Sending Joy

“The only thing that is required for a healing is a lack of fear.” A Course In Miracles

 “I will surrender fear and let healing happen to me today.”

We are all connected by an invisible cord.  We can use that cord to hang ourselves and each other which we often do. Or we can use it to pull ourselves to safety. In our connectedness we gather strength so we can heal from our fears together.              

Strength in number is really strength in Oneness.

As we boost our brothers and sisters, so we also raise ourselves to a higher place. As we forgive another, so do we open ourselves to healing of the deepest kind.

Healing happens through forgiveness.
Healing happens through compassion. 
Healing happens through kindness.
Healing happens through trust. 
Healing happens in non judgment.
Healing happens in love.  
Healing happens in the silence of listening.

The golden rule has stood the test of time because it is true.
Now think of that rule as a golden cord that binds us in Love and in Trust. And we will see that we are healed.

“In my defenselessness my safety lies.” A Course In Miracles

“Let me use my power for good today.”

Our power is not in our clenched fists or in our upraised swords. It is not in our loud voices, angry eyes or bitter thoughts. It is not in building walls to protect ourselves from a crazy world.  It does not lie in our ability to overpower another’s will.  Nor is it in revenge or a desire to be right.

Our power is in our gentleness and our compassion. In our calm and quiet voices filled with love. In our confidence that we must forgive to be at peace.  It is in gentleness and compassion, in calm and quiet voices filled with love and in our peaceful thinking that we have joined our little power with the greatest Power there is.  God’s voice through our mouths, God’s thoughts through our minds, God’s love through our hearts is where our power lies. This is the POWER that heals the world and keeps us safe.

“Miracles are seen in light.  We are entitled to miracles.” 
A Course In Miracles

Miracles and the capacity for miracles are embedded within each one of us.  They can be seen in simple joys and in every day moments. They are in the faces of our loved ones, the smile of a stranger, children giggling over some small nothing.

Miracles are heard in the distant thunder and raindrops splashing on the window.  They are in the silence of new snow. They are in the aroma of our morning coffee or the rose in a crystal vase. They can be experienced in a well kept garden or one that needs some weeding. 

Sunshine, Cloudburst.  Miracle, Miracle. 
Butterfly, Earthworm.  Miracle,  Miracle.

Miracles are heard in laughter and felt in the mingling tears of sadness or of joy. Two hearts joining for a moment or a lifetime is a miracle from God.  An instant where two agree to put aside their differences and choose forgiveness instead of war. In this we recognize our oneness and finally understand we are not really separate but joined at the heart by God.  A miracle indeed.

A miracle’s potential lives in every moment even those we perceive as challenging and difficult.  A bowl of chicken soup for a sick friend, a hand out held to one in need, a donation of our time or money.  A prayer for someone struggling in some way.  Another’s prayer for us.

Miracles wash away dark thinking and purify our thoughts.  They are all the times we join with God and count our blessings.  In every moment lived in faith instead of fear.  Gratitude engenders miracles.  As do kindness, loving thoughts and prayers for hope and healing for the world.

And those who choose miracles instead of suffering have a special name.  They are called Miracle Workers.  This not a lofty purpose meant for a chosen few.  They are all who choose to answer the call that is made to everyone.  All who turn their face to God and say, “Use me Father.  I am yours.” 

And now we know our purpose.  We know why we are here.  Therein lies our peace, our safety and our ordinary humanity.  And yet our Truth and our exalted Holiness as well.

“Miracles are seen in light.”  We are that light.  It’s a miracle.

“My mind holds only what I think with God.” A Course In Miracles

The truth is we can have no real thoughts apart from our Creator and our Source.  God is only Love and God is all there is. Therefore, any thought that does not come from God’s Love cannot be true. We cannot change that changeless idea any more than we can turn the ocean to a single drop or stop a bird from singing or refuse to be Who God created us to be.  Nor do we want to.  For then we are trying to be something we are not and that is very unsettling and uncomfortable indeed.

Again, any word we utter that is not God’s will cannot truly be our own.  Any thought we think or act we perform that does not come from kindness we can know we are not ourselves right now. We will know this by our unhappiness and our feeling, sometimes full blown, sometimes a gentle nudge, that things are just not right.  It may simply feel uncomfortable or it might cause us outright guilt or misery. Not because God is punishing us, but because we are going against our own nature. It isn’t personal. It’s just unnatural. Like shoving a butterfly back into its cocoon or an eagle back into its egg.  It just won’t work.  They need to fly and so do we.

Only when we allow our thoughts to flow with God’s are we truly at peace.  Only then does pure joy fill us.  Only then can we know ourselves and our brothers and sisters in the truest sense.  Only then will we awaken to the truth, that our minds hold only what we think with God.  Any thoughts that are not of God are blocks to our path. They clip our wings and keep us from experiencing our true life.  The life of a Glorious Creation of God.

 Whenever a judgment arises or fear or anger or sadness lock our peace away from us, let us use these words and this idea with quiet breathing, to bring us back to center and return us to our natural state of love and joy.  “My mind holds only what I think with God.”

Now our path is sure; our way is clear and we can see only what is true. “My mind holds only what I think with God.” And nothing else.

