Lucy Wyndham

July 10, 2019July 10, 2019

Cultivating Fresh Faith Through Your Lifetime

Japan, Germany, and Monaco are countries approaching an aging population looking into retirement or settling in retirement homes. Among the older adults, this is probably the time to slow down, reflect, and take leisure time walking along the coast side, travel the world, or build and live in a wonderful lakeside home. The Millennials and Gen Z’s are picking up the weight and chase after the ‘American dream’ faster than ever. But, before technology became a staple in our lives, our forefathers made sure to look into the Word through meditation, mindfulness, and reflection. Looking for a fresh perspective in your walk with God? Each day provides an opportunity to an enriched life filled with a purpose.

The joy in ALL circumstances

A verse in Philippians 4 pointed, ‘Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice’. A worldview devoid of God would have only pinned joy as an event that lasts only for a moment. But life is a struggle and it doesn’t always go your way. It’s not always happy and it’s not always on time with whatever you asked of God. True joy in your life shouldn’t be dependent on your circumstances. Once we know our Savior, Jesus Christ, we look beyond the circumstances and into the face of the one who gives us substance and meaning. This is why it’s so important to meditate on the truth and joy available to us, as this simple daily practice will help us face our struggles and change our perspective for the better.

Whose image is on you?

In the Gospel of Mark, a man once asked if ‘it is right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?’ to which Jesus replied, ‘Bring me a denarius and let me look at it”¦ Whose image is this? And whose inscription?’ The man replied, ‘Caesar’s’ to which Jesus responded to give to Caesar what is due to his and to God which is due God’s. Ravi Zacharias, a renowned Christian apologist, made a poignant remark of the questioner’s ‘disingenuousness’ by not asking a follow-up question. If it wasn’t the case, the questioner would’ve asked, ‘What belongs to God?’ to which Jesus would have replied, ‘Whose image is on you?’. To have a calling, you first need to have a caller. Each of us is called for a holy life in Christ, to bear the image of his father, and fulfill the purpose He predestined since time immemorial.

Rethinking retirement

If you’ve never heard it before, more adults are retiring early. While there are many reasons people want to retire early, there’s an ugly truth to this ‘upside’.Adults retiring early experience loss of identity and security. The fear of the unknown may also set in once income dwindles, inflation rate shoots up, and the market crashes. Set scheduled time to reading inspirational texts to guide us in honoring our Creator and love of your neighbor. Living the faith does not come with an ‘expiration date’ and building a robust prayer life liberates you from material concerns.

Make every work matter

God cares for the world through us. Even the first task of man on earth is to ‘work and take care of’ the Garden of Eden. The Bible is replete of insinuations of God feeding His people. The only catch is that it has to be done through work. So what does this imply in your walk in the faith? From the grandest work of a CEO running a multi-billion company to washing dishes, no work is menial, and each work carries with it great dignity. As we are all parts of the body of Christ, we are called to become the ‘hands and feet’ of God.

June 14, 2019June 14, 2019

Why Retirement Is The Perfect Time To Build On Your Faith

“Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord,” says the words of Leviticus. When it comes to retirement, it’s likely that most people will have more spare time — and money — than ever before. People are retired for longer than ever — but no matter what stage of retirement you’re at, you’re never too old to devote this new-found spare time to Jesus. Many older Americans are already religious, and there’s a 17% spike in religious affiliation among older people compared to those under 40. It’s not uncommon for churches and other religious establishments to be heavily populated by older people. But there’s still plenty for those in retirement to do to devote their time to God: helping in the community is one such way, while studying the Bible is another.

