Life's Passion is Life's Purpose

Lessons Learned: The Past Can't Hurt You

2013-05-03T17:10:00.000-04:00

I had a very good friend who use to tell me, "the only thing that matters is the ever present now." How right he was. Letting go of past hurt, fears, failures, even successes, frees us up to the possibilities of the unknown. It allows us to exist in the promise of what may be or as Deepak Chopra calls, the pure potentiality.

This is not an easy space to live in. Trust and believe me when I say I have been hurt badly... really... really badly. The recovery period was far longer than I had anticipate but having gone through that fire, I have learn a few things:

Shifting your perception is not easy. You can't just "think" a negative thought away. Instead, you'll need to replace the negative thought with a positive one. Visualize yourself turning off the negative tape recorder in your head and popping in a brand new CD of a the most elevated, uplifting thoughts you can think of. I know it sounds silly, but it works.
Give yourself time and space to throw a pity party... but don't live there. Just like every good party, there needs to be a cut off time to kick the party people out the door.
Remember that the thing that is consuming you either already happened or may never happen. Try focusing on the good that is taking place in your life right now. No easy task but well worth the effort.
It doesn't seem like it but this thing... this bad thing... it is happening for a reason. The reason will not become clear for months, maybe even several years. But when it is revealed to you, you'll have the biggest "aha" moment of your life.

The biggest lesson I have learned is this... you and I will forget all of this when it really counts. But how wonderful it is to have the tools in place to help us remember what we already know to be true... the only thing that matters is the ever present now.

There's No In-Between in 2013

2013-01-09T17:20:00.002-05:00

There is no in-between in 2013. That was the theme of our New Year's Eve celebration at Unity of Washington DC. I've been meditating on this concept quite a bit. Merriam-Webster defines the word "in-between" this way:

"A state or position that is in the middle between two other things"

What does this mean for us? You cannot exist in a state of bliss and confusion at the same time. You can't have wealth if you are only focused on your debt. You can't have the love you deserve if you don't show love. You can't have a peaceful life if you surround yourself with chaos. You won't know the truth if you live a lie. You can't live abundantly if you claim lack. You can't have love if you live in fear. Here are the things I am resolving to do to move out of the middle.

Be Happy- Happiness is a choice and I've decided I am going to make a conscious effort to be happy. Regardless of what shows up... oh... and some stuff is going to show up... I am going to happy. Period. We can all do this. We can decide that what is showing up is a limited experience in an infinite world of possibilities. If we decide to just be happy then we can focus on the best of all outcomes and direct our energy towards that which is good, joyous and uplifting. If we can get out of our heads, no matter how awful the situation that is appearing in front of us, we can open up the channels for more happiness to come into our lives. "Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony." —Mahatma Gandhi

Be Positive - This does not come naturally for me. I will admit that more often than not, I see the glass as half full. But this year I am breaking that habit. This year I will look for the good in every situation. I've started to do this thing where I'll think about a situation and I'll draw up two scenarios: one that looks at it from the glass being "half-empty" and the other where I look at the glass as "half-full." Once I see both sides, I focus on the glass being half-full and then I decide to be happy. Nelson Mandela said, "Part of being optimistic is keeping one’s head pointed toward the sun, one’s feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death."

Focus on the Front Row - There's a poem that begins: "Life is a theater so invite your audiences carefully. Not everyone is holy enough and healthy enough to have a FRONT ROW seat in our lives. There are some people in your life that need to be loved from a distance." This is so true. I have already eliminated some toxic people from my life. I've also decided that I will no longer try to convince anyone that I'm worthy of their time, love or attention. Instead, I'm going to spend my time and energy on the people who deserve it the most. I'm talking about those folks in the FRONT ROW of my life who are always there to support me, cheer me on, and who often think better of me than I think of myself. Those in the nose bleed seats don't need my time and those who have put me in the nose bleed seats are doing just find without me.

Let Go of Old Images - I've been holding on to some outdated ideas about what my life should look like. Well... guess what... there are no ideals and no perfect situations. This life... this one right here... this is the one we have so let's be glad in it. Sure we can change and have a different life anytime we so desire. But the only thing that really matters... the only thing we can control... is the ever present now. If you can be glad in this space, you can make more room for your space to expand to more things to be glad about. It's that hard and it is that simple.

Be Helpful - I'm going to ask this simple question and I hope you'll follow along. Is what I'm about to say or do serving my highest good or the highest good of those involved? If it does not serve to help, uplift, support or help make it "all good" for all involved, I'd suggest we should move on to higher ground. I am also not going to let those who think they are helping out but who are actually feeding me negativity get away with it. I'll remind them of this, "what is mine to have will be mine and nothing and no one can keep my good away from me."

Toss it Away - Let us once and for all get rid of of any person, place, or thing that does not serve our highest good. I'm talking about not settling for anything that does not bring us joy and happiness. This is the year to be bold, to face our fears and get honest about what is not bringing abundance into our lives. We can make a choice to do something different. In 2013 let us make the choice to be bold, different, fearless and move out of the middle.

This is what I resolve to do this year. I hope you'll join me and share your thoughts along the way. It won't be easy... this I already know. However, at the end of the year I know we will say it was well worth it. I'll leave you with this:

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others" ~ Marianne Williamson

What Would You Do With Unlimited Power?

2012-03-15T22:10:00.001-04:00

At SXSW, Dell asked what we would do if we had the power to do more. Here’s what I had to say.

What would YOU do if you could do more?

Day 14 - Living the Principles - Keep a True Lent 40-Day Process

2012-03-07T09:49:00.001-05:00

Often times we can beat our heads against the wall wondering why certain results reoccur in our lives. It is not until we understand and come into alignment with how Divine Law operates that we see we must change our thoughts, words and actions in order to have our desired results. We get to examine our core beliefs and see how they are out-picturing in our lives in accordance with Divine Law. As we clean up our internal landscape, the outer world experience will shift accordingly.

Let us write God’s Law upon our hearts and minds and manifest a new vision for ourselves and our world.

* * *

The daily Lenten Lesson and study questions follow. Remember that the reading for the day may be accessed online at: http://sacred-texts.com/nth/unity/ktl/index.htm

My prayer is that you will be blessed by what is shared and that you will, in turn share it to be a blessing to others.

Lenten Lesson - Day 13

Law

Read Galatians 6:1-10, 16

Divine law is the logical process by which divine principle, or God, manifests. The inner spirit of the law is the spiritual way of life that Jesus taught and lived.

Divine law is the universal something in us of which we all are conscious, and tells us when we are doing right and when we are doing wrong. It may be defined as the innate knowing of right and wrong, and this knowing may be quickened. The quickening does not come by the study of material things, but by concentrating the mind on the Christ. Man does not make the law; the law is, and it was established for our benefit before the world was formed.

There is a law of spiritual and mental growth constantly at work in the mind, raising man from sense consciousness to spiritual consciousness. The nature of the universe is purity and goodness. Abiding in the Christ consciousness, man aligns himself with divine law. He becomes "the light of the world."

Today I find I am one with the infinite law of expansion--one with the principle of never-ceasing growth and development toward the fulfillment of God's perfect idea that is firmly infixed in all creation.

Divine law cannot be broken. It holds man responsible for the result of his labors. "The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus" is the action of true ideas working in my mind and in my body.

I affirm: "My house is set in order, and I press forward toward the goal of perfection."

Source: Charles Fillmore, Keep a True Lent, pp. 158-159.

Further Study

The Lenten Lessons are supported each day by a particular reading in Keep a True Lent. The readings are available online at: http://sacred-texts.com/nth/unity/ktl/index.htm. For each reading, we will share the series of questions to support our daily practice.

Reading Assignment: "Law," page 158; Chapter 5, page 32; Chapter 17, page 131.

Questions:
1. What is divine law?
2. What is divine law in us?
3. Does man make the law? Explain.
4. How does man align himself with divine law?

Affirmation: Father-God, give me the wisdom and understanding to see Your divine law of good at work in every part of my life. Let me walk unafraid through every experience, secure in the knowledge that. You are always present.

Day 13 - Living the Principles - Keep a True Lent 40-Day Process

2012-03-06T22:19:00.001-05:00

I’ve heard it said that there is only God’s will; that there is no human will separate and apart from God’s will. Well, I am venturing to offer a slightly different perspective. I believe that is true when we are aligned with God’s will for us.

Yet, since we have been given “free will” and the power of choice, we as humans do get to choose how we employ the executive faculty of will. And, that “how” gets played out in our lives and experience, as a demonstration of the distinction between willfulness and willingness.

