Happy New Year

We are at the close of 2009 -- the completion of a decade -- the year which ushered in the Age of Aquarius.  Yes, we are entering into a new era -- a new birth!   May 2010 be an awakening of the Light in us all!
Namaste!

We have a new name! 

We also are beginning the process to officially become a Non-Profit Organization -- An Official Church!  It is exciting, and we look forward to starting our New Year of 2010 as the Spiritual Healing Temple!

In 2007 the seed was planted, and Spirit, Mind, and Heart Interfaith Healing Center was born;  it grew in 2008 into a new location and the new name: Namaste Interfaith Healing Center;  in 2009 Namaste began to transform -- the space was increased in size, the name began to shift first to Namaste Healing Temple and Interfaith Center, and now the butterfly is emerging as the Spiritual Healing Temple. 

This Holiday Season we thank you for your support! 

We invite you to celebrate the Spiritual Healing Temple by visiting us. 

Join us on Wednesday, December 23 at 7:00 p.m. for our Women's Christmas Meditation, or on Sunday evenings for our Class and Worship Time at 7:00 p.m. for Men and Women -- Currently we are celebrating Angels!

The Shore of My Life - December 5, 2009

This Advent My God, let me wait for you as for the strong and certain tide and run to welcome you when you touch the shore of my life

Give Thanks - November 26, 2009

May This Thanksgiving Be a Day of Celebration for All That The Lord Has Done For All of Us -- Whatever Our Tradition.

Give Thanks

The lyrics below are from the Christian Tradition.

GIVE THANKS

WITH A GRATEFUL HEART

GIVE THANKS

TO THE HOLY ONE

GIVE THANKS

FOR HE'S GIVEN

JESUS CHRIST, HIS SON

AND NOW LET THE WEAK SAY

I AM STRONG

LET THE POOR SAY

I AM RICH

BECAUSE OF WHAT

THE LORD HAS DONE

FOR US

GIVE THANKS...

Heart Song - November 25, 2009

From oceans of Life

The gift of tears flows through us

And back

To Adonai

Carrying

The Heart.

God's Presence -- November 19, 2009

Reflecting on the flight yesterday -- As we were flying into Charlotte, we were above a "solid floor" of brilliantly white clouds with a blue sky and bright Sun shining; when we descended we passed through those clouds, roughly, and found ourselves "separated" from the Light, and instead, in a place of "darkness" and rain. Isn't this the way it is for all of us, too -- we find ourselves in those "dark" moments of our life journey, seemingly "separated" from God. But, in reality the Light is there, hidden from our view, on the other side of "our clouds". All that we need to is to rise to meet the Light -- or to wait, for the clouds to pass and then the Light will shine upon us brightly again.

Namaste!

Rev. Mary Ann

Celtic Advent Begins - November 16, 2009

As Celtic Advent begins choose a candle to be lit every evening from the beginning of Celtic Advent, which is always a full 40 days of preparation.  This candle may be dark blue, purple, or white.  Celtic Advent is Nov. 15 - Nov 24 / Nov. 16 - Nov. 25 (according to the Northumbria Community).

Celtic Advent has begun.  Traditionally, this is a time for preparation for Chrismas.  "It is said that the door to the stable whe the Christ-child has been born is very low -- and only those who kneel  find access."  This is a time for "interior 'housecleaning'. ... Make a clear and level pathway.  This involves removing any boulders that stand in the way, and filling in potholes.  The boulders are the things we have done that we should not have done; the potholes aer the things we have failed to do which we obviously should have done."   There are a number of customs to help us prepare.  This is a time for each of us to seek to remember why we are here.  What will the Light of Christ shining on your pathway mean for you this coming year? 

Consider:  "God desires to look at us with open face adn say, 'Here I am and I am here for you." The Hebrew word for this is 'Hineni' - and there are familiar stories of people responding to God in this way.  Hineni means 'I'm ready, Lord; I'll go if You send me; I'm listening, Lord, tell me what You would have me know." 

