Minister Musings

Give us this day our daily bread

2009-03-23T13:10:00.000-07:00

We continued our series on the Lord's Prayer this past Sunday by looking at the line, "Give us this day, our daily bread." So often just because I finished a talk, it does not mean that the talk is finished with me. Sometimes I just want to say "do over."

Last night as I thought more about this line, I affirmed once again that Jesus was telling us that our daily needs are met as God gives us each day. He is also telling us that life and everything in it is impermanent. This lines reminds us that we only have this day to live. No matter what we do or how hard we try, we cannot keep things from changing, ending or dying. Those three elements are part of the grand design. So, we work this unconditional truth into our paradigm. Acknowledging and befriending death helps us to celebrate and relish life. When we realize that all things come to an end, we understand that life happens when we cherish the moment for what it is. We never know when something is going to end or go away. So, instead hanging on or hoarding, Jesus invites us in this line to celebrate this day and everything in it. This day, we have our daily bread. Tomorrow truly is none of our business. But we can rest assured that we are loved and cherished and provided for as we open ourselves to God's abundance on this day.

Is it ok to prosper

2009-03-12T14:12:00.000-07:00

I recently read in the USA Today that prosperous folks are down playing their vacations because they don't want to appear insensitive. While I can appreciate not rubbing one's abundance in the face of someone else who is struggling, I wonder if struggling financially is becoming the "in" thing? Are we developing a culture that frowns on prosperity? I really appreciate how the current economic down turn is encouraging many of us to evaluate what is really important. I hear about how more and more people are simplifying their lives. I know that my husband and I continue to stock of what is important to us as a result of the current events.

But, have we robbed ourselves permission to be prosperous? I had an interesting experience last night. Again, the USA Today had an article about the number of people without medical insurance in our country. It was followed up by an article about the number of people who have let their dental care lapse because of lack of funds. I had two reactions. The first was guilt for having the ability to take good care of my teeth. Case in point, I had just had them cleaned that day. All of a sudden, I felt that my continued prosperity was somehow betraying the folks who are struggling. Somehow I would make it better for them by joining them. Then I got scared that I too was going to experience an economic down turn.

I know that if I feel this way, there must be others who do as well. This is the time more than ever to say yes to our abundance. We don't cultivate abundance to make it difficult on others, rather we say yes to abundance as a witness to others. I heard a commentary on CBS Sunday Morning this past week where the speaker shared how our fear is contributing to the financial picture more than anything. We have no confidence so we hoard what we do have. Now, he was not suggesting that we go out and spend foolishly and uncensored. Hopefully those days are over. But, we do need to start focusing on what is working and the abundance we do have in our lives right now. We also need to be bold and confident enough to claim our abundance even in the face of what others are experiencing. In fact, we must do this especially because of what is going on around us.

Edwene Gaines recently said that she refused to participate in a recession. What if we all claimed that? Right now-affirm with me-I refuse to participate in a recession. Give yourself permission to prosper and know that as you do, you have more to share with others. Along with sharing your wealth, you can demonstrate for others that God's abundance is as plentiful for everyone today as it was a year ago, 10 years ago, since the beginning of time.

Let's say yes to prosperity. Let's say yes to abundance in the form of fulfilling, prospering work, good medical care, a safe, lovely place to live in and enough to eat for everyone. Let's do our part by cultivating that in our own lives and holding the light for others to experience abundance as well.

How is it going?

2009-02-26T10:06:00.000-08:00

I fell off the wagon this week with the no-complaint challenge. I took my bracelet off one night and forgot to put it back on the next day and have completely forgotten my commitment to put 21 days of no complaining together. Edwene Gaines comes to the church on Saturday which gives me the incentive to try again and we got our purple "Complain-free World" bracelets in to help me remember even more. On top of all of that, Ash Wednesday was yesterday taking us into the season of reflection and preparation. My bracelet is back on and I have started over again. As I reflect back on the past couple of days, I saw myself becoming annoyed at small matters that in the grand scheme of things really don't make much of a difference. But the aggravation and complaining robbed me of joy and possibility in that moment. So, today, this moment, I start anew.

