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then continue to the magazine . . . January / February 2015 A Miracle Distribution Center Publication

Walk Our Talk What’s Happening... by Beverly Hutchinson McNeff

hen I was growing up, every sucked into our enthusiasm. The “8th Wsummer our family traveled the Wonder of the World” usually turned out to country. My dad was a salesman and be pretty uneventful, but there was always © Welcome Egypt - We are pleased to during the school year we were home with a gift shop. welcome a new A Course in Miracles mom. He missed having his family around Those billboard signs still work today. study group in Dahab, Egypt to our map and, even though it was more expensive to When I have since traveled some of those of groups. Explore our worldwide map travel with the family, he felt the benefits familiar highways of my childhood, I have to see all 2,000 study groups. Simply outweighed the costs. I am so grateful he noticed a few of those old billboards are go to our website at www.miraclecen - did, because we saw some beautiful still up. Maybe it’s just too costly to take ter.org and our geo-location feature will country and some them down, but those out - zoom you in to the groups closest to interesting sites. dated signs are still up you. You have to “shouting” their stories. © Our 2015 A Course in Miracles “We’re a lot like We’re a lot like bill - remember this was billboards. Some of us Wall Calendar is the perfect way to back in the 60s boards. Some of us have keep you on time and at peace as you when color TV and have done some pretty done some pretty elaborate enter into this New Year! Featuring 3-D glasses were elaborate advertising advertising about our - stunning full color cutting-edge about ourselves.” selves. We may talk a photos along with technology. As my good story, but the inspiring quotes brother and I sat proof of what we from the Course for seatbelt-less and advertise is not in our each month, this peered out the words, but in our calendar is sure to window of our air conditioned-less station living. This certainly is keep the Course’s wagon, we were fascinated by the not a new thought. Both the Bible and message of peace billboards. A Course in Miracles say , “By their and healing forefront Each one piqued our interest for the fruits you will know them.” In the new in your mind all year next one... World’s largest hole in the age movement, the catch phrase is, long. The dates are ground 15 miles ahead!... See the 8th “Walk your talk.” As a matter of fact, also coordinated Wonder of the World 10 miles ahead!... when I Googled that concept, it came with the Course’s Scientist baffled by massive sight 7 miles up more than 67 million times! workbook. A great ahead!... Turn up ahead! Turn NOW! Don’t There’s a lot of desire to “walk our gift to give to family miss this amazing spectacle! talk,” but it’s not the easiest thing to and friends any time As kids, of course, we believed every - do. Just as the Course says, the idea of the year… and thing those signs said. Our parents knew of everything being a choice between we’re offering better, but they couldn’t help getting love and fear seems simple enough to do discount prices! See the back page for Continued on page 12 more details or go online at www. Beverly is the co-founder and president of MDC, one of the longest running organizations based miraclecenter.org and visit our online on A Course in Miracles . As a student, lecturer and author on the Course since 1977, her catalog for all your shopping needs! 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

© Daily Lesson Email – Our new Daily we can create these inspiring free services. 650-995-3230, as his activities are Workbook Lesson Email service sends you You can go to www.miraclecenter.org and scheduled. click on Choose-A-Quote or we can send your Course lesson for the day, automati - © Giving a truly meaningful Gift - Here’s you a card to carry with you that has a bar cally. During the quick sign-up process, what many students of the Course have code to scan with your mobile device that simply indicate the lesson on which you’d done: Given a tax-deductible donation to will send you directly to the page. Plus the like to begin. On each succeeding day you MDC in someone’s honor or memory. If card has a beautiful reminder quote from will automatically receive the next lesson. you would like to give in such a way, send the Course you’ll definitely want to have! The daily messages can be read on your your donation and request, and we will Give us a call at: 1-800- smartphone, tablet, or home send him, her or the family a personalized 359-2246 . computer. Each email includes letter acknowledging your appreciation and the lesson title in an attractive © FREE ACIM E-Cards support. It’s a wonderful honor for that graphic. Directly below it, a link – Meeting the demand dedicated someone or their family. And, will lead you to the entire les - of students who wanted what a blessing it will be to those the son. You may start and stop at to be able to share a Center serves, for your donation will go to any time and even reset the thought from the Course support its free services! Gifts in honor of number on which to begin. For electronically with ... MDC , “thanks for all you do” from the more info., see the back page. friends and family, we Fort Worth, Texas ACIM Group. Gifts in © Save the Date – Our annual Interna - have come up with a variety of beautiful, memory of... Evelyn Roberts , “my aunt” tional Conference on A Course in Miracles full color e-cards with poignant Course from Paul White and family in Texas. ... will take place August 15-16, 2015 in quotes. Plus, there are holiday e-cards and Cindy Pavelosky , “In memory of Cindy for Irvine, California. These annual gatherings New Years greetings as well. It’s easy and her Prison Project work” from her husband are a longtime tradition for students of the FREE! Simply go to www.miraclecenter. David in Pennsylvania. ... Melvin Panfil , Course from around the world. Watch for org and start sending your miracles.. from his neighbors in the Villa Vivaci more details in our next issue, but save the community in Venice, Florida. ... George © Conrad Hanson turns 93! In 2010, date now! Perry , from Jennifer Perry in Ohio. Conrad retired from the Center after 25 © Choose-A-Quote - “I just want to say years of service. One of his activities was © “Love cannot be far behind a grateful how the “Choose-A-Quote” web page is to maintain MDC’s world-wide ACIM study heart and a thankful mind.” This powerful appreciated daily. I have it “saved” on my group directory. Since then, Conrad’s thought from the Course reminds us that work computer and just one click away health has declined, and he now lives in a love is our natural state and comes quickly when I want a quick reprieve / respite. full-time care facility located at 12911 to our awareness as our minds are focused Thank you so much!” We want to thank Browning Ave in Santa Ana, CA 92705. on gratitude and thankfulness. Let us start Patricia in Chico, California for letting us Conrad would love hearing from you; a to cultivate this awareness that will produce know how this new service of the Center is note, phone call, or visit would be appreci - the experience of love that we are entitled benefiting her. It’s because of the loving ated. If you’d like to visit, please call first to by taking time each day to join our tax-deductible support of our readers that minds with God in prayer. Every day at 4:30pm (Pacific Time), we invite you to stop and join us for a moment of prayerful support for yourself, your loved ones, and everyone in the prayer ministry. The gift you give is the gift you will receive! Thoughts for: January: I am Spirit. (Lesson 97) Request your free, full-color February: God is my strength. Vision is His 2015 bookmark today which lists all the thoughts in the prayer ministry & join us each gift. (Lesson 42) day at 4:30 pm (PT) as we unite in a moment of prayerful support for one another. March: God is the Love in which I forgive. Call 1-800-359-ACIM (2246) or at miraclecenter.org (Lesson 46) 2 New Year, Same You

