Author Archives: Rev. Abigail

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STANDING IN SOLIDARITY

PRAYER VIGIL for a Jewish Family


Last night at the corner of Poway Rd and Community Rd. in Poway, CA.
We were:
‘All for One and One for All’ at a Candlelight Prayer and Song Vigil
to support a Jewish family whose home was vandalized two nights ago with a swastika painted on their house, and their car covered with Kerosene.
Luckily a family member got up in the middle of the night, saw what was happening, and chased the two men away. If the family member had not gotten up, the car would have burned and possibly the house as well.
Christians, Muslims, New Thought, other faiths and members from POINT, the Poway City Council and Interfaith Worker Justice San Diego, stood solidly with our Jewish brothers and sisters. Abigail Albert brought extra candle votives for everyone. Thank you to Maryann Bacilla for organizing this vigil and Abigail for getting the word out. There were at least 80 people in attendance. Cars and trucks honked their support as everyone waved their candle lights. A member of the Chabad brought a huge menorah and it was lit to celebrate the second day of Hanukkah. Rabbi Goldstein poignantly said,
“If the Jewish people had not won the battle, there would be no Jews, therefore no Christians or Muslims.”

The Facebook link is here:
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Stand up for All Faiths, Creed, Colors, Races, Gender, All People, and Animals, Everywhere.

  Letter to San Diego Mayor Faulconer

Dear Mayor Faulconer and Members of the Council:
“We, the undersigned leaders of San Diego-area religious communities, write this letter to you, leaders of city government, as an expression of  ur concern and commitment.
We have been deeply troubled by the often-hateful rhetoric of the recent presidential campaign. Threats of mass deportation, derogatory references to women, false generalizations regarding Muslims, disparaging remarks about persons of Mexican heritage, and challenges to the acceptance of persons who are LGBT have left millions of neighbors fearful for their future in this country. At the same time, we recognize that there are many persons on all ends of the political spectrum who feel left out in our fast-changing society.
As people of religious faith, we affirm that every person deserves to be treated with the dignity that comes from being created by God. Because our traditions teach us to welcome the stranger, we declare our support for refugees and immigrants. Because our traditions emphasize compassion, we declare our solidarity with groups that feel under attack, including Muslims. Together we affirm that diversity of race, religion, and culture is a strength of this city and this nation. Together we affirm that the measure of any society is how it treats its most vulnerable members.
We who sign this letter-Catholic, Mainline Protestant, and Evangelical Christians, New Thought, Muslims, Jews, and Unitarian Universalists-are incredibly diverse. We do not always agree on answers to the complex issues facing our society. And we are, therefore, acutely aware of the need for civil, respectful dialogue among those who disagree politically. This, too, is a key religious value.
We cannot, however, be silent when vulnerable neighbors feel threatened, whether by individual acts or governmental policies. The values we hold as people of religious faith will compel us to stand shoulder to shoulder with them. This is a crucial role for religious communities, one you need us to fulfill: to be a voice for those whose voice often goes unheard.
Our purpose in writing is to make public our concern and commitment, as well as our hope that you, our elected officials, share the values expressed above and will act accordingly.
Sincerely,”
(96 Names of Religious Leaders )

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Praying Together at an Interfaith Thanksgiving Service

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Building Bonds by Uplifting All People through Social Justice.

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Rev. Dr. Steve and Rev. Dr. Abigail and many people of all faith traditions came to hear the Women Janitors of San Diego share their stories. We support an pay raise and more safe work conditions!

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Building Friendship and Understanding Through Education and Hospitality

Buddhist Temple, Steve, Abigail Lekshe

Dialogue & Dessert at the Buddhist Temple of San Diego on Market St.
Venerable Karma Lekshe Tsomo spoke  on Buddhism in this  beautiful sanctuary. We always enjoy hearing her speak. She is a beautiful emissary for inclusiveness.
Lekshe is also a USD professor teaching Buddhism and World Religions.

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SPRING SYMPOSIUMS –
Building bonds of friendship  as we learn about each other through panels, lectures, dialogue and table activities

Audience 4 Ner Tamid

POINT President Panelists Moderator

Panelists: Sydelle Enyeart, Unification; Mormon; Rabbi Nadav Caine, Judaism; Gurinder Singh, Sikh; Bob Pruchnik, Roman Catholic; Rev. Dt. Steve Albert,              New Thought.

