Burning Embers And Booby Prizes

Some destructive thoughts attack us head on, the deadliest however are the thoughts that creep in, with no apparent foreshadowing. We never know what triggers these seemingly random negative thoughts, perhaps it is a smell, a taste, a song on the radio, a blue Volkswagen driving by, no one really knows and most importantly it matters little. What matters is the action we take when we become aware of discordant or negative thinking, morbid reflection ascendant. Consider the analogy of the campfire: We are sitting by a campfire and a burning ember floats up and lands on our sleeve, if we brush it off immediately no real harm is done. However if we wait a moment to contemplate it, the shirt is ruined, a welt on our arm to mark the decision. The metaphysical lesson is simple, we must stay ever vigilant for those “burning ember” thoughts and as soon as becoming aware, we turn immediately to God and ask Him to direct our thinking. The wording of our prayer is of course optional, but the timing isn’t. So many make the mistake of trying to figure out why the thought surfaced, not only failing to brush off “the ember” with Divine help, but nurturing and feeding it fuel by continuing to try to understand why it surfaced, as if knowing why will do anything to remove the discomfort and pain their ruminations are causing. Why is the booby prize. Why only prolongs the pain, intensifies it, while prayer addresses it, relieves and removes it.

boo·by prize : n  
loser’s prize: a prize given as a joke to the person or team coming last in a competition 

If a small fire started in your home would you stand by, watching the fire wondering why it started or would you act to put it out? Yet we do this very thing in the only dwelling that really matters, our consciousness. When we entertain destructive thoughts, our serenity and peace of mind burns in the fire of morbid reflection. So we must stay ever vigilant and at the first sign of an ember, we enlist God to be our fireman. ©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

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Changes

What we seek we find, what we plant and nurture will grow. Seems like a simple enough lesson, yet many ignore it. Parents whose only focus is working, “providing”, are surprised when they find they really don’t know their children at all, or conversely the parent who orchestrates every aspect of their child’s life with little or no regard for the child’s preferences shocked when the child rebels when given an opportunity. The spouse who spends all their time away from the family incredulous when served divorce papers. The philandering spouse angered when they discover their partner is carrying on in the same manner. The alcoholic or addict who is going to straighten out, eventually.

So what are you planting, seeking by your actions? Do your actions mirror your words? Are you trying to impress others, perhaps believing that if they think you are okay, you are? Do you spend a lot of time “selling” your side of the story, leaving out any facts that may paint you in a bad light? Have you ever employed the concept of “guilty with an explanation?” Are you surrounded by people who are quick to co-sign whatever you’re selling, while avoiding those who may ask uncomfortable questions or point out obvious truths? Living on the Spiritual Basis we have learned that the unexamined life leads only to futility and frustration.

Having placed our feet on the path we are gentle with those around us who are still locked in the bondage of self. We never answer the unasked question but do share from the heart our struggles and the actions we have taken to progress, regardless of personal consequences. In truth those about us will be far more impressed by a quiet demonstration of spiritual principles through our actions than by anything we will say. To borrow from Wayne Dyer: (my thoughts added) “Never underestimate your ability to change yourself (through the application of spiritual principles) and never overestimate your ability to change others.” To fundamentally change the desire must come from within, and no matter how badly we may desire to help those around us, ultimately we are responsible for the crops planted, their tending and the harvest we reap. ©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

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Trying To Sell It

“Handsome is as handsome does.” Sounds a bit Forrest Gump-ish but it fit’s the bill. Many wish to enjoy a certain reputation they know in their heart they don’t deserve. The ill-tempered person may indeed wish to be loved and favored but their very actions make it impossible. How often have we heard a friend or acquaintance (or even ourselves) attempt to sell the idea that even though someone is acting or has acted badly they really meant well, are basically nice people, having a heart of gold. Nonsense: Handsome is as handsome does. Living on the Spiritual Basis our serenity is measured by our actions. We must walk the way we talk or risk suffering mightily at the hands of hypocrisy. We can wish to be spiritual, we can wish for peace, we can wish to be happy, joyous and free but unless our actions match up with our wishes, we will never demonstrate our hearts desire.   ©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

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The Fourth Man

There is a story in the Old Testament concerning three men who refused to worship a golden image erected by King Nebuchadnezzar. The king was so incensed by their refusal he sentenced them to die in a fiery furnace. This furnace was so hot their guards died in the process of casting them in. As the King watched, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego were joined in the furnace by a fourth man. Soon the three emerged from the furnace, unharmed, delivered because they had refused to sacrifice their belief, holding fast to God, the fourth presence in the furnace. The king was so moved he converted on the spot.