Do the complaints in my head count?

2009-02-18T12:24:00.000-08:00

OK-day 2 and I think I have been fairly successful with not complaining. Although, I caught myself talking to the person across the street wanting to whine a bit about our recycling company being difficult to get a hold of as I chase the lid and container down the street. I discover that whining is soooo subtle. And I have to really force myself sometimes to shift it. There is some perverse sense of pleasure to whining. But ultimately does it get us what we want and of course the answer to that question is no. So, as I am working this out with you, the reader, I realize that I must switch my bracelet as I have complained today in the form of whining. I was going to ask if it counted if I complained in my head. I will save that discussion for another day.

No complaining challenge

2009-02-16T14:58:00.000-08:00

Yesterday in church, I challenge those in attendance to give up complaining, criticism and sarcasm as suggested in Edwene Gaines book Four Spiritual Laws of Prosperity. If we find ourselves complaining, then we start over until we have 21 consecutive complaint free days. As I do this, I am aware of how subtle the habit of complaining is. This morning I was talking to someone in the locker room at the gym where I work out about the temperature. Now, I could have just been making an observation, but the tone of my voice and the tightness in my chest told me that I was indeed complaining. I switched my bracelet and started over. It may take me a very long time to put 21 days together but the act itself is a spiritual discipline that challenges me to pay attention to where I have placed my focus. When I caught myself this morning and stopped what I was saying, I actually felt better as a result.

What are your experiences with this? What is your greatest challenge as we lean into this? Let's get a conversation going.

What do you serve today?

2009-02-10T09:05:00.000-08:00

I continue to ponder this idea of abundance and love. Michael Beckwith in his book Spiritual Liberation often affirms that God qualities are the order of the day in his embodiment prayers. Wholeness is the order of the day. Peace is the order of the day. Beauty is the order of the day. Then he dedicates himself to serving those qualities.

What I find so powerful is the suggestion that at any moment we can choose what we will serve. We know that serving materialism and fear does not work. We do not create the experience we desire. So, as we approach Valentine's Day and we go further into our discussion on abundance, what if we decide to serve different God qualities? What would it look like to serve abundance or peace? Who would we need to become to make those ideas the order of our beings and consequently the order of our day? I believe more and more that as we shift our paradigms from getting to giving by serving the very qualities we desire, we will in fact, create the experience we so long for.

Employment rate

2009-02-02T19:29:00.000-08:00

A couple of days ago, news organizations reported new employment rates. They said that the rates were some of the worse in years. I think the local paper reported that our unemployment rate was somewhere around 8%. What we forget when we see something like that is that 92% of people are working. Now, I don't want to minimized the situation where thousands of people are losing their jobs. But, I wonder what kind of effect it would have if we also focused in some way on the 92% of people who are working. Would it make a difference in the consciousness of our country if when we get stats like this, we pause and give thanks for the positive side of the report?

Safety in God

2009-01-26T19:38:00.000-08:00

Last night Michael and I were robbed. Someone broke into our house somewhere between 1:30 and 5:30 as we slept away upstairs. They came upstairs and took my suitcase that was packed for my trip to Kansas City and my computer bag. As soon as we discovered it, we called the police and began the process of cancelling cards and accounts. We stayed busy with details.

As I have had some time to think about it on the flight to KC, I find myself moving in and out of anger, fear, deep questioning and trust. They took some things, but did they really rob me? Here I sit at Unity Village, warm, comfortable, things taken care of and grateful that we are safe. I feel anxious at the thought of being in my house, but even that poses the question-what is true and what can anyone really take from us? I know I will probably go in and out of feelings of fear, anger, gratitude and trust as I process through this. I do know that I am grateful for spiritual principle and practice. I found myself giving thanks for things like getting my calendar and my clothes back and having an extra GPS that they didn't find. I also found myself praying for whoever did this that they know that they are cherished children of God-loved and supported. I am also grateful for this public computer since mine was taken last night as well.

