My name is Betsy Brown. My philosophy is to always keep things simple. We have the potential to create as much complexity in our lives as we desire. My desire is to keep the complexity level low, and the simplicity level high. It works for me. We are all teachers and we are all students. When we are wearing the teacher hat, we share what is true for us at that time. Our beliefs will shift and change with the times, and our ideals and personal ideologies will develop through our own experiences. I’m sharing with you my thoughts and beliefs as they exist currently. They may change. They may stay the same. Whatever they are, they are true for me at this time. I offer them to you for your consideration. Explore what rings true for you. Discard the rest. It’s all good.
ARE YOU LIVING YOUR LIFE PURPOSE?
Why do we do what we do for a living? Hopefully, your answer is not just to earn money. I do know people who work at jobs they hate doing, but continue on for the benefits, or because they are afraid to quit. No judgment here, as I can certainly understand it, but isn’t it sad? Who wants to get up and go to work and be miserable all day long.
I’ve been very lucky in that I have only held jobs that brought me joy, jobs where I was an integral part of a team, jobs where I was paid well and with excellent benefits, jobs that helped me to grow personally as well as professionally. I took time off when my kids were in school to be the stay-at-home mom but went back to work outside the home when finances required it.
I’ve always known when it was time to make a change. The job gets repetitive, old and stale. The co-workers I enjoyed working with would leave. I’d lose my enthusiasm for what I was doing. And if for some reason I did not pay attention to my day-to-day feelings about my work, circumstances came about that made the change for me. (Note: That is just a covert way of saying I was fired.)
We all have a common life purpose, and that is to love. Beyond that, each soul has its own reason for being here in this dimension. For some it is to learn and grow. For others, it is to teach. And yet for others, it is to assist. The reasons for incarnating are numerous. Your Higher Self knows, and will guide and lead you on a path to completing that purpose. I’m not sure it is necessary for each of us to name our life purpose. Sometimes we get caught up in these types of details which in the long run make no difference. I know that my nature is to teach, to counsel and to aid/assist. I’ve done all those things in some form over the years.
For the past year, I’ve focused part of my day-to-day activities on writing about spiritual/metaphysical topics. I’ve worked with clients. I’ve tried to promote my book, my oracle cards and my cd. But I could tell things were approaching that stale position again.
When the opportunity came for me to be a grandma, I embraced the idea with enthusiasm. My left brain told me that my dreams of travelling around the US and Canada to teach about oracle cards, the power of a positive outlook and keeping things simple were over. Yes, I was a little disappointed as I had been working toward this goal for quite some time. My heart and right brain, however, were ready to burst at the seams. I was going to be a grandma. Not just once, but twice! Would I like the ‘job’ of being a grandma? Would I be good at it? Would it pay well? Is it part of my life purpose?
All I can say is that being a grandma is the best job ever. I love it and I’m good at it. And if you laughed at the reference to 'pay', let me tell you that since I embraced the job of grandma I have managed to pay off all credit cards, reduced my living expenses significantly, and watched as my investments have grown and provided income at a time when much of the country has been singing the money blues. The Universe provides when you go with the flow.
This will be my last newsletter for the time being. The purpose of a newsletter is to promote your business. I’m closing my “business” and I am fully embracing retirement and the freedom it gives me to be the best grandma I can be.
I will continue to write from time to time, and share my comments, views, insights, musings and whatever on Facebook and on Betsy’s Blah Blah Blog. I’ve got a few other writing projects on the back burners as well, but mostly I will be enjoying my two grandsons and my return to a very simplistic lifestyle.
Although it is kind of corny to send out a newsletter announcing the end of the newsletter, I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank those of you that have encouraged and supported my work over the years. The positive feedback and kind words I have received have made a difference in my life. Thank you! I send this last newsletter out with wishes for love, light and laughter for you all.
~Betsy~
Inventory Clearance Information:
I am offering the sale of my book, oracle cards and cd at my cost, plus postage and packaging. The per unit prices are listed below. My preference is to use the US Postal Service and their flat rate boxes as they are usually the most cost effective way of mailing product, but if you are interested in just one item, I can send it out media mail if you live in the US. If you live outside the US, honestly, the postage fees are so high it only makes sense to order large numbers.
I hope you will take advantage of these rock bottom prices. If you own a metaphysical store or an online store, these prices are well below wholesale. My products make great gifts, and excellent give-aways (door prizes) for workshops and angel parties. The pendulum book makes a great text for anyone wanting to give a class on how to use a pendulum. In fact, a friend recently held a class on how to make a pendulum, and then used the book for a basic lesson on using the same. My oracle cards are wonderful for teaching a Psychic Tools 101 course – Using Oracle Cards. And finally, my CD, I am very proud of this meditation. It is based on the teachings of Charles Fillmore, one of the founders of the Unity Church, invoking the 12 Divine Powers of Man. It is a meditation that can be adapted to any goal or situation you would like to manifest.
The KISS (Keep It Simple Sweetheart) Pendulum Charts Book
Clearance Price: $5.00
Regular Price: $17.95
The KISS Oracle Cards
Clearance Price $3.00
Regular Price: $9.95
The Self Empowerment CD: Accessing The 12 Divine Powers Within
Clearance Price: $2.00
Regular Price: $14.95
If you are interested in purchasing any of these products, please visit my website, www.betsymbrown.com or drop me an email at betsy@betsymbrown.com
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Sunday, May 2, 2010
May 2010 KISS (Keep It Simple Sweetheart) Newsletter
My name is Betsy Brown. My philosophy is to always keep things simple. We have the potential to create as much complexity in our lives as we desire. My desire is to keep the complexity level low, and the simplicity level high. It works for me. We are all teachers and we are all students. When we are wearing the teacher hat, we share what is true for us at that time. Our beliefs will shift and change with the times, and our ideals and personal ideologies will develop through our own experiences. I’m sharing with you my thoughts and beliefs as they exist currently. They may change. They may stay the same. Whatever they are, they are true for me at this time. I offer them to you for your consideration. Explore what rings true for you. Discard the rest. It’s all good.
SOUL MATES, TWIN FLAMES AND PARTNERS
Before I start, make sure you read the above paragraph. What follows is what I currently believe. You may agree. You may not. My hope is that the comments below will give you something to think about, and perhaps even give you pause to be thankful for the relationships (past, present and future) in your life.
Let’s talk first about Soul Mates. I have found two schools of thought regarding the definition of Soul Mate. For some, the definitions talk in terms of Soul Families or Soul Groups. This would be groups of souls that incarnate together, playing different roles in each lifetime, such as a family (husband/wife/daughter/son), a group of friends, co-workers, or other relationships. If you’ve ever done a series of past life regressions, you undoubtedly recognized people from this lifetime playing different roles in past lives. I have a friend in this lifetime who has challenged me (in a good way – a double dog dare you - type challenge) which encouraged me to try different things, to take chances. This lifetime, things turned out great. A prior lifetime, well, let’s just say cliff diving was not the best choice for me. We don’t see each other much anymore as life has taken us on different paths, but this soul-mate will always be near and dear to me.
Other sources describe a soul mate as a romantic connection, predetermined prior to incarnating. The “one” – the happily ever after, forever and ever, romantic love relationship. They often use this definition in the same way people talk about Twin Flames.
Twin Flames, you say? I have read dozens and dozens of explanations of Twin Flames, some in simple terms and some in such convoluted terms that you are left scratching your head and saying, “Huh?” My favorite explanation comes from the movie, The Butcher’s Wife. In it, the character played by Demi Moore talks about ‘split-aparts’ which she describes as a single soul that was divided at the time of creation. 'Split-aparts' then spend their incarnations searching for each other, so that they may again become whole.
This month, my husband, Kim and I celebrate our 32nd anniversary. Wow – sometimes it is just hard to fathom, especially because I cannot possibly be a day over 33 myself **wink wink**. I’m often asked how we managed to stay together for so many years, and I jokingly reply that Kim was a commercial fisherman for about 20 of those 30 plus years, and wasn’t home for 4-6 months at a time. The reality of it is that marriage/partnership is a committed relationship. It takes work and it takes compromise. It takes time together, and time apart. Good relationships require a sense of self, and a love of self. If you don’t love yourself, how can you know how to love someone else?
Are we Twin Flames? I doubt it. Wouldn’t a twin flame either be (a) just like me? Trust me, he’s not. Or (b) he’d be the polar opposite (the neat to my messy, the chaos to my organization, the energetic one to my couch potato)? He’s not that either. I actually think my Twin Flame is another name for my Higher Self. The only part of me that is split apart is the part that knows only my perfection.
For those of you with this idealized vision of finding your Twin Flame – my best advice goes like this:
1. Stop looking outside of yourself for a Twin Flame.
2. Forget the idea of a Twin Flame. Everyone I know that has claimed to have met his or her twin flame is either divorced or no longer together. Who cares! You still have to live in this 3rd dimension. There will be disagreements and challenges. It’s part of life. Deal with it.
3. Recognize that all loving relationships are valuable. So love the one you're with.
4. When it’s time to move on, there are always 50 ways to leave your lover.
SAINT JOAN OF ARC
I talked a bit about the idea of planned incarnations in the above article; that is to say that it is my belief that souls have a general plan for each lifetime. That said, I think it would have been interesting to be part of Jehanne d’Arc’s pre-incarnation planning session. Was it her intention to be born to a peasant family, pay attention to the visions and messages from Archangel Michael, Saint Catherine and Saint Margaret, to visit French Royalty, insist on leading an army into battle, to free France from the English, but then be captured and burned at the stake? Is that one of those “Well, it sounded good at the time” things? Whether or not you believe in pre-destiny, Joan of Arc, as she is known in English speaking countries, was an amazing, confident, spiritually aware young lady who accomplished extraordinary things in her 20 year lifetime.
A simplified version of Joan’s story says that at the age of 13, she began to have visions of Archangel Michael, along with Saint Catherine and Saint Margaret, who delivered messages, instructing her to save her country from the invading English armies. She was to take the Dauphin Charles VI (the heir apparent to the throne in France) to Reims for his coronation and to drive the English out of France.
Joan spoke to the commander of the Dauphin’s troops, and was rebuffed. She returned home. The visions and voices continued. She requested another meeting with the commander. He was surprised at the continued defeat of the French Forces, as predicted by Joan, and therefore he agreed to send her to see the Dauphin.
It is said that Charles tested Joan by hiding himself among the crowd at his court. Joan, however, picked him out of the crowd. There is a legend that tells of a secret sign that was given between Joan and Charles that convinced him that her mission was authentic and worthwhile.
At age 17, after being examined by the women of the court, physicians and clergy, Joan was deemed mentally and physically capable, and given command of a French army. Under Joan’s command, the English fort outside of Orleans was captured. Joan had received more messages from her Divine Counsel (Archangel Michael, Saint Catherine and Saint Margaret) that her life on earth would end soon. This information sparked her desire to take on more daring campaigns against the English forces. She fought in many battles, but was eventually captured. She was deemed a witch and heretic, who refused to deny that the voices she heard were from a Divine Source. Joan of Arc, true to her faith and beliefs even when condemned to die. Twenty-three years after her death, her case was re-tried and she was acquitted. She was canonized by Pope Benedict XV in May 1920.
If you receive repeated messages from a Divine Source, but still struggle with believing that those messages can be for you, call on Saint Joan of Arc. If you are guided to right a wrong, even if it means going up against what you perceive as a strong force, call on Saint Joan of Arc. If you ever doubt that one person can make a change, either on a small scale or a large one, think of Joan, the young peasant girl who listened to Divine Guidance and forged ahead with faith and confidence.
IT’S ALL IN THE NUMBERS – FIVE
Ah, five – one of my favorite numbers. Fives are all about change. When 5s show up in a reading, change is a-coming. Whether you consider change good or bad, exciting or uncomfortable, is up to you. Be open to some new experiences, and a little adventure. When you see repetitive 5s throughout your day, this usually means big changes. Buckle your seat belt. The ride may not be bumpy, but it will be quick. Grounding and security will help you handle whatever changes occur. Even looking at the way 5 is written, there are sharp turns and round corners to its configuration. Fives ask you to expand your horizons and the way you view the mundane. If you are facing some challenges, look at the situation from a number of different perspectives. Then institute the change that the 5 is asking for.
THE FOUR BE’s TO ABUNDANCE
I have been working with a money/abundance exercise that I would like to share with you. I have found it to be fun and enlightening and get this – effective, too! To receive your FREE copy of my article, THE FOUR BE’s To ABUNDANCE: 22 Days To A Shift In Your Financial Vibration, please visit http://www.betsymbrown.com/get_4Bs.html I hope you enjoy it!
Sending you blessings of peace and enlightenment,
~Betsy~
Website: www.betsymbrown.com
Visit my blogs:
KISS Card of the Day – www.kisscard.blogspot.com
KISS Newsletter – www.kissnewsletter.blogspot.com
Betsy’s Blah Blah Blog – www.betsysblahblahblog.blogspot.com
SOUL MATES, TWIN FLAMES AND PARTNERS
Before I start, make sure you read the above paragraph. What follows is what I currently believe. You may agree. You may not. My hope is that the comments below will give you something to think about, and perhaps even give you pause to be thankful for the relationships (past, present and future) in your life.
