Marianne Williamson, in Everyday Grace, shared..."Feeling in various ways unreceived in my childhood, I desperately sought to be received by others in my later years. But I didn't know how to genuinely accept others into my life, because the pattern had not been modeled for me. It took a lot more than rational analysis to interrupt that pattern. It could not be broken by finding another person who would finally, ultimately, accept me fully. That could not and would not happen until first I repaired my own underlying wound by learning to accept myself..." (pg 237)

Marianne's revelation awakened 'something' within which helped me understand a piece of my Self.  Being so excited, I had to share Marianne's writing with a friend, hoping she would have an AHA-moment to spark her inner light too. And it did!!

She emailed, "I kept searching for someone to want me. I constantly had to have someone--it didn't matter who, want me."  I repaired my own underlying wound by learning to accept myself. "This is EXACTLY what I am focusing on. Now, I'm wanting me. I want to be happy with me--from my curly hair to my love of sweets."

Thank you, my friend, for sharing your life changing moment! One baby-step-at-a-time, we blossom into who we are meant to BE !!

by Bonnie Woodard

Email blwoodard@shaw.ca so others may come to know of how your life changed when you finally came to accept yourself.

Everyday Grace by Marianne Williamson
http://www.marianne.com/

"When you change the world changes!" (Brahma Kumaris)

"In my everyday life, I rush about doing a million things, almost all of which I enjoy.  It is important for me to stop several times a day and open up to silence where God can reach me...open up to the Divine residing in me."

by Sylvia (good friend)

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Change has come!
I am finally
ready to
let go of
the me
I was pretending
to be.

I've laid
down my
mask!

Let go...
Let go...
Let go...
I show up
for Life!

Amen

by Bonnie Woodard

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I surrendered today!
all day--
every moment--
I remain in surrender
to the Divine
within me.

I show up to life
free to let go
and embrace the
Love and Peace
of God.

Change has come--
my world will
never be the same.

I embrace God's
Love within me
and I share
His Love with
the world. 

Amen

by Bonnie Woodard

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Stress-Free Living...

The root cause of ALL STRESS!!! is our thoughts. 80% of our thoughts are negative and wasteful!!

• Negative thought...steals energy--critical, angry, fearful, egotistical.
• Wasteful thought...worry about what has or might have been; things we can't control.
• Necessary thought...appointments, etc. that need to be kept.
• Positive thought...pure and elevated--hightest level of thought!

Stress-Free Living classes at...
Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization
Email:  calgary@ca.bkwsu.org  P: 209-2988 (403)

My girlfriend's husband, her soulmate, passed away this summer...we never let a visit go by that we don't remember him in a loving way!

Recently, McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes hosted A Living Tribute at their Memorial Forest, Tree Program.  It was a cold, rainy day and all that could be seen spreading out before you was a sea of brightly coloured umbrellas.  These represented all the families missing a loved one. 

Reflecting on this for a couple of weeks now, my friend realized that this was not "closure" for her, yet.  But she decided that she could choose the type of tree that will be her husband in this living forest...a Fir tree, because a Fir tree is always green, alive...all four seasons!

She, like another friend of mine, can only turn one-page-at-a-time...grief is a slow and loving process.

by Bonnie Woodard

McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes
http://www.mhfh.com/ 
Information: 276.2296 (403)

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Believe and All Will Be Well

Li'l Miss and her neighbour couldn't help wondering at times if their good fortune would continue.  But as quickly as their minds wandered down this slippery path of self-doubt, they were brought back to their senses by Grandma's repeated exhortation: "Believe and all will be well." Chapter Sixteen

excerpt from Li'l Miss Red Mittens and The Ice Cream Garden
by Garry D. Kilbourn

To order your copy click on blwoodard@shaw.ca

Alice, my friend...

The child within never leaves us!

Alice's eyes can no longer see to read so during last week's visit at the nursing home, I started reading to her from a book called, "Li'l Miss Red Mittens and The Ice Cream Garden." We were just starting Chapter 4 when it was time for me to go. I promised to bring Li'l MIss to our next visit.

This week I was pleasantly surprised to see Alice tapping her fingers together with anticipation...just waiting to hear more of the story about a little girl's journey of innocent faith.  We read all the way to Chapter 14 before it was time to go!

We'll finish this delightful tale next week--I wonder what we'll start next!!

by Bonnie Woodard

Diocesan Pastoral Care Course
Information:  218.5501 (403) Calgary AB


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Labour of Love...

Creating the Brandi Costar Memorial Award: One dollar at a time

When her daughter Brandi died suddenly at the age of 29, one of Linda Costar's first thoughts was, "I don't want anyone to forget her."

Although she didn't know it at the time, that sentiment would fuel a fundraising effort spanning almost three years and over $10,000.  Her fundraising efforts began with a garage sale of her daughter's belongings.  Literally dollar by dollar, Linda Costar inched toward her $10,000 dream. Two and a half years after Brandi's death, she made it.

