First Flakes

The first snow flakes of the season arrived this morning... what a wonderful way for the month to begin. A nice fire is going in the wood stove, and I'm enjoying the beauty of the early evening sky. The aroma of homemade vegetable beef soup and pumpkin-spiced chocolate chip cookies fills the house... welcome October and all of your cozy days.

Enter the Circle of Love

Love. It conquers all. In the end, the Truth will be seen in the Light of My Love, My Son’s Love, and the Love of the Holy Spirit, Who Is always with you, ready to take up your pleas. We Are all One in the same, longing to have your heart completely. You long to be with Us… to come back Home. Enter the Circle of Love. The Father, the Giver of all life, gives freely. Those who ask are the ones who receive. My Spirit hears your inner cries, inner hurts, and despair. Let go and give it all over to Us. We are waiting here always at a moment’s notice to take the pain of despair from you. Hand it over. In return, We shall give you peace… True Life. (September 1 Devotional Entry) (Hebrews 11:13-16)

Simplify

Why is it that man cannot understand the Fullness? The Veil is thin, but still, it exists. Open up your heart and mind, and you shall see clearly through. The distractions of the world are what keep mere mortals from seeing. Simplifying is not a meager chore. It is life. Bring the simplicity to your life that you are so desiring. Your heart knows where to find peace. It is in the simplicity of life. Why make things harder than they need be? Keep those things that you love and find beautiful. Toss the distractions that keep you from being focused. (August 31 Devotional Entry)

Come To Me

Come to Me. Yes, come to Me. In all things, give Me the reins. For I shall guide your way if you will but still yourself to hear My Voice, My Promptings. Be gentle with yourself and others. Do not suppose that you will do things “perfectly”. It’s a myth. Be wise but not without My Wisdom. For the world’s wisdom does not benefit you. It only serves as a whip that does not allow you to flourish and grow in Me. You know My Voice. I will lead you only to where you want to go. To a place of True peace and happiness. Joy is yours. Come to Me. (August 29 Devotional Entry, Photo courtesy of NCA)

Still Yourself

Still yourself in the quiet of the morning, in the breeze of the afternoon, in the dim light of the early evening, in the dark of the night. Still yourself to Me. Become the quiet that you desire. Answer to no one but Me, for in doing so, you will make friends of many, trusted companions. Many will dislike this. That’s OK. Do not worry about those who do not like the path you choose. They have their own lives to live, but so do you. Follow the path laid out for you. Many will try to discourage and dissuade you. Do not listen. Stay close to Me, and your path will be made straight. (June 22 Devotional Entry)

Summer's Splendor

Summer is under way here in the mountains. We've been blessed with so many beautiful days and evenings. What a joy it's been to lay out on my back deck during the days to read, write, and catch some rays. The evenings have been just as enjoyable while sitting out under the pavilion of my back deck admiring the spectacular star and moon displays. We've also had some pretty hot and humid weather, which is usually followed by big storms. The "light and sound" shows have been enjoyable, too, in their own special way.

The flowers in my flower boxes and baskets are becoming established - always such a lovely reminder to me of the beauty of God's Creation. My summer flowers always remind me of the day when I first recognized Jesus as The Christ. I was watering my pink impatiens out front thinking how beautiful they were. With a sudden, unexpected epiphany, God gave me the complete awareness that Jesus Is Emmanuel -- "God with us".

I'm preparing for my Second Annual "God Loves You" Retreat coming up this Saturday. This year's theme is For This You Have Been Created. This year's topics will be "Detachment" and "Energy Sappers".

A Love That's Everlasting: Part II -- Lectio Divina

Well, it certainly has been a long time since my last entry. I've had time to reflect upon many things, some of which I will share in upcoming posts.

I'd like to continue where I left off in the last entry in which I spoke about the silent retreat I hosted at my home last Summer. The retreat, entitled "God Loves You: A Love That's Everlasting", proved to be a heart-warming event. We were all very blessed by our two speakers who shared their time, knowledge, and experience with our intimate group.

Our first speaker gave us the history and foundation of two ancient forms of prayer: "Lectio Divina" and "Contemplation", both of which are intended to help draw us closer to God. In this entry, I will explain Lectio Divina -- a type of prayer that is shared in a community. Our small group made the ideal setting for going through the process. The speaker chose a short reading from Holy Scripture (any Bible verse(s) can be used). The prayer proceeds in the following way.

The first stage is READ: one participant reads the chosen scripture aloud. After a short silence, each hears and silently repeats a word or phrase from the reading that attracts them. All those who choose to do so are then asked to share the word or phrase with the group without elaborating any further.

The second stage is REFLECT: the same scripture verse is read aloud by another participant. After a short silence, each member is asked to reflect on the question: "What does this reading mean to me?" Those choosing to do so are then asked to briefly share what it means to them.

The third stage is RESPOND: the same scripture verse is read aloud by a third participant. After a short silence, each member is asked to reflect on how God is calling them to respond. Those choosing to do so may briefly pray aloud spontaneously expressing their response.

The fourth stage is REST: the participants are asked to rest in The Word and "take" The Word with them. The prayer sequence is then concluded with "The Our Father".

Participants were then invited to quietly walk around The Lodge grounds for a 10-minute break of silent contemplation.

(Speaker's Note: The stage of REST is Contemplation. It is God's response to us, so it's totally beyond our control. We cannot create contemplation by ourselves. It is a Divine Gift that God - in His Goodness - gives us. We are totally passive, held by the Mystery of God. Essentially, it is a gaze, God's gaze into us, and our gaze of faith back at Him. Your whole self becomes focused on the Lord. It is nothing more than a close sharing between friends. It is deep, intimate, sometimes tearful, and often too deep for words. It's childlike. It's a surrender to the Living Will of the Father in an even deeper union with Jesus.)

I'd love to share my experience with you, but I don't think it would translate very well. There are some things words just can't explain... and maybe they're not meant to. I encourage you to try this uplifting form of prayer for yourself with a trusted group of friends. May the Peace of Christ be with you today and always.