Enough

It’s been a full, rich day. I spent most of it at my laptop, doing website design work and connecting with people via email. I emailed prospective clients introduced to me through mutual friends, communicated with owners of possible home rentals, caught up on how friends were doing in their new home state, and more.

It was a social day, a productive day. I did my active kundalini meditation and I spent some time reading Emmet Fox’s essays; they are always uplifting to me, and make me feel closer to God.

It was a day well spent and I felt like I had “done enough” which is often not the case. So it’s ‘interesting’ that I should read today’s Daily Guideposts this evening.

The author, Pam Kidd, had forgotten to give her elderly friend all of his birthday gifts when she visited him at an extended-care facility. “For weeks the magazines rode around in my car, taunting me. One more thing undone. And then, out of the blue, came a call: Claude had suffered a massive stroke. He was gone.

“Distraught, I went to the car and gathered the magazines, expecting also to find a heap of guilt. But the memory of Claude waving and smiling as he escorted me down the corridor sent a different message. You made me the birthday king, Claude seemed to say. Let go of what you didn’t do. Think about what you did!”

How very often at the end of the day I think about what I did not accomplish, instead of all that I did. And then, not only did I not do enough, but the “I’m not good enough” starts creeping in too.

It seems like today I got the message from Spirit before I had a chance to go down that path. Instead, I felt most satisfied with the accomplishments of the day. So although my experience today contrasted with the usual, I’m grateful for the story reinforcing the idea that it’s what I accomplish that counts, not what I did not.

Dear Spirit – Thank You for my feeling my accomplishments today and not worrying about the rest. I did enough, I am enough. All is well. Good night.

Following One's Heart

There are many ways that we can serve God. Some of us find that we do it best and are true to our heart (to God, to ourselves) by doing it on a solitary path. That is, we find that we simply cannot give our fullest to Spirit when involved in a committed relationship with a human being.

Others find immersing themselves in community the best way to go in order to serve God. They live with housemates, work with many colleagues, and, in general, are in the world and in many close relationships.

I recently learned that a man, who I have heard speak God’s Word numerous times and who has stirred my heart, has chosen to give up a committed human romantic love relationship. In fact, it was a marriage. It seems that he has been in multiple marriages, and all but one ended in divorce. This man finds that he can only serve God best when he is not also committed to a life partner. He’s tried it and it just doesn’t work. The human relationship divides him and distracts him from his true life’s work.

I get it. I admire this man for his courage, his integrity, his honesty, his commitment – to Spirit and his heart. His last marriage was short-lived once he confronted this nagging issue and made the decision to give his heart solely to the Great Mystery. He and his former wife love one another and are great friends. That’s just the way it is. This man helps many people as his ministry goes well beyond the walls of the physical church. He serves God best and his spirit heals and thrives as he gives of himself to the many instead of a special one.

Yesterday’s blog (What God Wants) spoke to the idea that maybe what God wants is for us to just be free of the things that come between us and God. For me, I needed to change my daily allocation of time. I made the commitment to spend more time with Spirit. How pale this seems in comparison to my aforementioned friend. Yet, what wonderful food for thought.

Spirit has given each of us something unique to share with this world. Besides knowing what it is, we need to discover the best way to go about sharing it, and then make the commitment to carry it out. I’m still working on all of this. But, kudos to those who have found their true calling, know how to administer it, and are committed to it, their heart, and God. Thanks for being such a great role model to the rest of us. God bless you all!

Three Steps

“I pray. I listen. I act.”

These three steps suggesting how to go through any situation came from yesterday’s Daily Word. However, I didn’t come upon them until I had already applied them to our surreal housing situation.

Rog and I held hands, closed our eyes, took some deep breaths, and then I said an extemporaneous, heartfelt prayer aloud. It encompassed not just the morning’s particular challenge, but expressing our gratitude, and praying for dear friends, many of whom are also facing huge shifts in their lives.

