“Truth is that which is. It is the Reason, Cause, and Power in and through everything. It is Birthless, Deathless, Changeless, Complete, Perfect, Whole, Self-Existent, Causeless, Almighty, God, Spirit, Law, Mind, Intelligence, and anything and everything that implies Reality. “
~ The Science of Mind, page 639 ~

~ ~ ~ ~

“Reality actually means that which is indestructible, incapable of decay. Reality is unchanging and everlasting. The self we see is what man has thought about himself, the form he has molded by his thought. The Real Self is Perfection, for God could not know anything unlike Himself. Our Sonship is Reality – the Christ abiding in us. The Kingdom of God within us is Reality. Reality, as concerning man, is that God in man, as man, is man.”
~ The Science of Mind, page 624 ~

~ ~ ~ ~ 

“Perception is a way of regarding, understanding, or interpreting something; a mental impression.”
~ The Oxford Online Dictionary ~

~ ~ ~ ~

Words can be tricky, especially when the effort is to distinguish spiritual things from material things. The Reality is, there is One Universal Self, whose three-fold nature is Spirit, Soul/ Mind, and Body, in all, through all, and as all. Actually, there is no line of demarcation where This One begins and ends.  The Invisible First Cause or The Absolute, Changeless, Pure Essence at the center of everything is Ultimate Reality.  The ever-changing forms in the physical world, experienced through the senses, are the relative. They are the logical results of our beliefs about who we are.

While the Changeless Reality of Peace, Love, Harmony, Beauty, Abundance, Joy, Wisdom are forever intact, and is the True Self, or Presence of God within every one of us; we perceive our identity based on the experiences we encounter.  Thus, the expression, “perception is reality.”

Whatever we believe to be true about life has a tendency to out-picture as the people places, things and the conditions we experience. It is not surprising that we have measured reality (up until now) according to the false evidence appearing as if it is the truth. We actually refer to it as “my truth.”  

So, the question is, how do you perceive reality based on the world of effects that you presently experience? What are you telling yourself about yourself that is not true?  What are you telling yourself about the people, places you encounter day in and day out?  Are you ready to become a greater version of yourself? The potential for expressing our True Self is unlimited.  However, we cannot heal what we do not acknowledge needs healing; i.e., restored to wholeness.

The lovely thing about the unity of all life is, when any one of us is lifted into a higher vibration of Self-expression; the consciousness of humanity is simultaneously lifted to some degree. We each make a difference in the total scheme of things.  Let us begin by feeling, sensing, and embracing our nature of Peace, Love, Harmony, Beauty, Abundance, Joy, and Wisdom.

---

This Week’s Affirmation

“I see everyone in their highest light and every event from its highest point of view.”

https://bmindful.com/

---

ANNOUNCEMENT

Robbin G. Ruffner, RScP Emeritus
Guest Speaker
Topic: “Upleveling: Upleveling our Vibrational Frequency”

Hybrid Service
Sunday, May 26,2025
10am – 11am

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6130779853
Meeting ID: 613 077 9853

Unitarian Universalist Meeting House
21 Fairground Road  
Springfield, VT 05156

---

“Perfect God, perfect man, perfect being.”
~ Ernest Holmes ~

~ ~ ~ ~

“Can you see beauty even when it’s not pretty?”
~ The Invitation, Oriah Mountain Dreamer ~

~ ~ ~ ~

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
~ John 8:32 (NIV) ~

According to The Oxford Dictionary, the word “healing” means, “The process of making or becoming sound or healthy again.”  ‘Becoming healthy again,’ suggests that one’s natural state is wholeness; i.e., spirit, mind, and body in perfect alignment. It further suggests that there is a way, or method through which a perfect healing may be realized.

Ernest Holmes, the author of The Science of Mind, states, “The whole idea of healing, when understood, is the substitution of Truth for sense-testimony.”  Here, he provides a clearly defined process for becoming whole, not only in our physical body, but the body of our affairs. He tells us that even while there is apparent evidence of lack, limitation, fear, anxiety, bigotry, or any disorder, begin to acknowledge our true nature that is always whole, complete, and perfect, and knows nothing of sickness, lack, failing relationships, or suffering of any kind.   In other words, begin to tell ourselves the Truth about our inherent nature in spite of the condition we may be experiencing. This method is called Spiritual Mind Healing.  

