A Miracle Distribution Center Publication November / December 2011

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Thinking with God • by Beverly Hutchinson McNeff { There Is

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ecently, an oral history by that keeps them in that prison, so we can • • No Deat{h Jacqueline Kennedy on her life and never escape, either. What a waste of ••••••by Gayle Prather her husband’s presidency was energy! A Note from Beverly: November 2011 is the published by their Whether it’s a person, situation or one-year anniversary of Hugh Prather’s journey R into eternal life. We have certainly missed his daughter, Caroline thought, it’s time to release the anger or physical presence in our lives, but there has been Kennedy. In it, she judgment we hold against them, it, or no lack of his spiritual presence through his was very candid ourselves. We don’t do this to“let them off words and memories. Over the past year, we about her feelings the hook” or because we are trying to be have been running articles by Hugh in tribute to towards prominent spiritual or good. We do it for our own self the gift he has given the world. I recently asked people and issues. healing. When we dwell in that anger, we Gayle if she would write her feelings about this last year, and she graciously agreed. I know you One particular are dead! The Course tells us there is only story took place the Beverly Hutchinson McNeff will be touched by her simple wisdom and life, but when we“dwell in the valley of the valuable tips from Hugh. night before John F. Kennedy was assassi - shadow of death” we are dead unless we nated in Dallas in 1963. Jackie disliked know that“Thou art with me,” as the 23rd he Course tells us that“death is Texas governor John Connolly, who was in Psalm reminds us. the car and was wounded during the the central dream from which all assassination. “The Holy Spirit guides you illusions stem,” and I can tell you On the recordings, she into life eternal, but you must Tthat when you lose someone you love, reveals she discussed her If we dwell in hate, relinquish your investment in the world be - dislike of Connolly with “ then hate will death, or you will not see life comes very real. J.F.K. She told her husband though it is all around you.” The ego invites she couldn’t stand Con - become real to us (T12.IV.7:6) you to a misery feast where nolly and his“soft mouth.” and capable of a This passage is referring to “Jack was so sweet. He separation and real effect. so much more than what we loneliness are sort of rubbed my back ... call physical death. I have Hugh & Gayle Prather and said,‘You mustn’t say the main course. Other egos expect you often said our lives on earth to be miserable, and some are offended that, you mustn’t say that,’ ” she recalled.“If could be described as a sci-fi movie enti - if you do not seem to be grieving in the you start to say or think that you hate tled“The”Walking Dead.” Funny, now accepted way. Please do not assume someone, then the next day you’ll act as if there’s a TV series on cable called“The from this that I am denying the pain you hated him.” Walking Dead” about an apocalyptic that losing a loved one brings. I am not. What an empowering realization! J.F.K. future when zombies roam the world. As However, I am telling you that death knew that thoughts were powerful and we know, zombies are people who are also brings the opportunity to fully where we dwell in our thoughts creates dead: mindless bodies who aimlessly walk experience and commit to the truth of our experience of the world. If we dwell in the world and attack and devour whatever A Course in Miracles because grief hate, then hate will become real to us and is in front of them. This sounds like us, capable of a real effect. By dwelling in hate when we are locked into a consciousness Continued on Page 12 of another, we prevent him or her from of victimization. When we have no ever changing, and we become the guard Gayle Prather is best known for being mar - Continued on Page 14 ried to Hugh Prather; together Hugh and Gayle studied A Course in Miracles and Beverly is the co-founder and president of MDC, one of the longest running organizations based on wrote books. Gayle is still practicing the A Course in Miracles . As a student, lecturer and author on the Course since 1977, her recorded weekly commentaries on Course principles have become a wonderful source of inspiration and Course which seems even more relevant study for many around the world. Receive a FREE recording by contacting MDC. and beautiful since Hugh’s death. • • • • •

• Share a Miracle What’s Happening This column shares the everyday “miracles” or, as A Course in Miracles says, the “shifts in our perception” that are constantly •

{ love in any language! The loving mes - “Phone to do research. Again, many through our catalog of 300 items based on • taking place in our lives to remind us of our unity and love. We invite readers to share their “miracles” with us. • sage of A Course in Miracles is currently in THANKS!!!” We’re so glad that Ann Harris the Course. You can also visit our Wall of • •

in Nevada is enjoying our new mobile site. Innocence and add your own photo to our • The Bad News, The Good News, and The light

