Good morning, LA!
I had an interesting vision this morning during my prayer time. I saw a park in Los Angeles. Silvery sunshine glistened off a small breeze blown lake. Leaves shimmied on the branches of trees under a baby-blue sky. A large stretch of mowed grass beside the lake slowly began filling with people. The crowds walked quietly, each person carrying something in their hands. For some it was a gun, others a knife, many brought violent video games. One by one they laid their symbol of death in a growing pile in the center of the green, cool grass. The pile grew and grew and grew into a hill of discards. The people were giving up their weapons of mass destruction. They didn't need them anymore. They didn't want them anymore.
The people chose peace.
Prayers of consolation for the souls and families of the people murdered in LA this weekend:
Jonathan Vega-Plascenia
Brenda Aguilera
Gouram Wallace, Jr.
Marvin Sanchez
Jason Marquez
Troy Green, Jr.
Bobby Williams
So Be It,
Mother T
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Farewell to Elaine Garza
Another week of senseless violence unfolds on the Homicide Report. The most baffling murders occurred Sunday in Compton as a man in a wheel chair and his caregiver were shot going to the IHOP. The madess continues.
The news yesterday featured the lovely Elaine Garza who was murdered in a shopping center parking lot. According to the newscast Elaine had been active in anti-gang activity and encouraged youth to choose another life path.
Her husband and family will severely miss her. Let's pray that her death was not in vain. Elaine Garza put her life on the line. May the community continue to follow her example of courage in the face of evil.
Lord, bring peace to the family and friends of Elaine Garza. Make her life a shining banner for change to our community.
So be it,
Mother T
Mother_T@yahoo.com
The news yesterday featured the lovely Elaine Garza who was murdered in a shopping center parking lot. According to the newscast Elaine had been active in anti-gang activity and encouraged youth to choose another life path.
Her husband and family will severely miss her. Let's pray that her death was not in vain. Elaine Garza put her life on the line. May the community continue to follow her example of courage in the face of evil.
Lord, bring peace to the family and friends of Elaine Garza. Make her life a shining banner for change to our community.
So be it,
Mother T
Mother_T@yahoo.com
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
The Quadrant of Death
The idea of "spiritual strongholds" isn't in vogue. The notion that certain geographic areas are under the dominion of dark entities smacks of superstition and ignorance in an "enlightened" world.
Yet, in the City of Angels we have a "Quadrant of Death." If you go to the Homicide Report at the LA Times Blog you will see a map of LA with red balloons (or maybe drops of blood?) marking the locations of the 200 murders that have occurred since January first. It's a visual snapshot of the boundaries of most of the homicides in LA. Is this simply a socio-economic phenomenon? Is it merely a culture of death...or are there spiritual implications?
Last summer my husband celebrated our return to LA by booking the Baja Cruise, a five day trip down the coast to Catalina, San Diego and Ensenada. I hadn't been to Mexico since I was a small child. With my Hispanic roots and the tremendous Mexican influence in Southern California, Mexico has always puzzled me.
Why can't Mexico get its act together? With all its natural resources you'd think that by now they would have figured out a way to create a prosperous society. People say, "Oh, it's the corruption...it's the greed of the wealthy ruling class." I'm no student of Mexican history, but obviously something is very wrong with a country when so many people are willing to leave their families and brave electric fences, security guards' guns, and the broiling desert to find a new life.
As a tourista touring downtown Ensenada, I watched Americans ignoring small indigenious women selling cheap bracelets while their children peddled penny candy. Desperate shop owners beckoned us to buy their wares. Even the restaurants posted depressed hawkers waving menus.
Maybe some of the tourists had a great time, but I hated it. I felt oppressed. What was really going on? I started looking closely at what was for sale. In the midst of silver, gems, leather, and stained glass there were also symbols of the Mexican culture--Day of the Dead Dolls and pictures of the ancient gods. Serpents and masks of Mayan, Aztec and Inca origin.
That's when I identified what weighed my spirit. I was in a place I didn't belong, a place under a spiritual dominion far removed from my Christian comfort zone. It isn't the ruling class that keeps Mexico down, it's the ruling gods.
Could LA's "Quadrant of Death" be under a similiar spiritual dominion? What would happen if Christians came together and prayed light and the Holy Spirit to break through these spiritual strong holds?
