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!