“The one factor that has been unknown by most humans, that is understood by the beasts, is that Well-being truly does abound, and that you are blessed beings who live in an atmosphere of grace, and that unless you are doing something to pinch off the Well-being, it will be yours.”
- Abraham, Excerpted from the Saturday, 08.18.01 #465 San Francisco, CA workshop
"Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
"Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field... will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
"Therefore do not worry, saying, "What shall we eat?' or "What shall we drink?' or "What shall we wear?'... For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
- Excerpted from Matthew 6:25-33
Dear God-
Grant me a truly knowing heart that You are The Source of my being and help me to seek first Your kingdom. May I rejoice in Your Well-Being, like the animals roaming this earth and like the lilies of the field blowing carefree in the breeze.
Showing posts with label heart. Show all posts
Showing posts with label heart. Show all posts
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
The Path of Waking Up
I’ve been nursing a head cold for several days now, God’s way of getting me to slow down. My ears are stuffed up, my eyes watery, my short term memory... well, short - VERY short! So one could accurately say that communication between me and others might not be that clear.
Still, Rog has been patient when I ask him to repeat himself so I can make sure I’ve heard him correctly. I’ve misheard several phrases and we’ve been able to laugh at my perception of what he said. Perception for any human being is difficult on any given day, but in this physical body currently, it’s even more so. We’re accepting the circumstances and one another, doing our best to make ourselves clear speakers and clear receivers. We’re laughing and saying “I love you” when a message gets lost in my mind’s translation.
But what about when we’re all in pretty good physical condition - then what’s the reason behind miscommunication? Do I hear any votes for the ego, for not being in fit spiritual condition? One is either in their ego mind or their God mind - there’s no middle ground.
I have to be in fit spiritual condition to accurately perceive when someone makes accusations towards me that have no basis in reality - well, certainly not mine - that something else is going on with that person. It’s not about me. It’s not personal even if it appears that way. When someone chooses to cling to their position, their ego is at work, keeping them closed to other options and possibilities. And, their heart has been clamped shut. Not a fun place to be for anyone.
I certainly don’t want to live that way and I am grateful to be waking up. It’s not always easy, with relationships and possessions going by the wayside through necessity. Waking up means honestly looking at my inner thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors with a microscope so that I can know and be who I truly am. From there, I walk in this world coming from the place of Spirit. Acceptance, love, compassion, and kindness prevail.
Waking up can be challenging, but sticking with the illusion would mean being an open and willing partner to ego, to unnecessary pain and suffering. Freedom is at stake.
On this new earth we may find ourselves not making the journey with the long-time companions we thought would be accompanying us. But we will all get Home and be reunited with those we needed to let go of along the way of getting there. We are One and that can never change.
Dear Spirit -
Thank You for Your mercy and compassion as we each do what we can to wake up to You and to who we really are. May I demonstrate mercy, compassion, forgiveness, and unconditional love to all on my path, yesterday, today, and tomorrow. And, may each do the same with me!
Still, Rog has been patient when I ask him to repeat himself so I can make sure I’ve heard him correctly. I’ve misheard several phrases and we’ve been able to laugh at my perception of what he said. Perception for any human being is difficult on any given day, but in this physical body currently, it’s even more so. We’re accepting the circumstances and one another, doing our best to make ourselves clear speakers and clear receivers. We’re laughing and saying “I love you” when a message gets lost in my mind’s translation.
But what about when we’re all in pretty good physical condition - then what’s the reason behind miscommunication? Do I hear any votes for the ego, for not being in fit spiritual condition? One is either in their ego mind or their God mind - there’s no middle ground.
I have to be in fit spiritual condition to accurately perceive when someone makes accusations towards me that have no basis in reality - well, certainly not mine - that something else is going on with that person. It’s not about me. It’s not personal even if it appears that way. When someone chooses to cling to their position, their ego is at work, keeping them closed to other options and possibilities. And, their heart has been clamped shut. Not a fun place to be for anyone.
I certainly don’t want to live that way and I am grateful to be waking up. It’s not always easy, with relationships and possessions going by the wayside through necessity. Waking up means honestly looking at my inner thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors with a microscope so that I can know and be who I truly am. From there, I walk in this world coming from the place of Spirit. Acceptance, love, compassion, and kindness prevail.
Waking up can be challenging, but sticking with the illusion would mean being an open and willing partner to ego, to unnecessary pain and suffering. Freedom is at stake.
On this new earth we may find ourselves not making the journey with the long-time companions we thought would be accompanying us. But we will all get Home and be reunited with those we needed to let go of along the way of getting there. We are One and that can never change.
