Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Respectful Relationships 

It is spring and time to plow under what was yesterday and last year and what has gone before.
You cannot plant a new crop, a new relationship, a new attitude with unplowed consciousness.
What tries to grow through the leftovers of the past will never yield beautiful fruit.
It is essential that we complete each day with no resentment, guilt or blame.

Being respectful is a willingness to see the person anew, without the baggage of yesterday.
When we remember the mistakes, pain and hurtful experiences, we continue the toxicity.
When we forgive, “erase with love” and release what was, we open the way for new growth.
When we hold the past against ourselves and one another, we tend to continue the same patterns.

In relationships, everyone is learning, healing the past and growing in the consciousness of Love.
LOVE IS FREEDOM AND TRUST.
Where there is limitation, there is fear and caution.
Where there is doubt, suspicion and questioning, there is fear and distrust.

The work in all relationships with ourselves and others is to remember to love unconditionally.
Love is letting go of fear.
Love is forgiving the past.
Love is a creative energy, not an emotional attachment.

When we love as the fairy tales and romantic fantasies have taught, we are captivated by the images.
When we commit to love another, we are called to release the myth and choose to learn and heal.
When we are willing to Love another, we come to realize.
Love is our natural state and loving is simply the willingness to Be with what is.

Love is about giving and creating, healing and growing.
Love is not about getting and fixing, demanding and changing.
Love is the willingness to join in vision, be honest with our choice, commit to give our best, demonstrate respect, be responsible for our actions and interactions.
The work of Loving is in letting go of our blocks to Love.

Love never ends.
Love never quits.
Love never hates.
Love may change forms, but it continues beyond time and space, circumstance and emotions.

Honorable closure or completion of a loving relationship is just as valuable as staying within the relationship.  It is done with love, respect and gratitude.
Everyday can be a day of honorable closure.
You can do it by yourself or in the Presence of the other.
Honorable closure is done for our own benefit and yields peace and gratitude when done completely.

Blessing us all in completing the loving work we continue to do in all our relationships.
Loving you, Betty Lue

Honorable Closure       


How do you complete a relationship, a marriage, a teaching-learning experience, a job, a friendship?
 How do you know you are really complete?
Often people walk away without really finishing the spiritual work, because it is easier emotionally.  
People don’t know how to come to a truly peaceful place, where “good-bye” is really “God be with You.”
When we are complete, we are at peace and in love.
We have no regrets, no resentments, no unhappy memories.

Honorable closure acknowledges:
1)   the learning and growth received,
2)   challenges and difficulties experienced,
3)   appreciation of gifts and blessings,
4)   forgiveness and amends made.

Acknowledge within your self and with the other person all that you have learned and how you have grown and benefited from the experience.
Honor and express the challenges and difficulties that occurred and perhaps were endured during the time together.
Offer your gratitude and appreciation to the other for the benefits you received.
Share your forgiveness and/or make amends for those places of unconscious or conscious errors of omission or commission.
 Often neither party is aware of what went unexpressed until the two have an opportunity to talk together.
This is very valuable when done with the conscious intention for a peaceful conclusion.
And lastly, give your full appreciation and blessings to those whom you are leaving.  
Honorable closure always includes a face to face or heart to heart connection so that all parties have a full opportunity to express their piece of the whole.
Incompletion is never one sided. If one party loses and is in grief neither person is at peace.
Do your part when you part.
When we complete a relationship, job, living situation with honor for all, we are free to choose again without being haunted by the past or unconsciously repeating the same patterns.
 To move on, to create anew, to be fully inspired requires honorable closure.  Begin now.
Saying good-bye can be done with love, respect and profound gratitude and inner peace.


Tuesday, March 30, 2010

God Within, God Without or no God? 

Good Within, Good Outside, or No Good at All?

Some believe in God , everything and everywhere and within us.
Some believe in God, external and to be sought for throughout life.
Some believe in no God, but rather the natural flow of Life, the Tao.
Some believe in chance, mystery, syncronicities, Karma, our Elders, etc.

Some simply deny believing in anything or anyone.
When we look at our lives, we need to realize meaning, purpose, destiny, calling……
When we invest in our future, strive to achieve, we must believe in something greater.
When we live with desire to improve, to heal, to grow, we must know there is more.

Take a look at your definition of God…
Reveal to yourself where you find what you see as Higher Power.
In books, in special spiritual leaders and teachers, in revelation, in meditation, in nature.
Give yourself time to commune with the Essence of what “God” is for you.
(Note the poem at the bottom of this message.)

For me, God is Goodness.
The Goodness that is Love.
The Good that comes from Peace of Mind.
The Good that yields great natural joy.
The Good that is trusting and freeing and innocent.

Often I refer to Love created Love for the purpose of Loving.
Goodness created us as Good for the purpose of being and doing only Good.
When we give anything other than Good, we are denying our True nature.
When we show up with anything less that our “Goodest” selves, we have lost our way.

Try then today to seek and find the Good in you….with everyone and everything.
Try then today to be open-minded and see the Good in others to awaken them.
Try then today to appreciate the Good in all circumstances.

In this we come to know and love God and the Greater Good.
Loving you,  Betty Lue


"I Am There" by James Dillet Freeman, Author/Poet, Unity Minister
Do you need me? I am there.
You cannot see Me, yet I am the light you see by.
You cannot hear Me, yet I speak through your voice.
 You cannot feel Me, yet I am the power at work in your hands.


From Daily Word:
God's grace is constant and true, providing all I could ever ask for, and more.
Grace is at work within me and around me.
It is the light that illumines my path, the wisdom that guides my thoughts and actions, and the power that fills me with strength and peace.


Monday, March 29, 2010

Simple Truths for Better Living 

Be honest with yourself and others.
You cannot and will not trust those who lie, including yourself.
Be aware that deception leads to fooling yourself about what is needed and wanted and called forth.
With dishonesty comes less and less ability to listen to and trust  the voice within.
There is no harm, unless you avoid, deny and cover-up what is being called forth .

