God, Satan, Jesus, Chomsky, James and John walk into a bar...

So for Lent I gave up three things: graham crackers, coffee, and facebook. I have already failed once (though... only once).

I gave up graham crackers because I eat way too many of them at work. Though I have recently gained a few pounds, I think that is more hormonal than because of the grahams. Eating so many individually wrapped packages of graham crackers goes against my religion. Wait no, it actually goes against my attempt to lessen my impact on the landfills. Too must plastic! I have not eaten a graham cracker since Shrove Tuesday.

Coffee. Since reading about coffee and chocolate, I decided to only drink/eat fair trade coffee/chocolate. I gave up coffee completely for Lent because it contributes to inflammation. I've been having a lot of flare-ups with my joints again recently so this choice might be a forever choice... not just forty days. I have been successful and not had a single cup since Shrove Tuesday.

Ok... here's where the devil tempted me. Facebook. I checked my facebook news the day of the tsunami because my cousin moved to Hawaii less than two weeks ago. I only checked it once, didn't find an update, so I texted her. I haven't checked it since.

What I've found is that after a few days, the temptation of partaking in my fasted items has lessened. The temptation only lasts for a couple minutes for a cup of coffee. Once I say "no" in my head, I'm good to go. It's an issue of mind over matter I guess.

There are some people who believe in "speaking things into existence." Conversely, some may believe in NOT saying things, to ensure that they don't come true. A friend quickly brought up the example of not saying "Voldemort" in the Harry Potter series, because the more you say his name, the more power he gains. This is actually a real psychological tactic I've used, and I imagine others use as well.

I think this is rooted in James 3:1-12. I asked a co-worker/friend how she stays calm in such an anxiety ridden place as the one in which we work (a hospital). She pointed me to a passage in John which talked about not allowing our hearts to be anxious and troubled. The James passage says the tongue (our speech) is like a ship's rudder that directs the course of something larger than us. This SEEMS true, and according to Chomsky's "A Review of B.F. Skinner's Verbal Behavior", verbal behavior is "[a] remarkably complex phenomenon," (Chomsky 1959). This paper criticizes Skinner's verbal behavior theory or loosely put- the influence of our words. Both scholars acknowledge the movement of influence of language on others.

Have you been searching for the bar joke concerning God, the Devil, Jesus, James, John and Noam Chomsky? I haven't made it up yet. I just thought it was an interesting title that would get people to read my blog. See how the manipulation or "traps" work? Was it a trap, or was it using my words to direct a path? "Manipulation" seems evil. To "direct" seems less evil. "Guide" seems well-intended. There's a point here: obviously, some perspective is involved. Also though, is there is passage of time and events that is involved. When discussing whether is something is "good" or "evil" it often depends on the end result.

When things go well in our lives, like "successfully" fasting on graham crackers and coffee, we attribute these things with thanks to God... as blessings. When things happen that are bad or evil, often we blame the devil. However, I think what James points out, is that we take an ACTIVE part... we are the means, by which either the God or Devil... good things or bad things... take place in the world. This is why being responsible and making sound decisions (like, not hurting others) is important. Our influence in the world may be infinite, and we have the choice (free will) to allow God to be apart of it- to be a vessel of blessings- or to let the devil take over -to be a vessel of hate.

Here's another thing. Though it has been relatively easy to "say no" to the temptations calling me to drink coffee (which may actually be physiological since it was a bit of a habit) or eat graham's and facebook, it has opened my eyes to the other "temptations" or opportunities for me to steer my rudder-speech into ghastly stormy waters. This week my boss made me cry, because she said I was being disrespectful to her. I probably was a little disrespectful, though not rude, because I thought she made a bad call which could result in a patient choking on a food he wasn't supposed to eat. He ended up not choking, even though she gave him the wrong food (against doctor's orders). Here, the end result was fine, though partially by chance. It is still likely that this person could choke on this particular food if he eats it again.

How could I have been a better vessel? I tried to be a deliverer of care (good) but ended up also being a vessel of distress to my boss via disrespect (bad).

