Tag acim music

Poetry ~ Helen Schucman, scribe of A Course in Miracles

Course in Miracles Society [CIMS]


The  Risen Sun
~*~
By Helen Schucman*

[as it appeared in the December 2011 Newsletter]

 

Helen Schucman ~ Scribe of A Course in Miracles

Be still, my soul, and rest upon the Lord
In quiet certainty. For He has come
To rescue you from doubt. And now you stand
In blazing glory of a risen sun
That cannot set. It will forever be
Exactly as it is. You stand with Him
Within a radiance prepared for you
Before time was and far beyond its reach.
Be still and know. And knowing, be you sure
Your Lord has come to you. There is no doubt
That stands before His countenance, nor can
Conceal from you what He would have you see.
The sun has risen. He has come at last.
Where stands his Presence there can be no past.
Be still, my soul, and rest upon the Lord
Who comes to keep the promise of His Word.
~FEBRUARY 11, 1974

MUSIC
by Martin Weber-Caspers [maz]

Maz SINGS Helen’s poem beautifully, and sets it to his MUSIC.


CLICK above and choose “The Risen Sun”

*Maz is currently the voice for the Original Edition [OE] of A Course In Miracles, produced by SonShipRadio. Maz serves the OE so that it can be shared globally; and as chairman of the Curtis Knight Foundation he produces local radio programs, internet radio shows and other endeavors to promote and support co-creativity on a broader scale.

More MUSIC from MAZ

*Helen Schucman, scribe of A Course in Miracles, was also a poet who took down several poems even while she was scribing A Course in Miracles. This poem “The Comforter” was dated January 1, 1974 and is located among many of her other poems in a book titled, “The Gifts of God” published by the Foundation for Inner Peace [FIP]. The book is available through FIP and also through the Community Miracle Center CMC.

Scott Kalechstein Grace ~ Music

Course in Miracles Society [CIMS]

Music of
Scott Kalechstein Grace
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

[as it appeared in the October 2011 Newsletter ]

AUTHOR’S INTRODUCTION

EXCERPT from Scott’s new book “Teach Me HOW TO LOVE”

 

One winter’s day in 1987, while I was waiting to use the restroom at a McDonald’s, an elderly woman in a wheelchair came in, and her caregiver asked me if they could go ahead of me. “Of course!” I told her. As she was escorted into the bathroom, I noticed a beautiful glow in her eyes, which reminded me of the eyes of a baby: bright blue, crystal clear, pure and precious.

Two minutes passed slowly, and finally I heard the sweet sound of a toilet flushing. Both women came out smiling, and before I knew what was happening, the older one wheeled herself right up to me, slowly rose out of her wheelchair, kissed me on the lips and said, “Thank you. I love you.” She came into my arms and offered her frail body in a delicate and tender embrace. her eyes blazed with life and love, and I felt a warm ripple spread throughout my chest. She sat back down and was escorted out. I also took a seat, to collect myself and to reflect on what had just happened. The woman’s eyes, her radiant spirit, and especially her innocent and courageous offering of love had me shaking. I was in delicious shock, thrown completely into a state of wonder. It seems life’s best moments catch us off guard, sneaking up on us when we least expect it, and this was surely one of them.

My mind, that endless question machine, was spinning. Who was that woman? Was she too old and senile to remember that one doesn’t go around kissing strangers on the lips, or was she too wise to allow her heart to be confined to the ways of the world? My thoughts raced with theories and questions that would never be answered. Finally, I gave up and just let it be. For the rest of the day I could not wipe a smile off my face.

