(Repost)
“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.”

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

(Repost)

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” 
~ Matthew 7:7 (NIV) ~

Conversing with a two-year-old can be mentally challenging, e.g., ~ Why does it rain? ~  ~ Why do fish swim? ~  ~ Why did my pet die? ~  The little one has a battery of questions about the new and fascinating things being discovered in its world.  

In an effort to end the endless conversation, you may find yourself responding to the inquiring mind by saying things like, “just because” and, “it is what it is.” The strong implication, though not the intention, may suggest, ‘just accept things as they are, there’s nothing you can do about it.  

Although the voice of the child is quelled for a while, the curiosity never diminishes. The emerging adult seeks answers about its world; i.e., Why are there wars? Why do people hate other people?   Why are there power struggles? The inner child remembers: “It is what it is.” In that mindset, we may, unconsciously, begin accepting the idea of being a helpless victim of adversity. Alas, a false belief of limitation becomes the operating force expressing in the world. 

When contemplating concepts like: There is only “One Power”¹ ~ “Perfect God, Perfect Man, Perfect Being”² ~ “Perfect Love casts out fear”³, and the like, a shift in the mental realm of thought and feeling takes place. One begins to hear the teacher within, saying, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” ~1 John 4:4~

The One who is within you is The Love, The Wisdom, and The Peace that is beyond human understanding. It is FIRST CAUSE… All Powerful and Changeless.  I envision the “them” that are overcome (referenced in the above quote) are the false beliefs operating in the world, and are subject to change.  Therefore, the overcoming is the effort and discipline that bring our beliefs into alignment with Truth.   

Ancient wisdom says: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness (sic) in high places.” ~ Ephesians 6:12 ~ The philosophy of Ernest Holmes teaches, “change your thinking, change your life.”

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Each one of us may BE a contributing CAUSE of Peace on earth right now. When our beliefs are in alignment with Unity and Harmony, they become the healing power that is “for something, and against nothing.” We each, right now have the capacity to end the war within ourselves; i.e., the belief in separation. 

With an enlightened consciousness, all action that follows will be of the same essence, one that reflects in the world, the Oneness that we are. It is – what it is.

Principle, the Guiding Light of Truth remains the same; yesterday, today, and forever.  Be still and know, “what is mine to do.”

1 Science of Mind, 245.1
2 Ibid, 309.2
3 John 4:18

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This Week’s Affirmation

“In the midst of seeming chaos, I stand in the Truth of Peace.”
By Angela “Chris” Beam

“Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.”
~ Matthew 5:8 ~

“…first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”
~ Matthew 7:5 ~

I recently met a woman who told the following story with a slow, focused, deliberate, and kind voice. Her eyes depicted peace and wisdom. It was clear that the deep within her was calling forth the deep within those of us who listened. 

She began, saying: 

“A student of truth brought her child to her beloved spiritual teacher to be healed.  She explained to him that although she had tried her best to break the child’s habit of consuming excessive amounts of sugar, to no avail.  She asked for his help.

The guru pondered the woman’s request and after several moments of silence replied, “Sure, bring her back in three weeks.” While the woman did not understand this delay, she nonetheless agreed. In three weeks, the mother and child returned, at which time the wise one spoke directly to the child. In the days that followed, and to the mother’s amazement, the little girl never experienced such cravings again. 

You see, the guru himself had the same habit. Therefore, Divine Wisdom dictated that until he had a personal experience of overcoming this issue, his word lacked absolute conviction. 

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The storyteller reiterated her point, saying in effect, that while having a theory about something and believing its undergirding concept and principle is one thing; proving the principle for oneself is quite another. In other words, when one knows, really KNOWS the Truth that his inherent nature is the same as God’s nature, he is set free from any sense of limitation. His “new word,” being the embodiment of wholeness, beauty, wisdom, love, joy, harmony, and unity becomes the law that heals. 

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The lesson is multi-faceted. It teaches us about Oneness. It implies: ‘There is only One Life, which is God (First Cause), and each one of us is an inseparable and an individualization of The One; and, we are one with each other, though imbued with personal free choice. 

The principle remains the same whether we are seeking the healing of a habit that is hazardous to our health or healing the illusion of separation running rampart in the world today. The Principle of Oneness heals whatever the particular concern is; be it finances, relationships, creativity, etc. by simply matching the energy of Universal Love. The thing to remember here is that in the all-inclusive nature of being, we cannot know the Spiritual Truth about another person without first knowing it about ourselves. We Are One!

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Ernest Holmes gave us a powerful tool called Spiritual Mind Treatment. It keeps us aligned to the Truth of Being, no matter what the climate appears to be. First is to Recognize the changeless nature of God. Second, Unify with that energy and know that it is the nature of every living being… without exception. Third, speak your word of Truth about your concern until you Realize that which is real in this very moment.

The great philosopher, Socrates said, “An unexamined life is not worth living.”  Jill Jackson wrote, “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.”  

