Communication

Just like a dear friend who lives thousands of miles and multiple time zones away, but with whom I can communicate by phone, email, or instant messaging, God is accessible. Even more so.

God is just a breath away, a thought away, a prayer away. Just thinking of God puts the Great Mystery right there in my conscious presence.

Modern communications systems are great, but God’s ancient way of communicating is at least as good.

Dear Spirit of the Most High -
Thank You for Your Presence any time I choose to have You near.

Purpose and Service

I’m back once again thinking about my life and what meaning there is in it. I feel that my life only has purpose when I am being of service. When I was very involved in the 12 Step program, I felt that I was of service to others who came after me in pain and in need of healing. Through my own experience, I was able to provide strength and help to others, as those who came before me had helped me. I was able to listen, to love, and to not judge, to accept other folks at the level they were at.

I was reminded today that my experience gives me a purpose in life. With it - hitting bottom and rising up from it - I’ve learned compassion. With that opening of heart, I am able to help others, to serve God.

This world of form is changing mighty quickly these days, making way for a new world, a new way of living. Many people are in pain - and not even aware of it. I am in the ranks of those who are being prepared to help those less aware and enlightened about this world of form and how it fits into our lives, our being. My life experience has paved the way.

My purpose is to help others to realize that regardless of what the material world looks like and offers in terms of ‘toys’, we are eternal spiritual beings, whole and perfect, full of love.

My purpose is to hold the sacred space and help people realize that they are not alone. We are all One, we are all in this together, and all is well.

Dear Spirit -
I offer my love, my compassion, and my peace to You in service.

Joy in Faith

I appreciate the reminder today from The Daily Word that “... I realize joy when my mind is fixed on finding Spirit within each of my experiences. True and lasting joy comes from within--from God, the Source of every joy.“

Yes, so much good comes from focusing on Spirit. Spirit is not only the Source of every joy, but the Source of everything in my life. Keeping centered on God, fear cannot penetrate my mind, and I am in faith. I find joy in that.

Prayer for the Day

Dear God -

May I start first with feeling Your Presence. From there may I exude Your Love, Joy, Peace, and Grace to others I meet on the path today.

Please increase and enliven my trust and faith in You and Your works, and leave the fears and littleness of the ego by the wayside so that I may enjoy this day and You can make Your demonstrations.

As I leave the Silence and go out into the world today, may I feel Your Presence and hear Your Voice at all times, and may following Your guidance flow with ease, grace, and joy in a perfect way.

Thank You, thank You, thank You; and, so it is.

Thanksgiving Day 2009

For the last 19 Thanksgiving Days, I have been humbled. That was not always the case.

Before joining 12 Step program in March, 1990, I was a devout atheist. When Thanksgiving came ‘round each year, I pretty much acknowledged and thanked myself for the life I had. There was no Higher Power in my life; I was the alpha and the omega.

Much has changed since coming to believe, and these days I know Who to thank for the life I have. Without Spirit, my life would not be what it is today - and every day. So these days, one of the most important things I am grateful for is joining Overeaters Anonymous, which started me on my spiritual awakening path. I am grateful for the love, knowledge, tools, experience, and support I have found along the way.

And, I give thanks that I am no longer alone, for I know that God is with me this Thanksgiving Day, and always. That is the greatest thing I am grateful for.

May my gratitude for coming to believe be expressed every day through my loving actions toward others, in service to the One Who blesses my life.

Thanksgiving III

This Thanksgiving Day Eve, I offer a gift of quotes about gratitude to jumpstart contemplation about all that there is to be grateful for.

"Wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving." - Kahlil Gibran

"Giving thanks for abundance is sweeter than the abundance itself..." - Rumi

“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.” - Cicero

“Gratitude is our most direct line to God and the angels. The more we seek gratitude, the more reason the angels will give us for gratitude and joy to exist in our lives.” - Terry Lynn Taylor

“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” - William Arthur Ward

"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us." -Albert Schweitzer

"He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has." - Epictetus

“God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say "thank you?" - William A. Ward

"If you want to turn your life around, try thankfulness. It will change your life mightily." - Gerald Good

"Feeling grateful or appreciative of someone or something in your life actually attracts more of the things that you appreciate and value into your life." - Christiane Northrup

"Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation." - Brian Tracy

“The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings.”- Eric Hoffer

“Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful.” -Buddha

“Let's be grateful for those who give us happiness; they are the charming gardeners who make our soul bloom.” - Marcel Proust

“Saying thank you is more than good manners. It is good spirituality.” - Alfred Painter

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." - John F. Kennedy

"If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice." - Meister Eckhart

Thanksgiving II

Yesterday I was driving on State Route 89A from Sedona towards Cottonwood, making my way to the ultimate destination of Gilbert to have one last packing up session with our house there. This trip I was driving sans Rog so I had the opportunity to be alone with God in any way I chose.

