Week Three of Marriage Mondays. This week is about the importance of scheduled time, and continuing to date. Please comment, like, subscribe, etc.

- The Symbol
- All is Love

- The Symbol
- All is Love

I remember a few years back, when one of the Idente brothers came to me and said "What is your relationship like with Jesus?", then he paused and said "Before you answer, please remember that a lot of times we talk about 'God' and forget that he is three distinct divine persons.  In this way, our relationship with the Father although can not separate from our relationship with Christ, or with the Holy Spirit, is very unique."

After that conversation, as my days went by I began to discern in my relationship with God which voice  of which divine person of the Trinity was the one speaking with me in my life of prayer.

Specifically with the Holy Spirit, I could begin to understand the voice of a good friend that encourages and inspires, and for me specifically very much encourages my creativity.... And I started to realize especially that most of our images of the Holy Spirit as a 'bird' or 'dove' can be very deceiving for our spiritual lives as He is a Person - not an animal.

Above is an image based upon some words from St. Augustine, that I invite you to pray with me.  I cannot tell you how, or determine how your relationship with the Holy Spirit should be(although there are some sources; books; the catechism; and of course the Bible itself that can help with that), but all I can say is to be open to Him, and begin to discern which dialogue with the Divine Persons is most prominent from day to day and week to week in your life of prayer.

- The Symbol
- All is Love

Immediately after releasing this episode, a conversation started with my little sister Zsanelle.

She texts me about 30 minutes later with the words "I want to do the activity you gave to those teens at the end of it." with which I simply reply, "Do it." 

She then says, "That has me thinking about video animation, and the root word anima - when making animation you have to put a part of your own soul and being into it because you create it and give it the ability to move and relate to others.  That's also why objects and art hold memories and a level of sacredness."...

She continues with, "It's true for writing too.  But then there's two ends from which we can look at the soul that's put into it: the author and the reader. First, the author uses their experiences and expression in words to create the text. But once a reader interprets the text, they too must use their own experiences and understanding in order to gain meaning from the text.  So, in reading, it's like two souls are connected and communicating with each other."

Lastly, I reply with "Well, I think in all ways it's the 'artist' and the one 'receiving the art' or the 'producer' and 'consumer' of the art... You feel me?"

I simply wanted to share this conversation with my little sister who I am so very proud of as it plays into the self-reflection I was praying this weeks episode would lead you into. Much love.

- The Symbol
​- All is Love

Some people celebrate Christmas as a day.... Even less do as a season. Ephiphany is one of my favorite feasts because if we look at the Kings/Wise Men/Meji or whatever we want to call them we can see a Christmas as a lifestyle...

A few things to look at.
1) Historically speaking these Kings would have arrived perhaps two years or more after the birth of Christ, after enduring a long journey to him to pay homage.
2) These men were not Jewish or a part of who would have been thought of a part of “God’s promise” at the time.
3) They brought their gifts to do him homage.
4) They followed the “star” which was a sign from God.
​5) They traveled home "another way" (Matthew 2:12)

Applying this in our lives we can say...
1) Persevere... The journey with Christ takes time
2) Be open to all people no matter what their background
3) What gifts(time, talent, treasure) do we personally have to give to God and our community
4) What "signs"(people, thoughts, inspirations, etc) does God leave for us every day
5) Does every new day and new encounter with Jesus leave us new?  Do we go home a "different way", in how we speak, act, and live our lives, always progressing and getting better?

I pray the Epiphany becomes our lifestyle from now until the day we are with Him again in eternity. Amen.

- The Symbol
- All is Love

Playing off of the lyrics from "Grew Up In This" from @BeTheSymbol's "Sainthood In The City vol. 1" which state "In the beginning was the Word - WORD UP! My pops said Word is bond don't ever say bluff." this series is a more uncut version of some talks and encouragement looking at God's inspired word the Bible and pointing out a few ideas catered towards teens and young adults to pray about while implementing into their own lives.

Look out for an episode every Thursday at 12 noon on The Symbol's Youtube Channel. For more, stay tuned at: www.BeTheSymbol.com

- The Symbol
- All is Love

New year. New moves. New content coming soon.

- The Symbol
- All is Love