Category Archives: Inspiration

Religion of Love

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Dear Friends,
In my morning meditations, I often read from Pathways to Peace: Interreligious Readings and Reflections. It has truth and beauty spoken from many spiritual leaders, teachers, prophets, and gurus.  I read this passage from Muby al-din ibn’Arabi (1165-1240CE) one of Sufism’s greatest teachers. He taught the “Unity of Being and ALL that really exists is utterly ineffable and we are God’s attributes.”
“My heart has opened into every form; it is a pasture for gazelles, a cloister for Christian monks, a temple for idols, the Ka’ba of the pilgrim, the tablets of the Torah
and the book of the Qur’an.
I practice the religion of Love.”
LOVE is within and yet beyond all faith traditions.  It is the GOD GLUE holding all universes and dimensions together.  We know this to be true every time we forgive, every time we reach out to help someone in need, every time we ask for forgiveness.  This incredible feeling of pure peace, joy and love flows through us.  It is God saying YES, that is how I created you to feel.  Love Heals, Love Prospers, Love opens the gates of good flowing in our lives. Love is the link that connects us with all our fellow human beings regardless of faith, culture, race, country, or gender orientation, and our animal friends as well.
As John Lennon  put it, “Why can’t we all just get along?!”
We are created out of the ONE STUFF, material, essence of  God.
We are 99.9% the same.. The  .1% reminds us of our uniqueness  as flowers in the garden.  When we remember our ONENESS we are remembering the LOVE that keeps us alive, well and blessed.
Open your heart wider today and LOVE more deeply, more profoundly for every living and non living thing.  You will feel so good and you will ultimately realize you are LOVING Yourself!

I Am a Vortex of God

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Dear Friends,

I walked the labyrinth this morning and then sat on one of our comfy chairs to pause, reflect and meditate.  I looked at the center of the labyrinth with its beautiful gifts of crystals and stones.  It looked like a beautiful vortex where love, joy, healing, wholeness can come up from the depths of Mother Earth and spray out into the ethers of our neighborhood, city, state, country and world.  A spray of Love to all.

I also thought of vortexes in Sedona and other places in the world. We can’t always go to these energetic   places to experience an encounter with the Divine.  I feel very blessed to have a labyrinth in my backyard.

Then the thought came to me, places such as Sedona or the center of our labyrinth is not the only Vortex.  There are millions, billions of vortexes and one of them is ME.  It occurred to me, sometimes when walking the labyrinth we are trying to GET to something, or GET an answer from something, which is God. 

In New Thought we believe we are ONE in, as and of God.  We are walking emissaries and immanent beings of God. Therefore what we are seeking, we are already, God, Spirit, Divine Intelligence, Great Love and more! Aren’t we really seeking God when we ask for a healing, or a solution to a problem or  the right outcome for a challenge?

Yes of course.  

“Our desire is for God to fix broken things. But God’s desire for us is to fix our relationship with him. ” 

-Laura Story,

We really don’t have to go anywhere. We can imagine ourselves walking a labyrinth or being at one of the world’s energy vortexes.  We breathe deeply to quiet our heart, mind, body and think about GOD.  

“Be Still and Know That I AM God.”

When we do, Spirit can rise up within us as a gentle flow of love, knowledge, wisdom, wholeness, caring and divine ideas which we can understand and use as answers and solutions to our prayers.

 WE Are Our Own Center, Our Own GOD VORTEX!!!

 God within has all and is all that we could ever need.