Bible study

Partly, opportunities for religious exploration as a senior are due to demographic trends. Retirement now is longer than it ever has been before: the average life expectancy in the US is now around 80, and many people are not called to Heaven until they are in their nineties — meaning that some spend almost as much time retired as they do in work. Also, there are some that can leave their career early, as they’ve accumulated enough savings to enjoy early retirement. But what’s a useful, and holy, way to spend all of that new-found free time? The option many people choose is Bible study. As you may already know, it’s one of the best ways to fall deeper in love with God’s word, and learn more about His creation. And one very interesting detail about studying the Bible during the golden years is the ability to understand it from an angle that you couldn’t have been able to in a younger age. In other words, with all your past experiences, you get to analyze the scripture with a new perspective, filled with seasoned wisdom that you didn’t have in your 20s and 30s.

Work in the community

For those who are either already conversant with the Bible or who feel that their vocation is something a little more practical, meanwhile, spending your new-found spare retirement time on helping your community is also a sensible choice. “And let us not grow weary of doing good,” says Galatians — and working in the community during retirement is a great way to achieve this end. You may want to volunteer to lead some groups in your church, or perhaps to become a reader at services. If you have specific skills such as fundraising or the law, you may find that you’re in high demand as a practitioner — and that church could be a good way to stay in touch with your workplace skills.

“Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone,” read the words of Deuteronomy 34:7. Retirement may seem like a long way off to you, or perhaps it’s right around the corner as it is for an increasing number of Americans. But no matter what retirement looks like to you, one thing’s for sure: using it to follow in Moses’ path and for holy purposes is a good idea, and it’s one that will stand you in good stead as you move from this life to the next.

June 7, 2019June 7, 2019

Why Retirement Is The Perfect Time To Build On Your Faith

“Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord,” says the words of Leviticus.

When it comes to retirement, it’s likely that most people will have more spare time — and money — than ever before. People are retired for longer than ever — but no matter what stage of retirement you’re at, you’re never too old to devote this new-found spare time to Jesus. Many older Americans are already religious, and there’s a 17% spike in religious affiliation among older people compared to those under 40. It’s not uncommon for churches and other religious establishments to be heavily populated by older people. But there’s still plenty for those in retirement to do to devote their time to God: helping in the community is one such way, while studying the Bible is another.

Bible study

Work in the community

“Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone,” read the words of Deuteronomy 34:7.

Retirement may seem like a long way off to you, or perhaps it’s right around the corner as it is for an increasing number of Americans. But no matter what retirement looks like to you, one thing’s for sure: using it to follow in Moses’ path and for holy purposes is a good idea, and it’s one that will stand you in good stead as you move from this life to the next.

May 30, 2019May 30, 2019

The Connection Between God And Out Of Body Experiences

An out of body experience can be a life changing event that awakens the soul to the presence of God. With a large 10% of the population having experienced the phenomenon during the course of their lives, it can be especially transformative for Christians in bringing them closer to their faith. When on a quest for spiritual enlightenment and substance in living a meaningful life in the eyes of God, an out of body experience can provide a conversation with God, or even gain clarity on the direction your life should take. Many Christians who have spoken about their out of body experience have expressed the fact that their journey was made clear after their soul momentarily left their body, and their return to life was more fulfilled than ever before.

The Spiritual Science Behind It

An out of body experience occurs when a person’s consciousness is temporarily detached from the physical body and then travels or moves outside of the body. Quite often, it is referred to as the soul leaving the body. Out of body experiences are also referred to as astral projection, and have long been studied as being the most spiritual and religious experience you can embark upon in your life on earth. As taught in 2 Corinthians 5:8, We are confident I say and willing rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. These experiences explicitly bring you closer to God, and it is encouraged in the bible in order to be more present with the Lord. Once your soul has returned to your physical body, a deeper consciousness is reached, having been closer to the spiritual world and the afterlife than ever before.

