No one would probably use theadjective “happy” when it came toAbraham Lincoln, and yet I do believe hewas happy — beyond every reason to notbe. You may not have seen it on his face,but it was an inner happiness, content-ment, a purpose that made him go on. Hecould not or would not be stopped by theworld. He made up his mind!

It has been said that getting old is notfor sissies. Well, I believe that happiness isnot for sissies, either. It takes a great innerresource to know that no matter where youare or what is going on, you have the

power to choose yourexperience — to behappy. That is theaudacity of happiness.

I have often foundmyself happy atmemorial services. I amcompassionate for those

who mourn the loss of a loved one, but Ican’t help but be happy for the soul who,as The Song of Prayer says, has once againearned to look upon the Christ withoutblinders, and no longer needs to walk theworld of limits. Some might think myhappiness out of place, but I feel God isasking us to look past the world of painand suffering — not in denial but in fullawareness of the truth that it is God’s willwe experience our happiness.

ost folks are about as happy asthey make up their minds tobe.” — Abraham Lincoln

I have always liked this quote byLincoln, but when I first read it, I didn’tbelieve it was from him. He never seemedhappy to me, and why would he havebeen? His mother and sisters died when hewas a boy. His father treated him like anindentured servant, renting him out towork for people to make money. Aspresident, he faced a country divided, awar that caused the death of an entiregeneration of youngmen, and the hostilityof taking a standagainst slavery. He hada terrible personal life,including the death ofa child and a bipolarwife. Lincoln sufferedfrom severe melancholia; had he beenalive today, he’d probably be on some sortof antidepressant. Why go on? He made uphis mind to.In the book Team of Rivals by Doris

Kearns Goodwin, on which StevenSpielberg’s movie about Lincoln is based,Goodwin tells that friends of Lincoln wouldsay that they never saw a sadder face, andyet there was a spirit behind that face thathad great joy and would light up themoment he began to tell a story... andLincoln loved to tell his yarns.

The Audacityof Happiness

“M

H

Beverly is the co-founder and president of MDC, one of the longest running organizations basedon A Course in Miracles. As a student, lecturer and author on the Course since 1977, herrecorded weekly commentaries on Course principles have become a wonderful source of inspi-ration and study for many around the world. Receive a FREE recording by contacting MDC.

The Modest Workof Happinessby Beverly Hutchinson McNeff

January / February 2013A Miracle Distribution Center Publication

Continued on page 12

Continued on page 14

II tt hhaass bbeeeenn ssaaiidd tthhaattggeetttt iinngg oolldd iiss nnoott ffoorr

ssiissssiieess..WWeellll ,, II bbeelliieevvee tthhaatthhaappppiinneessss iiss nnoott ffoorr

ssiissssiieess,, eeiitthheerr..

•

•

ave you ever, as I have,watched absentmindedly asyou chose the wrong key, yet

tried to insert it in the ignition or frontdoor lock anyway? We were not thinking. Or more accurately, we werethinking rather than paying attention. It’snot that we didn’t know which was thecorrect key, but in a kind of reflexive, almost hypnotic way we picked one weoften use rather than the correct one.The analogy is obvious: Everyone hasthe right key but very few use it consis-tently. In the case of happiness, the keyis our undeveloped mental focus.

This is a book about the key to happiness, not the key togreater income, superhealth, the right friends,mental powers, modelchildren, or all the otheridols the world raisesabove the simple anddeep enjoyment of today.As probably every child who has attended any kind of camp knows, youmust “row, row, row your boat gentlydown the stream.” And if you maintainthis pace and this direction, you areguaranteed to be merry four times toevery three times you row. There is definitely a way to walk through the

Excerpt from How to Live in the World

and Still Be Happy

by Hugh Prather

�� MDC enters its 35th year of serviceAs we begin this landmark year in the Center’s history, we want to say THANKYOU to our readers for their ongoing support of this publication and the work ofthe Center. Most of us do the work of Spiritwithout a lot of fanfare or worldly attentionand that is truly how Spirit works, but thatdoes not make any of us less valuable. Mayyou know how much we value you, yourgifts and prayers of support. As MotherTeresa said, “Aspire not to do great things,but small things with great love.”

�� Our Remodeled Website Debuts — Incelebration of our 35th anniversary, we arepleased to introduce our newly redesignedwebsite. We’ve enlargedthe font size, made navigation even easier,and, best of all, it’s designed to work on allelectronic platforms,from desktops and iPadsto Androids andiPhones. So whetheryou’re sneaking a peekfrom the office, relaxing at home on yoursofa, or waiting in line at a store, all of ourservices are only a click away! Visit it now at www.miraclecenter.org

�� Doing your workbook lessons may actually save you money — Of course, thepoint of practicing A Course in Miracles isto awaken us to our oneness with eachother and God... and that brings us trueand lasting joy. But, researchers are findingthat your depression may be costing youmore than you think! Findings are showingthat unhappiness not only spurs people tobuy more stuff, it may actually lead you topay more per item. A researcher atCarnegie Mellon University in Pittsburghsaid, “When you are feeling sad, there is ahigher degree of self-focus. And, the combination of sadness and self-focusseems to impair spending judgment.” So, if

you needed one more reason to do yourworkbook lessons and awaken to the valueof the joy that forgiveness will bring toyour life, now you have it!

�� Giving a truly meaningful Gift Here’swhat many students of the Course havedone: Given a tax-deductible donation to MDC in someone’shonor or memory. If you would liketo give in such a way, send your donation and request, and we willsend him, her or the family a personalized letter acknowledgingyour appreciation and support. It’s a won-derful honor for that dedicated someoneor their family. And, what a blessing it will

be to those the Center serves,for your donation will go tosupport its free services! Giftsin honor of ... Connie Daley ahappy birthday wish from herhusband Michael. Gifts in memory of ... DottieMoore from Jill Gresham inTexas. ... Henning VonPaepcke from Christoph

Engen in Munich, Germany. ... LubovLandsberg from Shelley Jessup in Texas.We are honored to acknowledge thesewonderful souls on their new journey.

�� Turning 30! 2013 marks this landmarkanniversary for “You Are Entitled to Miracles” — the first recording in the seriesof seven by Beverly Hutchinson andSteven Halpern. Combining the power-filled words of the Course with the timeless, healing music of Halpern, theserecordings have touched the lives of thousands and be-come best-sellersto a world-wide audience of listeners. As MarianneWilliamson hassaid, “These

recordings are wonderful! They bring theCourse right to your heart. I find them verymoving.” To read an interview with Beverlyand Steven or to order, call MDC at:1-800-359-2246 or go online to

www.miraclecenter.org

�� What are these?? - Through-out THE HOLY ENCOUNTER you willfind barcodes like the one showhere. They are designed to beused by smartphones and tablets.Once you’ve downloaded a QRcode reader, such as RedLaser,

simply scan the barcode with your deviceto be taken directly to a webpage whichwill provide you with more information onthat topic. It’s a wonderful way to continueour connection!