Dear Spirit -
Thank You for Your mercy and compassion as we each do what we can to wake up to You and to who we really are. May I demonstrate mercy, compassion, forgiveness, and unconditional love to all on my path, yesterday, today, and tomorrow. And, may each do the same with me!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
The Place
Rog is working with a young woman on a business plan for her dream business. After her getting stuck trying to go about drafting it in the conventional way, Rog suggested she come from the place of Spirit.
Isn’t that the solution all the time? To remember and be Spirit in all situations, all conundrums? And, isn’t that who we truly are? We can come straight from the heart. We can relax and be at peace. Creativity flows, questions resolve.
Dear God-
Help me to remember I am Spirit and to carry the qualities of You into all circumstances, all relationships, all the time.
Isn’t that the solution all the time? To remember and be Spirit in all situations, all conundrums? And, isn’t that who we truly are? We can come straight from the heart. We can relax and be at peace. Creativity flows, questions resolve.
Dear God-
Help me to remember I am Spirit and to carry the qualities of You into all circumstances, all relationships, all the time.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Loving
“In loving others, I am doing that which brings me closest to God, for God is love.” - Excerpt from Today’s Daily Word, May 21, 2010
My loving others took some novel forms for me yesterday. In the morning, I did my first volunteer session at the Humane Society of Sedona. I got to be with Beeker, a canine who’s been living there for about two months.
He’s still a bit wary of humans, but when my mentor told me he loves affection, I exclaimed, “We’re a match!” Beeker enjoys his new temporary home and doesn’t like to go very far from it. Hence, my walking him turned out to be a bust but that simply gave us the opportunity to just socialize.
I spent about 30” with Beeker, keeping him company, petting him almost continuously, talking to him and telling him he was a good boy. I was simply loving him. I opened my heart and poured out to him kindness, caring, compassion, and hope for a better life in the future than what he’d lived in the past.
In the evening, during choir practice, one of the members’ children was playing outside and scraped her knee. Somehow I got involved in taking care of her wound, but I certainly didn’t mind. Tara is part of our Unity family and so it’s natural - and an honor - to pitch in and help. She appeared fine emotionally, but still I opened my heart to her as I gave first aid.
It’s “interesting” that yesterday God’s plan was to open me to two populations - both vulnerable ones - I’ve not had as part of my regular life, both in the same day. It was an adventure and an opportunity for me to love others and bring me closer to God.
And, it is not lost on me that it was also a way of loving the little girl within. We are all wounded in some way, but God’s love shining through other beings brightens our life and helps heal us all.
My loving others took some novel forms for me yesterday. In the morning, I did my first volunteer session at the Humane Society of Sedona. I got to be with Beeker, a canine who’s been living there for about two months.
He’s still a bit wary of humans, but when my mentor told me he loves affection, I exclaimed, “We’re a match!” Beeker enjoys his new temporary home and doesn’t like to go very far from it. Hence, my walking him turned out to be a bust but that simply gave us the opportunity to just socialize.
I spent about 30” with Beeker, keeping him company, petting him almost continuously, talking to him and telling him he was a good boy. I was simply loving him. I opened my heart and poured out to him kindness, caring, compassion, and hope for a better life in the future than what he’d lived in the past.
In the evening, during choir practice, one of the members’ children was playing outside and scraped her knee. Somehow I got involved in taking care of her wound, but I certainly didn’t mind. Tara is part of our Unity family and so it’s natural - and an honor - to pitch in and help. She appeared fine emotionally, but still I opened my heart to her as I gave first aid.
It’s “interesting” that yesterday God’s plan was to open me to two populations - both vulnerable ones - I’ve not had as part of my regular life, both in the same day. It was an adventure and an opportunity for me to love others and bring me closer to God.
And, it is not lost on me that it was also a way of loving the little girl within. We are all wounded in some way, but God’s love shining through other beings brightens our life and helps heal us all.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Unconditional Love
This morning is to be my first as a volunteer at the Humane Society of Sedona. I am so looking forward to hanging out with the doggies (mostly), walking them and socializing with them.
I’ve always done service work to help people: 12 Step members, nursing home residents, children in inner city schools. Hence this is a big switch, especially since I’ve not had a dog in my household since I was a child many moons ago and so consider myself inexperienced.
So what prompted this? After all, I still plan to find a service position helping humans... Well, of late I have found my heart cracked so wide open to animals, especially pooches, and a yearning to be around them and help them.
I suppose this was preceded by my immersion back into increased spiritual work on my part once we left our world in Gilbert, AZ and got started in our new life in Sedona. Since then my heart has been opening and opening as I surround myself with the love and compassion of like-minded travelers waking up to a new earth and Spirit.
