May you have the most Blessed and Happiest of New Years!

May the Christ in me greet the Christ in you.

As we say goodbye to the old year and hello to this new year, let us not forget that we again have a new and wonderful opportunity to make a difference in the world.

Whether it be in your own family, for a friend, a complete stranger or even thousands, consciously begin to think and act outside yourself.

Forgive yourself for your faults as that is part of why you chose to come here.

Forgive others because you can afford to.

Love because you can.

You'll end this new year feeling like you won the lottery! ;o)

May the blessings of the Christ remind us that we are meant to "be that" too.

You have my prayers and my Love always.

Rev. Anna :o)

'Tis the Season

I want to wish all of you a Merry Christmas. And as the Christ in me greets the Christ in you May all your needs manifest now and in the New Year.

Anna :o)

International Peace Week!

Peace Day September 21st 2010

Greetings All!

I wish you all a wonderful and happy International Peace Week and day.

If you would like more information about Peace Day or events that are happening during this most important time, please feel free to check out the net by putting International Peace Day in your search window. Or you may contact me at any time.

May Peace and Love Prevail upon the Earth!

Love and Blessings to all. Rev. Anna :o)

You never know...

Today I received a forward by email.



One day a teacher asked her students to list the names of the other students in the room on two sheets of paper, leaving a space between each name.
Then she told them to think of the nicest thing they could say about each of their classmates and write it down.

It took the remainder of the class period to finish their assignment, and as the students left the room, each one handed in the papers.

That Saturday, the teacher wrote down the name of each student on a separate sheet of paper, and listed what everyone else had said about that individual.

On Monday she gave each student his or her list. Before long, the entire class was smiling. "Really?" she heard whispered. "I never knew that I meant anything to anyone!" and, "I didn't know others liked me so much," were most of the comments.

No one ever mentioned those papers in class again. She never knew if they discussed them after class or with their parents, but it didn't matter. The exercise had accomplished its purpose. The students were happy with themselves and one another. That group of students moved on.

Several years later, one of the students was killed in

VietNam and his teacher attended the funeral of that special student. She had never seen a serviceman in a military coffin before. He looked so handsome, so mature.

The church was packed with his friends. One by one those who loved him took a last walk by the coffin. The teacher was the last one to bless the coffin.
As she stood there, one of the soldiers who acted as pallbearer came up to her. "Were you Mark's math teacher?" he asked. She nodded: "yes." Then he said: "Mark talked about you a lot."

After the funeral, most of Mark's former classmates went together to a luncheon. Mark's mother and father were there, obviously waiting to speak with his teacher.

"We want to show you something," his father said, taking a wallet out of his pocket "They found this on Mark when he was killed. We thought you might recognize it."

Opening the billfold, he carefully removed two worn pieces of notebook paper that had obviously been taped, folded and refolded many times. The teacher knew without looking that the papers were the ones on which she had listed all the good things each of Mark's classmates had said about him.

"Thank you so much for doing that," Mark's mother said. "As you can see, Mark treasured it."

All of Mark's former classmates started to gather around. Charlie smiled rather sheepishly and said, "I still have my list. It's in the top drawer of my desk at home."

Chuck's wife said, "Chuck asked me to put his in our wedding album."

"I have mine too," Marilyn said. "It's in my diary"

Then Vicki, another classmate, reached into her pocketbook, took out her wallet and showed her worn and frazzled list to the group. "I carry this with me at all times," Vicki said and without batting an eyelash, she continued: "I think we all saved our lists"
That's when the teacher finally sat down and cried. She cried for Mark and for all his friends who would never see him again.

The density of people in society is so thick that we forget that life will end one day. And we don't know when that one day will be.
So please, tell the people you love and care for, that they are special and important. Tell them, before it is too late.

And One Way To Accomplish This Is: Forward this message on. If you do not send it, you will have, once again passed up the wonderful opportunity to do something nice and beautiful.

If you've received this, it is because someone cares for you and it means there is probably at least someone for whom you care.
If you're "too busy" to take those few minutes right now to forward this message on, would this be the VERY first time you didn't do that little thing that would make a difference in your relationships?

The more people that you send this to, the better you'll be at reaching out to those you care about.


Remember, you reap what you sow. What you put into the lives of others comes back into your own.

May Your Day Be Blessed As Special As You

Fear God? or Fear God? that is the question!

I was listening recently to a conference of Ministers. Listening as I was unable to attend myself. The speaker, who was wonderful, was covering our responsibilities as clergy and the subject of Servile vs Filial fear came up. Now I hadn't even heard those terms in years and began remembering the subject from my days growing up as a Catholic school girl. I was drawn to research it more extensively and decided to share the subject here.