In addition, when I expressed to a male co-worker my interest in the ministry, he contributed that he did not believe that women should hold positions in the church. He gave some half-way legit reasoning (at least he had a reason!), though I still disagree. In return I gave him some half-way legit appeal. The conversation was short and civil.

Later, yet another co-worker (who had overheard both conversations) came over to an exhausted me, gave me a hug, and reminded me that the devil tempted Jesus while he fasted in the desert for forty days. I think this is a wonderful metaphor for our lives. While we walk into the unknown future labyrinth of life, we will leave marks. We will be tempted to leave bad marks. But if we attempt to be mindful and observe the consequences of our tongues (and actions) we may leave a good mark, a good energy, a good influence on our neighbors. To me, this is God's commandment, as expressed in "Love one another" (1 John 4:7).

http://cogprints.org/1148/1/chomsky.htm. A Review of B. F. Skinner's Verbal Behavior" in Language, 35, No. 1 (1959), 26-58.

No Children were abused in the process of making these brownies... seriously.

A few of my friends and I started a book club. We're reading our first book called Everyday Justice by Julie Clawson. Not only do I recommend it, I am of the stronger belief that it should be required of every person in this country that is "able to make ends meet."

The chapter I'm in the midst of reading and mourning is about chocolate. Most people think of chocolate as a sin because if you eat too much of it you get fat. It's a luxury for sure- easy to get addicted to, take advantage of- a way to abuse your body. Coffee has acknowledge similar traits (though NOT from the same plant!). Admittedly, many people drink coffee and caffeine as a legal drug. Why is it that we so harshly judge those who partake in illegal drugs? (This is not meant to justify illegal drugs or any drugs.)

Well, guess what?! Just like partaking in illegal drugs and the crime associated with drug trade, we participate in the same crime by eating chocolate and drinking coffee. Little children and adults are forced into slavery every day to pick cocoa and coffee beans. The slave trade that existed in the 19th century still exists today (though slavery is illegal worldwide). Companies like Nestle and Herseys knowingly buy cocoa that come from farms run by slaves and ghastly slave drivers. Then we buy the chocolate. It's cheaper for US... paid for by the LIVES of OTHER PEOPLE.

There's a reason that we pay for "quality" aka TRUE COST. Why is it that we believe we are to live in the lap of luxury? Why is it that we work so hard, just so that we can spend our money on things that don't last and don't fulfill us? Why, why, why?

These brownies were made with cocoa that says it is organic and fair trade. The canister cost $7.00, and I used 1/3 of it. Originally intended for my church's hospice group, I made them a week early, so am taking them to work. I don't eat brownies every day. In fact, I'm not sure of the last time that I ate one before today. Oh yeah, and not only were not any kids beaten in the process, but that taste really good! They taste even better without that tinge of blood.

I realize that this post is harsh, graphic and perhaps not very uplifting. We are approaching the season of Lent. Christ, many years ago, DIED for our SINS. He also gave us HOPE through his TRANSFORMATION. There will be sadness in the world always. There will also always be hope.

I am grateful today for the gift of LIFE. I choose to live it as a servant of the Lord and Creation (you all). May whoever reads this, also be grateful. Know that you are loved! Know that you have a purpose! Know that there is HOPE in CHANGE! Know that you have the ability to share that hope and love to others by the choices you make in every moment of your beautiful life.

counselors

This post is dedicated to my community of friends, my councelors, my family, the world, and God. As is... every post. :)

Being a Prophet and Sharing Good News...

This past summer I moved into a converted garage apartment. I no longer live there. It did not function very well, or better said, was not up to my standard of living. The window unit did not work very well, and there were some holes where the windows met the walls and sill. Some of the windows just kind of fell out of the frame when I wasn't home, so keeping cool air in was practically impossible.

I spent most of my time outside when I wasn't working, probably because being "inside" was the same temperature most of the time. There was a nice yard that I shared with the other women on the property. I practiced yoga outside daily. My practice was much deeper than it is now. I think the extreme heat inspired me to do so.

As I became more comfortable with my standard set of sun salutations and various other asanas, I experimented with more. I placed my arms and legs in positions according to my spirit. It was not a listening experience, but more of a discovery. I think my mind said, "Let's see if this position stretches something that needs to be stretched, that hasn't been stretched yet."