“My mind is open for miracles today.”

Today is but another day, another opportunity to be mindful and aware. Experience each moment with a calm heart and a smile upon your face. Instead of peering through the eyes of darkness, worry and anxiety looking for trouble, lift your head, smile brightly and expect miracles. Any time, day or night, you can choose to go to the Vine of Truth and pick a miracle to bring back to your heart and when you do, you will find the peace and the happiness you crave.

“A miracle is anything that comes from love.” A Course In Miracles

“…for here we have the answer, clear and plain … in its simplicity.” A Course In Miracles

“I will live my life simply choosing God today.”

Life is quite simple.  And peace is not an impossible dream. 

When we are not at peace, it is because we have made a mistake in our thinking. It has nothing to do with anyone else.  It’s only about us.

The solution to everything is always forgiveness. Forgiveness in the true sense is not overlooking or condoning someone else’s wrongdoing. It is simply choosing God instead of this. It is deciding for peace instead of judgment.

In every aspect of our lives is the opportunity to forgive. In our relationships at home and at work, listening to the news, in the neighborhood, at the mall, on the freeway …

When anyone or anything disturbs us, we can practice forgiveness by choosing to see the person or the situation through God’s Loving eyes. Before reacting to anyone, simply ask God to “Help me see this person/situation through Your eyes.”  In doing this, we are allowing Love to be in charge and our whole perspective on the world changes from “they’re bad” to “this is God’s business, not mine.”  Now, we have allowed ourselves to be lifted above the fray where true healing can happen. 

So let’s keep it simple and surrender everyone and everything to God. Now we can walk lightly and smile easily for in letting go of our judgments, we can see clearly that all our problems have simply disappeared into the Light of God.

“You always choose between your weakness and your strength …” A Course In Miracles

“I will choose a better way today.”

Beyond the body’s eyes
There is a vision of truth
A center of balance and harmony
A place where empowerment is a simple choice

Choose a better day today
A healthier, happier way today
And see it magnify in time
Until your simple choice becomes a
Day a little better than its yesterday
And the next day
and the next day
and the next day
Better yet

“Kindness created me kind. Helpfulness created me helpful.”  A Course In Miracles

“I will ask, how can I help today?”

This is a time of great difficulty for many.  Before we face the day, let’s open our minds, close our eyes and allow our hearts to fill with love for all our brothers and sisters facing challenges. And then let’s do this for ourselves as well. Release control and breathe in the power of sweet surrender. We do this knowing that no matter how it looks in the world, God’s power is far greater than anything that is happening here. God can turn disasters into opportunities for healing. God can change our encounters from strangers into brothers and sisters and our thoughts of separation into Oneness.

Many ask, how can I help?  The answer is,  “In quiet surrender lies our greatest power to serve.”

As you allow Divine Guidance, you will find yourself doing, saying and serving exactly as you are meant to. Your inner Voice is now directing you. All you have to do is only what you’re told. And the amazing thing is as you learn to trust this Voice, you will find that what It is asking of you is exactly what you’re good at and what you do the best. Every opportunity to be helpful is brought to you. Your holy purpose lives right inside your heart.

“Who would attempt to fly with the tiny wings of a sparrow when the mighty power of an eagle has been given them?” A Course In Miracles

“I will allow myself to fly free today.”

It’s true, challenges and difficulties teach us, but they do not define us.  There will come a time when we no longer need or want them because we will finally understand that pain and suffering and sacrifice is not nearly as fascinating as joy and love and healing. 

Being at peace does not mean that life is bland and everyone is the same. Nor do we sit around for hours on end staring blissfully into space.  It means we are now open to some really amazing opportunities and experiences that will change the world and blow our mind.  

Being small in a dark and limited place inside our head is really not that interesting when we finally accept that we can soar with the Angels if we so choose.  

It is fear that is boring; a prison of our own making that keeps us trapped in a tiny, dark place and binds our wings.  Love gently frees us and allows us to fly to glorious heights and to experience heavenly delights. And in the end peace, which is the absence of fear, gives us everything we have ever wanted and more than we ever dreamed possible.  And as an added benefit we will find ourselves busier than we’ve ever been doing only what we love in a way that benefits all.  With no stress!

Peace boring?  NO WAY!

“Grievances hide the light of the world in me.” A Course In Miracles

“I will lay aside all grievances and be grateful for everything today.”

Remember to be grateful even for the difficult times, for these are our greatest opportunities to learn and grow.  Those who push our buttons the hardest are our most powerful teachers.  Instead of pushing back, let us try going inward and being grateful for this teacher for he/she is helping us to recognize where our weaknesses lie and what we need to forgive so we can more quickly grow toward peace.

When we recognize our weaknesses, we can finally surrender them and be truly free. Guilt free!  Fear free! Pain free! Judgment free! No longer will our button pushers affect us nor the dire world of doom and tragedy, for we have chosen gratitude instead of need and want, trust instead of doubt, forgiveness instead of revenge and love instead of fear. Now we are truly helpful and an instrument of God’s peace. Now we will remember who we really are. Herein lies our power which comes from God and lives in us. 