When we think we know how everything is supposed to turn out, how everything is supposed to happen; when we think we are in charge and insist on having things our way (as if life is a gigantic Burger King), we are being willful. It is not until we are willing to surrender all that we think we know and understand that we align ourselves with God’s will. That is willingness – being willing to trust God and know that God’s will for us is only and always absolute good. No matter how things may appear to us as we filter everything through our senses, our highest good is God’s will.

So, I will pass on something I learned in my first year of preparation at Inner Visions Institute, and it still resonates with me: “I will to will Thy Will; please show me how”. As A Course in Miracles says, “I do not know what anything is for”. So, I trust that I will be directed and divinely guided. And, I pray that I will be shown how to get out of God’s way and allow God to be God. That way the power of my will won't be misdirected or misused. I pray the very same for you.

* * *

The daily Lenten Lesson and study questions follow. Remember that the reading for the day may be accessed online at:http://sacred-texts.com/nth/unity/ktl/index.htm

My prayer is that you will be blessed by what is shared and that you will, in turn share it to be a blessing to others.

Lenten Lesson - Day 12

Will

Read John 1:1-18

The will is the executive power of the mind. The commandments of Jesus teach the Father's will. Those who keep them are therefore at one with the will of God.

It is possible to get very close to the kingdom of heaven by doing good works and surrendering to Spirit the various faculties of the mind, but we can never fully enter into and abide in heaven, or divine harmony, without surrendering all that makes up the personality, of which the will is the center.

The will may be said to be the man, because it is the directive power that determines character formation. When man wills the will of God to be done, he forms spiritual character. The use of the regenerate will is for the sole purpose of spiritual unfoldment.

Day 12 - Living the Principles - Keep a True Lent 40-Day Process

2012-03-05T18:37:00.001-05:00

Everything that is manifested was first a mental picture and was brought into expression by the forming power of the imagination.
Charles Fillmore, The Revealing Word

When we look at the things and conditions that we have manifested in our lives, our affairs and our world the question that emerges is: what have we been holding in mind as mental pictures? Have we been holding dis-ease and poverty and war? Have we been holding failed relationships, poor-performing schools and young people killing each other? Have we been imagining low self-esteem and depression and anxiety?

Well, every Universal Law supports a resounding “yes”. Thoughts held in mind produce after their kind; as above so below; like attracts like; as you sow so shall you reap . . . . If not consciously, we may have been creating by default.

We have the power to change our experience just by changing our minds and what we hold in consciousness – what we think, what we feel, what we believe.

I pray this is a re-minder that we were created in God’s imageand likeness. We get to consciously create our desired future. So, I invite you to join me in imagining love, joy, peace, prosperity, wholeness, mutual support, forgiveness, acceptance . . . and all high vibration experiences and conditions.

* * *

The daily Lenten Lesson and study questions follow. Remember that the reading for the day may be accessed online at:http://sacred-texts.com/nth/unity/ktl/index.htm

My prayer is that you will be blessed by what is shared and that you will, in turn share it to be a blessing to others

Lenten Lesson - 2nd Sunday

Imagination

Read Acts 10:9-35

The imagination is that faculty of mind which images and forms. Everything that is manifest was first a mental picture and was brought into expression by this forming power. Man accumulates a mass of ideas about substance and life, and with his imagination he molds them into shape.

Those who look to the Holy Spirit for guidance find that its instruction is given to all who believe in Christ, and the command is to make all things after the pattern shown Moses on the Mount as found in Exodus 25:40.

The Spirit of truth projects into the chamber of imagery pictures that, rightly understood, will be a sure guide for all people who believe in the omnipresence of mind. The imagination will carry out any idea or set of ideas that the I AM reflects into it, hence theories are not to be trusted. There must be evidence in works. This is accomplished by the working power of the world.

With my imagination I lay hold of perfect ideas and clothe them with substance. My body is the product of my mind. In my communication with God, the imagining power of my mind is playing an important part. It receives divine ideas, and in dreams and visions reflects their character in the consciousness. According to the Scriptures this is the opening of the heavens and the seeing the "angels of God ascending
and descending upon the Son of man."

With my imagination fixed on Spirit, I affirm: "In the quietness and confidence of Spirit, I see myself as God sees me, His perfect image and likeness."

Source: Charles Fillmore, Keep a True Lent, pp. 154-155.

Further Study

The Lenten Lessons are supported each day by a particular reading in Keep a True Lent. The readings are available online at: http://sacred-texts.com/nth/unity/ktl/index.htm. For each reading, we will share the series of questions to support our daily practice.

Reading Assignment: "Imagination," page 154; Chapter 7, page 52.

Questions:
1. Define "imagination."
2. How was everything that exists brought into expression?
3. How do we lay hold of ideas?
4. What part does the imagining power of the mind play in our communication with God?

I allow my mind to run to positive imagery.I see my life as it is meant to be--good and beautiful.

Day 11 - Living the Principles - Keep a True Lent 40-Day Process

2012-03-04T09:50:00.001-05:00

What a beautiful reminder that we must go beyond the powers and the limitations of the intellect. I recognize that in western society, this may not be a popular idea. As a culture, we place so much emphasis upon mental prowess, that we tend pooh-pooh the spiritual and perhaps those whose focus and “come from” is in this realm.

Yet, at closer examination, we have a tendency to be a bit schizophrenic – on one hand, we glorify the neck-up experience and think those whose first response is spiritual tend to be a bit weird; while at the same time, we also marvel at and/or gravitate toward gurus and mystics.

We would do well to realize that mere memorization and intellectual understanding of spiritual principles is not enough. We must integrate what we think we know and understand such that it becomes a part of our beingness, our very essence. When we can know that we know our entire life experience, and our world, will take on an entirely different quality and texture. My spiritual mother always says, “when learning has occurred the behavior changes”. We do not really “know” anything until that occurs.

Here’s to knowing. Here’s to understanding at the deepest recesses of our being. Drop below the neck and let’s create anew!

* * *

The daily Lenten Lesson and study questions follow. Remember that the reading for the day may be accessed online at:http://sacred-texts.com/nth/unity/ktl/index.htm

My prayer is that you will be blessed by what is shared and that you will, in turn share it to be a blessing to others.

Lenten Lesson - Day 11

Understanding

Read Luke 2:40:52

Spiritual understanding is the ability of the mind to apprehend and realize the laws of thought and the relation of ideas one to another. It is that something through which we understand God and ourselves.

Understanding reveals that love and wisdom should work together, that power should be expressed through love, and zeal should be tempered with wisdom.

Intellectual understanding comes first in the soul's development, then a deeper understanding of Principle follows, until the whole man ripens into wisdom.

Those who are being educated in Truth through the power of the word will finally arrive at the place where the true light from Spirit will dawn on them, and they will see with spiritual understanding and have proof of the reality of the Christ Mind.

I realize that God is supreme knowing. That in me which comprehends is understanding; it knows and compares in wisdom. Its comparisons are not made in the realm of form, but in the realm of ideas. Understanding is that in me which knows how to accomplish things. I claim my Christ understanding at all times.

If willfulness of the mortal tries to take over, I gently deny it power, and affirm for spiritual understanding. At all times I hold for absolute freedom in the Lord. God is the one principle; we are all as free to use God as we are free to use the principle of mathematics or music. The principle never interferes, but if it is to be rightly applied, I must develop understanding.

I affirm: "Divine understanding in me unites with the Holy Spirit, and I always know what to do."

Source: Charles Fillmore, Keep a True Lent, pp. 155-156.

Further Study

The Lenten Lessons are supported each day by a particular reading in Keep a True Lent. The readings are available online at: http://sacred-texts.com/nth/unity/ktl/index.htm. For each reading, we will share the series of questions to support our daily practice.

Reading Assignment: "Understanding," page 155; Chapter 7,
pp. 45-46; Chapter 17, pp. 127-128.

Questions:
1. Define "spiritual understanding."
2. What does understanding reveal?
3. What is it in us that comprehends?
4. Why must we develop understanding?

I open my mind to light and understanding. I give thanks that the glory and the brightness of Christ shine in me and through me.

Day 10 - Living the Principles - Keep a True Lent 40-Day Process

2012-03-04T09:30:00.001-05:00

We have been given the power to co-create with God. And,
we get to exercise that power not only through what we hold
in consciousness, but what we speak into existence. As the Word says, the power of life and death is in the tongue.