When God calls Your Name, are you ready to reply, "Hineni!"? 

'Abraham!'

'Hineni,' he replied.

'Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah.  Sacrifice him there.'  Isaac says to Abraham, 'Father?'  'Hineni?'  'The fire and teh wood are here, where is the lamb for the sacrifice?'

God called Moses from the bush that was burning, 'Moses! Moses!'  And Moses said, 'Hineni.'  A voice called in the night.  The child Samuel gave answer, 'Hineni what do you You want?'  Whom shall I send, and who will go for Me?' And, Isaiah responded, 'Hineni.'

Lord, God help us to be willing and available, open to your call , to say, 'Hineni, Adonai.  Here I am.'"

excerpts from Celtic Daily Prayer

A Time for Silence - November 15, 2009

A time for silence.

Drawing of the veils.

Reflections held in silence.

For the time being.

Namaste!

Waters of Peace - November 14, 2009

Water - raindrops falling wet,

Washing away tears,

Healing, revealing deep peace.

Riding the Waves - November 12, 2009

As a swimmer I learned that a key to swimming was to feel current and become one with the flow of the water.  By doing that, the energy of the water became my energy and instead of "fighting" the water, I swam with the water. 

Riding the waves of the storms in life, is much the same.  If we can find our center in the Creator, and swim with that Energy, then we can find our way through the storms.

Angels Among Us -- November 5, 2009

Today, take a close look at those you encounter in your daily walk.  It just might be an angel.  I know that I have been blessed with angels walking with me.  Just yesterday, one came offering her assistance when it was needed beyond measure.  God works in mysterious ways, and one of those ways is through angels. 

I believe that angelic energy can enter any of us if we are open to receiving.  And that this will happen when are needed to assist another.  So for that brief time, we become an angel walking among others.  Did you ever do anything unexpected -- something that just came to you as a surprising inspiration that turned out to be of great import to another person in a really awesome way?  If so, then that probably was an angelic moment. 

I think that we try to define the Divine with our human limitations.  We need to get out of that box, and discover the awesome world of the Divine!

Namaste!
Rev. Mary Ann

Letting God In - November 4, 2009

Why is it so hard for "the mind" to let God in and to let it all go to God?

Have we been so enmeshed in a cultural way of thinking,

that it entraps "the mind" into believing that "it" has to do everything?

Why is it that "the heart" can KNOW that this is not so,

but "the Mind", just won't let it go to God? 

Bringing "the mind" to that place of total stillness is perhaps the hardest challenge that we face.

And, indeed, this is the essence of the verse that cries out to me,

"Be still, and Know that I AM GOD."

Namaste!

A Call for Members - Nov. 1, 2009

If you regularly or once in awhile read this blog, please sign-on as a member.  We would love to know that the reflections are being read and serving you!  Namaste!

Sending Peace and Love - October 31, 2009

I come to the eve of this day

wishing all who read this

deep peace and love. 

Namaste!

Many Faiths, One Divine Source - October 30, 2009

May the Circle Be Open But Unbroken

May the Peace of the Goddess

Be Ever in Your Life ....

So go the lyrics of a song by Soul Fire.  Whatever our faith tradition, it is all a part of the one Divine Circle of Light!  May we as a people be open to receive one another, celebrating the Light within! 

Merry Meet, and Merry Part,

and Merry Meet Again!

Angels All Around - October 27, 2009

Have you ever stopped to think about the many encounters you have with angels all of the time?  Consider that those close calls, were not just good luck -- it was your angel stepping in to save you!  Or maybe you saw an angel, or know someone who did -- that was a real event! I will never forget the day my son cried out for me to look and see the angels in the tree!  Children see so many things that we have forgotten how to see.  The next time something really beautiful happens unexpectedly, say a big thank you to your angels!

