Are YOU Experiencing Love In IT's Magnitude & Majesty?!

On Love...

"I dwell in the house of love. My house is a house of love." -Ernest Holmes
The Science of Mind

As I gain wisdom with years, I've come to understand that love is not something given to us. Rather, we give love to ourselves when we let it in and open to embrace the very essence of life. The reason we are here on this planet is to love and to be loved.

Love is truly enough… Though the world maybe waiting for something more. We are waiting for something more because we have been conditioned to believe that there is someone or something outside of ourselves that will make us complete. Not so… For love and God are synonymous… Which means God is enough… For God is all there is! Really!

And ...as I reflect upon the wisdom I've gained through the years… I have come to recognize my discipline of the care and nurturance of love in my life. I liken this discipline to the discipline I have passionately persisted in as a long-distance runner for the last 41+ years. I run in the heat, wind, rain, the sun, and while visiting my family and loved ones on the East Coast… I run in the cold and the snow.
My discipline is the result of my love for running. Therefore, care of discipline is, indeed, Love!

So...here's a little more On Love...

"Love has no other desire but to fulfill itself. To melt and be like a running brook that sings it's melody to the night. To awake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving."

Kahlil Gibran, my favorite Lebanese poet, said that...and he was right!

When we discover the anchor in our Self our sense of insecurity evaporates… And our capacity to love becomes less needy and truly more bountiful!

And … When we don't need our love relationship to be our security blanket… That's when love is lifted out of the mundane...That transaction, if you will… that so called, "You do this for me and I'll do that for you." That's not Love!
When love serves its grandest purpose in our lives… To enable us to grow more loving and giving...We are all winners...physically, emotionally, and Spiritually!

Today… I invite YOU to open your heart and embrace the discipline of nourishing your Spirit with Love!

Today… I invite YOU... To trust yourSelf! For it is then… And only then that we have the potential to experience and express Love in all its Authentic Power, majesty, and magnitude!

Let The Source BE with YOU...Now!

And So IT IS…Now!!!

To Our Health, Well-BEING, and Empowerment Together!

Much Love & GOD’s Blessings!

Rhonda

PS: Today will bring you a new awareness, a lesson or a manifestation that you are making progress – IF YOU KNOW IT!  No matter how large or small, please recognize it and be Grateful. Hey…It only takes a moment to pick up the penny… and IT will AUTOMATICALLY put you in the Flow of Positive Energy and Goodness.

"There is a mighty Power within you. There is that Spirit of Life, Light, and Love. The more you feast on these ideas and fast from old corrosive ones, the closer you experience the Life you desire."  -Frank Richelieu, The Art of Being Yourself

Rhonda Maria Farrah, MA, DRWA

Help Me Rhonda Now! International

949.527.1574

Licensed Teacher

The Art of Feminine Presence™

Author  of the Forthcoming Book

How To Forgive, Live & LOVE During The Process of Divorce...

A Journey In Healing & Transformation

rhonda@HelpMeRhondaNOW.com

   

 Speak Up, The World Is Listening

What Is Seeking Expression Through You? Sunday Service

We see our organization as a global community that embraces peace, love and compassion. And So It Is!

The Trouble with Hate

Dr. Kenn Gordon wrote a great message today about peace and unrest. He said, "It is not what we hate that is the issue, the issue is that we hate at all."

That brings to mind, my favorite quote from The Science of Mind by Ernest Holmes:

My Identity: Who Am I?

And it is a law that the man who sees what he wants to see, regardless of what appears, will someday experience in the outer what he has so faithfully seen in the within.  From selfish reasons alone, if from no loftier reason, we cannot afford to find fault, to hate, or even to hold in mind anything against any living soul! The God of love cannot hear the prayer of the one who fails to love."

I remember before I had taken any Science of Mind or personal development courses, I used to routinely make statements about things I hated-- the weather, those people, shoveling snow, scraping the ice off my windshield, bigots, and any other condition or belief which I had judged as inferior or bad or unlovely. 

The truth that I came to know is that the Divine Mind is everywhere present and is always responsive to what is impressed upon it. I started re-framing my statements. I had a great coach who would remind me that we didn't hate anything!  I started saying (and eventually believing) that I would prefer gentle weather or that all weather is good. I would start seeing people as doing the best that they could and eventually to see their loveliness and uniqueness as individualized expressions of the Divine.

