Category Archives: New Thought

Play Without Learning, Live Without Trying

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In our fast-paced, fast food, quick fix society, we want things handed to us, all done, already complete, no assembly required. And some people mistakenly believe law of attraction and metaphysics promote just that. Sorry, but this is simply not true.

Starting in the 1800’s if not earlier, people wanted to experience the beauty and fun of playing music, but didn’t want to put in the time, concentration, learning and effort required to truly make music their own. The markets responded by offering player pianos. TO this day player pianos are still available, and electronic keyboards offer song banks and visual systems, touch here and learn this song in 7 easy steps!

I don’t believe this is a real, expansive way to learn anything. In fact I would call it cheating, but you didn’t ask me that, did you?

So what does this have to do with metaphysics, or spirituality in general? A lot, actually. Some so-called teachers are promoting law of attraction, New Thought, and versions of metaphysics like this. The Universe is your catalog. Ask! And whatever you ask for is given. Visualize it long enough, and you’ll get what you want. Live as if you already have what you say you want, and you’ll get it.

The confusion comes because, though these premises contain truth, they are not the whole Truth. And though a player piano or electronic keyboard can reproduce songs, that’s all it can do. It does not think, learn, feel, or experience anything. Therefore, it does not grow, change, or evolve.

The purpose of life, is evolution, change, transformation. And for this purpose to be fulfilled, we must be nurtured, watered if you will, fed, supported, so that we can grow. Which is the purpose of life!

Do you see what I’m getting at here? We can hear something and call it music, because it sounds nice and we like it. But does that mean we understand how music works? Does that mean we feel and appreciate it? Does that mean we’ve learned anything from it? If we are not better in some way, after listening to or playing music, it hasn’t fulfilled its purpose–to grow, expand and change.

If we take the so-called Secret, law of attraction, or anything in New Thought, spirituality, or any religion, but are not expanded by it, then life’s purpose is not served. Why is this? Because we’re only looking at the surface. We’re looking at a physical thing, be it someone’s book or listening to a “good song,” and believing that will give us the quick fix we want.

Nope, sorry. There are no quick fixes. Music, dare I say it, takes work. Now, that work does not have to be drudgery, but it is a process. I’ve taken some very intense music courses, and I didn’t always breeze through them. They stretched me, asked me to shift my awareness to deeper, more subtle things.

And get this: Because I persisted I’ve been rewarded. I’m not the same person I was before these courses. You play me a piece of music, and I can tell you at least some of its notes and chords. I can to some extent, sing and/or play it back. And most of all, I appreciate the feeling, the spirit that created the music. I am transformed.

This expanding-process is not always fun. But, if we keep in mind the reason we’re here, to transform our souls, to reconnect with the Divine Spirit within us and to express more of that in our world, we can always come through the rough patches. And we are better for it!

The same goes for studies of any philosophy. Law of attraction works. It does not work, “If you follow these simple steps.” It does not work, “If you think you already have what you want.” No. It works, if and only if, you create for yourself a spiritual foundation and expand from there.

So again, the parallel between music and spirituality. You can learn music because someone wants you to. You can do it because you want to. But you will only grow, musically and otherwise, if you have a deeper connection to the music within you, its spirit, its purpose–yes, its life.

When we learn or do something only for results, it is less than. But when we learn to expand ourselves and our Divine connection, it is true learning that will last, and expand, our lifetime.

Expand your physical experiences. Seek out intellectual opportunities. Learn new things. And be sure that as you do, they offer some soul transformation at their core. Because the soul is here to evolve. The mind and body are just its tools.

We must expand on all levels, not just one or two. And we must, with Divine guidance, go through the growth process, even if it’s hard, painful, frustrating and at times, appears to fail.

We are here to experience life. And life is transformation.

May it be so for you, for me and for all those souls open to life itself!

And so it is!

An Eye for an Eye: And then What?