We all face trials and difficulties in our lives, our “fiery furnace.” Having chosen to Live on the Spiritual Basis, by holding fast to a power greater than ourselves, the fourth man stands with us, keeping us unharmed, regardless of how intense the fire appears to be.
©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

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Life's Rough Patches

When we are in “it” up to our necks our perceptions of the world becomes skewed, often to the extreme. A wise man said to me long ago “Everyone spends time in the barrel.” The problems start in earnest when we start to believe that the “barrel” or the rough patch we find ourselves in at the moment is permanent. “Seasons of dryness” happen to all, the reason why of little importance, the action we engage in when we become aware paramount. The typical response, and unfortunately direction given by many well intentioned but mistaken advisers, is to “redouble” ones efforts, when the opposite is true. When driving if we come upon a bad patch of road, one of the signs invariably directs us to “slow down.” We are never directed to speed up, drive harder or redouble our driving. The same holds for the spiritual road. We don’t struggle or try to fight our way through, we surrender, relax, for this too shall pass.

To be clear, action is required, so we pray but keep it simple. In times of trouble simply “God is with me” is a powerful prayer, and is sufficient if it is all we can muster in the moment. What matters is our willingness to continue praying, placing the burden on God’s shoulders, for it is too much for us. By keeping our gaze focused on Him who has all knowledge and power, in time, just as with stretches of bad road the trouble will pass, the road smooths, the ride stabilizes and our gaze shifts from the roadbed back to the unlimited horizons before us.
 
©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

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How Much Faith Is Enough?

You have probably heard the simile of the mustard seed, that all that is required to progress spiritually is a mustard seeds worth of faith. The mustard seed is one of smallest seeds in nature, yet a strong, resilient plant with amazing properties springs forth from this speck of creation. So it is with us as well. By simply considering or thinking on faith, we have enough faith to demonstrate. To concern ourselves with any supposed “lack” of faith is the adversary, self-centered fear, working to keep us locked in the bondage of self. So we pray to the best of our ability today, and that is all that is required of us to progress, for all prayer has power. When in the grip of trouble the only prayer we may be able to utter is “God help me”, which is a powerful statement in faith and is sufficient onto its self. 

 

If you are considering, thinking about faith, you have the mustard seed in your hand. From this small beginning a powerful and vibrant relationship with the only true source will grow in the garden of your consciousness, in your heart of hearts. Water it with prayer, tend it with meditation and service to the best of your current ability, for God will never ask of us to demonstrate beyond our current understanding and that understanding is enough, just for today.

©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

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“ONE DAY AT A TIME”

“Live, one day at a time.” This simple saying popularized by Alcoholics Anonymous has become part of the daily consciousness, but what does it really mean? Living on the Spiritual Basis the meaning is simple and profound: The only time we can be present for God, the only time we can stand in the presence of God, the only time God can be present in our lives is in the present moment. So be present for God, for God is always present for us. Yesterday a memory, tomorrow a promise, today, this moment the only reality. Living on this basis, the Spiritual Basis, all the presents God has for us appear in our lives. ©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

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Growing Consciousness

To progress, to grow in consciousness we must do the work, for no one can do another’s spiritual lifting. Memorizing and reciting spiritual sayings, affirmations and prayers is a valuable tool, but to progress we must go much further. To have a lively faith we must remain open minded and willing to explore new spiritual experiences, in the light of prayer and meditation, and then demonstrate faith through our actions.