�� Lessons in Light series begins —Here’s what Mary Jo in Naples, Florida saidabout the series last year, “I have beenmeaning to write about these very timelylessons for me. I have been doing someserious introspective work since being diagnosedwith breast cancer in January and I stronglybelieve that there is a direct link to unforgiveness/resentment/bitterness andmy diagnosis. I am slowly working throughit and learning a lot about myself in theprocess, while trying not to hold a grievance against myself for my healthchallenge. I think I listened to the GRIEVANCES one about 6 times! Thanksso much for all you do, Bev.” The series begins on February 13 and will continuethrough the 40 days leading up to Easter.See page 8 of this issue. Since the seriesstarts the middle of February, we are running it in this issue and will not rerun itin the March/April issue. If you want to joinus, we ask you to keep this issue with youduring this season or you can go to ourwebsite (www.miraclecenter.org) where

Continued on page 15

2

Miracle Musings...by Paul McNeff

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Peace, be still!

eace, be still. And the wind dieddown and it became perfectlycalm.” (Mark 4:39)

Peace to my mind. Let all my thoughtsbe still. (Lesson 221)

The older I get, the more similarities Isee between the Course and the Bible. I’mactually thankful now for all those Bibleverses we had to memorize as kids. Foryears however, after emerging out of theevangelical Christian world, I felt victimizedby that “repressive” thought system. Theysay time heals all wounds. I can attest tothat, but it has taken spiritual work on mypart to accomplish it. Maturity has softenedmy emotional wounds. This recoveringfundamentalist has learned that true healing takes place only as you focus oncommon areas of thought rather thandwelling on the dissimilarities.

One of the most beautiful and synchro-nous teachings of both the Bible and A Course in Miracles is the concept ofpeace in the midst of the storm. I’m sureeveryone on the planet can relate to experiencing storms in nature and theirmetaphorical equivalent, the storms of life.We certainly have all had our share. Thedramatic story from the Bible about Jesuscalming the sea illustrates the point.

In the Gospel account found in Mark(4:35-41), Jesus had been out on the shore ofthe Sea of Galilee speaking and teaching allday long. He grew tired and requested ofhis disciples that they leave the crowd behind, get into a boat, and go to the otherside. Because of the unique landscape surrounding the Sea of Galilee, the weathercan be calm one moment and surge to violent winds, large swells and torrentialrain the next. Once in the boat and out tosea, the disciples and Jesus found them-selves in a raging storm. The disciples werefearful they would be overwhelmed by the

“P turbulent waters and perish. Dumb-founded, they discovered Jesus in the sternof the boat fast asleep! They woke him andcried out for him to save them. Jesus stoodup and rebuked the sea, uttering thewords, “Peace, be still!” To the astonish-ment of his followers, the storm immedi-ately subsided.

For most Christians, the traditional andliteral interpretation of this story was thatJesus actually altered the forces of nature,causing and the seas to become calm; justone of Jesus’ many miracles. Did Jesus really calm the storm, or did he help to facilitate a shift in the disciples’ perception

by calming their fears about the storm? Iprefer the latter explanation. In both caseshowever, the real culprit, FEAR, was banished and peace came to reign as theirpresent state of mind.

I have to admit though, I can relate tothose guys. We’ve all experienced thestorms of life, whether they come in theform of death, job loss, dissolution of amarriage, a career setback, disease, youname it. The key is, how have we re-sponded? Have we let it make or break us?Have we followed the path of the ego andchosen to stay in a fear-based mind-set?Or, have we applied the Course teaching ofallowing for the mind-set of peace, whichas the Course teaches, is already there because He (God) has willed it?If we are like Jesus’ disciples, undoubt-

edly, we have let our egos run amok and

have chosen to scamper down that hysteri-cal rabbit hole far too many times. And yetin its infinite patience, the Course gentlyurges us to “choose once again.” When wefollow the teaching of our inner guide, theHoly Spirit, we can then choose as Jesuschose, “Peace, be still!” The Course goeseven further by guaranteeing that peacewill be there for us. It has never left us. Ourresponsibility is to quiet our minds so thattruth can come through.

The Course beautifully brings home thispoint: “Forget not that the motivation forlearning this course is the attainment andkeeping of the state of peace. Given thisstate the mind is quiet, and the conditionin which God is remembered is attained. Itis not necessary to tell Him what to do. Hewill not fail. Where He can enter, there Heis already. And can it be He cannot enterwhere He wills to be? Peace will be yoursbecause it is His Will.” (T24.In;1)

Some time ago I was in the desert doingsome rock climbing. I remember the challenge and exhilaration of climbing fromrock to rock on my ascent to the top. All ofa sudden, I found myself between a rockand a hard place, no pun intended. In aterrorizing moment, I could not calculatemy next step. I was frozen with fear! I’mgoing to fall to my death! Even the friendsthat I had come with were out of yellingdistance. Punishing myself, my ego sarcas-tically screamed, “How did you ever getyourself in this situation? You dummy!” Iwas some distance up so jumping downwas not an option. I would not survive thefall. But, at just about that same moment ofmy paralyzing panic, I miraculously experi-enced another thought... “Peace, be still!”...take a deep breath and do absolutely nothing. Just concentrate on the thought...“Peace, be still!”... “Peace, be still!”...“Peace, be still!” I can’t tell you how many

3

““DDiidd JJeessuuss rreeaallllyy ccaallmm tthheessttoorrmm,, oorr ddiidd hhee hheellpp ttoo

ffaaccii llii ttaattee aa sshhiiff tt iinn tthhee ddiisscciipplleess’’ ppeerrcceeppttiioonn bbyy

ccaallmmiinngg tthheeiirr ffeeaarrss aabboouutttthhee ssttoorrmm??””

•

•

Continued on page 14

35 Years in Retrospect...The life of Miracle Distribution Center

4

I

Chance or God’s Plan?“Remember that no one is where he is

by accident and chance plays no part inGod’s plan.” (M26/M9.1:3)

read a saying once that said a coincidence was an event in which Godhas chosen to remain anonymous. In

looking back on the events that lead us tostart Miracle Distribution Center (MDC) in1978, it is clear to me that God’s purposewas in every event even though they justseemed like coincidences to us.

In looking way back, it was a “coinci-dence” (from our new definition) that I wasborn into my family. There could be nobetter place for me to grow in my spiritualjourney. My parents were very supportiveand encouraging as I was growing up. Eventhough we did not attend church much inmy early years, my parents were always reminding my brother and me of thepower, presence and love of God in ourlives. Their truly unconditional love wasone reminder and so was my Mother’s favorite saying, “With God, nothing is impossible!”

It was my parent’s quest for this loving,caring God (that they had not found in traditional religion) that brought us to ourfirst Unity Church in Portland, Oregon. Wefelt very much at home. Even though I wasonly about ten years old when we firstwent to Unity, I was deeply drawn to thisloving, companionate, ever-available Godof which they spoke. God became to me afriend who was always there to help andlove me. I felt at home with Him.So, one could say that finding Unity was

a “coincidence,” because it really gave memy spiritual basis. But, I cannot leave out a

very important part of my spiritual educa-tion, and that was my brother Richard. Thewhole family felt that Richard was our spiritual “Columbus.” Like Columbus’ radical approach to a flat world, Richardwas always exploring alternative thoughtsand approaches to life. Every thing fromghosts to UFO’s to Eastern thought andChristian mysticism,Richard’s alternativethinking “fell on fer-tile ground” with me.As a matter of fact, ata very early age, he

was the one who showed me an alternativeapproach to the “bars” of my crib. Heshowed me that they could be thought ofas a Jungle Jim for ease of escape! That wasjust the beginning of his “direction.” With this kind of background, you can

probably guess that it was Richard thatbrought A Course in Miracles to the attention of our family. He actually foundan article about the Course in the first issueof New Realities magazine. It was that article that literally set our lives on the paththat would be my life work. That story, too,was a “coincidence.”

New Realities magazine ran the first national magazine article on the Course.

James Bolen was the editor of a magazinecalled Psychic. When he received the man-uscript of A Course in Miracles from JudithSkutch Whitson (president of the Founda-tion for Inner Peace, the original publishersof the Course) he was so touched by thismaterial that he begged Judy to allow himto run an article on the Course. Judy madeno decisions by herself about the directionof the Course and always asked that herprayer group (which consisted of HelenSchucman, scribe of the Course, Bill Thetford, co-scribe, and Ken Wapnick) joinwith her in asking the Holy Spirit what they

should do. The answer was clear but notsatisfying to Jim. Their guidance was thatthe Course was not to be associated withanything “psychic.” Jim was determined todo an article, so he asked if he could runan article if he changed the name andthrust of the magazine. The group askedagain and the answer was yes. So New Realities magazine was born with its premiere issue about A Course in Miracles.

