“...we can shape our attitude moment by moment. Accepting responsibility for this is a major step in our recovery.
“I will be aware of the thoughts and feelings that shape my words and actions today, and strive to promote joy and gratitude.” – In God’s Care, February 28, 2010
I find it so powerful focusing on that which I am grateful for. It easily and quickly connects me consciously with Source and opens my heart to self and others. It places me in a state of grace, receiving all the good gifts I can enjoy freely in life (of which there are so many), with life itself as the fundamental gift.
It seems that grace and gratitude work in concert with one another: as I feel gratitude, more grace comes to me. And once again in that grace, I feel so connected to Spirit, with much gratitude in my heart.
Thank You, God, for an attitude of gratitude and Your unending grace.
Showing posts with label gift. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gift. Show all posts
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Just Do What You Do
Neglect not the gift that is in thee... - I Timothy 4:14
“What is God asking you to give today? It may be large or small, but one thing is certain: It’s something only you can give.” – By Roberta Messner (From today’s Daily Guideposts)
Well, I easily and naturally give hugs. And, I’m quick to help someone with computer-related issues. I consider myself a good listener and empathetic. But, what is it that is uniquely me, that no one else can give? My singing voice, my wit, my wisdom?
Perhaps it’s sharing my experience, strength, and hope. I’ve led an interesting and unique life considering my roots and the fact that I’m a woman. I’ve developed a philosophy of life that has served me and my fellows well.
So maybe it’s simply telling my story of how I came to believe in a Power greater than myself that could relieve me of the insanity of my life, not just in the area of my eating disorder, but in other unhealthy relationships as well. I know that I love sharing about what my life used to be like, what happened, and what it’s been like since I developed a relationship with the God of my understanding. And, I know it has been a service and a blessing to many of those who’ve heard it.
I’ve said that if I accomplished nothing else in this lifetime, shedding the atheist persona and coming to believe in Spirit and acting in accordance with that belief has been plenty.
So along with hugging, listening, and being empathic, I guess just doing what I do means being one of God’s poster children demonstrating how Spirit works in one’s life. It’s an example of healing and waking up to all that each of us truly is.
“What is God asking you to give today? It may be large or small, but one thing is certain: It’s something only you can give.” – By Roberta Messner (From today’s Daily Guideposts)
Well, I easily and naturally give hugs. And, I’m quick to help someone with computer-related issues. I consider myself a good listener and empathetic. But, what is it that is uniquely me, that no one else can give? My singing voice, my wit, my wisdom?
Perhaps it’s sharing my experience, strength, and hope. I’ve led an interesting and unique life considering my roots and the fact that I’m a woman. I’ve developed a philosophy of life that has served me and my fellows well.
So maybe it’s simply telling my story of how I came to believe in a Power greater than myself that could relieve me of the insanity of my life, not just in the area of my eating disorder, but in other unhealthy relationships as well. I know that I love sharing about what my life used to be like, what happened, and what it’s been like since I developed a relationship with the God of my understanding. And, I know it has been a service and a blessing to many of those who’ve heard it.
I’ve said that if I accomplished nothing else in this lifetime, shedding the atheist persona and coming to believe in Spirit and acting in accordance with that belief has been plenty.
So along with hugging, listening, and being empathic, I guess just doing what I do means being one of God’s poster children demonstrating how Spirit works in one’s life. It’s an example of healing and waking up to all that each of us truly is.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Musings Day After Christmas
This year Christmas has surely not been about physical gift-giving. But it has been very rich indeed – and it’s only just begun.
We had a lovely time at the Wyer Family Christmas gathering last Sunday in Tempe. It was the first time Rog, me, and all three of his children were together in 1-1/2+ years. I’m hoping it won’t take us that long to get together for the next fun time.
Rog and I are having friends visit us in beautiful Sedona from various parts – and they’d have visited anyway even if it weren’t for the holiday. However, we realize that living in Sedona makes it more appealing to some folks to come to us rather us to them – that’s just fine with us!
We spent yesterday with friends we met via the Gilbert Spirituality group we had started up more than a year ago. They’re snowbirds and have been out of the state since April. It was time for them to head east to the warm climate of Phoenix, which made it our good fortune to get to spend Christmas Day with them.
We broke bread together in a potluck of goodies contributed to by all, caught up somewhat on our lives, and pitched in for KP duty. It was like we were living together for a brief time and working together as a team. I so enjoy that coming together in helping one another and find joy, love, peace, and harmony there. What a gift!
