Walk slowly...

I find that when I rush, I miss out on the small things. My frame of mind is focused around getting to what I have to do or where I have to be. Even if I accomplish what I set out to, I can not really enjoy it.

I have given myself a mantra "walk slowly". When I get up in the morning, I get up slowly and just sit with myself for a few minutes. I do not rush to go anywhere anymore. I answer slowly. I used to think I had to give my answers almost before the question or comment was finished. This was having confidence to me, or so I thought, because I answered so quickly.

When I thought this way, I was allowing parts of myself to go places and be with people and it was not what I wanted to do. This would definitely give me stress. I was not living from an authentic place. I rarely commit to something anymore without talking it over with "myself. I say silently to myself, "walk slowly".

Since I have been saying and using this mantra, I have become more confident. I do not let another person  try to talk me into anything; because I am walking slowly. I find that I show up wherever I am suppose to with more energy because I want to be there. When I whole heartedly give my word that I will do something, I feel better doing whatever was asked of me. I am not suggesting that I am never caught off guard but usually this does not happen often. I contribute this new confidence to taking myself serious and "walking slowly".

Meditation: contemplate on, I am allowing my divine plan to unfold in its own time. I walk slowly on my journey enjoying every step of the way. Take 3 deep breaths. Go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

Change...resist or not to resist...

~Change~...when the form, nature, content or the future course, etc., of something is different from what it is or what it could be if left alone.
Dictionary.com

Part of moving to a peaceful world is having to change. There has to be a change in thinking and change in some of the beliefs we have held onto for most of our lives.

Adapting to change is part of living life more abundantly. It is so comfortable and familiar to just keep thinking and doing things the same way. There is uncertainty about going into unknown territory. I believe this is why there is so much resistance to change. In resisting, at least to some changes in our lives, we miss out on a richer and fuller life. This resistance makes it unable for us to receive more abundance in our lives. This is something to think about.

Meditation: contemplate on, my Source is God. I am one with my Source. I trust myself to step forward into this ever changing world knowing my Source is within and with me always. Take 3 deep cleansing breaths. Go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

Peace...let it begin with me.

Peace...a state of mutual harmony between people or groups.
Dictionary.com

In order for peace to happen and stay with us, we have to shake up the status quo. This seems to be happening all over the world. The old regime is crumbling. The world is going through a cleansing.

Peace can not happen with the same people or with the same kind of thoughts. New thoughts and ideas have to come forth. This begins with each one of us.

We can not go into this peace venture halfway. It has to be all the way. It begins with each one of us. Let's begin with peace hour by hour and day by day until it is all the time.

Meditation: contemplate on, I am peace. Peace is within me. Let me express peace moment by moment until it is expressing as me all the time. Take 3 deep cleansing breaths. Go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

I live and have my being in...God.

 Treatment/Prayer

Recognition: I am recognizing the One Power, One Presence that I call God that lives in everyone and everything. There is only One Life and I live and have my being in Life...God. 

Unification: God lives within me and I am one with this Presence.

Realization: The Presence of God flows through me expressing as me. It is the Presence of God that is expressed in my words and deeds. I attract to me the right people, right relationships and right circumstances that makes my life perfect in every way. I am whole and complete.

Thanksgiving: I give thanks for this Truth that manifest all things. I give thanks for my Source that makes my life whole. I am eternally grateful.

Release: I release this word knowing that they do not return to me void. I let go and let God.

And So It Is.  
Amen.

Meditation: contemplate on the breath. As you close your eyes, begin to notice your breathing and relax your body as you inhale and exhale. As you go into a deeper state of relaxation, notice that you are exhaling longer. Take 3 deep cleansing breaths and then sit quietly continuing to notice your breathing. When you are ready, you will slowly open your eyes and return to the room that you are in.  Lovely LadyFran

Give it...just one more chance...

The greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to success is always to give it just one more chance. ~Thomas Edison~

I went to the Omega Institute a few years ago. One of the founders along with another facilitator gave a workshop on health and wellness.