I’m happy to say that I never fully recovered from that experience. What was my way of expressing love? Images danced through my mind about what I might say and do. Would I kiss strangers on the lips and tell them I loved them? Pretty soon I realized that I couldn’t approach this business of loving with a plan of action. It had to spring up from my heart like a bubbly fountain, spontaneous and unrehearsed. All I could do was practice being a vessel for love, not its controller. From the depths of my being, I asked to learn the ways of love, and my prayer took the form of a song:

♫ TEACH ME HOW TO LOVE ♫

I want to wake up in the morn, and know what I’m made of
Oh, Great Spirit, teach me, teach me how to love
I want to hear the birds at dawn, and know what they sing of
Oh, Great Spirit, teach me, teach me how to love
I’ve learned quite well just how to hide
Behind these rusty walls inside
But now my heart is calling me to rise above
Teach me how to love

I’ve shined on just a chosen few that fit me like a glove
Oh, Great Spirit, teach me, teach me how to love
Teach me to shine on everyone just like the sun above
Oh, Great Spirit, teach me, teach me how to love
I’ve walked the earth in self-defense
Bracing for some punishment
Could it be I’m safer here?
I’ve asked a jury of my fears
I’d rather ask a dolphin or a dove
Teach me how to love

1987© ScottSongs

╔════════════════  ೋღ☃ღೋ  ═════════════════╗
♫ ♪ ♫ http://jcim.net/Music/TeachMeHowToLove.mp3 ♫ ♪ ♫
╚═══════════════    ೋღ☃ღೋ   ═════════════════╝

[To download, right click link and choose ‘save target as’]

TEACH ME HOW TO LOVE is on Scott’s “Let There Be Light” album as well as one of the 17 songs on the CD that comes with his NEW Book “Teach Me HOW TO LOVE“

 

And so Scott began his journey on learning how to love and express love and on the way he found his ‘VOICE’. In his 1999 CD “Love Songs for the Heart’s Awakening” Scott presents us with an array of songs intended to provide “an opening, enjoyment, healing and assistance on the journey toward greater heart connection and intimacy, both with a partner and with Life.”

The following song is from that album.

♫ OPENING UP IN THIS MOMENT ♫

Walking this world alone
Cannot bring me all the way Home
I’ve seen it raining on my charade of private happiness

Light shining brightly you came
Piercing through my fear and my shame
Stronger than my armor’s appeal
The power of love
Is melting steel

And I’m opening up in this moment
Opening up my heart
Holding your hand I can understand
Joining is the way we come to God
Opening up in this moment
Opening up my heart
Holding your hand I can understand
Joining is the way we come to God

I was trying to rise by closing my eyes
And meditating fear away
Now I see it was the closing
That’s been keep me so afraid

So I’m down from the mountain
That’s where the journey starts
And my yoga now is to share my heart
What a stretch!
To open and feel
To risk the pain and let love heal

As I’m opening up in this moment
Opening up my heart
Holding your hand I can understand
Joining is the way we come to God
Opening up in this moment
Opening up my heart
Holding your hand I can understand
Joining is the way we come to God

Well I know that I can stand alone
I’ve learned it through and through
But now the stand I want to make
Is being close to you

And I’m opening up in this moment
Opening up my heart
Holding your hand I can understand
Joining is the way we come to God
Opening up in this moment
Opening up my heart
Holding your hand I can understand
Joining is the way we come to God

Come to God
Come to God
Come to God

 

╔════════════════ೋღ☃ღೋ═════════════╗
♫ http://jcim.net/Music/OpeningUpInThisMoment.mp3 ♫
╚═══════════════  ღ☃ღೋ ════════════════╝

[To download, right click link and choose ‘save target as’]

And along the way Scott increased his ability to bring Love and Laughter and Lots of Levity to the seriousness of Life.

He shares his Voice and his Laughter with all of us on the CD “Levitational Pull“.

This musical clip from the album is called “A Beautiful Day” in which Scott uses Mr. Rogers to give us a taste of what the Real World is all about.

♫ A BEAUTIFUL DAY♫

(My tribute to Fred Rogers and the Real World he lives in)

It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood
My spirit is soaring free
I’ve taken the weight of the world off my shoulders
And found a lighter me
It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood
There are no locks on the doors
People come out to play everyday
And we know what life is for

(chorus)

We laugh at the notion that love is rare
We laugh at the notion of fear
We come to each moment with cupboards bear
And open our hearts to the Heaven that’s here
We open our hearts to the Heaven that’s here

It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood

In my body community
The organs and cells get along with each other
A happy biology
It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood
So we’re having a block party
God has decreed they’ll be joy in the streets
So we sacrifice self misery

(repeat chorus twice, solo, then repeat chorus twice again)

It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood
Our spirits are soaring free
We’ve taken the weight of the world off our shoulders
And found our harmony
It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood
Mr. Rogers is singing along
Who would have known that the journey Home
Would lead my heart back to this song
Who would have known that the journey Home
Would lead us all back to this song…

Would you be mine, could you be mine

Won’t you be my neighbor?


