Daily Word...

[CJ]

July 29, 2010

Surrender

I surrender to the Christ Presence within me.

As I read today's affirmation, I feel the weight of personal striving give way to the relief that comes from letting go. I yield to the Christ Presence within me and find rest, help and inspiration.

Relaxing my mind, I let my steady stream of thoughts diminish and fade away. With every breath, the tension in my body is released. I bask in the warmth of divine love.

I surrender and open my mind and heart to the flow of God's good. Surrender is a gentle yielding, a willingness to receive. I open the way to receive ideas, healing energy and answered prayer. Surrendered to the Christ Presence within me, I go forth at ease and assured of the good that is coming to me.

Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.--Matthew 11:28

[CJ]

July 30, 2010

Inner Peace

Centered in Spirit, I am at peace.

I am at peace when I remember how lovingly I am supported by Spirit. Sometimes I may get caught up in the drama of my own or someone else's experiences and lose my sense of inner peace. Once I become aware that my mind has strayed from Spirit, all I need do is mindfully take a deep breath. As I focus my attention on my breathing, I become centered in Spirit.

"Spiritus," the Latin origin of the word spirit, literally means "breath." When I breathe deeply, I feel my body relax and I am calmed. As I breathe in and out, I become quiet and consciously aware of the Presence. I listen for the voice within that knows what is mine to do. I right my thinking. When my mind is centered on Spirit, I am at peace.

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness.--Galatians 5:22

[CJ]

July 31, 2010

Right Attitude

I overcome difficulty through the power of right attitude.

Children get excited by the challenge of swimming in the deep end of a pool or climbing to the top of a playground tower. They expect to overcome any difficulties they may encounter. Their faith in a successful outcome--their right attitude--empowers them to reach their goal.

Today I look upon any challenge as an opportunity to demonstrate God at work in my life. Through the power of faith, I am already well on my way to success. I maintain a divine expectation. Because I am one with God, I am capable of great feats and accomplishments. I overcome any difficulty through the power of right attitude and see success as a stepping-stone to my highest good.

Those who conquer will inherit these things, and I will be their God and they will be my children.--Revelation 21:7

[CJ]

August 01, 2010

World Peace

I see peace; I speak peace; I live from a peaceful heart.

Consciously pausing to feel the steady, rhythmic beat of my heart and the deep and calming flow of my breath, I dedicate myself to expressing peace today.

As a child of God, I share a common heritage of divine love with all people. I remember this as I think and speak of others today, as I interact, and as I agree or disagree with other points of view. I appreciate the diversity that adds richness, beauty and strength to the tapestry of humankind.

The words I choose and the tone in which I speak convey my peaceful intentions. I look for opportunities to share a smile, a kind word and a helping hand. I am a presence of peace. I see peace; I speak peace; I live from a peaceful heart.

Let us then pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.--Romans 14:19

[CJ]

August 02, 2010

Beauty

I behold the beauty of God in all people and all things.

It has been said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The word behold is especially significant, for it reminds us to take time to really see--to consciously observe--the beauty around us.

What beauty do I behold today? Is it the rising sun? Is it the face of a loving companion or a precious pet? A sacred prayer that fills my heart and soul? I can behold beauty in all of these things and more. Anytime I seek beauty, I will find it. It may be found in a tiny grain of sand or in the vastness of a canyon. I may find beauty in the magnificence of the outside world or in the deep inner sanctum of my soul.

Today I behold the beauty in all things. As I do, I see the beauty within and around me in greater splendor.

Behold the beauty of the Lord.--Psalm 27:4

[CJ]

 August 03, 2010

Healing

I claim my innate health and wholeness.

Out loud I affirm: I am in excellent health. I am whole and well. Then I repeat these words until they take hold in my heart and mind. I act and speak in ways that demonstrate health and wholeness.

I put my focus and my words squarely on what I know is true--that I am a perfect expression of God. Every thought, action and word is powerful. Whispers of doubt and preoccupation with illness serve no purpose. I notice how my body reacts to the words I use. Do I feel weaker? Stronger?

I choose my words carefully, whether they are words of prayer or conversation. I choose words of strength and power. I claim my health and wholeness.

Rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.--Proverbs 12:18

[CJ]

August 04, 2010

Let Go, Let God

I lean trustingly on God and let go.

As I release old thoughts from my mind, I release old emotions from my heart. To release the old provides room for the new. A cup cannot be refilled unless it is first emptied. This day presents me with the opportunity to empty the cup, and to release old thoughts, emotions and conditions that no longer serve me.

I quietly release the old by saying, "I let go and let God." Such a prayer is practical and effective. It makes it easy to relinquish the things from which I wish to be free.

In this newfound freedom, my spirit sings. Not only do I find release from the old, but I prepare myself for new thoughts, new emotions and new conditions through which I may express more of the Holy Spirit.

Everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!--2 Corinthians 5:17

[CJ]

August 05, 2010

Gratefulness

I am grateful for simply being.

Counting my blessings is a thoughtful practice, which helps me maintain an attitude of gratitude. It is good, though, to move beyond gratitude for people, places and things, to gratefulness for existence itself.

Going within, I begin by appreciating this moment of peace. Then I become grateful for simply being. This shift in consciousness allows me to fully experience my oneness with the divine Presence, oneness with all that is. The peace I feel is expansive. My gratitude opens wide the realization that I am more than my body, my personality, my experiences--I am an expression of the Divine. I've been given this moment in time to exist in this world, to love and to serve, to follow my bliss. And for this, I am truly grateful.

