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Greetings!
The first instruction for us from the material we call the Sermon on the Mount, given by our Master Teacher, Jesus, is:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
New Thought teacher Emmet Fox explains:
"To be poor in spirit means to have emptied yourself of all desire to exercise personal self-will... to have renounced all preconceived opinions in the whole-hearted search for God... to be willing to set aside your present habits of thought, your present views and prejudices, your present way of life if necessary; to jettison... anything and everything that can stand in the way of your finding God."
What is it that I have allowed to stand in the way of finding and knowing God? The need to control, have things my own way, to be right...well, let's just say I recognize a theme. Then, I realize that really, there is only one thing I need to give up: fear.
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I feel the need to control, to have things my own way, to "be right", etc., because of the fear that if I relax my grip, the world - my world, at least - would fall apart. Chaos would reign, and all would surely be lost. Oh, wow. Let me assure you, assuming single-handed responsibility for maintaining the entire Universe is exhausting. This fear is at the base of everything which I allow to come between me (Nita) and the awareness of the Truth of That Which I AM, which is the Christ in expression at the point I AM.
When we have these realizations, we need to find a way to work with them. For me, the best path is to examine my own thoughts and beliefs, claim understanding, and allow Light. As I do this, I am immediately confronted with a question: do I really believe that we are free to choose liberty or bondage? Yes, I do. And... if I really do believe this, what does the presence of fear suggest I have chosen?
More questions arise, until this one: do I really believe that we create our experiences through the activity of our thought? Since I really do believe that as well, I must then ask myself where the origin of the fear I experience is located. Finally, if the fear is a result of my own thinking, can I change that thought? I must be able to change my thoughts, or I would be a victim of them. Since I do not accept victimhood as the Truth of What I AM, I must either change my thoughts or I must choose, willingly, to be victimized by them. Either way, it is my choice.
Returning to Fox's essay, am I willing to set aside my present habits of thought, my present views and prejudices? Since my whole way of life is based in great part on those very habits of thought, those same views and those prejudices, am I willing to set aside that whole way of life?
Although I thought I had to control and micro-manage every area of my life to be happy, in Truth, that path of thought actually leads to fear and suffering. Even my limited, human, egoic mind can see how unproductive this habit of thought truly is. Am I willing to let it go? Yes, I AM.
Even my limited, human, egoic mind can see that my present views and prejudices create a barrier to the peace I seek. Am I willing to let them go? Yes, I AM.
Even my limited, human, egoic mind can understand that this whole way of life has interfered with seeking the kingdom of heaven. In practice, I haven't really been seeking God first, I have been seeking the avoidance of fear. Am I willing to let that go? Yes, I AM. I really, really am.
Having found my point of agreement with Truth, I affirm:
"I AM willing to release ALL thoughts of lack or limitation. I AM willing to release all barriers to the peace which is the kingdom of heaven. I choose to know that I AM the substance and power of pure Love. I base my thoughts and actions on the Truth which sets us free. I allow the Christ I AM to express fully. I AM blessed, I AM a blessing. I AM thankful. I AM free."
Namaskar-- the divine within me recognizes and honors the divine within you!
Blessings-- Nita
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CURRENT AND UPCOMING CLASSES
Classes are an opportunity to expand your spiritual understanding, get to know your fellow travelers along the spiritual path, and deepen your spiritual practice. We talk, discuss, pray, meditate, and laugh a LOT as we learn! For more information, click here or hit the reply button to ask a question. The Twelve Powers
Wednesdays, through Oct. 8, 10:30am - 12:30pm
This class will be an accessible starting point for working with the Twelve Powers. Through the use of these Truth Principles and the Twelve Powers you can more fully be the Christ you already are and do the work that will allow you to live the life you choose to live.(Rev. Nita)
Metaphysics 1 part 1
Thursdays, through Oct. 9, 6:30 - 8:30pm
During this course we will explore some of the fundamental Principles of Spiritual Law and how they can be applied to your life for greater love, health, and prosperity. Through the consistent use of these practical principles, you will realize more of your spiritual potential (Rev. Nita)
Lessons in Truth
Wednesdays, Oct. 22 - Nov. 19, 10:30 - 12:30
This book is an important foundation to the understanding of Unity metaphysics. The purpose of this course is to help students become familiar with metaphysics as understood in Unity, as well as to discover and implement spiritual tools to express their spiritual freedom. Limited copies may be available to purchase or borrow. The text is also available at no charge in pdf or other e-format.
(Barbara McLawhorn, LUT)
Living the Mystical Life Today
Thursdays, Oct. 23 - Nov. 20, 6:30 - 8:30pm
We'll be looking at what it really means to live with the intention of putting our spiritual journey first.Since most of us are not going to take monk's or nun's vows and go live in a cave, monastery, or convent (or even move to Unity Village!), how do we incorporate this intention into the day-to-day routine of earning a living, caring for a family, and the other many, many things we must do? Required texts: From Metphysical to Mystical, by Dorothy Elder, and Ordinary People as Monks and Mystics, by Marsha Sinetar. (Rev. Nita)
UNITY INSTITUTE ELECTIVE CREDIT AVAILABLE
The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed
to be and Embrace Who You Are
Saturdays, Oct. 25, Nov. 1, 8, 22 (NO CLASS 11/15), 9:00am - 12:30pm
As long as we think we are supposed to be "perfect", we will miss the very real blessings available to us when we begin to live authentically. This class will look at ways we can learn to live wholeheartedly, release our numbing behaviors, and begin being who - and What - we truly are. Required text: Gifts of Imperfection, by Brene Brown. (Rev. Nita) UNITY INSTITUTE ELECTIVE CREDIT APPROVAL PENDING. PLEASE ASK NITA IF THIS IS A CONCERN FOR YOU.
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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, their Volunteer Coordinator, Tori Carlson, either by phone at 520-297-6049 ext. 217 or visit their website
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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