20 languages: Afrikaans, Bulgarian, • Chinese, Croatian, Danish, Dutch, English, We enjoy hearing that it is so helpful to gallery. Or take our Pledge for Peace and • ••••••••by Lyn Allais { Finnish, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, her. In response to the explosion of web see your city represented with peace on Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, browsing on mobile phones, we have now our map of the world. We’re adding new editor’s Note: Even though this article was world’s“most unstable nuclear armed ping paper and all the rest of the stuff Russian, Slovene, Spanish, Swedish. made it easier to navigate our website features all the time, so check in often. written a few years ago, the message is a nation.” Yes, I’m scared. And I’m struggling from the Christmas frenzy.) Inside there is Korean, Japanese and Czech are soon to when you’re on-the-go. The new mobile { “This Christmas give the Holy Spirit timeless one. We reprint it now because we inside. I have two beautiful children. I an article entitled“The Light Has Come,” be published. Translators are still working version of our website automatically everything that would hurt you. Let yourself know many are still facing these same should have never brought them to this written by Beverly Hutchinson McNeff in on Hungarian and Estonian. detects your mobile device and presents slimmed-down pages of our most popular be healed completely that you may join with questions (even though the events have terrible world. I can’t stand the thought of the September/October 2006 issue. I { end-of-the-year giving opportunity - services including A Course in Miracles Him in healing, and let us celebrate our changed) and the answer that Lyn what could happen to them here. reread the whole thing and once again my mind is restored to sanity. In this article The IRA Charitable Rollover was reinstated study group listings, ACIM Lookup, The release together by releasing everyone with experienced is the answer that will work for Should I just put on a happy face and Beverly reminds us of so many beautiful for this year. For those who are over 70 1/2 holy eNcouNTer and more. You can also us.” (T15.XI.3) Let us celebrate this holiday all of us and for everything. Space limita - chant some Course words like,“There is years old and required to take Required choose to go to our full site and explore season by the true extension of love: tions prevent us from reprinting the article nothing to fear.” Maybe not, though things. I won’t rewrite the article, (the title says it all), but I’ll just say it spoke specifi - Minimum Distributions (RMDs), you may all it has to offer. Just point your mobile release! Let us join in healing for all our Lyn read that reminded her of the answer, perhaps it’s time for me to quit pretending cally to what I was fearful about and gift any amount from your IRAs, up to a phone browser to miraclecenter.org to brothers and the world by lifting the veil but if you would like to read it, you can find it and face“reality.” I’m really confused as to by going to our website at: exactly how to deal with it. maximum of $100,000 this year and it experience it! of judgment and guilt we have placed what I want to feel, should feel, and do qualifies towards your RMD. These gifts upon it. The world can be born anew, we http://tinyurl.com/6dvfksm , by using the feel. I mostly ignore world news and So a miracle came to me. My perception will be excluded from ordinary income. { Giving a truly meaningful Gift Here’s can be born anew as we allow ourselves to QR code provided below, or by requesting a remain blissfully unaware. But today these shifted. I started in a mindset of fear and You may make the gift directly to Miracle what many students of the Course have be healed by extending that healing. We reprint by mail. The article referred to was headlines are getting to me. I feel, (dare I moved into one of gratitude. How can I Distribution Center by notifying your IRA done: Given a tax-deductible donation to invite you to join with us each day at written by Beverly and appeared in the say the word) guilty? Guilty for not feeling, thank enough, all the Course students plan administrator of your intent to make MDC in someone’s honor or memory. If 4:30pm (Pacific Time) for a moment of September/October 2006 issue of The holy well, whatever we are supposed to feel everywhere in the world for their willing - a current transfer to our Center. you would like to give in such a way, send prayerful support through our prayer eNcouNTer . when we start focusing on the tragedies. ness to keep focusing on and believing in, your donation and request, and we will ministry to extend this healing. We invite the Truth; The Light Has Come even when The news is not good today, December Guilty for not staying better informed. { Weekend of Miracles in Baltimore - send him, her or the family a personalized you to join with us for yourself and your it doesn’t appear so. 28, 2007. In Seattle, Washington, where I Maybe if I’d stayed better informed these Our next Weekend of Miracles will take letter acknowledging your appreciation loved ones. If you have a prayer request, Have a Happy New Year. I’m planning live, the front page news reported that on things wouldn’t have happened. place on April 13th and 14th, 2012 in and support. It’s a wonderful honor for please send it to MDC. Affirmations for: to, because the future looks so bright! Ǣ Christmas Eve, six members of a family are I’m removing ornaments from my Baltimore, Maryland. This location should that dedicated someone or their family. November: “Love is the way I walk in murdered by two of their own children. Christmas tree as all these thoughts are be convenient for our friends in Washing - And, what a blessing it will be to those the Scan to view gratitude.” (L195) Right beside this grisly story is the report swirling around my mind. An old issue of ton, DC and the surrounding area. These Center serves, for your donation will go to December: “I will there be light.” (L73) that India’s former Prime Minister Benazir The holy eNcouNTer catches my eye. (A article on-line popular weekend seminars are presented support its free services! Gifts in memory January: “I rest in God.” (L109) Bhutto was assassinated by a suicide miracle because it’s almost buried amidst by Beverly Hutchinson McNeff and offer of ... Dwayne copp beloved father and bomber. I’m scared. They call India the half-eaten candy canes, junk mail, wrap - attendees a chance to go deeper into the dedicated student of the Course from his If you would like a free bookmark that lists Course’s life changing principles to truly son and family David & Kristine Copp, of the monthly thoughts in the Prayer Ministry, experience miracles. As one attendee Paradise, CA. We here at the Center share please call, write or email the Center. wrote,“...Beverly, you are an amazing in celebrating Dwayne and his lovely wife “...tomorrow I get my recording from MDC and it probably is going teacher. You help the learning process for Alma. They were long-time Course This comment is from your students by making the message of students whom we were honored to share to be the best one ever. Everytime is the best one” the Course so much clearer and easier to this path with. We know they are joined Fernando, a listener in Australia, from a post he made on our listener board about MDC’s recordings. He said... understand. When you read the Course, it now in the ark of peace as they walk home Just in time for These recordings have become my call to reality and back to do the simple stuff. That’s what I like the most about Beverly — went right into my mind and heart! It to God together. the Holidays how she brings me back to the here and now. Have a lovely day, everyone, and thank you for all your posts and thoughts. They made the greatest sense.” A Friday evening pop up into my head when I most have the need for them. Thank you all! lecture sets the stage for a day-long { New Features Added - Visit our web - Our beautiful new color catalog is receive a The group meetings offer Course students a practical approach to living the Course intensive experience of A Course in site at www.miraclecenter.org to see all full of inspirational while still providing in-depth understanding into the Course’s principles. As a student of Miracles . Watch our video about the our Center has to offer. We have recently FREE added new video clips on our services and books, CD’s, cD or mp3 of our meetings the Course since 1977, Beverly Hutchinson McNeff offers clear insight into some of the weekends by visiting our website, then calendars and challenging areas of the Course while always presenting practical, day-to-day examples to make your reservation to join us. our upcoming conference in Baltimore. or go on-line and listen to While there, you can also search for ACIM gifts that help a meeting. make the principles. study groups around the world, read and bring the Course’s As an ongoing listener, you not only receive the weekly lessons, but you have access to { “Actually this is a BIG thank you for message into Call 1-800-359-ACIM your new mobile site which includes the search the entire Course, peruse back an online listener message board so you can continue the conversation and develop a your life. (2246) worldwide family of support. Join us today! ACM Lookup. Now I can at least use my issues of The holy eNcouNTer and browse Limited time offer

2 THE HOLY ENCOUNTER November / December 2011 3 knew something was up. When he asked Paradise, we need to extend him a little Third, you believe that you can distort the

• them what was wrong, Adam spilled the grace. To the ancient mind, the Bible creations of God, including yourself. •

• beans and the blame game began.“It’s the rendition of how it all began was just an Fourth, you believe that you can create your - •

• woman’s fault,” Adam says.“It’s that evil ol’ attempt to explain the perennial questions self, and that the direction of your own

• Miracle Musings...

• of a recovering Fundamentalist - What’s it all About, Alfie? snake’s fault,” Eve counters. Forgive my we are all still asking today ...“Who am I?” creation is up to you. These related •

