Rev Martina Schmidt's Blog

Rest Your Wings My Lovely Soul Today I made my big cup of strong coffee and poured it into my favorite bright red rooster mug with sunflowers painted inside and sat down to create this beautiful piece of art.  I was inspired by a blog I read and an image I saw by Melody Ross  this weekend about Resting. On Friday I had sat down and done my morning meditation and drew a guidance card for myself as I love to do most days- and the card I drew was REST.  I frowned when I saw it, thinking "why? I feel pretty rested already..."  Then I saw Melody's blog and I remembered that, like Melody, I love my work and can find myself submersed in it 7 days a week.  It rarely feels like work to me, seeing clients and working on my class materials and web promotions. I love it all, however..... my soul knows I burn out easily. I am reminded of my teenage daughter who ran out of gas twice in one month, stalled out on the side of the road, crying and upset because she c...

Waldorf & Statler- The Muppet Show Hecklers Waldorf : These seats are awful.  Statler : Why? Can't you see anything?  Waldorf : That's the problem. I can see everything.  One of the great lessons, I believe, that Jim Henson taught me as a child is to face the hecklers in my life and to recognize they are a natural part of our every day audience. Never are we faced with 100% support by everyone we meet.   There are always going to be those who don't appreciate the performance you are giving the world.  And most likely, they'll let you know about it. And hardly ever do we meet change in our life without some part of us resisting it with nasty or fearful comments- trying to get us to stay right where we are, or to plain ol' just give up and get off the stage. Kermit the Frog, one of my gurus in life, never gave up.  The show must go on! He did however constantly deal with interruptions, complaints and the insecurities and big egos...

“If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up someplace else.” - Lawrence J. Peter I cannot tell you how many times my clients say "I don't know", when I ask the question, "what would give you joy in your life?"  It is so important before you head in any direction in your life to know where you are headed- but most importantly why you want to go there.  We do so many things because we are "supposed to" do them and many times we don't stop and ask ourselves if what we are doing is really helping us accomplish what we want to accomplish- or even if it's necessary for our true happiness. Such as:  What do I want my marriage to feel like? What do I want my job to give to me? What really makes me want to get up everyday? Just asking these questions and (most importantly) taking the time to answer them, can give you a direction, a focus for your energies. Take the time, every single morning, to ask yourself- what do I want from...

I came across this incredibly artistic & creative planner for 2012!! I had to share it with you cause it's so beautiful and truly a gift for yourself.  When I came across it I thought cool idea and ten bucks- it's worth a shot..... Little did I realize,  the creator filled every page with color and watercolor art, along with thoughtful meditations, intention setting for 2012, and a monthly planner.  It ROCKS! This morning I made myself a nice cup of warm coffee and started working through it.  I loved it so much I have decided to make it a weekly ritual to help get clear on my intentions and to live a year of NO REGRETS (my theme for 2012). Hope you check it out and if you buy it for yourself- let me know how you like it :) Goddess Guidebook for 2012

My Poem: As I looked into the mirror, I was gently surprised by the kindness looking back. "How lovely you look today", said the eyes smiling at me. As I peered deeper, the kindness drew me into deep caressing waves, comfortable and understanding- a lifetime of pushing self away and pulling self back. The cruel game is over, this much is clear. The eyes say it all. I am loved. I am only 41 years old and I really really like myself.  I do believe this is like finishing the race early. I meet so many faces each day and I see the doubt, and self hatred splintered inside calling out to be loved.  "I've been there", I am reminded.  And I say a silent prayer. I am blessed by own courageousness- I never gave up on loving me, no matter how scared I became at the pits of loneliness I found in my own heart and the mountains of neediness I discovered deep in my belly.  I never gave up on me. There were times I wanted to run- as I came face to face with ...

One of my hobbies is to study scripture and find the deeper meaning of it- the hidden teaching that only my own soul can point out to me. Lately I've been exploring the Gospel of Thomas (which is a Gnostic Scripture- my favorites!) This morning I woke and read this awesome but simple and profound truth: And Jesus said:  Man is like a wise fisherman, who cast his net in the sea and drew it out of the sea when it was full of little fishes.  Among them the wise fisherman found a large good fish.  He cast all the little fishes down into the sea.  He selected the large fish without difficulty.  He who has ears to hear, let him hear. Well, Soul of Mine, mine ears are ringing with understanding. Toss back the small fishes- aka let go of the small ideas that only slightly nourish your spirit and go for the "large good fish" that you know will fill and satisfy you. I love that it also says, " He selected the large fish without difficulty"- which for me mean...

