Category Archives: Rev. Mary Louise Ruffner

THE QUEST

Rev. Mary Louise Ruffner

“A quest is a mission, a task, an adventure, a desire–it sets us down a road which grows our meaning for purpose in life. … Whatever your reason is, a quest is something we cannot ignore.

It hits our core and makes us feel like we must do this no matter what obstacles we will endure to get through it.”

~ Brianna Dawes, Design Artist ~

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I love talking about and teaching about the Law of Life; that aspect of God that materializes into the exact measure of what each individual believes and accepts to be so. I love exploring, discovering and applying Universal Principles to specific areas of life and bearing witness to the inevitable outcome.

It amazes me that The Word of God is embedded within my very own nature; a creative force within me that is unlimited in its ability to manifest the people, places, and things I have imagined. I am inspired when I realize my Oneness with Infinite Potential.

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Through trial and error, you may find, just as I have, that it is one thing to talk about the awesome nature of the One Spirit permeating eternity; it is quite another to be about it… all the time. Therefore, being mindful is essential. Remember, the things we desire for ourselves, when aligned with the nature of God, include the highest good for all concerned. Otherwise, the fruit born of limited, selfish thinking, may yield a brief period of satisfaction before it becomes clear that the indwelling Word of God, being infinite, applies to all people.

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Learning to take responsibility for missing the mark and for the consequences that follow, actually builds faith in the Law. Also, when we learn to quickly forgive ourselves for not knowing what we didn’t know; the sooner we become a clear, conscious conduit, open and receptive to express the highest good imaginable for ourselves and for all of humanity.

Otherwise, if we linger too long in a I “shoulda-woulda-coulda” mindset, letting guilt and self-loathing fester, the longer the sincere desires of the heart are hidden from view.

I have noticed that when the idea of “me in the midst of the “all” begins to expand, I envision myself moving from ego-consciousness that believes it is a separate entity in the world and moving towards the embryonic Christ-consciousness that embraces Oneness as Its reality.

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Even in this awakened state of mind, I am nonetheless challenged when I tune into the news of the day. One channel depicts my brothers and sisters participating in a turmoil of adversity. Other channels show people caring for the hospitalized; putting out fires; providing for the poor; teaching the children; defending the weak; and, scientists researching greater possibilities for life. I am aware of environmentalists; animal advocates; entertainers; and on and on. No matter what frequency I am attuned, I see the logical outcome of the One Law that has received the direct impress of the individual word.  

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In the high holy moments of meditation, while immersed in God consciousness, I feel the transforming power of Perpetual Grace pouring over me, saturating my entire being with Its Self.   In the stillness and serenity of the moment, my Higher Self whispers to me that which is mine to do, and the quest begins.


This Week’s Affirmation

I am unlimited creativity always knowing that there is so much more creativity within me just ready to be uncovered.

Keith Childers

COMPASSION

Rev. Mary Louise Ruffner

“Find me one person who is for something and against nothing, who is redeemed enough not to condemn others out of the burden of his soul, and I will find another savior, another Jesus, and an exalted human being.” ~ Ernest Holmes ~

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” Each day I see the Christ in all Its distressing disguises.”
~ Mother Teresa ~ 

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Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” ~ John 15:13 ~

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When one encounters a disagreement with someone, especially when it seems obvious that the other’s way of thinking is not in alignment with what is believed to be spiritually, morally, ethically or legally sound; the first reaction may be confrontation, making it clear “the other” is wrong. When being so tempted, don’t forget: “A man convinced against his will, is of the same opinion still.”

Of course, there may be times when speaking up about issues that affect the whole are appropriate; otherwise, “to be silent is to be complicit.” After all, we’re all in this thing called life together. However, in so doing, remember, there is an art and a science to the igniting of the Power for Good that is the heart’s sincere desire.  While it may be easy to say what we are against; it takes quiet contemplation to tell the soul what we are “for.” There is a subtle difference here when it comes to the energy being unleashed, because, “Where attention goes, energy flows.” 

The Law of Life, which makes all things out of Itself (Pure Energy), is an Intelligence that is governed by the nature of our feelings. Like all laws of nature, It does not judge the impulses It receives as right or wrong, good or bad. It is a Power that simply responds by corresponding. In due season, the evidence of our thoughts and feelings is fulfilled. 

Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. are examples of the exalted human beings that Ernest Holmes envisioned. Just like Mother Teresa, they had spiritually illumined eyes that saw The Christ at the center of all beings. I believe their motive for inclusivity is what John, the disciple of Love is saying, and their intention gave them the courage to set aside their personal lives for a while, and give the fullness of themselves to their convictions.

This Season for Non-Violence 1 is a wonderful time to practice unleashing the energy of Unconditional Love that Gandhi and King advocated. The process may begin by asking., What is it I really stand for, whenever I say what I am against? It is from this perspective that we begin acknowledging the Presence of God individualized (The Christ) as those we otherwise judge, criticize, or condemn. When our perception shifts from transitory images of our family and friends work associates, bosses, and co-workers; our neighbors and strangers, those we encounter next door and those we encounter in traffic, and begin to embody the spiritual traits that are everlasting, we are contributing to a world that works for everyone.

“Nonviolence is a way of life for courageous people.” (King)

“Be the change you desire to see in the world.” (Gandhi)

The Association for Global New Thought 2 offers a program for SNV that you may do at home during your reflective time. 


This Week’s Affirmation

“Today I practice compassion and honor everyone’s right to be who they are.”

By Judy Hilley


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ENTITLEMENT

Rev. Mary Louise Ruffner

“Don’t Believe the World Owes You a Living. The World Owes You Nothing. It Was Here First.” ~ Mark Twain ~

“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” ~ Rumi ~

Have you ever noticed how the inner child is quick to defend its position? Sometimes it argues how unfair it is that others who are not as smart, who do not work as hard, and are not as kind, seem to acquire things without much effort at all. It’s not fair, the child exclaims; when do I get mine? 

In his book, Spiritual Economics, Eric Butterworth answers that question, saying: “The world owes you nothing, the universe owes you everything.”

I’ll never forget how those words stopped me right in my tracks when I first read them. What I heard was, “Stop Whining!, Grow Up!, Wake up and smell the coffee!” 

The whole concept catapulted me into contemplative meditation as I wrapped my mind around the far-reaching implications and possibilities that were ignited within me. 

In my reflective mood, I began to see that, regardless of the faith tradition or culture, the message is consistent when speaking about the power within every human being to create his or her own world. Mystics of all time have always known this; and now, we are the generation called to activate this knowledge. 

According to The Science of Mind,The Word means, of course, the ability of Spirit to declare Itself into manifestation, into form.  ~ The manifest universe, as we see it, as well as the invisible universe that must also exist, is the result of the Self-Contemplation of God.” 

Suddenly the words from The New Testament have new meaning: “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” Then from Greek Mythology, I read these words from Thrice-Greatest Hermes: “Then, in this way know God; as having all things in Himself as thoughts, the whole Cosmos Itself.”

It is reasonable to believe, I conclude, that since I am the image and likeness of God; I too, am spirit. Therefore, when I, spirit, engage in self-contemplation of my own nature; that which I think I am, is manifested in the world. The inner world of my thoughts and the outer world of my experience are always in perfect balance.  

Starting now, I no longer look outside myself, hoping and wishing that I have this thing or that thing.  The world does not owe me these things that are transitory, though I may enjoy them. Instead, I look within myself and discover that I AM the everlasting fulfillment I seek.  

 “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man (i.e., spiritually mature), I put away childish things.” 1 Corinthians 13:11

I now boldly announce my inherent nature of Perfect Wholeness, Unlimited Supply, Unconditioned Love, Peace, Beauty, and Wisdom, expressing as the particular and specific things that I desire to experience. The Universe owes me everything that my word believes is true about me. It is Law. 

“For as he thinketh in his heart so is he.” 
~ The Old Testament ~


This Week’s Affirmation

I am one in spirit, one in soul, and one in body.  I now demonstrate my good in all things.

By Angela “Chris” Beam 

WALK TOWARDS THE DREAM

Rev. Mary Louise Ruffner

“When we shift from negatively complaining to positively affirming, conditions change. Then complaining is no longer the operative law in our life – freedom is.” 
 ~ Rev. Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith ~

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In spite of the mood that I find myself experiencing as a result of world events, I remain true to my daily spiritual practices. I read something; or listen to something; or I begin to do something that awakens me to myself.

I am mindful of the words: “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” Another way of saying the same thing is: “Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.” (Proverbs 29:18) For me, the revelation and the good news of the law is: “We are surrounded by a Creative Mind which receives the direct impress of our thought and acts upon it.” 

Time and time again I awaken to my true nature and realize the key to successful living is to affirm the heart’s desire as a living reality now, even before there’s any tangible evidence of it as a fact.  The vision sets a Law in motion that is infallible in its ability to fulfill. 

