Seeing the Truth in Difficult Times

Often when people go in search of prayer, they are experiencing a challenge. A loss or diagnosis, something that can be scary or painful. It's the practitioners job to know the truth in all situations and pray from a place of knowing. And what happens when a practitioner struggles with a request? Here are their beautiful and inspiring answers.

Tell me about a time when you got a treatment request that was difficult.

I usually have very little difficulty finding the perfection and truth about a situation for someone else. It is easy for me to see an individual’s light in all things because I have no attachment to the outcome. I have no personal history or drama associated with the request, I only see Love. When I do run up against something that is a challenge, I find that it is something in me that needs attention. That is when I have to work on my consciousness FIRST before  I can treat for someone else. My house needs to be clear before I can help others. ~ Reverend Arpad Petress

*****

Someone came to me in great pain because her daughter was going through a huge health challenge.  The daughter did not believe in prayer and did not request prayer.  Since we are not allowed to pray for those who don't request it, I had to work with the mom on her own Truth.  It's often difficult to say to someone in great pain, "No, I cannot pray for that," yet I found success in revealing the perfect thing to help her find her peace.  ~ Reverend Karyn Allen

*****

Many years ago, when I was a newly licensed Practitioner, I had an after-service client for one of our Sunday abbreviated sessions. The client wanted his one surviving elderly parent to be agreeable to transitioning into an assisted-care living situation. When the client first voiced the prayer request, it was for a change in the parent’s attitude. Of course, as a Science of Mind Practitioner, I can only pray for the person in front of me. It is malpractice for me to pray for someone who has not asked for my prayer. 

As the client continued to describe the desired outcome, I realized that what he really wanted was to not feel guilty about needing to move his parent into assisted living and to experience a healing of their relationship, at least on his side. After working with that client I realized two things. One is that almost every client requesting prayer for someone else is really looking for healing of something in themselves. And two, almost every after-Sunday- service client probably needs more than a five-minute session. ~ Pam Rocke, RScP

*****

There was a time I had a young family ask me to pray for their husband and father to come home. It was during the holiday season. Not knowing this man, I knew I could only treat for Divine right action for him. My treatment for the entire family was for all of their hearts to be  filled with Love and God's presence along with divine right action in all of their activities. I learned the next month that he came home and they had a loving family holiday. ~ Kim Province, RScP

*****

The times when I find a treatment difficult is when I forget that it’s not up to me or when the outcome the person wants seems impossible to me. Or I get tangled up in wondering how I can convince them it can happen. The wonderful thing about our 5-step treatment format is that it starts with recognizing the truth about God and the truth about myself and the person asking for treatment. So I will spend longer on those two steps—until I remember there is an absolutely unlimited power and nothing can be difficult. My part is to know this truth and speak this truth and then let go and let the Power that is unlimited take over. It is only my mind and my misgivings or doubts that I need to treat. For the One Mind is all powerful. And I am so grateful that this is so. ~ Dr. Jeanne Hounshell, RScP

If you are dealing with a difficult situation, our practitioners we have a powerful group of practitioners who are always ready and willing to pray with you or for you. Submit a request and start healing.

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

  

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

A "Lost and Found" Demonstration

Over the holidays my husband Sean and I flew from Michigan to California to visit family and friends.  It was the first time taking our daughter, 7 1/2 weeks old at the time, on a plane!  The morning of our flight we were up early getting everything dialed in, all was going well.  We were in "perfect divine right order" the whole way and our trip out was smooth sailing.  Then, a couple days in, I go looking for our laptop... and it is nowhere to be found.  My heart sinks as I realize we must have forgotten it at the TSA security check back in Detroit.  It's a thin silver MacBook Air, they made us put it in it's very own bin, there was so much to grab and think about with the baby. We left it there. It was gone.  

My first thought was that we would never get it back.  My NEXT thought was YES we will absolutely get it back!  I immediately went to work changing my first thought, refusing every idea that we had lost our laptop for good.  Going into affirmative prayer I recognized that God is all there is and that nothing can be lost, everything is in it's perfect place.  I imagined being at the airport to get our laptop back.  I felt so much GRATITUDE that it had been returned to us.  I thanked the person, the individualized expression of God, that found the laptop and turned it in so that it would be waiting for us when we got back.  I released my word and KNEW that it was so.  Then I told Sean, and helped him also grab onto the idea that we were so happy and grateful with our laptop returned to us with ease and grace, thank you God.