We have another couple arriving this afternoon for one overnight and there is no doubt the conversation will be rich as they’re recently returned from a spiritual conference and are overflowing with enthusiasm and passion to share their experience. Tomorrow morning we’ll attend Unity together.
And, Monday afternoon friends from Tucson will arrive for a 2-night stay with a daughter visiting from New York, my old hometown. She is an artist and being in Sedona will be a special gift for her and meeting her will be a gift for us. The days are sure to fly by with rich conversation and shared experiences.
Spending time in meaningful conversation and connection with spiritually like-minded folks in our life is a gift that cannot compare to receiving any material object. It is a wonderful way to end the year and begin the next decade.
Dear Spirit of the Most High –
Thank You for the many gifts you bestow upon me at Christmastime and every day. Your love shines through all who are in my life, most of all my beloved Roger. May my gratitude and appreciation not be sidetracked by ego forays into the future, but may I stay in the moment, knowing that all is well. I move forward to enjoy Your gifts – especially Your Presence - every day. Thank You, thank You, thank You!
We had a lovely time at the Wyer Family Christmas gathering last Sunday in Tempe. It was the first time Rog, me, and all three of his children were together in 1-1/2+ years. I’m hoping it won’t take us that long to get together for the next fun time.
Rog and I are having friends visit us in beautiful Sedona from various parts – and they’d have visited anyway even if it weren’t for the holiday. However, we realize that living in Sedona makes it more appealing to some folks to come to us rather us to them – that’s just fine with us!
We spent yesterday with friends we met via the Gilbert Spirituality group we had started up more than a year ago. They’re snowbirds and have been out of the state since April. It was time for them to head east to the warm climate of Phoenix, which made it our good fortune to get to spend Christmas Day with them.
We broke bread together in a potluck of goodies contributed to by all, caught up somewhat on our lives, and pitched in for KP duty. It was like we were living together for a brief time and working together as a team. I so enjoy that coming together in helping one another and find joy, love, peace, and harmony there. What a gift!
We have another couple arriving this afternoon for one overnight and there is no doubt the conversation will be rich as they’re recently returned from a spiritual conference and are overflowing with enthusiasm and passion to share their experience. Tomorrow morning we’ll attend Unity together.
And, Monday afternoon friends from Tucson will arrive for a 2-night stay with a daughter visiting from New York, my old hometown. She is an artist and being in Sedona will be a special gift for her and meeting her will be a gift for us. The days are sure to fly by with rich conversation and shared experiences.
Spending time in meaningful conversation and connection with spiritually like-minded folks in our life is a gift that cannot compare to receiving any material object. It is a wonderful way to end the year and begin the next decade.
Dear Spirit of the Most High –
Thank You for the many gifts you bestow upon me at Christmastime and every day. Your love shines through all who are in my life, most of all my beloved Roger. May my gratitude and appreciation not be sidetracked by ego forays into the future, but may I stay in the moment, knowing that all is well. I move forward to enjoy Your gifts – especially Your Presence - every day. Thank You, thank You, thank You!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Imagination
“Worrying is using your imagination to create something you don't want.” – Abraham (excerpted from the 09.05.98 Asheville, NC workshop)
Imagination is powerful, a gift from our Creator.
May I honor Spirit by using my imagination in a positive, uplifting, helpful way for others.
Imagination is powerful, a gift from our Creator.
May I honor Spirit by using my imagination in a positive, uplifting, helpful way for others.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
May You...
I received a delightful, uplifting email the other day and reread it today. This day it particularly nourishes my spiritual hunger and reminds me of the magnificence of not just me but everyone.
May today there be peace within.
May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others.
May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content with yourself just the way you are.
Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.
God is within me and within everyone. May I act in accordance with this concept this day and every day.
May today there be peace within.
May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others.
May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content with yourself just the way you are.
Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.
God is within me and within everyone. May I act in accordance with this concept this day and every day.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Commitment
It’s been 246 days since I first started this blog back in November and I’ve been thinking that when I hit one year and 365 blogs, perhaps I’ll drop from daily writing to several times a week.
But then I started thinking about why I began this blog in the first place and how are those reasons holding up.
The strongest reason for starting it was to place myself in a regular daily practice of connecting to God by contemplative writing. Now, I’ve not always spent much time in contemplation before writing; sometimes I’ve written something just to meet my commitment for a daily entry. But what a gift this practice has been on those days when my other spiritual practices have gone by the wayside. No matter what, that daily commitment has been a spiritual anchor in my daily life, getting me to pause and focus on God.
