ARCHIVES 2022
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 “Meaning in life is found, not in outward actions or possessions, but in the inner radiant currents of your own being, and in the release and relationship of these currents to the world, to friends, to humanity at large, and to infinity itself.” - Ken Wilber, No Boundary
Affirmative prayer: Today, my agenda is determined by the currents of joy within me. I center down into the thrill of my heart, my spirit, and follow those feelings around all day. No matter the conditions, I remember my connection with those I love, with the Divine. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  DoorDash showed up at Kelsey Golden’s house in Kingsville, Texas, with an order of 31 cheeseburgers. Kelsey was mystified at first; then she realized that her 2-year-old son, Barrett, had placed the order while playing with her phone. After a few minutes, Kelsey was amused. “He doesn’t even like cheeseburgers!” Her neighbors helped consume the food.
“Your children are not your children alone. They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself. They come through you but not from you. You may give them your love, but not your thoughts, for they have their own thoughts. You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.” – Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet Affirmative prayer: Infinite Presence, I give thanks for the goodness, beauty and divine potential of every child. With love, encouragement, and a belief in their sanctity, I bless these beloved souls to their lives of wholeness. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  Please pray with me. I pray for the families in Uvalde, in Buffalo, in New York City, in Oxford, and in so many other sites of tragedy. Infinite Presence, with a broken heart, I pray that families, friends, and communities are feeling the love of God, that they feel not alone. I pray that every grieving person is held by caring arms. I pray that the grace of forgiveness becomes a felt experience for them, for us all. Dear God, I pray that law-makers come to points of connection and compassion, that they selflessly take action to change our course of violence. I pray that voters are compelled to follow their pure heart and elect representatives who advance communities of peace. Spirit, I pray that the hurtful aspects of my own heart be released and forgiven. I pray that the good of God become the collective consciousness of us all. Amen.
 A couple hundred people named Josh headed to a Nebraska park to joust over rights to the name, using pool noodles. The event started as an online joke when Josh Swain challenged anyone named Josh to fight over it. Five-year-old Josh Vinson defended his title as the No. 1 Josh. The event raised $21,000 for Children’s Hospital & Medical Center in Omaha.
“The Beloved said, ‘My name is not complete without yours. I am made whole by your life. Each soul completes me.’" - Hafiz Affirmative prayer: Today, I give thanks to know that the name of God – the great “I Am” – is my highest affirmative prayer. I am made in Spirit’s image and when I invoke Its sacred name, I affirm the truth of my life. God is love, and I am love. God is wholeness, and I am wholeness. God is joy, beauty, and peace. Therefore, Infinite Presence, I am joy, beauty, and peace. God is, and I am. Thank you, Spirit, forever. Amen.  When Jenna Fournel’s 8-year-old son, Oli, died in 2019, she turned to gardening in her grief. Now, she feeds her entire community. Every Saturday, she sets up a table in her Alexandria, Virginia front yard filled with produce from her garden, as well as homemade breads and muffins, and offers it free to everyone. She says it keeps Oli’s spirit of loving kindness alive. One neighbor called it a “beautiful bounty of generosity."
“Practicing loving kindness toward ourselves and others is as good a way as any to start illuminating the darkness of difficult times.” – Pema Chodron Affirmative prayer: Infinite Presence, I return to my natural, spirit-like way of being, practicing loving kindness toward myself and others. It’s a God-thing, holding my sisters and brothers in agape love, caring for them in spirit and action. May I be generous, even as Life gives to me, completely. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  “Hildegard teaches that the only sin in life is drying up. She wrote this to bishops and abbots, saying they should get outdoors more, doing whatever it takes to stay ‘green and moist and juicy, to be creative.’” – Matthew Fox, Hildegard of Bingen, A Saint for Our Times
Affirmative prayer: Today, inner strength and vitality are imparting verdant energy to me in the open-air of God’s life. I am immersed in the abundant, creative juice of Original Source, and I bring this rush of spiritual presence to others. I pray that the world and its citizens are steeped in divine potentiality and all is well, for all is God. Amen.  Pollution is killing nine million people a year, a review has found, making it responsible for one in six of all deaths. The Lancet Planetary Health report said toxic air and contaminated water and soil “is an existential threat to human and planetary health.” More than 90 percent of pollution deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.
