Saturday, April 30, 2011

Time

One third of 2011 has just passed.  How have you spent this year?
What have you remembered, realized, achieved or accomplished?
Does it really matter?
Is it possible that rather than marking time, we could be enjoying now?

This moment is where the possibility really is.
This is the healing, helping and holy moment.
This is the time we have to fully enjoy what is.
This is the essence of life, right here and now, in the fullness of Love.

We have spent the last few days are the Reunion Lake House Retreat.
This is a place to rest and renew.
This is a beautiful space in which to take the time to behold the natural beauty.
This is a sacred environment in which we vision, pray, create and realign ourselves.

This is every place and each moment in space and time.
We have simply defined this home to be sacred and designed it to be beautiful.
We have chosen to designate this as a place of rest and renewal.
Therefore, it is what we have chosen.

What is your choice?
What is your home for you?
How are you designing and defining your life and your environment?
It is time for you to give yourself what you truly desire?

Can you choose to use this moment to redefine and redesign what you really want?
Are you willing to fully appreciate and enjoy what you have?
Are you open to forgive and correct any errors in your creations?
Are you willing to choose again and do the work to give yourself the best?

What I am suggesting does not cost money?
The cost of giving to yourself the best is receiving the best for yourself.
The cost of giving yourself the choice of what you want is receiving what you have chosen.
The cost of taking the time to choose is to receive the time to appreciate your choices.

Are you not worth the time?
Is your life worth the effort?
Are you willing and able to make choices?
Are you open to receiving what is inspiring, beautiful and good for you.

This day can be a day of rest and renewal in Goodness and Love.
This moment can be a moment of conscious choice and realization.
This time in life can be a time of freedom and enjoyment.
This lifetime can be a lifetime of awakening to the Creative Power that You Are.

Let us use and enjoy our time wisely, with balance, creativity and gratitude.
Betty Lue


May 2011 Schedule for Betty Lue and Robert

Serving Through Reunion and Unity
5/1  Sun  Silent Meditation Service 9-9:30AM

5/1  Sun   Rev. Robert: “The Power of God” 10-11 Unity
5/1  Sun   Workshop-Conscious Finances & Spiritual Prosperity 11:30-1PM  
Highly recommended!
5/2  Mon I AM Presence Meditation/Affirmation, 12 noon
5/2  Mon  Practical Spirituality: “Living or Dying?”  12:30-1:50PM Unity

5/3 Tues   Miracles and Mindfulness, 12:30-2PM PH5/3 Tues   Inspired Living 7-8:30PM  PH
5/4 Wed   Relationship Coaching Circle, 7-8:30PM PH



5/8  Sun   Silent Meditation Service: 9-9:30AM
5/8  Sun   Rev. Betty Lue: Nourish and Nurture What You Value” 10-11 Unity
5/8  Sun  Mother’s Day Potluck: Bring food and photo, 11:30-1PM
5/9  Mon I AM Presence Meditation/Affirmation, 12 noon
5/9  Mon  Practical Spirituality: “Life Cycles” 12:30-2PM Unity



5/15 Sun  Silent Meditation Service, 9-9;30AM Unity
5/15 Sun  Rev. Robert: “Assert Your Self, 10AM Unity
5/15 Sun  Unity Spiritual Advisory Team, 11:30-1PM

5/16 Mon  I AM Presence Meditation/Affirmation, 12 noon
5/16 Mon  Practical Spirituality “Death as Choice” 12:30-2PM Unity
5/17 Tues  Miracles and Mindfulness, 12:30-2PM PH
5/17 Tues  Honorable Closure 7-8:30PM  PH
5/18 Wed  Relationship Coaching Circle, 7-8:30PM PH


5/22  Sun  Silent Meditation Service, 9-9;30AM Unity
5/22  Sun  Rev. Betty Lue: “Live Abundantly” 10AM Unity

5/23 Mon  I AM Presence Mediation/Affirmation, 12 noon
5/23 Mon Practical Spirituality: No Death  12:30-2PM Unity
5/29  Sun Silent 
Meditation Service, 9-9;30AM Unity
5/29  Sun  Rev. Leslie “Remember 10AM Unity   

Holiday: No classes


6/5  Sun  Silent Meditation Service 9-9:30AM
6/5  Sun  Rev. Robert: “Conceive and Achieve, 10AM 
6/5  Sun   Workshop: Spiritual Power Tools 11:30-1PM Highly recommended!
6/6  Mon  I AM Presence Mediation/Affirmation, 12 noon
6/6  Mon Practical Spirituality 12:30-2PM Unity
6/7 Tues  Miracles and Mindfulness, 12:30-2PM PH
6/7 Tues  Relating and Creating : Awaken and Vision Class 7-8:30PM  PH  (combining tues and wed classes for summer)

Locations:

Reunion Center, 3496 Buskirk Ave Suite 103, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 
Unity Center for Inspired Living, 50 Sand Creek Rd., Suite 140, Brentwood, 94513 
Reunion Lake House/Hermitage, 17664 Greenridge Rd, Hidden Valley Lake, Ca 95467
Reunion Ministries, 7 Oak Brook Place, Pleasant Hill, Ca 94523 (New Reunion Mailing Address)


For coaching and counseling or spiritual direction:
Pleasant Hill hours. Tuesdays  and Wednesdays. 

Brentwood Hours, Sundays and Mondays


Phone coaching and to arrange appointments.
(By Appointment.) 800-919-2392

Friday, April 29, 2011

Faith Works Wonders!

To whatever degree you believe, you will see and manifest what is believed.
Where we have doubts, we dilute the possibility for success.
Where we let fear enter (inter-fear), we sabotage our faith.
Where we second-guess ourselves and others, we leak the energy for fulfillment.

When we wholeheartedly believe, we will achieve what we conceive.
Beliefs are best recognized by what we live, including our thoughts, words and actions.
Faith is filled with certainty in thought, speech and action.
Some tell us to “act as if”, but faith is truly living what we believe every moment.

Our minds are weak and lack exercise.
We fail to exorcise those limiting and negating beliefs from our subconscious mind.
When we allow past memories, other’s negative stories and our fears to infiltrate our thinking, we fail.
When we forgive, erase, delete and deny the negatives to have a place in our thoughts, we succeed.

It requires discipline to activate our conscious and super conscious minds.
It requires constant exercising of faith principles and new thought repetition.
Affirmation, prayer, meditation, inspired readings and gratitude all encourage developing mental strength.
Forgiveness, denial, elimination of negative images, media and stuff that weakens us, is essential.