The co-founder told us a story of how he became a doctor who practiced integrative medicine and had an idea for a place where people could come and heal. He told us the facility was big and posh. This place did not work out for him. He did not give up on his idea and dream. He went on to co-found the Omega Institute and it is world famous. Spiritual healers, philosophers and mystics from around the world teach and share their knowledge and wisdom at Omega. What if this man had given up or just not given it one more chance? I had such a beautiful experience there, I can not imagine this wonderful serene and peaceful place not existing. Omega is truly unique.

Meditation: contemplate on, all I have to do is to keep my faith and be patient knowing that with the Spirit of God, all things work for my best. I am grateful. Take 3 deep cleansing breaths. Go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

Helping others...

I remember when I was a young child, if anyone asked me to help them, I did it without hesitation. There was so much joy that I received when someone asked me to do something for them. As I got older more people asked for my help and never asked if I needed their help. It was as though some of these people did not realize that I was human too. The joy seem to leave me when I was asked for help.

I saw other people misusing me. I had to re-exam how to respond when giving my service or help to others. In my heart, in that deep space, I know that I am a giver. Knowing that I am a giver, somehow I had to recapture that joyous giver that I am.

It took a long time to realize helping others also means to help yourself and to expect support. When we pray asking God's help, it comes through people. People are meant to help each other. I once heard someone say, when you are doing for others you do not get tired. This seemingly is true but it is not. You do have more energy than normal, yet all of us need to rest. When I do for others, I feel fulfilled.

The body is a form that requires rest, sleep, water, food and rejuvenating from time to time. Once we realize that no one person can save the world, we can allow others to step in and help when we cannot. It took a long time for me to "get this".

Meditation: contemplate on, I listen to my inner voice and I follow the guidance of the Spirit of God. I open my arms to help others and I know when to allow others to step in and help. Take 3 deep cleansing breaths. Go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

Peace...now...

I believe peace is possible in my time. In order for this to happen, I must start thinking more peaceful thoughts. Everything I do or say peace has to be present. 

When I truly embrace this idea, it will permeate my entire being and radiate out to others. When others feel and see peace, they too will act more peacefully. This continues until we have a segment of our society who are peaceful people. Once there is a segment of peaceful people the mass consciousness changes. The vibrational frequency is raised. In meditation, I imagine that this is so. I bring my focus on this until it becomes my reality.

Meditation: contemplate on, at the table of God there is love, peace, joy and harmony. I claim my place at the table. Take 3 deep cleansing breaths. Go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

Talking about your problems is not negative but is mature...

There's nothing negative about yelling "Fire" if indeed the house is burning down. Talking about what needs to be corrected in your life is not "negative," it's mature. And talking about what needs to be corrected in your country isn't "negative," either. The spiritual journey is aligned with, not separate from, responsible adulthood and citizenship.
~Marianne Williamson~


This seems like good old common sense which is of God and is very spiritual. It seems to me that this is the place to begin any problem that you may be facing. When I talk to people about concerns or discontent in their lives, this is the place where we begin. 

The issue or problem has to be called what it is, so that, either I am clear or whomever I am speaking with is clear about the problem. It must be clear what changes we would like to see in our life. It is after taking these steps that we can begin to use our tools to change our beliefs in order to change the present circumstances to new and desirable circumstances.

Of course, prayer precedes the first two steps. Entering into a frame of mind of receptivity is important. One must be open to ideas and hear clearly the messages that come through, and that the messages are of God.

Meditation: contemplate on, I am in alignment with the Infinite Intelligence...God. God is my Source and knows all about me. I am open to Divine guidance and to receive Divine right answers. Take 3 deep cleansing breaths. Go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

Read...Listen to the Whole story...

Today, one of my fellow practitioners posted a story that was a lesson. It was a must share. Two of my former colleagues read the post and talked with each other through posting. One person said to the other person that the whole story had to be read and that there was a lesson for all. Apparently, the other person read it through and shared the story.

Sometimes we judge people or  circumstances without reading or listening to the whole story.

Also, it came to mind that when we pray, sometimes, we throw in the towel too soon.

Meditation: contemplate on, I pray believing that I already have what I desire. God does the work and I do my part having faith, waiting and being patient. Take 3 deep cleansing breaths. Go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

If you would like to read the post that I am referring to, read below:

The Day after...

Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday. It is a day that most people in the United States spend with family and friends. It kind of funny that we think we have to have a special day to be with people we love. Sometimes some of our friends and family members come from other states around the world to be together on Thanksgiving Day.

As much as possible, I believe we should take every opportunity to be with family and friends. This closeness is lost to our society. Alone time is just as important.

Thanksgiving has history. We remember the indigenous people as well as the first settlers who according to the history books had a meal of Thanksgiving together. When the day ends, most of us return to our lives of not communicating with friends. Let us give thanks not just on a specific day. Let us give thanks for the many blessings that we receive everyday.

Meditation: contemplate on, I give thanks for all of my blessings everyday. I am grateful. Take 3 deep cleansing breaths. Go into the silence for at least for 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

Making time to just be...

There is so much to distract us from giving our full attention to ourselves, family and friends. There does not even seem to be enough time to still ourselves and just be.

I was watching Oprah's Super Soul Sunday and her guest was Eckhart Tolle, who said this society's attention is involved in smartphones, computers, tablets and many more gadgets.

I too am caught up in this technological feast. I love gadgets. I get so involved with my smartphone that I spend hours on it. I love all the apps and features that this wonderful gadget has. I do the same with my tablet and all the other gadgets that I have. Eckhart Tolle said that this involvement is merely collecting information but spending quiet time is necessary to expanding our consciousness.

Taking a time out from your computer and other electronics is healthy. Even a short amount of time is helpful. Not having enough time is only a thought. We do not have to believe every thought that comes through our minds. We can choose the thought, I do have enough time, and we can just do it.
 
Meditation: contemplate on, I give my full attention to all the blessings that come to me today. I make time in my day to be still and be. I am grateful for this day. Take 3 deep cleansing breaths. Go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

My highest and best...

Sometimes we are comfortable just where we are. In prayer we pray for a person's highest good. This good that we pray for can be out of the range of our imagination. I want my highest and best although, this could mean a little more work and patience is required.

I get reflexology done on my feet. I have been sticking to a healthy eating plan and I can see some visual results. Best of all, I feel much better than I have in a long time. I was told that there was some swelling on the sides of my feet and they were swollen even more today than last time. Immediately, I thought that I was doing something wrong. My reflexologist explained that I have improved in some areas and that it takes time for those benefits to reach all areas of the body. I was relieved to hear this but understood that I have a bit more work to do. Part of my work is to know my body extremely well. I do not just want to be a little better, I want to operate with a superb mind, body and spirit, that is, my highest and best.

Meditation: contemplate on, I am one with the Infinite Power that I call God. I allow the Power of God to flow through me and express as me; raising my consciousness to its highest and best. Take 3 deep cleansing breaths and then go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

Holidays...I am at peace...

Activities and gatherings may pack my schedule during the holiday season. Sometimes it can seem overwhelming. Yet in the midst of any busyness, I can find peace and calm within.
~Daily Word~ pg 30 November, 2012 issue

With the holidays coming stress is definitely part of the equation. Food shopping and shopping for those presents for family and friends can be trying. In all of this, we can still find peace.

We can keep our minds on the positive and pleasant thoughts of our holiday season. We get to be with family and friends that we do not see on a regular basis. It is good to gather together and express our love for each other. There is so much to be thankful for. Peace is already within us. Now is the time to connect to it.

Meditation: contemplate on, no matter what is going on around me, I am at peace. I say these words feeling peace welling up within me. Take 3 deep breaths and then go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

Being mindful...being respectful...

Each one of us is an individualized expression of the One God.

When we look at it in this way, it should help us to understand that we see the same things differently sometimes. This provides us with an interesting interaction with each other. Being mindful and respectful with each other allows us to enjoy differences of opinions.

Meditation: contemplate on, I am respectful and respect opinions of others. Take 3 deep cleansing breaths and then go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

Prayer...our connection with the One Mind...

There is no space or time in the Mind of God...

Recently, I have received a large amount of requests for prayer. It is not possible to personally go and visit each person. Some of these people are not in my geographic location.

