Author Archives: Rev. Abigail

Open Heart Open Mind

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 Mind is Open at the top
Dear Friends,
Our involvement and work with the Interfaith Movement has expanded our awareness of life and ways to live in this world of God/Spirit. We have all heard the phrase,
“We are Spiritual beings, having a human experiences.”
Each human experience is seeking to align with his or her True Spirit, the Divine, the God Self  whole and complete within.   Spirit is forever exposing us to NEW ideas  encouraging us to grow in Spirit and Consciousness.
At the Guadalajara NAIN Connect  I sat in a workshop on”Healing.” which expanded my mind.
I learned from a Sikh teacher, a beautiful Sikh Mantra that helps to keep the body healthy and whole.
The Sikh mantra for healing, health and wholeness is:
Raa, maa, daa, saa, saa, say, so, hung
The Sikh Teacher said there is POWER in the SOUND when we say this mantra.
After returning home, before my meditation, I pulled a book from my library and  found the same mantra in the book Lifting the Veil, Practical Kabbalah.
“This mantra connects you with the pure healing energy of the universe. The healing vibrations help you develop the pattern of Health.”
I also had a book from the Eckankar tradition that explained the HU sound as the sound of God. The Kabbalah book said the “hu” in hung means the “life of God in everything and in every being.” My mind was expanded seeing the connection between these three faith traditions.
I heard from the Indigenous Shaman how important it is to keep the mind and heart pure in thought, word and deed, so the body will remain healthy. He said, “sickness is not born in the physical body. It is generated on the mental plane and cured in the astral. Ancient Mayans did not have sickness. Their bodies and minds were clean.  Sickness is created by our thoughts, and feelings in the subconscious and also influenced by Karma, and our soul destiny” These ideas were familiar to me since it is similar to what New Thought teaches. Another connection between traditions.
The Chinese doctor shared the importance of Jade and its healing affects on the body. Jade is a mystical and spiritual stone and can be placed on the body where there is an ache or pain. You may put a very TINY piece of jade under your tongue. Breath and concentrate on health.
There is so much to learn outside of our faith traditions.
Keep your mind open and be teachable. As Ernest Holmes said, “Be Open at the Top!”
Keep an Open Heart and Open Mind

Armageddon

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Consciousness Man in Light

“The degree to which your Consciousness expands, is the degree to which you understand yourself and the universe.”
– Gina Charles

Dear Friends,
The word “Armageddon” keeps coming to me, and I keep trying to avoid the many meanings tied to it. Personally I do not believe in the Armageddon where we all blow up on earth or God snaps a lightning bolt and we all die, or some of us leave and others stay..  I am coming to believe in an Armageddon of Consciousness.   Another idea for Armageddon may be the ‘day of reckoning.’ The Bible is a beautiful sacred book filled with mystery, miracles, religious beliefs, callings, healings, and  journeys of people. Some read it literally, some read it metaphorically.  However you read and believe it, it is still a journey of consciousness.
Today, we are creating our own personal book of life filled with our journey of consciousness, mystery, miracles, healings, beliefs and callings. As we look back on our secular history we can see the slow struggle we have had to rise in consciousness and accept the dignity and equality  of all men and women, no matter what race, gender, faith, creed etc.  And yet, some  seem to be taking some steps backwards in their journey of conscientiousness and book of life.  WE as CONSCIOUSNESS, DIVINE ENERGY, SPARKS of GOD must remain in HIGH MINDS and HEARTS especially during this political season and world times.  It truly is an Armageddon of Consciousness.
Where will you stand?
Will you remember GOD loves ALL Creation?   We are here as spiritual warriors, not to make war, but to send out vibrations of love.  As we do so, ALL will feel the strength, the wisdom, the compassion, the kindness, for the Consciousness of GOOD and LOVE are All powerful over anything unlike itself.
Look deep within and let go of anything, any thought, any words that may be harmful, hurtful to any person, place or thing. Do your own reckoning of life.
We are all connected as ONE. When we hug ourselves, the whole body feels good.
Let us send Love and Hug All people so the whole world feels good.
Imagine a world…. where LOVE Reigns!