Take today for instance. We got back from Tucson this afternoon, hot, dirty, and exhausted. I “threw” myself in the shower and went to bed for a nap at 230pm. Four hours later I was still napping, sleeping more blissfully than my usual night time manner, and I could have kept on sleeping. But, as I told Rog, I got up and out of bed because I needed to blog. So, after a light dinner, here I am.
In a day that held no routine at all and in which I did not make time to be in the silence, this commitment to blogging helped get me back on track. Sitting down at my laptop, glancing through some daily spiritual readings, and thinking about what I could write about my relationship to God, I feel closer to Spirit and more centered.
My original main reason for starting this blog clearly holds up. This spiritual blogging practice is a discipline that has worked well for me and continues to do so. One day at a time I’ll keep at it, remaining open to Spirit’s guidance.
And now, it’s off to dreamland once again!
But then I started thinking about why I began this blog in the first place and how are those reasons holding up.
The strongest reason for starting it was to place myself in a regular daily practice of connecting to God by contemplative writing. Now, I’ve not always spent much time in contemplation before writing; sometimes I’ve written something just to meet my commitment for a daily entry. But what a gift this practice has been on those days when my other spiritual practices have gone by the wayside. No matter what, that daily commitment has been a spiritual anchor in my daily life, getting me to pause and focus on God.
Take today for instance. We got back from Tucson this afternoon, hot, dirty, and exhausted. I “threw” myself in the shower and went to bed for a nap at 230pm. Four hours later I was still napping, sleeping more blissfully than my usual night time manner, and I could have kept on sleeping. But, as I told Rog, I got up and out of bed because I needed to blog. So, after a light dinner, here I am.
In a day that held no routine at all and in which I did not make time to be in the silence, this commitment to blogging helped get me back on track. Sitting down at my laptop, glancing through some daily spiritual readings, and thinking about what I could write about my relationship to God, I feel closer to Spirit and more centered.
My original main reason for starting this blog clearly holds up. This spiritual blogging practice is a discipline that has worked well for me and continues to do so. One day at a time I’ll keep at it, remaining open to Spirit’s guidance.
And now, it’s off to dreamland once again!
Friday, May 8, 2009
Thought Provoking Flowers
I am just getting to blog now at 9 PM and I really don’t know what to say...
It’s been a long day in some ways, emotionally heavy I’d say. Along with the blessing of delivering flowers for Mother’s Day and getting to experience, surprise, joy, and appreciation of the moms, I came up against some tough life situations.
Our first delivery was for three residents of a rehab and assisted living facility. Great – children sending flowers that will light up their mothers’ lives in what can be a dreary, cold environment. Turns out one of the moms was an independent living resident, and yesterday she left for hospice. Living independently one day, in hospice the next. That hit me like a ton of bricks. The receptionist was able to track which hospice this woman had been admitted to and we were able to deliver the flowers, an accomplishment I was most glad of considering this woman’s circumstances.
Some of our other deliveries took us through the poorer neighborhoods of the area. We delivered a large vase of beautiful roses to a woman not much older than myself. As she was disabled with arthritis, it took her a little longer to come to the front door, allowing me more time to breathe in the not-so-pleasant smell. In slowly handing her the heavy vase, I noticed there was no air conditioning (it was 96 degrees outside) and got a peek at her living space – a torn up sofa bed came into view. I was uplifted to see she had a pooch.
Thinking of how much her child must have spent on the Mother’s Day bouquet, I couldn’t help but think that the money could have been put to much greater use to improve this woman’s daily life. But who am I to say? Perhaps such a special gift was a far greater delight to this mom’s heart and soul than getting help cleaning her home, receiving better health care, or upgrading her furniture. Perhaps I was looking too much at the physical and not enough at the spiritual side...
Fresh flowers are wonderfully uplifting. They can temporarily take our mind off the troubles of the day and focus on the beauty around us. May 4th’s blog was about today’s upcoming adventure to earn some money in a different way and was entitled “A Bouquet of Blessings”. Who knew it would also give me such a glimpse of others’ life situations and provide much food for thought...
