Planet earth has often been compared to a classroom. It is here we learn to move through the material, physical realm, while completely dependent on the invisible, spiritual realm of our lives. The phrases, “we are in this world, but not of it,” and “we are spiritual beings, having a human experience,” describe this phenomenon.  Even the biblical phrase, “In my Father’s house there are many mansions,” suggests the various levels, or grades of awareness one may experience while traveling through this thing called life. 

Staying with the classroom metaphor for a moment, imagine with me how we gradually move from one self-created experience to another. Each stage providing a lesson that seems like a balancing act of our feelings, thoughts, and emotions in response to what is happening in our lives.  At the same time, the challenge is to cultivate the ability to stay in alignment with the Love, Peace, Harmony, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Joy of the Spirit. It is a process of moving to higher and higher states of consciousness; i.e., a continuous ascension from glory to glory. 

When I was a child, there was a little ditty taught in Sunday School that you may have learned as well. It went like this: “Count your blessings, name them one by one. Count your blessings, see what God has done. Count your blessings! Name them one by one! Count your many blessings, see what God has done!”

What a wonderful foundation it establishes in the mind of the young one! The instructions for this spiritual practice are very clear. It is one of focus and intention, resulting in a realization of Truth.   The “catchy” tune is inviting, making the process a joyful experience. 

Throughout the years, one may begin to remember overcoming a serious health challenge; or, experiencing the healing power of love; or, the blessing of financial sufficiency received in an hour of need.

Obviously, the simple lesson is to remember the many times we have experienced spontaneous grace. In so doing, there is a tendency of restored peace, faith, and harmony to the mind. The practice becomes an avenue through which more and more good flows.  Soon we move into a state of deep gratitude. 

Ernest Holmes defines “appreciation, gratitude and thanksgiving as the motive power which attracts and magnifies the hidden potentialities of life.” He also teaches,” there is something in this attitude of thanksgiving that carries us beyond the field of doubt into one of perfect faith and acceptance, receptivity…realization.”  

These lessons support us tremendously as we move through the apparent uncertainty, separation, and division of the human experience, both individual and collective that are all around us. While we do not put our heads in the sand, ignoring the out picturing of these circumstances; we do not fall prey to the belief of hopelessness. Instead, we move with confidence, doing what is ours to do; while remembering God’s unlimited grace. 

In such a moment, the former things fall away … providing a space for the greater-yet-to-be to unfold. The Presence and Power of Unlimited Potential is within every one of us.

Let us join hands in the awareness that All is One, and the only time is Now, singing our new song:

“I am so blessed. I am so blessed.
I am so grateful for all that I have.
I am so blessed. I am so blessed.
I am so grateful. I am so blessed.”

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This Weeks Affirmation

“I am so grateful and blessed for the opportunity to live a life of love, joy, and peace.”

Keith Childers

Original posted April 4, 2023

“We envision humanity awakening to its spiritual magnificence and discovering the creative power of thought; a world where each and every person discovers his/her own personal power and ability to create an individual life that works within a world that works for everyone.”
 ~ Global Vision for Centers for Spiritual Living ~

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“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world.  Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” ~ Rumi ~

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“I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.”  ~ Michelangelo ~ 

I love the line from Oriah Mountain Dreamer’s poem, The Invitation, where she poses the question, “Can you see beauty even when it’s not pretty?

The one who is willing to dive deeply into the inquiry will discover an awesome lesson about the nature of being; one that becomes a transformative factor that yields something wonderful every time. For example, when we affirm that God is all there is, and that one of Its qualities is Beauty, it stands to reason that Beauty is as omnipresent as God. This is true about all the qualities recognized as The Divine; e.g., Love, Peace, Joy, Harmony, Beauty, and so on. These are all eternal verities, the inherent nature of every living being. The question is, do we see these qualities operating in the world even when the appearance and experience suggest otherwise?

The adversity in the world cannot be denied; so, how do we reconcile the concept of omnipresent goodness while observing tangible evidence that suggests otherwise? Once we gain insight about this dilemma, we begin to realize the ancient wisdom of scripture that tells us about “false evidence appearing real.”

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Emma Curtis Hopkins tells us that all of nature is driven by an instinctive impulse that declares “There’s good for me and I ought to have It.” However, as long as there is the belief that humanity is made up of separate beings struggling for their ‘fair share’ of life, rather than an awareness of our unity in the One Presence; our creative efforts have a tendency to be distorted. The unconscious belief that some “other” is standing in our way of our “good” causes fear, competition, not-enough-ness, and all manner of low self-esteem. This false belief has the tendency to conceal the original motivating factor. 