Richard was a subscriber to Psychicmagazine, so when the first issue of NewRealities came to his mail box it seemedlike a “coincidence.” The articles and stories on the Course were riveting. Wewanted more and so we ordered thebooks, and that was it, we were hooked.

It was a series of “coincidences” thatbrought me to Southern California in 1978,with the Course as my constant compan-ion. With my background in theater arts

by Beverly Hutchinson McNeff

In celebration of the 35th Anniversary of the Center, throughout the next several issues wewill be sharing with you its journey. Even though the Center was founded by Beverly andRichard Hutchinson, it has developed a life of its own. These articles will share the Center’sbirth, growth, life and purpose as it continues to evolve and support students of A Course in Miracles.

L to R: Jerry Jampolsky, Beverly, Ken Wapnick, Carol Howe, Bill Thetford andRichard Hutchinson. San Diego, CA 1979

Jerry Jampolskyand Beverly

5

and broadcasting in Oregon, I set out totake Hollywood by storm. My first year inHollywood was fairly successful: I found anagent, became a member of the ScreenActors Guild, and did five television commercials for companies like LiptonSoups, Milton Bradley Toys and QuakerOats. This success, however, neverseemed to bring me quite as much joy asmy study of the Course.

Richard and I had started a study groupin Orange County at a local Unity churchwhere we studied with just a handful of interested people. At that time there wasvery little peripheral material on the Courseto help students study and very few storesactually carried the Course. So we beganordering cases of books for interested students, keeping track of and assemblinga list of study groups for people to joinwith, and I began sharing insights on thephone and in person with people about theapplication and understanding of theCourse.

Life was busy. Richard and I had ourown worldly work and then spent eveningsand weekends doing the work we werecommitted to do with the Course. Some-how, though, there was no question thatwe were supposed to do this work. Thefeeling we had seemed to be echoed in thelines from the Manual for Teachers in theCourse which says, “Forget not once thisjourney is begun the end is certain. Doubtalong the way will come and go and go tocome again. Yet is the ending sure. No onecan fail to do what God appointed him todo.” (M91/Epilogue) Of course there was doubtalong the way, but there was always a feeling that what we were doing was rightand needed. It was this feeling and not theworldly support or affirmation that kept usgoing, since most of the time there wasneither.One day, Richard walked into my office

as I was typing the last keystroke to a studygroup list. As he sat down mentioning thathe just ordered another case of Coursebooks, he chuckled to himself and said,“Ya’ know, we’re sort of like a miracle dis-tribution center!” I groaned in response tohis comment as I pulled the page from thetypewriter and thought nothing more of it.Two days later, Richard again walked intomy office and proudly laid business cardsdown on my desk that read: Miracle Distri-bution Center. I was stunned! “What a

dumb name!” I said. “Why did you dothat?”

“It’s what we do, so I thought we shouldmake it official,” he said with a grin.

Thinking back now I don’t know why Ijust didn’t say, “Let’s pick another name” —it is a long name to say and quite a mouth-full! Not to mention the confusion we havewith people thinking we are a food distribu-tion company, the Miracle Grow plant foodcompany or Miracle Ear hearing aids, to

name a few. But, for some reason whenRichard brought in those business cardswith that name on them, I felt it was done— as if a power greater than I had said,“This is it, now heal your perceptions andcarry out my plan!”

So in 1978, with “a little willingness”and a few “coincidences,” we began Miracle Distribution Center in heart, mindand action. The Center really had no form;we worked out of our homes, did meetingsat churches, and shared office space. Itwas apparent at that time that the form ofMDC was not the primary focus. It was thecontent of our work and the dedicationthat was the centerpiece of what we did.We only knew one thing: the Holy Spiritwas directing us to be of service and meet

the needs of those who were directed tous — how that looked was not our concern.

The sight of Christ is all there is to see.The song of Christ is all there is to hear.The hand of Christ is all there is to hold. There is no journey but to walk with Him.

(T510/T24.V.7:7)

I have always liked this thought, for itseems to sum up the purpose of our workand MDC. The Holy Spirit has proven to usthat His message can be seen beyond theeyes; His song can be heard beyond theears; and that His hand can be held beyond the physical. No body can containHis Spirit — nor can any physical center.Our purpose is to walk with Him and tohelp all our brothers on this path to do thesame. We all have a very important pur-pose, and He is ever guiding us.

In A Course in Miracles we read, “Whatcould you not accept, if you but knew thateverything that happens, all events, past,present and to come, are gently plannedby One Whose only purpose is yourgood?” (Workbook p. 255/L135.18) I think some-where in my mind and heart at the moment Richard laid those business cardsin front of me with the name Miracle Distribution Center on them, I must havefelt this, but I still wish the Holy Spirit couldhave picked another name!

Next issue . . .“What do we do now?”

Blast from the PastBlast from the PastGot a story about how the services of MDC have helped you? We’d love to hear it. You can even share a story aboutBeverly, if you want, as Pat Butcher in Nevada did...

houghts of you and when we first met so many years ago still appear in my mind. I love to share with others how the Course began with a miracle for me.

I attended a convention where you were presenting and MDC had a booth. Minutesafter I had purchased the books from you, I carelessly lost them. After frantically searching the other convention booths I had visited and not finding them, I came backto you hoping someone had turned them in. No one had and you kindly looked up atme and said, “Here, I want you to have another set.”Your gift to me has changed my life and means more to me now than ever before.Thank you so much, Beverly. You are simply amazing!!

T

To share your story during our anniversary year please use the enclosed envelope in thisissue or email it to us at: info@miraclecenter.org. Thank you!

TThhee wwhhoollee ffaammiillyy ffeelltt tthhaattRRiicchhaarrdd wwaass oouurr ssppiirriittuuaall

‘‘CCoolluummbbuuss’’..

•

•

by Jacob Glass

Jacob has been speaking on spirituality since 1987. He lectures weekly in Santa Barbara, San Diego and Palm Springs, California.

loser is He than breathing, andnearer than hands and feet.”

Alfred Tennyson

I know a shocking number of peoplewho have been on the spiritual path fortwenty years or more who are eitherstressed, anxious, worried, unhappy, resentful, materialistic, vain, frightened,dissatisfied, emotionally distraught, moody,angry or extremely negative. Some ofthese people have been on very seriouspaths, which may include practices such asdaily meditation, long meditation retreats,mantras, chanting, book studies, yoga,massage, empowerment seminars, workshops, cleanses and strict dietaryrules, sweat lodges, service work, musicalcelebrations, serious rules for behavior,and so much more. Obviously these arenot lazy people who are not trying. If personal effort were enough to guaranteesuccess on the spiritual path, there wouldbe so many enlightened people on theplanet, the world would have shifted intopure Light a long, long time ago.

Please don’t misunderstand me. All thispersonal effort can be very helpful indeed— it may even be necessary to some degree, particularly at the start of the jour-ney. But in the end, it all comes up short. It can amount to an awful lot of hard work,all in an effort to achieve something that is already here right now. And sometimes weare so involved in the searching that wedon’t see what is right in front of us.

Our personal efforts are good, but theywill only take us so far. We cannot earn thegift of Grace. How does one earn a gift? It is a gift. It requires nothing but the willingness to actually receive it — to let itin. And to let it in, we have to slow downand become receptive. Remember, a “get”mentality is not a receptive mentality. Toooften we are trying to “get” peace or blissor enlightenment or prosperity or love orhealing — and this very “getting” thought

“C and all our work to achieve it actually endsup blocking the shift in awareness thatwould show us that what we’ve been seeking is already here right now.