Earth with Heart Shapes
Love, Hugs and Hearts,
Abigail and Steve

Right and True Action

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“I have come to the earth to serve life,
to serve the grand scheme of the evolution of mankind.”
White Eagle, Spiritual Unfoldment 2
White Eagle
Let us not be distracted by the drama of the political life and the inhumane actions we see and hear on the news. We must continue to stand in Truth, and  Faith,  knowing God is still in charge of our life, the life of others, in this world, other worlds and all dimensions. We are here to serve the ONE with the highest consciousness we possess. White Eagle says, “The Great White Light of Christ is the healer of all conflict and of all ills of man’s soul and body… Evil is the destroyer, but Light is ever the builder, the constructor and you who listen to and read our words are called to serve,
to action by the invisible hosts.”
Do you feel “called to action?”  How would that look?
Action is standing up for what is right and true.
For me, right and true is:
• Loving and supporting those in need, those who are hurting, by others’ thoughts, words and deeds.
• Standing up for those whose intentions are pure regardless of what others of their faith, creed or culture are doing.
• Showing compassion for those who have not had the opportunity I have had and helping them on their journey.
• Knowing all people  have a soul, a spirit and are playing a temporary role in this earth dimension to help us WAKE up to our Divinity and to share that Truth with others.
• What ever appears “bad” is only a blessing in disguise.
What is right and true for YOU?
Know it,  Believe it Live it!
Blessings, Abigail and Steve

***

 

“Lock up your libraries if you like; but there is no gate,
no lock, no bolt that you can set upon the freedom of my mind.”
-Virginia Woolf, A Room of One’s Own
HAPPY JULY – 
HAPPY FREEDOM! 

Fireworks_Display_Family_Clipart-1
We just celebrated the 4th of July, watching beautiful fireworks at a synagogue resting on the top of a hill. It was a magnificent display of color and brilliance. It is so much fun to see this every year and yet I always want to take moments to count my blessings of freedom.  I live in a country whose constitution states freedom and liberty are inherent rights for all people.  I am grateful I can worship they way I choose to, go where I want to go and do what I feel I am called to do.  For this month, why not try an experiment with me.

Start a  FREEDOM JOURNAL
*Write down all the FREEDOMS you have  in your life.
Are there any areas you do not feel as free?
*Write those down and then close your eyes and ask Spirit to show you how to bring forth  freedom in those areas for the highest good of all.. 
Allow your MIND to wander, be creative and intuitive.
New and wonderful answers and ideas from Spirit will pop up and surprise you. As you continue to do this, you may feel those “limits’ or non-freedoms begin to melt away.
Always end your writing with:
I AM FREE 
and I AM GRATEFUL. 
We are all so fortunate in so many ways. Count your blessings of FREEDOM!

FREEDOM and Gratitude,
Abigail and Steve

The One You Feed

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Two Wolves
“An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life.
‘A fight is going on inside me,’ he said to the boy. ‘It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil-he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride superiority and ego.’ He continued, ‘The other is good- he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith. The same fight is going on inside you – and inside every other person, too.’ The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, ‘Which wolf will win?’
The old Cherokee simply replied, ‘The one you feed.’ “
Dear Friends,
Last Saturday we had a beautiful Medicine Wheel Ceremony, Drum Circle and Labyrinth Walk.  Our facilitators, Raven, Richard and Georgette brought us deeply into Spirit, connecting with the ONE and each other. We first cleansed with Sage, and kept the space of peace and love, and sacredness in the Circle as we drummed and began the ceremony.  Raven shared the story above to remind us all thoughts are to be held in high consciousness and to let go of the emotions of the dark wolf in side of us.
In this day with all the political turmoil going on, in the United States, the UK and the world, our thoughts are to remain on the internal goodness within us. Focus on kindness, benevolence, empathy, compassion for all people, and animals everywhere.  We know our thoughts and emotions can either stir the water or keep the water calm. Which would you like to swim in?  As the fish are swimming in water, we are swimming in God.  Let us make our atmosphere one of JOY and happiness.  Every enemy, every person we do not like, everyone who is hurtful, has the wolf of goodness in him or her.  FEED the goodness. The more we feed ourselves and others with Goodness the more Goodness will be displayed in the world.
Howling for PEACE and LOVE,
Abigail and Steve

