tag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:/blogs/newsletter-articles?p=6Newsletter Articles2023-03-03T13:47:18-08:00Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightsfalsetag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/71647362023-03-03T13:47:18-08:002023-10-16T07:46:15-07:00The Great Awakening<p style="text-align:justify;">An enduring myth teaches that we should not awaken a sleepwalker. It was thought that the shock of a sudden awakening might cause a heart attack, or that the disoriented sleeper might strike out and cause injury. When we consider that the sleepwalker is <img src="https://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/127184/9912a702efa7923f09d959bccc18f2b49b3de8f3/original/44358456880-31d182ec51-c.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_s justify_right border_" alt="" />dreaming, is experiencing an artificial environment and events, we can understand that it would be startling to be thrust into waking life. Rather, we should gently guide the sleepwalker back to bed, allowing for a gradual, more natural awakening.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">There is a parallel between waking the sleepwalker and preparing ourselves and our world for contact with the extraterrestrials. Due to our societal and spiritual teachings, many of us hold a worldview that does not include a peaceful evolution into a galactic civilization. We share an interpretation of history and religion that has led to a culture based on fear and violence, and we extend this to our idea of contact with other-worldly beings.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">If we were to be exposed prematurely to open contact, if we were to suddenly recognize a different reality, our systems might crumble from the shock. It is for the good of the whole that we are gently guided into this new awareness.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">The truth is that we have never been alone. Our scriptures and our archeology are replete with tales and symbols of beings from other worlds and other <img src="https://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/127184/b656d2e058d26824c8c1c28c38ba434fdb3b33ed/original/30457858266-4565df9da5-b.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_s justify_left border_" alt="" />dimensions. We belong to a vast galactic family. Instead of our viewing contact as being invaded by aliens, we could embrace it as a family reunion, we could release fear and cultivate peaceful anticipation.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">There are a multitude of beings—human and non-nonhuman, on this planet and beyond this planet, in this dimension and from other dimensions—who are preparing us for contact. They are gently, joyfully awakening us from our dream of separation and inviting us to a homecoming celebration.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Unity’s teachings provide a solid foundation for this time of galactic change. Our basic principles have always stated that God is everywhere present, that God’s offspring are divine, and that we are the cocreators of our reality. The Christian framework provided by Unity extends over billions of years and includes other universes as Charles Fillmore, Unity’s cofounder, explained in Keep a True Lent (Chap. 17):</p><p align="left">“The fact is that the relationship which Jesus bears to the human family is quite beyond our present intellectual comprehension. In order to understand the status of Jesus we have to visualize a universe like that in which we live as having existed during billions of years in the past, as having fulfilled its mission in the evolution of a superrace of men, and as then passing away leaving as its fruit God-men with creative power. Jesus was one of the God-men of that ancient creation, and it was His destiny to bring forth from the depths of Being a race of potential gods, place them in an environment where they could grow as He grew and become, like Him, a Son of God.”</p><p style="text-align:justify;">We each chose to be born into this Time of Great Awakening. We are the midwives of the New Earth. Our mission is simple: to keep the High Watch. We wait, peacefully and joyously, as the new day dawns. We approach those still sleeping with patience--comforting and reassuring them. We allow ourselves to expand into a new way of understanding.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">And in our hearts, we provide a Safe Haven for the other-worldly beings seeking reunion with their Earthly family.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,204);">Namaste, Rev. Carla</span></p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/71007722022-11-11T21:45:57-08:002022-11-11T21:45:58-08:00The Battle Over Abortion Part 2: The Crack in the Cosmic Egg<p><em>Part 2 of our article on The Battle Over Abortion, The Crack in the Cosmic Egg, explores the metaphysical causes underlying the turmoil in our world today. </em></p>
<p>Joseph Chilton Pearce wrote <em>The Crack in the Cosmic Egg</em>, first published in 1971 with a new version released in 2002. </p>
<p>The basic idea of the book is: “The sum total of our notions of what the world is—and what we perceive its full potential to be—form a shell of rational thought in which we reside. This logical universe creates a vicious circle of reasoning that robs our minds of power and prevents us from reaching our true potential. To step beyond that circle requires a centering and focus that today’s society assaults on every level.” </p>
<p>Taking that idea and blending it with the metaphysical teachings of the creative power of mind, we next look at the series of books that Carlos Castaneda wrote about the Yaqui shaman Don Juan. Don Juan often described seeing humans as luminous eggs. </p>
<p>He said that our consciousness exists within an energetic belief structure, with our experiences being the projection of these beliefs reflected back to us on the inside of the eggshell. </p>
<p>We create our world, our life experiences, and the reactions we have to them, with the power of our minds. We have forgotten that we do this. The collective beliefs that we have formed and acquired throughout the millennia of earthly existence comprise our race consciousness. </p>
<p>But they are not all true. They are part of our consciousness because we have been taught them, we have believed them, and we have experienced their reflection as we project them into the world--this world that we have created, this world that reflects so much violence and injustice back to us. </p>
<p>There comes a time in the evolution of a species when that species is preparing to make a cosmic jump into a higher dimension. We are breaching the threshold of such a time. </p>
<p>This jump requires that we become aware: </p>
<ul> <li>Aware of the mechanics of reality creation. </li> <li>Aware of the cause of our global suffering. </li> <li>Aware that we are victims only of our erroneous beliefs. </li> <li>Aware that this is the Truth that will set us free. </li>
</ul>
<p>When the suffering that results from our erroneous beliefs reaches the breaking point, we may finally be willing to awaken to a different way of seeing. </p>
<p>There is a phenomenon that happens with chicks when they are ready to hatch: they grow a tooth on the top of their beaks. They use it first to puncture the membrane that has enclosed them during their development. This allows them to access a little pocket of air at the end of the egg and begin breathing. </p>
<p>They then use this tooth to peck through the shell, cracking it open so that they can hatch into the next level of their existence. The tooth, when no longer needed, falls off </p>
<p>The idea that nature provides a tooth when needed for this purpose is amazing. The idea that the chick uses brute force to puncture his egg sac, the sac that has supported his existence, might seem terrifying. </p>
<p>That the chick goes on to destroy his shell, the shell which has housed and fed and protected him--that he is driven to hammer at it, breaking it open so that he can forever leave it is equally terrifying. </p>
<p>And that the chick does all of this in order to become part of a brand-new world, to burst into the sunlight of a different time and space, is astonishing. </p>
<p>We are humans struggling to be hatched. </p>
<p>We have outgrown our old shells and are ready to burst forth into a new way of being. This transformation may seem violent. We may need to destroy the old structures to allow in the light of a new understanding. </p>
<p>After years of reporting the evening news, Dan Rather observed: “Sometimes major setbacks precede and even spur, transformational victories.” </p>
<p>So much of what is happening in our world can be compared to the egg tooth. We are creating social mechanisms that force us to reconsider our old assumptions. And the process of breaking out of our restrictive definitions can be scary. </p>
<p>There is so much more at stake than the rights for which we fight. It goes much deeper than racial equality, gender rights or women’s rights. We are awakening to what it means to be divine humans. We are in a period of transformation that will lead us into a new age, an age in which we fulfill our destiny! </p>
<p>So, what is your role during this time of transition? </p>
<p>Your role is to recognize, and follow your calling. Some folks are called to engage in protests or other forms of social activism. Many folks, especially those attracted to Unity’s teachings of prayer and meditation, find themselves filling the role of Faithkeeper. </p>
<p>The Faithkeeper is a Native American tradition </p>
<p>The role of the Faithkeeper is to remain peaceful and calm, while maintaining spiritual enlightenment and understanding, no matter what the tribe may endure. </p>
<p>Under extreme conditions, if every single tribe member stumbles into fear, doubt, anxiety, worry and pain, the Faithkeeper maintains peace, spirituality and understanding. Therefore, the Faithkeeper is looked upon as the reminder of the "I AM" presence of God, the Great Spirit or Creator. </p>
<p>As you encounter the signs of strife and discord in our world, know that you can fill one of the most important roles of all. You can resist the fear and anger being expressed by so many. You can be a stand for peace, faith, love and harmony. </p>
<p>You can behold the new world in your heart, and hold that vision steady, like a lighthouse, to guide all of the tribe through the seeming darkness to the safety of the new shore. </p>
<p>You can hold fast to the Truth that God is in the midst of every situation, providing an underlying divine order, guiding us, and loving us--loving all of us, all the time. </p>
<p>You can be a stand for the Truth that sets us free.</p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/70958502022-11-04T15:00:29-07:002022-11-04T16:23:09-07:00The Battle Over Abortion: Part 1 The Preexistence of the Soul<p><em>We present Part 1 of our article on The Battle Over Abortion, The Preexistence of the Soul, which provides the background and global view of our current thinking. Part 2: The Crack in the Cosmic Egg, explores the metaphysical causes underlying the turmoil in our world today. It will be available in the near future. </em></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/127184/a90ab10127f9edd90c333f149210687aa84d5c5a/original/14847851460-b5e001a81b-o.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_none" alt="" />Why does the issue of abortion rights cause such a heated debate? We begin by discussing the spiritual implications of terminating a pregnancy, and why our right to do so causes such contention. </p>
<p>We will look at this multi-level issue from 3 different perspectives: </p>
<ul> <li>Unity’s response to the Supreme Court ruling, </li> <li>Traditional religious views, Christian and other, on abortion, </li> <li>The deeper metaphysical significance of this conflict and this time in history. </li>
</ul>
<p>We begin by sharing the statement released by Unity’s parent organization, Unity Worldwide Ministries—<strong><a contents="use this link to read it" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.unityworldwideministries.org/rapid-response" target="_blank">use this link to read it: We Stand For Reproductive Rights</a>.</strong> Whereas this statement addresses women’s rights, it does not broach the question of the morality of terminating a pregnancy. Unity’s other teachings, when taken as a whole, do address that issue. </p>
<p>When providing spiritual counseling concerning abortion, we stress two things: First, that in this, as in all things, we counsel folks to go to God first, then to follow divine guidance in pursuing action in the outer world. Unity does not take a stand for or against abortion. Unity takes a stand on the individual’s right to follow the guidance they receive in prayer. </p>
<p>The second thing we stress regarding abortion is the eternal validity of the soul. Unity teaches that each soul is an expression of God, eternal and indestructible. We have always existed and will always exist. It is the notion that souls are created in the womb, at some point between conception and birth, that has led to the heated debate over terminating a pregnancy. </p>
<p>This notion leads us to the role that religious views play in our justice system.</p>
<p>Christianity did not always teach that souls are created in the womb. Until 553 CE, the church accepted the Doctrine of Preexistence, Preexistence of the Soul. It was at the 2nd Council of Constantinople that this doctrine was outlawed and declared a heresy. The teaching of a heresy led to excommunication and even execution. Outlawing this doctrine also eliminated any reference to reincarnation in Christian theology. </p>
<p>But there are still some references in scripture like the three that follow: </p>
<p> (God speaking to Jeremiah) “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,<br> and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”<br> (Jeremiah 1:5 NRSV) </p>
<p> (David speaking to God) “Your eyes beheld my unformed substance.<br> In your book were written all the days that were formed for me,<br> when none of them as yet existed.” (Psalm 139:16 NRSV) </p>
<p> (Paul speaking to the Ephesians) “just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation<br> of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love.” (Ephesians 1:4 NRSV) </p>
<p>Consider some of the contradictory teachings and practices of Christian churches, especially the historical Catholic church, including: </p>
<ul> <li>Human souls are created in the womb. After humans die they spend eternity in heaven or hell, based on their behavior while on earth. This behavior is determined by the church. </li> <li>If a newborn dies before it is baptized by a priest, it cannot go to heaven, it goes to limbo. </li> <li>If a person dies without last rites administered by a priest, (absolution for sins), they cannot go to heaven. </li>
</ul>
<p>Though there are many more details involved, and much history about how these teachings evolved, we can conclude a couple of important things--these teachings gave great power and control over the population to the church authorities. And that they have influenced our justice system, and our everyday morals, often in ways that are invisible to us. </p>
<p>Though traditional Christian denominations teach that souls are created in the womb and that the afterlife experience depends on Earthly obedience, some other groups teach the eternal validity of the soul. These include New Thought and Mormons. </p>
<p>Most of the other world religions teach about reincarnation. In some Eastern spiritual traditions, many people believe the spirits of the unborn have countless opportunities to incarnate, and so if a mother chooses not to give birth, it doesn't mean the spirit can't try again. The view that the unborn are spiritual beings that deserve our love and respect is shared, but women who have abortions are spiritual beings as well, and it is their right to choose. To have an abortion is a part of the cosmic cycling of spirit from life to life. In these traditions, death is not viewed as final. And life is deeply cherished. </p>
<p>In the Jewish faith there is no teaching of an afterlife. Their teachings about abortion are well-defined and strikingly different from Christian thought </p>
<p>Life does not begin at conception under Jewish law. Sources in the Talmud note that the fetus is “mere water” before 40 days of gestation. Following this period, the fetus is considered a physical part of the pregnant individual’s body, not yet having life of its own or independent rights. The fetus is not viewed as separate from the parent’s body until birth begins and the first breath of oxygen into the lungs allows the soul to enter the body. </p>
<p>Jewish law advises abortion if the pregnancy causes any risk to the mother’s physical or mental health. </p>
<p>So, once again, please notice the Christian influence on the American justice system. When we understand how we got to the present moment, then learning about the foundational beliefs of our spiritual culture, and realizing that these were not always the same, gives us the information needed for our personal decisions, and enables us to gain a deeper perspective of the contention in today’s world. </p>
<p><em>This concludes Part 1 of our article on The Battle Over Abortion, The Preexistence of the Soul, which provides the background and global view of our current thinking. Part 2: The Crack in the Cosmic Egg, explores the metaphysical causes underlying the turmoil in our world today. It will be available in the near future.</em></p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/70235742022-07-25T18:41:19-07:002022-07-25T18:41:19-07:00Sand Mandalas and Kaleidescopes<p>One of the most challenging aspects of the human journey is letting go of moments and experiences as we pass through them. Some part of our human nature, perhaps caused by a lack of spiritual understanding, causes us to hang on. We hold tight to the beauty of a sunset. We grieve deeply over the death of a loved one. </p>
<p>Yet nothing lasts forever. Even in our quest to find our life partners, we must be mindful of the traditional marriage vows of “’til death do we part.” Our children grow up, becoming amazing adults, yet this requires the loss of the little boy or girl with whom we played and shared so many intimate days. </p>
<p>Occasionally there will be groups of Tibetan monks touring the country, creating their beautiful and complex sand mandalas. After spending days or weeks in painstaking concentration, they destroy the finished product, returning the elaborate design to the chaos of colored sand. Our Western minds are boggled by this tradition. </p>
<p>Picture the mandala as having the deity of Brahman at the center, speaking eternal truths of existence into the cosmos. With each word, these truths resonate through time and space, to be interpreted by humans in the world of form. Imagine the Brahman creating existence with each exhalation, and with each inhalation returning form to chaos. This can be visualized as the rhythm of the waves coming in and going out over a sandy beach. </p>
<p>The kaleidoscope is also representative of the impermanence of form and beauty. Each time the little pieces of colored glass are shaken, they create the illusion of another perfectly symmetrical design. It isn’t real. It’s created with mirrors and random shards of glass. Each design will appear until the next time the kaleidoscope is shook, only to be replaced by another colored pattern. </p>
<p>Likewise, in our lives, no two moments are the same. We move through a world of illusion, deluding ourselves about how to achieve safety, security and everlasting love. Yet, if we are willing to release old definitions, we find an underlying truth that provides all these things. </p>
<p>We are eternal beings riding the current of God’s exhalation into time and space—and beyond. When we practice nonattachment, we realize that we are truly, and permanently, attached to a much bigger force than we can conceive in our temporary human condition. </p>
<p>And so we breathe. We accept the mysterious, glorious, fabric of reality which supports us. We behold in amazement the wonder of each passing moment, allowing the ebb and flow of God Mind to carry us through our universal journey. </p>
<p>And all the while, like a mantra ever being chanted in the back of our minds, we hear, “All Is Well, All Is Well, All Is Well.” </p>
<p>And so it is, now and forevermore, Amen and Amen.</p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/69604742022-04-29T20:14:40-07:002022-04-29T20:14:40-07:00Adventures of a Reluctant Student<p><br><strong>(Thoughts based on Illusions II by Richard Bach) </strong></p>
<p><strong>“If we agree that the world is not what it seems, then we have an important question: What shall we do about it?” </strong></p>
<p>One of the descriptions for the Unity movement is Practical Christianity. Many of us, myself included, are pretty comfortable exploring the realm of theory. We find explanations that help us to make sense of the confusions of the world, and discover reasons for humanity’s endless struggles. But is this enough? Is it enough to gain wisdom of the workings of Spirit unless we find ways to apply this knowledge? </p>
<p>The phrase “Practical Christianity” (or “Practical Spirituality” if you prefer) entails that we actually practice what we learn. When faced with personal or collective challenges, we remember that we can use denials and affirmations, we can call for prayer, we bring forth our divine powers and allow them to guide and strengthen us. </p>
<p>Improving our spiritual understanding allows us to interpret the world, recognizing things that are not what they seem, and learning a new perspective that brings greater peace. </p>
<p><strong>“If we want to end this lifetime higher than we began, we can expect an uphill road.” </strong></p>
<p>This is about our definition of success and the amount of effort required to achieve it. True success has little to do with material things: money, houses, education, status or luxury. Achieving these things often leaves us feeling empty and dissatisfied. It can be an uphill road to release what we’ve been taught about success—to give up the goals that most of us take for granted—and to design a lifetime filled with the riches of Spirit. Part of our journey into higher thinking includes redefining times of loss and grief, and learning that death is a natural transition into another phase of life. </p>
<p><strong>“The world of space, time and appearances can be wondrous beautiful. Just don’t mistake them for real.” </strong></p>
<p>Though we metaphysicians spend much time trying to convince folks that the world is an illusion, this does not mean that the world, and the life we lead on it, is meaningless or without beauty. Living is a worthwhile pastime, and we all volunteered to be here. When we have gained a spiritual perspective, we can enjoy the majesty of this world while suffering less from its seeming failures. </p>
<p>We end these thoughts with this excerpt from “Desiderata” by Max Ehrmann: </p>
<p><strong>“With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.”</strong></p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/65408322021-02-05T14:02:26-08:002021-02-05T14:02:26-08:00Be the Change<p>In 1998, Arun Gandhi, the grandson of Mahatma Ghandi, introduced the Season for Nonviolence. These 64 days, observed each year, begin on January 30 and end on April 7—commemorating the assassinations of Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. In California especially, the life work of Cesar Chavez is also honored. The Association for Global New Thought, and many New Thought churches, dedicate this season to promoting peace. </p>
<p>You may have seen the quote "Be the change you wish to see in the world." Though it is doubtful that Gandhi ever said these exact words, in 1913 he wrote: “We but mirror the world. All the tendencies present in the outer world are to be found in the world of our body. If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. This is the divine mystery supreme. A wonderful thing it is and the source of our happiness. We need not wait to see what others do.” </p>
<p>Nonviolent protest has been an essential part of social and political change in American history. Martin Luther King, Jr. laid out six principles of nonviolence in his book Stride Toward Freedom. </p>