Let’s talk first about Soul Mates. I have found two schools of thought regarding the definition of Soul Mate. For some, the definitions talk in terms of Soul Families or Soul Groups. This would be groups of souls that incarnate together, playing different roles in each lifetime, such as a family (husband/wife/daughter/son), a group of friends, co-workers, or other relationships. If you’ve ever done a series of past life regressions, you undoubtedly recognized people from this lifetime playing different roles in past lives. I have a friend in this lifetime who has challenged me (in a good way – a double dog dare you - type challenge) which encouraged me to try different things, to take chances. This lifetime, things turned out great. A prior lifetime, well, let’s just say cliff diving was not the best choice for me. We don’t see each other much anymore as life has taken us on different paths, but this soul-mate will always be near and dear to me.
Other sources describe a soul mate as a romantic connection, predetermined prior to incarnating. The “one” – the happily ever after, forever and ever, romantic love relationship. They often use this definition in the same way people talk about Twin Flames.
Twin Flames, you say? I have read dozens and dozens of explanations of Twin Flames, some in simple terms and some in such convoluted terms that you are left scratching your head and saying, “Huh?” My favorite explanation comes from the movie, The Butcher’s Wife. In it, the character played by Demi Moore talks about ‘split-aparts’ which she describes as a single soul that was divided at the time of creation. 'Split-aparts' then spend their incarnations searching for each other, so that they may again become whole.
This month, my husband, Kim and I celebrate our 32nd anniversary. Wow – sometimes it is just hard to fathom, especially because I cannot possibly be a day over 33 myself **wink wink**. I’m often asked how we managed to stay together for so many years, and I jokingly reply that Kim was a commercial fisherman for about 20 of those 30 plus years, and wasn’t home for 4-6 months at a time. The reality of it is that marriage/partnership is a committed relationship. It takes work and it takes compromise. It takes time together, and time apart. Good relationships require a sense of self, and a love of self. If you don’t love yourself, how can you know how to love someone else?
Are we Twin Flames? I doubt it. Wouldn’t a twin flame either be (a) just like me? Trust me, he’s not. Or (b) he’d be the polar opposite (the neat to my messy, the chaos to my organization, the energetic one to my couch potato)? He’s not that either. I actually think my Twin Flame is another name for my Higher Self. The only part of me that is split apart is the part that knows only my perfection.
For those of you with this idealized vision of finding your Twin Flame – my best advice goes like this:
1. Stop looking outside of yourself for a Twin Flame.
2. Forget the idea of a Twin Flame. Everyone I know that has claimed to have met his or her twin flame is either divorced or no longer together. Who cares! You still have to live in this 3rd dimension. There will be disagreements and challenges. It’s part of life. Deal with it.
3. Recognize that all loving relationships are valuable. So love the one you're with.
4. When it’s time to move on, there are always 50 ways to leave your lover.
SAINT JOAN OF ARC
I talked a bit about the idea of planned incarnations in the above article; that is to say that it is my belief that souls have a general plan for each lifetime. That said, I think it would have been interesting to be part of Jehanne d’Arc’s pre-incarnation planning session. Was it her intention to be born to a peasant family, pay attention to the visions and messages from Archangel Michael, Saint Catherine and Saint Margaret, to visit French Royalty, insist on leading an army into battle, to free France from the English, but then be captured and burned at the stake? Is that one of those “Well, it sounded good at the time” things? Whether or not you believe in pre-destiny, Joan of Arc, as she is known in English speaking countries, was an amazing, confident, spiritually aware young lady who accomplished extraordinary things in her 20 year lifetime.
A simplified version of Joan’s story says that at the age of 13, she began to have visions of Archangel Michael, along with Saint Catherine and Saint Margaret, who delivered messages, instructing her to save her country from the invading English armies. She was to take the Dauphin Charles VI (the heir apparent to the throne in France) to Reims for his coronation and to drive the English out of France.
Joan spoke to the commander of the Dauphin’s troops, and was rebuffed. She returned home. The visions and voices continued. She requested another meeting with the commander. He was surprised at the continued defeat of the French Forces, as predicted by Joan, and therefore he agreed to send her to see the Dauphin.
It is said that Charles tested Joan by hiding himself among the crowd at his court. Joan, however, picked him out of the crowd. There is a legend that tells of a secret sign that was given between Joan and Charles that convinced him that her mission was authentic and worthwhile.
At age 17, after being examined by the women of the court, physicians and clergy, Joan was deemed mentally and physically capable, and given command of a French army. Under Joan’s command, the English fort outside of Orleans was captured. Joan had received more messages from her Divine Counsel (Archangel Michael, Saint Catherine and Saint Margaret) that her life on earth would end soon. This information sparked her desire to take on more daring campaigns against the English forces. She fought in many battles, but was eventually captured. She was deemed a witch and heretic, who refused to deny that the voices she heard were from a Divine Source. Joan of Arc, true to her faith and beliefs even when condemned to die. Twenty-three years after her death, her case was re-tried and she was acquitted. She was canonized by Pope Benedict XV in May 1920.
If you receive repeated messages from a Divine Source, but still struggle with believing that those messages can be for you, call on Saint Joan of Arc. If you are guided to right a wrong, even if it means going up against what you perceive as a strong force, call on Saint Joan of Arc. If you ever doubt that one person can make a change, either on a small scale or a large one, think of Joan, the young peasant girl who listened to Divine Guidance and forged ahead with faith and confidence.
IT’S ALL IN THE NUMBERS – FIVE
Ah, five – one of my favorite numbers. Fives are all about change. When 5s show up in a reading, change is a-coming. Whether you consider change good or bad, exciting or uncomfortable, is up to you. Be open to some new experiences, and a little adventure. When you see repetitive 5s throughout your day, this usually means big changes. Buckle your seat belt. The ride may not be bumpy, but it will be quick. Grounding and security will help you handle whatever changes occur. Even looking at the way 5 is written, there are sharp turns and round corners to its configuration. Fives ask you to expand your horizons and the way you view the mundane. If you are facing some challenges, look at the situation from a number of different perspectives. Then institute the change that the 5 is asking for.
THE FOUR BE’s TO ABUNDANCE
I have been working with a money/abundance exercise that I would like to share with you. I have found it to be fun and enlightening and get this – effective, too! To receive your FREE copy of my article, THE FOUR BE’s To ABUNDANCE: 22 Days To A Shift In Your Financial Vibration, please visit http://www.betsymbrown.com/get_4Bs.html I hope you enjoy it!
Sending you blessings of peace and enlightenment,
~Betsy~
Website: www.betsymbrown.com
Visit my blogs:
KISS Card of the Day – www.kisscard.blogspot.com
KISS Newsletter – www.kissnewsletter.blogspot.com
Betsy’s Blah Blah Blog – www.betsysblahblahblog.blogspot.com
Monday, March 29, 2010
APRIL 2010 KISS (Keep It Simple Sweetheart)™ NEWSLETTER
APRIL 2010 KISS (Keep It Simple Sweetheart)™ NEWSLETTER
My name is Betsy Brown. My philosophy is to always keep things simple. We have the potential to create as much complexity in our lives as we desire. My desire is to keep the complexity level low, and the simplicity level high. It works for me. We are all teachers and we are all students. When we are wearing the teacher hat, we share what is true for us at that time. Our beliefs will shift and change with the times, and our ideals and personal ideologies will develop through our own experiences. I’m sharing with you my thoughts and beliefs as they exist currently. They may change. They may stay the same. Whatever they are, they are true for me at this time. I offer them to you for your consideration. Explore what rings true for you. Discard the rest. It’s all good.
WHAT I THOUGHT WAS A NIGHTMARE WAS ACTUALLY A DREAM COME TRUE
At one time, I held a top level position at a well respected company. When I was released from the position, I was devastated. It was not due to the loss of income or status but rather it was because of ideals and the concept of who I was and what I stood for. I had done enough spiritual study at the time to recognize that everything happens for a reason. So I knew immediately it was for my highest good to move on. It was relatively easy to let the job itself go; in fact I didn’t spend a single moment wishing I could get the position back. My feelings were hurt, and I definitely felt ”less than” (ie: my self-worth took a big hit), but I was able to get to the point of counting the blessings I had received from working with this company fairly quickly. What my Ego grabbed on to was that I was no longer wanted as part of the team. Oh my, there came up all those old “I was the last one picked” memories. My Ego had a field day (week, month…) with those thoughts and stories I concocted.
I’ve been reading The Fifth Agreement. In the book, the authors, don Miguel Ruiz and don Jose Ruiz, talk about our existence in the terms of virtual reality (our personal story) and the true story (our divine selves). My divine self knew that the vibrations of the company and my own vibrations no longer matched. It was not a matter of higher/lower, better/worse, or right/wrong. The relationship was just out of harmony. In playing the piano, a C major chord and a G major chord might harmonize quite well, but a C major chord and a D minor chord do not. It was time for me to create my own music rather than play off key.
Still, my Ego wanted to sing the blues while my divine self wanted to sing the hokey pokey. My Ego was mourning a loss. My divine self was celebrating a new experience and the unlimited possibilities.
Now, given the choice, we’d all pick the option to focus on the unlimited possibilities, right? Yet ego is strong. It says Wait – Wait – You are the STAR in this drama. It’s YOUR story. Let’s tell it again, and again, and again. Over and over and over. You will get support from others. Your friends and co-workers will rally around you and add power to your story. Yes, you were let go. Yes, the reasons given were bogus. The company will surely fall apart without you. And so on, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.
Thank God, my spiritual training eventually kicked in, and I put that ‘Poor Me” book down, and decided to work on a new story. I have the tools (ideas) for a new book (new experiences). I reached for new affirmations, created a new treasure map and started on a new journey.
From time to time, I check that old book out from the Akashic Library, or listen to the same old song, but Ego is finally getting bored with it all. The old saying “Time heals all wounds” is true. You can make the time go faster. Spend less of your energy reviewing the past. You can’t change it anyway. Spend more time co-creating your new experiences. Dare to dream big!
BLESSED MARGARET OF CASTELLO
Margaret was born, in 1287, just a normal person. Okay, maybe not so ‘normal’ as we may define it. Margaret was born hunchbacked, dwarf, blind and lame to a wealthy family who was ashamed of her condition. They hid her in their castle, never announcing the birth. When she was 6, it became apparent that she could no longer just wander around the castle as someone might notice her, causing embarrassment to the family. She was moved to a small cell next to a nearby church, and kept there for 14 years. Food was brought to her by servants, but she received nothing in the way of nurturing from her family. It was from the family chaplain that she came to know God.
When Margaret was 20, her family took her to a shrine in a neighboring town and prayed for a miracle healing. When no healing occurred, her family abandoned her. Margaret turned to the church and became a member of the Dominican Third Order of Castello. She lived an exemplary life of prayer, penance, and charity. She never complained. She was never bitter. She was known for her kindness.
Healings and miracles began to occur, and the townspeople began to seek out Margaret’s help. One woman came to Margaret for a healing for decreased vision. She told Margaret that she would rather be dead than blind. The woman was surprised by Margaret’s answer. "My dear sister, don't you realize that God is giving you a wonderful opportunity to come closer to Him through the suffering of being blind?"
The woman, fraught with fear over going blind, could not even fathom the possibility that good could come from this situation. Even though Margaret explained that her deformities brought her much faith, and that faith brought much joy and healing to others, the woman could not grasp the concept. Margaret understood how consuming fear of lack and limitation could be, so she placed her hands on the woman’s eyes and prayed. A miracle occurred, and the woman’s vision was returned to normal.
Margaret died in 1320 at the age of 33. More than 200 miracles have since occurred to those who called on Blessed Margaret’s intercession.
Margaret never knew why God allowed her to live with her disabilities and deformities. She did not care. She knew that The Creator knew only good, and therefore she was perfectly ‘normal’ just the way she was.
IT’S ALL IN THE NUMBERS – FOUR
Four is a favorite number for ‘angel people’ – it means the angels are with you. We all love it when we see that it is 4:44 or our grocery bill comes to $44. I’d also be willing to bet that those who play the lottery pick numbers with 4s – 4, 14, 24, 34, 44.
In traditional numerology, 4s are all about stability (think 4 legs on a chair or a table). Other words associated with 4s would be sturdy, reliable, logical, constant, methodical, trustworthy, and dependable.
The creative power that is incurred with the number 3 comes to fruition and stability when 4s show up, either in a reading or around you.
Sending you blessings of peace and enlightenment,
~Betsy~
Website:
www.betsymbrown.com
Blogs:
KISS Card of the Day – www.kisscard.blogspot.com
KISS Newsletter – www.kissnewsletter.blogspot.com
Betsy’s Blah Blah Blog – www.betsysblahblahblog.blogspot.com
My name is Betsy Brown. My philosophy is to always keep things simple. We have the potential to create as much complexity in our lives as we desire. My desire is to keep the complexity level low, and the simplicity level high. It works for me. We are all teachers and we are all students. When we are wearing the teacher hat, we share what is true for us at that time. Our beliefs will shift and change with the times, and our ideals and personal ideologies will develop through our own experiences. I’m sharing with you my thoughts and beliefs as they exist currently. They may change. They may stay the same. Whatever they are, they are true for me at this time. I offer them to you for your consideration. Explore what rings true for you. Discard the rest. It’s all good.
