Living Life More Abundantly...

I ask myself, do I want a more abundant life that is fulfilling or do I want things and circumstances just because I can have them?

No matter how much I affirm or pray for things, those things may never fulfill me.

I choose to seek the kingdom within. I choose to be loving and to be love and to have loving relationships and be the love that I desire. I choose to be peaceful in any circumstance. I choose to be in harmony with all of nature. These desires I believe leads to an abundantly fulfilled life.

It is necessary to have things in our lives but seeking the kingdom within; all things will be added unto me.

Meditation: contemplate on, I go within seeking love, peace, joy and harmony knowing all things that I need are already mine. Take 3 deep cleansing breaths, go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

And this too shall pass...

After hurricane Sandy, I am very grateful for my safety and the safety of my family, friends and neighbors. I now turn my attention, prayers and love to others who were not as fortunate as I was.

Although many of us were not affected directly by the storm, some of our family members were affected as well as friends and neighbors.

In actuality all of us were affected by the storm and those who lost their homes and lives. We are all connected through one God.

Meditation: contemplate on, I bless everyone and everything that was touched by hurricane Sandy, knowing that this too shall pass. I am grateful for this truth. I release this word and let go and let God. Take 3 deep cleansing breaths. Go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

There is an essence of perfection at the center of all things...

There is an essence of perfection at the center of all things. This essence is God. God is Perfect and Whole. This essence is at the center of me.

Whatever we may be going through, it is important to go back to this truth. When I turn my attention to the Perfection of God, I remind myself of my perfection, since I am made in the image of God.

I can now pray seeing in my mind's eye this perfect being without the imperfection that has manifested as my experience. This image that I see is the real me. I then open my arms with acceptance that I will heal or my circumstance will change from the current one to the one I desire.

Meditation: contemplate on, whatever circumstance I am experiencing, I turn away from it and face the perfect me and hold this perfect image in mind. Take 3 deep cleansing breaths, go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

The Storm...

The storm has taken over a lot of our lives. This is the topic on the mind of most people that I have spoken to. I too, began to be caught up in this storm scare. I went to the market and the people there were buying food and water and other items as though the world was coming to an end.

Not once did anyone of these people say anything about praying. The question would be, what do we pray for?

After returning home from the store, I thought about what I had experienced at the store. I thought to myself, this is a time to pray for peace, calm for everyone everywhere. No matter where this storm hits, all of us everywhere are affected by it.

Meditation: contemplate on, the stormy waters within me is calm. I am at peace in the midst of any storm. I trust God to do the rest. Take 3 deep cleansing breaths, go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

Love is there...It's gonna be okay...

Love is there but we must awake to it. Ernest Holmes

Never judge who can be your support or a messenger of Spirit sent to you. There is no age or special qualifications a person or animal has to have.

I grew up afraid of animals especially dogs. My playmate and I were sitting on the steps watching the cars go by when a hugh dog bit my friend. We were both 2 years old. I developed a fear of dogs, small dogs, large dogs, it did not matter. My friend however recovered from the dog bite and went on to love dogs.

I went on a spiritual retreat on a ranch in Arizona almost ten years ago. There was one small issue, the hosts had a dog who was part Siberian husky and German sheppard. I decided not to make this an issue. So my hosts and their dog, Dillon met me at the bus depot.

As the week progressed, I was still concerned about this dog. Near the end of the week, I saw a mouse in my closet and I could not imagine sleeping in this room. I was the only guest that week, but going to another room would not solve the problem. The mouse was as mobile as I was.

I prepared for bed that night, every so often, I would look down at the floor at the bottom of the closet door. Dillon came into my room and laid down on my floor and slept there all night. I was so relieved. I felt peaceful and fell asleep. The next morning Dillon was gone from my room. My last night there Dillon spent another night at the foot of my bed. Again, the next morning Dillon was gone.

His owners asked, if Dillon, being in my room, was a bother? I realize that Dillon had been my loving support sent to me letting me know that everything would be alright.

Meditation: contemplate on, I open my heart and mind and allow myself to see all things as expressions of God. Each divine expression that comes into my life is here to support me on my journey. Take 3 deep cleansing breaths, go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

Spending time with myself...

Spending time with yourself does not mean that you are simply alone, and that there is no one home except you; it means to consciously be aware that you would like to spend time with yourself. And you want do nice things for yourself, just as if you were doing nice things for others.

Today was one of those days that I spent with myself. I did not choose this day to do this. I woke up early and sat in my chair and slept until noon.