by Jacob Glass

“So will the year begin in joy and freedom . . . Make this year different by making it all the energy I wasted trying to change my same. And let all your relationships be made holy for you. This is our will. Amen.” (T-15.XI.10) personality to what I thought of as a more “spiritual” type person. It was hopeless and useless — because it was based on my own his is the time of year when maga - am not, while still being willing for the Holy judgment and attack thoughts about my - Tzines, commercials, talk shows and Spirit to guide me in any changes that need self. When we start from a faulty gyms begin to amp up their endless to be made in order for me to be more premise, everything that comes after is promise of “A New Year, A New You!” And open, more loving, more peaceful and going to be wrong too. If we start with the as with most things, if we don’t inquire or more joyous. foundation that 2 + 2 = 5, then everything investigate, it’s easy to get swept up in the What if we started this year from the after that is going to be wrong and unwork - motivational rah-rah of turning over a new Course premise that we are as God created able. If we start from the assumption we leaf and getting rid of everything we don’t us, and we remain as God created us — are sinners, we’ve begun our journey with like about ourselves. there is nothing we a totally wrong map that will not get us And that is exactly the need to do to “im - anywhere good. point. The entire “As I said at the MDC prove” ourselves. Our The hypnotic spell the ego has cast premise is based on conference t•his year, my culture is much more over this world always has us looking at the assumption there is major lesson lately has focused on fixing than things in the opposite way God sees. It is something inherently been to let go of the habit enjoying and savoring. the spiritual paradox that the way to true wrong with us that of fighting and correcting.” TV shows based on and lasting personal change begins with needs to be changed “fix my life” show the radical self-acceptance. My friend Debbie if we are to be happy, “entertaining” drama Ford used to always say, “What you can’t peaceful and fulfilled in life. of digging up all the errors and mistakes of be with, won’t let you be.” It’s why so But in Course terms, the only real • everyone involved — focusing on “sin” and many of us lose and gain the same weight change that needs to be made in us has to then working very hard to try to have for - over and over again — it’s why we pay off do with the nature of that very kind of giveness take place. And this is what the debt and then run it right back up thinking which says not only are we broken makes the Course so RADICAL in what it again, and so on and so on. True change and damaged, but we can somehow “fix” teaches us. It is not a forgiveness based on isn’t about denying our mistakes, nor ourselves by changing the externals, or a “perpetrator” making amends. In fact, the about “fixing” them — it’s about SURREN - through behavioral modification. The perpetrator may even deny any wrongdo - DERING them to the Holy Spirit to show us Course reminds us this does not work and ing or be glad they did it. the way from fear to peace. there must be another way — the way of I think making amends is a profoundly So now, at the beginning of each year, miracles. wonderful thing when it occurs, but if our instead of setting goals that are based on Please understand, I am not against be - forgiving is predicated on it happening, we changing myself from an inferior some - havior modification or external changes — are not miracleworkers but have instead thing into a more acceptable something, I IF, they are inspired by our shift from fear chosen to be the victims of the world we ask questions like, “how can I show more to love, from attack to defenselessness. As see. Miracles look beyond the appear - love and kindness toward myself as a Child I said at the MDC conference this year, my ances. And this is the transforming of our of God?” Perhaps the answer will be the major lesson lately has been to let go of minds that allows us to realize we can not exact same behavior as the old erroneous the habit of fighting and correcting. The only look beyond the worldly appearances motivational process, but it comes through campaign of “a new year and a new you” is of guilt outside of us, but also beyond the an entirely different door and therefore has usually motivated by the belief that by appearance of guilt and shame we see legs. I can exercise because I hate my body fighting against something about ourselves when we look at ourselves. Many of us or am in tremendous fear of aging. Or I can we don’t like, we can correct ourselves. have lived lives in which we felt we were exercise as an act of self-love and kind - At this point in my life it seems to me the victims of our own character defects, ness, or because I’ve found ways to move the most beneficial changes made in my faults, mistakes, weaknesses and my body that bring me joy and fun. This own healing process have more to do with shortcomings. accepting myself just as I am and just as I I cannot tell you how much time and Continued on page 14

Jacob lectures in Southern California and has a global ministry of his recorded weekly talks. His new book, “ The Miracle Worker’s Handbook ” is available now from our center. You can contact Jacob at www.jacobglass.com 3 Change Your Mind, Change Your Life Saying Goodbye by Gerald Jampolsky, M.D. and D iane V. Cirincione-Jampolsky, Ph.D .

For the past eight years, my mom and front of Rolly and me. As he watched her oday is my (Diane’s) mother’s 94th her dear friend, Rolly Mulvey, had shared a beautiful images before him, he would look Tbirthday, and it is the first one in my deep friendship and love. Rolly was active from them and back to her. I whispered lifetime I will not spend with her. in Seniors for Peace with his guitar, banjo, into his ear how beautiful it was to experi - Thanksgiving and her birthday have been harmonica, and many musical talents ence the love and friendship between intertwined in the same week creating the where they lived at The Redwoods in Mill them. After about ten minutes, Rolly slowly annual occasion for family to come Valley, California. lowered his head to his chest and went together and celebrate. This year we are in More recently, when they were both in semiconscious. Within forty-eight hours he separate places, my brothers and sister poorer health, whoever could do so would was gone too. He had those last two days and I, just weeks after sharing the occasion visit the other many times a week. Even for his family and many friends to say their of her passing. I have shared her many moving just a few hundred feet was a jour - farewells. ingredients for living a happy life before ney that needed to be facilitated by Rolly’s Jerry was very close to Rolly, especially and I remember a few here: family or ours. Near the nearer the end of his end of her life it was life. They often talked Have gratitude for everything that happens “What I want to share here hard, yet also sweet, about Rolly’s unease Always have a forgiving heart is the mir•acle of my to watch them see each with death and the fact Love unconditionally mother’s death as I other. Rolly’s daughter, that he was so con - Respect others’ beliefs Sharon, and I thought it experienced it. She shared cerned about Sharon Help others whenever you can would be amazing if with us a legacy of and not want - Say what you mean and mean what they passed away having no fear of ing to leave you say around the same time her. Jerry’s Don’t let anyone ever limit your world death,one which so neither would have impression of And in the end... know that what we worry I accepted for to say goodbye what I have about doesn’t really matter! myself...” to the other. shared here is Most people know my mom as Phyllis What I want to share that Rolly felt Girard. My childhood friends still called her here is the miracle of my mother’s Diane’s mom the incredibly Mrs. Cirincione. She was born Filomena death as I experienced it. She shared Ph•yllis Girard. deep peace Biele, the fourteenth of sixteen children in with us a legacy of having no fear of death, that Mom and an Italian immigrant family in New York. one which I accepted for myself — one I and our family had during her passing She, and we, identified with our Italian which she lived until she died, supported that last day and at some level, knew it heritage, and she was just about six by her deep faith. She knew her true iden - would be all right for him to let go too. months short of receiving her dual citizen - tity was not her body, but her Spirit. After Mom passed, my sister, sister-in- ship as an Italian. She always faced adver - Just two hours before she took her last law, and niece gently washed Mom and sity head on. As a young teen, necessity breath, and surrounded by many of her dressed her in an ancient tradition in forced her to quit school to help support family, Mom was visited one more time by preparation for the family to share a the family. Decades later, at age seventy- her very dear friend, Rolly. She had been common goodbye. Surrounding her bed, five, she graduated Monterey Peninsula in a deep sleep for the last forty-eight we then all shared our hearts at the College with full honors, witnessed by her hours. He was seated in his wheelchair moment. One thing that was shared pretty children, grandchildren, and great-grand - next to her as I knelt to the right of him much typifies her life of quiet giving. A children. In life and death, she was always with my arm around his shoulders. He was member of our extended family had gone an extraordinary role model. holding Mom’s hand and also mine. into rehab for alcohol dependency years My siblings and I have always been Mom’s granddaughter, Kirsten, had ago. Her immediate family was extremely amazed at how people responded to her. created a slide show of images from unsupportive of her life in general and her They seemed to fall in love with her almost Mom’s life that were full of her incredible rehab specifically. She shared with us immediately, and so many have asked to capacity to love, and it was playing just in Continued on page 14 be “adopted” by her. 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 Tikkun Olam: Healing God’s Fractured Creation

