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Minister Articles
Confronting the Icebergs - Part I
by Rev. Rita Scheibeck
I did my meditation for the day. Check. I studied passages from the two spiritual books that I'm reading. Check. Check. I took time during the day to stop the mayhem around me and center myself at least three times. Check. Check. Check.
I did everything right. So when I finish with my responsibilities for the day, why do I still feel so crappy? What is it that is making me feel uneasy, incomplete or overburdened? Why does it seem like I'm not finished with th…
The Answers to Prayers
by Rev. Rita Scheibeck
I now raise up (name/names) with my faith in Love, goodness, and the joy of life. I send them the peace of knowing, deep inside their hearts, that all is well. I am grateful for the answers to their prayers: for clarity, for peace of mind, for healing and harmony, and for great abundance in every area of their lives.
Affirmation: I now affirm that all the answers to prayers begin with Love.
I now allow, acknowledge, accept and affirm that this is so.
Self Care
by Rev. Rita Scheibeck
When I am thirsty, I need clean water to drink. When I am hungry, I want nourishing food to eat. When I tire, I must rest or even sleep. When I am melancholy or upset, I might find a friend with a listening ear to hear my troubles. When I want reassurance, the encouragement of a trusted mentor can set me on the right path. When I'm feeling spiritually empty or conflicted, I can search out the uplifting counsel of an enlightened advisor or coach. When I am un…
Dissolving Boulders IV: The Importance of Back Up
by Rev. Rita Scheibeck
So far, in our discussions about "Dissolving Boulders" in the paths to our highest good, we've talked about affirmations, meditations, and gut feelings. This week is devoted to a question that I hear frequently in my readings for clients. Many people ask me "How do I know if what I'm feeling is truly wise spiritual guidance, or if it's just a selfish desire that I'm temporarily craving?" It's a tricky question, but usually answered easily when we can trust i…
Running Away from Religion
By Rev. Lindsay Babich
The chart showing the results of the Pew Study has a couple of places where ADL might be placed. "Metaphysical Family" under "Other Christian" is one and the "Other Faiths" group that includes sub-categories, many of which match the wide variety of ADL ministers.
I am always interested in this social movement, the ebbing and flowing of religious practice. Now, perhaps more than ever, I am concerned that certain religions believe they should have legal sway over the b…
Dissolving Boulders III: The Power of Intuitive Guidance
by Rev. Rita Scheibeck
Did you ever walk into a room and just know that something was off? Have you met someone with whom you had an instant connection, but something in the back of your mind told you not to go there? Have you received an intuitive instruction that you disregarded and then immediately regretted not listening?
Yep, your intuitive guidance, AKA your gut feelings, are working just fine. It's your confidence in your instincts that's missing, and that is not usually a…
Dissolving Boulders II: The Sound of Silence
by Rev. Rita Scheibeck
Last week we talked about affirmations as a strong tool to use for removing obstacles in the paths to our earthly and spiritual goals. This week we'll address something you've seen frequently in my writings: meditation.
We speak a great deal in ADL about the importance of meditation, the silence, and time alone for personal reflection. Most of us use these techniques in our individual and collective spiritual practices. This often seems like a way of dealing w…
Let's Add Life to life
by Rev. Blanca Ibenia Aguilar
Let's bring back Life to life once more
Fear and doubt were and continue to be imbued in everything and everyone.
The news report about misfortunes instead of the miracles that happen every moment.
At home we talk more about what is missing, about the one who left, instead of thanking and pondering everything we have and the people who are still here.
Schools have set aside gymnastics, art, and calligraphy, moral and civic classes that lead to concentration a…
Dissolving Boulders I: The Spoken Word
by Rev. Rita Scheibeck
There have been, and still are, many times when I have run up against roadblocks (or what seem to be boulders!) on the way to my earthly and spiritual destinations. Some of these obstacles may require a minimum of attention and expended energy to overcome. But what about the larger barriers that I can't seem to get over or around?
For me these hurdles are usually situations I have conjured myself, either mentally, emotionally, or verbally. I may be thinking tha…
Darse Permiso
by Rev. Blanca Ibenia Aguilar
Reflexión:
Hay momentos en la vida en los que debemos enfrentar una situación dolorosa, ya sea que nos sorprenda o que descubramos que nosotras mismas las hemos co-creado (casi siempre hay otra persona involucrada) con nuestros pensamientos, sentimientos y acciones.
Qué terapéutico es darnos permiso para sentirnos enojadas, dolidas y hasta tristes por una horas o por unos cuantos días, meses tal vez si tanto duele; eso nos hace bien, pero para salir de esos es…