Posting Announcement

To all who have been visiting this site --

Thank You!!!

A follower sent an e-mail asking

 about the way my posts are done.

I try my best to get my new items posted by

 5:00am Central time. 

If and when I have more than one item to post

then they will be posted within 5 minutes of each other.

This is so as not to cause issues for those who are

receiving the posts via e-mail.

But all new items should be posted

on this site no later than 6:00am Central time.

I hope this has been useful to everyone.

Thank you again for visiting this site!

Love and Blessings!

~ One Love ~ 

MORAL STORY (Burned Biscuits)

Burned Biscuits



     A woman arrived home one night from a hard day at work. Although, she was very tired and wanted to rest for a bit, she knew she had to fix supper for her son and husband. Because she was extremely tired, she wasn't able to give her full attention to her cooking. Along with the sausage and eggs, she served a plate of burned biscuits.

     The son looked at the biscuits then glanced at his dad to see what reaction he would make. His dad reached for the biscuits, smiled at the boy and asked, "How was your day, son?"

     The son began to wonder if his dad even noticed how badly burned the biscuits were. He was amazed at the way his dad nonchalantly reached for a biscuit, spread butter and jelly on it, then ate every bite without showing any unsatisfied facial expression.

     The woman apologized to the man for burning the biscuits and the man told her, "Honey, I love burned biscuits."

      Later, when the man went to tuck his son into bed for the night, just before he left the room the son asked, "Daddy, do you really like burned biscuits?"

      The dad replied, "Your momma put in a hard day at work today and she's real tired. And besides, a burned biscuit never hurt anyone."

MORAL: Accept that nobody is perfect and be understanding about the mistakes made by others.

Time to Testify

     This story brings to mind an incident that I encountered about a month ago. I went to my sister's house around noon just to visit with her for awhile. My nephew, Robby, had just gotten off work and he was very hungry so she offered to make him a grilled cheese sandwich. Then she offered to make one for me also and I accepted.

     My career has always been in restaurants as a cook and sometimes I tend to be very meticulous about how my food is cooked. My sister cooked Robby's grilled cheese perfectly but as she began cooking mine, I noticed she seemed to be trying to listen to me talk and a bit flustered about something. The more I notice her, she is beginning to rush from getting Robby a can of soda from the refrigerator and to the stove to tend to my sandwich.

     And then it happened. I smelled something burning. I thought to myself, I sure hope that isn't my sandwich. After smelling Robby's and watching him savor his, I was hungry.

     "I burned your sandwich a little bit." Susie told me, "this darn stove. I just can't get use to cooking on electric stoves." She puts my sandwich on a plate, slices it in half and places it in front of me on the table as if NOTHING is wrong as she continues darting around the kitchen getting a drink for myself and tending to whatever Robby was needing.

     I couldn't believe it. I looked at the sandwich on my plate and saw the burned side facing me. In the restaurant business, plate presentation was a big must. People eat with their eyes. So sometimes, if we overcooked something, we would place the "better" looking side up. 

     So now I'm staring at this sandwich with the obvious burned side and I begin wondering, "Well, I don't want to hurt her feelings. I don't know if she'll be hurt if I scraped some of the burn off or ask her to." I finally resolved to just take my time eating it and DON'T make any facial expression.

     I took a bite and begin chatting with her hoping I don't taste the burned bread or make a disgusting face. Then I took another bite and another. I ate the whole sandwich and NEVER tasted anything burned. Then I confessed my worries to her about it being burned, yet she acted as if it made no difference to her if I ate it or not. She wasn't upset and I actually had a good "burned" sandwich.

     I learned to humble myself and eat something that someone took the time to cook --- even if it is burned. After all, I sure wasn't going to go home and fix myself a grilled cheese sandwich.

INSIGHT:  Life is full of imperfect things and imperfect people. I've burned food before in my lifetime also. What's important is learning to accept each others faults and understand their differences. This is the key to creating a lasting and healthy relationship.

     May we all learn to take the good,  the bad and the ugly parts of  of our life and lay them down at the feet of God. In the end --- He's the only One who will be able to give us a relationship where a burned biscuit isn't the deal breaker.

     Understanding is the basis of any relationship --- be it husband/wife, brother/sister, parent/child, boss/employee.



Learn to appreciate

the people in your life!!!

They are God's gift to You.

B egin your day with

L ove in your heart

E xpect blessings

S hare gladness

S peak kindness

Act on this ...

keep it in your mind and heart

and watch the transformation in your life.

Bless and be blessed! ~ One Love ~

SEASON OF LENT (34th Day)

34th Day of Lent

Saturday, March 31, 2012

The Christ of you is that Divine potential of you,  and the universe calls you to work diligently to release your "imprisoned splendor." This is what life is all about. Let us work from the consciousness that looks upward to eternal life! To the fearless and deathless! The everlasting!

