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

“To be well, happy, and to express freedom, is in accord with Divine Law and Wisdom.”
~The Science of Mind, pg. 46.3~

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“The greatest battle we face as human beings is the battle to protect our true selves from the self the world wants us to become.”
~ E. E.  Cummings ~

Yes, it seems that time and time again, we as human beings are prone to a mindset that says, ‘there is some place other than where I am; some time other than now; and some individual other than me who determines my happiness.’ This mindset tends to blame whatever is trending in the world at the time; be it the weather, the economy, religion, science, politics, social traditions, or another’s choice that is incongruent with our own.

Until we deliberately change our thinking through revelation or treatment, we are subject to the mental dis-ease of world-thought that believes in separation; thus, causing doubt and fear.  Mary Baker Eddy teaches us to “Stand porter at the door of thought.” Otherwise, we are subject to the random thoughts and beliefs of the collective consciousness with which we (mostly unconsciously) resonate.  

Although the intellect of the enlightened ones understands this; no one is exempt from the consequences of downward gazing. It is in times when the mind is entangled with illusion and delusion that the wisdom of the ages seems to elude reasoning. The icky feeling that accompanies the influence of erroneous thinking is a dreaded experience. In such moments of confusion, one’s self-talk engages in the kind of self-criticism that says things like: ‘I should, I’m not, I can’t,’ etc.  In such moments one even questions the validity of concepts they previously accepted as true, saying, “this stuff doesn’t work.”

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The good news is, the enlightened ones, even through the fog, remember the infallibility of Spiritual Principle. 

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“When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this… you haven’t.”
~ Thomas Alva Edison ~

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The battle that Cummings references is the conscious effort to protect us from slipping into downward gazing. The process has sometimes been described as “the exact struggle of the soul,” (Howard Thurman) or one could say it’s like wrestling with an angel of Light and determining: “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” (Genesis 32:26).

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“If it’s going to be, it’s up to me.”
~ Rev. Robert Schuller ~

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As we continue to push (Pray Until Something Happens) through the darkness, we align ourselves with the miracle-working attributes of Peace, Harmony, Love, Wisdom. We hear the inner voice say, “The place where you are standing is holy ground.” We anchor our consciousness in this creative medium. Here, we feel and sense the Presence and Power of the One Source. We are lifted into a vibration of happiness.

With renewed faith, time and time again we surrender to the Holy Spirit, letting God be God in, through, and as our health, prosperity, and good will towards all. We are so blessed!

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This Weeks Affirmation

“I know Peace, Harmony, Love, Wisdom, and Joy are the Divine Presence within me.”

Mary Jane LaBonte

“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.“

That which is ours to do is a driving force that motivates us into action.   Whether it is a life vocation or a single act in life; it always contributes to the whole of humanity. Each one who has persisted in their pursuit, 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 the baton 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

“Healing is not a process but a revelation; for the revealing of the perfect man always heals. The process, if there is one, is the time and thought that it takes to arrive at the correct understanding of man’s perfect state in Spirit.”
~ The Science of Mind (Ernest Holmes) ~

“Quantum Physics is more than physics: it is a new form of mysticism, which suggests the interconnectedness of all things and beings and the connection of our minds with a cosmic mind.”
~ Carl Gustav Jung, Quantum Physics, and the Spiritual Mind (Diogo Valadas Pointe, and Lothar Schafer) ~

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

Ancient Wisdom and New Thought have provided guideposts that are encouraging to those traveling the road of enlightenment. Guideposts that say, “Seek and you shall find;” “Ask and it shall be given;” “Your faith has made you whole;” “As above, so below;” “What you conceive and believe, you can achieve;” “Where attention goes, energy flows.” The proverbs, clichés, and platitudes go on and on. The point is, the universe reveals Its nature whenever the Invisible Presence is touched with a sincere curiosity about one’s relationship to the Whole. In such occasions, the essence of all things is revealed to the seeker of Truth.

Whether you ponder the meaning of life from a philosophical, scientific, or a religious perspective, you will always bump into the mysticism of spirituality at the core. Here, the word spirituality is being used in the context of, “an atmosphere of goodness, truth, and beauty,” as described by Ernest Holmes.

