(Revisited)
It was a peaceful, quiet morning; and, like Brother Lawrence, I was lost in sacred daydreaming as I stood at my kitchen
sink washing dishes. All of a sudden, I heard a bird screaming for help. Yes, I mean really screaming.

Although I had never heard that sound before, I immediately knew the little one was crying out to me. There was a
Great Mystery within me that knew it was my responsibility to provide the help needed. I followed the sound until I
realized the little one was trapped inside the chimney of my house. I supported the little one in re-gaining its freedom,
the issue was soon resolved and the bird, once more sang its song of life, and I resumed my daydreaming.

I began to imagine what the bird may have told its greater community. I imagined it saying things like, ‘I was so lucky;’ ‘it was a miracle;’ ‘an angel appeared;’ ‘I felt the Presence;’ ‘I heard the voice of God;’ ‘my Redeemer lives;’ and other sentiments in an effort to express the mystical experience it had just encountered.

As I continued my reverie of the events of the morning, the song “We Are the World” came to mind; particularly the line, “we’re saving our own lives.” I thought how easy it is to assume that another’s trouble (the trapped bird) has nothing to do with me, while actually, it is part of my very own household. 

~~ ~ ~

I recall times in my life when I felt trapped, with no feasible way out of an issue, be it health, finances, relationships, or grief. Like the little bird, my heart affirmed: “There is good for me and I ought to have it.”  Angels unaware rushed to my aid. Although they were ordinary people like you and me, I now know, no matter what; it was always the presence of God answering my call. I now understand, all life is God Life.

~ ~ ~

As I contemplate the Omnipresence of Spirit, I realize the one who calls is also the one who answers. It is The Presence of God living IN, THROUGH, and AS humanity. It is this Phenomenon that unifies us as one.  I tell myself that the affinity, connection, empathy, and kinship felt for another are a sure indication of universal interdependence. There is a silent communication that takes place between all beings. It is Holy Communion.

I realize, the Great Mystery that lives deep within me, hears the call of the deep within all of humanity, and ‘When Deep calls unto Deep…Deep Answers.’ It is through ‘lowly listening’ that the still small voice is heard, revealing what is ours to do. Yes, our Higher Power, the Indwelling God, always hears and always answers.

Affirmative prayer and meditation are practices that support us in attaining and maintaining this awareness.

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This Week’s Affirmation

There is a Magnificence within me that is ever available to serve…
When I call on It, It always responds…
My needs and desires are always met!

By Robbin G. Ruffner, RScP, Emeritus

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
~ Phillipians 4:8 ~

“We are not bound by the past unless we choose to be.” ~ “Principle is not bound by precedent.”
~ Ernest Holmes ~

We need not live a life of regrets; i.e., the “woulda, coulda, shoulda” syndrome. Remember “now” is the accepted time to go forth, fully-orbed with what you know in this moment, and with confidence, do what needs to be done by and through you, bringing a sense of fulfillment and joy. Our inherent freedom “to choose” is leeway enough to determine the quality of life we experience for ourselves as well as how it affects those within our circle of influence.

Making wise choices, powered by our inherent freedom to create our own lives, is the by-product of defining (to ourselves) our core values, and our personal beliefs. This takes commitment. It means taking time every day to affirm the vision we imagine as our life. When our choices, feelings, thoughts, and actions are in alignment, the universe responds by corresponding with our innermost convictions. Our choices affect others in a beneficial way to the degree our core values embrace a world that works for everyone.

This does not mean we are exempt from the effects of the choices others make. After all, we are all unified in the One Mind. However, it does mean we have within our power to choose to negate or conform to another’s viewpoint.

The untrained mind may inadvertently react impulsively and emotionally. To paraphrase Howard Thurman, they may feel justified “to give as good as they get when it seems someone has done violence to their self-respect and decent regard.” They may be inclined to retaliate in kind, as they ‘consider the source.’ This attitude may very well perpetuate an undesired climate of darkness.

On the other hand, the trained mind has a tendency to respond with deliberate thoughtfulness; always considering “The Source.” This high road of distinguishing ‘the deed from the doer’ may seem like weakness, while actually, it takes great strength of character. It is a consciousness of unity, of Light.

The difference in how one responds to the people, places, and things one encounters, may be a determining factor regarding health, wealth, and peace of mind, individually; as well as a determining factor in the world we live in, collectively.

With mindfulness of our true nature, we make choices that yield ease, grace, and a sense of well-being. So, it is with unwavering faith, we move forward, anchored in a peace that surpasses all human understanding.

