There are reports of deficits, deficits, and more deficits everywhere you read or look in the news media these days. Have you noticed?
The US federal government deficit is so large and numbing, that one trillion dollars lost here, another trillion lost there, don’t seem to matter anymore. Pensions are underfunded. State governments stagger under debt. Countries around the world are on the brink of bankruptcy. Deficits seem to be the norm, a way of life, to be expected.
One lesson a student of Christian Science learns, is to not go along with crowd-thinking when the crowd accepts lack and suffering as normal or unavoidable. We live out what we accept as true, and deficit existence is not any fun.
I doubt few would argue that deficits are good or shouldn’t be reversed. But in the meantime, while politicians, business leaders and those in decision-making positions figure out how to eliminate deficits and get budgets back into the surplus, it’s important for the everyday individual to come out from deficit thinking and not be influenced by it's devouring suggestions.
The onslaught of bad news about growing and burdensome debt must be counteracted with spiritual truth to prevent that bad news from becoming our own way of thinking and expectation. We need to mentally dwell in the surplus of God's omnipresent goodness that meets all human needs.
It’s like a patient who called me with complaints about being unemployed. I told him that just because the rest of the world believed in unemployment, didn’t mean he had to believe in it and experience it. God was his employer, and God keeps His workers fully employed. He found a job quickly despite a high unemployment rate.
The same rule applies to avoiding deficits. Just because the rest of the world struggles with deficit thinking doesn’t mean an individual tuned into spiritual reality needs to suffer. We each can make a decision, as Paul instructed, “To come out and be separate,” from the way the rest of the world thinks.
We live in a divine economy where there are no deficits. The goodness of God does not shrink, disappear or evaporate. It is infinite, unending, constant, and continuous. It manifests itself in forms of ever-growing and increasing evidence of supply.
The goodness of God is not a sum of money we spend. It is the infinite wisdom, intelligence, understanding, patience, contentment, gratitude and love of divine Mind that is abundantly available at all times to everyone. Through spiritual mindedness and devotion to God, not to self, we discover the presence of this ever-present supply and benefit from it. It meets human needs.
When we look to God for supply, we find surplus. The goodness of God is so huge, so magnificent, so bounteous, and so present, that it exceeds any view the human mind has yet to fathom. It truly is grand, and in an acceptance of it, there is no possibility of a deficit.
Be a surplus thinker! Be one who lives out from surplus. Don’t accept deficits as normal, unavoidable or inevitable. They are not. Any suggestion of lack is pure illusion, an unwillingness or ignorance to accept the bounty God has at hand to care for us.
When teaching thousands in the desert, and then faced with thousands of hungry people to feed, Jesus Christ resorted to surplus thinking to meet the need of the moment. He did not see the need as monetary. He did not take a loan out to borrow money and buy food. He did not incur a deficit. He knew God had met the need. He quickly found ample bread to feed the crowd. There was a surplus of food leftover from his spiritual demonstration of supply.
With all the hype and fear in the media today about deficits and budget holes, this is an especially pertinent time to strengthen one’s mental footing in the truth about God’s economy. In God’s economy, there are only surpluses, never deficits.
Live in God’s surplus, and enjoy the bounty.
Showing posts with label economy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label economy. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Thursday, October 29, 2009
In a recession but not of it
Have you heard the below quote before when a distinction is being made between eternal individuality at-one with God and the everyday experience of humans?
“We may be in the world, but we are not of it.”
I can’t put my mental finger on where it originated, but I think the same idea is applicable to the economic recession. We may be surrounded by beliefs of an economic decline, but we are not of it.
Elijah, in the Old Testament, foresaw a severe drought coming to his region. The Lord told Elijah to go to Zarephath and there he’d find a widow woman who would take care of him during the drought.
When Elijah arrived, the woman was destitute, with no money, and only a handful of meal left. She was preparing a last meal for herself and son to eat, and then figured the two would die from starvation. Elijah told her to prepare a meal, and that she would not run out of meal or oil to feed her family.
As it turned out, he was right.
God’s promise that the widow woman would care for Elijah was fulfilled. The home had plenty of food throughout the entire drought.
After I studied this story last week, I remembered the above quote and realized that Elijah and the widow's family were in a drought time, but not of it. They didn’t let their thinking fall to the level of want and fear. Elijah knew supply came from God, and he demonstrated it.
We can do the same. God loves us just as much as the widow woman.
Economic reports may forecast doom and gloom all around us, but we do not have to be of it, participate in it, or be adversely impacted by it. Our supply comes from God, just like the meal and oil came from divine Love for the widow woman’s household.
It seems miraculous to material sense how Spirit can supply human needs, but it does. Spirit is the fountain and source of all sustenance for God’s family of man.
“Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need.” Mary Baker Eddy
“We may be in the world, but we are not of it.”
I can’t put my mental finger on where it originated, but I think the same idea is applicable to the economic recession. We may be surrounded by beliefs of an economic decline, but we are not of it.
Elijah, in the Old Testament, foresaw a severe drought coming to his region. The Lord told Elijah to go to Zarephath and there he’d find a widow woman who would take care of him during the drought.
When Elijah arrived, the woman was destitute, with no money, and only a handful of meal left. She was preparing a last meal for herself and son to eat, and then figured the two would die from starvation. Elijah told her to prepare a meal, and that she would not run out of meal or oil to feed her family.
As it turned out, he was right.
God’s promise that the widow woman would care for Elijah was fulfilled. The home had plenty of food throughout the entire drought.
After I studied this story last week, I remembered the above quote and realized that Elijah and the widow's family were in a drought time, but not of it. They didn’t let their thinking fall to the level of want and fear. Elijah knew supply came from God, and he demonstrated it.
We can do the same. God loves us just as much as the widow woman.
Economic reports may forecast doom and gloom all around us, but we do not have to be of it, participate in it, or be adversely impacted by it. Our supply comes from God, just like the meal and oil came from divine Love for the widow woman’s household.
It seems miraculous to material sense how Spirit can supply human needs, but it does. Spirit is the fountain and source of all sustenance for God’s family of man.
“Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need.” Mary Baker Eddy
Friday, October 16, 2009
Don’t let guilt overwhelm you
With growing unemployment and jobs hard to find for many, articles have appeared throughout the media reporting the economic hardships individuals and families are facing.
Several stories report highly qualified individuals with a long list of credentials and experience to back them up but still unable to find work. Under ordinary times, jobs would be easy for them to find. But not today, they despair.
My heart went out to a man I read about yesterday who figured he had the experience and knowledge to easily land another job when laid off several months ago. He wanted to work, was able to work, but couldn’t find a job, and he felt horribly guilty because of his predicament. He wrestled with the belief that it was his fault things were so tough.
We probably all know the feeling, “What did I do wrong that got me into such a mess!” we sigh, when events go severely against us.
Sometimes, we do need an honest examination of our attitude and motives and a major course correction. But other times, condemning our self is not the solution. Forgiving our self is the solution.
I think of several Bible stories where Jesus forgave someone and he or she was healed of a crippling disease or infirmity.
To the lame man on the couch, Jesus said, “Thy sins be forgiven thee,” and the man got up and walked. Wow! Think about it. It was the man’s feeling of guilt that kept him hobbled on his bed for years. Jesus’ lifting of the guilt out of his thought instantly freed his mind and body to walk freely. In other words, the lameness was not the man’s fault and he needed to understand that truth.
Bringing the lesson to bear on our current economic times, for the average worker on the street minding his own business and working to care for his or her family, the recession is not your fault! You did not create it, make it happen, or think it up. It did not come out of your mind, and you don’t have to suffer from it. “Rise up and walk,” Christ instructs.
There are many lessons we all perhaps have to learn in demonstrating over the beliefs of shortage associated with recession, but one of them we can quickly embrace is to not feel guilty for a crime we never committed.