Too often, we use our words to destroy rather than to build.
We verbalize our fears, our doubts, our hesitation. We forget that we can be conscious about how we use our words so that we are supporting our vision, our dreams and our intentions.

* * *

The daily Lenten Lesson and study questions follow. Remember that the reading for the day may be accessed online at:http://sacred-texts.com/nth/unity/ktl/index.htm

My prayer is that you will be blessed by what is shared and that you will, in turn share it to be a blessing to others.
Lenten Lesson - Day 10

Power

Read Luke 4:31-44

Man controls his thoughts and his feelings by the use of his innate power. A quickening from on high must precede his realization of dominion. "Ye shall receive power, when the Holy Spirit is come upon you."

Man is the power of God in action. The power to control his thinking is the highest gift given to man. There is a universal, creative force that urges man forward to the recognition of the creative power of individual thought.

The word Jehovah (Christ) is charged with spiritual power far above and beyond any other word in human language.

The power center in the throat is the open door between the formless and the formed worlds of vibration pertaining to the expression of sound. When the voice has united with the life of the soul, it takes a sweetness and a depth that one feels and remembers. But sweeter and deeper still is the voice of one who has made union with Spirit and can say with Jesus, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."

I cultivate a loving attitude of mind toward everybody, and my voice is rich, warm, and mellow. As I pray and realized spiritual dominion. I feel vital and energetic and my voice is strong and vibrant and brilliant. Through these vibrations I feel the power of unity with the higher self more quickly than in any other way. "All power is given unto me in heaven [mind] and in earth [body]."

In His name I affirm: "All the issues of my life are stirred to action by the quickening Christ power, and I have dominion over my thoughts and my feelings."

Source: Charles Fillmore, Keep a True Lent.

Further Study

The Lenten Lessons are supported each day by a particular reading in Keep a True Lent. The readings are available online at: http://sacred-texts.com/nth/unity/ktl/index.htm. For each reading, we will share the series of questions to support our daily practice.

Reading Assignment: "Power," page 153; Chapter 10, pp. 73-74; Chapter 15, pp. 113-121.

Questions:
1. What must precede man's control of his thoughts and feelings?
2. What is the highest gift given to man?
3. How does the voice become rich, warm and mellow?
4. What happens when we pray and realize our spiritual dominion?

***********

Enfolded in Your powerful healing love, God, I experience health and wholeness in mind, body, and emotions. ~ Unity

http://content.unity.org/prayer/prayersAffirmations/healingPrayerAffirm.html

Day 9 - Living the Principles - Keep a True Lent 40-Day Process

2012-03-04T09:24:00.001-05:00

In this election year many people are positioning for power to take back or take over the White. What a blessing to have a new understanding of Power - to know that I am one with the One. That the same power to create that created the Universe resides within me. All I must be is open, and to allow that power to move in my life and affairs. Hallelujah! Thank you God!

My prayer is that you will be blessed by what is shared and that you will, in turn share it to be a blessing to others

* * *
Lenten Lesson - Day 10

Power

Read Luke 4:31-44

Man controls his thoughts and his feelings by the use of his innate power. A quickening from on high must precede his realization of dominion. "Ye shall receive power, when the Holy Spirit is come upon you."

Man is the power of God in action. The power to control his thinking is the highest gift given to man. There is a universal, creative force that urges man forward to the recognition of the creative power of individual thought.

The word Jehovah (Christ) is charged with spiritual power far above and beyond any other word in human language.

The power center in the throat is the open door between the formless and the formed worlds of vibration pertaining to the expression of sound. When the voice has united with the life of the soul, it takes on a sweetness and a depth that one feels and remembers. But sweeter and deeper still is the voice of one who has made union with Spirit and can say with Jesus, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."

I cultivate a loving attitude of mind toward everybody, and my voice is rich, warm, and mellow. As I pray and realize spiritual dominion, I feel vital and energetic and my voice is strong and vibrant and brilliant. Through these vibrations I feel p. 154 the power of unity with the higher self more quickly than in any other way. "All power is given unto me in heaven [mind] and in earth [body]."

In His name I affirm: "All the issues of my life are stirred to action by the quickening Christ power, and I have dominion over my thoughts and my feelings."

Source: Charles Fillmore, Keep a True Lent, pp. 153-154.

Further Study

The Lenten Lessons are supported each day by a particular reading in Keep a True Lent. The readings are available online at: http://sacred-texts.com/nth/unity/ktl/index.htm. For each reading, we will share the series of questions to support our daily practice.

Reading Assignment: "Power," page 153; Chapter 10, pp. 73-74; Chapter 15, pp. 113-121.

Questions:
1. What must precede man's control of his thoughts and feelings?
2. What is the highest gift given to man?
3. How does the voice become rich, warm, and mellow?
4. What happens when we pray and realize our spiritual dominion?

The Truth is that I can do all things through the power of Christ working within me. I can act and react in
loving ways. I can find harmony and happiness in living with the people in my world.

Day 8 - Living the Principles - Keep a True Lent 40-Day Process

2012-03-04T09:15:00.001-05:00

What a precious gift wisdom is -- to know there is that still small voice that is ever guiding us to our highest good. It is also comforting to just "know" -- to have those moments when we know that we know that we know. Those moments when the bell of truth rings so loudly within our spirit that we cannot dispute the message we are receiving.

We are also blessed to know that we can "hold onto the Lord as our supreme guide". Metaphysically, we understand that "Lord" means Law -- Universal Law, Spiritual Law. When we align ourselves with God's Law, we are more apt to consciously create the life that we desire. So, let us be law-abiding citizens in all aspects of our lives: LAW = Life, Affairs, World.

* * *

The daily Lenten Lesson and study questions follow. Remember that the reading for the day may be accessed online at:http://sacred-texts.com/nth/unity/ktl/index.htm

My prayer is that you will be blessed by what is shared and that you will, in turn share it to be a blessing to others.
Lenten Lesson - Day 8

Wisdom

Read Matthew 7:1-12

Wisdom is of Spirit. One can get flashes of understanding at any time, but the clear light of the Supreme shines steadily on us as we become obedient and receptive to the Supreme's monitions. Jesus always listened for the "inner voice," and was obedient to it in His meek and lowly work among the humblest class of men.

Spiritual discernment always places wisdom above the other faculties of mind. It is pure knowing, and comes by kindling the inner light. "The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable."

This means that as I call the righteous judge into action I may find my standards of right and wrong undergoing rapid changes, but if I hold steadily to the Lord as my supreme guide, I shall be led into all righteousness.

As I dwell upon this all-knowing faculty within, I become conscious of the Christ radiance lighting my mind, and my whole being is illumined. My thoughts are quickened through their conscious relationship to Spirit. I am flooded with new life, which raises my organism above the disintegrating thought currents of the earth; and thus I am not only redeeming my mind, but am also saving the flesh from corruption.

Spiritual understanding reveals that the resurrection of the body from death is not to be confined to Jesus, but is for all men who comprehend Truth and apply it as Jesus applied it.

Realizing that I am awakening to the reality of my higher self, I affirm: "Christ within me is my glory. The brightness of His presence wipes out all darkness, and I am filled with life and light."

Source: Charles Fillmore, Keep a True Lent, pp. 150-151.

Further Study

The Lenten Lessons are supported each day by a particular reading in Keep a True Lent. The readings are available online at: http://sacred-texts.com/nth/unity/ktl/index.htm. For each reading, we will share the series of questions to support our daily practice.

Reading Assignment: "Wisdom," page 150; Chapter 8, pp. 56 - 57.

Questions:
1. Where does wisdom originate?
2. What is the difference between wisdom and understanding? 3. How do we become conscious of the Christ radiance?
4. What does spiritual understanding reveal?

The Christ light, the light of Truth, is shining at the heart of my being. My thoughts are illumined by the light of Spirit and my powers and capabilities are increased.

The Christ light, the light of Truth, is shining at the heart of my being. My thoughts are illumined by the light of Spirit and my powers and capabilities are increased.

Day 7- Living the Principles - Keep a True Lent 40-Day Process

2012-02-29T18:19:00.001-05:00

We can survey our life experiences and count the numerous times we thought we were down for the count, yet we got up and kept moving forward. There were those times when we may have thought there was no way we would make it through; and, like Antwone Fisher, we did and we declared "I'm still standing".

What was it that brought us through time and again. Perhaps it was a strength within that we did not even know existed. We have the power of the Living God moving in, through, and as us. We have been given the divine faculty of strength.

