Since re-birthing my blogging, I had every intention of keeping up to date with it.  However, shortly after the initial posts, a deeply sad event happened in our lives.  It pained me too much to write about it, and so I held back for the time it would take. I do know that if I want to really work on this blog that I can't ignore it, and I do not want to avoid writing about the happenings in life.

On Monday, August 12, my husband Ryan was informed that his ailing mother was back in the hospital, fighting an infection.  Her immune system had been drastically weakened by her cancer and chemotherapy.  The prognosis wasn't looking good.  Ryan's was picked up by his sister Melanie and his sister Stefanie, who had flown in from California.  They drove up to Logan together to be with their parents and other sister Amanda.  Discussions with the doctor revealed that the cancer had unfortunately spread throughout her body.  His mother, Patty, asked to be able to go home.

She was brought home Tuesday, and her son Rodney had arrived from Arizona.  All of her children, as well as her husband, were there with her.  She was able to be in their loving company through the moment of her passing on Thursday, August 15. 

It is hard for me to write this.  Thinking of it all brings me to tears.  I am so very saddened of her passing, of her suffering, but at the same time immensely struck by the beauty of love.  She was blessed by such a wonderful, loving family. To have them at her side for this moment is a blessing few get to have. 

Her family had a viewing for her on Sunday, as well as another on Monday that was held just shortly before her funeral.  It was amazing to witness all of the people come to show their support, love, and grief.  Her services were lovely.  Her daughters had some wonderful readings of memories and character, her sons sang "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" which was a request she had, and Ryan shared a poem he wrote for her.  It was all very touching. 

Honestly, I'm not sure what else to say.  I have so many feelings about the circumstances, but my words fail me.  In the near future, I will compile and post some of my favorite memories of Patty Egan.  Be at peace.

Hello, Kitty

Today is International Cat Day.  I thought it would be a great time to write an update about my cat, Tiger Lily.  When importing old entries from another blog of mine, I noticed I last wrote about her a few years ago when we had to give her to a new home.  Well, events have transpired since then that have brought her back into our lives.

In the spring of 2012, my friend Jen, who I affectionately refer to as Tiger Lily's social worker, informed me that the family that adopted Tiger Lily from us was moving and could not take her along.  I jumped at the opportunity to take her back into our home.  She no longer had the problems with pooping in the house. I am certain she was doing that because the previous home owners' dog soiled the carpets and they didn't bother changing them.  Yeah, that is pretty gross.  We replaced most of the carpet in our home, and in the process of removing the carpet we found stains in places that our cat would use, as well as additional spots that she didn't even have access to.  It was a shame to discover that we could have kept her all of this time had we just changed the flooring.  Anyway, a few years and new flooring later, we welcomed Tiger Lily back home.  My children have loved having her around, and, of course, so have I. 

The saga doesn't end there, though.  We moved out of our home in Tampa, Florida this past May.  My husband took the cat out to Utah to be fostered by another dear friend of mine, Rachael.  She volunteered to take care of her while we looked for employment and subsequently a residence.  It has now been 3 months since then.  We do have a place to stay, as I mentioned in my last post.  The home we are staying in currently houses 2 schnauzer dogs.  More than likely they would not get along.  Rachel needed to part with our cat as she is selling her home.  In need of another foster family, our dear friend & housemate Frank suggested a neighbor who may be able to help.  Ryan went over there to introduce himself and explain our situation.  Graciously, our neighbors & new friends agreed to help out by housing Tiger Lily.   We actually brought her to their home today.  I was able to see her for a short time, which was nice.  I'm just so grateful for all of the people who have helped to take care of her. Hopefully soon we will be able to have her back with us for good.  She is one very loved cat!

Faith Facet Q & A: Christian Science

(Transferred from the blog Spirit Facet)

This post is to illuminate the facets of the Christian Science faith.  The answers for this Q&A are provided by Bob Clark.  He is the Christian Scientist media/legislative contact for the state of Florida. 

Christian Scientists worship one supreme and infinite, all good God. "God, our Creator, is a power we see as completely loving, all-powerful, all-knowing, all-seeing, all-active and ever-present. The synonyms we use to describe and understand God are Life, Truth, Love, Soul, Spirit, Principle, Mind.  We see this God as an infinitely available source of healing for all mankind and for all time."

