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then continue to the magazine . . . MARCH / APRIL 2015 A Miracle Distribution Center Publication

A Focus on Life What’s Happening... by Beverly Hutchinson McNeff

t was years ago, but I remember it just learned it, is that no perception that is out © I like yesterday. My then five year-old of accord with the judgment of the Holy It was fifty years ago , on son looked up at me with his big blues Spirit can be justified. I undertook to show May 29th, 1965, that Helen Schuman eyes and asked, “Why did Jesus have to this was true in an extreme case [the cruci - heard the words, “This is a course in die?” I was shocked! How could such a fixion], merely because it would serve as a miracles. Please take notes.” She and sophisticated thought come out of his good teaching aid to those whose tempta - her colleague William Thetford em - mouth? And, how would I answer? I asked tion to give in to anger and assault would barked upon a seven year process of him where he came up with the question not be so extreme. I will with God that Helen receiving her inner dictation and Bill helping her take down the notes and he said he read it on the cover of Time none of His Sons should suffer.” (T-6.I.11:5) Magazine . My pride He used the most and typing them out. It was forty years ago that the Foundation for Inner Peace over the fact my extreme example of “Well, there you have it. published the first edition of A Course five-year-old could death to show us noth - He (Jesus) really had in Miracles . We celebrate these mile - read the magazine • ing in this world is more stones with profound gratitude for the cover was quickly one lesson to teach in powerful than the love two scribes of the Course, what they overshadowed by my regard to the crucifixion: of God. He undid the considered their “sacred trust,” and the parental desire to be nothing that is not in illusion of the world by Foundation for Inner Peace’s commit - honest, but not fright - showing us that what we accord with the ment to carry out these wishes. ening; clear, but not judgment of the Holy call death — the end of a complicated. I asked Spirit can be justified.” body did not end life. © Daily Lesson Email — “I love the him if he would like to He showed us that the daily lesson emails!” That’s how Michael sit down and talk greatest fear of our in Somerset, Alabama re - about it. He looked at me and said, “No, I’d ego, our finality, is an illusion. Jesus’ sponded to this new FREE rather watch SpongeBob.” • physical death was not the end of his life. service of the Center! The new I sighed in relief, but the question He lived on. That is why Jesus in the Daily Workbook Lesson Email lingered in my mind. The world does not Course is asking us to not focus on the service sends you your Course really answer this question nor did the crucifixion but to move on to the resur - lesson for the day, automati - Time Magazine article, but in A Course in rection. cally. During the quick sign-up Miracles we are given an answer that The journey to the cross should be process, simply indicate the makes a lot of sense to me. The Course the last “useless journey.” Do not dwell lesson on which you’d like to tells us Jesus’ death was only part of the upon it, but dismiss it as accomplished. begin. On each succeeding day mix. The example of him being betrayed, If you can accept it as your own last you will automatically receive beaten and killed could not truly affect the useless journey, you are also free to the lesson. The daily mes - Son of God. Jesus tells us he did not share join my resurrection. Until you do so sages can be read on your in the perception of persecution or death. your life is indeed wasted. ... Do not smartphone, tablet, or home computer. “My one lesson, which I must teach as I Continued on page 12 Each email includes the lesson title in an attractive graphic. Directly below it, a Beverly is the co-founder and president of MDC, one of the longest running organizations based on A Course in Miracles . As a student, lecturer and author on the Course since 1977, her link will lead you to the entire lesson. recorded weekly commentaries on Course principles have become a wonderful source of inspi - ration and study for many around the world. Receive a FREE recording by contacting MDC. Continued on page 2 What’s Happening Continued from page 1

You may start and stop at any time and how the “Choose-A-Quote” web page is e-cards and start sending your even reset the number on which to begin. appreciated daily. I have it “saved” on my miracles! For more information, see back cover. work computer and just one click away when I want a quick reprieve/respite. © © Lessons in Light series — Beginning Have you ever wanted to find a Thank you so much!” We want to thank February 18 and continuing through the concept or a quote in the Course? Well, Patricia in Chico, California for letting us 40 days leading up to Easter, this popular we have the answer: our Online ACIM know how this new service of the Center is series shines a new light on the concepts Look-up! It’s a wonderful way to search benefiting her. It’s because of the loving surrounding this season. As Rev. June in the Course, read the text, or find your tax-deductible support of our readers that Salinas, California shared with us about this workbook lesson for the day. It’s always we can create these in - series, “Lent is not my favorite available on MDC’s site so you can ac - spiring free services. You time, as thoughts and acts of cess it on your computer, i-Phone, can go to www.miracle - sacrifice lead away from com - i-Pad or any electronic device. So you center.org and click on munion with God. The Work - never have to worry about where your Services, then Choose- book lessons you chose book is; you’re always connected. As A-Quote or we can brilliantly keep us aligned with Anne in Minden, Nevada said, “Thanks send you a card to the Presence. Thank you.” The so much for the online ACIM search carry with you that has lessons in this series were listed program!! It comes in handy quite a bar code to scan with your mobile device in the previous issue, so please refer to often!” We hope you will join Anne by that will send you directly to the page. Plus that issue or go to our website ( www.mira - using MDC’s online look-up. There are the card has a beautiful reminder quote clecenter.org ) where the weekly lessons so many wonderful services available at from the Course you’ll definitely want to will also be listed. We will be discussing www.miraclecenter.org , so stop by and have! Give us a call at: 1-800-359-2246 . these lessons as part of the Center’s check out all that is going on! recorded study groups, so consider joining © Giving a truly meaningful Gift us as a listener! Contact the Center for © FREE ACIM E-Cards — These E-cards Here’s what many students of the details: 1-800-359-2246 are THE BEST!” That’s how Sara in Harp - Course have done: Given a tax-de - © Save the Date — Our annual Interna - swell, Maine sees the Center’s E-card serv - ductible donation to MDC in someone’s tional Conference on A Course in Miracles , ice. Meeting the demand of students who honor or memory. If you would like to “Let Me Remember” will take place August wanted to be able to share a thought from give in such a way, send your donation 15-16, 2015 in Irvine, California. These the Course electronically with friends and and request, and we will send him, her annual gatherings are a longtime tradition family, we have come up with a variety of or the family a personalized letter for students of the Course from around the beautiful, full color e-cards with poignant acknowledging your appreciation and world. Check out the back page of this Course quotes. New cards are always support. It’s a wonderful honor for that issue for more details and plan on joining being added as well as cards for special dedicated someone or their family. us! holidays. It’s easy and FREE! Simply go to And, what a blessing it will be to those www.miraclecenter.org and click on the Center serves, for your donation © Choose-A-Quote - “I just want to say will go to support its free services! Gifts in honor of ... MDC , “appreciation for the work you do to support spiritual growth and distributing miracles” from the Montclair, CA ACIM Group. © “Let me recognize my problems have been solved.” This lesson in the Request your free, full-color Course says that God is with you now 2015 bookmark today which lists all the thoughts in the prayer ministry & join us each in whatever issue you are going day at 4:30 pm (PT) as we unite in a moment of prayerful support for one another. through, and He can help you recog - Call 1-800-359-ACIM (2246) or at miraclecenter.org Continued on page 13 2 Miracle Musings... The Sacrifice of Sacrifice by Paul McNeff

