GREAT MORNING!  

Welcome back to Unity Spiritual Center!

Our journey through some of Motown’s great music has been fun and enlightening.

We started with ‘Reach Out, I’ll Be There” by the Four Tops and ‘I’ll Be There” by the Jackson 5. Both songs spoke to the reality that God, our Creator, is always there for us. God does not move from us, too often, we do. We just have to remember that that Divine Energy is always with us, in us…we just need to be willing and open to connect.

Next, we let the Temptations take our “Imagination” and let it float away.  Imagination is one of our 12 Powers. And we were reminded that all we see before us is brought to manifestation through IMAGINATION.

Marvin Gaye’s “I heard it Through the Grapevine” was a reminder of the perils of gossip. I can imagine that each of us has had an experience of gossip and the damage and hurt can cause. So, we should all put that type of behavior behind us and walk away. Even better, ask the person attempting to engage you, to stop.

Today, we are listening to “Higher Ground” by Stevie Wonder.

People, keep on learnin’
Soldiers, keep on warrin’
World, keep on turnin’
‘Cause it won’t be too long

Powers, keep on lyin’
While your people keep on dyin’
World, keep on turnin’
‘Cause it won’t be too long

I’m so darn glad He let me try it again
‘Cause my last time on earth I lived a whole world of sin
I’m so glad that I know more than I knew then
Gonna keep on tryin’
‘Til I reach my highest ground

Teachers, keep on teachin’ 

Preachers, keep on preachin’

World, keep on turning

Cause it won’t be too long

Lovers, keep on lovin’
Believers, keep on believin’
Sleepers, just stop sleepin’
‘Cause it won’t be too long
Oh no

I’m so glad that He let me try it again
‘Cause my last time on earth I lived a whole world of sin
I’m so glad that I know more than I knew then
Gonna keep on tryin’
‘Til I reach my highest ground, whoo

Til I reach my highest ground

Oh no
No one’s gonna bring me down
Oh no
‘Til I reach my highest ground
Don’t you let nobody bring you down (they’ll sho ’nuff try)

If you listen to the words, and relate to what he is saying, it’s very interesting. At least for me. I believe he is talking about how frustrating life can be when it seems that we never get past the sameness of every day.

Learning, warring, turning, lying, dying…

And then “it won’t be too long…”

It won’t be too long for what? Lots of negativity there.

Well, surprise! He gets another chance at life through reincarnation and changes his life, his outlook on life, and sees things from a Higher Ground—a different perspective.

The thing is…. We don’t have to wait for reincarnation to have a better life. We can start right now.

Haven’t we spoken about this time and again? To ‘REPENT’ which means, Metaphysically, to look at things differently. When our perspective changes, everything changes. That’s what “Change your thoughts, change your life” is all about.

If you look at the New Testament, there are 15 references to our Way-Shower, Jesus, going up a mountain, or Higher Ground and sitting in prayer and meditation, or coming down from a mountain and healing.

The Revealing Word tells us “Mountains are symbolic of an exalted state of mind,” or a state of spiritual realization may be perceived and unfolded, making real in our lives the peace and love of God.

So, how do we achieve this Higher Ground, this higher consciousness?

Through prayer and meditation, quiet contemplation.

Speaking of prayer, Unity’s World Day of Prayer is September 8^th. Check out the plans from Big Unity at Unity World Day of Prayer 2022

And remember, we pray for our benefit, not the divine Spirit that we are one with. We are the ones that moved away from God in our hearts and sometimes actions.

As we pray and meditate, we not only shift our perspective, but we lift the collective consciousness of the world too. As we heal, we heal the world.

This makes our personal work even more important.

Meditation is a type of mind-body medicine. It has been practiced for thousands of years. During meditation, you develop intentional focus and minimize random thoughts about the past or future.

The purpose of meditation is to expand the consciousness toward the Christ of your authentic self, to bring into realization divine Truth, to be transformed in spirit and body by the renewing of your mind.

Unity author May Roland tells us: “The silence is not something mysterious. It is that inner place of stillness where you feel and know your oneness with God.”