Blessing to the Lord - Monday, October 26, 2009

And you shall be a blessing,

And you shall be a blessing to the Lord.

God Present in the Rain - October 24, 2009

As the rain falls on this day, may we be reminded that God is present in our lives.  Sometimes, She is the gentle touch of the mist of rain; sometimes the touch of rainfall; and sometimes when we He can get our attention no other way, God awakens us with the cold blast of a dowpour of Her Love upon our faces.  When it rains, know that it is God touching you.
Namaste!
Rev. Mary Ann

Blessings Overflowing - October 22, 2009

Praise the Lord for blessings overflowing.  Praise the Lord for the sunrise and the sunset.  For the autumn leaves, for the gentle breeze.  God touches us over and over again in all that She created.  He whispers, "Know that you are loved."  Today, I will seek God in all that I see and all that touches me.
Praise the Lord!

Light - October 20, 2009

And God said, "Let there be Light". 

Light

Christ Light

Light

Source of my Being.

And God said, "Let there be Light, and there was Light."

Amen.

Holy - October 19, 2009

Holy Breath, flow through me.

Holy Light, shine in me.  

Amen.

Namaste!

Rev. Mary Ann

Loving God - Sunday, October 18, 2009

Who is like you, O Lord, My God?

Gracious and compassionate

You are my loving Father

Gracious and compassionate

You are my loving Mother.

Who is like you, O Lord, My God?

I am created in your image.

May I be like you!

Amen.

Always More - Friday, October 16, 2009

There really are no words that can describe God.  God is so vast that our comprension of Her is only miniscule in comparison.  If I can imagine God as the beach covered in sand, and each encounter is a single grain of sand, then I begin to understand how awesome He is .  As I consider this, I see myself holding a "life bucket" that I am filling moment by moment, day by day, with what I have come to know of God. 

Perhaps C. S. Lewis said it best:

. . . like an onion: except that as you go in and in, each circle is larger than the last.

Namaste!
Rev. Mary Ann

Many Colors of God - Wednesday, October 14, 2009

In Autumn, I am always left breathlessly in awe at the magnitude of the color of God's paintbrush.  Seeing the trees transformed into such radiant color, mixed with the Light of the Sun, the blue of the sky . . . the list goes on . . . and yesterday, not one but two rainbows simultaneously . . . leaves me in a state of awe for our Creator.  Is it any wonder that our faith traditions carry their own colors that are just as diverse and beautifully arrayed?  Could this be God's paintbrush at work again?  I thank you Creator for all that is and all that can be!

Namaste!
Rev. Mary Ann

Peace - October 13, 2009

"There is peace in the valley . . . "  These are the words from a song of old.  Whether we are on the mountain top or deep in the valley, peace is available to us.  God is with us wherever we are.

Deep peace of the running wave to you.

Deep peace of the flowing air to you.

Deep peace of the quiet earth to you.

Deep peace of the shining stars to you.

Deep peace of the infinite peace to you.

Empty or Full? - Monday, October 12, 2009

The above is a picture of an empty space waiting to be filled.  At that moment in time it was nothing more than an empty room.  Today it is the home of Namaste Interfaith Temple and Healing Center.

 

Today, it is a place where people gather for the purpose of connecting with God.  Through the dedicated work of Namaste Interfaith Temple & Healing Center, the room is no longer empty -- now it is filled with Christ Light!    The Light has filled this space because the interfaith ministers have prayed, meditated, and invited the Light and the Heavenly Hosts into this space.

Inside your body there is a similar room.  Is yours empty or full?

Finding the Center - Sunday, October 11, 2009

Have you ever noticed how quickly the acitivities and demands of the world can take-over life?  Do you sometimes feel that you can't even find yourself in the mix of it all?  And, yet somewhere, there is a Center of Light that we all are connected to.  Somewhere there is the Source of our being, calling to us.  When life screams out of control, it is time to put on the brakes and find that Center.  For only in finding it can we regain balance and peace in our being.   Today is the day to stop, be, and focus on that Divine Center.