When I drive alone I’m usually singing spiritual music, which feels like prayer to me; I love connecting to Source in this manner. But on this early sunny morning I actually sat in the Silence for a while. Viewing all the beauty around me got me to thinking about the road I alone, and with Rog, have traveled in recent times with God. I started listing my blessings.

I am grateful that we now live in a small town filled with many spiritually awakened souls and host to many spiritually awakening and cultural events. I am grateful that I feel a part of community. I am grateful that every day I am surrounded and can view the natural beauty of this place.

I am grateful for all the miracles God came through with to get Rog and me moved from Gilbert to this perfect home for us in Sedona. Some came at the 11 ½ hour, but they came. The owners couldn’t be more wonderful folks and we feel grateful and privileged that they ‘entrusted’ this home to our care. This place is rich with character and coziness and indeed feels like a ‘vacation home’ to us.

I am grateful for the new life that is unfolding for me that includes singing in a choir, being of service especially during the upcoming holiday season, meeting new people, and engaging in meaningful conversation. I am grateful for the loving and welcoming disposition of everyone (it seems), from Unity attendees to the grocery check-out person. I am grateful for old friends and relatives who are loving and supportive.

I am grateful for my good health and capable physical body, and for the fresh air and exercise that is a more natural part of my lifestyle now.

I am grateful that I have a steady business contract with a local business person; this contract lays a financial foundation for us to start with. And, the client and I work well together. In addition, it’s a natural way to get immersed into the local community. I am grateful for new business contracts on their way to manifestation.

I am grateful for a great, reliable automobile, my 2003 Camry named Espiritu / Spirit II, with its license plate that is a continual reminder to me of God’s presence and the attitude I need to hold each and every minute - GUIDEME.

And most of all I am grateful I am sharing all of this adventure called Life with my twin flame and husband Roger.

I am surely blessed!

Thank You, Spirit, for all that you have given me in this life. There is indeed so much to be grateful for - in fact, everything since it all comes from You, Source of All Good.

Thanksgiving I

I am reminded this morning that my heart can “swell with a song of thanksgiving to God” for the many blessings that God has showered upon me even if my present circumstances may be less than ideal.

I no doubt feel gratitude - I’ve no trouble with that. What I need a dose of is increased faith and trust that Spirit would not have taken me this far just to drop me. In fact, all these wonderful blessings and miracles are signs - no, much more than signs -, demonstrations of God’s love, grace, and goodness.

May I remember throughout this day that Spirit is with me and taking care of me. It is the Source of all and only goodness stems from It.

Thank You, Spirit, for filling my heart every day with a song of thanksgiving no matter the circumstances.

A Larger Heart

Like most people, I grew up hearing the expression “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

I’ve thought that a nifty and helpful way to get along with people. I wouldn’t want someone to do such-and-such to me, so I will not do such-and-such to them. Or, wasn’t that a nice gesture so-and-so made to me - it’d be nice to do something similar for someone else.

The trouble with the aforementioned expression is that it keeps acts on an equal level; it doesn’t invite one to go to higher ground. But as a spiritual being I am called to give and open my heart in ever expanding ways and numbers. I think the following quote has it right:

“Do unto others with a larger heart.” - Daily Guideposts, 10.28.09

Healing

It’s always wonderfully synchronistic to come upon a daily reading that is so apropos to my current situation. How do the publishers know what is going on in my life?!

I do believe that all dis-ease originates at the spiritual level and eventually manifests in the physical realm if not addressed. Still, sometimes I just need the physical plane to get my attention to draw me more strongly back to Spirit.

