What would happen if we all...?

I usually do not share my prayers online. But I chose to for this one, only because I wanted to share the results.

While gathering stories for Positive News on my other blog, I must sift through countless other stories, filled with war, violence and sadness. After reading a slew articles about the shootings from all parts of the world, from civil war in Syria, to war-torn parts of the African continent, to another school shooting in the US (all in yesterday's news), I was ready to weep. :*(

At 3 pm, I paused in my workday to say some prayers. I had the printed prayers in hand, but instead I felt directed to put them away. "Share what's on your heart, daughter."

And I did. I asked for all this gun violence to stop - even if just for 24 hours. So caught up in this prayerful request, I found myself with my head down to the floor. It was a desire from deep within. Not that I hold anything against the shooters, for they truly are not in their right frame of mind, heart and spirit when they kill another human being.

Just please, end it ... even if for a day.

I just wrapped up my news search a few minutes ago. While I wish I could have reported there were no fatal gun shootings - there WAS A SIGNIFICANT drop. An Isreali military man shot a Palestinian woman. A cop in the US shot his wife, child and self. One other US shooting reported. While each of these is sad, that was all in the news for the past 20 hours. Worldwide.

That impresses me. God does listen. God does care.

• What if we all prayed that the gun violence ends?
• What if we all prayed that all violence ends?
• What if we all prayed that the hungry would have food?
• What if we all prayed that we treat each other with love and kindness?

How much can we change the world, if we all just prayed?

Five Words

Near the end of the workday today, I was tired. I was tired of this illness I cannot shake, tired of the monotony of my day job, tired of not knowing if I should continue Positive News, tired of wondering if I will have a job next month, tired of not really knowing anything, nor what to do about it all...

When I get cranky, I reach out to Yeshua, seeking some comfort and confirmation that I am still on the right track. It's something a little sister does with a trusted big brother. :)

The response was five words: "Let me see your hands."

Sure enough, my hands clutched past (including all petty things of the day) and future (with all its worries, hopes and fears). In a sense, I had bound myself trying to remain in complete control of my life.

When I acknowledge that God is better qualified to differentiate the valuable and inconsequential, my mind and spirit become calm and confident.

When I show God what is in my hands, rather than stubbornly insisting I can handle it myself, I invite God to help me. I am placing my life in God's capable hands. What better place is there?

When I heard, "Let me see your hands," I smiled and opened both hands wide. The tiredness dropped from my mind and body in a heartbeat. I may still sniffle, but my soul feels much lighter now. My emotions are calm and my mind is at Peace. I smile.

I LAUGH!

What is in your hands right now?

Will you let Him see too?

Practice

I know it's WAY too early for Easter, but this image seemed to fit my thoughts today.

For little over a week, I hunted down news stories that spotlight goodness, Light and Love in humanity, as well as accounts of Miracles and Wonders.

Going through the news feeds for these isn't too different from Easter egg hunts...

I originally began the Positive News series on my other blog in response to all the negative news issued by the media and many blogs, recounting all the "sins" and evils of the world.

Uhm... Was I just shaking my fist at the fist-shakers? I think so...

But, as I mentioned previously, God may have a purpose behind this. I think I just discovered one.

Listening to negative news, we become wary of our brothers and sisters. We may be fearful or see them as duping, goading or leading us to "sin." There may also be a "get them before they get us" mentality.

While I strive to find Light and Love in the news stories, there is also Light and Love in each human being ~ everyone!

So for me, this is becoming a daily practice to peel back all the layers and see what shines - both in terms of stories and within each and every individual person.

I need to stop,

Look past the headlines

And see the REAL story underneath. :)

Little Love Notes

It's amazing how many different ways God tells us we're Loved.

While gathering stories this morning, the following was in my inbox.

Eyes of the Father: God does the unexpected

Gainesville Times
Yet in doing it, I showed my child how much I loved her. My actions also brought her an immense amount of joy.