This time greatly calmed me down and I could feel Spirit’s Presence deeply. Then Rog and I proceeded to listen, and Guidance came. One step at a time, we took action the rest of the day, in a calm manner.

How blessed I am to have come to believe in a Power greater than myself that can help in all situations. With peace – with Connection – I can operate in my right mind, at peace, in this crazy world. I am grateful.

The Answer: Community

Our adventures yesterday up north answered my prayer to receive messages from God for our next steps.

The talk at the Unity of Sedona service was given by a member rather than the minister. He plunged right in to telling about how he had woken up one day and realized he’d had no friends. His was inspired to find a community, and here he was about a year later, sharing his insights and gratitude for the spiritual community he had found at this Unity church. The support and connection there had helped him grow tremendously in the past year, get through some challenging situations, find meaningful service work, and even meet his future wife! His gratitude was strong for the love and friendship exchanged in community.

The afternoon found Rog and me in the company of healer friends and colleagues. We had a relaxing lunch as we caught up on our lives and related our spiritual “ah-ha’s” and unfolding knowledge. Then we spent two solid hours in what turned out to be sacred, healing circle. It was a powerful experience for each of us as individuals and as a group as a whole. There is no doubt that this group of individuals (with a few missing folks) is a community.

I’ve known that community is very important to me (it’s family for me), so Spirit’s message is clear: Community is a driving force in deciding on what my life is to be about and where we are to live. Various spiritual communities await us in the Verde Valley/Red Rock Country area, and that is where we are to go make a new home. There no longer is doubt. I will leave the “how” up to Spirit as I continue to remain open to Guidance and following It.

I’m excited, enthused, and grateful that yesterday’s prayer was answered. And, I so look forward to my new home region and all that it offers my soul.

Wink-A-Versary

Today is our 5th wink-a-versary. Translated into English, today is the day five years ago that Rog sent me a wink via match.com. From there a 10-day email courtship followed, culminating in...well, here we today, joyfully married, great teammates as business partners, and, the bestest of friends.

“God wants us to be only who we are” reads, in part, from today’s In God’s Care. Well, that’s how Rog and I have been with one another from day 1: no games, open communication, real beings. Our relationship is a trinity: Spirit, Rog, and Joyce.

Rog’s match.com handle was ‘Tucson Rog’ and mine was ‘Unusual Woman’. It truly was a God thing that we met. Rog had been resisting his friends’ suggestions to go online to start meeting women after separating from his 24-year marriage. But he could not go against the Guidance he received to do the same. It was great timing because I was just about ready to end my subscription.

There were factors that should not have had my profile show up in Rog’s search, but nevertheless it did. It was finally time for these two twin flames to meet again and make a life together to accomplish God’s work.

I will always be grateful for the technology that brought Rog and me together, but of course I know it was really Spirit who did so.

Thank You, Spirit!

My Buddha Wheel

When I lived in Santa Fe, I used to ride a stationary exercise bike. I got into the habit of using the time to pray continuously, specifically for people. It was a wonderful experience each morning. Not only did it connect me with Spirit, but it connected me with people who I no longer physically lived closed to and missed.

Two wonderful exercises: physical and spiritual. My spiritual mentor at the time said my practice reminded him of the Buddha wheel.

“The wheel's motion is a metaphor for the rapid spiritual change engendered by the teachings of the Buddha.
It represents the endless cycle of rebirth, which can only be escaped by means of the Buddha's teachings. And some Buddhists regard the wheel's three basic parts as symbols of the "three trainings" in Buddhist practice: The hub symbolizes moral discipline, which stabilizes the mind. The spokes (usually there are eight) represent wisdom which is applied to defeat ignorance. The rim represents training in concentration, which holds everything else together.” [From www.religionfacts.com]

How very interesting...who knew?!

