Image of her self ...

my inner child

recognizes this mirror

image of her self

what language

do we use

to speak

our Truth

to each other 

God's divine message ...

Her tiny frame

so focused

with pencil posed

waiting God’s 

divine message

Dear friends of the JOY of Healing retreats !

Violet and I take joyful-pleasure in inviting you to a days retreat of  ‘mindfulness’ !

4JOY of Healing

September, Saturday 16th

8:00AM — 4:30PM

FCJ Conference Centre

*$40 includes lunch buffet

Our three previous JOY of Healing retreats, and our first JOY of Healing ‘Outreach' retreat served well to inspire our spiritual journey!

This year, our 4th annual JOY of Healing retreat is calling us to be ever mindful of our inward journey; to ‘Know Thyself,’ at once coming to know and to love God and our neighbour. Come with us, go within, become at one with God, give thanks!

                 💕DisCover  LIsTEN  💕StOrY  SObRietY  JourNEY💕 

HoPE HeaLIng   GIFT ✨ PILgrim RADicaL PAUsE  WithIn GIFT💕 

✨calm DIrecTion 💕 ViSuAL CHOICE 💕SELF MaSTeRy 💕LAndScAPE 4GiVENESS  

GRaCe   BEAUTY  💕LIFE    PAUsE JoY PEacE ✨LOVE

 JoY 💕  HoPE  AWAKEN   LOVE💕

Please note that the *FCJ Centre has increased their cost to $40 per person. We would truly appreciate it if you’d mail your cheque directly to: Bonnie Woodard, 305-25 Avenue SW, Calgary T2S 0L3. (If mailing a cheque does not work for you, please reply to this email so that we can find a more suitable arrangement for you.)

We are delighted to let you know that we are once again blessed and grateful to Isabel, Rita, Terrie and Wendy for gifting their services during our retreat day. Once your registration is ‘confirmed’ feel free to e-mail Isabel, Rita, and/or Terrie directly to schedule your mini-appointment(s) to take place during our retreat day.

Our Saturday agenda with all the information is attached. We look forward to being together with you in our beloved FCJ Centre on what is certain to be a joy-filled “journey within”. 

With our 💕gratitude,

Violet & Bonnie

4JOY of Healing❦

Dear Friends,

We have good news … in keeping with the spirit of this Advent season as a time of expectant waiting and preparation — we have been ‘seeking,’ ‘knocking,’ and ‘listening’ to which we heard — “you must close a door to allow a new door to open,” “STOP,” and “Know Me”.  

As of today we are ‘on sabbatical' so to speak. To this end, “with Faith in God a place to stand” we press on with great anticipation of newness and learning!

For the next season we invite you to visit our ministry blogs: Scripture and Reflection, http://bwfaithministry.blogspot.ca ;  WhimsiGals and Prose,  http://whimsiland.blogspot.ca.

Thank you, each and every one of you, for your encouragement and feedback over these many years of ministry !

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year !!

With our love and tidings of great JOY,

Bonnie and Garry 

“… Choose my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold …”

— Proverbs 8:8-11 New Living Translation

My advice is wholesome. There is nothing devious or crooked in it. My words are plain to anyone with understanding, clear to those with knowledge. Choose my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold. For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies. Nothing you desire can compare with it.

— Proverbs 8:8-11  New Living Translation 

“Reaching For The Light”
PERSONAL AWARENESS

Life is not “a bowl of cherries,” and it is not made better when we simply accept all that befalls us without questioning its validity. This is none other than a state of mind nurtured by habit; that of letting life run its course with little or no thought given to the fact that we alone are in charge of our own destiny. Our very well-being demands that we free ourself of this habit by cultivating a sense of personal awareness and of consciously making choices that redound to our good.

from “Reaching For The Light” by Garry D. Kilbourn 

Jesus gave them this reply, “Go and tell John what you see and hear — that blind men are recovering their sight, cripples are walking, lepers being healed, the deaf hearing, the dead being brought to life and the good news is being given to those in need. And happy is the man who never loses faith in me.”