SF: Does your religion teach that divinity exists outside of humanity, within, or both?

Clark: We believe that God is available 24/7 to heal, bless, uplift and redeem humanity. No exceptions.

Christian Science does not teach of any supernatural beings.  In regards to a system of good vs evil, Mr. Clark elaborates that they, "believe that good is more powerful than evil. When the absolute all-ness and reality of God's love is understood, evil and fear lose their reality and their grip on human thought. Healing is the natural and necessary result."

"We teach that man's true spiritual identity is eternal, completely outside of body. We see man as the immortal expression or reflection of God or Soul."

SF: Does the soul have one manifestation or many?

Clark: God, Soul, is manifested in human experience in an infinite variety of ways.

SF: What happens to a person after they die?

Clark: Since the real, spiritual man is never contained or confined within a physical body, when the physical body ceases to function, that real man continues to exist.

SF: Do you teach of a pre-life soul existence, and if so, what was it?

Clark: We believe that man is created and maintained by God and actually has neither an ending nor a beginning.

SF: Do you have sacred scripture/s? 

Yes. We love and study the Holy Bible daily. Our religious textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, helps us to understand the Bible and put its teachings and wisdom to use in everyday life.

SF: Are these scriptures absolute, or interpreted by the individual? 

Clark: The spiritual truth contained in The Bible is absolute. As individuals study and understand this absolute truth and learn how to apply it and live it, healing is the inevitable result.

SF: Do you have a creed? What is it?

Clark: Below are the important points or tenets of Christian Science, as found in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures:

1. As adherents of Truth, we take the inspired Word of the Bible as our sufficient guide to eternal Life.

2. We acknowledge and adore one supreme and infinite God. We acknowledge His Son, one Christ; the Holy Ghost or divine Comforter; and man in God's image and likeness.

3. We acknowledge God's forgiveness of sin in the destruction of sin and the spiritual understanding that casts out evil as unreal. But the belief in sin is punished so long as the belief lasts.

4. We acknowledge Jesus' atonement as the evidence of divine, efficacious Love, unfolding man's unity with God through Christ Jesus the Way-shower; and we acknowledge that man is saved through Christ, through Truth, Life, and Love as demonstrated by the Galilean Prophet in healing the sick and overcoming sin and death.

5. We acknowledge that the crucifixion of Jesus and his resurrection served to uplift faith to understand eternal Life, even the allness of Soul, Spirit, and the nothingness of matter.

6. And we solemnly promise to watch, and pray for that Mind to be in us which was also in Christ Jesus; to do unto others as we would have them do unto us; and to be merciful, just, and pure.

SF:Are there commandments/codes, and if so, what are they?

Clark: We cherish, study and try our best to live by Moses' Ten Commandments in The Bible, as well Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). Jesus is our example in all things.

SF:How do you worship?

Clark: We have two church services per week. Our Sunday service is performed by lay readers, elected democratically by the church members. They read a prepared Bible Lesson Sermon from the Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. The 26 Bible Lesson topics, repeated twice per year, were chosen by Mary Baker Eddy, discoverer and founder of Christian Science. A Bible Lesson Committee at our international church headquarters in Boston, MA, chooses the citations that form each Sunday Bible Lesson and are read as part of the service. 

Our Wednesday evening testimony meeting also utilizes readings from The Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. The lay reader conducting this service chooses the topic each week. The congregation is invited to share experiences of healing, brought about through the study and practice of Christian Science. At both the Sunday and Wednesday services, there are hymns, silent prayer, an audible repetition of the Lord's Prayer from The Bible, and musical selections. 

Mr. Clark illuminated that Christian Scientists have no rituals.  They also do not have any sacred sites.   

SF: Are all forms, or part, of worship available to public, or only members? 

All of our services are always open to the public.

 
SF: Do you have any holy days? What and when are they?