Self-centered fear is a thief, lurking in the shadows, cunning and patient, waiting for the moment to strike, stealing peace of mind and serenity leaving anxiety and depression in its wake. So we ask God to remove from us the notion that any part of our lives or thinking, any shadows, is hidden from Him. Of course nothing is, but we need to say it in prayer, affirming it in meditation, so any lingering thoughts that anything exists outside His sight will be smashed.

We live in the light, for in truth the only darkness that exists are the shadows we cast when attempting to live on anything other than the Spiritual Basis. Living on the Spiritual Basis everything is illuminated, so when we err, for we all do, this simple reliance on God will take us to better things, forgiven as soon as we ask, our course of action clear, unmistakable. 
©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

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The True Basis Of Living

“Man is essentially spiritual, the image and likeness of God, and therefore he is made for the spiritual basis, and he cannot really succeed on any other.” Emmet Fox. Living on the Spiritual Basis requires focus and commitment. Halfhearted demonstrations lead inevitably to struggle and ultimate failure in spirit. Wishing to enjoy the reputation of someone who embraces spiritual principles without reservation but live in reality with one foot in the secular and one in the spiritual leads only to discontent and strife, for the double minded individual is unstable in all their ways. So speak to Him in prayer without reservation, unburden yourself of the last vestiges of self-centered fear and stride out wholeheartedly on to the only real basis of living, the Spiritual Basis.
©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

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Should We Pray For Ourselves?

Some are of the opinion that praying for oneself is somehow selfish, but this is at best a half truth and is never selfish when we speak from the heart. Every conversation with God is a prayer and Living on the Spiritual Basis we do not filter our conversations with Our Father. When we do we are relying on our limited consciousness to manage our relationship with the infinite, with God, rather vain of us don't you think? In truth, God already knows the issues of our heart, the conversation/prayer demonstrating our willingness to achieve a higher consciousness. When our “eye is single” we understand that what we give our attention to manifests in our lives, our perceptions changed, our consciousness raised if our focus is spiritual. God will not, can not bring anything into our lives that will harm us or others, for good and God are synonymous, so never hesitate to speak to God on any subject, for in so doing our attention is focused on the only thing that truly matters, our relationship with “Our Father."
©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

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Our Two Masters

We are always serving one or the other, the carnal or secular mind if you prefer or our spiritual heart. Having an understanding of spiritual principles is important, our mind full of spiritual knowledge if you will. The curious thing about spiritual knowledge is many believe it is all they need, demonstration secondary. Consider, having a great deal of medical knowledge doesn’t make someone a doctor, to truly become a doctor they must first acquire knowledge and then under careful supervision put this knowledge into action, turning thought into experience, moving it from the theoretical to the real, from head to heart. This holds true in every area of life, but no area more important than our spiritual life, since everything in life finds its germination in God, yet so many fail to walk the way they talk. In pursuit of material and secular success individuals often go too tremendous lengths; willingly ignoring the spiritual imperative, their treasure being material possessions and accolades; their actions demonstrating their true hearts desire, speaking spiritually, but living at odds with the spiritual imperative. A head full of spiritual knowledge without the corresponding demonstration amounts to a half measure, and spiritually half measures avail us nothing. Only we know if “we walk the way we talk”, only we know in our heart of hearts which master we serve. ©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

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Another Beautiful Day In Paradise

Usually when I’m asked how I’m doing I respond: “It’s another beautiful day in paradise.” Why? First, most really don’t want to know in any detail, since essentially all they are doing is saying hello and this lets them off the hook. Admit it, there have been times when you have asked “How are you doing?” as a greeting and the person proceeded, in detail, to tell you exactly how they were doing, all the while your internal voice was screaming “I was only saying hello!” 

Secondly, and most importantly, when speaking about our lives there needs to be a good reason for the conversation. If things are going well, of course a simple declarative statement is desirable, but if an area of life; family, health, work, etc is bothersome then we must be on guard lest we may place ourselves in danger of stoking the fires of resentment. The pitfall of drifting into condemnation while airing our "problems" to a sympathetic ear places us at risk, the risk of morbid reflection.

