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!
Showing posts with label Higher Power. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Higher Power. Show all posts
Friday, April 23, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Glowing
In my early years of 12 Step program work and cultivating my relationship with my Higher Power, people new to my life as well as old, would comment that there was something “different” about me. Yes, I had lost some weight, but that was not quite it. I was “glowing” many would say.
Most could not pinpoint the reason back of it, just as Bill initially couldn’t when Ebby visited him (Alcoholics Anonymous, page 9). Bill was amazed that his friend was sober, but there was something in addition to his sobriety. Ebby explains that he has found “religion” (in this case, aka “spirituality”) and a God of his understanding. And so it was with me.
In the years since, my glow has ebbed and flowed, ebbed and flowed. But last night in my class “Spiritual Evolution in Consciousness” someone told me I was “glowing” and another commented that I seemed uplifted. I didn’t have a chance to reply, but I know it was for the same reason as it was for Ebby and for me off and on over the years of my spiritual journey.
Spending more and more time with Spirit, especially in the realm of gathering with fellow journeyers, strengthens my inner divine spark. My heart opens, my character assets come to the foreground (and remain there longer), I am at peace and in love and joy. All because of my deepened relationship with the God of my understanding.
Putting God first in my life, puts the glow in me, and I shine from the inside out. I serve God as a power of example to others about what Higher Power can do for me that I never could do for myself. I am grateful.
Most could not pinpoint the reason back of it, just as Bill initially couldn’t when Ebby visited him (Alcoholics Anonymous, page 9). Bill was amazed that his friend was sober, but there was something in addition to his sobriety. Ebby explains that he has found “religion” (in this case, aka “spirituality”) and a God of his understanding. And so it was with me.
In the years since, my glow has ebbed and flowed, ebbed and flowed. But last night in my class “Spiritual Evolution in Consciousness” someone told me I was “glowing” and another commented that I seemed uplifted. I didn’t have a chance to reply, but I know it was for the same reason as it was for Ebby and for me off and on over the years of my spiritual journey.
Spending more and more time with Spirit, especially in the realm of gathering with fellow journeyers, strengthens my inner divine spark. My heart opens, my character assets come to the foreground (and remain there longer), I am at peace and in love and joy. All because of my deepened relationship with the God of my understanding.
Putting God first in my life, puts the glow in me, and I shine from the inside out. I serve God as a power of example to others about what Higher Power can do for me that I never could do for myself. I am grateful.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
The Look of God
Although my parents were not religious and I became a devout atheist at a young age, I nevertheless grew up with this visual as God as an anthropomorphic being.
Like many in the predominant Judeo-Christian culture of America, God was this huge man with a long white beard. And, in my mind, He sat on a throne, looking down, passing judgment on humans and instilling fear in them. Even as a young child I never ‘got’ how a Being who I had been told was supposed to be all powerful, all knowing, and all loving, could also be a punishing One. This contributed to my not believing in God.
Thanks to page 12 in the book Alcoholics Anonymous, where the novel idea of choosing one’s own conception of God was proposed, I came to believe. And in choosing my own belief in an all powerful, all knowing, and all loving Being - a God of my understanding -, the face of God changed. And changed... and changed.
These days God is Spirit, Higher Power, The Great Mystery, and known to me by many other names. Its look is usually not anthropomorphic, except perhaps when Spirit takes on human form as an angel in my life. The look of God is fluid for me – but the qualities are not.
So while I may sometimes visualize my Higher Power as this great energy field, a huge wonderful wave washing over me, or all of Nature surrounding me, God remains eternally all powerful, all knowing, and all loving.
I’ve also come to know many other wonderful qualities of Mother Father God: great Comforter, ultimate Listener, peaceful, Helper, Companion, interested only in my highest good, and, of course, always with me.
Since my early days as a child, I’ve sure come a long way in my relationship with God. It’s the ultimate journey of my life and one I’m glad I didn’t miss.
Like many in the predominant Judeo-Christian culture of America, God was this huge man with a long white beard. And, in my mind, He sat on a throne, looking down, passing judgment on humans and instilling fear in them. Even as a young child I never ‘got’ how a Being who I had been told was supposed to be all powerful, all knowing, and all loving, could also be a punishing One. This contributed to my not believing in God.
Thanks to page 12 in the book Alcoholics Anonymous, where the novel idea of choosing one’s own conception of God was proposed, I came to believe. And in choosing my own belief in an all powerful, all knowing, and all loving Being - a God of my understanding -, the face of God changed. And changed... and changed.
These days God is Spirit, Higher Power, The Great Mystery, and known to me by many other names. Its look is usually not anthropomorphic, except perhaps when Spirit takes on human form as an angel in my life. The look of God is fluid for me – but the qualities are not.
So while I may sometimes visualize my Higher Power as this great energy field, a huge wonderful wave washing over me, or all of Nature surrounding me, God remains eternally all powerful, all knowing, and all loving.