Love the Good you see in everyone, including You!
Love amplifies and increases what you behold.
To Love unconditionally, Love the Good that seeks to be revealed.
Within everyone and everything is Goodness, the Blessing and Gift, waiting to be exposed.
Bypass, ignore, forgive, stop giving attention to, the absence of Good and seek to Love the Good.

Envision what you want to be.
Imagine your heart’s desire unfolding in your life.
Focus on the steps you need to take to reach your goals.
Clear away any obstacles or sabotaging thoughts, words and activities.
Act, dress and speak as though you have already achieved your desires.

Undo what is not the highest truth for you.
Stop trying so hard to become something by focusing on the obstacles.
Declare yourself free of negativity, limiting beliefs and false accusations.
Cease engaging in destructive thoughts, words or behaviors and relationships.
Step away from the past with complete forgiveness and bless your future with gratitude.

Reveal what is best for you.
Admire the good in others and see those qualities in yourself.
Make a written list of what is best for you to ingest (food, music, movies and video, relationships).
Use your time consistently for what inspires, encourages and benefits the Best in You.
Make refinements as you see what is best becomes clear and simplified.

Be a good steward and caretaker of yourself and your whole Life.
Waste no time, money or emotional energy on anything that does no Good for you and others.
Give time, energy and finances to those activities, learning, healing, growing what is best for you.
Appreciate all you do every day in every way for the benefit of yourself and others.
Seek not for understanding, but rather seek for peace in all things.  (Understanding comes later.)

Appreciate each day.
End every day being grateful for the healing, learning, choosing and giving.
Realize that life itself is healing you and revealing what seeks to be healed.
Realize that “mistakes” are invitations to wake up and choose again.
Realize that your life is a blessing to you and for you to remember the Love in You.

Life is Good and Getting Better, because You Are!
Betty Lue


From Stariq.com (only for those interested in such things!!)
Full Moon in Libra ( Remember full moons amplify what is calling for our attention.)
Monday, March 29, 7:27 pm PDT, 10:27 pm EDT
The Full Moon in accommodating Libra tends to cool off the heat of the impulsive Sun in Aries.
It’s a time of negotiating between common needs (Libra) and individual desires (Aries). Yet this lunation is squared by passionate Pluto, which can bring relationship issues to a boil.
Deep changes may be needed to restore trust with a partner or for single people who need to recognize the price to pay to alter their situation.
Honesty is essential, requiring a deep dive into oneself to expose hidden motivations and gently share the truth with others.



Sunday, March 28, 2010

What is Success for You? 

When we judge we have failed, we shut down.
When we criticize others for their mistakes, we become fear being judged.
When we try to never fail or make mistakes, we become more cautious, restricted and doubtful.
When we limit ourselves and others, we are unavailable for spiritual guidance and willingess to act.

It is important to revisit our definitions of success.
Success can be overcoming fear by taking risks.
Success can be being willing to let go and love again.
Success can be undoing false beliefs, prejudices and opinions.
Success can be denying that mistakes will do harm to us and others.
Success can be making mistakes to learn what works and no longer works for us.
Success can be going to bed tired and happy with ourselves.
Success can be just keeping our mind on the Good in our lives.
Success can be writing a thank you note or composing a poem.
Success can be keeping our kitchen clean and making our bed.
Success can be being conscious enough to keep improving our lives.
Success can be taking responsibility for giving our best to everyone.
Success can be forgiving the past and moving forward with enthusiasm and confidence.
Success can be enjoying the day for all it offers us without complaint or wishing for changes.
Success can be smiling at someone who is alone or giving a hug where it is wanted and needed.
Success can be living free from fear and anxiety, trusting that tomorrow will bring more gratitude.

Every night when you go to bed, say prayers of gratitude.
You will sleep peacefully with inner peace.
Every night give yourself the message, “This was a good day in which I loved well.”
You will feel appreciated for having loved well.

When we remember to listen within, we know we are Good.
When we remember to love well, we know we are important.
When we remember to give our best, we know we make a difference.
When we remember to respect those around us, we know we are a healing Presence.

Life is a success when we are willing to appreciate the everyday successes.
 
Loving you,  

Betty Lue


Twelve Daily Steps To Optimistic Living
1. Focus on my successes rather than on my failures.
2. Notice that which I have accomplished rather than that which I’ve left undone.
3. See and acknowledge my beauty rather than focusing on my imperfections.
4. Notice and acknowledge all the times I’ve followed the optimum conditions, rather than judging myself for the times I have not.
5. Acknowledge all my wins each and every day.
6. Create and maintain an environment that nurtures me.
7.  See problems as opportunities to learn from rather than as obstacles to avoid.
8.  Tell the whole truth on a moment to moment basis in order to maintain impeccable and loving relationships.
9. Be conscious every moment to put positive thoughts into my mind rather than negative, knowing all thoughts are creative.
10.  Appreciate my feelings as a means of understanding myself, thus directing and creating my reality.
11. Continue to forgive myself and others as a means of creating a state of Grace.
12. Fill my life with joy and ecstasy by practicing daily the art and skill of verbally expressing my gratitude for all that I have.


Saturday, March 27, 2010

Celebrate Simple Successes 

All successes are equally good.
Appreciate them all, big and small.

Celebration is living in miracle consciousness.
Appreciate and enjoy every moment of living, loving and giving.

When we can celebrate failures and successes, mistakes and corrections, we stay present for all Good.
When we recognize life is a journey in which we are all challenged to learn and grow, we know success.
When we appreciate our willingness to learn from everything and everyone, we are happy growing.
When we value our teachers and our life lessons, both given and received, we know inner peace.

Life is learning laboratory.
It is a classroom in which we comparison and evaluation is not possible.
Everyone must be viewed individually relative to our own unique history.
It is a school in which there can be no grading system, because everyone will pass.

Sometimes we have one simple lesson to learn and sometimes many over lifetimes.
Some have a repeated lesson to re-experience many more times in order to be free and fearless.
Some have an attachment to find the right way, the correct answer, the perfect solution.
Some simply bypass what is needed to be at peace and in love, until they are ready to learn.