Namaste!

Rev. Mary Ann

Sacred Space - October 10, 2009

There are places where the Light shines forth, and we know that we are standing in a sacred space.  And when that knowing comes, we fall to our knees overcome by a Love that has never been surpassed.   The place is marked with a stone that all who pass will know that they have come to a place where one encountered the Divine.  They, too, will pause and reach out, wait -- in hope that this same Light will fall upon them. 

Namaste!

Rev. Mary Ann

Thanksgiving - October 9, 2009

As the day has come to a close, lift-up thanksgiving for the blessings hidden among the chaos of the day.  Where the day seemed to present the greatest challenges, find the pearl hidden within.  For God is present in all of our times, if we just have the eyes to see, the ears to hear, the heart to feel, and the wisdom to know.

Namaste!

Abwoon - October 8, 2009

Abwoon

(Father-Mother of the Cosmos)

THE ARAMAIC LORD’S PRAYER

Text from the Aramaic Peshitta, Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4

O Birther! Father-Mother of the Cosmos,

focus your light within us. Create your reign of unity now.

Your one desire then acts with ours,

as in all light, so in all forms.

Grant what we need each day in bread and insight.

Loose the cords of mistakes binding us

as we release the strands we hold of others’ guilt.

Don’t let surface things delude us,

but free us from what holds us back.

From you is born all ruling will, the power and the life to do,

the song that beautifies all, from age to age it renews.

Truly—power to these statements—may they be the ground

from which all our actions grow. Amen
 

From the Musical CD by SAVAE, Ancient Echoes: Music from the Time of Jesus and Jerusalem’s Second Temple

Translation of the Aramaic Lord’s Prayer from Desert Wisdom by Neil Douglas-Klotz

Aramaic is a Middle Easter language that was the native tongue of Jesus of Nazareth, and common to the Israel/Palestine region during the first century C. E.
This is also known as The Prayer of Jesus.
All the Semitic languages - including Hebrew, Aramaic, and Arabic - use a root system that allows one word to hold multiple meanings. Thus, a tradition of translation arose in the Middle East that led to each word of a prophet being considered on many different levels of meaning.

Resting in the Palm of God's Hand - Wednesday, October 7, 2009

There is a Psalm that reminds us that "all of our times" are held in the palm of God's hand.  That Psalm has "held" me;  with it I have known that no matter what life presented to me, I could weather that storm because I am being held always by God.  And, in times of need for rest, there is nothing more comforting than allowing myself to settle into the deepest and softest part of the palm of God's hand.

May you come to know that palm, too.

Namaste!

Rev. Mary Ann

Breathe Peace - Tuesday, October 6, 2009

As you go through your life this day, weave this simple breathing prayer into the fabric.  If you have the opportunity, close your eyes and center with this prayer, repeating it with the rhythm of your breathing.

(As you breathe in, with your inner voice, call in ... )

CHRIST

(As you breathe out, with your inner voice, pray out ... )

PEACE

Make this a simple prayer a thread that travels with you throughout your day, becoming a tightly woven part of the fabric of your life this day; see how it changes you!

Namaste!

Rev. Mary Ann

Weaving God - October 5, 2009

A couple of years ago I took a weaving class.  Unlike the small loom pictured here, I was weaving on a floor loom with pedals.  I found myself entering into deep meditation with God as I began the process of planning the piece and weaving.  It was a profoundly spiritual time.  And then, God started to speak to me and instruct me to make a shawl for a particular person; she instructed me on how a piece needed to be designed and made.  They were one of a kind pieces -- made with intense Light energy, made quickly, made in perfection.  As I look back on those pieces now, I do not know that I could duplicate them if I tried.  But then why would I?  They were gifts from the Divine intended for the person who received them. And, indeed, I still hear from those folks how they feel the arms of God around them when they wear those shawls.  The same has been true with the sacred beading that I also have been "called" to do. All of these Divine gifts were also gifts to me; for anyone who works in the creative arts knows that the act of creating is always a moment of perfect connection with the Divine.  I know that I need to set aside time for that kind of connection with God.  As I have allowed the world to take-over my life, time for the creative process has disappeared.  Today, I choose to bring the creative back into my life.  Today, I choose to weave again, to do sacred beading again, to paint again.  Today, I am making a date for communion with God in the creative process.  Are you going to do the same? 

