Beauty All Around - Worth Repeating

This is a duplicate of a post I made on The Gratitude Way - it expresses an intensely spiritual moment I had today - filled with Gratitude for Creation!

from The Gratitude Way, October 30, 2009

Beauty All Around
This afternoon, I completed a project (almost completed, got bulk of it done) and it inspired me so much that the drive home was almost magical. The project was converting an e-book called "my little book of blessings" into a PowerPoint Presentation format that can be viewed automatically rather than paging through like an e-book. It contains scriptures and quotes that were specially selected to be inspiring. Reviewing the quotes was quite inspiring to me, helping me to tap into that beautiful, gentle, unconditional Spirit Source. The sky was so blue, the clouds so amazing, marshmallow puffs lined up as if they were getting ready to march across the sky (actually, they were sailing with the breeze!). The grass gone to weed was waving at me as I drove down the road - I actually waved back, seeking to get into the full appreciation of the moment! The fence posts and telephone poles and roadway guardrails all stood in perfect symmetry. The air was crisp and cool. The colors of Autumn - though fading - were brilliant in green, brown, red, gold, rust, orange, dusty yellow - a complete rainbow of visual sensation.

I don't know what it was - it was almost painful, the piercing beauty that filled my heart - I actually felt a little pain there but it was not sad - just amazing. It's kind of hard to describe but the only thing I could say was "Thank You for this Beauty - for this magnificence of creation. So, Thank You, Spirit, for creating through me Your message of beauty, hope, faith, and healing. I am grateful and humbled to be Your Servant.

Note: The PowerPoint Presentation will be available in a few days at www.spiritstreams.webs.com (and here if I can get a link to it); the e-book is available now at the same website, and a full book version will be available within a month (150 pages filled with inspiring quotes and scriptures plus over two months' worth of journaling space; it will ve available on www.Amazon.com - the title is "my little book of blessings and prayers."

Barbara Quin

Technology is a Gift!

How fantastic it is that we have electronic technology at our disposal! A year ago I signed up to write articles for e-How (see my articles at http://www.ehow.com/members/bquin.html). I recently learned about some other sites that I will be contributing articles to! e-How is a how-to arena where all the articles teach you how to do something. The other article sites will allow more creative expression, I think - I am looking forward to learning more about them and submitting material - my goal? To get published, to earn a little bit of money if possible, but more importantly to continue to share messages of encouragement and hope to a broader range of readers - people who are looking for encouragement and a voice of hope - something to keep them moving forward with an expectation of better days to come.

The article sites are:

http://www.ehow.com/members/bquin.html
http://factoidz.com/profile/bquin/
Associated Content - two articles submitted - awaiting account set-up

Hooray for Technology!

Do you think you can Evolve Your Mind?

I am very impressed with the work of Dr. Joe Dispenza. If you have any interest in the brain and how your thoughts are created and HOW YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR THOUGHTS AND CHANGE YOUR BRAIN AND THEREFORE CHANGE YOUR LIFE - you need to check out http://www.drjoedispenza.com/. This is all excellent material and goes hand-in-glove with New Thought teachings - scientific proof! I don't think we can learn too much about the brain and how it works and how it works with the mind (Dr. Dispenza's site has a quote on it - "the mind is what the brain does" - how awesome is that? The mind uses the brain to do all its magnificent things. I encourage you to check out Dr. Dispenza's site and book, "Evolve Your Brain" - it's great! A word of caution - once you read his material, your mind will be changed! You will realize how powerful your thoughts can be! His work beautifully correlates to New Thought teachings - what a man thinkest - so is he! (or her). What we think is what determines what we experience in the physical life. So beware of your thoughts! Are you thinking along the lines of what you want to experience, or are you spending your mental energy worrying about things? Pay attention to what you're thinking and how it affects - and reflects - in your life!

Blessings....

Updates!

Okay - it's been a while since we've been here - a lot has happened!
The Native American event previously posted went off really well - I was honored to be part of it.
I experienced a wonderful blessing (some call them miracles) in my employment situation. My former place of employment announced in December that it was closing, laying off all 200 employees. It was very difficult to receive this news because it was a really great place to work and the best job I ever had to that point. In the middle of chaos, when everyone was so upset - and the community at large upset due to the economic situation - I refused to buy into the fear that there would not be a job for me; every time I felt the fear trying to rise up, I pushed it down, denying its strength in my life by continuing to affirm every day that my employment would be taken care of. I was extended to the complete end of the business, assisted with the closeout of everything, furniture sold, supplies sold, the whole place was emptied out - a huge manufacturing facility as empty as a gymnasium. Anyway, in February, I applied to a job (the first one I applied to); some weeks went by then I got a call for an interview. I went to the interview. A couple of weeks later was called for a second interview (that lasted all of ten minutes, maybe eight). About ten days later, I received the call with the offer of the job. In the meantime, I had applied to a couple of other jobs, but left myself open to the idea of the right job for me.
Now here's the blessing part in addition: some of my "requirements" or requests that I wanted:
1. Close to my then current job because of proximity to home, my child's school, and area of town that would keep me from driving across town in traffic every day.
2. Timing so that I would leave the ending job and move immediately to the new job without interruption of employment.
3. Work schedule that fit with what I needed to accommodate taking my child to school.
4. My own office space and lack of micro-management preferred.
5. Affordable healthcare benefits.
6. Equal or above salary to what I was making.
What did I get? How about 5 out of 6?
1. Location just up the road from my employer - closer to my child's school but only about five minutes farther from home - not a big deal and no crosstown traffic!
2. The job had been posted to "must start April 1"; my old job had been extended to May 1, the final date for all of the last employees. I told my new boss about this and he said, "I can live with that." Unheard of in my line of work! Most employers won't wait for administrative support!
3. The job had been posted to start at 7:00 a.m., which would be difficult for my child's school starting at 7:20 a.m. in a small town a few miles away - the fix? My new boss told me I had the flexibility to start at 8:00 a.m. - works perfectly since I can take my child to her school and still be at work on time and before 8:00 a.m.!
4. I have my own office, but I do have more traffic as people come in to use the copier and to have communications about the work we do. As for micromanagment, my new boss has barely had time to start the projects he told me about in the interview; the gradual warming up time I've had is helping me to get the lay of the land there and I'll learn more of what I can do to help him as time goes by and will be able to help other folks in the meantime.
5. While the healthcare benefits are a little more expensive, the overall benefit I think will be better if I understood it right - I won't have the deductible to pay that I had in the other job, just my office co-pay.
6. The only glitch in the whole thing is the salary - I had to take a cut from what I was making, but I made up my mind not to worry about it and be open to new avenues of income! I am open and receptive to receiving all the blessings the universe has for me now! I know God is providing!
So, that has been a major milestone accomplished - perfect transition - perfect timing.
THANK YOU GOD!
What we're believing for next is reliable computer for home use so I can update my blog and websites regularly instead of relying on the library computers which has limited access.
But there is so much to be grateful for - and I AM!
So if you are facing a challenge, give yourself the gift of not worrying about it! Give it over to your Higher Power to be magnificently transformed for you then be open to receive your Blessings!