Believe as a child in the Good for you in health, finances and relationships.
By our faith, we can achieve miracles and manifest fulfillment in all ways.
In a faith-filled practice….whatever resonates with you…you discover lasting happiness and inner peace.
When we know we are created to create the Good, the Beautiful and the Holy, we follow inner vision.

There is no lack when we believe.
There is no belittling of Self when we have faith.
There is no limitation when we realize Who We Are.
Life is fun, safe and easy when we remember the creative Power within.

So let us each begin Now to transform ourselves, our environment, our relationships and our world.
Life is open for our choosing what will be.
So allow yourself to relinquish all condemnation and fear and choose again for creating this day.
Life is an opportunity to heal, to create, to grow and to enjoy the fruits of our labor.

Working today and everyday to have faith.
Betty Lue, the “True Believer”

Thursday, April 28, 2011

What’s Wrong with our World?

What Can We Do About It?

Do we encourage change or fear it?
Do we seek to improve what is or avoid and deny it?
Do we think “out of the box” or tolerate what is in place?
Do we seek the best solution or settle for what is comfortable?

Every wrong is asking for a better way.
Every mistake asks for correction.
Every hurt is calling for help.
Every question invites honest answers.

Every criticism calls for respectful and neutral response.
“Thank you for caring and sharing your opinions with me.”
Critics are always talking about themselves.
Criticism needs no defense.
Blame is guilt projected outward denying our own responsibility and call for self correction.

Words of fear call for kind reassurance.
Words of anger call for listen for how to be truly helpful.
Words of hurt call for healing forgiveness.
Words of resentment are a request for making amends.

Example:
My world perspective is that people have become disrespectful, irresponsible and self-serving.
This world view is calling me to increase my level of respect with thoughts, words and deeds.
My perspective is inviting me to forgive my judgments and separation and be the change I want to see.
This “complaint” is inviting me to action, to demonstrate and live what I value.

Therefore I am choosing to respect myself, my ideas, gifts and contributions more.
I am choosing to be fully responsible for the world I see as well as my own piece of humanity.
I am choosing to make the changes within and with others that will demonstrate my value for respect, responsibility and cooperation.
I am choosing to be a team player and listen to others positive ideas and encourage their implementation.
I am choosing to clean up every part of the world I see in my own home and work place, on the street, in public bathrooms and wherever I perceive help is needed.
I am choosing to speak up when I see the need to be helpful or make some improvement or correction.
I am choosing to fully appreciate those who take responsibility for quality service and communication.
I am choosing to express my gratitude and respect for those who actively seek to improve their relationships with respectful communication and conscious cooperation.
I am choosing to be a role model for all those around me.
I am choosing to take the best care I am able for all I have and all I give and all I do.

I know each one of us can be the change we want to see.
I know every one has a piece of healing the whole world.
I know we all hold a part of the greater Good for the Good of All.
I know we can: we need only to be happily willing.

And this is Good,
Betty Lue

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Are You Willing?

Are you willing to change what is not working?
Are you willing to stop deceiving yourself?
Are you willing to cease avoiding what calls for attention?
Are you willing to take full responsibility for your predicaments?

Are you willing to handle your fear and resistance?
Are you willing to face your mistaken choices with correction?
Are you willing to change your mental stuckness and stubbornness?
Are you willing to be flexible, creative and trusting the voice within?

“We are our own worst enemy.”
Maybe we are our only enemy?
Is it possible we hold the key that will set us free to be happy, healthy and fulfilled?
Perhaps with a little willingness, we can simple forgive yesterday and choose again today.

In my coaching and counseling, I find over and over, the answer lies within the individual:
A simple change of mind, a willingness to listen to our authentic self and to live our highest Truth.
Most people seem to read and practice specific temporary and ineffective remedies for petty problems.
Many people try over and over to do the same thing with ever increasing energy to get the same result.

People blame their own inadequacy or faulty thinking on another.
Parents blame their children for behaviors they model and accept.
Bosses demand their employees improve performance rather than examine their own failings.
Politicians blame other politicians for what they themselves do and say.

Wherever there is blame and criticism, the critic is always talking about themselves.
Wherever there is upset, we are always identifying our own issue and “off purposeness”.
Wherever there is need, we are demonstrating our area of self denial.
Wherever there is unwillingness, we are choosing to be irresponsible.

Problems approached with full response-ability are resolved immediately and permanently.
Problems approached with blame, criticism and causing guilt will continue, often endlessly.
Problems in relationships may change form, but the underlying issue remains.
Problems within ourselves may display themselves differently, but the basic misunderstanding continues.

It may take another neutral and compassionate person to hold a mirror for us to see.
It may take a series of ever-increasing wakeup calls to get the message.
It may require that we lose everything we value to realize it is all our call to choose again.
It may be that the world we see represents our unwillingness to be wholly responsible.

Be the change you want to see in every moment.
Be the one who gives forgiveness where there is attack and blame.
Be the one who remembers to appreciate when others have forgotten.
Be the one who gives what is needed rather than withholding with resentment for past neglect.

Be the one who responds to conflict with peaceful solutions.
Be the one who is quiet when others choose to argue and promote power and manipulation.
Be the one who listens within and offers inspiration and information.
Be the one who offers silent prayer and love in the midst of hurt and wounded egos.

Be the one who remembers You are the One.
You do make the difference.
You are creating the world you see and the experiences your have.
Be willing to be the One.

Loving you, Betty Lue

You are responsible for your own happiness and inner peace.

Where we are upset (angry, hurt, afraid, judgmental), our past wounds (unhealed stuff) has been triggered.
This shows us where we have work to do.

The usual relationship habit is to try to “fix” the other person, to get them to change or stop saying or doing what has upset us. This makes the other feel “wrong” and guilty and hurt and angry and inadequate.
This only exaggerates the problem.
It is ineffective over the long term.


The real work is to heal our own woundedness, to clear our own buttons and heal our history and forgive allowing anything or anyone to hurt us.
When we have done our work, we can be truly effective, helpful and teach by example.


This is a big job.
It cannot be done overnight, but takes constant practice.
We must first take good care of ourselves mentally, physically, and spiritually.
Being conscious and taking impeccable care of ourselves is essential to quality relationships.

Begin now with learning to love, respect, trust and appreciate yourself.
The more you love, trust, respect and appreciate yourself, the more others will love, trust, respect and appreciate you.
The more you love, respect, trust and appreciate yourself, the more others will do the same for themselves and  for others.

You are the living example, the teacher, with everything you think, say and do.


Ten Commandments of Relationships 
With mates, partners, friends, children, co-workers, etc.

