tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84528277599916369662024-03-27T11:44:39.650-04:00Forward MotionIn order to grow, one must be in forward motion.Amy Turonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14629469503833115104noreply@blogger.comBlogger1913125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452827759991636966.post-78373410687752879742024-03-27T11:43:00.002-04:002024-03-27T11:43:40.441-04:00Creating through connection<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGXmU8JYHNZUbTwVqILtAPUzxWcZn_mJ8jj7f3_an67DlYg6AdhgmsfHYYsPb8MXo3cVAmEtZU4woQ8pUpu8Ekop4fAtqLakaJ5aNYjgPB12LMxoubkj4ZCKwKEOUM5vUDMNOFoc7dJNleHxrlNtAWrQSO3G73wKvQZ8enaNzuq1HztBs5hhpI7fjySdq/s1170/marketing-creativity-FMS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="1170" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGXmU8JYHNZUbTwVqILtAPUzxWcZn_mJ8jj7f3_an67DlYg6AdhgmsfHYYsPb8MXo3cVAmEtZU4woQ8pUpu8Ekop4fAtqLakaJ5aNYjgPB12LMxoubkj4ZCKwKEOUM5vUDMNOFoc7dJNleHxrlNtAWrQSO3G73wKvQZ8enaNzuq1HztBs5hhpI7fjySdq/w400-h288/marketing-creativity-FMS.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />“Practice any art, music, singing, dancing, acting, drawing,
painting, sculpture, poetry, fiction, essays, reportage, no matter how well or
badly, not to get money and fame, but to experience becoming, to find out what’s
inside you, to make your soul grow.” <i>~ Sir Ian McKellen</i> <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Why is this? Because creating is our direct connection to
the great Creator. When I connect to that place within myself that is the
direct umbilical cord to the Divine, then the Divine will express itself
through my hands, my heart, my mind, my eyes. And what will emerge will reflect
the heart of the great Divine.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">How do I feel when I experience this connection? I feel the
flow of power, of something greater than myself. I feel expansive and lifted up….even
exhilarated! This flow of creativity brings great joy to my soul and a cleansing
release from deep within. No matter which form of creativity I engage in, the
feeling is the same - one of great joy and release, an expansiveness of my soul.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So, yes, definitely find this connection to the Universe,
the great Creator, the Divine within, and feel the wind beneath your wings.
Feel like an eagle in an updraft of wind, soaring and flying free. Dance,
paint, create, write, make music, or whatever calls to you. Feel the power and
the freedom!<o:p></o:p></p>Amy Turonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14629469503833115104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452827759991636966.post-12384133502748403802024-03-26T16:29:00.001-04:002024-03-26T17:27:27.460-04:00Whatever, however, wherever<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhavAtMEDFrxcEWJO-meRn47asfjOag9vm1FV0xegi3DxqyOVE7fxT4rJQr582TbM9mMZb_ESlsHGrcWlqhkulj-57sBH9NC_JPYD_ZgY-5JTnpOb5li8HkpGTATAlXdvIMcEVbN1x0IfGHh1qFZyFo0gvEA1almb5ABLuRa3XLEFEKoTbKrIm5n5VKwJ7I/s1344/The-Power-of-Silence-in-a-World-of-Outspokenness.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="896" data-original-width="1344" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhavAtMEDFrxcEWJO-meRn47asfjOag9vm1FV0xegi3DxqyOVE7fxT4rJQr582TbM9mMZb_ESlsHGrcWlqhkulj-57sBH9NC_JPYD_ZgY-5JTnpOb5li8HkpGTATAlXdvIMcEVbN1x0IfGHh1qFZyFo0gvEA1almb5ABLuRa3XLEFEKoTbKrIm5n5VKwJ7I/w400-h266/The-Power-of-Silence-in-a-World-of-Outspokenness.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />There is a path that leads to stillness and silence. In
fact, there are many paths to stillness and silence. We each find our own path
to this place within ourselves where all is at peace and quiet.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">What I discovered is that the silence <b>IS </b>where I meet
with the ineffable (God, Source, All That Is, the Universe, Energy, or whatever
label you choose to name the ineffable.) The Source of all lives in the
silence, and when I am quiet, I feel that connection and hear the whispers that
are so soft that I can only hear them if I am living in the quiet.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The path is unique for each of us. Meditation, yoga, prayer,
being in nature, listening to music, playing an instrument, painting/creating,
rocking on the porch, and many more ways. Whatever comes naturally to you to find
stillness and silence is <b>YOUR</b> path. It matters not how you arrive, only
that you <b>DO</b> arrive. So pick a path….whatever, however, wherever, and enter
in the sanctuary that is within yourself.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This stillness is where my umbilical cord to the Source lies.
Through this umbilical cord of silence, I am sustained, I expand, I soar, and I
am HOME. My life is fed and nurtured from this umbilical cord of silence, God
within. I have come to the place in my journey where I crave the silence and am
most at peace when my mind is quiet and the silence reigns over all within my
being.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Amy Turonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14629469503833115104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452827759991636966.post-62735361084472276822024-03-25T14:19:00.002-04:002024-03-25T14:19:53.221-04:00Take what you like…<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPigiLGLyRaDmDGXLbH5gThr-KnE3Xt2WkzroxRQrNwQPCCN7xwjEIJu883Q50i1Y0hAoHw9V9GOIsEJ06Cu4suysH2-DyWSx25p1XF6pyF9lT56o9H1FookTfQO-BtSAXJU1Vh9aNYyIlB4vU9FPpmEstTfTrBqexA-kRt7tukMyPZ79shpp8cObtlSZ/s800/alejandro-alvarez-150148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSPigiLGLyRaDmDGXLbH5gThr-KnE3Xt2WkzroxRQrNwQPCCN7xwjEIJu883Q50i1Y0hAoHw9V9GOIsEJ06Cu4suysH2-DyWSx25p1XF6pyF9lT56o9H1FookTfQO-BtSAXJU1Vh9aNYyIlB4vU9FPpmEstTfTrBqexA-kRt7tukMyPZ79shpp8cObtlSZ/w400-h250/alejandro-alvarez-150148.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />In the rooms of recovery our closing has this line: “The opinions expressed here were strictly those of the person who gave them. Take
what you like and leave the rest.” I began to hear that line week after week
and slowly it began to take root. To me, that was an entirely new and foreign
concept. In the very conservative religion I had been brought up in we were
taught that this “cherry picking” was not allowed. So the idea of sifting
through input and only taking what I liked seemed like blasphemy.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Another line from our recovery room is, “Keep an open
mind.” Again, that was a foreign concept because I had been told over and over
again what to believe and what was “truth.” I was not to waver one step away
from that straight line. To do so, I was warned, would be dangerous and might
lead me astray. So I stuck to the “straight and narrow” as it had been told to
me by others.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">However, as I watched others in the recovery room find a God
of their understanding, become transformed before my eyes, find peace and