That is how it came in, copy and pasted right from the email. If you choose to follow the link, you will see there is story. But for a moment, I read only the words above.

In that email God showed me Love, and it DID bring me joy - in an unexpected way.

May you find these little love notes in your life too. :D

Sharing the Positive News

On my other blog (here) I've started posted collections of positive news stories - daily. It takes hours to search, format and compile these. I've wondered if it was worth it...

Yet, at the same time, I cannot help but feel I'm being guided to do so. 

Fortunately, the time has gone down this week from sixteen hours for the first post to a mere four hours for today's post. Yeshua hints that by the end of January my skills will have that down to roughly an hour per day.

Originally my thoughts were that I would find maybe three to seven stories in a given 24-hour period. Ha! Go over to the other blog and see. It's a far cry from that. I will admit, the number of positive stories surprises even me. There is still much Light and Love shining in this world. Where stories are reported, there are thousands that go unmentioned.

By Thursday, I questioned if this was something God wanted me to do. After all, I haven't tweeted inspirational rhymes since I started "Positive News" on my blog... While I searched the last few places, I noted that I was quite shy on "Furry Friends" stories. Then I got an email, just as that thought crossed my mind. It contained four really good animals stories to share. Was the Divine Editor listening to my thoughts?

While it's quite a bit of work, in the end I really don't know how many I will touch with "Positive News." From peeking at the stats, they are actually my most hit blog posts - ever.

The truth is that I won't know many of the results of my work until the end of my time. I also know that what I do is nothing compared to the remarkable things God does with it. I've only caught a few glimpses of the "behind the scenes" work. Sometimes a person is led to read something at "just the right time" or will get an idea from my posts and do something remarkable.

Who knows how far it goes.

I just know I need to Trust,

And place all in God's hands.

Pari's Lap

I woke up early (3:30 am) and spent time with Yeshua and Pari (God ~ see here for more). Mostly it was a time of Peace and a chance to reflect what some of the underlying thoughts were (see Mental Yoga).  I was surprised when a particular thought rose to the surface. I turned to Pari and asked, "Am I ugly?" I originally thought of this body, but I also realized that my mind included my spirit and soul in this question...

Immediately hordes of memories dating from recent years to as far back as very early childhood sprang to mind - all indicating that this was the very reason I was outcast all these years. I have learned to recognize this prompt. It was not from Pari but from the Adversary through my ego. It was designed to make me feel small, insignificant and worthless. For the moment, it was working...  ... only for that moment.

Since I was already in contact with Pari and feeling a bit more bold, as I could feel Yeshua's comforting Presence akin to arms around my shoulders, I took a trembling step (allegorically) toward Pari and asked for help. I could not get past this barrage of negative images and feelings alone.

The response that came back surprised me even more than the question that started this mess. "Climb into my lap." Say what!? But all I got was affirmation that I heard correctly. I was asked to climb into the lap of God. I argued at first that I didn't know how. But the answer returned that I DID know how, as every child of God knows, but I could not do so as I was holding myself back. I swallowed a bit and asked for help in NOT holding myself back, if that makes any sense. I felt a hand, as though someone physically present but unseen in the room had gently cupped the back of my neck.

All doubt was gone. The answer was there. Just simply will myself into Pari's lap. I did and I was there. I didn't even need to stir the blanket that was wrapped around me for warmth.

I forgot what this is like; it's been over four decades since I last crawled into a parent's lap. Things look a LOT different from there. My perspective, introspectively and extrospectively, CHANGED.

I was warned that this would be only temporary, but the purpose was to give me some insight to take with me. I am not ugly - inside or out. I am a beautiful creation of God. So is everyone else. What an amazing insight! The lies will still be out there, but I was given the proof that they ARE lies. We are all beautiful children of God, and when we see from God's perspective, we are equally beautiful to each other. Sometimes we just need to climb into our loving Parent's lap and have a good look around.

