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Finding Peace in the Presence of God: Exploring the Intersection of Meditation and Christianity


Meditation and Christianity may seem like two very different concepts, but in reality, they can complement each other quite nicely. As a Christian who practices meditation regularly, I can attest to the benefits that both practices have brought into my life. In this article, I would like to share my personal experience and understanding of how meditation and Christianity can coexist in a person’s spiritual journey.

Firstly, let’s define what we mean by meditation. Meditation is a practice that involves focusing your mind on a particular object, thought, or activity to achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm state. It is not a religious practice, but rather a tool that can be used to enhance any spiritual or secular practice. In the context of Christianity, meditation can involve prayer, reading scripture, or simply sitting in silence and allowing yourself to be present in the moment.

One of the main benefits of meditation is that it can help you develop a deeper connection with God. By quieting your mind and focusing your attention on God, you can create a space for him to speak to you. This can be done through prayer or simply by sitting in silence and listening for His voice. When you meditate, you become more aware of God’s presence in your life, and you begin to see the world through his eyes.

Another benefit of meditation is that it can help you manage stress and anxiety. As a Christian, it’s easy to get caught up in the worries of daily life and forget to take time to be still and connect with God. Meditation allows you to let go of your worries and anxieties and focus on the present moment. By doing this, you can find peace and clarity in the midst of chaos.

Now, you may be wondering, how does meditation fit into the Christian faith? Isn’t it a practice that belongs to other religions, such as Buddhism or Hinduism? The answer is that meditation is not tied to any particular religion or belief system. It is simply a tool that can be used to enhance your spiritual practice, regardless of what that practice may be.

In fact, there are many examples of meditation in the Bible. For instance, in Psalm 46:10, we are told to “be still and know that I am God.” This verse encourages us to take time to be quiet and connect with God, which is essentially what meditation is all about. Similarly, in Mark 1:35, we are told that Jesus would often go to a quiet place to pray and connect with God. This is a perfect example of how meditation can be incorporated into a Christian practice.

In conclusion, meditation and Christianity can coexist in a beautiful and meaningful way. Meditation can help you deepen your connection with God, manage stress and anxiety, and find peace and clarity in the midst of chaos. It is not a practice that belongs to any particular religion or belief system, but rather a tool that can be used to enhance any spiritual or secular practice. If you’re interested in incorporating meditation into your spiritual journey, I encourage you to give it a try and see how it can transform your life.

Some Related Websites you may enjoy

  1. Christian Meditation – This website offers resources, articles, and courses on Christian meditation. https://christianmeditation.com/
  2. Contemplative Outreach – An organization dedicated to teaching contemplative practices, including Christian meditation. https://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/
  3. The Center for Contemplative Mind in Society – A non-profit organization that promotes contemplative practices in various fields, including religion and spirituality. https://www.contemplativemind.org/
  4. The Jesus Meditations – A guided meditation series based on the life and teachings of Jesus. https://www.thejesusmeditations.com/
  5. BibleGateway – An online Bible resource that includes various translations of the Bible and a search feature for specific verses related to meditation and mindfulness. https://www.biblegateway.com/
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Ray Barbier

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Boosting Your Self-Esteem: Tips for Dealing with Low Self-Esteem


Hey there! Today, I want to talk about something that affects a lot of us: low self-esteem. It’s a tough thing to deal with, but the good news is that there are things you can do to help yourself feel better.

First, it’s important to understand what self-esteem is. Self-esteem is how you feel about yourself and your worth as a person. When you have high self-esteem, you feel good about yourself and believe in your abilities. When you have low self-esteem, you might feel like you’re not good enough or that you don’t deserve good things.