 Our natural state of being is the image and likeness of God. God is the Invisible Presence of Peace, Harmony, Love, Joy, Wisdom, Beauty, Abundance, and all that is everlasting goodness. As we embody this Truth of who we truly are, the creative energy of Divine Mind receives the vibrational tone of our beliefs and feelings and becomes our experiences in the world. In other words, when the qualities of The Divine are deeply felt within one’s self, as one’s self, they cannot help but express as that individual.

When concepts of Oneness and Unity are not only intellectualized, but are internalized and embraced as the absolute reality about life, and practiced accordingly, soon a new pattern is established. The former erroneous thoughts and beliefs that say, God and me; them and us, sickness and health, etc., will fall away naturally, dissolving into the native nothing from whence they came.

This does not mean we deny the experience or the condition that is showing up in the physical or emotional realms.

Self-care includes pursuing professionals and modalities that offer relief and alleviate discomfort. It does mean, however, that we consistently remember who we are as defined by our inherent nature. 

The healing process involves aligning one’s self with The Changeless Truth at the center of our being.  Actually, the only thing that ever needs to be healed, is the belief in separation.

The Prayer of Faith by Hannah More Kohaus affirms:

God is my health, I can’t be sick;
God is my strength, unfailing, quick;
God is my all; I know no fear,
Since God, and Love, and Truth are here.

---

This Week’s Affirmation

“I am one with Spirit – one with Wholeness.  That is my being.”

~ Angela “Chris” Beam ~

“All’s Love – yet all’s Law”
~ Robert Browning ~

~ ~ ~ ~

“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law.”
~ Romans 13:10 ~

~ ~ ~ ~

“How precious did that Grace appear, the hour I first believed.”
 ~ Amazing Grace, by John Newton ~

No matter what you call it, there’s no denying that there is a Presence, a Power, an Intelligence that is Self-Existent and is The First Cause of all Creation.  It is Perfect Love, Perfect Peace, Perfect Wisdom. It is Harmony and Order. These attributes and qualities of The One Transcendent One are within every one of us.   It is the essence of all life.

From a metaphysical point of view, this primordial essence is Spirit or Divine Mind. It is an Omnipresent Creative Energy that makes all things out of itself.

The philosopher asserts: “As above, so below”; “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he”; and, “It is done unto you as you believe.” These are just a few examples of what mystics throughout the ages have discovered about the innate power within every individual.

In the field of science, the scientist discovers a principle; i.e., an invisible, infallible law that activates that which is unseen, demonstrating its reality. The thing is then experienced in the physical, material world, no matter how long it had laid dormant.  Electricity, mathematics, and music are common examples of universal principles made manifest.  The principle of a thing is the law that governs it. It responds to all who tap into its nature and applies its way. The law, or Principle is unbreakable and non-negotiable. It works the same, all the time, without exception.

Through careful observation, I recognize phrases like: “You are the image and likeness of God” (Genesis 1:27); “Know ye not that ye are gods” (Psalm 82:6/John 10:35); and “The Father and I are One” (john 10:30) are all statements about my nature and my relationship with the source of all life. As I begin to accept these words as a description of me in the here and now, I realize that while The Infinite One is the Macrocosm, or Universal Presence, that I am the microcosm; i.e., an individualization of The One.  It becomes clear to me that the highest God and the innermost God are inseparable and forever unified.

Each day I must remember to remind myself that I am a channel through which God’s idea of Itself flows through me, as me each time I apply the principles of Perfect Love, Perfect Peace, Perfect Wisdom, Harmony, and Order to every person, place, and thing I encounter in my daily round.    Otherwise, it is easy to forget and I become like the seed upon the wind that Howard Thurman describes saying, “He takes his clue to all meaning and values from the passing moment, the transitory event, the immediate issue of his day.”

The spiritual practices that I engage are not required to please a Super Power outside of myself. Rather, they are to awaken the awareness of the Super Power that lives within me, lest I get caught up with error-thought and imaginings through downward gazing. Therefore, I practice the principle of peace on earth and goodwill towards all people, knowing that Principle is never bound by precedent, but is immediate in its response.

---

This Week’s Affirmation

“I GOT THIS! I am a channel for good, ever-present and ready to flow.”

~Keith Childers~

“Love is the self-givingness of the Spirit through the desire of Life to express Itself in terms of creation. Emerson tells us that Love is a synonym for God. We are also told in the New Testament that “He that loveth not, knoweth not God; for God is love.” Love is free from condemnation, even as it is free from fear. Love is a cosmic force whose sweep is irresistible.”
~The Science of Mind, by Ernest Holmes~

~ ~ ~ ~

“Love is the water of life. And a lover is a soul of fire! The universe turns differently when fire loves water.”
~The Forty Rules of Love, Shams of Tabriz~

~ ~ ~ ~

“Perfect Love casts out all fear.”
~1John: 4:18~IS

~ ~ ~ ~

Too often we look to the world for the love and happiness we desire to experience. Herein lies the problem. In his book, Spiritual Economics, Eric Butterworth says, “The world owes you nothing, the universe owes you everything,” implying the gift of creation is within our power… After all, our nature, being unified with God’s nature, is to give to the world the love and happiness that is already ours.