by Robert Rosenthal, M.D.

to perceive it once was one, and still is piece] He offers his Identity, which the am always fascinated and delighted what it was. That one error... was all you whole picture represents, instead of just a I when I come upon an idea within an ever made... But nothing you have seen little, broken bit that he insisted was him - established religious tradition that’s also begins to show you the enormity of the self. And when he sees this picture, he will found in A Course in Miracles . I find it original error, which seemed to cast you recognize himself.” (T-28.IV.8:1-4) reassuring, validating — proof that truth out of Heaven, to shatter knowledge into How then do we perform our part in cannot be totally repressed or hidden; that meaningless bits of disunited perceptions, tikkun olam? How do we fuse the seem - it remains ever present and available for and to force you to make further substitu - ingly separate, divided aspects of the those with eyes to see and ears to hear; tions. (T-18.I.4:1 to 5:6) . Sonship back into oneness? It is not that its light will always shine through even Of course, it is not God who fumbled enough to do good deeds. It is not enough the thickest muck of wrong-headed and shattered wholeness into separate to pray for others. It is not enough to seek religious dogma. However, it’s a rare thing parts; it was us. In God’s reality, none of God on your own terms, in your own indeed to discover a concept that so this ever even occurred. Only in the ongo - private sanctuary. Unless you learn to per - closely mirrors the teachings of the Course ing dream of time and materiality does ceive the holy light of God within everyone as the Kabalistic doctrine known as tikkun God’s Son perceive His oneness as frac - (thereby acknowledging that same light in olam, which translates (from Hebrew) as tured. The ego peers through its insane yourself), you are maintaining the illusion the repair or healing of the world. kaleidoscope of sin and guilt to behold a of separation. And here lies the true mean - The tale behind tikkun olam depicts yet chaotic world of separate bodies, private ing of tikkun olam: to see the light of God another version of the fall or separation minds, and distinct objects, all appearing to shining through the fa `cade of a fractured, story, and it goes as follows. In order to exist independently, outside of us. separate, ego-and-body self, such that any create the world, God poured the essence Judaism envisions the healing work of sense of separateness dissolves away, and of God-Self into a vessel of light. But the tikkun olam as an external process: oneness is again remembered. vessel shattered, performing good The Course calls this Christ’s Vision. fragmenting God’s “The tale behind tikkun deeds in the world. Another name it uses is forgiveness. And creation into myriad olam depicts• yet another But as students of yet another, the Atonement. “Though shards of light, all now version of the fall or sepa- A Course in Miracles , every aspect is the whole, you cannot separate and bound ration story, and it goes as we know there is no know this until you see that every aspect is within the world of external world. It is the the same, perceived in the same light and physical matter, that is, follows. In order to create projection of our own therefore one.” (T-13.VIII.5:3) . the ego’s world of form. the world, God poured the mind: an effect, not a Let me conclude by offering an Those splintered shards essence of God-Self into a cause. Any attempt to extended metaphor I hope will make this are us. And so, accord - vessel of light.” take action at the level idea even clearer. ing to this understand - of the effect, however Picture a huge, radiant diamond of the ing, it becomes the duty of each one of us well meaning, must be limited in its impact. most beautiful, flawless perfection. It holds to help repair the fracture and reunite the Worse still, it reinforces the reality of the the light of consciousness within itself, yet scattered shards back into the oneness • projection for us. Therefore, the healing of also shines it outward through its countless God intended. This process of repair (or the fragmentation of God’s Son must take facets in brilliant streams of luminosity — healing) is tikkun olam. place internally, in the mind that is the great rays that go on forever and forever, Notice how closely this tracks with source of the projection. with no endpoint. A Course in Miracles . And here, fortunately, we have help. Now imagine the impossible occurs. You who believe that God is fear made God created the Holy Spirit and placed It This diamond — this perfect, eternal gem — but one substitution... the substitution of within the mind of God’s Son specifically to shatters. Nothing remains of it but the tini - illusion for truth; of fragmentation for bring about this healing and repair. “The est splinters. There are millions upon mil - wholeness. It has become so splintered Holy Spirit’s function is to take the broken lions of them, scattered about in profusion. and subdivided and divided again, over picture of the Son of God and put the and over, that it is now almost impossible pieces into place again... To each [separate Continued on page 14

Robert Rosenthal, M.D. is a practicing psychiatrist and the author of From Plagues to Miracles: The Transformational Journey of Exodus, From the Slavery of Ego to the Promised Land of Spirit . He has served on the board of the Foundation for Inner Peace for the past 20 years. 5 Recognizing Spirit Reflections on Beauty, Art, and Creative Expression by Dr. Lee Jampolsky, Ph.D.

