“… If you think you have nothing to lose, you win. If you think you have something to win, you lose. Life is not about win-and-lose. Life is about being or not being, expressing or not expressing, who you are.” – Neale Donald Walsch
How I frame a situation makes all the difference in the world as to whether I am feeling at peace, being my authentic self.
And, having attachment to things and outcomes keep me from that peace. For it is only in the world of form that the notion of win or lose arises.
Everything that happens in the world of form is for my upliftment. Hence, it’s always win-win.
As I release my concerns, judgments, and attachments to Spirit, I find myself in a “win” position. For I am at peace, resting safely in the loving arms of God.
I’ve heard it said that gratitude releases energy, which leaves a vacuum. Like any vacuum, it must be filled, and it is abundance that fills it. Abundance gives rise to more gratitude, which in turn releases energy, creates a vacuum, and is filled by abundance. And on and on it goes.
I’ve also heard that when you are in a sincere state of gratitude your energy (vibrational resonance) is one of acceptance and harmony. You resonate, and as a result, project a much higher vibrational frequency which is exactly what attracts to you the events, conditions, and circumstances that you desire. Gratitude puts you in a harmonious vibrational resonance which attracts additional energies.
What I know is that when I have an attitude of gratitude, I feel closer to Spirit. I am touched by God’s grace, and my heart opens more. And, no matter what is going on, all is well.
“Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul.” – Henry Ward Beecher
Thank You, Spirit, for this day and for Your many blessings that open my heart to feeling gratitude and receiving Your abundance.
Here’s another piece of the story of the magical wedding in which Rog and I officiated at April 30th (see blog of May 1st ). It’s a particularly “wow” one.
Rog came across the website of a fellow named John who also is into gardening and sacred space like Rog. It turned out he lives here in Sedona. They corresponded for a while and then made plans to meet for coffee. They did so on Wednesday, April 28th – and hung out for 3 hours! They resonated so well that then and there they made plans to meet the following week.
On Friday, April 30th John decided to bicycle over to the Stupa to videotape sacred space. He remembered from their conversation that Rog lived not that far from the Stupa and thought maybe they’d meet up. John couldn’t find Rog’s contact info but remembered his website address, so went there. He read the blog Rog had posted that morning saying we’d be marrying a couple that day; Rog didn’t say where the ceremony was being held or give the time. So John figured Rog wasn’t going to be available to meet and went about his day.
Lo and behold he bicycles to the Stupa at the very time we are there waiting for the delayed bride and groom (they were traveling from Flagstaff) – and Rog was standing alone in a different area, right where John landed up entering the Stupa. They spoke briefly and Rog mentioned why he was at the Stupa, then Rog invited him to the ceremony. With a “yes,” John became not only a ‘guest’ but the wedding videographer, and another wonderful participant in God’s plan that was slowly being revealed.
Yes, magical… synchronistic. I just love God showing Its Presence. It’s how I came to believe and it’s a way my faith gets strengthens.
Contrary to the thoughts of those around me growing up, I believed that if there was a God, He was a loving God, not a punishing God. His love for me couldn’t be dependent on anything I did or didn’t do.
As I came to believe, I have had to unlearn what I thought were “truths.”
For instance, my happiness is not dependent upon another person, place, or toy; it is dependent on keeping in fit spiritual condition and having a strong relationship with Spirit. It means working on my insides instead of seeking from that which is outside of me.
Then there’s the idea that if I were to give of myself and my possessions, I would be losing. Now I know that as I give I receive and that the two are one and the same. It’s win-win.
How about the idea that we’re separate? Nope – I’ve come to know that we are all One.
I like this exercise, inspired by one of this morning’s readings, of digging back and seeing how my philosophy – of people… the world… life – has shifted 180 degrees since I started waking up 20 years ago. How fascinating.
Once I was lost, but now I am found. Thank You, God!
