Concepts to Consider

As we continue to focus on the “Sacred Feminine” this month, let us become aware of the Presence of God as THAT which we feel and experience beyond words, the Holy Voice that speaks to us as intuition and the urge to create. And, in honor of Mother’s Day on Sunday, let us look at the Divine Creative Energy of the Universal Soul, individualized within each of us, as a Loving “Maternal Force” that pushes us onward to perform in life—like a stage mother who knows what her child can do.

If we would behold that which is beautiful, holy, and good in life—the reality of Love in our self and the world around us—we must choose to call upon the All-Embracing, Unconditional Love within us that brings True Innocence to light in our conscious awareness. When we choose to look at it all through the eyes of Love, our creations—our creative thought that proceeds from us to our creations—can be perceived in their True Holiness just beyond judgment. We can, if we want to, choose Love no matter what our past may have looked like, and no matter what we or anyone else may have done. A Course in Miracles reminds us that our only calling here is to devote our self, with active willingness, to the denial of guilt in all its forms.

Without love, our life means nothing, because only Love is real. But, since our creative thought proceeds from us to all that we see, and we see through the eyes of our self-perception, we cannot love anything or anyone until we look at our self through the eyes of love. What thoughts have you been “defending with your life,” like a mother in the animal kingdom that defends her offspring with her life? What beliefs have you been unwilling to change “because they belong to you,” even though they may be making you sick, unhappy, unsuccessful, and filled with judgment, criticism, and self-righteousness?

Meditation: Sit quietly with your eyes closed…breathe slowly, in and out…allowing your thoughts to become still…easing into quietness without effort (allow as much time as you need)…with every breath allow yourself quietly and wordlessly to surrender to the Sacred Heart of God that has known your innocence from the beginning…let Unconditional Love seep into every part of your being…until It fills your heart…and lights up your mind with only Love…enough Love to forgive yourself for your mistakes…enough Love to forgive everyone else for their mistakes…you cannot really give anything but love…to anyone or anything…nor can you really receive anything but love from them…when you want only love…you will see nothing else…continue in this meditation until you see Only Love…

This week: Each day, take time to meditate as above. And, then throughout the day remind yourself of the innocence that is the Reality at the Heart of all Life. And, then remember that no matter what you do each day—if you are successful in doing it, or fail in your effort—the only thing that will matter…because it is the only thing that is real and everlasting…is the love you give and the love you receive.

Child of God, you were created to create the good, the beautiful and the holy.

Download the practice sheet: Looking Through the Eyes of Love

Sunday’s Quotes
ACIM T-1…VII.2:1

As God’s creative Thought proceeds from Him to you, so must your creative thought proceed from you to your creations.
ACIM T-7…I.2:3

Your only calling here is to devote yourself, with active willingness, to the denial of guilt in all its forms…From everyone whom you accord release from guilt you will inevitably learn your innocence.
ACIM T-14…V.3:5

You cannot really give anything but love to anyone or anything, nor can you really receive anything but love from them…When you want only love you will see nothing else.
ACIM T-12…VII.9:4

Sunday’s Music:

Looking Through the Eyes of Love & Thanks to You

Please visit website to view premium content

Technorati Tags: Course in Miracles, flint church, life enrichment center, Rev Stephanie Sorensen, through the eyes of love

Consider the ideas presented in Sunday’s message (or listen to it here).

Concepts to Consider

As we focus on the “Sacred Feminine” this month, let us remember that “words” are simply a means of communication so that we can recognize and define, as best we can, that which is beyond words.  The “He” That is “She” concept is to help us to understand how the masculine and feminine Principle of Unity within us, born of the Father-Mother God of our creation, complements and balances within each of us individually (male or female) and within the greater whole of life.

In considering that the masculine and feminine come from the One, and that one is within each of us, let us consider, together, that the Presence of God in Its Abstract, Undifferentiated, Infinite Potential is the Sacred Soul of the Universe out of which Infinite Divine Ideas are brought forth into the Light of Consciousness. “Let there be Light “ is the Divine I AM proclamation of God. This “Light” we could view as the Divine Masculine, the Presence of God in manifested Creation “and there was Light.”

The Presence of God is the fundamental law of our being and functions within us, individually, as It does universally.  In The Science of Mind (Chapter 4, “Law”) we read,

“It is impossible to plumb the depths of the individual mind because it is not really individual but individualized. Behind, or within, the individualized point is the Universal, which has no limits. In this concept alone lies the possibility of an endless and eternal expansion.”