Meditation may offer many benefits, such as helping with: Concentration; Relaxation; Inner peace; Stress reduction; Fatigue; & Emotional well-being

Research has found that meditation may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. When combined with conventional medicine, meditation may improve physical health. For example, some research suggests meditation can help manage symptoms of conditions such as: Chronic pain; Asthma; Cancer; Heart disease; High blood pressure; Sleep problems & Digestive problems.

There are several ways to meditate. Traditionally, we think of someone who is meditating as sitting quietly, often with their legs crossed, and fingers touching. (Pic)

But many people can meditate while walking on the beach, or taking steps through a garden, even doing the dishes.

The important point is quieting your mind.

So, when you are practicing meditation, find a comfortable place to sit, away from others so you will not be disturbed. Give yourself time to go deep. If a thought comes by in your mind, watch it go, not holding on to it but seeing it travel out of your thoughts.

As I hope you know, Unity is here to aid you in your prayer and meditation practices. I mentioned earlier, World Day of Prayer is coming up next month.

And we have Karen’s meditation group on Monday evenings. Talk with her if you wish to get on that ZOOM call.

If you check out our FB page, https://www.facebook.com/www.unityspiritualcenterofcoastalde.org, I often post other meditations from Big Unity and other Unity’s as well. 

This is the reading I selected for today’s Message:

Reading

Higher Ground

Divine Spirit, as I seek a deep and real closeness to your presence, I realize that only when I am lifted up in consciousness and stabilized in a loving and faith-filled approach to life will I have perfect answers to my prayers.

I know now that my good comes through me – through my ability to meet all things in a constructive way. I bring myself to You to be lifted up.

Lift me into the thought of perfect life, that my body may show forth health and wholeness. Place me on the higher ground of perpetual renewal and restoration. Lift me into the feeling of universal love, that my heart-range may expand, and a flow of happiness may be expressed through me. Place me on the higher ground of harmony with all people and a realization of the goodness of life that never ends.

Lift me up and place me on higher ground, that I may always abide in Your presence and be one with perfect life and love.

Lift up your eyes to the higher plane that we know is there to remind us all that Spirit is always with us, to guide, love and protect us.

If we consider the beginning of Stevie Wonders song, we can relate to the business and frustrations we all could experience each day.

But we are reminded again, that that does not have to be our reality. We have been given dominion over our thoughts, we just have to take that responsibility on and think good thoughts, be present in our lives and do what is our to do to make this a better world.

GREAT MORNING!  

Welcome back to Unity Spiritual Center!

I do hope you are enjoying our trip into the wonderful music of Motown. I have been enjoying researching it and listening to the songs we will be discussing.

This week, we listen to and explore the sound of Marvin Gaye and “I Heard it Through the Grapevine”

This song is a simple but still powerful example of gossip.

It was the first of Gaye’s songs to hit #1.

What is gossip? It is casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true

To hear something through the grapevine is to learn of something informally and unofficially by means of gossip and rumor. The usual implication is that the information was passed person to person by word of mouth, perhaps in a confidential manner among friends or colleagues.

When I was young, (very young!), our families often vacationed together, a couple of my dad’s brothers and sisters. All the families often went to Cowen’s State Park, in western PA. One of the games we played when we all gathered together was called Telephone. Did you ever play it?

We made a big circle in one of the cabins all sitting on chairs and benches. We’re talking 30-40 people. One person would start by whispering some word or phrase into the ear of the person next to them and it would be whispered around the circle.

By the time it got all the way around, it usually was nothing near what it started out as.

My Dad was usually the guy who came up with some weird phrase that usually ended up with the most laughter.

But gossip is usually not a funny thing.

And this is a good example of the dangers of gossip. What may, and that is a huge may, have started out as an innocent comment, most often turn out much more damaging.

When we talk about other people, we may end up ruining another person’s reputation. A reputation is very fragile. When you gossip, you are helping to destroy something extremely valuable.