Namaste!

Rev. Mary Ann

Sabbath - Sunday, October 4, 2009

For most of my life I have believed that to observe the Sabbath meant to go to church; but, in recent years I have come to a very different understanding of The Sabbath. When God tells us to observe the Sabbath, she is telling us to rest -- to renew -- to set that day apart from all the other days of the week -- to do something different from what we do every other day. It is a time to find the presence of God in our lives. It is a time to invite God to come in and celebrate! That is what worship is about -- a celebration of God. What makes you say, "Oh, yes! That is God!" What brings you into a state of deep peace? It may be sitting at the ocean. It may be finding a comfortable spot and curling-up with a good book. It may be taking a walk with your dog or your best friend. It may or may not include "going to church." And, yes, for some it may be dusting the house and washing the windows. The possibilities are endless. There is something that does this for you. And whatever that something is -- that is what you need to do on The Sabbath. For whenever we allow our spirit to enter into a state of deep peace, we have connected with God; and when we connect with God, we are renewed by the Light. If you will allow yourself to truly celebrate The Sabbath, I can guarantee that it will become a part of every week that you do not want to miss!
Celebrate The Sabbath! Set one day -- or, at first, a piece of one day ---- set the day apart as a day for YOU. You are a beautiful Light Being! Celebrate that YOU are in God!

God is present in every molecule on the planet. A famous Swamiji was asked: "Do you believe God is present in you?" He smiled and said, "Yes. But more importantly I believe I am present in God." Look for that Divine presence in all that surrounds you this day!

Namaste!
Rev. Mary Ann

The Earth Quakes - Friday, October 2, 2009

Yesterday there were earthquakes and tsunamies in many places across our planet Earth -- the Great Mother -- shaking, sobbing, releasing.
It has been said that we are in a time of change, release -- transformation. Many have felt the great influx of Light. Many feel -- a few understand -- the transformation that is happening on an energetic level within each of us.

It has been said that many souls will choose to depart at this time.

The Star of Bethlehem sending Divine Light into the one we know -- Jesus, the Christ.

The Crucifiction -- the Earth quakes -- and then the dawning -- Resurrection -- Christ Light!

It has been said, we are in a new age dawning -- the Age of Aquarius -- the Age of Light!
Let your Light shine forth!!!

Namaste!
Rev. Mary Ann

Created for Purpose -- October 1, 2009

Often I strain and climb


and struggle to lay hold


of everything I'm certain


You have planned for me.


And nothing happens:


there comes no answer.


Only You reach down to me


just where I am.


When You give me no answer


to my questions,


still I have only to raise my arms


to You, my Father


and then You lift me up.


Then because You are my Father


You speak these words of truth


to my heart:





'You are not an accident.


Even at the moment of your conception,


out of many possibilities,


only certain cells combined,


survived, grew to be you.


You are unique.


You were created for a purpose.


God loves you.'


from Celtic Daily Prayer

Does God Exist? -- Wednesday, September 30, 2009

I share the following with you.

"People often ask me how Buddhists answer the question: 'Does God exist?'

The other day I was walking along the river.

The wind was blowing. Suddenly I thought, Oh! The air really exists.

We know that the air is there, but unless the wind blows against our face, we are not

aware of it. Here in the wind I was suddenly aware, yes it's really there.

And the sun, too. I was suddenly aware of the sun, shining through the bare trees.

Its warmth, its brightness, and all this completely free, completely gratuitous.