I once had an adorable terrier namedFannie. She was quite a nervous little dogand she would sit on my lap, her nose aninch from mine, looking at me with suchlonging and suffering, as if I were ten million miles away from her, denying hermy love. But I was right there, loving her,petting her, swaddling her in her blanket...but it was never enough and she was always straaaaaining to get so close to methat if I would have allowed it, she would

have crawled inside my mouth. The vettold me that she had extreme separationanxiety. She felt separate from me evenwhen she was sitting right on my lap. Andevery time I walked out the door to go tothe gym or to the store, she thought Iwould never come back and she becamehysterical... because her first owner haddied unexpectedly and “left her,” never toreturn. Therefore, she never trusted that I

would be there. Her extreme desire and effort actually blocked her from having thevery thing she wanted so much... becauseshe could never just relax and let go.

Sometimes our spiritual path does notbring us the peace and joy that it is meantto because we are still trying to WORK ourway into the kingdom. We are taking theold worldly values and way of DOINGthings into a thought system that is beyondthis world... and it simply falls short. Andlike Fannie, no matter how vigilant we are,if we are not relaxed and open enough, wecannot experience the Presence Whosearms swaddle us at this very moment. Andno matter how much that Presence givesto us, if we are frantically trying to earn andachieve, we miss experiencing the verything we’ve been trying to “get.” We do notwork or earn our way into a higher state ofConsciousness. The Consciousness ofGrace is not earned, it is more like we“catch” it as one might “catch” a cold. Aswe spend more time in awareness of theDivine Presence, our Consciousness islifted up through conscious contact withGod — not in order to get something, butsimply to marinate in the love, peace andjoy of that experience.

“You are at home in God, dreaming ofexile but perfectly capable of awakening toreality.” (T10.I:2)

6

““OOuurr ppeerrssoonnaall eeffffoorrttss aarreeggoooodd,, bbuutt tthheeyy wwii llll oonnllyy

ttaakkee uuss ssoo ffaarr..””

•

•

To Order 1-800-359-ACIM(2246) or at miraclecenter.orgPrice plus S&H. CA residents add sales tax

Starve a Bully, Feed a Champion by Jacob GlassJacob takes the reader through a gentle 101 day spiritual boot camp to guidethe mind away from the tormenting thoughts of the ego and toward the peaceful, joyous and loving thoughts which lead to freedom and peace of mind. You were not meant to merely survive, but to thrive!

$1900

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Practicing the Presence

Heal Your Mind, Heal Your Worldby Gerald Jampolsky, M.D. and Diane V. Cirincione, Ph.D.

Gerald Jampolsky, M.D. and Diane Cirincione, Ph.D., international lecturers and bestselling authors, share their insights and experiences inapplying the principles of A Course in Miracles in our world. Jerry and Diane’s books and other items are available at www.miraclecenter.org

“The Light has Come - I Am the Light of the World”

etter to my granddaughter, Jacquelyn, at 22 days old

A few weeks ago Diane and I were moving a number of old files from our storage area to our new office when one ofthe files fell to the floor. I opened the folderand discovered a letter to Jacquelyn 25years ago. My heart knows all miracles areequal in value, but this seemed like a giantmiracle to me. I know this was no accident,and that there must have been several angels hovering over me at the time of mydiscovery.

Diane and I read the letter. We had difficulty in reading it as the tears werefreely falling from both of our eyes. Theletter is as follows:

August 26, 1986

Dear Jacquelyn Amour Jampolsky:I write this letter to you the night after

I held you in my arms — as I am flying onan airplane to the Soviet Union to an international meeting on Children’s Peaceand Health Education.

I would like to try to share with you what went on in my heart as I held you. I have heard the word “bliss” many timesin my life — never knowing for sure whatthat word meant. But last night no onehad to tell me what that word meant, for I experienced in your presence, purebliss.

At 22 days old, you are a bundle ofpure light, love and joy. You are morethan just your body; to me you are a powerhouse of loving energy that filledmy heart, the room, and the world withlove.

The day I saw you I was running around taking care of last minute errandsbefore leaving on my journey. When Icame to see you I was still carrying some

L tensions of the day, and just being withyou rounded out any of the sharp cornersthat I was carrying within me.

Why should holding you have such aprofound effect on me? I think it was yourinnocence and your complete trust. It wasnot what you did; it was your Being — radiating all of creation’s love and lightthrough your tiny body. I was sure that nomatter what problem, what pain, what illness anyone had just by holding youand feeling your unconditional love theywould be healed.

I have never seen your mother and father happier as they played and talkedwith you. Oh, I forgot to mention I thinkthere is something very special aboutyours, and all babies’ smell. Perhaps it isthe reflection of all the newness and thefreshness of your Being, because to meyou were like a breath of fresh air — wiping out the past and reminding me thisis the only moment there is — a momentof, and for love.

Jacquelyn Amour, I want to thank youfor coming into this world and choosingto be an Angel of Light. I want to thankyou for the miracle of love you bring withyou to heal the earth and the entire universe. I am so grateful for your softness and gentleness, your innocenceand for your trust and for reminding methat everything I see in you is but a reflection of what is in me.

I do believe if all the grandparents of

the world would have the opportunity ofnot only holding their own grandchild, butholding infants from all the countries inthe world, there could never be a rational-ization or justification for war, or for hurting anyone ever again.

I want to also tell you a phone callcame in last night from a friend in the Eastwho wanted my help. I talked to her onthe phone lying down on the floor — andwhen I finished the phone call, your father put you on my chest while I wasstill lying on the floor. You cooed andwent to sleep with your face on my neck.Your mother and father said they hadnever seen me happier, and they wereright.

As we grow older, many of us (likeme) are tempted to forget who we areand what our purpose is. Please let me beyour witness so you may never doubt thepower of creation’s love and light that iswithin you — and always remember nothing, nothing can ever turn off thateternal light that is the essence of yourBeing.

May you continue to remind yourselfthat your presence here is to heal theplanet by letting your light and love shineon all your sisters and brothers, and on allliving things. May you continue to trustand have faith in the creative love force ofthe world and be always a messenger ofGod’s love by continuing to give your unconditional love to everyone, excludingno one; and may you continue to shareyour happiness and joy with the entireworld.

With boundless gratefulness and lovefor your Being,Grandpa Jampolsky

Jacquelyn graduated from the lawschool at the University of Colorado in

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MMaayy yyoouu ccoonnttiinnuuee ttoo rreemmiinndd yyoouurrsseellff tthhaatt yyoouurr

pprreesseennccee hheerree iiss ttoo hheeaall tthheeppllaanneett bbyy lleetttt iinngg yyoouurr ll iigghhttaanndd lloovvee sshhiinnee oonn aall ll yyoouurrssiisstteerrss aanndd bbrrootthheerrss,, aanndd

oonn aallll ll iivviinngg tthhiinnggss..

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Continued on page 15

Sacrificing SacrificeLessons in Light... Shifting our Perception of Lentby Beverly Hutchinson McNeff

s Lesson 323 in A Course in Miracles says, “I gladly make the‘sacrifice’ of fear.” If the idea of

releasing fear and sacrifice appeal to you,then perhaps we can use the traditionaltime of Lent as a way to do just that. TheCourse invites us to look with a new vision,guided by the Holy Spirit, to view the ideasof Christianity in a new light. Not one thatseparates us from each other, but one thatunites us in healing. Therefore, during thistime that leads up to Easter which is referred to as the Lenten season, we willoffer a series entitled: Lessons in Light.Why even deal with Lent, since the Coursedoes not speak about it? Well, it may notsay the word but it does address the concept that is the focus of Lent, and animportant one it is: sacrifice. So, as most inthe western world might approach thistime from the perspective of sacrifice, perhaps we can offer an alternative: light!

