God and Grace Endure By Rev. Rhoni Tretsven

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Shift and change are part of our human experience as a soul here on this earthly plane. Many of us anticipate change when we flip over the calendar and see not just the month has changed but the numbers representing the year we are now entering. I have often stared at that blank January page and then quickly flipped through the rest of the pages, wondering what events will shift and change within me, not just my existence of what I name as a life lived. Beginning the new year I have written promises to myself, resolutions and half of them already are up for renegotiation. I have experienced a change in leadership not just nationally, but locally and set the intention to trust the process of these changes. When my life has felt uncomfortable, it is because I know there is a transformation that is wanting to give birth to a new idea, or a new lens of life to look through and be a witness to. All too often I know each of us has felt that uncomfortable and painful poke of what is trying to emerge, through us as us. Instead of pushing it away or down and saying to myself, “not now I’m not ready” Unconditional love of Spirit/God initiates the process of, “oh yes you are.” This is when we surrender and open our hearts and truly sense the reality of God. The unseen in the seen, love. All that is transposing, transforming, and transitioning for my highest good and yours as well. God’s grace endures.

One of my “teachers”, philosopher Paul Tillich said, “Grace strikes us when we are in great pain and restlessness. It strikes us when we walk through the dark valley of a meaningless and empty life. It strikes us when we feel that our separation is deeper than usual, because we have violated another life, a life which we loved, or from which we were estranged. It strikes us when our disgust for our own being, our indifference, our weakness, our hostility, and our lack of direction and composure have become intolerable to us. It strikes us when, year after year, the longed-for perfection of life does not appear, when the old compulsions reign within us as they have for decades, when despair destroys all joy and courage.”

The essence and great power of love I will name as God is always for us and never against us. Grace is a good and God thing when it strikes us. Grace is our continual conversation with It. Grace strikes us in multiple ways but the easiest is to simply embrace God’s acceptance of us. Each one of us IS accepted as a soul and as a continual presence of how God receives us unconditionally. God does not withhold acceptance, It is I, until some moment when I finally change in some way. God accepts and loves me right where I am, now, and It is the love that continues so that I may lean into it, rest if I have to, and begin again.

“Sometimes at that moment a wave of light breaks into our darkness, and it is as though a voice were saying, ‘You are accepted. You are accepted, accepted by that which you do not know. Do not ask for the name now; perhaps you will find it later. Do not try to do anything now, perhaps later you will do much. Do not seek for anything; do not perform anything; do not intend anything. Simply accept the fact that you are accepted!’ If that happens to us, we experience grace. After such an experience we may not be better than before, and we may not believe more than before. But everything is transformed” *

I ask that we all take a few moments this week to be in the silence and allow Spirit/God to speak through us and take/receive a spiritual inventory of our conditions for a life well lived. To breathe and breathe into our life and the possibilities ever before us.

For Reflection:

• How have you experienced God’s gracious presence in this difficult year?

• When you thought you were separated from it, how did it show up for you as love?

• How has God/Spirit shown up?

• What have you experienced, or what has been demonstrated that you always know God is in and through you?

• Why not talk honestly with God about anything in our life, you can talk to God and It will always give you an answer.

Thank you for all that you are, and all that you are becoming.

*Paul Tillich, philosopher

In gratitude and love, Rev. Rhoni

Limitless, Infinite and All That Jazz! by Mariann Moery

Raymond Charles Barker when talking about ‘Limitless Opportunity’ chose this text from the Bible: “The world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come are all yours” 1 Corinthians 3:22

Barker continued: “This statement of Paul’s tells you that you can have what you want; you can become what you want; the Universe is a limitless opportunity for the exploration by the individual…. the people who are near to the heart of God are the people who are active – the people who are adventurous,….. not merely good; they are good for something. They are projecting, creating, and demanding from life that everything shall be theirs.” Raymond Charles Barker: Collected Wisdom 187-188

Jesus: It is done unto you as you believe. Matthew 8:13

“We do not have to do it, it is done unto us, it done by a power that is all….Life externalizes at the level of our thought.” Ernest Holmes: Creative Mind 25

“The law implanted within us is that we need nothing except ourselves and this All-Wise Creative Mind to make anything; and that just so far as we depend upon any condition, past, present or future, or upon any individual, we are creating chaos.” Ernest Holmes: Creative Mind 24

We know this. We have read it, studied it, been instructed in it….and yet. It is so easy to forget. To slide into …it is done unto me by events outside of my control….ooops.

