Thoughts That Illuminate Page 1
This idea that our minds are powerful and how we direct our minds determines our experience, is an old idea that is gaining new
attention. In the Gospel of Thomas it is written: (106) Jesus said, "When you make the two (thoughts and experience) one, you
will become the sons of man, and when you say, 'Mountain, move away,' it will move away." In modern science we see it
expressed this way: “Belief is the “program’ that creates patterns in reality.” (Gregg Braden) or “The universe may be nothing
more than a giant hologram created by the mind." (David Bohm, physicist). What is the guiding force in all that we see and
experience? It is our choice in what we believe (think).
Before I became a mom, I must confess that I bought hook-line-and sinker, societies definition of motherhood… We give birth,
tend to the child’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs, teach them about the world, and in return the child responds with
smiles, laughter, love and obedience. The goal of motherhood is realized when they become a loving, responsible, contributing
member of society. It seemed so simple and straightforward. That is until I became a mom. As many young mothers I often
struggled with the “right answer”, felt completely “out of my league” and had gone to bed many nights feeling like a complete
failure. How many of us feel as if we have been put in the driver’s seat of our kid’s lives without so much as a map, a GPS system
or an On-Star with a nice calm voice that will tell us exactly what to do in all emergency situations?
Over the past month or so I have been uncovering a deep-seeded belief in failure. Although I saw how this transferred into many
experiences of my life, I was lead to see that ultimately the deeply-rooted belief that was blocking healing was my belief that after
all of this spiritual work, in the end I am going to fail. Maybe some of you have had this same belief or ones similar: “I will never
get this”, “I don’t have a clue what I’m doing”, “and I will fail to wake up”. If you have been here, you can attest to the complete
devastation that comes when believing these thoughts. As convincing as these thoughts are, do not believe them! For you are
closer than you think to the acceptance of truth.
attention. In the Gospel of Thomas it is written: (106) Jesus said, "When you make the two (thoughts and experience) one, you
will become the sons of man, and when you say, 'Mountain, move away,' it will move away." In modern science we see it
expressed this way: “Belief is the “program’ that creates patterns in reality.” (Gregg Braden) or “The universe may be nothing
more than a giant hologram created by the mind." (David Bohm, physicist). What is the guiding force in all that we see and
experience? It is our choice in what we believe (think).
Before I became a mom, I must confess that I bought hook-line-and sinker, societies definition of motherhood… We give birth,
tend to the child’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs, teach them about the world, and in return the child responds with
smiles, laughter, love and obedience. The goal of motherhood is realized when they become a loving, responsible, contributing
member of society. It seemed so simple and straightforward. That is until I became a mom. As many young mothers I often
struggled with the “right answer”, felt completely “out of my league” and had gone to bed many nights feeling like a complete
failure. How many of us feel as if we have been put in the driver’s seat of our kid’s lives without so much as a map, a GPS system
or an On-Star with a nice calm voice that will tell us exactly what to do in all emergency situations?
Over the past month or so I have been uncovering a deep-seeded belief in failure. Although I saw how this transferred into many
experiences of my life, I was lead to see that ultimately the deeply-rooted belief that was blocking healing was my belief that after
all of this spiritual work, in the end I am going to fail. Maybe some of you have had this same belief or ones similar: “I will never
get this”, “I don’t have a clue what I’m doing”, “and I will fail to wake up”. If you have been here, you can attest to the complete
devastation that comes when believing these thoughts. As convincing as these thoughts are, do not believe them! For you are
closer than you think to the acceptance of truth.
| My Thoughts are Causing my Distress |
| What is Motherhood? Turning the Definition Right-Side Up |
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| You Cannot Fail |
You may think it is impossible to see some things differently and be tempted to believe that what you are looking at is all there is
to see. To help loosen your grip on this, I would like to share with you a teaching I was given that strengthened my faith that
there really is a hidden message in each encounter, that will teach you all you need to learn to be perfectly happy and at
peace.....no matter what the picture looks like.
to see. To help loosen your grip on this, I would like to share with you a teaching I was given that strengthened my faith that
there really is a hidden message in each encounter, that will teach you all you need to learn to be perfectly happy and at
peace.....no matter what the picture looks like.
| I Can't Believe There is Another Way to See This! |
One day I was having a conversation with a very close friend. As we were talking I became increasingly disturbed. I could have
sworn that she was attacking my position on something, accusing me of not being right, and overall not caring about what I
thought. The conversation was so unsettling that I made up an excuse to leave. I returned home and asked the Holy Spirit for relief
from the pain and suffering I experienced while being with my friend. I was reminded of the Course teaching in lesson #15; “What I
think I “see” is an image I have made from my thoughts.” In the situation with my friend this idea seemed to hard to grasp…."
