The tradition of making resolutions at the beginning of the year has sometimes felt like a futile act of wishful thinking when I fail to see the fruits of my goals. With careful observation, I have noticed a pattern regarding this dilemma. 

I notice when my resolutions are promises to myself that require disciplines that I have never practiced, they are often abandoned early on, with no remembrance of my fervent vows.

Likewise, when my prayers are bargains, I make with God, in exchange for the things I desire; I have found myself reneging on my end of the deal.

I begin to feel the words of the Apostle Paul, saying, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” (Romans 7:15) 

I see that both resolutions and prayers are for the purpose of experiencing a more fulfilling life.   The results, be they positive or negative, are a reflection of my self-acceptance; i.e., if I truly feel worthy of the expanded good. 

Obviously, wishful thinking and negotiating with God are the evidence of former concepts about my relationship with the Divine.  I now know there is a Law of Mind that responds to the faith I have in my own words. This Law is sure to bring about the fuller life of my dreams. 

With this realization, I clearly see there are old beliefs, buried deep in my subconscious mind, still operating in my individual realm of ‘consciousness.  Is it possible, I ask myself, that these ‘hidden beliefs,’ that no longer represent my current thinking, have a tendency to neutralize the most noble ideals I envision for my life?

Ancient Wisdom assures me a fuller life is never withheld. It is the soul forever becoming its greater-yet-to-be. I remember the teachings. 

“What you decide on will be done, and light will shine on your ways.” (Job 22: 28 NIV). 
There is creative power in the decisions I make.

“The kingdom of heaven is within.” (Luke 17: 20, 21). 
I let words of beauty, harmony, wisdom, love, and joy permeate the thing I desire to manifest.

“It is the Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12: 32). 
The word of God flows, easily and effortlessly through me, establishing greater good on earth.

“All that the Father hath is Mine.” John 16:15
The Creative Mind of God and my mind are the same mind. God’s creative thoughts are my creative thoughts.

“There is a Power for Good in the Universe and I can use it.” ~ Ernest Holmes

I am now wide awake, seeking first the realm of goodness that exist within me right now. I pay attention to what I think, say and do. In so doing, I consciously and deliberately neutralize all limiting and sabotaging thoughts.   I announce, with authority, the high resolve of my inspired thoughts.

My resolutions for the coming year of 2021 are anchored in a consciousness that I am empowered by my own spiritual nature, to do what is mine to do, that brings about the good I desire for a greater expression of life. My prayers for 2021 are reflected in a world that works for everyone; a world of health, wealth, unity and love.  

I heed the teachings of Howard Thurman, and I “keep fresh before me the moments of my high resolve.” 

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This Weeks Affirmation

Today I choose the direction as I step into my greater yet to be!
By Judy Hilley

It was a peaceful, quiet morning; and, like Brother Lawrence, I was lost in sacred daydreaming as I stood at my kitchen sink washing dishes. All of a sudden, I heard a bird screaming for help. Yes, I mean really screaming.

“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Although I had never heard that sound before, I immediately knew the little one was crying out to me. There was a Great Mystery within me that knew it was my responsibility to provide the help needed. Although I believed the bird was out-of-doors, I followed the sound until I realized the little one was trapped inside the chimney of my house. The issue was soon resolved and the bird, once more, was free to sing its song of life.

When it was all over, I resumed my daydreaming. I began to imagine (using human terms) what the bird may have told its greater community. I imagine it saying things like, ‘I was so lucky;’ ‘it was a miracle;’ ‘an angel appeared;’ ‘I felt the Presence;’ ‘I heard the voice of God;’ ‘my Redeemer lives;’ and other sentiments in an effort to express the mystical experience.

As I continued my reverie of the events of the morning, the song “We Are the World” came to mind; particularly the line, “we’re saving our own lives.” I thought how easy it is to assume that another’s trouble has nothing to do with me (the bird is outside); while actually, it is part of my very own household. 

~~ ~ ~

I recall times in my life when I felt trapped, with no feasible way out of an issue, be it health, finances, relationships, or grief. Like the little bird, my heart exclaimed: “There is good for me and I ought to have it!” ¹ Angels unaware rushed to my aid. Although they looked like ordinary people/or incidents, I now know, no matter what; it was always the presence of God answering my call. I now understand, all life is God Life.

~ ~ ~

As I contemplate the Omnipresence of Spirit, I realize that that which calls is also that which answers. There is a silent communication that takes place between all beings. I tell myself that the affinity, connection, empathy and kinship felt for another are a sure indication of universal interdependence. It is the phenomenon that unifies us as one.  It is The Presence of God living IN, THROUGH, and AS humanity. It is Holy Communion.