I feel honored and grateful!

Today, I received an invitation to read a very special poem at a Native American program locally. Back in the early 1990's I was inspired (and by that I mean it was from SPIRIT directly) to write a poem called "Spirit Dancer." I went on to publish a chapbook magazine for four years called "Spirit Dancer" that contained articles from all over the country! I am currently working on a book called Spirit Dancer that will bring together all my articles and poetry from those magazines, plus a few select other articles from contributors back then.

Today, a dear friend, we'll call her Prairie Flower, invited me to read "Spirit Dancer" (the poem) at a Native American program to be held at The Oneness Center where she will bestow an award connected with the Trail of Tears to the Southwest Missouri Indian Center. It will be Sunday afternoon, March 29. I am so excited and honored and blessed! I won't get any money for it of course, but it is a very good thing, I think - I can feel it! (contact me for location information)

Thank you, Great Spirit, for starting the winds of POSITIVE growth and change and abundance blowing in my direction! Yeah!!

You can get a free copy of the original poem, Spirit Dancer, by visiting this page and clicking the link in the top left corner of the home page. I hope you will be blessed by it as I have been! Here is the link: http://www.geocities.com/spiritdancermagazine/

Blessings!

Got Gratitude on your iPhone?

I just posted this on my other blog at www.thegratitudeway.blogspot.com, but thought it was so neat that I decided to put it here as well. Here is the full re-post:


Wow. Just when you think they can't invent anything else, along comes a really super way to help you be even more grateful! I found out about this on Rebecca Fine's website, The Science of Getting Rich (find it at http://www.scienceofgettingrich.net/update.html). She just sent out an update today and this was included. I don't have an iPhone, but I would have loved to come up with this idea! Carla White was inspired to create it after discovering how powerful an attitude of gratitude can be! Yeah, Carla! Even if you don't have an iPhone, you can get inspiration just from looking at the promo they have of this product - it's very cool! Click on the image above to find out more... Thanks, Rebecca and Carla, for such wonderful creativity and sharing! Blessings!

Write It Down, Make It Happen! is a Great Book!

I recently discovered a fantastic book called Write It Down, Make It Happen, by Henriette Anne Klauser; she is also the author of Writing on Both Sides of the Brain, and a couple of other books. Although it was published a few years ago (2000), it's very applicable to anyone writing today. Her website is www.henrietteanneklauser.com.

This book is filled with wonderful stories of how people have used the power of writing to achieve their goals and heal their lives; Dr. Klauser also uses her personal experiences as examples and makes you believe that you CAN achieve your dreams. If it works for her and the people in her books, then it certainly can work for us, too!

Dr. Klauser gives many wonderful exercises to try after featuring a person who has made a dream come true; it's possible you may have tried some of these techniques before, but if you read this book, I think you might get renewed interest in using these techniques - or new ones - I know I have! Her suggestions have helped me look at things a little differently, adding a little more depth to the creativity I already embrace. I can't wait to get started!

How about you?

Gifts of Kindness

Is there any cooler thing than the positive, wonderful works on the internet? The World Wide Web should add a "w" for Wonderful!

This morning I discovered http://www.giftofkindness.com/ - a very nice website offering a wide variety of options when it comes to practicing acts of kindness. Paying it forward it the theme - "It starts with you - pass it on." They offer printable posters, kindness and thank you cards, and a newsletter - all very nicely done and all with the goal of promoting a kinder world! I am impressed!

Thank you, Gift of Kindness, for the beautiful work you are doing! May you be blessed with much success!

b.More.Blessed!

No comfort like the 23rd Psalm...

The 23rd Psalm is one of the most beloved, most recognized, and perhaps most sustainable scriptures in that it has inspired millions for centuries. It is so comprehensive and so simple and so beautiful. Thanks to Beliefnet.com, here is an easy way to welcome comfort into your heart, your soul, your spirit, by watching this short video presentation with audio and music in the background. It is wonderful and many thanks to Beliefnet and the creators of this presentation - a true gift in a time needing comfort. It is a Blessing!

Click on the image below to view; or visit the Beliefnet website at: http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Christianity/2001/11/The-Lord-Is-My-Shepherd-The-23Rd-Psalm.aspx.
(Free Flash Player required; download it here. Netscape users: Use 56k version)

TODAY'S ALTAR

On the Altar of Today, I place my Heart in Service to the Will of the Divine Creator,
that my thoughts, my words, and my actions are a true reflection of the GodSpirit within me.

Allow me to be a catalyst for good. Let me speak words of compassion and healing.
May I see only the true GodSpirit in others, free from judgment or criticism,
as we work together for the Perfect Unfolding of the Creator's Divine Plan for our lives.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

My cup runneth over...

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want..."

My Creator, my All, I turn to You for Guidance and Direction. I have no need for anything, for You provide all I need.

