RE: TODAY, I AM GRATEFUL FOR ..........

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RE: TODAY, I AM GRATEFUL FOR .......... - 10/7/2008 5:42:13 PM

lilsparrow

Posts: 401
Joined: 9/15/2008
From: New York State USA
Status: offline

Dear Betty . . .
I looked up the Gratefulness Gathering in Mattli, and the setting is truly magnificent. It seems as if the weekend retreat was just the beginning of a much greater, independent pilgrimage that you embarked on...alone and in unfamiliar lands. I am stunned. You must be very brave and also have a great trust in the universe, and your trust has served you well. In retrospect, I'm sure you can laugh, but there must have been some utterly horrifying moments . . . like your sprained ankle in Ireland, and wandering the streets of Italy at night. It was a real test of your ability to surrender, and you did. You stuck it out even though you wanted to quit. I do think that persevering through the tragedies of our lives can make us stronger, but each new challenge can make us feel like babes in the woods all over again. You are a very courageous woman Betty. God or Spirit was with you . . . I think it is true that even if it hadn't ended so well, He would have been with you. We just might not be able to understand a bad outcome. But I am happy you are back and that you are safe. I'm sure that over time as this momentous event settles in, you will discover the reason at its core and it will make you a better person than you already are.
Thank you Betty, for taking the time to respond and really share a bit of the experience of your pilgrimage, for that is what I think it was. A journey is a trip . . . in my dictionary it says a pilgrimage is a journey with a spritual purpose. What a tremendous gift.
with love . . .
sparrow

_____________________________

everything counts...

Post #: 2381

RE: TODAY, I AM GRATEFUL FOR .......... - 10/7/2008 5:50:56 PM

Hope coach

Posts: 445
Joined: 9/20/2007
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Jude I so agree with you I always feel as though he is reaching out and holding me and those words resonate deeply in my heart and soul chakra I feel he reaches me right through the veil of heaven and is beside me here on earth I always feel the energy on my left side just above my shoulder it happens the strongest when I am in the presence of that particular image whether in statue or picture. Sparrow can you give us with less navigation skills guidance to the Switzerland Retreat on the site here I will check it later going to lead my REFF meeting now....peace to all here
Namaste on a rainy day Edda and Leon stay dry too
Barbara T

_____________________________

Our Glory Is not In Never Falling
Our Glory Is Rising Every Time We Fall
Confuscious

Post #: 2382

RE: TODAY, I AM GRATEFUL FOR .......... - 10/7/2008 6:21:53 PM

lilsparrow

Posts: 401
Joined: 9/15/2008
From: New York State USA
Status: offline

Dear Barbara . . .
I did a google search for Mattli and found it that way. It's actually right here on the gratefulness site!
http://www.gratefulness.org/a/mattli_2008.htm
with love . . .
sparrow

_____________________________

everything counts...

Post #: 2383

RE: TODAY, I AM GRATEFUL FOR .......... - 10/8/2008 4:45:26 AM

buttington

Posts: 2158
Joined: 6/9/2007
From: UK
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Thank you Sparrow, I have just been enjoying the stunning photographs of Mattli.

Barbara, that is very interesting what you say about feeling the energy. Some of the people I have done a healing on have felt like a hand on their shoulder, as if the angels were helping me!! Some people have even seen angels behind me.

Just before I trained to be a healer I had a very powerful experience whilst being healed myself. I suddenly saw all these bright purple and lavender colours, even though I had my eyes closed, and the person healing me went to get a colleague because she couldn't believe what she was feeling through me. The colleague confirmed that spiritual energy was very strong in and around me. Then I heard very clear words spoken only to me. "Your time has come." Now this was when I was at my lowest ebb just before my husband left and I knew I had to become a healer too. (My teacher, who incidentally was doing the healing on me at the time, was always telling me I should, as she could feel strong energy coming through me even from a distance) She rang me the next day to talk about it and asked who I thought my guide was who 'spoke' to me. I thought a bit and said, "Well, I've always thought it was Jesus." I didn't know much about guides or angels or anything then, but it was true that, although I had gone away from the church, I still felt very connected to Jesus himself.
Many years ago my Sister sent me an Easter card with a beautiful painting of Jesus with arms outstretched. It sits in a frame on top of the TV.