• •••••••• by Paul McNeff { French, but this really pissed God off. “How did I get here?” Or, as in the 1966 distortions represent a picture of what Wouldn’t you be!? After all, they did movie,“Alfie,” starring a very young actually occurred in the separation, or the disobey Him. So faster than you can say“O Michael Caine posed, “detour into fear.” nd God created man in His own image, with the Son of God thinking he could be inhabit the planet and finally, let’s create God!” the great One unloads with a torrent “What’s it all about, Alfie?” (T 2.I.1) in the image of God He created him; separate from His Source. This is in sharp some human beings, male and female, of curses (sounds like the ego to me) and So what does the Ego thoughts take us down “ male and female He created them... contrast to the Biblical account of the and make them exclusively in my image to slams down the Holy gauntlet. Course say about all this? ‘It’s the woman’s that“detour of fear.” That AWhen the woman saw world ending with God’s judgment rule over the earth. Then, when all is said To the woman, He sternly says; “Honey, A constant theme of “fault,’ Adam says. leads only to further separa - that the tree was good reigning down and destroying everything. and done, I’ll place them in Paradise. The having that family you dreamed about, the Course is that the tion. The good news of the for food, and that it A Course in Miracles points us to a gentle Big Island of Hawaii ought to do. I will that ain’t gonna be easy. Those kids are world as we know, for all ‘It’s that evil ol’ Course is...it never really hap - was a delight to the path, one that says“this world will end in come often for wonderful visits on my going to cost you plenty in the birthin’ practical purposes, is a snake’s fault,’ pened! Like Adam, we’ve eyes, and that the tree laughter because it is a place of tears.” So, time off so we can all live happily ever department. PAIN...like you’ve never dream. We find in Chapter Eve counters. Forgive fallen asleep to our reality. To was desirable to make how did this ol’ world as we know it after!” And so, being the Almighty, known before! And just wait for those 27 of the text the Course’s be healed from that thought one wise, she took from become a place of tears? Omnipotent, Omniscient God that he was, teen years. . .the sass that will come forth version of the Fall. “Into my French, but this however, we have to wake up its fruit and ate; and To the ancient mind and Biblical He got to work. In seven days, in a grand Paul McNeff out of their mouths will drive you nuts!” eternity, where all is one, really pissed God off. and reclaim our inheritance she gave also to her Fundamentalist, answering this question and magnificent creative outpouring not So hear this! Since you were the first there crept a tiny, mad idea, by “removing the blocks to the husband with her, and he ate . . . So He drove means we need look no further than to to be equaled since, God created the one to mess up, I’m puttin’ Adam in charge at which the Son of God re - awareness of love’s presence, the man out of the garde. Genesis 1:27; 3:6, 23 God’s Word. The Bible tells us how it all got Universe and all that was within it, placing of you to keep you from doin’ it again. Oh membered not to laugh. In his forgetting did which is your natural inheritance.” started in the story of Adam and Eve. I Planet Earth smack dab in the center with yeah, your only desire will be to please the thought become a serious idea, and pos - “I believ”e in love, Alfie. “The Garden of Eden, or the pre-separa - remember hearing this story as a child and Adam and Eve as His masterpiece. your husband and guess what: He will sible of both accomplishment and real ef - Without true love we just exist, Alfie. tion condition, was a state of mind in which although it did seem that God meted out a And then God said to them,“Look guys, nothing was needed. When Adam listened to RULE!” No more singing those “It’s My fects.” (T27.VIII 6:2) Until you find the love you’ve missed you’re pretty harsh punishment on His creations, you’re the only ones I’ve created strictly in Turn” songs for you.” Instead of God being the evil Ogre who nothing, Alfie.” the “lies of the serpent,” all he heard was it made sense to me in a twisted way. At my image, but, I don’t want you to be, well, untruth. You do not have to continue to And YOU! .... Mr. Adam, you numbskull, threw us out of Paradise, the Course For Alfie to find his true inheritance, he the tender age of four I was convinced exactly like me, because, you know, hey here’s what I got for you. You know that teaches that like the prodigal son, we are needed to let his“heart lead the way.” The believe what is not true unless you choose to that I, like Adam, was disobedient to my let’s face it, there can only be one ...‘ME,’ do so. All that can literally beautifully manicured Garden that you the ones who have falsely believed we Course teaches us to let our heart, our parents and thus disobedi - you know uh ... the great ‘I AM!’ So, I’m had so much fun tending and raising could be separate from Him.” We go inner guide lead the way by doing the disappear in the twinkling ent to God and so I deserved gonna ask that you just stay away from of an eye because it is those scrumptious mangos you and Eve further down the road of separation by work of forgiveness. Since coming out of I remember hearing God’s wrath, too. But I was that tree of knowledge over there....you like so much? Well buddy, that ain’t gonna enforcing the ego thought system: Fundamentalism, I have had many oppor - merely a misperception. also taught that Jesus’ sacri - know, the one with the luscious fruit What is seen in dreams “this story as a child be easy anymore. From here on out, you’re First, you believe that what God created tunities to heal by forgiving a Christian fice on the cross was the only located in the middle of the Garden. If you gonna have to work hard by the sweat of can be changed by your own mind. thought system that dominated my seems to be very real. Yet the and althought it did thing that would save me eat from that tree, well, how do I say this ... Bible says that a deep sleep your brow, buster! No more banker’s Second, you believe that what is perfect can thoughts for 34 years. It has not been easy. seem that God meted from God’s fury, so at the first you could end up being just like me and hours, great benefits and vacations to the be rendered imperfect or lacking. Continued on Page 12 fell upon Adam, and opportunity, I got saved! we just can’t have that.” This Universe is nowhere is there reference other Fantasy Island Playground. And if out a pretty harsh Thanks to the Course, I can only big enough for ONE God. that doesn’t do you in, that college educa - to his waking up. The world now see there is a kinder, In all God’s beneficence, however, he has not yet experienced any punishment on His tion for those kids will! gentler way. most surprisingly did not explain the con - With that, God rested. . . .again! “...it is always a pleasure to find The Holy comprehensive reawaken - creations, it made For the sake of a little fun, sequence for disobeying Him. His orders That’s how Aleid in ing or rebirth. Such a rebirth As the church lady of Saturday Night Encounter in my mailbox... sense to me in a I’d like to revisit that Adam were simple:“Do not eat of that tree.” Well, Live fame said,“Well, isn’t that special!?” The Netherlands feels about each issue. She writes... is impossible as long as you and Eve story once again once the Almighty forbade that little treat, continue to project or mis - twisted way. Have you ever really thought about that and compare it to the calmer do you really think Adam and Eve could story like that? What kind of an awful Dear friends of MDC, Your Gift create. It still and gentler A Course in Mira - resist? What’s the first thing they did? Do Your work at MDC is so very important and I do agree that this Will Help remains within you, however, to extend as Ogre-like God have we created? Did I say cles rendering of creation and man’s even - you have kids? What’s the first thing your we? Unfortunately, yes. As Voltaire said, work has to keep going on. I hereby enclose a donation. Ensure that The God extended His Spirit to you. In reality this tual Fall fr”om God’s presence. kids do when you forbid them from doing I am very grateful that you have continued to send The holy Holy Encounter is your only choice, because your free will “God created man in His own image, and Once upon a time, there was the great something? Right! THEY DO IT! Okay, so then man returned the compliment.” The eNcouNTer to me; it is always a pleasure to find it in my mailbox and will be delivered was given you for your joy in creating the the articles from the various authors are a real support to me. God Jehovah who got into a grand thanks Adam and Eve, YOU DID IT! Bing, truth of that statement rings true to me to you. perfect.” (T2.I.3) creating mode one day and said to bang, boom, we’re all toast, forever! They are a great help to throw some light on how the Course can be I find laughter and humor to be now. That kind of ego-maniacal thinking is applied to practical everyday life situations. Himself,“Hey, let’s have some fun ... let’s One day God came strolling into the exactly how A Course in Miracles describes formidable tools in learning and healing. create the earth and all that is within it, Garden and to His astonishment, He I would appreciate it if you would keep sending The holy eNcouNTer the ego.“The ego is therefore capable of to me. Thank you so very much. A Course in Miracles teaches that the and then let’s make some really cool couldn’t find his lovely little creations. ego-world is an illusion and says it began suspiciousness at best and viciousness at creatures, from tiny to humungous, to Once they finally appeared he instantly worst.” (T9.VII.3:7) No matter where your mailbox is, we are honored to send you But lest we come down too heavy on our magazine. It has been a help to so many. To ensure that this 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 poor little Adam, the Course teaches us free magazine continues to bless, won’t you take a moment to 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 send us a tax-deductible gift? All gifts are appreciated! Thank you. won many awards and been featured on Good Morning America . Learn more at: www.kidsingers.org that if we want to reclaim that state of

