My Refuge and My Strength

“Letting go of what is no longer needed makes room for what is fresh and new.” - Today’s Daily Word, July 7, 2010

What do I no longer need in my life? Certain types of work projects? Clients? Friendships?

How about beliefs? After all, my thoughts and beliefs create my life.

These past several days have been a challenge for me, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Letting go of attachments in all forms simplifies my life and the clutter in my brain. And no matter the chaos, the confusion, or the no longer needed thing in my life still hanging out, I must remember always -

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” - Psalm 46:1 (KJV). When I really contemplate the meaning of this statement, I am in awe. I rest in faith and peace.

God IS. I must acknowledge the One Power and One Presence, and affirm it daily. Then I know that all is well despite appearances.

Dear God;
As I wake up to what is needed and what is not, I know You are my refuge, and my strength comes through You. Show me Your Will, show me Your Way. Today I make room for what is fresh and new, knowing You are ever present and all is well.

The Power

“We are the wire, God is the current. Our only power is to let the current pass through to us.” - Carlo Carretto

All is Well and All is Good

“Blessed is the person who is too busy to worry in the daytime and too sleepy to worry at night.” - Unknown

... And blessed is my morning meditation practice to dissipate the fears that creep into my mind in the middle of the night!

Today I listened to the self-hypnosis CD Peace of Mind (Barrie Konicov) and it enabled me to let go of agitation. And, when I let go of worry, God can more easily get my attention - and I can get His help. The good ‘ol “Let go and let God.”

Today I live a faith-filled day. I know God is in charge, Divine Order IS and it does prevail: all is well. Ahhh.

“Today I claim my Truth. The presence and power of God work in, through and as my life, blessing others and blessing me. I recognize the interconnectedness of all human beings and trust that every situation and person has the potential to contribute to my life in a positive way. I create order in my life and seek only the good, assured that as I seek, so I shall find.” - Excerpt from Daily Word, July 1, 2010

What's in a Name?

Rumi says, “With us the name of everything is its outward appearance; with the Creator, the name of each thing is its inward reality.” - From The Rumi Collection, edited by Kabir Helminski, published by Shambhala Publications, Inc.

How shallow it seems to be named based on outward appearances, for appearances are illusionary and not real. What is real is eternal and internal, the essence of a thing.

I may be named Joyce, woman, female, business person, singer, volunteer, friend, lover, wife, and much more. But what it really comes down to - the reality - is my essence, the real me. And, that is I am a holy child of God. My inward being is love, peace, joy.

Thank You, God!

My prayer today is: Thank You, God! Thank You, God! Thank You, God! I guess it’s an affirmation as well.

I’m grateful that I feel I made some progress in my daily practice of sitting in the Silence, of quieting the mind. I actually was able to focus mainly on my breath for a great portion of the ½ hour. And by focusing on the breath, one can only be in the present moment, in the Now. That is where Consciousness resides, that is where The Presence can be felt. When I did find myself back in the chatter of the little Me, I was inspired to chant Thank You, God! Thank You, God! Thank You, God! and get back to the breath, to the Now.

I’m grateful that I finally got back to my morning stretches. Ever since we moved to Sedona 7+ months ago, those had gone by the wayside. My morning schedule wasn’t so open any more, the floors are Saltillo tile (beautiful - and hard), and I don’t have my own private space where I can stretch to soothing music; challenges no doubt, but not roadblocks if I am willing and open to change. I finally became willing enough.

So this morning I am b-r-e-a-t-h-i-n-g deeply and I am feeling more conscious and more healthy in body, mind, and spirit. It feels great!

Thank You, God! Thank You, God! Thank You, God!

Change

“... Only God knows what each of us needs to experience and learn. If we insist on seeing things happen our way, we’re not trusting God’s plan for us. A loving God will see that our needs are supplied without instructions from us.” - In God’s Care, June 19

After 582 daily posts - that’s more than 1½ years - I did not blog yesterday... or the day before. And, that’s okay. In fact, I see that it’s time to make a change, to move on. A new chapter has started in my spiritual life. I no longer need this portion of my spiritual practice and can perhaps make an opening for something new. I can trust God to show me other ways to feel Its Presence each day, each moment.

I started writing this blog November 13, 2008 to jumpstart my daily spiritual practice which had been waning. Guidance said it was a way to help me be in fit spiritual condition and to be of service to others. And it has been that - and more.

I’ve enjoyed writing regularly and developing a style. It’s been a journal at times of events that I was able to easily share with people in my life by sending them a link to a particular daily post. It’s been a way to publicly acknowledge and express gratitude for the people and lessons in my life. It’s been a commitment I’ve kept, showing me my perseverance. On and on the gifts go.

I will continue blogging, less than by routine and more by intuition and inspiration. After all, that is more and more of how I’m living my life these days. It will be a reflection of that change.

And who knows, I might land up blogging everyday as Spirit calls to me. In any case, I am confident and I trust that God will supply me with what I need to stay connected to the Beloved Presence and with whatever I need to experience, learn, and wake up.

Abundance and Gratitude

“Your action has nothing to do with your abundance! Your abundance is a response to your vibration. Of course, your belief is part of your vibration. So if you believe that action is part of what brings your abundance, then you've got to unravel that.” - Abraham, Excerpted from the Chicago, IL 04.24.99 workshop #473

Abundance is my birthright. When I am in gratitude, my abundance is revealed to me. I need do nothing.

God is so wanting me to experience the riches of Its kingdom. Being in the energy of gratitude opens the door for abundance to flow.

I am grateful.

My Role

“It is not your role to make others happy; it is your role to keep yourself in balance. When you pay attention to how you feel and practice self-empowering thoughts that align with who-you-really-are, you will offer an example of thriving that will be of tremendous value to those who have the benefit of observing you.

“You cannot get poor enough to help poor people thrive or sick enough to help sick people get well. You only ever uplift from your position of strength and clarity and alignment.” - Abraham, Excerpted from the book "Money and the Law of Attraction: Learning to Attract Health, Wealth and Happiness"

This reminds me of the story about the proper protocol for using oxygen masks on an airplane in the case of a decrease in cabin pressure. It is imperative that adults put their oxygen mask on first, then place masks on the children, otherwise the adults won’t be able to help and the children may be harmed anyway.

I need to take care of myself first otherwise I have little hope that I can be of service to others; I must be in fit spiritual condition.

There is always choice as to how I walk in this life. Situations are neutral; the stories I tell about them and people are of my own making. I cannot make anyone else do or be something else. It is my role to keep myself in balance and in alignment with Spirit. From there I can be an uplifting force for others.

Attitude

“What we say about a situation determines how we think about it and finally what we do about it. Attitude largely determines activity; so watch your attitude and make it one of faith. By practicing positive attitudes, you will experience a renewed trust in God and find creative solutions to your problems.” - Our Prayer.org

I’ve been paying greater and greater attention to the impact of the separated, limited, little Me on my joy, my life. Its thinking can easily push me into fear, not feeling capable enough, contracted.

And yesterday I started paying greater attention to the unlimited Me. It’s the Me that is formless - my spirit, my true essence. So when I caught my attitude starting to drift towards negativity, I paused, said hello to God, and consciously moved back into the energy field of Spirit. With a shift in attitude, my actions shifted as well, and I proceeded on with the day in a more positive manner.

We all know what the shift of attitude towards God, trust, and faith feels like: power, joy, love, mercy, grace, and peace. The little Me cannot bring me to that place. Only the whole Me, the Oneness, God.

The Little Me

I’ve spent a good chunk of my life - like most other human beings born on this planet - living from the place of the separated, limited, little Me. Thinking that Me and the world of form would save me, placed me in prison. Suffering resides there.

All prisons come from thought forms. But I can choose freedom, I can choose to focus on The Presence. When I do, I renounce my separated, limited, little Me, I renounce suffering. With Spirit, I live through Its power and love.

When I’m awake, the world of form flows from grace, not from me trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. Yet, by then, ironically, the world of form no longer holds great importance to me anyway.

