Dear Miracle Worker,
The Course's view on giving is radical, the same as the Course's view of many things. "To have, give all to all." (OrEd.Tx.6.67) Gee … what about the Biblical teaching about tithing or giving 10%? 10% must be for “wimps!” (lol)
Today is “Giving Tuesday.” Research tells me Giving Tuesday was started in 2012, which would mean this is its 10th birthday. “Happy Birthday Giving Tuesday!” It was the brainchild of a digital media website named “Mashable” which focuses on digital news and entertainment. It was announced a month before the first occurrence set in advance as the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Some big players quickly promoted the movement (Cisco, Huffington Post, The Washington Post, The White House Blog, ABC News, Forbes). “Giving Tuesday” was off and running.
By 2013 it was estimated that over 7,000 nonprofits were participating. It has continued to grow. “Giving Tuesday” is now its own non-profit 501[c]3 organization founded to promote this global movement of giving. Its foundational premise is stated as, "global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.” I like that. ACIM tells us to be generous. "The teacher of God is generous out of self-interest." (OrEd.Mn.4.19) Actually “generosity” is listed as one of the ten characteristics of God’s Teachers.
This Giving Tuesday please make a generous donation to Community Miracles Center. Keep this generosity movement – moving. You can use the "Click Here" form link below. If you are a CMC Supporting Member who we take a regular donation from, you can just email us and tell us what you would like to donate. Through the generous pledge by one of our members each extra donation given for this drive will be matched. Your donation will get doubled. WooHoo!!
(originally appeared in Miracles Weekly #364, November 29 2022)
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Last Thursday Nov. 24 was Thanksgiving in the USA. Our Canadian neighbors to the north celebrated their Thanksgiving on Oct. 10th. Historically we are commemorating a harvest feast that took place in 1621 between ~50 surviving Pilgrims (out of 100) and ~90 Wampanoag Native Americans. There is currently lots of controversy about the celebrating Thanksgiving “traditionally" because this wonderful kumbaya moment between the Pilgrims and the Indians is most likely not typical and the energy of everyone joining in a joyful celebration of peace and abundance overshadows the truth that the native Americans were frequently treated badly by the European settlers who eventually decimated the Native American culture. Let’s not forget that the Native American could be quite brutal warriors as well. Still there it is, this 1621 harvest feast. There are more than one written accounts about this atypical gathering where both sides got together and celebrated their joint humanity by eating and playing games together for 3 days. WooHoo!! "This is a feast which honors your holy relationship and at which everyone is welcomed as an honored guest." (OrEd.Tx.19.55) In our current culture we share a day of coming together in family and community (tribe) when we put aside our differences, and we feast together declaring the abundance of life and the goodness of people. Regardless of its questionable roots – we could use many more Thanksgiving days in our current world. 31 min. SUBSCRIBE & SHARE
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Dear Miracle Worker,
I haven’t totally given up on the medical establishment – yet. I still have medical insurance through an HMO. I still get yearly check-ups. I still do regular blood work.
Today was the day for me to again go for the year’s “blood letting.” It again felt absurd though it all went smoothly. The wait was short. The phlebotomist was friendly and found my vein easily. I watched my body’s blood fill all the little vials – so many vials, so many tests needed. What strange rituals we have agreed upon. There were also: urine samples (will I have enough?) fecal tests (no comment – I’ll just move on quickly), throat swabs, … "The rituals of the god of sickness are strange and very demanding.” (OrEd.Tx.9.93) Somehow all this is supposed to insure my body’s health? Really?
I wonder how much longer I am going to participate with these. I feel conflicted. Why are there no tests for the things that truly matter. Where’s the test for our connection to guidance from Holy Spirit? Why no test for how our relationships are, or if we even have any at all? Why no test for happiness? Why no questionnaire which asks if we have strong spiritual community connections? All these things have been proven to promote health and longevity. Even the medical establishment knows this.
Did you know that many doctors no longer ask men with body’s over 50 to take PSA tests anymore (prostate specific antigen). This was done for years (decades) to screen for prostate cancer. Why no more? Studies found that just having PSA tests were contra-indicated for longevity. These test caused men to take treatments and have major surgery that decreased their life span. The treatments were more lethal than the disease they were treating. Think about that.