So, I pray where I am knowing that my prayer comforts these people because there is no time or space in the Mind of God and God is wherever everyone is. Sometimes I am able to call and pray over the phone and other times I email prayers. When this seems not to be possible, I go to a place, still myself and then I do my affirmations, prayers and pray for others.

Some of these people who request prayer excitedly respond to let me know that prayer does work. It is important when we ask for prayer that we let the person praying know that we received comfort or an answer to our prayers. To know that your prayer helped someone, strengthens one's faith. As a matter of fact, it strengthens everyone's faith.

In my morning prayers, I pray for my family and neighbors and each person that I believe need prayer and then I pray for the whole world and everything in it.

Meditation: contemplate on, I pray without ceasing. I know prayer is how I connect with the One Mind... God, where I live and have my being. Take 3 deep cleansing breaths. Go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

Enthusiasm from the deep well within...

I am excited about preparing for a juice fast that I have decided to do. I have been visualizing and seeing myself making healthy choices in diet and exercises. I have a juicer but wanted the Breville fountain plus. I saw it in the documentary film, "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead", which was very encouraging.

Although, I respect the people in the documentary, I will adapt the program to what is needed for me. I do not know if I will do a sixty day juice fast or just include juice fasting in my program. I am doing things one day at a time.

As I meditate and allow Spirit to move through me and to be open to hear how I am being directed; opportunities seem to come my way. I looked on Amazon for this juicer and it was reasonable but, I was led to go to Bed, Bath and Beyond and received an incredible deal, so I bought one.

I had lost some of my motivation and enthusiasm to move forward in taking charge of getting back on the healthy trail. I know what to do. I turned within to my Source for what I need to start back on this road to feeling energetic and enthusiastic about life. When you are not fully healthy, the rest of your life is just moving on auto pilot. I am now actively co-creating my life with the creator.

Meditation: contemplate on, I go within and pull from the deep well, enthusiasm. Enthusiasm radiates throughout my being. And now, I make healthy wise choices as I enjoy the process in my healing. Take 3 deep cleansing breaths and then go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

Being a role model is taking responsibilty...

It is important for me to model well for my grandchildren without becoming unauthentic. I am getting my body, mind and spirit into shape. If I try working on one part of me, I must work on the other aspects of me. I want to be in balance. I have been juicing for quite awhile now. My grands who are still little people do not even want bottled juice any longer. Personally, I do not blame them. Juices made from fresh fruits and vegetables are much more nutritious and certainly more tasty. I also make smoothies and they tell others about the smoothies that I make.

I was using my tablet to look up the benefits of juicing versus making smoothies and I learned a lot. This information was provided by YouTube. Experts take documented information and launch it onto YouTube so that it is available to people around the world. Some of the experts are from other parts of the world.

I enjoy connecting with people from around the world. I marvel at the internet and the technology that is at our disposal. We can take it or leave it.

I saw the most amazing juicer. I already have one but I am getting a new one. This juicer is so fast that it encourages you to do more juicing. I am excited.

When I woke up this morning, I gave thanks for my breath and thanks for today and all in it. I began with Deepak Chopra's 21 day challenge meditation. Today, we are on day number 12. I could not have imagined that I would be exposed to information that I needed to hear that was connected to today's meditation. The meditation was about intention and putting that intention into a bottle and letting it go into the ocean of Pure Consciousness. One of my intentions is getting myself back into shape, with a healthy diet and exercise. I would like to prepare by doing a juice fast or juice feast, as it is called. All of the information that I need to get started and answers to the many questions that I have about juicing, juicers and preparation for a juice fast was right within my reach by way of my tablet.

As I prepared breakfast, I watched and listened to information from a array of perspectives. I came through all of this information without confusion. I know how I am going to proceed. I know exactly what kind of juicer I am going to purchase and the amount of money that I am willing to spend.

Everything just sort of clicked right into place. I was motivated to attempt a juice fast for a few days after watching a documentary, "Fat, sick and nearly dead". This documentary is worth watching even if you do not have weight concerns.The medicinal benefits that are in green leafy vegetables and fruits are amazing. Many diseases have gone into remission or just gone completely away. Everything we need to know and how to get it is right in front of us.