About seven weeks ago, I began making my morning practice an active Kundalini meditation. It consists of four stages of 15” each, with the first three set to music:
1st: Standing with feet firmly planted on the earth, I let my body shake.
2nd: Dancing
3rd: Sitting still
4th: Laying down in silence

During the active stages (1st and 2nd) I’ve worked on keeping my thoughts focused on the music or saying affirmations. But often, my mind wanders to details of everyday life, which is exactly what I’m looking to get away from. I’ve not felt this a good use of the mental part of this practice and recently asked Spirit, my angels, and all others interested in my upliftment for help. I prayed for focus and to make the best use of this time as Spirit saw fit.

Today I got the notion to continuously pray for my friends, family, and anyone that came to mind. And so I did. How wonderful to connect with Spirit and others in this way once more.

Looks like I’m back on the Buddha wheel again, opening up my heart, and reaching out to others through Spirit...

Jubilant Spirit

“I value the wonderful qualities of children. As I watch a group of children absorbed in playful activity, I see that each child is intent on what he or she is doing, eager to learn and free from concern.

“Having this open, receptive, jubilant attitude is a perfect way for me to live my own life.“

- Today's Daily Word - Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Every day is a new beginning. After the signing of yesterday’s bankruptcy’s docs, I feel today is a BIG, new beginning. So how interesting to read this morning’s Daily Word (excerpted above) since I really was feeling “open, receptive, jubilant” to the myriad of possibilities on all fronts.

Soon afterwards, arriving emails revealed a number of possibilities regarding paid work. I got the go ahead from one client for a brief tech writing project, and two projects are a strong possibility with another. I also found out about a one-month assignment at a call center located nearby – and, they’re looking to hire a whopping 400 people! I suggested to Rog we both go to the job fair – it may not be about getting the job but meeting just the right person(s) we need to meet to move us forward in our life, a way for Spirit to introduce us to some new, old friends. Finally (for now), there seem to be some interesting part-time and telecommuting positions open up north where we plan to resettle.

Amid all this movement and excitment, it is important that I continue to be on the lookout for signs of God and His Guidance and note them as such too. We’ve got a lot ahead of us to address and I want to be as effective as possible with my time, and at peace too. There’s no doubt there’s a Divine Plan, but if I’m not open and receptive and mindful, I could miss the leads - and lose my jubilant attitude.

Thank You, Spirit, for my open, receptive, jubilant attitude.

God Signs

I was surprised Monday night when, at the Gilbert Spirituality meetup, a friend arrived with a gift for me and I in turn had a gift for her.

The gift was the book “When God Winks on New Beginnings: Signposts of Encouragement for Fresh Starts and Second Chances” by Squire Rushnell. Sue knows how important signs or synchronicity is to me for my connection to Source and I was touched by her thoughtfulness.

The timing of this gift is synchronistic for it has meaning to me as Rog and I stay open to what Spirit has in mind for us as we make a big change in moving north.

Rushnell defines “godwink” as “a personal signal or message directly from God, sometimes as an answer to prayer, and often mislabeled as coincidence.” I, for one, do not believe in coincidences.

The day following the meetup, Rog’s friend was guided by Spirit to introduce himself to some friends of friends, who it now seems we were destined to connect with as well. Spirit worked out the schedule so that we could lunch with those folks today on their way through Phoenix. We were comfortable with one another immediately, discovered we have had common experiences, and are very much like-minded in our view of Spirit and what’s going on in the world and on the planet. Total strangers (so it would seem) - instant friends.

I think that all the parties in this story would agree that Spirit was at work and that there is a plan for us. We are being moved along on our path as events flow, and God winks to guide us and encourage us to keep on keeping on in the midst of challenge.

Pennies From Heaven

...159 of them! Yep, that’s right.

This morning Rog and I focused on our life plan, the plan that Spirit has in mind for us and the one we need to align ourselves with to really forge ahead. It speaks to our life in terms of God, community and friends, home, work (self-expression), health, and prosperity.

This afternoon we ran a chore and on the way back to the car, spied pennies on the blacktop drive. It sure was weird to see so many pennies. We collected them, as we cautiously watched out for cars, and were in awe at the number when counted.