4 THE HOLY ENCOUNTER November / December 2011 5 • • • • • • • • • •

• Recognizing Spirit • Heal Your Mind, Heal Your World • • hurry No More -- you are Already home on living the Message • • • • •••••••• by Gerald Jampolsky, M.D. and D iane V. Cirincione, Ph.D . { •••••••• by Dr. Lee Jampolsky, Ph.D. {

e are convinced that“hurrying” Instead, my mornings are now intention - mind. Our ego mind will do anything and his article is an edited series of conver - of our next win. Love waits with no deep and loving wisdom. I choose not to is one of the main supports of ally just the opposite! everything to make us feel separate from a sations I have had with fellow Course agenda whatsoever, while the ego pursues be distracted in this moment, and I choose the ego structure and, hence, I, Jerry, fell into this drumbeat early in Loving God and from each other. students I have mentored and learned its endless list of wants, wishes, and goals, to listen, hear, and follow. one of the cor - life. My selective memory remembers the We don’t think it’s possible to be in a from. The subject fueled by assumptions and an impressive W Tareas are discus - list of rights and wrongs. Love simply waits on life events: nerstones of fear. words“hurry up” more than any other hurry and experience the Peace of God at The truth is that most life-changing Why are so phrase. I was told to“hurry and finish your the same time. In other words, when we sions of some of patiently. events don’t change our life. We don’t many of us in the plate” while eating any meal. I was always are locked into the belief system of linear the central on Projection: allow them to. We have moments or days world in such a told to“hurry” when I was doing my time on which the ego thrives, we are thoughts found in The“outer picture of an inner condition” that have the potential to change the hurry? As we look chores. I heard the words“hurry to bed” at deceived into believing that hurrying is a the Course. is something our ego wants to keep as one course of our life, or simply our thinking. at the world, and night and then on top of that“hurry up human attribute that is part of who we are of the largest secrets. It is much more These days or moments can stem from particularly at and go to sleep.” One thing my parents and that it will actually bring about good on the Ways Jerry Jampolsky & Diane Cirincione Lee Jampolsky convenient — albeit catastrophic to our something pleasurable or beautiful, or our American were not in a hurry to do was to die. They things for us. of the World: peace of mind, to go through life blaming, something we would never have ordered culture, it seems like more and more of us had great fears about that. We like remembering an old Indian state - So much talk, so little heart. This seems believing what we see outside of ourselves off the menu of life, such as an accident, are in a hurry to get to our emails, to talk We have noticed that many of us are in ment that says, to increasingly be the way of the world. is what causes us pain. With the belief we illness, job loss or death. No matter how faster and faster, and to judge others and too much of a hurry to smell the flowers or A busy mind is a sick mind We wonder what the solution is, but only are separate from God, and our brothers profound the experience is, or how much condemn ourselves more quickly. watch the sun rise or set. And when we are A slow mind is a healthy mind tend to come up with more talk and less and sisters, we then proceed to project we may see that we have something new There are many of us that are in a hurry on the highway, there is a tendency by And a still mind is a Divine Mind. heart. Then we talk and argue more, look - onto others roles and perceptions that and different we can do or become, do not to be defensive and make others wrong, to many to drive hurriedly to get to our ing for the solution within the problem Perhaps it’s time to slow down and keep love away, and ultimately keep us underestimate the pull of the ego to have seek revenge and to go into conflict with destination. Fear is the culprit that makes itself, like tearing a house down that had experience the sweetness of stillness and imprisoned in the illusion that we are you stay exactly as you were prior to the others or ourselves. It is a us think that being in a hurry rotting wood, and using the same wood to wordless timelessness in our lives. separate. event, or even to become more fearful. very fast drumbeat that will make us feel better, more rebuild. Awakening is seeing through this How many times do we say things like, many of us find ourselves It is a very fast important and successful, and hugging There is another way...our insane and illusory reality. “Now life will be different,” or“I will never marching to. Innumerable “drumbeat that many if you can believe it, more Even when people hug each other, tender hearts can simply Our inner peace can be go back to how I was before,” only to find pressures of various time peaceful. there can be a tendency to be in a hurry. guide us to stillness. Love waits with no greatly increased as we ourselves the same? We like to hug a lot and frequently ask And yet we tend to talk commitments, ever-in - of us find ourselves Insanity devote the time to contem - Think of a river, and the force of water. creasing technological people’s permission to exchange a hug. on, argue, intellectualize, “agenda whatsoever, We have mentioned before plate the question: How is The river has carved a path, and continues advancement, and marching to. We have found that sometimes people are and compete. We suck in other articles that our while the ego the outer picture of what I to flow down that path. Imagine there is expanded access to more in a hurry when they hug and give very through the ever-widening definition of insanity is that state of mind see actually a reflection of some event or perhaps a large tree falls in parts of the world are just a few of the quick and hurried hugs. straw the media hands us, pursues its endless in which we are not experiencing our - my inner condition? the path or a slide from a bank blocks the evolving“actions” that we are“reacting” to There are times we are guided to say, consuming bite size chunks selves as”the Essence of Love and when we list of wants, wishes, flow. With time, the river most likely will daily in ever-increasing levels. “It’s our belief that God is never in a hurry of talk until we are fattened on listening: are not being a messenger of love to and goals, fueled by force its way through the“event,” and When we are in a hurry, it’s like being and that hugging is a way of putting two with illusion. It almost Each day I want to eventually continue to flow along the path everyone we see or even think about. With caught in the spider web of our egos. We doesn’t seem to matter assumptions and an strengthen my ability to it previously had, moving dirt and debris this definition, our ego mind is an insane think we are running away from this fear- Continued on Page 13 what the talk is about...it impressive list of listen to the internal Voice, to do so. Or, it may in some situations alter filled state but we are actually running can be politics, economics, hear it, and follow it. This its course, but these are few and mostly towards it. Either way, we end up in fear. or religion. The ego eats it rights and wrongs. can most likely happen if uncommon. Don’t underestimate the Very early on in our relationship, Diane all up like candy on the motivation to hear it is very power of your old thinking that can keep table. noted my hurried habit of waking up to high. There is a direct relationship your life fearful and isolated. But also don’t Available from the Center $ 95 Meanwhile, the solution, Love, waits the alarm clock, immediately jumping between m”otivation and distraction. underestimate the power of a decision to 14 patiently for some of us to take notice, to out of bed, and starting the day running When motivation is lacking, we are more pay attention to an event in an uncom - Finding Your Way Home settle into, to speak from, to grow with swayed by the many distractions of the as if I were in a race with my to-do list. In a deeply heartfelt way, Jerry and Diane share stories of their mon way, until the waters of your life carve gentility. Love waits while the ego spouts world, which are ever increasing in our Diane thought this was strange behavior, spiritual journey, detours they’ve taken, and people who have the new path. its arguments and many versions of the high-tech existence. Our ability to listen and indeed, as I look back at myself impacted them along their life trail. Suppose that there is a river, a flow of Scan and truth. Love waits while we intellectualize. can be greatly increased as we boost our an energy that never does actually shift, during those days, I see she was correct. To Order 1-800-359-ACIM (2246) view Love waits while we prepare our case with Subsequently, she has taught me a lot on-line motivation to do so by reminding alter, or change course, no matter what or at miraclecenter.org fever and righteousness. Love waits while ourselves often: I wish to realize what is about slowing down and not being in we argue and blame, and plan the tactics true, that I am connected at all times to a a hurry. Continued on Page 12 Gerald Jampolsky, M.D. and Diane Cirincione, Ph.D., international lecturers and bestselling authors, share their insights and experiences in applying the 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 principles of A Course in Miracles in our world. Jerry and Diane’s books and other items are available at www.miraclecenter.org Miracles . Lee can be reached at www.DrLeeJampolsky.Com