The good news is, we are forever evolving into our greater-yet-to-be.

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This Week’s Affirmation

“The power of choice is my greatest strength.”

https://thegoodpositive.com/positive-affirmations-for-decision-making/

(Revisited)

“Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.”
~ Isaiah 42:9 ~ (KJV)

“And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also, he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
 ~ Revelations 21:5 ~ (ESV)

The mystical teachings of the Holy Bible, as well as all sacred texts of the world, are sometimes obscure simply because of the unfamiliar language in which they are written. Of course, there have always been a precious few, the mystics of the time, who gleaned the deeper and esoteric meaning found in the various scriptures. 

The Metaphysical Movement of New Thought presents ancient wisdom in a language that may be understood by anyone who is a sincere seeker of Truth.   One of the most liberating revelations, taught in the Science of Mind is, “Principle is not bound by precedent.” 

Principles are invisible laws of nature that cannot be broken. Their indestructible nature assures reliability, dependability, and permanence. While this is the core of all sciences, when it comes to The Life Principle undergirding our very existence, it is the blessed assurance that, with God, all things are possible. The Life Principle is one of forgiveness, inasmuch as, once understood and applied, the mistakes of yesterday no longer have an independent power to punish or to repeat themselves. 

With an understanding that there is a power for good in the universe and we can use it, superstition of all kinds is no longer an excuse for limitation. False notions return to the native nothingness from which they came. The native-nothingness is the field of pure potentiality that has no opinions but rather conforms to the beliefs that the thinker thinks.

The moment you and I catch the idea that we are truly spiritual beings right here and right now, fully imbued with the creative nature of God, we may speak a word of Truth and it becomes the reality of our lives immediately. Careful here. Our creative nature is not making something happen by our word, but rather, it is unleashing that which is already happening. The word we speak is an affirmation of our divine life right now and ignites the Principle of Truth. 

Careful here. Our creative nature is not making something happen by our audible word, but rather, it is the embodiment of the word spoken and feeling the feeling it ignites. The word we speak is an affirmation of our divine life right now and ignites the Principle of Truth; i.e., our inherent nature of Love, Peace, Harmony, Abundance, Wisdom, Order, Joy.

The story of the prodigal son is a perfect example of the Law in action. It tells of the instantaneous response received by the one who aligns herself with the Peace, Love, Harmony, Wisdom, Joy, Abundance, and Wholeness that is our true birthright. The shadows of lack, limitation, fear, disease, poverty, bigotry, and various kinds of mental prisons, melt under this Light of Grace.

None of this implies that, as enlightened beings, we no longer experience problems that must be worked out, any more than one proficient in the knowledge of mathematics will never mis-calculate. However, it does imply that, just as the mathematician applies his Principle of Numbers to his challenge, we apply the Principle of Spiritual Truth to ours.

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This Week’s Affirmation

“My mind is set free.”

www.thecoffeybreak.com

Be it a child’s game, a health challenge, the state of the country, or, everything in between; the faith factor is always being activated, even in the darkest moments, when there seems to be no answer. 

The childhood game, Hide-and-Seek, was a favorite of mine.  I was super confident that I would always find my playmates in their favorite hiding places; or that they would tag the goal while I was still searching. This faith based on my previous experiences of playing the game was my assurance of success. When the game ended, I was summoned to come inside for the day and prepare for tomorrow.

Fast forward with me to the early part of 2002. I was feeling very low; lower than I had felt in a long time. Arriving home that day, I parked the car and hurried into my apartment.  I had a lot on my mind, so I was glad my new friends, the shy little girl and her mom who lived in the adjacent building, were not there to greet me as usual.  I was not in the mood for pleasantries. 

Once inside, I began to process the diagnosis the doctor had given me. Fear of the unknown flooded my mind. I was alone with my thoughts, feelings, confusion, and grief when suddenly there was a loud knock at my front door. Very unusual. 

It was my young neighbor standing there, her eyes filled with fear, crying, “my daughter, my daughter, I can’t find her. Help me.” In that very moment, I forgot what I was thinking about. Quickly I put my shoes on again and frantically I followed the young woman out of the door, asking “What’s your daughter’s name?” As we ran in opposite directions in search of the child, she shouted back to me, “Her name is Faith.” 

For the next 15 minutes, I ran throughout the complex, shouting: “Faith, Faith, where are you?  The young mom and I met again at our starting point.  There she was. We both saw her at the same time, this whimsical, mystical being called Faith. She showed her face from the walkway of her building. It was if her shy smile was saying, “I love this game of hide-and-seek.”  