Meditation: contemplate on, my eternal Source is always with me, always available, I only have to be quiet, still and listen. I am so grateful. Take 3 deep cleansing breaths, now go into the silence for at least 3 minutes.
Lovely LadyFran

Few words...great impact...

Someone I know has made her transition. I did not know her well, that is, we did not have great conversations. I do not know what she did for a living. I do not know how many brothers and sisters she has. She was a lady in her upper nineties. Her son use to bring her to church every Sunday. At that time, she was able to walk on her own. She was on his arm as though she was a Queen. I think she had to be. She (they, her and her son) got my attention. It looked so sweet and honorable. I even fantasized how I would feel on the arms of my son.

She always had such a beautiful and warm smile. She was a lady of few words. I never recall her in conversation with anyone. She was a quiet spirit. I could feel the love radiating from her. I did not try to force a conversation with her. I felt comfortable just being in her presence smiling at her and with her.

There were a few Sundays that I did not see her face. Although, this sweet woman did not say a lot, her presence was missed. Her son would give us, (the congregation) updates on her from time to time. Then last week she was taken to the hospital for a short stay and was returned home where she made her transition.

She will be missed. I know I will miss seeing her smiling face and her quiet demeanor. I shall hold this picture of her in memory.

Meditation: contemplate on, I am connected to everyone and everything in the Universe. Although the life form that I am use to seeing leaves the earth, it continues on its journey. I hold my love ones in my heart and memory. I am sending love throughout the Universe knowing it reaches everyone and everything. Take 3 deep breaths and then go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

Believe...act as if...live like you already have it...

I decided to give my granddaughter my old iPhone over a year ago. Her dad said to me, "I... do not have an iPhone". Her dad talked her into trading phones with him. Although, she agreed to this swap, she was not a happy camper. He also said at that time she could not have a working phone. Her dad took the phone and went to the phone store to get the phone updated and found out that he could replace my old iPhone with a new equivalent one for 99cents. Once he received his new phone, he returned the old phone back to me. 

When she comes to my house, I allow her to play games on the phone and she is delighted. I think this was all she needed to convince herself that this phone was indeed hers.

 I again told my granddaughter that the phone was hers and when her parents decide to allow her to have a phone, she could have this one. She tried to convince her parents to let her have the phone saying that all her friends have phones. Well, finally it is her turn. When her mother told me that she told my granddaughter that she could have a phone, it made me a happy grandmother. I realize the first phone she will own will be my old iPhone. I admitted to her mother that I was as excited about this birthday as my granddaughter. My granddaughter still does not know that she will be the proud owner of her own iPhone. She is finally going to have this iPhone that just keeps being passed around and returned back to me.

Today I went to a telephone store to activate the phone for my granddaughter. With her birthday coming up, this is the perfect present and the perfect time to give her the iPhone.
 
My granddaughter has been intrigued with my old iPhone for sometime now. She already claimed the old iPhone months ago when I got my new one. When she comes to my house she asks about the phone, referring to it as hers. She even told her two big brothers that she has an iPhone at her grandmother's house. She told me that her brothers laughed at her. She believes this and certainly acted as if and was living as though she had this phone. 

This gives me such pleasure to do this for my granddaughter. Her birthday is in two weeks and I went shopping for a gift bag, a card and bow to present this present to my granddaughter. I know this is going to be one of the best birthdays for me and my granddaughter. It is nothing like giving someone something they really, really want.

Meditation: contemplate on, I believe and act as if and live as though I have all that I need. Take 3 deep cleansing breaths and then go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

Stilling myself...

Divine wisdom is always there to lead and guide us. Being quiet so that we may hear the still small voice is key.

Meditation: contemplate on, Spirit is always with me leading and guiding me. I must still myself so that I can hear the still small voice. Take 3 deep cleansing breaths and then go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

I seek others with faith...

5 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,
6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.
7 And Jesus said unto him, I will come and heal him.
8 ...but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.

9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me; and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this,  and he doeth it.    Matthew 8: 5-9



How many times have we had a belief about something that we want but our faith seems to quiver? We are a community and we are to support each other, especially in truth.