After I "made-up" a few of "my own" poses, I decided I would do some research, more study on Yoga, to learn more "real" poses. Alas! The poses "I" had "created" were in the book I found in the library. Amazing! It was a curious and an empowering discovery. I thought to myself... "Could I be one of those gurus of Yoga in the making?" I thought it was a pretty crazy idea. I read more about some gurus in this book, and other students' experience in learning from them. They were so disciplined, and even though I practiced yoga frequently and prayed a lot, I was certainly not as disciplined as them. So surely, the answer was "no"... I probably was not a guru-in-the-making.

Because I believe I am filled with the Spirit of God, I devote my practices to the Divine Spirit. This is greatly acknowledged throughout my practice, that I am merely a house for the Spirit of the Lord. It is simply acknowledged at the end, by saying "Namaste" which to me, is an offering of thanks to God for the Life I experience.

I have thought about this now for months (not REALLY a long time, I know!), but I think that in a way, we all have that ability to be prophets. Something emerged within me to create poses. I created them for the first time for my particular body, as a teacher never taught them to me. However, as the book I found showed me, I was not THE creator of these poses. I was not the first to have ever put my body in those positions. Only in my arrogance and ignorance could I claim to be the first.

Again, being of the faith that I am, I devote this emergence of poses (as with all of my ideas and experiences) to God, the Creator of Creation, who dwells within me. Did God speak to me through a burning bush and tell me to create "squatting tree" (elegant sounding, I know!)? No. But my asanas are physical manifestations of God because they are creative and expressive.

So, like my experience with creating yoga asanas by some kind of emergence or inspiration of Spirit, so are my ideas. So are YOUR ideas.

I do not claim to be the ONLY prophet. I suggest that we all have this capability. What is a prophet? Is it not a person who shares new-found good news? If we "tap into" our Spirit, which to me is the Spirit of God, and have an "epiphany"... isn't that usually some kind of "good news"? Some kind of "realization"? Something that... maybe already existed, but was just "made clear" to you? Don't you normally go around telling people about these things?

How many conversations do you start that go like this:

"I was reading in this book/paper/article about this... I realized 'that's me' or 'I think that too!'"

-or-

How many times do you work hard at something that you really want to do, like building a certain project, or creating a work of art... you complete it finally, step back and say, "Wow! I can't believe I finished it. And it actually looks good!" You share your mini-masterpiece with others. Usually they are inspired by your hard work, creativity and perseverance.

When you share with others "your" epiphanies or "your" finished projects, you often inspire them to think or do something. Maybe they walk away thinking, "Hey, I could do something like that!" or "I never thought of that before." You have in a sense shared some good news, a part of your spirit. It survives and grows. Your influence being a catalyst for growth in another persons life. You yourself have become a prophet.

We all know that both good news and bad news is spread in the world. I am called to be a spreader of GOOD news, though I find myself spreading bad news as well. It is difficult to turn bad things into good, or at least even be non-reactive. It is through my practice of mindfulness and attempt at constant prayer that gives me strength not to participate in sharing bad news (gossip, telling lies, calling names, professing judgements, etc). I fail of course. I fail more than I want to confess. THIS is why Jesus is so important. It is not "okay" that I fail, but it is inevitable. Jesus however showed us that though we as mere humans are destructive, if we are filled with the spirit of God, and answer the higher calling, the destruction that we either create (as people who put Jesus up on the cross) or the destruction that we suffer (as Christ suffered on the Cross) will create something new. Christ was resurrected and transformed into something new, as the Creator God promised he would. Christ's death which was devastating, was turned into Good News later, as he rose again. Today, we talk about Jesus's Life and Death in both terms of sadness and rejoice, but overall his whole story is Good News.