contentment and even great JOY, I began to open my eyes and my mind. The “truth” I had been
taught didn’t match up with what I was seeing with my eyes and witnessing
before me in living color.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I began to see that things I had been taught to be “true”
were not necessarily truth. I began to wonder, what <b>IS</b> true? As time went
on, I made a conscious decision to take all the “truth” that I had been taught
out of my box and put it all on the table. I wanted to start with a clean
slate; to discover and observe and listen and learn. Maybe not everything I had
been taught to believe was correct. I began to explore with a clean
slate and began to take what I liked and leave the rest. That road has led
me to surprising places….but most of all the road has led me to a life of
peace, and serenity, freedom, and most of all JOY beyond my wildest
imagination!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">More will be revealed!<o:p></o:p></p>Amy Turonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14629469503833115104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452827759991636966.post-25156454859265398252024-03-18T11:55:00.002-04:002024-03-18T12:03:18.502-04:00Slow down and notice<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEO8V17Kxrx7kGdf_O2EZnkIqpi8lCDBDHiBxxUH0e3mHPHvDCDrTKLDT91TBFH1JhlqF21mjV2a8J11qIgejNxBYXRqH_k2i5yC7tZPxkNzkwNprr8yeSgpp_VnsEahVdWb5mIOpPHVINjVT6ZWLhsaqudUR25rH_dIWKsuM3GbFya1EQsx0QFmQhLR5O/s300/SLD_0024_SLD25-300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEO8V17Kxrx7kGdf_O2EZnkIqpi8lCDBDHiBxxUH0e3mHPHvDCDrTKLDT91TBFH1JhlqF21mjV2a8J11qIgejNxBYXRqH_k2i5yC7tZPxkNzkwNprr8yeSgpp_VnsEahVdWb5mIOpPHVINjVT6ZWLhsaqudUR25rH_dIWKsuM3GbFya1EQsx0QFmQhLR5O/s1600/SLD_0024_SLD25-300x300.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>“Not causing harm requires staying awake. Part of being
awake is slowing down enough to notice what we say and do. The more we witness
our emotional reactions and understand how they work, the easier it is to
refrain from harmful speech or action. It becomes a way of life to stay awake,
slow down, and notice.” <i>~ Pema Chodron</i> <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I used to be asleep in my life. I was always running through
my life, chasing the next thing on my “to do” list, reaching for the next goal,
trying to find whatever I was missing but never succeeding. My life then was a
blur of activity without ever really seeing. I missed a lot of life living in
the fast lane.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My life journey led me to crash. An emotional and physical
crash. I became broken….and stuck. Eventually I reached out for help by seeing
a therapist. Only then did my life truly begin. From the ashes of brokenness, I
began to rebuild my life from the foundation up. Everything had to be
reevaluated.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I found myself on a new path, a new journey. I stopped
living in the fast lane and began to just sit in silence and look around me. I
saw for the first time all that I had been missing. I began to wake up. One
step at a time my journey unfolded…my Journey to Joy. <o:p></o:p></p>Amy Turonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14629469503833115104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452827759991636966.post-14191024503072686952024-03-12T22:06:00.000-04:002024-03-12T22:06:01.741-04:00My Journey to Joy<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MEac3nM-R6n3GUUAAGfxfw6b9hEjf3nRCnI5exRD57ZBbN2g0ssXJ8EcGRscWSMNB0uh1YVh43RIPA98wZmAKQM11sxQXds8sAd5EtdsZzs8SPnRHUKp5rgrGq452ccUQQY5E70HGi7IEioJc7QyueYv1nBzjBzwmhZRAuWvi4lSNBCENTh5b94P7J9s/s2536/2024-02-26%20-%20My%20hearts%20explodes%20with%20JOY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2493" data-original-width="2536" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MEac3nM-R6n3GUUAAGfxfw6b9hEjf3nRCnI5exRD57ZBbN2g0ssXJ8EcGRscWSMNB0uh1YVh43RIPA98wZmAKQM11sxQXds8sAd5EtdsZzs8SPnRHUKp5rgrGq452ccUQQY5E70HGi7IEioJc7QyueYv1nBzjBzwmhZRAuWvi4lSNBCENTh5b94P7J9s/s320/2024-02-26%20-%20My%20hearts%20explodes%20with%20JOY.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />As I have journeyed on this Earth for (almost) 70 years,
much spiritual growth has taken place. As a young person I was filled with fear
and sadness. By the time I was 7 years of age I suffered a bleeding stomach
ulcer from the fear and anxiety I was living in. That has all been replaced, I
am happy to say. This road has been my personal “Journey to Joy!”<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Today, I live without fear and with a deep sense of Joy that
permeates my soul 24 hours a day. I describe my life as living in a state of
euphoria. The Joy overtakes me and causes my heart to expand and explode from
within. I discovered that this Joy comes from the depths of my soul and not
from any external circumstances.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The journey has been one of many steps, each individually
planned for me by All That Is. I have loved watching my journey unfold over the
years. Each relationship, each crisis, each book, each event of my life has
been carefully curated to lead me along the path to release the Joy that has
always been there, within my soul.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Contained in that Joy is also peace and serenity—byproducts of
a connection to Source that has always existed since before I was even born. I
just needed to find my way Home.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This mandala that I recently drew is my expression of the
Joy I feel in my life. It explodes and expands and takes me to heights I never
knew existed!<o:p></o:p></p>Amy Turonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14629469503833115104noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452827759991636966.post-18826461876608795122024-02-17T11:21:00.001-05:002024-02-17T11:21:48.852-05:00Always show up<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2xJyDfsYgCpz2hxEy7nP0azVbJnHnPF-utnLaimTSAgKru-0G0a2nQvUDlmDGZf1_rNFViqFiBBW9o9tegLp1y-oUTESVCU78oodkTLIjXyEYtWdpgiwpZdrovV3m4gyL5kgtFv434BsnzCV25rFCNHl2gvd9xKBTz3eRmgA1gAQlXp_The6CKgo7Gl9D/s1024/Be.1-682x1024.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="682" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2xJyDfsYgCpz2hxEy7nP0azVbJnHnPF-utnLaimTSAgKru-0G0a2nQvUDlmDGZf1_rNFViqFiBBW9o9tegLp1y-oUTESVCU78oodkTLIjXyEYtWdpgiwpZdrovV3m4gyL5kgtFv434BsnzCV25rFCNHl2gvd9xKBTz3eRmgA1gAQlXp_The6CKgo7Gl9D/w266-h400/Be.1-682x1024.png" width="266" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #363636;">A friend recently
shared this opinion piece from the NY Times. Below are a couple of snippets
from the article:</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #363636; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></p><blockquote><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #363636; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“You are not alone</span>.