Some wise one has said that for every human aberration, there is a spiritual aspiration trying to break through. In other words, every flaw (sin?) that is not pretty is evidence of one’s missing the mark or being out of alignment with the Original and, Unchanging Source. The visionary pierces the veil of illusion and sees the beauty that is trying to express. 

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You may begin right now envisioning the good that’s trying to express and give gratitude for it. What we praise has a tendency to increase. In so doing, the Invisible Forces of Peace, Harmony, Love, Wisdom, Beauty, and Joy begin to flow through your life experiences, revealing fulfilling relationships; wellness in your body temple; success in your career and creative endeavors; abundance in your finances; and peace of mind in all your comings and goings. 

The good news is, it doesn’t matter how long we have been hypnotized by error thinking and action. The underlying Principle that governs all life is intact. We may begin right now claiming the sincere desires of our hearts.  Soon, as visionaries, it becomes clearer and clearer what is ours to do that contributes to a world that out pictures peace on earth and goodwill toward all. 

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This Week’s Affirmation

“I know, despite any seeming disparity, the Good is always (all ways) there if I choose to see.”

by Judy Hilley

Originally posted January 17, 2023

“One small step for man, one giant step for mankind.”
~ Neil Armstrong ~

“Little by little, you will turn into the whole sweet, amorous universe. Love will surely burst you wide open into an unfettered, booming new galaxy.”
~ Hafiz ~

There have always been individuals who have tapped into the Unlimited Potential of the universe and initiated ways and means that added to the further evolution of the planet. While engaged in their creative endeavor, many of these inventors, artists, and trailblazers remained unknown or were rejected. However, once the positive impact of their work was recognized, many were then viewed as overnight sensations.

These are the ones we hear about, read about, and celebrate…and rightfully so. In many ways their accomplishments are a roadmap for the possibilities stretched before us. While these acts are truly admirable and give us insight into the ever-evolving world that is always revealing the greater-yet-to-be; let us not lose sight that this unfoldment is taking place through each one of us all the time. It is in our nature of Oneness that we each play an intricate part that affects the Whole. 

The realization that the same Genius resides within every one of us is inspiration enough to activate the ideas that bring happiness to our individual lives, i.e., health, fulfilling relationships, prosperity, and creative expression, to name a few. I have this notion that has become a mantra for me, i.e., ‘that which I know for sure is for my highest good, is the highest good for all concerned.’ After all, because of our Oneness with the All, we always carry the All with us. 

 The Global Vision of Centers for Spiritual Living offers concepts for successful living. For example, each time we make a decision that provides “enough food, a home, and a sense of belonging,” we lift the consciousness of humanity and become an inspiration that others may follow. When we “forgive others for errors, injustices, or debt,” it establishes an avenue through which God’s grace flows. Each time we “renew our emphasis on beauty, nature, and love through the resurgence of creativity, art, and aesthetics,” our fellow travelers as well as the next generation have a blueprint for “a world in which we live and grow as One Global Family that respects and honors the interconnectedness of all life; a world where this kinship with all life prospers and connects through the guidance of spiritual wisdom and experience.“

‘What is ours to do’ is a driving force that motivates us to action. Whether it isone’s life vocation or a single act of kindness; it always contributes to the whole of humanity. Each one who has persisted in their pursuit of happiness, one might say has found the answer to, “what is mine to do?”  These individuals, (mystics and heroes of a sort), participate in the evolution of humanity. It is like we have received the baton passed on by former generations. In due time, we pass thebaton to the next generation of light bearers. 

The raw material that we are dealing with is limitless in its ability to express. It is always expanding into greater and greater possibilities. Each one of us is unfolding into our greater-yet-to-be, while letting there be peace on earth and good will towards all of humanity. 

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This Weeks Affirmation

“Today I honor my creative self and allow Spirit to use me for the betterment of all mankind.”

by Judy Hilley

Originally posted 3/21/23.

“Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it;
Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.”
~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe ~

“Just do it.”
~ Niki Slogan ~

I enjoy watching game shows and other competitions where contestants vie for the winning position. While I may traditionally play favoritism to my hometown team, I recently found myself cheering for the person whose turn it was at the time.