What is always most important is focusing on God, The Source. There are no prisons in God’s kingdom, only in my egoic mind.

Today I renounce the separated, limited, little Me. Today I choose freedom as I wake up more fully to the grace, the love, the power of The Presence.

Allowing Grace

“We would like you to release the word "achieve" or "earn" from your vocabulary and from your understanding, altogether, and we would like you to replace those words with the word "allow". You're wanting to allow your Well-being, not achieve it. It's not something that you need to earn. All you have to do is decide what it is you would like to experience, and then allow it in order to achieve it. It isn't something you have to struggle for or try for. You are all worthy beings. You are deserving of this Well-being.” – Abraham, Excerpted from the Detroit, MI 07.08.2000 #468 workshop

God’s grace is mine, not needing to be earned or achieved. I allow Well-being to flow to me and through me.

Thank You, God.

Beloved

Excerpt from Today’s Daily Word, which affirms “I am beloved of God” -

“There may be one special person in my life whom I dearly love. It could be a parent, a child, a sibling, a spouse, a friend. I feel a special connection with this person that calls to me from deep within.

“In much the same way, I am beloved of God. I am the... daughter of the Creator. The love of God is shown to me in many ways...

"I open my heart to find and feel the fullness of Spirit and my connection with God wherever I am. What a joy it is to know that there is no limit to God's love for me, this day and every day!”

The special person in my life is my husband, Rog. He is my life partner, best friend, lover, business partner, teacher, etc. We have a special connection and I am 100% totally myself with him. He is a tremendous blessing in my life.

I dearly love and appreciate Rog but sometimes I get lost in the busyness of the world of form and don’t always convey the depth of my feelings for my beloved. So, this being the morning of the Gratitude Circle at Unity of Sedona, I am especially reminded of this man and holy relationship. I am so grateful.

I give special thanks for my beloved Rog, for being a beloved of the Creator, and for the Creator being The Beloved to me. I give thanks for all beings - we are One and we are all the Beloved.

Inspired By Others

I took the entire day off to play with friends visiting from Tucson, a luxury for me. And, it also threw my schedule off. So here it is close to 10 o’clock in the evening, and I’m working on finding a topic to blog about.

When I’m not initially inspired as to what to write about, I have the practice of reading the various daily, weekly, and monthly spiritual messages I subscribe to via email. And since I don’t keep up with them sufficiently, there is always a backlog to read. I always enjoy reading them and find myself feeling closer to God when doing so.

So after a rich day of friendship and a meeting for volunteer work, I find myself a bit spent and not knowing what to blog about. But there’s my cadre of emails sitting in my Inbox with plenty of inspiration and words of wisdom contained therein.

Today’s Daily Word is Comfort: “I am comforted by the love and presence of God.” And, the Daily Guideposts story is about the author’s awareness being raised and thereby stops being indifferent to people and starts praying for them. Another reminds me “...that he does not believe who does not live according to his belief.” Abraham says “Look for good things about where you are, and in your state of appreciation, you lift all self-imposed limitations (and all limitations are self-imposed) and you free yourself for the receiving of wonderful things.”

So while I may not always feel inspired to blog, my commitment to blog daily always gives me an extra boost of connection with Spirit. Today it took the form of taking a break from my own writing (sort of) to read about others’ journey with God and His Ways. And that is always inspiring.

Good night.

Taken Care of By Source

“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.

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!

Morning Prayer

Dear Spirit of the Most High-
As the month of June speeds ahead, we give thanks for You. We stretch ourselves to feel Your Presence in all that we do and all whom we meet.

Grant us peace as we go out to do your bidding this day. May we be Your emissaries of light and love, as we awaken and demonstrate to others the joy and peace of leaving pain and suffering behind in the illusion of the old world and step into the new earth.

Thank You, God!

Returning to Source

It is a relief for me to learn that meditation is not a practice - it is an intention. As a practice, I get frustrated because my mind seems difficult to quiet. But meditation as an intention is a declaration to return to God, and that is really what I strive to make my life about.

Meditation is the intention to get back to Source, the one thing that never changes and never left us. It is formless and permanent; all that is form is temporary. All true spiritual teachings call us to return our attention to Source. “Return unto to Me, and I will return unto thee.”

My egoic mind can go about chattering away as I sit in the silence, and Spirit doesn’t care one iota. Eventually, the chatter dissipates and I am the formless with The Creator. I am in an abiding state of awakening, my primary purpose for being on the planet.

Slowing Down

“God does for us what we cannot do for ourselves.”

I heard the above statement years ago in the rooms of recovery, and it comes to mind today as I nurse a head cold.

I’ve been pushing, pushing, pushing work projects and not taking sufficient time for me. Apparently God thought it was time for me to relax - getting ill will do it!

It feels wonderful to slow down - to sleep later, to spend more than 10 minutes reading at night, to eat breakfast with Rog. It doesn’t mean I’ve not worked at all these past few days, but I surely have taken the focus off of work and placed it more on my well-being. It feels equally wonderful to ease up on financial concerns, ‘getting it’ that God is my Source. I can’t fully be of service to God if my head is in a fog, my ears are clogged up, and my physical body is crying out for attention.

Next week I’ve already built in a bit of fun time with friends visiting from out-of-town. I’ve gotten the message and have the willingness to follow Spirit’s guidance to slow down. Thank You, Spirit!

Basketball and Spirit

John Wooden, college basketball’s most successful coach, died yesterday at age 99. Wooden retired in 1975 and ultimately became viewed as a kind of sage for both basketball and life, a symbol of both excellence and simpler times.

I became aware of him when I joined CHARACTER COUNTS! while living in Santa Fe 10+ years ago. I was impressed with this public personality when I read: Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.

Here’s John Wooden's Seven Point Creed, a message given to him by his father upon his graduation from grammar school, which he carried around with him and lived by:
• Be true to yourself.
• Make each day your masterpiece.
• Help others.
• Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible.
• Make friendship a fine art.
• Build a shelter against a rainy day.
• Pray for guidance and give thanks for your blessings every day.

[Compiled from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Wooden and The New York Times.]

Here is a person who was living his faith to the best of his ability, a wonderful role model especially for the young adults he coached. It seems to me that he was a spiritual person who impacted many, not just due to his sports knowledge and talent, but by being an emissary for God.

Here’s a few more quotes attributed to John Wooden, which impart (to me) his spirituality:

“Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be.”

“Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.”

“Material possessions, winning scores, and great reputations are meaningless in the eyes of the Lord, because He knows what we really are and that is all that matters.”

Dear Spirit-
Thank You for the people who point to You by the way they live their life.

Blessings

Read in today’s Daily Word, “Today I look for blessings and find them around me,” got me thinking about the idea of blessings in general.

Everything is a blessing, put by God onto my path in life; they reflect the nature of God - good, loving, wise, caring, merciful, etc. However, at any given moment, without the ‘right’ frame of mind and attitude, I may not see the blessings at all. That’s a reflection of my feeling of connectedness - or lack of - to God.

“Blessings come in many forms. Some are welcomed and easy to distinguish, while others are recognized only through the lens of steadfast faith and overcoming. Throughout this day, I remember to rejoice and give thanks for blessings great and small so that I may realize the sublime joy in each moment of communion with God.” - Daily Word, June 4, 2010

I am grateful for recognizing blessings, and the state of my relationship with God that they reflect. Thank You, God!

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.

Adventure

These days, after our good morning kiss, Rog often asks me, “Are you up for another adventure today?!” I always respond in the affirmative.

Life with Rog is an adventure. And, I say it’s that way mostly because with Rog comes God. Spirit is always with us and we are ever expectant of Its Joy, Love, and Peace.

Because we stay open and because we know that with God all things are possible, we never know what the day will bring. We seek God’s guidance, listen clearly for the Great Mystery’s messages, and then go into action as appropriate. We never know what new experiences, new people, or new ideas will manifest. Life is rich.

