As I’ve mentioned before I’ve been on a spiritual quest for most of my adult life. In 1989 I recommitted my life to Christ and since that moment have been asking, knocking and seeking, in all manner of ways, to know and experience more of Him.

Some may ask what He means to me and the long & short answer is: EVERYTHING.

How can I describe that which is indescribable?

Now many will look at some of the books and spiritual leaders I refer to and say that I’m not “Christ centered” or that I don’t have the “love of Christ” within me.

That both saddens and infuriates me.

Jesus said, “Judge not lest ye be judged.” So I challenge anyone to really look into my heart and tell me that!

True, I do read books other than the Bible and those written by ordained ministers.

Why?

Because I never want to miss a fresh anointing on the Word!

Yeah, but what about those ‘new age’ books like Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life & There’s a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem by Dr. Wayne Dyer, A Return to Love & The Law of Divine Compensation by Marianne Williamson, The Secret & The Magic by Rhonda Byrne and other such works by people I admire?

I can only speak for myself but it is all part of my soul journey.

What? What?

A soul journey?

Yeah.

I believe we are all here for a reason and one of main purposes is to not only learn how to live as Christ but, like Him, to be an expression of God’s goodness in the earth. Each of those books mentioned, and numerous not mentioned, have opened my heart and mind to understanding God and even scripture in a deeper way.

In the book E-squared by Pam Grout, she covered the subject of God/Jesus and mentioned that Jesus never said, “worship me” but “follow me” and there’s a huge difference in the two statements.

This made me wonder so I did a bible search on the phrase “worship me” and you know what?

She was right!

Only 4 Scriptures showed up with that phrase, 2 referred to Jesus being tempted during His 40 days in the desert (Matthew 4:9 & Luke 4:7) and the other two referred to worshipping Him in vain by “teaching for doctrine the commandments of men.” (Matthew 15:9 & Mark 7:7).

These, in turn, led to the question of how much of what our preachers, teachers and ministers of “Christianity” tell us are actually just that… the teaching for doctrine the commandments of men.

Which do you think God/Jesus prefers…someone who adheres to the doctrines of men (even if they are biblically based) OR someone who loves Him and seeks Him with their whole heart, mind, & soul, regardless of the books they read?

After all, Jesus did say that God is “spirit” and those who worship Him will worship in spirit and in truth, and let’s face it, not everything we see and/or hear in conjunction with “Christianity” is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth…Nor the only truth.

JMHO of course.

Something to think about….
​
“Inspirational with an Edge!” ™

We all want it, dream of the perfect world, imagine what heaven on earth would look like, would feel like… would BE.

In his famous song, Imagine, John Lennon tried to capture heaven on earth as “all people living in peace, sharing the world and the world living as one.”

Skeptics and pessimists tell us it’ll never happen! Theologians tell us heaven is some place “out there” from which we originated and one day will return. Even Jesus said, “In this world you’ll have trials and tribulations.”

HE also taught us to pray that God’s will be done “on earth as it is in heaven.”

What does that mean? Is it possible for us to have or experience heaven on earth? Will we only experience heaven when our mortal body dies and our spirit returns from which it came? Or possibly when Jesus returns?

As mentioned in “About this Blog,” I’ve been on a spiritual quest for most of my life. I read voraciously books by spiritual leaders of our time…. Max Lucado (Just like Jesus), Marianne Williamson (A Return to Love), Dr. Wayne Dyer (A Spiritual Solution to Every Problem), Neale Donald Walsch (Conversations with God)… and all of them offer hope that yes, we can experience heaven on earth!

Romans 14:17 tells us that the kingdom of God (heaven) is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Luke 17:21 tells us in the Amplified Bible that the kingdom of God (heaven) is within and around us!

So how do we experience heaven on earth?

Simple – by choosing LOVE.

1st John 4:16 tells us that God is love and he who dwells in love, dwells in God and God in him.

The Bible exhorts us to “seek and pursue peace.” (Psalm 34:14).

In the gospel of John, chapter 15, Jesus tells us over and over to remain in LOVE.

If Jesus the risen Christ dwells in us, if the Holy Spirit of God dwells in us, if God who is love abides in us—why then can’t we simply, think, do and be love? Is it possible to do this and if so, HOW?

