Summer Break

August already! Next month Seminary will start again. I've enjoyed the brief break from the intense year of studies. Spiritual practices continue without a break. It's a life style.

I have received and began reading next year's books. Ram Dass', "How Can I Help?" is an easy read. I've finished a couple of chapters and just need to write the papers on them. I like Dass' writing style. It is direct, concise, to the point. Our second book of required reading is, "Barefoot on Holy Ground" by Gloria Karpinski. The first chapter unexpectedly took me to deep weeping as I felt validated, and understood as the author described her spiritual journey toward Interfaith consciousness, which mirrored my own. I look forward to reading more.

I am still very influenced by our Initiates Retreat in June. I find I often have dreams that include the group of fellow soul-seminarians. I feel a deep connection with this group and our rich experience.

I hope your summer is one of relaxation, discovery, fun, and continued spiritual growth and connection.

I hold the Truth in my knowing and heart that you are a beloved child of the Holy One. With every breath you take, you are God in form. As God moves through us as us, we have the opportunity every moment of our lives to live in God consciousness. No matter what we call our Source, IT is all God. Abundance of Good is ours right here, right now. In complete gratitude I release my word out into the Law of the One Mind that always says YES, according to what we believe. Expect and Accept your Good! Believe IT and Receive IT! And so IT is! Amen!

Initiate's Retreat - Class of 2011

Back from NY and The New Seminary final class of the year, Initiate's Retreat, and multiple events, I am filled with amazement, varying emotions, and gratitude. The picture to the left is of part of the grounds and view we seminarians experienced during our 3 day retreat at Passionist's Spiritual Center in Riverdale (Bronx), NY, overlooking the Hudson River. I often spent silent time here when we were not in class or ceremony. This experience was much more than I ever imagined it would be. Meeting my deans in person, along with my fellow seminarians brought up an inner recognition of old soul connections. The spiritual energy, wisdom, and compassion created a safe place for me to grow, release, trust, and be vulnerable during my sharing and growth. I connected further into my "inner" minister as this journey continues. On the final day of my visit I attended the 2010 seminarians Ordination Ceremony at Riverside Church, NYC. It's absolutely beautiful inside. I was proud to be one of my class (2011) to present sacred texts from our studies this year. I presented the sacred pipe to the four directions. To view all the photos from this 10 day journey, please visit my Facebook album. Namaste

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day! To all mothers, grandmothers, step-mothers, to all those who nurture, and love. This is a day to recognize all of you who have mentored us, supported us, befriended us. Mothering is not just about giving birth, but about birthing a deep love and caring relationship toward another. This may come from an aunt, a sister, a minister, a dear friend; a wonderful woman who has come into our life to walk this journey with us. Sometimes their sacrifice is so huge, we miss the magnitude of your giving. The deepest soul-love I experience is for my son and my grandchildren. I am blessed to have these connections in my life. I thank my mother for bringing forward life's lessons that have propelled my growth forward. Let's also remember Mother Earth, Gaia, as we maintain a consciousness of gratitude. Thank you all for your "motherly" love! Namaste, Judy

POEM

Hello Readers, My Spiritual Journey paper homework is finished and ready to send off to my Dean. First step in this month's process. I was led to write a poem as the final sharing on this paper. I thought I would share it with you.

GRATITUDE TO MY BELOVED

As I sit in contemplation of this journey called my life, I know I have explored this Way before.

My early years were filled with sorrow. I had lost you Beloved and was unaware.

As I look back now, I know You never left me, it was I that was not there.

I am grateful for leaving the dark times of disconnect and walking toward Divine Light.

The journey to You, my Beloved, has been immense, propelling me forward beyond this humanness.

In my ignorance I mistook your name as a representation of repression, not wholeness.

Through my lessons and embracing Your Truth, how could I further deny You?

Each step of the way, You fill my heart. Your love has healed me, inside and out.

Your teachings, the Universe, I am a part. I believe my path ordained by You, brought me to where I AM.

All the traditions lead me to my Beloved, and opened complex doors within my heart.

As I wandered from site to site visit, You were and always are, the same my Love.

I hunger to be more fully aware at all times, and filled with the One’s continual presence.

I send my Beloved my heartfelt gratitude and love in full connection and recognition, as I know

You are within me, as me.

A deeper love, I have never felt. I am full. I am grateful. I am loved. I AM.

