End of October including current reading: Steps to Christ and weaving.....

Auspicious : conducive to success; favorable, propitious, promising, rosy, good, encouraging; giving or being a sign of future success. characterized by success; prosperous. Thank you, Rebecca Dowdy

"Breadth of mind, a nobility of 

Character, and a stability of purpose rarely seen in these times." ~  p. 91 Steps to Christ

Dan Fogelberg's "Part of the Plan" was fun to over hear while out walking with Misty 

"I have these moments / All steady and strong

I'm feeling so holy and humble / The next thing I know / I'm all worried and weak

And I feel myself starting to crumble / The meanings get lost

And the teachings get tossed / And you don't know what You're going to do next

You wait for the sun / But it never quite comes

Some kind of message / Comes through to you / Some kind of message comes through

And it says to you. . . Love when you can / Cry when you have to / Be who you must

That's a part of the plan / Await your arrival / With simple survival

And one day we'll all understand   source and more

"Earnest attention and prayerful study." ~  p. 91 Steps to Christ

"For a branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me." ~ John 15:4

Give vigor to the faculties [through]ennobling truths of the Bible. ~  p. 91 Steps to Christ 
"How He Loves Us" by David Crowder Band

Invitation to get to know God
"Jesus came to give us direct personal contact with the living God
"Keep yourselves in the love of God." ~ Jude 20,21
Luke-Acts: One Story in Two Parts
"Move that ego out of the way. Let God in and find the rock to stand on...

Not your strength. God's strength. Spirit strength, that will make you a bless to others" ~ Ted Nottingham "The Rock: Finding the Ground of Being"

Open that door of your heart and let yourself be found. Let yourself be found.
Privilege of Prayer... and Power of Positivity

"Quiet graces of the flowers" ~ p. 86 Steps to Christ by Ellen G. White
Rax : to stretch oneself, as after sleeping. to extend the hand.

Strengthen the intellect: Study of the Scriptures p. 90 Steps to Christ by Ellen G. White
THANK YOU EVERYONE for your well wishes, love, hugs, friendship, and encouragement xo

Vocabulary and Video of "La Vie en Rose" translation - beautiful. source
"We cannot merely pray to you, O God, to end war / For we know that You have made the world in a way / That man must find his own path to peace / Within himself and with his neighbor / We cannot merely pray to You, O God, to end starvation / For You have already given us the resources / With which to feed the entire world, If we would only use them Wisely...

Xoxoxoxoxo

"You have already given us eyes / With which to see the good in all men / If we would only use them rightly / We cannot merely pray to You, O God, to end despair / For You have already given us the power / To clear away slums and to give hope / If we would only use our power justly / We cannot merely pray to You, O God / to end disease / For You have already given us great minds / With which to search out cures and healing / If we would only use them constructively / Therefore we pray to You instead, O God / For strength, determination and will power, To do instead of just pray, To become instead of merely to wish." ~ A Sabbath Prayer source

Zen and Now Wellness Studio, Zest Bakery, and not one but two! Pamela Zs... here we come!

Joy of Friendships, Love, Gratitude and Peace

Autumn shows how beautiful it is...

and so does Ashley 

"Boggle" origin  source

Colossians 2:6 Connect and remain in Christ : The Annointed
"Desire to follow in the path that Jesus trod." ~ p. 83 Steps to Christ by Ellen G. White

Flowers from Andie   and cake, 2nd Joyner

Ganesha is a god of wisdom, success and good luck. 

 Thank you, Meghan

"How am I to abide in Christ?" p. 74 Steps to Christ by Ellen G. White

“I cry all the time for the same reason I laugh all the time. Because I’m paying attention.” ~ Glennon Doyle

"Just a Song Before I Go" Crosby, Stills and Nash listen here

"Kind and good, faithful, gentle and full of self-control" ~ Neal 10/21/18 "...fruit of the Spirit is:

Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23

Mind-boggling : mentally or emotionally exciting or overwhelming.
Neighborly love - love thy Neighbor - thank you for walking across the street - "Jackie from across the street"

Paulo Coelho: When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.”