This year, you walk the path of the anguished. Perhaps next year, it will be
me. I hold your broken heart knowing that one day you will hold mine.” Step
toward those whom you know will hold you tenderly. “Tell me about your
sorrow,” may be the deepest affirmation of our humanity. “I can’t take
your pain away, but I can promise you won’t have to hold it alone. Tell
me, what happened to you? What’s your story?”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/19/opinion/religion-ancient-text-judaism.html?unlocked_article_code=1.V00.ftfh.L63O0HPipDsS&smid=fb-share&fbclid=IwAR01ky8vxYhaRmJFwtbsO-YEUVhtQCKoWOzfAznZgLceQUocnVbIoZW5ZL0"><span style="color: blue;">Opinion | Train Yourself to Always Show Up - The New York
Times (nytimes.com)</span></a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #363636;"> </span></p></blockquote><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white; color: #363636;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #363636; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Who are those people
in your life? Those people who are part of your “tribe.” They show up. They
reach out. They check in to see if you are okay. They listen carefully.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #363636; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">When someone’s name
or face pops into your mind, it is often a whisper from the Spirit urging you
to reach out to that person with a visit or a phone call. We are not alone;
there are those around us who love us and will support us through whatever is
going on in our lives.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #363636; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Connection—so important
in our lives. Who are you connected to?<o:p></o:p></span></p>Amy Turonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14629469503833115104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452827759991636966.post-86784980372280534912024-02-14T11:41:00.001-05:002024-02-14T11:41:36.140-05:00The way of heaven?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkeSeZprJ2qxtuZpRTXcIfp2JWlaVEubyTR-0KN_-VBy73EWoS7avcJpPHvTzijGw5p-Mxgq_6G-ogRherTLJVge7sr30v03umSu78gC5mo7c9biDfPCTMN8kHhvSfJqaOMVAVfwcURTngpjeWMtQwHKANjjHOa9dfp4GwLswgcPQe783cOEJy4dsFGARD/s770/9809957-CFVGBNQK-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="494" data-original-width="770" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkeSeZprJ2qxtuZpRTXcIfp2JWlaVEubyTR-0KN_-VBy73EWoS7avcJpPHvTzijGw5p-Mxgq_6G-ogRherTLJVge7sr30v03umSu78gC5mo7c9biDfPCTMN8kHhvSfJqaOMVAVfwcURTngpjeWMtQwHKANjjHOa9dfp4GwLswgcPQe783cOEJy4dsFGARD/w400-h256/9809957-CFVGBNQK-7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>“When your words are gentle and true, when your language is
careful and loving, when your voice is calm and comforting: then you are
speaking in the way of heaven.” ~ Steven Charleston</p><p class="MsoNormal">What is the way of heaven? Love, of course. Love is All
There Is, another name for the fabric of all the universes that exist. Our
mission here as a spirit being in a human form is to learn how to walk in this
unconditional love from which we came. Step by step, we learn how to live and
apply unconditional love.</p><p class="MsoNormal">So the circumstances of our life are not really that
important. It’s all about how we <b>respond</b> to the circumstances. We have the
freedom to choose how we will respond to the happenings around us. A response
of unconditional love changes everything, but most importantly it changes <b>us</b>
internally.</p><p class="MsoNormal">When I can choose to respond with unconditional love and
remain fully planted in that love, then my soul will not be “ruffled” and I
will remain rooted in peace and joy. I know that the circumstances that come my way
are there to give me opportunities to practice unconditional love again and
again. With practice, learning to respond with love will become my way of life.<o:p></o:p></p><p>
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Amy Turonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14629469503833115104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452827759991636966.post-32740157721299265072024-01-20T12:51:00.000-05:002024-01-20T12:51:27.270-05:00Angel hugs<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS4-NEJ6IGQqtKdai0dDKyzBKfr2UVJ9guha2uKsA3ACIzX3oiBvuLfrJIq2UAjedYN0CNPZVBlDA2qSrL0HCrpoXyxFI7LfTkxknBOxRH7tsiROxVereRG5YtK83KfVzeBvd0gXQ-8KvCCIp6LbNcyPPBfvgusX1kYxj6OLiV-RsBAZ94Nm5trV0JA1XB/s640/ab67616d0000b27366f0ba6f0131ef4fad80505a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS4-NEJ6IGQqtKdai0dDKyzBKfr2UVJ9guha2uKsA3ACIzX3oiBvuLfrJIq2UAjedYN0CNPZVBlDA2qSrL0HCrpoXyxFI7LfTkxknBOxRH7tsiROxVereRG5YtK83KfVzeBvd0gXQ-8KvCCIp6LbNcyPPBfvgusX1kYxj6OLiV-RsBAZ94Nm5trV0JA1XB/s320/ab67616d0000b27366f0ba6f0131ef4fad80505a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I have become intimately acquainted with the
collective group of spiritual beings that commune and walk with me while I am
here on earth as a human. This collective includes angels, guides, humans who
have crossed through the veil, and others. The sweet term I have given to the
collective that watches over me is my <b>A-Team</b> (my angel team).<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My A-Team is with me constantly, day and night. Some might
refer to this communion as the Holy Spirit. Names are not really important in
the spirit kingdom, for we are in fact all one. I find my A-Team to be wise,
witty and funny. They wake me in the night with words and pictures and sometimes
prophetic information.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">During the past year my A-Team awakened me one night at 3:13
am. With a giggle they informed me that from now on whenever they “snag” me on a number that is palindromic, it is them sending me a virtual HUG. For example,
7:17, 5:35, 9:49. It is like a little tap on the shoulder saying, “We’re here
with you right now, loving you, caring for you, and giving you a hug.”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My A-Team “snags” me by drawing my attention to the clock. I
definitely feel it as a pulling of my attention. And then I hear them giggle
with delight. I follow up with a big, heartfelt “Thank you!” I always thank them
for their presence and their love. I love my angel hugs, and they do it
throughout the night as well as in the daytime. It gives me a comforting sense
of their ongoing presence in my human journey, ever watchful over me and my life.<o:p></o:p></p>Amy Turonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14629469503833115104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452827759991636966.post-18269142711307107362024-01-12T16:26:00.000-05:002024-01-12T16:26:02.875-05:00A favorite memory<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7jSjpa5eI1-3rOG_cg3Mn5U5oMCS2w4NMhFSI9nqJMhT3v7AwX8UzZNy4mkpknKXbPXIHRnhEluDcvb1_wfXPxM46wxTid7Jpy9D-0qNbwNeXlHBWpphBM2WS4xO-lQpacOmDfyCBsb6SdTNSzkbdKgnoOCcagZV76LLpu2i-eHCyzdz7YhtI9qSIZOR3/s584/Screenshot%202024-01-12%20162428.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="584" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7jSjpa5eI1-3rOG_cg3Mn5U5oMCS2w4NMhFSI9nqJMhT3v7AwX8UzZNy4mkpknKXbPXIHRnhEluDcvb1_wfXPxM46wxTid7Jpy9D-0qNbwNeXlHBWpphBM2WS4xO-lQpacOmDfyCBsb6SdTNSzkbdKgnoOCcagZV76LLpu2i-eHCyzdz7YhtI9qSIZOR3/w400-h266/Screenshot%202024-01-12%20162428.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />Our five children are all grown and live their active, busy
lives. Recently, on a family zoom call we asked the kids what their favorite vacation
memory was from childhood. And this was their interesting response. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We had no money to go on a fancy vacation, so when my
husband’s parents were on <b>their</b> vacation, they graciously allowed us to
come and stay in their home in a nearby city while they were away. To us, this
was a luxury to have a <b>FREE</b> vacation home!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So, we settled into their large 4-bedroom home which was a
gift to begin with. Basically, there were no rules for the week. You could
sleep in as long as you wanted in the morning. No one had to make their bed or
pick up their toys. We lounged around all day snacking and watching videos from
Blockbuster (remember when that was a thing!).</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We ate pizza and ice cream and whatever we wanted. We
visited the local pool and the shell factory. No rules, just fun. And <b>this</b>
is the vacation the children recall as their most fun vacation of all! Isn’t it
amazing that something so simple could be a lifetime, favorite, precious memory!<o:p></o:p></p>Amy Turonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14629469503833115104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452827759991636966.post-36648362714068285112024-01-10T21:52:00.000-05:002024-01-10T21:52:42.346-05:00Many hearts and hands at work<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFDUttUqOFW5QjF_r1H25RSD0-s4Rn4aHEC1UicGPbod97zWJNF6m9CkdExEAy1PiNSFzt9j3dDOVh1Xf8vaxjSExJnTw3IfVKEgvoGB4EKN9p6jAUBv0F2UmOFkMHn6ErwY26wl6MCHrEp79gXcbQZew-mtc2zo97_MmlRnbzqHfd6wdo8Xr36p2Whq0/s969/Screenshot%202024-01-10%20213514.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="721" data-original-width="969" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFDUttUqOFW5QjF_r1H25RSD0-s4Rn4aHEC1UicGPbod97zWJNF6m9CkdExEAy1PiNSFzt9j3dDOVh1Xf8vaxjSExJnTw3IfVKEgvoGB4EKN9p6jAUBv0F2UmOFkMHn6ErwY26wl6MCHrEp79gXcbQZew-mtc2zo97_MmlRnbzqHfd6wdo8Xr36p2Whq0/w400-h297/Screenshot%202024-01-10%20213514.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />I live in Western NC where it is cold and frozen this time
of the year. But today my husband brought home a quart of fresh strawberries from
our local grocery store, Publix. I looked at the beautiful berries and noted
that they originated from Plant City, Florida—a place very close to where we
lived for 50 years.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As I prepared the strawberries, I began to think about all
the hands and hearts that had touched these berries. The farmer who prepared
the land, those who planted the plants, those who covered the plants during
cold nights in Florida, those hands that carefully picked the ripe berries.