I’ve also come to know many other wonderful qualities of Mother Father God: great Comforter, ultimate Listener, peaceful, Helper, Companion, interested only in my highest good, and, of course, always with me.
Since my early days as a child, I’ve sure come a long way in my relationship with God. It’s the ultimate journey of my life and one I’m glad I didn’t miss.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Walking a Spiritual Path
I’ve met a lot of couples lately, and it’s interesting for me to observe what their relationship is like.
Is it about having a warm body in bed at night, someone to share household responsibilities and finances with, to have someone take care of the other? Or is it a real partnership in which the team members help one another not only in managing every day responsibilities and activities, but to help them evolve their souls, to support them in their waking up? Can I feel the love and joy energy between them or does it feel like they’re just making do with things?
Without a spiritual compass it seems impossible – not to mention extremely painful and depressing – to be in an intimate committed relationship. What is apparent to me now more than ever is that my partner is my best teacher on my path to full awakening, wholeness, and healing. Yet, without each of us having a spiritual foundation for providing guidance, strength, and love, it can not be so.
It seems to me a waste that others do not glean learning from their close relationships. Some actually carry resentments and blame forward into the future even when the relationship has long been dissolved.
My spiritual foundation was built primarily on 12 Step principles and secondarily on A Course in Miracles (ACIM) after adhering to an atheist viewpoint for many years prior to that. In the 20 years since, I’ve incorporated other spiritual traditions’ ideas into my belief system. Of course I’ve found that there is no competition in spirituality and in fact much commonality of principles (boy, what a relief that is in this usual world of duality). Rog’s spiritual foundation was built early in his life on Jesus’ teachings from his religious upbringing and continued with ACIM. We’re pretty close in our beliefs and we both consciously endeavor to practice them in our daily lives.
When Rog and I get into a ‘challenging’ discussion, we each seek to listen without ego to the other, to be honest and respectful of self and other. We strive for clear communication with love. We make amends when we have erred and we forgive one another and/or ourselves when needed. We are open to being both student and teacher.
When we married almost five years ago, we each promised to the other “... to do my best to always see the Light in you. I promise to do my best to be your perfect shelter, where you can be reborn in safety and in peace." Keeping these promises has allowed us to wake up more and more, and to enjoy greater freedom.
In this crazy, changing world thanks to my Higher Power and my life partner, I am not just ‘getting by’, but I am evolving and waking up. I am so very grateful.
Is it about having a warm body in bed at night, someone to share household responsibilities and finances with, to have someone take care of the other? Or is it a real partnership in which the team members help one another not only in managing every day responsibilities and activities, but to help them evolve their souls, to support them in their waking up? Can I feel the love and joy energy between them or does it feel like they’re just making do with things?
Without a spiritual compass it seems impossible – not to mention extremely painful and depressing – to be in an intimate committed relationship. What is apparent to me now more than ever is that my partner is my best teacher on my path to full awakening, wholeness, and healing. Yet, without each of us having a spiritual foundation for providing guidance, strength, and love, it can not be so.
It seems to me a waste that others do not glean learning from their close relationships. Some actually carry resentments and blame forward into the future even when the relationship has long been dissolved.
My spiritual foundation was built primarily on 12 Step principles and secondarily on A Course in Miracles (ACIM) after adhering to an atheist viewpoint for many years prior to that. In the 20 years since, I’ve incorporated other spiritual traditions’ ideas into my belief system. Of course I’ve found that there is no competition in spirituality and in fact much commonality of principles (boy, what a relief that is in this usual world of duality). Rog’s spiritual foundation was built early in his life on Jesus’ teachings from his religious upbringing and continued with ACIM. We’re pretty close in our beliefs and we both consciously endeavor to practice them in our daily lives.
When Rog and I get into a ‘challenging’ discussion, we each seek to listen without ego to the other, to be honest and respectful of self and other. We strive for clear communication with love. We make amends when we have erred and we forgive one another and/or ourselves when needed. We are open to being both student and teacher.
When we married almost five years ago, we each promised to the other “... to do my best to always see the Light in you. I promise to do my best to be your perfect shelter, where you can be reborn in safety and in peace." Keeping these promises has allowed us to wake up more and more, and to enjoy greater freedom.
In this crazy, changing world thanks to my Higher Power and my life partner, I am not just ‘getting by’, but I am evolving and waking up. I am so very grateful.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Worry and God
If I truly believe in God, why should I worry about anything?
In Kathryn Slattery’s experience as a worrier, she realized, “Worrying gave me a false sense that I was "doing something" about a problem, when in fact I was actually wasting valuable mental energy and accomplishing nothing!” How very true. When I worry, first of all, my mind is preoccupied with the future which isn’t yet here. I’m not accomplishing anything by worrying - in fact, I am adversely impacting my physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health.
