March / April 2014 A Miracle Distribution Center Publication

Renewal and OIN ME J at the CENTER'S May Miracles Resurrection CONFERENCE A u 0 Be Seen in by Beverly Hutchinson McNeff gust 9•1 2014! by Beverly Hutchinson actual cover emblazoned with the words, McNeff don’t know about you, but I still get a “The Mindful Revolution... the sciencSee Baock Pf age I lot of postal mail. In this day and age of finding focus in a stressed-out, multitask - “ everything coming by email, my physical ing culture.” At first I had to laugh at how od is here, and with you now.” mail box is still full, and I sort of like that. this issue was packaged with such a stress - G (T-24.VI.1:4) When our son Jeffrey was in middle ful, busy outer mailing jacket, but it was a An elderly couple was driving in their school, the major school fundraiser was good lesson. Not only was the article (and old car which had a bench seat (not the magazine subscriptions. I’m always up for other accompanying articles) very good — typical bucket seats). They passed by a supporting kids’ causes and helping about being more mindful and present, younger couple who were walking hand- schools, so I would get and give a lot of which is a part of the Course’s focus for in-hand, showing great affection for each subscriptions. As you can imagine that has our healing — but the metaphor of my ex - other. The wife turned to her husband a lot to do with my mail issue! Now that Jeff perience with the magazine did not escape and said, “Do you remember when we is in high school, I decided it was time to my attention. used to do that?” eliminate the magazines and just allow the Don’t we sometimes feel like that cover The husband replied “Yeah, I subscriptions to die out. As you’re proba - or see others like that cover? Our egos are remember.” bly aware, companies don’t want to lose shouting out problems and challenges to The wife then said, “How come we subscribers so I was keep our attention away don’t do that anymore?” given numerous “I was so grateful that my from the solution. How To that, the husband replied, “I’m not chances to NOT MISS will I handle my health the one who moved.” resistant atti•tude was still Have you ever wondered “where is AN ISSUE. It was challenge? What will I willing to bend and take a God?” in a particular situation or circum - URGENT, I was do about my finances? look past that frenetic stance? Or why God has not answered running out TIME (on Why can’t they respect covering over the my boundaries? What’s your prayers? Well, He has not moved. my Time magazine He is here with us now. But, we move subscription – their magazine, to the inside.” their problem? What did they really mean by away from God when we live in fear, pun was intended), and judgment, or attack. Let us today remem - they were offering me an UNHEARD OF that? Why can’t I remember my workbook lesson? Why am I so judgmental? Etc, etc, ber that we are forever an effect of God. deal. But, my mind was made up. I would • As He created us, so do we remain. not renew. etc... Our egos want to be heard and justi - fied. Our important problems don’t want to Where He placed us, we still abide. Let Well, my last issue of Time arrived, but I us move back to Him by becoming aware be discarded or forgotten. Our egos rage couldn’t tell it was the magazine at first be - of the choices that distance us from Him. and rant and the more they do, the more cause it was enclosed in a covering with all Is it hard to let go of a judgment when we we feel weak and diminished. Our anger, these incentives to get me to renew NOW! feel justified in that judgment? Yes, but it worry, frustration and judgments don’t I was resolute in my conviction. I tore off is not impossible. We are studying make us stronger or people with an the outer covering of urgency and threat to A Course in Miracles, and that is what is read my last issue of Time only to see the Continued on page 14 called for now — a miracle! Today, let us open our minds to the Beverly is the co-founder and president of MDC, one of the longest running organizations based truth of who we are and the truth of on 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 inspi - ration and study for many around the world. Receive a FREE recording by contacting MDC. Continued on page 14 © “Thank you for a life-changing work - and acts of sacrifice lead away from List” to add your address. shop.” Reading the Course has been communion with God. The Workbook © Marianne Williamson is having a busy clearer than ever for me since hearing lessons you chose brilliantly keep us year. Her latest book, A Year of Miracles, you speak in person.” That’s how Linda of aligned with the Presence. Thank you.” was published in January. (We still have Astatula, Florida felt after a Holy See page 4 of this issue. We will be autographed copies available, if you’re in - Encounter Weekend. These popular exploring the lessons in our weekly meet - terested). She has also announced her weekend seminars are presented by ings and they will be recorded. If you candidacy for the U.S. House of Repre - Beverly Hutchinson McNeff and offer would like to become a listener during this sentatives as a representative from Cali - attendees a chance to go deeper into the time, contact the Center for details: fornia, running as an Independent. Course’s life-changing principles to truly 1-800-359-2246 . experience miracles. Another attendee © Giving a truly meaningful Gift Here’s © Do You Receive our Emails? – Our said, “Beverly helps the learning process what many students of the Course have recent e-newsletter featured an article by for students by making the message of done: Given a tax-deductible donation to rocket scientist Russell Targ and elicited a the Course so much clearer and easier to MDC in someone’s honor or memory. If lot of great responses. One reader said... understand. What she said about the you would like to give in such a way, send “This is a terrific article! It’s a good synop - Course went right into my mind and your donation and request, and we will sis of the Course for anyone new to the heart! It made the greatest sense.” A send him, her or the family a personalized Course and a Friday evening lecture sets the stage for a letter acknowledging your appreciation great review day-long intensive experience of A and support. It’s a wonderful honor for for anyone Course in Miracles . Watch our video that dedicated someone or their family. about the weekends by visiting our web - familiar with And, what a blessing it will be to those the site, and then make your reservation to the Course. I Center serves, for your donation will go to join us! Our next Holy Encounter Week - will read and support its free services! Gifts in memory end is April 4-5, 2014 in Dallas, Texas. reread this of ... Margaret Bainton from Martin Regan Don’t miss this opportunity to experi - article.” in California. ... Phyllis Hanson “her guid - ence the life-changing power of the Be sure you’re on our e-mailing list to ance brought me to this wonderful teach - Course for yourself! Register at: receive our monthly e-news! These timely ing many years ago” from Edith Aissen in www.miraclecenter.org or call bulletins feature an article on A Course in California. ... Bobbie Whitby “in loving 1-800-359-2246 Miracles as well as announcements of memory of our dear friend and holy new additions to our website, new brother” from Jack Eulalia Luckett in © Lessons in Light series begins. On services we’re offering, new additions to Hawaii. ... William Marchionni “my father March 5 , our Lessons in Light series our book store, and so much more! We who made his transition January 29, begins, giving us a chance to participate know that many of our readers change 2013” from Mary Jo Marchionni in Florida. in the 40 days leading up to Easter, email addresses frequently. The easiest traditionally called Lent, from the Course’s way to make sure we have your current © In remembrance of Dr. Kenneth perspective. As Rev. June in Salinas, address is to look at the bottom of any Wapnick — On December 27, 2013 our California shared with us about this series, page on our website at www.miraclecen - dear friend and teacher of A Course in “Lent is not my favorite time, as thoughts ter.org . Simply click on “Join Our Email Miracles made his transi - tion into eternal life. He died peacefully at home with his beloved wife It’s Here! Gloria and his family by his side. We hold Ken, his family, and staff in Request your free, full-color our hearts during this 2014 bookmark today which lists all the thoughts in the prayer ministry & join us each healing time. The family had a private day at 4:30 pm (PT) as we unite in a moment of prayerful support for one another. service and decided not to have a public Call (2246) or at 1-800-359-ACIM miraclecenter.org Continued on page 15 2 IN M JO E at the Miracle Musings... CENTER'S A Perfect Storm CONFERENCE A ug 10 by Paul McNeff ust 9•