It was latter than I usually start my day. I wanted breakfast or a combination lunch. I cleaned the top of the stove. After this task was complete, I swept the kitchen floor and sat down at the table to have a cup of tea. I took out my cutting board and placed it on the table. I then took vegetables from the bottom of my fridge and began to clean out the bottom of the fridge and the vegetable bins and put the vegetables in those bags that are suppose to keep your vegetables fresher longer. I felt a sense of accomplishment.

I began to take out kale, cabbage, carrots, celery, scallions, green and red peppers, broccoli, tomatoes and red potatoes. I also took out fruits for juicing. After washing the veggies and fruits, I popped in my iPod and selected  a book " Wishes Fulfilled" by Dr. Wayne Dyer. I sat at my table and began to shred cabbage and prepare the veggies and fruits for juicing and making a smoothie. I was having such a great time, preparing foods that are healthy and healing for my body, as I listened to Dr. Dyer that I did not notice the time.

I glanced at the clock and could not believe it was early evening. I thought about some of the things that Dr. Dyer was saying on the CD, thinking to myself... how could I include some of these changes in my daily practice? One of the points that he mentioned was honoring yourself. Here I was spending the day with myself and enjoying it.

My day has not ended yet. I still have some more time left in this day. I have some more things that I would like to do for myself. This is a great opportunity for me to do positive "self talk" and journal. I truly enjoyed my day without telephone calls, text messaging or emailing. I realize before this night is over, I will post this meditation.

Meditation: contemplate on, I honor myself and spend time with myself. In honoring myself, I know how to honor others. Take 3 deep breaths and now go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

Inner chatter...

I hear people say, this is who I am. Sometimes, these people are unkind, dishonest, inconsiderate and just hard to like. I wonder, do these people really believe this is what God has made in Its image? I do not think so. The "real" self of all of us by nature is kind, loving, creative, peaceful, generous and much more. If we are acting and being anything other than good then we are not being our "real" selves. I believe we have made choices that are not in alignment with Spirit. This self is the lower self. Who really wants to be a disagreeable, unkind or greedy person? My answer is no one; we have simply lost the way and we have forgotten who we really are. We are the sons and daughters of the "Most High"...God.

This is a human conception, not of God. In the biblical account of Creation, God declared all things made Good. Anything outside of the Goodness of God is a human idea that takes place in the mind, out of the light or truth of God. If it were not so, why then, do many people change drastically for the better and turn and help his/her fellowman.

Why do we believe that we must learn all our lessons through pain, rather than love? Learning our lessons through pain has strengthen me and others but has not served the world fully.

I believe we will see and experience continued growth but it will happen through love and not pain. I feel a shift in energy, awareness and in others around me. In God's time, we shall see.

Meditation: contemplate on, I open my heart and mind to God's idea of who I am. Take 3 deep cleansing breaths and go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

Some inner alchemy of the mind...

We do not change all of the patterns of our thought in a moment. Rather, it takes place little by little, until gradually the old thought patterns become transformed into new ones by some inner alchemy of the mind, the operation of which we do not see but the manifestation of which we do experience.
~Ernest Holmes 

When I read this excerpt from Ernest Holmes, this reminds of losing weight. Anyone who has been on a program to release some of their body weight knows that it is not all up hill nor all down hill. You may lose a few pounds the first few weeks and then you may even gain a pound. In the coming weeks you may not lose weight at all. Of course, this is not true for everyone.

I am thinking of a time when I felt the weight on my body and saw it as well, reflected in my mirror and yet the next day, even I saw weight drop right off. I asked a friend of mine, where exactly does the weight go? She told me we excrete through various parts of our bodies like our pores, feet, skin, bladder and colon. Although, I agree with this, somehow something more had taken place.

I believe as stated in the excerpt from Ernest Holmes that some type of transformation that we cannot see is taking place in us and we see the manifestation in our experience. The right foods are being consumed and goes to the cells and what we think to be a miracle happens. An inner alchemy has taken place in the mind and therefore the body shows us the results or outcome. The intent and desire for whatever you want begins in the mind. I am patiently waiting for my blessing. I will continue to juice, make green smoothies, eat raw foods, eat plenty of vegetables, eat less lean meat, exercise, drink water and stretch. I allow myself to indulge in foods that I enjoy once in awhile. I will not focus on the weight, and real soon, I will experience the manifestation of my desire.

Meditation: contemplate on, I choose healthy thoughts, I choose wisely what I eat and then I open my arms of acceptance with gratitude for my blessing. Take a deep breath and then, go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

Is there a right or wrong way...

