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EVOLVING AD INFINITUM

Rev. Mary Louise Ruffner

“I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul.”
~ William Ernest Henley ~ 

“All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.”
~ Julian of Norwich ~

Learning to use The Law of Mind in Action to manifest the desires of the heart is a progressive way of living and leads us to the next juncture of personal growth. For example, the tangible form or experience we encounter as a result of that which we have affirmed and accepted in our minds denotes our core values.  It may take several seasons of observing repeated patterns before realizing that this is so. If we are not pleased with what we keep bumping into, we may activate the Law again with a different mindset that yields different results.      

Truth be told until we are living in alignment with the fundamental nature of all life, which is the changeless good of Harmony, Peace, Love, Joy, Beauty, Wisdom, etc., we are never completely satisfied.  However, an embodiment of these qualities guides us to make right choices regarding the people, places, and things we add to the world.

The spiritual practice of Spiritual Mind Treatment supports us in this endeavor.

Yes, as each one of us is lifted up in consciousness, humanity evolves into its greater-yet-to-be. In other words, as we individually expand into an awareness of the unlimited potential we have as spiritual beings, and act upon this awareness, we begin to establish new paradigms. The mindset of the majority becomes an influential energy that is the dawning of a new day on earth.  

We have come a long way in human history when we consider the influences the mystics of the ages have made to the collective consciousness. Also, when we look at the rapid advancement of technology and science, it is amazing how quickly we have outgrown the yesterdays, and have conformed to the todays of our time. For many inhabitants of the planet, there was never a time without the internet or a moon landing.

On the other hand, it certainly appears that we have a long way to go when the human experience of division, war, hatred, fear, and violent destruction is all around. It appears as though the wheels of evolution are turning slowly when there is still so much to be healed in the mind of humanity. However, Jesus, so wisely predicted that the “poor” will always be with us; i.e. those poor or lacking in the awareness of our spiritual nature through which all things are possible.

To the degree that we are consciously in sync with the spiritual nature that permeates everything, it is to that degree that we spontaneously slip into higher and higher vibrations of life and living. Everyone who participates in “a world where personal responsibility joins with social conscience in every area of the political, corporate, academic, and social sector, providing sustainable structures to further the emerging global consciousness “, is a beneficial presence that catapults us upward from glory-to-glory ad infinitum; i.e., a blessing in the here and now and for all the generations to come.


This Week’s Affirmation

“I consciously choose to be a beneficial presence in this world now.”

~ Mary Jane LaBonte, RScP ~

AFFIRM THE TRUTH

Rev. Mary Louise Ruffner

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; The courage to change the things I can; And the wisdom to know the difference.”
~ The Serenity Prayer, by Reinhold Niebuhr ~

As long as we see challenges as “it is what it is”, with a defeatist attitude – as if there’s nothing that can be done about the situation at hand, there is a mental equivalent established, or a picture in our mind’s eye that, when unchecked becomes the very essence of our experience.  Emma Curtis Hopkins, a 19th-century mystic, said it this way: “That thou seest, that thou beest.”

Let’s stop affirming our ‘yeah, that’s right,’ and, ‘ain’t it awful,’ so quickly. Let’s stop buying into ideas and concepts without considering the far-reaching implications of our agreements. There’s a difference between having compassion for another as they move through challenges and related feelings, and quite another when out of sympathy, to claim mutual ownership of those emotions.  

The Power for Good, which is the inherent nature of every living being, is activated by the agreements, feelings, and acceptance we have embraced about the people, places, and things we encounter in our day-to-day lives. When we react negatively to the ever-changing nature of life, be it in the realm of health, wealth, relationships, creativity, or whatever has shifted from the norm, the intensity of our feelings may, inadvertently, perpetuate that which, otherwise, has the potential to be healed.

On the other hand, when we have the presence of mind to respond to the Changeless Nature of Spirit, that is ever present, with the keen awareness of the underlying principles of Love, Peace, Harmony, Wholeness, Abundance, Beauty, and Joy, there is a mental equivalent established, or a picture in our mind’s eye that the Power for Good, responds by corresponding with the image we have embodied.

