“By chemicalization I mean the process which mortal mind and body undergo in the change of belief from a material to a spiritual basis.”
~ Mary Baker Eddy, Founder, Christian Science ~

~ ~ ~ ~

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

It takes courage and unwavering faith to affirm the Truth while bearing witness to everything familiar crumbling right in front of your eyes. How tempting it may be, in such times, to hold fast to ideas of lack, limitation, fear, and dis-ease because they seem normal, though undesirable. Be careful not to yield to temptation in such instances, for yielding is giving in to error-thought. Remember, it really is true: that which is within you is greater than that which is in the world.

The subject of Spirit, Mind, and Body continues to be a hot topic. It has infiltrated the fields of academia, religion, science, philosophy, psychology, and even the media. The subject has been categorized as Mystical, Metaphysical, New Age, New Thought, Practical Spirituality, Self-Help, etc.

Each branch of knowledge places attention on one or more aspects of this trinity and how it impacts the human experience. Individually, we may resonate with one aspect more than another. It depends upon the particular juncture of life we find ourselves at any given time. Nonetheless, even when our attention is focused in only one direction, we may assume that the totality of ourselves is operating on all three realms simultaneously.

The novice on the spiritual path may begin their journey of awakening to the true nature of being by acquainting one’s self with Spirit. Ernest Holmes describes this First Cause as “The Active and the only Self-Conscious Principle.”

Still others may begin by studying Holmes’ concept of Mind. He states, “Our mind, that point in God-consciousness which we call our mind, is as much of Truth as we will allow to flow through and bless us.”

Most of us, no doubt, look at “the outward form” first; i.e., The Body. In addition to our physical body of flesh, there is the body of our affairs; i.e., health, wealth, relationships, creative expression, etc., etc., etc., Everything that we perceive through our five senses is a manifestation of our idea about the people, places, and things encountered.

For the most part, the ideas that create the experiences we are living with, are not conscious ones. Nonetheless, they keep operating in our lives until there is a conscious idea, a new thought, if you will, that is in alignment with the Spiritual Nature that resides at the center of each and every one of us.

Regardless of the starting point, the objective is to bring our thoughts and beliefs (Mind) and our actions and physical/material experiences (Body)into alignment with the Indwelling Spirit; the nature of which is pure consciousness, one that spontaneously yields Peace, Love, Harmony, Joy, Wisdom, Grace, and all things Divine. It is the Omnipotent, Omniscient, and Omnipresent One.

Through the spiritual practice of meditation, we each have the power to Practice the Presence of Divine Life. When our individual lives are lifted up in consciousness, all lives everywhere are lifted up; thus, creating a world that works for everyone.

This Weeks Affirmation

 “Peace, Love, and Harmony flow through my every thought, word, and action, dissolving all negativity into the nothingness from which it came.”

Angela “Chris” Beam

“Youth is not a time of life; it is a state of mind. Nobody grows old by merely living a number of years. People grow old only by deserting their ideals.
You are as young as your faith, as old as your doubt; as young as your confidence, as old as your fear; as young as your hopes, as old as your despair.“
~ Ernest Holmes, Living The Science of Mind, p177 ~

The above quote reminds me of the many changes one moves through over the years; i.e., the various phases of the “living process.” There are certainly mental, emotional, and physical changes that one experiences, as well as one’s viewpoint about spirituality. For example, one may come to realize that there is an ever-present Presence that guides us through it all. This Indwelling Spirit is the same yesterday, today, and is the promise for tomorrow. It is the still small voice of Spirit that whispers to the inclined ear, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20 NIV)

From this perspective, I see the journey of life forever unfolding into its greater-yet-to-be. For example, the infant, while completely dependent upon its guardians, gains a confidence that its newly developed muscles are strong enough to crawl. Soon, the inquisitive toddler is reaching for objects that were formerly beyond its reach. The adolescent tests its independence; i.e., the ability to choose and make decisions about the course of its personal life. The adult is a teacher, a caregiver, who lives and shares the knowledge that each phase has imparted.  “No person is a finished thing, regardless of how paralyzed their image might be. Each one of us is in a state of perennial formation. Inside each journey a secret harvesting is at work.” (John O’Donohue) 

Moving through these processes is not free of challenges. What is called “growing pains” are present at every turn. Also, another important point is, what we learn at each phase in life is applicable to all phases of life, having nothing to do with the number of years lived on the planet. In fact, these life processes repeat themselves over and over. We are forever moving through infancy to adulthood at every new juncture on the path. Our work is to apply our knowledge to whatever experience we are encountering at any particular time.