It’s the end of the day, the end of a weekend. It’s hard to believe we married a couple just two days ago – it feels like weeks! This weekend has been so rich.
Not only did Rog and I officiate at a wedding, but his daughter Emily visited us for the weekend. We’ve not seen her since Christmastime. And, I finished editing a novella for a client/friend. I sang in the Mystic Choir, listened to other music, and got to hear a friend’s story of his spiritual awakening when he spoke at Unity of Sedona. I met with a new client who is on a conscious spiritual path, which is my preferred type of client. And, I engaged in many conversations, some mini-, some a bit more, but all with the result of connection and getting to know one another better and being of service. Did I mention the hugs? Lots of hugs this weekend too.
All of the aforementioned enriches my life, my spirit. My soul gets nourished via connection, especially with folks that are on a journey of waking up.
I am so grateful for the plan God has for me. I may not know what He has in mind but there is no doubt that it is rich with people.
So as I get ready to have my head hit my pillow tonight, to end this day, I thank Spirit for all the blessings It has showered upon me. I’m doing the work of being willing and open to waking up. The Universe is responding to this energy with grace and prosperity. The awakening is its own joy and gift – and the prosperity is most welcomed too.
Every day is indeed special… but yesterday was more so. I say that because Spirit’s Presence and hand in the unfolding of events was so clear.
Yesterday Rog and I were called into service to marry Alana and Matthew, a college couple who wanted a simple wedding ceremony in Sedona. They asked us to gather the two witnesses required by the state and to select a locale. We chose the site of the Amitabha Stupa, a bronze image of the Buddha of Limitless Light that is filled with hundreds of millions of prayers for peace, sacred relics, and ritual objects. It is a beacon of light and virtue and is considered a vortex of Enlightened Presence, radiating waves of compassion to all beings. And, you don’t have to be a Buddhist to visit it and benefit from it.
Here the grounds have character, the vistas are beautiful and abundant. There is even a ramada to offer some protection from the elements, which was a consideration yesterday as it was blustery and there was a chance of rain.
Rog and I arrived early to go over the logistics. Over the course of time while waiting for the bride and groom to arrive, not only did the two people we’d asked to be witnesses show up, but one-by-one so did three other people we knew! When we explained why we were at the Stupa wearing our ministerial stoles, they were all intrigued. We asked if they’d like to join us in the wedding and they readily agreed.
Each of our five friends contributed to the wedding celebration both in the physical realm and spiritual. One friend led the group in the ceremonial walk of seven times around the Stupa, chanting a Tibetan prayer. Another had a video camera with him as he had bicycled over to the Stupa to shoot sacred garden space – little did he know he’d be photographing a wedding! Another had an orange and a bar of chocolate that she turned into a ceremonial offering for the wedding (she found out you’re not permitted to leave food as an offering at the Stupa) – she was also the unexpected still photographer. Another offered up words of congratulations, love, and wisdom as we toasted the newlyweds drinking sparkling apple cider in plastic champagne glasses (the bride and groom’s of course were specially decorated). And, our fifth friend provided restaurant suggestions for a romantic dinner. All contributed their spiritual consciousness.
Much of this was unplanned – well, at least by us humans. There was way too much synchronicity and “woo-woo-ness” to go into detail here, but suffice is to say that Spirit indeed had a plan. Nine beings were brought together at a sacred space in Sedona to celebrate a sacred sacrament. It was awesome.
Each ‘guest’ played a part in uplifting and supporting Alana and Matthew as they embarked on their new life. Each called themselves into service on a moment’s notice. This was a wedding that could not have been more perfect if it had been planned for 12 months, had cost $50,000, and 200 guests attended. For this perfect wedding was orchestrated by God and God needs no advance timing, money, or more people than is required to do His work.
We converged at the Stupa as if by clockwork and this coming together was not lost on any of us. I don’t think this event was just about two people entering holy matrimony. I think it was so much about God wanting to send us messages – many messages – and clearly announce Its existence. I’m still processing it all; I’m so grateful to have been a part of this extraordinary experience – thank You, Spirit!