Differences In Out Of Body Experiences

Separating yourself from your physical body can occur in a few different ways. Spontaneous out of body experiences occur either when you are sleeping, or are very close to sleep, and can sometimes appear at first as very lucid dreaming. A floating sensation will usually accompany this type, and you are still able to dictate movements and speech. Near death experiences can trigger an out of body experience, and these are the experiences that can truly bring you closer to God and change your life. The apostle Paul referred to this state as the third heaven, because of its proximity to the afterlife and ability to reach the Lord while still being physically on earth. When death is close, such as in a car accident, near drowning, or in surgery, the soul can temporarily leave the body and have experiences with both God, or deceased loved ones, before returning down to resume the physical life with a memory of the events.

Experiencing an authentic separation of the soul from the physical body will undoubtedly bring you closer to God and enhance your faithful journey. A higher state of spiritual being can be attained and a deeper love and understanding of life will encourage you to carry on fulfilling your best Christian life.

May 20, 2019May 20, 2019

How Can Your Faith Make You a Better Dog Owner?

Around 36.5% of all American households own dogs – according to the American Veterinary Medical association – which just goes to show what an important part they are of daily life. If you love dogs and are also a Christian, you may have recently heard the news about Pope Francis stating that all dogs go to Heaven. He was consoling a grieving boy who had just lost his furry BFF, he said, by telling the boy that “Paradise is open to all of God’s creatures.” What a beautiful thought and how inspiring it is to the millions of people who consider dogs to be family.

Is the Bible Really Silent on Dogs?

There are very few references to dogs and pets in the Bible, with the word ‘dog’ often used in a symbolic/pejorative sense to describe negative actions of human beings. For instance, Philippians 3:2 says: “Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.” The passage does not refer to canines per se, evidently, but to those who look out for themselves, are aggressive, and do not show concern or humanity for others.

However, we can seek the inspiration we need to be better dog owners in other parts of the Bible. Genesis 1:21, for instance, says: “So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.” This is just one of many passages in the Bible that highlight the innate goodness of animals, and indeed, of all sentient things.

The Benefits that Dogs Bring to Our Lives

“Ask the animals and they will teach you,” says Job 12:7. It is a powerful statement that hints at the many ways that dogs can enhance our health and happiness. Studies have shown that dogs lower stress levels in human beings, providing the kind of companionship and unconditional love that can be hard to find.

To celebrate these benefits, why not take part in Take Your Dog to Work Day, which will be celebrated across the globe on June 21? This special day is held for two important reasons: to encourage dog adoption, and to highlight the benefits that dogs can bring workers. These benefits include creating a calmer and happier environment, and encouraging social interaction between employees.

The Importance of Being a Good Pet Owner

Proverbs 12:10 states that “The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.” It is a good reminder that pets have needs owners should cater to. These include food, veterinary visits, and of course, practical aspects of pet care – such as monthly flea and tick treatments, anti-worm treatments, nail trimming, etc. It is also important to ensure your pet gets at least two good walks a day. This is key both for their health and fitness, and their socialization skills. Dogs need to play and encounter other dogs since they are young so they learn to do so in a calm, non-aggressive relationship.

There is a good reason why dogs are used in therapy to heal so many conditions. They have a unique ability to lift the mood and battle stress in such a natural manner. The Bible says little about pets but when it does mention dogs in the literal sense, it is in a positive manner. Your faith can deepen the sense of appreciation you feel for your dog, but also inspire you to keep being the best, most responsible owner you can.

May 3, 2019May 3, 2019

Faith And Fashion: Creating A New Ethics Of Shopping

Christians are among the most likely to offer their money to the less fortunate, with 79% donating to charities. However, followers of Christ need to think more holistically about the way their actions could be impacting the world. Why not start with fashion? The textile industry contributes 300,000 tons of CO2 each year, while keeping employees in unsafe conditions for an unfair wage. Despite this, Americans spend an average of $1700 a year on clothing, while Brits spend £1222. The global fashion market is worth $2 trillion a year, when footwear and jewellery is counted. Remedy this by turning to your bible. It will remind you of the value of shunning materialism, especially insofar as it contributes to evil in this world.