My next step was to take action... so I went to the DTW website and found the area to submit a claim to their lost and found department.  The entire time I continued to consciously be "so happy and grateful now that" our laptop was returned.  Because it was going to be.  It had to be.  I was so disappointed by the thought of it being lost, I refused to accept it.  So I did my best to only entertain the right idea... the one that I wanted... not that other possible outcome of it being gone forever.  

There were many times during the two weeks in California where I would catch myself thinking something like "oh I should tell Sean to change his google chrome password, because if someone ...WAIT - NO! That's not necessary because our laptop will be returned to us.  I am so happy and grateful now that our laptop is returned with ease and grace, thank you God.  Thank you every aspect of this One that is involved in the process of our laptops return.  Thank you Thank you Thank you God!"

It's the type of situation where you've done just about all you can do, and so all you can do now is wait... wait for an outcome to an event that is completely outside of your control.  So while one waits in this type of situation, it is in ones best interest to "stand guard at the portal of your mind" as Emerson said (I hope I am quoting him correctly), and make sure you are thinking the right thoughts - the thoughts that affirm the desired outcome you WANT from this event which is outside of your control.  The other option is to worry about the outcome you don't want.  Being a student of the Science of Mind, I knew where to keep my attention, so I kept planting seeds of gratitude for my desired outcome and the return of our laptop!

Fast forward ... we arrive back in Detroit, where the temperature is a high of 28F, and head home.  I search my email for a response to my lost and found request... there is a reply!! YES!!  It says... it says that they don't have our item.  I take a deep breath and then let it out.  Then I laugh a little because I know they have it, they just don't know they have it!!  At that moment the idea occurs to me that I should just go to the airport and visit their lost and found department in person.  Then I would know for sure. But I didn't go right away, it was freezing cold and I would have to take the baby and oh what a hassle... so instead I stayed inside my warm house and kept an eye on my email... and continued to be grateful for our returned laptop.

A week goes by... I have not gotten a new email about our item.  I am starting to feel discouraged, it's almost been 30 days and in my mind there is an assumed rule that anything in the lost and found for over 30 days is up for grabs.  Then it's Wednesday, I have my prayer partner calls on Wednesday, and this is definitely what I needed to pray about - I hate the idea of our little laptop being gone forever!  Everything of ours on it, gone.  Possibly in the hands of another person!  No!  Cancel cancel wipe it away, that thought is NOT my desired outcome! 

During the prayer call, the idea came up again that I really should just go to the airport and visit the lost and found office. That is the only way to know for sure.  I vowed to do it that day and so later that afternoon baby Angelika and I went to visit the airport.  It was 15 degrees out but hey at least it wasn't snowing!  Upon arrival at the airport terminal I asked where the lost and found office was located and luckily it very close to where I was (not waaaaay at the other end of this huge place).  

I walk to the office and tell the woman there what we lost and the day we traveled.  She heads into the back room and I think "this is it, this is when our laptop is returned to us! Thank you God, Thank you God, Thank you God"... and I kept repeating it in my head, almost under my breath, until the woman emerges from the back room with our thin silver MacBook Air in her hand and I say out loud "oh thank God it's here!"  A huge smile spreads across my face.  I am so happy and grateful now that our laptop is returned!  Their email response to me was wrong, our laptop was here!  

Though I knew and affirmed it all along, I was so relieved to have it demonstrated.  Thank you God!  And so it is.

What to Do When What We See Is Not Welcome

In yesterday's Joyous Living Journal we read: "The Journey to Cosmic Consciousness starts with an ability to see what is.Take a good long look at your life.Where are you taking the material world as Reality and finding yourself stuck with conditions you don't like?  By first seeing what is, you can discover what you believe."

I am much better now that I truly know that life is lived from the inside out. What I used to believe was that I was my body, my job, my roles. No matter how many roles you play -- daughter, sister, friend, mother, minister, care-giver, worker -- you are not your roles. Your life is not your bank balance or your travel plans. You are not your past. 

