Miracles News

Tweet

January-April, 2024

Crossing the Bridge

by Dani Novak, Student of the POL Ministerial Program

In previous issues of Miracles News I wrote about my experiences with depression and how rays of divine light penetrated through the darkness and allowed me to experience Peace, Love and Joy for a while. What helps me in the dark times is to keep a journal of my experiences. Lately I started to accurately document the depression and I am posting here from my journal.

I noticed that the last three depressions lasted exactly 21 days while the elated time in between the depression varied (sometimes it was months of peace but the depression always followed). I distinctly remember that I was 100% convinced that the depression will not return… that I “finally got it” but it always returned and now I know that it was a blessing beyond words. 

I have been listening to the YouTube videos by Keith Kavanagh who is teaching me to practice looking at my ego reactions to triggers from the seeming outside world without judgment and thus not identifying myself with the thought of separation. 

This is the same idea that brought me to work with my ACIM mentor through the Pathways of Light program. Before I was so afraid and full of shame to look at my own self hatred and blame but Rev.Greg Hesch, my facilitator, shared the idea of the Hallelujah experience. Every time I become aware that I am judging myself, I say Hallelujah.  I choose gratitude instead of identifying with the ego.

Another book that helped me immensely lately was the book “A Thousand Names for Joy” by Byron Katie and I am sharing this with the thought that someone else may benefit.

Now I feel in every cell of my body that “I finally got it.” But who is the ‘I’ that is thinking this thought? I believe in what Byron Katie is saying: “No thought is True” (Except this single thought that says that). But who is the ‘I’ that believes that thought?

Katie, Like Jesus, is sharing ideas from direct experience. But this is just another thought… Thought after thought after thought… good thoughts, bad thoughts… yet there is this direct experience beyond thought and I am feeling glimpses of this lately… and it feels so good. Still if I am writing this article and you are reading it, we are sharing ideas and thoughts.

The following quote sheds light on this:

“If you can accept the concept that the world is one of ideas, the whole belief in the false association the ego makes between giving and losing is gone.” (T-5.I.1:14)

The world is just a false idea. Nothing more. This idea came from another false idea: The idea of separation. As a result, another false idea was born — the idea that by giving something away (like money to a beggar for example), I am experiencing lack. But the answer to all these confusing thoughts is coming from another dimension. Unplanned, always new and fresh in the eternal present. Peace. 

Allowing the darkness, the fear, the attack, the self hatred just to be there. Not reacting, not defending….  It may come from inside or seeming outside. It is always Good. It is always another knock on the door. And who is knocking? God IS. The Isness of the IS is All there IS. 

It is so simple. So let us embrace the seeming difficulties, the depression, the guilt, the feeling of hopelessness. It is God in disguise.

I will close this illusionary article by sharing from my journal that I wrote a little more than a month ago. I was feeling such darkness and despair that I asked for help and the answer came from me.

The Q. is asked by the illusion of the individual and the A. is the response from the Inner Self that is always kind.  Eventually the Q merges in the A. The separate self disappears in God.

I woke up early with the same uncomfortable feeling. I did not push it inside and try to solve it. The guidance came in the form “In defenselessness my safety lies.” Also to remember to ask for help. Also that the ego always answers first and thus it is wise to wait.
I then read the card for the current class I am taking with Greg (802):Oneness Awareness.

Remember Who I Am:  Accept I AM Love. Not to judge. Simple. Stay in tune with God within. Gentle and kind. Know that everything including this uncomfortable feeling is okay.

Q.  I am not sure if I am following guidance or the ego. I do not feel Peace. 

A. Accept the feeling and keep doing what you are doing. You are guided but because of inner noise are not able to perceive correctly. You need do nothing.  Remember Keith’s direction. Go back to choosing Truth: I AM not that insane voice in my head that tells me that whatever I am doing is wrong. I am Love.

There is nothing to fear and there is nothing to do. I AM the awareness. The time before dawn is the darkest. All is perfect NOW. Guilt and shame and comparisons are of the ego. Fear is of the ego. Specialness is of the ego. Love and Joy and Peace are of God. 

Q. I feel so so vulnerable right now. Please direct me. 

A. My sweetest child. You are 100% safe in my arms… I am with you always. Just be in the moment. Breathe. Relax. Do not judge yourself. 

6:06 p.m.  It was difficult at Oak Hill. Just remember that you are divine and that fear is not you even though it feels very strong and glued to you but you are Love.

Dani Novak is a Pathways of Light ministerial student who lives in Ithaca, NY. Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) Web: https://www.ithaca.edu/faculty/novak
(607)379-2463 https://www.ithaca.edu/faculty/novak

© 2023, 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.