(Take a moment to reflect on this journey to release your inner splendor. In what way are you being open --- mind, body and spirit --- to expressing the Christ of your being:)



SEASON OF LENT (33rd Day)

33rd Day of Lent

Friday, March 30, 2012

I live a life of truth, freedom and fulfillment.

     What is this freedom that Jesus brought to humankind? Many have thought of it as a freedom from concern over salvation, a sense of being "saved" for all time by joining a church or giving assent to a religious creed. There is no final salvation. It is a day-by-day process to discipline thought and action.

     Every time you make the effort to meet life with a positive thought, you are "saved" from the inevitable effect of a negative thought. There is no intermediary between God and you but your own mind.

2 Corinthians 3:17   Now the Lord is the Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

*** Reprinted from Unity's booklet   Lent 2012   Release Your Inner Splendor

CHANGES TO FACEBOOK PAGE

HELLO!!!

To all of you who have

also been following on the

Amazing Grace - My Chains are Gone

FACEBOOK PAGE ----

The name of that page has changed

with the new design effective

March 30, 2012.

The FACEBOOK PAGE name

is now "One God One Earth."

We will continue posting Prayers,

devotionals, and testimonies.

We will be posting less photos and videos

and worship videos.

Due to space limitation on the new page.

I invite everyone to come

to the FACEBOOK PAGE:

One God One Earth

to worship and praise God as we

strive to gain more understanding

in our Spiritual growth.

Love and Blessings!

~ One Love ~

SEASON OF LENT (32nd Day)

32nd Day of Lent

Thursday, March 29, 2012

I am the living spirit of God.

     In His discourse to the woman at the well of Samaria, Jesus said, "God is Spirit and they that worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." The Latin word spiritus from which we get our word 'spirit" then, is the Life Principle, the Divine breath which God is breathing out as a human being and the Universe. The wind spirit implies, unformed, unspecialized, unrestricted, limitless. When Jesus said, "God is Spirit." He was not giving a definition. You cannot define God. Jesus was simply giving a guide to direct our thoughts away from finite form, or from thinking of God as a superman.

     When we think of God as a person, He is always, "up there" or "out there". We are forever trying to find Him, to reach Him, to influence Him. You do not have to look "out there" to find the Life Principle. "Closer is he than breathing and nearer than hands and feet." The principle is personalized in what Jesus referred to as "The Father within me."

Ephesians 4:4-6  There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.

*** Reprinted from Unity's booklet   Lent 2012   Release Your Inner Splendor

Something To Ponder (Modern Day Ten Commandments)

Ten New Commandments

To: EVERYONE

From: GOD

Effective immediately, please be aware that there are changes you need to make in your life. These changes need to be completed in order that I may fulfill My promises to you to grant you peace, joy and happiness in this life. I know this may be inconvenient to some but, after all that I am doing, this seems very little to ask of you. I know, I already gave you the original Ten Commandments. Keep them but follow these modern Ten Commandments as well.

1.)   QUIT WORRYING

Life has dealt you a blow and all you do is sit and worry. Have you forgotten that I am here to take all your burdens and carry them for you? Or do you just enjoy fretting over every little thing that comes your way? Get over it!

2.)    PUT IT ON THE LIST

Something needs to be done or taken care of ... Put it on the list. No, not YOUR list. put it on MY to-do-list. Let ME be the One to take care of the problem. I can't help you until you turn it over to Me. And although, My to-do-list is long, I am after all, God. I can take care of a lot of things for you that you never even realize.

3.)    TRUST ME

Once you've given your burdens to Me, quit trying to take them back! Trust in Me. Have faith that I will take care of all your needs, your problems and your trials.Problems with the kids? Put them on My list. Problems with finances? Put it on My list. Problems with your emotional roller coaster? For My Sake, put it on My list. I want to help you. All you have to do is ask.

4.)    LEAVE IT ALONE

Don't wake up one morning and say, "Well, I'm feeling much stronger now, I think I can handle it from here." Why do you think you are feeling stronger now? It's simple. You gave Me your burdens and I'm taking care of them, just as I said I would. I also renew your strength and cover you in My Peace. Don't you know that if I give you these problems back, you will be right back where you started? Leave them with Me and forget about them. Just let Me do My job.

5.)    TALK TO ME

I want you to forget a lot of things. Forget what was making you crazy. Forget the worry and the fretting because you know I'm in control. But there's one thing you should never forget --- don't forget to talk to Me. Often! I love you. I want to hear your voice. I want you to include Me in on the things going on in your life. Of course, I already know. But I want you to take time out and share it with Me. I want to hear you talk about your friends and family. Prayer is simply you having a conversation with Me. I want to be your Dearest Friend.

6.)    HAVE FAITH

I see a lot of things from up here that you can't see from where you are. Have faith in Me that I know what I'm doing. Trust Me, you wouldn't want the view from My eyes. I will continue to care for you, watch over you and meet your needs. You only have to trust Me. Although, I have a much bigger task than you, it seems as if you have so much trouble just doing your simple part. How hard can trust be? If you have ever trusted Me before, then you know I have never let you down. 