Just as Jesus devoted his life and death to God according to his calling, I believe we as postmodern-day prophets are to do this as well. A complete Life is not all about "living it up". Sacrifice is sometimes necessary to make living within a community (the community of the world) function. We as middle class Americans, give a little and take a lot. This unbalance is not Good News, as it will not inspire much of anything except more greed and selfishness. Maybe we should give a little, and take a little less. Actually sacrifice some of ourselves, kind of like Jesus did. There are few that will walk along this narrow path, and I haven't met anyone as full of the Spirit of the Jesus that I've heard of. But it would be pretty sweet to hear of more. A sweet sweet sound indeed.

To be cultivated...

The tears of the believer is a result of the realization that she is the old version, full of ruin... the part that does not move on. The rejoice of the believer is the knowing that evolution and transformation is possible.

One we can see as transformed is Christ. He embodies the transformation. The evolution- the making of something new- into something better.

In day in time we speak in terms of sustainability. This life is only sustainable with balance which includes our physical death. We both praise and mourn this once we reach the age of realization, that we do not live forever. We praise that there is something new and wonderful ahead. We mourn the leaving of what we know and understand in the present.

The hope of something better comforts us so that we may live. But live righteously- for the creation, your offspring, so that not only will the world around them be evolved for the better, but so that they will be a better version, an evolved version of you.

Ruin is the road to transformation, as Christ shows us through his Life and Death. We can see this physically as well as we die, return to dust, and give new life to the soil, plants and the rest of the food chain. We do go from dust to dust.

There are times in my life like today where I mourn. I mourn many things, the sadness of the world, my lack of direction and purpose, my lack of someone to care for. It is from this mourning that I am inspired to write. From the sadness, comes realization and creation. After writing, I rejoice in the words that have come. Knowing that more will follow, both mourning and rejoicing, I continue.

For my friends: Atheists, Buddhists, Christians, And Whatever Else You Are

I find myself reading the video and article posts of friends on facebook every day. I am genuinely intrigued as to how to approach each of them. I find myself drawn to the practicality and reason that many Atheists present, however I still connect with the meditation of a Buddhist, the prayer of a Yogi, the integration of animals and nature of a Pagan, and the heritage and profound symbolism of Hope, Compassion, Faith and Love of Christ.

My hope in the future is that the conversations between all people of all beliefs (whether political, religious, spiritual, sexual preference, race, language, etc.) are able to be peaceful. Truly be Unified in Diversity. To be kind to one another, though we may disagree.

I think what we disagree on mostly is our form of expression. Even within the church people argue about what style of worship is best. Old people want less praise and worship. Young people want less hymns. It is so wonderful that the church I attend offers a Unified Service in which both styles are present.

People judge others based on their expressions and behaviours all the time. SOME conservative people don't like how "expressive" or "theatrical" (those are the nicest ways it's said, I am aware) SOME liberal people are. SOME liberal people don't like how "snooty" or "rigid" (again... the nicest ways it's said) SOME conservative people are. I capitalize SOME, because it is important to realize it IS NOT ALL.

Whichever group you find yourself in or out of, we could probably agree on this:

No one likes to feel stupid. No one likes to be the outcast.

Just as one looks into her/his closet and sees an array of colors and picked a blue shirt, I have picked Christianity. I debate with myself on how much of a choice I had, because part of me so naturally identifies with it, but I acknowledge my free will as well. And just because I choose to express my spirituality in this manner, does not mean I am unreasonable. I am quite capable of having reasonable conversations. I have studied history, philosophy, evolutionary biology, psychology, literature and linguistics. No, I'm not an expert on any of these, but I can hold a reasonable conversation.

There are times when I get upset because the impression I get from some Atheists is that because I am a woman of Faith... I am stupid and unreasonable. This makes me sad, just as it makes me sad to see Christians treat Atheists as Immoral or people of a different colors, languages, ages, "different" as if being different (as they certainly are) is a bad thing thus making them incapable/unworthy of communication.

I can't help but think to myself/pray to God, "Why can't we all get along?" as I used to do as a child when I saw or experienced other hurtful experiences. This post, is an expression or offering along those lines. Why CAN'T we just get along?

I offer this as peaceful bridge.

Below are some links to videos friends have posted that I wanted to stockpile. Probably add more later.