only imaginings? I am suffering only from my thoughts that are making images?" The pain and suffering from the conversation
seemed to be coming from her and not from my thoughts! I have developed a trust that the Course’s teachings if applied will bring
me to peace so I asked the Holy Spirit for help in understanding how this could be true.
sworn that she was attacking my position on something, accusing me of not being right, and overall not caring about what I
thought. The conversation was so unsettling that I made up an excuse to leave. I returned home and asked the Holy Spirit for relief
from the pain and suffering I experienced while being with my friend. I was reminded of the Course teaching in lesson #15; “What I
think I “see” is an image I have made from my thoughts.” In the situation with my friend this idea seemed to hard to grasp…."
only imaginings? I am suffering only from my thoughts that are making images?" The pain and suffering from the conversation
seemed to be coming from her and not from my thoughts! I have developed a trust that the Course’s teachings if applied will bring
me to peace so I asked the Holy Spirit for help in understanding how this could be true.
| It is What you Think They are Saying That Hurts |
I had young children in the 90’s. In this decade you could not go to a play group, social gathering, grocery store or public place
where you didn’t hear a mom say at least once to their kids: “Do you have your listening ears on?” It wasn’t too long before I
discovered why this was such a popular question. I began to notice that even though it appeared as if they were listening they
often were distracted by their own thoughts and not really hearing anything I was saying. In order to be heard, it was necessary
that I first have them turn away from their own thoughts and tune into me. The phrase; “Do you have your listening ears on?”
became a quick way to teach them how to be good listeners. So often Course students talk about how frustrating it is to hear
Holy Spirit. "How can I possibly hear when the ego is speaking so loudly?" As usual, Course instruction challenges us by asking:
"why are you making the choice to be distracted by your own thinking?" When we have hearing problems could it be that we are
like children who appear to be listening but are too distracted by ego thoughts to hear?
where you didn’t hear a mom say at least once to their kids: “Do you have your listening ears on?” It wasn’t too long before I
discovered why this was such a popular question. I began to notice that even though it appeared as if they were listening they
often were distracted by their own thoughts and not really hearing anything I was saying. In order to be heard, it was necessary
that I first have them turn away from their own thoughts and tune into me. The phrase; “Do you have your listening ears on?”
became a quick way to teach them how to be good listeners. So often Course students talk about how frustrating it is to hear
Holy Spirit. "How can I possibly hear when the ego is speaking so loudly?" As usual, Course instruction challenges us by asking:
"why are you making the choice to be distracted by your own thinking?" When we have hearing problems could it be that we are
like children who appear to be listening but are too distracted by ego thoughts to hear?
| How to Hear Clearly the Voice for God |
Yesterday my family heard what appears to be devastating news. The news involved a young man, a heart, a virus attack, a loss
of income, loss of normalcy, and possible loss of life. As I heard the news I became increasingly aware of a shift of my inner
state. Just moments before and for days previous, I had experienced unwavering peace, and seconds later after hearing the news I
felt rattled, unnerved, anxious and fearful. From my past learning I knew the change from peace to fear came about, not from the
news itself but from my belief in what my body’s eyes and ears were reporting. My decision to rest my “eyes” on the form of a
man, a heart, a virus and death and then judge it as very real and very true was the cause of my suffering. Although I have learned
this in the past with my work with A Course In Miracles, in this situation it did seem very real and very true. Going to bed last
night I asked the Holy Spirit to teach me about how to deny the false and accept the true even in the midst of something as
seemingly real as a heart condition and possible death.
of income, loss of normalcy, and possible loss of life. As I heard the news I became increasingly aware of a shift of my inner
state. Just moments before and for days previous, I had experienced unwavering peace, and seconds later after hearing the news I
felt rattled, unnerved, anxious and fearful. From my past learning I knew the change from peace to fear came about, not from the
news itself but from my belief in what my body’s eyes and ears were reporting. My decision to rest my “eyes” on the form of a
man, a heart, a virus and death and then judge it as very real and very true was the cause of my suffering. Although I have learned
this in the past with my work with A Course In Miracles, in this situation it did seem very real and very true. Going to bed last
night I asked the Holy Spirit to teach me about how to deny the false and accept the true even in the midst of something as
seemingly real as a heart condition and possible death.