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Fortunately the Course does not teach Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” (Bible: John 3:16) the path of sacrifice to gain God’s pleasure or make him more accessible to us. Quite “Your faith in sacrifice has given it great power in your sight; except you do not realize you the opposite! When I became a student of cannot see because of it.” (T-21.III.10) A Course in Miracles many years ago and began doing the lessons, a liberating and transformational way of thinking began to f you are aware of the Christian Jesus went through for you, and therefore emerge. My heart truly resonated to an Icalendar, you may know we have deepen your faith. ancient calling within me. I began to experi - entered the season of Lent; a time of the Quite some time ago, before the Soviet ence a more gentle, inclusive, and loving year Christians enter into a spiritual prac - Union fell, Beverly and I made a pilgrimage God. This God’s final judgment did not tice of sacrificing things and habits that will to Yugoslavia. We had heard that six chil - send me to hell if I had not believed in the better prepare them spiritually for Holy dren from the small village of Medjugorje concept of Jesus’ blood sacrifice. This God Week, Good Friday, Jesus’ crucifixion, and had been receiving visions from the Virgin required no sacrifice, no bloodshed, no Easter resurrection Sunday. Mary. Being the spiritual seekers we broken body, and no penance for my sins. In the Christian tradition, the idea of fancied ourselves to be, we wanted to see No, this God required nothing but a shift in sacrifice is hallmark to first-hand what all the my perception, an acknowledgement of the theological thought “Along with Jesus’ fuss was about. As we what I truly was (along with all who walk system. The only way sacrifice on the cross, trekked up the rock- this world with me), his holy and innocent to be in a right relation - • strewn and somewhat child. ship with God is to be - some say the Bible teaches treacherous hill where In the Course’s Manual for Teachers, we lieve his only son, Jesus a Christian also must ‘take many of the children find out how to shift our thinking about Christ, sacrificed him - up their own cross and had received their sacrifice. “There is no sacrifice in the self and died on the follow me (Jesus).’.” visions, we found that world’s terms that does not involve the cross to save you from along the way some - body. Think a while about what the world your sins. Once you one had positioned the calls sacrifice. Power, fame, money, physi - state you have accepted this ultimate sacri - Stations of the Cross — a symbolic method cal pleasure; who is the ‘hero’ to whom all fice, you can be washed clean of your sins • of retracing the steps of Jesus as he these things belong? Could they mean and your broken relationship with God is painstakingly made his way to Golgotha, anything except to a body? Yet a body re-established, clearing the way to live with the place he was to be crucified. Many of cannot evaluate. By seeking after such him in heaven for eternity. the devotees were crawling, with their things the mind associates itself with the Over the last two thousand years, Chris - knees bleeding, in obvious pain as they body, obscuring its Identity and losing tians also have invested a great deal of en - stopped at each station to reflect, meditate sight of what it really is.” (M-13.2:9) ergy in sacrifice. Along with Jesus’ sacrifice and pray. Without belittling their spiritual The Course teaches us we are not a on the cross, some say the Bible teaches a aspiration, I must say I was somewhat body. Our true identity has been forever Christian also must “take up their own dumbstruck by their devotion to bodily established as God’s Holy and innocent cross and follow me (Jesus).” Not all Chris - sacrifice in their effort to attain spiritual Child. Yet, while living in this world, our tians believe this, but entire sects have de - enlightenment. ego has taught us our body is our true voted themselves to self-abasement. They It seems like the more one gets into essence. We are confused. The Course must equally sacrifice to be worthy of sacrifice to please God, the more it goes goes on to say: God’s grace, even though grace was sup - on. Even Jesus’ disciples, Peter and Philip, “Once this confusion has occurred, it posed to be a free gift. So, restoring your requested to be crucified upside down becomes impossible for the mind to relationship with God through Jesus’ sacri - because they purportedly said they were understand that all the ‘pleasures’ of the fice would get you saved, but the more you not worthy to be crucified in the same way world are nothing. ...Now has the mind did penance and exacted punishment Jesus was. This leads to an obvious ques - condemned itself to seek without finding; upon your body, the more you would gain tion: If you are into sacrifice, how much is Continued on page 14 a certain degree of understanding of what enough? Paul McNeff is married to MDC’s founder and has been a student of the Course since 1986. He is a professional singer and conductor and holds a master’s degree in vocal performance. In 1997, along with Beverly, he founded KidSingers , an inner-city, after-school children’s chorus. The program has won many awards and been featured on Good Morning America . Learn more at: www.kidsingers.org 3 Change Your Mind, Change Your Life Nothing is Impossible by Gerald Jampolsky, M.D. and D iane V. Cirincione-Jampolsky, Ph.D .

Now, in my early nineties, I cannot recog - trauma for me since my unnamed dyslexia he beliefs that nothing is impossible nize people unless we are very close, caused me to actually flunk kindergarten. Tand that our minds know no limits cannot read newspapers, menus, etc. and Being in a new learning environment trig - except the ones we place there have been need forty-eight point, bold font on my gered unconscious feelings of inadequacy, guiding thoughts for us over these last computer. and I have really had to work through it. thirty-four years together. We have been I do not feel I am a victim of my lack of On the other end of this, however, I con - inspired by so many stories about miracles visual acuity. I continue to be peaceful, tinue to get reinforcement from the in addition to our own. productive, and happy most of the time Course’s idea that everything is a positive A fifty-year-old man who had been and am not into victimhood. What is true lesson that God would have me learn. It re - blind since birth was struck by for me is that with every passing day, minds me that I am a co-creator of my own and suddenly began to see for the first Diane and I do the Course, and our reality. As I shifted and healed my attitude, time in his life. Another man who had lost spiritual vision is expanding far beyond I became absolutely delighted about all I his sight walked into a what we ever thought am learning to do with limited vision; metal pole one day, “Most of you know that I, possible. We are very things I’d never thought I could. and his sight mysteri - clear now that this is not You might want to share some of the Jerry, have ad•vanced glau- following with someone you know with ously returned. A coma and that my physical about blindness, but physician announced about uncovering all the limited or no physical vision: eyes continue to decrease that his patient would illusions we have had • An app that will photograph book , die within two to three in their capability for me to about ourselves and newspaper or magazine articles or any months from cancer, see the world.” recognizing our true printed papers or menus, etc. and will read and the cancer sud - identity as a spiritual anything back to me (knfb Reader). denly disappeared completely. We believe one that is healed, whole, and connected • An app that tells me the denomination of that all illnesses are potentially reversible, • to All that is. No boundaries, no borders, the cash bills in my wallet (LookTel Money and as the Course states, “Nothing real can no blocks! Reader). be threatened. Nothing unreal exists.” These past two months I’ve been living • An app that scans the color of my socks, What seems to be impossible or within during the week at the VA Western Blind clothes or anything and tells me the color limitations are confinements we perceive. Rehabilitation Center in Menlo Park, (Color ID). As A Course in Miracles teaches, a miracle California. It is a very progressive, individu - • A talking watch tells me the time, sets is a shift in perception that removes the ally-tailored program for complete self- alarms, etc. blocks to the awareness of love’s pres - reliance with technology, travel, special • A long walking stick with a rolling ball on ence. We believe that miracles are our nat - projects, and tasks of everyday living like the end has become a safety extension of ural inheritance, and we continue to be in shopping, cooking, etc. The entire dedi - my right arm and completely prevents me awe at their unfolding in our lives. cated staff are making such a difference in from tripping or falling and allows me to That being said, it does not mean that my life, and I am taking full advantage of safely walk anywhere. we still do not perceive challenges on an my time there. • A hearing device uses Bluetooth for all almost daily basis. What is different for us Diane and I have become quite depend - my phone calls and speaking apps so no from the past, however, is that these days ent on each other since we work and live one else hears anything (Siemens we are experiencing them as real opportu - together 90% of the time. Learning to live easyTak). nities to “choose once again” as to how we somewhere else, albeit temporarily, has • on my iPhone 6-Plus allows me to do perceive them challenged and highlighted some of our all my text messages, emails, phone calls, Most of you know that I, Jerry, have co-dependencies and has given us the Google searches, and so much more just advanced glaucoma, and that my physical opportunity to grow through and beyond using my voice. eyes continue to decrease in their capabil - them. • Samsung 4K UHD TV allows me to finally ity for me to see the world. Both of my Going back to school at the VA as an ditch my remote (which I never really did parents were blind by the end of their lives adult has brought up some past childhood Continued on page 15 in their late nineties. Gerald Jampolsky, M.D. and Diane Cirincione-Jampolsky, Ph.D., international lecturers and bestselling authors, share their insights and expe - 4 riences in applying the principles of A Course in Miracles in our world. Their books and other items are available at www.miraclecenter.org MRI of Enlightenment