So, what can you do if you’re struggling with low self-esteem? Here are some tips that might help:

  1. Practice self-care: Taking care of yourself is important for your overall well-being. This includes things like eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. When you take care of your body, you feel better physically and mentally.
  2. Challenge negative thoughts: Sometimes, we can be our own worst critics. If you find yourself thinking negative thoughts about yourself, try to challenge them. Ask yourself if they’re really true or if you’re just being hard on yourself.
  3. Surround yourself with positivity: Surrounding yourself with positive people and things can help boost your self-esteem. Spend time with people who lift you up and make you feel good about yourself. Surround yourself with things that inspire you and make you happy.
  4. Celebrate your accomplishments: When you accomplish something, no matter how small, take the time to celebrate it. Recognize your hard work and give yourself credit for a job well done.
  5. Seek help if you need it: If you’re struggling with low self-esteem and it’s affecting your daily life, consider seeking help from a therapist or counselor. They can help you work through your feelings and develop strategies for improving your self-esteem.

Remember, it’s okay to struggle with low self-esteem. You’re not alone, and there are things you can do to help yourself feel better. Just take it one day at a time and be kind to yourself. You deserve it.

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Reflection, Retrospect and friends.


They say hindsight is 20/20, looking back on my life I realize I may have not always been the best person I could have been, I had done some of my best friends wrong. Most of the time it was unintentional, neither the less it was still a bad thing. To anyone I may have done wrong in my past, I hope you can forgive this foolish man for his wrongdoings.

Looking back I also realize how some of the smallest things I did do right helped some on their way in life. A few young teens made a successful life out of the technology industry after having a place to tinker around with computers etc. I will not claim any credit other than I gave them a place to sorta grow, it was all their talent and drive that made them the I.T. Specialists they are today.

I am proud of each and every one of them, though some of them have left our friendship in the past, it still makes me proud I had either played a very tiny part in their development or just got to watch them sprout from a seed to a seedling before the went off to become successful.

I too had friends that helped me grow, a few that carried me a long way too when I was down and out. To those people, I send the biggest thank you of all. I just wish I could repay those people, unfortunately financially I am not doing as well as I wish I was and time and distance have caused us all to grow apart.

Even if I never became what I wanted to be, I am proud to have been some tiny part of some people’s starting point. It makes me joyful to see those teens grown up, with a family of their own, and doing so well in life. I wish them a long, happy, and successful future.

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Ray Barbier

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Online Families, Real and Important


In this modern age, the old practice of writing letters between penpals has pretty much faded into the anals of history. Now it is all social media, online communities, email, and chat programs. Sometimes you get lucky and find yourself extended family online, and if you are really lucky you will find someone who is like a real family member. Just because you never meet physically does not mean the friendship you built is any less valid or important to you.

I have been fortunate enough to be a part of one such family, I belong to a community on a 3d environment platform called Activeworlds (www.activeworlds.com) and have been building 3d cities and worlds for decades along side some of the most unique individuals I have ever known. Sure the community is like a somewhat dysfunctional family at times but I love everyone there. Even those who probably do not like me very much.

Just like in real life, I have lost quite a few people who were like real family to me, most of them to death a few to circumstances or they just moved on for one reason or another. Each one of them as they left our community took a piece of me and the community with them. Currently, I am praying for a few of those people in Activeworlds that are dealing with some medical issues of their own. I also worry over one or two that decided to either leave the community or just decided to no longer communicate with me.

The point is, does not matter if it is online, or if its in real life. Friends are friends, and they all mean something to your heart and soul. Just don’t forget those friends online are real people and need your support and deserve respect as well. Cherrish them for there is no guarantee of how long any of us are here on this shiny blue marble we call home. That really goes for both online and real-life people, life is short so forgive, forget and embrace those in your life that you have been blessed with to have as family and friends.

Be good to one another, rememebr to be kind and respectful.

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Equality, Capitalism, and Social Programs.


Equality refers to the idea that all individuals should have equal opportunities and rights, regardless of their race, gender, socioeconomic status, etc. Capitalism is an economic system where the means of production and distribution are privately owned and operated for profit. Social programs refer to government initiatives aimed at providing support and assistance to individuals and communities in need, such as health care, education, and unemployment benefits.