In the Course, light represents know-ledge or truth and can be radiated into thisworld. Just as the light of the sun causeslife to exist on this planet so does the lightwe radiate allow others to realize their truelife/purpose and thereby allow us to knowit as well. So, we symbolically allow ourlight to shine during this time of Lent sothe darkness and illusion of sacrificemaybe be shone away.

In the Christian tradition, Lent is a timeof fasting and penitence that begins withAsh Wednesday and continues until Easter.It is a time of sacrificing something wevalue, such as a certain type of food, a particular activity, etc., so that we might becloser to God, become more holy, and soon. In this scenario, God’s love is seen assomething we must bargain for, as theCourse says, “giving to get” (T58/T4.II.6:5),which is the central belief of the ego’sthought system. “When you associate giving with sacrifice, you give only becauseyou believe that you are somehow gettingsomething better, and can therefore do

without the thing you give.”(ibid)Under the Holy Spirit’s guidance there is

no sacrifice, for there is nothing to pay oratone for. We are God’s perfect children —heirs to His kingdom. In His presence, allpain is healed and all thought of loss is metwith peace. We are asked only to make the“sacrifice” of sacrifice (of suffering, sadness, anxiety, doubt, etc.) and to allowGod’s love and light to come streaminginto our awareness.

Therefore, let us use this time of Lent asa symbolic way of releasing the idea of sacrifice — a world of suffering and pain —

and to learn to live in the world while notbeing of the world. The Course says thattruth does not demand that we give up theworld, for that would appear as sacrifice ifwe still value it, nor does it advocate wecherish the world. It invites us to walk apath that is between these two, one thatleads away from loss, sacrifice and depriva-tion. To follow this path, we are asked tostep back and let Him lead the way. We areasked to think of Him a while each day, sothat He may speak to us and tell us of Hislimitless love and great trust. (paraphrase Lesson 155)

This is our dedication as we begin theseLessons in Light together, that we mayplace into God’s hands the pain, fear,worry, suffering, sickness and burdens oflife, so that we may awaken to the resur-rected child of God we truly are. As themythical bird, the Phoenix, arose out of theashes, we too dust off the years of sacrificeby affirming our desire to “step back and

let Him lead the way.”

Lessons in Light(The following lessons will be explored at MDC’sstudy group from Wednesday, February 13 throughMarch 27. We invite you to join us. These lessonsneed not be a substitute for your regular workbooklesson from the Course, but rather a supplement, ifyou so choose. The printed series is available online at www.miraclecenter.org.

1st Week of LightAsh Wednesday (February 13),Workbook Lesson 157:“Into His Presence would I enter now.”

This is our dedication, to enter intoGod’s presence and allow Him to lead theway. This awareness and willingness becomes a blessing that touches everyonewe meet, think of or who thinks of us. Itbecomes a vision that can truly transformthis world and assure us that peace andhealing are possible, for it is God’s will for us.

2nd Week of Light(February 20), Workbook Lesson 93: “Light and joy and peace abide in me.” “Salvation requires the acceptance of butone thought; — you are as God createdyou, not what you made of yourself. ...Your sinlessness is guaranteed by God.”We have forgotten our true identity andmade a self which contradicts God’s opinion. It is time for us to stop believing in a lie and join our will with God’s Will.This is our resurrection, our salvation andthe world’s.

3rd Week of Light(February 27),Workbook Lesson 46: “God is the Love in which I forgive.” “God does not forgive because He hasnever condemned,” but through His lovewe find the strength to look at the pains of

A

8

““JJuusstt aass tthhee lliigghhtt ooff tthhee ssuunnccaauusseess ll ii ffee ttoo eexxiisstt oonn tthhiiss

ppllaanneett ssoo ddooeess tthhee lliigghhtt wwee rraaddiiaattee aall llooww ootthheerrss ttoo

rreeaalliizzee tthheeiirr ttrruuee ll ii ffee//ppuurrppoossee aanndd tthheerreebbyy aall llooww

uuss ttoo kknnooww ii tt aass wweell ll ..””

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•

our lives and only see the calls for love.And as we recognize the “pains” for whatthey are, we recognize our innocence andthat of all our brothers.

4th Week of Light(March 6), Workbook Lesson 68 “Love holds no grievances.”“You who were created by Love like Itselfcan hold no grievances and know yourSelf.” Therefore if we are to know God’sgifts and help for us, we must be willing to“sacrifice” grievances. “Love holds nogrievances. I would awake to my Self bylaying all my grievances aside and waken-ing in Him.”

5th Week of Light(March 13),Workbook Lesson 34:“I could see peace instead of this.”“Peace of mind is clearly an internal matter.It must begin with your own thoughts, andthen extend outward. It is from your peaceof mind that a peaceful perception of theworld arises.” It is our choice to experiencepeace!

6th Week of Light(March 20),Workbook Lesson 47:“God is the strength in which I trust.”Our own strength has failed us, but God isour safety and strength in every circum-stance. “Use it [this thought] as your answer to any disturbance. Remember thatpeace is your right, because you are givingyour trust to the strength of God.”

7th Week of Light(March 27),Workbook Lesson 50:“I am sustained by the Love of God.”“Put not your faith in illusions. They will failyou. Put all your faith in the Love of Godwithin you; eternal, changeless and foreverunfailing. This is the answer to whateverconfronts you today.”

These lessons will be done as part of the Center’sweekly Wednesday night study group starting onFebruary 13, 2013. These meetings are recordedand available on cd or mp3 download. For information, call MDC at 1-800-359-2246.

9

“Thank you for the recorded study group meetings. I live for them each week!”

Ken in North Carolina

RReecceeiivvee aaFREE

CCDD oorr mmpp33 ooff oouurr mmeeeettiinnggss oorr ggoo

oonnlliinnee aanndd lliisstteenn ttoo aa mmeeeettiinngg..

Limited time offer

As an ongoing listener, you not only receive the weekly lessons, butyou have access to an online listener message board so you can

continue the conversation and develop a worldwide family of support.

When ordering monthly, each weekly meeting is only

$6.50 on CD or $5.00 on mp3! We can charge your credit card, or debit your checking account, automatically once a month.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ORDER, CALL OR GO ONLINE:

1-800-359-2246 or iinnffoo@@mmiirraacclleecceenntteerr..oorrgg

“The weekly study group recordingsare such a boost to my own journey.” Deb in New York

“The weekly recordings help keep me centered on what is truly real.”Judy in Illinois

Dealing with our day-to-day challenges and learning how to transform these issues using the power of the Course are two reasons why these recordings havebecome so popular. These meetings offer a “right where you live” approach.

If you would like to understand the Course and bring that meaning more practically into your life, we invite you to try a meeting or become an ongoing listener. As an ongoing listener you become part of our worldwide spiritual familyeach week through our recordings by CD or mp3... and you also have access to anonline listener message board so you can continue the conversation and develop aglobal family of support!

Meetings are lead by Beverly Hutchinson, the Center’ s founder and a 36-yearstudent of the Course, and tackle real life challenges using the healing power of theCourse. We look forward to welcoming you.

“Real chin-lifters!”“Real chin-lifters!” That’s how Elizabeth in OntarioCanada feels about the articles in THE HOLY ENCOUNTER.

Here’s what others say...

“I believe the work you do has done more to extend the blessings of the Course than any other, and I want to help you keep it going in my small way. I receive a blessing each time I read one of your [Beverly’s] articles or hear a recording.” — Graford in Dallas, TX

“Thought it was about time I let you know how grateful I am to receive THE HOLY

ENCOUNTER. It always brings a smile to my face when it arrives in my letter box. The insights are always relevant to what is happening in my life and I often share the stories with my friends and fellow students. Thank you all.” — Dawn in Australia

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We appreciate the many letters and comments we receive from our readers. It is gratifying to know that we are of service and are helping others on their spiritual

path. Please let us hear from you! Use the attached envelope to share yourthoughts as well as your tax-deductible donations towards our work. Thank you!