"He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake."

Placing my Trust in You, I know that You will always provide for my needs with an abundance of nourishment and refreshment both physical and spiritual. I am restored in You; it is my heart's desire to follow where You lead me.

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: For thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; Thou annointest my head with oil; My cup runneth over."

When I place my Trust in You, Blessed Spirit, I know that there is nothing on this earth that I need fear or that can take my power from me, for You alone are my Power, my Source for everything, and You Alone protect me and make my way safe. You are my All Providing Source of Every Good Thing, no matter what else may go on around me. In You, I am filled to overflowing.

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever."

When I dwell in Your House, Lord, my mind is filled with Your Thoughts of Love, Grace, Forgiveness, Healing, Abundance, and Prosperity. My way is made clear, for I come adn go through the door of Your Grace. You go before me as an invisible shield and follow me as a sheltering cloak. There can be nothing I need that You do not provide. My mind adn my body are complete in You. In You, I find perfect shelter and have no desire to look anywhere else. As for my house, and me, we shall serve the Lord and we are complete in Precious GodSpirit.

My Altar Prayer

MY ALTAR PRAYER

Here, I am, at Peace, Lord.

Here, I can hear You speak, to me.

In this silent, and safe, place, I know You listen, to me.

In this healing, and loving space, I know my Oneness, with You.

This is my Place of Sacred Grace, where I can come at anytime of day or night,

any day of the month or year. I know I will always be welcome here,

for You are here, to greet me at the door.

You give me every comfort here,

a very real Peace of Mind and Spirit.

Here, I give You my cares, and I know Peace.

Here, I offer my prayers and thanksgiving

for the Grace and Favor You bestow upon me

and my loved ones and friends.

Here, in this place of unconditional acceptance, and non-judgment,

I know You care for me, and my concerns;

no feeling is too big, or too small, to be laid before You, upon the

Altar of the Spirit Heart.

Here, I can let go and give my all to You.

Will Bowen shares Prosperity Affirmation

The Reverend Will Bowen, minister of One Community Spiritual Center in Kansas City, Missouri, started the Complaint-Free World program at his church in 2006; to-date, they have given away nearly six million purple bracelets with the goal of eliminating complaining in the world (goal is to wear bracelet on wrist for 21 days without complaining - if you complain, you have to move bracelet to other wrist and start counting all over).

Today, I saw the following on Rev. Bowen's blog (click here for direct link) - it is so apropos to the message we want to share, I am re-printing Rev. Bowen's entry for January 27 - it is recommended to use this affirmation every day for 30 days (read aloud). I hope it will be helpful to you!
Blessings!
b

(begin quote)
Prosperity Affrirmation

A few years ago a friend shared with me what I think is the most powerful consciousness conditioning tool I've ever read. It's a prosperity affirmation that can't help but make you feel inspired and connected to the source of universal supply.
Here it is....
(Read Aloud Every Day for 30 days)

I am the source of all wealth.
I am rich with creative ideas.
My mind abounds with new, original, inspired thoughts.
What I have to offer is unique, and the world desires it.
My value is beyond reckoning.
What the world needs and desires,
I am ready to produce and give.
What the world needs and desires, I recognize and fulfill.
The bounty of my mind is without hindrance or limit.
Nothing can stand in the way of my inspired creativeness.
The overflowing power of God life energy overcomes every obstacle, & pours out into the world, blessing & prospering everyone, & everything through me.
I radiate blessings, I radiate creativity, I radiate prosperity, I radiate loving service. I radiate Joy, Beauty, Peace, Wisdom & Power.
Humanity seeks me and rewards me.
I am beloved of the world.
I am wanted wherever I go.
I am appreciated.
What I have to offer is greatly desired.
What I have to offer brings a rich reward.
Through my vision the world is blessed.
Through my clear thinking & steadfast purpose, wonderful new values come into expression.
My vision is as the vision of the mighty ones.
My faith is as the faith of the undefeatable.
My power to accomplish is unlimited.
I, in my uttermost God Source, am all wealth, all power, all productivity.
I hereby declare my financial freedom, NOW and henceforth forever!
(end quote)

Receiving God's Guidance

Here is an excellent resource for receiving God's guidance - it's from Our Prayer, "How to Receive God's Guidance," by Norman Vincent Peale. This short little article is packed full of practical advice on regaining your perspective on what God's will can be in your life. Here is the link and I hope you enjoy it!

http://www.ourprayer.org/receive-guidance

The Stream of Well-Being Flows Through Me

I am very happy to announce that my newest book, "The Stream of Well-Being Flows Through Me" is now available through Amazon.com. This book contains full color pictures of beautiful natural settings with affirmations designed especially to help you get back in the flow of your spiritual good and reclaim your Wholeness in Spirit. There are pages available for journaling or writing your own inspirations that come to you while reflecting on the affirmations and pictures.

I hope you will enjoy this beautiful book - it was an inspiration to write and I hope you will truly be inspired by the messages inside created just for you.

Additionally, a PowerPoint Show presentation based on this book is available free of charge upon request. The Show is pre-set to flow through each page, with the pictures gently fading on and off your screen as they transition into each other while the affirmations are slowly revealed for you to read. A light musical background accompanies the Show. To receive your PowerPoint Show, simply send an e-mail to me here at heartlandprayer@yahoo.com, or to greatspiritpublishing@yahoo.com.

Please let me know what you think! I welcome your comments and feedback!

Blessings -

b

Preparing for a New Year Anytime!

The following is an article by Kathyrn Weber, publisher of The Red Lotus Letter; in it she offers some tips for preparing for the New Year (in this instance the Chinese New Year), but this can apply to anytime you want to start fresh! (Plus, it's advise I might give but she's done the work for me! :) ) The Chinese New Year (January 26) is a good time to start this tradition in your home!