First for those who don't know, don't remember or just need a little reminder ;o)
a definition:

Servile Fear:
Selfish fear based on dread of pain to oneself that would follow if another were offended. It is the fear of punishment for wrongdoing, without being motivated by honor or a sense of duty, and least of all by love.

Filial Fear:
Fear of some impending evil based on love and reverence for the one who is feared. Actually filial fear is close to love that dreads offending the one loved.

Theologically, according to most Jewish/Christian doctrines Servile fear may co-exist with filial fear. There is nothing incompatible in both loving and fearing God. In the doctrines it seemingly says that fearing God at any cost is just fine. Yet the doctrins also state that "purely Servile fear, with no love of God but only self-love that fears the divine punishments, is at least in theory, inconsistent with the true love of God.

Wow quite a statement and quite a contradiction.

With Filial fear it is stated; "...the filial fear of God is compatible with the highest love of God."

A person, knowing his or her moral weakness, frets that he or she might displease or betray the one who is loved. It is selfless fear.
Etym. Latin filial, becoming of a child in relation to its parents.)


So let us think about this for a moment. In the first Servile fear it is stated that it is selfish, in other words self serving. And there is a question and confusion braught to bear.

So what does this mean to us? Whether you are a follower of the judeo Christian doctrines or not it comes down I think to this. First in order to appreciate either fear we must all as humans understand and yes even accept that we do fear. Outside of even the Biblical statement we must “know” it. Blind following of a doctrine is not the same. So we all fear. We must at some point then decide for ourselves what exactly it is we fear. However first we must decide how we fear.

For example: I am human and I fear it is my normal response to fear in a Filial way. This is not a statement at this point of wrong or right. It is only a fact. I personally fear in this way more often then in the Servile way. This tells me that at least at this point in my life I have finally reached a point where I am putting the “one loved” before myself. It’s a good comparison as to how far I’ve come as a person. (NOT how much better then you I am :o)


I remember fearing in a Servile way. As anyone does growing up and finding their way. Always fearing what will happen to me if… It is not just a type of fear but it is a fear that compounds fears. Though in the doctrine they seem to be saying they are mutually acceptable, I humbly disagree. I feel that Filial fear is more valuable to our direct relationship to God and ourselves as well as each other. It opens doors to discover how we can improve ourselves and act on our better judgment, repentance, knowledge and practices.

I feel that 'the Kingdom' cannot be met by Servile fear but that Filial, childlike parental fear of our Mother/Father God is part of what our Ascended Masters have been trying to open our eyes too. Be like the little children? Yes, I know my boy who is all of 4 years old most definitely is more worried about Momma’s disappointment then ever the “consequences”. As a matter of fact even now at this tender age, if he knows he chose badly he’ll “take it on the chin” as it were without a fuss. If however he thinks he’s hurt me? Tears and drama are sure to ensue. :o)

So what are the benefits of Filial fear vs Servile fear? I believe that the same compassion that causes us to attend to others brings about Filial fear. From this vantage point there is great benefit. Selflessness can create self Love, Love of others and Love of all that is. And though it is called fear it can actually lead to the release and freedom of all fear. One’s compassion relieves the need for fear and so creates more room for Love and reverence.


In contrast Servile fear brings about more fear. Unchecked the fear of “if I do this bad things will happen to me” becomes all encompassing. It is indeed a selfish thing. There is no thought outside ones self or ones own fear and as most of you already know fear breeds more fear. Is this not where superstition and prejudice come into play? Does this not make way for all fearful things. Isn’t this a darkness all in itself? I think it is.

In conclusion today, I would say that to strive for the 'Filial' is a great and powerful attribute. And whether you are beginning at a place of Servile fear or not may God bless you with the capacity and compassion to tip the balance for the better. Practice your Filial fear and see what happens. :o)

I was given a gift

Recently I became the humble recipient of a gift.
A new friend of mine, who I am becoming very fond of, began every once in a while, to send me a scripture.

Now I'm sure many of you non-denominational or other have been "sent" scripture. This is different. This person gave me the chapters and the verses as an honest offering of not only affection but true caring. More then that, they having apparently no ulterior motivation what so ever, gave them to me not as a "forward" from some other source, not at all. They gave each one as an offering of the knowledge they are gaining of me and what they felt I could use to hear. There have been three now. And it is my hope by sharing one here that I can somehow thank this person. Not for giving there opinion of me, not for staying "in the word" but I want to thank them for attending to me. Yes for actually serving me as a friend and a sister as a fellow human being.

So Richard, I thank you from the bottom of my heart and more.

Gift Three 1st Peter 5:10
"But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you."

