Archives: October 2009
Sat Oct 31, 2009
In our book section, you can order Eckhart Tolle's "A New Earth"...Oprah's Book of the Month.
Winston Churchill
Dear Hearts,
We live in such an acquisition minded culture. The predominant questions seem to be "how much can we get before we die?". But that is a sure fire recipe for unhappiness, because that particular recipe is out of harmony with the fundamental principle of the Universe - which is to give.
We live, move and have our being in a giving Universe. Look at the beauty that surrounds us, the flowers, the trees, the ocean, the breeze, the sunlight, stars, moonlight, etc., is given to us freely. Our body and the very breath we breathe is Life's gift to us.
So, let's remember, we make a living by what we get, whether it's a retirement check or our paycheck, but we make a life by what we give. So the more we give, whether at our work or with loved ones and friends, the greater the quality of life we'll have, i.e., the more love, peace, joy, creativity, wisdom, clarity, abundance, etc.
When we die, we will never be remembered (or at least not for long) by the acquisitions we acquired during our life. We will, however, live on in others' memories by what we gave. Giving then, becomes our legacy to life. So how much will we give today?
With love and blessings,
Rev. Barbara
Mon Oct 26, 2009
In our book section, you can now order Oprah Winfrey's favorite book ~ Eckhart Tolle's "A New Earth".
-Albert Schweitzer
Dear Hearts,
How often do we want others to behave differently? And perhaps in order to achieve that goal, we nag at them, or we continually buy books that we “think” will help them change their behavior. At times, we resort to telling stories that indirectly point to their behavior hoping they’ll get the message. And when they don’t get the message or do get it and chose to ignore it, we continually ponder and plot other ways to “get” others to change their behavior.
Ghandi once said that we need to be what it is that we wish to see. So whatever behavior we wish to see in others, it’s up to us to practice that behavior in our daily affairs. In other words, we get to do it first. And…if we think we’re already doing it, then let’s continue to practice the behavior, refining it each day.
It has been said that others never do what we say, they do what we do. So today, instead of looking at others thinking of ways to change their behavior, let’s look to ourselves and be certain that we are daily leading by example. And as we lead, others will follow.
With love and blessings,
Rev. Barbara
Sun Oct 25, 2009
In our book section, you can order Eckhart Tolle's "A New Earth and "The Power of Now".
Dear Hearts,
If we can look at our problems/challenges as teachers what a difference that would make in our attitude toward our life. So often we dread problems, fight them, obsess about them, loose sleep over them and complain about them. However, if we looked at the problem and asked, “what is it that I need to learn from this situation/person?” we will begin to open up an avenue to a deeper self-awareness and self-understanding.
Life is a journey into self-knowingness. Every situation that occurs in our life as well as every person that comes into our lives is here for a purpose as there are no mistakes in this perfectly orchestrated Universe. But we often get so lost in our problem that we miss the great opportunity it presents us.
Socrates said, “Know thyself”. So whatever problems we face today or whatever difficult relationships are occurring in our lives, we have a choice. We can fight and resist them or we ask the question, “What is this situation or person here to teach me? What is it that I need to learn?" Sometimes the answer doesn’t come quickly but if we stay with the question we will get an answer.
We then have the opportunity to learn from that answer and gain the insight, the clarity, the wisdom and the blessing that each and every challenge has waiting for us...if we but take the time to look and ask.
With love and blessings,
Rev. Barbara
Mon Oct 19, 2009
In our book section, you can order Oprah Winfrey's favorite book ~ Eckhart Tolle's "A New Earth".
- Elizabeth Cady Stanton
Dear Hearts:
How many times during our lives have we chosen not to speak our truth for fear of the repercussions of hurting someone else's feeling, or being ridiculed, or looking inadequate? The list of reasons "why" we choose not to speak the truth could go on indefinitely. Yet, every time we make a choice not to tell the truth that is within us, a little part of us dies because we have shut what is real and authentic within us.