God is unconditional love, always seeking to give to His children. And dogs are unconditional love too. It was not lost on me when someone pointed out years ago that the word “dog” is “God” spelled backwards. God has many emissaries.
So I’m looking forward to this novel opportunity of spending more time with God, in the form of canines, exchanging love and service, giving and receiving.
I’ve always done service work to help people: 12 Step members, nursing home residents, children in inner city schools. Hence this is a big switch, especially since I’ve not had a dog in my household since I was a child many moons ago and so consider myself inexperienced.
So what prompted this? After all, I still plan to find a service position helping humans... Well, of late I have found my heart cracked so wide open to animals, especially pooches, and a yearning to be around them and help them.
I suppose this was preceded by my immersion back into increased spiritual work on my part once we left our world in Gilbert, AZ and got started in our new life in Sedona. Since then my heart has been opening and opening as I surround myself with the love and compassion of like-minded travelers waking up to a new earth and Spirit.
God is unconditional love, always seeking to give to His children. And dogs are unconditional love too. It was not lost on me when someone pointed out years ago that the word “dog” is “God” spelled backwards. God has many emissaries.
So I’m looking forward to this novel opportunity of spending more time with God, in the form of canines, exchanging love and service, giving and receiving.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
We Are One
I just read a story about a gifted, delightful high school student who was diagnosed with cancer in the beginning of his senior year. Even as the disease rapidly advanced, he continued to attend school and do all his work, with the goal that he’d graduate with his class. He didn’t make it; despite Jeff's effort, he died just two months short of graduation.
It always saddens me when someone succumbs to an illness like cancer, especially a young adult or child. I have my views about the causes of sickness and how to remedy them - not of the western conventional nature - and so I often feel frustrated and angry too because of the failure to cure.
But this morning my usual feelings were quickly replaced by remembering that we come here to planet Earth to accomplish something, to be of service. So anytime a person ‘checks out,’ it can only mean that they’ve completed their mission. It’s time to shed the current physical body, which is not who they really are, and have their spirit go Home to God.
This is not a new idea for me but it still pains me when someone I know makes their transition, for after all I can’t hug a spirit (not yet anyway) and communicate with them in the same way as when we are both in physical form. But I’m internalizing that our spirits are eternal even whilst our physical bodies are temporary, and we are truly One.
God is in each and every one of us - it can’t be otherwise. In fact, all of us are God and nothing can separate the parts we seem to be divided up into.
I feel I’ve made a big shift here in my heart, a peacefulness. We are all connected no matter whether we’re still working on our mission on planet Earth or we’ve completed it and moved on to the next one.
We are all One, there is no time and no space, and we are always together.
Namasté.
It always saddens me when someone succumbs to an illness like cancer, especially a young adult or child. I have my views about the causes of sickness and how to remedy them - not of the western conventional nature - and so I often feel frustrated and angry too because of the failure to cure.
But this morning my usual feelings were quickly replaced by remembering that we come here to planet Earth to accomplish something, to be of service. So anytime a person ‘checks out,’ it can only mean that they’ve completed their mission. It’s time to shed the current physical body, which is not who they really are, and have their spirit go Home to God.
This is not a new idea for me but it still pains me when someone I know makes their transition, for after all I can’t hug a spirit (not yet anyway) and communicate with them in the same way as when we are both in physical form. But I’m internalizing that our spirits are eternal even whilst our physical bodies are temporary, and we are truly One.
God is in each and every one of us - it can’t be otherwise. In fact, all of us are God and nothing can separate the parts we seem to be divided up into.
I feel I’ve made a big shift here in my heart, a peacefulness. We are all connected no matter whether we’re still working on our mission on planet Earth or we’ve completed it and moved on to the next one.
We are all One, there is no time and no space, and we are always together.
Namasté.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Gratitude and Abundance
I’ve heard it said that gratitude releases energy, which leaves a vacuum. Like any vacuum, it must be filled, and it is abundance that fills it. Abundance gives rise to more gratitude, which in turn releases energy, creates a vacuum, and is filled by abundance. And on and on it goes.
I’ve also heard that when you are in a sincere state of gratitude your energy (vibrational resonance) is one of acceptance and harmony. You resonate, and as a result, project a much higher vibrational frequency which is exactly what attracts to you the events, conditions, and circumstances that you desire. Gratitude puts you in a harmonious vibrational resonance which attracts additional energies.
What I know is that when I have an attitude of gratitude, I feel closer to Spirit. I am touched by God’s grace, and my heart opens more. And, no matter what is going on, all is well.
“Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul.” - Henry Ward Beecher
Thank You, Spirit, for this day and for Your many blessings that open my heart to feeling gratitude and receiving Your abundance.