"Quirky" was the word Antoinette used. I wonder if she still feels that way after 4 straight hours ;)
Reiki : hands-on healing through which a "universal energy" is said to be transferred through the palms of the practitioner to the patient in order to encourage emotional or physical healing.

Umbrage: offense or annoyance. take exception, be aggrieved, affronted, annoyed, angry, indignant, put out, insulted, hurt, piqued, be resentful, be disgruntled, go into a huff, miffed, chafe

"Vivifying influence of the Spirit of God is arousing you." ~ p. 70 Steps to Christ by Ellen G. White

"Water your mind, grow your soul." ~ Serendipity Corner's Facebook page

anXieties would be dismissed if we would but fully believe "each is tenderly watched by the heavenly Father. No tears are shed that God does not notice. There is no smile the He does not mark." ~ p. 91 Steps to Christ by Ellen G. White

"You are not to wait for great occasions or to expect extraordinary abilities before you go to work for God." ~ p. 87 Steps to Christ by Ellen G. White

 Pamela Zagarenski and Randall de Seve Signing Zola's Elephant. Savoy Book Shop. Westerly, RI. Nov 7th at 6pm

"Trusting the Mystic Step" by Ted Nottingham

Asking [God] for advice on taking this step...

Becoming someone completely different ...

Change that has to do with becoming [my] true self; being healed which is the meaning of the word salvation.

Divine presence... in that communion there is a sense of eternity... Desire to connect with spirit is to enter into the heart of God the arms of God it is to recognize our Dependence

Eternity in the now and of a continuation beyond immortality because we are centered in our spirit.
Fear has to do with who [I] will become, how [I] will be changed, what others will think of [me].

God the nature is unconditional love.

Honoring God and His word

In this life there is no darkness so there's nothing to fear about the divine... It is critical to understand that our purpose for being alive is to travel that path to our highest potential which is an awakening of our consciousness to our authentic self which is rooted in eternal spirit and then every moment of life is a blessing to us in which we see the beauty and mystery of the Divine Presence and of Providence in which we become a blessing to others.

Journey is towards the opposite of human despair...The Joy of the poets of the Holy Ones of those who have finally understood our profound and magnificent our existence is we understand our purpose everything has meaning this is not something to fear this is something to rejoice for something to longed for.

Kim and Valerie and others in Westerly/Pawcatuck area - we've got some LOVE to share

Leaping off the spiritual cliff... Liberated from all that cripples: fears, wounds from the past, habits acquired,  experiences that have caused defenses to go up the, illusions of the ego, etc.

Moving away from this outer darkness of disconnection into a unity that brings us a joy indescribable

Once we grasp what our real purpose is all of the envy and ambitions and frustrations of humanity can disappear and make room for that kind of
Peace which is beatific... transformative body mind soul in a way that is natural that is right nothing to fear this unknown is our true origin or true delight in living these days of our lives in the glory of a deeper consciousness seeing the invisible and offering this love back to the maker.

Quickening Spirit : An inflow of divine vitality into the body, which follows the affirmation of Truth. source

Reading next/now: Steps to Christ by Ellen G. White

"Serenity that changes the very nature of how you deal with life that leads you through life with wisdom and rich intuition and brings a contentment, a joy, sometimes a bliss that you could not have imagined before or only tasted in the briefest random moments." ~ Ted Nottingham

"Trusting the Mystic Step" video by Ted Nottingham used to be here (and on YouTube) but not now.

Ultimately change everything you know about yourself and the world in God

Very familiar because it is so right it is our birthright to live in this peace that nothing can take away to live in this consciousness of being loved which in turn allows us to love it is our strength in times of hardships because it keeps us connected to that which is of ultimate importance and puts everything in perspective.

We are talking about fulfilling the human potential...We're talking about purification...What our heart and soul really yearn for there is no strangeness to this it becomes very familiar because it is so right it is our birthright to live in this peace that nothing can take away

Xenophobia is the fear and distrust of that which is perceived to be foreign or strange.

