As the year comes to a close, I'm continually amazed how quickly time does, literally, fly by. It has been an extraordinary year "on the road." As most of you know, I live out of my car. I don't sleep in my car, however, what I own primarily is in the trunk of my car. I keep a carry on size suitcase with me along with a shoulder bag with computer, cords, stamps, pens and protein bars. I have another two shoulder size bags in the trunk with extra clothes, shoes, some files and a few toiletries. In addition to a wool wrap and scarf, there is also an ongoing accumulation of gifts. It seems to be something that even with "intention" I can't, don't, haven't yet stopped purchasing, planning and storing up gifts for friends and family. I can report, however, that I have come a long way, baby. Progress is perfection.

I get quite a few questions about this and am happy to share the details of the lifestyle for anybody ready to liberate themselves into a "right-sized" life. I don't promote or expect people to minimize or downsize, nor do I believe it would be beneficial for everybody. I can recommend however, that you consider your life, belongings, and stuff, discerning whether you are strengthened by it all or weakened by it, and then remedy whatever is necessary for your freedom. I will be teaching a class online during the spring, regarding pointers and tips for "rightsizing" as a spirituality practice. Stay tuned in the newsletter calendar for forthcoming  details, and then enroll.

In reflection, I feel a great deal of gratitude for all the teachers I have been blessed by during my journey. This is 20 years of a dedicated spiritual path that has included many contributors and teachers. I recently donated money to Silent Unity to purchase new chairs for the high watch prayer vigil room (24 hour/7 day a week prayer service for over 128 years). http://www.unity.org/prayer

I dedicated the chairs to Revs. Susan EngPoole and Jack Poole; Revs. Richard and Judy Thomas; Rev. Edwene Gaines; Revs. Angelo and Stella Pizelo; and Silent Unity and Daily Word from the wholehearted gratitude I have for their living, loving, leading, teaching and serving, me and the world in the enormous ways they have. Here's a letter from one of the prayer associates about what the revitalization of the high watch vigil room meant to him:

Blessings Everyone,

This morning I took the opportunity to join an associate in Prayer Vigil. I had not been in vigil for almost 2 months, and certainly not since the new chairs and facelift had happened. Now, Prayer Vigil has always been very special to me, as I am sure it is for you. From the very first vigil, almost 3 years ago during my first training class, Prayer Vigil has touched a place within me that had never been touched before. And that feeling never went away. 4-5 days a week, vigils every day, sometimes an hour or twice in the shift...each moment to hold the "high watch" was a moment that was special to me. Not just because of the honor to hold others in prayer either. There have been many, many deep healings, profound awarenesses and several "ahh-hah" moments for my own well-being.

But today was different. I stepped into the vigil, having forgotten about the facelift, and it was like entering a comfort, a compassion, a nurturing space like I have never experienced. The softness of the new area rug. The beauty and comfort of the new chairs (I know they aren't the same for everyone, but for me they were like being cradled). The elegance and serenity of the sheers hanging from the window, on the walls and across the space which goes behind the altar area. I truly felt like I had entered an "Inner Sanctum"....a "Holy of Holys" that I had never felt before. The soft quiet that flows through this space now, brought an ease and grace like I had not experienced here before.

I got comfortable in my "cradle", took a few deep breaths, repeated the mantra I have used since the beginning, "We are God, we are All, We are One, We are We", and allowed my awareness to reach out to the names and prayers held sacred on the altar. Breathing again, I felt each and every soul. Each and every prayer. Each and every hope, dream, desire, concern.....all of them in the here and now. I was truly in the "Be still....and know".

There are many times in vigil, as I am sure there have been for you, that my mind has wondered to the problems or concerns for the day, the week ahead. But today, in this beautiful sanctuary, I found that being elsewhere, in the past or the future, was not possible. I found myself repeating a new mantra..."I AM right here, right Now." Over and over again. I remained present for the duration of my time there, and was truly satisfied (like my cup was full) when it was time to leave.

I want to thank all those that played a part in recreating this amazing space that has always been so important to each of us. From the original idea for upgrading the furniture, to the pillows, carpet, painting and sheers. (I hear there is to be a new altar as well)...all of this and more. The love and compassion that has gone into creating this haven of peace and prayer is truly felt in the very air we breathe while holding the high watch that has been held for so many decades. I, for one, am truly grateful to all involved, and I will be making a point of adding my gratitude and energy back into this space as often as I can.

Prayerfully,

I AM

Silent Unity is available for free prayer support anytime day or night at 1-800-NOW-PRAY.

What prayer practice blesses and uplifts you? I'm sharing this form of prayer that I have used routinely over the years. It is great to share with your wisdom or intention circles.

Together, read aloud through steps 1-4 slowly and with intention. Pause a few seconds between each step to truly absorb what it is that you are affirming.