 The concept that “talking” about something troubling us will make us feel better is only a half truth. It only has lasting value if the purpose of the conversation is to explore solutions, not to merely vent. We have all vented at times in our lives, what happened? In the moments following the rant we did feel better, but just like the temporary relief felt when short on cash and a forgotten twenty is found in the pocket of the pants worn last week, it fades as soon as we shift from the gratitude of finding the cash  to “it’s only a twenty” thinking. Often I have had a student say they felt better after “getting something off their chest” but unless a definite course of action to address the problem or situation is entered into (i.e. prayer, meditation and service), all that was really accomplished was “letting off a little steam” which is fine in the short run but does nothing to address the continuing source of the heat.

When we abstain from negative thinking and talk, from feeding the inner beast of self-pity and self-centered fear, instead turning our thoughts and heart to a Power Greater Than Ourselves that is wisdom and guidance immanent and the only real barrier to morbid reflection we save ourselves from needless mental and spiritual wear and tear. So, how are you doing? It really is another beautiful day in paradise.
©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

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Choosing The Spiritual Or Secular Life

Secular success is typically measured by possessions, popularity, good looks, living the “good” life. Spiritually success however is measured by the peace, poise and serenity we demonstrate when difficulties arrive, a state we achieve by understanding the true nature of being, realizing that appearances are illusionary, possessions temporary. Secular health it is about looking and feeling good at any price, taking and doing whatever to achieve that which is passing at best. Spiritual health is not about the body. Awake to the truth that this flesh is merely a vehicle, a conveyance for a time. This does not mean that we misuse it or ignore its care, but we are clear that we are not our body since all flesh fails, that we truly are a spark of the divine, eternal, existing before this flesh was conceived and existing beyond its return to the dust and ash from which it came. Secular: the opinions of others have power and color our choices and decisions. Spiritually: when we are right with God, all other relationships can and will fall into place.

As we transition from living on the secular basis to Living on the Spiritual Basis our whole attitude about life and living changes. “That feeling of uselessness and self-pity will disappear. We will lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in our fellows.” “What used to be the hunch or the occasional inspiration becomes a working part of the mind.” Spiritual or secular, peace or tumult, the choice is ours. “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” Living on the Spiritual Basis we are no longer of this world, but we are in it; life simplified for: “we have ceased fighting anything or anyone" for  “We had a new Employer. Being all powerful, He provided what we needed, if we kept close to Him and performed His work well.”
©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

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Conning Ourselves Spiritually

“He wants to enjoy a certain reputation, but knows in his heart he doesn’t deserve it” Con artists portray themselves in whatever manner necessary in order to achieve their goal: relieving the mark of their money. Whether it requires appearing down and out or worth millions, a good ole boy or foreign dignitary, sinner or saint, they do whatever it takes to get over on the unsuspecting victim. The con artist however doesn’t deceive themselves as to who they really are. As soon as the con is done, win or lose, they move on, shedding the portrayal like a pair of dirty socks.

    Spiritually many con themselves unknowingly. They approach their spiritual lives in much the same manner as they approach the myriad of secular duties they face daily. Then trouble comes; it may be economic, family or health in nature. Being nominal students of the path, they feel abandoned, let down by God for just as the con artist they had only worn the clothes of a believer, saying the right words at the correct time, doing and acting as a believer should, living under the false belief that by merely acting correctly they were doing the work. They are like the man who stashed away the seed for a great harvest but never planted the crop.

    Faith without works is dead and Spiritual work without faith is just activity. We all reap as we sow and in the garden of our spiritual lives, for in truth there is no other, our crop must be planted with care and interest, watered with love and service, the weeds of discontent and fear removed as soon as we become aware of them. So pray with a feather, gently, considering your words, remember this is your time with Conscious Creative Force of all Creation. If in a religious or spiritual setting stay in the moment, leaving the world and its clamoring at the door, speaking to God in our consciousness, the “Secret” place of our heart, asking what He would have us see or learn on this occasion, remembering that often it is not about us, but how we can be of service, and if we are daydreaming or thinking of other things we may miss a wonderful opportunity.