The relationship between equality, capitalism and social programs can be complex and sometimes conflicting. Capitalism is often criticized for perpetuating inequality, as those with more resources and wealth tend to have greater opportunities and advantages. On the other hand, social programs aim to address inequality and provide support to those in need, but they can also be seen as a threat to capitalism by some who view them as government intervention in the market.

Ultimately, the balance between equality, capitalism, and social programs is a political and societal question that can vary greatly depending on cultural, historical, and ideological factors.

Democratic Republics and Equality

A democratic republic is a form of government where power is held by elected representatives and the system of government is based on democratic principles. Equality, as I mentioned earlier, refers to the idea that all individuals should have equal opportunities and rights, regardless of their race, gender, socioeconomic status, etc.

In a democratic republic, the principles of equality and democracy are often seen as intertwined and essential to the functioning of the system. The idea is that by having equal representation and equal voting rights, the government can better serve the needs and interests of all citizens.

However, the reality of equality in a democratic republic can be more complex. Issues such as unequal access to education, healthcare, and voting rights can still exist, and there may be groups that face systemic barriers to equal representation and equal treatment under the law. As a result, ongoing efforts to address and rectify these inequalities are often a central focus of democratic republics.

Democratic Republics and Capitalism

A democratic republic is a form of government where power is held by elected representatives and the system of government is based on democratic principles. Capitalism, as I mentioned earlier, is an economic system where the means of production and distribution are privately owned and operated for profit.

In a democratic republic with a capitalist economy, the government typically plays a role in regulating the economy and ensuring fair competition, while also protecting the rights of individuals and businesses. The democratic process allows citizens to have a say in these regulations and protections through their elected representatives.

However, the relationship between a democratic republic and capitalism can also be complex and sometimes conflicting. The pursuit of profit in a capitalist system can lead to economic inequality, which can undermine the principles of equality and democracy in a democratic republic. Additionally, regulations and protections put in place by the government to address these inequalities can sometimes be seen as interference in the market and can be opposed by those who prioritize capitalism.

Ultimately, the balance between a democratic republic and capitalism is a political and societal question that can vary greatly depending on cultural, historical, and ideological factors.

Democratic Republics and Social Programs

A democratic republic is a form of government where power is held by elected representatives and the system of government is based on democratic principles. Social programs, as I mentioned earlier, are government initiatives aimed at providing support and assistance to individuals and communities in need, such as health care, education, and unemployment benefits.

In a democratic republic, social programs can be seen as a crucial component of ensuring equal opportunities and promoting the well-being of all citizens. Through the democratic process, citizens can have a say in the creation and implementation of these programs, and elected representatives can be held accountable for their impact.

However, the funding and sustainability of social programs can also be a point of contention in a democratic republic. Some may view social programs as necessary investments in the well-being of society, while others may see them as burdensome and unnecessary government spending. The balance between these views can vary greatly depending on cultural, historical, and ideological factors.

Ultimately, the relationship between a democratic republic and social programs is complex and shaped by a variety of factors, including political and economic conditions, public opinion, and the priorities of elected officials and the citizens they represent.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the relationship between democratic republics, capitalism, and social programs is complex and multifaceted. While these systems and principles can be seen as essential components of a functioning society, they can also be in conflict with one another.

Equality is often seen as a fundamental principle of democratic republics, but it can be undermined by the pursuit of profit in a capitalist system. Social programs aim to address these inequalities, but they can also be seen as a threat to capitalism and a burden on the economy.

Balancing these competing interests and ensuring that all citizens have equal opportunities and protections is a continuous challenge in a democratic republic with a capitalist economy. The role of government and the interplay between these systems will continue to be a subject of political and societal debates, shaped by cultural, historical, and ideological factors.

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Just some thoughts on U.F.O./U.A.P. and E.T.s


I always thought as a child that there was more out in the universe than just us humans far as life is concerned. I was an avid believer in UFOs / UAPs as well as a child. As I grew older I of course kind of put away such things as believing in little green men or at least I stopped thinking about that subject. Now as I am getting up in age my mind has begun contemplating the idea once again.

