COMFORT FOOD

Rev. Mary Louise Ruffner

(Revisited)
I and a friend were talking about the spirituality of gardening. The conversation began with us both acknowledging that the vegetables she is now growing in her garden, were comfort foods in our youth.  In this nostalgic mood, I remember my mother having a vegetable garden in the backyard, and the front yard being filled to overflowing with petunias of every color. My friend showed me pictures of the growth process. I learned a lot.

I began to recall a class project from grade school that taught the basic relationship between the seed, the soil, and the plant. Therefore, when I first heard this analogy used in The Science of Mind to describe how thoughts become things, it was easy to accept the concept.  Through practice, trial and error, and experience, it is more apparent than ever before the far-reaching implications of the creative process that is always taking place in life.

~ ~ ~ ~

I begin to imagine planet Earth swirling through space, carrying within itself an energy field capable of feeding all of its inhabitants throughout all time. ‘Just think’, I tell myself, ‘Beneath the surface of the ground there is a vibrating, pulsating mystery, that yields everything needed to sustain and maintain a healthy body.’ Mother Earth is never exhausted or depleted of its nature to create that which nourishes; and she always leaves behind a seed within every plant, guaranteeing a future gift of the same kind. Its self-givingness is endless. Not only does it provide food for our bodies (like my mother’s vegetable garden); It provides beauty for our soul’s delight (like my mother’s flower garden). 


~ ~ ~ ~


A limited vision of Truth may see no further than the farmer’s delivery to the supermarket where a selection of fresh, frozen, or canned versions of “our daily bread” are available. Sometimes, with a limited view, it may even appear that the store is “sold out”, while the reality is, we are eternally unified with a storehouse of consciousness that is forever expanding.

But wait, there’s more!


~ ~ ~ ~

The great teacher, Jesus, came along and told us: “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” (John 4:32 NIV) I believe what he is sharing here is his discovery that not only are our bodies provided everything it needs to live successfully on the planet; our minds, when properly nourished, likewise are provided all that brings about satisfaction and fulfillment ~ all that brings great comfort. 

I imagine an energy field that surrounds all the inhabitants of the earth. I imagine this Light moving in, below, above, and through every living being. I imagine this Life Force as a vibrating, pulsating mystery that yields everything needed to sustain and maintain a healthy mind.   I imagine the “food” Jesus references is a perfect metaphor for the abundant and inexhaustible supply of Peace, Harmony, Love, Wisdom, Joy, Order, Beauty, and Wholeness that is ever-present. These qualities may be likened to seeds that may be planted in our minds, creating thoughts about the things we desire in life; i.e., health, fulfilling relationships, successful careers, sufficient finances, and more. I believe this food for thought is the very essence of Life Itself, and is the Great Comforter.


~ ~ ~ ~


The awareness of this phenomenon, this miracle, this divine connection that provides for every living being is obscured when you and I limit our vision of Truth based on the opinions of others, or a popular worldview. You and I must plant our own garden, realizing that we reap what we sow. It is Spiritual Law.


This Week’s Affirmation

How grateful am I for all the abundance in my life right now and for all my abundance I have yet to discover!

By Keith Childers

DEEP CALLS UNTO DEEP

Rev. Mary Louise Ruffner

(Revisited)
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.

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. I followed the sound until I
realized the little one was trapped inside the chimney of my house. I supported the little one in re-gaining its freedom,
the issue was soon resolved and the bird, once more sang its song of life, and I resumed my daydreaming.

I began to imagine what the bird may have told its greater community. I imagined 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 it had just encountered.

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 (the trapped bird) has nothing to do with me, 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 affirmed: “There is good for me and I ought to have it.”  Angels unaware rushed to my aid. Although they were ordinary people like you and me, 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 the one who calls is also the one who answers. It is The Presence of God living IN, THROUGH, and AS humanity. It is this Phenomenon that unifies us as one.  I tell myself that the affinity, connection, empathy, and kinship felt for another are a sure indication of universal interdependence. There is a silent communication that takes place between all beings. It is Holy Communion.

I realize, the Great Mystery that lives deep within me, hears the call of the deep within all of humanity, and ‘When Deep calls unto Deep…Deep Answers.’ It is through ‘lowly listening’ that the still small voice is heard, revealing what is ours to do. Yes, our Higher Power, the Indwelling God, always hears and always answers.