That said, Rog and I are both in need of physical healing. We have very good reason to be feeling the way we have been: we’ve been packing and moving boxes and furniture around for months now for our relocation adventure, and we are not athletic spring chickens. So we’re working on taking care of our physical bodies by resting, slowing down, rehydrating, etc. And, of course, we’re working with Spirit, our Source of all.

Here’s the message from Today's Daily Word - Saturday, November 21, 2009, who knew so well what I would be going through whenever it was written. It’s comforting to know I’m not alone...

HEALING PRESENCE
I am healed in body, mind and soul.Healing comes in many forms and in many ways. Some wounds heal quickly and visibly, like the physical healing of a scratch or a burn. Other wounds may take more time to heal. A broken heart, a troubled life or a dampened spirit requires a greater depth of healing--healing of my body, mind and soul.

Every need for healing is an invitation to turn within to God for guidance and direction. As I enter into the silence to meditate and pray, I connect with the Source of both my physical and spiritual healing. I am guided to the ways of strength and wholeness. I receive the most vital and lasting form of health: the healing of my soul.

For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal. - Jeremiah 30:17

Thank You, Spirit, for your healing presence at all levels and for your patience and love in meeting me wherever I’m at. Thank You for healing my body and my soul most of all.

Where's the Joy?

I am seeking joy today. I know it’s not outside of me. It comes from God; it is part of my divine birthright.

But these days it seems hard to find my joy. How can that be if it is part of me through and through, like God? I suppose my ego has put blocks up to my joy and they appear to run deep.

The good news is that if my joy comes from Spirit, then Spirit can restore me to that which I appear to lack.

Today I turn my life and my will over to Spirit. I ask for any obstacles to joy be removed so that I may be a better demonstration to others of Your love and grace. Thank You, Spirit! So it is.

Surrender Once Again...

"To share in the knowledge of God requires that you surrender what you think and what you know so that you can open and receive the infinite awareness that you are part of. Surrender in this moment, and in this moment, and in this moment, and continue to do so until your mind is filled with the awareness of God's love and wisdom that is within you." – www.thevoiceforlove.com

In surrendering, I feel closer to God and at peace. I am relaxed and hence more open -minded and -hearted, more able to hear God’s guidance. And, I am more willing to follow Spirit’s guidance. There too I feel joy.

Lately I’ve been overwhelmed with stuff related to the physical world and not feeling the joy that is in inherent in me, that is my divine birthright. In seeking to feel the joy within me, I surrender my will and my life to Spirit - again and again and again...

Forgiving Me

I don’t think my plate has ever been as full as it is now as we continue transitioning from life in Gilbert to life in Sedona. And because of that, certain tasks have gone by the wayside or not been addressed in a timely manner or not been done as perfectly as I (and perhaps others) think they should have been.

It’s time for forgiving – me, moi, Joyce. I’m doing the best I can in each 24-hour period given to me and it must be enough. In fact, it’s better than enough.

I don’t think Spirit has me here to act like a machine. I am here to learn, to grow, to help others, to serve, to be happy. I want to find the joy in this day, and I want to be in the Now to feel the Presence.

The other day at a blessing gathering I got the hit that forgiveness is about surrender. I surrender to God the ideas I hold about myself and others, how things should be, and let go. I let God handle my actions and my thoughts. I surrender my heart to God as I forgive myself and others.

Today I am filled with peace as I choose to forgive myself and surrender my life to Spirit. Thank You, Spirit!

The End of the World?

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending... - Revelation 1:8

Julia Attaway writes about meeting conflicts surrounding parent-teacher conferences and her children’s activities schedule in a recent Daily Guideposts story.

“After the initial shock of discovering my scheduling mega disaster, I forced myself to take a deep breath. There’s only one thing that helps me when I’m faced with mind-boggling conundrums like this and that’s to remember that logistical problems aren’t actually problems, they’re puzzles. They belong in the crossword-solving part of my brain, not the worry center. No one is going to die or be scarred for life or even require a trip to the doctor if I don’t figure this out. The only true danger is that I’ll stress out and start being unpleasant to my family. So I tossed the problem onto the back burner, where so many insoluble difficulties simmer into solutions.

Last night, around midnight, I think I figured out a way to handle Monday. The logistics require higher math to follow and a cast of thousands to execute, but the plan will probably work. And if it doesn’t, then it doesn’t. It’s neither the beginning nor the end of the world.