7.)    SHARE

You were taught to share when you were only two years old. When did you forget? That rule still applies. Share with those who are less fortunate than you. Share your joy with those who need encouragement. Share your laughter with those who haven't heard any in such a long time. Share your tears with those who have forgotten how to cry. Share your faith with those who have none.

8.)    BE PATIENT

I managed to fix it so in just one lifetime you could have so many diverse experiences. You grow from a child to an adult, have children, change jobs many times, learn many trades, travel to so many places, meet thousands of people and experience so much. How can you be so impatient then when it takes Me a little longer than you expect, to handle something on My to-do-list? Things occur on My timetable, not yours. Trust in My timing, for My timing is perfect. Just because I created the entire universe in only six days, everyone thinks I should always rush, rush, rush. But that is the humans way of doing things. I only rush on things that need My immediate attention and I decide what it will be.

9.)    BE KIND

Be kind to others, for I love them just as much as I love you. they may not dress like you, or talk like you, or live the same way you do, but I still love you all. Please try to get along for My Sake. I created each of you different in some way. I wanted each of you to be unique and have your own special qualities about you. It would be too boring if you were all identical. Please know I love each of your differences.

10.)   LOVE YOURSELF

As much as I love you, how can you not love yourself? You were created by Me for one reason only --- to be loved and to love in return. I am God of Love. Love Me. Love your neighbors. But also love yourself. It makes My Heart ache when I see you so angry with yourself when things go wrong. You are very precious to Me. Don't ever forget that!

With all My Heart. I love you,

GOD

Oh, don't forget to TALK To Me!

P.S.  I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!! 

An Irish Blessing

May God

grant you always ...

A sunbeam to warm you,

a moonbeam to charm you,

a sheltering Angel

so nothing can harm you.

Laughter to cheer you.

And whenever you pray,

Heaven to hear you.



SEASON OF LENT (31st Day)

31st Day of Lent

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

I am committed to being true to God's Kingdom within me.

     Jesus knew what the Psalmist had implied when he said, "Be still, and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10). Now he knew himself to be an expression of God, or the activity of God-life and intelligence pressing itself into visiblity. Now he knew that the Kingdom of God, the wealth of the Universe, was within the depth-potential within him.

     We don't know how this great breakthrough was actually accomplished in Jesus, how long the process took, or when He achieved self-mastery. But we know when He made His appearance at the Jordan River to be baptized by John. He was a committted and polished teacher with the amazing message that "The Kingdome of God is within you."

Matthew 3:16  And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.

*** Reprinted from Unity's booklet   Lent 2012  Release Your Inner Splendor

POEM (What More Can you Ask?)

What More Can You Ask?

God's love endures forever---

What a wonderful thing to know

When the tides of life run against you

and your spirit is downcast and low ...

God's kindness is ever around you,

Always ready to freely impart

Strength to your faltering spirit,

Cheer to your lonely heart ...

God's presence is ever beside you,

As near as the reach of your hand,

You have but to tell Him your troubles,

There is nothing He won't understand ...

And knowing God's love is unfailing,

And His mercy unending and great,

You have but to trust in His promise ---

God comes not too soon or tooo late ...

So wait with a heart that is patient

For the goodness of God to prevail ---

For never do prayers go unanswered,

And His mercy and love never fail.

--- Helen Steiner Rice ---

SEASON OF LENT (30th Day)

 

30th Day of Lent

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

I surrender to Spirit what no longer serves my greater purpose.

     Socrates once said that the unexamined life is not worth living. Jesus is constantly challenging us to take a good look at ourselves in the context of the Divine potential within us. We must recognize that the basic problem in life is the frustration of our own potentiality. When we are faced with inharmony in relationships, it is not so much a problem between ourselves and another who seems to be fighting us, as it is a break in our own circuit of good from the Father within.

     Life is consciousness. The problems we face indicate that our wires are down. We need to repair the break within ourselves. The only existence an error-condition has, as far as we are concerned, is that which we give it in our own thinking. Withdraw the thought about it and it fades into nothingness. What matters to us, in reality, is not people or things or conditions in themselves, but the thoughts and feelings we harbor concerning them. it is not the conduct of others but our reaction to it that makes or mars our life experience.

Proverbs 8:14   I have good advice and sound wisdom; I have insight , I have strength.

*** Reprinted from Unity's booklet   Lent 2012  Release your Inner Splendor

POEM (My Garden of Prayer)

     Because it's springtime and so many are preparing to start thier gardens I felt this is an appropriate poem. Think of it while you are out gardening or maybe as you pass by someone else's garden.

Bless and be blessed! ~One Love~ 

My Garden of Prayer

                                   My garden beautifies my yard

                                         and adds fragrance to the air ...

                                   But it is also my Cathedral

                                         and my quiet place of prayer ...

                                   So little do we realize

                                         that the glory and the power

                                   Of He who made the universe

                                         lies hidden in a flower.