God gives each of us the resources we need to rise up and walk through the valley of limited belief, whatever form it takes, and come out on the other end well and strong. Steps to accepting these resources that meet human needs may require a firm proclamation of one’s innocence from wrong-doing to begin with.
You are innocent of having committed a recession.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Something to be grateful for
One of the liberating truths Christian Science has helped me understand over the years is that happiness attached to Spirit is endless. Happiness attached to things, status and position is fleeting.
I remember in my early days of youth, that when my goal was to earn money, I was never satisfied. I always needed more. Genuine happiness was always just out of reach or not quite yet attainable.
Once I learned that “Happiness is spiritual, born of Truth and Love,” as Mary Baker Eddy wrote, I dropped looking to money and things for joy, and found it in Spirit. I found a deep abiding peace within that I’d never known before. And it has stuck with me.
In today’s economy, which is tough for many, millions of people are severing connections with things, position and status, either by choice or not. Jobs have been lost, income reduced, homes foreclosed, job searches lengthened. It’s mortal mind fodder for getting down on life, feeling depressed, hopeless, and even sorry for self. And it needs to be guarded against.
Any downward spiral in morale can be checked by remembering what the most important things in life are and being grateful for them. The things that matter most are not the temporal items that can be taken from us. They are the spiritual things built into us.
God made us joyous beings. God made us happy beings. God made us complete beings, independent of cash in hand, job status, or societal standing.
When I traveled to South Africa about 8 years ago, I was struck by the severe poverty endured by millions. Huge shanty towns, with homes made of cardboard, tin roof, and dirt floor housed thousands and thousands of residents. Some people looked sad, to be sure, but there were also signs of great joy and happiness. Children, not weighed down by worry and fear, played with delight through the alleyways. Woman greeted us with big smiles and happy welcomes at stops we made. Men carried themselves with dignity and determination to make something of themselves. Where it might seem unimaginable to find signs of hope and joy, they were easy to spot.
There is a spiritual dignity in all of us that is greater than any trial we face. We are spiritual beings endowed with worth, value and importance that far transcends any material status quo.
We are not the money we make, the position we claim or the reputation we garner. We are more. We are valuable beyond any economic measurement, loved beyond any human evidence of it, and worthy beyond any other’s estimate. We are spiritual. We have eternal life and ability to live it. Our help comes from God, and no picture of lack in this world can deprive us of it.
When there seems to be little materially to be grateful for, we can count our spiritual blessings. We can think. We can see beyond the picture of lack. We can find hope in God. We can love. No one can stop us from expressing love.
And in love, we find life. It is enough to meet the human need.
I remember in my early days of youth, that when my goal was to earn money, I was never satisfied. I always needed more. Genuine happiness was always just out of reach or not quite yet attainable.
Once I learned that “Happiness is spiritual, born of Truth and Love,” as Mary Baker Eddy wrote, I dropped looking to money and things for joy, and found it in Spirit. I found a deep abiding peace within that I’d never known before. And it has stuck with me.
In today’s economy, which is tough for many, millions of people are severing connections with things, position and status, either by choice or not. Jobs have been lost, income reduced, homes foreclosed, job searches lengthened. It’s mortal mind fodder for getting down on life, feeling depressed, hopeless, and even sorry for self. And it needs to be guarded against.
Any downward spiral in morale can be checked by remembering what the most important things in life are and being grateful for them. The things that matter most are not the temporal items that can be taken from us. They are the spiritual things built into us.
God made us joyous beings. God made us happy beings. God made us complete beings, independent of cash in hand, job status, or societal standing.
When I traveled to South Africa about 8 years ago, I was struck by the severe poverty endured by millions. Huge shanty towns, with homes made of cardboard, tin roof, and dirt floor housed thousands and thousands of residents. Some people looked sad, to be sure, but there were also signs of great joy and happiness. Children, not weighed down by worry and fear, played with delight through the alleyways. Woman greeted us with big smiles and happy welcomes at stops we made. Men carried themselves with dignity and determination to make something of themselves. Where it might seem unimaginable to find signs of hope and joy, they were easy to spot.
There is a spiritual dignity in all of us that is greater than any trial we face. We are spiritual beings endowed with worth, value and importance that far transcends any material status quo.
We are not the money we make, the position we claim or the reputation we garner. We are more. We are valuable beyond any economic measurement, loved beyond any human evidence of it, and worthy beyond any other’s estimate. We are spiritual. We have eternal life and ability to live it. Our help comes from God, and no picture of lack in this world can deprive us of it.
When there seems to be little materially to be grateful for, we can count our spiritual blessings. We can think. We can see beyond the picture of lack. We can find hope in God. We can love. No one can stop us from expressing love.
And in love, we find life. It is enough to meet the human need.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
No time for complaint
The economic hardships many people face today are a call on all of us to be grateful more than ever for every good thing we can find in our life.
As a practitioner, I pray for supply with people who can’t afford food for the day to businessmen running multi-million dollar businesses. And one of the basic spiritual principles we almost always come back to, is to look for the good that is obvious and be grateful for it. It has been proven time and time again that the blessings you recognize opens thought to see more supply right next to it.
When I hear people in the neighborhood, on the news, or at random complain about not having enough, I ponder, “I don't think this is a time to complain." And I remember the people who have far less to keep a sense of perspective on it all.
I think of the simple life Jesus lived. He owned the garment he wore, and that was about it. Yet, he never complained about not having enough. Why? Because he knew he was rich, wealthy and totally cared for. He never saw himself as lacking. He was spiritually minded.
If Jesus was ever tempted to compare his economic situation to another’s I’m convinced that he saw himself possessing much more wealth than anyone he saw because he knew real supply was love, gratitude, joy and faith in God, which he had in great amounts. Money and possessions were as dead weight to him. And so Jesus led a perpetually grateful life. He frequently thanked God for blessings before they appeared humanly, like the time he lifted the scant loaves and fishes up to heaven before feeding the hungry thousands. Jesus never lacked.
So, anytime we are tempted to complain that we don’t have enough, that we need something more, or covet a neighbor’s paycheck, it’s a call to be more grateful for the blessings we have, for they are great! They come from God and are freely given. They are the riches of life, truth and love.
As a practitioner, I pray for supply with people who can’t afford food for the day to businessmen running multi-million dollar businesses. And one of the basic spiritual principles we almost always come back to, is to look for the good that is obvious and be grateful for it. It has been proven time and time again that the blessings you recognize opens thought to see more supply right next to it.
When I hear people in the neighborhood, on the news, or at random complain about not having enough, I ponder, “I don't think this is a time to complain." And I remember the people who have far less to keep a sense of perspective on it all.
I think of the simple life Jesus lived. He owned the garment he wore, and that was about it. Yet, he never complained about not having enough. Why? Because he knew he was rich, wealthy and totally cared for. He never saw himself as lacking. He was spiritually minded.
If Jesus was ever tempted to compare his economic situation to another’s I’m convinced that he saw himself possessing much more wealth than anyone he saw because he knew real supply was love, gratitude, joy and faith in God, which he had in great amounts. Money and possessions were as dead weight to him. And so Jesus led a perpetually grateful life. He frequently thanked God for blessings before they appeared humanly, like the time he lifted the scant loaves and fishes up to heaven before feeding the hungry thousands. Jesus never lacked.
So, anytime we are tempted to complain that we don’t have enough, that we need something more, or covet a neighbor’s paycheck, it’s a call to be more grateful for the blessings we have, for they are great! They come from God and are freely given. They are the riches of life, truth and love.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Debt is like a narcotic
Have you noticed how huge the national debt is becoming in the United States? An article I read yesterday in USA Today said that our government red ink increased over $55,000 per household in the last year.
I showed the figure to my 18 year old daughter and said, “It looks like you’re going to be straddled with our current spending for the rest of your working life.” She was not impressed.
