“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.  

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? 

This Weeks Affirmation

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

Keith Childers

“… behold, the kingdom of God is within you. ~ Luke 17: 21, KJV ~

“… Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty…” ~ Malachi 3:10 (NIV) ~

“… test and approve what God’s will is …”  ~ Romans 12:2 (NIV) ~

From time to time, one may feel as though they are being tested by God. Perhaps you have experienced this. If so, it is a false belief about your relationship with The Divine. Old beliefs, such as a“sense of separation” from one’s Source, linger on until they are resolved through logical thinking and an unwavering faith in the ever-evolving consciousness of unity; i.e., the awareness that the nature of God and your inherent nature is one and the same.  

Practicing the Presence of The Infinite One as our very own life may mean having to sit with the feelings, or emotional responses to the beliefs that were taught, developed, and cultivated during childhood ~ beliefs based on blind faith. Should this occur, instead of resisting or persisting the established beliefs that may suggest separation, let it be a time for focused discipline; a time to affirm Truth statements, such as: There is only One Life, that Life is God, and that Life is my life now.

Practicing Spiritual Awareness by embracing the nature of God as our very own, is often easier said than done. In fact, such a practice requires us to test God, the universal principle of Life. This takes time, focus, and dedication.  First, we must start with a premise such as, “God in me, as me, is me.”

Such an affirmation gives us the courage to declare our divine inheritance (Love, Peace, Harmony, Beauty, Wisdom, Order, Abundance, Joy, etc.) and move forward claiming the highest good (God’s Will .. or Nature) moving through all the decisions we make. We move forward in life with confidence that the Perfect Law of God’s Love reveals perfect right action for all that concerns us. We prove the Principle of Unlimited Love and Law through the spiritual practice of affirmative prayer.

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With the Principle of Oneness undergirding all we think, say, and do; time and time again we prove the Reality of God in the midst of all our affairs. The more these expansive ideas are developed and cultivated, and the more we engage in the possibilities that Ernest Holmes and other New Thought metaphysicians agree; e.g., “Man, by thinking, can bring into his experience whatsoever he desires–if he thinks correctly, and becomes a living embodiment of his thoughts. This is not done by holding thoughts but by knowing the Truth.”

“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” ~ Matthew 21:22 ~

Imagine for a moment, that the motive of every prayer you pray is to express and experience the nature of God as the particular thing you are praying about. 

Imagine, for a moment, that our word of Truth spoken from a place of certainty is a transformative factor in the world; bringing peace on earth and good will towards all of humanity. So, we may move forward with confidence in the Principle of Oneness, while listening to the still small voice whispering, “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”  

This Weeks Affirmation

“I now practice the Presence of Oneness by affirming that there is One Life, that Life is God and that Life is my Life now.”

By Mary Jane LaBonte

“In this world you will have trouble.
 But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
~ John 16:33 (NIV) ~ 

“As I say yes to life, life says yes to me!”
~ Louise Hay ~

“I call forth the peace that is deep within my soul.” 
~ Annie P. Clark, Our InVisible World ~
 

We are always saying “yes” to Life by giving our consent to what we perceive to be true about life.  Life, in turn, is always saying “yes” to us by responding in kind; giving us more of that for which we accept. 

I believe the following biblical scripture speaks to this. I believe it is referencing one’s perception or spiritual consciousness when it says: “For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.” (Matthew 25:29)  What is (metaphorically) taken away is the ability to see/and experience the blessings that are at hand because of one’s point of view. 

When one’s attention pulls the creative energy in the direction of the challenges in the world (both personal and collective), the unillumined mind is unable to perceive the field of unlimited possibilities that exist in this very moment. It believes there is a power it must cope with or contend against.

On the other hand, the illumined ones become observers of life. They are in the world, but not of it. They pierce the veil of illusion and see beyond the transitory things that seem broken and troublesome. They perceive the underlying Presence and Power that transcends anything, unlike Its own nature. These light-bearers, people just like you and I, keep the high watch of infinite wholeness.