| Make Room for a Miracle |
The word “story” is defined as “a narrative tale; true or fictitious, that is meant to report or give an account of the matter.” What
is the narrative tale of your life? It’s easy to find out. Simply ask someone you trust “what is the statement I most often use
when talking about a person, event or situation in my life?” Or maybe you have gained enough awareness to do a mental review of
your thoughts when dealing with an experience in you life. The narrative that goes on in your own mind will give you enough
information to see what your story is. For me, just a quick look at my past journals will reveal the story of my life; I had reported
in my written venting how “no one supports me emotionally”, “I’m always having to take care of the emotional needs or other”,
“People don’t appreciate what I do for them”, “Others can’t be trusted to care for me”. What are your stories? Would you like to
change the future to look nothing like your past? Then you must give up your story.
is the narrative tale of your life? It’s easy to find out. Simply ask someone you trust “what is the statement I most often use
when talking about a person, event or situation in my life?” Or maybe you have gained enough awareness to do a mental review of
your thoughts when dealing with an experience in you life. The narrative that goes on in your own mind will give you enough
information to see what your story is. For me, just a quick look at my past journals will reveal the story of my life; I had reported
in my written venting how “no one supports me emotionally”, “I’m always having to take care of the emotional needs or other”,
“People don’t appreciate what I do for them”, “Others can’t be trusted to care for me”. What are your stories? Would you like to
change the future to look nothing like your past? Then you must give up your story.
| Retelling your Stories will Ensure your Future Looks Just like your Past |
Yesterday was “one of those days”. A day when sadness slowly creped in and a large gloomy cloud hoveredg over me. I did notice
early on in the day there was a slight problem but as the day went on it began to gain momentum as my thoughts traveled even
further into the dark. I wondered where these thoughts were coming from, what did it mean in terms of healing, and how could I
release these thoughts that were the cause of my despair? After I had spent much of my quiet time in this way, all of a sudden it
dawned on me that even though I was looking at my problems from a spiritual perspective, I was still “thinking” about my
problem and trying to solve it myself. And we all know what that means…..I had tried to solve the problem with the ego. After
realizing this, I invited the Holy Spirit into my awareness to help me solve this problem of my despair.
early on in the day there was a slight problem but as the day went on it began to gain momentum as my thoughts traveled even
further into the dark. I wondered where these thoughts were coming from, what did it mean in terms of healing, and how could I
release these thoughts that were the cause of my despair? After I had spent much of my quiet time in this way, all of a sudden it
dawned on me that even though I was looking at my problems from a spiritual perspective, I was still “thinking” about my
problem and trying to solve it myself. And we all know what that means…..I had tried to solve the problem with the ego. After
realizing this, I invited the Holy Spirit into my awareness to help me solve this problem of my despair.
| If a Problem Occurs, Who Ya Gonna Call? |
Many years ago I had become frustrated and unhappy with my life. I felt hopeless that I would ever find the magic key that
would change others or make the outside world meet my need for happiness and peace. Looking for help, I entered into a
counseling relationship. During a session there was a pivotal moment that would forever change my life. Up until this moment, I
believed I could only be free, happy and at peace when others responded or behaved in a certain ways; when nothing serious was
going on, or my day went smoothly without mishaps or uncomfortable feelings. After years of living this way, I had a sudden
epiphany in the counselor’s office that day. This never works!
would change others or make the outside world meet my need for happiness and peace. Looking for help, I entered into a
counseling relationship. During a session there was a pivotal moment that would forever change my life. Up until this moment, I
believed I could only be free, happy and at peace when others responded or behaved in a certain ways; when nothing serious was
going on, or my day went smoothly without mishaps or uncomfortable feelings. After years of living this way, I had a sudden
epiphany in the counselor’s office that day. This never works!
| Your Freedom does not Depend on Others |
ACIM is designed as an educational course you study, practice and teach in order to learn who you are. In some ways, it is like
going back to school to unlearn what you were poorly taught and relearn what is true. It seems a bit silly that we need to go to
school to learn about our Self. But we do! Whether one takes this course or follows another path, the learning is the same. You
are not who you think you are!
going back to school to unlearn what you were poorly taught and relearn what is true. It seems a bit silly that we need to go to
school to learn about our Self. But we do! Whether one takes this course or follows another path, the learning is the same. You
are not who you think you are!
| Are you Willing to Learn Something New? |
A while ago my family had an experience of lice. As I went into combat against the invisible enemy that had invaded my home I
was aware of the terror that flooded my mind. Then it happened. What is “it”? “IT’” is the multitude of “fear and attack” events
that follow after the initial one. Following this one event I then experienced a potential loss of insurance, neighbors attacking from
both sides, seeing unloving behavior in my relationships etc. It felt as if I slipped on a rock by going into fear with the lice, only to
fall head-first into the abyss of problems. Has “IT” ever happened to you? You’re going along maintaining an inner state of
balance and peace and one event comes along to disturb you. This seems to trigger an avalanche of subsequent experiences that
buries you and darkens your world.