There is no need to despair. Like love, we can endure. So, whatever you may be facing in this moment, know that God's got you. And, know that you have within you all that you need to see your way through it for your good.

* * *

The daily Lenten Lesson and study questions follow. Remember that the reading for the day may be accessed online at:http://sacred-texts.com/nth/unity/ktl/index.htm

My prayer is that you will be blessed by what is shared and that you will, in turn share it to be a blessing to others.

Lenten Lesson - Day 7

Strength

Read Matthew 4:1-11

Strength is freedom from weakness; stability of character, power to withstand temptation. It is the force or power to do, capacity to accomplish. "The name of Jehovah is a strong tower; the righteous runneth into it, and is safe." Strength originates in Spirit; the thought and the word spiritually expressed bring the manifestation.

Jesus is the greatest teacher. He is the type that I am striving to follow, not only in spiritual culture and in mind culture, but in body culture. By faithfully studying and using the methods of Jesus I am bringing forth the very best that is in me.

Through Christ the mind and the body of man have the power of using strength on various planes of consciousness. I affirm that I am steadfast and strong in thought and in deed, and thus I am establishing strength in soul and in body. I refuse to let the thought of weakness enter my consciousness, but always ignore the suggestion and affirm myself to be a tower of strength within and without.

Supreme strength as demonstrated by Jesus can be attained by one who trusts in Spirit and conserves his vital substance. The strength of Spirit is necessary to the perpetuation of soul and body and to the overcoming of death.

As I relax more and more and lift my consciousness to harmonize with the ever-present perfect Mind, I am invigorated and restored to stabilizing power. No harm can befall me. I am made strong through Spirit.

I affirm: "The joy of the Lord is a wellspring within me, and I am established in divine strength

Day 6 - Living the Principles - Keep a True Lent 40-Day Process

2012-02-28T23:27:00.001-05:00

We often hear people say, and may have said it ourselves, that we need to have more faith. Perhaps what we may need to be concerned about is not how much faith we have; it's what we are putting our faith in.

When we put our faith in people and in things of this physical realm, we may often be disappointed and/or disillusioned. Yet, when we can keep our focus upon Spirit, we can rest in the assurance that God's will for us is absolute good. Our job is to hold to that knowing no matter how things may appear.

The daily Lenten Lesson and study questions follow. Remember that the reading for the day may be accessed online at: http://sacred-texts.com/nth/unity/ktl/index.htm

My prayer is that you will be blessed by what is shared and that you will, in turn share it to be a blessing to others.

Lenten Lesson - Day 6

Faith

Read Hebrews 1:1-12

Faith is the perceiving power of the mind linked with a power to shape substance. It is spiritual assurance, the power to do the seemingly impossible. It is a force that draws to us our heart's desire right out of the invisible spiritual substance. It is a deep inner knowing that that which is sought is already ours for the taking, the "assurance of things hoped for."

Faith working in spiritual substance accomplishes all things. This is the faith that co-operates with creative law. Exercised in spiritual consciousness, it finds its abode, and without variation or disappointment it brings results that are seemingly miraculous.

Faith in the reality of things spiritual develops the faith center in man's brain. When the mental eye is illumined with faith, it sheds a radiance that hovers like a halo around the head and extends in lessening degree throughout the whole body. "When thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light."

The halo that the early artists painted around the heads of the saints was not imaginary, but real. This illuminating power of faith covers the whole constitution of man, making him master of all the forces centering about spiritual consciousness.

I realize that my faith in the invisible is building a real abiding substance in my mind and in my body. Spiritual ideas grow quickly when planted in the rich soil of my mind, and my body temple changes accordingly.

I affirm: "I have faith in the glorious infusion of the more abundant life of Christ vitalizing me. I am lifted up and healed."

Source: Charles Fillmore, Keep a True Lent, pp. 148-149.

Further Study

The Lenten Lessons are supported each day by a particular reading in Keep a True Lent. The readings are available
online at: http://sacred-texts.com/nth/unity/ktl/index.htm. For each reading, we will share the series of questions to support our daily practice.

Reading Assignment: "Faith," pp. 148-149; Chapter 15, pp. 110-121.

Questions:
1. Define "faith."
2. How is the faith center developed?
3. Where should we place our faith?
4. What happens when the mental eye is illumined with faith?

AFFIRMATION: Faith is one of my inborn faculties; I need only begin to use it. As I keep it turned in the direction of Truth, my faith grows and develops.

Day 5 - Living the Principles - Keep a True Lent 40-Day Process

2012-02-27T08:44:00.001-05:00

It is written that our Creator has given us dominion over the earth and every living creature therein. We have realized that the earth is not really flat, developed technologies to facilitate communication, information management and travel on land, see and in the air. We have even begun to take on the "final frontier" and have "gone where no man has ever gone before".

Yet, in all of our discoveries and accomplishments, all of our doing, we have yet to conquer the frontier of our own mind, our own tongue, our own body. If we had, there would be harmony and peace on the earth, in our communities and in our homes. There would be no injustice, discrimination, homophobia, sexism, ageism . . . . We would be healthy mentally, emotionally and physically. We would honor
ourselves and each other.

So, let us honor our Mother and our Father; earthly and heavenly. Let us honor ourselves by taking dominion over our thoughts and emotions -- examining what we are thinking about ourselves and others, about life, about God. Let us guard our emotions -- releasing fear, shame, anger, etc. Let us reign in our tongues --speaking our words with power and authority with the intention to manifest good in our lives and affairs. Let us honor our body temples by consuming wholesome foods and beverages and getting enough exercise and enough rest. Let us guard our consciousness by choosing to engage in powerful, life-affirming, supportive and productive conversations and media of all kinds.

* * *

The daily Lenten Lesson and study questions follow. Remember that the reading for the day may be accessed online at:http://sacred-texts.com/nth/unity/ktl/index.htm

My prayer is that you will be blessed by what is shared and that you will, in turn share it to be a blessing to others.

***********************

Lenten Lesson - Day 5

The Garden of Eden

Read John 14:1-12

Man's body temple is the outer expression of the Garden of Eden, which God gave him to keep and to trim. Man's primary work
in the earthly consciousness (the Garden) is to use his creative power to preserve harmony and order in his world, and to conserve his powers for divine direction.

The Garden of Eden represents a region of being within, in which are provided all primal ideas for the production of the beautiful. It represents the elemental life and intelligence placed at the disposal of man, through which he is to evolve
a spiritual mind and a spiritual body.

The Garden is the spiritual body in which man dwells when
he brings forth thoughts after the pattern of the original
divine ideas. The Garden is the substance of God.

God's greatest gift to man is the power of thought, through which he can incorporate into his consciousness the Mind of God.

There are twelve gates which open into this wonderful
Garden of Eden. These gates are the twelve faculties of
mind: faith, strength, wisdom, love, power, imagination, understanding, will, law or order, zeal, renunciation, life.
Each faculty, through the most accelerated mind action, as
in prayer, has been purified and therefore opens into the
very heart of the Holy City within.

I affirm: "My body is the temple of God, cleansed, purified, undefiled, made perfect. Praise God!"

Source: Charles Fillmore, Keep a True Lent, pp. 145-146.

Further Study

The Lenten Lessons are supported each day by a particular reading in Keep a True Lent. The readings are available
online at: http://sacred-texts.com/nth/unity/ktl/index.htm. For each reading, we will share the series of questions to support our daily practice.

Reading Assignment: "The Garden of Eden," pp. 147-148; Chapter 17, pp. 130-135

Questions: 1. What is man's primary work in the earthly consciousness?
2. What is the Garden?
3. Explain the importance of the power of thought.
4. What do the twelve gates that open into the Garden of
Eden represent?

Lent is a spendid time to build a strong consciousness
of life. I affirm again and again that my body is the
temple of the living God.

Day 4 - Living the Principles - Keep a True Lent 40-Day Process

2012-02-26T08:41:00.001-05:00

What a blessing it is to know who I am. And, what an even greater and more magnificently wonderful blessing it is to know who I AM. The distinction is the glorious difference between the personality and the individuality -- the difference between who I tell myself or have made up that I am and who I AM in Truth.

There is an eternal essence of us that is as God created us to be. There is that us of us that is never separate from God, that is never less than, is never not good enough, is never lacking in any way, shape or form. The Truth of who we are is that perfect, whole, loving , powerful, intuitive, faithful, strong, imaginative, zealous being that was created "just a little lower than the angels".