I have been asked, is there a right way or wrong way to do things? My answer is there sure is. Then the question becomes, isn't that a judgment? There is no right or wrong in any situation.

I believe there is a right way and a wrong way to do, say and act on any matter. If this were not true, then why when a person commits an act of violence or inconsideration of another person that person's body produces chemicals that are consistent with negative thoughts. When a person does something from love, he/she produces in their immune system endorphins.

Dr. Amen states that when negative thinking is going on, the brain develops a hollow shape. When those same patients begin to think and speak more positively, the hollow shape in the brain begins to fill in.

Why would ancient sages and mystics record in the bible and other scriptures that we should be kind to one another? Jesus, according to the bible said to love our neighbors as ourselves. I do believe we should be mindful of what and how we speak. We should be mindful of our actions towards another person, plant, animal or the earth.

I do however, believe that we should not rely on others to be mindful in their behavior in order for us to live our lives to its fullest. As much as possible, we should learn how to keep people and ideas out of our lives who are not uplifting us. This is why we have forgiveness. We forgive because this helps us move on. Forgiveness helps us to remove energy that is inconsistent with our own.

When we are kind. Being kind attracts more kindness. Love attract more love. Peace attracts more peace.

How another person wants to live their lives is none of your or my business. It becomes my business when I am affected by your or their decisions or actions. If what I say, do is for the good of all concerned, then this is what I meditate on.

Meditation: contemplate on, let me pray with the good of all concerned in my mind. Take 3 deep breath and go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Love LadyFran

Who does "Forgiveness" benefit?

We have learned from our early childhood that when we do something wrong to another person, we should apologize to them. As we grow into adults, we expect others to apologize to us when others do something wrong. When the apology does not happen, we spend time waiting for it and we begin to develop resentment. Instead of allowing resentment to build up in our bodies which can cause disease, forgiving the offender, the offense and ourselves is beneficial. The person who receives the most benefit is us. The other person, the offender, has gone on his/her way and forgotten all about the situation. Forgiveness allows us to move on. (by Rev. Sheila, paraphrased and excerpted from Sunday's message: October 21, 2012)

Meditation: contemplate on, I forgive myself and anyone else who has offended me. I release and let it all go. Lovely LadyFran

Trust in the process...

Sometimes we want an answer for whatever we have been waiting for instantly. We must trust the process. We must believe in what we tell ourselves and believe that what we want or desire is ours to have. The Universe is moving things and people into place so that this can happen for us.

When I was teaching, I desired to become Team Leader in an academy program. This position would give me more responsibility and I would head a team of core teachers and 20 or so other teachers from other disciplines on professional development days. I saw the position as a vehicle for me to put into action support for teachers and students. I believed that I was going to become Team Leader but had no idea which team this would be. I was part of a team that was like my family.

There was a second academy created out of the need for the students from the first academy to move forward. Team Leader positions opened up. I turn down all Team Leader positions that became available. Some of my friends thought that was an unwise decision. I trusted the process but did not look over my shoulder, sort of speak. I just continued to do what I loved doing, teaching my students.

Four years later there became a need for an acting Team Leader on my current team. Later, I was told that we needed a new Team Leader so, I applied for the position and received it. I trusted the process knowing that God was doing the work. I did my prayer work. I saw in my imagination that I would become Team Leader and I waited patiently. I did not wonder about the outcome. I knew my will was in alignment with the will of God. This is the process that I speak of. It took a while for me to get the position because there were things that I needed to do before I could step into the position. I enjoyed this position until I retired.

Meditation: contemplate on, there is no time or space in the mind of God. My good is manifesting right now. Take 3 deep cleansing breaths then go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

I am ready...

Today, I participated in a walking meditation for 15 minutes. I walked in a line with others quietly. My mind was clearing out with the wonderful air that I was inhaling. Once the walk ended, I was suppose to think of the first word that came into my mind. Later, I was suppose to take this word and write a meditation using this word.

I was walking on grounds that was not level. I quickly realized that my legs were not tired but my breathing was loud. I know that I need to get into a walk program for better health. My diet is good. I eat organic foods and I eat the right oils (olive oil). I used the right seasonings. Along with eating right, exercising is important. I stretch daily and I have just begun to use the re-bounder (trampoline) for a few minutes a day. This morning I did not do my normal stretches or deep breathing. Now, I realize how important it is to prepare before walking with stretches and deep breathing. As I was walking, I noticed my body and it felt invigorated. My head felt clear. The first word that came to mind was "ready". I believe this to be true for me right now.

