Ponderings #22

Dear fellow travelers,

Thank you for your continue support, and in being your gift to me.

I am writing Part 2 of the The Very First Angel, Part 1 was in the last Pondering.

Thank you so much for taking your time to read it. It was my pleasure to write it.

The Very First Angel --Part 2

Grandmother beamed, "What is an angel? Well, some may prefer to call you a

'Spirit or Guide' but I choose to call you an ' Angel'.

You will soon discover what an Angel is. For now, you can choose to be

whatever you would like to be."

The tiny light blinked, "My, my, I have choice?" "Yes, you have choice.'

The little Angel closed those curious eyes, and thought and thought.

And as the tiny Angel thought, the warmth of the Sun surrounded the Angel.

and the little Angel KNEW."

The Angel's eyes opened WIDE and blinked, "Grandmother, I KNOW

exactly what I choose to BE, and to DO, also!!!"

"I desire to be like you !!!" I desire to be bright and warm.

I choose to bring warmth, love and joy and peace to all, as you have to me!!!

And I choose to live with the clouds in the sky, to watch over all, like you do,

and to guide and to help others as you do. And also to have wings like the birds,

so when I am needed, I can fly and be anywhere in a blink>"

Grandmother beamed, "Yes, my tiny light, I know and knew all that about you.

You are to be a guide and a comfort for all who ask, And that is what an Angel is, exactly what you have chosen to be." The tiny Angel blinked,

"You already knew all that about me?" "Yes, my Angle, it was up to you,

to discover and know for yourself, who and what you are."

The little Angle blinked, "OH, my, my. And said, "I am so happy, but I do have

one more request. All the beautiful plants and animals here seem to have

their very own names. I was wondering if I could have my very own name.

But I don't know what it would be."

Grandmother radiated, "That my little one, is a very easy request."

How would you like the name MY-MY, my little light? I think it its perfect."

the tiny Angel twinkled, "Oh, my my, YES of course, MY-MY !! I shall be

named 'MY-MY' THE VERY FIRST ANGEL!!!!!!!!!!! and it was very good.

And as days flowed into nights and nights into days, and then into years,

the years turned into centuries. And with the passing of time more and more

Angels arrived. And even now, every day and every night, Angels are still

arriving. In this moment surrounding you are MY-MY and thousands of Angels,

ready to guide you and support you. WHEN YOU ASK.

The Angels, some as tiny as a dot, are as MY-MY is, loving, caring, and watching

over all that is. Ready to help when needed.

When you feel alone, afraid or need help,

JUST CLOSE YOUR EYES-TAKE A BREATH- AND SAY, ",MY-MY".

And in a blink, MY-MY and the Angels will give you guidance, and bring

you comfort and peace.

AND IT IS GOOD, VERY GOOD. and so it was and is!!! the end

To all you earth angels, be good to yourself! you deserve it! when we have a choice, and we almost always do,

choose

LOVE.!!

Is life exciting and an adventure, or a routine and boredom?

We have choice! Choose wisely!!

Just Pondering on past creativity,

Linda Patton, RScP, ENTC

http://Ponderings-everyday-spirituality.blogspot.com.

Ponderings #21

   Several years ago I wrote a book called "The Very First Angel". I have rewritten the story content as my Ponderings. and would love to share it with you. Trust you enjoy it.

The Very First Angel--Part 1

A very, very, very long time ago when the Earth was young,

mighty mountains and oceans and rivers were being formed.

Trees and wild flowers had begun to grow, and gently swayed with the breath

of the wind.

Flocks of birds soared high, gliding through the skies, schools of brightly colored fish zigged and zagged, and swam deep down in the clear waters,

Wild animals romped with great zeal over the hills and in the fields.

And all were happy and peaceful. And it was good.

Way up high-stretching across the horizon was a golden glow,

which watched over all, and guided all that was, and knew with great knowing,

how magnificent it was.

And when evening came, the golden glow, whish had wrapped the earth in warmth during the day, slowly descended behind the mighty mountains,

and the day blended into the darkness of night,

And darkness descended on the hills and valleys,

All became very quiet, resting and becoming renewed for the next day.

As the days passed into nights and nights into days,

Every day and every night followed the same rhythm as the day and night

before it.

Except for one very special night...

While the earth was dark and still, a tiny, tiny, white light blinked across the

darkness, so silently not even the sky stirred.

And the tiny blinking white light came to rest on a billowy cloud,

so softly not even the cloud stirred.

When the darkness of night was fading into morning, the tiny white light

saw the golden glow peering over the mountain tops, and saw the beauty

everywhere.