“See your own soul given back to you in the soul of everything. Connected in this way, we no longer live in a disenchanted Universe. We could never have poured pollutants into rivers or filled the earth with garbage if we had experienced the soul of the world.” – Richard Rohr Affirmative prayer: Today, my spiritual practice includes reverence for the earth, for my companions as divine beings, and for myself as an expression of Spirit. I am called by the Divine to be a mid-wife to my brothers and sisters and to the planet. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  “Find your rituals, develop your routines, create practices that center you. Stick to them, don't apologize for them. Treat them – even the small things – like they're big things.” – Rob Bell, How to Be Here: A Guide to Creating a Life Worth Living
Affirmative prayer: Today, I formulate the patterns of my life – my rituals and routines – so that my plans, intentions, and visions take divine form. My second nature is inspired by spiritual practice, and I go about the business of living this day with peace, assurance, gratitude, and love. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  Elizabeth Bonker has nonspeaking autism that severely affects her communication abilities. But when, as valedictorian, she gave the commencement speech at Rollins College, she was heard loud and clear. Elizabeth typed and then delivered her remarks using a text-to-speech program. "That program unlocked my mind from its silent cage.”
“Technology can make us more productive, healthier, and more secure. It can help people out of poverty, discover talent, and make it possible for us to fix so much. But we will get the best of technology only if we don't let it distract us from making human connections, addressing human longings, and inspiring human energy.” – Thomas Friedman, Thank You for Being Late Affirmative prayer: Infinite Presence, I give thanks for the many tools that help me live a Spirit-intended life. I’m grateful for the high-tech gismos that serve as instruments for connection, communication, and healing. Today, I see the good in all the mechanical mysteries of my life. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  In Uganda, there is just one doctor for every 25,000 people. But in 2007, the late Dr. Gino Strada devised a project he hoped would revolutionize the country’s limited pediatric care. He called his friend and architect Renzo Piano and asked him to design a hospital that would be a place for medical, scientific, and human excellence. Fourteen years later, the Children’s Surgical Hospital in Entebbe was completed. “The door is open for everybody. We don't ask how rich or poor you are.”
“The way to find God may be to act as leaven in unhealthy situations. Jesus told his disciples that they are to be like leaven in the world, the tiny bit of yeast that helps the bread to rise. A small agent of change can alter situations dramatically.” – James Martin, The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything Affirmative prayer: Today, I am so attuned to Divine truth that my consciousness and actions help to rise up the spirit and living conditions of others. My prayers, energy, and efforts bring comfort and hope to my sisters and brothers. We abide together in earthly and spiritual unity. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  The climate crisis has exacerbated drought across Mexico, but female-led projects to build harvesting and filtration tanks are helping communities conserve what rain there is, and make it safe to drink. Since 2019, 20 tanks have been constructed, each holding 20,000 litres of water.
There is a special magic and holiness about women. They are the bringers of life to the people and the teachers of the children. - Native American proverb Affirmative prayer: Infinite Presence, I am grateful for the creative, nurturing, powerful force of the feminine presence in life. I honor this life-giving dynamism that brings forth newness, inspires our creativity, and keeps us safe. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  “We've been walking in the surf holding our robes up, when we should be naked, diving under, deeper under.”
– Rumi Affirmative prayer: Today, I align with the creative energy of a Higher Power that calls me to live authentically. I move from the shallows and choose that which promises fulfilment and the wonder of going all out in my life. Today, I choose to be inspired. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  Chicago artist Bryon Taylor tells his students at Little Black Pearl Art & Design Academy that “community is a garden,” which is portrayed in his Southside mural, “Sowing Seeds.” Dancers are dressed in yellow, resembling a sunflower. Children seem to sprout from seeds. Outstretched arms form a tree. And two people, as roses, are meditating. At the top of the mural are emblazoned the words, “Love is Law.” Bryon says that no matter your neighborhood, everyone should have the chance to “bloom into a greater version of themselves.”