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have convince me of that. Maybe it would have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 been better to just curse GodS eae Bnacdk Pdagie ! My refuge, however, was A Course in “I do not know what anything is for. Miracles . Its powerful teachings were Purpose is meaning. Today’s idea explains why nothing you see means anything. You much too ingrained in my life experience do not know what it is for. Therefore, it is meaningless to you. Everything is for your own for me ever to take the cacophonous best interests. That is what it is for; that is its purpose; that is what it means. It is in rants of my ego too seriously. Though we recognizing this that your goals become unified. It is in recognizing this that what you see often question why, my experience with is given meaning.” (Lesson 25) integrating Course teachings into my day- to-day experience is that Spirit’s voice will system which resulted in twelve hours in gently nudge my consciousness with the perfect storm is a confluence of the ER and a two-night stay in the hospi - answer: You’ll never achieve any kind of A events that drastically aggravates tal. There were times during my movie peace by asking the “why?” question. a situation. This phrase was brought into that I felt I would die from my traumatic We go through life thinking that if we the mainstream of our national conscious - ordeal. But, like all old-fashioned, feel- do all the right things, have the right diet, ness with the release of the 2000 disaster good Hollywood movies, mine had a the right exercise, think all the right movie, The Perfect Storm , a true story happy ending. I survived. thoughts, that we are then entitled to about the crew of the commercial fishing On their own accord, none of these “good health.” But wrapped up in that little vessel, the Andrea Gail, and starred health events would have debilitated me phrase, is the judgment that we are a George Clooney and Mark Wahlberg. so drastically, but when combined, they body. “Good health” means it (the body) Despite the crew’s expert seamanship and became almost lethal. My life felt like that will never experience trauma or disease. maneuvering, when confronted with all fishing boat in The Perfect Storm as it The Course, however, tells us we ARE en - the cataclysmic succumbed to the gi - titled to miracles. In this case my miracle elements of nature gantic wave that even - came in the Course teaching: “I do not “My life felt like that fishing know what anything (all these health is - combined, the Andrea tually sunk it. How boat in The P•erfect Storm sues) is for. To me, the purpose of every - Gail sank. All souls could my perennially as it succumbed to the thing (in this world) is to prove that my were lost. “good health” regress illusions about myself are real.” (W-pI.55.5:2) During the last gigantic wave that to “bad health” so This teaching actually became very four months of 2013, eventually sunk it. How quickly? After all, I had comforting to me because it basically says I experienced my own could my perennially an entire array of I cannot look for answers or experience perfect storm of sorts. Kaiser physicians ‘good health’ regress to peace from “why” questions if I have my My movie’s setting, taking care of me, ‘bad health’ so quickly?” eyes trained on this world. I must ask for however, was not on which included my vision that is beyond my earthly sight. The the high seas, but was primary care doctor, a Course goes on to say, “It is for this pur - instead based in my body. My perfect cardiologist, an orthopedic specialist, pose (proving my illusions about myself storm had to do with a confluence of • three urologists, countless nurses, and are real) that I attempt to use everyone health events: the discovery of an irregu - then my wonderful wife who was there for and everything (those doctors and those lar heart beat (A-Fib), a sprained ankle me 24/7. Even with all this attention on meds needed to make me “healthy”). It is and severe tendinitis, the taking of blood me, one problem led to the next and then for this that I believe the world is for. thinners in preparation for two cardiover - to the next and on and on. I began to feel Therefore I do not recognize its real pur - sions to compel my heart back into a like the biblical character Job. As in the pose. The purpose I have given the world regular rhythm from A-Fib, the taking of Job myth, was God really up there in has led to a frightening picture of it.” (ibid) heaven putting me through this ordeal to Lasix, a powerful diuretic prescribed to I’m reminded of the great Voltaire quote reduce the swelling in my leg, and then “test” my faith? I must admit, the voice of Continued on page 15 finally, the shutting down of my urological the ego was there all along trying to Paul McNeff is married to MDC’s founder and has been a student of the Course since 1986. He is a professional singer and conductor and holds a master’s degree in vocal performance. In 1997, along with Beverly, he founded KidSingers , an inner-city, after-school children’s chorus. The program has won many awards and been featured on Good Morning America . Learn more at: www.kidsingers.org 3 Sacrificing Sacrifice Lessons in Light... Shifting our Perception of Lent