Are you willing to delay speaking until you are spoken through with an energy that matches the energy of God?

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This Week’s Affirmation

“Today I live in the knowledge that there is a Presence hidden within me that is both the Reality of my true being and the Presence of God.”

 – Ernest Homes, 365  of Mind, p. 86 –

(REPOST)

“Behold, I am making all things new.”
~ Revelation 21:5~  

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; 
and all these things shall be added unto you.” 
~ Matthew 6:33~ 

The mystery of life is forever expanding and becoming more.  

The days of our lives are stretched before us with the full potential of either experiencing a greater degree of the same; or, stepping upon the next great rung on life’s upward-spiraling journey.

In either case, movement is imminent. Knowingly or unknowingly, we constantly use the creative power within us to move us into all of our tomorrows. The motivating factor is always connected to our faith or, what we believe is our inevitable destiny.   Rev. Michael Bernard Beckwith teaches that we are either “pushed by pain, or pulled by a vision.” 

As long as our gaze is downward, believing there’s no possible way to receive more than what is presently at hand; the undifferentiated energy continues to flow in that direction.  I believe Jesus referred to this when he said, “The poor (in spiritual awareness) will always be with you.”

Conversely, as we begin to imagine a fulfilled life, having all that which is necessary for successful living; likewise, Life begins to yield the desired good as a present reality.  The creative juices having ignited the primordial energy of the universe, begin to materialize as the embodied beauty. In other words, our thoughts and beliefs are the power within us that creates our world – individually and collectively.

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You may say, ‘this is nothing new.’ And, it is not. This inborn nature of being has always been known by the great mystics who walk the earth. Science continues to harness the intelligence that pulsates through this Omnipresent Energy in whom we live, move, and have our existence. Philosophy employs the art of reasoning that asserts self-evident truths. The religions of the world are inspired by the revelations that the still small voice imparts in the silent night.  

Many of us have mastered the science of mind in one or more areas of our lives, while at the same time there are areas that remain a challenge. The good news is, the moment there is an awakened awareness that recognizes both Love and Law as a unified consciousness, we are ushered into the realm of the unlimited good we seek. 

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We are spiritual beings, and without that aspect of our nature realized here on earth, there is a feeling of incompleteness. Through the practice of the Science of Mind we may demonstrate the images we have embodied such as financial abundance, houses, mates, cars, careers, and all the “things” we imagine, and we may still feel empty. It is when we practice the Science of Mind and Spirit (SOMAS) that we truly experience that which our heart longs for. In other words, the thing desired, without the experience desired is futile.

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The spiritual nature at the center of all things is Peace, Harmony, Love, Wisdom, Joy, Beauty, and all the attributes of The Divine. When we seek these qualities first and foremost, we find them in the midst of the physical things we enjoy.

Remember!  When making your list of the more abundant life you seek in the coming tomorrows, be sure to get in touch with what that experience looks like and what it feels like.

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This Week’s Affirmation

“I am open to new possibilities.”

https://www.melanatedmisfit.com/articles/10-affirmations-for-new-beginnings

“For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
~ Matthew 7:2 (NIV) ~ 

There is a universal law of choice that governs the life of the planet and all Its habitants. This law or principle is the creative life force of every individual. It is set in motion by the issues of the heart and mind; i.e., embodied thoughts, beliefs, and feelings.  The inevitable results that follow are evidence of conscious or unconscious choices made within the secret place of one’s very own being. There are no exceptions.

The Science of Mind refers to this universal spiritual law as The Law of Reciprocity. It is also known as karma; cause and effect; action and re-action; or simply, what goes around comes around. From this perspective, we may realize it is our very own “free will” that creates our experiences, both positive and negative.

Spiritual laws do not belong to just one group of people, one religion, one sect, or one culture. These laws, being universal, apply to all. All major religions of the world teach the law of reciprocity in their own unique way. 

The spiritual Law of Reciprocity is simply your beliefs, attitudes, and actions returning to you in the same way they are doled out by you. It is like there is a sign attached to your words that say, “Return to Sender.”  This law teaches us that we can only know for another what we know for ourselves. We are One! 

In our awakened state of unity, let us choose to let go of petty judgments, gossip, and all manner of false beliefs that suggest separation. 

The enlightened one who has evolved from a limited sense of self to an expanded sense of Self practices the principle: 

 “Love your neighbor as you love yourself” and, in so doing, the Law of Reciprocity loves you back. 

The following quote by Evan Hodkins tells of the benefits of choosing Love, Harmony, Peace, and Joy as a way of life. He says, “The economy of blessing is speckled with boomerangs, sprinkled with collateral benefits, and slathered with mutuality, Blessings are apt to rebound and tend to reverberate down the corridors of time. Blessing is but another word for boundlessness.”

Let us use our power of the word for blessings! 

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This Weeks Affirmation

“I AM always right where I AM.”

Keith Childers