                                                        --- Helen Steiner Rice ---

HUMOR FOR HAPPINESS (A Little Boys Prayer)

A Little Boys Prayer

      When a four-year old was asked to recite a prayer the little boy bowed his head and said, "And forgive us our trash baskets as we forgive those who put trash in our baskets."

SEASON OF LENT (29th Day)

29th Day of Lent

Monday, March 26, 2012

I am a limitless child of God.

     In human consciousness, human beings are involved in all sorts of limitations: sin, disease, privation. And in consciousness, all the things that Jesus did were absolutely miraculous! Just imagine turning water into wine, feeding five thousand hungry people with a few loaves and fish, healing people lame and blind since birth. Impossible! Or at least miraculous and beyond duplication. Yet Jesus dealt continuously with our higher nature. He healed and helped and transformed people by the power of their own higher nature and not by any special power of His own.

     Jesus knew that everyone had within, the Divine level of being and that in the Divinity of each human being is the limitless potential of healing. It is because of the Divine potential within you that it can be said, regardless of any medical prognosis, "You can be healed."

Matthew 9:22   Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, "Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well."  And instantly the woman was made well. 

*** Reprinted from Unity's booklet   Lent 2012   Release Your Inner Splendor

SEASON OF LENT (5th Sunday)

5th Sunday

March 25, 2012

I accept and express my divinity.

     We must begin to see Jesus as the great discoverer of our innate Divinity, the Supreme Revealer of the truth about us, the pioneer  and Way Shower in the quest for self-realization and self-unfoldment. We must see Him turning to His fellow beings, including you and me, and saying, "Come and sit with Me for a while and let Me help you to see as I see, to feel the depth of the Spirit in you as I have felt it within Me. Let Me show you the way, the high road to your own Mt. Olympus.

     Let Me lead you into the wonderful world of the Christ within you, where you will know, and know that you know, that you are a limitless expression of the Infinite. and I can assure you that when you realize the Truth as I have realized it, you will be able to do all the things I have done and even greater things will you do."

Matthew 5:48   Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

*** Reprinted from Unity's booklet    Lent 2012   Release Your Inner Splendor 



HUMOR FOR HAPPINESS (Boy at the Beach)

     A father was at the beach with his children when his four year old son ran up to him, grabbed his hand and led him to the shore where a seagull lay dead in the sand.
    "Daddy, what happened to him?" the son asked.
     "He died and went to heaven." replied the dad.
     The boy thought a moment then, with a puzzled look on his face, he said, "Did God throw him back down?" 

SOMETHING TO PONDER (Dusting)

Dusting

     A house becomes a home when you can write "I Love You" on the furniture.

    I can't tell you how many countless hours I have spent CLEANING! I used to spend at least eight hours every weekend making sure things were just perfect "in case someone came over." Then I realized one day, that no one came over because they were all out living life and having fun.

   

    Now when people visit, I find no need to explain the condition of my house. They are more interested in hearing about the things I've been doing while I was away living life and having fun.

     If you haven't figured this out yet, please hear this advice:

LIFE IS SHORT!!!  ENJOY IT!!!

Dust if you must ... but wouldn't it be better,

    to paint a picture, bake a cake or plant a seed;

Ponder the difference ...

    between what you want and what you need?

Dust if you must ... but there's not much time,

     with rivers to swim and mountains to climb;

Music to hear, books to read,

     friends and family to cherish and a life to lead!

Dust if you must ... but the world's out there

     with the sun in your eyes the wind in your hair;

A flutter of snow or shower of rain,

     this day will not come back again.

Dust if you must ...

     but bear in mind;

Old age will come,

    and it isn't always kind.

And when you go ---

     and go we all must;

You, yourself ...

     will make more dust!

SEASON OF LENT (28th Day)

28th Day of Lent

Saturday, March 24, 2012

We should not hesitate to ask largely. God can give much as easily as He can give little. Your miracle of abundance is ready for you. Awaken from the illusion of lack. Lift up your eyes. There is supply for you, right now, if you can accept it.


(During this journey to release your inner splendor, reflect on how you accept your miracle of abundance.)



 It is possible for people

 to spend an entire lifetime

struggling to bring about something

that only God can do.

The Holy Spirit has

incredible and infinite ways

to strengthen you, enable you, teach you

and open doors for you

that are humanly impossible

Matthew 19:26  Jesus looked at them intently and said,

"Humanly speaking, it is impossible.

But with God everything is possible." 

                                                               NLT

MORAL STORY (Are you a Carrot, an Egg or Coffee Bean?)

 

Are You a Carrot, an Egg or a Coffee Bean?

     A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She didn't know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was so tired of fighting and struggling, it seemed as if when one problem was solved a new one occurred.

     Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water. In the first pot, she placed carrots. In the second pot, she placed eggs and in the last pot, she placed ground coffee beans. Without saying a word, she let them sit and boil.