I have been waiting for the year 2012 for more years than I can remember.  This long awaited time of prophecy and world changes has been a motivator for me in many ways. I cannot profess to know (and I think no one truly knows) what this time will bring for our planet and our spiritual consciousness.  But I do know what I long for and what my prayers are filled with- PEACE and the REMEMBERING OF OUR DIVINE NATURE. The fact is, even with all the mayan prophecy hype, the end times stories that fill the internet and many churches across our nation- we cannot know what is to come.  But, we can take advantage of the momentum of change that permeates the consciousness of so many, and use it to our advantage.  We can live BIG and live HAPPY.  We can Give our Full SELF to the world. I have decided to live with the greatest integrity I can this year- to live like I was dying- as the famous country song proclaims.   I will make each day matter. ...

This Holiday Season may you remember......... May the Grace of God be with you always, in your heart May you know the truth inside you from the start May you find the strength to know that you are a part of something beautiful...  

Tonight I was touched by Love. I realized I have been angry about a lot of things I haven't allowed myself to even deal with and this has led to some harsh behaviors on my part.  Yuck, yuck, and ouch. While I do not feel shame, because I truly love myself and know I'm doing the best I can, I do feel remorse- Remorse for not having allowed myself to be more patient and let my steam cool down before I responded. Because I didn't wait, I burned two people who didn't really deserve my fire-y words. As I sat down tonight, became still and relaxed a familiar voice came forward.  It melted my ice and opened my heart and healed my thoughts.  I let go of my anger which served as a wall guarding my heart.  I opened my eyes and saw the innocence of the two women I mistreated.  I cried and I woke up- to myself, to love. I am human. My life constantly reminds me.  I am love. My life constantly reminds me. I asked for forgiveness and in the asking alone I am alr...

I recently purchased a new exercise video series due to so many recommendations by some  skinny bitches  friends of mine.  It's called Zumba, and yeah I know, it's been out in the world market a long time now. My body, however,  was just recently shaken silly  introduced to it. Holy smokes and hell fire- it's hard!  "It's so fun! You'll love it!" they all said.  Define fun please. I should have asked. If watching yourself and your sagging breasts bounce around like your ass has been disjointed and you're trying to seduce the tv- then yes, it's fun.  My arrogance, oh my old smart ass self, said no problemo when I bought it.  I used to be a dancer, this is gonna be easy peasy. Popped it in and find myself heaving and panting with sweat stinging my eyes and that was only after watching the "how to" beginners tape.  Shit. After flushing my stuck up self down the toilet, I looked in the mirror and said, "Girl where did your youth...

Thank you Queen Dani, my bff, for the awesome workshop on becoming a sovereign woman. My favorite part, which honestly required the work of all the weeks before it, was writing the personal manifesto to and for myself. To read it daily has been an attunement, an alignment with my true self.  To know the words are my own and come directly from my own heart and my own life experiences have made it incredibly effective in comforting and encouraging me to keep embracing my life. Respect yourself. Only say YES when you really mean it. Remember who you really are and what you are worth.  Be authentic.  Apologize when you make a mistake.  Honor your agreements as long as they honor you.  Remind yourself everyday of what matters to you.  Never give up on your dreams.  Allow change.  Give freely of yourself.  Don’t hold back, SPARKLE BIG. Receive.  Give.  Be patient with yourself. See Beauty in yourself and all others, even if yo...

I have a card that sits in my art room, that I purchased at Three Sister's Spirit which reads: I'm fairly certain that given a Cape and a nice tiara, I could save the world Now, aside from the literal translation- I love this card and it's truth because of what it reminds me about myself and my life. My "Cape" is my faith of a divine plan for my life.  I carry it on my shoulders as a sense of responsibility to myself and to my fellow souls on this Earth.  I know in my heart I am here with a very clear purpose and that my life will flow and carry me in each moment towards expressing that purpose.  If I enjoy it or not, it's my choice. I discovered my purpose in 2001 at my ministerial training retreat.  Our teacher had suggested that we go sit with God, alone, and listen to why we had been called to the ministry.  I admit I was afraid, not of hearing nothing, but of actually hearing something that felt too big, or heavy to take on. It wasn't...

Life is a ferris wheel. It goes around and around, up to the top, down to the bottom- where one day we choose to get the hell off. Sometimes the circle flows slowly and lingers at the top, feeling spectacular and fulfilling. And other times, it's f***ing nauseating and feels like the guy running the machine has lost his marbles. Some days I sit back and wonder- is my life just stuck in high gear? I am a perfectly sane, deeply aware and grounded individual, but the chaos around me is almost too much to bear at times. Yet, I'm sticking it out, cause I like that view from the top. Might even admit I'm addicted to it. I love the moments after hell has broken loose, faith was held, truth was spoken and feet were planted firmly in who I am, that I find peace and a deep quiet sense of "see everything does work out for the better". AKA- the View is Great from UP HERE.  Today I'm in that place. The wheel's been spinning fast these last few months. I...