by Beverly Hutchinson McNeff

be closer to God, become more holy, and these Lessons in Light together, that we s lesson 323 in A Course in so on. In this scenario, God’s love is seen may place into God’s hands the pain, fear, A Miracles says, “I gladly make the as something we must bargain for, as the worry, suffering, sickness and burdens of 'sacrifice’ of fear.” If the idea of releasing Course says, “giving to get” (T-4.II.6:5) , life, so that we may awaken to the resur - fear and sacrifice appeal to you, then which is the central belief of the ego’s rected child of God we truly are. As the perhaps we can use the traditional time of thought system. “When you associate mythical bird, the Phoenix, arose out of Lent as a way to do just that. The Course giving with sacrifice, you give only the ashes, we too dust off the years of invites us to look with a new vision, because you believe that you are some - sacrifice by affirming our desire to “step guided by the Holy Spirit, to view the how getting something better, and can back and let Him lead the way.” ideas of Christianity in a new light. Not therefore do without the thing you give.” one that separates us from each other, (ibid) but one that unites us in healing. There - Under the Holy Spirit’s guidance there Lessons in Light fore, during this time that leads up to is no sacrifice, for there is nothing to pay The following lessons will be discussed at MDC’s Easter which is referred to as the Lenten or atone for. We are God’s perfect study group beginning on Wednesday, March 5- children — heirs to His kingdom. In His April 16. These lessons need not be a substitute for season, we will offer a series entitled: your regular workbook lesson from the Course, but Lessons in Light. Why even deal with presence, all pain is healed and all rather a supplement, if you so choose. The printed Lent, since the Course does not speak thought of loss is met with peace. We are series is available online at www.miraclecenter.org about it? Well, it may asked only to make not say the word but it the “sacrifice” of 1st Week of Light does address the “Therefore, let us use this sacrifice (of suffering, Ash Wednesday (March 5), sadness, anxiety, concept that is the time of Lent a•s a symbolic Workbook Lesson 157: doubt, etc.) and to focus of Lent, and an way of releasing the idea “Into His Presence would I enter now.” allow God’s love and important one it is: This is our dedication, to enter into of sacrifice — a world of light to come stream - sacrifice. So, as most in God’s presence and allow Him to lead the suffering and pain — ing into our aware - the western world way. This awareness and willingness be - and to learn to live in the ness. might approach this comes a blessing that touches everyone time from the perspec - world while not being of Therefore, let us we meet, think of or who thinks of us. It tive of sacrifice, the world.” use this time of Lent becomes a vision that can truly transform perhaps we can offer as a symbolic way of this world and assure us that peace and an alternative: light! releasing the idea of healing are possible, for it is God’s will In the Course, light represents knowl - • sacrifice — a world of suffering and pain — for us. edge or truth and can be radiated into this and to learn to live in the world while not world. Just as the light of the sun causes being of the world. The Course says that truth does not demand that we give up 2nd Week of Light life to exist on this planet so does the light (March 12), the world, for that would appear as sacri - we radiate allow others to realize their true Workbook Lesson 93: life purpose and thereby allow us to know fice if we still value it, nor does it advocate “Light and joy and peace abide in me.” it as well. So, we symbolically allow our we cherish the world. It invites us to walk “Salvation requires the acceptance of but light to shine during this time of Lent so a path that is between these two, one that one thought; – you are as God created the darkness and illusion of sacrifice leads away from loss, sacrifice and depri - you, not what you made of yourself. maybe be shone away. vation. To follow this path, we are asked to step back and let Him lead the way. We ...Your sinlessness is guaranteed by God.” In the Christian tradition, Lent is a time We have forgotten our true identity and of fasting and penitence that begins with are asked to think of Him a while each day, so that He may speak to us and tell made a self which contradicts God’s Ash Wednesday and continues until opinion. It is time for us to stop believing Easter. It is a time of sacrificing something us of His limitless love and great trust. (paraphrase Lesson 155) in a lie and join our will with God’s Will. we value, such as a certain type of food, a This is our dedication as we begin This is our resurrection, our salvation and particular activity, etc., so that we might the world’s. 4 3rd Week of Light “sacrifice” grievances. “Love holds no Our own strength has failed us, but God is (March 19), grievances. I would awake to my Self by our safety and strength in every circum - laying all my grievances aside and waken - stance. “Use it [this thought] as your an - Workbook Lesson 46: ing in Him.” swer to any disturbance. Remember that “God is the Love in which I forgive.” peace is your right, because you are “God does not forgive because He has giving your trust to the strength of God.” never condemned,” but through His love 5th Week of Light we find the strength to look at the pains of (April 2), our lives and only see the calls for love. Workbook Lesson 34: 7th Week of Light And as we recognize the “pains” for what “I could see peace instead of this.” (April 16), they are, we recognize our innocence and “Peace of mind is clearly an internal mat - Workbook Lesson 50: that of all our brothers. ter. It must begin with your own thoughts, “I am sustained by the Love of God.” and then extend outward. It is from your “Put not your faith in illusions. They will 4th Week of Light peace of mind that a peaceful perception fail you. Put all your faith in the Love of (March 26), of the world arises.” It is our choice to God within you; eternal, changeless and Workbook Lesson 68 experience peace! forever unfailing. This is the answer to whatever confronts you today.” “Love holds no grievances.” “You who were created by Love like Itself 6th Week of Light can hold no grievances and know your (April 9), Self.” Therefore if we are to know God’s Workbook Lesson 47: gifts and help for us, we must be willing to “God is the strength in which I trust.” JJooiinn uuss ffoorr oouurr LLeessssoonnss iinn LLiigghhtt ...as we shine a new light

These lessons will be discussed as part on the Lenten season of the Center’s weekly study group meeting beginning on March 5, 2014. They will be recorded and available on cd or mp3 download. For information, call MDC at 1-800-359-2246. “This is my fifth season listening to Beverly go through the Lenten Lessons. It is a wonderful opportunity to use this time to give up stuff that does not serve us anymore. I am amazed at what rolls out of Beverly when she teaches. She may plan a general lesson but those comments simply come, a wonderful orator and leader and a good listener.” — Karen Scopetski, Massachusetts

“The study group Lessons in Light have been enormously and powerfully helpful to me. My sinlessness is guaranteed by God is a message just for me. I didn’t realize how much guilt and unworthiness I was still holding onto until I had a light bulb moment when I suddenly knew that the reason I have been feeling stuck lately is because I have not been as accepting and loving toward myself as I should be. My ego is still in undeserving mode. It is all tying in together to help me free myself from some childhood and early adult thinking. Thank you and the group for being so instrumental in helping me move past my past.” — Sharie Gauerke, Wisconsin Dealing with our day-to-day challenges and learning how to transform these issues using the power of the Course are two reasons why these recordings have become so popular. These meetings offer a “right where you live” approach. Meetings are lead by Beverly Hutchinson, the Center’s founder and a 37-year student of the Course, and tackle real life challenges using the healing power of the Course. We look forward to welcoming you. We invite you to join us for this series and then consider becoming an ongoing listener. As an ongoing listener you become part of our worldwide spiritual family each week through our recordings by CD or mp3…and you also have access to an online listener message board so you can continue the conversation and develop a global family of support! As an ongoing listener, you not only receive the weekly lessons, but you have access to an online listener message board so you can continue the conversation and develop a worldwide family of support. Receive a FREE When ordering monthly, each weekly meeting is only CD or mp3 of our meetings or go $6.50 on CD or $5.00 on mp3. We can charge you credit card, or debit you online and listen to a meeting. checking account, automatically once a month Limited time offer 1-800-359-2246 or www.miraclecenter.org 5 Change Your Mind, IN ME JO at the CENTER'S Change Your Life CONFERENCE A Note to Ken Wapnick, from Jerry A ug 10 by Gerald Jampolsky, M.D. and D iane V. Cirincione-Jampolsky, Ph.D . ust 9•

