Rock'n Rev. Rhonda

09/09/2024

Madre’s Monthly Musings: On Tradition
Many passages in the Bible discuss tradition. While it is not regarded as inherently evil, it becomes problematic when man honours tradition over the Word of God.
Scripture and Tradition are two sources of enlightenment, revelation and divine truth.
But as we humans are creatures of habit, and take comfort in predictable circumstance, we often will opt to value ‘tradition’ over what God asks of us.
We have to be willing to break away/bend from habit/tradition, when the higher values are called-for.
Your Madre-Chaplain,
Rock’n Rev. Rhonda x

09/08/2024

Love this!

09/03/2024

Undistracted Energy - (The OM has it straight; can't say it any better!)
The longer we are able to hold a positive thought, the stronger that energy around us becomes.

If we make no effort at all, our thoughts usually scatter in a vast array of directions. They start and stop and move in surprising ways from one second to the next. If we try to follow our thoughts without controlling them, we will be amazed at how truly inconsistent they are. Yet, if we apply our minds to a specific task, especially one that interests us, our thoughts gather together and allow us to focus our attention, creating great power and energy. This is what is known as pure thought because it is undistracted.

The law of attraction — like attracts like — influences all energy, including our thoughts, and this is what makes pure thought so potent. Our undistracted thoughts create a powerful magnet that draws similar energy into our vibrational field. As a result, the longer we are able to hold positive thoughts in our minds, the more powerful the positive energy around us becomes. We don’t need to focus on action and controlling so much when we are surrounded by energy that draws what we want toward us. We can simply respond to the opportunities that naturally come our way. When this is the essence of our experience, we can go with the flow, knowing that we will be okay.

If pure thought is a body, it is our emotions that supply the heart and really bring it to life. Our thoughts and feelings exist in relation to one another, and they form a feedback loop through which they communicate and empower each other. When we hold a thought in our mind without being distracted, we achieve pure thought. When we have a positive emotional response to that thought, we enable it to dance and move and breathe itself into existence.

09/02/2024

I am sharing this because I cited Nova in my Remembrance Day address at Stratford cenotaph last year. The point was supposed to be a reference toward peace and music...not politics. To be clear; aligning with this woman, Sigal...the expectation of the Festival by its very definition was met with the travesty of injustice and horror in the onset of war. Ultimately, the canopy subject of the address was about how music connects us in wartime both in memory, and in circumstance.
Additionally, I talked to the Musicians Without Borders Bara'em Ghirass program (meaning tree buds, symbolizing hope and growth). Palestinian children living in refugee camps receive music lessons, and choir, and orchestra instruction. Initially, the kids were afraid, but as they played, they said they felt happy, knowing all would be ok. It’s heart-breaking that this project struggles to operate in a war zone; and where attacks began at the peaceful celebrations of the Nova Music Festival!
An officer on duty at the cenotaph tore a strip off me afterward, as he was incensed by the mere mention of the war in the Gaza. While Nov. 11 is about REMEMBERING the past, it is IMPORTANT that we INCLUDE the PRESENT for our youth to truly understand the impact; as it brings immediate relevance.
And that gentleman clearly missed my point.
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1642159579692390

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08/30/2024

Inviting Strangers in Our Sanctuary
When we share the joy of our homes, we radiate our light rather than hide it behind closed doors.

When we have created a sanctuary in our home, it’s easy to share our space with those we know well. But it can sometimes be jarring to have the outside world come into our homes, such as strangers like cleaners, contractors, or technicians. Acquaintances of our partners or friends of children also bring something new and different. If we resist their presence, treating them as an intrusion, we restrict the free flow of energy and may miss the gift they bring. Instead, we can choose to treat their energy as an exchange as well as an exercise in acceptance.

Before their arrival, we can prepare by envisioning light surrounding our bodies and radiating outward from the core of our homes. We may want to create a calm and welcoming environment by playing meditation music or lighting incense. We can remove tension for all involved by putting away our valuables. Then when they arrive, we claim our boundaries by guiding them through their visit — asking them to remove their shoes, offering them a place to put their tools, and indicating by example to speak softly or not use harsh language.

Finally, remember that we learn about life by connecting with others. Our homes don’t need to be used as a way to keep people out. Instead, it can be a welcoming place where we accept and offer gratitude for the presence and gifts of others. When we share the joy of our homes, we radiate our light rather than hide it behind closed doors. The more we do this, the more the outside world can become like the sanctuary we’ve created inside.