Kathryn looked to the Bible, which has a lot to say on the topic. In Matthew’s gospel, Jesus says, “Do not worry. Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? So do not worry.” As Kathryn points out, it’s worth noting that the apostle Paul does not encourage us to “Worry without ceasing.” Instead, he writes, “Pray without ceasing.” Prayer is both the opposite and the antidote to worry. I cannot worry and pray at the same time, just like I cannot be in fear and faith simultaneously.
Kathryn has a friend, who when she finds herself worrying, uses it as a reminder of how much she needs God. On her nightstand she keeps a plaque that says, “Stop worrying and go to sleep. I’ll be up all night anyway. Love, God.” Yes, God is always up, always awake and present. And, God has the power to accomplish anything, unlike moi.
If I believe in a Higher Power - God - that is all loving, all good, all powerful, etc., why indeed am I worrying?
Dear Spirit of the Most High -
May I pray without ceasing, faithful in knowing that You have a Divine Plan and all is exactly as it should be. And so it is.
In Kathryn Slattery’s experience as a worrier, she realized, “Worrying gave me a false sense that I was "doing something" about a problem, when in fact I was actually wasting valuable mental energy and accomplishing nothing!” How very true. When I worry, first of all, my mind is preoccupied with the future which isn’t yet here. I’m not accomplishing anything by worrying - in fact, I am adversely impacting my physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health.
Kathryn looked to the Bible, which has a lot to say on the topic. In Matthew’s gospel, Jesus says, “Do not worry. Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? So do not worry.” As Kathryn points out, it’s worth noting that the apostle Paul does not encourage us to “Worry without ceasing.” Instead, he writes, “Pray without ceasing.” Prayer is both the opposite and the antidote to worry. I cannot worry and pray at the same time, just like I cannot be in fear and faith simultaneously.
Kathryn has a friend, who when she finds herself worrying, uses it as a reminder of how much she needs God. On her nightstand she keeps a plaque that says, “Stop worrying and go to sleep. I’ll be up all night anyway. Love, God.” Yes, God is always up, always awake and present. And, God has the power to accomplish anything, unlike moi.
If I believe in a Higher Power - God - that is all loving, all good, all powerful, etc., why indeed am I worrying?
Dear Spirit of the Most High -
May I pray without ceasing, faithful in knowing that You have a Divine Plan and all is exactly as it should be. And so it is.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Beginnings and H.P.
"With willingness we will begin to perceive God's hand in even the smallest events in our life. We will grow in our acceptance that all of our life circumstances are specifically given to us by a Higher Power who wants us to be all that we can. We'll never be given more than we can handle. However, we can be certain that many experiences will push us in directions we never dreamed possible." - Excerpt from In God's Care, November 1
With a new month beginning, my new life does too. I left my home in Gilbert this evening to travel alone to the Verde Valley without Rog. It feels strange to not be with him and I won't be until Wednesday afternoon; the last time we spent even a night apart had to be 2+ years ago. I'm staying in temporary quarters (with a friend) so that I can start a new position in Red Rock Country on schedule, and then will move into our new home in Sedona in a few days when Rog will join me. There is no doubt that God's hand has been involved in this series of adventures - big time.
And, it's been challenging at times but God did not give me more than I could handle - after all, I made it this far, yes?! I persevered with patience, faith, and trust (not perfectly). And, in the end, Source, has supplied me with all that I need to start our new life - a life of new beginnings rich with community, service, Nature, and spiritual practice.
Rog and I feel that by living in Sedona God's plan for our life will become much clearer and we'll step into it with enthusiasm. And, I'm certain it will be a new life of experiences that will push us in directions we never dreamed possible. But I can continue to lean on Higher Power throughout it all.
With a new month beginning, my new life does too. I left my home in Gilbert this evening to travel alone to the Verde Valley without Rog. It feels strange to not be with him and I won't be until Wednesday afternoon; the last time we spent even a night apart had to be 2+ years ago. I'm staying in temporary quarters (with a friend) so that I can start a new position in Red Rock Country on schedule, and then will move into our new home in Sedona in a few days when Rog will join me. There is no doubt that God's hand has been involved in this series of adventures - big time.
And, it's been challenging at times but God did not give me more than I could handle - after all, I made it this far, yes?! I persevered with patience, faith, and trust (not perfectly). And, in the end, Source, has supplied me with all that I need to start our new life - a life of new beginnings rich with community, service, Nature, and spiritual practice.
Rog and I feel that by living in Sedona God's plan for our life will become much clearer and we'll step into it with enthusiasm. And, I'm certain it will be a new life of experiences that will push us in directions we never dreamed possible. But I can continue to lean on Higher Power throughout it all.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Dependence on God
A comprehended God is no God at all. – Gerhard Tersteegen
“Maybe the only thing we know about God is that dependence on this power greater than us brings remarkable changes to our life, and that ultimately those changes are for the best. That may be all we need to know about God.” - In God’s Care, October 31
There is no question that coming to believe and then depending on a Higher Power transformed my life for the better. Not only did I start having more love in my life via the wonderful people I met in 12 Step Program, but my entire perspective about people, the world, and life changed tremendously for the better.