WHAT I THOUGHT WAS A NIGHTMARE WAS ACTUALLY A DREAM COME TRUE
At one time, I held a top level position at a well respected company. When I was released from the position, I was devastated. It was not due to the loss of income or status but rather it was because of ideals and the concept of who I was and what I stood for. I had done enough spiritual study at the time to recognize that everything happens for a reason. So I knew immediately it was for my highest good to move on. It was relatively easy to let the job itself go; in fact I didn’t spend a single moment wishing I could get the position back. My feelings were hurt, and I definitely felt ”less than” (ie: my self-worth took a big hit), but I was able to get to the point of counting the blessings I had received from working with this company fairly quickly. What my Ego grabbed on to was that I was no longer wanted as part of the team. Oh my, there came up all those old “I was the last one picked” memories. My Ego had a field day (week, month…) with those thoughts and stories I concocted.
I’ve been reading The Fifth Agreement. In the book, the authors, don Miguel Ruiz and don Jose Ruiz, talk about our existence in the terms of virtual reality (our personal story) and the true story (our divine selves). My divine self knew that the vibrations of the company and my own vibrations no longer matched. It was not a matter of higher/lower, better/worse, or right/wrong. The relationship was just out of harmony. In playing the piano, a C major chord and a G major chord might harmonize quite well, but a C major chord and a D minor chord do not. It was time for me to create my own music rather than play off key.
Still, my Ego wanted to sing the blues while my divine self wanted to sing the hokey pokey. My Ego was mourning a loss. My divine self was celebrating a new experience and the unlimited possibilities.
Now, given the choice, we’d all pick the option to focus on the unlimited possibilities, right? Yet ego is strong. It says Wait – Wait – You are the STAR in this drama. It’s YOUR story. Let’s tell it again, and again, and again. Over and over and over. You will get support from others. Your friends and co-workers will rally around you and add power to your story. Yes, you were let go. Yes, the reasons given were bogus. The company will surely fall apart without you. And so on, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.
Thank God, my spiritual training eventually kicked in, and I put that ‘Poor Me” book down, and decided to work on a new story. I have the tools (ideas) for a new book (new experiences). I reached for new affirmations, created a new treasure map and started on a new journey.
From time to time, I check that old book out from the Akashic Library, or listen to the same old song, but Ego is finally getting bored with it all. The old saying “Time heals all wounds” is true. You can make the time go faster. Spend less of your energy reviewing the past. You can’t change it anyway. Spend more time co-creating your new experiences. Dare to dream big!
BLESSED MARGARET OF CASTELLO
Margaret was born, in 1287, just a normal person. Okay, maybe not so ‘normal’ as we may define it. Margaret was born hunchbacked, dwarf, blind and lame to a wealthy family who was ashamed of her condition. They hid her in their castle, never announcing the birth. When she was 6, it became apparent that she could no longer just wander around the castle as someone might notice her, causing embarrassment to the family. She was moved to a small cell next to a nearby church, and kept there for 14 years. Food was brought to her by servants, but she received nothing in the way of nurturing from her family. It was from the family chaplain that she came to know God.
When Margaret was 20, her family took her to a shrine in a neighboring town and prayed for a miracle healing. When no healing occurred, her family abandoned her. Margaret turned to the church and became a member of the Dominican Third Order of Castello. She lived an exemplary life of prayer, penance, and charity. She never complained. She was never bitter. She was known for her kindness.
Healings and miracles began to occur, and the townspeople began to seek out Margaret’s help. One woman came to Margaret for a healing for decreased vision. She told Margaret that she would rather be dead than blind. The woman was surprised by Margaret’s answer. "My dear sister, don't you realize that God is giving you a wonderful opportunity to come closer to Him through the suffering of being blind?"
The woman, fraught with fear over going blind, could not even fathom the possibility that good could come from this situation. Even though Margaret explained that her deformities brought her much faith, and that faith brought much joy and healing to others, the woman could not grasp the concept. Margaret understood how consuming fear of lack and limitation could be, so she placed her hands on the woman’s eyes and prayed. A miracle occurred, and the woman’s vision was returned to normal.
Margaret died in 1320 at the age of 33. More than 200 miracles have since occurred to those who called on Blessed Margaret’s intercession.
Margaret never knew why God allowed her to live with her disabilities and deformities. She did not care. She knew that The Creator knew only good, and therefore she was perfectly ‘normal’ just the way she was.
IT’S ALL IN THE NUMBERS – FOUR
Four is a favorite number for ‘angel people’ – it means the angels are with you. We all love it when we see that it is 4:44 or our grocery bill comes to $44. I’d also be willing to bet that those who play the lottery pick numbers with 4s – 4, 14, 24, 34, 44.
In traditional numerology, 4s are all about stability (think 4 legs on a chair or a table). Other words associated with 4s would be sturdy, reliable, logical, constant, methodical, trustworthy, and dependable.
The creative power that is incurred with the number 3 comes to fruition and stability when 4s show up, either in a reading or around you.
Sending you blessings of peace and enlightenment,
~Betsy~
Website:
www.betsymbrown.com
Blogs:
KISS Card of the Day – www.kisscard.blogspot.com
KISS Newsletter – www.kissnewsletter.blogspot.com
Betsy’s Blah Blah Blog – www.betsysblahblahblog.blogspot.com
Thursday, March 4, 2010
March 2010 KISS (Keep It Simple Sweetheart)™ Newsletter
My name is Betsy Brown. My philosophy is to always keep things simple. We have the potential to create as much complexity in our lives as we desire. My desire is to keep the complexity level low, and the simplicity level high. It works for me. We are all teachers and we are all students. When we are wearing the teacher hat, we share what is true for us at that time. Our beliefs will shift and change with the times, and our ideals and personal ideologies will develop through our own experiences. I’m sharing with you my thoughts and beliefs as they exist currently. They may change. They may stay the same. Whatever they are, they are true for me at this time. I offer them to you for your consideration. Explore what rings true for you. Discard the rest. It’s all good.
MAIDEN TO MOTHER TO CRONE – OH MY!
I really like alliteration – so I prefer maiden, mother, and menopausal. If you are smiling now, you are probably over 40. Surely I have not reached the last rung on the ladder of the Divine Feminine. How did that happen?
As I sit down to write this article, I am somewhat patiently waiting to become a grandma for the first time. Over and over I have heard that being a grandma is even better than being a mother. Mothers are about nurturing. Grandmas are about spoiling. Mothers are about putting a tired crying child down for a nap. Grandmas can send the tired crying child home. I’m starting to see how I’m going to enjoy this role.
Let’s look briefly at the 3 aspects of the Divine Feminine. We have the Maiden – the young woman filled with enthusiasm, enchantment and youthful ideas. When we are in this time of life, we are spontaneous, playful, and enjoy learning about life. I equate the energy of the Maiden with the fun time of my life.
The Mother aspect is the nurturer. This time of life is about fertility and stability. She is about growth, spiritual learning, gaining knowledge and manifesting abundance. I equate the energy of the Mother as joyful work, never a dull moment. It is the prime time of life. It has to be, because there is always something that needs doing. It’s a busy, busy time, and looking back I wonder how I did it all.
Lastly, we have the Crone. The word crone originally referred to an elder, a wise woman who has experience in healing, counseling, and teaching. Along with maturity, she brings forth knowledge that can only be obtained through experience of a life well lived.
I was talking with my daughter about what type of grandma I wanted to be. We learn a lot about how we want to do things by knowing what we don’t want to do. And as experience is the great teacher, we know what we don’t like because we’ve been there, done that, and don’t want to do it again.
I raised my kids pretty much the way I was raised, but I did not carry on traditions or beliefs that I despised when I grew up. For instance, my children have never tasted lutefisk or liver or lima beans. They weren’t required to sit still, and look pretty, when Grandma and Grandpa came to visit.
As I look back on my own grandparents, I had a set of straight-laced, rather stodgy grandparents, and a set of what I called the fun grandparents. I saw the first set monthly, if not more. I saw the fun set about every 4 years. The first set sent me letters and always brought gifts when they visited. The second set was all about quality time. These were the grandparents that showed us how to do things, make cookies, sweep a floor (I was easily entertained), play games, tell stories, speak Norwegian.
Then I looked at my own parents and what type of grandparents they were. I’m not sure why I was so amazed, but they were pretty much like each of their parents was. While my dad did not require the grandkids to sit still, he didn’t really interact with my kids, but he did talk and listen to them. He passed on when the kids were pretty young. Had he lived longer, they would have enjoyed his dry sense of humor. My mom was the more playful one, always taking the kids out for individual birthday celebrations, making sure they had videos to watch when they came to visit, snacks and fun food, things to do.
As I write this, my daughter is scheduled to be induced in four days. There is a part of me that thinks I have to decide what kind of grandma I’m going to be before the baby arrives. The truth is that I won’t really know until it happens. I’m sure my role will evolve depending on circumstances. I can already feel the love growing. I know I will be there for my grandchildren, no matter what. I know I’ll not make them eat lutefisk, but I will take them camping. I know I’ll have good snacks for them to eat, special toys for them to play with, crayons and colored pencils with which to draw. I’ll teach them about magic and the Law of Attraction. And I’ll tell them how wonderful they are, even when they make mistakes or are having a bad day. I think I’ll do okay in my new role.
I’d love to have a beautiful spiritual lesson to wrap up this article, but honestly. I’m stuck on the fact that wasn’t it just yesterday that I was a maiden? What did happen?
ADDENDUM: Odin Thomas Stack was born last Saturday night. He is truly perfect. And therein resides a piece of wisdom. If you forget, or find it hard to remember, that you are divinely perfect just the way you are – look into the eyes of a newborn. See his or her perfection, and know that you are perfect too. You just have more experiences to share, more stories to tell, but the truth is that you are perfect just as you are.
SAINT FRANCES OF ROME
It was hard to sit down and write about a saint for March, and not pick Saint Patrick, but when I read about Saint Frances of Rome, I knew she was calling to me.
Frances was born to wealthy parents in 1384. She was attracted to a life of service as a young girl, and wanted to become a nun. Her father forbade it, and arranged for her to be married at a young age (12).
Frances grew to love her husband, but she continued to be drawn to serve God by helping the poor. One day her sister-in-law Vanozza found Frances crying, and after asking why, she confessed that she had the same desire. Together they decided to live their married lives but also care for the poor. Often they would leave the palace in simple dresses and veils to go take care of the sick and distribute supplies to the poor. Lorenzo's family was horrified when they found out.
When floods and famine crippled Rome, Frances turned her house into a hospital. She freely gave away her belongings and supplies to help strangers in need. Her father-in-law was so angry that he took away the keys to the supply rooms. But he gave them back when he saw that the corn bin and wine barrel were miraculously full again after Frances finished praying.
Frances had a very close relationship with God. She was what we now would call a clairvoyant. She was able to see her guardian angels so clearly that their essence would light up a dark room so Frances could read and work at night, without the aid of a lamp. Frances was said to be able to act as a human lie detector. She could tell when someone was being dishonest as her guardian angel would disappear from her sight as a sign.
Frances persuaded her husband to let her continue to serve the needy. She was a good mother and personally “home-schooled” her children and cared for them. When her mother-in-law died, Frances took charge of the castle. Although she spent long hours in prayer, she always saw to her family's needs first. She is quoted as saying, “It is most laudable in a married woman to be devout, but she must never forget that she is a housewife. And sometimes she must leave God at the altar to find Him in her housekeeping”
During the invasion of Rome, in 1418, the family was banished from their estates, material goods were confiscated, the house destroyed, and their eldest son taken as a hostage. Frances intuitively saw good would come from these losses as she believed God would take care of them, and she gave prayers of thanksgiving for this outcome. When peace was restored, the estates were recovered and her son was returned to Frances and her family.
After the death of her husband, Frances spent more and more time caring for the poor and needy. Frances became convinced that being of service, no matter how great or how small, was necessary for the world. She requested of the church and was given permission to found a society of women bound by no vows. Frances showed us that a life spent in service to family, to church and to society need not be restricted to those bound by vows.
Frances of Rome, a mystic, a mother, a philanthropist, died on March 9, 1440; the day she had predicted would be her last day on earth. My kind of woman – she showed us that, yes, we can do it all.
DIVINATION TOOLS : IT’S ALL IN THE NUMBERS – THREE
Body, mind, spirit. Beginning, middle, end. Birth, life, death. Past, present, future. Father, Son, Holy Spirit. Height, width, depth. Day, month, year. The number three is all about wholeness, and a sense of completion. It possesses the attributes of wisdom, understanding and knowledge. The number three has a creative power and growth to it as well.
In traditional numerology, if you have a life path of 3 (example birthdate of 4/1/1951 = 4+1+16 = 21 which reduces to 3), you would be attracted to doing anything that dealt with self expression, such as acting, writing, singing, painting. You are all about the lighter side of life. You are friendly, positive, optimistic, a social butterfly. You undoubtedly have a great sense of humor, and are probably more than a little adventurous.
