The Holy Presence

God is with us wherever we go. Jesus is right by our side. The Holy Spirit is within us. The barrier is not too great. We can feel the Holy Presence wherever we go. Deep down somewhere in our psyche or heart, mind, or soul we can feel the Holy Presence. It’s none of those really, but it is within us. We use those terms to try to describe what we feel. But we are spirit more than we are physical. We are trapped in a body that will soon evaporate and we are left with spirit.

The spirit of God remains with us. Jesus is there to comfort us. The Holy Spirit to guide us. God’s spirit, the Holy Presence, surrounds us. We all know the Holy Presence is with us all the time. But we block it out with fast living, fast cars, Internet speed, tweaks and trits, worries and wastes, greeds and gets. Nonetheless the Holy Presence is there to comfort us or to haunt us.

There is a thin barrier that separates us from the Holy Presence. But it is very thin and we can be with it if we let go of all our desires and busyness.

Consider this. We are mostly space. We are made up with atoms and protons, quarks and leptons separated by vast amounts of space. Within that space God, the Holy Presence, dwells.  When our physical form fades we unite with God. Our spirit becomes blended with God’s spirit and because God is love we become a vibrant living, love. We melt into the loving spirit of God. We become love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness.

We have all those virtues within us now but physical barriers prevent us from fully realizing those virtues. The Holy Presence tries to reveal those virtues to us but we resist. Sin keeps us locked away from the Holy Presence, but it is with us nonetheless. As sin diminishes, the Holy Presence increases.

Encouraging Words

Encouragement. Everyone benefits from it. Encouragement opens the portals of possibility. Kindles hope. Inspires potential. Boosts confidence. Unleashes undiscovered talents. Emboldens persistence.

The Bible is filled with encouraging words. As the book of Joshua opens, the Israelites' leader for forty years, Moses, has just died. As Joshua their newly appointed leader prepares to lead the Israelites into the promised land filled with hostile Canaanites, God gave him these encouraging words:  

Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law that my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you might be successful where ever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not command you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord you God will be with 
you were ever you go.

Whenever you need encouragement, remember that the word of God inspires strength and courage.

Who Am I?

I don't know the source.  A book? An article? A personal encounter? The Internet? Was it a sermon? I found it scribbled on a scrap of paper underneath a pile of notes and articles on my desk. I apologize to the original writer for plagiarizing the material. Nonetheless, this truth merits sharing.

False Statements

• I am what I do.
• I am what people say about me.
• I am what I possess.

True Statement:

• I am the beloved child of God.

Refreshing Old Words

As an aging person I suggest: Don't use the word older. Or senior. 
Experienced would be better. Wise would be even better. Fermented wouldn't work, but elegant, refined, or opulent would be better wine analogies. How about Falernian or Surrentine, if you are inclined toward pedanticism. Over-the-hill is insensitive while venerable adds some sophistication to the aging process.  Old-bat is a no-no, but mature might be a hit for some. Ripe, no. Cultured, yes. Seasoned is OK, but graceful is better.   How about resolute or durable instead of old boot?

The Prognosis of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia usually begins just as young adults are learning to become independent and productive. Because the illness typically strikes people when they are between the ages of 17-28, relatively few celebrated people have been diagnosed with schizophrenia. There are a handful of well-known exceptions. Nijinsky, the Russian dancer, made his mark as a genius before the disease struck. Meera Popkin, known for her entrancing performances in Andrew Lloyd Weber’s Cats, Starlight Express, and Miss Saigon, went from a show-stopping star to a Wendy’s french-fry flipper until small doses of Haldol and supportive psychotherapy returned her to the stage (Schizophrenia.com).

            For a significant group, medications, compassion, and receptivity allow the schizophrenic to become independent again. Some return to work, cultivate friendships, and marry. Occasionally a remarkable remission occurs. Often, though, treatment is ineffective. Even with the best of medications, most schizophrenics almost never return to their previous level of function.