Feels like Heaven...

I meditate everyday. I am not sure I do it correctly or in a fancy way but... I do what I do everyday! I was reminded that it is an important part of my life recently because I missed a couple of days...and I mean I MISSED IT! Life was harder for me.

Here is how I meditate...
I find a scripture that I will ponder. ( I use that one until it feels "pondered through" for me.) 
I close my eyes.
I think of a place that feels like heaven to me.
I put my right hand over my chest and my left hand on my tummy...while trying not to critique it.
I breathe deeply and exhale slowly.
First, I pray to God...I thank him for my life. I ask for forgiveness for the times I have messed up. I ask for help and Grace in my life. I pray for my husband. I ask for God's spirit to surround me and those I love as we go through our day.
I say my scripture in my mind slowly over and over until I feel like I have explored every word and every feeling I have about the words and what meaning they have for MY life. I am focusing on myself, my breathing, my behaviors, and my need to be close to God. When I am finished which is usually about 10 minutes later...I feel better and ready to respond to my life and all that it will entail.

Depending on where I am...I may play music or light a candle. I am living on a mountain right now...so I just go outside on the porch.

Last Sunday, our minister asked that we close our eyes and visualize a place that feels like heaven on earth to us. I went to my "happy place". Afterwards, I asked my husband "Where was your Heaven on Earth?"
I knew before he answered what it would be...and he knew mine. I hope it won't matter that we are physically in two different places! Our hearts are in the same place.

My husband loves the mountain. He loves to walk in the cool of the evening. Trees and birds...and even Bears...Oh My!! ... all remind him of the creation story and God's love for us. I, however visualize myself in a kayak on the bay with Florida Mangroves near by...perhaps manatees or dolphins swim by. I hear sea gulls and I feel the warm sunshine on my face and arms. The buoyancy of the kayak in the water reminds me that I am safe in God's hands.

Where is your heaven on earth? It doesn't have to be fancy...

Pondering Scripture: Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2