Even when we are lost, pulling ourselves away, or frightened, we are still beautiful. When we are exhausted by our struggles and - at last - surrender ourselves to God's Care and Mercy, we are as lovable and adorable as a pack of puppies that desire nothing but unconditional Love. And God WILL take us into arms that never tire of holding children, no matter how we may squirm. :)

Open Hands

Of the things I've learned recently, this is quite practical. Any time I struggle (mentally, emotionally, even with physical pain), I empty and open both hands.

In one hand is the past - all that I learned, all that I have acquired and possess, all the past experiences, connections and grudges that influence me. That must be emptied and opened.

In the other hand is the future - all that hope for, all that I dream, all my plans, all my worries. That too must be emptied and opened.

When both hands are empty and open, my focus is on God and the present moment. It's then that God takes my hands and REALLY helps me, including ways I have yet to put to words.

The struggles cease.

Peace flows in.

Mental Yoga

I haven't written in a while, but I needed to do some mental yoga. Mental yoga...?

Yup! I twist my mind this way and that way to learn from where each thought comes. It may not involve sun salutation or downward dog, but I did run into child.

Rather than riding my thoughts and first impressions as they gallop out my mouth or through my fingertips, I learned to follow them back to the roots. There's a lot of garbage back there. It's time for a yard sale!

Does anyone want any rejections I've experienced in childhood? Going cheap!

How about "It's not fair" feelings? I've got a stack to clear out.

Oh, and here's a great find: iEnvy! "What is iEnvy?" you ask. It's the feelings of low self worth and jealousy because I don't have the latest tech-toys. Not even a smart phone. Well, my hubby gave me a solar powered dancing flower from the dollar store. Does that count?

Over here there's a whole trunk of "I should have done's" - all those things I wished I had done when I had a younger body and few responsibilities. Maybe I should start a bucket list instead...

We all have knots that influence our thoughts and perspectives. There are ties to the past that sometimes need to be undone.

We are also interconnected to each other, sometimes in ways we never imagine.

When we trace these thoughts and feelings back to roots, we can be surprised by what we find - good as well as bad.

We are also given an opportunity to clear out what we don't want and work on weaving our thoughts and perspectives around positive influences in our lives.

What we can achieve is far more beautiful than we now conceive.

Lastly, while weaving our life, sometimes we find ourselves at the end of our rope.

That's when we need to be like this kitten - tie a knot and hang on until a new strand appears.

Don't worry.

It will.

:D

Finding Joy

Yesterday, a friend's email shared a presentation on building a joyful community. The word "joy" stuck in my mind, and brought up a familiar taunt: When are you really Joyful?

Despite my chipper attitude on twitter (pun intended), I experience doubt, depression and deep sadness. Growing up outcast and all-but-completely rejected by my own family, I have scars that never fully healed. I also have few friends I can turn to when I need help. I struggle financially to meet basic needs. So very easily I can nod in assent to those words and wonder: When am I really joyful? Do I even know what joy - true JOY - is?

Then a confident, if quiet, Voice answers: Joy is here, but I stubbornly hold myself away, while I put faith in the lies.

While I believe that I have not found true Joy, or that the pains from today or my past can prevent me from being joyful, I will not find Joy - only the taunts.

I need to stop listening to the lies.

There is One that has undergone pain far beyond anything my mind can understand or imagine - and that One experiences an insurmountable and Eternal JOY.

And He doesn't want to experience this alone...

Nor are we required to wait until a point beyond our own death to do so.

I find Joy in this life that taunts want me to forget:

When I spend time in the morning just sitting with God (see earlier post), or engage in a conversation with a sister or brother, there is simple Joy.

When I share Blessings in rhyme on Twitter, or write stories or blog posts, my husband notes how my face lights up with a big smile.

When I pray, there is Peace. And when I lean into that Eternal Peace and Love, my soul sings with such JOY!

May you share that same Joy, this day and always. It's there for us all ~ reach for it!