     You “…cannot transmit something you haven’t got.”  So we quietly tend our garden in earnest, reaping peace and true purpose, being present for God in the moment, for it is only in this moment that we can be present for God, our lives, in truth, a series of moments strung together in faith. ©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

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The Gravity Of Opportunity

There are many laws, both secular and spiritual. Man’s laws fill untold volumes and are constantly being amended, added to, ignored and broken. But what of the Spiritual “laws”; The Law of Retribution, the Law of Unintended Consequence, Reaping and Sowing and others? What sets these laws apart from man’s laws is that they are totally impersonal in application, like the law of gravity. Rich or poor, famous or infamous, it makes no difference; if we fall we will continue falling until something breaks our fall. Whether it is 1 foot or ten thousand, it happens every single time, a Hitler or a Mother Teresa, the law of gravity plays no favorites, cannot be bribed or ignored. And just as gravity, no appeal ever suspends God’s laws, for if it could, than we would live in a chaos not a universe.

The Law of Opportunity is one of these laws. Living on the Spiritual Basis we now understand this life is but a moment in eternity, we existed before this flesh was conceived and will exist beyond its return to the dust and ashes from whence it came. Our job, our only real job in this life, is to learn and grow in effectiveness, so when a difficulty surfaces, an opportunity for demonstration, we choose the right course of action. Living on the Spiritual Basis, in touch with source, we treat these occasions with prayer and meditation, knowing there is something to be learned that will improve and ultimately clarify our connection with God. By demonstrating over the problem by reliance on source, we demonstrate to others, by our actions, the truth of spiritual living.

Theory is fine in the classroom but demonstration is the measure, the attraction. The Law of Opportunity is one of God’s ways of providing us choice, to grow in understanding and expression, applying our free will justly. So what is our choice to be when opportunity knocks, reliance on the infinite, God, or the finite, ourselves? Choose wisely, I’ll get the door.
©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

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God Doesn't Row

Einstein remarked, “The most important decision you will ever make is whether you live in a friendly or hostile universe.” Spiritually, if we live in a hostile universe, then no matter what we do, there really isn‘t any hope for us. The hostile universe is dominated by a “score keeper” God, holding that we are full of sin, so all we can do is the best we can, knowing that when this flesh fails the piper will be paid. Forgive the language but this lacks something without it: “Life is just one big shit sandwich, believing in God just means you get fries with it” pretty much sums up the hostile universe point of view.

But what of the friendly universe? When the Carpenter delivered the Sermon On The Mount, he summed up our relationship with God simply with the words “Our Father.”  The friendly universe then builds on a basic criterion: we are all connected, equal in His eyes regardless of circumstance or station, “the realm of Heaven roomy, all inclusive, never exclusive or forbidding; open to all who earnestly seek.”

We have all been touched by sin, however in the friendly universe we Live on the Spiritual Basis, knowing in our heart of hearts, that we are forgiven as soon as we ask. The key being that we truly wish to change and grow spiritually, so past transgressions no longer bedevil us or are repeated. Forgiveness is meaningless however if it is only sought as a means to avoid trouble. For forgiveness to be operative we must desire to change with all our heart, finally realizing that though willing, the flesh is weak, we must have help and that help comes from “Our Father.”

Now, if we had to wait to be “pure” to become worthy of God’s love none of us would make the cut. To be clear: we are worthy right here right now; all that is required is a wholehearted commitment to seek a relationship with God. How is this done? Through prayer, service and meditation coupled with willingness and an open mind. When approached this way the path of our enlightenment naturally unfolds before us, but we must continue in the work. Visualize it this way: It is you and God in a rowboat and God doesn't row. His hand is on the tiller and we row with our back to the direction traveled, our eyes fixed on Him, lest we become fearful and try to steer the boat by pulling a little harder on one oar or the other, resisting God’s guidance. If we ultimately lose faith and grab the tiller He will not fight us, but He will not row. Lacking our demonstration, our rowing, our little boat is left to the mercy of contrary currents and swirling eddies of self-centered fear, ultimately directionless even though our hand is on the tiller. The good news is as soon as we retake our seat and pick up the oars, He will resume the tiller and though we may be fearful and trembling, we grow by once again demonstrating trust in the infinite, rather than our finite selves. Oh, and He brings much better sandwiches.
©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