And, it was no small feat to finally get that I was not alone, and that this power greater than myself not only was with me and on my side, but could be a real guide and help in living life peacefully and richly if I allowed It to.
I may not always, in fact often do not, comprehend God and His ways, but I sure am grateful that I “came to believe” and that I cultivate my relationship with this loving, caring, powerful Being on whom I am so dependent on.
“Maybe the only thing we know about God is that dependence on this power greater than us brings remarkable changes to our life, and that ultimately those changes are for the best. That may be all we need to know about God.” - In God’s Care, October 31
There is no question that coming to believe and then depending on a Higher Power transformed my life for the better. Not only did I start having more love in my life via the wonderful people I met in 12 Step Program, but my entire perspective about people, the world, and life changed tremendously for the better.
And, it was no small feat to finally get that I was not alone, and that this power greater than myself not only was with me and on my side, but could be a real guide and help in living life peacefully and richly if I allowed It to.
I may not always, in fact often do not, comprehend God and His ways, but I sure am grateful that I “came to believe” and that I cultivate my relationship with this loving, caring, powerful Being on whom I am so dependent on.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Life as Prayer
Today's Daily Word - Friday, October 2, 2009
PRAYER
As I turn my thoughts to God, my life becomes a prayer.
I do not need to go away to a mountaintop or seclude myself in a sacred place to spend time in prayer. I need only to turn my thoughts inward and open my mind and heart to God. In this way, I make whatever I am doing a prayer.
As I prepare a meal, I am grateful for the food, and as I clean my house, I am grateful for the restful haven it provides me. As I walk in the park, I feel a sense of oneness with all life in the world around me. As I go through my workday, I am God's instrument of good in the world, and what I do and say is an expression of God.
The more I turn my thoughts to God, the more my life becomes a prayer.
How convenient that wherever I am, whatever I am doing, talking to Spirit is just a pause away. I simply stop and refocus my attention inward.
My intention is to be in prayer more and more each waking moment, to walk consciously with Spirit 24/7. As I do so, my life is a prayer, full of gratitude that my Higher Power is with me always.
PRAYER
As I turn my thoughts to God, my life becomes a prayer.
I do not need to go away to a mountaintop or seclude myself in a sacred place to spend time in prayer. I need only to turn my thoughts inward and open my mind and heart to God. In this way, I make whatever I am doing a prayer.
As I prepare a meal, I am grateful for the food, and as I clean my house, I am grateful for the restful haven it provides me. As I walk in the park, I feel a sense of oneness with all life in the world around me. As I go through my workday, I am God's instrument of good in the world, and what I do and say is an expression of God.
The more I turn my thoughts to God, the more my life becomes a prayer.
How convenient that wherever I am, whatever I am doing, talking to Spirit is just a pause away. I simply stop and refocus my attention inward.
My intention is to be in prayer more and more each waking moment, to walk consciously with Spirit 24/7. As I do so, my life is a prayer, full of gratitude that my Higher Power is with me always.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
God Will Provide
My source is God, Spirit, The Great Mystery, Higher Power, or whatever name I choose to call this concept of all oneness, infinite, omnipotent, omniscient Presence. It supplies me with everything and that supply is unlimited.
Emmet Fox reminds me that for practical purposes at any given time I draw from this inexhaustible Source only in accordance with the measure of my understanding, “just as you can draw water from the Atlantic only in accordance with the size of the vessel you use.” [Power Through Constructive Thinking, 1940, page 176]
Nonetheless, when God calls me to His Service, when I am on my right path, God pays all the expenses in whatever kind of coin. Whatever I may require to answer that call, to do God’s Will, God will provide. It can be in the form of money, opportunity, knowledge, training, strength, courage, etc. All I have to do is ensure that I am about God’s business, not about my own.
Dear God, as I understand You –
Please improve my conscious contact with You. I pray for knowledge of Your Will for me and the power and means to carry it out. And so it is.
Emmet Fox reminds me that for practical purposes at any given time I draw from this inexhaustible Source only in accordance with the measure of my understanding, “just as you can draw water from the Atlantic only in accordance with the size of the vessel you use.” [Power Through Constructive Thinking, 1940, page 176]
Nonetheless, when God calls me to His Service, when I am on my right path, God pays all the expenses in whatever kind of coin. Whatever I may require to answer that call, to do God’s Will, God will provide. It can be in the form of money, opportunity, knowledge, training, strength, courage, etc. All I have to do is ensure that I am about God’s business, not about my own.
Dear God, as I understand You –
Please improve my conscious contact with You. I pray for knowledge of Your Will for me and the power and means to carry it out. And so it is.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Awakening Along the Creek
Sitting on a rock alongside Tonto Creek near Payson, AZ, yesterday, I realized how easy it is for me to be in Nature and totally forget about the rest of my life, the rest of the world. Ahhh... Poof – they're gone!