What I didn't know at the beginning of my studies are the benefits I was withholding from myself by thinking such thoughts as "hate" about anything. The "God of love" could not answer my prayers for greater good because It needs to correspond to the person praying. God is the antithesis of hate. It could not give of Itself because I had not renewed my mind.

In Romans 12:2, the apostle Paul wrote,

"And be not conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is good and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

When I  renew my mind, I simply remind myself of the nature of God. I remind myself that this limitless, eternal love created me and everyone else in ITS likeness so that God's beauty, peace, and truth could be manifest.

Seeing with the Heart of a Practitioner

Sometimes I get caught up in my day-to-day activities and lose sight of the Perfection in my life. Disappointments, illness, and miscommunication can leave many of us feeling disconnected from our vision and from the Divine.

Having not taken the required training to be a licensed practitioner, I wondered how someone who has dedicated their life to affirmative prayer sees rightly even when things seem unsettled.

That brought me to the second question in our series featuring our Center's practitioners. If you missed the first question, you can find it by clicking HERE. Also, if after reading all the wisdom and insight from our practitioners you want some prayer support, you can find that by clicking Prayer Support.

How do you view life differently through the heart of a practitioner?

Since becoming  a practitioner, I have many ways of knowing and seeing the best possible outcome for others. People and situations I am asked to pray for are quickly resolved with the Light and Love of Spirit.

I imagine the Light of Divine Energy illuminating everyone and everything. ~~ Darrolyn Fennelly, RScP

*****

As I look at life through the eyes of practitioner, I find that I am more conscious, more aware, more available, more connected, more forgiving. I also find that I appear to be more approachable by folks who feel comfortable enough around me to talk through some of their issues. I don't necessarily do anything but listen, but they seem to feel I'm a safe place for them.

I was at a seminar and I realized that I bring my practitioner consciousness into life with me.... I don't really even need to try anymore.   That's cool! ~~ Dave Friedman, RScP

*****

Life is so incredibly good, you know? My life is good, the lives of people around me are good and I am grateful. And the more I reflect on how good life is, how grateful I am, life just gets better. Looking at life, and at people, through the eyes of a Practitioner…I see everyone and everything through the eyes of Love. I can disagree with someone on politics or social issues, but I know that we are both unique expressions of God – we are of the same Source, we are all One. Yes, sometimes I get off track. But, as a Practitioner, I have built-in tools that help me correct my course. ~~ Pam Rocke, RScP

*****

Since becoming a practitioner, I view life as a continuum of God's expression, knowing that whatever comes about, seemingly good or seemingly not, is simply a representation of what is being called to be revealed.  ~~ Reverend Karyn Allen

*****

As a practitioner of the  Science of Mind philosophy, I see my life and my world in a positive manner.  I know that there is a power for Good in the Universe and I use that Love and Power to see the world and all my affairs through that lens.  I know that God is Good and I am supported and loved by this Divine Energy!

And so it is!  ~~ Reverend Judee Chapman 

*****

As I journey through my practitioner training, and as I prepare to become a full-fledged practitioner, there are times that I question myself, especially when I do not have all the answers as to why Life is the way it is.  Since I know that I will aways be a student of SOM, regardless of credentials, my perception of Life may change form, but the essence remains the same.  I’ve come to know that there is only One Heart, One Mind, One Source, and this is a major comfort for me.  And the magnificent reality is that knowing this, really knowing this, has changed all my relationships, my view of life and the trajectory of my purpose here.  My heart is filled with Generosity and Love, as well as a delightful sense of expectancy that all is Good; and my desire to serve has exponentially increased.  Therefore, there is more compassion, joy, and beauty in my life.  Being a practitioner is an exemplary way to create and activate the power of Love and transformation in myself and to become a way-shower for others to move toward their own freedom and to experience their Light. ~~ Donna Wallace, Intern Practitioner

  

Soul's Coach, A Workshop

Rochelle Cook presents a workshop based on her book, The Soul's Coach, 7 Paths to Healing Uour Relationship.

Creating a Healthy Relationship, Sunday Service

"A new light is coming into the world" Ernest Holmes

Promises and Commitments

How good is your word? Is your word, your commitment?

For people with integrity, our word is our bond. When we agree to do something we do it.

Is it true for you?

You probably keep your word to your friends and colleagues to employers  and employees.

But do you value your agreements with yourself? Do you keep your word to yourself?

