Everyday Knowing Reminder - Sunday Message April 25, 2010

As spring begins to emerge once again to renew mother earth, we too will look at ways,
during the month of April, in which renewal manifests within our Everyday Life.

As the Rain Comes…
April is a curious month for just as we enjoy a beautiful day, the next day is cold. As Mother Nature finally releases its winter grip the temperatures begin to increase. When the rain comes, the winds change and I can feel spring in the air. There is a new aliveness in nature which permeates my being and I AM renewed yet once again.

I walked my son to school today, taking my umbrella and enjoying the fresh scent in the air. I found that not everyone was enjoying spring’s return. I heard complaints about the gray, cloudy weather, and the cold of the rain. As I pondered the comments, I found that humanity as a whole, myself included, wants life to be exactly as they want it all the time. If it is not, then the complaining begins. If it is sunny and hot we want cooler weather. If it is raining and cool we want more warmth. It is almost as if whatever we have, we want the opposite. The amount of time complaining takes away the joy of life’s ever-changing experience.

What if instead of wanting what we do not have, we renew ourselves to looking at what we have and being grateful. I AM grateful for the rain as it waters my lawn and turns it an incredible shade of green. I AM grateful for the rain that convinces the trees, flower and bushes to show themselves once again. I AM grateful for the sun as it provides the nutrients I need as well as the trees and bushes. Each pattern of weather provides the necessary ingredients for life in any particular region. We cannot have one without the other without something missing.

Where in our lives do we complain about the pain, only wanting joy? How beautiful is our joy, when we have experienced pain? I think that Life is to be lived, that is our reason for being here in this moment. How we live it is up to each and every one of us; that is the beauty or the curse. So as the rain comes today take time to see how beautiful Life is. If it is not in this moment, know that just as the ocean tides flow in and out of the shore, beauty is just a wave away. Stop resisting the tide and go with the flow of Life as it renews you today.

What is happening within your life? Can you find the signs of renewal within in your heart? Take a moment to breathe into this moment, and feel what is waiting for you. How have you experienced renewal? Share your thoughts with me at info@everydaylifepaths.com

Everyday Knowing Reminder - Sunday Message April 18, 2010

As spring begins to emerge once again to renew mother earth, we too will look at ways, during the month of April, in which renewal manifests within our Everyday Life.


Life Renewed

As we discuss renewal and Life’s emergence within nature this month, I have been witnessing sickness and death in neighbors, friends and acquaintances. As I process these events during my favorite month, I became more aware of the cycles of Life.

Whether someone is sick, regained health, or has transitioned back to the One Presence/God, life is not over it is just renewing itself to a different experience. While we may label sickness or death as something we are not comfortable with, it is God’s way of preparing the soul’s for a new experience for each person involved. While these moments may come with sadness, confusion, and questions of why me, there is also the gift of renewal hidden among us.

It may be very difficult to see through the tears, yet, once we move through the event, we open our eyes to see what was there all along – the gift of our Life. No matter whom we choose to share our life with: spouse, children, pets… they are each on their own journey. Each journey is different and varied; each is an experience for God. While we are so attached to what we have and the relationships we create, it is the One Presence which connects us all. It is through this connection that we realize that there has not been a loss, but a transition into a different form, a different experience.

While we may not understand what that experience is in this moment, we lean into the space of God’s Presence, ever dwelling within us and surrender to God’s will, not our will. From this space of acceptance, Life becomes easier as we let go of our perceived control. Joy enters as we come to understand our co-creative abilities with the Universe. What happens to us is not what is important. It is how we respond to the joyful or tragic events in our life, that connect us to Life. We find a strength we thought we did not have. We find Love surrounding us that we thought did not exist. We find ourselves as we continue on our path of Life. It is through living our Everyday Life that our spirituality evolves and Life is renewed.


What is happening within your life? Can you find the signs of renewal within in your heart? Take a moment to breathe into this moment, and feel what is waiting for you. How have you experienced renewal? Share your thoughts at info@everydaylifepaths.com

Everyday Knowing Reminder - Sunday Message

RENEWAL

As spring begins to emerge once again to renew mother earth, we too will look at ways, during the month of April, in which renewal manifests within our Everyday Life.