the people that I called “Central Cast”were I will always be forever grateful having i Ken, going to try to pull the wool over my eyes you, Helen, Judy and Bill as mSeye Btaecka Pcahge ers. It H I am writing this article for THE as well as others. I was so relieved, Ken, is a blessing that I continue to receive from HOLY ENCOUNTER in an issue dedicated to when I met the three of you. I am talking to you in the present you that day and experi - tense because I feel your Spirit so very enced your honesty, in - present and 100% alive. I would like to tegrity, and authenticity. share with you some heart prints I have in I quickly felt the three of my memory. You and I first met in 1975 at you were the “real the beautiful home of Judy and Bob Skutch thing”and were speaking on West 81st Street in New York City. the Truth. In that first I told you then that I had been a student meeting he smiled and of A Course in Miracles for just a few said to me, “Jerry, our months and was very eager to meet Helen egos are very clever Schucman, Bill Thetford and you. I had it in about bringing doubt and my mind to give the three of you the name fear into our minds.” of “The Central Cast of the Course.” When we first met, I remember telling you that when Judy first Back row: Ken Wapnick, Bill Thetford & Jerry Jampolsky. you were only 33 years Front row: Helen Schucman & Judy Skutch Whitson brought me the Course, which was typed old. What I thought but up and held within a black folder, I did not did not tell you was that even though you the four of you even though three of you know what this manuscript was about. Judy were young in age, in many ways you are no longer in body form. Your commit - replied, “It's about God and spiritual trans - seemed like someone who was much older ment to Helen and your willingness to al - formation.”I quickly reminded her that she than his years and had the wisdom of an ways see the Light in her heart and to look knew I was a dedicated atheist and that I elderly, wise, spiritual teacher. And to my past her behavior was eye-opening to me. wasn't interested in that kind of stuff. ego you seemed scholarly and overly seri - My experience with Helen was such great Judy's answer to me was; “Why don't you ous. As we went through those early years, admiration for accepting the role of Scribe just read one page?” I saw things in you that I for the Course. But I also had some of my I could not think of a wanted to emulate. I own judgments about how quick and sharp good enough reason “...I saw things in you that saw in you such love for and attacking she could be on a moment’s not to. Little did I real - I wanted t•o emulate. the Course and an un - notice. You were always on call for her and ize then that this gift I saw in you such love wavering commitment I never saw you once make any judgments of the Course would for the Course and an to it. I was aware of all about her; you never complained, and become the greatest unwavering commitment the tedious editing of were always compassionate and uncondi - gift of my life. the Course that you tionally loving to her. As I began to read to it.” helped to do and the Time continued to pass by and Gloria the first page I heard meticulous supervision came into your life. I was able to witness an Inner Voice talking to me which I later that you provided for the translators and the commitment you had to each other, identified as the Holy Spirit. The voice said, • the consistency that you provided for the dedication, and that you were both “Physician heal thyself. This is your way them. I was inspired by your vigilance to applying the Course to your relationship. home.” I seemed to know inside of me that the Course and your continual willingness Perhaps your words were less impor - my life was going to be totally different, to help others, including myself, get better tant to me than what you demonstrated in and it would be a life devoted to service grips on the Course. You were always will - your life. What went right to the center of and to following God's Will. ing to be there for me for any questions I my heart was my experiencing your dedi - Well Ken, as the days passed, my ego would call you about. I saw your steadfast - cation in choosing to have God as the began erupting all over the place. I even ness in applying the principles of the Voice you were determined to follow. began to wonder if this was a hoax and that Course to your own life. Ken, I remember another time that you, Gerald Jampolsky, M.D. and Diane Cirincione-Jampolsky, Ph.D., international lecturers and bestselling authors, share their insights and expe - 6 riences in applying the principles of A Course in Miracles in our world. Their books and other items are available at www.miraclecenter.org Helen and her husband, Louie, Bill, Judy and Bob Skutch were having dinner in my home in Tiburon. After dinner, I found myself in the kitchen with you and Louie. Loving Memories from I asked Louie, Helen’s husband, what he thought of Helen being the scribe for the Course. He quickly replied, “Jerry, I never My Album read it. You know I am Jewish. But I tell you From what. If I ever see a change in my wife’s behavior, I might consider reading it.” The Judy Skutch Whitson three of us had a good laugh about that one. I will always remain grateful for being Ken and Gloria Wapnick in witness to you, Helen, Bill, and Judy for Tiburon, California, 1986 being such amazing teachers to me and millions of other people who have been touched by your work with the Course. As the years continued to pass by and you moved to Southern California we had less direct contact with each other. My information about you came from Judy and Whit and from the new books you contin - Ken in New York, 1975 “I sometimes wonder if you were tot•ally aware of the millions of people whose hearts you have touched and will continue to touch.” Helen, Judy, Bill and Ken at a ued to gift to Diane and myself. What Renaissance Fair in California, 1977 became clear was tha•t through your workshops and lectures, and your books and recordings, you have affected such a vast number of people all over the world, more than perhaps you ever fully realized. I sometimes wonder if you were totally aware of the millions of people whose Ken and Judy in 2001 at Miracle Distribution Center’s annual hearts you have touched and will continue international conference on to touch. A Course in Miracles in Anaheim I have always felt that you have held my heart gently as I have felt your heart and will continue to do so. Ken, it is beyond any kind of words of thanks and gratitude that I feel for you and your continued presence in my life. I feel that now that you are no longer in a physi - cal form that when I listen to Holy Spirit’s Voice, somehow your Voice will be there too — continuing to guide me on my pathway home to God. With the blessings of God’s Love on us all, Ken Wapnick, Darin Zakich, Bill Whitson, Bill Thetford, Beverly Hutchin - son, Bob Skutch and Richard Hutchinson in Tiburon, 1985 Jerry 7 Rby Beveerly Hmutchinseon MmcNeff bering Kenneth Wapnick, Ph.D. Center in 1978, we began sponsoring book that Helen had written; it was to events, which allowed us to introduce bring a light of understanding to the n 1977 when A Course in Miracles Ken to more students. His succinct world through A Course in Miracles . Icame into my life, there were explanation of what the Course said And he was prolific at that! His first practically no other books, recordings, unlocked understanding in those who booklet (with editing help by Helen) was or speakers to support a student’s listened – it was not a substitute for a Christian Psychology in A Course in study. It was just students and friends student’s own study; on the contrary, it Miracles . It was written to explain the getting together to read and talk about seemed to cause students to feel they Course’s message and its use of a what this remarkable book was saying finally had a piece of the Course’s Christian framework in a decidedly and how it was impacting our lives. Rosetta Stone, and now they could non-traditional way. It was a great help Fortunately, I had the opportunity to decipher and apply the Course for for many students. But this was not to meet Ken Wapnick early in my discov - themselves. be Ken’s last book. He continued to ery of the Course. Those write more than thirty additional titles, of us in those days had and there are still manuscripts waiting the wonderful privilege of for completion. He also produced hun - meeting and hearing Judy dreds of recordings of his workshops Skutch Whitson (presi - and lectures. dent of the Foundation When Ken “gently laid his body for Inner Peace – the down” he was seventy-one years old. To original publisher of the most of us, that seems pretty young. Course), Bill Thetford But, Ken had fulfilled his worldly pur - (co-scribe of the Course), pose. He did what every good teacher and Ken Wapnick (who hopes to do and that is inspire his was essential in helping students to learn from him (and his Helen get the Course to a Back row: Paul McNeff, Jerry Jampolsky, Diane Cirincione-Jampolsky, Bill Whitson & Ken example) and hopefully go beyond him place where it was ready Wapnick. Front row: Beverly Hutchinson-McNeff, Judy Skutch Whitson & Gloria Wapnick in the sense that he is not longer for publication). I never met Helen, and Ken believed in the Course and its needed, for they are now trusting in Bill rarely spoke publicly about the message with every fiber of his being. their own internal teacher. As the Course, so the few times I did hear Bill He was comfortable with the things that Course tells us, “Every good teacher or had the opportunity to present him others were uncomfortable with. I hopes to give his students so much of through events at Miracle Distribution remember Judy telling me that during his own learning that they will one day Center, I felt very grateful. Judy used to the few times (in the very early days of no longer need him. This is the one true speak more often and being in her the Course) Helen and Bill spoke goal of the teacher.” (T-4.I.5:1) presence to hear her stories about the together, Ken would come along to I will always be grateful to Ken for his Course was hypnotic. And then there mainly answer the question: Who is the clear message and for turning the light was Ken. His grasp of the Course’s author? Helen and Bill were uncomfort - on for so many of us. He gave us all the thought system was incredible. He so able with giving the answer, but Ken support to know we could fly on our embodied the Course’s principles that unabashedly said: “Jesus.” own with the mighty wings of the Holy the ideas seemed to naturally flow from Ken knew his purpose. It wasn’t to Spirit to carry us. Like a library book him. become a monk, which was his trajec - whose due date is up, his Spirit has After founding Miracle Distribution tory when he was first told about this returned to the awareness of Christ and Rby Beveerly Hmutchinseon MmcNeff bering Kenneth Wapnick,1 9P4h2-2.D013. Loving Memories from my

