Speaking of Spirit

Baby Cardinal Outside My Window (c) 2020 Rev. Linda M. Rhinehart Neas   "The older you get, the less sleep you need."  This maxim was quoted to me in my youth by many of my elderly family and friends as an explanation of why they would be "up with the birds." Thing is, I never believed it to be true since many of them took long afternoon naps!   That being the case, I find myself up with the birds today. The sun has hardly crested North Sugarloaf Mountain, and I am wide awake wondering why. After all, at 5:45 it is still fairly dark. The birds singing didn't wake me because I can't hear them until I put in my hearing aids.  So, why am I wide awake?   Some people believe that waking early is a call from Spirit to rise and commune with the Divine.  Not sure if this is so, but I do know that when I find myself up and about in the wee hours, I usually use the time to pray, to write and to appreciate Nature.    Even in the semi-lig...

As we sit at our tables this week, let us remember to give thanks for all we have been given. Let us find time to say the words of gratitude to That which has given us all we have in whatever manner we perceive that Divine Energy to be. At a loss for words?  Here are some you can use at your meal. Blessings and Gratitude for you all! A Prayer for the Thanksgiving Feast               from   Talking to God  by Rabbi Naomi Levy   For the laughter of the children,  For my own life breath,  For the abundance of food on this table,  For the ones who prepared this sumptuous feast,  For the roof over our heads,  The clothes on our backs,  For our health,  And our wealth of blessings,  For this opportunity to celebrate with family and friends,  For the freedom to pray these words  Without fear,  In any language,  In any faith,  ...

Photo Credit: (c) 2017 L. M. Rhinehart Neas Whatever kindnesses we do for others, we do for the Divine, which is what we read th roughout the sacred scriptures of almost all faith paths. As children growing up with a vivid imaginations, we may find it easy to see the Divine in others. However, as we grow older, more occupied with the trails and tribulations of life, this ability wanes.  How can we meet others in a continual spirit of Love and Compassion? How can we keep our inner eyes open to seeing the Divine in all, even those who are difficult to care about in this world, now?  First, as always, we must see the Divine within ourselves. Each of us is born with this Sacred Spark within us. This is what helps us to feel the pain of others when they suffer, and the beauty around us when we are in nature. This is what brings us joy.  If we feed our spirits, the spark can become a beautiful, loving Light. If we continually harden your hearts, ignoring the pain and...

The Helix Nebula -  "Eye of God" Image via Wikipedia Findin g time for the Divine in the world today,  is often a difficult task. (For the purpose of this post, I will also refer to the Divine as God and Spirit, but welcome readers to use whatever name they know the Divine by as they read.) Everyone has more on their plate than they can handle. Tragic events in the world bring such despair that we often question the very existence of God.  So, how do we continue to walk the Good Red Road, continue to stay balanced on the Middle Path, continue to find the time to connect to Spirit?   For many people, going to a place of worship helps them to maintain their connection. Gathering with others of like mind, helps us remember who we are and what we believe. But often, once some people leave their place of worship, there is a disconnect in which they find themselves once more off balance. Staying connected to Spirit takes work and conscious effort all day lo...