SECTION THIRTEEN) SPIRITUAL JOURNEY Choice

This Outline may be used for Individual Reflection or Group Discussion. Please indicate the source of New Feather Village (kivafeather.com) A complete Reflection Journal on this topic is also available. Contact Us - newfeathervillage@gmail.com

A) Discovery Of HIS Love For Me

My GREAT FATHER blesses me with Choice like unto the Birch Tree. 

Granted through HIS Desire - 

…that I become self-reliant as I place my trust in HIM

…Never again without purpose, ever learning of HIS will

…beyond a decision, an affirmation of that which is of the greatest importance

…giving priority to that which will bring about a closeness in my Relationships

The Birch Tree symbolizes truth, new beginnings and cleansing of the past.  -Meaning of Trees (warpaths2peacepipes.com)

-Royalty Free Illustration by  Jonnelle Yankovich . Northern Micvigan (upsplash.com)

My GREAT FATHER Loves Me, HE Is My Tree Of Life

HE loves me to offer me a peace that is woven from the fabric of HIS Divine Perfection.

HE loves me to share the expanse of HIS Creation that is as deep as HIS Love for me. 

HE loves me through HIS Grace - freely given in times of hardship - sharing of my sadness and joy. 

HE loves me to bring me from the death-point of anger, bitterness and resentment to a life of peaceful meaning. 

HE loves me that I might hear HIS voice through the ears of my spirit.

HE loves me to a renewal of self, as a new dawn that has no age, only a depth of HIS affection for me. 

HE loves me to a sustaining of my effort, no matter how difficult my challenge may seem to be. 

HE loves me that HE might help me, if only I might ask HIM. 

HE loves me to show me a new way, far from the danger of darkness. 

HE loves me through HIS Redemption, which becomes a new song of Joy.

B) In The Spirit of My Elders

I learn that the lessons of Choice are given through those who have gone before me. It is from them that I understand Choice is more than a decision.  It is more than a set of alternatives. Choice is an acknowledgement of dependence upon a power that is greater than oneself. It is a realization that each action, reaction and response is a gift of free will, which has been given by THE GREAT FATHER. My Elders have passed on to me, a compass that will keep me pointed in the right direction. This is my moment to decide to walk upon a path that is better than what I could have imagined. 

It is upon The Spiritual Journey To KIVA, that I find RECOVERY of the body, mind, spirit, heart and soul – 

• choiCe to become cleansed and made whole
• Discovery Of Spiritual Needs
• Reflection upon struggles that have been encountered as well as challenges that have become a source of inner strength

C) My Destination (Spiritual Based Outcomes)  

Making A Choice to Develop Positive Anger Management & Coping Skills

• Gaining an appreciation for the things that matter most
• Celebrating my ability to set my own course on the journey that lies ahead
• Acquiring wisdom from past experiences, being at peace in the current moment
• Traveling upon a course that moves forward and upward

D) Pathways To Self-Discovery

• Pathway 9) Avoiding Pride, Worldly Ambition 
• Pathway 10) Positive Choices 
• Pathway 11) Learning From The Past, Embracing The Present, Preparing For The Future 
• Pathway 12) Avoiding Strange Roads

E) Treasures Of My Spiritual Journey                                                                                                     

• Avoiding pride, worldly ambition 
• Positive Choices
• Learning from the past, embracing the present, preparing for the future
• Avoiding strange roads

F) Zamar (Song Of Praise) by Chaplain Michael L. Benedict 

This is my moment to make music in praise of THE GREAT FATHER. 

With verse and song, I praise. With grateful heart and spirit, I express my thanks to HIM for walking with me. With restored might and mind, I come to HIM in my hour of meditation. With humble soul and uplifted voice, I sing my Song of Prayer to HIM.

HE invites me to come to HIS Tree Of Healing, which is HIS Tree Of Life. It is here that I find a place for Reflection and Meditation, a time of Preparation for that which awaits me. It is here that I partake of The Desirable Fruit Of Spiritual Awakening.

It is here that I partake of The Fruit Of Recovery and Healing — body, mind, spirit, heart and soul. HE invites me to surrender to HIM, my burden of my self-doubt. 

HE assures me that I will Discover an ability to achieve the things that I never knew were possible – until now. HE invites me to surrender to HIM, my burden of unsure footsteps, which like my Faith, are still new. HE assures me that I will never be left to decide for myself, which way is best. 

HE invites me to surrender to HIM, my burden of despair that comes from my own insecurity. HE assures me that I do not need to be insecure or unsure of myself, because HE is always at my side. HE invites me to surrender to HIM, my burden of guilt for things that were long ago forgiven.

HE assures me that HE will help me to resolve any ‘unfinished business’ regarding my past. HE invites me to surrender to HIM, my burden of shame for the person that I think I have become. HE assures me that I am capable of becoming so much more. HE invites me to surrender to HIM, my burden of removing myself from HIS presence. HE assures me that HE will remain with me as I call upon HIM and prepare 

to receive HIS presence.

Selah (Refrain And Pause For Reflection)      

This is my moment to pause and reflect upon HIS desire for me. Like branches of a tree that reach upward toward The Sun above, I am nurtured in the warmth and light which rests upon me and within me.  I am a branch of HIS Tree. For I am created at HIS hand and in HIS image. HE touches my heart and lifts my spirit, that my soul may also bear fruit that is delicious and desirable. All is given through the Abundance of HIS Hand. HIS Tree is The Tree Of Life. HIS Tree is The Tree of Recovery and Healing Through HIS Restoration And Renewal. HE gives me HIS Guiding Presence on My Spiritual Journey Of Discovery And Change.  With verse and song, with grateful heart and spirit, with humble soul and uplifted voice — I praise My GREAT FATHER. May I praise HIS name forever.

G) My Dance of Choice and Spiritual Needs by Chaplain Michael L. Benedict

My rhythm and song unite with the landscape and terrain that is ever changing in its design yet ever constant in its direction. The Winds of The Seasons call me on as I pause to look forward to all that lies before me, as I look inward to recognize the wisdom that I have been given from the decisions that I have made. I hear the echo of the breeze that comes forth from canyon walls and across fields of green. I hear the voice that speaks from within, as if to remind me that I am on a better path than I once was. Old cravings of self-indulgence have given way to new habits of self-discipline. 

This is My Rhythm of Decision. This is My Song of Commitment.

This is My Harmony which unites with: 

The Perseverance Of The Wolf, 

The Grace Of The Butterfly, 

The  Determination Of The Woodpecker, 

The Confidence Of The Salmon, 

The  Diplomacy Of The Fox.

Dance I Now - My Dance Of Choice And Spiritual Needs.