Politics aside, my prayers zeroed in on the apathy and indifference that seems to largely attend this growing and monstrous claim on future generations and their earnings. Like charging on a credit card and not thinking about how to pay the bill until the amount comes due, budget deficits don’t seem to matter much as long as voters and taxpayers have gratification of immediate wants.
I’m aware that many political and economic leaders justify the budget sinkholes by arguing that the short term run up in burden is needed for long term prosperity. But it seems that we’ve heard that argument before, and year after year budgets continue to worsen.
In my prayers for more fiscal responsibility, I thought about how debt can be like a narcotic. It acts like a drug on people’s perspective much like alcohol dulls people’s awareness and removes their sensibilities from the realm of reality and sound reasoning.
Debt-aholic or alcoholic…is there much difference?
The solution for debt to mammon is to pay one’s debt to God. And part of paying our debt to God is to be grateful for the good God has already given us.
Divine Mind has given us abundant resources in the form of the ability to reason intelligently, make sound decisions that have long run good effects, be content with what we have, exercise discipline over want and appetite, find health and healing through spiritual means, and find employment in doing good works that have value and worth.
The exercise of wisdom, sound planning, discipline, economy, honesty, and gratitude pay bills, balance budgets and employ workers. They are the primary resources of our economy, and with enough humility and desire to use them, will get our deficits under control and prosper future generations.
I showed the figure to my 18 year old daughter and said, “It looks like you’re going to be straddled with our current spending for the rest of your working life.” She was not impressed.
Politics aside, my prayers zeroed in on the apathy and indifference that seems to largely attend this growing and monstrous claim on future generations and their earnings. Like charging on a credit card and not thinking about how to pay the bill until the amount comes due, budget deficits don’t seem to matter much as long as voters and taxpayers have gratification of immediate wants.
I’m aware that many political and economic leaders justify the budget sinkholes by arguing that the short term run up in burden is needed for long term prosperity. But it seems that we’ve heard that argument before, and year after year budgets continue to worsen.
In my prayers for more fiscal responsibility, I thought about how debt can be like a narcotic. It acts like a drug on people’s perspective much like alcohol dulls people’s awareness and removes their sensibilities from the realm of reality and sound reasoning.
Debt-aholic or alcoholic…is there much difference?
The solution for debt to mammon is to pay one’s debt to God. And part of paying our debt to God is to be grateful for the good God has already given us.
Divine Mind has given us abundant resources in the form of the ability to reason intelligently, make sound decisions that have long run good effects, be content with what we have, exercise discipline over want and appetite, find health and healing through spiritual means, and find employment in doing good works that have value and worth.
The exercise of wisdom, sound planning, discipline, economy, honesty, and gratitude pay bills, balance budgets and employ workers. They are the primary resources of our economy, and with enough humility and desire to use them, will get our deficits under control and prosper future generations.
Friday, May 15, 2009
A new standard for living
So many good things are happening during this recession. The blessings for humanity are quite huge, actually.
The news tends to focus on indicators that are supposed to alarm, like rising unemployment rates, unacceptable deficits and budgets awash in red ink. But these temporary aberrations don’t tell the whole story.
The good news is, people are re-examining and improving their priorities. Families are spending more time together. Workers are paying down debt and building up savings. Wanton consumerism has slowed. Citizens with wealth are less likely to flaunt it. Modesty and humility are on the increase. People are learning to enjoy the simple things of life.
This is all good stuff!
It shouldn’t require an economic downturn to learn these lessons, but sometimes that’s what it takes to shake the worldly inclined thought out of its dream of seeking happiness in fame, fortune and position. The greatest joys in life are spiritual, and freely bestowed upon all.
One does not have to go into debt or put his economic well being at risk to enjoy the best life has to offer. It comes from God, in the form of spiritual mindedness, gratitude, unselfish living, and goodwill toward others.
Hopefully, a new standard of living will rise out of the ashes of this recent economic upheaval. Rather than measuring success in terms of dollars earned, possessions acquired, and position attained, success should be measured in terms of love expressed, generosity shared, morality lived and spiritual mindedness acquired.
In a consciousness of Truth and Love the riches of heaven are unleashed. Enter this realm of thought today and enjoy the boundless wealth!
The news tends to focus on indicators that are supposed to alarm, like rising unemployment rates, unacceptable deficits and budgets awash in red ink. But these temporary aberrations don’t tell the whole story.
The good news is, people are re-examining and improving their priorities. Families are spending more time together. Workers are paying down debt and building up savings. Wanton consumerism has slowed. Citizens with wealth are less likely to flaunt it. Modesty and humility are on the increase. People are learning to enjoy the simple things of life.
This is all good stuff!
It shouldn’t require an economic downturn to learn these lessons, but sometimes that’s what it takes to shake the worldly inclined thought out of its dream of seeking happiness in fame, fortune and position. The greatest joys in life are spiritual, and freely bestowed upon all.
One does not have to go into debt or put his economic well being at risk to enjoy the best life has to offer. It comes from God, in the form of spiritual mindedness, gratitude, unselfish living, and goodwill toward others.
Hopefully, a new standard of living will rise out of the ashes of this recent economic upheaval. Rather than measuring success in terms of dollars earned, possessions acquired, and position attained, success should be measured in terms of love expressed, generosity shared, morality lived and spiritual mindedness acquired.
In a consciousness of Truth and Love the riches of heaven are unleashed. Enter this realm of thought today and enjoy the boundless wealth!
"The less that is said of physical structure and laws, and the more that is thought and said about moral and spiritual law, the higher will be the standard of living and the farther mortals will be removed from imbecility or disease." Mary Baker Eddy
Friday, May 8, 2009
Supply all around
One reader commented to me that discovering God’s supply is like standing in a huge dark vault filled with massive reserves of gold, coin and cash and not seeing any of it until the light is turned on.
The belief that supply is material—in the form of money, stocks and bonds, real estate, and more—is mental darkness that causes people to fear when the value of their portfolio sinks. Real supply is not matter-based, but Spirit-based.
Wisdom, love, intelligence, creativity, patience, joy and their kin are Spirit-based supply, and they meet human needs. They exist in abundance. They are infinite, without end. Understanding this truth is the light that illuminates consciousness with enlightened perspective that sees God’s supply at hand.
Jesus did this with the multiplication of the loaves and fishes. Through gratitude, understanding and faith, he opened the hungering crowd’s thought to supply at hand, and they saw it. It was there all along, but required a higher view to reveal it.
You are standing in God’s vault of superabundance right now. Enjoy use of the vast riches in your grasp!
The belief that supply is material—in the form of money, stocks and bonds, real estate, and more—is mental darkness that causes people to fear when the value of their portfolio sinks. Real supply is not matter-based, but Spirit-based.
Wisdom, love, intelligence, creativity, patience, joy and their kin are Spirit-based supply, and they meet human needs. They exist in abundance. They are infinite, without end. Understanding this truth is the light that illuminates consciousness with enlightened perspective that sees God’s supply at hand.
Jesus did this with the multiplication of the loaves and fishes. Through gratitude, understanding and faith, he opened the hungering crowd’s thought to supply at hand, and they saw it. It was there all along, but required a higher view to reveal it.
You are standing in God’s vault of superabundance right now. Enjoy use of the vast riches in your grasp!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
The recession is over
Many economic observers are seeing signs that the recession is headed out the door. There are still many concerns about a commercial real estate crash, rising unemployment, and huge unknowns about the derivatives market, but it appears that severe losses are receding and signs of hope surfacing.
I decided last night, that, as far as I’m concerned, the recession is over. I don’t have to wait several months to see if the economy is going to improve before I consent to the recession being finished. That’s like waiting for a disease to disappear from the body before consenting to health. It doesn’t work that way. One finds freedom first in thought and outward evidence then confirms what one already knows.
So, if you want to be free of the recession now, consent to it being over!