Thank you, Kathryn, for an excellent article full of very practical and timely ideas!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Prepare Your Feng Shui for the New Year
Editor's Note: The suggestions below are also excellent if you are interesting in space-clearing
or preparing for any new undertaking.
by Kathryn Weber, Publisher, The Red Lotus Letter
http://www.redlotusletter.com/

As the New Year approaches, you may find yourself thinking over the past year and you may be counting your blessings or thinking about what you could have done differently. If you're like me, you might do a little of both. Whatever the case, it's important to start the New Year off on a positive, hope-filled note.

This can include everything from stocking the refrigerator to clearing out old junk from the closets. If you've missed the January 1st deadline, don't worry: the Chinese New Year isn't until a few weeks later.... so you've still got time!

To greet the New Year, set aside a couple of hours to give your house, bedroom, or office a New Year Blitz. Just remember, you are inviting a very special guest to your house: The New Year. So treat your house the way you would a very important dignitary. This is a new year of your life so welcome it in a grand way!

Take the list below in hand and check off the items one by one! Are you ready? Then, let's get ready for the New Year! Remember to get everyone in the house in on the act.

OUT WITH THE OLD

1. De-clutter - Grab a laundry basket. Next, set a timer and take it with you from room to room. Set it for five minutes. Now, start throwing out old papers, magazines, empty bottles of shampoo from the bathroom, old clothes you know you'll never wear again! Do it. Got CDs you never listen to? Throw those out or donate them to charity. Have some old coffee mugs that don't match or odd drinking glasses still hanging around in your cabinets? Pitch 'em. When in doubt, throw it out. Don't forget to look under the bed, too! And toss that lipstick you haven't worn in two years! Remember to clean out the pantry, too, and toss that half-empty box of Rice Krispies that's gone stale.

2. Sweep or vacuum - Get the old energy out by making the floors clean.

3. Do the laundry - Don't have dirty clothes hanging around. You can throw in a load or two while you declutter. Be sure to fold and put the clean clothes away.

4. Clean the bathroom - Make it sparkle. You don't want a nasty mess to greet the next year of your life!

5. Empty all trash cans - Don't want last years' trash hanging around, do you? Toss, toss, toss.

6. Clean out the refrigerator - Got a half-empty jar of apple butter? Get rid of it. You don't want to go into the New Year with old food or a moldy science project lurking in the fridge.

7. Clear out visual clutter - Too much stuff everywhere? Clear off the counters in the bathrooms and kitchen. Clear off your desk and dust it. Pitch the sticky notes and papers and things taped everywhere! You can do it. Don't forget the refrigerator! Make it a blank slate. Make as much space as possible. You cannot bring in new things if there is no room for it and we want a fantastic year, right? Then make your space "open" for the abundance of the New Year!

8. Yard work - Make sure the yard is picked up and the front door step is swept and clear.

9. Change the sheets and towels - Put clean sheets on all the beds on New Year's Eve and clean towels in the bathroom and kitchen. New sheets are even better.

10. Clean the car - This is what gets you around during the year. Drive through a car wash, take out the trash and do a quick cleaning.

All done? Wow, doesn't that feel good! Now you're ready for the next step.

IN WITH THE NEW!

1. Fill your pantry and kitchen - Stock the refrigerator with food and make sure the pantry is also stocked. It is bad feng shui to have an empty refrigerator and pantry. If you have canisters in the pantry or on the countertops, be sure to fill these.

2. Got citrus? - Oranges are excellent symbols for the New Year and the Chinese often celebrate the New Year by rolling oranges (symbols of gold) into the house. Place a big bowl of 8, 9, or 10 (the numbers of prosperity!) oranges in the living room or central location in the house next to dishes of nuts or candies to symbolize an abundant, fruitful home.

3. Buy a new plant - Put a beautiful new plant in the East (health & family relationships) sector of your house or office to symbolize a healthy beginning. You can also display some beautiful flowers here to symbolize your good health in the coming year.

4. Welcome good news - Place a golden bell in the NW corner of your home, office, or bedroom to bring good tidings from helpful people. Like old school bells? If so, place one of these in the NW corner of your yard for good news from helpful people.

5. Hang up new calendars - What better way to greet the New Year than by throwing out the old one? Take down all of last years' calendars.

6. Fill your wallet - You don't want to go into the New Year with an empty wallet. Put some money in your wallet -- or better yet -- go and buy a new wallet (red is the best!) or purse and start your financial off with new energy!

7. Invite a toad to your house - Place an old, broken clay pot upside down next to a water spout so a toad can make its home here. Toads are believed to invite money into the household; they're especially nice by the door. You can also place figurines of toads by the door.

8. Feed the birds - Birds are excellent feng shui and believed to bring good news. Fill your feeders or put out a feeder for the New Year.

9. Have fun and celebrate - Fun is good feng shui. A happy, vibrant home or space is a good space, so plan a party of some kind of happy gathering. Remember, a home or office with good feng shui is easy to spot it's the one where everyone goes and doesn't want to leave! Make your space that kind of place!

© Kathryn Weber, All rights reserved
Kathryn Weber is the publisher of the Red Lotus Letter Feng Shui E-zine and certified feng shui consultant in authentic Chinese feng shui. Kathryn helps her readers improve their lives and generate more wealth with feng shui. For more information and to receive her FREE E-book "Easy Money - 3 Steps to Building Massive Wealth with Feng Shui" visit http://www.redlotusletter.com/ and learn the fast and fun way how feng shui can make your life more prosperous and abundant!

Proclamation of Renewal and Manifestation

January (or anytime!) is a good time to think about your commitment to yourSelf, your dreams, your goals, your desires, your Spirit, and your relationship with GodSpirit. Here is a resource you may find helpful in renewing your commitment to yourSelf - it's called "Proclamation for Renewal and Manifestation" and the purpose of the document is to help you know that your Good is already here for you, to give evidence to your desire and intent to become moreaware and accepting of this Amazing Good in your life now!

