“Release the Old – Embrace the New” – by Rev Mykal Amaré

Releasing the old;

Cluttered attic creates a feeling of being under pressure; it’s hard to be optimistic about the future when there is so much stuff hanging over your head.

Basements are considered places of the subconscious, need to watch you step, so clean up the clutter.

Cluttered closets represent things that are hidden, unknown or unrecognized. When we have cluttered closets we stifle our ability to be intuitive and insightful.

Every bit of “stuff” we release creates space in your life for new insight, energy, joy, experiences and good to come in!

I suggest you look at this past year and see what is cluttering your life, whether it is physical, emotional or mental; thank it for being present in your life, for what it has given you and release it.

Embrace the new;

Exercise, sit still and contemplate on 2016 and what you would like to have more of, with no judgments or restrictions. Write three things down and post it somewhere visible throughout the year.

Embrace the Good that is coming into your life

“Your Good is Always at Hand” by Rev Mykal Amaré

Your Good is always at hand…clean out the old and make room for the new.
Release what is not working in your life, open to the limitless possibilities the universe has to offer you.

Say these words:
I know that I can make conscious use of the Divine Law of my being.
I know that this Law reacts immediately and creatively to my faith.
I know that when I speak this word for myself, there is a direct reaction toward me.
I know that when I speak it for others, there is direct reaction toward them.
There is no doubt or uncertainty in my consciousness.
I identify myself with the good I desire.
I have complete confidence that the Law of Good will respond to me by creating the object of this desire.
I have a quiet contentment and inner sense peace.
I have an enthusiastic sense of well-being.
I know that all the power there is, is for me; therefore, I put on the whole armor of faith.
I am free Spirit I am perfect Life
I am in conscious union with the God who is right where I am.

“This Thing Called You” page 70

“Settling or Joy…the Choice is Yours” by Rev Mykal J. Amaré

What do you want in your life?

The first thing that you need to do is recognize what it is you want to do with your life. The thing is, many times we know what we don’t want to do, but narrowing it down to what we really want to do with our lives can be a bit of a challenge. We have this secret desire deep within us, something that would make our hearts sing, lift us up to a great consciousness and give that great feeling of fulfillment, but we come up with these excuses like I can’t do that, I don’t have this, I don’t have that, I’m too old and on and on!

I know this because I experience these thoughts and feelings now and then. While building my/our ministry I want to add some more income to our lives. In a discussion yesterday, with a person I highly respect, the question came up…”What do you want to do?” At this juncture in my life when looking for employment I decided that I want to do something that I will enjoy, that will feed those I am working with and be a positive force in the universe. I don’t want to settle just for the money, I want a fulfilling experience.

Now is the time I take charge of the direction in my life. Here is where I relax into the Faith of God. Being still and listening to the still small voice within…the answer is there, the answers are always within me/us. We/I just need to brush away all the cobwebs that cloud our/my vision; we/I need to become crystal clear on what we/I want to do with our/my lives.

I invite you to become clear on what it is you want to do with your life. Don’t settle for something that does not feed you or make your heart sing. Life is too short to settle! What we do should be rich, fulfilling and feed All concerned. This world would be a much happier, healthier place for everyone if everyone was doing what they enjoy.

Release all the buts, what ifs and the I cants!
FIND WHAT YOU LOVE TO DO AND DO IT…

“Where is the Love” by Rev Mykal J. Amaré

“Where is the Love?”

Here are three reasons I love the man called Jesus:

1. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

2. “Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

3. “There is only one love that loves unconditionally – the love of the Divine.”

Love is how we are connected. Why is that we do not show love for our fellow human beings. We judge, criticize and condemn each other because we are different from each other, instead of embracing our differences.

I see humanity as one big chain and each link, (which represents each of us), is golden and it radiates love.

We were/are created in the divine love that God is, that we are!

I know that God/Love lives within each of us. Sometimes it is extremely hard to see that in people whose actions don’t express love or compassion for others.

For example, when they found Saddam Hussein hiding in a hole, I cried. No not out of sympathy, really, but out of sadness, yes, sadness. I found it very sad to see this expression of the Divine hiding in a hole in the ground looking like looking like crap. Here is a man who was created in love from love and yet here he was hiding out in this hole. He ended up here because of his choices in life. At this point he may not have been able to see the love that dwells within.
We have the choice whether to be the love we want to see in the world or to end up in a hole, sad and humiliated hoping nobody will find us.

One of my deepest beliefs is that we are here to learn and to love, but most of all we are here to learn to love. Love on the deepest level, unconditionally!

It is easy to love those we like or agree with however it isn’t quite as easy to love those we disagree
with or our enemies.

I implore you to BE the Love that you were sent here to be. Be that love that you want to see in the world!

“What is Important to You” by Rev Mykal J. Amaré

I have had many “Past Life Experiences” in my 64 years on this earth. Each one has a way of changing my perspective on life.

My most recent event, a heart attack in February, has made me actually look deeper at life tough a different lens. I had to ask two questions.