I realize I may sound cynical, but I am 3) Though the “golden moment” of light in e humans with our egos have the not writing from that place. This morning I the world a photographer seeks does not Wtendency to spend far more time view the human condition, and I experi - last long, we can bring the golden moment trying to appear beautiful physically than ence great compassion for us. Compassion from within into every creative expression we do attempting to prepare ourselves is always the balm we can spread upon the or action. world; it can give us the ability to see, inwardly to develop the capacity to even 4) How much love a chef puts into a meal experience true beauty. Many people also express, and experience beauty. is a tangible experience for those who spend far more time trying to add more As I sit in this compassionate place, I experience the creations. The same is true material possessions than they do creating have only one wish for all beings: with any creative expression. something of beauty. We may give lip May you each know your radiant service to “the beauty beauty, always. May we 5) In all art and creative process there is no within,” but we often “On Miracle Distribution see our own beauty so greater skill to acquire than the ability to let continue to look out - Center’s website there is a that we will stop go of what just happened. This is true no • matter if you made a mistake or if you had side toward physical wonderful new service: seeking to fulfill our appearances to find own small needs and your best creation ever. Letting go of the beauty. It seems that www.miraclecenter.org/ pleasures, and bring last creation makes room for the next. only when someone wp/services/quotes/ beauty to the world. 6) Trusting in this moment and the beauty or something of the You can click a button and I pause, imagine of who you are can settle every possible external world has get random quote from such a world, and smile future mistake or problem. met a list of certain softly, knowing that it A Course in Miracles.” 7) Art is not created only from refined skill; can be, and it can begin criteria do we see it is taking what is in your heart and in your with me, in this wonderful moment, where beauty: “You look beautiful today,” or hands, and, with a click of the shutter or all beauty abides. “Look at the beautiful sunset.” This is not to • stroke of the brush, you give love. In this This brings me to think about art, say we should cease to try and always see way, even if the image is not what you had beauty around us, it is to say most of us do creativity, and the expression of beauty. hoped for you, still leave an imprint of love miss the true experience of beauty, even On Miracle Distribution Center’s website on the world. Then, when you look even at when we think we are noticing it. there is a wonderful new service: www. your mistakes resulting from poor tech - It is fascinating how obsessed our miraclecenter.org/wp/services/quotes/ nique, you remember the moment fondly, culture has become with beauty yet You can click a button and get random because it was a moment you extended continues to bark up the wrong tree. We quotes from A Course in Miracles . I have love. still run circles around the tree of all things used it lately to get inspiration for various physical. The “beauty supply” business is topics. Below are quotes I wrote about cre - 8) The art of creative expression is over - likely one thousand times the size of the ativity and expression while using this serv - coming a sense of separation from all that business of books, classes, or the like on ice to be inspired. You might find it useful is. These works of art and moments in life meditation, contemplation, or truly to use the website as well, try it out. are the ones that evoke something deep within the viewer and the artist. disciplined spiritual practice. The average Inspirational Psychology person in our culture surely spends more On the Art of Creativity 9) All artists and those wanting to express time looking at themselves in front of the something would do well to ask, “Is my mirror in preparation to go out into the 1) It is not necessary to seek to capture mind quiet?” This is because a still mind world than they do looking within, cleaning what is true in your creative works and life, can see far more than one packed full of up the mind and choosing thoughts in but it is necessary to seek what is false in even the best techniques. preparation for the day. Even less time is your own mind. 10) Suppose your real job as an artist is spent consciously looking for this true 2) You can miss an opportunity, but miss - not to capture an image perfectly, but beauty — this spark of light — in those ing the next one will probably be due to rather to become a perfectly spotless around us, especially if they are not thinking about having missed the last one. mirror in which your beauty within shines behaving the way we wish they would. forth from you into the image, and back

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 6 Miracles . Lee can be reached at www.DrLeeJampolsky.com again. In this way, every micro-second of creative expression is a full and complete circle and journey home. 11) The question has been asked countless times, “What is art?” To my thinking, this is Get Retirement Income best answered by looking within the That’s Guaranteed to Last person. The goal of the creative process is Your Entire Life! to “Know thyself.” There is nothing else to seek. Self-condemnation is not based on The Center’s charitable gift “You might worry that today’s knowing thyself, forgiveness is. annuity is an ideal way to give generosity could jeopardize your and to receive. With your charita - plans for a comfortable retirement. 12) What the artist gives to the photo, the ble donation of $10,000 or more, A charitable gift annuity lets you canvas, or the stone is what matters most. you will receive a high, fixed rate live well and give back at the same time.” -Kiplinger.com 13) A single work of art can reverse every of return for the rest of your life. law of the world and release us from all we And best of all, payments to you “More and more people are dis - thought we were. An image can move us covering these products as a neat are unaffected by economic solution to both their charitable in - beyond the limitations of time, space, and downturns. even distance. It may not be science that tentions and their desire to create Sample age Yearly Rate more reliable income in retire - saves the world; it may be art that takes us ment.” beyond limits of any kind. It may be the 62 4.5% - The Wall Street Journal image that evokes the emotion and 73 5.5% wisdom that finally brings us together. “Charitable gift annuities are 81 7.0% gaining favor with retirement 14) The right setting in your mind is more savers looking to blend their pas - important than the right setting on your 90 9.0% sions with pension-like financial se - camera or the latest set of techniques. curity. Depending on your situation, Age now Rate at 70 they can offer attractive income 15) A relaxed mind is how to take a photo and some nice tax breaks, even as or enter into any form of expression. If you 50 9.7% they help favored causes.” are not experiencing strain within your 55 8.2% - The Chicago Tribune mind then you can be with what you are seeing. Our gift annuities give us the funding needed to continue our outreach on behalf of A Course in Miracles . Please consider joining and becoming 16) To truly express yourself in art you a part of our Legacy Community. must focus your full attention on what you are seeing. A busy, strained, or critical mind keeps you from this. iYs eoliguiblre focr cheratairni ttaxa bbenleefits adndo a npoartitoino of n your annuity payments 17) Every creative expression is a way for may be tax-free. In addition, you will receive a lifetime subscription to THE you to meet yourself. HOLY ENCOUNTER and free admission to any of the Center’s events. 18) There is a Buddhist walking meditation Minimum amount to establish an annuity: $10,000.00. Minimum amount for California where one imagines leaving a lotus blos - residents: $25,000.00. For more information, please complete the form below. som with every step. Imagine that with every click of the shutter, every brush The Center’s Gift Annuity Coupon stroke, every word written, you bless the world you see. How could you ever have a Name ______“bad art day” with this approach? Address ______19) Before you ask about the quality of the work you are about to undertake, ask City/State/Zip ______about the quality of the mindset you will take it from. This is the beauty of art; it is Date of Birth ______always asking us to look deeper within our self. Telephone______E-mail ______20) Suppose this is true: Everything is for I’m considering donating $ ______to establish my annuity. your own best interests; your mistakes and your successes, all of it. Mail to: MDC, 3947 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim, CA 92807 or email to: [email protected]