My way of looking at it is that with such a vast universe, having only 1 small blue planet with sentient life would be such a waste of space, and also believing we are the only intelligent life forms in the said universe is a tad bit arrogant. Far as the ancient alien theory goes, I do not totally subscribe to the notion that humans are so helpless they could not build anything on a grand scale like the pyramids. There is no reason for me to believe that we required help from some extraterrestrial source to build or achieve what we had in history.

I can not rule out the possibility that there was some influence or help from an extraterrestrial race, but I have not seen anything that proves to me that there was at this time. Sure some of the things humans have done in the past can be a bit perplexing due to the known technology that ancient people possessed during the time of such megalithic builds like the Egyptian pyramids. I believe we do not possess all the knowledge of what technologies and techniques the ancient humans may have had, I believe we just have a general idea of what they may have had.

I believe as we discover new technology and further our scientific knowledge we may discover how humans achieved what they did back in history. We also may discover life outside of our solar system and maybe even outside our spiral galaxy. Some want to think if there are other living beings out there in the universe that somehow would cause conflict with the religious community and their belief systems.

From one Christian’s point of view, I have not found anywhere in the bible where it says that there are no others in the universe, nor have I found where it had anything in it saying that there are others either. I just do not see what difference it would make if God were to have more than just one planet he created life on. Some may disagree with my opinion concerning this, but I still feel it is quite arrogant to think we are the only ones in the universe.

Now that the U.S. Government released videos containing what they call UAPs, it at least gives some credibility to the subject. You tie that together with the privatization of space exploration, we may see more money being available for scientific research of UFOs/UAPs and related subjects. Maybe the age-old stigma associated with UFO sightings and so on will be finally put behind us.

There are so many possibilities for the origins of the UAPs in the Videos released to the public. They could be extraterrestrial, Interdimensional, time travelers, or possibly even from earth. Experimental technologies of one nation or another, that either our government wishes not to disclose or is not yet aware of. The origin and purpose of the UAPs has yet to be determined or yet to be revealed to the public. One last possibility is that it is no more than a missinformation camaign by our governmet.

Just some thoughts on the subject from a average person, and just what was on my mind at the time.

Blessings and peace to all

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Ray Barbier

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Random Thoughts 1/11/23


In the past few years, it has seemed like our once proud and wonderful nation has begun a downward spiral, what once was looked upon as the beacon of hope and once a leader in technology, science, and human rights has fallen into decline. Between the Sitcom, we call the federal government, Inflation, and the economic downturn there is very little hope for a quick recovery from the pandemic and the political nonsense that resembles a carnival sideshow.

Political parties lost the ability to govern democratically due to a combination of partisan politics and small factions in both parties seeking fame through soundbites and social media popularity. It is pretty obvious that most of what we see going on in congress is either a distraction created to keep us divided or it is a result of the poor quality of senators and house representatives within congress itself.

There is so much that needs to be addressed and fixed in our nation, we need both parties to put aside their differences and work for the people. More investigations only equals more tax dollars wasted and time wasted that should have been spent on dealing with the issues at hand. The new speaker of the house needs to show some grit and stand up against the extreme element in his party and show some true leadership. But then again Democats and Republicans alike need to return to a more moderate and centralized style of politics and/or governance.

I think the public has had enough of this division and inability to get things done in washington. Both parties are to blame for the mess we are in, the time for finger pointing is over and it is time to get back to work and do what is best for our nation and those that live in it. In the end it doesn’t matter if someone is liberal or conservitive, we all are citizens of the United States. We all matter and those in office were elected to represent not a portion of the population, they were elected to represent everyone in their state and in the nation as well.

Well this is my political rant for this month, I wish you all the best my friends. Be good to one another and be compassionate to all.