One final quote from Ernest

“Where do we find the one who can live above their surroundings, who in their own thought can dominate all conditions, and in the midst of the crowd keep their own way and their own counsel. Ernest Holmes: Creative Mind 20

It is by our thinking, our knowing, our consistent persistence in ignoring the events that distract and staying fully present in the game – so say Holmes, Troward and even the Dali Lama. To stay present with joy knowing we are delivering our best unique expression as our contribution to lift that common hour pool of thought. That ‘gene pool of humankind’s history’ that governs events when we do not direct our own Life.

But first, before we can be in charge… we must decide and specify and keep constant what it is we want. The precise object/idea/change we want and then let it happen. As in get out of the way while holding on to the knowing that it or something better is coming.

Keep it in Focus. Always. Trust and Know. And so It is.

–In Peace, Mariann

Remembering Jasper by Sharon Whealy, RScP

Jasper came to live with me in June/July of 2015. Before leaving Sonoma County for my new Bakersfield home, I thought that, while I would sure like a dog, my cat Maggie could use a cat companion. I knew I would be busy with school and creating my new life, and I’ve always had two cats so they could keep each other company.

Within the first month of living in Bakersfield, my neighbors were moving and had to leave “Cheeto” behind. They were happy he was making himself welcome in my home, and that I was happy to have him. The name Cheeto had to go, and I spent some time asking him what his new name was. In time, the name Jasper came to me. I looked up the meaning and found Jasper is a gift and the name of the fourth magi mentioned in some traditions.

Jasper was the companion for Maggie I had hoped for. They spent time together, often sleeping near each other, and Jasper loved to clean Maggie. She, however, never gave him a cleaning. Jasper didn’t purr much, and I learned that some cats – those lacking nurturing in their kittenhood – don’t purr. It was always a joy when he was content enough to relax into a quiet purr. In general, he was a quiet cat, which I suppose is good for hunting. Something he was VERY good at. When Charlie (that dog I had asked for way back when) came into our family, Jasper welcomed him with a slap on the nose – I’m the cat and you are the pup, know your place!

In October Jasper began losing weight and I knew something was going wrong. Having had many cats before him, it looked like his kidneys were failing. In November the diagnosis was confirmed. The Doctor recommended a prescription diet which helped for several weeks, but eventually, he lost interest in that as well. I began moving into acceptance and asking how I could best serve him, and not push my agenda (please, eat something).

This past week, Jasper would make appearances, then go off to whatever quiet place he found to prepare for his transition. I asked him daily what I could do to help, if anything. I practiced listening with my heart. On Monday, Jan 5, I reached out to our prayer team for support for Jasper and myself; asking for his peaceful transition, guidance if I was to help facilitate that, and clarity about his remains, all while I held it gently with love.

Our prayer team all said yes, you are in our prayers and Rev. Rhoni sent this lovely prayer:

Oh Mr. Jasper kitty, I am knowing your peaceful transition from this physical world to the next beautiful incarnation, to simply breathe in and step out of that furry body that houses a purrrfect soul. I know you will let your mama Sharon knows when it is time, whether it is facilitated, or you simply sleep peacefully releasing and letting go. And as you let go, you will allow her to know what to do with the body that you no longer occupy. I understand this to be a loving transitional experience for you and mama Sharon. I am grateful for the time you have shared with her, and know you are truly loved. Thank you, Jasper, for all that you are, and all that you will continue to do as an infinite soul. In gratitude and love, Rev. Rhoni

I sat with Jasper as we read the prayer together, he nosed the paper a few times as we shared our love, knowing the time for goodbyes was growing short. The last time I saw Jasper was Thursday morning, January 9th. I know in my heart he has gone, and that he went peacefully on his timing and his terms.