7 Sacrificing Sacrifice Lessons in Light - Shifting our Perception of Lent by Beverly Hutchinson McNeff

As lesson 323 in A Course in Miracles Course says, “giving to get” (T58/T4.II.6:5) , by affirming our desire to “step back and says, “I gladly make the 'sacrifice’ of fear.” which is the central belief of the ego’s let Him lead the way.” If the idea of releasing fear and sacrifice thought system. “When you associate giv - appeal to you, then perhaps we can use ing with sacrifice, you give only because Lessons in Light the traditional time of Lent as a way to do you believe that you are somehow getting (The following lessons will be done at MDC’s just that. The Course invites us to look with something better, and can therefore do study group starting on Wednesday, February a new vision, guided by the Holy Spirit, to without the thing you give.” (ibid) 18 – April 1.These lessons need not be a sub - view the ideas of Christianity in a new light. Under the Holy Spirit’s guidance, there stitute for your regular workbook lesson from Not one that separates us from each other, is no sacrifice, for there is nothing to pay the Course, but rather a supplement, if you so but one that unites us in healing. There - or atone for. We are God’s perfect choose. The printed series is available online at fore, during this time that leads up to children, heirs to His Kingdom. In His www.miraclecenter.org ) Easter which is referred to as the Lenten presence, all pain is healed, and all thought season, we will offer a series entitled: of loss is met with peace. We are asked 1st Week of Light Lessons in Light. only to make the Ash Wednesday (February 18), Why even deal with “Under the Holy Spirit’s “sacrifice” of sacrifice Workbook Lesson 157: Lent, since the guidance •there is no (of suffering, sadness, “Into His Presence would I enter now.” Course does not sacrifice, for there is anxiety, doubt, etc.) and This is our dedication, to enter into speak about it? Well, nothing to pay or atone to allow God’s love and God’s presence and allow Him to lead the it may not say light to come streaming way. This awareness and willingness the word but it does for. We are God’s perfect into our awareness. becomes a blessing that touches everyone address the concept children, heirs to His Therefore, let us use we meet, think of or who thinks of us. It that is the focus of Kingdom. In His presence, this time of Lent as a becomes a vision that can truly transform Lent, and an impor - all pain is healed and all symbolic way of releas - this world and assure us that peace and tant one it is: sacri - thought of loss is met ing the idea of sacrifice healing are possible, for it is God’s will fice. So, as most in — a world of suffering for us. the western world with peace.” and pain — and to learn might approach this to live in the world while 2nd Week of Light time from the perspective of sacrifice, not being of the world. The Course says (February 25), perhaps we can offer an alternative: light! • that truth does not demand that we give Workbook Lesson 93: In the Course, light represents knowl - up the world, for that would appear as “Light and joy and peace abide in me.” edge or truth and can be radiated into this sacrifice if we still value it, nor does it “Salvation requires the acceptance of world. Just as the light of the sun causes advocate we cherish the world. It invites us but one thought; you are as God created life to exist on this planet, so does the light to walk a path that is between these two, you, not what you made of yourself. ...Your we radiate allow others to realize their true one that leads away from loss, sacrifice sinlessness is guaranteed by God.” We life/purpose and thereby allow us to know and deprivation. To follow this path, we are have forgotten our true identity and made it as well. So, we symbolically allow our asked to step back and let Him lead the a self which contradicts God’s opinion. It is light to shine during this time of Lent so way. We are asked to think of Him a while time for us to stop believing in a lie and the darkness and illusion of sacrifice each day, so that He may speak to us and join our will with God’s Will. This is our maybe be shone away. tell us of His limitless love and great trust. resurrection, our salvation and the world’s. In the Christian tradition, Lent is a time (paraphrase Lesson 155) of fasting and penitence that begins with This is our dedication as we begin these 3rd Week of Light Ash Wednesday and continues until Easter. Lessons in Light together, that we may (March 4), It is a time of sacrificing something we place into God’s hands the pain, fear, Workbook Lesson 46: value, such as a certain type of food, a worry, suffering, sickness and burdens of “God is the Love in which I forgive.” particular activity, etc., so that we might be life, so that we may awaken to the resur - “God does not forgive because He has closer to God, become more holy, and so rected child of God we truly are. As the never condemned,” but through His love on. In this scenario, God’s love is seen as mythical bird, the Phoenix, arose out of the we find the strength to look at the pains of something we must bargain for, as the ashes, we too dust off the years of sacrifice our lives and only see the calls for love. 8 And as we recognize the “pains” for what they are, we recognize our innocence and Unlock A Course in Miracles in that of all our brothers. Unlock A Course in Miracles in 4th Week of Light 22001155 bbyy BBeeccoommiinngg aa LLiisstteenneerr!! (March 11), Workbook Lesson 68 “Love holds no grievances.” Join us now... “You who were created by Love like Itself can hold no grievances and know and be ready to experience our your Self.” Therefore if we are to know Lessons in Light Series starting on February 18, 2015! God’s gifts and help for us, we must be willing to “sacrifice” grievances. “Love “Just finished my mp3 on “I can see peace instead of this.” Beverly, I holds no grievances. I would awake to my don’t remember anyone tying together the five workbook lessons in the Self by laying all my grievances aside and series or any workbook lessons from the Course like you did. All I can say wakening in Him.” is WOW, it held a very deep meaning to me. Thank you.” — Michael Gillespie, Georgia 5th Week of Light (March 18), “This is my fifth season listening to Beverly go through the Lesson is Workbook Lesson 34: “I could see peace instead of this.” Light. It is a wonderful opportunity to use this time to give up stuff that “Peace of mind is clearly an internal does not serve us anymore. I am amazed at what rolls out of Beverly when matter. It must begin with your own she teaches. She may plan a general lesson but those comments simply thoughts, and then extend outward. It is come, a wonderful orator and leader and a good listener.” from your peace of mind that a peaceful — Karen Scopetski, Massachusetts perception of the world arises.” It is our choice to experience peace! “These are very timely lessons for me. I have listened to the 6th Week of Light GRIEVANCES lesson about 6 times! Thanks so much for all you do.” (March 25), — Mary Jo Marchionni, Florida Workbook Lesson 47: “God is the strength in which I trust.” MDC’s very popular recorded study group meetings are the perfect Our own strength has failed us, but God way to deepen your understanding of the Course. Center’s founder, is our safety and strength in every circum - Beverly Hutchinson McNeff, draws on her 38 years of Course study to stance. “Use it [this thought] as your an - make each meeting practical, inspiring, and humorous. Her ability to swer to any disturbance. Remember that explain difficult concepts in simple, everyday ways is her hallmark. Join peace is your right, because you are giving your trust to the strength of God.” us via cd or mp3; and when you do, you will also receive our free live streaming video of the meetings with archived availability. Call or go 7th Week of Light online to join us today! (April 1), Workbook Lesson 50: As an ongoing listener, you not only receive the weekly les - “I am sustained by the Love of God.” “Put not your faith in illusions. They will sons, but you have access to live streaming video and video fail you. Put all your faith in the Love of archives included FREE with your weekly subscription. God within you; eternal, changeless and forever unfailing. This is the answer to When ordering monthly, each weekly whatever confronts you today.” Receive a meeting is only $6.50 on CD or $5.00 on mp3 . You Can Follow Us On... FREE CD or mp3 of our meetings We can charge you credit or go online and listen to a card, or debit you meeting. checking account, Limited time offer automatically once a month To sign up, just go to our home page at 1-800-359-2246 or www.miraclecenter.org www.miraclecenter.org 9 Miracle Musings... Who Walks With You? by Paul McNeff