Meditation: contemplate on, the Spirit of God is restoring my body to its original perfect pattern and I am ready. Take 3 deep cleansing breaths then, go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

Attitude...

Attitude~manner, feeling, disposition, position, etc. Dictionary.com

Many times we have heard people say, it's his/her attitude that bothers me.

Today, I went to a Farmer's Market in the area of where I live. I purchased turkey and chicken products and then decided to buy two kaiser rolls. The bakery near by had 4 packs but I wanted only 2. I asked the young lady at the counter, if I could purchase 2? She answered yes. She began to take 2 rolls out of one bag to put them into another. She asked me if there was anything else that I wanted. I answered no. She then gave me the amount that I owed for the purchase. I gave her a bill and waited for my change. She returned with my change and said, have a good day.

The conversation, between the customer and the clerk in the above paragraph, seems perfectly normal. She dotted all the i(s) and crossed all the t(s). What was missing was a positive attitude. I do not know what may be going on in her life but she chose to come to this bakery and be a clerk. If she smiled in spite of what she may be feeling, her day would begin to change. She appeared to be disgusted with this sale and rather be somewhere else. I did smile at her and she did not welcome it. She continued on as she was. Sometimes, we have to make the first step in changing our mood. I do not know that anything was going on in her life; I am just considering that this could have been a possibility for her lack of enthusiasm and zest for life. Although, polite, the energy of I am glad to serve you and thank you for shopping in my bakery rather than someone else's bakery was missing.

In our prayer life, when we affirm or pray, we need the feeling of gratefulness, appreciation and faith that can be summed up in our attitude. No matter the situation, I can believe with joy that my prayer is answered as I give life to the words that I speak. It is the words with feelings that makes the prayer come alive and manifest into our reality.

I consider each day and each opportunity a time to practice praying with enthusiasm. If I am enthusiastic about my work then I will bring that to my prayer. Prayer is not just the words alone. In fact, the words without intent and feelings are useless. I say, let us bring a positive attitude to our prayers. Let us bring an attitude of appreciation and gratefulness to our prayers. Watch and see what a difference it makes in our reality.

Meditation: contemplate on, no matter what is happening with me and wherever I am, I remember God is joy, enthusiasm, gratitude and appreciation. I am all that God is. I bring these attributes to my prayer life. Take 3 deep cleansing breaths and go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

Faith...

Faith...belief that is not based on proof.
Dictionary.com

Sometimes people say, I do not have faith that is the problem. Everyone has faith. It is hard to see faith at work, when what a person desires does not seem to manifest. We tell people to think positive, pray and meditate. Faith is a part of the process of manifesting our hearts desires. When we want something and it does not happen for us, our faith is still at work. This means that we have faith in the opposite of what we wanted. If we have the slightest doubt about what we want to be in our lives, we have shifted our faith in that direction rather than on what it is that we truly desire.

So we do have faith. Also, when we think and believe negatively and those things seem to come into our reality; it is faith in the negative ideas and beliefs and the Law in action that is at work. The Law of God does not care if the thought is negative or positive. It responds to the thought and that is what becomes real in our world. Faith can be strengthened. We can strengthen our faith by being grateful for everything. Each blessing that comes into our lives, increases the strength of our faith. When something big happens in our lives, and we have in increments made our faith stronger, it becomes possible for us to believe that the outcome is in our favor and without any proof believe that what we desire is manifesting in our lives.

It is faith that allows us to wait for the outcome that is in alignment with the will of God. Since God's will is for our highest best and our will must be for our highest best then, our will and God's will are one.

Meditation: contemplate on, God wants only the best for me. My will and God's will are one. I have the faith that the outcome of my desire is manifesting in my life, now. Take 3 deep cleansing breaths and then go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

This too shall pass...

Since every one is a spirit in a human body then this makes everyone spiritual. This is not the definition that I am using when I make the next statement.

Many people think of spiritual people as those who live and use spiritual tools such as prayer and meditation. Some people think spiritual people never get sick or have difficulties in their lives. Spiritual people are still human beings and are part of the earth plane.

I thought about this today, because I am considered a spiritual person. I was feeling out of sorts today. I was experiencing some dizziness from a head cold and sinuses which leads, in my case, to inner ear infections. I stopped into a supermarket near me to purchased one piece of prepared chicken an I saw cooked shrimps on sale and purchased 6. I do not normally eat shrimp. This is what I had for dinner. I prepared vegetables for a second pot of vegetable soup and waited for the soup to finish cooking. I ate the chicken and the shrimp and I became very sick. My lips became swollen and I began to feel nausea coming on. I felt so bad that I could not wait to regurgitate so that the food I ate could leave my body. It happened and I felt much better. I put some tea tree oil on my lips and sat in a comfy chair and fell asleep. I woke up feeling much better.