Then there are those that packed them in boxes, and truckers who delivered the
berries over the highways to our grocery store. And finally, the produce
managers who placed the boxes on the display shelves, and the checkout clerks
who rang up the cost of the berries.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So many hands, so many hearts went into these beautiful
berries. As I hulled and cut the berries I said my “thank you” to each hand
that had worked so diligently to bring fresh strawberries to us who are in the
winter season. My heart was filled with gratitude for all the people involved.
I do not take it lightly or thoughtlessly. There was sacrifice and great labor
that went into this simple box of strawberries.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There was not one single bad berry in the box. Each berry
shone its face of beauty to me, like giving me wide smiles and hugs of love
with each berry I took out of the box. How amazing that we can have fresh
strawberries in the middle of January!<o:p></o:p></p>Amy Turonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14629469503833115104noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452827759991636966.post-62924697623172144612024-01-09T22:00:00.006-05:002024-01-09T22:00:50.857-05:00It really is about the little things<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6EE9kc-pWSkEgrVubDWrf4OduyRfj8buvutBsnry9OEaq1bjzqHgE7WedupBKTVjNiyMQu9HPcSAoM2dovgkf7noAxSZWM9ZhQiAk7ldV9fDtui0H5phYGP2xyZJ6-L8ZndJW2uqfcOKHpP6ozXzTlXnVcc6-jYpn7DSicodAs8YWOv18M4M8xjlxFMgi/s4032/IMG_7099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6EE9kc-pWSkEgrVubDWrf4OduyRfj8buvutBsnry9OEaq1bjzqHgE7WedupBKTVjNiyMQu9HPcSAoM2dovgkf7noAxSZWM9ZhQiAk7ldV9fDtui0H5phYGP2xyZJ6-L8ZndJW2uqfcOKHpP6ozXzTlXnVcc6-jYpn7DSicodAs8YWOv18M4M8xjlxFMgi/w400-h300/IMG_7099.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Looking back over my 69 years on earth, I do find that this
is a true statement. It is all the little things that make the most beautiful
moments of our lives, and the memories that sustain us.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Today, in the torrential rain we needed to go out to pick up
our car at the shop. My husband says, “Hey, want to stop at the coffee shop?”
In the pouring rain, with only a few guests in the coffee shop, we purchased
our drinks and a baked good, settled into a comfortable chair in the corner and
had a quiet moment in the middle of the afternoon. Sweet memories and moments
of love to cherish.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">One tradition we have around our home is to light a candle.
We have a candle on our dining room table which we light for every meal, even
breakfast. We have a candle on the porch, in the living room, in the office,
etc. Wherever we are, there is candle to light which brings a softness and a
gentle quiet to our daily lives. The candle in this picture was a gift,
homemade by our hairdresser and given to us as a Christmas gift. It's inside an orange peel with rose petals and thyme.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Which reminds me, our son’s girlfriend made all homemade
gifts for us for Christmas, tied up with Christmas ribbon and marked with a
Sharpie. Hot Cocoa, Pumpkin Pancake Mix, bath bomb, whipped soap, body lotion,
lip balm—all homemade with love and care. Talk about the little things! Every
part of those gifts brought joy and love to my heart.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">All the little things that come our way are actually the big
gifts of our lives! The memories are cherished with joy and delight.<o:p></o:p></p>Amy Turonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14629469503833115104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452827759991636966.post-24561437099998416092024-01-03T08:21:00.000-05:002024-01-03T08:21:14.201-05:00How Is Your Soul?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3W7pLkV4vExakgd2LwCPBvzMZAptLeMBTQ5zyezZ6M0kUcBgVxPpF_JU5iul4hzhYUeCmUMBU_ZI2WLvb93ttch2_xPdWmiA6boQJ1ft7GRSKbypPfDgifVwVHrbVSXAXwqHLh4nWvwqqUBAedErdLSHk_xlitZzUMTY4Ix0FzQh2EKlnMhx7b89CD0z1/s620/410176451_1319784045441034_4479238313154238278_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="620" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3W7pLkV4vExakgd2LwCPBvzMZAptLeMBTQ5zyezZ6M0kUcBgVxPpF_JU5iul4hzhYUeCmUMBU_ZI2WLvb93ttch2_xPdWmiA6boQJ1ft7GRSKbypPfDgifVwVHrbVSXAXwqHLh4nWvwqqUBAedErdLSHk_xlitZzUMTY4Ix0FzQh2EKlnMhx7b89CD0z1/w400-h396/410176451_1319784045441034_4479238313154238278_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />I have a dear friend who likes to greet me with this
question, “How is your soul?” I love her greeting. And after all, isn’t this
what is most important? A cursory “I’m fine” will not suffice. I want to know,
deep within your heart, is your spirit at rest and peace? Does joy fill that
intimate place within your being?<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We are all connected, heart to heart. When we look into each
other’s eyes, we can see into the very soul, for the eyes are the window to the
soul. How wonderful to not be afraid to look deep into the eyes of another
person. This is intimacy—into me you see.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It takes courage and vulnerability to ask this question to
another, “How is your soul?” It also takes self-awareness to be able to answer
this question. Actually, how <b>AM</b> I in my soul? It can be very easy to
loose connection with one’s self, to not even know how I actually am. Am I
awake, alive, present? Am I at peace?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Maybe it would be an excellent practice to daily ask myself,
“How is your soul?” How wonderful it would be to bring this question to those
around us.<o:p></o:p></p>Amy Turonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14629469503833115104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452827759991636966.post-53064698836688852692024-01-02T08:13:00.000-05:002024-01-02T08:13:15.577-05:0013 Years Ago<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguS9VcHYznpIKBM8R97mXnBfNBaRqaEx5B_d0P5cA_0Zu6VCFiighBDF2IU86i1pOJ94XYCgaC6p8yDPBvRmmjoe_pQP_JBuBkto2ZLzyFai5f0UPJ9z-mMU_HayeKReWBUJ0Lafanfx5Y2lQBb5tBOmBjtNk1RN33flh0gLkfecyeOS-Q5GKSCos52imE/s752/13227101_10208104216780910_5544423727223636180_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="686" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguS9VcHYznpIKBM8R97mXnBfNBaRqaEx5B_d0P5cA_0Zu6VCFiighBDF2IU86i1pOJ94XYCgaC6p8yDPBvRmmjoe_pQP_JBuBkto2ZLzyFai5f0UPJ9z-mMU_HayeKReWBUJ0Lafanfx5Y2lQBb5tBOmBjtNk1RN33flh0gLkfecyeOS-Q5GKSCos52imE/s320/13227101_10208104216780910_5544423727223636180_n.jpg" width="292" /></a></div><br />Today, Facebook reminded me that I had joined <i>Shapes</i>
gym 13 years ago. They were featuring a New Years deal on gym membership. I had
been feeling a gentle nudge from Spirit for quite some time to investigate this
gym membership. So, at 56 years old and in really bad physical shape, I took
the plunge. I was overweight, out of shape, and had a host of physical issues.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Thirteen years later I am still committed to taking care of
my physical, sacred temple. What I discovered at the gym was more than physical
improvement. I discovered a whole social network of friends who had positive
attitudes and were also working toward this common goal. We created our own
Facebook page and went out for monthly luncheons together. We had an annual Christmas
party and were there for each other through the times of struggle.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I lost about 25 pounds and reversed my osteoporosis as well.