(originally appeared in Miracles Weekly #363, November 15 2022)
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Dear Miracle Worker,
For many years I was challenged with extended periods of extreme anxiety and sleeplessness. These debilitating episodes could persist for many weeks, sometimes months. In between these extreme episodes I was more or less “okay.” These good times could extend for many years. I probably had 4 or 5 of these extreme episodes in my life. I don’t feel the need to document them precisely. I am very happy to let them fade into a non-existent past. "The only wholly true thought one can hold about the past is that it is not here. To think about it at all is therefore to think about illusions." (OrEd.WkBk.8.2) Good-bye past.
I have not had one of these extreme episodes for many years now. For that, I am very grateful. However one regret that I do have is sometimes relationships and friendships I had while going through these times didn’t survive. I will never know for sure if my living with extreme anxiety for extended times was what broke these relations up. I’m sure there were multiple factors. However I know that my nervous challenges were an important factor. I don’t blame people, but still it saddens me sometimes.
I certainly work at not being judgmental myself when people I am close to are challenged emotionally or exhibit mental health issues. My heart goes out to them. "Look about the world, and see the suffering there. Is not your heart willing to bring your weary brothers rest?" (OrEd.WkBk.191.12) I always consider people with mental health issues among the bravest people I know. Pushing one’s self to get up and function after weeks of not sleeping is a gargantuan challenge. The message from me today is simple, be especially compassionate to the emotionally challenged. They are some of the best of us.
(originally appeared in Miracles Weekly #362, November 10 2022)
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When people talk about about ACIM they frequently mention things like: forgiveness, love, healing, and guidance. Less frequently, but still often, the overtly religious terms get added: God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, atonement, etc. However, I rarely hear anybody talk about “freedom.” Yet freedom is one of the most often talked about ideas in ACIM. The words “freedom” or “freedoms” appear 216 times in ACIM. Wow, that’s a lot! But there’s much, much more. The word “free” or some derivation of “free" (frees, freely, freeing, freed) appears a whopping 431 times. Remember that you don’t have to use the word itself to talk about freedom. Perhaps you’re making a point about its opposite. “Prison" or “imprison" (or a derivation) appear 115 times. “Slave” and “enslave,” (or some derivation) add another 46 occurrences. "Tyranny" (or a derivation) has another 7 occurrences. That’s 815 times for some discussion about freedom! Think about how important freedom should be for the ACIM practitioner. Next Tuesday the USA will have the much awaited mid-term election, which will be an exercise of our freedom. "Freedom cannot be learned by tyranny of any kind, and the perfect equality of all God's Sons cannot be recognized through the dominion of one will over another." (OrEd.Tx.8.32) Let’s bathe in freedom's energy as we find and explore “freedom” in ACIM. 28 min. SUBSCRIBE & SHARE
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Dear Miracle Worker,
“Liberty” is defined as, “the state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behavior, or political views.” One of the practices insuring liberty is elections. Soon people in the USA will have a major mid-term election.
Many have said that democracy is on the ballot. Interestingly I have heard this from both sides. If democracy is on the ballot then liberty is on the ballot, because liberty depends on democracy. ACIM doesn’t use the word “liberty” much. However, I found “freedom” (or “freedoms”) 216 times in the Original Edition. The word “free” (or “frees” “freely” “freeing”) appears 409 times. That’s a whole lot of freedom. Hey – I found freedom in ACIM!! Love the double meaning.
Freedom is a huge principle for the ACIM practitioner which helps me understand why I love it. Freedom was always an important principle for me. I frequently quote this passage, "Yet the argument that underlies the defense of freedom is perfectly valid. Because it is true, it should not be fought for, but it should be sided with." (OrEd.Tx.7.11) I have always sided with freedom.
Revolutionary activist Patrick Henry said publicly in 1775 “Give me liberty, or give me death.” Thomas Jefferson and George Washington were in attendance. It is thought this public speech got Virginia to send troops to fight the Revolutionary war. Since ACIM cautions us not to fight for freedom, but to side with it – let me rephrase Patrick Henry’s words to “Give me liberty and give me life.” Life literally IS liberty. Imprisonment is not “life” at all.
Since fighting for freedom (or liberty) is just more separation what can we do to side with liberty? We can vote. Liberty is anthropomorphized as “Lady Liberty.” Make Lady Liberty smile and vote.
