"God is the light upon my path, and when I turn to God in prayer, I am being led in the direction that is right for me. Whenever I face a difficult decision in my personal life, such as one concerning a job or relationship, I know that God will guide me to do what is best.

God's wisdom leads me to a new way of thinking, one in which I gain greater understanding of my spiritual nature. I am joy-filled as God leads me onward in my growing awareness and spiritual unfoldment.

I feel peaceful, content, and fulfilled in the knowledge that I will experience more and more of God's goodness on the path before me. God's light is leading me along the way, and blessings are flowing to me now.

I thank God every day for the wonderful gift of guidance. Not only am I being led to that which is best for me day by day, I am also being led to a growing awareness of my everlasting oneness with God."

Following Jesus - Spiritual Preparation for Easter
Unity Lenten Booklet - 2001


This is the time of Lent for Christians. The spiritual preparation for Easter. I pray for God's guidance everyday for myself and all of our family. Also, prayers and guidance for all the people in Japan affected by the earthquake and tsunami. May all people find the path to take - I pray there is a "light" to guide all of us on our life journeys.

Photo: One of the many beautiful paths around Shore Acres State Park. Al told me this path was the old road to the headlands at Shore Acres. 1/26/11

FOLLOW ME - by C. Lee

“Long I wandered, deep in thought

Trying to find my way.

Stumbling here, turning there…

Until the trees all looked the same.

“Follow Me,” the pine tree whispered.

“Walk this way,” the streambed called.

Joyously, I listened then,

For in the wind I heard the call.

“Follow Me,” it gently said.

“You’ll find your heart’s delight.

Come walk with Me, my precious friend.

Come, let Me be your guide.”

While we walked I learned of love,

Of joy and peace and faith.

The woods grew dim; the path, more straight

With Jesus as my guide.”

“Following Jesus”
Spiritual Preparation for Easter 2001
Unity Booklet

Photo: 1/26/11 - Al during a walk around Shore Acres State Park - Coos Bay, Oregon

You & Your Money Personality

Out with the old,
in with the new!

Today Mary Hunt, of Everyday Cheapskate, is writing about how two different types of money personalities, that are married, can work together to achieve "money harmony."

"The secret to achieving money harmony, no matter your marital situation or personality type, is found in finding financial balance... While the saver/spender combination appears to be deadly, I think it is in fact one of the best, provided both parties are willing to talk about money issues. They complement each other well. The saver has to recognize that spending money with restraint and wisdom brings joy. The spender has to learn that saving, giving and preparing for the future brings a sense of calm and peace."

Mary Hunt - Everyday Cheapskate - 2/14/11


The idea of "a sense of calm and peace" for our financial future sounds comforting. Calm and peace is something I am striving for on a daily basis. Al and I have decided to share a "One Little Word" for the year. http://www.bigpictureclasses.com/onelittleword.php

Facilitate - is our One Little Word that Al created from our conversations and discussions. Our main focus is to facilitate planning for our future, for the rest of our lives. Financial is one focus. We are working through other ideas as they develop and present themselves in the evolution of our lives. As we are in our mid 60's now, we need to work through Estate planning and make decisions for those final stages of our lives. We need to be able to communicate and work together to achieve that "sense of calm and peace," that Mary Hunt describes.

What do the shoes have to do with Facilitate? The old shoes on the right are at least 15 years old. On Sunday I wore them to church. Those shoes have been one of my favorites to wear with slacks, even after all the years of wear. I finally acknowledged to myself that they are too tight and hurt my feet. Yesterday, I bought the new pair of Timberland boots on the left. 15 year old shoes. One of the traits of a thrifty person is to save. I have lots of other shoes that are even older in my closet. I need to Facilitate getting rid of my old saved shoes - not necessarily replace them. "The saver has to recognize that spending money with restraint and wisdom brings joy." I am very happy to have found a nice pair of shoes to replace one of my old favorites and I am feeling the joy.

Photo: Old and the new shoes - 2/14/11

Appreciation Leads to Peace

Appreciation

"I appreciate the people in my life.

Everyone wants to feel appreciated. We want to know our efforts have been worthwhile, our talents are important, and our views and opinions are valuable.

Have I told the people in my life lately that I appreciate them? Have I thanked them for their love and support, their faith and understanding, their time and effort?

I show my appreciation today by sending the people I care about an encouraging card or e-mail, treating them to a special lunch or a bouquet of flowers, or doing an errand that helps ease the stress in their lives. I make it known that I truly appreciate them. With every gesture of appreciation, I, too, am blessed. Every act of gratitude opens me to greater abundance, love, peace and joy.

