LIVING IN THE MOMENT

May 1, 2013 By

Dear Friends,

Do you ever feel that time is passing by and you are not keeping up with it? Or, are you worrying about something that may happen in the future? Or, are you feeling guilty about some-thing that happened in the past?

The truth is that you are making up these thoughts—and that’s all they are—THOUGHTS. It may not be easy tobecome aware of the PRESENT MOMENT. But you CAN train yourself to be aware of what you are thinking.

The good news is that the CONFRONTING MOMENT IS ALL THERE IS…ALL THERE EVER WAS IN YOUR LIFE…ALL THERE EVER WILL BE…AND IT IS YOUR FUTURE. Didn’t you first get the thought to take a certain action that led to the job you may have in the confronting moment? You first met the man or woman who became your spouse—in the confronting moment. You saw a book on a shelf that may have led you into Truth—in the confronting moment.

Many times human beings wait for life to become perfect, but you can start working in the confronting moment byworking with what you’ve got. Accept it, bless it, give thanks. We all have God-Given Gifts, which we can give to othersas we, together, walk this Spiritual path!

There is ABUNDANCE IN EVERY DAY, and by living in the present moment, you will experience God’s gifts.Staying in the NOW, doing your best, and participating fully today are all you need to do—to assure yourself that what’sgoing to happen tomorrow will be for your Highest Good.

Blessings—In this Sacred Moment,
Rev. Joanne Murphy

Filed Under: Rev. Joanne's Corner

“Letting Go” during this Lenten Season

February 20, 2013 By

Dear Friends,

“See the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare.” (Isaiah 42:9)

As I write this, we are entering the Lenten Season –the blessed time to “let go” and prepare for Easter. It is an opportunity to change our thinking, to raise our consciousness.

Why do we have to “let go” of the beliefs we may hold about life in general and our individual lives with their seeming challenges, those “ups & downs” we sometimes experience?

The answer is because life is calling us to grow spiritually, to come up higher, to “know” in our hearts that “It is the Father’s
good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12-32).

As you expand your consciousness, it will allow you to receive all that good that God has in Mind for you!  What is holding us back from “raising up” to this New Life? The answer is our ego. It is limited and limiting. Whereas, God knows no lack or limitations. And, that’s the reason we, as a spiritual community, are focusing on “Letting Go” during this Lenten Season. Letting go of old thoughts that hold you back from Easter Transformation which was not only a “rising up” of Jesus but for you and me. You, see, nothing can change in your life until you do.

I love the hymn “Be not afraid, I go before you, come follow me and I will give you rest,” Let us together, as the One we are, rise up with acceptance of where we are in consciousness but praying for an ever-expanding consciousness which will allow us to receive the good that God wants for us.

This is Resurrection!

May you all have a blessed Easter Experience!
Rev. Joanne

Filed Under: Rev. Joanne's Corner

Let Your Light Shine in 2013!

January 14, 2013 By

Dear Friends,

As I write this, I am unable to speak of Christmas “Celebration” as I have in the past.  Some believe in the prediction of the “end of the World” next week! Yes, we are in Crisis but I believe that it will be the end of the World as we knew it.  The devastating destruction created by “Sandy” changed the lives of so many here at the Jersey Shore and beyond.  The massacre of 20 innocent young children and their teachers has horrified the Nation.  As never before, we are being called to let our Light shine. Let us not talk about “evil.”

Where do we go from here? The answer is within you and me.  Allow your SELF to come through and ask how am I “showing up” in this moment?  How do I “be” the Light?  Let it unfold, let it “be.” It will define each of us.  How we are showing up is our individual responsibility.”

Are you letting your Light shine in this World?  Take responsibility for your thoughts and actions. Then your Light will shine!  And, then, together, we will change the world, for we will have stayed centered in Truth.

Together, we will have created a world that works for all!  May you experience your “New Birth” and “know.”

Love, Joy and Peace is within you.

Abundant Blessings!
Rev. Joanne

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Christmas 2012

December 10, 2012 By

Dear Friends in Christ,

With Christmas approaching, I am reminded of our annual CANDLE LIGHTING SERVICE with individuals representing the metaphysical messages in the Christmas story as written in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. One of them, the Christ Child, is that which gives birth – just as Spirit created you out of Itself!

Christmas is about spiritual birth – that dawning in individual consciousness that you, too, are the Christ, the very activity of Truth which the Faith faculty in you has birthed.

We are all unfolding with Faith into the full Christ of our Being. Rejoice in the process of our spiritual understanding which is born in us each day! Let us be willing to be open to this spiritual birth by going within each day in meditation and prayer to BE aware of the Presence of Spirit, the Christ of our Being.

Come and celebrate this Joyous Season together as the Community of God which we are!

Christmas Celebration Service With Children and Santa: Sunday, December 16, 10:30 a.m.
Sunday Service: December 23, 10:30 a.m.
Candlelight Christmas Eve Service: Monday, December 24, 7 p.m.
No Service Christmas Day: Tuesday, December 25.
New Year’s Eve Burning Bowl Ceremony: Monday, December 31, 7 p.m.

