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