This Proclamation is filled with positive statements created to help you get in tune with your Good! Your signature at the end of it gives indication of your commitment to yourSelf. Keep it with you and review it at least once a day. There are easy to follow instructions that will guide you in becoming relaxed and receptive; at the end, you are instructed to keep your Awareness of your Proclamation and continued Renewal in mind while being alert to opportunities to receive your Manifestation (thing you desire). Acknowledge your Good, your Blessings, your Renewed Spirit. Give Thanks. Then go forth expectantly, ready to receive, eager to bless others, happy to claim your Life as your own. Feel free to pass along this Proclamation as you deem appropriate. It is given freely andwithout cost of any kind (other than your commitment to yourSelf.)

Here is the link to download the PDF document:

http://www.geocities.com/greatspiritpublishing/RenewalProclamationLink.html?1232476877219

(Please let me know if you have any problems and it can be e-mailed to you.)

Blessings!

A New Era of Leadership

Today is a day that will go down in history (just like every other day, really), in the sense that a new President of the United States is being brought into office.

A lot of focus, activity, and attention is given to the new office; whether you voted for the new leader or not, the change is in place. Here are some prayerful thoughts on accepting this change:

GodSpirit.

I Am.

We Are.

One.

There is only one GodSpirit, one Creator of All That Is. This Creator/GodSpirit is even now expressing in and through the All That Is. I know this includes every person on our planet. I move into acceptance of my Oneness with this GodSpirit, knowing that by virtue of that Oneness, I am also One with All people, even those in other countries, across the country from my home, in my same town, or next door to me. Let me remember they are One with me too. We share a common link in Spirit and if I feel at opposition with them, I choose now to release my sense of judgment of them, and know that they are acting and behaving in ways they feel guided to do. I ask that GodSpirit move in and through their lives to help them (and me) be aware of Its Presence and give calming, peaceful reassurance that All Is Well, no matter what the appearance may be.

When changes in leadership and policy take place, help me to be open-minded and receptive to the change, expecting good things to follow, and to know in my heart that the people involved are there to do the best job they can do, and that I may look to them as an example. We may not always agree with each other in the physical or natural world, but there is a place in Us where we are United Always and that is in Spirit.

May my eyes and heart be open, may my hands have purpose in activity, may my mind be focused on the Good I can accomplish right where I am, whether working in the corner cafe, grocery store, state office, or government leadership - there is something I can do to add to the growing peace and harmony of my homeplace, my country, and my world.

Thank You GodSpirit for expressing Your Grace through All That Is and for Your growing Awareness in the Conscious Mind of the world.

And so it is. And so it is.

Amen.

Give to Live - free e-book resource

http://www.givetolivebook.com/

This link will take you to a website where you simply enter your name and e-mail address and you will receive a link to this 229 page e-book by Dr. Rick Barrett and Dr. Joe Vitale.

"Give to Live reveals that an open heart and a willingness to serve not only changes you, but also the planet. The authors -Dr. Rick Barrett and Dr. Joe Vitale share moving stories and offer practical ideas on making a difference right where you stand. As you learn to give more, you'll learn to live more." (taken from the book's description on publisher's link site)

They also provide free a link to an "Acts of Service Journal" where you can log acts of service you perform (and they include ideas of things you can do, too). The purpose in this, of course, is to help you plan to serve and then acknowledge all that you have done while you reap the rewards of feeling great!

Please let me know if you get this resource and if it's helpful to you to receive links to resources like this in the future.

Blessings!
b

De-Stress!

I hope this link gives you some ideas for dealing with stress during challenging times of change for us all.

Enjoy!

A Thankful Heart

Oh, Great Spirit, Maker of All That Is,
Thank You for giving me a Thankful Heart.
Thank You for giving me Perfect Health.
Thank You for giving me Perfect Hearting so I can hear Your Messages to me all around me.
Thank You for giving me Perfect Speach so I may speak strength and love to those all around me.
Thank You for giving me Perfect Work so I may express my Divine Purpose - the mission You have put in my heart to be expressed now.
Thank You for giving me Perfect Expression so I may appear happy, attractive, and reflective of Your True Love.
Thank You for giving me Perfect Ability so I may create works of Beauty, Grace, and Blessing, products that enrich and encourage others, items of enduring promise of Your Goodness expressing now and to come.
Thank You for giving me Perfect Expansion so I may travel wherever I need to go in a safe, comfortable, and reliable vehicle - Thank You for providing all needed maintenance and repairs.
Thank You for giving me Perfect Fulfillment so I may enjoy abundance in food and material possessions and sharing the overflow with others in need.
Thank You for allowing me to be a channel of Your Good, giving words of encouragement where needed, and always a listening (and hearing) ear.
Thank You for All that You give me every day that I may be truly Grateful Every Day.
Amen.

A New Year?

A lot of attention is given to January 1 - "Happy New Year!" is the shout heard 'round the world. People spend a lot of time setting goals for their new year - great plans and expectations abound.
The New Year gives us an opportunity to look forward with a clean slate, no matter what last year held. It seems ingrained in our consciousness that this is the time to start anew. I believe it is important, however, to understand that January 1 is not the only time you can look forward to a new future.

Every day when we wake up we have a choice: Will we say, "Good Morning, God!" or will we say, "Good God! Morning?!" When we fully accept the idea that each day offers a new beginning, new oppoprtunity, and new hope for greater demonstration of GodSpirit's good in our lives, we will look forward to getting up each day.

I hope you will be blessed by using the following prayer...

Blessed Spirit,

Thank You for the Opportunities You place before me this New Year.

Keep me mindful of Your Presence in my life always and help me be open to prospering thoughts and ideas, keeping my attitude positive. Make me a Blessing to others each day as I look for ways to share my blessings. As I start each day, I am grateful for my health, my home, my family and friends, my employment or activity, and especially for the Grace You demonstrate in my life.

I am made new each day, no matter what the calendar says, and I know that You are in charge of my life, no matter what conditions surround me.

Thank You, Blessed Spirit, that this is so!