The teachings of New Thought help us to learn how to bring forth from the invisible-potential (Universal) a visible-practical spiritual self-expression that will enrich and expand our life experience, here and now.

Our spiritual “ah ha” experiences come to our conscious thought from the depths of the spiritual potential and possibility of Divine knowledge that is the Universal Soul. We individualize more of our spiritual potential by “emptying” our mind of all that we know (or think we know) and listening with our heart.

“For God who said, Let light shine out of darkness, has shone in our hearts so that we may be enlightened with the knowledge of the glory of God in the person of Christ.”

Meditation: Sit quietly with your eyes closed…breathe slowly, in and out…allowing your thoughts to become still…easing into quietness without effort (allow as much time as you need)…with every breath allow yourself to let go of “knowing”…surrender thought and open your heart to feeling…the “Sacred Feminine” communicates as intuition…a Holy Sense that urges our heart and then informs our mind…there is no end to the depth of our soul…our individualized soul is forever one the Universal Soul…which has not limits…let the glory of the Christ Light within you come forth in the person of you…let It give you a New Thought about your Self…

This week: As you go throughout your day, take time to walk in Nature, or at least take a moment to go outside! Let yourself feel the primordial Life Force that fills all space—the Sacred Creative Substance in which you live, move, and have your being. Let yourself resonate to the Holy Vibration of Fertility in all life, including you, whether you are male or female. Become aware of the Sacred Urge within you to “give birth” to something new, as you…follow the “push” to express, the “urge” to create…and let your heart enlighten your mind with new thoughts of self-expression.

Dwonload the Practice Sheet: The He That is She Practice

Sunday’s Music:

Listen with Your Heart & This is My Life

Please visit website to view premium content

Technorati Tags: Course in Miracles, flint churches, life enrichment center, Rev. Stephanie Sorensnen, Science of Mind, The Sacred Femine, unity

Consider the ideas presented in Sunday’s message (or listen to it here).

Concepts to Consider

As an individualized expression of the Divine, there is a Holy Presence within each of us, the “I Am Presence of God” that, despite appearances in this world, is changeless and perfect. It is all that is real and permanent about us no matter what “names” we may call our self. Because nothing REAL ever changes, our True Self remains unchanged by our changing self-concepts. But, in order for us to realize our Self more fully, and to experience and express our True Spiritual Nature, here and now, it is important for us to “re-think” and “re-language” our self-perception.

“I am” is the creative force in us because it is the first statement, and condition, of individual self-awareness. In other words, if we know that “we are,” we’ve proclaimed, “I am.” And, we’ve been shaping our life with those words ever since we said, “I am me.” When “spiritual being” doesn’t follow our “I am” statements, we limit and constrict our experience of our true nature. Make a list, now, of the “I am a limited human” statements you are aware you’ve been proclaiming in your life.

And, then, THIS WEEK, become aware of all of the “I am” statements you make in your silent thoughts about who you are, and in the words you say aloud to others about yourself.

Write down next to each one, a spiritual Statement of Being (e.g., “I am healthy; I am happy; I am free”). Keep in mind that unless you choose to change your self-concepts, changing your “I am” statements won’t change you.

Meditation: Sit quietly with your eyes closed…breathe slowly, in and out…allowing your thoughts to become still…easing into quietness without effort (allow as much time as you need)…with every breath allow yourself to move deeper within… focusing on the idea that as you let go of the outer world of appearances…the past with its mistakes and regrets…you also let go of any self-reference that is defined by the world…open your mind to the I AM PRESENCE OF GOD within you…It is there…It is the very WORD OF GOD that spoke you into being…It is your Power…your Glory… unchanged from the beginning when your Creator beheld all that He had made and pronounced very, very Good…this is you…truly you…

This week: Begin each day with a Spiritual Statement of Being, and then throughout the day, be aware of your “I am” thoughts, words, and actions.

Download the practice: I AM…I SAID

Sunday’s Music:

I Am I Said

Please visit website to view premium content

I Am What I Am

Please visit website to view premium content

Technorati Tags: flint churches, I am, life enrichment center, Rev. Stephanie Sorensnen

Consider the ideas presented in Sunday’s message (or listen to it here).

