Independence Day 2017

It is hard to believe it's already July. Every year at this time, I love to sing patriotic songs and remember all that so many have given for us to have the United States of America. How blessed I am to have been born here. Whatever our differences, whatever the political climate, no matter our challenges, this is, without a doubt, the greatest country in the world!!

To have freedom is the birthright of all human beings. Unfortunately, it does not exist for all. Today, I take a stand for those who cannot take one for themselves. I do not embrace oppression, I do not embrace treating any one differently than anyone else. I stand for human rights for all. I stand for the rights of women, gays, those who may be mentally or physically challenged. I stand for those who have faith and beliefs that differ from mine. We can agree, PEACEFULLY, to disagree. I don't have to make anyone else wrong; I don't have to be right.

LOVE is the only way we will come to live together in peace and harmony. This love must extend to all God's creations-- humans, animals, plant life, the ocean-- ALL is on loan to us and we MUST be better stewards of all we have been allowed to use!

Today, I pledge allegiance to the United States of America and all it stands for-- liberty and justice for all-- ALL.

May God Bless All Humanity with a new understanding; with an ability to accept one another, with a profound respect for all life and for the willingness to do better for our planet-- now and for the next 7 generations.

Election Surprise

On November 8th our country voted for our next president. I was certain Hillary Clinton was going to be elected. I was truly shocked when Donald Trump was! There has been much protest, rioting, fear and unrest. I choose to believe it's all in Divine order and want to believe he can/will support changes which will be good for our country and our citizens.

I know we may not agree on many issues that are important to me but he is our president elect and we need to support him. I pray each day for the good to be expressed in, through and as Donald Trump. Please join me in this prayer.

Spring is in the Air

It's already April and I am not sure where the time has gone. The winter has finally gone to rest and the birds are returning. The daffodils are blooming and I am grateful for another day.

In the midst of planning an awesome retreat and it's getting excited as time gets closer. Our spiritual community is attracting more like minded people who are loving, supportive and plugging in. My practitioner students, nervous nellies, are getting ready to take their exams. I KNOW they will all pass with flying colors but I understand their angst.

My husband is in remission and our doctor appointment next week is sure to confirm this is still true. I am committed to finding a new place to live, to pay off the very few bills I have and to hire someone to expand my personal reach-- out into the larger community. In turn, this will grow our center.

Today I am resting and enjoying my day off. I am watching the birds that we feed and my cats napping in their favorite spots. I feel blessed.

A New Year; A Fresh Start

2015--hard to believe. It seems to be moving so fast! I want to slow things down, savor every minute but it seems the real challenge is to find/make the time to stop and savor along the way. The world will keep on turning. It's up to me to set my priorities and create the space in which I will have the time to do the things that are important to me.

This year, I am committing to eating healthier, taking better care of myself and finding ways to bring my gifts and talents to a larger community. I want to keep myself healthy as I age and will find more ways to enhance the good health Spirit has blessed me with.

I will start each day in prayer and meditation, not just end my day that way. Today, is the first day of the rest of my life and I celebrate today!

I am on the hunt for a new living situation. My goal is to find a place to purchase and move by the beginning of 2016. I am resolved to attract more wonderful souls into our spiritual community so we can build, grow and bring more to the community at large. I will become more consciously aware that I am the way God expresses-- in this time, in this place and I will remind myself that I am the light, life and love of Spirit.

I will live everyday in an attitude of gratitude as I remember that God works for me, never against me-- and that when situations show up that my ego mind is not thrilled with, these are opportunities for me to heal those parts of myself which still need to be healed. I am blessed to be able to recognize this truth.

So, today, is a fresh start, a new year, a clean slate and I embrace the good that is unfolding.

Thank you Spirit; and so it is!

Winter's in the Air

It's hard to believe it's already December. Not sure where another year has gone. It's been a challenging year-- lots of losses, lots of changes, lots of reflection and prayer.

I am grateful for all the good I have but I am saddened by the loss of several good friends. I am still working on acceptance and surrender to the things I cannot change. I recognize life has many experiences for us and we don't love all of them. I do KNOW that there is growth in each and everyone of the experiences I have and that whatever I am still judging as "not good" means there is an opportunity for more growth and greater love.

I am committing myself to loving more. I am committing myself  to stop labeling that which appears (that I did not expect)  as anything other than Divine unfolding. And I am committing to live in the question-- what is in this experience that is FOR me?

As the year comes to a close, I say Thank you God for this human experience-- with all its trials and tribulations as I understand it's likely the only human experience I will ever have.

So, I am grateful for it-- there is much good, much love and much growth.

Happy Holy Days to all-- celebrate and be mindful-- welcome all. Remember what Rumi says,

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.



Blessings to you and yours.

Life is so Fragile

Today is a sad day for me. I lost my best friend. Her passing was quite sudden and certainly unexpected. We have been friends for 45 years. It is still settling in as I am finding it difficult to truly believe!

She left behind a loving husband, daughter, grandson, sister and brother-in-law and numerous cousins and many friends and acquaintances. We will all miss her greatly.

While I know that life never dies, we are left here without the physical presence of those we love and that is difficult. I will think about the many wonderful times we shared: the fun, the holidays, the laughs, the movies, the dinners, the card games....

I loved you Linda. I love you still and love never dies. I know you moved on carrying in your heart the love of those you so generously gave yourself to.  Farewell, my friend-- until we meet again.

A Milestone

On August 15, 2014, I was finally given the designation of Ordination. This is given by our organization to licensed ministers who have served between 3-10 years and shown a lifelong commitment to the ministry.

I am so grateful. I am so grateful to have this behind me. I have worked long and hard for this to happen. My teacher would be so proud. I am proud of myself. With me, were two of my ministerial classmates. I am proud of them as well.

My community is planning a celebration in October. I feel blessed.