Considering ... Joy, Monday 10/3/2016

[glrogers67]

Welcome!! You have entered a space where all people are invited to gather to discuss matters of Spirituality, in mutual respect and friendliness: "Considering...Spirituality." Here, the focus is on personal spirituality and not dogma. We welcome with open arms people from any, all, and no religious/faith backgrounds, and those who practice spirituality on their own, to join us for a discussion centered on a higher consciousness. Each day there will be a quote, question, or discussion prompt presented for all to ponder and respond to.



**In maintaining an atmosphere of comfort and trust, we do not allow proselytizing (the effort of trying to convert others) or the denigrating of the religions and viewpoints of others. We also avoid bringing up topics such as politics, hot button social issues, or anything that can be considered divisive**



As this was a WW board, we also discuss our personal wellness, including our weight management program. We share our struggles and our triumphs regarding such as well as discuss things like family, friends, jobs, hobbies, outside interests, etc... We strive to build each other up with loving support in a positive manner. Let us not ever tear one another down in any way, shape or form.



Regular thread starters for the time being are:



Sunday, Monday, Tuesday: Gary / Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: Holly




Yet if anyone is so inclined, please feel free to start a new thread by beginning with the title: "Considering....(topic -q/q)", post this introduction (by way of copy & paste) then follow that with a post putting forth a question and/or quote (with or without some explanation) for us to ponder today. The topic can be inspired by your personal faith, but please do remember that anyone from other spiritual paths should be able to answer it.



Shalom, Love & Light, Blessed Be, Namaste...

[glrogers67]

Those of you familiar with the Weight Watchers message boards know there was a Spiritual Space message board in which various spiritual groups maintained threads. One of the threads I found interesting was one called Considering ... Spirituality in which people of various faiths (or spiritual paths) were invited to discuss topics from their own perspective without proselyting or criticism. We invite you to participate here. We usually posted a topic for discussion along with a question/quote (q/q) to stimulate discussion. For example here is a summary of a talk given in my church conference this weekend titled "Joy and Spiritual Survival" by Russell M. Nelson, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Here is a brief summary:

I would like to discuss a principle that is key to our spiritual survival. It is a principle that will only become more important as the tragedies and travesties around us increase. …

When the focus of our lives is on God’s plan of salvation we can feel joy regardless of what is happening—or not happening—in our lives. Joy comes from and because of Him. He is the source of all joy. …

How, then, can we claim that joy? We can start by “looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith” [Hebrews 12:2] “in every thought” [D&C 6:36]. We can give thanks for Him in our prayers and by keeping covenants we’ve made with Him and our Heavenly Father. As our Savior becomes more and more real to us and as we plead for His joy to be given to us, our joy will increase.

Joy is powerful, and focusing on joy brings God’s power into our lives. As in all things, Jesus Christ is our ultimate exemplar, “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross” [Hebrews 12:2]. Think of that! In order for Him to endure the most excruciating experience ever endured on earth, our Savior focused on joy! …

… Joy is a gift for the faithful. It is the gift that comes from intentionally trying to live a righteous life, as taught by Jesus Christ.

Today's q/q: Please feel free to substitute terms you are more comfortable with for God and/or Jesus Christ. The focus is upon how to achieve joy despite our circumstances. Have you experienced joy through spirituality in spite of otherwise uncomfortable or painful experiences in life? How?