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POWAY INTERFAITH TEAM

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Building Interfaith Relations through a Shared Thanksgiving Service and Standing Together in the midst of turmoil and crisis

The Poway Interfaith Team (POINT) stands together with the Muslim Community and calls all people to bring an end to hate speech and actions against those who      practice Islam.
POINT emphasizes the importance of joining other voices in a stand against acts of violence and acts of racial, religious, and cultural discrimination.  We condemn acts of violence by radical groups who do not have a faith even though they claim they do.

The focus of The Poway Interfaith Team is to promote community awareness, and understanding of different faith traditions.  Diversity and acceptance of our many faiths and cultures are the fabric of our nation’s tradition.  There is strength through education and by standing in solidarity with others to promote understanding, peace and justice in this world.   Educating ourselves about the true teachings of Islam will bring the understanding needed to separate what radicals believe and what true Muslims believe.
Saying terrorists practice the teachings of Islam is like saying the Klu Klux Klan practice the teachings of Christiantiy.   Both are false and absurd.
Religious discrimination comes from misinterpreting holy writings; that only serves to harm all of humanity.

The Poway Interfaith Team is deeply concerned by these acts. We believe diverse faith traditions in our communities add to the richness of life. When we meet and learn more about those who have faith traditions other than our own, we find many more similarities rather than differences.

POINT stands with many others who believe God is Love, Compassion, and Order. God wants us to live in harmony with each other and, “to love one another as He has loved us.” (John 13:34).   The Koran 25:63 says, “The servants of the Compassionate are they who walk upon the earth humbly, and when the ignorant address them they answer, ‘Peace!”

The Poway Interfaith Team calls on persons of all faiths to pray for civility and respect. We urge every citizen to discuss these unacceptable terrorist acts with your family and friends and even your neighbors to bring about greater harmony in our communities.

Peace, Blessings and Greater Understanding,

Abigail

Rev. Dr. Abigail Albert
Executive Director, Poway Interfaith Team

Spirit is Calling You

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Dear Friends,
Another year around the sun.  Time just flies by in the Cosmos of life.
As every year, 2016 had its highs and lows for each of us, whether it was personal, spiritual, emotional, physical, or political.  However in the Grand Universal Scheme of things we experienced the tiniest part of our eternal lives. And each tiny part is like a part of a grand puzzle where each is needed and important to complete. We are here because we are needed to bring God Consciousness and purpose onto this earth dimension. We are here to answer Spirit’s Call within us for God works in us, through us, as us because God is us!
In 2017,  What is Spirit Calling YOU to Do?
We just celebrated the birth and emerging of Christ Consciousness within us at Christmas time.  We now have an opportunity  in the coming new year to fully develop the urgency of God’s call birthing a NEW and awesome purpose and vision within us.  Rather than “wanting” a new car, new home, new relationship, new job, why not  be “willing” to surrender to a Higher Idea, Higher Purpose, Higher Call in your life from/as God.  Your soul is on a journey upward.  Ride it intentionally.  GOD ALWAYS HAS A BIGGER, BETTER, HIGHER, and more FULFILLING PLAN for your life than you can imagine. It will be new, it may be scary, and it will always be RIGHT for you. When the new idea emerges within you, know it is YOURS to do. God is speaking to you and only you for that particular Divine Idea.  So just relax and give in to IT, to the DIVINE WILL and soar in Spirit, Heart and Mind to new and greater avenues of God’s Good in your lives.  I guarantee  when you do, you will automatically receive much more than you asked for.
The Divine Outcome will surprise and amaze you.
Remember you are a beloved child of  God.
Know your UNION in and of God.
Surrender to the DIVINE Will within You!
Hear IT, Answer IT and say YES to IT.
Step into  2017 by birthing a new purpose and vision for your life.
Be the Christ Consciousness in the world  NOW.
Spirit is Calling you. What is Yours  to do?
Happy New Year, Happy New You.
Love,
Abigail and Steve

I SEE YOU

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Keep the twinkle and jingle bells in your heart.