God’s Basket

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EGGS in Gods Basket
Faith is putting all your eggs in God’s basket,
then  counting your blessings before they hatch.
-Ramona C. Carroll
I came across the quote above while reading Chicken Soup for the Soul, Dreams and Premonitions.   I read it  shortly after talking with  a minister friend who has changed her way of VISIONING for herself.  She is only asking for her Highest and Best and What is Hers To Do. She has let go of Visioning for  church growth and church finances and relying entirely on  God for all her blessings, whatever they may be and whatever role or job she plays.
I am in agreement with her.  When we ask, accept and declare our Highest Good, our Highest Service and surrender to  the Master Mind of the Universe, (who knows how to keep this Universe going…!), we let go and let God take over.  I have had the BEST ideas, guidance, direction and demonstrations when I have just “given up” my way and say, “I’m done God, it is up to you!”
In 1990 I was DONE with church. I gave it up at a stop sign on my way home from a mainstream church. Church, or so I thought, was not a fit for me.  Once I let go and stopped trying to “find” the perfect church by hopping from one to another every Sunday, God was able to swoop in and guide me to my highest and best! The next week I received an invitation to a workshop from a church I had never heard of, a Religious Science church.  I attended and found my “HOME.”  Well the rest is history. Never in a million years did I think I would be a minister, and a minister in a faith tradition I had never heard of in 1990.
So GIVE IT A TRY!  Put ALL your eggs (wants, desires, visions) in God’s basket.  Be done with “trying” and be open to God’s Highest and Best for you in your life. Allow the NEW you to crack wide open and BE who God intended you to be!
baby-egg-crack1

We Are Connected

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Connection by Oprah

Dear Friends,
I believe it is so important to FIND THE CONNECTION
with everyone you meet. It changes the feeling of being an “acquaintance” to being a new friend.
Discover what you have in common with that person.
Most of the time it is easy with people of your same faith tradition, culture or nationality.  The real discovery comes when you realize you have a lot in common with people of other faith traditions and nationalities. At this time our Muslim brothers and sisters are fasting in the holy month of Ramadan. They pray 5X a day and surrender all activities and daily plans to Allah ( ‘God’ in the Arabic language).  In New Thought we continually share how important it is to “Let Go and Let God” guide us and lead the way.  Our Visioning  practices say,  “What is God’s  highest IDEAL/IDEA for me, for this event, meeting, plan etc.
Not my idea, but God’s idea.
Muslims say, ‘Inshallah’  meaning “God Willing.” Our trust and faith in God’s Way and Will for our life is shared by our Muslim friends.
Do you meditate?  Meditation is common among our Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh friends.
Are you into Contemplative prayer?  This is common among our Catholic and Protestant friends.
Whenever you feel a dis-connect with a person, faith group, culture or nationality, find the CONNECTION, find the commonality.  You will have more friends, fun and bring more peace to yourself as well as humanity.
If you would like to view a video where young adults shared what nationality they thought they were and what nationalities they did not like, the link is below.  Each one took a DNA test and were blown away.  The Englishman who did not like Germans, had German DNA. The young lady who did not like Turkish people found out she was Turkish and found a distant cousin in the room.  This video really  reinforces the fact and KNOWING, we are all connected down to the roots of our being!

(copy paste on your browser).
KNOW YOU ARE CONNECTED in some way with EVERYONE ON THIS PLANET.  Send LOVE out to everyone today!  They are your friends and family.

For Everyone

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An Open Letter to Everyone

Hi Everyone.
When I look at the name of our network, the word “WORLD” stands out calling me to do or say something about what we are all going through, and I have no idea what else I can do other than PRAY.  I sit here each day and receive dozens of newsletters and posts from Interfaith Groups from throughout the world who are each going through the same thing I am.  They are informing all their people to: “isolate themselves and practice healthy habits,” “hang tough” and to know that “some good will come out of all of this.”
Perhaps one thing which we can all take from these stressful and uncertain times is that WE ARE ALL GOING THROUGH IT TOGETHER.  No one faith, culture, race, sex, religion, etc. is exempt from this coronavirus.  As frustrated as you might feel, and I know that I do, this experience may be the element which unites the world to learn better that we need to take care of each other.
I have been telling everyone who I speak with, to remain calm and BELIEVE that upon defeating coronavirus, as we did the Spanish Flu, Black Plague, Polio, Mumps, Measles, Influenza, Smallpox, Tuberculosis, etc., we will emerge stronger and more grateful that we can get up each morning and interact with people in a peaceful way.  DEEP BREATH and affirm with me, this too shall pass.
Blessings,
Steve
Rev. Dr. Stephen Albert
World Interfaith Network
858-487-8196
[email protected]
https://world-interfaith.com

***

We VISION a World where people honor and respect one another, where integrity and honesty is the norm.
We VISION a World where people are inclusive, supportive and see the Divine in each other.


community helping hands
The All Faith Center is deeply committed to opening the hearts and minds of all people with a deeper understanding of all faith traditions, cultures, nationalities and personalities.
When knowledge is shared, awareness and understanding become greater, myths and misconceptions are dissipated, and barriers of fear melt away.
We are then ready for the 3 C’s: Connection, Collaboration and Cooperation!”
We do this by offering transformative Labyrinth Walks, Classes, Workshops,  Interfaith Events and ways to serve God and each other.,

You are a Winner!