Motivating Words

A great resource I have referred to for several years when needing an inspiring quote is "Motivate Us" - they have a website filled with all sorts of inspiring and encouraging resources. It is managed by Marlene Blaszczyk, Creator, Editor & Publisher Motivating Moments (MotivateUs.com).
Currently, they have a PowerPoint presentation/show available called "The Courage to Be Great" which features beautiful photography and inspiring quotes from sages past and present. You can view the presentation by clicking this link: http://www.motivateus.com/quotation-powerpoint.htm.
I know you will enjoy it!
Many Blessings!

Prayer of Thanksgiving and Praise

Today is the Day You have made, Dear Godspirit. Help me to rejoice and be glad in it. I am open and receptive to Your Divine Guidance, Grace, Favor, and Power today! Let the words of my mouth be those Words You would have me Speak, with love, compassion, patience, understanding, and care. Help me to be gentle with others, especially now with the world situation as it is - help me to be a still small voice of calm in the midst of the chaos. When I put my focus and attention on You, Sweet Spirit, nothing else can harm me. You alone are my Source and Supply. You alone are my constant companion. I never need to fear being alone, lost, or forgotten, for You are always beside me. I am a part of You and You are a part of me. We are inseparable. Help my awareness to fully grasp this concept. Thank You for all the Blessings You have given me and thank you for those to come, Blessings of Abundance and Gratitude, Opportunity and Increase, Health and Love. I am prospered more and more every time I think of You and give You Thanks! Your love and energy flow through me now, expressing as perfect health, vitality, ideas, energy, and direction! I know what to do and I happily and gladly do it! I am guided in all that I undertake - You are my leader and guide, directing me in the right ways that please You, that fulfill Your Will for my life.
Thank You, GodSpirit, for placing me in the right place at the right time to express Your Divine Will. Thank You for Allowing Me to be Graced and Favored by You Today and Always. Thank You for guiding and protecting my family and restoring health, prosperity, love, and understanding where it is needed.
Amen.

Some New Ways to Pray During a Busy Day at Work

Most people have heard of Guideposts, the magazine produced by the Norman Vincent Peale organization; one of their services is "OurPrayer" - a prayer website/network that is part of the Ruth Stafford Peale Prayer Power Network, a service of Guideposts. This site is as wonderful as Unity; it is full of creative and inspiring stories and techniques devoted to prayer and its effects.
Rick Hamlin, Executive Editor of Guideposts, shares his tips on prayer in an interesting short video found HERE: http://www.ourprayer.org/new-ways-to-pray-video.
I hope you check it out - it's worth listening to, even if you have tried some of the techniques he shares - and the best thing about what he says is that there is no wrong way to pray - just the simple act of trying to pray is praying.
Blessings!

Inspiring Dinner Time Routines and Traditions

Wendy at First Rate Family (wendy@firstratefamily.com) sent a link to an inspiring site featuring submissions from people all over the country sharing their dinner time traditions and/or routines. It is interesting just to read about the creative ways people share their mealtimes!

There looks like lots of other interesting and encouraging items at this site as well, so hop on over and check them out!

Feeding the Multitudes!

Enjoy this Fantastic - and Peaceful - activity - thanks to aBowman!
(move cursor/pointer over pond and watch the fish "follow"! Click to feed them!
Truly and example of Abundance from the Universe!
Blessings to all!

Just Joined Spirit Writers!

Just discovered another amazing resource - and I am now a member of it! "Spirit Writers" offers a lot of encouragement and inspiration from their writers! Visit them today!

Opportunities for Writers

Great Spirit Publishing has opportunities for writers to contribute to their collections being developed. Some of what they're working on includes:

~ Spirit Dancer Anthology
~ Transcendental Woman
~ Blessed are the Children
~ Look Upward, Angel!
~ Ripples of Good
~ Get WRITERS GUIDELINES HERE

Current items available include:
~ A Valentine for Carole
~ A White Soaring Bird
~ My Eternal Northwest Spirit
~ Two Rivers


~ Spirit Heart Creations also has other customizable creative services available, plus specialized items such as Emprayerment(R) Stones, Shells, and other items, and Jessie's Friendship Dolls(R). Also visit their store at http://www.cafepress.com/SpiritHeart (a work in progress, like all the rest! More to come there in the future as designs are developed!).

Victoria Osteen

Victoria Osteen is the wife of Joel Osteen, pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. Joel is a fabulous minister, and extremely "metaphysical" in his teachings but from a slightly traditional religious perspective. What I like is that he is not "preachy" in his approach. What he teaches is Truth, however, because he helps people realize their value in God's eyes. I don't get to watch their service every week, but when I do, it always has a message - seemingly - meant just for me!
Victoria Osteen is very impressive as well. She has just released her first book - Love Your Life - and I look forward to reading it. I just discovered her website - www.victoriaosteen.com. There, she offers resources aimed, I think primarily, toward women, but it's good, practical advise anyone can use. I encourage you to visit her site and browse her material. She's quite a lady! I look forward to going back and looking at her site when I have more time to look around! ;)

Meditation Timer - a very cool resource!

Christopher Westra (http://www.icreateprofits.com/) pointed me toward this really cool resource - you can use it to listen to a variety of free music or use it as a way to practice timed meditation (you can set it for up to 60 minutes).
I hope you like it!
(at left is an image of how it looks - you can access the Timer by clicking the link below, then follow the directions about how to set the time, select music, and then sit back and enjoy!

http://www.geocities.com/spiritheartcreations/MeditationTimer.html

World Day of Prayer to Unite Millions on 9/11

Unity's annual World Day of Prayer on September 11, 2008 - brings millions together to celebrate oneness for healing in the world. Prayer services will be held across continents, with live streamed events broadcast from Unity (click this link for more info: http://www.worlddayofprayer.org).

In the Springfield, Missouri, community, Christ Church Unity will hold prayer services all day on September 11. Their prayerful affirmation for the day: "Rejoicing in our oneness with God and one another, we celebrate healing in every aspect of our lives and in the world."