"I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers."--Ephesians 1:16

Daily Word - 4/21/10


Photo: Homemade Chocolate Covered Strawberries for Al's Valentine enjoyment

PEACE IN NATURE

"You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hill will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field will clap their hands."

(Isaiah 55:12)

Photo: Simon, four years old, playing in the fall leaves - 10/26/06

Feeling Peace with Pets.

"You may connect by taking time to be and play with your pet, be it your bird, cat, dog or any other pet. While petting, holding, talking to, walking with or playing with your pet, notice your feelings and your pet's response to you, as well. Just being aware of and feeling your pet's love for you, causes bliss. If you are truly in the moment, you may be feeling a sense of peace and gratitude for having your pet with whom to share your life, or, you may be experiencing deep love and affection for him or her. Just the act of petting your dog or cat releases endorphins, chemicals that help you to feel better."

Susan Apollon
"Tips to Living a Life of Bliss, Peace and Contentment - Finding Inner Peace"


Lily is visiting us at the beach for a couple of weeks while Ali, Chris, Simon and Anna are away on vacation. Al and I have always had Black Labs in our lives. Lily is another special Lab that brings happiness and peace. Lily's about eight years old now and having some trouble breathing after exertion, but never wants to quite chasing the ball or Frisbee. As long as we will throw it, she will continue to play.


Lily loves to go wherever Al goes - Fishing, crabbing, working in the yard, and especially running at the "Sheep Ranch" golf course.


Photos: 6/29/10 -
Lily waiting in the car to play chase with her tennis ball at Bandon Sheep Ranch and running with Al as he picked up his practice golf balls.

FOCUS ON PEACE

"I value peace, gratitude, integrity and love.
No matter what is going on in the external world,
if I choose to be peaceful in myself and
focus my intention and attention on PEACE,
then I will be at peace."

Judy Stahl
President AMTA - American Massage Therapy Association
Massage Therapy Journal - Spring 2009


What a feeling of peace, watching the happiness of our granddaughter sitting in the grass, in the warm sun and playing with her toes...

Photo: Gabrielle - one year old 3/30/10

Peace - the Power of Love

"There shall not be peace
until the power of love overcomes the love of power."

Latrine Wall
Pleiku Vietnam Veterns 1968
David Dewett Veterns Memorial - North Bend, Oregon
http://www.pointman101.org/Dave.Dewett.Memorial.htm

Al and I discovered this Vietnam Memorial last year when we stopped to look at who had placed the flags at this beautiful spot as you drive into the North Bend/Coos Bay area. One of the marble stones has the power of love quote by Latrine Wall.

If you would like to support our men and women who are fighting for the freedom to choose the "power of love," you can help send care packages to our troops through through Operation Enduring Freedom. http://www.pointman101.org/Care.Packages.htm

Polar Bear - "I come in Peace"

I received this photo in an email forward with the heading of a polar bear saying "I come in Peace." This is one photo in a series of photos by Norbert Rosing's striking images of a wild polar bear coming upon tethered sled dogs in the wilds of Canada 's Hudson Bay. Check out the links below for more photos of the Polar Bear and the sled dog; plus a confirmation by Snopes of the reality of the photos by Norbert Rosing.

http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/programs/play/audiogallery/soundseen.shtml
http://www.snopes.com/photos/animals/polardog.asp

I am thankful for the Internet that connects us to all the different photos and ideas available on any topic. Awesome world we live in - when even wild animals model peaceful acts.

Peace of God

“In the quiet of this moment I am at peace. All is well."

“Allowing time for the silence of prayer and meditation is vital to my well-being. In the quiet, I am serene. I am still. I am calm. Inner peace permeates my body and clears my mind. I am connected to the Divine.

If at a later time I find myself in a challenging situation, the time I spent in the silence allows me to focus on the peace of God in the midst of the challenge. I focus on faith and love and know that all is well.

My action of compassion, gratitude and service reflect the serenity I feel within. In choosing inner peace, I bring great peace to the outer world.”

“He woke up and rebuked the wind and the raging waves; they ceased, and there was a calm.” Luke 8:24

Daily Word - 1/27/10

“FOCUS ON THE PEACE OF GOD.” When the challenging situations come, I have difficulty staying focused on the “peace of God.” I want to – yet, I seem to get caught up in the moment of chaos. I love the image of Jesus waking up in the fishing boat, when the disciples were frightened, and rebuking the wind and raging waves. To be able to focus on the fact that Jesus – the Holy Spirit, is with me and can help me be calm and peaceful, even in the chaos and storms of life, is comforting. I pray for this peace – the peace of God – Inner Peace.

“Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.” As todays Daily Word meditation states: “In choosing inner peace, I bring greater peace to the outer world.” If I choose actions of compassion, gratitude, service and love I will be choosing peace.

Yes, I feel peace during my early morning meditation times – or afternoon meditation times of rest, prayer and reading. The challenge is to feel that “peace of God” during the difficult times, the storms of life. This photo of the storm ravaged tree makes me think of how people can feel as they suffer through some of those storms of life.

“I must listen in order to bring myself into alignment with Spirit. When I am in sync with God, harmony is the inspiring result. I am blessed and at peace.” Daily Word 1/25/10

Photo: Storm ravaged tree on the bluffs of Shore Acres Park - Coos Bay, Oregon 1/17/10

What are you planting in your Garden of Life?

"If you plant honesty,
you will reap trust;

if you plant goodness,
you will reap friends;

if you plant humility,
you will reap greatness;

if you plant perseverance,
you will reap contentment;

if you plant consideration,
you will reap perspective;

if you plant hard work,
you will reap success;

if you plant forgiveness,
you will reap reconciliation;

if you plant faith in God,
you will reap a harvest.

So, be careful what you plant now;
it will determine what you will reap later.

*Whatever You Give To Life,
Life Gives You Back.*"

This quote came from an email forward I received from my Brother-in-law last night. There are many messages in life about "reaping what you sow." This quote is a good reminder of the consequences of choices.

Photo: One of Al's beautiful Fuschia's @ Lighthouse Beach - 8/22/09

Three Kinds of Peace

"You must talk peace,
not only the peace of nuclear disarmament,
but spiritual peace,
peace within yourself.
Unless everybody has inner security,
there cannot be world security.
So peace within yourself,
peace within the world
(between peoples, and nations, and races, and religions),
and then peace with nature.
These are the three kinds of peace
that should be understood
as comprehensive peace,
total peace."

Words of advice to Satish, about his "Walk for Peace," from Vinoba Bhave, A follower of Mahatma Gandhi
Satish Kumar - Walking The World For Peace
http://www.context.org/ICLIB/IC17/Kumar.htm

Photo: Al and I have been collecting these Nesting Dolls/Stackable dolls for a few years. All the grandchildren love to play with them. The vision that Vinoba Bhave has for people, a peace between all people, nations, races, and religions, is a worthy vision that I pray may happen one day.

Peace is...

"Peace was the first thing the angels sang.
Peace is the mark of the sons of God.
Peace is the nurse of love.
Peace is the mother of unity.
Peace is the rest of blessed souls.
Peace is the dwelling place of eternity."

Leo the Great
Catholic Pope - 461
http://www.cin.org/leogreat.html

I found this quote in a small book purchased at a second hand bookstore in Ontario, Oregon - "A Gift of Mistletoe - Thoughts for a Merrie Christmas." Complied by Elisabeth Deane. I have enjoyed finding old quotes in random books found in out of the way small bookstores.

Photo: 12/3/09 - Stained Glass Window at Blessed Sacrament Parish - Ontario, Oregon.

Your Christmas Guest

Take time this Christmas Season
To go a little way apart
And with the hands of prayer prepare
The house that is your heart.

Brush out the dusty fears,
Brush out the cobwebs of your care
Till in the house that is your heart
It's Christmas everywhere.

Light every window up with love,
And let your love shine through
That they who walk outside may share
The blessed light with you.

Then will the rooms with joy be bright,
With peace the heart be blessed,
And Christ Himself will enter in
To be your Christmas guest.

James Dillet Freeman

"Help the age of Peace to come"

"Let Christmas not become a thing

merely of merchant's trafficking,

of tinsel, bell and holly wreath and surface pleasure,

but beneath the childish glamour,

let us find nourishment for heart and mind.

Let us follow kinder ways

through our teeming human maze,

and help the age of peace to come."

Madeline Morse
http://www.quotelady.com/subjects/christmas.html

Photo: Christmas lights on lanai @ Mokihana - 2008 Kauai

Positive Friends & Professionals

"I surround myself with positive friends and professionals.
I achieve a sense of peace and well-being."

