FREE HUGS and GOD’s FREE BLESSINGS

Posted on August 27, 2010 by a moment with god — 1 Comment

Kit holding up our Free Hugs sign

Good Morning, God!

Yesterday was an exciting morning! Kit was doing the “Inspiration” at his Metro Rotary Club and I had been enlisted to make the FREE HUGS signs and to join him in offering hugs after the meeting. It all started when a friend from the Advertiser emailed him a link to a youtube video of the Free Hugs event in Sondrio, Italy. Kit loved it!

I loved it! How could anyone NOT love it, God? So the idea came to Kit to tell about it when he next gave the “Inspiration” at his Rotary Club . He even bought small hearts that folks could put on their name badges — to indicate that they were willing to receive hugs. It went well and after the meeting we hugged most of the members. The few who walked by us made me sort of sad. Not that I was rejected — but that they didn’t take the time to receive the Gift of Touch.

Sigh. Of course, YOU have loads of gifts that we don’t take the time to receive. What? We don’t feel we NEED them? Oops! I hear You say SKIP THE PURAL WE — CHANGE IT TO I. More sighs. Yeah, You are right. I KNOW You have Gifts and Blessings and Healings for ME. But, I’d rather clean my office or WHAT?

You say I am afraid of change — afraid of being different than I am. Hmmm. I just caught a glimpse of the thousands of little social fears enmeshing me — telling me to ACT NORMAL! GO ALONG! DON’T ROCK THE BOAT. DON’T ATTRACT ATTENTION.

That’s pretty primal, God! And pretty DUMB, too! Please help me today to keep pausing and receiving the gift of YOUR FREE HUG!

Tagged with: God longs to give us Hugs
Posted in a series of molts and upgrades, accepting gifts sight unseen, fears, gifts and giftings, God wants to nourishes us, gratitude, Venturing out of the shallows?

A Role Model and A Joy

Posted on August 26, 2010 by a moment with god — Leave a comment

Marjorie the First, my mother at 95

Good Morning, God!

Thank You, God, for my wonderful mother! I appreciate her more every day. A couple of days ago she left a message on my cell phone. Mind You, God, she never calls, so when I see a voice message from her, I worry. She said, “Margie, my computer has died. It’s DEAD. You have to go down to the Apple store this afternoon and buy me a NEW ONE! I cannot live without a computer!”

Well, it was just trouble with the cable company and it fixed itself. But, I was SO IMPRESSED by her connection to the computer! Then just yesterday she said something to the effect that she’d been upset all day. When I asked WHY? She said, “I just don’t want to go so soon — just when things are so interesting.” God, I assured her she could make it to 100. I hope You agree!

Mom has always been a marvelous listener — a gene she got from her father — and she is also a gifted appreciator. She is a joy to be with. The other day she asked me if I could find her reading glasses which apparently had been missing for a few days. She said, “I had to learn to read without them.” She doesn’t have hearing aids — we just have to get her ear wax vacuumed out every three months. She does complain about being dizzy and just not “waking up!” But then last week she came from behind in Scrabble to beat me 376 to 375.

I tell her “Mom! You just can’t complain about being out of it when you beat me!” Please, God, help me do that well at her age. Hopefully, I’ve got TIME to get good!

Tagged with: The Blessing of a Loving Mother
Posted in appreciation, LOVE, Mothers and Fathers, role models

No, I didn’t eat Chicken for dinner

Posted on August 25, 2010 by a moment with god — Leave a comment

Dinner at Kincaids restaurant

Good Morning, God!

Last night I was out to dinner and, no, I didn’t order chicken. I’ve been watching Michael Pollan interviewed on 360 video. It’s on the last 8 minutes of this link. Aurgh! All these poor chickens, raised in tiny spaces, debeaked, and fed grain. In conditions like that it’s no wonder they grow resistant bacteria. And all of this so that we can “eat cheap” and grow fat.

Meanwhile, we are laughing at the Europeans for being afraid of GMO food. AURGH! God, where are our Your Rules concerning FOOD? Golly, what do the Orthodox Rabbis say about all for this? Can you raise a KOSHER CHICKEN in an INDUSTRIAL FOOD FACTORY?

