The Truth That Lies Within

November 30th – Day 30 – Mental Challenge and Journey of Gratitude

I dedicate myself this 30th day to focus on all that is nourishing, advancing, and promising! PNS

Today is the last day of my challenge.  I know I’ve changed by keeping focused on what I pledged to do.  Keeping a record of all that touched me through these 30 days and then blogging about it made the whole process more rewarding.

Each day I begin with the Silent Unity Prayer Service.  The line in the November 2015 service that inspired me was, “With heart and mind united, I am guided in all I do.”  This message ties in with the importance of being in balance.  Finding The Science of Mind meditation, Arise, My Spirit, affirmed the importance of starting my days in spiritual contemplation and then continuing along that path making contact with the Divine throughout the day.

Because Unity’s theme for November was gratitude, I focused on new ways to be thankful, including understanding for the first time in my life that I have the freedom to choose to be grateful.  I do this with my intentions.  I should not wait for special occasions.  Keeping a daily gratitude journal deepens the consciousness of all that I am grateful for.

I might sum up this past months’ challenge using the words of Ernest Holmes, “Look not from revelations from without, but to awakening of Truth that lies within.”

 

Namaste

Listening Within

 

November 27th – Day 27 – Mental Challenge and Journey of Gratitude

 

I dedicate myself this 27th day to focus on all that is nourishing, advancing, and promising! PNS

Through Life's Complexities 

Loving Presence,
Thank You for Your flow
Of life and joy and good,
And thank You
For helping me know
That I have a place and purpose
In Your infinite plan …
That You forever take me
By the hand and lead me
To and through life's complexities.

I talk to You, God. I listen within.
You speak with bright inspiration
In my mind—so natural—
So simply, I find
I think it is my own thinking!
But then as I look back
I see it wasn't me;
It was You all the time!
I realize anew
That I am guided and directed by You
When I listen.

~ Rev. Dorothy Pierson

 

I function in the world of activities and responsibilities, present to whatever is happening, yet I am centered in Spirit.  I proceed with joy and confidence. ~ Daily Word

 

“Your true expression is not to have but to be.”

~ The Science of Mind, Guide for Spiritual Living

 

Nourishing my mind, body and soul are all closely tied together.  Balance, I’m learning is key to that success.  Not sleeping can be a result of not letting go of the affairs and events of the day.  According to Ernest Holmes, “Perfect trust in God within is the secret of relaxation, rest and renewal.  The Divine works through me and I am protected from mistakes.  The all-powerful Mind of the Indwelling Christ within me dissolves all sense of wakefulness and I am at peace.”

 

What exactly is the affirmative power of gratitude?  According to Margaret Stortz, “It is affirming who we are by refusing the low road of indifference, despair, and defeat,” and instead, “taking the road of positive expectation, no matter how small the glimmer of light may be.”  It is also giving thanks not just for the good but also those times when things are not so good; because, “We are not giving thanks for the event . . . but for the opportunities to heal and move through such events.”

 

The power of gratitude also means we are called to make a difference and we have the power to do that.  Emmet Fox said, “Just because most people do not suspect the existence of this power does not change the fact that it is there.”

 

“We should never forget straightforward how the use of gratitude, love, peaceful thinking and trust in the Presence can be,” added Stortz.  And finally we are called to accept ourselves the way we are. 

 

I have come to realize that accepting who I am is the greatest gift I ever gave myself. It is comforting when someone recognizes the “real” me, but it doesn’t stop me from affirming, “I AM who I AM,” when others don’t see.

 

“My God is wisdom and all wisdom is of God.”

~ Phineas P. Quimby

Being in Balance

November 25th – Day 25 – Mental Challenge and Journey of Gratitude

I dedicate myself this 25th day to focus on all that is nourishing, advancing, and promising! PNS

God is my all.  I am grateful and abundantly blessed.

Leaving Chattanooga and driving to Beaufort, SC takes careful planning and timing.  You leave too early and one hits the Atlanta morning traffic. By discovering the best time to leave we usually avoid slowdowns and dead stops, unless there is an accident.  This week’s trip was no exception.  We begin each trip appreciating and blessing the drive knowing that whatever happens all is well.

“If God is in your world, what have you to fear?” ~ Emma Curtis Hopkins

Stop focusing on what you feel you can’t do and start focusing on what your Divine Partner, God, can do.  Take the time to live in thanksgiving.  Be appreciative for the vision that stirs your soul and all the adventure that brings to your daily life. ~ Guide for Spiritual Living

“Anger can be turned into love, and the very power that has been destroying [our perfection] can be made to build up the entire body.  To maintain and orderly balance of the body . . . it is important to erase every unpleasant experience from the memory . . . so the mind- filled with the knowledge that there is but One Divine, Powerful, Vital Essence – can change inharmonious thoughts into ideas that heal, cleanse, and uplift.” ~ The Science of Mind

Wayne Dyer writes in Being in Balance, “Commit to thinking about what you want, rather than how impossible or difficult that dream may seem.” He quotes Louisa May Alcott:

“Far away in the sunshine are my highest aspirations.