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Recently someone asked me for a metaphysical take on “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth,” and whether “we” (metaphysicians) believe in the death penalty. Here is the passage where Jesus teaches on this, and one, perhaps surprising, metaphysical interpretation.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you, don’t resist him who is evil; but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. If anyone sues you to take away your coat, let him have your cloak also. Whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and don’t turn away him who desires to borrow from you.
–Matthew 5:38-42 World English Bible (WEB)

First, we need to understand where this law originated. It goes back to Exodus 21:24, which in WEB reads, “eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.”

Basically, laws in the time of Moses established a framework to keep society in order and prevent chaos and anarchy. People could not be counted on to do the right thing, so fear/consequence-based laws were instated. Under these laws, if you put someone’s eye out, yours would be put out in return. Whatever you did, particularly evil things, would be done to you, too.

This is also referenced in Leviticus 24:20 and Deuteronomy 19:21. This was the “thou shalt not” phase of the law, which Jesus did not come to destroy (Matthew 5:17-18, but to provide spiritual conduct as a foundation. Before Christ, people thought observing the letter of the law by performing the “right” rituals, while still harboring negativity in mind and heart, was sufficient. Jesus taught otherwise.

In this section of The Sermon on the Mount, Jesus refers to the old law, and gives a spiritual expansion of its letter, or literal interpretation. So, since the time of Christ, taking “an eye for an eye,” subjecting offenders to the self-same action they committed, is not following the law. In reality, this is repaying evil consciousness (wrong thinking) with evil consciousness. And even in secular society, we know two wrongs don’t make a right.

We’re encouraged, no, strongly advised, not to resist evil.

39 But I tell you, don’t resist him who is evil; but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.

However, and this is a big one, this does not mean we have to be doormats and let evil doers (negative people) walk all over us, and accept their conduct toward us! It does mean that we must see through their actions to the truth of their, and our being.

When the “cheek of evil” is turned to you, turn the “cheek of truth” back to it.

“I behold the Christ in you,” is what can make metaphysics hard to live. It’s because in order to be truly spiritual, we can’t just appear to forgive people. We have to really, truly let things go, and not just cover them up or suppress them! Who wants to do that?

No one, that’s who! At least, no one in a vengeful state of mind can do that. That is why we recognize the Christ idea within us. Because only by letting that idea take over our wayward, fight or flight personal mind, can we rise above anyone’s treatment of us. And rise we must, because if we don’t, we can’t have the abundant life Christ promises us.

So, which do you want? To be right, or to be happy?

The references to giving up your cloak, going the extra mile, etc. are the Oriental way of driving a point home. The teaching is the same: Do not resist evil, but return it with good.

And you thought metaphysics was all hearts and flowers! It could be, but we have to get rid of the weeds so strongly planted in the deepest levels of our minds first. That is not work for the faint at heart.

The question put to me was whether we believe in the death penalty. Again, we see another way in which metaphysics demands individual responsibility. Jesus did not teach, and we don’t teach, that the death penalty itself is either right or wrong. What we teach, is that if you continue on the road of lower, victim, vengeful consciousness, yes, you will experience death. That is, the death of the soul, when you could have had abundant life, had you chosen the narrow way of Higher Mind Awareness.

If you want someone put to death, what will that get you? We know that whatever we wish for someone, we will get back. Perhaps not in the same literal way, but energetically, karmically, it will come back to us. If you want death, go for it! Plenty of people do. However, if you want something better, that which is truly your divine right, reach for that instead.

Death may seem easier. whether To kill our souls by following the ego’s path, or to want someone physically killed for something they’ve done. But will it truly serve in the long run? Will it evolve you to a higher place?

All we are responsible for, is our own individual consciousness. The good news is that when we connect daily with the God-Presence within us, the ego eventually catches on and starts to learn from that God-Presence. It is then that we notice progress, deep within our minds as well as in our outer lives.

Deep within each of us, there is a part of us that knows. It knows what is right, what is true, and what serves God’s purpose. And it is why we pray, sincerely and not just saying so, “Thy will be done.”

