Still Waters

June 7th, 2011

“One of the finest ways to relieve a tension in your life is to picture still water clearly in your mind.  Maybe a little lake nestling among some pines.  Maybe a tiny, cool spring on some hillside.  Maybe a calm sea with gentle, rippling waves.  After the picture becomes clear, then start repeating and believing, ‘He leadeth me beside the still waters.’
Such an experience produces a marvelous surrender and trust that enables one to face the heat of the day confidently, knowing there is refreshing and relaxed power awaiting under the leadership of one wiser than we.”  (God’s Psychiatry, by Charles L. Allen)

"He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep" Psalm 121: 3,4

"He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep" Psalm 121: 3,4

The Power of Hope

June 6th, 2011

I used to think hope was a very negative and weak word.  It seemed to imply a state of despair in which faith was not concrete.  It seemed to me to be very close to wishful thinking.  However, now I know that hope is a very strong, positive word without which we could not have faith or much of anything else.  Hope is what keeps us going when we are in pain and close to giving up.  I now think it is closer to a promise of good things to come –  a dream of a healthy life, a belief that our bills will be paid on time, a place where we can rest, knowing our future is secure.  “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”  Romans 15:13

Are you disappointed in a number?

April 6th, 2011

It might be a really important number, such as too high (or low) for blood pressure. Or it could be an out-of-control cholesterol reading. Or maybe a scary tumor marker number.

Or those numbers could be great, but the real stress begins when you realize the numbers on your bills are higher than the number you see in your checkbook.

Sometimes do you feel like you are overwhelmed with numbers, like you have been sort of beaten up by them?

Those are the times when it is most important to not give up on your faith. Faith is the strong belief that everything will work out for your good even when the physical evidence points to the contrary. It challenges us to imagine other numbers, good numbers, exciting numbers.

It reminds us that numbers can change, and often do so in the next hour, day, month.   It tells us that real life is about more than numbers.

Today, focus on the numbers you want to see.  Have faith that this will be your reality soon.  I have faith in you.

Faith

Focus on Peace

July 29th, 2010

In these turbulent times I know it is sometimes hard to find a peaceful state of mind. Today I ask you to inquire within: “what is blocking my road to peace?” Are you continually assaulted by the news on TV? Are you struggling to pay your bills? Are you dealing with health issues? Are you in physical or emotional pain?

Today is the day and now is the time to begin the journey to peace, and we will discover together over the next few days the road map to that special place. So we begin a very important ‘road trip’ together. But before we start out, let us be sure of where we want to go.

Today, take a few minutes to examine your life to see if you really want to go on this trip with us. Is peace something you don’t have, but want more of? A few questions to ask are:

“How do I feel about my body?”

“Do I feel rested?”

“Am I worried about money?”

“Am I upset over a relationship?”

” Am I afraid of something?”

As you ask yourself these questions, allow a little time to really feel how you feel. Write these feelings down, and notice them throughout your day. Remember, it is all right to feel how you feel. It is important to know where you are beginning in order to get to where you want to be.

The road to peace

Freedom Reflections

July 7th, 2010

Forgiving love sets us free. Randy Gage

I am forgiven by God’s love unconditionally, and all is well. Randy Gage

God created us with an overwhelming desire to soar. He designed us to be tremendously productive and “to mount up with wings like eagles,” realistically dreaming of what He can do with our potential. Carol Kent

My prayer for you this day is that you will know the freedom from pain and anxiety, freedom from worry about paying your bills, and receive the peace that comes when you forgive yourself and others.  May you enjoy freedom today in every form!

Remember to Celebrate

May 15th, 2010

No matter how you feel, today remember a reason to celebrate. If you cannot think of a reason, then think of a special person and celebrate their life. Recently, I celebrated a friend’s birthday and remembered all of the wonderful things she has done in her life and how she has blessed mine. It made us both feel good, and started a cascade of blessings and good feelings that I hope will continue for a long time. Listen to her newest song, For Eternity, and join us in the celebration of her life and work. For Eternity by Rita dePetris Vallis

Stay Focused

March 10th, 2010

Do not let your thoughts scatter today. Stay focused on the outcome you wish to have, whether it is complete healing, pain relief for today, or financial relief. Even though the path may look foggy, the answer is already here.  Continue on your way with complete confidence in the outcome.

Enjoy Breakfast

February 26th, 2010

Take time this morning to enjoy breakfast. Do not turn on the news, but rather listen to soft music or just be in the silence of the morning. Listen to the songbirds and begin your day with nourishment for both your body and your mind. This is important.

Listen in Silence

February 25th, 2010

Right now, calm your thoughts. Your fears, your worries, your tiredness, your pain. Just for today, don’t try to fill the spaces with anything – just listen. Healing is yours as you listen to that still, small Voice telling you that all is well. Be quiet, be still. All is well.

Rest

February 24th, 2010

When you feel overwhelmed and tired, rest. Take a few moments to be still and quiet your mind. Don’t push yourself to the point of exhaustion. Breathe deeply, sit still for a few moments, do a gentle stretch, and give thanks. Give yourself a break occasionally.