Miracle Distribution Center - A Course in Miracles Resource Center
The Center's Blog
CONRAD HANSON CELEBRATING 25 YEARS
During the month of July we are celebrating Conrad Hanson's 25th year of service to Miracle Distribution Center. For the past quarter century Conrad has overseen our study group database, helping it grow from a list stored on 3 by 5 inch notecards into an interactive, worldwide resource. Conrad is in the middle of his 88th year and is still going strong, searching the world for Course study groups to add to our listings. To see the fruits of his labors, go to our Study Groups page.
WATCHING THE CLOUDS
Do you ever watch the clouds? I haven't enjoyed simply watching the clouds since I was a girl growing up in Oregon. I remember sleepy summer days when I would spend hours just looking up at the sky watching the clouds. These days I am rushing from one thing to another, my mind filled with the needs of MDC, my son, my home, my husband and the myriad "important" issues that fill my thoughts. But today I looked up toward the heavens and watched the clouds.
Against the blue sky, the beauty and majesty of those fluffy balls of cotton were breathtaking. And, I saw something that I had never really noticed before: The clouds seemed to gravitate toward each other. Smaller ones seemed pulled to join with larger ones and once they joined it was a grand sight to see. Alone they seemed so small and flimsy but once they were together, they were complete. As one cloud merged closer to the other, the sides seemed to match perfectly like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. And once they came together, you could not see where one began or the other ended. They were one. They lost nothing by joining, but they gained everything.
This reminded me of what the Course tells us:
"Alone we are all lowly but, together we shine with brightness so intense that none of us alone can even think of it." (T266) . . . and . . . "Our function is to work together, because apart from each other we cannot function at all. The whole power of God's Son lies in all of us, but not in any of us alone." (T150)
When we miss the opportunity to join with another, we miss the opportunity to know who we truly are. We do not experience the fullness and majesty of our being. But, joining is a choice, and we can choose to join at any given moment. Our joining is not limited by time or proximity, for joining is a desire of the heart.
JULY MIRACLE MOMENT PODCAST
Our Miracle Moment Podcast for July is now online. You can hear this one and previous podcast on our Miracle Moment Page.
DAILY LESSON ON FACEBOOK
Find us on Facebook to receive your daily Course lesson. We post a lesson each morning, corresponding to the day of the year. Go to our Facebook Page to join up.
ARTICLES BY OUR PRESENTERS
Read five articles by our 2010 ACIM Conference presenters: Marianne Williamson, Jerry Jampolsky and Diane Cirincione, Jacob Glass, Carol Howe and Beverly Hutchinson McNeff. You'll find the articles here and information on the August conference here.
ACIM STUDY GROUPS ON GOOGLE EARTH
Miracle Distribution Center in cooperation with the Foundation for Inner Peace has created an interactive map that displays ACIM Study Groups around the world! The map shows over 2,000 study groups in 55 countries. They are seen as lights that are clickable. On the "flat earth" view they are displayed as pointers. In both versions, you can zoom in and find your study group or others in your area.
This wonderful display is a reflection of the outreach of the Course around the world. We hope you enjoy viewing the way the light has spread. See the maps here: Study Groups
NEW BOOK BY JACOB GLASS
Jacob Glass has a new book out entitled, The Crabby Angels Chronicles. He describes it as, "a handy spiritual tool kit to soothe, uplift, guide, direct, and renew you on your daily walk through a sometimes overwhelming world in which it is easy to lose connection with what really matters and what is really true." Jacob will also be joining us at our 2010 Conference on A Course in Miracles in August. Read about the book and the conference.
HARTFORD WEEKEND
Our Weekend of Miracles in Hartford was a wonderful experience. See our tweets and photos from the weekend by visiting our Twitter Page.
THOUGHTS ON EASTER
When I was young, Easter was a big deal. We always got new outfits for church and mine always included a hat or bow for my hair. Everyone I knew celebrated Easter with baskets, bonnets and smiles. But think about those who lived during the time of Jesus. He was their savior and he had been killed. In their minds, their hopes had been killed as well. His disciples not only could not save him, they actually abandoned him. They were frightened that they might be killed as well. They weren't out shopping for Easter bonnets and there wasn't much to smile about.
You see, we know the end of the story. We know that there was nothing to fear. Death could not end love; the Son of God would arise in glory. But, the disciples and people of that time did not know that. It's easy to not fear when you know the outcome, isn't it?
What do you fear in your life now? You already know the final outcome. You have been and always will be sustained by the love of God. Now is the time to arise in glory and affirm this truth in the face of whatever it occurring. Life is not to be feared but lived. Jesus told us to be of good cheer for he had overcome the world and so can we. He was not just talking about the fact that death could not end life, but that no matter what fear befalls us, we can move through it to the truth.
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me." This is not just part of the 23rd psalm but a statement of truth. The "shadows of death" are our fearful thoughts that make us feel alone, and yet we are never alone. God is here and with us now. We may deny the truth and cower in fear, but that does not stop the fact that God is here and with us now. We know how the story turns out. The greatest threat of this world, death, was overcome by love. Do you not think, then,that love can overcome whatever is concerning you now?
Let us not dwell on the crucifixions in our lives but move on to the resurrection, the miracles that await you. You are sustained by the love of God. There is nothing to fear. So, put on your Easter bonnet and smile!
NEW DVD SET ON HELEN AND BILL
A new DVD set on the lives of Helen Schucman and Bill Thetford has just been released. Recorded at our 2001 Conference on A Course in Miracles, the recording features Judy Skutch Whitson and Kenneth Wapnick reminiscing on their relationship with the scribes of the Course. You can read more about it here: Memories of Helen and Bill
LETTING GO OF FEAR
We are pretty casual and tolerant of our fears. Have you noticed how quickly you "invite" fear into your life? It seems to be the default position in many of our minds. We are afraid for our kids, afraid about our finances, afraid of what we eat, afraid, afraid, afraid! I am not saying that we should not be responsible for the issues we face or deal with, but fear is an unproductive and stifling emotion that we need to stop tolerating. How do we do that? By realizing what it costs us and saying "NO!"
It is not easy to change a habit we have become so comfortable with and fear is just that, a habit. But it is not impossible. Dwelling in fear has cost us the truth of who we are, our connection with God and our peace of mind.