The Omnivore's Dilemma

I feel like Chicken Little — saying Help, HELP! The SKY is falling! Only, of course, it all plays out so slowly that no one notices. Slow motion disasters will do that. They give us time to adjust and adapt. Mostly, God, adapting is a gift. But, some things, we shouldn’t adapt to.

The Industrial Food Factories have only been around since the 1970s. And apparently big “million egg” producers can get away with safety violations. Pay a small fine — do an occasional recall — and keep on doing what will make the most money.

Hmmm. I read about this in Michael Pollan’s book, the Omnivore’s Dilemma Ah, but that was words — this was photos — images roosting in my mind — pecking away at me, hoping for MORE CHANGES.

Sigh, I still go out to eat. But at home we eat grass fed beef. And normally we just don’t eat chicken because I’m not too sure about free range. Wild fish we eat. And I buy organic or local vegetables — except when I shop at Costco. I wish, God, that CHANGE wasn’t quite so hard. Please help us.

Tagged with: Can you raise kosher chicken in industrial food factories?
Posted in a hand up, a series of molts and upgrades, Cherishing our Bodies, Eating for health, food questions, traditional food patterns

Clouds, Expectations, Delights and Disappointments

Posted on August 24, 2010 by a moment with god — 2 Comments

Moon amidst Clouds in early A.M.

Good Morning, God!

I got up at 2:30 a.m. this morning to have another try at the photographing the elusive moon — persistence passing acceptance on the fly.

Here it is, WITH surrounding clouds!

Of course, God, the moon was there while Kit and I dined last night at the Shack. It was just hidden by clouds. Reminding me of how the Clouds of Fear and Doubt keep us from “seeing” You.

Koko Crater and a rainbow

The other thought is that often our focus on our expectations causes us to miss or undervalue the rest of this wonderful world. Thanks to Kit, I didn’t miss this almost full rainbow that appeared during dinner. It was truly a DELIGHT! No, it wasn’t the moon which I was waiting for — it was something unpredictable — a gift available to those willing to receive.

Not seeing the moon was a disappointment that was put into perspective by a phone call at the end of dinner. A dear friend called to say that her daughter had ovarian cancer. WHAT PAIN!

Illness, God, is huge cloud — a STORM — and it blots out the sunlight. We get wet, we shiver, we fear, we get blown about. How much more we need to hold Your Hand — to know we are not alone — to know we are valued and loved. For that, God, You gave us friends. Friends who Hold On to You and one another.

Tagged with: Joining hands in the Storms of Life
Posted in connecting, connections, daughters, Expand my Heart, friends, pain, resiliency

A Slow “Puttering About” Day

Posted on August 23, 2010 by a moment with god — Leave a comment

Moon rise over Greece Photo from APOD.NASA.GOV Credit: Anthony Ayiomamitis

Good Morning, God!

I have talked Kit into going out for a Moon Watching Dinner! We will be going to the Shack and eating on the lanai that overlooks the Marina and watching the moon rise. This is something I WANT to do every month. But I rarely get the timing right AND negotiate far enough ahead with Kit.

It has to be BEFORE the full moon, but not too far ahead. Often, I fail to check the dates and am SURPRISED by the full moon. I must say, God, that I LOVE the moon. Such a good idea. And, yes, You caught me thinking about how Mars has TWO moons and being a bit envious. It is so easy to slip into wanting more! But I bet wanting more Moons is a first!

Actually, what I want is more STRUCTURE! Yesterday I puttered about doing things for myself. As You no doubt noted, I hedged a bit on the definition of work. I didn’t work for OTHERS! I did make one small organizational upgrade. I cleared off a shelf of out-dated binders and set up a set of Day Pads — Monday through Saturday. I can feel them behind me and it makes me happy!

I suspect that “getting organized” is a lot like forgiving. First, I have to WANT to. SecondI need to remember my Emotional Body and my Office can only HOLD JUST SO MUCH without toxicity or chaos setting in. Hmmm. How much easier it is to focus on the paper clutter and the swarms of TO DOs than to do the Spiritual/Emotional Work of Forgiving! So, God, maybe Organizing is to my papers what Forgiving is to my Heart Memories? More a matter of TOSSING than filing? Yes, God, first I have to look at them!