With Rog and God, my life cannot but be an adventure, one that I welcome each day with the good morning kiss of my beloveds.

Prison and God

My obsession was all-powerful. Summoning all my resources, I could not dislodge it. Then three simple words did the trick: “Came to believe.” - Anonymous
We were prisoners of our obsessions. No more. Three words, “came to believe,” were the key that unlocked the gates of our personal prison.
When we rely on this power, wonderful and unexplainable things happen. Once this power unlocks the prison gates, anything is possible.
- In God’s Care, June 1

There are many ways we can be imprisoned.

One of my spiritual teachers began his spiritual awakening 30+ years ago while incarcerated. He’d run away from home when he was 13, then landed up in reform schools, jails, and the state penitentiary. This last stop was for a crime he’d not committed, but his hope of ever being released was dismal. Then he had a spiritual experience while lying in his bunk one day. It changed his attitude toward his defense lawyer and from there, miracles started happening. He was set free and his life has been about waking up and service ever since.

With all this teacher went through, he is fond of saying that he prefers his prison to have bars.

Yep, it certainly is easier when I can concretely see how I limit myself. When I was in the throes of my eating addiction, I finally was able to see that it was a symptom of something deeper. When I became open to asking for help, it was the beginning of the process of my release from prison.

When this devout atheist heard that she could choose her own conception of God, then “came to believe,” the key was turned and my prison door unlocked. Since then, relying on a Power greater than myself, I’ve been stepping out more and more from the prison of the ego, something I cannot always see as clearly has the bars of a prison cell, but surely quite as dismal.

Cultivating a close relationship with Spirit, my life has been filled with miracle upon miracle, and my soul has rejoiced. Coming to believe was the answer to my prison release and the beginning of my waking up to The Presence and this new earth.

Remembrance

Today’s Daily Word acknowledges Memorial Day, a U.S. holiday. But, interestingly, it goes beyond remembering the men and women who gave their lives in our nation’s service. Here it is in its entirety:

Monday, May 31, 2010
Remember
I lovingly remember others.

Remembering those who have given their lives in service, I reflect upon their sacrifice. I learn from the lessons they taught and from their accomplishments. I also remember the people who have made a meaningful contribution in my life. Because of them I have learned to live more fully.

Just as I build upon the acts and achievements of those who have gone before me, others may build upon my life's example. As I remember others today, others may remember me in the future.

Today I take a few moments to appreciate those who taught me by example, to honor those who showed me the way. Their love and their willingness have changed my life for the better, and I am grateful.

When I remember you in my prayers, I always thank my God. - Philemon 1:4

It’s interesting that during this morning’s quiet time I listened to a meditative, subliminal CD about forgiveness and peace of mind. Several people from the past came into my consciousness. They were folks who I’d been close to for many years but am no longer in touch with. While we’ve chosen to not be in one another’s lives these days, I remember them with love for making my life richer. They helped me become who I am today. I have much gratitude for them - their love, their patience, their wisdom.

There are so many others I remember and for whom I am grateful: School teachers, relatives, employers, co-workers, those who came before me in the 12 Step program, other spiritual mentors, and of course, friends and my beloved life partner and husband, Roger Wyer. All have blessed me with their presence in my life - even if sometimes I hadn’t a clue!

Thank You, Spirit, for all those I’ve met on this journey called Life. Bless them, bless them, bless them.

God and Your Vehicle

Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire? - Corrie Ten Boom

It’s interesting that this quote popped up this week (although I just read it now). On Friday morning, Rog spied a flat tire on his truck that was gratefully sitting in our driveway. And, I learned yesterday that my dear friend Samara, who for business reasons has temporarily traded her life in peaceful Kauai for the city of Miami, had an angry driver slash three tires on her vehicle.

So this quote piqued my interest; I think it is good food for thought...

Do I connect with Spirit for help with my vehicle - my life - just as rarely as when my automobile needs a spare tire? Or, do I let God guide me as I regularly walk through this life and this crazy world?

Prayer is always available to connect us with our Source. It is talking to The Presence, it’s a feeling, it’s an attitude, it’s a thankfulness.

I’m grateful my car rarely requires the spare tire to be used and I’m grateful for letting go and letting God steer my life.

Perfection

Today’s Daily Word is ‘healing” and the affirmation is “I bless my mind and body with thoughts of perfect health.”

As I embarked on my quiet time of meditation, I silently repeated the affirmation like a chant...

I bless my mind and body with thoughts of perfect health.
At some point I realized I was chanting I bless my mind and body with thoughts of perfect peace.

Ah - I like that.

So what about...

I bless my mind and body with thoughts of perfect love.
I bless my mind and body with thoughts of perfect joy.
I bless my mind and body with thoughts of perfect grace.
I bless my mind and body with thoughts of perfect faith.

The list could go on and on and on.

Perfect health, perfect peace, perfect love, perfect joy, perfect grace, perfect faith: blessing my mind and body with such uplifting, affirming thoughts certainly promotes healing.

What a fun gift this affirmation exercise was, and I’m sure I will carry its wonderful energy with me throughout the day. As I affirm these states of perfection, I affirm my oneness with God.

God is perfect and so is my true state.

Doors and Windows

Today’s Daily Word is about the light of God, affirms “The light of God shines through me,” and begins with...

“We have all heard the expression, "God never closes a door without opening a window." Yet at times I may not see any windows open to me. If I'm seeing only lack and limitation, I look beyond appearances to the Truth. I am the conduit, the passageway, through which possibilities appear. I am actually the window that I seek, and the light of God shines through me.”

Yes, there have surely been times in which I felt doors closing but couldn’t see windows opening. Those were times I really needed to let go, trust, and pray for a different perspective.

However, these days God has graced us with an abundance of doors so much so that I find myself considering which to walk through and which to possibly close myself - with Spirit’s guidance of course.

I know that God doesn’t give us more than we can handle AND I still need to take care of myself. That means being well rested, having time for my ‘formal’ spiritual practice, etc.

During these past couple of weeks, I’ve gotten three new clients. And, volunteer work for an organization has impressed the leadership that they’ve invited us to work with them professionally and for money. I’m regularly spending a bit of time with the pooches at the Humane Society of Sedona. There always seems to be one website project that I’m doing pro bono at any given time. Social invitations from the new friendships forming are on the increase, while longer term friendships beckon for more attention. We are surrounded by the offerings of spiritual-focused seminars and events like Sufi dancing. The community we so yearned for is being woven into a glorious web.

With time flying increasingly at lightning speed, I’m not sure how much more I can put on my plate, how much I can stretch me. So much of this is fun, the people are delightful, and The Presence is evident - a part of me wants to do it all.

I’m certainly not complaining - I am soooo very grateful for this rich life. Still, I need to be discerning where I put my energy, for if I don’t take care of moi, I will not be of much use to anyone else, including Spirit.

So here’s my prayer...

Dear Holy, Beloved Presence-
Thank You, thank You, thank You for the many, many blessings you have graced me with. Thank You for the wonderful people and opportunities you have placed in my life to enable me to wake up, love, and be of service. I welcome Your doors and windows and seek Your guidance and power to carry out Your Will. Show me The Way.

God in the Arts

In today’s Daily Guideposts, writer June Attaway shares her experience about going to the theatre with her fourteen year old daughter. They went to see Henrik Ibsen’s The Master Builder, a play Julia hadn’t read in decades (I don’t think I’ve read it at all). It’s about an aging architect who feels threatened that his young assistant will surpass him.

Julia doesn’t realize until the end of the second act that the real master builder is God. However, her teenage daughter, upon hearing the title of the play, from the get-go had thought it was only going to be about God!

Reading this reminded me of how often I thought the lyrics to a song were about one thing, but then realized God was the subject or God was speaking to the listener.

Take, for instance, “You’ve Got a Friend,” written by Carole King and performed by James Taylor. Here’s an excerpt:

When you're down and troubled
and you need a helping hand
and nothing, whoa nothing is going right.
Close your eyes and think of me
and soon I will be there
to brighten up even your darkest nights.

