Expression and Suppression

 We have feelings brought on by inside and outside influence. Feelings are often tied to emotions.

 We need to note there are some days feelings will overtake emotion. Recognize feelings are influenced by inside and outside stigma. That means you need to have something inside to overcome the outside influence. This is being in control of your environment. Learn to suppress feelings when outside influence is not healthy or productive otherwise your credibility is lost.

 When having what seems like a good day learn to turn that into expression. Expression is art , it is creativity, it is musical - energetic and wonderful. Perhaps pick up a guitar or musical instrument. Maybe you have a woodcraft or knit blankets. To some it can even be spiritual.

 Once met a man who believed in bio-rythyms and studied all these charts to find out what days would be good ones and which would be bad ones.  We also hear the gypsy tales about were wolfs that become a wolf when the moon is full. Then there is astrology when there is a certain alignment of stars various events will happen. 

 Our feelings can be controlled by outside influence tied to emotion in many unexpected ways. The key to happiness is to have something inside to be stronger. It is said the kingdom of heaven is within.
We also need to know when to suppress our feelings and when to express them. This is often called anger management which without an inside influence is useless. Management of our feelings and thus emotions takes practice and above all understanding.

 Learn to breath properly by practicing breathing inward and outward at least 20 minutes a day. This is necessary to fight off toxins in the body and other influences. You will learn eventually to calm or suppress your feelings and avoid irrational behavior. This may sound too easy. You say the doctor prescribed a pill - perhaps it cost 5 dollars for each pill when all you actually needed was to practice breathing. Use the money instead to buy a good meal and enjoy it with a friend.

 You have a choice when to express and when to suppress , you also have a choice to keep a little heaven inside for the hard times.

Peace and Joy,

Earl.

Image of Christ

 We often think of the image of Christ as the portrait of the bearded man in the front of the church. In contemplating it would be different for each of us. To the Catholic or Lutheran one of many saints - men and women representing various life lessons and works of faith and charity. To many it could be a mother or father that have been examples of a life well lived. We are all called to be living examples of Christ. Whether you are a Jew, Catholic, Hindu or of any other faith or religion.

 To me Christ is for all not just a few. We all should strive to be more like Jesus or one of the many examples not only in the dead but the living. Realizing the truth is in us does not mean living in fantasy or in a virtual reality. It just means to face reality with a forgiving heart, a kind thought. To make a conscious effort to live a more purposeful life.

 When we speak of the image of Christ - that image is represented in all creation. In all the living not just the dead. We should also look for that image within. Instead of looking for the evil or the weakness. Look for your strength whether it be artistic or athletic. We all have strengths , we all have some ability to glorify Christ.

 There is much more than that portrait of the bearded man than most realize. To someone first visiting a church it may seem counter productive to hear gossip. We should represent that image of Christ as much as anyone that had gone before us. Many times it seems we can fall to our knees and admit failure. Then we must also build on our strengths and get off our knees. If we are able to walk - walk with Christ. All have ability and capability, there is not such thing as disability with Christ. I have a son severely handicapped and still he shows a smile and thank you.

 Often remember it is good to be with others and become a part of something. There is strength in a congregation of believers, there is strength in a common good.

Peace and Love.

Earl.