Placing one foot in front of the other, I’ve climbed to higher lengths. Reaching beyond my own limitations, to show my inner strength. No obstacle too hard, for this warrior to overcome. I’m just a man on a mission, to prove my disability hasn’t won.
I choose not to place DIS”, in my ability.”
– Robert M. Hensel

Dear Friends,
One of my favorite shows ended last week. It is “Dancing with the Stars.”
If you are not a follower, it is a show where professionals team up with “stars”
from TV, movies, sports, news and other media, to teach them HOW to dance various dance styles.  The audience listens to the judges’ opinions and scores for each dancer, then VOTES for their  favorite star. There is a wide range of star  ability and yet EVERYONE improves as the weeks go by.

This past season was one that will stand out in my mind forever.   For the first time a top male model by the name of Nyle won. The amazing fact is, he is DEAF and communicates only through sign language and an interpreter! The judges were never easy on him because of his challenge. Nyle maintained his peace, personality and ease through out the season. He listened, worked hard and learned from his pro, Peta.  How she was able to teach him the steps and the timing without him being able to hear the music is beyond me. The coveted Mir-ball trophy was much deserved by both of them!

What does that say about a deaf person wining a dance contest?  It says, as one judge put it,
“The only boundaries in our life, are in our mind.”
Challenges are not in our life to stop us, or defeat us, they are there to help us go BEYOND any limits we may have placed on ourselves. My mother used to tell me,  “Can’t never did.” What areas of “I can’t” are you dealing with in your life? What abilities are you neglecting and what challenges are you facing?
STOP placing limitations on yourself.
STOP setting boundaries on yourself.
GOD in you. is your ability, your answer to challenges, your inspiration, your know-how, your potential just waiting to explode, emerge and be shown.
GO for your abilities.  SEE  challenges as your way to expand in mind, heart and consciousness.
YOU are a WINNER!                                                   ***

Breath In Joy and Strength
Breathe Out Wisdom and Peace
– Angeles Moreno

We are looking forward to this coming Saturday’s,
LABYRINTH WALK
May 28th 2016
from 2-4pm.
Interfaith Prayers for Peace

If you have a favorite prayer, bring it with you.

Meditative Breathing

Walking the Labyrinth

We will be practicing the Ujjayi yoga breathing technique.  Doug Keller says, “The breath is,… the way to peace. Breathing, as most of us already know, is the key to being at ease (i.e. not stressed out) in a situation. The point of a practice of breathing, however, is not just to use the breath to calm down when you’re upset. The goal is to make being at ease your accustomed state of being — through practice.”
http://www.sahej.com/yoga-and-the-breath.html
Let us bring to our lives a sense of  ease.  When  we are not at ease we experience disease in many ways.   Peace, health, wholeness, life itself depends on the Breath.  God has given us the Breath of Life  to maintain and sustain us every moment of everyday.  As we sink into a peaceful, breath conscious meditation, our peaceful, easy energy supports us and vibrates out  into the world.

PEACEFUL YOU, PEACEFUL WORLD!
JOIN US SATURDAY!
Please RSVP  [email protected]
858-487-8885
Thank you
***

Dear Friends,
Have you ever felt like you were juggling just too many balls in the air?  I came to that conclusion today when I emailed a friend asking a question I had asked her before and never got an answer, or so I thought.  When she emailed back she said “I did mention to you……”  Deep in my memory banks  I knew she had told me her answer.  It is as if it went in one ear and out the other and I moved on too quickly to the next thing to take care of on my list of “to do’s”.
Times like these remind me to  just stop for a moment and breathe in  the air, love, breath of God.  I needed to just Pray for the answer, the solution, the next step.  My ego does not have to think it is in charge of all the details. I need to allow the Divine Spirit within me to flow in all my activities, responsibilities with grace and ease. Already I feel better.
Making lists are good. Releasing them and allowing God to be in charge of the when, how to, and where is better!
As Emerson says,
“The Infinite lies stretched in smiling repose.”
I will meet my God-Self there!

Dear Friends,
At our Labyrinth Walk last Saturday one of our attendees mentioned how aware she was of the twists and turns on the labyrinth path. It reminded her of how her  personal life had taken different turns and how her decisions made her go either left or right. Many of these “turns” were “Defining Moments” in her life.
I understood what this lovely lady was saying because every defining moment for me meant I had to make a change, go in a different direction, move left or right and yet always forward. Today as I pondered this idea and walked the labyrinth,  I also noticed several little weeds happily springing up in spite of the hard decomposed granite.  These weeds, for me, symbolized  the areas I still need to work on, ideas to eliminate from consciousness, actions to stop, emotions to heal.
Today, think back on your life journey.  Where were your defining moments?  Are  you coming up on one now? Will you need to go in a different direction? What areas of your life feel like weeds?  Are you ready to uproot what does not belong to you or no longer serves you?
Twists, turns and weeds of life are our teachers. ALL is meant to bless us.              Enjoy your Walk!
***

Dear Friends,

As the quote from Chief Seattle says above, we are all ONE, and we are all connected in the web of life. What one part of the web feels, we all feel. The feeling vibrates out and moves every part of the web.

