New Blog Address

I have a new blog address: http://blog.revchristine.com/
I hope you will visit me there.

In Honor of Mothers

A precious poem I found. Author unknown.

You filled my days with rainbow lights,
Fairytales and sweet dream nights,
A kiss to wipe away my tears,
Gingerbread to ease my fears.
You gave the gift of life to me
And then in love, you set me free.
I thank you for your tender care,
For deep warm hugs and being there.
I hope that when you think of me
A part of you
You'll always see.

Happy Mother's Day to all the women in my life.

Just Do It!

Didn't want to walk this morning. Talked myself into it even though it was raining. A this point in my walk I've been having a debate with myself about whether to do the hills or turn right and go through the park.


Normally it's not a problem, but lately with allergies, lack of sleep and adrenal weariness, I have this little talk with myself. Today I pressed through and did the hills and actually had more energy when I was done.

It's just like life. Press through the tough stuff and there is a blessing on the other side. It all takes practice...

This is your brain on God

Andrew Newberg is a neuroscientist at the University of Pennsylvania and is also the author of a new book "How God Changes Your Brain." The new research shows that "the physical and emotional benefits of spiritual observances dramatically accrue over years of practice." The researchers also took a group of people that had never meditated before and taught them a simple meditation practice. After meditating 12 minutes a day for eight weeks, their evaluation showed improvement in memory scores and decrease in anxiety and anger.

The article talks a lot about religion but primarily they are talking about spiritual practices. A fascinating article and research. We already knew this but it is always great when science catches up with spirituality!

Making Peace with Making Money

Who doesn't think about money today? It's on our minds and constantly in the news. When we are stressed our energy contracts and the flow of money seems to stop. When we are at peace, energy expands and more can be revealed.

Do you have 30 minutes to learn how to expand your energy and experience about money?
Here's some of the money-expanding ideas:

Three emotions that block the flow of money
Three attitudes of acceptance
Seven steps to having a peaceful relationship with money

Date: May 18, 2009
Time: 5:00 - 5:30 p.m. Pacific time
Fee: Free
Register by May 15 by emailing revgreen@sacredheartministries.org
Long distance charges may apply.

Prayer of Protection

This is a busy travel time of year and there are concerns with the swine flu. It is good to take care of yourself physically by following the advice of the professionals. The Prayer of Protection can help put your mind at ease and release fears that can keep you stuck.

The light of God surrounds you,
The love of God enfolds you,
The power of God protects you,
The presence of God watches over you.
Wherever you are, God is.

Will miss you!

I attended the memorial service today for my friend Jae who passed away after a long battle with cancer. He was energetic, joyful, compassionate, caring and truly the presence of love. It was an honor to know him and walk this sacred spiritual journey with him. He will be deeply missed.

Easter Blessings

I was watching an OPB special about Jerusalem today and once again felt extraordinary gratitude for the opportunity to visit there in February. The sacredness of the city, the richness of its history and the holiness of the revered sites have opened my heart in a most amazing way.

Blessings for a most holy and sacred Easter. May the sacredness of this day continue to shower love and joy on you and your loved ones.

Ask Amy

I just returned from Voices lecture series and heard Amy Dickinson of the "Ask Amy" column. She was a warm, humorous and sensitive speaker. A joy to listen to. Her stories about growing up in a small town in upstate NY are priceless. And it was moving to hear her talk about the women in her family that influenced her life and helped shape her values.

She wrote The Mighty Queens of Freeville: A Mother, A Daughter and the Town That Raised Them. I am looking forward to reading it.

It was great to laugh tonight. It was great to hear someone's humorous portrayal about the ups and downs of life.

Class: Choosing Love

If Love is the answer, why don’t we choose it? It is so easy to let resentment, self-judgment, criticism take the lead over Love. When we choose love we are able to experience harmonious relationships, peaceful interactions and joyful communications. Join us to discover spiritual tools to surrender fear, accept love, accelerate your practice and live a love-filled life.

Date: May 13, 20, 27, 2009 (Wednesday)
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Fee: $60
Register: Email by May 6, 2009

Discussion on The Shack

“Forgiveness is not about forgetting. It is about letting go of the other person’s throat.” The Shack by William Young

William Young brings many inner questions about God, righteousness, forgiveness, and eternal love to the surface, not to answer them but to probe more deeply into our awareness and beliefs. The story is engaging, suspenseful and is a gift of love. This teleclass is an enticement to look more deeply within and join in a discussion with other like-minded individuals. Please join us!

Date: Monday, May 4, 2009
Time: 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Fee: Free (phone charges may apply)
Register: Email by May 1st revgreen@sacredheartministries.org

Register to receive conference call info.

