Universal Life Church Monastery of Massachusetts: October 2011

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

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, October 19, 2011

LIFE: Purpose

Finding a meaning or purpose in life is important to us, although it’s not always easy to do. Some struggle their whole lives trying to find a sense of purpose.

Discovering one’s purpose takes effort. It takes taking time to pray and discern what gifts, talents, and passion one has. Once this is done, it takes effort and action to begin walking it out.

One way to discover purpose is by serving others. Start with your family and friends. It doesn't matter a bit if you are on your way to saving the world if you are neglecting your immediate family. Spend quality time with them and educate yourself on how to be a better spouse, partner, mother, father, or friend. If you feel you have this area down pretty well, volunteer in your community. There are plenty of non-profits in your area needing help. Do the footwork.

Be aware that finding your purpose is not a one day thing. We are on a journey and we may have many "aha" moments toward living out our purpose. All we have is today and I encourage you to use this day to pray and contemplate your purpose. It's not supposed to be complicated. I could not sit and tell you every single purpose of my life, but I do know that it involves loving and helping others person by person, day by day.

You're on a path to purpose. Smile.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

WORK: What does God think about work?

What does God think about work?

Have you ever wondered what God thinks about work? Do you think he wants us to work or not? Let’s take a look at what he says in Genesis. God created the earth and that act was his very first “work”. The Bible records that he thought his creation was, “very good.” (Gen. 1:31) History tells us that after Adam disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden, God put a curse on him and put him to work taking care of the earth. Because of this, some view work as a curse, but God’s intention was for Adam and Eve to tend the Garden of Eden even before the Fall, so work afterwards would not be considered a curse. After all, who would take care of our precious earth if it weren’t for Adam?

God is a Creator. He created us to help take care of the earth as well as to use it as a blessing. Even if you are not a farmer or tending the earth, you bring God glory by using your talents in some way, shape, or form. We are partners with God and whether your job is sacred or secular, God loves it when you have a good attitude toward work.

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

WORK: Laziness a curse

If there is one thing I wish I could drill into the youth these days, I would impress upon them the blessings of having excellent work ethics and the curse of laziness. In a world of facebook, television, and video games, it seems much of our younger generation has become less concerned with getting out to “work” and more concerned with their social status.

Proverbs 14:23 states that, “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” It is important that the youth learn that hard work will bring them the necessary means to pay their bills and that too much time doing recreational activities may cause them to be unfruitful. Let’s encourage the younger generation to diligently follow God’s design for productivity and someday they may just thank us.

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

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

HEALTH: Determination

Hippocrates said, “Let our medicine be our food.” What this means is that when we are not feeling well, the food that we decide to eat plays an important role in our recovery and general function of our bodies.

Ensure that the foods that you are eating are beneficial to the body. Take time to evaluate what you have been eating, Make a list and replace the foods that are not healthy, such as high sugar sweets, chips, and soda, with healthy alternatives such as water, fruits, and vegetables. It will take effort and determination, but the rewards will be well worth it. Your physical health will improve and your energy level will increase.