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Random Thoughts 12-7-2022


I am no expert at anything, I am just an average everyday guy who loves to think, write and be somewhat opinionated at times. I observe life and try to learn from it when I can as well. The last few years have been quite trying for me and others due to the pandemic, conspiracy theories, and the conspiracist behind them. The politically charged atmosphere is caused by the polarization of parties and followers as well.

The loss of relatives and friends during the last few years also have taken a toll on us that suffered such, trying to find some sort of normalcy in this chaotic time we live in is a chore, to say the least. Change is gonna happen and there is little we can do to stop progress and change, all we can do is try to nudge it toward a better outcome for all. All the violence and death from violence, we have seen in the last few years is a sign of fear and hate getting a hold of people.

Fear has its place, but it is not supposed to be the driving force in our lives, anger and hate really are unnecessary things that usually stem out of fear and past actions that caused pain. This is where forgiveness comes into play, to forgive is to let go of the pain caused by others more so than you granting the person who caused the pain a sort of pardon for their actions. Forgiving someone rarely ever makes a difference to the person who did the bad thing, but it does do wonders for the one doing the forgiving.

Fear, on the other hand, is usually created from one’s lack of knowledge, a bad experience that was bad enough to cause fear of it repeating, or an experience one wants to avoid due to some possible negative outcome and the desire to never have change/ desire of staying in what they see as a comfort zone. Fear can be a good thing in the sense it can keep you from doing something that could cause you or others harm, but if you let it fear can cause you to become stagnant and then you wind up missing out on the good things you could experience in life.

Being judgemental usually is a self-defense mechanism in most people, judge others before they can judge you kind of thing. Another fear-based reaction to the world and people around you. Also, it can be a mechanism used to control others, keep them feeling less important and less capable so they can not be a threat to you or your cause, etc. The problem with being judged is that if you do not buy into the judgment and don’t let it control or influence you then it is nothing but wasted words and time. Sometimes being judged by others can actually backfire on those doing the judgment, it can inspire some to go above and beyond to prove the accusers wrong.

Some political leaders love to use fear, anger, hate, and judgmentalism to their advantage, it can sway the masses and keep them divided so they are less aware of what may be going on and less capable of doing something about it if they chose to do so. Some examples are The big red scare in the 1950s, and the communists are coming, the communists are coming mentality. They created a common foe for the populace to rally against, something to hate so they were occupied and controlled by fear.

Sure communism was something to worry about to a degree during that time, but to be honest, there was very little they could have really done to the government. Sometimes I think it was more the big money/corporations that propagated the fear since they had the most to lose financially if communism were to blossom here in the USA. The concept of communism looks okay on paper but as we have seen in communist countries it doesn’t always work out the way it appears it will in the real world.

Fear is something we need to learn to control within ourselves and hate is something we should never embrace, hate tends to divide people and cause nothing but pain and turmoil. Anger on the other hand, though not a good thing to embrace, has its place as long as it’s short-lived and doesn’t result in violence. Anger is an emotion that comes out when you have pain be it emotional or physical and you need that anger to protect yourself for that moment. If you hold onto anger too long then it becomes hate.

If it were a perfect world, we would never feel anger or fear and we would never see hate. We would only love one another and be one big happy family, always helping one another through life. Unfortunately, it is not a perfect world, so we have to work hard at keeping fear and anger to a short-lived experience and hopefully as minimally experienced emotion. We also have to work hard at not being judgemental and or being negatively affected by being judged by others. We also need to be Compassionate, show unconditional love, and be understanding/tolerant toward one another.

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Random Thoughts 11-26-2022


Life is like walking down a network of roads leading in a multitude of directions. We all want to choose the road that leads to a brighter future and a grand destination, but life is a fleeting thing and the trip eventually will come to an end. So the destination for our physical existence is all the same for each one of us, it is the end of life we will eventually find. That is when the next journey begins and from a religious standpoint, we should be prepared for that journey.

