WhatBlesses6

My Daily Reading suggested that I could use seeming stressful experiences as

opportunities for blessings, when I look within for God's peace and then share it with others.

Of course, God always gives me an experiential aide to emphasize a lesson, or to test if

I've learned it. And, in the past, quite often these lessons came at church or classes; not

necessarily from the words being spoken, but from the inter-personal relationships. For instance,

one of the reasons I'd quit teaching church classes evolved from my pattern of attracting

someone to verbally attack something I'd said, either as a teacher, or even when attending as a

Through the years, the pain had become so intense that I quit attending group activities.

But, I'd been working on healing this character defect, as mentioned in my writings, and my

Inner Voice had brought to my attention that I needed to practice being in groups again, as

So I attended Rev. Tony's Thursday class, based on the book, Love Without Conditions,

by Paul Ferrini, and I had shared my opinions quite fearlessly, feeling positive about my

contributions. But, toward the end of the class, I'd made a statement, relating to the Allness of

One of the members nearly fainted, as she shrieked, "NO! NO!" And she blurted her

objections to my philosophy. I'd thought the people in this group would understand, because

Rev. Tony always says, "God is all that is going on." But, apparently God is going on everyplace

In any event, I shut up, while much discussion took place, because I felt secure in my

reality of the Allness of God, and I knew there would be no use arguing with anyone else's

viewpoint. The good part is that, in the past I would have been wiped out over this verbal

altercation, and would probably have decided not to return. But this time, while the meditation

closed the meeting, I thanked God for the opportunity to test my progress, and said a blessing for

Afterward, she chatted with me about other things and we parted with everything being

peaceful. I knew that my changed attitude had made the difference; at least for me. Thank You,

For those of you reading the above words and stressing-out over my statement about the

ego, especially folks who believe that the ego must be eliminated, let's approach this with logic

First of all, the ego is our identity; without ego, we would cease to exist. This is not

something to be argued; it is truth, and I won't take time to discuss Freud and Jung to make my

point. You can research their writings on the function of the ego; instead, here is the dictionary's

2. In psychoanalysis, the division of the psyche that is conscious, most immediately controls

3. a. An exaggerated sense of self-importance; conceit. b. Appropriate pride in oneself;

Is this a part of yourself that you would want to eliminate? I think not. So, we are talking

about the need to make choices about our thoughts and behavior in order to refrain from "an

exaggerated sense of self-importance" and acquire an "appropriate pride in oneself:

I would rest my case, but I have more to say. Assuming that everything is created from

God, then, like a drop of ocean water is to the ocean, within every atom is the essence of God.

So, if God is omnipresent, omnipotent and omniscient, then is there anything that is not God? Is

I understand the bible account of the fallen angel, Lucifer, but it must be remembered that

much of the bible is allegory. Otherwise, the argument becomes obsessive and illogical, like the

Many of us are blinded by our beliefs, many of which are based on bible teachings that

were misinterpreted and misconstrued by English kings who had the bible re-written to suit

But, thank God there are still open-minded scholars who are willing to know the truth. For

instance, our former neighbor, Bob Davey, is such an enlightened person. And during a recent

visit, he inspired us with a story of his encounter with another enlightened scholar, a quantum

First, let me give you some pertinent background history about Davey, as we fondly call our

friend. He began life as a catholic, converted to an evangelical Christian layperson, with a large

following, and then became awakened through the teachings of Judaism, while trying to

translate the bible from its original language. In his search, he learned Hebrew so he could read

and understand the basic symbols of that language. Eventually he discovered that the bible is

actually written in a code, and he set out to learn and decipher that code, studying the few

This, of course, opened a whole new world, as the secret words and meaning were revealed

to him. And he continued researching and understanding the code. I will not attempt to explain,

because I can only grasp the spiritual essence of Davey's explanations: that it's all a matter of

numbers and energy. For instance, he has learned that the numerical energies of Psalm 33 are

especially conducive to meditation and restful sleep, not necessarily because of the words, but

But, I digress. Back to the exciting part of Davey's story. During the three or four hour

exchange of their respective findings, spiritual and scientific, each found confirmation of the

other's information. Amazing! First, that they were each willing to listen to the other, and be

open to another viewpoint. But, the fact is that they knew each was speaking truth, not beliefs

or dogma, but basic, unbiased truth; and, of course, it's the truth that sets us free. Because there

What I've written here is only a microcosm of what Davey shared with us, but, as I said, I

can only grasp these truths on a spiritual, not intellectual, level. Van, on the other hand, being a

computer programmer-analyst, and used to the language of mathematics, also understands the

He replied, "It's confirmation of what we already know, and yes, I find it exciting from the

Of course, Davey gave us so much more, but this is enough to whet your appetite, should

Another evening, while chatting with Rev. Tony about the above information, he again

referred to the lecture he'd attended at the Crystal Cathedral: the speaker saying that nothing is

here by accident, but it's the result of a carefully conceived and created mathematical precision.

