Month: July 2018

Inspiration

     Just as we need food every day to stay alive and healthy, so it is with the spiritual aspects of our lives.  Therefore, find things that will inspire you in your relationship with God and those around you.  Study various religious or spiritual sources and put them into practice; they are your food and drink to keep you strong along your journey.

     It is when we are “in-spirit” that we are closest to God and each other, and can find the greatest growth, revelation, and joy.

— Excerpted from The Truth as I See It: A Collection of Spiritual Writings by Adam Soto (p. 50)

Copyright 2018 Golden Rule Independent Publications

Goodness

     Good people are good, regardless of how anyone else treats them.  Their goodness has an effect on the people around them, even those who try to use or abuse or take advantage of them.

     Good people must be willing, when necessary, to bear the injustice the world may throw their way and turn it into good, so that through their example, the world can wake up and remember how to live.

— Excerpted from The Truth as I See It: A Collection of Spiritual Writings by Adam Soto (p. 50)

 

Copyright 2018 Golden Rule Independent Publications

Joy

     Some time ago I wrote a quote that says, “There is both good and bad in life; those who are happy concentrate on the good.”

     There will always be bad things in the world and things to be negative about, but there is also much joy, much more joy than sorrow.  It’s never healthy to concentrate on too much negativity.  I’m not saying to bury your head in the sand or close your eyes to suffering, but why dwell on it when there’s so much more to be happy about?

     There’s an old saying that “like attracts like.”  So if you concentrate too much on the negative, what do you think you’re going to attract?

— Excerpted from The Truth as I See It: A Collection of Spiritual Writings by Adam Soto (p. 50)

 

Copyright 2018 Golden Rule Independent Publications

The Goal of Education

     When the Master met a group of teachers he spoke long and animatedly for he had been a teacher himself.  The trouble with teachers, he said, is that they keep forgetting that the goal of education is not learning but life.

     He told of the time he spotted a boy fishing in the river.

     “Hello!  Nice day for fishing!” he said to the youngster.

     “Yes,” came the reply.

     After a while the Master said, “Why aren’t you in school today?”

     “Well, sir, like you said–it’s a nice day for fishing.”

     And he told of the report card his little daughter got: “Meena is doing well in school.  She would do much better if the pure joy of living did not impede her progress.”

– Anthony de Mello, One Minute Nonsense

Discipleship

     To a visitor who asked to become his disciple the Master said, “You may live with me but don’t become my follower.”

     ‘Whom then shall I follow?”

     “No one. The day you follow someone you cease to follow Truth.”

– Anthony de Mello, One Minute Wisdom

Source: https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Anthony_de_Mello

Anxiety

     Try your best not to let anxiety grow too strong in you, whatever the cause.  Instead, entrust your hope with God.  Ask for guidance and understanding in whatever it is that troubles you.  Draw strength in remembering that nothing can separate you from God, not even death.  Therefore, never lose your hope or trust in God.

— Excerpted from The Truth as I See It: A Collection of Spiritual Writings by Adam Soto (p. 49)

 

Copyright 2018 Golden Rule Independent Publications

Prayer

     Prayer can be something very personal or something shared as a group.  In either case, clear your mind and let joy and appreciation enter your heart.  Speak with God as often as you like, wherever you are, whatever you’re doing.  About big things or small things, happy things or sad things—whatever it is that brings you joy or trouble.  Be open to whatever ways God may answer you.  Have patience and faith—God will never let you down.

— Excerpted from The Truth as I See It: A Collection of Spiritual Writings by Adam Soto (p. 49)

 

Copyright 2018 Golden Rule Independent Publications

Thankfulness

     Another word for thankfulness is appreciation, and the best way to show appreciation for any gift is to take care of it.  This applies to spiritual gifts as well.

     If we let our spiritual gifts fall into ruin through abuse or neglect, then we aren’t appreciating how fortunate we are to have them.  Therefore, take some time every day to thank God for your many gifts.  Use them as often as you can and to the best of your abilities.  A spirit of appreciation is always accompanied by a great sense of joy and unity with God and those around you.

— Excerpted from The Truth as I See It: A Collection of Spiritual Writings by Adam Soto (p. 49)

 

Copyright 2018 Golden Rule Independent Publications