For Jenna

Before you were born,
I loved you.

Even before the moment
the doctors held you before me
and you pierced my soul
with your charcoal eyes...
I loved you.

Even before your tiny fingers
caressed my breast
like a sparrow
seeking its perch...
I loved you.

Even before you made
a nest of my body,
finding warmth and comfort
in the curve of my hip...
I loved you.

Even before you smiled
and the cares of the day
vanished in the squeal
of your delight...
I loved you.

Even before we danced and played
and tickled and giggled
and laughed
and cried
together...
Your name was written in my heart.

Before you were born,
and until the end of time...

I was,
I am,
I will forever be,
Your Mother.

Good-bye and Hello...

Shae, our Music Director, called me at home last night to see if I had heard the news... We have selected our next minister!

It is my great honor and privilege to extend my heart and my hand to Rev. Rudy England, the new minister of Unity Church of Wimberley. Rudy has big visions and big dreams, and I know Spirit has led him to us at the perfect time for our ministry.

As we move the final few boxes from our apartment at the church, it is a time of sweet reflection, deep appreciation, and renewed hope for the future.

I give thanks with all that I am to those of you who have supported me as the spiritual leader of this beautiful church. I have been blessed through service to this congregation in more ways than I can express.

On behalf of Shawn, Jenna, and Ted "the former church dog," THANK YOU, Unity Church of Wimberley. You've been a dream come true.

And welcome Rudy. You don't know what you don't know. But you will. And your heart will never be the same.

With all my love and blessings,
Mindy

Everyday Miracles

She just keeps getting bigger! Smiles, coos, mighty strong fingers, and curly toes. That's my precious angel. Thank you, God, for everyday miracles.

Spiritual Enrichment Week

In addition to our selection of a new minister, we've also had the excitement of our second annual Spiritual Enrichment Week. I wanted to share this picture I took of one of our instructors from Unity Village, Rev. Paul Hasselbeck, just before he began our daily morning meditation.

To me, it affirms the Truth we speak: God and I are one. I look at this picture, and that is what I see.

Catching Up...

There's been so much happening lately around here, it seems I haven't had much time to share what's happening with my online friends! So here are the highlights, along with a few treasures I've been wanting to post now for weeks!

I begin with a peek at a young visitor we had one Friday afternoon at our church. This fawn was found just outside our kitchen door. As a new mother, my initial instinct was to bring it in and feed it. After all, it looked like it came to us on purpose!

After doing a bit of googling, I learned the mother deer often leave their young unattended, sometimes for hours at a time. So I kept going back throughout the afternoon... Yes, it was still there. Yes, there she is. Yep. Not going anywhere.

I had almost determined that I would forego my online feedback and adopt this little one as my own. (Shawn wasn't completely on board with this plan, but that did not deter me). I went out around sundown, and at long last, our little fawn had returned to her mother.

All is well in the unfolding of the universe. Sometimes I forget and I try to take control, thinking that I must DO SOMETHING so that everything will turn out ok. I am grateful for my tiny friend for reminding me. Sometimes, the only thing to do is to trust. And everything unfolds in perfect order.

Maybe a metaphor for something?? :)

What's New - and Other Loaded Questions...

Don't ask "What's new?" around here if you're looking for idle chit-chat. The answer could make your head spin.

Aside from the obvious addition of a new, beautiful baby girl, God has additionally blessed me with a unique opportunity to bring a message of love, peace, compassion and hope to the planet.

Beginning in June, I will be stepping down as the Spiritual Leader of Unity Church of Wimberley in order to step into my new role as the Network Producer for Unity.FM, Unity's up and coming online radio network. We will be bringing together the top spiritual teachers in the Unity movement to host interactive, live programming with some of the most innovative spiritual thinkers of our time - including YOU!

As with any change, there is always that bittersweet emotion of excitement for what is ahead mixed with a bit of sadness for what I leave behind. Change stretched us in ways we cannot anticipate, and letting go is always easier to talk about on Sunday than to experience in my daily life.

At the same time, I feel honored and blessed to be able to stay in my beloved Wimberley while helping to launch what I believe to be the most significant initiative the Unity Movement has initiated since the inception of Silent Unity. The time is now to reach the world with a message that embraces all faiths, that uplifts and inspires, and that reminds us that God is here now... compelling us toward the promised land.

Thanks for coming along for the ride.

In Our Father's Arms

Shawn's parents are in town visiting us from New York this week. Not only does Jenna get to meet more grandparents, we are also blessed with another round of photos for the Jenna archives.

Shawn's mother, Lee, captured this shot of Shawn and Jenna as we were preparing for a photo shoot in the Texas bluebonnets. There's something about it that takes my breath away. Jenna seems so tiny... And Shawn is just so in love. What a beautiful moment.

I think that maybe God holds us this way at times. Protecting us when we are vulnerable. Supporting us when we are unable to support ourselves. Loving us. Adoring us. Holding us safe from the dark clouds that drift past us from time to time.

