Dear A...,
You seem to have come to a crossroads in your life. Of course we always have crossroads... forks in the road where we must choose one or the other. But there’s a difference in coming to what we may define as a crossroad and hearing a specific calling. You, my friend, are being called.
The problem, as I see it, is your fear of venturing into the unknown... fear of losing control of your life (which you’ve never really had anyway). The sad thing is when you and I allow these unfounded fears to direct our path rather than trusting and looking forward to the adventure ahead. We make excuses and the words, “I can’t because...” become a constant part of our vocabulary.
I had to smile as I just said that. Whenever we used those words as children, my father’s response was always, “There’s no such word as ‘can’t’.” I know, as well as you knew him, you are smiling too. Thankfully, I heard it so often I came to believe it.
Fear is a terrible thing. It smothers us, takes away our ability to breathe, causes panic and paralysis sets in. What are we afraid of? Usually it’s the ‘unknown’. We want to be sure before taking the next step. We want to control... not only our own lives but the lives of those around us.
You are a fantastic artist. The problem, as I see it, is that you haven’t painted for years...always letting life get in the way. The more time that’s passed, the harder it is for you to get started again and you began with the excuses. You admit you want to paint but neglect to mention your fear. Fear, I think, of not being good enough... or as good as you were when your paintings were selling. My response is, “Good enough for whom? For what?” How often we set ourselves up as judges and the person we judge the most often and most harshly is our self. We set standards we feel we have to meet. What ever happened to doing something just for the fun of it? Leave the past in the past. This is NOW. A whole new beginning.
You and I are both in the twilight of our lives... a nice way of saying we are getting older. Our aches and pains are our constant reminders. We’ve made it this far, have overcome the many obstacles life has put in front of us. There will be more. There are always more. But so what? We’ve taken the detours but we’ve always returned to our path... the path that’s set before us... the path that has surprises around every bend... the path which makes our lives such a wild and wonderful adventure.
Should we sit in the middle of the path and not move because we’re suddenly afraid of what’s around the corner? If we sit there, we will rot and die there. No, my dear friend. Grab hold of Life and continue your great adventure. Your path is well lit. There is nothing to be afraid of.
Most of all, my dear friend, do it for the FUN of it. There is no one we have to please so there is no judgement. Let the Spirit within you be in charge.
With love and great joy,
Connie
Monday, October 28, 2019
Saturday, September 21, 2019
Come to the Water
This morning I was led to continue working on my book. It’s time, I was told, to stop procrastinating and get it done! The day was perfect. I had no plans and knew (thought) I could work on it uninterrupted for as long as it took. Actually I did get quite a bit accomplished in the first 6 hours or so...then things started to happen....
A friend texted me and asked if she could come paint tomorrow. I hesitated for only a moment as I mentally established the probable times my physical therapist, a friend who wanted to see me and my neighbors might arrive. “Come.” I told her knowing it would probably be in the morning and not conflict with the others. I couldn’t help smiling as I realized how full my day would be with people.
I am learning that any amount of planning on my part is usually a waste of time and energy. Those who come are meant to come at the times they do come. Hadn’t I just read in my book that I’d seen them coming from over the hill? Hadn’t I told the new minister that “They are coming”? And... as I’m writing this... I am reminded of the painting I did a few years ago titled, “Come to the Water”.
Yes, they are coming! Not in droves but one or two at a time because here they find a place of love and peace... a place to laugh... a place to cry... a place to be heard... a place to paint... a place to simply be. The water in this painting is a symbol of love. Come! Here you are loved.
Love, Joy and Peace to you!
Connie
Tuesday, August 13, 2019
It is Love
I received a call Saturday morning that a friend had died and could I please come. I went then, not because of Bonnie R’s passing, but because my friend, J.T., who lived with her was distraught and in need. Her death was a shock to him and his grief terrible and real. In the short time they had lived together, their friendship had blossomed into a mutual respect and dependency. Each had needed the other in times of illness.
Bonnie had been ill when she moved in and I daresay it was the perfect place for her to be. J.T. welcomed her with open arms and heart. Funny... I had meant to write of Bonnie here but my pen keeps returning to telling you of J.T..
Bonnie has moved beyond her physical body and the pain she experienced there. In fact, I did see her spirit yesterday during service. She was smiling and laughing... her arms outstretched, offering to all the hugs she was famous for.
It’s the ones who are left behind who suffer and ask the question, “Why?”
J.T. was no different. His feeling of loss was great. It was then he realized how much he had loved. He had not only opened his home, but his heart as well. His anguish expressed in the wracking sobs coming from the depths of his being. He had allowed himself to love and now there was a hole in his heart.