"Your fear has to do with who you will become how you will be changed what others will think of you but we're talking here about a change that has to do with becoming your true self being healed…"

Zuowang : Daoist meditation technique, described as, "a state of deep trance or intense absorption, during which no trace of ego-identity is felt and only the underlying cosmic current of the Dao is perceived as real." source

Part 2 of how I came to ...

How I "suddenly" came to be moving back to Connecticut after 27 years away. In one sense, it has happened quickly, but it's also been a long time coming.

While my father's passing in August 2016 was certainly part of it, the process of reflecting on that time tugged at my heart strings in an even deeper way. When I was invited to speak at Chapel, I began see more clearly the ways in which God has been guiding my life, my whole life, but much more so when I let go and let Him. If it had simply been Dad's passing, wouldn't I have moved sooner? As it turned out, I needed to heal some things here first, but to say I was not strong enough then, is only partly true. In truth, it was not time yet. God's timing is Divine, and I did not yet understand that piece/peace. 

I'd been noticing what God was doing in and with my closest friend's life, and wanted to find and feel what he was experiencing. I wanted a relationship with God. I could feel His presence in prayer and in nature, and I wanted more of that. I attended a Meredith chapel service. Graduating senior Molly Smerko was giving her final talk and Jennifer Dominguez was worshiping God with and through beautiful singing.  Afterward, I thanked Jennifer and asked what church she attended because I wanted more of that. I soon went to that church, and discovered I needed a more intimate relationship with God, and a smaller community.

Sside note: As I was writing that last paragraph, I decided to search previous blogs to find the exact date of that chapel visit. What I found was an entry from LAST summer in which Molly posed the question, in Spanish: "If you were not afraid, what would you do?" https://lunawings.blogspot.com/2017/07/what-if-outside-box.html

June 3, 2018: I attended Lifepointe Church's Cary location at Dillard Middle School, and immediately felt welcomed, loved, excited, and at peace. I wanted to know more about this church and these people, so that evening I went to what was becoming the new facility, and I listened and participated, and met more people with whom I felt a connection.  I knew I had found a new church home, and made the decision to be baptized on June 24th at Falls Lake in Raleigh, surrounded in love by some of my closest friends to bear witness.

July 13, 2018 : On my 57th Birthday, I was given some amazing gifts that included time with people I love, an awareness that we are always together, a cup of coffee, and a link to this TedxTalk by Dr. Clint Rogers. I hope you will take a few minute to watch this 12 min video, and ask yourself the three questions: My answer was much louder than a whisper:

 "Be with my Mom."

Two days later, I stood stunned, tears welling up, as Erin Bittner Martin sang "Who You Say I Am" and these words yanked my heart strings: (click here to hear that song)

 "... in my Father's house, there's a place for me..." 

 

It was incredibly powerful for a number of reasons. For those who do not know, our Dad built our family home, in 1959. I deeply felt both meanings as Erin sang - though I did not yet know her name. Listen to the Hillsong Worship version by clicking here.

What to do? First: Pray. Second. Sleep on it. Wake up. get coffee. open Facebook - and ... there was Bruce Springsteen singing  "My Hometown." I then had a long conversation with  a friend from high school - (we've known each other for about 40 years). Then went poking around on the Connecticut College website and noticed an opening in the same department a friend work(ed) in, and sent her a message, which began a wonderful conversation and an even closer connection (we've also known each other nearly 40 years). Deborah made it clear I had some work to do - and that I need to aim higher - but that she would be more than happy to help. 

5 August 2018 Lifepointe Church, Cary: As soon as I heard the question "How far will I go to connect the people in my life with the God who changed my life?" - I heard the whisper "650+ miles" and I knew it was time to return to my hometown. I hit the "submit" button for a position of Community Learning Coordinator at Connecticut College, and brought my prayer to our small group.