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Theoretical Skiing

Intellectual discussions of spirituality can be interesting, even invigorating, but have no real value without demonstration. Consider: someone decides to become a snow skier. They read books and magazines on skiing, attend lectures and seminars, learn about snow and meteorology, purchase the latest skiing attire and have custom skis made. Are they a skier? To the casual observer they seem to meet the criterion, they “know” all about skiing and have all the latest and best gear. Except they have never actually skied. Now, a seasoned skier would not be fooled for a moment, they would listen and know in short order that their “knowledge” was all theoretical, none of it based on actual experience. Clearly, being a lodge or “bench” skier has its advantages: they never get hurt (as long as they don’t insult an actual skier) and they stay warm and dry with minimal wear and tear on their gear and wardrobe. The only problem being the point of skiing is to ski, to experience all the wonderful things on the slopes they have only read or heard about.

Now most folks who decide to ski, do in fact hit the slopes. Spiritually however many choose to remain in the lodge, convinced that self knowledge is sufficient, taking the slopes unnecessary. Both cases of bench warmers demonstrate the same truths: Self knowledge avails us nothing that faith without works is dead and they wish to enjoy a certain reputation they know in their heart they don‘t deserve. Knowledge has little or no value until it is put into action/demonstration, for when we lack the faith to put what we “know” to work, we allow fear to dominate us. For faith to be vital we must leave the lodge and hit the slopes, and just like the beginning skier, regardless of how much we “know” we are going fall, make mistakes and end up a little sore. 

So we step out in faith and demonstrate over the challenges and difficulties of life, relying on a Power Greater Than Ourselves to provide what we need, employing prayer, meditation and constructive action to solve all our problems, proving the theoretical. Oh, and never ski on old wax.
©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

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Spiritual Snakes

Some years ago I became very ill, but since I was still “functioning” I delayed going to my physician until I was essentially at death‘s door. The onset had been so gradual that my body and life had adapted to it, my life having shrunken to the point of work and commitments, nothing more. By Fridays I was so tired I would come home and only move for necessities, resting and marshaling my energy for the coming week. As my health returned it amazed me how I had allowed my circumstances to become so altered, how I had just accepted negative conditions, rationalized them without a fight because it happened gradually, under the radar of my consciousness.

During the course of our lives our circumstances, living conditions, go through many alterations. Careers and children the leading causes early, aging and possibly becoming care givers more so later. Although we never fully understand going in how becoming parents or relocating/changing careers will impact us, growing older and some of these other things, typically, come with some foreshadowing, approaching head on, unlike what transpired when I became so very ill, which crept in silently like a snake.

Spiritually the same things happen in our lives. When faced with a definite problem or difficulty we react and take some form of action, preferably spiritual, but even running around shouting the sky is falling is action, a demonstration, albeit a poor one. Then there are the snakes. When we first begin walking the new path, Living on the Spiritual Basis, we are aware of everything around us. The scales on our eyes have fallen away; we are seeing life and our existence through fresh eyes, illumination all about us. Having had our first taste of freedom from the bondage of self we naturally believe that our days of slavery are behind us, never to return. If only it were that simple. The price of spiritual freedom is unrelenting vigilance.

Unfortunately many become complacent, in time becoming moribund, rigid in their thinking, no longer open to the fresh winds that constantly flow from source. Though once dynamic, free and open they have now unconsciously constructed walls built of the brick of righteousness set in the mortar of pride, living in the shadows where snakes reside, becoming slaves to self once again, though they often continue mouthing spiritual teachings and platitudes, these principles have lost any real significance in their lives, simply nice thoughts lacking any real authority.

