The Simple Woman's Daybook blog - January 29, 2010

January 29, 2010

Photo for thought... 

Outside my window... bright sunny winter day - in New England translates to cold, cold cold!!!. 
I am thinking.. of the blogs that I will review today, anticipation of the Dream Factory Community Teleconference which I just launched, the day's activities... .
I am thankful for ... my dishwasher (still in awe) for the opportunity to impact people in my life positively, that my proposal was accepted to teach yoga at a local preschool and that the assisted living facility that I teach at added one more class a week for the seniors!.
From the learning rooms... hubby is uploading photos from my camera for me (yes - finally new battery) and D is watching Sesame Street under a thick blanket.
From the kitchen... order!
I am creating... an inspiring teleconference, a seamless hosting of the families from the Interfaith Hospitality Network at our church, !
I am going... to the chiropractor's this morning and to Walmart this afternoon!
I am reading... just purchased Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer. 
I am hoping... for a relaxed pace today, that all the volunteer spots will be filled for IHN this weekend, and that all the families will be hosted well during their stay with us.
I am hearing...my son calling for breakfast.
One of my favorite things...the quiet early morning as a time of solitude, reflection, and an opportunity to get my mind aligned with my highest aspirations and ideals, aligned with the work God is doing through me.
A few plans for the rest of the week...update blogs, Dream Factory Community newsletter, teach yoga, join the IHN families for fellowship on Sunday.

Inspired by The Simple Woman's Daybook

The Buddha was a human being who was awakened and, thereby, no longer bound by the many afflictions of life. But when some Buddhists say that they believe in the Buddha, they are experiencing their faith in the wonderful, universal Buddhas, not in the teaching or the life of the historical Buddha. They believe in the Buddha's magnificence and feel that is enough. But the examples of the actual lives of the Buddha and of Jesus are most important, because as human beings, they lived in ways that we can live, too.  - Thich Nhat Hahn

22 To the weak I became the weak, that I might win the weak, I have become all thigns to all men, so that I may by all means save some. 
23 I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it.
 - 1 Corinthians 9:22 - 23

What We're Reading and Introducing Math Concepts - week of January 25th

We're reading two of my favorite books from childhood and an additional one we just discovered!

• Madeline - with which we are following Five in a Row curriculum for activity ideas.
  
• Blueberries for Sal - D really likes the illustrations and often spends time after we are done reading to look at them hiself. 
• In the Snow: Who's Been Here? - We had fun identifying the animals. Despite being unseasonable warm here, it is timely for the season, particularly coming on the heels of some trips outside to locate tracks in the snow and making bird feeders to hang on our deck. 
• The Umbrella.  By Jan Brett, author of Town Mouse Country Mouse, beautiful illustrations!

 We've been having fun with counting and grouping. For example, we counted out 12 pennies, then we created 2 lines of 6 pennies each; 4 lines of 3 pennies and saw that they also formed 4 lines of 3 pennies. No matter how many likes, or groups, we still had 12 pennies. Then we talked about "more" and "less" - that 5 is more than 4 but 5 is less than 6. D seemed pretty intrigued. We used the pennies to create groups with the numbers so that visually he could see that there were more pennies in the group of 6 verses 4, for example. We'll continue this for the week. The incentive is that he gets to keep the pennies at the end of each lesson and put them in his piggy bank!

The Simple Woman's Daybook blog - January 26, 2010

January 26, 2010

Photo for thought... (none today - need new camera batter!)