After mentioning his transition in service Sunday, I am grateful to those who offered their condolences. I am thankful for the opportunity to sit and pray with a friend whose cat Franklin is beginning his transition. When she asked what she could do for him, I suggested sitting with him and listening deeply with her heart, he would tell her what he needs as his time with her grows short. I also sat for a few minutes with Rev. Dr. Jonathan as his beloved cat, Cardiff, made his transition last Tuesday.

When I mentioned writing about Jasper to Rev. Rhoni she gave me her blessing and suggested we create an animal ministry to support our members and their pets, and I joyfully said YES! Rev. Dr. Jonathan said, we turn our pain into our ministry. Please let us know how we can support you and your beloved companions.

In my grief, I am grateful for Jasper being a part of our family for the last ten years. Deep grief comes from deep love.

Goodbye, Jasper Buddy, you are missed. We love you.

Jasper is survived by his sister Maggie, my mom’s cat Sam, and of course, Charlie the dog.

–Sharon Whealy, RScP

 

Thank You for the Music by Linda Bullock

There is a song of the Universe. Let’s sing it. There is a hymn of praise. Let’s praise it. There is a joy, a beauty; there is a deep, abiding peace. Let’s experience it. Ernest Holmes, Ideas of Power, p. 158

I was raised in a traditional Christian church with acapella gospel music. I have always loved the music in churches, especially when I can sing along. Since coming to learn about and adopt Science of Mind teachings, I cannot espouse religion which preaches a punishing God and declares that I need to be saved. Yet I can still appreciate some of the songs.

My first year of college was spent in a small Christian college in Arkansas. On Thursday nights, weather permitting, a large group of students would gather at the reflecting pond and spontaneously sing hymns, the climax of which was always “How Great Thou Art.” Those occasions were special to me and the voices were beautiful. I still like the first verse of that hymn and find it comforting: “Oh Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder consider all the worlds Thy hands have made, I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed.” The rest of the song mentions the Savior God who sent His Son to die.

I used to love “The Old Rugged Cross” with the words “where the dearest and best for a world of lost sinners was slain…” And there’s Amazing Grace “that saved a wretch like me.” The Science of Mind teaches me that I don’t need to be saved. In Living the Science of Mind, Ernest Holmes states that “the future religion will be free from fear, superstition, and doubt,” (page 72).

There is an abundance of New Thought music, and I enjoy the performances and the messages. Our local Center for Spiritual Living Tucson is blessed with talented musicians, led by our creative musical director, Michael Zimmerman.

My current favorite spiritual compilations are written and performed by Rickie Byars in her album In The Land of I Am. “I Release and I Let Go” is often heard at CSL Tucson. Her rendition of “My God is So Good To Me” with a backing choir is an energetic performance sure to raise one’s vibration. She includes beautiful, haunting chants, such as “Om Shanti” and “Oyaheya.” The song “Use Me” is a personal dedication: “Use me, oh God, I stand for you. And here I’ll abide as you show me all that I must do…” Ms. Byars has made her music available in a Songbook online.

Karen Drucker is a prolific songwriter loved among New Thought communities. I find her song “Gentle with Myself” to be especially calming and reflective of the self-compassion evident in her music. Ms. Drucker’s songs are frequently a part of New Thought worship services; “I’m So Grateful,” “Thank You for This Day,” and “I am So Blessed’” among others.

Other outstanding musicians have graced us with their talent. Daniel Nahmod’s “Love is My Decision” is very familiar. He also is prolific, continuing to write and share his music in a weekly online concert. Faith Rivera has an extensive collection of spiritual music including “Rise” and “Power of Now.” Jami Lula has produced lots of spiritual music, including “Love is My Religion” and “There’s a Healin’ Goin’ On.” So much good spiritual music available for us!

Singing Wrong Lyrics with Confidence is an Art; and I’m an Artist.