Much Love, Jude

_____________________________

Love is the only way

Post #: 2384

RE: TODAY, I AM GRATEFUL FOR .......... - 10/8/2008 9:56:20 PM

Hildegard

Posts: 2652
Joined: 8/30/2006
From: Chicago
Status: online

Dear Betty, thank you for sharing with us your reflections on your experiences during your "pilgrimage". There is little I can add to what has already been said so well by others. I agree with Sparrow that with time the meaning of it all will reveal itself.

I hope your knee is getting less painful and healing!
Much love,
Edda

_____________________________

Peace and joy!

Post #: 2385

RE: TODAY, I AM GRATEFUL FOR .......... - 10/9/2008 6:20:20 AM

Imenuff

Posts: 811
Joined: 3/23/2007
Status: offline

Today, I am most grateful that I had a bed to sleep in and warm covers to pull over me. I am grateful that I had a choice to keep the room quite cool, rather than being forced to sleep in the elements and wondering how I would stay warm and if I would be safe. Prayers for all those who do not have these blessings. I am grateful for the difficult experiences in life and that I often failed to handled them well but was/am accepted and loved unconditionally in spite of those failures. I am grateful for a wonderful guided meditation on Autumn, The Falling Leaves. The author's book "Walk in a Relaxed Manner," the story of her 500 mile walk/pilgrimage of the Camino toward Santiago at age 60 was given me as my traveling companion on my own pilgrimage.
Sparrow, dear, yes, the pictures of Mattli are gorgeous. As Juliana can attest to, it's not quote what we saw since we had cold rain and fog all the while we were there. Later in Switzerland, there were many times that the beauty of creation left one breathless and filled with wonder and awe. As far as bravery and trust in humanity, I am not sure those qualities were possessed but possibly being searched for as part of the pilgrimage. Yes, there are those moments I can laugh about that I spent like a whirling devrish spinning and spinning almost out of control rather than stopping and centering. And yes, there were those utterly horrifying moments of fear when the only prayer that could be uttered became "Out of the depth I call to You." But, there were also those times where "Eye has not seen nor ear heard, nor has it entered the heart of humanity what the Holy One has prepared for us. Thank you for your kind words.
Jude, your experience of being healed and being called to heal in the midst of the lowest ebb of life sounds like it still so totally brings you into the healing process again both for yourself and others. What a wonderful, gifted blessing. As I read the comments of both you and Barbara, it reminded me of my own different perspective on that Christian symbol of the cross with the corpus, and how grateful I, am personally, for it. For me, no matter how difficult, painful, traumatically hopeless life can seem to be, there is always One who understands, who "has been there, done that." Life is life and it will always have those "Good Friday's" but to me the cross with the open armed cross says, "Yes, I know, I understand, I felt it, went through it, too. My arms are open to receive you in the midst of your pain. If you will allow me to walk with you, I WILL BRING YOU THROUGH IT, and the Love of My God brought me through it." It always says to me that there is no pain that I can feel that was not felt by This One and no matter how black the midnight, THERE IS ALWAYS One who understands.
Edda, dear, it is so good to "hear" the joy in your posts about being able to make a trip to the farmers market and still the tomatoes, fresh corn, etc., the simple, luscious blessings from our "Mother Nature."

May we all bless others as we have been blessed.