I’ve also heard that when you are in a sincere state of gratitude your energy (vibrational resonance) is one of acceptance and harmony. You resonate, and as a result, project a much higher vibrational frequency which is exactly what attracts to you the events, conditions, and circumstances that you desire. Gratitude puts you in a harmonious vibrational resonance which attracts additional energies.
What I know is that when I have an attitude of gratitude, I feel closer to Spirit. I am touched by God’s grace, and my heart opens more. And, no matter what is going on, all is well.
“Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul.” - Henry Ward Beecher
Thank You, Spirit, for this day and for Your many blessings that open my heart to feeling gratitude and receiving Your abundance.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Service
There are many reasons and motives for doing service. But are mine ‘pure?’ What I mean is, am I doing them from my Higher Self or from my ego self?
When I serve to feel needed, I’m coming from my little me. When I look at the person I’m helping as a victim or someone I’m trying to ‘save,’ I’m coming from the separated self. I am not in an awaken state.
Being of service directly working with people is one of the grandest ways that I feel God’s presence and a strong connection. I am in my heart, opening to God’s love and grace - for me and the other.
So, I serve as a way to grow closer to God. And through helping others with this motive in mind, I open myself up to be an instrument of God’s grace and to waking up a bit more to the real world of Love.
How can I serve today, Sweet Spirit
How can I serve today, Oh Lord
Speak to me in ways I will understand
Where You lead, I will follow.
- Rickie Byars Beckwith
Dear Sweet Spirit,
Speak to me in words I understand as to where You would have me serve today. Open my heart as I have the opportunity to be Your instrument and shine Your light on all whom I minister to today.
When I serve to feel needed, I’m coming from my little me. When I look at the person I’m helping as a victim or someone I’m trying to ‘save,’ I’m coming from the separated self. I am not in an awaken state.
Being of service directly working with people is one of the grandest ways that I feel God’s presence and a strong connection. I am in my heart, opening to God’s love and grace - for me and the other.
So, I serve as a way to grow closer to God. And through helping others with this motive in mind, I open myself up to be an instrument of God’s grace and to waking up a bit more to the real world of Love.
How can I serve today, Sweet Spirit
How can I serve today, Oh Lord
Speak to me in ways I will understand
Where You lead, I will follow.
- Rickie Byars Beckwith
Dear Sweet Spirit,
Speak to me in words I understand as to where You would have me serve today. Open my heart as I have the opportunity to be Your instrument and shine Your light on all whom I minister to today.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Glowing
In my early years of 12 Step program work and cultivating my relationship with my Higher Power, people new to my life as well as old, would comment that there was something “different” about me. Yes, I had lost some weight, but that was not quite it. I was “glowing” many would say.
Most could not pinpoint the reason back of it, just as Bill initially couldn’t when Ebby visited him (Alcoholics Anonymous, page 9). Bill was amazed that his friend was sober, but there was something in addition to his sobriety. Ebby explains that he has found “religion” (in this case, aka “spirituality”) and a God of his understanding. And so it was with me.
In the years since, my glow has ebbed and flowed, ebbed and flowed. But last night in my class “Spiritual Evolution in Consciousness” someone told me I was “glowing” and another commented that I seemed uplifted. I didn’t have a chance to reply, but I know it was for the same reason as it was for Ebby and for me off and on over the years of my spiritual journey.
Spending more and more time with Spirit, especially in the realm of gathering with fellow journeyers, strengthens my inner divine spark. My heart opens, my character assets come to the foreground (and remain there longer), I am at peace and in love and joy. All because of my deepened relationship with the God of my understanding.
Putting God first in my life, puts the glow in me, and I shine from the inside out. I serve God as a power of example to others about what Higher Power can do for me that I never could do for myself. I am grateful.
Most could not pinpoint the reason back of it, just as Bill initially couldn’t when Ebby visited him (Alcoholics Anonymous, page 9). Bill was amazed that his friend was sober, but there was something in addition to his sobriety. Ebby explains that he has found “religion” (in this case, aka “spirituality”) and a God of his understanding. And so it was with me.
In the years since, my glow has ebbed and flowed, ebbed and flowed. But last night in my class “Spiritual Evolution in Consciousness” someone told me I was “glowing” and another commented that I seemed uplifted. I didn’t have a chance to reply, but I know it was for the same reason as it was for Ebby and for me off and on over the years of my spiritual journey.
Spending more and more time with Spirit, especially in the realm of gathering with fellow journeyers, strengthens my inner divine spark. My heart opens, my character assets come to the foreground (and remain there longer), I am at peace and in love and joy. All because of my deepened relationship with the God of my understanding.