Simple success may be found in taking a step, feeding yourself, saying your first word.
Success may be in dropping negativity and letting go of fear.
Success may be in giving your best and staying conscious of what is best for others.
Success may be in loving yourself with respect, appreciation and kindness.

Each step toward trust and freedom, inner peace and happiness is a gift we give ourselves.
Each simply success is a gift to be celebrated and fully enjoyed.
Each day we breathe and step out into the sunlight is an opportunity to feel good about being alive.
Each time we make an effort to live better, treating others better and honoring our values is a success.

Take time today and everyday to be grateful for being here, for being You!
Your life is a gift to you.
You are a gift to your world.
Celebrate the Gift you are and you will recognize your SUCCESS!

Loving you, 

Betty Lue


Friday, March 26, 2010

What You Believe, You Will Perceive! 

Do you have it backwards?
Are you letting your perceptions be the cause of your beliefs?
Are afraid of those things you judge as dangerous?
Do you allow the world you experience to be the cause of your feelings, thoughts and beliefs?

Our beliefs, our thoughts and attitudes are creating our perception.
When we allow what we see to shape our beliefs, we are victims of the world.
When we allow the Goodness within to lead, we see the Goodness within all things.
When we are willing to come to peace first, our understanding will be transformed by the Peace.

First Peace, the Peace of God, the Peace of Goodness, then True understanding follows.
So often we are trying to gather information, opinions and documentation to analyze and form a belief.
What if we begin with the premise that everything works together for Good, for God?
What if we trust that we are shaping our perceptions and experiences by our belief in Good?

When we believe in Good in All That Is, are we not willing to invite, welcome and increase the Good?
When we believe in evil forces, are we not contributing, increasing and exalting the same?
With our beliefs, we make what we believe real.
Wherever we are joined, all things are possible…….so why not enhance what we want to experience?

Magicians use belief to make the audience perceive what they believe.
Politicians use persuasion to make the citizens believe what they want them to buy into.
Teachers use their authority to make students believe they can or cannot learn.
Parents make children believe in Santa Claus, tooth fairy and other stories to persuade good behavior.

Fear teaches us and future generations to be afraid.
Love teaches that Love dissolves all fear.
Metaphysics teaches that what you give energy to will grow and increase.
Religion teaches that the blessings of God and Goodness will conquer fear and yield more blessings.

If our beliefs make it so….then believe in good, in miracles, in Love, in blessings for all.
If what we believe contributes to what we perceive, then believe in healing, in grace, in justice for all.
If what we believe is creating our “reality” and our experience, let’s change our mind and our words.
If our beliefs have power to create, let us be consciously responsible for every word we think and say.

Fear of victimization sets us up to experience being victimized.
Fear of disease sets in place vulnerability to illness.
Fear of darkness, disaster and death haunts us with the experiences we fear.
Fear of being afraid focuses our attention and perception on everything we can find to fear.

It is time to clear the fear and let only God and Good be near.
Fear begets fear. Love begets Love.
Fear contracts and limits our perception to see only what we fear.
Love expands and opens our minds and our hearts to more Love.

TRUST will settle every problem now.
Are you willing to trust in Good and Trust in a Loving God?
Are you willing to believe (beneath the fear) all men are created in the likeness and image of God.
Are our open to understanding that Love creates Love for the purpose of Loving?

I realized that for me…
In all things I choose first to go to God, the Voice of Goodness within, to come to peace and find the Truth.
Everything else is planning, defenses and quick fixes from the learned voices of fear in the world.

Loving you with each wake up call I receive.
Trusting they will be helpful for you, too!

Loving you, 

Betty Lue


Thursday, March 25, 2010

Go For It! 

What are you waiting for?
If you are in the Spring of things, you know it is time.
If you are healthy and happy, you know it is time.
If you are finished with the past, you know it is time.

Time to plant the seeds of your vision.
Time to get into the blossoming of new growth.
Time to set the stage for the next act in your life.
Time to initiate what is Good for You and those around You.

You are the one.
You are the pioneer, the builder, the doer.
You are the visionary, who can see what is possible.
You are the freedom caller who inspires others to Go For IT!

If you are waiting for a leader, listen within.
If you are waiting for money, do everything you can without finances.
If you are waiting on partnership, befriend yourself in your calling.
If you are waiting for a sign, give yourself the Hi Sign and get going.

Too often we have been taught and continue to teach caution.
Too often we have modeled fear-based thinking and inaction.
Too often we have settled for what others have and approve.
Too often we have disallowed our dreams to manifest.

Let us go for it and say YES.
Let us celebrate when anyone and everyone takes the risk to live their dreams.
Let us encourage a do it now mentality rather than a wait and see consciousness.
Let us believe and not deceive ourselves with denying our birthright and fulfillment.

I know I can.
I know you can.
I know we can.
So why not?

I am loving you and me and all in creating our dreams.
Spiritual Vision is the gift of inspiration and heartfelt courage and desire.
Let Love and Joy lead the way and life will be wonderful every single day.

Betty Lue


Do It Anyway

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies.  Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you.
Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy it all overnight.
Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow.
Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough.
Give the world the best you’ve got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway.


Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Succinct Reminders 

(Short but Sweet and True)

Off to Alameda early this AM to spend the day with the three grandchildren.
Such a privilege to be with children.

Children are Loving Reminders!
Innocence- See the Good, the miraculous, the silliness in life.
Courage- Be free of worry as you try new things.
Openness- Reach out to those in your world to connect.
Generosity- Share your self and your things with people you want to play with.
Honesty- Tell the truth about who you are and what you want and give it to yourself.
Joy- Be free in expressing the happiness and freedom you feel.  Let it out.
Tolerance- Deal with adult grouchiness by stepping away until there is acceptance.
Gentleness- Be soft in touch and words when you see someone is hurting.
Defenselessness- Be natural in your needs, your wishes, your truths.
Patience- Let go of trying so hard to please others and take time to please yourself.
Helpfulness- Be pleased with yourself when you can be helpful to others.