‘When Deep calls unto Deep…Deep Answers.’

~ ~ ~

The Great Mystery that lives deep within me, hears the call of the deep within all of humanity.  Knowing that Wholeness, Abundance, Unity and Love are the birthright of all, I accept the gifts of Wise Men/and Women of today. The gifts being offered reveal the spiritual nature of the inhabitants of the planet and can be likened to the transforming power of frankincense ² and the resurrecting power of myrrh ³

~ ~ ~

Christmas is a time of renewal; a time of joy to the world. 

Do you hear what I hear?

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This Weeks Affirmation

There is a Magnificence within me that is ever available to serve…
When I call on It, It always responds…
My needs and desires are always met!

By Robbin G. Ruffner, RScP, Emeritus

In the midst of apparent suffering in the world, I read an article that says: “during the upcoming winter solstice, Jupiter and Saturn are lining up to create an incredibly bright star of wonder, or what is known as the “Christmas Star” or “Star of Bethlehem.”¹ It goes on to say that this particular occurrence is the first in 800 years.

The imagery of Light, hovering over the world, filled me with great faith about the new day rising upon the horizon and the birth of the Christ-Consciousness being born in the hearts of humanity. The vision of peace on earth and good will towards everyone caused my soul to leap with joy. 

The Light that inspires humanity is universal. During this month of December billions of people all over the planet will celebrate Light, just as they have done in previous years. It is the celebration of wisdom, success, good fortune and self-giving-ness that Hindus attribute to Ganesh. It is the presence of miraculous provisions and freedom that Jews celebrate. Buddhists celebrate the enlightenment they witnessed through Siddhartha Gautama. Pagans revere nature when observing the results of agriculture. African Americans see truth in the “seven principles of African Heritage.”

Growing up in the Christian tradition, I was taught the season was celebrated because of the amazing birth of Jesus, the son of God. I now glean a greater implication; i.e., Jesus as the great example, no longer the great exception. 

For me, Jesus represents the fullness of divinity unleashed on earth through his own understanding that being life, he was born of Life, of God. This transcendental awareness is Christ-consciousness. Christ-consciousness is the Pure Mind of God individualized in every living being. Jesus called this consciousness, “Father.” He called it “Our Father,” because he understood there is only one Source from which all life flows.

I say to myself: just imagine, my mind is nestled in the Mind of God. Like Jesus, I am an offspring, begotten of the One Father.

Each living being is made of Pure Spirit, of Light, the stuff the stars are made of. I contemplate the idea: “Just as the husband is born again in the wife as the son, so the transcendental God the Father manifested in the Holy Ghost, the Cosmic Virgin Mary (the Virgin Creation), became the sole reflected intelligence of God, the only begotten Son, or Christ Consciousness.” ²

At the end of the day when the night is silent and all is calm, I reflect on the Light that transcends all apparent suffering in the world. I know that God’s wisdom operating through humanity brings about solutions to human problems. In the stillness I remember that that which is within me and within every living being, is greater than that which is in the world. I follow that inner light that reveals what is mine, personally, to do for the highest good of all. 

As I begin to pray, ready for the veil to be lifted, I know I am joined by many people all around the world who are praying at this self-same moment. I listen for The Divine, knowing this consciousness of wholeness prevails! 

O star of wonder, star of light,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still
Proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.
And, so it is!

Happy Holidays to all!

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This Weeks Affirmation

I celebrate the light I am.
By Mary Jane LaBonte, RScP

When I was growing up, it took great courage to ask my mother her reasoning behind the decisions she made on my behalf. Her explanation was always simple and direct: “I’m mama and I said so.” I knew by her tone not to ask again. 

At church, I heard many do’s and don’ts. My home training taught me never to ask my Sunday school teachers to explain the why’s and how-comes.

In hindsight, although my inner voice kept reminding me, “I can think for myself;” I do believe these influences were made out of a sincere love for me, always for my protection and in my best interest.  Nonetheless, this mind-set inadvertently spilled over into my relationship with teachers, bosses, and all authority figures. 

In my quest for self-affirmation, it all came together. I will always remember the first time I heard a metaphysical interpretation of a bible story.  Actually, its meaning was no different from what I had heard my entire life; however, the simple explanation of the existence of an inner life; i.e., a spiritual force operating in, through and as me caused me to pause and think about the possibility in a new way. The concept spoke to my reasoning power. 

Suddenly there was a shift in my mind-set (state of consciousness). I had developed the maturity to choose or reject what I was hearing. No one else could do this for me. The prophecy was fulfilled, “I can think for myself.” 

