HEALTH: Healthy decisions

It seems that when we try to live lives independent of God, we end up feeling empty and perhaps even disappointed.  We try to fill a never-ending void with things such as material possessions, food, work, or hobbies and end up not being able to satiate our greatest need: Connection with God. 

Proverbs 3:7-8 reads, "Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear and respect the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones."

This proverb tells us that as we reverence God and connect with him, we will be more apt to make wise decisions and those decisions will cause us to be healthier.  Perhaps as we stay spiritually connected with God, our desires for things that harm us, such as unhealthy food, will decrease and we’ll be able to make healthier eating decisions.  Ask God today to help you make healthy decisions regarding your diet. 

©2010-2011 Minister Claretta Taylor Pam, Global Ecumenical Ministries Inc. and Universal Life Church Monastery of Massachusetts. All Rights Reserved

MARRIAGE: Marriage is God’s design

God said that he did not want Adam to be alone so he made Eve to be his mate.  God designed their union to be special, namely, husband and wife.  (Gen 2:18, 21-24) This union was the first recorded “wedding” in Christian history, thus, the institute of marriage was God’s idea. 

Marriage is a wonderful partnership between man and woman that involves intimacy.

Marriage is a journey between two people who share their lives together and commit to honoring one another above themselves.  It is a holy institution that can be a most beautiful and rewarding experience.

©2010-2011 Minister Claretta Taylor Pam, Global Ecumenical Ministries Inc. and Universal Life Church Monastery of Massachusetts. All Rights Reserved

Servants....

I am a servant of the lord....greater works than these you will do.

LIFE: Happiness: Joy

I remember years ago hearing the song, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” and thinking to myself, “If only it were that simple.”  According to an article in the New York Press, Americans are, on average, only 69% happy. (Seligman, M.E.P, 2002, Authentic Happiness, New York: Free Press). The general consensus is that we pursue happiness by purchasing things, which only produces a temporary state of happiness.  

For example, buying a new car can make us feel very happy, but usually that wears off so we think about what else we can buy to produce that elated feeling.  Many will admit that shopping is a natural high and can become addicted to it.  Though buying things is not necessarily a bad thing, if done with the intention to “feel better”, it has negativity surrounding it. 
 

What we are really seeking is joy, as happiness and joy are quite different.  Happiness is a temporary feeling that comes and goes. Joy is more of a permanent state and tends to last, even in difficult times.  Psalm 95 states that when we seek God we can find peace, strength, forgiveness, and love and these will bring about inner peace and joy.  Galatians 5:22 reminds us that one of the fruits, or advantages of the Spirit, is joy. 
 

If you’ve ever met someone who had great joy while going through difficult circumstances in life, you’ve probably met someone who has found their source of joy in God.  Jesus endured the suffering of the cross for the joy that was set ahead of him.  He saw the big picture and if we will get connected to God, and draw our joy from him, we will be able to discover joy bubbling deep inside of us and radiate it outward, no matter what we are going through! 

©2010-2011 Minister Claretta Taylor Pam, Global Ecumenical Ministries Inc. and Universal Life Church Monastery of Massachusetts. All Rights Reserved

Full of Prayer

On this day, my heart is full of prayer for my loved ones, their families and everyone upon whose eyes I connect.  May your days and nights be filled with blessings and words from GOD.


©2010-2011 Minister Claretta Taylor Pam, Global Ecumenical Ministries Inc. and Universal Life Church Monastery of Massachusetts. All Rights Reserved

MARRIAGE: Your wedding day

A wedding day is a celebration of love and of life.  It is a celebration not to create a bond or a union, but rather to rejoice in the one that already exists. It marks the continuation of a journey, the next step in ensuring that all that a couple shares now shall deepen and grow stronger through the seasons of life.

It is the day that a couple will formally and publicly make their promises to one another.

Although this is indeed very exciting and a high point, let us remember that marriage is not a destination, but a journey for a lifetime.

·         A journey that involves a coming together at all levels of being: mind, body, and spirit.

·         A journey that involves the entrusting of your deepest selves into the loving care of each other. 

·         And it is a promise, a beautiful and sacred expression of your love for one another.

God wants marriage to be an amazing and beautiful journey shared for a lifetime.

©2010-2011 Minister Claretta Taylor Pam, Global Ecumenical Ministries Inc. and Universal Life Church Monastery of Massachusetts. All Rights Reserved

Grant of Absolution and Plenary Indulgence

The Universal Life Church through its Monastery grants full Absolution from all sin from preconception to the present date.

In addition, the Universal Life Church through its Monastery grants Plenary Indulgence which is forgiveness of the punishments for sin in this life.

The Grant of Absolution and Plenary Indulgence does forgive all sin including the punishments of sins in this life.

The Universal Life Church through its Monastery does not ask for any individual to confess any wrongs, to declare any sins or announce any misdeeds done in private.

Sincerity and the willingness to do right is respected above all.

In the Universal Life Church no one is above anyone else and as such no one is entitled to demand anyone to confess any wrongdoings. The individual that asks for Absolution of Sins and Plenary Indulgence does so in secret, in private communication with the Church and by name only without any personal identification other than name and date.

To receive absolution,  email  your requests. As a service, we will fax or email back an absolution certificate for your private us.

Ministry email: ecumenicalministries@gmail.com 

We are another step closer to gaining our 501(c)(3) status. We can begin to great things with your blessings.

©2010-2013 Minister Claretta Taylor Pam, Global Ecumenical Ministries Inc. and Universal Life Church Monastery of Massachusetts. All Rights Reserved

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HEALTH: Small Steps

Eat healthy foods and exercise.  It sounds so simple doesn’t it? Just about everyone has the ability to do this, but yet so few follow through.  It's all about choices. 

Changing eating habits is a choice and a process.  Gradually reduce consumption of unhealthy foods and add healthy foods.  Make a list of healthy foods and each time you shop be sure you are buying items from that list.  Determine to begin an exercise routine.  Find someone to exercise with you, as accountability will make it easier. Walk for 30 minutes a few days a week, join a gym, or a sport.  There are a lot of options and it’s well worth the effort as you’ll find yourself feeling better physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

©2010-2011 Minister Claretta Taylor Pam, Global Ecumenical Ministries Inc. and Universal Life Church Monastery of Massachusetts. All Rights Reserved