PICTURE THIS!

Rev. Mary Louise Ruffner

“Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve. “~ Napoleon Hill ~  

Do you remember the sitcom, The Golden Girls, and how Sophia would occasionally go down memory lane and say to her friends, “Picture this!?” She would go into great detail describing the time, place, and incident that she remembered to the end that you, the onlooker, begin to see what she saw.

This reminds me of how the Law of Mind works. For example, whenever we create a perfect picture in our minds about a person, place, or thing ~ be it the past, present, or future, there is that within us that begins to feel, sense, and realize the picture as a real experience. Children, unknowingly, do this all the time, using the faculty of their imagination and thereby creating worlds of fun and delight.

Yes, through the creative power of our minds, each one of us, knowingly or unknowingly, is experiencing the pictures we have imagined. It’s no wonder a wise one told us, “Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Ernest Holmes said it this way: “Change your thinking, change your life.” Yes, we have the power to manifest the greatest good we can imagine.

For example: If you are experiencing health challenges today, Picture This! Every cell, nerve, tissue, organ, fiber, bone, and muscle of every organ of your physical and mental being is operating in complete harmony. This dance of life is powered by the Pure Spirit that makes all things out of Itself and remains whole, complete, and perfect forevermore. There is perfect circulation, assimilation, and elimination taking place. Perfect mobility and vitality are expressed as the activity of your divine nature.

 If you are experiencing relationship issues, Picture This! Every relationship you encounter is rooted in the essence of Unity. There is a feeling of safety and support from all those in your inner circle. You always know what to say and how to say what needs to be communicated through you with clarity, understanding, and compassion. You always listen from that space in your heart that is the nature of every living being. You give to others that which you desire to receive from them.

If you are experiencing financial problems, Picture This! There is unlimited supply right now. The source of that which you seek is the One Source that supplies the entire universe, and that includes you. There is always sufficiency. Divine Wisdom is the guidance that supports you to make intelligent decisions about distributing that for which you are steward. It is the nature of It to give of Itself. One of the symbols, or the energy-in-form of the Self-givingness of Abundance is money. However, there are many forms.

If you are experiencing uncertainty about your purpose, Picture This! You are a creative being, fully endowed with all that is your highest idea of God; Omnipotent, Omniscient, and Omnipresent. Your purpose, being the image and likeness of God, is to emulate Its nature. Your purpose is to unleash Love, Peace, Harmony, Joy, Beauty, and Wisdom in everything you think, say, and do. You’ve got what it takes!

And so, it is!

This Week’s Affirmation

“I believe in the person I dream of becoming.”

~ Unknown ~

Originally posted 1/23/2024.


A Message from: Rev. Mary Louise Ruffner and Robbin G. Ruffner. RScP Emeritus

SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2026
10 AM – 12:00 Noon
Centerville Community Center
3025 Bethany Church Rd. – Room D
Centerville, GA 30039


PERFECT LOVE

Rev. Mary Louise Ruffner

“We believe the ultimate goal of life to be a complete emancipation from all discord of every nature, and that this goal is sure to be attained by all.” ~ Ernest Holmes ~

The above quote is one of the tenets of Religious Science, from its statement, “What We Believe.” To me, it says, no matter how many detours one may take, just like the proverbial prodigal son, everyone will eventually turn to the Indwelling Presence and receive gifts of higher consciousness.’

The process of awakening to our true nature is a gradual unfoldment into the “greater-yet-to-be” version of ourselves. The emergence of this heightened consciousness is often attained through trial and error while “the infinite lies stretched in silent repose.” In other words, the Divine Principle of Life is always ready to spring forth into the action of Perfect Love, which is the healing balm for all things.

The Intelligence of God, operating through the intelligence of humanity, has proved Its Omniscience. 

There is nothing impossible to attain. And there are many ways illumination is ignited, restoring humanity’s sense of Wholeness. Science breaks through barriers every day, on both physical and mental levels. For example, when I was a child, the idea of traveling out of space was science fiction, polio was common, and mysteries of the mind were feared.

Although wise ones, in a declaration of Oneness, have said, “none of us are truly healed until all of us are healed;” Jesus, in his great wisdom, understood that even though the gift is offered to all – all do not receive it at the same time. In this regard he said, “You will always have the poor among you.”  

~ ~ ~ ~

Imagine, if you will, there is a great awakening throughout all humanity and the former things that once suggested separation, i.e., ‘fear and disease’, are now falling away. Imagine that humanity has bonded in a common vision of harmony. Imagine individuals who, enthusiastically, give of their talents, skills, and abilities in their chosen field of endeavor, bringing about personal fulfillment. Imagine all this creating a world that works for everyone.