The first Brandi Costar Memorial Award was presented in early 2010.  "If there are families that think this is impossible, I want them to know that if I can do it, anyone can do it," says Linda.

excerpt from SAIT Polytechnic Promising Futures
http://www.sait.ca/

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Dear God,

When I rest

may I rest in You.

I surrender my spirit

that it might be renewed.

At last, I am ready

to change.

Amen

The Age of Miracles by Marianne Williamson
http://www.marianne.com/  founder of The Peace Alliance

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WHILE THE PERSON WHO DOES NOT UNDERSTAND HOW the soul contains the beautiful within itself will seek by laborious effort to realize beauty without, the wise man recognizes it within himself, develops the idea by withdrawal into himself, concentrating his attention, and so floating upward toward the divine fountain, THE STREAM OF WHICH FLOWS WITHIN HIM.  pg 323

H.P. Blavatsky
Isis Unveiled Vol I & II

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SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC PROBLEMS (are) not problems of will, they (are) problems of mind. pg xi


The Moral Obligation To Be Intelligent
Selected Essays by Lionel Trilling

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HIPPOCRATES centuries ago:

"ALL KNOWLEDGE, ALL ARTS are to be found in nature," he says  "if we question her properly she will reveal to us the truths which pertain to each of these and to ourselves.

WHAT is nature in operation but the very divinity itself manifesting its presence? 

HOW are we to interrogate her; and how is she to answer us? 

We must proceed with FAITH, with the firm assurance of discovering at last the whole of the truth; and nature will let us know her answer, through our inner sense, which with the help of our knowledge of a certain art or science, reveals to us the truth so clearly that further doubt becomes impossible." pg 280

H.P. Blavatsky
Isis Unveiled Vol I & II

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Thought for reflection...

"Happiness is not a dependency, it is a decision.
 Happiness is not a destinatiion, it is the journey.
 Happiness is not an achievement, it is the way to achieve.
 Happiness never waits, it is now or it is never.
 Delay no longer.  Be happy now.

The world is waiting for the serenity of your smile, the contentment of your heart, and the echoes of your laughter."

The 7AHA!s of Highly Enlightened Souls by Mike George
mike@relax7.com

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Thought for reflection...

"We take spiritual responsibility for our day when we pray that it be blessed.

There are many different prayer and meditation techniques, and they are all paths to God.  It matters not which path we walk to Him, but only that we walk it. In whatever way suits you, talk to God."

Everyday Grace by Marianne Williamson
http://www.marianne.com/ founder of The Peace Alliance

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WHEN ONE FALLS INTO A LOVE OF SELF AND LOVE OF THE WORLD, with its pleasures, losing the divine love of God and of the neighbor, he falls from life to death...Physically he exists, spiritually he is dead."

H.P. Blavatsky
Isis Unveiled Vol I & II


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CONSCIENCE is that instantaneous perception between right and wrong, which can only be exercised by the SPIRIT, which, being a portion of the DIVINE WISDOM and PURITY, is ABSOLUTELY PURE and WISE.


H.P. Blavatsky
Isis Unveiled Vol I & II

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If you've wondered what an impression you make as a volunteer, here is a poem written by my friend who is 88 years old and a resident in a nursing home...she is an inspiration to many!

Volunteer

The day you came into my life,

when I was sad and full of strife,

you brought great happiness to me

that's plain for everyone to see.

And I think when you were born

that Gabriel must have blown his horn

and declared for everyone to hear

that from the moment of your birth

you'd be an angel here on earth.

And here you are so good and true

always there when I'm needing you.

Your very kind and thoughtful ways

fill my heart with song and praise.

Your generosity knows no bounds.

And I love to hear the welcome sounds

of your knock upon my door

for the time we spend together

is worth a rich man's treasure

and you seem to find your way

no matter what the weather.

So you really are my guardian angel

sent from heaven to earth.

And I'm hoping God will let you stay awhile

so as the years go by,

with your lovely winning smile,

you can bring your love and friendship

to others mortals such as I.

With permission

by Celia Chambers

Thought for reflection...

True freedom is about being free from all the things that hold you back and stop you from growing. It's about being free from the pain inside, free from fear and unhappiness. Completeness of the soul is an inner journey that each one of us must make if we are to fulfill our life's purpose. All problems have their roots in the mind.

Excerpt from Beyond the Line, Dr. Prashant Kakaday

Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization
Email: calgary@ca.bkwsu.org  P: 209-2988 (403)

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INSTINCT...the spiritual unity of the five senses—sees, hears, feels, tastes, and smells, unimpaired by either time or space.

What do we know of the exact limits of mental action?

REASON develops only at the expense and loss of natural instinct...and shuts out man’s spiritual perceptions of which the instinct is one of the most important examples.


H.P. Blavatsky
Isis Unveiled, Vol I & II

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Alice, my friend...

