The past month the story of Abraham and Isaac has haunted me. I can't seem to shake it. When this happens I sit in meditation to listen, to seek the answer or the message. This is what has been coming up. Feel free to take what you want and leave the rest.
God promised Abraham that he would be the father of many nations. This seem far fetched as Abraham and Sarah were so old. However, eventually, they gave birth to Isaac.
When Isaac was a teenager, Abraham was instructed to take him to the rock and offer him as a sacrafice to God. What a horrific story! Why would God, a loving God, require such a thing? This was my question.
It could be that God was going to save Abraham and Sarah the pain of raising a teenager, right?
As I pondered the story, my youngest daughter was playing soccer and the eldest daughter was busy planning all of her many activities. I began to notice how my God time began to diminish as my daughters frivilous activities began to take over our time. To my astonishment, I found myself at a soccer game on a Sunday morning. I truly had the best intentions of going to church after the game, but it was cold and windy and we were all tired. We went home and took a nap. WE missed church.
I began to see that my children's pleasures were taking place of my sacred time with God. I was slipping into a very slippery slope. God was being demoted. I began to notice how my friends were in debt up to thier eyeballs meeting the whims of their children. I observed more and more family time being dwindled away because of athletics, drama, music, friends, etc.
This is what God was doing, I thought. He was getting Abraham's attention, getting him to refocus. God was his source, his vehicle to being the father of many nations. Isaac was a gift not the source and supply. Abraham had to be willing to give up Isaac, to refocus, to return to God.
In becoming willing, to waking up, or letting go, Abraham did not have to sacrifice his beloved child. A ram was put there in its place.
This story has helped me to reevaluate what is taking my time and my attention away from God, my source, my way-shower. In this awareness, I am able to readjust and become more focused and God-centered.
What things are you holding tight too, believing it is your life line? I encourage to peel your fingers from the strong hold and let go and let God.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
First Commandment
Thou shalt not put false gods before me.
I recently took a trip to a Hindu Temple in Houston and several of my friends thought it odd that "Hindu's had so many gods." In their minds, the Hindus were obviously breaking this first commandment. (Which they could because the commandments are not part of their theology.)
However, when you understand the teachings of Hinduism, you will understand that they believe that there is One God with an infinite number of manifestations. They believe that god is so big and undefinable and it is easier to connect with a human form. Therefore, they create statues in human forms and through consecration, the statues are imbued with the Spirit of God. Once consecrated, these statues are venerated and treated as god. The Hindus in the spirit of gratitude bring offerings of their finest harvest and beautiful flowers to the gods. They visit the gods several times a day keeping God the vocal point of their lives.
This practice is very similar to the Eucharist in the Catholic Church(the consecrated elements of bread and wine) and the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Many people go to daily mass and/or adoration to help them keep God as the primary focus of their lives.
Is this putting false gods before God? I think not.
I think anything we use to stay present in the now moment with God as our focus keeps the first commandment.
Years ago, I felt going to church on Sundays and giving God one hour of my week was a sacrificial event. I had more important things to do with my time like worrying about the future or rehashing the past. That was my focus.
When I chose to live in the future or live in the past, I am putting the false gods of fear and resentment before the ever present loving God. And I must say, my life is a living Hell when I do this.
However, now I attempt to practice daily prayer and meditation and I have come to understand that God is all there is. Therefore, God is a huge presence in my life, not because God has changed, but because my perspective and practice has changed. Currently my life seems to be more balanced and joyful. When I stray from this knowing and this practice, my life falls apart.
The daily discipline of the Hindu people paying homage to their diverse deities allows them to consciously keep God-Centered. Going to daily mass and/or daily prayer and meditation are other ways of staying God-Centered.
What do you do to stay God-Centered?
Think about it.
Love ya, Becky
I recently took a trip to a Hindu Temple in Houston and several of my friends thought it odd that "Hindu's had so many gods." In their minds, the Hindus were obviously breaking this first commandment. (Which they could because the commandments are not part of their theology.)
However, when you understand the teachings of Hinduism, you will understand that they believe that there is One God with an infinite number of manifestations. They believe that god is so big and undefinable and it is easier to connect with a human form. Therefore, they create statues in human forms and through consecration, the statues are imbued with the Spirit of God. Once consecrated, these statues are venerated and treated as god. The Hindus in the spirit of gratitude bring offerings of their finest harvest and beautiful flowers to the gods. They visit the gods several times a day keeping God the vocal point of their lives.
This practice is very similar to the Eucharist in the Catholic Church(the consecrated elements of bread and wine) and the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Many people go to daily mass and/or adoration to help them keep God as the primary focus of their lives.
Is this putting false gods before God? I think not.
I think anything we use to stay present in the now moment with God as our focus keeps the first commandment.
Years ago, I felt going to church on Sundays and giving God one hour of my week was a sacrificial event. I had more important things to do with my time like worrying about the future or rehashing the past. That was my focus.
