Recently I read a wonderful to the point message that deserves to be shared.
"The universe is wired with the electricity of God and each of us is a lamp. With every act of love we plug into God."
If we all kept that in mind the world would be peaceful. When we are plugged in it is impossible to be anything but loving extensions of our Source of power.
Stay plugged in and shine your light so that others can clearly see the positive path you are walking.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Health Cautious
Receiving the results of my Wellness Fair blood test caused me to take a look at what I am consuming. My cholesterol and triglyceride levels were up from last year. Although both were within normal levels it was disappointing. I had even added Omega 3 Fish Oil capsules to my diet for over a year.
I decided to have a talk with myself. The result was that I need to eat more vegetables, fruits and whole grains and consciously cut out cookies, pastries and candy. I'm sure the latter is the cause of most of my problem. It is time I realized I just can't eat the way I could when I was 20 or 30 or 40. Never having to worry much about my weight caused some very bad habits that I need to change.
Also my freezer is now full of very tasty soups and recipes I have picked up from friends. I seriously doubt that I will ever become a vegetarian, but I have had fun trying out new ideas. Meat is not an essential part of my diet, but it won't hurt to eat even more meatless meals in the future.
Nancy Hatch from "Spirit Lights the Way", offered the following recipe that I am passing on to you. I have been making it weekly just to keep on hand for a healthy snack. It can be used as a dip for vegetables or crackers. I also like to fill celery sticks with it. According to Dr. Oz celery is good for memory. There are of course, some things I would prefer to forget. Like my test results!
Hummus
1-16 oz organic garbanzo beans- drain & rinse
2 cloves minced garlic
2-3 Tb lemon juice
2 Tb olive oil
1/4 tsp salt 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 small onion chopped or 1/4 cup dry onion flakes
small can mushrooms-chopped
small can black olives-chopped
(I add a little hot salsa for more zip)
Blend in food processor until smooth & chill for several hours.
I decided to have a talk with myself. The result was that I need to eat more vegetables, fruits and whole grains and consciously cut out cookies, pastries and candy. I'm sure the latter is the cause of most of my problem. It is time I realized I just can't eat the way I could when I was 20 or 30 or 40. Never having to worry much about my weight caused some very bad habits that I need to change.
Also my freezer is now full of very tasty soups and recipes I have picked up from friends. I seriously doubt that I will ever become a vegetarian, but I have had fun trying out new ideas. Meat is not an essential part of my diet, but it won't hurt to eat even more meatless meals in the future.
Nancy Hatch from "Spirit Lights the Way", offered the following recipe that I am passing on to you. I have been making it weekly just to keep on hand for a healthy snack. It can be used as a dip for vegetables or crackers. I also like to fill celery sticks with it. According to Dr. Oz celery is good for memory. There are of course, some things I would prefer to forget. Like my test results!
Hummus
1-16 oz organic garbanzo beans- drain & rinse
2 cloves minced garlic
2-3 Tb lemon juice
2 Tb olive oil
1/4 tsp salt 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 small onion chopped or 1/4 cup dry onion flakes
small can mushrooms-chopped
small can black olives-chopped
(I add a little hot salsa for more zip)
Blend in food processor until smooth & chill for several hours.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Fear Not
Over the weekend I watched the ABC program “This Week” moderated by Christaine Amanpour. It was a Town Hall debate titled “Holy War Should Americans Fear Muslims”. I found it very upsetting and it left me with the feeling that we are instilling fear into the minds of our children.
One of the panel, Donna Marsh, who lost a daughter in the 9/11 attack said, “Americans should not live in fear of a whole group of people.” Peter Gadiel, who lost a son in the attack said, “To ignore the history of Muslim terror attacks would be unwise.”
The most biased quote in my mind was by Rev. Franklin Graham who said, “They want to build as many mosques and cultural centers as they possibly can so they can convert as many Americans as they can to Islam.” He has a problem with the principles of their religion. He also feels it is unfair that Christians can not build churches and temples on their land, but Muslims can build mosques on ours. I would think, being a pastor, he would know one of the freedoms we have in America is freedom of religion.