10

Translators GratitudeGathering

The Foundation for Inner Peace and the Foundation for A Course in Miracles presents a joining of the translators of the Course and shares this article for readers of THE HOLY ENCOUNTER..

The Course’s translators and their words

““TThheerree wwiillll bbee ttiimmeess wwhheenn II ggeett eennssllaavveedd bbyy tthhee wwoorrlldd’’ss rroouuttiinneess,, bbuutt II wwiillll rreemmeemmbbeerr tthhaatt iinn aallll ooff yyoouu II ffiinndd mmyyffrreeeeddoomm.. II wwiillll ddeelliivveerr tthhee hhaappppyy mmeessssaaggee ooff lloovvee tthhaatt II rreecceeiivveedd hheerree ttoo tthhee rreesstt ooff tthhee wwoorrlldd..””��

““II ffeelltt wwee wweerree iinnddeeeedd aa cclloossee ffaammiillyyooff lliikkee--mmiinnddeedd ttrraavveelleerrss,, ttrraannssllaattoorrssooff AA CCoouurrssee iinn MMiirraacclleess wwhhoo wweerreessttiillll ssttuuddeennttss..””

““MMeeeettiinngg ootthheerrss wwhhoohhaavvee hhaadd ssuucchh ssiimmiillaarreexxppeerriieenncceess uupplliifftteeddmmyy hheeaarrtt aanndd lleett mmeekknnooww II wwiillll nneevveerrffeeeell aalloonnee aaggaaiinn..””

A Course in Miracles is currently translated into twenty languages:Afrikaans, Bulgarian, Chinese, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, Finnish,

French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian,Russian, Slovene, Spanish and Swedish.

““II aamm rreeaallllyy hhaappppyy ttoo hhaavvee bbeeeenn ppaarrtt ooff tthhiiss mmeeeettiinnggtthhaatt ttooookk ppllaaccee tthhiiss ppaasstt wweeeekkeenndd aanndd II aamm llooookkiinngg ffoorrwwaarrdd ttoo ddoo mmyy ppaarrtt iinn GGoodd’’ss ppllaann ffoorr ssaallvvaattiioonn..””��

““AAtt ttiimmeess II ssttiillll sshhiivveerr iinn ffeeaarr,, aanndd bbeeccoommee ddeeffeennssiivvee..YYeett II ffeeeell tthhaatt iiff II rreemmeemmbbeerr aallll tthheessee wwaarrmm hheeaarrttss,, II ccoouulldd llaauugghh aatt hhooww ssiillllyy mmyy ffeeaarr rreeaallllyy iiss..””

11

T he two foundations (original publishers of the Course) sponsored a once-in-a-lifetime

event in October 2012, to honor thetranslators of A Course in Miracles.Twenty-two translators from various countries around the world gathered inTiburon, California. Many of these transla-tors had never met each other, while somehad not seen each other foryears.The purpose of this event

was to express our gratitudeand appreciation for their manyyears of dedicated work tobring the Course in their nativelanguages to their countries. Inthe past thirty years, they trans-lated the Course into twentylanguages: Afrikaans, Bulgarian,Chinese, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French,German, Hebrew, Italian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian,Slovene, Spanish and Swedish. We expectto publish Hungarian, Japanese and Koreantranslations in 2013.

Translator team leaders and team members had the opportunity to presentto the guests and other translators theirpersonal stories about discovering theCourse, being selected to translate, andstruggling to convey the English meaninginto a different culture. Translating the1275-page English Course is a dauntingprofessional challenge. From beginning topublication, at least four years are necessary. Several languages required overa decade, some even more. In some languages, words had to be invented toconvey the precise meaning used in theCourse!Both Foundations shared with the group

the impact that these translations have hadon the dissemination of Course concepts.A Course in Miracles can now be read by93% of the world’s population in over 80countries. Photographs from internationalstudy groups were shown from Scotland,the Netherlands, England, Canada, Tunisia,Korea, Spain, Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, Taiwan, Costa Rica, Germany, Greece,Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Russia, People’sRepublic of China, Pakistan, Portugal,Venezuela, Indonesia and Switzerland.

Dr. Ken Wapnick, who teaches eachtranslator the English meaning of the

life. One after another, each translatorechoed that insight with personal stories.

Through group and individual meetings,everyone began to sense the enormity oftheir achievement. New relationships wereformed and some were rekindled. The European translators will continue to meettogether once a year on their own. Someare planning a group trip to Israel. Certainlyfor many this gathering reinforced theircommitment to the Course and inspiredthem to expand their work in their owncountries.

As translators grow in their understand-ing and application of the Course, theyoften see the need for revisions of theirtranslation. As a result, a number of trans-lations are currently being revised. In addition, many of Ken Wapnick’s writingsare being translated. With God’s help, thework continues.

Course, and Dr. Bill (Whit) Whitson, who manages the work from first contact with atranslator to the published edition, addressed the group. Ken reminded everyone that a translation is only the firststep towards understanding and fully appreciating the power of the Course.Depth of understanding comes only fromthe struggle to practice the Course in daily

Ken and Whit

Order YoursToday

A Course in Miracles spends a greatdeal of time telling us of the value of happiness. The Course rarely talks abouthow the separation from our oneness inGod occurred other than to say that theimpossible could never really have happened. There is one place, however,where we do read, “Into eternity, where allwas one, there crept a tiny, mad idea atwhich the Son of God remembered not tolaugh.” (T27.VIII.6:2) At the moment we lost ourjoy and forgot that we had a choice as tohow we would react to the insanity of suffering, we forgot our reality. All is notlost, though. We are told in the Manual forTeachers that “the world will end in laugh-ter” for its purpose will be seen...our happiness will be valued.

There are so many passages in theCourse where we see the great value ofhappiness when it says, “Then realize thatyour part is to be happy. Only this is askedof you or anyone who wants to take hisplace among God’s messengers.” (L100) Inanother section we are a told, “In lightnessand in laughter is sin gone, because itsquaint absurdity is seen.” (L156)

It doesn’t take much to begin to seethat from the Course’s perspective, the seriousness we have ascribed to the worldis the real block to our salvation. We wantto blame our circumstances: job, money,possessions, family, health, society, politics, and a myriad of other idols wehave endowed, as the Course says, “withmagical powers” — powers that seem to beout of our control but we believe are

responsible to make us happy or not. There’s no lack of mentions in the

Course of the importance of our happinessand joy:

I share God’s will for happiness for me. (L102)God, being Love, is also happiness. (L103)My present happiness is all I see. (L290)A happy outcome to all things is sure. (L292)Forgiveness is the key to happiness. (L121)

As a matter of fact, happiness is men-tioned almost as many times as forgive-ness, so we can begin to gather that theyare synonymous from the Course’s perspective.

Most people who know me think of meas a pretty happy person. This perceptionhas made some think that I’m not a seriousor deep thinker, and, frankly, that doesn’tbother me much any longer. Jesus tells usour function is happiness and forgivenessis the key to happiness. So a happy personis one who has realized the value of forgiveness and done the work of allowingtheir grievances to be healed. I don’t seemuch in the Course about being a seriousor deep thinker. As a matter of fact, theCourse seems to tell us all our thinking andanalyzing is what is keeping us locked intothe lies of the ego and a future that will forever be chained to our past. As the Course counsels us, it’s time to

“Let it all go.” We can’t understand any-thing from our current perspective, and sowe need to open our minds and hearts to atruth that is in us, but not of us or theworld. This is antithetical to the world’s wayof thinking, but it is the start of miraclemindedness that the Course defines as“the decision to heal the separation by letting it go.” (T5.II.1:4)

Lesson 124, “Let me remember I amone with God” from the Course was recently featured in the Miracle PrayerMinistry here at the Center. It was such a

transformative lesson to embrace duringour prayer times. It is a lesson of thanks forour Identity in God that cannot be lost, butcan be ignored. Even when it is ignored,though, the power of this awareness quietly waits. It is not diminished by our diminishing thoughts, and when we turn toit we are given the strength to face what-ever the world puts forth.

