Conflict into Peace, Darkness into Light,Chaos into Clarity
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Greetings!
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Has it ever occurred to you that there is real value in chaos and conflict? From a human viewpoint, we want everything to be pleasant, orderly, predictable. Most of us don't really enjoy times of chaos or conflict, and I don't either. Yet, we also have an urge to move forward, to grow, to be and express "more" of the possibility and potential which we are.
Every moment of growth in our lives emerges out of conflict of some type. It seems to me that there are two types of dissatisfaction: One is that which comes from a negative, glass-half-empty orientation to life, and the other might better be termed "Divine Discontent". Acting out the habit of complaining all the time, being unable to see anything good, always finding fault is not at all helpful, and is simply a mis-use of the Law of Mind Action. If we're always looking for the worst, if we always expect to find problems, we can be sure to find plenty. We are evidence-collecting machines, and the more we focus on how bad things are, the more evidence we will find that life is a pretty miserable experience.
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Then there is what is perhaps best referred to as Divine Discontent. These are the times and situations in our lives when we know that things just aren't the way they could be, that we aren't the way we could be. There are times that we find ourselves in conflict with our jobs, our friends, our loved ones, ourselves. Those are points of choice for us: we could argue, we could simply keep gathering evidence, we could use the conflict to reinforce our idea that "nothing ever goes right for me" or "everyone's against me", or, we can observe our lives, observe our actions, and recognize the Voice within which urges us to a higher expression of Good.
That Voice within you is your Christ consciousness communicating to your human mind, reminding you of the infinite possibilities open and available for you. When, through the day-to-day routines of life we settle into ruts or otherwise become numbed to the life we are living, we are basically turning our back on all of the Good which is possible. If, instead of looking for evidence or trouble, we look for gifts, we will find those as well.
If we are willing to do so, every instance of conflict or chaos may serve us as a reminder of our spiritual journey. If, instead of engaging at the level of the conflict we will pause, breathe, and look for the blessing present in the moment, we will learn exactly what will best serve us. Additionally, if we are willing to do this, we also allow those with whom we share conflict the opportunity to learn and grow. Of course, just as it is your choice whether to learn and grow, it is their choice as well. You may have a wonderfully transformative experience which may or may not be experienced by anyone else. And that is okay.
If you're wondering how exactly to do this, its actually quite simple. It's not always easy, and it is doable. The first step is to practice remaining present to your life; remain willing to hear. When you realize you are in conflict or chaos, stop. Just stop.
- Stop talking, stop arguing, stop whatever you are doing.
- Pause, breathe slowly and deeply.
- If you are in conversation with someone, you may need to excuse yourself. Sometimes we just need to gently tell the other person that we are not able to continue the conversation at that time.
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Become still and declare your willingness to learn: I AM willing to be open and receptive to the gift of this moment. I AM willing to see the blessing and understand that this is an opportunity for clarity.
- Be thankful. Really, truly thankful for the blessing present. This conflict has shown you a point at which you are out of alignment with your highest good.
Be willing to recognize conflict as the gift-wrap of clarity. As you practice, you will recognize the possibilities in your life more quickly. Once you recognize the conflict, you can begin looking for the gift. If you feel out-of-sorts, pause, breathe, and claim Light. There is always a gift. There is always a blessing to be found. Be willing to look for it!
Namaskar (which means, the Divine in my recognizes the Divine in You)
It's Party Time!
SATURDAY, March 2nd
1:30 - 3:30 pm
at The Golden Corral restaurant on 22nd Street at Columbus.
Click for Map or Directions
We've done a LOT of good work in the past nearly-eight years. Last year was especially auspicious: We graduated our first two Licensed Teacher candidates, Barb McLawhorn and Susan Sellers, Nita became a minister, and our ministry "graduated" from probationary expansion status to become a full-status voting member of Unity Worldwide Ministries. Our membership has grown, and it just seems like time for a celebration! Our very first organizational meeting was held at this restaurant in April, 2005, so we thought it'd be fun to make a return visit.
If you have in any way helped us achieve this, we hope you'll be our guest and come celebrate with us. Our ministry has been blessed with so many gifts of time, talent, and treasure: if you are one of those who have contribute those gifts, please plan on attending. YOU MUST RSVP IMMEDIATELY! Just hit the reply button, and let us know. You may also leave a message on the phone at church, 546-3696. (We need to turn in a final headcount by this weekend)
 Movie Night
This Friday, Feb. 22nd
Doors open at 5:40, movie starts at 6:00pm
This month's movie is "Seven Days in Utopia", a family-friendly movie starring Robert Duvall and Lucas Black. The movie is free, snacks (popcorn and drinks) will be available for a small charge. Join us!
Annual Meeting and New Member Installation
THIS SUNDAY, Feb. 24
Our annual congregational meeting is held at the end of February, on 02/24/13 at 12:00noon. We'll also be installing new members that Sunday. This is potluck Sunday, so you'll have an opportunity to get some food before the meeting begins. If you're a member, please plan on attending our service that day to help welcome our new members, and then stay for the meeting to hear our annual business reports and updates.
 Spiritual Autobiography Workshop
Two Saturdays: March 9th and March 16th
9:00 - 11:30 AM
What is your spiritual storyline? Your spiritual storyline is the underlying thread which imbues your life experience with meaning and purpose. In this two part work-shop you will identify key elements of your spiritual story line. Author and coach Deb Knox will facilitate this workshop, which will help you to more aware of what is most personally meaningful to you. DOWNLOAD THE FLYER. (Free Will Donation)
Community Outreach Volunteer Opportunities
Tucson Interfaith Community Services
Frequently, members of our spiritual family will approach the Board and wish to do some type of hands-on one-to-one service for those who are experiencing the appearance of a need of some type. One of the odd things about life in the human world of 2013 is that there are all sorts of legal considerations that must be resolved when an organization "officially" sends its members into peoples' homes or hospital rooms to do good work. Things like background checks, medical screening, and liability issues all come into play. One of the reasons we are so happy to have become a Faith Partner with Tucson Interfaith Community Services (ICS) is that they already have the structure and resources to take care of all of those things, and this provides our members with a space to do the good work that they are called to do.
Through ICS, you can volunteer for all sorts of service. They will provide orientation and training, and all of the legal things like background checks will be handled in a knowledgeable and professional manner. You will be doing work that is helpful, necessary, and oh-so-appreciated by the recipients. If you haven't yet visited their website, click here and explore how your call to service may be guided into just the right and perfect opportunity. Unity
Spiritual Center of Peace supports Tucson ICS with monthly financial assistance; yours are the hearts, hands, and feet that actually help get this work done. Thank you for volunteering!
Child care and Sunday School is always available for kids
Our Sunday School teachers look forward to sharing Unity principles with your children aged 4-12. If you've got questions, please speak to our YOU teachers: Cindy Cawthorne, LUT, Barbara Richman, LUT, Judyth Willis, and Sunni Adams. Our nursery is available for the very young ones, as well.
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Upcoming Sunday Lessons
2/24: New Member Sunday; IMAGINATION
3/03: Remaining Focused
3/10: Special lesson by USCoP Board Member & LUT student, Susan Smith
3/17: Overcoming Illusion
3/24: PALM SUNDAY3/29: GOOD FRIDAY, 5:00pm
3/31: EASTER SUNDAY, White Stone Ceremony
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