Posted by: Rev. Christine | May 23, 2010

Listen and Learn

FlowersI just returned from visiting my family back east. My Dad is going through some health challenges and I was glad I was there to help. I learned a lot from listening to his words. Mostly I could hear myself. When he complained and it irritated me, I realized how many times I complain. When he shared his worries (about pretty much everything). I could hear my own worries being repeated.

We receive a lot of our mental programming and beliefs from our parents. They did the best they could. They learned from their parents. It is a waste of time to blame them for our conditions, but it is incredibly valuable to listen and learn from them.

I love my Dad dearly. He has a great sense of humor, honorable integrity and enormous love for his family. I can honor him by taking on his values and letting go of my beliefs that don’t embrace life. I am so grateful for the awareness to listen and learn.

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Posted by: Rev. Christine | May 12, 2010

Conscious Abundance

“Your personal welfare begins with your consciousness. It is not what happens on Wall Street. It is not the “state of the economy.” It has its inception in the state of your mind. You can be prosperous when business is poor, and you can experience financial difficulties even when business is booming.” Spiritual Economics by Eric Butterworth

It is so easy to get sidetracked by what is on the news or what our neighbor said or what our family thinks of us. It takes practice to stay centered on spiritual truth, knowing that God is the only source of our supply. All good comes from God. It may come to us through a company, person, opportunity. But the source is God.

Knowing that frees us from being victim of the world around us. Practicing makes it reality in our lives.

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Posted by: Rev. Christine | May 11, 2010

The Utility Quilt

Ruby is a project design student at University of Oregon. She designed an amazing tarp out of used grocery bags. She created the Utility Quilt for the homeless in Portland. Ruby was inspired by a news story on NPR and had the idea that if it works here, it should also work for the people in Haiti. Please help get the word out about her awesome project. She could use volunteers, irons, plastic grocery bags. What an inspiration!

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Posted by: Rev. Christine | May 5, 2010

One Day at a Time

I was sharing with a friend today about my passion for empowering women to live inspired lives. Each of us has power, potential and unlimited possibilities. All too often that potential is buried underneath guilt, doubt, lack and limitation.

As we commit to our inner work of clearing away blocks and releasing error thoughts and limiting beliefs, we let our light shine. We find freedom to achieve our goals and dreams.

Once we find our own freedom, we are then in a position to help others on their spiritual journey. Transforming the world to be one of peace, freedom and grace begins with taking dominion of our own lives. One day at a time. Praise God!

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Posted by: Rev. Christine | May 5, 2010

Power of Agreement

Erik Martin had a dream. He always wanted to be a superhero. His dream came true last Thursday when Spiderman called and asked for his help. The 13-year-old boy was whisked away across town in a DeLorean sports car driven by Moonshine Maid and escorted by 20 motorcycle officers. For the next several hours Electron Boy fought evil doers as he raced from one Seattle neighborhood to another. Hundreds of volunteers participated in an elaborate event that shut down freeways and engaged everyone in one task; to make Erik’s dream come true. Erik has liver cancer. Thanks to the Make-a-Wish Foundation, Erik’s dream became a reality.

I was so moved by his story. Someone listened and paid attention. Then they engaged the community and supported Erik in making his dream come true. Isn’t that what we all want? To be heard. To have our dreams realized.

We have the awesome opportunity every day to be in agreement with another for their goals, their dreams, their ideas. An amazing shift happens when we listen and really hear what another is saying. Anxiety falls away and they stand a little straighter and smile a bit brighter.

Run, don’t walk away from those that complain about what’s wrong with the world. It’s a downward spiral that saps the spiritual juice right out of us. Finding agreement on a solution is far more empowering and infinitely more fun than living in victim thinking.

It is written in Matthew 18:19, “Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.” When we stand in agreement for another, we open the door to God’s gracious blessings. Erik said it was the best day of his life. I bet that everyone who participated in making his dream come true would heartily agree.

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Posted by: Rev. Christine | April 29, 2010

Practicing gratitude

Well, gosh darn, why wasn’t my prayer answered? I could relate to my client’s frustration. It reminded me of my prayers as a child which usually took the form of Let’s Make a Deal.

Prayer is less about making deals and more about building a relationship with God. It is a practice of accepting God’s blessings and building faith. It is a practice of gratitude.

