The Season of Joy

Tis the season-we hear this frequently this time of the year. Joy holds different connotations for many folks. There is joy being with family and friends; joy when good news is received; joy at and during various celebrations….Thus tis the season to be joyful!

For many of us this petit word is full of strength. I am delighted to be a part of CLM. My connection to my spiritual life grows stronger as I elect to pray, meditate, take part in teleconferences, retreats, trips to JOG…

But does one need all the above? Acknowledging who I am-a divine child of God-should fill anyone with joy and peace. We have no need of tons of material stuff to be joyful. Settling in quietly during prayer time does results in an abundance of joy. When I am awake at 2AM, I elect to pray and/or talk to God. Usually, I am able to doze off again. I feel the Presence and the joy that emits from It, enables me to sleep.

There are many experiencing challenges; I do believe finding peace and joy can be problematic for them. However a slight moment- a thought of Spirit- can alleviate various pains and perhaps lead to a smile. Joy is a healing balm.

We are created to be joyful; not morose. Why did God design a human face that can smile? Even animals smile. Joy is our inheritance; why not make everyday part of the Season of Joy; not reserved for holiday celebrations.

When we are full of joy daily, we do grow/increase our Divine connection. What an awesome thought! It almost seems as if the election to be joyful is our Divine responsibility-I do believe it is. We owe it to ourselves to experience joy. We can literally change our lives and the lives of others. The joyous role models we become have the potential to be miraculous illustrations for others. 

Many years back, my neighbor was sitting on his riding lawn mower and was drawn to my dog as I walked down the road by his home. We had a brief conversation and he began to cry at a recent loss in his life. I went over to him and embraced him. That small gesture on my part brought joy to him. Every time he saw me, he smiled and acknowledged me and my canine companion.

The most minute acts can elicit joy for another. Why not make a firm decision to bring/give joy to others this season. The joy that comes back to is a gift well-earned for our souls/spirits.

We all are entitled to be happy and joyful. Let us be so and carry this joy all year; not just for a season. The season of joy can be a daily occurrence for us.

In Joy,

Rev. Dr. Barbara C.

Gratitude

This is the theme we decided to write on this month. My thoughts will be more reflective than those of my fellow authors.

To me, there is always some occurrence in our lives that can cause distress, anxiety or needless worry. We have choices on these too. For me, when I perceive stress intruding, I turn to my Creator and talk/dialogue with Him/Her/ It. God does listen because when I quiet myself, there is an answer. And for this Divine protection, I am grateful.

Some folks rarely express thankfulness on a daily basis. When I look at my surroundings, my pets, my family and my friends…, I do become grateful. No matter the circumstances, there is always a reason to thank our God. Many of us will travel to the CLM retreat this month. I am immensely grateful for this spiritual family and the teachers who grow my faith. The sacred ambiance at these settings enters my soul and this sacredness remains with me; it is I who forgets when the daily stressors attempt to divert me. Then, when I feel the sacred Presence, peace arises and my gratitude emerges.

The family members and friends with whom I am in contact with most days are one of my joys. Just speaking, teasing, and joking with them awakens my thankfulness that we have each other. To be there for their sorrows and for them to realize that I care is gratifying. To be there for the joyous occasions is the best! Thus I am blessed with friends and family; what an awesome reason to be grateful.

As I was pondering what to write in this moment, our friends’ golden retriever came upstairs to my office to just be with me. He settled behind my desk chair and for him and my own beautiful golden I am grateful. Pets are one of our best teachers. They show gratitude for the smallest actions on our parts. A touch, a walk, a kiss, a treat elicits immense thankfulness from them.

Where I am fortunate to live makes me appreciative every day. Each tree, plant, flower and wild animal demonstrates God. The deer I am fortunate to witness are so gentle in nature as we exchange brief looks from my window or backyard. There is no hunting here so these animals know the genuine peace of God. I was also pleased to see a white rabbit and a brilliant black one too- another of Our Creator’s wonders for which I am grateful.

Many times, we do not express this thankfulness-assuming others already know. A brief ‘thanks’ lets them know we do appreciate them. We do have the technology with which to create a personal note, we have pen and paper and of course, the telephone and face to face contact.