It's time to break out of our "holy huddles" and join prayer forces for a spiritually free LA.
Lord, give us a clear vision of the spiritual realities of our city. Bring like-minded believers together for Your purposes and liberate Your people trapped in the Quadrant of Death.
So Be It,
Mother T
Mother_T@yahoo.com
Yet, in the City of Angels we have a "Quadrant of Death." If you go to the Homicide Report at the LA Times Blog you will see a map of LA with red balloons (or maybe drops of blood?) marking the locations of the 200 murders that have occurred since January first. It's a visual snapshot of the boundaries of most of the homicides in LA. Is this simply a socio-economic phenomenon? Is it merely a culture of death...or are there spiritual implications?
Last summer my husband celebrated our return to LA by booking the Baja Cruise, a five day trip down the coast to Catalina, San Diego and Ensenada. I hadn't been to Mexico since I was a small child. With my Hispanic roots and the tremendous Mexican influence in Southern California, Mexico has always puzzled me.
Why can't Mexico get its act together? With all its natural resources you'd think that by now they would have figured out a way to create a prosperous society. People say, "Oh, it's the corruption...it's the greed of the wealthy ruling class." I'm no student of Mexican history, but obviously something is very wrong with a country when so many people are willing to leave their families and brave electric fences, security guards' guns, and the broiling desert to find a new life.
As a tourista touring downtown Ensenada, I watched Americans ignoring small indigenious women selling cheap bracelets while their children peddled penny candy. Desperate shop owners beckoned us to buy their wares. Even the restaurants posted depressed hawkers waving menus.
Maybe some of the tourists had a great time, but I hated it. I felt oppressed. What was really going on? I started looking closely at what was for sale. In the midst of silver, gems, leather, and stained glass there were also symbols of the Mexican culture--Day of the Dead Dolls and pictures of the ancient gods. Serpents and masks of Mayan, Aztec and Inca origin.
That's when I identified what weighed my spirit. I was in a place I didn't belong, a place under a spiritual dominion far removed from my Christian comfort zone. It isn't the ruling class that keeps Mexico down, it's the ruling gods.
Could LA's "Quadrant of Death" be under a similiar spiritual dominion? What would happen if Christians came together and prayed light and the Holy Spirit to break through these spiritual strong holds?
It's time to break out of our "holy huddles" and join prayer forces for a spiritually free LA.
Lord, give us a clear vision of the spiritual realities of our city. Bring like-minded believers together for Your purposes and liberate Your people trapped in the Quadrant of Death.
So Be It,
Mother T
Mother_T@yahoo.com
Friday, April 11, 2008
Murder Moratorium
Last week marked the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Civil rights activists called for a 40 hour "murder moratorium" over the weekend. Here is the quote from the Homicide Report on the conclusion of the moratorium:
On Monday, Eddie Jones, president of the Los Angeles Civil Rights Association, said the moratorium was a success despite the multiple murders (3). "There wasn't a great loss of life," said Jones. He said in the past there had been greater number of lives lost to gun and gang violence. "We sent out a beautiful message: stop the killings. Save a human life. Respect one another. Have some dignity in yourselves. Stop hurting one another and save our children," said Jones. As for those responsible for the homicides , Jones said, "Only God knows everything."
Isn't it surreal to live in a place that requires a "murder moratorium"? Let's save electricity, conserve our water, and not murder anyone today. It's Leave Your Guns and Knives At Home Day.
Well, let's hope it's a start. Let's pray that one by one, people see the insanity of the murderous gang mentality and begin taking a higher road.
Oh Lord, open our minds to Your thoughts, Your ways. Raise up youth in our communities who know You and become your ambassadors to your Kingdom. Bring a permanent Murder Moratorium to LA.
So Be It,
Mother T
Mother-T@ yahoo.com
On Monday, Eddie Jones, president of the Los Angeles Civil Rights Association, said the moratorium was a success despite the multiple murders (3). "There wasn't a great loss of life," said Jones. He said in the past there had been greater number of lives lost to gun and gang violence. "We sent out a beautiful message: stop the killings. Save a human life. Respect one another. Have some dignity in yourselves. Stop hurting one another and save our children," said Jones. As for those responsible for the homicides , Jones said, "Only God knows everything."