“When we recognize that we are all connected, we begin to understand that our life touches more people than we can ever know….What kind of a difference are we making?

What we do to one, we do to all.

What we do FOR one, we do for all.”

(Dennis Merritt Jones -May Science of Mind Magazine)

As we walk the Labyrinth on Saturday we will mindfully think, feel and affirm our oneness with each other while walking with those around the world.The more we raise our energy vibration/consciousness to that of oneness, peace, contentment, camaraderie, compassion, joy, love, friendship, safety & security we know it ripples out to the consciousness of the world in the one web of life and comes back to us as well!

Come join us Saturday and be a part of something GREATER than yourself!

Saturday, May 7th

12:45pm – Group Prayer around Labyrinth

1:00 – Walk as ONE

For more information go to “Events” click AFC

Dear Friends,
I love the early morning fragrance of mother earth, hearing the birds singing and seeing the beautiful trees swaying in the breeze.  Today I decided to walk the beautiful path on the golf course near my house.  It seemed early enough before the workers groomed the grass and golfers were out.   I was in  a bit of bliss when I noticed not too far ahead of me, a coyote.  I stopped and watched.  He was looking around and watched as well.   One coyote is usually not a threat to a human, just small animals. When two coyotes are spotted one needs to be cautious. When a pack is roaming, best to stay clear.
Not knowing how many were ahead I said a silent, “OK God, now what shall I do?”
My eyes were immediately directed to the ground where in front of me was a walking stick, just the right size for me.
I then heard a thunderous noise, looked up and saw the coyote  take off faster than a speeding bullet.  The noise was a worker starting up his truck to cut and groom the grass on the golf course.  I began walking and saying a sweet thank you  to God.  I then noticed several more walkers and a jogger.  How did that happen?  I was solely alone and then completely in company.
I have always had the feeling I was fully and completely cared for, even during the rough times in life.  Even today on my simple walk, I was divinely guided and protected.
I NEVER WALK ALONE. God is always with me.  I know that so completely for myself, I know this Truth for YOU too!
Before I called, God Answered!  Before I even asked, “OK God, now what do I do,” the walking stick was waiting for me, the worker was already in place near by ready to start his tractor, and the walkers and joggers were coming up to be in my view exactly when I needed to see them!

I love God, my Companion and Caretaker Always!
Remember YOU are always cared for day in and day out!
ALWAYS!
***

April 12, 2016
Dear Friends,
How many times have you said, “I knew that was going to happen!”?  Sometimes you just  knew when something good was going to happen and  something “not so good.”  When you knew something was amiss, or off ,or not good, what did you do? Did you continue to worry and fret about it, or did you change the energy?  What do I mean by changing the energy?  PRAY!  In the world of energy everything is fluid, nothing fixed. I have had many experiences where if I hadn’t prayed for the Highest and Best outcome, I may not be here today.
A simple example  just happened to me recently which continued to confirm my “knowing” we can influence an outcome.
Steve and I were  in charge of a very important meeting last week where we were expecting 26 people.  We were meeting in a new location at one of the churches in the San Diego area.  We planned to be there at 12:30pm to set up meeting tables, food tables, chairs and a PowerPoint presentation for a 1pm meeting.  The person who was to open the door to let us in said he could not be there right at 12:30, and would get there as soon as he could.
The night before I just KNEW he was going to be late, and people would arrive and the doors would be locked right up until 1pm.  This anxious feeling lasted all evening and by the time I went to bed I decided to PRAY.  My prayer was not that this gentleman would be on time, my prayer was to SURRENDER TO GOD’S Outcome of the whole situation. There was nothing I could do physically  to ensure his arriving early, so the  meeting would begin on time.
The next morning during my prayer/mediation time, the THOUGHT came to me, “Get there at 12:30.”
I told Steve and we made sure we got to the church by 12:30.  One car was in the driveway. We came up to the church and the doors were locked.  I knocked and two lovely young ladies answered the door. We told them who we were and what we were doing there. They had no idea we were coming and were not informed about our meeting.  However they were so sweet and gracious, and they helped us begin to set up.  Shortly another man showed up and helped us.  Other people started coming in. ( A bit unheard of in CA when most people arrive late) Tables, chairs, tablecloths, power point and everything was easily done. The man who was to unlock the doors, came in at 12:55,  saw the activity of people and was quite surprised. Needless to say the meeting was extremely energetic and successful!
“God always has a way,
where to human sight there is no way!”
I believe these lovely 2 young women were God’s blessings to us and the answer to my prayer of surrender.
When in doubt, when anxious, when in trouble,  when you know there is nothing you can do, SURRENDER to God and the way and the answer will be made clear and visible.