     About twenty minutes later, she turned off the burners. She spooned the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. Next, she spooned the eggs out and placed them in a separate bowl. Finally, she ladled the coffee out and placed in into another separate bowl. Then she turned to her daughter and asked, "Tell me, what do you see?"

     "Carrots, eggs and coffee." the daughter replied.

     She brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. The daughter did and noticed that they were now soft and tender.

     She then asked her to take the egg and break it. The daughter cracked the egg and after taking the shell off, she observed it very closely.

     Finally, she asked her to smell and sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she smelled and tasted it's rich aroma. Then she asked , "Okay, what's your point, mother?"

     The wise mother explained that each of the three objects had faced the same adversity --- boiling water --- but each reacted differently. The carrot went in too strong, hard and unrelenting. But after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. It's thin outer shell had protected it's liquid interior. But after sitting through the boiling water, it's inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique. After they were in the boiling water they had changed the water.

     "Which are you?" she asked her daughter. "When trials and adversity knock on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?"

INSIGHT: 

Think of this --- Which am I?

      Am I the carrot that seems strong but with pain and adversity I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?

     Am I the egg that starts with a passive heart but changes with the heat? Did I have a liquid spirit but after a death, a financial hardship or some other setback, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and a hardened heart?

     Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water --- the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at the worst, you become better and change the situation around you. When the hours are the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate to another level?

How do you handle adversity? Like the CARROT, the EGG or the COFFEE BEAN? Which one are you? 

Isaiah 40:30  Even youths grow tired and weary,

                                and young men stumble and fall;

Isaiah 40:31  but those who hope in the LORD

                          will renew their strength.

                      They will soar on wings like eagles;

                          they will run and not grow weary,

                          they will walk and not be faint.                                    -- NIV--

            

SEASON OF LENT (27th Day)

27th Day of Lent

Friday, March 23, 2012

I can do all things through Christ.

     Once we catch the ideal of the ascending urge in us as symbolized through the whole Bible, we see Jesus not as God becoming a person, but as a person becoming God, a person feeling the pull of the Divine within Himself. That Jesus did it is good news, for it means that it is a reachable goal, a repeatable demonstration. Didn't He say, "All that I do you can do too?"

     The central point of "Good News" of the Gospel story is not really Jesus, but the Christ spirit that He expressed and the universal principles He taught and demonstrated.

John 12:32   And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.

*** Reprinted from Unity's booklet   Lent 2012   Release Your Inner Splendor

SEASON OF LENT (26th Day)

26th Day of Lent

Thursday, March 22, 2012

I am part of a sacred Universe. My true essence is divine.

     The great message of Jesus was wholeness, oneness. He said, "I and the Father are one." (John 10:30). His real meaning has been obscured because people have thought of Jesus as "very God", His relationship with God being unique.

     Jesus was articulating the principle of "universal unity". He was saying, "You live in the universe, and you are a part within the whole. However, the whole is also within you, and there can never be a separation."

John 17:21   As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

*** Reprinted from Unity's booklet   Lent 2012   Release Your Inner Splendor

SOMETHING TO PONDER (Bandage of Thankfulness)

Bandage of Thankfulness

     Once a wise man saw a younger man, with a bandage tied around his leg, who was making painful groaning noises and complaining endlessly.

     "Why do you have that bandage tied around your leg?" the wise man asked.

     "Because I hurt my leg." replied the younger man.

     "How old are you?"

      The younger man looked puzzled at the man but answered, "I'm 28 years old."

      The wise man asked, "Have you been in pain and worn that bandage for most of your life?"

       "No," said the younger man. " I just injured myself today."

        " So for almost 30 years you enjoyed life with a good healthy leg," the wise man remarked " and you never tied the bandage of thankfulness to your leg. But now, because you have a wounded leg, you tie the bandage of complaint around it?"

INSIGHT: We should always be thankful to God in all situations of life and not complain about problems that come our way!

1 Thessalonians 5:18  "in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."                                                                     ---- NKJV

CONSIDER THIS:  When you spend time complaining, not only are you not giving glory to God but you are only pushing the rewards God had in store for you farther away. By complaining you are not having faith that God is working for good on your behalf. 

Next time you feel like complaining, remember this ---  the Israelites took a 40 day journey that for an 11 day trip. It was their groaning, murmuring and complaining that kept them in the wilderness all those years. God will not reward an ungrateful heart and complaining is the basis of unthankfulness.

So be thankful in all circumstances, give glory and honor to the Lord and receive the wonderful blessings He is waiting to shower upon you. And if you do complain, which we all occasionally do, be sure to quickly catch yourself, stop the complaints, ask for forgiveness and begin thanking God.

Bless and be blessed!

~ One Love ~

SEASON OF LENT (25th Day)

25th Day of Lent

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

I am the eachness of all that God is.

     What is the One that we call God? It is not a One off there somewhere, ruling the universe as an absentee landlord. It is the One, the whole of things, the allness of which and in which I am an eachness. No matter what I may think I am, I am the flowing forth of the One.