Putting God first in my life, puts the glow in me, and I shine from the inside out. I serve God as a power of example to others about what Higher Power can do for me that I never could do for myself. I am grateful.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Pray for... Laughter
A recent posting on the Our Prayer website stated: “In the moment of sincere laughter, our heart is open as we experience true joy and gratitude for life.”
That’s the spiritual side, but there is also physical healing in humor. We know that laughter can improve heart rate, ease muscle tension and strengthen the immune system.
What a blessing laughter is. So why not pray for it?
A Prayer for Laughter
Dear Lord,
The day can be challenging.
Often our problems overwhelm our joys.
Today help me to see the moments that lighten my heart.
Help me to laugh more and fret less.
May the radiance and joy of your love shine in me.
Amen.
- OurPrayer.org
That’s the spiritual side, but there is also physical healing in humor. We know that laughter can improve heart rate, ease muscle tension and strengthen the immune system.
What a blessing laughter is. So why not pray for it?
A Prayer for Laughter
Dear Lord,
The day can be challenging.
Often our problems overwhelm our joys.
Today help me to see the moments that lighten my heart.
Help me to laugh more and fret less.
May the radiance and joy of your love shine in me.
Amen.
- OurPrayer.org
Saturday, April 17, 2010
It's God
Life is not meant to be focused on stress and worry, but on freedom and joy (culled from Today’s Daily Word, April 17, 2010). Stress and worry come from ego, freedom and joy emanate from Spirit.
Thus it is natural for me to feel more connected to God when I feel free and full of joy. And, it is a sacred circle dance: as I focus on God, I feel free and full of joy, and feeling free and joyful, I feel greater connection to God.
I’ve been wondering if the gratitude I have felt recently - the natural, ‘unforced’ kind with my heart singing - is perhaps also joy. It seems that they go hand-in-hand as well.
Regardless of the labels, it is clear to me that my spirit is feeling very much lifted up these days. It’s not dependent on outside people or circumstances; it’s something within. To me, it’s God.
Thus it is natural for me to feel more connected to God when I feel free and full of joy. And, it is a sacred circle dance: as I focus on God, I feel free and full of joy, and feeling free and joyful, I feel greater connection to God.
I’ve been wondering if the gratitude I have felt recently - the natural, ‘unforced’ kind with my heart singing - is perhaps also joy. It seems that they go hand-in-hand as well.
Regardless of the labels, it is clear to me that my spirit is feeling very much lifted up these days. It’s not dependent on outside people or circumstances; it’s something within. To me, it’s God.
Friday, April 16, 2010
All I Have to Say Is...
... Thank You, Thank You, Thank You, God!
I am so grateful. No, it’s not Gratitude Circle morning - that’s tomorrow - , but I sure am feeling grateful.
My gratitude stems from my soul being so very fed these recent months. So it’s not because everything is going as perfectly as I want them to in the outer world; it’s because I’m taking care of the inner.
It seems that feelings of gratitude beget feelings of gratitude, a wonderful upward spiral of delightful energy and frequency. My life is so rich, perhaps not financially, but in ways far more important and meaningful to me. It is simply a matter of time that that too will flow because of doing the work and feeling and expressing gratitude.
It is also true that when I’m not feeling gratitude so naturally, consciously focusing on what I am grateful for is a way to start getting me to feel that way and lift me up. That’s when I make a mental or written gratitude list, and my heart starts to soar once again.
All comes from Spirit
All comes from Source
My heart sings sweetly
When I stay on course.
I am so grateful. No, it’s not Gratitude Circle morning - that’s tomorrow - , but I sure am feeling grateful.
My gratitude stems from my soul being so very fed these recent months. So it’s not because everything is going as perfectly as I want them to in the outer world; it’s because I’m taking care of the inner.
It seems that feelings of gratitude beget feelings of gratitude, a wonderful upward spiral of delightful energy and frequency. My life is so rich, perhaps not financially, but in ways far more important and meaningful to me. It is simply a matter of time that that too will flow because of doing the work and feeling and expressing gratitude.
It is also true that when I’m not feeling gratitude so naturally, consciously focusing on what I am grateful for is a way to start getting me to feel that way and lift me up. That’s when I make a mental or written gratitude list, and my heart starts to soar once again.
All comes from Spirit
All comes from Source
My heart sings sweetly
When I stay on course.
Friday, April 9, 2010
The Truth
When I keep open my mind and heart to the wisdom of God, I no longer allow minor disturbances to confuse me. I see below surface appearances to what is true.
