| DAILY SPIRITUAL GUIDE
October 2005 A Message from Rev. Christian:
One lives pretty much under the material laws of this world until they come to discover the principles beyond the physical world. At first just about any metaphysical teaching will help free one from the bounds of the earthly plane.
There appears to be enough truth in all of them to get one started on the to road to freedom. Yet too many people end up slipping back to their old ways prior to their discovery. Often times the reason is, the work doesn't have the depth or the teachers to simply guide one from the mental science to the grace of god. For this to be a consistent experience, it takes a continual practice. One of the beautiful things that Seaside has to offer, as we "go back to school" this month is a vast opportunity of classes to learn how to move from your head to heart. The spiritual practitioners are available to assist you on your spiritual journey.
DAY 1
THE POWER OF INTENTION
"Inherent in every intention and desire is the mechanics for its fulfillment... intention and desire in the field of pure potentiality have infinite organizing power... when we introduce an intention... we put the infinite organizing power to work for us." Deepak Chopra
September is back to school month.
It is a time of new beginnings, a time to set our intention to accomplish a goal. Whether we are working toward a degree or working our way up to the next level of spirituality, we must first set our intention, then take action.
Today is the first day of the rest of my life. I move ahead with courage and confidence in myself.
Gail Manishor, RScP
DAY 2
KNOWING THE ONENESS
There are days when I get up, read my
daily readings, meditate and feel that I am totally centered in the consciousness of Spirit. I leave my sanctuary, go out into the world and all of a sudden there is something that doesn't look like the peace and knowingness I have embraced. My "humanness" gets involved and I want to react to the other person in a defensive, protective attitude. What I realize is this creates a restriction in my own consciousness. It is time to go to my inner source, God.
I then can say and know "The God that is God in me sees the God that is God in You!" - Brother Ishmael Tetteh. How that transforms my outlook at others! The true God presence is right there in everyone when we know our Oneness with Spirit.
Robin Mitchell-Coleman, RSc
DAY 3
When was the last time you took a break from the hustle and bustle of your life?
Labor Day reminds us to take a break and enjoy the fruits of
our labors.
Even God took a break on the seventh day. We get so caught up in the "let's go faster" movement that we forget to enjoy the efforts of our activity. So pause this day and surrender to the sensation of rest and receiving.
Find out first hand what no action and no doing feels like.
You deserve it!
Rev. Christian Sorenson
DAY 4
THERE'S NOTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
As we enter the energy of "back
to school", our experiences of being in the childhood classrooms may emerge. For many of us, our mode of learning was based in the belief that we had to "get something" from the teacher and books. We were graded on what we put into our minds.
This year, September, let's shift to what's real. We already have within us every Truth that ever was or will be. As we sign up for courses this time, let's allow that which is already within us to emerge, as we keep our
attention on the Divine Knower at the heart of our being. From that basis, our experience becomes the opportunity to REVEAL what is.
It's a Wonderful Life! And so it is.
DAY 5
FALL EXCITEMENT
I grew up and have lived most of my life in college towns.
There is an extraordinary excitement in the fall air which reverberates throughout the town ... new students are coming to town, stores have fall merchandise, all the cultural calendars are posted, the leaves are beginning to turn, the night air is cooler and the football season is started. The excitement of new beginnings, new opportunities to learn, to explore and to grow is tangible. The vitality and focus is exhilarating after the relaxed pace of summer. As classes start here at church and in the community, consider accepting the opportunity to expand your horizons and to excite yourself by taking a class.
Candace Young-Schult, RScP
DAY 6
HARVEST OF THE MIND
The playtime of summer is drawing to an end.
The season is now beckoning us to take on new challenges and go for new goals. Where is God guiding you to now? In this bountiful season of the harvest, what fruits do you desire to bring forth into your life? Do you desire to feast on the love of a new romance, or perhaps to learn more about the SOM principles in one of the upcoming classes at Seaside? Or, is it back to college for you? Let God guide you where you need to go next. What the mind conceives and believes, it will achieve! Change your thinking, change your life!
DAY 7
BACK TO SCHOOL
For many of us, the beginning of the school year, marks the end of the summer season and the feeling of freedom. Yet, it can just as easily be the beginning of a new adventure: a new teacher, new friends, new curriculum.
