THE PROMISES OF RECOVERY

Chapter 11

MOVING MOUNTAINS AND MANIFESTING FEATHERS

Living in The Now

I planned to title this chapter re Wisdom “Living in The Now,” based on my Daily Reading:

“What if, just for today, I were willing to experience my world as if for the first time? In the morning, I would awaken enthused about all this new day offers. Touching the beauty of the velvety petals of a flower and taking in their sweet fragrance, I would enliven my senses. Recognizing that I share a spiritual kinship with every person in the world, whomever I meet, I would know the joy of being with another creation of God.

“In truth what I am experiencing is the presence of my Creator in all and as all. Taking life one day at a time, one thought at a time, I am building on a consciousness of God. Living in the now, I know the incredible joy that my awareness of God brings me.”

Do You Believe This Promise of Jesus?

But, when I re-read my material for Wisdom, and came to the part about moving mountains and manifesting feathers, I couldn’t get it off my mind, and God seemed to be giving me this title, so we’ll see what He creates for this chapter. Maybe He will combine both ideas.

Let me start by explaining that the title relates to the question: Do you really believe the promises “For truly I say to you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard see, you will say to this mountain, ‘move hence to yonder place, and it will move: and nothing will be impossible to you.’”

This is such an important promise that Jesus repeated it another time with different words: “Truly, I say to you if you have faith and never doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ it will be done. And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive if you have faith.” Mark adds, “And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that our Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”

As I wrote in my course, “these are not just idle words. Jesus was making a statement of fact, and He said ‘Anything I can do you can do.” Everything else He promised works when we follow His words, so I believe this promise, even though I haven’t been able to literally “move mountains.” Yet, this session is about creating our own reality, and I have done this; many times.

The problem is that if we can do and have anything and everything, then we no longer have any excuse for lack and limitation. Oops! Are we ready for this level of responsibility? Does Jesus actually mean that we can move a mountain?

“There’s Gold Dust in The Air”

This is one of my favorite subjects, so let me repeat myself, as I quote from the Transformation course:

There's "gold dust in the air." That's what Catherine Ponder calls Divine Substance, which actually is invisible.  It's the underlying idea of all manifestation.  And it's what the prophet Hosea understood when he said, "I am become rich, I have found me out substance." He knew that he could call on that unformed substance to create whatever he desired.

Once we have brought the idea forth into manifestation it's called matter.  We can see it.  But substance is the invisible out of which all things are created.  When we take anything back to its beginning, we find its source.  And beyond that is the invisible Source, Divine Substance, another word for God.

Everything is created out of that invisible Substance, God.  So we have within us all that God is.  "I and the Father are One." There is no separation.  For instance, if we took one drop of water away from the ocean, that drop would contain all that the ocean is, yet it is not the entire ocean.  However, that drop has the memory of having been part of the whole.  So it is with us, but most of us have forgotten our Oneness.  Scientists know there is within each atom an unknown something not yet named.  Metaphysicians know this is what Paul referred to as "The mystery hidden for ages, Christ in you your hope of glory." Within that God-presence is the memory of our Oneness.  And there is found all knowledge.  It is our point of contact with the Holy Spirit who, as Jesus said, “will teach all things and brings to our remembrance all that I have said to you."

Jesus said that nothing is impossible. We see, we hear these words and we think “That’s nice, but He doesn’t mean we could actually move a mountain, does He?”

Well, I don’t know. Richard Bach tells us in his book "Illusions" that we can create whatever we want.  And the disciple in that story managed to create a blue feather, only it appeared on a milk carton.  But that's a step.

I wrote the above words when I ran a book store in my home. While writing the above words the doorbell rang.  The mail man delivered a back order of "Illusions," with a blue feather on the cover of each book. The lesson for me then was to emphasize that a blue feather, or whatever we desire, may not necessarily materialize out of thin air to prove this works.  Just as the blue feather appeared on a milk carton (in the “Illusion” story) and my books (with blue feathers) arrived, as I wrote, our demonstrations can manifest in many ways.

Another time I wanted to replace my rainbow envelopes which had been discontinued by my former distributor.  I went through a lengthy procedure of search and find.  Yes, God specializes in miracles, but sometimes manifestation occurs in a normal manner, such as finding a new distributor with an ongoing supply. Or, maybe we need a bulldozer, blasting powder, or men with shovels to move mountains.

I'm not saying it doesn't happen "out of thin air." I believe it was Marjorie Russell, a Unity teacher, who told the story of a wash rag literally manifesting in a time of need.  I've forgotten the story, but I never forgot the miracle of the washrag.

