The Library of Strengths

Greetings Beloved Ones!

Since I skipped two days, I am going to catch up and cover three lessons today. They are:"To thine own self be true,but what if you're the problem?"; "Your values are changing the world."; and "The library of strengths". Even though they are three different topics they are all talking about our values and how we use them or don't, how they benefit us, or not, and how we can deepen them in our lives.

Let's start with the fact that we may be the problem in our own lives. Well, duh! We always have something to do with what is happening in our lives. And the good news is that we can also change our perspective about what is happening in our lives. What do you need to change to bring more joy and happiness into your life? Think about it!

And, how great is it to know that our values are actually changing the world! It all starts with us changing our individual expression in the world. This is very to the popular phrase, "Be the change you wish to see in the world". So the work of world peace really does begin with us.

So it seems we gave to get more practice of building our values and actually using them. Review the list of values and choose one each day to work on!

The questions for today are:
. Are you confusing "what you do", with "who you are"? How can you bring more joy into your life while staying true to what really matters?
. What are the things that you will no longer accept or tolerate in your life
. Can others really cause us to do things that are against our values? Explain

Make it a valuable day!
Rev. Sylvia

Put Your Values To Work

Greetings Beloved Ones!

I apologize for not posting these past two days. I guess I was helping you practice some values like forgiveness, compassion, understanding, or any other positive quality. I am also being called to use them myself as this is the fourth time I have tried to post this message today! I will be setting up a different venue because ping is NOT it!!!!

Whenever we have trying situations, our values can come in handy if they are supporting us in gaining or having a different perspective. Do your values actually help you to shift your energy and experience? If not, why have them!

This experience with losing the blogs points out two different values for me; one is patience, and the other is wisdom. I am going to practice wisdom and make a change in the venue instead of thinking I have to stick with what we originated.

An action step can be to pick a value for the day and notice how often you use it or not; and note whether thar values is actually supporting you in shifting your consciousness.

Questions for the day are:
. What percentage of the qualities you value most do you use each day to make decisions?
. Do you practice, practice, practice using your values consciously?
Do you think we can borrow values from others and make them our own? How do we make them ours?
. We you are in an emotional quandary can you identify what value is needed to support you at the time and do you do that?

Well, I pray this goes though. Make it a great day.
Rev. Sylvia

Spiritual Values

Greetings Beloved Ones and Merry Christmas!

As we move into the holiday season celebrating the birth and life of the Christ, we are also celebrating the Christ Ideal within you! Wether we are aware of it or not, we are all here to express our Christ Consciousness and Nature.

Does that thought scare you? Does it engender the notion that you have to be perfect?. Well, thank God that is not true! What we are asked is to simply bring our true nature as spiritual beings into expression as naturally as possible.

Do you make a distinction between your spiritual life and your everyday ordinary life? Well, guess what? There is no difference! There is only life, and all of it is spiritual!

So the question for today is:
. How would describe your spiritual values, your work values, your social values, your family values?
. Do you see a difference between them? If so, share how you see them.

In the meantime have a very merry and blessed Christmas!!
Rev. Sylvia

Values are for everyone

Greetings Awakening Ones!

Here's a thought...."Whatever is most important to you, whatever is at the forefront of your mind, will inevitably be reflected in every decision you make, and in all your choices, actions and behaviors".

Sometimes what is at the forefront of my mind, is not what a say I really value, but what is most needed in that moment. I may be rushing so I rush to judgment, or I don't what to hurt someones feelings so I don't say what I want. The point is sometimes there is a disconnect between what moves us and what really matters to us!

The author suggests that we, "be real about" what matters to you. "know wants driving you.". Know what's "coloring" your life, "flavoring" your thinking. Only then can you discover if this is really
what you want!

So, the questions for today are:
. What matters most to you?
. Is this really what you want?
. What is your plan for changing it if there is a disconnect between what matters most to you and what is manifesting most in your life?

Love you all!
Rev. Sylvia

Off The page and into your life

Good Day Beloved Ones!

I love the title of today's lesson, "off the page and into your life." It implies action! You can't just talk about who you are you have to be who you say you are; you can't just say what you want to do, you have to do it, (Nike is right!). You have to be an "Action Hero"!