Tagged with: If only tossing Heart Memories was as easy as tossing papers
Posted in A God given diversity, appreciation, attitudes, authority over my life, Office Overflow, sabbath rest

The Great Cleanup — Forgiving!

Posted on August 22, 2010 by a moment with god — Leave a comment

yet another photo of Ko'olau

Good Morning, God!

Yesterday — the last day of Life in the Spirit — Mike Evans led us in a guided meditation / prayer on forgiving. It seemed as if EVERYONE had someone they needed to forgive — probably more than just one.

I was amazed at the number of folks that popped up in my mind! The stuff was pretty small and I was more than willing to forgive. But, where had they been hiding? How could I not have known that I was harboring unforgiven folks in my Heart?

Hmmm. You say: KNOWING that would have damaged my “good opinion” of myself — so I just didn’t know! Bummers! That hurts! But, I don’t deny the truth of it. We WANT to be GOOD people. I suspect You just want us to be YOUR people.

But back to forgiveness. Holding on to people who have “harmed” us requires BIG Holding Tanks. Of course, mostly they are invisible tanks. But it takes ENERGY to maintain those Tanks AND it takes energy to keep them invisible.

I was going to say, God, that full Holding Tanks lead to CLOGGED drains. But, suddenly, I realize that, mostly, we don’t HAVE drains. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a Spiritual Sewage Treatment System!. Shoot! How many of us are like me? Unaware that we even HAVE aught against any? Or, aware but unwilling or unable to release our captives?

Now, God, I know You are WILLING to help — WANTING to help — WAITING to help! But the catch is this –Mike Evans said FIRST we have to WANT to FORGIVE. PLEASE, GOD, HELP ME WITH THAT! Help me want that badly enough to go through the garbage!

PS God, I think You wanted me to invite folks to the HEALING SERVICE at First Presbyterian Church, Ko’olau
Sunday (today) at 6:00 pm — Mike Evans, Jack Deere, etc are willing to pray with and for folks.

Tagged with: Our deep need to give and receive forgiveness
Posted in a prayer for healing, A Spiritual Spring Cleaning, Forgiven!, Forgiving, freedom

A Full Day, A Full Heart

Posted on August 21, 2010 by a moment with god — Leave a comment

Looking up at the mountain from Koolau

Good Morning, God!

The first time I set foot on the Koolau property I said, “We are in the Palm of God’s Hand!” That is still what it feels like, God. I know You love and bless the entire world — not to mention galaxies and so forth and so on — but Hawaii has GOT to be Your Favorite Place!

That reminds me of Jordan Seng assertion that HE was Your Favorite Child. It always got a big laugh. And, as I just demonstrated, we do tend toward ranking — putting into a line, what You hold in Your LAP!

Instead of our jockeying for position — hoping for number #1 — wouldn’t it be wonderful if we realized You love each one of us ENDLESSLY? Numbers can be so misleading.

Yesterday, at the Life in the Spirit Conference, I got a taste of being “together in Your Lap” . There was so much mutual respect –so much loving and effortless appreciation for one another — that it felt as if we were all Part of Your Family.

Looking at the mountain tops behind Koolau

The speakers at the conference turned us loose to pray for one another. It was teaching, demonstration and practice. Healing took place. It is amazing to see people set free from pain — from physical pain — one rejoices to see it!

And now, God, I’m just sitting and pondering all the kinds of pain — and how some are warnings of future trouble if we keep on that path. Others are indicators of snarled “wiring” or biochemical problems. How complex we are.

Still, I feel so strongly that You want to Heal the Hurting, and also heal people like me, who don’t even know we are hurting! And now, OFF TO THE CONFERENCE!

Posted in connecting, connections, Conversations, healing, Help me to see, Redesigning the Church, rejoicing, relationships

Life in the Spirit — off for Friday’s sessions!

Posted on August 20, 2010 by a moment with god — Leave a comment

First Presbyterian Church of Honolulu at Koolau

Good Morning, God!

Wow! Thank You for last night! It has been a long long time since I was reading Acts chapter Two and You made it clear that it had happened just exactly as it was written — people from all over the known world hearing Galilean fishermen speaking in other languages — extolling Jesus.

Now here is The Life in the Spirit Conference in a sober and sensible Presbyterian Church explaining that YOU, GOD, do HEAL. That Your Compassion and love for us is just the same today as it was 2,000 years ago. And not only THAT but they brought in a man, David Bunker, to tell us about his healing.