If there is anyone for whom you are grateful, let us express this gratitude during this Thanksgiving month and let make this acknowledgement a more permanent part of our lives. Thank you goes a long way and is healing for the receiver and giver.

And let us never forget to say ‘Thank you, God.’

Love and blessings,

Rev. Dr. Barbara Christina

Showing Gratitude Toward Others

The biblical view of gratitude is showing “thankfulness “ toward God and mankind. In all religions, showing thankfulness toward the Creator is of fundamental importance. It is characteristic of Christians.  First Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”.

(Compelling Truth: Got Questions Ministries, Bible thankfulness gratitude)

Showing Gratitude is a very powerful force. The resulting factors in your life, and to those shown gratitude, are love, happiness, joy and  improved  health. Our physical and emotional health can take a positive turn, leading to Healing on both sides. Take a look at those around you, your family, friends, pets, your lifestyle, and reflect of how they made an enormous difference in your life. Feel the gratitude shown to each other. 

When circumstances round us make us feel down and out, we must look at our life as a whole. We ought to look back at the path we have taken and reflect on the joy and happiness we have known. Look at the future with optimism. By having a more positive outlook of the future, you may experience enthusiasm and determination, and in turn feel joy, love and happiness with yourself and others. The result of your own change may help lend emotional support and gratitude toward others.

As the Thanksgiving season approaches, we have the best opportunity to show our Gratitude towards family, friends, acquaintances and all those who have touched our lives, and those whose lives we have touched. We will reinforce the thankfulness we have experienced and strengthen our love and emotional support with all. 

Some say that Gratitude is a feeling, where Thanksgiving is an action. But, I think they go hand in hand. Gratitude means that we are pleased with our thoughts and actions. In Thanksgiving, we are giving thanks for our actions. Therefore, Thanksgiving is Gratitude in action. 

“Lord, thank You for Your any blessings in my life. Fill my heart with gratitude. Lead my heart to Thanksgiving. Inspire my Thanksgiving to offer acts of service to others this day. Amen”

Orthodox Christian Network, Fr. Stavros

Brother Frank C.

Gratitude: A Year or So Ago

A year or so ago, long after it had become clear that I could no longer be on my feet for very long, I purchased a walker to help me go for a walk. I had not used it much because I was uncomfortable being seen with it. Even well-meaning people in this culture are unsure how to relate to the disabled and I preferred not to attract attention. Unfortunately, that also meant that I didn’t get out much. I had begun to take walks around my little neighborhood, but I had never used it for shopping and had not gone shopping for quite some time. I needed something from the store, so on this day I chose to take the walker shopping. I felt really grateful to have it and happy to be shopping again.

Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough. Oprah Winfrey

Passing through the aisles of clothing racks, I heard a young male voice asking if I needed help finding something. Surprised to see a man in the women’s racks, I asked "Oh, do you work here?" "Yes," he said, and in a strong and animated voice volunteered, "I’m so happy to be here. I’m happy with what I have, so grateful to have this job. It’s a choice you know," he said, "a choice I make every morning when I wake up. I choose to be happy, to be grateful. I do it every day. You can too. Everyone can." He was enthusiastic and inspiring but there was also a tone of uncertainty under his words. It was as if he was repeating an affirmation to convince himself, but I felt very moved by his words and the attitude he expressed.

Gratitude is the open door to abundance.  Buddha

I said, "I have two things to say to you: Hallelujah and God Bless you." Without hesitation and lowering his voice a bit, he said "you know him too?" "Yes, I do," I said. We shared a quiet moment of connection. "And there’s a reason why he put you in my path today."

Gratitude for the present moment and the fullness of life now is the true prosperity. – Eckhart Tolle

I told him about my choice to use the walker today. He erupted with joy and a huge bright smile. "Do it," he said! "You need to get out and do things! You need to be around people. Live your life. Be happy!" This time there was no uncertainty underlying his words.

"I will, I am!" I said thanking him as inwardly I thanked God for this grace filled encounter. And with the support of my walker, I strolled around the store and happily found what I was looking for, an item of clothing in the intention colors of the upcoming West of Heaven retreat.

