Hi-Desert Center for Spiritual Living

From the Practitioners:

It is well that Rev. Paul chose to discuss LOVE in April. (By June it tends to get captured by the June-Moon brigade, the Hallmark card people.) April, with its opportunity to show love as taxes, better permits a hard-eyed look at the concept of Love.

The Science of Mind is the study of this Truth – Freedom under Law. It is inherent in our nature to seek to express our Self. When we choose harmony with the Great Self, we are living in the freedom of the law. When we choose to express our delusion of separate existence, by choosing a disharmonious option, we are living under the bondage of the law.

In all cases, we are living under law.

Ernest Holmes expressed it: “[T]he great Love of the Universe must be One with the great law of Its Own Being. And we approach Love through Law. This, then, is the teaching: Love and Law.”

In our philosophy we accept that Love is another name for the Creative Force whose Thought brings the universe into being in every moment.

We understand that divine energy is the basis for the material universe – divine energy manifesting as the energy of physics, chemistry, life processes.

We understand, too, that Love is the energy that powers our spiritual universe, where body-mind, soul, and spirit are at one with the One Life. In our spiritual universe, Love energy is as real and available for “work”, as electrical energy is available for work in the material universe.

Love energy powers our beliefs, attitudes and actions that are harmonious with our soul, our own unique spark of spirit. Love energy warms a smile, powers a hug, softens a rebuke, and encourages the down-hearted. Love energy does chores uncomplaining, gives up free time to help others, Love energy safeguards health so as to avoid bringing misfortune into the lives of others. Love energy shares time and treasure with the values it espouses.

Love energy is produced in the Will. It is produced by powerful contractions of the Will Muscle that generate the energy field we call Love. This energy is then available to do the work of Spirit in the world – manifesting as your life, and the touching the lives of others.

Do not be misled by cultural distractions. Love is not a function of smooth firm skin, seductive perfume, or the outward trappings of success. Love is a decision to act only in the most God-like way – to speak only truth and kindness and justice, and to show mercy and helpfulness and generosity.

Love energy does a LOT OF WORK in every moment of the day.

Love is an energy field. It is not currently possible to measure Love, as one can measure, say, electricity. Mainly, we record the working of Love in a situation by recording the results of the work. It is easier in the family setting – we note the renewed happiness of a crying child, in response to a smiling hug, and we see the work of Love. It is possible to see Love at work in public life, too: a memorial erected to a noble cause and/or person, for instance. Despite the all-too justified cynicism of the voters, there are honest, competent and hard-working congress persons; in them we see Love energy manifesting at a high level. If we look carefully at social processes, we realize that Love energy is at work bringing healing into the world through many institutions.

In the individual life, we can each increase our Love power, by exercising our Will Muscle and making it stronger and stronger in choosing only good. Maybe a guru or self-improvement class may help some people. But my belief is that there is not one of us who does not already know at least three areas in which we need to exercise our will better, more vigorously.

The Hi-Desert Center for Spiritual Living is, in a way, a sort of spiritual 24-HOUR FITNESS center. Using the resources available through the church – friends, practitioners, minister – a person who is striving to strengthen the Will Muscle in a particular way can always get a helping ear and voice.

And, as your personal intention is to live a life of freedom under law, the Center can support you in finding your harmony. Love power keeps the Center in existence, and provides the energy to sustain the community. Thank you for your individual contribution to the high level of Love Energy.

Mary Franklin, RScP.

From the C.O.R.E. Council.

Well, spring is upon us and what a beautiful one it is this year. A new season in its beginning.  The flowers, trees and animals are all active with new life.   Spring sometimes makes me want to go back to my childhood days when I would get up early in the morning and walk across the empty field behind my home towards the San Gabriel riverbed.  I mean a real riverbed - not one made of concrete.  I remember well the early morning dew hanging on as the new day’s sun was rising and the smell of spring in the air.   These moments will forever be etched in the memories of my mind. 

As I look at our Center, I can see the beautiful butterfly that is starting to move inside the cocoon and notice its quest to escape and open its wings and fly.

 Lasts months C.O.R.E. meeting hosted a large group of members in attendance.  It was a great feeling to see this participation. I will reiterate that this is YOUR CENTER and your presence at the C.O.R.E.  meetings and work sessions are very important.   It is at these meetings and workshops that you let your C.O.R.E.  members know what your ideas are for your Center.

On Sunday, March 28, 2010, the stakes for our new sign were driven in, which, at the end of April should be up according to the sign committee.  We have many more projects quickly approaching.  Looking ahead we have a chili cook off, car shows, art classes for children as well as the big kids, gardening days, and the cutting of shrubs to show off our great Center to the community.  The purpose of mentioning these activities now is to announce that we are going to need volunteers. We need worker bees.  We need you, the members of this Center, to work in help to free the butterfly from its cocoon. 