Eventually I found myself in the best physical shape I had been in my life.
What has continued is a commitment to take care of my sacred temple. Eventually
my husband joined me in working out and we now have a workout room in our home
where we have a regular routine of working out together in the mornings.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I am grateful for Spirit who is also calling us and bidding
us to take the next step in our spiritual journey. My part is to pay attention
to the nudges and whispers, and to say “yes” to the calls of my heart. Each
step is ever drawing us toward the highest version of ourselves. Grateful.<o:p></o:p></p>Amy Turonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14629469503833115104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452827759991636966.post-29828541768995984722024-01-01T12:33:00.000-05:002024-01-01T12:33:06.828-05:00Out with the old, in with the new<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm_Srx2mpLxvIQuiIpCVubpf2SqduH66aHosC4v-kC79pSiqA6nI2bqhl9D4IX_XelQB8t5jmCCM0-l3aGwImaiom3GCKfLazGEoXq-KNO-VgbtRvnJL8DRGsXlfsZp2jQNi-gghcdtglHcT45cTQT4XWjgYqRFMSTA1V7ME9B_N8OgzTa41HoFqtd0x5L/s4032/IMG_7085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm_Srx2mpLxvIQuiIpCVubpf2SqduH66aHosC4v-kC79pSiqA6nI2bqhl9D4IX_XelQB8t5jmCCM0-l3aGwImaiom3GCKfLazGEoXq-KNO-VgbtRvnJL8DRGsXlfsZp2jQNi-gghcdtglHcT45cTQT4XWjgYqRFMSTA1V7ME9B_N8OgzTa41HoFqtd0x5L/s320/IMG_7085.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />Recently I pulled out my sewing box to do a small repair, discovering
that the box after 50 years had finally fallen apart. My cat, over the years,
had used my sewing box as a scratching post. The fabric was cracked all across
the top. It was time to replace my sewing box.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I chose a more sturdy plastic box this time around, with
cute cubbies for pins and needles and scissors and such. I also purchased
separate plastic boxes for my bobbins and spools of thread. What a delightful
time I had putting all my items in their new homes!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As I touched each zipper, basting tape, button, Velcro,
clasps, hook-and-eye, memories flooded my heart. With great joy a remember all
the joyous moments over the years when I would walk into a fabric store and
swoon at all the lovely fabrics to choose from. With delight I would go to the
row of pattern books, browsing with hunger until I found just the right
pattern. Then off to the pattern drawers to select my pattern, purchase my
accessories, and then finally choose the perfect fabric.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Sewing felt like Christmas every day! To lay out the
pattern, to cut the material, to see the pieces come together bit by bit, to
try on the finish product, and then to wear it with pride. I sewed almost all
my own clothes back in high school. I also sewed matching outfits for me and my
sisters. I sewed my prom dress and my bridesmaid dresses for my wedding. I made
my husband’s pjs and Barbie clothes for my daughters. I made maternity clothes
for myself. I always had a stack of cloth just waiting to be created into
something lovely.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Wonderful memories of a wonderful journey through life. I am
happily enjoying my new sewing box!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Amy Turonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14629469503833115104noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452827759991636966.post-90573707800542083442023-11-20T12:30:00.000-05:002023-11-20T12:30:25.495-05:00Classical Music in the Forest<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-g_Kf1Odx6tY9Dhi_TCa3GsA2Mu9Z80pIQaVcC1-L0ot6ommeZm3YT-kBxowTaHxaaMyy8x1J1vcnmfL7rM53DFOmVN2uIGca5adYZbU3VKKo4zmHr4mkolTVx0X6vj3mqhE88Z7Vi0h170lwAoc1xQCrbBjoNGTSrMferBssZzG_orDnosXKgScyoqH-/s720/F5W4g4fWkAAwSrX.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-g_Kf1Odx6tY9Dhi_TCa3GsA2Mu9Z80pIQaVcC1-L0ot6ommeZm3YT-kBxowTaHxaaMyy8x1J1vcnmfL7rM53DFOmVN2uIGca5adYZbU3VKKo4zmHr4mkolTVx0X6vj3mqhE88Z7Vi0h170lwAoc1xQCrbBjoNGTSrMferBssZzG_orDnosXKgScyoqH-/s320/F5W4g4fWkAAwSrX.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Inspired by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rx_IibJH4rA">Yo-Yo Ma’s recording</a> of
playing classical music in the Great Smoky Mountains I have begun a new habit
of playing downloaded classical music while hiking in the forests around me. I
have the complete Messiah, the Goldberg Variations, the Brandenburg Concertos,
the Canadian Brass quintet music, Celtic Women, and much more downloaded on my
iPhone.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As I hike among the trees, I play my iPhone music through a Bluetooth
speaker which I carry in my backpack. It has become a way of meditation and
inspiration for me. Other hikers often comment.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I play the music not only for me, but for the trees—these ancient
bastions of wisdom and experience. I feel them lean in toward the music, enthralled
at hearing this heavenly music coming straight from the heart of God to their
ears. And yes, the trees have ears. And yes, they talk to me. And yes, I talk
to them.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So yes, I play classical music in the forest for both the
trees and me to listen to and be thrilled by. For indeed, the entire universe
is filled with music which comes directly from the heart of the great Creator.<o:p></o:p></p>Amy Turonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14629469503833115104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452827759991636966.post-5809112632403115972023-07-11T20:06:00.000-04:002023-07-11T20:06:38.989-04:00The Unnamed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgMuIb1h8UQAI3wMfiUJdSaL9Qlq56Dzc97lCJHDze16osQb0lxsoKRdbLLO1ClKQ4NkRASuyCrI1WRSZ4P96byToDzfOqYw62G4WpGM6yHQ8L0wy802HII2VJ8OZqHqa4Vla7gO6SdnUo9RLCRX_ESvXVoMlVZzfShHe5L-ozAymINuv7lXEgLnqCQdIx/s590/Colorful%20Disco%20Ball%20%2001_preview1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="590" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgMuIb1h8UQAI3wMfiUJdSaL9Qlq56Dzc97lCJHDze16osQb0lxsoKRdbLLO1ClKQ4NkRASuyCrI1WRSZ4P96byToDzfOqYw62G4WpGM6yHQ8L0wy802HII2VJ8OZqHqa4Vla7gO6SdnUo9RLCRX_ESvXVoMlVZzfShHe5L-ozAymINuv7lXEgLnqCQdIx/w400-h204/Colorful%20Disco%20Ball%20%2001_preview1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>How can we put a label on something so large and unknown
that it can’t possibly be named in a single label? That’s how I feel about the
word “God.” How can we name the unnamable?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Infinite, Power, Law, One, Creator, Holy, All, Energy,
Spirit, Source, Infinite Possibility, Universe, Great Spirit, Essence, life Force,
Great Mind, Divine, Master, All that is, Heart of Hearts, Mystery, Beloved,
Joy, Truth, The Force, Father, Mother, Friend, Yahweh, Witness, Guide, Alpha and
Omega, The All, the Voice, Higher Power, Shekinah Glory, I Am, Divine
Consciousness?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There is no perfect name, that’s for sure. This unnamable consciousness
is like a huge disco ball with a thousand mirrored squares. Each mirror is a