Keep your agreements faithfully.
(Communicate changes honestly and immediately.)

Give more than you expect to receive. Do more than your “fair” share.

Receive everything with open appreciation.Express your thanks sincerely and take nothing for granted.

Live your own life in integrity and on purpose.Clarify, communicate and live your mission, your path, your principles and values.

Be responsible for yourself, your work and live your life impeccably. Don’t expect others to pick up after you or take care of you.

Stop using, blame, criticism or guilt to control or manipulate.
Stop making demands, threats or using neediness to get your way.

Communicate effectively and respectfully.Request a time and place and tone of voice that works for both parties.

Be your best self in all circumstances.Focus always on teaching by example. (and apologize immediately when you forget or neglect.)

Use your time together wisely.Focus on meaningful, positive and inspiring conversation and activities.

Spend time, money, energy and resources only on what you value and want to increase.Waste nothing in your relationship.  No arguing, pettiness, emotional dumping or negativity.

*************************************************************************
There are many more agreements which I encourage you and your partner to write together.
I encourage all parties to take time to re-evaluate your agreements monthly or on a regular basis.
As circumstances change, there is a need to re-commit to what works for all participants.
Families need to meet to look at the specific needs of each individual to be at their best.
Couples need to ensure that the relationship is “serving all parties.
Business partners need to return to their original agreement and consider changing roles as needed.

Life requires that we be in relationship.
With respect for ourselves and each other there is open communication.
With responsibility for the quality of our relationships, there is a willingness to seek what works for all.
With cooperation there is encouragement to listen for ways to serve the needs of everyone.
When everyone WINS, the relationships are harmonious, peaceful and enjoyable.

Blessings to us all in our willingness to continue to explore and find better ways of relating,
Betty Lue

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Do You Empower Others?

Do you coddle, pamper, sympathize or patronize others?
Do you expect them to be stuck, limited and incapable?
Do you feel sorry for people and believe they are helpless?
Do you define others by their apparent inabilities and labels?

Do you inspire and encourage others to give their best?
Do you allow others to exceed the perceived limitations?
Do you challenge yourself to always give 100%?
Do you demonstrate enthusiasm and self empowerment?

Are you a source of inspiration or a source on consolation?
Do you lift others up with your thoughts, words and deeds?
Do you offer words or encouragement and appreciation?
Do you remember the God, the Good, the unlimited potential in All?

Now is a time in our history when we seem to have become tired and complacent.
The laziness and lethargy in our culture is holding us down in consciousness.
We need to realign ourselves with what is possible with each one of us.
Everyone does make a difference.

We make a difference with a smile or a frown.
We make a difference with thumbs up or thumbs down.
We make a difference with  laughter or a moan.
We make a difference in how we talk and where we walk.

You are making a difference right now as you read these words.
Do you let them inspire you or allow them to deflate you?
Do you use them to remind you or let them confound you?
Life is a lesson of hope, faith and love or one of despair, distrust and fear.

You can choose how you use and respond to those you encounter.
You can be the one who makes the change and creates the world you want to see.
You can offer your blessing or your damnation on what you perceive.
Life is an opportunity to lift up or put down yourself and all  you know.

Only you and I determine which way we go.
Whether soft or strong, you command a large audience of friends and strangers.
Each one is receiving gifts of worth and wisdom from your.
You determine the way the world turns.

Let us inspire and empower one another to be awake, aware, creative and enthusiastic.
Loving you and me as we set all free to be the best we can be!
Betty Lue
 

“Our Greatest Fear”

Our greatest fear
is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light,
not our darkness,
that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves,
“Who am I to be brilliant,
gorgeous, talented and fabulous?”
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small doesn’t serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking
so that others won’t feel insecure around you.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us.
It is not just in some of us,
it is in everyone,
and as we let our own light shine
we unconsciously give other people permission
to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear
our presence automatically liberates others.
Maryann Williamson

Monday, April 25, 2011

Build Your Dreams

The process of creating the life you want begins within.
A peaceful mind creates peaceful relating.
A happy heart generates happy activities.
Respectful communication teaches respect with others.

One person at a time treated with Love…..
One minute of your life given to Peace…..
One conscious choice made with your desired outcome in mind…..
Each of these is a building block for creating a new world.

Rather than fixing someone, choose to see them and treat them differently.
Rather than correcting those you love, appreciate them for the things they do well.
Rather than focusing on past mistakes, trust all things work together for Good.
Rather than worrying about the future, believe you are supported in the good you Seek.

Hold only your highest vision in your conscious mind.
Forgive your doubts and believe it is done as you seek.
Allow yourself to feel the blessing of your desired outcome.
Commit to act as if it all were fulfilled now.
Listen within for your step by step plan.
Make changes as needed to move around all apparent obstacles.
Do what is needed with gratitude and joy.
Fully appreciate all progress and release any disappointments along the way.

Remember trust will settle every problem.
Forgiving or erasing the blocks brings happiness and peace.
The process is the place of valuable learning and growth.
It is fun, safe and easy to achieve what you conceive and believe.

Building the work we want to see is the key to fulfillment.
Being the One we seek to find is the key to self actualization.
Living the life we dare to dream provides lasting contentment.
Enjoying the journey with the ones we love offers profound inner peace.

Loving you and me as we create the life we want to have.
Betty Lue


Twelve Daily Steps To Optimistic Living

1. Focus on my successes rather than on my failures.
2. Notice that which I have accomplished rather than that which I’ve left undone.
3. See and acknowledge my beauty rather than focusing on my imperfections.
4. Notice and acknowledge all the times I’ve followed the optimum conditions,rather than judging myself for the times I have not.
5. Acknowledge all my wins each and every day.
6. Create and maintain an environment that nurtures me.
7.  See problems as opportunities to learn from rather than as obstacles to avoid.
8.  Tell the whole truth on a moment to moment basis in order to maintain impeccable and loving relationships.
9. Be conscious every moment to put positive thoughts into my mind rather than negative, knowing all thoughts are creative.
10.  Appreciate my feelings as a means of understanding myself, thus directing and creating my reality.
11. Continue to forgive myself and others as a means of creating a state of Grace.
12. Fill my life with joy and ecstasy by practicing daily the art and skill of verbally expressing my gratitude for all that I have.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Raise Your Consciousness

Happy Easter

Lift your mind to the Highest Good.
Remember to Love Good, to Be Good, to See Good and you will Live Good.
This is our call to ascension.
We can choose to live in Love and Give with Love, and know only Love.

Life is a choice.
We can ascend to heaven or descend into hell.
We choose the thoughts we think, the words we speak and the actions we take.
We have the gift of free will.