Accepting Happiness

When Michael J Fox was interviewed on Oprah last week he shared his observation, " Happiness grows in direct proportion to your acceptance of your condition and inverse proportion to your expectation." Powerful words to live by.

More lessons!

It's all about attachment. When talking with a client this week, she had the realization that in living a faith-based life, the difference between expectancy and expectation is attachment. Expectancy is about looking for the good in life while expectation is often hoping that what we want will show up. Hoping is about waiting while faith encourages patience.

Another way of saying it is that expectation comes from the mind and expectancy comes from the soul. If I let go of attachment, I open up the realm of opportunity. The more attached I am, the more restricted life seems to be.

I think this is one of the more difficult life lessons. I have not been feeling well since I got back from Israel. My expectation is that this virus should be over by now. So every day it is not better, I become more impatient. If I choose to have an expectancy of feeling better, I am not attached to time line or conditions but maybe would appreciate the opportunity to slowdown. That would be much easier than listening to all the whining going on. Now if I will only listen to my own advice…

Developing Faith

In our class we are exploring how to live a faith-based life. There is no right or wrong way to develop faith. We build faith in ourselves when we are willing to step out of our comfort zone. Every time we step out we become more confident, have more clarity.

Spiritual faith is knowing that we don't walk this journey alone. When we turn our awareness to God we know something greater is supporting us in our efforts and on our journey. As we develop the awareness of something greater than ourselves, we see more dramatic results.

Life can be so challenging. It can shake our faith on a daily basis. I know the more grounded I am in faith, I can meet the challenges that show up. Everyone faces doubt or confusion.

I am truly grateful for my awareness of faith, God's Love and the extraordinary blessings in my life.

Good News

A day after my blog about the news, I heard that NBC heard from so many people about negative stories that they are airing Making a Difference that will highlight positive stories from listeners. Great news!

Also I came across a blog from The Huffington Post about visualization. It's a great reminder that we have the power visualize what we want and to stop visualizing all the stuff we don't want to happen.

Choosing faith over fear

One of the most frequently asked questions about my trip has been: "Did you feel safe?" I admit it was a concern I pondered myself before I left. I am so grateful that I stepped out in faith and made this remarkable journey. Our group was traveling with 206 Tours which is a very reputable company. We had a wonderful guide and driver that took us to amazing sites. Friends and family are often surprised to hear about the beautiful countryside, the stunning seacoast and the bustling cities.

We have technology that provides news from around the world as it happens. What is unfortunate is that we only learn the bad news. We seldom hear about the positive things happening. The news media is a business and unfortunately it is not in the business of educating or providing a complete picture. Wouldn't it be great if when we are shown bombing in the Gaza Strip, we also see a class in Jerusalem on a field trip, or farming on the kibbutz or pilgrims praying at the Mount of Beatitudes.

The same goes for our own country. We are told minute by minute how many people are without homes, jobs, food and health care. We don't hear about the shared housing program that matches people needing a place to live with a family that doesn't want to lose their home. We don't hear about students making a difference in their community.

I am grateful that I was able to move past my fear and take steps in faith. I am making it my intention to share the 'other' side of the news. News that reminds us of the possibilities.

Class: Living by Faith

There is no secret mantra or magic formula to faith. It is a process of willingness, surrender and practice. Faith reveals freedom, peace of mind and an expansion of life.

Israel is a place of faith, conflict, peace and separation. It is also a consciousness that lives within us. Join us as we deepen our understanding of the outer and inner experience of Israel and as we take the opportunity to deepen our practice together.

Date: March 9, 16, 23, 2009 (Monday)
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Fee: $60
Location: SW Portland – call for location

Divine Love

The presence of the Mary's love was so prevalent everywhere we went. The churches protrayed such a beautiful representations of her. As I was releasing my beliefs that keep me from loving myself and others, it was extraordinary to feel her presence. I saw how often my self-judgment keeps me small and limited from the abundant Good that God has to offer. My intention is to not forget this powerful message.

Sermon on the Mount

This is the Mount of Beatitudes where the Sermon on the Mount was given. The grounds were so beautiful. Even though there were lots of people around, the space felt very sacred and personal. It was wonderful to reflect on the Sermon on the Mount. Our guide showed us the hillside where Jesus taught. It is easy to see why he picked such a magnificent place.

The Beatitudes

From the Gospel of Matthew

And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Journey of Faith

I just returned from a 10 day pilgrimage in Israel. I had the intention to blog from there but when technology would not cooperate, I knew I was supposed to pay attention and be present with all that was going on around me. It was an extraordinary trip as I traveled with 21 other pilgrims to Tel Aviv, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Jerusalem and many places in between. I will share my insights in the days to come as I re-enter life. I am so grateful for the opportunity and the teachings I received from Rev. Marcia and my fellow pilgrims. So grateful to my loving husband for supporting me on my journey and to all those who were praying for us while we were away. So many miracles occurred as storms cleared out and there was sunshine, fog lifted and revealed a most beautiful valley, crowds seemed to disappear and allow us private time at some of the most magnificent churches. My faith is renewed and strengthened and I am so grateful for God's unlimited graciousness in my life.