The symbol above shows the Creative Process. We have an idea, which we plant in subconscious medium and it becomes our experience. Since all forms are caused by an idea, then you see that we are all more than we can see.

When I was a younger woman, I was certain I would be happy if only my husband would be a certain way. If he would not drink too much, he would not embarrass me. If he would get a University education, I would be more comfortable when he was talking with my friends. If he would get a more prestigious job, I would have more of the money I made to spend on myself. All of these ideas are spiritually untrue. No one can make me happy but myself. It was my own insecurity that was raising its ugly head, it had nothing to do with him. 

The truth is I didn't learn to accept responsibility for my life until much later. Now I know that no one can embarrass me but myself. And furthermore embarrassment is a belief that something is not as it should be. No one can make me happy except me. No one can increase my prosperity except myself.

Now  that I know the nature of life is to respond to my cherished beliefs, I have  a tool for spiritual living which can help me live more harmoniously. I can change my deeply held beliefs through affirmative prayer. In fact I use this tool constantly to expand my awareness of the limitless potential in which I live.

For anyone who may be clinging to blame of others or of circumstances, I offer this prayer. Read it daily with feeling and your life will change.

Deep in the Center of Life is First Cause, the Creative Process, the Presence of God. This One loves Its creation unreasonably, constantly, unconditionally. This one is everywhere present, all-knowing, all-powerful. 

Turning to It now, I speak my word for myself. I know that Divine Life flows through me now. I see with the perception of the Divine Mind. Everything is connected and everything is good. I know that my word is powerful because i am one with the all-powerful.

Here and now, I choose to accept greater joy in my life than ever before. I choose to expand my awareness of the Presence of God within me. I know that this Presence guides me to new, healthy-minded ideas about myself, others and life.The pure waters of Spirit wash clean my subjective mind of old, out-worn beliefs of insufficiency, lack, unhappiness or blame. No longer do I blame others or circumstances for my experiences. I know causation is invisible to the eye and felt with the heart. I love myself and honor myself by filling my awareness with the good that is at hand. My life is so good for i am the beloved of God.

I give great thanks for this awareness. I am grateful for the perfect Presence that always guides me and the perfect Law that fulfills my intentions.
With peace of mind, I release my word into the Law of Mind. It is complete. And so it is. 

An Affirmative Prayer For 2014

This is what I know, there is but One Creative Intelligence, that has permeated all of our lives in 2013.

I Am one with this Great Spirit, and know that We all are made of this same Star Stuff.

I Declare that we shall see Great Declarations of this Creative Spirit in Our Lives and at Our Center, and I look forward knowing that we are all taking part in this creative action in 2014.

I Thank those Creative Spirits from around the world who have enjoyed these blog posts, and have resonated the message of Divine Truth to your circles of influence.

I Confidently release this Electronic Prayer into the Eternal Action of Law, Knowing That It Is So.

As together we say, AND SO IT IS! 

Want to Know How Evolved You Are? Visit Family - Part 1

I once heard that saying because I laughed out loud.

Nothing can make me crazier than my extended family, to be honest.

That's why I left my small home town in Pennsylvania at the age of 18 and never looked back.

Always filled with drama, I ever felt comfortable being a part of it.

I wanted to get out of our small town and explore the world and ended up settling down over 3,000 miles away in California...

...about as far as I could get from my family outside of moving to a new country.

My mother did the same thing and moved to South Carolina...

...now she's moving to California, so we decided to make a road trip to Pennsylvania before heading back out to the West Coast.

A 12 hour drive with a 7 year old, a 5 year old, and your mother....already a good test for one's consciousness!

As I took my turn driving yesterday, I thought about my prayer before I left...

...I gave thanks for compassion, patience, and protection.

All qualities of God, so my prayer reminded me to receive them as my own as I AM all the qualities of God as well.

I also thought about how, after 7 hours into our trip, all of those qualities were in me.  

I didn't lose my patience with my boys, or my mother.   

I had compassion for my mom as she spoke about her fear of getting cancer, or her fear of losing all her retirement money in the stock market, or many other fear-based ideas she has lived with her whole life.

