In a recent Daily Guideposts, Roberta Messner talked about how giving to others in a variety of ways lessened her chronic physical pain from an incurable disorder. Her doctor told her that her discovery was supported by both the Bible and medical science. “Giving releases endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, Roberta. Studies have actually shown that volunteers, some of the most devoted givers of all, lead happier, healthier and longer lives.”
In another recent Daily Guideposts (01.23.10) I read the following prayer: “Dear Lord, help me do one thing today that brings someone farther away from a problem and closer to a solution.”
When I was very actively doing service in OA, there is no doubt that I felt happier and more fulfilled as I helped my peers live in the solution for their eating disorder problem. It was an honor and a privilege to serve. In my giving of myself, my self was receiving - a lovely, loving loop of giving and receiving in action. My own recovery was enhanced, my connection to Spirit strengthened, my channel clearer, my heart open.
Service is always a great way to quiet the ego, let God in, and shine my light to help others. As I set my intentions for moving my life and purpose forward, I enthusiastically (“with God”) give of myself. I am blessed as I bless others.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Messages Out There
I was once again reminded through my readings this morning that God is always with me in every fiber of my being, in every situation. That idea, with the notion that I create my world, gave rise to an epiphany.
Especially during the past year I have gotten into fear about our financial situation, imagining that we would fall into a life like the homeless people who graced the sidewalks of New York where I lived for the first 41 years of my life. I figured that any person could land up homeless and penniless, and I was no exception. I could let my imagination run wild and get into a mighty tizzy. But I missed some key thoughts, some distinctions that set me aside from those folks...
Like, I have the awareness of the power I have to create my own world, and with God, I really do create my life. Like, positive thinking is uplifting and makes a huge difference in my life. Like, I have people in my life that offered us a place to stay. And, from another standpoint, if I am seeing homeless people in the outside world it is a projection of something going on within me. There is no out there out there. I need to address the message and heal.
“If man understood that "what I create has nothing to do with what anybody else is creating" then he wouldn't be so afraid of what others are doing.” - Abraham (Excerpted from the 11.14.98 El Paso, TX workshop #335)
I once again realized that I need not be in fear (false evidence appearing real) because #1, a loving God is always with me, and #2, looking at other people’s lives and comparing mine to theirs does not serve me well. We are each on our own path, making our choices, learning the lessons we came into this current lifetime to learn.
It only serves me well to look at the ‘outside’ world as a learning tool on my journey of waking up. Each person, place, and situation is an opportunity to increase my consciousness one minute at a time. Everything is a blessing and all is well.
Especially during the past year I have gotten into fear about our financial situation, imagining that we would fall into a life like the homeless people who graced the sidewalks of New York where I lived for the first 41 years of my life. I figured that any person could land up homeless and penniless, and I was no exception. I could let my imagination run wild and get into a mighty tizzy. But I missed some key thoughts, some distinctions that set me aside from those folks...
Like, I have the awareness of the power I have to create my own world, and with God, I really do create my life. Like, positive thinking is uplifting and makes a huge difference in my life. Like, I have people in my life that offered us a place to stay. And, from another standpoint, if I am seeing homeless people in the outside world it is a projection of something going on within me. There is no out there out there. I need to address the message and heal.
“If man understood that "what I create has nothing to do with what anybody else is creating" then he wouldn't be so afraid of what others are doing.” - Abraham (Excerpted from the 11.14.98 El Paso, TX workshop #335)
I once again realized that I need not be in fear (false evidence appearing real) because #1, a loving God is always with me, and #2, looking at other people’s lives and comparing mine to theirs does not serve me well. We are each on our own path, making our choices, learning the lessons we came into this current lifetime to learn.
It only serves me well to look at the ‘outside’ world as a learning tool on my journey of waking up. Each person, place, and situation is an opportunity to increase my consciousness one minute at a time. Everything is a blessing and all is well.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Relinquishment
I was reminded about trusting Spirit in an article by Catherine Marshall about the Law of Relinquishment, in essence, acceptance and surrender.
She says that "not even the Master Shepherd can lead if the sheep have not trust and insist on running ahead of Him or taking side paths or just stubbornly refusing to follow Him." How true - how can God help me if I have not trust in Him? The self-will must be given over to God.