You just call out my name,
and you know wherever I am
I'll come running, oh yeah baby
to see you again.
Winter, spring, summer, or fall,
all you have to do is call
and I'll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah.
You've got a friend.

I used to think this was about a close relationship between friends. But after I’d “come to believe,” it was suggested to me to think of it as being sung from God’s perspective. I tried it - and I loved it!

Here’s another set of lyrics excerpted from “Follow Me” by John Denver:

Follow me where I go, what I do, and who I know
Make it part of you to be a part of me
Follow me up and down, all the way and all around
Take my hand and say you’ll follow me.

Sounds like Spirit talking to me...

I love hearing God speak to me and since I have such a love of music and singing, I easily embrace and so enjoy hearing God’s messages through the musical word.

Literature, theatre, art, dance, music... God uses artisans as emissaries to spread His Word and to convey to us that we are not alone. How creative, how clever, how enjoyable. Thank You, Spirit!

Endurance or Trust?

“When a man has quietly made up his mind that there is nothing he cannot endure, his fears leave him.” - Grove Patterson

My fears leave me when I remember God - God within, God in all and around all.

My fears leave me when I step into faith. All is as it should be and God is here, now, ever-present to guide me and accompany me on this journey called Life, loving and gracing me along the way.

My attitude makes all the difference. I can look from the standpoint of enduring or I can look from the perspective of everything is a blessing and has a purpose. There is no need for fear or feeling like I’m enduring - that's my ego taunting me. God has a plan and my role is to trust and have faith.

We're in This Together

Whether I am being paid $15/hour or $50/hour, or I am “volunteering” my time, my desire is always to be in a helping mode. I can’t say that I always behave in that manner.

I found myself yesterday thinking in terms of money and disturbance when called ‘off hours’ to help a client of a client. Gratefully, my conscience quickly got me to want to help this person even though it “wasn’t my job.” After this decision was made, it turned out the person was able to solve the problem herself. Ya think my decision influenced the Universe?... Perhaps.

Wouldn’t it be nice if each of us knew, really knew, that there’d always be help available? And, when we gave assistance, we’d get ‘paid’ with knowing we’d receive help too whenever we needed it? ...that we were never alone? Of course, Spirit is always with us to guide and help, but often we need a real, live human being to carry out the work.

The current money economy is such a separator of people, to one another, to themselves, to God. Well, that’s changing and I’m so glad. A new earth is coming where people live from the heart, in community, bartering and helping one another in all aspects of life.

My prayer is to continue opening my heart in service to others. We are all part of The One, giving and receiving. What I give returns to me, returns to us. Let I not build barriers to healing the separation, but be part of the solution to our return to Oneness.

True Love

As I wake up, I’m learning more about love, true love.

True love, unconditional love, is not about limitation, judgment, or comparison.

True love accepts beings as they are and offers compassion and mercy. It extends itself out. It is awareness. It is present.

It is Presence.

Thank You, Spirit, for the dissolution of the old earth that obscures love, and for the new earth arising in which waking up reveals our true love for all.

The Director

“When you talk about what you want and why you want it, there's usually less resistance within you than when you talk about what you want and how you're going to get it. When you pose questions you don't have answers for, like how, where, when, who, it sets up a contradictory vibration that slows everything down.” - Abraham, Excerpted from the Saturday, 01.29.05, San Antonio, TX #448 workshop

In this vast universe of myriad possibilities, I cannot possibly figure out the ‘how’ of anything. In God’s kingdom, all things are possible.

So, I leave the ‘how’ up to Spirit, who has a Divine Plan and is running the show. I open myself up to God’s Will and Grace to receive what God wants, and let God handle the ‘how’ too.

“Help us to understand that You, Who knows the end from the beginning, are always in charge.” - Isabel Wolseley

Divine Dance Connection

Last night I went Sufi dancing - and what a divine experience it was!

This was not the whirling dervish variety developed by Rumi in the 13th century; it’s more like a moving meditation with singing.

Heart-centered Sufi dancing is a practice, a meditation of Divine Light and Bliss. One moves around the circle from partner to partner, allowing their thoughts to fall away as they experience the Divine in each other. As we connect with our eyes, we do simple, graceful movements while focusing on the positive words of powerful chants and songs.

Our humble, gentle, loving leader, Sydhasa, gave us instructions before each dance and taught us the words to contemporary songs of love, spirit, devotion, and peace. But it is not so much about the dance as it is the Divine connections we made with each other... so much from simply gazing into the eyes. I got to connect with spirits new to my acquaintance and strengthen connections already known.

Here is another form of spiritual practice that I can easily see incorporating into a (somewhat) regular part of my life. While I’d had some exposure to this practice before, last night’s gathering immersed me into it, bringing me joy, peace, and love. And, it was fun!

There are many ways we can connect to Source through other beings. This week God had me experience some ways that were a bit unique for me: socializing with a pooch, helping a child, and meditating with others through Sufi dancing. I am grateful!

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.

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.

Purpose

These days I am quite content with my life.

My relationship with Rog (my life partner and husband) continues to blossom (and be meaningful and fun). Working my computer-related business is enjoyable and my client base is growing. I’m a member of a choir that is so much more than a group of people singing.

Spiritual classes, meetings, and events nourish my soul and expand my knowledge of people and the world. Many new friendships with like-minded spiritual beings are flourishing. I’m doing volunteer work with pooches as well as people.

Life is rich. Life is good. And, the best is yet to be.

“We are not here without purpose. We are being called to fulfill a destiny. We have work ahead of us, work that we don’t want to turn our back on. We know this work is God’s will for us and is meant to bring peace, joy, and gratitude.

“Today I will remember that I am necessary to others, that my life is not an accident, and that God has a purpose for me.” - Excerpted from In God’s Care, May 19

I don’t feel I’m being complacent - simply content, satisfied. It feels peaceful. And, I feel patient. It’s a great place to be as I await notice from God about what my true work and life purpose are to be and when it’s time to move into gear. I’m being prepped for what is to come. I’m waking up so that I will be of greater use and power when the big changes arrive.

In the meanwhile, I will just keep on keeping on, staying attuned to Spirit’s messages.

Thank You, Spirit, for this life rich with waking up and Your plan for my life purpose and how to best serve.

Who I Am

I’m aware that more and more I am exercising my right to choose, to change my mind, to be and act more consciously from a higher ground. I’m stepping more and more into who I truly am.

Recently, some requirements of the volunteer work I was thinking of doing came to light and I found myself having a charge around them. After a bit of soul searching, I realized that, while the organization was doing meaningful, wonderful work for its clients, I could not be a part of it because of some philosophical differences.

Now I’d have to tell the volunteer coordinator. Oh. I’d have to stick to my truth, be diplomatic, and not feel like I’d killed someone because I’d changed my mind - even though I’d not even filled out an application yet!

When this person returned my phone call, I took a deep breath, said a very quick prayer, and took the call. I was diplomatic, focused, and complimentary. I blamed no one and offered encouragement. I stood in my truth, confident with God.

There are other places where I can serve and not have to sacrifice my integrity. I’m sticking with those. I’m standing my ground, open to God’s will for me.

It feels good to say “no” in whatever form it may take, instead of trying to people please and hurting everyone in the process anyway. With Spirit an integral part of me, I can be and act - and serve- as the holy child of God I truly am.

Resting in God's Peace

Dear Spirit-

Another morning in which my mind continued to chatter away as I sought Your Peace, as I sought to just be still and in the silence. I so yearn to experience the gap between thoughts so that I may rest and feel Your Oneness.

As I go through this day, may I feel Your Peace and be refreshed even whilst I am in the middle of busyness. I know You are always with me as is Your Peace - may I experience it now.

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

God Provides

Today’s Daily Word begins with “I trust in the presence and power of God to provide whatever I need today.” Further along it continues with ”I anticipate the fulfillment of my needs with eagerness and joy.”