<p>1. Nonviolence is a way of life for courageous people. <br>2. Nonviolence seeks to win friendship and understanding. <br>3. Nonviolence seeks to defeat injustice not people. <br>4. Nonviolence holds that suffering can educate and transform. <br>5. Nonviolence chooses love instead of hate. <br>6. Nonviolence believes that the universe is on the side of justice </p>
<p>Please join us this coming Sunday, March 31, as we share the impact that a commitment to nonviolence can have in our individual lives and in our world.</p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/65224482021-01-15T20:38:18-08:002021-01-15T20:38:18-08:00Self-Care in Times Like These<p>It’s been nearly a year since the pandemic started necessitating changes in our everyday lives. Even if we think we’ve grown used to the restrictions and isolation, we need to be aware that we’ve lived under an ongoing shadow of fear. Add to this the increasing civil unrest and violence, and you have a population that is struggling with great stress on a daily basis. </p>
<p>This stress shows up in our lives in many ways. We may have troubling dreams that interrupt our restful sleep. We may have short tempers. We may have difficulty focusing on the tasks at hand. We may find it difficult to cope with the other challenges that life presents—illness and death of our loved ones, financial insecurity and uncertainty about the future. </p>
<p>It is easy to neglect self-care when facing so many distractions. Yet having a plan that includes daily attention to our well-being, as well as additional activities that heal and uplift us, is essential to thriving in difficult times. On a daily basis, plan healthy menus that also include some of your favorite comfort foods. Get enough rest and realize that frightful dreams are often your mind’s way of processing the day’s news. Watch light TV and avoid violent shows. Take a weekly Sabbath away from the news and spend that time in quiet renewal. Spend time in nature—breathe deeply when outside and allow the natural denizens of our planet to aid in your healing. Get some exercise. </p>
<p>Also schedule events that provide enlightenment and upliftment. This coming Sunday at USC, our guest speaker Sky Nelson-Isaacs is speaking on The Art of Synchronistic Choices. His article in this newsletter describes how this seemingly esoteric topic directly relates to today’s social issues. </p>
<p>And remember to laugh. I watch reruns of my favorite old sitcoms every day. Currently I’m watching “Rhoda,” a hit show from the 1970s. It is available on YouTube. Also, I recommend an upcoming comedy concert starring Greg Tamblyn. Greg has entertained Unity audiences for many years. His humor is gentle, relevant and side-splitting, See the blurb below for the link to his concert on Tuesday, January 19. </p>
<p>Finally, maintain your faith. Even if you do not know why things happen, there are always reasons, and those reasons are ultimately good. We can rest in the knowing that God is present in the midst of every situation and God’s love envelopes us each moment of the day. </p>
<p>In peace, </p>
<p>Rev. Carla</p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/65224472021-01-15T20:35:36-08:002021-01-15T20:35:36-08:00The Storm Before the Calm<p>We are living in remarkable times--times in which humanity is discovering the Truth about itself, and about the world. Times that are occurring because millennia of historic events have set the stage for our awakening. The biggest mistake we can make is to be too shortsighted in our attempt to interpret current situations. </p>
<p>It’s easy to give in to our emotional response to the threat of violence when crowds stormed the Capitol on January 6. Yet, our feelings of fear, shock and anger do not lead us into the kind of understanding necessary to respond to what happened. We must frame these experiences in an historic perspective. </p>
<p>We are living in an Axial Age (think of the axis of a wheel as it turns, moving everything forward). And like the transition of other Axial Ages, for instance, Medieval into Renaissance, everything changes. It is going to involve (indeed, it is already involving) every aspect of our lives: our governance and politics, our economics and financial stability, our commerce and industry, our social conventions and constructions, our educational systems and approaches, our religions and beliefs, our customs and traditions—in fact, our entire cultural story. </p>
<p>The old systems of error thought, long existing in the shadow of Race Mind, are now being expressed, allowing us to recognize them, and giving us the freedom to heal and release them. This can be an explosive process, because much energy has been suppressed around major erroneous beliefs. Nevertheless, exposing them is an essential stage in our racial healing. </p>
<p>We think back to the Book of Genesis and the story of Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers. Joseph ultimately rose to a high rank in Egypt and managed the stores of grain that saved numerous people during a famine. When reunited with his brothers, they wept and begged for forgiveness. Joseph said (GN 50:20) “Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good.” </p>
<p>During these tumultuous times, we need to step back from the obvious interpretation of anything that happens, take a long view, and see what is revealed and what changes for the good as a result. And always, always remember to lead with love. </p>
<p>In peace, </p>
<p>Rev. Carla</p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/64050642020-08-07T22:29:01-07:002020-08-07T22:29:01-07:00Lessons from the Rose Garden<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/127184/f4ecd07b0564ab2876605bda2a3ece50ee27d980/original/flower-rose-petal-blooming-preview.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_left border_" />For a few years now our rose garden bed has been ravaged by a deer in the summertime. No matter how much we talked to it, that it could eat anything except the roses or the succulents on the patio, the deer kept coming back. The plants had ravishing blooms in the springtime, but soon became stubs with no flowers and few leaves. </p>
<p>This spring, as a gift to me, my husband Michael cleaned up the rose bed, weeded it, added soil and mulch, and put up post with two wires for an electric fence. This was especially nice because you can't see the wire, and it doesn't hurt the deer, just gives them a quick warning. </p>
<p>The roses bloomed beautifully. As happens, life got busy, though, and I failed to prune them after the bloom. Watering was infrequent and the bushes became scraggly. We unplugged the electric fence to use the cord for some other purpose. </p>
<p>What do you know? In the height of the summer that deer came back and ate most of the leaves that remained. </p>
<p>Today I needed some spiritual nourishment and spent a few hours outside in the breeze of the morning with my chocolate lab, Zeus. I pruned the rose bushes, gave them a deep watering and some fertilizer. And I plugged in the electric fence. I know that in a month or so, I'll again have beautiful blooms. </p>
<p>In doing this, I had a sudden realization that this was a lesson in tithing. You see, the rose garden gives me great spiritual nourishment. I breathe in pleasure when I see it, and I stop to smell the roses in gratitude. But for it to flourish, I have to give back. For the garden to continue to feed me spiritually, I have to give it attention, love, and support. And by doing this I am actually supporting myself. </p>
<p>What is it that feeds you spiritually? Are you practicing good self care by giving it the attention and support that it requires to thrive? Do this first and your blessings and support will be magnified. </p>
<p><strong><span style="color:#000099;">Many Blessings, <br>Lisa Lawson</span></strong></p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/64050632020-08-07T22:27:42-07:002020-08-07T22:27:42-07:00How to Respond?<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/127184/eadd382313213113b8e28e9471271b7b1d5b3637/original/screen-shot-2020-06-28-at-12-59-35-pm.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.png" class="size_s justify_left border_" />With all of the tumultuous events we are exposed to in our daily media, do you find it difficult to refrain from reacting to each seeming threat or injustice? When we remember that what we focus on grows, we learn to choose our responses, breathing through any initial feelings of shock or dismay, and allowing our higher understanding to guide us. </p>
<p>Choosing to focus on peace is an intentional response to current events. We remember that what the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls a butterfly. We choose to rise higher, knowing that even when we don’t know the answer, we do know that there is an answer. </p>
<p>Despite some appearances, a New Age is dawning, making it imperative to discharge error thoughts held in race mind. In keeping with the idea that it is always darkest just before the dawn, our world currently seems barraged with the outer expression of these fear-based beliefs as they are exposed and released. </p>
<p>We can add tremendously to the healing of our race and our world—individually and collectively, one day at a time, with our intent to live from our Truth, both in our inner lives and outer lives. </p>
<p>Following are some ideas about how to do this work: </p>
<p>Respond with love. Remember that hate and anger mask fear. Respond to the fear, not the rage. <br>Rule your mind. Be aware of your thoughts and assumptions, releasing those based on false ideas. <br>Be steadfast in your faith. <br>Pray. Pray with a Chaplain. Email a prayer request to Info@UnityCitrusHeights.org. Call Silent Unity (1-800-NOW-PRAY). </p>
<p>Remember that you are unique and indispensable. You chose to be born during these turbulent and transformative times for the gifts you bring. Your thoughts, feelings and actions do count, and do impact the overall healing of the world. </p>
<p>With all its challenges and seeming disappointments, this is still the most incredible time in the history of the world. You don’t want to miss this—it is worth all the doubt and struggle! </p>
<p>We read in Luke 12:32 “Do not be afraid little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.” Now is the time. This is the place. And we are kingdom-bound!! </p>
<p><span style="color:#000099;">God bless us one and all, </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000099;">Rev. Carla</span></p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/63186012020-05-15T21:16:02-07:002020-05-15T21:16:40-07:00Surprised by Transformation<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/127184/50f0b4b8966f418a1e9a6aa034bcfe23c7cbda03/original/caterpillar-1421498-1920.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_left border_" />Two caterpillars stood on a twig, happily munching away at a leaf. Gazing at the sky, they noticed a butterfly flutter by. One of them, momentarily distracted from his repast, commented, “You’ll never get me up in one of those things!” </p>
<p>This popular joke is endearing because it illustrates our hesitancy to accept change, our unknowingness about the nature of life and our innocence when confronted with the signs and symbols of impending transformation. </p>
<p>We, the citizens of Earth, are currently being confronted with the signs and symbols of impending transformation. We are the generations of man who have volunteered to usher humankind into the next stage of its destiny. While homebound, we are cocooning into a new expression of our culture and our very existence. This may be the leap from Homo Sapiens to Homo Galacticus. </p>
<p>I recently rewatched “Out on a Limb,” a mini-series based on Shirley MacLaine’s memoir of her spiritual awakening in the 1980’s. It is available on YouTube. In one scene, she is discussing a seeming tragic time of mass death with her friend and mentor, David. When David presents a different viewpoint, Shirley asks, “Are you telling me that they chose to die?” David replied, “No. I’m telling you that they did not die.” </p>
<p>During these trying times, our foundational beliefs are being challenged. Our definitions of success, society, health, death and the purpose of life, are by necessity being transformed while we are cocooned at home, resting and munching away at our snacks. What looks like the death of a way of life will turn out to be a beautiful rebirth. </p>
<p>There are no accidents. There are no victims. There is no loss. There is only God—God eternally unfolding as humankind enters our next sacred expression of All That Is. </p>
<p>Sleep well. Munch away. Accept change. And fear not. The Lord is with us and all is well. </p>
<p>Love always, </p>
<p>Rev. Carla</p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/63095022020-05-08T14:14:02-07:002020-05-08T14:15:48-07:00Life Abounding!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/127184/94c5b8c47d7170251993d9bd7c5d1d0997d6a62e/original/img-1107.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpeg" class="size_s justify_left border_" />It’s May! It’s here! That joyous time of year! The Earth itself resonates with rebirth and renewal. The cycles of nature are God speaking to us, teaching us about ourselves. The leaves drop in the fall and return in the spring. We live, and die, and live again. Each part of life comes and goes in perfect rhythm and divine harmony. </p>
<p>Nature has been very active during our recent time of confinement – a word that has traditionally been applied to the period that precedes giving birth. </p>
<p>And new birth has been given! Yesterday, in one of the social media groups that I follow, we were privileged to observe the birth of three Papillon puppies. Papillons, meaning butterflies, are small, bright-eyed, gloriously plumed and feathered dogs. There are over 1700 people who follow this group. We were involved in the anticipation, preparation and joy of delivery of two girls and one boy, weighing 5 ounces, 3 ounces, and 5 ounces. In this time when our daily lives are stressful, we participated in a global web of love and rejoicing—connecting strangers in the awareness of the sweet, sweet promises of nature. </p>
<p>For the past several weeks, I have observed two doves brooding on their nest outside my back door. From the first day when they perched on my back fence, choosing their spot on top of a shelf set; through days of cold and rain when it was obvious that they chose well, remaining dry and sheltered; to the day I saw the hatchlings, then saw them rapidly grow into fledglings; I was part of their hope and drama. I saw the adult doves return to their perch on my back fence and the now-big babies practice flapping their newly feathered wings. Then I found the nest empty. It was perfect. </p>
<p>I couldn’t feel sad that they were gone. Life is about coming and going and growing. After I removed the nest, I walked around to the side of the house and found that the purple clematis vine had just blossomed, and that bees were feasting on an early blooming privet. Life abounds, change is the only constant. Nature reflects God’s plan of good in every moment. </p>
<p>We, too, have been moving through a period of retreat and the confinement that precedes birth. We, too, are constantly growing and changing. We are creating a global web of love and rebirth. And, we, too, are celebrating the return of spring! </p>
<p>I close with these lines of verse, excerpted from Pippa’s Song by Robert Browning: </p>
<p> The year's at the spring, <br> And day's at the morn; <br> Morning's at seven; <br> The hill-side's dew-pearl'd; <br> The lark's on the wing; <br> The snail's on the thorn; <br> God's in His heaven, <br> All's right with the world! </p>
<p>Much love, always, </p>
<p>Rev. Carla</p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/62937212020-04-24T15:53:59-07:002020-04-24T15:53:59-07:00Miracle Whip<p>As we all adjust to this Time of Corona, little comforts mean a lot. Including music, soft blankets, dog hugs and favorite meals enables us to maintain a positive and healing atmosphere in our homebound condition. </p>
<p>I have found comfort in returning to some of the food of my childhood—big meals with roast, potatoes, carrots and green beans fill me and fulfill me as never before. I’ve begun making tuna salad sandwiches for many lunchtimes—complete with potato chips, and yes, Miracle Whip. </p>
<p>Most of us are attached the the salad spread of our youth, maintaining fervid loyalty to mayonaise of a certain brand, or in many cases, Miracle Whip. It’s been years since I bought the original brand and variety, I had been opting for organic mayo, or “light” spreads. But my tuna sandwiches have brought me back to my youth, and I bought some of the original. It tastes good. It soothes me. It feels like home. </p>
<p>The things that tie us to the feeling of sanctuary, to places and people who made us feel safe, help us to remember that this time shall also pass. And that every little thing will be alright. </p>
<p>I recently posted several essays on my Facebook page, including the one below. I wrote it in 2003, when I lived near Kansas City. The sound of the cicadas took me back to my childhood in Springfield, Illinois. I was amazed at the response this essay received—especially from my family and friends in Illinois. It seemed to elicit that feeling of sanctuary, of a simpler time when we felt safe. </p>
<p>I share it with you, knowing that we are still safe, and that our homes are our sanctuaries during these challenging days… </p>
<p>CICADA SERENADE </p>
<p>The cicadas began their serenade and my heart flew out of my cool, quiet house into the sultry evening. Once again I was in the green wicker rocking chair on Grandma’s front porch, watching the sunset and waiting for the streetlights to turn on. Grandma and I could hear the TV through the open front door; inside, Grandpa was watching the evening news. South Grand Avenue was less than a half block away. The hum of traffic and the occasional siren were part of the evening’s music. But the cicadas were on front stage, as if the muffled TV and traffic sounds provided the orchestral accompaniment for a cicada concerto. </p>
<p>My heart then flew upstairs to Grandma’s guest room—the pink one at the head of the stairs. Later, after our bedtime snack of vanilla ice cream and orange sherbet, Grandma would tuck me in. I could still hear South Grand through the open windows. As the night progressed, there would be fewer cars—but more sirens. Grandma would set a small black oscillating fan on the windowsill, and make sure that the breeze wafted back and forth over the bed. </p>
<p>When I was very young, she would line up 3 or 4 straight back chairs along the bed so that I couldn’t fall out. I always thought that she was over-anxious, but I enjoyed her care and concern. And, of course, I did have a history of sleepwalking. When I got a little older, she quit lining up the chairs and was content to pull a love seat in front of the stairs—so that I couldn’t fall down them should I get up in the night. </p>
<p>When she and Grandpa went to bed, Grandpa would turn his old floor model radio to a show from the Hotel Roosevelt in New Orleans. They played big band music and songs from the 1940s. I would hear the music through the wall, the raucous cicadas outside, and the somehow comforting sound of the occasional siren. </p>
<p>I awoke once in the middle of the night to a seemingly magical event. My bed had a soft pink blanket on it. I stroked my arm lightly over the blanket, and to my amazement, a trail of sparks followed the movement. I tried it again and again. Lying there in the dark, the dancing sparks looked like fairy fire, illuminating the sweet pink guest room. My head says it was static electricity. My heart knows different. </p>
<p>But now, my heart has fluttered back into my chest as I sit here staring at my computer screen. Grandma and Grandpa have gone to the great beyond. Their big brown house was sold. The new owner painted it olive green. It’s hardly recognizable when I visit my hometown. In a couple of hours I’ll go to bed in my pretty blue bedroom. I will fold the comforter back, exposing the soft blue blanket. I’ll turn on the radio and the fan. I will see fairy shadows where the streetlight shines through the lace curtain. </p>
<p>Drifting off into a deep, safe slumber, I will wrap the cicada serenade around my heart, anchoring it against the tide of poignant memories of days gone by. </p>
<p>I bid you good night, and send sweet dreams to one and all. </p>
<p>Love always, Rev. Carla</p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/62893042020-04-21T11:13:34-07:002020-04-21T11:13:34-07:00Bondage or Liberty, Which?<p>How can we tell that we are not free? The first step is the realization that we are not free. In what ways have we accepted the captivity of our belief systems, without the awareness that we have a choice? This coming Sunday, we begin a set of talks based on the Unity classic book Lessons in Truth by H. Emilie Cady. In it, Cady outlines basic Unity metaphysical principles, that when embraced, radically change our definitions and perception of the world in which we live. We learn that we are truly the masters of our experience, and that by following simple spiritual practices, we can be the conscious creators of our everyday lives. Lessons in Truth is where we start unfolding our understanding. The twelve lessons in this little book provide the groundwork for a lifetime of freedom and mastery. </p>
<p>We will be presenting live Sunday services via Zoom, which will be available afterward on YouTube. If you don’t own a copy of Lessons in Truth, the entire text is available to read or download at TruthUnity.net. Please see the links below. </p>
<p>I look forward to sharing this journey with you as together we travel into the heart of Truth. </p>
<p>Love always, Rev. Carla</p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/62641052020-03-27T14:56:12-07:002020-03-27T14:56:12-07:00Leave Space for God<p>Dear Ones, </p>
<p>As we move through the days and weeks ahead, let us ask for greater understanding of the outpicturing of God’s divine principles in our lives and in our world. Part of this understanding is recognizing the presence of fear and grief, and providing the reassurance and comfort needed for our hearts to heal. </p>
<p>Be assured, that regardless of the scary statistics and newscasts, we are never outside of God’s love. The human race, and the entire earthly realm, are making a transition into the next level of spiritual and physical evolution. The means by which this is being accomplished may confound our human understanding, but the gifts we are receiving during this process will greatly outweigh the fear. </p>
<p>On a personal level, take measures to provide care and comfort for yourself and for those around you. Set up your home with soft pillows and snuggly throws. Watch old movies and comedies on TV. Play the board and card games of your childhood. Get extra rest. Eat comfort food. Hug your dog. Your human self will thank you. </p>
<p>On the spiritual level, take quiet time for prayer and meditation. Read the Daily Word. Use the links provided below to send prayer requests to Silent Unity. </p>
<p>When the world does not make sense, remember that even when we don’t understand the reason for things, we do know there is a reason. And that reason is always, always, in keeping with the eternal laws of the all-loving God. It is for our human side to expand our understanding and to allow new ways of perception to unfold within us. </p>
<p>The Sunday message that will be online March 29 provides several methods for seeing things differently, and for recognizing God in every situation. </p>
<p>As we make space for God to work in our hearts and in our lives, we see more clearly and understand more fully our power and our purpose, we begin to part the veil of mystery that hides the spiritual realm from our every day human understanding. And as we part the veil, God in all its awe and majesty is revealed and reflected back to us. </p>
<p>Though we may not be meeting in person at USC, and though we are still in the process of setting up live streaming of our Sunday services, please know that you are each in our thoughts and prayers as together we find the grace to see us through these changes. </p>
<p>Love always, </p>
<p>Rev. Carla </p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/62577392020-03-21T16:14:22-07:002020-03-21T16:14:22-07:00Flashbacks<p>When President Kennedy was assassinated in 1963, schools and businesses were closed for several days. We had only 3 TV stations and they broadcast details of the shooting, and the funeral, nonstop. </p>