The idea that each and every living being is an individualization of the One Presence, God, is a radical concept that has been taught by the enlightened ones throughout all time. They have used the tools of language, art, and storytelling, for which we have recited many times. Yet, until one has a personal experience of the divinity that lies at the center of our being, the infinite possibilities stretched before us lie dormant in a sea of potential.

The process of awakening to your true identity takes commitment to a spiritual practice and a willingness to move through the appearances you may encounter along the way.  This requires practicing the right use of judgment. For example, while you may be in agreement with the often-heard phrases, “There’s not a spot where God is not” and “God is Love.”; it is not always easy to see and to proclaim love for those who are showing up in the world in opposition to that which is the highest good for the collective community.

When practicing the presence of our Love-Self, we are challenged to remember that every human aberration, whether ours or another’s, that shows up as envy, boastfulness, dishonoring others, self-seeking, easily angered, or keeping record of wrongs; is born out of ignorance of one’s true nature. They are actually misplaced spiritual aspirations trying to break through.

Understanding this doesn’t mean we must become a best friend, lover, or an associate with those who initiate a negative atmosphere. It does mean, however, that through a regular practice of unifying with the God of Love within, we begin to recognize this is the truth of everyone whether they realize it or not. Within your heart you may begin to sing, “I love myself so much – so I can love you so much – so you can love you so much –so you can start loving me.”

It is written that Love is patient and kind; that It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Imagine a world that works for everyone, saturated in Omnipresent Love.

---

This Weeks Affirmation

“I am a source of inspiration for others”.

https://passionplanner.com/blogs/content/self-love-affirmations

REPOST

“Who can separate his faith from his actions, or his belief from his occupations?
~ Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet ~

“The unexamined life is not worth living.” 
~ Socrates ~

Who am I? What is mine to do? What is my purpose? How do I make a difference in the world?   These are common questions that arise for the spiritually inspired who have taken an assessment of their personal beliefs, values, and worldview.

Based on the premise, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you,” (Matthew 7:7), I imagine Divine Wisdom’s response, saying in effect: ‘You are pure spirit, an individualization of the One Spirit which is the Sole Creator of all life. Everything that you do is the creative nature of the Creator expressing through you, as you.  

The purpose-driven life of the one aligned with spiritual principles is a conduit through which Unconditional Love, Peace, Harmony, Wisdom, Wholeness, Abundance, Beauty, and Joy are unleashed, creating a positive force for good in the world.’

~ ~ ~ ~

When one is in alignment with the nature of the One Source, God, there is a natural tendency to ‘give’ to the world. They are service-oriented people, serving humanity with their time, talents, skills, and abilities, regardless of the avenue used, be it academic, corporate, political, or the arts. The choice is always ours, and the ever-present creative energy flows the same through all. What matters is the motive (or driving force) for doing what is being offered.  It is from a consciousness of unity and a sincere intention for the highest good of everyone to be realized, that a world that works for everyone begins to emerge. 

The blind spot for the one who has never questioned their existence and inadvertently seeks to ‘get’ something from the world, may be as simple as the attitudes, beliefs, opinions, and actions, inherited from the error-thought and worldview of the unenlightened.   

Rev. Michael B. Beckwith teaches: “Disagree with any thought-form that says, “My good is coming from someone else. My answer is coming from someone else.”  “All good comes directly from the Source of all Creation.”  

~ ~ ~ ~

From outer appearances, there may be no evidence based on one’s occupation that distinguishes the enlightened from the unenlightened. As the Zen Proverb teaches: “Before enlightenment; chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment; chop wood, carry water.” However, those who, in the recesses of their being, are awake enough to practice their spiritual identity, their personal mission, and goals are a beneficial presence in the world. 

Those who are aware of their own unenlightened parts, engage in a daily practice of Love, Forgiveness, Peace, and Compassion for all. They are forever growing into their greater-yet-to-be, whose consciousness is making a difference in the world.

---

This Weeks Affirmation

“I AM a conduit expressing the attributes of the Divine. . .  creating a positive force for Good in our world.”

Mary Jane LaBonte