Charlois

Saturday, October 22nd, 2022

“… and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.”  Micah 6:8b NRSV

There is no simpler path to lasting fulfillment than this list found in Micah of the Judeo-Christian bible.  This author cuts right to the way and makes it clear that God isn’t into all the fancy trappings of religion.  It is a simple faith that is what’s important.

Throughout the Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament known as The Law, there are detailed descriptions of what is considered proper for worship and living life.  Most devout Jews tried to follow these requirements to the letter.  Unfortunately, they were no better for their endeavors, they still had miserable, sin filled lives.

There were some open-minded prophets that dared to question the religious authorities, but until Jesus came, they were usually ignored.  We do that today, we hear some gifted preacher proclaim another way, and the established religious elite brands them as an heretic.

I propose that we stop with the blanket condemnation of anything different and help people find a way for them to experience God for themselves.  If our faith is true, it has nothing to fear from a different perspective.  The truth always wins out in the long run.

Meditate on that for a while,

Go in God’s grace.

Pastor Yancy

Tuesday, October 18, 2022

The other day I posted on facebook and I would like to share and expound on that here today.

I’m experiencing some truths that I’ve known for some time now, but they are finally starting to sink in. The human species is the only species we know of that has any control over who they can be. There are some limitations, like, we can’t always control our circumstances, but we do have control over how we deal with them.

Many of us, me included, have spent our lives being victims of our lives. We are who we are because of this or that, at least it seems that way. In reality it is our choice who we become.

When we finally begin to see the truth, we do have the power to shape our destiny. We can accomplish so much if we are willing to sacrifice who we’ve been for who we can become.

I want to be the best version of who I was created to be so I can better help others lead their best possible lives. I will be able to fulfill that dream when I start living the truth of what I’m learning.

Here is to the future. May God bless it.

There you have it, a recent facebook ramble about an epiphany.  The reason it’s significant is that it marks a major turning point in my evolution.  Prior to this I wore my past as sort of a badge of honor, parading it around as if to say, “see what I’m dealing with.”  In reality giving so much credit to our past can have the effect of giving it power over our current and future lives.  Only when we recognize our past for what it was can we put it behind us and move forward.

It is time we finally evolve into who we are created to be.

Keep on keeping on.

Robert A. Charlois III

Principle #3 Success in attaining a desired future is facilitated with a system of self-discipline practices.

“Determine never to be idle.  No person will have occasion to complain of the want of time who never loses any.  It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing.” Thomas Jefferson.

     Thomas Jefferson was one of many polymaths and serves as one example of what can be accomplished with a well-disciplined life.  Like most polymaths, Mr. Jefferson found the time, a discipline to be exercised, to study and practice a wide variety of interests.  It was his disciplines that made him one of the greats of history.

     It is through embracing a disciplined life that a person can become the best version of themselves.  By emulating the greats of history and striving to reach our full potential, we too may attain greatness.  At the very minimum it enables us to make a positive contribution to society.

     There is no way to receive that which we desire than to practice the habits that are laid out in this principle. They are personal but at the same time affect how we relate to the world around us; the structures, relationships, and practices are all impacted by the way these habits are or are not carried out in our lives.

1) Silence

     The first discipline we need to develop is silence.  For it is in the act of silence that we can most clearly hear that which is most important.

2) Temperance

     Temperance is the art of partaking of everything in moderation.  Not overindulging in life permits us the opportunity to truly savor the riches of God’s bounty.

3) Tranquility

     Living free from disturbances in a state of cam assurance we can reduce our natural stress experiences.  We can face everything knowing that we are in control.

4)Frugality

     Frugality rewards us by always having enough.  Proper care in handling our resources benefits us beyond measure.  Eliminating the temptation to indulge in frivolous pursuits.

5) Order

     Out of order comes efficiency.  By having routines and systems in place that control the standards of our lives eliminates wasted time.  By not needing to recreate every instance we can spend more time on the important items.

6) Industry

     We enjoy the fruits of our labor more when we practice working hard to accomplish a goal.  That which comes the hardest is often times appreciated the most.

7) Cleanliness

     Cleanliness goes a long way to presenting a good image and therefore our character is strengthened.  It also sharpens one’s eye for detail, a skill that is valuable in all walks of life.

8) Austerity

     By living the uncluttered life of austerity, we can be most focused on the things of lasting value in our lives.  By limiting the frivolous things in our lives, we are making room for that which gives meaning.