“I will be a clear and empty vessel for Love today.”

 “My mind holds only what I hear with God.” A Course In Miracles

Let’s dance between the shadows today; in the flashes of light between the thoughts of darkness. Then let’s choose to extend those flashes into constant rays where darkness cannot enter. Let’s not think of right or wrong or good or bad, but only mindful Love.  Let’s not see sadness as an opposite to joy or anger as opposed to peace. In fact today anger, sadness, fear and guilt are simply not an option.

Now we come to God with a mind, clear as crystal and ready to be filled with only the purest thoughts. Our heart is open to allow in all things kind and loving. Our hands are empty of all burdens from the past. And we ask, “What would You have me do and think and say today? I have no plans apart from Yours.”

Today we will let “… every voice but God’s be still in us.” ACIM

“I will let God be my answer today.”

What if it isn’t fear I fear at all, but Love?

Could I be hiding in a world of darkness, violence and despair because I can’t face the Truth and my own Holiness? 

What if I am wrong about everything?

Would I be willing to admit I’m wrong if being wrong means I am in constant denial of my own happiness and peace of mind?  If it means I am in denial of God, Himself?

Are judgment and guilt, anger and sadness simply a smoke screen to hide my blessedness from me?  Do I say I want God, while I do everything in my power to deny Him?  Could it be that in subtle and not so subtle ways I push God away?

Do I pray for His help and then refuse to accept it?

Am I really willing to allow Him to guide me or am I always telling Him how I want things done?  Do I pray for healing or do I pray for things?  Do I say GOD’S WILL BE DONE while I manipulate my life and the lives of others according to my limited thinking of how the world should be?

What if my being out of control meant that God was in control?

Am I willing to trust Him no matter how it looks or feels in the world? Am I willing to believe that my happiness and joy is His business and not my own?

Do I say I deserve miracles while I spend my time punishing myself and others with negative thinking, words and behavior?  Do I think I have a generous spirit giving with the one hand and taking away with the other? Am I so afraid of not getting my fair share that I would deny my brother a bite of bread or a place in line.

Do I ever question the reality of the way things look or do I simply assume I understand it all because of what my five senses tell me?

How many times have I been wrong about my perceptions?

Do I do things the same old way day after day getting the same unhappy results and never question what I’m doing wrong? Is a fact more important than the Truth to me? 

Am I willing to admit that I’m tired of carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders? Am I ready yet for a better way?  Am I ready to take the Hand of He who knows all about all and let Him lift me up beyond all questions to the One Answer?  Do I even know the Answer even though I’ve heard it forever?

Love is the answer.

“Today I will bless the world every chance I get.”

If we can bless the world and everyone in it every chance we get, light will soon shine the darkness away. Tsunamis, tornadoes, earthquakes and floods will soften into restorative rains, gentle breezes, healthy rays of sunlight and a quiet planet. God’s holy harmony and balance will calm the earth’s elements. Oil spills and other manmade disasters will become opportunities for forgiveness, for kindness and for helpfulness. Terrorism will transform to opportunities for trusting God’s strength instead of ego’s fears. Every news story of suffering, injustice and violence will become our chance to open our minds and hearts to God’s Holy Justice and His peace and joy for all. Every sickness will be healed. Every experience of scarcity, hunger, joblessness and lack in any form will be the provocation for new thoughts of God’s Holy abundance for all.

The world’s justice is governed by judgment, vengeance, punishment, victimhood and fear. God’s Justice is Love.

“Let me walk in true forgiveness today.”

Forgiveness is not just something we give
As an offering of peace to someone who wronged us.

Forgiveness is the taking back of our power;
A letting go without condoning.

Forgiveness is freeing ourselves
To move on from a painful experience.

Forgiveness is choosing to live joyously
In this moment, no longer imprisoned by the past
Or fearful of the future.

Forgiveness is the key to happiness
And a whole new way of life.

“I will remember that happiness is all I want today.”

God’s will is our happiness.  Happiness is our will as well.  Therefore God’s will and ours is the same.

Only God knows where we can find our joy.  He knows because He put it there.  Right inside of us where we can access it at will.  He knows it is not out there somewhere.  It is not in another person or in things, places or experiences in the world, but nestled lovingly inside our own mind and heart where we can choose it right this moment. It belongs to everyone equally.

“I am calm, quiet, peaceful and joyous
Only because I have decided that this
Is what I want.”

Let sunlight dry our tears.  Let life happen as it will.  Nothing can disturb our peace because it is God’s will and ours.  Now let’s watch for moments where spurts of joy shine a light inside our mind and lift our hearts for no apparent reason.  Real happiness does not need a reason.  True happiness just happens because it is our natural state. It is our gift from God and our gift to ourselves whenever we allow it.

There is no plan for it. There is nothing to do, nothing to say or think that can bring it on and nothing that can stop it. Happiness just happens. Happiness is real because it is God’s Plan not ours.  Let’s smile at each other today.  Let’s sing with joy and dance with grace. Let’s fly free from our self imposed prisons. At last we know the truth. Happiness isn’t work.  It isn’t something we have to earn, compete for or fight for. It just is.