The golden glow immediately saw the tiny light and her inner core beat faster

and faster and she became brighter..

The glow knew this was 'light' she had been waiting for

The glow beamed, "How are you, my little one?"

The tiny light blinked, "Oh, my my, I don't know! I opened my eyes, and

I don't know where I am.

Am I alone? And who are you?"

The golden glow radiated, "I certainly will answer all your questions. Yes, my

little light, you are the very first tiny light here. Yes, the very first one.

But you don't need to feel alone. If you choose, I am willing to be your friend,

and I am willing to guide you and help you."

The tiny light blinked, "Oh my my, thank you for helping me, and I am so curious.

Please, could you tell me where I am?"

The golden glow beamed and beamed, "You ,my little one are at a place

called Earth and a most wonderous place it is!

You will soon know how marvelous and magical it is,

how with just your thoughts and ideas, you can create everything you desire."

The golden glow now stretching across the horizon radiated, "To answer your

questions, I am called the 'Sun" but if you choose, you may call me

"Grandmother', because I have been here a very, very, long time.

and I watch over all and guide all.

I change night into day and I keep the Earth warm. I knew you were coming,

I have waited for you. You, my little light are the "The Very First Angel".

The little light blinked, "Angel? Oh, my my, what is an Angel?"

Grandmother beamed, "What is an Angel?" Well, some may prefer to call

you a 'Spirit or Guide' but I choose to call you an 'Angel' You will soon

discover what an Angel is. For now, you can choose to be whatever you

would like to be."

To be continued.....Please save Part 1 and if you choose, we have choice,

forward it on. Have a wonderful sunny day!!

Just Pondering on past creativity

Linda Patton, RScP ENTC

http://Ponderings-everyday-spirituality.blogspot.com

Ponderings #20

Dear fellow travelers,

Spring is here! and the trees and plants have sprung to life again. I trust you are taking a few moments, if not more, to enjoy this array of beauty.

But what if we are having some of those not so beautiful moments of enjoying the abundance of nature, and our thoughts are  more centered on

" Why is this happening?, or What? what is this about?, those thoughts that take us away from the beauty that surrounds us.

When I have those moments, one thing I do is to go back to one of my favorite books "The Hiding Place"' (a must read), and remember several of my most special episodes from this remarkable true story.

A short recap: Corrie and her sister Betsy (who was the more spiritual and steadfast religious of the two) lived a very everyday, routine life in a small town in Holland. That was until WW 11 happened.

Then, their home became a halfway house for hiding Jews and Corrie became a large part of the Holland underground.

They were captured and imprisoned in a concentration camp: in an urine and flea infested straw covered floor cell with fifty plus women.

Betsy insisted on holding religious meetings in their cell for all the women, a real NO against the rules of the camp, but their meetings became more and more open. Corrie was in awe of this blessing.

One night when Betsy and Corrie were saying their prayers. Betsy said, "Thank you God for the Fleas", Corrie said " WHAT??". and Betsy with her sweet voice, responded, "Yes, God, say be grateful for everything!!" and that includes the fleas, and Corrie reluctantly prayed, "Thank you God for the Fleas!"

A few days later one of the women from their cell told them she had overhead two of their guards talking, one said to the other, "Do you ever check that last cell?, I never do" the other guard said, " NO! I never go near it BECAUSE OF THE FLEAS!"

BE GRATEFUL FOR EVERYTHING

We may never know or see the larger view or higher meaning.

Betsy had died while in the camp, but after the war, Corrie spoke to many groups about her experiences during the War years and after. She was a radiant presences at these meetings and Forgiveness was high on her priority list on how to reestablish the many fractured war torn lives.

At one event she came face to face with one of the hostile, cruel guards from her camp.

It was now time for her to practice what she preached.

FORGIVENESS!!

It isn't always easy to practice what one preaches, but necessary, to embrace a peaceful and joyful life.

and to truly see the array of beauty that surrounds us.

My life is so blessed and you are one of the reasons.

What are you grateful for?

Is there still someone you need to forgive??

Just Pondering,

and enjoying the beauty of spring,

Linda Patton RScP, ENTC

Blog, http://Ponderings-everyday-spirituality-blogspot.com.

Ponderings #19

Dear fellow travelers,
Thank you for your constant support.

I have heard lately from so many people who seem to be going thru great challenges, that I was called to share an old Pondering that I wrote many years ago. It still seems appropriate for many of us today.

I have written about life's path, to me, being similar to hills and valleys. I know when we fine ourselves in some valleys, they may seem to be far deeper and longer than others, and since we are all one, we all at one time or another experience both the hills and valleys. But sometimes when we are in the valleys, for what ever our challenge may be, it may seem that we may never get out.. but have faith....There is a promise....