I’ve much to think about my own current life situation too. If I view mine and others without putting Spirit in the formula, I am sunk. God came through in the children who were thinking of their moms and they conveyed that through their gift of flowers. And, God was in each and every flower delivered. God was present in the joy expressed and in the heart of each mom. God was with each person whether they were aware of It or not, whatever their circumstances. There’s a message here for me.
May I remember that God is always with me wherever I go, whatever I am going through, and wherever I am headed. I choose to remember this is so and am uplifted and at peace immediately.
It’s been a long day in some ways, emotionally heavy I’d say. Along with the blessing of delivering flowers for Mother’s Day and getting to experience, surprise, joy, and appreciation of the moms, I came up against some tough life situations.
Our first delivery was for three residents of a rehab and assisted living facility. Great – children sending flowers that will light up their mothers’ lives in what can be a dreary, cold environment. Turns out one of the moms was an independent living resident, and yesterday she left for hospice. Living independently one day, in hospice the next. That hit me like a ton of bricks. The receptionist was able to track which hospice this woman had been admitted to and we were able to deliver the flowers, an accomplishment I was most glad of considering this woman’s circumstances.
Some of our other deliveries took us through the poorer neighborhoods of the area. We delivered a large vase of beautiful roses to a woman not much older than myself. As she was disabled with arthritis, it took her a little longer to come to the front door, allowing me more time to breathe in the not-so-pleasant smell. In slowly handing her the heavy vase, I noticed there was no air conditioning (it was 96 degrees outside) and got a peek at her living space – a torn up sofa bed came into view. I was uplifted to see she had a pooch.
Thinking of how much her child must have spent on the Mother’s Day bouquet, I couldn’t help but think that the money could have been put to much greater use to improve this woman’s daily life. But who am I to say? Perhaps such a special gift was a far greater delight to this mom’s heart and soul than getting help cleaning her home, receiving better health care, or upgrading her furniture. Perhaps I was looking too much at the physical and not enough at the spiritual side...
Fresh flowers are wonderfully uplifting. They can temporarily take our mind off the troubles of the day and focus on the beauty around us. May 4th’s blog was about today’s upcoming adventure to earn some money in a different way and was entitled “A Bouquet of Blessings”. Who knew it would also give me such a glimpse of others’ life situations and provide much food for thought...
I’ve much to think about my own current life situation too. If I view mine and others without putting Spirit in the formula, I am sunk. God came through in the children who were thinking of their moms and they conveyed that through their gift of flowers. And, God was in each and every flower delivered. God was present in the joy expressed and in the heart of each mom. God was with each person whether they were aware of It or not, whatever their circumstances. There’s a message here for me.
May I remember that God is always with me wherever I go, whatever I am going through, and wherever I am headed. I choose to remember this is so and am uplifted and at peace immediately.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Endings
Rog’s mom is moving back to Washington State on Saturday. Sometime next month we’ll be leaving the cozy house I’ve called home for the last 5+ years. Tuesday I gave notice to the folks I’ve been doing some volunteer work for. And, tonight I told my yoga teacher that next week would be my last time in class.
Endings.
That’s what life is about: endings – and beginnings. Each carries a gift and paves the way for the next gift, the next adventure.
And, God is with me through it all, moving me forward in my spiritual maturity with love and grace.
Endings.
That’s what life is about: endings – and beginnings. Each carries a gift and paves the way for the next gift, the next adventure.
And, God is with me through it all, moving me forward in my spiritual maturity with love and grace.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Giving
As I go through The Move Project of 2009, it is unlike any other, in terms of the circumstances around it and the current apparent lack of financial resources.
It has forced me to be very creative and open to unlimited possibilities. It has stretched me in my being humble and in my capacity to ask for help. It has me spending more time with Spirit as I ask for guidance, pray, and meditate. The aforementioned are all gifts and blessings, ones which make me feel grateful.
New, like-minded people and opportunities have come into my life, and they too make me feel grateful. I’ve been the recipient of many gifts and kindnesses lately as I have put myself more into the world going about this Move Project.
Today’s reading from the Daily Word strikes me so directly as I sit here at the keyboard in a friend’s home in Verde Valley country, the location of our future hometown. Here it is:
I give, and I am greatly blessed in return.
I may have received help from friends, family, or even strangers at a time I needed assistance. I give thanks that they have been there for me and for others.
I, too, am open to giving to those who need help in everyday and unusual circumstances. Whether someone needs a ride to the doctor, a sitter for a child, or a meal at the end of a pay period, my inner guidance reveals what and how I am to give.