<p>All six of us were at home and very restless. One afternoon,my father walked into the living room and pointed his finger at my brother Rick and myself (we were the two oldest, ages 11 and 13). “You two, please join your mother and me in the kitchen. You are going to learn how to play pinochle.” Thus began a family tradition of playing pinochle. </p>
<p>My mother and my father were both very good at the game, though they had different styles. My younger brother Rick quickly became a worthy opponent. I was included primarily because they needed four players. My mind wandered and I wasn’t good at counting trumps or aces. They wrote me a list of cards that could be melded for points, and I carried that scrap of paper around with me since I could not remember them from game to game. </p>
<p>But, I had (and still have) a secret weapon: good luck. Even if I couldn’t figure out how to bid a particular hand, I usually had enough cards to meld so that I made the points I needed. Rick and Dad were fierce players. Dad would announce at the beginning of the game “Friendship ceases—play to win!” He and Rick devised their own bidding signals when they were partners. Yet, I won as often as not—to the surprise of those who were putting so much effort into the game. </p>
<p>I still enjoy playing cards. I still, in my loopy way, play to win. I still need someone to write a list of meld for me. </p>
<p>Is there a moral to this tale? Does it apply to today’s situation? Let’s consider this: In life, even when we think we know the rules, even when we are trying to hack the game with new systems, there is a mysterious factor X that affects the outcome. This X factor, call it luck, call it fate, or call it divine order, stacks the deck and provides surprise winners. </p>
<p>As we experience the changes in our lifestyles due to the spread of this virus, remember factor X. No matter how much our scientists and politicians figure out the rules and devise new systems, there is still a mysterious divine force at play. And because this force is active in our lives we can expect to win. </p>
<p>Lift your minds and hearts to the energy of God’s good order, and allow these circumstances to bless you in surprising ways! </p>
<p>Much love always, </p>
<p>Rev. Carla </p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Meditation in Times of Change </strong></p>
<p>We allow ourselves to release disturbing thoughts and to rest in a time of quiet surrender. Embracing the Truth that God is present in each moment and every person, we experience the peace that passes all understanding. Even when we cannot discern the reasons for the events in our lives, we rest in God’s love. </p>
<p>Everything in the Earth begins in the spiritual realm. We are co-creators with God, and the works of our minds will ultimately bless humankind. We allow ourselves to be comforted in times of loss, and we send love to those who grieve. We remember that we are sharing an eternal journey—life is transient, loss is temporary, love is forever. </p>
<p>In this moment, we let go of our earthly goals and allow divine grace to enfold us. A new understanding is being birthed upon our planet and we are the midwives of change. For the honor of serving all humankind by our willingness to be here now, we are blessed and we are grateful. </p>
<p>Fear not, all is well. You are in the right place at the right time, and you are already safe in the Heart of God. </p>
<p>NOW AND FOREVERMORE, AMEN. </p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/62543792020-03-18T18:55:14-07:002020-03-18T18:55:14-07:00Double Vision<p>We are sharing an amazing time in history—a time saturated with unforeseen benefits and unexpected blessings. Many of us are grateful for a “time out” from our otherwise overbusy schedules. On a global level, this time serves as a “reboot.” We shall return to our lives refreshed and inspired, having learned how to take care of ourselves and others. </p>
<p>There is no place where God is not. There is no time outside of the divine. Our true challenge as we move through the days and nights ahead is to remain centered and remembering that even if we don’t know the spiritual reason behind today’s events, we do know there is a reason. All is God and God is good all the time. </p>
<p>One of the useful techniques for understanding outer events is called Double Vision. We remember that we are in the world, but not of the world, and maintain our gaze on the eternal Truth as well as mundane appearances: </p>
<ul> <li>With our human perception we see a frightening disease. With our divine vision we behold an opportunity for the human race, and the Earth itself, to be remodeled into a cooperative whole. </li> <li>We see people responding from fear, we behold a global community choosing to reach out to one another. </li> <li>We see families forced to stay at home, we behold this time of closeness and sharing. </li> <li>We see the fear of victimhood on many levels, we behold God’s Order underpinning each aspect of this situation. </li>
</ul>
<p>We at Unity Spiritual Community are whole-heartedly committed to remaining grounded in New Thought Principles. When circumstances are frightening to our human perception, we will remind you of the greater reality in every event. </p>
<p>Peace and comfort to you and yours, always. </p>
<p>Rev. Carla</p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/62495592020-03-14T15:17:14-07:002020-03-14T15:17:14-07:00Tips for Maintaining Your Peace of Mind<p>The fear that accompanies a health crisis such as the coronavirus can be quite destructive. It diminishes our joy and standard of living—and has a negative impact on our immune systems. </p>
<p>Following are some suggestions for improving your peace of mind during the upcoming weeks: </p>
<p>Most importantly, put God first. Go to God in times of prayer and meditation and be open to the comfort and guidance that are always present. </p>
<p>You may call Silent Unity’s 24/7 prayer line at (800) 669-7729 (now pray), or email a prayer request at SilentUnity.org </p>
<p>Limit your daily intake of media news. Remember the sensational culture of news broadcasts and use your inner guidance to discern what information is helpful. </p>
<p>Avoid overreacting to suggested restrictions. The concerns about large gatherings applies to groups of 250 or more. The majority of our activities are attended by far fewer folks. </p>
<p>Weigh the effects on your psychological and spiritual well being of excluding smaller groups such as churches, support groups and activities that ease social isolation. </p>
<p>Plan activities that feed your spirit: Spend time outside in nature, hug your dog, visit with friends. </p>
<p>If you are confined to your home, use this time for R & R: plan times for spiritual renewal, work on your hobbies, read and nap. View this time as a bonus at-home vacation. </p>
<p>Keep in touch with your loved ones. Reach out to those who maybe isolated. Phone, email or send a card. </p>
<p>Include humor in your daily routine. Be selective in your TV viewing—choose comedies. Allow yourself to laugh at human foibles—yours and others. Read funny books. </p>
<p>Maintain a mental distance from current events. Allow yourself to be an observer, noticing how interesting it is to be alive during this time on Earth. </p>
<p>Enlarge your mental focus beyond the present. Picture conversations in the future taking place something like this: “Remember that coronavirus we were all so concerned about back in 2020? Wasn’t that something? Now it seems like just a distant memory.” </p>
<p>Remember that it is All God. What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls a butterfly. Yes, this virus will change us—personally and globally. Such is life. Such is change. Such is God. We are eternally safe in the everlasting arms. </p>
<p>Holding you all in prayer as together we find our way through these tumultuous times. </p>
<p>Rev. Carla</p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/62495582020-03-14T15:16:25-07:002020-03-14T15:16:25-07:00Hands-On Spirituality<p>January 10, 2020 </p>
<p>Unity’s 5 basic principles provide a simple, yet profound, framework upon which to build both spiritual understanding and a program of spiritual practices. These basic principles can be stated as follows: </p>
<p>There is only one Presence and one Power active as the Universe and in my life. God the Good. <br>Our essence is of God; therefore we are inherently good. This God essence was fully expressed in Jesus, the Christ. <br>We are co-creators with God, creating reality through thoughts held in Mind. <br>Through prayer and meditation, we align our heart-mind with God. Denials and affirmations are tools we use. <br>Through thoughts, words, and actions, we live the Truth we know. </p>
<p>Unity is sometimes referred to as practical spirituality—a way of living, thinking and behaving that expresses God in action. Practicing these principles radically improves our perspective of life events, and gives us the means to be co-creators of our Earthly experience. </p>
<p>As we begin this new year, USC is focusing on the 5th principle, sometimes called the action step. Through our Sunday lessons, the Vision Board Workshop on January 14th, and the guided hands-on exercises we share, we will have the opportunity to tune in to the power of ruling our minds and deepening our understanding of God at work in our world. </p>
<p>We share below an example of affirmations written by Myrtle Fillmore, Unity’s co-founder, to be used at bedtime. </p>
<p>I AM STATEMENT </p>
<p> I am health, strength, peace, happiness, and prosperity. </p>
<p> The Spirit of God, which is active in me, flows through my body <br> in a purifying, cleansing, healing stream that removes all <br> obstructions and brings peace, health, and harmony to my body. </p>
<p> I am well, strong, and vital. <br> I am beautiful, peaceful and poised. <br> I am eternally youthful. <br> I am buoyant, happy, and free. </p>
<p> I shall rise in the morning, filled with energy, radiance, and the <br> power to accomplish whatever I find to do. <br> </p>
<p>We invite you to try out Myrtle’s I AM Statement, and the other spiritual tools presented over the upcoming weeks, and to share your questions and results in our Circle Service on the 4th Sunday of the month. </p>
<p>The power of Unity’s teachings resides in their practice. We take advantage of these simple steps as we co-create this new year and new decade. </p>
<p>Unlimited blessings, </p>
<p>Rev. Carla</p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/62495492020-03-14T15:13:43-07:002020-03-14T15:13:43-07:00The Joy of the Journey<p>February 1, 2020</p>
<p>Are there times when your dreams seem to be in a holding pattern, and you keep running around the same circle looking for a way out? Times when you feel stuck, stalled or short-circuited? If so, sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey! </p>
<p>In our high-pressure, goal-oriented society, we sometimes forget that life unfolds according to divine timing. There is a natural rhythm to our progress, with periods of high accomplishment followed with times of inactivity. Know that there is real work being done in these quiet interludes. They are rich in spiritual, emotional and intellectual growth, which prepare us to “spring forth with a mighty faith to do that which is ours to do.” </p>
<p>It is also important to accept change when it does occur. Some of us have difficulty letting go of the old and making room for the new. Perhaps we have dreams left unfulfilled, or need to release an outdated image of ourselves. Focusing on the plans of the past can blind us to the good before us today. </p>
<p>There are many exciting events unfolding during the coming months at Unity Spiritual Community. We invite you to join us, wherever you are in your own journey. You are always welcome at USC, where we support one other’s dreams, encourage each other during the slow times and celebrate each other’s successes! </p>
<p>Namaste, </p>
<p>Rev. Carla</p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/62495482020-03-14T15:11:49-07:002020-03-14T15:15:23-07:00Transformation<p>February 26, 2020</p>
<p>What does a church offer? It offers many things to many people. Folks come to church to experience a sense of belonging to a community, to share in social activities and learn ideas that help with the challenges of life. And sometimes, they receive a complete overhaul of their beliefs and their lifestyles. </p>
<p>As James Dillet Freeman expressed in A Blessing for a Church: “May we who come here not only find out about God, but find God.” How would it change you if you really believed that God is active in your life and in our world? </p>
<p>What would you do differently if you knew to the core of your being that God is everywhere present and all the time good? How would this impact your plans for the future? Change the way you interpret current situations? Would you need to make some amends? Would you be willing to take more risks? </p>
<p>Annie Dillard in Pilgrim at Tinker Creek wrote: “There is always an enormous temptation in all of life to diddle around making itsy-bitsy friends and meals and journeys for itsy-bitsy years on end… The world is wilder than that in all directions, more dangerous and bitter, more extravagant and bright. We are making hay when we should be making whoopee; we are raising tomatoes when we should be raising Cain, or (raising) Lazarus.” </p>
<p>Unity offers a sense of community and social events. And we teach practical tools for improving our lives. But the heart of Unity is awakening—awakening to the Truth of our divine natures, the Truth that will set us free. </p>
<p>The people you meet in a spiritual community are ones who see the real you, the whole you. They are folks who support you on your journey into awakening, allowing you to grow, and change, and change your mind. They will celebrate your epiphanies and love you through times of challenge. And they will give you the honor of sharing this most sacred journey with them. </p>
<p>You are always welcome at Unity Spiritual Community, where possibilities become actualities! </p>
<p>Unlimited Blessings, </p>
<p>Rev. Carla</p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/60839482020-01-10T15:51:47-08:002020-01-10T15:54:33-08:00Hands-On Spirituality<p>Unity’s 5 basic principles provide a simple, yet profound, framework upon which to build both spiritual understanding and a program of spiritual practices. These basic principles can be stated as follows: </p>
<ol> <li>There is only one Presence and one Power active as the Universe and in my life. God the Good. </li> <li>Our essence is of God; therefore we are inherently good. This God essence was fully expressed in Jesus, the Christ. </li> <li>We are co-creators with God, creating reality through thoughts held in Mind. </li> <li>Through prayer and meditation, we align our heart-mind with God. Denials and affirmations are tools we use. </li> <li>Through thoughts, words, and actions, we live the Truth we know. </li>
</ol>
<p>Unity is sometimes referred to as practical spirituality—a way of living, thinking and behaving that expresses God in action. Practicing these principles radically improves our perspective of life events, and gives us the means to be co-creators of our Earthly experience. </p>
<p>As we begin this new year, USC is focusing on the 5th principle, sometimes called the action step. Through our Sunday lessons, the Vision Board Workshop on January 14th, and the guided hands-on exercises we share, we will have the opportunity to tune in to the power of ruling our minds and deepening our understanding of God at work in our world. </p>
<p>We share below an example of affirmations written by Myrtle Fillmore, Unity’s co-founder, to be used at bedtime. </p>
<p>I AM STATEMENT </p>
<p>I am health, strength, peace, happiness, and prosperity. </p>
<p>The Spirit of God, which is active in me, flows through my body in a purifying, cleansing, healing stream that removes all obstructions and brings peace, health, and harmony to my body. </p>
<p>I am well, strong, and vital. <br>I am beautiful, peaceful and poised. <br>I am eternally youthful. <br>I am buoyant, happy, and free. </p>
<p>I shall rise in the morning, filled with energy, radiance, and the power to accomplish whatever I find to do. </p>
<p>We invite you to tryout Myrtle’s I AM Statement, and the other spiritual tools presented over the upcoming weeks, and to share your questions and results in our Circle Service on the 4th Sunday of the month. </p>
<p>The power of Unity’s teachings resides in their practice. We take advantage of these simple steps as we co-create this new year and new decade. </p>
<p><strong><span style="color:#c0392b;">Unlimited blessings, </span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="color:#c0392b;">Rev. Carla</span></strong></p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/59902252019-12-03T11:33:06-08:002019-12-03T11:33:06-08:00The Advent of the Christ<p>Entering the holy season of Advent, we allow ourselves to become focused in this sacred journey, this time-out-of-time. As we approach that Holy Day, we feel united with others who celebrate around the world. We feel our connection with our own ancestors--with the countries from which they came, with the special holiday traditions that they shared. </p>
<p>We realize that no life is lived alone; each one is spun from the web of culture, of belief, of blood. Each person adds his or her own light, and just as the individual lights on the Christmas tree shine forth, we are connected with each other, lighted by the source. We are all connected in this Spiritual Community, we are connected in the world, and each person shines forth with the light of God. </p>
<p>So, rest. Know that all is well. Know that you bring unique gifts into the world, that you fulfill your divine role, that the sum of our personal spirits shines as brightly as the Christmas tree. </p>
<p>During this Christmas season, let loose of the expectations that the world has created. Know that Jesus was born for you, that the Christ abides within you. Be comforted and uplifted by these glad tidings. Rest in the awareness of the Indwelling Christ as we share the glory of this remembrance. </p>
<p>“Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people…’” Today, tomorrow, always—fear not, allow the good news of the Christ to fill you with great joy. </p>
<p><strong><span style="color:#c0392b;">Wishing you all the most joyous of holidays! </span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="color:#c0392b;">Rev. Carla</span></strong></p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/59475982019-11-02T10:51:35-07:002019-11-02T10:51:35-07:00Born Into Captivity<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/127184/d536e73d6df3cc89308fc0fa7d440fd08c0df69b/original/elephant-sunset-1054653.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" />I recently read that it’s not what we don’t know that is the problem. The problem is what we think we do know—the embedded, unrecognized, unquestioned assumptions that color our perception of our lives and our world. These foundational beliefs were garnered throughout our childhoods. Until we realize that we are living one limited version of life, to the exclusion of an infinite number of equally available versions, we continue to blame the world for our troubles. </p>
<p>One of my early wakeup calls came when I took a Caribbean cruise in my 20’s. It was my first trip out of the country, and the passengers came from many different cultures. The first night in the dining room I was startled to observe the many different techniques of using knife, fork and spoon--such a simple thing. Knife in right hand, fork in left—cut your meat—put knife down and switch fork (turning other side up) to right hand to put the bite into your mouth. Correct? Well, correct enough—but it is certainly not the only way, and perhaps is not the best way, to accomplish this simple daily task. </p>
<p>It was strangely confounding to realize that this style of using utensils, one that I’d never questioned, is but one of many different approaches. This small change woke me up to the awareness that my way of life was built on an assortment of assumptions that are truly optional. </p>
<p>Much like elephants that are born into captivity, our assumptions are created by our early training and circumstances. Young elephants are chained to a stake that prevents them from escaping. As they grow, they become strong enough to break the chain, but they never try because it never worked before. It became a part of their world that was “just the way it was.” Other aspects of their circumstances became part of “just the way it was,” including walls and bars, when and what they ate, and how they pleased their handlers to avoid pain and displeasure. </p>
<p>When we are children, our parents and other societal influences present a framework for defining the world. We are rarely given true choices for standards of success, expected ways of behaving, or how to create a really big, paradigm-shattering life for ourselves. We are taught how to fit in, how to be resigned to the limited options we have, and we no longer notice the chain of assumptions that we drag around and use to evaluate our circumstances. </p>
<p>Our lifestyle, where we live, what work we do or do not do, what we wear, how we define a true family, and the things we consider necessary for happiness, are all based on our assumptions about how life works. Are we truly happy and fulfilled? Where are we investing our time and energy? In what ways do we still live in captivity? Is this really just the way it is? </p>
<p>At the heart of Unity’s teachings is the Law of Mind Action—often stated as “Thoughts held in mind produce after their kind.” But what are the near-invisible thoughts, the embedded beliefs that we hold because we never question them? Because we don’t realize that questioning our beliefs reveals the path to joy? </p>
<p>We, too, were born into captivity. We arrived on Earth and were presented with a particular framework, a limited set of alternatives, and very little acknowledgement that most of our working assumptions are truly optional. And when we realize that there are other possibilities, and exercise our conscious choices, everything looks different. We discover that there are doors in the walls, gates in the bars, and many, many ways of creating a spectacularly free lifestyle. </p>
<p>It can begin as simply as not moving your fork to the other hand, and lead you to a whole new world. </p>
<p>Yours in peace, </p>
<p>Rev. Carla</p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/59195592019-10-08T10:26:08-07:002019-10-08T10:30:11-07:00Resilient People<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/127184/16c92c64ad60cebb6a880aeb11d85f5c77ad5a8f/original/carla-march-2019.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_right border_" />It seems like we live in threatening times. People today operate at a high level of “threat focus” due to the violence and uncertainty in our world. The coping skills we learn when we move through painful periods in our personal lives can also be applied to the risks we perceive nationally and globally. We can develop inner resiliency. </p>
<p>Do you ever wonder “Why me?” Why did my heart get broken? Why did my loved one die? Why did I lose the job, or the baby, or the house? One of the traits of resilient people is that they realize loss and pain are a part of life. This realization is important in several ways. It helps us release feelings of being discriminated against, or somehow singled out for suffering. We see that we can learn ways of moving through a period of grief while still living our lives. And we recognize that our life path often splits off into a new direction as a result of this experience. </p>
<p>Knowing that our thoughts create our mood, we can carefully choose to focus on what can be changed rather than those things we cannot control—we “tune in to the good.” This practice can be as simple as listing three things we are grateful for each night at bedtime. Sometimes this is called benefit finding. An Army program calls it “Hunt for the good stuff.” </p>
<p>When processing a loss, resilient people learn to put themselves first. They ask themselves, “Is what I’m doing helping or hurting me?” This includes thoughts, ruminating on pain in the past, and selecting the people and activities in their lives. </p>
<p>There are many names for resilience. I’ve heard it called grit, perseverance and coping. Some of us seem to know that we are naturally resilient. Others benefit from learning helpful skills. </p>