I noticed this inner response several months ago when I was watching a championship basketball game and became more interested in the skill, strength, wit, speed, and strategy that each player displayed vs. the particular player or team. I saw the power of God moving uniquely through each individual. Now, of course, some players missed their baskets while others effortlessly executed three-pointers with ease and grace. And there were masters of the game like Steph Curry and LeBron James and others who, like mystics, allow the Spirit to flow unimpeded. Regardless, it takes the involvement of all the participants to claim, “a good game.”

The point is, when we bear witness to the inherent potential of life fully engaged, there is no ‘them and us, but a common goal to express life more abundantly. We can then say, “Life is good.”

Another thing I noticed is my unconditional support for the contestants of my favorite TV game shows. In other words, my focus is in anticipation of these perfect strangers winning. There is always something new that I learn from them; as well as the times when I shout answers to the TV that I know and they do not. 

The point is, each scenario is a metaphor for life, i.e., we are united, interdependent beings, each contributing to the whole through giving and receiving. The Apostle Paul tells us, “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.”

We are all winners. We are beings of Light, having our existence in a field of infinite possibilities while fully endowed with the nature of God, i.e., Love, Peace, Harmony, Wisdom, Abundance, and Joy. This awareness, when applied in a practical way, is sufficient for the creation of a world that works for everyone. 

We need not stand on the sidelines of life, believing someone else can do it better; or, that we are not qualified to participate. The fact that we are on the planet right now means we are already a partaker in the game of life. As we each let our Light shine according to our unique individualization of The Divine, we become a beneficial presence in the world, doing what is ours to do. 

There is a Presence, Intelligence, and Powerful Energy within every one of us. There is a Cosmic Law that responds by corresponding with the vision we present It. If there is a dream in your heart that brings no harm to you or to anyone else, then just do it! You have what it takes to win! 

And so, it is!

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This Weeks Affirmation
“God in me expresses fully as me for my highest good – and I allow it to be so!”

Angela “Chris” Beam

Originally posted 10/10/2023

“Human transformation is an internal shift that brings us in alignment with our highest potential. – Both systematic and miraculous, there’s no timeline on inner transformation. It can happen in an instant, through a lifetime of development – or, more commonly, through both.” 
~ Allaya Cooks-Campbell ~

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There is a Mystery that moves throughout all life. Scientists research the patterns of this Universal Phenomenon; philosophers ponder the hidden meaning that It imparts; and mystics know, without knowing how they know, the language of the soul. 

 There is a Presence of Intuitive Energy that causes humans to evolve through their own self-will. The same Mystical Intelligence ignites the instinctive nature of our animal friends. This One is alive in every plant and in every stone. The Great Something, called by many names, is the Power that governs the stars, moons, planets, and all of the sky-filled Light. Its Movement courses through every drop of water and every grain of sand. There’s not a spot where God is not. 

In quiet moments, we may each feel and realize the awesomeness of Spirit as our very own life; and, our soul may spontaneously begin to sing, “How Great Thou Art.”   Otherwise, it is easy for the implication of this profound cosmic reality to slip into the background of our consciousness as we deal with the comings and goings of the experiences we encounter most of our hours and days. This is not criticism, but rather an observation. 

It takes courage, determination, and unwavering faith to undertake a way of life that utilizes our inherent creative nature to make choices that are in alignment with the highest good we can imagine for ourselves and for our neighbors as well.

This does not suggest that manifesting a beautiful home, loving relationships, the ideal job, or the adventure of traveling is not wise. Of course, it is. However, it is a consciousness of Beauty, represented by a place of Peace; or a consciousness of Love represented by harmonious and fulfilling relationships that bring true happiness. In other words, the implication here is to practice aligning one’s self with the nature of the Origin, i.e., The First Cause that is sure to yield the true desire of the heart. A consciousness of the essence of all things makes a difference.

The difference that it makes is, there’s no anxiety about how things will work out; or if you have other people’s approval; or will there be enough to do what is mine to do; or, will there be a relapse; or if I am loved; or is success mine; or am I safe? Free of those doubts and worries, there is a blessed assurance, a sense of security that, like the lilies of the field, we neither spin nor toil. 

The good news is, we may begin anew at any moment in time, creating the desires of the heart. Ancient wisdom teaches, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” ~ Romans 12:2 (NIV)

Remember that prayer is a recognition of the Omnipotent, Omniscient, and Omnipresent Life Force Living within you, i.e., “the highest God and the innermost God is one God.”

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This Weeks Affirmation

“Every day I make choices that are in alignment with the highest good I can imagine for all.”

By Mary Jane LaBonte

Originally posted September 2022