Are you willing today and everyday to choose to be happy?
Are you willing to Love yourself and others no matter what?
Are you willing to give your best with Joy?
Are you willing to relate to others with Peace/

When we stop being afraid, we are free to Live abundantly and joyously.
When we relinquish all attack on ourselves and others, we are free to Love fully and freely.
When we stop following the crowd and listen to our own heart, we are free to give all Good.
When we undo all false beliefs and limited thinking, we are free to create beauty and harmony.

We can choose to lift our thoughts to those of Love.
We can choose to speak words of positive prayer and affirmation.
We can choose to give gifts of encouragement and support.
We can choose to be living Loving reminders of Peace and true Happiness.

Ascension is the process of always remembering to Love Good with all our hearts and minds.
Ascension is an experience of always contributing to the Source of all Good.
Ascension is relating to others with consistent Loving Kindness.
Ascension is the way we walk and live and speak with Gratitude and Love.

Let us ascend as One remembering our Highest Calling.
Let us choose for Love in every Now moment.
Let us be willing and happy to Give only Good to everyone.
Let us enjoy All Good, give All Good and receive All Good.

Always loving the Good in You,
Betty Lue



The Gift You Are
 
You are the gift.
In your healing, I am healed.
In your smiling, I find joy.
In your learning, I am filled with wisdom.
In your free expressions, I am empowered.
In your abundance, I too prosper.
In your spontaneity, I am set free.
In your joy, I know heaven.

And so it is that you give your Self to me
And I receive you with love and gratitude.
I am the gift I give to You
And I fully receive the gift I freely give.

As I know You, I know my Self.
As I give to you, I receive all good.
As I support you, I am supported by the Universe.
As I honor and respect you, I experience gratitude in all my being.
As I love you, I am loving all of God's creation.

I know you and believe in you.
I honor, respect and support you in being.
In you and me is all the Universe.
We are gifts to one another.

       - Betty Lue

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Willing to Be Extraordinary?

Are you willing to rise above the world’s problems?
Are you open to find a better way?
Are you willing to erase past hurt and resentment?
Are you seeking to raise your consciousness to respond only with Love?

Do you commiserate with others?
Do you feel sympathy and pity?
Do you spend time wondering why bad things happen?
Do you want to belong with the masses?

We can change our minds and seek a higher perspective.
Or we can fit in, believe in and join in the suffering.
We can breathe with compassion and choose to trust.
Or we can fear for the worst and suffer with the least.

Both are holy and healing paths.
Both are a blessing to all humanity.
One path is in the trenches.
The other path is that of transcendence.

To be willing to nurse and nurture is a calling of great worth.
To be helpful and reassuring is a path of great compassion.
To be prayerful and seeking creative solutions is an option of faith.
To be trusting is to know all is well no matter what the apparency.

Can you seek for the highest path for you without another’s approval?
Do you trust those who choose another way to serve and live?
Can you allow for others’ differing perceptions?
Do you believe everyone is learning in their own unique way?

As we allow ourselves to grow in consciousness and faith, we see life differently.
Our place in the world is a gift to us as well as to others.
When we are willing to listen within, forgiving our judgments, we lift out of old ways of thinking.
As we learn to see the world as a place to explore and experiment, we seek for better ways to live.

Today’s world seems to be polarized and full of extreme catastrophic problems on one hand.
From another perception, we can see the rise of conscious beings who contribute selflessly.
And another viewpoint is that all is in divine order as we awaken to our Creative potential.
Remembering to Love is a key to accepting all the various ways we deal with today.

What is your path?
Selfish consumption of all resources available?
Unselfish education and helpfulness?
Vigilance for the bad guys with threatened punishment?
Ultimate transcendence and acceptance of the lessons humanity is learning?

I am accepting all ways that we each choose to live and let live.
I am trusting everyone is learning at their own level of willingness.
I see freedom to choose as our spiritual right.
I value the opportunity to forgive, undo and choose again.

Loving us all,
Betty Lue


Do It Anyway
People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies.  Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you.
Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy it all overnight.
Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow.
Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough.
Give the world the best you’ve got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Are You Sorry? I Am.

I am sorry for my past mistakes.
I am sorry for your past mistakes.
I am sorry for our mistakes.
My prayer is that we all will learn from them.

I am sorry where humanity has lost a sense of family and community.
I am sorry that some still need to experience hunger and loneliness.
I am sorry that the world has war and that peoples still fight over petty things.
I am sorry for ignorance, disease, poverty and violence.

I am sorry that we have lost our way and forsaken the higher Truth.
I am sorry that we teach our children to be better than rather than be their best.
I am sorry some parents choose criticism, abuse, threats and demands rather than agreements and help.
I am sorry our teachers are not paid well and often not supported enough.

I am sorry that some of us need extreme measures to wake up and find a better way to live.
I am sorry that most work for money rather than work for the joy of contribution.
I am sorry that often adults forget to apologize for their mistakes and expect children to do so.
I am sorry that some people feel smug, arrogant, and better than while others feel weak and forsaken.

I am sorry that the mistakes we make in life are so judged that we get stuck making them repeatedly.
I am sorry that we have not recognized how forgiveness heals when we are willing to choose again.
I am sorry that we take a position and hold our opinions even when others see things differently.
I am sorry that people sometimes become righteous and demand to get their way only.

I am sorry that we cannot open our minds and respect our differences.
I am sorry that we still cling to what worked before and block out new solutions.
I am sorry that we act like we know everything when we really know nothing.
I am sorry that we allow our negative feelings to teach us rather than let Love reach us.

While I am sorry for you and me not believing Love is the way, I recognize that we will someday.
While I am sorry we have incurred great debt to all generations, I know we will heal our regret.
While I am sorry that I too have made mistakes, I recognize I can choose to change my ways.
While I am sorry that I may have lost my way, I feel my mistakes are wake up calls to begin again.

And so it is, that everything works together for Good.
And so it is, that I can forgive and choose again.
And so it is, that by my willingness to learn, I begin anew.
And so it is, I die to the old ways and am resurrected to new ways of Trust, Freedom and Love.

Laying down our old opinions, criticisms, judgments and fears, we choose again for the Highest Good.
Loving our willingness,
Betty Lue



If Children (people) Live With……….
If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.
If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.
If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.
If children live with: criticism, hostility, fear, pity, ridicule or jealousy,
They will learn to: condemn, fight, be apprehensive, feel sorry for themselves,
feel shy and feel envy
.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
If children live with tolerance, they learn patience.
If children live with praise, they learn appreciation.
If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.
If children live with sharing, they learn generosity.
If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.
If children live with fairness, they learn justice.
If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect.
If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and others.