Concepts to Consider

We considered this Sunday that as spiritual beings even though we have the potential to bring into our experience every good thing that can come from our oneness with God, we have a much greater purpose in life than to be only a receptacle of Good or a receiver of Spiritual property. We are the very expression of God on earth! As powerfully creative expressions of One Creator, it is our thoughts and perceptions that give form and meaning to the world we share. And, since each of us is a beautiful thread in the Holy Tapestry of creation, it is important for us to offer and extend the unique gifts with which we’ve been blessed so that we can add our particular God-generated value, color, and depth to the world.

Do you feel blessed in your life?  Take time to “count your blessings” and write them down. Now, ask yourself how you are expressing your blessings in the world.  Do you express joy, happiness, and gratitude for your blessed life in your communication with others? If you believe that you are one with God, do you bless the world with the Light of Awareness that that same oneness is True for everyone and everything?

Meditation: As a meditation practice this week, sit quietly and consider this passage from A Course in Miracles and, perhaps, even use it as a Guide to being a Blessing Expressing on earth:  

The grace of God rests on forgiving eyes, and everything they look on speaks of Him to the beholder. He can see no evil; nothing in the world to fear, and no one who is different from himself. And as he loves them, so he looks upon himself with love and gentleness. He would no more condemn himself for his mistakes than damn another. He is not an arbiter of vengeance, nor a punisher of sin. The kindness of his sight rests on himself with all the tenderness it offers others. For he would only heal, and only bless. And being in accord with what God wills, he has the power to heal and bless all those he looks on with the grace of God upon his sight.

This week: Begin each day by quietly recognizing that you are as God created you, and Who you Are has never changes. And forgive yourself (once again) for believing in the fearful, limited self-concept you thought was you. Then throughout each day look upon others with forgiving eyes, and seek to behold God in them and in everything you see… Allow the “Grace of God” to rest upon your sight.

Download the practice sheet: I-Am-a-Blessing-Expressing-Practice

Sunday’s Music:

I Am Blessed

Please visit website to view premium content

I Will Make the Difference

Please visit website to view premium content

Technorati Tags: blessing expressing, Course in Miracles, flint church, LEC, Rev Stephanie Sorensen

Technorati Tags: being yourself, flint churches, learning, life enrichment center

Consider the ideas presented in Sunday’s message (or listen to it here).

Concepts to Consider

This Sunday was Easter, as well as the second Sunday in our focus this month on “I Am.” The talk title was one of the “I am” statements attributed to Jesus in the Bible. We considered the man, “Jesus,” as a human being who walked the world (as we do), and as a Divine Being who overcame the world (as we can). And, we considered the ways in which he was tempted to express himself as “only human,” and how he overcame those temptations through his complete identification with Spirit. And, we looked at his teachings that reflected his belief that what he did, others could do.

Though you may not feel as if you can “walk on water” at the moment, or turn that water into wine, you can begin to express more of your Christ Nature by identifying yourself with Spirit. “I am a spiritual being” is powerful when it is embodied as the Truth of who we are. Where in your life have you been excusing your self for succumbing to “the temptations of the flesh” or the seduction of the human ego–whether it is overindulging in food and drink; perceiving your body as aging and infirm; negatively acting out in your relationships; or an un-relinquishing focus on money and worldly success–because you are “only human” with merely a potential for being the Son of God?

The “I am” statements of Jesus, as he identified himself completely with Christ—believing without a doubt in the Power and Reality within himself—brought about miracles on earth. What “I am” statements would help you to see yourself differently, to believe in yourself? When “all things are possible,” in what areas of your life are you accepting limitation?

Meditation: Sit quietly with your eyes closed…breathe slowly, in and out…allowing your thoughts to become still…easing into quietness without effort (allow as much time as you need)…with every breath allow yourself to move deeper within…there is a Golden Thread of Truth that runs through the world of form…a Light that sparkles beyond what is seen… and within you…right now…is a similar Thread…a Holy Path lit by Christ Light…a Sacred Route that has been taken before…with markers left behind to help you find your way…it is easy to find when you believe it is there…or are willing for it to be there…and are willing to be Guided along the way…the Life of Spirit…the Light of Christ…the Mind of God…that was in Christ Jesus…is also in you…it has been within you from the beginning…it is in you now…open your mind…open your heart…let the Truth arise in you…

This week: One definition for the word, resurrection, is “a rising again, as from disuse.” Start each morning with the intention of allowing the resurrection of Christ to arise in your conscious awareness–a rising again of your Holy Power from disuse. Base your “I am” statements throughout the day on a complete identification with Spirit. Remind yourself often throughout the day that nothing can hold back the Truth in you, but you. In The Science of Mind we read,

“The Christ IS ALWAYS TRIUMPHANT, IS EVER A VICTOR, IS NEVER DEFEATED, NEEDS NO CHAMPION. The Christ places His hand in the outstretched hand of the Universe, and walks unafraid through life.”