I thought about Mary Baker Eddy’s astute observation concerning what she labeled “chemicalization.” She wrote:
"Here let a word be noticed which will be better understood hereafter, — chemicalization. By chemicalization I mean the process which mortal mind and body undergo in the change of belief from a material to a spiritual basis.
"Whenever an aggravation of symptoms has occurred through mental chemicalization, I have seen the mental signs, assuring me that danger was over, before the patient felt the change; and I have said to the patient, "You are healed," — sometimes to his discomfiture, when he was incredulous. But it always came about as I had foretold." Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures
The recent turmoil in the economy has been an aggressive form of chemicalization. Greed, lust, ego, blind-will and their kin grew to such a feverish pitch in economic reasoning that principle held up a standard and said, “No more!” Mortal pride and ego rebelled, wanting to continue its unbridled pursuit of wanton material gain, but could go no further. Turbulence, storms, chaos occurred in thought while truth sifted out error for the benefit of humanity. It’s still going on. But there comes a point when the tables are turned and principle is obviously gaining the upper hand. Peace and hope begin to take over. The storms recede, and a purer ideal evolves.
The signs of the tables being turned on the economic evils of recent times are starting to appear. This is a good sign. There will be more turbulence, ups and downs, but Truth always wins the day. A better, stronger economy will be the outcome.
The recession is over. Or, in other words, truth is winning the day and its ultimate triumph is absolutely certain. There is no need to fear a claim that is being destroyed.
We live in a divine economy. There never has been a recession. The life-blood of our existence is not the circulation of money or credit, but spirituality lived and abundantly expressed. Each of us can live this supply today, and with unlimited joy and liberty of mind. Nothing is holding us back.
Good riddance recession. It's time to move on with life and enjoy the multitude of God's blessings that stand before us.
I decided last night, that, as far as I’m concerned, the recession is over. I don’t have to wait several months to see if the economy is going to improve before I consent to the recession being finished. That’s like waiting for a disease to disappear from the body before consenting to health. It doesn’t work that way. One finds freedom first in thought and outward evidence then confirms what one already knows.
So, if you want to be free of the recession now, consent to it being over!
I thought about Mary Baker Eddy’s astute observation concerning what she labeled “chemicalization.” She wrote:
"Here let a word be noticed which will be better understood hereafter, — chemicalization. By chemicalization I mean the process which mortal mind and body undergo in the change of belief from a material to a spiritual basis.
"Whenever an aggravation of symptoms has occurred through mental chemicalization, I have seen the mental signs, assuring me that danger was over, before the patient felt the change; and I have said to the patient, "You are healed," — sometimes to his discomfiture, when he was incredulous. But it always came about as I had foretold." Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures
The recent turmoil in the economy has been an aggressive form of chemicalization. Greed, lust, ego, blind-will and their kin grew to such a feverish pitch in economic reasoning that principle held up a standard and said, “No more!” Mortal pride and ego rebelled, wanting to continue its unbridled pursuit of wanton material gain, but could go no further. Turbulence, storms, chaos occurred in thought while truth sifted out error for the benefit of humanity. It’s still going on. But there comes a point when the tables are turned and principle is obviously gaining the upper hand. Peace and hope begin to take over. The storms recede, and a purer ideal evolves.
The signs of the tables being turned on the economic evils of recent times are starting to appear. This is a good sign. There will be more turbulence, ups and downs, but Truth always wins the day. A better, stronger economy will be the outcome.
The recession is over. Or, in other words, truth is winning the day and its ultimate triumph is absolutely certain. There is no need to fear a claim that is being destroyed.
We live in a divine economy. There never has been a recession. The life-blood of our existence is not the circulation of money or credit, but spirituality lived and abundantly expressed. Each of us can live this supply today, and with unlimited joy and liberty of mind. Nothing is holding us back.
Good riddance recession. It's time to move on with life and enjoy the multitude of God's blessings that stand before us.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
From glory to glory...
Have you noticed that, from a material perspective, its one tragedy after another on the world scene?
At the dawn of the new millennium, millions of people feared Y2K disasters when the clocked ticked midnight on December 31, 1999. Then we had the dotcom bust, the terrorist attacks on September 11th, war in Iraq, SARS, tsunamis, floods, and recently the economic malaise, and now Swine flu.
It helps to get a spiritual perspective to see through these calamities in order to keep one’s sanity!
Life is not about dealing with one catastrophe after another. Life is about moving from one glorious insight into the nature of God to the next.
God is a source of supply for every need humanity faces. Challenges are our opportunity to turn to God and find the supply that meets the need. We do not have to stay stuck in despair and discouragement. We can intelligently deal with any looming trouble and successfully conquer it with God’s help.
I love the words of Hymn 65 in the Christian Science Hymnal by Frances Havergal:
From glory unto glory,
Be this our joyous song;
From glory unto glory,
'Tis Love that leads us on;
As wider yet and wider,
The rising splendors glow,
What wisdom is revealed to us,
What freedom we may know.
Every time we conquer a fear, we glorify God. Every time we spread comfort and love in our neighborhood, we glorify God. Every time we pray and find peace, we glorify God. We have unlimited opportunities to glorify God everyday.
When we cave to fear and worry, we do not glorify God. Quite the opposite. We contribute to despair.
Choose to glorify God today! Side with God and be a positive light of hope and healing.
Life is not about moving from trouble to trouble, but about moving from one inspired idea to the next.
From glory to glory, may this be our joyous song…
At the dawn of the new millennium, millions of people feared Y2K disasters when the clocked ticked midnight on December 31, 1999. Then we had the dotcom bust, the terrorist attacks on September 11th, war in Iraq, SARS, tsunamis, floods, and recently the economic malaise, and now Swine flu.
It helps to get a spiritual perspective to see through these calamities in order to keep one’s sanity!
Life is not about dealing with one catastrophe after another. Life is about moving from one glorious insight into the nature of God to the next.
God is a source of supply for every need humanity faces. Challenges are our opportunity to turn to God and find the supply that meets the need. We do not have to stay stuck in despair and discouragement. We can intelligently deal with any looming trouble and successfully conquer it with God’s help.
I love the words of Hymn 65 in the Christian Science Hymnal by Frances Havergal:
From glory unto glory,
Be this our joyous song;
From glory unto glory,
'Tis Love that leads us on;
As wider yet and wider,
The rising splendors glow,
What wisdom is revealed to us,
What freedom we may know.
Every time we conquer a fear, we glorify God. Every time we spread comfort and love in our neighborhood, we glorify God. Every time we pray and find peace, we glorify God. We have unlimited opportunities to glorify God everyday.
When we cave to fear and worry, we do not glorify God. Quite the opposite. We contribute to despair.
Choose to glorify God today! Side with God and be a positive light of hope and healing.
Life is not about moving from trouble to trouble, but about moving from one inspired idea to the next.
From glory to glory, may this be our joyous song…
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Success between you and God
The community I live in has been amazingly insulated from the economic downturn facing the rest of the country and the world. Residents invested in the stock market have felt an impact, but the local economy is strong. Stores report robust sales. Hiring is on the increase. House prices have not declined like elsewhere. People are comfortable and happy. Money is flowing into our area because we have large talent and capacity for cleaning up the environment that is in demand worldwide.
One lesson I learn from watching the bubble economy we have in the Tri-Cities right now, is that when the world around you appears to be sinking, you do not have to sink with it. You can stay afloat.
Now, I don’t have any special spiritual reasoning why the Tri-City economy is strong, and will not speculate on that topic. But I do value the lesson of “Come out and be separate,” as Paul taught in the Bible.
Too often, people believe they have to suffer because everyone else is suffering. And this is not the case. All we need to succeed comes direct from God. Each of us has the ability to demonstrate this truth independent of what anyone else is experiencing.