We had a wonderful meeting last night in our study group where we spoke about this as part of our Lessons in Light series. This week’s lesson dealt with workbook lesson 68, "Love holds no grievances."
So, if you are ready to give fear the boot by simply giving fear no place in your mind, we invite you to join our listener family here.
AUGUST CONFERENCE DETAILS
Our Annual Conference on A Course in Miracles will take place August 28-29, 2010 in Irvine, California. Joining Beverly will be Marianne Williamson, Jerry Jampolsky, Diane Cirincione, Jacob Glass and Carol Howe. See all the details on our conference page: 2010 Conference
MIRACLE MINDEDNESS
On Monday night, The Dalai Lama was on Larry King Live for his first interview since his White House meeting with President Obama. It is always very difficult to understand the Dalai Lama -- a very thick accent and broken English -- but I always get a sweet feeling from him. He was asked a number of questions including one about how he perceived the world and all it was going through right now. He responded that he thought it was all very good. Larry questioned him further and the Dalai Lama responded that everything is hopeful. Things are changing for the better.
This idea may be hard for all of us to understand, just as it was hard for Larry King, but I wholeheartedly agree with the Dalai Lama. There is great hope, if we can look with miracle mindedness. Within every seeming disaster there is the seed of a miracle.
I was listener to National Public Radio (NPR) yesterday and there was a report about the relief efforts in Haiti. A comment was made that Haiti had never had a good sewage system. This had been an issue, but had never been addressed for one reason or another. After the devastating earthquake, not only do they need to address this issue but they now have the funds and knowledge flowing into that country to address this problem in a truly productive way.
Miracle mindedness is really the the decision to look with hope at any situation in our lives. It is a focus on the truth in every situation or person rather on what we think we may see or experience. Let us allow our minds to be touched by a miracle today, so we may see the answer that God has always been holding out to us.
TWO EVENTS IN 2010
We're presenting two events in 2010, one on each coast. We'll be in Hartford, Connecticut on April 9th and 10th. You may read more about the weekend and register at A Weekend of Miracles. Then mark your calendars for our International Conference on A Course in Miracles in Irvine, California on August 28th-29th.
HELPING THOSE IN HAITI
Viewing the devastation in Haiti, it is hard know what to say. And then I remembered; it is not my job to figure it out but rather to let it be answered for me by the One Who truly knows. As that thought crossed my mind my eyes landed on the box of A Course in Miracles Wisdom Cards that sit on my kitchen counter. My son was busy running his train on the counter next to the box, so I asked him to pull a card out of the box. As he did, I asked him to ask God for an answer for mommy. He did and this is the card he read to me: '. . .the Holy Spirit sees the world as a teaching device for bringing you home." (T80)
That thought hit me between the eyes. It is so easy for us to feel overwhelmed or helpless in the case of such disasters, but that feeling does not help anyone. Each event in our world becomes an opportunity to bring us closer to awakening to the truth of our oneness -- our true home. Therefore this particular event gives us an opportunity to take it personally -- because it is personal, it is about us recognizing our oneness. This does not mean that we fly to Haiti, but we do see all those in need as our family who need our support. This may be done with donations but most importantly with our prayers and the way we hold them in our thoughts. They don’t need pity but rather our strength to hold them in light and love. To remember the Christ for them. To remember for them that they are as God created them.
This crisis becomes an opportunity for us to see where we dwell -- are we focused on fear or love? If we are sitting in sadness and feelings of impotence, then we are stuck in fear and we need to look at that and ask for help to lift us into love. As we focus our minds on compassion and support for all those in need, then we will be doing the greatest thing we can do -- we will be proactive in love. And it is love that can move mountains and calm the storms of life. For it is love that reminds us of our eternal link with God.
In the 23rd psalm we read, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. For You are with me . . ." It may seem like many are walking through death and destruction right now, but God is there, too. We need to be the bringers of that message for those who are so overwhelmed by the despair. We have a mighty job to do; we must be the bearers of love right now. Whatever you are thinking right now, remember love is the answer; whatever fear or challenge you may be facing, love is the answer; whatever crisis in the world, love is the answer. When love becomes the answer for all seeming despair, then we will all be "home."
HOLIDAY GREETINGS
All of us at the Center wish you the happiest of holiday seasons. Read our greeting here.
NEW COURSE PRINTS AVAILABLE
Our first Course print was so popular that we decided to make six more! We're happy to announce that they're now available. Each features a quote from the Course and is printed on heavy, glossy cardstock, ready for framing. Choose your favorite quote or order the complete set of seven! You'll find them in the Course Prints section of our catalog.
PREPARING FOR ADVENT
We are in Advent (the four weeks before Christmas). Let us prepare for the birth of Christ by preparing our own inner garden. Today let us begin by noticing the weeds of fear that are choking the seeds of healing in our lives and make a conscious choice to pull them out by bringing them to the light of the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to simply see them. We don’t have to worry about how or when He will heal them. We have faith that if we bring them to Him, He will do the job immediately.
In the classic movie, It's a Wonderful Life, George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) visits his little girl in her bedroom after she is sent to bed with a cold. She caught the cold because she was awarded a flower at school and wanted to protect it from the freezing weather instead of herself. When she shows it to her father (George), little Zuzu notices that a few of the petals have fallen off. "Fix it Daddy," she says, fully confident that her daddy can fix anything. This is the faith we must have as we turn to God. There is no problem He cannot heal.
NEW THETFORD BIOGRAPHY
A new biography of Course co-scribe Bill Thetford has just been published. It features many firsthand accounts which chronicle Bill's life and spiritual journey. Read more about it by going to Never Forget to Laugh
ON THANKSGIVING
"If there is light in the soul, there will be beauty in the person. If there is beauty in the person, there will be harmony in the home. If there is harmony in the home, there will be order in the nation. If there is order in the nation, there will be peace in the world."
I have always felt very empowered by this Chinese proverb because it reminds me that peace in this world begins with me! As you join with your loved ones this Thanksgiving, may you remember that your light is what will transform the event. Don't wait to see if this gathering will be less stressful this year; you can make it different by letting your light shine. No one and nothing has to change for you to let your light shine, but the benefits you reap will change you.
A CATACLYSMIC MOVIE OF PEACEFUL PROPORTIONS!
I may not be Siskel or Ebert (boy am I old!) but I do have a movie review for you. We went to see the cataclysmic movie 2012 over the weekend. It's about the end of the Mayan calendar and how that is supposed to predict the end of our world as we know it.