<p>Whatever is going on in your life, whatever is happening in the country, in the world, in the universe, remember that there is only God and God is only good. Our paths lead always into greater awareness of this and other eternal Truth. You are never alone. Through all of your travails, the Spirit of God guides and comforts you. And all is well. </p>
<p>Namaste, </p>
<p>Rev. Carla </p>
<p>To learn more, view “The Three Secrets of Resilient People” by Dr. Lucy Hone on YouTube</p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/56250822019-02-02T15:56:45-08:002019-02-02T15:56:45-08:00How to Respond?<p>With all of the tumultuous events we are exposed to in our daily media, do you find it difficult to refrain from reacting to each seeming threat or injustice? When we remember that what we focus on grows, we learn to choose our responses, breathing through any initial feelings of shock or dismay, and allowing our higher understanding to guide us. </p>
<p>Choosing to focus on peace is an intentional response to current events. We remember that what the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls a butterfly. We choose to rise higher, knowing that even when we don’t know the answer, we do know that there is an answer. </p>
<p>Despite some appearances, a New Age is dawning, making it imperative to discharge error thoughts held in race mind. In keeping with the idea that it is always darkest just before the dawn, our world currently seems barraged with the outer expression of these fear-based beliefs as they are exposed and released. </p>
<p>We can add tremendously to the healing of our race and our world—individually and collectively, one day at a time, with our intent to live from our Truth, both in our inner lives and outer lives. </p>
<p>Following are some ideas about how to do this work: </p>
<p>Respond with love. Remember that hate and anger mask fear. Respond to the fear, not the rage. <br>Rule your mind. Be aware of your thoughts and assumptions, releasing those based on false ideas. <br>Be steadfast in your faith. <br>Pray. Pray with a Chaplain at church. Leave a written prayer request on Sunday. Call Silent Unity (1-800-NOW-PRAY). </p>
<p>Remember that you are unique and indispensable. You chose to be born during these turbulent and transformative times for the gifts you bring. Your thoughts, feelings and actions do count, and do impact the overall healing of the world. </p>
<p>With all its challenges and seeming disappointments, this is still the most incredible time in the history of the world. You don’t want to miss this—it is worth all the doubt and struggle! </p>
<p>We read in Luke 12:32 “Do not be afraid little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.” Now is the time. This is the place. And we are kingdom-bound!! </p>
<p>God bless us one and all, </p>
<p>Rev. Carla</p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/55978022019-01-15T20:51:10-08:002019-01-15T20:51:10-08:00Yikes! It's January!!<p>Just when you’re trying to catch your breath from the holidays, here comes a whole new year, with the expectations and pressures to make it your best year, your best life, your best you. Whew!! That’s a lot to heap on the post-Christmas stress. So, how can we nurture ourselves while laying a path through the new year that will support us in our growth, allow us time for light-hearted relaxation and guide us through challenges? </p>
<p>There is a rhythm to growth and change—rarely do we seem to follow a straight path, usually it’s more like the Bunny Hop (one step forward and one step back, hop, hop, hop!). Yet, with hindsight, we can see how all of the steps were necessary to form the progress and success we have accomplished. </p>
<p>There is also a rhythm to a year in the life of a church. We cycle through basic teachings, then move into series that are more cutting-edge or specialized in their focus, only to cycle back through the basics once again. This rhythm reflects the spiral fashion in which we humans move through life lessons and incorporate new ideas. </p>
<p>Each time we spiral back through basic teachings, we see them from a higher level. We’ve had time to process the previous lessons, and can see more of the deeper Truth being conveyed. As we then spiral into contemporary interpretations of these Truths, we expand our worldview and vision for the future. </p>
<p>This winter USC is revisiting some of the pillars upon which our teachings are supported: Bible interpretation, forgiveness, the creative power of mind, healing and the nature of the Christ. Each Sunday lesson includes life-changing applications for these powerful practices. </p>
<p>As we spiral into summer, we include a lighthearted look at spiritual principles, often as represented in fairytales or popular movies. We relax as we take field trips, nature walks and gaze at the stars. </p>
<p>You are always welcome at Unity Spiritual Community, where we build on a foundation of Truth and provide educational, enriching and just plain ole’ entertaining ideas all year long! </p>
<p>Much love, </p>
<p>Rev. Carla</p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/54300732018-09-15T11:09:16-07:002018-09-15T11:10:45-07:00Yoda's Door<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/127184/dc1df91f487c6a96c7e08a3646bac1eec86c0402/original/pixnio-379507-1200x800.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" />What obstacles do you perceive to be blocking your success or happiness? A while back I read “Merle’s Door” by Ted Kerasote. It is a great book about a man and his dog. The “door” in the title refers to a dog door that Ted installed a couple of years after Merle came to live with him, and how, in giving Merle this independence, Ted released much control over the dog, changing the dynamics of their relationship. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">When I moved into my current duplex, I installed a dog door for my Papillon Yoda, the first one in the ten years he had lived with me. It was quite entertaining to watch Yoda and my three cats learn how to use the door. The cats learned more quickly than Yoda, but in a couple of weeks he was going out the flap into the yard. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">However, he would not come back in through the flap. He stood outside the sliding door and whined and scratched and howled until I opened it for him. I tried several things in an attempt to understand the problem. When I taped the flap open, he went out and came in with no hesitancy, so looked at the outside of the flap and noticed that it was reflective. Yoda would look at it and see his reflection, then thinking another dog was in the way, would not come in. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">I had a couple of ideas to correct the problem. But it is the metaphysics of this situation that fascinate me. How often do we humans balk at new ideas because of the illusion of an obstacle? Furthermore, since the outer world reflects back to us our thoughts and beliefs, it’s like when Yoda’s reflection of himself was scaring him. Humans get scared because we don’t remember that we are the co-creators of our reality. The way we define a situation is the way we experience it. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">The symbol of a door is very appropriate in this metaphysical interpretation. One of my most fulfilling moments as a minister was when one of our congregation said that she felt like our teachings had opened a door for her and she walked through it into a new world. In our quest for enlightenment, we are seeking to redefine ourselves and our world. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">As we identify the beliefs we hold about ourselves and our world, we realize that we have the power to release those that do not serve us. When we release the belief that the reflective illusion of the world is an obstacle, or a threat to us, we then can pass through a doorway in thought and enter a realm of greater freedom and peace. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">This is my prayer for myself and for our world. </span></p>
<p><strong><span style="color:#6600cc;"><span class="font_large">Namaste, Rev. Carla</span></span></strong></p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/53749852018-08-04T14:10:21-07:002018-08-04T14:10:21-07:00The Joy of the Journey<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/127184/9cefb2ea5a3fd55b81a089f9247a5df904afb9ae/original/play-balloon-toy-motivation-happiness-courage-1380074-pxhere-com.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><span class="font_large">Are there times when your dreams seem to be in a holding pattern, and you keep running around the same circle looking for a way out? Times when you feel stuck, stalled or short-circuited? If so, sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">In our high-pressure, goal-oriented society, we sometimes forget that life unfolds according to divine timing. There is a natural rhythm to our progress, with periods of high accomplishment followed with times of inactivity. Know that there is real work being done in these quiet interludes. They are rich in spiritual, emotional and intellectual growth, which prepare us to “spring forth with a mighty faith to do that which is ours to do.” </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">It is also important to accept change when it does occur. Some of us have difficulty letting go of the old and making room for the new. Perhaps we have dreams left unfulfilled, or need to release an outdated image of ourselves. Focusing on the plans of the past can blind us to the good before us today. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">There are many exciting events unfolding during the coming months at Unity Spiritual Community. We invite you to join us, wherever you are in your own journey. You are always welcome at USC, where we support one other’s dreams, encourage each other during the slow times and celebrate each other’s successes!</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>Namaste, Rev. Carla</strong></span></span></p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/53342912018-07-06T12:05:10-07:002018-07-06T12:05:10-07:00Shift Happens<p>Does it ever seem like as soon as you get it figured out, they change the rules? One of my favorite bumper stickers is “Shift Happens.” Yes it does, it surely does. Have there been shifts in your personal life or in our country or our world, when nothing was ever again the same?. </p>
<p>I think of my own life and two major shifts—the first was signing myself in for 28-day inpatient treatment for alcoholism in 1988. The second was leaving a successful career in software to attend ministerial school in 1998. What these two shifts had in common was that I was leaving behind one way of being and stepping into the vast unknown. I did not know how to get sober—or who I would be when was I sober. I did not know how to be a minister, or how the years in school would change me. In both cases, it was a faith-walk. </p>
<p>We are experiencing shift as species. For years now we’ve heard of the “new kids” being born—the Indigo Children, Crystal Children, Rainbow Children. They each represent a leap forward in our genetic structure. We are evolving into a higher order of being. As we each evolve in spiritual awareness, we are creating change in the human race. </p>
<p>It seems like we do not know how to make this shift, or what we will be like when it is complete. We are leaving behind one way of being and stepping into the vast unknown. This, too, is a faith-walk. </p>
<p>I do not think we will completely understand the events of our individual lives unless we place them in context with the greater trends in our race and in our world. We were not born alone, nor do we live alone. We are each threads in the fabric of life—lights in Indra’s net of jewels. </p>
<p>Here at Unity Spiritual Community, we are consciously shifting—choosing our priorities and creating new ways to meet the needs of today’s world. It is a very exciting place and a very exciting time. We invite you to drop in and become part of the shift! </p>
<p><strong><span style="color:#000099;">Namaste, Rev. Carla</span></strong></p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/52679322018-05-31T10:46:43-07:002018-05-31T10:46:43-07:00Scarlett or Melanie, Which?<p>Are you a Scarlett? Are you plucky and passionate? Do you sometimes struggle needlessly? Or are you a Melanie? Are you serene and loving, always seeing the best in people? The truth is that we all have qualities of each of these iconic women of the old South. </p>
<p>And for the men, are you an Ashley or a Rhett? Like Ashley, do you value tradition and family, or are you a bit of a maverick like Rhett Butler? The enduring qualities of these characters created an unforgettable story. </p>
<p>I have recently become aware that many of my younger friends have never seen <em>Gone with the Wind</em> (or read the book). Though the story may not be politically correct, and presents an fictionalized version of the era, the characters call to us, reminding us of times we needed to be courageous, understanding, outrageous and steadfast. We see the best, and worst, of ourselves reflected in the actions of these heroes and heroines. </p>
<p>There are little areas of my mind reserved for places like Tara, The West Wing, Downton Abbey and Unity Village. These are places that represent the richness and depth of life. Whether real or fiction, they are energetic receptacles for some of humankind’s greatest ideals, struggles, wisdom and compassion. They exist in the minds and hearts of millions of us, giving us common references and a shared culture to draw upon when we come together. </p>
<p>Whether you are a Scarlett or a Melanie, an Ashley or a Rhett, the larger-than-life legends of our literature and cinema will speak to parts of your experience, showing you the common bond that unites humankind throughout the ages. </p>
<p>At USC we are preparing for a summer of fun! We have put together an <em>outrageous </em>selection of events, designed to move us ever forward on our spiritual journey! </p>
<p><strong><span style="color:#0000cc;">Namaste, Rev. Carla</span></strong></p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/52217652018-05-07T17:40:31-07:002018-05-07T17:41:27-07:00Best Friend<p>Do you ever find yourself deflecting your good? It could be as simple as not accepting a compliment, or just failing to recognize the goodness of life that surrounds us. </p>
<p>There are a couple of Ukrainian women who live around the corner from me. They raise tomatoes, peppers, oranges and roses in their front yard and often sit on the porch in the evening, enjoying the delta breeze. One of them is my mother’s age and wears a kerchief around her head. The other is near my age and often has her pet cockatiel perched on her shoulder. She greets me warmly. </p>
<p>Walking my dogs over the years, I have stopped and chatted with her many times. Perhaps “chat” does not describe our conversations, as we know few words in common. But she noticed when I had a new dog and expressed her sympathy that my old dog had died. And she asks about my calico cat who often accompanies us. </p>
<p>One day, as I was walking away, I heard her say, “You are my best friend!” Though it was flattering, I could not believe she was saying it to me. I decided that she had been speaking to her bird. Then, a few weeks later, she said it again—unmistakably to me. This time I had to let it in and allow myself to feel her love for me. Why is this sometimes so hard? </p>
<p>I realize that I love her, and her mother, also. The other day I saw a Moving Sale sign when I turned the corner to their house. There were furniture and other items on the driveway. I felt my heart sink thinking of how much I would miss them and the little spot of joy their house and garden represent. I was relieved when the folks in the driveway assured me that there were no plans to move, it was just a sale. </p>
<p>What will it take for us to recognize the love that surrounds us? How can we allow it in? And how can we express the love we feel? It takes the healing of our beliefs. As we release the negativity we’ve collected during our lives, and replace error thinking with the Truth that we are lovable and deserving, we see the many forms of love that envelope us every day. </p>
<p>For the love that comes so readily, and for the Truth that sets us free, we are truly grateful. Please come and celebrate with us on Sunday. </p>
<p>Many Blessings, Rev. Carla</p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/51218922018-03-10T14:23:33-08:002018-03-10T14:23:33-08:00To Reveal God's Works<p><strong>John 9:1-3 </strong><br>As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him.” </p>
<p>This passage, seeming to indicate various causes of illness, has long baffled readers. Whereas we would like simple explanations for life’s challenges, we are presented with more complex causes—ones that display the wondrous relationships among mind, body and spirit. </p>
<p>Beginning with tomorrow’s Sunday lesson we will be sharing examples of the causes and blessings of disease. Continuing with our Healing Workshop this coming Tuesday, we will share first-hand experiences of spiritual healing and practice healing meditations, affirmations and journaling. </p>
<p>Please plan to join us—you are always welcome at Unity Spiritual Community. </p>
<p><strong><span style="color:#3300cc;">Namaste, Rev. Carla</span></strong></p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/50714902018-02-09T12:41:54-08:002018-02-09T12:41:54-08:00Celebrate!<p>One of my fondest memories is of an Easter Sunday when I lived in Orlando. I began the day at a lakeside sunrise service led by a community Christian church. Later, I attended the Easter service at Unity and had lunch with some friends from the congregation. That evening I went to a Native American drum circle at a local metaphysical bookstore. </p>
<p>Similarly, the Christmas holidays included honoring the return of the light on the winter solstice, and the Christmas Eve candle lighting service at Unity, followed by midnight mass at either a Catholic or Episcopal church to enjoy the pageantry. </p>
<p>We live in a time that allows us great freedom of thought. Our rich multi-cultural American heritage, and easy access to global customs, enables us to explore diverse spiritual traditions, weaving them into an individualized practice of worship and celebration. </p>
<p>This month at Unity Spiritual Community we will observe the season of Lent in true Unity fashion—we will commit to fasting from negative thinking and to feasting on joy. This journey through the weeks leading to Easter provides us with an opportunity to focus our intent, sharpen awareness of our thoughts and become masterful in the cocreation of our universe. </p>
<p>It’s all God. God is greater than any doctrine we could develop. We have available more ways of celebrating Spirit than any time in history. We have a precious opportunity to extend our understanding, to rejoice in the Allness of it and to embrace the abundant expressions of the Divine on Earth! </p>
<p>You are always welcome at USC. Bring your questions, bring your concerns, and most of all, bring your laughter! </p>
<p>Love always, Rev. Carla</p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/49290112017-11-11T15:41:23-08:002017-11-11T15:41:23-08:00Connections<p>I’ve been fascinated by the strange loops that occur in life. Strange loops, often used in the illustrations of M.C. Escher, are cyclic structures that arise when, by moving only upwards or downwards, one finds oneself back where one started. The eldest of my brothers, Rick, and I have shared a lifetime of strange loops. In our twenties, I pursued training in software while he attended a Bible college. I continued my software career and became a public utility specialist. Rick led a Christian school in Zanesville, Ohio. As our lives looped upward, Rick left his ministerial position, and earned a degree in Information Services. He settled into a long career with Ameren, provider of public utility services in Missouri and Illinois. </p>
<p>My software career was quite rewarding in many ways; however, in my forties I chose training at Unity that led to a second career in ministry. That Rick and I chose very different career paths, and later seemed to “swap” from ministry to public utility software, and vice versa, was a strange loop that continues to surprise me. </p>
<p>We are all connected in ways that seem strange to our human understanding. Sometimes I think we are connected by ley lines of the heart. </p>
<p>Another strange loop has recently revealed itself to me. I watched a documentary on Amazon Prime named “Scientist, Artist, Philosopher, Buckminster Fuller: The Lost Interviews” and fell in love with the man, his talent, his philosophy, his vision and his kindness. So taken was I by what I learned that the next Sunday I presented an introduction to him and his work instead of the talk I had scheduled. </p>
<p>Then came the strange loops: Fuller was head of the Design Department at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale and we lived 5 miles away, in Herrin, when I was in high school. I took design at SIU while he was department head. My father had met Fuller, and we were familiar with the geodesic domes he designed in Carbondale. </p>
<p>Fast forward to my time here in California: my friend and Licensed Unity Teacher, Susan Frields, had also been at SIU, and her mother Gerry, taught there. They are known among our Sacramento Unity circle for having lived in a geodesic dome north of Auburn. Long-time Sacramento Unity leader, Phillip Pierson, was introduced to Fuller through Gerry and went on to write a book on the metaphysics of Buckminster Fuller. Ley lines of the heart. </p>
<p>I’ll be using Rev. Pierson’s book in a two-part series about Fuller this month. We’ll explore a life lived with intention, and fueled by deep faith. It only seems right to come home to the teachings of Buckminster Fuller, even if I looped around strangely to get here! </p>
<p>Please join us on November 12 and 19, and discover where the ley lines of your heart are connecting you! . </p>
<p><span style="color:#000099;"><strong><span class="font_large">Many blessings, Rev. Carla </span></strong></span></p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/48719582017-09-30T12:53:53-07:002017-09-30T12:57:32-07:00Diving Deeply in October<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/127184/8eca758a5d10db820696274b2cd145f6e872e403/medium/diver-1081987-1920.jpg?1506790210" class="size_m justify_right border_" />Unity is a grown-up religion, despite what your relatives may say. To those who don’t regularly attend Unity services, some of our teachings may be interpreted as overly-optimistic, light-weight or underdeveloped. But those of us who have been involved with Unity principles for a while know that they have a way of sneaking up on us. </p>
<p>Take the Law of Mind Action for instance. This Law defines the creative power of thought, sometimes described as “Thoughts held in mind produce after their kind.” Most of us can see the correlation between the events in our lives and the beliefs we hold. But we stop short of agreeing that we are the authors of every aspect of our experience. Two of our Sunday lessons in October address the idea of accountability. </p>
<p>On October 1 we revisit the ancient Hawaiian practice of Ho’oponopono, sometimes called “making things right.” We learn to apply the principles of Ho’oponopono to the suffering we become aware of—whether it is a personal conflict or global disaster. We carry the idea of creative thought to its depths, realizing that any situation that receives our attention is a product of the thoughts we hold in mind. We may not understand our specific role in causing it, but we have the power to mend it. </p>
<p>On October 22, we look at Byron Katie’s book Loving What Is. This life-changing approach to acceptance and accountability brings about a shift in consciousness that both liberates and soothes our troubled minds. </p>
<p>Both of these teachings are difficult to accept at first—most of us have a tendency to blame others, playing either the victim role, or denying any involvement. But once we are able to shed our defensiveness, we can see more clearly, love more truly and respond more effectively. </p>
<p>Unity is grown-up religion. In October, Unity Spiritual Community is offering Sunday lessons, after-service gatherings and videos that ease our path into the depths of spiritual understanding. Our willingness to take the dive brings rewards of joy, security, success and peace of mind. </p>
<p>We hope to see you at USC, where our commitment to Truth makes all the difference in the world. </p>
