“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) ~                   

~ Why does it rain? ~ 

~ Why do fish swim? ~ 

~ Why did my pet die? ~ 

Conversing with a two-year-old can be mentally challenging. 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.  

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 

“Be ye therefore transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
 ~ Romans 12:2 ~

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“There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” 
~ William Shakespeare ~ 

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“Seek ye first the kingdom of heaven and all these things will be added.”  ~ The New Testament ~

Creativity is the natural birthright of every living being. We all engage in it whether it is called play, work, or artistic expression, it’s within every one of us. Our habitual patterns of thought, words, and actions ignite our creative juices.

When I was a child, long summer days were spent playing ‘house, kick the can, jump rope, hide-go-seek,’ and other fun-filled games. At the end of the day, exhausted, I and my friends sat on the porch steps and played “That’s My Car.” We watched cars drive by, and when we saw one we liked, we pointed and yelled out: “That’s My Car.” We played until we were bored and then went on to the next pastime of storytelling.

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I love books with illustrations. I notice if I gaze at the images on the pages long enough, they begin to convey what the printed words alone could not. The same is true when I view a painting that depicts the soul of humanity through the lens of the artist. Likewise, when I look deeply into nature, her secrets are unveiled. These pictures in my mind, symbolizing some invisible essence, evoke feelings of possibilities within me. They become the inspiration for the things I desire to experience.

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When it first dawns upon us that creativity is our inherent nature, it may also dawn upon us that we have the power to consciously manifest the things we long for, and finally let go of the cycle of disappointment, regret, and feeling like the victim of circumstances. 

There are powerful tools we may implement like visualization, vision and/or dream boards, and affirmations that teach our mind (the mirror of consciousness) the images of what our happiness looks like… and with focused attention and discipline, the things we see in our minds begin to show up as our experience.

However, and interestingly enough, mastering the art of manifestation is not necessarily a change in consciousness. Like the game, That’s My Car, there may be a tendency to claim ownership of the outer appearance without claiming the qualities and feelings that the mental picture evoked. It’s not enough to have the lovely home if there is no peace there; or the beautiful prince/or princess charming, if love is not there; or the prestigious job, if there is no fulfillment there. This lack of substance may result in feelings of disappointment, regret, and victimhood, all over again. 

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The spiritual practice of Life Visioning is a great support in becoming an effective and conscious manifester.  Asking yourself questions about, not only what the good you are seeking looks like, but what it feels like, and what qualities of God it exudes; such as love, peace, harmony, abundance, joy, wisdom, etc. It’s about acknowledging what you are currently thinking, saying, and doing that is not congruent with your vision. Finally, the telltale question: are you willing to become the change you desire to experience? 

Engaging in this provocative self-inquiry aligns us with both Mind and Spirit and creates the perfect mental equivalent for the good you ought to have. Think on these things.

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This Week’s Affirmation

“I am capable of creating and maintaining a great life, and I’m worthy of the effort.”

By Debra Langley

“World peace and brotherhood are based on a common understanding of the contributions and cultures of all races and creeds” ~ Mary McLeod Bethune ~

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“There is one mind common to all individual men.”
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~

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“If there is but one mind, then God must be that Mind, and therefore God must be my mind now.” 
~ Richer Living, by Ernest Holmes and Raymond Charles Barker ~

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“A mind is a terrible thing to waste.” ~ Slogan, United Negro College Fund  ~

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Great minds, illustrated by the above quotes, have always known that a vision of unity, expressing through the unique talents, skills, and creativity of all people, creates a world that works for everyone. Black History Month is a great opportunity to pause, acknowledge, and celebrate the profundity of this awareness. 

Gil Silberman, responding to Quora’s question about the meaning of UNCF’s slogan, said: “Describing young people as “minds” rather than as charity cases, social injustice, or “at risk youth” changed the dialog, personalizing the matter and encouraging respect rather than indignation or pity.”

Every being is an individualization of The One Mind. We are each a mind within The Mind.

The mind is truly a beautiful and remarkable field of unlimited possibilities. It takes us in every direction imaginable, be it the past, present, or future. It provides us with the information we are seeking. It is the connecting link between ourselves and others, communicating through our five senses and beyond. It is the creative medium, the starting point from which all things begin.

The potential to be a great mind is within every one of us.

When one is unaware that the mind is a divine instrument able to accomplish great things through the individual; there is little motivation to dream big dreams.   It is like a violinist being the benefactor of a Stradivari Violin; and, not knowing it is an instrument of unparalleled sound quality; therefore, never dares to express the music stirring in his soul. 

Great minds emerge out of the awareness that we are surrounded by, immersed in, and infused with The One Impeccable Mind.  This Mind of God, in whom we live, move, and have our personal existence is All-Powerful, All-Knowing, and is Everywhere-Present. 

The Indwelling Presence is always right where each of us is. It is the Higher Self within, with whom we commune through prayer and meditation. It is equally distributed and accessible to all people all the time. It knows Itself, and Itself only. José Silvestre White, Afro-Cuban violinist and composer (1835-1918) and Solomon Northup, African-American violinist (1808 – 1863), are examples of ones who attuned themselves to the music within.

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All cultures have made significant contributions to the world peace and brotherhood that Mary McLeod Bethune spoke about, and she, herself, has contributed much. This month, Black History Month, is a celebration, a testimony, a demonstration of how, through an awareness of the Divine Potential of Mind, one rises above and transcends false beliefs of oppression, limitation, and separation based on race, religion, gender or one’s individual self-expression. 

The one who is a great mind, unifies with the power of the One Mind and with the unwavering faith of God leaves a trail of inspiration, hope, and encouragement to all people. Let us continue to envision a world that works for everyone.

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This Week’s Affirmation

“There is but One Mind, the Mind of God, and every being is an individualization of The One Mind.”

By Mary Jane LaBonte, RScP

“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.

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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

“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. 

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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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ANNOUNCEMENT

Check It Out!

TWO NEW ENTRIES

*Notes Along the Way, by Clarice Martin

and

*Release the Garbage, by Rose Martinez

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StillPoint Moments Virtual Scrapbook

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The new writings are located at the very end of the book.

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