THE LIGHT WITHIN

        People are like stained glass windows.  They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within." 
      Elizabeth Kubler Ross

HAPPY NEW YEAR'S EVE

      Happy New Year! These words will be shouted, whispered, sung and spoken millions of times as the New Year approaches. “Happy New Year!” we optimistically shout. Perhaps this is the year we will truly be happy, fulfilled, and find contentment and peace. We look forward with expectancy, letting the old year fall away, but do we pass the last few minutes of the year with praise and thanksgiving for what we have right now? Shout happy day! Thank you God! Forget about the New Year. It will arrive soon, but not till midnight. Praise God now. Shout your thanks ... Happy New Year’s Eve! Appreciate this priceless day. 

    What about making New Year’s resolutions? Why not simply make a new day’s resolution? A year is so long and commitments made are often forgotten, but a new day’s resolution is something you can accomplish. Resolve this day to love God and to turn to Him for guidance and direction. Resolve to thank God and praise Him for all things. Resolve to seek and do His will.

    This is the day God has given to you. Rejoice and give thanks. Recognize this day’s unique perfection. Keep your eyes and your heart centered on the present moment. Happy New Year’s Eve! It’s time to celebrate. God has given you another day. Live ... love ... breathe ... see ... be ... smell ... hear ... taste ... feel ... rejoice ... give thanks!

     Tomorrow and the New Year will soon be here. Don’t forget and neglect this glorious moment as you anticipate tomorrow and the coming year. The journey continues; the place is here and the time is now. Open your arms and receive God’s gifts and blessings. Watch Him perform miracles in your life.  He is with you. Happy New Day! Happy New Year’s Eve!

CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS!

      The wondrous season of Christmas is here. Christmas is a time of festive celebration and honoring joyous miracles. It is a time of giving and receiving love.  

      This is the season of love, joy and peace, and yet many people totally forget the reason for the season and become caught up in the Christmas mad rush. To many Christmas only means stressful shopping, overextending credit cards and fulfilling obligations, but Christmas is so much more than this. Christmas is a time to remember the birth of the Christ child and to celebrate His gift to the world of His love and compassion.

      Walk this day in wonderment, observing the incredible gifts and diversity of God. Be filled with God’s love and peace. Share your love and compassion with all you encounter. Many are waiting for your unique expression of love. Shine forth and sing your song of joy and celebration. You are loved; you are love. Revel and delight in this day; appreciate this joyous season. Spread peace, love and joy wherever you go.  

      The new year approaches, but do not miss out on the glorious days as you rush to finish the old year. Enjoy each day to the fullest. Celebrate the season of Christmas with joy and gratitude. Experience the true spirit of Christmas as you share your love, friendship, kindness, joy, compassion and forgiveness.

HAPPINESS

"When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us."
~- Helen Keller

Beauty is God's Handwriting

"Never lose an opportunity for seeing anything that is beautiful; for beauty is God’s handwriting – a wayside sacrament.  Welcome it in every fair face, in every fair sky, in every fair flower, and thank God for it is as a cup of blessing."  Ralph Waldo Emerson

ENCOURAGEMENT

ENCOURAGEMENT

     Encouragement and compassion are brought to the forefront. Allow yourself to feel compassion and empathy for others. Act upon divine guidance and impulses to be of service. Your words of compassion and encouragement are greatly needed and appreciated. You are sent forth to be a light of hope and encouragement to many. Feel deep gratitude at this time that you are encouraged and loved by God. You are supported by divine energy which allows you to continue your mission of love and encouragement.    

     Do not lose sight of yourself as you extend love and care to others. Fill your cup to the brim, to overflowing, and then love and caring will naturally spill from you, leaving you continually full as you fill others. The time for giving to others is when your cup is full. This occurs as you are continually filled by God’s divine love. Listen, act, give and receive.   

     Listen for words of encouragement from others. God speaks through many faces. Others are waiting for messages of hope and encouragement from you, and you are waiting for theirs. Allow the golden circle of compassion and kindness to flow to you and through you. Love is expressed as you pass along encouragement to those you encounter. The divine balance of love continues. Choose to allow encouragement and compassion to become an essential part of your life. 

I GIVE AND RECEIVE ENCOURAGEMENT

Walk Your Troubles Away

    I was recently reminded of the great joy in walking and movement.  Last week a cherished friend invited me to go walking with her. The day was overcast and the light was dim.  Rain threatened to pour down at any time, but we started anyway. After some detours to get on the path, we began our journey.  It was incredible to walk and be totally aware of all the beauty surrounding us. The moments were magical and the scenery was breathtaking.  I felt healing and restoration and when we finished I was totally invigorated. The rain began just as we got back to our cars ... what an amazing experience! This delightful trek reminded me of something I wrote in Whisperings of the Spirit.  

WALK YOUR TROUBLES AWAY

    Have you ever had one of those days, a day of the blahs? You aren’t sick, you’re not really depressed, but you don’t feel great. You’re just not feeling alive. Worries run through your mind and life seems overwhelming. What do you do at these times? Do you accept and grumble, wait for the feeling to pass, or thank God and hang on?

    There is a way to speed the process. You can walk your troubles away. Walking can bring a healing comfort to your soul. Don’t think about walking, simply begin. As you walk, let go of everything. Release the distractions in your mind. Be totally and completely in the moment. See, feel, hear, smell and be aware! Shed your cares. Step forth with exuberance and joy.

    Find your own natural rhythm. Listen to your body and discover your effortless pace. Be aware of your surroundings. See God’s handiwork all around you. Notice the little things as you pass. Keep your eyes open and your senses aware. Feel the perfection of your own body as you move. Renew yourself as you become one with all God has created. Thank God for your life, your ability to move, and the beautiful world surrounding you.

    Keep your feet moving, your mind still, and walk your troubles away. Difficulties fall into perspective as you experience the joy and freedom of movement. After walking, if you choose, you can pick up your worries again with a fresh perspective. You may even look carefully and decide to leave a few of them on the ground.

    Today, choose to walk with God by your side. Step out in faith and experience the wonders of your body. Recognize the beauty of the gifts God daily bestows upon you. Walk with God today. Give your troubles to Him as you walk together.


From Whisperings of the Spirit by Rain Sundberg