This is an important aspect of the spiritual path.  Many people who have learned to put other people's needs ahead of their own, are great at keeping promises to others, but are really poor at giving themselves the same respect that they give others.

If this describes you, make a decision to stop it.

Sometimes our commitment is instinctual. A mother hummingbird sat on her nest for at least an hour at a time outside my front door. People were coming and going. And that sweet tiny ever-moving bird, sat. Why did she sit? I think she had a commitment to the new life that was attempting to burst forth from her.


This is a very short post for me because I need to keep some other agreements with myself.

I love the quotes by W.H. Murray,

 "Until one is committed,there is hesitancy, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation) there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans:that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too."

The quote is often followed by a couplet by Goethe: "Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it."

What one thing can you do today which would move you closer toward your vision? Commit to yourself to do it. Do it now. 

Another quote I love is from the mystic poet Rumi:

"Come, come, whoever you are. Wanderer, worshiper, lover of leaving. It doesn't matter. Ours is not a caravan of despair. Come, even if you have broken your vows a thousand times. Come, yet again, come, come."

One of the Greatest Gifts I Can Give

This month's global vision theme is all about service and one group who generously serves our community is the Practitioners. We have 19 Practitioners and five Ministers who lovingly hold our Center and it's congregants in prayer throughout the year. It's a title that doesn't come without commitment, dedication and faith and I'm on a quest to find out what's behind the title. Who are the people that serve as Practitioners?

Practitioners must take two years of required Science of Mind courses followed by another two years of Practitioner training. In that time, participants take a deep personal look at their thoughts and beliefs and learn how to "see rightly" as Ernest Holmes would say. To become a licensed Practitioner, one must take a written and oral exam. 

Throughout the month, I will have a conversation with our Practitioners through a series of questions that delve deeper into what's behind being a Practitioner.  Already, just with the first question, I'm inspired; I hope they inspire you too.   

 First question: 

Why did you become a Practitioner and how has your Life changed?

"My decision to be a Practitioner came from a prayer demonstration for my perfect health in 1993.  In my first Science of Mind class,  SOM 101, my prayer partners  (five people)  prayed for the healing of my physical heart; a valve wasn't working correctly and the doctors said I needed surgery.  After 6 months of prayer, I was tested again and all damage in my heart was gone.  I knew then that I wanted to share this great teaching and affirmative prayer with others to assist them in making their life better!

My life is filled with joy and gratitude as I pray with others and see dynamic results of prayer.  Its such a wonderful feeling of Love. ~~ Reverend Judee Chapman

*****

I actually made my decision to become a Practitioner about a month into my second year of Practitioner training. I had started Practitioner classes because I wanted to continue my studies and deepen my own understanding and practice. At some point, I realized that I love serving, in fact much of my life centers around serving.

My life now is radically different. I enjoy much more abundance. I am more financially prosperous, I enjoy my family and friends at a deeper level and I have more confidence. I have stepped further and further into leadership. And in leadership, I can do my part in making this a better world for everyone. ~~ Pamela Rocke, RScP

*****

I decided to become a practitioner because I was so excited about how the Law worked.  I wanted to share the gift of Joy, Love, Wholeness, Peace, Prosperity, and Creativity with all those who could not see it in their own lives.  I knew it was possible for anyone who desired it and wanted to share with them the infinite possibilities. 

Since becoming a practitioner, I have lived a life of my dreams.  When I look back on how my life was before becoming a practitioner, I realize how much I have manifested by simply utilizing the practices of prayer and meditation as a lifestyle.  I can never go back and I would never want to. ~~ Reverend Karyn Allen

*****

My decision to become a practitioner was at one level the natural next step during the normal course of  my Science of Mind study. Also, I was becoming aware of the opportunity to help others by knowing and holding on to the Truth about them. An amazing gift for me to give.

I find myself living more on purpose and being more conscious, and I find myself honoring others in true Namaste fashion... 'The divine in me recognizes the divine in you.' 
~~ Dave Friedman, RScP

*****

For me it is a sacred calling.  My path to God was through service.  I have found no greater joy in life than watching someone step into their own power and experience their own creative process. To watch someone become a bigger, fuller, expanded version of who they truly are and what they came here for. 

