A.R.E. Meeting for 12/17/12

Leader: Marsha
Reader: Marsha & Greg

Marsha read some excerpts out of the book "The Christmas Story" to get us all in a holiday mood. We went through last week's experiment, and then finished the chapter of "The Open Door." When we formally meet again (on Monday, January 7th), we will start the chapter "In His Presence." Don't forget that on Thursday, January 3rd, we will meet with Sylvia's SFG group at the house next to Unity Church (the house is called the Fillmore Center) at 1965 Mesa Road, at 6:30 pm. I will send a map in the next day or so.

The experiment for the week is voluntary, but if you want one, try this one while thinking of the spirit of Christmas:

To your mind, what are the qualities of the Christ Consciousness? Write them down. Select one from your list to focus on for a week. Then choose and write down one area of your life in which there is special need to manifest that quality. Keep a record of situations in which you are successful in your attempts to express it in that part of your life.

A.R.E. Meeting for 12/10/12

Leader: Marsha
Reader: Greg

We read two sections of "The Open Door," and stopped at the section titled "The Great Need for Service." That is where we will start next week. We also discussed meeting with Sylvia's Search for God group at a house next to Unity Church (Fillmore Center) on Thursday, January 3rd, at 6:30 pm.

We also talked about inspiring sermons, and I mentioned that my wife likes to watch Joel Osteen on Sunday mornings at 7 am on A&E (Comcast channel 30). Check your listings if you are so inclined.

The experiment for the week is:

Select and write down an area of your life in which you occasionally feel cheated (e.g., not getting the attention, love or money that you desire or think you deserve).

Experience an opening of the door as you begin to replace this attitude with one that affirms your oneness with the whole and your access to infinite supply. Write and use a short affirmation that you can say to yourself when this attitude of feeling cheated by life arises.

Example: I feel cheated by life because I have to do such trivial, boring work each day. Other people have exciting jobs, but I don't.

Affirmation: Wherever I am and whatever I'm doing, God can be glorified.

A.R.E. Meeting for 12/3/12

Leader: Marsha
Reader: Greg

We started the chapter on "The Open Door," and read two sections. Next week we will begin with the section "How to Open the Door."

The experiment for the week is:

Choose and write down something in your life that seems like a barrier to you (e.g., a problem in a relationship, a difficulty in meditation). Write down a constructive purpose which that barrier is serving (e.g., it is making me work hard on improving that relationship instead of taking it for granted; through this difficulty a particular positive quality is being awakened in me). During the week look for and respond to doorways that may open in that barrier. Do no expect the barrier or difficulty to suddenly disappear, but be attentive to the ways in which the Christ Spirit is speaking to you through this situation. Keep a record of your experiences.

Example:

Barrier: I don't seem to be getting anywhere in meditation.

Purpose the barrier serves: Helps me to awaken the qualities of patience and persistence within myself

Doorways: I became aware that what the Christ asks of me is to let go and let Him do the work in my meditations.