I saw a couple today whose college-age daughter will have her third cancer surgery tomorrow. Their pain was palpable. They pray, live one day at a time and wait for God's will to unfold.
On later reflection, I was reminded of Mother Teresa's comment, "I know God never gives me more than I can handle, I just wish He wouldn't trust me so much."
Then, I recalled Jesus saying something to the effect, "let this cup passeth from me." I went in search of the text, which is Luke 22:42. In one translation, on the Mount of Olives, Jesus said, "Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me, nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done."
Showing posts with label Prayer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Prayer. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
STOP & WAIT
Stop and/or wait are the most difficult actions for me. My motor runs on do, do, do or go, go, go. The last few days have been a refresher course in the former actions.
In my ignoring those commands, I thought I had ruined two paintings. They are in no way complete, but they do have promise.
Last night, I sat and looked at my walls, which display many completed pieces. As I gazed upon each one, I remembered their awkward beginnings or middles. With each canvas, I had to wait for inspiration, which arrived in God's time.
Trying to complete a painting, or any of life's projects, before the path has been revealed is about as successful as pushing rocks or water up hill.
In my ignoring those commands, I thought I had ruined two paintings. They are in no way complete, but they do have promise.
Last night, I sat and looked at my walls, which display many completed pieces. As I gazed upon each one, I remembered their awkward beginnings or middles. With each canvas, I had to wait for inspiration, which arrived in God's time.
Trying to complete a painting, or any of life's projects, before the path has been revealed is about as successful as pushing rocks or water up hill.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
SILENCE AND THE SOUL
This morning I was feeling considerable angst over a business situation. I wanted to do something about it. I wanted to fix it, as if I could. I was caught up in my ego and the illusions of the world.
Finally, I knew, if I was to have any peace today, I must sit quietly, pray and listen. I was directed to the book shelf where my copy of Yogananda's In the Sanctuary of the Soul resides. Upon locating the book, I settled into my comfort chair.
I opened the book to its concluding pages, 115-124. Yogananda speaks of the "inner temple of silence" and said, "When tigers of worries, sickness and death are chasing you, your only sanctuary is the inner temple of silence." Within that temple, "receive God with your awakened intuition ... God is in the heart of soul of every being. And when you open within yourself the secret temple in your heart, then with the all-knowing intuition of the soul you shall read the book of life. Then, and only then, will you contact the living God. And you will feel Him as the very essence of your being."
On closing the book, I went into my temple. As I sat in blissful silence, I knew to the depth of my being worldly objects and thoughts were of no value. I can live without them, but I do not want to live without God's peace.
Finally, I knew, if I was to have any peace today, I must sit quietly, pray and listen. I was directed to the book shelf where my copy of Yogananda's In the Sanctuary of the Soul resides. Upon locating the book, I settled into my comfort chair.
I opened the book to its concluding pages, 115-124. Yogananda speaks of the "inner temple of silence" and said, "When tigers of worries, sickness and death are chasing you, your only sanctuary is the inner temple of silence." Within that temple, "receive God with your awakened intuition ... God is in the heart of soul of every being. And when you open within yourself the secret temple in your heart, then with the all-knowing intuition of the soul you shall read the book of life. Then, and only then, will you contact the living God. And you will feel Him as the very essence of your being."
On closing the book, I went into my temple. As I sat in blissful silence, I knew to the depth of my being worldly objects and thoughts were of no value. I can live without them, but I do not want to live without God's peace.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
LOVE AND COMPASSION
Eleven years ago, a patient and I had a parting of the ways. We "agreed to disagree," regarding issues of my time and payment. Since that time, we have concurrently attended a number of non-professional meetings. Through gossip, she has assassinated my character. When she and I are in close proximity, her anger toward me is palpable. When I speak in the group, she often leaves the room.
She is very popular, charming and has a great sense of humor. Over the years, her behaviors and attitudes toward me have been very hurtful. When she is near, I pray for her.
Today, we were again in a meeting together. She shared her struggles and pain. Later, as others shared similar experiences, she began to cry. It was the first time I had seen her cry. I felt an enormous amount of love and compassion for her.
She was sitting a few chairs away. I was drawn to hand her a tissue and tell her I loved her. When I approached, she recoiled and said, "I don't want to talk to you. I don't consider you my friend. Don't talk to me."
Emotionally, I felt slapped. I returned to my seat, and my tears flowed. Throughout the day, I have reflected on this incident.