Lord, help me to remember that the world won’t fall apart if I’m not able to make things run perfectly smoothly.”

With so many additional tasks added to my To Do list related to our relocation, feeding my soul on the new communities’ many events and activities, growing our business, etc., I am grateful for the reminders Julia offers.

My take is: worrying is not necessary; prioritization is helpful; ask for help. Most of all, I am not in control of the world - Spirit is.

God, I know that Divine Order is at work and the world runs perfectly because of it and You, not me. Help me to know what is important in my life, and to take care of myself so that I may serve You well in peace and in joy.

On Gratitude

It's hard to believe that November is halfway over, and the season of gratitude is upon us. Of course, any season, any time, is one of gratitude.

We've had many blessings and miracles showered upon us especially during these past several months. And so, with gratitude keenly in my thoughts these days, I easily resonated with the sentiment of this quote I came across the other day.

“Gratitude takes three forms: a feeling in the heart, an expression in words, and a giving in return.” – Anonymous

Touched By Spirit

Today’s story from Daily Guideposts is about a woman who found something strange had been happening to her in the last few years: she cried in church. For no reason that she could understand or explain, right in the middle of worship her eyes would tear up; she found it embarrassing.

The same thing started happening during her morning prayer time. She was convinced that this was a side effect of menopause, but that didn’t seem to affect anything other than her worship and prayer time.

When she casually mentioned to a friend how easily the tears flowed when she communicated with God, her friend smiled knowingly. She replied, “That happens to me too. Those tears are an indication that the Holy Spirit has touched me in some way.” The woman no longer felt embarrassed.

Since coming to believe, I too have often been brought to tears. It can occur upon hearing someone share their experience, singing a spiritual song, or while being of service. However, I’ve known it was Spirit touching me and have rarely felt embarrassed.

In fact, for me it is a feeling of relief. Not feeling as connected to Spirit as I’d liked to, with the incessant voices impinging on my meditation, my time for being in the Silence, it is a relief – and a joy – that God could, and is, getting through to my heart, my soul. There is healing and peace here.

I welcome and am grateful for such moments when Spirit and I are so obviously joined together in a Holy Instant.

Grace

“I do not understand the mystery of grace - only that it meets us where we are, but does not leave us where it found us." - Anne Lamott

Yes, each time I connect with Spirit – whether via words, music, prayer, meditation, people – I am changed. Every encounter is a holy encounter if I choose it to be, and I am transformed by it, never to return again to the me prior to it.

God works in miraculous ways, sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. I will keep a lookout for God’s grace in my life.

One Year Blog-A-Versary

Today marks one year that I started writing my blog You, Me, and Spirit. What an achievement for me to stick with a commitment to do something every day for at least one year!

But, of course, writing the blog is much more than about keeping a commitment. It’s been a tool to help me feel and deepen my relationship with The Presence. It had been my hope that my words might be of service to others as well; to that end, I’ve received feedback that that is so.

I’d committed to one year and figured I’d see what happened. Well, it’s pretty much a no-brainer: I will continue writing this daily blog about you, me, and Spirit...

All I really seek is the peace and joy inherent in my connection with Spirit. Thank You, God, for Your Presence, Your blessings, Your Kingdom here and now, any time I choose. So it is.

Seemingly Small Acts

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” - Dr. Leo Buscaglia

I can never underestimate the power of ...love. That’s what each of these acts referred to by Dr. Buscaglia is about. And, I know from personal experience that it is true.

Loving, caring friends and strangers alike have touched my heart deeply over the years. They were channels of love from God, sent to help me know that I was cared about and not alone. And, they helped turned my life around, including coming to believe in Spirit.

I can never underestimate the power of Love, the power of God. I am grateful.

Struggle Versus Peace

“Whatever gives you a sense of struggle and strife is false. Whatever gives you a sense of peace is right.” – Open Your Mind to Receive by Catherine Ponder, page 75.

The above quote is a remarkable and easy tool to use to gauge how I am living my life.

When I feel peaceful about a situation, I know I am doing God’s will; I am following the right path. When I am unsettled, trying to control people and situations, up to my eyeballs in struggle, I am in ego and out of sync with God. I am immersed in illusion and falsehood.

This morning I felt the ‘To Do’s’ and future concerns that have been piling up and which I’d been struggling with fall into a heap of surrender. And, I felt peace. I’m done with struggle and strife.

