A Message from Rev. Nicole (as shared in our December newsletter)

During this Advent and Christmas season, let us be reminded to “Seek first the Kingdom.”  

In so doing, we will witness how order, harmony, and serenity can be restored in our lives, especially during times of uncertainty and change. We can come to a place where we begin to actually reside in that Kingdom, that prized state of divine consciousness.  This is the gift we receive when the spirit of Christ is born in us on Christmas. This shift represents a renewal of mind, a remembrance, a recollecting of who in fact we have always been - spiritual beings who are deeply connected to one another, to the Source, a part of the very fabric of God.

When Christ is born in us, a renewal of mind and spirit takes place. We experience sudden insight into how we may need to change a job, reach out to and restore harmony with family members, or make an earnest effort to change a habit that has slowly eroded the quality of our lives.  Whatever change we are led to, let us embrace it joyfully during this holiday season. Make the most of the gift that God has so freely offered. The Kingdom is at hand now!

A Message from Rev. Nicole (as shared in our November newsletter)

But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good

Jonah 2:9

Deep within the soul of every spiritual being, there are numerous gifts and talents patiently waiting to be cultivated. Truly, there is enough talent and untapped ability lying dormant in each of us that, if actualized, could change the course of this planet in a single day.  Many people recognize that they possess incredible spiritual gifts. Yet most find it difficult, if not impossible, to apply the degree of discipline and focus that are required to move raw talent to the level of mastery.

Think back over the course of your life. How many times have you set an intention to exercise daily, enroll in college, start a business, sign a record deal, or write an award-winning screenplay? Surely, we are sincere as we meditate and pray for these visions to become realities in our lives. When these dreams fail to materialize, there is a tendency to assume that it must not be God’s will, or that it’s just not our time to shine. We may look at those who have accomplished our dream and decide that they are either lucky or highly favored by God. But we know that God is no respecter of persons. The same Christ light that shines in them, shines also in you.

A closer investigation of the situation will often reveal that those who actualize their talents and achieve high levels of mastery in their fields of service are those who make good on what they have vowed to God and to themselves. How do they accomplish this? Through discipline, focus, and repeated practice. They thank God for their gifts by committing themselves to the process of mastery.

God has already given you all the gifts you will ever receive. Each one of them is inside of you, begging to be nurtured and cultivated. While this is something that only you can do, it’s comforting to know that your spiritual community is here to help you reach your spiritual goals. Join us during the month of November as we thank God for our spiritual gifts by making a commitment to mastery. Each Sunday, our speakers will motivate and inspire you join the legions of masters by adopting the discipline of practice. As Jonah said, we will praise God with a song of Thanksgiving. It is time to make good on what we have vowed to ourselves and the Christ within!

Shine,

Rev. Nicole

A Message from Rev. Nicole (as shared in our October newsletter)

The Art of Surrender

Surrender yourself to the Lord, and wait patiently for him.                                                                                                      -Psalm 37:7

Upon hearing the word surrender, most people think of giving up or accepting defeat. For this reason, the idea of surrendering seems almost impossible for many on the spiritual path. In warfare, surrender is certainly associated with defeat. However, in the realm of Spirit, the act of surrender often signals the critical turning point that makes our ultimate victory possible. By practicing the art of surrender, we allow the Christ within us to take the reins and lead us to places our ego would never allow us to go.

So what does it mean to surrender in spiritual terms?  Surrendering your life to God means:

• Acting on Divine guidance without knowing your destination

• Waiting for God’s timing without knowing when your prayers will manifest

• Anticipating a miracle without knowing how God will provide

• Trusting God’s purpose for your life without knowing the full plan

You know you have surrendered to God when you trust God to work out the affairs of your life instead of trying to manipulate others, or exert undue control over people or situations. You let go and let God work. When you have mastered the art of surrendering, you realize that you don’t have to always be “in charge.” Instead of trying harder, you trust more. As you trust more, the divine hand of God begins to move in your life in ways you could have never imagined or orchestrated.

During the month of October, you are invited to become mindful of the areas in which you have exhausted all of your earthly resources trying to make life work according to your plan. Your spiritual family will be in prayer with you each day as you commit to practicing the art of surrender. Remember, “letting go and letting God” is often the fastest route to answered prayer.

A Message from Rev. Nicole (as shared in our September newsletter)

“Life is what is happening in this instant.”

- Krishnamurti

 

In any situation where there is anxiety, stress or even depression, practicing Mindfulness can help to stop the negative spiral of our thoughts and let us see the moment for what it really is. The art of mindfulness allows us to experience the richness of each moment instead of moving through life with most of our attention trapped in the past or future. The revelations that come from the practice of mindfulness help us be more intentional in establishing positive thought patterns that support our life mission.

Mindfulness asks only one thing of us- that we surrender at all times to the present moment. When practicing mindfulness, our goal is to clear the mind of every thought and every judgment, and simply experience the present. This simple act enables us to see each moment for what it is, free from the limitations of any pre-conceived notions or distracting thoughts. It is here in this space of pure awareness that Spirit communicates with us and transforms our hearts and minds through direct experience. In that very moment of pure non-judgemental awareness, we open the door to a life lived without conflict and duality. Unexpectedly, we find that we have ushered in an experience of heaven on earth!


The art and science of mindfulness will be the focus of our Sunday lessons during the month of September. . Together, we will commit to the practice of mindfulness, making ourselves fully present and available to experience the work of God in every area of our lives. Our prayer is that through these lessons, and the group energy of unconditional love and support that fills our sanctuary, you will be strengthened in your ability live in the now moment. We look forward to supporting you in this important step in your spiritual journey.

Rev. Nicole

A Message from Rev. Nicole (as shared in our August newsletter)

Every one of us was born with a tremendous storehouse of divine potential. We were designed by God with a charge to live as creators, transformers and healers. From time to time, it’s important to turn within to determine if we are maximizing our potential and making a significant impact on the world as God intended. If not, then we must be willing to look deeper to discover what stands between us and what is possible for our lives.



Genuine self-acceptance is the key to unlocking divine potential. Many people suffer under the weight of childhood stories, memories of lost opportunities and thoughts of perceived failures- all of which lead to a low self-image. These stories often serve as blinders, keeping us from having a clear view of our power. In order to activate this divine energy, we must come into a full acceptance of who we are. This means embracing every aspect of ourselves- our full range of emotions, our physical bodies, our mistakes, our dream and our personality traits. Once we are willing to embrace those aspects of ourselves that we have ignored, run from or rejected, we are in a position to see ourselves just as God sees us- perfect and whole. From that space, we release the pain these stories have caused us for decades. Our divine potential is activated in that very instant, for it is the pain caused by our stories and lack of self-acceptance that blocks us from becoming all that God has designed us to be. Once we move fully into self-acceptance, all of the energy we once used to analyze, criticize, judge and protect ourselves is now available to be used as pure love energy. This energy out pictures in the world as service, creativity, new business ideas, innovative solutions or award winning scripts. There is no limit to what is possible for every person who is willing to step into the vibration of acceptance.


During the month of August, we will explore this concept of self-acceptance by reading our book of the month, Loving What Is by Byron Katie. Please join us each Sunday as our speakers take us on a journey through the process of reclaiming our spiritual power from the stories that run our lives. Now is the time to release the pain that stands between you and your divine potential!
Peace and Blessings,
Rev. Nicole

*************************************************************************************************

You can read the entire August newsletter here.