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