Monday, June 30, 2014

Love

Monday, June 30, 2014

Today's thought:  Love

From the writings of the Buddha:

"You can search throughout the entire universe for someone who is more deserving of your love and affection that you are yourself, and that person is not to be found anywhere.  You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe deserve your love and affection."

We are all children of God.  We are all worthy of love and respect.

Love you,

Zizi

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Saturday, June 28, 2014

Helpful affirmations in times of stress.

Saturday, June 28, 2014

Today's thought:  Helpful affirmations in times of stress.

When there seems to be more things to do than time enough to do them, try to focus on one thing at a time, telling yourself:  'I have all the time, energy, and resources to do all that needs to be done by me.  Thank You, God.'

Another affirmation you may find helpful is:  'Thank You, God, I am calmly active and actively calm.'

We have all heard and read that stress is harmful to the mind, body, and spirit, shortening our lifespan.  Stress is the underlying cause of many illnesses.  Is whatever you are stressed about worth getting sick over?   Probably not.  Life is easier, happier, and healthier when we learn to control our stress levels.

Begin today to take better care of yourself.  You, and those who love you, will be glad you did.

Love,

Zizi

Copyright 2014

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Friday, June 27, 2014

Taking care of self.

Friday, June 27, 2014

Today's thought:  Taking care of self.

"Do not overly concern yourself with the whys and wherefores of the lives of your neighbors, co-workers and acquaintances.  How you handle your own affairs is what manifests in your life.  What you do, or do not do, with your own talents is what surfaces in your todays and tomorrows, and your eternal life.  You are held accountable for only you.  Do not fall into the ego trap of comparisons and rationalizations.  Follow your own inner Guidance, your own indwelling Lord, the only One in all existence without any motive save unconditional love, seeking to guide you home where all has been prepared for you, and in readiness to receive you, from the beginning of time.  Of what concern should anything be, but the words of Jesus, "What is that to thee? Follow thou Me."  (John 21:20-24)

Love,

Zizi

Reprinted from "The Light" March, 1982

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Thursday, June 26, 2014

Love

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Today's thought:  Love

From the writings of Mother Teresa:

"We cannot all do great things, but we all can do small things with great love."

When we radiate love and kindness, love and kindness fill our hearts and our world.  It all starts within ourselves.

Love,

Zizi

Copyright 2014

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Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Same message, different messengers.

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Today's thought:  Same message, different messengers.

Last Friday, June 20, the day's thought was from the writings of Paramahansa Yogananda, "I, of myself, can do nothing.  It is the Father within Who does all things."

A friend mentioned that she had heard that quote before, yet had not read any of Yogananda's books.  After a bit of research, I found it in the Bible, John 5:30;  the words were first spoken by Jesus.

When we read the Bible and/or the words of the Masters, we often find the same message in slightly different words.  Time to pay attention when that happens.   Nothing is by chance.  All is in Divine Order; all is for our highest good.

Love,

Zizi

Copyright 2014

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Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Wisdom

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Today's thought:  Wisdom

It is written there are two ways to acquire wisdom:  one is to study the lives of the Masters and emulate them; the other is to experience all that is required in order to learn which experiences bring which results and to discern which are in our best interests.  The first is relatively straight and simple, the latter lengthy and arduous.  Regardless of the path you choose, the end result will be the same.....the reawakening of the soul and its realization of perfect Oneness with the Father.

Love,

Zizi

Copyright 1982, "The Light"

Monday, June 23, 2014

Whatever we think, is.

Monday, June 23, 2014

Today's thought:  Whatever we think, is.

Whatever we think, is true for us at that moment, remains true for us as long as we think about it, and attracts into our lives those who think alike.  Thoughts, like actions, become habitual.  Habitual thought patterns become our lives.

When we take care of our thoughts, we take care of our lives.

Love,

Zizi

Copyright 2014

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Sunday, June 22, 2014

Live now!

Sunday, June 22, 2014

Today's thought:  Live now!

This precious day, unique and beautiful, will never come again.  Heighten your awareness to your surroundings.  Look for and find the beauty in everything you see.....every flower, every tree, every face.  This day can bring a new friend to treasure, a new opportunity for interesting work, an unexpected call or letter to brighten your life, new insights and growth, love, peace, joy and blessings.  Anticipate good, and good will come.  Centered in Truth and in God, fearless and joyful, live now!

Love,

Zizi

Copyright 2014

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Saturday, June 21, 2014

Thank you, God.

Saturday, June 21, 2014

Today's thought:  Thank you, God.

