Hello Fellow Truth Students,

“The Forgiveness List”

As I continue our Lenten fast from gossip, criticism, and complaining I am noticing that despite my many efforts of clearing my mind of grievances I still have plenty of them.

It occurred to me that if I want True perception about people and life’s conditions I need to do something about my misperceptions. Facing them head on seems to be a good start. I have begun writing down all of the people, places and events where I find fault. It is embarrassing to me how many items I have listed. I say “items” because it doesn’t matter if they are people, places, or events. Once I form an opinion about them, they all become objects to me. As I form an opinion about myself, I objectify myself.

The forgiveness list let’s me face my illusions. Yes, one could say, “That really did happen.” But it is my judgment about it that has lead to my grievances. It is my judgments that let me play the scenario out in my head and in my heart over and over again. And just like an old record the scene gets scratchy over time. As I play the scene over in my mind it gets farther and farther away from what happened originally.

Write your forgiveness list with the intention of being for (pro) giving the list away. Give it away to the voice for God so that you may have only True perceptions of everything that has taken place in your life.

A key element in your writing is to be kind to yourself as you see the good you have resisted experiencing in your life as a result of being right. Simply make the list and declare your willingness to allow Holy Spirit to inform you of the Truth in all of these judgments. Let your “objects” become experiences that have led you to desiring God more than you desire to be resentful or disappointed. Become glad for these experiences. Admit you don’t really know what they are for and be grateful that they are serving the purpose of desiring the Knowing of God in your thoughts and in your life. Yea!

In Abundant Gratitude and Gladness,
Shawn

Hello Fellow Truth Students,

“A World of Support”

Lately I have been noticing that the universe supports us in ways that we hadn’t thought of. I have discovered via several friends of mine how the world is able to let us know that we are loved when we forgot that we are loved. I have witnessed how money comes through unexpected resources. I have gotten to be a channel of unexpected giving and I have been a receiver (many times) of unexpected giving.

I have also seen, by way of my own experiences, and through the experiences of others how sometimes it takes going to the bottom of the barrel in order to float back to the top. Sometimes I have to go so far into what I don’t like in order to decide “Enough! I’ve had enough of living like this!” That is when we begin to seek a higher understanding of life. Our perception of life changes when we begin to desire a certain quality of life that is assured of peace and security, as well as understanding and freedom. For me, that is when I choose to know life through the eyes of God. I become willing to listen to the Voice for God. It is that voice within me that keeps reminding me that I am Good even when I don’t feel good. It is the Voice within me that reminds me that it is safe to be in integrity even though I feel discomfort at the thought of it. It is the Voice within me that reminds me that it is an abundant world even though I can’t see how I am going to live on the little to no money that I see in front of me. It is the Voice within me that reminds me that I am not alone even though I feel lonely. It is the Voice within me that lets me know when and where to reach out to be reminded that I am Good. It is the Voice within me that tells me when another is reaching out to be reminded.

Just a few days ago I was told a story about someone who seemed to be in authority who spoke harshly to two individuals. My first thought was the question, “Why didn’t the two individuals tell the person to speak to them differently?” I realized that so many of us have conditioned our minds to think that the world is one big authority figure and we are their timid victims. It doesn’t occur to us that the “bullies” of the world are calling out for love so rather that speak out as adults we run away all the while blaming the bully for our fear. Most of us are adults and way too old to be spoken to as if we are subordinate creatures. I am convinced that the ones speaking harshly do not want to hurt us. The “bullies” have simply gone unconscious and need us, we, the adults to remind them that there is another way to communicate. We don’t have to react indignantly. (remember, no one can actually hurt a child of God) We can simply remind them that there is another way to get their point across. If you are the bully, I’m here to remind you now that you are in the midst of love and there is another more effective way to get your point across.

Last week I invited everyone to join me our metaphysical Lent. Where we are fasting from gossip, criticism, and complaining. Reminding ourselves that you live in a world of support and abundance is a fantastic way to practice.