Our author says,"Values gain value only when you allow them to support you, when they shift the way you see a situation and respond to it.". Yes! Everything else is just lip service.

The questions for today are lengthy but well worth your time and effort if....you "value" your inner life.
So:
. What do you stand for?
. What would other people assume that you stand for, based on your actions, the decisions you make, what you talk about, how you organize your finances--especially the way you spend your time?
. What would you like to stand for?
. Are the values you believe you hold the same values you live out in your everyday life?
. What does your behavior say about your values?

Well, look deep and open wide!
Rev. Sylvia

The Cult of the Individual

Good Day Lovelies!

Me, Myself, and I, which one shall I serve? Well even though it is about us, it is not always about us! The best way to serve us is often times by serving others.

When reach beyond ourselves and touch or connect with others with love, an amazing thing happens, we expand! We are filled with more love, more energy, more joy, more of God's Goodness.

Our author says, "Our happiness depends upon how we treat other people; it's just that simple." so true! Don't you feel terrible when you have had an argument with someone, or treated the unfairly, or were just in conflict? Negative interactions don't feel good, plain and simple; and the opposite is also true, positive and loving actions feel wonderful!

So...why not treat everyone with loving kindness, (even those you don't care for).

Action Step: Perform at least one act of kindness today!

Our questions for the day are:
. How do you care for others in your life?
. What was the last act of kindness you engaged in?
. What do you feel when you serve others?

Make it a kind and generous day, give of yourself!
Rev. Sylvia

What do you stand for?

Greetings Beloved Ones!

There's no knowing "who you are" until you also know "what you stand for". When I ask people what it is they value I life, I usually get the commonly and socially acceptable answers like, love, kindness, honesty, etc.

We all want to have the values society says we ade supposed to have, especially if we want to be seen as a "good" person. The more appropriate question is whether we are conscious of the values that are actually driving us and causing us to have the experiences and reactions we do.

The questions for the day are:
. What do you stand for?
. What are the values that drive/move you to act a certain way? (examine all your actions not just the ones you like)
. Are they life-enhancing? Do they include other people's interest and needs as well as your own?
. Are your values taking you where you most want to go?
. Are your values your own? Or have you borrowed them from other people?

Action Step: Notice your actions and reactions today and identify your values that influenced your actions.

Make it a great day!
Rev. Sylvia

When it's Love you are seeking

Good Day Beloved Ones!

When Tina Turner asks, "What's Love got to do with it?" we say, everything! We are all seeking love, albeit in different ways, but we are on the hunt for love none the less. However, before you go looking for love in all the wrong places, why not start with yourself!

The author states, "we need to treat ourselves lovingly, or at the very least, kindly and respectfully, when it's lo e that we are seeking. And, one way of another, it is always love that we are seeking even when we call it "approval", "attention", or "affirmation".

So, before we seek approval, attention, or affirmation from others we want to make sure we are seeking it or valuing it for ourselves.

The questions for today are:
. Are you aware of how you seek approval, attention or affirmation? For yourself and from others?
. How do you value your: physical existence, your intellectual existence, your spiritual existence, your emotional existence, and your social existence?

Make it a valuable day
Rev. Sylvia

Actions Speak

Greetings Beloved Ones!

Well, I just lost two postings this morning and in thought they were great. I guess the universe wants me to take the lesson on action to heart! I truly wanted to scream and act out but the message foe today is ringing in my head.

The author gives us another powerful statement to ponder: "Through our behavior, we live out our deepest and most truthful feelings about ourselves."

While it is true that what you do speaks loudly about you, it is also true that we can all put on a good show and "do" the right things outwardly but still feel empty inwardly! What are you doing that gives you meaning and fulfillment? How are you treating yourself by doing or not doing what you desire? What are the promises you made to yourself that we are not keeping? The answer to all of these questions will tell you whether you see being kind and true to yourself or not.

The questions for today are:
. What do you want to do differently, more of, or better in your life? And, more importantly what is your PLAN for doing it?
. Is there something that you do regularly that could be considered "self-sabotage"?
. Think about a situation that caused you to feel anxious, shameful, disconnected, or empty; how did you reconnect back to values that were more loving and appreciative of yourself?