There’s a story about a man who lived in a small town. He was new there, so most didn’t know much about him.

One person started to gossip, saying some unaccounted things and it quickly spread through the town. The man was deeply hurt, and finally confronted the gossip. After explaining how wrong the information was and how hurt he was, the gossiper asked how they could repair the harm they had done.

After thinking a bit, the man said to take a feather pillow, go to the top floor of their home, rip the pillow open and send the feathers out an open window.

Then, go out and try to gather all the feathers up.

Impossible, right?

This is the harm of gossip. Once the words are out, you can’t take them back. Those words can ruin friendships, marriages, word relations, lives.

Gossip and rumors can destroy a person’s self-confidence and affect their self-esteem. It also can lead to depression, suicidal thoughts, eating disorders, anxiety, and a host of other issues.

Too often we have seen the affects of gossip leading to a child taking their own life.

Words are powerful. Just ask any child who is being bullied.

Or as Professor Dumbledore stated: “Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic. Capable of both inflicting injury and remedying it.”

If we search the Bible, there are many references to gossip, in both the Hebrew and New Testaments. There are many references in Proverbs:

Proverbs 20:19 A gossip betrays a confidence; so, avoid anyone who talks too much.

Proverbs 26:20 Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.

Proverbs 16:28 A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.

Proverbs 11:13 A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.

And the Book of James is filled with such references: James 3:1-4:12

This section of James’ Epistle is so clearly written that very little comment is necessary. Careless talk and idle gossip caused dissensions and disturbances in many of the Christian groups, and James felt it necessary to admonish the offenders. “The tongue is a little member and boasts of great things,” he wrote, but see “How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire!” (James 3:5). James thus indicates that offenses of this sort could endanger the entire church and should be immediately checked.

Gossiping often carries an element of malicious criticism and judgment of others, and so it also strengthens the ego through the implied but imagined moral superiority that is there whenever you apply a negative judgment to anyone.

Metaphysically, we could ask ourselves why can we become so jealous and manipulative at the thought of hearing through the grapevine that our lover was leaving us?

The Course in Miracles tells us: the ego lives in comparisons; the ego attempts to always feel special and melodramatic.

As we move away from fear-based ego & onto our spiritual journey, our relationships may turn to fear, our partners want us to change back. This is ego, asking us to go back to what we were.

It is up to us to stand strong and see this as an attempt to keep us from moving forward.

Here is a response to the question: “How can I stop gossiping?” from G. Leroy Dale, Unity Minister—

All of us were given freedom of thought when God created us, but few of us have realized our personal responsibility involved in using thought. All that we think, say, and do registers in our subconscious nature and comes forth again by the law of attraction, to bless or to injure us or others.

A Truth student who realizes his personal responsibility for thinking discovers that what he thinks frees or binds him. So, he studies Truth to learn better ways of thinking, and thereby frees himself from many unhappy experiences.

If caught in a gossipy “talkfest,” simply keep thinking thoughts similar to the following:

What is being said here is of no consequence to me. The perfect action of God is taking place here through all concerned and only Divine Mind ideas are being contacted and expressed. Kindness, love, generosity, and understanding manifest through and for all, myself included.

The result will be that your own soul will not be contaminated, the so-called “gossips” will soon stop gossiping, no one’s reputation will suffer, and peace for all will prevail.

And I conclude with this message from Eckhart Tolle:

Here’s why you should not GOSSIP:

In Ancient Greece, Socrates had a great reputation of wisdom. One day, someone came to find the great philosopher and said to him:

– Do you know what I just heard about your friend?

– A moment, replied Socrates. Before you tell me, I would like to test you the three sieves.

– The three sieves?

– Yes, continued Socrates. Before telling anything about the others, it’s good to take the time to filter what you mean. I call it the test of the three sieves.

The first sieve is the TRUTH. Have you checked if what you’re going to tell me is true?

– No, I just heard it.

– Very good! So, you don’t know if it’s true.

We continue with the second sieve, that of KINDNESS. What you want to tell me about my friend, is it good?