If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Earth Day is April 22

Do you respect the Earth, our planetary home?
Do you treat the Earth and her resources as you want to be treated?
Do you give appreciation and positive attention to the Earth?
Do your take her supply for granted and ignore her needs?

Is it possible that the way we relate to the Earth is the way we relate to others?
Could it be that you treat her in ways that are unloving, inconsiderate and unkind?
Can you imagine what your life would be if you were used and abused as the Earth is?
Would you like to change your relationship with the Earth and treat her well?

It is time to attend to the needs of our Mother planet with consciousness and respect.
It is time for each one of us to plant thoughts, words and actions that do honor to her gifts.
It is time for us to plant a tree, feed the birds, stop polluting and recycle our debris.
It is time for us to use green products only, to stop wasting earth resources and be grateful.

What would it take for us to treat everyone with respect for the innate gifts in each one?
Can we shift our consciousness to be good stewards of what we have?
Can we stop complaining about the price of gas and conserve water, and eat organically?
Can we remember that the abundance of the earth can feed us all if we share freely?

Life on this planet is a gift, a joy, a feast of abundant beauty and goodness.
When we fully appreciate all we have the abundance grows.
When we misuse and abuse, we fear famine and become greedy and needy.
When we feel entitled to more, we forget to appreciate less.

Now is the time to change our minds and truly value the gifts of the Earth.
Now is the time to look around at the light and the dark, the heat and the cold.
The cycles and seasons are valuable and life-enhancing.
The balance of nature is a blessing of natural perfection.

There is no need to fix or change what already works for us.
There is only a need to learn to live with appreciation for what is given.
Stop the waste, the destruction, the senseless abuse of what is pure and good.
Take time today to choose differently, consciously with gratitude and generosity.

We love you Mother Earth, our home planet and the sustenance you freely give us all.

Betty Lue

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Remembering Your Self

When we spend time each day remembering who we are and why we are, we stay awake.
When we give ourselves the gift of Self Awareness and Self Appreciation, we inspire ourselves.
When we consciously learn from everyone and everything, we benefit from all mistakes.
When we value our whole life, body, mind, spirit, relationships, finances and work, we grow.

This is Holy Week ( the week preceding Easter).
It is a healing week.
It is time to assess our whole life health.
Spring cleaning begins with ourselves, clearing away everything that does support our well being.

Take impeccable care of your mind.

Clear you unhappy, unkind thinking.
Take care of your physical vehicle.

Stop habits that diminish your vitality.

Take time to inspire and enthuse yourself.

Undo practices that depress and demotivate you.
Give attention to creating conscious healthy relationships.

Let go of relationships that drain you or distract you from purposeful living.

Be a good steward of all you have..time, energy and money.

Undo habits of spending resources on what no longer serves your best Self.
Work at what has purpose and meaning for you.

Stop working for money and start working to contribute and benefit others.

A life lived fully has balance and integrity.
A life lived well has Self Love, productive work and meaningful relationships.
A life lived with enthusiasm has contribution, creativity and enjoyment.
A life lived abundantly has generosity, openness and appreciation.

What would it take for you to let the old die and begin to really live well?
What do you need to let go of in order to live with integrity and balance?
What can you do today to begin to find your way to live, respecting and honoring You?
How can you remember everyday to love YOU really well?
 

Loving you and me with awareness, forgiveness and faith,
Betty Lue

You Are A Flower in the Garden of Life
If you would grow to be your best self
Be patient, not demanding
Accepting, not condemning
Nurturing, not withholding
Self-marveling, not belittling
Gently guiding, not pushing & punishing

For you are more sensitive than you know
Mankind is tough as war
Yet delicate as flowers
We can endure agonies
But we open fully only to warmth & light
And our need to grow is fragile as a fragrance
Dispersed by storms of will
To return only when those storms are still

So accept, respect,
Attend your sensitivity

A flower
Cannot be opened
With a hammer

Anonymous

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

All for One and One for All

When we are upset, we are not upset alone.
When we are healed, we are not healed alone.

When we are confused, we are not confused alone.
When we get clear, we help others to be clear.
When we are lost, we are not lost alone.
When we are on purpose, we demonstrate how to live purposefully.

It is up to the most conscious and aware one to offer healing, clarity, direction, forgiveness.

Thank God this is so.

We are the same, you and I.
We are all in this together.
What blesses one, blessed all.


What if taking anything personally is a mistake and misleading.
What if taking others’ behaviors personally is a mistake which eliminates being truly helpful.
What if when we are personally offended or hurt, we shut down our ability to heal and bless others.
What if we are allowing the mistake to be magnified when we exaggerate its impact on us.

When we step in poop, we mistakenly blame the pooper and our own “ignorance for not seeing it.
When we experience any error, we need to trust it is ours to reveal and heal.
When we stop ourselves from letting anyone or anything hurt or offend us, we stop the offense.
When we do not allow harm, we help the offender and we stop future offenses.

Where we allow others to do harm, we help them feel guilty.
When we encourage guilt in any form, we are attacking the “right-minded” thinking of another.
When we blame ourselves and feel guilty or bad, we are limiting our own resourcefulness.
When we withhold love, and fail to instantly forgive or amplify the error, we cannot be helpful.

Being truly helpful is experiencing every unloving thing as a call for Love.

It is our responsibility and vocation to respond to everything with Love, appreciation, healing, forgiveness, gratitude, generosity, joy, service, contribution, creativity, understanding, acceptance and trust.
When we take the world’s craziness into our consciousness ( since we are a part of every thought every where), it is our response ability to heal the wounds, raise the dead, prosper the impoverished, empower the helpless, bring faith to hopelessness, forgive the sinner, educate the ignorant and reassure the fearful.

We each can clear the muddy waters of mass consciousness by laughing more and believing less.
We can support the unsupported with conscious, respectful thoughts, words and activities.
We can honor those who have been treated dishonorably by listening  attentively and giving our best.
We can seek deeper understanding within when we are confused by the complexity of the worldview.
We can deliver only messages of wisdom and higher Truth to those who seem to know and not know.
We can create only beauty, goodness and Wholeness, equality and justice in our minds and in our lives.

We can take responsibility for being the ONE.
For in truth we are the One.
So love your vocation and calling.
Appreciating you!
Betty Lue

These reminders take about 15-20 minutes to write each morning.
(with no editing or correcting of mistakes)
They are a gift to me from my Self.
They guide me and remind me of what is true, effective, helpful and Good for all.
They are sent only to those people who request them. (Hundreds around the world.)
If they fail to resonate with you, simply delete or ask to be taken off my email list.
Know you are my inspirational partner and I so appreciate sharing the very Best I know with YOU!