My hope is that I can be like Jenna - with arms open. Trusting. Receiving. Allowing. Cooing with delight. Already, she is my teacher.

(Fast forward 5 minutes later... we find our supermodel basking in the beauty of springtime. Is it possible that her presence can make even the bluebonnets seem more beautiful?)

The Kingdom of Heaven is Like...

Jesus had some great metaphors to describe the kingdom of heaven. I suspect he would have thrown them all out the window if he had a baby girl to hold and a loyal dog by his side. No metaphor needed. This is it.

Jenna is asleep in my arms even as I post to this blog, sighing her little baby sighs, and bringing her warmth to my heart. There is something about her presence that pulls me into the moment... that overshadows anything that hints at imperfection... that brings forth my most peaceful and present part of myself. There is something about her that puts "reality" into perspective, and helps me remember - wherever we are, God is -and all is well.

What is it for you? What would you say the kingdom of heaven is like???

Words of Wisdom

At Jenna's baby shower, Shawn and I received a stack of small envelopes, each containing words of wisdom from friends and loved ones who had gone before us in this adventure called "parenting." We were told to open them once we were in the maternity ward to inspire us in the first days of our journey.

I share these bits of wisdom in gratitude and appreciation for those who have gone before us in this sacred path...

Words of Wisdom for the New Parents:

-Parenting is a challenge and a blessing. Love overrides all.

-Watch how other people do things, then do it differently.

-Remember that each of us is a fully developed spirit worthy of our respect and our love.

-Breathe! Relax! Sleep when you get the chance.

-Pick your battles. Not everything is a concern.

-Accept every offer of help.

-Trust your instincts.

-Laugh often and loud.

-Sing and dance together.

-You can never hold her too much.

-You can never tell her how proud you are of her too much.

-You can never let her know what a blessing she is too much.

-Beware of bad baby advice. No one will ever know her better than you...

-Don't wait till tomorrow... You'll miss Today.

We promise you, Jenna... We'll do the best we can. We love you...

The First Day of the Rest of Your Life

Welcome to the world, baby Jenna!

When the doctor held her in front of me, and we locked eyes for the first time, one of the nurses attending asked, "Who does she look like to you?"

In that moment of pure connection, I saw someone so familiar and yet so different from myself... so new and mysterious, and yet so perfect and wise. So I said the first thing that came to mind: "She looks like God."

Jenna Elizabeth Audlin was born on the first day of spring, Wednesday March 21 at 6:57 pm in Austin, Texas. She weighed in at 6 pounds 5.5 ounces at 20 inches long. How can someone so small take up so much room in our hearts?

She was delivered by Cesarian section due to some distress during labor, and now joins us at home - happy, healthy, and always ready for some good snuggling.

Many thanks to all of you who have shared your love for us and for her... You are a part of our most precious miracle. What a wonderful world...

Is Today the Day???

Just got off the phone with Dr. Sassy... I've been feeling a bit "crampy" for the past 24 hours... She says, "Head to the hospital!" So off we go...

(Don't tell Shawn I stopped to post to the blog...)

What a wonderful way to celebrate the first day of spring!

We'll keep you posted as best we can from Austin. Thank you for your prayers and blessings!

Ted's Blue Bonnet

We spoke this week about casting our nets on the "right side of the boat." Ted, our church dog, has unwillingly become my mentor for this concept this week.

It seems he caught his dew claw on something, and started licking it to make it feel better. Unfortunately, his licking caused an infection, so the more he licked, the worse it became. With such hairy toes, it took us a few days to catch it. By the time we took him into the vet, his toe was not a pretty sight.

The cure? A bit of ointment each day... But mostly the solution was simply: STOP LICKING YOUR WOUNDS.

Of course, you can't tell this to a dog. He went right on licking anyway. So we gave him a special gift - his blue bonnet.

When we first put it on him, he couldn't sit still. He kept trying to bump it off, twist around it, lick over it, or run away from it. He did not handle it well.

Yet, today, his paw is doing much better, and he has learned to adapt to his bonnet. In fact, when I can keep an eye on him, he occasionally goes hours at a time before remembering his paw and returning to his old licking ways.

While the bonnet may be frustrating, and possible even a bit embarrassing for a dog as regal as Ted, I have looked to him at least a few times this week with a bit of envy. Wouldn't it be nice to have some type of gadget that kept us from licking our emotional wounds? Even if it was frustrating in the beginning, wouldn't it be handy to be able to strap these on each other when we start casting our nets on the left side of the boat? Thinking those thoughts that we KNOW do not serve us?

What if we had a bonnet that would keep our focus away from our problems, our imperfections, and our complaints so that the ONLY option was to focus on where we want to go next? Would I want to wear that bonnet? Or would I twist and squirm and resist so that I could go back to my old ways?

I'm watching Ted let go of his resistance and heal. A small price to pay for a few days of looking ridiculous... :)

The Countdown Continues!