I believe that God was sending us a message – Rog agrees. God is uplifting us in faith to keep moving ahead, to know that prosperity of all kinds is here, with more to come. It is a message that I welcome and am grateful for.

One penny would be a “lucky penny.” 159 of them is sheer abundance. Thank You, Spirit!

The People on Our Path

It’s pretty late now. Some new dear friends have just left our home after an evening of breaking bread, laughing, and continuing our getting to know one another.

For so long we’ve been meeting many nice, interesting people. Still there was something lacking. We realized we were missing the like-mindedness that Rog and I share with one another, but with very few others. Of late, that’s changed and we are meeting people that we have a lot in common with vis-à-vis spiritual philosophy and practice, and world view. It’s heartening. We feel a sense of community building and we know that in the coming days, living and working in community will not only be nurturing for all but sorely needed in the world.

We’ve set our intention to meet and thrive with like-minded souls and I’d say that the Law of Attraction is working.

Thank You, Spirit, for the wonderful people You place on our path so that we may share this journey of healing and service.

The One Constant

I sold some of my office furniture today, part of a set of several matching pieces I bought when I first moved into this home. I’d never had a new office set and, in part, it’s a reminder of my now deceased dad’s generosity. The sale happened so quickly I didn’t have much time to digest its departure – and loss. Then, I had to reconfigure my office and set up all my computer equipment. I still have items to organize and some to give away. Change. As Rog and I strive to lead a simpler life, I’ve been getting rid of some things that I’ve had for almost my entire life. It feels weird – like we grew up together and now they’re leaving me. Change.

Antonio, 18 years old, departed the earth plane at full moon time this month, leaving my dear friend without her feline friend for the first time in 13 years of being together. She’s tired from helping him make his transition and now is entering the grief stage. Change.

We have friends and business colleagues who just sold their home and moved from Gilbert back to Ohio, where the wife grew up, to help with the care of her aged parents. Change.

One of Rog’s daughters secured her dream job, which also will now allow her to be near her love. Change.

I got an email from a friend telling me that she and her longtime partner have separated. Change. And, she’s in Nebraska now visiting with her terminally ill brother. Change.

Government... the economy... Mother Earth... and on and on.

Change. Change. Change. It’s just part of life and it can be quite unsettling while also being a wonderful growth opportunity.

Still, it’s comforting to know that Spirit is always with us, the one constant in life, and the One that we can rely on to bring us peace when so much else around us is in flux.

For My Friends

Some of my dearest friends are visiting this weekend. All three live out of town so we don’t get to see each other anywhere as much as I wish we would...

In dedication to them, here is a prayer, taken from a greeting card website:


Dear Lord,
With my whole heart I ask,
That you look after my friends,
Guide them in troubles,
Lead them when lost,
Give them your ear,
When they just need to talk.
Lend them a hand,
When they've nowhere to turn,
Show them a new road,
When a bridge has been burned.
Teach them to smile,
When everything seems bad,
And show them there is happiness,
After all that seems sad.

Dear Lord,
This is my prayer,
I hope that every word You can hear,
This message is from my heart,
For my friends are so dear.

Amen.

Lessons from Garlic, Onions, and Peppers

Rog and I spent a couple of days in Tucson visiting with some family and dear friends for the Christmas holiday.

We volunteered to help our friends prepare dinner one evening and then breakfast the next morning. Some of the most wonderful food was whipped up, and, to my surprise, personal growth too.

I learned a new way of peeling garlic gloves and using a garlic press after many years of doing it my way. Karleena tried a new way of making garlic bread which proved easier as well as delicious. Rog learned how to caramelize onions and peppers.

And then there was John who learned that he could easily and lovingly supervise and teach us assistant chefs in a way that did not disturb his peace and was actually enjoyable and worthy of accolades. All this while saving him time and effort too – he didn’t have to do it all alone.