My hurt is dissipating. I feel incredible sadness for this woman. She is a tortured soul. I hope she finds her way.
She is very popular, charming and has a great sense of humor. Over the years, her behaviors and attitudes toward me have been very hurtful. When she is near, I pray for her.
Today, we were again in a meeting together. She shared her struggles and pain. Later, as others shared similar experiences, she began to cry. It was the first time I had seen her cry. I felt an enormous amount of love and compassion for her.
She was sitting a few chairs away. I was drawn to hand her a tissue and tell her I loved her. When I approached, she recoiled and said, "I don't want to talk to you. I don't consider you my friend. Don't talk to me."
Emotionally, I felt slapped. I returned to my seat, and my tears flowed. Throughout the day, I have reflected on this incident.
My hurt is dissipating. I feel incredible sadness for this woman. She is a tortured soul. I hope she finds her way.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
EYES WIDE OPEN
We often live with our eyes downcast or our vision obstructed by blinders. It takes courage to live with our eyes wide open.
What does it mean to live with eyes wide open?
It means to have a full view of the banquet life places before us. To feast on the banquet, we must release our narrow ways of thinking and our judgemental and self-negating and world-negating attitudes.
It is our choice to walk within the narrow view made visible with our blinders. It is a familiar path, worn smooth by our plodding. We know every twist and curve along its course. Often times, the journey is boring,depressing and devoid of energy, but it is "safe." Its choice is a living death.
However, if we choose to rip off the blinders of our narrow thoughts, we will see the luscious panorama of life's abundance. This path requires trust in the Divine. In spite of our fears, this path also requires action. But, living life with eyes wide open brings fresh air, sunshine, adventure, joy and fulfillment and, when its your time to leave the planet, you will know you truly lived.
What does it mean to live with eyes wide open?
It means to have a full view of the banquet life places before us. To feast on the banquet, we must release our narrow ways of thinking and our judgemental and self-negating and world-negating attitudes.
It is our choice to walk within the narrow view made visible with our blinders. It is a familiar path, worn smooth by our plodding. We know every twist and curve along its course. Often times, the journey is boring,depressing and devoid of energy, but it is "safe." Its choice is a living death.
However, if we choose to rip off the blinders of our narrow thoughts, we will see the luscious panorama of life's abundance. This path requires trust in the Divine. In spite of our fears, this path also requires action. But, living life with eyes wide open brings fresh air, sunshine, adventure, joy and fulfillment and, when its your time to leave the planet, you will know you truly lived.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
FORGIVENESS
After reading my autobiography, Red Earth Woman, a friend, Nell, asked me if I had forgiven my parents.
I told Nell, because of my spiritual healing over the past 25 years, I had forgiven them.
However, I wondered if Nell had asked me the question because she had been emotionally and/or physically traumatized. I went on to caution her, in the early phases of recovery, one must feel to the depth of their being, their pain and anger. Forgiveness comes much later.
I believe we incarnate on the planet to grow spiritually and to help others grow spiritually. My parents were my greatest teachers. They forced me to go to the center of my being, where my True Self resides. In my pain, I cried out to my only source of strength, the God of my understanding. To be free of my pain, I had to surrender all of me to my Higher Power and become willing to do whatever was necessary to change my thoughts and their resultant emotions and actions.
My parents are in their eighties and preparing to cross to the other side. I send them forgiveness, love and compassion. They each carry heavy burdens, and I can only imagine the torture of their souls. I pray they both find peace.
I told Nell, because of my spiritual healing over the past 25 years, I had forgiven them.
However, I wondered if Nell had asked me the question because she had been emotionally and/or physically traumatized. I went on to caution her, in the early phases of recovery, one must feel to the depth of their being, their pain and anger. Forgiveness comes much later.
I believe we incarnate on the planet to grow spiritually and to help others grow spiritually. My parents were my greatest teachers. They forced me to go to the center of my being, where my True Self resides. In my pain, I cried out to my only source of strength, the God of my understanding. To be free of my pain, I had to surrender all of me to my Higher Power and become willing to do whatever was necessary to change my thoughts and their resultant emotions and actions.
My parents are in their eighties and preparing to cross to the other side. I send them forgiveness, love and compassion. They each carry heavy burdens, and I can only imagine the torture of their souls. I pray they both find peace.
Monday, October 10, 2011
PRAYERS - Abbreviated
In addition to the preceding prayers, I have three abbreviated prayers I frequently use throughout the day.