Dear Spirit –
Give me peace, I pray. When struggle and strife arise, please awaken me and have me surrender once again into Your peaceful, loving, caring arms. Please keep me in this state of surrender, staying focused in the Now and what You would have me do. Thank You, God. So it is.

Itinerary Versus Attitude

God’s will is not an itinerary but an attitude. – Andrew Dhuse

When I think of the word itinerary, I think of the material world and taking action. Hence, if I think of God’s will as an itinerary, it means I have to be doing something. It also probably means there is a final destination.

But the aforementioned quote suggests that God’s will is an “attitude”. And, in that word, I sense then that it is the state of being, rather than doing, that is what counts. It places me in the Now, and destination is of no consideration.

Today, as I turn my will and my life over to the care of God as I understand God, my attitude reigns. From my heart, I ask God to run my life. God does the work of managing my life, not me. And, with that, I rest in peace.

The Good Shepherd

How is that so many of us human beings are easily able to move from experiencing and enjoying goodness to next feeling that it will not last or it will be taken away?

I have been studying Emmet Fox’s analysis of the 23rd Psalm, and it amazes me that any of us – moi included – carry this negative propensity. Where did it come from? I know: programming from parents and society. Well, I’m ready to be re-programmed. And, meditating on this psalm, is a great tool in helping achieve this.

Here’s just the beginning to inspire one and change thought patterns:
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters.

“Lord” means “God”, and as Fox says, it is “my own knowledge of Truth, as that knowledge is the Presence of God in me, my indwelling Christ.” This Lord is my shepherd and he takes care of his sheep. Hence, the Lord will take care of me. Ahh... how sweet the thought.

If I really believe that “I shall not want”, then there is nothing for me to be afraid of. If the Lord/Shepherd is taking care of me, why would I be fearful anyway?

“Green pastures” symbolize an abundance of all good things that I need, and perfect all-around harmony in my life. “They are to be mine permanently and forever, and not merely as a temporary demonstration; that is why I may be said to lie down in them.” Again, a positive thought pattern I choose to internalize.

With “water” symbolizing the soul, the last phrase means that the power of God in prayer sets my soul at rest giving me perfect peace. And, when I have perfect peace, my demonstration must come. With perfect peace, what more could I yearn for anyway?

If I believe in an all-loving, all powerful, etc. God, why oh why do I think that He would not continue to take care of me? With the many blessings and miracles that have been showered upon me throughout my entire lifetime, and particularly in recent months, actually this last week, it is absurd for me to think that God would take me this far only to drop me into an abyss of lack of any kind.

I move forward strengthening my thought system that God is my Source, and only good – yes, only good –comes from this loving, omnipotent, Presence. This brings peace to my soul, tranquility to my life. I am so grateful.

Dear Spirit

Dear Spirit;

Good morning!

Please show me other ways that I can feel Your Presence in the midst of busyness and chaos. Help me to be creative and attuned so that no matter what is going on in the physical, I feel connected to You.

Feeling Your Presence is such a comfort and joy to me, and I cherish it so. I many not always pay sufficient attention to cultivating my relationship with You, but please know that I am aware of that and yearn to spend much more time with You and to be of service to You.

With Your help and Your guidance, I know that I can feel You in the orbit that surrounds me all through the day.

Thank You for the many blessings You have given this daughter of Yours, and the ones to come henceforth. I am open to receiving, I am open to giving.

Amen.

Coming to Pass

"What you experience is an outcome of your desire. What you want will come to pass first in your heart, then through your mind, and finally in your experience. Feel your desire to hear God's voice, believe it is possible, ask to receive it, and it will be yours." - From www.thevoiceforlove.com

Living closer to Nature, in a simpler way, and connecting in community was in my heart for a long time. It then came mentally to me and what followed for more than a year was much discussion with Rog, clarification, and praying for guidance and help. Finally, this past Wednesday, we officially moved to Sedona, AZ and are now living in the perfect place we had been seeking.

We believed and had faith it was possible, we asked, we received. It’s been quite an experience and quite the demonstration.

I am so grateful to now live in a beautifully scenic, small, friendly town, in a home that is filled with character, being part of a spiritual community, all with my Life Partner beside me. Thank You, Spirit!