As the Bible gives us Ten Command-ments by which to live, this lesson gives usthree commitments to practice so wemight begin to access God’s power in ourlives.

No doubt“Today we will not doubt His Love for

us, nor question His protection and Hiscare.” (ibid)

No fear“No meaningless anxieties can come

between our faith and our awareness of His Presence.” (ibid)

No separation“We are one with Him today in recogni-

tion and remembrance. We feel Him in ourhearts. Our minds contain His Thoughts;our eyes behold His loveliness in all welook upon. Today we see only the lovingand the lovable.” (ibid)

This lesson goes on to tell us the benefit of living a life in which these threecommitments are embraced. It says thatwhen our focus is to “see only the lovingand the lovable,” appearances of pain giveway to peace; the frantic, sad, distressed,lonely and afraid are restored to tranquilityand peace of mind in which they were created; and the dying and dead are restored to life. “All this we see becausewe say it first within ourselves.” (ibid)

We are told in the Course that thethoughts we hold within our minds arevery powerful and transformative for usand the world. As it says, “No miracle canever be denied to those who know thatthey are one with God. No thought oftheirs but has the power to heal all formsof suffering in anyone.” (ibid)

For us, however, this transformationtakes practice. We’re building our neuralpathways, if you will. Our son Jeffrey playsthe piano. As he is learning a new song,Paul (my husband/his dad) who is a musician is always emphasizing that Jeffrey

12

““WWee ccaann’’tt uunnddeerrssttaannddaannyytthhiinngg ffrroomm oouurr ccuurr--rreenntt ppeerrssppeeccttiivvee aanndd ssoo

wwee nneeeedd ttoo ooppeenn oouurrmmiinnddss aanndd hheeaarrttss ttoo aattrruutthh tthhaatt iiss iinn uuss,, bbuutt

nnoott ooff uuss oorr tthhee wwoorr lldd..””

•

•

Our color catalog is packed full ofNNEEWW offerings, old favorites,inspirational books, CDs, calendars & gifts!

Call 1-800-359-2246or go on-line miraclecenter.org

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1The Audacity of Happiness

thoughts part of our problem-solvingrepertoire that we turn to whenever we getin a fix. Turning to God, to a power greaterthan ourselves for help, we are immedi-ately answered. That is the definition of a miracle... a shift from the limited thinkingof fear to the limitless awareness of love.

“Today we will not doubtHis Love for us, nor question His protection and His care.”

No fearFear is insidious. It can grip us for no

reason and for plenty of seeming reasons.As the Course says, the opposite of love isfear, not hate, fear. Fear is the block to theawareness of God’s care and love for us. Itneeds to be clearly looked at and foundwanting.

In a new book entitled Proof of Heaven,a man experiences a near-death experi-ence and comes back from his encounterwith heaven with three basic truths. Theyare...

1) You are loved and cherished, dearly,forever.

2) You have nothing to fear.3) There is nothing you can do wrong.

This sounds so similar to the Course’smessage. We are told not to doubt God’slove, protection or care for us — it is eternal. We are told not to allow our fearsto come between our awareness of Hisconstant Presence. And we are told we are“His beloved Child in whom He is wellpleased.”

Imagine if we embraced these threetruths everyday not just for ourselves butfor everyone. Wouldn’t life take on a morepeaceful, relaxed, and happy perspectivebecause the great weight of fear and guiltwould be lifted?

get the tempos correct (even if he mightslow it down at first) as well as the notes. In any learning situation, the way we startto learn the task becomes a neural pathwayin the mind, so you don’t want to learn thenotes or tempos, at that critical time, incorrectly or it will be harder to relearn it.It’s not impossible, but it is harder.

That is much the same way as it is forus. We have developed a lot of “neuralpathways” based on the ego’s way of thinking, which has brought us much painand sadness. But we can begin again.That’s what a miracle does... it gives us anew start.

If we can see the benefit of embracingthis practice, then maybe we won’t sitthere in our sorrow saying it’s impossiblebut instead we find that it is possible be-cause it is not we, but the Christ within,that does the work.

These three commitments are worth theeffort because they are the truth and cannot fail to bring our lives a sense of joy,contentment, and purpose that the worldwill never supply. They simply are the truthand there is nothing opposite to them.With this in mind, time spent on thesecommitments is time well spent... so let’sspend some...

No doubtThe Course spends a great deal of time

telling us how much God loves and caresfor us, not because it’s trying to convinceus of this but because it simply is the truth.There is never a time when we are not protected, cared for, and loved. This is thetype of conviction we need to practice nowuntil it becomes the “neural pathway” inour minds and hearts.

As a child, I remember the cartoon“Felix the Cat.” If you’re old enough to re-member, the theme song to Felix said,“Whenever he gets in a fix, he reaches intohis bag of tricks.” In that magical bag, Felixwould find the answer to any problem. No matter how bigor complex the problem was, Felix couldreach into that little bag of tricks he carriedaround with him and pull out a ladder or anairplane — there was no limit to the answers that bag provided. This is the way we need to go to God

with our problems... realizing that there isno limit to His Answers for us. I think of itthe way the Course invites us to make its

“No meaningless anxietiescan come between our faith

and our awareness of His Presence.”

No separationWhat does “no separation” really mean?

This quote from Lesson 124 gives us somecontext:

“We are one with Him today in recogni-tion and remembrance. We feel Him in ourhearts. Our minds contain His Thoughts;our eyes behold His loveliness in all welook upon. Today we see only the lovingand the lovable.”

This idea counsels us to have a focuson our oneness with God — to realize thatour minds can only contain the thoughts ofGod since we are His Creation. When wedwell in fear or judgment, we are simplynot thinking — we sort of check out. Haveyou ever just “checked out” for a minute?When you bring yourself back, you’ve really done nothing wrong — you’ve justdone nothing. So the idea of a focus on“no separation” would be one where wecontinually bring our attention back to thetruth and when we find ourselves attractedby fearful and judgmental ideas (that“nothing thinking”), we are quicker to identify them and choose again (with thehelp of the Holy Spirit).

The above quote also addresses another concept that is illustrated in thebiblical passage where Jesus says thegreatest commandment is to love God andthat the second (commandment) is like thefirst: to love your brother as yourself. Be-holding the loving and lovable in eachother and all we look upon is the experi-ence of healing the separation — that’s howwe know we are one with God and how wefeel Him in our hearts.

With all that is going on in the world(and perhaps in your life) it seems almostimpossible at times to have this type offocus. There seems to be an endless stringof irritations or problems. The Course assures us, though, that peace is possiblehere... it “is simply a matter of motivation.”

And, perhaps physics. Einstein said,“Everything is energy and that’s all there isto it. Match the frequency of the reality youwant, and you cannot help but get that re-ality. It can be no other way. This is not phi-losophy. This is physics.”

Continued on page 14

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•

•““WWhheenneevveerr hhee

ggeettss iinn aa ff iixx,, hhee rreeaacchheess

iinnttoo hhiiss bbaagg ooff ttrriicckkss..””