     I am unique and different at the surface. There can be no other "eachness" quite like me. And yet I have no existence outside of the whole. My eachness can never be seperated from the allness which is God.

Psalm 103:1  Bless the Lord O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

*** Reprinted from Unity's booklet   Lent 2012  Release Your Inner Splendor

LENTEN DEVOTIONAL

1 Thessalonians 5:17   pray without ceasing,                                --- NKJV---

     How many times have you heard someone say, "All I can do is pray"? This is usually said when all efforts of them doing things themselves fail.
     Praying unlocks the doors to heaven and releases the power of God. James 4:2 says, "You do not have because you do not ask."
      Many times our prayers focus only on ourselves. But God wants to use us through our prayers to touch the lives of other people as well.
      Today, make a prayer list of all the people whom you know need God's blessing in their life and pray for them. You'll discover something amazing and wonderful happening in your own life as well.
Shalom!  ~One Love~

REFLECTIONS FOR LENT

Reflections for Lent

     The theme throughout Lent is on the Divine Mercy of God and of our need to pray to God for His Mercy on all mankind. Prayer changes hearts and minds, staves off disaster and allows God to work through each and every one of us. With prayer all things are possible. There are many beautiful and powerful prayers for mercy and none more so than those given by Jesus Himself to Sr. Faustina of Poland, now a Saint.

     The prayers for mercy are for ourselves, our families and extended families, our friends and neighbors, our work colleagues and school friends, our nation and for the whole world.

     Prayer provides us with a protection against temptation and evil and leaves us open to the grace of God. This little saying sums up a heart at peace and how that one heart can touch the hearts of others:

"If there is righteousness in the heart,

there will be beauty in the character.

If there is beauty in the character,

there will be harmony in the home.

If there is harmony in the home,

 there will be order in the nation.

If there is order in the nation,

there will be peace in the world."

Confucius

     Prayer isn't just about you, it's about others. Behind every great spiritual awakening, the kind that radically changes people and shakes up communities, there's an unseen, unstoppable force known as 'intercessors'. Many of the victories we celebrate in the open were first won in the secret place of prayer by these intercessors: It's their specialized ministry. And God could be calling you to be one of them!

      It's a two-fold calling; first you minister to the Lord through worship, then you minister to the lost through witness. Even though your feeble limbs can't carry you beyond your own front door, through prayer you can limit satan's movements and defeat his best-laid strategies.

     "How?" you ask.

     By calling the forces of heaven into any situation, anytime, anywhere, for anybody. No wonder the enemy will do "whatever it takes" to keep you from praying! Check out these two Scriptures:

(1) Psalm 2:8  Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. (NIV)    It's time to move beyond your "bless me" prayers and begin to touch nations. What you prayerfully declare on earth (as long as it lines up with His Word) God will authorize in heaven.

(2) Matthew 9:37-38  He said to his disciples, "The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fiels." (NLT)

     It works like this:  Your prayers move God. God moves people. People move nations. Nations are changed. The whole thing begins with one praying person--- today let that person be you!

1 Timothy 2:1-6  I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people--- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. (NIV) 

Psalm 2  (1) Why are the nations so angry?

Why do they waste their time with futile plans?

(2) The kings of the earth prepare for battle;

the rulers plot together against the Lord and against his anointed one.

(3) "Let us break their chains," they cry, " and free ourselves from slavery to God."

(4) But the one who rules in heaven laughs. The Lord scoffs at them.

(5) Then in anger he rebukes them, terrifying them with his fierce fury.

(6) For the Lord declares, "I have placed my chosen king on the throne in Jerusalem, on my holy mountain.

(7) The king proclaims the Lord's decree: "The Lord said to me, 'You are my son. Today I have become your Father.

(8) Only ask, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance, the whole earth as your possession.

(9) You will break them with an iron rod and smash them like clay pots.'"

(10) Now then, you kings, act wisely! Be warned, you rulers of the earth!

(11) Serve the Lord with reverent fear, and rejoice with trembling.

(12) Submit to God's royal son, or he will become angry, and you will be destroyed in the midst of all your activities--- for his anger flares up in an instant. But what joy for all who take refuge in him!                 --- NLT

   Short prayer:

     Father God, I pray for all Your children here on earth. Those seeking You, those who have strayed from You and especially those who do not know You. I pray Father, that they will find their way back home to You. Father, I pray for all the leaders of the world, that they may seek Your guidance and join together in a resolution for peace and unity. In Jesus' Mighty Name, I pray. Amen.  

This was submitted via e-mail by a wonderful sister in Christ. Thank you so much for this "Lenten Reflection" and I pray it will be very useful to those who read it. God bless! 

                                                

POEM (Don't Try to Understand)

Don't Try to Understand

Don't try to understand

The wonders of His love,

Or how He made the ocean

And clouds and sky above.

Don't try to understand

Why to the cross He went,

And gave His life for us

For pardon Heaven-sent.

For if we tried a lifetime

To understand His ways,

His power and His mercy,

His care for us each day.