On Religion

http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/dan_dennett_s_response_to_rick_warren.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6NPq_kPSUM#t=1m04s

On Gay Marriage

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=rfobL3900wI

Spring

Spring. Though it is not "officially" spring, today is the beginning in my mind. I am inspired by the warmth I feel on my bare arms, and the slight breeze that blows my skirt around my feet as I eat black beans and rice outside on the stoop in the afternoon sunshine.

I have been researching and reading about Ash Wednesday, Lent and Easter lately, looking for prayers in preparation of the upcoming season. It came to my attention a few years ago, the question of why we celebrate Easter, the Death and Resurrection of Christ, in the Spring. We celebrate his Birth in the dreary months of winter, which is famously and somewhat universally a symbol of death.

Why did the church leaders of the path make this so? It has become common myth (myth because it is hearsay and I have not SEEN evidence) that these dates are flip-flopped (and please correct me if I'm wrong). But that way back in the day Christ was actually BORN in April, and DIED in what we know as December.

If this is indeed true (the flip-floppiness), I think it is a smart move from whoever decided it. During the Spring, Christians are reminded that there is indeed physical Death, that we will inevitably experience. We are reminded in the midst of Spring Celebration, that there is always Mourning to come. Whether it is mourning in our personal lives such of a family member, but also that Life is not all a bed of roses, which begin their bloom in the Spring.

Just as we are reminded of Death, in the midst of our Celebration of Spring, we are reminded of Birth in winter. During the long cold, dark, harsh winter months, we are oppressed by Nature and limited in some of our activities. But in the midst of this, Christ is Born! A signal that something great is to come in the future, thus we Rejoice! A Light in the Dark!

How clever of someone to have set this tale... Well, at least for this side of the Earth. I suppose the other side is celebrating at the appropriate time!?

How am I supposed to put myself in Jesus's shoes, if He didn't wear any?

On the way to work I heard the song "How Many Kings" by Downhere. It catalyzed the following.

What we as Christians are asking of others is to be freed. Freed from works, freed from the ways of the world- the anxieties and worries and obligations... our daily burdens. Some religions may require a certain process in order to reach 'good standing' with God/Gods (like works, sacrifices, stewardship, etc.). Perhaps they require some or all of these things in order to have salvation, or an entry into Heaven or What Lays Beyond Death.

Think of it as a ticket. What do you have to do to get a ticket into Heaven (whatever that is..)? Christ tells us we do not have to have anything but Him. It was his blood shed on the cross that paid our way into heaven. There are no strings attached. No stewardship, works, deeds, sacrifices, prayers, promises, or time lived "without sinning" is necessary to have eternal life. Ok, ok... you're saying, "Duh!"

What about people who say... "you must accept Jesus into your heart" or "just believe in Him" to get into Heaven... Is this correct? Isn't that adding a little something something to this salvation business? Didn't Jesus save everyone? And didn't he do that ohhhh 2011 years ago? My thought: It already happened. He already saved you, me and everyone in between.

I think one failure as Christians is sometimes we worship Heaven itself. We don't even know what it entails! Is it "sitting in clouds after we die playing harps all day" as my pastor laughingly described? Is it a molecular fusion in some meta-universe? Is it becoming a star in the mysterious night sky?

I don't know. No one knows. There is no way to experience what happens after we die because we cannot transcend time. Perhaps Christians shouldn't focus so much on what happens after we die... because we aren't in control of that anyway. Also, if Jesus already came and saved everyone... then you're good to go. There's no reason to waste your breath in "saving people" because it's already been done.

A month or so ago my pastor said something that has stuck in my mind and been on repeat almost every day. He said, "The Kingdom of God is Now." Whether in context or out, it is so profound to me. Don't we normally think of the Kingdom of God as... Heaven? Which... is NOT now? How, pray tell, can this be?!

The phrases "God is always with us" and "God is everywhere and everything" come into mind. These ideas are basically saying that God is an active part of THIS life. On earth. I think most Christians would agree with this. If that's true... then the Kingdom IS now... on earth. Sure, perhaps it is also Heaven or the Afterlife, but if you believe that God is active in your daily life... then you are also saying that the Kingdom is Here and Now.

