Let’s Get Growing

Quoted from First Congregational UCC, Coloma

Blessing Our Community Garden

April 21, 2013

God bless this garden through which your glory shines 

May we see in its beauty the wonder of your love

God bless the soil rich and teeming with life

May we see in its fertility the promise of new creation 

God bless our toil as we dig deep to turn the soil 

May we see in our labor your call to be good stewards

God bless each seed that takes root and grows 

May we see in their flourishing the hope of transformation 

God bless the rains that water our efforts to bring forth life 

May we see in their constancy God’s faithful care 

God bless the harvest abundant and bountiful in season 

May we see in God’s generosity our need to share 

God bless this garden as you bless all creation with your love 

May we see in its glory your awesome majesty

 Amen

E-Squared

E-Squared by Pam Grout proclaims to have “nine do-it-yourself energy experiments that prove your thoughts create your reality” and she delivers! Her use of imagery in examples was excellent. I love the humor and the convenience of the appropriately named, space heater example. She tells of spending a cold night in a strange place, huddled under blankets only to awaken in the morning to find a space heater right next to the bed. All she needed to do was flip the switch… but she didn't know it was there. This was to emphasize her point, that her lack of awareness and consequential lack in that situation is much like those of us who struggle with need and desire, unaware of the energy field surrounding us, ready to respond if we will simply flip the switch.

While I didn't need more proof than I already had of the validity of her claim, I have to admit to being pleasantly surprised by the extremely easy experiments and the quick responses. My favorite was the first, the “Dude Abides Principle”.  The hypothesis was written to provide evidence of the energy force available to us. The author asks us to simply ask for a blessing within 48 hours as evidence of its reality.

The next 48 hours brought several blessings to me, all could have been discarded as coincidences (if you believe in those) but the one that provided a slice of humorous, concrete evidence was the shim.

Soon after starting the experiment a thought crossed my mind, “I need a shim”. For those of you who aren't familiar with the term, it’s commonly used in carpentry. According to the Free Dictionary, a shim is “a thin, often tapered piece of material, such as wood, stone, or metal, used to fill gaps, make something level, or adjust something to fit properly.” Since I’m not a carpenter it’s not something that I make reference to very often, although I have a few scattered around my house.  

That afternoon I left to visit a friend in a neighboring city and planned to spend the weekend. She had a few visitors in the next day for a brunch and as we were sitting discussing a myriad of topics, she turned to me and asked, “Do you need a shim?” At that she opened her hand revealing two teeny plastic shims with a hole in the fat end. They were more of a novelty item since they could be hung on a key chain. I very nearly fell out of my chair. I had not participated in more than the one single thought of needing a shim. I never wrote it on a shopping list nor mentioned it to a living soul. It was a single, isolated thought and the resultant provision was immediate and clear. Needless to say, the shim hangs on my key chain as a constant reminder of the power of a single thought.

Pam’s book is filled with experiments like this which all produced positive results for me. Her writing was clear and entertaining. She referenced leaders in the field who profess to believe in the power of our thoughts and how they create our reality, all favorites in my book. From TheCourse in Miracles to Dr. Masaru Emoto’s Water Crystals in What theBleep!? - Down the Rabbit Hole, she brought them all together.

I heartily recommend this book as a physical confirmation and reminder if you are a believer in the power of our thoughts on the energy field surrounding us.  I beg of you to read this book and perform these experiments as evidence of the unseen, if you are one who doubts its existence,  

A Field of Angels

The subtitle of this courageous little book, written by Lillie Leonardi, “A Memoir about Flight 93, A Field of Angels and My Spiritual Homecoming” grabbed me more than the title, “In the Shadow of a Badge”. I always like to hear stories about Angels.

Seven years after the horrific events of 9/11, the author discusses her meeting with a former FEMA representative, he suffering from an illness in his lungs, as a result of prolonged exposure to the toxic conditions of Ground Zero. In sharing stories he told her, “If what you saw at the site injured your heart and your mind then you, too, are one of the walking wounded. There is no standard as to who was hurt more.” The words ring true; we were all wounded on that day. How reassuring that the forces of good were present that day as the first responders and recovery workers began their arduous task, although it does appear that they did suffer more than the rest of us, whether from a resultant physical disability and death or the psychiatric issue of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

A reappearing aspect in Ms. Leonardi story is her questioning of a long-held belief that an inferior status as a woman created the pathway for her to suffer PTSD, rather more than the men she associated with in her department who did not develop and confront the symptoms that she did. Only when she begins to meet and share her story with fellow sufferers, combined with her dream work, does she find peace from the shame.

I was pleased to see the author’s willingness to look into alternative healing practices as her frustration at her stalemate with anxiety, flashbacks, emotional and physical pain continued. Years later, a former boss from the FBI suggests that she ask her doctors about a therapy known as Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR). Somewhat disappointing to me was the fact that although she describes the process as helping more than just to process the traumatic events of 9/11, they also helped expand her spirituality; deeper understanding of her faith, cleared sludge from her mind’s clogged passageways and more clarity of insight. That was end of her discussion of the therapy.