The quote that made my day was, “Using the word they to describe a group of people is the definition of bigotry.”
Not all Muslims are terrorists nor do all Christians live lives that follow the teachings of Jesus. There are moderates and extremists in both groups. The one thing that they have in common is that they are all human beings and came from the same Source.
Teaching our children to fear is not new, but it needs to stop. I remember when I was in school we were taught to fear Russian attacks. Instead of fire drills we were instructed to crawl under our desks and hide from anticipated bomb attacks. We grew up fearing people who are different and have passed that fear on to our children and grandchildren.
How about we just try for peace in the world and forget about fearing each other? As the song says, Why Can’t We Be Friends?
One of the panel, Donna Marsh, who lost a daughter in the 9/11 attack said, “Americans should not live in fear of a whole group of people.” Peter Gadiel, who lost a son in the attack said, “To ignore the history of Muslim terror attacks would be unwise.”
The most biased quote in my mind was by Rev. Franklin Graham who said, “They want to build as many mosques and cultural centers as they possibly can so they can convert as many Americans as they can to Islam.” He has a problem with the principles of their religion. He also feels it is unfair that Christians can not build churches and temples on their land, but Muslims can build mosques on ours. I would think, being a pastor, he would know one of the freedoms we have in America is freedom of religion.
The quote that made my day was, “Using the word they to describe a group of people is the definition of bigotry.”
Not all Muslims are terrorists nor do all Christians live lives that follow the teachings of Jesus. There are moderates and extremists in both groups. The one thing that they have in common is that they are all human beings and came from the same Source.
Teaching our children to fear is not new, but it needs to stop. I remember when I was in school we were taught to fear Russian attacks. Instead of fire drills we were instructed to crawl under our desks and hide from anticipated bomb attacks. We grew up fearing people who are different and have passed that fear on to our children and grandchildren.
How about we just try for peace in the world and forget about fearing each other? As the song says, Why Can’t We Be Friends?
Friday, October 1, 2010
What's in the Pot?
I truly love to cook. It makes me happy to take a little of this and a little of that and create something delicious. The last couple of days I have been filling up my freezer with inexpensive creations from my kitchen. I know this surge of positive energy sprung partly from the fact that my freezer was almost empty and winter is approaching. I also began to see it was the universe reminding me of my past.
The two people who were my cooking role models were my maternal grandmother and my father, who was among other things a chef. I can't make an apple pie without thinking of my grandmother and all the wonderful lessons she passed on to me from her kitchen.
My father, Sidney Halverson, was born on October 3, 1912 in the small town of Tolt (now called Carnation)Washington. He died in 1967 at the age of 54. He was a quiet unassuming man who was overshadowed by his wife. He was basically self-taught and had a thirst for knowledge. I remember his encouragement when I decided to take French in high school. He wanted me to teach him after I learned. I'm sorry to admit I didn't do well in the subject!
I believe one of the most valuable gifts I got from my father is my love of cooking. I remember him helping me with the very first turkey I roasted as a new wife. He not only helped me get it ready for the oven, but he made sure it was done so I wouldn't be the cause of my guests ending up in the hospital.
So today as I reflect on all the things I have cooked up in my pots this week I also joyfully reflect on the influence my father had on my current life.
Happy Birthday dad! I love you!!
The two people who were my cooking role models were my maternal grandmother and my father, who was among other things a chef. I can't make an apple pie without thinking of my grandmother and all the wonderful lessons she passed on to me from her kitchen.
My father, Sidney Halverson, was born on October 3, 1912 in the small town of Tolt (now called Carnation)Washington. He died in 1967 at the age of 54. He was a quiet unassuming man who was overshadowed by his wife. He was basically self-taught and had a thirst for knowledge. I remember his encouragement when I decided to take French in high school. He wanted me to teach him after I learned. I'm sorry to admit I didn't do well in the subject!
I believe one of the most valuable gifts I got from my father is my love of cooking. I remember him helping me with the very first turkey I roasted as a new wife. He not only helped me get it ready for the oven, but he made sure it was done so I wouldn't be the cause of my guests ending up in the hospital.