different aspect of this Unknown, and together they might just give us a
glimmer of who this Unknown is.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This I know for sure, the Unknown doesn’t care what name we use
to refer to it or to call it. Any label we choose is fine. The Unknown is not
picky and not offended. <o:p></o:p></p>Amy Turonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14629469503833115104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452827759991636966.post-39796198532340569452023-07-10T07:11:00.000-04:002023-07-10T07:11:21.752-04:00The gift of synchronicities<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9-kRc9xsq3u8KeiIowBUaStKUf0Uv3qWlWxK0GceTbNY-RSZlnypgUzoOMgOl588qtIa452SyyJGVL0SRYNCJYU2bvb-K2vZgfVZ_M-mVixGSck5UQX5VxEfHj73dPbkq53chBDFLVuk2VQKXtxp68BSWeAIApcsSRkFsrDNKf68yMb0GJ3KEmy280oYf/s1280/IMG_14711688913634.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9-kRc9xsq3u8KeiIowBUaStKUf0Uv3qWlWxK0GceTbNY-RSZlnypgUzoOMgOl588qtIa452SyyJGVL0SRYNCJYU2bvb-K2vZgfVZ_M-mVixGSck5UQX5VxEfHj73dPbkq53chBDFLVuk2VQKXtxp68BSWeAIApcsSRkFsrDNKf68yMb0GJ3KEmy280oYf/w225-h400/IMG_14711688913634.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br />I love the synchronicities of life that remind me oh so
often of my connection to Spirit and the spiritual dimension. Yesterday was a
day filled with these beautiful synchronicities.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I was so excited to spend the day with a very dear soul
sister….a day totally dedicated to our time together, a gift for my soul from
Spirit. As we hiked in the beautiful Pisgah Forest, butterflies continually
swirled around us. One butterfly in particular, an Admiral butterfly was resting
on the ground in front of me. I bent down and the butterfly climbed onto my
hand. It rested there for the longest time, quietly opening and closing its
beautiful wings. Eventually, I needed to move on, so I gently placed it back in
a safe place on the path.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Admiral butterfly in itself has significant meaning to
my soul sister and me. On an earlier hike together, a cluster of Admiral
butterflies surrounded us and stayed with us. We recognized that they were a
message from my dear sister’s brother who is across the veil. The “Admiral”
part was also of significance, and we knew for sure that this was a connection
to him from across the veil.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My soul sister had made a video of the butterfly on my hand
and later sent it to me. The EXACT length of the video just HAPPENED to be 1:11
minutes long. Now the numbers 1:11 have long been an integral part of my times
together with my soul sister. Over and over again, those numbers had suddenly
appeared to clearly demonstrate our connection with each other and with Spirit.
So of course, I just HAPPENED to glance down at my phone and the time on the
phone was 1:11 placed right over a picture of us that I have as my
background image on my iPhone.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Within minutes of the butterfly gift on the trail, I looked
up and there was a most beautiful Copperhead snake lying directly on the trail
in front of us. My heart was filled with joy and wonder. This is a gift to see
one of these elusive and shy snakes. I snapped a picture and video before he
moved off into the grass. This gift from Spirit contains a special message for
me, and I was so delighted!<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">To top off my day, when I returned home and retrieved the
mail there was a card from another soul sister friend in Florida who included
in her card two feathers she had come upon on her walks…..a white one and a
black one. She lovingly sent them to me as a bond of our love together.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There were a couple of other gifts this same day, and my
heart was filled with joy and wonder at all the beautiful synchronicities that
fill my life….hugs from the other side of the veil which is truly only a thin
veil. I see them, I feel them, I am loved by them, and I am so grateful for them.<o:p></o:p></p>Amy Turonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14629469503833115104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452827759991636966.post-72906431623947520132023-07-09T08:40:00.000-04:002023-07-09T08:40:16.923-04:00Don't go off somewhere else<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTrhoZ5SypzN3qqPM5WnyMds1mLb-NyWxzSxALH9TzvfmzKJqFuPX4ARu6_xe6uHOBGRy9p2d4bocFJh-JyxpDZqeRcIfPxHvQlwotH7u38Bet_HmCJDUH6_cfGyQ0fg99gabmKTA0hqJhUHNw-lEv1kBJu10BVbDcZZCgFer3Klh9riljOy-PBhM2P51/s729/Dog-walking-in-a-field-off-leash-with-its-owner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="486" data-original-width="729" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTrhoZ5SypzN3qqPM5WnyMds1mLb-NyWxzSxALH9TzvfmzKJqFuPX4ARu6_xe6uHOBGRy9p2d4bocFJh-JyxpDZqeRcIfPxHvQlwotH7u38Bet_HmCJDUH6_cfGyQ0fg99gabmKTA0hqJhUHNw-lEv1kBJu10BVbDcZZCgFer3Klh9riljOy-PBhM2P51/w640-h426/Dog-walking-in-a-field-off-leash-with-its-owner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>My mind likes to take adventures of its own sometimes. It
skips ahead to the future sometimes, and it slides backwards to the past
sometimes.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My mind can be like a puppy off leash, running hither and
yon, forward and backward chasing imaginary shadows in the bushes and behind
the trees.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I call my mind back to myself. “Stay here, you silly puppy. There
is much to discover right here in this path we are on.” As my mind becomes
trained, it learns to stay here close at hand, not running away to imaginary
places that do not exist.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As my mind now quietly rests, it becomes like a finely
trained dog who only comes and goes on command, and does not go off somewhere
else.<o:p></o:p></p>Amy Turonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14629469503833115104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452827759991636966.post-4481881722230076172023-07-05T21:02:00.001-04:002023-07-05T21:02:18.486-04:00I speak for current<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwcoectZHpiYFEAoq_rO9xw1YfSG4mDkExyAv_YfeTXoEvk6CMuXIGj7Pq6ISlNq18pGeRT67WTCRQpjmhKtZ_K0TKDmC_PS43G_MCccjj9APRdVV8pw5Uc0I4j6FUbiWg4YMcjs35c3u2_609TG19NP532ZjuBUwT3nOKhH25mNN6HIQMdBKrYYl7AkM/s1280/river-3388188_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwcoectZHpiYFEAoq_rO9xw1YfSG4mDkExyAv_YfeTXoEvk6CMuXIGj7Pq6ISlNq18pGeRT67WTCRQpjmhKtZ_K0TKDmC_PS43G_MCccjj9APRdVV8pw5Uc0I4j6FUbiWg4YMcjs35c3u2_609TG19NP532ZjuBUwT3nOKhH25mNN6HIQMdBKrYYl7AkM/w640-h426/river-3388188_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>I speak for current. I am not in control—I only flow, always
moving forward. Sometimes gently, sometimes with fierceness. But always in
flow. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Who sets my speed? Who directs my path? It matters not, for
I am only focused on moving forward, and I do not look back.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Come, join me. I invite you into my flow. There is joy here.