<p><strong><span style="color:#000099;">Namaste, Rev. Carla </span></strong></p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/48014352017-08-03T09:37:55-07:002017-08-03T09:37:55-07:00The Spiral of Transformation<p>There is a rhythm to a year in the life of a church. We cycle through basic teachings, move into series that are more cutting-edge or specialized in their focus, only to cycle back through the basics once again. This rhythm reflects the spiral fashion in which humans move through life lessons and incorporate new ideas. </p>
<p>Each time we spiral back through basic teachings, we see them from a higher level. We’ve had time to process the previous lessons, and can see more of the deeper Truth being conveyed. As we then spiral into contemporary interpretations of these Truths, we expand our worldview and vision for the future. </p>
<p>This August USC is revisiting some of the pillars upon which our teachings are supported: forgiveness, the creative power of mind, healing and the nature of the Christ. Each Sunday lesson includes life-changing applications for these powerful practices. </p>
<p>As we spiral into autumn, we will begin by considering How to Think like Leonardo Da Vinci, complete with assignments designed to open and strengthen those faculties of mind in which Da Vinci excelled. </p>
<p>You are always welcome at Unity Spiritual Community, where we build on a foundation of Truth and provide educational, enriching and just plain ole’ entertaining ideas all year long!</p>
<p><span style="color:#0000cc;"><strong>Much love,</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#0000cc;"><strong>Rev. Carla</strong></span></p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/48014332017-08-03T09:35:57-07:002017-08-03T09:35:57-07:00Ancestral Archetypes<p>The teachings of Unity bring together lasting concepts from different traditions and different ages. We may study Jungian archetypes and discover that they mirror metaphysical Bible interpretation of the major figures in our spiritual ancestry. With increasing awareness of these similarities, we grow in understanding of our connectedness on global and galactic levels. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>In July, USC presents a series based on our ancestral archetypes. The Jewish prophets were able to perceive alternate visions of reality. The archetypes and prophecies were psychic molds to be filled out in flesh. They provided psychic webworks, blueprints, and dramas, with living people stepping into the roles already outlined, but also improvising as they went along. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>As we continue on our journey into ascension, the unanswered parts of our lives no longer keep us stuck in our history. As a snake throws off old skin, the psyche throws off old patterns that have become rigid and adopts a new set of psychic blueprints to further extend the species into the future. Our ancestral archetypes become a rich lens through which we can know more about our paths of evolution—what led us to this now moment and what will continue to serve us as our future unfolds.</p>
<p><span style="color:#c0392b;"><strong>Richest Blessings,</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#c0392b;"><strong>Rev. Carla</strong></span></p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/47595072017-06-27T18:32:20-07:002017-06-27T18:32:20-07:00Wild Card Summer<p>We love our wild cards when playing games of chance. And in the game of life, we are occasionally dealt unexpected, sometimes surprising, and always positive ideas and events that add spark and sparkle to our otherwise routine days. Wild cards can be like tasting a new spice in a traditional family recipe—or like the pop of color added by pinning a bright flower on a favorite hat. </p>
<p>Summers at Unity Spiritual Community have traditionally been a time when we take a break and look at the lighter side of life. The summer of 2017 is no exception. We literally will be taking a break from our usual style of Sunday service with our monthly Coffee Break service beginning on June 11. </p>
<p>Another wild card is popping up this coming Sunday, June 4, when we introduce Conversations with Carla. This monthly summer series will take place after the Sunday service, meeting informally over refreshments. In this casual setting, we will explore some of the paradigm-shifting ideas and events shaping our contemporary world. </p>
<p>As we prepare for this Sunday when we will take a look at alien abductions, we remember the following spiritual principles: God is All That Is, God’s laws are infinite and eternal, and all beings are created by the same loving Spirit. </p>
<p>Yes, this promises to be a wild card summer—but then again, we have been born in a wild card era, a unique time in history, one that sparkles with surprise. Let us come together and embrace the lighter side of life, love and laughter! </p>
<p>Many blessings, <br>Rev. Carla </p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/46494792017-03-28T17:28:10-07:002017-03-28T17:28:10-07:00Living in Spirit<p>It’s not the actions that are troublesome, it’s the thoughts behind the actions. For it is from our thoughts that all events spring forth into the physical, appearing here as incidents, people, movements, objects, energy and more. When major themes that are in race mind, spring forth and are externalized, then we are able to discern more clearly the impact of holding troublesome thoughts. </p>
<p>This spiritual Truth is readily apparent in today’s politics. Our thoughts, which include our beliefs, our self-definition and our definition of “others,” are the filters through with we perceive, and interpret, the world around us. </p>
<p>This Sunday, March 5th, we begin a talk series based on Wayne Dyer’s book “Inspiration: Your Ultimate Calling.” Dyer discusses how having a spiritual perspective aids in navigating our world of matter. </p>
<p>We recall the opening of the famous poem “If” by Rudyard Kipling: “If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you…” The following are based on Wayne Dyer’s suggestions for remaining centered in Spirit when all those around you are losing their heads: </p>
<p>Seeing this physical world as an illusion ironically allows you to enjoy it more and stay inspired. Practice laughing at the importance that you and so many people place on everyday circumstances. </p>
<p>When others attempt to seduce you into feeling bad, guilty, worried, fearful, or anything that isn’t of Spirit, practice stepping outside of yourself and becoming the observer to all things transitory, which is your entire world. Repeat sentiments such as “This isn’t mine,” or “I refuse to own this.” </p>
<p>Become conscious of all thoughts that aren’t aligned with Spirit and make a silent effort to shift away from judgment and fear. </p>
<p>Dedicate your life to something that reflects an awareness of your Divinity. You are greatness personified, a resident genius and a creative master—regardless of anyone’s opinion. </p>
<p>You are always welcome at USC, where we recognize your Divinity and your awesomeness! </p>
<p><strong><span style="color:#2980b9;">Richest blessings, <br>Rev. Carla</span></strong></p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/44529272016-11-04T17:22:21-07:002016-11-04T17:22:21-07:00First the Blade, then the Ear<p>One of the greatest reminders that we have about faith comes from Mark 4:28 “For the earth brings forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.” We see from this verse that all things in nature proceed in good, orderly fashion. </p>
<p>In our own lives it is sometimes challenging to see the full ear of corn when only the tender shoot is visible. Yet, if we allow ourselves to be comforted by the knowing that all is well, we can see the promise of tomorrow’s harvest. </p>
<p>We prepare--just a farmer prepares the field for planting, then tends the crops until the harvest. We make room in our lives for incoming good. We clear away the debris of the past—externally, and more importantly, internally--so that we are ready for a new harvest. We deny that the past has power over us, forgiving others and ourselves, and releasing emotions attached to negative memories. We reclaim our power and our optimism. </p>
<p>When we are willing to let go of past drama, we become aware of the opportunities before us today. We open our hearts and minds to the many gifts that life offers. We allow the clear light of the Christ to shine forth, illuminating our understanding, and lighting our way. </p>
<p>This autumn, let us prepare for the harvest in our lives. We release. We heal. We claim our power. We greet our good. We stay centered in faith when the blade appears, knowing that it is the herald of the harvest. </p>
<p>Here at Unity Spiritual Community, we have opportunities to help one another along the path to fulfillment. We are grateful for each one who steps forward to share their gifts and let their light shine! </p>
<p><span class="font_large"><strong><span style="color:#A52A2A;">Namaste, Rev. Carla </span></strong></span></p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/44529262016-11-04T17:21:21-07:002016-11-04T17:21:21-07:00Round--Like a Hamster on a Wheel<p>When the endless turning of your mind starts to drive you to distraction, try this. Remember that the churning and spinning of the same ole’ problem is caused by the rational mind’s attempt to solve that which can be solved only in Divine Mind. Our culture has recognized the rational mind as the most important, or even as the only, mind. Yet, about 90% of our consciousness abides at deeper levels, much like 90% of an iceberg remains submerged. </p>
<p>As humankind explored the realm of the separated self, the role of the rational mind became exaggerated. We closed ourselves off from our inner divinity, and began looking only to the physical world as the source of our good. In this present time of awakening, we remember that the source of all good and the answer to every question is the Christ within. </p>
<p>When you find yourself mulling over life dilemmas, stop. Breathe. And turn it over. You might use a simple phrase like, “This cannot be solved by rational mind, so I am surrendering it to Divine Mind.” Then remain open to the solutions that appear—they may arrive in unexpected forms. You will experience more synchronicities, deeper friendships, unexpected boons, a brighter worldview and a closer walk with God. </p>
<p>Let the hamster off the wheel—it takes you nowhere. Allow yourself to fall into grace, sink into ease and be buoyed by the awareness of God’s goodness sustaining you all the days of your life. </p>
<p><strong><span style="color:#A52A2A;"><span class="font_large">Richest blessings, Rev. Carla</span></span></strong></p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/43988372016-09-30T17:18:41-07:002017-01-15T16:49:55-08:00Metaphysical Moment: What if I Did Know?<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/127184/9732a1bc8c762365abef4e70675e1281a34d61e4/small/what-if-i-did-know.jpg?1474899519" class="size_s justify_left border_" />Although this week’s idea may seem contrary to Metaphysical Moment #2 (Maybe I don’t know…), it is a time-honored counseling technique used to bypass restrictive patterns that block self-discovery. If you feel stumped when facing a tough question or situation, take time to ask yourself, “What if I did know?” You will be surprised at the wealth of information and strategies lying just below the surface of your conscious mind! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">My favorite examples of using the “What if I did know?” involve my cousin Madaline. Maddie moved to Calaveras County for a fresh start as a single woman. She bought a home in Valley Springs and began working at the County Clerk’s office. After a few years, she found herself feeling pinched financially, primarily due to the housing market. One day Maddie told me that she needed to do some thinking and planned to spend several hours that evening considering her options. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Madaline is vivacious, funny and attractive. She has an active social life and it is no wonder that she actually schedules time to do some thinking. This was her way to consider “What if I did know?” </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Her thinking led her to selling her home and buying a double-wide in an adult mobile home park where several of her friends lived. The park was across the street from the County offices and she could walk to work. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">A couple more years passed, and Maddie did some thinking about her retirement. She would have preferred a more comfortable retirement income. This time, her thinking led her to run for the position of County Clerk. She was elected, and when her term was over, retired again, better prepared to enjoy her golden years. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Being an old hippie and a rebel, I tend to think that our public education system stresses conformity over independent thought. This schooling, along with negative messages received from parents and the media, can result in mental passivity. Using the “What if I did know?” allows us to tap into our natural creativity and inner genius. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Practice this several times during the week, when you think you don’t know what something means or when you need to solve a problem. Ask yourself, “What if I did know?” Then allow the ideas to flow, select the best ones and schedule time to do some thinking!</span></p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/43988362016-09-30T17:17:27-07:002017-01-15T16:49:55-08:00Metaphysical Moment: There's a Different Way of Seeing This<p><span class="font_large">This week’s idea can be applied to events ranging from the mundane to the miraculous. Our first example concerns the kitchen wallpaper in my first house in Orlando. I was a new homemaker and excited about creating the place of my dreams—including a blue kitchen with floral accents. The problem was that the kitchen was papered in a chartreuse and white plaid pattern and the landlady was not open to my changing it. As I lay on the sofa in the next room, pouting and praying, my view of the kitchen shifted, and I imagined my collection of copper utensils and other decorative items just popping against the contrasting chartreuse. I was given a new vision of my dream kitchen and all was well. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Moving away from the mundane, let’s turn our attention to the world maps commonly used in our classrooms. Faced with the challenge of translating the surface of our earthly globe into a flat, easily comprehended map was daunting. The popular Mercator projection map greatly exagerates the sizes of the far northern and far southern land masses.) <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/127184/7d6c5fc9e43bb49556335e1b34eb24af3f20314c/medium/mercator-map.jpg?1474300093" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">A more recent approach to the flat map problem resulted in the Gall-Peters map. It presents a different, and somewhat disconcerting, way of seeing our world. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/127184/108fbacdcd754fc7d0485aabf0ae70c232d72bc3/medium/gall-peters-map.jpg?1474300164" class="size_m justify_center border_" /> <br>The illustration below superimposes the outlines of the continents from the Mercator map in blue, over the green land masses from the Gall-Peters map. <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/127184/e1807d20173616e1226eb0cf807435957e3f7d5a/medium/both-map.jpg?1474300239" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Our final example concerns the limitation of language when conveying eternal principles. The authors of our various spiritual scriptures have been challenged when using existing words and concepts to introduce new ways of seeing. From the foreword of The Urantia Book we read, “We are fully cognizant of the difficulties of our assignment; we recognize the impossibility of fully translating the language of the concepts of divinity and eternity into the symbols of the language of the finite concepts of the mortal mind. But we know that there dwells within the human mind a fragment of God, and that there sojourns with the human soul the Spirit of Truth; and we further know that these spirit forces conspire to enable material man to grasp the reality of spiritual values and to comprehend the philosophy of universe meanings.” With this in mind, we remain open to multiple interpretations of our spiritual texts, and open to different ways of seeing things. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Use this practice several times during the week, when you encounter situations that puzzle or upset you. Remember, there’s a different way of seeing this!</span></p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/43988242016-09-30T17:15:31-07:002017-01-15T16:49:54-08:00Metaphysical Moment: Maybe I Don't Know<p><span class="font_large">We are not usually aware of our blind spots, and infrequently take time to consider that we might be encountering one. Yet, leaving room for that possibility opens our understanding to new connections and creative solutions. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">One way of illustrating areas that are known and unknown is the Johari window. Named for its creators, Joe Luft and Harry Ingham, this simple diagram divides a square into quadrants. The quadrants are labeled: </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">1) Things we know about ourselves and others know about us (Known Self) <br>2) Things we know about ourselves that others do not know (Hidden Self) <br>3) Things others know about us that we do not know (Blind Self) <br>4) Things neither we nor others know about us (Unknown Self) <br><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/127184/f81a5239aa8b642fb276ef6b41117858faf39be0/medium/maybe-i-dont-know.jpg?1473446511" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"> <br>When faced with situations or people that confound you, practice not knowing what anything means. Be with your experience and that of others without analyzing or interpreting it. Just accept it as it is and allow it to unfold. If your judgments come up, be aware of them without evaluating them. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Be a Professional Unknower, releasing the belief that you have the answers, and opening to the mystery, insights and opportunities of your experience. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Practice this several times during the week, when you think you know what something means or when someone asks for your opinion. Ask yourself, “What is my experience like when it is free of the limitations I place upon it?”</span></p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/43574922016-09-05T09:24:17-07:002017-01-15T16:49:54-08:00Metaphysical Moment: Both and...<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/127184/4da6ccd5e8b82c8c2082b59c25e8a96bdfa0045e/small/mandorla-2.png?1473089136" class="size_s justify_left border_" /><br>When confronted with an either/or, multiple choice or true/false question, consider that the best answer may be “both and….” Remembering that “both and…” is an option allows us to break out of the restrictions of conventional thought, reconcile seeming opposites, and make an opening for a higher way of understanding the illusion of duality. <br> <br>Choosing the “both and…” enables us to exit the hamster wheel of rational thought and turn questions with which we struggle over to our higher mind, allowing for divine solutions. <br> <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/127184/c9170afeba3ebd49d5922fbd72ef71c8ee5bc29b/small/mandorla.png?1473088369" class="size_s justify_left border_" />There are many choices put before us each day, some of which are contrived pairings: faith vs fact, science vs religion, dog vs cat, liberal vs conservative, Christian vs Muslim, salt vs pepper. Using the “both and…” approach allows us to meld differing schools of thought, and leaves room for new discoveries. <br> <br>One way of illustrating the “both and…” is by using a Venn, or set, diagram. The figures below show the overlapping almond-shaped areas called the mandorla. We see that by choosing the “both and…,” we are allowing for the synergy between the sets to create a new field of possibilities. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/127184/59600a7c98392baccdb8dd4634759393718cdfdd/small/mandorla-3.png?1473089186" class="size_s justify_left border_" />You are invited to contemplate the idea of the week in your personal prayer time and to seek out ways to apply it in your everyday life. As you intentionally develop these ways of responding to daily questions and challenges, you will discover avenues of understanding and expand your mastery of life. <br> <br>During our Sunday service, we will take a few moments to discuss the idea of the week and share our experiences. If you are participating through email, you are welcome to share your feedback by writing to: MetaMom@UnityCitrusHeights.org. <br> </p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/43574892016-09-05T09:18:07-07:002016-09-05T09:18:26-07:00Metaphysical Moments<p><em><strong>Take a moment, change your life… </strong></em> <br><br>During the month of September, we explore several belief-imploding ideas that will aid you in uncovering your core beliefs and understanding their impact on your life. </p>
<p>During our Sunday service, we will take a few moments to discuss the idea of the week and share feedback from applying the previous idea. Each Monday, we will send emails with the idea of the week and related information. </p>
<p>These four ideas have been carefully selected for their ability to change how we think, to free us from the invisible restrictions of conventional thought and to open our perception to a greater worldview. </p>
<p>You are invited to contemplate the idea of the week in your personal prayer time and to seek out ways to apply it in your everyday life. As you intentionally develop these ways of responding to daily questions and challenges, you will discover avenues of understanding and expand your mastery of life. </p>
<p>If you are participating through email, you are welcome to share your experiences by writing to: MetaMom@UnityCitrusHeights.org </p>
<p>Week of… </p>
<p>9/4 Both and… <br>(From the teachings of Bashar the Sassani) </p>
<p>9/11 Maybe I don’t know… <br>(From Paul Ferrini’s book “Enlightenment for Everyone) </p>
<p>9/18 There’s a different way of seeing this… <br>(From “A Course in Miracles”) </p>
<p>9/25 What if I did know? <br>(From a counseling technique) </p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/43081142016-08-03T10:44:56-07:002016-08-03T10:44:56-07:00Balancing Act<p>If we follow Unity’s practice of regular periods of prayer and meditation, we can sometimes feel a little wobbly upon re-entering the everyday world. The long-term benefits of meditation include clarity, focus and increased energy. But there can be a transition period between plumbing the depths of consciousness and becoming active in the outer world. I like to compare this transition to the times of dawn and dusk—those twilight hours when it is not quite day and not quite night. <br> <br>At dusk, we see the remnants of the sunset while hearing the evening call of the cicadas. At dawn, we see the sun lighting the tops of the highest trees while still experiencing the cool silence of the dark. It is perhaps the contrast between these differing states of being that makes them all the sweeter. <br> <br>These are periods of immense power, mirroring the time in history into which we were born. Those of us who chose to incarnate at the end of the 20th Century stand with one foot in the past and one in the future. We are the conscious bridges of the transformation of our species. <br> <br>I am not a morning person. Upon rising, I like to put on snuggly socks and a sweatshirt over my jammies and sit in my recliner. There, I can look out into the yard and breathe the cool, fresh morning air. My dog Bailey will take his place on the footrest of the chair, and my little brown cat Smokie will climb into my lap for the first in a series of daily cuddles. We sit in the silence, breathing and allowing the world to reach into our hearts and call us into action. The dreams of the nighttime begin to fade and float away like wisps of cloud. <br> <br>In a while, I’m ready to go to the kitchen and begin the morning ritual of preparing food for my pets and myself. The tea is strong and sweet. I begin to feel stronger and life seems to sweeten. By honoring the natural rhythms of our bodies and minds, we flow easily from one state to another, gently and effectively. <br> <br>My prayer for each of us this week is that we take it easy; that we do less, think less, strive less and fear less. We are equipped for the fulfillment of our destiny--spiritually, physically and mentally. It is a matter of allowing ourselves to express that which has always been within us. In the words of one of the great prophets of our time, “Don’t worry, be happy.” (With thanks to Bobby McFerrin.) <br> <br>Sent with love from the dreamy comfort of my hammock… <br> <br><strong><span style="color:#0000CD;">Rev. Carla</span></strong></p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/42303662016-06-14T17:12:24-07:002016-06-14T17:12:24-07:00Midsummer Full Moon<p>We are all familiar with the wonder created when heavenly bodies align in unexpected, and perhaps synchronistic, ways. This coming Monday, June 20, is such an event. The full moon is around 4 AM, so moonrise both Sunday and Monday should be spectacular. Summer begins around 3:30 PM as the Earth spins through the solstice, a time oft celebrated as Midsummer—the longest day of the year. </p>
