Thursday, December 31, 2009

Gratitude

It’s far later than I wanted to be up this New Year’s Eve, tired as I am from a full day. Nonetheless, as I contemplate the ending of the year 2009 and the first decade of the millennium, what comes to mind is the word gratitude. So, instead of reflecting on the old and projecting the new (I’ll leave that for tomorrow), I’m writing out a gratitude list.

As I sit here, in this moment at the end of an adventurous year, I am grateful for:

- God’s presence in my life
- Rog, my Life Partner, twin flame, husband
- Our lovely, character-filled home in our new home town of Sedona
- Good health
- Dear friends of old
- Budding relationships with spiritually like-minded folks
- Building community
- Wonderfully working partnership with first client in Sedona (totally a ‘God thing’)
- Moving forward in my spiritual path
- Singing in a choir
- The community, education, and family Unity of Sedona provides
- Increasing client projects

Gratitude for material objects runs a far second to relationships in my life, be they spiritual, personal, business, social, etc. All starts and comes from Source, and as one year closes and another moves in, I set the intention to remember this.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

The Hunt

Hunting God is a great adventure. – Marie De Floris

When I finally “came to believe”, it was through synchronicity, i.e., there is no such thing as coincidence. Since that huge turning point in my life, I have been hunting for God and it is indeed a great adventure. I can never tell what will happen, who I’ll meet, what “ah-ha’s” might come my way, etc.

I’m always tickled when a synchronistic event takes place as it is evidence for me that God does indeed exist and that God is in my life. I love to be on the lookout for these events and for the miracles that say “I am here in your midst. You are not alone.”

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Looking to God

“We may still fear the outcome of a situation because we’re not certain God wants the same things for us that we want. But by recalling our past, when God’s direction has brought us where we need to be, we can rest our mind and turn our life over again.” – In God’s Care, December 29

‘Tis true... When I get into fear about something in the present - well, no (not the present, for all is well in the Now) – the future, I simply have to go back to the past and see how God took care of me. This past year has been quite an adventure, and quite a demonstration of God blessing me and showering me with grace. When I look at my life these days - my physical surroundings, my relationships, my community - there is no doubt that God has had quite a hand in the unfolding of it all. I am grateful.

So, what insanity makes me think that God would drop me now? That God would not continue blessing me and taking care of me?

The ego is a cunning, devious entity and it surely took hold over me big time last week. And with all the fear it generated, it still did not keep Spirit from gracing me and taking care of me.

May I keep a steadfast gaze on Thee, my Source, and may Thy will be my will. I turn my will and my life over to the care of God over (and over and over...) again. And so it is.

Monday, December 28, 2009

Time and Spirit

I’ve been wishing people a happy new year – and decade! Yes, we are ten years into the new millennium although I don’t quite know how that happened...

Some questions crossed my mind just a few minutes ago: “How strongly has my relationship with Spirit deepened over the last decade?” “What about the last year?” And, “What would I like my relationship with God to look like in this new year?”

This time of year is often one where one takes time to reflect back – and forward – on the direction of their life. I cannot think of a subject more important to reflect on than that of my relationship with and understanding of Spirit.

As I move into the new year, it is my great desire to spend a lot more time consciously with Spirit, strengthening my connection, hearing guidance more often and more clearly, and following it with ease and grace. It is my wish that my heart open wider for both myself and my fellows; that is where I feel the Presence.

As the old year and decade fade away and as the new increasingly draw nigh on the horizon, may I remember that Spirit is timeless - and always with me.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Guidance

I came upon the following steps regarding how to receive God’s guidance and thought them quite sound. My prayer is to remember and practice them!

How to Receive God's Guidance
by Norman Vincent Peale

Often we're in situations where we need guidance on a particular problem, or maybe we just need help getting through our everyday struggles. These simple steps will help.

1. Say, "Be still, and know that I am God," aloud three times.
This will make you aware of God’s presence.

2. Be humble.
Humility is necessary for spiritual wisdom. It is God's wisdom you want, not your own. Only with the spirit of the child, teachable and willing to learn, does guidance come. So, put everything in His hands.

3. Open your mind.
Let go your desires, your preconceived notions, your obsessions, your fixed opinions. These represent your wisdom, or lack of it, and what you want is God's wisdom. Your mind must be emptied of error before it can be filled with truth.

4. Ask God to fill your mind with the understanding and ideas you need.
Close your eyes and listen, really listen.

5. If you have a specific problem, write it on paper.
Then, actually holding it up, as though offering it to God, say, "Lord, I want only to do Your will. Here is my problem. Show me what to do and I will do exactly as I am shown."

