The inner writer is shaking her fist in victory! Yo ho ho - my first blog. And then I wonder, will this blog go the same way as the multitude of journals I've started - starting out with a bang and ending with a fizz? But, no matter - unlike shoes (where I am into quantity rather than quality) - these mental musings will NOT be about quantity. Who's going to read them anyway?
Starting out on my journey as an RSI affiliated Religious Science minister, my mind constantly wanders to church growth. I feel like I have to invent the wheel of church growth for the very first time - and at my advanced age (53) - the effort is large, especially since I also work a full-time job. Also, am I only supposed to read self-help and metaphysical books - what about Ayn Rand (my fave) or Sue Grafton - will I feel like an outcast among my peers? [just joking here].
Here is what I've noticed about myself during my 20 years in Religious Science: I've mellowed. Yup! Way less judgmental and more understanding of different paths and speed of understanding Principle. I enjoy allowing people express their own indivuality, and not just be carbon copies of me (although the world would be much better if they were!). For example, I have several friends who are taking practitioner classes and there are rigid rules on how they are to give a treatment: 1) absolutely NOT in the first person for one; 2) absolutely NOT in the third person for another; 3) the first step must NOT have the word "I" - - where does this leave room for individuality and for people finding their own voice? When I hear their stories I am even more committed to allow my students to express themselves as it suits them.
Now, I could go on and on about how Religious Science isn't filled with dogma, yet our individual church are, but I won't since this is just my first blog - and I don't want my own dogmatic opinions posted. As a disclaimer, any opinions expressed the this blogger today are subject to change on a moment's notice.
Starting out on my journey as an RSI affiliated Religious Science minister, my mind constantly wanders to church growth. I feel like I have to invent the wheel of church growth for the very first time - and at my advanced age (53) - the effort is large, especially since I also work a full-time job. Also, am I only supposed to read self-help and metaphysical books - what about Ayn Rand (my fave) or Sue Grafton - will I feel like an outcast among my peers? [just joking here].
Here is what I've noticed about myself during my 20 years in Religious Science: I've mellowed. Yup! Way less judgmental and more understanding of different paths and speed of understanding Principle. I enjoy allowing people express their own indivuality, and not just be carbon copies of me (although the world would be much better if they were!). For example, I have several friends who are taking practitioner classes and there are rigid rules on how they are to give a treatment: 1) absolutely NOT in the first person for one; 2) absolutely NOT in the third person for another; 3) the first step must NOT have the word "I" - - where does this leave room for individuality and for people finding their own voice? When I hear their stories I am even more committed to allow my students to express themselves as it suits them.
Now, I could go on and on about how Religious Science isn't filled with dogma, yet our individual church are, but I won't since this is just my first blog - and I don't want my own dogmatic opinions posted. As a disclaimer, any opinions expressed the this blogger today are subject to change on a moment's notice.