The soup finished cooking and the kitchen smelled of the aroma of well made vegetable soup. I put the soup into my blender and made it into a cream soup. I had two cups and went back to my chair to relax.

 As I was experiencing the worse pain that I had in a long time, I kept this spiritual truth in mind, "This too shall pass." Thank God, this is true.

Meditation: contemplate on, no matter what is going on in my life, "This too shall pass." Take 3 deep cleansing breaths and go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

Showing appreciation and having commitment...

Appreciation - gratitude, thankful recognition. 
Commitment - engaging oneself, promise, involvement
Dictionary.com

I recently watched Oprah's program showing the first graduation from the the all girls school which Oprah built in South Africa. The students that Oprah interviewed, in order to be accepted into her school, appreciated Oprah for the opportunity given to them to attend the school.

These girls excelled because of deep appreciation for an education that could give them unimaginable opportunities at a great life and to be able to give back to their communities. They were committed to themselves, Oprah, the other students attending the school and their families. There was joy in my heart as I watched these girls graduate.

I, too, was a teacher who did more for my students than teach the subject. Unlike, Oprah's students, our students were allowed to attend the school just because they lived in the area. Oprah's students were selected by her.  A large portion of our students were not appreciative of what an education could do for them and teachers who cared about them as whole people. Some of our lack of success in graduating whole people was a lack of appreciation and lack of commitment. In any area of life, we must start our day with gratitude and show appreciation to each person who has given us a helping hand. There must also be commitment on each one of our parts in order to expect some sort of success.

Meditation: contemplate on, I am grateful for my life. I show this gratitude through commitment and showing appreciation to each person who blesses me. Take 3 deep cleansing breaths, go into the silence for at least 3 minutes.
Lovely LadyFran

The indwelling Spirit within...

The answer to every question is within man, because man is within Spirit, and Spirit is an Indivisible Whole! The solution to every problem is within man; the healing of all disease is within man; the forgiveness of all sin is within man; the raising of the dead is within man; Heaven is within man. This is why Jesus prayed to this indwelling "I am" and said: "Our Father which art in Heaven," and again he said: "The Kingdom of Heaven is within you."
The Science of Mind, page 365, paragraph 1


Meditation: contemplate on, I believe that there is only one God and It dwells within me. I constantly pray to the indwelling Spirit within. I cannot tell where I begin and my Father within leaves off because I am one with It. Every answer to every problem is within me. Take 3 deep cleansing breaths, now go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

Listening to our intuition and making choices...

Today, I reminded myself of the first two commandments that were given to Moses according to the bible. The first is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind and soul. The second commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself. According to the bible, Jesus said these two laws were the most important of all the laws.

I did some reading from other inspirational materials and then decided to go to the market.

Almost everything that I wanted from a list that I had made was in my cart. I looked around for that last item because this market is not around the corner from my house. I looked at the cashier lines and saw that one was empty and was ready to ring me out as soon as I removed my grocery items from the cart. Something, like a feeling, nudge me to choose another line. I was looking at the empty conveyor belt and decided to stay where I was.

The cashier, after asking if I wanted to use the bags that I was purchasing, began to ring up my groceries. I asked the cashier to please try to pack the two bags as equally as possible. He did not acknowledge the request. I also noticed he did not greet me with the usual "how are you?...did you find everything you needed today? I ignored that and just waited. I watched the cashier pack my first bag and all the heavy items were going in and only a few items were left and they were not heavy items.

Affirmations...

And God said to Moses, "I AM THAT I AM," And He said, "This you shall say to the children of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you.'"  Exodus 3:14

 

Affirmations... are statement that affirm the truth of who you are. Affirmations can be used to help change beliefs that no longer serves us.

I think this is why so many people cannot write affirmations for themselves and certainly do not believe what they have written. For example, What if, my finances are not as I would like them to be? I can choose to change that belief by writing an affirmation. At first the affirmation may not appear to be true. That's alright.

An affirmation could go something like this: I am now very prosperous and can make purchases without looking at the price tags. At this moment. this may not be true. Affirmations are so powerful that I recommend that you try this. If you say the affirmation continuously several times a day over a period of time, you will begin to feel a difference and see evidence of this change taking place in your life. You will begin to believe your affirmations and in fact, you will be affirming the truth of who you are.