Outside my window... I think it is going to be another gray day... no sun yet. 
I am thinking.. of the day before me, of all the emails and housework I need to get caught up on, of starting a new FIAR book with D, of getting hubby up so he can go to the gym... my mind is racing... .
I am thankful for ... my dishwasher (it will take a long time for me to stop being actively thankful for its restoration) and for a chance to let my back rest last night - it feels much better this morning. I am thankful I did not get selected for jury duty yesterday and that the Subaru DID NOT need new struts as we were told, but rather some simple repairs to resolve the steering issues! Made the difference between about $2500 in repairs and $1400.
From the learning rooms... quiet.
From the kitchen... a sink full of pots and pans and a floor that needs to be washed.
I am creating... opportunities for people I care about to shine!
I am going...to assemble my article for the church newsletter and my proposal for a new yoga class series for preschool kids with special needs - all this morning!
I am reading... just finished  A Day of Rest by Martha Whitmore Hickman and am resuming Last Child in the Woods.
I am hoping... I can begin to incorporate more points of mindfulness into my day to keep me present with the amazing gift this life is! Otherwise I tend to rush through the day, gliding from one task to another with little space in between.
I am hearing...the ticking clock.
One of my favorite things...the quiet early morning as a time of solitude, reflection, and an opportunity to get my mind aligned with my highest aspirations and ideals, aligned with the work God is doing through me.
A few plans for the rest of the week...teach yoga this evening, attend a coaching training program tomorrow night.

Inspired by The Simple Woman's Daybook

"God and the imagination are one." - Wallace Stevens

"I believe that God is in me as the sun is in the color and fragrance of a flower - the Light in my darkness, the voice in my silence."  - Helen Keller

Learning from my Preschooler

What a difference a year makes! This time last year, my son had about 8 words in his vocabulary. He was still wearing diapers. Now he talks non-stop, creating elaborate stories about castles, knights, and superheros. He hasn’t worn diapers, not even to bed, in six months. He is a voracious learning being and many days I’m struggling to catch up!

Now that the holidays are over I’m looking ahead at how we’ll be spending the next few months of our homeschooling journey. New to homeschooling and 3-year-olds, I have been a little overwhelmed. I’ve based my choices on the following considerations; flexibility, creative play, reading and language, arts and crafts, natural routines of a home, and time with other children.

To read entire article, go to Heart of the Matter Online!

The Simple Woman's Daybook blog - January 21, 2010

January 21, 2010

Photo for thought... (none today - need new camera batter!)


Outside my window... the sun is on the rise! What relief after so many gray days! 
I am thinking.. of the day before me - busy! .
I am thankful for ... a few minutes of quiet this morning to collect myself; for a repaired dishwasher.
From the learning rooms... quiet.
From the kitchen... sausages sizzling on the stove, oatmeal is ready, and coffee is in my favorite mug next to me.
I am creating... opportunities for people I care about to shine!
I am going...to teach 3 yoga classes today and have a meeting with the Chamber of Commerce about the Women's Network. .
I am reading... A Day of Rest by Martha Whitmore Hickman...
I am hoping... the Subaru lasts until the end of the week when we can get it to the shop - concerned about the weird smells and sounds...
I am hearing...cooking sausages, a low hum in the distance.
One of my favorite things... being part of another person having an "ah-ha!" moment and watching them bloom as a result.
A few plans for the rest of the week...visiting a friend and her new baby tomorrow, a visit with the midwife, and getting caught up on paperwork - 1.5 hours needs to get done tomorrow because this week was so busy!

Inspired by The Simple Woman's Daybook

9"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. 11I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command. 15I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17This is my command: Love each other.

 - John 15:9-17

What We're Reading this Week and Beginning to Write!

I'm really enjoying myself - rediscovering some children's books that I'd forgotten about as well as discovering new gems!

• We're using the Five in a Row curriculum for Katy and The Big Snow. We're on day 3. I love how many layers of enjoyment there are to be had in this timeless book. Every day we've been exploring different aspects and uncovering new details in the illustrations.
• Time of Wonder - beautiful water colors and nostalgia for me, having grown up in Coastal NH.
• Little Red Riding Hood

D has also been asking me to teach him how to write letters lately, so I got out our "ABC's Write and Wipe!" from Kumon. We work on a few different letters a day and we've been having fun. We tried them a few nonths ago, but they didn't really work out. so, now that he is interested again, we're giving it another go. His hand coordination has improved dramatically and he's able to follow the lines independently since he now knows his numbers.  I like these rather than simple paper because they can be reused and they have a corresponding word on the back, so they double as flash cards.

The Simple Woman's Daybook blog - January 19, 2010

January 19, 2010 - Get Out the VOTE! The nation is watching us, Massachusetts!

Photo for thought... (none today - need new camera batter!)


