Dear Friends,
The Kingdom of God is ours by divine birthright.
At the beginning of 2010, Helen and I sent out a letter – an invitation really – “to consciously enhance the purpose of our existence!”
And the letter began……
“When we look around us at what is happening in the world, it seems as if Life is forcing us to look anew at our creative skills. It seems to be calling those who know where the power of transformation lies, to take responsibility for that knowledge.”
And the letter which indicated the value of participating in classes, concluded….
“The Kingdom of God is ours by divine birthright, but if we are to enjoy its treasures, we have to be prepared to do what is necessary to access them.”
Well, when we take note of what is happening in the world around us, these words apply still; perhaps even more so, today. In the midst of what we may perceive as turmoil on so many different levels in the world – so many challenges – the Kingdom of God is still accessible, still awaiting our acknowledgement, yet requiring more than an intellectual knowledge of it.
We experience in life what we know/hold as true, within our own consciousness. That is why so often in trying to lift up another, it appears we do not succeed. So, having stated all this, what is expected of us? What can we do?
This month I am going to offer a suggested “solution” which I have taken from the shared wisdom of two individuals. And the idea is to ultimately realize that what they are saying, and what we teach as a Divine Science extension campus, is the same and it all fits together.
About a week or so ago, on the social network, I came across the following words beautifully read by Marianne Williamson. She was investigating how to deal with all that is happening around the world today. She read from Lesson 109 – A Course in Miracles – and I share part of that with you now:
“I rest in God.” This thought will bring to you the rest and quiet, peace and stillness, and the safety and the happiness you seek. “I rest in God.” This thought has power to wake the sleeping truth in you, and the safety and the happiness you seek. “I rest in God.” This thought This thought will bring to you the rest and quiet, peace and stillness, has power to wake the sleeping truth in you, whose vision sees beyond appearances to that same truth in everyone and everything there is. Here is the end of suffering for all the world, and everyone who ever came and yet will come to linger for a while. Here is the thought in which the Son of God is born again, to recognize himself.
This is the day of peace. You rest in God, and while the world is torn by winds of hate your rest remains completely undisturbed. Yours is the rest of truth. Appearances cannot intrude on you. You call to all to join you in your rest, and they will hear and come to you because you rest in God. They will not hear another voice than yours because you gave your voice to God, and now you rest in Him and let Him speak through you.
In her address following the reading, she stated that she believes there is an awakening on the planet by those who have heard the call.”
Now here at ACT, we have not been concerned about numbers, but rather about conscious intention – the desire by individuals to grow in consciousness, so our teaching is not for the masses. We find this too in the “remnant” referred to in Isaiah – a lesson for another time; and as Deepak Chopra stated in an article, as he acknowledged like-minded individuals throughout the planet, doing their best to be the change they want to see in the world, using their small numbers to make a great difference.
What I found interesting is the way that Marianne Williamson said that we are not to worry about the “majority myth.” Because, she stated: “the majority does not lead – they follow. The majority is not the issue; the critical mass (tipping point) is the issue. All that is needed is a relatively small percentage of any system for the thinking to change in order to tip the system itself.”
And now I offer this “solution” taken from Joel Goldsmith’s book – TheThunder of Silence, where he states the following:
“As we meet with problems of every nature – conflicts, enemies, hatred, persecution, injustice – we no longer try to reach out to remove them either physically or mentally, but we rest in His word. We rest from all power, and God works the miracle. Ramblings of the thunder of the deep Silence of My peace reverberate and increase in power until eventually they break every barrier. The mighty noise of the Silence grows in volume until its thunder rends asunder the veils of illusion, and God stands revealed in all His majesty, glory and peace.”
So much of our attention is drawn to what is happening in the world around us, that it can be overwhelming. The answer (or solution) in Marianne Williamson’s words, is to let what is not working, fall away. And instead of putting our human shoulders to the wheel (so to speak) with great physical and mental trauma, we need to REST IN GOD. And of course Joel Goldsmith gives us the exact same guidance.
It is up to us!!!!
SUNDAY SERVICES: All are welcome to join us each week as we take time to Be Still, in Silent Meditation, and then share a Lesson in Truth Principles. Childcare is available except during school holidays.
Meditation – 09:30 to 09:45
Service – 09:45 to 10:30
SPEAKERS – OCTOBER
05– Rev. Mallory Kretzmann
12– Sylvia van Zyl
19– Rev. Mallory Kretzmann
26 – Rosemary Batchelor
Please note this roster is subject to change without notice.
ABUNDANCE CLUB: We congratulate Denise Kerr, happy winner of the August Draw. And Les Reynard, we are happy to report, is the winner of the September draw! There are two more draws this year – October and November respectively, and then we begin next year with draws from February to June 2015 (5 months R250-00); followed by draws July to November 2015 (5 months R250-00) We would be delighted to have your continued support in the monthly draws and offer participants the opportunity to win R1000-00 which is up for grabs every month. You may retain your current number and we look forward to enthusiastic bodies signing up now.
DOODLE DAYS: Fifth session ……. in a Creative Adventure with Sara McKenna (from the U.K.). This session to customise coffee mugs, or plates, was postponed so you still have an opportunity to enjoy being creative – just bring along your mug or plate (or both) and some nail varnish. Do call us though to book as we need to know numbers in advance please. The next date is set, see below, and we do thank Sara most sincerely for her sharing of time and talent, as the donations are all in support of ACT. .
Workshop date: Saturday 20 September from 2pm – 5pm
Investment: R50.00 – tea, coffee included. Venue: Association of Creative Thought 15, 7th Ave, Walmer.
Space limited so please call 041-5813309 to book.
ACT DINNER 24 OCTOBER: We do look forward to your participation and support at this fun gathering – see attached/enclosed.
MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD: The ACT office has enjoyed the assistance of Karin Meyer over the past six months adding a youthful and cheerful energy to the environment. Her period of service came to an end with the closing of September and two stalwarts of the Centre have agreed to fill the space and bring their skills to ensure continued smooth operations. Our Minister emeritus, Helen Penfold will be in attendance for two days during the week – Tuesdays and Thursdays, while Chris Baz will run the office on Wednesdays and Fridays. We acknowledge Karin’s contribution to our operations over the recent months, picking up many routine duties after Helen retired. We look forward to her continued cheerfulness and humour and participation as an ACT Member.
In Closing…..
“The quickening activity of Divine Mind is the vital essence within man. To understand this, to hold to this Truth, to remind one’s self of it in moments of doubt, is to be consciously established in oneness with God.”
Helen Zagat – Faith and Works
Bountiful blessings,
MALLORY