We joked that this couple had eloped because they have big families and didn’t want to have a big wedding where most of the guests are… well, ya know, strangers. Instead they chose to be with us… strangers! But of course, we were not strangers at all. We came together as one family under God, with God’s presence shining. It was indeed a holy day to recognize God all around and in us.
Congratulations, Alana and Matthew! And, thank you for bringing us and God all together to celebrate you!
This afternoon Rog and I are marrying a young college couple who are eloping (although their parents know) and want to exchange vows in Sedona before the semester ends and they transfer down to Arizona State University in Phoenix.
We always enjoy and have fun getting to know a couple and helping them clarify and write their promises to one another. There’s also a myriad of other items on the list that we can often help with in order to have the wedding day flow with ease and grace. We feel that we are truly of service as the couple embarks on this new adventure in life as husband and wife.
Of course, the idea for today’s ceremony was to be outdoors and view the magnificent vistas of Red Rock Country. Thing is, although it’s just about May, the weather has been rainy, cloudy, windy, with temps in the 50’s – brrrrr! And the same is forecasted for today – not quite what we were hoping for on this special occasion.
But I know I can pray for sunshine to prevail… After all, it’s only for about a half-hour; surely Spirit can manage that, yes?
More importantly, I know that the Sunlight of the Spirit will be with us regardless of what is going on in the external world of form. God warms our souls all the time with Its love, peace, and joy.
So as we celebrate a young couple’s union into a formal holy relationship, we also celebrate God. We express gratitude for all the abundance and blessings in our lives, for the sunshine that shows up in a variety of ways.
I’ve been pushing myself to meet deadlines, participate in spiritually-focused events, attend to ADL’s (activities of daily living), and fulfill other commitments. And, I’m beat. It’s not really fun pushing, pushing, pushing. I just can’t do it all… something has to give… I need to let go.
Yes, I’m exhausted physically, and beat emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. I need to let go of controlling finances, time, people… As if I could really control anything or anyone!
So I surrender to that Divine Wisdom that knows all is in perfect order… to the Source that created me happy, joyous, and free – not tied to deadlines and obligations.
In cramming and striving to meet deadlines, I’m cramming The Presence too. It’s difficult to feel peace and joy when my entire being feels contracted and squished. So I pause, breathe, and give my trust to Spirit. I release my concerns to God and I am at peace.
All I have is this moment… Despite my planning and scheduling, when it comes down to it, all I have is Now. I can sketch in the pieces of my life, but I must remain flexible and open to the idea that things don’t unfold in Joyce’s time. I must surrender.
Dear Beloved, Holy Presence- Thank You, thank You, thank You for the pause and the breath that refresh me to then move on to carry out Your plan.
My readings this morning remind me of several fundamentals…
God is always with me, always guiding me. No matter the situation, there is a choice that reveals the highest and best in me. If I listen, Spirit’s guidance will be made known.
There are many ways for the guidance to come through: lyrics from a song, conversation with a person, or an excerpt from something I’m reading. Of course, there’s the powerful inner knowing that needs no explanation. And, my favorite: Synchronicity, the experience of two or more events that are apparently causally unrelated occurring together in a meaningful manner. [Translation: There is no such things as coincidence.]
And, if I don’t hear the Guidance or I misinterpret it, and I do not make the choice that brings out the highest and best in me, that means I’ve lost conscious contact with Spirit. But it doesn’t mean that God is not with me.
Then I remember to take an inventory, to look at my thoughts and behaviors that have contributed to my not choosing rightly. I connect with God to reveal my shortcomings, and I then I choose once again.
God’s love, patience, wisdom, and peace are always, always, with me. I remain alert and ready, prepared to receive God’s guidance and God’s abundance. It’s always there – where am I?