“And then the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk to bloom.” - Anais Nin Affirmative prayer: Today, I consciously participate in the creative, life-giving miracle of the Universe. As Divine Love brings Life into form through Its creative means, I bring clarity, energy, and expression to my inspired ideas. I plant the seeds of goodness and bear witness to love made manifest. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  For the first time in history, researchers have used soil from the moon to successfully grow plants. NASA administrator Bill Nelson said the discovery paves the way for the possibility of harvesting plants on the moon in the future. The research also is key to understanding how plants might overcome stressful conditions in food-scarce areas here on Earth.
“Life always finds a way.” - Ian Malcolm, Jurassic Park character Affirmative prayer: I give thanks to know that there is no place in the Universe where Spirit is not totally present in its entirety. With this truth, I have confidence that my life is boundless, that possibilities are infinite, and that I can do all things – humanity can do all things – through the love and power of God. Amen.  About 250 people formed a human chain to help a community bookshop in Southampton move to a new location. Volunteers formed a bucket brigade to move more than 2,000 books 150 meters to the new location. Volunteer Jani Franck said the experience was amazing. “The power of community coming together and achieving something like this. I’m in awe.”
“One of the most important things you can do on this earth is to let people know they are not alone.” – Shannon Alder Affirmative prayer: Infinite Presence, thank you for the placing me in the web of humankind. For giving all of us hearts that unite, arms that embrace, and lives that are intertwined in love. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  African entrepreneur Fred Swaniker is passionate about helping young people of Africa fulfill their talent, so he founded the African Leadership Academy. “Where expectations are low, mediocrity thrives. But we must not simply set higher expectations. We must redefine our expectations entirely, recognizing that the opportunities and possibilities in Africa are limited only by our own imagination and commitment.”
“I am certain of nothing but the holiness of the heart's affections and the truth of Imagination.” – John Keats Affirmative prayer: Today, I set my imagination loose, giving the creative Spirit within me full reign so that my expectations are unencumbered and my commitment is strengthened. I give thanks for the holy work of impassioned visionaries who inspire and support others in fulfilling their highest good. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  The world’s longest suspension footbridge is set to open in the Czech Republic later this month. Sky Bridge 721 is suspended over a valley in the Jeseniky Mountains. “We do not recommend it for those who are afraid of heights, or those who might feel dizzy or faint, light-headed, or an inability to move.” Well, then, who does that leave?
“By avoiding the necessary falling, many have kept themselves from their own spiritual depths, and therefore have been kept from their own spiritual heights.” – Richard Rohr Affirmative prayer: Today, I fall into the arms of Spirit. I release, let go, and allow the Divine to carry me to grace, to empowerment, to my true self. Into thy hands, God, into thy hands…. Amen.  A Ukrainian man hiding in a Mariupol bomb shelter spotted a car with the keys in the ignition. He gathered his family in the car and drove to the relatively safer town of Vinnytsia. While driving, he found a phone number in the glove compartment and called the car’s owner. “I’m sorry, I stole your car. I was saving my family.” The man on the other end of the call replied, “Thank God, don’t worry. I have four cars. I took my family out in my SUV. I refueled my other cars and left them in different places with the keys in and the phone number in the glove compartment. From all four cars I received a call back. Once there’s peace, I hope we’ll see each other. Stay safe!”
"I will go before you and make the rough places smooth. I will break the doors of brass in pieces and cut apart the bars of iron.” – Isaiah 45:2 Affirmative prayer: Infinite Presence, I give thanks for the courage, resourcefulness, and sincere sense of unity among all sisters and brothers. I pray that the love that inspires such benevolence touches hearts everywhere and makes compassion the order of the day. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  “The world largely forgets the efforts of individuals, yet those efforts are not in vain. They bear fruit in a life helped here, a future brightened there. I cannot live without purpose, without recognizing that the purest joy comes in helping others.”