by Bill Kasal

apothegm, jobs I’ve lost and others I’ve quit in anger was recently scheduled for my first-ever “AAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRGHHH! and/or frustration; opportunities I’ve IMRI test. I’m claustrophobic and knew YAAAAAAAAAAAAA!” squandered through my own fears of there was a possibility I would experience Being a trained professional, he failure; mistakes I’ve made as a parent; all some discomfort, but I forged ahead. instantly fathomed my concern and was in of these and more I paraded stridently and The technicians were very calming and the room in a twinkling. The men eased me in blazing clarity before my inner eyes as reassuring, and I was soon positioned on into a sitting position, and I stifled my proof — actual undeniable proof! — that I the machine and being moved inward. I guttural utterances. They asked if I was OK. am the consummate failure in this world. kept my eyes closed and made a stalwart My brain said to them, “Why, most There is no one worse than I! effort to control my breathing. One of the assuredly! Thank you, kind sirs!” But it I even contemplated buying a bottle of most significant things I learned when I came out more as, “Oog frmt glrgl Scotch in which to drown my shame. I’ve studied a martial art was that no matter frmmmmm...” learned so much about how looking out - how brutal the beating I The main tech side of myself for satisfaction or to relieve would receive in my “I didn’t really care what assured me they my pain is the polar opposite of what I tests for a higher rank, other peopl•e did. I only went through this really need to be doing. I knew the Scotch the hours-long ordeal cared that I had panicked every day in their would only temporarily deaden the shame would eventually end, and shrieked more loudly job, and some peo - — and then lead to more guilt at having and I’d be alive. Since ple took one look at succumbed to the liquor — but I wanted it this was only lying on a then a pre-pubescent horde the machine and ran so desperately! bed with a nice blanket at a Justin Bieber concert.” from the building. For the rest of the ninety-minute drive, while keeping my eyes “At least you tried!” I castigated myself with feelings of failure. closed and breathing deeply, I hoped it My hands were shaking, and I felt But there was also a tiny beacon trying to wouldn’t be that bad. •mortified. I had panicked. I had lost all ignite itself within my awareness. Raising a On the bed, I was positioned slightly to control of my rational mind and suc - tiny hand from a heaving sea of torment the left and, as they fed me into the device, cumbed to irrational fears. I didn’t really was a feeling of understanding, of compas - I could feel it squeezing me inward to the care what other people did. I only cared sion... for me ! Me feeling compassion for center. Gulp! that I had panicked and shrieked more me! Well, this was new! OK. Breathe. Breathe. BREATHE! loudly than a pre-pubescent horde at a When I finally closed my eyes in bed I mean... Breeeeeeeeathe... Justin Bieber concert. that night, I was startled awake a few times The tech asked if I could feel the fan, When I got into my car my hands were by the image of being inside the machine, and I heard the sound of panic in my voice still shaking, and I was unsuccessful at but that soon passed and I was able to when I answered, “...... YEAH!” restraining tears. My humiliation wasn’t so sleep. I kept my eyes closed and tried to focus on much that I had capitulated to my fears, By the next day, I had forgotten the fear steadying my breathing. but for the immensity of the shame I was and most importantly, I was not beating A few moments later I heard his voice feeling at not being able to simply lie down myself up about my failure in the MRI of through the intercom. “OK... you’re doing (albeit in a confining tube) and relax until Doom. During our weekly meeting at fine... here comes the first loud noise...” the exam was completed. Miracle Distribution Center, Beverly spoke Then nothing. I waited. “Hang on. My ego was telling me that all I had to about our thought patterns. I shared with Something came unplugged...” do was lie there, and I couldn’t do it! How the group some of the details of my MRI And in that momentary delay, I lost it. big a failure are you?! How can you help debacle. My frustration, I told her, was that I was trapped ! I could not free myself! comfort a child and mitigate their fears I could not control my thoughts and used My breathing turned to desperate gasps! when you can’t even lie down with a warm my experience as a glaring example. Don’t do this! I told myself. Relax! But my blankie and relax?! She asked me to look at how quickly I’d entire body began to shudder. I flailed my All the way home, I assailed myself over recovered from my depression and my legs and one free arm, and I then articu - my failure and then enumerated a litany of bad thoughts about myself. lated my predicament to the tech with the all of the failures in my life. I trotted out exceedingly intellectual and witty divorces and other relationship failures; Continued on page 15 Bill Kasal has more than thirty years in radio and television production. A Course in Miracles found him in 1987 and he regularly attends the Center’s study group. He has now turned to writing. His book One Shining Moment, the Real-life Adventures of a Volunteer Police Officer , and its sequel, Ketchup on the Badge, can be found at BillKasal.com 5 A Closed Mouth Never Gets Fed by Jacob Glass

