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April-June, 2004

I Was Re-minded of… “Love Ye One Another”

by Rev. Therese Anne Ward, O.M.C.

There is a motion picture that is said to show the passion of a man who lived 2,000 years ago. Talk is, it is an extremely violent and bloody movie. From past experience I have learned that when I see such things, I have nightmares and flashbacks for weeks after. Yet this was supposed to be the story of God’s Son’s death and resurrection. I was conflicted; to go, or not to go. I affirm, “Feel the fear and do it anyway.” Taking my partner, Holy Spirit, I affirm, “Spirit go before me, make straight and easy my path; translate my perceptions to truth.” I seat myself in theater number 9.

He seemingly had agonized in a garden, alone. I was re-minded of the times I seemed to sweat blood, alone in my agony of being betrayed. Life is not supposed to be this way. Help me God, help me!

He seemingly was unjustly condemned to die. I was re-minded of the people in Iraq and elsewhere, condemned to die, labeled terrorists or other such.

He seemingly was scourged and forced to carry his cross. I was re-minded of the children born with fetal alcohol syndrome, aids babies, sexual abuse victims, starving and homeless millions and my own crosses to bear. Life is not supposed to be a bed of thorns.

He was depicted carrying his cross through the streets, bloody, beaten and near death; being jeered at and tortured, bearing all suffering. I was re-minded of the lesson he was teaching. You are not a body, you are eternal Life. See: I have overcome the world’s belief that there are bodies that can attack and suffer; and so can you.

He was seemingly executed by means of crucifixion. “Father why have you forsaken me?” I was re-minded of the wailing of mothers clutching the bloody bodies of their dead and mangled children. People dying, drenched in blood in Oklahoma City bombing and New York City 9-11 and the citizens of Baghdad being blown to bits. Nothing had changed in 2,000 years, in the world of man’s inhumanity to man.

He had a crown of thorns on his head, seemingly, profusely dripping blood over his swollen, disfigured face. There was not an inch on his body that was not gouged open, his blood flowing down the cross, spewing over the barren earth. I was re-minded of eight hours each day spent in makeup, of all the pixels of light it took to make this illusion.

“Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” I am re-minded that in the world, forgiveness is the only way to At-one-ment without suffering.

He seemingly died on the cross. I was re-minded of his words, “You do not take my body. I have the POWER to lay it down and take up again.” In other words, there is no death. The world believes there is; he demonstrated otherwise.

His body was placed in a tomb. I was re-minded of the steel blue coffin bearing the body of my 32 year old sister; a victim of the war on cancer. Re-minded of the numerous bodies in flagged draped coffins, carried through the streets, today, in memory of those hailed as heroes of the war on terror.

The stone was rolled back and it seemed his bloody body disappeared, leaving only burial cloths behind; then he reappeared in a radiant body. I was re-minded of seeing my father, mother and sister after each of them died, and of the many stories of others who had seen their loved ones after they passed from this world. I was re-minded of a teaching “dream” I once had in which my five year old son fell to his death, impaled on an iron fence. In the midst of my agony, I heard his laughter, and looked up to see him happily walking down the sidewalk towards me, with his six year old sister. I ran to him and embraced him for dear life, crying tears of joy. He then stood back and laughed at me and said, “Don’t you know you can’t die?” Well, I knew after that experience!

During the movie I noticed that I was indeed at peace. During the movie I had awakened to the truth that it’s all in mind; that matter reflects mind. I realized I was in the peace of God. Indeed, all was one, silent peace.

This morning my husband and I sat for our daily reading of what I call, A New Word for a New World; actually it’s A Course in Miracles. The reading was my confirmation of truths revealed. “When you equate yourself with a body you will always experience depression. When a child of God thinks of himself in this way he is belittling himself, and seeing his brother’s similarly belittled.” (T-8.VII.1:6-7) I invite you to check it out. See your Self with/in Holy Spirit’s vision.

Rev. Therese Ward is a Pathways of Light minister living in Cold Spring, Kentucky.

© 2004, Pathways of Light. https://www.pathwaysoflight.org
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April-June, 2004

A Personal Story about Healing

by Rev. Linda Wisniewski, O.M.C.

I was introduced to the book “The Disappearance of the Universe” at Pathways of Light. I was fascinated by the radical concepts it presented. In fact I can say, “It blew my mind.” What does it mean the universe is an illusion; the body is not real; the world is a projection of ego’s thoughts, feelings and beliefs? What does it mean that the only reality is the presence of the Holy Spirit, Who is within us to remind us of God’s Love and lead us toward our true home? What does the book mean that our only job is to practice forgiveness and allow the Holy Spirit to lead us to true healing?