I tried to give some alternative view-points, but I could tell they went in one ear and out the other.

I wanted to yell and say, "Mom, why do you choose to think this way?"

But, I was always silently reminded of compassion and patience, so I would let it go always remembering that everyone has their own path.

We all have our journey to consciousness and to  a new way of thinking about our lives.

As I parked in the hotel parking lot, my heart fluttered at knowing that the next day, I would see the rest of my family.

I will continue to pray for patience and compassion because that is what I will most have to embody during my visit...

...but remarkably, I am excited to see my whole family.

I'm not sure much has changed, however, that would be a perception as I know how much everyone changes over the years.

I will also pray to let go of judgments that may arise or false perceptions and open my heart to love....

....I know, when we open ourselves to love, we shower others with it.  

No matter where I am in my own growth as a person, I am doing the best I can at where I am in my heart...I know this for everyone and if I simply put my mind on love, I give it to everyone no matter where they are in their own journey.

So, as I write this post, in a few hours, I will be surrounded by my extended family.

This post has helped me know what to pray and meditate on in preparation as it has also shared the true principle of how we approach life...both the good and the challenges...

...by knowing that we each embody the qualities of God, we can take on anything....even our perceived "crazy" families...

....I'll give you an update next week and let you know how I faired :)

My $10,000 Miracle

The sinking feeling of the last two weeks set in.

I had lost my wedding bands with one mistake...the mistake not being in the present moment and trying to multi-task.

...as I sat driving in my car, I was mad at myself for the wild goose chase I'd just put myself through looking for my lost wedding bands...

After 2 1/2 weeks, I had made one final affirmative prayer asking for a miracle.  During my meditation following the prayer, I heard, almost audibly, "Go to San Clemente."

How could I be so dumb, I thought, the scene of where I lost the rings in the cosmetic bag that had NO identification in it whatsoever...gone for good (or so I thought) in the middle of Del Mar street! Am I really going to go all the way down there and look for them?

Being the intuitive girl I am, I decided to follow my intuitive message and went.

As I drove down the  busiest street in San Clemente, packed with the summertime lunch crowd, I looked for a parking spot. 

Hmph! I thought....I truly have lost my mind thinking I'm going to get ANY kind of parking near Del Mar.

But wait! What was that? 

Holy, crap (although, I did use another, more colorful word), that's the VERY spot I parked in when I lost my cosmetic bag out the door 2 1/2 weeks ago! I pulled in...

...O.K. Universe...I'm listening!

I went in to four businesses, the first being Nick's restaurant recounting my stories to the managers and employees and getting a big fat "I'm sorry, we don't have it" at each one.

I left my name and number with them, and chided myself for being irresponsible and a hopeless optimist for trying to find unidentified rings 2 1/2 weeks after losing them. I still hadn't told my husband fearing some ungodly reaction...which, I couldn't even fathom because he's not an "ungodly reaction" kind of guy.

As I got into my car and drove through Capo Beach,  I tried to re-affirm a more positive opinion of myself, and then, the phone call came...

...it was Liz, the manager from Nick's Restaurant.

"Vidette," she said, "I was looking at our company database at our corporate offices. We photograph and log in everything that is sent in, and I see a bag that looks like yours."

My heart dropped.  More out of fear that maybe it sounded like my bag, but would end up not being it.

She went on, "In the notes section, it says that it was brought in by someone who had found it outside of our restaurant almost three weeks ago.  I didn't remember logging it in because it was logged in by my assistant manager."

It HAD to be mine!  But what if whoever found it saw the rings, stole them, then handed in the bag?

I made arrangements to go pick up my bag the next day.

When I arrived, I was handed my bag.

I opened it up as I held my breath.

I moved the breath mints, the lip gloss and lipstick out of the way, and peered down to the bottom...

...and there they were.

My rings were safely snuggled down between all the other beauty items.

I welled up in tears, thanked the receptionist profusely, got to my car and said a prayer of gratitude.

Later that night, I reflected on the lessons learned:

1.  After telling my  husband the whole saga, he was surprised to learn that I was so afraid to tell him and toiled for almost three weeks over it.  He told me he would have been bummed, but then asked what I feared he would have done if I would have told him.

I don't know, was my answer.

