Spiritual Literacy Current mood: contemplative Category: Religion and Philosophy
I started reading a book entitled "Spiritual Literacy; Reading the Sacred In Everyday Life" by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat the summer of 07 when we were at our timeshare beach vacation. It is one of the most introspective and uplifting books I have ever read. It deserves to be read, chewed on and digested slowly and quietly, which is why I take it to the beach. This past summer we had to cancel our two week "rest and revive" because of my work schedule and my husband's health issues. I picked up the book the other day and saw my bookmark sticking out. I am getting ready to begin the chapter on "Service". I glanced at a few paragraphs, wanting to save the reading for a special time when I can fully concentrate and absorb the knowledge. A few of the beginning quotes jumped out at me and I will concentrate on these until I can get that special quiet time the book deserves.
"The question of bread for myself is a material question, but the question of bread for my neighbor is a spiritual question" --Nikolai Berdyaev
"Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive." --The Dalai Lama
"I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know; the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve." --Albert Schweitzer
And my favorite:
"One special moment of beauty that stands out in my mind I experienced in a bus station...I witnessed a little girl helping her brother get a drink at the water fountain. Attempting to lift him to the proper height turned out to be impossible. I was just at the point of giving them some assistance when quick as lightning she darted over to a shoeshine man, pointed to a footstool he wasn't using, dragged it to the water fountain, and very gently lifted up her thirsty brother. It all happened so fast and it was so simple, yet it turned out to be a mement of beauty that became a prayer for me. So much to be learned from such a little moment. Perhaps what touched me most was her readiness to seek out a way to take care of the need without waiting to be rescued. It was a moment of beauty; a small child with a single heart." ---Macrina Wiederkehr in "A Tree Full of Angels"
I await anxiously the opportunity to dive into this book again in May when we (God willing) get to the beach.
I am grateful for the abundance that is mine!
5:01 PM

January 1, 2009 - Thursday
Another new beginning Current mood: confident Category: Life
"It has been a year of blessings. Each day is a blessing; each day is an opportunity for us to realize miracles and be the miracle workers God created us to be. Each surrendered thought helps us to find the answers to all our questions in the perfect peace of God"
Another new beginning, which we have the privilege of experiencing every 24 hours. If we truly live in the present, asking for and doing God's will for us, we don't have a need to make long lists of New Year resolutions which ultimately set us up for disappointment. We can live in the truth of the day, realizing our value, strengths and weaknesses. We can draw from our past experience and use those lessons to glorify today.
For today, my only job is to walk in the Spirit, extending my experience, strength and hope to others.
I am truly grateful for the abundance that is mine.
Each day is a miracle. Let us celebrate life!

December 21, 2008 - Sunday
grandchildren Current mood: cheerful Category: Life
We've made it through 48 hours of kids and chaos. The most important part of this visit with my grandchildren is being able to listen to what they have to say and being an active part of their lives. I am so blessed to be loved by so many little angels and when I let go of my need for order, and just let it happen naturally, life is so good. I slept in today and Jill got up, fed the hungry masses and cleaned the kitchen. It seems like we spend lots of time hanging up coats, washing dishes and picking up stray pieces of colored paper, stuffed animals and crayons.
There are many Christmas related movies and shows on today and tonight, and we will pick a movie to watch together before everybody gets bedded down tonight. Joseph will be back over today and has been here each day and night to spend time with his children.
I will do some baking today and get the laundry caught up. All of the kids will take showers today (eek!) and whatever else happens is in God's hands.
I am truly grateful for the abundance that is mine!

December 19, 2008 - Friday
Christmas Current mood: nostalgic Category: Life

Christmas is the keeping place
for memories of our innocence.

December 19, 2008 - Friday
Holiday madness, continued Current mood: blessed Category: Life
The countdown to Christmas is upon us, with little heads swimming with thoughts of Santa Claus, Baby Jesus' Birthday, Reindeer and Snow.
Shannon, Ryann, Sydney, Emma and Mark are all here, along with Poppie, Uncle Courtland, Joseph, Jill and big Mark. Lots of bodies for such a small space, but it is bursting with love and giggles. The children are playing Pictionary with the adults, Poppie is getting ready to go to work and I am brimming with gratitude for God's gift of family. I am sure I will feel like I am losing my mind several times before Monday when Shannon, Ryann and Sydney go home, but until then, I will step back and relax, letting life happen as God directs.
I am so grateful for the abundance that is mine!!
7:31 PM


December 2, 2008 - Tuesday
Looking Current mood: content Category: Goals, Plans, Hopes
"To look backward for a while is to refresh the eye, to restore it, and to render it the more fit for it's prime function of looking forward."
___Margaret Fairless Barber

"We will not regret the past, nor wish to shut the door on it"
_____Alcoholic's Anonymous - Big Book

November 30, 2008 - Sunday
Serenity Current mood: grateful Category: Life
Every encounter, every circumstance can be used by Him for His purposes. He translates between our perfect cosmic self and our worldly insanity. He enters into the illusion and leads us beyond it.
—Excerpted from A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles


I love this quote! It reminds me that what I see in my everyday experiences is not necessarily the real thing. Our minds are such incredible examples of illusion. We can make nothing into something and something into nothing in a split second by twisting it in our minds. This reminder that He can walk me out of the illusion and into the truth is so comforting and gives me such hope and strength.

As the weekend comes to an end and the normalcy returns tomorrow, I breathe a sigh of relief that He walked me through the chaos and will lead me to His will for me again and again, as long as I hold on to faith that more will be revealed when I am ready. Today I am so grateful for the abundance that is mine.