For the 20+ years I’ve been on a conscious spiritual path I have often read and been told by others that Spirit will always provide for my needs. And also, I will receive what I need even though it may not always be what I want.

So I had an epiphany with the aforementioned reading this morning: of course God will provide for my needs, but not necessarily my wants. I surmise this is because wants are of the ego, and Spirit is not looking to strengthen the ego. Spirit and ego don’t mesh - ever hear that ego is an acronym for Easing God Out?

This epiphany strengthens my faith that I am in God’s care. And I may not always like what I get, but I rest assured that I will get what I need - lovingly and with grace and mercy.

The Ways of the Ego

I know that when I am anxious, angry, or in some other state of negativity, my ego is fueling the feeling. Peace cannot come from this place.

The feeling of peace comes from my Higher Self. It may involve action, but the action is not a reaction but a response. It is not ‘charged’ as the ego would have me be. The ego is not patient, the ego is not kind. That make me think of the scripture from Corinthians about love -

1 Corinthians 13:4-13 (New International Version):
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

Most definitely this cannot be said of the ego!

I thank God for more and more moments of peace, love, and kindness.

The Two "F's"

I have been offered a large work project which will stretch my knowledge a bit. It is a wonderful opportunity in many ways, yet I find myself in fear. One part of my mind knows I can accomplish it - that I have the skill, the talent, and access to learning resources if they are needed. But the other part of my mind is chattering away saying the opposite, being negative.

You know that other part of the mind - the ego, the ‘little me.’ It will always try to shoot me in the left foot, tell me I’m not good enough, and take me out of the Now, down the road to the future.

Fear lies in the future. Faith is here, now. Faith brings my consciousness back to the One Source from which all parts of me flow.

Today I will remember to stay in the Now, to stay in faith. God is with me always, blessing me in every situation. All is for my highest good.

Dear Spirit-
Bless me with staying in the moment and not projecting into the future. Replace any fear I may have with faith and keep me focused on Thee.

The Service of Waking Up

Our greatest service to the world, my greatest service to the world, is to wake up. There is no greater one.

The world of the ego is ending, and with it a new earth is coming, in some cases is already here.

“Ego-identification with things creates attachment to things, obsession with things, which in turn creates our consumer society and economic structures where the only measure of progress is always more. The unchecked striving for more, for endless growth, is a dysfunction and a disease. It is the same dysfunction the cancerous cell manifests, whose only goal is to multiply itself, unaware that it is bringing about its own destruction by destroying the organism of which it is a part.” - A New Earth, Eckhart Tolle, page 37.

I can easily see this is the truth by observing what is occurring in the world of form globally: the dissolution of a myriad of social structures and the insanity of the financial industry, war, etc. It is indeed time to wake up! It is time to observe my inner thoughts, beliefs, behaviors - which, of course, I’ve been doing for quite a number of years. However, now, everything seems very much accelerated.

For the last two years or so, Rog and I have been simplifying our lives, releasing things, be they household furnishings, books, ideas, our home, and even relationships. We have been getting unattached to that which does not serve our highest good, and in turn cannot serve our fellows’ highest good either. We are one and what happens to each of us impacts the rest.

With clutter in my physical world and in my mind, ego keeps me from seeing what is real - and it keeps me in suffering. Well, I choose to not suffer, I choose to wake up, to be at peace. As I wake up, my increased consciousness impacts the higher good of all. And, that is why it is the most important form of service. The real world of peace, and love, and community is coming into view.

It is not always easy to wake up, but of course I can always call on Spirit to help me get through the rough spots, to help me see the light. It is another opportunity to detach from the ‘little me,’ to detach from the human being having a spiritual experience, and step into fully being the child of God who I truly am.

“Anytime a situation seems confusing or hopeless, most likely I am viewing it from a perspective of human limitation. Instead, I have the innate power to see any circumstance from a spiritual perspective by turning to God...” - Today’s Daily Word, May 13, 2010

What an exciting adventure it is, coming to live on this new earth with all of you and God!

Perfectionism

Yesterday it was pointed out to me that I’d made an error in uploading some files for a client. It wasn’t a life-and-death serious error, but for the perfectionist that I can be, I could have beat myself up badly. But I did not.

Once again another shift of consciousness is solidifying inside me. As a spiritual being having a human experience it is inevitable that I will not operate perfectly. Nope, not 100% of the time. Wearing this spacesuit of humanness, perfection is simply not possible. Hence, it’s pretty silly to badger myself when I fail to do something in a perfect manner.

This does not mean I intentionally stop trying to do my best. What it does means is that I do the best I can, then let the results go. Whatever happens - happens, and I trust that all is well.

Throughout it all, God is with me and all is in Divine Order. I may not be perfect as a human doing, but as a spiritual being, I am. And, that’s just fine with me.

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.

Never Alone

Yesterday, Mother’s Day, I had the honor of serving as worship assistant at Unity of Sedona. Of course the Daily Word reading focused on mothers and I knew it was possible I might have difficulty reading some of the text. It didn’t matter though because I felt God had a plan and knew that with whatever would transpire, Spirit would use me as a vehicle to help others; that was AOK with me.

The reading was:

I give thanks today for my own mother. If I cannot speak with her or be with her, I send her my loving thoughts. I give thanks for the arms that embraced me, for the nourishment of my body and soul, and for the encouraging words that inspired me to aim higher. - Excerpt from Today’s Daily Word, May 9, 2010

You see, I still hold pain around what my parents were not to me. And, while I’m making progress in my healing, as the onion gets peeled, more is revealed to be forgiven. It is times like these that I pay extra attention to focusing on God. The pain subsides, I know I am not alone for God is always with me.

And early this morning I awoke from a dream that left me feeling ‘off’. It wasn’t a “bad” or violent dream, but I just didn’t feel quite right and was a bit discombobulated. I quickly remembered to focus on Spirit, and started repeating a prayer. It soon got me back to feeling on solid, higher ground. And, not feeling alone and disoriented. God is always with me.

Throughout my waking hours I often repeat prayers to instantly focus on God’s Presence so as to not feel uncomfortable or alone in this vast, crazy world of personalities and situations. God is my solid rock and foundation - loving, nurturing, all embracing. I am never alone (even when I have a lapse in memory). Peace settles in and I relax. All is well.

Oh yeah, I did get a bit emotional reading the aforementioned excerpt, but God used it for good. Several people told me afterwards they were touched by my reading of the passage. I know I was touched by Spirit to help others, even if through my own pain. I am happy to serve my one true Parent.

Come Sit With Me...

Dear God, my angels, guides, and other beings interested in my upliftment-

Come sit with me in peace, in the silence, as I am renewed and refreshed.

With You by my side, I take the time to breathe, to pause, to stop the busyness.

I am still and allow Your loving energy to flow through me.

May I take Your Peace, Your Love, Your Freshness, and carry them throughout the day. And, may I pass them on as I shine my light, Your Light, onto to all whom I meet.

Thank You all for Your loving, holy, blessed Presence.

And, so it is.

Certainty

As was pointed out to me in a morning reading, when I was practicing my addiction (food binging), my life was full of uncertainty. But I seemed to have trusted that my addiction would see me through any trouble, anything in life I might encounter. And to add to my particular case as a devout atheist, I surely only had me to rely on. Still, uncertainty didn’t seem to be that much of an issue even though being in the fog of addiction, ego, and unconsciousness I was not able to make healthy, loving choices.

But coming to believe and slowly waking up, I started looking for guarantees, for certainty. God provides that certainty but only if I trust and have faith. These days I think I’m really starting to internalize that God is taking care of me. It may not always be evident to me, it may not always be the way I’d like it. But when all is said and done, God’s plan is always far better than mine could ever be.

These days I think I’m ‘getting it’ sooner - not after the fact, but before the plan is revealed - that God is taking care of me and to trust The Plan.

The certainty that God provides is that whatever I might go through, Spirit will be with me. Some of the other certainties I believe in are:

- God loves me no matter what - Its love and grace do not have to be ‘earned.’ That love means that only the highest good is meant for me.
- All that occurs is a blessing and for my upliftment (there’s no losing here).
- The more I put into my relationship with God, the better my life will be, the more joy and love I will feel.