When we are with our five year old twins and their 3 ½ yr. old brother, we always find many things to explore together, to enjoy together, to help each other.
Today we will be playing games, being helpful around the house, buy and plant flowers in the yard, cook and serve lunch together, and probably walk to the local park.  Sounds like a good life to me.

Loving you in loving you well today and everyday!
Betty Lue


Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Historic Day 

What do we hold in our consciousness?
Are we “yeah sayers” or “nay-sayers”?
Are we looking forward or looking back?
Do we seek to bless or to damn?

Let us remember: ‘What we sow, we reap.
We are creating the change with our thoughts and our words.
We are creating the future with our gratitude and our blessings.
We are begetting the Goodness that we want for All.

No matter what you judge or fear or criticize, you are responsible for your negativity.
No matter what you forgive or love or bless, you are responsible for your positivity.
No matter how you hold illness, disaster, pain, you are responsible for your energy.
No matter how you perceive your world, you are responsible for seeing holiness or damnation.

Often humanity uses thoughts, words and deeds without considering the consequences.
People think freedom of speech means we can say whatever we want without results.
People feel expressing toxic material will not poison the well. (and their wellness)
People misunderstand the creative process and how their energy impacts everyone.

Today we can make our own health care reform in our own consciousness.
We each individually and collectively can reclaim our own responsibility.
We can think, speak and act in ways that forgive, love and bless comprehensive wellness.
We can now reclaim the right of everyone to be healthy and whole….mind and body.

In our system of government, education and family systems, we have demonstrated that belittling, name-calling, threatening, demanding, judging, lying, sabotaging and subverting is acceptable.
In our righteousness, we often get consumed in seeing only our own viewpoint.
In our desire to be powerful and in control, we may impose our will and our way on others.

Fair debate and discussion, willingness to open to all sides and negotiating a reasonable path for all to benefit is always preferred.
Now it the time in our own relationships, partnerships, businesses, institutions and organizations to act in responsible and respectful ways when there are differences.
Now is the time to eliminate injustice, inequality and prejudice.
Now it the time to give everyone what we all want and deserve…… a place, time and voice to speak for ourselves and live our truth.

I am celebrating our willingness to keep on remembering to love one another in the most respectful and responsible and cooperative ways.

Life is Good and getting better.
Betty Lue

From Louise Hay ©1988

How To Love Yourself
By Louise Hay
1. STOP ALL CRITICISM
Criticism never changes a thing. Refuse to criticize yourself. Accept yourself exactly as you are. Everybody changes. When you criticize yourself, your changes are negative. When you approve of yourself, your changes are positive.
2.
DON’T SCARE YOURSELF
Stop terrorizing yourself with your thoughts. It’s a dreadful way to live. Find a mental image that gives you pleasure (mine is yellow roses), and immediately switch your scary thought to a pleasure thought.
3.
BE GENTLE AND KIND AND PATIENT
Be gentle with yourself. Be kind to yourself. Be patient with yourself as you learn the new ways of thinking. Treat yourself as you would someone you really loved.
4.
PRAISE YOURSELF
 
Criticism breaks down the inner spirit. Praise builds it up. Praise yourself as much as you can. Tell yourself how well you are doing with every little thing.
5.
BE KIND TO YOUR MIND
 
Self hatred is only hating your own thoughts. Don’t hate yourself for having the thoughts. Gently change your thoughts.
6.
SUPPORT YOURSELF
 
Find ways to support yourself. Reach out to friends and allow them to help you. It is being strong to ask for help when you need it.
7.
BE LOVING TO YOUR NEGATIVES
 
Acknowledge that you created them to fulfill a need. Now you are finding new, positive ways to fulfill those needs. So, lovingly release the old negative patterns.
8.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY
 
Learn about nutrition. What kind of fuel does your body need to have optimum energy and vitality? Learn about exercise. What kind of exercise can you enjoy? Cherish and revere the temple you live in.
9.
MIRROR WORK
 
Look into your eyes often. Express this growing sense of love you have for yourself. Forgive yourself looking into the mirror. Talk to your parents looking into the mirror. Forgive them too. At least once a day say: “I love you, I really love you!”
10.
LOVE YOURSELF...DO IT NOW
 
Don’t wait until you get well, or lose the weight, or get the new job, or the new relationship. Begin now, and do the best you can.


Monday, March 22, 2010

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness 

Our Preamble to the Constitution reminds us that these are the truths we hold as inalienable rights.
Yes, I am pleased for the passing of the health care reform.
We have begun to live up to our constitution and give all people the wellness and health care.
 We are the last developed nation to ensure comprehensive health care.

It is time to bring back respect and a civilized way of discussing and debating without threatening.
We have freedom of speech and press which has been taken to an extreme.
Our ethics and values have slipped to allow name-calling, threats and fear-mongering.
It seems as a culture we have lost our sense of civility and our innate rights and values.

May every man woman and child in our families, communities, nation and world be respected.
May we remember to give what we want to receive in all our communication and affairs.
May we realize that we are modeling the behaviors we are teaching future generations.
May we forgive ourselves for the profanity, as well as the lack of respect and courtesy due everyone.

We can reclaim a nation where violence and crime, drugs and hostility are not an everyday occurrence.
We can begin in our workplace and our homes.
We can stop becoming like the behavior we want to eliminate.
We can each model the words, actions and beliefs we know will better life for all people.

Yes, it is time to stand up with courage, sit quietly at peace and speak kindly in prayer.
For every thought, word and deed is teaching all the universe.
It is time to clear our minds of hatred and fear.
It is time to free our expressions of inciteful and insane words.
It is time to stop seeking revenge or being covert in our hostility and aggression.
These are games for the immature, uneducated and unconscious among us.
When there is a bully on the playground, remember he has lost his way in fear and separation.

Thank You for being among those who say YES to treating everyone on the planet with respect.
Thank You for being someone who reaches out with help to those in need.
Thank You for being a model of One who gives their very Best in all circumstances.
Thank You for being conscious and teaching with everything your think and do and give.

