I just finished reading this book after reading the Celestine prophesy. I find so many points that I can relate to. I hope you check this book out if you are interested in spiritual truths. Here are just a few examples of what I related to:

“At some point, we have been participating in a group listening intently but when we feel a burst of energy as we received an idea, an insight or point of clarity for the topic at hand. There is a pause as the energy shifts our way, but instead of speaking up, we hesitate.”

This is what happened to me the other day I was in a group setting and it got silent. I was too shy and scared to speak up and then someone else spoke up. After that I was not able to get a word in. So if I had taken the chance at the beginning I would have been able to speak what was on my mind. That was a lesson for me.

“Often one of the fastest ways of regaining our inner divine connection when we feel separated it to uplift someone else.”

I find this to be so true. whenever I am down there is nothing better then extending a hand to someone else and letting them know how much I appreciate them. It’s amazing just what a hug or handshake and a few kind words can really do to lift someone’s spirits. I know that means the world to me. It makes me feel loved and appreciated.

“A coincidental crossing of paths can occur at any time, but usually won’t happen unless we are willing to take the initiative ourselves.”

I had this experience yesterday when I ran into a friend randomly. But, I said something and then she gave me a hug and said we should get together for lunch.

“We will find that most synchronicity comes to us via truths of other human beings.”

I think this is so true. That’s why I like to blog and write because hopefully something I say will help and make a difference for or to someone else. That’s also why I created spiritual cafe. For sharing spiritual wisdom which you can find at www.faithhopegrace.ning.com

“If we are open and alert, someone will show up with a timely truth we need to hear. The key to receiving the information is never fail to explore these encounters, taking, of course responsible precautions for safety.”

I find that is so true. Sometimes when I’m having a bad day or something else is going on in my life someone will say something to me or I’ll read something and have a complete “Aha” Moment.

“love ends and evolves into a power struggle because we begin to depend on energy from each other, rather then from our own inner connection with the divine.”

I have to agree completely with him on this. It seems like relationships struggle when we try to get things from other people. Love, attention, or whatever. But, when I put the focus back on myself and my higher power things just seem to work out the way they are supposed to and everything turns out for the best. In love and friend relationships. We have to rely on god to supply us our needs instead of another human being who can’t be perfect. Just as we are not perfect.

“The more love and energy we give, the more rapidly the synchronistic messages come to us, and the more creative, effective, and inspiring will be our individual lives.”

“Once enough of us understand how tithing works and experientially prove that the principle of tithing works, we will embrace this process fully, synchronically giving a percentage of our income to the sources we feel urged to support. In the same way, opportunities and finances will come right back to us, quite magically, congruent with our expectation.”

“The near death phenomenon confirms that there is only one divine force in the universe, and this force is positive.”

“The fact is, life here on earth is all about becoming more aware of our spiritual nature.”

“Step by step we are becoming more aware that we are spiritual beings slowly evolving a spiritual reality on this planet.”

I read a thousand names for joy by Byron Katie. I’ve always wanted to read her work but never did until now. I have to say I found it fascinating. I also did the work which besides in the book you can find the work at www.thework.com It really is amazing and very helpful. I felt like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I am not worrying about what others say or think or believe because that is there reality not mine.

“inquiry helps the suffering mind move out of it’s arguments with reality. It helps us move into alignment with constant change. After all the change is happening it seems. But, when we’re attached to our thoughts about how the change should look, being out of control feels uncomfortable. Through inquiry we enter the area we do have control: or thinking.” – Byron Katie from the Book

“When there is no choice, there is no fear. They begin to realize that nothing was ever born but a dream and nothing ever dies but a dream.” Katie Byron from the book

“Dying is just like living. It has it’s own way and you can’t control it.” Byron Katie

“We die at exactly the right time not an instant too soon or too late.” Byron Katie

“What I know is that God is everything and God is good.” Byron Katie

“It’s the truth that sets you free and the truth we’re talking about is not someone else’s truth; it’s your own. That’s the only truth that can set you free.” Byron Katie

“God is everything, God is good is not an idea it’s a reality.” Byron Katie

I realize I’ve been in a self pity mode lately. That is not the place I want to be in. So I am going to try to think more positive. I also need to help build up my self esteem. I’ve been hearing a lot lately about loving oneself. That is something I’m currently working on doing. I don’t think I have all the answers and for a long time I have been down on myself. Now it is not about trying to be perfect because that is impossible but it’s about loving me for me.

I went to church today and at the end of the service the man behind me farted. I did not laugh or say anything because in the moment it was inappropriate. But, I have to admit I did chuckle after we left the service. I am not judging the man because we all have bodily functions and he was older. But, I have to say it was a funny moment and it put a smile on my face. Who would have thought something like that would have happened? My mom gave me some food for thought today. The sermon was about how where God is there can be no evil and we just have to have faith. I admit I don’t think my faith has been as strong as it could be lately and I realize I’ve been letting things get to me more then I should. In the sermon some scriptures jumped out at me that relate to what I’m going through and gave me courage and some positive food for thought today.

“Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27

“Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all we that hope in the Lord.” Psalm 31:24

Then I randomly opened up my bible and came across this passage. I wonder what it’s trying to tell me?
“It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night anxiously working for food to eat. For God gives rest to his loved ones.” Psalm 127:24

“Thou shalt love they neighbor as yourself, and this is the greatest commandment of them all.” – Jesus

If you love yourself and respect who you are and your rights then wouldn’t you want other people to have those same rights. I was reading a blog yesterday where a Buddhist was saying how Christians come on so strong and make her feel bad or try to make her feel bad for being a Buddhist and not a christian. But, didn’t the Buddha teach almost the same thing as Jesus?

Now there is a fight about rights should gay people be allowed to get married and call it a marriage? my answer to that question would be yes. Most of the people that are against it are so because they say it is in the bible that being a homosexual person is wrong? Yet does that mean we should not like others because of there race, religion, sexual preference, or gender?

If you love yourself and don’t like others and show every human being the same curtosy and rights that you have then you can not call yourself a christian. If you are not loving others the way Jesus loved us and still loves us you can not call yourself a christian. You are pharisee if you stick to the rigid laws rules instead of pening up your heart in love to those that are different.

The whole point of being christian and any religion for that matter is love. After all Jesus said it was the most important thing. “Now I know in part then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: Faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 cor. 13: 11-13)

You don’t have to agree with people but part of being a true christian is loving people. It is not just spewing out what the bible says or does not say about gays or anyone else for that matter. Being a true christian and true beliver is about loving others. God loves everyone just the same! He does not love you more because you belive ine very word of the bible. He does not love gay people any less because of who they love. Heck God mafe them the way they are for a reason and purpose. If he did not want there to be homsoeuals then he would have made everyone straight. End of problem! God does not make mistakes. If you are straight can you say I choose to e this way? No probably not. I love my fiance with all my heart and he popped into my life and I fell in love like there was no tommorrow. It was not a choice it just happened. I saw this man and my breath was taken away and I was in love. While it’s the same for everyone regardless of who you love or don’t love. Your heart does the leading. So then you are telling people they should deny who they are because you don’t agree with them. But, if God made them and loves them then he is ovbiously not denying who they are. Who we all are!

“People who are stuck here and adhere to RULES that have “An APPEARANCE of wisdom.” ( col 2: 23)

Jesus was saying the pharisees followed all these rules that looked like wisdom. But, that was just an appearance of wisdom. I believe the bible is true and it came from the Lord. But, I also know that it was man written. Based on the times. One of the passages is about an adulterer woman who they where going to stone to death. That was in Jewish Law to stone an adulterer. But, Jesus stopped them from doing it! If we still followed that law tons of people would be stoned to death every day!

Even Jesus did not follow the law. He was spiritual but not religious. He didn’t spute out religious antidotes about what was right and what was wrong he practiced what he preached by showing kindness and love to every human being he encountered. He showed equality to every person he encountered. He did not put one before another or one after because of whatever reason. If we don’t give people there basic rights we are basically saying that we don’t care about Jesus and the fact that he preached on love! We are saying we are no better then a pharisee following strict rules and regimens! Instead of what love is all about!

“They pay little attention to the “more important matters of law- Justice, mercy, and faithfulness.” (Matt 23:23)

Lord, help me not to fear what others think of me. Help me to remember that because you saved me and your spirit lives within me the things judgmental people say can’t ultimately hurt me. when people say things that are critical, let those things roll off my back and not stay in my mind or heart.Thank you that although hurtful words may come and go, my salvation lasts forever.

Payers for emotional wholeness by Stormie Omartian

Lord sometimes I’m afraid of what might happen in the future. I submit all my fears to you and thank you that you will take them away from me. I lift up to you my greatest fear and ask that you will give me peace in place of fear. When troubling things happen to me or around me, help me to remember that you are on my side and will fight for me. If you are there for me then no one can succeed against me.

Lord, I thank you that no matter what has happened to me in the past, no matter what is happening in my circumstances now, you promise to never leave me or forsake me. Thank you that because you love me, I don’t ever have to live in fear. I pray you would take away anything in my life that give’s me good reason to be afraid. Keep me safe and protected where I am, And take me to a place of safety in the future.

Prayers for Emotional wholeness by Stormie Omartian

I read this earlier today and wanted to share it.

Just for today give you life anew to God! Tell him, Full speed ahead! Just for today pour out your love and care for your family. Be “too nice” to everyone you meet. Just for today take your physical strength seriously and exert yourself. Just for today use that brain power God has given you to grow more beautiful in character. Just for today reach out and encourage your best friend in their spiritual journey. Just for today take one small step toward your goal you’re trying to achieve. And finally, just for today make the commitment to wake up everyday of your life and repeat this pattern.

Lord, just for today I commit every single area of my life to you- every thought, every word, every action. Let this be a day in which I grow more and more into your image. Amen

Taken from A woman after God’s own heart by Elizabeth George

The good are better made by ill, as odors crushed sweeter still.