╔════════════════ೋღ☃ღೋ════════════════╗
♫ ♪ ♫ http://jcim.net/Music/ABeautifulDay.mp3 ♫ ♪♫
╚═══════════════=ೋღ☃ღೋ════════════════╝

[To download, right click link and choose ‘save target as’]

Scott has continued from 1987 to the present day to share his inspired ability to LISTEN and give away as he hears the Voice within. He leads workshops and presentations and recently shared something he ‘received’ from Dr. Seuss!! This clip is absolutely hilarious and will brighten your day! It expresses the epitome of the teachings in A Course in Miracles.

Scott shares how this poem came about:

SCOTT: “I ‘received’ this poem over a two month period in early 2010. It really did feel like I was  “contacted” by Dr. Seuss. Please watch it till the end and have fun with it. If you don’t stick with it, and you’re trapped in chronic seriousness, you might feel the need to reach for the Prozac. Let’s bring some witnessing presence and levity to the neurotic ego so you can let go of identifying your sense of Self with your ego-mind. I’m curious how this landed for you. I look forward to your comments on YouTube.

http://bit.ly/IFDrSeussMetEckhartTolle

~*~

*Scott Kalechstein Grace lives in Marin California with his lovely partner Venus, and their darliing daughter Aysia. He is a Writer / Coach / Comedian / Speaker, as well as a Singer / Songwriter / Recording Artist / Minister and Workshop Leader.

Scott Grace

 

 

Donna Marie Cary ~ Music

Course in Miracles Society [CIMS]

Music of
Donna Marie Cary

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

[as it appeared in the  August 2011 Newsletter]

“Throughout the years of studying A Course In Miracles, I have come to more honesty about looking at the unhealed places in my mind. I continue with the process of learning how to forgive myself and others from past beliefs that block the awareness of the Truth; the Truth that we are all the sinless Children of God. The world seems to be in greater distress than ever before. I hope the message of Real Love, which is offered through my songs,
brings comfort to tired hearts and peace to fearful minds.”~ Donna Marie Cary[Presenter at 2013 ACIM CONFERENCE]

REAL LOVE

PREVIEW Songs [Folk Genre]

In this ALBUM, Donna Marie Cary sings one of her songs acapella which means, as you may know, ‘without instrumental accompaniment’. It’s called, “Echoes of Silence” and it’s incredibly exquisite. Here is a short clip of that song.

♪ ♫ ACAPELLA -> ECHOES IN THE SILENCE [clip] ♪ ♫

_________________________________________________________

The No Solid Ground

PREVIEW Songs [Folk Genre]

The No Solid Ground album has one song after another of soulful expression of angnst and courage and resolution resulting in a very moving montage. “There is no Solid Ground but the one my hearts stands on…”; “Everything is really ok, it’s just changin’ again….”; “Hands of love will pick me up out of the deep dark night”; One song that always brings tears to many eyes is “I’m Ready”. The following is a short clip of that song.

♪ ♫ I’M READY [clip] ♪ ♫

_________________________________________________________

Eye of the Hurricane

PREVIEW Songs [Rock Genre]

The No Solid Ground album has one song after another of soulful expression of angst and courage and resolution resulting in a very moving montage. “There is no Solid Ground but the one my hearts stands on…”; “Everything is really ok, it’s just changin’ again….”; “Hands of love will pick me up out of the deep dark night”; One song that always brings tears to many eyes is “I’m Ready”. The following is a short clip of that song.