Well, if you have done any research on this subject, you might already know that there is a lot of skepticism of this idea and even of the actual date the Mayan calendar refers to, and that's from those in the "know" in the Mayan culture. The conversation is too long to address here; needless to say, I think we are safe. But, going back to the movie (which was pretty intense, but also a little unsatisfying in the relationship department, which is what I feel makes or breaks a cataclysmic movie), a cool scene takes place in a Tibetan temple where an elder monk is counseling a young monk with, "surprise," very few words. To address the young monk's concerns, the elder pours a cup of tea until the tea overflows and overflows and overflows. This startles the young monk, but the elder monk counsels that you cannot find any solution when you are so full of confusion. You must first empty your cup and then allow it to be filled. Of course this is not a new thought. It was actually borrowed from an old Zen story about the importance of emptying one's mind.
That's what struck me about the movie, and I bet that scene didn't cost nearly the $260 million that was the film's budget. It was a priceless reminder to me and it has stayed in my mind ever since. How many things are facing you just today? What are the thoughts racing through your mind? Are you a cup that is overflowing? Perhaps it is time to empty your mind to allow truth to find a home. Your answer is with you now; you merely need to clear away everything that is not the answer.
Today Maria, who monitors our listener board for our study group meetings, posted an interesting idea. She said that the words silent and listen have the same letters, just mixed around. I never realized that, but she is right! Isn’t that interesting? Only when we are silent (emptying out the chaos in our minds) can we truly listen. Maybe that is why the Christmas hymn Silent Night says: "silent night, holy night."
When we are silent we can listen to our holiness.
NEW ACIM ARCHIVE SITE LAUNCHED
The Foundation for Inner Peace has launched a new website, A Course in Miracles Archives, with photos, recordings and articles exploring the early history of A Course in Miracles. It makes for fascinating reading and viewing. You’ll find it at www.acim-archives.org
A PIN IS LOUDER THAN WORDS
I was listening to NPR recently and heard an interview with Madeleine Albright, former Secretary of State in the Clinton administration, speaking about her new book, Read My Pin. Evidently Ms. Albright was known for wearing pins that described her mood or reactions, so when she attended a meeting or met with a dignitary, he or she knew how it might go by seeing her pin. She shared a few funny stories such as the time when her office had been bugged by the Russians. When she later met with the Russian Secretary, she was wearing a big bug pin. He quickly got the point!
All this conversation got me thinking about what our "pin" is saying about us. Did you know that everyday you wear a "pin"? God has already pinned us with the truth. According to A Course in Miracles the pin you wear every day is: "you are His beloved Son in whom He is well pleased." This has nothing to do with what you or others say or do. It is your truth which, much like Madeleine's pin, speaks louder than words!
GOD IS HERE, AND WITH YOU NOW
Last night at our study group meeting at the Center, this story was shared. It made such a good point that I wanted to share it with you along with a few other thoughts:
An elderly couple were driving in their old car which had a bench seat (not the bucket seats that so many new cars have.) They passed by a younger couple who were walking hand-in-hand, showing great affection for each other. The wife turned to her husband and said, "Why aren't we more like them?"
To that the husband replied, "I'm not the one who moved."
Have you ever wondered "where is God" in a particular situation or circumstance? Or why God has not answered your prayers? Well, He has not moved. He is here with us now. But, we move away from God when we live in fear, judgment or attack. Let us today remember that we are forever an effect of God. As He created us, so do we remain. Where He placed us, we still abide. Let us move back to Him by becoming aware of the choices that distance us from Him. Is it hard to let go of a judgment when we feel justified in that judgment? Yes, but it is not impossible. We are studying A Course in Miracles and that is what is called for now -- a miracle!
Today, let us open our minds to the truth of who we are and the truth of those who walk beside us. We are not alone nor do our thoughts and actions affect only us. As the Indian Chief Seattle once said, "We are all part of the great web of life. What we do to one part of the web, affects us all." The Course would say, "To give and to receive are one in truth." If we want the gift of awareness, of a miracle, then we must be willing to be an instrument of that same gift. To those who would attack us, let us offer the understanding of Christ. To those we would judge, let us ask for the wisdom of Christ. To those we would fear, let us see them with the vision of Christ. Let us know that we do not walk alone. As we read in the Course, "If you knew Who walked beside you on the way that you have chosen, fear would be impossible." (Text 378)
"God is here, and with you now." (Text 511)
A FACEBOOK PAGE FOR MDC
We've launched a new Facebook page for the Center. Please visit us on Facebook to become a "fan" and stay in touch. Go to MDC on Facebook.
NEXT ISSUE OF THE HOLY ENCOUNTER
The next issue of The Holy Encounter is in production. Be sure you're on the mailing list for our bimonthly publication. Go to our signup page.
"IF YOU KNEW WHO WALKS BESIDE YOU . . ."
"If you knew Who walks beside you on the way that you have chosen, fear would be impossible."
I have always felt such comfort from this thought from A Course in Miracles. No matter where I am or what is going on, I am never alone or without help. I may wander off my spiritual path and get caught in the seeming realities of the world, but God is always with me, waiting only for my awareness of His help and infinite love.
I hope, too, that you can feel that from us. When we founded Miracle Distribution Center in 1978, it was with the hope that it would provide this type of connection and feel for those it served. We were here to help students when they needed understanding of Course concepts, support with their study or comfort when they faced challenges in their lives.
I am proud that the hope I had over 31 years ago has been realized. When I receive letters and emails from supporters who tell me that our work has been vital to them and their family, I am particularly encouraged. I want to share such a story with you from Karen in Indiana. She wrote:
"I have gotten over so many hang-ups in such a short period of time. The study group sessions, The Holy Encounter, the recommendations for local connections and your personal touch, Beverly, means so much to me and has directly contributed to my on-going shedding of unwanted ego crud. I feel so much more real and relaxed these days. I think that I was really ready to embrace the Courses lessons by living them. I love all the practical advice, the sharing of the stories, the encouragement to look within for answers and reflection, and the respect and support that people in this community show each other. It is a very healthy trusting environment. "I also love how you teach. I love how you take a seemingly complex lesson and draw out its beauty and simplicity. Your stories are inspiring because they are presented with such common sensibility. Whenever I finish listening to your recordings I feel uplifted and able and worthy no matter what is going on. And, my family life has improved so much, which is always a blessing."
