Excerpted from the book ‘Spiritual Growth’ by Dean A. Banks, D.D. – What does it mean to focus on a desired outcome? Does it mean that you attach yourself to that outcome no matter what? Or does it mean that you develop the fogged determination to accomplish your goal no matter what befalls you. Anything that is worthy in your life must be done with an unfaltering faith and trust in the Divine. Without those key ingredients, you are just treading water.

Gay marriage has become an issue lately and both Vice President Joe Biden and President Barack Obama have ‘come out’ in support of civil unions and ‘gay marriage’. The media has made such a ‘hubbub’ about something that is completely natural for some people and such an offense to others. Since when does the relationship of two adults adversely affect your own relationship choices? It only affects you when you choose to live by your ego instead of Divine love!

What if every bad thing that has ever happened to you really wasn’t a bad thing at all? What if each negative event was really a positive lesson you needed to learn to be your highest and best self.