Spiritual Health; Individualized.

Good morning, everyone! Since it is Sunday, I thought it would be a great day to start talking about spiritual health.

What are the beliefs, values, rituals, and traditions that you hold dear to your heart? Do you practice these daily? What does it look like to you? I would love to hear from you!

I, personally, did not grow up with any beliefs or customs taught to me. I was just shown that family matters. We, of course, celebrated all the major holidays like normal American families. For example, we celebrated valentines day with chocolates and pink/red decorations. As well as handing out valentines in elementary school. Birthdays: going out to dinner together and cake. Sometimes birthday parties. Easter: going out to find candy in colorful plastic eggs and getting a picture with the Easter bunny. Fourth of July: lots of food, alcohol, and fireworks…as well as uncles lighting their pants on fire. Halloween: dressing up to go around and get candy from strangers. Sometimes I would fill black garbage bags full. Also, we would get a free pumpkin- shaped pizza from papa Murphys. Thanksgiving: making food with my aunt and enjoying that food together with family. Christmas: more food, decorating, hot cocoa, sledding, picture with Santa, original Christmas cartoons, and of course presents.

That being said, we did not have a religion…until my mom got involved in wiccanism at some point. When I first saw her tarot cards, I was intrigued. After using them myself, I did more research in the beliefs and dove right in. Soon, I was praying to the many gods (that never answered) ,casting spells, and trying to convert my Christian friends. But this opened many doors to evil experiences, depression, and no hope for the future. Little did I know, my Christian friends would ultimately help “convert” me to Christianity. I finally had someone I could pray to that would not only answer my prayers, but also allowed me to feel His presence. It was the first time I truly felt peace, comfort, and love. He has transformed my life and I would not be alive today without Him and His grace.

The first book in the Bible I had read was actually the book of Ruth. This was because my mom had told me that my name was in the Bible. Naomi was Ruth’s MIL. Naomi meant “pleasant/pleasantness”. After her sons died, she renamed herself to “Mara” which means “bitter/bitterness”. She changed her identity because of her loss. Ultimately the story is about redemption and being provided for. This is just what God has done in my life.

Now, the reason why I titled this post as “individualized” is because we each have our own stories and experiences with beliefs and religion. We also practice in different ways and have our own convictions. For me, I used to be very active in the church and led groups and activities. Now that I have a full time job and no school, I have more of an individual practice. I pray, read the Bible, play worship music on my guitar, listen to sermons online, and go to a worship night at a church I support. Now, I am not perfect. I need to work on the time I spend praying and making time to grow in my faith. Sometimes this means making sacrifices and being disciplined.

What are some ways you can incorporate your faith into the every day mundane activities you do? I look forward to seeing your replies and growing in faith together!

Until next time, Naomi ❤

#health #spiritual #faith #values #beliefs #God