I've had several miracles of my own.  One time a friend and I were shopping for a jacket for me.  With the help of the clerk we looked at every jacket on the rack and there was none in my size or color preference.  My friend, who manifests miracles on a regular basis, walked around the rack, reached for a jacket in my color and announced, "Here is one in your size." The clerk looked amazed.

Another time I wanted a specific swimsuit, but found none in my size.  I walked around the rack, affirmed it would be there, returned and there was my swimsuit.

This same friend I mentioned earlier jumped over a log and broke his ankle.  We heard it snap.  He put his hand on it and said, "Oh no you don't," and walked away on it.  At a later time a doctor took an x-ray of that area and said, "Oh I see that broken ankle mended nicely."

What do you want? Name it and it's yours.  Of course, there are a few stipulations; "Have faith and never doubt, ask in prayer, believe that you receive; forgive." When you have accomplished this on all levels it will be "done unto you." Do you believe this?

It’s The Law!

Mr. Fillmore, co-founder of Unity, and author of many metaphysical books, including “The Twelve Powers,” says “God is mind.  Mind evolves ideas.  These ideas are evolved in an orderly way.  The laws of mind are just as exact and undeviating as the laws of mathematics or music.  To recognize this is the starting point in finding God.

God is Wisdom; and wisdom is made manifest in an orderly manner through your consciousness. God is substance -- unchangeable, incorruptible, imperishable -- to the spiritual mind and body of man.

"This substance of mind, faith, does not happen to be here today and there tomorrow, but it is moved upon by ideas which are as unchanging as Spirit."

He continues with a discussion of the omnipresence of God as Mind as he says, "There can be no absence of Mind."

Finally he summarizes his thesis with the statements "Your body is the soil in which God's life is planted.  Your mind is the light for which he supplies the oil.  'I am the light of the world,' said Jesus.

"Intelligence is the light of the world.  Let your light shine by increasing the supply of oil, by increasing your consciousness of life, and by learning how to draw upon the omnipresent God for every need."

    Isn't it interesting that I have a bookshelf full of Charles Fillmore's books as well as many others.  Yet, when I was writing this course, I was guided to the  book with these words.

“Sons of Thunder”

Now that we’re nicely into the subject, let’s fill in the details for Wisdom. The color is yellow, the month is September, and the disciple is James. The location that Charles Fillmore gave is the stomach, but Dr. Robert Knapp expands the location to include the endocrine system: pineal, pituitary, thyroid, thymus, adrenal, pancreas, ovary. I recommend reading “Twelve Powers in You,” for a complete discussion of this complex Power.

However, I will elaborate on the disciple, James, and his brother, John, whom Jesus referred to as the “sons of thunder.” Perhaps because they symbolically represent the love center (John) and abdominal area, realm of the Subconscious (James).

Stomach or abdominal problems can be the results of the conscious and subconscious in conflict and/or from fear, criticism, disapproval, or being made wrong. Also the eyes can be affected in conjunction with these complaints.  I've found confusion and indecision often result from blockages in these areas, and can be relieved when we ask our Superconscious for guidance.  We can also call upon James, and use the yellow energies of Wisdom.

James and John, Peter, and sometimes Andrew, were part of the inner circle.  All but Andrew were with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration.  This tells us Faith, Love, and Wisdom must be present when: we are in this high place in consciousness where the Transfiguration occurs.  We shall be in this place during our Wisdom session of Transformation.

The “sons of thunder” give us insights into our own transformation process.  They sometimes reflect our own human shortcomings, and the Wisdom for overcoming, thus giving us hope.

Most Bible references to James also include his brother, John.  In his book "XIII Men Who Changed the World," Rev.  Vigeveno write one infamous story which involves their mother, Salome (not the one of seven veils fame).  He presents a picture of an ambitious mother controlling her household and sons.  Maybe that explains heir title, "sons of thunder." In any event she asked Jesus a favor, as the Bible account in Matthew reads: Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something.  And he said, 'What do you want?' She said to him, 'Command that these two sons of mine may sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.'"

It's difficult to interpret this request from any other standpoint than an ambitious mother for her sons.  In fact, Jesus received it as such, at least on a conscious level, for He said to them, "Are you able to drink from the cup that I am to drink from?" They affirmed they were.  And then Jesus prophesized their death (both to be killed for being a Christian).  He said, "You will drink from my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant; it is for those whom it has been prepared by my Father."

