Turns out the Whos down in Who-ville had it right. “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” by Dr. Seuss spins the story of the Grinch, who decides to deprive the Whos of their Christmas celebration by stealing their presents and decorations. But, to the Grinch’s surprise, the Whos continue their observance without the gifts. This prompts [...]
Sometimes funny situations teach great lessons. It was the usual schedule: up at 4:30 am, out the door by 5 am to take my son to ice hockey practice, pickup another hockey team mate on the way to the rink, dash home, get ready for work and head out the door again. On this morning [...]
It’s a phrase I hear often, “I’ll keep you in my prayers!” It comes with an expectation of good, not just nice words. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (part of the National Institutes of Health), prayer for oneself and prayer for others are the two most common forms of complementary [...]
Have you ever searched the internet to see what information is available about you? If you have, you would be among the fifty-seven percent of American internet users who say they have looked themselves up on the internet. An even larger number of people say they look for information about health on the internet. The [...]
Turns out the Whos down in Who-ville had it right. “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” by Dr. Seuss spins the story of the Grinch, who decides to deprive the Whos of their Christmas celebration by stealing their presents and decorations. But, to the Grinch’s surprise, the Whos continue their observance without the gifts. This prompts the Grinch to experience a change of heart, return the Whos Christmas gifts and even join their celebration.
While this holiday classic points out that Christmas is more than all the commercialization, it also illustrates that bitterness melted away brings health. After all, the Grinch’s heart grew three sizes. It’s not just fiction though. Dr. Charles Raison, association professor of psychiatry at Emory University School of Medicine and CNNHealth’s Mental Health expert doctor, observes, “Bitterness is a nasty solvent that erodes every good thing.” Research included in a new book, “Embitterment: Societal, psychological, and clinical perspectives,” surveys current embitterment research and draws the line between mental outlook and health. And, that health can change for the better when bitterness is rooted out.
Additionally, a study conducted by psychologist Dr. Glen Affleck at the University of Connecticut found that, “cardiac patients who blamed their heart attacks on others were more likely to suffer another heart attack within the next eight years. On the other hand, perceiving benefits and gains from an initial heart attack, including becoming more appreciative of life, was related to a reduced risk for subsequent attack.”
To get rid of bitterness requires a change of perspective, a change of thought. People have found prayer works to alleviate bitterness and its effects. Someone once shared with me that holding on to bitterness or resentment was like letting it have free rent in your home. Sometimes evicting these thoughts is like trying to unstick duct tape. A solvent is needed to remove the adhesive. A recent study found gratitude can act as that mental solvent. The question then becomes, how do you find genuine gratitude? Admittedly this is a very individual process. I start with things like a shared moment with a loved one or a laugh with a stranger. Then I try to look outside of myself to find things to be grateful for, like watching the children in my neighborhood playing and appreciating their lightheartedness, exuberance and joy. I feel like it keeps my gratitude honest to look beyond myself. It also helps in those times when gratitude may be difficult to feel.
The Whos understood it. Even without all the accouterments of Christmas, they still felt love, appreciation and joy. It was so strong, it even grew the Grinch’s heart! What Dr. Seuss observed and wrote, has now been observed, tried and proved.
The Whos knew!
Sometimes funny situations teach great lessons.
It was the usual schedule: up at 4:30 am, out the door by 5 am to take my son to ice hockey practice, pickup another hockey team mate on the way to the rink, dash home, get ready for work and head out the door again. On this morning though, I realized Thanksgiving was just days away and I had not done the grocery shopping. At this point, I had cooked on Thanksgiving for so many years I knew the menu and the grocery list by heart. So as I drove the boys to hockey practice I realized I’d be very close to a grocery store that was open 24 hours a day. So I made a mental shopping list and heading straight to the grocery store from the ice rink.