This is why MDC is here. It is here to remind you that you are not alone, that healing is possible and we are here to help you every step of the way. And so, I ask if you will help me to continue to make sure that MDC is here for those who need and want that support.
Only once a year do we turn to you, our family, and ask for your support to keep MDC going. These yearly appeals have become a vital source of revenue for the Center.
I know this has been a tough financial year for many and there are a lot of needs in our lives that take financial precedence, but if we value peace, then we need to also support where we receive spiritual nourishment. If MDC has been of help to you on your spiritual path, I ask that you make a donation to keep this work going. The fact is, as a non-profit organization, your donation is vital to keep this work going.
Please turn within right now and ask how you can be of service. If MDC has been a source of inspiration, insight and support to you, please consider making a donation so we can be there for you and others in the future. Every gift is important and needed. There is no gift too small. A Course in Miracles tells us that all expressions of love are maximal and the same is true for any gift given in love. What you give in love will bless both the giver and receiver and then go forth to bless many more who are hungry for the message of hope, peace and love that the Course offers.
It is a circle of giving that will return to you the moment you reach out in love.
With thanks and blessings,
Beverly Hutchinson McNeff
President
NEW POSTER AVAILABLE
We're happy to announce the availability of a new poster featuring the well-known quote from page 28 of the Text of A Course in Miracles which begins, "I am here only to be truly helpful." The full-color poster is printed on cardstock and measures 8 inches by 10 inches, so it's perfect for framing. See the poster here.
LET ME REMEMBER THAT MY GOAL IS GOD
Today happens to be our son Jeffrey’s eleventh birthday. It was also a school day. He wanted to get up early to open his presents, so he had trouble going to sleep last night and was up at 6 o’clock this morning (but he really woke up at 5 and watched the clock tick by for about an hour). On his way to school this morning, he said how tired he was, but he had two tests today so he needed to be there and be focused!
We have all been there. We are excited or nervous about something that is going to happen and so we don’t sleep too well the night before and we pay for it the next day. But, we do it to ourselves. We really can’t blame anyone else even though we would like to, right? But it is amazing how many times we do blame other people or circumstances when we are always responsible for our reactions. We many not be able to stop the difficult situation that we have to face tomorrow or the work layoff, but we can determine how we will react to the event.
Today’s lesson (258) in the Course is, “Let me remember that my goal is God.” It’s a good one and one of my favorites. ;-) It says: “All that is needful is to train our minds to overlook all little senseless aims, and to remember that our goal is God.” It says that His memory is still in our minds but it seems hidden to us because of all of our “pointless little goals” which give us nothing and in the big scheme of things really are nothing. Our little pointless goals are costing us the memory and help of God; are they really worth the cost?
God is always here awaiting our slightest invitation …. “We have no aim but to remember Him.”
Jeffrey will come home tired and go to bed early. He (like all of us) will hopefully learn today from his lesson and from the choices he made. So, how about you? You are not asked to manipulate the effects of the world but rather to focus on the purpose … how you react to the effects. When we rest in God, when we focus on making His help our goal, the effects of the world will no longer have the pull on us that they used to have for we will have placed our purpose in Heaven where God would have us be.
LET EVERY VOICE BUT GOD'S BE STILL IN ME
“Let every voice but God’s be still in me.” (A Course in Miracles, workbook lesson 254)
As we remember the events of 9/11, may we be lifted from our sadness, fear or anger into the promise of God’s answer for us. His answer does not lie in the fray of the world but in the quiet moments of peace when we can hear His voice and answer His call. We may often feel powerless in the face of the world, but God is assuring us that is not true. As the Course says, “The power of decision is your one remaining freedom as a prisoner of this world.” (T231) We can choose how to respond in every situation and thereby experience the Help and Power of God’s love for us.
As this lesson counsels us, “Today let no ego thoughts direct your words or actions. When such thoughts occur, we quietly step back and look at them, and then we let them go. We do not want what they would bring with them. And so we do not choose to keep them.”
It is now time to practice what we have learned. Today, whenever you feel a loss of peace, step back and quietly look at what you are experiencing. Do you want to stay in the feelings of victimhood or are you ready to arise in glory with the power of the universe by your side? You are more powerful than you think because you are God’s holy child in whom He is well pleased. You don’t have to figure out how to solve your life’s problems today, you are asked to be willing to have them be solved for you by following the steps offered in this lesson. The world will tell you that you are doing nothing, but, the fact is, all your “doing” is actually nothing. By turning to God now for His peaceful awareness, you are finally (perhaps for the first time) actually “doing” something. And that can and will change the world.
"THE SON OF GOD IS MY IDENTITY"
Today is the 252nd day of the year and that correlates with this Course workbook lesson: "The Son of God is my identity." Yes, it is! That is ALL of our identities; and, for our happiness and peace of mind, it is important that we remember that. Right now there is a lot of division in our country over the health care debate. Whatever happens with this issue I hope and pray we respond with kindness and respect. For, after everything is done, we will be left with ourselves and our extensions of peace for joining or our projections of judgment for separation. Which one do you think will bring you happiness?
I like what Hugh Prather said today in his perpetual flip calendar: “Happiness is inclusive. It is impossible to feel our connection with others and not be happy.”
May you today experience the Son of God as your identity!
NEW TEAL WRISTBAND
Our newest wristband has just arrived. As with the others in the series, it features a quote from the Course to wear throughout the day. This one is Lesson 20 from the Course's Workbook for Students: I am determined to see. As the lesson states, "Repeat today's idea slowly and positively at least twice an hour today, attempting to do so every half hour. Do not be distressed if you forget to do so, but make a real effort to remember. The extra repetitions should be applied to any situation, person or event that upsets you. You can see them differently, and you will. What you desire you will see. Such is the real law of cause and effect as it operates in the world." See the wristband here.
DETERMINED TO SEE
My son Jeffrey is still on summer break, so it is often hard to concentrate at home. He wants me to play with him or watch TV. I do little short spurts of things with him, but I am often thinking I have more important things to do.
Just a moment ago, he wanted me to watch Avatar: The Last Air Bender with him. I love that animated show, but again I had my busy stuff to do. As I walked by the TV, I heard one of the wise characters say to a young boy who was sick, "The reason you are sick is that image of yourself cannot reconcile with your true self." Wow! I thought. How true and how great that my son just heard that . . . and that I did, too!