That’s not to say there wasn’t any busyness going on. There was so much activity to observe in the creek that I could keep myself busy just observing for hours – blissfully so.
The water striders’ 3 pairs of legs reflected off the rock surfaces visible through the clear water. These fascinating creatures (I learned this morning via the Web) live on the surfaces of ponds, slow streams and other quiet waters; hence, they are sometimes called pond skaters and Jesus Bugs because they "walk" on water. There’s a reminder of Spirit!
Then there was the twig flowing downstream until it came up against some rocks. I thought it would just hang out there, not resisting, until something propelled it to move forward. Just waiting, with ‘patience’ and ‘joy’ to see where the flow would take it. What a concept for my own world.
Just focusing on the creek water flowing onward and onward, in and of itself a peaceful meditation, evoked the idea of the possibility of tranquility in my own life. What do I do or be to make it so?
I understand why many folks view Nature as their Higher Power. There is certainly wonder, creation, power, comfort, patience, and many of the attributes of my own conception of God that dwells there, externally and within.
I am grateful for this delightful and awakening experience in the woods, and know I’ll be spending more time with God in the form of Mother Nature.
That’s not to say there wasn’t any busyness going on. There was so much activity to observe in the creek that I could keep myself busy just observing for hours – blissfully so.
The water striders’ 3 pairs of legs reflected off the rock surfaces visible through the clear water. These fascinating creatures (I learned this morning via the Web) live on the surfaces of ponds, slow streams and other quiet waters; hence, they are sometimes called pond skaters and Jesus Bugs because they "walk" on water. There’s a reminder of Spirit!
Then there was the twig flowing downstream until it came up against some rocks. I thought it would just hang out there, not resisting, until something propelled it to move forward. Just waiting, with ‘patience’ and ‘joy’ to see where the flow would take it. What a concept for my own world.
Just focusing on the creek water flowing onward and onward, in and of itself a peaceful meditation, evoked the idea of the possibility of tranquility in my own life. What do I do or be to make it so?
I understand why many folks view Nature as their Higher Power. There is certainly wonder, creation, power, comfort, patience, and many of the attributes of my own conception of God that dwells there, externally and within.
I am grateful for this delightful and awakening experience in the woods, and know I’ll be spending more time with God in the form of Mother Nature.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Love for God
I’ve often wondered whether I love God, especially after hearing others passionately proclaim their love for their Higher Power. And, if I don’t love God, where does that place me, in God’s ‘eyes’ and in my own?
Well, last night I was reading from Emmet Fox’s book Power Through Constructive Thinking, getting my heart and mind tuned up to Spirit. I was heartened when I came across these words in Fox’s essay The Secret Place:
“...your love for God is not an emotion. It has really nothing to do with the feelings at all. We demonstrate and prove our love for God by praying, and by refusing to recognize error as having any power over us; by declining, out of loyalty to God, to accept anything less than the perfect harmony which is His Will.”
I don’t always refuse to recognize error as having any power over me and certainly there are times when I accept less than perfect harmony in my life. But I sure do pray. I pray a lot throughout the day, as much as I can in between the spaces of activity and oftimes during the busyness.
My intention is to connect with Spirit every millisecond that I can and to evolve spiritually. In this, I show my love for God.
Well, last night I was reading from Emmet Fox’s book Power Through Constructive Thinking, getting my heart and mind tuned up to Spirit. I was heartened when I came across these words in Fox’s essay The Secret Place:
“...your love for God is not an emotion. It has really nothing to do with the feelings at all. We demonstrate and prove our love for God by praying, and by refusing to recognize error as having any power over us; by declining, out of loyalty to God, to accept anything less than the perfect harmony which is His Will.”
I don’t always refuse to recognize error as having any power over me and certainly there are times when I accept less than perfect harmony in my life. But I sure do pray. I pray a lot throughout the day, as much as I can in between the spaces of activity and oftimes during the busyness.
My intention is to connect with Spirit every millisecond that I can and to evolve spiritually. In this, I show my love for God.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
It All Starts With Thought
Over the years, I’ve heard the Bible quote “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). But I’ve also heard that the word “logos”, from which “word” comes from, can be translated to “thought”. Hence, we then get “In the beginning was the Thought, and the Thought was with God, and the Thought was God.” Thoughts are pretty powerful, I’d say.
A Chinese proverb states: "Be careful of your thoughts, for your thoughts inspire your words. Be careful of your words, for your words precede your actions. Be careful of your actions, for your actions become your habits. Be careful of your habits, for your habits build your character. Be careful of your character, for your character decides your destiny."
How true, how true.
Today’s reading contained In God’s Care reminds me that “Although it takes practice to remember to let our Higher Power direct our actions, it will become a habit in time – the healthiest habit we’ll ever develop.”