God is the source of all supply. Prosperity and success are not functions of employment rates, interest rates, or the flow of credit. Success is between us and God, and amounts to listening to God, following divine direction, and fulfilling good and worthwhile purposes. What our neighbor is doing does not affect what we can be doing.
We must “Come out and be separate,” from any belief that denies us success.
This rule applies to health too. If a neighbor is unhealthy, that doesn’t mean we have to be unhealthy. We can stay healthy and help our neighbor too. God is the source of health, and the supply never stops flowing through us. This rule applies to a healthy body and a healthy economy.
So, if you think you have to suffer financially because the economy is in a slump, think again. This belief is illusion. You live in a divine economy where God meets every need. Your supply, coming from above, is just as robust, strong and present as ever.
God is your source. God is your supply. This truth, understood and accepted, is a bubble of protection that keeps your house in vital economic order. And it will put you in a position of being able to help others find their bubble of protection too.
One lesson I learn from watching the bubble economy we have in the Tri-Cities right now, is that when the world around you appears to be sinking, you do not have to sink with it. You can stay afloat.
Now, I don’t have any special spiritual reasoning why the Tri-City economy is strong, and will not speculate on that topic. But I do value the lesson of “Come out and be separate,” as Paul taught in the Bible.
Too often, people believe they have to suffer because everyone else is suffering. And this is not the case. All we need to succeed comes direct from God. Each of us has the ability to demonstrate this truth independent of what anyone else is experiencing.
God is the source of all supply. Prosperity and success are not functions of employment rates, interest rates, or the flow of credit. Success is between us and God, and amounts to listening to God, following divine direction, and fulfilling good and worthwhile purposes. What our neighbor is doing does not affect what we can be doing.
We must “Come out and be separate,” from any belief that denies us success.
This rule applies to health too. If a neighbor is unhealthy, that doesn’t mean we have to be unhealthy. We can stay healthy and help our neighbor too. God is the source of health, and the supply never stops flowing through us. This rule applies to a healthy body and a healthy economy.
So, if you think you have to suffer financially because the economy is in a slump, think again. This belief is illusion. You live in a divine economy where God meets every need. Your supply, coming from above, is just as robust, strong and present as ever.
God is your source. God is your supply. This truth, understood and accepted, is a bubble of protection that keeps your house in vital economic order. And it will put you in a position of being able to help others find their bubble of protection too.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
No long drawn out suffering
I struggled with a little health issue for a few days recently that ordinarily would vanish with a short prayer. It was not a big deal, but I got a bit bothered by why it hadn’t yielded quickly this time.
Then it struck me while reading the newspaper and noticing several articles on how the present economic recession is the longest since the Great Depression, and so on, that the prolonged bodily trouble was mimicking a form of recession. Not a financial recession, in my case, but a mini-health recession.
The media is currently permeated with economic prognosticators predicting increased prolonged financial suffering over the coming months. There is no acceptance that the economic calamity could instantly end, today for instance. It’s assumed by just about everyone that suffering is to continue and grow worse for a long period of time.
Well, this is not a Christianly scientific position to take. It’s all error of reasoning, and ignorance of God’s economy which is abounding in supply right now. But the majority of people believe this depressing assessment of the recession, and thus the symptoms prophesied continue to grow and accelerate.
I thought, if a person accepts the claims of recession financially, wouldn’t he also be susceptible to accepting the claims of recession in other ways in his life, perhaps in the form of a “health recession,” or a “marital recession,” or a "joy recession," and so on?
Aw, this was enlightening! As I said, the health issue was minor for me, but suddenly I realized a very large spiritual lesson I was to learn from it that would benefit me and the people I help everyday. And it’s this, don’t buy into any recessionary claims, no matter how far removed they may appear to be from you financially!
God’s economy never goes into recession. In fact, it’s all about expansion, ever-unfolding views of infinite goodness and supply. There is no withering away of substance, disappearance of adequate supply, or lack of opportunity. God is infinite. God’s economy is infinite. It never shrinks, diminishes or causes suffering for its inhabitants. It’s an economy of Mind where Love provides without fail. And this truth can be applied and demonstrated in the full spectrum of human experience, from business activities, to social, familial, marital, mental and health conditions.
So, I encourage you to not accept long drawn out suffering for anyone, even if you feel fine. Evil suggestions need to be put off and replaced with spiritual truth to prevent suffering for the benefit of all. God’s love is present and adequate to the need of the moment for everyone.
I presently like to think not in terms of being in a recession, but in an ever-expanding view of God’s infinite love and care for all of creation.
Oh, and yes, the health nuisance vanished…
Then it struck me while reading the newspaper and noticing several articles on how the present economic recession is the longest since the Great Depression, and so on, that the prolonged bodily trouble was mimicking a form of recession. Not a financial recession, in my case, but a mini-health recession.
The media is currently permeated with economic prognosticators predicting increased prolonged financial suffering over the coming months. There is no acceptance that the economic calamity could instantly end, today for instance. It’s assumed by just about everyone that suffering is to continue and grow worse for a long period of time.
Well, this is not a Christianly scientific position to take. It’s all error of reasoning, and ignorance of God’s economy which is abounding in supply right now. But the majority of people believe this depressing assessment of the recession, and thus the symptoms prophesied continue to grow and accelerate.
I thought, if a person accepts the claims of recession financially, wouldn’t he also be susceptible to accepting the claims of recession in other ways in his life, perhaps in the form of a “health recession,” or a “marital recession,” or a "joy recession," and so on?
Aw, this was enlightening! As I said, the health issue was minor for me, but suddenly I realized a very large spiritual lesson I was to learn from it that would benefit me and the people I help everyday. And it’s this, don’t buy into any recessionary claims, no matter how far removed they may appear to be from you financially!
God’s economy never goes into recession. In fact, it’s all about expansion, ever-unfolding views of infinite goodness and supply. There is no withering away of substance, disappearance of adequate supply, or lack of opportunity. God is infinite. God’s economy is infinite. It never shrinks, diminishes or causes suffering for its inhabitants. It’s an economy of Mind where Love provides without fail. And this truth can be applied and demonstrated in the full spectrum of human experience, from business activities, to social, familial, marital, mental and health conditions.
So, I encourage you to not accept long drawn out suffering for anyone, even if you feel fine. Evil suggestions need to be put off and replaced with spiritual truth to prevent suffering for the benefit of all. God’s love is present and adequate to the need of the moment for everyone.
I presently like to think not in terms of being in a recession, but in an ever-expanding view of God’s infinite love and care for all of creation.
Oh, and yes, the health nuisance vanished…
Monday, March 30, 2009
Lots of orders for your business
One of the opportunities the present economic malaise offers is for people to learn where their real source of income lies. It’s with God, the divine Mind that supplies all human needs!
Cash comes and goes—and mostly goes… Paychecks are spent, assets can decline in value, and jobs can disappear, but the income of ideas from God that tells us how to keep profitably employed never dries up.
A business owner emailed that her business didn’t have enough orders from customers to remain profitable. In a fit of inspiration, I emailed back, “God is giving you lots of orders!” It was meant to be a humorous twist on her original concern, but helped get thought focused on divine income that meets all human needs.
The orders that meet the long term needs of businesses are not primarily from clients, but from the all-knowing, all-wise Mind that provides ever fresh inspiration to adapt to changing circumstances.
When I farmed, we had to adapt every year to changing market conditions. We listened anew each winter for what to plant and how much for the next growing season. Each year was different depending upon what the voice of Wisdom instructed.
These times are no different. If we develop a false reliance on certain clients for income, we may lose them at some point if we aren’t listening to God first and foremost as how to provide the best service possible and understand their changing needs.
God has the wisdom we need to flourish in any economic environment. Those ideas are the incoming “orders” that keep us abreast of the times, current with changing conditions, and able to preempt beliefs of lack.