Witness for God

2009-01-21T09:12:00.000-08:00

Rev. Dr. Michael Beckwith has a powerful affirmation in his new book Spiritual Liberation that has shifted the very ground I stand on. He says, "I proclaim that all of my needs are met on every level of my existence. There is divine peace. There is divine order. There is abundance, health, vitality, safety, and security. There is harmony and creativity. I am bold enough to accept this. I AM CONFIDENT ENOUGH TO WITNESS TO THE PRESENCE OF THE LIVING GOD WITHIN AND AROUND ME." (Emphasis mine) Are you confident enough to witness God in your life? That sounds like such a remedial question, but think about all of the ways we short circuit God.

I love the story in the Bible where Jesus came upon the lame man at the pool who was giving him all of the reasons why he couldn't get to the pool for healing. Jesus asked him a very simple question, "Do you want to walk?" The man answered yes, and Jesus told him to then get up and walk.

In order to witness the presence of God in our lives, we have to give up our stories. We have to be willing to succeed and accept the responsibility that comes with that. It means we give up old worn out paradigms that say we are a victim and we become accountable for our lives. Abundance is so much more than just getting, it is about fundamentally changing the way we see and do life. We discover who we really are as the expression of God and we trust that power enough to be able to witness it for others. Today, I invite all of us to courageously and confidently witness to the presence of God in our lives and let's watch what happens.

We attract what we are

2009-01-16T19:22:00.000-08:00

I just finished watching Dr. Dyer's DVD and he quoted someone who said, "We don't attract what we want, we attract what we are." That just pinged in me. What am I? Is it what I want? If I am not getting what I want who do I need to become? Or maybe the better question is, "What do I need to discover about myself and express?"

You can have anything you desire

2008-12-30T21:39:00.000-08:00

I just finished reading Edwene Gaines book Four Spiritual Laws of Prosperity for the third time and each time I read it, I get a better understanding of what true prosperity is and how to express more of it in my life. It is such an easy read for such a profound message. One thing that she says early on that continues to give me trouble is the idea that we can have anything we want. I feel selfish when I think about getting anything I want. I get worried that I am draining the world of its resources or that I am getting something at the expense of someone else. I can accept things that I feel have a higher purpose but to get something just because I want it sounds so excessive. It is a concept that I teach from the pulpit and have yet to master.

She says that all desires come from God. They are God's way of bringing more good into our lives. I read that same idea in H. Emilie Cady's Lessons in Truth and have taught it to others. Now, it is time for me to claim it as my own. I plan to teach prosperity over the next several months. I want all of us to get how cherished we are by God and to accept the abundance that God wants us to have. They say that we teach what we need to learn. Our theme for this year is "Prosperity is mine in 2009." I will be growing in this area right along with everyone else learning to allow more good and more abundance into my life. I hope others will join me. I promise to write about my experience as I go in this blog.

What are we so afraid ?

2008-11-15T10:31:00.000-08:00

I heard yesterday on the news that handgun sales have increased by 10% because people are afraid that once President-elect Obama comes into office, there will be more restrictions. I wonder what we are so afraid of? I wonder if the fear of losing something robs us of the very thing we are trying to protect far more than the actual threat. I look around my own life to see where have I locked myself in to protect what is dear to me, so much so that I have locked out the happiness and peace that I believe the very thing I am protecting will bring me. Course of Miracles has a line that says, "In my defenselessness my safety lies." Or as Janice Joplin puts it, "Freedom is when there's nothing else to lose." Its a revolutionary paradigm shift to let go of the notion that life is something to protect and instead realize that we can't lose anything. When we remember what's eternal and center in God we lose nothing but gain everything.

Standing in Truth

2008-11-12T10:02:00.000-08:00

My heart aches right now. Last night I read a column published in the Murfreesboro Post about President-elect Barack Obama where the writer wrote a song to the tune of the Jefferson's theme song using terms like "pimp pad" and "living off of government fat." Our country has just accomplished one of the greatest feats in its history. An African American has conquered centuries of racism and bigotry and has achieved the ultimate affirmation. I saw a political cartoon recently where an African-American mother was talking with her daughter telling her that she really could be anything she wanted to be. I watched the election returns come in with renewed hope and deep humility at the power of something much bigger than our fear. I wept along with millions of others as I listened to our new president-elect accept the post with poise and grace. I held his family in prayer as they too are dedicating a great portion of their lives and their husband and father to this huge undertaking.

