tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2583035984896584839.post7410001992778095758..comments2023-05-02T05:40:29.838-07:00Comments on AscendingTheHills: Turning Point: Heading in a New Direction (My Response to Recent Questions from Readers)Jessica Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02450820269367184046noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2583035984896584839.post-16325824572487939012012-12-26T04:15:37.346-08:002012-12-26T04:15:37.346-08:00I might be blind or something because I do not see...I might be blind or something because I do not see anything that could have deviated from something else. I have seen 'growth and development' from your reflections. Something that digs deeper, explores. I see faith coming to sense and aliveness. <br /><br />And I am very glad because you are so generous to take us along with you through your journey :)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Melissa Tandochttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13747825707650125721noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2583035984896584839.post-53689076473622408982012-11-30T06:35:49.121-08:002012-11-30T06:35:49.121-08:00Thank you Mary for your thoughtful and thorough re...Thank you Mary for your thoughtful and thorough response. I agree in that there is lots to learned from the Bible and one could no doubt spend a whole life time in studying it alone. I find your faith a beautiful one. :)<br /><br />"At some point,you will have to take a stand in what you believe."<br /><br /><br />That's the thing. At this point in my journey, I'm not sure if I have to do that. I know what I'm not certain of and what I believe to be false. To find the artificial amidst the genuine seems to be one way of ascertaining the truth. <br /><br />"If you believe that Jesus died for your sins and that He will return for His children, then you already know this."<br /><br />As of right now I tend to view Jesus and the resurrection as symbolism. Of illustrating the need to die to our egos in order to discover God within us. I believe Jesus very well might have been a misunderstood mystic. <br /><br />Thank you again for stopping by. :) <br /><br />Jessicahttp://www.ascendingthehills.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2583035984896584839.post-82667361076708750952012-11-30T03:44:28.508-08:002012-11-30T03:44:28.508-08:00Jessica, I have noticed the change in your writing...Jessica, I have noticed the change in your writing content as well, although I haven't questioned anything. 'Religious' freedom is one of the freedoms we as Americans can still enjoy. I do not equate my relationship with God a 'religion' though. I view it as my faith. From faith brings trust...it is a conduit from God to us as His children. I believe that the Bible is the Word of God to His children and in order to truly understand what His plan for me in His story of my life is to be, I need to study it; know it; understand it. In doing that, it leaves little time for the study of other faiths, nor do I know that I would be interested in doing that. I'm learning everyday that there is something new to be learned from the Bible itself, and it does also teach about other faiths as well. I commend you for having the interest to learn and understand theology. I do pray that you get it all figured out for yourself. At some point,you will have to take a stand in what you believe. If you believe that Jesus died for your sins and that He will return for His children, then you already know this ♥♥♥<br />Mary Hudak-Collins livingthescripture.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18181851742870395058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2583035984896584839.post-1154648606337940872012-11-29T06:03:16.918-08:002012-11-29T06:03:16.918-08:00I thank you Linda for stopping by and sharing in m...I thank you Linda for stopping by and sharing in my reflections.<br /><br /> "the whole of Gaia intrinsic within its essence"...That's a very perceptive way of reading it...:)Much love and light to you and yours.<br />~blessings~Jessica Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02450820269367184046noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2583035984896584839.post-91605887369246452402012-11-29T05:59:09.712-08:002012-11-29T05:59:09.712-08:00No doubt you delight God with your spiritually nau...No doubt you delight God with your spiritually naughty disposition for the whole cosmos reels and dances with a mischievous and playful nature. <br />~ namaste~Jessica Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02450820269367184046noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2583035984896584839.post-4070048930248533632012-11-28T18:41:06.333-08:002012-11-28T18:41:06.333-08:00Dear Jessica,
I've noticed the path of your h...Dear Jessica,<br /><br />I've noticed the path of your heart going through some changes since I first started reading you. As I watch your personal evolution, I also appreciate the reflection of the whole of Gaia intrinsic within its essence. Thank you for linking me to this important post so I could celebrate your milestone with you ;-*Dangerous Lindahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12442306921276302945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2583035984896584839.post-85957053321312393472012-11-28T08:38:39.228-08:002012-11-28T08:38:39.228-08:00Dear Jessica,