“And Jesus spoke to the disciples saying: Surely I am with you always, to the very end of could say “golly gee” the finger had been the age.” (Matthew 28:20) cleanly cut with only a small piece of skin still attaching it. I remember walking into “If you knew Who walks beside you on the way that you have chosen, fear would be the farmhouse, taking care to not to get impossible.” (T-18.III.3:2) blood on the door handle, with my juvenile aunt screaming to the assembled family members, “Pauly has cut his hand off.” less of his circumstances. Even though he My parents quickly threw me in the car famous saying goes: “Man plans, was sold into slavery, forced into jail after and rushed me to the old country doctor. God laughs.” Have you ever felt being unjustly accused of sexual impropri - A Upon my arrival, he callously snipped the like that? We plan our lives for success, but ety, and forgotten by his brothers and delicate piece of skin still holding the when adversity hits us we scream, “So, friends, Joseph continued to trust in God. mangled digit on my finger, calmly threw it where’s God now?!” Though he was promoted to second in in the waste basket, bandaged it up, and I Recently in the church where I serve as command to the Pharaoh in the end, he was good to go. That’s just the way it was Director of Music, the pastor presented a still spent many years in jail. He walked in those days. For years I suffered from sermon series on the life of the Biblical with God along his journey despite every - being self-conscious about my finger, character, Joseph. Yes, the same Joseph thing that happened. That frame of mind especially in my early teens when impress - from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s first Broad - was his rock and success. ing the girls had become a top priority. But way musical, Joseph And so it is with us. even at that early age, I was learning to and the Amazing We often characterize trust in God in all things. Something good Technicolor Dreamcoat . “For years I suffered our relationship with came out of my loss, however. I excelled in As is often the case, I from being s•elf-conscious God as our walk. So my little league pitching career as a curve planned the music to about my finger, especially how’s your walk? Do ball thrower who could not be matched. I complement the you feel close to God in my early teens when always attributed my success to the pastor’s sermon throughout the day? impressing the girls had missing digit on my finger that caused a themes, giving more A Course in Miracles become a top priority.” better rotation of the ball. And even better, continuity and impact to says: “If you knew it worked as a good sympathy-vote getter the service. As such, Who walks beside you from the girls, too! this series was a “slam dunk” of a project. I on the way that you have chosen, fear When walking with God, it doesn’t researched the Lloyd Webber musical and would be impossible.” (T18.III.3:2) • matter how small the hand we have, even if found several choral and solo pieces that Joseph knew who walked beside him. it is missing one digit. I remember a time would work with the appropriate passage Has your life been like Joseph’s? Well, many years ago when I exited a depart - of scripture he was covering in his sermon. perhaps it hasn’t been quite as dramatic, ment store with my son, Jeffrey, then only What is very clear from this story was but I’m willing to speculate that we all have three years old. On the way to our car in that here was a guy, Joseph, who must experienced major detours in our lives. the parking lot we had to negotiate walking have thought, “I’ve got all these big plans As a four-year-old kid visiting my across a busy street, so I gently reached for my life. I’m from a great big, well-to-do grandmother on her Nebraska farm, I took down, took little Jeffrey’s hand, and walked Hebrew family . . . I’m going to the best a little detour by way of a very painful and safely across that street to our car. schools, getting the best education, gonna traumatic experience of having the first Even at the time, I remember thinking, get a great job, get married, have lots of joint of my right ring finger cut off. My here he is... this little guy, not really even kids, and retire a rich, successful old man.” seven-year-old aunt had been pulling a knowing much about the danger of getting WHOA!! Hold on there! It didn’t happen recently-sharpened push lawn mower run over by a car, but yet he held on to my that way, did it? Joseph’s life took some across the farmyard and did not see me as hand, or even more important, I firmly held major detours along the way. But, the key I stealthily approached. Curiosity had on to his, as he put his complete trust in to his life did not lie in his “success” in the gotten the best of me, and I foolishly Daddy’s ability to get him safely across that world. It did, however, come as a result of thought I could stop the spinning blade by street. You know, I don’t think he ever his following God’s lead in his life, regard - inserting my hand to stop it. Before you

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 10 chorus. The program has won many awards and been featured on Good Morning America . Learn more at: www.kidsingers.org doubted me. What a beautiful teaching moment for UUppddaattee:: PPrriissoonn PPrroojjeecctt us. Just as I would never leave little Jeffrey by Maria Zakich to cross that street alone, God never leaves us alone on our journey through those busy and dangerous thoroughfares The Prison Project of Miracle Distribution Center sends of life. He’s always with us. A Course in Miracles and other Course-based items to those in prison. Through your The Sunday came for the closing sermon on the life of Joseph. I had the generous donations, we have been able to supply many newly-started spiritual libraries perfect solo to perform as a lesson of how in prisons. In some cases we have been able to provide multiple copies of books so more Joseph walked with God and, indeed, we inmates can read about the love that is their essence. These principles are truly making a could, too. It was taken from the musical difference and quenching a thirst for truth that many in prison have found no other place. The Student Prince, about a mythical Dear Beverly, young prince who, after his grandfather I am sending you this letter to request some assistance. I would like to understand had passed away, was about to ascend to his grandfather’s vacated throne as king the Course more deeply and ask you to help me with any books or study aids you and take on all the responsibilities it could send me. Here at the prison we can receive books as long as they are from a entailed. Fear had gripped his heart, distributor like yours (Miracle Distribution Center). The Course has literally eased causing him to doubt his abilities to rule my mind. If I am in turmoil I must have chosen wrongly and I can choose once wisely as his grandfather had. Driven to his again! Except for seven months on the street I have been incarcerated since 1993. knees, he uttered this beautiful prayer. The I say quite certainly that I would not have been able to grow in peace without the song and prayer that came forth was I’ll Course. The Holy Spirit speaks to me daily and I at times hear and listen; but of Walk With God. course, while I’m not “there” yet, I really am. The lyrics remind me so much of Bobby, Miami, Florida A Course in Miracles ’ themes, I think they We receive letters like Bobby’s on a daily basis. These men and women are hungry for bear repeating for the purpose of this the teaching the Course offers. They want books and they love our magazine THE HOLY article. But before I do, ask yourself, “Who ENCOUNTER , both of which they share with other inmates. After they’ve read the books, walks with you?” and then reply with the many of the inmates donate them to the prison library for others to read. And as a answer given us in the Course’s lesson non-profit organization, we have better success at getting materials into prison libraries. 156, “I walk with God in perfect holiness.” Through your donations to the Prison Project, we can ensure more inmates will get the Fear, uncertainty, or loss may enter our books they’re so hungry for, and we’ll be able to continue sending our bimonthly minds, but let it be quickly dispelled as we magazine THE HOLY ENCOUNTER , for them to share, as well. are assured, “If you knew who walks be - We thank you for your continued support in offering love and forgiveness with your side you on the way that you have chosen, generous contributions. fear would be impossible.” Continued on page 14 Maria Zakich coordinates The Prison Project at MDC. You may e-mail her at [email protected]

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11 Walk Our Talk naturally as we begin accepting the first was the gorilla having tea with her. She Continued from page 1 premise. If we are co-creators with God, invited me to join her strange tea party, then the world is a reflection of our power which I did, and that was that. until we are faced with that irritating person to choose. In the case of the world, we fell As I said, after that, I never had that yet once again. asleep to our reality in God and in our dream again. I had faced my fear (with the We are told in the Course that neither dreaming made a nightmarish world of help of my grandmother,) and it was not so time nor season means anything in eternity fear, hate, attack, and guilt. This is not the terrifying after all. I can see now I planted but often the dawn of a New Year seems to world of a loving God; it’s a parody of a and cultivated the seeds that grew the fear give us more willingness to start again on a childish mind out of control. Have you ever I then thought was chasing me. When my path of awareness, and the Holy Spirit can seen a two-year-old throw a temper grandmother (who symbolized Christ’s certainly make use of this willingness. We tantrum? We are much like that; we are out vision), helped me to view my self-created don’t have to change our job, move, or of control. This world seems to be beyond darkness in its true light, the story find a new relationship to experience the us, but it is our dream and therefore can changed. I had no more need of the night - peace and fulfillment of life that is right be changed from a nightmare to a happy mare. here now – we just have to be willing. dream. In nature, the antidote to every poison - If you are willing, perhaps these steps When I was a little girl, I had a recurring ous plant grows within close proximity. The from the Course’s workbook lesson 302 dream of planting black seeds outside our same is true of our thinking; within every might be just the nudge you need. What I house, watering them, and having a gorilla seemingly dark and fearful thought is the like about this lesson, “Where darkness grow from them. The gorilla would chase potential for light, the truth. Where will we was I look upon the light,” is that it doesn’t me inside the house pushing open the dwell? As we accept responsibility for the say anything new. Instead, it lays out the front door I’d slammed behind me. I would experiences of our lives, it is not so we can basic premise of the Course’s thought sys - run to the bathroom, lock the door, and make ourselves guilty, but so we can affect tem in four sentences to help you walk then wake up in terror as the gorilla a real and lasting change – from darkness your talk. pounded on the door. The last time I had to light. As the Course reminds us, “...the that dream, I ran into the house, again Holy Spirit has another use for all the 1. We remember our Source: closing the front door behind me, but illusions you have made, and therefore He “We thought we suffered. But we had instead of the gorilla chasing me inside, he sees another purpose in them. To the Holy forgot the Son whom You created.” rang the doorbell. My grandmother (who Spirit, the world is a place where you learn The Course tells us this is the basis of had never been in my dream before) to forgive yourself what you think of as all our problems: an identity issue. We are opened the door, and invited the gorilla in your sins.” (W-64) creations of God; imbued with all the for tea. I thought she was insane, as I ran attributes of our Creator, and that light and for the bathroom, but the next thing I saw 3. We are never alone: “Christ’s vision joy and peace abide in us because our Father put them there. As creations of love, what is not love cannot be a part of us; therefore, fear, suffering, or darkness cannot be our reality. With that said, the fact that we are co-creators with God Two NEW Titles from means we have the power to experience our reality or not, but we can’t lose it. As Kenneth Wapnick, Ph.D. the Course tells us, “You can wait, delay, The final books before his death in paralyze yourself, or reduce your creativity December 2013 $ 00 almost to nothing. But you cannot abolish 12 it.” (T-1.V.1) Taking the Ego Lightly The reality of who we are remains This book encourages us to meet the ego’s seriousness—in all its forms—with a gentle giggle, tender tickle, available to us whenever we are ready to and sweet smile. Paperback accept it. Much like the fairytale of the ugly duckling who never quite fit in with $ 00 Visit the Center’s On-Line the other ducks because he was really a 40 Catalog to view all our offerings beautiful swan, we don’t fit into the world by Kenneth of pain, suffering, and fear because we are holy creations of a loving Father. Journey through the Text 2. We accept responsibility: “Now we of A Course in Miracles A transcript of sixty-four hours of classes by Ken on the Course’s see that darkness is our own imagining, text. 4 volume set and light is there for us to look upon.” All prices plus S&H. CA residents add sales tax. This reality starts to dawn on us To Order 1-800-359-ACIM (2246) or at miraclecenter.org 12 changes darkness into light, for fear must who feel lost or helpless and in the comfortable with thoughts of hate, fear, disappear when love has come.” process heal ourselves? We forgive so we and attack. Let us look directly at them and This is a critical step in our understand - can be healed, but everyone is helped by invite Christ to be our vision. We may not ing. We can’t escape from fear on our own our “selfish” (or should I say selfless) act as know how to remove them (that is the job because we are the ones who insanely well. of Christ, the Holy Spirit) but we no longer thought we could make an opposite to value their presence. 4. We walk our talk: “Let me forgive love (fear) and therefore believe in our As the Course tells us, “Freedom is Your holy world today, that I may look “creation,” even if it is an illusion. given you where you beheld but chains upon its holiness and understand it but and iron doors. But you must change your From our current perspective, we can reflects my own.” see no way out. Much like the little boy mind about the purpose of the world, if As each of the preceeding thoughts who put his finger in the hole of a dike to you would find escape. You will be bound gently leads to the next, this is a natural plug a leak only to have another leak pop till all the world is seen by you as blessed, outcome of allowing Christ’s vision to lead up in need of another and everyone made free of your mistakes the way. Our evolution - finger, we keep trying and honored as he is. You made him not; ary thinking can begin to fix a “leaking” world “As we accept no more yourself. And as you free the one, to change us on a cellu - from the same fearful, responsibility for the the other is accepted as he is.” (W-200.5:1) • lar level, because as limited, and lacking So we let Christ show us the world that experiences of our lives, our thoughts change, perspective, and it would set us free and the reality of those it is not so we can make our world will respond. never works. Nothing we have judged either good or bad. Now ourselves guilty, but so we When you look back changes until we move we can see them as they truly are without through time, you see our focus from the can affect a real and their past or ours as well. the physical process of problem to the solu - lasting change – from This is a process of choosing again and evolution on man, but tion. This is not denial, darkness into light.” again for healing and help. Just as a baby we can also see our but instead a decision stumbles and falls as he learns to walk, but emotional evolution. to join our minds with the Holy Spirit and never gives up. Every adorable stumble is The founders of this country were slave look directly at what the problem seems to met with laughter and applause because he owners. Even though they may not have be so that we might move past it to the so - • tried. So when we stumble, let’s laugh away condoned the harsh treatment of slaves, lution beyond. We are guaranteed that help the feelings of defeat and guilt and remem - they did not abolish it. Even Jefferson said will be given us, and we will succeed... ber we walk with and to God; “could any the issue of slavery is for another time, and “For His [Holy Spirit’s] promise is always, way be holier, or more deserving of your that time was about one hundred years “Seek and you will find,” and under His effort...?” (W-155.12:3) later. We know now that even Lincoln guidance you cannot be defeated. His is As we enter into this New Year, let’s would have forgone the slaves’ freedom if the journey to accomplishment, and the walk our talk as we start again on our it would have avoided a civil war. Of course goal He sets before you He will give you. today the idea of enslaving someone is un - journey without distance to a goal that has For He will never deceive God’s Son whom conscionable. never changed – to be excited to know He loves...” (T-12.IV.4) each thought of forgiveness is a healing We are evolving into the truth of who As we look at the darkness and invite balm, not just for us but for this world. we have always been. Imagine a future Christ’s vision into our thoughts, our minds where forgiveness does lead the way. Pick up that workbook from the Course become open to the miracles that are our Where our first thought is a willingness to and dust off the pages. Start again or for inheritance. The Course quite dramatically see the holiness in this world and each the first time. There’s no race, but be and poetically puts it this way, “A miracle other, for we know that is our only reality. consistent. When you fail, try again and has lighted up all dark and ancient caverns, Why would we condemn another if we again and again. where the rites of death echoed since time truly understood we would be condemning “Forget not once this journey is begun began. For time has lost its hold upon the ourselves as well? the end is certain. Doubt along the way will world. The Son of God has come in glory John Lennon sang in his classic song come and go and go to come again. Yet is to redeem the lost, to save the helpless, Imagine that to imagine a world of love, the ending sure. No one can fail to do what and to give the world the gift of his forgive - unity, and peace wasn’t hard to do; and, I God appointed him to do.” (M-Epilogue) ness. Who could see the world as dark and would add, when we even consider the sinful, when God’s Son has come again at Need a little help with your daily Lessons? possibility – have a little willingness – it’s last to set it free?” (W-191.8:1) The Center has created a way to send the beginning of our evolution into the Self Wow, what a thought! To realize that as your daily lesson to you by email. we have always been. we allow Christ’s vision to light our minds, Whether you start lesson one on It’s time we begin to look at the shack - we begin to dissolve all those thoughts of January 1st or 5th., or if you miss a les we perceive in the world and realize fear and darkness we have grown so lesson, this new FREE service can help they cannot stop the Holy Son of God from comfortable with. It does not take time, but you stay connected to your lesson via accomplishing his mission of healing the willingness. Why would we not be willing to your computer, tablet or mobile device. thoughts of separation. Let us no longer be arise in our glory so we might help those See back cover for more info. 13 New Year, Same You Saying Goodbye Who Walks With You Continued from page 3 Continued from page 4 Continued from page 11 will have a profound effect on how I THINK something no one knew. She said that I’ll Walk With God about exercise. As I practice radical self- every single day of her thirty days in rehab, By Nicholas Brodszky, love and forgiveness IN SPITE of my faults Mom had written her a letter. Each day From The Student Prince and shortcomings, then I don’t have to Mom had told her she loved her, that she I’ll walk with God from this day on, worry about how to keep “motivated” in was deserving of love, and that with God’s His helping hand I’ll lean upon, This is whatever I am doing or not doing. help, she would not only make it through my prayer, my humble plea, The quote at the start of this article this addiction, but come out stronger for it. May the Lord be ever with me. means to me that we let Holy Spirit heal And so she did. There is no death, tho’ eyes grow dim, ALL our relationships, including the one Much of what I have learned from There is no fear when I’m near to Him. we have with ourselves so it is holy, not A Course in Miracles has been demon - I’ll lean on Him forever And He’ll forsake because we have become a new person, strated to me throughout my life by my me never, but because we see beyond the “appear - mother. Maybe that is why it has always He will not fail me as long as my faith is ance” of who we judge ourselves to be. seemed so familiar and comforting to me. strong, Therefore, instead of a new you, there is Her imperfection was as rich a text of Whatever road I may walk along; the miracle of seeing how beautiful and learning as was her love. Neither she nor I’ll walk with God, I’ll take His hand, profoundly deep God already made you. the Course have judged me and therein I’ll talk with God, He’ll understand; And as we accept ourselves in this radical lies my ability to not judge myself. For I’ll pray to Him, each day to Him and he’ll way, we start to behave like the Children of both, I am truly grateful. hear the words that I say. God. When the initial premise is right, the His hand will be my guide and stay, journey goes much more smoothly and And I’ll never walk alone while I walk with happily. God!

