The Dalai Lama

Last week had the wonderful opportunity to hear the Dalai Lama speak at the University of Northern Iowa. I am not sure what I was expecting, but I received more than I hoped for during the time. As I listened to him speak about education and peace, I was drawn to his humble nature. It was clear the Dalai Lama understood he was on a spiritual pathway. Particularly when he was part of a larger panel discussion, the Dalai Lama chose to end his thoughts with the phrase, "And these are just my views." He was self-deprecating in his humor. I laughed, I cried, I was humbled and I was inspired.

I have had several folks ask me about my thoughts on a previous sermon in the series we are currently in at the moment. In the sermon on intimacy, we looked at those patterns we have that destroy it, including escalation. The questions asked for my thoughts on fighting patterns that include inappropriate language. Anytime one party or the other in a relationship moves to using volitale language or swear words, the opportunity to hear God in the midst diminishes. Swearing is the lazy person's attempt to state what is happening within themselves. Rather than taking the time to use appropriate language to describe thoughts, feelings and actions, swearing is the shortcut. It never leads to good discussion. Inappropriate language is disrespectful to both parties.

Thank you to those of you that reminded me you missed my blog yesterday! I will endeavor to keep my Monday commitment.

On the journey,
Alecia

Education and Peace

On May 18th I have the opportunity to hear the Dalai Lama along with my family. I am looking forward to hearing one of his talks on education and peace. I'll share what I have learned with the church body next week.

It's easy to talk about peace, but I've found it much more difficult to live it out on an everyday basis. My interactions with people have the opportunity to bless them or to curse them. When I am centered I can serve as a conduit for God's Spirit to work through me. Reading about peace and living it are two different things.

Happily Ever After

On Sunday morning, we talked about the four stages of deterioration in relationships-- primarily in marriage. Several of you asked for the list again. They are:

1. Romance -- Happily Ever After is your mantra.
2. Reality Check-- The phase whereby the cracks in the relationship begin to emerge.
3. Reaction-- Passive aggressive actions begin to enter the relationship.
4. Rebellion-- Actions lead to breakdown, whereby the relationship ends.

Breakthrough is the alternative. Re-read the Genesis 2 account in order to have a greater understanding of how God views marriage. God desires that couples have a spiritual relationship and companionship. We are far from the ideal, yet God has given us tools. For relationships to thrive, there are three critical aspects:

An exclusive commitment to one another,
Deep and vulnerable sharing, and
Spiritual connection with God.

Not all marriages make it, yet God calls us to the ideal when possible. Some marriages cannot make it, because of abuse, adultery, unaddressed addictions, and the list goes on. Perhaps a fourth critical aspect should be added: a supportive Christian community. I know for Doug and I Christian community is key for us as well.

Food for thought.

See you on the journey,

Alecia