This is the primary habit for me to cultivate – once again. Sometimes I’m really present, checking in with Spirit, regularly asking for guidance and the willingness with the ability to carry it out. Sometimes, (like yesterday – see blog), I am so wrapped up in minutiae that the greater - and more important – issue of what is God’s Will is taken over by my ego.
If I am to develop healthy habits that ultimately affect my destiny, then there is no doubt I must think about and commune with Spirit. I must be in constant contact with my Higher Power, which this action in and of itself will help me to develop healthy thoughts, words, actions, habits, character, and finally, my destiny. It’s a loop.
How important is thought indeed.
A Chinese proverb states: "Be careful of your thoughts, for your thoughts inspire your words. Be careful of your words, for your words precede your actions. Be careful of your actions, for your actions become your habits. Be careful of your habits, for your habits build your character. Be careful of your character, for your character decides your destiny."
How true, how true.
Today’s reading contained In God’s Care reminds me that “Although it takes practice to remember to let our Higher Power direct our actions, it will become a habit in time – the healthiest habit we’ll ever develop.”
This is the primary habit for me to cultivate – once again. Sometimes I’m really present, checking in with Spirit, regularly asking for guidance and the willingness with the ability to carry it out. Sometimes, (like yesterday – see blog), I am so wrapped up in minutiae that the greater - and more important – issue of what is God’s Will is taken over by my ego.
If I am to develop healthy habits that ultimately affect my destiny, then there is no doubt I must think about and commune with Spirit. I must be in constant contact with my Higher Power, which this action in and of itself will help me to develop healthy thoughts, words, actions, habits, character, and finally, my destiny. It’s a loop.
How important is thought indeed.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Encounters
“Each encounter with people who cross our path offers us the chance for a deeper connection with our Higher Power.” – In God’s Care, July 12
Opportunities abound to cross paths with others. It can be a quick, one-time encounter that occurs in the grocery store or one that last for the rest of my life. Each has meaning, all are opportunities to experience The Presence if I so choose. The more I put myself ‘out there’ the richer my life is.
Thank You, Spirit, that I opened myself up to the people placed on my path this day and felt a stronger connection to You.
Opportunities abound to cross paths with others. It can be a quick, one-time encounter that occurs in the grocery store or one that last for the rest of my life. Each has meaning, all are opportunities to experience The Presence if I so choose. The more I put myself ‘out there’ the richer my life is.
Thank You, Spirit, that I opened myself up to the people placed on my path this day and felt a stronger connection to You.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Always Available
I entered the 12 Step program in March 1990 as a devout atheist. I soon discovered that people read daily meditation books related to their specific addiction, which helped them start their day off with some inspiration and contemplation. The words “God” or “Higher Power” could be found among the passages and it took some getting used to. Nonetheless, I really enjoyed the readings and found them helpful with my addiction of choice.
Within about six months, I was solidly believing in a Power greater than myself. Lo and behold, in February 1991 a publisher of recovery material came out with a new meditation book entitled In God’s Care (As We Understand God), Daily Meditations on Spirituality in Recovery. I embraced this little book because I wanted to be more focused on spirituality than on my addiction.
I gave my first copy, filled with lots of yellow highlights and black underscores, to a dear friend who was in AA, when he became seriously ill (I mentioned Jay in one of my first blogs). He made his transition some time later and I never got it back. I’m on my second copy now, 15+ years old.
My path has taken me beyond the 12 Steps, but I never tire of this book and still find joy and inspiration from reading of it. I can even read it online when the hard copy is not nearby. So, here’s part of today’s message:
“We see things not as they are, but as we are.” – H. M. Tomlinson
...Our more positive attitude today changes our understanding of earlier experiences... If we rely on God’s help, we’ll come to understand all our experiences as opportunities for growth and fulfillment. We can trust them, live through them, and be grateful for their contribution to our spiritual development.
The attitude we harbor is powerful...God is always available to help us accept the circumstances of our life.
In the midst of our latest adventures of bankruptcy, foreclosure, building our businesses, and looking for a place to hang our hats, both Rog and I are doing our spiritual work, staying connected to HP, and keeping a positive, joyful attitude. God is always available - to guide us, help us, uplift us.
Within about six months, I was solidly believing in a Power greater than myself. Lo and behold, in February 1991 a publisher of recovery material came out with a new meditation book entitled In God’s Care (As We Understand God), Daily Meditations on Spirituality in Recovery. I embraced this little book because I wanted to be more focused on spirituality than on my addiction.
I gave my first copy, filled with lots of yellow highlights and black underscores, to a dear friend who was in AA, when he became seriously ill (I mentioned Jay in one of my first blogs). He made his transition some time later and I never got it back. I’m on my second copy now, 15+ years old.
My path has taken me beyond the 12 Steps, but I never tire of this book and still find joy and inspiration from reading of it. I can even read it online when the hard copy is not nearby. So, here’s part of today’s message:
“We see things not as they are, but as we are.” – H. M. Tomlinson
...Our more positive attitude today changes our understanding of earlier experiences... If we rely on God’s help, we’ll come to understand all our experiences as opportunities for growth and fulfillment. We can trust them, live through them, and be grateful for their contribution to our spiritual development.