I returned to my apartment and laughed out loud as I reflected on my search for Faith. Now, reunited with my core beliefs, the energy completely shifted. All anxiety was gone. The mesmeric spell of downward gazing was broken. I am summoned to that secret place within myself and I began preparing for tomorrow.  

This search for the child-like faith of my youth reminds me “that as I deal with my own individuality, I am dealing with the Universal, which has projected out of Itself that which is like itself on a miniature scale.” ¹ 

Anchored in a consciousness of Light, I know the nature of God is changeless, the Word of God is Law, deeply embedded in the substance of Wholeness, Oneness, Peace, Harmony, Love, and Wisdom; all that is indestructible, absolute, and self-existent. ²

While I do not ignore the cross-currents of division that appear in the world, I listen deeply to that still small voice that guides me into the unifying force that is irresistible and must yield a world that works for everyone. My unwavering faith is in the Indwelling Presence as I am motivated to seek and find the way.

1. SOM, 165.1
2. https://stillpointcsl.org/what-we-believe/

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This Weeks Affirmation

I elect to stand still, go within, and know the way.

By Keith D. Childers

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Celebration of Life Service  

in loving memory of
Judy Hilley
Saturday, July 20, 2024

Spiritual Living Center of Atlanta
2650 N Druid Hills Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30329

Visitation: 11:00 AM
Service: 12:00 Noon

Refreshments and Fellowship following the Service

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(Revisited)

“Before ye call I shall answer.” 
“This means that “every good and perfect gift” is already man’s, – awaiting his recognition.”
~ Florence Scovel Shinn, The Game of Life and How to Play It ~

~ ~ ~ ~

“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
~ 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV) ~

~ ~ ~ ~

“Whatever the nature of any principle may be – in so far as it is understood by anyone, it may be understood by all who take the time to investigate.”
~ Ernest Holmes, The Science of Mind ~

~ ~ ~ ~ 

“What I Know for Sure”
~ Oprah Winfrey ~

~ ~ ~ ~ 

When is enough, enough? What is the difference between faith and belief? Are some individuals more deserving than others? Does one have to know the Truth in order to benefit from the Unfailing Principle of Love and Law; or, does Grace fit into the equation? Truth seekers want to know – and, be for sure. Yet, we can only know for sure what we can prove for ourselves. 

Recently, I watched reruns from the once-popular TV Game Show, “Deal or No Deal.” The dynamics of the show reminded me of some of the above questions. The whole premise of the game is to receive the largest sum of money possible by ‘the luck of the draw,’ or ultimately, by striking a deal with the banker in order to get the best possible outcome.

The process/or strategy of the various contestants was interesting to observe. Some, I noticed, were defiant, insisting the box they chose contained the big prize, although the only reasoning that went into the selection was pure sentiment or superstition. This approach is used by those who “wish” and “hope” their dreams come true. They take a “chance” on life.

Some participants have a preconceived notion (mental equivalent) of the amount of money that would be sufficient for their well-being. Yet, when arriving at that mark, they gamble it all, hoping for more. The mental equivalent, or consciousness they brought to the game, can be likened to a container or their capacity to receive. “Man can only receive what he sees himself receiving.” (Florence Scovel Shinn, The Game of Life and How to Play It) 

Some players are influenced by the opinions of their family and friends; i.e., the by-standers.  Others, while accepting support and encouragement, nonetheless, make the final decision for themselves.

The player does not have an opponent, his/her fate is between herself and the banker.

All of this reminds me of Howard Thurman’s prose where he compares individuals with “A Seed Upon the Wind.” He describes how we are constantly being pushed and pulled by conditions and circumstances. The one who is unaware of their relationship with The Omnipresent Spirit, often believes he is powerless over what happens in his life. On the other hand, the one who is anchored in a Principle-driven life is assured, with unwavering faith, that the Life Force whose Divine Nature is Love, Peace, Harmony, Order, Wisdom, Abundance, and Joy is forever present in all of life experiences; be it finances, relationships, health, or creative expression. 

It pays to reflect on our personal relationship with The Divine, and receive the answers we seek.  

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This Weeks Affirmation

“It’s true. I AM exactly ALL that I know that I AM!”
~ Keith Childers ~

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ANNOUNCEMENT

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Celebrating the Life 
of
Judy Hilley

Saturday, July 20, 2024

Spiritual Living Center of Atlanta
2650 N Druid Hills Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30329

Visitation: 11:00 AM

Service: 12:00 Noon

Repast and Fellowship following the Service

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