For instance, water being the life-giving element that it is, could only happen by a phenomenon

that there will be a deviation (quirk) from the normal (that it would freeze without capturing

air) to the 59th power, if you can conceive of that enormous calculation of probability.

The point of this being that mathematics are a critical aspect in all of creation; one that we

don't even bother to comprehend in our daily lives. Like, who cares that water is the result of a

Yet, if one were to dwell, ever so slightly on these truths, they would transform one's

reality; literally lifting us into another dimension, and out of our minuscule thinking.

I love it when God-energy moves through me to write the above words, because I surely

wouldn't know what to say on my own limited understanding. And it's thrilling when my reality

is lifted into these dimensions. It makes me wonder how important can all the petty grievances

If we could only remain at that elevated level indefinitely. But, we are here to learn and

to grow, and we probably wouldn't make the effort to extend much beyond our reach, if life

were eternal bliss. On the other hand, I wouldn't mind the opportunity of having to deal with that

challenge. And, of course, this is a matter of my own thinking and choices, so I shall continue to

Along those lines, of stretching, with Snow's input, saying that there's no limit to the

number of websites, we concluded that the solution to my over-extended website is to transfer

the entire Journey of Awareness book and pictures to its own website, a tedious and time

consuming effort, especially since this meant changing links and making sure everything is

properly connected. We also decided to create a website for Going Out Into the Universe, while

there are only a few chapters, rather than waiting until it's a major project.

This might not be noteworthy, except for the fact that Van had also been stretching,

beyond his former limits. His entire attitude had shifted from resistance to enthusiasm over the

project, and what a difference it made with me; truly a blessing, rather than stressing.

So, when Valentine's day arrived, it really did feel like Love Day, especially when Van

awoke singing a little ditty: Will you be my Valentine?" And I replied with the same melody,

I spent the morning writing the above entry and Van spent the afternoon transferring

pictures to accompany the book. I would have selected a computer Valentine for him, but it

would have taken time from his project. Nevertheless, Joanie wanted to do something special for

the day, so she devised a plan: take the local bus that goes along the road in front of the RV park (not the 301 on the Coast Highway) and ride around the loop, through Encinitas (the larger town that incorporated Leucadia and now sprawls over the inland hillsides, in addition to the original town along the coast) and back; stopping along the way for a meal.

The timing was perfect: Van finished his project while the sun was still shining and we

would be able to see the sunset from the bus. Joanie managed to excite Little Ralph about the

adventure, as they stood at the bus stop and waited. And waited, and waited, and waited. Van

and I concluded that the flooded street from the day before had delayed the bus, and we waited

An older Mexican worker from the greenhouse also waited. But no bus came.

Periodically the Mexican would look down the road and say, "Nada!" In English, "Nothing."

At one point, a gardener from the apartment complex (by the bus stop) leaned over the fence to

warn us that he would be turning on the sprinkler and we might want to move toward the street,

which we did. But we didn't know how to tell the Mexican, a colorful figure in his brown

sombrero, who sat on the bench. Suddenly the water gushed from under the bench and he

jumped up, uttering a foreign exclamation, and we all laughed. And still, we waited.

As time passed and we began to conclude that the bus wasn't coming, Joanie became

disappointed, because the sun would soon set, which would defeat the purpose of our ride. In

other words, we wouldn't be able to see the area that we were exploring. So, not to be defeated

in her Valentine venture, she suggested that we ride the 301 toward Carlsbad and stop for a meal

While we were discussing this idea, the Mexican rushed across the street to the

southbound bus stop, and I quickly ran, too, calling Little Ralph to join us. After all, it was a

Wrong! I learned from the driver that he would go the few miles to the Encinitas Station

and turn around; then go around the loop. But, by that time it would be dark, and we would have

to pay for another ticket, so we decided to have our meal in Old Encinitas and then return home,

Now, we had choices: Angelo's Hamburgers or Leucadia Pizzeria. As we walked the two

blocks into town, I complained, "But I wanted to have the pizza delivered some day, as a special

Nevertheless, we opted for the pizza. But, our Special Valentine, the Maker of Love

(God), had another plan; a much better one. He steered us toward El Callejon, a Mexican

restaurant, next to the pizza shop; one that I'd heard was excellent, and I'd filed into my memory

The sun was setting, as we arrived at Moonlight Plaza and entered the open patio

Mexican setting. I feared getting chilled, but overhead heaters offered a cozy warmth, as we

watched the setting sun and selected an unfamiliar combination plate, suggested by the waiter.

When the meal arrived, I delighted that it had no tomato sauce, but rather a delicious

array of sour cream, shredded white cheese, and a Mole Sauce (a mixture with a touch of

chocolate). This reminded me of the movie, Chocolat, which Joyce and I had seen on the

weekend: the Chocolatier had added cayenne to her cocoa and even some of the chocolates.

Now, the flavor was exquisite and a welcome treat to celebrate this Love Day.