_____________________________

Shalom(May you be at peace in Body, Mind,& Spirit)

I'menuff

Post #: 2386

RE: TODAY, I AM GRATEFUL FOR .......... - 10/9/2008 7:13:40 AM

lilsparrow

Posts: 401
Joined: 9/15/2008
From: New York State USA
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Today I am grateful for this forum with the wonderful, kind people who share both joys and cares. I notice that when I am online in the morning, that you, Edda, are often online too. We both seem to like quiet time of early morning (although you are a couple of hours earlier than I am). It makes me feel less alone to know that you, and others are here.
I am grateful for my warm bed at night, more so when I think of you Betty, when you never knew where you would lay your head at night. I often think of it as my nest, where all of us borrow in and enjoy the comfort of each other's warm bodies . . . four cats and a husband. I am grateful for him, finally a man who "allows" me, without question to be who I am. I am grateful for the changes of season...oh how I hate to see October go (every October I play this song to celebrate the change of season-it has a perfect melancholy that expresses it all. Here is a link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEpj68Qf5jQ), but there is joy and anticipation in the first snowfall. I don't think I would like to live in a place where the seasons did not change. Today I am grateful for oatmeal, orange juice and coffee . . . I am grateful for the work that waits to be done . . . I am grateful to have enough . . . enough of everything, enough to share a little with others.
with love to all of you . . .
sparrow

_____________________________

everything counts...

Post #: 2387

RE: TODAY, I AM GRATEFUL FOR .......... - 10/9/2008 8:35:26 AM

Hildegard

Posts: 2652
Joined: 8/30/2006
From: Chicago
Status: online

Thank you, Sparrow! I, too, enjoy having company early in the morning! My mind is clearer before the day's activities start. I am always excited to see what posts were added during the night on the other side of the ocean and here.

I am grateful for yesterday - the rain stopped in time so that Leon (with his scooter) and I could get to Walgreen's for our flu shots. Also, I complimented the staff there for the best organized flu shot clinic in years. They had taken appointments and all the papers were prepared ahead of time. We were in and out faster than ever.

Edda

_____________________________

Peace and joy!

Post #: 2388

RE: TODAY, I AM GRATEFUL FOR .......... - 10/9/2008 9:57:38 AM

buttington

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Joined: 6/9/2007
From: UK
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Today I am grateful that I didn't have to walk up to school on the fog, and could spend an hour in front of the TV with my cold instead.

I am grateful that now, the sky is a beautiful blue with white fluffy clouds, which tempted me out to pick up apples ready to cook and freeze.

I too look with anticipation to see who has been on the Forum while I sleep, and then later on I can read your early morning posts (early afternoon here)

I am grateful for the last of my beans and apples from the garden I am having for my very late lunch.

Sparrow, you are indeed lucky to have a man who tolerates cats on (or in) the bed!!

Betty, I didn't mean the cross was wrong or unimportant - far from it. I just wish it wasn't the Christian symbol. He was about so much more, and I feel much closer to him when he has his arms outstretched to welcome and comfort me.
The more I hear about your journey the more in awe of you I am

I did wonder why I was anxious about you!!

Edda, that must have been a really nice surprise to find the clinic so efficient. so rare in hospitals these days.

Love to all, Jude

_____________________________

Love is the only way

Post #: 2389

RE: TODAY, I AM GRATEFUL FOR .......... - 10/9/2008 11:39:57 AM

Imenuff

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Jude, I didn't take it that way. I just wrote as I wrote as another perspective. Please, no offense taken. As far as my journey, please take part of the credit for it. It was the prayers and support of so many people that kept me going and you were all in my heart and prayers.

_____________________________

Shalom(May you be at peace in Body, Mind,& Spirit)

I'menuff

Post #: 2390

RE: TODAY, I AM GRATEFUL FOR .......... - 10/9/2008 7:39:16 PM

mamaluvskids

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TODAY I AM THANKFUL FOR THE RAIN. WE NEED IT SO BAD HERE.

Post #: 2391

RE: TODAY, I AM GRATEFUL FOR .......... - 10/10/2008 5:32:23 AM

buttington

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From: UK
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Today I am grateful for having known the charismatic and learned man, Father Charles L Moore, who, I was sad to discover by a websearch, had died last December. He and my friend Bea have been the two most influential people in my whole life.