Clark: We have a special service on Thanksgiving Day. Our services at Christmas and Easter are aimed at helping congregants and visitors deepen their understanding of the significance of Jesus virgin birth and resurrection. We also have a Communion Sunday aimed at a a deeper understanding of Jesus' last days with his disciples and their significance for us, as modern day disciples. 


SF: Does your religion acknowledge holy people? Prophets, teachers, saints, gurus, etc. Please list them, or a few prominent people if the list is long, along with any particular aspect or teaching attribution.

We love and revere the patriarchs and prophets in the Old Testament of the Bible as well as Jesus and his disciples in the New Testament. The discoverer and founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy, is greatly loved and deeply appreciated, but never worshiped.

SF: What is your religion\'s pastoral structure? What terminology is used for church service people/leaders?

Clark: We don't have ordained pastors in our church. We find pastoral comfort, guidance and healing in The Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. Our Sunday sermons are read by lay readers from those two books. We have a board of directors in Boston which oversees the administration of our church and its worldwide branches and activities.

SF: What morals does your religion value?

Clark: Our moral guides are The Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. Addictive habits of any kind make it difficult to practice Christian Science, so we avoid those. Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) in the Bible gives us a solid basis for living a moral life. 

SF: How does practicing your religion personally enrich your life?

Clark: Practicing Christian Science enriches my life by bringing me a constant source of comfort, joy, hope and healing.

---------------

Many thanks to Bob Clark for his submission for this interview.  For further information on Christian Science:

Christian Science official Site

Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy

Energy: With-in and With-out

(Transferred from the blog Spirit Facet)

I tend to refer to spiritual energy often, and here is an elaboration of this concept.

Energy at its most basic source is neutral.  Much in the way of the Dao (Tao), what is just is, and life energy is simply flowing.    For a human to be perfectly content, aspiration towards this neutral form of energy would be best.  However, humans are quite complicated, and our energy is equally complicated.  Our conscience awareness, and perception of differences, reflect on how energy fluctuates.  We are aware of generosity, love, happiness, togetherness, selfishness, separation, anger, etc. It is through actions and intent that manifestations of this energy gain a life of its own.  Neutrality is simple as it is the basis, yet it is complicated because balancing in the realm of neutrality can be difficult in modern life.  There are internal and external actions that help to deem what energy has the most influence on us at a given time. 

Connecting with existing energy can make a person spiritually stronger, or dark.  If a person repeatedly causes harm, whether to others or to themselves, they get caught in the negative energy from that harm.  One can even seem to be stuck in a perpetual loop of negativity.  This can manifest physically, mentally, and/or spiritually.  Everyone has their moments of negativity, though we must be vigilant to not stay stuck in that track. 

Likewise, a person can work toward positive energy.  Doing good for others and oneself can bring one further into this realm of energy.  One must take care with doing good for themselves as to not make it selfish, but rather that the good he does also causes no harm to others.  As the positive actions grow, the positive energy outside of them responds and connects to the individual.

To quote Albert Einstein, "Energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only be converted from one form to another."  What energy we put out of ourselves continues to exist.  It may transform into other manifestations, but it will never end. What we put out we attract.  In this way, happiness seems simple: to be happy, act happy.  Even manipulating your body to smile when you don't feel happy can cause your brain to release a small amount of hormones that you feel when you are happy, and therefore may cause you to start to feel happy.  The same is for the opposite: frown, and you may start to feel upset. 

There is a spiritual effect that is similar.  Spiritual focus in particular direction will cause you to feel that spiritual energy.  It is taught by some gurus that mantras, or chants, are "words of power".  A particular mantra for an aspect of spiritual focus would have been previously chanted by many people for many years.  Some mantras are ancient.  It is believed that the energy from the chanting has its own life in the universe, and by chanting the mantra the individual connects directly with this energy aspect that is in existence.  This gives the mantra power, and therefore the chanter can begin to absorb this power.  Most are focused for worship, some for healing, higher-self/love connection, and other purposes.  Prayer, rituals, spells, hymns, and ritual dancing all work in a similar manner.  Its like turning on a radio to a particular station, hearing the song, then singing along and becoming a part of the music.

