Assisi column and steps  
 

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Published 9-15-10
ON TODAY'S SITE:

Iyanla Vanzant, Book of Isaiah, Thich Nhat Hanh, Book of Romans

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Dear Readers,

I was feeling slightly below middle C this morning, gazing out a window
when I observed a hummingbird vigorously going about his day; which
made me reflect on the way flowers always look like they're in the middle
of singing loud praises to God, only in some heavenly register that our
dullish human ears can't hear. Nature isn't filled with the emotion
of joy, it partakes of and so becomes part of Joy. As can we.

Joy, the emotion, is sporadic and fragile. Joy, the spiritual state,
is a centered melody upholding us in hope. Even though we
may experience discord, joy sings of the promise of Goodness.

- Lisa

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flowers in bloom
Photo by Chuck Bowman                              All rights reserved



Joy is what we are, not what we must get. Joy is the
realization that all we want or need in life has
been etched into our souls...

Joy, not pleasure; joy, not ease; joy, not happiness.
Joy is an internal mechanism which keeps us on an
even plane as we move through life. Joy gives us
the ability to move through an unpleasant situation,
knowing that once we make it through, it is over.
Joy reminds us of what we need to learn in order
to experience longer periods of joy.

...If we keep our mind and heart centered on joy,
the joy of growing, of knowing, of living, joy
becomes a state of mind, not an elusive preoccu-
pation we choose, only to have it slip through
our fingers over and over.



Excerpted from "Faith in the Valley,"
by Iyanla Vanzant
Simon & Schuster, 1998


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You will go out in joy
and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills
will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field
will clap their hands.



Isaiah 55:12
The Holy Bible
New International Version

 

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Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile,
but sometimes your smile can be the
source of your joy.


Thich Nhat Hanh (1926 - )
Vietnamese Zen Buddhist monk



The Last Word:

Be joyful in hope,
patient in affliction,
faithful in prayer.
 
Romans 12:12
The Holy Bible
Today's New International Version

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 








 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 








 







 







































Utterly Random Bonus Quote:

A friend may well be reckoned the masterpiece of nature.

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)
American philosopher, poet, Transcendentalist

 




Welcome to
The Religion Network!

I'm Lisa Bowman, editor
of The Religion Network,
a multi-faith Web site.
We offer inspirational,
motivational and
encouraging wisdom
for dealing with life's
challenges. Fresh
subjects and new
quotes are published
on every Monday,
Wednesday and Friday.

The Religion Network
holds that inspiration is
found in all faiths; and
furthermore, that finding
commonalities in the
world's religions builds
bridges of understanding.

Religion as an institution
is a precious gift,
encouraging us and
uplifting communities.
However you worship,
may this site enhance
your journey. To read
my personal story, click:
biography.

_______



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