There were only a few shoppers in the store, but the aisles were full of staff stocking the shelves for the rush of grocery purchases. I zipped along. My shopping basket brimming with the fixings for our feast. The last aisle was the frozen food section. As I stood in front of the glass door contemplating the frozen vegetables, I noticed my reflection in the frame of the freezer door. I WAS IN MY PAJAMAS!! I laughed out loud!
As I drove home with my groceries I decided I needed to rediscover the thankful part of Thanksgiving. I realized that in my hurry, hurry life I was not living graciously. I was like the plate spinner at the circus. Recognizing that something needs to change and actually doing it can be a true challenge. In my daily prayer practice, I changed something. Instead of listing all of the day’s activities and then asking for help to accomplish them, I took a different approach. I began my prayer with gratitude that God was an ever-present, all power of good; I listened more. This change wasn’t just for a day or a week, it became my regular daily prayer. And life became less frenetic and more joyful.
There are researchers who have been focusing on the beneficial effects of gratitude. One study (sited in a Harvard Health News Letter) found that, “gratitude…helps people connect to something larger than themselves as individuals.” Another effect was, “fewer visits to physicians.”
Each year as I get ready to enjoy this holiday with family and friends I think of this story and laugh. But I continue to be grateful for the lesson learned.
Gratitude is sweetest when it is shared. Please leave your Thanksgiving moment!
It’s a phrase I hear often, “I’ll keep you in my prayers!” It comes with an expectation of good, not just nice words. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (part of the National Institutes of Health), prayer for oneself and prayer for others are the two most common forms of complementary and alternative therapies.
U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords continues an ongoing remarkable recovery from gunshots wounds suffered on January 8, 2011. Her hard work and determination have been documented, along with the diligent support of her husband and his advocacy on Giffords behalf. Her mother, Gloria Giffords, has also been a constant presence in the Congresswoman’s recovery.
In an interview with the Arizona Daily Star, Gloria Giffords illustrates how she is actively praying for her daughter. She is described by her son-in-law Mark Kelly as a raging optimist. But it goes deeper than that. She is accustomed to turning to God in prayer and expecting a positive outcome. From the very beginning she maintains she was not afraid of the situation.While Giffords was in surgery, she describes her focus, “ I knew that she was God’s child, perfect. I knew that she was never going to change.” And, has ,”…a thought process where I don’t dwell on recrimination and anger.” Her prayer continues, she expects her daughter’s recovery and says, “Being with [Gabby] at any stage in her progress has been a joyous experience for me.” Watching Gabby’s improvement, she observes, “…I think it’s probably going to be better than we imagined.”
As a nation expectantly watches Congresswoman Giffords’ recovery, it’s important to consider a 2002 study of patients in intensive care. The study followed 39 patients and found the patients treated with prayer were able to leave the hospital sooner than the patients who were not treated with prayer.
If you’d like to read the full article about Gloria Giffords, it’s available at:
Have you ever searched the internet to see what information is available about you? If you have, you would be among the fifty-seven percent of American internet users who say they have looked themselves up on the internet. An even larger number of people say they look for information about health on the internet. The Pew Research Center has found that eighty percent of American internet users have searched for health information. That’s 113 million adults!
Another trend is worth noticing, too. About half of Americans say they pray about their health. This number has been steadily rising over the past decade. In 1999 less than fifteen percent of adults reported that they prayed about their health.
I’ve seen for myself the positive effects of prayer on health. In my twenties I started a regular practice of praying about my health. I applied for a job that required a physical exam before I could start work. During the exam, the doctor found a growth on my back his preliminary diagnosis was that it was cancerous. He refused to pass me on the physical exam until I was examined by an oncologist and a course of treatment was determined. I left his office scared and worried. As I sat in my car for a few moments to gather myself so I could drive, I began to think about what I had been learning about God and my relationship with Him through my daily practice of prayer. By the time I arrived home I was no longer afraid of the doctor’s diagnosis. I felt very sure that God’s love, protection and guidance were active at that very moment and that I could depend on God not only for comfort, but expect healing as well.