– Oh, no! On the contrary.

– So, questioned Socrates, you want to tell me bad things about him and you’re not even sure they’re true?

Maybe you can still pass the test of the third sieve, that of UTILITY. Is it useful that I know what you’re going to tell me about this friend?

– No, really.

– So, concluded Socrates, what you were going to tell me is neither true, nor good, nor useful. Why, then, did you want to tell me this?

“Gossip is a bad thing. In the beginning it may seem enjoyable and fun, but in the end, it fills our hearts with bitterness and poisons us, too!”

GREAT MORNING!  

Welcome back to Unity Spiritual Center!

Back for our second week on Motown Music…Motown Magic!

This week we are taking a listen to the Temptations, “It’s Just My Imagination.”

We know a lot about imagination in Unity. Imagination is one of the 12 Powers that we all have within us.

Cora Fillmore stated, “Imagination is an attribute of God. It is the formative power of thought, the molding power of the mind. It is that which gives shape, tone, color, to thinking. In Truth, every word, every combination of words, has back of it an image, a thought picture. These images, these combinations of shapes working in omnipresent substance, mold our lives.”

Charles would call it the nerve center between the eyes. Through this, the formless takes form.

Without our imagination, there would be nothing. We need to imagine it to make it manifest. Remember, we are co-creators.

Just take a moment, take yourself back to when you were thinking about something you wanted to do, say paint the living room, or plant a garden. You let your imagination flow, devising different colors on the walls or in the garden. If you actually put feet to the thought, you ended up with a different color in the living room or a beautiful garden to enjoy through the days of spring, summer and fall.

We all use our imagination all the time. Sometimes it for a specific purpose. The imagination of a handful of people manifested Unity Spiritual Center. Your imagination can help to maintain it and see it grow and prosper.

Your imagination is the first step to manifestation. Feeling it, holding it, living it leads to the full manifestation.

Listen to the words of this weeks Motown Song

“Just My Imagination” by the Temptations

This song is an example of someone using their thoughts to imagine a relationship with another. Principle 3 “Since we are children of God, made in God’s image, we are co-creators with God. We create reality through our thoughts and beliefs.”

Or, as we often hear: Thoughts held in mind, produce after their kind.”

We have all daydreamed about one thing or another throughout our lives.

But what is the difference between a daydream and using our imagination to manifest some desire into form?

In a daydream, do we hold it in mind?  No. It is short lived and we move on, often suddenly awakened by someone nudging us back to reality!

In a daydream, do we put energy behind the thought to bring manifestation forward? No. Our energy is not grounded in the daydream.

In a daydream, do we put feet to the prayer? Not usually. We usually get busy doing what we are supposed to be doing, like listening to the teacher, or doing the dishes, or back to work before the boss comes by.

It’s No to all these questions. In a daydream, we let our thought wander to wherever they wish to go, there is no intent behind them.

But, when we bring an idea from Divine Mind and have desire behind it, we hold that in mind. We put desire behind it. We give it some detail, not too much, to imagine it in form.

It is the desire, the energy behind the idea that helps to bring it forth.

Emily Cady tells us, Desire is an expression of the inmost being of man; the onward impulse of an ever-evolving man.

However, she says, all the desires we have ever had, have now, or will have in the future, are part of the one desire- to truly know God, not merely to know about our Creator

Cady continues, “Even one who has strong desires never gets beyond mere “daydreaming,” unless their desires are backed up by an understanding faith. Desire is related to vision of some hoped-for good, but faith measures one’s capacity to receive that good; faith has been called the “measuring cup” that sets the time and quantity.

Because imagination is the faculty that actually molds and shapes substance, we may sometimes overlook the fact that it takes desire to determine the shape that imagination will work with. Our desire, the yearning for some good, comes alive under the action of faith and sets the imagination to work.