Last Thursday began like any other April day. The air was warm with a cool breeze, hinting at spring but keeping the reminder that winter was not over. My son was on a break from school and my husband had taken the day off. In the morning, they worked on my son’s science project. In the afternoon, my husband ran some errands while my son and I read some books together and cleaned the house.

Suddenly there was a knock at the door. My neighbor came by to tell me his wife had experienced a stroke and he was on the way to the hospital. She was out running errands and he had just received the call. Offers for help were refused yet a hug was accepted. As he left, he said “love you guys.” This man is strong on the outside, yet a teddy bear on the inside. How touched I was, for we love him and his wife dearly too.

As I closed the door, knowing for now, my neighbor and his family needed to be by their wife and mother, we waited for word from them. In the meantime, we would be available to take care of their dog or anything else they needed. As I returned to my son, I reflected on my dear neighbor.

Most of our neighbors are over 65 years old. We love each one of them. During the winter months we do not see each other much as most of us stay inside. As spring arrives and the days warm up, we renew our contact. Just two days before, I had spent about an hour talking with my neighbor. She is a wonderful Presence. I was rather tired about life, as we can all get sometimes. She was sad about getting older. We exchanged hugs and support, knowing the One Presence inside connected us.

The next day I found an envelope with a beautiful angel pin. Attached was a note: “because you are an angel of a neighbor and friend I want you to have this pin. May she bless you and your family and lavish you with miracles.” As I remembered and looked at the pin today, as she lay in the hospital unable to speak, I realized that she and her husband were my miracles. Within an Everyday Life, many miracles are present if we choose to see them. How fortunate I AM to have seen God work through our relationship in caring, loving support and provide us the opportunity to have the time together just a few days ago.

So while my friend/neighbor works with her soul to see if she still has work to do and stay within this life, or if it is time to move on, I feel her presence. I am renewed through her thoughtful gift of a simple angel pin. No matter what happens, her Presence will be renewed within my heart and I will pass on her loving kindness to those I meet. As she begins her next step on this journey called life, it is time for me to embrace and allow my path to unfold. For within each Everyday moment is the opportunity for renewal.

What is happening within your life? Can you find the signs of renewal within in your heart? Take a moment to breathe into this moment, and feel what is waiting for you. How have you experienced renewal? Share your thoughts at info@everydaylifepaths.com

Everyday Knowing Reminder - Sunday Message

Renewal

As spring begins to emerge once again to renew mother earth, we too will look at ways, during the month of April, in which renewal manifests within our Everyday Life.

The cold wind still blows. The trees are still bare, appearing lifeless. Yet, as I look closer, the trees have begun to bud. The sunlight is a little warmer than yesterday. The snow is melting away and the grass is beginning to show signs of green. The crocus flowers in the front yard are peeking out of the soil. Yes, spring must be close as my yard is beginning the yearly renewal process.

Easter is today. Some of you will celebrate the arrival of Jesus’ rebirth, while some will celebrate the coming of the Easter Bunny. Some may take a walk and enjoy the day just being. Some of you will be with family having dinner or going out to eat. No matter how you celebrate the day, please take a few minutes to see what can be renewed within you.

What I have found is that like my yard in its renewal process, I too tend to join the festivities. I find I have more energy. I stretch out my arms as a flower opens her petals to absorb the light. I have more patience and breathe deeper. While one neighbor tunes up my tractor, the other neighbor prepares his lawn for me to mow. I sweep off the back porch and bring up the chairs. I walk more. I see my neighborhood and neighbors more. I open my windows on the warmer days and let spring fill the house. Best of all, I sit on my front porch and listen. I listen to the birds and animals as they return. I listen as children come to play outside. I listen as friends and neighbors walk by. I listen to the quiet spring breeze wrestling in the trees. I listen….to God stirring within my soul, renewing my path.

As we watch and listen this Easter day, let us be conscious of the One Presence within all of us. Let us sweep away old beliefs which keep us in the darkness of winter within our souls. Just as the sun warms the earth, the love of God within us, shall warm our hearts. Let us open our hearts to love and joy this day. Celebrations come in many forms. Stretch up your arms and breathe deep. See what comes up within you which needs to be renewed. Let the day open you to new possibilities, a new way of being.




What is happening within your life? Can you find the signs of renewal within in your heart? Take a moment to breathe into this moment, and feel what is waiting for you. How have you experienced renewal? Share your thoughts at info@everydaylifepaths.com