Here is a man who is not afraid of love... of loving... and of being loved. What an example he is to me! To remain vulnerable enough to give and receive pure love. Yes, he is suffering for he feels the loss of his friend, Bonnie, deeply. But this does not keep him from opening his heart to others.
Love to you!
Connie
Bonnie had been ill when she moved in and I daresay it was the perfect place for her to be. J.T. welcomed her with open arms and heart. Funny... I had meant to write of Bonnie here but my pen keeps returning to telling you of J.T..
Bonnie has moved beyond her physical body and the pain she experienced there. In fact, I did see her spirit yesterday during service. She was smiling and laughing... her arms outstretched, offering to all the hugs she was famous for.
It’s the ones who are left behind who suffer and ask the question, “Why?”
J.T. was no different. His feeling of loss was great. It was then he realized how much he had loved. He had not only opened his home, but his heart as well. His anguish expressed in the wracking sobs coming from the depths of his being. He had allowed himself to love and now there was a hole in his heart.
Here is a man who is not afraid of love... of loving... and of being loved. What an example he is to me! To remain vulnerable enough to give and receive pure love. Yes, he is suffering for he feels the loss of his friend, Bonnie, deeply. But this does not keep him from opening his heart to others.
Love to you!
Connie
Wednesday, August 7, 2019
Be Not Afraid
I haven’t personally counted them but am told the message “Be not afraid” occurs 365 times in the Bible... one for each day of the year. What a wonderful message to bring to mind at the start of each new day!
That is a thought I jotted down after the shootings in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio. I realized how easy it is to give way to fear and today, during meditation, this came to me... We cannot live in fear for living in fear isn’t living! Following that thought, I “heard” this:
“Ah, my dear child, there is no need to fear for I AM with you always. I will let nothing harm you. All you need to do is keep your hand in mine and trust in me. If, perhaps, you decide to let go and explore on your own, be assured... though you may not see or hear me... I AM with you. Holding you. Lifting you. Strengthening you. My angels clear the way before you and protect you. You are never alone and your fears... which you, yourself, have created... are not real. They are as phantoms in your mind.
Be not afraid. Your fears weigh you down so that you walk with legs of lead. See them as phantoms. They are simply wisps of nothingness easily dismissed... and know you are free of all fear.
I AM Love. You are Love because I AM within you.”
“In love there is no fear; indeed, perfect love casts out fear...” (1 John 4:18)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWpG7qHtB8g
Peace be with you, my friends.
In love, Connie
That is a thought I jotted down after the shootings in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio. I realized how easy it is to give way to fear and today, during meditation, this came to me... We cannot live in fear for living in fear isn’t living! Following that thought, I “heard” this:
“Ah, my dear child, there is no need to fear for I AM with you always. I will let nothing harm you. All you need to do is keep your hand in mine and trust in me. If, perhaps, you decide to let go and explore on your own, be assured... though you may not see or hear me... I AM with you. Holding you. Lifting you. Strengthening you. My angels clear the way before you and protect you. You are never alone and your fears... which you, yourself, have created... are not real. They are as phantoms in your mind.
Be not afraid. Your fears weigh you down so that you walk with legs of lead. See them as phantoms. They are simply wisps of nothingness easily dismissed... and know you are free of all fear.
I AM Love. You are Love because I AM within you.”
“In love there is no fear; indeed, perfect love casts out fear...” (1 John 4:18)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWpG7qHtB8g
Peace be with you, my friends.
In love, Connie
Monday, August 5, 2019
We are Mystics
The other day, during a discussion of spirituality, the words “We’re all Mystics. It’s just that some have better P.R. (Public Relations) than others.” came out of my mouth. I believe the purpose of those words was to bring attention to the fact that Mystics are not only the “others” who have been written about or may have had their personal journals published.
Why do I love reading about the Mystics and what they have come to understand as universal truths? I love reading about them and what they have to say because their words resonate within me. The truths they expound echo and awaken the inner knowing within my own being.
I just read an excerpt from Wayne Teasdale’s book, The Mystic Heart: Discovering a Universal Spirituality in the World’s Religions and was excited enough to want to order a copy. Why? Because he wrote of what I already know within myself and his writing provided the affirmation I look for... that wonderful, “YES!” I feel when I realize I really do know what I think I know! Well, I didn’t order it. I don’t need to read about all the research he did. It’s enough for me to know that what I know is true.
What do I know? I know what many in the world are coming to know...that spirituality goes beyond religion. Oh, it can definitely be a part of it but spirituality doesn’t separate us from one another. It brings us together. Spirituality is the coming to know our own God-self and recognizing the God in others... regardless of differences. In fact, we realize there are no differences other than what we see on the outside and those don’t matter.