Dear Friends,
My mentor minister, Dr. Juanella Evans always told me, “Consciousness is all there is.” When we are in tune with our consciousness we know who we are and where we stand.  Let us be in touch with our Christ Consciousness during this Holiday Season… and beyond.
At our Labyrinth walk last Saturday I made a commitment to be AWARE of the “INVISIBLE” people. These are the people you might not notice or may dismiss during your daily journey in life.
The other day I dropped a dollar in the Salvation Army can and almost missed the lady sitting in the chair ringing the bell. I stopped, turned around and said to her, “I see you.  I appreciate what you are doing.  I know it is not easy to sit here for hours in service. I just want to thank you.”  This lady got tears in her eyes and said, “You just made my day.”
I love the phrase, “I see you,” from the movie Avatar. There are many ways to SEE people.  A wave or hello to the Latino workers standing on the corner, hoping for a job, or to the gardeners working on front lawns. Send a greeting or thank you to our Sanitary Engineers who faithfully pick up all our garbage every week. Who else needs to be recognized and appreciated?
I walked past a lady beginning to unfold her walker/chair before going into Macys.  I asked her if she needed help.  She smiled and said, no, however she thanked me for the kind offer.   Waiting to hold a door open for someone, not being upset when someone takes your parking spot is a Consciousness of Grace.
Any person in customer service (stores, banks, post office) is in great need of kindness, respect and a smile at this time of year.  BE that person who  SEES them, appreciates and thanks them for their service.  Isn’t that what Christmas is all about? Isn’t that what our beloved Jesus did?  He went out of his way to minister to the poor, sick and “unseen” people.
BE the Consciousness of Christ, SEE the people.  It will only crack your heart WIDE open with even greater love and awareness of your fellowman, woman and child this Holy Days Season.
I SEE You, I Appreciate You, I Love You,

BE Light BE Love & Forgive

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Dear Friends,
I love to think we are in the season of LIGHT. The Master, our Beloved Jesus the Christ came to earth to spread Light and  Love to ALL people, barring none. This may not be the time in history when Jesus was born, however we have chosen to celebrate his birth, his light, his love and what he stood for at this time of year.  We know Jesus the Christ stood for LOVE.  It was the sole purpose of his teachings. Without love, nothing works.
There are many aspects of Love and one is Forgiveness. Strife, grudges, and disagreements seem to appear more quickly among families who have split apart on some issue of the past.  I hear it and see it within families I know.  I often wonder, how did the rift occur? What happened?   I know from experience, fully loving another person not only makes changes in one’s consciousness, it makes changes in the other person’s consciousness as well.  If there is someone who has hurt me through thought, word or deed, in my morning meditation I see this person  in my heart and mind and I am there with him/her.  I tell him/her  how much I love them and all the good qualities I see in him/her.  I picture a loving LIGHT essence surrounding both  of us.  We are encased in it, feeling it, experiencing it.  When I do this, the healing energy begins and soon God provides a way for us to connect, cry and rekindle a loving, whole relationship.
God’s purpose for our lives is to learn how to LOVE. We cannot truly fulfill our purpose in life when we have unforgiveness in our hearts, for ourselves and others. Forgiving ourselves is first and foremost for any misdeeds we have done in the past. Forgiving others is the second.  It does not matter who is right or wrong. It is time to step up in High Consciousness and close the gap with anyone who is estranged in your life.  When you become vulnerable, ego-less and say, I am sorry, please forgive me, it will be like a boulder has lifted from your shoulders and the glory of the Christ Light shines through.  Welcome the tears that will flow from both you and the other person.
It is time. BE the LIGHT, Be the LOVE as God intended you to be for yourself, your family, your friends and humanity.
In Love, Light and  Forgiveness,

Be at Peace

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Dear Friends,
    I have been drawn to the idea of PEACE these past few days. I was reading  about the breath in one of my favorite books, Spiritual Unfoldment.  It talked about breathing in the Breath of God and exhaling Love, Light and Peace  to the world, and to every living being. I also have a  rose on my meditation table that says, “Love is the Answer.” I know when I have a loving heart, I am at peace. And as I was pulling out my Christmas decorations and other decor, I hung up some guest finger towels that said “Peace.”  There are no coincidences. PEACE  was and is on my plate!
     During this time of year, what can be more important than to keep oneself at Peace, in heart, mind, soul and body.  With deep inner peace, there can only be openness and love.  The Beloved Jesus the Christ said,
“Peace I leave with you, Peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
– John 14:27.
Today, as you sit, meditate, pray, and reflect, take in a deep cleansing breath then breathe deeply  bringing in all the Love and Peace of God.  As you exhale, send out the energy of Love, Peace, Joy, Forgiveness to all those who you love and those who you do not.   We must remember the Spark of God is within ALL people, not just a few.  As we see the good, the good emerges. Instead of wasting time on what you do not like, spend precious moments on what you do want, such as peace love, and goodness.
What we see and feel is what we get.  What do you want?  See it, feel it. LOVE it.  Be at Peace.
With Love  and Peace,

Be a Safe Haven

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“To be hopeful in bad times is not just foolishly romantic. It is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty, but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness. What we choose to emphasize in this complex history will determine our lives. If we see only the worst, it destroys our capacity to do something, If we remember those times and places – and there are so many – where people have behaved magnificently, this gives us the energy to act, and at least the possibility of sending this spinning top of a world in a different direction. And if we do act, in however a small way, we don’t have to wait for some grand utopian future. The future is an infinite succession of presents, and to live now as we think human beings should live, in defiance of all that is bad around us, is itself a marvelous victory.”
-Howard Zinn, historian

