Surrender into the Presence of Good

Good surrounds us. However, from time to time, we take our focus off of good and see evil or the dark side of humanity. That is human.

Sometimes, we either consciously or sub-consciously choose to dwell there - stewing in a concoction misery. If we choose to dwell there, within a short period of time, all that we will see, smell, hear, and feel will be misery. We will be certain, (affirmed by our experience) that there is nothing but misery in the world. This would be an error.

When you find yourself immersed in misery remember this keystone principle “If you want to change your life – change your mind.” Choose to see the good. In fact, surrender to the Presence of Good.

When you surrender to the Presence of Good, you will invite in all the good that surrounds you and you will come to understand that this good had never left you. It was there all along, you merely choose not to see it, experience it or know it.

Let this be your affirmation today:

“If there is anything in me that denies the Power of Good within me, I loose it and let it go. I surrender to and fully accept the Presence of Good.”

Don’t believe me – go test it for yourself and let me know how your day turns out!

Stand In Your Truth

Monday’s are great days for taking a look at what is. How much money is in the checking account; what bills are due this week; what appointments must be kept and what communications must be delivered. Just know that “whatever is – “is”.

To pretend that it’s not there doesn’t make it go away. Denying it doesn’t make it disappear. “It” whatever it is – still is making an impress on your psyche.
Today you must have the courage to stand in your truth. Once you do that, then you can be open to the knowing, that which you have made – can be re-made. That which you have molded – can be re-molded. That which you’ve created (and yes you created “it”) can be re-created. You are that powerful.

If you find yourself about to deny; avoid or lie today - stop! Take a breath and know that the Truth will always serve you. Then stand in your truth. Acknowledge what is and be open to receiving the inspiration that will be the solution to the re-creation of a new reality.

My Effort To Keep The Arts Alive

Jack Elliott is back to what he loves best — being involved in theatrical productions.

Elliott has turned a once-vacant space next to the Grand Theatre Center for the Arts into a rehearsal space, a 70-seat theater and an art gallery. Open since October, the E Gallery and Performance Annex has given Elliott another hands-on role in the local art world and has enhanced the artistic offerings at the Grand.

“Since he took the space over, he’s helped us out more,” said Jeffrey Haskett, the Grand Theatre’s technical supervisor. “He’s increased the arts and appreciation in Tracy, and he’s doing that through his own operation, which is great. … If we want to continue to grow our audience, having another performance space is great.”

Tickets to the annex are sold at the Grand Theatre’s box office. And the gallery, which is run by Elliott, serves as another space for artists to show their work, along with the Grand’s two main galleries.

“I happened to know the space next to the Grand was empty and had been empty a number of years,” said Elliott, who has been a Tracy resident since 2002. “We could not have this space anywhere else in town and have it work. One of the things that it does, it brings in more foot traffic to downtown.”

Elliott had his first production at the annex with a poetic reading of Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Raven,” and also hosted a dinner theater performance of “The Santa Clause.”

Elliott majored in theater at Indiana State University. While a student, he served as the business manager of Indiana State’s theater department. Following college, he managed a General Cinema theater in Indiana. But after relocating to California in 1978, Elliott served as a senior human resources executive for three corporations, taking a 26-year hiatus from theater.

His only theatrical connection during that time, Elliott said, was through community productions and as a patron.

Still, Elliott itched to get back into the art world, and from 2004 to 2008, he served as a Tracy arts commissioner. That led to a stint on the board of directors for the Tracy Performing Arts Foundation, where he remains a member.

In September 2007, when the Grand Theatre opened its doors, Elliott knew he would have to get involved.

“By serving (as arts commissioner) and being around for the Grand’s opening, it really awaked that passion within me,” Elliott said.

“He’s been a patron of the arts for so many years,” Haskett said. “He’s kind of dedicated some of his efforts to improve what happens at the Grand.”

Elliott not only strives to bring great theater to Tracy, he also hopes to develop strong local actors and oversees 60 actors in E Company.

“What we’re really working toward is developing an accredited acting program for (people who seek) a career in the performing arts and/or getting admitted to a performing arts college,” Elliott said.

Elliott has a packed scheduled for E Company this coming season. He’s producing “Doubt: A Parable” from Feb. 3 to 6; “At the Playground,” a world premiere by playwright Cheyenne Lu, from March 3 to 6; the rock musical “Rent,” April 14 through 17; and another mystery dinner performance on Valentine’s Day.

“His selection has been very beneficial this year,” Haskett said. “He’s bringing a large diversity to the plays.”

Read more: At the Tracy Press - In the Spotlight Tracy s Jack Elliott makes more room for art downtown. www.tracypress.com

What Do You Think?

I am in the process of directing a play. One of the actors asked me: “What do you want the audience to think about this scene?” The actor was looking for a specific answer: “Is the man guilty or not guilty?” My response was: “I don’t care what the audience thinks; I just was to know that they are thinking.” I would be fine if half the audience walked away able to justify why they felt the man guilty and the other half of the audience absolutely certain that man was not guilty. Let them discern for themselves.

It is so easily to accept someone else’s thinking as our own. So many times when I ask someone how did you decided to become a Methodist, Baptist, Jew, Muslim, etc. I’m told: “I never thought about it.” I am what I am because it is the religion of my parents, or grandparents. Really?

I was blessed that my parents encouraged me to discern for myself what Spiritual path spoke to me. And even though, I would be the 4th generation of my family to work and serve within our denomination, they wanted me to choose my church for myself.

