Quietly Irresistible

Saints of St. John's

2009-11-23T11:19:00.000-08:00

To my former church family; all the saints of St. John’s:

God’s blessing to you my dear friends. Kat and I were overcome with joy as we walked the halls of our beautiful St. John’s Baptist Church. For the first time in many years we returned to an out pouring of love that we so fondly remembered. It is difficult for me to express the grace and love we experienced yesterday. I was overcome with emotions and can only try to share with you how blessed we feel to have each of you in our lives.
In many ways nothing had changed. Larry and Emily greeted us as they would have many years ago. Bob was greeting folks in the hallway in the adult Sunday School area. The aroma of hot coffee wafted throughout. How perfect that my dear friend Jane would walk up to me on queue. As we entered the Far Side SS class everything was as remembered.

The lesson was on Miracles! How perfect that for 38 years the man sat by the healing waters waiting for healing. Jesus asked if he wanted to be healed and the response was an assumed “of course”. Ken related the story to us and how we all find our own ‘comfort zones’, recognizing that to change would mean to give up something we are accustomed too. How many years have I waited for my ears to hear these words clearly spoken by Ken?

What we call Miracles are to Jesus, normal occurrences. What we experience as healing is actually what God wants for all of His children. How do we acknowledge that we all need healing when we go about our everyday activities feeling fine? Is it when we stop to help the less fortunate that we experience healing? Jesus said that when you help the least, last and lost you do it unto Him. Are we aware of our need for healing?

Kat and I began our healing journey over two years ago when she was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis, a form of arthritis of the spine. Quickly my mind raced to ‘fix’ the problem as I had always done, yet this time I could not fix it. I’ve learned through many lessons to let go and let God! The healing process is still underway as we both learn that healing presents itself in different ways at different times. We’ve learned that it all begins with forgiveness. Asking God’s forgiveness as well as forgiving ourselves. It is hard work, to be sure; however the peace that follows is better than any ‘comfort zone’ I’ve ever experienced.

Lou shared that his mom, Betty, one of my mom’s lifetime friends was a church today! As I turned to go upstairs I ran into Jenks who is as beautiful as ever! Once upstairs in the sanctuary I couldn’t believe my eyes. So many friends I’ve missed seeing. Virginia and I spoke on the phone Saturday and she was standing up front so I would be able to see her. (No, this is not a short joke!)

She is my dear Virginia who has such wisdom and warmth and is a giant in stature! Years ago Jack and Virginia turned to me after a sermon about angels amongst us and they told me I was an angel to them! I know now that when you radiate love, those you are with reflect back what you are sending. In this case they were sending love my way! They have been my angels and how grateful I am for their love!

As we were getting ready for worship I spotted another saint, Tom, or Thomas as his beautiful wife Marie would refer to him fondly. Tom and my late father, Ross, were in SS together for many years. Church at St. John’s brought back memories of a vibrant music ministry as we heard from all ages of children and young adults in the choir celebrating worship with musical instruments and voices lifting the name of God, the Alpha and the Omega. We shared the ‘passing of the peace’ which finally gave me the opportunity to get a hug from Betty. After the service Kat and I lingered for awhile, seeing more friends and experiencing so much joy!
We thank you all for your hospitality; for after all is said, our memories are our most cherished gifts from life. You are a company of saints and I hope to pass your way again soon!

Your sister in Christ,
Gail

Who's Rules Do You Follow?

2009-09-30T05:26:00.000-07:00

A Christian co-worker mentioned a book he had recently read that posed the following question, "If you are walking with Christ in all things, which one of you is wearing the crown and which one is carrying the cross". That's an interesting question and a hard one to answer; or is it...

Do we have to pick one or the other? Can it be that Christ is wearing a crown and carrying the cross? Do we also wear a crown and carry a cross as well? If it is true that God is in everything then He is in both the rose and the thorn! How do I let go and trust in God for the suposidely good and bad?

Ana, my spiritual mentor, said, "God is in everything. You need be in the moment and do what is needed in that moment." John 14:20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Ana continued, "You are here, we are one. Your joy, My joy! What you think expands and creates tomorrows reality. Take responsibility for what's going on! Let it go and trust God."

Recently Ana said, "I am in disguise to earn a living". When I heard the sentence I realized there was some truth to that statement for me as well.

The Apostle Pauls's words resonate as told in Philippians 3:8 "What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ."

"If you don't see Christ in all, you don't see Christ at all!" Yogi Tea

Is God really in all things past, present and future? Is God really that big or do we put God in a box so we can perceive Him with our limited understanding? How big is your God?