I'm melting today. You know the feeling, when your body goes all soft and tired and you feel like a wet noodle just pulled out of hot water. Yep, that's how I feel. My essence is leaking out all over the house and it's looking like someone else will have to do the clean up- LOL, cause there's not much of me left but ooze and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. Do you ever get to the point where your body takes over and says, "that's it, lights off- you're done my dear."? It seems I think my tank can run on empty and even when the vapors are evaporating I try for just a wee bit more- then..... I melt. I know some of you are gasping, "my how unhealthy" and "you should stop sooner", but my lovelies, I've learned it's how I work. And, it works really really good for me. In fact, when I try to do it the other way, taking frequent breaks, etc. I just don't thrive. I LOVE GOING FULL ON and FULL OFF. And, I'm not gonna fight ...

I took this self portrait a few days ago.  The necklace, which reads "Courage to be ME" was something I made for myself years ago.  On the other side of it is a picture of Calamity Jane, cowgirl boots and her gun included.  Some days, I just need to wear it.  Life has been messy and challenging lately, things are changing all around me and inside of me.  Don't get me wrong my love, I'm up for the challenge, as long as I've got my cowgirl boots and gun at my side (grinning). Really though, joking aside, it's my courage that I find to be my greatest asset in life.  The courage to keep getting up, keep telling the truth, and even when I'm tired to keep asking for more.  It's how I'm made and I trust the one who put it inside of me to teach me how to use it in the best way possible.  So, courage has to be challenged to grow and fear has to be stared down in the face with a bring it on attitude in my world. So let the changes come- let the wor...

Oh my dear sweet heart, how I cherish you. Your tender heart is soft with tears and open open open. How I long to hold you close to me and bring you a cup of tea, to wrap you in love blankets and sing you a song of you. The world is busy and full, but you can take your time my dear sweet heart.  You will not be left behind. Oh, how the Universe sings when you sit quiet and listen. The freckles on your face remind me of all the angels who have kissed your cheeks whilst you were sleeping. Rest my sweet heart.  Rest your angel heart & wings. All is well and life holds itself awake for your return.

The best way I honor my body is to "listen" to it aches and pains as cries for love and attention. Recently I had my blood pressure taken and it was 128/86 !!!  I was shocked and also, paradoxically, not so surprised. I went home and sat with the information in meditation. It came to my attention that my "hypertension" was really inner anger.  I couldn't immediately identify what I was angry about, but, when I found myself yelling at my son and my husband the next morning about having to micromanage their lives I witnessed myself.  Yikes...... there's my anger and it's ugly today. So, over the next few days the anger began to seep up from my blood vessels to my awareness.  Lordy lordy, I'm seeing anger all over the place in small doses, adding up to a hell of a lot.  So, it's boundary setting time again in my world.  Time to pull the word NO back out of my pocket and use it. I've also booked a trip to Mexico for JUST my hu...

Tree from My Yard- July 23, 2010   The last few months have been challenging ones due to one recurring pattern that has asked for my attention.  I have been experiencing a lot of unnecessary fear about what certain people are thinking about me.  This is pretty atypical behavior since I am usually very grounded in self love. I recognized, because of the nature of the work I do being a healer/counselor, that something I had buried deep in my consciousness was rising up to be explored, understood and released.  I literally used the words "I need to uproot this old pattern of fear and move on" when discussing it with my husband. My suffering came from making assumptions.  I found myself taking simple statements and reading into them, and not in a pleasant way.  I was afraid of being judged, rejected or seen as "bad" by the people I loved.  It was causing palpitations and gut churning experiences for me.  My body was shouting at me to chan...

I have been enjoying reading so many blogs this month and wishing I could put my words to paper as eloquently as those I have been reading. Mostly I have been inspired by a blog I read by dreamphemera about relationships.  My chin was on the table at how precisely I felt she had put all of my confusion into a deeper, clearer perspective.   I gained the most in recognizing who and what I want from my own friendships and what I do not want to have to agree to anymore. As a child I was taught to include everyone in my life, my sacred space of me, or God will be disappointed.  This,  I believe was an expanded truth from my mother, sunday school teachers, etc. of the Golden Rule- which I have now revisited.  To treat another as I would chose to be treated is a truth for me that reflects my desire to treat myself the way I want to be treated and to be an example of that for others.  If I am unthoughtful of my time, energy and needs- so too will others b...