Isn't it surreal to live in a place that requires a "murder moratorium"? Let's save electricity, conserve our water, and not murder anyone today. It's Leave Your Guns and Knives At Home Day.
Well, let's hope it's a start. Let's pray that one by one, people see the insanity of the murderous gang mentality and begin taking a higher road.
Oh Lord, open our minds to Your thoughts, Your ways. Raise up youth in our communities who know You and become your ambassadors to your Kingdom. Bring a permanent Murder Moratorium to LA.
So Be It,
Mother T
Mother-T@ yahoo.com
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
April Fools
To quote from my husband, quoting from John Wimber, "I am a fool for Christ. Whose fool are you?"
It often feels foolish writing this blog, praying in cyber space like some sort of blathering religious nut. Will I be standing on street corners next holding up "Come to Jesus" signs?
Can this really make a "difference"? The more I study "the Word" and the more I study modern science, I have to say yes.
I love reading about quantum physics--the study of the unseen world of atoms and energy. Did you know that scientists are learning more and more about the power of thought--the ability of "intention" to change the physical world?
And what else is prayer but positive intention to change our world? I believe prayer is a creative collaboration between mankind and God. Jesus spoke of a Holy Spirit, a Counselor to aid and guide us. When we join spiritual forces with the Holy Spirit miracles can happen, even in LA.
Did you know that seventy members of the La Cienega neighborhood marched last weekend for peace in their streets? They met with some opposition, but it will take that kind of quiet courage to prevail over the chaos of violence.
Corporate prayer pulls in unseen power and radiates peace waves throughout the community. It's a good place to begin, even if you feel foolish.
Be a Fool for Peace.
Oh Lord, give us the courage to be fools for you, for what is foolish in the eyes of man is wisdom in the eyes of God.
So Be It,
Mother T
It often feels foolish writing this blog, praying in cyber space like some sort of blathering religious nut. Will I be standing on street corners next holding up "Come to Jesus" signs?
Can this really make a "difference"? The more I study "the Word" and the more I study modern science, I have to say yes.
I love reading about quantum physics--the study of the unseen world of atoms and energy. Did you know that scientists are learning more and more about the power of thought--the ability of "intention" to change the physical world?
And what else is prayer but positive intention to change our world? I believe prayer is a creative collaboration between mankind and God. Jesus spoke of a Holy Spirit, a Counselor to aid and guide us. When we join spiritual forces with the Holy Spirit miracles can happen, even in LA.
Did you know that seventy members of the La Cienega neighborhood marched last weekend for peace in their streets? They met with some opposition, but it will take that kind of quiet courage to prevail over the chaos of violence.
Corporate prayer pulls in unseen power and radiates peace waves throughout the community. It's a good place to begin, even if you feel foolish.
Be a Fool for Peace.
Oh Lord, give us the courage to be fools for you, for what is foolish in the eyes of man is wisdom in the eyes of God.
So Be It,
Mother T
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Cloudy Souls
Good morning, LA!
Often in the wee hours of the morn I lay semi-asleep, aware of thoughts and images drifting through my mind. Those are the times I'm somewhere between levels of realities, opening the mental gate to ideas beyond my own mind.
Last night some interesting imagery floated on by. I saw the marine layer that often shrouds LA in a grey, drab fog as a metaphor for the spiritual state of our people. As I gaze on the faces of LA I see so many dim lights. Rather than shining with the joy the Lord, most people appear clouded and grey. They are surrounded by a spiritual cloud of fear and guilt.
I might have forgotten that image upon awakening, as so many ideas dissolve at daybreak, but then my meditation time took me to Lesson 69 in "A Course in Miracles." Here is what it said:
"Think of your mind as a vast circle, surrounded by a layer of heavy, dark clouds. You can see only the clouds...From where you stand, you can see no reason to believe there is a brilliant light hidden by the clouds. The clouds seem to be the only reality. They seem to be all there is to see. Therefore, you do not attempt to go through them and past them, which is the only way in which you would be really convinced of their lack of substance."
The lesson then goes through a meditation to break through the clouds and reach the brilliant light beyond, the Light of the World.
