Unconditional Love Shines Through the Darkness

Year after year I watch us all venture on the most important path to our heart, and on the way we take so many detours when doubt and fear seems to creep up through the crevices of our minds. We forget, maybe only for a moment, that God is our constant companion. When we take the road without following our hearts, we get lost in a world that could never give us what we truly want.

My life has brought me heartache, sickness, bankruptcy, divorce, betrayal, death of loved ones and so much more. All of it has helped to move me into this earth school to learn the lessons for my soul. Hard lessons about true love and commitment, and all of it was just the practice to prepare me for deeper lessons of the biggest test of my life: To love myself enough to listen to the voice of God within that loves my son from a place that is rooted in my most grounded place, my heart. Here within my being, I had to be present with all of my emotions that held me close in my commitment to truth. I had no choice but to be the one that followed spirit's lead to bring me the strength to tell the truth and nothing but the truth so help me God.

I was walking on shaky ground where I trembled in all of the uncomfortable fear of losing my son forever to addiction. I needed to be courageous in the eyes of honesty as I stayed within the container of spirit that held me with the strongest grip that never let go. I loved my son enough to let him go.

That's how God loves. To love someone enough to let that person go to uncover their own hearts even when you know that the choice is darkness. Even when you know you might lose that person forever. But when the love is greater than the fear, there is a strength that seems to take over as you step into your connection within where you trust that you are used as an instrument.

Being a mother we are bound to our children by an invisible cord that keeps us forever one. Many of our children are walking around trying to grow up and be responsible, yet their lives have been held back by the weakness they feel within because they truly do not believe that who they are is enough. They have learned to plug into the world for their strength and along the way have self-medicated with anything that could provide a temporary fix to instill a feeling of rightness. Who did they learn this from? It was us, of course, and how easy it is to blame ourselves? How hard it is to face the truth that here we have only one choice but to let go and let God take over because our job is to trust in a higher power that knows more than we will ever know.

To let go is to truly love like never before as we watch our children move into their darkest hours and trust that where they go is needed for the evolution of their soul.

I am not here to tell you that love is easy. Sometimes tough love is what is needed, and as we trust completely in that power within, we can rise up and be that unconditional love that cannot for a moment join in with the insanity of the ego mind. Can we be committed to listening deeply to spirit leading us to express the truth and uncover the cloudy insane mind that constantly keeps us imprisoned in a life that is co-dependent and disempowering?

Love is within us and it is not seen with the physical eye. It is expressed through our giving, our kindness and our compassionate hearts. Sometimes it is hidden and covered up by lies, where guilt and shame keep us separate from the world we knew as children. Yet through it all, love cannot be destroyed for it is what is real. Yet in our collective and individual fear we do not feel love. Instead this fear is expressed as anger, disease, pain, addiction, selfishness, and all kinds of violence to ourselves or another.

Life is hard sometimes and without love we live in hell, and we journey into darkness so deep inside that the only way out is to get down on our knees when our negativity takes over and our addiction to pain is unbearable. This is where I came to when I had no control over the choices of my son. I got down on my knees and asked God to take him into his loving embrace. I did not feel an unimaginable peace come over me. I felt myself cracking wide open into every emotion and scary feeling of being vulnerable. This is where I loved him enough to trust that God knows more than I could ever know. Here is where the unknown brought me to a deeper commitment to myself. I had to take magnificent care of myself and know that my life depended upon it. To rise up from the ashes of my past and see that the light of spirit could shine through my words and my expression as I would be used like never before.

Countless times I could stand in this communion with my God to help a client, but now I had to be the one to take the hand of spirit to lead me out of my darkness. As the angel of death was walking close by with my son, I knew it was not up to me, but love, true love would conquer all. I did not know what the outcome would be, yet hand and hand my strength was deeply rooted in that which never left. I was the one that left God or feared that I was not worthy. Maybe now was the moment I grew up and allowed my wounded child to be held in the most loving way as spirit took over my life and touched my son with the truth that there is no guilt. The blocks were removed and dissolved in a holy moment where I could trust that the core of another was innocent and pure and fully able to choose life.

As my son has written in one of his original songs titled Mama, "You are the foundation of my castle," as he remembers the belongingness of where he comes from. He could now listen to his own songs that continue to speak to him until he embraces his own empowerment to the truth that he is valued beyond words.