Tikkun Olam to find wholeness. But there’s a problem. let go of their prideful, unique “individual - Continued from page 5 Because they start out believing they’re ity” as they see it, and reunite in the light nothing more than fragments — their outer of that original perfect jewel, then all will And let’s assume each of these minis - form — they’ve lost the capacity to under - indeed be well and healed. Tikkun olam cule particles of diamond is also endowed stand wholeness. And so, they seek for it will be complete . with consciousness. Each sees itself as where it cannot be found, among new and distinct and separate from all the other different forms of fragmentation. fragments. Each believes itself unique and But there is another way, a better way. possessed of a sense All any shard needs to of “self” unlike any “Unless you learn to do is recognize its dia - other fragment. They perceive the holy light of mond nature: precious soon begin to look • and eternal and radiant upon each other in God within everyone with light. Their judgment. One splinter (thereby acknowledging essence has not been has a prettier shape, that same light in yourself), changed by the frac - another is far bigger you are maintaining the ture process, only their than average; one illusion of separation.” form. If they look appears ragged and beyond form to their chipped, while another diamond essence, they retains a glassy smoothness bordering on find they are in fact identical. They are one. perfection. Yet no matter the form, and no • Given the choice, will the fractured matter their judgment of themselves or the shards be willing to embrace their oneness other fragments, they all feel deep within with their sisters and brothers? Will they that they are somehow incomplete. Of give up their fruitless search for happiness course, they hide this awareness. They within the world of special, splintered believe most shards are happy with them - forms? The vision of wholeness offers so selves. Or they give thanks they’re not much more than the individual fragments even more shattered and miserable. But can ever hope to achieve on their own, or secretly, each knows there is something even in aggregate. A collection of shards more to their being, a greater purpose and piled-up diamond dust does not a which calls to them. As a result, each diamond make. Peace is impossible for fragment undertakes a desperate journey those who see only in pieces. If they could 14 15 In this issue . . . • Beverly helps us “Walk Our Talk” • Jacob says “New Year, Same You” • Jerry and Diane discuss “Saying Goodbye” • Bob explains tikkun olam • Lee reflects on beauty and art • Paul asks “Who Walks with You?” and much more!

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