AFroml Jbuduy Sm kutch Whitson

Bill, Ken and Judy being readied for a scene in the film The Story of A Course in Miracles , 1984

he is now more clearly a part of every living thing. I borrow now from the pamphlet, The Song of Prayer : Ken and Judy at the Ken’s death was a gathering for Course quiet choice, made joy - translators in Tiburon, California in 2012 fully and with a sense of peace, because the body had been kindly used to help this Son of God along the way he goes to God. We thank his body, for all the service it gave him so he could reach us. But we are thankful, too, that his need is done to walk the world of limits, and to reach the Christ in hidden form and clearly seen at most in lovely flashes. Now Ken can behold Him without blinders, in the light that he has earned to look upon again. With that kind of homecoming, we Helen Schucman can’t be sad. What joy Ken is experienc - (scribe of the Course) ing and what appreciation we have for and Ken in 1976 him! IN M JO E at the Recognizing Spirit CENTER'S Ken Wapnick, A Gifted Teacher CONFERENCE A ug 10 by Dr. Lee Jampolsky, Ph.D. ust 9•

being a teacher. In listening to people who disappointed.” Though humorous, the have always come to my work and studied with Ken what I often hear was that general message is quite tellinSge e oBafc kh Poagwe so Ispiritual practice primarily from the they left not only knowing more about the many people live – with a combination of heart, intuition, and with creativity. This Course, but also having an internal sense hoping nothing will change (i.e. that we may sound like the ideal, but such an that there truly is something beyond the won’t age or experience loss) and with the approach has inherent obstacles. Although physical, something that true vision can hope that things will change (that we will my approach can be expansive and full of show us. Ken taught this all the way to his become financially wealthy, have a better rich discovery, it can have limitations if last breath, leaving this lifetime demon - love life, a better job, etc.). Invariably, lacking an intellectual foundation. I am strating that we are not a body. conflicting goals about change bring disap - grateful for individuals who have a far I was still a teenager when I first met pointment and disillusionment. Beyond sharper intellect than mine who help keep Ken Wapnick and Bill Thetford, and now, at Ken’s intellectual brilliance he seemed to my personal journey and work grounded in age 56, I am most appreciative of what also know that ultimately the key for us all valued teachings, especially when it comes these two men brought the world. Ken was is to listen to a kind voice guiding us. In to the Course. Ken Wapnick was such a committed to a spiritual path that strength - other words, he was among the great person to me, and his recent passing from ened and stayed true to the teachings of teachers knowing that “Nothing can reach this lifetime brings me to reflect. the Course. His work has been a compass spirit from the ego, and nothing can reach I was not close with Ken on a personal to many. Ken demonstrated the two key the ego from spirit.” level and had not corre - ingredients that I try and follow in my life I pause and consider this further, for it sponded with him for and teaching – to is the crux of what’s most important to many years, yet “When I have been unsure believe in what you are teach: our true worth. Inherent in this is through his work I con - of certain pri•nciples of the teaching and to believe the fact that “Nothing you do, or think, or sider him like a big in the student you are wish, or make, is necessary to establish brother making sure I Course, I often would refer teaching. your worth.” Most people don’t live from did not stray too far to something Ken wrote. “A good teacher this knowledge, and are angry and resent - from the foundation of I am sure I am not alone clarifies his own ideas ful about past occurrences, afraid of what the Course. Ken’s work in this, and Ken’s prolific and strengthens them may be next, and die afraid there is nothing allowed me to venture words will continue to by teaching them. beyond physical reality. Ken’s life and work out more in my own di - help us arrive at a deeper Teacher and pupil are pointed in a direction of freedom from rection. When I have understanding and alike in the learning this fear. been unsure of certain process. They are in In graduate school in the 1970s I was principles of the practice of the Course.” the same order of doing my doctoral research on the Course Course, I often would learning, and unless and other spiritual traditions. In the 1980s, refer to something Ken wrote. I am sure I they share their lessons, conviction will be I continued to apply the Course within am not alone in this, and Ken’s prolific • lacking. A good teacher must believe in the academia, and founded a doctoral program words will continue to help us arrive at a ideas he teaches, but he must meet an - in Peace Studies. I was keenly interested in deeper understanding and practice of the other condition; he must believe in the stu - how we psychologically create enemies Course. Teachers such as Ken can be best dent to whom he offers the ideas.” (T-4.I.1:1) and justify attack. Ken’s early writings understood in the following quote from the As straightforward and commonsensical opened my mind to what the Course Course, and these words are a tribute to as these two conditions are, doubt and teaches about image making, which is the the life he lived: “Every good teacher confusion about what we want, and about process of our inner thoughts appearing as hopes to give his students so much of his change in general, can muck up the outer images. An early lesson in the own learning that they will one day no teacher and student relationship. The other Course, “My thoughts are images that I longer need him. This is the one true goal day I saw in a window of a store, a quote have made” began my questioning of what of the teacher.” (T-4.I.5:1) attributed to Albert Einstein, “Men marry I believed was real. Close to forty years A great teacher inspires us to become women with the hope they will never later I still marvel at both the power and teachers, and Ken’s passing brings me to change. Women marry men with the hope Continued on page 14 contemplate more of what my role is in they will change. Invariably they are both 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 10 Miracles . Lee can be reached at www.DrLeeJampolsky.com IN M JO E at the Born for Greatness CENTER'S CONFERENCE and Glory A ug 10 by Jacob Glass ust 9•