I also wish the author had spent more time revealing details of the healing processes she used and additionally, would have loved to have seen the little grotto she created in her backyard. She tells of anxiously visiting home after being on-site for several days to reconnect with the love and nurturing she experiences with her daughter and granddaughter in their shared home. This first visit brought much work in the form of creating a healing space. The author tells of her commitment to prayer and meditation by arranging for a friend’s backhoe to dig a hole for a pond where she would place a statue of the Blessed Mother.

In summary, the book brought forth emotional responses from me at times and I was happy that the author had the faith and support from her family that sustained her. I do wish she would have spent more time discussing the healing processes but I don’t think that was to be the purpose of the book. Referring back to the title, I would assume the book was to be about the Angelic vision and again I felt not enough time was spent regarding that experience. I think the purpose that came through was the revelation that the forces of good and evil had met on that playing field and her ability to see them was pivotal in her ability to heal from the psychic wounding she experienced at that time.

This beautiful book was a gift from Hay House in exchange for a written review. No requirements of a positive nature were requested. Only honest criticism was asked of me.

Get your own copy: 

Sugar-Free Oatmeal Raisin Cookies with Walnuts

3 oz Butter melted

1 Banana

½ cup Unsweetened Applesauce

2 small apples, peeled, cored and chopped

1 cup raisins

Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger, Cloves – ½ tsp. each

1 cup chopped Walnuts

½ cup Almond Milk

1 cup Flour

2 cups Old-Fashioned Oats

Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt – ½ tsp. each

Mix first 8 Ingredients in medium bowl

Mix last 3 Ingredients very well in large bowl

Pour wet mixture into dry mixture and Blend. 

Place tablespoon sized chunks on cookie sheet.

350 degrees F     12 minutes

Holistic, Herbs or Homeopathy?

I was recently asked what I was most interested in: Holistic, Herbal or Homeopathic. Let me first define these terms to show that they are not mutually exclusive.

Holistic Health is an umbrella term for many alternative health practices that suggests all aspects of a person’s life must be considered in sustaining a healthy body. Nutrition, exercise and stress-reduction are viewed as contributing factors in maintaining a healthy body and state of mind.

Symptoms of dis-ease, unexpected or distressing symptoms are considered in relation to the whole person when viewed holistically. A remedy is sought that encompasses all aspects of the person, including the physical symptoms and corresponding psychological, social and spiritual conditions.

What this means is that Holistic medicine/health/healing deals with the whole body, including the body of our affairs. We are not an automobile that might have a bad carburetor, brakes or battery. We don’t have removable replaceable parts; we are a whole package and all aspects of our life figure into our health and well-being, including nutrition, stress level, exercise, toxins, whether taken orally or through our breath, skin, or environment. In Holistic Healing work we look at the whole picture. See American Holistic Health Association for more information.

Homeopathy is defined by Wikipedia as “a system of alternative medicine originated in 1796 by Samuel Hahnemann, based on his doctrine of similia similibus curentur ("like cures like"), according to which a substance that causes the symptoms of a disease in healthy people will cure similar symptoms in sick people”.

I find homeopathy often serves as an initial stepping stone into alternative health care by parents. Frequent minor issues in children, such as ear aches or pink-eye will wear the patience of parents repeatedly returning to a doctor of western medicine with associated office visits costs, prescription refills and often missed work due to day-care, school rules or children’s discomfort. A trip to the health store might simply involve asking a well-informed clerk for over-the-counter remedies which are not designed to just hide the symptoms. For less than $10 usually, a small container of what appears to be tiny sugar pills will be suggested. The instructions will indicate that 5-7 pills should be placed under the tongue several times a day without touching the skin. A specially designed container makes it possible to avoid fingers touching medicine. A quick recovery without side effects, or an infection return, will create a positive impression in the parent and the creation of a lifelong habit.

Herbology is another school of study, falling under the holistic health and healing umbrella. Herbs have been used for health and nutrition for thousands of years. The Bible lists herbs used for food and nutrition. Herbs grow wild in many regions and interestingly enough, with nature unchecked, you will frequently find that the very herb you need for your specific condition is growing right outside your door.

Unfortunately, our society has determined that herbs are weeds and should be killed. The pharmaceutical industry has dissected herbs into creations of their own so they may be tested and patented with resultant high costs and side-effects. God gave us the plants to heal our bodies and as such, are in perfect form where allergic reactions are rare and side-effects don’t exist.

Herbal lore has been handed down over the centuries from mothers to daughters and witch-doctors, shamans and wise-women to apprentices. Thousands of books have been written and historical texts are treasured. The appropriate herb to use for a specific condition is selected based on region and availability, raised organically or wild crafted, grown easily  in your kitchen garden or in danger of extinction from over harvesting.

There are thousands of herbs and varieties. Some herbalists recommend taking one or two herbs and studying them for awhile and then moving on to another few choices, combining various uses – culinary or medicinal. Many people visit doctors of Chinese Medicine, which is a more holistic approach than western allopathic medicine, primarily encompassing acupuncture and Chinese herbs.