So often we describe ourselves and others as young, old, middle-aged, aging, elderly, etc. While that may be a way in which to assess the body with its biological nature which is always in flux, it overlooks the unchanging inherent nature that is always with us. Our faith in the Indwelling Spirit is never limited by age. It is never too late, nor too soon to express the soul’s sincere desire. It is confidence that empowers us to become that which we desire to see in the world. ~ As we unleash the vision that is forever reaching for objects that denote peace, harmony, love, and joy in our lives, the Ageless Spirit is ignited, through which, all things are possible. ~ It is through the practice and power of prayer and meditation that we come to realize our ability to choose the qualities of Spirit that enhance our lives. ~ It is while embracing the Truth of Being as our very own Self, that we become a beneficial presence on earth, one who lives and shares the Light of Wisdom with all. And, so it is!

This Weeks Affirmation

I am FOREVER ageless and evergreen.

Keith Childers

“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former things will not be remembered or come to mind. 
~ Isaiah 65:17 ~

Letting go is a mental practice that exercises the power of a made-up mind. 

Once we awaken to a new idea that tells us what we have believed to be true about life and our relationship to It has been misleading, we embark upon a journey of letting go. 

Letting go of ideas of lack, limitation, separation, duality, and the such takes courage because there is plenty of false evidence that suggests otherwise.

It is so easy to accept that for which we are accustomed as the only reality there is. We may have become numb to the news we constantly hear, believing it is the norm.  The journey to enlightenment requires commitment and practicing principles that center one’s consciousness of Ultimate Reality; i.e., the Truth that ungirds absolutely everything, regardless of appearances.

The journey is about practicing the Presence of God, consistently, and starting all over again when we miss the mark. Soon our experiences began to match our new concepts about life. Now, this does not mean we are exempt from life lessons that show up. However, we respond, knowing the impermanence of things that are not in alignment with Peace, Harmony, Love, Wisdom, Beauty, and all that is of The Eternal One. This takes unwavering faith in our new practice. 

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” 
 ~ Hebrews 11:1~  

A shift in consciousness is so subtle that very often one doesn’t even know when it takes place. While under the ego’s guidance, it may seem as though one’s belief system is the only way that makes sense.  Then all of a sudden things change!

Try affirming at every turn, “I am a spiritual being fully endowed with the spirit of God” and notice that soon you can’t even imagine yourself as timid, limited, or inferior in any way.

Spend time listening to the silence of your inner self and watch how creative ideas are soon yours.

Acknowledge that peace and love are the “good” you ought to have and realize more fulfilling relationships at home, at work, and at play. 

When one begins to include spiritual practices into his/or her daily regime; little by little the time-blinded eyes of race consciousness slowly open and there appears in full view beauty as never seen before; harmony as never realized before; and unspeakable joy as never experienced before. 

The practice may be as profound as Holy Communion with The Divine through silent meditation; or as simple as reading inspirational, life-affirming literature. The range of modalities is vast. The key is a clear intention grounded in the core values you embrace; and consistently practiced.  

 All of us are surrounded by an impersonal law that responds to us by mirroring our thoughts, feelings, and actions.  When spiritual principles are practiced religiously (as a way of life), one reaches a point of no return. The former things fall away and a new way of being emerges.

This Weeks Affirmation

I am ALWAYS open to receive the wisdom of knowing.

Keith Childers

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”
~ Proverbs 4:7 ~

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

“Repeating an affirmation is leading the mind to that state of consciousness where it accepts that which it wishes to believe.”
~ The Science of Mind, page 575.6 ~

“… Latch on to the affirmative”
~ “Accentuate the Positive” by Harold Arlen / Johnny Mercer, Lyricists~

The Apostle Paul tells us to pray without ceasing. When properly understood, affirmations are a form of prayer. They are powerful tools of enlightenment that are followed by accepting the ever-prevailing Truth in all things. In other words, to attain successful living, our speech needs to be on the affirmative side of life, all the time.

Nonetheless, affirmations are simply words. Their value depends on a conscious realization of the far-reaching implication they imply. The disengaged user, repeating the words by rote, exercises a blind faith, as if some magic power is ignited by doing so. Now, of course blind faith is better than no faith at all. Eventually, one may hear the words being said  and realize we each have the creative gift of prophecy. 

