Grace

Thursday, August 25, 2011

The grace of God is upon me.

The grace of God enables me to meet every challenge and condition comfortably and with ease. I am no longer apprehensive, because the grace of God fills me with assurance that all is well. I rely on divine strength, wisdom and guidance--even beyond what I ask or seek--to see me through any difficulty. It is God's grace that supplies my every need.
The grace of God is upon me. I am free from worry, discord or discontent. I am free to be loving, kind and happy. I am free to enjoy life fully. Through the grace of God, I am gracious as I find my way through life's ups and downs. The grace of God is upon me, now and forever.

Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.--Hebrews 4:16

World Peace

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

I enfold myself and all beings in peace.

The commandment to love "your neighbor as yourself" is a reminder to me that my "neighbor" is not only the person living next door. My neighbor is every living being in the world. Just as I want my life to be peaceful, I want the same for my neighbors everywhere.
I may not have the authority to sign peace treaties or the power to stop war, but I do have the power of prayer and of love. When I see images of troubled people or unfortunate events in the world, I send thoughts of love, peace, comfort and understanding to all involved. It is up to me to love, to envision peace, and to believe in the power of prayer. As I do these things, I am an agent of change, an agent of peace.
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart … and your neighbor as yourself.--Luke 10:27

The Lord is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made. --Psalm 145:9

Let Go, Let God

Monday, August 22, 2011

I release my concerns, certain of God's good.

Release is an act of confidence, not failure. In times of stress, I take a moment to find the gentle rhythm of my breath. If I feel tension, I relax my body and allow my mind to experience a moment of peace.
I breathe in and out with quiet awareness. On my outward breaths, I release one by one each concern for my life and the lives of my loved ones. On my inward breaths, I accept the assurance of right outcomes. I let go of my need to control and to know how everything will unfold. New ideas and insights are revealed in divine time and order.
I trust in God--the Infinite Source of healing and resolution. I will know what is mine to do, when it is time.

Protected

Saturday, August 20, 2011

God's love is my shield and my protection.

Life on earth is sustained by the light and warmth of the sun; however, the sun's ultraviolet rays are intense enough to cause damage to the skin. To protect my skin from exposure to these rays, I may apply sunscreen or wear protective clothing. While I have awe and appreciation for the sun's life-giving energy, I also recognize that there are dangers.
Many of life's experiences come with various rewards and challenges. In threatening circumstances, I use my inner wisdom to make wise choices to protect myself and others. Divine light shines within me as my unfailing and ever-present guide. God's love is my shield and my protection.

I am going to send an angel in front of you, to guard you on the way and to bring you to the place that I have prepared.--Exodus 23:20

Greater Unfolding

Friday, August 19, 2011

Every moment of my life is part of a greater unfolding.

I have heard of blessings in disguise--events that initially seemed unjust but eventually gave life to positive outcomes. I have experienced adversity that ultimately led to transformation. At such times I remember that my life is part of God-life, and God-life invites me to an ever-greater awareness and realization of good.

I do not need to understand it completely, nor explain it. Instead, I accept with faith that every part of my life, from the smallest coincidence to the largest joy or challenge, is part of a greater unfolding.

I say "yes" to the loving activity of Spirit at work in my life today as it is in the lives of all. It is a blessing to know that no matter the outer appearances, a higher order is at work.

All things work together for good for those who love God.--Romans 8:28

church Painting, church restoration, liturgical design: Nourish

church Painting, church restoration, liturgical design: Nourish: Thursday, August 18, 2011 Positive thoughts and actions nourish my body, soul and spirit. Eating the proper food helps me st...

Nourish

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Positive thoughts and actions nourish my body, soul and spirit.

Eating the proper food helps me stay healthy and maintain the energy I need to lead a dynamic and active life. Nutrition is the fuel of a healthy body.

An active and vibrant spiritual practice is also essential for healthy living. Prayer and meditation, creative expression and communion with others, gratitude and positive thinking--these activities fundamentally support my awareness of being at one with God. Positive and life-enhancing thoughts and actions sustain both my physical and spiritual health. Through divine life within me, I am nourished in body, soul and spirit.

The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places … and you shall be like a watered garden … whose waters never fail. --Isaiah 58:11

Guidance

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

I have faith in the infinite wisdom of God.

Written by Hannah More Kohaus many years ago, "The Prayer of Faith" offers us this promise:

God is my help in every need; God does my every hunger feed; God walks beside me, guides my way Through every moment of the day. I now am wise, I now am true, Patient, kind and loving too; All things I am, can do, and be, Through Christ the Truth, that is in me. God is my health, I can't be sick; God is my strength, unfailing, quick; God is my all, I know no fear, Since God and Love and Truth are here.

