independant churches at blossomed throughout Europe creating a diverse group of independent groups with different biblical views such as
Quakers, Presbyterians, Congregationalists, and assorted independents and nonconformists.

The Baptist were one of the many blossoming independant churches. Their mission was built on studying the Bible and stressing the importance of full immersion Baptism which led to their name.

Their are many different types of Baptists which makes it difficult to describe their belief system since they vary greatly depending on the type of Baptist church you attend. Add that to the fact that Baptists can not even agree on the origins of their own faith, and one can become awfully confused when learning about their heritage and belief system.

Baptists do not adhere to any CREED specifically. They claim that the Bible is their creed. However, there are many rules and regulation for each independant church even though they don't have one massive creed that all of the Baptists adhere to. I assume the reason the Baptist denomination is so divided is because they don't have much to unite them. I don't say that in a negative way but without a mission and basis for belief system, its hard to have a group this large get on the same page when discussing the major influences that create and sustain the church.

Baptists believe that is up to every believer on an individual basis to interpret the Bible. They feel that through Jesus Christ, we have a direct connection to God the Father which enables us to find Truth without the institute of church. They belong to a denomination because they find it beneficial to have a group of believers with similar values to share in their ministry, but it is up to each church independently to direct it's flock.

Saturday, February 6, 2010

I'm Missing Church

Because of the winter storm last week I missed church and instead watched Charles Stanley's sermon on the TV. It wasn't awful by any means. I love Charles Stanley, but it wasn't the same as sitting in my chair and experiencing it physically.

Ugh... And here I am a week later and once again, we have almost a foot of snow on the ground. I assume this can only mean that I'll miss church this week too. I'm so disappointed.