I have often mentioned the friend Bea, who I describe as my Spiritual teacher. I met Father Charlie in her living room on a never to be forgotten, magical evening around 1994/5. He captivated us with his wisdom and stories about his life, which was extraordinary. I remember especially the tales of his escapades in the Vatican library at night (banned to seminary students!) to read all the writings hidden from mere mortals.
He has read just about every religious and spiritual texts there are, from all major religions, was fluent in many languages (including Japanese, which he was learning when I last saw him in the UK) and took the scriptures from the original Greek.
Because of this 'unorthodox' way of preaching the church de-frocked him and much scandal was spread about him afterwards, which is sadly what most people will know about him.
However, he began his own church in his home and a legend was born. (although judging from his obituary webpage, many young people remember him from many years ago)
In his own words, he is "far from Unorthodox, on the contrary, my teaching has always been about the heart of the Christian Church, which is the meaning of morality, the purpose of ethics, and union with God."

On his bathroom mirror is a quote - "Humility is a funny thing. Just when you think you've got it, you've lost it."

He was a funny, loving and very wise man, so much missed.

_____________________________

Love is the only way

Post #: 2392

RE: TODAY, I AM GRATEFUL FOR .......... - 10/10/2008 7:47:42 AM

lilsparrow

Posts: 401
Joined: 9/15/2008
From: New York State USA
Status: offline

Dear Jude . . . Thank you for sharing your thoughts on Father Charlie. It sounds, from what you say, and from what I was able to google, that he was a renaissance man, probably ahead of his time. I love the "humility" quote!

Today I am grateful for the heat turned on and sunshine pouring in the window. I am grateful to be independently employed, that medical testing came back negative, and that I have a garden to tend, worry over, and appreciate.
with love . . .
sparrow

_____________________________

everything counts...

Post #: 2393

RE: TODAY, I AM GRATEFUL FOR .......... - 10/10/2008 8:27:18 AM

lilsparrow

Posts: 401
Joined: 9/15/2008
From: New York State USA
Status: offline

PS to Jude . . .
Yes I am very fortunate to be with a man who loves cats. After being together for a few months he broke it off, which was very painful for me. About six months later he came to visit. I was still very full of anger and pain, and greeted him rather stiffly. I had a new kitten, Phoenix a black ball of rolling thunder at the time . . . my future husband and I were standing awkwardly in the kitchen and Phoenix came barreling in and jumped into his arms. I never felt so betrayed in my life. Needless to say we eventually got back together and married, but Phoenix has always secretly been his favorite.

sparrow

_____________________________

everything counts...

Post #: 2394

RE: TODAY, I AM GRATEFUL FOR .......... - 10/10/2008 8:30:26 AM

Imenuff

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Dear Jude, Your comments on Father Charlie have whetted my appetite to begin reading some of his works. Another excellent Catholic priest/teacher, Anthony de Mello, had his books banned by the Vatican and yet they are all unbelievable books. So often hierarchical structures somehow get more wrapped up in power than in truth. If de Mello had not died, he too would probably have been defrocked. It sounds like your times with Fr. Charlie were very special blessings for you.
Sparrow, You must live more in the East. Our sun has not risen yet but dawn has broken. Gratitude that your medical testing came back negative. What a very special gift to be independently employed. That is one of my goals for the coming year.

Today I am grateful for the the gift of sight as the symphony of color begins and Autumn spins forth its dance of colors and caresses the edges of the leaves. Once again the greens of Mother Nature's Sentinels metamorphose into a kaleidoscope of vibrant oranges, yellows and reds and creation becomes wrapped in their vibrant warmth and breathless beauty.

May we always nurture that beauty within that allows us to see all of the external beauty of creation and humanity.