At the end of each day write down any experiences where you became aware that you were “rising above” the limitations “of the flesh” and the “seduction of the ego.”

Download the Weekly Practice Sheet: I Am the Resurrection and the Life Practice

Sunday’s Music:

Please visit website to view premium content

Technorati Tags: Course in Miracles, flint churches, I Am The Resurrection and The Life, life enrichment center, Rev Stephanie Sorensen, Science of Mind

Concepts to Consider

This Sunday was our first in our April focus on “I AM.” It has been said that these two words hold the Creative Power behind all of creation. The Aramaic Bible tells us

“The Word was in the beginning, and that very Word was with God, and God was that Word…Everything came to be by his hand.”

As we considered on Sunday, since each of us has “come to be,” we must have been created by the Hand of God, made in His image and likeness and, therefore, creative spiritual beings. Because we are Godlike, our word “from the beginning” has held creative power. So, despite appearances in this world that may suggest otherwise, we are imbued with unlimited spiritual power and freedom to create anything in our life.

What words follow your “I am” statements in your life? With every thought and word, moment-to-moment, you are proclaiming who you believe you are—you are making a statement of being that either defines you as a Spiritual Being, living in a Spiritual Universe, in which you are governed by Spiritual Law, or as a physical being, living in a material world, in which you are governed by the laws of man.

Look at the various areas of your life. What are your “I am” statements about your physical body—your health, age, energy, appearance, etc.? What are your “I am” statements about your finances, relationships, self-value, self-expression, etc.? Do you find that you have proclaimed yourself “only human” in certain areas, and are suffering out of your “allegiance” to the belief that you are separate from the Power of God in this area of your life? Take some time to write down an “I am a spiritual being” statement to replace your “creative mistakes” and then remind yourself often of those statements until you feel the Creative Power behind them.

Meditation: Sit quietly with your eyes closed…breathe slowly, in and out…allowing your thoughts to become still…easing into quietness without effort (allow as much time as you need)…with every breath allow yourself to move deeper within yourself…into the vastness of possibilities open to you as a spiritual being…”deep within you is everything that is perfect”…already created by the Hand of God…”ready to radiate through you”…as you…”and out into the world…It will cure all sorrow and pain and fear and loss…because it will heal the mind that thought these things were real…nothing is Real but God…the Supreme Mind expressing Itself through ideas…the Creator seeking self-expression through creation…listen to the Voice for God proclaiming “I am that which thou art…thou art that which I am”…you are safe in Reality…”Nothing real can be threatened…Nothing unreal exists…

This week: As you go through your day remind yourself often that every “I am” statement you make—in your thoughts and in your conversations—has the Power of the Universe behind it! And, give thankful praise to Spirit that your true Identity has remained untouched and unaffected, safe in Reality, even in the midst of all the foolish thoughts your mind has made up. When you are tempted to be fooled by appearances, remind yourself that only what has come to be by the Hand of God is Real.

Download the weekly practice: No Fooling Practice Sheet

Sunday’s Music

Who I Am

Please visit website to view premium content

Be Yourself

Please visit website to view premium content

Technorati Tags: don't be fooled by the world, Ernest Holmes, flint churches, Flint Course in Miracles, life enrichment center, Rev Stephanie Sorensen, Science of Mind, unity

Concepts to Consider

This Sunday was our last in our March focus on “Changes and Transitions.” We considered that, “like it or not,” change is inevitable in this earth life; that we can waste our time resenting past changes and waste our energy resisting future changes, but we can’t stop change from happening. In fact, we read in The Science of Mind, “The body of the Universe cannot help changing form!”  In that case, who are we to disagree?

We can bless the path we’ve taken in our life—with all its twists and turns, and detours and roundabouts—because even if we may have stumbled a lot, or even fallen down a few times, our path has led us to this moment: our conscious desire to more intimately know our true Spiritual Self. Since God is all there Is, no matter where we’ve been or where our path may lead us, our feet can never leave holy ground.