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08/29/2024

08/29/2024

Create Completeness
When we affirm that we are fulfilled rather than deficient, we are asserting that contentment is a natural way of being.

The creative power of the universe is infinite. A single molecule's destiny is as important as the consequences of the largest supernova. Human potential is subject to this power, but because we are sentient beings, each of us is permitted to choose whether we will struggle against it or work in tandem with it. When we give voice to our desires through focused meditation or solicit the help of spirit guides, we draw upon the universe's creative power to achieve certain ends. However, because our words are not all the universe hears, the response we receive may surprise us. The discourse we establish through our appeals is a blend of speech, thought, intention, and subconscious reflection. When we ask the universe for something, the unspoken message is that what we want does not exist, and the universe accepts this as truth. Conversely, when we manifest completeness through affirmations, we declare our desires as if we have already obtained them.

When we affirm that we are fulfilled instead of articulating deficiencies, we are asserting that contentment is a natural and necessary element of human existence. Our essence is an expression of fulfillment — the universe wants to satisfy our needs and desires. When we describe our realities in positive terms, we are not denying the challenges inherent in existence. We choose not to focus on lack or dissatisfaction because we understand that the energy of our thoughts will determine the response we receive to our entreaties. Ask yourself how you would feel if your wishes were granted, and then allow yourself to internalize that emotional state. Try to create a picture of satisfaction so vivid that its reality is unquestionable, and tell the universe that your vision is fact. At the close of your appeal, express your gratitude, as it is your acknowledgment of the truth of your fulfillment that will set the creative power of the universe into motion.

Working in perfect unison with the creative power of the universe will empower you to manifest spiritual realities in your material existence. As you affirm the beauty, peace, and goodness that already exist within your life, your capacity to sense and understand their influence will become increasingly sophisticated. To meet your needs and achieve your desires, you need to banish all thoughts of emptiness so that the energy of completeness can attract fullness into your being. - The OM

08/08/2024

A mate recently said, "You're always so positive RL. It's ok to vent sometimes." This in today from the Daily OM gives me a perfect response. And I almost feel it is a call of duty.
The Ripple Effect
In a world of eight billion people, it’s easy to believe that the only way to initiate profound transformation is to take extreme action. Each of us, however, carries within us the capacity to change the world in small ways for better or worse. Everything we do and think affects the people in our lives, and their reactions in turn affect others. As the effect of a seemingly insignificant word passes from person to person, its impact grows and can become a source of great joy, inspiration, anxiety, or pain. Your thoughts and actions are like stones dropped into still waters, causing ripples to spread and expand as they move outward. The impact you have on the world is greater than you could ever imagine, and the choices you make can have far-reaching consequences. You can use the ripple effect to make a positive difference and spread waves of kindness that will wash over the world.

The recipient of a good deed will likely feel compelled to do a good deed for someone else. Someone feeling the effects of negative energy will be more likely to pass on that negative energy. One act of charity, one thoughtful deed, or even one positive thought can pass from individual to individual, sn*******ng until it becomes a group movement or the ray of hope that saves someone’s life. Every transformation, just like every ripple, has a point of origin. You must believe in your ability to be that point of origin if you want to use the ripples you create to spread goodness. Consider the effect of your thoughts and actions, and try to act graciously as much as possible.

A smile directed at a stranger, a compliment given to a friend, an attitude of laughter, or a thoughtful gesture can send ripples that spread among your loved ones and associates out into your community and throughout the world. You have the power to touch the lives of everyone you come into contact with and everyone those people come into contact with. The momentum of your influence will grow as your ripples move onward and outward. One of those ripples could become a tidal wave of love and kindness.

07/31/2024

"Goin' to the chapel and we're - gonna' get ma-a-a-ried!" (Our niece, Naomi who was our Junior Bridesmaid when we hand-fasted at Gretna Green, medieval style back in 2007).Today's (July 13, 2024) chapel is the manor belonging to the Earl of Shaftsbury aka Lord Shaftsbury. Bloody gorgeous!

07/30/2024

Job done! Congrats to this super-romantic couple, who departed on their Harley into the sunset, after champagne toast! They wanted 'unconventional'. They got 'unconventional'. It ROCKED.

07/29/2024

https://www.dvidshub.net/news/425442/multi-faiths-come-together-with-singular-goal

PEARL HARBOR (July 7, 2022) Various religious denominations gathered during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022 International Chaplaincy Symposium onboard Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, July 7, where an opening prayer conducted in the Joint Pearl Harbor Memorial Chapel by a Buddhist chaplain,....

