SINCE I KNOW THAT GOD LOVES ME...

I must be, somehow, LOVEABLE.  In my morning and evening meditations I JUST LET GOD LOVE ME:  no words, no reading, and no thinking...just BE-ing.

Maurice Joly, OMI

IS IT JUST ME, OR...

DO YOU remember when...you finally start to 'BE' yourself again after a knock-out punch from the flu or an injury. Do you silently, almost unknowingly say, THANK YOU! because you are so relieved you've turned-the-corner...it's almost OVER!

THEN, AS YOU HEAL, do you sense a feeling of humble-ness take hold?  Do you seem to be moving at a slower pace?  Do you start listening to your body...to others...intently?  Do you feel a deeper sensitivity for life around you?

COULD IT BE we are, at this moment-in-time, feeling VULNERABLE to life itself?  Could it be we've been touched by our divine-ness...that our HOLY SPIRIT is urging us to BE, just BE? To be quiet, to listen, to reflect; to be open to love of self and of other; to be, simply, BE-NESS.

Oh, to remain HUMBLE and VULNERABLE and just BE.


Sincerely,
Bonnie

"...the divine self perceived by Self" The Secret Doctrine, Vol.I  by  H.P. Blavatsky

Email blwoodard@shaw.ca -- I'd love to hear from you!

Blessings of Faith...strengthens me!

I BELIEVED I HAD OVERCOME letting my mind take me on a journey of negative-wasteful thoughts…the ones that go round-and-round, getting bigger and bigger, and causing your whole being to doubt itself. The last few days I witnessed my thoughts undoing lessons learned in recent "positive thinking and stress-free living" classes.  Old habits die hard. Transformation takes mind-work to get at the root of "why" past-life-defeating-habits are allowed to continue their destructive ways.

I've learned MY THOUGHTS are the cause of everything. I've learned I shouldn't presume to know what someone else's thoughts are, and you can't change them...you can only change your SELF. I went within my SELF to do the work of positive inner talk and listen for that still, small voice within me. I heard, “do not lean to your own understanding.” Over and over I heard this phrase, believed it, and was truly blessed. I felt PEACEFULNESS relax my mind, my body and my soul.

I'VE LEARNED, if you override the gift of intuition...the still, small voice within you, and allow yourself to keep taking back the doubt, the worry, the negativity...eventually you won’t hear God whispering, "I give you my peace, I leave you my peace."

WHEN I do the work of positive SELF talk, thoughts change.
WHEN I strengthen my mind, my thoughts, and how I see and experience...life CHANGES!

SURROUND yourself with good friends and FEED your mind with uplifting word and music!

Sincerely,
Bonnie Woodard

Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization http://www.bkwsu.org/
calgary@ca.bkwsu.org  209-2988 (403)

Email blwoodard@shaw.ca -- share your story so others may come to know how your life changed when you finally came to accept your SELF.

CONTINUING WITH MEMORIES...after reading the Thanksgiving story, Nancy wrote: 

I love the mom’s good dishes story – reminds me of after my mother who passed away in 1974 and when my sisters and I were going over her belongings I wanted to have and wear a fine wool scarf that was my mom’s favourite scarf (she wore it often) that I had purchased for her on one of her birthdays. Every time I wore it, I could smell and feel my dear mother’s presence and felt closer to her especially the first year after she passed away – it comforted me when I needed it most.  (from Nancy, Timmins ON)

Memory is amazing...a fragrance, a song, a place...can transport our whole being back to the time when...!   Nancy, thank you for sharing this precious memory!



Email blwoodard@shaw.ca -- share your story so others may come to know how your life changed when you finally came to accept your SELF.

THANKSGIVING and other holidays remembered because of Mom's good dishes...

My girlfriend sent an interesting email I'd like to share with you.  Her Mom passed away some time ago...that's why this is special.

Two brothers came to visit this Thanksgiving weekend...both from out of town.  She said the neatest thing was that Thanksgiving dinner was served on Mom's good dishes.

My girlfriend shared that the oldest brother had not seen these dishes since 1974 and the second oldest brother only saw Mom's good dishes every Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving.

Just imagine the wonderful memories because of Mom's good dishes!
Our hearts remember the simplest joys!


by Bonnie Woodard

It is with deep sadness in my heart...

Today I learned that a good friend of mine died a few days ago.  We met at the FCJ Centre in their T.E.A.M. Program, 2003.  Very quickly we became good friends! 

After the three year program ended, our visits became less and less as her life was pulled one way and mine another.  Her birthday was just a month ago and as I thought of her I was tempted to phone and wish, "Happy Birthday!" but I thought...oh, its been so long between phone calls, she has her family---I was embarrassed to phone.  My intuition nudged me to call her and my mind rationalized its way out of 'IT.'  So, you understand how I now feel--deep sadness that I didn't make the call...leave a message...

My friend Mary knows how I feel...she's been there too, thank God.  She eased my sorrow by saying, "Bon, when you were close friends, you were good friends--remember that!"  I will with all my heart.  This is another life-lesson: listen to that quiet voice within, it speaks the truth! 

Goodbye Francis, I love you.

