prayer
What Did You Give Up For Lent?
You’re out with your friends on a Friday night and suddenly you notice that one of them has switched from his favorite microbrew beer to lemonade? Is it time for Lent already?
Giving up something for Lent sometimes evokes head-scratching in non-Catholics, but what might seem like just another Catholic eccentricity can actually be a practice with deep spiritual significance.
Lent, the period of 40 days that precedes the celebration of Easter, has its origin in the early days of the Church. This year Lent began on March 5th and it ends on April 17th.
Converts seeking to become Christian, who at that time were mostly adults, spent several years in study and preparation. Under the threat of Roman persecution, becoming a Christian was serious business, so their process of preparation was intensive. Then they went through a final period of “purification and enlightenment” for the 40 days before their baptism at Easter. The rest of the Church began to observe the season of Lent in solidarity with these newest Christians. It became an opportunity for all Christians to recall and renew the commitment of their baptism. Continue reading
Empath Unplugged At Bath Spa
The host at Burghope Manor country inn in Bradford-on-Avon, England, is a very wise man. He has seen many travelers come and go over the years, and obviously knows what is best for each of them.
When I told him I had downloaded an audio tour on my iPod, from the local tourism website, and was going to do a “Jane Austen walk” through the historic town of Bath, he gave me a skeptical look like only the British can and said, “You might want to stop by the Roman Baths first. It is a must-see, but go there early in the morning, before the tour groups arrive from London.”
Well, who am I to argue with such a determined a messenger of the Universe?
Arriving at the Roman Baths Museum, I was planning to have a quick 30 minute browse around and then go off in pursuit of the famous Ms Austen’s favorite haunts. Well, what is usually a 90 minute visit for most to the baths, if you use the museum’s audio guide, became for me a four hour metaphysical adventure. Continue reading
Hugged By An Angel
What is the difference between a Spirit Guide and a Guardian Angel? In my experience a Spirit Guide is a loving person who has walked the Earth long before we were born. It could be a relative who has come back to guide you through this lifetime.
When I was a young boy, my mother used to tell me that certain Spirit Guides were trained and chosen to be sent down to help someone who is asking for a guidance. They always try to help you, but they will never take control of your free will. They always let you make your own choices and decisions.
At times we might have as many as four to seven Spirit Guides in our inner circle. If you ask, you shall receive. You have to believe that they were sent for a reason. They are here to help you reach the goals you have set out in your life. Continue reading
Would Turning Your Fantasy Into Reality Be Wise?
How many thoughts do we have per day? Nobody seems to know for sure and the experts don’t agree, but they all seem to concur that it is ranges somewhere in the thousands. We also have many daydreams and fantasies that cross our minds on a daily basis.
Many of these thoughts and daydreams we would never share with our mates, friends, or family. Many of us never act on our fantasies, for various obvious reasons: we want to stay married, or we want to stay in the same job, or we fear failure should we attempt something new and different. Some of us may even fear that we could end up behind bars in extreme cases. Continue reading
Would You Rather Be Right, Or Happy?
A recent unethical experience with a large company prompted me to ask a few people from various walks of life if they would rather be right, or happy? Most, including my husband, said they would definitely prefer to be right! The unpleasant incident caused me stress and considerable expense, but in the end, I’m glad I chose the latter – to be happy.
I purchased a power generator with a twenty hour backup at an ultimate cost of about $2,300 dollars, including installation and subsequent lawyer fees. I dealt with a salesperson at the retail outlet who told me the unit was too simple to warrant them installing it, and that if I could use a laptop, I could install the unit myself by following the instructions on a compact disc. Continue reading
A Sign From Apollo At The Delphic Oracle
Would you not do the same if you were going to visit the remains of the legendary sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi, Greece? Well, I did! I humbly requested a simple sign or personal omen from the god of light, truth and prophecy, while I was planning my recent European tour*. I knew for several months before I undertook this odyssey that Apollo would not disappoint, but ultimately I received much more than I had anticipated.
The renowned oracle who communicated Apollo’s messages to the people, and the priests who interpreted them, no longer ply their trade at this once glorious place, but Apollo has certainly not abandoned his remarkable temple. He still answers the call of mortals here, despite the fact that most of us now live in a world devoid of the mystical and the miraculous. Yes, he certainly does. I have proof.
I Have No Rest, But Only Turmoil
Recently I was asked to go to the home of a friend who I used to work with. There was something paranormal going on at her house and had asked for my help.
The house is more than a 100 years old and it is divided into three sections, with two upper levels. When I entered the house I felt there was an energy around that was positive and benevolent, but there was also something there that was negative and malicious. It was clear to me that this house was home to some kind of daily spiritual tension or battle.
It was getting close to midnight and I wanted to start taking pictures, both with the light turned on and off. First I lead us in prayer asking for protection and guidance. After the prayer we both introduced ourselves, to let whoever was present know that we meant no harm. I also made it clear that I was going to take some pictures and invited anyone present in spirit to come forward and make their presence known. Continue reading