Last Thursday evening, while visiting Alice in the nursing home, I was blessed.  What 'they' say is true...you receive more than you give!

Alice asked me if I was with my Mom when she died. I said I wasn't, and now nine years later, Alice sensed I was still very sad about it.

Alice, who I've come to know as a very spiritual person, tenderly painted a vision of all the angels around my Mom at her death...she wasn't alone, she was loved. Unbeknownst to Alice, while in my Mom's presence only days before her death, Mom saw in the darkness of her room a light which seemed to be beckoning her, all the while calling out to me to make it brighter. With Alice's help I'm now at peace with my Mom's passing.

As I learned in Pastoral Care, listen, listen and listen again.  I am sincerely grateful I did for I am the better for it.

by Bonnie Woodard

Diocesan Pastoral Care Course
Information 218.5515 (403) Calgary AB

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A HUMAN BEING IS A PART OF THE WHOLE called the "universe," a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings, as something separated from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of...consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us.

OUR TASK MUST BE TO FREE OURSELVES from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in all its beauty. No body is able to achieve this completely, but THE STRIVING for such achievement is in itself part of the LIBERATION and a foundation for inner security."

Albert Einstein

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MATERIALISM has been, and will ever be BLIND TO SPIRITUAL TRUTHS.


H.P. Blavatsky
Isis Unveiled Vol I & II

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THE DIFFERENCE between what we are doing and what we are capable of doing would solve most of the world's problems.

Mahatma Gandhi



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Thought for reflection...

If God isn't your Lighthouse, your Anchor, your Rock--
   ...how do you find your way in the darkness?
   ...how do you stay afloat on the waves?
   ...how do you stand firm in shifting sand?

When you need to make a decision,
listen to God for direction.

When behaviour of family, friends and coworkers
has you on an emotional rollercoaster,
reach for God's lifeline.

When the world doesn't make sense,
go within yourself and hear God's quiet voice,
your conscience.

God is your Lighthouse, your Anchor, your Rock--
You need only to give your Self to Him,
hold His hand, and
follow!

by Bonnie Woodard

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Alice, my friend...

Last evening I enjoyed another spiritually enlightening visit with Alice at the nursing home where she now lives. As is the case with most residents, she is not there by choice. About three months ago an illness cut short Alice's independent living.  Now, with only a few personal belongings, she shares a small room with another resident. I visit Alice on a weekly basis and I'm learning first hand what a life changing experience this is for her!

Before Alice's sudden move to the nursing home, we'd often meet by chance. The first time we met, I noticed that she was holding A Course In Miracles textbook. I too am a student of A Course In Miracles, so because of this shared interest, our friendship began.

Because of my training in Pastoral Care I knew that a routine of regular weekly visits would give Alice something to look forward to, enriching her life.

Increasingly Alice is coming to share some of her past life and, as well, the difficulties she's having in learning to adjust to her present circumstances. I too share with Alice some of my own experiences. Such shared intimacy serves to strengthen the bond between us. 

For my part, Alice refreshes my faith and gives me hope because at seventy plus years, she digs deeply into her spirituality for answers. I am blessed!

by Bonnie Woodard

Diocesan Pastoral Care Course
Information  218.5515 (403)

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Canned foods should play a limited role in your cooking, not only because vitamins are destroyed but because canned foods lack enzymes.

Fresh vegetables are almost always preferable with the exception of tomatoes. Tomatoes for canning are picked at the peak of ripeness with a carotene content much highter than most fresh tomatoes sold in stores. Carotenes survive the canning process although some other vitamins may not. (pg 50)

Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon with Mary G. Enig, Ph.D.
info@westonaprice.org
http://www.westonaprice.org/

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Proteins: We cannot stress too highly that animal protein foods--meat, eggs and milk--always come with fat and this is how we should eat them. Animal fat supplies vitamins A and D needed for the assimilation of protein. Consumption of lowfat milk products, egg whites and lean meat can lead to serious deficiencies of these vital fat-soluble nutrients. (pg.17)

Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon with Mary G. Enig, Ph.D.
info@westonaprice.org
http://www.westonaprice.org/

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"Day and night, we walk around carrying the mistakes of others in our thoughts. Leave all these behind and have mercy and compassion for the self...

"See the mirror of your heart...If I see weaknesses of others then they will also see my weaknesses."

Dadi Janki
Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization
Email: calgary@ca.bkwsu.org  P: 209-2988 (403)

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a small business primer by Garry D. Kilbourn

2)  "If you are clear in your own mind what you intend doing, avoid asking advice from others. No less so, ignore unsolicited advice: BELIEVE IN YOURSELF."

6)  "Stay focused. Be true to yourself. Don't try to be all things to all people. Above all, KEEP IT SIMPLE."

(excerpt from a small business primer)

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LOVE takes off masks that we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within.

James Arthur Baldwin


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