6 THE HOLY ENCOUNTER November / December 2011 7 Dear Beverly, Dear Beverly, I’ve been thinking about you all day today. I knew I just had to write and thank you before the freshness The Live Streaming Conference had a very big impact of the conference wore off. What an amazing weekend! Thank you for being such an incredible host, and on me. I have intensely studied the Course since 1989, thanks so much to all the staff and volunteers for all their hard work and but I’ve never been to a Conference. I am happy to say extensions of love. I can’t say enough about how individual, how inspired, that I am having constant “residuals” from the Confer - and how perfect the different speakers were. They each came at the topic of ence last weekend. peace and the blocks to peace in their own way, and their individual experi - I have already sent in a “feedback form” in which I ences made their thoughts come to life for me. Everything was so relevant stated that it was wonderful to see, hear and participate and so honest. in the conference. Also, I am an Annuity Donor and I am I especially LOVED meeting our weekly study group folks, both those who happy to see that MDC is fulfilling its destiny. attend in person and those who listen right along with me. You all are very Sincerely, dear to my heart. Thanks for all your questions and contributions. Sally, Cleveland Ohio Much love, Wendy, Highlands Ranch, CO Remembering The Peace of Heaven Hi All, With the intent to experience The Peace of Heaven , Miracle Dis - Please let everyone know what a fantastic idea the “streaming” of the tribution Center’s International Conference on A Course in Beverly and conference was! I am sure you have had feedback from tons of folks. I was able to catch Bev, Marianne & Leon Shaver Miracles began. The beginning of August saw hundreds of Jacob Glass. How cool was that! It even made me “really” want to attend next year. I just never thought I students of the Course from around the world gathering in Southern could sit that long but now I realize I don’t have to. Anyway, California to remember the peace that is their Source, and extend it. These whatever the cost or effort, please let Beverly know it was well conferences are so powerful, not only because of the worth it (easy for me to say, ha/ha). presenters, but because of the participants who truly Keep up the good work! immerse themselves in the experience of healing. Best, From placing their piece into our group puzzle, Carol, Riverside, CA reminding themselves how important their part in healing and peace is, to the “flashmob” activity, attendees had a chance to experience the Course’s counsel that “a universal experience is not only possible but necessary.” Connie Daley: Hi Beverly! I’m Hi Beverly! Marianne Williamson We thank Marianne Williamson, Lee Jampolsky, Jacob Glass, Jon Mundy, Dick sitting in the middle of the I’m the one who’s so grateful for all the work that you and all your with Leon Gayton, Tama Kieves, Michele Addino-Colchin and Mark Colchin for joining conference room and want to help you reach your goal wonderful team of angels allowed Holy Spirit in reaching us Beverly Hutchinson McNeff, Paul McNeff and the entire MDC staff to make this a through the weekly CD’s and the annual Conference. Every time I transformational event. of hugging each and every one of us. Here is my cyber come to the Conference it’s like celebrating New Year’s. My mind Most importantly we want to thank everyone who and body are renewed and ready to give and receive. I feel so MDC Listener hug to you and to all the Breakfast attended with such open and loving spirits. These conference attendees every - refreshed — like rain falling in the dry desert being with you and all conferences are so powerful because of you. where! Here you go (( )) the people that I have seen for the last eight years. It brings tears to This conference was also our first attempt to my eyes thinking about all the love that I felt from everybody’s hugs explore a live-streaming video feed to the world! It was and kisses. Dear Beverly, exciting to see that over 4,000 people in 6 of the I never thought that I was going to be involved again in a group I want to begin by saying that it was my first experience of your 7 continents around the world tuned in to the free setting since I was asked to leave the Catholic Church because of my Center’s conference and I am using the tools, songs and lessons we sexual orientation. When I went to the first MDC Conference, after were so lovingly given by everyone. “Right Now”. You are such a live feed. 15 years of total isolation, I thought I was going to be rejected by If you missed the conference or simply want to dynamic teacher of God and your husband is a loving complement, you and asked to leave. That is why I sat in the last row; I was plan - with his music and essence. Each teacher, and all of your staff, as well relive the experience, we hope you will enjoy the ning to stay only for two hours — I was wrong. I was so full of fear as the attendees were lights for all our hearts that assisted me with following sampling of letters and photos. and hate towards religious groups — what a difference now. finding peace in the NOW. Thank you! Thanks you all again for your support in joining us! I have two more commitments or resolutions for this year. The I have been blessed! Another member of the Burbank ACIM study first one is to give four or more hugs to my partner. Sometimes I for - group attended and we had a great time sharing the experiences. I am get to be affectionate to him. The second one is I am only watching also grateful to be on your referral list as students do find their way to Conference Recordings Available the (bad) news once a week for a half hour. I am spending more the group. I got your email about the steaming in time Saturday morn - time in reading, meditating and praying instead of sitting in front of ing to alert other members of the group of the opportunity to join and Beverly Hutchinson McNeff - Opening CD: $8.00 mp3: $6.50 the TV. four of them did! They were thrilled! Lee Jampolsky CD: $8.00 mp3: $6.50 SPECIAL! I weighed myself this morning and I lost five more pounds, a total Your fellow sister in Love, of 92 lbs, but most important I feel much lighter in my mind. Marianne Williamson 2 CDs: $14.00 2 mp3s: $12.00 Purchase All 8 Jens P Aus Kiel: It was a great Jackalene, I can’t wait to see you again next year for the next Conference. Burbank, CA Dick Gayton CD: $8.00 mp3: $6.50 Presentations pleasure to join you today; I really got inspired. Thank you so Please share this letter with Tess, Mondo, Marlene, Frank, Daniella, Tama Kieves CD: $8.00 mp3: $6.50 $ 00 for 50 much... now it’s time to sleep. Maria, Darin, Mark, and forgive me if I missed somebody else. I love Beverly Hutchinson McNeff - Sunday CD: $8.00 mp3: $6.50 them all very much and looking forward to my weekly CDs and (Includes nine CDs It’s already early in the morning hearing your inspiring thoughts. Jon Mundy CD: $8.00 mp3: $6.50 in an album) here in Germany, but have to do Janie Neill, Jacob Glass CD: $8.00 mp3: $6.50 one more miraculous “flash - Leon aka “Your chocolate covered banana” San Diego, CA Dick Gayton and To order visit www.miraclecenter.org or call 1-800-359-2246 mob” as you did it today :)) Love Ken Radcliff and blessing from Germany I made decisions in milliseconds that simple request for help, read a little about •

• will affect my life for weeks. The ego likes God, or accept the gentle hand of a friend •

• speed. It does not want peace. Cortisone is on our shoulder. All obstacles to peace fall

• Each issue of The holy eNcouNTer • Emotional Healing around when we forget, yet the most away. It’s Free!! • is sent free to you! To keep receiving simply • The ego Strikes Back profound anti-inflammatory able to shrink Ignore the current special on pygmy • keep in contact with us once a year. •••••••• by Richard Gayton, Ph.D. { any ego — the Holy Spirit — our real palms at The Home Depot. identity, patiently waits for us to remem - And remember, your tax deductible ber who we are. We only need make a Ǣ donations help us to continue to provide y mind apparently does not want will make us happier than the Holy Spirit; finish it. He gave me that sideways, inquisi - this free service to you. me to write this article because that we should make death central and, tive look that wives and dogs sometimes Microsoft Word has frozen up above all, that we should avoid that give overactive men when they are going Mtwice, just after I boogey man, God, because she is going to to “do it” themselves. The look says, “Are got a few get us for our crazy decision to try to you sure? Don’t you remember the last • PRISON PROJECT

• Ǣ

sentences down. I separate from her. Maybe it would be time?” I paid no heed and set my course • •

keep hitting some easier to deal with the ego if it were a for pygmy palm planting at full speed •