It was a gift for me to receive an impromptu experience and demonstration of true teamwork, cooperation, and community. I’ve experienced it in some 12 Step service projects, but for the most part have little experience of it from my family of origin. It’s not something to be seen or had easily these days, although it is mine and Rog’s hope to see it and be a part of it in greater abundance in the times to come.

We are seeking to live in community - with harmony. It takes consciousness, openness, honesty, love, and respect. I know it is possible - thanks to our dear friends – my true family – and Spirit. What a delightful Christmas gift!

Thanksgiving Day Reminiscence

Well, it definitely was not anything near a usual Thanksgiving Day for me yesterday as I worked a good portion of the day to get a project done. I had hoped to relax, watch some movies, and simply be with Rog.

How do you make God laugh? Tell Him your plans!

Well, while T-Day didn’t turn out the way I’d planned, I still want to hold a positive, uplifting, attitude of gratitude towards it. We went to Rog’s mom for lunch - I am grateful to G (as she is affectionately called) for her generous spirit. She did a lot to prepare for our visit and meal. It was most appreciated.

I am grateful for the weather here in Gilbert. It wasn’t the usual, as it was alternately cloudy, stormy, and sunny. However, it reminded me of a real autumn day, like I used to enjoy back east.

I am grateful for the specialness of this particular holiday as no other, for it is the one in which my friends - most of who are scattered across the country - and I call one another simply to say “I love you.” Sure, we say that to one another throughout the year, but it’s always a bit more special on Thanksgiving Day. We’re saying something more than “I love you;” we’re saying, “I’m grateful you are alive and you are in my life.” How precious.

This was the 5th Thanksgiving that my beloved life partner and I were together. When planning the Thanksgiving festivities in years past often proved to be emotionally straining as I yearned for the arrival of my true partner, I’m grateful that Rog and I finally found one another and that he has been a loving constant in my life since 2004. And this is something I am grateful for not just on Thanksgiving Day but everyday.

As We Gather 'Round...

Two years ago I first heard May the Light of Love, written and performed by David Roth at a New Thought Songwriters Tribute performance. Ever since then, I have felt that listening to or singing it as a group would be a great segue to breaking bread at the Thanksgiving Day feast. Alas, it has not happened yet, but I still count it as my special Thanksgiving prayer.

The music is upbeat and folksy, and the lyrics are precious and pretty much say it all for me. I share it here with you now... enjoy, and Happy Thanksgiving!

May the Light of Love by David Roth

As we come around to take our places at the table
A moment to remember and reflect upon our wealth
Here’s to loving friends and family, here’s to being able
To gather here together in good company and health.

And may we be released from all those feelings that would harm us
May we have the will to give them up and get them gone
For heavy are the satchels full of anger and false promise
May we have the strength to put them down.

May the light of love be shining deep within your spirit
May the torch of mercy clear the path and show the way
May the horn of plenty sound so everyone can hear it
May the light of love be with you everyday.

And may we wish the best for everyone that we encounter
May we swallow pride and may we do away with fear
For it’s only what we do not know that we have grown afraid of
And only what we do not choose to hear.

May the light of love be shining deep within your spirit
May the torch of mercy clear the path and show the way
May the horn of plenty sound so everyone can hear it
May the light of love be with you everyday.

And as we bless our daily bread and drink our day’s libation
May we be reminded of the lost and wayward soul
The hungry and the homeless that we have in every nation
May we fill each empty cup and bowl.

May nothing ever come between or threaten to divide us
May we never take for granted all the gifts that we’ve received
Being ever mindful of the unseen hands that guide us
And the miracles that cause us to believe.

May the light of love be shining deep within your spirit
May the torch of mercy clear the path and show the way
May the horn of plenty sound so everyone can hear it
May the light of love be with you everyday.

May the horn of plenty sound so everyone can hear it
May the light of love be with you
May the light of love be with you
May the light of love be with you everyday.