There is peace here. There is beauty here. And there is great power here.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For nothing will stop the flow. Down, down, down until I
reach the ocean where I will once again ascend and then begin my journey anew.<o:p></o:p></p>Amy Turonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14629469503833115104noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452827759991636966.post-25456691913573652182023-07-04T22:21:00.007-04:002023-07-04T22:21:54.448-04:00I stand at the doorway <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5wyWhqQ3zS76jvIT-sB9dVhdvejd41tpuySfLZ0HwuckPiRyykmRszEvMlYQORIEEGV6n_gMQNWXSGPWn6JbmeWtbtt5JppMEatz58BaYHCbV5Zgj7P_7jHIb9jKBhDIBAz1G95rd_KgUBwcwz58VWHVDoEwUGb65swFjwPexetn-36swIWqxJl9FJol/s626/man-standing-front-doorway_250469-15336.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="351" data-original-width="626" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5wyWhqQ3zS76jvIT-sB9dVhdvejd41tpuySfLZ0HwuckPiRyykmRszEvMlYQORIEEGV6n_gMQNWXSGPWn6JbmeWtbtt5JppMEatz58BaYHCbV5Zgj7P_7jHIb9jKBhDIBAz1G95rd_KgUBwcwz58VWHVDoEwUGb65swFjwPexetn-36swIWqxJl9FJol/w640-h358/man-standing-front-doorway_250469-15336.webp" width="640" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">I stand at the doorway to silence. Silence is not NOTHING.
Silence is actually ALL THAT IS. Silence <b>is</b> the heart of God—the heart
of the universe. The beathing heart of the universe.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This heart pulsates with everlasting unconditional love. The
pulses go out as vibration to all the universes that exist. To all that <b>has</b>
been created and <b>will</b> be created.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I will align myself with this vibration so that my soul
resonates and beats one with the vibration of silence.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My soul is satisfied in the silence, at rest and filled to
overflowing. Silence, my Beloved.<o:p></o:p></p><br /><p></p>Amy Turonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14629469503833115104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452827759991636966.post-71757425742584578932023-03-23T22:29:00.001-04:002023-03-23T22:29:26.778-04:00Living and leaving this earth suit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3B6IiXQgE5pZrOPYKsBY7s-QQsQVL7xAYoXGobI-5kRMgRNZYXpGLINzQN3GLg3rncCt1h1mUTlmWwavDKRpgYlLpo8RJODnANoAGAEeZPfMtbRGsuCxZLEx9CTxdWcKj7AXFTiSfJNsTWh2Uo3RUDomMyiwtLV5qiYuEGd3iHEMjAkSbZ5deSnhJ8A/s801/ascension.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="573" data-original-width="801" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3B6IiXQgE5pZrOPYKsBY7s-QQsQVL7xAYoXGobI-5kRMgRNZYXpGLINzQN3GLg3rncCt1h1mUTlmWwavDKRpgYlLpo8RJODnANoAGAEeZPfMtbRGsuCxZLEx9CTxdWcKj7AXFTiSfJNsTWh2Uo3RUDomMyiwtLV5qiYuEGd3iHEMjAkSbZ5deSnhJ8A/w400-h286/ascension.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>I have a friend who recently completed her SECOND round of
running marathons in ALL 50 states. Yes, you heard that right—second time to
accomplish that amazing goal! She is always encouraging us to “Get out there
and live your life!” Do the things that your heart desires to do. Fill your
life with joy and delight, whatever that may be for you. Reading books,
planting flowers, building things, art, music, grounding in nature, looking
through a microscope or a telescope, teaching, learning, connecting with others….anything
that brings you joy and expresses your soul.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This truth has hit me especially hard this week as I have
had two friends suddenly leave their earth suits and become released to “go
home” from whence they came. They were here, and then in the blink of an eye
they were not here. Their loss has left me breathless. I actually had a dream
that all my limbs were being amputated. My dream reflected the great loss that
I feel as these friends have left me—part of me has left with them. For the
truth is, we are ALL connected.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As I wakened from this terrifying dream I instantly became
so very grateful for the limbs that I currently DO have! I can hug. I can kiss.
I can feel with my sensitive hands. I can play my music on the piano. I can
work on my computer. I can dig in the earth. I can walk in the forest. I can
care for my own needs and even reach out to care for others. Without limbs,
none of this would be possible. I recognize the spiritual implication of the
importance of my limbs for CONNECTION to others.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The love that I share with anyone or anything does not go
unnoticed by the world of the Spirit. I shall not hesitate to give full praise,
encouragement and love to all who cross my path. Not one moment of shared love
goes unnoticed or returned. Thus shall I live and love to the best of my ability.
I shall not waste a single opportunity to connect and bring joy and love to
those who I meet, for tomorrow they may be absent from their earth suit.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Amy Turonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14629469503833115104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452827759991636966.post-80608017691103075962023-03-13T22:04:00.002-04:002023-03-13T22:04:37.627-04:00The Journey Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2FVu1x4GKUvzJEurBTk3pmNak8M-fRZ7_2IQfFLifupm8ar8x23BAwSVRFnnJp2fqS826E3PdC7q5_9edYQJZuBUzQ99ihYJoanhfRhCAXLL2lrBHpNCBw2MTRMHsIWugpnN1BrHmilC6bIUJjaVul5ydQguREPYNzYv8R1Y8c53_gLJqJIctzLF0xQ/s3840/3416055-Naomi-Judd-Quote-There-are-many-paths-but-only-one-journey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2FVu1x4GKUvzJEurBTk3pmNak8M-fRZ7_2IQfFLifupm8ar8x23BAwSVRFnnJp2fqS826E3PdC7q5_9edYQJZuBUzQ99ihYJoanhfRhCAXLL2lrBHpNCBw2MTRMHsIWugpnN1BrHmilC6bIUJjaVul5ydQguREPYNzYv8R1Y8c53_gLJqJIctzLF0xQ/w400-h225/3416055-Naomi-Judd-Quote-There-are-many-paths-but-only-one-journey.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>I have come to understand that I am a spirit being, having
made the choice to have an experience of living in a human body. I come from
the great Spirit, the Beloved who is perfect Love, and that is where I will
return—back to my Beloved. Back to my Home.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Part of this experience requires that I go through a veil of
forgetfulness, a place where the memories of Home have faded away, and I get to
start with a “clean slate” so to speak. But my heart remembers. My heart is
gifted with a “homing” device, a call that is buried deep within. My soul <i>remembers</i>
that my real Home is with my Beloved, and a longing burns within my soul that
will not be quenched by anything that I might experience or discover while traveling in the earth realm.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My soul is searching, and it will not be satisfied until it discovers
the truth. My spiritual journey here in the earth plane is a journey that takes
me back Home, from separation to union. The secret is that the journey is
inward, not outward. A journey to the very center of my being where the Beloved
is eternally present. I discover that in the depths of my heart there IS no
separation between me and my Beloved.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This journey is individual. I am led, step by step, on a
path which leads me back to complete satisfaction of union with Source. We are each individual and unique, and the
journey of discovering our real nature will be different for each of us. We
will find our way Home, and to our delight we will discover that Home is always