9) Study

     Study is crucial if we are to continue learning our whole lives.  Learning our whole lives is one of the keys to becoming the best we can be.  By being at our best we are more likely to accomplish great things.

10) Self Reflection

     At the end of the day if we are to look back and reflect, we can possibly find places where we got it right.  At the same time our mistakes can be seen and corrected.  Both necessary for our personal growth.

By practicing these habits, we are endowed with the characteristics necessary to accomplish anything we set our minds to.  This is part of our quest; being the best we can be so we can aid others in their quest.

Principle #2 “The presence of a comprehensive Moral Code helps to assure an ordered society.”

     “Then God spoke all these words…” Exodus 20:1

     These words from the Judeo-Christian Scriptures begin, what occurs in many societies, a pronouncement from God of the moral code He desires to govern human interaction.  We do not claim such an event, however we do believe that this code is divinely inspired.

     Looking through many of these codes from history it becomes apparent that they are written in the negative.  It becomes “Thou shalt not…” whatever it is expected we abstain from.  This may control the population to a certain extent however it has been said, “the only way for evil to flourish is for good people to do nothing.” With that idea in mind, we believe it would be better to inspire the population to do good than to control them by limiting their behavior.  ergo, it is with that guidance that the following ten items are written in positive language.

     The code which follows comes from a selection of codes from many societies.  While not exhaustive it does include enough to make it inspirational in nature.

1. Practice mutual respect.

Mutual respect is the foundation upon which great relationships are built.  By practicing respect, the underlying fear that each other might be taken advantage of is removed thus allowing for growth of a synergistic relationship.

2)Practice life giving habits.

     Most moral codes have the provision of do no harm or thou shall not kill.  While these account for some stability within a society, they do not necessarily bring about good will.  Whereas do good to others builds in an atmosphere of reciprocity, with both parties trying to supersede the other in kindness.         

3) Practice compassionate honesty.

     Being honest is crucial if a society is to flourish, however, pure honesty can be harmful in some instances.  By adding compassion to our honesty has the ability to say the truth in a loving manner.   

4) Practice respect for others property.

     When we practice respect for others property, we care for it as if it is our own without taking away the value of ownership held by our peers.  When this is done an attitude of sharing arises, benefiting everyone.

5) Practice appropriate intimate relationships.

     Intimacy is one of those practices that can bring a deeper, more loving relationship, but it needs to be practiced in appropriate settings where there is already a growing bond.  To do otherwise has the potential to bring about harm, even if unintentional.

6) Practice charity

     The act of giving of one’s self and possessions in a sacrificial manner sends the message, “you are valued.”  This is something that many need to hear.  We sometimes fall prey to bad times and we feel no one cares.  Charity quashes that or at least lessens the blow.

7) Practice simplicity.

     By practicing the simple life, a person removes greed from the equation of life.  By living within ones means a whole world of contentment opens up bringing about happiness.

8 Practice justice.

     The need for justice in our world is paramount.  Without justice our societies collapse and we become a people believing an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth no longer satisfies the urge for revenge. 

9) Practice mercy.

     Seek mercy in all encounters because without it anger takes the upper hand.  Do unto others has us seeking a more loving way of being in relationship.

10) Practice humility.

     With humility a person no longer is driven to outdo others.  It is taking appropriate pride in one’s accomplishments without thinking too highly of self.

     These 10 when practiced faithfully will go to great lengths in alleviating the evil in the World and fostering good will among all peoples.

Saturday, October 9th, 2022

“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.”  Jeremiah 29:11 NRSV

It was the spring of 2003 and I was in the third year of my pastoral appointment at Bybee UMC.  Being spring it was that time when discussions were starting about changes.  Rumor had it that I was in line for a move to another church.  Although I didn’t want a move, because of the uncertainty, I knew it was entirely possible.

During my devotional time one evening I was thumbing my way through my Bible when this passage caught my attention.  I knew I had read it before but this time it was speaking to me.  “I know the plans I have for you…” God was comforting me through His word.

Let’s look at the larger context.  Israel was in exile in Babylon and the wailing was great.  Along comes Jeremiah and speaks these words or more exactly the words of Jeremiah 29:10-14.  He said in time you will be delivered.  I will bless you the way I have before.  And you’ll get to go home.  What news this was to those in suffering.  Everything is going to be alright.  He was saying it to the Israelites, but maybe just as important, He was saying it to me.