In my quest to find out why, I kept getting sick and hit with different diseases, I tried many different approaches, but I kept getting sick. I took herbs, I tried many different alternatives; I practiced meditation, chanting, body work, energy work. I went to different healers and I still kept getting sick.

I thought I understood the mind-body connection. In fact, I taught classes on it for stress management. I told others that if they had frequent bladder infections, they might want to ask themselves, “Who are you pissed with?” I thought I tried everything and was feeling frustrated. Why isn’t anything working? Yes, I would experience relief and I thought healing was taking place but I kept getting sick.

One thing I hadn’t learned until going to Pathways is that healing isn’t about fixing the body; it doesn’t come from external sources; it’s about healing the mind. Daily Meditations for Practicing the Course by Karen Casey states, “Ailing bodies don’t keep us sick; our attitudes and perceptions do.” Since I was learning to ask Holy Spirit to guide me, I asked Holy Spirit to teach me concretely about illusions and reality. Lo and behold, three weeks ago, I was flattened with the flu. It left me so depleted, I couldn’t get up to eat and had to withdraw from my daily activities.

At first I blamed the flu because my son-in-law came to visit and he was sick with a respiratory infection. But if this was true, how come my husband didn’t catch the flu? I got the flu because I couldn’t say no to all the activities I got involved in and I was so busy running around saying yes to everyone except myself. I was a super pleaser, falsely believing that my self-worth was tied to pleasing others. I also believed that my need for love and my fear of being alone in the world would be met by filling up my time with activities that I believed would feed my Spirit and nourish my soul.

It was interesting that as I withdrew from the world, it was as if the world really disap-peared. I received no phone calls asking about my health. I didn’t see anyone and being in the loft, my only view was of the sky. And so, I spent my time communing with Holy Spirit; resting in His Presence. Even though I felt lousy in my body, moment to moment I was bathed in peace and Love; something I never experienced before as I frantically searched for Love in all the wrong places.

The presence of Holy Spirit was so gentle and loving. I was learning that the reason I felt so alone in the world was because I separated myself from my True Essence, the Holy Spirit in me. It was in me all along, patiently waiting for me to reach out. Never have I felt more loved than in these three weeks. Holy Spirit was teaching me what the Course teaches — that the body is simply a vehicle for learning the lessons we need. As I lay there, the ego kept trying to pull me back into fear, worry, self doubt. I used the time to ask for forgiveness and ask for release from the guilt and fear of punishment I believed would happen if I didn’t follow ego.

There is still so much more I have to let go of but I’m learning there is no hurry. Holy Spirit is gentle. He wants me to be gentle with myself and not be driven in my lessons like I have been driven in the rest of my life. I am filled with gratitude to Holy Spirit for answering my prayer and letting me see what is an illusion and what is reality.

The Course says that “the body is used by the ego or Holy Spirit to communicate. I am learning that I have a choice I choose to say yes to Holy Spirit, say yes to Self and ask for the healing that is true healing — a change of mind from fear to Love. I am filled with gratitude to Pathways for giving me opportunities through its courses to continue learning what real healing is about.

Linda Wisnewski is a Pathways of Light student living in Plymouth, Wisconsin.

© 2004, Pathways of Light. https://www.pathwaysoflight.org
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April-June, 2004

The Gifts of the Spiritual Relationship Counselor Training

by Rev. Jackie Tritt, O.M.C.

I feel guided to share with you about my journey with Pathways course 2010: Spiritual Relationship Counselor Training. When I took this training, I received more than I ever imagined or hoped to expect. It is simply structured, highly intuitive and most importantly, honest. If we are willing, we can bring to Light some of our most profound fears for healing and continual growth.

Participating as a student, I found myself working on my own healing, understanding that I had no desire to be an unhealed healer. While I enjoyed that part of the journey and the necessary reading material brought great insight for my personal growth, the real journey for me began with my first student.

To have someone give you the gift of their trust and confidence, to share their willingness to be so completely honest with where they are on their journey has been nothing short of an honor. It is to experience the oneness, the truth, and the light of the Higher Self. There is healing for both the teacher and the student. The line from A Course in Miracles says it best, “I will be healed as I let Him teach me to heal.”

Miracles are happening. If you are a Pathways of Light minister, I invite you to consider taking the Spiritual Relationship Counselor Training. Allow the course work to act as a guide for you to continue to grow and reach out to others, taking you to new heights of compassion and understanding of your relationship with yourself and others.

It is not necessary to be in the “perfect” relationship to begin. You are welcome to come as you are. I have no doubt the gifts you will receive will bring you tears of joy as well.

Rev. Jacqueline Tritt is a Pathways of Light minister who lives in Knoxville, Tennessee.

© 2004, Pathways of Light. https://www.pathwaysoflight.org
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January-March, 2004

Highlighted Minister — Rev. Nancy Schilli

by Rev. Nancy Schilli, O.M.C.