Just to hold a thought of some good in our intellect does not stir the soul to desire, for feeling is part of desire. We awaken feeling when faith is brought into conscious expression. An idea must go into the feeling nature, to become a desire that can “shape” the good we long for. We may be aware of many things in our conscious thinking, but until what we are thinking becomes impregnated with feeling in the (the heart, we will have only unfulfilled desires. When faith is linked with, understanding and imagination, we have added the feeling or conviction that can bring the good we desire into visible form.”

AND, we have no preconceived idea when or how it will manifest. It is all on God time, not ours.

I can imagine that if the gentleman in the song sang it daily with deep feelings, he may manifest his desire.

Look at the times in your life when you had a thought or idea that you wished to become real.  Did you hold it in mind with feeling and desire? Did you put your energy behind it as well as your action?

If not, maybe you can see why it did not manifest. Your thoughts must be aligned with your body, the desire must run true throughout your being.

Think of elite athletes. Part of their training is using the imagination as a desire, to see and feel themselves moving through the skill. The muscles memorize what is needed to perform the act.

“Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” Albert Einstein

And why would he say that? Here are some thoughts:

1. Imagination ignites passion. As adults we have been forced into a world of responsibility and practicality where money, bills, and jobs (many of which we hate) dictate how we live, breathe, and experience the world. Dreaming of what can be allows us to tap into our imaginations again, reminding us what it feels like to be passionate about something. Somewhere along the lines we have lost that connection to passion and purpose in life and replaced it with survival and responsibility. Who says you can’t be passionate and responsible?

• Our imagination and thoughts create our future. It’s long been said that ‘thoughts become things’ and our imaginative muscle is the very thing that helps make that possible. When we stay immersed in what is directly in front of us at all times (i.e. our current reality, in the NOW), we continually create the same challenges, problems, and experiences over and over again. But, when we venture into our imagination to focus on the reality that we want to experience, the energy is set in motion and magnificent change can occur.

And as Albert Einstein so eloquently stated:

“Imagination is everything. It is the preview for life’s coming attractions.”

• Imagination stimulates creativity and innovation. Some of the most influential and innovative creations have come from the simple act of imagining something bigger, easier, or more beautiful. Scientists and creative artists have an amazing gift for thinking outside the box and allowing their imaginations the freedom to grow and evolve their thoughts, many of which have created products that have changed the way we live entirely. Without this creative power we may never have had the internet, smartphones, airplanes, and other amazing technology we rely on every day. Simply put, imagination is the key ingredient to expansion and the advancement of our world.

• Imagination is magical. Take a moment to watch a young child play alone and you will experience first-hand the magic that comes from imagination. Creative thought turns the mundane into a magical experience. It is what turns a simple box into a powerful rocket, a laundry basket into a pirate ship, and a simple bathtub into the deep blue sea. Taking a moment to view the world through a child’s eyes is enough to bring back the joy and wonder that imagination brings. How amazing would our world be if we all experienced that same joy and wonder on a day-to-day basis?

• Sometimes reality just sucks. Watching the news and hearing about the violence, crime, sickness, and sadness in the world is enough to make anyone believe that things are falling apart. By falling into the trap of ‘what is’ and believing that this is just the way the world works, we become a victim and relinquish our true creative power. Choosing to use our imaginative muscle as a means of creation provides hope. And where there is hope there is ultimately an opportunity for transformation and change. Two things that are necessary for us to create a better world for generations to come.

Albert Einstein had it right when he said:

“Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.”

Reality is merely an outward expression of what we have chosen to accept and focus on in the world. But when we turn our thoughts to that which we want to create in our lives, the possibilities are endless. With that kind of imaginative power, why would we waste it focusing on the mundane only to perpetuate a reality that is less than optimum? We have the power to create so much more and it is up to us to use our imaginations to change our lives and our world for the better.