– Arthur Ashe Affirmative prayer: The love of God is the reality of this day. I’m thankful to know that my unique expression brings peace, joy, and comfort to others. I am blessed by these points of connection, and thankful for the chance to be a beneficial presence. Thank you, God, for this universal dance of love, goodness, and giving-ness. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  “Compassion is a kind and gentle property that belongs to Motherhood in tender love. Compassion protects, increases our sensitivity, gives life, and heals.” – St. Hildegard of Bingen
Affirmative prayer: Thank you, Infinite Presence, for the God-quality in mothers that nurtures life and holds everything together in pure love. Thank you for the feminine essence that shows us what unconditional giving-ness looks like. Thank you for the beauty, gentleness, and eloquence of Divine love that reveals itself in the form of our mothers. Amen.  Traditionally, adults with intellectual disabilities don't have a lot of higher education options. DeAnna Pursai wanted to change that. She co-founded the College of Adaptive Arts in San Jose, where students can pursue business, theater, music, dance, and health and wellness. “When you give them a safe space, it's an unbelievable transformation."
“There is a huge opportunity to get everyone in the world connected, to give everyone a voice and to help transform society for the future.” - Mark Zuckerberg Affirmative prayer: Today, I open the realm of possibility for myself and for my companions on our journey of life. I center down, feel the Divine within me, and call on its qualities to inspire me to do great work. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  A young woman was rock-climbing when, half-way up the granite cliff, she lost a contact lens from her eye. After searching for it and not finding it, she continued her ascent, repeating over and over a scripture-mantra: “The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth.” Sometime later, she crossed paths with a group of climbers and one of them yelled, “Hey, anybody lose a contact lens?” The climber had actually spotted her lens being carried by an ant, moving across the face of the rock.
“When we live our lives with an awareness of everyday miracles, we connect with the underlying field of infinite possibilities. We see that our life story is wondrous because we are connected to the rhythm of the Universe.” – Scott Awbrey Affirmative prayer: Today, I remember that the synchronicities in my life are divine signposts, bringing me back to the realization that everything in the Universe is connected. I look for the good that Life has in store for me, knowing that every day is a miracle. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  Cinco de Mayo commemorates Mexico's victory over the French Empire in 1862. In the U.S., it has become a celebration of the Mexican-American culture and heritage, and an opportunity to truly be festive!
“There is something magnificent in having a country to love.” - James Russell Lowell, American poet and diplomat Affirmative prayer: Infinite Presence, with great affection, I honor the love of family I witness in the Mexican culture. I give thanks for bond of family and celebrate it as a beautiful way of being. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  As a young nun, Sister Alphonsine Ciza began tinkering with the electrical system in her convent in the Democratic Republic of Congo, repairing electrical faults. The convent’s superiors recognized her talent and sent her to study mechanical engineering. After completing her studies and raising $300,000 to build a new hydropower plant, she attends to the plant which provides electricity to her convent, two schools, a church, and a health clinic.
“Answering the call to step forward sometimes doesn’t make sense, but in your heart, you know when it's right. There will be confirmation. You will take a step, and things will happen.” – Jeff Goins, The Art of Work Affirmative prayer: Infinite Presence, I clear the way in my thinking for Life to call me to my sacred duty. I know that the vision is truly a spiritual summons as passion, joy, and clarity come alive in me. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.  A 118-year-old nun in southern France has become the world's oldest living person. Before becoming a Catholic nun, she looked after children during World War II and then spent 28 years caring for orphans and elderly people. She’s also the world's oldest Covid-19 survivor. She tested positive for the virus in 2021, but recovered fully within three weeks, just in time for her 117th birthday.
“It's what's inside of us – not what's outside of us – that counts. It's what we learned along the way, what we meant to other people, what we became inside; that is really who we are.” – Joan Chittister, The Gift of Years Affirmative prayer: Infinite Presence, I give thanks for the gift of years, for the relationships, the adventures, for the time to give, to stretch and grow, and to rest. Life is good! Thank you, God, forever. Amen. |