Universal Life Church Monastery of Massachusetts

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.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

LIFE: Be humble

Humility is an important virtue that oftentimes gets overlooked. Humility means putting others ahead of you. It means having a lower opinion of yourself and willingly submitting to God and others.

In a world where selfishness seems to prevail, humility is necessary for peace to prevail in our society. Jesus thought humility very important as he states in the book of Matthew, “But the greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.”

(Matthew 23:11-12)

Are you putting others before you or are you looking out for number one? Ask God to show you how humble you really are and make a decision to walk humbly before God and others.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

MARRIAGE: Endurance

If it is endurance you want, you must begin to train. Just as athletes are diligent to train for a race, so we ought to be diligent to train to be successful in our marriages. Knowing our purpose in marriage is to honor God and our mate, we are motivated to do what it takes to develop perseverance.

Stay active through movement. Stagnation kills.

©2010-2012 Minister Claretta Taylor Pam, Global Ecumenical Ministries Inc. and Universal Life Church Monastery of Massachusetts. All Rights Reserved

Thursday, April 12, 2012

HEALTH: Physical health

God wants us to be successful spiritually, physically, and emotionally. Our bodies are God’s temple and it is important for us to take care of our bodies. We find in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 that our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God dwells in us, and we are therefore to honor God with our bodies.

How do we do that? By first, finding out what God requires of us regarding physical health. God’s word is a roadmap to health and if we want optimal health, it is important to read and follow God’s instructions. God is willing to help us honor him with our physical body. All we need to do is ask and put forth effort at following his guidelines for optimal health and happiness.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

WORK: Do your best

No matter what your occupation is, it is important to perform it with a great attitude and do your very best. Even if you don’t like our job, your co-workers, or your boss, your attitude reflects what is inside you. Are love, peace, and joy inside you? Or grumbling, anger, and hate?

I’ve had jobs where most of my co-workers simply complain the whole shift. If you are not careful you may find yourself beginning to join them. Be strong and ask God to be a light in your workplace. Ecclesiastes 9:10 admonishes us to do our work with all of our might and Colossians 3:23 states that we should work hard and cheerfully at all we do, just as we were working for God and not simply our bosses.

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

Thursday, March 29, 2012

LIFE: Realize tough times and pain can help us to grow.

I like the quote, “The pain passes, but the beauty remains” by Pierre-Auguste Renoir. He tells us that the pain that we encounter in life does not have to be a lost cause. No one likes to go through tough, painful times but it is inevitable along our journeys. As painful as certain seasons or situations in life can be, we tend to gain some invaluable insights, lessons, strength, and humility during those times.

Think back to a tough time in your life and remember the lessons you learned while persevering through it. Take note of the positive traits, lessons, or relationships that came as a result.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

WORK: Work doesn’t always bring monetary gain

In order for God to be glorified, one does not have to work in a sacred profession. God can be glorified whether you are a plumber, clerk, or CEO. Jesus was a carpenter. He used his talents to build things for people. Jesus was also a prophet. He had a secular and sacred profession and he glorified God in both.

In John 17:4-5 he told god that he had glorified him and finished all the work that he had given him. Jesus was concerned about doing what his father wanted him to do. He delighted in pleasing his father, whether it be building a table or teaching in the Synagogue.

We can learn from Jesus. God has laid out a plan for us and it is up to us to fulfill it. As we do, we glorify him and he is pleased. How do we know what his plan is? Pray and ask him. Be led by his spirit. Take time to get to know God’s voice.

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

Thursday, March 15, 2012

MARRIAGE: Intimacy

Intimacy is a spiritual, emotional, and physical giving of oneself to another and it is a beautiful thing. God created us with a desire to be intimate and we long to share intimacy with another. God loves intimacy as well and longs for an intimate relationship with us. Sharing a deep closeness and love with another is so rewarding.

As we share intimate time with our spouse, we are allowing God’s love to flow through us into each other. It is an amazing experience and the depth of intimacy can grow to great heights as we commit to fostering intimacy. Devote time to develop a greater intimacy with God as well as your spouse and take time daily to nurture your relationships.