Tell a Friend

Printable Page

---

Tweet

January-April, 2024

Giving and Receiving Are One in Truth

by Rev. Jennifer McSween, Ordained Ministerial Counselor

On April 12th, 2017, I announced to the world via Facebook, that I was in the process of writing a book. Until then, the only people who knew that I was doing so were my husband and daughter, and the members of the Authors group coaching program I had joined a couple of months earlier.

To this day, I cannot recall who sent me the email in February of 2017, promoting a webinar for going “From Blank Page To Published Author In 90 Days.” Though when I first read this, I didn’t think it was possible for me, because I had been trying to write and publish a book for the past four years, but found myself struggling to get the ideas out of my head and onto the paper.

For some reason I felt led to attend. So I signed up. I took the Action Step that was given at the end of the webinar. That first step did help me to get the ideas out of my head and onto paper, and I started writing on March 10th, 2017. On April 7th, 27 days later, I had completed writing my entire first draft and made the announcement on a Facebook post. A little less than 7 months later, with the help of Revs Robert and Mary Stoelting’s professional editing, I became a published author.

On April 12th, 2018, the Anniversary of announcing to the world that I was writing a book I felt led to honour the memory, by recognizing and acknowledging the authors in my Facebook community. So… since then, on the 12th day of each month, I select one of the authors in my FB community to be featured as “THE PHENOMENAL AUTHOR OF THE MONTH”.

I create a post on FB… write a review of their latest book… show the cover… and say where copies can be purchased. My purpose for doing this is to lend support to the authors in my community because, featuring an author in this way puts the author and their book in front of another audience while putting their book back in the Spotlight, at least for a little while.

Selecting and featuring a “PHENOMENAL AUTHOR OF THE MONTH” is an absolutely joyful experience for me. Notice, I did not say that doing it “brings me joy or makes me joyful.” The thought of doing it is joyful for me. Doing it is simply expressing that joy in form. So, the purpose of featuring the Authors in my community in this way was never about what I would “get.”

What I do get each time someone is selected as “THE PHENOMENAL AUTHOR OF THE MONTH” is to experience their joy and appreciation for placing them, and their book in front of another audience. And getting another review, having their book promoted and back in the spotlight for a little while. My intention for doing this in the first place. 

In July of this year, one of my author friends in my FB Community, Kelly H., who herself was featured in the past, suggested that I send a “friend request” to an author friend of hers. She thought we’d like each other. I did right away and my friend Kelly was right. Her friend, Debbie S., and I did like each other right away. I learned that she had a birthday coming up in August so I decided to select her as “THE PHENOMENAL AUTHOR OF THE MONTH” for the month of August, as a birthday gift. Well, she was over-joyed, delightedly expressed her thanks and appreciation for being selected. A few days later I received a message from her asking if I would like to be referred to have a written interview about my book, True Forgiveness, and have that interview featured in an online Written Author Interview Blog.

Of course, I was delighted and overjoyed to be interviewed about my book and have that interview published and featured in an online blog. So… I joyfully said, “Yes!” About a week or so later I was contacted by Dee Lawrence, the interviewer and founder of Vocal Expressions Author Interview Blog: It’s a Book Thing, to be interviewed. On Monday October 2nd, 2023 my interview was featured in her Blog and was given a shoutout in her e-Newsletter.

What was done for me as a result of this experience was almost identical to what is done for the authors in my FB community that I select to be “THE PHENOMENAL AUTHOR OF THE MONTH”: Celebrated and Recognized, be placed in front of another audience; have their books promoted by being back in the spotlight for a little while, and be given a shoutout on someone else’s platform. More specifically, I found myself experiencing the same immense joy, appreciation, and fulfillment that I do when selecting and featuring the authors in my FB community, on the 12th of each month.

This felt like I was living the Course’s teaching that “Giving and receiving are one in truth.” In answering one of the questions asked on that interview I remembered the moment I first received the inspiration to write the book. It was 15 years before it was written and published in 2017. And Pathways of Light, in the form of Revs. Robert & Mary Stoelting, were instrumental then also, in my getting inspired. Here’s the link to the interview if you’d like to read about it https://bit.ly/46eYccv.

Revs Robert & Mary… I feel like you have literally been on this writing journey with me… “From Inspiration to Publication”. And… I’d like to extend my deepest thanks and appreciation to you both!

Rev. Jennifer McSween, O.M.C., is a Pathways of Light Minister living in Montréal, Canada. Author of the book “TRUE FORGIVENESS: The Proven Path From Pain To power In 5 Simple Steps,” Spiritual Life Coach, and host of “Understanding The Language Of A Course In Miracles Podcast (UTLOACIM)”. 
Contact: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address); Connect: The Miracles Mindset FB Group: https://bit.ly/TFGVFBGRP  Podcast: https://bit.ly/UTLOACIM                          My YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/RevJennYTC

© 2023, 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.