<p>When we honor the cycles of nature, we ground our lives into the rhythms of the Earth. We join in the energy of centuries of celebrations, rites and rituals that humans have created to strengthen the bonds among the many species and energetic forces with which we share our planetary home. </p>
<p>Many different spiritual traditions have included ceremonies tocelebrate the Turning of the Wheel of the seasons. These include ancient earth-based religions, Native American customs, communing with nature spirits such as devas and fairies, and celebrating with off-planetary and other-dimensional energies. </p>
<p>The Folly at The Manse was created and dedicated to honor and acknowledge all beings. It is currently manifesting as Stumphenge, a circle of stumps and stones (and comfy chairs!), and will be decorated in the glorious beauty of summer for our upcoming Midsummer FullMoon Circle. It promises to be an evening of gentle breezes, gentle people and gentle fun. </p>
<p>Everyone is welcome to attend our Circles. They are times of joy and magic, when both outer and inner senses are keenly attuned to the gifts of nature and Spirit. </p>
<p>See you at The Manse! <br><br><span style="color:#0000CD;"><strong>Namaste, Rev. Carla</strong></span></p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/42132842016-06-04T09:11:07-07:002016-06-04T09:11:07-07:00A Summer of Stars<p>Alright, so we survived Y2K with nary a glitch. Then we sailed through 2012 without disappearing into the ethers. We’re still here. What’s next? What next big change are we facing and how shall we prepare? <br> <br>I’m convinced that we live in the twilight of old 3D consciousness and that we chose to be here now in order to witness the dawn of the next great era in our awakening and ascension. Though Y2K and 2012 may have seemed to be non-events, resulting changes in race mind may still be surfacing. Sometimes our transformation seems to ratchet slowly forward, one cog at a time. During other periods, we experience dramatic change-- the likes of which prophets have foretold. <br> <br>Prophecy is a tricky matter. Since we have been introduced to quantum physics and the theory of probable realities, we understand that accurately predicting any one linear unfolding of time into a specified future is unlikely. Yet there are trends and energetic momenta that can provide greater degrees of certainty. <br> <br>That being said, the fall of 2016 is being predicted as a time when everything changes. In addition to some global political and economic changes, the biggest consideration is that irrefutable proof of life on other planets will be announced. This does not necessarily mean contact with beings from other worlds or dimensions, although it will open the door (and hopefully open more minds) to future interactions. <br> <br>At Unity in Citrus Heights, we are celebrating a Summer of Stars—consisting of several after-service gatherings that focus on various aspects of entering the Galactic Age. We begin this Sunday by listening to a workshop on Sacred Circuitry presented by Bashar the Sassani. Handouts for meditating at home will be provided. On Sunday, June 12, we will have a roundtable discussion about the impact that disclosure of life on other worlds might have on us personally and collectively. We will also have the opportunity to share the results of our Sacred Circuitry meditations. <br> <br>On July 3, we will have an informal discussion with Mirabai Bangs (of Heartdream) about her experience with orbs and UFOs. Mirabai will share photos that she has taken during her personal encounters. <br> <br>The time is now. The place is here. And we are the ones who have chosen to be courageous and to come forward with our questions, our concerns and our experiences. <br> <br>You are welcome to join in the surprises and the fun!</p>
<p><span style="color:#0000CD;"><strong>Much love and many blessings, <br> <br>Rev. Carla </strong></span><br> </p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/41618602016-05-01T19:58:56-07:002016-05-01T20:01:29-07:00The Many Rites of Spring<p><span class="font_large">Spring has sprung. Boy, has spring ever sprung! With all the rain we’ve had, each flowering bush is celebrating the rites of spring. Persephone has returned from the underworld, the Beltane fires are being built and the world clamors for the joy of unabashed Dionysian frolicking. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Much like we enjoy the bounty of buds and blossoms throughout our area, we at USC are experiencing an abundance of springtime delights--beginning with our Beltane Mini-retreat on April 30, when we explore our inner Persephone and romp around the May fire. (For those of you who are hesitant to actually romp, a stately promenade will suffice!) In the afternoon, we will dedicate The Folly, AKA Stumphenge, blessing its future with visions of fairies and aborigines and wienies and communing with Spirit. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">This Sunday, we kick off A Month of Myth with a talk based on Dionysus, the Greek god representing spiritual ecstasy and the continual rebirth of life in the spring. We will be reading Ecstasy: Understanding the Psychology of Joy, Robert A. Johnson’s book about Dionysus, on Friday evenings during May. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">I’ve been steeped in preparation for our mini-retreat. I planned to begin it with a Blessing of the Bees. The Manse has overarching privets in the side yard, which each spring become an intoxicating bower of flowers. There are hundreds of bees. With the current concern about the bee population, I have felt honored to host them. As the privets bloom, I welcome the bees and offer thanks to them and their kin. This year I’ve been explaining to them that many people will be coming this Saturday, but it is no cause for concern. (I’ve considered explaining to the people that the bees are no cause for concern either—no one has been stung in thirty or more years.) </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Earlier today I was on the hammock with my dog Bailey when I noticed a thick cloud of bees swarming down into the privets. I quickly got Bailey inside the house, wondering if all my bee pondering had attracted the attention of a thousand additional little honey mongers. A neighbor explained to me that the bees were resting while finding a new home. They swarm around the queen to protect her, in this case looking like a big bee-beard about twelve feet up a pine tree. They will probably move on in a day or so. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">As I continue my preparations for Saturday, still hearing the buzzing of the swarm in the pine tree, I can’t help but wonder, who will be blessing whom? Has the queen offered us her benediction this day? </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Wishing you and your kin a most glorious spring, <br> <br><strong><span style="color:#0000CD;">Rev. Carla</span></strong></span></p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/41058972016-03-25T15:34:01-07:002017-01-15T16:49:54-08:00Again We Rise<p> <br><span class="font_large">Recently the Vernal Equinox fulfilled the promise of the return of the light from the darkness of winter. Soon after, Easter morning fulfills the promise of the return of the light from the darkness of the tomb. The cycle of birth/death/rebirth is reflected throughout nature and in the scriptures of the world’s great spiritual traditions. We see examples such as caterpillars surrendering to the chrysalis and emerging as butterflies, and like Jonah spending three days in the belly of a big fish before emerging to answer the call of God. <br> <br>We are each born and reborn infinite times in our journey into being. The transformation process can be described in three stages, often symbolized by three days. In the first stage, we surrender our old definition of self into the care of God. This is the Good Friday experience (“Into thy hands I commit my spirit.”) In the second stage we rest. We allow the sacred design encoded within us to unfold, coming into completeness in the fullness of time. <br> <br>In the third stage, we are reborn into a clearer way of perceiving ourselves and the world. This is Easter morning, the dawning awareness that death does not exist, that we are never alone, and that all loss is an illusion. <br> <br>We experience repeated cycles of transformation--some small, others life-changing. To ease the process of surrender, we remember that we already live in a state of grace--one breath follows another, one day follows another. We have faith in the invisible energies that maintain our bodies and cause our planet to circle the sun. <br> <br>In your own life, when you are facing a “dark night of the soul,” remember that you have been perfectly created—perfect in mind, body and spirit. Have faith in yourself and have faith in the invisible energies that guide and comfort you. <br> <br>This Easter morning, allow the light of your inner Christ to emerge and bless the world! <br><br><strong><span style="color:#006400;">Unlimited blessings,<br>Rev. Carla</span></strong><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/127184/cf8ecbfa571a473cf13a3db68b3ae6922bb5047f/small/carla-purple.jpg?1428110043" class="size_s justify_left border_" /></span></p>
<p> </p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/40278022016-02-05T16:41:59-08:002016-02-05T16:41:59-08:00Leap Lightly<p><span class="font_large">During our Ritual of the Burning Bowl this past December, I released over $40,000 deferred income (back pay) that our church has conscientiously tracked over the years. I’ve rarely felt so light or so free. It reminds me of how I felt when I was a teenager getting my hair cut short for the summer. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Once I went to a hairdresser who taught that getting your hair cut would help you to lose weight--that old growth hair and extra pounds are both places we store unresolved feelings. Old debt is also a depository for old feelings. The energy needed to maintain these negative memories is then not available for other uses. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">The Hawaiian technique of Ho’oponopono involves taking complete responsibility for all aspects of our lives. This is a daring concept, audacious in its execution. If you are aware of something out of alignment with your spiritual Truth, regardless of how you became aware of it (first-hand, hearsay, broadcast news), you have the power to make it right. Regardless of whether the area of struggle is personal, corporate or global, you have the power to make it right. Regardless of who is to blame, you have the power to make it right. Learn more about Ho’oponopono at our service this coming Sunday. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Being aware that you have unlimited creativity, and applying it intentionally, are your gifts to our universal family. By taking action, whether through inner corrections or outer changes, we reduce humankind’s burden of error thinking. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">So choose freedom. Choose the knowing that no one owes you anything. Leap lightly into a future that recognizes that God has always been your source. Release that which ties you to a past that exists only in your own mind. Live a daring and audacious life! </span></p>
<p><strong><span style="color:#000080;"><span class="font_large">Peace, love and rock 'n roll!! </span></span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="color:#000080;"><span class="font_large">Rev. Carla</span></span></strong></p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/39678532015-12-26T19:15:10-08:002015-12-26T19:15:10-08:00Christmas Blessings<p><span class="font_large">Dear Ones, </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Hush! Can you hear it? Be still. Can you feel it? The sweet anticipation of this Christmas is upon us. The leaves are falling, the rains have begun and nights are long and cozy. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">We are making preparations for our holiday services at USC. We will have opportunities for community, prayer, celebration and feasting. As we remember the old stories, the journey to Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus, I encourage you to set aside time to connect with the birth of the Christ within. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">For Jesus was born so that we could become aware of our innate divinity. He taught that “the Father and I are one” so that we would realize our oneness with the Creator—and with each other. As we learn to use our Christ nature as the touchstone of our lives, we release fear and choose love. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">With the winter solstice approaching, we once again have the opportunity for release and renewal. In the still of the winter, we observe the coming of the Christ. Our New Year rituals allow us to shed doubt and negativity, and to reveal new aspects of our divine selves. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">As we enter 2016, we have the opportunity also to rebirth our church community. We join in visioning the bright future that God already has planned for our Family of Love. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">When I count my Christmas blessings, I realize that serving as Minister of Unity Spiritual Community is the greatest gift of all. We are celebrating my tenth anniversary after the Candle Lighting Service this Sunday. Please come. I hear there will be cake!! </span></p>
<p><strong><span style="color:#B22222;"><span class="font_large">With much love and Christmas hugs, </span></span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="color:#B22222;"><span class="font_large">Rev. Carla</span></span></strong></p>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/39264092015-11-20T18:47:25-08:002015-11-20T18:47:25-08:00Angels Arriving<span class="font_large">We are having the perfect November—it’s chilly and rainy, and the leaves have turned. Autumn is the time for long dog walks by the river, snug evenings bundled in sweats, and crock pots full of hot and hearty soup. It is also the herald of winter and the holiday season. Many years around this time I notice that angels begin arriving in the most unexpected forms and places.<br><br>I had planned to go to Wal Mart yesterday, after my dentist’s appointment. While in the dentist’s chair, I heard the siren’s song of orange chicken calling to me from the nearby Panda Express. Abandoning my plan to shop for gluten-free, organic groceries, I dashed straight to the Panda from the dentist office.<br><br>I barely noticed the young man in line ahead of me. When we had worked our way up to the cashier, I overheard him saying, “I’m also paying for the next one in line.” I turned and looked behind me, thinking I perhaps had separated him and a friend. No one else responded to his comment, so I turned back and asked, “Are you offering to buy my meal?” He nodded yes, and I replied, “Well, God bless you, then.” He said, “No, God bless you,” and asked me if I also wanted a beverage.<br><br>He was not a dangerous-looking person. He resembled Aaron Paul who played Jesse Pinkman on “Breaking Bad.” I couldn’t decide if his casual outfit was stained by living on the street, or if he just dressed in his play clothes. Nor could I decide if it mattered.<br><br>I'm embarrassed to share what happened next. After I received my meal from the cashier, while the young man was still taking his change, I rushed out the side door and hurried to my car. As soon as I was in the car, I locked the doors and drove off without fastening my seat belt. I made sure no one followed me home.<br><br>What does it say about us that so often the strongest responses we have to unexpected kindness are fear and suspicion—in some cases mixed with gratitude, embarrassment and confusion? I had, and have, many unanswered questions: What did he want? Was he flirting with me? Was he going to ask me for something? Did he think I was special, or was this his day for random acts of kindness? And why did I run away?<br><br>It’s no accident that the first words most angels in the Bible speak to humans are “Fear not!” In Unity, we often interpret angels as divine messengers. It’s understandable that we tremble at hearing what they have to say—for wouldn’t a divine message be a little intimidating? Perhaps encounters of the angelic kind are designed that way to catch our attention…<br><br>It may seem like I will never know what message my Panda angel was sent to deliver, but I believe that his mission was completed successfully. For the many questions he left me with, and the ways he made me question myself, are themselves gifts.<br><br>As the days continue to shorten, and the nights seem to hold new comfort and excitement, be aware of the miraculous that surrounds you. For angels are everywhere, bringing your attention to the questions that reveal the Truth and beauty of the season.<br><br><span style="color:#B22222;"><strong>Happy Thanksgiving!<br><br>Rev. Carla</strong></span></span>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/38390452015-09-01T20:38:27-07:002015-09-01T20:38:27-07:00The Joy of the Journey<div style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(77, 67, 67); font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="font_large" style="margin: 0px;">How many times in life do you feel stuck, stalled or short-circuited? Are there times when your dreams seem to be in a holding pattern, and you keep running around the same circle looking for a way out? If so, sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey!<br style="margin: 0px;"><br style="margin: 0px;">In our high-pressure, goal-oriented society, we sometimes forget that life unfolds according to divine timing. There is a natural rhythm to our progress, with periods of high accomplishment followed with times of inactivity. Know that there is real work being done in these quiet interludes. They are rich in spiritual, emotional and intellectual growth, which prepare us to “spring forth with a mighty faith to do that which is ours to do.”<br style="margin: 0px;"><br style="margin: 0px;">It is also important to accept change when it does occur. Some of us have difficulty letting go of the old and making room for the new. Perhaps we have dreams left unfulfilled, or need to release an outdated image of ourselves. Focusing on the plans of the past can blind us to the good before us today.<br style="margin: 0px;"><br style="margin: 0px;">There are many changes afoot here at Unity Spiritual Community, and many exciting events unfolding during the coming months. We invite you to join us, wherever you are in your own journey. You are always welcome in this Family of Love, where we support each other’s dreams, encourage each other during the slow times and celebrate each other’s successes!</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(77, 67, 67); font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;"> </div>
<br style="margin: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;"><span style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 128);"><span style="margin: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;"><strong style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; font-size: 1.4em; text-align: left;">God bless you all,<br style="margin: 0px;"><br style="margin: 0px;">Rev. Carla</span></strong></span></span>
</div>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/37996552015-08-01T16:34:28-07:002015-08-01T16:34:28-07:00Dog Tales<span class="font_large">Sometimes it is difficult to see God in every situation, but I’m learning to look closely, listen carefully and to be open to the gifts that can be found even in painful circumstances. I think back to one of the most challenging times I have experienced:<br><br>In June 1996 I found a lump on the side of my dog Chelsea Blue. It felt like a soft golf ball. When I took her to the vet, he diagnosed it as breast cancer and scheduled surgery. He could not give a prognosis, and advised me that this type of cancer frequently recurs. <br><br>I took Chelsea home and waited for the day of her surgery. During this period I often found myself holding her to my heart and asking her not to leave me. But as I moved through my grief and fear, I realized that I could not ask Chelsea to stay if it was her time to leave. As one of God’s beloved creatures she had her own path through eternity. I was grateful for every day I shared with this gentle spirit, but still I had to honor her journey and her destiny.<br><br>So it is with all of those whom we love. We come to earth for a short time. We share these days of warm sunshine and cool breezes with others whose lifetimes coincides with ours. We love. We behold the beauty in others. We comfort and are comforted by them. And then we move on.<br><br>Even if we live with the faith that we are eternal beings, we know that in death we change forms. We were born into a body and we leave that body when we die. For the days between we are the expressions of our eternal souls in flesh—each of us unique, each treasured, each claiming a season of life. We breathe, we laugh, we love. We share this earthly existence with other eternal souls.<br><br>We cannot hold on. Life is change. We change day by day, moment by moment. Love itself is given a deeper meaning, a bittersweet joy, by the knowledge that nothing lasts forever. Loving is letting go. Loving is beholding the beauty of an individual without holding on. <br><br>Chelsea’s surgery was successful. When she returned home, we became closer than ever before. She was weak and needed extra care from me. Tending to her needs gave me the opportunity to express my love in new ways. <br><br>One of the unexpected pleasures of her convalescence was her unusually joyful behavior. She had always been a sweet and undemanding dog. But for those few weeks she seemed filled with gratitude for being alive. This may have been a side effect of the anesthesia used during surgery, or perhaps her body was producing endorphins to combat the pain. She exhibited this “joie de vivre” in every waking moment. One event illustrates this: Chelsea was lying on my bed while I was folding laundry. I began singing, and as usual, my other dog Patches joined in. (Doggy duets were commonplace in our home.) On this day, Chelsea added her voice to ours, and we became a trio. She never sang with us before, or after. In that one precious moment she expressed her joy for living.<br><br>My experience with Chelsea’s cancer calls the question about the first of Unity’s fundamental teachings--that there is only one presence and one power in the universe, God the good, omnipotent. This principle, while easy to accept in the abstract, can be quite challenging to apply in specific life circumstances. If there is only God, and God is good, then why do hurtful things happen? Perhaps the question should be restated as follows: why do we label some things as hurtful when we know that there is only God and God is good? This is a big step for most of us, a real leap of faith. To redefine all of life as good requires that we reject many of the labels used by other people and by the media. It also requires that we practice nonresistance, learning to embrace each thing that happens as part of the unfolding of God’s greater plan of good.