Successful Relationships
To have successful relationships with partners, spouse, coworkers, teammates, children there are five essential factors: Joining, Honesty, Equality, Commitment, Responsibility.



Joining: All parties must share a common goal or vision for their relationship. This shared vision comes from communication regarding the needs of each individual, their vision for the future and what they share in common.

Honesty: Honest communication is sharing what really matters with no blame, guilt or withholds.
Honest is a byproduct of integrity, living one’s life on purpose with openness and appreciation.

Equality: When both parties are giving their best in each moment, there is equality.  Equality is not measured by comparison: it is experienced when there is the willingness to give one’s best even when it is less than the other.  To quit or hold back on one’s giving creates inequality.

Commitment: To commit to the fulfillment of the desired vision or goal and to the success of the relationship requires always choosing what is best for both.  Decisions are based on what is a win/win for all concerned.  One must be committed to what is highest and best for each party.

Responsibility: Being fully able and willing to respond to whatever is needed to create success through joining, honesty, equality and commitment is being fully responsible.  Where there is guilt or blame being communicated, there is inequality and victimization as well as lack of responsibility.

To be successful requires staying conscious.
To be successful requires a willingness to communicate with respect.
To be successful requires an acceptance of differences.
To be successful requires open-minded and appreciation of all parties.

To take on unconscious patterns of dysfunctional family systems will limit the success of one’s joining, honest communication, true willingness to give., total commitment to what is best for all and assuming full responsibility for the quality of the relationship.

If you want success and fulfillment in your relationships, begin today to observe what you can do to improve them in every way.  You need not depend upon the other changing in order to increase the quality of your relating.

Blessings for choosing a better way,
Betty Lue

Monday, April 18, 2011

Challenges and Difficulties

How do you face heavy storms in life?
How do you handle difficult situations?
How do you deal with unexpected challenges?
How do you manage when the rough seas?

Life Mastery seems to be developed with time and experience.
Learning how to weather the storms and find a safe port seems to be important.
Each one of us has our own unique set of challenges which motivate or depress us.
What we learn to do with what we experience is key to inner peace.

Do you avoid and try to keep everything away from difficulties?
Do you step into the storm, inviting the challenge?
Do you try to over power or out talk the danger?
Do you sit quietly and meditate/pray for inner peace?

If we are here to learn, what are you learning?
If we are here to heal, what are you healing?
If we are here to help, how are you helping?
If we are here to create, what are you creating?

When we can be certain of the rightness of being here, we can accept the invitation of each challenge.
When we imagine we are being punished or tested, we may fear whether we can pass or last.
When we explore the specifics of each experience, we may manipulate the details to our advantage.
When we see the bigger picture and take on life as healing/learning adventure, we find value in what is.

Is life happening to you?
Are you seeing yourself as victim?
Or are you inviting the challenging experiences?
Do you see yourself as expanding your consciousness, love and power?

Is fear running the show and distracting you from your purpose?
Is love leading the way and creating blessings and Good from every experience?
Are you feeling inadequate and confused  and reactive to life’s challenges?
Are you aware of your ability to respond to everything that happens with clarity of purpose?

Life is a mystery calling for our mastery.
When we are at peace, we respond with Love and Gratitude.
Life invites us to be awake and aware.
When we are conscious we can fully enjoy the learning in it all.

Enjoy and keep celebrating the Good in your life.
Love flows where we are grateful.


Loving us all as we learn, let go and love together.
Betty Lue

30 Days to Enlightenment  and Waking Up
30 Days to Healing and Seeing things Differently!

This exercise has a profound impact on how we see and live our lives.
This daily practice will heal and transform your life
With continued practice, there will be a spiritual awakening.

Forgiveness heals our perception and gives us Response-Ability.
Choice empowers us to Create our Experience Consciously.
Gratitude expands what we Choose and increases our Joy.

Daily Practice:

Begin each morning with a pad of lined paper and a pen.
Write and say 30 forgivenesses as they come to mind.
Simply write “I forgive”…and let the rest just come from within.
(No need to understand or feel anything.)
I forgive you for being mean.
I forgive myself for letting anyone hurt me.
I forgive my body’s limitation.
I forgive myself for being late.
I forgive everything.



Make the sound “AAAH” for 1-2 minutes.
Imagine that you are opening your mind.

Now write and say 30 Choices. 

I choose to be happy.
I choose to be free.
I choose to do what I love.
I choose to forgive….



In the Evening (before bed)
Write and say 30 Gratitudes
I appreciate the energy I have.
I love being happy.
I am grateful I have you in my life.
I thank God.



Make the  sound “OM”  the Universal sound for Love and God for 1-2 minutes.
 

PS Even a few of each is better than none.
Do what you can and trust it is working.

Loving You always, 

Betty Lue


April 2011 Schedule for Betty Lue and Robert
Serving Through Reunion and Unity


4/18 Mon  Monday Musings and Mindfulness, 12:30-2PM Unity
4/18 Mon  Practical Spirituality and Inspired Living, 7-8:30PMUnity
4/19 Tues  Miracles and Mindfulness, 12:30-2PM PH
4/19 Tues  Inspired Living Class 7-8:30PM  PH
4/20 Wed  Relationship Coaching Circle, 7-8:30PM PH
     

4/24  Sun  Meditation Service: Quiet Meditation, 9-9;30AM Unity
4/24  Sun  Rev. Betty Lue: “Let Us Ascend Together” 10AM Unity

4/25 Mon Monday Musings: Your Way to Live and Give?. 12:30-2PM Unity
4/25 Mon Practical Spirituality: What Do You Contribute?  7-8:30PM Unity

5/1  Sun 
Meditation Service: Quiet Meditation, 9-9;30AM Unity
5/1  Sun  Rev. Robert: “The Power of God” 10AM Unity

5/1  Sun  Workshop: Conscious Finances and Prosperity, 11:30-1PM
5/2 Mon Monday Musings: Handling Your Money 12:30-2PM Unity
5/2 Mon Practical Spirituality: Contributions and Service  7-8:30PM Unity
 

Locations: Reunion Center, 3496 Buskirk Ave Suite 103, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 
Unity Center for Inspired Living, 50 Sand Creek Rd., Suite 140, Brentwood, 94513 
Reunion Lake House/Hermitage, 17664 Greenridge Rd, Hidden Valley Lake, Ca 95467
Reunion Ministries, 7 Oak Brook Place, Pleasant Hill, Ca 94523 (New Reunion Mailing Address)


For coaching and counseling or spiritual direction:
Pleasant Hill hours. Tuesdays  and Wednesdays. 
Brentwood Hours, Sundays and Mondays
Phone coaching and to arrange appointments.

