Getting Unstuck Might Be Simpler Than You Think

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Sometimes the hardest step to take is the first step. What is there to do when you’re feeling so stuck as if your feet and your mind are in hardened concrete?!?!  Maybe you’re stuck in your head or in an uncomfortable situation or a difficult relationship or dead-end job.  Or maybe you’re stuck big time in a comfort zone.  When you pause you feel that Something Deep within you is stirring and you know God is calling you out.  I’m here to invite you onto the path.   It’s time we take the next step.

You know that I share with you from my personal experience and life history. How I lived and continue to live out this journey from Christ-unlikeness to Christ-likeness. Yes, I may have a degree as a Pastoral Counselor and Spiritual Director. Yes, I’ve attended and led many workshops, conferences, retreats etc. but that’s A BIG FAT SO WHAT compared to how I live this sacred journey of transformation with and through Christ right along side of you.  My desire is to help you hear, listen and act on what the Teacher is revealing to you personally.  You need it and the world needs you.  This ministry ,The Deeper Connection, is here to support, serve, enlighten, inspire, guide and help you expand your own holy transformation. 

Right now, wherever you are, however stuck, however off the path you feel I’m here to encourage you to take the next step, whatever that may be.  You can do it.  I am with you and so are all the angels and saints on this side of heaven and beyond the veil. 

God is in the movement.  You have the Spirit’s energy undergirding you, but you have to take the first step to experience it.  Notice and feel whatever it is that’s been holding you up.  Then instead of analyzing or wrestling with it,  move right through it, in-spite of it, like walking through a cloud.

Regardless of what those thoughts are take the next step. 

Regardless of how hard it seems, take the next step. 

Regardless of how painful it appears, take the next step. 

Regardless of how long you’ve put it off, take the next step. 

Regardless of how long you’ve been hiding, take the next step. 

Regardless of the anxiety take the next step.

Regardless of the shame and guilt take the next step.

Regardless of how long you’ve been waiting…

It is time, dear soul friend, to #takethenextstep #stucknomore #inGodwetrust  🙏✌️❤️🔥

Sending you much love as I take my next step…

Maria

p.s.  I’ll see you at our Global Centering Prayer Meeting on Zoom, every Sunday 8am EST.  Here’s the link:

Join URL: https://zoom.us/j/198390445

Help Me Understand! Does Intercessory Prayer Make God my Genie?

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It’s always interesting how God answers the queries in my own mind. I had been reflecting on the meaning of intercessory prayer. Though I’ve been a “prayer warrior” as long as I can remember, questions around the impact of this type of prayer have been rattling around in my brain quite a bit recently. Then I received this question in an email from a dear friend and soul sister.
“In praying with words what is the point of asking God for something….isn’t that like using God as our Genie?  Do you think God changes circumstances because we ask for them to be changed or does God just change us?” Because she was asking me, it caused me to give intention and attention to this question rather than just let it meander through my mind. After prayerful reflection this is what came to me. When I pray with audible words God changes me and everyone.

I know there is so much more happening beyond my understanding but this is what I notice:
1. My ego shrinks because I’m not trying to fix anyone or anything. Nor am I trying to analyze the complexities of the circumstance. Intercessory prayer is a way for me to open my heart and mind rather than lock myself in worry or concern. It’s a way for me to release control and attachment to an outcome. Praying for a Divine shift in the real world.

2. When I pray for someone I envision them while praying. I see them whole, healthy and happy. I repeat the words, “I trust you are healing (insert name) right this very moment.” It actually raises the feel good chemicals in my brain which then increases trust and faith.

3. I believe Spirit and Light are Divine Energy available to all. As I pray I am connecting with and touching the Divine for others, especially when they are unable to do it for themselves. My words are like dropping a stone in this Divine Pool of Love causing a ripple effect in all directions that will touch the life of the one I am holding.

4. I sense that through faith I’m partnering, co-creating with God. Out of my head and into the heart of the world.

5. Did I mention my ego shrinks?! I am reminded by reaching out or sometimes crying out, there is a God and it is not me. Thank you Jesus!

6. I have this image that my prayer is like a reflector shield for the Light. As I open up, the Light of Christ reflects off of the faith and love (the reflector shield) I am intentionally drawing my attention to. Through my words and prayer undergirded by love, the Light is dispersed outward and inward. I love imagery that helps me connect.

7. I am reminded of a poster that hung on the wall in my parent’s basement, that had one of my favorite quotes when I was a young girl. It read “Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others, can not keep it from themselves.”

In short I believe that’s what happens when we pray for others, we are reflecting the Light of Christ present within us out into the lives of others and in doing so we become transformed carriers of the Light and healing abounds for all.

Being Present Is Simpler Than You Think

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I make it a habit to ask anyone I come in contact with a simple question.  Whether in a store, on the street, getting gas at my local gas station, etc.  when the opportunity presents itself I always ask, “How’s your day?” Most respond surprised  and with a simple answer like “It’s ok.”,  “Not bad.” or “Good, work is almost over.”  It’s a way to help me be more present and notice the person in front of me.  I don’t believe in coincidence so I will say God caused my path to cross with a man yesterday who until then, was a complete stranger.  As I looked into his eyes I felt prompted to ask a simple question, “How’s your summer been so far?”  I expected to hear one of the typical answers of, too short, too hot, too busy, but not this time.  He looked up at me with the saddest eyes and said, “Not good, not good at all.”  I was taken aback but quickly replied, “Oh, what’s happening?”  Without hesitating he answered, “My wife is on hospice and is going to die any day now.”  I was blown away and in that moment I understood how profoundly important it is to be present to this man.  I looked deep into his eyes and said, “I am so very sorry.  Truly sorry for your loss.”  It’s as if time stood still for a brief moment.  I reached out to take his hand and he reached back with both hands.  I held his hands in mine and simply looked at him.  No words were necessary.  It was a moment of deeper connection that I speak about all the time.  Had I been lost in thoughts of anxiety, worry, doubt or judgment about something else, I would have missed it completely.  Consolation, connection and a sincere smile is what he needed and what I needed to share.  That was a moment of being present to the Presence of God I hope I never forget.  What did the moment require?  Me.  Looking at the person in front of me. Seeing him.  Engaging him. Listening to him.  Reaching out, bringing a simple word of consolation and silently praying for him.  God happens when we least expect God to show up. 

Transformation happens in the ordinary moments.  If you string together enough of those moments through the simple way of seeing, listening, reaching out, connecting and praying you will experience the peace and contentment you long for through the  life-giving, life-changing Presence of God.