Namaste Love, Judy Miller Dienst

Catching Up

Beautiful Buddha

As we near the end of this seminary year, the volume has been turned up. This month, along with the usual homework, we must write a 12 page essay on our Spiritual Journey. Also, coming up at our seminary retreat in June, are the "orals" based on seventy "year-end dialogue" questions. The focus is based on our year's studies of Major Religious Traditions/Comparative Religion; Dimensions of Psychology & Counseling; Spiritual Healing, and Issues of Interfaith Ministry.

I'm looking forward to the class retreat which takes place in at a religious site in Riverdale, New York. Having the opportunity to meet all my fellow seminarians and Deans is exciting. Also, the initiations and ceremonies, along with all the fun and socializing, will be wonderful. In total, I'll be there for 10 days. I've been invited by a fellow-seminarian and new friend, Cynthia who lives in Conneticut, to stay with her and her family. What a blessing. I've not been to New England before and I am excited and grateful for this upcoming adventure.

Along with the retreat, I'll be attending the last class for the first-year students, just prior to the retreat, held in Manhattan. After the 3 day retreat we have a 4 day break when I hope to visit friends in Massachussetts. Then some of us will be returning to the retreat site to attend the ordination program for the second year students, of which my Mentor, Gisele, is a part. I'm really looking forward to attending this wonderful celebration, but also getting a glimpse of what to expect in June of 2011 when I receive my ordination in Interfaith ministry. I'll report on the retreat when I get back to Colorado in mid-June.

About a week and a half ago I finally got my new/used car. She's a beauty and is called "Stella". When I laughed at the name my car chose to be called, a friend reminded me that Stella means "star" and of course comes from "stellar". That she is! Stella loves to go fast, is a beautiful metallic green, with a sun/moon roof, and lumbar support, et al!! Source came through AGAIN!

I've been busy with volunteer committments in the community; working with clients, and preparing for upcoming classes. I'll be returning to Ohio this fall to teach both the Medical Intuitive class and the DNA Series Training. Hoping to see many familiar faces, as well as meeting a lot of new students.

I thought blogging would be easier than it is. I'm impressed that anyone would be able to keep up with daily blogging, which in the beginning I thought I would be doing. WRONG! It looks like monthly catch up is now my goal. So, until next month, friends, have a blessed, peaceful, abundant, happy, joy-filled life!! Namaste, Judy

Spring Snow Storm in Colorado

Well, here it is the end of March already. Where does time go?? Just 6 days ago we had a beautiful Spring snow storm and I was led to go out that evening to take pictures. This is one of them. The little white dots in the picture are snowflakes. How cool is that! We received 12 inches that night and within 2 days it was pretty well melted. Today was 70 degrees. The weather people say we'll be having another snow storm in a couple of days. I love Colorado. As we say here, if you don't like the weather, wait 10 minutes. This has been a busy, busy month. Another amazing experience in the seminary as the main focus was on Christianity, with study in New Thought, African Spirituality, and Protestanism. April's focus is on "Other Religions". We seminarians get to choose a religion to research and write a paper on. I've chosen "Quaker" aka "Religious Society of Friends". It is fascinating to learn about other traditions!

For those of you who celebrate Judaism, I wish you a wonderful Holy Week and a happy, healthy, abundantly rich Passover and a delicious Seder!!

This month has also brought me the opportunity to experience automobile challenges. I've been 2 weeks without transportation as 2 different repair shops cannot locate nor diagnose the problem. It's time to sell the old girl. When "situations" arise, I just release it over to the Universe. Source knows what to do and when to do it. I have chosen to live in trust. It makes my life much happier. So, I know another auto experience is coming my way. And I know it will be wonderful!

Thanks for reading! Happy Springtime! Judy

It's Thursday

Well, I'm on a break between a client session and conducting tonights teleconference called, "Overcoming Economic Fears". Should be a good one. But this was a "working break", as I am listening to CDs from my seminary classes. The cds are from February lectures on Catholicism, Protestantism , A Course in Miracles, Islam, and Taoism. Fantastic! I need to start my reading the chapter on Christianity from The World's Religions, and chapters from Being and Caring, and Ten Challenges for march's homework. The seminary really keeps me busy, along with everything else, but it's truly a wonderful, rich experience for personal growth. Bright blessings!