Take, for instance, my getting a bit perturbed the other day when I found out an acquaintance had not bothered consulting me about a project she was working on. Didn’t she know I had some connections?... Didn’t she know that I might have been able to help? I felt neglected and ‘less than’.
And, gratefully, Spirit woke me up to see ego at work. After all, I’m only an acquaintance to this woman... and I’m not the only person on the planet that might have some helpful knowledge or a good network of contacts. And, besides, I’m not particularly drawn to having this person in my life. So what’s this feeling of being slighted (as I saw it) about anyway? It’s nothing more than my ego wanting to be bolstered, massaged, given attention to. Ah-ha!
In practically an instant, I recognized what was going on and woke up! In my awakened heart, I wished this person well, blessed her success - and thanked her silently for being yet another conduit for me to learn about my inner world by looking at the outer.
God’s messages and messengers are all around me, inviting me to wake up to the Truth. And the Truth is that I am a holy child of God, powerful, loved, loving, and graced.
Thank You, God!
Take, for instance, my getting a bit perturbed the other day when I found out an acquaintance had not bothered consulting me about a project she was working on. Didn’t she know I had some connections?... Didn’t she know that I might have been able to help? I felt neglected and ‘less than’.
And, gratefully, Spirit woke me up to see ego at work. After all, I’m only an acquaintance to this woman... and I’m not the only person on the planet that might have some helpful knowledge or a good network of contacts. And, besides, I’m not particularly drawn to having this person in my life. So what’s this feeling of being slighted (as I saw it) about anyway? It’s nothing more than my ego wanting to be bolstered, massaged, given attention to. Ah-ha!
In practically an instant, I recognized what was going on and woke up! In my awakened heart, I wished this person well, blessed her success - and thanked her silently for being yet another conduit for me to learn about my inner world by looking at the outer.
God’s messages and messengers are all around me, inviting me to wake up to the Truth. And the Truth is that I am a holy child of God, powerful, loved, loving, and graced.
Thank You, God!
Monday, March 22, 2010
Inner Peace
“I am at peace when my heart and mind are on God.” - Today’s Daily Word, March 22, 2010
Yes, indeed. Ya know the only place I want to be is with God. Of course, I am always with God, and God with me - it cannot be any other way. But I’m not always focused on God. And when my heart and mind are not on God, life is often tough and I do not feel at peace.
It’s like there is this veil, sometimes thick, sometimes thin. I’m on one side, sometimes fairly awake, many times asleep, and God is always on the other side, fully present. I endeavor to get that veil as thin as possible through prayer, affirmation, meditation, sitting in the silence, etc.
I endeavor to keep my heart and mind staid on Thee. There I am in bliss, joy, and peace.
Yes, indeed. Ya know the only place I want to be is with God. Of course, I am always with God, and God with me - it cannot be any other way. But I’m not always focused on God. And when my heart and mind are not on God, life is often tough and I do not feel at peace.
It’s like there is this veil, sometimes thick, sometimes thin. I’m on one side, sometimes fairly awake, many times asleep, and God is always on the other side, fully present. I endeavor to get that veil as thin as possible through prayer, affirmation, meditation, sitting in the silence, etc.
I endeavor to keep my heart and mind staid on Thee. There I am in bliss, joy, and peace.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Looking for Love
Today my attention was brought to the metaphysical meaning of the word adulteress: looking for love in all the wrong places. Boy, does that resonant with me! And, I’d say that everyone I know at some time in their life has looked for love in the wrong places. Many, many people continue to do so.
It can take the form of alcoholism, co-dependency, obsession with money, expecting relationships to complete oneself... the list goes on and on and on.
Not knowing I was seeking God, where I looked for love included: food, work, reading, and romance.
I’d say we’ve all been adulterers or adulteresses more than once in this lifetime. But with great mercy and compassion we are urged to move forward and err no more. For after all, if I’m seeking Truth, what other guidance is there?
Today I am so much more conscious of my thoughts and behaviors - and my heart center. I endeavor to follow the words of Emmet Fox and many others: “We must not allow any consideration whatever, any institution, or organization, or any book, or any man or woman, to come between us and our direct seeking for God.” - The Sermon on the Mount by Emmet Fox, Page 136.
So in my ever expanding awakening, I find myself no longer looking for love in all the wrong places. I just look at me inside and there I find God.
It can take the form of alcoholism, co-dependency, obsession with money, expecting relationships to complete oneself... the list goes on and on and on.
Not knowing I was seeking God, where I looked for love included: food, work, reading, and romance.
I’d say we’ve all been adulterers or adulteresses more than once in this lifetime. But with great mercy and compassion we are urged to move forward and err no more. For after all, if I’m seeking Truth, what other guidance is there?
