"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God  

and the Word was God."

John 1:1

Because of our wonderful event coming up on Sunday, August 21st, with Don Miguel and Don Jose Ruiz, I have chosen for the theme of my sermons this month, "The Four Agreements." This past Sunday, my topic was "Be impeccable with your word." Don Miguel tells us in his book, "The Four Agreements," that being impeccable with our word means that we speak with integrity, say only what we mean, and avoid using the word to speak against ourselves or to gossip about others. He says further that we should use the power of our word in the direction of truth and love. He said that it is the most important of the four agreements. With that one simple agreement, we have the possibility of experiencing heaven on earth.

It sounds very simple, but it is very, very powerful. Through the word you express your creative power. It is through the word that you manifest everything. The word is a force; it is the power you have to express and communicate, to think and thereby to create the events in your life. He says further, "but like a sword with two edges, your word can create the most beautiful things or your word can destroy everything around you. Depending upon how it is used, the word can set you free, or it can enslave you even more than you know."

Being impeccable with your word is the correct use of your energy; it means to use your energy in the direction of truth and love for yourself. "Gossiping has become the main form of communication in human society. It has become the way we feel close to each other, because it makes us feel better to see someone else feel as badly as we do. There is an old expression that says, "Misery loves company," and people who are suffering in hell don't want to be all alone." If you understand the first agreement, be impeccable with your word, you begin to see all the changes that can happen in your life........changes first in the way you deal with yourself, and later in the way you deal with other people.  

Be impeccable with your word. Use the word in the correct way. Use the word to share your love. Just this one agreement can change your whole life. Impeccability of the word can lead you to personal freedom, to huge success and abundance; it can take away all fear and transform it into joy and love.   You can live in heaven in the middle of thousands of people living in hell because you are immune to that hell.

In peace and love,    

Rev. Karen Wylie

Appreciation and Thanksgiving 

How grateful I am for Patricia Cardinali who was our musical inspiration this past Sunday. Patricia knew all of our songs, and her guitar playing and singing was wonderful. She uplifted us with her enthusiasm and spirit! Thank you Patricia for showing up in such a great way to be of service to the Symphony of Life!

Special Guests at the Symphony of Life Spiritual Center 

We have a special treat on Sunday, August 21st. The dance troupe from the Agape International Spiritual Center (Movement of Agape) will be performing at 10:30 AM at our Sunday morning service, along with Marianne Lewis, who will also be visiting us again from Agape and entertaining us with her amazing voice. We are planning a potluck on that day, so please invite your friends and bring a dish to share!  We are going to have a rousing time!

Brief Intro to the Science of Mind 

For people who are new to our teaching or for individuals who may have some questions regarding our philosophy, on Sunday, August 14th, Rev. Karen will be doing a brief introduction to the teachings of the Science of Mind and its principles.  That will occur right after service at 12:15 in the children's area.  All are welcome.  

New Fall Class 

Rev. Karen will be teaching an 8-week class, Science of Mind 102, The Nature of Effective Prayer, on Thursday nights beginning on Thursday, September 15, 7:00 to 9:30 PM, $175 (payment plans are available).  Location in Ojai TBD.  The two books that will be required reading are Prayer by Ernest Holmes and The Science of Mind also by Ernest Holmes.  Registration will begin on August 14.  Please plan on having your books by the first night of class.  (No prerequisite required.) Contact Rev. Karen at (805) 640-3743 for more information.

Living the Five Agreements 

Come join best selling authors Don Miguel Ruiz and Don Jose Ruiz for an afternoon workshop entitled, "Living the Five Agreements." This workshop is presented by the Symphony of Life Spiritual Center and will be held on Sunday, August 21, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM at the Ojai Valley Community Church, 907 El Centro. There will also be a book signing thereafter by Don Jose from 5:00 to 5:30 PM.

The program will open with Rafael Bejarano on the didgeridoo, and then the Movement of Agape, the dance troupe from the Agape International Spiritual Center will perform. Tickets are $30 prepaid; $35 at the door, $25 for Students. There are also group rates available: $25 advance purchase (10 or more paid at the same time). Tickets are available on line at www.solsc.org, also at the Symphony of Life Spiritual Center on Sundays, Contempo Hair Salon, and at Soul-Centered, a metaphysical shoppe.   Contact Amira Webster for more information about this event, (805) 701-1327.

There will be an opportunity at the workshop to sign up for a follow-up support group to practice The Five Agreements. Each group will meet three times from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. Groups are being planned to meet in Ojai, Oxnard, Camarillo and Westlake Village. The tuition to join a group is $15 and space will be limited.  Rev. Marilyn Miller, (805) 640-0498, can provide more information about the follow-up support groups.  

SOLSC Book Club 

You are welcome to join the Symphony of Life Book Club at any time. We will be meeting tonight, Friday, August 12, 6:00 PM, at Peggie and Duane Williamson's home, 11756 N. Ventura Avenue, here in Ojai. The meetings are a potluck so bring a dish to share.   We are currently reading the national bestseller Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese. It is not necessary to have read the book to join us tonight.  This evening, we will be choosing our book for the month of September. For more information, contact Peggie Williamson at (805) 640-2450.

Creative Adventures Summer Program

A deep and profound thank you to Sister Moutique and Steve Weed who facilitated our children's program this past Sunday. They are pictured below with some of the children. We welcome children 3-11 years of age to enjoy prayer, story telling, visual arts projects and/or music and movement. Our program is enriching and appropriate for young people regardless of their religious backgrounds. Please call Rev. Marilyn Miller, (805) 640-0498 if you are interested in assisting with the children.  

Some of Our Happy Birthday Babies for August

Wanted! Spirit's Calling You!

The Symphony of Life needs a good keyboard for use by our visiting musicians. Donations Appreciated! If you happen to have such a piece of musical equipment lying around the house, please allow us to put it to good use for you.

It has been suggested that we video the highlights of our special events and put them on You Tube. If you are interested in helping develop this idea, please contact Rev. Karen at (805) 640-3743.

We appreciate and are very grateful for your generosity!

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