ARCHIVES 2021
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ARCHIVES 2021
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“It is our conscious awareness of the oneness of Being – the oneness of Life, Mind, Truth, Love – that results in answered prayer.” – Joel Goldsmith, The Infinite Way Affirmative prayer: I live in a vivid experience of Oneness, knowing that pure Spirit is everywhere present. There is no place where the Divine ends, and I begin. I live in a seamless essence of love, power, and Infinite Beingness. Thank you, God, forever. Amen. Authorities recently dug up the grave of Ludwig van Beethoven and, when they opened the casket, found the great German composer lying there with a sheet of music and an eraser on his chest. He was decomposing. (This may not be a true story.) “The beauty of life is, while we cannot undo what is done, we can understand it and learn from it, so that we live not in regret, guilt, fear, or anger, but in wisdom, understanding, and love.” - Jennifer Edwards, author and actress Prayer: “Divine light, shine on me. Rejuvenate and invigorate me. Warm what has grown cold in me. Energize all that has become lethargic. Enliven my growing moments. Help me to stand before my life with an open heart. In communion with all who have gone before me, I pray.” - Macrina Wiederkehr, Seven Sacred Pause A quick-thinking 9-year-old in Brockton, Massachusetts, saved her entire family after they were overcome by carbon monoxide. Jayline heard her father calling for help and, as she rushed to his side, he was overcome by the gas. She grabbed his phone to call 911, but it was locked, so she held it up to her dad's face to unlock it via Face ID. Five people were taken to the hospital, and everyone has recovered. “Having the courage to come face-to-face with ourselves is the portal through which we can view the pristine features of our Original Face, which include the qualities of unconditional love, compassion, peace, joy, creativity, and contentment of being.” – Michael Beckwith Affirmative prayer: Everywhere I look, I see the face of God. I recognize pure Spirit in everyone and, in this awareness, I am surrounded by Infinite Intelligence. I give thanks to know that I am immersed in pure love and enfolded in unlimited potentiality. Thank you, God, forever. Amen. Chess master Tunde Onakoya founded "Chess in Slums Africa" in 2018 to teach poor children a game which has problem solving, strategy, and a sense of pride. Tunde says he lives by and teaches an African philosophy known as “Ubuntu,” which emphasizes being self through others. “We believe every child has the capacity for greatness.” “We need to reach deep into ourselves and find the sacred spark that represents all that is best in us, which knows who we really are and who we can be. Remind ourselves that we are here to share this spirit of life and love with others, to blossom and help others to blossom.” – Roger Courtney, United Church of Christ Affirmative prayer: Infinite Presence, today I rediscover my true self, awakening to the beauty and miracles that are ever-present in my life and in the lives of others. I turn within and feel the love of God. I reach out and connect with other blessed souls on the journey. We are standard-bearers of Life’s greatness. Thank you, God, forever. Amen. Daylight saving time for 2021 ends tonight. People across most of the nation will “fall back,” turning the clocks back an hour. Authorities say the practice saves energy, prevents traffic accidents, and reduces crime. Plus, when we change our clocks, we can also turn back the bathroom scales a few pounds. “Eternity is not an awareness of everlasting time, but an awareness which is itself totally without time. The eternal moment is a timeless moment, a moment which knows neither past nor future, before nor after, yesterday nor tomorrow.” – Ken Wilber, No Boundary Affirmative prayer: Today, I allow the instances when I look at the clock to be moments of pure consciousness. I pause and sense that my life is transcendent, that I am boundless energy, fully alive in this moment, forever. Thank, you Infinite Presence. Amen. According to the National Academies of Sciences, over the next decade scientists aim to unlock the secrets of the Universe and identify Earth-like planets outside of our solar system to find other habitable worlds. In their quest, scientists want to learn the nature of black holes and neutron stars, and understand how galaxies originated. They say their research could reveal if we truly are alone. “A fish caught in a net thought, ‘If I ever get out of this, I'll never again live in the limits of a lake. Next time, the ocean! I'll make the infinite my home.’" - Rumi Affirmative prayer: Infinite Presence, I am at home everywhere in the Universe. In realizing my oneness with Creative Intelligence, I live expansively. My energy, my possibilities, my love are boundless. Thank you, God, forever. Amen. “Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” – Howard Thurman Affirmative prayer: Today, I make a sincere inquiry into the truth of my being, asking, “What gives meaning to my life and how do I activate it?” In faith, then, I ‘wait upon the Lord.’ I give thanks for the answer that comes from the power and the potentiality within me. I take this holy charge into the world. Love is made visible. Thank you, God, forever. Amen. A great-grandmother just had the best Halloween of her life. When trick-or-treaters knocked on the door of 86-year-old Brenda Burdon, she said with regret that she didn’t have any treats for them. “It’s okay,” was the kids’ response. Then they went to the store, bought chocolates and muffins, and left them on Brenda’s doorstep with a card addressed to “the kind lady.” “Practicing loving-kindness illuminates the darkness of difficult times.” – Pema Chodron Affirmative prayer: Infinite Presence, today I approach others with compassion and kindness. Even as I am open to receive, I am ready to give. I trust the vast, open heart of Spirit to lead me to tender moments with my life companions. Thank you, God, forever. Amen. “A daily practice for keeping the Life Force flowing: take a walk for the purpose of blessing people. That's all. Everyone you encounter, bless them. As you do this, you become energized because you’ve been letting God's energy flow through you.” – Evan Hodkins “We are never more like God than when we are giving selflessly to others. Because God created us to live in this way, we seldom feel more alive and joyful than when we are serving, blessing, and helping someone else. This is grace.” – Adam Hamilton, Revival Affirmative prayer: Infinite Presence, I show my heart and face to the world, to my family, friends, my community. Through my presence, I share with others the very best that I know this life to be about. Love, communion, natural treasures, and the essence of the One are the blessings of this day, the blessings of our lives. Thank you, God, forever. Amen. The Irish poet and playwright Oscar Wilde died in a hotel room in a Paris hotel room in 1900. It’s said that the wallpaper in his room was hideous. At one point, Wilde opened his eyes, looked at the wall, and said, “One of us has got to go.” “The instant between our last breath and when we pass to the other side is an eternity with God, filled with pure love.” – Scott Awbrey Affirmative prayer: Infinite Presence, in my living and in my passing away, I declare that the change before me is good. I honor what’s being left behind, and I embrace the greater yet-to-be. With trust and clarity, I lean into this holy commencement. Thank you, God, forever. Amen. All Saints' Day. A mother and her young daughter were sitting in church one day, a sanctuary with a bank of stain glass windows that depicted great spiritual icons: priests and nuns, artists, poets, and musicians. The mom explained to her little one that the people in the glass were saints. The little girl studied the windows for a minute, then exclaimed, "Oh, I get it. Saints are people that the sun shines through." “Saintliness means living without division between word and action. If I would truly live in my own life the word I am speaking, my spoken words would becomes actions, and miracles would happen whenever I open my mouth.” – Henri Nouwen Affirmative prayer: Infinite Presence, I am open to illumination. I listen, observe, and heed the wisdom of teachers, friends, and saints. I remember who I am: an expression of the Infinite, a divine spark of the one Light. In right identification, I discover and live my destiny. Thank you, God, forever. Amen. The tradition of ghosts and goblins comes from the Celtics who believed that spirits roamed the earth for one night. To ward off their fears, people sat around huge bonfires, comforted by the glow of the fire and the warmth of one another. No apparition would get them as long as they were near the fire and near each other. “Trick or treat. The biggest trick we play on ourselves is the illusion that we are separate from one another and from our Creator. We put on masks and play various roles. But we can treat ourselves to the truth: that we are made in God’s image and likeness. We are Spirit’s living enterprise.” - Scott Awbrey Affirmative prayer: Infinite Presence, on this hallowed evening, I celebrate little ones in costume and grownups in the joy of treats given and received. I celebrate innocence, family, and neighbors. And I celebrate knowing the truth of I am, a pure expression of light and love. Thank you, God, forever. Amen. Atlanta Braves outfielder Joc Pederson is proving the axiom that pearls go with everything. He began wearing a string of pearls during the MLB playoffs, helping his team into the World Series. Joc wears his pearls while staring down big-league pitchers the way Audrey Hepburn wore hers while staring in Tiffany’s storefront window. He’s hit three home runs since donning them, demonstrating that pearls are a slugger’s best friend. “When a person is in the consciousness of spiritual zeal, his power is felt the world round. Such is the pearl of great price.” – Cora Fillmore, Unity teacher and author Affirmative prayer: Infinite Presence, I turn within and hang out with the Divine spark at the center of my being. Here, there is clarity, assurance, and a releasing of old ideas that I am less-than. This pearl of great price is a reflection of my deep self and the touchstone that gives me strength and brings me home. Thank you, God, forever. Amen. A four-year-old New Zealand boy called the National Emergency Services with a sincere request: “I’ve got some toys. Come over and see them!” The dispatcher responded by putting word out to police: “Any free units to respond to a call from a four-year-old who wants to show the police his toys?” One constable answered the call, "Yeah, I'll take it." He went to the boy’s home