So today as I reflect on all the things I have cooked up in my pots this week I also joyfully reflect on the influence my father had on my current life.
Happy Birthday dad! I love you!!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Who Do You Trust?
Trust is an interesting little word that I believe has a lot to do with control. The dictionary says it is reliance on the integrity, ability, surety of a person or thing; confident expectation. Obviously it also has other meanings having to do with money and property.
In my humble opinion the only entity anyone can truly trust is God and in turn our own soul mind, which is eternally connected as one. Anything else is EGO or as Dr. Wayne Dyer has said, “edging out God”.
A lack of trust occurs when someone else does not do what we think they should do. The ego’s desire to control others pops up its ugly head. We are then angry and hurt. How dare that person think without my guidance? It often leads to the elimination of that person from our life, which is not necessarily a negative move.
Recently my daughter had this kind of reaction to something I did. Actually, I believe it was something I wrote in a blog that hit home and she wasn't prepared for the truth. She told me, “I don't trust you”.
My reaction is GOOD! It is about time you grew up and started thinking for yourself and stop relying on others to take care of your problems. It was also a positive sign to me that I have finally arrived at a place where I am free to do, say or write exactly what I choose to, no matter what anyone else thinks.
When I trust and follow my Creator and my soul mind it is impossible to lead anything but a positive life. Who do you trust?
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding." ~Proverbs 3:5
In my humble opinion the only entity anyone can truly trust is God and in turn our own soul mind, which is eternally connected as one. Anything else is EGO or as Dr. Wayne Dyer has said, “edging out God”.
A lack of trust occurs when someone else does not do what we think they should do. The ego’s desire to control others pops up its ugly head. We are then angry and hurt. How dare that person think without my guidance? It often leads to the elimination of that person from our life, which is not necessarily a negative move.
Recently my daughter had this kind of reaction to something I did. Actually, I believe it was something I wrote in a blog that hit home and she wasn't prepared for the truth. She told me, “I don't trust you”.
My reaction is GOOD! It is about time you grew up and started thinking for yourself and stop relying on others to take care of your problems. It was also a positive sign to me that I have finally arrived at a place where I am free to do, say or write exactly what I choose to, no matter what anyone else thinks.
When I trust and follow my Creator and my soul mind it is impossible to lead anything but a positive life. Who do you trust?
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding." ~Proverbs 3:5
Monday, September 27, 2010
Just Ask
Everyone has heard the advice “ask and you will receive”. We have also been told “be careful what you ask for because you just might get it”. How much plainer does it have to be? I consider myself fairly intelligent, but now I am wondering about that.
I am a survivor, who has lived through many experiences that others might say are negative. Of course, there is always a lesson attached and I either learn it or I don’t. These lessons have also taught me that I am a lot stronger than I ever suspected. So strong in fact, that I recently told the Universe/God bring it on I can handle anything you throw my way. Do you see where I am going with this, as Judge Judy would ask?
Unexpected challenges have recently occured in my life and I just realized why. I asked for them to happen. I have had house repairs, relationship problems and a health issue that could eventually result in surgery, with the additional fact that I have no insurance. Now if that isn’t the dumbest thing I have ever heard of!
I have already shown the Universe that I am strong and do not crumble with earthly challenges. There is nothing more I need to prove. Since there is absolutely no reason to ask for more problems I am rephrasing my request, believing that everyone deserves a second chance.
Dear Universe,
I am now asking for an abundance of love, peace and good health and if you have anything material you are holding in escrow for me I will accept that too.
With eternal love,
Barbara Loure`
I am a survivor, who has lived through many experiences that others might say are negative. Of course, there is always a lesson attached and I either learn it or I don’t. These lessons have also taught me that I am a lot stronger than I ever suspected. So strong in fact, that I recently told the Universe/God bring it on I can handle anything you throw my way. Do you see where I am going with this, as Judge Judy would ask?