I called an oncologist and made an appointment. I continued to pray. Every time my thought would drift to the preliminary diagnosis or the outcomes described by the doctor, I would turn to God, affirming what I had been learning and experiencing through prayer. Within a week, the growth fell off. All that remained was completely smooth skin, not even a mark.
I called the doctor who had performed the original exam, told him what had happened and asked if he would reexamine me. He did and confirmed the healing. He rated my health as excellent. Before I left his office I called to cancel the appointment with the oncologist.
Turning to God in prayer doesn’t mean there will never be problems. But through my regular practice of turning to God through prayer I have found reliable solutions.
Yup! I know where I was – my neighbor and I were out walking our dogs and just heading home, when we walked by a pickup truck. The door was open, the driver was listening intently and called us over to tell us that something very horrific was happening at the World Trade Center in New York City. When I arrived home, my husband was already watching the news on the television. He was getting ready to go to the airport to catch a flight, but didn’t even bother to finish packing. We have traveled quite a bit since that day, and every trip through airport security is a reminder that the person standing next to me may be an enemy.
It reminded me of Abraham Lincoln’s words, “The best way to destroy an enemy is to make him a friend.” That’s a tall order! It requires putting aside my own fear and beyond trusting a person, trusting God. But I’ve learned it must begin with me, in my own heart and my own actions. And, I’ve been working at it.
A few months ago I was in a downtown parking lot when a man approached me as I putting stuff in my car. He wasn’t asking for a handout, he was agitated and demanding. I stood there for just a moment and thought, how can I help this man? I calmly asked him what he wanted. He became quiet and spilled out a laundry list of problems. When he finished I realized I was standing there with my lunch bag and a bag of candy. I asked him if this would be helpful to him. He calmly and gratefully took the bags from me, shook my hand and smiled as we parted company.
As I thought about this incident, it occurred to me that as I put aside my fear, the anger level dropped. And the outcome was good.
I realize September 11th is an indelible picture, but to let it grow hatred will never solve the problem.
Early this morning I went out for a run. The sun had not yet peeked over the horizon, so the early morning coolness still hung in the air. The birds were chirping their announcement of the coming day as the dew gently painted the grass and leaves with its delicate brush. Perhaps, these words bring to thought an idyllic visual image of the morning mist rising, as the sun reveals the new day.
To be honest, today, I ran at a track that is in a field adjacent to a school. It is a field track that undulates with the natural topography of the land. As I ticked off the laps it occurred to me that there is a difference between visualizing or imagining something and experiencing it.
Usually, visualizing begins with the question, what would it be like…? Then imagination takes over and constructs an image in thought that defines what the experience should look and feel like. Here’s an example: I was reading a cookbook and came across a recipe that sounded delicious. I carefully followed the instructions, savored the aromas as it cooked…and it was awful! I couldn’t order out pizza fast enough! So my experience didn’t live up to my imagining or expectation.
So…what’s the difference? In a word – gratitude. When my life doesn’t live up to my expectations or my ideals, I’ve found it’s because of that little word “my.” By exercising an active practice of prayer I’ve come to look for God’s presence, even when life has a dire picture. So…gratitude. I look out at God’s creation and it’s easy to see beauty or joy. So, if I can see it in nature and I believe that I am God’s creation also, then I should see these qualities in my life and in those around me. It is gratitude that God is the source of these qualities and expression, not my imagination. Another facet to this idea is that I can see the beauty and grandeur of God right now. I don’t have to wait for another place or time.
When I have looked past myself and truly looked for the presence of God I have felt greater peace than any imagining could produce. Those are my moments of gratitude.
Spring has arrived bringing it’s profuse palette of color and texture.
The buds of Bradford pear trees burst in flower to announce the fulfillment of the promise that winter’s cold and harshness are chased away.
To me,spring is the re-forming of the vitality that always been there. Dormancy gives way to unfolding beauty.There is a natural, active peace and orderliness to this process.