Energy can also have its own imprinted existence in physical locations.  A location used for the focus of positive work, like a church or other sacred ground, will have a positive energy that can be perceived even when the work is not presently active.  Locations of dramatic events can maintain the energy of that event for quite some time.  Because we are beings of energy, what happens in our lives can be left behind as energy residuals.  This is the cause of some locations being haunted.  There may not be any spirits or ghosts present, but the energy residual is still there, and at times even repeating the event like a scratched track on a vinyl record.

Energy is constantly being manipulated, simultaneously created and absorbed in a flow of impermanence.  Our Universe is expanding, using this created energy in its growth.  In turn, we humans can also use this energy awareness in our spirit growth.  Connect with the energy for that which you want to grow, through repeated acts that work for you, and by visiting locations that give you a sense of spiritual strength.

Challenging "The Devil"

(Transferred from the blog Spirit Facet)

A modern view of the Christian devil as a ruler of evil is reflects several various beliefs also found in other religions.  References in the Bible can be viewed as describing separate characters, rather than each reference describing one and the same embodiment.  Passages that are attributed to one being include characters such as the famous serpent in the story of the Garden of Eden, satan (Hebrew for accuser/adversary), and a devil (from the Greek word for slanderer), among a few others.  The term I find the most interesting is "prince of this world".  This could be allegorical for a person that is entirely materialistic, with no regards for spirit.

A religion based on dualism, Zoroastrianism, was one that was going strong during the birth of Christianity, and was still being practiced in some areas of Persia that had not become entirely Muslim in the middle ages.  Zoroastrian scripture holds that gods of good and evil were twins born out of chaos.  The battle between the two is ongoing.  This belief may have been absorbed by ancient Hebrews, and then strengthened in Christianity during the crusades.   

This type of polarity between good and evil is largely a West Asian / European ideal.  From what I have gleaned of the majority of Eastern and indigenous American religion, the idea of good and evil is more neutral akin to the way nature is neutral. 

Good and evil are subjective.  The actions of 'evil' are complex.  We do not know what life a person may be living, what strife and problems they have had to endure.  Just the slightest variation of brain neurons can change a personality.  It can make a person more prone kindness and compassion, or more prone to anger and hatred.  If a very hostile person is given a brain surgery that causes them to become docile, does that mean their spirit has change from evil to good?  Likewise, if a kind and generous person suffers brain trauma and becomes short tempered and hostile, does that mean they have gone from having a spirit of light to a spirit of darkness?  For years, ignorant people attributed mental illness to demonic possession, or to the consequences of devil worship.  Humanity is just now beginning to understand the complexities of our brain and its influence on personality and actions.  Perhaps there is no evil, but improperly developed brains and damaged society.

Within that, however, is the acknowledgement that we do have choice.  While few individuals may not have a great ability to choose their behavior, the majority of people do have that ability.  People have a responsibility to themselves and others to work hard against their own adversaries of positivity.   It is a step by step process to work and gear ourselves to focus on light, rather than get lost in the darkness of negativity.  A prince of our world may be the brain.  Should it be corrupted, it will be difficult to work for good, but not impossible. 

It is the in the dark side of humanity in which evil exists.  Darkness is within and without, just as light.  It is the individual's choice as to where he or she focuses that energy.   Should one maintain focus on negativity, it will grow, just as if one is to maintain focus on positivity, it in turn will grow.  Truly, Hell exists in the living, among people who turn away from the light of positivity and love, and focus on the darkness and shadows of hate.

The Significance of December 21, 2012

(Transferred from the blog Spirit Facet)

Tomorrow morning is the Winter Solstice.  According to John Major Jenkins, in his thesis book Maya Cosmogenesis, the sun will rise in line with the center of the Milky Way as viewed from Earth. This happens once every 25,625 years. That is what the longest cycle of the Mayan calendar is based on.

Don Miguel Ruiz has written many books reflecting what he has learned from Toltec/Mayan shamanic wisdom.  He illuminates their belief that everything in the universe is living and contains an intelligence.  This includes the planets and stars.  The Sun communicates with the Earth. 
We are currently in the end of a 17 year cycle of abundant activity of solar flares.   It is expected by scientists that the Sun will enter a 'cold' period, when very little solar flares are sent out.  If we look at this from the Toltec view, a solar flare could be a method of communication.  If flares are not going out, perhaps the Sun is in a time of listening. 