6. Pray this prayer.
Dear Lord,
I rest my mind in Your mind. Let it be full of Your great thoughts. I want to live and think and act only as You would have me do. Fill my mind to overflowing with spiritual insights, with true wisdom. May I think as You think. Your guidance is now coming to me in this problem and will ultimately come in all problems. Help me to know that I can never go wrong doing right. Amen.


7. Commit this verse to memory:
"Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory." (Psalm 73:24)

8. Remain humble, practice and believe.

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Musings Day After Christmas

This year Christmas has surely not been about physical gift-giving. But it has been very rich indeed – and it’s only just begun.

We had a lovely time at the Wyer Family Christmas gathering last Sunday in Tempe. It was the first time Rog, me, and all three of his children were together in 1-1/2+ years. I’m hoping it won’t take us that long to get together for the next fun time.

Rog and I are having friends visit us in beautiful Sedona from various parts – and they’d have visited anyway even if it weren’t for the holiday. However, we realize that living in Sedona makes it more appealing to some folks to come to us rather us to them – that’s just fine with us!

We spent yesterday with friends we met via the Gilbert Spirituality group we had started up more than a year ago. They’re snowbirds and have been out of the state since April. It was time for them to head east to the warm climate of Phoenix, which made it our good fortune to get to spend Christmas Day with them.

We broke bread together in a potluck of goodies contributed to by all, caught up somewhat on our lives, and pitched in for KP duty. It was like we were living together for a brief time and working together as a team. I so enjoy that coming together in helping one another and find joy, love, peace, and harmony there. What a gift!

We have another couple arriving this afternoon for one overnight and there is no doubt the conversation will be rich as they’re recently returned from a spiritual conference and are overflowing with enthusiasm and passion to share their experience. Tomorrow morning we’ll attend Unity together.

And, Monday afternoon friends from Tucson will arrive for a 2-night stay with a daughter visiting from New York, my old hometown. She is an artist and being in Sedona will be a special gift for her and meeting her will be a gift for us. The days are sure to fly by with rich conversation and shared experiences.

Spending time in meaningful conversation and connection with spiritually like-minded folks in our life is a gift that cannot compare to receiving any material object. It is a wonderful way to end the year and begin the next decade.

Dear Spirit of the Most High –
Thank You for the many gifts you bestow upon me at Christmastime and every day. Your love shines through all who are in my life, most of all my beloved Roger. May my gratitude and appreciation not be sidetracked by ego forays into the future, but may I stay in the moment, knowing that all is well. I move forward to enjoy Your gifts – especially Your Presence - every day. Thank You, thank You, thank You!

Friday, December 25, 2009

For Everyone

I didn’t grow up in a religious household but I was a curious, philosophical child and briefly explored the religion of my parents. However, by the time I was 16 years old, I was a devout atheist. 19 years later I “came to believe” and thus was rekindled my conscious quest to know and be close to the God of my understanding.

In that quest, I have explored an array of ideas and have come to know the Judeo-Christian ideology to some degree. This has been gleaned mostly via the perspective of New Thought thinkers, and has pointed me towards the Bible.

And so it is now, on this particular Christmas Day, that I feel moved to express my belief that The Christ is for everyone. This belief stems not from my becoming an evangelical Christian and trying to proselytize; in fact, I still claim no religion. It just seems to me that the Christ is apart from Jesus from a religious perspective. Jesus was “The Christ” – and so am I and so are you. So what does this mean?

The word Christ is often misunderstood to be the surname of Jesus due to the numerous mentions of Jesus Christ in the Christian Bible; the word is in fact used as a title.

However, it refers to higher consciousness. The term Christ consciousness is similar to other spiritual traditions to denote the consciousness of a human being who has reached a higher level of evolutionary development and who has come to know Reality as it is. It’s called the super consciousness (Yoga), objective consciousness (Gurdjieff), Buddhic consciousness (Theosophy), cosmic consciousness, and God-consciousness (Sufism and Hinduism).

The Christ is a quality, a divine quality, that dwells within each and every one of us. It is not about religion. Christ Consciousness is about being perpetually in unison with Spirit, drawing sustenance from Spirit and operating in the physical world as if God and ‘His’ laws mattered.

As I strive to wake up more and more each day, I get closer to realizing The Christ that I am. The same applies to you.

The Christ is for everyone – it is who we are. So, Merry Christmas to everyone!

Thursday, December 24, 2009

The Promise

I was poignantly reminded once again that I am not alone and that God is always with me. This time it was through reading of Madeleine L’Engles’ own trying experience and the Bible story that helped her get through that challenge. The story turned out to sound familiar to me despite my not being raised with the Bible.