Throughout our busy day, let us pause now and then to prayerfully hold in heart and mind our families, loved ones, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and yes, even those we are not close to, in the golden healing Light of Spirit to dare to imagine a global healing of universal proportion. May we make it a day of kindness and service to others, setting aside our own concerns to help someone in greater need in whatever way we can.

Practice "random acts of blessing" today and every day - let the blessings begin with you and you will be beautifully blessed in return. Open your Heart to Receive the Light of Spiritual Illumination and feel the Peace flowing through you. Know that You are One with Spirit. You are One with All That Is. Know that GodSpirit has a plan for your life and for your healing to bring your awareness to the Wholeness that you are - you are the Wholly One and One with the Whole.

May you be Blessed richly and completely and make Gratitude your Mantra - "I am Grateful and I am Blessed, Now and Always." Allow yourSelf to be open and receptive to the hearts around you and seek to provide comfort and peace.

There is no place where God is not, so remember that you are never alone. Allow yourSelf to bask in the perfection of Creation, witness now to the incredible evolution of life and Spirit, neither a separate act, but both One in Union with the Divine, a process of Spiritual Unfoldment within us, through us, and as Us.

Thank You, Blessed Spirit, that we are all blessed and guided by Your Perfect Presence now and always.

This, or something Better, with the Highest Good for All Concerned, now and forever.

And so it is.

Amen.

Is there any such thing as "Useless Work"?

I came upon Apple Seeds in 2003; this webiste provides lots of inspiring quotes, prayers, blessings, and short writings that encourage the spirit, sometimes making one laugh, and other times touchinig the soul. I came across the following item from May, 2008 - it is a wonderful little story/parable about doing useless work - I hope you enjoy it! (You can read more at http://www.appleseeds.org)

Doing Useless Work (Author/Source Unknown)

"Legend tells of a king who needed a faithful servant and had to choose between two likely candidates. He took both of them on a trial basis and told them to fill a basket with water from a nearby rain barrel, saying he would come in the evening to inspect their work. After dumping several buckets of water into a basket, one of the candidates said, "What is the good of doing this useless work? As soon as we pour water in, it just runs out the sides of the basket."

The other candidate answered, "But we have our wages, haven’t we? The use is the king’s business, not ours."

"Well, I’m not going to do such fool’s work," replied the complainer. Throwing down the bucket, he went away.

The other candidate continued until he had drained the barrel. Looking into it, he saw something shining at the bottom that proved to be a sparkling diamond. "Now I see the usefulness of pouring water into the basket!" he exclaimed. "If the bucket had brought up the diamond before the barrel was emptied, it would have been found in the basket. My work was not foolish or useless, after all."

When God’s blessing does not fully coincide with your expectations, remember to wait until the barrel is emptied. There may be something precious at the bottom."

First Wholeness Blessing Walk Scheduled!!

"A Guided Walk in Nature designed to help you Reconnect to your Spiritual Self while Becoming more Aware and Receptive to the Blessings in Your Life"

Saturday, September 27, 2008, 10:00 a.m.*

Springfield Conservation Nature Center
4600 S. ChrismanSpringfield, MO 65804
Facilitated by Barbara Quin

Join us for a Guided Walk in Nature at a casual pace, pausing here and there to reflect on Blessings, share a prayer or question, and reflect on our Wholeness while welcoming more Blessings Awareness into our daily experience. This Wholeness Blessing Walk is designed to help you reconnect to your Spiritual Self while becoming more Aware and Receptive to the Blessings available in Your Life.

A Journal will be provided for your use in collecting thoughts, ideas, inspirations, drawings, and Blessing Messages you’ll want to remember.

Group Size is limited to 10 – so please register early!
(additional Walks will be scheduled based on demand)

Meet at the small group seating area in front of the Nature Center (near the beginning of the trails). Wear comfortable clothing and good walking shoes.
Allow two hours for the Walk. Bring water/juice, camera, jacket, hat, and sunscreen – whatever you need for being outside for awhile…but avoid having to carry lots of “stuff”!

What will we do? We will learn about receiving Blessings, share prayers and thoughts, and reconnect to our Spiritual Self with breathing and Awareness development exercises.
This could be a transformative experience or it could just be a walk in the park – it’s all up to you, but you will be Blessed!

To register, contact Barbara Quin at blessingcircle@yahoo.com,

Love Offering gratefully accepted!

*Weather permitting (call 417.866.1802 to confirm if weather seems in question.)

Royal Purpose

Here's an interesting website promoting a book that encourages people to go for their hearts' desires - their God-instilled dreams and passions - the book is called "Releasing Kings for Ministry in the Marketplace," and the website is http://www.releasing-kings.com/. The two guys who wrote the book are dedicated to helping people all over the world discover their purpose and live prospered and happy lives. They have a positive message that affirms we should have prosperity, abundance, health, happiness, love, and all the while be fulfilling God's Will - otherwise known as our Heart's Desire! Check them out!

Be Inspired by The Waltons again with "Olivia's" Story

Anyone growing up in the 60's and 70's remember The Waltons, an idyllic family living through the hard times of the Depression Era. A rock in the story was Olivia Walton, played by actress Michael Learned. I just came across her inspiring story on the Unity Online website. I loved The Waltons and how they always came through their challenges with faith and family intact. You will be inspired by Michael's story - I hope it touches your heart as it did mine. Here is the link:

http://unityonline.org/prayer/inspirationalStories/mySpiritualJourney.html

If the above link doesn't work for some reason, go to www.unityonline.org, select the "Prayer" link in the left column, then select Inspirational Stories and "My Spiritual Journey" by Michael Learned.

Power Up update...

I recently unsubscribed to the POWER UP service because of an article published this week criticizing Eckhart Tolle's work A NEW EARTH, branding it as not being Christian. I haven't read A NEW EARTH yet, but want to, and would not consider it "un"Christian - it is a work that deals with helping to evolve the Spirit - that was what Jesus was about - how can it be unChristian?

