Let Go and Let God

Life is not always joyful, happy, loving, prosperous, peaceful or harmonious. We are on a journey and learning as we go along. Problems and conflicts arise in our own families relationships, problems with work associates, business partners, even with children and grandchildren, spouses relationships, money problems, etc. Sometimes we do not have control of the circumstances and situations. The problems and challenges become enormous and are not able to cope with them. Some of us take it to alcohol, drugs, or even domestic violence. We try to rationalize or psycho analyze why these problems and challenges are nagging us or prolonging. And we don’t seem to cut it loose or escape from them. The more it lingers, it gets stressful, tensed, and some people experience nervous breakdown.

We are living in a culture that encourages individuality. Early in our upbringing, most of the young say “I’ll do it by myself”, or saying “I don’t need any help”, etc. While I was a volunteer phone lay minister at a large church, many callers have asked me what to do with their problems. They given up solving problems and found themselves cornered.  And their problems were enormous. Some had addiction to drugs, some given up disciplining their children, some were broke having money problems, some were suicidal, singles were having problems with commitment and trust, some were chronically unemployed, some even hated themselves, and so on.

The best thing is, when confronted with lingering problems and interaction with others is not helping, is to Let Go and Let God. Many people just cling to unhealthy habits and behaviors and have a very tough time letting it go. God or divine spirit is greater than we are. We must learn to trust God, who is just right there, within us. Able to release all the problems and free ourselves from bondage. Learn to communicate with God through prayer and listen to the answers from within. God communicates through each one of us. Having faith and trust in God, will surely alleviate your deep problems by letting them go and let God do the magic. You do not need a complicated prayer. Just plain words will do, and believe in it.

Blessings,

Rev. Ernie Martin, The Reverend of Love, Las Vegas, Nevada

 

Are you afraid of loving someone?

I recall when I was divorced and single for couple years, I found it difficult to say to a single woman “I love you”, but, willing to go on dates. It was something like having a conflict with my inner self but, moving with my ego self from the outer, to fulfill my social desires. After few years it gets old, and sit down and do some inner reflection on love, trust and commitment. When we realize God loves us unconditionally, what prevents us to love another person or persons unconditionally? The answer lies within, and looking for answer. It’s wonderful to ask the spirit within, which is God centered for answers such as love and loving others.

Go into a quite place and meditate and pray and communicate with God about your love life, trust, commitment and hooking you up with a loving partner/lover/spouse. Trust your inner instincts and have faith in your heart. What it is communicating and telling you. Many have a tendency “to talk it over” with personal friends. Sure, friends will help out. But, your ultimate decision to move forward with love is your initiative with your inner guide, that is God (or Lord, Jesus, if you prefer). Maybe write it down the answers when you pray and meditate the answers you received for understanding and taking action.

We all go through the journey in romance to seek love and be loved and offer to love others and a special person/lover in our life. Remember to trust yourself, and make a commitment to yourself that you want to give love and to be yourself. You have prayed, and asked God for inner guidance for a wonderful love life, and eventually to get married and tie the knot. God is right where you are, inside of you. God or Lord is all over. No need to go and look for God. So, get ready and meet your love knowing the divine spirit is guiding you in your venture to give love and receive love. Keep your judgements behind and expect the miracle of love.

Blessings,

Rev. Ernie Martin, The Reverend of Love, Las Vegas

Are you listening to your inner voice?

  We keep trudging along in everyday walk of life. We have needs, desires, wants and want to fulfill our motives. We want joy, fulfillment, inner contentment, compassion, peace and harmony within ourselves and with others. We pray, meditate and ask God (or the infinite, Higher Source, Lord, Jesus Christ, etc) for financial prosperity, excellent health and great relationships. Pretty soon we discover that the answers are within, not “out there”. Are you open to listening from within? Your vibes, your vibrations, “your gut”, your intuition? Do you trust your inner instincts, which is God communicating with you?