He just left for a walk about to travel into the darkest places within. In this place he now is beginning to face the true realities of life. This is the greatest gift for all of us, to take care of ourselves and return to the sacred life that we have been given. To be ourselves and to take the torch that has been passed down through generations. To know that no matter what, God has not forsaken us.

As we feel our own challenges in our personal lives, we can gather and learn what is real. We remember that we are not alone and love does prevail. Moment by moment we can step into our greatness and be the light that shines upon our path reminding us that even through all of the darkness that this world can be, we return to the truth that continues to set us free. Even when we distrust love, it's finding our way back in faith and hope that uncovers the layers that bring us to trust. We are loved and we can be the love for our own self and then, and only then can we be the servant to help the world remember how precious life is.

Through these challenges that I have been faced with, I was humbled and brought to my knees knowing that without God I am nothing. With my heart now wide open I see the miracles that have touched my family and opened us all to what is most important. My son has risen up through the darkness and is beginning to choose life. One day at a time as we all walk hand in hand with faith and hope.

As a mother, I stand with all parents as we learn to take care of ourselves so that we can love our children unconditionally. This is true love as we shift from fear and into the truth that we are a child of God, worthy and loved.

A message of LOVE from Frannie

How blessed I am to be on this beautiful earth with you!

I believe that this day is a new beginning for us all as we join in our grateful hearts. With all of the hardships and challenges that are all around us, let us breathe in right now and touch the peace that lives within our sacred heart. Let us begin the journey inward and take the hand of spirit that leads us out of suffering. Our unique self is the vessel for God to bring this joy into the world. We do not have to wait for our bank accounts to be full or our bodies to be healed. We can take this moment to reach into the quiet place where the mind can stop its endless chatter and allow the precious moment of being here to be your focus. There is nothing more valuable than YOU. You are the image of your creator and as you sit in the seat of Self, you can look around and see all that life has brought you. This moment is the stepping stone into the next moment. Be here now and know that you are the expression of this deep love that God is. You can allow yourself to move now into your world from the inside to the outside. Your choice to hang out in this magnificent heart that is fully alive in love will never die. You are the one to choose to live true to this beautiful expression of being yourself. Let us hug all the children and thank them for reminding us to rise up today and take magnificent care of ourselves so that we can share this food that gives life. We are the heart of a peaceful world and let us rejoice in this awakening where no one is separate from us in any way. Today is the day to be all that we came here to be.

Namaste,

Frannie

The True Spirit of Christmas: The Gift That Costs Nothing

Today I gently allow spirit to awaken me as I open my eyes to daylight. Everything around me seems crazy and all that I can think of is the worst. The season of holiday cheer is close and yet the moment here is all consuming as I relapse into fear. All I can do is breathe and let go as the Holy Spirit fills me up. It is all here, held in the presence. I turn more deeply inward and upward I gaze into the mind that holds no judgment. It is all sacred and holy as I put everything on the altar upon my heart and pray. All the suffering that has occurred because I forgot that everything is part of this experience called life and the presence can hold it all. There is nowhere to go but inside to this stillness where all is and allow the healing to begin. Why do we forget that God is right here waiting for us to return and feel the love that is unconditional?

Peace begins to rise up through the cracks where I sit and witness it all. I am letting go again and again until the fullness of being here is rooted and grounded in my being. I hear the sounds of people singing Christmas carols outside my window. I let the music touch me as I remember being a child, sitting in wonder as I looked around the living room watching my mother decorate our tree as she put the tinsel strand by strand on every branch. It was a sight to see when she was finished. The lights were shimmering and every ornament was perfectly hung. She was an artist and as she focused on the task at hand, our home was filled once again with the spirit of Christmas. My mother gave to us in the spirit of self- expression. In that moment, it was the peace that I felt as my mother let go of all the challenges and anguish that was taking her away from her heart.

Our truest self is completely free and not crippled by our past deeds or even concerned with building itself up through wealth or fame. I feel we have everything in our own power to get in touch with our magnificent self and bring it to light. This is the being that lives and expresses through us right now and this is who God intends us to be. Through love and compassion we do get closer to the genuine star that shines within.

This is the true meaning of Christmas as peace abides within the moment where only love can be shared. In God all things are possible as you let go of the idea that you are separate from your creator.