• Update button that sends physical presence outside of us, like Satan ahead. •••••••• by Maria Zakich { my Mac off spin - or Lex Luther or Brutus. We would know After a few hours in the 100-degree We are honored that the Center’s name a few. describe the painful things the partici - ning into a differ - our enemy by sight and know to run. heat I was tired and decided not to wear prison ministry is able to help individual A social worker and I realized there pants have endured, but not healed ent world. What’s Instead we must return to what the Course my leather gloves, because being a man of from. Rewriting their grievance story Dick Gayton inmates and those who provide classes were few classes at our hospital dealing my mind doing? I calls “vision” to look beyond the ego to our the soil, I want to have intimate contact and services. Through the donations we with Hope and Spirituality. When we with a different outcome in mind can be expect the taxman from Robin Williams’ true identity as a child of God. with my new plants that would soon be provided support to Cindy Pavelosky in started our research, we found there a powerful tool for change and gives film Popeye to coming beeping up on his The fence fell over at my rental house. It happily growing along a perfect wall. I her miraculous work. In July, Cindy was very little information about teach - them the opportunity to envision an tricycle and assess an “Up-to-no-good tax.” had become a rotten wood partition held could see in my mind’s eye a beautiful passed away in an accident. This was a ing forgiveness in institutions of incar - outcome differently from the usual way The degree to which I can betray my best up by a massive tangle of undistinguish - edifice to human effort where crumbling shock to her family, friends and all of us. ceration. In fact, we found that our class they react to their world. interests and undermine my peace on a able bushes. I could no longer ignore it mayhem had once been. Bright, but taste - We want to extend our deepest sympa - on Forgiveness was the first of its kind This is exactly what we learn as moment-to-moment basis astounds me. because my attorney neighbor was ful concrete, strong but never needing thy to all. We know that life is eternal, being taught in a forensic state mental students of the Course. Letting go of The Course observes that we fail to care - worried about it. I decided to pause and paint. Happy neighbor, happy tenant, but during these challenging times, hospital. resentments opens up the heart so we fully guard our minds. approach the task peacefully. I decided happy me. My thoughts gathered speed. support and comfort is our only I have been a student of A Course in can experience peace. At each class we The glow of love from against my usual approach: Let’s get this thing done. I grabbed the purpose. In tribute to Cindy and her Miracles for several years. I realized that try to include a verse from the Course the International A Course Sherman marching through baby pygmy date palm by its little date family, we want to share this article she bringing the principles of the Course which is pertinent to that week’s lesson. in Miracles Conference in The degree of which Georgia tearing everything fronds and placed it in its perfect hole. wrote about her experiences working into our hospital made good sense. The “It’s not up to you to change your Irvine, The Peace of Heaven “I can betray my best down in order to rebuild it. I One of the fronds stuck me in the wrist with prisoners. goal was to help these men let go of brother, but merely to accept him as he has begun to dim. That it was deliberate, slow in my and left a tiny black hole. That hurt, but so feelings like hostility and thoughts of is.... Any attempt you make to correct a took a whole month shows interests and under - movements, considerate in what? I’m a real man. Would John Wayne Finding Forgiveness in revenge and replace them with brother means that you believe correc - the power of love and the my communication as I at Iwo Jima be held back by a pygmy palm mine my peace on a unexpected Places thoughts of neutrality, or even compas - tion by you is possible, and this can only dedication of the Miracle negotiated with my neigh - wound? I grabbed another pygmy and got sion. Resentments, grievances and be arrogance of the ego.” (T167) By Cindy Pavelosky Distribution Center gang! moment-to-moment bor and worked with my stuck again. This time I placed it more gin - assaults are daily fare within these walls. Over the first few months, news of our I’m getting a bit jittery as I basis astounds me. tenants so they were on gerly in the hole, threw in the Miracle-Gro There never was a more unlikely Even a small change in attitude could class spread by word of mouth and get back to my normal board. We found someone and thought nothing more of date palms. place to teach a class on Forgiveness help their outlook and response to life more people began signing up. Now in work of writing, fixing some to efficiently remove the I stood at the house curb and surveyed than in a state mental hospital that and help to decrease their risk of reof - our third year, we have a waiting list. rental property and replacing the rug in bushes and build a new wall reinforced my work, a few palms here, a glorious houses sexually violent predators – fending once they reentered the One participant said “I remember my house, which began to resemble the with ceme”nt and steel that not even my papyrus there and some purple strap and yet, that’s exactly where a social community. We knew if these individu - feeling hopeless and just wanting to die bombing range for flying dogs: light ego could knock down. thingies in the corner. I was happy, yet my worker and I ended up teaching. als could change, anyone could. because I felt I was the lowest life form carpeting with large pools of black every All was going well, and then I decided wrist had a funny sensation. That night This state hospital is a maximum It helped to model our class after the on Earth. After time in prison, I began to few inches. With the return of “normal” life, to help our landscaper. He is quite good at during my shower I noticed my hand was security, 1500-bed mental hospital principles of the Course. Our class has see I could change my attitude. I’ve the ego returns. Great title for a movie- a digging holes, carrying stuff and really warm and a little puffy. By evening the that opened in 2005. The hospital two parts: Part I focuses on forgiving never looked back.” monster film. A crazed creature running an doing just about anything around plants. right side of my palm and wrist was hot houses men who are deemed likely to others, and Part II focuses on self-for - It is gratifying to see these men move imaginary thought system inside our We got the new sprinklers in, and then all and swollen, and red welts were spreading reoffend if released. They are housed giveness. The individuals complete through their issues of shame, and learn heads that aims to ruin our lives. that was left was the plants. Money was over my side, back and legs. By 2 a.m. I was indefinitely, per a 1995 civil law, until weekly assignments and share their to forgive themselves and their offend - As I was talking at the Conference about tight so I figured certainly I can do this in the ER getting a cortisone shot. The ER they complete an intense sex work in group the following week. We ers (many are victims of child abuse). the “Obstacles to Peace” section from part myself and save a few bucks. I like doc turned her head a little sideways offender treatment program which teach what forgiveness is and is not, the Most days, I feel like I am learning more Chapter 19 in the Course, I was struck by physical work; more accurately I pride when I told I had been bitten by a pygmy includes completion of classes such benefits of forgiveness, how to human - than our students. The nicest moments how seriously nutty the ego is. The Obsta - myself on being able to do physical work palm. The next day I was telling my tenant as Anger Management, Cognitive ize the offender, the core components are when I hear someone report, “This cles teach that the ego actively tries to rid despite being an effete shrinkologist. I said about it and he smiled, patted me on the Distortions, Community Re-integra - of forgiveness and how to rewrite their forgiveness stuff really works!” our minds of peace; that it thinks the body goodbye to Manuel and told him I would back and helped me put the trash out. tion and Victim Empathy, to grievance story. Grievance stories Ǣ

Dick Gayton is a psychologist and writer. His book The Forgiving Place: Choosing Peace After Violent Trauma is available through the Center. Maria Zakich coordinates The Miracle Prison Project at MDC. For more information visit us on the web at www.miraclecenter.org, click on “Services” then “Prison Project”. We thank you for your ongoing support of this service.