Do you remember the thrill of the unknown? It can be fun to end the summer on a high note with a celebration of all the summer fun at the last summer cook out with friends and family saying good-bye to the summer and knowing that this new season offers us those new encounters.
Mary Page, RScP
DAY 8
LEARNING YOUR A, B, T's
A is for ACCEPTANCE ... I now accept things just the way they are, knowing that my life is perfect right
now. If I want to change anything, it is through acceptance of 'what is' that my life transforms.
B is for BLESSING ... I then bless my current circumstances. As I do, I name them holy and truly acknowledge the Presence of God there. I align my life with the Life of God.
T is for TRUST ... I now trust that through unconditional acceptance and blessing the current condition, the Divine Urge within me now manifests in perfect time, in ease and grace.
School is so much fun! And it's a Wonderful Life.
DAY 9
BE WHAT YOU ARE
Emerson said, "Better yourself; know yourself and the world will come to you."
A man who thinks is the guardian of the souls of his fellow men and he must continue to challenge his own soul and those of others "to be what you are."
Back to school can take many forms. Having
adopted Jill Badonsky's Nine Modern Day Muses you have learned how to create your dream. Whatever reading you do, classes you take, creative mediums you explore -- whatever makes your heart sing, your mind challenged, your juices flow -- now is the time to tap into the omniscient source. "Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind," says Emerson.
Jacqueline Mayo, RScP
DAY 10
HOORAY FOR MUSICALS!!!!
I was thrilled to watch the Tonys recently and notice Mel Brooks musical "The Producers" capture over 90% of the awards. And recent news articles have pointed out the resurgence of musicals in both movies and theaters. I remember fondly, as perhaps others do, the fun of seeing Gene Kelly dance around the lamp post in "Singing in the Rain", or Judy Garland in "The Wizard of Oz". God loves happiness, music, dancing, which translates into
the
celebration of life. Thank you Hollywood and Broadway for producing such great happy and positive entertainment.
Thank you God for their inspiration. Life is good.
DAY 11
ABSOLUTE FAITH AND INSTANT AWARENESS
I surrender today to absolute faith and instant awareness.
I have faith that God is active in my life for my highest good, and I embrace instant awareness of Spirit. I seek to dwell constantly in Divine Presence, to be fully aware of the law of God's love. If I should wander into the areas of self-pity, overwhelm, fatigue, chaos, fear and doubt, I immediately come back to the Truth and the Power of absolute faith and instant awareness.
Michelle Tiernan, RScP
DAY 12
LOVING THE CLASSROOM OF LIFE
Today, I am celebrating being alive, here and now. Today, I am a willing student in the classroom of life.
I am willing to receive the opportunity to grow in my spiritual understanding.
I am patient enough to choose to think wisely and to wait to see these creative ideas take form in my physical life. I am strong enough to trust in this process because I know that God is infinitely loving and powerful as me. I am releasing my need to attach to these lessons, because I remember who I am.
I remember that I am the Infinite Divine consciousness, unfolding here and now. I rejoice in this knowing. I am loving my classroom of life and the lesson of God
unfolding as me.
Rev. Alice Bandy
DAY 13
MIRROR IMAGES
Have you ever noticed that the people you are in relationship with are mirror images of whatever your issues are?
We don't like to admit it, oh NO. It is always THEIR stuff! But really, if we open to Spirit and LISTEN, REALLY LISTEN to our partners, we have the opportunity to LEARN something about ourselves. And when we gain insights into ourselves we have the chance to make better CHOICES. We can heal past hurts, forgive ourselves and others, and go on living in absolute faith, knowing that our world is improving, and that, my friends, is what I call GOD GROWTH. So, the next time you find your emotions heating up just stop, look, and REALLY listen to what is going on inside. You will come out a better person and filled with renewed Faith in yourself and the world.
Lynda Light, RScP
DAY 14
MY FAVORITE TEACHER
During this 'Back to School' season, I remember, with gratitude, my favorite teacher - God. Always wise and loving, Spirit guides me, moment by moment, in the 'school of life.'
Sometimes my lessons come through another person; sometimes as an experience … at times painful to my ego. I surrender, knowing the instruction is offered in love and the lessons are
for my highest Good. I delight in the learning process and dialogue freely with my beloved Teacher. Sometimes Spirit's response comes as a silent whisper, an inner knowing; sometimes in a more outwardly apparent way.