What's In a Name

Recently I've been working with Spreading Joy Corp to get a collection of my tweets published as a book. I wanted to publish it anonymously with a small reference to @JesusSister, as the focus - and credit - should be God and Christ, not me.

The proof came from the printer with my full legal name on the cover and book spine. My face fell when I realized this.

I was ready to request my name removed, despite observations that it works well in the cover layout and gives future publications a boost. But before I put my foot down into a bucket of concrete stubbornness, I sought some insight through prayer.

I was overruled. I don't fully know why, but God wants my name there.

I reached a point where I can not always hide behind online names, and must publicly acknowledge what I believe.

In the Northeastern US, we separate business and religious aspects of our lives. With this book published, my legal name will be associated with Christ's teachings, which may hinder applications for Human Resources or management positions.

With all that God gave me, this is a small thing I can offer in return. Did I not say this book should be about God, not me? It's about time that I incorporate that philosophy into the rest of my life. It's about God, not me.

Stepping Back

I've wanted to blog for a while, but nothing was put on "paper" (virtual or not). I have even been remiss in responding to emails and snail mailed letters. I think I finally found what the bottleneck may be.

The issue is... me.

I started a long list of blog ideas, things that I want to write, want to share, and want to say. Once I started that list, nothing was written, for I would turn to that list for inspiration. I did not turn to God.

For my blogs to be effective, I need to step back, turn to God, and ask - respectively, of course - "OK, I understand things don't work well without You. So can you please tell me: What do YOU want me to write about?"

How quickly the ego jumps back in. In writing this post, I included the aforementioned list with elaborations and descriptions. I micro-blogged inside this blog post.

When I realized that the list would put the spotlight back on me and my ideas, and detract from the message this post, I put the delete key to good use.

Let's face it, my understanding is so limited in the grand picture, but God's isn't. Do I want to help others? Or do I want to shine with my own light? Even if I shine for a time, the batteries in my flashlight will eventually die. But God's Wisdom shines with a much greater Light.

For that to shine, all I need to do is step aside.

Heaven and Hell

As I had a brief discourse on Heaven and Hell in a email correspondence and a blog response, I wanted to share this with my readers too.

To many, the concept is that the good go to Heaven, and the bad - especially those for whom we hold a grudge - are condemned to the eternal fires of Hell. But I believe God's plans for everyone to be saved. As God is beyond time, all are already saved. It plays out in time, from our perspective.

Heaven is being with God, completely infused with Love of which we only experience in small part here. There is Peace and Joy complete. There is Life. It is indescribable in the words we use. There is no fear, anger, sadness, loss or pain. There is also no time, for God (and ourselves with God) exist beyond time.

HOWEVER... change can only take place INSIDE time. That is a reason we are in this life experience: to change, and through our learning and changing to grow. Growth requires change; change requires time.

Hell exists, but there is no lake of fire, burning sulfur reeking the air, or red devils with pitchforks to torment our bodies for eternity. Hell is complete and utter separation from God, an awareness that one is cut from Life. It is completely dark, as God is Light. It is very cold to the core of one's being - so cold that it burns. And one deals with the torments of the mind: self-recrimina- tion, self-loathing and self- hatred. Our connections with God (even unconscious) can lighten these self-inflictions. While we experience God to a lesser degree here than in Heaven, the buffer is gone completely in Hell. There is its torment.

So if everyone is saved, why is there a Hell? The answer lies in the moment humanity has called "Judgement." There is no account of bad things done (list of sins). Past mistakes are forgiven through Christ, so they NO LONGER EXIST.
 
Introduced into our minds at the threshold, instead, we are given the Truth -- complete, clear and unhindered. We ourselves make a personal assess- ment and are given a choice. Do we wish to hold on to that which is not the Truth, which are things that our egos (and through our egos the adversary) teach us? Such things include how we see others as well as ourselves. Or do we want to accept the Truth? It is also at this point of death that many, including Atheists, are simply given the proof and understanding that they could not find in this life existence.