It takes each one of us to make a difference in making our world better for all.
Loving you in loving, in trust and freedom for all,
Betty Lue


Sunday, March 21, 2010

Healing or Renewal? 

Every year, every month, every day, every moment you are new again!
Have you noticed that you are never exactly the same?
Have you come to accept the changes that occur in your body and mind?
Are you willing to see them all as renewal?

Trees change with each season.
Their bark changes colors.
They develop knot holes and growth in their own ways.
Trees do not judge their anomalies.

Animals, plants, rocks all change with the seasons, the light and their environment.
Why not accept the changes in human bodies with the seasons, the diet, the situation?
What is it in us that keeps seeking to perfect the already perfect expression of our species?
Is it possible that we are making us our illnesses with our fears and judgments of what is natural?

When bodies and psyches live over time, there are a multitude of perceivable changes that occur naturally.
Bodies and psyches change with age and environment.
Our physical and mental form change with stress and distress.
Our physical and mental state adapts to the life experience we are experiencing.

Can we trust that the body and mind are always doing their best to exist with what is?
Can we believe that our thoughts, feelings and physiology is always doing its best on our behalf?
Are we willing to get that we want to continue living at the highest level possible?
What if our whole self is always in a state of healing?

“The healing of God’s Son is all the world is for.
 That is the only purpose in it: therefore, the only one it has.”
 From A Course in Miracles.

Consider this:
Perhaps we are all here simply for the purpose of returning to our natural state of wholeness, which already exists.  Perhaps we are allowing our judgments of our perceived imperfections to make us believe we are not that which we already are.
Perhaps in trying to fix what isn’t broken, we continue to believe the myth of our brokenness.
Perhaps we have created a form which by its nature will change and adapt in mysterious ways to the environment.
Perhaps with full acceptance and love, we would perceive the natural transformation of body, mind and Sprit and see it intrinsic and eternal Perfection.

Maybe we have been falsely attacking our humanness instead of truly trusting our spiritual perfection!

Today I am choosing to renew my mind by believing and seeing its natural perfection.
Loving you and me exactly as I Am and You Are,
Blessings of gratitude and respect for all Life,
Betty Lue


Saturday, March 20, 2010

Retreat or Advance? 

First Day of Spring!

This weekend we are facilitating a spiritual retreat at the Reunion Lake House with 14 people.
Retreats are opportunities for people to come together to be renewed and inspired.
We may not think of the value of retreat in our lives, because we are so invested in advancing.
Perhaps there can be no authentic advance without some form of retreat and renewal.

What is the value of spiritual and inspirational retreat?
Some see it as a “vacation”, and in the truest sense we are called to vacate our old lives.
It is when we step away that we can gain perspective on our own inner vision.
We may miss the forest for the trees when we are immersed in our everyday lives.

Retreats offer the opportunity to commune or communicate with our selves.
When we lose sight of our inner joy, our higher purpose and the meaning in our lives, we need retreat.
Retreats give us the time and space to commune with Source, Essence, the Highest Good.
When we take the time to listen within, to connect with nature, we find inspiration.

Retreats with others may help us reconnect with others and the value of relating.
Relationships with others demonstrate where we are less than genuine, where we are judgmental.
When we have the space to gain perspective on our relationships, we see where we disconnect.
Relating authentically gives us the time to forgive and choose for love, respect and trust.

Retreats also give us the opportunity to review our past.
The value of gaining perspective on our lives is to heal the past with forgiveness and gratitude.
The value of review is the harvest the blessings, learning and gifts received.
The value of relooking at what was is to release the energy it still holds and be free to choose again.

Retreats allow us to pause, reflect and renew.
They present a space of nothingness in which we can really listen within.
They give us time to breathe, to catch up with ourselves and to reclaim the meaning of our lives.
Retreats are a gift of time and space in which we can rethink, recreate and remember what we value.

Sometimes we are moving ahead so fast and unconsciously that we forget to appreciate what we have.
Sometimes we are negligent in taking responsibility for the choices we make and the direction we go.
Sometimes we ignore the important aspects of life with our involvement in the movement itself.
Sometimes we take no time to appreciate the Creator within and simply manage the creations.

Taking time and energy away from what  is the usual and customary gives us clarity about what we want.
We have opportunities to recreate and reclaim what has heart and meaning.
We have the joy of celebrating our ability to have the life we really want.
We find energy and renewal in remembering Who We Are and our real purpose in Being.

Find ways to take retreat in your life.
A good night’s sleep is a way to begin.
Or take a sabbatical one day a week or even one hour a week to just be.
The value of meditation is that it offers a retreat for that period of time.

Love yourself with retreat and renewal!
Loving you and All as One,
Betty Lue


Friday, March 19, 2010

Go for It! 

If not now, WHEN?
If not here, WHERE?
If not me, WHO?
Is it time for you to spring into action?

So often the ego, the learned fear, holds back.
More than not, we are victims of our own false and limited learning.
We live in a world which invites endless analysis, justification and explanation before we will go for it!
We humans often wait, delay and paralyze ourselves with denying our own intuitive inner knowing.

Use your inner sense, the guideposts of inner knowing…sometimes feelings, sometimes simply Yes!
If you do nothing, there is no possibility of success….
If you do something, at least you give fulfillment a chance.
If you go for what has heart and meaning, at the very least, you experience the heart and meaning.

Without fully living true to yourself, you never experience the fullness of YOU.
Without giving yourself a chance, you never know what might be.
Without moving through the fear and excuses, you never see the possibilities unfold.
Without every saying YES to your inner vision, there will never be manifestation and fulfillment.

So WHY NOT?
Just step forward in faith.
Act on what you know.
See what you want to BE.
Believe what can be is possible.
Be enthusiastic rather than doubtful.
Observe the experience of each step to know what is next.
Commit to moving through and around all resistance and obstacles.
Act, think and talk like you are committed and believe in yourself and your vision.
Be delighted and grateful for your willingness to go for it and whatever it yields, Bless it All.