Today I am so much more conscious of my thoughts and behaviors - and my heart center. I endeavor to follow the words of Emmet Fox and many others: “We must not allow any consideration whatever, any institution, or organization, or any book, or any man or woman, to come between us and our direct seeking for God.” - The Sermon on the Mount by Emmet Fox, Page 136.
So in my ever expanding awakening, I find myself no longer looking for love in all the wrong places. I just look at me inside and there I find God.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Joy From Spirit
One of this morning’s readings was about laughter and it got me thinking...
Last night was weekly rehearsal time for the Mystic Choir. I experience such joy there. I feel joy not only in singing, but in our opening and closing prayer time, chatting with others before and after the rehearsal, the ‘hello’ hugs and the ‘good night’ ones, and in connecting to Spirit throughout this special time in a special sanctuary.
Laughter is another time of joy for me. I don’t get it on a prescribed, regular interval of the week, but when it comes my way, I grasp it. For laughter, like singing for me, is also a time to connect with others and God. It is a time of being so in the Now that I forget myself and just let me be.
There are times when laughter brings me to tears, tears of joy. And too, when the lyrics and/or the music of a song bring me to tears, my heart has been touched; I feel closer to God and joy.
Dear Spirit -
Thank You for the myriad of ways You open my heart to connect with myself, with others, and with You. Thank You for the joy You grace me with. Help me to be awake to the moments that lighten and open my heart and may the radiance and joy of Your love shine in me.
Last night was weekly rehearsal time for the Mystic Choir. I experience such joy there. I feel joy not only in singing, but in our opening and closing prayer time, chatting with others before and after the rehearsal, the ‘hello’ hugs and the ‘good night’ ones, and in connecting to Spirit throughout this special time in a special sanctuary.
Laughter is another time of joy for me. I don’t get it on a prescribed, regular interval of the week, but when it comes my way, I grasp it. For laughter, like singing for me, is also a time to connect with others and God. It is a time of being so in the Now that I forget myself and just let me be.
There are times when laughter brings me to tears, tears of joy. And too, when the lyrics and/or the music of a song bring me to tears, my heart has been touched; I feel closer to God and joy.
Dear Spirit -
Thank You for the myriad of ways You open my heart to connect with myself, with others, and with You. Thank You for the joy You grace me with. Help me to be awake to the moments that lighten and open my heart and may the radiance and joy of Your love shine in me.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Icing on the Cake
My life is rich. It didn’t take much to get it that way. I just needed to come back to me and to recommit to my #1 relationship – you know, the one with Spirit.
Now my heart is full. I’m enrolled in a spiritual psychology class, which being experiential allows me to get to know these other souls traveling on this particular path, and they me. I’m singing in a choir in which all members are walking a conscious spiritual path and actively engaged in the awakening process. I participate in a weekly circle of gratitude, where we each share from the heart and to the heart. I’m giving service to an organization that nourishes my soul.
My life is rich again because I am back in a heartfelt spiritual community. God’s presence is evident and It nourishes me.
And as I attend meetings, workshops, and events, getting to know the loving people God is putting on my path, I feel like I did when my life was rich as a single woman. In those days, I was extremely busy in my service work and spent more time alone with God than I have in recent years.
Things changed, and I moved from being single to being married – yes, after 49+ years on the planet this go around, I met my life partner 5+ years ago. I’ve had to learn to balance the three most important relationships in my life and it’s only recently that I kind of ‘got it.’
My life is rich with these relationships flourishing: Me and me, me and God, me and my husband. And, being part of a spiritual community brings these all together to make a most joyful, loving, meaningful life.
I recently wrote (blog of 03.11.10) “We are each individuals and the work we do to awaken to God’s grace is truly an inside job. Only I can do it for me, and having a loving partner along the way is icing on the cake. But I must remember that God is the cake and has to get baked first.”
On this day of my gratitude circle, I am grateful for this rich life which now includes the icing on the cake – my beloved Rog.
Now my heart is full. I’m enrolled in a spiritual psychology class, which being experiential allows me to get to know these other souls traveling on this particular path, and they me. I’m singing in a choir in which all members are walking a conscious spiritual path and actively engaged in the awakening process. I participate in a weekly circle of gratitude, where we each share from the heart and to the heart. I’m giving service to an organization that nourishes my soul.
My life is rich again because I am back in a heartfelt spiritual community. God’s presence is evident and It nourishes me.
And as I attend meetings, workshops, and events, getting to know the loving people God is putting on my path, I feel like I did when my life was rich as a single woman. In those days, I was extremely busy in my service work and spent more time alone with God than I have in recent years.