<br><br>If we look closely at events in everyday life, we can see that they support the essential goodness of the universe. Whether a situation has a profound impact, such as the loss of a loved one, or is merely an inconvenience, we can look for the blessing. No spiritual work is nobler or more sacred than learning to see the blessing in every circumstance. <br><br>As for Chelsea Blue, after three years the cancer recurred, and she had surgery again. She did fine and lived to the ripe old age of 17. I am grateful for every day that I had with her. And I am most grateful for the spiritual lessons that she provided for me.<br><br>When we learn to live each day knowing that God’s goodness is everywhere manifest, and when we learn not to resist seemingly negative circumstances, we come into a greater awareness of our purpose here on Earth: to express the Truth of our being: We are eternal. We are good. We are blessed.<br> <br>This August at Unity Spiritual Community, we are offering a wonderful variety of Sunday services and other activities. Please see the calendar for details, and especially note that on the 23<sup>rd</sup> the Sunday lesson is entitled “Ten Things I Learned from My Dog.” This talk is dedicated to Chelsea Blue and the legions of other canine companions who have supported humankind throughout the ages.<br> <br>With much love,<br> <br>Rev. Carla</span>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/37406372015-06-13T18:33:22-07:002015-06-13T18:33:22-07:00When God Says Go and You Say No<span class="font_large">So many times in our lives we seem to be led into experiences that are not of our own choosing—divorce, bankruptcy, serious illness and other losses may make us doubt God’s ever-present love and power.<br> <br>Such was the case with the Prophet Jonah. We read in Jonah 1:2-3, when God spoke to Jonah, “’Go at once to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before me.’ But Jonah set out to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord.” Jonah then boarded a ship and fled away from God and from his mission to Ninevah.<br> <br>Once Jonah was at sea, the Lord caused a mighty storm to rock the boat. Jonah had gone below and was asleep. The captain woke him and, after drawing lots with the sailors, Jonah was thrown into the sea which then ceased its raging.<br> <br>In Jonah 1:17 we read, “But the Lord provided a large fish to swallow up Jonah; and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.” It is interesting to note that the large fish was provided by the Lord to save Jonah; the fish did not attack Jonah. After the three days, Jonah prayed to God from the belly of the fish, saying, in part, “As my life was ebbing away, I remembered the Lord; and my prayer came to you, into your holy temple.” (Jonah 2:7) The entire prayer of Jonah is called a Psalm of Thanksgiving.<br> <br>Jonah 2:10 “Then the Lord spoke to the fish, and it spewed Jonah out upon the dry land.” Jonah then responded to the word of the Lord and went to Ninevah, preaching to the Ninevites who changed their evil ways.<br> <br>This famous story is rich in symbolism that applies to each of our lives. When we are called to walk through an experience that seems to lead only to pain and struggle, how often do we seek to run the other way? We may try to find escape in the distractions of the world: drugs or alcohol, TV, working overtime, busy-ness, or like Jonah, we may sleep away the hours. Yet God always provides. Every experience is an opportunity for transformation, each one has the potential to bring us closer to God and to the Truth that we are never alone.<br> <br>Sometimes life calls a “time-out,” such as Jonah had in the belly of the big fish. We may find ourselves recovering from an illness or surgery, we may have time off between jobs, or otherwise have time away from the routine of our daily lives. These times of rest are preparation for, or recovery from, a journey to our private Ninevah. As we go deeper, spending time in prayer and meditation, allowing God to work in and through us, we learn to surrender and trust that each experience in life can lead us into a higher place, and strengthen our faith.<br> <br>I have journeyed to Ninevah several times over the years. I’ve experienced illness, injury, failure and loss. Yet, in time, I’ve seen these occasions differently, and learned to become grateful for the gifts they bear. Like Jonah, when we finally can thank God, we are ready to undertake the next thing life spews at us. I’ve come to believe that there are no random events, that each thing that happens provides the exact lesson we need to continue evolving on our spiritual path.<br> <br>So, the next time God says “Go,” think twice before you say “No.”<br> <br>Namaste,<br> <br>Rev. Carla</span>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/36969762015-05-06T20:54:03-07:002015-05-06T20:54:03-07:00Ho'oponopono<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 1.4em; text-align: left;">I believe we are the Masters of the Universe. That we volunteered to participate in one of the greatest dramas in all creation—that of free will. Those of us on the Earth plane today have shown up to awaken, to heal, and most importantly, to love.<br><br>We read from Dr. Ihaleakala Hew Len: “The purpose of life is to be restored back to Love, moment to moment. To fulfill this purpose, the individual must acknowledge that he is 100 percent responsible for creating his life the way it is. He must come to see that it is his thoughts that create his life the way it is moment to moment. The problems are not people, places, and situations but rather the thoughts of them. He must come to appreciate that there is no such thing as ‘out there.’”<br><br>Remembering that Unity’s 5th principle is Action, we find ways to practice our teachings in our every day lives. We remember that we are one with God and with each other, that we create our experience with our thoughts and beliefs, and that we are connected with the Divine at all times and can commune with Spirit moment by moment, throughout each day.<br><br>Beginning this Sunday, we at Unity Spiritual Community will be revisiting the Hawaiian technique of Ho’oponopono, learning to clean the veil of memory from our perception, leaving only love.<br><br>This simple, powerful tool allows us to take responsibility for our experience, to release regret and blame, and create a joyous, prosperous, unlimited world.<br><br>We are truly blessed, and we are grateful. </span></span><br style="color: rgb(33, 82, 52); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;"><br style="color: rgb(33, 82, 52); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify; color: rgb(0, 100, 0);"><strong><span style="font-size: 1.4em; text-align: left;">Namaste,<br><br>Rev. Carla</span></strong></span>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/36585902015-04-14T20:43:24-07:002015-04-14T20:43:24-07:00Creating Affluence<span class="font_large">Affluence, and wealth of all types, is not something that we need to attract to us—for we already possess it. The challenge that we face is releasing the thoughts and beliefs that block us from recognizing it. As we look deeply within, we discover that our worldview, our definitions of life, are contrary to the effortless realization of wealth.<br><br>We often begin our quest for prosperity at the wrong end of this dilemma—we focus on that which we believe is missing—money, things, a comfortable lifestyle, friends and good health. By taking this approach, we are addressing the symptoms that result from our belief systems, when we need to identify the beliefs themselves, and replace them with an awareness of the true nature of reality. Once we align our thoughts with this understanding, we unleash the power within us and wealth follows us wherever we go.<br><br>In his book Creating Affluence, Deepak Chopra states that “Affluence, unboundedness, and abundance are our natural state. We just need to restore the memory of what we already know.” Wealth consciousness has been an integral part of New Thought from the beginning—it reflects the relationship between the spiritual and the material realms. All things come into being in the same manner, from the same source. All things are made of the same energy, shaped into different forms by our intent and belief.<br><br>Deepak Chopra explains existing metaphysical principles in terms of modern physics and quantum theory, revealing their timeless truth. As we unfold the mechanics of creation, the brilliance of our spiritual ancestors shines ever more brightly.<br><br>Through our experiential workshop on Saturday, April 18, and our Sunday lessons on April 19 and 26, we will see the perfection of the universe and our role in it. We will see life, not as a struggle, but as a magical adventure where our needs are met with grace and ease. You are invited to join us in this adventure, and to begin living with the freedom and joy that are your birthright.<br><br><strong><span style="color:#0000CD;">With much love,<br><br>Rev. Carla</span></strong></span>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/36147982015-03-20T17:39:11-07:002015-03-20T17:39:11-07:00Tomorrow's God<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><em>Something extraordinary is about to happen on this planet.</em></span></div><span class="font_large"> <br>“Humanity is about to create a new form of spirituality. This New Spirituality will allow humans to express their natural impulse toward the Divine without making one another wrong for the way in which they are doing it, and without killing one another in the name of it. When the New Spirituality is embraced by humanity, it will, of course, change everything. And that is exactly what is needed now.”<br> <br>The above paragraph, from <em>Tomorrow’s God</em> by Neale Donald Walsch, describes the “tipping point” humanity has reached in its quest for understanding—understanding God, understanding Self and understanding Life. We are claiming our freedom. We are free to examine things that we were taught in childhood, to accept or discard these as we choose. We are free to apply our adult faculty of discernment to commonly accepted teachings, and to follow those that resonate in our hearts as true.<br> <br>We are free to redefine our image of God. We study the scriptures from many enduring traditions; we learn from many great teachers, we discuss with our peers the ideas that we have. And then we turn within, listening to inner guidance, knowing that we can trust that guidance—that we are and have always been connected to Cosmic Truth.<br> <br>It is time for us to redefine divinity. It is time for us to strip away the attributes assigned to God by various institutions through the ages. It is time for us to move into a purer vision, one in keeping with the Truth of our hearts.<br> <br>We quiet any fear associated with releasing the God of our childhoods. We allow a new image of the Source of Life to form itself in our minds. We expand our concept of the Almighty to include All That Is—every person, every animal, every object, every planet, every star, every thought. For it is all One. <br> <br>At Unity Spiritual Community, we are excited to explore the ideas that Walsch shares in <em>Tomorrow’s God</em> during our Sunday talks on March 8 and March 15. We invite you to join us at our 10 AM service--come as you are, you are always welcome!<br> <br><span style="color:#000080;"><strong>Many blessings,<br> <br>Rev. Carla </strong></span></span>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/36147072015-03-20T17:31:00-07:002015-03-20T17:31:00-07:00Tomorrow's Church<em><span style="font-size: 1.4em; text-align: left;">(based on the Minister’s Message at USC’s annual Membership Meeting)</span></em>
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<br><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size: 1.4em; text-align: left;">The last two weeks we’ve discussed Tomorrow’s God during our Sunday lessons. The corollary to Tomorrow’s God is Tomorrow’s Church. There are numerous books, and seemingly endless theories, about the future of religion, and about how churches must be willing to adopt a new paradigm in order to meet the needs of Today’s People.<br><br>I think that one of the downfalls of organized religion is depending on voices of the past for guidance, and for our definitions of reality. Truth is a living idea. It is the <em>presentation</em> of Truth principles that changes as human understanding matures. This is why Jesus spoke in parables from which, 2000 years later, we can glean nuggets of spiritual laws. This is why Charles Fillmore embraced advances in technology, utilizing radio and publishing to spread Unity’s message.<br><br>We are living at the speed of light. Our world changes momently. We at Unity Spiritual Community strive to keep abreast of the latest means of communicating our message. We offer recordings of our Sunday services on our website, we have an electronic newsletter, we are on Facebook, we have used Twitter and promoted our classes on <a href="http://meetup.com/">Meetup.com</a>. Perhaps even more important than being current with modern technology is keeping up with modern thought, meeting the needs of Today’s People and preparing for Tomorrow’s World.<br><br>Our spiritual ancestors did not shy away from controversial teachings. Rather, they revealed new applications of enduring doctrines. In order to remain on the leading edge of practical spirituality, we must continue in their footsteps. We teach that Big T Truth is changeless and eternal. In order to support that concept in Today’s World we must explore how Truth is substantiated in a quantum reality. We must free ourselves from outdated definitions of a world confined by time and space. We must realize that the veil of belief that has separated us from the rest of creation is now being lifted.<br><br>Tomorrow’s Church embraces ideas that are both revolutionary and evolutionary. We embody the latest in physics and metaphysics. We offer a sure rudder to people who are navigating the sea of the future. We are expanding the map of the world, fearlessly demonstrating that there are no dragons awaiting us as we approach the edge of unexplored spiritual territory.<br><br>Here at Unity Spiritual Community we are creating Tomorrow’s Church. You and I are offering a way to meet today’s discoveries with the assurance of eternal Truths. We are creating a safe haven where Today’s People can prepare for Tomorrow’s World. Together, we are bravely going where no church has gone before!<br><br>This is the most exciting age in the history of the world.<br><br> Now is the time.<br> This is the place.<br> And we are the ones we’ve been waiting for!<br><br>God bless you all, let’s have a spectacular year!</span></span>
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<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(11, 43, 120); text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 153);"><span class="font_large"><span style="font-weight: bold;">With much love,<br>Rev. Carla </span></span></span></div>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/35295722015-02-13T21:00:29-08:002015-02-13T21:00:29-08:00Keep a True Lent<span class="font_regular"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">Many folks who begin attending Unity churches have rejected the teachings of their childhood religions, especially the ideas of sin and damnation. I was not from a church-going family, and I grew up with prejudices about the Bible and Jesus. Unity’s teachings about the original innocence of humankind, and Unity’s metaphysical Bible interpretation, allowed me to gain a new understanding of Jesus and the Judeo-Christian mythos.</span><br style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"> </span><br style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">Newcomers to Unity sometimes resist hearing about Jesus, and the scriptures. Although understandable, this aversion can result in “throwing the baby out with the bath water.” In Unity’s basic lessons, we hear that Jesus is viewed as our way-shower or elder brother. We learn that Jesus never intended for us to worship him, rather he was describing, and modeling, our relationship with God. He also was demonstrating what it means to be human.</span><br style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"> </span><br style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">This explanation of Jesus provides the first step to releasing any fear or reluctance to learning more. Because there is much more. Much, much more. Our current understanding of life, of God and of ourselves is limited by our learned perceptions and by the nearly imperceptible definitions of reality that we all share.</span><br style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"> </span><br style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">In </span><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">Keep a True Lent </em><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">Unity’s co-founder Charles Fillmore presents some radically different ideas about the history of Jesus, his role upon the Earth, and the message he came to share.</span><br style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"> </span><br style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">We read on page 130: “In order to understand the status of Jesus we have to visualize a universe like that in which we live as having existed during billions of years in the past, as having fulfilled its mission in the evolution of a superrace of men, and as then passing away leaving as its fruit God-men with creative power. Jesus was one of the God-men of that ancient creation, and it was His destiny to bring forth from the depths of Being a race of potential gods, place them in an environment where they could grow as he grew and become, like Him, a Son of God.”</span><br style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><br style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">From this paragraph, we could infer that Jesus was an extra-terrestrial, and that the realm of creator spirits is much vaster, and contains many more such creators than we have previously believed. Mr. Fillmore’s description of the mission of Jesus, and of the purpose of human life, portrays a background and a setting remarkably different from prevailing Christian thought.</span><br style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"> </span><br style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">We next look at the following statement from page 131: “Christ then began a series of physical incarnations, beginning prehistorically and ending with His Jesus incarnation.” Historians have noted similarities among the incarnations of many great creator spirits throughout the ages. Common elements include virgin births and resurrections. One explanation is that they were all incarnations of the Christ spirit.</span><br style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"> </span><br style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">Whether or not one accepts these excerpts from </span><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">Keep a True Lent</em><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"> as literal truth, they exemplify a greater lesson: our understanding of Jesus Christ is not limited to a choice between the traditional Christian explanation and Unity’s teaching of Jesus as way-shower and elder brother.</span><br style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"> </span><br style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">We remember that Mr. Fillmore reserved the right to change his mind at any time. It’s not important that we agree that Christ was incarnated many times on earth, or that he was an intergalactic God-man on a mission to foster the development of a new race of God-men.</span><br style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"> </span><br style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">What is important is that we realize that there are countless interpretations of the life and work of Jesus Christ. What is important is that we are free to explore theories that break through conventional thought. What is important is that we open our minds and hearts to ideas that are fabulous, magical, powerful, mind-blowing, mystical and enticing. What is important is that we explore the probability that Jesus was, and we are, much more than we believe.</span><br style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"> </span><br style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">This is the true message of Easter. This is how we keep a true lent.</span></span><br style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"> </span><br style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;"><font color="#0000cd">With much love,</font><br><br><span class="font_large" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 205);">Rev. Carla</span></strong>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/34138442014-12-18T06:40:04-08:002017-01-15T16:49:54-08:00"On Them Has Light Shined"<span class="font_large"><strong><em>The Prophecy of Isaiah</em></strong> <br><strong>Isaiah 9:2, 6 </strong><br> <br>“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined... For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called ‘Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, prince of Peace.’”<br> <br>We interpret this scripture thusly: Some 700 years before the birth of Jesus, the prophet Isaiah proclaimed his coming. In you and me, Isaiah represents the earliest recognition, within our soul, of a higher self. Isaiah represents, within us, that which is capable of discerning more to life than physical and material satisfaction. The Isaiah of us holds to this realization throughout all time, until such time as we are capable of realizing and bringing into full light the expression of our true individual Christ identity.<br> <br>During these winter months, our natural instinct is to rest and reflect. As we approach Christmas Day, I encourage you to practice extreme self-care. Seek companionship when you feel lonely. Seek solitude when you feel overwhelmed with the hustle and bustle of the season. Most of all, take time to reflect on the birth of the Christ. We celebrate with traditional Christmas festivities, we rejoice with the stories of old. And, once again, we are reminded that the Christ was born within each human spirit. Our Christmas holiday is truly about YOU, how you came to earth to be the living expression of the living Christ.<br> <br>We move through Christmas into our New Year’s rituals: releasing that which is unlike the Christ, expressing the qualities that allow our true selves to shine. This year, do shine. Shine brightly, shine fearlessly. Shine your light for all to see! <br> <br>We invite you to join us this Sunday for our Christmas candle lighting service. Please see the calendar for other holiday services and festivities.<br> <br><strong><span style="color:#008080;">Unlimited love and Christmas blessings, Rev. Carla<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/127184/f31d64d9fb88ef5c8be67baaac086e37bee3b577/small/carla-red4.jpg?1418915272" class="size_s justify_left border_" /></span></strong></span>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/32069472014-09-27T15:02:16-07:002017-01-15T16:49:54-08:00Language of the Heart<span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/127184/ed028e51914f52f5102445452332340585a98c73/small/carla-purple.jpg?1409683778" class="size_s justify_left border_" />We’ve heard it said, and sung, that “love is all around,” and “love is in the air.” When we connect this idea with the knowing that we live, and move, and have our Being in God Mind—and that God is Love—then all we need to do is open our minds and our hearts to the never-failing Presence that envelopes us in the energy of Divine Love. <br><br>A couple of weeks ago, I was having a bad day. Unable to shake this gloomy mood, I went back to bed—after sharing with a couple of friends and colleagues that I was not available until further notice. After my nap, my dog Bailey persuaded me to walk him around the block—and he can be a very persuasive dog!<br> <br>Our usual route includes walking around a nearby cul-de-sac. We often see two ladies sitting on their porch, enjoying the evening breeze. The older one wears a babushka; the other carries her cockatiel on her shoulder. They grow tomatoes and squash in their front yard and add an old-world flavor to our small neighborhood. They don’t speak much English, but the younger one always greets me with a big smile, saying, “Good evening, how are you?”<br> <br>I don’t think she knows where I live. But she does remember when my dog Yoda died last October, and she shared my joy when Bailey came to live with me. She always looks to see if my calico cat Dixie Rose has chosen to walk with us, and smiles with delight when she has.<br> <br>On this particular evening, as I was shaking off my grumpy mood and waking more fully from my nap, she called after me, “I love you, my best friend!” I love her, too. I am grateful for her presence in my life. She adds to the joy of my days.<br> <br>As Bailey and I continued our walk, three young boys, one black, one brown and one white, passed us on their bikes. I sometimes hire one of the boys to take Bailey for a walk. His name is Malachi and he is eight years old. I’ve known him since he was five and remember the summer days when he would show up at my front door wanting a Band Aid and a Pop Tart.<br> <br>As the boys sped by, each one said in turn, “Hi Carla. Hi Bailey.” I returned home, my mood lifted by the folks we had encountered on our walk.<br> <br>Love IS all around us—if we but have eyes to see, if we but have ears to hear. Divine Love speaks to us in many colors, in many tongues, and through many creatures. Sometimes all it takes is to show up and make ourselves available!<br> <br>You are always invited to show up at Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heights—a church that Love is building and where joy is practiced!<br> <br><span class="font_regular"><strong><span style="color:#3333cc;">Namaste,<br>Rev. Carla </span></strong></span><strong><span style="color:#3333cc;"> </span></strong></span>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/31739552014-09-05T16:29:48-07:002017-01-15T16:49:54-08:00Infinite Expressions of the One God<span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/127184/ed028e51914f52f5102445452332340585a98c73/small/carla-purple.jpg?1409683778" class="size_s justify_left border_" />In the beginning there was the One God. In a great bursting forth of creativity and love, the One God gave expression to myriad aspects of itself, each containing the original spark of that Oneness, each mirroring to the others a unique manifestation of that same Oneness.<br><br>In this manner, the One God grew in self-awareness and gave freedom to the infinite forms of created life. As we move through our years on earth, we each reflect to all others an authentic version of the One God. Our holy mission is to use our free will to remember what we are, and to treat ourselves and all others accordingly.<br><br>Sound like a daunting task? Yes, indeed, it can seem daunting. But only when we forget that we are each intentional creations of the One God, come together to grow in self-awareness, creativity and love.<br><br>The purpose of our spiritual communities is to aid and support this growth by offering: </span><br> <table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 350px;"><tbody> <tr> <td>
