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

Dear Friends,

As I write this, we are approaching the New Year and the Christmas cards have wished us a “Happy New Year.” But, if we are not happy now, how can we expect that the New Year will be “Happy”? Why wait for the New Year – as if something magical will happen then? Jesus said the Kingdom of Heaven is within you now!

Rather than take your personal “story” into 2012, see how much deeper you are than that “story”. Happiness and Peace can arise in you NOW. You can regain what is already there within you – and that is conscious awareness of your True Nature as Spirit.

How can this happen? Well, Happiness and Peace arise in you when you step out of the moment of thought and simply let yourself Be and open to the quiet Presence within.

The Christmas story, your story, is about Re-birth, when something Transcendent is born. And, as you enter the quite inner space of your own Being, the Christ Consciousness comes alive in your heart and mind. Then, Divine Ideas inspire you and you rise above your limited human self. Ideas, actions and inspiration spring forth from the Holy Presence within you.

Don’t wait for 2012…go gently within Right Now and allow God’s presence within you to speak. It will assure you of your wholeness and perfection – simply, “be still and know that I Am God.”

May your every moment of every day be filled with the happiest – that of Joy, Love and Peace – your very Essence!

Rev. Joanne