I have learned to listen to the wisdom, insights, knowledge and opinions of others. However, it is essential that I think for myself, regardless of the origin of the concept; be it in the field of academics, philosophy, religion, politics or science.

I now teach a ministry of HOW to think, not WHAT to think. This practice of personal freedom is crucial during these times of information, misinformation and disinformation prevalent in society. The one who is adept in this practice of right thinking, experiences the world completely different from the one who absorbs the opinions of whoever is speaking. 

The choice is always to gaze upward or downward. The Law of Mind responds to each alike according to the direction of the mental vibration.  We each experience life according to our beliefs, or thinking. The key word is “experience.” While we may not be exempt from the effects of human consciousness; it is through the art of ‘right thinking, we can say with the Psalmist, “yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, etc.” 

“How” to think is to remember, affirm, and apply spiritual principles to all apparent conditions. Scripture puts it this way: “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—think about such things.” ¹

“What” to think is another matter. Individual choice is unlimited in its possibility of expression.  After all, what we consistently think about eventually comes about in the material/physical realm of existence.  I find this concept of an Immutable Law of Cause and Effect is empowering. 

I say to myself, just think: The creative power of God, through which all things are possible, flows through my highest idea of good for myself and for all humanity and becomes that thing. Health, Wealth, Peace, Harmony, Unity, and Love are infused in all my thoughts.

I take courage and I think for myself during this Season of Light. I make wise decisions that keep me and my loved ones well and safe as well as my fellow citizens. My desire is a joyous holiday season for all.

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This Weeks Affirmation

“I think therefore I AM!”
By Keith Childers

The ancient wisdom of the philosopher, Socrates said, “An unexamined life is not worth living.” As a student of mental science and the spiritual principles that govern it, from time to time I find myself re-examining my concepts of the nature of being.  

My consistent effort is to break through the collective consensus regarding the belief in separation and duality for which I may be susceptible. This requires focused and critical thinking. I no longer arrive at conclusions based on blind faith. 

The Science of Mind teachings say to keep faith with reason.  Therefore, whenever I am faced with seeming contradictions and paradoxes, I take pause and remember to “stand porter at the door of thought.”¹    I am supported by the unities found in the principles of science, the opinions of philosophy, and the revelations of religions. 

While contemplating the ancient wisdom of St. Francis of Assisi when he says: “What we are looking for is what is looking,” motivates me to unscramble what at first glance seems like a riddle. When I put his words into my own words, it becomes apparent that “what” is the answer. I say, ‘The Thing I am looking for is me.’ Hmmm, I ask myself, does that mean I am Peace, if peace is what I am looking for? ‘Well,’ I tell myself, ‘if God is the Presence whose Life is my life, this must be so.’ 

I conclude: It takes one to know one.

Ernest Holmes, reiterates the same concept and expands upon it, saying, “We arrive at a consciousness of Unity only in such degree as we see that what we are looking for, we are looking with, and looking at.”² Again, I find my own words in an effort to simplify and clarify for myself what is being said. What I say is: ‘There is no separation between the thing I desire to experience, the vision I have about the thing, and my perception of the thing I see.’ Hmmm, I ask myself, does this mean that it is my very own consciousness that determines my experience? ‘Well,’ I tell myself, ‘if God operating in me, as me, is me, this must be so.’

I conclude: If it’s going to be, it’s up to me. (Schuller)

Mahatma Gandhi stated the whole proposition in a few words saying, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” I tell myself these words are saying to me, ‘I no longer wait for someone else to set the standard, I activate my values in practical ways.’ Hmmm, I ask myself, does this mean I have the power to make a difference and become a beneficial presence in the world? ‘Well,’ I tell myself, ‘since God is the center of my existence, then the familiar words, “Act as though I Am and I will be,”³ must be so.’ 

I conclude: I must walk my talk as a way of life.

Right now, our beloved USA is facing multiple challenges. Those of us who are now on the planet are challenged to usher in a consciousness that transcends any adversity that is in contrast to universal good. How do we I successfully apply the principles of: It takes one to know one; If it’s going to be, it’s up to me; and, I must walk my talk as a way of life in the context of: Systemic racial bias; Coronavirus pandemic; and, Division/and, or Mistrust?

I begin to practice in earnest:

• I love myself just the way I AM… and, I identify all beings as another aspect of myself.
• I cooperate fully in the effort to demonstrate universal wholeness (health) as an inherent birthright.
• I trust the Presence of God in every individual, because I know, in the Spirit, we are One.
• I listen to the Inner Guidance that tells me what is mine to do.

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This Weeks Affirmation

Today I expand my consciousness to new heights as I fully embrace the unity of all creation.
By Judy Hilley