“It is only because you think you can run some little part, or deal with certain aspects of your controlling my environment. My idea of a life alone, that the guidance of the Holy Spirit is limited.” (T-14.XI.8:4) miracle would have been a life where my voice would not expose me to the world. And isn’t it just hilarious that all my pparently I have a very “gay” voice next stop FAR from where I needed to be work of the past twenty five years has been Abecause all through my child - would be for me to SHOUT all the way to PUBLIC SPEAKING?! The Help I received hood, teenage years and beyond, my voice the front of the bus for the driver to OPEN from my Guide was not to join my plan in “outed” me and revealed me to be “other.” THE DOORS FOR ME! And there was just hiding away from the world in blissful soli - In fact, speaking was usually step one of no way in the world I was going to be able tude but rather to take my plan and crush it me getting beaten up, spat on, kicked, to risk an entire busload of STRANGERS into dust and place me center stage right in tripped, humiliated or called names. At one hearing my voice. So, off we went as I the spotlight of my greatest fear actualized. point my parents took watched my day go way But not against my will — I had to go right me to a speech “She sat in the gorgeous off schedule. along with it. I had to say yes. I had to therapist, and even form of an o•ld heavyset But, since all things slowly walk through my resistance and give many years later in are lessons God would up control as I went. I had to ask for Help African American woman and then say “yes” every step of the way if college I was made fun from the south who just have me learn, there of by others in the happened to be an I was going to be healed and live in the Theater Department looked up at me and very angel sitting right next Light outside of my cave. for the way I sounded dryly drawled, to that slammed door. It was a very helpful reminder to me and talked. “Child, a closed mouth She sat in the gorgeous again recently when I read Carol Howe’s And so, I developed never gets fed.” form of an old heavyset book about Bill Thetford. He, too, had a an aversion to speak- African American fear of teaching (though for different rea - sons), and often asked Holy Spirit for Help, ing except when with my family or close woman from the south RIGHT OUT LOUD. In fact, the people he friends. It was a coping mechanism or who just looked up at me and very dryly • lived with at one point would hear him in faulty problem solving. In fact, when in line drawled, “Child, a closed mouth never gets his room saying, “Help me!” to Holy Spirit at the bank or a fast food place or any fed.” when he was doing anything that was chal - public place, I barely spoke above a Well, I had never heard this before, and it was certainly as profound a thing as I had lenging him at the moment, NO MATTER whisper and people could barely hear me ever read in any spiritual text! It was one of HOW SMALL or seemingly insignificant at all. I would have to endlessly repeat those deep awakening moments that that thing was at the time. He and Helen myself, and I was often in a panic from comes when you realize YOUR way is had been consistently told they did not ask simply trying to order fries. I was a well- really not working anymore — there “must for Help enough — even on all the little groomed mess most of the time. And ALL be a better way” of living now. MY way had things that “do not matter.” of the time whenever I was out of the been the way of micromanaging and avoid - And as usual, the Help was not in “fix - house I felt I was in great danger of being ance. I was forever plotting and planning ing” the form of the problem for them but discovered as a horrible alien living things out as a way of managing my anxiety was in healing their fearful thinking — just amongst normal human beings. and setting up control of circumstances so as it was with me and my voice. Holy Spirit Then, somewhere in the mid 1980’s I as to not put myself “at risk” anywhere. did not rearrange time and space so my was taking my daily bus ride to work in Los Of course MY idea of asking Holy Spirit situation would not bring up any of my Angeles — a trip that required two transfers for help ran more to asking for the condi - anxiety, nor change the world so everyone to other buses. And on this particular tions of my life to be such that I would not is accepting of everyone else and never morning, as a group of us were pouring have to speak where others would hear treats anyone poorly. Instead, little by little, out of the back of the bus onto Wilshire me. At the time I was doing medical as I continued to ask for Help, I was able to Boulevard, the doors slammed shut in my transcription and filing — very safe sitting keep walking through my fear and resist - face and LOCKED before I could get off at there with a Dictaphone in my ear most of ance, building up my courage and confi - my stop. And the only way to QUICKLY the day. That was ME running my life dence along the way until now I actually keep the bus from moving forward to the alone, dealing with this little aspect by make my living by speaking to audiences Jacob lectures in Southern California and has a global ministry of his recorded weekly talks. His new book, “ The Miracle Worker’s 6 Handbook ” is available now from our center. You can contact Jacob at www.jacobglass.com of strangers. How crazy is that? Moses had a speech impediment. He UUnnlloocckk AA CCoouurrssee iinn MMiirraacclleess iinn tried to refuse the Call from God. In fact, he tried to convince God to choose his 22001155 bbyy BBeeccoommiinngg aa LLiisstteenneerr!! brother instead — trying to run the show in a way that would keep him in his comfort zone. “Few care to answer the Call” since answering It requires a LOT of Help and a Join us now... LOT of asking, asking, asking. But, you don’t ask, you don’t get. If you want the and experience our Lessons in Light Series fruit of the tree, you have to go out on a that started on February 18, 2015! limb. Ask and it is given. Ye have not be - cause ye ask not. I got a million of ‘em “Just finished my mp3 on “I can see peace instead of this.” Beverly, I folks. I’m here all week serving up pithy don’t remember anyone tying together the five workbook lessons in the sayings. But I think my all-time favorite is series or any workbook lessons from the Course like you did. All I can say still, a closed mouth never gets fed . is WOW, it held a very deep meaning to me. Thank you.” — Michael Gillespie, Georgia

“This is my fifth season listening to Beverly go through the Lesson is Light. It is a wonderful opportunity to use this time to give up stuff that does not serve us anymore. I am amazed at what rolls out of Beverly when she teaches. She may plan a general lesson but those comments simply come, a wonderful orator and leader and a good listener.” — Karen Scopetski, Massachusetts

“These are very timely lessons for me. I have listened to the GRIEVANCES lesson about 6 times! Thanks so much for all you do.” Hello, — Mary Jo Marchionni, Florida May I compliment whoever is fulfilling the orders. As always, MDC’s very popular recorded study group meetings are the perfect the service from MDC is superb!! way to deepen your understanding of the Course. Center’s founder, You deserve 5 gratitude Beverly Hutchinson McNeff, draws on her 38 years of Course study to stars!!! make each meeting practical, inspiring, and humorous. Her ability to Love, Monica in New Jersey explain difficult concepts in simple, everyday ways is her hallmark. Join Thank you, Monica! We frequently us via cd or mp3; and when you do, you will also receive our free live hear such praise from our happy streaming video of the meetings with archived availability. Call or go customers and we are grateful to be online to join us today! here to serve you. Since 1978 we have offered a large As an ongoing listener, you not only receive the weekly les - selection of materials based on sons, but you have access to live streaming video and video A Course in Miracles . All items are in-stock and ready for immediate archives included FREE with your weekly subscription. shipment, usually within minutes of When ordering monthly, each weekly when your order is placed. We are cur - rently running a FREE SHIPPING offer Receive a meeting is only $6.50 on CD or for U.S. orders of $45 or more . If you live $5.00 on mp3 . outide the U.S., our international ship - FREE ping rates are the most economical CD or mp3 of our meetings We can charge you credit we can find. We’re sure you’ll be or go online and listen to a card, or debit your happy with our selection and service. meeting. checking account, Limited time offer automatically once And remember that proceeds from a month your purchases help to fund our many free services, such as this publication! 1-800-359-2246 or www.miraclecenter.org

7 Are You Your Grievances?

by Richard Smoley

them . It’s their fault. If it weren’t for them , want you to hate, elect whom they want ou don’t have to study A Course in the world would be happy and safe and you to elect. You, like me, can easily be YMiracles for long before you see that prosperous. But as it is, the world’s prob - gotten to vote against your own best inter - forgiveness is one of its central themes. lems seem to be beyond all hope of solu - ests. This has been proved over and over. And you don’t have to practice the Course tion. Why? Because they are always in the I could go further into these issues, but for long before you realize just how many way, always blocking anything good. it doesn’t serve my purpose here. I’m sim - blocks to forgiveness there are in the Whoever you are, I venture to guess ply pointing out that, in the world of poli - mind. that you have a them . So do I. Yours may tics, your grievances are not protecting One of these, conscious or not, is the or may not be the same as mine. It doesn’t you. They are weakening and betraying belief that your grievances are giving you matter. The fault is all with them . In the you. something. One thing they offer, or appear United States today, there are several large So it is in daily life. In the workplace you to offer, is protection. blocks of people who are united by their inevitably acquire allies and opponents—or, Think about it. To be free of grievances hatred of particular versions of them. This if you like, friends and enemies. One can is to be innocent. hatred is enormously easily turn into the other. Someone you And if you go around “To be free of grievances is useful, although not to detest turns out to be very likable — or with your innocence to be innocen•t. And if you the people who possess very useful. Someone you thought was exposed, you believe go around with your inno- it. It’s useful to any close to you turns into an adversary. all the buzzards of cence exposed, you believe number of powerful in - Beyond a certain point, there is no life will suddenly terests who manipulate avoiding this — it’s what makes human rela - swarm upon you to all the buzzards of life will your hatred of them . tions what they are. But even from a pick your bones suddenly swarm upon you It’s no wonder that worldly, ego-based view of things, it’s white. Your griev - to pick your bones white.” conspiracy theories harmful to hold on to a grudge when it ances are like the abound, warning us of a serves your own best interests to drop it. hard face you wear when you’re making secret cabal at the top who have us at their It’s even worse to form a resentment on a your way through a bad neighborhood. mercy. More likely, the truth is that there purely imaginary basis — for some slight or They are your shield. • are any number of competing interests, wrong that may have been totally uninten - There is a grain of truth to this idea. All each trying to set a particular group of tional, or actually the doing of someone of us, as living beings, have a basic need to people against a particular version of them . completely different. preserve ourselves. We react — sometimes Although not one of these interests is Personally, in these cases I try to apply violently — to anything that threatens our all-powerful, their strength, individually and what I think of as the Eleventh Command - survival. Fear and anger are common types collectively, is not to be denied. If you are ment: “Do not make unnecessary ene - of this reaction. susceptible (and all of us are to some ex - mies.” There is one problem: the fear and tent), you can be made to love what these In any event, if you examine your mind anger continues long after the threat has interests want you to love, hate whom they Continued on page 15 passed. We often carry this anger with us for a long time afterward — possibly years or decades. These grievances and resent - ments do not help us survive. They are de - bilitating. In fact, your grievances are your weak The Deal $16 95 spot, the open wounds that anyone can A Guide to Radical and Complete Forgiveness prod to put you on the ground in an in - by Richard Smoley stant. This concise, deeply practical guide shows how to forgive To explain what I’m talking about, let’s anyone who has ever hurt you and to receive a payback turn to politics. Let’s look at the political of enormous personal satisfaction and inner peace. scene with some attempt at impartiality. No Hardcover - 176 pages All prices plus S&H. CA residents add sales tax. matter what ideology you believe in, you know what’s really wrong with things. It’s To Order 1-800-359-ACIM (2246) or at miraclecenter.org Richard has studied the Course since 1981. This article is adapted from his book The Deal: A Guide to Radical and Complete Forgiveness, 8 published in January by Tarcher/Penguin. Visit Richard’s website: www.innerchristianity.com Recognizing Spirit The Symptoms of a Closed Mind: Inspirational Psychology on Creating True Confidence by Dr. Lee Jampolsky, Ph.D.

