Inspiration for Healing Through Changing Your Mind --The articles in this newsletter are written by people from around the world who are taking their perceived problems to the Holy Spirit, and sharing their miracles stories of how their thoughts are being healed.

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Thoughts for Those I Love -- by Rev. Don Pidd

With all the talk of war and discord in the world as we approach the Easter season, my thoughts have been focused on what we really want to accomplish as creations of God (Allah, Great Spirit, Mother Earth, Yahweh... take your pick) and I don't think it is to stop war; but, in truth, to restore peace. By doing this, there is then no thought of war.

Peace is a choice we make, not something that happens or doesn't happen depending on our outer surroundings.

Peace of mind is clearly an internal matter. It must begin with your own thoughts, and then extend outward. It is from your peace of mind that a peaceful perception of the world arises. It is our choice to choose peace! So taday, as you walk through the world, choose Peace in all your encounters. Then, and only then, miracles will happen. And your thought of Peace becomes reality and is passed on to all those you meet. We can't change the world without first changing ourselves.

Click here to e-mail Don.

The Spirit of Cross Country Skiing -- by Rev. Patty Jackson

My husband, a wave one Birkebeiner cross country skier, came home from training last week excited about a tip a fellow skier gave him that day. He was told that in poling, he needed to bring his hands forward, visualizing throwing a glass of water from each hand just ahead of him in his path, then planting his poles. His previous technique in poling was to bring his hands together in front of him, placing the poles more at an angle, out to the sides, then pushing, finally letting go of the poles (relying on the wrist straps to return the poles to his hands) as he propelled forward. Apparently this new technique kept his energy right at his side, propelling him faster and more efficiently than before.

Yesterday I went skiing with him. We took a Friday morning off, no kids, and traveled an hour to one of Wisconsin's beautiful parks. It was a gorgeous sunny day. From the outside, the scene looked like a slice of heaven, something Norman Rockwell would be inspired by. Walk through the door into my head and everything looked quite different. There was a big party going on in there. A big self-doubt party, one I was very familiar with. The commencement hour begins whenever placed on a ski trail with someone faster than me.

The party started slowly. It began with thoughts of, "I'm not fast enough," "My technique isn't improving and I should care," "I'm out of shape and lazy." As the party continued, it picked up speed. I was sure my husband must be thinking similar thoughts as these. "WHY would he want to ski with someone so slow?"

At this point in my life, I know this head party. Recognizing it, I reached for a more peaceful thought, and the poling visual came to me. As I skied with the poling tip visual, I realized how this poling process is a perfect visual for me. If, in anything I do, I set my intention just in front of me, keep my energy with me, not worrying about anything or anyone "out there" or "way ahead of me," make the move I'm compelled to make and then let go, I move forward effortlessly.

Little effort and I joyously move ahead. As I understood this, I skied. The trail seemed to be coming to me. After reaching for that more peaceful thought, more and more kept coming. As I continued to ski, I set my intention on peace and joy. I kept my energy with me, not up the trail, and then looked around. I let go. The incredible beauty of the day, the park and my husband was everywhere. I saw the snow covered branches of the bushes. I stopped and listened. The ice that covered every tall blade of grass and treetop could be heard crackling in the wind, some floating down in front of me. The tiptop of the tree branches glistened against the blue sky as airy clouds blew past. I stood on the path and felt the peace and power of the trees and hills. My heart was open, a part of it all.

More thoughts of peace and joy came. I watched my husband ski. He was not at all the discontent leader of a too slow wife. He was enjoying his view as he waited ahead for me, ready to show me which fork in the trail to take, much like how my own guidance was waiting for me back when I reached for a more peaceful thought.

Click here to e-mail Patty.            TOP

A Mother's Love -- by Rev. Vicki Smith

As the holidays approached I felt my normal apprehensions. I told my children I just wasn't prepared to celebrate Christmas this year. I had been feeling down and so I encouraged them to make plans without me. My daughter called, as I knew she would, and said, "Mom, even if you can't buy gifts and are feeling sad, none of that matters. All we want is to be with you."

Within two days I received a letter from my own mother which completely shocked me. She was very upset and projected her feelings in a way that I wasn't prepared for. She told me I was insensitive and didn't respect the elderly and I didn't have faith. She went on to say I shouldn't talk about my feelings and upset others. She closed it with a comment that would become my greatest gift of all. She said she would be with her family, which of course meant not me, because they knew how to put on a "happy face."

As the tears flowed down my face, I realized how many times in my life I was left out of family functions because I didn't fit the model of what my family expected and I wasn't willing to pretend.

As the days passed and the tears continued to flow, I found that layers and layers of thought patterns were beginning to surface. They brought back the memories of words that had been spoken so often as I grew up such as, "You will never amount to anything. You are too sensitive." "Children are to be seen and not heard." and "Don't allow others in because they can't be trusted."

I realized I had stopped putting on the happy face because it didn't feel real anymore. I watched as the thoughts were dissolving and a sense of peace was returning that I hadn't ever felt before. My mother's gift was to allow me to see what lay just beneath the surface of my feelings. I felt like I was coming out of hiding and most of all isolation.