I may not reach them but I can look up and see the beauty,

Believe in them and try to follow where they lead…”

He goes on the say, that . . . when we begin to believe in what we see and begin to think it, “The Universe conspires to work with you, and sends you precisely what you are thinking and believing.”  It may not happen instantaneously but realigning our thoughts begins to bring us into balance.

“Seeing good is God’s way of seeing.” ~ Margaret P. Willey

Namaste

November 24th – Day 24 – Mental Challenge and Journey of Gratitude

I dedicate myself this 24th day to focus on all that is nourishing, advancing, and promising! PNS

Keeping my divine appointment leads me to more wisdom and love.  Prayer and meditation are the most important activities on my calendar.  Creating a daily habit for prayer and meditation opens the door for wisdom and love to express through me and around me. ~ Daily Word

“Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving.” ~ Colossians 4:2

“To rise above being captivated by the human dilemma, you must make contact with the Infinite.  This is why it’s important to start your day in spiritual contemplation, make conscious contact through the day, and before retiring at night realign with the Oneness.” ~ Rev. Dr. Christian Sorensen

Arise, My Spirit

Arise, my Spirit, arise and shine.

Let Thy light illumine my path, and let Thy wisdom direct my way.

Compel my will to do Thy bidding, and command my soul to look to Thee.

I will follow Thee, my Spirit, and learn of Thee.

I will sit in the Silence and listen and watch, and

I will see Thy light and hear Thy voice.

I will follow Thee and will not depart from Thee,

For in Thee alone is peace.

Arise and shine.

~ The Science of Mind Meditation, 535 M3

 

“Namaste is an ancient Sanskrit word that essentially means 'The Divine in me honors the Divine in you.' There are three key components to the practice of Namaste. First, we come from a place of understanding that we are made in the image and likeness of God and that our true essence is Divine.  Second, we recognize that truth for another. Finally, we not only recognize that truth but we act accordingly. When we come from a consciousness of Namaste, we seek to honor, to bless, to appreciate, to serve, and to love others.” ~ Rev. Robin Reiter

Today, as I travel the highways from my home to my daughter’s home, I begin with prayer and meditation.  I will look for those times to connect with God and then see the Divine in all I meet.  I will focus on healthy food options, take action that is positive and not negative, and make wise choices when responding to situations that come up this holiday week. And as always, be grateful. Namaste

The Spirit of Truth

November 23^rd – Day 23 – Mental Challenge and Journey of Gratitude

I dedicate myself this 23^rd day to focus on all that is nourishing, advancing, and promising! PNS

“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth.” ~ John 16:13

“To know the Truth is to let go of untruths.” ~ Eric Butterworth

“…and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” ~ John 8:32

“There is something in every one of you that waits and listens for the sound of the genuine in yourself.  It is the only true guide you will ever have.  And if you cannot hear it, you will all your life spend your days on the ends of strings that somebody else pulls.” ~ Howard Thurman

“Grace is not a part of consciousness; it is the amount of light in our souls, not knowledge nor reason.” ~ Pope Francis

“Gratitude is one of the chief graces of human existence and is crowned in heaven with a consciousness of unity.” ~ The Science of Mind

It is said that what grace delivers will exceed the furthest of our imagination.  Taking into consideration the words of Pope Francis, I can now see that gratitude and grace are divinely connected and it is up to me to live my life in a state of consciousness that combines the two.  To be touched by the light of God’s grace and be filled with gratitude throughout the day (without thinking about it), what joy that would bring!

The Rev. John Considine suggests we, “Take a moment every day to dedicate being in a relationship with God.” He goes on to give us a few secrets to help us experience the Divine Presence every day:

·         On Monday morning as you arrive at work, before you pick up the telephone, check your e-mail, or turn on a machine, take a moment to dedicate this day and week to being in relationship with God. You might say the Lord’s Prayer or simply, “Be with me, God.” The exact words are not important. Simply intend to be aware of the presence of God all week long.

·         If you use a computer at work, put a reminder of God’s presence on your screen saver. It need not be overly religious. Just a simple, “God is blessing me and my company today!” If you don’t use a computer, a 3x5 card near your workspace works just as well.

·         When the boss walks by, say a prayer for him or her. And throughout the day, pray for the success of your company and coworkers and the projects you are engaged in. Don’t pray to change anyone. That’s not your job. Pray that everyone feels loved and successful.

·         If you experience a challenge or become upset at work, stop for a moment and take a deep breath. Say a prayer like “I prefer peace over this. Thank you, God, for returning me to peace of mind.” Keep repeating that until you feel your peace returning.

From a list of Gratitude Prayers From Around the World provided by faith representatives on the Greater Kansas City Interfaith Council, I especially liked this one:

BUDDHISM

Eternal Spirit, You who go by many names. Let us offer thanks for the bounty of the earth and to the sun, the rain, and all of the sentient beings. Let us be mindful of the vast web of our interconnectedness to all beings, and celebrate our religious diversity.

So let it be.

