YOU ARE A CHILD OF GOD - Marianne Williamson

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” - Marianne Williamson

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Joy is what happens to us

when we allow ourselves

to recognize

how good things really are.

- Marianne Williamson

How are you manifesting the glory of God within you?

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HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU!

Thanksgiving day provides an opportunity for us to give thanks to God and open our hearts and minds to others – spirit to spirit. 

PSALM 95:1-6 ESV

Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!  Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!  For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.  In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also.  The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.  Oh come, let us worship and bow down;  let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!

PEACE BE UNTO THEE, STRANGER by Ernest Holmes

Peace be unto thee, stranger, enter and be not afraid.

I have left the gate open and thou art welcome to my home.

There is room in my house for all.

I have swept the hearth and lighted the fire.

The room is warm and cheerful and you will find

comfort and rest within.

The table is laid and the fruits of Life are spread before thee.

The wine is here, also, it sparkles in the light.

I have set a chair for you where the sunbeams dance

through the shade.

Sit and rest and refresh your soul.

Eat of the fruit and drink the wine.

All, all is yours, and you are welcome.

VERSE OF FIVE CONTEMPLATIONS

(Gokan no ge 五観之偈）

We reflect on the effort that brought us this food

and consider how it comes to us.

We reflect on our virtue and practice, and whether

we are worthy of this offering.

We regard greed as the obstacle to freedom of mind.

We regard this meal as medicine to sustain our life.

For the sake of enlightenment we now receive this food.

(Saba ge 生飯偈）

 In what ways do you participate in Thanks giving?  

Will you Pause today to give thanksgiving?

Make each moment count toward expressing your appreciation, gratitude and love through being thankful.  We invite you to Pause today.

Today’s Suggested Prayer and Meditation Tool: meaning to pause® bracelet: The Prayer Pause

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Relaxing Hymns On Piano

DOGEN ZENJI

Life and death are of supreme importance. Time swiftly passes by and opportunity is lost. Each of us should strive to awaken. Awaken. Take heed, do not squander your life.

Dogen Zenji (1200 - 1253)

Learn more about Dogen Zenji by visiting: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C5%8Dgen

Native American Flute and Guitar

 

THANKSGIVING

Blessings are bountiful and constantly in action all around us – we just need to recognize them. 

Being aware of the many wonderments unfolding before us can be achieved through mindful practice of being present in the now.  The more we practice mindfulness and being present in the moment, the more we recognize the magnificence of God. 

As our awareness develops and we have more reverence for the beauty of life, our excitement about being alive deepens and we naturally desire to share our discoveries with the Universe. 

Once a year in America, family and friends gather together with the intent to celebrate their many blessings.  But why wait to celebrate our blessings once a year?  If we utilize the intent of the Thanksgiving holiday on a daily basis, we have access to a limitless, spiritual feast.

Philippians 4:6-7 ESV 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

How many blessings can you find today?  Will you Pause today to find them?

Blessing are all around me.

Everywhere I look,
every time I speak,
every time I listen -
I find blessings.

I encounter blessings wherever I am.

An ever increasing amount of blessings are mine.

Blessings of all sizes and shapes find me.

I place no conditions on the blessings I receive.

I openly receive all the blessings that are meant for me.

I welcome blessings and blessings welcome me.

Click here for our catalog of prayer and meditation tools.

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For more ways you can Pause, click here for our list of 75 PAUSE-ibilities.

http://www.meaningtopause.com/pdf/75%20Ways%20to%20Pause.pdf

THE POWER OF ATTENTION & INTENTION - Dr. Deepak Chopra

Today’s Daily Pause features Dr. Deepak Chopra - https://www.deepakchopra.com/

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LAO TZU, TAO TE CHING

Simplicity, patience, compassion.

These three are your greatest treasures.

Simple in actions and thoughts, you return to the source of being.

Patient with both friends and enemies,

you accord with the way things are.

Compassionate toward yourself,

you reconcile all beings in the world.

― Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching

Learn more about Lao Tzu by visiting: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laozi

INSPIRED BY GOD - Joel Osteen

JOEL OSTEEN MINISTRIES

WHAT WE BELIEVE STATEMENT

We Believe…

… the entire Bible is inspired by God, without error and the authority on which we base our faith, conduct and doctrine.

… in one God who exists in three distinct persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God who came to this earth as Savior of the world.

… Jesus died on the cross and shed His blood for our sins. We believe that salvation is found by placing our faith in what Jesus did for us on the cross. We believe Jesus rose from the dead and is coming again.