And so it is!

Gay Marriage: What did Jesus Say?

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Homosexuality and gay marriage: A hot-button issue in society today. I’ve chosen to be quiet on this one, until now, when I will speak the Truth of Higher Mind, gently, strongly and without apology.

As I’ve said before, New Thought Metaphysics as I live, practice and teach it, is based primarily on Christ’s teachings–those teachings attributed to Jesus, and the Christ or Higher Consciousness he allowed to speak through him. The following insights come from these teachings and personal meditation, reflection and contemplation.

And I don’t care whether you agree with me or not! All I ask of you, is all I ask of myself or anyone else: That you, in your own heart and mind, check your personal identity, ego and opinions at the gate to Higher Consciousness and allow the Truth to come forth for you, through you. Not through me or anyone else–but through You Yourself, an individualized expression of the infinite, eternal God-Mind.

Having said that, I offer these insights on homosexuality and by extension, gay marriage.

Jesus said nothing about homosexuality, nothing! Not a single word is attributed to Jesus Christ on the subject! What does that tell you?

Here’s what it tells me:

* We are all one–and you don’t have to look far for Christ’s teachings on this!

* We have one Father and are all brothers and sisters, right up there with Jesus. (Hold that thought.)

* The Spirit of the Law must be lived, taking the power and emphasis off the letter–details, rituals, observances, etc–and power given back to God’s inner Light of Truth. “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness,” said Jesus.

* Our “differences” don’t have to be points of contention, discrimination, conflict, or worse. Humankind was made in God’s image, and that means each and every human! Genesis does not say, “Therefore, let us make straight people in our image.”

Let’s cut right to it. While Genesis does describe in some detail the joining of man and woman in what we call marriage, it then leaves the issue. The central point in the creation story is that God created every human and every animal, and pronounced each one Good! Every one, not some chosen few, or only the men who marry women, and women who marry men, or single men or women who give themselves in a sexual sense, to no one–celibates for the Kingdom, if you will.

No, all humankind was created in the very image and likeness of our one Father, God! It’s amazing really, to return to this simple Truth, because it’s been so perverted (the worst perversion of all!) by our interpretations!

Two more things amaze me–two in a figurative sense, as there are many! But these two are so relevant here.

First, error exists. Traditional Christians call it sin, abomination, evil, “homosexuality,” “sexual immorality,” “fornication…” Error does exist. But who says what is error? Who labels it? We do! God does not label! God gave humankind the power to name things, but too often we misuse that power.

We all have an opinion or interpretation of sin, hell and damnation. , That opinion often includes homosexuality as error. But from whose teachings

Metaphysics is not based on Paul’s teachings–where most of the references to homosexuality as sin are found. Nor is it based on the Old Testament. Why?

Because Paul is not the Christ. He never even met Jesus, historically. And some believe his teachings are contrary to the Gospel. We’ll not get into that here, but please, discover your own Truth about that.

Suffice it to say that the Old Testament was the “thou shalt not” phase of the law. When Jesus came, he didn’t come to destroy the law (Matthew 5:17-20), but to clarify and expand it. To bring the law from empty material observances to true spirituality.

So, is homosexuality error? I cannot make that judgement. But my God, our Father, can and does and will! And on His very own no less, without our personal input! How amazing is that? And how wonderful! Because if He judged us as harshly as we judge others, I dare say many more gays than straights would enter the Kingdom of Heaven!

We do not see the whole picture. The mind likes to fixate itself on one thing: Right now that thing is homosexuality. In a year or so, God help us, it will be something else. We are not qualified to make these blanket judgements that apply to all people. The ego does that–the part of our mind that likes to see everything in its place, no questions, I must have this routine, and everyone in his or her little box with label neatly affixed.

We can, and do discern what is right for us! That is a power given to us by God. But it’s an individualized power. You can choose what’s right for your life, and hopefully you choose the Father’s will. But you cannot choose what is right for someone else, ever, no matter how much your ego wants to and thinks you can! Not happening!

