Winter Light

With the solstice occurring today, I gratefully am reminded that the shortest days of winter have passed. Spring is coming soon, new budding life on its way.

Now the days will be longer and more light will be upon us. And as new buds strive toward the light, I too strive towards the light of God. As light is the source in which fresh flowers are nourished, I too am nourished by the Light, God, my only Source.

There is Divine Order and all is well.

Journey

Yesterday’s Daily Word talked about Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem very likely being difficult, both physically and mentally, requiring a great deal of strength and stamina. Throughout their journey, they had faith in God. At the end of their travels they experienced pure joy, for a new life was born.

Here’s an excerpt:

Journey
I am on a divine journey of peace and joy.

In my journey through life, I may encounter moments that require greater strength and stamina. I may be learning a new skill or coping with a challenging circumstance. I receive strength of spirit and stamina in mind and heart as I trust in God as my guide. With God my way is clear and my journey secure. In God's presence, I experience a new life, filled with joy and everlasting peace.

With God, my path of life runs smoother, more joyful, and more meaningful. I choose to walk with God.

Taking Care

I’m grateful that when I felt myself starting to lose my peace this afternoon, I took a time out. This is a loving action on my part, and my soul was thrilled... after all, the break was to nourish my spirit and connect more finely with God.

I read some spiritual literature, words by Emmet Fox, and was caught by the affirmation “I am surrounded by the Love and Peace of God.” Repeating this over and over with my eyes closed, I relaxed. Fifteen minutes or so later, I felt refreshed and ready to move forward in my work.

I’ve learned many tools to make my day flow more easily and joyfully, but I don’t always employ them. The main reason is usually “I’m too busy.” But this is deadly, for without nourishing my soul and my relationship with God, I deteriorate mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. And, life just ain’t fun (neither am I).

Dear Spirit –
Thank You for my knowledge of the many ways I can nurture my relationship with my soul and You, and for the willingness to take care and do so.

Under the Tree

“He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.” – Anonymous

Not growing up as a Christian and being an atheist, I nevertheless was still interested in the spirit of the season. I decided as a young adult that Christmas was a time to celebrate love, joy, and friendship. It started including giving of gifts, often very much from the heart, but sometimes out of a feeling of obligation.

As I moved into a spiritual life after “coming to believe,” and my heart opened to God and people, Christmas became more and more about love and joy, now looked at as spiritual qualities. The material world of holiday shopping and gift-giving paled compared to the spiritual world’s gifts of the heart.

In these quickly and severely changing times in the world, the material has less meaning to me, and relationships are clearly more important than any item I can touch and wrap. During this holiday season - and any time really - the best gift I can give to others is my presence. That is, to be attentive, a good listener, compassionate, and uplifting. To be present in body, mind, and spirit. To come from a place of heart. This cannot be bought or found under a tree - joy and love can only be found through Spirit.

Miracles

“Where there is great love there are always miracles.” – Willa Cather

And, where there are miracles, there is God. A miracle is a change in perception - God and love are instrumental in effecting that.

Dear Spirit of the Most High –
Enfold me in Your Love and Your Grace so that I may perceive and be transformed by the countless miracles that abound. Thank You, thank You, thank You.

Alone - Not!

Daily Thoughts from Guideposts, December 16, 2009
A Time to Think
“This is the message of Christmas: We are never alone.” - Taylor Caldwell (1900-1985), English novelist.

To Act
“Whenever disappointment or anxiety come, repeat: "I am not alone."”

My tag line for my business as The Computer Therapist and more recently for The Computer Spirit has always been “You are not alone.” This statement has great meaning for me...

Before I walked into the 12 Step community almost 20 years ago, I often felt alone in this vast world. With no belief in God, trying to manage my life and my relationships with my limited (if any) power, there were times when I felt so alone that I imagined that I could drop dead in my studio apartment in NYC, and no one would noticed until I didn’t show up for work for several days. Quite a sorry situation.

But – when I met the loving, caring, honest, service-oriented folks in OA, and came to believe in a Power greater than myself, such a sad, desperate outlook shifted in a huge way. With a changed perspective on people and the world and Spirit with me 24/7, I came to believe that I am never alone.

At Christmas, I am never alone, for the Light that was born two thousand years ago still shines throughout the world and in each and every one of us. And, when I am disappointed or anxious, I can always make contact with Spirit.

Indeed I am never alone for Spirit is always with me - for that I will be forever grateful.

Me Too!

“Great joy and satisfaction come from expressing love, compassion and generosity. Since I cannot fully express these qualities while holding resentment against another, I strengthen my spiritual practice through forgiveness.” - Daily Word, Sunday, December 13, 2009

I cannot fully express the qualities of love, compassion and generosity while holding resentment against myself either! And, I can forgive and start anew at any time.

Thank You, God, for Your healing of me - body, mind, and spirit. I go out into the world expressing love, compassion, and generosity... expressing the qualities of You.