jection you have made (that other people “There is nothing to fear but fear itself.” nstead of asking what forgiveness is, or are to blame for your situation). They FDR, of course, said this, and it is a good Iwhy to practice it, ask what forgiveness tighten the grip of fear and the distortions beginning. Part of awakening spiritually is isn’t and why we promote or value unfor - of reality appear more real. These thoughts to not only see there is nothing to fear but giving thoughts . — Lee Jampolsky and those that catapult from them veil the fear, but to see we largely make up what I know the power of forgiveness and am deeper truth about who we all are and what we fear. The presence of fear on a spiritual grateful I do, yet I still make mistakes in my we want, keeping you closed in and path can be understood as nothing other approach to my life. I have been a student shrouded, kept from listening to your Inner than a sign we are trusting in our own little - of the Course and practicing forgiveness Wisdom. This is why when most of us are ness, our egos. It is best to remember to for a long time now, for decades, doing my upset and angry, we look for other people laugh at ourselves and turn instead to the best to go through my days without accu - to support our way of thinking, to jump on strength within us of Love. mulating judgments like the bandwagon of Here are my thoughts on it... victory entries in my anger with us, even to “These thoughts and those Somewhere in my mind — like the face history book, or hold - join us in some sort of that catapu•lt from them of an old friend I don’t recognize or a whis - ing onto old hurts retaliation or revenge. veil the deeper truth about per from a distant, pleasant memory — is a from the past. Mostly I Few people, when who we all are and what place I have seen before, a place where I am quick to forgive they are upset about remember Love, where I let Strength re - and have patience, we want, keeping you something or some - place my weakness that has been woven yet, even after close closed in and shrouded, one, ever come and together with unforgiving thoughts. I once to forty years of daily say instead, “Please kept from listening to your had a dream where I was awake but didn’t spiritual practice, I still help me to see how I Inner Wisdom.” know it. Perhaps I have already remem - on occasion find am misperceiving and bered how to love completely and am myself falling prey to my ego’s perceptions help me to forgive”. never consumed with fear. Perhaps there is of the world, and suffering. More concisely put, the reason we a part of my mind waking me from my I have found many people possess so • don’t forgive is fear — fear the past will dream, reminding me I was never really many resistances to forgiveness — what it repeat itself and fear of seeing what our asleep at all. Maybe finding and traveling a is and why and how to practice it. Some - unforgiving thoughts are hiding. They hide spiritual path is really all about letting the times Inspirational Psychology takes us our true natures, and the light of love is part of us that is already awake, and has back to “spiritual basics” and looks closely obscured. already remembered, guide us by giving at forgiveness in a way that brings a sweet, Today my goal is simple, and that is to us the ability to remember Love and to simple motivation to our day — a renewed remind myself “there is nothing to fear,” forgive. And maybe, since I am already focus on forgiveness as a means for trans - or at least entertain the possibility this is awake (but don’t always know and formation and awakening. true. I am willing today to do my very best remember it), the outcome is assured. Another way of asking this same ques - to hold up every thought to doubt. Ironi - tion about forgiveness is this: How can I cally, it is holding unforgiving thoughts up live a life of less fear, and more peace? to doubt that actually creates confidence — In some ways the essence of the confidence in our real strength, and thus You Can Follow Course can be found by seeing what it is the love that lets us forgive. Of course, our Us On not, and asking “What is an unforgiving egos would never want us to discover such mind or stance in life?” You have an unfor - doubt is the path to true confidence. The giving mind when you make judgments ego has other ideas, and will always steer you will not hold up to doubt, and, in fact, you toward a false confidence and arro - even seek to find support for their accu - gance based on self-righteousness and the racy despite their not being true. Your need to be right. The best laughs I have mind becomes closed and will not release had have been when I have seen my own the judgment, thinking it keeps you safe. arrogance — and thus I have had some To sign up, just go to our home page at The unforgiving thoughts protect the pro - pretty good laughs. www.miraclecenter.org

Dr. Lee Jampolsky is a licensed psychologist in private practice in Carmel, CA. He is the author of several books based on A Course in Miracles . Lee can be reached at www.DrLeeJampolsky.com 9 Emotional Healing I am Sustained by the Love of God

by Richard Gayton, Ph.D.