In terms of angel numbers, when 3s show up, it signifies that the Master Teachers (aka Ascended Masters) are working with you. Jesus, Earth’s Master Teacher, is often around when you start seeing the number 3 frequently. Other Master Teachers include Mother Mary, Yogananda, Babaji, Buddha, Melchizedek, Saint-Germain, Saint Frances and many more. A Master Teacher is a celestial being who has previously lived on Earth, and who during that lifetime exhibited great wisdom and spiritual understanding. Those souls are now assisting us from a higher dimension.
Sending you blessings of peace and enlightenment,
~Betsy~
Website:
www.betsymbrown.com
Blogs:
KISS Card of the Day – www.kisscard.blogspot.com
KISS Newsletter – www.kissnewsletter.blogspot.com
Betsy’s Blah Blah Blog – www.betsysblahblahblog.blogspot.com
MAIDEN TO MOTHER TO CRONE – OH MY!
I really like alliteration – so I prefer maiden, mother, and menopausal. If you are smiling now, you are probably over 40. Surely I have not reached the last rung on the ladder of the Divine Feminine. How did that happen?
As I sit down to write this article, I am somewhat patiently waiting to become a grandma for the first time. Over and over I have heard that being a grandma is even better than being a mother. Mothers are about nurturing. Grandmas are about spoiling. Mothers are about putting a tired crying child down for a nap. Grandmas can send the tired crying child home. I’m starting to see how I’m going to enjoy this role.
Let’s look briefly at the 3 aspects of the Divine Feminine. We have the Maiden – the young woman filled with enthusiasm, enchantment and youthful ideas. When we are in this time of life, we are spontaneous, playful, and enjoy learning about life. I equate the energy of the Maiden with the fun time of my life.
The Mother aspect is the nurturer. This time of life is about fertility and stability. She is about growth, spiritual learning, gaining knowledge and manifesting abundance. I equate the energy of the Mother as joyful work, never a dull moment. It is the prime time of life. It has to be, because there is always something that needs doing. It’s a busy, busy time, and looking back I wonder how I did it all.
Lastly, we have the Crone. The word crone originally referred to an elder, a wise woman who has experience in healing, counseling, and teaching. Along with maturity, she brings forth knowledge that can only be obtained through experience of a life well lived.
I was talking with my daughter about what type of grandma I wanted to be. We learn a lot about how we want to do things by knowing what we don’t want to do. And as experience is the great teacher, we know what we don’t like because we’ve been there, done that, and don’t want to do it again.
I raised my kids pretty much the way I was raised, but I did not carry on traditions or beliefs that I despised when I grew up. For instance, my children have never tasted lutefisk or liver or lima beans. They weren’t required to sit still, and look pretty, when Grandma and Grandpa came to visit.
As I look back on my own grandparents, I had a set of straight-laced, rather stodgy grandparents, and a set of what I called the fun grandparents. I saw the first set monthly, if not more. I saw the fun set about every 4 years. The first set sent me letters and always brought gifts when they visited. The second set was all about quality time. These were the grandparents that showed us how to do things, make cookies, sweep a floor (I was easily entertained), play games, tell stories, speak Norwegian.
Then I looked at my own parents and what type of grandparents they were. I’m not sure why I was so amazed, but they were pretty much like each of their parents was. While my dad did not require the grandkids to sit still, he didn’t really interact with my kids, but he did talk and listen to them. He passed on when the kids were pretty young. Had he lived longer, they would have enjoyed his dry sense of humor. My mom was the more playful one, always taking the kids out for individual birthday celebrations, making sure they had videos to watch when they came to visit, snacks and fun food, things to do.
As I write this, my daughter is scheduled to be induced in four days. There is a part of me that thinks I have to decide what kind of grandma I’m going to be before the baby arrives. The truth is that I won’t really know until it happens. I’m sure my role will evolve depending on circumstances. I can already feel the love growing. I know I will be there for my grandchildren, no matter what. I know I’ll not make them eat lutefisk, but I will take them camping. I know I’ll have good snacks for them to eat, special toys for them to play with, crayons and colored pencils with which to draw. I’ll teach them about magic and the Law of Attraction. And I’ll tell them how wonderful they are, even when they make mistakes or are having a bad day. I think I’ll do okay in my new role.
I’d love to have a beautiful spiritual lesson to wrap up this article, but honestly. I’m stuck on the fact that wasn’t it just yesterday that I was a maiden? What did happen?
ADDENDUM: Odin Thomas Stack was born last Saturday night. He is truly perfect. And therein resides a piece of wisdom. If you forget, or find it hard to remember, that you are divinely perfect just the way you are – look into the eyes of a newborn. See his or her perfection, and know that you are perfect too. You just have more experiences to share, more stories to tell, but the truth is that you are perfect just as you are.
SAINT FRANCES OF ROME
It was hard to sit down and write about a saint for March, and not pick Saint Patrick, but when I read about Saint Frances of Rome, I knew she was calling to me.
Frances was born to wealthy parents in 1384. She was attracted to a life of service as a young girl, and wanted to become a nun. Her father forbade it, and arranged for her to be married at a young age (12).
Frances grew to love her husband, but she continued to be drawn to serve God by helping the poor. One day her sister-in-law Vanozza found Frances crying, and after asking why, she confessed that she had the same desire. Together they decided to live their married lives but also care for the poor. Often they would leave the palace in simple dresses and veils to go take care of the sick and distribute supplies to the poor. Lorenzo's family was horrified when they found out.
When floods and famine crippled Rome, Frances turned her house into a hospital. She freely gave away her belongings and supplies to help strangers in need. Her father-in-law was so angry that he took away the keys to the supply rooms. But he gave them back when he saw that the corn bin and wine barrel were miraculously full again after Frances finished praying.
Frances had a very close relationship with God. She was what we now would call a clairvoyant. She was able to see her guardian angels so clearly that their essence would light up a dark room so Frances could read and work at night, without the aid of a lamp. Frances was said to be able to act as a human lie detector. She could tell when someone was being dishonest as her guardian angel would disappear from her sight as a sign.
Frances persuaded her husband to let her continue to serve the needy. She was a good mother and personally “home-schooled” her children and cared for them. When her mother-in-law died, Frances took charge of the castle. Although she spent long hours in prayer, she always saw to her family's needs first. She is quoted as saying, “It is most laudable in a married woman to be devout, but she must never forget that she is a housewife. And sometimes she must leave God at the altar to find Him in her housekeeping”
During the invasion of Rome, in 1418, the family was banished from their estates, material goods were confiscated, the house destroyed, and their eldest son taken as a hostage. Frances intuitively saw good would come from these losses as she believed God would take care of them, and she gave prayers of thanksgiving for this outcome. When peace was restored, the estates were recovered and her son was returned to Frances and her family.
After the death of her husband, Frances spent more and more time caring for the poor and needy. Frances became convinced that being of service, no matter how great or how small, was necessary for the world. She requested of the church and was given permission to found a society of women bound by no vows. Frances showed us that a life spent in service to family, to church and to society need not be restricted to those bound by vows.
Frances of Rome, a mystic, a mother, a philanthropist, died on March 9, 1440; the day she had predicted would be her last day on earth. My kind of woman – she showed us that, yes, we can do it all.
DIVINATION TOOLS : IT’S ALL IN THE NUMBERS – THREE
Body, mind, spirit. Beginning, middle, end. Birth, life, death. Past, present, future. Father, Son, Holy Spirit. Height, width, depth. Day, month, year. The number three is all about wholeness, and a sense of completion. It possesses the attributes of wisdom, understanding and knowledge. The number three has a creative power and growth to it as well.
In traditional numerology, if you have a life path of 3 (example birthdate of 4/1/1951 = 4+1+16 = 21 which reduces to 3), you would be attracted to doing anything that dealt with self expression, such as acting, writing, singing, painting. You are all about the lighter side of life. You are friendly, positive, optimistic, a social butterfly. You undoubtedly have a great sense of humor, and are probably more than a little adventurous.
In terms of angel numbers, when 3s show up, it signifies that the Master Teachers (aka Ascended Masters) are working with you. Jesus, Earth’s Master Teacher, is often around when you start seeing the number 3 frequently. Other Master Teachers include Mother Mary, Yogananda, Babaji, Buddha, Melchizedek, Saint-Germain, Saint Frances and many more. A Master Teacher is a celestial being who has previously lived on Earth, and who during that lifetime exhibited great wisdom and spiritual understanding. Those souls are now assisting us from a higher dimension.
Sending you blessings of peace and enlightenment,
~Betsy~
Website:
www.betsymbrown.com
Blogs:
KISS Card of the Day – www.kisscard.blogspot.com
KISS Newsletter – www.kissnewsletter.blogspot.com
Betsy’s Blah Blah Blog – www.betsysblahblahblog.blogspot.com
Saturday, February 13, 2010
February 2010 KISS (Keep It Simple Sweetheart)™ Newsletter
My name is Betsy Brown. My philosophy is to always keep things simple. We have the potential to create as much complexity in our lives as we desire. My desire is to keep the complexity level low, and the simplicity level high. It works for me. We are all teachers and we are all students. When we are wearing the teacher hat, we share what is true for us at that time. Our beliefs will shift and change with the times, and our ideals and personal ideologies will develop through our own experiences. I’m sharing with you my thoughts and beliefs as they exist currently. They may change. They may stay the same. Whatever they are, they are true for me at this time. I offer them to you for your consideration. Explore what rings true for you. Discard the rest. It’s all good.
FORGIVING AND FORGETTING VS LETTING GO AND LETTING GOD
You can’t live to be over 50 without have some major incident in your life that just sends you for a loop. There are stresses in life that happen such as a death of a parent, loss of a job, financial fiascos, not to mention the ones we just deal with on a day to day basis, a fight with the spouse or partner, kids not behaving, someone cutting you off and you narrowly avoid a major accident. About a year ago, I experienced one of those major stresses, and I continue to recover from it. I got to thinking about letting go and letting God vs forgiving and forgetting. It is a philosophical notion vs emotional one. Both occur but one is much easier to achieve than the other. The philosophical part is the easy one, in my opinion. Everything happens for a reason. When one door closes, another one opens. God and the angels have got my back. There is a divine plan at work.
Yes, yes, yes, I get it. I understand it. But damn it, I’m still pissed off. It’s the emotions that are hard to work through. I think sometimes we get so tuned in to the spiritual aspect that we forget the human experiences. I’m the Queen of Affirmations, but apparently I’m also the Joker who hides/buries the anger. I had an Ayurvedic consultation last year, and the practitioner (blatant plug for Keesha Ewers at Fern Life Center in Issaquah, Washington), was talking about dosha imbalances, and she asked me about my deep seated anger. I blinked and looked at her and said, “I don’t know what you mean.” My inner Joker had buried that anger so far down, that it wasn’t even within my view. And I’m not talking about huge anger. The major stress I referenced above had not even occurred yet. I’m talking about all the little things that get to us and we just lump it in the “I’m letting go and letting God and the angels handle it” category. Well, yes, we can intellectually decide not to focus on something, to move on, and go forward, but the emotions are still there, whether we choose to look at them or not.
I’ve struggled with handling these feelings, both the little hurts and the major ones. Regular talk therapy with a psychotherapist would be great. I’m a big believer in this. Alas, it is not in my budget right now, so I’ve been journaling and examining what comes up. When you eat something that doesn’t agree with you, your body will get rid of it, either through vomiting or diarrhea. The emotional body/subconscious mind wants to get rid of its pain. It doesn’t want to feel angry or hurt, anymore than the physical body wants to experience stomach cramps. Journaling is a bit like puking. Get it up and out of your system through writing. I know the current wisdom states that what you focus on you will create, and I agree with that, but until you heal those emotions, you are building a future on a weak foundation. I think it is important to work toward achieving a clean slate on which to draw/write. The emotional body has to get rid of those hurts so it can move on. Storing the pain under a blanket of philosophical mumbo-jumbo does not work.
Over this last year, I kept asking myself, “Why can’t I just let this go?” I’m so over being angry and hurt. I’m willing to just forget about it. Oh oh, light bulb moment. Forget about it yes, but apparently I’m not to the forgiving part yet. However, the two go hand in hand. As I have learned from previous emotional traumas, the forgetting part follows the forgiving part.
I hope you aren’t reading this, thinking I have some sort of magical answer, because I don’t. It occurred to me that if I was beating myself up for calling myself a Spiritual Teacher/Counselor while harboring my own issues, maybe others were as well. The conclusion I’ve drawn is that spiritual counseling helps get you to the letting go and letting God, but you have to be willing to go through the emotional healing work as well. Letting go and letting God partnered with forgiving and forgetting equals personal peace.
SAINT VALENTINE
We’ve all heard stories about weird or silly laws on the books in various cities. For instance, in Phoenix, there is a law that states that every man who enters the city limits must wear pants. In Seattle, it is illegal to carry a concealed weapon that is longer than 6 feet. In St. Louis, it’s illegal to drink beer from a bucket on any street corner. In Decatur, it’s against the law to drive a car without a steering wheel. We laugh at these laws now, but when they were written, there was probably a reason. (I say probably, because we are talking about government and politics after all.)