Fixin’ with God

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Dear Friends,
Do you ever want someone to just FIX IT, whatever  IT is!?
What might need fixin’ is a work challenge, a relationship trial, even an inanimate object that needs putting together or just plain fixin!
I think we have all been in that situation at least once! 🙂
There are times while planning this conference I wanted lots of things to be fixed or done!   I may need to make a phone call, send an email, hold another meeting, talk about special catering needs, breakout session rooms logistics, bus needs, housing needs, registrations,
cancelled-registrations, brochures, maps, panels, speakers, inside sessions, outsides sessions, even   a new printer, and the list goes on…..
Yes, I need some FIXIN’ to be done.  How????The best way I know to FIX or be done with anything is to STOP trying so hard. STOP trying to do it all myself! I need to just STOP,  breathe, pray and take a moment to meditate and turn it over to GOD. What does that mean? What it does not mean is to NOT do anything.
It does mean to surrender to God’s ideas of Divine Timing, Divine Order and Divine Outcome and move forward with the Divine Thought when it enters my heart and mind. It means I need to trust that the connection I have with, in and of God is the same connection everyone has.  Therefore I am already connected to the right  person I need to call or email. I am already in a Divine relationship with everyone, and the Divine Outcome of all the details is already complete in Spirit. Even my sweet inanimate objects work to full capacity. They too feel the energy of love and quiet.
I spend time every morning in quiet prayer and meditation and read an inspirational piece.  It relives me of any anxiety I might be feeling for the day. I focus on God, on Good, knowing all that I need, I have. I surrender the order for the day and leave it in God’s hands. When  my meditation time is  complete, I move through the day with focus and purpose.  I get more done than I thought I could and even other things I had not considered.
GOD has a way. God has THE plan.
I just release and say, There is only One Will:
“My will is THY Will. THY Will is my will”
Here is beautiful prayer from A Selections of Healing Prayers by Ambrose Alexander Worrall ( I used the word ‘I’ instead of ‘we’)
“Dear Father, it is time for me to walk again in the Garden of Prayer, along the paths that lead to the inner sanctuary where I will find Thee. As I approach Thee, the turmoil of the world is left behind and I come into that abode of peace in which soul speaks to soul
and all is in harmony with Thee.
I have now entered into the chamber of communion and here Thou wilt impress me with the guidance for the day to come.  Here also Thy power will flow into me and through me to others who will be blessed in accordance with their needs. I too shall be made whole for this is the law, and for all these things I give thanks.
Amen.
Fixin’ with God,
Abigail

Listen to Young Adults

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“The more we increase the active participation and partnership with young people, the better we serve them. … And the more comprehensively we work with them as service partners, the more we increase our public value to the entire community.”
– Carmen Martinez
Dear Friends,
I have not only been the co-chair with Steve and working diligently on all aspects of the NAIN conference, I have also been working with an Inter-generational Planning Team for a session at the conference. It has and still is a pleasure to work with my team of
20+, 30+, 40+ and 50+ age members. It was and still is  a collaboration and cooperation of love, respect and valuing of each other’s ideas and skills.  We are visioning others will take the these basics and apply them to their own interfaith and intergenerational groups.
Are you a member of a group, organization or team?
What is your age range?
Would you like young adults ages 18-35 to take an active part of the leadership and direction of your group?
How will you engage this age group to work alongside you?
The Poway Interfaith Team has been challenged by this as well. After this conference I hope to personally find the best ways to incorporate young adults in our planning and visioning process.  One thing YA do not like to hear, is that they are our future.  Their statement is, “Why not now?  We have great ideas and ways to implement them now.”
Come to the NAIN conference, especially on Monday, where you will hear the amazing things young adults are doing and and dialogue with young adults at the Inter-generational Dialogue session Monday afternoon. Your eyes will be opened and learn new ways all generations can work together for a common good and goal.
On a more personal note, I have been working with my daughter, age 30+ on the redesigning of our guest room.  She has a degree in Ecological Interior Design so I know she has the skills and knowledge to redecorate a room. She has been doing this for years commercially, for grade schools, high schools and colleges.
However my own ego almost got in the way.  I showed her my paint chips for the room with ideas for decorating. And she said no, too harsh a color, not enough this or that. etc. I finally let it go and LISTENED to her.  Well, the colors she picked were PERFECT for the room.  She saw, what I couldn’t see.
The point is, do we really LISTEN to our youth and young adults. Do we really appreciate their intelligence and expertise regardless of age?  What are you doing to encourage young adults to use their knowledge and skills?   Food for thought.