♪ ♫ OUR FATHER [clip] ♪ ♫

~*~

*EXCERPT: “Not only is Donna Marie Cary a singer/songwriter, but also a minister, teacher and messenger of love. Her inspirational music and lyrics have uplifted and deeply moved thousands at retreats, churches, prisons and schools for over twenty years. Her innate gift of bringing people together in love, peace and forgiveness, through her dynamic voice and presence, is truly an unforgettable and most joyful experience.”

http://www.miraclescircle.org/donna/index.html

Rob Rideout ~ Still Singing, Somehow [music]

Course in Miracles Society [CIMS]

Still Singing, Somehow
MUSIC by ROB RIDEOUT*

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

[As it appears in the June 2011 Newsletter]

 

YOU TUBE CLIP

As a singer/songwriter, I’ve always viewed song lyrics as a form of poetry- poetry that has the potential to touch people’s heart-felt feelings and emotions, with the help of a melody, voice and instruments.

Here is my poetic collection of song lyrics to accompany my inspirational memoir Still Singing, Somehow. For those who have read my personal odyssey, these lyrics will add another dimension, and much insight, into many of the various stories and personal feelings expressed in the book.

To me, songs are like seed versions of much longer stories, but loaded with deep emotions that simply can’t be expressed in mire words alone. That is where the voice comes in. Of all instruments, the human voice has always been the original one. Pathos in a human voice can often hit a nerve; when coupled with good lyrics, this power can be awesome.

Some songs have the power to bring on an emotional release. Many of my songs did that for me. With that introduction, here is my near thirty year collection of poems, or song lyrics, written from the heart and soul. Blessings to all.

Rob Rideout , November 2010

Here is the opening song on the CD – I love this a lot, especially to start off the day. [“SOMEHOW”]

SOMEHOW

(LISTEN)

Another hour, another day
I make it through it
Anyway I can….Somehow

Another moment, just now passed
Forever gone, nothing lasts
I see….Somehow

Somehow I stumble through the darkness
Towards the light
Doing it all again, but this time
Trying to get it right….Somehow

Another year, just now passed
Here comes another
Will it last any longer….Somehow

So on we go, round and round,
Another moment just went down
Right now….Somehow

Somehow I’ve made it this far
Living day to day
Enjoying each moment of my life
All along the way….Somehow

Another hour, another day
I make it through it
Anyway I can….Somehow

Composed January 2008

AND ~ Here is one of my songs off my CD that was inspired by ACIM, obviuosly! It’s called [“YOU’RE ALREADY THERE”].

YOU’RE ALREADY THERE

(LISTEN)

Forever searching for answers
Outside of ourselves
Drugs, bottles and therapy
Didn’t bring much help
Until you see what you’re looking for
Is the One who is looking
You’ll be chasing shadows evermore
Never tasting the food that is cooking

You don’t have to do anything
You’re already there
So simple, it’s hard to see
Into a mirror we stare
Reality is everywhere and nowhere
You don’t have to do anything
You’re already there

Who needs do nothing
Has no need for time
For in that quiet place within
Sits the divine
Believe it for just one instant
And it all becomes so clear
Love surrounds you always
Right now, right here

You don’t have to do anything
You’re already there
So simple it’s hard to see
Into a mirror we stare
Reality is everywhere and nowhere
You don’t have to do anything
You’re already there

January 2005

Here is one more ACIM inspired song I think you’ll like.

HEALING THE HOLES IN MY HEART

(LISTEN)

I’m healing the holes in my heart
Of the pain that I never faced
Fearing fear no longer
Allowing the room for grace
Forgiving myself and others
Is the medicine that I now take
My whole heart is beating so strongly
Correcting perceptions mistakes

I’ve been afraid to live
But I’m not afraid to die
Running from myself
With nowhere to hide
I’m gonna get this right
‘Cause I’m tired of being down
The wake up calls are over
I’ve realized here and now

Healing the holes in my heart
Is what life seems to be all about
Sidestepping the pain only prolongs it
But forgiveness will heal without a doubt
Yeah, forgiveness will heal without a doubt
Forgiveness, forgiveness, forgiveness
Will heal without a doubt

March 2005

And here too is the last song, my title song that I want to stay in your head for awhile.