So.... what does that have to do with anything? Let's look at how Jesus fits now. Above, we talked about his pivotal role in Salvation. But that Salvation had to do with "getting into Heaven"... So how does our "salvation" by the sacrifice of Christ apply in our "earthly life" or God's Kingdom... which is also HERE and NOW. In other words... how does Christ act as the Savior in our daily lives (not just in our eternal life)?

What does Christ do? Doesn't he go around telling people that materialism is bad? To not worship possessions? The answer is yes. If you do not worship possessions, as in worry about where you will get the newest phone or most fashionable clothes, then that alleviates stress in your life. Christ also says that He is your daily bread and drink. We all know that you cannot biologically live on just the Word of God alone... we don't digest paper very well. Though, how many of us worry about 'getting a meal to the table' and yet aren't eating just plain rice and beans. As long as you have SOMETHING to eat (about 1500 calories should do the trick) then what are you stressing out about? Or.. what are you worshiping? Really good food? That pizza that your heart desires? Yeah, quit stressing about your food bill you, pizza worshipper!

What else do you stress out about? What else worries you? One way Christ can help us quit worrying (or saving us from worry) is to simply try to envision that day. There's Jesus... carrying a big-ass cross on his back, while being yelled at and cursed at, stones being thrown at, blood dripping down every inch of his body, WILLINGLY, in order to save these weary souls.... Put yourself in His shoes. Oh wait, he probably didn't even have shoes. Now... in comparison to the torture that He went through that day, is your problem really that great? I'm thinking the answer is "no". I can see Jesus sitting up in Heaven on a nice fluffy cloud shaking his head saying, "Aww, poor baby, did you get to work 5 minutes late? Ha! Try getting lynched with a cat-of-nine tails and then having your appendages driven into wood with 2 inch-wide nails!"

See? Jesus can save us in our earthly life as well. The story of his Crucifixion reminds us that... life really is not that bad. Especially for those who are reading this blog. I read someone's facebook status the other day that said something like, "If you have the privilege of Internet access in order to read this facebook status, your life really cannot be that bad!" Sometimes we just have trouble keeping life in perspective, what matters and what doesn't. Jesus tells us basically that most things in the world do not matter. What matters is your journey of being a good person, your willingness to die to the ways of the world in the service of humankind.

Love. This is one of the key lessons of Jesus. Do you live your life, in every second of every day in accordance to love? I have a natural tendency to be selfish. I think most humans do. I try to love everyone, but sometimes I fail, and act on my own accord. We are inherently like this, which is why God tells us that we must love each other. This is the path of the Light. Otherwise we fall into darkness. It is much easier to live in darkness and selfishness. But if you do not try to live otherwise as much as you can, darkness and heathenism will take over. That will be the end of man-kind on the earth. It will probably be the end of most life on the earth since we are so prevalent and kill everything in our way.

The point of this, is that the narrow road that Christ wants you to walk is not necessarily one of deeds, but is one of love. People think that it means not breaking the law, or not having sex before marriage... but it doesn't necessarily mean that. I think whatever is done out of love... is Love. Whatever is done out of spite, selfishness or hate... is Hate. So... those Christians who are still prejudice whether it's about sexual orientation, race, what people are wearing or what kind of music they listen to... those are still hateful people and are heathens living in darkness. People minding their own business and going out of the way to spread love and peace to others, are living in the light (whether they are "Christian" or not).

I have to develop these ideas more. I beg for comments and criticism in order to further this conversation and make more sense of it! The lyrics to that song are copied below.

How Many Kings by Downhere

Follow the star to a place unexpected
Would you believe after all we've projected
A child in a manger

Lowly and small, the weakest of all
Unlikeliest hero, wrapped in his mothers shawl
Just a child
Is this who we've waited for?

Cause how many kings, stepped down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least for me?
How many Gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that has torn all apart?
How many fathers gave up their sons for me?

Bringing our gifts for the newborn savior
All that we have whether costly or meek
Because we believe
Gold for his honor and frankincense for his pleasure
And myrrh for the cross he'll suffer
Do you believe, is this who we've waited for?
It's who we've waited for