As I heal and wake up, I am better able to be an instrument for God, to help others see what is important and certain in their life.

Recipe

Yesterday was another, rich, abundant day.

Reviewing it - and others - it becomes clear what ingredients are needed for me to make a fulfilling day. It is a very rich recipe for a joyful life.

- Start the day in quiet time with Spirit
- Read inspirational literature in the morning
- Blog about spirituality
- Meet with Rog for prayer followed by our morning ‘coffee vacation’
- Help others in computer-related projects
- Be open to service opportunities in the moment
- Examine my behaviors, thoughts, and feelings
- Connect with Spirit throughout the course of the day
- Take care of my physical and mental bodies
- Listen to music
- Shine my light wherever I am, whoever I am with
- Meet with Rog for prayer followed by our afternoon ‘coffee vacation’
- Breathe deeply
- Take a walk
- Take time to pause
- Spend time with my Unity of Sedona family either in a seminar, at choir rehearsal, or otherwise
- Read spiritual literature in the evening
- Go to bed at night, snuggling up to Rog and thanking God for all the blessings and abundance in my life.

Win or Lose

“... If you think you have nothing to lose, you win. If you think you have something to win, you lose. Life is not about win-and-lose. Life is about being or not being, expressing or not expressing, who you are.” - Neale Donald Walsch

How I frame a situation makes all the difference in the world as to whether I am feeling at peace, being my authentic self.

And, having attachment to things and outcomes keep me from that peace. For it is only in the world of form that the notion of win or lose arises.

Everything that happens in the world of form is for my upliftment. Hence, it’s always win-win.

As I release my concerns, judgments, and attachments to Spirit, I find myself in a “win” position. For I am at peace, resting safely in the loving arms of God.

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.

Holy Day - Continued

Here’s another piece of the story of the magical wedding in which Rog and I officiated at April 30th (see blog of May 1st ). It’s a particularly “wow” one.

Rog came across the website of a fellow named John who also is into gardening and sacred space like Rog. It turned out he lives here in Sedona. They corresponded for a while and then made plans to meet for coffee. They did so on Wednesday, April 28th - and hung out for 3 hours! They resonated so well that then and there they made plans to meet the following week.

On Friday, April 30th John decided to bicycle over to the Stupa to videotape sacred space. He remembered from their conversation that Rog lived not that far from the Stupa and thought maybe they’d meet up. John couldn’t find Rog’s contact info but remembered his website address, so went there. He read the blog Rog had posted that morning saying we’d be marrying a couple that day; Rog didn’t say where the ceremony was being held or give the time. So John figured Rog wasn’t going to be available to meet and went about his day.

Lo and behold he bicycles to the Stupa at the very time we are there waiting for the delayed bride and groom (they were traveling from Flagstaff) – and Rog was standing alone in a different area, right where John landed up entering the Stupa. They spoke briefly and Rog mentioned why he was at the Stupa, then Rog invited him to the ceremony. With a “yes,” John became not only a ‘guest’ but the wedding videographer, and another wonderful participant in God’s plan that was slowly being revealed.

Yes, magical... synchronistic. I just love God showing Its Presence. It’s how I came to believe and it’s a way my faith gets strengthens.

The Shift

Contrary to the thoughts of those around me growing up, I believed that if there was a God, He was a loving God, not a punishing God. His love for me couldn’t be dependent on anything I did or didn’t do.

As I came to believe, I have had to unlearn what I thought were “truths.”

For instance, my happiness is not dependent upon another person, place, or toy; it is dependent on keeping in fit spiritual condition and having a strong relationship with Spirit. It means working on my insides instead of seeking from that which is outside of me.

Then there’s the idea that if I were to give of myself and my possessions, I would be losing. Now I know that as I give I receive and that the two are one and the same. It’s win-win.

How about the idea that we’re separate? Nope - I’ve come to know that we are all One.

I like this exercise, inspired by one of this morning’s readings, of digging back and seeing how my philosophy - of people... the world... life - has shifted 180 degrees since I started waking up 20 years ago. How fascinating.

Once I was lost, but now I am found. Thank You, God!

The End

It’s the end of the day, the end of a weekend. It’s hard to believe we married a couple just two days ago - it feels like weeks! This weekend has been so rich.

Not only did Rog and I officiate at a wedding, but his daughter Emily visited us for the weekend. We’ve not seen her since Christmastime. And, I finished editing a novella for a client/friend. I sang in the Mystic Choir, listened to other music, and got to hear a friend’s story of his spiritual awakening when he spoke at Unity of Sedona. I met with a new client who is on a conscious spiritual path, which is my preferred type of client. And, I engaged in many conversations, some mini-, some a bit more, but all with the result of connection and getting to know one another better and being of service. Did I mention the hugs? Lots of hugs this weekend too.

All of the aforementioned enriches my life, my spirit. My soul gets nourished via connection, especially with folks that are on a journey of waking up.

I am so grateful for the plan God has for me. I may not know what He has in mind but there is no doubt that it is rich with people.

So as I get ready to have my head hit my pillow tonight, to end this day, I thank Spirit for all the blessings It has showered upon me. I’m doing the work of being willing and open to waking up. The Universe is responding to this energy with grace and prosperity. The awakening is its own joy and gift - and the prosperity is most welcomed too.

Thank You O Great Mystery. And, good night!

Holy Day

Every day is indeed special... but yesterday was more so. I say that because Spirit’s Presence and hand in the unfolding of events was so clear.

Yesterday Rog and I were called into service to marry Alana and Matthew, a college couple who wanted a simple wedding ceremony in Sedona. They asked us to gather the two witnesses required by the state and to select a locale. We chose the site of the Amitabha Stupa, a bronze image of the Buddha of Limitless Light that is filled with hundreds of millions of prayers for peace, sacred relics, and ritual objects. It is a beacon of light and virtue and is considered a vortex of Enlightened Presence, radiating waves of compassion to all beings. And, you don't have to be a Buddhist to visit it and benefit from it.

Here the grounds have character, the vistas are beautiful and abundant. There is even a ramada to offer some protection from the elements, which was a consideration yesterday as it was blustery and there was a chance of rain.

Rog and I arrived early to go over the logistics. Over the course of time while waiting for the bride and groom to arrive, not only did the two people we’d asked to be witnesses show up, but one-by-one so did three other people we knew! When we explained why we were at the Stupa wearing our ministerial stoles, they were all intrigued. We asked if they’d like to join us in the wedding and they readily agreed.

Each of our five friends contributed to the wedding celebration both in the physical realm and spiritual. One friend led the group in the ceremonial walk of seven times around the Stupa, chanting a Tibetan prayer. Another had a video camera with him as he had bicycled over to the Stupa to shoot sacred garden space - little did he know he’d be photographing a wedding! Another had an orange and a bar of chocolate that she turned into a ceremonial offering for the wedding (she found out you’re not permitted to leave food as an offering at the Stupa) - she was also the unexpected still photographer. Another offered up words of congratulations, love, and wisdom as we toasted the newlyweds drinking sparkling apple cider in plastic champagne glasses (the bride and groom’s of course were specially decorated). And, our fifth friend provided restaurant suggestions for a romantic dinner. All contributed their spiritual consciousness.

Much of this was unplanned - well, at least by us humans. There was way too much synchronicity and “woo-woo-ness” to go into detail here, but suffice is to say that Spirit indeed had a plan. Nine beings were brought together at a sacred space in Sedona to celebrate a sacred sacrament. It was awesome.

Each ‘guest’ played a part in uplifting and supporting Alana and Matthew as they embarked on their new life. Each called themselves into service on a moment’s notice. This was a wedding that could not have been more perfect if it had been planned for 12 months, had cost $50,000, and 200 guests attended. For this perfect wedding was orchestrated by God and God needs no advance timing, money, or more people than is required to do His work.