“Is it a sacrifice to leave littleness behind, and wander not in vain? It is not sacrifice to and said, “What’s this sadness about?” And wake to glory. But it is sacrifice to accept anything less than glory... Before the greatness that I wasn’t even really aware of bSeei Bnagck Psaage d — lives in you, your poor appreciation of yourself and all the little offerings you give slip into yet if I told you what the previous twenty- nothingness.” (T15.III.8) four hours had been like, it would have been clear I was (subconsciously) slowly and gradually trying to kill myself. be happy and peaceful working at Costco And it was still another decade before I am an extremely weird man on so than a depressed spiritual teacher and REALLY started the work on my own mind many different levels. I’ve always been writer. I don’t give a shit about anything I — the great undoing and the total abandon - else anymore. I’ve become simpler and both “out there” and extremely private — ment of HOPE. It wasn’t until I gave up the simpler as I spend more time living here as wanting attention and yet very protective addiction to HOPE that I really took charge an alien upon the Earth. of my solitude. And I have very little aware - of my life and my mind and started the For large blocks of time up through ness of how people have or create a “so - journey to JOY and inner peace. And the 2005, I felt tormented, even while teaching cial” life. I miss social cues quite frequently main thing I KNOW now more than any - the Course and New Thought. I frequently and many times have no thing else is that happiness and peace are did not have the idea what’s really going DECISIONS to be made — they have very “comfort of my own on. In fact, most “social “There is no denying the fact little to do with the externals of life. Yes, it’s teaching” as the media” tend to depress of my oddness. It’s always hard to choose peace and optimism in a • Course says. In fact, me, which is why I only been this way,and I think it concentration camp, but NOT impossible, go on it for short bursts I had a tendency to as Viktor Frankl demonstrated. Yet most of of time. is one of the main reasons binge drink and the Course was so easy for us have pretty good lives and still manage There is no denying spend a lot of wasted to be dissatisfied in one way or another. me to read and understand.” time in self-destruc - the fact of my oddness. This morning, I woke up with the sads tive thinking and It’s always been this way, and that familiar melancholy. Only I see and I think it is one of the main reasons behaviors. I remember having lunch with a and recognize it for what it is now — an old the Course was so easy for me to read and spiritual teacher at the Montecito Inn one • Continued on page 13 understand. It plainly states, you are an day around 1994, and she looked at me alien and don’t belong here because this is not your real home. Cool. I get that. But it also says that I can be happy even here . Well... this part took far more time on my Basically, I am a very simple person, and I like for things to be clear end to begin to grasp. and easy to remember. A few of the most profound things I learned Aside from being a weird alien here, my about Course principles came from Ken Wapnick boiling it all down basic personality lends heavily toward to: “be kind.” Boiling a thousand pages down to something so pro - melancholy. In fact, this very sadness and found and simple was quite amazing, particularly since Ken was melancholy is a major aspect of a lot of such a scholar of the Course and could quote it chapter and verse. spiritual writing and teaching. Actually, The other thing that helped me tremendously was his advice to most very popular spiritual writing is based Course students to “be normal” — or at least that’s the way I heard it. Just be kind on an underlying sadness with the world and be normal — oh, and invite Jesus to eat with you if you have issues with food. I and physical life. I would do much better can’t tell you how much these little tidbits have helped me along the path. as a writer if I wrote from that place, which I saw Ken and Gloria years ago at their center in Roscoe just after Absence from would be very easy for me to do. In fact, I Felicity came out and that book totally ROCKED my world and my understanding of used to teach and write much more from the Course itself. There are so many wonderful gifts that Ken has left us with over that place... I did that all the way up to the years, and I know that he is still working on the other side with Helen and Bill around 2005 and in many ways, it worked and Jesus and who knows who else, to help us all to practice the principles of inner for me professionally. peace. Here’s the problem with that. I’d rather —Jacob Glass

Jacob has been speaking on spirituality since 1987. He lectures in Santa Barbara, San Diego and Palm Springs, California. 11 IN M JO E at the Emotional Healing CENTER'S Incredible India CONFERENCE A ug 10 by Richard Gayton, Ph.D. ust 9•

I had a blooming sinus infection. The in traffic as rickshaws, a cow, a crippled o my mind, heaven is Thailand. It’s bathroom faucet was leaking on to the dog ,two goats, motorcycles aSneed Ba cka Pragse went Tamazing how we can find that one floor; there was no hot water and no heat past. His hand was stuck out in front of him city, that special person, that specific way in the room. Unlike heaven, it was very begging. A smiling young man flew up on a of connecting with God that is so perfect cold in India. The ice box of the Himalayas bicycle and put some coins in his out - and then have a flash of insight that there sat a mere 160 kilometers away. Water stretched hand. The beggar inspected the must be something or someone or some - from the faucet leak slowly made its way coins momentarily then put them in his place better. The eternal restlessness of toward the bedroom where I had piled the pocket. He was just doing his morning the human ego makes what is wonderful bathmat as a dam against the door. The work. Another Indian man cruised by on a one moment inadequate the next. front desk informed me that they could not motorcycle smiling broadly and yelling “Welcome to India”in perfect American I was idly thinking one day, as I am fix the leak and the manager had ordered the hot water turned off. God faded in my English. What am I to see? I chose to see inclined to do, and India came to mind as a awareness as the F word accompanied by people living their lives in peace making magical place to visit. There is the rich a four part harmony of other expletives their living and at times enjoying them - history of Indian spiritual traditions and sprang from my lips. The manager fired up selves immensely. Kind of like me. after all A Course in Miracles has some the boiler. I walked into a shop where a portly, themes in common with Vedanta Hindu After sleeping in my clothes to keep middle aged, Seik man named Raja in thought. Why not visit the special source warm, I walked out on the street in front of beautiful head wrap greeted me with a for so many world re - the no heat, no plumber hearty laugh and a Santa grin. He offered ligions? I researched hotel and saw a girl chai tea while he showed me intricately hotels on several dot “I was idly thinking one about thirteen sitting in crafted cotton Chikan shirts of tiny needle coms. I began looking day, as I am• inclined to the street dressed in a work designs. He asked me where I was into tourist sites but I do, and India came to beautiful head to toe sari from and smiled with the answer doing that just wasn’t getting ex - pounding dirty pop cans characteristic Indian head wag. He laid out cited about going and mind as a magical place flat and picking through more and more shirts until there was a in fact began to have to visit.” an indescribable pile of rainbow of carefully starched embroidered doubts about the trip. garbage for something shirts across the counter. Women made Yet, I have a determined ego. I was usable. She did not look unhappy — just these with perfect precision and loving going to India. All the hotels that I re - • doing her job. Yet I was unhappy. I was care in the surrounding village. Raja put no searched had middling reviews. The tourist being confronted by all my unmet expecta - pressure to buy- there was only the rain - places didn’t seem that interesting. There tions and my firm belief that heaven is bow and Raja’s smile — I am transformed. must be something I can do in India that I outside my mind and dependent on We toured in an auto the next day with would enjoy. I sent an email to the Dali guide and driver. I prayed for peace. We Lama’s secretary to see if I might interview favorable conditions. visited the tomb of Hussain, one of the him for this article since the city where he Something about that girl reminded me famous Shia Muslim saints. I was enjoying lives is close to where we were going. of God. I realized both she and I were both our Sunni guide showing us the grounds I got a nice note back from his secretary pounding coke cans in this life, each hav - and telling us about the Sunni/Shia conflict declining. ing his/her own pile of refuse to wade through and make from it what we wanted. — when two government officials stopped We flew to India. I started this article I had the choice to see the lack of hot us. For a moment I was worried then they while sitting in a hotel in Lucknow, Udar water and heat any way I wanted to; an op - introduced themselves as being from the Pradesh, India meditating on the fact that portunity for love or attack. A light haze of Department of Tourism, welcomed us to sit the hotel forgot to pick us up at the airport. brown dust hung in the air kicked up from and tell them of our reactions to the tourist My laptop battery was fading because I had a street carpeted with tiny paper wrappers site. no adapter for the particular Indian three and indescribables. Enough is enough. I In the afternoon the guide announced prong round socket affair, quite different asked Spirit for help. he must leave us but assured that the than the three prong round affair with a young driver would take care of us. Ten notch that Thais use. My back was out and I walked on and spotted a young man in filthy clothes and a long black beard stand minutes later the driver pulled off the road 12 Dick Gayton is a psychologist and writer. His book The Forgiving Place: Choosing Peace After Violent Trauma is available through the Center. and told us in Urdu that he didn’t know Born for Greatness energy feeding the joy part and starving where to go. My Urdu is rusty, actually Continued from page 11 the sad part. That sad part is the “little - non-existent, so we sat at the side of the ness”the Course is talking about, and it has road for an hour. My partner was steamed. mental habit pattern. I don’t have to resist become anorexic now. It simply no longer I decided to let the Holy Spirit deal with it or get rid of it, nor do I have to surrender has the vitality and life force it once did, both young men. Finally the driver began a to it and let it drown me in self-pity. In fact, because now I actually LIKE being happy, series of six stops to ask directions. We what I know is that it is not real at all. It’s and I ENJOY being extremely odd and went round and round on the same road just an accumulation of thought forms that weird. That weirdness of which I used to several times. Through all this I was at have created a mental cloud that blocks feel ashamed is NOT my littleness, but is peace but my partner was having an ego the sun from my awareness. really nothing at all. We’re all rather weird attack and confronting the driver. The So, what to do, what to do? Well, it’s when you get right down to it. These days, young driver was beginning to panic. I let actually very simple — I opened my spiri - even missing out on all the social cues and them deal with it without interference. Each tual toolbox as I do every morning of my opportunities that slip by because I didn’t learning his own lesson in love, as I was life, and I gradually “get” what was happen - learning mine. At dark the driver got us to and gently started to “I frequently did not have ing kind of delights me the Residencia which was the British com - make decisions and because I amuse myself pound before it was destroyed during the the ‘comfor•t of my own endlessly. I just tell my - choices about what I teaching’ as the Course first war for Indian independence. Very want to focus on, how self a better story about memorable I want to feel today, says. In fact, I had a everything so if I A multitude of shenanigans went on what I choose to tendency to binge drink and “missed out” on around us in India and yet the wondrous BELIEVE is true, right spend a lot of wasted time in something, I tell myself, beauty of the Taj Mahal, the lovely handi - now, without one “I was spared” — and if crafts and many happy Indian people self-destructive thinking and it is something that is single thing on the shone through it all. I found peace through behaviors.” really for my Higher outside being any surrender and acceptance of Indian ways Good, I affirm it will but not before trying every approach I different than it is. And come around again in a way I will be able knew to get the Indians to act right. Not a because happiness is a habit with me now, • to recognize. So, in Truth, I never miss out very good record for a teacher of peace. by the time I got home from coffee, the on any of my good. clouds in my mind has started to dissipate Thank God no one is keeping score. Today And, that brings us back around to and dissolve into nothingness. I recommit to seeing God in everyone and today — I am now contentedly back on my everything I do. More and more I see my “dual” nature joy ride, getting the CDs ready for mail out Well, not the manager, I want to give — the split mind — the part that is naturally and then off to lunch with a friend so we him a cold shower. And I just don’t get why melancholy and sad, and the part that is can laugh and talk about all the simple and the Dalai Lama couldn’t squeeze me in. naturally optimistic and full of joy. And profound blessings of living here in our since 2005, I have spent my time and Happy Dream. All is truly well in the Weirdoville I call the WeHo Zendo, because I’ve come to understand the Greatness in me has nothing to do with my accomplish - ments, my personality, or in finding my place in the world. Our greatness is established and created by God, and our In my first year as a Course student I traveled to New York to happiness is a decision we make each learn a new way of thinking from Dr. Wapnick, the fellow moment to appreciate that greatness and psychologist who was an “expert”on the Course. The seminar was glory as we guide our minds in alignment “The Unhealed Healer,”which described me perfectly. In class I with joyful thinking. kept asking what I thought were very erudite theological ques - In this chapter of my life, what I am tions. In his quiet, reasonable voice, Ken pointed out that my ego teaching is no longer mere self “accep - was asking these questions and that it would not help me to give me an tance” but an absolute embracing and answer. He suggested I would be happier if I learned to change my thinking. I celebration of Who we really are. We do was insulted and thus came face to face with my imaginary personality called not have a cookie cutter Greatness and the ego — the insanity I had mistaken for wisdom. Ken taught me to focus on Glory. We are all the multi-colored threads the loving words of the Course with the respect a Biblical scholar has for the in the Master Tapestry, and I’ve come to verses of the Bible. I gradually began to understand on many levels what Jesus believe it is only in our BOLD uniqueness was saying to me in the Course. I accepted the radical thought system that that the picture comes together in all its would change my life. Ken continues to be my teacher. innate perfection as we let our freak —Dick Gayton flag fly!