I am grateful that I have many moments when I am aware and acknowledge this essence of mySelf and when I know that the whole spirit of God is moving in, through and as me, producing fabulous results in the world. And, I am equally grateful that I can acknowledge that there are moments when I am behaving as if I have forgotten and when the ego that has bought into all the untruths thinks it is still in charge. In those moments, I can re-member and forgive myself for forgetting the Truth.

During this sacred time let us endeavor to re-member - come back together again. Let's live in gratitude that we are the King's kids, heirs to all that reflects the Goodness that is God.

* * *

The daily Lenten Lesson and study questions follow. Remember that the reading for the day may be accessed online at:http://sacred-texts.com/nth/unity/ktl/index.htm

My prayer is that you will be blessed by what is shared and that you will, in turn share it to be a blessing to others.

Lenten Lesson - Day 4

I AM

Read John 10:1-18

I am a child of the Father, and my inheritance is from Him. I AM is the Christ within me, the true spiritual being, whom God made in His image and likeness. Through the I AM (the Christ), I link myself with the Father, with Spirit, with life, wisdom, love, peace, strength, power, and Truth.

I AM is the gate through which my thoughts come forth from
the invisible, and it is through this gate that I go to get into
the presence of Spirit.

The I AM has its being in heaven; its home is in the realm of God ideals. I hitch my I AM to the star of God and infinite joy follows as night the day.

The I AM always assures me that the preponderance of power is in spiritual things. Fear throws dust in one’s eyes and hides the mighty spiritual forces that are always with one. I deny ignorance and fear, and affirm the presence and power of the I AM. “I AM THAT I AM . . . I AM that sent me unto you.”

I realize that spiritual character is the rock foundation of being. As I build my consciousness in God-Mind, I find that I am in
heaven right here on earth. I let go of the little self and take hold of the big self. “Not my will, but thine, be done.” The I AM is the will in its highest aspect. The will may be said to be the man, because it is the directive power that decides the character formation, which makes what is called individuality.

I boldly affirm: “I am a child of God, and I am joint heir with Jesus to abiding life, wisdom, love, peace, substance, strength, and power.”

Source: Charles Fillmore, Keep a True Lent, pp. 144-145.

Further Study

The Lenten Lessons are supported each day by a particular reading in Keep a True Lent. The readings are available online at: http://sacred-texts.com/nth/unity/ktl/index.htm . For each reading, we will share the series of questions to support our daily practice.

Reading Assignment: "I AM," pp. 144-145; Chapter 2, pp. 14-18; Chapter 3, pp. 20-21; Chapter 8, page 56; Chapter 15, page 121

Questions:
1. Explain the I AM.
2. Where is the home of I AM?
3. What is the rock foundation of being?
4. What happens when we build our consciousness in God-Mind?

I am free to live healthily and happily. I am free
to express my talents and abilities. I am free to
go forward in peace and joy.

Day 3 - Living The Principles a transformational A True Lent 40-DayProcess

2012-02-26T08:38:00.001-05:00

God is always knocking at the door of our consciousness. He desires to get our attention. He is calling to re-mind us that we are not now, nor have we ever been separate from God. He is wanting us to re-member who and whose we are.

This sacred time is an opportunity for us to reclaim our divine inheritance. During our daily practice, we get to know that we know that we know that, as our Elder Brother and Wayshower, Jesus the Christ taught us and demonstrated, the Father and I are one. We get to lovingly surrender any limiting thoughts, feelings, beliefs -- anything in our consciousness that would have us deny this as the Truth of our being.

* * *
The daily Lenten Lesson and study questions follow. Remember that the reading for the day may be accessed online at:http://sacred-texts.com/nth/unity/ktl/index.
Lenten Lesson - Day 3

God

Read John 15:1-16

"God is Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and truth." We do not see God with our physical eyes excepting as He manifests Himself through His works. His attributes are therefore brought into expression by man who is His son and who is like Him in essence. Jesus was a true expression of God because He was like Him. If we would manifest the divine attributes, we must seek to attain the consciousness and the understanding that characterized Jesus. We must endeavor to raise our thoughts and feelings to God's level if we would make ourselves channels through which He can come forth into expression and manifestation.

God transcendent suggests God as above and beyond His creation. This idea of God as remote from the practical affairs of man or from man's own experience is false. God (perfection) is not out of reach of His offspring nor something beyond or above them. Tennyson tells us that "closer is He than breathing, and nearer than hands and feet."

I am centered in God because I focus my attention on His ideas and ideals. The Holy Spirit, which is the Word of God in action, leads me into a consciousness of my divine sonship and inheritance. My inheritance from Him is executive ability, abundant supply, faithfulness, joy, all good. "I am thy portion and thine inheritance."

I affirm: "God's perfect plan of bodily perfection is bearing fruit, and I am made whole."

Source: Charles Fillmore, Keep a True Lent, pp.143-144

Day 2 - Living the Principles - Keep a True Lent 40-Day Process

2012-02-23T16:58:00.000-05:00

LIVING THE PRINCIPLES

Keep A True Lent 40-Day Process

Beloveds,

As we continue our daily Lenten process, here is some additional information that will support you over during this sacred time as we prepare ourselves in consciousness for the resurrection of the Christ.

This process is one that is practiced in Unity churches around the world. Here are the suggested guidelines from Keep a True Lent:

Unity believes that we can keep Lent best by denying ourselves not "things" but negative thoughts and feelings. And, through prayer and study, we can contemplate the victorious Christ and attempt to be more like Him.

How to Study

1. Before beginning your day-by-day study, we suggest you read all the chapters preceding the Lenten lessons.

2. Set aside a definite time for prayer and study when you are least likely to be interrupted.

3. Read each day's assignment, beginning with Ash Wednesday.

4. Read the Bible reference given at the beginning of each day's lesson.

5. Answer the questions concerning what you have read.

6. Use the meditation given in the Study Guide.

7. Put the principles of these lessons to work in your life.

The daily Lenten Lesson and study questions follow. Remember that the reading for the day may be accessed online at:http://sacred-texts.com/nth/unity/ktl/index.htm

My prayer is that you will be blessed by what is shared and that you will, in turn share it to be a blessing to others.

Abundant Blessings,

Rev. Beverly

Founder and Visionary Director

Lenten Lesson - Day 2

Affirmation

Read Luke 7:1-17

The science of Spirit is the orderly study of truths formulated in Divine Mind according to the operation of universal law. An affirmation is a positive and orderly statement of Truth. By affirmation we claim and appropriate that which is ours. The Word is the working power of Divine Mind. One will never go down to defeat if in his hour of need he positively affirms the almightiness of God-Mind through Christ, and invokes its help in his behalf. I declare that as a child of God I am now entering the Christ consciousness of perfection. This is in itself an affirmation, the highest I can make. Jesus helped Himself into this high state of being by His use of the spoken word. He continually made the very highest affirmations such as, "I and the Father are one," "All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth." I am joint heir with Jesus to the infinite good of the kingdom, and by the faithful use of my spoken word I claim my heavenly good. Faith is the result of many affirmations. Each affirmation helps to build up a substantial, firm, unwavering state of mind, because it establishes Truth in consciousness. As day by day I repeat and courageously live affirmations of Truth, I come to know that I am opening a channel of intelligent communication with the silent forces at the depths of being; thoughts and words therefrom flow forth, and I realize an entirely new source of power developing within me. I affirm: "Through Jesus Christ I realize my divine sonship, and I am transformed into His image and likeness."

Source: Charles Fillmore, Keep a True Lent, pp.142-143

Further Study

The Lenten Lessons are supported each day by a particular reading in Keep a True Lent. The readings are available online at: http://sacred-texts.com/nth/unity/ktl/index.htm . For each reading, we will share the series of questions to support our daily practice.

Reading Assignment: "Affirmation," page 142; Chapter 10, pages 71-76 Questions:

1. What is an affirmation?

2. What is the result of many affirmations?

3. What is the highest affirmation we can make?

4. What happens when one lives affirmations of Truth? In time of need I will remind myself and declare: "I am God's child, created in His image and likeness. I am joint heir with Jesus Christ to the kingdom of God."

In time of need I will remind myself and declare: "I am

God's child, created in His image and likeness.

I am joint heir with Jesus Christ to the kingdom of God."