This is our song to sing as we reach inside and listen to the music of the angels. They rejoice in our freedom to be fully here without the burden of the ego mind that wants to control and keep us in the thoughts of limitation and lack. Oh how many times I have journeyed away from the truth that I am worthy of this beautiful place within where love abides. How difficult my life is when I think I can control what is around me? How sweet it is to return to the comfort of my own open heart where each of us are joined with the same love that created us.

Peace only comes when we align ourselves with our relationship with God, the Universe, Spirit, or Higher Power. This sacred and holy place is where we dwell in Oneness as we decorate our Christmas trees and light up our homes with the ornaments. We bring ourselves inward and breathe into our hearts as we remember what is important. We free ourselves by releasing the past that imprisons us and our brothers and sisters. We let go of the thoughts that keep us guilty or others in guilt. We begin again in joy and celebration as we create a new year that awakens us all into the spirit of love where we see all of our relations as holy. Here in our hearts we are free to give the greatest gift of acceptance, which is unconditional love and share the food that has fed us.

Love is the light that shines through your heart. You become the star that shines into the darkness as you illuminate from the inside and share this love with all that are present. You unwrap the moment as presence fills you up and love is given freely through your receiving. This is the gift that costs nothing. Our lives are gifts from God and what we do with it is up to us.

Today is the day to remember how precious this life is and all who come to share with us during this holiday season.

At this time of celebration throughout our world, we join our hearts with one another as devoted celebrants of diverse ceremonies and celebrations.

Merry Christmas and Blessed and Happy Holidays to All!

All my love,

Frannie

A Season of Thanksgiving

"Wear gratitude like a cloak and it will feed every corner of your life."~ Rumi

I remember being an awkward teenager. I felt insignificant and small as I walked through the corridors of my High School. It wasn't easy to fit in at St. Mary's High School for girls. I didn't know many of the students and I didn't feel smart enough or pretty enough. All my insecurities were worn on my sleeve so to speak as I clutched my books in front of me and tried to hide in the corners of my mind. I was already a shooting target because of being a triplet. Someone announced it at lunch and all eyes were on us. The three of us were new at the school and the spotlight brought me deeply into the pain of years of unwanted attention. I wanted to sink into the earth as all the eyes were on us and the horrible feelings were choking me. Embarrassed and alone, I wanted to disappear and so I did until one day I met my counselor at the school. Her name was Helen Gelinas and she took me under her wing and became my friend. Her loving kindness showered me with the warmth of spirit and inspired me just by her presence. She was a safe place to share my inner stirrings and help me find the confidence to move myself into my life. She was an instrument for God as she guided me in ways that no other could. One simple act of kindness inspired me for the rest of my life. She opened me to find my ultimate calling by being herself. Her ability to listen was what I needed. This quality is God like and in the peaceful state of tranquility I had a chance to return to my true nature. This wonderful mentor taught me to express these inner feelings and accept the heartbreak, loneliness and sorrows of my inner landscape. With her loving attention I was able to touch the tender feelings that had been hidden for so long as I began to taste the sting of tears that ached to be let go of. Nothing had to be fixed. I didn't have to be fixed, only held in the loving stillness of an open heart.

This woman paved the way for me and now years later I bow to her for giving to me such a wonderful gift. I realize that being a good listener is one of the highest forms of meditation.

In the silent place within is where we are inspired to feel peace with ourselves.

Allow your eyes to soften as you go inward to gaze or listen without being distracted.

Let the sounds of the birds, trees swaying in the wind, fragrance of the flowering earth, a memory, a picture of a smiling face...Let it all be held without judgment.

Embrace your inner landscape as you breathe.

Be right here as you touch the treasures that surround your being.

Your generous heart begins to awaken and grow larger as your vision becomes clear.

Now sit in this stillness as you say-

"Thank you for my life. Thank you for this day where I can be of service."

With a grateful heart, bow to all those who inspired you to be who you are today.

Let us cherish this new day when our hearts overflow with peace and love as we transform this room of our beloved home with presence and share the blessings of another moment to bring all that we are to this world.

Thank you, God.

November Circle of Light Meditation with Frannie dates:

Upcoming Circle of Light Meditations with Frannie!

True Love : A Tribute to Marylou Baer

Everyone has left the cottage. I am here, alone for the first time since the passing of both my mother and father. I am sitting in their bedroom that is the second story of the house. I have my chair right up against the huge window that overlooks the lake and the birch trees. As I listen to the sound of the wind caressing the leaves and making conversation with all of my senses, I hear the silence of this sacred place pull me deep within to the core of my being where Spirit waits for my joining. Memories seem to pass through like clips from a movie. Feelings move through as well as I let go of participating with the mind. I just want to be quiet.