Since I have become a Practitioner,  I have met the love of my life and we got married (we met in practitioner class).  My joy and serenity levels have tripled.   There is more love, more joy and more prosperity.  I have over 100 clients that I have had the privilege of serving and I have an awe inspired appreciation of Life. ~~ Kathy Story, RScP

*****

Almost from the time I first walked into a Church of Religious Science I wanted to have the consciousness of the practitioners I met. I saw in them, something I wanted. I quickly began classes and worked toward that goal. By the time I began practitioner training, my husband had Parkinson’s Disease and I needed all the tools I learned as I went through that awesome training. It was one of the most growth-filled times of my life.

Since becoming a practitioner, I have learned what a blessing it is to serve in this way. Having practitioners for prayer partners has brought some of the closest relationships I have ever had and I am learning to trust others to help me when I need it. I live in more peace than I ever could have without this learning and support, but most important of all has been the fellowship of the practitioners who have served with me in every Center I have belonged to. They are giving, loving and we are there for each other. This allows us to be there for others. It is a blessing that I am truly grateful for. ~~ Dr. Jeanne Hounshell

*****

I decided to become a licensed practitioner about 5 years ago after using the principles consciously since 1986.

My life has a much more purposeful direction since I started using SOM principles in all parts of my life.

Lots and lots of good abundance and gifts  in all areas of my life. Beautiful home, beautiful wife, boat, friends, vacations  great business.. I treat every morning before I get out of bed and it works!! ~~ Patrick Freeman, RScP

*****

When I was taking Practitioner Training Classes my wife said to me: " Now let me get this straight, the Catholic Church only needs  two miracles to be verified after a persons death and they are asking you to verify 3 miracles while you are alive"...without much hesitation I said "I think So, yes". ....That is the kind of conviction and belief I have in our teaching and the positive effects it has on my life. ~~ Reverend Arpad Petrass 

*****

I decided to become a practitioner because it was in harmony with what I was already doing in my profession and the knowledge and practices offered more tools to help my clients.  How it has changed my life is that i now have something to do that makes a difference when in the face of circumstances that seem difficult or even hopeless without this knowledge. I am able to generate a sense of trust and calm.

The decision to become a minister was similar. it was the next class and the next step. How that changed my life is understanding this teaching more completely and enjoying an even deeper connection, recognition of and trust in my source. As an aside, it sometimes startles me when I notice people at the Center seeing me as somehow different from them after I became a minister. ~~ Reverend Bruce Fredenburg, M.S., LMFT

*****

Deciding to become a practitioner was a natural progression. As I learned more about my connection with spirit, it became very easy and satisfying to be in prayer. Every time I pray for another I find myself being blessed as well. What has changed in my life is a total trust in the givingness of God. ~~ Fred Mercado, RScP

*****

I decided to become a Practitioner because I saw and felt the power of Spiritual Mind Treatment.   It was a different prayer than I had known growing up, and I wanted to understand it and be able to help people through powerful prayer. 

How it has changed my life to be a practitioner is I have discovered the joy of self-awareness, self-discovery and, instead of trying to be what I think the world wants, I have come to reveal and understand what is mine to give to the world. And, I have found the greatest gift I can give is to look for and see Truth for myself and others. ~~ Reverend Pattie Mercado

*****

I have been involved with Science of Mind in sporadic spurts, from 1996 through the present.  I was very much involved with Agape International for a couple of years in the late 90's, however, due to distance and work, the desire waned.  After changing my lifestyle as a career person and moving into a more unstructured one, I discovered that I had no clue how to move on. Changes were happening to and around me and I wasn't sure I could cope.  I ran into a dear friend in 2011 who was a CSL practitioner and I began having monthly sessions with her.  I initially did this because my beloved dog, Margo, was dying and I wanted to be there for her, but did not know how.  I admired my friend greatly and I spiritually flourished under her guidance. As a CSL Practitioner, she not only guides me, she demonstrates and lives her life as one with ease and grace.  In many ways, she supported me to help myself.  She introduced me to CSL's Online classes and in 2013 I signed up with the Foundations class.  Since being involved with CSL's Online schooling, it has been one of the most rewarding times in my life.  It became more and more evident, as I gained clarity and awareness as to who I am, that there was something larger than myself moving me forward to a greater good. As I continue on in my studies, my desire to serve has been strengthened and grown.  There is an affirmation stated in a book by Paul Selig (The Book of Knowing and Worth) that struck a cord in me and which made me realize how important it has always been for me to know myself. I have used it in contemplation on many occasions; 

"I know who I am, I know what I am, I know how I serve."