Cash comes and goes—and mostly goes… Paychecks are spent, assets can decline in value, and jobs can disappear, but the income of ideas from God that tells us how to keep profitably employed never dries up.
A business owner emailed that her business didn’t have enough orders from customers to remain profitable. In a fit of inspiration, I emailed back, “God is giving you lots of orders!” It was meant to be a humorous twist on her original concern, but helped get thought focused on divine income that meets all human needs.
The orders that meet the long term needs of businesses are not primarily from clients, but from the all-knowing, all-wise Mind that provides ever fresh inspiration to adapt to changing circumstances.
When I farmed, we had to adapt every year to changing market conditions. We listened anew each winter for what to plant and how much for the next growing season. Each year was different depending upon what the voice of Wisdom instructed.
These times are no different. If we develop a false reliance on certain clients for income, we may lose them at some point if we aren’t listening to God first and foremost as how to provide the best service possible and understand their changing needs.
God has the wisdom we need to flourish in any economic environment. Those ideas are the incoming “orders” that keep us abreast of the times, current with changing conditions, and able to preempt beliefs of lack.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Worms enough for you too...
The Rooster & the Hen
Said the Little Red Rooster,
“Believe me, things are tough!
Seems the worms are getting scarcer
And I cannot find enough.
What’s become of all those fat ones?
It’s a mystery to me.
There were thousands through that rainy spell,
But now, where can they be?”
But the Old Black Hen who heard him
Didn’t grumble or complain,
She had lived through lots of dry spells
She had lived through floods of rain.
She picked a new and undug spot;
The ground was hard and firm,
“I must go to the worms,” she said.
“The worms won’t come to me.”
The Rooster vainly spent his day
Through habit, by the ways
Where fat round worms had passed in squads
Back in the rainy days.
When nightfall found him supperless,
He growled in accents rough,
“I’m hungry as a fowl can be;
Conditions sure are tough.”
But the Old Black Hen hopped to her perch
and dropped her eyes to sleep
And murmured in a drowsy tone,
“Young man, hear this and weep.
I’m full of worms and happy
For I’ve eaten like a pig.
The worms were there as always
But, boy, I had to dig!”
Said the Little Red Rooster,
“Believe me, things are tough!
Seems the worms are getting scarcer
And I cannot find enough.
What’s become of all those fat ones?
It’s a mystery to me.
There were thousands through that rainy spell,
But now, where can they be?”
But the Old Black Hen who heard him
Didn’t grumble or complain,
She had lived through lots of dry spells
She had lived through floods of rain.
She picked a new and undug spot;
The ground was hard and firm,
“I must go to the worms,” she said.
“The worms won’t come to me.”
The Rooster vainly spent his day
Through habit, by the ways
Where fat round worms had passed in squads
Back in the rainy days.
When nightfall found him supperless,
He growled in accents rough,
“I’m hungry as a fowl can be;
Conditions sure are tough.”
But the Old Black Hen hopped to her perch
and dropped her eyes to sleep
And murmured in a drowsy tone,
“Young man, hear this and weep.
I’m full of worms and happy
For I’ve eaten like a pig.
The worms were there as always
But, boy, I had to dig!”
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
A good attitude may save your job
I came across a great article in the Christian Science Monitor titled, “Be happy and keep you job,” that explains how a bright disposition helps workers navigate darker times.
The piece points out how employees with dour or sour attitudes are likely to be axed first because of the negativity they bring into the workplace. Workers with cheery outlooks and likable personalities were likely to hold their position, even over peers who were more proficient or talented, but less positive.
The article is a useful reminder that attitude and outlook matters and has worth and value.
So, when you dress for work today, be sure to put on your happy demeanor! It might save your paycheck.
The piece points out how employees with dour or sour attitudes are likely to be axed first because of the negativity they bring into the workplace. Workers with cheery outlooks and likable personalities were likely to hold their position, even over peers who were more proficient or talented, but less positive.
The article is a useful reminder that attitude and outlook matters and has worth and value.
So, when you dress for work today, be sure to put on your happy demeanor! It might save your paycheck.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Seek spiritual profit
Thousands of businesses are struggling to make a profit these days. Millions of workers are juggling tighter budgets, reduced wages and heavy debt load.
“How can I make more money?” many fret and ponder.
The temptation to seek material gain first to remedy one’s financial woes looms large in the mind of those looking to the world for supply and comfort. But there is a greater gain to be sought that not only pays the bills but also brings one closer to God and reaps reward that is far more meaningful than dollars in the bank. It’s called spiritual profit!
Spiritual profit is the gain one experiences when turning to God for help and letting divine wisdom flood consciousness with inspiring ideas and qualities of love that elevate thought above fear, doubt and lack.
When I was a college student, I accepted a job selling pianos and organs at a music store in a shopping mall. The job paid by commission.
My performance in June and July was horrible. I didn’t sell a single instrument. I feared not having enough money when returning to college in the fall.
I prayed for a solution. I sought a spiritual perspective.
I knew there was no lack, for God is infinite supply and includes unlimited provision. The picture of no opportunity was a lie, and I needed to quit believing the lie.
I listened to the voice of wisdom for direction. I sought inspiration, not dollars.
After several days, an idea surfaced that solved all of my sales problems. I was internally directed to arrange a concert of 25 short pieces showing off the sounds of the organs, then set an organ at the front doorway of the store and entertain people passing by in the mall, with the expectation that they would stop and listen.
I obeyed. My mini-concert was a huge success, drawing large crowds of listeners. Many came into the store to purchase an organ. My sales were so high in the month of August, that the commissions earned more than made up for lost sales in June and July.
My profit was the idea that came from God about what to do.
God is an all-knowing Mind that has a solution to any problem we ever face. To hear the divine solution, it helps to not get mesmerized into believing money is the primary need. It never is. Inspiration is the supply that transforms dismal circumstances into bounty and blessings.
Seek first the spiritual profit God is sending your way, and positive human adjustments will follow.
“How can I make more money?” many fret and ponder.
The temptation to seek material gain first to remedy one’s financial woes looms large in the mind of those looking to the world for supply and comfort. But there is a greater gain to be sought that not only pays the bills but also brings one closer to God and reaps reward that is far more meaningful than dollars in the bank. It’s called spiritual profit!
Spiritual profit is the gain one experiences when turning to God for help and letting divine wisdom flood consciousness with inspiring ideas and qualities of love that elevate thought above fear, doubt and lack.
When I was a college student, I accepted a job selling pianos and organs at a music store in a shopping mall. The job paid by commission.
My performance in June and July was horrible. I didn’t sell a single instrument. I feared not having enough money when returning to college in the fall.
I prayed for a solution. I sought a spiritual perspective.
I knew there was no lack, for God is infinite supply and includes unlimited provision. The picture of no opportunity was a lie, and I needed to quit believing the lie.
I listened to the voice of wisdom for direction. I sought inspiration, not dollars.
After several days, an idea surfaced that solved all of my sales problems. I was internally directed to arrange a concert of 25 short pieces showing off the sounds of the organs, then set an organ at the front doorway of the store and entertain people passing by in the mall, with the expectation that they would stop and listen.
I obeyed. My mini-concert was a huge success, drawing large crowds of listeners. Many came into the store to purchase an organ. My sales were so high in the month of August, that the commissions earned more than made up for lost sales in June and July.
My profit was the idea that came from God about what to do.
God is an all-knowing Mind that has a solution to any problem we ever face. To hear the divine solution, it helps to not get mesmerized into believing money is the primary need. It never is. Inspiration is the supply that transforms dismal circumstances into bounty and blessings.
Seek first the spiritual profit God is sending your way, and positive human adjustments will follow.
“God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Paul
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
AIG bonuses
The latest revelation of AIG paying $156 million bonuses to executives and employees, illustrates the distance our country has yet to go in recognizing that the real needs of our economy are not financial, but moral, ethical and spiritual.