and was indeed shown some cool toys. - “Emergency” comes from the Latin, “emergere’” meaning to "come forth, bring to light, rise up.” “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” - Frederick Buechner, Wishful Thinking: A Theological ABC Affirmative prayer: Today, in answering the call, I come forth, rise up, and bring the beauty and joy of Life to light. I am sourced by the Divine and invigorated with passion as I begin the work that is before me. I can do all things through God which empowers and guides me. Thank you, Infinite Presence, forever. Amen. We may be one step closer to understanding the unknown parts of our Universe. NASA astronomers have detected what appears to be a planet in a galaxy beyond the Milky Way. Believed to exist in the "Whirlpool" galaxy, around 28 million light-years from Earth, the discovery could be a “beacon of hope” for those looking for signs of planets beyond our own galaxy. “The Universe that continues to yield its secrets and creates a watermelon from a tiny seed, and guides birds across the uncharted skies, is just as focused on you. The same universal process is your creative genius.” – Eric Butterworth, The Creative Life Affirmative prayer: Today, I look within and probe the depths of my soul, forever alert and bright in the reflection of its mystery. I look outward into the heart of the Cosmos, feeling in sync with the soul of the Universe. I am humbled to see that my inward and outward explorations are entwined and bring me to the same sacred place. Thank you, God, forever. Amen. For 22 years, Indianapolis police officer Jeff Stagg has been quietly honoring the life of a woman, Shelby Smith, who he never met. As he goes about his daily rounds, Jeff stops to pick up trash and clear away the weeds around a roadside memorial for Shelby, who was killed at the intersection. Jeff said he doesn’t want Shelby to be forgotten. “No human life is to be wasted or forgotten. All should be transformed into a source of vibrant life, deep wisdom, and compassionate living.” - Taitetsu Unno, River of Fire, River of Water: An Introduction to the Pure Land Affirmative prayer: Infinite Presence, today I honor and celebrate life in the endless ways it shows itself: in my human family, in animals, in nature. There is only one Life, and I open my heart to its Divine essence, everywhere present. Thank you, God, forever. Amen. DC Comics announced that Superman’s motto is evolving from "Truth, Justice, and the American Way," to his new mission statement: "Truth, Justice, and a Better Tomorrow." The company said the new motto signifies that the Man of Steel is a hero for everyone and that his mission is to build a better world. “We envision all people, all beings, and all life as expressions of God. We see a world in which every person lives in alignment with his/her highest spiritual principle, emphasizing unity with God and connection with each other. We envision a world in which we live and grow as One Global Family that respects and honors the interconnectedness of all life. We envision a world that works for everyone.” - excerpted from the Global Vision Statement of Centers for Spiritual Living Affirmative prayer: I am aligned with the spiritual reality of all life, that we are One with pure Spirit and with each other. In high consciousness and inspired actions, I carry out this Truth, honoring the Divine in all. “Up, up, and away!” Amen. “I thank God for unanswered prayers. Otherwise, I would have never met you.” - Declared by a bride, saying her vows to her fiancé. “Every prayer is answered when it complies with three conditions….The first is that we realize the Divine Presence – all that we call Love, Wisdom, Wholeness – is the Source of every good thing. The second condition is that we understand that there is a creative Law which responds to us by corresponding to our belief. And the third condition is that we use It for definite purposes of good through praying affirmatively and through complete acceptance of the answer.” – Ernest Holmes, Spiritual Awareness, p. 11 Affirmative prayer: Infinite Presence, in all that I desire, I pray for qualities, not details. I pray for joy, love, abundance, peace, and all that the Divine yearns to give. In my relationships, in my work, and my health, I take to heart that the wholeness of God is revealed, and I allow Life to manifest the good I desire in perfect accord. Thank you, forever. Amen. Grey whales are one of the longest-lived mammals. The secret to their long lives? The presence of stress-resistant genes in their DNA, according to scientists at the Institute of Biochemistry. “It is stress resistance that protects most long-lived animals from cancer,” says Dr. Dmitri Toren of the institute. “When you find yourself worrying about something or feeling stressed, stop for a moment and shift your attention to God. Remember that the Divine is with you and you have the capacity to tap into a reservoir of Infinite Intelligence. With God, all things are possible.” – Scott Awbrey Affirmative prayer: Infinite Presence, I am ready to release the thoughts and feelings that are distressing me. With complete trust, I give myself to a grand healing of spirit and mind. I recognize my oneness with God and with everyone in this thread of living, affirming that I am safe from loss and harm. Thank you, God, for life made new. Thank you, forever. Amen. Made Janur Yasa, a restaurant owner on the island