(By Appointment.) 800-919-2392

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Passover and Palm Sunday

Friday and Saturday we were moving extra household goods to our retreat houses, Reunion Lake House and Hermitage, in Hidden Valley Lake, CA. We are still hanging some pictures and Feng Shui in our little town home in Pleasant Hill.  And today the Rio Vista Home will host an open house to be sold quickly and easily to someone who will love its beautiful and peaceful energies.
Your affirming prayers and positive thoughts are always welcomed.  We thank you and love you for joining us in Love. Betty Lue


When we come together in celebration of freedom and initiate a new beginning, we have joined to create.
When we can feast together with fellowship and understanding, we collectively create Peace on Earth.
When we choose to stop all attack, (mental, verbal, financial and metaphysical) we end war and violence.
When we change our minds about the family of humanity and nurture the Good, we ascend in Love.

Life is meant to be a garden of beauty, harmony and plenty for All.
When we left the garden of Abundance and sought only to meet our own needs, we lost our way.
When humanity is lost, it feels fear of lack, guilt about mistakes made, and sorrow about being alone.
We can change the direction of our faithlessness, and find a Truth which lights our way.

Choose to forgive our own errors and those of others.
Live with gratitude, simplicity and generosity.
Give with no attachment and the joy of giving.
Love those around you with no interference, trust and freedom to let all learn from their own choices.

Our life experience is a product of our choices.
The clearer we can see what we have chosen and choose again, the faster we correct our path.
The doubt, judgment and advice of others, often distracts and disrupts our own clarity and learning.
When we are totally responsible for our life choices. the faster we see, forgive and choose a better way.

All good teachers, great and small, learn continuously from themselves and others.
All good teachings have benefitted all humanity by reminding us of our choice to learn, let go and love.
All celebrations of Spirit remind those gathered to be grateful for what we have created together.
All who live consciously and respectfully embody the courage, wisdom, commitment of the Great Ones.

Now is the time for us to celebrate the Christ within who comes to bring healing forgiveness and Love.
Now is the time for us to honor the Buddha within who teaches us have compassion and share Wisdom.
Now is the time for us to listen to the God within who comes to bring Peace to all people.
Now is the time for us to step up to live out the teachings of all the Great Ones.

We are here to recognize we are free.
We are here to set free all those past and future from the bondage of prejudice, punishment and pain.
We are here to realize the Goodness, Power and Love from which and for which we are created.
We are here to trust and facilitate that same Goodness, Power and Love in all peoples.

You and I can now ascend to a new level of consciousness, offering healing and hope to all humanity.
This is my prayer for all of us at this creative time in our history.
I am loving you as myself,
Betty Lue

The Last Supper (later this week) was most likely a Passover Sedar of  Jewish tradition.
The Christians practice the Lenten season of letting go of habits that are not healthy and good and for Passover the Jews remove chametz, (no leaven in their bread), symbolic of removing the “puffiness”, arrogance and pride from our souls.
In every tradition, there are the same rituals of purification and cleansing, healing and sanctifying, celebrating and fellowship.  Why not see us all as One, for so we are!

Friday, April 15, 2011

Feeling Blocked or Stuck?

Are you not receiving the Good?
Are you feeling separate and alone?
Are you feeling victimized or picked on?
Are you unhappy, afraid or resentful?

When we are feeling blocked or stuck in our lives, we can choose to make a change.
When we are feeling limited, cautious, uncertain and waiting, we can open the flow.
When we are feeling unloved, isolated, criticized and punished, we can release our stuckness.
All limitations come from our self made and learned roadblocks to joy and gratitude.


It is time for us to open the flow of love, happiness, inner peace and gratitude in our lives.
It is time for each one to release whatever prevents us from receiving Good and giving Good.
It is time for us to undo whatever is not true and loving and beneficial for all.
It is time for us to lift our thoughts to Gratitude, our words to kindness and our deeds to service.
 

Some are waiting for an external savior to clear the way to heaven.
Some are waiting physician or healer to tell us we healed and whole.
Some are waiting for an attorney or judge to clear us from all punishment.
Some are waiting for a lover or friend to show us we are not alone.

There is no need to wait to open heaven’s gate.
There is no need to let someone else tell us we are whole.
There is no need to clear our consciousness of wrong-doing.
There is no need to linger in fear and sorrow to give the Love we are.

We can choose to change our mind, to open our heart, to free our willingness.
We can stop unhealthy habits, addictions and malingering.
We can change the way we treat ourselves and others, becoming more mindful and aware.
We can listen within to the voice of Spirit, trusting in our inner guidance always there for us.

We have the Power.
We know the Way.
We can make changes.
We can make our day ours.

Life gives us the messages.
We simply need to listen.Life shows us what not to do.
We need to learn what to do.Life gives us answers.
We must ask wise questions.Life offers us a wealth of Good and Wisdom.
We must learn to be grateful for it all.


Forgive all your errors, mistakes, wrong-doings and even “sins”.
When you clear your own self criticism, judgment, you will be willing to receive all good.
When you learn to laugh at fear and stop telling stories that benefit no one, you will be free.
When you understand the projections and creations come from words, you will say only Good.

Loving us all in clearing All blocks to the awareness of the Presence of Love,
Betty Lue



The 12 Principles of Attitudinal Healing
 
1.       The essence of our being is love.
2.       Health is inner peace, healing is letting go of fear.
3.       Giving and receiving are the same.
4.       We can let go of the past and of the future.
5.       Now is the only time there is, and each instant is for giving.
6.       We can learn to love ourselves and others by forgiving rather than by judging.
7.       We can become love finders rather than fault finders.
8.       We can choose and direct ourselves to be peaceful inside, regardless of what is happening outside.
9.       We are students and teachers to each other.
10.    We can focus on the whole of life, rather than the fragments.
11.    Since love is eternal, change need not be viewed as fearful.
12.    We can always perceive others as either extending love or giving a call for help.

Attitudinal Healing
 affirms that we are responsible for our thoughts and whatever feelings we experience.
Attitudinal Healing encourages us to re-examine our relationships, bringing them into the present by releasing past judgments and grievances.
Attitudinal Healing reminds us that perception is a mirror of what is in our mind.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

God Bless You!

PS 
You don’t have to believe in the more traditional definitions of GOD!
Translate into what you do believe in .......Love or Creation or Goodness or Infinite Intelligence or ????