Marks version vindicates the mother but says the brothers asked Jesus themselves; but of course he wasn't there.  John and Matthew, however, were present, and their accounts continue by stating the other disciples were angry at this request to receive special honors"

Jesus called them all together and spoke regarding spiritual greatness, “You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles, the Lord will rule over them, and their great men exercise authority over them.  But it shall not be so among you; whoever would be great among you, must be in your ministry, and whomever would be first among you must be servant of all.  For tie Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

This is a good lesson about balance and power, for true wisdom is not self-righteous, judgmental, or dictatorial, but humble in the sense of knowing, "I of myself can do nothing; it is not I but tie Father within who doeth the works." And the old saying holds true, "You find yourself when you lose yourself in service to others."

Another similar episode of the "sons of thunder" remind us they too needed to mellow just as we do.  They were all passing through Samaria.  When James and John asked for lodging for the group they were refused because the Samaritans hated the Jews for their haughty behavior.  They said, "Lord, do you want us to bid fire to come down from heaven and consume them?" This is Love and Wisdom in their unredeemed form of judgment which wants to condemn; and Love reverts to the base passion of anger and retribution.  They both need to be lifted up or redeemed, as do all Twelve Powers.

Remember they hadn't learned the lesson Jesus did in the wilderness that we must not use these powers for personal grandiosity or revenge.  The disciples were just ordinary folks such as ourselves from all walks of life and they too went through the Process of discipline before becoming Apostles.  That's why they're called disciples, having the same root as discipline, which means according to Webster, "To train or develop by instruction and exercise, especially self-control."

We are all disciples as we are endeavoring to change our old patterns and develop a new consciousness.  And we know this is an inside job.  It doesn't require a great reform for everyone else.  It's okay to share with others, but only if they ask.  Our most effective tool is example, as the saying goes, "Be careful how you live your life, you may be the only bible your neighbor reads."

A Free Lunch

I’ve been sharing from my daily life, while preparing the material and facilitating the Transformations Twelve Powers Study and Support Group. Usually it’s quite obvious to me how the events tie in with the Power. However, this week’s experiences have been quite mellow, and perhaps they relate more to the Judgment aspect of Wisdom, and the matter of making decisions.

For instance, my son, Marquam, had requested that we not have a family gathering to celebrate his November birthday. Instead, he spent a few hours with his dad, which will be the last birthday they’ll be together, as his dad is going through his final days. Thank goodness, he made it through Gail’s and Marquam’s birthdays.

I offered to take Marquam to dinner, and gave him the choice of anyplace in Portland, or within driving distance. He chose the Grand Buffet, where I’d taken Gail for dinner several days earlier and I’d decided not to eat there again. However, it was his choice, so that’s where we ate.

Being a Sunday, I knew it would be more expensive, but I was willing to pay the price for my son’s birthday, especially since I had only gotten him an inexpensive ceramic lighthouse as a gift. As I paid for the buffet, in advance, I asked for the senior price, and just happened to mention that it was my son’s birthday. The hostess asked for ID, and I laughed, as I wondered if she questioned that I’m a senior citizen. She said that she needed ID for my son’s birthday, which he handed her, as she explained “There’s no charge if today is his birthday.” Of course, it was, and we were shocked, but elated that he got a free birthday meal.

Talk about moving mountains and manifesting feathers, we did quite well at creating a free birthday meal for my son, and exactly what he wanted. Amazing! Now, I see how this fits in with this subject of creating and manifesting what we want.

Already, it had become a different experience than when Gail and I had eaten there. For one thing, it had been late afternoon and the food had been sitting  quite awhile and some was tough or cold. I had wanted the Asian Grill, but it was not in operation; today it was and I was able to select the veggies and shrimp for a tasty meal, as well as some other favorite items. Marquam was delighted with crab, shrimp, and many other delicacies. It was a successful birthday meal for him; just as he’d anticipated. Hooray!

In addition, since his meal was free, I offered to pay for several health items he needed from Wal-mart, which made him happy and gave me a completion for celebrating his birthday.

The Voice of God

I began to wonder if my opening subject, “Living in the Now” really fit into this chapter on Wisdom, until I read the assignment for “The Journey that Never Was.” The book is about hearing God’s Voice, which it defines as the Holy Spirit. Husband and wife authors, David Paul and Candace Doyle, tell their stories of this experiences, each entirely different from the other. Candace actually heard the Voice, from the beginning, but David Paul struggled, much like Charles and Myrtle Fillmore, co-founders of Unity.

