Peace comes through a sincere belief in God’s presence and in His promises; it is not dependent on our feelings or sensations. Believe in His promises and rest in His peace today. Elder Sophrony Sakharov
I was working with a dear friend on letting go of the attachment or attraction I have to the feelings and sensations I experience on a daily basis. It is amazing how easily I can listen to these feelings or get concerned about these body sensations. It is such a “natural” thing to do. I have spent my whole life doing it and the older I get, the more sensations I feel! Lord have mercy! Some of these feelings and sensations actually require my attention, others do not.
If I observe this process I can see that the attraction and attachment is actually fueled fears, angers and worries – my negative passions. If I engage, I am doomed! Then the demons waiting to derail me from my connection to and with God and others add their part. I can see this when I am upset about something, it seems like coals are being heaped upon coals and then shoveled into my steam engine which is racing down the tracks – to where? For what? How much time and energy do I give to these sensations and feelings? More than I should.
When I give as much attention and attraction to my prayer life, then I can hear the quiet voice of my Creator in my still heart and mind. Then most to all of the sensations and feelings abate and there I am at peace. If a sensation or feeling remains, the Lord will then help me if I ask in a humble manner. Glory to God for all things! Let’s dig in for another Great Lent!
I am a native San Franciscan currently living in Sacramento, CA. Due to health issues in my early 20s, I began a spiritual journey in quest of inner peace and healing. I felt my soul and body were connected and if my soul could heal, perhaps so could my body.
I was a lapsed Catholic who studied Eastern religions. I had a guru and Tibetan lama, practiced prayer and fasting, and meditation techniques. I studied metaphysics, channeling and the life of the soul, which I later taught to others.
Yet, after twenty-five years of seeking within the New Age and Eastern religions, I was left depressed and spiritually unfulfilled. Thanks to my late husband and the grace of God, my spiritual journey ultimately allowed me to convert to back to Christianity, find God and open my heart newly to Jesus Christ through the study of ancient Christianity in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
I am the author of two published books, The Pearl of Great Price and In Christ I am a New Creation, Part I. I am currently working on my third book, A Leap of Faith, and a book about my saint, St. Veronica, my other guardian angel. St. Veronica is the woman with the issue of blood, whom the Lord healed (Matt. 9:20). In 2018, I will be publishing a book about St. Veronica including an Orthodox liturgical service to her.
I am passionate about:
Eastern Orthodox Christianity (Orthodoxy) since my Christian conversion in 1996.
My relationship with Jesus Christ
Striving to live in the world, but not be of the world
Talking about spiritual warfare - there is an unseen battle being fought for the salvation of
our souls
Helping others come to peace with the Church and God
Connecting with other Orthodox Christians about their spiritual experiences
Living a full life while dealing with chronic health issues
My dogs and gardening
My saint, St. Veronica
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