This graduation into higher vibrations and dimensions of perception is always taking place. While everyone, everywhere, may not be on board at the same time to fulfill the vision, I affirm there is enough of us, right now, through the power of Love, who are sufficient to be “my brother’s keeper,” letting the doorway to the infinite swing wide open into a new time, a new generation, a new way of being in the world. 

There is an ever-expanding consciousness, or continuum; and, humanity moves from level to higher levels of Self-expression through various experiences; both individual and collective. I affirm we step boldly into our new experience of the world, fully equipped to move upward and onward in the endless unfoldment of the ever-evolving self. At the proper time, the baton is passed on to the next generation, who, with unconstrained love or union with the Divine Self, becomes the impetus for ever-flowing grace. 

Some may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one.

May the Christ Consciousness of Perfect Love be born in humanity this holiday season.


This Week’s Affirmation

“I feel love. I see love. I understand love. I AM LOVE.”

By Keith D. Childers

Originally posted 10/19/2021.


SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2026
10 AM – 12:00 Noon
Centerville Community Center
3025 Bethany Church Rd. – Room D
Centerville, GA 30039

RECEPTIVITY

Rev. Mary Louise Ruffner

Years ago, I had the pleasure of being in the audience when the late, great, Dr. Joseph Murphy delivered a message entitled, “Fourth Dimensional Prayer.” I recall that he spoke extremely fast and used terms that were new to me at the time, or were used in a context I was hearing for the first time. I found myself moving closer and closer to the edge of my seat as if  this postured me to focus with greater clarity as I strained to understand what I was hearing.

While I do not remember the details of his message, I do remember the feeling it invoked within me. The talk lifted my consciousness to heights I had not previously experienced.  When the presentation was over, I stood and applauded along with the hundreds of others in attendance. Later, when reflecting on this profound experience, I realized that, actually, the message was not new.  

As I continued to reflect, I realized what I experienced was a confirmation of all that I had been hearing, reading, studying, talking about, and practicing.  Every minister, teacher, practitioner, and fellow traveler with whom I associated throughout the years affirmed this same Life Principle; therefore, laying a strong foundation for this heightened state of receptivity. 

My soul recognized the energy of Pure Spirit as it expressed through the speaker, and I responded with a resounding YES!”  It was in this heightened state of consciousness that I was ready to embody the Truth at a higher level of understanding. It has been said, “When the student is ready, the teacher appears.”

~ ~ ~ ~

When we are committed to a life of spiritual practice, a strong foundation of faith is established, and it seems that we are suddenly catapulted into a greater awareness of the possibilities stretched before us. It is in this cultivated readiness that the veil of separation is pierced. We become receptive to Divine Wisdom, operating through the individuals who guide us into new ways of thinking and being. 

Although the Divine Presence within us transcends words and concepts, the  consistent practice of loving-kindness, affirmative speech, unifying images, and meditation are the doorway to the infinite. The Divine Teacher appears when we are ready to receive the divine message from our higher consciousness.

In moments of illumination, we know what is ours to do and we begin to build structures that serve the highest good for everyone. 

This Weeks Affirmation

“I openly accept spiritual guidance from a higher power.”
https://zannakeithley.com/spiritual-affirmations/

Originally posted May 30, 2023


 a time dedicated to

SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2026
10 AM – 12:00 Noon
Centerville Community Center

3025 Bethany Church Rd. – Room D
Centerville, GA 30039


PERPETUALGOOD~Here and Now

Rev. Mary Louise Ruffner

When I first began to “catch” the idea that the nature of God is one of Abundance forever expanding, it occurred to me that an unlimited supply of everything is available right here and right now. After all, I reasoned, The Source of all life is the Self-Givingness of Divine Love.  

I remember the first time I tested the Principle of Infinite Supply. It was Christmastime and I was financially depleted. I saw no possible way to provide my young family with all that I wanted us to experience during the season. 

Although I was a novice when it came to Spiritual Mind Treatment (Affirmative Prayer); nonetheless, I began to realize that I was indeed worthy of my desired good right here and right now.  I began to envision God as Omnipresent Love, a Provider of all things, and never limited by time and space. 

Soon. I began to feel the shift in consciousness. I began to imagine the celebration of Christmas in our home. While I was still basking in this idea, my doorbell rang. My blessing was delivered exactly as I imagined, right down to the minutest detail. 

I learned much from that first “conscious demonstration” of the Divine Principle. I became a better steward of my finances as I practiced specific laws of prosperity, always keeping the channels wide open for the giving and receiving of infinite supply.

Several years later, while walking home after doing some last-minute Christmas shopping, I began doing a check-list in my mind to see if I missed anything.  It seemed I had not. In fact, I actually had money left over. I remember saying to myself, “Oh my, I now have more than I need.” 