We are given the Truth of what we and God really are, that all the "sins" we hold against ourselves ceased to be, and that all grudges we hold against others ceased to be. We can simply and joyfully accept this whole, or make the determina- tion to turn from it and say "I do not want THIS." It is what Christ's teachings refer to as the Unpardonable Sin, as it results in the person being cut from God - in Hell.

Now here is the element of Mercy that many will not agree with: Christ's Forgiveness extends beyond this life and beyond time. That is why His Resurrection, conquering death two millennium ago, can affect all those both before and after - all humanity. His action, His Love and Self-sacrifice extend OUTSIDE of time.

When Yeshua / Jesus said He will be with us ALWAYS, He means ALWAYS - both in this world and beyond - even in the depths of Hell. If we experience Hell beyond this life - HE IS THERE. The teachings say that He passed through Hell following His crucifixion. If this is done beyond time, He is with every soul -- past, present and future -- when they experience Hell.

Because Hell is separate from God, it does not stand for eternity (which is of God), but exists for a time. As long as there is time, there is growth and change. The hand of Christ is always there - outstretched from beyond time, ready to welcome a brother or sister home. Waiting for us to simply CHANGE our mind. By the end of time, we ALL will be in Heaven with God. For when the last soul is home, both time and Hell cease to exist, because there will be no purpose for either.

What are your thoughts?

Forgiveness

Of things discussed yesterday (see prior post), was God's Forgiveness. While some see it as Christ washing our sins away, and others seeing it as Christ's Love standing between us and God, I explained it this way:

God's Forgiveness is such a Wonder. Unlike how we see sin, where we bring it to mind and then try to see past it, God does something different. For when you are told not to think of a pink elephant, a pink elephant is the first thing to pop into the mind - with or without a tutu. So how can one see past a sin, if we focus on it?

God does not bring our sin to mind. Because God is outside of time, it's quite possible for the Divine to reach back into our past and eliminate that sin. It dissipates so it now never existed. It is only our own perception and the adversary's whispers that tell us it continues to exist, to drag us down.

But in truth, we are free. 

Intentions

I got an earful from Yeshua. His  disappoint- ment affects me far more than hours of ranting would, especially when I love and respect Him so much. He was right, though; I screwed up.

Long story short, I focused the spotlight on myself, rather than where it needs to be.

At the fair yesterday, I approached a booth with Jesus' name in reverse-image, challenging one and all to read it.

My plan was to get them into conversation for the sole purpose of showing them my ring with Yeshua's name in Hebrew, to see if THEY could read THAT name.

What am I? Six years old?

While we chatted, my mind focused on the predetermined goal. I was almost oblivious to what was being shared through me. Instead, my goal served to derail something that would have been priceless to share.

While I found myself trying to get the person to STOP reading the highlighted passages from the bible to me, and use his own words, I was not successful. I could have encouraged him to rely on the Spirit within to give him the words to speak, instead of the pre-packaged "how to convert them" spiel.

As my focus was between two goals, I was effective at neither. It was like trying to convince a child that he could ride a bike without training wheels, when the child was ready to throw a temper-tantrum if you approached the bike with a wrench.

You can not serve two masters. You cannot be effective trying to hit two goals either, apparently.

The ring added NOTHING to the conversation, to what I really COULD share with this person. The only reason I approached this tent was to stroke my own ego. 

There, I said it!

I regret that I had that as my intention. I didn't notice the warning shot fired out my own mouth at the conversation's start. At a mention of Jesus' anger toward the Pharisees, I added that it wasn't only because they acted better than the rest (as the Roman leaders did that too). It was because they were chosen to interface between God and man, and they used their positions to seek the fame and stroke their egos, instead of doing what God asked them to do.
.

And here I did the same thing... stroking my ego. It's no wonder I got an earful.
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But life continues, and I ascend another stepping stone along the way, even if I happened to trip over it first. :P