–Peace and blessings to all. Linda Bullock

Infinite Possibilities by Chris Wheeler

As the New Year approaches, I find myself reflecting on the significance of this time—a period that invites introspection and renewal. It’s fascinating to recognize the myriad traditions celebrated across cultures, each offering unique rituals that highlight themes of renewal, community, and prosperity. These practices not only allow individuals to express their hopes and aspirations but also foster a sense of unity among participants as they collectively step into the new year.

Embracing Renewal

Dr. Ernest Holmes, in his metaphor of a blackboard, beautifully illustrates our ability to erase past mistakes and craft new narratives for our lives. This powerful imagery reinforces the notion that we are in charge of our own happiness and fulfillment. Whether it’s the dawn of a new year or simply the start of a new day, we have the opportunity to choose narratives filled with positive thoughts, affirming terms, and inspiring ideas.

The Power of the Present Moment

I’ve come across the idea that we can restart our day at any moment. Each moment is a chance for renewal and growth, a reminder that we are not bound by yesterday’s experiences. In his writings, Holmes expressed a hopeful vision for humanity: “I would like to suggest that mankind stands now at the very beginning, not at the ending of the human race.” (Dr. Ernest Holmes, “Letters From Other Dimensions,” 1974). This perspective invites us to see every day as a fresh start filled with infinite possibilities.

Looking Ahead

So here we are, on the brink of a new chapter. Let us embrace this moment with open hearts and minds, knowing that the best is yet to come. Together, let’s step forward into this new year with optimism and a commitment to create meaningful narratives for ourselves and our communities.

My Beloved CSLT by Rev. Rhoni Tretsven

My Beloved CSLT,

Thank you for this gift, this opportunity to grow with you as not just your minister but as a spiritual being like you. I am truly grateful for all the shifts and changes this past year we have created and will continue to do more I am sure in 2025. As a spiritual community we are embarking on an infinite journey of love and learning together, and I am very excited for us. Wherever you are today, please know you are loved, and a light that shines in this world. My wish for you and our community is peace and infinite expanding love. My heart is full. May you continue to unwrap the gift that you are. Christmas was always a special time because as a child I always enjoyed the stories that were read at Christmas. Today, I wish to share with you a very special story, from my heart to yours…….

From the very beginning of time, there was a promise and a hope that there would be one who would come, who would show the way.

One who would be a light in the darkness, who would be inseparable from the Creator and, by their very being, would express the Truth of human existence.

It had been prophesied from times of old that there would be a child born who would rightfully inherit the kingdom.

One who, by their very nature, would bring Peace, Balance, Harmony, Tranquility and Serenity to this world and all whom they encountered. The world yearned for this coming, the birth of this child, the fulfilled promise. All the earth and heavens yearned for the coming of this child. Wisemen foretold and saw the signs in the heavens, for, indeed, it was to come to pass that a child would be born.

A holy child filled with knowledge, a child filled with love and understanding, one worthy of inheriting the kingdom on this earth. One whom by their very being would bring Love, and by their very existence would bring understanding of who they truly are and where they truly dwell.

The world and even the heavens yearned for the birth of this child, the Christ child, for the universe would not be complete, nor would the world ever be the same again. So, it came to pass in the perfection and fulfillment of time that this child was brought forth into the world.

This child was announced by the angels of heaven that the fulfilled promise had come, for God had become humanity. A new star appeared in the heavens, for a great soul, a teacher, had been born into this world.

And then, in the innocence and wonder of this new experience, YOU took your very first breath.

Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Happy Kwanza dear ones.

Namaste, I love you, and so it is…Amen. Rev. Rhoni

Smelling the Roses & All That by Mariann Moery

Seems this season is the time to stop and consider the following quote:

“Enough is as good as a feast. Enough brings satisfaction. Beyond that lies excess, not greater satisfaction. It says a lot about us (and about contentment) that people often wake up to the feast of plain life only when they reach death’s door. There, under the most “reduced circumstances” of all, many a person has discovered the sweetness of things previously too ordinary for them to notice.” Nelson Foster ” Storehouse of Treasures: Recovering the Riches of Chan and Zen pg.168

How many times have we told others…or been told by others ‘to stop and smell the roses.’ It’s good advice, in fact, well and good. Once we get past the stage of….I would if I had time. Oh yes, that bit of circular logic. Or non-logic.