You see in the end, it is what you experienced that really matters.
You deserve to realize all your highest visions and to live your Highest Good.
Only You can stop you or Go For It…….so Why Not!

Believing in You in all you do for the sake of Good!
Betty Lue


A glimpse of the fun you can have at the Lake House in Hidden Valley Lake, CA
Even adults can have fun!  Just Go for it!
Three little exuberant guests at the Lake House playing music, dancing and having fun!  




 


Thursday, March 18, 2010

Spring Is Coming 

Are you feeling Spring?
Are you complete with what was?
Do you feel gratitude for the past?
Have you conserved energy this winter?
Do you have a clear vision of what you want next?
Are ready to plant a new crop, a new future, a new life?

There is a natural rhythm to life that calls us to choose to follow the path of least resistance.
Yet, the human species has learned to go against the tide and make things happen in our own timing.
We cause natural resistance and challenge ourselves by trying to conquer and overcome what is.
We appear determined make things difficult, dangerous and super serious. (not fun, safe and easy!)

There is a time and a season for everything.
When we are sensitive to the timing, we know when and how to respond to whatever comes our way.
When we listen to our inner knowing, we know how and when to plant our garden, our life vision.
When we honor our inner voice, we know what we need to do to be successful and happy.

Now is the time to vision.
What is my life’s purpose?
What am I to plant for this year, this time in my life?
Where am I to go?  What am I to do? What Am I to say?  And to whom?

When we have not been grateful, because we hold resentment, we are not finished.
When we cannot see the blessings and the learning, because we are stuck in righteousness and holding our position, we carry our past with us.
When we are trying to prove something, seek approval or defend ourselves, we limit our possibilities.
When we judge and criticize and blame, we will waste the energy of visioning and creating.

Finish what is left undone and haunting you.
Complete what was by being willing to find the blessing in it all.
Conserve your energy by letting go of worry, resentment, fear and anger.
Vision what you want to create and experience in your life.

Take the time to free yourself to be able and willing to flow with what is.
Life offers us opportunities to complete, to create, to begin again, to live in Love.
We are the ones who choose how to keep ourselves in spiritual condition to be free to respond.
We can claim a life that is flowing with joy, trust and peace (fun, safe and easy).

I am loving and honoring how we learn together when we reveal what is true for us.
I am appreciating how good life can be when we listen within and follow our guidance.
I am enjoying the blessing of our lives when we live and love everything and everyone.
I am loving you and me and all life with trust and freedom, knowing Good and only Good is our Call.

Loving you, 

Betty Lue


Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Irish Blessings 

Yes, I have a wee bit  of blarney in me!

The more we celebrate the Goodness in life, the more Goodness we have.
The more we appreciate All we have, the more we see to appreciate.
The more we consciously give attention to the qualities we want to grow, the more we strengthen them.
The more we love, respect and trust ourselves, the more we are loved, trusted and respected.

Life is a circle of blessings or curses which we are choosing whether we are aware or not.
Life is a gift that keeps on giving more of the same until we choose differently.
Life is an opportunity to receive instant feedback on what we are thinking and feeling.
Life is an out-picturing of what we want to see and feel and know and experience.

Everything is an opportunity to learn.
Everything is a choice of what to perceive.
Everything gives us an invitation to give Love or receive with Love.
Everything is a reflection of what we are choosing to experience.

Optimist or pessimist?... We can choose.
Neutral observer or master mind, we are choosing.
At the effect or victim or co-creator for the highest Good?
Our life is a barometer of where we are in consciousness and in our spiritual growth.

When we blame others or feel guilty, we interfere with our natural learning.
When judge, hate and avoid, or cling with attachment or addiction, we shut down the flow of learning.
Whether we are healing, creating, manifesting or serving, we are in our right place to evolve.
The return to Love is where we travel to reclaim our Essence, our function and our Eternal Life.

We are all in the right place at the right time, doing the right thing for our own awakening and Self realization.
We are gifts to one another in reflecting the choices that are available to us in each moment.
We are the glorious garden of consciousness or unconsciousness with weeds or meticulously tended.
We are a blessing with humor or solemnity, with self serving or with generosity, with all we are and do.

Loving you as we awaken to love and bless one another,
Betty Lue

Some Irish Blessings for You!

May there always be work for your hands to do.
May your purse always hold a coin or two.
May the sun always shine on your windowpane.
May a rainbow be certain to follow the rain.
May the hand of a friend always be near you.
May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.

As you slide down the banister of life,
May the splinters always be facing the right direction.

May you always have
 Walls for the winds
 A roof for the rain,
 Tea beside the fire,
 Laughter to cheer you,
 Those you love near you
 And all of your heart’s desires.

May God fill your heart
With gladness to cheer you,
And may you always
Walk in peace and beauty.

May those who love us, love us.
And for those who don’t love us,
May God turn their hearts;
And if He doesn’t turn their hearts,
May He turn their ankles,
So we will know them by their limping.

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back,
The sun shine warm upon your face,
The rain fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.

May the blessing of light be upon you,
Light on the outside,
Light on the inside.

With God’s sunlight shining on you,
May your heart glow with warmth like a turf fire
That welcomes friends and strangers alike.


May the light of the Lord shine from your eyes
Like a candle in the window
Welcoming the weary traveler.

May the blessing of God’s soft rain be on you.
Falling gently on your head, refreshing your soul
With the sweetness of little flowers newly blooming.

May the strength of the winds of Heaven bless you,
Carrying the rain to wash your spirit clean
Sparkling after in the sunlight.

May you understand the strength and power of God
In a thunderstorm in winter.
And the quiet beauty of creation
In the calm of a summer sunset.

May you come to realize that
Insignificant as you may seem in this great universe,
You are an important part of God’s plan.

May God watch over you
And keep you safe from harm.

May the blessing of God’s earth be on you
And as you walk the roads,
May you always have a kind word for those you meet.