"I am yours, Dear God. I am yours."
"Thy will not mine be done."
"Show me the way, Dear God. Show me the way."
I have practiced these prayers for many years. Now, on awakening, I internally hear their words. Throughout the day, I realize I am praying them. They have become my mantra. As my friend, Jo Ann, says, "The prayers are now praying me."
"I am yours, Dear God. I am yours."
"Thy will not mine be done."
"Show me the way, Dear God. Show me the way."
I have practiced these prayers for many years. Now, on awakening, I internally hear their words. Throughout the day, I realize I am praying them. They have become my mantra. As my friend, Jo Ann, says, "The prayers are now praying me."
Sunday, October 9, 2011
PRAYER - Lord's Prayer - Another Translation
Apparently, there are a variety of translations, from the original Aramaic, of the Lord's Prayer. My favorite is Mark Hathaway's translation, which is based on the work of Saadi Neil Douglas-Klotz.
"O Cosmic Birther of all radiance and vibration!
Soften the ground of my being and carve out a space within me where Your Presence can abide.
Fill me with Your Creativity so that I may be empowered to bear the fruit of Your Mission.
Let each of my actions bear fruit in accordance with Your Desire.
Endow me with the wisdom to produce and share what each being needs to grow and flourish.
Untie the tangled threads of destiny that bind me, as I release others from the entanglement of past mistakes.
Do not let me be seduced by that which would divert me from my true purpose, but illuminate the opportunities of the present moment.
For You are the ground and the fruitful vision, the birth-power and fulfillment, as all is gathered and made whole once again."
This beautiful prayer comforts me and resonates with my True Self.
Many Blessings, LB
"O Cosmic Birther of all radiance and vibration!
Soften the ground of my being and carve out a space within me where Your Presence can abide.
Fill me with Your Creativity so that I may be empowered to bear the fruit of Your Mission.
Let each of my actions bear fruit in accordance with Your Desire.
Endow me with the wisdom to produce and share what each being needs to grow and flourish.
Untie the tangled threads of destiny that bind me, as I release others from the entanglement of past mistakes.
Do not let me be seduced by that which would divert me from my true purpose, but illuminate the opportunities of the present moment.
For You are the ground and the fruitful vision, the birth-power and fulfillment, as all is gathered and made whole once again."
This beautiful prayer comforts me and resonates with my True Self.
Many Blessings, LB
Saturday, October 8, 2011
PRAYER - The Serenity Prayer
The Serenity Prayer is another prayer used frequently in 12-step programs:
"God grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change,
Courage to change the things we can,
And wisdom to know the difference."
I use a personalized version of the prayer, changing us to me and we to I. Over many years, the use of this prayer has taught me that I am powerless over people, places, things and situations. Acceptance is difficult but, after many failures to change anything outside of myself, I had to admit complete defeat, which is the beginning of acceptance.
The only person I can change is me, and I require God's help to do that. Many of our ways of thinking, that result in our feelings and behaviors, are very familiar but uncomfortable. Great courage is required to ask a Power greater than we are for help and take a leap of faith into the unknown. The Third Step and Seventh Step Prayers guide us in this process.
It is a wise person who stops fighting anything or anyone, including themselves. Knowledge or information can be gleaned from a book or computer and regurgitated. After an arduous journey, wisdom is found within, in the seat of the soul.
"God grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change,
Courage to change the things we can,
And wisdom to know the difference."
I use a personalized version of the prayer, changing us to me and we to I. Over many years, the use of this prayer has taught me that I am powerless over people, places, things and situations. Acceptance is difficult but, after many failures to change anything outside of myself, I had to admit complete defeat, which is the beginning of acceptance.
The only person I can change is me, and I require God's help to do that. Many of our ways of thinking, that result in our feelings and behaviors, are very familiar but uncomfortable. Great courage is required to ask a Power greater than we are for help and take a leap of faith into the unknown. The Third Step and Seventh Step Prayers guide us in this process.
It is a wise person who stops fighting anything or anyone, including themselves. Knowledge or information can be gleaned from a book or computer and regurgitated. After an arduous journey, wisdom is found within, in the seat of the soul.
Friday, October 7, 2011
PRAYER - Seventh Step Prayer
The following is the Seventh Step Prayer, which is also from the literature of the 12-step programs.
"My Creator, I am now willing that you should have all of me, good and bad.
I pray that you now remove from me every single defect of character which stands in the way of my usefulness to you and my fellows.