First question, “What is really important in my life?”
So many times in life we allow ourselves to focus in the trivial things in our day-to-day life. Many of these things set us into a tailspin and we allow them to take control of our emotions and we lose focus on the things that are really important in life.

One extremely important thing to me is my relationship with God, Spirit, Universe or Higher Power (whatever you choose to call it). This relationship has guided me throughout my life. When I discovered Religious Science my life changed dramatically. It allowed me to go deeper into my own beliefs and actually discover what I do believe.

I would to invite you to find a community where you can feel welcome and supported. This would be a place where you belong, a place where you can be the person that you were meant to be.

Second question, “Who are the people that are important in my life are?”
When we allow little things get to us we also lose focus on the people that are important in our lives. We must never forget these people and the importance they play in our lives. Family is very important to me. It all depends on what you define as “family”. I am grateful that we can choose or “family” after we leave our birth homes. One great thing about this life is CHOICE. We get to choose people that we connect with and support us no matter what.

Life is so short and we allow other things to get in the way. We assume that they or we will always be around. This is not the truth, as I know all to well. I have lost people in my life and just two months ago I almost lost my life through having a heart attack. This event was one of a magnitude that made me ask these two questions and appreciate my life.

Don’t wait to long or until some events thrusts you a position where you regret not asking yourself these very important questions.

“Walking Meditation” written by Rev Mykal Amaré

A walking meditation is easy to practice; it enhances physical, mental and spiritual well-being. It is especially effective for those who find it difficult to sit still for long periods of time. Some people enjoy practicing in a beautiful outdoor setting, like a park. Others prefer to practice indoors, due to poor weather, or desire for privacy.

When practicing a walking meditation, walk in silence, both internal and external.

Be mindful of your walking, noticing each step you take. Walk slowly, with small, deliberate, poised, graceful footsteps. As you move in such conscious, thoughtful, and graceful motion, you may imagine each of your footprints leaves an impression of whatever you wish to place into the universe. For example, each step may release peace, love and/or joy.

Notice the beauty of your surroundings, both externally and internally. Notice every cell in your body seeming to smile.

I personally enjoy walking in nature, usually near a body of water. One of the most powerful experiences I had happened during a walking meditation when I went to Green Lake. (Green Lake is in North Seattle, with an almost 3 miles wheeled and a walking path that goes around the lake.) I formed the intention to look into the eyes of as many people as I could while I walked around the lake.

What I saw amazed me. I saw the God/Love/Life within each person that looked back at me. No words were necessary; we spoke through the eyes, the eyes of love, and the eyes of understanding. As I looked at each person, amazing things would happen: a smile would appear on their face, a look of interest or even surprise. It felt to me that people experienced surprised when someone sought eye contact to look at them with a longing to open for the truth behind their eyes.

I invite you to step out and try a walking meditation, go to a park, a mall or even your own neighborhood and see what comes from this purposeful exercise. Enjoy!

“The Spiritual Practice of Study” written by Rev Mykal Amaré

The Spiritual Practice of Study is a never ending journey into the Truth of Self. Where have we come from? Where are we going? Why are we here? Life itself affords us the opportunity to play in the infinite lab of all possibilities. In study we explore these questions and expand our conscious understanding of what Life is and how we choose to live it.

The Spiritual Practice of Study can happen in different ways and forms. For instance reading materials of a spiritual nature such as, the bible, yes I did say the bible; there are many different versions of the bible and many things that can inspire you spiritually from the bible.

Also there is the Torah, the Koran, the Bhagavad Gita and many more form all the religions of the world. Just because you practice one religion or are on a defined spiritual path does not stop you from expanding your mind by reading these other books, such as The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success: A Practical Guide to the Fulfillment of Your Dreams by Deepak Chopra, Remember, Be Here Now by Ram Dass, or A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose by Eckhart Tolle. There hundreds of books that feed your spirit and expand your mind.

With technology today you can listen to books and lectures on your way to work or even while you are at work. Anything that expands your mind and opens it up to other ways of thinking can be spiritual.

Listening to a broad range of books, whether fact, fiction, magical such as the Harry Potter series, healing and plethora of audio books out the can move you from stress and anxiety to calm and peace.

There are also many videos out for your viewing either by rental or at your local libraries.

I invite you to seek out books related to other religions and cultures. By studying other religions and culture you will have a better understanding of their traditions and beliefs. Really once you get to that understanding you might realize that they are not so different from you and your beliefs. You will be amazed what you will find and how your mind and heart will be expanded.

“The Spiritual Practice of Service” written by Rev Mykal Amaré

“First, know that who you are matters!”

Sometimes we get caught up in the busy “doingness” of life. We then can forget that who we are is our gift to ourselves and others. Intentional acts of service bring richness to one’s self and to those with whom we serve. In service we assist each other in deepening our sense of community and interdependence. Service opportunities allow us to co-create.

“Everybody can be great because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve…. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

I believe that the Spiritual Practice of Service is not just the act of volunteering wherever there is a need for things to be done. Instead, it is giving of your time and talents to serve those in your community and doing with love and joy, whether it is your spiritual community or your community at large.