When we change our thinking about who we are, that is, when we begin to actually think of our self as a spiritual being one with God, we can positively affect the ongoing itinerary along our spiritual path and quicken our spiritual journey. Of course, because we are created with free will, we are free to “inch along” our spiritual path like a caterpillar. But, we are also free to stretch our wings and fly more quickly towards our Heavenly Home.

Consider, and then write down, anything from the past that you have been resenting, regretting, or wishing had “turned out” differently.  Now, ask yourself, “Am I truly ready to let go of events of the past that keep me earthbound so that I can move on in freedom along my journey of spiritual self-discovery?” Remember, the choice is yours always.  No one can force you to change your thinking, and no can imprison your mind. Ernest Holmes wrote, “We, and we alone, control our destiny.” Are you ready to make new travel plans?

Meditation: Sit quietly with your eyes closed…breathe slowly, in and out…allowing your thoughts to become still…easing into quietness without effort (allow as much time as you need)…with every breath allow yourself to move deeper within…as if an “Old Friend” awaits you there…ready to continue your holy conversation…with an Everlasting Friend like this, you never need make any decision alone…you have an Inner Guide of Love that will steadily lead you along the path of freedom…an Inner Teacher Who, if asked, will never fail to show you the right direction every moment…Who will show you how to disregard meaningless “signs and symbols” along your path…and how to look beyond everything that would hold you back…the Voice for God…the Holy Spirit within you…ever communes with you along your individual royal road to knowledge and power…and your path of love and peace…

This week: As you “exit” the “roundabout of Love” in your daily meditation, remember that even though change is not a choice in this world, how change takes form in your life is! Trust yourself to feel (to hear, to know) your step as your path “unwinds” from within. Remind yourself, as often as you can remember, that your Inner Guide to Perfect Right Action directs each step of the way, and that as you walk through your day, wherever your path takes you, and whomever you meet along the way, is essential to the moment-to-moment unwinding of your unique, God-ordained, royal road full spiritual knowledge and power.

Download the practice sheet: Detours, Roundabouts Practice

Sunday’s Music

So Many Stars

Please visit website to view premium content

A Place in the Sun

Please visit website to view premium content

Technorati Tags: flint churches, life enrichment center, Rev Stephanie Sorensen, Spiritual path

is a spiritual teacher, retreat leader, and the author of three books.  He is a former monk in the Catholic Church and is currently enrolled at All Faiths Seminary International in NYC and will become an ordained interfaith minister this June.

Technorati Tags: brain changes, Dalai Lama

Concepts to Consider

This Sunday was our second in our March focus on “Changes and Transitions.” We considered that many changes in this earth life seem to come about automatically, with little apparent conscious effort on our part—like the dramatic changes that come when we “transition” from a baby to an adult! And, we considered that transformational changes come through our conscious intention—that is, through a conscious change in our thinking.

Along with experiencing automatic, or subconscious, changes, we were consciously learning about our self and the world around us. These lessons were primarily based on what we could see and our relationship to what was visible to us. But, since “the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear,”[1] true learning about our Self and the world is available only through the spiritual curriculum written within the Invisible Realm of Spirit and embedded in the “time and space” of this earth life.

How often do you let the day-to-day demands of the material world keep you focused on, and attracted to, “things which do appear,” and keep you from not only a specified spiritual practice, but also from seeking the spiritual lessons contained within your day-to-day life? Make a “priority” list of the thoughts and activities that keep you pre-occupied with the world.

Meditation: Sit quietly with your eyes closed…breathe slowly, in and out…allow your thoughts to become as still as possible without effort (allow as much time as needed)…with every breath allow yourself to move deeper within…feel yourself letting go of the outer world that seems to call to you, even now…in this moment… there is no other place you need to be…nothing else you need to be doing…no other thoughts that need your attention…empty your mind…let go of all you have learned so far…about yourself…about the world…accept with joy that you know so little…about so much…and there is so much more that is beautiful…framed by Love…secured by Peace…maintained in Joy…these lessons in Truths are yours…in the moment-to-moment spiritual curriculum…open your mind to your Teacher…

This week:

We are all teachers as well as students. A Course in Miracles reminds us: “To teach is to demonstrate.” Teach what you would learn this week. And, remember that this earth life has a “limited time offer” for learning. Use your gift of time wisely.