Action Step for today: Do a little less talking and a lot more doing!

Well, I am off to honor my promises to myself!

Make it an fulfilling day!
Rev. Sylvia

Walking The Talk

Greetings Beloved Ones!
Our author states, "The best way to discover what your values are is to look closely at your behavior. Your behavior is the only true measure of your values. Everything else is wishful thinking."

Now that is deep and oh so true! We often talk a good game but when it comes time to actually do what we say, we fall short. We can fool ourselves with all of our talk because it sounds so good to us and others. But, the proof is in the pudding!

The questions for today are:
. What can you hear yourself saying but not see yourself doing?
. What are your consistent behaviors telling you?
. Is there anything that needs to change? And how will you actually go about changing it?
. Is there anything standing in the way between your commitment or desire, and your action?

Ok Beloveds, if you sign up, show up!

Make it a great day,
Rev. Sylvia

Closer Than You Know

Greetings Awakended Ones!

Well, we have covered the first chapter of the book, "Choosing Happiness - Life and Soul Essentials"; and if you have been keeping up and doing all of the exercises, then, "you are closer than you know"!

"Only habits of thought stand between you and the person you long to be or the life you long to create"! That is a powerful statement and so true. The only thing I might add is that you must also act upon the positive and life fulfilling thoughts that you establish in your consciousness.

The questions for the day are:
. If you want to change something about your self
or your life, can you identify the thought/s you must change? Write the thought out and turn it into an affirmation that you can use daily!
. Is the current path you are on making you happy or fulfilling you on a soul level?
. How do you stay motivated to live the life you
want?

Action Step:
. Make a list of what you want to change in your life and write a personal manifesto!

Make it a soul satisfying day!
Rev. Sylvia

Use Friendship as your guide

Good Day Friends!

In the olden days, Unity people would greet one another as "Friend". I still use the phrase in my talks from time to time. We all need friends. They round out our feelings of well being and offer support just by being our friend.

The questions for the day are:
. Who is your best friend? (if you didn't name yourself consider why.)
. What is your definition of friendship?
. Do you see the universe as a friendly place?( If yes, how so?)

Make it a friendly day!
Rev. Sylvia

Trust your Intuition

Greetings Beloved Ones!

There is an old song that says, "I have a feeling everything is going to be alright!". Have you ever wondered where those "feelings" come from? And can you really trust them!?

Thank God, we all have an intuitive component to our makeup. However, we may not rely upon it or trust it's validity very often. That may be because we have not developed it or given ourselves plenty of avenues for it expression. We usually go to outside sources first, or we distrust our own knowing.

It is time to free up our minds; to unlock the inner wisdom within. And, to do so on a regular basis. The more we allow our creative and inspired juices to flow, the more our intuition will grow.

Here are some Action Steps:
. Allow yourself some time to just let your mind drift. (sort of pitting for the mind).
. Journal whatever comes to mind
. Try writing for five minutes without taking your pen off of the paper.

The questions for the day are:
. How do you tell the difference between your ego's voice and your higher voice? And is there a difference?
. How do you hear the voice of God or Spirit?
. How do you still your mind and listen to the voice within that is connected to your Higher Self or Spirit?

I have a feeling that everything will be alright! Make it a great day!!
Rev. Sylvia

Body, Instincts And Expectations

Good Day Wondefful Ones!

How are you living? Do you know what you need on the subtle level of life? Are you connected to what your body is saying it needs? Are you aware of your body's inner signs and signals for attention?

The author says, " A disconnected life is not loving". We are not loving ourselves when we disregard our internal or physical cries for help. It is time to tune in!

The questions for today are:
. Are you in touch with your own inner wisdom and body awareness? Can you hear what your body is saying to you?
. Do you remember learning to distrust your body as a child? ( ex. When you may have expressed to a parent or adult that you were "hot" and they commented that you weren't because it was not that hot outside!)
. Are you able to connect your body's signals with an emotional need or your state of mind?

Action Step: Today, notice what your body is feeling throughout the day AND, connect it to your emotional state at the time or what you may be needing. Or, notice your emotional state first and then see how it is registering in your body!

Make it a great day!

Being, not Doing

Good Day Awakened Ones!