Affirmative prayer and meditation are practices that support us in attaining and maintaining this awareness.


This Week’s 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

THE POWER OF CHOICE

Rev. Mary Louise Ruffner

“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.”
~ Phillipians 4:8 ~

“We are not bound by the past unless we choose to be.” ~ “Principle is not bound by precedent.”
~ Ernest Holmes ~

We need not live a life of regrets; i.e., the “woulda, coulda, shoulda” syndrome. Remember “now” is the accepted time to go forth, fully-orbed with what you know in this moment, and with confidence, do what needs to be done by and through you, bringing a sense of fulfillment and joy. Our inherent freedom “to choose” is leeway enough to determine the quality of life we experience for ourselves as well as how it affects those within our circle of influence.

Making wise choices, powered by our inherent freedom to create our own lives, is the by-product of defining (to ourselves) our core values, and our personal beliefs. This takes commitment. It means taking time every day to affirm the vision we imagine as our life. When our choices, feelings, thoughts, and actions are in alignment, the universe responds by corresponding with our innermost convictions. Our choices affect others in a beneficial way to the degree our core values embrace a world that works for everyone.

This does not mean we are exempt from the effects of the choices others make. After all, we are all unified in the One Mind. However, it does mean we have within our power to choose to negate or conform to another’s viewpoint.

The untrained mind may inadvertently react impulsively and emotionally. To paraphrase Howard Thurman, they may feel justified “to give as good as they get when it seems someone has done violence to their self-respect and decent regard.” They may be inclined to retaliate in kind, as they ‘consider the source.’ This attitude may very well perpetuate an undesired climate of darkness.

On the other hand, the trained mind has a tendency to respond with deliberate thoughtfulness; always considering “The Source.” This high road of distinguishing ‘the deed from the doer’ may seem like weakness, while actually, it takes great strength of character. It is a consciousness of unity, of Light.

The difference in how one responds to the people, places, and things one encounters, may be a determining factor regarding health, wealth, and peace of mind, individually; as well as a determining factor in the world we live in, collectively.

With mindfulness of our true nature, we make choices that yield ease, grace, and a sense of well-being. So, it is with unwavering faith, we move forward, anchored in a peace that surpasses all human understanding.

The good news is, we are forever evolving into our greater-yet-to-be.


This Week’s Affirmation

“The power of choice is my greatest strength.”

https://thegoodpositive.com/positive-affirmations-for-decision-making/

ANCIENT WISDOM

Rev. Mary Louise Ruffne

(Revisited)

“Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.”
~ Isaiah 42:9 ~ (KJV)

“And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also, he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
 ~ Revelations 21:5 ~ (ESV)

The mystical teachings of the Holy Bible, as well as all sacred texts of the world, are sometimes obscure simply because of the unfamiliar language in which they are written. Of course, there have always been a precious few, the mystics of the time, who gleaned the deeper and esoteric meaning found in the various scriptures. 

The Metaphysical Movement of New Thought presents ancient wisdom in a language that may be understood by anyone who is a sincere seeker of Truth.   One of the most liberating revelations, taught in the Science of Mind is, “Principle is not bound by precedent.” 

Principles are invisible laws of nature that cannot be broken. Their indestructible nature assures reliability, dependability, and permanence. While this is the core of all sciences, when it comes to The Life Principle undergirding our very existence, it is the blessed assurance that, with God, all things are possible. The Life Principle is one of forgiveness, inasmuch as, once understood and applied, the mistakes of yesterday no longer have an independent power to punish or to repeat themselves. 

With an understanding that there is a power for good in the universe and we can use it, superstition of all kinds is no longer an excuse for limitation. False notions return to the native nothingness from which they came. The native-nothingness is the field of pure potentiality that has no opinions but rather conforms to the beliefs that the thinker thinks.

The moment you and I catch the idea that we are truly spiritual beings right here and right now, fully imbued with the creative nature of God, we may speak a word of Truth and it becomes the reality of our lives immediately. Careful here. Our creative nature is not making something happen by our word, but rather, it is unleashing that which is already happening. The word we speak is an affirmation of our divine life right now and ignites the Principle of Truth. 