How to imagine your future

The mind’s ability to turn imagination into reality is truly very powerful. If you want to have a creative mind, just follow these steps:

• Describe or draw your desired image, seeing yourself successfully, as you’d like.
• Breathe deeply and relax. This way you’ll be more responsive and able to create a more detailed picture, since what you imagine must be as close to the real experience as possible. Pay special attention to the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and any other details of the scene.
• Imagine your desired results. Imagine that they’re really happening, and imagine yourself in the present tense with phrases like “I am,” and forget the “I hope” or “I’ll try.”
• Create positive emotions such as joy, happiness and relaxation in the scene and smile while you’re imagining.
• Spend five minutes mentally visualizing the image you want realized, a minimum of twice per week. Try it first thing in the morning before getting out of bed, and again at night just before bedtime. Free yourself of tensions, and imagine yourself in a calm and relaxed place. By Lamisha Serf-Walls, Contributor, Transformational Coach

I’ll close with the Reading I chose for today’s Message: Imagination

I use the power of imagination to shape and form my thoughts into positive, constructive action.

If I have dismissed the activity of imagination as unproductive, wishful thinking, I need to recognize that imagination is a gift from God. How I use the power of imagination determines the productiveness of it. When I put my imagination to good use, I realize good results.

Imagination is a direct inheritance from God. As I use the power of imaging, I accept divine ideas from God and form them into an appropriate plan of action in my life.

The powerful process of imaging helps link divine ideas in mind to their manifestation in reality. I use my imagination to plan for success. I am led to think positively and constructively, and also to act in positive and constructive ways. I follow the plan of good that my use of the power of imagination has already established in my mind.

We have a lot to think about this week.  Let’s start with meditation.

GREAT MORNING!  

Welcome back to Unity Spiritual Center!

And welcome to our Summer Series based upon the music of Motown!

As we meet each week and listen to and discuss the music and the message it brings, I hope you will pay more attention to the music you hear as you drive, the songs that pop into your mind as you go through the day, and maybe even the music that enters your dreams.

What I’d like for you to do is tell me what those songs were. I plan to use some of your ideas for the last lesson in this series. SO, send me a text or email with the songs that are playing in your head, and I’ll take a look at what you have been hearing or playing.

There can be much to learn in the music that is part of our lives.

Here at Unity, we often think of the Positive Music that the many musicians bring to us, including our own Greg. But messages can be found in many, many places.

Over the years we have looked at some interesting and fun things over the summer months: The Wizard of Oz, Harry Potter, Children’s Books, the Beatles just to name a few.

So I thank Rev. Sandy Boyer for sharing her idea of using Motown music as our muse for this summer.

We are going to start with two songs with the same general message:

“Reach Out, I’ll Be There” by the Four Tops and “I’ll Be There” by the Jackson 5.

Both have similar messages, that we are not alone, that we have support when we are open and willing to receive it.

GREG

And here are the words to the Four Top’s song, “Reach Out, I’ll Be There”

Now if you feel that you can’t go on (can’t go on)
Because all of your hope is gone (all your hope is gone)
And your life is filled with much confusion (much confusion)
Until happiness is just an illusion (happiness is just an illusion)
And your world around is crumbling down, darling

Reach out come on girl reach on out for me

Reach out reach out for me

I’ll be there with a love that will shelter you
I’ll be there with a love that will see you through

When you feel lost and about to give up (to give up)
Cause your life just ain’t good enough (just ain’t good enough)
And your feel the world has grown cold (has grown cold)
And your drifting out all on your own (drifting out on your own)
And you need a hand to hold, darling

Reach out come on girl reach out for me
Reach out reach out for me
I’ll be there to love and comfort you
And I’ll be there to cherish and care for you

I’ll be there to always see you through
I’ll be there to love and comfort you

I can tell the way you hang your head (hang your head)
Your not in love now, now your afraid (you’re afraid)
And through the tears you look around (look around)
But there’s no piece of mind to be found (no piece of mind to be found)
I know what your thinking,
You’re alone now, no love of your own, but darling

Reach out come on girl reach out for me
Reach out reach out… just look over your shoulder

I’ll be there to give you all the love you need
And I’ll be there you can always depend on me

Just take a moment. It really isn’t hard to see & feel the connection to our Spiritual selves in these songs. As we relate the words to the God of our understanding, we know that God is always THERE—always HERE.