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Dear Friends,
I was blessed to attend a
“Love Your Neighbor Vigil” last week in Escondido.  It was hosted by the Escondido Clergy held at Maple Square Park.
This was a lovely sacred Vigil, led by Rev. Sharon Wylie from Chalice Unitarian Universalist Congregation with prayers from many faith traditions, candle lighting and singing about love, peace and joy.escondido-safety-pin
We also had the opportunity to pick a SAFETY PIN and wear it.  Wearing a Safety pin signifies, this person is a  SAFE person to be with. This person will stand up and respond to any harmful actions regardless of race, color, creed, religion, or gender.
This person is a SAFE HAVEN for All people.
I found out so many people already knew about this Safety Pin movement.  It has been on Facebook and many at the Interfaith Thanksgiving Service knew about it.  Some plan to creatively decorate their safety pins.  I wore mine to a dinner about the Syrian Refugee emergency.   A nun had a safety pin on and also had extra pins to pass out, which she did. I too am keeping extra pins in my purse to pass out when someone asks, “What is that pin for?”
If you have an extra safety pin, WEAR IT proudly to show your support. It will speak volumes for you!

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Pray for America

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Dear Friends,
At our “Pray for America” Labyrinth Walk we affirmed our:
Collective VISION for America

November 5th 2016

Steve 

I see America as a place where everyone can flourish and reach their highest level of good health, security, prosperity and JOY! I see everyone being treated as equals no matter what their race, creed, origin, sexual preference etc. I see everyone experiencing peace and safety in their homes, neighborhoods, cities, states and throughout America.

Chris 

I see America as a more unified, peaceful and prosperous country with a new awareness of caring for all. I see our new president as a person who is sensitive and aware of the needs of our country, and who can do what needs to be done to make the government work and to operate with the highest good in mind. I ask that our leaders be lifted to a higher, finer vibration of powerful insight, compassion, intelligence and love in order to take our country in a direction that will benefit not only the U.S., but the world. I pray that our new president, and our government, will work together peacefully and successfully for the good of all. I pray that whatever happens, all Americans will unite in peace, brotherhood, and that the children of America will inherit a highly functional, renewed government.

Nancy
I see all people being taken care of – food, shelter, medical needs. People who have experienced earthquakes, floods, hurricanes etc. will be helped by our government. All children will have access to medical attention, schools and food. America will consider all of its citizens to be equal. Americans will show compassion to each other without regard to race or economic status. Americas will respect each other’s religions. Americans will help and honor each other and treat each other with dignity and respect.

Americans will look for the good in each other. Americans will look each other in the eye and honor our differences and what we have in common. We are all connected.

Angel Joan

I see America filled with loving people, each having a happy home and family of their choice. Each American feels safe and secure and has enough income for a comfortable life. Each American is peaceful within themselves.

Lee

I see an America that feels safe where everyone knows they have what they need to be healthy, and have all the opportunities to grow and become the perfect unique expression to be the person they are meant to be. Every person will be equally important but uniquely different. America will offer its’ citizens the best G-D intends for all humanity to become. We will be partners in a global fellowship where every country has equal opportunities for its’ citizens to be free and safe All will want the best for their unique fulfillment.

Abigail
I see America as a country with leaders of integrity that want what is best for the highest good of ALL people, regardless of race, culture, creed, faith, gender or sexual orientation. I see America leading the world with programs that help our environment, feed the hungry in the USA and abroad. I see America initiating peace with Divine solutions. I see America’s leaders go past political affiliation, Republican or Democrat, and collaborate on what is the highest good for all. I see America’s leaders and people lead with heart, integrity, purity of intent, fairness, graciousness and kindness.
I see America with leaders and people who respect the views and beingness of women and children, ethnic and poor. All Americans are visible and heard.

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What is YOUR Vision for America?
Write it down,
Speak it out,
Feel it in your heart.
Release it with love as a ripple across our 
glorious nation.