God is Where You Are

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Dear Friends,
I read this quote on Rev. Pattie Weber’s newsletter and it really plinged a Truth Chord in me!  Imagine,  God the Power of the Universe is right here NOW with me, and with you.
We know God does not play favorites
(much to the woe of people who pray for their sports team to win etc.).
God is right here in the Big Picture and God is right here in the small details.
I feel that truth so often as I am pushed or pulled to accomplish something.  Of course helping Steve plan this major NAIN Conference is a Big thing in my mind and yet every  detailed step of the way we have been guided to do what is needed to be done with wonderful help and support.
Sometimes God, the Universe moves QUICKLY.   This happened when I stood on my balcony saying to the Universe, I would love to have  a labyrinth in my back yard.  Before I knew it, the junk under the balcony was hauled away, the labyrinth area was prepared, the many trips to KRC Rock brought home the right river rocks and then we had our Dedication.  We have been having Labyrinth Walks for 3 1/2 years now.  Time flys.
On another note, we are redecorating our guest room and once I felt the urge to GET IT DONE, the Universe opened up so completely it was like waiting for me to catch up!
The old trundle bed and desk were sold so quickly on Craig’s List I was hardly prepared. Then I needed to repaint the room. After getting the paint at Home Depot, I asked the checkout lady about painters.  She said she would inquire. By the time I got home, a painter was calling and we set a time for him to come over.  Once done, I realized I needed a bed.  With my daughter’s help I was able to order one and a mattress.  The bed frame came a day early so my son, who was visiting, helped Steve put it together. It all seemed to happen so fast! I am so sure the mattress and bedding will also come quickly.
It is as if the Universe is saying GET IT DONE. You will need this bed SOON.
To God there is no big or little, no time limit, just the willingness to say YES to our heart’s desire. What is your heart’s desire saying today?  What is it you feel the need to do, the push to get it done, the pull of something greater than yourself?   From the smallest to the greatest ideas and desires, God is right where you are, with all the power, wisdom and intelligence available within you!
Call out from the deepest part of your soul and spirit. You are heard. You will be answered. Enjoy the journey!,

 

 

 

God Has the Power

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Dear Friends,
Who has the power?
In New Thought we often begin our prayers with…
There is only ONE POWER, One Life, One Mind, One Body and that power, life, mind, body is mine now. We acknowledge the Supreme Presence and know our Oneness with It!  Sometimes we forget there really is only ONE POWER.  I am no exception.
I have been ruminating for days about a  person I need to connect with concerning the NAIN Conference.  This person has the connection I need for a special performance happening during the conference.  So far emails and phone calls are not working.  This person just isn’t getting back to me.  We were connecting occasionally a few months ago and now not at all. I keep thinking “passive/aggressive behavior.”  Finally I tried having Steve call and I emailed  a colleague.  Finally in meditation this morning I realized I was giving this person the power to make or break this part of the entertainment.
GOD IS THE ONLY POWER!!!  
That clicked firmly in my heart, feelings and emotions and I had  a tremendous sense of peace.  Yes, God is the only Power and God is orchestrating all the details of this conference.  Ideas pop into our heads and we follow through.  True Oneness.
So I surrender this unto God, the One Power knowing the Divine Outcome, however that looks will happen and I am at peace.
Emmet Fox said, “Turn Away From the Problem and Think About God.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson writes: “For it is only the finite that has wrought and suffered; the infinite lies stretched in smiling repose.”
So I am stretching in smiling repose, centered,  trusting, and knowing GOD is the only Power and all I need comes to me with grace, and ease.
Today whatever you have need of, remember to put your faith and trust in the ONE POWER and surrender unto It. 