We are meant to live lives of integrity and part of doing that is speaking the truth as we know it. When we make a decision, for whatever reason, to withhold that truth ~ a little bit of the divine light that is our authentic self begins to dim.
Let's move foreword into this day with a commitment to speak our truth. Speaking our truth is never cruel or hurtful. When we speak from that space inside where all real truth lies, it comes through the heart, which always speaks with compassion and kindness. We aren't here to be mice, we are here to stand in the dignity of who and what we are -- divine emanations of a benevolent and loving God. Part of standing in that dignity is being able to express the truth as we know it within ourselves, regardless of what another might think or say.
With love and blessings,
Rev. Barbara
Sun Oct 18, 2009
In our book section, you can order Eckhart Tolle's "A New Earth".
~John Berry
Dear Hearts,
There are many ways we grasp at others. Most of the time it’s by trying to manipulate. In other words, we try to get another to do what we want them to do. And there’s no quicker way to make a person run from us.
Let’s remember, that every person is on his or her own journey. We might not like the decisions they make or even the way they have chosen to live their lives, but it is their life’s journey and we never know what’s best for another.
One way to keep from grasping at another is to keep the focus on us. We really have a full time job just trying to keep ourselves on track. When we keep the focus on us, trying to do the best we can possibly do, we find we don’t have time to focus on what we think another should or shouldn’t be doing.
When we live our lives focusing on us and giving others the freedom to live their lives as they deem best, our relationships begin to blossom and bloom. We find that others want to be in our company because we offer them the greatest gift of all…the freedom to live their lives as they see fit.
Freedom is our birthright. It’s the greatest gift we can give another. It’s the gift that keeps on giving and the gift that brings people back for more.
With love and blessings,
Rev. Barbara
Fri Oct 16, 2009
You can order Oprah Winfrey's favorite book, Eckhart Tolle's "A New Earth" in our book section.
Dr. Michael Beckwith
Dear Hearts,
Isn't it easier to find fault with us rather than look for something good about us? So often, we're raised with the idea that complementing ourselves or thinking of ourselves as wonderful was egotistical. Yet, when Jesus was asked of all the commandments, which is the greatest, he responded, "Love God, love your neighbor and love yourself". Love yourself!
So as we move into this beautiful day, let's take time to think about who and what we truly are. Instead of looking for our faults and flaws, let's behold the truth that we are beautifully and wonderfully made...that we are walking miracles. It's all in our choice..we can criticize and put ourselves down until the day we die..but why? What possible good does that do us or the world in which we live? How can we be creative and productive when we're so busy finding fault with ourselves? Let's wake up today and realize that the most high God has created us out of it's own image and likeness (meaning out of Good, Love, Peace, Beauty, Creativity, Wisdom, Clarity, etc.) and when we accept that fact that we are beautifully and wonderfully made, we will know the truth and the truth will always set us free....it will transform every area of our lives.
With love and blessings,
Rev. Barbara
Wed Oct 14, 2009
In our book section, you can order Oprah Winfrey's favorite book ~ Eckhart Tolle's "A New Earth".
Michael Bernard Beckwith D.D.
Dear Hearts,
There are two diverse philosophies on life. One philosophy is the belief and expectation that as we proceed with our daily activities we expect others to serve us. In living our lives that way we are choosing to keep the “spotlight” focused on ourselves.
The other philosophy is one in which we proceed with our daily activities… with the belief and expectation of being of service. In living our lives this way, we take the spotlight off of ourselves, placing it on others.
Recently, a woman shared a story about going to her grown children’s homes and expecting her family to wait on her…after all she was the guest. One day, in an inspirational moment, she got the direct impression that her job was not to be served…instead she was to be of service (even though she was the proverbial “guest”). From that day forward, her philosophy of life changed from what others could do for her…to what she could do for others.
Today, we have a choice on the philosophy of life we choose. If we take the high road with a philosophy of service to others than we are taking the road that all the great saints and avatars tread. We then get to extend ourselves beyond our own self-centeredness and we become a blessing to others and a blessing to Life Itself. And it is for this reason that we were born.
