Universal Life Church Monastery of Massachusetts: January 2016

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

LIFE: Love

When asked the famous question, “What is love?” I always refer to what Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 13. If everyone could live according to these admonitions, the world would be such a loving and joyful place.
“Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn't want what it doesn't have. Love doesn't strut, doesn't have a swelled head, doesn't force itself on others, isn't always "me first," doesn't fly off the handle, doesn't keep score of the sins of others, doesn't revel when others grovel, takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, puts up with anything, trusts God always, always looks for the best, never looks back, but keeps going to the end. Love never dies.”

In a world where we see more than we’d like of selfishness and hatred, we need to strive to walk in love daily and be an example of God’s character. Love really does make a difference.

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

HEALTH: Learn the art of meditation

Various cultures and religions have used meditation for healing for thousands of years. Studies have revealed that mediation can help those who suffer from stress, pain, depression, and high blood pressure, as well as an assortment of other ailments.

Meditation calms the mind and allows individuals to learn to take back control of their lives. There are various meditation techniques used throughout the world. The bible explains that if one meditates and follows God’s word continually, then he/she will have success. Take some time to learn about mediation and commit to spending time each day in prayerful meditation.

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

LIFE: Habits

In order to create a good habit it has been said that you need to do it for 21 days straight and those who take the time to develop good habits state that it is worth the time and effort. Good habits such as eating healthy, creating goals, being on time, doing chores, and so on seem to make life go smoother and increase self-esteem.

Bad habits can be procrastinating, nail-biting, being late, over-spending, yelling at your children, and so on. If you find yourself stuck in bad habits, sit down and write down what they are. Then create a plan to change the negative habit into a positive one. For example, if you are continually getting to work ten minutes late, set your alarm to go off fifteen minutes earlier and consistently make the extra effort to get there on time. The more you do this the easier it will become.

Take the time to invest in good habits. Feodor Dostoevski speaks volumes when he said, “The second half of a man’s life is made up of nothing but the habits he has acquired during the first half.”

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

HEALTH: His Plan

God has a divine plan for optimal physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Through Scripture, prayer, good nutrition, and modern medicine, we can walk in health, strength, and joy.

The Bible says God made all of our delicate, inner parts of our body and knit us together in our mother’s womb.” (Psalm 139:13) God created our bodies with organs and systems that work in perfect order. Ask God to help you live a healthy lifestyle and understand the healing power of God.