— Matthew 11:4-6  J.B. Phillips New Testament 

“Reaching For The Light”
SALVATION 

The Peace we O so long for 

Is ours alone to win

Be still, be still, and look within.

’Tis truth that gives us moorage

Faith in God a place to stand

The soul unveiled now Lights our way

To selfless Love, which saves the day.

from “Reaching For The Light” 

by Garry D. Kilbourn

’Teacher,’ he said, ‘which law is the greatest law of all?’ Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart. Love him with all your soul, and love him with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest law.

— Matthew 22:36-38  Worldwide English (New Testament)

“Reaching For The Light”

O THE MIND 

Harmony of mind, body and soul begins with the realization that it is the mind — the incessant workings of the mind — that governs our well-being. Not a moment passes but that we may consciously choose our thoughts: they are ours to own and to act upon as we alone decide. Not surprisingly, the operative word is “to act,” ever mindful that for good or ill, so go our thoughts.

from “Reaching For The Light” by Garry D. Kilbourn

Reflection : “Stand porter at the door of thought,” a friend reminds me. She paints an image of a robber knocking at the door of my mind to rob me of my harmony, joy and peace. When I’m feeling doubtful, uneasy, sad, or judgmental I check in on my thoughts. I ask myself what ‘belief’ did I let into my mind to allow me to think this way, to harm my well-being? blw

Light-seeds are planted in the souls of God’s people, Joy-seeds are planted in good heart-soil.

— Psalm 97:11
The Message 

“Reaching For The Light”
EYES: THE LIGHT OF THE SOUL

It is said, quite rightly, that the eyes are the Light of the soul. When we, as a fellow human, pause to become an onlooker into that wondrously revealing Light of another’s soul we see aught but God-given Goodness, Purity and Truth. We become two souls enjoined.

Such unspoken intimacy provides insight into, and connects us with, our other being; our higher spiritual self: We are at one with all that is good within us. Secure on firm ground, our new-found purpose is to give freely of ourself to others with God-given Love, for which we are ever thankful.

from “Reaching For The Light” by Garry D. Kilbourn

O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you!

— Psalm 63:1-3
New Living Translation

“Reaching For The Light”
GOD IS MY SOUL

He changed me

Yes, He changed me,

And now I am whole.

On knees in my stillness

In meekness and hope

God said to me gently,

God is my soul.

Yes, I know

O, I know that

God is my soul

Within me

He ever abides.

Now, softly, with voice

O so clear

God speaks to me gently

That others may hear.

He uses me, O yes

He uses me, He

Lovingly guideth my soul.

Yes, I know

O, I know that

God is my soul

Within me

He ever abides.

from “Reaching For The Light” 

by Garry D. Kilbourn

HAVE THE ATTITUDE OF CHRIST

Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

— Philippians 2:1-4  
New Living Translation (NLT) 

“Reaching For The Light”
GIVING

God’s gift of Life is one of abiding Goodness and unconditional Love. To our own good fortune, we need not look far to know this, and to bask in God’s wondrous Grace: We have but to go within, admittedly, easier said than done. Even so, no matter life’s circumstances we may, at any time and of our own choosing, mount God’s path of inner peace and spiritual enlightenment.

In stepping onto this higher plane, one that as well reveals the divine Light of our immortal soul, we must be quit of the first person”I” or, more specifically, our ego. Life, as we come to learn, is not about “getting,” but about “giving.”

New-found humility awakens in us a sense of compassion and a love for others. In always looking for the good in others, our “self” becomes “selfless:” We have found the path.

Excerpt from “Reaching For The Light” 

by Garry D. Kilbourn

God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him. After God made that decision of what his children should be like, he followed it up by calling people by name. After he called them by name, he set them on a solid basis with himself. And then, after getting them established, he stayed with them to the end, gloriously completing what he had begun.

— Romans 8:29-30  
The Message (MSG) more 

“Reaching For The Light”
THE ESSENCE OF BEING 

We are, all of us, faced with the dichotomy of having an inner and an outer self, each distinct in its own way and yet each dependent upon the other.