“The Prayer of Relinquishment... does not let us lie down in the dust of a godless universe and steel ourselves just for the worst. Rather it says: "This is my situation at the moment. I'll face the reality of it. But I'll also accept willingly whatever a loving Father sends." Acceptance therefore never slams the door on hope.”
And for sure, getting into fear about a situation doesn’t help. “Fear is like a screen erected between us and God, so that His power cannot get through to us.” When we relinquish fear, God and His power - the supreme reality - fear evaporates. Once again, I’m either living in fear or I’m living in faith.
Dear Spirit -
You are my Source, my loving, all powerful Father. May I trust in You in all things, relinquishing my ego so that I may align with Your will, do Your good works, and dwell in peace.
She says that "not even the Master Shepherd can lead if the sheep have not trust and insist on running ahead of Him or taking side paths or just stubbornly refusing to follow Him." How true - how can God help me if I have not trust in Him? The self-will must be given over to God.
“The Prayer of Relinquishment... does not let us lie down in the dust of a godless universe and steel ourselves just for the worst. Rather it says: "This is my situation at the moment. I'll face the reality of it. But I'll also accept willingly whatever a loving Father sends." Acceptance therefore never slams the door on hope.”
And for sure, getting into fear about a situation doesn’t help. “Fear is like a screen erected between us and God, so that His power cannot get through to us.” When we relinquish fear, God and His power - the supreme reality - fear evaporates. Once again, I’m either living in fear or I’m living in faith.
Dear Spirit -
You are my Source, my loving, all powerful Father. May I trust in You in all things, relinquishing my ego so that I may align with Your will, do Your good works, and dwell in peace.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
On the Path
“Lord, light my way along Your path so that all I do leads me toward the destination You have in mind.” - Daily Guideposts Prayer, January 27, 2010
Lighting the way along my path, Spirit has provided me with wonderful teachers. They come in many forms, with some that unfold as a challenge and many others as love. All are blessings in my life to grow me spiritually, to wake me up.
Yesterday I started working with a new one in a very conscious, intentional way. I’m helping BK design and build her website, and she is helping me heal, open my heart, and get clear about what I came here to do. It is a wonderful, rich exchange of energy. And while I look forward to discovering what God’s destination is for me, I am so enjoying and grateful for this light along the journey in the form of BK.
Thank You, Spirit, for the wonderful blessings in my life of people, places, and things. Thank You for the light you shine along my way in my journey of growing closer to You - and me.
Lighting the way along my path, Spirit has provided me with wonderful teachers. They come in many forms, with some that unfold as a challenge and many others as love. All are blessings in my life to grow me spiritually, to wake me up.
Yesterday I started working with a new one in a very conscious, intentional way. I’m helping BK design and build her website, and she is helping me heal, open my heart, and get clear about what I came here to do. It is a wonderful, rich exchange of energy. And while I look forward to discovering what God’s destination is for me, I am so enjoying and grateful for this light along the journey in the form of BK.
Thank You, Spirit, for the wonderful blessings in my life of people, places, and things. Thank You for the light you shine along my way in my journey of growing closer to You - and me.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Ways to Understand
“Fear of the unknown is natural, but it lessens as we mature in our spiritual life. “- In God’s Care, January 27, 2010
Since I ‘came to believe’ almost 20 years ago, I no longer feel that awful ache inside that I am alone - God is always with me. Where there is faith, fear cannot dwell. As I mature in my faith and spirituality, fear lessens.
I’ve learned too that there are many other entities with me as well. There is so very much going on in the unseen world, there are so many beings only too glad to help with me with living life and my spiritual growth.
I know quite a few people who are able to hear the messages from God and their other unseen friends and who are able to easily communicate back and forth, piercing the veil. I envy them - I just seem so blocked in being able to hear their guidance despite my yearning to be in conscious contact with them.
So I have developed the practice of greeting them in the morning, and saying goodnight to them when my head hits the pillow at the end of the day (and “acting as if” as much as possible). I have been praying to them - and Spirit - to release any blockages I might have and to provide a clear channel for me to hear them. The issue lays with me, not them.