In the center of our Milky Way is a supermassive black hole.  As previously stated, our Sun will line up with our Earth and the center of the Milky Way, along with this black hole, on the day of December 21, 2012.  Considering this alignment, the Toltecs may view this as a moment of Universe Consciousness reception.  New energies are being received and to be sent out in the coming years.

Mayan mythology likened the dark line of the center of the Milky Way as a serpent of birth.  This event was calculated by their brilliant astronomers, and was important because the Sun will travel through to a new birth.

When the solstice sun rises over the ancient Mayan temple of Chichen Itza, a shadow of a serpent will rise up along the sides to the top. Most of the remaining ancient structures were originally designed to honor the solstice. A ray of light will make its rare entrance into the mound of Newgrange in Ireland. An ancient spiral cut into stone in Coloradowill be visually split by the light of the sun. Henges, like Stonehenge, have a marker stone to cast an exalted shadow, or guide a the sun's light to an open space.  The purpose of the structures of Chaco Canyon, New Mexico, will have its day of fulfillment.  The solstice sunrise has been important to the people of this planet for millennia. Tomorrow's syncing with our Milky Way is very rare. Take a moment to acknowledge this important astronomical event in your own way.

Welcome to the birth of the Sun.

Who Wears the Pants?

(Transferred from the blog Spirit Facet)

I was recently invited to a Facebook event titled: "Wear Pants to Church Day". As of today, the description for the event is as follows:

" LDS Women Unite: Wear pants to church in solidarity for women's equality. If you already wear pants to church (we're talking to you men!), we invite you to show your support by wearing a purple shirt, tie, socks, or ribbon, purple being a color historically associated with the suffrage movement. This is the first act of All Enlisted, a direct action group for Mormon women to advocate for equality within our faith. 

' "The Church has not attempted to indicate just how long women’s or girls’ dresses shoul

d be nor whether they should wear pant suits or other types of clothing." '--LDS Church Presidency (1971)

We are feminists. We do not seek to eradicate the differences between women and men, but we do want the LDS church to acknowledge the similarities. We believe that much of the cultural, structural, and even doctrinal inequality that persists in the LDS church today stems from the church's reliance on – and enforcement of – rigid gender roles that bear no relationship to reality.

We subscribe to the Book of Mormon teaching that ' “all are alike unto God,” ' and hope that our choice to wear pants to our Sunday worship services (a choice sanctioned by our spiritual leaders over 40 years ago!) reminds our families, congregations, and leaders that we have not forgotten this gospel truth."

The comments and their subsequent threads have been a fascinating.  I have decided to share the following on the event page:

First I will preface this with allowing the knowledge that I am not a member of the LDS church.  I was born and have lived most of my life in Salt Lake City.  My in-laws are all members of the LDS church.  My life has been saturated with the culture and beliefs of this religion.  Please take a moment to read what this inside outsider has to say on this subject.

I have seen that the idea of women coming to church in pants as a form of protest for equality  is causing quite a stir among many members.  My first thought is that it is gravely unfortunate that a members' choice of clothing should be of any importance to other members.  I have read several members cite that their reasoning is respect, or that a person should dress in a manner that they would like to present themselves to their Savior.  Personally I feel that the Lord would not pay any attention to the clothing worn by a person when they are in the Presence.  Clothing and fashions are from the material world.  We are born naked.  Adam and Eve were in the Garden with God, naked and unclothed until coerced by snake in a tree.  I believe that shows that God does not judge us based off of what we wear.  Only humans judge humans based on the superficial.

That said, what purpose does it then serve to dress nicely for service?  Many psychological studies have demonstrated that what we wear can affect our mood and perception of ourselves.  If we are wearing something that we set aside for something special, which is typically a very nice garment, we will perceive the event we are attending as special.  For this purpose, it is a universally accepted habit to wear special garments for ritual worship.  Preparing for ritual with special clothing is the beginning of preparation for the proper mental state for the forthcoming rite. 