Prayer is always working. Our job is to let go of attachment to when or how it will happen. When we shift our attention away from telling God what to do and surrender, the universal flow of good comes rushing in to meet us.

Prayer for Accepting Good
I recognize at the center of all life is a power for good that is God and a universal presence of God’s love. Today I align myself with God’s love and know that it brings every good and perfect thing to me. I am guided and directed on my path and know whatever is needed is already provided. I surrender any limiting thoughts and trust that all is well. I gratefully receive all the good that God has to offer. Amen.

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Posted by: Rev. Christine | April 24, 2010

Transform Criticism into Love

Picture 284When we are the target of blame or criticism it can knock us off our mindful centeredness and leave us spinning in self-doubt and resentment. What do we do with that negative energy?

This is where being the observer is so important. Immediately we want to defend ourselves and attack back. But if we are able to step aside from the accusation, we can observe our emotions and thoughts. The other person is in pain. The greatest gift we can give in that moment is to listen and not respond. Have you ever noticed a time when you were upset and you just want someone to hear you? Listening can change the experience from one of attack to one of surrender.

Listening allows us to take our human personality out of the picture. Of course, there are emotions in reaction to what was said. But as we listen we are able to set aside our human personality and be present. Then when we respond we do so out of love.

Recently several clients were confronted with anger and resentment. They reacted not by responding to their accuser, but they called for spiritual support to stay connected in love. As they were able to acknowledge their feelings, recognize their beliefs and stand in truth, they were set free from pain. Most of all, they were able to observe the other person with love. Staying in love is critical to living in Grace.

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Posted by: Rev. Christine | April 21, 2010

Accepting and blessing

“I hate my boss.” I listened to my friend last week as she shared about another bad day at work. I had to agree with her. Her boss was inconsiderate, insensitive, stingy and clueless. But hate is a big word. It keeps us stuck in our own limitation.

I suggested she find some compassion for him instead of feeling resentment. Her boss did not seem to be enjoying his job either. Start with the Love Prayer. Accept him and bless him. If she could possibly find a morsel of empathy for him, she could visualize him being happy and productive. If not at this job, somewhere even better.

Sometimes it feels like people come into our lives to make us miserable. I think they show up to remind us the importance of compassion and love. Even an ounce of compassion can shift feelings of hate to peace, of resentment to understanding.

She called today to share that her boss announced he was leaving. He took a job with another company. Hopefully, a place where he will be happy and productive. I accept you. I bless you. I wish you well.

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Posted by: Rev. Christine | April 19, 2010

Toes on Vacation

My toes had been nagging me for weeks. They were tired of bulky socks, winter boots and stuffy shoes. They were exhausted from running errands, rushing to meetings and running through constant rain. They demanded a vacation. What could I do?

I took them to Palm Springs. They felt liberated to relax in the hot desert sun. They enjoyed a cool dip in the refreshing pool and they walked naked (yes, naked!) whenever possible. It was an awesome few days to unwind, relax and refresh.

My toes and I are back in Portland. They came back with much improved attitudes and a better perspective on life. Why it’s like walking on air!

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Posted by: Rev. Christine | April 12, 2010

Maybe it’s not about me?

I felt betrayed. My friend took advantage of our friendship and of my generous nature and I felt wounded. After all we’ve been through together. Any judge and jury would find her behavior irresponsible and would find her guilty as charged.

One day I realized how much energy it was taking to stay angry at my friend’s behavior. She was nowhere near me but my thoughts obsessed about her. It was as if she was standing next to me day and night. It was time to confront her and come to terms with her betrayal.

There was one sticking point. All my training over the years taught me that I am the only one responsible for my feelings. I can choose to feel betrayed, victimized and angry. Or I can forgive her. Forgiveness did not seem like a possibility at the time. But I knew I had to start somewhere.

When I was journaling one day I recalled a time when a co-worker was angry at me and accused me of being disloyal to her and hurting her. It was never my intention. I had a lot of other things going on in my life at the time. It was never about her.

A light bulb went on in my mind. Is it possible it’s not about me? What if my friend was going through her own issues and wasn’t aware of her actions? What if it was a misunderstanding and not meant to hurt me? Just thinking about the possibility made me feel lighter. My anger and resentment seemed like waste of time and energy. Maybe I could stop sending my friend mental daggers and send waves of peace instead.

It’s worth a try. I’m willing to begin to let go so I can find some inner peace. How about you?

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