What does this really mean to you?God is blessing you now.
May Goodness bless you now and always.
My prayer is that we allow God’s Good to bless us all and our lives.

May we realize that Good is blessing us now and always.
May we allow ourselves to receive the Good that already is.
May we awaken to the possibility that the blessings always are.
May we come to know that God’s Goodness is ever present and all powerful.

I am blessed by each day that comes.
When I do not recognize the blessings, I am blocking my awareness.
I am loved with each moment I live.
When I don’t feel it, I have closed my heart and mind to the awareness of Love.

When we do not feel loved and blessed, it is because we have falsely judged.
We may have judged ourselves, our lives, our friends and our family.
When we are too busy, distracted, critical, guilty or ashamed, resentful or vengeful that we deny the Good.
When we are limiting our Good or denying the Good we have, we forsake the Truth.

Sometimes we talk too much.
Sometimes we think too much.
Sometimes we want too much.
Sometimes we judge too much.

There is an exaggeration and amplification of what appears to be wrong.
What if we focus always and only on what is right with us and everyone.
What if we give the benefit of no doubt when we see the light shining through.
What if we step away from being distrusting, negative and limiting and free the love inside.

Let’s begin to believe….
Everything works together for Good.
We are always in the right place at the right time, doing the right thing for the right reasons.
Everything is a lesson God would have me learn to better receive the Good in my life.
There are no accidents.  Everything is an on purpose.
All upsets are wakeup calls to change my mind.
Changing my mind changes my life.
Everything that happens to me I have asked for and receive as I have asked.
Life is a learning laboratory to realize the creative power of Good in me.
Everything I think and say and do teaches all the Universe.
There are no secret thoughts.
Cleaning up my mind clears my relationships with myself and others.
Forgiveness is the key to happiness and inner peace.
And more……

God blesses you and me.
May we appreciate the Good that already is!
Betty Lue
 

 I love this story!  And I know it is true about me and you.  So begin to see the good, the God, the Love in everyone.  It is through our perception and appreciation that we bring forth the Good in everyone!
 

THE RABBI'S GIFT
      There is a story, perhaps a myth.  Typical of mythical stories, it has many versions.  Also typical, the source of the version I am about to tell is obscure.  I cannot remember whether I heard it or read it, or where or when.  Furthermore, I do not even know the distortions I myself have made in it.  All I know for certain is that this version came to me with a title.  It is called "The Rabbi's Gift."
      The story concerns a monastery that had fallen upon hard times.  Once a great order, as a result of waves of anti-monastic persecution in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries and the rise of secularism in the nineteenth, all its branch houses were lost and it had become decimated to the extent that there were only five monks left in the decaying mother house:  the abbot and four others, all over seventy in age.  Clearly it was a dying order.
      In the deep woods surrounding the monastery there was a little hut that a rabbi from a nearby town occasionally used for a hermitage.  Through their many years of prayer and contemplation the old monks had become a bit psychic, so they could always sense when the rabbi was in his hermitage.  "The rabbi is in the woods, the rabbi is in the woods again,: they would whisper to each other.  As he agonized over the imminent death of his order, it occurred to the abbot at one such time to visit the hermitage and ask the rabbi if by some possible chance he could offer any advice that might save the monastery.
      The rabbi welcomed the abbot at his hut.  But when the abbot explained the purpose of his visit, the rabbi could only commiserate with him.  "I know how it is," he exclaimed.  "The spirit has gone out of the people.  It is the same in my town.  Almost no one comes to the synagogue anymore."  So the old abbot and the old rabbi wept together.  They read parts of the Torah and quietly spoke of deep things.  The time came when the abbot had to leave.  They embraced each other .  "It has been a wonderful thing that we should meet after all these years," the abbot said, "but I have still failed in my purpose for coming here.  Is there nothing you can tell me, no piece of advice you can give me that would help me save my dying order?"
      "No, I am sorry," the rabbi responded.  "I have no advice to give.  The only thing I can tell you is that the Messiah is one of you."
      When the abbot returned to the monastery his fellow monks gathered around him to ask, "Well, what did the rabbi say?"  "He couldn't help," the abbot answered.  We just wept and read the Torah together.  The only thing he did say, just as I was leaving--it was something cryptic--was that the Messiah is one of us.  I don't know what he meant."
      In the days and weeks and months that followed, the old monks pondered this and wondered whether there was any possible significance to the rabbi's words.  The Messiah is one of us?  Could he possibly have meant one of us monks here at the monastery?  If that's the case, which one?  Do you suppose he meant the abbot?  Yes, if he meant anyone, he probably meant Father Abbot.  He has been our leader for more than a generation.  On the other hand, he might have meant Brother Thomas.  Certainly Brother Thomas is a holy man.  Everyone knows that Thomas is a man of light.  Certainly he couldn't have meant Brother Eldred?  Eldred gets crotchety at times.  But, come to think of it, even though he is a thorn in people's side, when you look back on it, Eldred is virtually always right.  Often very right.  Maybe the rabbi did mean Brother Eldred.  But surely not Brother Philip.  Philip is so passive, a real nobody.  But the, almost mysteriously, he has a gift of being there when you need him.  He just magically appears by your side.  Maybe Philip is the Messiah.  Of course the rabbi didn't mean me.  He couldn't possibly have meant me.  I'm just an ordinary person.  Yet supposing he did?  Suppose I am the Messiah?  O God, not me.  I couldn't be that much for You, could I?
      As they contemplated in this manner, the old monks began to treat each other with extraordinary respect on the off chance that one among them might be the Messiah.  On the off, off chance that each monk himself might be the Messiah, they began to treat themselves with extraordinary respect.
      Because the forest in which it was situated was beautiful, it so happened that people still occasionally came to visit the monastery to picnic on its tiny lawn, to wander along some of its paths, even now and then to go into the dilapidated chapel to meditate.  As they did so, without even being conscious of it, they sensed this aura or extraordinary respect that now seemed to radiate out from them and permeate the atmosphere of the place.  There was something strangely attractive, even compelling, about it.  Hardly knowing why, they began to come back to the monastery more frequently to picnic, to play, to pray.  They began to bring their friends to show them this special place.  And their friends brought their friends.
      Then it happened that some of the younger men who came to visit the monastery started to talk more and more with the old monks.  After a while one asked if he could join them.  Then another.  And another.  So within a few years the monastery had once again become a thriving order and, thanks to the rabbi's gift, a vibrant center of light and spiritually in the realm.
      From A Different Drum: Community Making and Peace       By M. Scott Peck, M.D.