For the gift of life, thank you, God.
For the gifts of family and friends, thank you, God.
For being there whenever I call you, thank you, God.
For beauty and love within me and around me, thank you, God.
For all the blessings I sometimes take for granted, thank you, God.
For the precious gifts of free will and freedom of choice, thank you, God.
For your limitless love, concern, patience, compassion, gentleness, and peace, thank you, God.
Every step, every breath, every beat of my heart says, thank you, God.

Love,

Zizi

Copyright 2014

I am gratified by the number of viewers this site is receiving.  Many, many thanks for your interest, and thank you for sharing this site with others.

Friday, June 20, 2014

Spirit, Breath of life.

Friday, June 20, 2014

Today's thought:  Spirit, Breath of life.

From the writings of Paramahansa Yogananda:

"I, of myself, can do nothing.  It is the Father within Who does all things."

I try to remind myself of this truth when my ego thinks "I" have accomplished something.  Without Spirit, the Breath of life, none of us can so much as take a step, lift a finger, think a thought, or blink an eye.

The word spirit comes from the Latin 'spiritus,' which is breath.  Let us do our best to remember to honor the Spirit within us, God's Breath of life.  When we are able to do that, God's light shines upon our Path and the Way is made smooth.

May God shower you always with blessings beyond number.  Take  care.

Love,

Zizi

Copyright 2014

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Thursday, June 19, 2014

Look at Nature, and learn.

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Today's thought:  Look at Nature, and learn.

Oblivious to fads, fashions, or the current 'ins' and 'outs' of restless souls, Nature calmly goes about her own affairs.  She will neither be rushed, deceived, nor compromised.  In the endless cycle of the seasons, she is at the same time always changing and growing, and yet is changeless.  When all conditions have been met, and the time is right, the harvest is ready.  There are no short cuts; there are no exceptions.  Nature is calm, patient, deliberate.  Nonjudgemental, she is a blessing to all.  Look at Nature, and learn.

Love,

Zizi

Copyright 2014

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Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Prayer and work

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Today's thought:  Prayer and work

The Jesuits have a saying:

"Pray as if everything depended on God.
 Work as if everything depended on you."

I can't imagine that any venture could fail if we acted on that advice.

Love,

Zizi

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Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Healing

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Today's thought:  Healing

From "The Light," June, 1982

"Daily, I am healed.  I provide and maintain a healing flow in my life each time I release a past hurt, guilt, or resentment.  Each time I sleep peacefully, my mind and body are quieted, refreshed, rested, renewed.  Each time I bring order into disorder, I cultivate new, positive, good habits and I am healed of the negative habits of the past.  I maintain a healthy balance of work, recreation, relaxation, and meditation, and my mind, body, and spirit are in harmony.  Daily, I am healed."

Love,

Zizi

Copyright 2014

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Monday, June 16, 2014

Time

Monday, June 16, 2014

Today's thought:  Time

Time is the only thing money cannot buy and so it becomes the most precious gift of all.  Though time is limitless and forever, our time on the planet is not.

Give the gift of time to yourself, to take care of yourself, to become your best self.  Give the gift of time to those you love.  Take the time to talk, to listen, and to enjoy those who care for you and care about you, those who share peace, joy, and love with you.

The most precious gift of all is time, both the time we have been given by the Creator, and the time we share with others.

Love,

Zizi

Copyright 2014

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Sunday, June 15, 2014

My father's advice.

Sunday, June 15, 2014

Happy Father's Day to all Fathers!

Today's thought:  My father's advice.

My father was a part of my life for only nineteen years.  He died of a terminal illness a few months after my nineteenth birthday.  He worked very hard to care for us, and we were fortunate to have him.  The thing I remember most were his hands, calloused and rough from working in the construction trades and, to me, they were beautiful; the visible result of the work he did to care for us.

I remember several times in the years before he died, asking his advice, what should I do in the situations I was not sure about.  "Do what makes you happy," was his answer.  Not "do what is expected", or "this is what you should do," or "what will others think if you follow your heart?" but "do what makes you happy."

Decades of my life would go by before I would fully understand the wisdom of those words. When we do what makes us happy, we are following our heart's desire, listening to our inner guidance, fulfilling our life's purpose.  When we do what makes us happy, we are content and peaceful within ourselves, and able to share those feelings with others.

When my father died, I lost a father, a friend, and an ally.  But I remember his advice and hope you will, too.

Listen to your inner guidance, follow your heart, and do what makes you happy.