(originally appeared in Miracles Weekly #361, November 3 2022)
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I have heard several well known doctors lately call for a completely new paradigm for health care in our society. An increasing discussion is that the current system is so corrupted by big pharma, the medical boards, and the regulatory agencies that there is no way to fix it from within. I have heard calls for conscientious doctors to abandon corporate medicine and go back into private practice. It caused me to remember the relationship with the doctors I had in my youth. I have often wondered why the positive effect of spiritual healing has never been adequately studied, let alone promoted. A new track would be a wellness track and not a sickness tract. When I heard this something triggered an exciting energy that ACIM and its practitioners could be a vital part of a new wellness movement. Accessing one’s own inner wisdom would be a key component. The relationship with the health practitioner would be a true collaboration instead of top-down dictates from an external authority figure. "You can have guidance from without, but you must accept it from within. The guidance must [become] what you want, or it will be meaningless to you. That is why rehabilitation is a collaborative venture." (OrEd.Tx.8.29) Join me on Sunday for an exciting talk about what the future of health may look like and how we, Miracle Healers, could be an integral part of it. 28 min. SUBSCRIBE & SHARE
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Apocalyptic soothsayers have been saying “The End Is Near” for millennia. This is traditionally been associated with a fiery destruction of the planet earth, with maybe a "blessed” 144,000 righteous ones ascending into Heaven in “The Rapture” while the rest remain to burn. However ACIM tells us that the ending is always happy. Lately I (Rev. Tony) have been getting a message that we are closer to a pivotal turning point than we have ever been, and it’s a very good thing. A “sufficient number” are waking up to miracle-mindedness. "We have frequently noted that the miracle is a device for shortening but not abolishing time. If a sufficient number of people become truly miracle-minded quickly, the shortening process can be almost immeasurable." (OrEd.Tx.2.17) Maybe the end is near, but it’s the promised “happy ending!” 23 min. SUBSCRIBE & SHARE
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In my early life, let’s call it my time BC (Before the Course) I would have thought that everyone desired to be healed. Now, after involvement with ACIM for 42 years, I clearly see that this is indeed not so. A vast majority of the people in the world do not want healing and actively decide to endorse thought systems that diminish their power. People make decisions that continuously lead them to sickness and death. "Those who fear death see not how often and how loudly they call to it and bid it come to save them from communication." (OrEd.Tx.19.84) ACIM keeps reinforcing the idea that we are choosing sickness because it brings us something we want. No one like this teaching. However the fact that they don’t like it doesn’t make it less true. "Certainly sickness does not appear to be a decision. Nor would anyone actually believe he wants to be sick." (OrEd.Mn.22.4) Many ACIM students think that they are learning how to heal themselves and to extend that healing to others who also want it. I have found that a much more truthful (and thusly effective) foundation is to realize that we are bringing healing to those who do not want it and are actively choosing against it, and all too often that includes us. Don’t miss this talk. It will transform your ability to heal and be a healer. 29 min. SUBSCRIBE & SHARE
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I function in the belief system that scores of miracles happen in each of our lives every single day. Yes, even finding parking places. The teacher who said that getting parking places was not a miracle never lived in a major urban area. I believe we need to train ourselves to see and acknowledge these everyday miracles. It is what will build confidence in the ability as we progress to mastery. "Confidence cannot develop fully until mastery has been accomplished." (OrEd.Tx.2.104) As we get sensitized to the everyday miracles we begin to see how easy and natural miracles are. This can be such a fun part of our miracle curriculum. Let’s remember that this is a fun and happy course. 26 min. SUBSCRIBE & SHARE
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We’ve all felt it from time to time – the desire to quit. I have felt it. There have been times in the CMC’s 35 plus, year history when it all just seemed not to be working, when the money coming in wasn’t matching the bills, when our extensively trained staff (with our time and our money) left us suddenly, when people said harsh derogatory things about me, and when some I felt were professional colleagues seemed to be actively working against me. I didn’t give up. There were times those who were near and dear to me seemed to pull their support away, tried to convince others that I was leading everybody astray, and that my interpretation of ACIM was not just wrong, but dangerous. "You who are sometimes sad and sometimes angry, who sometimes feel your just due is not given you and your best efforts meet with lack of appreciation and even contempt, give up these foolish thoughts. They are too small and meaningless to occupy your holy minds an instant longer." (OrEd.Mn.15.4) Don’t give up. Join us on Sunday and reaffirm your own commitment to your Spirit guided goals. 27 min. SUBSCRIBE & SHARE
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Dear Miracle Worker,
There is a ubiquitous belief that nature’s beauty is painted by God. It’s a lie. It’s painted by us.
Recently, I was parking my car. I noticed an absolutely gorgeous hibiscus bush right outside the front passenger’s door window. It was in full bloom with red flowers. (Actually they were more of a magenta color. Just wanted to be sure you all know I am not a “typical man” who doesn’t understand the nuance of color shades. LOL) I thought immediately “I need to take a picture of that.” But I didn’t thank God for the beauty. I thanked myself. ACIM teaches that there is no external reality. It’s all an illusion of our own making. The beauty of these hibiscus flowers was my own manifestation.