Tell a Friend

Printable Page

---

Tweet

January-April, 2024

On a Mission for God

by Rev. Myron, Jones, Ordained Ministerial Counselor

One time I was talking to Jesus as I do throughout the day. I said that sometimes things seem to happen in such a random way. It looks like there is no rhyme or reason for the occurrences.

Then I felt a surge of fear at the thought. It seems terrifying to believe that everything is meaningless, that there is no purpose to anything.

Then I was given an idea that grew into the following story. It is, like most things we know about reality, a metaphor, but it is a helpful metaphor, in my opinion.  

I was explaining to someone that it is safe to look at our thoughts with the Holy Spirit. This is a necessary step in forgiveness, and forgiveness is what we came to do. I assured her that, of course, we are not guilty for our thoughts. They serve a purpose. These untrue thoughts are the reason we are here. You see, we are on a mission, a mission for God. 

Here is how it happened:  

It was my turn to take a stab at viewing the illusion. The goal, of course, was to watch it with the intention of correcting the perceptions that are keeping the illusion in place.

Toward that goal, my first meeting was with the Planner. She and I discussed the possible ideas I would be willing to forgive. Of course, to forgive them, I would have to experience them first, see the effect of believing them and then decide if I was ready to let them go.  

She discussed several ideas that needed attention and asked me if any of them seemed like something I could handle. In my excitement and certainty of purpose, I wanted to do them all. But she kindly reminded me that being in the world, I would forget my good intentions as I became acclimated to my experience. It is not easy to remain so optimistic under those conditions, so she suggested a more reasonable approach.  

I just knew that I could do what I planned because I sincerely wanted this clarity and freedom for all of us. How hard could it be to make the choice for God? It is insane not to do so.

So, she sent me to the Memory Machine to review parts of the stories I had participated in some time ago. After we return to this happier place, our memory of our sojourn into hell, I mean the world, fades once we review it. After a little while of letting my memory of some of my escapades return, I had a more realistic idea of what was possible versus my overly optimistic plans.  

I returned to the Planner, ready to get down to work. Reviewing the possibilities with her, I chose victimhood and relationships as the overall intentions.

I wanted to purify my perceptions until they were nearly true. At the last minute, I couldn’t help myself; I chose to add the eradication of the belief in guilt.

The Planner just looked at me with sympathy and suggested this was a lot. But I stubbornly insisted that it was doable. And maybe if I succeeded, my ultimate personal goal would be met, and I would awaken to take my place beside Brother Jesus to help others do the same.  

The next step is the Architect. Now that I knew what I wanted to achieve in this ‘lifetime’ in the illusion, I was ready for the set-up. An appropriate script had to be chosen for me. One that would contain all the situations that would give me the forgiveness opportunities I needed to complete my mission.

It is all very complex, each of my scenarios needing to blend with the stories of thousands of others over a lifetime.

I’m glad I have this help. Once we discussed what I needed to accomplish and the script was chosen, it was a sobering moment. This would not be all fun and games because I wouldn’t remember choosing it. I wouldn’t even remember why I was there.  

So, the next step is really important. This is where I joined with my Helpers and my Guides. They reassured me that I was not going to be doing this alone. Brother Jesus was going to be with me every step of the way, manifesting as the Holy Spirit in my mind.

I would receive guidance, but it would be up to me to listen. It was also up to me to accept the guidance. And this was the best advice I received; I would have the power of decision. It would be enough. All along the way, choices would arise, and the path would adjust to accommodate my choice.  

We looked at some of the examples together, so they were sure I understood. For instance, my brother would suggest I buy a computer when it goes on sale. It would be new to me, having never even used one, and it was my choice to buy it or ignore it.

Buying it would put me on track to my next step. But not to worry. My Inner Guide would be there to help me make decisions, and all decisions would take me somewhere. And wherever that was, there would be lessons to learn.

They reminded me of the classes I attended here that prepared us for this. In those classes, my mind stored the truths that would help me remember. People would say, “Who are you?” I would probably tell them my name and where I live. Maybe talk about my role as a parent or what I did for a living. But behind all that would be a niggling thought that there was more, a stirring of the truth, forgotten but still there. Who am I? The truth would be in my mind waiting for me to discover it.  

