God's Highest Idea of Itself as Me

Have you ever been off-course? Adrift in the stuff of the world? feeling disconnected? separate and lonely? One of the most certain ways to get back on course is to listen to the voice of God within. We call the process Visioning. It is a process that came out of the Agape International Center in Los Angeles. I am very grateful for Rev. Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith, the founder of Agape and the originator of this process.

Visioning basically takes the manifestation process out of the hands of the ego and puts it in the hands of Spirit. Not that manifesting through visualization, intention-setting and imagination is wrong. It is a powerful tool.

Depending where we are on our spiritual path of awakening, we will be drawn to different techniques and tools. Basically there are four kingdoms of consciousness or stages of spiritual development. In the first kingdom, life happens to me. It is not my fault; things happen and seem to be completely beyond my control. Life is happening to me. If this is the level of consciousness you find yourself in, then manifesting through using basic spiritual techniques is very good. It actually takes  a person out of victim-hood and into the second kingdom.

In the second kingdom, life happens by me. No longer a victim, we start taking responsibility for our thinking, our choices, our decisions and we start to create what we do want. Still in this level of consciousness there is a great deal of effort, constant vigilance to see what we have been thinking about. There is a point in which we let go of control.

This is the third level of consciousness where life happens through me. I have learned to establish dominion over my life. I now realize that there is more to life than stuff. I surrender to the Spirit and let It use me. Visioning is natural at this level of consciousness.

The fourth level of consciousness is life happens as me. It is then when we realize complete identification with God. "I and my Father are one."

It is such a powerful practice and we are going to practice together on Sundays beginning June 4.
God is. I am. And So It Is!

Visioning: What is Waiting to Express?

A quote from Dr. Michael Beckwith ~

"As far as a very basic description, you first center yourself through meditation or contemplative prayer in which you commune with the Ineffable, activating a field of unconditional love. Once your consciousness is open and receptive, you place questions before your higher Self: What is the highest vision for my life? What must I become in order to manifest this vision?  What qualities must I cultivate?  What qualities must I release?  What talents, gifts, skills and qualities do I already possess that will serve this vision?  Then follows a deep listening with an open heart, pushing away nothing that arises or judging it. This practice can be effectively applied in all aspects of one’s life. "Life Visioning Technology - Michael Beckwith

After reading Dr. Beckwith's definition of visioning and watching his two minute video,  I think you will agree with me that this is a very powerful spiritual practice.

On Wednesday, February 19, at 7 p.m.  September Warren,  who was trained in the visioning process by Dr. Michael Beckwith, we be leading us in a visioning for our Wednesday's Wisdom service at the Center.  I invite everyone to attend this creative and inspirational evening. 

There are so many wonderful spiritual practices that we already are familiar with and participate in on a daily basis (i.e.  prayer, meditation, silence, chanting, listening, and many more!)  So! I am very excited to experience this relatively new avenue to a higher consciousness.

Dr. Beckwith also says, "The cool part of it all is that none of us never know how far what’s birthed by the inspiration of the heart can reach out and impact the world in a positive, uplifting way, which is why I encourage people to go beyond self-consciousness and have the courage to deliver their gifts, talents, and skills in the world."

So let's create something wonderful and new together!

Sweet Blessings,

Reverend Judee Chapman

Happy New You!: Revelations vs. Resolutions

A beautiful view for a New You!

Today is the day where many of us around the world are feeling the effects of starting anew.  It is a new year and we have a sense that something is going to change in us, things are going to be different. We will start to be resolute in an idea that has been simmering within us for some time. Our determination is palpable, we know things will be different.

Many of us use our intellect to make resolutions for this new year. We really are going to change something this year!  The question is to be asked: How will life change for us if we are still the same? This is a question that should be asked prior to having the determination for change. What if we take a new direction in this idea of New Year's resolutions? What if we decide on having New Year's revelations? A revelation has so much more of an excitement attached to it, than a tone of  "have to" when deciding on resolutions. If we are doing the same things as we always have done (New Year's Resolutions), and expect a change in our out-picturing of life, this is a time to become still.

Becoming still, as if in meditating, is entering into the Consciousness of Allness, of the Oneness of All life. For in this space their is a Knowingness that passes human understanding. It is a space, that when entering into, brings a peace that is so much deeper than just calming oneness with mental techniques. Finding a quiet place, sitting undisturbed from distractions, and imagine a connection with all of life, every single part of it. While imagining this, get to the feeling of it. Immersing yourself in what it would really feel like to be completely connected with each an every living being. This is the space where a True vision is held. This is the space where revelations come. This is the space to start anew. Ask yourself:

What is the True vision for my life? 

Where is my life best served? 

Finding answers to question of depth may be revealed in due time. Through this process we call visioning, answers may come by way of directly verbal, shapes may be noticed, and/or colors. Look for the answers to your questions in everyday life. If a color is revealed in visioning, make a point to notice it in everyday life. It is all about changing focus. Have fun with it, reveal your true self, start anew. 

Happy New You!!!