I'm trying a new app for blogging.
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
So you say you're an aitheist?
So you don't believe in God? Don't have to, God believes in you. :-)
posted from Bloggeroid
Monday, August 26, 2013
So you say you're an aitheist?
So you don't believe in God? Don't have to, God believes in you. :-)
posted from Bloggeroid
Friday, August 23, 2013
Friday, August 16, 2013
Long time coming
I have been gone awhile and doing what I feel is some good work out there. I am looking forward to getting back to posting here. Don't forget to follow us on twitter-ohmygoshrev46 and look for me on face book too. Be sure to check out the website www.ogmygoshco.org. Have a Blessed day. :-)
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Hello! Welcome to my New Improved Blog. Let’s have some fun.
From the heart of Chaplain Anna M. Pohl
Happiest and blessed Easter to all who celebrate. In any case may the light of God lift you to unimaginable heights.
Thanks
First I want to thank Everyone who contributed to the Madison Food Center. That includes all my fellow volunteers. What an outstanding group of people. I am honored to be part of it.
I also want to put a shout out and thanks to The Universal Life Church Seminary. I have been a perpetual student there and Amy the President is one of the most outstanding individuals I know. Accolades to you Amy, and Keep up the Good Work!
Because of the work of all of us I am now “Chaplain” Anna M. Pohl! It’s been a long wonderful fulfilling journey. What now? Everything! I can’t wait for all that comes now.
Only the Young :o)
Hi kids! Today go out and find something you never saw before. At this wonderful and reborn time of year go out there and enjoy how new our world is. Find something you never saw before. It could be something small like a new bug or it could be huge like some new way of riding your bike. No matter what it is, today find something you never knew before. Remember, once you know something you can’t unknow it. It is yours and no one can ever take that away from you. No “knowing” is ever wasted. God Bless your steps and your choices today! :o)
Joke of the week
Jesus goes to a celebration. When asked to dance he says “I would but I’ve risen and I can’t get down!” LOL I know it’s an oldy but a funny.
Scripture - Holy Words- Sacred Texts
Today from : The Christian Bible John Chapter 20: 15-18 NIV
15 He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). 17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
The Conversation :o)
There’s something so important about this passage. Of course most importantly we see the rising from the dead of Yeshua Messiah, Jesus the Christ. However it is the way he chose to present himself afterword that is so striking. First he has chosen to present himself to a woman and not just any woman but Mary Magdalene. This is significant on every level solidifying the fact that she was his disciple, friend and even partner. He could have chosen any man, woman or child on Earth or beyond yet he chooses her. This is Yeshua Messiah presenting his undying trust in her even in immortality. That is more telling about the importance of man woman relationships in the world then any other Christian passage. Christ as he usually did “shows” us by his actions the equality and magnificence of human “being” and that be they woman or man they are equal in God’s eyes.
In John 20:15 Yeshua himself asks why she is crying. He says this using “Woman”. He surely already knows she is not recognizing him. He is so “out of context” for her that Mary in her grief doesn’t know it’s him. This is not that hard to understand. Can you imagine loosing the closest person in your life to such a horrid fate? Even knowing that you will see them again, what the pain is can only be understood by those who have suffered such a thing. Yet she is not only weeping for her loss. She is weeping for the fact that she has come to do a job. She has come to keep faith with what the burial rites of the time and of her birth (as a Jew) dictate.
Today we spend much more time on death than on our dead. Back then you could be shunned or suffer a worse fate for not taking care of burial rites in the proper fashion. For those of you in any truly orthodox faith you know how important that is. She believes that his body has been taken. That would prevent she and Jesus’ family from burying him properly. This for her is a tragedy on top of tragedy. This has nothing to do with lack of faith in his rising. It has to do with the respect of tradition she and his family held and the fact that this loss was so great. According to this translation, when she is presented with the risen Christ she doesn’t recognize him. Whether she “thinks he is a gardener” is debatable as other translations differ in their interpretation. However, that is not important. What is important is that she doesn’t know it’s him. This today may seem ridiculous to us. How can she have followed and been his student and even his partner for all that time and then not know him? I believe that it was because of his immortal countenance. So he asks her “Woman why are you crying? Who are you looking for?” Her response is very proactive. “Sir if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him and I will get him.” There is not a hesitation in her response. She obviously feels that if this person is asking they know must know something about his being gone. She is more right than she knows. Like many of us today she takes an “I will fix this myself” kind of attitude. She waits for no one and makes no indication that she is not fully capable of finding the Lord’s body on her own. This is another verse that shows that woman of that time were revered for who they were and their accomplishments. She obviously has no mortal to answer too, no master.