STILL SINGING SOMEHOW

(LISTEN)

Is there anything that you’d like to say
Before I sentence you today
Asked the balding Superior Court Judge

Yes, Your Honor- I’m a very sick man
Who sees prison as a part of the plan
A place where I can finally get well

Well, I did just that and a little bit more
And when I walked out that prison door
I knew that my life would be different now

Well, I’m still singing, still singing somehow
And I’m still standing, here and now
As long as I’m breathing, breathing in and out
I’ll still be singing, still singing somehow

Way back when I was a married man
I had a cabin and a piece of land
But the fire took that and gave us a baby boy

Then I quit playing music and took a bad fall
I fell twenty feet, twelve breaks in all
I thought I would never walk again

But walk I did right out that door
Leaving a life I would live no more
And today, I can say, I finally found myself

And, I’m still singing, still singing somehow
And I’m still standing, here and now
As long as I’m breathing, breathing in and out
I’ll still be singing, still singing somehow

June 2010

Enjoy

Namaste, Rob

~*~

*Singer/songwriter Rob Rideout is the award winning author of Still Singing, Somehow. He lives on a farm with his three cats Baba, Maya and Olive overlooking Colville Washington. He recently published a second book of poetry, based on his song lyrics. His CD of nearly thirty years worth of original songs is due for release in June 2011. This CD is entitled the same as the book and meant to accompany both books. Readers who have already read Rob’s inspirational memoir will get a whole new feeling and insight into the author, as they listen to him sing. Hopefully anybody hearing the songs for their first time might be inclined to check out Rob’s book and website at www.stillsingingsomehow.com

Rob has published 25 articles @ selfgrowth.com
To view the articles, click here http://www.selfgrowth.com/experts/robert_rideoutConnect With Rob on Facebook: http://on.fb.me/moFo7D

Universal Love by MattyZ

Course in Miracles Society [CIMS]

Universal Love 
by Matty Z*
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

[As it appears in the May 2011 Newsletter] 

 

Dear Friends in Light,

The Holy Spirit is healing me through music! For over 20 years He has been sharing Divine Insight with me through song. Each one, a specific idea, designed to increase alignment with His Truth. The music, being inspired by the practical application of The Course, creates an environment of spontaneous revelation; The experience of freedom and joy.

I am honored to share these songs with you today. Thanks so much for listening!

In One Love,

MattyZ

LET’S JUST GO HOME

(LISTEN)

Stop Making Plans For Another Day.

Stop Thinking About The Things You Say.

Stop Doing Time…Stop Today.

Let’s Just Go Home…Let’s Just Go Home…

It’s Not Outside, It’s Not Out There.

You’re Making It All Up, You’re Running Scared.

For No Good Reason, You’ve Never Dared,

 

To Just Got Home…To Just Go Home…

 

Is It Funny, The Things I Say?

Does It Move You To Think This Way?

Do You Really Think That You Know Something?

Can You Make Sense? I Didn’t Think So…

I Didn’t Think So…But It’s O.K. … It’s O.K. …

 

Okay, You Get It Now, You’re Not Giving Up.

You Didn’t Lose; You’re Not Out Of Luck.

There Is No Failure, Just Love Deluxe.

Engulfing You, Lifting You Up,

 

To Where All Is Known…Home…

 

Is It Funny, The Things I Say?

Does It Move You To Think This Way?

Do You Really Think That You Know Something?

Can You Make Sense?

I Didn’t Think So…I Didn’t Think So…

But, It’s O.K., It’s O.K. ‘Cuz We Can

 

Just Go Home…Just Go Home…

 

Let’s Just Go Home…

SUCCESS

(LISTEN)

We Made It There By Deciding To Be Here.

Satisfaction Guaranteed, In The Silence Of

Your Loving Care.

Just To Let Go, The Only Way To Know Yourself,

Comparing Nothing. Just Sharing Your Love,

Your True Wealth.

When You Leave This World Behind,

Leaving Your Body For Your Mind,

A Connection Is Felt, That Is So Divine.

Separation Answered, By Willing Desire,

Success Is Now; You Have Arrived!

Travel In Time Only To Learn Of What Is Always,

Being Yours And Mine, A Road Without

A Causeway.

