I'm sure that there were people who saw Joe on the streets and thought that he was someone they wanted nothing to do with. Well, they don't have to worry about that anymore. But there was a time when some of those same people were glad to know him. He grew up in one of the better families in one of the nicest neighborhoods in Philadelphia, where his father's business gave them a good living. And he was a star in college, both academically and in athletics. But then he joined the army and was sent to Vietnam, 12 months of fighting. And when he finished his tour, he wanted the same thing as the rest of us who were taking off their uniforms - to return to life as he had known it. But, he wasn't allowed that. People who had been his friends shunned him, his wife left him, and more. Finally, he quit trying and lived on the streets. Lady Stormy and I, plus a few others, tried to get him to find opportunities that would get him back into society, but there was always one stumbling block, especially after time had passed. And none of his family, even now, will do anything for him.
And it occurs to me that he might not be the only one like that, and some of you might have known someone like that.
Blessed Be!
If we're going to talk about prayer, it might be an idea to spend some time considering how to say a prayer. There are, in essence, two kinds of prayers: the ones someone wrote and you want to pray, and the ones which come from your own heart. Both are a challenge, each in its own way. If someone else wrote the words, like for a ritual, you want them to sound like they're yours, don't you? And if you a doing something that's absolutely your own, you want to get the point across, right?
Let's explore how you can make that be!
Blessed Be!
Last time, we talked about a place to pray. This time, let's look at getting your prayers on-target. And here, I draw on a comparison to artillery, because there is a fair comparison. Not only does the round have to be fired, not only does the round have to reach the target, it also needs to reach the correct target.
And there's enough there to think about if you really thing about that old adage "Be careful what you pray for, you might get it!"
So, let's see how we can make maximum use of this to make our prayer really effective
Blessed Be!
In my commentary last time, before I got into Beltaine, I asked for some spiritual action, including prayer. There's a problem and I believe that it is the kind of problem where that sort of action is called for. The question for some will be how to bring it about. And, for some, part of the problem will be not just how, but where. Some are fortunate and have a place more or less set aside. What about those who don't, or who share a roof with people who don't appreciate that part of your needs.
Once again, secrets in plain sight. Let's see how to fnd such a place, and how to put it to use!
Blessed Be!
Much can be said about Beltaine, and much has been written. For this episode, I want to look at what Beltaine is about. many write about the customs, the food, the celebrations and all of the Sabbat's goings-on, but let's look at what is at the heart of Beltaine!
At the heart of Beltaine is something that eludes many people, many of whom come here or to similar places for satisfaction. Well, the satisfaction is in the fulfillment, and that's the secret of Beltaine. No quibbling, no hedging, just fulfillment - in abundance. Look and see!
Blessed Be!
And while we are looking at problems and difficulties, let's looki at something that we all face from time to time: the dilemma. It's bad enough that we see such a situation as offering no completely "right" or "wrong" choice. It's made worse by the fact that there will be those who think that there is a black-and-white solution. And then, of course, there are others who will harass you about the choice you made, just for the sake of having something to harass about.
Some of the subjects involved might be well-known, some not. But I can guarantee you that for as many who react as you think they will, there will be someone who who turns the other direction.
The answer is in plain sight. Let's see what it is that you can do about facing a dilemma.
Blessed Be!
