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New Thought teacher Emmet Fox explains in his book on the Ten Commandments that it is impossible to steal, or to be stolen from, because nothing that belongs to us by right of consciousness could ever be taken away, nor could we ever possibly hold onto anything which did not belong to us by right of consciousness. I recently discovered that someone had taken something that was "mine" and claimed it as "theirs". Ownership could be easily proven by me. I felt angry, disappointed, betrayed... and anything else you can think of which might be my negative reaction.
I spent most of the evening stomping and sulking, replaying the "how could they?!" and "what have I done to them to deserve this kind of treatment?" victim-mentality feedback loop over and over (and over and over) in my head. I am thankful that I woke up the following morning with the recognition that there was an alternative to anger and victimhood.
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I could choose peace. I could choose to love, pray, bless, and do Good, for myself and the other person involved, who (it seemed to me) had made a really poor choice to "despitefully use" me. Fairly simultaneously with that recognition was the human, "yeah, sure..." pushback from my egoic mind. I reminded myself that, nevertheless, I am willing.
Love, in our Unity understanding, is not simply an emotion. It is our ability in consciousness to harmonize our thoughts with Truth. If I think someone has taken something from me, then I am harmonizing with, and affirming a belief in separation, using my faculties of Love and Faith to claim victimhood. When we make a choice, we are claiming the consequences of that choice. Since the consequence of believing I have been victimized is living my life in victimhood, I deny that belief. I reject that belief and choose instead to harmonize my thoughts with Truth: There is One Power, One Presence, God, Good, everywhere present and active in my life. I choose to Love.
My prayer is one of compassion for myself and the one with whom I share this experience. This is a difficult thing to go through, and we all go through difficult things. We all encounter difficult times in our lives, and we have all made poor choices in the midst of difficult times. Yet, the Truth is that we are all, each and every one of us, by right and virtue of our Divine Identity, still valuable and worthy of kindness and gentleness. In our humanity we stumble and fall. I do the work of forgiving by exchanging the blessing of Truth for the experience of error. I bless and forgive myself for the angry and hurtful thoughts I chose to entertain when the situation was revealed, and I choose to bless and forgive the other human involved in the situation. We each encountered a moment of choice, and our human selves chose poorly. In this present moment, I choose to release us from the bondage of life lived together at the level of victim/ victor consciousness. I claim the blessing of Truth: There is only One Power active in our lives, God, Good, Omnipresence. I choose freedom.
Since life is consciousness, lived through the activity of our choices, I choose to do Good. I choose to be the activity of Good and remain awake and aware of the Divine Connection which we share, which cannot be broken. In John 12:32, Jesus says, "And when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." When we choose to lift our thoughts and beliefs from the realm of "mine" and "yours", we strengthen the connection in consciousness which allows us to live from the awareness of Truth. I really do believe that each time any one of us chooses to do this work of lifting ourselves up in Mind, we facilitate that awareness in others. I choose peace.
The Kingdom of Heaven on earth is not something which is impossible to attain. I close my prayer of loving, blessings, and doing Good with this reminder from Unity co-founder Charles Fillmore in Talks on Truth:
"God is, and we are. Let us live in His world - not a world to be tomorrow, next month, next year, or next century, but here and now. God's beautiful universe is all about us, only awaiting our acknowledgment of its presence. Let us know God and live - live with love and joy, health and peace, here evermore." And so it is, and so I let it be. Amen.
The Light I AM recognizes, blesses, and honors the Light You Are-
Namaskar-
Rev. Nita
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Guess Who's Coming for a Visit?
Teri Wilder will be joining us on February 8th & 9th-
Saturday, 2/8, 10:00am - 12:00 noon
she'll present her playshop,
"MANTRAS & MANDALAS ~ CREATING YOUR OWN"
Explore the history of mantras & mandalas, learn the benefits, and create your own to take home as part of your own personal journey. You don't need to be an artist, songwriter, or a singer to fully experience these amazing tools for spiritual growth. A desire and willingness to go deeper, grow in understanding of your true nature, and allow for peace to shine through is all that's required on this creative adventure! Bring a sack lunch if you'd like to stay and have lunch afterwards with Teri and other participants. ($15.00-$20.00 suggested love offering- all supplies included)
Also on Saturday, from 1:30 - 4:30... if you'd like a private 1/2 hour "gong wash" by Teri (aka "The Gongster of Love") email her directly for details and a time. (Special pricing for our community of $25.00)
Sunday, February 9th, 10:30am
Teri will be our special guest artist during service, with a
Concert at 1:00pm
Tickets $15.00 or 2/$25.00 (Kid free, and no one will be turned away) We enjoy Teri's music regularly: I Choose Joy, The Awakening, and Rise Up! are some of our anthems. Teri's music is upbeat and joyous, as well as meaningful and inspiring. Mark your calendar and plan on joining us! Visit Teri's website to sample her music. ************ Continuing Classes are offered on a love offering basis. Metaphysical Free-For-All!
10:30 - 12:30 and 6:30 - 8:30pm
Got Questions? Bring 'em on. We'll begin each class with prayer and meditation, then move into an open discussion of all things Unity and metaphysical. I'll introduce material from classic New Thought texts, its pretty well guaranteed that you'll find your understanding expanded, and your spiritual practices strengthened. If you have a copy of Heart-Centered Metaphysics, bring it along. Copies available for purchase, but not required.
Meditation
Saturdays, 1/25 - 3/1
(NO CLASS 2/8 due to Teri Wilder's visit)
10:00am - 12:00pm
Whether you are an experienced meditator or have never meditated at all, this class is for you. Each class will begin with a guided meditation, and you will learn all you need to know to begin developing or growing your practice. Our class texts will be "Meditation for Dummies" by Stephen Bodian and "A Path With Heart" by Jack Kornfield. Books are very highly recommended, but not absolutely mandatory; one is better than none.
And another thing...If you're interested in classes, and our usual Wednesday and/or Saturday schedule doesn't work for you, please drop me a note and let me know what is a better time for you. I will be creating our 2014 class schedule soon, and I'd love to expand our pool of students!
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SAVE THE DATE: Sunday, March 30th is Rev. Nita's ordination and YOU are invited. Mark the date and please come be a part of this special day. 10:30 am, followed by a party and potluck at 11:30.
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Upcoming Community Events
Through our affiliation with Interfaith Community Services, we learn about many opportunities for learning and support. Here are some which you might be like to attend:
Screening for Depression and Anxiety will be presented on Tues., Feb 11, 2014, from 11:30-12: 45 pm, at ICS, by Hilary Mahoney of Community Partnership of Southern Arizona (CPSA). This training will focus on questions to ask and when to refer someone for evaluation and additional support. It is especially suited for health ministry and ICS volunteers who interact with a variety of clients and recipients. Call ICS at 297-6405 for more information.
Do you encounter people with challenging behaviors? Would you like to increase your skills in supportive listening, setting limits, and de-escalating someone who is angry or overwhelmed? If so, this interactive workshop is for you. De-Escalating People with Challenging Behaviors will be offered on Wed., Feb. 26, 2014, from 12:00 - 1:15 pm at ICS. Gain knowledge through role-playing and discussion, and learn how (and when) to call for outside help. Co-presenters are Veda Kowalski, PhD, Mental Health Outreach Specialist, and Mara Levin, MSW, Health Advocacy Coordinator. RSVP for these presentations to Mara Levin by phone (297-2738 x 226) or email. Bring a lunch if you like--healthy snacks will be provided.
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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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