… water baptism is a symbol of the cleansing power of the blood of Christ and a testimony to our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

… in the regular taking of Communion as an act of remembering what the Lord Jesus did for us on the cross.

… every believer should be in a growing relationship with Jesus by obeying God’s Word, yielding to the Holy Spirit and by being conformed to the image of Christ.

… as children of God, we are overcomers and more than conquerors and God intends for each of us to experience the abundant life He has in store for us.

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I believe if you keep your faith, 

you keep your trust, 

you keep the right attitude, 

if you're grateful, 

you'll see God open up new doors.

- Joel Osteen

Are you willing to trust in God?

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HOW TO GET YOUR POWER BACK - Gary Zukav

Today’s Daily Pause features Gary Zukav - http://seatofthesoul.com/

Share Video: http://youtu.be/R3PBMz85430

ONE FRIEND - Paramahansa Yogananda

Many clouds do race to hide Thee -

Of friends and wealth and fame -

And yet through mist of tears I see

Appear Thy Golden Name.

Each time my father, mother, friends

Do loudly claim they did me tend,

I wake from sleep to sweetly hear

That Thou alone didst help me here.

Learn more about Paramahansa Yogananda  by visiting: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paramahansa_Yogananda

PAUSING FOR SPIRITUAL BENEFIT

Just as there are physical, mental and emotional benefits to pausing for prayer and meditation, there are spiritual benefits as well.

The connection between us and something greater than ourselves is available anytime and anywhere.  Spirit is all encompassing.  All that needs to be done is to open the channel between us and God.  Like turning a light switch on, all we need is the willingness and action to do it.  Pausing each day to connect with the Divine can strengthen our faith, bring us closer to God, assist us with forgiving, offer hope, instill inner strength, bring a sense of serenity and of joy.

Hebrews 4:16 ESV

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Whether praying for yourself or for others, Pausing for prayer and meditation enhances spiritual connection – strengthen yours today.  

What will you Pause to pray for?

Make each moment count toward your spirituality.  We invite you to Pause today.

Today’s Suggested Prayer and Meditation Tool: meaning to pause® bracelet: Prayer Pause.

A PAUSE A DAY HELPS KEEPS THE STRESS AT BAY

Numerous studies suggest that there is a direct link between reducing stress and increasing physical and emotional wellbeing as a result of the practice of prayer and/or meditation, either of which, promotes relaxation. 

The benefits of reducing stress are many.  Johns Hopkins School of Education (JHSE) studies show relaxation helps with stress related behavior issues that affect the brain such as impulsiveness, difficulty in concentration, irritating behaviors, aggression, withdrawal, depression, learning, memory and performance. 

Besides helping the brain improve, JHSE also notes that relaxation helps our body’s nervous system by relaxing muscles, lowering blood pressure, decreasing heart and breathing rates, stabilizing blood flow to muscles, slowing metabolism, calming hormones, strengthening immunity, and, releasing dopamine and serotonin that enhance feelings of well being and pleasure.

Johns Hopkins School of Education encourages a self-calming process that helps a person move toward relaxation.  The process is called: "Take 5" and was created by Victoria Tennant Consulting.  The 5 steps in the “Take 5” process are outlined below:

"Take 5" Calming Steps ©Victoria Tennant Consulting http://www.victoriatennantconsulting.com/

Step 1: I notice how I feel.

Step 2: I accept myself.

Step 3: I calm myself.

Step 4: I notice how I feel now.

Step 5: I tell myself something positive.

Prayer and meditation reduces stress – so why wait to practice them?  You’re worth taking the time to Pause for improved brain, physical, emotional and spiritual health. 

How will you Pause for your personal well-being?

For moreguidance for you or your children using the “Take 5” Calming Steps, click here to read the entire article from JohnsHopkins School of Education.

Make each moment count toward your health and wellness.  We invite you to Pause today.

Today’s Suggested Prayer and Meditation Tool: meaning to pause® bracelet: Breathe

THE GOODNESS OF PRAYER

From whirling Sufis to chanting Hindus, prayer in its many expressions offers us several benefits – improved spiritual practice by providing a sense of connection to something greater than ourselves, meditative practice through a concentrated focus of our thoughts and energy, an opportunity for contemplation, and, a positive effect on our immune system by the reduction of stress caused by the softening or eliminating of worry.  Praying is good for our mind, body and soul.

Will you Pause today to embrace goodness?

Goodness is expressed everywhere and all the time around me.