With love and blessings,
Rev. Barbara
Tue Oct 13, 2009
In our book section, you can order Eckhart Tolle's "A New Earth"
Ed Michaels
Dear Hearts,
As humans we all would like to live with certainty ~ to know and know that we know! Yet, life is so uncertain. Every day is a gift and when we get up in the morning we never really know the outcome of that day. In realizing this and knowing that life is a great and vast uncertainty, we then get to relax and begin to recognize life as the great adventure that it is.
Life throws us twists and turns, ups and downs. When we can move into the realization that nothing in this earthly realm is ever a certainty then we open up to the absolute certainty that everything is possible. So next time we are feeling very uncertain, let's relax and enjoy it ~ because in the midst of the uncertainty there are endless possibilities.
With love and blessings,
Rev. Barbara
Mon Oct 12, 2009
In our book section, you can order Eckhart Tolle's "A New Earth".
—Ralph Waldo Emerson
Dear Hearts,
When Ernest Holmes began his work in Metaphysics, much of his philosophy was based on the teachings of Emerson. Between Emerson's philosophy and his own, Holmes came up with the basic tenet, "Change your thinking, change your life". During that time, the 1920’s, little was said about the power of our thinking. Today, it’s widely accepted how powerful our thinking is pertaining to the quality of the life we lead.
Each morning where do our thoughts go? Do we dread the day and all that we have to do? Do we feel as Chicken Little must have felt when he said "the sky is falling…the sky is falling”? What Dr. Holmes taught is that whatever we think we will bring into our experience. So when we think in negative terms about our day - we're calling that negativity directly to us.
Each of us is a creator and we have the power to create our days any way we choose… through the power of our thoughts. Why not create positive uplifting days? Does that mean everything in our day will be a positive experience? No....but when we have elected to stay in the positive stream of life, then we’re able to find something positive, something good, no matter what takes place.
Today and everyday let’s adopt Emerson’s words as our new mantra…..
With love and blessings,
Rev. Barbara
Sun Oct 11, 2009
In our book section, you can order Eckhart Tolle's "A New Earth".
~ A Course in Miracles
Dear Hearts,
“I’m right!” Simple words, yet words that have caused major wars not only on a global level but within our own personal relationships. In most instances “right” is subjective depending upon our point of view. We feel we’re right…yet, in many instances, who’s to say who’s really right?
Would we rather be right or have friends? Would we rather be right than have loved ones? Would we rather be right or have our job? Would we rather be right or sit alone at night?
A need to be “right” is a very costly need. But the reality is there are many ways of looking at things and many ideas and opinions that all have an aspect of “right”. Our job is to open our minds to the idea that others may also have right ideas and views.
There are four magical words that can help to override our need of to be right. Those words are, “You may be right.” What a concept that another may be right! The truth is however, that another person may very well be right or at least partially right. However, in giving others the benefit of the doubt we diffuse any anger along with our need to be right.
When we use the words, “You may be right”, we are acknowledging that we have heard what another has to say. We acknowledge that they may indeed have a very valid viewpoint. Then we leaving a door open for a “win/win” situation.
If we have a need to be “right” all the time, it may take some practice to begin opening our minds to the fact that others may also be right. However, if we want true and lasting and reciprocal relationships, the words, “You may be right” are a key that will unlock the door every time.
With love and blessings,
Rev. Barbara
Fri Oct 09, 2009
You can order Oprah Winfrey's favorite book, Eckhart Tolle's "A New Earth" in our book section.
-St. Theresa of Avila
Dear Hearts,
As we move through this day, how comforting are St. Theresa’s words? No matter what situation or challenge maybe facing us let’s remember that eventually it will change or pass because this human life changes and passes. It’s easy to forget that problems and challenges change because we become so focused on them and they seem to loom so large.
There is only one Absolute and that is God and God never changes. God is timeless, everlasting and perfect, all knowing and all-powerful, there is nothing God cannot do and God always reigns supreme. Remember, a promise has been made to you and me that God will always remain steadfast, never leave or forsake us and is with us always.