Christian Charity

“Whoever is kind to the needy honors God”
(Proverbs 14:31)

The Bible is very clear in its endorsement of serving those in need. Giving money to charity is one way to do this, but shopping for your clothes at charity shops kills several birds with one stone. Firstly, your money is going directly to help the poor, rather than lining the pockets of wealthy CEOs of fashion companies. Secondly, you are lowering the demand for new clothing items, so less has to be produced, and less harm is done to the environment and sweatshop workers. Also remember to donate your unused items. And when you do buy new, look for clothing brands with ethical credentials.

Worship Through Non-Consumerism

It is important to buy less and to buy more consciously. In our consumerist society, many people are making purchases without thinking of the consequences. By paying attention when you shop and doing so within a moral framework, you are actually engaging in an act of worship.

John 2:16 describes “pride in possessions” as coming from the world, rather than from God. By scaling back your interest in fashion, you are showing that you are grateful for the gift of life and for your loving friends and family. When you show gratitude for what the Father has given you, you are serving Him and living as a good Christian.

The Bible’s Message On Sustainability

Matthew 6:26 has one of the most beautiful and profound messages from our Lord on the importance of caring for the environment: “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” The lesson here is to do as little damage as possible to the land that was created for humans and all animals. “You shall not pollute the land in which you live,” reads Numbers 35:33-34, yet this is exactly what the fashion industry is doing.

Living sustainably, charitably, and humbly is the virtuous route for a Christian. Take a look at your clothes buying habits, consider the impact, and make a conscious change for the better. Using charity shops provides for the poor, while buying less is both an act of gratitude and a way of reducing the harm done to the planet and the humans who live here.

April 10, 2019May 10, 2019

Faith-based Methods For Overcoming Stress

Maintaining a spiritual connection is an integral component to developing good mental health habits and negotiating conflicts between ourselves and others. Current research suggests that the health advantages of spirituality are long term: one recent study found that women who went to any kind of religious service regularly had a 33% lower chance of dying within 16 years than their secular peers. However, spirituality also plays a role in overcoming short-term and ongoing health issues, including mental health concerns, as they emerge in our everyday lives.

Confronting Our Stressors

Though they may seem obvious at first, it’s important to address the root causes of your daily stressors, so that you can better understand why you experience stress. For instance, many individuals become angry during cycles, or phases, of high stress, such as when facing a big deadline or travelling constantly for work. During these moments, playing and talking to God plays a fundamental role in helping persons of faith heal from stress and panic. According to many psychiatrists, spirituality is actually a form of preventative medicine, because it helps foster good mental health habits to cope with the onset of negative emotions.

Stressing A Community Focus

Researchers hypothesize that a central reason spirituality positively impacts mental health is because of the community-building emphasis held within churches and other religious services. Going to church provides parishioners with support from their community and affirms a sense of belonging. In fact, one study found that a third of people who go to church every week were ‘extremely satisfied’ with their lives. Of course, not all churchgoers are ‘extremely satisfied’ with their lives and many do, in fact, experience ongoing mental health issues like stress. However, the Church is a form of communal and emotional support for those looking to heal from their distress.

Mindful-Faith Healing

At its most basic level, mindfulness is the practice of staying in touch with your spiritual wellness during everyday life. Though mindfulness has Eastern origins, many Christians and other religious denominations use mindfulness as a tool to talk to God and practice humility. Clinical approaches to treating anxiety with mindfulness are called mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) therapy. MSBR therapy is highly effective: in fact, many studies indicate that MSBR is on par with anti-anxiety medication in lowering levels of stress. To begin, use your five senses to focus on the present moment instead of the future stressors. Staying focused on your breathing is also a good way to be mindful and steady yourself during times of high stress.

Overcoming mental health issues takes time and contemplation, but spirituality plays a critical role in helping patients understand the root origins of their symptomatic distress. Increasingly, individuals with mental health disorders are turning to their parishes, and in fact their larger communities, for guidance towards a path of healing and reconciliation.

By Lucy Samuels