Our outer, mortal, self is the face we show to others, while our inner, immortal, self is the true essence of our being. The former is an accumulation of life experiences and of how we react to them. The latter — our inner being — is Life itself, our life-giving soul: God who lives in us and we in Him.

We owe it to ourself to acknowledge the ephemeral nature of our worldly ways, while at once allowing our God-given humanity to play its proper role.

Excerpt from “Reaching For The Light” 

by Garry D. Kilbourn

Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colours in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hid you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand— shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.  

— Matthew 5:16  
The Message (MSG)

“Reaching For The Light”

A LITTLE BIT OF HEAVEN

There’s a Light that’s deep within me

The Light that sets me free

A little bit of heaven that is my soul

A little bit of heaven that makes me whole.

Lord, let me Love another

Become a sister and a brother

Your heavenly Light bestir my fellow souls

Your little bit of heaven make us whole.

’Neath your wondrous sun-lit bower

Every minute, every hour

Help us manifest your Goodness and your Love

Help us, Lord, do all beneath that is above.

Excerpt from “Reaching For The Light” 

by Garry D. Kilbourn

God began to do a good work in you. And I am sure that he will keep on doing it until he has finished it. He will keep on until the day Jesus Christ comes again.

— Philippians 1:6 
Worldwide English 

“Reaching For The Light”
GOD-GIVEN GOODNESS

It’s true, there is a little bit of heaven in all of us, that which is Life itself: our immortal soul. Herein lies our True essence, our God-given Goodness.

Though seldom allowed to bloom to its fullest, to suffuse our very being in its divinely spiritual Light, the soul’s life-giving power is ever at hand. We have but to believe, nay, to know that God lives in us and we in Him. He alone will lead us to firm ground, to peace within and to the love of our fellow-man.

from “Reaching For The Light” 

by Garry D. Kilbourn

Eternal One: I AM WHO I AM. This is what you should tell the people of Israel: “I AM has sent me to rescue you.”

— Exodus 3:14  The Voice (VOICE)

“Reflections From Infinite Mind”

BE THE ’THEY’ AND BE ‘I AM’

Be the “they”

In a loving way

While at once

Being true to “I am.”

Whence we come 

Is common to all;

The Breath of God

Free of the Fall:

Each an “I am”

In His image of love;

Each, by His grace

With His call,

While each, in his or her

Own way,

Is ever one

With God’s own ’they.”

from “Reflections From Infinite Mind” 

by Garry D. Kilbourn

God began to do a good work in you. And I am sure that he will keep on doing it until he has finished it. He will keep on until the day Jesus Christ comes again. I have a right to feel this way about you all because I love you very much. God is good to me and you all share in this goodness. You share in my troubles in prison. You share in my work of staying true to the good news of Jesus.

— Philippians 1:6-7

Worldwide English (New Testament)

“Reaching For The Light”

CARE OF THE SOUL 

There are, to be sure, many things that need attending to in life, if we are to have a life. The human condition being what it is, we tend to overlook the one thing essential to “having a life” — the care of the soul; that which is Life itself. Were we to rectify this neglect of the soul, we have ever at hand the necessary tool: our God-given Goodness, the embodiment of every human virtue.

Goodness manifests itself through selfless behaviour; that which allows us to want and do for others as we judge best for ourself. It means loving ourself and others, all the while working for the common good.

Goodness liberates the soul, putting us on a path of inner peace.

Excerpt from “Reaching For The Light” 

by Garry D. Kilbourn

If you hear My voice and abide in My word, you are truly My disciples; you will know the truth, and that truth will give you freedom.

— John 8:31-32

The Voice (VOICE)

“Reaching For The Light”

IN SEARCH OF TRUTH 

The human ability to reason is a form of mental introspection, its efficacy confirmed by experience. Through experience we acquire both knowledge and understanding. Alone or in concert, these basic human faculties serve as essential guidelines for our well-being. 

Reasoning, whereby we both question and reflect on life’s many vicissitudes, ever in search of the Truth, heightens our presence of mind and helps to keep us centred. It should be an ever-present companion. 

