Sunday, December 25, 2005

December 25, 2005

This is the second year that I have a wreath on one side of the back door and a Mogen David in the window on the other side. I painted Merry Christmas over the wreath and Happy Chanukah on the window over the Mogen David. Ours is a “mixed tradition” household.

I believe Christmas is about sharing the spirit of love with those who matter to you. All the accoutrements do not change the spirit. I think mostly they are only symbols to “remind” a person of the holiday. It’s a sign of our collective world society to have to be reminded………however, if the true spirit of love is in your heart then the traditional candles, the trees, Santa Claus, gift exchanges, special foods (cookies - yum!), holiday songs, etc. are just extras – because it is the Christed ray of love that counts.

The tradition of lighting the menorah is to remind us of the miracle God performed for the Maccabees. The lighted Mogen David (The 6-sided star of David), the dreidel cookies, etc. are just extras too -- if the true spirit of thanksgiving is in your heart.

As I look at it this morning, I see a household that is steeped in traditions – each for different reasons but each that bless the Divine Creator for miracles that resulted in thanksgiving and love. One doesn’t need “holydays” to live in that attitude. Chanukah is a yearly reminder of G_d’s faithfulness. Christmas is a yearly reminder of the Messiah’s love for humankind.

Surrounded by thanksgiving and love one can live in the essence of peace, joy, and yes, healing. That seems like a really great “mixture” to me.

posted by Shirley @ Sunday, December 25, 2005 0 comments

Wednesday, December 07, 2005

Letting go.........

When our children are young, we have to protect them from all sorts of things. When they learn to ride a bike, we eventually have to take the training wheels off and send them on their way, knowing they are going to come back sooner or later with scraped knees. The same is true in relationships. They learn the reality of relationships too -- sooner or later -- theirs AND the relationship of their parents. As children, we have to protect them from the truth at times because young children tend to blame themselves for the parents' problems. As adults though, they need to find out the truth so they can let go of any self-blame they may be carrying around.
Even though the truth hurts -- deep down sometimes -- it clears away the fog so that we can look at our lives clearly.....and healing begins.

(Thanks Dan!)

posted by Shirley @ Wednesday, December 07, 2005 0 comments

Friday, December 02, 2005

The Goddess Within by Shirley Swift

You arrived at my birthing
As my body emerged from my mother's blood
And since that time I have been conscious
That somewhere, in the deepest place
Your presence has always been.
Nourishment from your warm breasts
As you suckled me in the ways of life
Became my protection in the world --
A shield for me of your design
A path I chose to follow.
Welcomed into the Sisterhood
According to the cycle of the moon
Your chosen consort was brought to me
For him to take my virgin blood --
Womanhood's price fully paid.
You gave me knowledge of love
Natural hunger to ride urgent and free
A momentary bonding with man
And children came forth from my womb
The circle of Life complete.
And now, grown wise in your ways
Sensing your fire within me still burning
The Goddess is finally revealed
A woman reborn fully grown
And ready to live anew.

posted by Shirley @ Friday, December 02, 2005 0 comments

Inspirations of a Light Worker

Healing comes from within.The mind grasps it, the spirit accepts it, and thebody receives it! In the light of eternity nothing matters except your relationship with your higher power. - Swift

posted by Shirley @ Friday, December 02, 2005 0 comments