It’s the amazing story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. These three young men refused to bow down to an idol, and King Nebuchadnezzar was so furious that he ordered them to be thrown into a furnace so hot that the soldiers who threw them in were killed by the heat.

But Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego stood there in the flames, unhurt, and sang a song of praise of all creation.

King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and asked, "Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?" They answered, "True, O King." He replied, "But I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt, and the appearance of the fourth is like the Son of God."

And that, perhaps, is the most astounding part of the whole story. God did not take Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego out of the fiery furnace. God was in the flames with them.

The promise has never been safety, or that bad things would not happen if we were good and virtuous. The promise is only that God is in it with us, no matter what it is.

As I go through my dark times, I can endeavor to remember this Bible story and choose to believe the promise: God is with me always and sees me through all situations.

At this season of light, may I remember that the Light of God shines in me, through me and around me. God is with me always.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Evening Prayer

Dear Spirit –

As I get ready for bed, I pray that I will sleep well and awaken refreshed with a song in my heart, feeling Your Presence, Your peace.

May I fall asleep easily and with the deep knowing in my heart that all is well, for You are with me always. What more could I need? What could I lack? Nothing, nothing, nothing.

You are my Source. Help me to trust as silly as that sounds: trusting that which is my Source, that which created me. But it is true, and I need Your help - always.

I am grateful to always have You to talk to, and I am blessed with all that You have given me.

I go to bed feeling surrounded by Your Divine love and peace. Thank You.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Tranquility

Dear God –

Help me!

Help me to take care of my soul, to make nourishing it and my relationship with You a priority. Only then can I be an instrument of peace and love and joy for You. Only then can I dwell in the peace that is mine by Divine Right.


After spending some desperately needed time in the Silence this morning, I read today’s Daily Word – its message was synchronistic. Thank You, God!

Daily Word, Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Tranquility

I relax into the renewing peace and calm of God.

Just as I feel refreshed after a good night's sleep, I am rejuvenated during quiet times of reflection and communion with God. My time apart may be a quiet hour in a serene place or single moments focused on God in the midst of seeming chaos.

I turn inward to the place of peace that reveals God to me. I relax. With each moment of silence and with each calming breath, I am aware of the wholeness that I am. Cares slip away, and I am at peace.

In this season when winter nights grow longer and nature comes into its time of rest, I respond in kind. I relax into the renewing peace and calm of God. Tranquility is the blessing of my time apart, and I carry it with me through every moment of this day.

He said to them, "Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while."--Mark 6:31

Monday, December 21, 2009

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.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

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.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

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.

Friday, December 18, 2009

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.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

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.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

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.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

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.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Converting Energy

I was surprised to read Dr. Norman Vincent Peale talking about energy. He writes:

“You can actually make worry work for you. If worry attacks you, you may as well make use of it. Instead of letting worry be destructive turn it into a constructive use. Worry is an energy, a form of energy. When you worry you are using energy destructively. When you are practicing faith you are using energy constructively. So make worry work for you. Make it work for you by letting it make you think straight.”
- Set Worry Straight, with Faith


Dr. Peale says that when we worry our mind is thrown off balance. It is hot and it needs to be cool so we can use the power that God gave us.

I know that worry and faith cannot coexist and I opt to be in faith and not in fear.

Dear Spirit –
When I fall into fear and worry, please give me the comfort of Your presence and the confidence to trust You. May I convert negative energy into positive energy to help me live in this world of illusion, knowing that Your goodness, love, and abundance are always with me regardless of appearances. Please calm my mind, bring peace to my heart, and strengthen my spirit so that I may live in joy. Show me Your way and help me to follow it. So it is. Thank You.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

The Voice

It seems that as soon as I start looking at the monthly financials, my ego’s energy is boosted and fear moves right into my mind. It’s so easy for me to forget the true Source of all my wealth, to give power to a number, to believe in the illusion. I’m so sick of this game of my ego easing God out.

Dear Spirit of the Most High -

Please remain grounded in my heart and give me the strength to turn off the voice of the ego and hear the voice of love – Your Voice, Your Love. That is truly all there is. I am grateful.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Saturday Morning Prayer

Dear God-

Thank You for this day, thank You for this life.

As I go about this day, may all flow with ease and grace. In addressing projects that are not particularly appealing, may I complete them quickly and joyfully. And, with the work that I find enriching, fun, and creative, may I feel joy in greater abundance. In either case, I know You are with me - may I exult in that.

Regardless of the weather outside and even the lovely house in which my physical body calls home, may I pay attention to my inner world. May I know You and feel Your Presence throughout this day and all its happenings. May I know peace.