Last night at the Unity of Sedona Mystic Choir’s rehearsal, we practiced a number of songs by Rickie Byars Beckwith. This morning during meditation I realized that Spirit had provided me with better languaging in my search to more readily ‘hear the voices’ of It and my angels, guides, etc.
“How can I serve today, sweet Spirit?
How can I serve, oh Lord?
Speak in ways that I will understand
Where You lead me, I will follow
Where You lead me, I will go.”
- Lyrics by Rickie Byars Beckwith
Thank You, Spirit! Thanks to all of my other unseen friends!
Since I ‘came to believe’ almost 20 years ago, I no longer feel that awful ache inside that I am alone - God is always with me. Where there is faith, fear cannot dwell. As I mature in my faith and spirituality, fear lessens.
I’ve learned too that there are many other entities with me as well. There is so very much going on in the unseen world, there are so many beings only too glad to help with me with living life and my spiritual growth.
I know quite a few people who are able to hear the messages from God and their other unseen friends and who are able to easily communicate back and forth, piercing the veil. I envy them - I just seem so blocked in being able to hear their guidance despite my yearning to be in conscious contact with them.
So I have developed the practice of greeting them in the morning, and saying goodnight to them when my head hits the pillow at the end of the day (and “acting as if” as much as possible). I have been praying to them - and Spirit - to release any blockages I might have and to provide a clear channel for me to hear them. The issue lays with me, not them.
Last night at the Unity of Sedona Mystic Choir’s rehearsal, we practiced a number of songs by Rickie Byars Beckwith. This morning during meditation I realized that Spirit had provided me with better languaging in my search to more readily ‘hear the voices’ of It and my angels, guides, etc.
“How can I serve today, sweet Spirit?
How can I serve, oh Lord?
Speak in ways that I will understand
Where You lead me, I will follow
Where You lead me, I will go.”
- Lyrics by Rickie Byars Beckwith
Thank You, Spirit! Thanks to all of my other unseen friends!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Surprises and Blessings
“I look forward to the surprises that come my way. I may see some as treasures and some as challenges but I can be sure that each surprise blesses me and opens my life to unexpected good.” - Daily Word, Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Reading this excerpt got me thinking about the recent surprises God has given me.
Yesterday I received notice of the royalties I am to receive for the Microsoft® Office Outlook 2003: Essentials Course book I co-authored years ago. Since this version of the software has been updated, I wasn’t expecting much of anything and was even open to no royalties at all. Surprise - I am going to receive a check and it is actually for more than the prior payment! It may not be enough to pay the rent but it sure is a nice chunk of change at this point in our financial life. The surprise was fun and it surely is a blessing; I am grateful.
Speaking of money, we received an unexpected refund check the other day. And, a client has come up with more work for me. Surprise, surprise. Abundance.
There’s also been the surprise of reconnecting with an old OA member who I met when I first was in ‘the rooms’ in NY. And, it turns out she needed some computer software guidance, so I was able to be of service to her. Surprise, surprise. It is always a blessing to be of service.
I suppose I could come up with more surprises AKA blessings that have surfaced in recent days. Like making a gratitude list where there is always another thing to be grateful for, each surprise opens me up and blesses me.
“Life is filled with surprises, both big and small. They may come through an unexpected phone call from a friend, exciting news of a new opportunity, or a surprise invitation to an event. Each surprise bears its own gift and blessing.
“I am open to life's surprises and to the unforeseen treasures that come my way. As I become receptive, I release any expectations about how my life will unfold, for I know that God is in charge.” - Daily Word, Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Reading this excerpt got me thinking about the recent surprises God has given me.
Yesterday I received notice of the royalties I am to receive for the Microsoft® Office Outlook 2003: Essentials Course book I co-authored years ago. Since this version of the software has been updated, I wasn’t expecting much of anything and was even open to no royalties at all. Surprise - I am going to receive a check and it is actually for more than the prior payment! It may not be enough to pay the rent but it sure is a nice chunk of change at this point in our financial life. The surprise was fun and it surely is a blessing; I am grateful.
Speaking of money, we received an unexpected refund check the other day. And, a client has come up with more work for me. Surprise, surprise. Abundance.