Saint Valentine gained popularity in or around 268 AD. He was a temple priest at the time the Roman Emperor Claudius II declared it illegal to be married. Claudius had seen a decrease in the number of men willing to serve in his army, and he speculated that this was due to the fact that the men did not want to leave their wives and children to serve in his military force. The easiest way to solve that problem was to outlaw marriage. Valentine disagreed, thinking it was an unreasonable and silly law. He invited couples in his district who wanted to marry to come to him and he would perform the ceremony.
Word of Valentine’s actions reached Claudius who ordered that Valentine be arrested and imprisoned. Claudius took a liking to Valentine and tried to persuade him to leave the church and serve the Roman Empire and worship the Roman gods. In exchange for this, Claudius would pardon Valentine. Valentine refused, holding true to his faith, and he was sentenced to death.
While awaiting his execution, one of the jailers had heard that Valentine was knowledgeable in the field of medicine. The jailer had a daughter who had been blind since birth. The daughter was brought to Valentine, and the jailer pled with him to do all that was in his power to help the girl to see. The story goes that Valentine and the girl fell in love. On the day of the scheduled execution, Valentine requested one last visit with the girl. Claudius refused his wish. Valentine wrote a note of love to the girl, and signed it “Your Valentine”. After he was put to death, the girl did indeed gain her vision.
The exchanging of Valentines on February 14th (the date of Saint Valentine’s execution) did not become popular, however, until the 1800s.
DIVINATION TOOLS: IT’S ALL IN THE NUMBERS – TWO
This month we are looking at the vibration of the number two. Twos are about things that involve more energy than the energy of one. Where ones can be about individuality, twos are about partnerships or relationships. Twos are about cooperation, diplomacy, harmony and choice as well as patience, tolerance, and understanding. It’s interesting to note that the month of February, and the Valentine’s Day celebration, occur in the second month of the calendar year.
So how does a two come up in a reading? There are many ways. If you are using a tarot deck, there are obviously twos of each suit. If you are using oracle cards, there may be two of something in the art work on the card that draws your attention. The number two may just pop into your head. Or you may have a client that is noticing twos all around.
If you are working with angel messages, twos are a message to keep up the good work, keep doing what you are doing as results are forthcoming if you don’t give up.
MY EXCITING NEWS
Okay – well, it’s exciting to me anyway. My husband, Kim and I finished our first year of snow birding it in an RV. We are early birds in our return as we are expecting our first grandchild in early March, but he is giving signs of jumping the gun, so here we are, back in Snohomish again. We had a great time and a few learning experiences. If you are interested, you can read about our adventures at www.rv-virgins.blogspot.com.
I’ve been doing some writing and, as you can probably intuit, some self care this past year. Having no professional responsibilities has allowed me the time to make some changes to my website. It is an ongoing project as I adapt my teaching and path to who I am.
Drum roll please……I am thrilled to now be able to offer my pendulum charts and basic pendulum instruction in pdf format. I have also developed four new charts, geared toward intuitive answers regarding the physical body and its needs. Please visit my website for ordering information.
I now have a professional page on Facebook. Each day I draw one of my KISS Oracle cards. I note what is says on the card and I also post a little comment about the message. It will be on this page that I share any spiritual insights, upcoming classes, product specials, etc. If you are on Facebook, I hope you will subscribe to the page. It is called Betsy Brown’s KISS (Keep It Simple Sweetheart) Page.
If you drop the daily KISS Card blog – www.kisscard.blogspot.com, please take a moment to click on the American Red Cross link to help with the recovery aid going to Haiti and other areas worldwide. Thank you!
Sending you blessings of peace and enlightenment,
~Betsy~
FORGIVING AND FORGETTING VS LETTING GO AND LETTING GOD
You can’t live to be over 50 without have some major incident in your life that just sends you for a loop. There are stresses in life that happen such as a death of a parent, loss of a job, financial fiascos, not to mention the ones we just deal with on a day to day basis, a fight with the spouse or partner, kids not behaving, someone cutting you off and you narrowly avoid a major accident. About a year ago, I experienced one of those major stresses, and I continue to recover from it. I got to thinking about letting go and letting God vs forgiving and forgetting. It is a philosophical notion vs emotional one. Both occur but one is much easier to achieve than the other. The philosophical part is the easy one, in my opinion. Everything happens for a reason. When one door closes, another one opens. God and the angels have got my back. There is a divine plan at work.
Yes, yes, yes, I get it. I understand it. But damn it, I’m still pissed off. It’s the emotions that are hard to work through. I think sometimes we get so tuned in to the spiritual aspect that we forget the human experiences. I’m the Queen of Affirmations, but apparently I’m also the Joker who hides/buries the anger. I had an Ayurvedic consultation last year, and the practitioner (blatant plug for Keesha Ewers at Fern Life Center in Issaquah, Washington), was talking about dosha imbalances, and she asked me about my deep seated anger. I blinked and looked at her and said, “I don’t know what you mean.” My inner Joker had buried that anger so far down, that it wasn’t even within my view. And I’m not talking about huge anger. The major stress I referenced above had not even occurred yet. I’m talking about all the little things that get to us and we just lump it in the “I’m letting go and letting God and the angels handle it” category. Well, yes, we can intellectually decide not to focus on something, to move on, and go forward, but the emotions are still there, whether we choose to look at them or not.
I’ve struggled with handling these feelings, both the little hurts and the major ones. Regular talk therapy with a psychotherapist would be great. I’m a big believer in this. Alas, it is not in my budget right now, so I’ve been journaling and examining what comes up. When you eat something that doesn’t agree with you, your body will get rid of it, either through vomiting or diarrhea. The emotional body/subconscious mind wants to get rid of its pain. It doesn’t want to feel angry or hurt, anymore than the physical body wants to experience stomach cramps. Journaling is a bit like puking. Get it up and out of your system through writing. I know the current wisdom states that what you focus on you will create, and I agree with that, but until you heal those emotions, you are building a future on a weak foundation. I think it is important to work toward achieving a clean slate on which to draw/write. The emotional body has to get rid of those hurts so it can move on. Storing the pain under a blanket of philosophical mumbo-jumbo does not work.
Over this last year, I kept asking myself, “Why can’t I just let this go?” I’m so over being angry and hurt. I’m willing to just forget about it. Oh oh, light bulb moment. Forget about it yes, but apparently I’m not to the forgiving part yet. However, the two go hand in hand. As I have learned from previous emotional traumas, the forgetting part follows the forgiving part.
I hope you aren’t reading this, thinking I have some sort of magical answer, because I don’t. It occurred to me that if I was beating myself up for calling myself a Spiritual Teacher/Counselor while harboring my own issues, maybe others were as well. The conclusion I’ve drawn is that spiritual counseling helps get you to the letting go and letting God, but you have to be willing to go through the emotional healing work as well. Letting go and letting God partnered with forgiving and forgetting equals personal peace.
SAINT VALENTINE
We’ve all heard stories about weird or silly laws on the books in various cities. For instance, in Phoenix, there is a law that states that every man who enters the city limits must wear pants. In Seattle, it is illegal to carry a concealed weapon that is longer than 6 feet. In St. Louis, it’s illegal to drink beer from a bucket on any street corner. In Decatur, it’s against the law to drive a car without a steering wheel. We laugh at these laws now, but when they were written, there was probably a reason. (I say probably, because we are talking about government and politics after all.)
Saint Valentine gained popularity in or around 268 AD. He was a temple priest at the time the Roman Emperor Claudius II declared it illegal to be married. Claudius had seen a decrease in the number of men willing to serve in his army, and he speculated that this was due to the fact that the men did not want to leave their wives and children to serve in his military force. The easiest way to solve that problem was to outlaw marriage. Valentine disagreed, thinking it was an unreasonable and silly law. He invited couples in his district who wanted to marry to come to him and he would perform the ceremony.
Word of Valentine’s actions reached Claudius who ordered that Valentine be arrested and imprisoned. Claudius took a liking to Valentine and tried to persuade him to leave the church and serve the Roman Empire and worship the Roman gods. In exchange for this, Claudius would pardon Valentine. Valentine refused, holding true to his faith, and he was sentenced to death.
While awaiting his execution, one of the jailers had heard that Valentine was knowledgeable in the field of medicine. The jailer had a daughter who had been blind since birth. The daughter was brought to Valentine, and the jailer pled with him to do all that was in his power to help the girl to see. The story goes that Valentine and the girl fell in love. On the day of the scheduled execution, Valentine requested one last visit with the girl. Claudius refused his wish. Valentine wrote a note of love to the girl, and signed it “Your Valentine”. After he was put to death, the girl did indeed gain her vision.
The exchanging of Valentines on February 14th (the date of Saint Valentine’s execution) did not become popular, however, until the 1800s.
DIVINATION TOOLS: IT’S ALL IN THE NUMBERS – TWO
This month we are looking at the vibration of the number two. Twos are about things that involve more energy than the energy of one. Where ones can be about individuality, twos are about partnerships or relationships. Twos are about cooperation, diplomacy, harmony and choice as well as patience, tolerance, and understanding. It’s interesting to note that the month of February, and the Valentine’s Day celebration, occur in the second month of the calendar year.
So how does a two come up in a reading? There are many ways. If you are using a tarot deck, there are obviously twos of each suit. If you are using oracle cards, there may be two of something in the art work on the card that draws your attention. The number two may just pop into your head. Or you may have a client that is noticing twos all around.
If you are working with angel messages, twos are a message to keep up the good work, keep doing what you are doing as results are forthcoming if you don’t give up.
MY EXCITING NEWS
Okay – well, it’s exciting to me anyway. My husband, Kim and I finished our first year of snow birding it in an RV. We are early birds in our return as we are expecting our first grandchild in early March, but he is giving signs of jumping the gun, so here we are, back in Snohomish again. We had a great time and a few learning experiences. If you are interested, you can read about our adventures at www.rv-virgins.blogspot.com.
I’ve been doing some writing and, as you can probably intuit, some self care this past year. Having no professional responsibilities has allowed me the time to make some changes to my website. It is an ongoing project as I adapt my teaching and path to who I am.
Drum roll please……I am thrilled to now be able to offer my pendulum charts and basic pendulum instruction in pdf format. I have also developed four new charts, geared toward intuitive answers regarding the physical body and its needs. Please visit my website for ordering information.
I now have a professional page on Facebook. Each day I draw one of my KISS Oracle cards. I note what is says on the card and I also post a little comment about the message. It will be on this page that I share any spiritual insights, upcoming classes, product specials, etc. If you are on Facebook, I hope you will subscribe to the page. It is called Betsy Brown’s KISS (Keep It Simple Sweetheart) Page.
If you drop the daily KISS Card blog – www.kisscard.blogspot.com, please take a moment to click on the American Red Cross link to help with the recovery aid going to Haiti and other areas worldwide. Thank you!
Sending you blessings of peace and enlightenment,
~Betsy~
Saturday, January 16, 2010
JANUARY 2010 KISS (Keep It Simple Sweetheart)™ NEWSLETTER
My name is Betsy Brown. My philosophy is to always keep things simple. We have the potential to create as much complexity in our lives as we desire. My desire is to keep the complexity level low, and the simplicity level high. It works for me. We are all teachers and we are all students. When we are wearing the teacher hat, we share what is true for us at that time. Our beliefs will shift and change with the times, and our ideals and personal ideologies will develop through our own experiences. I’m sharing with you my thoughts and beliefs as they exist currently. They may change. They may stay the same. Whatever they are, they are true for me at this time. I offer them to you for your consideration. Explore what rings true for you. Discard the rest. It’s all good.
FALLING INTO PLACE
Okay, I admit it. I am hooked on Facebook, and I’m addicted to Bejeweled Blitz. Recently, I’ve spent more time playing Bejeweled Blitz than I have reading the status updates or comments on Facebook. It just seemed like everyone was saying the same thing, sharing the same concept, repeating the same ideas over and over and over. And it was getting boring, even though every now and then I’d read a quote or an insight from someone that was an A-ha type moment.
For those of you that don’t know Bejeweled Blitz, it’s a game where the object is to get 3 or more of the same jewels in a row, vertically or horizontally. When you do, you get points, and those jewels disappear, and others drop down. It gets really exciting when the new jewels drop down and 3, 4 or 5 in a row line up without your having to make any moves. You can make one little move, and boom – you go from 1,000 points to 75,000 points.
Well, it occurs to me that spiritual understanding can be that same way. It just takes one thought or concept to put you on the right path to get through the maze of life. So for any of us that have the occasionally “I’m so over all this” type of thought, keep writing, keep reading, keep thinking. You never know what might transpire.
I like to share the story of one my ventures into multi-level marketing with a product called Super Blue Green Algae. I was at a nutraceutical workshop with my up-line sponsors. At a break, I was saying that I could understand the health benefits of the products, but the products were expensive. I saw that as a stumbling block for introducing the products to my friends. A woman standing nearby leaned in and said, “You really should read Catherine Ponder’s book, The Dynamic Laws of Prosperity. At the time, I was annoyed that she butted into the conversation. A few weeks later, I’m in a bookstore and I’ll give you one guess which book falls off the shelf at my feet. I don’t believe in coincidences, so I bought the book, and read it. Catherine Ponder is the founder of Unity Worldwide and she is a Unity Minister. I loved the book, and decided to attend the Unity Church. One of the programs the church offered was called The Four T Prosperity Program. I registered for that course and began to use the techniques I learned. It was during that time that I started to see demonstrations of how our thoughts create our reality. Some of the things I was able to manifest included tuition fees for four quarters at our local community college, where I completed hypnotherapy training, and funds to cover room, board, tuition and travel expenses to become an Angel Therapist®. The” jewels” continued to fall into place, and I was able to create a dream job, travel, meet incredible people, and now be semi-retired.