Outside my window... another gray day with snow softly falling. 
I am thinking.. of the election today for Senate among many other things. That, and I need a nap.
I am thankful for ... being home with my son, for the right to vote, for the birds songs on my walk this morning.
From the learning rooms... my son is telling me a story about the firefighters from Katy and the Big Snow.
From the kitchen... dishes from lunch, pork chops thawing for dinner.
I am creating... a virtual conference for the Dream Factory Community - researching technology - my mind spins....
I am going...to VOTE and then to the library and CVS.
I am reading... A Day of Rest by Martha Whitmore Hickman.,.
I am hoping... the Subaru lasts until the end of the week when we can get it to the shop - concerned about the weird smells and sounds...
I am hearing...the story of the dinosaur hunter from my son, the UPS truck outside.
One of my favorite things...having unstructured time to explore life.
A few plans for the rest of the week...virtual conference planning calls and begin to promote!

Inspired by The Simple Woman's Daybook

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
 - Philippians 4:13

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and suppliation with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
 - Philippians 4:6

The Simple Woman's Daybook blog - January 18, 2010

January 17, 2010 - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day!

Photo for thought... (don't have one today - sorry!)

2 Quotes from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

 Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Hate multiplies hate, violence multiplies violence, and toughness multiplies toughness in a descending spiral of destruction....The chain reaction of evil--hate begetting hate, wars producing more wars--must be broken, or we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of annihilation. - Martin Luther King, Jr., Strength To Love, 1963.

The curse of poverty has no justification in our age. It is socially as cruel and blind as the practice of cannibalism at the dawn of civilization, when men ate each other because they had not yet learned to take food from the soil or to consume the abundant animal life around them. The time has come for us to civilize ourselves by the total, direct and immediate abolition of poverty. Martin Luther King, Jr., Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?, 1967.

Outside my window... a gray day, sleet, snow, wet coating.
I am thinking.. of the many things I have to compete in the next few days... trying to keep faith that if it is right that it will all somehow get done; of the people in Haiti and praying for them; reflecting on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and his last campaign, "The Poor People's Campaign" and how can we, in any small way, keep moving the campaign forward.
I am thankful for ... my precious life, for the health and safety of my family and friends, for being at home with my son and being able to learn along side of him.
From the learning rooms... my son is playing with his transformers following a fun morning of Katy and the Big Snow, counting, and building a Lego city.
From the kitchen...lunch is finished and we're getting ready to go to the grocery store. I'll tackle the dishes when i return. Only 2 more days until GE comes to look at the dishwasher!
I am creating... an integrated life; an at-home day of service - making sandwiches for Sherry's House with D this afternoon.
I am going...to Walmart and will teach yoga this evening.
I am reading... A Day of Rest by Martha Whitmore Hickman.,.
I am hoping... the people of Haiti receive the assistance they so badly need. I am praying for them.
I am hearing...the marching feet of my son, the car alarm go off outside, the dog barking....
One of my favorite things...having the whole family home.
A few plans for the rest of the week... leading a 20-minute demo yoga/movement class for prescholers with special needs.

Inspired by The Simple Woman's Daybook

"Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself". 
- Leviticus 19:18

36"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 37Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'[a] 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'
-  Matthew 22:36-39

The Simple Woman's Daybook blog - January 12, 2010

January 11, 2010

Photo for thought...


Outside my window... a dark gray morning.
I am thinking.. the long day ahead...
I am thankful for... a good's night sleep and feeling refreshed this morning -ready to take the day on and for finding a good doctor yesterday.
From the learning rooms...my son is watching "Super Why". He awoke early this morning after a dream.
From the kitchen... dishes galore. Too tired to do them last night... and quiche in the oven!
I am wearing...  pjs.
I am creating... a plan for starting Five in a Row next week...
I am going...to Cambridge today for an appointment and then leading my first Prosperity Circle this evening!
I am reading... The introduction to Five in a Row curriculum.
I am hoping... I have a wealth of energy for all I'm scheduled for over the next 3 days!
I am hearing...the television, the hum of appliances, my husband getting ready for work upstairs.
One of my favorite things... dishwashers! Hopefully ours will be fixed soon!
A few plans for the rest of the week...leading my first Chief Dream Officer Training tomorrow night!