Spirituality is the searching for and the finding of God within ourselves and recognizing it in others. “...Nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is in your midst." (Luke 17:21)
Yes, we are seekers for we seek the kingdom of God. We are finders because we know where it is and we are mystics because we know it, live in it, learn from it and welcome others into it.
Love, Light and Joy to you all,
Connie
Why do I love reading about the Mystics and what they have come to understand as universal truths? I love reading about them and what they have to say because their words resonate within me. The truths they expound echo and awaken the inner knowing within my own being.
I just read an excerpt from Wayne Teasdale’s book, The Mystic Heart: Discovering a Universal Spirituality in the World’s Religions and was excited enough to want to order a copy. Why? Because he wrote of what I already know within myself and his writing provided the affirmation I look for... that wonderful, “YES!” I feel when I realize I really do know what I think I know! Well, I didn’t order it. I don’t need to read about all the research he did. It’s enough for me to know that what I know is true.
What do I know? I know what many in the world are coming to know...that spirituality goes beyond religion. Oh, it can definitely be a part of it but spirituality doesn’t separate us from one another. It brings us together. Spirituality is the coming to know our own God-self and recognizing the God in others... regardless of differences. In fact, we realize there are no differences other than what we see on the outside and those don’t matter.
Spirituality is the searching for and the finding of God within ourselves and recognizing it in others. “...Nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is in your midst." (Luke 17:21)
Yes, we are seekers for we seek the kingdom of God. We are finders because we know where it is and we are mystics because we know it, live in it, learn from it and welcome others into it.
Love, Light and Joy to you all,
Connie
Monday, July 22, 2019
It's the I AM
There is something special about this last third of our lives. Most of us have finished with struggling to get ahead, or simply survive. Our children are grown and have left the nest. We might even decide we don't need so big a nest and downsize to a more simple dwelling.
We might buy a camper and decide to see the country... maybe a couple of kayaks for lazy days on the river... or invest in a drum or two and join a drum circle. We share in discussions with like-minded people and yes, we might even sign up for painting classes! Adventure and freedom are in the air. We shed ourselves of unnecessary baggage and excitedly step ahead into the yet unexplored.
There is time now to relax and enjoy and as we do, we're reminded of something... something which has always been a part of us... something we may not have taken the time to see, feel and know. This 'something' has always called to us and now... now we find ourselves longing for that 'something' which has no name... that 'something' which manifests in a constant underlying yearning.
It's a yearning which drives us to seek. Our seeking has a tendency to make us look outside of ourselves and leads to new experiences of other people and places. Then, one day, something happens and we realize what we've been looking for "out there" has always been "in here" and has since our very beginning.
But how do we access it? How can we see? How can we find that which has lain hidden within the deep recesses of ourselves?
We are a world populated by 'wanna be' mystics... the yearning within us so strong we cannot keep from seeking. It may 'sleep' for many years and we may push it aside as something we don't have time for... but it is there. It has always been there and it makes itself known. Once we recognize it for what it is... the yearning for oneness with God... we must respond to it. We have no choice!
Yes, I know. We always have a choice... but choosing not to respond to that ache within will make us miserable. It will always be there. Calling...
As a mother reaches out and pulls her child to her breast, holding it close in soothing comfort, so it is with God:
" Come to me. Rest in me. Let me hold you in my arms so you come to feel and know the love I have for you. Yes, I send you others to love and who love you. How else would you come to know Love? But human love is only a taste of the totality of the love I have for you.
Now, my dear ones... though you have always had my love, you have not realized the magnificent all-encompassing power of it. Now is the time. Now I call you to me. I call you to recognize and know me as the pure Love that I AM. Then you will see and know I AM in all others as I AM in you!
Peace be with you, my friends!
Connie
We might buy a camper and decide to see the country... maybe a couple of kayaks for lazy days on the river... or invest in a drum or two and join a drum circle. We share in discussions with like-minded people and yes, we might even sign up for painting classes! Adventure and freedom are in the air. We shed ourselves of unnecessary baggage and excitedly step ahead into the yet unexplored.
There is time now to relax and enjoy and as we do, we're reminded of something... something which has always been a part of us... something we may not have taken the time to see, feel and know. This 'something' has always called to us and now... now we find ourselves longing for that 'something' which has no name... that 'something' which manifests in a constant underlying yearning.
It's a yearning which drives us to seek. Our seeking has a tendency to make us look outside of ourselves and leads to new experiences of other people and places. Then, one day, something happens and we realize what we've been looking for "out there" has always been "in here" and has since our very beginning.