Happy Today Everybody,

Shawn

Hello Fellow Truth Students,

“I ‘Lent’ It to God”

Today we begin what is known in some sects of Christianity as Lent. I didn’t know much about Lent when I was a child. I just knew that some people who went to other churches had to give up stuff that they liked because of their religion.

In Unity I discovered that Lent is an opportunity to “set aside” or “fast” from behaviors that mask my true identity as the beloved child of God. Behaviors such as: gossip, criticism, and complaining. It must be true that I will fare much better by finding something to praise about my life, rather than finding and speaking about what is wrong with it. That is not to say I can’t reach out and ask for what I want or what I think I need. But I must find a way to praise something in my life.

For the next six weeks we (all of those who wish to participate) are embarking on a fast from gossip, criticism, and complaining. We are going “into the wilderness” just as our friend and brother Jesus the Christ did so many years ago. We are going to practice this abstinence for a couple of reasons. One is so we can know the difference in our thoughts between living critically and living prayerfully and willingly. The other reason is to experience living prayerfully and with our willingness directed toward God rather than towards our illusions. (All that is not real,…or that which we find fault with. It’s the same thing.)

Begin right now using phrases like, “Thank you, God.” even when you don’t know why you are saying it. Say things like, “Love, Love, Love, Love….Love” in order to interrupt your other thoughts. Then observe what is taking place within and around you. Observe that your experience of life is different as a result of your willingness to respond differently than before. Be aware of your thoughts during this time.

Let’s do this together and let’s all pay attention to the changes in our consciousness.

Many Blessings,
Shawn

Hello Fellow Truth Students,

“Let It Show, Let It Show, Let It Show”

“Let it show!” That is not a misprint, although it is inspired by our recent weather.

When I say to “let it show” I mean to let your light show. Let who you really are show. We have been instructed that we ought not hide our light under a bushel, but to let the light of God shine forth. Matthew 5 14-16 reads: [14] “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. [15] Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. [16] Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Lesson 42 from A Course in Miracles reads, “God is my strength. Vision is his gift.” The light you and I are shining is who we actually are. We are shining our strength. The acceptance of this reality is our correct vision.

For many years it seemed as if no one ever noticed me when I walked down the street. I’ve come to understand that I wasn’t seen by others because I wasn’t willing to see myself. When I began to look in the mirror and see light I began to notice that others were looking at me wherever I went. I’m not so vain as to think I had become more physically attractive to the world. Suddenly, I realized that it was my light that made me noticeable. It was my light that made people want to be around me. It was also my light that made certain others shy away from me. When I’m willing to let my light shine to myself I begin to see the light in everybody else. Seeing someone’s light can make you irresistible to them.

If you want to see how attractive you are, start by letting your light show to you and then to the world. Affirm now, “I am a radiant light of God and I am willing to see the light by way of God’s vision in me!” Let it show, let it show, let it show.

Excuse me, but your light is showing,

Shawn

Hello Fellow Truth Students,

“Go God, Go”

Did you know that prayer is always answered instantly? God is really fast. If this is the case, then why are so many are so unhappy?

It is my experience that my unhappiness is my resistance to my prayers being answered. We often ask for things that we don’t understand. We think we’re asking for one thing when actually we’re asking for another. When that happens, the results of our prayers are really confusing. For example, we think we’re asking for abundance while all the while we are holding the vision of lack. Just last night I was out with a friend of mine. She blessed our meal and gave thanks for being with this friend who she “doesn’t see nearly often enough.” She was referring to me, and what she didn’t realize that she was affirming that she doesn’t see me often enough.

It’s not that we are punished for praying wrongly. God doesn’t punish. We merely experience the results of our confusion. If we want different results we must become unconfused. If you want to experience something ask Holy Spirit how to ask for it. Then rely on Holy Spirit for the wisdom of how to see it come about rather than insisting that it come about in a specific way.

If you want to experience security, do not pray for money. Become willing to experience security and let Spirit create the form necessary for you to experience security.