Beginning an affirmation with I am makes the affirmation very powerful. The reason why it is recommended to start an affirmation with I AM because this is the name of God (meaning the Divine Creator).  Exodus 3:15

Meditation: contemplate on, I am a work in progress unfolding to my fullest potential. I am truly amazing. Take 3 deep cleansing breaths and go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

Choosing thoughts...

When I wake up in the morning, I give thanks to God that I am alive and have an opportunity to enjoy and share with others in this day. As the day unfolds, my thoughts sometimes are not as positive as when I first woke up.

I am thankful that I am aware of the kind of thoughts that I think. This is because I reflect on my thoughts during the day or most times in the evening at the close of my day. I then decide that some of the thoughts that I let my mind entertain are not going to serve me to my highest and best. Remember every thought that has ever been thought is still with us. I replace those thoughts with other thoughts that are positive.

I do this by starting an affirmation with, I am, (example, I am experiencing a day full of joy). I think of thoughts as being like good friends who want the best for me. The other thoughts are like friends who are not certain of what they have to offer me, so I try to let them move on.

Meditation: contemplate on, I choose the thoughts that I allow to come into my mind. Any thoughts that do not serve my highest and best, I bless them and allow them to move on. Take 3 deep cleansing breaths and go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

Confusion...

 
 When I read the bible, it gives me so much comfort. I also read many other inspirational books and magazines that help me to grow spiritually.

 
We are inundated with so much information about religion, theories and philosophies of life. This can be confusing. I read, listen to books on CDs and watch videos about diverse topics about life. After I expose myself to these materials, I reflect on this information and then I go into the silence, knowing that what I need to know God allows me to receive.

Meditation: contemplate on, my mind is open to Divine Wisdom. I let the Infinite Wisdom of God lead me and guide me. Take 3 deep cleansing breaths and go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

When deep sleep falleth...

 In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed. Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction. (Job 33:15,16)

Dr. Wayne Dyer says in his book "Wishes Fulfilled" that you must prepare your mind at least 4 or 5 minutes before going to sleep. He says that it is in your dreams where the answers to life's questions are. There are approximately 60,000 thoughts that go through our minds each day and approximately 56,000 of those thoughts are repeated. Dr. Dyer says that you do not want the last thought of the day to be negative because this is what the subconscious mind acts on and when you wake up this is what you are going to experience. Why not, let the last thoughts that are on your mind be thoughts about what you desire in your life. In fact, Dr. Dyer says that a thought can last in your mind up to 4 hours. (from the book, Wishes Fulfilled)

I gave this some thought and decided that I would like to go to bed earlier, maybe around 10:00 pm. This would mean that I would have to start thinking positive thoughts, that is, focus on things that I desire about 6:00 pm. For me, this means I have to turn off  Perry Mason at 6:00 pm because I would be thinking about the murder mystery that I just got finish watching. Imagine sometimes we go to bed thinking about horrible things and wake up the next day and go through a horrible day and wonder why.

So the time between 6:00 pm and 10:00 pm, I am taking this opportunity to meditate before going to bed and think about what and how I want my life to look. I am using my imagination to see and feel what I want. Yes, I did say see and feel. Thoughts with feelings become manifestations, whether the thoughts are positive or negative.

Meditation: contemplate on, I release, let go and let God as I fall asleep, knowing that the Divine Presence is leading and guiding my every step. Take 3 deep cleansing breaths and go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

Time is relative...

I find myself more frequently as they say, stopping to "smell the roses". When I rush along, I never seem to have enough time for all the things that I plan to do. When I take each activity and enjoy them one at a time, my time expands.

An hour is as short or long as you want it to be. Time is in the minds of those who occupy it. Take time to "smell the roses".

Meditation: contemplate on, I take time to enjoy the wonderful things that make up my day. I am not in a rush. I realize that everything will get done according to the Divine plan. Take 3 deep breaths, go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

My body is my Temple...

Today, I learned a valuable lesson. I love doing for people. Sometimes for me, this has meant that the other person's need has taken precedence over mine.When I get a chance to do for myself, I am too tired. I am usually dehydrated and my eyes clogged up and my sinus kicks in.

