Gary’s Comments (group member since Feb 09, 2019)

Gary’s comments from the Reflections: A Journey to God group.

Very cool TU so much for sharing. So how do we co-create Heaven on Earth today? Smiles and blessings: Rev. Susan and Gary. https://www.instagram.com/garyebyauthor/ Oh...maybe we could collaborate on Instagram? Just let us know. Take care.

Have you read the Rev. Susan's talk "Luck, Fate, or Faith?" She states, "Luck is an excuse, fate is a sign, and faith is putting Love-into-Action today." You can read here talk here: https://www.patreon.com/authorgaryeby . Enjoy you Heave on Earth experience with us today.

Tomorrow we are having our second Heaven on Earth Group. We are going to be starting off with Gary singing an original song, "Peaceful Sky". Then Rev. Susan will give a short talk on "God Always says Yes: The Law of Love." Finally, we are going to discuss the second question, "If you had a magic wand and could create Heaven on Earth today, what would it be?" Rev. Susan thinks Heaven on Earth begins with people understanding one another, to listen to each other, with love, and not with condemnation. Gary believes, Heaven on Earth would be learning how to rise above all forms of pain and suffering with spiritual principles. We will let you know what the group comes up with. We are very interested in your opinions on this matter too. Love and Blessings, Rev. Susan and Gary.

Here's an interesting question for you. If you had a magic wand and could create Heaven on Earth today, what would it be? By the way, some of these inspirational questions come from Martin Rutte's Book, Project Heaven on Earth. Marin goes on to say, "There is a desire, a longing in each of us, for the unnecessary, immoral, and reoccurring problems of the planet - war, hunger, poverty, disease, hatred, addictions, abuse, crime, pollution, etc. - not just to get better, but o once and for all end." More here: Project Heaven on Earth: The 3 Simple Questions That Will Help You Change the World ... Easily

Hope you will check out Martin Rutte's book, Project Heaven on Earth. Martin states: What 3 questions will change the world? There is a desire, a longing in each of us, for the unnecessary,immoral, and reoccurring problems of the the planet - war, hunger, poverty, disease, hatred, addictions, abuse, crime, pollution, etc. - not just to get better, but to once and for all end. Project Heaven on Earth: The 3 Simple Questions That Will Help You Change the World ... Easily

When we are faced with hardships, adversity, or triggers to engage in self-defeating behavior (I call our dark secrets), I suggest we try the following emotional recovery system:

#1. Take a deep breath by inhaling for three seconds, and slowly exhale for six or more. This will slow down the temptation to stress-out or impulsively dance with negativity.

#2. Practice the skill of positive self-talk. For example, repeat affirmations like, “I refuse to beat myself up with things I can’t change.” Or, “I deserve to have a better life today.”

#3. Most importantly, when stuck and unable to see a new way, pause, and reach out for help to a positive person.

So friends what do you think and what works for you? Sending you Peace and Joy today!

To defeat negative thoughts, feelings, actions, or habits: Be honest; be open; stop and think; see the red flags; let go of ego; feel the divine; choose the positive. More spiritual ideas at our blog: http://reflectionsinspirit.blogspot.com/

What is the gateway to a better life? Susan and I believe it has to do with a willingness to go on a Journey within. We write about this spiritual process in our book, Reflections: A Journey to God. Here is one practical application. Anybody having problems with sleeping at night? Please try this: do some deep breathing; silently chant the word "One" repeatedly; tell your mind to stop thinking; smile, relax further. Now see the Light; feel the Light; let go and merge with the Light. What do you think? (More ideas at our blog: http://reflectionsinspirit.blogspot.com/ )

Susan and I invite you to share your spiritual experiences or ideas that can help all of us have a better, healthier, more compassionate life today.

Rev. Susan: I believe that Heaven on Earth is a state of consciousness, but more than that, it's a way of living. We have the opportunity every day to make connections with ourselves, with nature, and always with others. The key to all of this is Love. Love is what eradicates hate, and in doing so, we change the world.

Some may say the idea of Heaven on Earth is impossible. With all the suffering in the world, I can understand this attitude. Especially when it touches home and we experience prejudice, poverty, violence, oppression, emotional and physical suffering in our own lives. The list can go on and on. But we are not defined by all that is negative. We have a choice to give in to this negativity or we can turn to the positive of God.

I look forward to hearing your ideas and questions on this.

Joy on your journey, and blessings always.

Reflections: You are completely free to reject everything we have to say about spirituality. What we believe in is not that important. What really counts is what you believe that gives your life meaning, direction, and purpose. Our inspirational and spiritual book will make you smile, break your heart, and quite possibly soothe your soul. See for yourself with free excerpts with the "look inside" feature @amazon. Feel free to share other spiritual books here that can help us all create a better, healthier, more compassionate nation and world.

Susan and I are the authors of the inspirational and spiritual book, Reflections: A Journey to God. We facilitate a Heaven on Earth Discussion Group on the 3rd Sundays of the month at the Merging Rivers Zen Practice Center in Grants Pass, Oregon, at 1:00 PM. Would you mind sharing a little Heaven on Earth experience that was positive and hopeful? For me, Heaven on Earth is all about feeling peaceful. There are many ways I access this state of consciousness. I feel peaceful when I am singing or playing my music. I experience a sense of serenity from spending time with the Redwood trees or just gazing at the ocean. Talking and laughing with my good friends also gives me that warm glow. I practice the "Secrets of Natural Walking" and "Open Heart Meditation" as taught by my close friend Susan Barrett. (Check out her Facebook profile). But ultimately what brings me the most peace and the strongest sense of Heaven on Earth, is when my wife and I pray together each morning. How about you? Reflections: A Journey to God

Please introduce yourself. Get to know us: Gary Eby is a retired social worker, mental health counselor, and addiction therapist. As a longtime musician he enjoys playing the piano, drums, and marimba. His motto is, "Choose the positive because it's all good." He's been married for over 40 years to the Rev. Susan Eby. She studied philosophy in college, with some of her favorite philosophers being Plato, William James, St. Thomas Aquinas, Emerson, and Emmett Fox. She is an interfaith minister ordained by the Emerson Theological Institute. Together they enjoy spending time with their pets, walking the beach in Southwestern Oregon, and meeting new friends. Learn more about us at our Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/garyebyauthor/