From my old Pondering:

I had the 23th Psalm repeating thru my mind all week.

Part of one verse says,

Yea, though I WALK THROUGH the valley ----

I had never before focused on the word WALK. It doesn't say lay down, stay , sit down, or even run.
 It simple says, WALK, take time.

I'm sure we can also while walking, meditate,  think, and learn, so there may be no need to repeat the same valley again, but we do need to....

MOVE and take ACTION. WALK is an action word. 
Do what ever the appropriate action is for us to do.

And the next word is THROUGH--it doesn't say circle around, or stay in the valley, it says WALK THROUGHT it.

And as we are walking, we are moving thru the valley to the hill.

Honest!! we are!!    I didn't say it was easy, and sometimes the hill may not easily be seen, but it is there, waiting for us.

We must have the faith.
We are the ones to learn and to teach others.

We are here to learn and to teach, and we are each others teachers.

And thank you for being mine.

I am always learning. and always grateful for what I learn. I didn't say it was easy.

Some lessons are more difficult than others for me. But necessary.

Just Pondering,

Linda Patton, RScP, ENTC

Blog address, http://Ponderings-everyday-spirituality.blogspot.com

Ponderings #18

Dear fellow travelers,

I am grateful for your continued support, suggestions, and comments. You are a blessing to me.

The words "Appreciation" and "Gratitude" seem to be coming to me in waves, from you, my readings, and from many other sources.

Appreciation is, yes, to me another word for approval and approval from others is a risky business, because no one is always going to approve of you or me all the time (self-approval is optimal)....... but I admit, to hear, or to read, from someone else,  that I am appreciated does make my heart dance and it does feel good!

I believe everyone likes to know from others that they matter and that they are appreciated.

I overheard a store staff meeting the other day. It was filled with appreciative, upbeat, supportive comments. I didn't hear any phases like "you should", or "you must". There was much focus placed on how to appreciate the customer. I had a great feeling about how good the employees probably feel working with such supportive management.

Another great memory I have is of a women who founded an organization of which I was a founding member. To me she was one of the greatest visionaries I have personally known. She was amazing. After speaking to someone for a few minutes, she could direct them to their perfect position, empower them, shower them with constant accolades, appreciation and respect. She also walked her talk, before computers, she stayed up late at night, writing grants and talking to people around the country. Needless to say this is now an acclaimed, sought after internationally respected organization. This, to me, has much to do with the people thriving on being noticed and appreciated, thus willing to go that extra mile to accomplish the vision.

She transitioned a few years ago, but her vision remains. I am in great gratitude for knowing her.

I know what I have written so far is not everyone's experience at this moment. And for that I am saddened.

I hear from many people, who tell me that they are not in a fulfilling or satisfying work and or personal relationship and how difficult it is and how diminished they feel.

In the valleys along my path, I have been in similar situations. Fortunately I have managed to change the situation and me--, or just changed me and stayed--, or changed me and moved on. ---I didn't say it was easy. Just possible.

My spiritual and emotional health is my top priority. If I am depleted in these areas, I don't have the energy to give to others, and my own physical health also suffers.

One thing I don't want to ever do is to move out of a situation without evaluating all aspects of it known to me, and change within me what I need to change...because not to engage in that process means I most likely will fine myself again in a similar situation just under a different name.. I didn't say it was easy, but important!!

I also need to be clear within myself about what I do want ( or something better), do the action steps and the work involved, and then let go and allow what I want to evolve and manifest...... It happens, and it has happened....Honest!!

I also need to remember that sometimes an unhappy or unhealthy situation can provide clarity and contrast for what I really want.

And for that I am grateful. There is always something to be grateful for.

Never give up!!! There is always a solution. There are a multitude of fulfilling careers, jobs and relationships. The universe is unlimited potential and abundant in all areas. Anything and everything is possible. Believe it!!!

And if you think you didn't success, as the saying goes, Try again!!

And always claim your power.

We are all powerful, sometimes we just allow our light to get a little dusty. So lets shake off that dust and lets always let our lights shine!!!!!

Life is for living and having fun. Let's make the most of it!!

What do you appreciate?

What are you grateful for?

Just pondering on appreciation and gratitude,

Linda Patton, RScP, ENTC

http://Ponderings-everyday-spirituality.blogspot.com

Ponderings #17

Dear fellow travelers,

Welcome to our new travelers and thank you all again for your comments, you are a blessing to me.