Inspired by The Simple Woman's Daybook

The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When our mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers. if you love someone but rarely make yourself available to him or her - that is not true love.

   - Thich Nhat Hahn

Loving Reading - Books This Week and Five in a Row has Arrived!

D loves to read - so great! Or, I should say, he loves to be read to. We're spending about an hour a day reading. Usually he wants to read one or two books several times through and likes to memorize them. Last night he recited "The Snowy Day" with me word-for-word.

This week, we've been reading...

• The Snowy Day

• The Quiltmakers Gift

• Olivia

• The Giving Tree

• Owl Babies

• Town Mouse Country Mouse

The links included are pretty cool. Several take you to websites that offer enrichment activities and extras for kids.

Today, our curriculum for Five in a Row arrived! I am really excited to get going on it. I have Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel queued up for next week!

The Simple Woman's Daybook blog - January 11, 2010

January 11, 2010

Photo for thought...


Outside my window... is a pastel sky and birds singing.
I am thinking.. of how to get back on track with housework after taking yesterday off...
I am thankful for... a great Sunday with the family.
From the learning rooms...darkness. I haven't opened the curtains yet... not ready to admit it is really morning.
From the kitchen... dishes galore. Too tired to do them last night... I've got my work cut out for me this morning!
I am wearing...  pjs.
I am creating... a supply list for making bird feeders... peanut butter, pine cones, bird seed, twine...
I am going... to visit a new doctor this morning - hopefully he REALLY IS interested in family-centered maternity care and open to seeing women who plan to homebirth!
I am reading... The Snowy Day with D. What a magical book!.
I am hoping... the Five in a Row curriculum arrives today! I'm excited to get started.
I am hearing...the hum of the refrigerator, the ticking of the clock, the tapping of the keys, the songs of birds outside.No stirring form upstairs... I'd better get up there and wake the guys up!
One of my favorite things...having nothing to do on Sunday except be with God and enjoy time with my family!
A few plans for the rest of the week...leading my first Prosperity Circle!

Inspired by The Simple Woman's Daybook

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. - 1 Timothy 4:12

What do God and a 3-year old have in common?

Yesterday, after taking my son to get his hair cut at his favorite place, Snip Its, I was buckling him into his car seat when he reached out and hugged me close, saying, "Mom, I love you!"

"I love you too!" I replied, savoring the hug.

"That makes me a little bit like God." he stated matter-of-factly.

"Well, I guess it does. God loves all of us, doesn't He." I said, my eyes brimming, my heart truly touched.

"Yes, and He gives all kinds of wonderful things to be thankful for!" He replied. "Can I have my green army men?" he asked.

It took me a minute to process the request, realizing that my son was staring up at me expectantly. He asked me to keep them safe in my pocket while he got his hair cut so they wouldn't get lost.

"Sure buddy," I replied, reaching into my pocket and fishing the troops out.

How often do we feel inspired to reach out and embrace someone and tell them how much we love them, to assure them how much they are loved by many, but we resist out of fear or self consciousness? I believe that God often works through people to let us know how much we are loved. If we resist the impulse, we are impeding that divine thread of connection. Who are we to short circuit a message from God for someone else? The next time I get that impulse, I'm going to let go and trust that it is perfect and that it is exactly what that person needs to know in that moment. I am thankful to my son for that reminder.

When we truly let love flow through us to connect with another with an open heart, unconditionally, we are all like God.

The Simple Woman's Daybook blog - January 9, 2010

January 9, 2010

Photo for thought...