Love,

Zizi

copyright 2014

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Saturday, June 14, 2014

God is everywhere.

Saturday, June 14, 2014

Today's thought:  God is everywhere.

In every cell and atom of creation, God is everywhere.

From the Gnostic Gospels:

              "Lift the stone and you will find Me.
               Cleave the wood and I am there."

God is everywhere, everywhere, everywhere.  There is no place where God is not.

Love,

Zizi

Copyright 2014

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Friday, June 13, 2014

Easily, gradually, naturally.

Friday, June 13, 2014

Today's thought:  Easily, gradually, naturally.

In the early 1980's, I was writing an inspirational  newsletter titled, "The Light."  In going through old writings, I came across the affirmations for the week of December 6, 1981.  I find them as relevant today as they were then, and reprint the column now.

"Each day, the choices I make shape my life.  This week, each day, I adopt "easily, gradually, naturally" as my motto for growth.

Easily, gradually, naturally, I become increasingly aware of my thoughts and eliminate negative thought patterns from the past.

Easily, gradually, naturally, I begin to drop negative words from my vocabulary, replacing them with positive words and phrases.

Easily, gradually, naturally, I use kindness, tact, and patience in all the actions of my daily life.

Easily, gradually, naturally, I learn to react to all negative situations in a way that does not jeopardize my best interests, and I remain in control.

Easily, gradually, naturally, I release the past, living only in the eternal now.

Easily, gradually, naturally, I release negative habits and practice moderation in all areas of my life.

Each day the choices I make shape my life.  This week, each day, I adopt "easily, gradually, naturally" as my motto for growth."

Love,

Zizi

Copyright 2014

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Thursday, June 12, 2014

We extend our love to include all of life.

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Today's thought:  We extend our love to include all of life.

All people, all creatures, all vegetation, all minerals are a part of God's master plan for the Universe.  We all have a vital role to play that no one else can fulfill.  As we begin to learn about other forms of life, we begin to understand their intricacies, their function, their beauty.  We begin to realize that we are interdependent and see a glimpse of the vastness of the love and intellect of the Creator.  We are all connected.  We are all a part of God's plan.

Love,

Zizi

Copyright 2014

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Wednesday, June 11, 2014

The present, the future, and peace.

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Today's thought:  The present, the future, and peace.

From the writings of Paramahansa Yogananda:

"Live each present moment completely, and the future will take care of itself.  Fully enjoy the wonder and beauty of each instant.  Practice the presence of peace.  The more you do that, the more you will feel the presence of that power in your life."

When we have peace of mind, we have everything we need to make wise choices that will result in the best possible life for us.  In my own experience, peace of mind is of primary importance.  Living in the 'now' is a part of that peace.

Love,

Zizi

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Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Attitude

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Today's thought:  Attitude

From the writings of Kahlil  Gibran:

"Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens."

When we change our attitude, we change our life.

Love,

Zizi

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Monday, June 9, 2014

Safe in the hands of God.

Monday, June 9, 2014

Today's thought:  Safe in the hands of God.

How comforting to know that we can place ourselves and our loved ones safely in the hands of God, and rest assured that we and they will be guided to our highest good.  How comforting to look back and see the pattern of life, the good that came out of what initially appeared to be sad or bad events or experiences.  How comforting to know that as God cares for us, He also cares for our families, friends, and acquaintances.   Let us be grateful that we are all, ever and always, safe...safe in the hands of God.

Love,

Zizi

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I am gratified by the number of viewers this site is receiving.  Many, many thanks for your interest, and thank you for sharing this site with those whom you think would be interested.  May all of you be truly blessed, and may the Light shine bright upon your path.

Sunday, June 8, 2014

In the silence, we listen and learn.

Sunday, June 8, 2014

Today's thought:  In the silence, we listen and learn.

The important work is done within when we are quiet and alone with God.  There comes a time when reading books, attending classes, and discussions of old and new thoughts and religions no longer fulfills or satisfies the hunger for God.  This is the time when God is drawing us ever closer to Him.  This is the time to review and prioritize the roles in which we find ourselves.  This is the time for commitment to a higher Way.  When our minds are quiet, in the silence, we can listen and learn.

Love,

Zizi

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Saturday, June 7, 2014

Once in a lifetime.

Saturday, June 7, 2014

Today's thought:  Once in a lifetime.