The Bible says in Matthew 16:24, Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. All my life I thought that lesson only applied to missionaries in foreign countries who would be imprisoned for their faith. Not so! My eyes and ears are open to subtle innuendos throughout the workplace reminding me that as a disciple of Christ I have a new rulebook. My intention and my actions are not necessarily aligned with the behavior of others playing by the corporate rulebook accepted in the world!

This morning in my "Morning Call" with Di, we discussed her feelings of sadness and anger at her treatment yesterday by her boss. As I listened I identified so completely with her. Listening to her tell the story made me realize I had been in her shoes many times. The situation playing our in Di's life was allowing me to realize that she and I are playing the game of life with a different set of rules! As we follow Christ, we celebrate the crown and the cross as we focus on serving the least, the last and the lost while living, loving and laughing!!!

Who Knew?

2009-09-29T06:14:00.000-07:00

So what if you perceive God as angry? What if you perceive God as a benevolent father? What if you see God as detached from the mundane everyday stuff?

What if the way you perceive God is the way He is in your life??? If you see God in everything He is in everything. If you don't make time for God perhaps He says okay! There are plenty of folks who are in relationship with God 24/7/365. Try convincing them that God isn't in every breath they take!

My God is bigger than anything that comes into my life. My God is able to work miracles in the most common and mundane activities as long as I keep God in the mix. I believe the only time God is not at work is when my actions speak so loudly, "I do not need Your help God. I've got this one all worked out. You know, God has way more important stuff to be concerned with than my little life." Right!

How many times have I eaten humble pie because I wanted to be in control. I wanted to do it myself. I was too busy for God. Yet, when things got really messed up who did I cry out to for help? Yeah, God almighty! Our sustenance through all of life's trials. Why do we ever doubt God's ability to care for us?

If our perception is our reality, which I believe it is, then it stands to reason that God is for us who we perceive Him to be; Father, Mother, Shepherd, Judge, Servant...

I also believe, there are no words that can fully describe or contain my God!

Psalm 19 says it best for me!

1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.
3 There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.
4 Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,
5 which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
6 It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat.

Dear God,

All praise be to You, my creator God. I will shout for joy in the morning, in the noonday and at night as I celebrate the mysteries of life. Help me be the joy so desperately needed in the world. Be as real to me as every breath I take. Be in my thoughts, mind and heart as my lifeblood and protect me from evil thoughts and actions, that I may be an instrument of Your love. Amen.

He Watches Over Me

2009-09-28T05:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my turn to be the 'Prayer Warrior' for the 8:30 early worship and Lighthouse services at my church. It was also the day after we finally had our den paneling painted a golden sunshine color called wild bamboo! I awoke at 5:30 and couldn't wait to go look at the den again and enjoy the brightness of the walls! Even though it was still dark outside the freshly painted walls popped as I walked into the kitchen to heat water for my morning tea ritual.

After taking care of Dolly girl, our 11 year old cocker spaniel which is also a morning ritual, I felt a quiet peace come over me and lead me to the sofa for my morning time with God. On the way to the den I picked up a penci, my devo book Streams in the Desert, my Disciple II Study Workbook, Bible and a cup of hot steaming tea. I felt really peaceful, happy and contented.

The daily devo was fantastic. It spoke directly to my heart about how God is in us and how we have everything needed for healing of the physical, mental and spiritual bodies. I had not given much thought to us having three distinct bodies; however this also resonated deeply as I pondered the miracle of life and the wonderment of God's magnificance in creation.

As I reviewed the Disciple II workbook a vivid picture from years ago flooded my mind to the point that I wrote what I was seeing in the margin of the workbook. Here's some context to help you picture this scene. My great-uncle Dan sold his business to my dad in 1971. It was a music, jewlery and pawn shop combination which began in the 40's after his days literally as a horse-trader. This was a really cool store. I remember as a child stoping by to visit relatives in Dillon and was always amazed at the eclectic mix of items for sale.

So picture this tall black man with a hand span big enough to pick up a basketball entering the pawn shop. The door flings open and Mingo starts singing. His hands are uplifted and a booming baritone voice fills the store. "I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free. His eye is on the sparrow and I know He's watching me." Mingo was a preacher. His favorite form of communication was singing. I never knew Mingo when he wasn't singing!