It is not God who has moved, but us. As we go through our lives in this human form, we often step away from what our hearts are telling us…that we are not alone, that Spirit is always with us.

We grew past the God of our childhood, that angry God, even vengeful at times. The Hebrew Bible tells many stories of our spiritual growth, through the trials of being a spirit in human form. At that time, we were babies in the growth of our soul. We turned away from Divine Spirit, thinking we could do life on our own, like the folks did with the Tower of Babel.

That journey through the Hebrew Books, The Old Testament, was the first lesson on what it means to be a soul having a human experience. We were given tools to help us learn how to get along, how to live in peace, but mostly, how to trust God.

When we grew enough, Jesus came along in the New Testament and taught us the truth of Gods laws, that we just need to love.

Then we recall that God is available within each and every one of us. We remember that God brings us peace because God IS peace.  God is Love and we are a part of that love, as we express ourselves as God through-out our day.

Here’s the Reading I selected for today…

God comforts me and fills me with peace.

Whenever you need me, I’ll be there with you. You don’t need to look for me, for I am the joy that lives in your heart. You don’t need to seek me in places or circumstances, for I am the love that continually vibrates in and through everyone and everything.

Whenever you call, I will answer. Even before you ask, I know what your need is and I will answer your need in a way that will help you grow through whatever it is that you are experiencing.

Let my strength carry you through every circumstance of your life. Trust in me with all your heart, and I will transform your life with great joy and peace.

God is LIFE. And if we just reach out to that life, we can & will experience the love and support of that Divine Spirit that binds us all together.

Reach out in thought. Instead of “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” how about adding “Think unto others and you would have them think onto you.”

Remember, our thoughts create our world, Principle 3. So it only makes sense to not only treat others well but think of them well also. Reach out to others in mind and action and attitude.

Everyone is important in this thing called life. Let’s treat each of us as such. Reach out and BE the person we can be, or as we often see, I pray I can be the person my dogs think I am!

These two songs also remind us to reach out and express more love, more joy, more enthusiasm…more LIFE!

Reach out to others. Maybe it’s time to be more of a friend than you have been. Maybe it’s time to be of service to your family, your community, your world.

We are so grateful for those of you who are in Service to Unity Spiritual Center. Don’t shy away from being a part of this wonderful, loving Community. We have so much to give and share.

I’ve mentioned many times about one of my mentors who would remind me that “God is in the yearning.”

Sometimes your thoughts are so consumed with your souls yearning to be closer to God, it can almost hurt. We are being pushed forward to know ourselves more and to be more.

That Christ Presence within us all is our connection to our authentic self. We can only be as close to Divine Spirit as we are willing to be true to ourselves, to being authentic.

Are you willing to be you? Are you ready to reach out to the higher being that resides in each and every cell of your body?

I’ve said time and again, to get closer to God, to Divine Spirit, we must know ourselves. We must be willing to not just reach out to the God of our understanding, but to also reach in. Willing to truly know who we are and what we are…we are of the Divine, our Creator. And we are creating our lives. So, if you are not satisfied with this life of yours, reach out to Spirit, to yourself and to others and make the change you need to be the person you wish to be.

It’s never too late.

Welcome back to Unity Spiritual Center!

And Great Independence Day to you all!

Did you know that July 4^th has only been a Federal holiday since 1941? Officially, anyway, as a paid Federal Holiday. It was declared a Federal Holiday in 1870. Of course, it has been celebrated since the American Revolution.

Back then, some colonists celebrated the day by holding mock funerals for England’s King George III, as a way of reinforcing America’s victory over the British monarchy.

Some folks think it should be celebrated on July 2^nd, since independence from England was voted on then, but the delegates didn’t adopt the Declaration of Independence until the 4^th.

Now, of course, it is celebrated on the Monday closest to the 4^th…longer weekends and more sufficient work weeks!

From a political or social point of view, all people are ‘supposed’ to be free. Our Bill of Rights state that. We know, in reality, that that does not exactly present itself as true. Unfortunately, many are challenged too often by inequality, prejudice, and threats on person and property by those who see themselves as superior, better than.