Alas, right now, I’m having one of the down periods, where it seems I just cannot line up 3, let alone 4 or 5, jewels. I just feel stuck. I love to write, but even finding a topic for this newsletter was a challenge. But the thing is, I’m keeping at it. I know without a doubt that pretty soon all those metaphorical jewels will be lining up, things will drop into place, connections will be made, bright lights will sparkle, and bolts of lightning will electrify my life. Until then, my job is just to continue to show up, write each day, and when I’m stuck, I will look for the messages in the little things in life, like a simple game of Bejeweled Blitz on Facebook.
SAINT JOHN NEUMANN
As I’ve shared before, I was raised Lutheran. I did not grow up hearing stories about saints. I only knew saints existed because most of my friends were Catholic. I have a vague recollection of the kids choosing a saint before they were confirmed, but I really didn’t know what it was all about. What I now know is that saints were ordinary people who had extraordinary experiences in their lives. They came from all walks of life, all over the world. Some responded to the call of God early in life, others later. Part of the process of being named a saint is that there must be record of at least two miracles occurring after the death of that person. Miracles are (simply) defined as a positive occurrence that directly results from an intercessory prayer. I grew up praying to God, to Jesus and to angels. Who knew there were all these other wonderful beings I could have asked for help. I’m having fun discovering all these new heavenly assistants.
Saint John Neumann was the first man from the United States to become a Saint of the Roman Catholic Church. John was born in March 1811, in what is now the Czech Republic. He wanted to become a priest, but after graduating from seminary, the local bishop had declared there would be no ordinations for the time being as the area had a high number of priests already. Because John’s goal was to be ordained, he wrote to bishops in the United States asking about the possibility. In 1836, he came to the US and was ordained by the diocese in New York. He became a naturalized citizen in 1848 and a few years later went on to become the bishop of Philadelphia. He was the first bishop in the United States to organize a Catholic diocesan school system, and he increased the number of Catholic schools in his diocese from one to one hundred. Although Saint John Neumann is not a patron saint of anything in particular, he was active in ministering to the students and to the poor.
John took a vow of poverty when he became a Redemptorist priest. This is an order than ministers to those in neglected, abandoned and poor communities. John literally gave away all he owned except for a change of clothes. He owned only one pair of shoes. He did not choose a life of poverty because he enjoyed being poor but learned from his vow that the real joys and treasures in life cannot be bought.
I come from a long line of fuss-ers, on my father’s side. We are not choosy about that which we fuss. We will gladly cover most every modern day occurrence, from money to health to missing our exit off the freeway, and so on. The role of major fuss-er goes to the oldest member of the family. Right now, that is my uncle who is in his 80s. I am next in line. I’d like to break the habit and not pass it on down to my kids. Recently I have been fussing about income. I have been, according to the IRS, self employed since 2003. Nothing has changed since then. I’m still self employed, but I’m not doing much to attain income. Part of this is due to things beyond my control, such as the current financial climate and loss of a major client, but a lot of it is by choice. I like being semi-retired. I say semi, because I still want to attract earned income from writing but I’m not really doing much in a way that would attract paying jobs. So I started doing what came naturally to me. I fussed. I fussed about not wanting to work a regular job. I fussed about not wanting to tap into investments. I fussed about budgeting. I fussed about this and I fussed about that. And all the time I was fussing, I knew I was just practicing the Law of Attraction and inviting new experiences that would give me more to fuss about. Here I was writing a course on attracting abundance and I was having trouble doing it myself.
I got up this morning knowing I had to finish up the newsletter, and I was going to write about the Blessed Mother, Mary. I work with Mary a lot and I’ve been reading Jesus, The Book, where Mary plays a strong role in the spiritual education of a girl named Miriam. I have much to share about Mary, but words were just not coming. I couldn’t put anything together that had any continuity. And finally I got a message from Mary, “Don’t write about me this month.” Oh great – I’ve got to find someone else. I pulled out the book, 365 Saints by W. Koenig-Bricker, and started reading. This is how I found Saint John Neumann. I’d like to share part of what she wrote.
“How much money would it take for you to feel comfortable? Some studies have indicated that no matter what you earn, your so-called comfort zone is just a little bit higher. Most of us would feel content if we earned a few thousand dollars more each year.”
So true. I have minimal monthly expenses and have nothing to really worry about. But, sure, with a few thousand dollars more each year, I could buy a few items that might make my day-to-day existence more pleasant. But the author goes on to say, “When we value ourselves merely for what we own, we will always be poor. Only when we realize that God values us for what we are, not what we have, do we become rich beyond measure.”
It was a head slapping, darn I could have had a V8 type moment. I knew that. I’ve just got to quit fussing!
This quote is from a sermon by John Neumann: “Everyone who breathes, high and low, educated and ignorant, young and old, man and woman, has a mission, has a work. We are not sent into this world for nothing; we are not born at random…..God sees every one of us; He creates every soul for a purpose. He needs, He deigns to need, every one of us. He has an end for each of us; we are all equal in His sight… As Christ has His work, we too have ours; as He rejoiced to do His work, we must rejoice in ours also.”
Tonight, I will light a candle in honor of Saint John Neumann. Then I will get to work, writing, for I am rich beyond measure.
IT’S ALL IN THE NUMBERS
I love numbers. I thought it would be fun to take a simple look at numbers over the next 10 months. And, because I like to do things in order, we will start with one.
First I would like to distinguish between 'numerology' and 'angel messages' through repetitive numbers. The idea of angels communicating with us via repetitive numbers and number sequences was first introduced by Doreen Virtue in her book, Healing With The Angels. It was later explored further in the book she co-authored with Lynnette Brown, called Angel Numbers. In a nutshell, they taught that when you started recognizing specific numbers or number sequences were showing up and catching your attention, that this was the angel’s way of passing on messages to you. In that specific teaching, if you see repetitive ones, the angels are asking you to watch your thoughts. It is a call to ask you to consider what you are thinking about, and put it in the positive. For instance, let’s say you were concerned about your health, and you start seeing 1s everywhere. You look at the clock at it is 11:11 or 1:11. You see license plates with 111 in the number. You look at the page of a book you are reading and it is 111. The message is to caution you to think positively about your health, not about a troubling diagnosis you may have received. The key is the repetition of the numbers and the message therein.
First, let me apologize to any professional numerologists who may be reading this newsletter. Remember, the newsletter is entitled KISS (Keep It Simple Sweetheart). What follows is a very simple and basic discussion of my own take on numbers.
Numerology is the study of numbers and their vibrations. These numbers play a role in our basic lives and can help us to better understand ourselves, our life purpose and our attitudes, and can help us with our personal planning and decisions. Numerology 101 basics would have you find your Life Path number, which is the sum of individual numbers in your birth date, reduced to a single digit. And your Destiny Number, which is the sum of the numerical assignment of the letters of your full birth name. For instance, my birth date reduces to a 6 and my destiny number reduces to 9.
This month, we will look at the vibration of the number one. Ones are associated with beginnings, new ideas, creation, and potential. It also carries a vibration of leadership, intelligence, courage and determination.
In numerology, you can calculate your personal day number, your personal month number, and your personal year number as divination tools. You can read about your life path, your destiny, karmic lessons, hidden passions and so on.
I took a look at my own chart and found a hidden passion of one. So you can see how the vibration of the number plays out in a reading, here is what mine says:
“Betsy, you have a strong drive to stand out. You have a great ambition and desire to accomplish. You are highly competitive and want to be the best and the first in everything you do. You are highly energetic and creative. You are capable of influencing and even dominating others. You have highly developed political skills, and can succumb to manipulation unless your ideals are high.
Ironically, there are times when you lack confidence, especially at an earlier age, but you have the strength to overcome this obstacle. Betsy, you are a survivor, a warrior, a leader. “
Another one in my chart is the Plane of Expression (Physical) and here is what that section says:
“Betsy, you are active and inspiring; you are daring in business and other areas of life. You have strong likes and dislikes and live according to your opinions. You are charming and witty but get bored easily. You work hard and determined and are very goal-oriented. You thrive on the combination of enthusiasm and challenges, the lack of which makes you dull and disinterested. You are like a flare, burning brightly for a specific duration, but must move on to other projects in order to sustain your excitement.”
If you are interested in numerology and the vibration of numbers, there are plenty of websites on the subject. Just google numerology and see what comes up. I also offer numerology reports from my website, www.betsymbrown.com.
PERSONAL UPDATE
My husband, Kim, and I have been enjoying the warm weather of Phoenix for the last 2 months. We are now heading out to explore the rock/gem/mineral and RV shows in Quartzsite, AZ and then down to Yuma, AZ to visit with friends. I’m continuing to write, both fiction and non-fiction, while we are travelling, and enjoy blogging, Facebook and Twitter. I invite you to join me there if you haven’t already.
Sending you blessings of peace and enlightenment,
~Betsy~
Blogs:
KISS Card of the Day – www.kisscard.blogspot.com
KISS Newsletter – www.kissnewsletter.blogspot.com
Betsy’s Blah Blah Blog – www.betsysblahblahblog.blogspot.com
Website:
www.betsymbrown.com
FALLING INTO PLACE
Okay, I admit it. I am hooked on Facebook, and I’m addicted to Bejeweled Blitz. Recently, I’ve spent more time playing Bejeweled Blitz than I have reading the status updates or comments on Facebook. It just seemed like everyone was saying the same thing, sharing the same concept, repeating the same ideas over and over and over. And it was getting boring, even though every now and then I’d read a quote or an insight from someone that was an A-ha type moment.
For those of you that don’t know Bejeweled Blitz, it’s a game where the object is to get 3 or more of the same jewels in a row, vertically or horizontally. When you do, you get points, and those jewels disappear, and others drop down. It gets really exciting when the new jewels drop down and 3, 4 or 5 in a row line up without your having to make any moves. You can make one little move, and boom – you go from 1,000 points to 75,000 points.
Well, it occurs to me that spiritual understanding can be that same way. It just takes one thought or concept to put you on the right path to get through the maze of life. So for any of us that have the occasionally “I’m so over all this” type of thought, keep writing, keep reading, keep thinking. You never know what might transpire.
I like to share the story of one my ventures into multi-level marketing with a product called Super Blue Green Algae. I was at a nutraceutical workshop with my up-line sponsors. At a break, I was saying that I could understand the health benefits of the products, but the products were expensive. I saw that as a stumbling block for introducing the products to my friends. A woman standing nearby leaned in and said, “You really should read Catherine Ponder’s book, The Dynamic Laws of Prosperity. At the time, I was annoyed that she butted into the conversation. A few weeks later, I’m in a bookstore and I’ll give you one guess which book falls off the shelf at my feet. I don’t believe in coincidences, so I bought the book, and read it. Catherine Ponder is the founder of Unity Worldwide and she is a Unity Minister. I loved the book, and decided to attend the Unity Church. One of the programs the church offered was called The Four T Prosperity Program. I registered for that course and began to use the techniques I learned. It was during that time that I started to see demonstrations of how our thoughts create our reality. Some of the things I was able to manifest included tuition fees for four quarters at our local community college, where I completed hypnotherapy training, and funds to cover room, board, tuition and travel expenses to become an Angel Therapist®. The” jewels” continued to fall into place, and I was able to create a dream job, travel, meet incredible people, and now be semi-retired.
Alas, right now, I’m having one of the down periods, where it seems I just cannot line up 3, let alone 4 or 5, jewels. I just feel stuck. I love to write, but even finding a topic for this newsletter was a challenge. But the thing is, I’m keeping at it. I know without a doubt that pretty soon all those metaphorical jewels will be lining up, things will drop into place, connections will be made, bright lights will sparkle, and bolts of lightning will electrify my life. Until then, my job is just to continue to show up, write each day, and when I’m stuck, I will look for the messages in the little things in life, like a simple game of Bejeweled Blitz on Facebook.
SAINT JOHN NEUMANN
As I’ve shared before, I was raised Lutheran. I did not grow up hearing stories about saints. I only knew saints existed because most of my friends were Catholic. I have a vague recollection of the kids choosing a saint before they were confirmed, but I really didn’t know what it was all about. What I now know is that saints were ordinary people who had extraordinary experiences in their lives. They came from all walks of life, all over the world. Some responded to the call of God early in life, others later. Part of the process of being named a saint is that there must be record of at least two miracles occurring after the death of that person. Miracles are (simply) defined as a positive occurrence that directly results from an intercessory prayer. I grew up praying to God, to Jesus and to angels. Who knew there were all these other wonderful beings I could have asked for help. I’m having fun discovering all these new heavenly assistants.