Open Your Eyes! You Can’t Be Blinded By

Your Light,

Salvation Lies In The Trust That There Is More

To Life,

So Much More To Life.

When You Leave This World Behind,

Leaving Your Body For Your Mind,

A Connection Is Felt, That Is So Divine.

Separation Answered, By Willing Desire,

Success Is Now; You Have Arrived!

GIVING UP THE DREAM

(LISTEN)

As I Search For Something To Do,

It’s Clear That There’s No Value, No Value At

All In Fear,

No Reason To Run From Here.

I’ve Got To Tell You All, I’m Sure I Hear

The Call.

True Freedom Is Found Within.

I’m Giving Up The Dream, Giving Up The Dream,

Giving Up The Dream, Giving Up The Dream.

So, Come On Now, Come On, It’s So Silly To

Wait Any Longer.

Stop Holding On To What’s Gone…

Give Up The Dream And Move Along,

Moving On,

Moving On, Move Along.

I Hope By Now You Clearly See,

The Only Prayer Has Got To Be,

Lord Won’t You Guide Me In.

I’m Giving Up The Dream, Giving Up The Dream,

Giving Up The Dream, Giving Up The Dream.

Come On Now, Come On, It’s So Silly To

Wait Any Longer.

Stop Holding On Now To What’s Gone…

Give Up Your Dream And Move Along!

Moving On, Move Along.

Giving Up The Dream, Yeah, Moving On,

Giving Up The Dream, Yeah, Move Along,

Giving Up The Dream, Move Along,

Giving Up The Dream, Move Along,

Giving Up The Dream, Yeah, Moving On.

Giving Up The Dream, Moving On,

Well, Moving On!

SKYLINE

(LISTEN)

What If It’s True? What If We Really Are Divine?

Could You Release Your Mind?

Could You Release It Into The…

Skyline…

To See From Above The “Mine” Field,

We’ve Got To Let Ourselves Feel Loved.

To See There Is No “Yours” Or “Mine”.

Yield To The Field Above…

The Skyline…

Look Up…Let Go…Into The Arms Of Love…

Into The Flow…

Give Up…Trying To Know…

The Light Is Right About Us…Don’t Fight…

Let It Show.

Skyline…Into The

White Light Suspended Gently.

Soft Mist Blankets Her Face.

All Colors Shinning Brightly;

Connecting Inner and Outer Space…

Unite…Join The Guide With You.

We Must Trust Beyond What We Think

Is True…

Alright, Now You Know What To Do…

We Must Trust Beyond What We Think Is True!

Is True!

Skyline, Into The Skyline, Skyline

Into The…Skyline, Into The…Skyline,

~*~

* Matty Z’s debut album, “Universal Love”, is one of the many gifts he has received through his study of A Course In Miracles. Matty has dedicated his life to the healing practice and has worked as a Course In Miracles

facilitator in both private and public settings. He lives in Pound Ridge, NY, where his Healing Center is located. Matty will be on tour soon, and looks forward to seeing you when he plays in your part of the Kingdom of Heaven!

Connect WithMatty: http://facebook.com/mattyzmusic
Visit The Website: www.mattyz.com
Music Available on iTunes: http://bit.ly/eYYUCk
Contact: universallove2011@hotmail.com
Presentation on ACIM Gather by MattyZ: http://www.acimgather.org/MattyZ.htm

ACIM Lesson 100 ~ Iambic Pentameter ~ Listen

Course in Miracles Society [CIMS]
SonShip Radio Logo

Recitation of Lesson 100 in ‘blank verse’

www.acimradio.net/IP_100/100_IP_ACIMRadio_meter_IP_dyn.wma

IP formatting by Lee Flynn, voice&music: maz

~oOo~

 

Lesson 100“My part is essential to God’s plan for salvation.”

Just as God’s Son completes his Father, so
your part in it completes your Father’s plan.
Salvation must reverse the mad belief
in separate thoughts and separate bodies which
lead separate lives and go their separate ways.
One function shared by separate minds unites
them in one purpose, for each one of them
is equally essential to them all.