Anyone up for a good ol’ outdoor work party with a little work and lots of good food? Gloves will be supplied and we will have a great potluck picnic.  Saturday, April 10^th is the magic day.  If you are unable to work, perhaps you can help with donating food for the workers.  Together we will reveal our Center to the community.

Bill Gillard, C.O.R.E. President

A Course in Miracles and Other Announcements.

A Course In Miracles continues and is facilitated by Lori Smith, RScP, and Donna Mass, CORE Secretary. This lively group of people meets the 1st and 3rd Monday's of the month, so join us as we learn to move away from our apparent fears and toward a deeper sense of Love. Love offerings are accepted. Call Donna at 760-308-0404 or the Center at 760-242-2302 for more details.

Our April CORE Council Meeting is Sunday, April 18 at 12:15, after the fellowship potluck. The meeting is open and, as those in attendance in March can attest, we're being mentored by our Parliamentarian, Chuck Gehrke. Many thanks to Chuck as he guides us into smoother meetings with improved time utilization. Mark your calendar and plan to join your CORE Council April 18^th.

Donna Mass, CORE Secretary.

From Higher Visions Bookstore.

The April Book-of-the-Month is:

The Cultural Creatives by Paul H. Ray PHD and

Sherry Ruth Anderson PHD.  Cultural Creative is a term coined by Ray and Anderson to describe people whose values embrace a curiosity and concern for the world, its ecosystem, and its peoples; an awareness of and activism for peace and social justice; and openness to self-actualization through spirituality, psychotherapy, and holistic practices. Cultural Creatives do not just take the money and run; they don't want to de-fund the National Endowment for the Arts; and they do want women to get a fairer shake--not only in the United States, but around the globe.

From the book:" Changing a world view literally means changing what you think is real."

Carol Stubblefied and Pat Farrell, Managers, Higher Visions Bookstore.

Coming Up at our Center.

Sunday, April 4^th is our Easter Celebration.  Come and hear an inspirational message lead by Reverend Paul as he takes us through the message of Easter via the teachings of Science of Mind.  There will be an Easter egg hunt for the children immediately following the service.  Of course our delectable potluck feast is not to be missed!

A Course in Miracles dates for April are the 5^th and the 10^th.  Time is from 6 pm - 8 pm.

Science of Mind 101 will begin April 11^th.  A special discounted fee of $165.00 is offered to all who sign up.  See the clipboard in the Garden Room or see one of our C.O.R.E. members or Practitioners for more information.

April 14^th is Shamanic Drumming facilitated by Janet Ambe, Shamanic Healer.  Wear comfortable, loose clothing.  Bring a drum or rattle (may be provided if needed), pillow and blanket.  Chairs are available for those in need.  Time is from 7 pm - 9 pm.  This has proven to be an exhilarating releasing, and liberating time for all who participate.  All are welcome.  A $10.00 donation is suggested to help defray the cost for use of the space.

April 16^th is Family Potluck and Movie Night.  This month’s viewing will be “The Greatest Game Ever Played”.  Join us from 6:00 - 8:30 as we enjoy food, fun and fellowship together.  It will prove to be a truly enlightening evening.

Saturday, April 17^th will be A Children’s Art Show and reception with our wonderful Victor Valley Art Council.  Our children can participate and we will be sponsoring a bake sale and auction.  This will be fashioned after our very popular Mother’s Day and Father’s Day bake Sales/Auctions hosted by Bill and Terry Gillard.  This time our children have the opportunity to show their talents and see who can bring in the most “dough” for their delicious creations.

Childrens’ Art classes continue every Saturday from 10am - 12pm in the activities room.  Cost per class - $12.00 each or $40.00 per month.  An adult class will start on April 8^th at the same cost; however the time will be from 7pm - 9pm.

We continue to need volunteers to sign up for our Friends of the Garden group.  Clipboard is in the Garden Room.

Continue to save your aluminum pull tabs and bring them to the Center.  Our final deadline for collection is May 5^th.

If you haven’t already done so, visit our website at www.hdcors.org for more events and updated Sunday celebration information.  There is even a “contact us” capability so you can ask questions or make comments.

As always, thank you so very much for your continuing support.

Joan Phelps, Administrative Advisor to the C.O.R.E. and Trustee.

From the Fund Raising Committee.

HAPPY SPRING

As you may have heard there are many exciting events happening at the Center over the next couple of months. We are doing joint projects with the Art Council of Victor Valley/Mojave Institute of Arts and this has allowed us to expand into areas that are new to the Center. This year we will be putting on the following events:

April 17th - Young Artist Art Festival - Children's Bake Auction/Contest.

May 9th- Mother's Day Bake Auction.

June 5 - Car Show & Chili Cook-Off

June 16th - Father's Day Bake Auction

August 3rd - Motorcycle Show & Chili Cook-Off.

September 18th - 2nd Annual Healthy Spirit Fair.