Van and I chatted and watched the customers arriving, while the sun set behind the

buildings and into the ocean, though not visible from here. However, I'd watched the same scene

several days earlier, while my new friend, Anne, and I returned home from church and a Sunday

drive, along with another new friend, Dell. But this special evening was shared with My

We both acknowledged God's excellent choice in guiding us to this romantic,

picturesque setting softly aglow with icicle lights hanging from the ceiling and joyful Mexican

Once the meal was finished, we strolled back to the station and awaited our bus; but it

was late, and we were getting cold, so we boarded 301, a sure thing, and in a few minutes we

But the evening was far from over. While I relaxed to the lilting voice of Barbra

Streisand, Van returned to the computer and continued to work on my new website; a Valentine

Usually, for days after a birthday, Van will sing the Happy Birthday ditty to the celebrant,

so I laughed the next morning, when he awoke singing "Will You Still be my Valentine?"

As planned, Sunday morning we arose early and boarded the bus to Del Mar. Arlene had

generously agreed to leave her car in the garage for us to drive to the Unity church in San Diego.

I'd been somewhat anxious over the timing, but everything worked in Divine Order, such as

having used the Road Atlas program, that Cousin John had given us, to map our route right to the

So far, even before our friend, Lynne delivered her sermon (as guest speaker), we'd been

learning the lesson, "Accepting our Good," such as using the program that Cousin John had

given us, and driving Arlene's car. In fact, our good just keeps manifesting and expanding, like

In any event, we arrived at San Diego's Christ Church Unity, with its lovely bell tower,

built with money donated by Wrigley's, the chewing gum people. Lynne had already given her

talk at the first service, and she was sitting at a table in the Community Center (between

services), chatting with the early morning congregants when I walked in, while Van parked the

I tapped her on the shoulder and she looked up, without recognizing me. Amazing! Later,

she said I looked so different, and I said it's probably due to my energy shift. The fact is that her

energies had also changed, and for a moment I thought I'd made a mistake; that it wasn't really

her, because her physical and emotional health had been improving, as she continues on her

We separated, as she went to the special room in preparation for her entrance onto the

stage at the front of this cathedral-like church, with its floor to ceiling pipes (for the organ),

hidden behind accordion pleated cloth, on each side of the center backdrop drapes, behind a

huge angel; unusual decor for a Unity church, but appropriate for the energies of this one, having

In this elaborate setting, one must visualize Lynne, who is a petite five-footer, with only

her shoulders and head peering above the huge podium, as she laughs and waves her hands,

while encouraging the congregation to wish her Happy Birthday, explaining that coincidentally

this was her birthday. She admitted that this was difficult for her, but she's learning to accept her

I marveled at how relaxed she seemed, while weaving her personal recovery story

throughout her talk (sermon) along with giving the lesson, which she summarized with the Five

Actually, I've expanded on these in Money Makeovers, in the article How to Change

Habits and Patterns, but I really needed to hear these truths repeated, and Lynne has her own

unique way of making her point, as she zings the arrows right to their target.

One of her arrows related to our need to take care of our bodies, such as not eating

donuts, which were the featured treat this morning. Realizing that she may have been stepping

on the toes of the Refreshment Committee, she said, "But today is my birthday, so it's okay to

have a donut." And nearly everyone did just that. In fact, I don't usually eat donuts, but I

couldn't resist. I think it's like telling someone not to look at the Statue of Liberty, as they are

Lynne's husband, Wayne, sat with us during church, and afterward I thanked him for his

willingness to assist us with his computer expertise, and we were keeping it in mind, as a last

resort, so as not to burden him (he has so many of his own projects). In thinking about it, Wayne

As an attorney, Lynne is also extremely busy, but she promised to spend time chatting

with us, after church, which would probably be our only time together this trip.

On our way back to Arlene's, I realized that something different had transpired during

this morning's service. In the past, when attending church, I've pictured myself standing up there

delivering my message; and I've actually done this on some occasions. But this morning I no

longer felt that urge, and I realized that it's because I am fully satisfied with my website format,

and I won't need to go through the pressure and stress of facing groups of people; instead, I can

I'm not saying that I won't ever face another audience, but that I don't have to in order to

get my message and my writings out into the universe. What a stress-free blessing!

And I'm really Going Out Into the Universe with my other two new additions: my

personal website JoyannaFreeland (listed as: Who is Joyanna?" ) and my first course/workshop,

Transformation: a Twelve Power Process now on its own website: Transformations12Powers.

All these new websites are keeping Van busy, too, because he's also scanning pictures

and adding the twelve mandalas for Transformation. Yet, he seems to be flourishing with these

additional projects, knowing that we'll soon be on the road again and he can return to his

favorite activity, driving Freedom across country seeing new places or revisiting familiar ones.

However, in the meantime, because this is our home base, he gets to visit with family and

friends too. For instance, our friend, Jim Deadrick, had recently moved from Murrietta to

Carlsbad and arranged to meet for lunch. Since I'd been out and about with my friends, I