In that self-same moment I felt a tug at my purse that was hanging from my shoulder. By the time I turned around, my old idea of living on the edge was fulfilled. The overflow was taken away. The thief was nearly out of sight, running with my nice leather purse swinging in the air. Yes, ideas of lack and limitation and unworthiness rob us of the infinite supply of the here and now good that is ever present. The following adage became crystal clear to me: “For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them” (Matthew 25:29). 

I now know that the Spiritual Law of Mind, like all laws of nature, is neutral, impartial, and never a respecter of person. The fruits (or evidence) of The Law always show up in perfect proportion to my  faith; or what I believe I deserve. The Law of Mind is the Invisible Cause behind all that is seen or experienced. It is immediate in its action.

I now realize that the Law of Mind is propelled by the Love of God desiring self-expression through me. Robert Browning said, “All’s love, yet all’s law.”  Ernest Holmes taught, “Love points the way, and the Law makes the way possible.” Jesus said, “I Am the way, the Truth and the Light.” These concepts of both New Thought and Ancient Wisdom empower me. They cause me to acknowledge my unique relationship with The Divine. 

Currently, there is much talk about a new normal. I now know it is to the degree that I let go of the former beliefs in limitation, and to the degree that I provide a space in consciousness through which the Self-Giving-ness of Divine Love may be realized, that:  health, wealth, love, peace, and harmony become a normal way of life, right here and right now ~ for all people of the planet.


This Week’s Affirmation

Love is the essence of who I am.  My desired good cannot help but come to fruition in my experience as I believe.

By Angela “Chris” Beam

Originally posted March 2021


SAVE THE DATE

~ Meditation ~ Inspirational Reflections ~ Journaling ~ Sharing ~ 

SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2026
10 AM – 12:00 Noon
Centerville Community Center

3025 Bethany Church Rd. – Room D
Centerville, GA 30039


CELEBRATING LOVE: The Gift of Christmas

Rev. Mary Louise Ruffner

“Only love knows love, and love knows only love.”
~Ernest Holmes, Science of Mind, p.478~

~ ~ ~ ~ 

“If you think Love is weak ~ you are asleep.If you think Love isn’t everything ~ you might be confused.
If you think Love is only passion ~ you don’t know who you really are.”
~ Ade Anifowose, Spiritual Appetizers for the Soul ~

~ ~ ~ ~ 

“When you love you should not say “God is in my heart,” but rather, “I am in the heart of God.
~ Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet ~

~ ~ ~ ~ 

“God’s the love that I Am. God’s the love that I Am. 
God’s the love that I Am. God’s the love I Am.”
~ The GodSong Chant, Sacred Days ~

Yes, … artists, philosophers, poets, theologians, and people of all walks of life and perspectives have attempted to describe Love, only to find that, like trying to describe God, every attempt falls short of Its Absolute Nature. However, when any aspect of this Many Splendored Thing is realized, the potential for life-enhancing transformation is activated in one’s life.

Whether one says Love is God, or God is Love, it is a declaration that the two are one and the same. And, to celebrate Love is to recognize, acknowledge, and worship Its existence. It is the first step that moves one toward wholeness. What has been called “miraculous healings” have occurred as a result of an experience of Love.

While it may validate our sense of self-worth to receive Love; the real fulfillment is when we give It. Now we all know you can’t give what you don’t have; so, the far-reaching implication is, we each have Love right now.  It is our inherent nature.  It is the Presence of God within us. True fulfilment is always when we express our true nature. No wonder it is written, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) 

When celebrating the season of giving, remember, It is the strength and power of Love that make all things new. It is the power of forgiveness. It releases the errors of yesterday – mine and yours. The self-givingness of the Indwelling Spirit of Love is God’s grace personified. 

It is good to pause and celebrate the Reality of Love all around, expressing not only as romantic relationships (Eros)’ but as friends, neighbors and co-workers (Philia); as family (Storge); and as humanity (Agape); all flowing from the Self-Love of the Indwelling Spirit.

Celebration is a form of gratitude – of appreciation. Gratitude has a tendency to expand that for which we are grateful. The more each one of us consciously participates in the divine circulation of giving and receiving Love, we become a beneficial presence that constitutes a world that works for everyone.

 Yes, “Love loves you back.”  


This Week’s Affirmation

“I express Infinite Love at the center of my being right here, right now!”

Angela “Chris” Beam


A Message from: Rev. Mary Louise Ruffner  and Robbin G. Ruffner. RScP Emeritus

You are invited
to
THE STILLPOINT REUNION GATHERING
~ a time of ~
 ~ Meditation ~ Inspirational Reflections ~ Journaling ~ Sharing ~ 

SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2026
10 AM – 12:00 Noon

Centerville Community Center
3025 Bethany Church Rd. – Room D
Centerville, GA 30039