“Forgiveness is simply about understanding that every one of us is both inherently good and inherently flawed.” Many times, it takes me more than seventy times seven to forgive myself or others of things done or undone. To acknowledge my inherent goodness and flaws releases me from my straitjacket of rightness, accesses fresh viewpoints, and sustains my forgiveness practice. <3 linda

What is being called forth? “Mindful participation in the evolutionary desire for harmony and wholeness…”, starting with myself. When I am mindful of triggers to my emotional programs for happiness, I can respond (or ignore) them. When I allow the triggers free reign, I react. I have found over the years my “reactions” edify no one. My responses in love have the potential for harmony and wholeness. Moving forward with “mindfulness as my guide.” <3 linda

New step in direction of holy foolishness is to reaffirm belief of a call to writing. This morning I spent several hours organizing research, a step the seemed too overwhelming. I commit to practical love each day towards fulfilling this “foolish” idea. <3 linda

What speaks to my heart with this reflection are very practical ways to deepen my practice of loving those who irritate me, my enemies. Bless those who humiliate me. “Inwardly surrender to the Power that is mightier than we are.” Hold my silence, bless in love – this work will take a lifetime! <3 linda

Who am I trusting? God. Who am I doubting? Myself. Where do I feel fear? When I think I am absolutely certain about a decision I’ve made being correct. Where do I feel courage? When I remember Jesus’ words, said with deepest love: “Linda, you of little faith, why did you doubt?” Knowing Christ reaches out to me in my fears and courage alike brings peace of soul that passes all understanding. <3 linda

Paying attention to liminal thin places this week helped me realize how truly connected we all re as one. Some of my friends know just when to reach out. In turn, I know when to stop doing what I thought “needed” to do, instead to do what Spirit informed me “needs doing now”. It has been a wonderful week with “ye watchers and ye holy ones” alongside. <3 linda

Gazing at the image, my heart center sees how broad and bright one small light can shine when illuminated by love. We may never know the impact of our prayers while here on earth. Trust we are impacting the cosmos for good, our small lights joined to God’s infinite Light and Love. <3 linda

Kind and compassionate acts this week look a lot like mopping floors, scrubbing bathrooms, and caring for the sick. Centering prayer is how I am kind to myself. As a bonus, the world gets joyous energy as well. <3 linda

When Father Keating asked in this video clip “who are you?”, I sensed myself not being any of the soils; I am the seed. What I will become God already knows. Centering prayer is my consent to allow this seed of me to be broken open and become my expression of Divine Presence. Makes enduring life’s “seed opening” challenges easier to bear. <3 linda

My active prayer sentence this week is “Be brave; make room for love.” Brother Lawrence and Mary Oliver will serve as yokemates this week. <3 linda

Michael Singer is spot-on when he writes “You end up loving your edges because they point your way to freedom.” Centering prayer is the method to learn how to explore and accept my edges, and a continuing practice moves me beyond them. “Relax through my edges” is my newest breath prayer. <3 linda

What fear tries to show me is a darkly mirrored reflection – what my inadequacies and insufficiencies would want me to believe. Fear is optional. When I look my murky mirrored fears in her eyes, I see fear of love’s rejection looking back. And what is my worse case scenario of my love being scorned? It is still energy that heals wherever it is accepted – perhaps not with the intended recipient yet accepted by a world needing it. <3 linda

Reflecting on these past few weeks, I realize the call to write a book about my spiritual journey has tabled itself. My natural flow comes from two different creative outlets: quilting and crocheting. Quilting challenges and humbles me to relearn skills mastered over a decade ago, while remaining calm and peace filled amongst great frustrations. The quilting flow will help when I do pick up pen and paper again. I trust wherever Spirit leads me, Spirit helps me make the best use of my time to God’s glory and my joy. If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31) <3 linda

God used my sewing machine and a quilt project to allow me to see I can become greatly frustrated while remaining calm. Can one love theoretically inanimate objects? Yes, if one believes the Christ energy permeates all molecules. The quilt is in the process of becoming God’s love to someone. I am in the process of becoming the calm center amidst life’s storms. Thank You, Abba. <3 linda

In Thomas Merton’s wonderful tome “The Wisdom of the Desert” is a timely bit of advice that I have taken to heart as an answer to “Don’t take your opinions as facts – notice opinions arising. Imagine not having that opinion. What does it feel like?” The saying: “Abba Joseph asked Abba Pastor: Tell me how I can become a monk. The elder replied: If you want to have rest here in this life and also in the next, in every conflict with another say ‘Who am I?’”

This reminds me that I am Christ’s beloved, disciple of the King of Humility. My opinion is just that: an opinion. And judge no one: allow others’ opinions to be opinions as well. This is hard work, and worth the effort. <3 linda

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