I am so happy that you've taken ...Dear Jessica,<br />I am so happy that you've taken my comments in the right manner and that was not unexpected since you have a noble heart which is reflected through your each and every word. BTW, I am also a devotee of Lord Krishna, but I love Him as a naughty child! And we (especially my wife) celebrate His'birthday' in that fashion only !<br />with best wishes,<br />-Poet DeshPoet Deshhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12274851777864745560noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2583035984896584839.post-51568123348815993712012-11-28T06:30:03.512-08:002012-11-28T06:30:03.512-08:00Thank you Poet Desh for your thoughtful response. ...Thank you Poet Desh for your thoughtful response. I couldn't agree more! <br /><br />"All religions are man-made, they are just different ways of life and attempts to understand the wonder of existance and its purpose."<br /><br />Yes! My sentiments exactly. :) <br /><br />~ namaste~<br /><br />Jessica Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02450820269367184046noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2583035984896584839.post-32893609771044858932012-11-28T06:27:38.488-08:002012-11-28T06:27:38.488-08:00Thank you so much Rimly. You have such a beautiful...Thank you so much Rimly. You have such a beautiful heart. :) I have a lot of respect towards Hinduism and have been drawn towards investigating that path deeply in the past. I have read the Bhagavad Gita countless times and have memorized passages from it...and each time I do I get something new from it.<br />Thanks for stopping by. :) Jessica Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02450820269367184046noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2583035984896584839.post-19173011223235480562012-11-28T06:21:18.334-08:002012-11-28T06:21:18.334-08:00Thanks for stopping by Sandra. I definitely think ...Thanks for stopping by Sandra. I definitely think reflection towards the spiritual can be something that ebs and flows. Meditation can be hard to be consistent with. I've learned to let go of attempting a consistent routine, because I find it distracting from my overall goal. Mindfulness, just being in the present, has been probably the most transforming practice for me, even more so than sitting meditation, and is something I can practice no matter what I'm doing during the day.<br /><br />Thanks for sharing. :) Jessica Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02450820269367184046noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2583035984896584839.post-57511524767865799982012-11-28T06:16:13.902-08:002012-11-28T06:16:13.902-08:00Thank you George. :)
~ namaste~ Thank you George. :) <br />~ namaste~ Jessica Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02450820269367184046noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2583035984896584839.post-79388755602630281672012-11-28T06:14:57.128-08:002012-11-28T06:14:57.128-08:00Thank you Martha...You've always been an inspi...Thank you Martha...You've always been an inspiring source of encouragement. :) Jessica Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02450820269367184046noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2583035984896584839.post-13230567765834462932012-11-28T05:14:11.393-08:002012-11-28T05:14:11.393-08:00Dear Jessica,
thank you for such wonderful post!
A...Dear Jessica,<br />thank you for such wonderful post!<br />All religions are man-made, they are just different ways of life and attempts to understand the wonder of existance and its purpose.Though as human beings we all are equal, yet every one has his unique identity, his own character, his own likes and dislikes. any religion is just like that. It is after all a personal choice and I don't know why we make such an issue of it. This foolishness has caused so much damage in the forms of 'crusades', 'jehads','inquisitions',and 'genocides' and yet, even in this twentyfirst century ,we like or hate a person only on the basis of his religion. Oh, God!...or perhaps God is also fed up with our foolishness and thats why He has left us to cut each other's throat!<br />I, for myself, will never offer such explaination about my Faith. I am what I am, accapt me or leave me alone!<br />-Poet DeshPoet Deshhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12274851777864745560noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2583035984896584839.post-14050960053387867102012-11-28T05:09:53.058-08:002012-11-28T05:09:53.058-08:00I really loved this response for its depth and tho...I really loved this response for its depth and thoughtfulness. Thank you. :) <br /><br />"I think it is hard for us to use words appropriately when we also know that the meaning of so many of them are so varied. Your wording is strong in that they have continuity of form."<br /><br />Thank you. :) I do agree that words can be problematic, especially when trying to express ideas when it comes to areas that are more abstract, like spirituality, philosophy, etc. Your comment made me think of these words from Alan Watts, <br /><br />" My problem as a writer, using words, is to dispel the illusions of language while employing one of the languages that generates them."<br />~The Book on the Taboo of Knowing Who You Are", p.45<br /><br /><br />"But I am profoundly happy that I peeked out of the story line I was given. I can not go back. It would be bothersome to me in a way that would cause me to believe I have failed myself. So I continue on."<br /><br />I could definitely relate to these words. :) <br /><br />I found the rest of what you wrote interesting indeed and worthy of more reflection. Thank you for making me think. I hope you come back to visit again. <br /><br />~ namaste~<br /> Jessica Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02450820269367184046noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2583035984896584839.post-80069220694678559172012-11-28T04:50:37.466-08:002012-11-28T04:50:37.466-08:00Thank you Brenda, I'm really glad what you rea...Thank you Brenda, I'm really glad what you read here resonates and that you enjoy it. I visited your blog yesterday and absolutely loved it! You have a definite talent that many recognize. I look forward to reading more on your blog and sharing with you here on mine.