There’s also been the surprise of reconnecting with an old OA member who I met when I first was in ‘the rooms’ in NY. And, it turns out she needed some computer software guidance, so I was able to be of service to her. Surprise, surprise. It is always a blessing to be of service.
I suppose I could come up with more surprises AKA blessings that have surfaced in recent days. Like making a gratitude list where there is always another thing to be grateful for, each surprise opens me up and blesses me.
“Life is filled with surprises, both big and small. They may come through an unexpected phone call from a friend, exciting news of a new opportunity, or a surprise invitation to an event. Each surprise bears its own gift and blessing.
“I am open to life's surprises and to the unforeseen treasures that come my way. As I become receptive, I release any expectations about how my life will unfold, for I know that God is in charge.” - Daily Word, Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
Waking Up
For centuries, the idea has been around that our thoughts create our life, that we are living in a dream, and that the outer world is a reflection of but the inner world. Nothing has changed - that Truth remains. It is a call to wake up.
“Circumstance does not make me, it reveals me.” - William James
“By choosing your thoughts, and by selecting which emotional currents you will release and which you will reinforce, you determine the quality of your Light. You determine the effects that you will have upon others, and the nature of the experiences of your life. “- Gary Zukav (from "Seat of the Soul")
“All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream.” - Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849)
“When one realizes one is asleep, at that moment one is already half-awake.” - P. D. Ouspensky (1878-1947)
“You are given the gifts of the gods, you create your reality according to you beliefs. Yours is the creative energy that makes your world. There are no limitations to the self except those you believe in.” - Seth (As channeled by Jane Roberts in “The Nature Of Personal Reality, Chap. 22, Session 677”)
“If we understood the power of our thoughts, we would guard them more closely. If we understood the awesome power of our words, we would prefer silence to almost anything negative. In our thoughts and words we create our own weaknesses and our own strengths. Our limitations and joys begin in our hearts. We can always replace negative with positive.” - Bettie Eadie (from “Embraced By the Light”)
“At times, I may get sidetracked, focusing on the ways in which my life appears to be flawed. In that frame of mind, I feel disconnected and discontented. But as I become aware of my disharmony, I can make adjustments.
“Just as musicians must listen carefully and bring their voices into alignment to create harmony, I, too, must listen in order to bring myself into alignment with Spirit. When I am in sync with God, harmony is the inspiring result. I am blessed and at peace.” - Daily Word, January 25, 2010
I take full responsibility for my life, and desire to be in alignment with Spirit. With God’s guidance and grace, I wake up from the dream of suffering and duality, to be the True Essence that I really am.
“Circumstance does not make me, it reveals me.” - William James
“By choosing your thoughts, and by selecting which emotional currents you will release and which you will reinforce, you determine the quality of your Light. You determine the effects that you will have upon others, and the nature of the experiences of your life. “- Gary Zukav (from "Seat of the Soul")
“All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream.” - Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849)
“When one realizes one is asleep, at that moment one is already half-awake.” - P. D. Ouspensky (1878-1947)
“You are given the gifts of the gods, you create your reality according to you beliefs. Yours is the creative energy that makes your world. There are no limitations to the self except those you believe in.” - Seth (As channeled by Jane Roberts in “The Nature Of Personal Reality, Chap. 22, Session 677”)
“If we understood the power of our thoughts, we would guard them more closely. If we understood the awesome power of our words, we would prefer silence to almost anything negative. In our thoughts and words we create our own weaknesses and our own strengths. Our limitations and joys begin in our hearts. We can always replace negative with positive.” - Bettie Eadie (from “Embraced By the Light”)
“At times, I may get sidetracked, focusing on the ways in which my life appears to be flawed. In that frame of mind, I feel disconnected and discontented. But as I become aware of my disharmony, I can make adjustments.
“Just as musicians must listen carefully and bring their voices into alignment to create harmony, I, too, must listen in order to bring myself into alignment with Spirit. When I am in sync with God, harmony is the inspiring result. I am blessed and at peace.” - Daily Word, January 25, 2010
I take full responsibility for my life, and desire to be in alignment with Spirit. With God’s guidance and grace, I wake up from the dream of suffering and duality, to be the True Essence that I really am.
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