God’s Will for you is perfect happiness.
Why should you choose to go against His Will?
The part that He has saved for you to take
in working out His plan is given you
that you might be restored to what He wills.
This part is as essential to His plan
as to your happiness. Your joy must be
complete to make His plan be understood
by those to whom He sends you. They will see
their function in your shining face, and hear
God calling to them in your happy laugh.

You are indeed essential to God’s plan.
Without your joy His joy is incomplete.
Without your smile the world cannot be saved.
While you are sad the light which God Himself
appointed as the means to save the world
is dim and lusterless. And no-one laughs
because all laughter can but echo yours.
You are indeed essential to God’s plan.
Just as your light increases every light
that shines in Heaven, so your joy on earth
calls to all minds to let their sorrows go,
and take their place beside you in God’s plan.
God’s messengers are joyous, and their joy
heals sorrow and despair. They are the proof
that God wills perfect happiness for all
who will accept their Father’s gifts as theirs.

We will not let ourselves be sad today.
For if we do, we fail to take the part
that is essential to God’s plan, as well
as to our vision. Sadness is the sign
that you would play another part, instead
of what has been assigned to you by God.
Thus do you fail to show the world how great
the happiness He wills for you. And so
you do not recognize that it is yours.

Today we will attempt to understand
joy is our function here. If you are sad
your part is unfulfilled, and all the world
is thus deprived of joy, along with you.
God asks that you be happy, so the world
can see how much He loves His Son, and wills
no sorrow rises to abate his joy;
no fear besets him to disturb his peace.
You are God’s messenger today. You bring
His happiness to all you look upon;
His peace to everyone who looks on you,
and sees His message in your happy face.
We will prepare ourselves for this today
in our five minute practice periods,
by feeling happiness arise in us
according to our Father’s will and ours.
Begin the exercises with the thought
today’s idea contains. Then realize
your part is to be happy. Only this
is asked of you or anyone who wants
to take his place among God’s messengers.
Think what this means. You have indeed been wrong
in your belief that sacrifice is asked.
You but receive according to God’s plan,
and never lose or sacrifice or die.

Now let us try to find that joy which proves
to us and all the world God’s Will for us.
It is your function that you find it here,
and that you find it now. For this you came.
Let this one be the day that you succeed!
Look deep within you, undismayed by all
the little thoughts and foolish goals you pass
as you ascend to meet the Christ in you.

He will be there. And you will reach Him now.
What could you rather look upon in place
of Him who waits that you may look on Him?
What little thought has power to hold you back?
What foolish goal can keep you from success
when He Who calls to you is God Himself?
He will be there. You are essential to
His plan. You are His messenger today.
And you must find what He would have you give.

Do not forget the idea for today
between your longer practice periods.
It is your Self who calls to you today.
And it is Him you answer every time
you tell yourself you are essential to
God’s plan for the salvation of the world.  “

In Gratitude and Appreciation

Course in Miracles Society [CIMS]

Dearest Mr. Weber-Caspers:

I am writing to offer my deepest thanks and to send love to you this and every day for the gift of hearing your voice read to me, and make clear and true, the daily lessons in ACIM.  I stumbled on to your reading in early September, and have since listened every morning as an introduction to my meditation practice.  Your voice and music deepen my soul and lighten my day.  For all that you are and for the gifts of Divine Spirit that you give, I am forever grateful.  I look forward to a day when you are in the United States, or I am in The Netherlands, when i can thank you in person.

Eternally blessings, deep thanks and love,

Susan Boatright
Attorney and Counselor at Law
Registered Mediator
244 North College Avenue
Indianapolis, Indiana  46202

*NOTE:  maz is the incredible musician who has recorded A Course in Miracles Lessons and set them to his music. A link to his recordings is sent out every day from The Course in Miracles Society in the DAILY LESSONS an TEXT READINGS. Click here to signup to receive them here: https://www.jcim.net/free-daily-lessons-and-text-mailing/

AUDIO of Lessons and Text available here:  https://www.jcim.net/acim-soundcloud-playlists/

 

Bill Thetford’s Independence Day

Course in Miracles Society [CIMS] 1 Comment

    Fireworks

Bill Thetford [co-scribe of A Course in Miracles] died on July 4, 1988.  On that day, not long before he collapsed of a heart attack, he had announced to his close friend Judy Skutch Whitson that it was Independence Day and finally he himself felt free.