Then, I read this and I was crushed that this kind of racism is still so prevalent. This was printed in what is attempting to be a legitimate paper in my town. It is so layered in its offensiveness that I don't even know where to start. And that's when I realize that maybe the response is no response at all. What I mean by that is not to ignore it, obviously I am not because I am writing this. But to first of all take time out to search my own heart for the ways that I continue to stereotype different groups of people. Where do I send those kinds of signals out? Then to ask what this column is calling from me. Rather than meet it with contempt and fear which is my knee jerk response, to meet it with love.

President-elect Obama gave us example after example of rising above the political fray while maintaining dignity and truth. He had plenty of opportunity to fight back dirty but he refrained and kept to his message of hope and change. Maybe he is setting a new standard for us. Rather than meet this with anger and retaliation, we stand firm in the truth that this election stood for. We stand firm in the equality of all men and women. We stand firm in the truth that all humanity is created in the image and likeness of God and we treat one another accordingly. We stand firm in the vision of a world where we all know our oneness with God, a world of peace, unity and abundance for everyone.

The Post printed it because it suspected that there would be readers for it. What if we envisioned a world where this sort of thing would be unheard of because there is no longer any sort of toleration for it. We made a huge evolutionary step by electing President-elect Barack Obama. But, now let's each pause to see where we each continue to perpetuate the myths, the stereotypes that rob us all of dignity. Let's start with a thorough search within ourselves. As we root out those shadow parts of us and choose to treat each other with the love and dignity we all deserve, we will create a world where this sort of thing will be recognized as the abomination that it is because it will have no where to land.

Where's our treasure?

2008-10-05T18:21:00.000-07:00

This week, congress passed a bill that buys $700 billion dollars worth of bad debt. Where have we lost our way? When did we get so out of touch with what's important that we have found ourselves here? Jesus told us that when we put our treasure anywhere but heaven, rust and moths and bad debt (he would have said this if he were with us in the flesh today) will consume it. But, when we put our treasure in heaven, it is eternal. When we put it in heaven, we put it in the hands of God. We discover what we truly treasure. That means we are to look beyond the superficial desires to what's really important. What do we really treasure? When we are willing to let go of the surface desires and put our trust in what's really important, our world will become a kinder, more secure, sustainable place. Let's take time to evaluate what's really important. What do we really treasure? Then, let's put that in God's hands.

Thank God For Evolution

2008-09-18T14:01:00.001-07:00

Michael Dowd author of Thank God for Evolution presented at our church last night. He does a remarkable job of bringing science and the traditional teachings of Christianity together. Since the dawn of time, humankind has tried to explain why we are the way we are. Why do we seem to have these instincts than run counter to who we want to be? Michael explains that we carry with us our evolutionary roots. Different parts of our brain function as though we were still crawling out of the primordial gook thinking only of safety, reproducing and food. We may be aware and conscious now, but that has not always been the case. He provides tons of science to show where we came from and how we still carry these same instincts with us today. So, original sin then becomes original survival. Jesus' message becomes one of spiritual evolution and transformation. And we find that we can now choose to intentionally evolve by choosing a life of integrity.

We also now see how all of our decisions do affect the whole. Science has shown that we emerged from the Universe as opposed to being set down on the earth. As a result, we are the Universe observing itself. And, that means as we act on a smaller scale, we impact the whole. We can no longer see ourselves as isolated and simply affecting our tiny corner of the world. The evolution of technology and mass communication has shown us how compact our world has become. It forces us to consider how our daily actions will affect the remotest part of the world because that part is us.

It is a powerful and timely message and if you were not able to be with us last night, I highly recommend his book to everyone.