I toiled for weeks over something that wasn't even reality.  I feared something that didn't even happen and also wasn't sure what I was fearing about telling him anyway.

2.  People are really good.

I immediately went to the "thief" that would find the bag and steal my rings.  Just like when I have lost my kids in Costco (three times now), I think about the child-molesting kidnapper that may find them and take them, rather than the good people that would find them, announce that they had been found and hand them back over to me. (which is what happened...everytime!)

Instead, I realized, once again, that there are more good people in the world then nasty people.

I figured out that my cosmetic bag had to go through about five sets of hands before it got back into mine....the person who found it, the hostess at Nicks, the manager who checked it in, the driver who drove the lost and found items to the corporate office, and the receptionist.

Five good people who either looked in the bag and left it's contents or didn't bother to look at all knowing it wasn't their bag.

3.  The biggest lesson for me was the power of affirmative prayer and the presence of miracles in my life...everyday.

I pray to the Universe, affirmatively, everyday.  I give thanks for already having the things in my life I am praying for.

I don't beg for them to come.

I simply give thanks for them being in my life.

I pray for small miracles like a rock star parking space or my favorite song to come on Pandora.

I receive those miracles almost daily, which over time, has truly built my faith.

But I also pray for big miracles everyday like world peace, the chance to make a difference in the world, the health of my kids, etc...and after this saga, I prayed to find my rings when there was NOTHING that looked as if there was a chance of getting them back!

I got my big miracle on this day.

If there was a sliver of my mind that wasn't completely filled with faith in prayer, it certainly was filled with the realization of this major miracle.

I used the value of my rings in the title of this post, not because I want to brag, but because I wanted you to click and read and money makes people click.

I wanted you to know the power of praying in gratitude for already receiving that which you desire.

I wanted you to know to expect miracles everyday...big ones and small ones.

If you are unsure of how to pray affirmatively or are unsure of whether or not you can expect miracles, start with small ones to build your faith.

Start with parking spaces, "I am so happy and grateful to have the perfect parking space open up right in front of this store" and KNOW it will happen.

The more it does, the more faith you will build in affirmative prayer and in small miracles.

It will build your faith in big miracles and when you pray with faith in the outcome already being so, truly, my friend, big miracles will happen everyday for you!

Happy B-I-G miracle-making!

*** I want to hear YOUR miracle stories!  Share them in the comments below and help me spread the faith in expecting miracles.***

Are You Living in Freedom or the Prison of Your Mind?

As I sat last night watching fireworks from a balmy Southern California beach, Katy Perry's song, "Firework" was running through my head (lyrics below courtesy of: AZLyrics.com

What ran through  my head as we celebrated our freedom as a country is that, although we do have freedom to live the way we would like, most Americans do not live in freedom.

They are tied to jobs they dislike, they suffer from depression, anxiety, stress, they are unhealthy, overweight, in financial ruin; they truly live in a prison in their own minds.

As hard as this might be to hear, especially if you suffer from one of the challenges above, it is very easy to use blame or excuses to push away the fact that everything in our lives is created by us.

The freedom comes when we recognize that we have the freedom to change each circumstance with our thoughts and with affirmative prayer.

It's as simple as holding a vision for that very area of your life you'd like to change.  Feel what it would be like to let it go and accept something grander and more fulfilling.  Pray affirmatively expressing gratitude for already having it and watch it unfold in your life.

We have the freedom to re-create our lives, or any part of it, at any time.  

So, as I sat last night, I found one area of my life I have to change.  Today I prayed on it and then wrote this blog post knowing that in some way, that part of my life will start to change...today.  Today, let's celebrate our freedom.

Our freedom within to choose.  Our free will that allows us to express our greatest gifts.  Our freedom to "show 'em what you're worth!"

Katy Perry's "Firework" Lyrics:

Do you ever feel like a plastic bag
Drifting through the wind, wanting to start again?
Do you ever feel, feel so paper thin
Like a house of cards, one blow from caving in?

Do you ever feel already buried deep six feet under?
Scream but no one seems to hear a thing
Do you know that there's still a chance for you
'Cause there's a spark in you?