  From my own experience over the years, I let opportunities in jobs, learning another profession, even romantic relationships pass by (I am married to Denise now). Didn’t listen to my inner voice, but kept on moving doing “same old” things or same old routine with expectations. Than comes a time to seriously make a commitment to change and make a decision to change and accept opportunities what life has to offer me. I went through inner probing via meditation and talking to couple of trusted friends.

   In a way, we must be “ready” to jump in or take risks to step in.  I’ve witnessed several singles in relationships delaying marriage because of waiting for a “right” partner to come through or questioning and doubting whether the relationships they are in, is the right one? This boils down to inner trust and not clear what their heart and mind says. In this instance, it’s a good idea to sit down in prayer and meditation and ask God for guidance.

If you are not sure of the feedback on the concerned issues from within, talk to a trusted friend or couple friends. Make sure these friends have a positive outlook on life and they themselves are confident, and encouraging. You are still the decision maker to choose all the choices you have at your disposal. Prayer and meditation is a great relaxer and brings inner harmony and answers.

So, listen from within. Listen to what your instincts and gut tells you of what you seek and desire to experience. Communicate to God via prayer and meditation. Be open for answers that are revealed to you. Follow up with the clues. Try not to be wishy-washy with the answers. Check it out. The God who created the universe is loving and friendly for you to pursue your journey for your fulfillment, joy, compassion, love, kindness, peace and understanding.

Blessings,

Rev. Ernie Martin, The Reverend of Love, Las Vegas

 

Be prepared – In the moment

 This afternoon, as I was driving to the storage place to pick up empty suit cases for packing for our upcoming trip to Denver, I received a phone call from the manager of a wedding chapel to officiate a “ceremony”. The call came in at 3pm, and the “ceremony” at the wedding chapel was at 6pm. I accepted to officiate the ceremony. I called my wife Denise while going to the storage place and told her I accepted to officiate the “ceremony”.  I had to come home by 4pm, get my wedding ceremony copy ready from the computer/printer and place it in my folder and my ministry bag. This was my third time this particular chapel called me in, mainly on a stand-by minister basis or as a substitute officiant minister.

I got ready by 5:15pm, suited up, and went to the wedding chapel about 30 minute drive (with some congestion), even though it was more like 10 miles away, close to the Las Vegas strip casinos. The drive should have taken 20 minutes, without the traffic congestion, but, such is life. I reached the wedding chapel and talked to the office manager. She said the party didn’t arrive yet. And I asked her do you have the names of the couple getting married? She replied this is a commitment ceremony, and they are same sex couple. I was “shocked”. And I asked her, men or women. She said two men. I have not officiated a same sex or heterosexual commitment ceremony before. In Nevada, same sex wedding are not legal, but, same sex couples can have commitment partner ceremonies, which does not have legal paper work to file with the court.

 So, fortunately I had in my ministry “bag”,  a copy of the commitment ceremony for the same sex couple, which was stashed in a folder some couple years ago, hoping “some day” it would come in handy. I didn’t expect it in matter of minutes to happen.  But, I was expecting to officiate a traditional man woman ceremony this evening, and printed out a copy of the ceremony. The manager  “forgot” to tell me on the phone, it was a same sex commitment ceremony. she went on to say, “I got very busy, and couldn’t call you back”. So, I quickly read the same sex commitment ceremony for myself and the party still didn’t arrive. By 6:15pm, the couples and two guests arrived.

This was my first same sex commitment ceremony in a moments notice at the chapel. I talked with both partners and inquired about where they live (are from Florida) and their spiritual/religious upbringing. They both attend a Christian church. The Commitment ceremony went smooth, and I was relieved.  I got home and told my wife, I was little shocked, because of my expectation for a traditional wedding ceremony. A learning lesson for me: Be in the moment and be prepared for the unexpected.

Blessings,

Ernie Martin, The Reverend of Love, Las Vegas