Myrtle heard a New Thought lecturer and applied the idea that she is a child of God and therefore does not inherit disease, into her life and healed her tuberculosis. Charles was so impressed that he spent hour and hours in meditation, “going to headquarters” as he said, trying to make contact. Myrtle’s experience came from the heart; Charles’s came from the head, yet each made contact. David Paul too, finally made contact and heard the Voice of God. The book not only tells their individual stories, but most of the book is the words of the Holy Spirit, which is the Voice of God. The purpose being to teach us how to have our own experience of hearing God.

“By Their Fruits”

I know that God writes through me, because I never know what I’m going to say, until the words appear. And I know that God guides me in everything I do. I could not have made it through my “Nighttime of the Soul” as some people term what I experienced as bottoming-out, after Van left. I was virtually like a child, unable to function or think clearly.

I also hear, or sense, God’s Voice, as an overlay, or a narration, when I’m reading or watching TV or a movie, and even when someone is talking. So, I was delighted to read the Holy Spirit’s confirmation that this is the Voice of God. It was an exhilarating clarification, as loud as a clap of thunder, yet silent; a knowing, which is also termed Understanding, one of the Twelve Powers.

And with this realization came a confirmation of something else that ties together with the subject of “living in the now.” It had started while I was watching “Hour of Power” and Robert Schuller, the son, was talking about Joshua and the Battle of Jericho.

The week before, he’d suggested that everyone think about their individual walls that needed to be removed, and this Sunday they all stood up and shouted, as a symbol of  the walls falling down. I stood too and shouted. I also was Guided to cut away the outer circle of a mandala that I had colored, all except the outer ring, which I was wondering what color to use. This was to symbolize my walls of limitation disappearing.

As part of his sermon, Rev. Schuller was talking about Galatians 5:22, which speaks of the fruits of the Spirit being: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, self-control. The passages before that had listed the “desires of the flesh,” stating that the two are in opposition and “prevent you from doing what you would.”

Throughout the sermon, it was as if God was telling me that I am doing okay; that I am on the right track. And I thought about my cousin who says I’m a prude, because of my disinterest in the “works of the flesh.” Yet, I felt the Voice of God acknowledge me for my choices; a Voice far more rewarding than the approval of my cousin, or others on a similar path.

Often, I feel isolated, like I don’t fit in -- because of the Path I’m on -- but at this moment, as the walls came tumbling down, I felt exhilarated, accepted, acknowledged and loved. Thank You, God.

One Step at a Time

Later, that Sunday, I attended church at Christ Light Unity, where I’d gone when I first returned to Portland. It had been quite convenient for me to walk the few blocks to the Bus Stop, board and ride to Gresham, then get off and walk two blocks to the store-front church, in the heart of town. I enjoyed the minister, Kathy, and the members, and I’d felt this would be a good place for me, during my early stages of grief and loss recovery, after my husband left.

However, a week or two later I participated in the ritual of the entire congregation moving from that location to a house, much further away, which involved three busses to get there. Within a few weeks, the minister and her family moved away, to Minnesota, leaving the small congregation to face the dilemma of building permits and ongoing struggles to conduct church services in this home.

Some of the members were up to the challenge and thrived on their progress, but I was not able to cope, so I moved on to an already established church; the one I originally attended in the fifties, when my children were young.

This Sunday I’d returned to support the spiritual leader, Sandra Combs, in promoting the Twelve Powers class that we would be co-facilitating, beginning in a few weeks. I wore my “coat of many colors” that had become a trademark, and made an enthusiastic announcement. Six people signed up, which is a good percentage from the small congregation. After church, Sandra and I had a short meeting to discuss the class. She wanted me to be the main teacher, and she would add her part, as guided. Mostly, she wanted to learn more about the Twelve Powers.

I could see the progression of my recovery, in the six-months since I’d co-facilitated with Rev. Evarts, and then facilitated my own group, and now would be expanding to another church. Each step one that I could handle, as God guides. None of the small steps being too overwhelming, yet each preparing me for the next: one step at a time; one day at a time. Yes, “living in the now I know the incredible joy that my awareness of God brings me,” as the opening quote in this chapter says.

“Take it Slow and Easy”

I can feel God’s presence and guidance, as I go through my daily activities. For instance, today I was asked to lead the Writers Support Group, because the new leader wasn’t able to attend.