However, the one who understands there is a Spiritual Law operating in the universe that out-pictures in our world of effects, pierces the veil that suggest otherwise.  Effective prayer is always based on faith and acceptance of the inevitability of Spiritual Truth.

This does not to imply that the facts of life are not real experiences, putting our heads in the sand, ignoring our environment, so to speak. It does imply that we are saved from the belief in hopelessness, fear, anxiety, and stress that out-picture as trauma.  

We no longer have a need to beg, plead, and bargain a God outside ourselves. Instead, we claim and accept the inherent good that is our very nature. We can say with confidence, Peace of mind is mine, right here and right now. Having made such a statement, we may now step into that reality by allowing the feeling of Peace to prevail in everything we think, say, and do.

Affirmative prayer provides an avenue through which possibility thinking is ignited. Affirmative prayer can be likened to fertilizer. It conditions the mind to receive divine ideas and guidance that leads us into right action. It reveals to us that which is ours to do that assists in the unfoldment of the good we seek. Our faith-filled affirmations can be likened to the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen.   

Yes, the power is within each one of us to direct the Law of Mind in the direction of our desired good.  

Affirmative prayer is an announcement of Truth. Truth is always in the present moment . . . regardless of present circumstances. No wonder the Master Teacher, Jesus, taught, “Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.” Therefore, our statements of Truth are always in the present tense. Let us pray, aware that Love, Peace, Harmony, Wisdom, Joy, Beauty and Omnipresent Good is an eternal Reality here and now.

And, so it is!

This Week’s Affirmation

“I am a channel of God’s loving-kindness.”

The Upper Room Books Website

“Not only must we have complete faith in Spirit and Its ability to know and to do, but we must have complete confidence in our approach to It. We must not be lukewarm in our conviction.
 We must know that we know.”
~Ernest Holmes, “The Science of Mind,” page 159~

“There is a power for good in the Universe, and it is moving in and through me this day to bring peace, harmony and good to all. The Divine is everywhere present, especially and including in all spaces of war, conflict, and violence. We bless all who are impacted by conflict of any kind. We lift up peace in the midst of war. We pray for healing and comfort where it is needed right now. In gratitude, we declare this truth collectively. And so, it is.” 
~ CSL Spiritually Motivated Social Engagement Committee (SMSE) ~

“Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me
Let There Be Peace on Earth
The peace that was meant to be.”
~ Jill Jackson Miller, Lyricist ~

No matter how cloudy the sky is, or how much rain is falling, or how dark the overcast, we never lose confidence that the sun, with its radiant light, is intact. That which we know for sure is revealed to us through our minds. What is known and accepted in our mind, follows in form. From this perspective, we begin to realize the healing we are seeking is actually the revealing of that which is ultimate truth, right here, right now …everywhere.

 The Infinite One that we seek is the same today, yesterday, and forever. It is the Great Constant that undergirds all life. This one is Omnipotence (all-powerful), Omniscience (all-knowing), and Omnipresence (exist everywhere). 

 It is only when humanity sees itself as separate beings, struggling to survive, and protecting itself from the so-called “other,” that emotional dis-ease and turmoil are unleashed, creating distorted images of division, hatred, bigotry, and fear that play out on the screen of life, affecting all individuals to some degree.  

Prayer supports us in remembering that that which is within us is greater than that which is in the world. The enlightened ones turn to the Infinite and Omnipotent One and once more realize that, like the sun hidden behind the clouds, It nonetheless exists in its perfection. “We stay in constant prayer without ceasing to remember what we know, rekindle our sometimes-dwindling faith, and continue to seek the light amid the dark abyss.”(SMSE)

Once we are deeply anchored in our convictions, through prayer, it is time to join the many others who have begun the process of healing by consciously expressing loving-kindness to those who look different than us. One begins to offer sacred service by extending oneself in tangible ways that support those who are suffering as a result of the mis-use of the Law of Oneness. 

The above quotes serve as powerful tools that are supportive in the healing process. 

1. Clarify, within yourself, your relationship with God/and humanity.
2. Declare and affirm, through the Law of Prayer, your soul’s sincere desire. 
3. Act in alignment with your word of peace in everything you think, say, and do. 

In other words, let each one of us practice being the thing we desire to see in the world; i.e., peace on earth and goodwill towards all people. And, so it is!

This Week’s Affirmation

“Today I see Peace, Love, and Harmony surrounding our planet and know it is healing the world.”

By Judy Hilley