"Fate is what happens when you don't choose your destiny."

Rev. Michael Beckwith

Awhile ago, the following story came over the email to me. Jim Carrey was appearing on the Jay Leno show to promote one of his films. He became very thoughtful when Jay asked him what he attributed his success to. He then told the most remarkable story. He explained that when he first arrived in Los Angeles, he was doing his best to launch his career as a stand-up comedian. He would drive around the city like a madman every night to perform three times a night in as many as three different clubs. Then, late at night, he would drive up to Mulholland Drive and park in a place where he could see the lights of Hollywood. As he sat in his car he would visualize that he was the biggest star in the world and that the best scripts were being sent to him, along with the best offers. He would feel what it would feel like to be super successful.

On Thanksgiving 1995 he wrote himself a check in the amount of $10 million dollars and put on the memo line: "For acting services rendered." Six months later, that is the exact amount he was paid to star in the film "The Cable Guy." The rest is history.

Jim Carrey wasn't sitting home wishing and hoping or buying into the myth "if it's meant to be it will happen." He was actively co-creating his destiny. He had a vision, and he was focused upon it. As Gandhi has said, "The whole future will be a direct result of the present." He was placing his attention on his intention. When you are in perfect alignment with life, you don't have to figure it out. Life is alive. You are a dynamic expression of it. You'll do the right thing not even knowing with the surface mind that it's the right thing. Intention is something much greater than a determined ego or individual will. It's something almost totally opposite. Intention is not something you do, but rather a force that exists in the universe as an invisible field of energy. We have the means to attract this energy to us and experience life in exciting new ways.

That's what Jim did and that's what you and I can do. We are here to fulfill our Divine purpose for being. We remain open and receptive to what is in store.

Our affirmation for today: I am open and receptive to my good! Abundance, prosperity, love and joy freely circulate in my life!

In peace and love,    

Rev. Karen Wylie

Special Guest Musician  

Special Notice 

On Sunday, October 30, we will be holding our church service at Help of Ojai's Little House, 111 W. Santa Ana St., Ojai 93023.  Little House is located up the street just behind Starr Market.  If the weather permits, we will have an outdoor service on the back lawn; otherwise, we will be inside.  The times of the service will be the same, 10:00 AM for meditation and 10:30 AM for the service.  For that Sunday only, there will be no separate child care available.  It will be fun to have a different venue for the day!  

Ojai Day

We sure had fun handing out hugs and kisses (Hershey's) this past Saturday at Ojai Day! Lots of people came by our booth, some more than happy to be hugged and others a little reluctant. Having just read again Don Miguel Ruiz's book, however, we did not take anything personally!

Gratitude and Thanksgiving 

Our deep gratitude and appreciation goes to Rev. Diane Hogan who was our guest speaker this past Sunday. We thank her for her inspirational message.

Spiritual Cinema Night

Don't forget to put our first Symphony of Life Spiritual Cinema Night on your calendar. It will be held on Friday, October 28. This is a free event (love donation appreciated) being held at Casa de la Luna, 710 So. La Luna, Ojai 93023. Doors open at 6:30 PM; film showing at 7:00 PM, "Young at Heart." Bring a folding chair if you would like or cushions to sit on the floor. Discussion afterward. Invite your friends!

Upcoming Silent Retreat 

To acknowledge an auspicious date on the calendar (11/11/11), on the morning of Friday, November 11, 2011, we will be in silent meditation at the Ojai Retreat from 8:00 AM to 12:00. Over the course of the morning, there will be meditation sittings, walks on the grounds, and a light continental breakfast at 10:15. Since the space is limited, you will need to sign up to participate. Contact Rev. Karen at (805) 640-3743 to sign up or for more information.

Sacred Service Saturday

On Saturday, November 19, from 9:00 AM to 12:00, we will be having our fourth Sacred Service Saturday. We will be working on the grounds at the Krishnamurti Foundation, 1098 McAndrew Road. Put that date on your calendar. We need you! Many hands make light work. To sign up or for more information, contact Rev. Karen at (805) 640-3743.

Our New Membership Directories are Here! 

If you had your picture taken for the first-ever Symphony of Life membership directory, yours is available for pick-up. We will be handing them out again this coming Sunday after service. If you did not make the pages of this one, it is not too late to sign up for membership in the Symphony of Life. We are a growing and expanding center, and there is vibrant, joyful, new energy all around us!

Symphony of Life Book Club

Our new book club selection for the month of October is Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet.   Start reading now so you'll be ready for our next meeting on Friday, November 11. We meet at 6:00 PM and our meetings are a potluck so bring a dish to share. All are invited to join in at any time. Contact Peggie Williamson at (805) 640-2450 for more information.    

Creative Adventures Fall Program  

A deep and profound thank you to Rev. Will Castagna and Chris Prideaux who facilitated our children's program this past Sunday. If you have any interest in helping with our children one Sunday a month or even one Sunday every two months or every quarter, we would appreciate your stepping forward to assist us in this very important part of our Sunday service.

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.

October Birthday Babies 

Volunteer of the month  

Robert MacNeal 

Special Request

We would like to start making CD's of our service. If you, or someone you know, would be interested in helping us with that project, please give Rev. Karen a call at (310) 968-8928. We know you are out there!

Open Invitation  

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