Anyway, I'm leaving the post made in July as a resource because I want to give people positive resources - and I have read some good articles there - but I encourage you to make your own decisions after reading anything - including this blog! But please refrain from judging or criticizing another resource as being wrong - because what's wrong for one might be just the right thing for someone else - we are all at different places on the journey. It's easy to get caught up in "I'm right and you're not" when it comes to spiritual beliefs. I want to be careful of that too, even though "I believe" that what I post here is the best quality material. It really just means it speaks to and comes from my heart in the effort to inspire and encourage others along their journey.

Blessings!

Healing Circles...

http://healingcircles.blogspot.com/

This is a wonderful blog I came upon while surfing for something else. Jae has a beautiful and heart-touching style of writing graced with a fine dusting of humor - you will enjoy this blog!

She also has a website at http://oneselfcares.com/index.html. This deals with Self (capital S) and looks very inspiring. Check it out!

Blessings!

Women of Faith and Power Up!

Click here to Learn More!

Here's an interesting resource - I have subscribed to Power Up! since living in Washington State five years ago (beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!). While it is a little more "traditional" in its concept, it does offer positive articles about faith and living a better life. You can subscribe to their newsletter only (which is what I do), or subscribe (and pay) for their complete magazine. I believe they are now operated out of Lake Mary, Florida.

The same company apparently manages the Women of Faith, which looks very powerful - but remember to keep your own opinion when viewing or visiting any website which purports the one and only way (not that either of these do, just an opinion in general) - do take from these resources all that touches your heart and spirit!

Enjoy!

United World Healing!

This is FANTASTIC! I just found this very cool resource - http://www.unitedworldhealing.org/, "changing the world through vision and action." Founded by Jackie Lapin, author of The Art of Conscious Creation, How You Can Transform the World, and the website http://www.manifestbooks.com/.

I encourage you to check out these fantastic resources! I haven't gotten into them in depth yet, but I can tell they are wonderful resources devoted to something near and dear to all of us! :)

Thank you, Jackie, for your inspiring work! I am looking forward to learning more about United World Healing!

Transcendental Woman - Joyce O'Neal

Joyce O'Neal leads a very interesting and full life! Mother of four, she had a nursing career spanning 30 years, is a syndicated columnist, and currently works as the editor of a Midwest senior newspaper! Ask her about her"red hat" and she'll tell you all about it! But whether times were good or difficult, Joyce has always known the value of love in her life. Click photo above and follow link on left of page to read Joyce's story.

Transcendental Woman! Celebrating the Female Spirit!

We welcome your submission for publishing consideration - contact us at transcendentalwoman@yahoo.com or at heartlandprayer@yahoo.com. We will consider stories about inspiring women (and men or children), angel stories for our "Look Upward Angel!" section, or other material of a spiritual nature for "Spirit Dancer," and prayer/meditation items for "Heartland Prayer."

Prayer in the Heartland

Thanksgiving to the Wonderful Healing Power of Spirit for the healing work done through the grandmother of a friend who requested prayers!

The Heartland.

When you read or hear the words, what do you think of? Gentle rolling hills, dairy or farm country of the American Midwest or Irish countryside? Where is the Heartland, to you?

We may identify a physical place as the "Heartland," but really, it comes down to only one true place - and that's right in the center of...

YOU!

Yes, your Heartland is in the very center of you! You are there, no matter where you go!

And Spirit is there with you! No matter where you go, Spirit is there - beside you, around you, over you, under you, and Within You! So unpack the bags and cancel the flight - you don't have to go anywhere to get to the Heartland!

"Prayer in the Heartland" means that prayer originates within our hearts, the center of us where we are already connected with Spirit. Instead of reaching out to God, allow yourself to relax and turn inward to the dwellingplace of Spirit.

More thoughts coming soon on this topic.

If you would like prayer coaching or support, send your request to heartlandprayer@yahoo.com.

Blessings, Friend!

Improving your prayer life

Here are some common sense tips on changing up your prayer life, if you've become bored or discouraged by your routine.
Enjoy!
http://www.beliefnet.com/gallery/tencreativewaystoenergizeyourprayerlife.html
Note: BeliefNet is a great site full of all kinds of resources to inspire your spiritual journey!
Blessings!

Why would you pray?

Here is a link to a powerful article written by Dr. Loretta Standley on "Why would you pray?" She offers wonderful insight and suggestions for making your prayer time more satisfying and productive! http://www.drstandley.com/guidance_prayer.shtml
Enjoy!

Welcome to Heartland Prayer!

Welcome to Heartland Prayer! We are here to provide prayer support and to help hold you up in Spirit's Light in the best of times and in times when you need a little extra help!

Why Heartland Prayer? Well, why not? Where is the Heartland, after all, but in the very Center of your Being, the very place where Prayer comes from, is felt the most, and where Spirit hears and answers! Because every land is the Heartland, and therein dwells the Spirit of God!

In the coming days, we'll be sharing information about prayer and other spiritual topics such as meditation, oneness, the Will of Spirit, etc., but in the meantime, feel free to submit a prayer request or question about prayer. We will pray for and with you and provide you the encouragement you need whenever requesting prayer. Anytime someone feels the need - or utilizes the privilege! - of reaching out to someone else for prayer support - the need in their life is great. We know this. We've been there and done that! If nothing else, prayer reminds us we are not alone and that someone else cares. Spirit cares of course, but a human connection sometimes help make the difference in holding on or giving up while we wait for Spirit's timing to unfold.

We hope you will share your prayers of praise for all the good things that have come into your life and offer in confidence your prayer requests. All prayer requests will remain confidential and communciations will never be shared without the express written consent and permission of the requester. Prayer is a private and confidential experience between you and Spirit (God, Great Spirit, Higher Power, or whatever and however you refer to the Higher Being that created and continues to create All).

Contacting us is simple - all you have to do is send an e-mail to heartlandprayer@yahoo.com and we will respond with prayer support and spiritual encouragement to help you meet life's challenges!

Thank you so much for visiting us today! We hope you will return and share with us again!