November/December 1998
Articles on the theme "Family & Friends"
A Family Role Model
by Ethel Gillette
An account of how Bill Cosby in his
Cosby Show provided a much needed and inspiring example of real family values.
We're All Related
by Bob Gonzalez
Expanding one's view of family and friends to include the realization that
we are all one spirit.
A Soulful Season
by Edwina Holloway
Some suggestions for making the holiday
season more truly meaningful.
The Magic of our Differences
by Rev. Pat Cross
Friends and family - the ultimate gifts
of God's creation. Our human differences and our essential oneness.
Extend Your Family
by Cydné Battreall
If your current family does not meet
your needs, extend it! How to go about it.
The Family of Friends
by Sylvia Jackson
What it takes to be a friend and to
have a friend. True friendship in adversity.
Beyond Family and Friends
by ISA
The true solution to the need for family
and friends.
The Power of Our Thoughts
by Dr. Audrey Craft Davis
How we can use our thoughts to protect
ourselves and those we love.
Other Feature Articles
Natural Health Q&A
by David Simon M.Ac.
A practical discussion of the why's
and how's of weight loss.
2000 and Beyond!
Y2K = TEOTWAWKI?
by David Findlay
Mineral Kingdom
by Judy Power
Featured stones for November and December:
Lapis and Amethyst.
What is . . . Olestra?
by Susan Moyers
A fat-free "fat" that may
not be such a good idea after all.
The Magic of Our Differences
by Rev. Pat Cross
Everything but lovin' leaves a rust on yo' soul.
(Langston Hughes)
The gifts of God are many and all there is, all there has been, and all there ever will be, is bestowed upon us by a Divine Source . . . the eternal soul of creation.
Friends and family who appear in our lives and who are the essence of all our earthly relationships are the ultimate gifts of God's creation . . . the catalysts for the many expressions of the one divine life. The greatest gift of life is to love one another as God loves us . . . unconditionally. To recognize, celebrate and salute the Christ Spirit within one another.
At this auspicious occasion of the year when the air is filled with the spirit of holiday celebration, let us take a moment to reflect on the magic of our differences and the glorious gift we are to each other. Tuning into the constant love silently telegraphing itself through all creation, I sense the unspoken richness of a heart connection with all. Precious moments to remember of experiences shared with the many hearts who have touched and influenced our lives . . . and now treasures of memory to behold.
An awakening to this present moment and the opportunity and choice to create a joyous occasion to cherish and remember. A gift of awareness to the unlimited source of life's ongoing experiences and the potentials and possibilities thereof.
This is the moment. I am the one. The goodness I allow myself to be is my gift to me and a blessing to all others. Be at peace with yourself, see the beauty in all and let life flow through you effortlessly, easily, gently and harmoniously.
We have all known friends and family whose presence in our lives has been an inspiration to us and who have had an affirmative influence on us. Likewise we have known others whom we have allowed to affect us in a negative way.
I ask, "What is it that makes the difference? Is not the reality of such a situation our own perception and interpretation of an experience or a relationship connection?"
In our earthly journey, we become aware of the many powers of example there are among our human contemporaries. Powers of example that are an inspiration to us and powers of example that are a demonstration of how we choose not to be. All these powers of example of our human contemporaries are a gift from God along the path of our own spiritual awareness, unfoldment, growth, maturity and fulfillment.
When we look at all of life's events and experiences that we have entered into, we usually discover human characteristics that may have prevented us from realizing and experiencing our oneness.
I have found in my spiritual quest that these human differences are the stepping stones toward the betterment and quality of life. When I can appreciate, honor, respect and accept these differences for what they are - just differences and not deficiencies - I am better able to enjoy the process of living, relating and the fulfillment thereof.
As an example, recently I spent four days at the Surf Motel at Treasure Island in St. Petersburg where I enjoyed the peacefulness and tranquillity of being in the environment of the beautiful blue ever flowing Gulf of Mexico, beach shell treasures, glorious sunsets, unlimited creative cloud formations, and miles of pure white sand extending beyond the vision of the human eye. Wow, what a gift!
Without any planned agenda for this four day R and R, except for the accompaniment of several books, writing tablets and personal items, I found myself in awe of my surroundings. I was ready just to be and enjoy what was. I did read a chapter or two of one book. After that I didn't open another book during the remainder of my stay. Rather I chose just to be an observer and participator of life happening as it was, naturally expressing through the many varieties of the one spirit. Engaging in conversation at the pool side with Wyatt, a new 2 year old friend who delighted me with his enthusiasm, energy, young heart and aliveness; enjoying dining at a beach bar cafe with a friend; reminiscing about days gone by and creating new memories to remember; listening to and entering into the flow, rhythm and creative expression of many masters of the world of jazz. All this under the umbrella of a moonlit night set in a magical fairyland of white reindeer clouds, a pure snow-white covered terrain, wintry and ice blanketed lakes all surrounded by majestic cloud people, animals and cities. The magic of creativity to be shared and cherished by my friend Jeri and me . . . truly an awesome gift of God given to us so freely.
As each of us contemplates and reflects, at this glorious season of celebration, we may know, experience, realize and accept that Life is the "ultimate gift" from our creator. A gift that is eternal and forever loving . . . the spirit, presence, love, joy, strength and power of the Divine Source emanating and radiating its glory in, as and through all creation. A spiritual truth and reality already embedded in all. Let us allow this divine source to flow easily, effortlessly, lovingly, harmoniously and gracefeltly at all times. A gift unto yourself and a blessing to share with others. One in spirit, mind, body, soul and heart. The very heart of God expressing in, as and thorough, you and me.
Namaste.
Rev. Pat Cross is a Science of Mind minister, lecturer, author of Spiritual Awakenings, counselor, teacher and workshop facilitator. Holiday FL (727) 934-6730. E-mail: patcross@hotmail.com. Web: www.ij.net/rmscomp/sa/