It Was A Dark (and not stormy) Night...

Have you ever been woken by a noise you could not identify? Four thirty this morning I was awakened by a beep, beep, beep. I lay there wondering what could it be? The oven timer? The alarm clock? I got up and discovered it was our Carbon Monoxide Detector. Having just had a gas stove installed two day before I was concerned.

I alerted Bob to this, he got up, looked at the detector while I went downstairs to Google CO Detectors. When I came back upstairs Bob was in bed! I'm like, "You can't go back to bed!" He responds, "It's 4:30 in the morning!" I respond, "If the house was on fire would you go back to bed because it's 4:30 in the morning?" He got up.

Carbon Monoxide is colorless, odorless and regarded as a silent killer. We called 911 and the fire department came out with their CO meter. It recorded zeroes everywhere while we stood outside on the porch. It was concluded that our detector needed replacing. Apparently they are only good for five years. The things you learn, standing outside in the cold, with four firemen.

So the lesson for today is to LISTEN. Not only to the outer noises that alert us to something not right but to the inner voice that tells us to check it out, whatever that "it" might be. In this instance, in hindsight, it looked like we had nothing to worry about but there is always a blessing in every circumstance. Maybe it was just to buy a new detector today. And maybe it is to respect the monitors we have in our home.

Intuition

I was watching a video by Mary Morrissey where she is talking about intuition. I loved what she said when asked, "How do you know the voice?" She said the more you listen to it the more familiar it becomes. Like the voice of your friend or sibling when they call, you know their voice.

Each voice is unique, which is amazing in itself. So the voice of your intuition is one you can come to know when you spend time listening. You also know it is your intuition when you realize it's message is ALWAYS for your greater good. It does not encourage you to hold a grudge, to get revenge, to overeat or take that drink... .well unless you are stranded in the desert and need water. And let's face it, how often does that happen?

So just for today, listen. Get to know the voice of your inner guidance. Then like an old friend you'll recognize it as soon as you hear it!

Pic.. Would it be easier to be a chipmunk?

Breathe

I was recently reminded when the going gets tough, breathe and go to your core. Your core is that place aproximately a couple of fingers below your belly button. You focus your attention there, you breathe into that space and calm yourself.

I also remember reading that we should deep breathe every day. I know when I do that I feel calmer as well. Remembering to breathe consciously brings us to a peaceful place. Stress is a part of all of our lives. We read Jesus handled stress by "going apart". He would step away from the crowds and his disciples and be alone. He focused on reconnecting consciously with God within, with "The Father", Abba.

Really,this is so important for self care. So, just for today, if you feel overwhelmed, stressed, annoyed etc. find room alone, close the door and breathe. One of my favorite affirmations at that moment is.. God is, I Am.

Pic.. I love this picture. It reminds me to let go and let God. To surrender to the power of God within me. "Less of me, more than thee".

Tired?

If you are tired, lay down and have a nap; decongest your calendar; lower your expectations and create space in your day to slow down and take care of you.

It seems to me there are a lot of tired, busy people walking around wishing they could slow down. So here is the thing. We are the ones who fill our calendars; say yes when we really want to say no and stand when we want to sit down.

We are the creators of our experiences. We have choices.

Pic.. from six years ago when I had a gratitude gathering with a few friends. Laugh...when you are tired or anytime at all. It seems to do the trick.

Christmas Preparation

Tis the season... dare I say it is less than a month away? It seems so much farther away than that somehow. Yesterday we put up our tree and added the lights to it. Today the decorations. We are having the Hisson family Chrismas this Saturday.

Our family has come to a place where we no longer exchange gifts. That works fine with everyone because whatever we need we purchase for ourselves. The gathering now is about family, good food and sharing. One thing that has bothered me about past gatherings is that we never really hear how people are doing. It is often surface stuff.. I went here, did that.. but not about personal journeys.

So I am proposing this year that each person "check in" and share what the past year has been like for them. The highlights and low lights etc. I am not sure how that will be accepted. But I think it is worth a try. Would this be accepted in your family?

Pic.. Bob opening up a gift from his brother. Now this one was useful.. a flashlight you keep plugged in, always ready to go and you always know where to find it!

Bondage or Liberty?

When God called the people out of Egypt, they were being called out of darkness and ignorance. God heard their cry by "reason of their taskmasters". What were their taskmasters? Sickness, poverty, divorce, any negative thoughts that were holding them in bondage. Then they were told they would be brought to a land of milk and honey. To a land of right consciousness, a place of liberty.

Today's message is about our power. We do not have to live in bondage and we are the ones who can free ourselves. No one else can think your thoughts, shift your thoughts or bring you out of Egypt. That is your work to do.

I am thinking about when I left my mom yesterday after visiting her at the hospital. I started to cry (again). As I walked to my car in bondage to the pain of my story about her life and how that affects mine I realized I can shift those thoughts. I could think about the movie I was going to and the anniversary celebration with my husband. It is not easy, for me at least, to make THE SHIFT. But I have the power to do so. That is the point. I have the power, you have the power to move from bondage to liberty.

Pic.. A few years ago I stood on the glass floor of a tower in Calgary. One of those that extends over the building and when you look down there is nothing but the earth  a zillion floors below. Standing there it is my choice to be in pain or pleasure... bondage or liberty.

39 Years Ago

Thirty nine years ago this day I woke up excited and happy. It was my wedding day. Like most girls I had dreamed of my wedding, the white dress, the handsome groom, the walk down the aisle with my dad and a fun party afterwards.

I remember my sweet dad being in no hurry to get to the church. Oh, he liked Bob, so it wasn't that. He wasn't feeling too strong. He was recovering from an emotional time when he wasn't so interested in the world. I was lucky he was there with me that day. He told me that they couldn't start without us, so no hurry. Ugg... I wanted to get to the church on time. And we did mostly.

I had four bridesmaids, though one of my best friends wasn't in the wedding party. The ceremony was in the Catholic church with both a priest and a United minister presiding. That was a stretch in those days. The dinner and party followed and then a honeymoon in the Bahamas.

So what have I learned from 39 years of marriage? What is "the secret"? It's really not so secret, but just as simple as love one another in the good times and the bad. Know you will go through times when you question your love and other times when it all makes so much sense. Give, give, give and then give some more. Compromise and save your "grand standing" for the really important issues, let the small things slide.

Pic.. I couldn't have imagined then what our life would be like. All the pleasures and the pain, but it's been worth it. I love you honey.

Circle of Life

When I was a little girl my mom meant everything to me. She did everything for me. In my teen years I never wanted to admit that I needed her and then in my 20s 30s etc. I was glad to listen to her sage wisdom. Her opinion has always been valued and her approval always desired. Perhaps most of you can relate?

She was a worker all of her life. At the age of 17 she married my dad in Digby Nova Scotia. He was stationed near there during WW2. When the war ended he brought her to Ontario. Away from her family, shy, and living with inlaws who wished they weren't, it was a tuff beginning to married life. Her first job in Ontario, which became her career, was working at Mrs. White's Flower Shop. Here she learned how to design flowers in an atmosphere of love. Mrs. White became like a mother to mom.

Scan forward 67 years and mom is using a walker, sometimes a wheelchair, difficult to understand and in need of support. My role has reversed and now I am caretaking. It is difficult to see her this way. Such a vibrant, energetic woman, who had finally reached a point in her life to enjoy travel, now dealing with Parkinsons.

Okay, I don't want to depress you, sorry. But here's the thing. I'm learning I can do things for someone else I never thought I could. I am learning compassion and to go slower. I am learning that it is so essential to do today and not put off til tomorrow... travel, visits with family, anything at all you've said.. "I'll do that when... I retire.. etc. DO IT NOW! Tomorrow is not guaranteed and your health isn't either.

Just for today, live fully!

Pic.. My mom is on the right in this picture with her sister who has since passed on. My mom was the oldest girl of 9 children!

New York's Thanksgiving Parade

Two years ago today, my friend Suzanne and I, were amidst the crowds of people waiting to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. We were amazed by the number of people! We couldn't get a good spot to see what was ahead of us but rather more of a "sky view". We could see the fabulous balloons but not what was on the ground. There was joy in the air, children on their fathers shoulders and all of us trying to stay warm.

Canadians have had their Thanksgiving Day and while it is good to have a day where we focus our attention on thanksgiving, everyday is a day to give thanks. That isn't always easy.

Last night I stood in the street with a dear friend who'd had a car accident. It wasn't her first one and the question in the air was, "Why?" We don't always get to know the "why", right? What we do know is we have to keep taking the next step. We can learn from our actions. We can look for patterns. We can trust there is a divine order unfolding bringing us to our greater good. In the moment it only looks bad. When we use only our five senses we can only see, hear, taste, touch, smell the physical. But science has proven and Truth students know, there is so much more beyond all of that. We can be thankful for that and thankful she walked away from it.

Pic.. People, police, kids and a caterpillar balloon.

Look for The Heroes

My first Unity church experience was at Unity of Overland Park in Kansas. I loved the music, it was a large church attended by hundreds and I was in awe of the minister's message. Rev. Mary became my role model. I loved the way she languaged her ideas and the way in which she shared them with humor and wisdom.

Many years later, after I became an ordained Unity minister, she and I ended up serving together on the Convention team for Unity Worldwide ministries. A new friendship began. I now have the opportunity to "pick her brain" so to speak about church growth. She has grown a number of ministries that she has served at. And of course I can't duplicate Rev. Mary. I can only learn to be the best Rev. Lori that I can be. I am happy to be teachable around her.

That's the trick I think. To ask ourselves just how "teachable" are we or do we think we have it all figured out? When we are full there is no more room for growth. And I believe we are only done growing when we leave this earth to keep growing in another dimension yet. (so I guess we are never done)

Just for today be open to be teachable by the circumstances and people you encounter.

Pic.. What could these two learn from each other I wonder?

I Won't Be Held Hostage.. and neither should you

Something happened the other night when mom was in the hospital. She told me about it and followed the story with, "don't say anything". I sat with that for the afternoon knowing that it did not feel right to keep quiet. What was the fear about finding out the story behind the event? Her view was that she did not want anyone to get into trouble.

Last night I told mom that my responsibility is to her. So I sought an explanation for the event and heard the other side of the story. While it didn't totally justify, in my mind, the series of events, I let it go knowing there are always two sides to every story. The thing to remember is that each person involved feels they have the whole truth. The Truth is that somewhere between your version and mine there is the real version.

And the point is that I won't be held hostage and neither should you. I won't be quiet for fear of retaliation. I won't live that way. I hope if you can relate to this experience that you will speak what needs to be said.

Pic.. Cats have it simpler, don't they?

Directions... Do YOU Listen?

I was at Parkwood Hospital's Information desk on the phone to the Parking office. I wanted to buy a month's parking pass and the lady on the other end was giving me directions to their office. It wasn't in the same building. I noticed, and this isn't the first time nor do I think I am alone, that I tuned out after the 3rd "turn here, go there". Couple that with her seeming annoyance with me perhaps because she's had to describe their location one time too many.

Is it that our brain can only handle so much? Why do we tune out? I know when I'm with someone else and we both are listening to the directions being given, we leave, and discover neither of us heard the same thing or anything passed the third "turn here, go there".

So just for today let's tune up our listening skills. Face the person who is speaking and focus on their words. Do you think that would make the difference? I sure hope so.
Pic.. An Italian scene.

32 Years Ago

At this moment 32 years ago I was in labor with my daughter Jennifer. She was born at 10:49am, 6lbs 7 oz of beauty and love. Many of you can relate to the labor and the love of giving birth. Bob was with me all the way and as thrilled as me at her arrival.

Where have the years gone? I really don't know. It seems like they've gone by in a flash and yet there was a lot of living in those years. From baby to toddler to first grader. Then there were the school years, the dance lessons, the swimming lessons and Original Kid acting. She was on the radio advertising our flower shop and the TV advertising the Original Kids play, Scrooge. She lived through life threatening illnesses and joyful recoveries, thank God! Then there were the romances and finally the marriage in sunny Mexico.

No one walks their life alone. We walk with our children, we witness their life, we carry the memories of their growth and maturity. It's not all icing on the cake either but I am glad we brought this beautiful soul into the world to bless others, us for sure. Thanks Jennifer for being you and making us a family.

Pic.. our family in front of the Vatican maybe 6 years ago.

Hoping for Improvement

I am taking my mom to Parkwood Hospital today. She is entering the Geriatric Rehabilitation Program and will be an inpatient for 4-6 weeks. There is hope the program can help mom find her voice and build her strength.

We all need support at one time or another. Sometimes we get it and sometimes we don't. So when the door opens and the opportunity is there I think we should grab it. It can be scary, right, because you don't know what is involved? Courage to take one step at a time is needed and the support of those around us as we walk the journey. 

If you can, please hold my mom in prayer that this program helps her to have a better quality of life. Thanks.

Pic.. My mom about 5 years ago before Parkinsons.

Cloud Atlas

I saw the movie Cloud Atlas yesterday. Maybe 30 minutes into it I was thinking, "Whatttt???" and then at some point that changed to, "this is interesting". It's a movie that has a number of stories and is constantly switching from one to another. Add to that the different time periods and one age where the english is a version of our english. "Summer" becomes "sumson".

There is a message for sure and a vision of a scary looking future where there is a definite class system. I'm not sure what else to say. It's one of those movies that stays with you and reveals itself long after you see it. I think, I hope.

Pic... This world has so much beauty.

Remembering

Today we enter into the memory of the destruction of houses and homes brought on by the 1st and 2nd world wars. Of course this same destruction continues today in different parts of the world as people insist on violence as a means to an end.

After the 1st world war the sentiment was "never again". But that never didn't last very long. The Truth is that as long as we see ourselves separate from "them" or we paint an entire race or countrymen with the same brush "all germans are our enemy"; things will never change.

We can only kill when we lack empathy for the other person. When we don't see their face. When we look at thousands of people as one big enemy, we aren't seeing people who have families, hopes and dreams just like us. Empathy allows us to see and feel each others experiences. It allows us to see people. It's the only thing that will make "never again" true.

Pic.. The Prayer flags at Gampo Abbey Cape Breton Island sending prayers for peace across the lands.

Tethering the Jumping Monkey

There is a Budhist phrase, "tethering the jumping monkey". You may be familiar with your own "jumping monkey". It is that part of you that some may call ego. It is the voice that like Samson's Delilah tempts you away from what is good for you.

It will have you believe you aren't as good as others; that you should have that drink you swore you'd never have or eat that sugary treat you vowed this morning you would abstain from. It jumps around vying  for your attention, "look at me, look at me!" It tempts you to forget the intention you have to move to your greatest and highest good. It says, "there's always tomorrow". The monkey feels like a gorilla on your back.

I am a non violent person so I cannot suggest you shoot the monkey, though at times I've been tempted. The monkey is merely a distraction that needs to be tethered so that you can focus on moving into your greatness which means letting go of what keeps you small.

Pic... Well I didn't have a picture of a monkey so I thought this would do to remind us we don't want to look at a horse's ass endlessly just like wevdon't want to listen to that darn monkey.

Disappointments

It would seem we cannot get through life without

disappointments. If that is the case then it would seem wise to learn how to handle them.  A few tips:

1. Realize that disappointments often occur because we had expectations of other people. Who are those expectations about? Us, wanting others to be a certain way is about us. They can only be who they are. Perhaps if we accepted others for who they are we would have fewer disappointments.

2. Disappointments might mean that our life or maybe just our day is changed now . It may be we have more work; or don't get to go somewhere or have to give up life as we know it. Breath and know that we always have what we need to move forward. The day might be turned around. So be it, trust a better day is waiting to unfold.

3. The biggest tip I have to share is that in any moment, in any instant, you can change your thoughts. Feeling disappointed? Realize you don't have to because you can choose a better thought. You can change your focus. You can lift your mood. It's a choice you have.

Pic.. I am hearing Michael Buble in my ear.... "It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life.. and I'm feeling good!"

Keep Your Eye On The Prize

In our Prosperity Plus class last night we discussed the story of David and Goliath. David was told that if he could slay Goliath there was the reward of the princess, land and riches. While all of those around him focused on how big Goliath was, David focused on the prize.

In your life are you facing a Goliath? Is there a challenge that appears so big neither you nor those around you think it's possible you conquer it? The trick is to keep focused on the prize. Let your passion for the prize motivate you and keep you on track.

It's not easy but I think it's worth it.
Pic... A cruise ship we sailed on that was mamoth. There must have been a time when people couldn't imagine such a huge ship and yet here it is. The builders must have stayed focused on creating it rather than the challenges in doing so.