Feeling at peace, focused on my duty as 'Prayer Warrior', I got ready for church. Upon arriving at church I went straight to the prayer room and knelt at the small bench and began praying for the services that were being conducted in Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall directly below me. The singing and praises from the two worship services intertwined and made a cocophony of sounds that filled the prayer room with an energy that flowed through me. It was if I went into a trance. When I opened my eyes and looked at my watch I realized it was time to go to Sunday School. I went downstairs and heard Kat say, mom! I turned and she said, "WOW, the music today was incredible." She was in a conversation with Duchess from our Bible Study group and she said to me, "I noticed you were the 'Prayer Warrior' today. You are still glowing!" Kat then said, "Mom, you really sourced some great energy for the service." I told them I was looking forward to the 11:00 service and left for class.

After Sunday School Lynell and I headed to worship. Since Kat had commented on the music I couldn't wait to see what we would be singing. Of course, I should have known, His Eye is on the Sparrow, just the song Mingo was singing as I sat in the den alone with Christ!

Trust in the Lord, be in right relationship and find joy abundantly!

Morning Calls

2009-09-18T08:03:00.000-07:00

Mornings are my time to be alone with God in nature. Morning calls to me (along with a barking dog ready to go outside). Birds begin the praise chorus and my heart fills with joy as I look up at the sky and see the fading stars as dawn is beginning to break across the sky.

Psalm 19 rings true in my ears and sings into my heart.

1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.
3 There is no speech or language
where their voice is not heard.
4 Their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,
5 which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
6 It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is hidden from its heat.

Morning calls for me to be in the moment with God; in awe of His marvelous works and grateful that He has given me a new day to praise Him.

Years ago during a Sunday School lesson we discussed the Prayer of Jabez. I started praying the prayer every morning and inserted my name for Jabez. 1 Chronicles 4:10 "Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, 'Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.' And God granted his request."

Over weeks and months all of my senses began to interpret events in a different miraculous way. It's true that, "People only see what they are prepared to see." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson Quotes My eyes began to see differently. My ears heard new sounds. I instinctively knew they were always there, yet somehow I missed them. I realized miracles are all around us if we will only wait for the still small voice of God to speak to us and through us.

Morning calls as I go to work! And morning calls literally as I call Granny Faye to check in with her. My other morning calls include Ana and Diane. Morning calls to me in so many ways!

This morning I told Diane that she was quickly becoming subject matter for my blogs. She said, "I love my morning calls. That's where today's title came from. Again, it fell out of her mouth from God! We both got a tingle as the two simple words, morning and calls resonated for us both.

We laughed about how therapeutic my blog was becoming for both of us. Who cares if anyone else chooses to read them. They are giving us an opportunity to be creative. I can express myself in a way that I have always felt insecure about; writing. Diane likes my writing and so the encouragement propels me for another blog. Here is where today's blog started.

Yesterday she borrowed the book 7 Habits of Highly Effective Managers from a co-worker. She opened it to the 3rd Habit which is 'Put 1st things first'. She read a question from the book, "What one thing could you do, that if you did on a regular basis would make a tremendous difference in your life?" She went on to read about how we each are the creator of our lives through our conscious, individual will and self-awareness. "How deep", I said. "This morning I brought The 8Th Habit to work and opened it randomly to a page that spoke about passion, conscious and vision as attributes to help you get in touch with what matters.

Diane got all excited and said, "It's time to do a vision board and get in touch with my deepest values. Can I tell you a story? Please stop me if you've already heard it. Anyway, years ago when I first moved to Philly, I had no place to live. One week-end I decided to create a Treasure Map! I went out and bought poster board, glue sticks and several magazines I was attracted to. I was literally in the moment allowing God to work through me and create for me a vision. It turned out that I had a window with a lacy curtain blowing in the breeze. Pictures of flowers were all over the board. I knew I was attracted to flowers but this was ridiculous! A couple of weeks later my co-worker told me about a house for rent. I went to look at it and it was an old farmhouse in the middle of a flower farm! I was in disbelief. That's where I live today."

I said, "That's wild. Have you done other treasure maps?"

"Yes, I have done four of them and they all mysteriously have led me to new possibilities. My last treasure map had only a few pictures. I was attracted to a page that said, 'Take Charge of Your Life' and another one that said, 'Laughter Yoga, The Best Medicine'. You know that was over six months before Michele invited me to attend a Laughter Yoga class!"

Interesting to discover life's precious moments sharing with friends and to realize just how miraculous and mysterious life is.