here, right inside us.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Amy Turonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14629469503833115104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452827759991636966.post-4006853030970399022023-03-08T21:21:00.000-05:002023-03-08T21:21:00.179-05:00The Forest has a Wedding<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi-2cYN3WDZ02idVYW30DpPGIoX7vmUfvGzLFla2qBnT27oBMNKy3BxekGPpQFbKlLl_us0ATLyB-DgVtwKvud4-e1SyH1PuQrz-vsvYczVlSE_P8OudJcIFR4htEjVEkT5qjMFcTcyKuQtqlYKWOfsJN_H7xARJg0Kaaj6vYD3MLZydfqfJHCEbzs4g/s2048/02-28-2023%20-%20Larel%20Park%2011.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi-2cYN3WDZ02idVYW30DpPGIoX7vmUfvGzLFla2qBnT27oBMNKy3BxekGPpQFbKlLl_us0ATLyB-DgVtwKvud4-e1SyH1PuQrz-vsvYczVlSE_P8OudJcIFR4htEjVEkT5qjMFcTcyKuQtqlYKWOfsJN_H7xARJg0Kaaj6vYD3MLZydfqfJHCEbzs4g/w640-h480/02-28-2023%20-%20Larel%20Park%2011.JPEG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>If you have ever experienced
Springtime in the Appalachian Mountains, then you know why this is my favorite
season of the year. This week the forest had a wedding! It was dressed in white
and had pink lace veils with all different shades of pink. It is exquisite!</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">What an incredible way for the
forest to awaken….with a wedding! Callery Pear Trees (which happen to be an
invasive species here), deck themselves to the nines with cascades of white
flowers that are dazzling as the sun. And they are literally everywhere you
look. Each bend in the road brings more sighs and oohs and aahs as the sight of
these trees quite simply takes your breath away.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">The bridesmaids in this beautiful
wedding are all the Japanese Cherry Trees which come bursting along at the same
time as the Callery Pear Trees. Their delicate flowers hang like lace all the
way to the ground. In shades of pink and white, their lace stands out against
the barren trees that have yet to awaken.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">And so the forest looks like it is
having a wedding. My girlfriend left Asheville on an airplane and took pictures
for me from the air. The ground below was filled with white trees as far as the
eye could see. Soon enough the white flowers blow away in the breeze and are
replaced by the first green foliage of the spring. I live in heaven on Earth, a
literal Garden of Eden.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></p>Amy Turonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14629469503833115104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452827759991636966.post-87922566619181563502023-03-05T15:21:00.002-05:002023-03-05T15:21:43.895-05:00The Bluebird finds a home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgCwIE1tlBftVMepkIUjYAy6wGwXfPRrrcMn1aQqrn5_msaxE3zZJ8e8-3xs2f_vDch57u12ut6cjqnFwLvTHisfgK2bYTbaJiFBMWa9mjncWBCG-p5YgLQYgEyCDNnf3ovZQPwGrz5m6wsJjhsr-bnc9omBqbaYHXDrGvG5kRr_ZgSxDN3d5cXRUzw/s3888/Western_Bluebird_leaving_nest_box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="3888" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgCwIE1tlBftVMepkIUjYAy6wGwXfPRrrcMn1aQqrn5_msaxE3zZJ8e8-3xs2f_vDch57u12ut6cjqnFwLvTHisfgK2bYTbaJiFBMWa9mjncWBCG-p5YgLQYgEyCDNnf3ovZQPwGrz5m6wsJjhsr-bnc9omBqbaYHXDrGvG5kRr_ZgSxDN3d5cXRUzw/w400-h266/Western_Bluebird_leaving_nest_box.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>While eating our meal out on the back porch of our home, we
were blessed to see a pair of Bluebirds preparing their nest, popping in and
out of the nestbox. We could hear the mating calls of the Nuthatches, and
watched as a Cardinal joyfully ate his fill of flowers off our Weeping Cherry tree….throwing
the flowers around with sheer joy.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">All around me there is life going on, if only I stop long
enough to see it. The trees, having been asleep for several months now, are
slowly waking up. You can see their growth day by day, but only if you watch
slowly and carefully. They teach me that rest is good, and that growth does not have to be in a hurry. I can take my time.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There is so much to learn from the life around me.
Everything has a lesson to tell me, if only I am listening. Even the moss and
the fungi are growing and busy doing their jobs. The moss enables other plants to thrive. The fungi hold a very important position in the forest as recyclers. I nod my head and heart to them as I pass by. They are effective, efficient and productive; little worker-bees of the forest.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Today, I am happy that the Bluebird couple has chosen to
take up residence in one of our nestboxes. What joy to hear the new hatchlings making their precious calls for food and see how the parents are so dedicated to their parenting job. I have much to learn from them.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Amy Turonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14629469503833115104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8452827759991636966.post-83348895434253368022022-11-13T15:37:00.003-05:002022-11-13T15:41:18.475-05:00The Journey Unfolds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0bwOsMxMvbBoPF6maBwbHNROULjL6h9JLVN4e9y0zwog0r5-G0gtTozfW1IiTOjjQfAwjEr_p84D8h3lRbtM_R-KXahZub6zDAZ2LEvgheiXxoY9Un8SEqaPjOz4_uxcSCAGxQxJKFGc01GmIrDIjGnAF4O3pb0n_L7x42rtStoManoai7ck6lHkqgQ/s275/student-is-ready.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0bwOsMxMvbBoPF6maBwbHNROULjL6h9JLVN4e9y0zwog0r5-G0gtTozfW1IiTOjjQfAwjEr_p84D8h3lRbtM_R-KXahZub6zDAZ2LEvgheiXxoY9Un8SEqaPjOz4_uxcSCAGxQxJKFGc01GmIrDIjGnAF4O3pb0n_L7x42rtStoManoai7ck6lHkqgQ/w400-h266/student-is-ready.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>I love how our journey unfolds here on earth. We are
spiritual students, each one of us. Some, unfortunately, never awaken to that
elemental truth and live a whole lifetime without ever being awake. But to
those who become awakened, it is beautiful to watch the soul expand with each
new truth that is brought to their awareness.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">What I have learned is that everything I ever need to know
is within myself, in the soul seed that came from Home and is implanted within
my earthly body. The secrets of the universe are imprinted on the very cells of
my body. Along my journey, teachers appear at just the right time to direct my
path.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Teachers come in many different forms. There are pastors,
spiritual teachers and leaders, friends, strangers, books, movies, every living
thing on the Earth, the Earth itself and the heavens above. There are heavenly
teachers too….my spiritual guides and angels and the Holy Spirit who works through
all of these forms in the universe.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We call it “peeling the onion” around the rooms of recovery.
Another layer is exposed with each new insight and awareness. With each new layer everything changes, and the world becomes new again. With this ever-expanding
knowledge it feels like continually getting a new pair of glasses from which
to view all that is.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There is no ending to the breadth and width of wisdom and
knowledge. It is ever expanding, and there is always something new to learn. I so
love listening and learning from others, and hearing of their insights and
experiences. We are not in competition; we are just fellow journeymen walking
each other home. The ever expanding universe of my soul brings me to a place of
awe.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Amy Turonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14629469503833115104noreply@blogger.com0