The Spiritual Practice of Service is a spiritual practice because it is a powerful way to express love. Service gives everyone more time, more vitality and a sense of wellbeing. The real reason we do it because it is who we are: generous, loving presence of the Divine as us and it is our nature to serve and assist others.

The Spiritual Practice of Service to others is a way to serve the community and ourselves by connecting with others in a fun loving and meaningful way. Just as there is a diversity of people in your community, there are many ways to put your unique skills, talents, and interests to use in a way that will reveal love and celebrate life with your spiritual community and to the world at large.

“When a person’s thought rests entirely upon themselves, they become abnormal and unhappy; but when they give themselves with enthusiasm to any legitimate purpose, losing themselves in the thing they are doing, they become normal and happy. Only as much life enters into us as we can conceive, and we can conceive of life – in the larger sense – only when there is complete abandonment to it. Let the one who is sad, depressed, or unhappy find some altruistic purpose into which they may pour their whole being and they will find a new inflow of life that they have never dreamed.” ~Ernest Holmes

“The Spiritual Practice of Giving” written by Rev Mykal Amaré

Only by being a gracious receiver can we be a gracious giver!

“Freely ye have received, freely give.”
The Spiritual Practice of giving is an important key to Life. For in giving we open ourselves to receive a greater good, to reveal within the Infinite Abundance that is God. As Ernest Holmes’ states, “It is only as we allow the Divine current to flow through us on and out, that we really express life.”

It is suggested we practice giving of our time, talent and treasure. Just what does that mean?

We give of our time; we can volunteer at churches, schools, soup kitchens and at countless other places where hands are needed to give service to others. No matter if it is one hour a week or month our time is valuable, it is a priceless gift when it comes to giving to others. Most of us think that our time is based on a dollar value but when we give our time to others there is a different value set on it, the value of love and selfless giving to another person or group. We will never really know the true value of such giving.

We give of our talent; we are all gifted individuals, all bearing unique gifts. Sometimes we do credit ourselves to having valuable gifts that others can benefit from. Look at what things you do best, how can you share that with others. What are the things that you do that you find great joy in? Someone can use your talent no matter how insignificant you might think it is, offer your talents and see what joy you can bring to another. And in giving that talent you receive.

We give our treasure; when we tithe, we give ten percent of our gross income. However there are times in our lives where our financial situations do not permit us to give the ten percent. So we give of what we can, a gift coming from the heart is as valuable as one who gives from their wealth. Giving of treasure is part of the Law of Circulation. By practicing the Law of Circulation we grow into alignment with our true nature and our thoughts of survival are replaced by thoughts of Prosperity. We can then live lives that express the Prosperity inherent within each of us.

We live in a reciprocal universe, for what we give will come back to us tenfold.

“Love the Being You Are” written by Rev Mykal Amaré

What are we talking about when we say ‘love’.
Webster has many definitions of love; such as a strong affection for another, attraction based on sexual desire, warm attachment, enthusiasm, or devotion.

There are millions of songs written about Love, My favorite song these days is by Josh Groban, “You are Loved (don’t give up).

There have been countless studies on what is the greatest need for people and that seems to be the need to be loved and accepted.

The Love I am speaking of is that “Ultimate Love”. That love that goes beyond the physical. It is the love that permeates every cell of your body. That “Agape Love” “The self-sacrificing love of God for all humanity…ALL humanity, not just a chosen few.

So what is the nature of love? Here is one definition; it is from a reading written by Dr. Robert Jaffe:
“This is the true nature of love. It is beyond the heart and the soul, and lives within the reality of God. This love is from where the peace that surpasses all understanding emanates back to God through the heart and the true love.”

The Bible references love in many places, a couple of these quotes are, “God so loved the world that he gave…” and is still giving. And Jesus said that “We are to love our neighbor as ourselves”. My interpretation is that Jesus was all about Love.

In Religious Science we declare God is Love!!!

Ernest Holmes speaks of love in one of his writing “The Only Reality” he says of Love…
Love is a synonym for God; and God is love, the universal outpouring of the Spirit through law, wisdom, life and action. God knows us in love: we know God only through love. When we love humanity we are loving God, in and through others. It is impossible to enter a state of peace without love. Love is the only reality there is.

So then is God is Love and we are each the individualized expressions of God then aren’t we also that Love that God is, Yes!!! I have this image of love being like a golden thread and this golden thread is woven in around and through all of life, connecting each of us to the other. I believe that we are all connected with this love, which is God and as it is woven in and through me it then moves on to the next person and to the next and out to each person in the universe.

We each are that expression of God, individualized yet connected. So does God have any favorites, I think not. God is expressing through each of us so how could God have any favorites. I am a firm believer that we are conceived with that Good-God within us and I believe that we leave this world with that same Good-God. I also believe that there is even Good-God-Love with in what we might conceive as the worst of us.

I don’t believe that Good ever leaves us, no matter what the appearance.