I sit comfortably deep inside the seat of consciousness where I am aware of Self as everything around me is just being. My heart opens wide to receive the energy that flows through this moment.

My first mother-in-law is dying right now as I type these words. Even though her son Kim and I did not stay married, Marylou has been a constant beacon of light in my life since the day I met her, 38 years ago. She had courage to keep living her life fully even after her diagnosis with cancer years ago. Her love of God and Jesus has inspired me in countless ways as her undying faith kept her going daily. Her selfless love was given to all of us and unconditionally you felt God's light shining on you through her eyes, her touch and her words. I am grateful to have her as a mom, a friend and companion through my life.

I am thousands of miles from her beside yet as I sit in prayer this day, I empty myself to be in communion with the Divine as I feel myself being lifted upwards. There is space between me and the thoughts and emotions inside. How easy it would be to cry right now and feel the sadness of death that is around my loved ones. I fall inside to join with my spiritual being. This pure energy envelops me and takes me to a sweet spot deep within where I am open to the beauty and appreciation that Spirit feels. I feel a love gushing inside of me and filling me up. I share this with her. This state of being is where I want to hang out and experience this doorway to God where a tremendous feeling of love, light and Spirit awakens inside. I feel lifted into the Oneness of God. Here there is no separation and it does not matter what religion we are, we are one with all creation. I seem to merge with all the trees, plants, animals, water, earth and rocks that surround this cottage. I feel I am giving through my heart the love that God is always. As I honor all life that is of this world, I get a glimpse of God and I walk closer to Him.

That's what happens when you meditate and pray. You begin to notice Spirit and allow the qualities of the Divine to expand within you. It is all beautiful. This is true love. That's how a mother loves her child. This is how I love my children and my mother loved her children. This selfless love is like God's love for all humanity and all creation.

I speak to Marylou almost every day, even though it might just be for a moment as she is very weak. She has moved into the Hospice House which she had helped build in her home town of Burlington, North Carolina. We would cry on the phone together as she ends the call the way she always has over the last 35 years, "be careful, I love you". The next day when mom was not speaking and only sleeping now, my sister-in law, Karen told me that Kim had walked from the outside into their mom's room and a butterfly was on his shoulder. It stayed in her room while she lay quiet between the worlds. Marylou loved butterflies and felt that she would make her spirit known to us all through the butterfly.

I got off the phone and knew within my heart that Marylou would communicate to me in some way. My niece was visiting and I was sharing the story as we were in the dining room setting the table for dinner. As I spoke of the butterfly story that Karen had shared, the music began to play from the frame on the bookshelf that had the picture of my girlfriend Mary who passed away over 6 yrs. ago. Her picture was surrounded by butterflies. Lindsay and I felt energy move through our body. Truth chills I like to call it. I immediately looked at the clock and it was 5:45 p.m. Maybe Marylou had just passed, we thought in that moment. Later that night I got a call from Karen saying that they didn't feel that mom would make it through the night. She died that morning at 5:45 a.m.

How blessed I am to call Marylou, mom. She has loved her children and has given to her children and the people in her life like God's nature. I bow to this undying love that moved her into the ocean of Divine Oneness where we are always together. I am so grateful to the many gifts that death teaches. How precious life is as we live in this love of Spirit.

Come here my precious one, where death pushed you to the edge

Let go of the veil of fear where we begin again so aware and grateful

The sun paints the earth with the light of a new day as the little bird sings

This is another moment to awaken to the miracle of life that just happens

Drink in the nectar of this presence

Be filled with the Source that is unlimited

Now sit for a while within the heart of consciousness

Awaken to the light that illuminates and lifts you upward

Into the heavens where you listen deeply to the silence

We meet here as the Beloved where nothing is hidden

There is nothing separating the inside from the outside

All is participating with creation as you are touched by God's power

The hand that holds us all in this Holy and sacred moment beyond time

Who are you?

Oh, but a part of all that is

When the broken pieces of life open up to reveal all that exists within

As peace renews

Now simply, in your thoughts and actions

Return to the Source of Being.

Marylou Baer

May 11, 1930 - September 14, 2012