Do seek out another person who knows the truth about you and join with them to strengthen your faith. It seems to me that is what the story of the Centurion and his servant was about. The Centurion knew his power and said to Jesus that Jesus could speak the word from where he was and his servant would do it, that is, heal.

Jesus affirmed with the Centurion and the servant was healed. We are not alone. If my faith is not firm yet I know I have faith, I seek out someone who knows the truth about me or my family member and working through community, a healing takes place.

We are in times where we can not do anything by ourselves. We live in communities and we must seek and join with those of us who are of great faith for truth and the good of all concerned.

Meditation: contemplate on, with my faith, I seek others with faith and together through community, I expect a healing to take place. Take 3 deep breaths and then, go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

Self Forgiveness Prayer...

The Self - Forgiveness Prayer

Lord grant me the ability to forgive myself past stumbles and falls
To correct what I can, and accept what I can't
And the courage to try again,
this time a bit wiser.
www.dailypositiveinspirations.com

The hardest person on us are ourselves. I know I usually am harder on myself than anyone else.



Meditation: contemplate on, I forgive myself and move forward with wiser choices. Take 3 deep cleansing breaths, now go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

Giving without expectation...

Act without expectation. Lao  Tzu

The Creative Medium or the Law of Mind is at work all the time. Whatever you think (negatively or positively) will manifest into your reality especially if  there is feeling attached to the thought. We also know that Cause and Effect is at work in the Universe.

If our actions are good then we will receive good circumstances in our lives. If we understand these laws then we may want to do as much good as possible.

We give freely and not just to receive. Kindness is a natural part of our being. Giving, serving and doing good for others is something that comes natural to us. If giving is natural then we should not look for what we will gain from giving. If we are not giving freely, we probably do not understand the laws of the universe. Once we do understand the law, we give freely and without expectation. Giving in this way reaps joy and fulfillment to the giver.

Meditation: contemplate on, I give without expectation. All my needs are taken care through Source that lies within me. Take 3 deep cleansing breaths, now go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

Waiting with expectation...

Expect: to look forward to
Expectation: The act or state of  looking forward to...
Dictionary.com

Have you been told or heard another say, when you pray, let go of expectations, that is, how you believe the manifestation is suppose to look. I have heard many people say, just let it happen.

The Infinite Intelligence or God as I call it, does the work. There is no need to tell God how to answer the prayer.

On the other hand, we are to pray believing that the prayer will be answered. We should expect our prayers to be answered but not necessarily in the form we want it to be.

When I pray, I pray with expectation that my prayers will be answered. With open arms and an open heart, I relax and wait to see how the manifestation will show up in my reality. However it shows up, I am grateful. In my experiences, the manifestations of my answered prayers are beyond my expectation.

Meditation: contemplate on, I pray with great expectations of answered prayers. I let go and let God. Take 3 cleansing breaths and then go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

Although everyone is an individual...we are a still a family...

Ernest Shurtleff Holmes

There is a God Power at the center of every man's being, a Presence that knows neither lack, limitation nor fear, sickness, disquiet nor imperfection. This Presence and Power is at the center of all people and all things. But because everyone is an individual, he can build a wall of negative thought between himself and this perfection. This makes it difficult for the true center to come to the surface.
-This Thing Called You. Kindle location 1416

We produce our top leaders from one of the two major parties in our political system. Even the party that wins is not always in agreement with each other. We cannot turn our backs on the other party or other candidates who did not win in an election because we are like a family.

In a family that functions well, there have to be compromise, and naturally sometimes, each person looks for circumstances to go their way. The success of a well functioning family depends on giving and receiving. Mutual respect for differences of opinions are a must, as well as an attitude that the family comes first. There are exceptions and there is much more to a full functional family than described here.

I used this analogy to show, what we, the American citizens have to do to make this country a place where we are productive, prosperous, where we can live together, work together and enjoy being a part of the American Society (USA). It takes respect, compromises, understanding, compassion, respect for differences and a desire to want this country to function well for all of its citizens.

Meditation: contemplate on, I recognize the presence of God. The Power of God is at the center of all people and things. All is well within my soul. Take 3 deep cleansing breaths, go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

No matter what...I keep my faith...