And the second thing: God loves us!

So-called Christians love to disregard this reality. And yet it is the cornerstone, the foundation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

I’ve often heard, “We love the sinner but hate the sin.” Like heck you do! You do not love the person, truly love them, when all you can point out is what you think of as the “sin!”

Jesus taught patience, tolerance, peace, and LOVE!

* Do gay people love each other?

* Do they have a spiritual connection?

* Do they truly care for one another?

* Is there friendship, caring and companionship between them?

* Is their intimacy sacred to them?

If so, then gay marriage is fine, and I rejoice when I hear of a loving couple who share that commitment.

And again I remind you: We do not make that judgement! Only God and the people involved know whether there is love, caring, companionship, connection, etc. between them! And who are we to say there isn’t?

What we really need to do, is stop looking at other people. Stop looking at the gays and clicking your tongue and tsk-tsk’ing about the hell they’re in for–and the hell you hope they’re in for!

Now, go back to that list of questions, and ask them of yourself, like this:

* Do I/we love each other–that is, all humankind regardless of the way they live?

* Do I have a spiritual connection?

* Do I truly care for one another of my brothers and sisters?

* Is there friendship, caring and companionship between us, or am I still living in the us vs. them mentality?

* Is my intimacy sacred to me?

Jesus taught us to love our neighbor–each and every one!–as ourselves. So, the first thing we must do, is love ourselves. And only by the Power of Christ-Mindedness can we do that!

So, the work is not for the gays to change their wicked ways! The work is for all of us, within ourselves, to find love, peace and harmony, and to look out on the world with softer eyes–eyes that see God in all things, all people. Because we know that there are many levels of consciousness and many souls in different stages of development. So, we know that these correspond to different lifestyles and experiences. And we know, that God is within each one.

Thank You, God, for expressing such diversity through Your creations! May You keep Your hand on each of us and guide us to Your Love, that we may know and experience it for ourselves, and extend it joyously and without boundaries, to others!

And so it is!

Yum!

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Take a bite of Life,
And be surprised!
Be very surprised
Because it’s Good!

It’s not the drama it was.
It’s not the rush it could be.
It’s not the drudgery it’s been for so long.
Life is Good!

And why?
Well, who cares?
Good Life doesn’t beg for
Analysis,
Intellectualizing,
Questioning,
And its biggest, fastest, quietest killer,
Waiting for the other shoe to drop!

Good Life is just that:
Good!

Take a bite of fruit,
And be glad!
Be exceedingly glad
Because it’s Good!

Everything it needs
Is already there:
Seeds,
Pulp,
Juice,
Color,
Skin,
Texture,
Veins,
Stem…
Seeds!

Everything Life needs,
Your Life,
My Life,
All Life,
Is already there
Within Itself!

Life is Good!
So for Goodness sake,
Take a bite!
And say,
“Yum!”

“Thank You!
Thank You very much!”

Blessing Prayer – Prayer of Jabez

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And they said to him, The LORD shall surely bless you and enlarge your territory, and his hand shall be with you and shall deliver you from evil, that it may not have power over you, and he shall grant you that which you request of him.”
1 Chronicles 4:10 (Lamsa Bible)

Blessing Prayer – Lyrics

Instrument: Yamaha NP31 76-key digital piano

Oh, that you would bless my soul
And may my reach be great by your command!
Oh, that I may always go
Upon the path that’s guided by your hand!

Oh that you deliver me from evil,
That it’s power over me is past!
Oh that I may know you in my mind and soul,
That you grant the things I ask,
Oh that you grant the things I ask!

Spirit Manifest

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The substance that creates the wind,
The earth, the sky, the sea,
Is manifest in everything,
Including you and me.

It is the One, the Great I Am,
The Spirit of all things.
It knows the highest good and asks;
The Law then pays It heed.

Our thoughts, attracting like in kind,
Create the world we know.
By way of the subconscious mind,
They manifest below.