The people of LA need to see the illusion of their personal fogs--the fears, the guilt, the anger and resentments that make up their reality. In truth, they have no substance, they are merely clouds.
Coming to know the Living Christ, being filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit--that's the way to the Light.
Oh Lord, blow away the clouds in the souls of LA. Show us your sparkling, blue sky, your Shining Son.
So Be It,
Mother T
Often in the wee hours of the morn I lay semi-asleep, aware of thoughts and images drifting through my mind. Those are the times I'm somewhere between levels of realities, opening the mental gate to ideas beyond my own mind.
Last night some interesting imagery floated on by. I saw the marine layer that often shrouds LA in a grey, drab fog as a metaphor for the spiritual state of our people. As I gaze on the faces of LA I see so many dim lights. Rather than shining with the joy the Lord, most people appear clouded and grey. They are surrounded by a spiritual cloud of fear and guilt.
I might have forgotten that image upon awakening, as so many ideas dissolve at daybreak, but then my meditation time took me to Lesson 69 in "A Course in Miracles." Here is what it said:
"Think of your mind as a vast circle, surrounded by a layer of heavy, dark clouds. You can see only the clouds...From where you stand, you can see no reason to believe there is a brilliant light hidden by the clouds. The clouds seem to be the only reality. They seem to be all there is to see. Therefore, you do not attempt to go through them and past them, which is the only way in which you would be really convinced of their lack of substance."
The lesson then goes through a meditation to break through the clouds and reach the brilliant light beyond, the Light of the World.
The people of LA need to see the illusion of their personal fogs--the fears, the guilt, the anger and resentments that make up their reality. In truth, they have no substance, they are merely clouds.
Coming to know the Living Christ, being filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit--that's the way to the Light.
Oh Lord, blow away the clouds in the souls of LA. Show us your sparkling, blue sky, your Shining Son.
So Be It,
Mother T
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Be Still, L.A.
Returning to LA has been a fascinating and jarring dose of culture shock. There are so many different stratas of society, culture, economics levels, religions and value systems all mixed into the cosmic soup of Los Angeles.
In some ways it's a modern version of Chicago in the 1930's when Al Capone and his fellow gangsters tore through the streets with tommy guns-- The Untouchables. Only 41% of homicides in LA are solved because people are afraid of retaliation. Last November a man on a crowded street was doused with gasoline and set on fire in broad daylight. No witnesses, no suspects.
Fear reigns.
Fear reigns and faith is weak. People here are so busy driving from place to place, scrambling for a living, listening to their I-POD and talking on their cell phone. They can't hear the Voice of God.
"Be Still and Know that I am God"
I believe the Lord is calling to many and they need only learn to be still and His voice will be heard over the din of planes, trains, ambulances, helicopters, lawn mowers and TV's.
Be Still, LA. Find a quiet place, a restful moment, a book of encouragement. Be Still and hear the whisper of Spirit--Fear not, for the Lord is with you.
Oh Lord, help us be Still to feel your presence, to know You. With You all things are possible. With You all fears released. Give us the courage to make our communities safe and filled with Your spirit.
So Be It,
Mother T
Mother_T@yahoo.com
In some ways it's a modern version of Chicago in the 1930's when Al Capone and his fellow gangsters tore through the streets with tommy guns-- The Untouchables. Only 41% of homicides in LA are solved because people are afraid of retaliation. Last November a man on a crowded street was doused with gasoline and set on fire in broad daylight. No witnesses, no suspects.
Fear reigns.
Fear reigns and faith is weak. People here are so busy driving from place to place, scrambling for a living, listening to their I-POD and talking on their cell phone. They can't hear the Voice of God.
"Be Still and Know that I am God"
I believe the Lord is calling to many and they need only learn to be still and His voice will be heard over the din of planes, trains, ambulances, helicopters, lawn mowers and TV's.
Be Still, LA. Find a quiet place, a restful moment, a book of encouragement. Be Still and hear the whisper of Spirit--Fear not, for the Lord is with you.
Oh Lord, help us be Still to feel your presence, to know You. With You all things are possible. With You all fears released. Give us the courage to make our communities safe and filled with Your spirit.
So Be It,
Mother T
Mother_T@yahoo.com
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