To Order 1-800-359-ACIM(2246) or at miraclecenter.org

At first this quote can seem somewhat“magical” from the Course’s perspective. Ifwe want abundance, for example, we mightthink it’s about focusing on the acquisitionof things or hanging around with financially“successful” people. In one way, the universe is abundant and will match whatyou think you want, but as the Course isquick to remind us, we don’t really knowwhat we want. The most healing focus forus to have, therefore, is one that feeds ourdeepest need of peace, healing, and happiness. If we are at peace, we will experience abundance no matter what wehave or where we find ourselves. If healingis our goal, we will be extending that by ourmere presence, and by doing so we can’thelp but reap the benefits. If happiness isour goal, we will naturally forgive (sinceforgiveness is the key to happiness) and inso doing, open our awareness to the abundance of God that is in every holy encounter.

These three commitments (no doubt,no fear, no separation) give us a focus thatthe universe will not only match, but willtransform to a heaven on earth. And, it allbegins with you... and me... and everyone.

Happiness is so much more than asmile — although a smile is pretty powerful!Happiness embodies the practice of faith,love and unity, as well... that is the auda-ciousness of it. You have to be brave to livewithout doubt, without fear, and recogniz-ing your oneness with God. But we are notunsupported in this practice. As we read inthe Epilogue in the Workbook, “The end iscertain, and the means as well... You will betold exactly what God wills for you eachtime there is a choice to make... And so

world in peace, but attempts to change thenature of the world itself are not helpful.

If we row gently, even the rowing becomes part of our pleasure. But row wemust. Stress and tedium are not required —they actually hinder — but nothing worthhaving will come to anyone without con-centration. What makes most of our workso arid is the impossibility of the task weset before us. And this is also true of thework needed to be happy.

We insist that everything be done atonce, never to be undone. We think thatsomehow, with a casual reading of scrip-ture, with one good meditation, with theunderstanding of a few metaphysical concepts, or with the mastery of one ortwo spiritual practices, our life will trans-form and we will arrive. We actually believethere is a way it could happen in just thismanner. In short, we believe in magic. Sonaturally our first efforts leave us feelingtired and defeated, and soon we want nomore of it. And all because we expect toomuch of ourselves.

The world’s motto is “Do little and expect much,” whereas the key to genuineprogress is “Work hard but expect little.” It is in giving, not from giving, that we receive. Expectations merely delay because the focus of our effort is misplaced. We forget how hard and longwe have worked at being unhappy andhow painstakingly we have learned therules of misery. Reversing our course cango quickly, but still the undoing must bedone step by step.

moments had gone by, because it seemedlike time had been suspended. But, as themantra started to take hold, my panic subsided. In a fleeting instant, somethingdeep within me guided my foot to the nextstep. And then the next... and next... until Idescended back down the mountain tosafety. It was as if an angel had spread itswings and carried me home.

Just taking that little pause... “Peace, bestill!” activated something within me thatbrought my mind to a state of peace. I can’t explain it. In fact it was nothing that I did, but more akin to something I undid.The Course says: “The purpose of yourlearning is to enable you to bring the quietwith you, and to heal distress and turmoil.This is not done by avoiding them andseeking a haven of isolation for yourself.You will yet learn that peace is part of you,and requires only that you be there to embrace any situation in which you are.”(W.pg.80)

A king once asked his subjects to drawa picture of peace. The king narroweddown the pictures to two finalists. Onepainting was of a calm lake, with a clear skyand majestic mountains. The other was ofthe same setting, but the sky was black andstormy, and the lake rough and choppy. Ina small tree sat a bird in its nest.

The king decided that the stormy pic-ture best represented peace in his king-dom. The subjects were shocked. Theywondered how he could choose such afrightening picture to represent peace. Butthe king pointed out the bird sitting quietlyin its nest in the midst of the storm was thewinning painting and announced, “Peace isnot the absence of noise, trouble or hardwork. It is to be in the midst of those thingsand still be calm in your heart.”

When we encounter fearful situations,the Course encourages us: “Peace to mymind, let all my thoughts be still.” It says toquiet your mind so that you become awareof the peace that is with you already. Theanswer is always right in front of you, justas my next step to safety on that mountainwas right in front of me. Peace is always apart of you! All we need do is embrace anysituation in which we find ourselves. Andlet God do the rest.

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13The Audacity of Happiness

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1The Modest Work

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3Peace, be Still!we walk with Him from this time on, and

turn to Him for guidance and for peace andsure direction. Joy attends our way. For wego homeward to an open door which Godhas held unclosed to welcome us.”

the weekly lessons will also be listed.

�� “We trust that you will be supportedin your work and find this gift to be useful.” We want to thank David Bell seniorminister and the congregation at the Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth inAnn Arbor, Michigan for their donation toMDC. They set aside ten percent of theirSunday offerings in order to fund pro-grams that nourish them spiritually, eitherdirectly through programs or indirectly bygood works in the broader community. Wewere very honored by their support and,most importantly, by their belief in ourwork.

�� Save the Date: August 10-11, 2013!— Our annual International Conference on A Course in Miracles will take place in

Irvine, California on August 10th and 11th,2013. These conferences are always an inspiration. Mark your calendar and planon joining us! We look forward to seeingyou there!

�� New Internet Radio Show in Germany— A friend of the Center, Christoph Engen,has begun a new English radio show on theCourse. It’s Internet Radio, so you can listen from anywhere. Just go to:http://tinyurl.com/cqw3g4x

�� “Prayer doesn’t change God, itchanges us,” said Danish philosopherSoren Kierkegaard. If we are wonderingwhat we can do about all the challenges inthe world or perhaps in our own lives, thenlet’s begin by praying. We can do that aswe walk, during a phone conversation, inthe midst of a meeting or an argument. Wecan talk to God anytime in our minds and

reap the benefit of His wisdom and peace.Join us as we remember this truth andpower through the Miracle Prayer Ministryeach day at 4:30 PM (Pacific Time). We invite you to pause for a moment ofprayerful support for yourself, a loved oneand all those whose names and needs arein the prayer ministry as we behold God’shealing presence in all our lives. If youhave a prayer request, please send it to theCenter by post or email. Request your free,full-color bookmark today (see below)which lists all the thoughts in the prayerministry for 2013.Affirmations for:

January: “God goes with me wherever I go.” (L41)

February: “In quiet I receive God’s Wordtoday.” (L125)

March: “Love holds no grievances.” (L68)

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Request your free, full-color 2013bookmark today which lists all thethoughts in the prayer ministry &join us each day at 4:30 pm (PT)as we unite in a moment of prayer-ful support for one another.

15

Boulder and is working on her Ph.D. Shehas done amazing volunteer work in Braziland Ecuador and speaks Portuguese andSpanish. Her Light continues to shine everso brightly. A few weeks ago, Jacquelyn was home

for a weekend, and we were invited tobreakfast with Jacquelyn and her parents.I decided to read the letter to her, but

my tears prevented me from reading further. Diane suggested that Jacquelyncontinue to read my letter. Her tears prevented her from reading further. Her father, Greg, continued to read the entireletter, being interrupted several times byhis own tears.May we all remember when we look

into a baby’s innocent eyes that we arelooking into our own eyes which are always filled with innocence.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2What’s Happening

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7The Light has Come...

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The Law ofDivine Compensationby Marianne WilliamsonThe recent economic downturn had a major impact on millions of Americans in pragmatic terms -- jobs, homes, investments, retirement-- but it also affected us on a deeper level, leaving many anxious about their day-to-day lives and future prospects. In the wake of hardship and stuggle often comes a new path, even miracles. Marianne provides a unique perspective on our financial condition through the lens of A Course in Miracles, and reveals a path to abundance by way of a powerful spiritual principle.

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PAIDAnaheim CAPermit No 143

In This IssueBeverly explains"The Audacity of Happiness"

Jerry and Diane share a special letter

Jacob on"Practicing the Presence"

Paul says“Peace, Be Still”

A look back on 35 years of service

and much more!

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