Daily Word - 10/22/09

Peace and well-being encouraged by positive friends and positive professionals - that is the outlook for this week in San Francisco. Being with Jeffrey Gitomer, as he teaches his form of "Yes! Attitude" to hundreds of people in his seminars over the next few days, is a special form of inspiration. I am thankful to be with Jessica and Jeffrey. I truly enjoy attending Jeffrey's seminars. His enthusiasm is contagious! The main focus of his seminars is business sales - yet, every time I attend one of his seminars, or read his books, columns or newsletters, I am again encouraged to seek a positive mental attitude. For me, each positive thought brings peace. Thanks Jeffrey.

Photo By Yanick: Jeffrey Gitomer - National Speakers Convention Hall of Fame Award Ceremony 8/4/08

Writing brings peace

"The magical power words had of connecting strangers wasn't lost on my kindergarten mind. Within days I was folding paper into halves and scribbling my own books. I eagerly handed them to Mom and watched as my story unfolded in her voice. And though it was the idea of sharing my voice that led me to the path of writing, I soon discovered what's kept me here: writing calms me, it helps me think. It brings me peace. In many ways, it's like prayer."

Sabra Ciancanelli
http://www.ourprayer.org/why-blog


"....my story unfolded in her voice," what a beautiful analogy. So meaningful for a child to have their parents read the beginnings of a young writer. I can just imagine the happiness of my grandchildren, and grand nephews, if their parents take the time to practice this style of learning. I remember hours and hours of reading and homework with our children. And...I still have projects/treasures stored in boxes to be sorted and saved in some meaningful scrapbook way. Maybe I'll get to that project next year....

Photo: Grandchildren and grand nephews at our family vacation on Lightouse Beach - 8/2/09 - Shore Acres Gardens - Coos Bay, Oregon

International Prayer for Peace

Join people of all faiths around the world
who are praying this prayer at noon each day:

"Lead me from death to life,
from falsehood to truth.
Lead me from despair to hope,
from fear to trust.
Lead me from hate to love,
from war to peace.
Let peace fill our heart, our world, our universe.
Peace, peace, peace."

(Adapted from the Upanishads by Satish Kumar.)

Prayers for Justice and Peace


In memory of September 11, 2001, please pray for Peace for all people of the world. Today I am focusing my Peace Prayers on the people who perished in the terrorists attacks of 9/11/01, their families, and especially the children who lost their parents that day.

I pray that one day our world can live in peace and freedom for all people. Amen

Photo: The peace of a sunset at Lighthouse Beach - 7/28/09

"Peace produces more peace"

"Being still has a soothing effect on us.
Peace produces more peace.
If we find peaceful places and
remain in them for a while,
we will begin to feel calmness engulf our souls.
we cannot live noisy lives continually
and expect to feel peaceful.

Joyce Meyer
"21 Ways to Finding Peace and Happiness" pg.164


The photo above is from one of our beach gardens where we have a St. Francis statue and a bird feeder among the dune grass and other native plants. St. Francis is hidden by one of the pigeon's perching on his arm. The garden is a peaceful place that encourages the birds to consume large quantities of bird seed. We have all variety of birds enjoying the seed and the calmness of the garden. St. Francis is one of my favorite saints, whose prayers inspire me. I'm lobbying for a rustic bench to be able to sit and feel the calmness engulf my soul.

Photo: Saint Francis Garden - Lighthouse Beach - 5/26/09

"Sunrise follows sunset"

"If at any time today the order and harmony
of some aspects of my life seem uncertain,
I clear my mind of all concern.
There is no need to worry.
Just as season follows season,
wave follows wave,
and sunrise follows sunset,
all is well."

Daily Word - 7/6/09


Spending time at our beach place on the Oregon coast intensifies the beauty of the waves following waves and sunrises following sunsets. We see the ocean waves and the sunsets often - when there isn't fog as there is on this summer day. When it is hot inland, the fog hangs on the coastline. We can't even see the ocean this morning, let alone the Lighthouse.

The fog can be a metaphor for the times when our lives seem uncertain, out of order, not in harmony. Even though we can not see the Lighthouse, the ocean, the sunrise or sunset, we know it is still there. In our personal lives, we may feel like we are "in a fog," confused, with no clear vision. I am thankful for my faith, that I believe God is with me and with my family. Guiding me through the fog, through the confusing stages of life, guiding me to a path, though I may not be able to see clear visual markers, is one of the blessings of faith. One step at a time, one day at a time, the fog will lift and the beauty of life will be visible again.


Photo: Lighthouse Beach Sunset 4/18/09