you donate blood to counteract the red hand. Any goal of love or peace has been listen to the monsoon rain thrashing the blood cell build up due to the testosterone. changed into an impossible task: find a Iawning outside the shop house that has But then you can take iron pills, but then hotel with a perfect view of the ocean at a been my home in Thailand for two years. maybe you have a Thai parasite who loves cheap price. I work two hours, and I boyfriend sits nearby poring over the iron. many nice seaside hotels yet can’t seem to internet coverage of Miss International I am exhausted listening to it talk. I decide on anything: too expensive, not Beauty. I look up the MDC website on my thought I was meditating and suddenly I good enough reviews, too far from the Samsung extra sleek smart phone, click on am hearing all of this. My ego senses center of town. Okay I will consult Spirit, Services and Workbook Lesson 50 pops weakness and goes for the jugular ...what yet now I feel ashamed for needing a nice up like wizardry. I read the lesson. “I am about chocolate? Every morning you eat hotel. I ask again for help and take a deep sustained by the love of God.” Jesus goes Trader Joe’s Pound Plus Chocolate melted breath. on in Lesson 50 to list the very items I into a soy protein . Certainly Jesus is I am told by my voice to go to Friend - mistakenly think sustain me. He reminds not suggesting you give up chocolate and ship Market near our home to buy salt, me the core of my being is love. depend only on that ephemeral mind you dish washing soap and toilet paper (see Since I insist on practicing this silly allegedly share with God? The last few last column); anything to distract me from concept of love, my ego decides to help words have an almost audible snarl. thinking about hotels. Before I leave for the me be reasonable and takes on its profes - I ask again for guidance. Some things I market, I ask Spirit to take over the search sorial tone. Isn’t it do for my health, others just because I like for me. That really sounds wrong. I am an obvious today that them; should I stop? exalted spiritual being having read the doctors, yeah verily “I am exhausted listening As I listen closely to books, gone to the seminars, written the dentists, pharmaceuti - to it talk. I th•ought I was the voice for God, I am books and told others what to do. Certainly cal companies and meditating and suddenly I instructed to not give I am not going to stoop to asking Spirit to supplement manufac - up anything I would find me a hotel? Yet God takes us from am hearing all of this. My deem a sacrifice, but wherever we are and does for us what we turers sustain you? In ego senses weakness and fact didn’t your leg turn to love and I will cannot do for ourselves. I surrender. doctor say the menis - goes for the jugular.” know what to do. What My shopping list is in my pocket; it has cus in your knee is is the loving thing to stopped raining. Let’s go. One more kaput? A knee replacement would sustain do for my body? If challenge. Should I wear my rainproof you. Then yesterday that crown molar fell • these medications and supplements make rubber Costco adventure sport shoes or out like a little gold nugget into your pad my body healthier and stronger, perhaps my New Balance special-soled sneakers Thai moo. A root canal and new crown will they are the loving thing to do. that protect my knees? I decide not to put things right. My ego has just reasoned I My boyfriend and I have decided to visit think about it and grab what’s nearest. My am sustained by root canals. With a mind the seaside community of Hua Hin about boyfriend half-heartedly asks if I want him like that you understand why I turn to God. six hours from our own seaside commu - to go to carry the toilet paper. He secretly My ego is a frisky ego, persistent and nity. One can never have enough seaside wants to stay home and see if Miss Thai - resourceful and can go on and on. How do to sustain one’s peace of mind. However land makes it to the top ten. you feel if you don’t take your regular that requires me to find a hotel since I have Walking to the market, I feel lighter. I testosterone shots? How about the True to be sustained when I am visiting the sea. calm down, buy the stuff and go home. I sit Value Hardware plastic screw divider box in I have been putting this off while day - with my laptop and my small voice says the refrigerator filled with 20 different sup - dreaming about Lesson 50. Hotel hunting send this one particular hotel I had viewed plements, including a 80mg aspirin so you is something that always gets my ego an email and inquire whether they might don’t have some kind of stroke. Then going. Nevertheless on to Trip Advisor and take my price for an ocean view room. there’s your vegetarian diet so you don’t Hotel.com we go. I must have a special Soon I receive an extraordinary, kindly get cancer again, except when you don’t hotel according to my ego’s travel require - worded, return email saying “no” they follow it and have a steak or Thai double ments. It must also be a good deal because could not do ocean view for that price, but fried chicken. You must have beef or money sustains me, and we can’t be too they did have a pool view for my price. My chicken because your iron is low; because generous with our money and run out. voice said to accept this, and I felt instant The ego has now gained the upper peace. Giving up an ocean view was now 10 Dick Gayton is a psychologist and writer. His book The Forgiving Place: Choosing Peace After Violent Trauma is available through the Center. effortless. Not having my ego search anymore was heavenly. Even for our UUppddaattee:: PPrriissoonn PPrroojjeecctt non-problem problems, the ones we are by Maria Zakich ashamed to ask help for, the love of God will answer and sustain us. We travel to Hua Hin, and I am de - The Prison Project of Miracle Distribution Center sends lighted to again be at a hotel by the sea. A Course in Miracles and other Course-based items to those in prison. Through your Sprays of multicolored orchids line the en - generous donations, we have been able to supply many newly-started spiritual libraries trance. We open the door to our room and in prisons. In some cases we have been able to provide multiple copies of books so more it is lovely... the pool glistens below... and inmates can read about the love that is their essence. These principles are truly making a then... off to the left... like a perfect gift difference and quenching a thirst for truth that many in prison have found no other place. from the angels... is a stunning view of the sun setting over the waves of the beach. In 2014 we mailed out over one thousand dollars’ worth of books and materials to My boyfriend is impressed with my voice’s prison inmates. We continue to receive letters daily from inmates who want to know effectiveness and says Thai Lotto is two more about A Course in Miracles . More and more families are asking for help for their million baht. Might the voice know a good sons and daughters, husbands and wives. According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons number? there are over two million men and women incarcerated in the United States alone. Over five million are on parole or probation. That constitutes nearly 3% of the adult population. I Sure Love This! Many of our prisoners write us to praise THE HOLY ENCOUNTER . They say they read it over and over and love keeping copies to share. It is their lifeline. The need is there, You Don’t Want To Miss the desire is there, and their time is now, while they’re incarcerated. Most take this A Single Issue! time for reflection as they feel this is their last hope of ever finding peace inside their cell or out. They’re hungry and we can provide the answer and for many, their last chance. Matthew in a California prison writes: Maria, Continue receiving Thank you for the latest issue of THE HOLY ENCOUNTER and the book you sent me. I am now forty-three years old and to quote Mrs. Hutchinson McNeff on page THE HOLY ENCOUNTER by 12 of THE HOLY ENCOUNTER , “we accept responsibility.” I thought if I knew a lot about simply keeping in contact this or that path it would “fix” me. Well, one can read a dozen menus, but to allevi - with us once a year. Your tax ate the hunger one must eat the meal. I am ready and willing to accept responsibil - deductible donation helps us to ity for my soul and its immense hunger for a better way. continue to provide this service to you. Use the the enclosed post-paid When you donate to our Prison Project you are helping the many hungry souls envelope for your support. Maria Zakich coordinates The Prison Project at MDC. You may e-mail her at [email protected]