Are weekly or daily church meetings sacred enough to dress in designated clothing?  For some it is, and for some it isn't.  Some people are comfortable worshiping in their every day clothes.  Others are more comfortable dressing in special clothing, or dressing in nicer clothes than every day wear.  This may depend on an individual, a congregation, and cultural influence.

When I was young, I had many friends that tried to bring me to church with them.  I remember one day, when I was 11, a girl  told me that I could still go to church and not have to wear a dress.  She had made the assumption that I didn't go to her church because of their perceived dress code.   I found this comment to be interesting.  While it appeared a kind sentiment that they would accept me as I was, I knew in my heart it wasn't true.  If I chose to attend regular meetings, it would only be a manner of time before women and girls would start to make their judgments of my choice of clothing known by seemingly polite comments.  "You would look so pretty in a dress!" 

A separation of dress for genders is nothing new in religious cultures.  Expectations for dress varies between religions and even congregations.   I have been denied entrance to a Buddhist temple because of my clothing.  They didn't allow me in with shorts.  I have been warmly welcomed to a different Buddhist temple wearing the same form of clothes.  This demonstrates that it is not the religion doing the judging, but the people.

There is a pressure in Utah LDS culture for women to present themselves in a certain manner, especially at their church houses.  The women who created this event, and who are attending, are demonstrating their awareness of this issue.  They are also expressing their concern for they ways men and women are treated differently in their church.  It is this aspect of the protest that I believe is bothering other members the most.

The LDS church has operated on a strict difference between men and women since its beginnings.  They have different roles, and are allowed different privileges.  This has been accepted for generations.  However, a slowly growing movement for equality has been making its way through the church, coinciding with the growing movement for equality in the secular world.  As women gained equality from our government, the gains eventually translated to further gains within their church culture. I believe we are witnessing the next step in the process.

I will now address the issue that appears to be the most divisive, and avoided, subject in the comment threads I have read.  That issue is the priesthood.  I would just like to share my experience with blessings.  The first time I ever experienced the power of a blessing I was  attending a Young Womens' camp.  One of the girls had a terribly painful migraine.  A man was called from the neighboring Young Mens' camp to come give a blessing.  Everyone stood in a circle around the girl while the man laid his hands over her and performed his blessing.  The power of Supreme Love was extreme and beautiful.

Since then, I have experienced this same essence many times in my life.  It may surprise some members of the LDS church that this experience came not only from the spiritual strength of men, but also of women.  I have attended religious rituals that were essentially the same set up as the first LDS blessing I experienced.  I have experienced Reiki and Wiccan blessings, which enact similar physical and spiritual manners.  These were sometimes performed by men, but more often my experiences have been done by women.   These moments shared the power of Supreme Love just as strongly and as real as the blessing done by the man in the LDS camp. 

Women are just as spiritually powerful as men.  Their spirits do not lack in anything from a man's spirit.  The light of God's love is within everyone and can be activated by anyone with pure love and intent.

I will finish with what I believe to be a stunningly beautiful testament to the equality of the soul, regardless of gender, which is reflected by clothing. 

The practitioners of Islam are well known for the women being required to dress in an extremely modest manner.  The extremities of this vary from culture to culture.  Women commonly cover up their heads as a sign of respect.  (As an aside: some Muslim women protest this cultural symbol of respect, the head scarf, by not wearing it; just like these LDS women will be protesting the wearing of dresses or skirts by wearing pants) There is a moment in a Muslim's life when this gender enforced modestly is pushed aside.   It is the duty of every devout Muslim to perform the Hajj at least once in their lifetime.  This is the pilgrimage to Mecca performed during the last month of the year.  During this pilgrimage everyone wears a white robe.  Men, and most women, shave their heads. No one can judge if you are rich or poor, and the physical differences between man and woman become faint.  This is to humbly demonstrate that we are equal in the eyes of God.  Millions of people attend the Hajj in unison yearly.  It is a wonderful testament of ultimate spiritual equality.

The LDS church is an ever-unfolding church that has its growing pains just as any other church.  It is not up to me to dictate what should happen in their religion.  I just wanted to write this in order to illuminate some perceptions and hope that the reader can take away something positive from what may have been gleaned.