The Centers for Spiritual Living has been a direct channel for me to express myself, and I am able to embody that sense of surrender to the greater good that I have always wanted to experience.  The love and support experienced in this community of souls reinforces and reminds me of what it is to be alive and ready to serve. ~~ Donna Wallace, Practitioner Intern

But Faith Without Works is Dead, Sunday Service

We see our communities as being meaningfully involved with service to the world. And so it is!

They Were Here First

Black Bear Similar to My Bandit

When I was seventeen, our family had a vacation in a beautiful park in Waskesui, Saskatchewan. Waskesiu is a beautiful area with numerous lakes and backwoods which is essentially untouched by humans. Of course, that means that there is plenty of fish and also wildlife -- squirrels, bears, elk, moose, cougars, and wolves.That summer, we had a visit by a black bear who knew how to take the lids off trash cans. He did make quite a commotion, though, while he was doing it. I considered him to be a heroic creature -- a resourceful bandit. This bear was not welcomed by authorities. They had captured him once before and taken him out far into the bush, marked him and released him. He was now known as dangerous!  The next evening he was back, and so were the authorities. The chase wound around by our camp-site. Then a  gun was fired. It was one of the loudest sounds I had ever heard! It drew the men and boys  to see what had happened; They reported that the bear was killed. I cried for a long time.

I couldn't get over how unjust it was that he bear lost his life when we were trespassing on his territory. We were enjoying the natural habitat that bears had known as theirs for centuries before there were any camp sites developed. Why did they get a warning and then lose their lives? As an adult, I better understand that public places need to provide safety to those who are using their facilities. The campers needed to feel safe. But the fact is that bear had not harmed us, it had just disturbed our peace and made a mess.

Maybe I can use this incident to help understand life.

The indigenous people were also here for thousands of years before we arrived. By all accounts, we did not treat them with respect nor did we try to bring compassion and understanding. Rather we attempted to change their religion, culture and ways. 

If we are to live in a world that works for everyone, we need to be able to bring curiosity and respect to every person we meet. One of the things we can do is to practice the golden rule: Do unto others as I wish them to do unto me." Also we can resolve to practice the negative golden rule: "Do not do unto others which we would not want done to us."

We may wish to embrace compassion. Author Karen Armstrong has created a Charter for Compassion. In part it says:

"The principle of compassion lies at the heart of all religious, ethical and spiritual traditions, calling us always to treat all others as we ourselves wish to be treated...

 It is also necessary both in private and public life to refrain consistently and empathically from inflicting pain...

Rooted in a  principled determination to transcend selfishness, compassion can break down political, dogmatic, ideological and religious  boundaries."

It is time to listen deeply to each other and open to the spirit of Love within ourselves. Let us be united in our love.

Service To The World, Sunday Service

Service is the keynote to success, and implies constructive work; also loyalty to your work and to all concerned in it. And so it is!

Good for Me

Where do we see the evidence of Spirit in our lives? Since God is everywhere present we can become aware of that divine presence in many ways. I see It in my unexpected pleasant surprises.

Recently I was looking to purchase a new piece of carry-on luggage. Because I am short in height,and my upper body strength is not what it used to be, I sometimes cannot lift my bag to the overhead compartment..I usually take my ipad in a small bag and put it under the seat in front of me. But I am planning a short trip to Oregon, and need to travel lightly because I have a responsibility to be at an important meeting 30 minutes after the plane is scheduled to land. So I began thinking that it would be GREAT if I had a carry-on that would fit under the seat in front of me. I looked online and found one on Amazon for $90. I hesitated about buying it for many reasons. It did feel wasteful. I also thought that if I worked really hard on my strength training I might be able to lift one of my current bags to the overhead compartment. (I woke up from that fantasy and reminded myself that the trip is in a couple of weeks.)

So I went back on Amazon and the bag I liked was now on sale for $54!! I thought wow! I can afford that so I started the payment process. Evidently I had earned some credits through shopping at Amazon. The computer queried, "Apply credit of $48.56?" Of course I said to myself. I also said, "Thank you, God." My new bag cost me less than $6!

I see the Divine in many parts of that story. I am getting what I wanted, for an unusually low price and even the shipping is paid! I just discovered another great gift... the bag in question is now being sold for $69!

Emma Curtis Hopkins was famous for the statement, "There is Good for me, and I ought to have it."

There is good for you and me too. We ought to have it because our God is our Good and our Good is our God.!

I will receive the bag tomorrow but I am including a picture of it and a happy me..

Me feeling joy