Imagine each one of us following our heart’s instruction, and doing that which reveals the highest good for all of humanity, and we begin walking in the direction of our dream. Showing up and letting our light shine is the starting point for great change to take place in the world through each one. Imagine everyone offering their talents, skills, and unique abilities, collectively fulfilling a vision of a world that works for everyone. Can you imagine this universal consciousness being unleashed that affirms, “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me?”

Martin Luther King, Jr. is a great example of rising above the debilitating blame game and taking responsibility for his own destiny. He is remembered for saying, “In spite of the difficulties and frustrations of the moment, I still have a dream.”  

Notice how the activity of one southern preacher got the attention of the masses; raised the consciousness of the masses; touched the conscience of the masses, resulting in Congress passing the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Walking in the direction of your dreams means doing what is yours to do.

It is obvious as we observe what needs change in the world today, that we do not move forward by resting on the laurels of yesterday. We (humanity) evolve by consciously activating the dream in our hearts right now. The accomplishments of yesterday serve as a starting point in reaching the greater-yet-to-be of our lives. 

Remember: ‘Where attention goes, energy flows.’ The invisible Energy of Spirit is the divine substance that makes all things out of itself.


This Week’s Affirmation

​“I keep my focus on Truth and walk confidently toward my desire”​

By Judy HIlley

SPIRITUAL HEALING

Rev. Mary Louise Ruffner

“So God created mankind in his own image.”
~ Genesis 1:27 ~

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“Perfect God; Perfect Man; Perfect Being
~ Ernest Holmes ~

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 “Do you want to be made well?”
~ John 5:6 ~

I once encountered a young woman who asked me to pray for her that she may be healed of the physical condition that imprisoned her self-expression. I asked her how she imagined life would be for her when she was completely free of the disorder. She thought for a moment in an effort to sense into a mental equivalent of her desire. Soon she confessed how insecure she felt at the idea of giving up her monthly disability check.  ~  In the quietness of my Self, I asked myself: “What crutches are you willing to relinquish in order to be fully healed and made whole?”

Until one accepts the Full Grace that has been bestowed upon all humanity; there is the tendency to settle for trade-offs, substitutes, and temporary means, in order to simply survive. The idea of “having it all” becomes too much of a stretch. 

Although one may graciously respond to the words “Happy New Year” with a heartfelt “thank you;” there may be a tendency to enter 2022 settling for the ‘same old same old.’  On the other hand, the moment there is a vision of a more expanded life, we have begun to align ourselves with the Truth that sets us free.

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There was a time that I believed, ‘to be made whole or healed,’ meant a miraculous “fixing” of an unhealthy body.  I now realize that being whole or healed is having a revelation of one’s nature that encompasses, not only the physical body, but includes one’s mind, one’s emotions, and one’s affairs. Healing is the restoring, renewing, and resurrecting the awareness of the gifts of the Spirit that have always been there. It is rising above the cloud of misconceptions that suggest lack, limitation, fear, disease, and separation. Healing, or being made whole, is perceiving the Truth that sets us free from these things.

The miracle of healing, if one chooses that term, includes the intelligence of God that moves through doctors, scientists, and specialists in every field of endeavor; and through their particular study and research, bring back findings that support humanity in moving through the stumbling blocks one may encounter while being in the world.  Everyone’s process of healing reveals what was there all the time; otherwise, their efforts would be futile. In other words, all healing is spiritual healing.

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Expounding on the subject of healing, Ernest Holmes wrote, “We have no objection to any form of healing. Anything that will help overcome suffering must be good, whether it takes the form of a pill or of a prayer.” He continues, “We are glad when any one is healed or helped by any method. We believe in any and all methods and know that each has its place in the whole.” 

As the spiritual beings that we are, our inherent nature is already one that is whole, complete, and perfect…and this does not change. The Principles of Love, Peace, Wisdom, Abundance, and Joy, to name a few qualities of our own inherent divinity, are infallible. They assure us of unity, harmony, guidance, sufficiency, and happiness in our lives.

An understanding and acceptance about this truth of who we are restores, renews, and resurrects anything, and everything, that may be perceived as broken. The Self-acceptance of the mighty “I AM” Principle, within us, heals. 


This Week’s Affirmation

“I have a perfect body, a brilliant mind, and a tranquil spirit.”

http://www.emoovio.com/healing-affirmations/