There are great truths coming through to us on all levels, but we must be determined to see and hear them. I can't be thinking I am too busy or something is more important than being fully present with another. That's why I hope you will attend our conference, "I Am Determined to See" on August 29-30, 2009. We will be joining together to become determined to not let another moment go by when we will not experience the kingdom that God is holding out to us . . . RIGHT NOW!
ENTERING HIS 25TH YEAR
In the late 1970s we used 3 by 5 inch notecards to keep track of them.
In the mid-1980s we got our first personal computer to organize them.
And in the mid-1990s we put them online. What are we talking about? The
2,000 groups around the world that meet to study A Course in Miracles.
Since our founding, it’s been our most popular service. In fact, more
than 30,000 searches for groups were performed on our website last year.
Since 1985 this extensive project has been overseen by Conrad Hanson,
who combines the skills of a librarian and a detective to keep the most
accurate listing of groups available all over the world. And at 87 years
young, he continues to do just that, commuting to the office by train so
that he can be available to help Course students in their study. We
salute Conrad as he enters his 25th year of service to the Center.
THE STAGES OF OUR SPIRITUAL JOURNEY
A new book by Ken Wapnick has just arrived. The Stages of Our Spiritual Journey is another in his series entitled, The Practice of A Course in Miracles. You'll find all of Ken's books on this page in our catalog.
NEW INTERVIEW POSTED
We've posted a new interview with Beverly, conducted by Ian Patrick, which first appeared in the U.K. magazine, "Miracle Worker." You can find it on our Interviews page.
SPRING WEEKEND OF MIRACLES LOCATION SET
We're pleased to announce that our next "Weekend of Miracles" will take place in Hartford, Connecticut on April 9-10, 2010. Mark Twain once said, "Of all the beautiful towns it has been my fortune to see, Hartford is the chief." The setting of Hartford will provide a beautiful backdrop for our inspirational weekend with Course students from across the country and around the world. Join Beverly and the Center's staff as we dig deep into the transformational principles of the Course. More details will be posted online soon.
THERE IS NOTHING EITHER GOOD OR BAD . . .
"There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so." - Shakespeare
This thought popped into my mind the other day. Friends of mine were talking about their child's medical problems. They were fine with his choice to follow standard medical medicine in dealing with his disease, but they also wanted to help him from a more nutritional perspective. They don't feel very confident in standard medicine and their son knows this. But, he wants to take medicine from the doctor and even though they are supportive of that, he knows they really want him to pursue the nutritional approach too, or instead of. There is a subtle stand-off going on. The parents feel they know better (and maybe they do) but the young man (who is 21 so he's not a child) wants to make his own choice.
Let's put aside the fact that there may be a parent/child struggle-thing going on and look at it from the perspective of our thinking. Even though my choice would probably be to pursue nutritional alternatives as well as medical approaches, perhaps we are just following two sides of the same coin. In this world we have elevated some things as better than others -- for example: holy places to live or be where the energy is better, nutritional medicine that is better for our bodies rather than drugs, words or prayers to say that are better than other words or prayers, and the list goes on.
We have made subtle distinctions to such an extent that we don't see that even the "good" things of living are keeping us locked in a world of duality . . . a world of good and bad, truth and illusion. So, we go back to Shakespeare, "There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so." Does it really matter whether we choose medicine or natural? Or is what really matters our attitude about the choice? Isn’t either path the choice for healing? Perhaps, if healing is foremost in our minds, either choice will work just as well.
I read about a man who was writing a book on Zen thoughts. He was getting bogged down in his writing – not feeling he was very clear, thinking other's writings were so much better, etc. He was feeling awful about himself and worthless. He was heading down, as he said, to "a no-good-place-to-be." He happened to attend a weekend celebration with some Tibetan monks, who stated that in order to attend, one must come with an open mind and be willing to see a different way. He told a monk of his situation and the monk said, "There is nothing wrong with you. The only thing wrong is that you think there is something wrong with you. Underneath the stinky, black goo of your negative thoughts you are as perfect as you have ever been."
So, from Shakespeare to Tibetan monks to A Course in Miracles, we have the same answer. Nothing in this world can make you happy, healthy or wise, you are and have forever been God’s beloved Child in whom He is well pleased. Whether we take traditional medicine or not, the awareness of who we really are is what will ultimately heal us.
NEW WRISTBAND AVAILABLE
The latest in our series of wristbands with quotes from A Course in Miracles has just been released. It's orange and has "I could see peace instead of this" in debossed letters. These wristbands serve as wonderful reminders of our Course study. We'd like to thank Pat Wainwright, one of our study group listeners, for the inspiration for the wristbands. You can see all of them here: Wristbands
WRITE YOUR SAD TIMES IN SAND, YOUR GOOD TIMES IN STONE
"Write your sad times in sand, your good times in stone." -- George Bernard Shaw
What a great thought! Some may think this is wishful thinking, but from the Course’s perspective this is the truth. We need to keep focused on the joy in our lives because that is what we are entitled to. The sad times, the fears, the anger and depression may seem very real to us but they are not our truth. We are entitled to miracles . . . we are entitled to the gift that God is holding out to us in this very moment.
Yes, this very moment God is holding out a gift to us. As a matter of fact, He is literally laying it in our laps. But, like that proverbial "hot potato," we seem to toss it away in favor of the drama in our lives. We are entitled to so much more.
It is not denial that makes us feel better about ourselves, it is aligning with the truth, with love. The truth is we are heirs to the Kingdom and it is God's pleasure for us to experience it. But, like the prodigal son, we have wandered away in search of something better, a something that only brought us sorrow. It is now time to come home, to turn to God in our hearts and minds – to take a moment each day to remember Him not in fear or guilt, but in joy.
When the prodigal son had squandered all his money and had nothing left, he finally returned to his father. The father welcomed him home like the prince that he was. With a hug and a celebration, the father felt no anger toward his son nor admonished him for his wandering. The sad times were written in the sand and washed away almost as soon as they had happened. All the father held in his heart were the "good times" – the love that He had for his son and the love that his son was.