It does not matter if you use a process of deductive reasoning, the application of an infallible principle, or engage in sacred prayer; your soul’s sincere desire positions you to discover there is One Infinite Presence and Power operating in and through absolutely everything. The moment you become aware of this Unified Field of Life; your journey of awakening to your true nature has begun.

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For many, it is the intellect that first grasps the concept of oneness and begins to consciously align with the nature of First Cause (natural goodness, truth, and beauty in all things). This is accomplished through regular spiritual practices.  Soon, an optimistic attitude is developed toward life. However, this positive outlook does not suggest we put our heads in the sand, saying all is well when it is not. In his book, Living the Science of Mind, Ernest Holmes writes: “We do not say that people are not poor, sick, or unhappy. We ask why these things should be if the Original Cause of all things is Harmonious, Perfect, Radiant, and Happy.”

The student of Truth continues to affirm the great vision of Love, Harmony, Peace, Health, and Prosperity that is in the midst of all things, regardless of appearances, until the perception of Wholeness is embodied in one’s mind. The moment this possibility is fully realized, then through faith and acceptance, tangible results follow. 

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The integrity of the universe is Love and Law. Love, the deeply felt connection with the desired result points the way, while the immutable law of Cause and Effect makes the way possible. This creative power is within every one of us, without exception. 

There are unlimited possibilities for good stretched before us all. What is commonly called a “miracle,” is that one moment in time when the Energy we call prayer is in perfect alignment with that which we accept as the answer.  

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This Weeks Affirmation

“My faith in the One Power and Presence operating in, through, and as me is immutable. Perfect God, perfect man, perfect being!”

Angela “Chris” Beam

“And what is it to work with Love?
It is to charge all things you fashion with a breath of your own spirit.”
~ Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet ~

The idea that the only Life there is, is God, is awe-inspiring and far-reaching in its implication.  The concept of One Presence expressing in multiplicity means each one of us is an individualization of the One. This whole notion is filled with promise and unlimited potential.  It implies and stands to reason that the nature of God is everyone’s inherent and changeless nature. 

This train of thought may cause one to question their true purpose, or ponder, what is mine to do? Until that inner question is satisfied, the sincere truth seeker may experience divine discontent; an emptiness that can only be filled by the energy of unity … the fullness of belonging. Once awakened to our true identity and aligned with The High Ideal … every thought, word, and deed becomes a dynamic and energetic force for good released into the world.

Emma Curtis Hopkins tells us, “There are three ways of dealing with the principles announced in Truth. There is the deep thinking which the mind exercises respecting them. There is the speaking them forth which we do not hesitate to do. There is the careful recording of them, which is writing down what we know of them. The next is living them, which we are sure to do if we think, speak, and write them. It is by faithfully doing all these things with Spiritual doctrine that we accomplish the works of the Spirit in us.”

In Ms. Hopkins’ statement, she provides a clear regiment of spiritual practices that is sure to bring one to a point of self-realization, identifying the Spirit in us as Peace, Love, Harmony, Beauty, Joy, Order, Wisdom, Abundance, Intelligence and more … all that make up the totality of God. One may conclude that expressing these qualities as a way of life is our purpose, to the end that we become contributors to a world that works for everyone. 

True purpose and belonging have nothing to do with a particular vocation one chooses to follow, or the social skills one has acquired, although they permeate those things.  Instead, they become embodied characteristics of a way of life that the enlightened have discovered. Purpose and belonging are like a response to a personal call to action that gives reason for one’s existence.

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Oprah Winfrey has been known to ask her guest interviewees, “What is the one thing you know for sure? This thought-provoking question, when carefully scrutinized and answered, reveals a life principle that undergirds one’s individual life and out-pictures in some way into the whole of humanity. 

The one thing we know for sure can be measured against anything, anywhere, and at any time, and with true observation, the nature of that thing is predictable, reliable, and consistent. Whenever we speak about it or act upon it, there is a sense of purpose, confidence, fulfillment, and belonging to something greater than ourselves. In many ways, it is the evidence of that which is not seen. 

What do you know for sure and how are you letting it support the further evolution of humanity through what you think, say, and do? 

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This Weeks Affirmation

I AM the power and the purpose to create good things in my life.

Keith Childers