As I walked by one of these trees, the wind came up, blowing the petals of the blossoms off the trees like a snow flurry. Unlike the snows of winter that bury everything in a white blanket; this “snow flurry” reveals the next phase of vitality and purposefulness.
Surprisingly, this made me think about health and specifically healthfulness and healthcare. Healthfulness is normal! Healthcare like the process of spring, is a re-forming of innate vitality.
The leaves on the Bradford pear tree must follow the blossoms, the order cannot be reversed. To me, healthfulness & healthcare are the natural outcome of my practice of Christian Science. So, universal healthcare as a national issue must include spiritual care or it’s like expecting a Bradford pear tree to leaf, without first enjoying the beauty of the blossoms.
The speeches are over. It’s back to work. The country paused to commemorate Martin Luther King. His son, Martin Luther King III said it best, “My father was a great man. My hero. A hero to many. But sometimes there is too much emphasis placed on Martin Luther King Jr. the idol instead of the ideals.”
What of those ideals? They echoed the answer Jesus gave the lawyer who asked the Master about the greatest commandment (Matthew chapter 22, King James version). Jesus’ answer was, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”
In her work, Science and Health, Mary Baker Eddy states, “The rich is spirit help the poor in one grand brotherhood, all have the same Principle, or Father; and bless is that man who seethe his brother’s need and supplieth it, seeking his own in another’s good.”
There’s a progression here: dream to prayer to action. Dr. King saw it and a nation acted. But laws are only effective as they are embraced in the hearts of the people. Issues like healthcare, housing, taxes, employment, to name a few. Events like the shooting is Tucson, floods in Australia, earthquakes, political unrest and civil strife cross the lines of sex, race, politics or religion.
I have found that prayer is the surest foundation for action. In my prayer, I consider the guidance given by Eddy, “The test of all prayer lies in the answer to these questions:
~Do we love our neighbor better because of this asking?
~Do we pursue the old selfishness, satisfied with having prayed for something better, though we give no evidence of the sincerity of our requests by living consistently with our prayer?
~If selfishness has given place to kindness, we shall regard our neighbor unselfishly, and bless them that suers us; but we shall never meet this great dry simply by asking that it may be done.”
One random act of kindness, doesn’t get the job done! It is a moment to moment commitment to action that brings lasting change. By finding the common good we experience the greater good. I’m in, how about you?
Granddad's shovel
Before a sentence is composed or a word uttered, there must be a thought. The motives of action reside in thought. So, I’m thinking, that thinking is what needs to be thought about.
To me the origin of thought begins with attention. As a Christian Scientist that attention is guided through prayer.
I know some folks would say that there is only a limited place or no place for prayer in confronting the problems of today. Well, my experience as a Christian Scientist has lead me to a different conclusion - prayer is always the starting point and the leading thought mover and I expect to see results. It’s like my grandfather’s coal shovel.
This week we found about 5 inches of snow topped with ice in our area and we needed to clear our driveway and walkway. I picked up my granddad’s old coal shovel for the job. A shovel is a simple tool. They can be found in many shapes and sizes, but they all perform the same task. Shovels have been around for centuries because they are efficient and versatile As I heaved the snow and ice out of the driveway I marveled that such an old piece of equipment worked so well. The old blade easily pried up the ice from the concrete and the sturdy wood handle made it easy to move the snow and ice out of the way.
So, how is that old shovel like prayer? Well, prayer is a simple tool, well used and efficient. And like any tool, when it’s used often, it gets easier to use. When it’s used properly, much can be accomplished. It has versatility, I have turned to prayer in every facet of my life and found healing. Also, I didn’t sit around and expect the shovel to do the work without me. Prayer is active, not wishful thinking.
But, I wouldn’t use a shovel to do the job of a pair of pliers. Here’s what I mean – prayer requires me to put aside my opinions of how I’d like to see situations work out. It requires me to be attentive to what exactly I’m thinking about. I know I’ve gone off course if I find myself offering God my solutions or asking Him to make someone else do something. I continue to learn that listening brings discernment.