Day 1 - The Metaphysical Lenten Season Begins

2012-02-23T16:08:00.000-05:00

It is the Lenten Season and people across the globe are thinking about what to "give up" as a sign of their dedication to their faith. For the next 40 days, this blog will be dedicated to a new way of thinking about lent.
I'd like to invite you to join me during this Lenten season in a metaphysical 40-day Lent process. These blog posts, inspired by the daily lessons from Keep a True Lent by Charles Fillmore, co-founder of the Unity Movement and Reverend Beverly Biddle, Founder of World Epiphany Ministries, will give us the building blocks to approach this Lent season with the things we want to manifest in our lives by clearing away from things that are keeping us from our greatest good.

I hope you'll be inspired to take this journey with me!

Yesterday was Ash Wednesday, the traditional beginning of the Lenten Season. Many people all over the world take time from their normal course of living to imitate the forty days that Jesus withdrew into the wilderness prior to the beginning of His public ministry.

Lent was established by the Early Christian church as the 40-day period preceding Easter Sunday (not counting the six Sundays). The custom has been to abstain from foods, festivities, habits/vices, or other activities. Many have also used this time to engage in a devotional discipline. This has been a time of reflection and taking stock, and, perhaps rededication of oneself to God or Godly pursuits.

Despite the spiritual significance of the season, many have approached Lent as a demonstration of physical endurance through fasting or abstinence from something that may be mildly addictive. As metaphysicians, we have the opportunity to look at Lent as Charles Fillmore, the co-founder of the Unity Movement, did:

we must learn to fast from all unworthy thought and feast on the good and the true

observe Lent according to the spirit rather than the letter

fast from criticism and condemnation and feast in brotherly love

fast from false beliefs in lack and limitation and feast on the truth of God's bountiful good will

Keep a True Lent, p. 5

Each day, we will share the Lenten Lesson from Keep a True Lent . The Unity Institute (formerly the Unity School of Christianity), and Unity Books has not copyrighted Mr. Fillmore's writings. In addition to standard publication, they are freely available over the internet.

These lessons are being shared to support the WE Ministries family in exploring the wilderness of our consciousness -- our hearts and minds, in order to free ourselves of the multitude of "undisciplined and uncultivated" thoughts and beliefs.

My prayer is that you will be blessed by what is shared and that you will, in turn share it to be a blessing to others.

Abundant Blessings,

Rev. Beverly

Founder and Visionary Director, World Epiphany Ministries

Lenten Lesson - Day 1

Read Matthew 5:1-16

Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, is so-called from the ceremonial of ashes. Ashes symbolize repentance. John the Baptist came, saying, “Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Repentance means denial; it is a relinquishment and should be made without too much vehemence. Therefore, I deny out of consciousness old error thoughts, as if I were gently sweeping away cobwebs, and I affirm positively and fearlessly that I am a child of God and that my inheritance is from Him. As I follow this rule I find that I am letting go of old mortal beliefs and the Divine within is flaming higher and higher. Its pure white light is infusing all my surroundings with a delightful spirit of wisdom, dignity, and peace. I realize more and more the law of righteous thinking that is bringing me into a consciousness of my perfect dominion. In Christ it is not difficult to eliminate belief in strife and contention. If petty quarrels, jealousy, uncharitable thoughts come into my life, I overcome them by a quiet but positive denial made in the realization that no error has any power or reality in itself. I turn away from the belief in negation, and my thinking changes. I rid my consciousness of limited thoughts that have encumbered and darkened my understanding. I break down mortal thought and ascend into a spiritual realm, the kingdom of the heavens. I the spirit of divine love I affirm: “Forgetting the things that are behind, I realize I am strong, positive, powerful, wise, loving, fearless, free spirit. I am God’s perfect child.”

Source: Charles Fillmore, Keep a True Lent, pp. 141-142

Further Study

The Lenten Lessons are support each day by a particular reading in Keep a True Lent. The readings are available online at:http://sacred-texts.com/nth/unity/ktl/index.htm . For each reading, we will share the series of questions to support our daily practice.

Reading Assignment: "Denial," page 141: Chapter 9, pages 63-70.

Questions:

1. What is denial?

2. What should follow denial?

3. How should denials be made?

4. How are quarrels and uncharitable thoughts overcome?

Bad Times Will Lead You To Your Good

2012-01-02T16:00:00.000-05:00

What where you doing this time last year? Did you make a list of New Year resolutions? How did you do with them? As 2011 washes away and becomes a memory, what will you do differently in 2012 and what lessons have you learned form the past that you will carry over into the new year? I don't believe in New Year resolutions but I covered that in a previous post. Instead of revisiting that topic again (gotta keep it moving) I wanted to explore lesson's learned from years gone by. I'm hoping something I went through will resonate with you and that we all can share our common experience for our greatest good.

In the new year we often look back on where we were and look ahead to where we're going with visions towards a better year. This is a good exercise in self-evaluation and self-exploration. We all need to do some spiritual housing cleaning from time-to-time and the start of the new year is a good time to do just that.

I decided that this year I didn't just want to look back over 2011. Instead, I wanted to take a trip back in time... oh, about three years. Ok... here we go... let's enter the time machine. The year is 2008 and life is really good... for a while.

A little over three years ago my life was a lot different. My television show was canceled and my job as an Executive Producer had come to an end. I was forced to move out of my apartment and to make plans to move into my unrenovated home. A home that had no heat, water or electricity. Now, don't get me wrong, I LOVE my house. My house has been in my family for over 100 years. My great-grandfather gave it to my grandmother, my grandmother sold it to my father for $1 dollar and decades ago my father sold it to me for $1 dollar. My house sat deteriorating for about twenty years due to two major fires and no home owners insurance (don't ask... that story deserves it's own blog post). Thanks to the gentrification of my neighborhood, once a drug and gang infested area, moving into my house became very desirable and I looked forward to settling in. My intention was to move into my house fully renovated and fully furnished. That, however, did not happen.

In the midst of all the changes I was going through, the renovation project went south with a corrupt project manager at the helm. While I tried to work out all the details to finish up the renovations on my house, our family home in Pennsylvania was in the process of being sold, and the bulk of my furniture and belongings that was being stored there had to be moved out. So, I had to move myself, my furniture, and all my worldly possessions into a house that had nothing more than a subfloor and construction dust EVERYWHERE.

Because this test was apparently not enough, while I was making all these plans, my father, my rock, my love, passed away. I was left with a house that was almost... almost done... lacking, lights, light switches, water, appliances, framed windows, toilets... oh the list goes on. There were boxes everywhere along with all my furniture that needed protection from the renovation process. I had to dump every penny I had (and some I did not) into moving into this shell of a house. There was no time for mourning, which was difficult for me because I was and I will always be a Daddy's girl. No, I had to keep it moving. I was reminded over and over, "yes, this is difficult, but you can change your circumstances. Some people have no home. Some people will never have electricity or clean water. This is not the way you wanted this to unfold but this is the way it is." I was challenged to show up and to let the Universe know what I was made of.

As I look back on where I was then and where I am now, I realize that all those challenges and bad things were actually leading me to my good.

Out of the challenges I leaned:

People want to help you and will help you if you are open and receptive
The Creator will give you everything you need but the timely may seem off (know that it is NOT)
We can live on less, with less and I, for one, do not miss the "more"
Miracles happen every day... every... single... day
Faith is real, necessary, and builds you up when you're feeling "less than"

My Dinning Room 2008

When I moved into my house I found out the construction company who had done the first round of renovations not only did a crappy job but had also gone out of business. I dumped every penny into getting the house in some type of order so I could live in it. I mean EVEY penny, I was literally going through change purses. I shut down half the house, lived out of three rooms, cooked on a hot plate, and worked room by room to make the house a home.

Side note: I am forever grateful to my friends who got me through this time:

My relator girlfriend who, instead of selling my house (as a I asked her to do), told me to suck it up, move into my unrenovated home and take my time bringing it back to life. But more than telling me to "not sell" (lots of people said that) she actually got me in touch with contractors who helped me with basic renovations
A life-long college BFF and my big sister who put basic appliances in my house
An ex-boyfriend who but sweat equity in getting my house livable and who me a contractor to get the lights and water hooked up at little to no cost
A very good friend who paid for my architectural plans so the city wouldn't fine me
My life-long college BFF how filled up my little mini fridge
The Master Plumper who gave me... gave me a hot water heater
My very good friend who allowed me to stay in her home while I worked on getting mine ready to move into

Coming back on the other side....