If the only prayer you said in your whole life was “thank you” that would suffice. Meister Eckhart

I do say thank you. Like a mantra, the prayer “Thank You God” is frequently in my breath and my heart, and it leads me to feelings of Presence, my connection point with the Divine Light. It leads me to contentment, and to peace, the true blessings that are God’s gifts to us all.

Rejoice and be thankful! Trust is the channel through which My Peace flows into you. Thankfulness lifts you up above your circumstances. Sarah Young, Jesus Calling

Karen R., CLM  student

A Time for Change: Changing Our Perceptions

“A Time for Change..... Changing Our Perceptions” opens a great number of issues which may be catalysts effecting/controlling the “Change”. These issues can be: age, living location/conditions, medical issues, work status, family/marriage, outlook on life, friends/acquaintances, religious beliefs, and the ever fast change in technology.

The first two issues hit home for me. I have reached my mid 70s in fairly good health and our living condition and locations have changed in the last couple of years. Both of these changes have affected me in a positive way. We also travel and have made new friendships through our spiritual affiliations with CLM, Unity Church, and the Community Life Church. We also have met awesome neighbors in our new setting. The people we’ve met, also seniors, have a great positive outlook on life. Part of the changing perception is to challenge outdated myths about older people, as being in ill health and a burden to society.

Because of advanced technology in family health and an awakening in spirituality, including a trust in the Divine, we are becoming a more physically and spiritually healthier society. I find it very rewarding to meditate in a quiet place and trust that I will be guided on my path. We are living longer, starting new fun careers and becoming closer to God.

Since fulfilling our younger life’s goals of raising a family, succeeding in careers and achieving life’s dreams, we may start to feel emptiness and look for a more rewarding life setting. Our perception of life starts to change, where there is no one to satisfy except ourselves. I find it rewarding to open up to the Divine through prayer and meditation. My whole outlook on life is beginning to enlighten the way I perceive things and people. This new openness toward Spirituality comes about because as we get older, the pressure of intense work and requisite social expectations is reduced or eliminated, and now we have more time to embrace life deeply. The new connections with friends and acquaintances in CLM and FSD have opened a new Spiritual Perception towards religion, healing, and overall well-being.

Looking at the age range of our CLM and FSD community, I realize the diversity present in our ages. All of us are on a deep spiritual path, changing our perceptions of what our life should/will be via Divine guidance. Through prayer, meditation and LOVE we continue to progress on our journey towards our Sacred Father.

“There is only ONE Religion, The Religion Of LOVE” Rev. Ron Roth

Brother Frank C.

East of Heaven and West of Heaven Update

Wow, the month of September was quite the busy month for CLM and its staff.
Padre Paul and Dana Duryea traveled to Windsor Court, CT to meet up with Monk Shari Shea to host CLM East of Heaven Event.We had a large crowd attending and the flow and Miracles were profound.

Just this past weekend, we had another "Sell Out" West of Heaven event at Unity in Marin. The worship was awesome, the speakers had fresh messages. But The Presence was weighty and powerful for everyone to experience their Miracles.

Nov 8-11, 2018.....Get ready to join our CLM Spiritual family for our annual Fall Healing Retreat which includes our Speakers: Rev Barbara Rose, Angelika Schafer, our Monks; Dana Duryea, Robert Bearden and our wonderful Musicians along with Padre Paul and his spiritual community!

You Are Called

Romans 8:30 says: "Those whom He predestined, He also called, and those whom He called, He also justified, and those whom He justified, He also glorified."
There's a lot in that verse to unpack, but that's not my plan today. My plan is to invite you to take a few moments to meditate on your calling. Do you feel a nudge from God that you are being called to something higher? Isaiah 58:11 says, "Where God guides, He provides."
Ultimately, step one toward hearing God's calling on our lives is about giving up control and saying, "Okay, God. You know better. You know what I need and where I can best be useful and glorify Your name. My life is in Your hands."
I don't know about you, but the magnitude of that is exciting and terrifying all at once. I believe that each and every one of us on this planet has a higher calling from God--we just need to listen to what He wants. That's where step two comes in as we draw on Isaiah 58:11: trust that He will provide for us when we step forward in faith into our new calling.
Whether you're on the brink of a change, sailing in clear waters, or going through a storm in your life right now, know that God provides. He will be there for you, and He will provide. All of our life experiences will be used for our good, somehow, someday, even if we can't see it right now.
Whatever you are going through, know that if you need prayer, you can submit a confidential request here.