And this is one of the reasons we ask each week, “What is mine to do?” Because only each of us individually can answer that.

But let’s chat about another type of freedom.

The freedom we have with Spirit.

We lay hold of our freedom when we grasp the truth of freedom and give up all belief in bondage. Bondage, that favorite word of Emilie Cady, famous New Thought Author of “Lessons in Truth.” We are free when we realize that Christ within us has set us free from every enslaving belief or habit. Our freedom becomes a reality when we accept it as true for us. Our belief in bondage disappears when the truth of freedom is established in mind.

“As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison.“

We set ourselves free from any belief that would bind us. Our freedom becomes clearer to us as we meditate upon the spirit of freedom within us. In order to be free, we set others free too.

“I am not truly free if I am taking away someone else’s freedom, just as surely as I am not free when my freedom is taken from me.”

― Nelson Mandela

BECAUSE FREEDOM is the right of every human, it is natural for us to rebel to first realize the true source of freedom, that source of freedom is the triumphant Spirit of God dwelling in us all. A realization of our inherent power over everything in our life is necessary to the attainment of a consciousness of freedom. Even as our heart cries out for freedom, so can we assert our freedom through unifying ourselves with omnipotence. Then can we rise up in faith and claim our birthright of freedom. By knowing ourselves to be a child of God we become the master of habit, circumstance, condition, & environment. Then is freedom ours in manifestation as well as in Spirit and in Truth.

I HAVE freedom of spirit. We all do. Nothing can hinder or obstruct our spiritual growth and unfoldment. Let us now let go any thought of ourselves as separated from source, God. Centered in Divine Spirit, we are poised, free, and happy.

I have freedom of thought. AFFIRM We are free to think the thoughts of our own choosing. This is what Genesis tells us, we have dominion over all the Life on earth that represents our thoughts, on every level. What a challenge this can be, and what a privilege! Because God has blessed all of us with divine intelligence so we can sort out, evaluate, accept, or refuse the thoughts that come into our mind.

I have freedom of self-expression. AFFIRM We are free from past mistakes or shortcomings, free to make a new beginning, free to press forward into the satisfying, fulfilling life that we have been created to experience. I am free to be the kind of individual that I want to be, and so are you. I am free to express the self that God created—wise, loving, productive, & capable, and so are you.

As we prepare to celebrate July 4th, let us celebrate our freedom! We give thanks for our individual freedom, for freedom wherever it is expressed in the world, and for all freedom -loving people everywhere.

We give thanks for the freedom to express our true nature as children of God, inheritors of health and wholeness. We are not bound by past mistakes, imperfect images, or another’s’ negative opinions.

We are free to express and experience all the good that God has created for us. We are free to govern our own thoughts and activities. We are free to live up to the best that is in us.

We abolish attitudes that would bind us to unwanted habits. We are capable of making right decisions. We are free to live by the divine principles of freedom.

IT HAS been said that true freedom is not freedom from something but freedom for something, freedom to do or to be something. Turn yourself in the direction you wish to go.

In your divine self, your Christ self, you are not bound or limited. You are free to grow and unfold; you are free to express the talents and abilities within you. You are free to live healthily and happily, free to go forward day by day in peace and joy.

We acknowledge the individual freedom of people to be the best that they can be.

Freedom, true freedom, is of the spirit and is not limited by circumstances or conditions. Freedom can never be taken from us by other persons nor given to us by anyone else. The source of true freedom is found in the Spirit of God, which is within us. We are meant for freedom.

When we know that we are free because we have the source of true freedom within us, we have a sense of freedom, no matter what we are doing, no matter in what place we find ourselves.

Freedom is gained through prayer and meditation. It is gained through spiritual development experienced in communion with God in the silence.

Affirm: From my times of prayer and meditation I attain a spiritual power that enables me to rise above every limitation or restriction in my life.

Whatever your beliefs on personal freedoms, pray that our country can come to a place of equality, compassion, and freedom for all.