When you pray, pray knowing that Spirit is active and listening to your every thought and word. Know that Spirit is eager to reveal to you what you are asking for. Therefore, ask for what you want and not what you don’t want. Money does not give us security. Relationships do not give us love. Things don’t give us freedom or well-being. All that we desire lies in God. All that we desire is God. Let God take Its necessary form that you may live every aspect of your life assured that all is in divine order.

Go God, Go! Go You, Go!

With Abundant Blessings,
Shawn

Hello Fellow Truth Students,

“What to Do When You Don’t Know What to Do”

What do you do when you don’t know what do? Prayer and surrender doesn’t seem like an option and yet it is often the sanest and most reliable action to be taken. So now you know what to do.

When the depression began in 1929 Unity Village in Missouri was under construction. Many were concerned as to how their needs were going to be met. One individual said, “We need to pray that our money holds out.” Myrtle Fillmore, (Unity’s cofounder) corrected her, “No, we must pray that our faith holds out.”

It is the same for any and all situations where we are experiencing doubt or perceiving the absence of good. We must affirm that our faith in God endures. It is the very act of prayer that convinces us of the Presence of God active in our lives.

Look at where your faith is currently directed. If it’s not in the correct direction, redirect it. Give thanks that what you want to experience is possible. And then keep asking for correct perception.

Above all else, when you don’t know what to do, ask your highest consciousness for correct perception. Spirit within you will always answer. If you don’t hear the answer, you must still assume that you have been answered, and then go on about your business. Your business is to remember that you and God are one.

In Blessed Oneness,
Shawn

Hello Fellow Truth Students,

“I Choose God”

A few weeks ago I wrote about “making the sane choice”. In that letter I mentioned “choosing for God.” I want to elaborate more fully. If God is all there is, how could I not choose for God?

Choosing for God means choosing for Peace. It means choosing for Love. It means choosing for Truth. It means consciously being aware of my thoughts and giving them to God for correct perception. It means choosing what I know is for my highest good in the long run rather than choosing for instant gratification in order to find some comfort right this moment.

We have often chosen for temporary satisfaction rather than choosing for peace. I myself have chosen an abundance of cookies over knowing that God is within me and prospering me eternally as well as internally. I have chosen the thought that sometimes this man does live by cookies alone. That choice is not choosing peace, or love, or Truth. That is choosing to delay my True nature springing forth into my conscious mind.

In the New Year we often seek to make resolutions in order to live more peacefully. Often those resolutions fall flat and are quickly forgotten. Perhaps that is because we seek to change our outside world from the outside. Perhaps we have forgotten that we have all that we need already within us. Resolve to KNOW God and to choose God with every waking thought. Therefore choose to awaken.

WAKE UP!!!!
Shawn

Hello Fellow Truth Students,

“See What Happens”

The effects of our holding our prosperity consciousness higher are already flooding through our open doors. We have accepted a great opportunity to observe and experience the powerful effects of group consciousness.

I have asked everyone here to hold in their consciousness that Unity Center could prosper financially through expected unexpected resources. As a result an anonymous giver has offered our community $50,000.00 towards a matching funds campaign. Last week I said that we are holding the goal of March 31st for our vision.

There are many ways to reach our goal. Here’s a suggestion or two of how I think it can be reached. Our emailing list goes out to almost 400 individuals. If each individual were responsible for raising their conscious to know that $400.00 extra dollars is coming into Unity then we can raise $160,000.00. That is obviously far more than the matching campaign goal. It is, nonetheless, a realistic goal. Someone coming forth with an offer for $50,000.00 after my announcing our needs lets us know that it is possible to triple that opportunity in just three months. I prefer to think big.

Who is the church? The church is you and I the people. We use the money we take in for the benefit of all who attend here or are fed by way of our emailed message. When we give to Unity Center we are giving to ourselves. We are giving to create more of what we love. I hold myself to the same standard. I myself tithe ten percent of all I receive here back to the Center. I am fed here as much as everybody else.