“By the time of his death in 1988 at age 65, Bill Thetford had practiced these lessons to perfection, leaving this world of time and space free of guilt and grievances. As his time on earth grew to an end he was able to release all that held him back from true peace.  Would that we could all reach that goal.” Excerpt from review by Alice T. Mac Mahon of “Never Forget to Laugh” written by Carol Howe.
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From Carol Howe’s FACEBOOK List: “Never Forget to Laugh”
On the occasion of the 22nd anniversary of Bill Thetford’s passing, it seems timely to offer you the third in a series of extra material not found in his biography, Never Forget To Laugh. For those of you who have not read his amazing story, Bill pronounced ahead of time that he would declare his independence of the Fourth of July, and he did – July 4, 1988. Enjoy!

“Apparently, Bill, from beyond the veil, still has some things to say to those who choose to listen, either through waking experience or in dreams. Visiting in Hawaii at the time of Bill’s passing, Jack and Layle Luckett were on their way to a friend’s birthday party when they were given the news. Their informant started to choke up on telling them and Jack said, “Don’t go into fear. Be joyful. This is a wonderful moment!” although he wasn’t sure how it was going to be returning to their La Jolla apartment without Bill. (Bill and the Lucketts shared a condo at that time.) However, knowing they would tell the assembled group about his passing at the appropriate time and that many strong feelings would be evoked, Jack said, “I was led to a reading from A Course In Miracles and told the group, ‘Hold hands, as I have some wonderful news for you.’” The reading that came to him was from Lesson 253, My Self is ruler of the universe – “It is impossible that anything should come to me unbidden by myself. Even in this world, it is I who rule my destiny. What happens is what I desire. What does not occur is what I do not want to happen . . ..” Jack knew it was perfect and felt Bill had given him the lesson to read.

When they returned home to La Jolla, on entering the condo they shared with Bill, they found fresh red gladioli he had left for them and felt his welcoming presence, hardly the cold, empty place they might have anticipated. They also found on his bed a copy of the Course with a bookmark at Lesson 253 – My Self is ruler of the universe—the very lesson Jack had been led to read as they announced the news. They then proceeded to their bedroom where they found a cartoon Bill had fastened to a pillow. Knowing that Jack had been, among other things, a criminal lawyer, Bill knew he would get a kick out of it. The picture showed the foreman saying to the judge, “We find the guilty defendant not guilty!”

Layle added, “Right after he left—I think it might have been the next day—he spoke inside me and I really felt it. He said, ‘Tell everybody in the Course in Miracles groups to tune into me, that I am available to them and will bring whatever visits, messages, confirmations, verifications – whatever it is they need.’” Layle shared this message with a woman in Australia who said she had been looking for a place to live and wondered if that might be “too dumb” a request for Bill. Layle suggested she ask him, which she did, and the woman recounted, “He came to me in my dream and told me where to look, what to do, how to say it, and everything else.” The next day she found her place to live.

People in the Garden group (the Lucketts’ ACIM group) also had experiences they felt were unmistakably from Bill. One of their group told them of her “big dream.” She indicated that in her dream she saw herself on a city street and felt drawn to a tall, multi-storied building. She stepped in and looked over the offices listed in the lobby. One on the top floor, written in bold letters, stated Office of the Holy Spirit. With great excitement, she took the elevator to the top floor and, as the doors opened, saw a sign shaped like a hand that read, “To the office of the Holy Spirit.” She walked down the hall to the old-fashioned doors with frosted glass inset in mahogany on which was printed in gold, “Office of the Holy Spirit.” Unable to wait another second, she opened the door, looked in and found the room empty except for a desk. Sitting behind the desk with a big smile on his face was Bill Thetford.”

Although a dream, it says it all and it is literally true that anyone, whether they knew him personally or not, can still call on him for help. Seems like all the world could use a little of that Bill Thetford warmth, irrepressible sense of humor, and acceptance. And the way for us to experience those blessings is to offer them.