Summer of Winter

" During Winter it is Summer underneath the surface of the earth. And it is this Summer under the surface of the earth in the Winter time that makes the roots of the plants to thrive."   Alicia Hamberg

In our journal we are asked to consider what happens in winter. Are you taking time to deepen your roots, your connection to Source? These are the roots that help you grow.

How will you create fallow time in which your roots grow stronger?

Both my nephews in Saskatchewan are farmers. They are very aware of what is needed to ensure a healthy harvest.Occasionally they will plant winter wheat, a variety of wheat planted in the fall, allowed to germinate and grow young plants. the plants stay in that vegetative state until spring, when they continue growing to maturity. 

I think it must have taken a great deal of faith to believe that those tender plants would survive the long, cold Saskatchewan winter.

Do we have faith enough in our beingness that we know that even in the hardest, coldest  and barren of times that something within us is strengthening us?

What would it take to build that consciousness?

I believe it takes persistence and practice. It takes the willingness to get up, dust yourself off and start all over again.It requires a personal connection with the Divine by which any name you call It/Him/Her.

You are ready to grow spiritually and you will remember God is all you need in every situation.

My sister Kathy and her son, Jeff Hoiness

Time To Connect Sunday Service

This holiday I choose my own traditions. I fill my soul with whom I spend my time, how I celebrate, and how expansive I feel.

Time To Connect!

Be Grateful In All things

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because it reminds me to practice gratitude. For many people Thanksgiving is a special time with family and friends, sharing favorite foods and enjoying each other's company. I know that for many people football is part of the tradition. I For some families it is an afternoon of playing cards and relaxing with friends.

I know that each of us has our own memories of Thanksgivings Past. So I know also that some people have painful memories of Thanksgiving.

I was talking to a friend recently who told me that her worst Thanksgiving ever was one year when she was in France. There weren't even any turkeys anywhere!

For others the worst Thanksgiving could have been one filled with arguments. disagreements and anger.Not everyone's family is functional.

Nevertheless, what a great opportunity to remember all the things to be grateful for...all of your talents and abilities... your friends and family...your knowledge...the Presence of the Divine...freedom to choose and the Law of Mind.

Gratitude multiplies your good. Lavish praise on the Universe and the Universe will respond by bringing more good to you.

May this be your best Thanksgiving yet!

One of the best videos on gratitude I have ever experienced is Louis Schwartzberg's video on gratitude. Please enjoy.

Centers For Spiritual Living Ordination

Our Vision: “Global Heart” 

1. We envision the emergence of the Global Heart to balance and guide the further evolution of humanity. 

2. We see a world free of homelessness, violence, war, hunger, separation and disenfranchisement. 

3. We see a world in which there is generous & continuous sharing of heart and resources. We envision a world in which forgiveness, whether for errors, injustices, or debts, is the norm. 

4. We see a world in which borders are irrelevant. 

5. We see a world which has renewed its emphasis on beauty, nature and love through a resurgence of creativity, art, and aesthetics. 

6. We see a world in which fellowship prospers and connects through the guidance of spiritual wisdom and experience. 

7. We envision a world in which we live and grow as One Human Family. We envision "UCSL" as a bridge across the illness and illusion of separation thereby dynamically empowering the vision of Global Heart. 

8. We envision "United Center for Spiritual Living" as united and actuated by this compelling vision of a healthy world (a world experiencing Global Heart) & is ardently committed to bringing this vision forth through its ministries & its transformative teaching. 

9. We see "UCSL" as a global community of people pervasively caring for and about each other and the entire human family, thereby bringing the gift of active compassion to the world. Our local churches and communities become "points of inspiration and influence" effectively advancing the vision of Global Heart.

The Centers For Spiritual Living Ministerial Code