was aware of the terror that flooded my mind. Then it happened. What is “it”? “IT’” is the multitude of “fear and attack” events
that follow after the initial one. Following this one event I then experienced a potential loss of insurance, neighbors attacking from
both sides, seeing unloving behavior in my relationships etc. It felt as if I slipped on a rock by going into fear with the lice, only to
fall head-first into the abyss of problems. Has “IT” ever happened to you? You’re going along maintaining an inner state of
balance and peace and one event comes along to disturb you. This seems to trigger an avalanche of subsequent experiences that
buries you and darkens your world.
| When Everything Seems to be Going Wrong |
Does it sometimes frighten you when a Course practice takes you in a completely opposite direction of what the world teaches
you need to do in order to be safe, find happiness or deal with a problem? You are not alone. There comes a time for every student,
when they realize just how radical the Course is and they struggle with the fear that arises at the thought of going against what the
world tells you will keep you safe. In this article I share a time in my life when the thought of going within for healing instead of
doing something in the world, frightened me. I wanted to follow Him, but I was to terrified. I asked Holy Spirit to help me. I
invite you to read how perfectly He Answered my call for help, so you might learn to put your faith and trust in Him.
you need to do in order to be safe, find happiness or deal with a problem? You are not alone. There comes a time for every student,
when they realize just how radical the Course is and they struggle with the fear that arises at the thought of going against what the
world tells you will keep you safe. In this article I share a time in my life when the thought of going within for healing instead of
doing something in the world, frightened me. I wanted to follow Him, but I was to terrified. I asked Holy Spirit to help me. I
invite you to read how perfectly He Answered my call for help, so you might learn to put your faith and trust in Him.
| ACIM Solutions are Radically Different |
As we look on the events happening in Haiti many Course students wonder how they can respond to the situation, while staying
true to the teachings of the Course. We have a tendency to think that our response is an either/or choice. Either join with the belief
that this is a tragedy; that the pain and suffering is very real and then rush to help or sit back and say “it’s all an illusion” and do
nothing believing that if we did respond we would be reinforcing the illusion and that would not be helpful. Is it an either/or choice
or is there a way to respond to the needs of the people of Haiti without reinforcing the reality of the illusion? I have outlined 3
teachings from the Course that I hope with help you discern as A Course in Miracles student how to look at and respond to this
situation.
true to the teachings of the Course. We have a tendency to think that our response is an either/or choice. Either join with the belief
that this is a tragedy; that the pain and suffering is very real and then rush to help or sit back and say “it’s all an illusion” and do
nothing believing that if we did respond we would be reinforcing the illusion and that would not be helpful. Is it an either/or choice
or is there a way to respond to the needs of the people of Haiti without reinforcing the reality of the illusion? I have outlined 3
teachings from the Course that I hope with help you discern as A Course in Miracles student how to look at and respond to this
situation.
| A Course in Miracles Response to Haiti |
A Course in Miracles gives a reinterpretation of many of our celebrated holidays. Click on the link below for audio links and
writings on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day, Lent, Easter, and Mother's Day.
writings on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day, Lent, Easter, and Mother's Day.
| Holiday Messages |
| The Story of Cancer- The Truth of Love |
A few months ago, a friend was sharing with me her inspiration to publish a book focusing on stories of women who have had an
experience of God that transformed a potentially painful situation into one of peace and love. I responded, “Oh, I’ve had one of
those.” I was a little hesitant in talking about it - for how can you put the experience of God into words? Because of her
interest I began sharing a little bit about my encounter with Divine Love. As I talked, I could see by her expression, that even
though words are limiting, she too felt the love. She asked if I would give further details about it so she could include it in her
book. What follows is a transcript of the words I used to describe my experience.
experience of God that transformed a potentially painful situation into one of peace and love. I responded, “Oh, I’ve had one of
those.” I was a little hesitant in talking about it - for how can you put the experience of God into words? Because of her
interest I began sharing a little bit about my encounter with Divine Love. As I talked, I could see by her expression, that even
though words are limiting, she too felt the love. She asked if I would give further details about it so she could include it in her
book. What follows is a transcript of the words I used to describe my experience.
Thoughts That Illuminate Page 1
Thoughts That Illuminate Page 1