The wisdom has been passed along:
We are what we believe.
What Spirit asks, the Law provides.
Our thinking is the key.

There is no wish, no fear, no hope.
Be clear and be direct!
Intend to serve the highest good,
For this is what you’ll get.

Creation is continuous,
Transcending time and space.
For Spirit, which creates all things,
Can never be erased.

The world that we experience,
Evolving in its form,
Is changed by Spirit’s conscious Thought
That’s neither dead nor born.

The all-in-all, the Universe,
The is, was and shall be,
Eternal Word of Thought and Law
Resides in you and me.

With Gratitude, with Clarity,
Just ask for what you seek.
Then trust that it will manifest,
For You’re the “powers that be!”
–And so it is!

The Holy Spirit in Metaphysics: Who is it and what does it Do?

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Picture this. A person without form. Not just an invisible person, because maybe we can imagine that. (H.G. Wells anyone?) This is a formless person.

Can’t picture that? Well good, because that’s not what the Holy Spirit is! In Metaphysics the Holy Spirit is not a person. It is formless of itself. It’s simply substance. In order for Holy Spirit to take form and do something, it must be instructed.

So, Holy Spirit can be said to be the Law itself. It is impersonal and formless, makes no decisions, and has no thoughts.

Mysterious, isn’t it? Aptly enough, it’s also called the Holy Ghost!

Holy Spirit is the substance, the feminine, receptive aspect of the Trinity, that simply–bear with me, ladies!–takes what it is given. It is a vessel. It carries out what it has been sent to do.

But it cannot and does not work, unless it is instructed to do so. The Holy Spirit is an inseparable partner to the Father–God-Mind which instructs it–and the Son–the idea that it is to carry out.

The Law has been called the Law of Love, and the Law of Mind. The Holy Spirit is both these things. It is Love, pure and simple. And it is Mind-substance, the stuff that is stimulated by Thought.

Holy Spirit is the Power of Father (Thought) and Son (the idea of the Father-Mind) that goes forth to manifest the idea.

The Holy Spirit is the breath that gives life to manifest ideas. This breath is sent by the Father to do “this work,” a certain thing. It is not random in its work, and indeed as has been said, Holy Spirit cannot work, cannot even exist, on its own. It is an integral, receptive and loving aspect of God.

From personal experience I know that the Holy Spirit is that feeling that descends when you need it most. If I specifically ask to be comforted, I am comforted. That comforter, as it is also called in the Bible, is the Holy Spirit. It has come because it has been asked to do something. “Holy Spirit, comfort me.” Whether or not you call upon it by this name, it is the same power of divine Love, come to offer peace.

Now picture this: A dove flying overhead. This is another symbol of the Holy Spirit. Only the purest prayer, spoken or cried out by the soul, can bring down the Holy Spirit. And it will always come, because it has been asked and welcomed.

May your relationship with God, as your own Higher Self, be enriched and deepened through the Holy Spirit!

———
This article is my own understanding of the Holy Spirit as applied to religious, New Thought Metaphysics. Based on this entry in Unity co-founder Charles Fillmore’s Metaphysical Bible Dictionary.

Thank you to Mark Hicks and truthunity.net for making the MBD and other texts freely available for study and reflection!

He Created Them

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Male and female
Female and male
God is there
In each one
Abundantly
He created them!

Female and male
Male and female
Never separate, for we are all one
One God, One Creation
He created them!

Wife and husband
Husband and wife
We call them married
We separate the married from the unmarried
In Truth all are one
He created them!

Husband and wife
Wife and husband
Unfolding in a relationship
Where both express fully
And grow as the mighty oak, in Love
He created them!

Man and woman
Woman and man
Together from the beginning
Not by legal bond, perceived obligation, or circumstance:
But by His creation,
He created them!

God and Life
Love and Spirit
All names for The One
Just like male and female
Are names for God in form
He created them!

Male and female
Female and male
Expressing God-Life
Different pieces
Of one mosaic
He created them!