Fall Changes

Yes, fall does bring on a plethora of changes. We move through a multitude of colorful leaves to cooler weather to life style changes… No longer do many of us have the carefree days of summer for this season heralds responsibilities and numerous tasks. Students and teachers prepare for classes, many folks close up summer cottages and some of us begin the search in closets for stored sweaters and warmer jackets.

We do, if fully aware, embrace other changes with the new season. In lieu of walking outdoors, private prayer and meditation times may occur indoors. Just as there are numerous changes in our gardens and forest, we are also aware of the many ways we can talk to God. Today, as I was considering my morning prayer, I was led to think that our Creator does not expect unceasing oral prayer, but an acknowledgement of who He/She/It is. To be grateful is an awesome form of praying. As I looked at my picture of my Meditating Jesus, I declared my thanks to God and sent love to the heavenly realms.

Just as the season brings on change, we can also elect to change how we worship and pray. Many find comfort in outside prayers, walking in meadows and forests. Some prefer to sip the morning coffee snugly inside talking to God. Whether in the rural, suburban or urban setting, Spirit is not absent. One’s focus can be on top of a brick building, on a tree or mountain top, on a neighbor’s garden…and one still finds God. Our Creator has many ways to make Himself known. It is up to the worshiper to select the best for him/herself.

To me, this is freedom-to worship/pray, talk to God in a way that is uniquely mine and to change as I mature in my faith. Just as fall leads us to the realization of changes in nature, I am learning that it is OK to change how I perceive God and follow my prayer life. Writing, dancing, walking, running, chanting, and gardening are some forms of prayer that can express one’s devotion to our Creator.

We have to remind ourselves that change can lead us deeper in our spiritual devotion. As fall beautifully reminds us of seasonal transformation, it is also permissible to adjust how we grow in our daily devotion to a Higher Source. Change can become a path to evolving growth. I believe that the more we embrace and try novel ways in our dialogue with God, the richer our prayer life becomes. Thus we can change seasonally as Mother Nature illustrates so beautifully four times a year.

Thus, the promise to myself at the close of this summer season is to embrace change.

Fall Season: The New Beginning

With the end of summer and the approaching season of fall, we begin to witness the start of bright colors of the foliage. To many, it becomes a time to reflect on this past summer’s accomplishments, and for others, it may be a time of regrets of not accomplishing the goals they set out to do. These regrets should not be regarded as failures, but learning tools and stepping stones for future planning. As the trees shed their beautiful leaves, we should discard our negative feelings of what was not accomplished and use the fall season to establish projects/goals for the winter season. 

The new cool fresh air of the fall and upcoming early winter weather act as a cleansing and healing of one’s inner self. The fall season, the changing of nature, is also the changing of energy within us. The fall harvest makes available new seasonal vegetables and fruit which enhances our nutrition. Therefore, they assist in healing of our body and spirit. 

The fall season also relates to emotional changes as well as spiritual. Some of us will experience sadness and loss due to the separation of summer friends and family until next year. This separation can cause feelings of emotion and anxiety, which must be let go. It is essential we look forward to the upcoming season, applying our energy as a way to heal oneself emotionally and spiritually. Use this energy in a positive way by giving and sharing love with others. 

Some steps to take during the upcoming fall season are to attend one or more of the CLM EOH, WOH Retreats or local healing sessions with a church or friends. When making new connections with others, a Spiritual well being takes place, and the summer season is replaced with a new beginning, Fall.

With fall, the rigorous routines of work and school start over again. Take time to reflect on the fall season and apply your energy to new projects and set goals to enhance your well being, both physically and spiritually. Do not neglect to create a time for yourself for meditation and relaxation. The healing taking place will be Spiritual, Physical, and rewarding. In turn, your new well being/healing will spread out amongst those around you.