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You. And so it is.

Friday, December 11, 2009

My Heart & God

"Your Heart and God’s Heart are One and the Same.
Listen to your Heart and you will surely hear the Voice of God."
- www.thevoiceforlove.com

When I go not to my intellect, but to my heart, there is where I find my hunches and my connection to Spirit.

After a recent discussion with Rog, I’ve been realizing that when ideas come to me, they’re coming not from me. Rather, God is communicating with me - I’m hearing God - something I’ve thought wasn’t happening and I was bemoaning. I get it: this is my intuition coming through - what fun! And, I feel closer to Spirit when I pause and make this realization.

God is closer than my breath. God is in my heart. I am so grateful.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Serving God

“Always let your prayer take the form of thanksgiving, on the assumption that God is giving you great and wonderful things.” - Dr. Norman Vincent Peale

My prayers are not to be about what I want, but about realizing that God is Source and that all that I receive from Spirit is a blessing and worthy of thanks. And so I start my prayers off acknowledging Source and Its greatness, then expressing gratitude. When I am in fit condition, I am ready to be of service to Spirit.

After all, isn’t that what life is truly about - being the hands and voice of God so that I can help others?

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

The Two F's

“Face every situation with faith in your heart.” - Daily Guideposts, December 9, 2009

It’s interesting that this uplifting, affirmative quote made me think of a contrary, but remarkably related one: “F--k Everything And Run” and its more gentler companion, “False Evidence Appearing Real”, the word fear being the acronym for each.

Faith and fear are opposites, and these expressions convey that. When I’m in faith, believing in Spirit, I truly can face every situation. Without faith in my heart, fear can easily set in and my willingness and ability to face any situation becomes dubious. Faith and fear cannot exist simultaneously and so I’m always at choice.

My spiritual practice strives to strengthen the faith in my heart and thereby weaken fear, along with ego.

Dear Spirit-
I thank You that the prescription for fear is faith.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Touched

What a delight to start my day (after meditation) reading an interview of Martha Williamson, the Executive Producer and Head Writer of the long-running TV show “Touched By An Angel.”

I loved watching that show and am grateful that I “came to believe” (four years before) in time to do so. It amazed me that such a subject matter would be broadcasted on a major network, and the message repeatedly offered one that resonated with my own philosophy. It did not preach and it was about faith and spirituality, not religion.

Beliefnet.com asked Ms. Williamson “What was the most important message of the show?” Her reply was “: God exists, God loves you, God wants to be part of your life, and He is there to have a personal relationship with if you seek Him.”

The aforementioned is a mighty powerful message, just like the Great Mystery Itself. And, the idea of having a personal relationship with God is one that I hadn’t often hear people talking about. However, it is a cornerstone of 12 Step philosophy, and has proved to be the truth for me.

It is through a personal relationship that I am touched and that I am at peace. It is through this that my soul grows and is strengthened in love, joy, and faith.

It is because of this personal relationship with God that I never need to feel alone. For at any time, I can be touched directly by Spirit, or by one of Its many angels. How cool is that?!

Monday, December 7, 2009

Christmas I

“Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we're here for something else besides ourselves.” - Eric Sevareid (1912-1992), American newscaster [From Daily Guideposts, December 7, 2009]

Boy, does that hit ya between the eyes!

Gratefully, I am loving and giving to others more often than once a year. Still, I have a ways to go and the Christmas message of peace, love, joy, and goodwill to all is something to carry with me every day of the year.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Duality

“If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.” - Anne Bradstreet

It is true that in this world of duality, the contrasts make me appreciate the positive side of things. All in all, as my Aunt Katherine remarked to me last week, I’ve had a good life. And, there’s always been a few areas of it that have posed a struggle and tipped toward the negative side of the scale. One of these has been financial resources.

I am ready to receive prosperity in all forms, but especially financial abundance. I’ve had enough experience - and hopefully learning - that I no longer need to go through the experience of seeming lack in order to realize my financial good.

Dear Spirit -

I know that You are the One Presence, One Power, and the Source of all. In this world of duality, may the scale tip toward the positive and enable me to appreciate all the good in my life with me no longer having to experience the shadow side. With You all things are possible, including this. Thank You, thank You, thank You!

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Soul Nourishment

“The life we’ve been given by God is meant for enjoyment. But we can be certain of this enjoyment only when we put our energy into actions that replenish our soul. Love guarantees replenishment by guaranteeing our connection to God, from whom our sanity and peace come.” - In God’s Care, December 5

Today I attended my first monthly W.I.L.D. (Women In Love with the Divine) Women’s meeting. As you can ascertain from its name, this is not your plain vanilla type of women’s support group.