And I am retired. As in no longer working in the world of corporate publishing in Manhattan NYC. Still it doesn’t seem like there is enough time in my life to actually enjoy all the good things I have in it.

And there are many excellent things in my Life. People, photography, good foods, the Catalina Mountains and an ever-increasing number of actively beckoning books on a growing number of subjects I want to know about.

Notice I said ‘know about’ not so much ‘learn about’ which takes time and focus and energy. Same issue different execution.

December I celebrated another birthday, there have been a bunch, and despite best effort not to do it – I once again am focusing on what do I want for me/as me during the next 12 months.

Dr. Ben Hardy is one of the major proponents of ‘focus today on who/how you want to be in the future”, rather than on the stickiness of today. Which I’ve decided flows well with

“I must let my thoughts encompass more and more of what I want and at the same time become more of what I really am.” Ernest Holmes, A New Design for Living, pg.155

To that end I am changing my morning journaling to the practice of declaring where I will be as I move on from where I am. Which has meant forgoing whining to my pages about all the stuff that makes me crazy: including acts by me as well as others. Letting that go is hard.

“To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” – Winston Churchill

So for the next 12 months (and foreseeable future), I work toward stopping to metaphorically smell the roses and instead to realistically take those moments for the actions which bring me joy and a richer Life.

-May your next year bring you brightness, peace and joy! Mariann

Peace be Unto Thee, Stranger by Sharon Whealy, RScP

Peace be unto thee, stranger, enter and be not afraid. I have left the gate open and thou art welcome in my home. There is room in my house for all. I have swept the hearth and lighted the fire. The room is warm and cheerful, and you will find comfort and rest within The table is laid, and the fruits of Life are spread before thee. The wine is here also, it sparkles in the light. I have set a chair for you where the sunbeams dance through the shade. Sit and rest and refresh your soul. Eat of the fruit and drink of the wine. All, all is yours, and you are welcome. Ernest Holmes

This invitation is found on the dedication page of The Science of Mind. Years ago, when I “discovered” the welcome, I printed and framed it. It currently hangs on my refrigerator, as a reminder that Spirit is always home, the table is laid with the abundance of the Universe, and that I am always welcome. All I need do is accept the invitation.

I also read this on a human level – is my gate open, am I welcoming, is there room for all? Am I sharing my abundance and making my home a place of renewal, so that our souls may be refreshed? Or am I guarded, protecting what’s “mine”? How often do I close myself off to those who might make me uncomfortable?

When we celebrate Christmas, we celebrate the love, the light, and the peace of the season and I often hear reminders that this Love, Light, and Peace is available year-round. Can we hold compassion in our hearts and minds for everyone, regardless of if they look, believe, or celebrate as we do?

This year, Hanukkah is December 25 through January 2nd. This eight-day celebration honors the miracle of abundance and never-ending light. God is always with us, providing what we need, without hesitation or limitation.

Kwanza, the African American celebration of family, community, and connection, is celebrated December 25 through January 1st this year. As we honor this tradition, this year can we be inclusive in our definition of family, can we expand our community? Let us celebrate the connection we have with one another.

This is my holiday blessing for the season and the year to come,
May we welcome the stranger with open hearts and minds.
May we be the Love and Peace of the season, allowing it to radiate into the world.
May we honor the Light that dwells within each one of us, and express gratitude for the neverending flow of good.
May we celebrate the connection of family and community as a reminder we are never alone.
May we be blessed with knowing all is well, and all will be well.
God is Good, all the time!

–Sharon Whealy, RScP

Disappointment by Linda Bullock

We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr

I am among those who were disappointed in the results of our recent national election. The outcome was a surprise, and I experienced sadness, anger, anxiety and frustration. My reaction was sincere, yet I know not to live in despair for too long. We are to keep moving, attend to self-care and get back to center, where we are guarded and guided by the Living Spirit.