Living in the Question

2009-09-17T12:59:00.000-07:00

"I have no idea what today will hold" I said to Diane. My uneasy feelings come through the phone. I usually have 'to do' lists and schedules of my every minute. Diane says, "It's all about living in the question. I don't need to know how this or that will work out because I am living in the present moment."

Not bad for two people who openly admit having control issues! We laugh aloud at the picture of us professing to be so carefree! If only we could be more like those folks who don't plan every minute of every day. We wouldn't have to question all the thoughts floating in our busy minds!

That all sounds so wonderful. So free and inspired then you walk into work and your boss asks, so which accounts will you close in 2010?" and, right now you aren't sure where or when you will close this month's business.

Yes, life is a journey with curves and, as my mom always said, "bumps in the road". She would make sure we left a few minutes early because 'you never know where the bump in the road will be'. Each day we get to reflect on our many blessings and realize that this is not a dress rehearsal. This is all we have; today is the present, the gift God has given us. We each have the gifts of life, love and laughter! We all won the lottery. We are all abundantly wealthy.

Put first things first! "Things which matter the most must never be at the mercy of things which matter the least." Goethe

So Diane asked, "What color is your question?"

Perception is Reality

2009-09-16T07:57:00.000-07:00

William Shakespeare was quoted as having said, "There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so."

Please read the Taoist story which so poignantly illustrates that our thinking makes things good or bad, not the neutral event in and of itself.

An old farmer who had worked his crops for many years had his horse run away one day. Upon hearing the news, his neighbors came to visit. "Such bad luck," they said sympathetically. "May be," the farmer replied. The next morning the horse returned, bringing with it three other wild horses. "How wonderful," the neighbors exclaimed. "May be," replied the old man. The following day, his son tried to ride one of the untamed horses, was thrown, and broke his leg. The neighbors again came to offer their sympathy on his misfortune. "May be," answered the farmer. The day after, military officials came to the village to draft young men into the army. Seeing that the son's leg was broken, they passed him by. The neighbors congratulated the farmer on how well things had turned out. "May be," said the farmer."

(Thanks for tagging me Ana - I had inserted this as a Scotish farmer story which I had originally heard it told; however, Ana sent the story to me from the web yesterday and it is credited as a Zen story. I am adding this disclaimer and changing it back to a Taoist Story because I want to acknowledge and share with you how easily I fell into my own story box that as a Christian I might offend other Christians quoting a Taoist story even though Christian writings profess the same message in similar stories!!! How perfect! I am part of the whole. You are part of the whole. We are all part of the whole...)

Our lives are made up of a series of neutral events that we have placed in our mind as either 'good' or 'bad'. Our brain records all the stimuli in our life which forms our beliefs and typically, by the age of 10 we have most of these programs hard wired. Unless we make a conscious decision to change them! It is not easy to choose conscious thoughts over past repeated behaviors. In fact it will be both the easiest and the hardest journey you will ever take. More about this in later blogs...

Have you ever reacted to someone in a manner you disapprove? Have you ever said or thought, "They just pushed my buttons." In essence you reacted without thinking. You were on auto pilot.

Once you realize you don't have to be a victim of your own subconscious thoughts you can choose a new way of being! Shifting your consciousness from that of a victim to a responsible individual begins with your awareness that you have all you need. You can each do incredible things! Your thoughts manifest your reality! Whether you believe you can or cannot do something, you will prove yourself right!

God made us in His image. This means that we are co creators with God. Proverbs 23:7 (King James Version) states, "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he."

(I'm adding this poem to my blog from yesterday after reading my morning devotional from Streams in the Desert. Once again reading this poem today confirms my faith in God's holy mystery...

"Give me a new idea," I said,
While musing on a sleepless bed;
"A new idea that'll bring to earth
A balm for souls of priceless worth;
That'll give men thoughts of things above,
And teach them how to serve and love,
That'll banish every selfish thought,
And rid men of the sins they've fought.

"The new thought came, just how, I'll tell:
'Twas when on bended knee I fell,
And sought from HIM who knows full well
The way our sorrow to expel.
SEE GOD IN ALL THINGS, great and small,
And give HIM praise whate'er befall,
In life or death, in pain or woe,
See God, and overcome thy foe.

I saw HIM in the morning light,
HE made the day shine clear and bright;
I saw HIM in the noontide hour,
And gained from HIM refreshing shower.
At eventide, when worn and sad,
HE gave me help, and made me glad.
At midnight, when on tossing bed
My weary soul to sleep HE led.