Starting with this issue of Miracles News, we will be highlighting Pathways of Light ministers and the work they are doing here at the Center in Kiel, Wisconsin or in their communities. We will also explore what they are doing to continue with their practice of stepping back and following the lead of the Holy Spirit. We would like to begin by highlighting Reverend Nancy Schilli.

Q — Since your completion of the ministerial training, what have you done to continue to strengthen your connection with Inner Guidance?

Nancy — I try to remember to ask Holy Spirit about everyday events. I practice stepping back and being led. I practice by asking, “What would you have me do? Where would you have me go? What would you have me say, and to whom?” This helps me to remember to turn to Holy Spirit when things are starting to turn into chaos. I continue to take the 900 courses to understand A Course in Miracles and to help me change my thoughts to return to Truth.

Q — How has strengthening your connection to your Inner Guidance helped you in your daily life?

Nancy — Things run smoother. Situations involving certain folks that used to be frustrating are now pleasant conversations. I’m more joyous. Events that used to get me depressed, now just incur a few seconds of, “Oh My” and then I move on to see things in a different light, a light of learning. I also worry less about how things are going to turn out. I used to worry more about the future. Now I just ask for help in recognizing what my next steps are instead of deciding on my own and let the Holy Spirit take care of the future.

Q — What are some of your experiences regarding changes in your perception as you continue giving all your perceptions to the Holy Spirit to be healed?

Nancy — I am realizing more and more that it is me that is creating my own perception of the world. As I am willing to change the way I think, circumstances actually turn out differently. I turn over to Holy Spirit things I’m concerned about that I don’t understand, and find out that they actually turn out even better than I thought.

I turn over all my worries about my children to Holy Spirit, since Holy Spirit knows lots more than I will ever know about what is best for them at this time.

A recent event helps clarify how Holy Spirit helps me know I’m in the right place. I recently advised Pathways of Light that I wanted to become more involved in whatever way would help them the most. After talking with them, we agreed that I should volunteer to be Treasurer and do the bookkeeping. I live two hours south of Pathways. In the beginning, I was driving up every weekend because there was so much to learn and I wanted to free up Robert and Mary’s time by helping them with whatever needed to be done.

The time it took to drive up to Pathways was still the same, but it seemed to go faster. And now, as I review how things are working, I can see that my background in life until now has actually prepared me to help Pathways in a manner that can contribute to its future expansion potential.

I asked Holy Spirit on numerous occasions to help me recognize if this is where I was supposed to be and if this is what I was supposed to be doing. I got my answers in more ways than one. I feel very, very grateful to have this opportunity to give to Pathways of Light. I have tremendous gratitude for this organization, as well as the people in it. It is such a wonderful environment to be in where everyone is walking the same talk, which is that Holy Spirit will provide us the answer. We need just ask.

Q — How is the Holy Spirit guiding you and helping you with healing your mind and your ministry?

Nancy — I recognize that my mind is healing daily. I don’t react to events the same way. I can see the joy increasing every day. My ministry is not exactly expanding the way I had planned, which was to facilitate many courses and do other types of classes. But I realize that the contribution I’m making right now is probably the best for all involved, and I’m learning so much in return. I’m learning how to bring these courses into my daily business life. My job provides me the money to do additional volunteer work. Doing God’s ministry does not look the same for everyone.

Q — How much time each day do you give to God in quiet listening?

Nancy — I do this every morning and every night, at a minimum. I typically also do this for maybe another 15 minutes at night, and when I’m at home on the weekends, I spend half an hour in quiet time. Throughout my work day, I also practice (not consistently) giving a few seconds to God.

Q — What form is your ministry taking right now in your life as you continue to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit with all your daily decisions?

Nancy — It’s not as I expected. Surprise, surprise! ACIM states that a teacher is an example. And so I practice at my corporate job bringing God into all situations. It seems that right now this is where God wants me. God is everywhere and everyone can use God’s Love. I also volunteer at Pathways, since I have the need to give back to where I have received, and still receive, help with my ministry. I’m learning that my ministry is God in my daily life, no matter what God is having me do that day.

Q — What have you learned from Holy Spirit about how you can be more helpful to your brothers and sisters on your mutual journey of awakening?

Nancy — I have learned to be more patient. I have learned to allow others and myself the time to complete our own work in our own time. The help we provide each other on our own path is to Love each other. There is nothing greater than this, for in this we show each other that we are nothing but Love.

Rev. Nancy Schilli is a Pathways of Light minister living in Gurnee, Illinois.

© 2004, Pathways of Light. https://www.pathwaysoflight.org
You may freely share copies of this with your friends, provided this copyright notice and website address are included.

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