I got off the phone from talking to a dear friend about 1:00am in the morning. I prepared for bed and could not fall asleep. After tossing and turning, I realized that I had not had water for several days and had not taken my vitamins and mineral supplements lately either. I went to a cabinet where I keep my herbs, vitamins and minerals. I immediately took a handful of all kinds of vitamins. I went back to bed and still could not sleep. As I lay there, I prayed. I begin to realize that supplements should be taken over a period of time, not all at one sitting.

I sat in my comfy chair and started to try to take deep breaths and this too did not work. Now, it hit me that I am suppose to take care of my needs so that I can feel like helping someone else. I drank a lot of water and green tea with lemon. I just began noticing my breath and finally, I could take deep breaths and commune with my Father within.

I knew that God wanted me to use this time for something that I had not done for awhile. I began to forgive all the people that I thought may have betrayed me and that included myself. You see, I had betrayed my own self. I was doing for others and not for myself and I was not feeling my best. I fell asleep and woke up in the evening. I could not believe that I had slept so long. It was rest well needed and deserved.

Meditation: contemplate on, I am grateful for my body which  is my temple and I must let it rest and give it the things that it requires. Take 3 deep cleansing breaths and then go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

Life is a gift...

Each day is another chance to see all of life in its wonder and beauty.

Looking at the sky I see more than clouds. My childlike mind makes me wonder how did this beautiful sky come into being. In the scriptures, we read that the Infinite Intelligence, God thought all things into being.

The sky has many wonders, such as, stars, the moon and the sun. How magnificent is this!  I look at the ground and see a street or pavement so that I and others may walk or drive to our destinations. As I walk through the grass, I am reminded that grass seeds were planted in the soil then the seeds became the green grass that I walk on. Out of the soil seeds are planted and we are blessed with flowers, plants for food and medicine which sustains us. Birds and other life forms surround me with their beauty. I turn my attention to myself realizing what a miracle I am. The people who come into my life today are gifts and I see God in them.  I have a chance each day to enjoy all of God's gifts and that includes me. I am one with all of life.

Meditation: contemplate on, I am surrounded by God's gifts. I choose to see God in everything. Take 3 deep cleansing breaths, go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

I accept myself as I am...

In spirit, we are all perfect, whole and complete. God is Whole, Perfect and Complete. We are all made in the image of God.

In the physical world we perceive ourselves to be less than whole. Through affirmations we can remind ourselves that we are whole, perfect and complete. We were made that way. We examine ourselves until we see flaws. If there are flaws it's because of our perception.

In order for us to find happiness with ourselves, we must accept ourselves for who we are at the moment. I believe it is in our nature to be the best that we can be. So, it is perfectly alright to improve one's body and mind. To want to improve ourselves is not because there is something wrong with us; it is because we want the highest and best for ourselves. Accepting who we are is essential to loving ourselves.

Meditation: contemplate on, God made me in his image., I accept myself as I am, right now. Take 3 deep breaths then go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

I am thankful for my many gifts...

We are all made in the image of God. Each one of us is unique as our fingerprints. All of us have many gifts and as we continue on this journey, those gifts will be revealed to us.

I grew up knowing that I had a gift with numbers. I loved math. I became a math teacher. For many years I thought that was my only gift. I was to find out as I matured that I would discover that I have many gifts and I am still discovering them.

I also thought of gifts as being able to sing, dance, act, paint, and so much more. There is nothing like having a person who really listens. I am a good listener which is another one of my gifts. There are people who can uplift you just by being in your presence. Before you know it, you are feeling better and uplifted. This too is a gift.

A helping hand is something most of us need sometimes. The person who is giving the helpful hand may be a person who shows up time and time again, always there to give a helping hand. This is a gift. Gifts come in many different forms.

Meditation: contemplate on, I am one with God. I am open to my many gifts. I am thankful for them. I share my gifts. Take 3 deep breaths, go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

Watch your words whether you sing or speak them...

Music has always been important to me. I did not, however, realize how the lyrics in a song could act upon the subconscious mind similar to affirmations. The lyrics in a song are words after all. Some of the lyrics in songs are uplifting and some lyrics changes the mood of a person. The vibration in musical notes resonate with the vibration in us. Even instrumental music affect us.

Once CDs replaced record albums, I decided to go to a shop called 3rd Street Jazz and get music that I enjoyed as a teenager growing up in the mid to late sixties, the Motown Sound, Gamble and Huff and other labels and artists.

One of my favorite artist was Dionne Warwick. She had a song that she sang called, A Message to Michael. I remember putting my CD in the player and sat back to reminisce. Those old songs held memories for me of a guy I may have dated or an event that took place when that particular song was popular. Only, I did not expect what happened next. I became down and started to feel depressed. I stopped the CD and started to ask myself, what just happened?