13 Renewal we are willing to still our minds and allow Ken, A Gifted Teacher Continued from page 1 truth to be reborn. As we read in the Continued from page 10 Course... opinion. On the contrary, they are proof ”Let us be still an instant, and forget all necessity of doing so. Though Ken was a we think we are vulnerable and hopeless to things we ever learned, all thoughts we prolific writer, the concept that I am most make a change in the face of the world. had, and every preconception that we hold grateful for is this one, reminding myself But just like that outer of what things mean that any upsetting situation I am seeing, no covering, if we can “Our reality is far beyond and what their purpose matter how convinced I am otherwise, is just move past this is. Let us remember not not objectively real – it is nothing but my distraction, we can the limits o•f this world our own ideas of what own thoughts appearing in image form in find a gem within. and yet within this the world is for. We do what I believe is external to me. I remem - I was so grateful world, within every not know. Let every ber the shift in my experience when I really that my resistant situation we find image held of everyone began to embrace that our perception is al - attitude was still ourselves, is the be loosened from our ways made up of images from our willing to bend and opportunity to minds and swept away. thoughts. This insight has become a central Be innocent of judg - foundation to my work, including the more take a look past that experience Heaven, frenetic covering over ment, unaware of any recent development of Inspirational the magazine, to the our resurrection. thoughts of evil or of Psychology. inside. It reminded good that ever crossed I have spoken about the gift of my be - me to be more mindful of other situations your mind of anyone. Now do you know coming physically deaf, and how I have or people I might be discarding by not • him not. But you are free to learn of him, been able to “hear” more clearly with my being willing to look past their “obnoxious” and learn of him anew. Now is he born heart than I ever could with my physical cover. The Course asks us to question our again to you, and you are born again to ears. Ken’s writing supported this under - thinking this way... What am I thinking that him, without the past that sentenced him standing for me many years ago. To this God is not thinking and what am I not to die, and you with him. Now is he free to day, I continue to go deeper into the wis - thinking that God is thinking? But changing live as you are free, because an ancient dom of the Course and the understanding our minds to think with God does not learning passed away, and left a place for that the ego’s function of our physical eyes mean that we have to accept people’s truth to be reborn.” (T31.I.12-13) and ears is to see the thought images with actions or do anything different on the Wow, all that awareness from a magazine the purpose to validate the fearful thoughts level of form (the world), because this level subscription! I guess I’d better renew. we think are factual. This “is not seeing. It is just an effect of our thinking. The only is image making. It takes the place of see - way to heal this world (and our life situa - ing, replacing vision with illusions.” (W.pI.15.1:5) tions) is at the level of cause (thought), not This poem elaborates the idea: effect (form). Ego distraction is the effect May Miracles Be Seen Continued from page 1 What my eyes reveal of mistaken thinking (fear and separation), and my ears once heard so if we administer a change at the level of those who walk beside us. We are not alone, are but images I have made thought, which is the level of cause, and nor do our thoughts and actions affect only and believe are real. choose to think with God (with a heart of us. As American Indian Chief Seattle once When upset love and unity), we are making a transfor - said, “We are all part of the great web of life. my eyes and ears deceive, mation that can have a real and lasting ef - What we do to one part of the web, affects showing nothing fect. When we work at the level of cause in us all.” The Course would say, “To give and but the errors of my mind. our minds, change will occur because God to receive are one in truth.” If we want the cannot be stopped – there is nothing else. gift of awareness, of a miracle, then we must May Ken’s life as an extraordinary In a practical sense, the Course asks us be willing to be an instrument of that same teacher bring us to the recognition that, to join our minds with God so that we gift. To those who would attack us, let us “Teaching and learning are your greatest might stop the questioning and focus on offer the understanding of Christ. To those strengths now, because they enable you to the world and see “the love beyond the we would judge, let us ask for the wisdom of change your mind and help others to hate, the constancy in change, the pure in Christ. To those we would fear, let us see change theirs.” (T-4.I.4:1) sin, and only Heaven’s blessing on the them with the vision of Christ. Let us You Can Follow Us On world.” (W151.11:3) remember we do not walk alone. Our reality is far beyond the limits of “If you knew Who walks beside you on the this world and yet within this world, within way that you have chosen, fear would be every situation we find ourselves, is the op - impossible.” (T-18.III.3:2) portunity to experience Heaven, our resur - Send Bev your tips on refocusing your rection. No longer a historic event, the vision to experience miracles to: To sign up, just go to our home page at resurrection can occur this very moment if [email protected]. Keep them to 400 words, please. www.miraclecenter.org 14 A Perfect Storm drafted to fight the invaders. Many died. “I do not know what anything is for,” I Continued from page 3 But the farmer’s son had been left out of surrender to a greater power that DOES the fighting because of his broken leg. KNOW what EVERYTHING is FOR. This is along those same lines: “If God created us People said to the farmer, “What a good where truth lies. “Put all your faith in the in his own image, we have more than re - thing your son couldn’t fight!” “Maybe Love of God within you; eternal, change - ciprocated.” But I digress. yes, maybe no,” was all the farmer said. less and forever unfailing. This is the Basic to the teaching of the Course is Did you hear about Paul McNeff’s answer to whatever confronts you today.” the underlying purpose of helping us live survival of a perfect storm? Isn’t that (W-pI.50.4:4) in this world while realizing at the same great? Maybe yes, maybe no. I must time that we can tune into something admit, it was hard for me to say maybe What’s Happening yes, maybe no, after spending twelve greater that will help us transform the Continued from page 2 frightening picture we have conjured up hours in the ER feeling my bladder was of it. Yes, the truth about us is that we are about to burst and having to be traumati - memorial. We are presenting some not a “body.” But, while we live in this cally catheterized three times within that remembrances about Ken in words and world, we breathe, we get up in the morn - same space of time. With all the mitigating pictures throughout this issue. We are ing and brush our teeth, fix our hair, take circumstances that came catapulting into grateful to honor his work and his loving our showers and basically take care of our the picture, it was no picnic and about all I presence in our lives. To view Ken’s col - bodily needs. Nothing is wrong with this. could say was, “Yes, this is a terrible lective works, please go to our online But the real purpose of the world is given experience!” But even in the midst of the Store at www.miraclecenter.org to us in the next few sentences of this shock of it all, I also felt the presence of © Conference Dates Set – Join us Course lesson. “Let me open my mind to Spirit. I cannot explain it. I think the August 9th-10th for MDC’s Annual the world’s real purpose by withdrawing discipline of daily meditation and just International Conference on A Course in the one I have given it, and learning the being present with Spirit helped a lot. Miracles in Southern California. This truth about it.” (ibid) The Course teaches In my movie, I survived. But it begs popular event attracts Course students the truth about myself — I, as well as you, the questions; what if I had been like from around the world. This year we have are spirit and God’s holy child, unlimited those men on the Andrea Gail and died? assembled a wonderful list of presenters in potential. Nothing associated with this The truth is, I can’t answer that question, including Beverly Hutchinson McNeff, physical existence and my ego rendering as I’ve never experienced dying as it is of this world will save me from earthly tra - Jerry and Diane Jampolsky, Jacob Glass, defined by our worldly terms. But, in all Bob Rosenthal, Dick Gayton and Michelle vails. Recognizing that I am an infinitely my years on this earthly plane, I am Molina, Lee Jampolsky, and Karen Casey. powerful being and that I can bring this familiar with the feeling of “deadness” Visit our site at www.miraclecenter.org consciousness into this world is my true when I play to the voice of the ego. How for all the details. purpose and salvation. many times, while having a perfectly Years ago I remember Beverly relating healthy body, have we walked around like © “The memory of God comes to the this parable in one of her workshops a zombie as a result of succumbing to our quiet mind,” says A Course in Miracles . about the Chinese Farmer... hate and judgment? By contrast, I’m When we take those quiet moments Once there was a Chinese farmer always amazed when I see Stephen during the day to have faith that God can who worked his poor farm together with Hawking, the brilliant theoretical physicist, and will settle every problem now, we call his son and their horse. When the horse interviewed on TV. Stricken with the com - upon the power of the universe, the ran off one day, neighbors came to say, pletely debilitating ALS, his body inhabits power of love to work miracles in our “How unfortunate for you!” The farmer space . . . motionless and atrophied. Yet lives. We invite you to practice this aware - replied, “Maybe yes, maybe no.” his spirit comes alive and somehow ness with us every day at 4:30 pm as we join with all in our prayer ministry to When the horse returned, followed animates that stricken shell of a body as remember the power of love to transform by a herd of wild horses, the neighbors he communicates through his computer- our lives and this world. If you have a gathered around and exclaimed, “What assisted speech generating device. So we prayer request, please send it to MDC. good luck for you!” The farmer stayed need to ask ourselves, who is dead and Don’t forget to request your free, calm and replied, “Maybe yes, maybe who is alive? Being alive is something that full-color bookmark which lists all the no.” is not mutually exclusive with the body. thoughts in the prayer ministry for 2014. While trying to tame one of wild Neither is death. From the Course’s horses, the farmer’s son fell, and broke perspective, death as well as life is a state Affirmations for: his leg. He had to rest up and couldn’t of mind. March: “Into His Presence would I enter help with the farm chores. “How sad for Why does a guy like Hawking have to now.” (L157) you,” the neighbors cried. “Maybe yes, suffer the indignity of ALS? What purpose April: “I could see peace instead of this.” maybe no,” said the farmer. does that serve? Why do we sometimes (L34) Shortly thereafter, a neighboring walk around like zombies? All I know is May: “Forgiveness is my function as the army threatened the farmer’s village. All when I submit to the Course teaching of: light of the world.” (L62) the young men in the village were 15 In this issue . . . • Beverly on “Renewal and Resurrection” • Jerry shares his “Note to Ken” • Jacob is born for greatness and glory • Paul tells of his “Perfect Storm” • Lee remembers a gifted teacher • Dick visits “Incredible India” • A tribute to Ken Wapnick and much more!

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