World Labyrinth Day Magic

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A Special Prayer and Gratitude for Sandra Comeau, who was our Labyrinth Mentor and is now walking labyrinths with Spirit

Dear Friends,
We had a wonderful World Labyrinth Day Walk last Saturday!   All came with the wish of a sunny warm day and was pleasantly surprised at the day being mystical and magical as God’s  Dewey Kisses came down upon us at one point during the afternoon.
The sun came out at various times as well. We were blessed with both the light of the sun, and the cleansing of the rain.  Each person who came shared their energy, love and compassion and received exactly what their hearts needed by walking the labyrinth. One lady had been praying to find “Cradle Catholics” who she could connect with.  As we introduced ourselves around the circle, we found many were “roaming/cradle Catholics.”  We were also  happy to have ladies from the  New Thought, Eckankar and Buddhist tradition.   Some had followed many faith paths on their journey in life.  We had a true Interfaith Connection  and felt our ONENESS with each other  as we felt our ONENESS with the global community who were walking labyrinths around the world.

Here are some COMMENTS from some of those who attended:
I am thrilled to meet like-minded women that also happen to be roamin’/cradle Catholics! I’ve been looking for my tribe. Thank you for today, it was lovely, the rain seemed appropriate, cleansing somehow.
Chris
I just wanted to thank you Dr. Abigail and Dr. Steve for yesterday, I enjoyed my first labyrinth walk, I am currently thinking of starting on a new spiritual path with Sister LaVerne, I thought about that as I walked and it helped to clarify some issues for me.
But I especially enjoyed the warm and caring fellowship with all that were there, and the calm and peace that was present, and the beautiful prayers and the sharing. What a beautiful day !!!
Blessings,
Judy
Thank you, Rev Abigail, and thank you and Rev Steve for facilitating a beautiful celebration of world labyrinth day yesterday. It was very special!
Mairin
Thank you Abigail and Steve for a wonderful magic World Labyrinth Day. I think there will be much light that comes from today’s circle.  I am still riding the wave of beautiful energy from the labyrinth walk and your sacred space and all the people.
Blessings for your ministry.
Georgette
Thank you so much for inviting me yesterday. It was a pleasure to meet with some of the Poway Interfaith group and get to know a little about the organization. And the Labyrinth Walk was really a wonderful vehicle to help open the inner connection with divine spirit.


    

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I want to leave
blowing kisses off my fingertips
and using my last breath to say
I have loved it all.
-Anne Silver
 
 
(Karen Jandorf Daily Quotes)
Dear Friends,
 
Do you remember when you blew kisses to your mom and dad, or son and daughter and/or a favorite person?  I don’t see that being done much anymore and yet a sweet, innocent kiss blown from one to another is such a gift of love.
It is simple and sincere.  Remember as the kiss was given and blown to you the eyes of the giver were warm, big, and filled with love.
We know LOVE is  the essence of the universe, it makes the world go round, it is a healer of physical, spiritual and emotional wounds. God is Love and always sending Love to us as gentle kisses in the breeze, gentle kisses in the rain and a gentle pat on the arm from someone who cares.
Take a moment today and blow a loving kiss with loving thoughts and feelings to a special someone. We know this gentle, loving act will be felt by the receiver, even if he or she is not aware.  It is a powerful act when sent to someone who is hurting, or going through turmoil.  A person who appears unkind, unthoughtful or mean also needs love. Deep within people who hurt, is a scared child who desperately needs a act of love and kindness.  The beauty is, you can do this in “secret” knowing you may have been the one to open the heart a little wider in that person.
Blowing Kisses to situations works well too! It could be a loving kiss goodbye to what no longer serves you.  Sending “it” off with love and no regret.
Blowing Kisses to a relationship that has ended. As they say, a time for every season and this person lasted the season and now it is time to say goodbye with love and gratitude.
Blowing Kisses for health and wholeness brings a sweet healing to yourself and to others.
Blow a loving kiss to whomever and what ever you wish, and enjoy the moment.
                   