It's hard to believe I've delivered my last Sunday talk for the next six weeks... I'm looking forward to savoring this time to bond with baby Jenna - only days away!

Shawn and I went in for a final check at the doctor's office this morning. I've gained another 2 pounds since we went in on Thursday (thanks to another great Y.O.U. lunch?). Most of it went straight to my ankles, so Dr. Sassy sent us over to South Austin Hospital for a bit of monitoring this morning. We were able to spend just over an hour listening to Jenna's heartbeat, watching our vitals being spit out by computer, and having my blood pressure checked every 15 minutes.

Of course, my blood pressure is "golden" and baby Jenna is doing great, too... so the plan continues for a Thursday check in leading to a Friday birthday - unless Jenna has other plans? Maybe the first day of Spring??

Thank you all for your love and prayers... We'll keep you posted!

Enjoy the picture of the "Sunday Before Jenna!"

Good morning, Austria!

I have often dreamed of leading a global ministry from this quaint little Texas community in Wimberley that I love so much. Isn't it wonderful when the universe provides us with evidence that what we seek is manifesting perfectly, effortlessly and in divine order!

I woke up this morning delighted to receive the following email... We are truly a global family, united in spirit... Thank you, Claudia, for being a part of our community and for being the angel that whispers in my ear... "It's happening!"

Dear Mindy,

I’m not of American origin, I live in Austria, I’m situated near Vienna and I only know about you because I’m a fan of Joe Vitale.

I used to be one of those bitchy, sarcastic atheists with a thousand problems. It was always somebody else’s fault! I love how you bring “the message” across, and you have humor. I have laughed and wept whilst listening to you. Thank you, thank you...

Through your teachings, I’m finally finding where to locate my light switch. Pheww, stumbling about in the dark got a bit tiring.

Sincerely
Claudia Apfelthaler
http://www.richbeyondwords.com

The New Due Date!

An inducement date has been set! If baby Jenna decides to wait long enough, we'll be checking into South Austin hospital the night of March 22 with an impending March 23 delivery!

Shawn, Nana (Jenna's grandmother) and I met with our doctor on Friday and Jenna is still assuming the "ready position" and could be here any day.

With my mom in town, we spent most of the day putting together Jenna's nest. Many thanks to everyone who pitched in to help with the new paint, new floors, and moving of furniture. It's almost ready - and looking great! What a make-over!

With just one more Sunday talk before Jenna's arrival, we're excited to spend the next month or so taking a "backseat" in the congregation. Special thanks to Molly Steele for coordinating so many incredible guest speakers while Shawn and I get acclimated to parenthood. We look forward to popping in from time to time to be a part of it all!

Enjoy the pictures of the new room... We'll keep them so you can stay involved in the joy we are experiencing as we welcome a new precious soul to planet earth. :)

Baby Jenna's Birthday Countdown!

Can it be March already?? As many of you know, the red carpet has been rolled out for the arrival of baby Jenna (estimated time of arrival: March 25!). We had a delightful baby shower here in Wimberley (send pictures if you have them!), the room has been painted, the carpet replaced, and the nest is almost complete!

Shawn and I will be using this blog to share all the happy news and keep you current all the latest fun. As of today, Jenna is in position and ready to "spring forward." According to the doctor, my body is taking its time (after all, aren't there still two more sermons to deliver??).

For those of you who have been asking, the plan is to have Jenna at the South Austin Hospital at Ben White (Hwy. 290) and 1st Street. They have a big waiting room near the nursery. We'll only have family in the room with me, but once Jenna is here, Shawn will be able to take her into the nursery and we can have a couple people at a time come in to take a peek at her if you want to say hello! Shae has entertained the idea of making it an open jam session in the waiting room... maybe a drum circle? (I wonder what hospital policy is on this?) My thought is, why not just make it a potluck? After all, when is the last time those Austin nurses had a good, home-cooked Wimberley casserole??

Our pediatrician recommended that we keep Jenna out of public places for the first 4-8 weeks so she can build up her immune system. This is a bit challenging since she will be LIVING at a public place... We plan on keeping her close to home in the beginning with family nearby to help those first few weeks. We'll bring her out for her "Lion King"-esque debut probably by Easter so everyone can get a glimpse. Other than that, you'll be able to see pictures here on the blog and post your comments to greet our newest arrival!

A special thanks to everyone who has made this such a wonderful experience for the 3 of us... Thank you for such a beautiful baby shower... thank you for helping us get our nursery ready... thank you for all your cards and gifts and love and blessings. Thank you for signing up to bring over meals those first few weeks... Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

I've always wanted to bring my child into a community where she can be loved from Day 1. This spiritual family is an answer to our prayers and a blessing at this life-changing time for Shawn and I.

Thank you for sharing the journey with us!!

In Memory of Uncle Jack

For Jack...
And to all of you who have been inspired by his story.

"Invictus" by William Ernest Henley

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate.
I am the captain of my soul.