Your Daily Compass

Father and child   One summer morning, a bright-eyed child gets to dig in the dirt near Dad. While channeling their plant mastery, the younger gardener becomes bored. He notices something like a solo pea pod dangling outside the garden area. He inquisitively investigates and reports his findings to Dad, asking if he can show off his newly discovered treasure to Mom. Dad plays it safe, saying, “Don’t touch it for now; I’ll check it in a few minutes!” The small worker begrudgingly vows to keep his mitts to himself, but the pod remains his true interest. Dad looks at the boy’s exploration and returns his own report. The young garden genius becomes even more excited to hear his discovery is not a pea and might become a butterfly. The young adventurer instantly starts to jump out of his skin with excitement but then contains himself. He yells out, “Really, Dad? Or are you just joking?” Dad is known for his practical jokes, and the son has been fooled be...

A daddy-daughter date What a joy it is when a man plans a special dinner with his daughter, only to hear she has a little surprise up her sleeve! The suspense passes in and out of his mind for days as he wonders what could it be? He spots the Bible tagging along as a guest as they head to their go-to pizza joint. A grin spreads across his face because he feels this night will be unforgettable! This is the setting for the story of me having dinner with Vivien and her telling me she wanted to discuss Matthew Chapter 13. This chapter of Matthew is both inspiring and practical. I find it inspiring since Jesus teaches on so many levels. It is also practical since the word of God can be turned into practical advice for all who hear it. It never gets old.   Mathew 13 Matthew tells of Jesus addressing the crowd from a boat as they stand on the shore. He speaks in a parable of the Kingdom of Heaven. He speaks of a Sower of seeds. He elaborates that enemies may sow weeds into ...

  Meditation on the Glory of God with the Lord’s Prayer Many of you who follow my blog are familiar with my work under the pen name Ishall Dogood . In my first e-book, 'Become the Boss of You,' I delve into the benefits of activities that enhance all aspects of life. Embarking on a journey of self-improvement, I've discovered numerous life hacks. Yet, if I could choose only two, I would prioritize prayer and meditation. The profound transformation they bring, combined with the spirit of my first book, drives this article on meditating on the 'Glory of God.' Background help First, please delve into my article, “First Meditation on The Lord’s Prayer.” It covers the profound significance of the Lord’s Prayer, touching on various aspects, including its potential to enhance our spiritual growth. I dissect the sections of this prayer, making it more accessible for use in affirmation, prayer, and meditation, ensuring that everyone can benefit from its power.  Next...

The Power of Prayer. I want to ask a question that can be unnerving to some, “Do you believe that prayer has power?” If you said yes, you are not alone. For most religious and spiritually minded humans, prayer is a way to commune with a higher power, often God. The historical significance of prayer, serving as a portal to divine intervention that can provide comfort and guidance, is over 5,000 years old now. That’s a lot of candles on the cake. It has a history as old as ancient Mesopotamia, invoking a profound sense of awe and respect . This belief varies across different religions and spiritual practices, and it's important to acknowledge and respect this diversity. However, it is generally centered on the idea that prayer is a powerful tool for personal transformation and influencing external events. For those of you who own a copy of the e-book “Become the Boss of You,” you should read chapter five again. This chapter discusses the importance of activities that enrich ou...

  Second Meditation on The Lord's Prayer Have you ever wondered about the deep meaning behind Jesus’ teachings? Once we grasp this wonderful metaphysics of love and humanity's potential, we can infuse it into our meditation. This can help us connect with God's abundance and love through various factors, including faith, gratitude, and visualization. As a gentle reminder, if you seek to dedicate time to deep prayer and meditation, it is beneficial to accompany these practices with a relaxed state, facilitated by proper breathing, as well as a mental state free from negativity. One effective technique I use is to create what I call “set-points”. I create and then consciously remember my physical state for both breathing and relaxation. I also create a 'set point' for my mental state that is void of worry, fear, and negativity. These set points are like signposts on a journey. They serve as markers to guide me more effectively toward the desired state of preparation ...

  Opening thoughts I thank St. Bartholomew Church and the Paletta family for the honor of delivering a recent eulogy for my Uncle Jim. Earlier that day, I had a bit of a warning from God that my presentation of this man might not be easy. This is partly because summarizing a person's life in a few minutes is impossible for anyone. We can never truly do justice to their story. All we can do is try our best, seek forgiveness from the departed, and hope they are content with our tribute. The highlight of my day was conversing with Angie and listening to her heartfelt tales about her grandparents. It was a more meaningful tribute than anyone could have orchestrated. We all do this, starting with the viewing and ending with the breaking of bread and sharing smiles after the cemetery.    This tradition of bidding farewell to the ones we love dates back to Ancient Egypt, the Greeks, and the Romans, and it has been preserved by Judaism and Christianity. We attempt to honor...