of Bali, watched as people struggled to make ends meet during the pandemic and moved away, leaving trash behind. It was a doubly upsetting dilemma, but "inside the challenge there is opportunity." Yasa began a program in which residents could exchange plastic for rice. It was a win-win. His neighbors are fed, and he recycles their plastic. Yasa has extended the program to more than 200 villages. In under two years, he's collected around 500 tons of plastic. “Every challenge is an opportunity for salvation.” – Eckhart Tolle Affirmative prayer: Infinite Presence, I’m grateful that, when facing a challenge, I have the spiritual means to discern the meaning of the experience. I mindfully ask what opportunity for clarity, healing, and transformation is presenting itself, and the answers inspire a higher order of living. Thank you, God, forever. Amen. While Radha Rao was performing on a Boston street corner, singing John Legend’s song, “All of Me,” she noticed a man standing nearby, wearing a mask, listening to her rendition of the song. Radha thought, “Gee, that guy looks a lot like John Legend.” It was when Legend removed his mask, applauded, and dropped a tip in her basket, she realized that he wasn’t a look-alike. “I was shocked, but I just kept singing. When I finished, he gave me a big hug.” “We are called to radiate divine presence to and with one another. ‘And we, with our unveiled faces reflecting the glory of God, grow brighter and brighter as we are turned into the image that we reflect." (2 Corinthians 3:18) – Matthew Fox, The Coming of the Cosmic Christ Affirmative prayer: Today, I give thanks for the many faces of God. I move through my days endlessly blessed by the Divine, reflecting back to me my best self. Thank you, God, forever. Amen. It’s common knowledge our sun won’t last forever. It’s burning along now merrily as a middle-aged star, but in 5 billion years, it’ll swell to become a red giant. In the process, the Earth's surface temperature will rise to the point that life on the planet will be extinct. Five billion years. Well, at the rate our collective consciousness is expanding, we will, long before then, have made ourselves at home in other dimensions! “Everything exists within God, from the tiniest particle to the outermost galaxies within the infinity of space. Just as an unborn baby cannot perceive that its world is part of a three-dimensional world, we have not yet completely understood that our world is part of other worlds of innumerable dimensions beyond this one. Jesus said, ‘Let not your heart be troubled. In my father's house are many mansions.’” - John Hefferlin, Dimensions of Life Beyond Life Affirmative prayer: Today, I know that my identity and my home are founded in Infinite Presence. In consciousness, in ultimate Reality, I transcend the boundaries of human dimensions. I live, move, and have my being in the One Universal Life. Thank you, God, forever. Amen. “There are two major tasks to human life. The first is to build a strong ‘container’ or identity; the second is to find the contents that the container is meant to hold.” - Richard Rohr, Falling Upward Affirmative Prayer: Today, I am becoming clear about who I am and what is important in my life. I discern the meaning of my “I Am-ness,” awakening to the qualities of the Divine in my body, soul, and experiences. With purpose and gratitude, I am carrying out a grand intention for my life. Thank you, God, forever. Amen. Grammy Award winner, Tony Bennett, set a Guinness World Record for being the oldest person to release an album of new material. He just turned 95. "Love for Sale," is a collaboration with Lady Gaga, who said she finds inspiration performing with Tony. "I see a young boy every time I sing with him, and I also take in the wisdom of his years." “We chose to come to this Earth so that we might discover our inherent greatness of wisdom and heart, learn spiritual principles, comprehend existing forces, and allow ourselves to be "instruments" of love, peace, and creative unfoldment.” – Roger Teel, This Life is Joy Affirmative prayer: I dance with the Infinite Invisible, the origin and substance of my life. Wisdom, inspiration, and strength are coded into my very being, and I move through my life today with a clarity and courage that transforms the ordinary into a sense of wonder. Thank you, God, forever. Amen. A family home in Northern Bosnia is being called a “monument to love.” Vojin Kusic’s wife, Ljubica, dreamed of a home where the view is always changing. So Vojin built her a rotating house. “I wanted Ljubica to able to spin the house as she pleases, and see the views she wants: cornfields and farmland, or forests and the river.” At its fastest, the home can do one full turn in 22 seconds, and 24 hours at its slowest. A little girl, looking out a window, cried as she watched her brother burying her kitten. Her mom watched her for a while, then gently guided her to another window. The girl saw her puppy playing in the yard and her best friend running up the walk. And she smiled. "Honey, sometimes we just need to look out a different window." Affirmative prayer: Infinite Presence, I lift up my eyes to the place that gives me strength and hope. I look to the Truth that reveals Spirit’s love, nurturing, and guidance. I look up and clearly see the Divine at work in my life. Thank you, God, forever. Amen. |
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