But how do we access it? How can we see? How can we find that which has lain hidden within the deep recesses of ourselves?
We are a world populated by 'wanna be' mystics... the yearning within us so strong we cannot keep from seeking. It may 'sleep' for many years and we may push it aside as something we don't have time for... but it is there. It has always been there and it makes itself known. Once we recognize it for what it is... the yearning for oneness with God... we must respond to it. We have no choice!
Yes, I know. We always have a choice... but choosing not to respond to that ache within will make us miserable. It will always be there. Calling...
As a mother reaches out and pulls her child to her breast, holding it close in soothing comfort, so it is with God:
" Come to me. Rest in me. Let me hold you in my arms so you come to feel and know the love I have for you. Yes, I send you others to love and who love you. How else would you come to know Love? But human love is only a taste of the totality of the love I have for you.
Now, my dear ones... though you have always had my love, you have not realized the magnificent all-encompassing power of it. Now is the time. Now I call you to me. I call you to recognize and know me as the pure Love that I AM. Then you will see and know I AM in all others as I AM in you!
Peace be with you, my friends!
Connie
Sunday, May 19, 2019
Seeking.....and Finding
Yesterday... or last night... I may have been awake... or asleep. Maybe both. I realized I am remembering things planted in my memory banks since the beginning of time. I am remembering what I knew as a child. I am remembering the God-self I have always known.
I am realizing that much... not all... of my religious training was not necessary in coming to know God. I did not need to know the doctrines and laws of organized religious denominations. In fact, I now spend time unlearning much of what I’ve been taught. I find it interesting that I have spent years... decades... in search of the knowledge which already exists deep within myself. I am realizing... in this last third of my life... how important the remembering is... and how difficult it sometimes is to reconcile that remembering with some of the “religion” I’ve been taught. So much unnecessary baggage!
Yes, I know you might disagree... and I’m not putting down organized religion. I have experienced much in my search: I was raised Methodist but never felt truly comfortable... so spent my college years (and beyond) experiencing various denominations. I won’t list them here. Suffice it to say I didn’t miss much... not even Quakerism. My conversion to Catholicism and entrance into the religious community of the Sisters of St Joseph pretty much completed my search. I thought. Yet here I am, more than 40 years later, still searching... but in a much different way.
We are told by Jesus, “Seek ye therefore first the kingdom of God...”(Matthew 6:33)
But where is the kingdom? Is it out there somewhere in the universe? Is it another planet, another world? I imagine the Disciples had similar questions. But then Jesus was more specific,
“... the kingdom of God is within you.” (Luke 17:21)
Well, I thought... If the kingdom of God is within me, it is also within you! The kingdom of God is within everyone! If that’s true, I thought... and I believe it is... I reasoned, if God is love, (I John 4:8) then the kingdom of God is the kingdom of love and God, as love, is within each and every one of us!
I love the remembering. I love going within myself and growing in the knowledge of the God (Love) living there. I am not only seeking, my dear friends! I am finding!
Light, Love and Joy to you!
I am realizing that much... not all... of my religious training was not necessary in coming to know God. I did not need to know the doctrines and laws of organized religious denominations. In fact, I now spend time unlearning much of what I’ve been taught. I find it interesting that I have spent years... decades... in search of the knowledge which already exists deep within myself. I am realizing... in this last third of my life... how important the remembering is... and how difficult it sometimes is to reconcile that remembering with some of the “religion” I’ve been taught. So much unnecessary baggage!
Yes, I know you might disagree... and I’m not putting down organized religion. I have experienced much in my search: I was raised Methodist but never felt truly comfortable... so spent my college years (and beyond) experiencing various denominations. I won’t list them here. Suffice it to say I didn’t miss much... not even Quakerism. My conversion to Catholicism and entrance into the religious community of the Sisters of St Joseph pretty much completed my search. I thought. Yet here I am, more than 40 years later, still searching... but in a much different way.
We are told by Jesus, “Seek ye therefore first the kingdom of God...”(Matthew 6:33)
But where is the kingdom? Is it out there somewhere in the universe? Is it another planet, another world? I imagine the Disciples had similar questions. But then Jesus was more specific,
“... the kingdom of God is within you.” (Luke 17:21)
Well, I thought... If the kingdom of God is within me, it is also within you! The kingdom of God is within everyone! If that’s true, I thought... and I believe it is... I reasoned, if God is love, (I John 4:8) then the kingdom of God is the kingdom of love and God, as love, is within each and every one of us!
I love the remembering. I love going within myself and growing in the knowledge of the God (Love) living there. I am not only seeking, my dear friends! I am finding!
Light, Love and Joy to you!
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