Forgiveness/Conflict Resolution- RKJ version

Matthew 18:15-17 King James Version (KJV)

15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.

17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

Matthew 18:15-17 Revised Standard Version (RSV)

15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.

RKJ version

If we have a problem between us- let us listen to each other and open our hearts to each other that we may be friends.
If we cannot hear each other- lets us ask friends who can help us to do so, that we may know we are among friends and  are not alone in our concerns for one another.
If we as a community cannot hear each other- let us seek help of the elders to guide us into unity.
May no one, in any circumstance feel alone, or be cast out without a friend.

As I was taught forgiveness, it is not just a moral guideline, it is a practically of life. 

I weigh myself down when I insist on holding on to anger, judgement and blame.

When I choose to forgive, I can walk lighter and more cheerfully and kindly in the world.

There may be little I can do about other's choices and I still have the opportunity every minute to feel lighter and more loving as I forgive.
There are times, when inspite of my doing my best to listen, and forgive,  I do have to cast a person out of my life, in the present moment. I can still pray that that will change. I can still forgive. 
When I hold no enmity in my heart, I can have no enemies.

May all beings be happy
May all beings be peaceful
May all beings be safe
May all beings be well in body mind an spirt.
May all beings be free.

Thankful-2017-Mentors

Throughout my life amazing mentors have appeared when needed to guide my development and ground my spiritual being.
Their wisdom and knowledge came from their own experiences and they willing shared that  experience with me.

Now it is my call and my privilege to do the same. I can be available, freely to others and accept the role of mentor.

Caring and nurturing others is a sacred responsibility. I must practice and witness to kindness, compassion, patience.

Sharing what I know, from direct experience enables and encourages others to stretch their wings, take risks, and walk in faith.

 Individual growth and change is easier in companionship, in community.
I am thankful for humility and being teachable. I am thankful for valuing relationship over being right. I am thankful to have two hands and a heart to reach out to other hands and hearts.

I am filled with gratitude and joy for the opportunity to be of service.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Gifts

It's that time of year in my life when folks ask me what I would like them, to give me as a gift.

I love gifts- giving and receiving. I love thinking about the person I want to gift, generally I want to make them something, something I like, something I enjoyed making, love in every thought and stitch.

I love sending color and beauty outing the world through a gift.

I love receiving a gift, feeling the love poured into it. Overtime as I see the gift, I feel that love again, and can feel the gifter in my heart.

This year, if you really want to know, what I want...
I want you to do something kind, and then tell me about it.

Call me, send me a note, create an image reflecting the kindness, a FB message- instead of writing happy birthday on my page- tell me what you did that was kind.

If you are unable to "do" something kind, think about it.
Think, about kindness

That will be enough.

Prayer for loving kindness

May I be happy

May I be peaceful

May I be safe and protected from all harm

May I be well in body mind and spirit

May I be free

This is what can be done By one who is skilled in goodness, And who knows the path of peace: Let them be able and upright, Straightforward and gentle in speech, Humble and not conceited, Contented and easily satisfied, Unburdened with duties and frugal in their ways. Peaceful and calm and wise and skillful, Not proud or demanding in nature. Let them not do the slightest thing That the wise would later reprove. Wishing: In gladness and in safety, May all beings be at ease. Whatever living beings there may be; Whether they are weak or strong, omitting none, The great or the mighty, medium, short or small, The seen and the unseen, Those living near and far away, Those born and to-be-born — May all beings be at ease! Let none deceive another, Or despise any being in any state. Let none through anger or ill-will Wish harm upon another. Even as a mother protects with her life Her child, her only child, So with a boundless heart Should one cherish all living beings; Radiating kindness over the entire world: Spreading upwards to the skies, And downwards to the depths; Outwards and unbounded, Freed from hatred and ill-will. Whether standing or walking, seated or lying down Free from drowsiness, One should sustain this recollection. This is said to be the sublime abiding. By not holding to fixed views, The pure-hearted one, having clarity of vision, Being freed from all sense desires, Is not born again into this world.

Comments and questions and prayer requests warmly welcomed.