Saint John Neumann was the first man from the United States to become a Saint of the Roman Catholic Church. John was born in March 1811, in what is now the Czech Republic. He wanted to become a priest, but after graduating from seminary, the local bishop had declared there would be no ordinations for the time being as the area had a high number of priests already. Because John’s goal was to be ordained, he wrote to bishops in the United States asking about the possibility. In 1836, he came to the US and was ordained by the diocese in New York. He became a naturalized citizen in 1848 and a few years later went on to become the bishop of Philadelphia. He was the first bishop in the United States to organize a Catholic diocesan school system, and he increased the number of Catholic schools in his diocese from one to one hundred. Although Saint John Neumann is not a patron saint of anything in particular, he was active in ministering to the students and to the poor.
John took a vow of poverty when he became a Redemptorist priest. This is an order than ministers to those in neglected, abandoned and poor communities. John literally gave away all he owned except for a change of clothes. He owned only one pair of shoes. He did not choose a life of poverty because he enjoyed being poor but learned from his vow that the real joys and treasures in life cannot be bought.
I come from a long line of fuss-ers, on my father’s side. We are not choosy about that which we fuss. We will gladly cover most every modern day occurrence, from money to health to missing our exit off the freeway, and so on. The role of major fuss-er goes to the oldest member of the family. Right now, that is my uncle who is in his 80s. I am next in line. I’d like to break the habit and not pass it on down to my kids. Recently I have been fussing about income. I have been, according to the IRS, self employed since 2003. Nothing has changed since then. I’m still self employed, but I’m not doing much to attain income. Part of this is due to things beyond my control, such as the current financial climate and loss of a major client, but a lot of it is by choice. I like being semi-retired. I say semi, because I still want to attract earned income from writing but I’m not really doing much in a way that would attract paying jobs. So I started doing what came naturally to me. I fussed. I fussed about not wanting to work a regular job. I fussed about not wanting to tap into investments. I fussed about budgeting. I fussed about this and I fussed about that. And all the time I was fussing, I knew I was just practicing the Law of Attraction and inviting new experiences that would give me more to fuss about. Here I was writing a course on attracting abundance and I was having trouble doing it myself.
I got up this morning knowing I had to finish up the newsletter, and I was going to write about the Blessed Mother, Mary. I work with Mary a lot and I’ve been reading Jesus, The Book, where Mary plays a strong role in the spiritual education of a girl named Miriam. I have much to share about Mary, but words were just not coming. I couldn’t put anything together that had any continuity. And finally I got a message from Mary, “Don’t write about me this month.” Oh great – I’ve got to find someone else. I pulled out the book, 365 Saints by W. Koenig-Bricker, and started reading. This is how I found Saint John Neumann. I’d like to share part of what she wrote.
“How much money would it take for you to feel comfortable? Some studies have indicated that no matter what you earn, your so-called comfort zone is just a little bit higher. Most of us would feel content if we earned a few thousand dollars more each year.”
So true. I have minimal monthly expenses and have nothing to really worry about. But, sure, with a few thousand dollars more each year, I could buy a few items that might make my day-to-day existence more pleasant. But the author goes on to say, “When we value ourselves merely for what we own, we will always be poor. Only when we realize that God values us for what we are, not what we have, do we become rich beyond measure.”
It was a head slapping, darn I could have had a V8 type moment. I knew that. I’ve just got to quit fussing!
This quote is from a sermon by John Neumann: “Everyone who breathes, high and low, educated and ignorant, young and old, man and woman, has a mission, has a work. We are not sent into this world for nothing; we are not born at random…..God sees every one of us; He creates every soul for a purpose. He needs, He deigns to need, every one of us. He has an end for each of us; we are all equal in His sight… As Christ has His work, we too have ours; as He rejoiced to do His work, we must rejoice in ours also.”
Tonight, I will light a candle in honor of Saint John Neumann. Then I will get to work, writing, for I am rich beyond measure.
IT’S ALL IN THE NUMBERS
I love numbers. I thought it would be fun to take a simple look at numbers over the next 10 months. And, because I like to do things in order, we will start with one.
First I would like to distinguish between 'numerology' and 'angel messages' through repetitive numbers. The idea of angels communicating with us via repetitive numbers and number sequences was first introduced by Doreen Virtue in her book, Healing With The Angels. It was later explored further in the book she co-authored with Lynnette Brown, called Angel Numbers. In a nutshell, they taught that when you started recognizing specific numbers or number sequences were showing up and catching your attention, that this was the angel’s way of passing on messages to you. In that specific teaching, if you see repetitive ones, the angels are asking you to watch your thoughts. It is a call to ask you to consider what you are thinking about, and put it in the positive. For instance, let’s say you were concerned about your health, and you start seeing 1s everywhere. You look at the clock at it is 11:11 or 1:11. You see license plates with 111 in the number. You look at the page of a book you are reading and it is 111. The message is to caution you to think positively about your health, not about a troubling diagnosis you may have received. The key is the repetition of the numbers and the message therein.
First, let me apologize to any professional numerologists who may be reading this newsletter. Remember, the newsletter is entitled KISS (Keep It Simple Sweetheart). What follows is a very simple and basic discussion of my own take on numbers.
Numerology is the study of numbers and their vibrations. These numbers play a role in our basic lives and can help us to better understand ourselves, our life purpose and our attitudes, and can help us with our personal planning and decisions. Numerology 101 basics would have you find your Life Path number, which is the sum of individual numbers in your birth date, reduced to a single digit. And your Destiny Number, which is the sum of the numerical assignment of the letters of your full birth name. For instance, my birth date reduces to a 6 and my destiny number reduces to 9.
This month, we will look at the vibration of the number one. Ones are associated with beginnings, new ideas, creation, and potential. It also carries a vibration of leadership, intelligence, courage and determination.
In numerology, you can calculate your personal day number, your personal month number, and your personal year number as divination tools. You can read about your life path, your destiny, karmic lessons, hidden passions and so on.
I took a look at my own chart and found a hidden passion of one. So you can see how the vibration of the number plays out in a reading, here is what mine says:
“Betsy, you have a strong drive to stand out. You have a great ambition and desire to accomplish. You are highly competitive and want to be the best and the first in everything you do. You are highly energetic and creative. You are capable of influencing and even dominating others. You have highly developed political skills, and can succumb to manipulation unless your ideals are high.
Ironically, there are times when you lack confidence, especially at an earlier age, but you have the strength to overcome this obstacle. Betsy, you are a survivor, a warrior, a leader. “
Another one in my chart is the Plane of Expression (Physical) and here is what that section says:
“Betsy, you are active and inspiring; you are daring in business and other areas of life. You have strong likes and dislikes and live according to your opinions. You are charming and witty but get bored easily. You work hard and determined and are very goal-oriented. You thrive on the combination of enthusiasm and challenges, the lack of which makes you dull and disinterested. You are like a flare, burning brightly for a specific duration, but must move on to other projects in order to sustain your excitement.”
If you are interested in numerology and the vibration of numbers, there are plenty of websites on the subject. Just google numerology and see what comes up. I also offer numerology reports from my website, www.betsymbrown.com.
PERSONAL UPDATE
My husband, Kim, and I have been enjoying the warm weather of Phoenix for the last 2 months. We are now heading out to explore the rock/gem/mineral and RV shows in Quartzsite, AZ and then down to Yuma, AZ to visit with friends. I’m continuing to write, both fiction and non-fiction, while we are travelling, and enjoy blogging, Facebook and Twitter. I invite you to join me there if you haven’t already.
Sending you blessings of peace and enlightenment,
~Betsy~
Blogs:
KISS Card of the Day – www.kisscard.blogspot.com
KISS Newsletter – www.kissnewsletter.blogspot.com
Betsy’s Blah Blah Blog – www.betsysblahblahblog.blogspot.com
Website:
www.betsymbrown.com
Monday, December 21, 2009
DECEMBER 2009 KISS (Keep It Simple Sweetheart)™ NEWSLETTER
My name is Betsy Brown. My philosophy is to always keep things simple. We have the potential to create as much complexity in our lives as we desire. My desire is to keep the complexity level low, and the simplicity level high. It works for me. We are all teachers and we are all students. When we are wearing the teacher hat, we share what is true for us at that time. Our beliefs will shift and change with the times, and our ideals and personal ideologies will develop through our own experiences. I’m sharing with you my thoughts and beliefs as they exist currently. They may change. They may stay the same. Whatever they are, they are true for me at this time. I offer them to you for your consideration. Explore what rings true for you. Discard the rest. It’s all good.
CHASING HAPPINESS
I woke up the other morning, and realized I was happy. Nothing had happened. No dream that I remembered. I was just happy. How the heck did that happen? I’ve been on a roller coaster of ups and downs recently. Luckily, I’ve spent more time on the up side, but those pity parties occur here and there. So how the heck did I reach happiness that morning? If I had a step by step action plan for reaching happiness, I’d undoubtedly have a publishing contract and be on a book tour of major cities in the US and Canada. But being famous and traveling on a schedule not of my own making is not my idea of happiness. That, and I have no clue how this happiness occurred.
When I was in my early 20s, I was searching for the love of my life. I had a few long term relationships, but I dreamed of being married and having a family. The more I searched for the man that I thought would bring me happiness, the more less than desirable dates I attracted. When I decided to quit looking, and just enjoy myself, I was introduced to the man I have now been married to for greater than 30 years.
Earlier this decade, I had a dream job that I loved, but I was becoming more and more aware that the job was not fulfilling to me. I spent some time imagining the perfect job. I did nothing more than that. I just imagined what it could be. Within a year, that job, just as I had imagined it, came to me.
These two examples are major milestones in my life. In between those times have been those experiences where I’ve pushed, pulled, prayed, pleaded and pursued happiness to no avail. I have no words of wisdom, really, concerning this topic. I just know that happiness is something everyone wants to have, and that there is no magic formula. Happiness just happens.
While you are waiting for or maybe already experiencing your happiness, allow me to share these quotes I found on the subject. Some are profound. Some just made me laugh. I was happy just reading them. Enjoy!
The pursuit of happiness is a most ridiculous phrase, if you pursue happiness you'll never find it. – C P Snow
My life has no purpose, no direction, no aim, no meaning, and yet I'm happy. I can't figure it out. What am I doing right? - Charles Schultz
Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude. – Denis Waitley
Happiness is not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort. – FDR
Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city. – George Burns
Remember that as a teenager you are in the last stage of your life when you will be happy to hear the phone is for you. – Fran Leibowitz
The basic thing is that everyone wants happiness, no one wants suffering. And happiness mainly comes from our own attitude, rather than from external factors. If your own mental attitude is correct, even if you remain in a hostile atmosphere, you feel happy. – H.H. The Dalai Lama
When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us. - Helen Keller
Happiness is as a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but which if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you. - Nathaniel Hawthorne
People spend a lifetime searching for happiness; looking for peace. They chase idle dreams, addictions, religions, even other people, hoping to fill the emptiness that plagues them. The irony is the only place they ever needed to search was within. – Ramona L Anderson
SAINT NICHOLAS
How could I do a December newsletter and not pick Saint Nicholas to write about? This beloved saint is one that is honored by Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican and Protestant churches. I was raised Lutheran, and had no church training about saints. This is one non-biblical religious figure that I remember from childhood, although to me he was Santa. I was as familiar with the story, The Night Before Christmas, as anyone else, and knew Santa was also known as Saint Nicholas, but it did not occur to me that there really was a man of historical significance named Nicholas, who was venerated and canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church, until I was an adult. Before formal canonization procedures were instilled by the churches, people venerated (regarded with reverential respect/honored) those who had been exemplars of the faith in their local areas. As a saint's reputation grew beyond a local area, the saint received more widespread observance.
In the Catholic Church, the process for becoming a Saint (with a capital S) starts with recognition that the person led a life of holiness and virtue, and is worthy of being honored. Next follows investigation into indisputable evidence of miracles worked through this person’s intercession. An official feast day is then assigned (usually the day of their death and entrance into heaven), and after more investigation, and reviews, the name is submitted for canonization, and then is officially declared a Saint by the head of the church.
How Saint Nicholas became known as Santa Claus did not come up in my research, but evidence of Nicholas’ holiness, virtue, generosity and miracles did.
Nicholas was orphaned at a relatively young age, and he chose to use his inheritance to help the poor, the sick and the suffering.
The earliest miracle attributed to Nicholas involved healing. One day as Nicholas was on his way to study with his teacher, he came upon a woman with a withered hand. Stopping, he approached her, laid his hand on her, prayed to God, and made the sign of the cross. The hand miraculously became whole.
There are written accounts of Nicholas expelling demons and evil entities (fear based thoughts which have taken form). Nicholas went about the countryside, and calling upon the power of the Holy Spirit, he was able to cast out demons and heal people of various ailments.
Saint Nicholas’ association as a gift-giver most likely comes from the story of a poor man with three daughters. It was common in those days for a father to offer a dowry for his daughter to a prospective husband. The larger the dowry, the better the chance was that a young woman would find a good husband. Without a dowry, a woman was unlikely to marry and many were destined to be sold into slavery. Mysteriously, on three separate occasions, a bag of gold appeared in this man’s home, providing the funds needed for the dowry . The bags of gold were tossed by Nicholas through an open window, and landed in stockings or shoes left before the fire to dry. This is most likely the origin of the tradition of Christmas stockings, hung by the fire place. (Santa doesn’t need to come down the chimney – he just needs a window or door through which to enter, just in case you were concerned.)
