Dear Friends,

It’s Spring! All the beautiful flowers are here! They lift our spirits! But more than that, they remind us of the Twelve Powers that we here at Unity by the Shore are focused on this year of 2012… with our emphasis on the Unity World-Wide Ministries 2012 theme “Discover the Power Within You.” Yes, it is obvious in the Springtime that the “One Power” that is within us is the same Power that is within all Life! You see it in the trees, pushing the leaves out – that “Life Force” that is within you and me. It moves from the darkness into the Light. All of nature takes on this Life – the bulb grows and breaks up and expands. That same Power is urging us to grow and to “show up” as the unique flower “that we are.” Consider the following few Powers and their oneness with Nature – All That Is!

“Power of Faith” – just as the bulb has “faith” that Spring will return, we, too, have the “knowing” that whatever seems to be “dark” in our life will pass and the “Light” will shine again in all its splendor.

“Power of Love” – like the Daffodil, who “loves” to be the Daffodil – we, too, can love ourselves and others unconditionally.

“Power of Release – a Daffodil cannot be a Daffodil forever – it has to release so food can go into the root. You and I can free ourselves; let go of anything that is holding us down, keeping us from the freedom to be the God creation we are designed to be.

These are just a few of the Twelve Powers that we have already shared on Sundays. They have been Faith, Strength, Wisdom, Release, Understanding, Will, Life and Love. My “message” today is limited by space but can you “see” how the 12 Powers are within each one of us; how we are “blooming” – growing individually and as a “Spiritual Community”?

Let us, together, let our Light shine and release the “Imprisoned Splendor”!

May you have a glorious “Spring” experience!

Rev. Joanne

Dear Friends,

“The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world”   (1 John4:4)

This message is being shared with you on the first day of Lent. What does Lent mean for you? If you came from a traditional religious background, you might have had ashes placed on your forehead. You may have refrained from eating favorite foods, sweets, or participating in your customary pleasurable activities and return to them on Easter Sunday. However, in Unity we understand the season of Lent from a deeper perspective.

As Charles Fillmore, Co-founder of Unity said “Lent is a season of spiritual growth, a time for progressive unfoldment. When we can blend and merge our mind with God-Mind, the way is open for the Lord to glorify us and lift us into a higher, purer, more spiritual state. The question you may have – “how do I get lifted into a purer, more spiritual state?” Each time you become aware of your thoughts and realize that you are being mesmerized by outer facts and overcome by their seeming power, pray and come back to the Truth that your identity is Divine.

Lent is a holy, sacred time – the number 40 days metaphysically is interpreted as “exactly the right amount of time” and for you to enter into a new contract with yourself – to prepare your own rising. It is the opportunity to start anew on your spiritual journey – moment by moment to have mastery over thoughts. Your “rising” into spiritual awareness is hightened with prayer, study and meditation. In addition, I suggest creating a new vision with a new spiritual practice. Write a gratitude list, tithe your time, talent or treasure. Feed your soul by creating an altar; play peace-filled music; light a candle or chant your favorite affirmations. You will no longer want to be pushed by pain but pulled by the vision of your True Identity – the Christ!

HAVE A BLESSED EASTER!

With Love,
Rev. Joanne