The Little Things

"The rainbow is more beautiful than the pot at the end of it, because the rainbow is NOW. The pot comes later and never turns out to be quite what you expect" writes Hugh Prather. Yes, we need to enjoy the little miracles we see everyday. The other day my friend Stacy and I were out for a walk, and she related a story to me about a wallet she found. She saw the checkbook inside so was able to look up the phone number of the lady who had lost it. The woman asked her if she had seen the purse that contained the wallet because the purse was a very expensive designer bag. When Stacy told her that she hadn't seen the purse, the woman wasn't concerned at all about the checks and just asked Stacy to shred them. It was all about the expensive designer purse, not what was inside. This story reminded me of the value we sometimes place on material things. We strive after money, possessions, food, power, recognition, alcohol, drugs, a special someone.....anything that will fill the void so we can feel better about ourselves, more complete, when in actuality, the only thing that can fill the void is the peace of God inside us.

Where do I find that peace? I think it is found in the little things like awareness of this NOW moment....the rainbow after the storm, the birds singing outside my window, the beautiful green grass and trees, and the explosion of color from the flowers this time of year. John Denver sings a song, "Sunshine of My Shoulders" in which he tells of the of the beauty of the sunshine on the water.

We let our lives get so complicated instead of living in the moment, carefree and joyful. My little granddaughter Kaya teaches me about the fun and playfulness of living in the moment. My friend Stacy's daughter Isabella shows me awareness of beauty when she catches a sandbox turtle and marvels at his shell.

Yes, we could all learn a thing or two from the awe and wonder of creation from children. "Truly, I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven" ~ Matthew 18:3. Lord, help me to appreciate your marvelous creation.

Love and Light,
Patty

I Will Praise You in This Storm

Lopez Lomong says, "When you have suffered deeply, you understand that courage is the only way to fight fear, the best way to step forward. This is the first move to be better." OMG, the tornados that have hit MO, AR, KS, and OK are so devastating that it is hard to fathom.

It makes the words to Casting Crowns song "Praise You in This Storm" seem so relevant. I will share them with you,

"I was sure by now, God, You would have reached down and wiped our tears away, stepped in and saved the day, but once again, I say 'Amen', and it's still raining. As the thunder rolls, I barely hear Your whisper through the rain, 'I'm with you.' And as Your mercy falls, I raise my hands and praise the God who gives and takes away. And I'll praise you in this storm, and I will lift my hands for You are Who You are no matter where I am. And every tear I've cried, You hold in Your hand. You never left my side and though my heart is torn, I will praise You in this storm. I remember when I stumbled in the wind, You heard my cry to You, and You raised me up again. My strength is almost gone. How can I carry on if I can't find You? But as the thunder rolls, I barely hear You whisper through the rain 'I'm with you.' And as Your mercy falls, I raise my hands and praise the God who gives and takes away. I lift my eyes unto the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and Earth."

God is our sure and steady companion. He will take our burdens away and lighten our load. "May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, Who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and strengthen them." (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)

My prayers enfold the residents of Joplin. We were coming back from a graduation and missed that storm by an hour. "I am grateful to God....when I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day." (2 Timothy 1:3)

Love and Light,
Patty

Who's in Control Anyway?

"Nothing splendid has even been achieved except by those who dared believe that something inside them was superior to circumstances" wrote Bruce Barton. Too often we let circumstances govern our lives. Who is in control anyway? If we believe the circumstances are in control, then where is our trust and faith in God?

Whenever we feel frustrated, we need to ask ourselves what should be different about our situation. Is it that we aren't getting our own way about something? If we can release control into God's hands, we can experience peace and relaxation. If our situation needs changed, we can change it more easily from a sense of calmness rather than a sense of frustration.

This morning I got ready to go to school but couldn't find my keys. Then I remembered that we had to use a certain key on the key ring to retrieve the toll tag in another car. Long story short I think my keys are locked up in my husband's vehicle at the airport an hour away.

At first I panicked and then I remembered to focus. I called the sub coordinator and told her that I lacked transportation today and that she would have to find someone else to teach. I was suddenly grateful for the time that I now have to clean house and do laundry. I am too far behind on those chores anyway.