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11 A Focus on Life schools of thought on this question of the such an extreme example. It may not be Continued from page 1 atonement: substitutionary and exemplary. easy, but it is the lesson we must learn and In substitutionary atonement, Jesus is seen therefore teach. make the pathetic error of “clinging to as paying the price for our sins. Because Let me repeat this quote from the the old rugged cross.” The only message Jesus (the innocent lamb of God) suffered Course: “My one lesson which I must of the crucifixion is that you can over - and died on the cross, we are given new teach as I learned it, is that no perception come the cross. Until then you are free life. This guilt-inspiring approach has kept that is out of accord with the judgment of to crucify yourself as often as you Jesus and God distant to many people, and the Holy Spirit can be justified. I undertook choose. This is not the Gospel I intended is certainly not the Course’s approach. to show this was true in an extreme case to offer you. We have another journey to In exemplary atonement, however, we [the crucifixion], merely because it would undertake, and if you will read these les - find a closer fit. Exemplary atonement serve as a good teaching aid to those sons carefully they will help prepare you states that the mission and purpose of whose temptation to give in to anger and to undertake it. (T-4.in.3:1) Jesus’ life was to model for humankind the assault would not be so extreme.” (T-6.I.11:5) power of God’s love and forgiveness. As Well, there you have it. He really had As you read the one proponent of exem - one lesson to teach in regard to the Course, it becomes “His relationship with his plary atonement said, “it crucifixion: nothing that is not in accord clear that the mother began• to transform, is not Jesus’ death that with the judgment of the Holy Spirit can be “Gospel” Jesus and their time together can save us but his life!” justified. intends for us to became a joy instead of a Why did Jesus have The Holy Spirit’s judgment in every accept our oneness pain. His friends wanted to to die? Well, from the situation is that everyone is either extend - with God; to heal the Course’s perspective, he know the secret. He simply ing love or calling out for love. This is very thought of separation didn’t die. Nothing can hard for us to understand because we see between our Creator answered, ‘When we talk end what is eternal, and bodies and actions and focus on the form and us, which is how about the Buddha, my life is eternal. Can a of the world and its happenings. That’s the Course defines mother hates it. But, when body be destroyed? Yes, where the Holy Spirit comes in. If we don’t the atonement. He I am the Buddha, my it is not eternal, and it is protect our fearful judgments (our need to stresses that the only mother loves it.’” also not you. From the be right, whether it be righteous or not), way for us to heal that Course’s perspective, the Holy Spirit will step in and reinterpret thought of separation the purpose of our body it. We are not asked to be docile and weak is by using the relationships that stand be - is only for communication. As we read in in this world, but rather strong in the fore us... each person we meet becomes • the Course, “As you let the Holy Spirit power of love guided by the Holy Spirit. our “holy encounter.” The encounters we teach you how to use the body only for After all, have your fears and judgments have with each person, either physically or purposes of communication, and renounce really made you feel safe? mentally, become the way we either its use for separation and attack which the The Course tells us teachers of God are remember our oneness with God or lose ego sees in it, you will learn you have no needed now more that ever before — and that awareness — whether we experience need of a body at all.” (T-15.IX.7:2) It would ap - that God’s Voice (which is a synonym for crucifixion or resurrection. pear from the life of Jesus that this is the the Holy Spirit) asks of everyone one ques - experience he had. He used his life on this tion only: “Are you ready yet to help Me When you meet anyone, remember it earth to further the message of love and save the world?” (M-C-2.9:1) That does not is a holy encounter. As you see him you renounce thoughts of separation and at - will see yourself. As you treat him you sound passive to me. It sounds like a call to tack. He, therefore, finally had no need of a action — an action that will finally stop the will treat yourself. As you think of him body. you will think of yourself. Never forget cycle of fear, guilt, judgment and hopeless - Now, we may be far from having “no this, for in him you will find yourself or ness that is the current condition of our liv - need of a body at all,” but we can still fol - lose yourself. (T-8.III.4:1) ing in this world. low Jesus’ example. He used an extreme It can be done. Jesus did it in a very example of betrayal, abandonment and A few years back, Mel Gibson’s movie, extreme example to show us it is possible, death to show that there is no justification The Passion of the Christ stirred up a lot of even then, to teach only love. We are not for attack. He saw “attack” as a call for love “passion.” From the perspective of the alone. We have help during our own and says that “the message of the crucifix - Course, the filmmaker focused and paused “crucifixions.” We must stop protecting our ion is perfectly clear: Teach only love for his lens on only one aspect of the life of judgments, our fears and our rightness and that is what you are.” (T-6.1.13:2) Jesus. And, that aspect is not the focus of allow the Holy Spirit to reinterpret them. It From what we know of the life of Jesus, the Course. Nonetheless, The Passion can be done, but it will take our willing - that message does seem to be consistent began a conversation that put Jesus on the ness... and it may take some time. But with his life. The question now is: How front page of magazines and newspapers what is wrong with that? That is the pur - consistent is that with our lives? It is not and made us all look at what we think is the pose of time: to learn to “render the need answer to “Why did Jesus have to die?” easy to “teach only love” in every circum - for time unnecessary.” (T-5.VI.12:3) In Christianity there are at least two stance, which is why, I guess, Jesus used 12 I am in my thirty-eighth year of study of while until in prayer one day, he found What’s Happening the Course, and I still have times when I another way. His relationship with his Continued from page 2 feel crucified. The difference is it doesn’t mother began to transform, and their time last as long as it used to, I more quickly ask together became a joy instead of a pain. nize your healing if you are willing to step for Help, and with that I see things in a His friends wanted to know the secret. He back and let Him lead the way. This may be more clear perspective... and, with a lot simply answered, “When we talk about the the hardest thing for you to do, but you are more humor. Buddha, my mother hates it. But, when I not alone. The Holy Spirit is with you and A few years back at a Holy Encounter am the Buddha, my mother loves it.” so are your friends in the Miracle Prayer Retreat , a participant told me I was “trivial.” What painful relationships are robbing Ministry at MDC. We invite you to join with He said the whole retreat was trivial several you of your salvation? Isn’t it time to allow us every day at 4:30 pm as we commit to times. I didn’t feel that way, and since I the Holy Spirit to reinterpret them for you stepping back and allowing God’s loving have been called much worse in my life - so you might experience your resurrection presence to show us the healing we, our time, I just laughed about the comment instead of “clinging to the old rugged loved ones, and the world is entitled to. If and went on. Frankly, I could see he cross”? Allow this Easter not to be about you have a prayer request, please send it needed a lot of attention, and he was really the death of Jesus, but about his message to MDC. Don’t forget to request your free, rather frightened. Whenever I saw him or of love and forgiveness expressed through full-color bookmark which lists all the thought about him, I simply sent him a you to all your relationships. “Salvation is a thoughts in the prayer ministry for 2015. silent blessing and then went on my “triv - collaborative venture.” (T-4.VI.8:2) Jesus is sim - Affirmations for: ial” way. He never changed (at least I never ply waiting to help us complete our part. saw any difference), but it changed me — March: God is the Love in which I forgive. (Lesson 46) and it seemed to help others. Later I re - Did You Know?? ceived numerous comments from those in April: I am sustained by the Love of God. attendance who told me they were very ir - Our caring staff is available to help you during (Lesson 50) our regular office hours of ritated by this man’s constant disruption, May: Love created me like Itself. (Lesson 67) Mon.– Fri. from 9am to 4pm . and the way I “dealt” with him helped them Just call 800-359-2246 or Request your free, full-color bookmark to release him and their anger toward him. 714-632-9005 today which lists all the thoughts in the They were actually able to see him as a We look forward to assisting you! prayer ministry for 2015. child of God in need of love, not judgment. As one person put it, “You were a tremen - dous role model for seeing his cries for love and recognizing who he truly is. You helped several of us do the same.” It is the living of the message of Jesus’ life that needs to be our focus, not his death. In the Course he is giving us tools to refocus our lens and steer a new course. From the section in the Course entitled THE HOLY ENCOUNTER , from which this publi - cation derived its name, we find a very powerful thought: “Whenever two Sons of God meet, they are given another chance at salvation.” (T-8.III.4:6) It is not the death of Jesus that gives us salvation; it is allowing the message of his life to reinterpret our relationships with each other into holy rela - tionships. How we see, think or treat each other in every encounter becomes the way we either find or lose our salvation. I once read a story of a young man who had been raised Christian and had con - verted to Buddhism. He tried to explain his new faith to his mother, but she would hear nothing of it. She thought he was going to hell. Every time they talked, it became an argument and an attack. He wanted her to respect him and his belief, but she could not. This went on for quite a 13 The Sacrifice... be back in relationship with God. Atone - (Lesson 139) Continued from page 3 ment in the Course’s