May the most you wish for be the best you get.
May the best times you’ve ever had be the worst you will ever see.
May joy fill your heart in whatever you do
And the luck of the Irish be always with you.

May you be in Heaven a half hour before the
Devil knows you’re dead!

When Irish eyes are smiling,
Tis like a morn in spring.
With a lilt of Irish laughter
You can hear the angels sing
When Irish hearts are happy
All the world is bright and gay
When Irish eyes are smiling
Sure, they steal your heart away.

May your blessings outnumber
the shamrocks that grow,
And may trouble avoid you wherever you go.

May the best day of your past
Be the worst day of your future.

I’m looking over a four leaf clover
That I overlooked before
One leaf is sunshine, the second is rain,
Third is the roses that grow in the lane.
No need explaining the one remaining
Is somebody I adore.
I’m looking over a four leaf clover
That I overlooked before.

May luck be our companion
May friends stand by our side
May history remind us all
Of Ireland’s faith and pride.
May God bless us with happiness
May love and faith abide.

Leprechauns, castles, good luck and laughter
Lullabies, dreams, and love ever after.
Poems and songs with pipes and drums
A thousand welcomes when anyone comes.
That’s the Irish for you!

There’s a dear little plant that grows in our isle,
’Twas St. Patrick himself, sure, that sets it;
And the sun of his labor with pleasure did smile,
And with dew from his eye often wet it.
It grows through the bog, through the brake, through the mireland,
And they call it the dear little Shamrock of Ireland.

May your neighbors respect you,
Troubles neglect you,
The angels protect you,
And Heaven accept you.

May you have:
A world of wishes at your command
God and his angels close at hand
Friends and family their love impart,
And Irish blessings in you heart.
May God grant you many years to live,
For sure he must be knowing
The earth has angels all to few
And Heaven is overflowing.

These things I warmly wish to you-
Someone to love
Some work to do
A bit o’ sun
A bit o’ cheer
And a guardian angel always near.

May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light,
May good luck pursue you each morning and night.

May the lilt of lush laughter lighten every load,
May the midst of Irish magic shorten every road.
May you taste the sweetest pleasures that fortune ever bestowed,
And may all your friends remember all the favors you are owed.

May you live as long as you want,
And never want as long as you live.

For each petal on the shamrock
This brings a wish your way-
Good health, good luck, and happiness
For today and every day.

Dance as if no one were watching,
Sing as if no one were listening,
And live every day as if it were your last.

Lucky stars above you,
Sunshine on your way,
Many friends to love you,
Joy in work and play.
Laughter to outweigh each care,
In your heart a song.
And gladness waiting everywhere
All your whole life long!


Grant me a sense of humor, Lord,
The saving grace to see a joke,
To win some happiness from life,
And pass it on to other folks.

May joy and peace surround you,
Contentment latch your door,
And happiness be with you now
And bless you evermore.


Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Short Today 

Internet down this AM until now, so short Loving Reminders for me and you.
All things work together for Good......
When we are willing to look deep within ourselves and listen to our heart.
Life is an adventure in learning, in remembering, in giving love and extending peace.

As we lift our consciousness into the sunlight and can see the Blessing in all things, we remember our Source.
As we forgive our fear and judgments, we can see the Gift and Live the Highest good.
As we realize our healing and creative potention, we come to know it is our choice to behold the Holiness in all things.
As we accept what it, we can receive the abundance, wisdom and love that always Is Present and available to us.

Loving you and loving me as One in the goodness that is our Essence and our Source,
Betty Lue

This train is run entirely by volunteers with only the engineer being paid.
It is a national treasure!  And great fun for big kids and little ones.
Mostly adults appreciate the incredible ride through the National forest and ferns.



 
 



Monday, March 15, 2010

Respect 

How do you demonstrate respect for yourself?
Do you respect your mind with what you read and view on TV, movies, internet etc?
Do you respect your body with what you ingest and how you talk to your physical self?
Do you respect your spirituality, your inner child, your sensitivity with kindness and love?

How do you demonstrate your respect for others?
Do you listen to each person uniquely or treat everyone the same?
Do you respond to the needs of others with compassion or with disdain?
Do you take time to listen within in how you love, contribute and give to others?

How do you respect your home?
Do you keep it in good repair consistently?
Do you keep your bedroom, bathroom, kitchen  and all clean and in order?
Is there harmony and peace in your home with the words spoken and the sounds on TV, radio, etc?

How do you demonstrate respect for your job, your place of work or learning?
Are you consistently on time?
Do you give your best at all times?
Are you willing to take full responsibility for the quality of your work and your relationships?

How do you respect the Earth and its resources?
Are you conscious and grateful for the water you use, the air you breathe and the food you eat
Do you take the time to bless and replenish the resources you use as indigenous people do?
Are you aware of what you leave behind in garbage, unused or spoiled food and other waste?

How do you respect your elders, teachers, benefactors and service providers?
Do you remember to say “Thanks” and show your gratitude with helpfulness and remuneration?
Do you bless what you are given to ensure it is used for the Highest Good?
Do you honor the contributions others have given and continue to give to your and your life?

How do you demonstrate your respect and value for your whole life?
Have you released your complaints and criticism to see the value and learning in it all?
Do you take the time to be grateful and fulfilled by how much you have learned and earned?
Are you willing to behold your Magnificence, your Beauty and your Goodness?

Our perspective changes when we truly are willing to respect how much we have and give and how we live and love!
To respect means to value and honor what we create and experience in  our lives.
Bless us all in inspiring and increasing our respect for all that is.