You just gotta ignite the light and let it shine
Just own the night like the 4th of July

'Cause, baby, you're a firework
Come on, show 'em what you're worth
Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh"
As you shoot across the sky-y-y

Baby, you're a firework
Come on, let your colours burst
Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh"
You're gonna leave 'em all in awe, awe, awe

You don't have to feel like a wasted space
You're original, cannot be replaced
If you only knew what the future holds
After a hurricane comes a rainbow

Maybe you reason why all the doors are closed
So you could open one that leads you to the perfect road
Like a lightning bolt, your heart will glow
And when it's time you'll know

You just gotta ignite the light and let it shine
Just own the night like the 4th of July

'Cause, baby, you're a firework
Come on, show 'em what you're worth
Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh"
As you shoot across the sky-y-y

Baby, you're a firework
Come on, let your colours burst
Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh"
You're gonna leave 'em all in awe, awe, awe

Boom, boom, boom
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon
It's always been inside of you, you, you
And now it's time to let it through-ough-ough

'Cause, baby, you're a firework
Come on, show 'em what you're worth
Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh"
As you shoot across the sky-y-y

Baby, you're a firework
Come on, let your colours burst
Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh"
You're gonna leave 'em all in awe, awe, awe

Boom, boom, boom
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon
Boom, boom, boom
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon

Instantly Answered Prayers are Possible!

Raise your hand if you believe in instantly answered prayers. Is your hand in the air? Mine is! To be honest, I didn't exactly believe it in my heart-of-hearts until this week. Let me clarify. I have enjoyed answered prayers often, but up until this week, I had not experienced an instant, right-in-the-moment-the prayer-is-spoken manifestation.

I pray daily, usually multiple times a day; little prayers and big prayers, but, occasionally, I'm so wrapped up in my doubts or justifications or negative beliefs, that I can't truly embody the truth for myself and I need to see a practitioner. A practitioner is someone so clear in his or her communion with Spirit that he or she can know the truth for you even when you can't know it for yourself.

So, back to my instant manifestation.

This past Sunday I walked into the Center with some anxiety about a photography session scheduled that day. I told the practitioner about the anxiety and the whole story as to why I was feeling anxious. I also told her that I knew I wanted to be confident, calm and peaceful during my photo shoot. Smiling, she said, "Ok."  I expected her to say more but she just listened and each time I said what I wanted she just said, "Ok." When I was done, we closed our eyes and my practitioner prayed out loud.

As she spoke, the feeling in my body changed. Instantly, I felt more grounded and centered. I didn't just think "confident" any more, I embodied confidence. My breathing became deep and smooth. When she was done, I knew it was done. My request instantly set in motion.

I felt wonderful all day. When I got to my photo session, the beach was crowded and parking was full, but I stayed calm and confident. Anytime a challenge came up, I responded easily with wisdom. When I got home, I uploaded my photos and was overwhelmed by the abundance of beautiful, well-focused, nicely composed, perfectly lit photos.

My request demonstrated and my life changed forever!

One thing I love about this teaching is that Ernest Holmes basically said (and I'm paraphrasing here) try it, test it, see it for yourself. We can study all about principle and prayer, but the real way to know it's power is to experience it for yourself.

Do you want to instantly release whatever is holding you back? Do you want to live your dream now? Come visit us at the Center and see a practitioner! Or visit our website (www.cslcv.org) for a list of practitioners and email one today!

The "Secret" to Affirmative Prayer

Last week in our "Essential Ernest" class, Dr. Heather shared a magical secret to make our affirmative prayers more effective when we may be challenged with feeling the emotion of having the very desire we are praying for in our lives.

Feeling what it is like to already have that (insert prayer request) in your life is extremely critical in saying an effective prayer.

The subconscious mind doesn't know a prayer from reality, but if you're happy about it, it goes into action to create more happiness, thus attracting that very thing into your life.

So, what's the secret?

If you finding yourself having difficulty connecting with the feeling of that prayer manifesting in your life, pray for something that you already have in your reality AND that you are so grateful to have!

When you do this, you already know you have it...your ego even knows it, so it cannot step in to whisper "sweet nothings...," and I do mean sweet NOTHINGS in your ear about how you don't have what you're praying for.

When you know you have something, you feel it.  You feel it to the core of your existence.