The attitude we harbor is powerful...God is always available to help us accept the circumstances of our life.
In the midst of our latest adventures of bankruptcy, foreclosure, building our businesses, and looking for a place to hang our hats, both Rog and I are doing our spiritual work, staying connected to HP, and keeping a positive, joyful attitude. God is always available - to guide us, help us, uplift us.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Trusting in God's Care
One of my readings to contemplate this day is about relying on my Higher Power to take care of me.
God has taken me this far (53+ years in this lifetime regardless if I was a believer or not) and I can decide to trust for that to continue.
Trusting is my choice. If I choose not to, I’ll land up in fear, not a pretty place.
Dear Spirit of the Most High -
I open my heart and mind to Your taking care of me at all times, in all circumstances.
God has taken me this far (53+ years in this lifetime regardless if I was a believer or not) and I can decide to trust for that to continue.
Trusting is my choice. If I choose not to, I’ll land up in fear, not a pretty place.
Dear Spirit of the Most High -
I open my heart and mind to Your taking care of me at all times, in all circumstances.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Turning Points
Particularly now, our society is experiencing Turning Points in many sectors and dimensions, and these changes are profoundly impacting our individual lives. Of course, throughout our personal lives we experience profound experiences and changes – that is Life. I think how we handle them is what’s important.
“Turning Points: From Personal to Global” was last night’s topic of discussion at the Gilbert Spirituality Meetup. I know that before I came to believe in God (a.k.a. in my life as “pre-God” or P.G.) and was a devout atheist, the way I responded to change was far different than after I had come to believe in a Power greater than myself.
P.G., I was a bulldozer, endeavoring with all my will to make things happen MY way. I wasn’t exactly what you’d call living in a peaceful space, I lived in the future more than in the now, I felt alone. Once I had a belief in and conscious connection with my Higher Power, life became richer and more adventurous, joyful, and love-filled – and I no longer felt alone. I sought God’s guidance and actually asked for help in matters large and small.
In recent years, I’ve gone through a number of Turning Points, including a career change, several relocations and even marrying for the first time at almost 50 years of age. God was in the thick of it - by my side to help me, guide me, love me.
These days I live in the Now more regularly, and feel peace more often than not. And yes, I KNOW I am never alone. Turning Points are part of life – and, so is God, which is The Source of all.
Isn’t that a comfort?
“Turning Points: From Personal to Global” was last night’s topic of discussion at the Gilbert Spirituality Meetup. I know that before I came to believe in God (a.k.a. in my life as “pre-God” or P.G.) and was a devout atheist, the way I responded to change was far different than after I had come to believe in a Power greater than myself.
P.G., I was a bulldozer, endeavoring with all my will to make things happen MY way. I wasn’t exactly what you’d call living in a peaceful space, I lived in the future more than in the now, I felt alone. Once I had a belief in and conscious connection with my Higher Power, life became richer and more adventurous, joyful, and love-filled – and I no longer felt alone. I sought God’s guidance and actually asked for help in matters large and small.
In recent years, I’ve gone through a number of Turning Points, including a career change, several relocations and even marrying for the first time at almost 50 years of age. God was in the thick of it - by my side to help me, guide me, love me.
These days I live in the Now more regularly, and feel peace more often than not. And yes, I KNOW I am never alone. Turning Points are part of life – and, so is God, which is The Source of all.
Isn’t that a comfort?
Saturday, November 15, 2008
My Story Continues...
[Continued from Yesterday’s Blog]
The day I departed for my first trip to Europe with six weeks of sobriety and 12 Step recovery under my belt, I had planned to work a good portion of the day and then leave directly for the airport from my office. I was delayed (ya know, just one more thing...), and rushed out of the World Financial Center in lower Manhattan hoping I would not miss my flight; I did not.
The plane was boarded, an older gentleman sat down next to me, and then he started making a fuss about the luggage under our seats. Nonetheless we settled in, the plane took flight, and before I knew it, my fellow traveler was placing a copy of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous into the pouch in front of him! Excited and feeling an instant connection with him, I turned to him and told him I had a copy of the Big Book with me too. Thus a dreaded 7-hour flight to Rome sped by as we talked in the same language about the Program, our feelings, and our experiences.
This was synchronicity at work for numerous reasons and I chuckled that:
. In this plane with 300 or so passenger seats, a member of a 12 Step Fellowship was assigned to a seat next to me
. His unmistakable membership in this anonymous association was revealed to me (and early in the trip)
. Peter was an American (like me) from the northeastern United States (like me) in a planeload mostly full of Italian-speaking Romans
. Last, but certainly not least, Peter was a Christian missionary stationed in Rome!