Wheels of Life

I noticed a few weeks ago that one of the tires on our car looked a little flat. I stopped at the gas station to put air into it. The tire was not inflating no matter how much air was flowing into it. After a visit to the tire store, it turned out to be a bad valve on the tire.

The car manual states that inflating car tires with the correct amount of air is essential for maximizing gas mileage and ensuring even tire wear. So the same goes for maintaining the balance of spirit, mind and body. If we sustain a constant relationship with our spiritual practice (meditation, journaling, prayer, classes, etc) we are able to retain a presence of a peaceful mind and ease in our daily activities. When we are out of spiritual balance, the peaceful experience leaks out and the body feels deflated and lacks energy and we have difficulty getting tasks accomplished. Stress builds in the body because we are operating with less energy.
I realized that doubt is like a bad valve in our thinking. No matter how many positive affirmations, prayers or good thoughts we have in the moment, doubt is a slow leak that can leave us drained, diminished and discouraged.

Tire pressure is measured in PSI, or pounds per square inch. Spiritual balance can be measured in DDP or daily dedicated practice. As we maintain our practice we leave little room for doubt or uncertainty to take hold.

It is so important during the rough, bumpy road that we seem to be traveling lately to take the time to maintain our spiritual balance. It can boost our faith and keep the wheels of life moving with ease and grace.

Ouch!

I was in class last week and make an off-handed political comment that I felt was harmless. The next day one of the class members called and shared her feelings about what I had said. I apologized and could completely relate because I had been offended when I was in the company of others with political differences and heard their hurtful comments. Really, I know better than that.

Later that day I recalled my previous blog post quoting President Obama quoting scripture..."it is time to set aside childish things." I realized that remarks like that are the childish things…judgments, criticisms, ridicule, belittling, blame, etc. They do nothing to empower and everything to sap energy.

I received a powerful reminder this week of the power of the word. One I won't forget soon.

Time to set aside childish things...

"In the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history, to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness."
President Barack Obama


It's been an awesome day. An unforgettable one. I am grateful for the freedom to speak, the freedom to vote, the freedom to watch our country change political power in peace, harmony and joy.
It's been an amazing day.

Martin Luther King, Jr

1929 - 1968

"Let freedom ring. And when this happens, and when we allow freedom ring—when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children—black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics,—will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual: "Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"

I'm a Tree Hugger

I admit it. I'm a tree hugger. I love to see big beautiful bountiful trees that serve as homes for neighborhood squirrels and birds, provide shade for humans and energy and oxygen for all life. I am very sad when I see those majestic towers cut down to make room for more houses, more parking, more industry. I know it's progress. I know it's change. It still makes me sad.

I saw changes in our neighborhood this week that made me very sad. I promise that if I ever have to have a tree cut down on our property, I will replace it with another. I would like to see an ordinance passed that for every tree a homeowner cuts down, they have to replace it with another or donate to Friends of Trees so they can plant another.

I can't help it. I'm a tree hugger.

Walking is a Spiritual Necessity

I think I stopped walking outside after the time changed in November. It suddenly became very dark, cold and wet. It was a pain to find a time to walk in what little daylight there was. It was too cold and wet to venture out. So I moved my exercise program indoors and was very proud of myself. That lasted oh, about 45 days. Until I hurt my back. Exercise dwindled and so did my spirits. Then the snow came. There was really no point in going outside.

One day I realized that I only went out to run errands. I avoided going out for any length of time. I missed fresh air, my brisk walk, my spiritual ritual. One day last week I suited up with rain gear and boots, scarf and gloves and ventured out for an early morning walk. It felt glorious. Our beautiful neighborhood was even more spectacular. The walk felt invigorating.

Fresh air is freedom, joy, beauty and a spiritual necessity.

One Small Step

A client wants to be more connected to her spiritual practice but she can’t seem to do what it takes to get her practice done. Is it motivation, resistance or fear?
I’ve talked with dozens of people that want something new in life but cannot move forward. They don’t seem to be able to take the steps needed.

Then we suffer. We get upset with ourselves because we haven’t done what we want or achieved the results we want. We judge, criticize, berate and just plain make ourselves wrong. We live in pain.

There is a Japanese technique of achieving great and lasting success through taking small, steady steps called The Kaizen Way. When we achieve one small step, we experience accomplishment! Then take another and another. Each step brings us to the direction we desire.

How do we stop judging ourselves? It takes practice. My favorite technique is to say “That’s interesting’ no matter what happens. I'm still practicing....