Guest Post by Sammie Thompson
It was January 17, 2023. Having enjoyed a lovely holiday visit with family in the midwest, I was now fully loaded with supplies and a AAA well-planned route to Austin, Texas. My destination was to attend another Clergy Retreat because the previous year’s event had been so spiritually enlightening and uplifting. The Trip Tik had information about interesting stops en route and I had extra days to allow for some exploring and smelling roses on the way.
By Michael Avery (featuring Sharon Sheppard, an animal communicator)
Shadow’s Gift
I sometimes sing HU to the feral cat at the river where we feed jays and squirrels. Shadow, featured in the image above, loves attention as much as she loves the food people bring for her. I befriended Shadow more than ten years ago, when she was first abandoned, and fed her each morning while working at the water treatment plant adjacent to the park. Winters are especially difficult for Shadow. I grew to admire her survival skills and strength of will. She has been an inspirational teacher.
By Michael Avery
At the age of twenty-eight, I moved to Honolulu where I lived for the better part of a year behind the International Marketplace in Waikiki. Seven years had passed since I’d read my first book on out-of-the-body travel, The Tiger’s Fang, by Paul Twitchell. I was about to learn more.
Guest Post by Gloria Lionz
October 2024 was my 19th wedding anniversary. Eight anniversaries have come and gone since my spouse was able to celebrate it with me. Alzheimer’s changed our lives. This year was the first time since he was diagnosed with the disease that I decided to mark the occasion by dining out. It felt like it was “time” to openly share our love. My sister graciously agreed to accompany me and help create some new memories.
Guest Post by Dennis Ernst
& Song by Michael Avery
Walking or hiking in nature has been my passion for many years. I learned early on that it was one of the healthiest things a person can do to improve health and well being. It doesn’t matter what your beliefs are, everyone can recognize and relate to the beauty of nature and feel uplifted by it.
While hiking in or near the Navajo Reservation, I became aware of one of their fundamental beliefs—”the Beauty Way”. Here are some words from a tribal elder:
Guest Post by Dennis Ernst
The seasons of my life were passing quickly and I found myself late in fall. Days, like leaves blown from their tree, let go and followed the wind as it gusted and swirled into the future. Gone was the healthy image I had embodied, and the robust outdoorsman I once was had become a shadow of the past.
In the present moment, I had become a well-grayed senior with an unsteady gait, rambling along. Even the cool morning air seemed different now. As I scanned the surroundings, I noticed that things were changing fast.
Guest Post by RJ McBride
The story behind this entry goes back to 1985 when I was living on Orcas Island in Washington State. I had the honor of meeting and talking with Richard Bach, author of Jonathan Livingston Seagull.
Our conversation centered around my desire to become a published author and his devastating experiences with literary agents. His famous book was also rejected by eighteen publishers before being accepted.
Guest Post by Nigel Bell
The Seeker stood before a serene ocean of loving energy. Quiet wonder filled his heart as he absorbed the majesty of his surroundings. “Release yourself from yourself,” the Master whispered.
He pointed toward the vast endless ocean shimmering wildly before his eyes, like dancing atoms. “Let this nameless world of knowing be your cloak of consciousness,” he advised, as they both took in the vast Ocean of Life.
By Michael Avery
“It is possible to live twenty-four hours a day in a state of love.
Every movement, every glance, every thought, and every word
can be infused with love.” —Thich Nhat Hanh
This song was inspired by the Thich Nhat Hanh quote above and by Pichaya, who often reminds me that the present moment is all we have. She also subscribes to the philosophy of living fully each moment with love and appreciation.
“Moments Like These” is her favorite song of mine to date. I’ve dedicated it to her. Please enjoy.
Guest Post by Nettie Clarke
As I was waking up the other day, the word “Walmart,” came to me. OK, I thought. I have nothing to lose. I will go to Walmart. Another word that had come to me the previous morning was, “Volunteer.”
I got in the car and headed over to Walmart. Timing is everything when I am on a mission, and I can’t mentally figure that out, so I just go about my day with Divine expectation.
Powered by WordPress & Theme by Anders Norén