According to Brene Brown, disappointment is unmet expectations. The more significant the expectations, the more significant the disappointment. Our expectations are often set on outcomes totally beyond our control. We come away from experiencing disappointment feeling bad. Our negativity is tinged with astonishment and surprise, and, at the same time we’re trying to think positively and urging ourselves to move on. It’s exhausting.

She cautions that there are too many people in the world today who decide to live disappointed rather than risk feeling disappointment. This can take the shape of numbing, foreboding joy, being cynical or critical, or just never really fully engaging. (Atlas of the Heart, pages 43-44 and 50)

Disappointment happens to all of us. Some writings on the subject stress the opportunity for growth and change. It takes courage to address our disappointments by facing reality and finding out about ourselves, rather than experiencing it as a wound that makes us retreat from future relationships and situations.

In his book Consolations, the poet David Whyte declares “To be disappointed is to reappraise not only reality itself but our foundational relationship to the pattern of events places and people that surround us, and which, until we were properly disappointed, we had misinterpreted and misunderstood; disappointment is the first fruitful foundation of genuine heartbreak from which we risk ourselves in a marriage, in a work, in a friendship, or with life itself.” Ouch.

I have learned that I have often had unreasonable expectations of others, particularly if I haven’t expressed my expectations. No one can read my mind. Sometimes the risk of vulnerability keeps us from stating our expectations. Shifting a desire to a preferred rather than expected outcome can soften hurt feelings. Ultimately, I want to feel compassion for the other individual by listening to their perspective and assumptions. Lower expectations mean fewer disappointments.

When it comes to expectations in our spiritual practice, Ernest Holmes affirms that we can expect to receive the Good we desire. “The structure of our whole philosophy is based on two things: the Universe as Law and Order, and the Universe as a Divine Presence. The one with which or whom we may commune; the other that we may use. I believe God is the only Presence there is, infinite, intimate and personal to each one of us; present with each one of us, and in each one of us as what we are. Our word goes out as law. This is a glorious concept, for it teaches us that at any moment we may transcend the past no matter what happened…” (The Essential Ernest Holmes, pages 174- 175)

Wishing peace and blessings to all during the holiday season.

–Linda

REMOVING & MOVING – SPIRITUALLY Chris Wheeler

Lately, I’ve been experiencing episodes of paralyzing fear. This is not a place I want to dwell, as it is far too uncomfortable. Fear urges me to react in ways that are counterproductive to living a happy and peaceful life. In response, I’ve been turning to books, seeking the regeneration that comes from gaining perspective through the printed page.

This approach is working. Recently, I came across an insightful concept. I made some small edits, but the core message remains unchanged.

**The Law of Non-Resistance** Edited excerpts from “Working With The Law” by Raymond Holliwell.

Resistance fails because it is not in harmony with universal law and order. By practicing non-resistance, one can tap into the universal flow of energy, leading to a more harmonious and fulfilling life experience. Think flow like water, water has no agenda water simply moves according to the force acting upon it.

If we go through life fighting, opposing, resisting, and arguing, we are bound to encounter many obstacles and may become so occupied with battling them that we lose sight of our true objectives. If we constantly brace ourselves for opposition or trouble, we can expect plenty of it. In contrast, if we strive to minimize obstacles and keep our minds focused on our goals, we may have to navigate winding paths, but perseverance will ultimately lead us to success.

When a person resists a situation, it clings to them. If they try to run away, it follows like a shadow, repeatedly reappearing. However, if they ignore the difficulty and fearlessly work around it, they will eventually find that the condition has been absorbed and removed.

Accept the condition as evidence of some good. Seek out that good, and by being open to it, more evidence of good will appear. We attract what we expect. Definite statements produce definite results. Add in some positive expectancy and we are off to a good start.

Remove and dissolve every obstacle by blessing it and being willing to understand it. Transform it from a stumbling block into a steppingstone toward your highest good.

–Chris Wheeler

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