The Journey of life is the gift we have been given since birth, our chance to be an individual and share who we are with the world we live in. Of course, life is also our teacher as well, for this is much we need to learn along our journey. Navigating all the social situations, and relationships we have and finding out who we are is part of the process of life as well.

What we stand for, who we are, where we want to go, how we want to treat others, and how we live this life are some of the things we must decide along the way. Will we live life in fear or will we live life to the fullest, will we treat others with respect and love them unconditionally or will we be judgemental and cold towards others and embrace selfishness?

This life is yours to live and do as you desire, but remember there is a reaction to each action you take, so try your best to be a positive influence on the world and be compassionate towards others. Be forgiving and when you must judge do it with much compassion and love for how you judge others you too will be judged in the same manner along the way and in the end as well. Karma always has its day and what you sow you will surely reap down the road.

I wish you peace and blessing on your journey through life, I hope you will avoid the pitfalls of greed, envy, jealousy, and hate. I pray we all learn to walk the path of life in peace and with compassion and understanding for one another as well. Be good, Be yourself, and may you be a guiding light for others in these dark times.

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Ray Barbier

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Random Thoughts 11-19-2022


In my lifetime I have witnessed many tremendous changes in society and the world we live in. I watched the telephone go from rotary dial to touch-tone and eventually to smartphones down the line. I watched computers go from gigantic room-sized units stacked across a wall to the size of a smartphone as well. Vynal records to 8-track tapes to cassette tapes, then to CDs, and eventually to digital formats such as MP3s.

Technology has come a long way since I was born way back in 1967, but it seems we still have a long way to go as a society. It seems we still are dealing with the same fears, prejudices, and division, some look the same some have just changed their outer appearance but they all are still there. Great visionaries such as Martin Luther King who dreamed of a world where we could live without judging one another due to our color, social status, or financial situation gave us hope to hold on to.

But we still hold on to labels, stereotypes, and the illusion that we all are so different we can not live together. We are all the same in the fact we want to be happy, and live life with enough abundance we never are in need or want. We all want our children to grow up and have happy productive lives without conflict or fear. Until we let go of the past and walk beside one another as equals into the future we will be trapped in this cycle of mistrust and fear. Learn from the past, don’t live in it, and carry the baggage from what was into what can and may be.

We face the problem of everyone thinking what they believe is the right way to live is the only way. As humans we all have been born with the right and ability to choose our own paths in life, no one has the right to dictate to another how to live, love, or worship. As long as the way you chose to live does not hinder or harm another then you have all the right in the world to live your life the way you desire.

Freedom of choice and free will are fundamental rights we are born with and should never be taken away from someone. Of course, with those rights, you have a great responsibility. Everything you do and say you are responsible for the outcome of said words and actions. Everything has some sort of reaction or consequence and you must face and accept responsibility for the outcomes.

If you disagree with how someone else lives their life you can express your disagreement but after that, you should accept the other person’s choices and respect their right to live by their choices. This is not condoning their actions, it is simply accepting they have the right to choose that path in life.

This is how my mother taught me in my childhood, she would tell me if I made a choice that she may have seen as wrong for me, or in general, she would simply point out the consequences for the action or choice and tell me to decide and face the music when it’s over. Usually, I would listen to her and choose correctly, sometimes I wouldn’t and I faced the consequences if not immediately, eventually down the line.

She never condemned me for my wrong choices nor did she condone them. She gave me the ability to choose for myself and that in itself was showing me respect as an individual human being. Luckily for a child, his or her parents have unconditional love and patience so it makes it easier to allow such mistakes to be made and let their child grow. Unfortunately, it seems much harder to have that compassionate and unconditional love for strangers and others in our lives.

If were to see each other as a family, distant relatives, or similar maybe we could learn to have more patience and show more compassion for one another. We must learn to live together as brothers and sisters or we may wind up dying together as fools to paraphrase Martin Luther king’s words of wisdom. We need to learn to put away those fears, wipe away the tears of past mistakes, and reach out to one another so we can build a happier future for our children and the future generations to come.

Peace and Blessings

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