Ayurvedic medicine, originating in India, analyzes various aspects of a patient in order to categorize them before selecting the appropriate herbs. Questions are asked about diet, behavior, lifestyle, recent illnesses and their system’s resilience. The practitioner observes the patient’s teeth, tongue, skin, eyes, weight and overall appearance. Finally, checks are performed on urine, stool, speech, voice and pulse.

In summary, holistic health and healing encompasses many forms of observation and choices for nutrition and health based on the total body system. It would be a lifelong ambition to know ‘all’ herbs. Rather herbs are chosen based on region, availability, patient condition and personal choice. I believe in a holistic approach to health. I believe in prevention rather than cure. I am a massage therapist, reiki master, herbalist, breathwork facilitator, shamanic practioner and craniosacral therapist. Nutritionally, I am Vegan, omitting white sugar & flour. I have herbs growing in my kitchen and bottles of herbal capsules in my medicine chest. I make my own herbal extracts and tinctures. Thanks for the opportunity to answer the question!

I'm looking forward to this ...

Happily, Hay House is letting me get started reading the online version of my newest book selection, In the Shadow of a Badge. For those of us who are fans of the crime scene investigation television series and also very interested in stories about Angels and Miracles, I think this will serve us well.

I've also been asked about purchasing just the mp3 Music for the remarkable work of The Rev on the sound track included with the book, Transcendance Expanded. If you only one purchase one song this year, U R The Answer, is the one you should pick. Here is the link.

Or, if you want the CD: 

and if you want to read along with me, here's my newest selection:

"Once you hear the Truth, it's not going to rest...

.. until it becomes fully available in your awareness"

.. until it becomes fully available in your awareness"

I hope I can convey to you all that this little book, TranscenDancexpanded Book & Music CD Set by Michael Bernard Beckwith, provides. To begin on page one and continue to the last page is a meaningful and rewarding experience in itself. However, I will not be limiting myself to one read of this book.

This paragraph from the book so eloquently describes unconditional love: "When you're around someone who loves you unconditionally, you become aware that they have no judgment about you. You become aware that they've suspended their beliefs and opinions about anything that may have happened in your life. There are no projections going on. Your loved ones are able to see through your foibles or personality quirks, straight to the essence of your being. No matter what happens in the outside world, those that love you are able to hold the space of support, acceptance, and encouragement, seeing you at your best and highest, regardless of the situation." Not too many humans actually love unconditionally, but what Beckwith is asking us to see is "Who Loves You, baby?"

The transcriptions of the Rev's talks, as he is affectionately called, are each gems in their own right. Following in sequence, they build upon the ideas communicated in the prior chapters. The last chapter, rather than a talk is a "spontaneous, mystical flow of consciousness" with "intimate insights and revelations of his soul". The ultimate purpose is to "expand upon how the individual human spirit, living in conscious oneness with the Ineffable, unfolds the mystery, beauty, and perfection of one's divine destiny". What more you could you ask of 148 6"x7" pages?

Ah music! If you can remain sitting while listening to the enclosed music CD, you're a better woman than me. Not only does the music call to the dancer and/or foot tapper, but the words mirror the messages from the talks.

Let's talk about contributors to this masterpiece. Stephen Bray, Grammy-nominated producer, songwriter, engineer and artist with credits including well-known collaborations, including a Tony nomination for his work on The Color Purple. John Potoker is another Grammy-nominated mixer and producer for some of the best known names with many multiplatinum recording artists. Stephen Powers, Co-founder and President of Agape Media International, with credits encompassing many well known and loved artists also contributed his talents to this magnificent recording.

All songs, except the last, were recorded live at Agape International Spiritual Center in Las Angeles. On December 22, 2013 Agape hosted a PLANETARY BIRTH DAY GALA at Agape where top transformational leaders, visionaries, musicians, dancers, artists, writers, comedians, healers, shamans and practitioners joined together for an unprecedented historical gathering to culminate hundreds of `shift' events worldwide and activate extraordinary possibilities for ourselves and our new world!

Just to let you know the friends and guests that spoke at the birthday celebration; Well-known celebrities included Michael Bernard Beckwith, Barbara Marx Hubbard, Neale Donald Walsch, Marianne Williamson, Lisa Nichols, Jack Canfield, Stephen Dinan, Marcia Wieder, Rinaldo Brutico, Sister Jenna, Android Jones & Phadroid. Messages from Jean Houston, Lynne Twist, James O'Dea, Lynne McTaggart were additionally included.

This book is going to hold a permanent place on my bedside table. Starting the day with a random paragraph, holding that thought and finishing my day with another random paragraph promises my life will change for the better with the positive affirmations this book holds. I've placed the CD songs onto my car mp3 player so I can listen to these positive messages while driving with uplifting music as background.

This beautiful book was a gift from Hay House in exchange for this written review and post on julieinmichigan.blogspot.com, No requirements of a positive review were requested. Only honest criticism was asked of me.

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