God Is Always There

Sometimes we go through periods where it seems like we haven't heard from God. We're open, we're praying, doing everything we can think of to hear from Him, and...nothing.

Well, not really nothing--God is always working in our lives, working through people to help us along our paths, even when it seems like it's behind the scenes. The quote that comes to mind is: "The teacher is always silent during the test."

I was recently reminded of this while filling out a student registration form for a local business. There is also a small yearly fee. I took care of everything and brought it all to my teacher.

As I handed her the form, I said, "It's funny. I don't ever remember filling this out before. I don't know how I got away with it."

She smiled and said, "That's because I filled it out for you." She didn't say so, but I believe she also took care of the yearly fee.

As I thought back on how many years I've been a student of hers and started tallying her blessings, I was filled with gratitude.

It was a simple gesture, yet speaks profoundly of her generosity and caring.

God is always there, even when we don't know--or recognize Him--right away. He's working behind the scenes and will reveal Himself at the perfect moment.

CLM Community Retreats

My heart is so full as I remember the last two weekends at the Saint Theresa National Shrine in Darien, IL, hosting our Student/Novice Retreat as well as our Monk/Ordain/Friar Retreat.

Our outstanding team of Rev Dana Duryea, Rev Robert Bearden, Rev Virginia Chapin-Sheff and I along with our Coordinator, Rev Kathy Bonvallet and Rev Susan Wallace, with the set-up team of Monks Renee Plendl and Mary Kay Simmons along with Rev Shirley Ryan made these retreat weekends SHINE.

These weekends become ever so special for every participant as we grow in our relationship with Christ as well as each other! Thank you for those who PRAYED for us to receive all that God had intended to share with us.

CLM hosted a Healing Service on that Sunday in between retreats, and we were overjoyed with the large attendance, as people came from as far away as Iowa, Indiana and Wisconsin. What joy it was for our team to pray for these individuals. The healing service lasted 3 1/2 hours as everyone got blessed. By the Grace of God, I stayed on my crutches the whole time...Thanks BE to GOD!

Don't forget to sign up for the East of Heaven - and the West of Heaven Healing Weekends in Sept! The Holy Spirit is stirring the waters for people to get touched by this Divine Grace for healing. Come and enjoy these two day events!

Your Authentic Self

My church has been breaking down Ephesians for the past few weeks. As we covered chapter four, Pastor Kevin spoke about being authentic. That word resonated with me, and it's come into my consciousness lately in a couple of different ways. As we think about being authentic, some big questions come up.

Who are you, really? We often identify ourselves by our name, by our occupation, our family, maybe our hobbies. But is that who we really are? Yes, here on Earth, that's one way to define ourselves. But we need to remember our spiritual selves, too.

Are there things that you are doing that don't feel true to who you are? I recently realized that an old hobby didn't allow for me to be my authentic self, while a new one does--which was eye-opening at the time, and reminds me to let go of the control of how I want things to be.

And finally, ask yourself, "What do I want? What brings me joy?" When you go into certain situations, do you find you have tense shoulders or a clenched jaw? Bring your awareness to what you are doing (or where you are at the time) and make the necessary corrections. God has better plans for you.

By asking ourselves these questions, and receiving our internal (and Divine) guidance, we can correct our course and make sure that we're living our best lives.

For those interested, here's the Ephesians message.

I Surrender

Do you struggle waiting for God's timing? Do you pray, ask for His help, then take up the habit of worrying and wondering how a certain situation will resolve? I know I do.

Jeremiah 29:11 says, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.'"

I look at it like this: God's plans for me are always better than my plans. He can see the big picture. He knows how the puzzle pieces fit together; He can cause me to meet a certain person at the perfect time. Who am I to control that?

Struggling against God's will gets us nowhere, and often what He wants to happen will come to pass anyway--but it may take longer to receive the good that He wants for us if we fight against Him.

The best way is to ask for His grace, a whole lot of help, and to say, "God, I surrender. I know that your plans for me are better than my plans for me. I now step out of the way and allow your abundance to fill my life."

This allows us to relax and let God do His work in our lives.

The song that comes to mind now is Hillsong's "I Surrender". I hope you enjoy the music and have a blessed day.