Tag: God

The Mindful Addict

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FLOBIRD

I have just finished reading Tom Catton’s book, The Mindful Addict. Once I began to read, I only stopped, for what I absolutely had to.

His story of the dark side, and seeking God, reminds me of my own story and the beginning of change in my life.

Abandon yourself to God and great events will come to pass.

Seeking direction, Flobird (Tom’s spiritual mentor) went to the Bible: It said, If you can’t leave houses, children, and wives to follow me, you’re not worthy of me.

Flobird was awesome in her work for God. She allowed herself to be a channel of His love.

Flobird had what I want.

No matter what situation I find myself in, or what problem I think that I have to solve; if I just let go and let God, my life turns out better than I ever could have planned.

Throughout the course of my day, if my thoughts are on helping others, I am going to be happy.

It never fails.

God never fails.

If you’re interested in reading Tom’s book you can purchase it at Amazon.com….

Grace

IMG_1893fffGod always gives me everything that I need. The questions is ~ am I willing to receive it?

Grace is a theological term that describes~ blessing that come from above, regardless of merit.

I always knew that God was the answer. But something kept me apart. That something was self. Continue reading Grace

Good Morning!

IMG_7838wppGood morning!

Everyday I want to rise up and enjoy the day the Lord has made.

I’ve been journaling, for around twenty-five years. I began a computer journal in 1997. I have stories, poems, accounts of my life. I have to do lists and declarations. I found a magic in writing. It helps to keep me centered.

When I go back and read, I’m always glad that I wrote.

This photo is another taken during Hurricane Sandy. It’s an anonymous surfer. Photographing this storm caught me by surprise. I felt my addiction to the ocean, to my camera and surfing. I talked to so many people, that I would have never met, had I not had my camera.

I will always have a bit of  OCD, ADD, ADHD and a few other letters of the alphabet. But I transform on the beach, vicariously surfing. My camera is my drug.

I really want to give thanks to God this morning, for all that has been done for me.

This is my reality ~ and until my knees bent, back in 87′, I couldn’t make anything work for me.

Tonight, there is going to be a premier for a locally made movie, King of Fernandina, showcasing an East Coast Surfing Association. It is going to be AWESOME.

It’s a different life ~ different world.

The Duggans

      Meet the Duggans

They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season.

Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.psalms 1 v.3

The father, Doug was out surfing with two of his five children, Lucas and Kayla.

Twenty-five years ago, I was driving Doug and his friends to the break with me. I remember, in one of those sessions, some guy in the line-up called me an old woman. That’s funny. I rode a 5’10 Challenger back then. Now I paddle out on a 10’2. I wonder if he’s still surfing? It’s all relative.

~I can still remember Doug’s grandmother, being a voice of encouragement, in my young life~

 I feel related.

God is Good

God or Gold

Does anyone remember the Tarzan movies, where in almost every episode, someone was killed trying to run with a chest full of gold. I would be screaming in my head, “drop the gold, drop the gold”. But they wouldn’t give up and of course, they would sink into quick sand, or a temple would collapse on them.

When I was able to give up, let go and let God, the world became a different place. It was no longer a hostile and fearful environment. Everything became easier. I didn’t have to make things happen.

Unplugged

In my last post, I stated that I was seeking serenity. Peace of mind, is high on my list of priorities. So, I packed my ditty bag and headed to downtown, Jacksonville.

That might not sound like a destination, for a spiritual retreat, but for me, it was. I wanted away from the currents of confusion.  I found a place off Main Street.

I rented this room for a very reasonable price. It was not a hostel, but similar. Like I said before, I’m a shoe-string traveller.

I went for walks. Browsed at Chamberlains Book Store and coffee shop. I did a lot of people watching.

I walked by the tracks. Train songs sang in my head.

I saw this billboard and thought to myself, “Do people really think that is real fruit?”

Then I saw this piece of paper at my feet.

I bent over and read it. I thought to myself, “That’s cool.” I kept on walking. Then I was stopped in my tracks. I wear a diamond ring that I found, just like I found those words on that tattered piece of paper. I went back, picked it up and put it in my pocket. I am still carrying it. I’ve worn my diamond for twenty-eight years. I’ll have to see how long I carry the paper. I know which one is more valuable.

Being raised in the Bible belt, I use to resent people asking me if I was saved. No matter what I said, I couldn’t convince them. I know today, I don’t have to convince anyone and I certainly don’t have to defend myself to God.

I’m back to work now with a new perspective. It’s always nice to take some time out. What a beautiful world we live in~hostel or hostile~it’s a choice.

Those few days in the city, offered the perfect spiritual retreat. 

I think God knows what he’s doing~ I can’t, he can, I think I’ll let him!

Step 10

Yes there’s more.  More steps and more work to be done. We have dug into our lives; ripped out the weeds by the roots and had a change of heart. But you’re not off the hook now, nor will you ever be. Life is a  process of change and growth.

Take it easy~don’t be alarmed. It’s all do-able. Think about slowing down. When I chose this way of life, I envisioned myself like a turtle. I carry my house on my back. I move slow, but I can speed up when necessary. When things look dangerous, I can make a quick retreat. I am patient and persistent.

Before I go to sleep at night, I reflect on the day. Do I owe any apologies? Is there something I can do to change for the better?

When I wake up in the morning, first I thank God for another day. Then I ask that my day be void of selfishness and self-seeking.

Step Ten

The Promises

If you persist, remarkable things will happen. When we look back, we realize that the things which came to us when we put ourselves in God’s hands were better than anything we could have planned. Follow the dictates of a higher power and you will presently live in a new and wonderful world, no matter what your present circumstances.  BB pg.100

This is the epic reward of practicing, getting out of self, living a life of service and letting God be your guide.

I’m not ashamed of the life I’ve chosen. I’m not ashamed of my past. I’m not fearful or needy. I am blessed.

Step 5

 “You are as sick as your secrets”.

In humanity, we are shockingly more alike than we realize. There are things that lurk beneath the surface.

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Yet, mores encourage us to protect the secrets that hurt us.

I’m not promoting any Jerry Springer type exhibitions. However, I am convinced that confession is good for the soul.

A confession to God, yourself and another human being~

Step Five