We converged at the Stupa as if by clockwork and this coming together was not lost on any of us. I don’t think this event was just about two people entering holy matrimony. I think it was so much about God wanting to send us messages - many messages - and clearly announce Its existence. I’m still processing it all; I’m so grateful to have been a part of this extraordinary experience - thank You, Spirit!

We joked that this couple had eloped because they have big families and didn’t want to have a big wedding where most of the guests are... well, ya know, strangers. Instead they chose to be with us... strangers! But of course, we were not strangers at all. We came together as one family under God, with God’s presence shining. It was indeed a holy day to recognize God all around and in us.

Congratulations, Alana and Matthew! And, thank you for bringing us and God all together to celebrate you!

Sunshine

This afternoon Rog and I are marrying a young college couple who are eloping (although their parents know) and want to exchange vows in Sedona before the semester ends and they transfer down to Arizona State University in Phoenix.

We are one of the few husband and wife teams of non-denominational ordained ministers. Together we serve as celebrants and marry folks couple-to-couple; we think there’s something very special about that. We bring our joy, love, and memories of our own wedding when we serve as the celebrants for a couple’s special day.

We always enjoy and have fun getting to know a couple and helping them clarify and write their promises to one another. There’s also a myriad of other items on the list that we can often help with in order to have the wedding day flow with ease and grace. We feel that we are truly of service as the couple embarks on this new adventure in life as husband and wife.

Of course, the idea for today’s ceremony was to be outdoors and view the magnificent vistas of Red Rock Country. Thing is, although it’s just about May, the weather has been rainy, cloudy, windy, with temps in the 50’s - brrrrr! And the same is forecasted for today - not quite what we were hoping for on this special occasion.

But I know I can pray for sunshine to prevail... After all, it’s only for about a half-hour; surely Spirit can manage that, yes?

More importantly, I know that the Sunlight of the Spirit will be with us regardless of what is going on in the external world of form. God warms our souls all the time with Its love, peace, and joy.

So as we celebrate a young couple's union into a formal holy relationship, we also celebrate God. We express gratitude for all the abundance and blessings in our lives, for the sunshine that shows up in a variety of ways.

Whose Plan?

I’ve been pushing myself to meet deadlines, participate in spiritually-focused events, attend to ADL’s (activities of daily living), and fulfill other commitments. And, I’m beat. It’s not really fun pushing, pushing, pushing. I just can’t do it all... something has to give... I need to let go.

Yes, I’m exhausted physically, and beat emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. I need to let go of controlling finances, time, people... As if I could really control anything or anyone!

So I surrender to that Divine Wisdom that knows all is in perfect order... to the Source that created me happy, joyous, and free - not tied to deadlines and obligations.

In cramming and striving to meet deadlines, I’m cramming The Presence too. It’s difficult to feel peace and joy when my entire being feels contracted and squished. So I pause, breathe, and give my trust to Spirit. I release my concerns to God and I am at peace.

All I have is this moment... Despite my planning and scheduling, when it comes down to it, all I have is Now. I can sketch in the pieces of my life, but I must remain flexible and open to the idea that things don’t unfold in Joyce’s time. I must surrender.

Dear Beloved, Holy Presence-
Thank You, thank You, thank You for the pause and the breath that refresh me to then move on to carry out Your plan.

Where Am I?

My readings this morning remind me of several fundamentals...

God is always with me, always guiding me. No matter the situation, there is a choice that reveals the highest and best in me. If I listen, Spirit’s guidance will be made known.

There are many ways for the guidance to come through: lyrics from a song, conversation with a person, or an excerpt from something I’m reading. Of course, there’s the powerful inner knowing that needs no explanation. And, my favorite: Synchronicity, the experience of two or more events that are apparently causally unrelated occurring together in a meaningful manner. [Translation: There is no such things as coincidence.]

And, if I don’t hear the Guidance or I misinterpret it, and I do not make the choice that brings out the highest and best in me, that means I’ve lost conscious contact with Spirit. But it doesn’t mean that God is not with me.

Then I remember to take an inventory, to look at my thoughts and behaviors that have contributed to my not choosing rightly. I connect with God to reveal my shortcomings, and I then I choose once again.

God’s love, patience, wisdom, and peace are always, always, with me. I remain alert and ready, prepared to receive God’s guidance and God’s abundance. It’s always there - where am I?

God Is...

God is...

Love
Joy
Peace
Strength
Power
Breath
Source
Life
Grace
Gratitude
Guide
Friend
Companion
Comfort
Healer
Consciousness
Presence
Serenity
Security

No matter where my journey takes me, I am not alone - God is.

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.

I Need Do Nothing

Yesterday a stranger started a conversation with Rog when he thought that Rog was carrying a bible. I get tickled pink when people are open to connecting - you never know where that holy instant can lead to.

In this case, it led to a number of lessons for Rog and me. This man’s apparent friendliness, apparent openness was his segue into evangelizing about his religion. His apparent interest in Rog’s beliefs was feigned, as he questioned Rog but then glanced at the newspaper. Grilling Rog, quoting scripture left and right with an attitude of righteousness, this man had an agenda to ‘save’ us.

It is a contradiction to me that someone who espouses Jesus as their savior in the same breath does not respect my belief, but points the finger, tells me I’m wrong, and holds an attitude as ‘less than’ towards me. It’s clear that they really don’t get what the real deal is. This is how wars get started. This is operating from ego, not God.

I do not have to agree with you, but I need to respect you. We are all God’s children, all equal. If I am truly an emissary of God, I extend love, acceptance, and peace. The reminder and lesson (again) was that I also respect myself by not participating in other’s agendas. I think it is worthwhile to know where I stand on issues and to clarify my beliefs. But I’m not obligated to share those when asked, especially by a hostile, close-minded party. I have to keep my boundaries.

Today’s Daily Word is Grace. It is a good reminder that I do not need to be saved, I am already perfect and loved the way I am and there is nothing I need to do to earn God’s love.

“As a child I may have learned that I must earn all good things in life. In school, awards are handed out for special achievement; at work, promotions are given to high achievers. I may also have believed that God, too, rewards only those who make an extra effort.

“Grace teaches me that I am loved right where I am, regardless of what I have or have not done. I do not have to earn God's love. I do not have to achieve a certain status or reach a certain milestone to be loved. Right where I am, God loves me.”

Bless those who cross my path to remind me of my true God nature - even when unintended by them.

Seeing

“What we see depends mainly on what we look for.” - John Lubbock

I have a client with whom I work with 20 hours per week, so I’m familiar with the look of her office. One day she asked for my interior decorating advice regarding an oval area rug she planned to buy for a main walk-through section of the office. Armed with samples, we discussed which color scheme would best work with the current carpet, and I also brought up my concern about how the thickness of the rug might be a tripping hazard. Then she proceeded to order her choice online, and that’s the last I thought of it.

The following week I was in my client’s office and it wasn’t until I’d walked through the main area three times that I realized the area rug had been delivered and placed on the carpet! I simply hadn’t seen it and I certainly hadn’t tripped over it.

It’s pretty phenomenal to me that something can be right in my face and I don’t see it. Have you ever looked all over the house for your keys (substitute anything else), only to find them on the kitchen counter next to the coffee mug you’d just been drinking out of?

It sure makes me wonder what else I’m not seeing, minor things and the not-so-minor. And then there’s the idea that this world is an illusion and I’m making it up anyway... so why can’t I ‘make up’ the keys, the cash, the love, the faith, etc.?

If I can’t see what is theoretically on the physical plane and I believe should be easy to see, then how can I ‘see’ what is in the other realms? And, if I’m making it all up anyway, why aren’t I making up and communicating with the unseen spiritual beings whom I’ve been yearning to communicate with?

Intention. Yes, again, I go about setting intentions and being awake. With faithful expectancy and joy, I see what I am looking for, I live the life and experience the abundance that is mine by Divine Right. I stay alert to my good and to God’s Grace.

Every Day...