10 THE HOLY ENCOUNTER November / December 2011 11 dualities — we give lip service to the truth spent years in pain, anger and fear about There is No Death but we also want the world to work. the loss of this precious little life. She was Hurry No More... Continued from Page 1 Nothing in the world can make up for angry at God and had turned against all Continued from Page 6 the loss of a child or a husband or wife or religion. But one day she found herself any loved one, but there is another reality drawn to a church for the first time in To Give...Is To Receive focuses the mind in a way that lesser prob - hearts together as One.” And then we ask, that can open, a place where we literally years. She went in and knelt before the lems do not. Hugh and I noticed this in “Could we do that hug over again and not Receive income for life. experience a truth that cannot be denied. altar, not knowing what to say or do. Sud - Santa Fe when we had two groups — a be in a hurry?” The next hug then turns out The Center’s charitable gift In the year since Hugh’s death, I have denly she felt someone kiss her on her “You might worry that today’s gen - general one and one for parents who had to be a deliciously timeless hug full of love. annuity is an ideal way to give erosity could jeopardize your plans lost a child. Most of the people in the first come to believe absolutely in Lesson 163: cheek and she knew that it was her little and to receive. With your charita - for a comfortable retirement. A chari - Being home in the heart of God group worked somewhat “There is no death. The Son girl letting her know that she was fine and ble donation of $10,000 or more, table gift annuity lets you live well of God is free.” I feel Hugh’s that the love between them was real and We discover and we rediscover, over halfheartedly at forgive - you will receive a high, fixed rate and give back at the same time.” ness and the other peaceful, happy, loving pres - untouched and whole. It’s easy to dismiss and over again, that when we are in a -Kiplinger.com Other egos expect Higher Consciousness — in a God Con - of return for the rest of your life. spiritual principles we ence every hour of every day. such stories as wishful thinking or even “you to be miserable, sciousness — that the experience and And best of all, payments to you “More and more people are discov - presented; the parents’ I talk to him; he talks to me. delusional, but I now know without any ering these products as a neat solu - concept of “hurriedness” totally disap - are unaffected by economic group focused intensely and some are Of course there are times doubt that they are more real than the tion to both their charitable pears. Time, space, form, and body identity on everything we talked when I cry because I miss his picture of separation that the world paints. downturns. intentions and their desire to create offended if you do evaporate. Awakening is knowing once about because they were physical presence, but our And so what message does Hugh have more reliable income in retirement.” again that our true and only reality is in such pain. Conse - not seem to be oneness with each other is for you? Simply this: Do not be afraid to - The Wall Street Journal being Home in the Heart of God, a Home Sample age yearly rate quently, they experienced still there; it did not die; it love; forgive quickly and easily; trust your “Charitable gift annuities are gain - grieving in the that we have never really left. It is awaken - 60 4.8% the truth behind the cannot die. It is eternal. Self, the Holy Son of God. Never forget ing favor with retirement savers look - accepted way. A woman told us that she who you are. Don’t take the world so ing from the nightmare of a dream where 70 5.8% ing to blend their passions with words; they lived what we fear ruled and true unconditional Love was were saying and they taught us an invalu - had miscarried late in her seriously; let it fade from your sight so that 80 7.5% pension-like financial security. De - hard to find. pending on your situation, they can able lesson: there is no compromise in the pregnancy and never saw or held her baby you behold Love’s splendor. And like Bill because ”the doctor said it would be best Thetford says, “Never forget to laugh.” In those moments when we know with - 90+ 9.8% offer attractive income and some Truth. The world is either real or it isn’t, but out any shadow of a doubt that we are in nice tax breaks, even as they help fa - most of us live between these two that she not see her little girl. This woman Ǣ our only true Home — the Heart of God — Age now rate at 65 vored causes.” - The chicago Tribune the dream world that we made disap - 50 9.5% fearful life stories will be written from here. pears. It allows us to be immersed in an What if a single place, Eternal Love as our only reality. 55 7.8% What’s it All About... On Living the Message a unique day, Awakening is experiencing that we are Your charitable Continued from Page 5 Continued from Page 7 an exquisite experience, the Light of the World that erases all needs is eligible for or an unexpected tragedy, to be any place else. We are bathed in our Our gift annuities give us the dcerotainn taaxt bieonenfits and a portion But I find when I apply the lessons I learn debris, or how much of it, is put in its path. could change your life in some Oneness with God and experience the end funding needed to continue our of your annuity payments may be from the Course, I gently heal and take Imagine that the water of this river simply, profound way. of the illusion of separation. outreach on behalf of A Course in tax-free. In addition, you will eternally, and patiently flows. This river is one more step toward transformation. Change that did not come from force Miracles . Please consider joining receive a lifetime subscription to For the past eleven years, I have found my God’s Love, and is available to us at all hurry No More... you are Already home or desire, and becoming a part of our THE HOLY ENCOUNTER and free admis - forgiveness practice put to the test with times. Sometimes events in our life are We like to continue to remind ourselves but from a settling within, of the introduction to A Course in Miracles Legacy Community. sion to any of the Center’s events. the pastor at the church where I serve as meant to reroute our small river we call a knowing, Director of Music. Being the Biblical literal - our self to reunite with the ever-flowing which states: a trust, Nothing real can be threatened. Nothing Minimum amount to establish an annuity: $10,000.00. Minimum amount for California ist he is, my ego has placed upon him the large river of God’s Love. The reason some - residents: $25,000.00. For more information, please complete the form below. and discovery of what is most simple, unreal exists. Herein lies the Peace of God. Ǣ weight of the entire Christian Fundamen - times the small river of self is so difficult to pure, talism world and has therefore projected reroute is because we believe in the and ultimately important. Ǣ upon him an enemy status. Through this strength of our small river more than the The Center’s Gift Annuity Coupon relationship, I’ve had many challenges unlimited power of the large flow of God’s The ffamiilly off come my way. But the Course teaches we Love. It is why sometimes we have an “aha” NEW e-Newsletter Name ______cannot experience peace and forgiveness moment or event of clarity that we think Miracle Distribution Receive our Miracle Distribution if we do not extend it. The formula is not will change our life, but we then slip Center Address ______slowly back to how we were and our old monthly Center hard but we have to be vigilant in our e-newsletter. wants to take this way of thinking. Sign up on our wants to take this City/State/Zip ______practice. To the extent that I extend for - opporrttuniitty tto wiish you and giveness to Christian Fundamentalism and When you have one of those unique home page or periods of time or moments, remind by scanning yourr ffamiilly a Date of Birth ______this pastor, as I see it and him through the yourself of where it comes from... it is the the QR code “vision of Christ,” my nightmare of separa - below river of Greatness calling you home. Listen. Blessed Holiday Telephone______E-mail ______tion can be transformed to a heavenly And listen some more. Believe. And Season experience ... or at least a turn in that di - I’m considering donating $ ______to establish my annuity. believe some more. Surrender. And surren - filllled wiitth rection. All it takes is our “little willingness.” der some more. Your small river of self will Mail to: MDc, 3947 e. la Palma Ave., Anaheim, cA 92807 Now, that’s what it’s all about! Miracles! reunite with the flow of Love, and all your or email to: [email protected] Ǣ www.miraclecenter.org