The wondrous, miraculous gift from this experience is that I cannot give without receiving in turn--much more than I have given. As I acknowledge and appreciate the dedication of others to be of service, I myself am encouraged to give. I offer what I have of my time, talents, and skills.
- Daily Word, Saturday, April 18, 2009
It has forced me to be very creative and open to unlimited possibilities. It has stretched me in my being humble and in my capacity to ask for help. It has me spending more time with Spirit as I ask for guidance, pray, and meditate. The aforementioned are all gifts and blessings, ones which make me feel grateful.
New, like-minded people and opportunities have come into my life, and they too make me feel grateful. I’ve been the recipient of many gifts and kindnesses lately as I have put myself more into the world going about this Move Project.
Today’s reading from the Daily Word strikes me so directly as I sit here at the keyboard in a friend’s home in Verde Valley country, the location of our future hometown. Here it is:
I give, and I am greatly blessed in return.
I may have received help from friends, family, or even strangers at a time I needed assistance. I give thanks that they have been there for me and for others.
I, too, am open to giving to those who need help in everyday and unusual circumstances. Whether someone needs a ride to the doctor, a sitter for a child, or a meal at the end of a pay period, my inner guidance reveals what and how I am to give.
The wondrous, miraculous gift from this experience is that I cannot give without receiving in turn--much more than I have given. As I acknowledge and appreciate the dedication of others to be of service, I myself am encouraged to give. I offer what I have of my time, talents, and skills.
- Daily Word, Saturday, April 18, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
It's About Connection
Late last night Rog and I sent out our e-newsletter Reaching Out, our first issue of the new year. Winter has come and gone, and glorious Spring is here, with Summer almost here in central Arizona.
During the months we dropped off the e-newsletter scene, we retooled our businesses and our lives. As we looked around, we observed that much of what had been working for us was coming to an end. The world doesn't look anything like it did when we created our life together in Gilbert - neither do we.
So as we launched the new us, we wanted to let our community know what’s happening. It’s always fun to send out an e-newsletter. We check who’s opened their email and who’s clicked on links, and we often draw responses from recipients, sending greetings, thanks, and their own news. It’s a day filled with joyful expectancy, each message a gift. It’s a great tool for connecting to a lot of people from all different phases in my life.
Today, as I took note of who opened our e-newsletter, I realized how I’d missed these folks and our cyberspace visits. I’m hoping that we’ll get back on a regular publishing schedule again, for I see how important connection is for me... to people, to nature, to my own self, to Spirit.
During the months we dropped off the e-newsletter scene, we retooled our businesses and our lives. As we looked around, we observed that much of what had been working for us was coming to an end. The world doesn't look anything like it did when we created our life together in Gilbert - neither do we.
So as we launched the new us, we wanted to let our community know what’s happening. It’s always fun to send out an e-newsletter. We check who’s opened their email and who’s clicked on links, and we often draw responses from recipients, sending greetings, thanks, and their own news. It’s a day filled with joyful expectancy, each message a gift. It’s a great tool for connecting to a lot of people from all different phases in my life.
Today, as I took note of who opened our e-newsletter, I realized how I’d missed these folks and our cyberspace visits. I’m hoping that we’ll get back on a regular publishing schedule again, for I see how important connection is for me... to people, to nature, to my own self, to Spirit.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Time Well Spent
My prayers are often to thank God for the blessings of my life. Lately they’ve been heavily concentrated on asking for the removal of blockages to receiving my good, and for forgiving others.
I know the answer to prayer happens in God’s time, not mine. Last night my prayers as I lay in bed were about forgiveness; awakening this morning, I felt that forgiveness had occurred on my part. I’m grateful for the quick positive response, since I really dislike walking around with resentment and the like in my heart and mind.
Regardless of the response, however, there is always a gift contained in prayer that I am blessed with. For whenever I pray, it is time that I am focused and clearly connected to Spirit. And, no matter the answer that shows up, it is in and of itself time well spent.
I know the answer to prayer happens in God’s time, not mine. Last night my prayers as I lay in bed were about forgiveness; awakening this morning, I felt that forgiveness had occurred on my part. I’m grateful for the quick positive response, since I really dislike walking around with resentment and the like in my heart and mind.
Regardless of the response, however, there is always a gift contained in prayer that I am blessed with. For whenever I pray, it is time that I am focused and clearly connected to Spirit. And, no matter the answer that shows up, it is in and of itself time well spent.
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