#my10 Commandments

[observationsfromthedeck]

Oh the humanity!

Stop asking if I believe in God. Start asking, “ How do I define God?”

God is Love. That simple, that complicated.

We are made in God’s image; therefore, we are all love, and all its variations and varieties.

The only way to be love is to be open to its possibilities, and that requires a “clean slate,” an kind of innocence, and chasteness- a purity of heart. You have to be open to love to give and receive it. Not easy. Think about Mary being open to God’s love to have a child- that’s a level of selflessness found in serving others.

Do unto others as you would do unto you. Not easy if you’re having a hard time loving and believing in yourself.

We’re called to be Christ-like. That doesn’t mean perfect, but to strive to be best, most compassionate, thoughtful, and respectful person we can be.

The crucifixion is less about that brutal moment, then it is the about the opportunity we have with every decision to be more Christ-like; to make decisions out of love & compassion. That may sometimes require sacrifice and difficulties, sometimes it will be easy. Neither is less valuable.

All of this comes with a reckoning of our humanity. We are fallible, with egos, pride, hurt, guilt, shame, and doubt. Don’t deny it, learn from it. It’s okay to question.

When you are lost, set your questions aside, and do something for someone else, care for others and find yourself. Your faith will resurface.

Always go forward with a deep faith in your ability to love, to evolve, and to be present. It is all that we have.

Take time to be still, to breathe; find, focus, enjoy and believe in the beauty of the smallest of everyday moments.