This does not imply that we deny the sense of pain, disappointment, loss, etc. that is part of the human experience. Jesus, the great mystic acknowledged, “In this world you will have trouble. … But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Yes, there may be a process of moving through troublesome times; however, there is never a need for settling for troublesome times.

Just as the proverbial ‘spilt milk’ will never go back into the glass; nonetheless, it is not a hopeless, helpless situation. After all, we can always clean up the floor, pour more milk into the glass, and begin again.  After all, the Power for Good, God, helps those who help themselves.

We show deep compassion for another and ourselves when we affirm the absolute truth regardless of what is showing up in the world.  The Truth is what it is, all the time. It does not change from person to person, nor does it depend upon circumstances. Staying in this consciousness requires daily practice. In so doing it is revealed what is ours to do that contributes to a world that works for everyone.


This Weeks Affirmation

“Today I affirm that I  overcome any challenge in the physical world by keeping my mind on the Good.”

~ Judy Hilley~ 

KNOW WHAT YOU KNOW

Rev. Mary Louise Ruffner

“Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. “
~ 1 Corinthians 2:9 ~

“… always remain open at the top for new insights. And, from that point, spiritual awareness can expand indefinitely.”
~ Ernest Holmes ~

From time to time, I am reminded of the parable of The Blind Men and An Elephant. It always puts into perspective for me, the vastness of Spirit.

If you are unfamiliar with the story or need a refresher, the following should suffice:

“The Blind Men and An Elephant is a story of a group of blind men who have never come across an elephant before and who learn and imagine what the elephant is like by touching it. Each blind man feels a different part of the animal’s body, but only one part, such as the side or the tusk. They then describe the animal based on their limited experience and their descriptions of the elephant are different from each other. In some versions, they come to suspect that the other person is dishonest and they come to blows. The moral of the parable is that humans have a tendency to claim absolute truth based on their limited, subjective experience as they ignore other people’s limited, subjective experiences which may be equally true.” (Wikipedia)