The entire group of six was present and we enjoyed sharing about our activities, of mutual interest, during the weeks since our last gathering. There’s always something shared that speaks to one or more others. For instance, Nelle talked about the Mitford Series, about an Episcopalian priest and his congregation in a small town. I remember someone telling me about them several years ago, and just recently reference was made to the series, which is becoming quite popular. We were all interested in knowing the name of the author, which Nelle promised to bring next week.

We each talked about when and how we got started writing and I mentioned that my maternal grandfather, William Warren, had been an editor for The Oregonian and also The Journal, local newspapers, so “it‘s in my blood.” I also was influenced by a family friend, Ben Hur Lampman, who had been the poet laureate of Oregon, at the time.

This brought comments from Nelle about having lived a few block from their home, and talking with Lena Lampman, Ben’s wife. This opened up a big section of my memory bank, because, as a teenager, I would stay at their home when my adopted parents were away, and I would turn to Lena for solace when I couldn’t stand the stress of  Mom Freeland. In fact, Lena was my role model, and I wanted to be just like her and live in a big gray stone home just like theirs. Whew! What a lot of memories that brought up.

And then we took turns reading from our writing textbook, “Writing Down the Bones,” by Natalie Goldberg. This chapter, “Writing is not a McDonald’s Hamburger,” reminds us not to turn out a fast-food-type product, like a McDonald’s, as she spoke of the importance of taking time to allow the writing to evolve, and “cook slow,” to see whether it will be a pot roast, a lamb chop, or a banquet. She says, “Take it slow and easy. Learn to trust the force of your own voice.” She suggests that we start with articles, rather than trying to become an achiever by writing a book.

I thought the advice in this book applies to life, as well as to writing: slow and easy. That’s exactly the way I am learning to approach life: one day at a time; doing what I have to do, or what I can do, and not worrying about my website, or whatever else I might do, in the future. In other words, “live in the now.” This is often confirmed by God’s silent Voice saying “Just keep writing.” And, of course, that’s about the only thing God allowed me to do for the several years, during my recovery.

Meaningful Pieces

The writers each shared meaningful pieces, as they always do, because they are writing of their life’s experiences. Flo wrote “ Tribute to Seniors” that we insisted should be published in AARP or some publications for seniors.

Doris read a new poem she had written that blew me away, as does all of her writings. I have her permission to use two of her poems; “Talk, Talk, Talk, Etc.“ is in chapter 9 and “Natural, Normal, and Necessary” will appear in chapter 12.

Nancy has finished writing the autobiography of her rare disease, congenital porphyria, which brought her to the group. She hopes to have it published and made available to doctors, so they don‘t misdiagnose others, as they did her. It’s been extremely healing for her to share her story. Today now read “A Special Event” about a healing experience in her family, which was also healing for her.

Nelle wrote about the births of her first and second babies and their first homes, in the ongoing story of her life, which includes having been a Rosy, the Riveter, and a Woman Marine. We suggested that Nelle’s story, a history of a woman of her times, could become a published book too.

We’re all waiting to see what is going to happen with Glenna’s husband’s publishing company. There are six good stories waiting to be published.

In the meantime, Bob had an idea that he has followed through on and shared the finished product with us. It’s a bumper sticker that says “GOD BLESS THE WORLD,” and he had a promotional blurb that he had written. I bought the first one!

What About my Next Project?

I finished reading “Rascal, The Family Dog,” which I’d written when living in Colorado with Dottie and Steve about ten years ago. I still feel good when I read this piece, and it will be part of my website, because it tells cute stories about Rascal’s patterns, while giving suggestions for healing our own negative patterns.

I’ve also read (in the group) my book, “Pilgrimage to Kah-nee-at,” which I’d hoped to have published by now. Now that I think of it, it’s interesting that Bob mentioned Dennis Stoval, of Ooligan Press, speaking to a college class on publishing that he attended. This reminds me that I must contact Dennis again, because I never received a reply to my first e-mail. This is part of the frustration of writing; it takes constant follow-up to ever get published. 

In the meantime, the dilemma now faces me as to what I will read in future sessions, or even the next one. I’d thought about discussing my need to complete my first “Saying ‘Yes’” project, and asking for feedback. I have so many versions, and it still doesn’t feel complete, so it would be a good goal to accomplish.

On the other hand, I’m thinking about sharing what I’ve written today, about the group, and asking their permission to include them and their names in this chapter.

I’ll give a report on this, as it happens, and I‘ll be praying for Guidance, Wisdom, and the Voice of God to reveal this information to me.

The Temple of Light: Transfiguration

The Transformations Twelve Powers Support and Study Group was a delight, as usual. But this time felt even better to me, because I love sharing about Divine Substance, and the material which I’ve included in this chapter, so I felt really alive as I gave my presentation, while they colored their mandalas.