1. I COMMIT. I now make the commitment to place my life completely under the direction of the Christ within. I dedicate myself to be of maximum service to God and my fellow humanity and to remain an open channel of God's will of good.
    
2. I ACCEPT. I now accept that my personality is powerless to transform my life. It is the Christ within that does the work.
    
3. I BELIEVE. I believe in One Presence and One Power active in the universe. This Power is perfect life, love, intelligence, and wholeness expressing through me now. With God, all things are possible. 
    
4. I FORGIVE AND I UNDERSTAND. I understand that erroneous self-defeating thoughts and fears are the cause of my problems and unhappiness. I now forgive all others and myself for any real or imagined mistakes. I am willing to be changed at depth. 
    
5. I ASK, BELIEVING. In the awareness of the Christ Presence, I ask, believing that my heart's desire is fulfilled now.
   
   (Each person takes a turn succinctly speaking his or her heart's desire into the circle by using the format: "My heart's desire is . . . ." After the person has stated their heart's desire, the rest of the circle responds in unison: "Your heart's desire is now made manifest!" At that point, you move onto the next person. When you have gone around the circle, continue on with reading steps 6 & 7.)
    
6. I GIVE THANKS. I give thanks as I joyously and expectantly assume the very feelings I have as my heart's desire is made manifest.
    
7. I LET GO. I let go and let God express through me in perfect ways. AND SO IT IS! AMEN.

"Heaven is paved with wholehearted actions."

~ Martha Creek

What intentions are you holding for the new year? What action will you take to fulfill your dreams and desires?

Here's a sampling of Martha's Intentions fulfilled in summary: (including the above revitalization of the Silent Prayer Vigil space. What a joyous remembrance of just a small portion of my bountiful life.)

• A fully booked calendar of opportunities, to serve those who serve, again in 2018 and 2019. 40 thriving Unity churches, a Unitarian Universalist Board, 3 annual conferences (serving on one of the boards as Treasurer) and one week of teaching intensives at Unity Worldwide Spiritual Institute. Thank you for all the hosting ministers, ministries, centers, and leaders. 
  
  
• Uppacreekart.com is formally launched. Check it out! You will find prints for sale in canvas, metal, posters, bookmarks, magnets, greeting cards and most any other format. Click here to explore and submit your orders. Great gift ideas for groups, workplaces, congregations, friends, wedding parties, and family members- be sure to get your favorite for you too. www.uppacreekart.pixieset.com or www.etsy.com and search uppacreekart.  
   
• Breaking news - There is a book --- it is the FIRST book of many to come. This one contains 113 spectacular photo images of life, nature, flowers, and living, designed to remind you of what you love, where you love and why you love. "Uppa Creek --- No paddle needed". I'll have some in my car when you see me coming through. Visit www.uppacreekart.com for the graphic collection or to purchase the book.
   
• Facilitated eight transforming retreats, ranging from the heart of these holy centers-Loretto Motherhouse, Mount St. Francis, Unity Wilmington, Unity NYC, and Jupiter Beach Resort, serving approximately 200 committed journeyers. 
   
• Facilitated two uncommonly dedicated groups through a ten-month immersion process--ten years strong and filling up for next year. If you're interested in this process, please email me directly at [email protected]. For me the program includes approximately 100 hours per month of individual sessions, planning and support. 
   
• An immeasurable enormous bounty of days, weeks, evenings, months, trips, meals, celebrations, and spiritual gatherings with friends and family, who are truly treasured people and treasured times. Memory making at the finest.
   
• 100% traveling, seldom in one space for more than one week, I've visited and worked in approximately 30 states, 50 cities, including 3 Canadian provinces during 2018. 
   
• Check out the re-inspired www.marthacreek.com website for the dates, workshops, seminars and conferences for 2019. Please mark your calendars and forward onto friends and families in these locations so I can meet and serve with them too. 
   
• Two BIG 2018 vacations, including taking my family on winter birthday cruise and summer spectacular national parks tour. Buckets list checks were flying. 
   
• Two BIG 2019 vacations planned, including two cruises: 
  

My list of bounty would fill a football stadium, as I pause to re-read this on the heels of a trip to Machu Picchu. I simply say - It's nothing I could ever name. I lift you up in love, prayer and intentions with actions that delight and enliven you.

All my best,

"Intention is: getting clear about what you want."

~ Joe Dispenza

"Intentions of a man reflects in his actions."

~ Sukant Ratnakar

"I find that mindfully taking a moment to ritualize my intentions helps me to will that best, most exalted self into being."

~ Mya Spalter

"Words suggest like's intentions. Actions demonstrate love's conviction."

~ T.F. Hodge

Uppa Creek Art

For a complete list of Martha's events, please visit 

www.marthacreek.com.