God is waiting for us to come home to Him. We start by allowing the sad times to be washed away as we focus on God's love for us and for all His creations. Make today a day when you do a kindness (perhaps an unknown one) for another without expectation. Give as God gives to you and feel the joy that will be written in your heart.
DEATH, A PURSE, AND A WINK
"The Holy Spirit guides you into life eternal, but you must relinquish your investment in death, or you will not see life though it is all around you."(Text p. 225)
My aunt went into hospice care about two weeks ago and made her transition into life eternal last Friday. It was a beautiful and peaceful death. My cousin (her daughter) was with her and even though she celebrated her release, it was difficult for her. It is always hard for those who are left behind. Not that we don't want our loved ones freed from the encumbrance of the body, but we will miss them. On one hand we understand that life is eternal, that spirit never dies, but it is hard to hug a thought. Or is it?
The Sunday after my aunt entered hospice care, my cousin went to my aunt's church. She did not know anyone in the church, since she lived in a different city, so she sat there all alone. At the end of the service, she glanced down to her side and there on the pew was her mother's purse. It had to be her mom's purse, she thought, since she had just helped her mom change from her winter purse to her spring-white purse that she had been carrying for the past 15 years. (Her mom was from the "old-school" where you can't wear white until after Memorial Day.) Who else would have the same white, 15 year old purse?
The purse, although identical, belonged to the lady sitting next to her. But in the moment that she saw that purse, she felt as if her mom was with her. She told the story to the lady and the two of them sobbed and hugged, joined in that moment by a life that was not there in form but was certainly there in content.
I have heard it said that when situations like this happen, it is a "wink from God." In these moments or "winks" we are reminded that there is no separation or lack. The abundance of God is all around and we only need to be aware. So, if God can wink, maybe a hug is not such an outrageous idea either.
SNEAK PEEK AT 2010 CALENDAR
We're busy working on our 2010 A Course in Miracles Wall Calendar, choosing the photos and quotations. The calendar's theme will be "light," featuring lighthouses from all across the country and in various seasons. As usual, each day of the year is numbered, 1-365, to help if you're going through the workbook throughout the year and wish to work on the corresponding lesson for the day. Here's a sneak peek at the cover. (Click on the photo to see a larger version.) We expect to have the calendars finished in August.
NEW LOWER PRICE FOR ACIM ELECTRONIC VERSION
We're happy to announce that there's a new, lower price for the Electronic Version of A Course in Miracles. This software allows you to search through the entire Course and its related pamphlets. For years the price has been $40 and now it's been lowered to $30. You'll find it here: Electronic Version
31,974 DATABASE SEARCHES
Last year 31,974 searches for Course study groups were performed by visitors to our website. Our worldwide database of groups is accessible 24 hours a day. It's our most popular service and it's been provided free of charge since 1978. Just go to "Services" above, then click on "Study Groups" to find groups in 55 countries.
NEW CONFERENCE ADDITION
We have just added Neal Vahle, author of a new biography on the scribes of A Course in Miracles, to the list of presenters at our August Conference. Neal served as editor of New Realities and Unity Magazine and has written biographies of Charles and Myrtle Fillmore (founders of Unity) and Ernest Holmes (founder of Religious Science.) You can find out more by visiting our conference page.
DEVASTATION BECOMES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR A MIRACLE
May 12th was the first anniversary of the devastating earthquake in Wenchuan in China. Over 90,000 died or went missing in this tragedy that left five million people homeless. The greatest devastation seemed to occur in the schools, as many children died because of shoddy school construction. Outcries from parents have caused the press (outside of China, of course) to shine a light on this problem. This has forced China's government to investigate the construction problems more than they probably cared to. There are now allegations of corruption and mismanagement regarding the school construction issue.
When you look at the complexities of problems like this, it may seem hard to see solutions. But, that should not stop us from looking. As the Course tells us, the way to remember God (which is the reason we are here -- to wake up and remember) is to:
1. Learn to be quiet in the midst of turmoil. Quietness is what leads us to peace and clarity. Still the words of fear or anger in your mind and be quiet.
2. Look straight at every image that rises to delay you. We must look at the fearful thoughts that make us feel outraged and angry. No solution can be found in a mind filled with attack or in a mind that turns away because it feels powerless. We look with the eyes of Christ so we might be the doorway to a solution and not more of the problem.
3. Remember that the goal of love is our right. We are entitled to miracles! The answers to the woes of the world are within our minds. We must look at every situation with a focus on the solution that is within it. God is here and with us now.
We do not deny what is going on in the world or in our lives, but we do not stop there. It is now time for us to hold the truth for the world and for ourselves. "Those who would let illusions be lifted from their minds are this world's saviors, walking the world with their Redeemer, and carrying His message of hope and freedom and release from suffering to everyone who needs a miracle to save him." (T478)
GROSS NATIONAL HAPPINESS
A Course in Miracles says, "God's Will for me is perfect happiness." Nice thought, but is it practical in this world? Evidently, the country of Bhutan in the Himalayas thinks it is, for they measure Gross National Happiness (GNH) instead of Gross National Product (GNP). They feel that if the GNH is high then the GNP will follow. I was watching the recent TV special produced by and starring Michael J. Fox (actor of Back to the Future fame) who has Parkinson's disease. Entitled, Adventures of an Incurable Optimist, Fox explores how important an optimistic spirit is when facing economic or physical challenges. The key he found was that most optimistic people stress the importance of relationships and a sense of joining in community. From this comes great joy and happiness and from that comes the creativity to overcome even the most insurmountable odds.
Everything starts with an attitude. From the Course's perspective, our world is the result of our thoughts. Focus on forgiveness, joy and happiness and the world becomes a place of possibilities no matter the circumstances. We can transform the world because we can choose how we would respond in any situation. So today, maybe you can add a little joy to your life . . . who knows, it might just be contagious!
ACIM DESKTOP WALLPAPERS
Have you seen our A Course in Miracles Desktop wallpapers that you can download for your computer screen? I am not a technical person, but I just realized that we had these and they are so beautiful. Click here to see all of them and order. They would make a beautiful and meaningful gift!