Deborah helped me so much and I really thought that ConnCollege was where I would land - but when I did not hear back right away, I did a little digging to find out more about what the position would entail so I could send a follow-up e-mail and let them know how interested I was. What I found was a non-profit called F.R.E.S.H New London (Food, Resources, Education, Security, and Health) and this fabulous image:

 

 I did not see a job opening there, so I dug deeper, clicked on "Partners" and was led directly to Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut. They had an opening, not just any opening, but this opening: Administrative Associate and Executive Assistant: The person in this position greets all calls and visitors with a smile and helping hand. She/he is the first face of the Community Foundation many folks encounter and represents our inclusive, kind, collaborative values and culture. The job description included "Organizational Values: Integrity, Inclusivity, Respect, Courage, Collaboration, Transparency, Accountability, Kindness, Empathy" and  "Duties and responsibilities:  • Provide administrative support to the President and other staff • Qualifications include: • Team player, collaborative, positive and a sense of humor • Proven ability to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously • Organized • Ability to set priorities • Must work independently and in a team environment • Solid experience with Microsoft products • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including pleasant telephone manner"

I had a feeling this was "it" - Deborah had already helped me re-write my cover letter and resume, and so, with just a few changes to my cover letter, I hit "send" and off it went at 7am on Monday, August 27th and at 3pm I received a phone call from CFECT's Janet Grant. Later that week we used FaceTime for my interview. I sensed it went well, but was told I'd not hear back for a few weeks, as the President and CEO was on vacation and she would need to speak with me as well, since I would also be her Executive Assistant if I got the job.

In the meantime, Deb sent along another ConnCollege opening that "might be a good fit..." and so, I hit send on what would be only my 3rd and last job application on Wednesday, Sep 5th. I continued to do whatever was "next." The request for a second interview was in my e-mail when I returned to my desk after chapel on Sept. 19th, and took place the following Monday. A week later, on October 1st she called my references, and then me. 

Quickening within and without. God has created a path, and everything is coming together... By fully embracing what God's work in my life, being willing to pause, listen, open my heart, and allow the process of writing, rewriting, and sharing my spiritual journey, with a focus on the two years since my father's passing, combined with the love and support of friends and family has changed my life. 

In three short months, I went from hearing the whisper, to securing a job that feels right, to making arrangements to return to Pawcatuck, CT, 13 days before my Mom's 82nd birthday. Our "stuff" will leave NC exactly 22 years after we arrived : Halloween 1996. The next morning, we will rise before the sun, and head north with our pets, Misty and Kendall, and enough clothes to get us through the time it takes for our "stuff" to arrive in CT. 

One of the many lessons I am learning:

 Through God, all things are not only possible, but powerfully and intricately connected.

Tidbits from this week Oct 8-12, mostly

"As the flower turns to the sun, that the bright beams may aid in perfecting its beauty and symmetry, so should we turn to the Sun of Righteousness, that heaven's light may shine upon us, that our character may be developed into the likeness of Christ." ~ Ellen G. White

Ben Greenfield's Christian Journal in 3 steps: gratitude, truth, prayer
Choosing a new leader for my life p. 16

 thanks for posting, Kelly :)

"Enabling us to think the way God thinks" ~ p.15 Following Jesus
Following Jesus: 7 Essentials to Following Jesus by Samuel Deuth

Grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 4;15

"How will I be different?" ~ p.23 Following Jesus
"I am feeling healthy and quietly content" ~ Nancy Law

"Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment." ~ Matthew 22:37-38

Keep open the communion between Jesus and your own soul. Seek every opportunity to go where prayer is wont to be made... Keep so near to God that in every unexpected trial our thoughts will turn to Him as naturally as the flower turns to the sun. Keep your wants, your joys, your sorrows, your cares, and your fears before God. You cannot burden Him; you cannot weary Him. He who numbers the hairs of your head is not indifferent to the wants of His children" ~ p. 102-104 Steps to Christ, Ellen G. White

"Let the soul be laid open to the inspecting eye of God... Let your heart be often uplifted to God." ~ Steps to Christ, Ellen G. White

Mystic indeed!!  This was such a wonderful video to "find" this week!