I felt love, caring, and support from the very minute I walked in the door. And, this rightfully turned out to be one of the first groups I have joined upon moving to Sedona where my energy is put into replenishing my soul. My soul has been undernourished for quite some time now and with all the offerings in our new home town, we - my soul and I - have been looking forward to implementing a new plan of nourishment. I’m glad it’s underway, initiated with joining the Mystic Choir a few weeks ago.

As Emmet Fox states often, “... you absolutely owe no loyalty whatever to anything or anyone but your own soul and to the furtherance of its spiritual development.”

I am grateful to be expending more time and energy to honor my soul, its nourishment, and its development. In so doing, my life is becoming more enjoyable and my connection to God strengthened. I’m beginning to once again feel that my life has meaning. I welcome this all, and the peace beyond all understanding that accompanies it.

Thank You, Spirit!

Friday, December 4, 2009

Worry and God

If I truly believe in God, why should I worry about anything?

In Kathryn Slattery’s experience as a worrier, she realized, “Worrying gave me a false sense that I was "doing something" about a problem, when in fact I was actually wasting valuable mental energy and accomplishing nothing!” How very true. When I worry, first of all, my mind is preoccupied with the future which isn’t yet here. I’m not accomplishing anything by worrying - in fact, I am adversely impacting my physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health.

Kathryn looked to the Bible, which has a lot to say on the topic. In Matthew’s gospel, Jesus says, “Do not worry. Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? So do not worry.” As Kathryn points out, it’s worth noting that the apostle Paul does not encourage us to “Worry without ceasing.” Instead, he writes, “Pray without ceasing.” Prayer is both the opposite and the antidote to worry. I cannot worry and pray at the same time, just like I cannot be in fear and faith simultaneously.

Kathryn has a friend, who when she finds herself worrying, uses it as a reminder of how much she needs God. On her nightstand she keeps a plaque that says, “Stop worrying and go to sleep. I’ll be up all night anyway. Love, God.” Yes, God is always up, always awake and present. And, God has the power to accomplish anything, unlike moi.

If I believe in a Higher Power - God - that is all loving, all good, all powerful, etc., why indeed am I worrying?

Dear Spirit of the Most High -
May I pray without ceasing, faithful in knowing that You have a Divine Plan and all is exactly as it should be. And so it is.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

One With God

The message below brings comfort to me and restores my soul... It says a mouthful and expresses my own beliefs succinctly. I am grateful to know that I am truly one with God.

---------

Today's Daily Word - Thursday, December 3, 2009

ONE WITH GOD

I am one with God every moment of every day.

What does it mean to be one with God? Is it a feeling in my heart? Is it an assurance deep within my soul? Perhaps it is an inner knowing that, regardless of appearances or circumstances, I am one with the peaceful, all-providing presence of God.

The word oneness implies a sense of belonging. I belong with God. I am one with the spirit of God, the Spirit that is forever guiding me, protecting me and strengthening me in mind and body. My oneness with God assures me that I am never alone. I am one with God day and night. Knowing that God is with me and within me, I feel safe and connected, healthy and whole, assured of peace in all situations.

He came to her and said, "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you."--Luke 1:28

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Present Demonstration

My prayer this morning was...

Dear God;

Thank You for this day.

In this moment, all is well - may I stay here, in the Now. Let me not look to the future, nor even to the past. For it is only in the Now that You are. It is only here that I am in peace. There is no fear here.


And then I read...

“... there is not the slightest reason to be discouraged merely because one’s present demonstration seems to be very poor and spiritual power entirely lacking.” - Emmet Fox, in his essay The Everlasting Gates

Granted, it is not true that my present demonstration is “very poor” nor my spiritual power “entirely lacking.” However, there are a couple of areas in my life that I feel fearful about. These are pointers that tell me I need to focus on God, on the Now. Here is where there is power, strength, faith. And peace.

It’s always about (getting back to) peace.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Smile

A smile is a curve that sets everything straight. - Anonymous

How apropos that I just returned from the dentist to read today’s spiritual messages and this one greeted me.

It was the continued saga (see blog of 05.01.09) of my front tooth/crown only now the stage is set in Sedona and working with a new dentist.

My crown re-cemented, I am now able to smile again - and I love to smile. A smile is a great way to connect with people, having Spirit shine through me to others. And in connecting with others and feeling God’s presence, everything indeed is set straight.

Thank You, God, for the health care professionals who help in the physical world of form and also help us heal in other ways.