TWO NEW ITEMS IN OUR BOOKSTORE
We have two new items in our bookstore. The first is The Lives of Helen Schucman and Bill Thetford, by Neal Vahle. The author worked from unpublished archival interviews held by the Foundation for Inner Peace to tell the story of the lives of Helen Schucman and William Thetford. This book explores the relationship between Schucman and Thetford, the scribing of A Course in Miracles and the eventual publication of this remarkable thought system, with many stories that have never before appeared in print. The second item is a DVD box set spanning the entire text of A Course in Miracles. Kenneth Wapnick leads students through the text, exploring both its form (the way it is written) and its content (what it says) in this sixty-four hour program. Just click on the "Catalog" link above and then go to "New and Featured Items" to find them.
EXPERIENCING HEAVEN: RECYCLE, REDUCE, REUSE & REFUSE
My son, Jeffrey, is doing a "Go Green Project" in his 4th grade class. He has to come up with a project that he can carry out to make a difference in some "green" way. Jeffrey loves the ocean, so we went online and found out information on the ocean, the pollution that is happening with the ocean and what we can do. One of the things we have decided to do as a family is pick up the trash we see while on our walks. So, this morning as Paul (my husband) and I were walking we started picking up the dog poop that owners had left. Even though there were lots of receptacles with dog poop bags attached to the garbage cans, there was still lots of poop that had not been scooped! We couldn't believe it! How tough is it for people to grab a bag and pick this up? How tough is it for the owners of their own dogs to simply be responsible for their choice to have a dog? Oh, my ego was having a field day with all of this.
Then I remembered the little saying that I had seen online: recycle, reduce, reuse & refuse. I needed to do just that with my thinking --- look at my thinking again in a way that could be productive, not give my disgust a home to grow in, reuse (reinforce) the thoughts that served me and refuse (let go of) the thoughts that were not worthy of a child of God.
So, we were picking up the poop and having a laugh while we were doing it. Paul and I talked about how bending over gave us a chance reduce our belly flab and scooping with our arms allowed us to firm those underarm muscles. We were also grateful that we had the time to take a walk this morning and help others who might have felt that they were in too much of a hurry to pick up the poop. Maybe, at times, people have helped us without us knowing as well. We reinforced the fact that doing this act helps our water supply that we all benefit from.
I am reminded of a thought from lesson 205 in the Course’s workbook: "The peace of God is my one goal; the aim of all my living here, the end I seek, my purpose and my function and my life, while I abide where I am not at home."
The Course (and every spiritual path, for that matter) says that this world is not our home. But while we abide here, let's make our living here productive and purposeful. If we make peace our goal, then we can clearly see that anger and judgment must be recycled, reduced, and refused. The anger at those unknown people who had not picked up their dog's poop, was multiplying like a cancer in our own minds. We didn't want that – we wanted the peace of God and that could not be found in a mind filled with judgment. Plus, I truly believe that all minds are joined, our anger towards those "others" would only create guilt and frankly, I have never seen anything positive and lasting coming from guilt. Wagging our finger at another doesn't transform the world, it only creates guilt. But, love, forgiveness and understanding offered is the beginning step in a transformation of the world that will truly be the dawn of heaven.
A Course in Miracles says that the end of the world is not its destruction but its translation into heaven. Well, this morning while scooping poop, I experienced heaven. How about you?
WHAT YOU ARE ENTITLED TO
Have you ever felt locked in by your circumstances? Maybe it's a job that you don't like, but at least you have a job. Maybe you feel overworked by the activities of raising a family and juggling work and home life. Or maybe you are being confronted by a chronic illness. How do we live like the spiritual beings that we are when we feel so locked into the world?
Some well-meaning Course students would simply say the world is not real and that is that! Your body is not real and sickness is an illusion. One student said recently, "I don’t want to focus on illusions and my friend's sickness is an illusion, but that approach doesn't seem to help my friend who is sick." And, she is absolutely right -- that approach, frankly, is not helpful. When we deny something that we believe in, we only reinforce the thing we deny. Plus, the fact that we are experiencing the thing that we are trying to deny only makes us feel more guilty. In this way, we use the Course (whose purpose is to lead us out of guilt) as a tool to reinforce our guilt.
It would help us (and the person going through the sickness) far more to focus on the truth instead of making the problem real by our adamant denial of it. As the supplement to the Course, The Song of Prayer says, "There are decisions to make here [in the world], and they must be made whether they are illusions or not." And, in the Course's text, it says, "The best defense is not to attack another position, but to protect the truth."
So, when faced by the things of the world that seem to imprison us, we must inject the solution into the circumstance and not simply deny its reality -- that is an unhelpful type of denial. True denial, from the Course's perspective, states that nothing that is not of God has any power over you. Thus the limitations of the world, whether they be financial, job problems or family cannot rob you of your joy or happiness (which in the end is our real ultimate goal in pursuing any of our worldly things) unless we let them. A mind focused on God and His good pleasure to give you the Kingdom is the only thing you are really entitled to!
TAKING RESPONSIBILTY
On the Oprah show yesterday, Oprah interviewed a woman who was just getting out of prison after 900 days. This wasn't the first time the woman had been in jail, but it was the longest time she had served.
She spoke about what it was like to be in prison and how much she really missed her three children who were now being raised by their grandmother. The woman was eager to see her children and anxious about "starting over" again. Oprah asked the woman what she was doing to make sure she didn't get into trouble and therefore go back to prison, because this time if she went back her sentence could be 13 to 20 years. She said that her children are her incentive for staying on the right track.
Oprah then stated, "Every year there are 700,000 inmates released from prison. We need to do whatever we can to rehabilitate and to support services so that it doesn’t happen again." Then she looked at the woman and said, "You need to take responsibility for your life," to which the woman agreed.
I am proud of what we do here in supporting any prisoner who asks for help. We are doing our part in taking responsibility to rehabilitate these inmates so that they can come out new and with a sense of purpose. Your donations to the Prison Project do just that. Thank you so much for helping to re-new our brothers and sisters.
THE RESURRECTING MIRACLE THAT AWAITS US
I just returned from a fantastic Weekend of Miracles in Washington, D.C. I am truly grateful to everyone who attended, for the spirit of joy and love was palpable.
We had a chance to tour the city as well. What a moving experience. I was brought to tears as I looked upon the Charters of Freedom that reside in the National Archives. The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights are more than just documents, for they represent the thoughts of those who believed in the principles of freedom, not the form of freedom.