David Bunker sharing his 2002 healing

David had polio at four and had many operations and by his 50s he was in constant pain, wearing braces, and walking with a cane. Then, in September of 2002 he was at a Conference and three different people urged him to go and hear Jordan Seng talk on healing — so he went. And when Jordan asked for people who would know instantly if they got healed to stand up, he stood. Four people prayed over him and he told how his left knee and leg shook and then his right knee and leg shook — and finally his right foot started to “jump” off the floor. He was healed and he and his wife, Barbara, have been praying for other people to be healed ever since!

God! You are AMAZING! And I rejoice in every healing — physical and emotional and spiritual! But I will tell you what brought me the MOST joy last night! The idea that the whole way we do “church” might be healed! Jack Deere said that every six weeks — instead of regular services — they have a 3 hour prayer meeting. People speak and pray AS YOU LEAD. Imagine, THAT, God! They are giving the church back to YOU!

Posted in a prayer for healing, Heal Us Now, healing, Praise, Thanksgiving!, The Holy Spirit

Count it All Joy — when you fall into various trials

Posted on August 19, 2010 by a moment with god — Leave a comment

Crater Lake, Oregon Photo: by Tom Kaser

Good Morning, God!

Looking at Crater Lake, it is EASY to praise You. Your creation calls out to be admired and enjoyed. But, right now my friend Heidi and the Advocates for Africa’s Children team are stuck in Manila — waiting for a flight home. They are tired. Make that exhausted! And I am certain they do not feel able to Count it ALL Joy.

Yet, THAT IS the way to move mountains. And, thank You, God, for pointing out to me that it isn’t about feelings. Happy is a feeling. Joy enters into us from the doorway of trust.

When we commit to TRUST YOU — then the words in James 1:2 begin to make sense: “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials.” That is so hard to do! The next verses try to explain: “Knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

Now, God, I would wonder if You really meant these words — except that I see them over and over again. My most meaningful verse is Hebrews 13:15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God Yes! You mean it. And I have lived it. It makes ROOM for You to come in.

Aha! Now I remember! The Book of James was their devotional study for the trip. A trip that is not yet over.

God, I am trusting YOU in this. I am trusting You to HELP THEM be able to PRAISE YOU IN THIS! Maybe even FOR it. Heidi is doing Your Work in caring for the Widows and Orphans. Her faith is great. But I pray that you will DOUBLE IT!. Please, God, inhabit the praises of Your people!

And now, God, I hear they are on their way home! THANK YOU!

Tagged with: Please God help us to Count it ALL Joy
Posted in a hand up, Advocates for Africa's Children, letting the Holy Spirit flow through us, Meaning, Praise, The sacrifice of praise

Life in the Spirit — An opportunity to be Heard and to Ask for Healing

Posted on August 18, 2010 by a moment with god — 1 Comment

Life in the Spirit

Good Morning, God!

Tomorrow evening, Thursday the 19th, I start the Life in the Spirit Conference at the Ko’olau Ballroom. I’ve heard the speakers and I know I’ll enjoy them. What will be different is that I am going to receive prayer — instead of giving prayer.

I really love praying with people so it will be an adjustment to ASK for prayer. But, a very good, adjustment. Kit was talking about the scripture he’s going to read in church this Sunday, Luke 13:10-17. Apparently the woman who is bent over — chained by Satan for 12 years — doesn’t ask for healing. It is one of the few times where Jesus heals without being asked.

So Kit and I were pondering the reasons why we are to ask for healing. My first thought was PRIDE! What leader of the synagog or church wants to ask for healing in public ? That is a BIG problem for many long-time church goers — humbling ourselves to ASK!

It was C.S. Lewis who said “Two Christians are ten times stronger than One Christian.” We need one another. There is no shame in that! Joy shared, is joy doubled. Sorrow shared, is sorrow halved.

So why don’t we ask? Like we’re perfect? DUH! But, there seems to be a deep shame in our culture about asking for help. Aaah, God, please help us with that! Please, let us ask one another for help and for prayers. And, let ask for REAL help!

Afterall, we are NOT Jesus. We are coming to Jesus for healing!