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." ~ Margaret Mead

"Our Father in heave, hallowed by your name..." ~ Matthew 6:9

Prayer: so very important for my allow Peace to resonate in my heart and in my life

Quality of our life is basically the Quality of our thoughts and how we act on those thoughts."  ~ p.15 Following Jesus

Rythmia posted this image from Gerard Armond Powell - it Resonate with my heart and soul

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4 NIV

Thessalonians 5:16-18 : "Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you."
"Unceasing prayer is the unbroken union of the soul with God, so that life from God flows into our life; and from our life, purity and holiness flow back to God." ~ Steps to Christ, Ellen G. White

“Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weakness.” ~ Brené Brown

What am I grateful for today? What truth did I discover today? Who can I pray for or serve today?

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. ~ Psalm 119:105

Zincked: simple past tense and past participle of zinc

At the end of October 2018 ~ We are moving ~ exactly 22 years in NC

"A Living Prayer" by Alison Krauss listen and watch here

"Breakaway" by Kelly Clarkson has come to mind, but its sort of in reverse
Connecticut, here we Come!
Decided to accept what I feel Deeply as God's calling 

End of an Era - at Meredith College - but also a new beginning
"... Feel the rush of the ocean..." ~ "Breakaway" by Kelly Clarkson

God is setting all things up for you and wants you to continue trusting Him and keep stepping out in faith. He's got you and will not let you fall! Hard to leave old friends for sure, but you will make new friends to help you further along on your journey." ~ Donna - thank you

"How years ago in days of old When magic filled the air...

I know I've got one thing I got to do, Ramble on..."

Jimmy Page and Robert Plant

Kelly Clarkson "Breakaway" watch and listen here

"Leaves are falling all around / It's time I was on my way..." ~ "Ramble On" watch and listen here

My Hometown ~ Bruce Springsteen ~ listen and watch here

New job starts November 5th... New Adventures on the horizon, always

On our way... after our move to NC exactly 22 years ago, to the day
Pawcatuck, Connecticut, ready or not, here we come
Quiet moments of meditation can end up being powerful turning points

Robert Plant: Live from the Artists Den - "Ramble On" watch and listen here

"Sometimes I grow so tired ... And now's the time, the time is now to ...Sing my song...Ramble On" ~ Songwriters: Jimmy Page / Robert Plant

"The autumn moon lights my way / For now I smell the rain..."

"Unfinished Story" Uploaded with love/ "Unstoppable God" 

Verse 1 : "Heaven thundered / And the world was born / Life begins and ends / In the dust You formed / Faith commanded And the mountains moved / Fear is losing ground / To our hope in You"

 source

"I go forth with a spirit of enthusiasm, eXcitement, and eXpectancy. I am at peace." ~ source

"You are rewarded not according to your work or your time but according to the measure of your love." ~ St. Catherine of Siena.

  

E-mails old and new - October begins, 2018

Armor of God: Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power

"Be fixed be focused be faithful. Be

Committed. " ~ 6/21/17

Divinely beautiful and beautifully Divine 

Ephesians 6:10-18 The Armor of God:

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of...

God, so that you can take your stand against ... the spiritual forces of evil in the 

Heavenly realms.13 Therefore put on the full armor of  God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." ~ Ephesians 6: 13-15

"In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith,with which you can extinguish all them flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." ~ Ephesians 6: 16-17

Jack Kruse - quantum wisdom. The difference between interest and commitment. Be fixed be focused be faithful. Be committed. Water is a repository for sunlight. Water can deliver light to proteins even when the sun is not shining. Your body is a survival machine and those the best to survive if given bad inputs. You are what you settle for." ~ Jun 21, 2017, message

“Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.” ~ Desiderata by Max Ehrmann

Logion : a saying attributed to Jesus Christ, especially one not recorded in the canonical Gospels.