Be as a child today(they all enter the Kingdom)
and blow out lots of loving kisses.
Who knows you may even receive one back.
Can you feel it?

Communication & Compassion Between Species

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Communication, collaboration and compassion are wonderful between humans.  It is also wonderful between species.  Here is a precious story of
trust, listening to one’s heart, finding the solution and helping a precious being of another species.
True Story:
Officer James Givens has served with the Cincinnati Police Department for over 26 years, but has never quite experienced anything like this before.
He was sitting in his patrol car in a parking lot when he got an unexpected visitor.  A goose came up to his car and started pecking on the side of it.
He threw food out for her, thinking that’s what she wanted, but she didn’t
take it.

She continued to peck and quack, then walked away, stopped, and looked back at Officer Givens. Then she came back to his car and pecked at it again.   She made it very obvious that she wanted Officer Givens to follow her, so he finally got out of his car and did just that.

The goose led him 100 yards away to a grassy area near a creek.  Sitting there was one of her babies, tangled up in a balloon string.  The baby was kicking its feet, desperate for help. Being wary of helping the baby on his own, and worried that the goose might attack him, Givens called for help from the SPCA, but no wildlife rescuers were available at the moment.
Luckily, Given’s colleague, Officer Cecilia Charron, came to help.  She began to untangle the baby, and the mother goose just stood there and watched, quacking.  She didn’t become aggressive, and just let Officer Charron do what she had to do to set the baby free. It was like the mother goose knew they were helping.  Once Charron untangled the baby, she put it down and it ran right to her mom, and they went right to swimming in the creek.

Charron teared up and said it was the highlight of her 24 years on the force
“It seems like something made up.  It was just incredible,” Givens said.  “I honestly don’t know why I decided to follow her, but I did.  It makes me wonder – do they know to turn to humans when they need help?”
We may never know the answer to this question, but what we do know is that Officer Givens was in the right place at the right time to help these geese!
Life is precious.
We are better working together.
Written by
Rebecca Speer
Encinitas, CA   92024
Trust, Pay Attention, Help and Support those in need.
All are God’s Creations

Consciousness of Courage

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Dear Friends,
I met with some Clergy Women friends for lunch last week. The co-host, Sister LaVern handed out a small prayer booklet written by Sister Joan Chittister.                                    It is called “Prayer for Conscience and Courage.”
It begins with a beautiful prayer about Loving God, giving us the conscience it takes to be brave and courageous to challenge wrong doing and change it whatever the cost to ourselves.  It then goes on to highlight Holy people who had the courage to change consciousness and the world.  Here are four I would like to share with you.
“Holy Daniel and Philip Berrigan
You spent half your lives
in prison to protest the nuclear polices
of the United States
Touch our conscience
as citizens of the globe
and give us the courage
to devote our lives to ending
preparations for war and war itself.
Holy Rosa Parks
Civil rights activist.
You refused to surrender your bus seat
to a white passenger and your arrest
ignited a nationwide effort to end segregation.
Touch our conscience
to trust the power of the individual
and give us the courage
to act without fear.
Holy Mohandas Gandhi
You freed India from English jurisdiction
through nonviolent resistance
and died for the doing of it.
Touch our conscience
on behalf of hard truths
and give us the courage
to pursue them whatever the cost to ourselves.
Saint Mary of Magdala
First evangelist of the Christ.
You were chosen to announce
the Easter message to disbelieving men.
Touch our conscience
on behalf of the full authority of women
and give us the courage
to speak out for equal rights.”
Take a moment and think about your name after the word Holy.
What area in life can you make a difference, have the courage to stand up for the good of all people and all life? What is calling you? What are you passionate about? How will others remember you?
FILL IN THE BLANKS
Holy  (your name)
You   _______________________________
Touch our conscience on behalf of _____________________
and give us the courage to
_____________________________________.
With love and courage to create a beautiful world.