Historical Election

2008-09-04T19:05:00.000-07:00

As I listened to Sarah Palin last night it struck me that this is going to be an historical election regardless of who ends up in the White House. We will either have an African American president or a woman vice president. Either way, a huge shift in consciousness has occurred for this to even be possible. I have my preference of course, as we all do. And at the same time, I applaud each one for their willingness to serve in such a huge capacity. I cannot imagine having the kind of power they each have right now in shaping the direction of our country. My prayer for each one is that they be guided by the Spirit of compassion and inclusivity. I pray that they will remember that they represent all of us and that they will listen deeply to our needs and longings as individuals and collectively. I pray that each will be motivated by a clear vision and purpose and will surrender fear. I also pray that they will act in integrity and listen to guidance from whatever they call God. If each one does this, regardless of their position on issues, God will have room to move in remarkable ways.

I also encourage each person who reads this to get involved and at the very least, to vote. As the last elections have shown, our voice does count and we can have a say about where our country is going. Look into your heart and clearly define who and what you stand for and vote accordingly. I encourage each one of us to be guided by the Spirit of compassion, generosity and to remember that what we do does affect every being in our country and in our world.

Sabbath

2008-08-19T19:01:00.000-07:00

Sunday I talked about the importance of keeping the Sabbath holy. Sunday evening after giving that talk, I decided to follow my own advice. I sat out on my porch and watched the sun go down. I simply sat and listened to the summer night noises. I felt as though the darkness was folding me in a soft blanket of grace. It has been a difficult past several months for a number of different reasons and for that moment I felt as though the planet was breathing for me. It felt good to just rest in God.

God in the Darkness

2008-07-29T10:07:00.000-07:00

My mind is reeling from the news about the Knoxville shooting. Yesterday, I experienced a great deal of sadness and frustration as I read more about the details of that tragic event. It can be so easy to give up what we stand for and simply resign ourselves thinking that this is the way the world is and what are we going to do. For me, it generates a deeper commitment to our work as a ministry and myself as a minister and writer. I just keep wondering how that whole event would have been different if the shooter knew that he was not alone and that he mattered. I know we can't change everyone, that despite our greatest efforts there will always be people who believe only in the darkness and act accordingly. But, I see how the message of love and our spiritual community offers hope and support for people to discover the presence of God in the deepest times of darkness. We all know that human beings are capable of indescribable acts of terror and darkness. At the same time, let us remember that we are equally capable of unprecedented acts of compassion, strength and wisdom. Today, I grieve for everyone involved. I also hold the flame of hope and faith in our inherent goodness and our capacity to create a peaceful, just world for everyone. Know that with me this week as we continue to hold the entire Knoxville community in our hearts.

Free cash for a lifetime

2008-07-13T12:08:00.000-07:00

I heard a commercial on the radio for Publisher's Clearing House where they explained that the winner would receive $5,000 every week for the rest of their lives. I thought about that. What would I do with that kind of money? More importantly, how would a steady stream of money change the way I live? Would I quit working as a minister? Could I do things simply for the sake of doing them with no need for financial compensation? I would like to say yes, but I am honestly not sure. Maybe in the beginning, I would spend some time doing nothing, but I would need to have something to do to feel purposeful. I also love what I do. Would I do it simply for the sake of doing it? It really has caused me to look at the meaning of abundance and to look at our reasons for doing things. How much are we motivated by money? I also couldn't think of a single thing that I would want to go get or add to my life right now. I would probably give a good part of away to things I believe it which would bring me great joy.

Peace in our household

2008-07-08T14:42:00.000-07:00

Last night we had both dogs and our kitten in bed with us. All three were lying face to face quiet and at peace. It was a far cry from when we first brought Louie home and my boxer thought he was a doggie snack for her. They are forced to live in the same house with each other and somehow they have come to terms with one another. Now I often see them playing together and just hanging with each other. As our world gets smaller and we are all forced to live in this same house of planet Earth, I hope we can come to terms with each other and find peace. That is certainly my dream and belief.