This is the day after the Presidential election. It is good to finish a project. We hear often that it is not the destination but the journey. Everyone gets tired and wants to see the end so that we are able to begin another project. This is how I see the campaign of each candidate for this Presidential election.

It is now time to turn our focus on the new beginning. Although, some things have not changed and I suppose will not change at least at the rate that many of us would love to see. It is also important to not put all our chips on one man. It is important to still keep the faith and know that our Source is God.

Meditation: contemplate on, whatever the outcome is, I will continue to keep my faith and know that God is eternally within me. Take 3 deep cleansing breaths and afterwards go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

Let not your heart be troubled...

Today, we as American citizens get to vote for who we would like to see as the President of the United States of America. I bring enthusiasm and gratitude because a lot of people fought and loss their lives for me and others to be able to vote today.

Enthusiasm inspires gratefulness. I am truly grateful to be able to go to the polls and cast my vote.
This day is finally here. Tomorrow is another day. For now, I shall focus on this day and rejoice in it.

Meditation: contemplate on, I am enthusiastic about today. I bring that enthusiasm to this day which is a voting day for the President of the United States. I do not let my heart be troubled by the outcome. I focus on God is my Source and is ever with me, eternally. Lovely LadyFran

Truly appreciative...

Each morning when I awake, I give thanks for life. I continue with gratitude for the many things, people in my life and the abundance and prosperity that I enjoy. Although, I believe that I am geniune, its not until one of those things that you give thanks for is taken away that you truly appreciate it. Many people have shared this sentiment recently after hurricane Sandy.

Meditation: contemplate on, when I awake and take that first breath, I am grateful for this truly amazing experience. Relax, breathe and notice your breathing. Now take 3 deep cleansing breaths. Go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

Take a break...

Frederick Winslow Taylor was an American mechanical engineer who worked in a large steel mill in the nineteenth century and sought to improve industrial efficiency. He conducted an experiment. Every 12 minutes, a whistle was blown, at which time the men rested for three minutes. The workers took 3 minute breaks without missing. They worked  less and productivity went from 12.5 tons per day to 47 tons per day.

 Excerpt by Dr. Carolyn McKeown Fish from Creative Thought Magazine, November 2012 issue. (2nd source, Wikipedia)

These results are from a physical break. Imagine the results from a gratitude break.

When we turn our attention to Spirit...God, we multiply our blessings. I decided to write 3 minute meditations to show that you can start at as few minutes as 3 minutes. The good that comes to our lives is immeasurable. Imagine how enriched our lives would be, if we gave more time several times a day to go within to just commune with Spirit...God.

Meditation: contemplate on, I give time in my day as often as I can to sit quietly and go within to just be in the presence of God. Take 3 deep breaths, now go into the silence for 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

Our kinder nature...

After a tragedy, sometimes we see people become more kinder and considerate of one another. I am seeing this since the storm, Hurricane Sandy. It is nice to see.

Then amnesia sets in and people usually return to their regular behavior towards each other. I think this happens, that is, people being kind to each other, so that we can get a real chance to see that kindness and love can take place in our world. It is easier than we think.

Meditation: contemplate on, I am kind, considerate and loving. I touch each person who comes into my life with kindness, consideration and love. Take 3 deep cleansing breaths and go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran

You miss your water when the well is dry...

You never miss your water until the well runs dry. I have no idea who first said this. I have heard it all of my life.

I spoke with many people who did not have lights, heat and some other basics. Once those things are restored, we may see those things with a deeper appreciation.

I know I appreciate the heat that has kept me warm throughout the night. I appreciate the lights that helps in keeping me from falling or bumping into things in the darkness. I appreciate my home phone and my cell phone that is not only fully charged but works and I can reach out to family, friends and neighbors. I appreciate the warm tea, the warm meals that I prepare and the clean water that I am able to drink.

After an experience such as Hurricane Sandy, how can I just go through another minute without a greater appreciation of those things that I may have taken for granted. I always thought I appreciated everything. Now, I believe that I do but even more so when they are not there momentarily.

Meditation: contemplate on, I am grateful for all that I have. I appreciate what I have even more. I am grateful. Take 3 deep cleansing breaths and now go into the silence for at least 3 minutes. Lovely LadyFran