Monday Morning "Quarterbacking"

The election is over and the analysis begins. I could also say the blame begins. "What did Mitt Romney do wrong" is a question I've heard this morning on TV. When things don't go your way do you look for who you can blame?

The Republicans can blame his campaign or look at the politics of the party and reflect on where they are out of date and which policies don't honor all people. And it is the same for us. When we fall short of a dream we need to look within and see what we need to adjust to accomplish our dreams. Blaming others is never productive or spiritually mature.

Lots of people, this morning, are happy or mad about the election results. But remember that nothing outside of you can steal your happiness unless you let it. And instead of looking back, walk forward, it's a new day.

Pic... Water is cleansing and soothing...so I thought it was ideal for my picture.

I Hope It Is Quick

There are some things in life you don't want to quickly end... like a good music concert; a great dinner with friends; a long  walk with your sweetie where you are sharing your thoughts and feeling connected.

But this american election ... I am so happy it is almost over. However I am disconcerted to see that they can still campaign today. WHAT?? How is it they can still campaign when people are voting? And I hope the decision is quick.

People are highly charged about this election, others aren't I would guess. And with all this energy and percieved certainty that the results just have to turn out the way we each want them to... we have to look at this with a spiritual eye.

My spiritual eye gives me a view that trusts Divine Order is unfolding. This isn't to say that Universal Mind takes sides, no. It calls me to see the perfection in whichever way it goes. Divine Order is established in me. Look for the good, the God in it all. Not easy to do when we are so passionate but when our "musts" get out of the way... we can see the good in everything.

Pic.. These beautiful birds all have a different view and each is good.

The Old is New

Well we finished moving Jenn and Greg into their new old home. The two story brick was built in 1920 and is a cosy, sweet home. There is hardwood trim everywhere and those tall baseboards you see in older homes. The stairway to the second floor pauses at a beautiful window seat.  The doors throughout the house are beautiful and the front room has a lovely stained glass feature. And .. they have mail delivered to the mailbox on their porch. Wow!

Charlie and Scooter are making their adjustments to their new home too. Cats are so curious and they've checked out almost every inch of the place.

By the time we left this morning, furniture was in place, the kitchen unpacked, pictures hung and all is pretty well in order. It is nice to be of service and it's nice to be home now to rest! We are intimately connected to so few people on the planet, it's good to be there for each other when its needed.

Pic.. Sorry, I forgot to take a picture of the house.. but here is an old stone house.

Gratitude is an attitude

If your attitude turns sour today, stop, pause and think about New York City, Staten Island and New Jersey. Boats have washed up to door steps; tunnels are flooded; subways have been closed for days under water and many people don't have electricity.

Sometimes we have to put things into perspective. Really.. you had to wait 5 minutes in a line up and you are annoyed? Let's appreciate and be grateful for everything that is working in our lives. An attitude for gratitude brings more into our life to be grateful for.

What we can learn from tragedies is that people come togther, they share what they have, they comfort those they can and together they make it through. Together let's keep things in perspective today.

Pic... Friends and family.. now that is what is important!

Make it a "5 Finger" Day

Prosperity Plus program creator, Mary Morrissey, came up with a unique way to be mindful of how to create a great day for yourself. Here is a brief description of her 5 Finger Day:

Thumbs Up! 

Put your thumb up when you get up. This reminds you to set a positive attitude for the day.

Pointer Finger

Point your way down your day. Set the direction for your day. Set an intention for how you want to show up and all the good you expect to unfold.

Bend your middle finger down held down by your thumb and then FLICK!

Flick away the fear. Any worry or doubts that come up flick them away for what they are... nothingness. Remember the power within you is greater than anything outside of you.

Ring Finger or Fourth Finger

Go forth in your day as a person of INCREASE. Wherever you are, whomever you are with bring increase to the moment. Amplify the love you are. Increase that love in all your interactions. Have you left people better than you found them?

Little Finger

Appreciate every little thing. What you appreciate expands. Remember appreciation is an inward out experience. Go forth to appreciate everything that shows up for you.

There you have it. A powerful tool for a powerful day. This is what our Prosperity Plus class learned last night. You can use it too!

Pic.. You can create your day your way. What will your road look like today?