Things changed, and I moved from being single to being married – yes, after 49+ years on the planet this go around, I met my life partner 5+ years ago. I’ve had to learn to balance the three most important relationships in my life and it’s only recently that I kind of ‘got it.’
My life is rich with these relationships flourishing: Me and me, me and God, me and my husband. And, being part of a spiritual community brings these all together to make a most joyful, loving, meaningful life.
I recently wrote (blog of 03.11.10) “We are each individuals and the work we do to awaken to God’s grace is truly an inside job. Only I can do it for me, and having a loving partner along the way is icing on the cake. But I must remember that God is the cake and has to get baked first.”
On this day of my gratitude circle, I am grateful for this rich life which now includes the icing on the cake – my beloved Rog.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Nothing?
Nothing comes to mind about what to blog about this morning despite reading several pieces of spiritual literature. Have I nothing to say to God this morning? That is surely something to place in my blog.
Dear God -
Thank You for this day. As the early morning coffee brews and I move into my special time with Rog, I think of You and Your Grace. I thank You for Your many blessings.
As I go about this busy, exciting day of adventures, may I keep You in my mind and my heart. May I pause and take a deep breath whenever I want to get an extra stronger dose of Your Presence.
And, please help everyone to appreciate that all in this life is a blessing because all in life emanates from You, and You are indeed the greatest blessing of all.
Love, Joyce
Dear God -
Thank You for this day. As the early morning coffee brews and I move into my special time with Rog, I think of You and Your Grace. I thank You for Your many blessings.
As I go about this busy, exciting day of adventures, may I keep You in my mind and my heart. May I pause and take a deep breath whenever I want to get an extra stronger dose of Your Presence.
And, please help everyone to appreciate that all in this life is a blessing because all in life emanates from You, and You are indeed the greatest blessing of all.
Love, Joyce
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Patience and Faith
“Patience, patience, patience, is what the sea teaches. Patience and faith. One should lie empty, open, choice less as a beach – waiting for a gift from the sea." - A Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh
“Patience” is the word that Spirit whispered in my ear as I came towards the end of a conversation with Rog last night. Patience for what? Patience with him and for the spiritual journey he is on, patience with my own spiritual path, and patience with my ego.
There’s that part of me that wants answers and solutions immediately. And, that part would gladly dive into a quick-fix without weighing future repercussions.
Being patient with my ego, treating it kindly like a little kid, gives me a chance to breathe, slow down, and be in the now. I am able to open up what was a closing heart and enjoy some peace.
Inherent in this patience is the faith, the knowing, that Spirit sits with me while I wait and seek a solution that flows with ease and grace and is for the highest good of all.
“Patience” is the word that Spirit whispered in my ear as I came towards the end of a conversation with Rog last night. Patience for what? Patience with him and for the spiritual journey he is on, patience with my own spiritual path, and patience with my ego.
There’s that part of me that wants answers and solutions immediately. And, that part would gladly dive into a quick-fix without weighing future repercussions.
Being patient with my ego, treating it kindly like a little kid, gives me a chance to breathe, slow down, and be in the now. I am able to open up what was a closing heart and enjoy some peace.
Inherent in this patience is the faith, the knowing, that Spirit sits with me while I wait and seek a solution that flows with ease and grace and is for the highest good of all.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
An Attitude of Gratitude
“...we can shape our attitude moment by moment. Accepting responsibility for this is a major step in our recovery.
“I will be aware of the thoughts and feelings that shape my words and actions today, and strive to promote joy and gratitude.” – In God’s Care, February 28, 2010
I find it so powerful focusing on that which I am grateful for. It easily and quickly connects me consciously with Source and opens my heart to self and others. It places me in a state of grace, receiving all the good gifts I can enjoy freely in life (of which there are so many), with life itself as the fundamental gift.
It seems that grace and gratitude work in concert with one another: as I feel gratitude, more grace comes to me. And once again in that grace, I feel so connected to Spirit, with much gratitude in my heart.
Thank You, God, for an attitude of gratitude and Your unending grace.
“I will be aware of the thoughts and feelings that shape my words and actions today, and strive to promote joy and gratitude.” – In God’s Care, February 28, 2010
I find it so powerful focusing on that which I am grateful for. It easily and quickly connects me consciously with Source and opens my heart to self and others. It places me in a state of grace, receiving all the good gifts I can enjoy freely in life (of which there are so many), with life itself as the fundamental gift.
It seems that grace and gratitude work in concert with one another: as I feel gratitude, more grace comes to me. And once again in that grace, I feel so connected to Spirit, with much gratitude in my heart.
Thank You, God, for an attitude of gratitude and Your unending grace.
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