Today comes only once in a lifetime.  Never before and never again, will this particular day come.  Let's not take it for granted.  Instead, let's look for what is special in this day, what moments of happiness we will experience, what unique opportunities will come our way.  Let's expect only the best, open our minds and hearts to what this once-in-a-lifetime day will bring.  And let us be profoundly grateful for life, family, friends, and today's particular gifts, once in a lifetime.

Love,

Zizi

Copyright 2014

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Friday, June 6, 2014

God's perfect will is being done.

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Today's thought:  God's perfect will is being done.

For the good and the growth of all concerned, God's perfect will is being done.  When it is difficult for us to understand the "why" of a particular event, and we think no good can come out of it, remember that we see only one frame of the movie of life.  Bless the situation, do what good you can in whatever way you can, and know that each of us requires a different approach in order to learn and grow.  I cannot know what is best for you, nor you what is best for me.  But the Father knows, and for the good and the growth of all concerned, God's perfect will is being done.

Love,

Zizi

Copyright 2014

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We are Spirit

Friday, June 6, 2014

Today's thought:  We are Spirit.

We are Spirit, and a part of God.  In the same way that your hand is a part of your body but not your whole body, we are a part of God, but not all that God is.

 We were Spirit long before we took physical form and we will be Spirit long after we shed this physical shell.

  Begin to identify with the qualities of Spirit.  Spirit is whole, perfect, ageless, timeless, limitless.  Take courage and comfort in this fact; we are Spirit, and a part of God.

Love,

Zizi

Copyright 2014

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Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Self-awareness

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Daughters of my heart, and other readers

It is in our own best interests that we be aware of what messages we are sending out to those with whom we interact.  Everything about us broadcasts who and what we are.  Impossible to hide from those who have learned to see.

  Seeing is so much more than looking.  Seeing is being aware of the shades and degrees of emotion, the subltleties of behavior, and the unguarded moments when we are most likely to give ourselves away.  Seeing may not be important on an every-moment basis, but it is important in beginning and continuing relationships, in dealing with children, and in the business world.  Seeing gives you an advantage, which allows you to make wiser choices and decisions.  Wiser choices and decisions make life easier, happier, and less stressful.

Several decades ago, books on body language were very popular, and are still relevant today.  Photographs reveal a wealth of information when we view them with 'seeing' eyes.

The following poem was part of a workshop on self-awareness.  I found it very interesting, useful, and valid.
Perhaps you will, too.  And perhaps you will begin to learn to see.  The more we know, the better our lives will be.

You Tell on Yourself

You tell what you are by the friends you seek,
By the very manner in which you speak,
By the way you employ your leisure time,
By the use you make of the dollar and dime.

You tell what you are by the things you wear,
By the spirit in which your burdens bear,
By the kind of things at which you laugh,
By the records you play on your phonograph.

You tell what you are by the way you walk,
By the things of which you delight to talk,
By the manner in which you bear defeat,
By so simple a thing as how you eat.

By the books you choose from the well-filled shelf,
In these ways, and more, you tell on yourself.
So there's really no particular sense
In any effort at false pretense.
                                               Anonymous

Daughters of my heart and other readers, be your best selves that you may have the best possible lives.  Trust your instincts as they are a part of your survival system.  Remember to always take care of yourselves gently and with respect.  Walk in dignity and grace.  Remember you are important to God, the Universe, and all those who love you, including me.

                                                                                         Love you, always

                                                                                         Zizi

Copyright 2014

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(Zizi is a diminutive of Zia, Aunt in Italian).

The next letter will be posted within two-to-three weeks.
In the meantime, a daily thought will be posted.

Many, many thanks for your interest and for sharing
this site with others.  May all of you be truly blessed and may
the Light shine bright upon your path.




Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Learn the rules

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Today's thought:  Learn the rules.

Learn the rules of your home, your school, your church, your workplace, your heritage, and society in general.  In learning the rules and honoring them, your life will flow much smoother.  And should you choose to flaunt those rules, you are in essence choosing also the consequences of those actions.  All actions have consequences, visible and invisible.

Love,

Zizi

Copyright 2014

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Monday, June 2, 2014

Judgememt

Monday, June 2, 2014

Today's thought:  Judgement

Whenever we do something that is against our better judgement, we diminish our power and dishonor the inner Self.

Love,

Zizi

Copyright 2014

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Sunday, June 1, 2014

Evolving and creating

Sunday, June 1, 2014

Today's thought:  Evolving and creating.

On a daily basis, we are evolving for better or for worse, as the result of our choices.

On a daily basis, we are creating present and future life, for better or for worse, as a result of our choices.

Be careful with your choices.

Love,

Zizi

Copyright 2014

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