The act of reasoning demands that we be scrupulously honest with ourself. In the doing we have the opportunity to go within, to transcend reason and to get in touch with our intuitive sixth sense, that which enlightens the soul and gives access to truth.

from “Reaching For The Light” 

by Garry D. Kilbourn

He created me in eternity, before time began, and I will exist for all eternity to come.

— Sirach 24:9

Good News Translation (GNT)

“Reaching For The Light”

THE SOUL KNOWS NO SEASON

Throughout man’s evolution on earth we have, without fail, and at our own peril, denied our place in the universe.

We learn from the Scriptures that man is made in the image of God, nature’s Supreme architect: Ipso facto, we are part of the universal condition. Like all else, we are subject to the laws of nature in that mortal man too has his season.

Being the inheritor of God’s image, man’s immortal soul, which in turn gives rise to our divine spirituality, knows no season but is forever one with God.

from “Reaching For The Light” 

by Garry D. Kilbourn

His divine power has given us everything we need to experience life and to reflect God’s true nature through the knowledge of the One who called us by His glory and virtue. Through these things, we have received God’s great and valuable promises, so we might escape the corruption of worldly desires and share in the divine nature. To achieve this, you will need to add virtue to your faith, and then knowledge to your virtue; … 

— 2 Peter 1:3-5  

The Voice (VOICE)

“Reaching For The Light”

THE DIVINE PATH

Compassion, understanding and love are humans traits common to all. No less than all of this must we bestow upon those who, for reasons perhaps unknown even to themselves, are unable to honour their true inner self. 

Pretending to be something we are not is a dichotomy not easily resolved. Neither, to be sure, is our ever-present sense of hopelessness. That we are at a loss of how to cope with the problem serves only to deepen our despair.

Relief, no less salvation, from this seemingly hopeless plight is to be found, as always, within ourself. In all reverence and humility, we turn our inner demons over to God, at once freeing ourself of worldly ego and awakening our spirituality. Our soul is likewise awakened from its childhood slumber; its Light long obscured. Giving thanks, we again find ourself on God’s divine path of Goodness and Love.

Excerpt from “Reaching For The Light” 

by Garry D. Kilbourn

Let there be no more resentment, no more anger or temper, no more violent self-assertiveness, no more slander and no more malicious remarks. Be kind to each other, be understanding. Be as ready to forgive others as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you.

— Ephesians 4:31  J.B. Phillips New Testament

“Reaching For The Light”

VULNERABILITY

Taking responsibility for our own conduct is itself an expression of character. In the doing, we as well reveal our vulnerability, an unintentional though equally beneficial factor.

Exposing our vulnerability, that is to say, our true self, demands trust in ourself and in others such that others recognize our state and respond in kind. Seldom, if ever, are we let down.

A necessary corollary of our being true to ourself is that of allowing others to be themselves. Again it becomes a matter of trust: that which we ourselves revere is no less deserving of others.

In simply being ourself — the person God meant us to be — we are at peace. Only thus may we share with others our manifold blessings. 

— Garry D. Kilbourn

“Reaching For The Light” 

by Garry D. Kilbourn

This love of which I speak is slow to lose patience — it looks for a way of being constructive. It is not possessive: it is neither anxious to impress nor does it cherish inflated ideas of its own importance … Love knows no limit to its endurance, no end to its trust, no fading of its hope; it can outlast anything. It is, in fact, the one thing that still stands when all else has fallen.

— 1 Corinthians 13:4,7-8a  

J.B. Phillips New Testament

“Reaching For The Light”

GIVING FREELY 

OF OURSELF 

Our time is well spent when we take a moment to consider the two separate, though co-dependent, aspects of our being: spirituality and mortality.

Our mortal being we know. It is this, our physical demeanour, which at first blush identifies us to others. That which is so readily seen, however, ofttimes fails to reveal the whole.

The body is but the temple of our soul, the essence of our being; that which gives rise to our spirituality whereby we are enabled to become one with God.

Bringing balance into our life, whereby we achieve spiritual and mortal harmony, reveals our purpose: giving freely of ourself to others.

— Garry D. Kilbourn