I arise every morning at 5 AM. As we move closer to the summer solstice, each day the sun rises earlier and gradually more light greets me at that time. Every morning is lighter and lighter.

But today it seemed to be much lighter than just yesterday. Still, what matters to me is that every day is longer and brighter than the one before regardless of the interval between them.

With this thought, the words “every day” flashed through my mind and I started humming the tune by Buddy Holly. Here’s an excerpt from Everyday:

Everyday, it's a gettin' closer,
Goin' faster than a roller coaster,
Love like yours will surely come my way, (hey, hey, hey)

Everyday, it's a gettin' faster,
Everyone says go on up and ask her,
Love like yours will surely come my way, (hey, hey, hey)

Everyday seems a little longer,
Every way, love's a little stronger,
Come what may, do you ever long for
True love from me?

Everyday, it's a gettin' closer,
Goin' faster than a roller coaster,
Love like yours will surely come my way, (hey, hey, hey)

How true these words from the 1950’s are in today’s world. The days surely are going by faster and faster as time speeds up in this accelerated universe.

And, every day I am a bit more awake from the illusion than I was the prior day. I’m a bit more open, more kind, patient. I am stronger, standing in my power, that which comes from Source.

I’m getting closer and closer to Spirit every day. It seems this song could be about love from God coming my way every day. And that’s so true. God’s love is ever present - every minute, every hour, every day.

Every day - no matter the length of the sun shining - is a day to grow stronger in loving others and getting closer to my Higher Power. Hey, hey! Amen!

Intention

I still find myself these days not hearing guidance as directly, as often, or as clearly as I would like. It was suggested to me that setting an intention could very well prove useful in this situation. And, of course, setting and holding intentions is beneficial and powerful in all areas of one’s life.

So I’m setting intentions for this day:

I intend that God, my angels, my guides, and all other beings interested in my upliftment speak to me clearly in ways I understand -

I intend to follow the clear guidance given me -

I intend to walk through this day in peace, love, and joy -

I intend to be aware of all that I am grateful for -

I intend to remain open to receiving God’s grace -

I intend to be a patient, good listener and to shine my light in service to others -

I intend that this day is a productive one, enjoying and effectively doing the work Spirit sets before me -

I intend that when my head hits the pillow tonight I will have felt the power of setting intentions and fall asleep with a smile on my face enveloped in the knowing presence of Spirit, my angels, and my guides.

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.

Trust

Rog and I were talking over breakfast about trust. He’s participating in a thread on LinkedIn regarding the concept about if it is possible for there to be trust in business. To me it’s an absurd notion to even think of! Still, with the way the world is going today economically, politically, etc., it is clear that there have been grave breaches of trust by people and institutions, including business, and so it is no wonder that this topic is up for discussion.

I cannot imagine any sort of relationship - be it, personal, social, romantic, ‘even’ business - that can survive, let alone flourish and be healthy without a foundation of trust.

I shudder to think what life would be like if I couldn’t make the assumption that the other party was operating from a position of honesty and trustworthiness.

Of course, us spiritual beings having a human experience can fall short of the mark which means that we can make mistakes. But if I know the other person is coming from a place of integrity, honesty, and trustworthiness, I’m most apt to be understanding and accepting.

Nonetheless, I know the ultimate trust is in only one being - God. I place my trust in Source so that regardless of the craziness of the world and people around me, I know that I am taken care of and all is well.

Let It Be

Yesterday I attended a talk given by Timothy Buzzard of Unity of Sedona. If I got it right, the crux of his message was that no one is in a position to judge. Any person or situation can provide profound usefulness in the midst of seeming discomfort and even horror, so why judge it?

If I believe there is a Divine Intelligence at work, then everything, everything, everything - and everyone - is here for a reason. I may not know what it is, but I can rest assured that there is purpose behind it all.

From that viewpoint, I endeavor to see the blessing in everything and everyone. I surrender into Spirit’s wisdom and love, and I just let things and people be. I do not judge lest I be judge - and there is simply no point in judging, it is moot.

In my earlier days of awakening, I never fully appreciated some of John Lennon’s songs, the lyrics as well as the music. It is only in recent years that I’ve realized the depth of and enjoyed the powerful spiritual meaning behind his “Imagine.” And yesterday, I came to see the same when Timothy played a gospel version of “Let It Be.”

With God in charge, I can simply let things be.

“Let It Be” by John Lennon and Paul McCartney

When I find myself in times of trouble
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
And in my hour of darkness
She is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
Let it be, let it be.
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.

And when the broken hearted people
Living in the world agree,
There will be an answer, let it be.
For though they may be parted there is
Still a chance that they will see
There will be an answer, let it be.
Let it be, let it be. Yeah
There will be an answer, let it be.

And when the night is cloudy,
There is still a light that shines on me,
Shine on until tomorrow, let it be.
I wake up to the sound of music
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
Let it be, let it be.
There will be an answer, let it be.
Let it be, let it be,
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.

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

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.

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.

Prosperity

Today’s Daily Word is Prosperity: “I prosper as I live a life of purpose.” It reminds me that when my purpose is to serve God, I am supported in all I do.

And, when I focus on serving, connection to Spirit and my fellow travelers abounds. It is so clear that God is my Source for everything and I prosper physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and financially.

I am grateful to be able to rest in this Truth this day. Thank You, God!

A Single Prayer

I did some more inner child and gestalt work over this past weekend. Gestalt Therapy was developed by Fritz Perls and his wife Laura, in the 1940’s; their work emphasized a phenomenological and subjective approach to therapy.

Perls noted that many of us split off our experience (thoughts, sensations, emotions) that are uncomfortable. One goal of his work is to move people into owning their experience and developing into a healthy gestalt (or whole). In addition to helping the client overcome symptoms, the objective of Gestalt Therapy is to enable him or her to become more fully and creatively alive and to be free from the blocks and unfinished issues that may diminish optimum satisfaction, fulfillment, and growth.

I felt a shift in my body as my 15 year-old spoke, confided, and sobbed to her older self, the current me. Who else could she talk to who would so know and understand what it was like living in the family? It was also helpful having that child hold a conversation with her mother over an upsetting - and revealing - childhood incident.

This work brought freedom to my soul. It’s not over yet, but it is a huge step towards wholeness, being all that I was created to be and express, and living from my true essence.

I am so very grateful for the loving and wonderful teachers and counselors who are a part of my life these days. Bless them! Most of them I’ve only recently met since moving to Sedona 5½ months ago, but it’s clear that we are not strangers - we are f-a-m-i-l-y. I feel like we are from the same wonderful tribe, helping one another heal and awaken.

So this morning, with a great enthusiasm for life and the people in it, my conversation with God is a simple prayer: Thank You, God - Thank You, God - Thank You, God!

The Privileged Child

Charles Fillmore, in his essay entitled Overcoming the Poverty Idea writes “Thoughts are not all of the same importance.” There are some that frighten us into submission to their reign.

It is suggested that to rid one’s mind of fearing results should we dare to meet these domineering thoughts of error and openly oppose their reign, one needs to get a clear perception of what one’s rights are as a child of God.

Hmmm.... “rights .. as a child of God.” That’s ‘interesting.’ And, powerful and uplifting!

As a child of God, I “...should not be under the dominion of anything in the heavens above or in the earth below. You are given dominion over all.”

Mr. Fillmore continues on about the story of David and Goliath. “The name David means “the beloved of the Lord” and David represents your righteous perception of your privileges as a child of the living God. You are not a slave to anything or anybody. You cannot be alarmed by the threat of this god of mammon. You have the perception of Truth and you sling it at the center of his carnal thinking, which is the forehead.”

There is this idea is my mind that can slay all the frightening Goliaths in my life, and it is to perceive my proper place in Divine Mind. When I do so, fear cannot overpower me. I operate from a place of strength, wholeness, faith. I am imbued with peace, joy, and love. I am free.

All is well in my kingdom within for I know my heritage and exercise my privileges as a holy child of God. I am grateful for my Father.