Avoid then the deadly trap of complacency and spiritual pride by staying fresh through heartfelt prayer, service and meditation, unwilling to accept limitation in all its guises regardless of personal circumstances, for God truly wants all of us to be happy, joyous and free, our lives the demonstration of our true divine heritage, our connection with source affirmed.
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The Secret, Wayne Dyer, ACIM, Heart’s Desire, Zen, Emmet Fox, How To Be Happy, Golden Key, NOTW, Addicts Today, Chopra, Alanon, Healing Path Recovery, Sobriety Mentor, Sobertec, Marianne Williamson

Resting By The River

Resting on our laurels. We have all done it; perhaps you are doing it now. Whenever I have, I find the leaves quickly dry out, becoming stiff with sharp points, poking me in the…encouraging action. Living on the Spiritual Basis provides unlimited horizons for growth and the expansion of our consciousness, but we have to take the action. Think of it this way: We are floating in a slow moving river, the river of consciousness. Many live their lives simply floating along, seemingly at the mercy of the current, only treading water when seeming calamity looms ahead. When we make a decision to live on a different basis, the basis of trusting and relying upon God we begin treading water in earnest, moving against the current of fear, selfish and self centered pursuits, toward increased awareness and purpose, our consciousness, our relationship/connection with source improving as we progress. This however requires conscious and consistent effort on our part. No one spends all of their time in the river. We all climb out from time to time, resting on the soft laurel leaves by the bank. The problems begin if we attempt to set up camp, losing sight of the truth that our growth rests on our willingness to continue moving forward in our spiritual demonstration. So, when the leaves begin to stiffen take note and get back in the river, for something wonderful lies just beyond the next bend, upriver. ©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

The Secret, Wayne Dyer, ACIM, Heart’s Desire, Zen, Emmet Fox, How To Be Happy, Golden Key, NOTW, Addicts Today, Chopra, Alanon, Healing Path Recovery, Sobriety Mentor, Sobertec, Marianne Williamson

Somersaulting Through The Eye Of A Needle

It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God (Mark 10:25). Well, I have yet to see a camel small enough or a needle big enough for this to happen, so I surmised, wrongly, that it meant being rich was something to be avoided. Yeah, didn’t make much sense to me either. Let’s look a little deeper. Context being king; *many cities at the time of this saying were surrounded by high thick walls with large gates to facilitate traffic in and out of the city. At night the large gates would be closed and small gates opened, these gates were known as the needle’s eye. So perhaps a clearer translation would be: It is easier for a camel to pass through the needle’s eye than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.

Camels could be brought through the needle’s eye, but it required unloading them first. This is the crux of the teaching. Camels don’t care what they are carrying, rocks or gold makes no difference to them, only that it eventually comes off, the sooner the better.  In this the camel seems wiser than us. Whether we are rich in physical possessions or not, we carry all sorts of baggage, impediments to entering the Kingdom of Heaven. Selfishness, hubris, spiritual pride, condemnation, bigotry (overt and subtle), hatred, self-centeredness, fear in a hundred guises are all examples of “possessions” that keep us locked in the bondage of self. Living on the Spiritual Basis we have become willing and ready to be free of this bondage, setting aside our possessions, performing the work daily to become and remain “poor in spirit.”

Poor in spirit does not mean poor spirited, conversely it means we have unburdened ourselves of our baggage by a simple reliance on “Our Father”, turning in all things to Him who has all knowledge and power, finally realizing the truth of our connection and birthright as children of a loving Creator.

So if you are trudging the road of happy destiny weighed down by your possessions, cast off your pack and leave it by the side of the road, become truly poor in spirit, weightless, cart wheeling through the needle’s eye, somersaulting into the Kingdom of Heaven.
*Note: not all Bible historians and translators are agreed on this interpretation. 

©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved 

The Secret, Wayne Dyer, ACIM, Heart’s Desire, Zen, Emmet Fox, How To Be Happy, Golden Key, NOTW, Addicts Today, Chopra, Alanon, Healing Path Recovery, Sobriety Mentor, Sobertec, Marianne Williamson