When I chose to live in the future or live in the past, I am putting the false gods of fear and resentment before the ever present loving God. And I must say, my life is a living Hell when I do this.
However, now I attempt to practice daily prayer and meditation and I have come to understand that God is all there is. Therefore, God is a huge presence in my life, not because God has changed, but because my perspective and practice has changed. Currently my life seems to be more balanced and joyful. When I stray from this knowing and this practice, my life falls apart.
The daily discipline of the Hindu people paying homage to their diverse deities allows them to consciously keep God-Centered. Going to daily mass and/or daily prayer and meditation are other ways of staying God-Centered.
What do you do to stay God-Centered?
Think about it.
Love ya, Becky
Thursday, March 24, 2011
The First Commandment
The following commentaries on the Ten Commandments are not meant to be theological exegesis but are insights gleaned from meditation and contemplation. As with all I write, take what you like and leave the rest. I invite you all to sit in contemplation of these commandments and invite the Spirit of God to reveal their meaning to you.
First Commandment: Thou Shalt Not Have Any Gods Before Me
In order for me to comprehend this commandment, I needed a deep understanding of God. I had been taught and believed that God was the Creator of the Universe, of the seen and unseen. God was redeemer, powerful, loving; yet, at the same time judging, punishing and to be feared. I prayed to this God almost daily and was a faithful church attendee.
However, I did not feel really connected to God but I was sure that I did not put any other Gods before the Only God.
Therefore, I was surprised when my first spiritual director stated, “God is what you focus most of your time and energy on.” At this point in my life, my primary focus was myself. I was consumed with getting what I wanted when I wanted it. I was in control of my destiny, my life. I was the center of my Universe and received all of my own attention. According to my spiritual director’s definition, I was my own God. Wow.
The interesting thing was my life was filled with fear, angst and worry. My god (myself) did not give me confidence, hope or peace of mind.
It was during this time I received a letter from an anonymous source which said, “Becky, There is a God and you are not it.” This was an Ah-HA moment for me.
This was my first encounter with reflecting on the First Commandment which I had obviously already broken.
What do you spend the most time focusing on?
© Becky Benes 3-2011
First Commandment: Thou Shalt Not Have Any Gods Before Me
In order for me to comprehend this commandment, I needed a deep understanding of God. I had been taught and believed that God was the Creator of the Universe, of the seen and unseen. God was redeemer, powerful, loving; yet, at the same time judging, punishing and to be feared. I prayed to this God almost daily and was a faithful church attendee.
However, I did not feel really connected to God but I was sure that I did not put any other Gods before the Only God.
Therefore, I was surprised when my first spiritual director stated, “God is what you focus most of your time and energy on.” At this point in my life, my primary focus was myself. I was consumed with getting what I wanted when I wanted it. I was in control of my destiny, my life. I was the center of my Universe and received all of my own attention. According to my spiritual director’s definition, I was my own God. Wow.
The interesting thing was my life was filled with fear, angst and worry. My god (myself) did not give me confidence, hope or peace of mind.
It was during this time I received a letter from an anonymous source which said, “Becky, There is a God and you are not it.” This was an Ah-HA moment for me.
This was my first encounter with reflecting on the First Commandment which I had obviously already broken.
What do you spend the most time focusing on?
© Becky Benes 3-2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
The Ten Commandments Visited
The Ten Commandments is a list of religious and moral rules that were given by God to Moses and the people of Israel from the mountain of Sinai. They serve as the moral foundation of Judaism and Christianity.
I was taught these commandments as a child and must say never gave them much thought. They were just words on a page and rules to follow. As I got older and more rebellious, they became rules to break, maybe not consciously but subconsciously or socially.
Living and growing up in America, the land of consumerism and materialism, oh no, I mean the home of the free and the brave, and following the crowd seemed more important than the 10 Commandments on the wall. Also the fact that they were not really taught and exemplified in daily practical ways by the powers that be made following the 10 Commandments an after thought.
The past few years, the 10 Commandments have resurfaced and I have done considerable contemplation on them. Over the next few weeks, I will be sharing what I have gleaned from them and offer practical ways to incorporate them into your life. I must admit, this is not really a fun journey but it will be insightful. It was for me anyway.
I hope you will join me.
I was taught these commandments as a child and must say never gave them much thought. They were just words on a page and rules to follow. As I got older and more rebellious, they became rules to break, maybe not consciously but subconsciously or socially.
Living and growing up in America, the land of consumerism and materialism, oh no, I mean the home of the free and the brave, and following the crowd seemed more important than the 10 Commandments on the wall. Also the fact that they were not really taught and exemplified in daily practical ways by the powers that be made following the 10 Commandments an after thought.
The past few years, the 10 Commandments have resurfaced and I have done considerable contemplation on them. Over the next few weeks, I will be sharing what I have gleaned from them and offer practical ways to incorporate them into your life. I must admit, this is not really a fun journey but it will be insightful. It was for me anyway.
I hope you will join me.