07/02/2024

06/30/2024

June Wedding Reviews are in and I am truly honored. Thanks so much for entrusting me to officiate your beautiful promises.

"What a wonderful wedding it was! Rockin' Reverend Rhonda was delightful, creative, well spoken, funny and authentic! She made our day a very special event with her warmth, charm and understanding.

"The Rev" walked us through all the legal expectations and advance filings; took us through the journey of expressing vows/prayers/benedictions of the ceremony and offered every measure of guidance and reassurance along the way as she wove an intricate tapestry of our stories together.

It was her heartfelt approach that truly brought our day together and she will always be remembered by the attendees for her warmth and humour. Thank you for making our day SPECIAL!"
-Christine S.

"Rhonda is amazing. She helped us pull off a very non traditional wedding flawlessly!"
-Wendy G.

06/19/2024

Love the song, the man behind it, the Creator behind him.

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06/10/2024

On communication and progress.

06/09/2024

Yayyyyyy act 2 Something Rotten!

06/03/2024

The Lie said to the Truth, "Let's take a bath together, the well water is very nice.
The Truth, still suspicious, tested the water and found out it really was nice. So they got naked and bathed.
But suddenly, the Lie leapt out of the water and fled, wearing the clothes of the Truth.
The Truth, furious, climbed out of the well to get her clothes back.
But the World, upon seeing the naked Truth, looked away, with anger and contempt.
Poor Truth returned to the well and disappeared forever, hiding her shame.
Since then, the Lie runs around the world, dressed as the Truth, and society is very happy..... because the world has no desire to know the naked Truth.

Painting: Truth Coming Out Of The Well, Jean-Léon Gérome, 1896.

06/03/2024

100%

The Lie said to the Truth, "Let's take a bath together, the well water is very nice.
The Truth, still suspicious, tested the water and found out it really was nice. So they got naked and bathed.
But suddenly, the Lie leapt out of the water and fled, wearing the clothes of the Truth.
The Truth, furious, climbed out of the well to get her clothes back.
But the World, upon seeing the naked Truth, looked away, with anger and contempt.
Poor Truth returned to the well and disappeared forever, hiding her shame.
Since then, the Lie runs around the world, dressed as the Truth, and society is very happy..... because the world has no desire to know the naked Truth.

Painting: Truth Coming Out Of The Well, Jean-Léon Gérome, 1896.

05/30/2024

As a current media issue; at home and abroad, I give you Madre's Monthly Musings, June 2024.
Madre’s Monthly Musings
Jesus Christ was outspoken for the greater good of all mankind. For this, He was persecuted, tortured and executed. Since His time, many others have been martyred for their beliefs and how they act upon them. All one has to do is glance at the current list of Amnesty International; the countless number of citizens who are being persecuted in dictatorship countries. On our own soil, we gratefully remember the courageous efforts of leaders such as Martin Luther King.
We must truly value our privilege to speak freely as individuals; especially, since it was fought and paid for by our most valiant and altruistic countrymen. It is part of our divine right to articulate opinions and ideas without interference, retaliation or punishment.
It’s important to remember that the Canadian Charter of Right and Freedoms could only come to pass, as Canada is a free and democratic nation. To find out more, about our 1982 Charter, and how it shapes our nation, please visit:
https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/csj-sjc/rfc-dlc/ccrf-ccdl/
My wish for you is to ‘Injoy’ the moon-in-June; with reflection on the sacred gift of our personal rights and freedoms,
Your Madre-Chaplain,
Rock’n Rev. Rhonda

04/24/2024

Please come by the booth and enter our draw to win a gift basket that carries a max value of $900. We are also offering a door-prize with max value of $400, and there are lots of other give-aways...and prizes from other types of vendors.
I'll be speaking at the event sometime after 12 (not assigned time yet) on what Aye Lighthouse Counseling and Ministry uniquely brings to each and every of our loving couples!

04/21/2024

Happy Fun-Day!

04/11/2024

Thursday Tickles.

03/31/2024

Luke 24:6-7
“He is not here; He has risen! Remember how He told you while He was still with you in Galilee: 'The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and, on the third day, be raised again.”

He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.
Matthew 28:6 NRSV-CI

Matt Maher's "He Leadeth Me" as posted on the groovy new app headed up by Mark Wahlberg and Jonathan Roumi among a few other celebs.

https://app.hallow.com/chapters/2000?