I prayed for help because it was clear that I could very easily return to my old pattern of feeling guilty because I hadn't measured up to other's expectations of me. The Holy Spirit came to me with a vision. In the vision I saw a caterpillar weaving a cocoon. It then entered a period of metamorphosis. As time passed and the changes occurred, it finally broke free and became the beautiful butterfly it was meant to be. It then took flight. I knew in that moment what that meant for my life.

I felt like an innocent child again who was given a precious gift of healing. In a moment my perceptions had changed. The pain had passed and I found not only how wonderful the gift was that my mother gave me, but I further realized I was ready to accept myself for who I am.

Click here to e-mail Vicki.

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When Love Calls... Love Answers -- by Rev. Christine Anderson

My brother Ron, who works in sales, called me from his cell phone while driving to a business appointment. He said that he was upset, "feeling scorned," as he put it. He was calling for help. He was calling for Love.

He asked if I had time to listen to an upsetting work-related encounter that he had experienced earlier that day. He also asked for any suggestions that might be helpful as to how to handle the problem.

Being that we have the same interest to practice mind healing together, our holy relationship involves extending the hand of helpfulness to the other when either one of us forgets our true Identity, which is only Love.

In perfect synchronicity, I had recently attended the ACIM Weekend Program 901: Introduction to Miracles Practice. So I was "Miracle Minded" and ready for a miracle. During the course, I was reminded that whenever we are noticing discomfort or "dis-ease" in ourselves or others, we can ask for help from the Holy Spirit. Then with "a little willingness" and a peaceful, receptive mind we can hear what to do or say to be truly helpful in any situation. This is called recognizing and answering a call for love.

I let Ron know that I was in a place to listen. I said a short prayer basically acknowledging Jesus' presence and my willingness to be calm, truly helpful and not judge or "buy into" the story that my brother was going to share.

One of the processes in the Course 901 involves taking an inventory of the script that I call my 'life' -- what my story looks like. It involves looking at any reoccurring themes in my life script. It reminded me of what took place in the movie "Groundhog Day," symbolic of how I play out the theme over and over again of thinking that I am separate from Love.

As I review the movie of my life, I then look at my experiences with the recognition that I am the script writer of my little 'life' drama. Then I let it sink in that I wrote this story by choosing to ramp into the ego thought system. Next, I review it again while reminding myself that I am not the story. No matter what kind of stories I've made up, the Truth stands firm -- I am innocent and I am Love!

In my brother's perception, what had happened was that while he was driving, the secretary from his office called him on his cell phone. She was delivering a message for him to call one of his prospective clients. He asked for the client's phone number and she reacted to his request with a huffy retort that he should have the number with him. Her tone indicated to him that honoring his request would be an inconvenience. He told her that he did have the number with him, but that it would be difficult to find it amongst his business files and papers on the seat while driving.

Reluctantly she gave him the number and said, "There, now you have it. You are the most disorganized person that I have ever known!" He asked, "Amy, can't you allow that I'm making a reasonable request in that it might be difficult to find a number while driving?" She wasn't in a place to give him the acknowledgement he wanted.

As we talked more about the incident, Ron questioned whether it was such a big thing to ask. Why did she have such resistance to giving him a break, helping him out? He shared that he felt attacked and hurt. His impulse was to call the boss and report this hurtful situation. His intuition told him to call for help from inner Guidance instead.I asked him if he had a little time for a short process. He pulled off the road into an empty parking lot.

Again I acknowledged Spirit's Presence. I invited him to breathe in peace and breathe out any tension. I asked him to visualize a beautiful place in his mind where he could sit on a park bench. I suggested that he could see far off in the distance a brilliant light coming closer and closer.

I asked him, "Who has shown up? Is it a Wise Master or Jesus?" He responded that it was Amy, the office secretary!

I was surprised but trusted that my brother was having the experience that was perfect for him. Ron verbalized the back and forth conversation that was taking place in his mind with he and Amy. The dialog unraveled in a very healing manner, coming from softness, honesty, compassion and love.

When that scenario was complete, I offered that Jesus was going to come sit with His arms around them and give them a message.

The message that I heard through Ron's voice was, "My Dear Ones, you really do love each other. The things that are said and done that seem to be hurtful don't mean anything for only Love is real. If you can remember that, you can overlook any of the hurts that seem to come your way."

The next thing that happened was my brother exclaimed, "Transformation! Wow! I feel such peace now... The hurt is gone and I really feel loved." I thanked him for his willingness to be facilitated to his own connection with his inner Source of Love.

What I learned out of this experience was that In helping my brother connect with the Light within him, my own connection to the same Source within me was strengthened. This whole experience gave me a strong awareness that giving is receiving.

Click here to e-mail Christine.

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Following Holy Spirit Without Hesitation -- by Rev. Paula Marie Smigun

My intention in sharing this story is to encourage, inspire and invite you to take action in following Holy Spirit without hesitation.

Prior to attending an Advisory Council meeting at Pathways of Light in February of 2003, I recalled a statement I heard some time ago which was "Honor and extend gratitude to those who have gone before you, for they have helped create an easier, smoother path for you." I immediately thought of Robert and Mary Stoelting and Pathways of Light.

