Surrender And Win Part 1

Generals draw up battle plans, their theory on how the battle should be fought and ultimately won. Politicians have theories on everything, often with little or no actual experience to inform their opinion. Economists are quick to theorize, usually poorly. Meteorologists and climatologists put forth theories daily, calling them forecasts, and we have all experienced their accuracy. Although we don’t usually think of it in this way, we all have theories about all sorts of things. When we chat about the reasons why something happened, or didn’t, what we think is going to happen or some action to take, we are floating theories. Theories based on experience typically have value, while theories based on no more than wishful thinking are hot air until implemented, the consequences realized, truth demonstrated. Truth is never subjective and often stark in its reality. If the local weather prognosticators get it wrong, the truth is typically no more painful than a ruined picnic or toting around an umbrella on a sunny day. Battle plans which go badly can result not only in death but in reshaping the map. Economists theories should be placed in the newspaper next to horoscopes, unfortunately decisions affecting everyone are based on their theories, were if a horoscope is wrong it won’t possibly put thousands of people out of work or raise taxes. Politicians and the price of demonstration for their theories? Examples can be found daily on the front page of any paper or leading the nightly news.

So perhaps, just perhaps we should look at things in a different light. Consider: Wars, slavery, economic inequality, one religion attacking another, bigotry, etc have been with us throughout our history, only the intensity modulating. The truth is we as a people keep making the same mistakes, based in flawed theories and thinking, one generation to the next with the same inevitable results. So clearly "secular" theories of living are at best problematic, even foolhardy in light of the results.  So to truly change will require surrendering the old theories and embrace a new basis of living. How? Stay tuned.

© Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved

#The Secret, #Wayne Dyer, #Serenity, Enlightenment, #Zen, #Emmet Fox, #How To Be Happy, #Golden Key, #Pope Francis, #Chopra, #Jesus, #Einstein, #AA, McRaven,

 

Set Aside or Lay Aside Prayer

Consider this passage from the Sermon on the Mount “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). We all have known or know those who are “poor spirited” and blessed usually isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. In fact, when really considering this passage for the first time it is difficult not to think of those times when we have felt poor spirited; somewhat perplexing to the notion that if this is “blessed”, is it such a good thing? The “poor in spirit” The Carpenter refers too has nothing to do with being poor spirited. Being poor in spirit means we have let go of our preconceptions and self will.

There is a prayer that has become known as the set-aside or lay-aside prayer that speaks to this state of consciousness. There are a number of variations, this is one of the simplest forms: Dear God, please help me to set aside everything I think I know about you and this world, so I may have an open mind and a new experience. Please help me to see your Truth, Amen. Surrendering to win, setting aside our preconceived ideas and sacred cows. If we can achieve this raised state of consciousness,  remaining open minded and willing to learn, to change and honestly address our defects as well as our assets of character in their proper light, we would truly be “poor in spirit” and the kingdom of heaven ours.

© Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved

#The Secret, #Wayne Dyer, #Serenity, Enlightenment, #Zen, #Emmet Fox, #How To Be Happy, #Golden Key, #Pope Francis, #Chopra, #Jesus, #Einstein, #AA, McRaven,

Does God Keep A Tally Sheet?

God doesn’t keep the tally sheet of our lives, We do. Everything we have ever done or said is written on our heart, in our hand. Our lives though are an open book to Him who has all knowledge and power; fortunately He loves us unconditionally and if we are earnest, we are forgiven as soon as we ask. Now if we could only forgive ourselves so readily think how much trouble and pain we could avoid. So when struggling for any reason, let go and let God for He knows what AILs you, and He is Available, Intelligent and Loving.

© Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved

#The Secret, #Wayne Dyer, #Serenity, Enlightenment, #Zen, #Emmet Fox, #How To Be Happy, #Golden Key, #Pope Francis, #Chopra, #Jesus, #Einstein, #AA, McRaven,