Simply there for us to enjoy.

And without my knowing it, completely spontaneously,

my two hands came together, and I realized that I was making gassho.

And it occurred to me that this is all that matters:

that we can bow, take a deep bow. Just that. Just that."

by Rev. Eido Tai Shimano

from "Listen" - A Publication of Spiritual Directors International

Namaste!

Rev. Mary Ann Tourjee

Spiritual Director, Member of Spiritual Directors International

Be Still - Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Be Still and Know That I AM God

Read each line. Center and let the word(s) speak to you. Repeat.

Be

Be still

Be still and know

Be still and know that I AM

Be still and know that I AM GOD.

GOD

I AM GOD

Know that I AM GOD

Be still and know that I AM GOD.

Be

Be still . . .

Namaste!

Rev. Mary Ann

Monday, September 28, 2009

Pictured above is an amethyst chimney. When you look at the outside, it looks like an ordinary grey rock; but when you look at the side where the rock was cut open, you see the extraordinary crystal formation that is inside. It is magnificent.

The same is true for each of us. Within each of us, hidden from view by the rough outer shell that we think of as our body, is a magnificent Being of Light! The Spirit -- this Being of Light -- has been so hidden that many of us have forgotten who we are. Our challenge in this earth walk is to remember. Each of us is "called" to Love the Divine, to Serve the Divine, and to Remember Who We Are.

Today, take time to celebrate the beautiful Being of Light that is you!

Day of the Sun -- Sunday, September 27, 2009

Sunday

Day of the Sun

Sun -- that without which life cannot continue

Sun -- warmth

Sun -- fire

Sun -- Light

God is Light

Christ Light

Sunday

Day of the Son
Amen

Understanding - Saturday, September 26, 2009

How often do we look out and wish that we were somehow "out there" on that other spot in the horizon? Even if it is a vast unknown, we still think that there is something "better" there, and in that wishing we lose sight of the joy of where we are. Has that ever happened to you?

This morning as I held my morning time with the Divine, the daily reading brought this home to me. I share this with you:

How many times a day do I say,

"Why am I here?

What here can stir my gifts to growth?

What task of greatness awaits me

that I have long neglected?

Have I missed Your voice, O God?

Here I am:

send me!

Please!'

'I have prepared a place for you,' says the Lord,

'that is for you, and only you, to fill.

First of all, come to My table,

and ask that you might serve,

looking even for the lowest task.

When the work of service is done,

then you may look for your own place at the table.

But do not seek the most important place

in case it is reserved for someone else.

The place I have appointed is where you will be happiest.' "

Source: Celtic Daily Prayer

May your days be filled with Light, Love, Peace, and Joy.

Namaste!

Rev. Mary Ann

Gifts All Around -- Friday, September 25, 2009

This morning as I was on my way to work, I stopped to pick-up something at the local store. Pulling into a parking space, I paused briefly and allowed myself for one brief moment to truly look at what was in front of me. In that moment I was taken by surprise; in front of me was a gift that I could have easily missed completely. The bush in front of my car displayed leaves of all shades of green, amassed with more leaves of the deepest crimson red amid others of a purple hue. Rev. Nancy told me it is called "Burning Bush." And, adorning the branches of this bush were the loveliest little birds. The birds merrily danced in the sunlight as they hopped from one branch to another, and then one by one they disappeared into the center of the bush. Soon none were visible, but as I closely watched the bush I could see the leaves dancing as the little birds hopped invisibly from one branch to the other deep within the bush.

I realized the gift that had been given to me this morning, and wondered how many I had missed in my rush to keep pace with a very busy life. And yet, there in front of me was this gift. And with the recognition that the Divine surrounds us with gifts all around, golden "coins" seemed to rain from Heaven, as small round golden leaves fell, caught briefly by the sunlight.

Yes, we are blessed if we will only receive!

Namaste!

Rev. Mary Ann