I took out the lyric notes and began to read the words. Those words were depressing. I suddenly realized why I use to become depressed back then when I listened to this song and many others like it. I made a decision to stop listening to old music with depressing lyrics as well as current music with depressing lyrics. There is little difference between an affirmation and singing songs. I would imagine that singing the words have a greater affect on the mind. I choose positive words to use in an affirmation. I also choose positive songs or music that has uplifting words because this too is affirming. When you think negative thoughts, this too is affirming. The law of Cause and Effect works the same for positive thoughts as it does for negative thoughts. Your subconscious mind does not care if you speak your words or sing them. I am careful that they are positive most of the time.

Meditation: contemplate on, I watch my words whether I speak them or sing them. I speak and sing words that are positive. Take 3 deep cleansing breaths and go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

Seek Happiness Within...

Why do we assume people who may not have as many things or as much money as we have are not happy. If some of these people appear to be happy, we say that they have accepted their lot in life. Sometimes we believe that there is much more for these people. Usually those who are making these judgments or observations have a lot of stuff and maybe even have a lot of money but are not happy.

By no means, am I saying that you cannot be happy surrounded by beautiful things and able to buy things and go places without looking at price tags. I am just saying things are not deal breakers to happiness.

I have friends that I love and love me. I have loving family. Not everyone in my family is loving. I do not let those members keep me from being happy. I live in a beautiful, peaceful and loving home surrounded by people who care about one another. I love my neighbors. I did not say that this neighborhood is perfect and without problems, I am saying that I enjoy living here and that makes me happy. I am not rich by some standards but I am very comfortable. I am respected and I feel worthwhile. I am able to share and give back to those who do not have as much as I have.

Happiness is our natural state of being. There are many difficult times that most of us go through. Just know at the end of that experience, you can experience happiness. As I write these thoughts, I realize that I am grateful for everything that I have. Gratitude is the key to happiness.

Meditation: contemplate on, I do not focus on outer riches. I look within where all resources are. Take 3 deep cleansing breaths and go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

Receiving Prosperity...

Affirmation: I am open to receive prosperity. Louise Hay

Affirmations are a great way to plant new thoughts into the subconscious mind. Beginning an affirmation with I am, makes the affirmation strong. As suggested by Louise Hay, it is wise to say I am beginning to learn how to...you can fill in the blank. This way you are slowing going to the I am affirmation. The affirmation is not going to work if you have a hard time believing what you are telling yourself. Affirmations are affirming the truth.

This is one way of making deposits into the Universal bank, that is, consciousness. There is enough of everything that we desire. There is enough water, air, love, people, land, food, money and all other resources. If we do not have enough of something in our lives, it is because we have not learned how to open our hearts to receive our prosperity. The Universe is an abundant Universe.

Take a look at this video on receiving prosperity.

Meditation: contemplate on, my mind opens to understand that prosperity is time, love, beauty, joy, friendship, health and money. I deserve the best and I welcome my good joyously with open arms. Take 3 deep cleansing breaths and go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

Something for the Soul...

Music soothes the Soul.

Music comes in many forms and sounds. I love music. I have been involved and around music all of my life. I have noticed that not only melodic tones soothe my soul but also the sound of the ocean and the sound of the birds singing. The leaves scraping against the ground as the wind carry them along is a sweet sound of fall. I love the background sounds of children playing and finally I love the sound of silence. It is so quiet and peaceful.

After I listen to music, I then turn everything off and digest what I have heard and let it sweep through my being. I am grateful to have the ability to hear and enjoy all the sounds of life that I have come to know as music of life.

Meditation: contemplate on, I let the music of my soul come alive within me. Take 3 deep cleansing breaths and go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

Honoring my words...

I always want to do what is right so, I may volunteer my services without considering plans that I may have at that particular time. Then I ask myself, how do I let him/her know that I cannot be there after all?

When I volunteer to do something, I am giving my word. My word is me and I must honor my word.

Honesty is the best policy. As soon as I know that I cannot be somewhere or keep a commitment, I let the other person/s know.

I am much more mindful of my circumstances and I will not make a commitment right away to avoid having to back out. When I do enter into a commitment of service, I give it my best.

Remember the law is working all the time. Whatever you put out into the Universe comes back to you. Lovely LadyFran

Meditation: contemplate on, I honor my word and I am mindful of my circumstances. I make a commitment with the intention of keeping it. Take 3 deep cleansing breaths and go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran