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A Journey onto Pages

by Rev. Susan Hanshaw

I did not consciously decide to write Unleashing Your Soul.  It chose me. I say that because as much as I had the burning desire to write a book, when I first committed myself to writing one, the words simply did not flow. I often sat at my computer all day just barely producing a page or two. It seemed that I was trying to force something that was not yet ready to happen.

Part of my problem was that I felt like I didn’t have a clue about what I was doing. I wanted to be a writer, so I just wrote. Shortly after I began to write, the universe helped me to stumble across some spiritual writing workshops that helped me to improve my craft as well as connect me with a good writing coach. After I was about 60% done with my initial manuscript, I sent it to the coach and waited eagerly for his evaluation. What came back two weeks later was a very polite, yet direct message that although there was some really good stuff in the manuscript, it needed to be totally repackaged to be of real service to the reader. It needed to be put into a self-help format. It took me a few days to bounce back from being told that what I had written was far from perfect, yet I then awoke with clarity and direction for my mission. My job was to hold the hand of the reader, to deliver my words so that the message is crystal clear and easy to follow.

Having quit my demanding marketing job two months prior and now with the luxury of time from which to write, I set aside mornings as my writing time. I pounded away at the computer all morning every morning last summer. For the most part I absolutely loved the process of writing, yet sometimes I had to force myself to sit there and crank out the pages.  I knew that the secret to completing a book was discipline, so I obeyed with one hundred percent dedication.

My evolving book quickly took on a life of its own. It became the expression for the journey I was in the midst of making. I was applying the spiritual principles I’d learned through course study and workshops to support me in my real-life journey. I had outlined what I planned to cover, yet once I got absorbed in each chapter I realized how my message was unfolding from my heart. I was moved to reach deep inside to find words to describe how I found my courage to follow a new path.  I wrote from what felt like wisdom that lived in the core of my being, and as I put these truths to writing, they became like friends whose hands I held when my own faith in what I was doing got shaky.

One day I was struck with an instinct that the purpose of my journey was to help others to proceed along a similar path towards following their heart. From here, a shift occurred.  I was no longer “just” writing a book.  I was doing what I came here to do.  It was then that the process turned sacred. The words and the examples that I needed to describe concepts began to flow with ease.  I was beginning to have a lot of fun with it.  Some of the examples that came to my mind made me chuckle.  Then other times what came up from my heart moved me to a poignant cry.  After all, I was absorbed in describing the love and abundance that surrounds us.  Looking so closely at the beauty of this would often overwhelm me.

There’s nothing like writing a how-to book to keep you focused on the how to.  There I was writing about principles that help to build the courage to create significant change.  I was certainly creating the talk, and now I had to walk it. I knew I had to stand tall and firm in my belief about what I was writing.  I knew I had to own it myself from the depths of my heart to be able to stand behind it. So, in many ways, the book kept me strong on my own path.

I finished the manuscript and shipped it off to the publisher, where it remained for two to three weeks getting an editorial review.  This freed me up to focus on other business, which also released me from being so personally connected to Unleashing Your Soul.  No longer having the book as my focus during a still critical point in my life transition, I fell into a period where I wasn’t as strong as I’d been.  Then, right when I needed it, my manuscript was returned to me with some suggestions for improvements.  I found myself reading the book again, with the messages that I needed to get right in front of my face.  The synchronicity of what was transpiring with the book was amazing.  I was being asked to review the pages that held the material that I was currently struggling with.  I clearly saw the miracle in this.

Unleashing Your Soul is now a published book making its debut in the world, its future still a mystery.  Regardless of how many copies it sells, I will be forever grateful for the motivation it gave me to truly open my heart. Writing gave me a license to let down my hair, to share some of my heartbreaks and pains, to express what has been real for me along my journey.  My hope is that others can see themselves in what I have shared, and from that recognize that they, too, can find the courage to follow their heart.  I now feel complete — like I’ve done my job.  At least for now.

Rev. Susan Hanshaw is a Pathways of Light minister living in San Rafael, California. You can purchase her book at: susanhanshaw.com/books.html

© 2006, Pathways of Light. https://www.pathwaysoflight.org
You may freely share copies of this with your friends, provided this notice and website address are included.

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Can You Give Yourself Permission to Be Happy?

by Rev. Cheryl Ford

I had the most wonderful experience this morning with ACIM workbook lesson 71 that I wanted to share it with you. The lesson is Only God’s Plan for Salvation will Work.

The lesson focuses on the fact that there are two ways that we can perceive salvation. One belongs to the ego, the other to God.
The ego’s plan for salvation is based on the idea of “seek but do not find.” This concept causes us to always look for salvation in people, situations and circumstances outside of ourselves. Of course this plan does not work because it is in direct opposition to God’s plan which is by following His direction, we seek for salvation where it is: Within.

During the exercise we are first asked to think about all of the times when we sought salvation outside of ourselves; I could certainly think of plenty. Next, we are asked to connect with God Himself and ask Him to reveal His plan to us by asking very specifically, “What would you have me do? Where would you have me go? And, What would you have me say and to whom?” We are then advised to listen very carefully for His answer.

God was so easy to hear when I asked Him to reveal His plan to me: He told me simply that I am already saved and to just accept it and be happy. He then asked, “Could you give yourself permission to be happy?” I had to really think about this for some reason before answering. “Yes!”