A Small Act of Kindness, Long Remembered

Many years ago I was attending a three day Revelations Conference, hosted by Rev. Michael Beckwith, founder of the Agape International Spiritual Center, located in LA, Ca. This was my first time at one of his conferences. But I had heard Rev Michael speak over the years, when he was on the East coast.

It was late in the afternoon, I had skipped lunch, and my hunger pangs were increasing. I slipped out of the ballroom, our main conference room, into the lobby in search for one of the hospitality tables. The hotel had set up tables with food for our breaks, but all the tables had been cleared. The refreshment tables were bare!

I noticed a petite, elegant women standing behind a counter, and me in need of food,  jumped at the opportunity to rescue a cookie from a "hotel representative."

I said something like, "Do you have anything that resembles a cookie back there, I skipped lunch and I'm starving?"

This calm, elegant women looked down behind the counter and after a few seconds came up with a brown lunch bag and started to search thru it. She took out a plastic bag with some cookies in it and said,

"Take what you want".

I took a cookie and thanked her. Then I came to my senses and realized she was not a hotel employee and this was her personal food supply.

Being really mortified and embarrassed, I apologized for my abruptness and thanked her again for her generosity.

And then I looked at her name tag "Alice Beckwith".

I asked her if she was related to Rev. Michael, she said, "Yes, I am his mother." She went on to tell me she was in charge of the vendors. I have always remembered this interchange with great love and warmth.

I am sad to write that Alice Beckwith transitioned this morning.

She was truly a women who "Walked the Talk", of kindness, humility, humbleness and generosity.

Her energy is and will always be around us all.

I have been thinking a lot these last few days of my later interactions with Rev Michael and Rickie,  and my condolences go to them and all their family.

Sometimes, one some act of kindness is all it takes for a lasting heartfelt, warm memory.

Thank you!  in great gratitude for all the kind, humble people I know, and you are one of them.    

Just ponderings on kindness,

Linda Patton, RScP, ENTC

Blog address http://Ponderings-everyday-spirituality.blogspot.com

Ponderings #16

                                                  Everyday Spirituality

Dear fellow travelers,

Thank you for coming on this journey with me.

I have heard from you, concerning situations and challenges on finances, relationships, health, work issues, and in many other areas. I have at one time or another, also had challenges in many of these areas.

We are all unique individuals, who are also creative beings. I know we all have our own life styles, perspectives and beliefs.

I have read that to change a situation, we must change the perspective or belief behind it, to allow us to be open to solutions.

I had an ah ha! moment with a profound, to me, experiential (an activity in which everyone in the group participates). It culminated in endless solutions, and I often go back to that exercise when I feel blocked, knowing "there is a solution".

It was an exercise at a regional management work seminar, to promote the concept to of giving our employees their work assignments with the due date, and then to allow them to complete the tasks in their own creative styles.

It was a demonstration to show how people do have their own unique ways to reach their goal. It taught me more than that.

The experiential was:

At one end of the ballroom there were targets attached to the wall. Each target had an agenda on "Why do you work" written on it such as: "money", "benefits", "security","work itself", "prestige", etc.

About 200 of us were at the other end of the ballroom behind a white line.

We were one at a time to go the other end of the ballroom and touch the target which represented our attitude.

The catch was: we each had to go in a different way.!!! Now Really.

I think I actually stopped breathing, I could think of only about three ways to go; walk, skip and run. My mind went blank. I just had to be one of the first to go, because there could not possible be 200 or so ways.

Actually there were. The more ways people created to go, the more ways there were; some danced, walked backward, jumped, did circles, summersaults, and each one could be done in reverse. It was amazing to me.

The creative ideas were endless!! The solutions were endless!!

For me I learned more than to let go and allow people to be creative, I learned how many ways to solve an initial challenge there could be. "endless", I just need to be open, take off my blinders and allow the unlimited abundant solutions to pour in.

We are all unique beings with access to more creative ideas than we can ever humanly imagine. There is no "lack", lack is only in our closed awareness.

We are unlimited abundant in all ways. Believe It!!!

I could sign off here but I have an interesting story to tell of how one solution manifested.

This obviously would not be every ones, but this did happen.

A few years ago, a friend, who said she was "on a fixed income", wanted to move to a retirement community and at that moment didn't have the resources to move. She was open to all possibilities and looking for solutions.

In the same time period her ex husband transitioned, to her shock, he deliberately or unintentionally hadn't changed his beneficiary on a very old insurance policy. Yes, she inherited a very large sum of money.

She moved!!

Now, again this is probably not the solution for everyone.

We just need to be open to all possibilities.

Are you open?

Do you believe there are endless solutions?

Just pondering,

Linda Patton, RScP, ENTC