"Metaxis (or metaxy) is the word used by Plato to describe the condition of “in-betweenness” that is one of the characteristics of being human. In particular, Plato applied it to spirituality, describing its location as being between the human and the divine." source

“No doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.” ~ Desiderata by Max Ehrmann

Overwhelmed can be a positive, healing experience when I allow it to be

"Powerful Positive Possibilities Prayer" Inbox... Nov 12, 2016, 1:27 PM to me

Qualities of a Mastermind Alliance: Dependability, Loyalty, Ability, Positive Mental Attitude, Willing to go the extra mile, Applied Faith

Re-Reading Desiderata by Max Ehrmann thanks to Recent Reconnect with Allison Dwyer

"Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story." ~ Desiderata by Max Ehrmann

Tree of the Soul by D.A. Freher in Works of J. Behmen 1764

 source

Ubiquitous: present, appearing, or found everywhere.

"Very alert look the appearance of someone who is constantly traveling passers-by see all things for the first and last time they never looked back and they savor each instant as the Very place of passage of the eternal now." ~ Ted Nottingham

"Water is a repository for sunlight. Water can deliver light to proteins even when the sun is not shining...." ~ Jack Kruse

veXatious to the spirit : tending to cause annoyance, frustration, or worry.

"Your body is a survival machine and thrives ONLY if it given good inputs from nature and does its best to survive if given bad inputs. You are what you settle for, especially when it comes to the light you live under when you have ANY addiction." ~ Jack Kruse

Zack Darling:  "Caduceus"

September 26 thru 30, 2018

"A master at the art of living makes no distinction between his work and his play, his labor and his leisure, his mind and his body, his education and his recreation, his love and his religion. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues with excellence what he is about and leaves others to determine whether he is working or playing. He himself knows he is always doing both." ~ Wilfred A. Peterson

Care about each other... Care IS the Cure

Ephesians 3:20 "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us..."

Francis Chan's : listen here

Honor God with courageous obedience

In this morning's attempt to pull together this post, wrap up the end of September, and honor God, I "happened upon" this comment from a blog post I published in May, 2017. "I love your images! I actually used the gumby one on a blog I write about yoga and, of course, linked to you. :) Thank you! Your work is a positive contribution to our world.... (see "K" for the rest  of this kind comment :)

"Keep writing! Also, I love the title of your blog!" ~ River Lin May 13, 2017

"Love one another as I have Loved you."

"... Most men, including those at ease with problems of the greatest complexity, can seldom accept even the simplest and most obvious truth if it be such as would oblige them to admit the falsity of conclusions which they have delighted in explaining to colleagues, which they have proudly taught to others, and which they have woven, thread by thread, into the fabric of their lives." ~ Tolstoy
Napoleon Hill said, “No mind is complete by itself. It needs contact and association with other minds to grow and expand.” source

"Overcome" by Elevation Worship: "Now the darkness fades / Into new beginnings..." 9/30/18 Lifepointe Cary's last service at Dillard Drive Middle School

Paucity of grace as in: "The real Jesus was offensive. Disturbing. He consistently embraced those who were socially, religiously, and legally marginalized. He challenged those who earned the ancient equivalent of $21.5 million annual endorsements. He commanded his followers to die. He called out the religious for their paucity of grace." source

Quiet time is so necessary right now
Recursive Triangles: dig deeper
"Something supernatural going on because I've never seen a love like that." ~ Francis Chan Letters to the Church

"Union of opposites the resolution of the seeming contradiction between action and contemplation calmness with an action in vitality within repose." ~ Ted Nottingham

listen and watch here

"Very alert look the appearance of someone who is constantly traveling passers-by see all things for the first and last time they never looked back and they savor each instant as the very place of passage of the eternal now." ~ Ted Nottingham

"When you open your heart making room for everyone and everything and for the holy one suffering is decreased and passes more swiftly this is simple wisdom of life...

eXperience." ~ Ted Nottingham

Zingiber officinale (Ginger root)