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Two incidents happened during these classes that caught my attention. On two different occasions in two different weeks, our daughter destroyed our coffee pots. Not having much counter space, I had the electric coffee maker sitting on our stove top where there is an accessible outlet. One day she was heating up some macaroni and cheese for her son, not realizing she had the wrong burner on. The entire plastic bottom of the electric coffee maker melted into the burner. Black smoke rising alerted us to the problem. On the second occasion, she was washing dishes and dropped the glass coffee canister, from another coffee maker, in the sink, breaking it into more pieces than I thought possible. We had to laugh and ask what message does this bring?
It brought my awareness to another Filmore quote; "The simple life does not imply poverty and it is not ascetic. It is as different from the austere as it is from wanton luxury...The simple life is a state of consciousness. It is peace, contentment, and satisfaction in the joy of living and loving, and it is attained through thinking about God and worshiping Him in spirit and in truth" (Prosperity, Ch.6 )
So I began my project of finding prosperity in what may be thought of as the simple things in life. I had been thinking about buying a coffee maker that automatically grinds coffee beans before automatically making it at whatever time is set for some time. Instead, I went through my cupboards and found my old white coffee pot with Norwegian rosmaling that my mom had bought me shortly after we were married. For the last five weeks I have been boiling coffee every morning. I don't want it to boil over, so I stand by the pot waiting for it to come to the point of the first boil and quickly take it off. As I stand there I smell the aroma of the coffee and feel the warmth of the stove. I remember my mom and aunts looking forward to their first cup of coffee in the morning, as they waited and watched for the first boil to occur. It is very satisfying to wait, watch, and remember.
After the coffee has come to a boil, I let it sit so the grounds can settle. I take that time to go outside and "dead-head" my petunia that sits by the back door. Among the dried, ready to fall off flowers, there are blooms ready to open, petunias in full bloom, and others beginning the drooping process. It reminds me prosperity has little or nothing to do with things. It is being present in this moment, whatever place I am in.
I continued my prosperity project as I intentionally looked at what stuff I could eliminate from my life. I went through my drawers in the bathroom and threw away half-used bottles and makeup I really don't use anymore. I went through my linens and bagged up extras that keep the drawers so stuffed I can hardly open them and delivered them to Good Will. I went through the pantry and took note of doubles and triples of food items I have and have been trying to use the food we have before I replace it. I have yet to go through my clothes and shoes. I plan to do so before the snow flies.
(note from Nita: Sue is a part-time Tucson resident, and Skypes to class from Minnesota!)
One morning, during my meditation time I read in the Gospel of Thomas (24); "His disciples said to Him, Show us the place where you are, since it is necessary for us to seek it. He said to them, Whoever has ears, let him hear. There is light within a man of light and he lights up the whole world. If he does not shine, he is darkness." It struck me that all the "stuff" of life can block the light. This class has provided me much opportunity to think about what I need and want. I came to the realization what I want more than anything else is to be light. For me, at this point and time in my life to live in prosperity means I am living with the faith of knowing what I need will be provided and that darkness simply does not exist when the lights are turned on. For me, at age sixty with way too much stuff, living in a state of prosperity means that I am living with intention and gratitude, not for what I am getting but for what I have right now. ---- Sue Nyhus
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 "Loving our troops one card at a time." When: November 17th, 2013
Time: 12:30 pm (directly after our worship service)
Where: Unity Spiritual Center of Peace Pizza and refreshments will be provided, as well as all the supplies needed to make beautiful and creative cards to send to the troops.For more information about Operation Christmas Cards please visit their website. Thanksgiving Day Potluck
When: Thanksgiving Day, November 28th, at 1:00 pm
Come join us for an afternoon Thanksgiving Day potluck.
We will be enjoying food, fun and fellowship.
Please bring a favorite dish to share with us as we celebrate this special holiday together. We will have turkey and rolls and whatever else everyone brings. We know it will be the perfect mix for our holiday feast.
We also are planning to play games afterwards so if you have a favorite game you like to play please bring it in as well! Respond to this email if you've got questions. We look forward to celebrating this holiday with you. No RSVP necessary.
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Spiritual Education Classes -
Once again, students in Arizona are blessed to have the opportunity to take classes from Unity Institute faculty members, including the Dean of Spiritual Education, Rev. Dr. Paul Hasselbeck, author of our text, "Heart-Centered Metaphysics". Classes will be held in January, at Unity of Mesa. If you're at all interested, download the flyer for more info!
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. Our nursery is available for the very young ones, as well. We provide professionally trained and screened childcare for those ages 0-3, so that you may enjoy attending service while knowing that your little ones are well cared-for.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
There are many things which need to get done here in our center, and Susan Smith is working to make it easier for you to become involved. Please check at the information table to see what might be fun for you to do.
INTERFAITH COMMUNITY SERVICES (ICS) RESOURCES & OPPORTUNITIES
To volunteer through our affiliation with Interfaith Community Services, you can contact, Sandi Brickley, ICS Volunteer Resources Manager, either by phone at 520-297-2738 ext. 217 or at their website
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If You Could Benefit from ICS resources, referrals are available
Interfaith Community Services provides a wide range of services for seniors, disabled individuals and people in financial needs. Please contact Susan Smith or Rev. Nita with questions about ICS services. Contact Susan via email.
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