Isn’t it amazing how something written 2500 years prior could have such power all these years later?  That’s the way it is with scripture.  Anything that God uses to speak to us can be counted as scripture, and thus have power to affect our lives.  While they may not be considered canonical, God can still use any means He desires to speak to His children.

So, keep you eyes and ears open and be ready to hear the Creator speak.  It just may change your life.

Meditate on that for a while,

Go in God’s grace.

Pastor Yancy

Friday, October 7th, 2022

 In 2013 Jen Sincero published her third, and most influential book.  With over 2,000,000 copies sold it has become a force in the “self-help” movement. “You Are a Badass, How to stop doubting your greatness and start living an awesome life” is one of the premier coaching manuals on the market.  Written in rough street language, it holds your attention while goading you into bettering yourself.

This book has 5 parts: How you got this way, How to embrace your inner badass, How to tap into the motherlode, How to get over your B. S. already, and How to kick some ass.  Each of these parts builds on the one preceding it and leads to the next.  Going from an introduction the sets the field, to culminating in a very motivating final section; it truly is a manual to guide you to being the best version of yourself.

Ms. Sincero uses her own experiences and a very blunt style to teach some very practical steps that takes the reader from mediocrity to awesomeness.  Being a life coach with countless successes in her own business of helping people reach their own potential, she knows what she’s talking about.

While parts of it may offend some, I recommend this work highly.  Life is not always a gentle experience so I suggest getting over the judgmental tendencies and search for the parts that resonate with who you are.

I have reread this piece several times and each time I’m a little more excited about my next steps.  This will propel you into a life you may have thought was all but impossible.  As she says, the universe is full of abundance just waiting to be grabbed.  So go out and grab yourself a blessed life.

Buy it, read it, live it, and may God bless.

Robert A. Charlois III

Thursday, October 6th, 2022

“Today is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 NRSV

This is an appropriate verse for this wonderful day.  I say that because this day will be what I make of it.  If we start off with a good attitude, set our intention for the day, and carry out the plan, then yes, it will be a day the Lord has made and we will be right there helping to create it.

I have read a lot in the self-help category and what comes across loud and clear is that we have tremendous control over how our lives progress toward fulfillment.  With the abundance within the universe, and the power of positive thinking, we make our destinies.

Over the course of the last month or so I have struggled.  I “stubbed my toe,” so to speak and it has been a spiral downward every since.  Those closest to me have noticed, that seems to be a pattern with me; get “knocked off my horse” and things start looking ugly, until I get my bearings back.  Today is no different.  After having myself a big, “pity party,” I spoke with some friends and they helped me see what was happening.  I was filling my mind with images of doom and gloom, and guess what? The negative thoughts were followed by even deeper depression.  Until my friends helped remove the scales from my eyes and with seeing clearly, I changed my mindset.

The” Mind” is a powerful tool that can create, through the power of the Spirit, almost anything we desire, including peace and prosperity. When we think positive thoughts, believe in the reality of our desires, and, out of gratitude, give thanks for the gift that is being manifest in our lives, we receive an abundance of blessings.

The Charlois Philosophy teaches that we need to strive to be the best version of who we were created to be.  With that in mind, wouldn’t it be beneficial to access the creative power of mind and Spirit, to improve ourselves?  We, the human species, were created with the same Spirit as the One doing the creating.  That is another thought for us to mull over.  If we have that capacity, why don’t we create a world that is in line with what we desire?  That is another aspect of the Charlois Philosophy; while becoming our best selves, we are to help others do the same.

Everything in the universe is interconnected, so what is beneficial for us should be beneficial for others.  We have to stop thinking only of ourselves and start focusing on what is good for everyone else.  In this way we can have that which we desire.

Keep on keeping on.

Robert A. Charlois III

Tuesday, September 20th, 2022

The Charlois Life is one of abundance, though not always perfect.  It has been my experience that when I am striving to be the best possible version of who I was created to be I have a much more agreeable existence.  Yes, it is hard keeping a positive attitude all the time: I fail miserably at times.  However, when I pull it together good things just seem to happen.

These last few weeks have been one of those times that I’ve struggled.  Feeling down, less than motivated, and being disagreeable with those around me.  No matter how I want to be positive I just can’t seem to get it together.

My advice to myself, and you if you’re going through the same thing, is don’t give up.  When we give up is the only time we lose.  As long as we’re trying good things can happen.  Maybe the sun will come out tomorrow and everything will turn around.

It’s a short post but one I needed to write.  It is these little things that help break the cycle of negativity.  That is when miracles happen.

Keep on keeping on.

Robert A. Charlois III