Spiritual Things Matter

The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers. ~Scott M. Peck

As the new year has started, I have tuned in and listened carefully to the changes that people have expressed to make for their lives this year. It makes me realize once again how uniquely human we all are, and how we have been graced with the gift of “free will” which allows us to alter and adjust our lives as often as we see fit. No one must ever feel that they are forever trapped in a less than desirable lifestyle or emotions over which they feel they have no power. Some situations do seemingly appear to be hopeless, and yes, within the limited realm of our lower understanding, they also seem utterly futile.

In our free society, though, teachings about spiritual reality are readily available. Any lasting and meaningful changes that people would like to see in their lives usually come through some sort of spiritual awakening, and some sort of spiritual hunger that has found its way into their hearts. More often than not, those times are shrouded with a feeling of utter helplessness and of inadequacy in oneself. Those times, as painful as they might seem, are in fact, blessings in disguise. For many, it is during such times that one learns to fall upon the vibrant and beating heart of God. Let there be no doubt that His work has been forever completed as He gave so generously His exquisite, extraordinary and ultimate Love-gift to mankind. Nothing stands between God and man now except man’s own self-made veils, typical to human experience, of doubt and fear, of self-pity and pride, and of victim-hood and imagined losses.

Oh, how I pray today that those who have suffered would find peace and rest in the comforting love of God. There is nothing more beautiful and nothing more poetic than when a man or a woman has come to a place in their life of turning everything over to His care. A renewed heart will bring a renewed life, which in turn will bring a fresh perspective on situations that seemed difficult and often impossible. It is indeed a better choice! Faith arises within the heart, and it is the beginning of a spiritually energized path. This new path will bring one into the brightness of His presence as one seeks Him through prayer and adoration. When one stays close to His heart, much truth and wisdom will be granted.

Surrendering Heart

I cast myself upon Your heart
A heart of Love Divine.
I cast myself upon Your heart
A heart that now is mine.

I tuck myself away in prayer
apart from men - into a different realm.
In stillness and in quietness,
I find peace upon my sacred ground.

I hunger and I thirst, Oh God
for Your reality alone.
No malice nor anger is found in You
Oh, how Your love does comfort my soul.

I cast myself upon Your heart
A heart of glorious Light Divine.
I cast myself upon Your heart
A heart that now enlightens mine.

Viola M. Jaynes
Jan. 2008

Some things do matter. Every year gives birth to blessings, little acts of thoughtfulness, devotion, courage and self-sacrifice. Smiles unexpected and unmasked for. Silent hard-won victories over evil… Such blessings change lives, and one generation passes them along to the next. On this final day of the year, why not leave some small blessings for those who will follow you?” ~Anonymous author

As the year comes to a close, I reflect deeply on all that has been learned and gained this year. Personally we have seen many changes, much growth, and a heart recognition for the deeper realization of the potential that lies within each human life as one is willing to look within. We have seen how human beings fall short through their own fears and yet rise to greater heights as love and forgiveness embraces all. I am convinced again and again that there is simply nothing impossible!

As the New Year starts, I wish each of my readers a year filled with meaning and purpose. I wish each of you the reality that lies beyond what we see with our eyes, or that which we touch with our hands. My hope is for all of us to experience a greater hunger and desire to know God to such an extent that unnecessary worry and fear will cease. As political situations continue to be precarious, may you enter a place of calmness and assuredness that, no matter what happens, the Light and Peace of God is yours always. May you become prayer in this world as you realize that the spiritual growth that you experience makes a difference to many people around you. May you cultivate a sensitive, loving and kind heart for all living things, and a passionate soul to never be satisfied with the temporal things of this world. May you realize that each kind word and deed that you do and say will be forever recorded in eternal history.

Above all, I wish for each of us the courage to always be honest with ourselves and the ability to recognize the Divinity that abides within each of us. It is through that recognition that the passionate and loving heart of God will touch and heal many.

*The quote above came from a wonderful article I found that Colbert I. King wrote in the Washington Post.