By July of 2009 I landed my dream job. It's the one I have now as a Social Media Specialist using social media for social good. It has taken two years for me to get back on my feet. But here I am today, stronger and happier than I've ever been. I've learned a lot through this process, things I forget when I'm in the heat of the moment and caught up in life's challenges. When I'm at my best this is what I know for sure and this is what I will carry through 2012:

Patience - What ever we are going through is temporary. Change is coming and we must hold on, stay strong in our faith, surround ourselves with people who will help uplift us to our higher good and eventually, everything works out for the best of all involved... this I promise.
Going through the fire - In the moments of perceived adversity our true character is revealed. We can play the "woe is me" record - and even that's OK for a while - but eventually we have to show up. We have to put on our big girl or big boy panties and do the hard work to move past our perceived experiences of lack into our good. I use the word "perceived" because all lack is really an illusion, although in the mist of the fire it feels very, very real.
Being still - When you don't know which way to turn, turn within. In the midst of the silence so much is revealed. Spend time thinking, dreaming, imagining your good. Slow down and get in touch with what you really, really want and focus on this in moments of meditation. Then sit still and be open to what is revealed to you.
Looking toward the future - The past is over, done, finished, and it cannot hurt you. Leave past hurts, pains and "what ifs" behind. Know for sure/for sure that you can have any type of future you want and the Creator wants only the best for you. Imagine your good in your mind first, hold on to the image and don't look back.
Keeping the end in mind - Focus on your end result and on the small steps it will take to get there. Sometimes the task is so big we get overwhelmed with how to get there. Keep reminding yourself of the end result. Take one step a day towards your goal and soon you will arrive at your destination. When I was sitting in a cold house with no heat I saw myself in my beautiful home, safe, happy and warm. I kept focused on that image and it helped me while I was shivering in the cold eating off of a hot plate. I imagined throwing an amazing party for friends in my newly renovated home and it made me smile. I saw the end in my mind and it became my strength and eventually a reality.

My Dinning Room at my Christmas Party 2011

Acceptance - We have to be open to change for it's a coming whether we like it or not. It's hard to let go of ideas and ideals we have of ourselves and others. We get stuck on who we think we should be or what we think we should have. Look, life ain't always easy and there are some real life challenges that can knock us off our mark. But, if we can accept where we are and know that we are all doing the best we can with what we've got, then we can cut ourselves a break and say "it is what it is"... now... whatcah gonna do about it?
Dreams - "Dreams can come true, they can happen to you." Everything the eye can see was once only a dream. The computer you are reading this post on was once just an idea in someone's head. The creators of the personal computer were told there wasn't a market for PCs, yet here we are, living their dream. There is nothing you can think of that the Universe will not provide for you. So, dream... dream often... DREAM BIG!
Faith - The belief in the unseen and yet the knowing... the know and belief in yourself, your vision and your determination. There were times when I was overcome with loss. I couldn't believe I lost my financial security, my father, my "stuff", my lifestyle and I was in a dark, dark, place. Eventually I realized the one thing that I did NOT have to lose was the belief that "this too shall pass" and I could choose to be happy and choose to believe the best is yet to come. Look, here's the thing, you can hold on to gloom or you can hold on to your faith that it will all get better. Why not choose the positive way out. If it doesn't work out for you, the gloom will be there whenever you want to go back to it (but don't go back, OK?).
Gratitude - Being grateful for your good even before it appears is the key that unlocks all doors and holding on to a grateful heart helps your good continue to manifest. When things turned around for me, and again, it did NOT happen over night, I so grateful my heart was over flowing. My heart is still overflowing! When you walk through the fire and come out even better than when you stepped on that first fiery coal, trust and believe, you have no choice but to be grateful. Hold on to that feeling. It will keep you humble in times of prosperity and remind you of your good in times of adversity.

In the end... all the so called "bad" simply leads us to our "good" and I wish you all nothing but good in the coming year!

Looking how far I have come I'm will continue to dream and to DREAM BIG! Because I know how I got from

.... here... to .... here....

My Living Room 2008

My Living Room 2011

In this New Year, what can you claim as your good... regardless of how it is showing up right now?

Passion... a Calling and a Lifestlye

2011-09-08T22:05:00.000-04:00

I've been struggling with the concept of actualizing my purpose in life. I have made a habit of talking to other people about what their purpose could and should be, but I've been having a hard time locking down my true calling. I've been praying, meditating, journaling but I haven't been able to zero in on what I should be doing with my life. Recently, in a meeting with a PR friend of mine, I finally dug deep into my subconsciousness to realize my true passion which is... well.. passion.

From Wikipedia- Passion can be expressed as a feeling of unusual excitement, enthusiasm or compelling emotion towards a subject, idea, person, or object. A person is said to have a passion for something when he or she has a strong positive affinity for it. A love for something and a passion for something are often used synonymously.

Why follow should we even concern ourselves with following our passion? If you do, you would certainly be happier and as a result you would:

Be motivated to start each day with joy and enthusiasm
Trust your instincts
Turn a hobby into a profession
Feel peace and joy
Be able to reinvent yourself into the best that you could be
Do what you love and the money will surely follow

I don't know where this journey in life will take me but I know that no matter what... my passion will lead the way. I'm still zeroing in on the details now... you know... the who, what, when, where questions that I learned in journalism. It may take me a little while longer but I'm confident I'm getting closer to the answers. What about you? What are you passionate about? Or asked another way, if failure wasn't an option and money wasn't a factor, what would you be doing with your life?

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined. ~ Henry David Thoreau

Black Women Bike: DC Bike clinic

2011-07-05T20:31:00.000-04:00

Sneak In A Workout

2011-05-13T13:47:00.000-04:00

I originally did a post of this title there years ago. I'm happy to say that I'm still biking all over the city, walking every chance I get and living a healthy lifestyle... without really trying. I will also admit that my body has gotten use to the biking and walking and I've once again started to pack on some unwanted pounds. But, I'm dedicated to knocking off the weight because I know that losing 10% of your body weight -- or less – can have big payoffs for your health.

I've included my original post to give you ideas on how you can sneak in a workout and in addition, here are five tips for you:

Keep Your Car Parked. With rising gas prices now is the time to figure our how you can do without your automobile. You'd be surprised what you discover in your neighborhood by simply walking to the story rather than jumping in your car.
Think Like A Child: Remember when we use to bike everywhere, jump rope, play ball? Well, you're never to old to do any of these activities again.
Pump Up The Volume: Turn on your favorite upbeat music and dance, dance, dance... like no one is watching.
Make Use Of Your Time: While standing in line at the grocery store... do standing abdominal. When taking a break from work do leg lifts at your desk. Yes, people will stare, who cares! You're goal is to sneak in a workout
Make The Weekends Count. You could go on a walking tour of your neighborhood with friends. Walk to your local garden district and then plant a garden. Explore your cities historical offerings... on foot. Discover a bike trail. Just get our there and MOVE!

I’ve made my commitment to getting fit by simply “sneaking” in a workout into my everyday life. I’ve decided to pretend I live in New York City and I walk everywhere I go. To solidify my commitment… I recently sold my car. I live in an urban city and don’t really need a car. Between sky rocketing gas prices, the cost of my garage and car insurance going up I decided that for the first time since I was 17 years old I would no longer have a car.

Now, I didn’t just jump right in there and do this. Three years ago I started riding a bike to and from work. I soon started using my bike to get all around the city. I actually have two bikes, a café bike to ride around the city and a hybrid to ride on bike trails. Living in the city is great for me. I don’t have to deal with getting a parking ticket and finding a parking space is a breeze. Also, since I’m ALWAYS late for church being able to pull up right at the front door really helps ☺ Oh, and I LOVE the look on the Meter Maid's face when they are placing a ticket on a car and I roll right up and park my bike right in front the church.... such wonderful revenge for all the tickets I've gotten over the years! By the way... what do you call a male Meter Maid???

A while back I took a job that required a long car commute and I actually started to hate to drive. So, on the weekends I would park my car in my garage and refuse to move it. When that job ended I went back to riding my bike everywhere. Soon, I was driving my car less and less. Now, I’m totally car free.

I’m lucky, my city has one of the BEST subway systems in the county. Plus, I have several banks, super markets, health food stores, bars, restaurants, museums, hotels, salons, spas, pharmacies, pet stores, workout studios, theaters, art galleries and movie theaters all in walking distance from my home. What isn’t walking distance from my place is a short bike ride away (of course “short” is relative but for me I’ll ride all day long if I have to). I recently got tickets to a performance by the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center and guess what… I walked! It took 40 minutes but it was a nice night outside and I got a great workout in. A friend of mine said, “You could have just jumped in a cab”. Yes, I could have but that would defeat the purpose of trying to sneak in a workout now wouldn’t it?