I saw HIM when great losses came,
And found HE loved me just the same.
When heavy loads I had to bear,
I found HE lightened every care.
By sickness, sorrow, sore distress,
HE calmed my mind and gave me rest.
HE'S filled my heart with gladsome praise
Since I gave HIM the upward gaze.

'Twas new to me, yet old to some,
This thought that to me has become
A revelation of the way
We all should live throughout the day;
For as each day unfolds its light,
We'll walk by faith and not by sight.
Life will, indeed, a blessing bring,
If we SEE GOD IN EVERYTHING."

--A. E. Finn

Namaste, God Bless You, Peace!

The Peace Corp is Right in My Home

2009-09-15T08:04:00.000-07:00

This morning Diane and I were having a light-weight chat about how we could give more of ourselves to help the world become more loving and compassionate. We really enjoy these altruistic chats to start our day!

I shared that, "I believe the major religions of the world have more in common than they do differences." Diane got real excited and she shared her belief that, "A golden thread runs through all religions as they share God's love and compassion in common."

I asked, "Have you ever seen the bumper sticker 'COEXIST' which has symbols from all major religions as the letters in the word?" Diane said, "No; however, if you do not see God in all, you do not see God at all." She then went on to say, "God is in everything!" She attributes her quote to YOGI Tea which causes us to laugh out loud! We do that at almost anything because we realize the healing power from laughter.

I asked, "How do you know that you are where you need to be to make a difference? Sometimes I feel like joining the Peace Corp or sitting in a prayer room chanting all day. You know sometimes I think it's easy for me to take my family's love for granted and that what I'm doing with my life doesn't really matter."

I've know for the past year that I have 'control issues' we both acknowledge it's hard to let go and let God be in charge. (I'm not proud of this declaration and I am aware that even thinking that I could change anyone other than myself is a silly thought! In fact it is laughable and of course we both laugh a deep belly laugh! That doesn't mean my desires for them are not what I believe to be in their best interest, it's just that no one can change another person except for themself. (This is not new news; however, it has been really hard for me to acknowledge that my control issues no longer serve me or my family. In other words, changing my behavior is the first step in becoming the joyous, loving and compassionate woman I seek to be!)

"My family comes closest to God in showering me with unconditional love. No one knows me like they do so why would I ever have any feelings or emotions of frustration, why not express love and compassion for them?"

That's when the words came falling out from Diane's mouth, "The Peace Corp is right in your own home. "You are right where you need to be for your own growth!"

Cool stuff Diane! Of course she gives all the credit to God and modestly says she is His instrument for transformation in the world. We are blessed to have each other as sounding boards to reassure each other we are where we are for a reason!

My Spiritual Mentors

2009-09-14T07:04:00.000-07:00

It's fitting that my first blog include my two spiritual mentors and friends, Ana and Diane. You will hear a lot about them over time. They are both instruments in my spiritual transformation. I thank God every day for gifting me with their friendship.

Here's a short story that exemplifies why I am so grateful for my friends.

It's Monday morning and Ana sends me an instant message saying she has something for me from her trip this past week-end to Asheville. As it turns out, on her way back to Raleigh she felt an incredible urge to stop in a small town off I40 called Black Mountain. She knew she was supposed to be there; however she was not clear exactly why. She called her intuitive boy friend who mentioned that The Light Center is in Black Mountain. She immediately knew that is where she needed to go. It was eight miles away and her navigational program was set! After spending time in prayer and meditation in the geodesic dome she thought of me and gathered up literature so I could learn more about this light-filled place.

No doubt Diane is my long lost soul-sister. We are walking similar paths and we share a love of laughter with its healing balm for our souls. "Life is too mysterious to take so serious!" (Thanks for that quote Ana!) Diane and I have a lot in common. She has a son and I have a daughter. When we first met we hit a chord that resonated. We were able to share the trials in our lives and be there for each other. That bond has strengthened into a beautiful friendship.

God is the vine and we are the branches; just like it says in the Bible. As long as we have breath we have life through the One True Source of all there is or will ever be.

Isn't it wonderful how God provids exactly what we need even before we know we need it?

I met Ana just a week before Catey (co-worker) gave birth to her first child. Ana was hired to cover for Catey while she was out on maternity leave. One Monday shortly after she started work, she shared with me profound truths about my daughter that were communicated to her from God. She said God wanted me to know that Kat was going to be okay. That even though we would never do things the same way or think alike it was okay. Kat needs to experience life through her music and her spirituality. As you will discover this revelation began an unfolding of events that would forever change my life.

I'm grateful for God's gift of friendship.