Outside my window... the sun has risen - so excited that the days are getting longer.
I am thinking.. of writing a letter of encouragement to my sister-in-law, a woman I work with, and of the 3 yoga classes I'll teach today. I really need to ge my music organaized for that.
I am thankful for... a great week. I am proud that with strength from Him through daily prayer and faith I was able to, for the most part, conform myself to my new schedule and saw great strides in working "smarter" as a result. Attitude counts for a lot when you just don't "feel" like doing something.
From the learning rooms... stillness - and I am thankful that my husband cleaned last night after I went to be early.
From the kitchen... dinner dishes that need to be washed.
I am wearing...  the fleece jacket that Paul gave to me.
I am creating... an afternoon for Preparation.
I am going... to have a wonderful day.
I am reading... Living Buddha, Living Christ by Thich Nhat Hahn.
I am hoping... for endurance to get through all 3 yoga classes today. I think I'll have to start using student s to demo some poses as my belly is preventing me from getting into some at this poing with proper alignment.
I am hearing...the hum of the refrigerator, the ticking of the clock, the tapping of the keys, the songs of birds outside.
One of my favorite things... the warming effect of hot chocolate when coming in from winter outdoor activities like sledding or skiing. It's something about the combination of the cold cheeks, physical exertion, moist head and body from sweat, the sweetness of the drink, and being able to feel warming all the way down into the belly.
A few plans for the rest of the week...teaching Sunday School tomorrow and going sledding with the family.

Inspired by The Simple Woman's Daybook

8By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. 9By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.

 11By faith Abraham, even though he was past age—and Sarah herself was barren—was enabled to become a father because he[a]considered him faithful who had made the promise. 12And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.

 - Hebrews 11: 8-12

The Simple Woman's Daybook blog - January 6, 2010

January 6, 2010

Photo for thought...


Outside my window... the sun has set.
I am thinking.. tired, tired, tired.
I am thankful for... a great day with friends at the EcoTarium and at playgroup!
From the learning rooms... stillness.
From the kitchen... getting ready to prep dinner - peanut rice noodles with chicken and broccoli.
I am wearing...  cords and a long sleeved tshirt and a long cardigan sweater!.
I am creating... a relaxing evening.
I am going... to get to bed early.
I am reading... Living Buddha, Living Christ by Thich Nhat Hahn.
I am hoping...ease.
I am hearing...D singing to himself in the bathtub
One of my favorite things... spontaneous hugs from my son.
A few plans for the rest of the week...completing the mid-year report for the yoga grant I received form Tufts Community Health.

Inspired by The Simple Woman's Daybook

Our capacity to make peace with another person and with the world depends very much on our capacity to make peace with ourselves.

In a true dialog, both sides are willing to change.

     - Thich Nhat Hanh

 

 

The Simple Woman's Daybook blog - January 5, 2010

January 5, 2010

Photo for thought...


Outside my window... a very gray day.
I am thinking.. that I am feeling very relaxed!
I am thankful for... the blessing of being at home with my son. he is so awesome!
From the learning rooms... my son is watching Muzzy - in German - by request. Pretty cool!
From the kitchen... getting ready to prepare lunch - grilled cheese and tomato soup.
I am wearing...  cords and a cotton tshirt - it is only a funtion of maternity clothing that I am voluntarily wearing pink and purple together. Oh, to have a "real" wardrobe again!.
I am creating... a winter-themed craft for the afternoon and the homeschool co-op schedule for the next few months.
I am going... to introduce about 50 people to yoga this evening - very exciting!
I am reading... the book list for the Five In a Row literature-based curriculum and price shopping for the books on-line. Placing our order today!
I am hoping...to have our bedrooms organized before the new baby arrives - we will need lots of time and storage boxes!
I am hearing...a blend of WBUR and German...
One of my favorite things... comfy house socks.
A few plans for the rest of the week...calls for the CDO training and the new Prosperity Circle I will be leading.

Inspired by The Simple Woman's Daybook

Jean-Dominique Bauby’s memoir, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, describes his life after a massive stroke left him with a condition called “Locked-In Syndrome.” Although he was almost completely paralyzed, Bauby was able to write his book by blinking his left eyelid. An aide would recite a coded alphabet, until Bauby blinked to choose the letter of a word he was dictating. The book required about 200,000 blinks to write. Bauby used the only physical ability left him to communicate with others. - Dennis Fisher

Words of Thanks from my Son

Yesterday my son and I enjoyed a walk around the perimeter of our back yard, peering into the woods for signs of animal tracks. We found tracks of our neighbors dogs, possibly a cat, and possibly a squirrel or a rabbit. We took photos and had fun. The air temperature was right around 30 degrees with a bright and sunny sky, the snow seeming to shimmer like crystals or diamonds.