<span class="font_large">Learning </span><br style="font-size: 17px;"> <span style="font-size: 17px;">Guidance </span><br style="font-size: 17px;"> <span style="font-size: 17px;">Worship </span><br style="font-size: 17px;"> <span style="font-size: 17px;">Celebration </span><br style="font-size: 17px;"> <span style="font-size: 17px;">Community </span><br style="font-size: 17px;"> <span style="font-size: 17px;">Spiritual values for our children </span><br style="font-size: 17px;"> <span style="font-size: 17px;">Fun </span><br style="font-size: 17px;"> <span style="font-size: 17px;">Like-minded people </span><br style="font-size: 17px;"> <span style="font-size: 17px;">Intellectual stimulation </span><br style="font-size: 17px;"> <span style="font-size: 17px;">Participation in and connection with a spiritual tradition </span><br style="font-size: 17px;"> <span style="font-size: 17px;">Self-discovery and understanding </span><br style="font-size: 17px;"> <span style="font-size: 17px;">An oasis of peace in a seemingly insane world </span><br style="font-size: 17px;"> <span style="font-size: 17px;">Time-out from daily life and demands </span><br style="font-size: 17px;"> <span style="font-size: 17px;">Recharge spiritual batteries</span>
</td> </tr>
</tbody></table><br><span class="font_large">The over-arching purpose of a spiritual community is personal transformation. We are here to provide the venue for individuals to heal their lives, learn the truth of who they are and proceed on the path of enlightenment.<br><br>This month we will have three Sunday lessons designed to help us understand our purpose as multiple expressions of One God. On September 14, we will discuss Love in Action as we celebrate our many volunteers. On September 21, we will take a look at Divine Friction and increase our understanding of relationships that do not flow easily. And on September 28, our lesson: Where Two or More Are Gathered, is about the power of praying together.<br><br>You are always welcome at Unity Spiritual Community, where we come together to love and support one another in our holy mission.<br><br><strong><span style="color:#800080;">Namaste,<br>Rev. Carla</span></strong></span>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/31206052014-08-02T13:07:47-07:002017-01-15T16:49:54-08:00DILLON MODELS THE "I AND THOU" RELATIONSHIP<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/127184/c1ebb4837f32be2747495abb7e56bc46cf971daa/small/carla-red4.jpg?1409683365" class="size_s justify_left border_" />On a typical workday morning as I rode the El to the Chicago Loop, I would be jostled as I moved through the crowded car to a seat. The train was noisy and uncomfortable, and passengers would be flung against one another and knocked about as it screeched around the sharp curves. When it descended into the subway tunnels, there were showers of sparks and the internal lights blinked off and on. This daily experience was an assault on the senses and the nerves. <br>Many passengers buried their noses in the Chicago Tribune or the Sun-Times. Others stared straight ahead with expressionless faces. Eye contact was rare and conversations were rarer. Perhaps survival in this jarring and surreal environment demanded that each person withdraw beneath a protective façade of isolation.<br> <br>I had lived in Chicago for five years, found and grew a career in software, and learned to navigate through the urban lifestyle. It was time to leave. I moved to Florida.<br> <br>Several years later I traveled routinely from Orlando to Anchorage. I was struck by unexpected cultural differences in the snowy north. It began in the airports in the lower 49. Eye contact was common among the passengers waiting to board the last leg of our flights to Alaska. Folks exchanged glances and nods, and acknowledged one another’s presence.<br> <br>I knew from my Alaskan studies that the population was sparse and survival depended on community and cooperation. People were not invisible to each other. I noticed the eye contact and nods from passersby on the sidewalks and shoppers in the grocery stores. Though largely unspoken, there was ongoing recognition of the interdependency of the residents.<br> <br>These two different American experiences seem to illustrate the great work of Martin Buber, the eminent Jewish philosopher and scholar who was born in Vienna in 1878. Buber is best known for his book <em>I and Thou. </em>In it, he described two contrasting ways of interacting with the world around us. In one way, we see others from a viewpoint of “I and It”—objectifying the other, whether the other be human, animal, vegetable or mineral.<br> <br>In contrast, when we interact from the “I and Thou” viewpoint, we acknowledge the divine presence within every manifestation of life. The “I and Thou” relationship also implies a two-way exchange. It reminds me of one of the interpretations of the ancient Hindu greeting of Namaste: The Christ in me greets the Christ in thee.<br> <br>A couple of weeks ago I was sitting in a waiting area at a Kaiser medical facility. Unexpectedly, a young man plopped in the seat next to me and asked if I wanted to see his owie. When I looked over and saw the gauze taped in the crook of his elbow, I noticed that he had some characteristics of Down syndrome. I asked him if his owie still hurt, he replied yes, and then raised his shirt to show me another dressing on his chest. I commiserated with him.<br> <br>He asked my name, and I told him it was Carla. He said his name was Dillon, with two “L’s,” making the shape of an L with his thumb and forefinger. Then he laid his head on my shoulder.<br> <br>Dillon sat back up and asked the woman seated next to me what her name was. She replied. He introduced himself, then proceeded to ask several more folks in the row of chairs facing us. Some were reading, some were focused on their phones; others were in conversation with their companions. I watched as each person was surprised by being addressed. I watched their faces soften as they noticed the beauty and innocence of Dillon’s Down features. I saw them light up as they shared their names, and I noticed the love and warmth steadily increase in our little circle of chairs.<br> <br>Dillon laid his head back on my shoulder as the ad hoc community that he had created shared information about themselves and asked caring questions of each other. Dillon’s guardian then appeared and it was time for him to leave. We all told him goodbye, and as he exited, he turned around to wave and then skipped out.<br> <br>The childlike magic of this special human had transformed a group of “I and It” strangers into a glowing circle of “I and Thou” companions who shared their light for a short time in an otherwise mundane, and perhaps stressful setting.<br> <br>In Unity we teach that we are One: One with God, One with each other and One with All That Is. On that day not long ago, I saw what a difference a child made. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” I believe that our friend Dillon with two “L’s” is a living example of the change that will bring us into that kingdom.<br> <br><span class="font_large"><strong><span style="color:#3399cc;">Many blessings,<br>Rev. Carla</span></strong></span>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/30579422014-07-04T16:09:16-07:002014-07-04T16:09:16-07:00My Country 'Tis of TheeMy country, ‘tis of thee, sweet land of liberty…America. The land of hope, of dreams, of promise. Of thee we sing. For thee we pray. <br>We let go of any ambiguity about our nation, and remember the times when it was simpler to love this land. America. The New World. A place of wide-open plains, mighty rivers, and miles and miles of unexplored grandeur.<br> <br>America lives in the hearts of her people. America is an ideal as much as it is a place. It is the ideal of a country where all people are welcome, all people are equal, and all people are free.<br> <br>The birthing of this ideal has not come easily. Making manifest the vision of our forefathers has required years of struggle--times of seeming failure, seeming injustice and seeming defeat. Yet the dream lives on. We still see that noble country, the home of the brave, the land of the free.<br> <br>Perhaps we have been charged with the mission of enlarging this vision to encompass the planet. Perhaps we, as 21<sup>st</sup> century humans, will at last hold to the truth that all men are brothers, all women are sisters and all people have the right to be free. We see our own nation as the flagship of this New World--a world where each country is honored and appreciated for its history, its culture and its unique place in the tapestry of life.<br> <br>Oh beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain. We grow in the awareness that our country was founded in God-mind and abides in God-heart. We allow it, and all other countries, to unfold into world destiny—a destiny where peace reigns and love abides. This is our prayer, the prayer for our global family and our earthly home.<br> <br>AND SO IT IS, AMEN.Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/29838972014-05-30T22:43:59-07:002014-05-30T22:43:59-07:00A NEW HUMAN MANIFESTOThings have changed since 2012. There seems to be more light in the world. It’s like we were waiting to exhale until we successfully passed that landmark year and could believe that we were going to be successful in realizing the new heaven and the new earth.<br><br>There may also seem to be more darkness in the world—both natural and human-made disasters. But know this: we are experiencing the storm before the calm. The human race has reached the tipping point, and we are approaching our destiny in fulfilling the evolutionary leap into being new humans.<br><br>In order to clear any negativity that remains in race mind, we are manifesting it, recognizing it and healing it. As we struggle with the crises in our financial and healthcare systems, as we continue to sink billions of dollars into war, and as we see our prisons overflowing, attention must finally be drawn to the underlying cause—our definition of life itself. These social challenges faithfully mirror the way we see ourselves, others, and God.<br><br>In his book, The Storm Before the Calm, Neale Donald Walsch proposes that we begin a conversation based on several questions including:<br><br>How is it possible that 6.9 billion people can all claim to want the same thing (peace, security, opportunity, prosperity, happiness, and love) and be singularly unable to get it?<br><br>Is it possible that there is something we do not fully understand about life, the understanding of which would change everything?<br><br>Is it possible that there is something we do not fully understand about ourselves, about our own life and its purpose, the understanding of which would shift our reality and alter our experience for the better, forever?<br><br>These questions will lead us into a deeper understanding of our definition of life, self, others and God.<br><br>I am convinced that this is the most exciting time in human history. As we awaken to the Truth of being, we will shed the negativity of the past and allow our light to shine—unfettered by old beliefs.<br><br>Join us this Sunday morning as we begin our exploration of Walsch’s book, and for a deeper experience, come to our Thursday evening book group and share in the discussions there.<br><br><em>This is the place. Now is the time. And we are the ones we’ve been waiting for. </em><br><br>With peace and love,<br><br>Rev. CarlaUnity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/29439722014-05-13T11:57:42-07:002014-05-13T11:57:42-07:00DANCING TOGETHER IN THE LIGHT AND DARKLight and dark, young and old, aggressive and receptive, motion and stillness, male and female, life and death: there is a powerful dynamic to our existence that is created by the interplay - the dance - of opposites. In some philosophies it is seen as dualities with judgmental connotations of good and bad: the light is divine; the dark is evil. The reality is that both are necessary. They are polarities and they require balance within the world and us. Is that not the basic nature of the sacred dance -- an ever-dynamic union of opposites? <br><br>There is a cyclic quality to this dance that is mirrored in the seasons of the year, of birth-death-rebirth. At the points in the cycle where light and dark are equal we find ancient festivals that celebrated the polarities of life. At the spring equinox Persephone returns to Demeter; youth and age, the child within and the wise one are reunited. At the autumn equinox the sacred marriage, the union of male and female, is celebrated.<br> <br>For the ancient Sumerians, summer was a time of death. Heat and drought killed much of the vegetation. This was the time that Dumuzi, the eternal dying and reborn vegetation god, spent in the underworld. At autumn, when cool winds returned and rains came, Dumuzi was reborn and returned to the bed of the Goddess of Love and the Earth's fertility, Inanna, which caused the land to flourish once again. The union of male and female in the hieros gamos (sacred marriage) is symbolic of the union of all opposites, the balance of all polarities and ultimately the mating of life and death.<br> <br>As with all mythology, the heroes and heroines represent parts of our own psyches. In this month's workshop, using the myth of Inanna as she travels to the underworld to reunite with her sister Ereshkigal, we will explore how we each created our persona and shadow selves. In gaining this awareness we are able to respond consciously to the traits found in each.<br> <br>With much love,<br> <br>Rev. Carla Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/28647332014-04-11T19:30:18-07:002014-04-11T19:30:18-07:00THE INESCAPABLE GODWhere can I go from your spirit?<br> Or where can I flee from your presence?<br> If I ascend to heaven, you are there;<br> if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there.<br> If I take the wings of the morning<br> and settle at the farthest limits of the sea,<br> even there your hand shall lead me,<br> and your right hand shall hold me fast.<br> If I say, ‘Surely the darkness shall cover me,<br> and the light around me become night’,<br>even the darkness is not dark to you;<br> the night is as bright as the day,<br> for darkness is as light to you.<br><em> Psalm 139:7-12</em><br><br>A strange thing has happened to me this Lenten season. On several occasions, when referencing Palm Sunday, I’ve stopped to wonder if it is called Palm Sunday or Psalm Sunday. We know that Spirit communicates with us in many ways—some of which are surprising.<br> <br>In an episode of “Rumpole of the Bailey” that I viewed recently, Rumpole recited a breathtaking poem that begins with the line: “It is a beauteous evening, calm and free.” Due to the remarkable convenience of my smart phone, I quickly found this sonnet:<br><br><strong>IT IS A BEAUTEOUS EVENING, CALM AND FREE</strong><br> By William Wordsworth 1770-1850<br> <em> Written in 1802, referencing a walk on the beach with his ten-year old daughter.</em><br><br>It is a beauteous evening, calm and free,<br>The holy time is quiet as a Nun<br>Breathless with adoration; the broad sun<br>Is sinking down in its tranquility;<br>The gentleness of heaven broods o'er the Sea;<br>Listen! the mighty Being is awake,<br>And doth with his eternal motion make<br>A sound like thunder—everlastingly.<br>Dear child! dear Girl! that walkest with me here,<br>If thou appear untouched by solemn thought,<br>Thy nature is not therefore less divine:<br>Thou liest in Abraham's bosom all the year;<br>And worshipp'st at the Temple's inner shrine,<br>God being with thee when we know it not.<br> <br>God is with us, God is within us. Even in the most trying of times. This is the message of Palm Sunday. This is the lesson told of Jesus when he willingly entered Jerusalem knowing full well what lay ahead of him.<br> <br>We all experience times when we walk into pain, loss and suffering. It may be the death of a loved one, facing challenging medical treatments, or leaving behind a beloved home. Yet we walk through these times, and beyond them, allowing ourselves to be strengthened and sweetened by so doing.<br> <br>This Palm Sunday at Unity Spiritual Community, we have planned a Psalm Service of music and meditation, one that allows us to open our hearts to the infilling of Spirit, and to enter Holy Week uplifted and renewed by sharing a time of deep meditation. <br> <br>In closing, I’d like to share a couple of excerpts from “I Am There” by James Dillet Freeman:<br> <h3>I AM THERE</h3>“When you need Me, I am there.<br>Even if you deny Me, I am there.<br>Even when you feel most alone, I am there.<br>Even in your fears, I am there.<br>Even in your pain, I am there.”<br> <br>“I am the love that is the law's fulfilling. I am assurance.<br>I am peace. I am oneness. I am the law that you can live by.<br>I am the love that you can cling to. I am your assurance.<br>I am your peace. I am ONE with you. I am.”<br> <br>Whether couched in the ancient Hebrew teachings found in the Psalms of David, expressed in the more recent writings found in English literature, or shared in the poetry of Unity’s own beloved James Dillet Freeman, the message is the same. It is the message of Palm Sunday—that we never walk alone. The Spirit of God goes with us now and forevermore.<br> <br>Namaste,<br> <br>Rev. CarlaUnity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heightstag:unitycitrusheights.org,2005:Post/28372382014-04-01T20:55:31-07:002014-04-01T21:20:34-07:00Angels In DisguiseLast Saturday I went to the local farmers’ market. I follow a plan when shopping there—I walk down one side and back up the other, noting prices and inventory, and sampling the fruits that I am interested in buying. After making one pass, I go around again—this time purchasing the produce that I’ve selected. <br>I came prepared this last time—I had borrowed a wheeled shopping cart from a neighbor. It is orange, rather large, sturdy and has a little plaque that says “Angel” on the front.<br> <br>I stopped at the first fruit stand on my route and sampled some peaches and pluots, wishing that the samples were smaller, and not knowing what to do with the second bite when I didn’t like the first.<br> <br>As I was walking away, a man loudly asked me if I had enjoyed my breakfast. I turned around and gave him a questioning look. He then said that folks like me who sample and don’t buy are called grazers. I asked him if he worked there, thinking that he was alienating the potential customers at this fruit stand. He said that he worked for the US Department of Produce (obviously fictitious), and his job was to patrol farmers’ markets looking for grazers like myself.<br> <br>I shrugged and walked away, pushing my orange shopping cart, thinking that the cart surely indicated my intent to buy. I found the incident to be curious, but it did not stir up a lot of indignation or anger.<br> <br>This encounter is a great example of how we perceive and react from our beliefs and assumptions. Whatever history the man brought to the farmers’ market colored his response to my actions, and brought forth emotions based on his misinterpretation.<br> <br>How often does this happen to us? Perhaps not at the farmers’ market, but in many other situations. We interpret people’s words and actions based on our unresolved feelings. As we reflect on the recent holiday season, there likely would have been time spent with relatives—stirring up old feelings that we thought we had put to rest.<br> <br>Some of us experience the “winter blues,” when memories of hurtful times refuse to remain buried. Yet, these bring a gift. Suppressed emotions color our everyday lives and control much of our behavior. We may not be aware that our excessive eating, drinking, working, TV and computer usage are ways of avoiding our feelings. But they often are—to the detriment of our self-confidence, productivity and joy.<br> <br>When these memories and feelings arise, they do so to be healed. By surrendering them to God, we receive insights and guidance so that we can release them. No one denies that hurtful things happen, though we know that our memories of them have undoubtedly changed over the years. Perhaps we are now mature enough to see them from a different viewpoint--or perhaps not.<br> <br>Regardless, bringing them into the light of day enables us to identify them and to realize that they have weighed us down throughout the years. You can’t heal what you can’t feel. The <em>idea</em> of feeling the pain is what keeps us stuck. The idea that feeling the pain will destroy us is why we bury it under food, drugs, inappropriate behavior and other avoiding tactics.<br> <br>Yet, the fear of feeling the pain is always worse than actually feeling it. Take a moment with God, breathing deeply and allowing your belly to relax. In this moment, surrender the pain and the person who inflicted the pain into God’s care and keeping. Pray for that person. Know that pain begets pain. Listen for the still, small voice of Spirit and find the gratitude that comes from being free from the past.<br> <br>It is natural to be healed. Your body and spirit are designed to heal. Identifying and freeing trapped memories can bring a shift—the world looks and feels different. Your body feels different. You release judgment of other people in your life—and of yourself. You begin to thrive and prosper. You notice the signs of Angels everywhere you look.<br> <br>So, when a stranger brings a message, look wide, look deep. He just might be guiding you into a more healed, joyous life!<br> <br><span style="color:#3366cc;"><span class="font_large">Peace be with you,<br>Rev. Carla </span></span>Unity Spiritual Community in Citrus Heights