Betty Lue


Sunday, March 14, 2010

Awesome Australia 

Our trip was filled with natural beauty, extraordinary wildlife, friendly folks and Aussie emphasis on environmental care.  I will be sharing some pictures with you to whet your appetite for travel. We came away with a profound gratitude and respect for the relative simplicity, naturalness and goodness of the Australia people.
Some observations I found interesting:
Land mass approx same as USA. Their population 22 million.  US population 305 Million.
Quality Health care for everyone.
Most of stimulus money is going into school improvements and renovation.
Only about 7 TV stations and 4 of those were sports, one CNN and always one for kids.
Seems like the news folks don’t take themselves seriously with joking and informality on TV.
Several of the same shows as ours, but done with Australian contestants and MC.
Most news was about sports and entertainment personalities and weather.
Amazed by the focus on the lives of personalities.
Little on politics. Very little on crime or overseas developments.
Major focus on environmental cleanup and conservation.
Lots of informal socializing among people being friends to one another.
Much open respect and financial support for the indigenous peoples and their culture.
Saw little use of cell phones in public and no one driving with phones, even though they were used publicly en masse in 2000 when we were in Sydney.
Respectful driving and respectful conservative dress. (No low cut tops or low slung pants)
Both big cities had fabulous public transportation systems.
Melbourne (4 million people) has over 30 large sports stadiums and arenas.
Very few obese people. most adults seem to engage in sports activities.
Huge cultural diversity present everywhere.
Food choices simple with scones (with cream and jam) and tea served mid morning and mid afternoon.)
Australia may have learned some good habits from the USA and avoided some of our bad habits.

Some key reminders for me:
1) Appreciate what we have created for ourselves.
2) Be respectful in driving, dress, communication everywhere with everyone.
3) You can be respectful with informality, humor and enjoyment.
4) Treat brothers and sisters of color and diversity with equal respect and value.
5) When you have made an error in the past, correct it now with financial support and care.
6) Treat the mother Earth and all species with  the respect and sacredness nature deserves.
7) Be good to your children and your neighbors and everyone will be good to you.
8) Speak honestly without criticism and blame with respect and gratitude.
9) Use technology less. And be with people and nature directly.
10) Balance your life, your time, your work, your meals, your relationships to stay healthy.

Lots more was gained. We came home feeling blesses by the whole experience!
We also feel blessed by being home with our own balanced natural and good life.
Loving You, 

Betty Lue












Saturday, March 13, 2010

Coming Home 

Sunday Service10-11AM “ Be Healthy”. Potluck 11:15-12 noon, Workshop  12-1PM
50 Sand Creek Rd, #140, Brentwood, CA 94513


This morning I want to share about the travel experiences to inspire you to get up and go somewhere new.
But mostly what I am feeling is so very glad to be home with You and me and all that sets us free to be.
I will share with you pictures, cultural and national differences we observed in late reminders.
This morning I want to share my appreciation for what we have created together in love.

Home is where the heart is.
Home is the familiarity of our own creation…our home, our bed, our kitchen, our foods.
Home is the opportunity to have what we want without consciously creating it bit by bit.
Home is the place where we feel we can fully be ourselves and do what inspires us.

As I am writing this I recognize that some travel to get away from a life that is not theirs.
Some see a vacation as the time to relax from how hard they must work to have what they want.
Some experience their everyday life as a place from which they want to escape and retire.
For me, my life is my vacation, my retirement, my home, my inspiration and my source of renewal.

What more could I want than what I have created for myself and those around me?
What else could I have that would inspire and renew me?
What better place to be that where I am at home and at work and at play?
I have created a life I love and people I am inspired by our relationships!

For me coming home is the return to the paradise of my own conscious creation.
It is the canvas on which I can more easily paint the landscape in which I live.
The return from travel is the opportunity to gain perspective on what I have and what I give.
My life is a creative expression of who I Am and what I want.

I cannot want what I already have.
I am home.
I am in love.
I am sooooo grateful.

And I love being with you in the most intimate way I know….sharing these Loving Reminders!
Loving you, 

Betty Lue

Questions to ask yourself:
Have you created a life you love?
Do you live in a home in which you feel safe and happy and free?
Are you doing the work you enjoy?
Do you fully appreciate the landscape of your life?


Monday, March 01, 2010

Negotiate 

This evening we leave for 10 days in Australia.
We will focus on natural beauty, wildlife and the aboriginal culture.
We will have no computer, but will receive email on Robert’s phone.
We will be able to text back short replies.
We will return late on Friday March 12.
If emergency, please email or text Robert or myself.
My emails will be forwarded to his phone.
 


It is always preferable to find solutions where no one loses.
Win/win solutions seem to be rare.
Seeking the way where everyone is content and at peace is the goal.
With peace a deeper understanding comes.

How do you negotiate when you don’t want to compromise?
How can you find a way so that everyone is happy?
How do you listen for the solution within when everyone has their own opinion?
How do you give up what seems best for you and not best for others?

Compromise is often a lose/lose solution where both parties give up something.
What is best for everyone is necessary to create a beneficial outcome for all parties.
Give the process the time and attention it needs to resolve conflicts and create what works.
Give full attention to listening to the needs of all parties and seeking solutions which meet those needs.
******************************************************
Steps:
Listen to assess needs of all.
Set the stage for brainstorming solutions.
Brainstorm without judging possible solutions. (Be outrageous and create 30 + solutions)
Evaluate the possible solutions listening for anything that might work.
Choose the 2-3 solutions OK’s by the participants.
Put together an implementation plan.
Revaluate the effectiveness with 30-60 days.
Begin again if needed.

Start by inquiring what is needed by each person involved.
Needs assessments are the most important step in an effective problem solving.
When the individual’s needs are met, it is far easier to co-create acceptable solutions.
Problems or glitches may occur if there are values differences or some parties are unwilling or unable to acknowledge their true needs.
Occasionally individuals simply play to win.
The misunderstanding is that if one loses, all lose.

To negotiate require openness, willingness, appreciation of all points of view.
Negotiation often includes a neutral party or facilitator to ensure the equality of outcome.
It may be up to the most conscious one to let go and support the others in achieving their goals.
Or sometimes it is clear for whom the outcome is most important in which case it is best to let go.

The process of finding that is highest and best for all concerned invites us to be at our best.
We must be conscious, clear, respectful, effective in listening and communicating.
Creating win/win solutions is key to happiness and harmony in our world.
All of us can participate in our work place and home, as well as in politics and finance.

Loving us all into negotiating for the highest Good,
Betty Lue