When we can remember this, we will move into a peace filled day no matter what the extenuating circumstances. We will remember that we have a silent partner that walks every step of the way with us no matter what is taking place in our lives and that partner is with us always and in all ways.
Let's commit to following St. Theresa's words and no matter what challenges are presented to us today, let's not allow them to disturb or dismay us. We have the opportunity to remember that we don’t walk through life alone and that whatever we may be facing in our lives, it will pass.
Today, I am surrounded by the love of God. I make a conscious choice to stand in the knowledge that all earthly situations will eventually change or pass. I have a changeless God leading, directing, guiding, sustaining and maintaining me throughout each moment of this day. Today is God’s day and I rejoice in it.
With love and blessings,
Rev. Barbara
Thu Oct 08, 2009
In our book section, you can order Eckhart Tolle's "A New Earth".
Chinese Proverb
Dear Hearts,
As we look at our lives today, we can certainally find problems to complain about. The truth is, human life is problematic…we will always have problems with us as they are part of our human experience. However, spiritually we aren’t here to focus on problems. We are here to focus on what is positive, good and true.
Today, instead of going forth with a dark circle of gloom and doom around us, what if we made the decision to be a metaphorical candle? A candle that is here to bring the light of a positive and loving attitude wherever we go and to whomever we meet. What if we imagined ourselves as a candle lighting the way not only for others, but for ourselves as well? What if we imagined ourselves as a candle that brings the glow of warmth to wherever we are and to whomever we encounter?
Today, what if we decided to be as a candle that glows for God? Wherever we go and whomever we’re with, through our words and actions, might we light one candle of love, peace, hope, inspiration, creativity and goodness?
If we can do this, then we will know that we have had a good day, a God day.
With love and blessings,
Rev. Barbara
Wed Oct 07, 2009
You can order Oprah Winfrey's favorite book, Eckhart Tolle's "A New Earth" in our book section.
Neville Goddard
How many of us see ourselves as we really are…or do we tend to see ourselves the way we perceive the world sees us? Often times, we live our lives trying to adjust to what others either think of us or want us to be.
Let's remember that we’re not here to fulfill another’s conceptions of ourselves; we're here to reach our God given potential. That means not being the best “me” others want us to be, but being the best “me” we are created to be.
Each morning, let’s affirm the truth of our being. We might think to ourselves, “I am the child of my parents”. Yes, we are, but beyond our physical parents, we are children of this Universe, children of a benevolent God. We have been called into being and our lives have meaning and purpose and we're here to fulfill that purpose.
Today, let’s stand in the truth of who we are...children of a gracious and glorious God. We have a right to be here and be who we really are ~ not what a continually shifting world tells us we "should" be. Let's remember that if we don't stand for something, we fall for anything.
With love and blessings,
Rev. Barbara
Tue Oct 06, 2009
In our book section, you can order Oprah Winfrey's favorite book ~ Eckhart Tolle's "A New Earth".
Wynonna Judd
Dear Hearts,
How often do we waste the precious moments of our lives worrying about what we lack…what we’re not good at…what we could have done better? Yet we forget to celebrate what we do have, what we’re good at and what we’ve done well.
There is a saying about a life being a terrible thing to waste. Yet when we constantly worry about what’s lacking in ourselves, we’re wasting our lives. When we focus on the negatives about ourselves, it robs us of our enthusiasm and zest for living.
When we take the time to celebrate ourselves it restores us, it energizes and revitalizes us. Many times we feel that if we celebrate ourselves it is some kind of an ego trip. Absolutely not!
Life is not always easy for any of us. But the idea that we continue day after day to show up and do our best is worth celebrating! And some days our best isn’t that great, but it’s the best we could do on that given day and it’s OK.
Let’s not waste another moment criticizing us. Let’s begin today to celebrate ourselves! Not from an egotistical standpoint but from a purview that realizes we’re spiritual beings having a human experience. And it’s about celebrating our spiritual side and being kind, patient and loving with our human side.
