Peace Treatments

The other day, while out hiking with a very science minded friend with a well developed sense of fairness, the discussion about there being more than one path to God and heaven came up.  Admittedly, I did not have an answer for her. More to the point, there was a third person there, whom I'd only just met that day,and I was very aware of the two of them agreeing on there being more than one way and my fear of being perceived as narrow minded.  I hate it when my fear of man and desire for admiration, both of which are grounded in lies, outweigh the Truth that is grounded in love. Anyway practicing, forgiveness means we often need to forgive ourselves too - so I have, as has God. So this morning at the crack of waking up, I got this thought.... "there are 10,000 ways to die but only one way to be born, all things to do with giving life have only one natural way to that life". I pondered on that for awhile - in fact, am still chewing on it, hence this post, as I want

When in Palm Springs recently we went for a hike in the desert.  Not a good idea for a couple of northerners used to moderate temperatures on our mountain air hikes.  It was in the high 90's and extremely uncomfortable.  When we found this oasis with lots and lots of shade, what a relief! Which brings me more to the idea of SHADE...Safe, Humble, Accepting, Discerning and Encouraging...when we find people like that or relationships where we get to experience these qualities, what a relief! We can be ourselves, completely authentic and find support and caring.  Have been pondering more about this idea of SHADE and am envisioning it like  a 5 week small circle group.  The group comes together one night a week, where we study, learn and even practice, each characteristic.  Week one we learn about what it means to be Safe, in other words, what would make a conflict safe, what would make each person engaged in the conflict safe?   Week two, we study humility - what is it, how d