And so it is in relationship to God: I have the desire in my heart to hear God’s voice and feel Its Presence, I so believe it is possible, I am asking through prayer for it, and I know it is mine. Thank You, God!

Prosperity

Today's Daily Word - Friday, November 6, 2009
PROSPERITY

I am blessed by the goodness of God.

Prosperity manifests in my life in myriad ways--not only as money. As I count my blessings, I realize that God's goodness is everywhere. I give thanks for my food, shelter, friends, family and livelihood. I focus on my blessings rather than dwelling on any perception of lack.

The more I look for things to be grateful for, the more blessings I find. By noticing these blessings and giving thanks, I am positive, productive and prepared for good.

The more good I perceive, the more I receive. As I appreciate all of God's blessings and dwell in abundance and contentment, even more goodness comes my way.

I choose to live in God's abundance, accepting all the blessings life has to offer.

My sentiments exactly!

What is Valuable

When we attach value to things that aren't love - the money, the car, the house, the prestige - we are loving things that can't love us back. - Marianne Williamson

And, than means I am putting other things before Spirit. God is my Source, and I must maintain contact with the Presence to be and feel in fit spiritual condition. When I do my life and relationships are so much better.

These past several days of bunking down in a friend’s home, starting a part-time position in a new town, then moving to that town (more than 100 miles from our former home), has certainly thrown me off kilter. Just when I need to pray and meditate even more, and engage in any other activity that makes me feel connected to Source, I have taken less time to do so. I can tell ya that I feel it. My soul feels it, and I can continue no longer in this manner.

The things and activities that have drawn me away from God must go away for the time being. I’m putting them aside and spending time with God, indicating my love, and Spirit loves me back unconditionally.

A Long Day In Coming

Today was the big day Rog and I have been striving toward for about the past 14 months: starting a new life, settling in a small town in Northern Arizona, living closer to Nature and in community. We did it!

Well, actually, God did it. We moved into a house that has tremendous character, one that hadn’t even been for rent! Financial prosperity has been growing, meaningful friendships blossoming, etc.

The only difference between stumbling blocks and stepping stones is the way in which we use them. — Anonymous

Yes, we had a lot of obstacles to overcome but we chose to use them as stepping stones to grow closer to Spirit. We leaned on God - trusting, having faith, and surrendering. I didn’t do it perfectly, but I have absolutely no doubt that God was with us, guiding us, laying out the plan for us. I am so grateful.

Dear God –
Thank You for showering Your love on me, and the myriad of ways Your blessings create a rich life.

Focus

“I will keep my focus very small today and let God be in charge.” – In God’s Care, November 3

Keeping my focus means that I’m staying in the moment, a very good place to be. And, when I’m in the Now, letting God be in charge comes easier.

Who You Are

"Greatness is who you are.
It is not something that you have and another does not.
It is something you are —
something that you share with everyone —
because it describes your True Nature and Oneness with All That Is."

- From www.thevoiceforlove.com

Beginnings and H.P.

"With willingness we will begin to perceive God's hand in even the smallest events in our life. We will grow in our acceptance that all of our life circumstances are specifically given to us by a Higher Power who wants us to be all that we can. We'll never be given more than we can handle. However, we can be certain that many experiences will push us in directions we never dreamed possible." - Excerpt from In God's Care, November 1

With a new month beginning, my new life does too. I left my home in Gilbert this evening to travel alone to the Verde Valley without Rog. It feels strange to not be with him and I won't be until Wednesday afternoon; the last time we spent even a night apart had to be 2+ years ago. I'm staying in temporary quarters (with a friend) so that I can start a new position in Red Rock Country on schedule, and then will move into our new home in Sedona in a few days when Rog will join me. There is no doubt that God's hand has been involved in this series of adventures - big time.

And, it's been challenging at times but God did not give me more than I could handle - after all, I made it this far, yes?! I persevered with patience, faith, and trust (not perfectly). And, in the end, Source, has supplied me with all that I need to start our new life - a life of new beginnings rich with community, service, Nature, and spiritual practice.

Rog and I feel that by living in Sedona God's plan for our life will become much clearer and we'll step into it with enthusiasm. And, I'm certain it will be a new life of experiences that will push us in directions we never dreamed possible. But I can continue to lean on Higher Power throughout it all.