Roger

Today I was working in the sun all day and I am so exhausted now. But at least I got a tan. I met this girl that’s new to town it’s not like we exchanged numbers or e-mails but we chatted. I also talked with this one acquaintance of mine who has been in Ireland she just got back and was working with her mom at her store but we only spoke shortly. But at least she didn’t ignore me. Yesterday this woman commented on my necklace which meant a lot to me because my fiancé gave it to me a while ago. I wear it all the time and along the way I’ve collected other charms and stuff for it.

Here are some things I’m going to try to do:

1. I will not dwell on the past and worry about the future
2. I will treat other people with respect and compassion
3. I will be good to myself
4. I will learn to love and accept myself
5. I will be good to the planet
6. I will try to live cheerfully
7. I will be open and tolerant to others beliefs and opinions.
8. I will remember that a life lives simply is beautiful
9. I will learn to rest in the arms of the lord, spirit.
10. I will express myself and be free

The very difficulties of life, of which we are apt to complain, are converted into the means of that discipline, that self improvement, which is the great end of life. …progress is the child of struggle, and struggle is the child of difficulty.

James Walker

STRONGER (Faith Hill)

This is the window to my heart
I just want you to be for real
There ain’t no freedom where we are
There ain’t no wishes in these stars
Ain’t no reason to believe

But don’t worry baby
Don’t you worry
Baby this is what we need
A little bruise and a little bleeding
Some space that we can breathe in
Some silence in between

So cry for me baby
and I’ll cry for you
and we’ll both break down
and we’ll both break through
and find our way to face the truth
We both will be stronger
and we’ll lie down in our loneliness
and wake up with our sad regrets
and even though we don’t know it yet
We both will be stronger
We both will be stronger
I can’t believe you’re really gone, now
but I know it’s for the best
And I know that we weren’t right
but I still reach for you each night
and man, that hurts like hell

So cry for me baby
and I’ll cry for you
and we’ll both break down
and we’ll both break through
and find our way to face the truth
We both will be stronger
and we’ll lie down in our loneliness
and wake up with our sad regrets
and even though we don’t know it yet
We both will be stronger
We both will be stronger

This is the window to my heart
I just want us to be for real
Baby i’m sorry for the way things are
Goodbye is always hard
But we both will be stronger

SWITCHFOOT – This Is Home lyrics

I’ve got my memories
They’re always
Inside of me
But I can’t go back
Back to how it was
I believe now
I’ve come too far
No I can’t go back
Back to how it was
Created for a place
I’ve never known

Chorus:
This is home
Now I’m finally
Where I belong
Where I belong
Yeah, this is home
I’ve been searching
For a place of my own
Now I’ve found it
Maybe this is home
Yeah, this is home

Belief over misery
I’ve seen the enemy
And I won’t go back

Back to how it was
And I got my heart
Set on
What happens next
I got my eyes wide
It’s not over yet
We are miracles
And we’re not alone

(Chorus)

And now after all
My searching
After all my questions
I’m gonna call it home
I got a brand new mindset
I can finally see
The sunset
I’m gonna call it home

(Chorus)

Now I know
Yeah, this is home

I’ve come too far
Now I won’t go back
This is home

Today was day 1 of my macrobiotic rice fast. Not that it is a real fast just eating rice and eating as macrobiotic as possible. All these thoughts and feelings and emotions where whirling around me today. All these emotions and thoughts came pouring out of me today both good and bad. I cried I wanted to run away I didn’t want to think anymore but I hung on and I’m glad I did. Instead I decided to embrace my feelings my emotions and my thoughts I decided to face them instead of running away as usual. I know it’s the only way I’ll conquer my life is by facing my life. It was happy and painful. A mix of emotions an array of feelings thoughts flowing But I made it through. I realized I miss my love so much. I already knew that but today I really felt it and I let myself feel it. I didn’t try to contain it or cover it up. It came in many forms. But underneath it all was a longing. I just miss him. Under all the complex emotions it was simple. Then once I realized that all these thoughts came flowing back to me memories really just made me remember why I adore him and love him.

Serendipity

Fate:

The first day I saw my love was the first day of the rest of my life. I knew I was going to marry him one day. I prayed to the lord that if we really where meant to be and he was the one then let me see him outside of school so I can have a reason to talk with him. I saw him at the oberweis and knew it was fate or destiny. I knew that we where meant to spend out lives together. I still know this is true. I remember the first time we spoke. It was a Monday we where standing outside of school it was November a dark and chilly day. I walked up to him and we started chatting. The rest is history as they say. I remember when he gave me a pin he said an angel for my angel. I guess in some ways I am his angel and I love he thinks of me like that. But he is my angel as well in many ways. I remember when he got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. I was totally shocked we had discussed marriage and getting engaged here and there but I didn’t think he would propose. He did and I said yes of course why wouldn’t I marrying him was my dream after all. Then we shared a kiss. Then one day he asked me to close my eyes and I opened them to find this beautiful ring on my finger. This was concrete now it sealed the deal he wanted to spend his life with me and he still does. I feel so lucky to be his and for him to be mine. Always and forever

Others are affected by what I am say and do. And these others also have the sphere of influence. So what a single act of mine may spread in widening circles thorough a nation or humanity.

W.E. Channing

In all sorts of husks and shells, hard, withered, dead, god sees a goodness we are always missing.

Robert Coyller