How grateful I am that my favorite teacher is always there --guiding, guarding, directing, and protecting me -- as, together and in joyful union, we evolve in this school of life!
Joanne Millison, RScP
DAY 15
FEASTING & FASTING
Ready for a mission? O.K.! Here it is!
Today feast on fun and fast from anything else! Allow yourself to use your personal creative talents so everything you do today is fun. Enjoy yourself! Reinvent the way you do everything just for today. When did you last jump up and down on your bed before you made it? Sing while brushing your teeth? Make smiley faces with your jelly on your toast? Squirt yourself with the hose while watering your garden? Being goofy is highly spiritual you know. Hey if you don't like it, you can always go back to your old ways tomorrow.
Have a blessed and silly day!
Pamela Hower, RScP
DAY 16
UNIVERSAL CLASSROOM
In this season of going back to school, I am reminded of one of my favorite ways of learning: the path of experience, or experiential discovery. This past June, I was fortunate to be in the most extraordinary classrooms ever: the Acropolis and Parthenon of Athens, the ancient city of Ephesus in Turkey, and the Oracle of Delphi in Greece. In these
beautiful and ancient wonders of the world I became part of the continuum of culture and knowledge that remains timeless, immutable, profound, uplifting, and truly enlightening..
I give thanks for the gift of experiential learning that Spirit offers us in Its universal classrooms.
DAY 17
SPIRIT IN DA HOUSE
I am full of vitality and the essence of Love and Understanding
The principle of Life, an ever-expanding Joy, the desire to
Love, to bring Hope, to share faith in good, is in my house
I see the magic once more, the Spirit of God had descended upon us all and we are encircled by the Power, the majesty, and the mystery
I am reminded of the most important element in my life...
Spirit is in da House...the principle of Life, an ever-expanding Joy, the desire to Love, to bring Hope, to share faith in good, is in my house
Spirit permeates my being and rules my actions. I surrender to this Wisdom that has a
purpose in me; I am attentive and aware of its needs and directives.
DAY 18
IT'S IN EVERYONE OF US
In front of the Library of Celsus in ancient Ephesus are four statues representing wisdom (Sophia), knowledge (Episteme), thought (Ennoia) and virtue (Arete).
In today's culture, all four are often assumed to be the same thing and acquired with the right college degree. The truth is that all wisdom is available to everyone at
all times by going to the Source that is within each and every one of us.
By being ONE with the GOD within as daily practice in meditation, all the knowledge and virtue we desire is presented to us in the form of teachers, experiences and thoughts in our daily lives.
Cathy Bacquet, RScP
DAY 19
IT'S GOOD NEWS!
In real life - after your many years of attending school - there aren't always guidelines to tell you what is
next. Directions no longer come from outside. You must seek your own direction, create your own learning experiences and opportunities out of life. That is good news! You are, always, master of your own universe and it is up to you to create and direct your world so you can be, do, and have exactly what best represents who you are. This direction happens naturally as you sit quietly in mediation, knowing you are one with God and all that is.
"Whatever you can do, or
dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it." Goethe
Kathleen M. Lees, RScP
DAY 20
GOAL SETTING
We are told that research scientists' expectations impact the results of their research and actually can change what happens. Could it be that when we set a goal at the beginning of an interaction or project that setting that goal determines or at least definitely impacts the outcome?
Setting a goal creates the perception that anything that happens is a means to that specific goal and allows us to see possibilities in all events rather than discounting those that don't fit our expectations. When we set our goal for wholeness and health for ourselves and others it allows us to see evidence of the perfection of who we are ... spiritual beings living in a physical temple experiencing the delightful play opportunities of earth life.
Candace Young-Schult, RScP
DAY 21
THE JOY OF BEING KNOWN
Once in a while I may get to meet someone who has the desire, the willingness, the consciousness to try to see me, to really see me, to understand me, and in turn to share themselves and to love me.
I think the real joy is not only in being known, but also in having the desire, the willingness, and the consciousness to really see others, to know and love them.
When I meet such a person I get to
experience the singularly most pleasurable rapture that life itself has to offer - for indeed that is the experience of the unity that is the very essence of life!
