2023 was a year of failure for me too. I was so curious, so I had to subscribe. I have compassion for your struggle. And sitting with my feelings around my own personal hell- reading this was nice. Thanks.
My beloved Brother John, (as we are brothers together, standing in awe of our Father Creator.)
I just now saw your post about "a year of failure." The title immediately brought on some sadness within me, but then I was quickly encouraged by your Churchill quote, which, by the way, has been hanging on my living room wall for years...right in front of me where I am now standing at 10:39 this evening.
And below that powerful photo of a brightly lighted threshold with that open doorway above it, you wrote;
"The threshold marks the doorway delimiting one state of being (a frame of mind) and another new state of being. Crossing this threshold takes courage."
Your words remind me of a sacred, ancient writing that is precious to me;
"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me." (The Book of Revelation 3:20)
And your words touched me deeply as you wrote about your departed grandfather as you laid on the Earth before those two great oak trees, reminiscing about his unconditional love that he showered over you. Sadly, I never met either one of my grandfathers. Your treasuring of his unconditional love toward you meant a lot to me as I strive to genuinely exhibit that same kind of love toward my twin granddaughters here in Tucson. I pray that when I'm gone from this Earth, these beyond-precious-twin-souls will look back into their memories of me with similar deeply held feelings that you have toward your beloved grandfather.
And finally, as I'm entering my 72nd year here on Earth, for decades, there's always been something VERY special to me about the Aspen people. Thank you for sharing your insights about these amazing creatures...your insights confirm my deep feelings for them, edified me in learning more about them, and spurs me on to engage even more with my Aspen friends in the coming months and years. Being high up on a mountainside, alone with them in a secluded grove, goes beyond words for me to describe. From the sound of their joyfully vibrating new leaves, so green and bright during springtime, to the strong, sweet aroma of their bark, up close, as I give and receive long hugs from them, as we are all together, so peaceful, standing there in the snow.
Thank you so much for encouraging me in these ways, John! You are a gift from our Creator to me!
Dale, your words and the resonance of your experience touches me. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. It's great to hear how you've been touched by the aspens as well!
John, your supporting me thru what has turned out to be the most challenging physical and Spiritual awakenings of my life, has given me balance and momentum to move forward to a higher ground I can’t even discuss. I’d need to write a book. I’m so excited for your gifts to humanity. Thank you.
Thank you, Countrybumpkin. That's why I write - in hopes of connecting with the hearts of others through my own authentic expression. I appreciate knowing that it's been received.
2023 was a year of failure for me too. I was so curious, so I had to subscribe. I have compassion for your struggle. And sitting with my feelings around my own personal hell- reading this was nice. Thanks.
My beloved Brother John, (as we are brothers together, standing in awe of our Father Creator.)
I just now saw your post about "a year of failure." The title immediately brought on some sadness within me, but then I was quickly encouraged by your Churchill quote, which, by the way, has been hanging on my living room wall for years...right in front of me where I am now standing at 10:39 this evening.
And below that powerful photo of a brightly lighted threshold with that open doorway above it, you wrote;
"The threshold marks the doorway delimiting one state of being (a frame of mind) and another new state of being. Crossing this threshold takes courage."
Your words remind me of a sacred, ancient writing that is precious to me;
"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me." (The Book of Revelation 3:20)
And your words touched me deeply as you wrote about your departed grandfather as you laid on the Earth before those two great oak trees, reminiscing about his unconditional love that he showered over you. Sadly, I never met either one of my grandfathers. Your treasuring of his unconditional love toward you meant a lot to me as I strive to genuinely exhibit that same kind of love toward my twin granddaughters here in Tucson. I pray that when I'm gone from this Earth, these beyond-precious-twin-souls will look back into their memories of me with similar deeply held feelings that you have toward your beloved grandfather.
And finally, as I'm entering my 72nd year here on Earth, for decades, there's always been something VERY special to me about the Aspen people. Thank you for sharing your insights about these amazing creatures...your insights confirm my deep feelings for them, edified me in learning more about them, and spurs me on to engage even more with my Aspen friends in the coming months and years. Being high up on a mountainside, alone with them in a secluded grove, goes beyond words for me to describe. From the sound of their joyfully vibrating new leaves, so green and bright during springtime, to the strong, sweet aroma of their bark, up close, as I give and receive long hugs from them, as we are all together, so peaceful, standing there in the snow.
Thank you so much for encouraging me in these ways, John! You are a gift from our Creator to me!
Dale, your words and the resonance of your experience touches me. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. It's great to hear how you've been touched by the aspens as well!
John, your supporting me thru what has turned out to be the most challenging physical and Spiritual awakenings of my life, has given me balance and momentum to move forward to a higher ground I can’t even discuss. I’d need to write a book. I’m so excited for your gifts to humanity. Thank you.
Thank you Mary for your kind words. May your healing continue!
I have had an experience that dovetails a bit with yours:
https://open.substack.com/pub/brunettegardens/p/the-year-of-dying?r=1n113r&utm_medium=ios
"Courage flourishes at a wound" - I like that
Certainly apropos.
I am good friends with a family of Burnetts. Tough as nails some of them.
LOL, sounds about right.
Your words speak to the deepest parts of my spirit, John. Beautiful. Thank you.
Thank you, Countrybumpkin. That's why I write - in hopes of connecting with the hearts of others through my own authentic expression. I appreciate knowing that it's been received.