The beauty of nature is a proclamation we are making in our own honor. To credit a God who is apart from us is to miss the point and to miss the healing. "All living things are still before you, for they recognize Who walks with you. The light you carry is their own, and thus they see in you their holiness, saluting you as savior and as God. Accept their reverence" (OrEd.WkBK.156.5)
If we get ourselves into this proper relationship with the world we experience, we lay the foundation for healing and manifesting the beauty and splendor of healthy, healed bodies.
"All things that live bring gifts to you and offer them in gratitude and gladness at your feet. The scent of flowers is their gift to you. The waves bow down before you, and the trees extend their arms to shield you from the heat and lay their leaves before you on the ground that you may walk in softness, while the wind sinks to a whisper round your holy head." (OrEd.WkBK.156.4)
(originally appeared in Miracles Weekly #354, September 13 2022)
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I (Rev. Tony) will be speaking about the transition of Queen Elizabeth. She became Queen of England in 1952. I, personally, have known no other Queen of England than Queen Elizabeth. Her 70 year reign is truly a record breaker. There have been no other British monarchs who have ever held the throne of power for that long. That consistency of rule, through the many dramatic changes of the past 7 decades in society and culture, is truly noteworthy. ACIM does have something to say about consistency. It is related to, actually equal to, honesty. "Only the trusting can afford honesty, for only they can see its value. Honesty does not apply only to what you say. The term actually means consistency." (OrEd.Mn.4.11) By being the most consistent force in world governance, can we perhaps say that she was the most honest? I believe she certainly fulfilled her "special function." "To each He gives a special function in salvation he (or 'she') alone can fill – a part for only him (or in this case 'her')." (OrEd.Tx.25.46)
In observing what is now being reported in various media, I am touched by the positiveness and dignity of the reporting. It's such a rarity for the current popular news cycles to witness such civility. If we ever want to think of the manifestation of a life of grace, then Queen Elizabeth can certainly be said to have lived one. "By grace I live. By grace I am released." (OrEd.WkBk.169) I trust she will be so released into the realms of peace and limitlessness.
My heart goes out to my sisters, brothers, and others in the United Kingdom. Not that I believe they are overly saddened on her passing – people are not usually "sad" when someone 96 years old passes. However most have not known any monarch other than Queen Elizabeth, and change is frequently fraught with anxiety. To my British friends, let me give honor to your tradition. "The Queen is dead. Long live the King." God bless the new King Charles III. You've waited a very long time. This is your moment. You have had a full lifetime to prepare. I bless you with peace and acknowledge your reflection of Divine power. I can't wait to watch the coronation. 32 min. SUBSCRIBE & SHARE
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Dear Miracle Worker,
Throughout my 35 plus years of being Executive Minister of the CMC, I have found one of the most common ways people derail themselves is around issues relating to money. There is tremendous societal agreement that we can, and perhaps “should,” judge people about money. No matter how many free public services the CMC provides, the fact that we are guided to ask a fee for some is judged and (let’s be honest) condemned.
Recently rising prices have triggered peoples’ fears about scarcity again. It all comes down to beliefs about lack and insufficiency. Yet an early Miracles Principle tells us quite clearly that all perceptions of lack are “faulty,” or broken. "Wholeness is the perceptual content of miracles. It thus corrects or atones for the faulty perception of lack anywhere." (OrEd.Tx.1.61) OMG – its one of the Principles themselves! Let’s take a closer look at “faulty.” "working badly or unreliably because of imperfections: mistaken or misleading because of flaws, having or displaying weaknesses.” It just doesn’t work to perceive lack. Most are upset about money because of a broken perception that their own money is scare or lacking.
I have always known that pushing through these false money perceptions was going to be one of our biggest challenges – and it has been. I have also seen repeatedly that “free” is not always the best price. As much “virtue signaling” as one can attract because of “free,” sometimes it may be just more honest to accept that some things cost money. “To believe that it is possible to get much for little is to believe that you can bargain with God.” (OrEd.Tx.8.117) I’m not going to haggle over price with God.
(originally appeared in Miracles Weekly #353, September 8 2022)
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Rev. Tony Ponticello
Rev. Peter Graham
Deb Canja
Rev. Joanie Schaeffer-Goss
Rev. Paula Carpe
Rev. Kim Wilson