It is at this time that I find one of the most touching parts of these verses. Lord Yeshua calls her by name. “Mary.” That is all he has to say for her to recognize him. We can only imagine what the tone of voice was that she heard and how it effected her and touched her heart. By that one word, her name, he revealed all to her. She response without doubt. “Rabboni!” It is not a question it is definitive. She knows that voice and knows exactly who he is. So, Jesus chooses to whom and when he will reveal himself. To me this shows him enjoying his new position in existence and the fact that all are “saved”. I can see him smiling with the knowledge that she and all those he loves are no longer tethered to death. I would think that it would be quite remarkable.
In verse 17 he tells her “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father.” Wow, not Do not touch me, he says “Do not hold on to me” This could be an indication of how it may be for us when we “cross over”. We have just gained our freedom and can not allow ourselves to be “re-grounded” as it were. Was this what it was like for Christ? It is something to meditate on.
Lord Yeshua then goes on “…Go instead to my brothers and tell them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” What I find interesting here is that he is stating things in a way that we can see Mary understands them. He directs these comments to her. She in no way questions or needs more to explanation of his instruction or the “why” of his instruction. The other thing we notice is that he says …tell them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” He is speaking to Mary and he says “my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” He doesn’t say “my Father and their Father…” He says “your” She is entirely included in the statement and she is to tell his brothers about “my …and your Father”. This shows that she is sharing what she knows and what she has known.
In the next verses Lord Yeshua meets with the rest of his close disciples and Greets them with “Peace be with you!” This is what they knew and recognized him by. He doesn’t seem to greet them by name. Of course we weren’t there so that is subjective however I feel it is thought provoking. Just as we do today, we talk to people according to their relationships to us. I feel we see some of that here.
All of us are equally important to Lord Yeshua the Christ. The Christ has risen! Halleluiah! :o)
Word of the Week
Kindness: the state, quality, or habit of being kind, kind act or treatment. Sometimes we forget that Kindness is a verb. While a smile and a hi are considered kindnesses it really comes down to being useful for others. Create a “habit” of “acting” out and “treating” others from a full kind heart. Offer your kindness. :o)
Let’s make a Deal! ;o)
You can save on your next event. Whether wedding, a home blessing or even a funeral, If you donate acceptable food items to the Food Center through the Chaplain you will receive a discount for every item she takes with her. Call us and see how much you can help today!
I was thinkin’…
If the ascended masters, any of them, were here and saw our lives today, here now where we are what would they say? :o)
I want to here from you. To comment see the area below! :o)
Till Next time
When your path is rocky… get better shoes! :o) Blessings to you all ;o)
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
What a Month, What a Week, What a life!
With Earthquakes, Tornado's and floods abounding and while we all pray for our brothers and sisters, I can't help being stunned by how the last week or so has come out in and of itself.
We all cheered for the newlyweds in Britten. And what a wonderful escape from the hardships here in the US if we could partake of it. But then the 1st of May hits! Though we cannot celebrate the loss of any life we can contemplate the fact that the world is rid of one "Devil" and just made a new "Angel" in the Vatican. So Good for you Britten! You go Boys We're proud of you in Pakastan! & Amen to that, John Paul the II!
I wish all of you a blessed Mother's Month. May the Mother smile on you and keep you at the time close to her and may you all breath and sleep well tonight.
Rev. Anna :o)
Friday, December 31, 2010
May you have the most Blessed and Happiest of New Years!
May the Christ in me greet the Christ in you.
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)
Saturday, December 25, 2010
'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)
Anna :o)
Monday, September 20, 2010
International Peace Week!
Peace Day September 21st 2010
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)
Friday, August 27, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
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)
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)
Monday, August 23, 2010
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 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.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
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".
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
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
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
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
http://www.chaplain-101.org/
"You are needed, be there. That's all you need do"
www.ohmygoshco.org/revampohl.html
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
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)
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)
Saturday, January 2, 2010
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)
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)
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