Today, if we find ourselves worrying about what we’re not…let’s stop and remember all that we are. Let’s remember that God loves us so much that God created us, and that is worth celebrating!
With love and blessings,
Rev. Barbara
You can order Oprah Winfrey's favorite book, Eckhart Tolle's "A New Earth" in our book section.
~ Eknath Easwaran
Dear Hearts,
As we go about this day, what will our intention be? Will our intention be to get as much as we can get or to give as much as we can give? On today’s market, the mindset of many individuals is to get as much as they possibly can while giving as little as possible. However, when we live this way, we are out of harmony with the Universe. What we teach in Science of Mind is that this is a giving Universe, a giving God. Scripture tells us “God so loved that God gave.”
The Law of Cause and Effect governs this magnificent Universe in which we live. That same Law of Cause and Effect governs our lives. So if our Cause today is simply to see how much we can get, then the Effect we experience will be situations and individuals who also want to get and take from us.
If, however, our Cause is to give as much as we can, then that same Law of Cause and Effect will bring into our lives people and situations that will want to give to us. So we have an opportunity to choose which path we will travel today. Will we choose this day to be on the side of the givers? If that is our decision, then let’s go forth giving our gifts freely knowing that we glorify God by all that we give today and that as we give, we always receive.
With love and blessings,
Rev. Barbara
Mon Oct 05, 2009
In our book section, you can order Oprah Winfrey's favorite book ~ Eckhart Tolle's "A New Earth".
Emily Dickinson
Dear Hearts,
I wonder how our days would look if upon awakening each morning we thought to ourselves, “Today, with all of my words and activities, I know I am writing my letter to the world”. What is it we would want our letter to say? Will it be a letter filled with complaining? Will it be a letter of anger or a letter filled with fear? Will it be a letter filled with self-pity, i.e. “why me”?
Or will our letter be one that is filled with love through the actions we have taken and the words we have spoken? Will our letter speak about the difference we made through our kindness? Will our letter tell about the actions we took for love and peace and for the greater good? Will our letter tell how we did our best to fulfill our obligations, big and small, throughout our day? Will our letter be filled with enthusiasm? Will our letter be filled with gratitude to a gracious God that has gifted us with this day? Will our letter be one that we would want our loved ones to read?
So often we go through the activities of our day by rote…little or no thinking process involved. Each moment of every day is irreplaceable, so why not live it that way? If the way we live our lives today is our letter to the world, what will it say? Would it be something we ourselves would be proud to read?
TODAY'S AFFIRMATION:
Today, I write my love letter to the world. My letter will be filled with words of love, actions of peace, heartfelt joy and gratitude for all the I have and all that I am. I accept this for me and mine. Thank you, God, and so it is!
With love and blessings,
Rev. Barbara
You can order Oprah Winfrey's favorite book, Eckhart Tolle's "A New Earth" in our book section.
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Dear Hearts,
Have we ever had the thought that to be really spiritual we need to be on a mountain top meditating or on our knees praying in a church? The Dalai Lama's words reassure us that spirituality is an integrated part of the weave and fabric of our daily living.
It is how we choose to act through the easy moments in our day and through the stressful ones. It is how we treat our spouse, family, friends, coworkers, employees, the salespeople we come in contact with. "Spiritual Practice" is so named because it is a day by day, moment by moment practice in which we consistently remind ourselves to take the high road of behavior and thought.
Today, we have an opportunity to practice spiritually by choosing love, joy, compassion, patience, and harmony both with ourselves and all we meet. We then get to bear witness as our lives expand and grow in greater and more magnificent ways than we ever thought possible.
God is so good...all the time!
With love and blessing,
Rev. Barbara
Sun Oct 04, 2009
In our book section, you can order Eckhart Tolle's "A New Earth"...Oprah's Book of the Month.