In faith, I claim all that this prayer assures and trust in God's enduring wisdom.

Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive.--Matthew 21:22

Potential

Friday, August 12, 2011

I am born anew with spiritual promise and potential.

We rejoice when a newborn enters the world. In awe, we see that radiant being for the first time, full of promise and potential. As children learn to talk and interact with the world, we love and nurture them. We encourage them as they reach each new developmental milestone.

Each human being is on a journey. As our bodies grow and mature, we also mature psychologically and spiritually. Our inner growth comes as we gain awareness of ourselves as spiritual beings. I grow spiritually as I become aware of the divine spark within. Regardless of my physical age, I awaken to my true potential as a powerful co-creator and grow into my full spiritual promise.

You have been born anew, not of perishable but of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God.--1 Peter 1:23

Present Moment

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Centered in the present moment, I claim my power.

When a question or worry is on my mind, I may be tempted to focus on troubles of the past or concerns for the future, but this attention would rob me of the power of the now moment. Instead, I stay present.

I quiet my mind and become fully aware of all this moment has to teach me. All the wisdom I need is here, now. My thoughts may drift to the past or future, but I needn't remain there. I can choose instead to immerse myself in the power of the present moment. It is here that I connect with divine wisdom.

Anchored in the here and now, I find the answers I seek. My decisions are wise and thoughtful, because I am grounded and centered. Right here and now, I claim my power.

See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation!--2 Corinthians 6:2

Service

Tuesday, August 09, 2011

I am centered in Spirit, eager to discover all I can do and be.

I avail myself of every opportunity for growth and service by keeping my mind open and my soul receptive. I do not shrink from a challenge or new adventure. Every opportunity finds me eager and ready to serve in larger, more generous ways.
In order to serve God and others confidently and courageously, I open the door of my mind to divine understanding, the door of my heart to divine love, and the door of my life to divine Presence. I let the spirit of God flow through me as I play an active role in the world around me.
I am an open channel for the expression of God. Releasing any limiting thoughts, I listen, learn and let God work through me.

Those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.--John 3:21

Thought Of The Day

Monday, August 08, 2011

Fearless

I am one with God. I am courageous and bold.

Love is stronger than fear, and I am filled with the love of God. I trust this extraordinary love to see me through any troubling situation. I am fearless and strong because I am one with God.
If I feel doubt or apprehension, I take a deep breath and turn within to examine my thoughts. My strength and courage grow as I deny fear-based thoughts their power. Love increases as fear diminishes.
God is my Source of peace and courage. I remember this promise: "I will never leave you or forsake you." With faith, I move boldly forward, envisioning myself surrounded by divine love, knowing that nothing can penetrate that shield.

Little children, you are from God, and have conquered them; for the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.--1 John 4:4

Strength

Friday, August 05, 2011

I have inner strength.

As I embark on any new endeavor, the excitement of a fresh start can be exhilarating. Sticking with it, however, requires that I develop the spiritual faculty of strength and use it daily.

Whether I am adopting a new healthy habit or leaving an unhealthy one behind, raising a child or starting a new job, I remain steadfast. Obstacles may arise and I may experience my motivation waning, but my inner strength carries me through regardless of any obstacles. I meditate and invite in new awareness. I listen for guidance from within, while affirming my strength and resilience.

The spirit of God within me is my source of spiritual strength. In God consciousness, I overcome any challenge and experience the joy of success.

The Lord is my strength.--Psalm 28:7

Listen

Thursday, August 04, 2011

I listen from my heart.

I rely on my ears to hear, but my heart to listen. When someone speaks to me, I not only hear the words, but with focused attention, I truly listen to what they are saying and the feelings they are expressing. I am an active and attentive listener, asking for clarification to help me understand. I listen this way because I know what it means to be heard.
I also listen with my heart to the messages of the Christ Spirit within. I still my thoughts and wait in the temple of sacred silence for the still small voice. My guidance and help may come through words, feelings or as an unmistakable knowing. If I need confirmation or clarification, I ask and listen, knowing I will receive.

All the people would get up early in the morning to listen to him in the temple.--Luke 21:38

Unity

Wednesday, August 03, 2011 I am one in Spirit with all people. Nearly 7 billion people live on this planet we call home. Vast distances of land and ocean separate us from one another. Our differences create a beautiful mosaic of appearances, beliefs, cultures and customs. Underneath, we are one in Spirit, members of the family of humankind. We each have the spark of the Divine within that comprises our spirit and source of inspiration. We have mental and emotional qualities--thoughts, feelings and memories--that comprise our soul. And we are physical beings with bodies to care for and nourish. Today let us celebrate our unity--our sisterhood and brotherhood--by affirming: I am one in Spirit with all people. How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity! --Psalm 133:1