Another way to raise the funds is to tell people the story of what we are doing and allow them to think of matching the gifts that are given, as well as being aware of companies and organizations that offer matching funds programs. This ought to be a fun adventure for all of us. I always said that I didn’t want to do fund raising as if there are a lack of funds, but I do want to do “Consciousness Raising” because there is never an absence of consciousness; there is just sometimes a misdirection of it.

I am asking everyone who is willing, to join me in an experience of the Truth. Money, like everything else in the universe, comes from consciousness, not the other way around. And let us experience, together, that whatever we hold in consciousness must effortlessly and easily be reflected in the material world. So let us each hold in consciousness all this is possible, then we will simply KNOW what to do.

I am suggesting a spiritual experience of holding it in your consciousness that this is possible for you, for me and for our Church. Let’s just do it and see what happens when we place God’s vision first.

In Joyous Consciousness,

Shawn

Hello Fellow Truth Students,

“It’s Better Not to Know”

Think on the statements, “I don’t know what anything is for.” “What I think about anything and everything doesn’t mean anything.” When I’m feeling attached to my personality those statements have a certain sting to them. It’s as if there is something to lose. Those statements are an attack to my colorful personality.

However, when I am in my Christ or Super-conscious mind those statements are my awareness that I am actually free from attachment to any and all that is not real and God is running the show.

When I am willing to be aware of the difference between what is not real and what is God I have a much easier day. I’m no longer busy using my mind to convince myself that people and situations (and of course myself) are something that they are not.

Think about it. Aren’t we spending a lot of time convincing ourselves that things are terrible, or bad, or wrong? Then we put on our “spiritual face” and try to convince ourselves that the things we think are terrible are actually in divine order, even though we still think they are terrible?

We no longer have to convince ourselves of anything. We can just decide that we don’t know or understand anything of this earth. Then we ask Holy Spirit for correct perception. We allow ourselves to become willing to see with God’s eyes. That is where Jesus’ teaching about all of his power coming through him by way of “the Father”.

Let’s begin our week…and our year with the freedom of not knowing. We might not have as much to talk about at first, but perhaps we could do with a bit of silence.

Congratulations On Not Knowing What Anything Is For,
Shawn

Hello Fellow Truth Students,

“Is This the Sane Choice?”

I was chatting with a friend of mine the other day about our choices. It seems to me that we make so many of our choices UNconsciously. We speak UNconsciously. We eat UNconsciously. We go in and out of relationships UNconsciously. We react UNconsciously. We even deal with our faith UNconsciously.

This is an insane way to live. What’s more, it is an unnecessary way to live. We no longer need to live unconsciously. The result of unconsciousness is the unawareness of how God is active in our lives. It is safe to become fully conscious. As a matter of fact it is the only path to true abundance. In Twelve Step healing becoming conscious of our past is the path to freedom.

When I say “becoming conscious” what I mean is becoming aware that the choices I have made in my life, while insane, are the results of someone who has been unconscious. All of those choices are completely forgivable. They aren’t even judged by God, just by me and my ego.

The sane choice is the choice that sets me free. The sane choice is the one where I don’t have a secret. When I work with children I tell them that when they lie or steal they are stuck with a secret, and a secret is a burden.

So when I lie or steal I’m not making a sane choice. When I try to manipulate Truth in order to maintain my illusions (or my Unconsciousness) I’m not making a sane choice. Just this morning I walked into our garage and I saw three twenty dollar bills on the floor. I knew that David must have dropped them last night when he got home, but my first thought was, “Ooh, I found $60.00!” The old “finders keepers” method of stealing. My next thought was, “This is David’s money, and while he may not even miss it, do I want the burden of a secret (that I will eventually forget about)?” That was my first sane choice. My next sane choice was to think about God and the Infinite Abundance in God.

Thinking about God is always the sane choice. When I think about God as my Source and Supply there are no insane choices to be made. By thinking about God I have already made the sane choice.

As we move into our New Year let us remember God as our Source and Supply. God is the Divine Substance of all of our thoughts. Today I choose God’s way which is the way of Love. Yea!

Happy New Year and Abundant Love,

Shawn