How do we go from where we are (spiritually and emotionally) and what we’ve been taught (fear, hatred, prejudice), to feeling, experiencing and being pure, unconditional love?

By remembering that love is a choice, a decision and at any time and in any given circumstance you can choose a loving response.

But…but…but…HOW?

How do we manifest so much love in our hearts, minds and souls that it becomes our first response instead of an afterthought? How do we feel so much love in ourselves so that it overflows into the lives of others?

By basking in the love of God for you and sharing that love with others, you become a vessel of Love.

You become a vessel for God.

And you become more like Jesus.

Every time we choose love over hate, peace and joy over stress and strife, gratitude over greed, blessing over cursing, forgiveness and grace in lieu of revenge and retribution, we experience a little more of heaven on earth.

Easier said than done you think?

Depends on how bad you want it.

Something to think about!

Meditation Challenge: Take a moment several times today, close your eyes, breath deep and simply repeat (out loud if possible) the words… “I love you.” Allow those words to rise within you, stir up your emotions, and embrace the wonder of how that feels. Then go about your day with those feelings pushing you. When challenging circumstances arise, take a love break and repeat this process. I promise you’ll have a better day all around!

I honestly thought I would be more active on this blog. It's not that I haven't watched or read anything uplifting or educational that I'd love to share. Frankly I'm not sure where to start. I had to dig up my old files to find previous Pamela's Pondering articles and my intentions are to post regularly.  


And I Will!
​
Today though, I'll mention two things....

#1: I watched Episodes 1, 2 and 3 of The Chosen at the theatre its opening weekend and let me tell you I was impressed, stunned and shocked all in the span of 3 short hours. I can't wait to see the next 5 episodes first in theaters then on the app and finally when I can buy the DVD's.

​YES, I am THAT obsessed with this show!

Watch the Trailer HERE: ​https://fb.watch/q3Bq0dN-Lc/

Better yet, wathc THIS ONE!   https://www.facebook.com/DallasJenkinsOfficial/videos/337758345907914

Secondly is the reason for this blog post.... My Next FREE Life Coaching Class: Discover Your Beautiful Authentic Self.... Feb 18th 2-4 pm
Edgemont Healing Center 1800 Kirkman St. Lake Charles (corner of Kirkman & 10th)
 
LADIES…Do you spend most of your time doubting and belittling yourself?
 
As far back as we can trace, women have been considered inferior to men. The “weaker” sex. What should have been motivation for our protection, has turned into a means by which we are oppressed, and sometimes, abused.
 
Or at the very least made to feel “less than.”
 
Shame, guilt, unworthiness, self-doubt, self-loathing, and perfectionism have been programmed into us from the moment we are born, and if we daresay, throughout our generational history.
 
But NO MORE!
 
Join Author and Life Coach Pamela S Thibodeaux as she takes us on a journey to discover our beautiful authentic self.
 
Wear comfortable clothing. Bring your journal and yoga mat (we’ll be sitting on the floor) and get ready to Discover Your Beautiful Authentic Self!
 
The class is free although donations are greatly appreciated.
*Suggested donation $20.00
 
RSVP HERE: https://www.facebook.com/events/1020376189064076

Hope to see you there!

Until Next Time.....Look forward to more interesting, engaging posts.
PamT

I love to travel, meet new people, do new things, venture out. And I love to share the things I learn and experience in life, whether through travel, books, interviews or podcasts.

The idea for this blog evolved out of the possiblity of two books. One, Learning with the Leaders, where I share what I've learned through reading a wide and varied number of authors and nonfiction titles in the spiritual and personal development fields.

The other, Rainbows, Potholes & Nuggets of Gold Gleaned Along Life's Journey would be a compilation of articles, essays, life lessons, poems, treasures, trials and triumphs in my life.

Both designed to share, encourage, educate and inspire others.

I agonized over what to name this blog. Considered, The Spiritual Book Blog but thought that was too B-O-R-I-N-G and worried whether or not anyone would want to hear what I have to say.  Finally, I thought...

Just Do IT, Pam!

After all, the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu once said, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." 

So, this is my first step at sharing my life, writing, coaching and spiritual journeys with you.

I hope you enjoy it.
PamT