Take that feeling, then, into the prayer where you affirm what it is you want to see in your reality next!

When you're already in the feeling of it, you simply continue it and become a manifesting machine...because remember, that thing you wish to bring about, is already yours.

It's simply awaiting you to receive it with open arms and gratitude.

Want to learn more "golden nuggets" of manifesting everything you want in life?

Join us for "Prosperity Plus" June 24th...learn how to attract prosperity and abundance in all aspects of your life with this 10 week class!  Call our Center at 949-240-6463 for all the details and to get registered. See you there!

Grateful For Mothers

Yesterday was Mothers Day. Having a preteen and teen daughters, I really didn't expect much. I know that sounds terrible but if you live with teens you know exactly what I mean.

I'm happy to report I was wrong. It wasn't that my family had all this extravagant fanfare planned. On the contrary. They packed a lunch and took me to the beach. I got to spend the whole day at the beach and my girls weren't even embarrassed to be seen with me! It's amazing how I've come full circle with all these expectations from Mothers Day past. Now I totally appreciate just quality time with them. It's like finding gold it's so rare. Yes we spend time together because we live together but on Mothers Day they consciously wanted to be with me and make me happy. AHHH, I'm still basking in the joy of it all.

I also recognize that mothers aren't always biological. Many years ago when my mother exited my life I spent a few years asking the Universe for a mother. I wanted one whom would love me unconditionally, be my best friend and shopping companion, just basically be there for me. Did such a mother exist? It seems most of my friends had that. Mind you, this was before I studied Science Of Mind. On some level I guess I didn't deserve it. But that didn't stop me from asking.

Then one day I had one of those Light Bulb moments. That beautiful mother I was longing for had been right under my nose the whole time! She is my aunt Tanya. We've always been close but some magnetic force drew us together on a deeper level. My new realization hit me like a ton of bricks. She  is everything a mom should be plus more.

I want to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to God for proving that we are all worthy and entitled to all the Abundant Gifts the Universe has to offer. I found my mom, and she couldn't be a better grandmother and my uncle too. For my beautiful girls God has entrusted me to raise. And of course my wonderful husband who is always there for me.

I live a rich and beautiful life and I am one lucky Mother!!

The Teeter Totter of Life

This month's theme of Balance at our center came at a perfect time in our families' life.
We are in the process of moving and looking for a new place to live, staying in the same town.

Our two girls are old enough to have a say, or an opinion at least. Which makes things even more difficult. One night after dinner we practiced Science of Mind by putting in our "order" to the Universe. On a piece of paper we wrote down specifically what we wanted our new house to look like and how it would fulfill our needs. We left one thing out. Location.

That's when you-know-what hit the fan. My husband and I figured we would make our search wide and look all over town. House hunting can be so depressing. Sometimes I really don't want to know how my fellow man or woman lives. As our search continued I noticed that old familiar voice inside my head trying to convince me that this ordering from the Universe is pie in the sky. I had to do a quick check in with my dear friends Reverend Pattie and Juli.

Back on track. Except that the 15-year-old wants an old funky beach cottage so she can walk to the beach and surf everyday. No matter that the 1960's kitchen oven was the size of my kids' Easy Bake Oven when they were little.

The 12-year-old wants to be in Rancho SC so she can be close to her friends and school.

It got to a point where one or the other kid wouldn't look at a house based on its location.

My husband is easy and tends to lean to wherever everybody is happy.

So here I am not even thinking of my needs and trying so hard to do the impossible by trying to please everyone else.

I did Affirmative Prayer everyday. And kept the faith. But I still felt very unbalanced. My teeter totter of emotions wouldn't stop. The message Dr Heather gave today reminded me to Bend At My Knees and once I'm physically balanced then I may attain Spiritual Balance.

I'm happy to report that we did find our perfect family home. It may not be in the location that one of the girls wanted but ultimately everyone is happy. You know what? The location and everything about the house suits mine and my husbands needs perfectly so at the end of the day I also learned to Balance and Center myself and remember that my needs are important too. Because you know how the old saying goes, "If mom is happy then everyone is happy!"

How is the Balance in your life? Are you remembering to Bend at the Knees?