Of course, there are times when I absolutely do need a car. If I’m going away for the weekend or if I need to haul something from a home improvement store I need four wheels. So, what do I do? If I need a car for the whole weekend I have two rental car agencies within walking distance from my house to chose. Also, my city we has Zipcar, a car-sharing company that let's you rent cars of all makes by the hour or day, seven days a week, 24-hours a day. Check to see if there is a car-sharing option in your city.

I know my lifestyle won’t work for everyone, but I challenge you to try to incorporate more walking and bike riding into your lifestyle where you can. Ask yourself “do I really need to drive to such and such place”? Can you walk the 30 minutes or so to your destination to pick up a few things? Why not purchase a cart to carry groceries home? You’ll shop more often but you’ll always have fresh fruits and vegetables and you’ll waste less food because you won’t over purchase (since you won’t be able to drag all those things home when you’re walking home with your cart). Meet friends at local areas of interest in your neighborhood and WALK to greet them.

Invest in a good bike that is easy to ride around town. It should not have many gears and I'd suggest it doesn't have to go up to more than eight speeds. Save your racer bike for the trails. Oh, and don’t tell me that can’t ride a bike, are too old or are afraid to ride in the street. Just think back to the time when you where young and your bicycle was the only form of transportation you had. I think my generation may be the last ones who actually got outside and rode our bikes everywhere. Why did we stop doing that? How did our getting older increase our fear? Decide now that you are not going to give into that fear and just do it.

Look around your neighborhood and find places where you can “play” with your friends. But above all, before you jump into your car, think about being kind to yourself, your wallet and the environment by parking your automobile and getting out to walk or bike to your destination.

Have fun out there this summer... remember... it's as easy as riding a bike! And in honor of Women's National Health Week... we especially need to get out there and ride.

A Birthday Celebration for my Godson

2011-05-01T01:53:00.001-04:00

I've loved my Godson, Aaronn, from the moment he was born. His mother and I have been BFFs since we were students at Howard University and have remained very close over the years.

I recently had the chance to spend some time with my Godson in celebration of his birthday. Now that he's a grown man, I wanted to take a look back and celebrate this momentous occasion. It's so wonderful to have friends who are more like family!

Living Your good

2011-04-16T19:54:00.000-04:00

We’re all in transition — always. Life is a moving target. However, life doesn't have to pass you by. You absolutely can create your own good.

Now, I've said many times that seeing the glass as half full does not come easily for me. I work on it all the time. But what I know to be true is, our thoughts create our reality. That's often hard to hear. We are quick to take credit for the good in our lives but we don't want to admit that we are also responsible for the perception of the opposite of that good. Notice, I did not say we are responsible for the "bad" that is showing up in our lives. I like to claim it "all good" because those difficult, challenging moments in our lives are often the times that bring us closer to our spiritual side and sometimes, closer to our true selves.

This does not mean bad things don't happen. They do. This does not mean you "made" these bad things happen. You did not. However, stay with me on this one... you may have created an act that would teach you a lesson to bring you to your highest good... if ... you're open to learning from the experience. Have you ever heard someone say an illness or disease was the best thing that ever happened to them? Why would they say that? How could they say that something like the big "C" was a good thing? Well, it's in those moments when you realize you could lose your life... that you come to appreciate life even more. Or, what about the person who lost their job and as a result have had several financial setbacks. Well, those who are able to bounce back have often been able to also reinvent themselves and earn a living doing something they've always wanted to do in the first place. You may hear them proclaim, "getting laid off was the best thing that ever happened to me."

The lesson here is to keep it moving... keep it positive... keep living your good. It's never to late to be your best you! Here's some inspiration for you:

Follow Your Dreams - If you don't love your job... do something else! If you're not jumping out the bed on most days of the week with reckless abandonment and an excitement about your day... do something else! Make a commitment to follow your dreams. It doesn't even have to be your career, although that would be great. It could be a hobby that you enjoy. Just do it!
Give Back - Lose yourself in the service of others. Not only will it make you feel good, the Universe will give back to you all that you give. Plus, often seeing how difficult life is for others will humble us and remind us of how good we may have it.
Make Connections - While I love connecting online, there's nothing life real-life connections. Spend time with people who help lift you up and who will see the best in you. It will make you feel good and it will make them feel good also.
Be Good to Yourself - Many of us have gotten really good at listening to the negative recorder in our head that tell us "I can't". Well, turn that off and hit the "repeat" button on "I can do anything." If you don't believe it right away, that's OK. Eventually it will creep into your subconscious and you will become that which you desire.
Tap Into a Higher Power - I'd never tell you what to believe in. I'll just encourage you to believe. Studies show that people who are in direct connection with a belief system that supports a higher power are happier and live longer. There's even science to support that belief in a higher power is an evolutionary asset that helps human survival.

Finally, and I can't emphasize this enough, unplug, dis-engage, get quiet and spend time doing nothing. You can call it getting into a meditative state but I know the thought of having to go through the motions of meditation frightens some people. Instead, I'll ask that you just make time, each day, to sit quietly and ask the question "how can I live my good". Concentrate on this one sentence. Soon it will be revealed to you. When it is, follow your dreams, give back, make connections, be good to yourself, tap into a higher power, get quiet and repeat.

You deserve to live your good!!

Your Inner Fire

2011-03-25T16:24:00.000-04:00

In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit. ~ Albert Schweitzer

visualfunhouse.com

Isn't it wonderful to know that life has it's seasons? There's a time to speed up, slow down, regroup, fast forward and remain still. Isn't it even more reassuring to know that when needed, we can lean on our support systems to help us through. Sometimes just having someone see our situation through new eyes will give us just what we need to help jump start our cycle of growth and evolution.

I am grateful to all those who keep me inspired and uplift me throughout this thing called life. There are too many people to thank individually... you know who you are... I just want to send it out to the Universe that you all are appreciated.

Ed4Good - Using Soical Media for Social Good

2011-03-08T23:25:00.000-05:00

Today I helped kick off the Dell Education for Good (Ed4Good) social media initiative in Washington, DC at Thurgood Marshall Academy in S.E. The initiative is part of Dell’s SXSW outreach effort in Austin, TX later this week. If you don’t already know, SXSW is a five-day event that brings together the best and brightest minds in technology, social media and innovation. The goal for Ed4Good is to have those of us attending SXSW “bring a little of our hometown with us, doing something great with social media and a local school, while also supporting our community”. In preparation for Ed4Good coaches like myself are teaching social media classes to students across the country to not just show them how to use their web interactions to entertain and engage with friends, but to also “connect, collaborate and build support for important causes”.

I taught my class to an eager group of students taking an elective course on Digital Media Literacy. It seems fitting to use Thurgood Marshall Academy for this particular Ed4Good program. The school’s mission is to prepare students to succeed in college and to actively engage in our democratic society. They serve 390 students in grades 9-12K and you may have seen the school featured on the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric in a piece that highlighted their 100% college acceptance rate for graduates from the school.

Watch CBS News Videos Online

As the DC coach for Ed4Good, it was my job to not only teach a social media class but to also help the students develop a strategy to raise awareness for a cause of their choosing. After much deliberation, the students decided we would put our social media efforts behind a campaign against animal cruelty called “UnFURgivable” as in “it’s unFURgivable to be cruel to animals”. Our goal is to have the students and their supporters do enough Tweets, blog posts and Facebook comments to trend across the social web on March 10, 2011. We’ll be working hard to make a difference over the next 48 hours. Then, on Thursday, March 10, just one day before the start of SXSW, Dell will use their new Social Media Listening Command Center to aggregate and monitor all of our community Internet efforts across the country. Dell will use its social media monitoring and measurement tools to identify the best local effort by the nationwide teams and reward the school with the most traction on the web up to $10,000 dollars in prizes.

Here’s where you come in:

Please help our cause by following @unFURgvble on Twitter. Then, on Thursday, March 10, 2011 please RT @unFURgvble as often as possible using the hashtags #WDC and #ed4good to identify our Washington, DC Education for Good efforts.

Spread the word:

Please tell as many people as you can about the unFurgivable efforts within your social networks (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, blogs, etc.).

Participation is about:

Students using social media to do good in their community.
A fun social experiment allowing social media folks to play, teach, learn, do good and give back to our community.
Supporting social efforts that interested you.
Knowing you helped students gain bragging rights that they create a trend across the social web.

The students have already started their Twitter social media initiative… see what they’re saying!