Attitude of Gratitude

"... gratitude is not a condition,
it's a decision. It's a decision we
make to look past the apparent
problems in our life and find the
good." L. Wesley Hopper

We are always at choice in the
circumstances of our life.

We can look at what is going on, wring
our hands, and say "poor me."

Or, we can decide to find something
in the situation to be grateful for.

It is the difference between living a
life as a victim or victor, because a
victim makes the choice to see the
glass as half empty.

The victor is able to see the
possibilities, and to find a reason to
express gratitude.

No matter what the situation may be,
God's Presence in us is always
Present, and for this we can be
grateful.

Let Us Pray:
Living, Loving Presence, we go within
and connect with You. There is nothing
to fear. We realize You as Presence in
every cell of our beings. We are grateful.
Amen.

As we realize your faithfulness in
supporting this ministry with your Love,
we are grateful.

Love,
Sandy

"Whole Life"

"The notion that work and worship are
separate activities is common but
incorrect. Live your life and do your
work in an attitude of adoration of the
Divine...Love God in everything you do."
Bhagavad Gita Chap 18:46

How often do we attempt to separate
our lives into work and worship?

When I was interviewed for my present
position they wanted to make sure I
knew what I was applying for: nurse,
not minister. They asked me what I
would do if a patient asked me to pray
with them.

I told them that if someone wanted me
to pray with them I would pray with them.

I, also, explained to them that I don't
compartmentalize my life into work or
worship.

My work is ministry. It is my opportunity
to see the Christ in the person in front of
me.

I wouldn't hesitate to pray with a patient
or family member or co-worker.

Praying with someone else is a great
privilege, and such an honor when I'm
asked to pray with someone for them-
selves or a loved one.

My work is a way to honor God. When
I attend a church or walk in nature or
spend time with loved ones, I can also
honor God.

How about you?

Let Us Pray:
Sweet Holy Spirit, we are grateful we
can worship you in every part of our
lives. You are fully Present with us at
all times. We are blessed. Amen.

I'm grateful for you. Thank you for your
love and support.

Grace-filled blessings,
Sandy

"Joy"

"I want to know if you can be with joy,
mine or your own...
Oriah Mountain Dreamer

Do you ever get uncomfortable when
you see someone expressing joy?

Perhaps we as adults are afraid to
show the joy or to even fully experience
it.

Joy is something that bubbles up from
within us. It is a gift of Spirit.

We need to return to the time of our youth,
or whenever we felt truly free, and allow
that joy to overflow.

Seeing through eyes of joy puts a silver
lining on the clouds, and helps us to see
the rays of sunshine on a rainy day.

Joy brings a lightness to our thoughts,
and we can't help but smile.

Joy helps us to celebrate God within us
and in others

As we know joy in our lives we can feel
it no matter what might be happening in
our world.

May we each allow joy to overflow.

Let Us Pray:
Divine Love and Joy, we go within and
consciously connect with You. You lift
our hearts and cause us to sing and
rejoice. We are so blessed. We are so
grateful Amen.

Wishing you joy on your journey.

In joy,
Sandy

"Sit With Pain"

"...I want to know if you can sit with
pain, mine or your own, without moving
to hide it, or fade it, or fix it."
Oriah Mountain Dreamer

Pain is a part of our lives, and most of
the time we would rather numb out with
food, drugs, alcohol, shopping, gambling,
or sleeping, than sitting with our pain.

Or perhaps, because we have had pain
inflicted on us, we decide to hide or
avoid situations or relationships that may
risk more pain.

Pain is there as our teacher, if we are
willing to sit with it, and learn the lessons
that are there for us.

If we numb it, ignore it, or even attempt to
fix it, then we will miss the lesson that
pain may bring us.

"We must move into darker places if we
are to find the wisdom we so desperately
need." O.M.D.

Sometimes pain seems too big for us to
deal with on our own, and having a friend
who is willing to just sit with the pain with
us, can help us move through it.

Are you willing to sit with your pain or to
ask a trusted friend to sit with you?

Let Us Pray:
Living, Loving Presence, as we consciously
connect with You, we are grateful that no
matter what circumstances we are in, You
are fully Present. You comfort, lead, guide,
and direct us. With Your Support, we can
be with pain, and we give thanks. Amen.

We are here to sit with you in your pain, as
well as your joy.

Love,
Sandy