(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.

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This Week’s Affirmation

“My mind is set free.”

www.thecoffeybreak.com

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
2. https://stillpointcsl.org/what-we-believe/

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This Weeks Affirmation

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

By Keith D. Childers

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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

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(Revisited)

“Before ye call I shall answer.” 
“This means that “every good and perfect gift” is already man’s, – awaiting his recognition.”
~ Florence Scovel Shinn, The Game of Life and How to Play It ~

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“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
~ 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV) ~

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“Whatever the nature of any principle may be – in so far as it is understood by anyone, it may be understood by all who take the time to investigate.”
~ Ernest Holmes, The Science of Mind ~

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“What I Know for Sure”
~ Oprah Winfrey ~

~ ~ ~ ~ 

When is enough, enough? What is the difference between faith and belief? Are some individuals more deserving than others? Does one have to know the Truth in order to benefit from the Unfailing Principle of Love and Law; or, does Grace fit into the equation? Truth seekers want to know – and, be for sure. Yet, we can only know for sure what we can prove for ourselves. 

Recently, I watched reruns from the once-popular TV Game Show, “Deal or No Deal.” The dynamics of the show reminded me of some of the above questions. The whole premise of the game is to receive the largest sum of money possible by ‘the luck of the draw,’ or ultimately, by striking a deal with the banker in order to get the best possible outcome.

The process/or strategy of the various contestants was interesting to observe. Some, I noticed, were defiant, insisting the box they chose contained the big prize, although the only reasoning that went into the selection was pure sentiment or superstition. This approach is used by those who “wish” and “hope” their dreams come true. They take a “chance” on life.

Some participants have a preconceived notion (mental equivalent) of the amount of money that would be sufficient for their well-being. Yet, when arriving at that mark, they gamble it all, hoping for more. The mental equivalent, or consciousness they brought to the game, can be likened to a container or their capacity to receive. “Man can only receive what he sees himself receiving.” (Florence Scovel Shinn, The Game of Life and How to Play It) 

Some players are influenced by the opinions of their family and friends; i.e., the by-standers.  Others, while accepting support and encouragement, nonetheless, make the final decision for themselves.

The player does not have an opponent, his/her fate is between herself and the banker.

All of this reminds me of Howard Thurman’s prose where he compares individuals with “A Seed Upon the Wind.” He describes how we are constantly being pushed and pulled by conditions and circumstances. The one who is unaware of their relationship with The Omnipresent Spirit, often believes he is powerless over what happens in his life. On the other hand, the one who is anchored in a Principle-driven life is assured, with unwavering faith, that the Life Force whose Divine Nature is Love, Peace, Harmony, Order, Wisdom, Abundance, and Joy is forever present in all of life experiences; be it finances, relationships, health, or creative expression. 

It pays to reflect on our personal relationship with The Divine, and receive the answers we seek.  

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This Weeks Affirmation

“It’s true. I AM exactly ALL that I know that I AM!”
~ Keith Childers ~

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ANNOUNCEMENT

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Celebrating the Life 
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

Repast and Fellowship following the Service

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(Revisited)

It was the mid to late 1970s. There I was sitting on the shores of the Long Island Sound, having just completed a weekend retreat with Tara Singh. ¹   I was sure I would come away with that one nugget that would tell me exactly what to do to stay in alignment with Truth.  Instead, most of the days were spent in the silence where the only guidance the enlightened teacher offered was to tell us to move beyond words and concepts. 

I remember feeling somewhat disappointed. I expected a clear-cut path to follow. I had imagined that all the participants would somehow bond as one regardless of our diverse backgrounds; unify in our common interest; join hands; and leave singing the proverbial Kumbaya! Instead, we were left suspended, for long periods of time, in an unfamiliar territory – in the depths of our own self. 

Although I didn’t realize it at once, this retreat was actually a turning point in my life inasmuch as it offered a profound gift of spiritual enlightenment and self-realization; a gift that keeps on giving.

Here it is many years later, and somehow, when I bear witness to the out-picturing of world consciousness, I sense and feel the same energy rising up that I felt way back then. For example, I have a desire for a clear, conscious path that actualizes the unity of all people regardless of apparent diverse backgrounds, various cultures, and different opinions. My desire is for this retreat of shelter in place to move our nation forward toward one common goal; i.e., a good and equitable life for all, even when there is disagreement as to how to arrive at the goal. 