DAY 22
HEALTHY HABITS
"It is our concept which appears as a sick or well body."
Joel Goldsmith
In Religious Science we learn that our perception or concept of an event or appearance is what makes it so.
We can know and accept that God, the Perfect One, is expressing through each and every one of us. We are temples of the living God, and as such we are perfect, no matter what the appearance is. As we lift ourselves above the fear and above the appearance, we know the Truth that God's perfect health is ours.
Today I make it a habit to do everything I can to become a totally healthy Child of God.
Gail Manishor, RScP
DAY 23
I EMBODY PEACE
Right here and right now I turn my attention to the one source -- that power I choose to call God.
I am quiet and I listen. And as my attention is focused on the divine Presence within and all around me, I come to appreciate at a deeper level my experience of oneness, of balance, of harmony and of peace. I do embody infinite peace. I know this peace for myself, all of my loved ones, my community, and my worldwide family. I give great thanks for this moment and all of the moments to come. Amen.
DAY 24
PERFECT NOW
I know with absolute conviction that my life is perfect right here and right now. I claim and accept the love that exists in the world for me, as well as perfect health, abundance and vocation. I give great thanks for this Truth and know that because I have named it with my consciousness in alignment with the mind of God, it is so. I bless and embrace this season of new beginnings, and give great thanks.
It is done.
Michelle Tiernan, RScP
DAY 25
JOY
Tonight I went to my seven-year-old granddaughter's recital for a school performance. Looking at her face and all the other precious young children I was so embraced by the absolute true expression of God in each and every sparkling eye and innocent smile.
Their total being in the moment and miraculous delight of participation exuded throughout the auditorium. As the tears came to my eyes, I felt so grateful to be able to see, feel and embrace what is truly our God-Right. We are all God's expression, no matter what age, and we are each here to express our God Presence in our own individual ways.
Robin Mitchell-Coleman, RScP
DAY 26
YEARNING TO LEARN
Now that summer is over are you ready to grow and learn?
Is your mind hungry for knowledge of Truth? One of the reasons I love the New Thought movement is because it encourages us to continue to cultivate new thoughts and to grow in our awareness of Truth. What area are you now ready to grow in? Where is God guiding you to focus next? Let the wisdom of the ages carry you to your next destination. God's wisdom liberates the soul when we surrender to it!
DAY 27
SCHOOL DAYS
I have vivid memories of the thrill I felt as a child when school resumed in the fall: the joy of seeing old friends; the anticipation of making new friends; the excitement of having new classes and teachers; so fully open to starting anew and embracing the adventure of learning!
How wonderful it is to realize now that the 'school of life' is year-round and to know that every moment offers new learning, new
opportunities to grow in self-awareness, in Self-realization. We are invited to enroll -- by our willingness, by our surrender, by inviting God to permeate our consciousness -- and receive the lessons that are so perfect, so wisely designed for us by Spirit.
Affirm: Today and every day, I open to the wonder of each moment and to the learning that I welcome as a gift from God.
Joanne Millison, RScP
DAY 28
I AM ONE IN ALL THERE IS
Each new season is an opportunity to begin again. This time I choose to begin to enter those parts of myself that I do not yet know. I am open to an infinite exploration of my soul, because this is truly an exploration of the Divine nature and all of its endless gifts.
Today, I remember that I already contain all there is.
All the parts of me that I love and all the parts of me that I don't, all are Divine. Everyone I meet today speaks my own words to me. Everything that occurs today is a reflection of my own thought. My Divine attention smoothes and heals everything in my path.
Today, I rest in the peace of knowing that I am one with all there is.
Rev. Alice Bandy
DAY 29
NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE
Grades do not measure self-worth. But
they may help open doors of opportunity. The "A" student may have opportunities the "B" student does not have; the "B" student ... and so on. So it is good to strive for excellence, knowing first that nothing is impossible.
This is so in academics and in the school of life where excellence is the result of "caring more than others think is safe, risking more than others think is wise, and expecting more than others think is possible."
And through excellence, we grasp and reach, even touch and hold our true essence - our self worth.
DAY 30
I EXPRESS FREELY
I quietly turn within.
I become still. I let go of anything that has held me in bondage. My thoughts are clear. I am ready for my freedom. I claim it now. I live my life fully. I give thanks. And so it is. | |
