B +

Personally, I'm stumped as to the reason for questioning the existence of a Higher Power, within or without ourselves. To me, individually, it makes a difference in my life to believe there's more to me than mere flesh and blood. If it seems to make no difference to others, then that's their prerogative as long as we can all live and let live in harmony. I think we're all in agreement that it's a matter of perspective, need, and ultimately, faith (understanding, not blind.)

If I AM and all that ever was or will be, then the all-knowing, all-loving God, good, exists on earth as it is in heaven. If the kingdom of God is here and now (neither lo here nor lo there,) but within, then all there is to do is learn to recognize that for what it is. If that truth holds up to the test of time, then in that light, everything which contradicts it is surely based on fear and false belief.

As for a personal Devil, or duality of God -- Mary Baker Eddy addresses this age-old belief throughout her writings. I have never seen it explained so clearly and logically anywhere else, and although I have not studied other philosophies extensively -- I have heard many people of different faiths speak of their core beliefs and inquired to learn if other theories come close to Christian Science. So far, I have found nothing quite like it. To get a whole 'nother perspective on the co-existence of good and evil, check out Healing Unlimited's article, Is there a personal devil?

Vayan con Dios, Amigos ~

See more at Philosophy Spirit -> God vs no God discussion

Practicing... on learn to speak the language of the heart with fluency. on 43 Things

I'm so encouraged that NVC has been a positive influence in others' lives, and very happy to have been the one to introduce it to a few of the friends I've made on 43T and elsewhere. I enjoy the camaraderie and learning we share on our NVC practice group, Synergy Communication (if only it wasn't based on Yahoo! for those who have been bit!) Here's an interesting exchange that took place there recently when a new member used an unfamiliar expression and I asked for the meaning:

Bill wrote:
>
> I am happy to share. Thank you for asking!
>
> Gassho is a Japanese word that means, more or less, "bowing with
> hands palm-to-palm". One of my teachers taught me to use it in
> letters when I wanted communicate deep respect and gratitude. I
> wanted to do that here, for I appreciate having a group of people
> that I can reach out to as I explore NVC.
>
> And so... Gassho!
>
> Bill

Once I learned its meaning, I had to know how it is pronounced so that whenever I read it in my head, I will "hear" it as it's meant to be received. According to this Japanese page, the word is pronounced with a long 'A' (gae-show) with the accent on the first syllable(?) if I'm translating correctly. So, in that light,

Gassho, Tomodachi and to all those practicing compassion in our lives!
Penne (pronounced like the coin or the pasta :),
linguist at heart learning the language of the heart