"To Him be the glory and the dominion forever" indeed.

A Thank you!

I would like to thank all of my couples who have chosen me to be the officiant for their Marriage Ceremonies. It is my pleasure and my joy to be there for you and I know God is blessing all of you as you start this new part of your lives. Mother/Father/God keep you. In the name of Jesus the Christ Amen, Amen and Amen. :o) Rev. Anna

Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have in mind for you," says the LORD, "plans for your welfare and not for woe, plans to give you a future full of hope".

Hello all!

After being away from my blog for too long I am sharing again.

Our First Quote/Prayer

"Thank You,God that Your love has spread broad
through human hearts and hands."

Anonamous/from a forward email (of all places :o)

It is my prayer that all of your steps be blessed this day.

Rev. Anna M. Pohl

I am a Messenger

Be it as an individual or a Minister we often feel in this fast paced society, that we were born, we grow up and then get tossed into a race. It’s like we’ve dropped ourselves on a great speeding conveyor belt that whisks us away to go around and around, our consciousness whirling faster and faster into confusion. It becomes easy to forget why we came and what our job is, much less anymore. Our ambitions, education and living sometimes become a blur of existence and only the most balanced and left standing.

This being the case it’s no wonder we search for ways to get off the treadmill. It’s no wonder so many of us give up, jump off and turn our backs on what we could have done or been. This is true in almost every walk of life and certainly in the Ministry. I know of preachers who are so blocked by the banging around they get in life that they consider and in a couple cases have, walked away. And who can blame them? The longer we allow ourselves to be “processed” in this way the more isolated from people and ourselves we become. And what of the people relying on us? Who by the way are riding the tape with us whether we remember that or not. Our families, friends, congregations and others even the sick and dying will feel the lack. And in many cases even feel it’s them, that it is actually their fault. And you know what? We are often more then happy to agree with them.

All of us go through this yes, but you might be asking “What does this have to do with the price of rice in China?” :o)

What if we could simplify ourselves? What if we could not only get off the treadmill but do so without loosing ourselves, without loosing time and without loosing our focus? Wow, how great would that be? I am presently in the middle of such an experiment. And that is what I am sharing with you here.

It occurred to me through my work in the seminary and my life that I was truly missing the obvious. I realized my work wasn’t about what I was doing. It is about what I am sharing. In the chaplaincy program we have studied many things and most recently grief. The instructor is great and there is a lot on what to do and how to be there for someone else. The course lesson helps us talk with people about the painful subjects of loss and confusion. Yet when I was in these situations there was something else. Messages. There was always a message I had passed on to them.

So often we see this as “the job” and rightly so we have a job with unusual benefits and expectations. We are capable of extraordinary things. Not because we’re superhuman but because we re super focused. However, what are we focused on?

Be it an individual or a Minister we come here to this lovely, wonderful, most exciting Earth for purpose. With each and every person we come into contact with we actually come into contact with a message as well. God works through us and we need to open ourselves to allow the message to come out.

So sure, that s great but exactly how do we do that? Well I’ll tell you what’s been happening in my experiment. First I pray and intercessory type prayer, a basic “help me be open so that the message comes through loud and clear.” I myself am a woman of private prayer and in my intentions I can get quite flowery when I pray. But it isn’t important how you pray. What’s important is that you pose your prayer with this purpose.

Throughout the day with each and every person, your children, spouse, partner, strangers, congregations or groups ask yourself consciously “What message do I have for you?” Remember this may be asked to yourself but it must be consciously and for each person or group.

Now, here is the kicker. I am not attached to the answer. Just by switching my focus to that question I have found that the messages come. By taking that second to stop and ask my mind stops there and I no longer am on the treadmill. Believe it or not by attempting, yes simply making the attempt at this one small thing, I have begun to transform my thinking, my practice and even my life.

Sometimes the message is small “my 3 year old needs this.” Sometimes it is profound and instructive to the person. And sometimes I find that the message is for me through the person that I am dealing and talking with. I am only beginning to see just how far this can take us.

We are all of us messengers. I put it to you to give this a try in your practice as a person, as a Minister. When dealing with grief we often wonder what will I say? What can I do? How can I help them? When meeting with them or during your prayer ask yourself What message do I have for them? You will find that the words and direction for the people are there. You will find that your heart opens wider. And you will find peace while you watch the treadmill. You are a messenger.
I would be honored to hear about your experiences with this. Enjoy! Rev. Anna

Something a bit different

For this post instead of giving my observations I would like to share and direct you to another person on the path. I feel that Chaplain Clare G. Weakley, Jr really has some great things to share with you. I was particularly drawn to his writings on ordination and the Lord's prayer. His site is most definitely worth the read. Have fun and God bless you. Rev. Anna

http://www.chaplain-101.org/

"You are needed, be there. That's all you need do"

www.ohmygoshco.org/revampohl.html

If nothing else it’s an interesting story.