I experience goodness wherever I am.

An overflowing of goodness is mine and flows directly to me.

I openly receive all the goodness that is meant for me.

I embrace goodness and goodness embraces me.

Psalm 27:13 ESV

I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!

Click here for our catalog of prayer and meditation tools.

For more ways you can Pause, click here for our list of 75PAUSE-ibilities.

WHAT'S YOUR TAG LINE? - HHH The Dalai Lama Center

His High Holiness The Dalai Lama

THE DALAI LAMA CENTER

MISSION AND VALUES

Committed to Educating the Heart

"My religion is kindness," the Dalai Lama famously says. The Center embraces this ethos and His Holiness’ belief that each of us has a responsibility to "develop a warm heart, cultivate compassion and work for peace within oneself and in the world."

"Educating the heart" is the Center’s tag line. The Center will provide a learning environment that cultivates mindfulness: the integration of mind, body, and spirit. It will encourage heightened awareness within of our inner potential through diverse practices of art. And it will provide a venue for creative interpretation of the world’s many wisdom traditions.

By bringing peace into our own lives, the Center will help to bring peace into the world.

VISION

Compassionate children in a peaceful world.

MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to educate the hearts of children by informing, inspiring and engaging the communities around them.

VALUES

Compassion

Kindness

Respect

Inclusion

Responsibility

Altruism

Generosity

These are the human qualities that contribute to peace and harmony locally, nationally and globally. We believe that most people embrace and recognize the importance of these qualities, and are seeking ways to access the information and guidance to bring them into their lives. The Dalai Lama Center for Peace and Education is uniquely positioned to make those connections and build capacity in those who are closest to our children.

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Be kind whenever possible. 

It is always possible.

- Dalai Lama

What's your tag line? Are you living your values?

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WHEN YOU CHANGE THE WAY YOU LOOK AT THINGS - Dr. Wayne Dyer

Today’s Daily Pause features Dr. Wayne Dyer – http://www.drwaynedyer.com/

Share Video: http://youtu.be/urQPraeeY0w

A PRAYER IN SPRING - Robert Frost

Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers today;

And give us not to think so far away

As the uncertain harvest; keep us here

All simply in the springing of the year.

Oh, gives us pleasure in the orchard white,

Like nothing else by day, like ghosts by night;

And make us happy in the happy bees,

The swarm dilating round the perfect trees.

And make us happing in the darting bird

Tha suddenly above the bees is heard,

The meteor that thrusts in with needle bill,

And off a blossom in mid-air stands still.

For this is love and nothing else is love,

The which it is reversed for God above

To sanctify to what far ends He will,

But which it only needs that wee fulfill.

Learn more about Robert Frost by visiting: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Frost

PURPOSE IN ACTION - St Jude Children’s Research Hospital

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is an example of purpose in action and the power of prayer:

According to Wikipedia:  “St. Jude was founded by entertainer Danny Thomas in 1962, with help from Dr. Lemuel Diggs and close friend, Miami, Florida automobile dealer Anthony Abraham, on the premise that "no child should die in the dawn of life".[1] This idea resulted from a promise that Danny Thomas, a Maronite, had made to a saint years before the hospital was founded. Thomas was a funny comedian, who was struggling to get a break in his career and living paycheck to paycheck. When his first child was about to be born, he attended Mass in Detroit and put his last $7 in the offering bin. He prayed to St. Jude Thaddeus for a means to provide for his family, and about a week later, he obtained a gig that paid 10 times what he had put in the offering bin. After that time, Thomas believed in the power of prayer. He promised St. Jude Thaddeus that if he made him successful, he would one day build him a shrine. Years later, Danny Thomas became an extremely successful comedian and built St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as a shrine to St. Jude Thaddeus to honor his promise.[2] In 1957, Thomas founded the American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities (ALSAC), which helped him realize his dream. ALSAC is also the fundraising organization of St. Jude. Since St. Jude opened its doors in 1962, ALSAC has had the responsibility of raising the necessary funds to keep the hospital open. Memphis was chosen at the suggestion of Roman Catholic Cardinal Samuel Stritch, a Tennessee native who had been a spiritual advisor to Thomas since he presided at Thomas's confirmation in Thomas's boyhood home of Toledo, Ohio.[3][4]”  

To learn more about St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the work they do, visit Wikipedia:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Jude_Children's_Research_Hospital

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The purpose of life 

is to contribute in some way 

to making things better. 

― Robert F. Kennedy

 What’s your Mission Statement?  Are you on purpose?

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