Universal Life Church Monastery of Massachusetts: May 2012

Thursday, May 24, 2012

LIFE: Neglecting God

Sometimes it’s easy to neglect God and let self rule. Eventually though, when self rules for a period of time, we usually end up face down in the dirt, crying, frustrated, and ready to give up.

When this happens to me, I know deep within I want to please God so I get back up and begin again. I commit to live my life loving God and others and taking steps to fulfill God's plan for me. I've done my fair share of what I want to do to please myself in this life, but my deepest intention is to please God. My deepest desire is to enjoy God and God's gift of life, as well as share awesome love with others.

Proverbs 19:21 says, "Many plans are in ones mind, but it is the Lord's purpose for that one that will stand."

I believe God's purposes for me will stand as I walk in love and humility and seek to live a life that adds value to others. I will not fear. God's Spirit lives in me! How awesome is that!

Thursday, May 17, 2012

HEALTH: Don't worry

Have you ever heard the phrase, “Worried sick”? Worry is a type of stress that has negative affects on our minds and bodies, and can in fact, make us sick. Worry robs people of peace and joy. It is a bondage that holds them in darkness and not only affects them, but those around them.

Jesus told his disciples not to worry. He asks them, “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. (Matthew 6:27-29 NLT)

A lot of time can be wasted worrying and nothing much gets accomplished. If you continue to worry, you are not trusting God.

Take your problems to God in prayer and ask him to help you be at peace and give you possible solutions.

Sunday, May 13, 2012

WORK: Ants are wise

Don’t be surprised if you go to God asking for wisdom regarding fiancés and productivity and he tells you to learn about ants. In Proverbs 6 God states, "Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man."

Laziness can become a habit but it is a habit that can be broken. You have been given gifts and talents but those are not going to amount to anything unless you develop and act upon them. If you need help, ask around to see if someone will sit down with you and help you formulate a plan for success. It will take hard work and diligence, but it will be worth it.

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

Thursday, May 10, 2012

MARRIAGE: Little things matter most

Sometimes it’s the little things that make a relationship soar to a blissful state. Life gets busy with work and kids and oftentimes our relationship gets neglected. It doesn’t require a lot of time to put some romance and fun back into a relationship, but it does take commitment and a little creativity.

Here are some ideas that are sure to show your spouse that you not only love him/her, but that he/she is on your mind throughout the day.

Make your spouse a cup of coffee in the morning and bring it to him/her in the bed.

Slip a love note into his/her car at night so they will see it in the morning.

Book a night away for just the two of you, for a romantic evening.

Have flowers delivered at work.

Buy a little gift and set it on the bed.

Write positive qualities about your spouse and give it to them.

Rent a movie for just the two of you to watch.

Cook his/her favorite dinner.