For Sunday February 3rd, 2013

Hello all, it has been said that even during the worst storm the ocean itself is at peace. It allows the storm to 'be' with the knowing that storms are a natural part of existence. Turmoil occurs on the ocean as it does in our lives. If we can accept difficulties with grace and appropriate action rather than fear, fighting, or denial, it can go a long ways toward bringing serenity into our lives.

May we sit on Sunday, February 3rd for that serenity which accepts difficult times and also looks for the growth which may be inside them.

Thank you,

Richard

For Sunday January 27th, 2013

Hello all, it is said that the phrase "turn the other cheek" was from ancient days when a superior would simply backhand a subordinate without even looking up. In this instance the action of "turning the other cheek" would force the superior to use their other hand, requiring him to turn his body and thereby see the subordinate's face.

As such it was not intended as an invitation to more abuse, as in the current understanding, rather it was an attempt at human connection during a time of difficulty.

May we sit this Sunday for those human connections upon which the world rolls so smoothly. May we create them in our own lives and respond to them as offered by others.

Thank you,

Richard

For Sunday January 20th, 2013

Hello all, here is a request from Don Brennan. Having grown up in a deeply alcoholic family myself I'm familiar with the disruptions that codependency can cause, and with the motivating force that it can be for healing, growth, and as a pathway toward the Divine. Thank you all, Richard.

"Hey Richard,
It's been a while. I hope you are well. May I make a request?
If so, would the group consider sitting for the attendees and presenters of the CoDA retreat that will happen next weekend on Hilton head Island, SC? It is a practical environment where people with codependence can learn to deal effectively with that disabling disease.

I helped found the retreat three years ago and since its inception we've seen some remarkable changes in people's lives.  It's one of few places, in my experience, where a group of people who have difficulties stemming from childhood & family trauma --that affects their relationships with themselves, others and whatever the Higher Power is-- can get real help.

Several presenters will share their stories of recovery from codependence --what they were like, what happened and what they are like now-- and what tools they used to effect that recovery.  The retreat committee has also invited the Whitfield's to talk about some of the underlying issues of codependence, and tools that they have used in their own lives to address those issues.

My request is to sit for those presenting and those in attendance in the hope that they can all become open, willing to share and hear, and be willing to learn tools to help them face their problems head-on, so that they can recover and find serenity, hope and healthy relationships in their lives.

All my best,
Donald"

For Sunday January 13th, 2013

Hello everyone, Neil Douglas-Klotz, a renowned Aramaic scholar, makes the point that Jesus could not have said, "I am the Light" because there is no word for "am" in Aramaic. He goes on to claim that the proper translation ought to be, "I, I, the Light". He clarifies this by saying it's a statement which refers to the smaller, Earthly, personal "I" becoming in alignment with the larger, spiritual "I" of our greater being, and that is how we become One with the Light.

So, rather than being a statement about himself, it was meant to be a statement of guidance.

This Sunday, may we sit in accordance with that guidance. May we sit for our smaller selves to recognize the guidance of our higher selves, that our higher guidance become more clear, that we join in the greater experience of the One.

Thank you all,

Richard

For Sunday January 6th, 2013

Hello everyone, in his book, "The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined," Stephen Pinker states that our world is becoming more peaceful in many significant ways. At the same time our reaction to violence is more acute. This seems to indicate a growing sense of compassion in the world. Yes, there are still lost souls who do horrific things. But, as foretold by many, we may well be seeing a gentle spiritual emergence upon the Earth.

May we sit this Sunday for the continued blossoming of those on the path, and for those still lost. May we fulfill Divine Will in our own lives, for those we touch, and in the world at large.

With reverent appreciation for all of you,

Richard