<br /><br />Jessica Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02450820269367184046noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2583035984896584839.post-81258546360878469032012-11-28T04:49:28.644-08:002012-11-28T04:49:28.644-08:00Thank you so much Nelieta for stopping by. Yes, th...Thank you so much Nelieta for stopping by. Yes, things have changed considerably and I thank you for your well wishes on my journey and look forward to sharing more with you and others as I continue. Thank you for your encouragement. <br /><br />~ blessings ~Jessica Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02450820269367184046noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2583035984896584839.post-11272665948291427972012-11-27T23:34:51.221-08:002012-11-27T23:34:51.221-08:00Jessica I have been reading your blog from the beg...Jessica I have been reading your blog from the beginning and I can see the change in your thoughts and your search to learn more about yourself. I agree with you. We should be always fluid and open to learn and grow. I am a Hindu by religion but if you ask me I have no religion, only faith in a power. I am not ritualistic or religious.I have no opinion on any religion. Each to his own I believe and I respect that. Loved your honesty and openness my friend Rimlyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04800381730067608251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2583035984896584839.post-1160517050355057702012-11-27T15:44:36.714-08:002012-11-27T15:44:36.714-08:00Ive recently trying to return to meditation and my...Ive recently trying to return to meditation and my own contemplations on faith. At some points in life it may be needed more than at others.Sandra Tylerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13191775335774130719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2583035984896584839.post-82587079835657121582012-11-27T15:26:52.728-08:002012-11-27T15:26:52.728-08:00Enchanting and brilliant, as always, dear friend. ...Enchanting and brilliant, as always, dear friend. <br />Namaste. ^/|\^George Larsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01090954741041036264noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2583035984896584839.post-69207526693552441262012-11-27T15:22:14.536-08:002012-11-27T15:22:14.536-08:00"For God, whom I equate with reality, is clos..."For God, whom I equate with reality, is closer to me than my very self. Separation from God is impossible for "He" is found at our nature's core."<br />As you explore the various religions, their beliefs, and their disciplines, Jessica, never let go of what you stated here. God truly dwells within us when we invite Him in, but I believe we are always a part of Him whether we ever realize that or not.<br />May your spiritual journey be one of discovery and blessings. I look forward to your sharing your thoughts and reflections here.<br />Blessings to you, my friend! Martha Jane Orlandohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11620499267401065780noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2583035984896584839.post-11153546114400388492012-11-27T14:57:10.919-08:002012-11-27T14:57:10.919-08:00Nicely stated Jessica. I think it is hard for us t...Nicely stated Jessica. I think it is hard for us to use words appropriately when we also know that the meaning of so many of them are so varied. Your wording is strong in that they have continuity of form. I am not a poet by trade but I love the process of discovery and to see it happen in the realm of perception is wonderful. Your perception has been in change. You have trusted your self and this is the result. <br />I started to grow my being in a deliberate way around my young teen days. It took me a long time to see through the religion of Catholicism. Being brought up a Catholic. But I am profoundly happy that I peeked out of the story line I was given. I can not go back. It would be bothersome to me in a way that would cause me to believe I have failed myself. So I continue on.<br />But to relate a seeming contradiction that is caught up in words for the thinker in us. <br />Imagine as you stand wherever you are. That there you are at the top of the planet. You look straight up. You understand that there is a universe of space that is profoundly huge going on forever.. Now imagine that you can look below through the planet and you see there is also space going on for ever. again in any direction you look space goes on forever. So are you in the center of this universe? For if space is infinite in all directions then you are in the center. But the contradiction comes in when we think of this being also true of all others in this world. For the truth is true to everyone. <br />Is this a problem of words or of perception?<br />Well I hope you find this interesting.. I found your story a fine one..<br />Thank You for your post..Franklyzenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06187751056998113301noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2583035984896584839.post-82032450414118044432012-11-27T14:22:55.538-08:002012-11-27T14:22:55.538-08:00J - I am somewhat new to your writing so I am not ...J - I am somewhat new to your writing so I am not qualified to say one way or another, but what I have read in my time here I've enjoyed and found it stays with me during my days. brendahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05480258485472568272noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2583035984896584839.post-38777727253208962432012-11-27T13:45:10.902-08:002012-11-27T13:45:10.902-08:00Hi Jessica,this was such an honest post and straig...Hi Jessica,this was such an honest post and straight from the heart. I have seen a change in your blog over the last couple of months and it looks like you are currently exploring all aspects of religion. I hope you will find answers on this very interesting path that you are now exploring.<br /><br />Have a blessed day!<br />Nelieta<br /><br /><a href="http://nelmitravel.com/" rel="nofollow">nelmitravel</a>Nelietahttp://nelmitravel.comnoreply@blogger.com