Sincerely,
Bonnie Woodard

Meditative INNER talk, MIND-FULL-NESS:
 
This is my SELF-talk today. My SELF-talk will change each day as my INNER-strength TRANSFORMS ME. This POSITIVE SELF-talk is not static, it is evolving...a work-in-progress, just like YOU...just like ME!!  Try this every chance you get throughout your day...on the treadmill, on transit, in the shower...

POSITIVE SELF-talk transforms you into the person YOU are meant to BE!
POSITIVE SELF-talk is LISTENING TO GOD talk to YOU! 
POSITIVE SELF-talk is God telling YOU how wonder-FULL YOU are to HIM!

...start your own POSITIVE SELF-talk and be amazed!

God lives within me...
   God is my Soul
   God is Good-ness
   God is Love

When I am mind-full
   God fills my mind
   My thoughts are pure
   My thoughts are love-filled

God lives within me...
   God's home
   God's temple
   God's love for me is limitless

I share His Love with the world
   I am spirit
   I am loving
   I am beautiful

Because we are all One with God
   I am ALL of God's Good-ness
   I am a child of God
   I am powerful
   My thoughts are life-giving
   My thoughts are pure

I SEE with God's Vision
   I see value in everyone
   We are all One
   We are Love
   Good-ness
   Goddess
   I am free...  God lives within me!


by Bonnie Woodard (POSITIVE SELF-talk is LISTENING TO GOD talk to you!)

Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization (AS YOU CHANGE, THE WORLD CHANGES)
Email: calgary@ca.bkwsu.org  P: 209-2988 (403)
http://www.bkwsu.org/


Email blwoodard@shaw.ca -- share your story so others may come to know how your life changed when you finally came to accept your SELF.

Alice, my friend...

This evening's visit was both intimate and heart-warming! Intimate because Alice shared her fears and heart-warming because of her trust in our friendship.

I've been visiting Alice in the nursing home for approximately six months. Alice's life suddenly changed due to illness and was told she'd never be able to live on her own again.  This news shook her very soul.

Tonight Alice asked, "how long will I have to be here--it could be twenty years! how will I cope? why am I here?" 

Alice knows we don't have answers. But she talks and I listen... and will continue to listen over and over for as long as she needs to voice her thoughts...this is the joy of our friendship and the essence of a pastoral visit!

by Bonnie Woodard

Diocesan Pastoral Care Course
Information 218-5501 (403) Calgary AB

Email blwoodard@shaw.ca -- share your story so others may come to know how your life changed when you finally came to accept your SELF.

What would my life look like ...

If I truly lived it...
If I loved with abandon...
If I loved myself...
If I valued myself...
If I forgave myself...
If I let go of controlling...
If I always did my absolute best--with no regrets...
If I took out all the stops and became the person that is me!

• How would I feel? 
• What would it look like?
• Will I try?

Your new beginning is just a thought away!!


by Bonnie Woodard (from a conversation with a fabulous girlfriend)

Email blwoodard@shaw.ca -- share your story so others may come to know how your life changed when you finally came to accept your SELF.

"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)

We are anxious to hear about anything that concerns YOU.
Please use blog 'comments' or click blwoodard@shaw.ca to send an email.

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)

We are anxious to hear about anything that concerns YOU.
Please use blog 'comments' or click blwoodard@shaw.ca to send an email.

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


We are anxious to hear about anything that concerns YOU.
Please use blog 'comments' or click blwoodard@shaw.ca to send an email.

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

We are anxious to hear about anything that concerns YOU.
Please use blog 'comments' or click blwoodard@shaw.ca to send an email.

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

We are anxious to hear about anything that concerns YOU.
Please use blog 'comments' or click blwoodard@shaw.ca to send an email.

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)

We are anxious to hear about anything that concerns YOU.
Please use blog 'comments' or click blwoodard@shaw.ca to send an email.

Soul-to-Soul Conversation...

Isn't it a delightful experience when a soul personally connects with another soul! I enjoyed that unexpected experience just the other day while I was at my bank.

I was beckoned to come forward by a teller I've seen a few times before. We always have a pleasant experience but this time it was different...she let me know a little more about herself.

I told her how lovely her hair looked...did she get it cut? Yes, she said, I had to because I was loosing so much hair and found out I have a thyroid condition.

Because our ministry is also about the "Body," (we study Nourishing Traditions, by Sally Fallon with Mary G. Enig, Ph.D.) I was able to pass along good information about the benefits of ingesting coconut oil. Then she shared that in her country of birth those living in the South use coconut oil for everything and their hair is healthy and luscious.

This lovely encounter was possible because two souls cared for one another!!
I was blessed!

by Bonnie Woodard

info@westonaprice.org
http://www.westonaprice.org/

We are anxious to hear about anything that concerns YOU.
Please use blog 'comments' or click blwoodard@shaw.ca to send an email.

Thought for Reflection...

What would I “see” if I wasn’t told what to see?
What would I “hear” if I wasn’t told what to hear?
What would I “feel” if I wasn’t told what to feel?

God tells us how to see.
God tells us how to hear.
God tells us how to feel.

See with LOVE!
Hear with LOVE!
Feel with LOVE!

GOD makes it simple…. practice, practice, practice!!!

You will be blessed with the “peace” of God!

by Bonnie Woodard

We are anxious to hear about anything that concerns YOU.
Please use blog 'comment' or click blwoodard@shaw.ca to send an email.