In both of the above instances the “yes factor” is ignited. The former signals a vibratory energy of resignation; an attitude of, “this is the way it is; struggle is the normal way of life.”  The latter signals a vibratory energy of great expectations.   It denotes a perception of wholeness, one that Ernest Holmes describes as a perception of healing or a restoration of the natural state of being.

When our gaze is downward; judging by the appearances and experiences that are subject to change; our measure of life may be, life is hard, unfair, scary, dangerous, and other negative assessments. The vibratory energy of our perception causes more of the same to be experienced in our lives.

On the other hand, when we perceive the greater possibilities of Life, such as the intangible qualities of Love, Peace, Beauty, Harmony, Joy, we tap into the natural essence of Being. Thus aligned, we ignite the YES factor. The Blind Force then responds by corresponding to the vibratory energy of our perception and our attention. 

Yet, no one is immune or exempt from the experiences of the world. However, the elevated consciousness, practicing the realization of God, the Omnipotent Good in all things rises above the sense of limitation that causes mental or physical suffering. They call forth a new and liberating thought that transcends the former.

“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…”  (Philippians 4:8) Say yes to such things!

This Week’s Affirmation

“Today I call forth my blessings as I say YES to the Good.”

by Judy Hilley

“Only love knows love, and love knows only love.”
~Ernest Holmes, Science of Mind, p.478~

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“If you think Love is weak ~ you are asleep.
If you think Love isn’t everything ~ you might be confused.
If you think Love is only passion ~ you don’t know who you really are.”
~ Ade Anifowose, Spiritual Appetizers for the Soul ~

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“When you love you should not say “God is in my heart,” but rather, “I am in the heart of God.”
~ Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet ~

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“God’s the love that I Am. God’s the love that I Am. 
God’s the love that I Am. God’s the love I Am.”
~ The GodSong Chant, Sacred Days ~

Yes,. .. artists, philosophers, poets, theologians and people of all walks of life and perspectives have attempted to describe Love, only to find that, like trying to describe God, every attempt falls short of Its Absolute Nature. However, when any aspect of this Many Splendored Thing is realized, the potential for life-enhancing transformation is activated in one’s life.

Whether one says Love is God, or God is Love, it is a declaration that the two are one and the same. And, to celebrate Love is to recognize, acknowledge, and worship Its existence. It is the first step that moves one toward wholeness. What has been called “miraculous healings” have occurred as a result of an experience of Love.

While it may validate our sense of self-worth to receive Love; the real fulfillment is when we give It. Now we all know you can’t give what you don’t have; so, the far-reaching implication is, we each have Love right now.  It is our inherent nature.  It is the Presence of God within us. True fulfilment is always when we express our true nature. No wonder it is written, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) 

When celebrating the legend of St. Valentine, it is also well to remember that the word valentine comes from the Latin word for “strength.” It is the strength and power of Love that make all things new. It is the power of forgiveness. It releases the errors of yesterday – mine and yours. The self-givingness of the Indwelling Spirit of Love is God’s grace personified. 

It is good to pause and celebrate the Reality of Love all around, expressing not only as romantic relationships (Eros)’ but as friends, neighbors and co-workers (Philia); as family (Storge); and as humanity (Agape); all flowing from the Self-Love of the Indwelling Spirit.

Celebration is a form of gratitude – appreciation. Gratitude has a tendency to expand that for which we are grateful. The more each one of us consciously participates in the divine circulation of giving and receiving Love, we become a beneficial presence that constitutes a world that works for everyone. Yes, “Love loves us back.”  

Candy, flowers, jewelry, a greeting card, a special dinner, an original poem, a mini vacation, or a simple walk in the park are just a few examples of gifts that are offered to symbolize the heartfelt feelings that Love ignites that words cannot express. Enjoy! 

This Week’s Affirmation

“I express Infinite Love at the center of my being right here, right now!”

Angela “Chris” Beam