Grant me strength, as I go out from here, to do your bidding. Amen."
In the first sentence, we are willing for our Creator to take all of us, not just our "bad" traits. Actually, what we think is a good trait, used in excess can become a negative trait. Excellent organizational skills are an attribute when held in balance, but the skill becomes destructive when it is used to organize and regulate the lives of others. If we are to grow spiritually, we can't pick and choose what part we give to our Higher Power. We have to turn over the whole package.
The second sentence allows God to select which of our characters traits need to be removed. However, we usually have an inkling of what our character defects might be by the emotional and/or physical pain they cause us.
Furthermore, the reason for the removal of our character defects is not so we can tip toe through the tulips and live happily ever after. The purpose is to fit ourselves for maximum service to God and man.
And, so it is.
"My Creator, I am now willing that you should have all of me, good and bad.
I pray that you now remove from me every single defect of character which stands in the way of my usefulness to you and my fellows.
Grant me strength, as I go out from here, to do your bidding. Amen."
In the first sentence, we are willing for our Creator to take all of us, not just our "bad" traits. Actually, what we think is a good trait, used in excess can become a negative trait. Excellent organizational skills are an attribute when held in balance, but the skill becomes destructive when it is used to organize and regulate the lives of others. If we are to grow spiritually, we can't pick and choose what part we give to our Higher Power. We have to turn over the whole package.
The second sentence allows God to select which of our characters traits need to be removed. However, we usually have an inkling of what our character defects might be by the emotional and/or physical pain they cause us.
Furthermore, the reason for the removal of our character defects is not so we can tip toe through the tulips and live happily ever after. The purpose is to fit ourselves for maximum service to God and man.
And, so it is.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
PRAYER - Third Step Prayer
For many years, I have used four prayers. Three of them are borrowed from 12-step programs, the Third Step, the Seventh Step and the Serenity Prayers, and the last prayer is an alternate translation of the Lord's Prayer.
In my belief system, God, or the Universe, does not need a grocery list or a Christmas list of my wants. For me, the following prayers align my will rightly with God's.
Third Step Prayer:
"God, I offer myself to Thee - to build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt.
Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Thy will.
Take away my difficulties, that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of Thy Power, Thy Love, and Thy Way of Life. May I do Thy will always! Amen."
There are several elements that are key for me within this prayer. In the second sentence, the word, bondage, is power packed. My bondage is my wants, my fears, my anger, my selfishness and my ego, to name just a few. I can only be released from these defects of my character through Divine Power.
Sentence three, "Take away my difficulties, that victory ...," the operative word is "victory," not defeat. But the purpose of our victory over our difficulties is not for our self-aggrandizement, but to "bear witness to those I would help" of God's Power, Love and Way of Life.
Our victories are signs of Divine Power and Will in our lives. We carry our Higher Source's light to others in our thoughts, words and behaviors. We are the message.
God is the messenger.
In my belief system, God, or the Universe, does not need a grocery list or a Christmas list of my wants. For me, the following prayers align my will rightly with God's.
Third Step Prayer:
"God, I offer myself to Thee - to build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt.
Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Thy will.
Take away my difficulties, that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of Thy Power, Thy Love, and Thy Way of Life. May I do Thy will always! Amen."
There are several elements that are key for me within this prayer. In the second sentence, the word, bondage, is power packed. My bondage is my wants, my fears, my anger, my selfishness and my ego, to name just a few. I can only be released from these defects of my character through Divine Power.
Sentence three, "Take away my difficulties, that victory ...," the operative word is "victory," not defeat. But the purpose of our victory over our difficulties is not for our self-aggrandizement, but to "bear witness to those I would help" of God's Power, Love and Way of Life.
Our victories are signs of Divine Power and Will in our lives. We carry our Higher Source's light to others in our thoughts, words and behaviors. We are the message.
God is the messenger.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
FEAR
Recently, a friend asked me, "Are you ever afraid?"
My immediate answer was, "No."
What I meant by that statement is that fear does not run or control my life. Certainly, being human, I have the occasional niggling fears about my health or my finances. But, through years of practice, my next thought is that the Universe always supplies my needs, not my wants, and all I really need is food, clothing and shelter. The second thought restores my internal peace.
For many years, I have practiced two principles:
- I turn my will and my life over to the care of the Higher Power of my understanding.
- I seek through prayer and meditation to improve my conscious contact with that Power, or God, and I pray only for the knowledge of God's will for me and the power to carry it out.