Eknath Easwaran
Dear Hearts,
How often have we wished for more love in our lives? We yearn for it, we pray about it and yet it seems to elude us. Sometimes we find individuals that seem to be surrounded by so much love. We wonder what is their "secret" formula?
Perhaps the individuals surrounded in love live their lives in such a manner that instead of waiting for more love to come to them, they are the first to give more love. We might find that those who are surrounded in love are able to give so much love because they look past the behavior of another and love the person for who they, which is an expression of God.
Loving another is always about us…not about the other person. Can we continually step forth in love? Are we the ones who are willing to say the first “I love you”? Are we the ones who set the tone of love in our homes by the way we speak, the way we act and the way we treat another? When we look at the great saints and avatars that generated so much love on this planet, we find they were loved because they refused to look for anything but the best in another.
All great spiritual traditions teach that we get what we give. In order for us to have more love in our lives, we must give more love. Not because we judge another worthy of that love, but because as the saying goes, “If it’s going to be, it’s up to me.”
Today, I come straight from my heart...giving love in all that I think, say and do. Thank you God and so it is!
With love and blessings,
Rev. Barbara
Sat Oct 03, 2009
In our book section, you can order Eckhart Tolle's "A New Earth"...Oprah's Book of the Month.
Deuteronomy 30:19
Dear Hearts,
As we proceed through this day we have the opportunity, moment by moment, to choose life. Choosing life means choosing life affirming thoughts and actions. We are always at choice to build our lives constructively through faith or destructively through fear.
If we're to be constructive today, then let's look at our life and our circumstance from what Emerson referred to as "high possibility thinking". We might ask ourselves, "What is the highest possibility in this particular situation?" and live from that purview...or "What is the highest thought I can take about myself or another in this moment?" or "What is the most life affirming way I can act right now?".
Abe Lincoln once said, "Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be". If we choose life and what is life giving through our thoughts and actions each moment of this day, we'll find happiness and greater still, we'll be able to find joy.
Love and blessings,
Rev. Barbara
Fri Oct 02, 2009
In our book section, you can order Eckhart Tolle's "A New Earth"...Oprah's Book of the Month.
Anonymous
Dear Hearts,
There are no words as misused and misunderstood as the words “I love you.” Have we ever stopped to think about what love really is? Love is not something we say to fill in the gaps of a conversation or fulfill a social obligation. Love is an action word, love is a verb -- what an absolutely life transformative statement! It’s so easy to utter the words "I love you" without any idea of what love really means. Loving another person is truly being of service to them.
The gospels are filled with accounts of the Master Teacher, Jesus, loving others through service, healing them, drying their tears and comforting those who were frightened. At one point, Jesus got on his knees and washed the feet of his friends. Jesus was not the great exception on how to live life he was the great example.
Do we go out of our way daily to be of service to those we love? I'm not speaking about giving “things” to those we love, but giving of our self. We might ask another, "what can I do for you today?” or "how may I be of service to you today?".
Whatever the answer, let's proceed to do it joyfully with no expectations of getting something in return. Then we have the opportunity to watch how our relationships begin to bloom and transform.
With love and blessings,
Rev. Barbara
Thu Oct 01, 2009
Let Go and Let God!
Dear Hearts,
We all want the best for our loved ones. When we pray for our loved ones, it's easy to fall into the trap of praying for something by naming something very specific for them ~ be it a specified job or mate, specified partner, behavior or outcome. When we pray that way we sell our loved ones short because we don't know what in the long run is truly best for them.
However, there is a Power and Presence in this Universe that does know exactly what is best and when called upon, that Power and Presence will lead, direct and guide our loved ones to what is their highest and greatest good.
The next time we are tempted to pray for something very specific for another ~ let's change the prayer and pray for Divine Right Action instead. When we pray that way, we place our loved ones into the hand of a God which is the field of infinite Potential and endless possibilities. When we pray the Divine Right Action Prayer, we may rest assured that the very highest and best is taking place in the life of our loved ones ~ beyond anything we might possibility dream for them.
With love and blessings,
Rev. Barbara