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.”
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
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!
"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!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
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!
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!
Monday, January 3, 2011
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.
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.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
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!
"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!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
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!
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!
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Dream Bigger Than Big!
Each holiday season I take a discerning look at my life. Not critical. Not judgmental. Merriam Webster might describe it as: An insightful and understanding look at “what is”.
I make it a time for taking stock and then refocus by setting my intentions for the New Year. It is also the time for coming up with new tools for keeping my attention on my intention.
In my life, all things begin with gratitude for what is:
As 2010 comes to a close, I am once again in awe of my life. And I am so very very thankful for all that has manifested in 2010 - especially the people that have come into my life and for the existing relationships that have grown immensely this year .
My intention was to “Think big and go!” And go I did. The results - Amazing!
One year ago, I had no idea that I would have experienced love in so many new ways. I did not know I would travel to London. I had no idea that I would return to world of theatre as the outward expression of my ministerial calling. I had no idea that I would experience the gift of parenthood. But then again….if you commit to thinking big – big thinks happen.
I am also aware that there were times this year when I took my eye off the ball. In fact, I sometimes dropped the ball. In a few cases the ball broke into a million pieces. In other words, I took the attention off my intention and there were consequences.
So as 2010 comes to a close, I invite you to take a discerning look as to what is in each area of your life (Family, Significant Relationship, Career, Finances, Mind/body, Spirit and Community). On a scale of 1 to 10 are you content with the results? (10 equaling most pleased status.)
If not – why not? Where did you take the attention off your intention? How your life looks right now it is the fullest expression of your life to date. Your life “right now” is the demonstration of where you put your attention in 2010. What to make some changes? Sweet! So do I. Let’s do this together.
In 2010 I invited you to think big. In 2011 I invite you to join me as I think bigger than big! We will do this through journaling, blogging and a series of new workshops that will teach you to be authentic to your values so that you will experience the fullest possible expression of Self.
Stay tune for my first workshop of 2011. Dreaming Bigger Than Big! - Rev. Jack
I make it a time for taking stock and then refocus by setting my intentions for the New Year. It is also the time for coming up with new tools for keeping my attention on my intention.
In my life, all things begin with gratitude for what is:
As 2010 comes to a close, I am once again in awe of my life. And I am so very very thankful for all that has manifested in 2010 - especially the people that have come into my life and for the existing relationships that have grown immensely this year .
My intention was to “Think big and go!” And go I did. The results - Amazing!
One year ago, I had no idea that I would have experienced love in so many new ways. I did not know I would travel to London. I had no idea that I would return to world of theatre as the outward expression of my ministerial calling. I had no idea that I would experience the gift of parenthood. But then again….if you commit to thinking big – big thinks happen.
I am also aware that there were times this year when I took my eye off the ball. In fact, I sometimes dropped the ball. In a few cases the ball broke into a million pieces. In other words, I took the attention off my intention and there were consequences.
So as 2010 comes to a close, I invite you to take a discerning look as to what is in each area of your life (Family, Significant Relationship, Career, Finances, Mind/body, Spirit and Community). On a scale of 1 to 10 are you content with the results? (10 equaling most pleased status.)
If not – why not? Where did you take the attention off your intention? How your life looks right now it is the fullest expression of your life to date. Your life “right now” is the demonstration of where you put your attention in 2010. What to make some changes? Sweet! So do I. Let’s do this together.
In 2010 I invited you to think big. In 2011 I invite you to join me as I think bigger than big! We will do this through journaling, blogging and a series of new workshops that will teach you to be authentic to your values so that you will experience the fullest possible expression of Self.
Stay tune for my first workshop of 2011. Dreaming Bigger Than Big! - Rev. Jack
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