Once back inside and stripped of our winter wear, we sat down for a snack of hot chocolate and graham crackers. I placed my son's snack down in front of him and turned around to get mine from the counter.

"Thank-yous!" my son announced and placed his hands together into a prayer position. "Thank-yous" are what we call "saying grace" in our home.

"I'm thank-you for you and for snow and for the sunny sky and for hot cocoa and for all God has given us!" My son enthusiastically stated.

My heart swelled and tears came to my eyes. It was the first time I'd ever heard him give thanks to God. He is a very thankful little boy and always has much to be thankful for. It was the first time, however, he'd ever on his own attributed any of our blessings to God.

"I like that thank-you, D." I said softly.

"Mom, I am thank-you for ALLLLLL God gives us!" he said again. "AMEN!"

"Amen," I echoed, placing my plate on the table next to him.

We ate together in silence for the next few minutes, gazing out the back window to the woods, the sun shining brightly through the trees and onto the frozen pond beyond.

The Simple Woman's Daybook blog - January 4, 2010

January 4, 2010

Photo for thought...


Outside my window... the sun is rising, the sky is  slowly warming to soft pastels of blue and pink and yellow across the pond.
I am thinking... that it feels reassuring to be back into the normal routine of life, gearing up to work smarter and to be more supportive of my loved ones by creating a better structure for myself during the day and week.

I am thankful for... for the past two weeks of wonderful holiday gatherings, for the time with my husband, for the reconnection and enrichment of our family.
From the learning rooms... order - we reorganized the room and the toys after Christmas - now on to creating the 3rd floor office and play area!
From the kitchen... the oven is heating for the quiche and roasted potato breakfast, coffee aroma, and the hum of the refrigerator.
I am wearing... my pjs.
I am creating... a relaxed pace for the day and time for blogging.
I am going... to the chiropractor's this morning.
I am reading... 3 books at once - per usual.
I am hoping... to leave an impactful legacy of the Spirit of Jesus when it is my time to leave the earthly tent. So sad that Ken Waugh has left us, but knowing that he is with the Creator is life affirming. If only I will be so blessed to leave a loving legacy in the Spirit of Jesus as Ken did, inspiring us all to care for one another better and to be present to one another We love you Ken and miss you!
I am hearing... nothing stirring upstairs - which means I'd better wake the guys up!
One of my favorite things... having leisurely time to reconnect with dear friends.
A few plans for the rest of the week... teaching yoga, churning out large numbers of emails to get caught up from vacation.

Inspired by The Simple Woman's Daybook

Our Heavenly Dwelling

Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. We live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

The Ministry of Reconciliation

Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience.

 - 2 Corinthians 5:1-11

A New Year - A New Decade - 2010 is here!

I'm back after taking time off for medical emergencies and the holidays. I'm fueled, inspired and ready for 2010!

I'm re-reading the book, Living Buddha, Living Christ by Thich Nhat Hahn. I credit this book with igniting my formal spiritual practices of meditation and prayer. It is a beautiful book and I highly recommend it.

When you have mindfulness, you have love and understanding, you see more deeply, and you can heal the wounds in your own mind. The Buddha was called the King of Healers. In the Bible, when someone touches Christ, he or she is healed. It is not just touching a cloth that brings about a miracle. When you touch deep understanding and love, you are healed.

The Holy Spirit descended on Jesus like a dove, penetrated Him deeply, and He revealed the manifestation of the Holy Spirit. Jesus healed whatever He touched. With the Holy Spirit in Him, His power as a healer transformed many people. All schools of Christianity agree on this. I told the priest that I felt that all of us also have the seed of the Holy spirit in us, the capacity of healing, transforming, and loving. When we touch that seed, we are able to touch God the Father and God the Son.

Hmm... a warm humm in my heart as I read and reflect on these words. What will I do as a regular practice in 2010 to endure that I am mindful, present, and in touch with the seed of the Holy Spirit within me to heal my own mind, my family, and my community? What can I do to remind my loved ones of the seed within them? How can I promote a culture of mindfulness in my home to have our home be one of healing for all who enter?

Best Wishes for YOUR New Year and let's make is a wonderful one together!