I will thank you forever.--Psalm 52:9

[CJ]

August 06, 2010

Stillness

In the stillness of my soul, all is well.

Late on a quiet summer evening, I look at the stars and feel the deep serenity of the night sky. My thoughts fall away. I am serene and still within my soul. The vast universe is constant, yet ever-changing, expanding in perfect order--and so am I.

At times it may feel as if my life is changing too fast. So when I need to reconnect with peace and serenity, I go within to the stillness that awaits my awareness. In the quiet of meditation, I feel at one with God. I feel love and a deep sense of purpose. I allow myself to imagine all that I can be, knowing that all things needed for my success are provided. From my place of inner stillness, I begin anew, assured that all is well.

For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation.--Psalm 62:1

[CJ]

 August 07, 2010

Role Model

I am a positive role model for the children in my life.

Whether I am a parent or grandparent, aunt or uncle, teacher or babysitter, neighbor or friend, I have an important responsibility to the children in my life. Because I am an adult, children look up to me and learn behaviors from me. By treating children with kindness, attentiveness and respect, I foster their healthy growth and development.

Striving to be the best example I can be to young people, I call on the patience of God within me if I feel frustrated, overwhelmed or intolerant. I look for opportunities to draw out their talents and praise their successes. Though they stumble at times, they can always rely on me to be there for them as a supportive and encouraging presence.

I will counsel you with my eye upon you.--Psalm 32:8

[CJ]

August 08, 2010

Illumined

I am illumined by the guidance of God.

When Paul was traveling to Damascus, his mission in life was to destroy the Christian churches that were forming, and they had his full attention. In a moment of sudden awareness, he perceived the activity of Spirit within, and he changed course, choosing to lead in the formation of these churches instead.

Spontaneous enlightenment is possible for me, too, when I give my full attention to Spirit's calling and the potential of the present moment. I am flexible and fluid, able to change course as I am led. Fully aware and engaged in the process of life, I spontaneously and mindfully act in response to the guidance I receive.

Sometimes I am tempted to say "I do not know how to do this," or "I do not see the next step." These thoughts come to mind, but there is a deeper knowing available to me. I am not restricted to human understanding, which seeks to find logical answers to life's questions. I open to spiritual understanding, to hear the "still small voice" and receive God's guidance, to become one with Divine Mind. While I may not see the whole pathway, my next steps become clear.

Spiritual direction may come as inspiration, a word, picture or simply an inner sense of "rightness." Experience has shown that as I listen and follow my inner guidance, I begin to hear the voice of God more easily. I am illumined by divine guidance, and I am grateful.

There is nothing hidden, except to be disclosed; nor is anything secret, except to come to light.--Mark 4:22

[CJ]

August 10, 2010

Free

I am free to choose how I create my day.

As I awaken each morning, I have a choice to make. How will I approach this God-given day? Will I begin by appreciating the freshness of a new day or by agonizing over my to-do list? When I remember that I am free to choose how I think, I consciously decide to not spend my precious energy in self-defeating ways.

God has blessed me with freedom. I choose today to make conscious choices about my health, my habits and my attitude. As I do, I feel energized. I have a sense of purpose. I feel renewed, creative and ready to do what is mine to do. Whatever situations or circumstances I face today, I know I am never alone. God is with me, "and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom!"

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.--2 Corinthians 3:17

[Flyer]

Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Pray for Others
I know that all things are possible, and I give thanks.
Dear one, I am praying for you today. You may be someone I have known for a long time or someone I just met, but regardless, I know you are divine in nature, a beloved creation of a loving God.

As I think of you, I envision perfection in mind, body and spirit. The presence of God within enables you to make wise choices and to heal in every way. God's abundance is in the very essence of your being. I envision you having everything you need to fulfill your hopes and desires.

I pray for you, and I release any need for a particular outcome. I know that all good things are possible for you and the people you care about, and for this, I give thanks.

We always pray for you, asking that our God will ... fulfill by his power every good resolve and work of faith.--2 Thessalonians 1:11

[Flyer]

Thursday, August 12, 2010
Recovery
The road to recovery leads to perfect health and well-being.
Recovery is a natural part of the healing process. If I am recuperating from an illness or surgery or from a long-term condition, I can make a significant difference in my own recovery by including prayer in my healing regimen.

As I or someone dear to me moves down the road to recovery, I pray with life-affirming conviction that the healing activity of God is at work. I join with friends, family or others in my spiritual community to affirm that total healing is unfolding. The support and solidarity I receive comfort me as the healing process continues.

Recovery leads to renewal of my body, mind and spirit. As I make significant progress each day, I appreciate every phase of this journey and the insights gained along the way.

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me.--Luke 4:18

[CJ]

August 13, 2010

Vacation

I take time to relax and restore my mind and body.

Spiritual teachers know the importance of taking time apart. Whether they spend time in a quiet place of beauty or embark upon a new adventure, time away from routine activities is a source of renewal.

My schedule may be filled with activities for work, family, church and friends. But as important as my work and relationships are, it is also vital that I spend time away from my routine. As I allow myself time for rest and renewal, I open my awareness to the radiance of the Christ of my being and feel it expanding. Whether I am in the silence or immersed in the exhilaration of new activities, the energy of the Christ light infuses my body with vitality and my mind with peace. After a time apart, I am rested and restored.

After saying farewell to them, he went up on the mountain to pray.--Mark 6:46