Something that is not taught on the tours is that many of our founding fathers were Freemasons -- many of their beliefs are much closer to the way we as Course students believe. One of the Masonic symbols is that of a beehive, which symbolized the fact that most of the work is done on the inside, not on the outside. How we have forgotten that today! It is not that we deny the things of the world; they certainly need to be tended to. As a matter of fact, if I did not work on the mountain of laundry I brought home from our trip, my family would have nothing to wear! But, we must not get distracted by the world and forget to nurture the presence of our real Help during these challenging times, that of the Christ within -- our Help in whatever our need may be.
At the Smithsonian Museum of American History we saw the desk on which Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. He said of his desk that politics as well as religion has its superstitions and therefore someday this desk will be given imaginary value for its association with the birth of this charter of our independence. I had to laugh as I looked through the glass case that housed his desk -- his premonition had come true. We truly do value our "forms." But as we move into this Easter weekend, may we not deny the value we give to the forms of our lives and the world, but gently allow God’s Loving Answer to help us not stop and worship at the "crosses" in our lives but move through them to the resurrecting miracle that awaits us.
HEAVEN IS HERE
I am preparing for my trip to Washington, D.C., where I will be presenting a weekend workshop on the Course. It is very exciting to see that people are attending from all across the East Coast and even Colorado.
As I said, I'm thinking about this weekend and I'm once again struck by the simplicity of A Course in Miracles when it tells us, "Heaven is now. There is no other time. Heaven is here. There is no other place." Our salvation stands right here, right now. Heaven is not a destination to reach once we have left this mortal form, it is the potential in us right now. My good friend and author, Hugh Prather, writes in his recent book, Morning Notes, "To become aware of God, first we must become aware of what we find more interesting than God."
How true. If we are to be in Heaven now, to experience the gifts of God now, we must be willing to see what pulls us away from that awareness. What judgment, fear or grievance is robbing you of Heaven now? That’s a rhetorical question we can all "chew on" for a while.
A SMALL WORLD
We always enjoy watching the registrations flow in from around the world as one of our conferences approaches. The assortment of people that gather at these events is always diverse and this year our Washington, D.C. weekend on April 3rd-4th is no exception. We've been in contact with people coming from Brazil and just yesterday we registered a friend who is coming from Australia . . . by way of France! Helping people join together is what we love doing. I'm reminded of a story from a few years ago. A woman from Switzerland called us after seeing an announcement in The Holy Encounter about a lecture that Dr. Jerry Jampolsky was scheduled to deliver in Italy. The lecture was just a few days away and attending it would require a long drive over the Italian Alps into Northern Italy. And she would have to make the journey alone. Jerry was her favorite author and she felt she needed to meet him in person. We did a little research and were able to help her make contact with the university that was presenting the lecture. (This was long before the Internet, so communicating with Europe involved hard-to-understand phone calls.) The following week we received a call from the woman. She had made the trip and not only attended the lecture but was able to spend some time with Jerry. She was elated. And so were we.
MY UPLIFTING JOB
When I became the new moderator of our weekly listener message board my first reaction was "OMG! how am I going to take over what Bud Mendoza, and then Donna Altemus had done before?" I was hesitant and a bit overwhelmed, much as I am right now as I learn to slowly make my way into the shoes of Conrad Hanson who coordinates the study groups around the world and also the counselor referral list. But that is for another blog, I digress.
Once Donna reassured me that I was going to be okay and I got a hang of the how to's of being moderator, I was able to see how much joy this group gives me. These lovely people are so gentle and loving. Never do I see (read) anybody being judgmental or belittling another listener. Everyone writes with kindness and from the heart. I am a member of a few other groups and believe me, we take the cake for being the most loving. Every day I get something out of what someone wrote. A thought, a question, or an answer to a question, whether it was a story about their child, spouse, extended family member or co-worker. Some are sad, some are funny, and all are warm and kind. There are no other words to use for the loving kindness that each and every listener extends. Thank you for making my job one of the most uplifting parts of my day. Donna was right! It's all GOOD!
A VISIT
Beverly entertained Ian Patrick at the Center today. Ian runs the Miiracle Network in England and and we enjoy getting to visit with him every few years. He stopped by to interview her for his publication, The Miracle Worker. He arrived after a visit in Carmel Valley (Northern California) with Lee Jampolsky, columnist for MDC's publication The Holy Encounter, and was bound for a visit with Ken Wapnick in nearby Temecula where the Foundation for A Course in Miracles is located.
We love having visitors stop by the Center and if it's on a Wednesday, be sure to join us for a study group meeting at 7pm in the evening. The meetings are always lively with great discussion, insight and inspiration.
A REQUEST FOR PRAYERS
I received a bittersweet letter from a prisoner today. He was one of my first contacts when I became the Prison Project coordinator. During the past three years he has written me occasionally and requested a few books, to which we were happy to oblige.
He now wrote stating that this particular letter was his third attempt at writing me because he was afraid his letters were sounding "too pitiful" and he would throw them out and not send them. You see, my friend has cancer and he feels he’s not getting great treatment at the prison. He said he's "angry, full of hate, scared, and disheartened." He knows this isn't the way the Course would have him feel, yet it IS how he feels. He asked for prayers. I’ve written back to him and tried to convey love and peace. Maybe if you’re reading this now, you can join me in praying for his well being. I hope he feels it.
WELCOME
Welcome to Miracle Distribution Center's blog page! Yes, we now have a blog. I googled the definition of "blog" on Wikipedia and got this: "a personal online journal that is frequently updated and intended for general public consumption." Funny but my computer doesn't recognize the words "googled," "blog" or "Wikipedia," which goes to show you that the Internet is not only moving faster than I am, but way faster than even the spellchecker on my computer.
Have you been feeling like that lately? As if the world is moving so fast that just when you think you know what's going on, it's passe? The other day I heard on the news that texting was out and twitter was in. I haven't even tried texting and it's now time to move on to something that I thought birds did!
But this is where A Course in Miracles has really been a help to me. I can laugh at this world with all its newfangled things and drama much more easily now. What used to make me feel overwhelmed now becomes an opportunity for patience. I realize it is not the thing that I am doing that is really important, but my attitude toward that thing. This is the only moment I can truly live, so why not enjoy it? Being upset because of where I am, for not knowing something, or for not doing enough doesn't help me to be more productive, but less.
So, here I am with a blog, writing down my thoughts and doing my little part to keep up with technology. I just heard about something called blog candy. I have no idea what that means, but I don't think it's fattening.