CHURCH MEMBERS – Annual Congregational Meeting at noon time on Sunday, January 27, 2013.

“LET THERE BE PEACE ON EARTH AND LET IT BEGIN WITH ME!”

A very blessed Christmas and NEW Year!
Rev. Joanne M. Murphy

Filed Under: Rev. Joanne's Corner

Winter 2012

October 16, 2012 By

Dear Friends,

“No, thanks, I have enough stuff!” That’s what I say when asked what I want for Christmas. The gift you and I already have is that God goes with you and me wherever we go! The Christ is in every one of us. The question is “are you truly aware of this Oneness; are you ready to show up as the Being – the Divine – that Self you are? Will you accept the Invitation to “Birth a New Humanity”? During the 2012 Unity People’s Convention, Barbara Marx Hubbard’s keynote speaker asked this question. Are you and I here at Unity By the Shore passionate about “conscious evolution”?

December 22, 2012, is a focal point for the media to say something is ending. And, yes, we want something to be ending. As Rev. Michael Beckwith says “We are not trying to hold onto the world the way it is.” Let us question ourselves, each one, as to “where is my consciousness in this “dramatic moment of choice”?” Will we evolve by choice or by chance? Our commitment here at UBTS is CHOICE! “Within Unity is a radical faith that we can do the works Jesus did and greater works.” And, we share a common vision with Unity WorldWide Ministries – “a world that works for all”!

It is very clear to me that Unity By The Shore has been, and is, in a process of evolution. In so many ways, I see the many signs of the rise of empathy, spirituality, and creativity. We “work” our Core Values and Spiritual Principles and, on that “Path” we are helping to create “A New Vision for Humanity”! What greater Gift can we give to all Mankind!”

With Love and Gratitude,

Rev. Joanne

Note: UBTS is willing to be pulled by this global vision and will join the Unity WorldWide Ministries in this evolutionary leap on December 22, 2012. The “Plan” will be announced shortly but for now put it on your calendars!

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Fall 2012

August 23, 2012 By

Dear Friends,

The year of 2012 is soon coming to an end. Chaos is prevalent and some say it is to be the end of the World. Others say it is the end of the World “as we knew it”. What do we here at UCBTS believe? We affirm and “see” the potential of a peaceful world right here, right now.

Jesus said the “Kingdom of God is at hand.” That was 2,000 years ago and many are still waiting for that to come. – praying and waiting for that Kingdom to appear!

As Unity students walking the spiritual path, we know it is up to us to create that change we want to see. If we yearn for
Peace in the world, WE NEED TO BE THAT PEACE; if we want Love, WE MUST BE THAT LOVE; if we want Joy, ‘WE NEED TO BE THAT JOY.

In the World we see anger and judgment with both sides accusing one another. It’s that “I’m Right, You’re Wrong” consciousness. But they are just “stories” made up in one’s mind, based on individual opinion.

However, in Unity we practice Spiritual Principles – Laws of the Universe. Refer to our third principle which reminds us that we create our world – “Human Beings create their experiences by the activity of their thinking. Everything in the manifest world has its beginnings in thoughts.”

So, together, let us create a “New World” with the intention to refrain from making judgments about the duality in the outer world of “I’m right, you’re wrong”.

We can change the world together by resolving “I AM NOT GOING TO HOLD THOSE THOUGHTS. I’M DONE WITH THAT!” Individually we ask “am I going to add to the anger, judgement and righteousness or wake up to the Truth that I am already in the Kingdom of God right here and now?. The Truth is that LIFE IS ALWAYS FOLDING AND UNFOLDING in Its Perfect way. It is that “Kingdom of God is at hand” that Jesus told us of!

In Unity we know that “thoughts held in mind produce after their kind”… and you and I get to choose what to hold in our mind. Together, as One, we make our intention to live from Divine Mind, listening through prayer and meditation to that “still, small voice”.   And, then, we will experience that “New World”!

 

Love, Peace and Joy!

Rev. Joanne

 

 

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Summer 2012

June 9, 2012 By
Rev Joanne

Dear Friends,

As I look out on the garden in all its summer splendor, I am reminded of how awesome Nature is!  I am reminded of Jesus’ words “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12-32)

The question is are we “en-joying” that “kingdom”?

We are living in “interesting” times.  Change is prevalent in all areas of our life here on Earth.  Division is dominant in so many areas of our society and the world at large.  Fear is the focus of many who forget that we are all One.  As a Spiritual Community what can UBTS congregation do to consciously create Oneness here on earth?  There is no magic wand to change the chaos in our world today.  The “Good News”, however, is that you and I are creative beings.  Every thought you hold is part of this process of creation.  Every word you speak is part of this process of creation.  Every action you take is part of the process of creation.  You and I are always creating.

THE QUESTION IS “ARE WE CREATING CONSCIOUSLY”?