Everyday thousand of thoughts parade themselves by the doorway of my conscious. Just because the thought presents itself, it doesn’t mean I have to invite it in. Prayer helps me to consider whether an idea conforms with my understanding of God, as all good. If it doesn’t meet that test, it’s probably not an idea I want to keep hold of. So, part of my daily prayer practice is to take out the trash. And, when I look at my fellow man I pray to know he has the opportunity to let go of the trash as well.
Like the shovel, prayer focuses on the project at hand. The work may be slow or quick depending on motivation, dexterity, endurance and strength. Also the shovel never shirks from the job: it doesn’t get discouraged, it doesn’t balk, it doesn’t refuse to work with other shovels. It’s always there ready for the task at hand, just as is prayer.
So as I look out at the scenes of violence, complexity of issues or the simple beauty and stillness of snow falling, I know that prayer is my answer and that it is available to everyone.
Ironic, isn’t it that something that comes with a wink and a giggle can morph into something completely different? The Christmas list for Santa always served more than one purpose: it helps parents known what their children want for Christmas; the naughty and nice list is helpful to keep behavior under control; and it helps instill Christmas spirit – the joy of giving and without expecting something in return.
News reports this year highlighted a trend – adults writing to Santa with their needs. These folks have found themselves in the toughest of circumstances and many are reaching out in desperation for aid. Their letters to Santa are actually prayers to God. It struck me that there is confusion between Santa Claus and God. It’s been my experience that they are not one and the same, not would I want them to be.
Santa is a once a year phenomenon, God is an everyday constant. Santa is not particularly knowable. Sure he grants wishes and gives things, but can he heal a broken soul? It’s been my experience that God is knowable, loveable and respectable. And, during this season we celebrate the birth of Jesus, who showed us how to know God. Through his words, his works and his life, Jesus didn’t present a superhuman God. Jesus’ life illustrated how all of us, even now, can live in consonance with this God that is the ultimate good.
And then there’s that dreaded “naughty and nice list” – hmmmm. So let’s say, I’m doing the best I can, I’m trying to do the right things. BUT I may be on the naughty list and not even know it! YIKES! What I’ve learned about the relationship between God and man through Christian Science, brings everyone from worthless to worthy. As I have sought out God, I’ve not only learned about Him/Her, I’ve learned about myself as He/She sees me. That journey has brought transformation in my thought to see God not only as the core of my being, but governing my daily life.I haven’t found a naughty and nice list there, but I have found change that has opened my life to practical ways to solve my problems.
I do know that is sure seems like, sometimes prayer goes unanswered. Jesus did say that if it didn’t seem like prayer was answered “ye ask amiss.” To me that means, ask a different question!
Several years ago, I wanted a car. There no way we could swing if financially. I had prayed about it, but nothing was happening. But I did start thinking about the situation differently by praying about it. I thought about Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount. He says plainly that “vain repetition” is not going to be successful in prayer because, “…your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.” I had to stop going to God and pleading – is today the day You are giving me a car? I reasoned that if God knew my need, I needed to be listening carefully to His direction. I realized it was not about a car, but being in the places I needed to be.
Through a turn of events, I was offered a part time job, but it didn’t pay enough to buy a car. And since I didn’t have transportation I said, no. The offer came again. This time I said, I would be glad to do the job, but, I explained I didn’t have needed transportation. There was an unexpected response -if I would take the job, there was a car available. The woman who was vacating the position had an old Volvo station wagon that I could use. I jumped at the offer. In return for using the car, I was able to make some needed repairs to the car with the salary I received. When I no longer needed the car I was able to return it in better condition than it had come to me.
So this Christmas season I hope Santa remains the jolly old elf I love. And I pray that God lights both the carefree and heavy hearts with joy and comfort.
Merry Christmas!
God bless,
Stormy
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