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Monday, August 27, 2012

Sorting Through

Life has such interesting opportunities. All are teachers I think. I strive to discern the lesson each moment comes to bring.

The ultimate goal, for me at least, is spiritual awakening. I am in pretty good shape in prayer, meditation, understanding spiritual principles, reading and discerning. I'm not there yet, as they say, but I am on my way.

Of course, there are others who think their spiritual understanding is superior to mine and might even attack me. But I know what I know. I am confident in my understanding and spiritual relationship with Christ, God and the heavenly hosts. So, I can see what other people present and know that it is where they are, but I am somewhere else. I know what I know. The veil has parted often enough that I am confident in my spiritual understanding.

Sorting through the outer stuff of life and mining the lessons there seems to be my challenge. When I think I see through some outer thing or the other, that upsets someone who thinks they have done the same but came to a different conclusion and their conclusion is right and mine wrong. It is fascinating. Sometimes it is hurtful. The dynamic of attack when someone reaches a different conclusion rather than the persuasion of a better argument confuses me.

As I write our nation is in the throws of a Presidential election. Some dear people are on both sides of it all. Some get angry when they are disagreed with. Some throw personal attacks at the candidates on the other side and on those friends who are on the other side. I find it fascinating. In my view we ought to be on the side of America. We ought to explore to find the facts rather than throw slogans. We ought to want to know the truth rather than protect our points of view. The old, let the chips fall where they may, saying might do us well. What if we are gutterly, emotionally attached to this or that person who is running and blind ourselves to reality that might change our attachment if known? Do we dare as a people to drop our biases? Do we dare to look truth squarely in the eye? I truly hope so.

In the meantime, I must learn the lessons especially from people I care about who so strongly disagree with me they attack me rather than argue the point. I think part of my lesson is to not take it personally. An angry person who fights unfairly via attack rather than debates via valid argument is just exhibiting their consciousness in general. I need to be an observer and not a reactor.

I need to love passionate people, even when they are not nice passionate people. Jesus told us to love unconditionally. That is my marching order so to speak. Hence, the lesson returns to the common mission of all on earth, to the final question we will be asked, "Did you learn how to love?"

Dear, dear Lord, help me to love as You have called us to love - unconditionally, fully, without reserve.

Saturday, August 18, 2012

What's Up in August?

It's been awhile since I've written. Lots going on though.

I've been reading Teilhard de Chardin, Cynthia Bourgeault, and others - clarifying, deepening, praying and also writing on my new book - "What On Earth Is Going On?"

We had our 25th anniversary with little fanfare as my husband had some serious health challenges. Hard to believe it's been that long.

Busy at church with assisting, pastoral care and Prayers and Squares. I am so thankful we found St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Menifee, CA.

Still President of the Quilt Guild and very busy with that. I absolutely love to sew and quilt. I adore fabric. It is an outlet for creativity that feeds my soul. I'm learning to do the quilting myself and getting a bit better at it. I really like that aspect of quilting. It adds another layer of art to the quilt and makes it more my own expression when I do all the layers. I've also begun a series of whimsical quilts. I've completed 4 whimsical quilts at this writing.

Speaking of nourishing my soul, I love the idea in Teilhard that not only the bread of communion, but also all that nourishes the soul is divine, is Christ's own. Something deep in me truly resonates to his thinking on the Cosmic Christ. I also like Matthew Fox's thinking on this.

The grieving is getting bearable most days. I think I've turned the corner of releasing my beloved son and grandchildren to God's care and keeping. I pray for them almost daily as well as for the rest of my family. I am still bewildered over it all and cannot fathom the why of it or the divine of it. Maybe someday all will be clear. In the meantime I have to trust God's working in all of our lives.

I am concerned about the election this year. I am deeply worried about the future of our way of life. I hope people start thinking clearly, checking things out, verifying what is said, etc.

Lord, I come to You this day seeking Your clarity. Guide my understanding. Lead me to walk in Your path as You would have me walk. As I come closer and closer to the end of this earthly journey, lead me to do all You sent me here to do so that I may answer a resounding "Yes" when I come fully to Your Light.