I am grateful today that I can release my control to God. I am receptive to the gift and opportunity of this day. I move forward and open myself to God's good. Like Colossians 1:10 says, "You may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God." I'm trusting God for a happy, healthy, enjoyable day. Hope you are doing the same.

Love and Light,
Patty

The Light at the End of the Tunnel

Lately I've been praying for many people who are sick. God is showing His grace and restoring health and well-being to those afflicted. It is so refreshing to observe His healing power wash over loved ones with the gentleness of a spring rain.

Prayer is such a powerful thing. Jesus prayed through the night alone in the garden. Prayer is not just about asking but also about listening. Myrtle Fillmore says that it "lifts the individual into a wonderful sense of oneness with God, who is Spirit, the source of every good and perfect thing." Prayer helps us let go of our burdens, anxieties, worries, concerns, and find rest, renewal, peace, and serenity instead. We come away from prayer ready to take on the world.

When Jesus said, "Father, into Thy hands I commit my spirit," I think His earlier plea that the cup be taken away now became a release for Him and a cause of rejoicing when He gave Himself over completely to His Father. At that point the Atonement became the At-One-Ment. He was One with His Father, and the darkness turned to light. Fear and confusion were replaced with love and understanding, and all was well with the world.

All of us have experienced loss whether it is the death of a loved one, a divorce, or even the loss of a job. When external circumstances change in such a way for us, we can look to Jesus as our example and realize that no matter what happens to us, God has the final word. His divine plan is taking shape. God is merciful, kind, and loving. Because of these attributes, He has only good in store for us.

Instead of dwelling on the crucifixion, we can rejoice in the miracle of the resurrection. New life is awaiting us! There is hope after all.

Light and Love,
Patty

Time to Live in the Sunshine of Life

Steve Martin quips, "A day without sunshine is like, you know, night." He's right, you know. It's our sunshine inside that causes all darkness to disappear. Right now Frank and I are enjoying an abundance of gorgeous red sunshine in Tucson, Arizona. We are enjoying 80 degree temperatures while back home it is 40 or 50 degrees. However, even if the bright Arizona sunshine were not beaming down on us, we know that our own internal sunshine can always radiate. We've learned to appreciate our surroundings, be they snow or sun.

We agree with William Makepeace Thackeray who says, "A good laugh is sunshine in the house." We love watching reruns of SEINFELD and Frank loves the Stooges. Anything to make us laugh. We have a hilarious four-year-old granddaughter Kaya who equates snow with Christmas. She told Frank once that she didn't want the sun to melt Christmas. (By the way, she said this in February). Anyway, anything that makes us laugh deeply is powerfully healing.

Wherever we are and whatever happens to us, we are happy to be here in this beautiful world where unlimited joy is ours if we so choose.

Like Jesus said in John 15:11, "I have said these things to you so that My joy may be in you." God bless!

Love and Light,
Patty

Lent

This is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. I read in my Unity literature that "Lent" comes from an Old English word meaning "Spring" and the lengthening of days. Lent means many things to many people. To Catholics it is a time to give up meat today and every Friday until Easter. To me it means a time of release. It is time to give up any thoughts or behaviors that are not serving me in the development of my highest self.

One of the things my husband and I gave up several months ago is the bad habit of overeating and not staying fit. Now we track our food and go to the gym to work out. I read somewhere that when you start weighing less, you shouldn't refer to it as losing weight because any time you lose something, you subconsciously want to find it again so instead I want to say that we have removed pounds.

I hope you too can find a way to release anything that is limiting you and find renewal and purification this lenten season. God bless!

Love and Light,
Patty

Affirmation for Today

I am grateful for the opportunity to teach today. So many blessings are occurring today in every way. Each student has strengths that are being revealed to me. Remaining non-judgmental has helped me see with my heart, not my eyes. If I see any error in the tasks they complete or any error in the way I teach, I am full of forgiveness for them and myself. These errors will prove wonderful learning experiences for both them and me. I stayed focused on the present, enjoying each moment. Like Oprah says, "If you love what you do, each pay check is a bonus."

Love and Light,
Patty