Yes, my own pathway has certainly been smoother because of my relationship with the Stoelting's and Pathways of Light. They have helped me tremendously with their constant love and understanding. They have helped me believe and trust in God's Love. I've learned from them who I really am. I've also learned about my Inner Teacher, Holy Spirit, who is always there to offer me great wisdom. What stands out the most is their true extension of God's Love. All of this has had a huge, positive impact on my life and those I've come in contact with.

I arrived at the Advisory Council meeting in February and actively participated. At one point, Robert told us of Pathways of Light's need to replace their very old heating and cooling systems. The talk continued and eventually I piped up, "We need a Funding Committee."

Robert looked at me and asked, "Are you volunteering?" I answered with a resounding "Yes." I then thought to myself, "Where did that come from?" I felt surprised and a little shocked. Later, other Advisory Council members came up to me and said "I'll join with you."

I left the meeting and said to my husband, "What did I get myself into?" Then I remembered how I've been regularly praying the Serenity Prayer and telling God I wanted to do His will. So, here was my opportunity to be of service.

After allowing this new responsibility to settle in a little, I realized I needed spiritual help in order to take action. I quietly called out, "Holy Spirit, help me!" I didn't know anything about starting a funding committee. I intuitively knew this idea needed to be developed as soon as possible. I recalled recently asking myself questions regarding my personal integrity. Wherever I was out of integrity, I decided I wanted back in.

In starting to initiate and develop the idea of a funding committee, I was called into action. This was and is clear to me. My husband, Al (who I also volunteered), and I started fervently praying, meditating and having very regular conversations with Spirit. If our prayers were smoke signals, there were copious quantities of smoke going up to the heavens.

It was through regular prayer, meditation and yielding to Spirit that ideas and inspiration came in. As part of the creative process, I took notes on various pieces of paper that I guarantee no one else could decipher other than myself. Afterwards, I was able to organize everything. Something important I have learned is to set an intention first. I asked the question, "What is this for?"

Together, Al and I worked on an intention for the Funding Committee with wonderful help from Holy Spirit. We were also aware of how important it was to create from a heartfelt space. We moved along step by step, sometimes feeling stuck and other times things flowed as we felt inspired. This process included very deep inner reflection and personal responsibility as well as a sincere desire to be helpful.

I wouldn't describe this experience as smooth. Sometimes it felt like we were on a roller coaster or plunging head-first into the depths of the ocean. There were ups and downs, twists and turns, but plenty of smooth-sailing, too. Both of us felt scared along the way as well as joyful and passionate. Whatever happened, we maintained our connection with Holy Spirit, acknowledging that we couldn't do this alone.

We co-created a presentation with Spirit which we shared in March with the Advisory Council, who warmly received it. Here is the Funding Committee's intention and some highlights of the presentation.

Our intention is: To manifest, under the direction of Holy Spirit, regular systematic giving of time, talent and finances to assist Pathways of Light in fulfilling its God-given mission. Acknowledged within this intention is Pathways of Light's openness and worthiness to receive.

We believe a key element in manifesting this intention involves relationship building. Regarding regular systematic giving of time, talent and finances, we invite you to consider this question: "How can I give in a regular systematic manner of my time, talent and finances to assist Pathways of Light in fulfilling its God-given mission?" We ask you to go to Holy Spirit with this question, receive an answer and put that answer into action.

Click here to email Paula Marie.

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Just because I cannot see or feel Holy Spirit working in my personal experience right now does not mean He is not planning a Holy Encounter for me. He tells me the Light has come even though I may not be experiencing it. He says, "Believe He will not fail you now. You have forgiven the world. He will be with you as you watch and wait. He will show you what true vision sees. It is His Will, and you have joined with Him. Wait patiently for Him. He will be there. The light has come. You have forgiven the world." (W-pI.75.7:3-11)

Jesus goes so far as to say that with each holy instant we are literally shaving hundreds if not thousands of years off our mind healing training time. But in our present limited mind state, we cannot possibly know of the profound affects that our simple decision to join with Holy Spirit has had.

I am learning to be patient with myself and take the time to use the vision Christ has given me to see the real world. As I was working with this, this message came to me:

Turning Over My Concerns to Holy Spirit

My patience with myself and my brothers is infinite. I am not separated from my Creator. I am one Self, united with Him. We all share one Mind and as I share all that is, my infinite patience is extended to all my brother's equally.

The following process came to me to help me with my patience with myself and others. I was told to imagine visualizing myself in a situation that inspires me to lose patience with myself or others. I was then told to ask Holy Spirit to walk me through the scenario with the aid of His patience and unconditional Love. I was asked to turn over my concerns to Him and in peace, know that He will provide me with an answer that will allow my inner peace to return, which will automatically be extended to my brothers equally, as I accept it for myself.

As I did this process, I felt my mind awaken, like a light bulb going on in my mind. I realized that it was patience for myself that I was seeking the most. If I feel guilty, I will project that guilt on to others. If I am patient with myself, then I will automatically feel at peace with my brothers and be more patient with them.

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