Careful here. Our creative nature is not making something happen by our audible word, but rather, it is the embodiment of the word spoken and feeling the feeling it ignites. The word we speak is an affirmation of our divine life right now and ignites the Principle of Truth; i.e., our inherent nature of Love, Peace, Harmony, Abundance, Wisdom, Order, Joy.

The story of the prodigal son is a perfect example of the Law in action. It tells of the instantaneous response received by the one who aligns herself with the Peace, Love, Harmony, Wisdom, Joy, Abundance, and Wholeness that is our true birthright. The shadows of lack, limitation, fear, disease, poverty, bigotry, and various kinds of mental prisons, melt under this Light of Grace.

None of this implies that, as enlightened beings, we no longer experience problems that must be worked out, any more than one proficient in the knowledge of mathematics will never mis-calculate. However, it does imply that, just as the mathematician applies his Principle of Numbers to his challenge, we apply the Principle of Spiritual Truth to ours.


This Week’s Affirmation

“My mind is set free.”

www.thecoffeybreak.com

FAITH

Rev. Mary Louise Ruffner

Be it a child’s game, a health challenge, the state of the country, or, everything in between; the faith factor is always being activated, even in the darkest moments, when there seems to be no answer. 

The childhood game, Hide-and-Seek, was a favorite of mine.  I was super confident that I would always find my playmates in their favorite hiding places; or that they would tag the goal while I was still searching. This faith based on my previous experiences of playing the game was my assurance of success. When the game ended, I was summoned to come inside for the day and prepare for tomorrow.

Fast forward with me to the early part of 2002. I was feeling very low; lower than I had felt in a long time. Arriving home that day, I parked the car and hurried into my apartment.  I had a lot on my mind, so I was glad my new friends, the shy little girl and her mom who lived in the adjacent building, were not there to greet me as usual.  I was not in the mood for pleasantries. 

Once inside, I began to process the diagnosis the doctor had given me. Fear of the unknown flooded my mind. I was alone with my thoughts, feelings, confusion, and grief when suddenly there was a loud knock at my front door. Very unusual. 

It was my young neighbor standing there, her eyes filled with fear, crying, “my daughter, my daughter, I can’t find her. Help me.” In that very moment, I forgot what I was thinking about. Quickly I put my shoes on again and frantically I followed the young woman out of the door, asking “What’s your daughter’s name?” As we ran in opposite directions in search of the child, she shouted back to me, “Her name is Faith.” 

For the next 15 minutes, I ran throughout the complex, shouting: “Faith, Faith, where are you?  The young mom and I met again at our starting point.  There she was. We both saw her at the same time, this whimsical, mystical being called Faith. She showed her face from the walkway of her building. It was if her shy smile was saying, “I love this game of hide-and-seek.”  

I returned to my apartment and laughed out loud as I reflected on my search for Faith. Now, reunited with my core beliefs, the energy completely shifted. All anxiety was gone. The mesmeric spell of downward gazing was broken. I am summoned to that secret place within myself and I began preparing for tomorrow.  

This search for the child-like faith of my youth reminds me “that as I deal with my own individuality, I am dealing with the Universal, which has projected out of Itself that which is like itself on a miniature scale.” 1 

Anchored in a consciousness of Light, I know the nature of God is changeless, the Word of God is Law, deeply embedded in the substance of Wholeness, Oneness, Peace, Harmony, Love, and Wisdom; all that is indestructible, absolute, and self-existent. 2

While I do not ignore the cross-currents of division that appear in the world, I listen deeply to that still small voice that guides me into the unifying force that is irresistible and must yield a world that works for everyone. My unwavering faith is in the Indwelling Presence as I am motivated to seek and find the way.

1. SOM, 165.1
2https://stillpointcsl.org/what-we-believe/


This Weeks Affirmation

I elect to stand still, go within, and know the way.

By Keith D. Childers


Celebration of Life Service  

in loving memory of
Judy Hilley
Saturday, July 20, 2024

Spiritual Living Center of Atlanta
2650 N Druid Hills Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30329

Visitation: 11:00 AM
Service: 12:00 Noon

Refreshments and Fellowship following the Service