_____________________________

Shalom(May you be at peace in Body, Mind,& Spirit)

I'menuff

Post #: 2395

RE: TODAY, I AM GRATEFUL FOR .......... - 10/10/2008 9:10:41 AM

buttington

Posts: 2158
Joined: 6/9/2007
From: UK
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Dear Betty,
I thought Father Charlie might intrigue you! Reading of his death has made me start listening again to all the tapes I have of his Sunday sermons held in his home at Pacific Grove, Monteray. I remember after last seeing him in 1997 I wrote off to an address in his hometown to request some of the tapes, promised by one of his helpers if I asked for them. I shall never forget when they came because I had to pay £25 shipping, which was a lot of money. However, as I didn’t pay anything for the tapes themselves, it was a bargain really, and I wouldn’t be without them. I’m sure recordings of his talks and sermons would be available still, but I don’t know how to find out. I would love some more. It was quite by chance that I found the radio programs.
1995/97 were possibly the worst years of my life, and I don’t think it was any coincidence that I met this amazing man at that time. Many a pile of ironing has been done while listening to him talk! After a few years of listening to a fundamentalist Christian perspective while working on a farm, I came to almost hate the name Jesus, but Father Charlie gave him back to me.

It is funny though, and it taught me a valuable lesson, not to judge people by how they look, when I first saw him sitting in my friend’s living room I was annoyed that this rather strange looking man wearing a cap indoors!! (his trademark) was invading our group. I already knew of him because my friend Bea had lent me some of the tapes, and imagine my joy……. and shame when I discovered who this ‘intruder’ was!
He has written a book, which is for sale on Amazon. It will be my Birthday or Christmas present to myself.

Yes Sparrow, he was very much a man ahead of his time and the Catholic church were afraid of him. He says somewhere that the truth might set us free, but the truth can be dangerous too. But, as we all know, Love will find a way, and it did.

I'm so pleased your tests came back negative.

Lots of Love, Jude

_____________________________

Love is the only way

Post #: 2396

RE: TODAY, I AM GRATEFUL FOR .......... - 10/10/2008 1:51:42 PM

Lynn

Posts: 894
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From: Phillipsport, NY
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I am so grateful for this beautiful fall day. Feeling much better, got in some painting, cleaning and organizing today.
Prayers for everyone and their concerns. Love, Lynn

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DREAM WITH YOUR HEART!!

Post #: 2397

RE: TODAY, I AM GRATEFUL FOR .......... - 10/10/2008 2:36:01 PM

Hildegard

Posts: 2652
Joined: 8/30/2006
From: Chicago
Status: online

Dear Lynn, it is a beautiful fall day here, too, for which I am most grateful! Leon is able to sit outside enjoying the fresh air (??? Chicago is unfortunately on the bottom for air quality!). I am glad that you are feeling better and able to get around to do a few things.

Much love,
Edda

_____________________________

Peace and joy!

Post #: 2398

RE: TODAY, I AM GRATEFUL FOR .......... - 10/10/2008 7:35:04 PM

buttington

Posts: 2158
Joined: 6/9/2007
From: UK
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Today I too have been grateful for a beautiful Autumn day.

Also for the opportunity to re-visit an old TV documentary from 1978 about violinist Itzhak Perlman who has always been a great favourite of mine.

Hello Lynn, glad to see your cheery post!

Love, Jude

_____________________________

Love is the only way

Post #: 2399

RE: TODAY, I AM GRATEFUL FOR .......... - 10/11/2008 8:39:31 AM

lilsparrow

Posts: 401
Joined: 9/15/2008
From: New York State USA
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Hello Lynn . . .
I am happy to hear that you are feeling better.
It's a beautiful day here too, Edda, (a day later), but maybe you'll have another one to be out in the sunshine with Leon. There won't be many more days like this for awhile.
Itzhak Perlman has been a favorite of mine too, Jude. Isn't it nice to be able to pull out all these wonderful little pleasures . . . like little jewels . . .
Today I am grateful for the companionship of a few friends, the ability to take a little ride in the country this afternoon (thank God for small, fuel efficient cars), and work later in our woodworking shop...good hands-on, tiring work--the kind you feel good about at the end of the day.
with love to you all . . .
sparrow

_____________________________

everything counts...

Post #: 2400