April 5, 2016

Dear Friends,
I was sitting by my labyrinth one morning contemplating GOD and viewing  the beautiful GAIA, earth upon which we all live,  “G” words began to flow into my  thoughts.
Goodness of God
Grace of God
Greatness of God
Gratitude for God
Glory of God
Graciousness of God
Generosity of God
I realized how GOOD  my life is.
I realized how the GRACE of God manifests everyday in my life with wonderful people, divine opportunities and purpose.
I realized God is always GREAT and  GLORIOUS regardless of appearances.
I realized how GRATEFUL I am for God’s GRACIOUSNESS  & GENEROSITY in my life.
How many ideas can you think of today that describe GOD? It is a wonderful way to meditate. Reflecting on God’s Goodness as a spiritual practice will help you feel at peace with your life, and the world. Answers to questions, and challenges will become clear and/or dissolve. The day will flow in Divine Order and Timing.   For God is all there is, in front of us, behind us, to our left, to our right, above us, below us, surrounding us and in us and in all forms of life. God is beyond our finite knowledge and yet we see God in the eyes of a baby, a sunset, a flower.  God is the stars, the sun, the moon, the universe and universes and all dimensions. I am and you are made up of the very essence of God’s Goodness.
Wherever we go, God is there with us on our journey.
GOD is So Good!
Peace and Blessings Always
***

March 29, 2016

Dear Friends,
There are times when you need to put your FAITH in ACTION.  Last week Revs. Drs. Abigail and Steve joined in the annual foot washing  on Holy Thursday at the San Diego Civic Center.   We, along with many leaders from many faith traditions came to support the women janitors who clean the buildings in San Diego. We listened to their stories and gently washed their feet.  It was a humbling and beautiful experience.
Please read what Christi Bohan of Pax Christi Catholic Non-violent Peacemakers wrote;
“On Holy Thursday this past week, we participated in the march and foot washing of our San Diego janitors to support an increase wage, and to stop the sexual harassment, exploitation, and rape of female janitors. It was a very powerful and emotional march as one of the janitors carrying a huge wooden cross led us on a walk in downtown San Diego during the lunch time hour as us, the walkers, sang “Here we are Lord” and “Amazing Grace.” The police cleared one side of the road as onlookers stopped to see what was going on as we sang and held signs to support our janitors. We walked a few blocks to the Civic Center Plaza where we heard personal stories of the janitors plight. Various religious leaders shared their thoughts and gave their blessings. Bishop McElroy and two other Bishops from other faiths also were present and talked about their solidarity with the janitors. A major Muslim leader, Imam Taha Hassane, got huge applause when he shared “I want to be caught doing social justice” referring to one of the comments from one of the presidential candidates insinuating Muslims don’t do their part in promoting social justice. Bishop McElroy made a point to acknowledge the tragedy in Belgium to this Muslim leader. One of the signs we held at the march said, “All religions want justice.” To wrap up the talks, the religious leaders and others who wanted to could wash the feet of the janitors and those that wanted their feet wash. It was a great way to see in action what Jesus did for us and how he wants us to serve each other.”
Here are a few photos.

For more photos, go to “INTERFAITH”

March 22,  2016 WORLD WATER DAY
Water is precious. Use it wisely and conservatively.
Every drop counts.

Dear Friends,
On my walk today I was encased by thick fog. I love to look at the hills and valleys and greenery beyond. Today I could not see what I know is there.  The fog reminded me of when I am experiencing unanswered prayer, or very little  clarity on a decision to make, a problem to solve or challenge to overcome. I realize these “experiences” are just the fog in my mind when I have not risen higher in Consciousness to see above and beyond. The Answers are there. When I ask, “Where are you God?” I hear,                   “I AM HERE.”
I know the SUN is always shinning and the fog is temporary.  So I also know God is Always with me, in me, as me, guiding me regardless of my ego fog murking up the Truth of my Being.
As I walked a little farther up a hill, I began to see more of the hills and valleys and the fog began to lift.  When we rise in Consciousness, doesn’t the fog dissipate in mind and a new idea, new answer,  a NEW THOUGHT emerge?  Yes, of course it does.
Whatever you are going through today, it is just a bit of a fog in mind covering up the Truth of God. You are the Beloved Child of God to which All Things have been given.  Surrender your thoughts, will and ideas (fog)and open up to the Divine Will, the Divine Highest and Best (sun shinning) in your life.

The Way will be made Clear!
***

Dear Friends,
I am not inclined to voice political opinions in an interfaith newsletter, however I would like to share some thoughts with you. The Presidential campaign has blown consciousness wide open.  We see what happens when candidates promote fear rather than compassion, promote slander rather than issues, and seek power rather than what is best for our beautiful and still great country.
Which candidate speaks with authenticity, with a heart, with intelligence, with collaboration in mind when working with leaders of all governments?
Let us pray for the Divine Outcome in this election.
Watching endless arguments between candidates does not help our consciousness.  Sending love and light and blessings to ALL candidates is an energy worth giving.
On a subconscious level they will receive it.
We at the All Faith Center promote friendship, education, consciousness insight and joyful collaboration among All faiths, creeds, races, cultures, genders and more.  Diversity is a blessing and the heart of God. Every thing created by our Creator is unique and not meant to be the same, or alike. Every snowflake is different, every blade of grass is special and that also goes for people too. Let us CELEBRATE our similarities and our differences. It makes us who we are.  Let us be an example to others and implement the Golden Rule and love God, love others as ourselves in our lives today and everyday.

Let us stand together and promote loving kindness as the Elisha Group.