Family

2008-07-03T20:34:00.000-07:00

I just returned from spending a week in Wisconsin with my mother. My younger brother and his two little girls were able to come as well. Peter was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer 2 years this September. When he was diagnosed, they had him buried in 6 months and here he is 2 years later busting all statistics. The healing power of the body and the presence of life constantly humbles me. I watch as my brother makes nothing less than life an option. He has every intention of being with his girls when they graduate, when they are married and when they his grandchildren. He is committed to life and it shows. I am continually inspired by his courage and his dedication to life and his family. I am grateful to be able to be his sister this go around. In the meantime, every time I am with him and his family is all the more sweeter with cancer sitting at the table with us uninvited. I don't know what will happen in the future and today I don't need to know, but it has caused me to relish and give thanks for each moment even more.

Sabbath

2008-06-11T10:14:00.000-07:00

It is summertime and things are slowing way down. It is so difficult for me to be still right yet the Universe has arranged it so I have time just for that over the next month or so. There is the inner critic telling me that I am lazy if I spend longer periods in meditation or time in my garden or even concentrated time reading and writing. It is amazing how task oriented we all seem to be because I have a hunch I am not alone in this. I remember as a kid having long lazy summer days just hanging out, riding my bike or curled up with a good book. Life had a simple sweetness to it. So, I make a commitment here not to fill my time up with busy work simply for works sake, rather to take advantage of this time to reconnect with my Spirit, feel the earth under my feet and to do what brings me joy. I will let you know how it is going.

Reflecting God's light

2008-05-18T19:12:00.001-07:00

Last night other people reflected God's light for me when it felt very dark. My Golden Retriever developed bloat. It is a condition where their stomach fills with air and it twists. Unless it is treated quickly, it leads to death. I called our local animal hospital but they were not able to take me for another hour or so. So, I headed to Nashville, crying, alone and helpless. I called people along the way. One jumped in her car and met me and my dog in Nashville so I would not have to face it alone. Another stayed on the phone with me calming me when I thought I lost him for sure, helping me navigate directions and giving me faith when I could not find it on my own. Friends were there at 1 AM when he had to go in for surgery, at 3:30 when they called to tell me that his heart stopped and again at 3:45 when they told me he pulled through. They were the light on the other end of the phone when the world went dark. I teach that God light is there all of the time. But, sometimes when life gets really dark, God's light is hard to see. I am grateful to be part of a loving community that helps me remember when I can't to remember it on my own.

Soul of Money

2008-05-15T18:02:00.000-07:00

I start a new class next Wednesday evening based on Lynne Twist's book, "The Soul of Money." I started reading it again for the second time to prepare and was once again reduced to tears as I read about her experiences in India. Lynne talks about how she believes that hunger can be eradicated. Then she went to India where she saw chronic hunger and poverty at a level she could never envision. She then talks about how instead of backing off of her vision, the experience propelled her even more. She tells us that when we align our money with our "deepest, most soulful interest and commitments, their (our) relationship with money became a place where profound and lasting transformation could occur." That is my hope with this class, that we discover our deepest soul commitments and see how to match our money to these. This is when true change will happen on our planet. We have the power and the resources to end world hunger, and bring peace to our world. Is it unreasonable? Someone has to believe it. Our vision is a world of peace, unity and abundance for all. As a community committed to spiritual leadership, it is up to us to help blaze the way. So, together we will examine our relationship with money and to paraphrase Lynne Twist, begin to see our money as a way to express our deepest most soulful commitments. Join me.

2008-04-24T18:41:00.000-07:00

I recently heard on NPR a report about ethanol and the use of grains for fuel. They reported that many third world countries were having difficulty feeding their citizens because of the rising cost of food. This is due to an increase need for grain based fuels and feed for animals along with rising fuel costs. The reporter said that the amount of ethanol fuel it took to fill up an SUV could feed one person in a third world country for a year. That is a staggering statistic and shows me that our choices really do make a difference. It causes me to pause and hopefully live life less casually and unconsciously. I can't fix it, but maybe the simple acts I take each day to cultivate a more sustainable world will make a difference.