teaching is that we Let this Lent and Easter season be filled simply allow a shift in our ego thinking and with the resurrected glory of what you are. to be forever dissatisfied and discontented; remember a long forgotten truth within us Join with me in turning the idea of sacrifice to know not what it really wants to find. (or as the Course calls it, a miracle) of what into a positive rather than a negative. Let Who can escape this self-condemnation? we are. What are we? We are the holy, in - us sacrifice: nocent Son of God. “This does Atonement Only through God’s Word could this be ... any limiting thought about who or what teach, and demonstrates the Oneness of possible. you are. God’s Son is unassailed by his belief he God’s teachers can have no regret on ... any mad idea about your identity that (us) knows not what he is.” This means no giving up the pleasures of the world. Is it a you have ever had or ever will have. matter what we think or do, or what “sins” sacrifice to give up pain? Does an adult re - ... any thought of separation you may have we’ve ever committed, past, present or fu - sent the giving up of children’s toys? Does from your brother and God. ture, nothing can ever separate us from the one whose vision has already glimpsed the ... any thought of slavery to ego’s voice. truth about what we are. “Today accept face of Christ look back with longing on a ... any judgments you have about being a Atonement, not to change reality, but slaughter house? No one who has escaped victim. merely to accept the truth about yourself, the world and all its ills looks back on it ... any dead thoughts you may have about and go your way rejoicing in the endless with condemnation. Yet he must rejoice how unworthy you are to receive God’s Love of God. It is but this that we are asked that he is free of all the sacrifice its values love. would demand of him. To them he sacri - to do.” (Lesson 139) fices all his peace. To them he sacrifices all Christians today speak of the “Great And finally, let us sacrifice any doubt or his freedom. And to possess them must he Commission” - “Go ye into all the world hindrance that you cannot save the world sacrifice his hope of Heaven and remem - and preach the gospel unto all nations.” If I by believing you and your brother are one. brance of his Father’s Love. Who in his were to be so bold as to reinterpret that Your smallest shifts to truth are mighty her - sane mind chooses nothing as a substitute mission to our contemporary world, I alds of eternity. for everything?” (M-13.3-4) would look once again to the Course for di - “We have not lost the knowledge that I love this perspective the Course gives rection. “We have a mission here. We did God gave to us when He created us like us. The things of the world will never truly not come to reinforce the madness that we Him. We can remember it for everyone, for content the Son of God. Sacrificing the once believed in. Let us not forget the goal in creation are all minds as one. And in our “pleasures” of the world, whatever they that we accepted. It is more than just our memory is the recall how dear our broth - may be — money, sex, power, things — will happiness alone we came to gain. What we ers are to us in truth, how much a part of not get you to a deeper level of spirituality accept as what we are, proclaims what us is every mind, how faithful they have or any further knowledge of the truth about everyone must be, along with us. Fail not really been to us, and how our Father’s you if you still value them. Therefore, we your brothers, or you fail yourself. Look Love contains them all. . . I will accept are asked in the Course to allow our minds lovingly on them, that they may know that Atonement for myself, For I remain as God to rest in God’s awareness so we may be they are part of you, and you of them.” created me.” (Lesson 139) lifted to the vision that will truly lead us to the peace and contentment we are seek - ing. The Course also says, “...to see a brother in another body separate from yours, is the expression of a wish to see a little part of him and sacrifice the rest.” (T-26.I.1:6) Each time we see our brother as separate from us, we sacrifice the whole of the Sonship and the awareness of our peace. We, like a small drop of water think - ing it can be separate from its mighty ocean source, sacrifice all the power and beauty God wants to reveal within our - selves by believing we are separate from our brothers. Enter the concept of Atonement or as some like to say At-one-ment. For just a second, let’s go back to what the Bible teaches about the Jesus’ crucifixion. It says that only through Jesus’ sacrifice can we atone for our sins and thereby allow us to 14 Your Grievances sports fan (although I’m not one person - identify with them. We think we are our Continued from page 8 ally). But it is a little odd to be so deeply grievances. Of Course, this happens much unaware of who you are that a team logo is more easily and completely if you are un - with any amount of honesty, you will prob - the best symbol for yourself that you can aware of the fact. (As soon as you become ably conclude that your grievances are come up with. aware of it, you have introduced a dis - doing you no good whatsoever. Why, then, Up to a point this is all harmless. But for tance, however slight, between yourself hang on to them? many people, being a fan is not only loving and the grievance. Ultimately this is the There is another reason. Let me ap - your own team — it’s hating the other gateway to freedom). proach it by telling a story. This took place team. (Again you see them raising their Identifying with grievances becomes a during a microcareer I had as a financial heads). Sometimes it looks as if hating the bigger problem when they belong to a adviser. One day we were all shepherded other team is the most enjoyable part. race, nation, or religion. It becomes a big - into a day-long seminar. It was one of So we have a curious dynamic going on ger problem still when these grievances those watered-down human potential here. You don’t know who you are. Maybe, have been ingrained by centuries of tradi - workshops that seem to be popular in cor - in your own mind, you’re your team. You tion. If these groups have a long memory porate America. are caught up not only in its triumphs and of injustices — and if their identity has crys - In this workshop, the leader went defeats, but in its grudges and grievances. tallized around these injustices — then around the room and asked the partici - In other words, you have identified your - members of the group think they have to pants to think of personal symbols for self with grievances . You have become take on these grievances as their own. themselves. Most people were at an utter these grievances. Usually this is not a matter of conscious loss. About half could think of nothing I’ve chosen sports fandom to introduce choice. It’s ingrained from earliest child - more original than the logos of their fa - this idea because it’s a light way to touch hood. If we can see this dynamic, suddenly vorite sports teams. upon a disturbing fact about human nature. a great deal of the conflict in the world There’s nothing wrong with being a We nurture our grievances because we today becomes much easier to under - stand. There are people in the world today who are blowing themselves up for the MRI of Enlightenment Miracles by saying, sake of grievances like these. Continued from page 5 “It takes great learning to understand Of Course there’s much more that I can that all things, events, encounters and say about these things. But they do point I furrowed my brow. “Well, yeah. It was circumstances are helpful.” (M-4.6:5) up one aspect of the Course‘s teaching the next day...” I began to see that our world is here to that isn’t always obvious: The ego is made “And how long would it have taken provide us with opportunities to demon - up of grievances. The more you have, and before?” strate our level of mastery. I thought, you the more you identify with them, the “Oh, gosh. Weeks. At least! And I would learn to be an architect by studying archi - stronger the ego is. The task is to loosen have bought that tecture in school, but these grievances through forgiveness, and to realize that you are not your grievances, Scotch and drank half “She (Beverly) pointed out you’re not an architect the bottle and, know - until you design a but your Self. It’s in your own best interest. ing me, I would have how much d•oing the work building. Copyright C 2015 by Richard Smoley then never returned to makes a difference in our I can read books this group out of lives, and offered my and attend lectures, but further shame.” experience back to me as I cannot attain mastery She (Beverly) an example of how quickly until I can demonstrate I have learned my les - pointed out how much I recovered.” Nothing is Impossible doing the work makes sons. I need these Continued from page 4 a difference in our events in my life to lives, and offered my experience back to show me how much I am learning, and learn very well) and use voice commands me as an example of how quickly I’d recov - • how much I still have to learn. for all directions. ered. She talked about how our ego uses The world is here to provide me with These are just some of the new inventions any event to fill our heads with talk of our the opportunities to demonstrate my learn - that make me feel freer and much more in - failings, of how bad we are. For if we could ing. My life for the past year has been filled dependent. It is a most amazing experience again realize that we are a beloved son of with sadness and heartache. Yet I am and miracle to me that I am now able to God in whom He is well pleased, the ego catching a glimpse of the Light and am once again do things that I thought were would perish; and that is why it fights so beginning to feel my gratitude for the no longer possible. vehemently. events in my life, for, be they painful and Each day is an opportunity to “choose It dawned on me that, unless we go difficult to endure, they are providing me once again” and to remember that, as through these challenging events, we opportunities to see myself, every event, Helen and Bill showed us, there is always cannot become masters of our minds and every encounter is a Holy opportunity for another way of looking at the world if we our lives. Beverly quoted A Course in me to express Love instead of fear. are willing to find it. 15 In this issue . . . • Beverly puts a "Focus on Life" • Paul continues his "Miracle Musings" • Jerry and Diane remind us "Nothing is Impossible" • Bill explains the "MRI of Enlightenment" • Jacob on "A Closed Mouth Never Gets Fed" and other articles and news!

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