Go, see, experience were their words of encouragement. And I did. What I discovered was my family’s New Thought, Non-denominational “Movement*” best served my Spiritual calling. And if along my Spiritual journey I “added-on” or modified my practices in some way (such as embracing the Principles of Science of Mind Philosophy) my growth was encouraged rather than reprimanded. I was empowered to think for myself.

How do you tell a good guru from a bad one? The bad guru proclaims: “There is but one path to enlightenment (God) and it must be my way or you will be lost!” The good guru says: “There are many paths to enlightenment (God). Listen to what I’ve been called to say, discern if it is true for you and then choose your own path.” What do you think?

*The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) broke way into what was called a “movement” from the Presbyterian Church at the turn of the 19th Century. It wasn’t until the mid-1960’s that they accepted the term “denomination” in lieu of “movement”. Their guiding philosophy being; “In the essentials Unity; in all else – healthy discussion.”

Hide Not Your Talents!

A long time friend has been posting some great quotes on Facebook recently. The quote he offered today was from Benjamin Franklin.

"Hide not your talents. They for use were made. What's a sundial in the shade?" -- Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)

It is a reminder that each and everyone one of us has a calling. We were born to make a difference. It is our nature. It is our devine inheritance. Don't hide your gift under a basket. Today I encourage you to "Speak up and speak your truth." Your opinion counts and needs to be a part of the conversation. I also encourage you to take a risk. Do that one thing you've been procrastining about.

It's been said that Elenor Roosevelt endeavored to do one thing a day that scared her. She did so, not to eliminate the fear but to demonstrate that she had control over her fears. This enabled her to continue to give her gifts to the world. Have a wonderful day!

Love What Is

My car is just over three years old. However, the tires are worn; the tail light has a crack in it; the manifold is also cracked and there are two distinctive dings in the body. For the past few weeks, I've heard myself say; "I'm ready for a new car." And because I'm ready for a new car, I've really neglected the one I own. I haven't even washed my car or vacummed the interior in about two months.

In fact, as I was about to leave for a meeting today, I actually had to be careful as to how I got in my car, not to soil my dress slacks. That was a turning point. "When did I become like this?" I pondered.

Luckiliy I had enough time before my meeting to drive over to the car wash. While waiting for the car to be washed, I busied myself reading the paper and catching up on a few emails. Soon I noticed the car wash attendant waiving his cloth franically, because the driver of the car he had just finished wasn't walking over to claim the car. My first reaction was; "What a pretty car." Then I realized it was my car! As I walked over to my car, I suddently remembered all the reasons that I loved the car. Great wheels, nice color, sporty look and a beautiful black leather interior. I don't need a new car - I need to appreaciate the one that I have. Even if I choose to trade the car in for a newer modeling keeping it in good repair and clean will only enhance the trade in value. So my counsel is Love what is....And even more will come your way!

Honoring the Body Temple

When I’m in “action mode” I have a tremendous about of energy and I get things done. In fact; I’ve yet to meet a piece of furniture that I cannot move – by myself. This past weekend, I had two days of being in constant action-mode. I worked two 14 hour days – and then crashed.

As I went about completing one task after another, I paid very little attention to my body. Therefore, when I stopped moving, my body let me know it had been ignored. My joints ached, my knees swelled and my feet throbbed.

Just as I was about to get up and take a pill, I remembered the quote I had just written down earlier in the day:

“My body is the temple of the living Spirit.”

So today, take time to honor this wonderful vessel that you call your body. With every breath you take, see it as perfection, knowing that even when you abuse it, every cell with in it still renews itself. Find some wonderful way today to pamper it, for it has served you well.

Catch A Quote A Day

Words matter. The Science of Mind teaches use that your spoken word sets the Law in motion. Think of it this way:

"Every word that comes out of your mouth - is your pronouncement of what you want to be."
The result of your word is creation.

The word is the mold, which acting through Law produces form. If you had a teacher, or a mother, that said: "If you can't say anything nice - don't say anything at all." she was on to something - something big.

Ponder this: "The reality you are experiencing right now, was molded by the "words" you've spoken and/or allowed into your universe."
As there are many words, choose words that empower, affirm and define a world/experience that you want.

I recommend that you Catch a quote a day. If you you read or hear a quote that affirms your values - write it down. I have a little booklet of 3" x 5" index cards that are spiral bound.

It is my intention to catch a quote each and everyday. when I do, I write it in my little spiral book. In about 7 weeks I have a full book of quotes, affirmations and wise sayings that mean something to me. Whenever I need inspiration, I reach for one of these little booklets. It serves me well, and it's one more way to Think Bigger Than Big! Have a wonderful day!

Limitless Freedom Is Yours!

Happy New Year!

Today I encourage you to re-claim your freedom for the New Year. Freedom from the old ways that may have sabotaged you from living the life you deserve; creating what you might name suffering.

I always believed (and taught) that God’s greatest gift to man was freedom, or what I called free-will. But now it has come to me that God didn’t bestow such as gift – we were born free. Free to experience the consequences limitless freedom.

Ernest Holmes responds to this question:

“Why did not God make us free and compel that freedom?” He tells us the answer is apparent when we realize that even God could not do this.

A freedom under compulsion would produce a freedom that would ultimately amount to the very worst kind of bondage. There is no such thing as compulsory freedom; even God Himself could not ordain this; for He could do nothing that would violate His own nature. No; man must be created with the possibility of limitless freedom and then be let alone to discover the fact for himself.

On the road to that discovery he must be subject to the Law of all Life, and if in ignorance he violates the law, he must thereby suffer. This is not, however, because God imposes the suffering or desires it, but simply because it is the necessity of the case. [Ernest Holmes; The Science of Mind, 1926 Text, page 83]

Love and Blessings to you and yours this New Year!