Vision Love

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“You are one thing only. You are a Divine Being. An all-powerful Creator. You are a Deity in jeans and a t-shirt, and within you dwells the infinite wisdom of the ages and the sacred creative force of All that is, will be and ever was.”
-Anthon St. Maarten,
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Dear Friends,
The election is close and it is very important at this time to keep our consciousness high, see the Good, the Best, the Highest Purpose and stay away from the lower conscious drama.  Join us this Saturday as we Vision God’s Highest Ideal for the USA.
We will pray, meditate and walk the mystical labyrinth.  Dr. Ernest Holmes says:
“Life is a mirror and will reflect back to the thinker what he thinks into it.”
As we begin to declare the Vision we have for our United States of America, we think it, say it, vision it, draw it, journal it and embody it as a loving reality. What we put out into the world, does come back to us.
We are living boomerangs so we must continue to keep the High Watch and Be the High Watch.  A collective voice of High Conscious Watchers is more powerful than the  crazy drama  we hear and see in the papers and on TV.
God’s purpose for ALL is good, good and very good. Let us remember Divine Order is perfect and that the Love essence of God is in each and everyone of us.
In my meditations I keep getting the message,
“LOVE is the Answer.” Love has always been the answer to every challenge, every health issue, and any other irritations or anxieties we may have.
Jesus the Christ, was all about Love.  That was His mission. Love God, love yourself, love one another, love your enemies. Gandhi was all about Love. Buddha was all about Love.  All the Masters and Avatars keep telling us it is ALL ABOUT LOVE.
What if we imagined baskets of love and light, like a continual stream of pure Divine essence flowing over and through situations, people, leaders, hot spots in the world and watching the dirt, fear, anger, misery, divisiveness, terror, hurt simply fall away “into the nothingness from which it came.” We have been given the power of mind to create this scenario. What we put out, creates a new reality. It comes back to us as living love and light in our own lives
We are the emanations and  emissaries of God.  Time for us to step up and bring in the transformation of consciousness.  Let us BE who we are meant to be and BE the change we wish to see.
We are the ones we have been waiting for!!!
AFFIRMATION
I am Love
I am Light
I am One and Connected with All
I know this truth for myself
and all beings.

Your GOOD is Yours!

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Did you know God does not withhold your good?
What is yours by Divine Right is yours exclusively.
Sometimes I forget this truth especially when I am expecting a call, something in the mail or even when I “lose” something.  Nothing is lost, misplaced, or held back from us. Spirit does not operate that way.
The other day I was expecting a check in the mail.  It did not come.  I did my little hissy fit until I realized that the more  upset I became, the less likely the check would arrive. When we are upset about an expected good not manifesting we actually push it away, by our fear of NOT having it.  As soon as we KNOW all our good is naturally ours, the fear goes away and the flow is able to stream forth with even more unexpected good. I sat quietly in meditation and “realized” all my blessings, and all the abundant good that is already mine.  I appreciated everything and blessed the sender of the check.  I released the idea of receiving it on my time and let God handle this detail.
I also know when something appears to be withheld, that may be the time when I need to Give.  I sat down and wrote out some tithe checks that were late in sending. After I did that, I really felt a sense of peace and calm.
Later that day I got a call from the person sending the check  saying the
check was mailed.
This is called the Law of Circulation.  We are givers and receivers
“As you give, so shall you receive.”
The next time you are waiting for your good  do this;
Bless it, Love it. Bless the person, Love the person.
Ask “Where is it I need to give right now?”
Align with the Power and Presence, Love and Joy within you.  Love and Bless what appears to upset you, and you will continue to be in the God flow of great blessings
and abundance.
God Blesses & Prospers You Always.”

I Declare Spiritual Authority

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Spiritual Authority
Who has Spiritual Authority?  Well, we know the Avatars, and Spiritual Masters did. What is it and how do we get it?  The answer is simple, YOU already have it!  Spiritual Authority has always been with you. You are an eternal being created by the Creator.  All the Essence of the ONE Source, On Power, One Divine Intelligence, One Love and One Wisdom is within you.
Our journey as spiritual beings having an earthly experience is to discover this truth within us and USE IT!  When  the Master Jesus said, “You are Healed!”, He was declaring with powerful words, his Spiritual Authority, the direct link to God within. Master Jesus also said,
What I do you can do also and even greater things….” 
These are vital words to BELIEVE in and LIVE by.
Going through a challenge?
Declare for yourself, the truth within you.
• God within me is my Spiritual Authority!
• I surrender to the Spiritual Authority within me to guide me, direct me, move me, and be me!
• I speak with Spiritual Authority now!
Surrendering to your Spiritual Authority, only brings forth the Highest Good in your life. Nothing less!
Listening , declaring and acting with your Spiritual Authority relieves stress, strain and anxiety in all your endeavors.  Today make a commitment to partner with the Greatest Authority there is, GOD within you, all around you, because God IS YOU!
May God Bless You Always.