October 6th - Pow Wow & Cook-Off/Cook Book Event.

The Young Artist Art Festival will be held on April 17th from 10am - 3pm. This is a full day of fun for the entire family, bring your kids and grandkids to enjoy the art show, a bounce house, bake auction & contest. (The bounce house is $1.00 for all children but all other events are free for anyone under 17 yrs of age.)

In addition, all children will be able to participate in a variety of arts & crafts projects that they can start, complete and take home. The Santa Fe Drifters, which are a reenactment group, will be providing a touch of the old west, with gun slingers, sheriffs and shoot outs. The Santa Fe Drifters will be doing shows at 11am & 3:30pm.  Refreshments will be provided from 1pm to 3pm. This event is a first for us and will bring a whole new group of high desert people to our Center. $1.00 donation for the bounce house (full day), children 13 - 17 - $3.00 donation for all activities, age 17 and over $5.00 for all activities.

Once again it's the boys vs. the girls - who will win this year? On Mother's Day we will be holding our 2nd annual bake auction. As you recall this is where the men in the Center bake (without any help) a variety of pies, cakes, cookies etc. which we sell to the highest bidders. Last year we had a great turn out by the men and made over $600.00. Let’s see if we can beat that this year and remember - it's the ladies turn on Father's Day!

A Tasty Way to Spend Your Day - On June 5th we will be hosting the 2nd Annual Cowboy Joe's Ultimate Chili Cook-Off and Classic Car Show. The Chili Cook-Off is a sanctioned chili event so come and help these great cooks win points and move to the Chili Nationals. After tasting the chili you can stroll around the Classic Car Show (and work off some of the calories). A live band will be entertaining all day and a bounce house will be available for the kids. A Western Art Show will be held in the Garden Room and the Santa Fe Drifters will be doing 3 shows throughout the day.

As you can see the Hi-Desert Center for Spiritual Living is Movin’ & Shakin’. These events are open to the entire High Desert community and will give us the exposure we need to grow and expand. Come and support your Center - let’s show the Hi-Desert who we are!!

Jackie Martin, C.O.R.E. Treasurer

“HOW TO BE PEACE”

Input from the Peace Keepers of our Planet¼

Dear Ones¼ It was while speaking to our beautiful and most capable Editor of Hi-Thots, that I asked if I could have the space to submit a page in the monthly newsletter; and to my great elation, she said YES. This is how it works: Before anything goes to print, it goes to Rev. Paul for his blessing¼and I share with you my heart.  I’m a member, now, you know¼ and I follow Spirit’s Inner Guidance, as I write and express new thoughts & ideas. 

Can YOU come up with a NEW THOUGHT?  Have you considered that by looking at the OLD Thought in a fresh new way, it just may become¼ through the evolutionary process¼.a NEW THOUGHT?           All that I AM is a vehicle open to Creator Love, Intelligence, Wisdom and Humor flowing through and expressing as me, in Service to the Highest, and I talk about Peace a lot.   Everyone tells everyone else:  ”BE PEACE” But WHAT IS IT EXACTLY?¼ I’d love to hear some of your ideas about what ‘PEACE IS’¼defined. Ten words or less.   Will publish next month with your name attached OR you may remain anonymous if you wish¼   Know this.  Peace is your Natural State of Being. And, the following poem/meditation is a very effective pathway to “getting to that still place within” – so the Voice may be heard.

Reading each sentence slowly, I encourage you to absorb the meaning. If you don’t get it the first time¼Read it again until something clicks and/or shifts inside.  Or come back to it¼ Breathe¼. and keep going¼ There’s no wrong way to do this. 

Breathe deeply, slowly, hold a moment and feel God’s blessing, then exhale even slower, saying Thank You & a quiet Halleluiah.     And So It Is. 

Repeat as necessary¼at least 3 times to start.

KEEPING QUIET by Pablo Neruda

And now we will count to twelve and we will all keep still.

For once on the face of the earth let's not speak in any language.  Let’s stop for one second, and not move our arms so much. It would be an exotic moment without rush, without engines. We would all be together in a sudden strangeness.

Fisherman in the cold sea would not harm whales and the man gathering salt would not look at his hurt hands.

Those who prepare green wars, wars with gas, wars with fire, victory with no survivors, would put on clean clothes and walk about with their brothers in the shade, doing nothing.

What I want should not be confused with total inactivity. Life is what it is about. I want no truck with death.

If we were not so single-minded about keeping our lives moving and for once could do nothing, perhaps a huge silence might interrupt this sadness of never understanding ourselves.

Perhaps the earth can teach us -- as when everything seems dead and later proves to be alive.

Now I'll count up to twelve and you keep quiet and I will go.

Namaste’    Rev. Elizabeth Henderson

Remember to send in your feedback on What ‘Peace’ Means to YOU. upwardspiral11@verizon.net