I’d been having trouble with the ‘e’ key on my Dell laptop for a couple of weeks –once in a while the text was not showing up. I thought it no big deal, just a bit of dust that would naturally work its way out. A couple weeks later the problem escalated to a much greater frequency, so I used some canned air to clean any possible dust. With no change in the situation, I called Dell Tech Support and after troubleshooting, the news was that I needed another keyboard. However, it turned out that my costly, premium 3-year warranty had expired 8 days before and so my laptop was no longer covered. I’d have to pay full price plus a hefty S+H fee for a new keyboard, and there was no way we could afford that. My business is computer-based, so I couldn’t just ‘make do.’ Hence, I spent much time on numerous occasions with various people at Dell getting tech support and then trying to get someone with authority – and a generous heart – to make an exception and extend the warranty to cover a replacement keyboard. I pointed out that this current keyboard in fact had … Continue reading →

I get a thrill when a message in my various daily morning readings shows up in more than one, for I feel that there is synchronicity there and Spirit is clearly trying to communicate something that’s pretty important. This morning I got my thrill. The topic of today’s Daily Word was Listen. The text included: In prayer, meditation, or with my own intuition, I pause and know what I am to do. For the good of myself, those near to me, and those I have yet to meet, I listen for and act on spiritual guidance. Excerpted from today’s Science of Mind reading: When we have reached the place of “nowhere to turn,” let us remind ourselves, as Jesus taught, it is the Father within who doeth the work. Our only responsibility is to go within to our own Christ Consciousness and accept divine guidance. We begin to experience harmony in our lives and affairs to the degree that we allow spiritual guidance to influence our lives. AffirmationI lift my heart and mind to dwell on spiritual truths. I am transformed by the renewing of my mind. Which leads me to today’s reading in Norman Vincent Peale’s Positive Living Day … Continue reading →

This is the season of joy, love, and light; and, a time to celebrate with friends and families. But it is also a time when beings – humans and pets – often choose to leave. Whether due to failing health and feeling it’s time to go rest and let God take them, or due to seemingly hopeless despair and departing through their own hand, this season can be a challenge due to loss and grief. I know of two men that made their transition during this past week, one an elderly gentleman, the other a 35 year-old dad of two young sons. I had the honor of attending a memorial service for my friend’s 81 year-old father, and I was so struck by the theme of celebrating this man’s life. Yes, no doubt grief was in the mix despite Fred’s advanced age, but it was clearly about celebrate, celebrate, celebrate! Stories were told, music was played, photographs displayed, poems recited, and yes, even laughter and joy about “a long life well lived.” With a legacy left behind in the form of offspring, projects accomplished, etc. this man lives on here on the earth plane and his spirit lives forever. I … Continue reading →

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 … Continue reading →

Our discussion last night was confirmation to me that those of us who attend the Gilbert Spirituality Meetup are, for the most part, not traditional in our belief system. Last evening’s topic, “What does the Holiday Season Mean to You?,” traveled into the territory of organized religion –no surprise there!- and how many of us have had to shed the (sometimes) full package of what religions and cultures (familial, national) try to sell us particularly when we were just starting out in life. Coupled with life changes, such as divorce, empty nest, and relocation, we have attached our personal definitions and created new traditions to make the holiday season meaningful to us. That is following one’s own path to Spirit. And, if the holiday season is supposed to be one of joy, peace, and love, then I’d say we are all on the right track.