Nicholas is also known as a protector of children. On the eve of Nicholas’ feast day (December 6th), a young boy from Myra (Nicholas’ home town) was abducted by a band of pirates and made to serve as a personal aide to the ruler. A year from the date of his abduction, the boy’s mother prayed to St Nicholas for the boy’s safe return. In the meantime, as the boy was serving wine to the emir from a golden cup, he was suddenly whisked up and away. St. Nicholas appeared to the terrified boy, blessed him, and set him down at his home back in Myra. The boy was suddenly in the presence of his family, still holding the golden cup.
Another miracle attributed to Nicholas involved 3 lost boys who wandered into a butcher’s shop. The butcher killed the boys, and then hid them in a salting tub. Seven years passed, and one day Nicholas appeared to the butcher, ordering him to uncover the salting tub. Nicholas put his hand on the tub, and prayed to God. He then said, “Children, rise up.” The children stood up, alive and well.
Nicholas is also the patron saint of mariners, fishermen and sailors. Nicholas was returning by boat from a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. There, as he walked where Jesus had walked, he sought to more deeply experience Jesus' life and to understand spiritually what Jesus had demonstrated. A mighty storm came up, tossing the boat about. Even the experienced sailors were frightened. Nicholas calmly prayed, and the winds died down and the seas calmed. Another story tells of a similar experience, where a boat went aground during a storm. The sailors had heard stories of the intervention of Saint Nicholas, coming to the aid of fisherman and mariners. So, they called on Saint Nicholas for help. Nicholas actually appeared on the boat, assisted the sailors in repairing the mast, and freeing the ship. As soon as the boat was on its way, the vision of Nicholas disappeared. The ship pulled into the nearest harbor, and men sought out a church where they could worship and give thanks for the assistance they received from Nicholas. Seeing a number of priests, they were very surprised to see Bishop Nicholas in the flesh. He appeared exactly as they had seen him on board the ship, giving them assistance. They asked Nicholas how he had heard them and been able to come to their rescue. Nicholas told them that a life devoted to God allows a person to become so clear-sighted that we are able to actually see others in danger and hear their calls for help.
Saint Nicholas, a regular man, devoted to God and service to man, heals by touch, commands the dead to rise up and go home, calms the seas and the winds through prayer, bi-locates to assist others, and gives to those in need with generosity. Are you a regular man/woman? Jesus came to show us how. Nicholas is also a prime example. The potential is there for you to accomplish the same and more. This Holiday Season, or anytime, anyone can call on Saint Nicholas for help to be all that they can be.
DIVINATION TOOLS – TRUST
Trust, a divination tool? Yes, it is. I once had a teacher who taught that everything you hear, saw, felt or thought during a reading was, indeed, part of that reading. Nothing pops into your mind or field of awareness as a matter of coincidence. The message may not be immediately clear to you, as a reader, but your job is to share what you are getting and work with the client to determine how it relates to their situation. You really have no control over what thoughts enter your mind, what your eyes see, what your ears hear, or what your gut feels, but you do have control over whether or not you mention it. Do your client a favor – trust what you get!
GOODBYE 2009
For me, this year has not been exactly what I expected. We moved to Hawaii. We moved back. We bought a 5th wheel trailer and truck, and took off on an adventure. We’ve been to Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada and Arizona. I’ve not ‘worked’ since March, and I admit, I kind of like the idea of retirement, whatever that really means.
We are flying home to spend Christmas week with the family. We miss them and are looking forward to seeing everyone.
We are also looking forward to 2010. We are without expectations for the coming year, other than to be home for the births of our first grandchildren. One is due in March and the other in May. I am not being guided to do much of anything, except write. So write I will. I will be updating my website, offering a few more services and a few more products. Maybe I’ll do some teaching. Oh wait a minute, those sound like expectations. Hmmmm…….Should we talk New Year’s Resolutions, instead? Oh let’s not, and say we did, okay?
Sending blessings to you all for a Happy Holiday Season and a Prosperous New Year.
~Betsy~
PS: Blatant plug here – I’ve established a fan page on Facebook. It is called Betsy Brown's KISS (Keep It Simple Sweetheart) Page. I’d love to have you become a fan. I will be posting a KISS card for each day, after January 1st, and other fun things.
CHASING HAPPINESS
I woke up the other morning, and realized I was happy. Nothing had happened. No dream that I remembered. I was just happy. How the heck did that happen? I’ve been on a roller coaster of ups and downs recently. Luckily, I’ve spent more time on the up side, but those pity parties occur here and there. So how the heck did I reach happiness that morning? If I had a step by step action plan for reaching happiness, I’d undoubtedly have a publishing contract and be on a book tour of major cities in the US and Canada. But being famous and traveling on a schedule not of my own making is not my idea of happiness. That, and I have no clue how this happiness occurred.
When I was in my early 20s, I was searching for the love of my life. I had a few long term relationships, but I dreamed of being married and having a family. The more I searched for the man that I thought would bring me happiness, the more less than desirable dates I attracted. When I decided to quit looking, and just enjoy myself, I was introduced to the man I have now been married to for greater than 30 years.
Earlier this decade, I had a dream job that I loved, but I was becoming more and more aware that the job was not fulfilling to me. I spent some time imagining the perfect job. I did nothing more than that. I just imagined what it could be. Within a year, that job, just as I had imagined it, came to me.
These two examples are major milestones in my life. In between those times have been those experiences where I’ve pushed, pulled, prayed, pleaded and pursued happiness to no avail. I have no words of wisdom, really, concerning this topic. I just know that happiness is something everyone wants to have, and that there is no magic formula. Happiness just happens.
While you are waiting for or maybe already experiencing your happiness, allow me to share these quotes I found on the subject. Some are profound. Some just made me laugh. I was happy just reading them. Enjoy!
The pursuit of happiness is a most ridiculous phrase, if you pursue happiness you'll never find it. – C P Snow
My life has no purpose, no direction, no aim, no meaning, and yet I'm happy. I can't figure it out. What am I doing right? - Charles Schultz
Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude. – Denis Waitley
Happiness is not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort. – FDR
Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city. – George Burns
Remember that as a teenager you are in the last stage of your life when you will be happy to hear the phone is for you. – Fran Leibowitz
The basic thing is that everyone wants happiness, no one wants suffering. And happiness mainly comes from our own attitude, rather than from external factors. If your own mental attitude is correct, even if you remain in a hostile atmosphere, you feel happy. – H.H. The Dalai Lama
When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us. - Helen Keller
Happiness is as a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but which if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you. - Nathaniel Hawthorne
People spend a lifetime searching for happiness; looking for peace. They chase idle dreams, addictions, religions, even other people, hoping to fill the emptiness that plagues them. The irony is the only place they ever needed to search was within. – Ramona L Anderson
SAINT NICHOLAS
How could I do a December newsletter and not pick Saint Nicholas to write about? This beloved saint is one that is honored by Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican and Protestant churches. I was raised Lutheran, and had no church training about saints. This is one non-biblical religious figure that I remember from childhood, although to me he was Santa. I was as familiar with the story, The Night Before Christmas, as anyone else, and knew Santa was also known as Saint Nicholas, but it did not occur to me that there really was a man of historical significance named Nicholas, who was venerated and canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church, until I was an adult. Before formal canonization procedures were instilled by the churches, people venerated (regarded with reverential respect/honored) those who had been exemplars of the faith in their local areas. As a saint's reputation grew beyond a local area, the saint received more widespread observance.
In the Catholic Church, the process for becoming a Saint (with a capital S) starts with recognition that the person led a life of holiness and virtue, and is worthy of being honored. Next follows investigation into indisputable evidence of miracles worked through this person’s intercession. An official feast day is then assigned (usually the day of their death and entrance into heaven), and after more investigation, and reviews, the name is submitted for canonization, and then is officially declared a Saint by the head of the church.
How Saint Nicholas became known as Santa Claus did not come up in my research, but evidence of Nicholas’ holiness, virtue, generosity and miracles did.
Nicholas was orphaned at a relatively young age, and he chose to use his inheritance to help the poor, the sick and the suffering.
The earliest miracle attributed to Nicholas involved healing. One day as Nicholas was on his way to study with his teacher, he came upon a woman with a withered hand. Stopping, he approached her, laid his hand on her, prayed to God, and made the sign of the cross. The hand miraculously became whole.
There are written accounts of Nicholas expelling demons and evil entities (fear based thoughts which have taken form). Nicholas went about the countryside, and calling upon the power of the Holy Spirit, he was able to cast out demons and heal people of various ailments.
Saint Nicholas’ association as a gift-giver most likely comes from the story of a poor man with three daughters. It was common in those days for a father to offer a dowry for his daughter to a prospective husband. The larger the dowry, the better the chance was that a young woman would find a good husband. Without a dowry, a woman was unlikely to marry and many were destined to be sold into slavery. Mysteriously, on three separate occasions, a bag of gold appeared in this man’s home, providing the funds needed for the dowry . The bags of gold were tossed by Nicholas through an open window, and landed in stockings or shoes left before the fire to dry. This is most likely the origin of the tradition of Christmas stockings, hung by the fire place. (Santa doesn’t need to come down the chimney – he just needs a window or door through which to enter, just in case you were concerned.)
Nicholas is also known as a protector of children. On the eve of Nicholas’ feast day (December 6th), a young boy from Myra (Nicholas’ home town) was abducted by a band of pirates and made to serve as a personal aide to the ruler. A year from the date of his abduction, the boy’s mother prayed to St Nicholas for the boy’s safe return. In the meantime, as the boy was serving wine to the emir from a golden cup, he was suddenly whisked up and away. St. Nicholas appeared to the terrified boy, blessed him, and set him down at his home back in Myra. The boy was suddenly in the presence of his family, still holding the golden cup.
Another miracle attributed to Nicholas involved 3 lost boys who wandered into a butcher’s shop. The butcher killed the boys, and then hid them in a salting tub. Seven years passed, and one day Nicholas appeared to the butcher, ordering him to uncover the salting tub. Nicholas put his hand on the tub, and prayed to God. He then said, “Children, rise up.” The children stood up, alive and well.
Nicholas is also the patron saint of mariners, fishermen and sailors. Nicholas was returning by boat from a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. There, as he walked where Jesus had walked, he sought to more deeply experience Jesus' life and to understand spiritually what Jesus had demonstrated. A mighty storm came up, tossing the boat about. Even the experienced sailors were frightened. Nicholas calmly prayed, and the winds died down and the seas calmed. Another story tells of a similar experience, where a boat went aground during a storm. The sailors had heard stories of the intervention of Saint Nicholas, coming to the aid of fisherman and mariners. So, they called on Saint Nicholas for help. Nicholas actually appeared on the boat, assisted the sailors in repairing the mast, and freeing the ship. As soon as the boat was on its way, the vision of Nicholas disappeared. The ship pulled into the nearest harbor, and men sought out a church where they could worship and give thanks for the assistance they received from Nicholas. Seeing a number of priests, they were very surprised to see Bishop Nicholas in the flesh. He appeared exactly as they had seen him on board the ship, giving them assistance. They asked Nicholas how he had heard them and been able to come to their rescue. Nicholas told them that a life devoted to God allows a person to become so clear-sighted that we are able to actually see others in danger and hear their calls for help.
Saint Nicholas, a regular man, devoted to God and service to man, heals by touch, commands the dead to rise up and go home, calms the seas and the winds through prayer, bi-locates to assist others, and gives to those in need with generosity. Are you a regular man/woman? Jesus came to show us how. Nicholas is also a prime example. The potential is there for you to accomplish the same and more. This Holiday Season, or anytime, anyone can call on Saint Nicholas for help to be all that they can be.
DIVINATION TOOLS – TRUST
Trust, a divination tool? Yes, it is. I once had a teacher who taught that everything you hear, saw, felt or thought during a reading was, indeed, part of that reading. Nothing pops into your mind or field of awareness as a matter of coincidence. The message may not be immediately clear to you, as a reader, but your job is to share what you are getting and work with the client to determine how it relates to their situation. You really have no control over what thoughts enter your mind, what your eyes see, what your ears hear, or what your gut feels, but you do have control over whether or not you mention it. Do your client a favor – trust what you get!
GOODBYE 2009
For me, this year has not been exactly what I expected. We moved to Hawaii. We moved back. We bought a 5th wheel trailer and truck, and took off on an adventure. We’ve been to Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada and Arizona. I’ve not ‘worked’ since March, and I admit, I kind of like the idea of retirement, whatever that really means.
We are flying home to spend Christmas week with the family. We miss them and are looking forward to seeing everyone.
We are also looking forward to 2010. We are without expectations for the coming year, other than to be home for the births of our first grandchildren. One is due in March and the other in May. I am not being guided to do much of anything, except write. So write I will. I will be updating my website, offering a few more services and a few more products. Maybe I’ll do some teaching. Oh wait a minute, those sound like expectations. Hmmmm…….Should we talk New Year’s Resolutions, instead? Oh let’s not, and say we did, okay?
Sending blessings to you all for a Happy Holiday Season and a Prosperous New Year.
~Betsy~
PS: Blatant plug here – I’ve established a fan page on Facebook. It is called Betsy Brown's KISS (Keep It Simple Sweetheart) Page. I’d love to have you become a fan. I will be posting a KISS card for each day, after January 1st, and other fun things.
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