Tap, Tap, Tap

November 20th – Day 20 – Mental Challenge and Journey of Gratitude

I dedicate myself this 20^th day to focus on all that is nourishing, advancing, and promising! PNS

On so many levels we are one with everyone we encounter.  If we begin the day in anger, we can set the tone for the rest of the day.  Just as spreading joy brings happiness to others.

“The moment you start watching the thinker, a high level of consciousness becomes activated.  You then begin to realize that there is a vast realm of intelligence beyond thought, that thought is only a tiny aspect of that intelligence.” ~ Eckhart Tolle

I remember the exact day, not the date, but where I was when I began to see from a higher view.  I was walking a par course near my home early one morning.  I had been questioning my faith, having grown up as a Christian in a mainstream protestant church.  Now in my forties, the world had evolved.  With great technology, cell phones, cable TV and the Internet my world view was changing.  I walked, thinking about my dilemma when suddenly I felt three hard taps on my left shoulder and then a whisper in my right ear.  I heard, “Christianity is only a tiny speck in my eye.”  Even now as I write this I get goose bumps and feel the love and warmth of hearing God’s voice.  It was then that I realized I could see beyond my circle of intelligence to the “vast realm” that Tolle refers to.  I trust this higher perspective and welcome it.

Fast forward another twenty-five years and I read this: “There is only One Infinite God and every time man speaks to this God, he receives a direct answer.  ONE! ONE! ONE! [My tap, tap, tap!]  “I am God and there is none else.” ~ The Science of Mind

J. Sig Paulson writes, “The finest help we can give another human being is to recognize gratefully his or her true identity.”  He goes on the say, “According to the Bible, all of us are made in the image of God.  Our exercise in gratitude begins with these words: "I praise and give thanks for God’s image in me.”  And then we use the same exercise when praying for others saying, “I praise and give thanks for God’s image in you.”  He concludes by affirming that this exercise “will often change another’s life for the better.”

 

“Give thanks to God and look at life with a thankful spirit.” ~ Martha Smock

A Hero's Journey

November 18^th – Day 18 – Mental Challenge and Journey of Gratitude

I dedicate myself on this 18^th day to do all that is nourishing, advancing, and promising! PNS

“Gratitude is a sign of noble souls.” ~ Aesop

 

“All that there is of wisdom, truth or light is found intact within each human soul.”

~ Ernest Holmes

 

Today I recognized that it’s time to honor my intuition more than my habits.

“When we know the Truth, it will compel us to act in a correct manner.  The conscious thought controls the subconscious and, in turn, the subconscious controls conditions.  We plant the seed and the Law (Mind in action) produces the plant.” ~ The Science of Mind

I am an independent spirit with unlimited powers.  Spirit gives me the inner resources to rise above whatever I face.  I have the power to do and be whatever I choose.

“The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places, and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never fail.” ~ Isaiah 58:11

I am calm in the midst of all activity.  In this peace, in this calm I am at home.

  Life is good.

“It is THAT time of year.  People are rushing around gathering gifts, flying to see family and friends.  It can feel a little hectic.  This is the time to practice calmness.  Remember, you are the light of the world.  Coming from that place of calm allows that light to shine forth even in the midst of all the activities.” ~ Eugene D. Holden

According to Rev. Carla McClellan, “We look at life as a Hero’s Journey.  The Hero is that part of us that remains constant and courageous, regardless of what is happening around us.”  She goes on to suggest we ask ourselves if it would be alright if our lives got easier?  Then ask, “Am I willing to be authentic?”  Third observe our life instead of analyzing it.  Finally, say YES to whatever situations are causing discomfort.  “When you say ‘yes’ you are accepting the facts of the situation, but not its power over you,” she concludes.

Following these suggestions, I can begin to live a life filled with meaning, courage, and possibilities.

“Each and every day, take a moment and be grateful for all you have in life.”

~ Susan Smith Jones, Ph.D.

I Am Blessed!

November 17^th – Day 17 – Mental Challenge and Journey of Gratitude

I dedicate myself on this 17^th day to do all that is nourishing, advancing, and promising! PNS

“I am strong and wise.  I do not create the stream of power – I simply participate in it, with a thankful heart.” ~ Daily Word

I do go with the flow of life by looking upon each day as a new day to discover God’s grace has fallen upon my world.

“Accept grace and your world will be larger, deeper, richer, and fuller.  Look for its intimations everywhere.  Let the seed of the Giver of Life bloom in your words and deeds.”

 ~ Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat

Two weeks and one day ago I had my annual flu shot.  There is a two week incubation period for it to protect me from getting the flu.  Last night the day began to end as a set of classic symptoms appeared – cold, slight fever, headache and sore throat.  I wake this morning, with them as well as now the body aches.  However, I also wake with the knowledge that I have the power to not limit my thinking.  I have no reason to believe I have the flu.

“Man is bound not by limitation but by limited thought.  What we put into thought will come out of it.” ~ The Science of Mind

“I am so blessed.  I am so grateful for all I have.” ~ Karen Druker