We'd never comprehend,

It's just too much for us,

So let us just accept

And praise, obey, and trust.

 Helen Gleason

SEASON OF LENT (24th Day)

24th Day of Lent

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

I let go of the past and am eager to discover new possibilities for growth.

     How we judge and limit ourselves by past experience! Denying the power of self-transcendence, we settle into an "I can't" consciousness that seems completely logical. "I can't because I am weak", "I can't because I am too old", "I can't, I can't, I can't!"

     Only Joshua and Caleb felt the lure of the impossible. "let us go up at once, and occupy it; for we are well able to overcome it." (Num. 13:30) What we have achieved as human beings has always been made by the Joshuas and Calebs. They have said, "The difficult is easy; the impossible will take some time."

John 10:34  Jesus answered, "Is it not written in your law. 'I said, you are gods'?"

*** Reprinted from Unity's booklet  Lent 2012  Release Your Inner Splendor

POEM (Garden of Love)

Garden of Love

If faith can move a mountain

And hope could change the world,

What a wonderful place we would live in

If love could be unfurled.

Vision love as tiny seeds

That could be planted everywhere;

Soon they would sprout and grow

As we tended them with care.

When the time is ripe for harvesting,

We'll see love in sweet repose.

Then let everyone help to gather it

In the garden of love; where it grows.

  

Love should not be stored unused

Nor should it be restrained.

But we may keep it in our hearts

Where it pours out unrestrained.

Shirley Hile Powell

Psalm 23:6  Only goodness and love will pursue me all the days of my life. I will dwell in the house of the Lord for years to come.

HUMOR FOR HAPPINESS (God Will Provide)

God Will Provide

A young woman brought her fiance home to meet her parents. After dinner, her mother told her father to find out about the young man.

The father invited the fiance into his study for a talk. "So what are your plans?" the father asked.

"I am a Biblical scholar." the young man replied.

"A Biblical scholar. Hmmm.," said the father. "Admirable, but what will you do to provide a nice house for my daughter to live in?"

"I will study," the young man answered, "and God will provide for us."

"And how will you buy her the nice expensive wedding she deserves?" asked the father.

"I will concentrate on my studies," the young man replied, "God will provide for us."

"And children?" asked the father, "How will you support your children/"

"Don't worry, sir, God will provide." said the fiance.

The conversation went on for about 20 more minutes and each time the father asked a question the fiance always answered, "God will provide."

Later, when the daughter and her fiance left, the mother asked, "How did it go, honey?"

The father answered, "He has no job and no plans, and he thinks I'm God."

SEASON OF LENT (23rd Day)

23rd Day of Lent

Monday, March 19, 2012

I am a Spiritual being having a human experience.

     The study of Truth often awakens in the student the desire to become spiritual. But you are spiritual! Spiritual growth entails concentrating, not on becoming something, but on Being. An acorn doesn't concentrate on becoming an oak tree, it is an oak tree. Its natural concentration is in being. Thus, it naturally unfolds the power to split asunder any boulder that would obstruct its growth.

     Get it established in consciousness right at the outset that what you are seeking is seeking you. It is in you. The whole universe is breaking through to you. God is Being being you. Let go the tendency to try to achieve Oneness. You are one. Let go trying to achieve healing. You are whole.

Micah 3:8  But as for me, I am filled with power, with the spirit of the Lord.

*** Reprinted from Unity's booklet  Lent 2012  Release Your Inner Splendor

Mother Teresa's Prayer

May today there be peace within,

May you trust your Highest Power,

that you are exactly where you are meant to be;

May you not forget the infinite possibilities

that are born of faith,

May you use those gifts that you have received

and pass on the love that has been given to you.

May you be content knowing

you are a child of God.

Let His Presence settle into our bones,

and allow your soul the freedom to sing and dance.

It is there for each and every one of you.

HEARTWARMING STORY (For Just 57 Cents)

For Just 57 Cents

     A little girl stood near a small church that had refused to let her in because it was, "too crowded." As the pastor walked by on his way to the church, the little girl sobbed loudly, "I can't go to Sunday school. They won't let me in."

     When the pastor saw her shabby, unkempt appearance, he guessed this was the reason. He took her by the hand, walked her to the church and found a seat inside the Sunday school for her to sit down. She was so happy that they found room for her and later that night, she went to bed thinking of the other children who are not allowed in church to worship Jesus.

     Two years later, the little girl was found dead in one of the poor tenement buildings. Her parents called for the kindhearted pastor, who allowed their daughter into Sunday school, to handle the final arrangements.

      As her body was being moved, a worn and crumpled red purse was found next to her. Inside the purse, they discovered 57 cents and a note, scribbled in a childs handwritting, that read, "This is to help build the little church bigger so more children can go to Sunday school."

     The parents told the pastor, that for two years, this little girl had saved her offering of love. Her parents were too poor to give her any money, so she accumulated the money from the coins she found in the street.