Unexpected challenges have recently occured in my life and I just realized why. I asked for them to happen. I have had house repairs, relationship problems and a health issue that could eventually result in surgery, with the additional fact that I have no insurance. Now if that isn’t the dumbest thing I have ever heard of!
I have already shown the Universe that I am strong and do not crumble with earthly challenges. There is nothing more I need to prove. Since there is absolutely no reason to ask for more problems I am rephrasing my request, believing that everyone deserves a second chance.
Dear Universe,
I am now asking for an abundance of love, peace and good health and if you have anything material you are holding in escrow for me I will accept that too.
With eternal love,
Barbara Loure`
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Synchronicity/Serendipity/Intuition
Synchronicity is a wonderful word coined by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung in 1920. It means two or more events causally unrelated occurring together in a meaningful manner. A favorite of mine is intuition, meaning an inner knowing. Another fabulous word is serendipity, making fortunate discoveries while looking for something else. They often work together to validate belief in the oneness of the universe.
The following is a true story. It began when my intuition led me to my friend Eric Allen’s new web site, (change-your-world.com). The home page offers inspiring music and a beautiful picture of a mountain stream. I stopped for a moment to listen to the music. While viewing the picture the face of a man in the water clearly came to view. At first it startled me because it was so unexpected. As I looked around I noted many other spirit images, also in the water.
I decided to confirm what I was seeing with my friend Maria Certo, who also has a new inspirational web site, (Connecting With Your soul). Maria and I share a God given gift of recognizing spirits in photos. We have both captured many on film and some are shared on our individual Facebook walls.
Not wanting to spill what I saw I asked Maria what she saw. She confirmed the man who had startled me is located next to a large rock in the water and has a round face, mustache, wears rimless glasses and possibly has white hair. Excited, we discussed our find and agreed that I should tell Eric in case the man was a relative or maybe a guide. She reminded me that I am the messenger.
I passed on the message and Eric could not see the man in question. He said he was open minded but had no experience with such things. He did say he was aware of orbs. I was disappointed, but suggested he view the images I share on my wall, especially the one titled “My Man”. He is a very large in your face guy, whom I believe is meant to convince others that spirits do indeed exist. I was happy when Eric said he was able to see him.
Maria and I agreed that I was chosen to pass on this gift of sight to Eric, who by the way is a much evolved soul. As an added bonus or perhaps serendipity, Maria and I added each others spiritual blogs to our sites and I also added Eric’s to mine.
I just never know what will happen when synchronicity pops up in my life and I follow my intuition. It’s always fun finding out!
The following is a true story. It began when my intuition led me to my friend Eric Allen’s new web site, (change-your-world.com). The home page offers inspiring music and a beautiful picture of a mountain stream. I stopped for a moment to listen to the music. While viewing the picture the face of a man in the water clearly came to view. At first it startled me because it was so unexpected. As I looked around I noted many other spirit images, also in the water.
I decided to confirm what I was seeing with my friend Maria Certo, who also has a new inspirational web site, (Connecting With Your soul). Maria and I share a God given gift of recognizing spirits in photos. We have both captured many on film and some are shared on our individual Facebook walls.
Not wanting to spill what I saw I asked Maria what she saw. She confirmed the man who had startled me is located next to a large rock in the water and has a round face, mustache, wears rimless glasses and possibly has white hair. Excited, we discussed our find and agreed that I should tell Eric in case the man was a relative or maybe a guide. She reminded me that I am the messenger.
I passed on the message and Eric could not see the man in question. He said he was open minded but had no experience with such things. He did say he was aware of orbs. I was disappointed, but suggested he view the images I share on my wall, especially the one titled “My Man”. He is a very large in your face guy, whom I believe is meant to convince others that spirits do indeed exist. I was happy when Eric said he was able to see him.
Maria and I agreed that I was chosen to pass on this gift of sight to Eric, who by the way is a much evolved soul. As an added bonus or perhaps serendipity, Maria and I added each others spiritual blogs to our sites and I also added Eric’s to mine.
I just never know what will happen when synchronicity pops up in my life and I follow my intuition. It’s always fun finding out!
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