©Becky Benes 3-2011 Onenessoflife
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Thou Shalt not Bear False Wittness Against Thy Neighbor
In Toward a True Kinship of Faiths by the Dalai Lama is a quote from Ashoka, India’s first emperor which states:
“The Beloved of the Gods (the king) does not consider gifts or honor to be as important as the advancement of the essential doctrine of all sects. This progress of the essential doctrine takes many forms, but its basis is the control of one’s speech so as not to extol one’s own sect or disparage another’s on unsuitable occasions, or at least to do so mildly on certain occasions.
One each occasion one should honor another man’s sect, for by doing so one increases the influence of one’s own sect and benefits that of the other man; while by doing otherwise one diminishes the influence of one’s own sect and harms the other man’s. Again whosoever honors his own sect or disparages
that of another man, wholly out of devotion to his own, with a view to showing it in a favorable light, harms his own set even more seriously. Therefore, concord is to be commended, so that men may hear one another’s principles. . . "
(Ashoka and the decline of the Mauryas, appendix V) (34).
This coincides with the Ninth Commandment which states: Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. (Exodus 20:16).
How do I practice this commandment? Do I read and repeat propaganda that is not true or found on sound doctrine of Love which for me promotes life and transformation? Do I study and seek information on my own or do I only count on others for my answers? Do I condemn prior to investigation?
This is a tough commandment, it challenges me to seek truth, to love, honor and accept all people everywhere in my thoughts, words and deeds.
To keep it simple, just remember, if you don’t have something nice to say don’t say anything. Is it kind? Is it true? Is it necessary? Does it promote life, love and peace? If the answer is YES to all of the questions, shout what you have to say from the mountain tops.
Love to you all, Becky
©Becky Benes, Oneness of life, 3-2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
The Holding Pattern
Sitting with my dad during his final days I observed:
Nursing homes seem like holding places for bodies and souls awaiting their transitions to their next adventure.
A holding pattern for planes (bodies) on a tarmac just waiting their turn to fly. Some are stationary, just sitting and waiting. Others move up and down the halls, seemingly in constant motion yet going nowhere. They continue to circle until it is their time to take off.
Flight attendants (aides and nurses) hustle about tending to the bodies basic needs-just enough to keep them comfortable. Every once in a while they pause; they call you by your name; they see you, really see you; and they hear you, really hear you. They connect with a smile, a warm embrace, maybe a conversation or even understanding.
You feel alive once again, just for a moment. Then they are gone. You sit just waiting for another encounter, for someone, anyone to notice you, to connect with you before you take flight.
Souls seemingly trapped in bodies that no longer serve them or do they?
Why does the soul hang on-for what purpose does it serve?
Why am I experiencing this with dad?
Am I to learn more deeply about compassion, love, forgiveness?
I connect with dad one last time, our eyes meet, and there is a gentle smile and a hand hug, a kiss on the head.
It is okay dad. It’s your turn; whenever you are ready, take flight.
He takes off leaving his body: old, tired and rigid, and he flies or ‘high tales’ it to California to see Auntie Marg.
He is free, vibrant, strong and unlimited.
He is One with all that Is.
©Becky Benes 3-2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
The Power of our Thoughts
"All that we are is the result of what we have thought; it is founded on our thoughts, it is made of our thoughts. Buddha, Dhammapada
Our thoughts create our lives. So what are your thoughts? If you are unsure look at your life.
If it is filled with happiness, joy and blessings, then I guarantee your thoughts are happy, joyful and positive.
If your life is one of drudgery, darkness, fear, and loneliness, then I guarantee your thoughts are negative and full of angst.
Thoughts are habitual and influenced by others. Which means they can be changed. If you are constantly putting negative news, gossiping about the latest tragedy or illness, then that is what you are creating in your life.
I challenge you to review your thoughts and make an effort to increase the input of positive, uplifting and inspiring stories, ideas, and literature into your mind. This will change your world.
Our mind is like a computer, what comes in is what comes out. You are the operator and have complete control of all input. If you don't like what is manifesting outwardly in your life, change your input.
You will be amazed. It works. My mantra is "God has a plan and the plan is good and only good happens in the life of me and my family." Guess what? This is the truth in my life.
Our thoughts create our lives. So what are your thoughts? If you are unsure look at your life.
If it is filled with happiness, joy and blessings, then I guarantee your thoughts are happy, joyful and positive.
If your life is one of drudgery, darkness, fear, and loneliness, then I guarantee your thoughts are negative and full of angst.
Thoughts are habitual and influenced by others. Which means they can be changed. If you are constantly putting negative news, gossiping about the latest tragedy or illness, then that is what you are creating in your life.
I challenge you to review your thoughts and make an effort to increase the input of positive, uplifting and inspiring stories, ideas, and literature into your mind. This will change your world.
Our mind is like a computer, what comes in is what comes out. You are the operator and have complete control of all input. If you don't like what is manifesting outwardly in your life, change your input.
You will be amazed. It works. My mantra is "God has a plan and the plan is good and only good happens in the life of me and my family." Guess what? This is the truth in my life.
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