Time.....it is such an elusive quality. We all want more of it and when we have it, we still seem to need more. However, have you known people who seem to accomplish so much more in a day than seems possible? Yet, we all get the same twenty-four hours in a day.

With all that we must do in a day with our nosy schedules it seems challenging to be able to take some take some time for yourself....but, that is exactly what we must cultivate as a habit and as a priority for ourselves.

The questions for today are?
. What level of time management would you say you possess, and is there néed for improvement and if so, what will you do about it.
. Do you seem to " waste" time during your day?
. What moves you to a state of joy and can you incorporate it into your life on a daily basis?

Action Step: Notice how and where you spend your time. Keep a log of today's activities and record how much time was devoted to each activity. Reflect at the end of the day and access "was it well worth your time"!

Make it a great day!
Rev.Sylvia

You are not a robot

Good Morning Awakened Ones!

Have you been living your life on auto-pilot? Doing doing doing? Well you are a human "being" not a human "doing"!

We all need to slow down a bit and take time to truly engage in life. Talk with your loved ones, play with your child, take the dog for a long walk, sit on a park bench, anything that allows you to spend time with yourself or with those you value, or doing what brings you joy.

The questions for today are:
. What is your life or your body telling that you need right now?
. What do you think will happen if you just say "no" to some important request for your time and
efforts?
. How do you pace yourself?

Make it an easy day!
Rev. Sylvia

Love your body(silence your complaints)

Greeting Beloved Ones!

We have often heard that we are Spirit, Soul, and Body. We usually get the spirit and soul part easily but have a slight challenge with the body part.

Haven't you looked in the mirror and thought, "oh my god, who is that?" Well it was you!

While we are working on the development of our Spirit, and Soul, let us not forget to include the Body! This is the vehicle that makes your existence in form possible.

I know I have some work to do since my body has undergone dramatic changes and I never wanted to gain too much weight. Well I not only have expanded my consciousness but my physical expressions as well. Now to learn to love it all is the key!

The questions for today are:
. Do you love what you see when you look in the mirror?
. What changes would you make to your body based on "sell-love"?
. Action Step: spend five minutes praising and thanking your body for carrying you this far!

Blessings,
Rev. Sylvia

The problem with self-love is.....

Greetings Beloved Ones!

Wow, we are still on the topic of self-love so it must really be important to our well being and spiritual growth! I want to ask, "what's love got to do with it"? Well apparently a lot!

We are so willing to criticize ourselves, point out our flaws and imperfections but.....we are not so comfortable with truly expressing and affirming self-love. Self-love is not the same as self-respect, self-esteem, self-centeredness, self-absorbed, or selfish. But what is it?

The questions for today are:
. What is self-love?
. What is the difference between self-acceptance and self-centeredness?
. What does loving your neighbor as yourself, mean?

I love you all!
Rev. Sylvia

Afraid of self-love

Greetings Beloved Ones!

So let's talk more of self-love! I think it is safe to say that it feels easier to offer love to others than it does to offer it to one's self. We will easily compliment someone but have a challenge accepting other's compliments of us. Why is that?

I believe it has to do with worthiness issues, and lack of acceptance of our true beauty and talents. We might not want to come off as conceited, cocky or self absorbed. However, if we are going to be lovers of life and others, we must begin by loving and truly appreciating ourselves.

The questions for today are:
. How do you tenderly love and care for yourself?
. How do you usually respond when other compliment you? Are you really comfortable?
. How do you affirm or value yourself?

Action step:

. Write a positive affirmation about your worthiness!

Make it a love filled day!
Rev. Sylvia

Looking for Love

Good Day Lovelies!

Been looking for love in all the wrong places lately?
Well who hasn't at least once in their life. Love....We write about it, talk about it, sing about, and long for it. Yet for some, it seems elusive or unattainable or we only want it in a particular form.

The foremost place to look for love is within and with yourself; then you will be better able to love others.

The questions for the day are:
. What are your emotional needs? Do you know?
. Do you love yourself? Unconditionally?
. Are there areas of feelings of unworthiness that need to be addressed?
. Are you comfortable receiving love from others?

Well dear ones, have a lovely day!
Rev. Sylvia