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Placing one foot in front of the other, I’ve climbed to higher lengths. Reaching beyond my own limitations, to show my inner strength. No obstacle too hard, for this warrior to overcome. I’m just a man on a mission, to prove my disability hasn’t won.
I choose not to place DIS”, in my ability.”
– Robert M. Hensel

boundaries

Dear Friends,
One of my favorite shows ended last week. It is “Dancing with the Stars.”
If you are not a follower, it is a show where professionals team up with “stars”
from TV, movies, sports, news and other media, to teach them HOW to dance various dance styles.  The audience listens to the judges’ opinions and scores for each dancer, then VOTES for their  favorite star. There is a wide range of star  ability and yet EVERYONE improves as the weeks go by.

This past season was one that will stand out in my mind forever.   For the first time a top male model by the name of Nyle won. The amazing fact is, he is DEAF and communicates only through sign language and an interpreter! The judges were never easy on him because of his challenge. Nyle maintained his peace, personality and ease through out the season. He listened, worked hard and learned from his pro, Peta.  How she was able to teach him the steps and the timing without him being able to hear the music is beyond me. The coveted Mir-ball trophy was much deserved by both of them!

What does that say about a deaf person wining a dance contest?  It says, as one judge put it,
“The only boundaries in our life, are in our mind.”
Challenges are not in our life to stop us, or defeat us, they are there to help us go BEYOND any limits we may have placed on ourselves. My mother used to tell me,  “Can’t never did.” What areas of “I can’t” are you dealing with in your life? What abilities are you neglecting and what challenges are you facing?
STOP placing limitations on yourself.
STOP setting boundaries on yourself.
GOD in you. is your ability, your answer to challenges, your inspiration, your know-how, your potential just waiting to explode, emerge and be shown.
GO for your abilities.  SEE  challenges as your way to expand in mind, heart and consciousness.
YOU are a WINNER!                                                   ***

Pray, Breathe, Walk

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Breath In Joy and Strength
Breathe Out Wisdom and Peace
– Angeles Moreno

We are looking forward to this coming Saturday’s,
LABYRINTH WALK
May 28th 2016
from 2-4pm.
Interfaith Prayers for Peace

People and Symbols
If you have a favorite prayer, bring it with you.

Meditative Breathing

Breate yoga woman
Walking the Labyrinth

Labyrinth Walking feet

We will be practicing the Ujjayi yoga breathing technique.  Doug Keller says, “The breath is,… the way to peace. Breathing, as most of us already know, is the key to being at ease (i.e. not stressed out) in a situation. The point of a practice of breathing, however, is not just to use the breath to calm down when you’re upset. The goal is to make being at ease your accustomed state of being — through practice.”
http://www.sahej.com/yoga-and-the-breath.html
Let us bring to our lives a sense of  ease.  When  we are not at ease we experience disease in many ways.   Peace, health, wholeness, life itself depends on the Breath.  God has given us the Breath of Life  to maintain and sustain us every moment of everyday.  As we sink into a peaceful, breath conscious meditation, our peaceful, easy energy supports us and vibrates out  into the world.

PEACEFUL YOU, PEACEFUL WORLD!
JOIN US SATURDAY!
Please RSVP  [email protected]
858-487-8885
Thank you
***

Smiling Repose

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JUGGLING too much

Dear Friends,
Have you ever felt like you were juggling just too many balls in the air?  I came to that conclusion today when I emailed a friend asking a question I had asked her before and never got an answer, or so I thought.  When she emailed back she said “I did mention to you……”  Deep in my memory banks  I knew she had told me her answer.  It is as if it went in one ear and out the other and I moved on too quickly to the next thing to take care of on my list of “to do’s”.
Times like these remind me to  just stop for a moment and breathe in  the air, love, breath of God.  I needed to just Pray for the answer, the solution, the next step.  My ego does not have to think it is in charge of all the details. I need to allow the Divine Spirit within me to flow in all my activities, responsibilities with grace and ease. Already I feel better.
Making lists are good. Releasing them and allowing God to be in charge of the when, how to, and where is better!
As Emerson says,
“The Infinite lies stretched in smiling repose.”
I will meet my God-Self there!