A personal life deeply lived always expands into truth beyond itself.~Arais Nin

Saying “yes” to Life and to all its varieties, its colors and dimensions, makes for an adventure that can never be adequately captured in any other form of expression. Whether on a canvas, on an instrument, or in a song, life can never be fully portrayed in any medium known to man because its vastness is just too great.

As hard as our film industry tries to convey the essence and emotions of life, the best they can ever hope to do is to capture their audience for only a short few hours. A lovely ballet performance can heighten our awareness of the beauty of the human life with all its possibilities to express itself, and yet, when the curtain falls, we are once again left with realizing our great limitations. A “once in a life-time” exquisite musical performance or a stunning work of art can take us into higher realms that would be inadequate to explain in mere words alone. But, at the end of such an encounter, we realize that our lives are just exactly like what we have just experienced. We soar to great heights where we gather the strength and energy for life, and then we plummet to great depths where we use every ounce of that strength that we have gathered. Thus, our life story is written with great drama, and very often that drama is created solely by us.

Life . . . what an experience it is!

I know of no one who could not put their personal life story into some form of written narrative, or a work of romantic poetry. I know of no one who has not experienced their emotions at its finest, with feelings of love and joy and happiness that can not be adequately explained. Yet, within this same life, emotions have been felt and lived at their lowest point as struggles ensue through the darkest of days trying to rise above the often angry and pitiful beast within. Our philosophers and poets have tried for eons, again and again, to convey life’s diverse patchwork of love and tears, of dreams and hopes, and of courage and fear. Often we will begin to weep when we hear meaningful words or a piece of music that is so fine that it resonates deep within us. It is then that we realize the commonality of humanity, and indeed of all life itself.

A life best lived is to let honesty be its closest kin. Music, beauty, art and great literary works, as well as other aesthetic influences, soften the heart. It is in those heightened and receptive moments that the opportunity arises to be in touch with who one really is. Nothing seems to liberate a person more than the ability to be honest with oneself, and most importantly one’s God. This liberation is accompanied by a greater ease and freedom for one’s life. Along with this freedom, we will soon find that our interactions with our fellow man become less strained and much more loving and kind as there is simply nothing more left to hide. Life and self-honesty will open the door to greater possibilities as spiritual truth begins to present itself. As Socrates said so beautifully, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” We will then stand in awe of our spiritual potential as we begin to discern the changes and growth within. The realization dawns on us that the breath of life that created all living things is the same breath of life that beautifies the heart. The beauty of life within then becomes the beauty of life without as we begin to see all things differently.

Life . . . what a gift it is! It is indeed, a valuable gift to be cherished.

Oh to Thee, my great Creator,
I surrender my heart.
Oh to Thee, my great Lord,
I surrender all that I am.
Oh to Thee, my great God
I surrender life itself!

Your Beauty alone shines forth
as Your Light illuminates.
Your Love brings peace
All life surrenders to Thee.

Viola M. Jaynes

In the midst of projections, chaos, and confusion,
A decision must be made.
What kind of mortal one would like to be,
While traveling on this earth.

When observing nature’s beauties
With its wondrous birds throughout the skies,
I too, can just imagine the freedom to fly -
It matters not how high.

In that simple beauty,
I find the answers to my dream.

Though firmly grounded upon this soil,
I too, can extend my wings into eternity.
To walk humbly on this earth,
To be kind to all I meet and see.
To be forgiving in every circumstance
And committed to a life of nobility -
To simply be who I am
When spreading my wings beyond gravity.
That which was observed and then received -
In that place of mystery,
So rich in Love, Wisdom and Reality -
Is now mine to give if I choose,
With kindness and simplicity.

Those wings gain momentum and strength
As this vision becomes crystal clear.
There is only one rule to go by -
I am free to love…and…be.
This mystery is birthed from within.
I can be, truly be…
All that I want to be,
Thus elevating this humanity.

Viola M. Jaynes
Oct. 2007