Prayer Practitioners often begin their prayer treatment with the words, “This is What I know!”  They go on to declare, claim, describe, and affirm the Truth they know to be so. This is an effective practice, inasmuch as Ernest Holmes states. “With even the most rudimentary understanding of Mind, any person can use thought to solve day-to-day problems.”

~~~~

The point is, whatever you know about God is sufficient. So, simply start right where you are in consciousness. With conviction declare what you know is so. Then, practice that principle as a way of life.  In so doing, not only is the good you seek revealed in your life; you also slip into a greater awareness of The Presence expressing in, through, and as you.

Let us continue to move from glory to glory, anchored in an unwavering faith in the goodness that awaits us beyond what we presently see.


This Weeks Affirmation

“My perspective changes daily as I turn to Spirit.”

~ Angela “Chris” Beam ~

LOVE’S WAY

Rev. Mary Louise Ruffner

“Love is nature’s way of giving a reason to be living.”
~ Lyrics, Love is a Many Splendored Thing. ~

“Perfect Love casts out all fear.”
~ The Holy Bible ~

“Love is a cosmic force whose sweep is irresistible.”
~ Ernest Holmes ~

“I want to be more loving in my heart.”
~ Howard Thurman ~

The month of February is filled with reminders that Love is a many splendored thing.

LOVE IS EQUALITY
The Season for Nonviolence, honoring Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr., continues throughout February.  These men chose to practice nonviolence as a way to defeat injustice, not people. They chose Love instead of hate.

LOVE IS UNITY
Black History Month is an opportunity to recognize the brilliance, creativity, and contributions people of color have made for the benefit of all. This annual practice dispels the myth of separation and embraces the idea of unity, oneness, and Perfect Love.

LOVE IS INTIMACY
Valentine’s Day reminds us of the deep connection between two souls who recognize the other as their Beloved and offer gifts of beauty and joy.

LOVE IS INSPIRATION
Presidents Day became a tradition to honor the patriotic and inspiring spirit of those whose vision of a united nation is anchored in Love.

The common denominator found in each of the above events is Love with a capital “L,” denoting Absolute, or God-Love, for which there are no opposites.  God-Love is more than sentimentality. It is not about condoning inappropriate behavior. It is not even necessary to say the words. It is, however, a deep understanding in your heart, the difference between the deed and the doer.  It is an inner knowing about your own spiritual nature and that of everyone else’s, without exception.

~ ~ ~ ~

Actually, Love is the only presence and power there is in the universe. However, as a result of downward gazing into the illusions of division, separation, duality and the like that out-picture as hatred, bigotry, and war – it sure seems otherwise.   And, overriding these experiences that take place in the human realm by affirming the Truth of Being, is not always an easy task, as it requires consistent practice. The Master Teacher, Jesus acknowledged, saying: “In this world you will have trouble. … But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

When Agape Love enters the human experience, it is reason to celebrate. After all, every time we let it be on earth as it is in the higher realms of God-Consciousness, there is a sense of well-being all around; our reason to be living is fulfilled; and, there is a rising up in the collective consciousness of humanity.

The practice of letting God be God in our lives causes a new way of being in the world.


This Week’s Affirmation

“With every thought, a wave of love takes flight.“

~ Keith Childers ~

CHANGE

Rev. Mary Louise Ruffner

“Row, row, row your boat, gently down the stream.
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, life is but a dream.”
~ Song lyrics, author unknown ~

 “The one thing you can count on is change!” This familiar phrase is no doubt relatable to you, just as it is to me.  Yes, everything that our five senses reveal to us, is in flux. Movement, that ultimately brings about change, is imminent. However, sometimes the flowing in and out of energy is so subtle that its effect is not noticeable. It’s much like rowing your boat slowly down a river on a lazy day and failing to notice the gradual changes that are taking place over the landscape.

There is an unconscious tendency to become accustomed to people, places, and things appearing a certain way as if they are permanently fixed in a certain mode of being.   Yet, atoms are always dancing, vibrating, and pulsating with thought patterns that cause ever-so-slight and gradual changes.

Though we don’t always “see” the change coming, we often “feel” the movement within us. Unable to define the particular outcome of these internal messages, our emotions, coupled with imagination begin to predict all kinds of scenarios.  In one scenario you may engage in “possibility thinking,” and you are pulled into a vision of great expectations. On the other hand, a worst-case scenario has a tendency to invoke fear, anxiety, worry, and stress.  These debilitating by-products of duality-thinking create delusional illusions that have no real substance or basis. Remember, energy flows where attention goes.

When the change becomes evident in the external world, we may encounter a moment when suddenly the whole picture of that which we are accustomed changes. When the unexpected change expresses greater good in our lives, we may call it a miracle. On the other hand, when the sudden change out pictures as the falling apart of that which was stabilized, we may call it devastation. It is all perspective and perception.

Often, what is considered obstacles along the way are simply the terrain we must cross in order to arrive at the desired destination.  Those who are consciously traveling a path of enlightenment, soon realize the old ways of being in the world must fall apart in order for a higher viewpoint to be actualized.

                                                                                                 ~ ~ ~ ~

It is here that our spiritual knowledge and power come into play. Spiritual knowledge rises above the five senses into the realm of the metaphysical; i.e., that which is beyond and transcends the physical realm. The Truth is, there is only One Life Force that undergirds and governs all life, all of the time.  The nature of this One is Changeless. It is always the same, today, yesterday, and forever. Its changeless nature is Peace, Harmony, Love, and Joy. Any other suggestion is false evidence appearing real, causing a sense of separation from the Absolute. This Divine Principle receives the direct impression of our thought and acts upon it.


“I am in control of my life and how it unfolds.”

https://www.happierhuman.com/affirmations-change/