12 THE HOLY ENCOUNTER November / December 2011 13 this voluntary dis-spiriting, you will see one of my favorites... (T14.VII.2.1) We don’t look at these because we dwell in the isolation of our simply maintained the truth of peace in Thinking with God how your mind can focus and rise above “When your mood tells you that you thoughts to make ourselves feel bad self-made prisons of fear and judgment. the face of fear and by doing so gave fear Continued from Page 1 fatigue and heal. Yet you are not suffi - have chosen wrongly, and this is so when - about our spiritual journey. We look so We might as well be sticking our fingers no power. If the gorilla was really after me, ciently vigilant against the demands of the ever you are not joyous, then know this that these thoughts can be seen in the in our ears and saying nah, nah, nah, its desire for attack, in the face of my ego to disengage yourself. This need not need not be. In every case you have light of truth and found wanting. If we nah, nah...! Nothing can help us be - grandmother’s love, simply fell away into purpose and wander aimlessly in life be.” (T4.IV.6) thought wrongly about some brother God are honest with ourselves, God’s only cause we really don’t want the help! the nothingness from whence it came. without direction, we are like zombies...we What powerful words, “This need not created... . Think honestly what you have opinion of our brothers is love. No matter how much we have seemed “If you would remember your Father, let attack anything and everything. There be!” It’s time for us to stop and look at our thought that God would not have Our son Jeffrey started middle school to push God away, He’s still here, and the Holy Spirit order your thoughts and must be some reason that we are not lives to see if what we are doing and the thought, and what you have not thought this year. Ever since the fourth grade thinking with Him is still much easier than give only the answer with which He happy and we look around to find the way we are living is what we want. If you that God would have you think. Search not thinking with Him. Why? Because answers you. Everyone seeks for love as culprit of our unhappiness. When we find are not experiencing the joy and happi - sincerely for what you have done and left Jeffrey and a particular little girl have liked thinking with Him means you are not you do, but knows it not unless he joins them, we project onto them all of our ness that you are entitled to, then some - undone accordingly, and then change each other...sort of like “peas and carrots,” to coin a Forrest Gump phrase. Well, she alone and you are willing to remember it. with you in seeking it. If you undertake the unhappiness and banish them. But like thing needs to change. Change cannot your mind to think with God’s.” (T4.IV.2:2) had seemed somewhat distant all summer And isn’t it really easier to do anything in search together, you bring with you a light any self-respecting zombie, we are never come from you but it can come to you, if This is really not a new thought, but it is and, as school started, she began hanging life with a friend by your side? so powerful that what you see is given satisfied — there are more to devour. you are willing to relinquish your invest - a transformational one. Do we really around with another boy. When I would As a little girl I had a recurring dream. In meaning. The lonely journey fails because Watch your mind for the temptations of ment in fear. understand that our joy is dependent on ask about her, Jeffrey front of the house that my it has excluded what it would find.” (T14.X.10:4) the ego, and do not be deceived by it. It of - The Course gives us lots of great “how how we think about each other? That’s would tell me what was father and mother built from fers you nothing. When you have given up tos” to heal our lives and the following is what this section is saying. Why is this There is no doubt that in this world going on with her, but he Because thinking scratch there was a flower true? Because how we see others becomes there seem to be many who feel lost and didn’t say much. I started bed where I had planted a the world we dwell in. Just as J.F.K. told his “with Him means you alone. We look at all that is happening on a having silent resentment black seed. I watered that wife, we have to remember that the global and personal scale and a solution toward this girl and this are not alone and seed, and it grew into a giant thought we hold (justified or not) seems almost impossible. And, it is impos - new boy. “Who is this gorilla, which scared me so you are willing to sible to our way of thinking, but our iso - becomes the reality we live in. Do we dude,” I thought, “who much that I ran into the lated thinking is alien to God’s way of really want to live in a world where others stole my son’s girl?” remember it. And house and slammed the thinking. Perhaps it’s time for us to step are seen as sinful, guilty, hateful or unfair? One day, I asked Jeffrey door! Then I would wake up. isn’t it really easier back from our thinking and allow the Holy Do we really want to give those thoughts again about her, and he As I said I had this dream for to do anything in Spirit to order our thoughts. I know that the power to ruin our peace? We can’t heal told me that she was now a long time until one time in still sounds impossible to do, but then the our minds alone, but we can shed a little eating lunch with this life with a friend by the dream, my grandmother impossible, according to the world’s light on our dark thinking; we can open other boy. I asked him how appeared inside the house your side? standards, is what God is all about. It our minds to the possibility that there he felt about it, all the just as I entered. Again, I ran seems impossible that a baby born in a might be another way to view a situation. while hiding my irritation toward this little in and slammed the door, but the gorilla stable some 2,000 years ago should end The above passage counsels us to think “two-timer.” Jeffrey told me that he asked knocked on the door, and my grand - ” up as the Prince of Peace and be consid - this way: her if this new boy was nice to her, and she mother invited him in for tea! I was so ered a spiritual guide for the world. It is (1) “Think honestly what you have said yes. He told me that it was okay. As afraid; I ran into the bathroom and locked the impossible in the world that makes thought that God would not have long as the boy was nice to her, Jeffrey was the door. Everything was very quiet and I way for the possible. We will think with thought.” happy for her. Again, my son taught me finally opened the bathroom door to find and God because there is no other way to the lesson of sharing vision with the Holy my grandmother and the gorilla in the think. That is our fate and one I am glad (2) Think “what you have not thought Spirit. Her happiness was his happiness. front room sipping tea from dainty little that God would have you think.” tea cups. Now, there’s a “Tea Party” for to claim. It then goes on to tell us to change our 2. Think “what you have not thought that you! Needless to say, I never had that This “lonely journey” has failed because minds to think with God’s. We are not God would have you think.” The Course dream again. we are not alone and the more we look alone in doing this, for the Help we need is reminds us that thinking with God is As I see it now, I planted the seed and that lie straight in the eye, the less power it always there, but our new focus on look - really easier than not thinking with Him. decided what I would have grow, but my will have on us. The thoughts of God are ing at the situation will support us to As it tells us, “Your mind is one with grandmother (whom I equate with the ever with us. When we feel lost and alone, choose that Help. God’s. Denying this and thinking other - idea of the Holy Spirit the presence of God it is because we have moved away from wise has held your ego together, but that Presence, not vice versa. Let us close 1. “Think honestly what you have in my mind) stepped in to order my think - has literally split your mind.” I’m not ing and show me that what I thought was the seeming gap in our thinking by look - thought that God would not have sure we understand how powerful that ing on His Creations with love. The effect thought. ” Who among us has not had real was not real and that my fear really thought is. We’re really only thinking prevented me from thinking with God. But will be nothing short of a miracle! Ǣ those angry, frustrating thoughts when we think with God. If we are not about that driver, or that person on the there was no judgment from my grand - thinking with God, the Course tells us mother — she never reacted to my fear or news or that friend or relative? It’s not we are doing nothing. Holding on to You can now follow us on that we don’t have these thoughts; it’s told me my fear was foolish; she only our ego thinking is literally splitting our acted from love. I think that may be the that now we don’t want to keep them. minds. It is separating us from the Help The Course says, “The search for truth most important part of the dream. She did we are so desperately seeking. We pray To sign up, just go to our home page at is but the honest searching out of not stop me from running or hiding, if that for help with our problems, but then we was what I thought I needed to do. She everything that interferes with truth.” are not receptive to the answers www.miraclecenter.org

14 THE HOLY ENCOUNTER November / December 2011 15 In this issue of The Holy Encounter. . . • Beverly Hutchinson McNeff explains “Thinking with God” • Gayle Prather reminds us “There is No Death” • Paul McNeff continues his “Miracle Musings” • Jerry Jampolsky and Diane Cirincione encourage us to “Hurry No More” • Lee Jampolsky expounds on “Living the Message” • Dick Gayton warns us how “The Ego Strikes Back” • Memories of our Annual Conference and so much more!

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