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

I now remember to slip into the silence of my own being. Here, free of words and concepts, I am refreshed, renewed and aligned with the Presence and Power of God. My heart is purified. It is in this state of consciousness that I am empowered with the nature of the Divine, I see as God sees.  

“All’s Love, yet All’s Law.”  ~ Robert Browning ~

I realize: God is Love. The Love of God fulfills itself through Its own Law by becoming every form imaginable. I am the vehicle who does the imagining. The Law creates that which I accept. It is done as I believe. I make conscious choices. This Immutable Law of God, of Good, is a law of Cause and Effect. I do not fear outcomes. 

I Got It!

The choices I make, based on my beliefs, values, and intentions, are powerful whether I am choosing a healthy body, right relationships, or casting a ballot for POTUS. For this, I am so grateful.

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“When the Lord ² is your confidence you will never find yourself at all deceived by the ways and speech of men and women, though they be very brilliant, if they speak outside of the Principle that demonstrates healing and goodness and life.” ~ Emma Curtis Hopkins ~ ³

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This Weeks Affirmation

I am the only determining factor in my life.
 by Keith D. Childers

(Revisited)

There are those who study the reliability of the universe. These scientists pass on their findings to whomever is open to receive them. Of course, the universe is too vast for scientists to study all the expressions of life with detailed attention, so they specialize their focus. 

While sciences vary, all Laws and Principles, the Infallible and Invisible Cause behind everything, are actually the One Presence, God, making Itself known throughout all nature.  All Life is The One Life expressing. 

Regular readers of this blog have no doubt noticed that I love talking about the Law or Science of Mind and how it works in the human experience.

I enjoy exploring the idea that I AM the image and likeness of God. In so doing, I discover there are infinite possibilities for the expression of good to flow through me. I prepare a way to receive these gifts of life by practicing my true nature in everything I think, say, and do. I forgive myself quickly if I miss the mark, and simply begin again.  I enjoy passing on my findings to those who are open to receive the good news about this inherent nature.  After all, “It’s in every one of us.”

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There is a natural rhythm to everything that occurs in the universe. Sometimes this rhythm is obvious and other times it is obscured by circumstances. For example, although the sun rises and sets with mechanical precision; nonetheless, on a cloudy or foggy day, the overcast may be so great that reality is hidden from sight.  

However, no matter how long the darkness lasts, there is unwavering faith that sings: “The sun’ll come out tomorrow ~ Bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow ~ There’ll be sun.”

On a clear day, when the magnificence of the universe fills our awareness with its divine order, stunning beauty, and provision for every living thing, the soul of nature lifts its voice in universal praise, singing: “How Great Thou Art!”

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Similarly, there is a rhythm to individual life that operates in the microcosm exactly as it does in the macrocosm. Sometimes the perfection that each one of us is, is heavy laden with the conditions of living.

Unlike the sun, however, as self-conscious beings of choice, we have been “conditioned” to identify with what arises. Sometimes there is a tendency to claim the thing that is hiding the reality of who we really are, believing it is who we are. For example, one may say, “I am sick; I am poor; I am scared; I am lonely,” etc., etc., while all the time these conditions can be likened to the clouds and fog hiding the sun. They hide who we really are. 

However, with an insight of Wholeness, the whole picture may change in an instant. Ernest Holmes teaches, “Change your Thinking, Change Your Life. Paul of the Bible says, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Obviously, they both agree, along with many great thinkers throughout the ages, that there is a power for good at hand right now. It is the power of choice operating in the mental realm of our own being. You may begin singing, “Born Free.”

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There are individuals, right now, who may be heavy laden with physical conditions who never lose their sense of Self. While they do not deny the experience or the appearance of the circumstances; they navigate through them, embracing the wisdom of science that supports their physical healing. At the same time, these individuals unify and identify with the inner feelings of Light, Love, Peace, Joy, and Abundance, the true nature of individual being. These individuals sing: “I Love Myself…Just the Way I AM.” 

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This Week’s Affirmation

I know there is a power for good, which is the power of choice operating in the mental realm of my being.
By Mary Jane LaBonte, RScP