Sunburst

Sunburst News Update : July 2020

by Letha Kiddie

As the Covid-19 pandemic moves into its fifth month, Sunburst has settled into a routine of both quiet reflection and active improvements around the property.

The permaculture garden is flourishing thanks to Sean Fennell, who joyfully now offers an organic CSA, and continues to develop a fruit orchard and greenhouse. What a joy to see the land being so well cared for by our brother Sean!

The new New Frontiers store in Solvang has adapted to the changes by offering curbside pickup and prepackaged deli food for easy purchase. It is truly a sanctuary for shoppers, with its spacious friendly energy and gourmet offerings. Hats off to Jake and Missy Collier who keep the store spinning in a positive direction.

Resident Craig Hanson has been hiking the Sunburst trails regularly and keeping them cleared. He has been increasing his knowledge of the local flora and looks forward to resuming Sunday hikes as soon as it’s safe. He also works to keep the landscaping in the Sunburst lodge area looking beautiful.

Missy, Dawn, Greg, Ischa and Letha have been responsible for contributing inspirational quotes, talks by Norm, and meditations by Sunburst ministers to the Sunburst Blog and Facebook page.

Elena and Emily are still running the Sunburst office, answering calls, coordinating zoom meetings, preparing for the prayer circle each week, and staying abreast of the current pandemic guidelines. We are anxious to reopen our doors, once the restrictions are lifted. If anyone cares to check in with Sunburst, please email the office at [email protected]. We would love to hear how everyone is doing!

Heiko, Sean, Curtis, David, and Al are staying very busy keeping cows and horses fed, the roads and fences in good repair, the hayfields producing, and the water systems running smoothly, while juggling a whole host of other projects and ongoing ranch maintenance.

One recent project was the Sunburst kitchen being painted and the cabinets refinished by Paul Custer and Craig.

Sunburst spiritual director Patty Paulsen has been working hard on the Nojoqui Farms property to ready it for the next phase of development, which will hopefully lead to the next perfect owner of our beautiful farm. Please help us project success for this important Sunburst venture!

Last but not least we want to acknowledge Dr. Greg Anderson for his tireless work in recording the Sunburst ministers for online viewing of their Sunday meditation talks. Be sure to also check out his podcasts, as he offers insights of Life-Love-God, written by Sunburst founder Norman Paulsen.

As we move forward into the great unknown of the future, we move forward with faith, knowing that everything is happening in God’s time, that we can relax and enjoy this journey, relying on our connection to Spirit and to each other, for guidance, support, strength and inspiration.

Be well,
– Your Sunburst family

Mothers Come in Many Forms

by Letha Kiddie •

When I think of mother’s, I think of the protective, creative force of Mother Nature.

There are so many examples of this, from the mama birds building their nests in my yard, to my friends who are mothers—constantly sending love, strength, care and encouragement to their children.

But the mother’s energy exists in both men and women and can be seen and felt through the heart.

Especially during these pandemic times we find ourselves needing to be reassured that “everything is going to be all right.” And mother’s energy is so good at giving reassurance!

When I think of all the hardships that humans endure in their lifetimes, I am so grateful for the mother figures that stand by, offering their sometimes silent support of what we are going through, and sometimes offering their physical, emotional or spiritual help as well.

Let us all give thanks for this beautiful part of our natures and cultivate it within us to help soften the sometimes harsh realities around us.

The Divine in me, bows to the Divine in you. Namaste

From the Unreal to the Real

Symbol of Hope

by Letha Kiddie • Outside my fence blooms a 100 year old rose. Every spring, without fail, it explodes in pink flowers blessing all who walk by.

The amazing part of this story is that the rose, which was planted at an original homestead on this land, was left alone for many many long years to fend for itself. Many long summers came and went and yet this rose survived.

It was only after we moved in and were deciding on a perimeter fence that I noticed the very small and withered vine struggling to bloom in spite of no water.

Although we weren’t able to include it within our fence line, the hopeful rose sent its roots into our yard in search of life (water). Within 1 year it had covered a portion of our fence and bloomed joyfully for each year after.

What a wonderful example of being willing to give
our gift to others, whether small or large, and
consistently show up for others with our love and friendship.
Nature is here to remind us of this every spring.

Finding Balance

Ischa enjoying a sunny day

Wild owl’s clover

By Letha Kiddie

One of the saving graces of this quarantine time is finding joy in Mother Nature.

A simple walk can bring a smile to your face, taking time to notice how green the hills are, how many birds are singing, and how the clouds move across the sky.

If you happen to live in a place where you find yourself housebound, then it becomes a matter of spending time on your deck, in your garden, or even at a sunny window—wherever nature can greet you.

Even though we humans are struggling, Mother Nature continues with her work, bringing beauty and joy to the world!

Sunburst News Update : July 2020

Mothers Come in Many Forms

From the Unreal to the Real

Symbol of Hope

Finding Balance

Success!