I was told by one of my instructors once that “You put in a lot of thought into a small action...but it is often our behavior in small actions that speak volumes…”

And of course it made me think. (What can I say it’s what I do :o)

I remember years ago I was walking back to my car after finishing a show. I’ve been a performing artist my entire life before becoming a Minister and am quite a sight as “Skipper the Clown”. I ran into a man that day who seemed “homeless” who looked at me sideways. No surprise there as this clown smiled and walked by. But as I did so something hit me inside.

The man walked up to me and said “Do you have any change? I needed to buy some sugar at the store over there and didn’t have enough money. I just want some sugar for,” he paused “for my coffee I want to get?” I looked at him, still smiling tenderly because I knew there was something fishy about that and said. “No I don’t have any change but have a nice day” Do you need anything else, can I give you a ride? He declined looking a bit down but alright. And I shook his hand smiling like the clown I am and moved on.

As I walked away down the sidewalk I suddenly stopped in my tracks. Something hit me inside. I thought for a second and turned around to look. He was still there and I smiled one more time at him.

After getting back to my car I was compelled to drive to that store. I went in and I bought some sugar. I then went back and found that man. I walked up to him as he looked down not so sure he wanted to see me. I said “Hello again I found some change and bought you that sugar. And here is the receipt in case you want to take it back and get something else later”. I also found this.” I gave him some extra change. “I hope your day will be a good one”. I smiled again and in my Clown voice said goodbye and he looked at me stunned and not at all sure what to say as his eyes passed from sugar to clown and back again.

I have never really analyzed why I needed to do that since then. However that day I remember thinking “He’s got a choice to make now. He can go and use the sugar for “whatever” it was he was going to do or he can choose to do something else”. “There something really awful about that” I thought. What if he does something stupid? And then a voice came to me saying “That isn’t up to you. You gave him the choice I asked you to give him”. I hoped the best even though I confess a tiny part of me thought the worst and with a smile of knowing I drove away.

I will never know what he did that day. I do know that I paid attention to a little thing. In the end I paid attention to what I was “called” to do, both in the action and the thought. I gave someone a choice and that is no small thing.
How about you out there?
What small perhaps unusual actions have you put forth?
Have you found they made a difference to yourself and / or to others?
Do you know how they affected the other people involved?
Please share.

I’m not sure why I am compelled to put this here today actually. Someone is going to find something in it though. That, I am sure of. :o)

And as I wrote a new friend recently:

You are needed
Be there
That’s all you need do

Be blessed Rev. Anna :o)

What are Acts of Compassion?

Well, I guess this should be an easy one to answer. We all perform acts of kindness. Giving a freezing volunteer something warm to drink. Smiling at those around you. Dropping off warm clothing to someone who hasn t any. Giving food to someone how is hungry. Blah Blah Blah right? :o) The question becomes then what changes these from simple acts of kindness (which I highly recommend by the way) to real acts of compassion?

For me the answer is the intent. We have often been nice, listening to a friend in pain, stopping to help a stranger who has been stranded, but in order for these to acts of compassion one must care. I am not speaking of caring about being a good person or even doing the right thing. Compassion is seeded in the care of others not ourselves or our interests. We may not be being selfish mind you. So being a good person is great and important but that in and of itself is not compassion.

This being the case, acts of compassion are about why we do the act. Let us look at a simple example;

The act of picking up a glove for a person who has dropped one.

There are actually many reasons it would be wonderful to pick the glove up. And just being poite is a good one. However, let us say you notice the person is elderly, uses a walker and has trouble moving. Let us say that they have seen the glove fall and look at it for a moment as they seem to decide whether or not it is worth the effort to retrieve it. You feel a pang in your heart because you feel in those few seconds what it must be like for them with their limitations. Maybe you had a reason to have limitations at one time yourself. And suddenly you are them. You are where they are and feel so much of what they feel. You have entered their very moment. You pick up the glove try to clean it off a bit and hand it to them. You may even make a statement like, I loose mine all the time . This helps salvage their dignity as well. Now this is a very small example. It does however give one the idea.

The act of picking up the glove would have been a nice thing to do no matter what. And there is nothing saying every act has to be full of compassion. But what if we chose each act to be full of compassion. Not pity but real open caring compassion. At these times we can truly share in a persons life, moment and consciousness. We can care differently and so in my opinion be even more effective. Be well and blessings in your practice of compassion. Rev. Anna :o)