Later, I lead my “Temple of Light Process, from my Transformations Twelve Power Course, which takes one into the inner realm, or Kingdom of Heaven, the Source, unformed substance, where all answers and all desires are fulfilled. You can have this experience, which is called Transfiguration, or Enlightenment, by entering into the following Temple of Light Process:

"Visualize a golden yellow Light energy in the area of your abdomen and throughout your entire body.  Now recognize yourself as the Light of the world.  And then notice a radiant beam of Light extending from you toward the sun.  Go with that sunbeam to its source.  When you are there imagine this Light becoming a Temple of Light, which you are.  Allow your imagination to create an opulent, brilliant, glorious Temple.  Then ask the Holy Spirit to show you The Temple of Wisdom in all its magnificence; beyond anything you could possibly imagine.

When you enter the Temple you will notice miles and miles of corridors with doorways along each side.  As you begin walking down the hallway you realize each door leads to knowledge or information.  You may walk into any room you choose.  Sit down and ask whatever questions you wish.  Stay in that room until you receive your answers, then move on to any other room you may select. “Ask and it will be given you; seek and you will find; knock and it shall be opened to you." Do you really believe this promise? If so your answers will be given.  Do not invalidate your experience with disbelief.

One person found all the rooms computerized.  He just pushed buttons and the answers came. Then he went to a computerized conference room and correlated all his information. You will be having your own experience; each will be different, however the Truth remains the same.

If you have questions pertaining to the subjects we've discussed, or relating to your own wisdom, judgment, or intelligence issues you may ask.  Remember all knowledge is within you, so now is the time for answers you've always sought.  You can even ask such questions as "What is the nature of God, man, reality?"

Keep in mind it's not necessary to wander through these corridors forever.  If you do not receive answers now, remember you may return any time you choose.  Also, the answers may be presented at another time or in some other form.

This Temple of Light is symbolic of Divine Substance.  This is the infinite warehouse wherein the ideas behind all manifestation exist.  Notice everything you ever wanted is here waiting for you to present your claim check.  You may want to ask why your desires have not yet materialized -- if they haven't.

Take as long as you wish while the music plays. When you are ready you nay merge with the Light beam and return to being who you are. You are the Temple of Light. As Paul said, "You are the temple of the Living God." You are created out of the very essence -- the very substance -- of God, which is “The mystery hidden for ages. Christ in you, your hope of glory.”

Again take your time.  When your Process is complete you may open your eyes and write in your notebook or color your mandala.”

One of the members spoke of experiencing intense Light, and I explained that she had experienced the Transfiguration, or Enlightenment, which means being furnished knowledge or given spiritual insight.

Charles Fillmore says "The Transfiguration is always preceded by a change of mind. our ideas must be lifted from the material, the physical to the spiritual consciousness." This can be an instantaneous happening or it can be ongoing.  Most people who are going through growth and awareness do experience an overall change that reflects in the outer appearance.  This includes clearer skin tone and a new sparkle in the eyes which radiates as a transformed aura. Everyone in the group took on this appearance, during and after the Temple of Light Process.

The Bible's description of the Transfiguration of Jesus says, And Jesus was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his garments became white as light.  And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah talking with him." Peter, again overzealous, wanted to build a shrine in honor of the occasion.  And the account continues, "He was still speaking, when lo, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, 'This is my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.' When the disciples heard this they fell on their faces, and were filled with awe."

We concluded the Wisdom session with Sharings and Group Support and sang “Happy Birthday” to Para, as the Love and Light radiated throughout the chapel, where we held this session.

I’ll conclude this chapter with the Daily Reading which Dolores read, as the opening of our Wisdom session:

“The wisdom of God, reflected in the turning of the world and the unfolding of the universe, is also reflected in me. In every choice that I make and every turn of my path, I trust divine wisdom to lead me.

“The universe of good is available to me, and I accept it as I deepen my understanding of my unity with God. Beginning my prayer time with quiet, sincere expressions of gratitude, I open my mind to the divine wisdom that shows me that way to abundance, wholeness, and peace.

“I am grateful for divine wisdom and guidance, wisdom and guidance that show me the way and make the journey on my pathway so rewarding. Divine wisdom is continually guiding me to my good, and I receive it with heartfelt thanksgiving.”

The bible verse reads: “Teach me your way, O Lord,

And lead me on a level path.”

(Psalm 27:11)