The significance here for me was strong. I was not left alone, new in my sobriety and new in my traveling to Europe. I got to enjoy the company of a ‘man of the cloth’ whereas up until this time, I had looked askance at ‘such people.’ Also, this came at a time when I was actively searching for a higher power. I walked off that plane onto another continent with a new attitude, my perspective shifted.
Upon hearing this story, my dear friend Jay (a member of the AA Fellowship) said to me “Even you, Joyce, have to admit this had to be more than a coincidence...” Indeed, even I. I chuckled, knowing (and glad) that my evolving conception of a higher power had a sense of humor.
The day I departed for my first trip to Europe with six weeks of sobriety and 12 Step recovery under my belt, I had planned to work a good portion of the day and then leave directly for the airport from my office. I was delayed (ya know, just one more thing...), and rushed out of the World Financial Center in lower Manhattan hoping I would not miss my flight; I did not.
The plane was boarded, an older gentleman sat down next to me, and then he started making a fuss about the luggage under our seats. Nonetheless we settled in, the plane took flight, and before I knew it, my fellow traveler was placing a copy of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous into the pouch in front of him! Excited and feeling an instant connection with him, I turned to him and told him I had a copy of the Big Book with me too. Thus a dreaded 7-hour flight to Rome sped by as we talked in the same language about the Program, our feelings, and our experiences.
This was synchronicity at work for numerous reasons and I chuckled that:
. In this plane with 300 or so passenger seats, a member of a 12 Step Fellowship was assigned to a seat next to me
. His unmistakable membership in this anonymous association was revealed to me (and early in the trip)
. Peter was an American (like me) from the northeastern United States (like me) in a planeload mostly full of Italian-speaking Romans
. Last, but certainly not least, Peter was a Christian missionary stationed in Rome!
The significance here for me was strong. I was not left alone, new in my sobriety and new in my traveling to Europe. I got to enjoy the company of a ‘man of the cloth’ whereas up until this time, I had looked askance at ‘such people.’ Also, this came at a time when I was actively searching for a higher power. I walked off that plane onto another continent with a new attitude, my perspective shifted.
Upon hearing this story, my dear friend Jay (a member of the AA Fellowship) said to me “Even you, Joyce, have to admit this had to be more than a coincidence...” Indeed, even I. I chuckled, knowing (and glad) that my evolving conception of a higher power had a sense of humor.
Friday, November 14, 2008
My Story Begins...
The Gilbert Spirituality MeetUp Group met the other night and the topic was God Stories. We mostly focused on sharing incidents in which events happened which could not be a coincidence – or at least the person involved thought so, which is all that matters.
The idea of synchronicity was developed by Carl Jung and has special meaning for me. It was the way in which I came to believe in God. One of my first conscious “encounters” – after all God is always making Its Presence known but I often am not paying attention – occurred when I was newly on my path.
I walked into the rooms of of a 12 Step program of recovery for eating disorders in March 1990 in New York City, bringing with me 19 years of ‘hard core’ atheism. I held a strong belief and daily practice based on Ayn Rand’s philosophy of Objectivism where reason and logic were the answer to everything and self-sufficiency, along with perfectionism, was extreme. I had a great disdain for organized religion, and would barely give a member of the clergy the time of day if asked to. But, I considered myself a ‘free thinker’!
Six weeks later, abstinent (sober) for that period, I was on my way to Europe for the first time. Being so new to the OA program and traveling into unfamiliar territory, I was concerned about my ability to remain abstinent. I endeavored to get a copy of the Big Book, the ‘bible’ of the program Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) on which my particular program was based, and secured a copy in the nick of time. Reading this, indeed just having it with me, was to help ‘protect’ me from my disease of compulsive overeating. I had not yet developed a conception of a higher power to help me. I was about to get a clear demonstration of Higher Power at work.
The idea of synchronicity was developed by Carl Jung and has special meaning for me. It was the way in which I came to believe in God. One of my first conscious “encounters” – after all God is always making Its Presence known but I often am not paying attention – occurred when I was newly on my path.
I walked into the rooms of of a 12 Step program of recovery for eating disorders in March 1990 in New York City, bringing with me 19 years of ‘hard core’ atheism. I held a strong belief and daily practice based on Ayn Rand’s philosophy of Objectivism where reason and logic were the answer to everything and self-sufficiency, along with perfectionism, was extreme. I had a great disdain for organized religion, and would barely give a member of the clergy the time of day if asked to. But, I considered myself a ‘free thinker’!
Six weeks later, abstinent (sober) for that period, I was on my way to Europe for the first time. Being so new to the OA program and traveling into unfamiliar territory, I was concerned about my ability to remain abstinent. I endeavored to get a copy of the Big Book, the ‘bible’ of the program Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) on which my particular program was based, and secured a copy in the nick of time. Reading this, indeed just having it with me, was to help ‘protect’ me from my disease of compulsive overeating. I had not yet developed a conception of a higher power to help me. I was about to get a clear demonstration of Higher Power at work.
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