AIG has received $180 billion in bailout money from US taxpayers so far. Executives of the corporation committed major errors in judgment over past years that built up a financial house of cards so intertwined with other institutions in the country and around the world that Congress feared letting them fail lest the collateral damage was too great for the economy to bear.
Making mistakes, even egregious ones, is not new. Thanks to the infinite loving care of God, mistakes can be forgiven, rectified, damage repaired, and the past put behind. But for genuine healing, there needs to be recognition by the offender of mistakes committed and sacrifice made to clear up the resulting problems.
When I make a poor financial decision, I have to adjust. No one else can do it for me. I cut back expenses. I refigure my budget. I spend less and save more. Bonuses, or rewards, are cut or delayed until my financial house is in order again. If I learn my lesson well, I come out of the experience stronger and better.
All necessary lessons are learned eventually, one way or the other. Our country is not suffering from a credit freeze, a lack of money, or shortfalls in budget. These times cry out for higher moral standards and ethical decision-making in high places.
Prosperous and enduring commerce cannot be sustained by actions motivated by self-interest, greed, and “what’s in it for me,” type of thinking. A sound economy is built on solid moral and spiritual principles.
Taking responsibility for one’s actions and following through with commitments are essential for an enduring economy.
The most desirable “bonus” now, as necessary economic lessons are learned, is not lump sums of money, but work well done, errors rectified, sound decision-making that yields long term economic health, and the increased self-respect and esteem that comes from working one’s way out of a mire and not running in the other direction leaving the mess for someone else to clean up.
I pray that we all gain a clearer understanding of what constitutes a sound economy. We’re taught in college economic courses to study the flow of money, fiscal policy and other material factors, but the greatest boost to our financial future will be stronger ethics and morals in the decision-making of economic players. And that’s a bonus worth working for!
AIG has received $180 billion in bailout money from US taxpayers so far. Executives of the corporation committed major errors in judgment over past years that built up a financial house of cards so intertwined with other institutions in the country and around the world that Congress feared letting them fail lest the collateral damage was too great for the economy to bear.
Making mistakes, even egregious ones, is not new. Thanks to the infinite loving care of God, mistakes can be forgiven, rectified, damage repaired, and the past put behind. But for genuine healing, there needs to be recognition by the offender of mistakes committed and sacrifice made to clear up the resulting problems.
When I make a poor financial decision, I have to adjust. No one else can do it for me. I cut back expenses. I refigure my budget. I spend less and save more. Bonuses, or rewards, are cut or delayed until my financial house is in order again. If I learn my lesson well, I come out of the experience stronger and better.
All necessary lessons are learned eventually, one way or the other. Our country is not suffering from a credit freeze, a lack of money, or shortfalls in budget. These times cry out for higher moral standards and ethical decision-making in high places.
Prosperous and enduring commerce cannot be sustained by actions motivated by self-interest, greed, and “what’s in it for me,” type of thinking. A sound economy is built on solid moral and spiritual principles.
Taking responsibility for one’s actions and following through with commitments are essential for an enduring economy.
The most desirable “bonus” now, as necessary economic lessons are learned, is not lump sums of money, but work well done, errors rectified, sound decision-making that yields long term economic health, and the increased self-respect and esteem that comes from working one’s way out of a mire and not running in the other direction leaving the mess for someone else to clean up.
I pray that we all gain a clearer understanding of what constitutes a sound economy. We’re taught in college economic courses to study the flow of money, fiscal policy and other material factors, but the greatest boost to our financial future will be stronger ethics and morals in the decision-making of economic players. And that’s a bonus worth working for!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
What in the world is going on?
As I walked down our long driveway to get the newspaper this morning, I thought, “I wonder what is happening in the world today?” With steep stock market declines, bank failures, shrinking GDPs around the world, war in the Far East, and other calamities facing humanity, a major headline of distress seems to hit the headlines about everyday.
Rather than anticipating a new disaster to mull over, I quickly reversed the curious thought and declared, “I know exactly what is happening in the world today! God is in control supplying solutions, providing answers, solving problems and restoring health to troubled nations and peoples around the globe.
It felt so much better to affirm the positive than to stay burdened by the negative.
The human mind lives out what it perceives to be reality. Whether justified or not, if individual thought is embroiled in fear of lack, worry about loss, and fascination with every proclamation of doom broadcast over the media, it is likely to be overwhelmed by a sense of lack, loss and doom. It could start living out those dark impressions of mortal mind, and this is not necessary.
God is an ever-present help in any time of trouble. Christ is always at work in human consciousness supplying wisdom, insight, guidance and direction that enables one to overcome struggle and demonstrate success.
The purpose of prayer is to open thought to Christ’s presence and let God’s help be revealed.
However, if we let mortal mind capture our attention with prophecies of doom and gloom, we aren’t listening to God. We are not praying. Mental absorption into negative news takes thought into a foreign land of loneliness, despair and discouragement. It is not a helpful perspective to hold on to. It’s destructive mesmerism, and it needs to be reversed with conscientious and meaningful prayer.
So, as I meandered down the rest of the driveway to the paper box, I decided not to wait until I read the headlines to decide what was happening in the world today. I was not looking forward to reading more depressing news. I was going to know ahead of time what was spiritually true about the world I lived in before I read the paper!
This type of positive expectancy felt so much better…
What do you expect to find in the world today?
Rather than anticipating a new disaster to mull over, I quickly reversed the curious thought and declared, “I know exactly what is happening in the world today! God is in control supplying solutions, providing answers, solving problems and restoring health to troubled nations and peoples around the globe.
It felt so much better to affirm the positive than to stay burdened by the negative.
The human mind lives out what it perceives to be reality. Whether justified or not, if individual thought is embroiled in fear of lack, worry about loss, and fascination with every proclamation of doom broadcast over the media, it is likely to be overwhelmed by a sense of lack, loss and doom. It could start living out those dark impressions of mortal mind, and this is not necessary.
God is an ever-present help in any time of trouble. Christ is always at work in human consciousness supplying wisdom, insight, guidance and direction that enables one to overcome struggle and demonstrate success.
The purpose of prayer is to open thought to Christ’s presence and let God’s help be revealed.
However, if we let mortal mind capture our attention with prophecies of doom and gloom, we aren’t listening to God. We are not praying. Mental absorption into negative news takes thought into a foreign land of loneliness, despair and discouragement. It is not a helpful perspective to hold on to. It’s destructive mesmerism, and it needs to be reversed with conscientious and meaningful prayer.
So, as I meandered down the rest of the driveway to the paper box, I decided not to wait until I read the headlines to decide what was happening in the world today. I was not looking forward to reading more depressing news. I was going to know ahead of time what was spiritually true about the world I lived in before I read the paper!
This type of positive expectancy felt so much better…
What do you expect to find in the world today?
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Time to redefine success
One of the rich opportunities the present economic turmoil has provided mankind is the chance to redefine success.
All too often success has been measured in material terms, such as in the size of one’s paycheck, the number of bedrooms in one’s living quarters, a job held, the prestige garnered from position, and so on. But with lay-offs, down-sizing, declining house values, wiped out portfolios and other declines in material worth and stature, these standards for success can leave one feeling destitute and impoverished, if accepted. And this need not be. God loves us all of the time and gives us everything we need to live happily and fully no matter what story financial numbers tell.
To feel this love, though, we need to measure success in the same way God provides it.
Jesus had the right idea of success when he told his followers to seek the riches of heaven. He knew that temporal treasures brought only temporal joy and could not be relied upon for permanent happiness and support. He taught, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” And then added, “…and all these things shall be added unto you.”
When we put seeking God first, we do not humanly lack. We spiritually gain. And this is what millions of people yearn to feel more of today—gain! And it comes from seeking the riches of Spirit which are freely available to all.
I look forward to the day when worth and value is measured more widely in spiritual terms.