I would find many hints placed throughout my story. Bread crumbs, so to speak that would help me find my way to the next highest step. Of course, I could ignore them, but if I noticed and just followed my intuition, life would flow more easily. They mentioned that the day would come when I would be introduced to A Course in Miracles. But before that, I would notice one of those breadcrumbs that would help me recognize the importance of the Course when I found it. Or at least feel an affinity for it, even if I didn’t know why.  

There were many other things to do, such as deciding who I would share this adventure with. But finally, it was time for me to receive my packet and be on my way. What was in my packet, you are wondering? This is where, among other things, I received my new identity! I would have a physical body, a personality, a family, a name. All manner of identifiers that would be useful to me in the world. None of them were real, of course, but I needed them to play the game.  

And at last, I was at the entry point. With one last cheer from my Helpers and Friends and one last admonishment to remember as best as I can that I am on a mission for God. I will do my best to complete that mission under the most constraining of circumstances. I will do my best. And suddenly, I connected with my mom and will soon be born. Or at least that is what it will feel like. It was also the moment the great amnesia would set in. I know it will happen, but it is just so hard to believe that I would forget every true thing. It is necessary so that I can fully embrace my role and play it to the fullest.  

And now, 74 years later, I am beginning to remember what I decided to forget. I am nearing the end of my adventure, but there is still time, I think, to complete my mission for God.

Rev. Myron Jones, O.M.C., is a Pathways of Light minister living in Westlake, LA. Read her inspiring Healing Journal articles on the Pathways website. Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) Myron’s website is: http://www.forgivenessisthewayhome.org  Phone: 337-515-1042

© 2023, 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.

Tell a Friend

Printable Page

---

Tweet

January-April, 2024

Goals

by Rev. Joyce Peebles, Ordained Ministerial Counselor

I recently read a lesson and reread the comments I had made the year before. I concluded I had not made much progress on how I was perceiving my projections. I am still projecting guilt on someone outside of my mind. Therefore, I am still finding value in judgment. I still think anger is justified at times. I am still entertaining the idea that I am a victim, in short, this ego/ body self I see as Me.

My only function is to recognize this is a lie. That’s it. To accept the atonement for myself. This is done by knowing I am not this ego-body character, neither is anyone in my projections. Reality is I have no difficulties, anger is never justified, and peace can be recognized if I want to enough. I alone have caused my misery. Nobody needs to change because there is no world “out there.” Jesus tells me when I decided to reject love and wanted to be a separated individual, I also decided to invent goals I think I now need.

Goal #1: I need to somehow be good enough because I am not. I observe myself attempting to do well in a job, being a parent, as a spouse, playing bridge, etc. There is nothing wrong with any of these activities except when I ask myself, “What has that got to do with me?”

Reality is that I am not this character in the story of Joyce. I hear the ego saying that I do not measure up. I perceive myself as criticized, embarrassed, and even ashamed. It is as if I would be more worthy if I was “successful” in these areas.

Goal #2: I must make myself safe. This includes financial security, illness, fear from loneliness, etc. In other words, I see myself as vulnerable. It’s a scary world I invented.

Goal #3: I must keep lying to myself.
I need to keep searching endlessly for things in the world to alleviate my pain. If I just have the things the ego says,  I will be happy. And never, above all else look inside with the Holy Spirit and believe that my lies are false. If I did, I would have to confront my fear that my pain is caused by my false beliefs that I have made-up.

There is a part of me that knows real Love and peace is what I am. Experiencing this state requires cleansing my mind through diligently looking non-judgmentally at my thoughts and projections and accepting that I am choosing them to keep Love from my awareness once again.

”The Holy Spirit will direct you only so as to avoid pain. Surely no one would object to this goal if he recognized it. The problem is not whether what the Holy Spirit says is true, but whether you want to listen to what He says. You no more recognize what is painful than you know what is joyful, and are, in fact, very apt to confuse the two. The Holy Spirit’s main function is to teach you to tell them apart.” (T-7.X.3:1-5)

I am aware I have made some progress. There are those days though, when I fall back into my ego thinking and cause myself suffering. I see myself peeling back another layer of the onion and there are still more to go.

To negate the progress I have made because I am not where I want to be yet is foolish. I need to take my own advice of being kind and patient, not only to others but towards myself. One thing is certain: I cannot fail to awaken from this dream and know my true Self.

Rev. Joyce Peebles, OMC is a Pathways of Light minister. Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

© 2023, 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.

Tell a Friend

Printable Page

---

Back to main page of Miracles News.

Has this page been helpful to you?
Your contribution to support this site is greatly appreciated. To make a tax deductible contribution with a credit/debit card, click here.
Click here to donate from your PayPal account.
Or send a check to Pathways of Light, 12530 Lions Chase Court, Huntley, IL 60142.