     When the pastor tearfully read that note, he knew exactly what he would do. Carrying the note and the cracked, red pocketbook to the pulpit, he told the story of the little girl's unselfish love and devotion. Then he challenged his deacons to get busy and raise enough money for the largest building.

     But the story doesn't end there...

     A newspaper editor heard about the plight of the church and wrote an article about it then published it. A very wealthy realtor read the article and offered his land, which was many acres and worth thousands of dollars. And when the church informed the man that they were just a little church and didn't have the funds to purchase his land, the man offered to sell it to the little church for 57 cents.

     Church members began tithing more and people from all over the world were making huge contributions so the church could get the materials needed to build the larger church.

     Within five years, the little girl's gift had increased to $250,000.00. A huge sum for that amount of time. Her unselfish love had paid large dividends.

     If you are ever in the city of Philadelphia, look for Temple Baptist Church, with a seating capacity of 33,000. And also, built from the contributions, is Temple University, where thousands of students are educated.

     Also look at the Good Samaritan Hospital and at a Sunday school building which houses hundreds of children ... built so that no child in the area will ever need to be left outside during Sunday school time.

     In one of the rooms of this building, you will find the picture of the sweet face of the little girl whose 57 cents, so sacrificially saved, made such a remarkable history. Alongside of it, is a portrait of the kindhearted pastor, Dr. Russell H. Cromwell, author of the book, "Acres of Diamonds."

     

This is a true story which goes to show:

WHAT GOD CAN DO WITH 57 CENTS!

Malachi 3:10  "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my temple. If you do," says the Lord of Heaven's Armies, "I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won't have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!"                             ----NLT 

SEASON OF LENT (4th Sunday)

4th Sunday

March 18, 2012

I am a true expression of Spirit.

   

     You live in an environment you do not see. Can a fish see water? Can a person see God? You are environed by God; you live, move and having being in God. God is all, the universe. And the universe is centered at the point where you are as the "eachness" of your transcendent self.

     You are the focus of an infinite idea. You exist! So, you are Being being you.

     There is a mystical center in us all; the whole God is present at every point in space; God is the environment and the center in which I live, move and have being.

Psalm 26:8  O Lord, I love the house in which you dwell, and the place where your glory abides.

*** Reprinted from Unity's booklet   Lent 2012   Release Your Inner Splendor

SEASON OF LENT (22nd Day)

22nd Day of Lent

Saturday, March 17, 2012

There is an upward pull of the universe, ever seeking to lift you to the heights of your divine nature. It is as real and as inexorable as the force of gravity. Your responsibility is to choose the level of consciousness on which you deal with the everyday experiences of life.

(During this journey to release your inner splendor, reflect on how you reached new spiritual heights.)

     I, personally, reached new spiritual heights by learning the true meaning of Lent. As a child, I grew up in the Catholic religion. Back then, to me, Lent was about: Ash Wednesday -- we got ashes in the sign of the cross on our forehead, on Good Friday -- all those who were Catholic were excused from school, then every Friday until Easter we were not allowed to eat meat, we were suppose to give up something important to us for the Lenten season, the family would gather together one night and we would all watch 'The Ten Commandments', on Palm Sunday -- we received large palm leaves from a palm tree and finally, on Easter Sunday -- my dad bought us new Sunday clothes to wear to church and after church we hunted easter eggs.

     Sure, I knew it was largely based on the resurrection of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. But for some reason, I just didn't get what it REALLY meant.

      Reaching my new spiritual heights I realize that the Lenten season is about truly putting others before myself.  Before, I occasionally would put others first but it was usually if it was something minor or if it didn't interfere with my plans. This year I've learned that sacrificing to put others first is what Jesus was trying to teach us. When you give someone your last dollar. When you take time out of your very busy schedule to accomodate someone else. When you find time to spend with someone whom you know is lonely, even though they may bore you at times. That was the whole purpose of Jesus washing the others feet... an example to us to serve others. 

       I discovered that when I put God first, others second and myself last then it seems God actually puts me first. I've been amazed at the times I've prayed for God to bless other people and yet I would be "unexpectedly" blessed.

      In my younger years, the world had me convinced "better look out for yourself because nobody else will." But that is NOT the case at all. That is a lie. If you look out for others then God will look out for you.

     There are many different ways for each of us to reach our spiritual heights. This is just one way I needed to reach mine. Yours may not be the same but I pray the season and this journey has brought you to your Higher Self and brought you closer in your walk with Jesus and knowing God.

      God bless!  Shalom!

INVITATION TO ALL

I would like to invite everyone

 who has been following on

this site to join us on Facebook;

Amazing Grace - My Chains are Gone.

Some items on this site are shared

on Facebook

but we also have items there which

are shared by other "Faithbook" members.

On Facebook we have Scriptures,

worship videos, links to other pages,

prayers and other interesting tidbits.

So please come and join the "Faithbook" family

on the Facebook page:

Amazing Grace - My Chains are Gone.

We would love to have you!

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

Bless and be blessed!

Shalom!