Won’t it be a treat when a neighbor’s worth is seen not according to the size of his salary, but according to how much love he shows toward others?
Won’t it be a delight when the love and care a stay-at-home parent shows her children is valued as highly as the service of a CEO managing the distribution of wares?
Won’t it be a brighter day when people measure success by how much spirituality they live and experience rather than in how big their IRA has grown?
True success is spiritual.
If one’s house value has shrunk, or savings vanished, or job disappeared, it is not necessary to feel unsuccessful, for success is not according to these things. Success is turning to God for help, finding it, and living true to one’s spiritual individuality. Anyone can do this regardless of material standing and they can feel the blessings that come from being spiritually minded.
When I look at the value of some mutual funds I’ve purchased in the past, it’s tempting to get depressed. But when I realize the value of those funds have nothing to do with my eternal life and well being with God, it’s easy to find reasons to rejoice and be happy.
If you are beset by concerns of failure, you might give redefining success a try too. You’ll likely find a whole lot more to be grateful for than you realized, and feel much more successful for the effort.
All too often success has been measured in material terms, such as in the size of one’s paycheck, the number of bedrooms in one’s living quarters, a job held, the prestige garnered from position, and so on. But with lay-offs, down-sizing, declining house values, wiped out portfolios and other declines in material worth and stature, these standards for success can leave one feeling destitute and impoverished, if accepted. And this need not be. God loves us all of the time and gives us everything we need to live happily and fully no matter what story financial numbers tell.
To feel this love, though, we need to measure success in the same way God provides it.
Jesus had the right idea of success when he told his followers to seek the riches of heaven. He knew that temporal treasures brought only temporal joy and could not be relied upon for permanent happiness and support. He taught, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” And then added, “…and all these things shall be added unto you.”
When we put seeking God first, we do not humanly lack. We spiritually gain. And this is what millions of people yearn to feel more of today—gain! And it comes from seeking the riches of Spirit which are freely available to all.
I look forward to the day when worth and value is measured more widely in spiritual terms.
Won’t it be a treat when a neighbor’s worth is seen not according to the size of his salary, but according to how much love he shows toward others?
Won’t it be a delight when the love and care a stay-at-home parent shows her children is valued as highly as the service of a CEO managing the distribution of wares?
Won’t it be a brighter day when people measure success by how much spirituality they live and experience rather than in how big their IRA has grown?
True success is spiritual.
If one’s house value has shrunk, or savings vanished, or job disappeared, it is not necessary to feel unsuccessful, for success is not according to these things. Success is turning to God for help, finding it, and living true to one’s spiritual individuality. Anyone can do this regardless of material standing and they can feel the blessings that come from being spiritually minded.
When I look at the value of some mutual funds I’ve purchased in the past, it’s tempting to get depressed. But when I realize the value of those funds have nothing to do with my eternal life and well being with God, it’s easy to find reasons to rejoice and be happy.
If you are beset by concerns of failure, you might give redefining success a try too. You’ll likely find a whole lot more to be grateful for than you realized, and feel much more successful for the effort.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Not in a crisis
President Obama and associates are using the word “crisis” frequently these days in reference to the economy. If one were to listen very attentively, one might start to believe lack and suffering are unavoidable and then live out those beliefs in their individual lives, even if not necessary.
Economic times are tough for many struggling with debt and searching for employment. But experience proves, one’s outlook has much to do with success.
Is the glass half empty or half full? The old proverbial question begs an answer.
If people en masse start buying into the belief that a crisis prevails, their common belief may become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Thus the need to come out and be separate as the Apostle Paul tells us.
It helps to defend our thinking from popular thinking to protect our own demonstration of supply from being influenced by a false belief of lack.
If millions of people believe in crisis, it doesn’t mean there has to be suffering for everyone. Divine Mind, and not popular belief, governs the individual relying upon spiritual truth for guidance.
I remember back in the 1980s when the farming business went into a depression. And yes, the word depression was widely used in the farming industry then. Farmers went out of business by the tens of thousands across the country. Farm-aide programs started at that time.
Yet, the majority of farmers survived, and thrived after the period passed.
In looking back, my own family dealt with the so-called crisis from the point of view that it wasn’t a crisis, but a time to be a better farmer. We knew we had the infinite resources of divine Mind to draw upon for operating the family farm.
The resources of Mind are wisdom, intelligence, creativity, flexibility, adaptability, fresh inspiration, new ideas, and improved views. As we drew upon these divine resources, we saw ways to trim budgets, reduce debt, increase yield and make better use of our equipment. We became better farmers and set the operation up to prosper quickly once the worldwide belief of depression had faded.
The below quote by Mary Baker Eddy is pertinent to the spread of biological disease as well as economical disease. I find it quite relevant to economic fears spreading through the media today.
"The press unwittingly sends forth many sorrows and diseases among the human family. It does this by giving names to diseases and by printing long descriptions which mirror images of disease distinctly in thought. A new name for an ailment affects people like a Parisian name for a novel garment. Every one hastens to get it. A minutely described disease costs many a man his earthly days of comfort. What a price for human knowledge!" Mary Baker Eddy
With the onslaught of negative financial news pouring forth through the press, these are times to be extra diligent in understanding the truth about supply.
God is the source of our supply! God is never in crisis mode, and the divine Love that meets our every human need is always on the job providing the inspiration, insight and wisdom we need to keep our financial affairs in order.
Economic times are tough for many struggling with debt and searching for employment. But experience proves, one’s outlook has much to do with success.
Is the glass half empty or half full? The old proverbial question begs an answer.
If people en masse start buying into the belief that a crisis prevails, their common belief may become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Thus the need to come out and be separate as the Apostle Paul tells us.
It helps to defend our thinking from popular thinking to protect our own demonstration of supply from being influenced by a false belief of lack.
If millions of people believe in crisis, it doesn’t mean there has to be suffering for everyone. Divine Mind, and not popular belief, governs the individual relying upon spiritual truth for guidance.
I remember back in the 1980s when the farming business went into a depression. And yes, the word depression was widely used in the farming industry then. Farmers went out of business by the tens of thousands across the country. Farm-aide programs started at that time.
Yet, the majority of farmers survived, and thrived after the period passed.
In looking back, my own family dealt with the so-called crisis from the point of view that it wasn’t a crisis, but a time to be a better farmer. We knew we had the infinite resources of divine Mind to draw upon for operating the family farm.
The resources of Mind are wisdom, intelligence, creativity, flexibility, adaptability, fresh inspiration, new ideas, and improved views. As we drew upon these divine resources, we saw ways to trim budgets, reduce debt, increase yield and make better use of our equipment. We became better farmers and set the operation up to prosper quickly once the worldwide belief of depression had faded.
The below quote by Mary Baker Eddy is pertinent to the spread of biological disease as well as economical disease. I find it quite relevant to economic fears spreading through the media today.
"The press unwittingly sends forth many sorrows and diseases among the human family. It does this by giving names to diseases and by printing long descriptions which mirror images of disease distinctly in thought. A new name for an ailment affects people like a Parisian name for a novel garment. Every one hastens to get it. A minutely described disease costs many a man his earthly days of comfort. What a price for human knowledge!" Mary Baker Eddy
With the onslaught of negative financial news pouring forth through the press, these are times to be extra diligent in understanding the truth about supply.
God is the source of our supply! God is never in crisis mode, and the divine Love that meets our every human need is always on the job providing the inspiration, insight and wisdom we need to keep our financial affairs in order.
God's love is unfailing. It is continuous and constant, without lapse, shortfall or delay. This consciousness of truth is not impressed by fears of lack, but experiences and enjoys the supply it acknowledges. It engages with supply-thinking, rather than crisis-thinking, for to this consciousness there is no crisis. It sees life as full of opportunities to progress and advance.
Enjoy your supply coming from God today!