He then told me to “build a ministry to serve as a vehicle to carry the message to others that we are already saved, and to ask them to ask themselves if they could give them self permission to be happy.” Finally, He told me to keep doing what I’m doing because if I’m happy, He’s Happy.

This plan of acceptance and being happy is so simple. Still, I thought the question about being able to give myself permission to happy is quite a good one.

So often we tend to think of ourselves as unworthy, undeserving, or just not ready for happiness in general. We think in terms of happiness as a reward for doing something ‘good,’ or ‘right,’ or for being ‘special’ in some way. And, if we do remember Who we really are and feel deserving of happiness for a little while, we so quickly forget again.

I’m so grateful that God’s plan for salvation (happiness) is simple and easy to remember! I’m so grateful that He Loves me not only with Divine Love but also with Divine Friendship. To just want us to wake up and be happy and to tell others to be happy because we are already saved is so generous and sweet. Thank you God for your Plan for Salvation, for only your plan will work!

Rev. Cheryl Ford is a Pathways of Light minister now living in England.

© 2006, Pathways of Light. https://www.pathwaysoflight.org
You may freely share copies of this with your friends, provided this notice and website address are included.

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I Know Just What to Do

by Revs. Bob and Kathy Thompson

Last November, David Fishman requested that a song be written for A Course in Miracles Gather. After a month of jotting down ideas for the song, Bob was guided to ignore all of the accumulated ideas, and start a clean page. Then, the words just tumbled out, and the song was written by itself. When Bob sang it for the first time, he just opened his mouth, and the melody plopped out. All of which just goes to show, that if you have a little willingness, Holy Spirit will do the rest.

Within seconds of hearing this song for the first time, Linda Card and David Fishman, enthusiastically adopted I Know Just What to Do as the theme song for A Course in Miracles Gather.

The words to this song are on page 9 and melody to the song can be found on our website of http://www.bumpityroad.org Click the link that says: Audio Recordings. 

If you would like to hear it live, telephone Kathy and Bob at: 608-617-4439.

When I’m looking for the peace of God,
I know just what to do.
I bless the babbling in my mind,
and this world fades from view.
I enter my inner Holy Place,
which is where I long to stay.
But I return with the Holy Thought,
that I have found another way.

Gathering from New York to California,
and all around the world,
we’ve read A Course In Miracles,
and thought about its words.
And after years of pondering,
we’d like to share with you,
how easy it is to lose your fears
and find the peace that’s truly you.

Holiness resides inside of you,
so everything has been arranged.
Just slightly shift your point of view,
and you’ll find your life has changed.
This Course is mandatory,
but you can take it when you will.
But, if you thirst for the peace of God,
here’s a chance to drink your fill!

I know this all sounds marvellous,
and I’ll agree ’tis true.
Any thought you change is a miracle,
and that is all you have to do.
Whenever you’re not peaceful,
all you have to do is say,
“I’m really tired of the way things are,
There must be another way!”

Give God… a little willingness,
and you are on your way.
Be kind with your perceptions,
and let them wander where they may.
Once aware of your projections,
you’ll release them in a while.
Your forgiveness and atonement,
will create a peaceful smile.

So, I enter my inner Holy Place,
which is where I long to stay.
But, I return with the Holy Thought
that I have found another way.
When I’m looking for the peace of God,
I know just what to do,
I bless the babbling in my mind,
and this world fades from view.

When I’m looking for the peace of God,
I know just what to do.
I bless the babbling in my mind,
and this world fades from view.

When I’m looking for Peace of God…
I know just what to do…..

Yes, when I’m looking for…...
The Peace of God….
I know just what to do!

Revs. Bob and Kathy Thompson are Pathways of Light ministers living in Portage, Wisconsin. Visit their web site: wwwbumpityroad.org

© 2006, Pathways of Light. https://www.pathwaysoflight.org
You may freely share copies of this with your friends, provided this notice and website address are included.

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The Miracle of Balance

by Rev. Marie Hanson

This is my second winter in Nevada.  Last year was very cold and brought plenty of snow.  I was like a little kid.  I loved to shovel the walk and driveway. I loved watching it fall.  This winter is called a “pineapple express.”  It was mild most of the time, followed by brief periods of cold and snow.  These two extremes illustrate how nature miraculously balances itself.

The four seasons offer an outward reminder of the cyclic nature of life.  Another way is the observation of Lent, preparing for the celebration of Easter. I enjoy celebrating rituals and believe them to be an important part of my spiritual life.  Ritual can add purpose, expression and color to everyday experience. 

I was introduced to meditation in the mid-80’s and experienced a turning point in my life. My spiritual practice unfolded over a period of years and my life took on new meaning, understanding and direction.  Following what I would call one of many walks in the desert, I was increasingly aware of the need for balance on my journey back to the garden.

The Easter message for me is about release.  It is a sign of peace, a time of joy and celebration.  It reminds me to awaken in the present, and to the gift of love and forgiveness, just like the seeds in the ground awakening from their winter sleep. I acknowledge the cycle of birth and death within myself.  I release old thoughts that are not serving me and embrace new ones with Holy Spirit’s help.  Ah-ha!  The miracle of balance occurred, again.

Rev. Marie Hanson is a Pathways of Light minister living in Carson City, Nevada.

© 2006, Pathways of Light. https://www.pathwaysoflight.org
You may freely share copies of this with your friends, provided this notice and website address are included.

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