For me, if I practice these principles to the best of my ability, there is an inherent promise that I will be taken care of, and I will be given the power necessary to do my Higher Source's will.
I have a daily choice. However, when I work to align my will with the Divine will, I am peaceful, free of fear and things just seem to turn out better.
My immediate answer was, "No."
What I meant by that statement is that fear does not run or control my life. Certainly, being human, I have the occasional niggling fears about my health or my finances. But, through years of practice, my next thought is that the Universe always supplies my needs, not my wants, and all I really need is food, clothing and shelter. The second thought restores my internal peace.
For many years, I have practiced two principles:
- I turn my will and my life over to the care of the Higher Power of my understanding.
- I seek through prayer and meditation to improve my conscious contact with that Power, or God, and I pray only for the knowledge of God's will for me and the power to carry it out.
For me, if I practice these principles to the best of my ability, there is an inherent promise that I will be taken care of, and I will be given the power necessary to do my Higher Source's will.
I have a daily choice. However, when I work to align my will with the Divine will, I am peaceful, free of fear and things just seem to turn out better.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
SEA GIFTS
Anne Morrow Lindberg,
Thank you for your Gifts from the Sea.
I came to find my own, and
They were everywhere,
For seeing eyes and
Listening ears.
Thank you for your Gifts from the Sea.
I came to find my own, and
They were everywhere,
For seeing eyes and
Listening ears.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
CAROLINA VACATION
I thought I came to rest.
I did, some.
Actually, I came to reclaim my soul,
From life's distractions and illusions.
Little did I know
The words would come so easily.
Maybe, I should have come sooner?
No.
Everything has its own time.
I did, some.
Actually, I came to reclaim my soul,
From life's distractions and illusions.
Little did I know
The words would come so easily.
Maybe, I should have come sooner?
No.
Everything has its own time.
FREEDOM
I sink into the silence,
Like a diver descending to the ocean's floor.
I listen.
Words come.
As I swim the silent expanse,
I discover the nooks and crannies of the universe and my soul.
Within the watery depths of the primal mother,
I am birthed into freedom.
Like a diver descending to the ocean's floor.
I listen.
Words come.
As I swim the silent expanse,
I discover the nooks and crannies of the universe and my soul.
Within the watery depths of the primal mother,
I am birthed into freedom.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
BEACH WINGS
Flying pelican chorus lines,
Cardinal couple comes to call,
Bread crumbs eaten,
Seagulls paranoid glances,
As beaks grip food,
Birds soaring,
Flying social games,
Perches everywhere
Cardinal couple comes to call,
Bread crumbs eaten,
Seagulls paranoid glances,
As beaks grip food,
Birds soaring,
Flying social games,
Perches everywhere
SOLITUDE'S RHYTHMS
Awaken to ocean's beat,
Mornings writing,
Afternoons reading,
Rocking,
Resting,
Dinners out,
Frank crooning,
Evening beach walks,
Ocean lullabies
Mornings writing,
Afternoons reading,
Rocking,
Resting,
Dinners out,
Frank crooning,
Evening beach walks,
Ocean lullabies
Saturday, September 3, 2011
THE SEA
Awakens me,
Soothes me,
Embraces me,
An ancient lover comes to call,
The oceanic womb
Addendum: I relish silence and solitude. By removing myself from the chatter of the world and its illusions, I abide in my center and commune with the Divine. The ocean is the primal mother of life on this planet. Her rhythms soothe my soul and restore my energy.
Soothes me,
Embraces me,
An ancient lover comes to call,
The oceanic womb
Addendum: I relish silence and solitude. By removing myself from the chatter of the world and its illusions, I abide in my center and commune with the Divine. The ocean is the primal mother of life on this planet. Her rhythms soothe my soul and restore my energy.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
NORTH CAROLINA BEACH
Arrival,
Ocean greets me.
"Welcome back."
Birds aflutter
Over balcony crumbs,
Long, hot bath,
Yoga stretches,
Seaside serenade,
Bed more comfy than my rumble seat
Addendum: On this trip, for speed and economy, I slept in the back seat of my vehicle.
Ocean greets me.
"Welcome back."
Birds aflutter
Over balcony crumbs,
Long, hot bath,
Yoga stretches,
Seaside serenade,
Bed more comfy than my rumble seat
Addendum: On this trip, for speed and economy, I slept in the back seat of my vehicle.
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