The Law of Manifestation tells us that consciousness is creative and we are responsible for our creations.  If you don’t like the way your life looks, you have the Power within you to change your consciousness and thereby change your life! Then, you will experience a new world!  You will be seeing through the “eyes of God”!  And, this “seeing” a new life for yourself and the world can only be attained by a foundation of being aware of God’s presence in your life.  That foundation is created by daily taking time to be still and know God.  As Charles Fillmore, Unity co-founder, did.  He took time every day to “go to headquarters.”

May each one of us create a “new world” within us for as we sing on Sundays “…..let it begin with me”!

Abundant Blessings!

Rev. Joanne

 

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Spring 2012

April 16, 2012 By

Dear Friends,

It’s Spring! All the beautiful flowers are here! They lift our spirits! But more than that, they remind us of the Twelve Powers that we here at Unity by the Shore are focused on this year of 2012… with our emphasis on the Unity World-Wide Ministries 2012 theme “Discover the Power Within You.” Yes, it is obvious in the Springtime that the “One Power” that is within us is the same Power that is within all Life! You see it in the trees, pushing the leaves out – that “Life Force” that is within you and me. It moves from the darkness into the Light. All of nature takes on this Life – the bulb grows and breaks up and expands. That same Power is urging us to grow and to “show up” as the unique flower “that we are.” Consider the following few Powers and their oneness with Nature – All That Is!

“Power of Faith” – just as the bulb has “faith” that Spring will return, we, too, have the “knowing” that whatever seems to be “dark” in our life will pass and the “Light” will shine again in all its splendor.

“Power of Love” – like the Daffodil, who “loves” to be the Daffodil – we, too, can love ourselves and others unconditionally.

“Power of Release – a Daffodil cannot be a Daffodil forever – it has to release so food can go into the root. You and I can free ourselves; let go of anything that is holding us down, keeping us from the freedom to be the God creation we are designed to be.

These are just a few of the Twelve Powers that we have already shared on Sundays. They have been Faith, Strength, Wisdom, Release, Understanding, Will, Life and Love. My “message” today is limited by space but can you “see” how the 12 Powers are within each one of us; how we are “blooming” – growing individually and as a “Spiritual Community”?

Let us, together, let our Light shine and release the “Imprisoned Splendor”!

May you have a glorious “Spring” experience!

Rev. Joanne

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Easter 2012

March 26, 2012 By

Dear Friends,

“The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world”   (1 John4:4)

This message is being shared with you on the first day of Lent. What does Lent mean for you? If you came from a traditional religious background, you might have had ashes placed on your forehead. You may have refrained from eating favorite foods, sweets, or participating in your customary pleasurable activities and return to them on Easter Sunday. However, in Unity we understand the season of Lent from a deeper perspective.

As Charles Fillmore, Co-founder of Unity said “Lent is a season of spiritual growth, a time for progressive unfoldment. When we can blend and merge our mind with God-Mind, the way is open for the Lord to glorify us and lift us into a higher, purer, more spiritual state. The question you may have – “how do I get lifted into a purer, more spiritual state?” Each time you become aware of your thoughts and realize that you are being mesmerized by outer facts and overcome by their seeming power, pray and come back to the Truth that your identity is Divine.

Lent is a holy, sacred time – the number 40 days metaphysically is interpreted as “exactly the right amount of time” and for you to enter into a new contract with yourself – to prepare your own rising. It is the opportunity to start anew on your spiritual journey – moment by moment to have mastery over thoughts. Your “rising” into spiritual awareness is hightened with prayer, study and meditation. In addition, I suggest creating a new vision with a new spiritual practice. Write a gratitude list, tithe your time, talent or treasure. Feed your soul by creating an altar; play peace-filled music; light a candle or chant your favorite affirmations. You will no longer want to be pushed by pain but pulled by the vision of your True Identity – the Christ!

HAVE A BLESSED EASTER!

With Love,
Rev. Joanne

Filed Under: Rev. Joanne's Corner

Christmas 2011

December 10, 2011 By

Dear Friends,

As I write this, we are approaching the New Year and the Christmas cards have wished us a “Happy New Year.” But, if we are not happy now, how can we expect that the New Year will be “Happy”? Why wait for the New Year – as if something magical will happen then? Jesus said the Kingdom of Heaven is within you now!

Rather than take your personal “story” into 2012, see how much deeper you are than that “story”. Happiness and Peace can arise in you NOW. You can regain what is already there within you – and that is conscious awareness of your True Nature as Spirit.

How can this happen? Well, Happiness and Peace arise in you when you step out of the moment of thought and simply let yourself Be and open to the quiet Presence within.

The Christmas story, your story, is about Re-birth, when something Transcendent is born. And, as you enter the quite inner space of your own Being, the Christ Consciousness comes alive in your heart and mind. Then, Divine Ideas inspire you and you rise above your limited human self. Ideas, actions and inspiration spring forth from the Holy Presence within you.

Don’t wait for 2012…go gently within Right Now and allow God’s presence within you to speak. It will assure you of your wholeness and perfection – simply, “be still and know that I Am God.”

May your every moment of every day be filled with the happiest – that of Joy, Love and Peace – your very Essence!

Rev. Joanne

Filed Under: Rev. Joanne's Corner