The Metaphysics of Divorce

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Is divorce wrong? Can I be forgiven for it? Will I be restricted after divorce? These and many other questions arise when spiritually aware people contemplate, or have been through divorce.

Here are some answers, based on Metaphysical Science teachings. Please take what you need, and leave the rest. All the Truth you seek is already within you!

Is divorce wrong?

Ultimately, there is no wrong path to God. Therefore, divorce is not wrong. It may be a detour. Perhaps your soul’s purpose includes marriage, but you divorced. Oh well, now God, in infinite wisdom and intelligence, just recalculates, and you take a detour. You can still fulfill your purpose, even after divorce!

You haven’t totally ruined your life, no matter what others say! If you believe in second chances–and that means more than two!–then you pick yourself up, brush yourself off, and ask God to guide your steps. And ask often, because God never forgets, but we do!

Is divorce a sin?

In metaphysics we think of “sin” as “error, mistakes, separation from God.” In that sense, divorce is error, because it creates a sense of separation between you and God. Whenever we feel separation, not belonging, or other negative feelings between us and another creation (a person in this case), that is error. That includes divorce.

Can I be forgiven?

All error can be made right! All “sin” can be forgiven. All thoughts of separation can be brought back into harmony with God-thought. So, absolutely! You can be forgiven after divorce, and you will be if you ask.

Will I be restricted after divorce?

Usually, this refers to remarriage or intimate relationships outside of legal marriage. What I share here is metaphysics, rather than traditional Christian doctrine. So, don’t be surprised that it’s different from what your priest, pastor or grandma tells you!

Again, I encourage you to seek within, where God-Presence is always, and uncover Truth for yourself!

Divorce is separation. So, if we marry, or become involved with someone else in that same state of mind–the consciousness of separation–that is committing adultery. In metaphysics adultery means having mixed thoughts. You’re sending the Universe mixed messages. Do you want to be separated? Or do you want to be with someone?

This is not just physically. Do you want to remain separate in consciousness–separate from God and therefore from another creation? Or do you want to live in harmony?

If you choose harmony, you’re no longer committing adultery. That is, you’re not having mixed thoughts and living a life of inner turmoil. Your consciousness, your mind has risen above the “divorce” level. You’re no longer separated from God, your former spouse, or your new significant other.

Yes, I said you’re no longer separated from your former spouse. That does not mean you must return, reconcile, and live with them physically! However, it does mean that you recognize and even embrace your spiritual oneness with that person!

Of course, you cannot do this on your own! I couldn’t, and no one can! We need the Power of God to flow through us, to make us one with Him, so we can truly be one with all creations. That means our former partners! It means letting go of me/you, us/them consciousness and exchanging it for Higher God Consciousness.

When we can accept our oneness without cringing, then we know we’ve left “divorce/separation consciousness.”

Now, we are one in any future intimate relationship. We’re not committing adultery, because the mixed thoughts have lifted. Now, we live and act in oneness with God and all people.

Am I encouraging or condoning divorce? Not by a long shot! Why would I endorse separation consciousness, which only breeds misery? Metaphysics teaches inner work. We change our minds, because they’re the only thing we can control! We cannot control others. We cannot change the past. But we can change how we let the past affect us. And we can change our choices and future responses.

Divorce can be devastating. It can ruin people mentally, emotionally, spiritually, psychically and take away physical resources. It can tear families apart and create rifts in relationships. And where there are children, it can be extremely painful.

But ultimately, we are all one! When we stop fighting these circumstances and the effects of divorce, when we look beyond them, we see the Truth. Then, we have a choice.

We can stay in separation consciousness. We can make that divorce the turning point in our lives. We can let it be “when all hell broke loose and my life was ruined!”

Or we can rise above that. We can look back on it with a strong heart, thankful for what we’ve learned. Grateful that we made that error, because now we won’t do it again. And move on, positively, letting God-within guide our thoughts, actions, and communications with all those we love, those we need to forgive, and especially, the person we carry with us in all relationships: ourselves!

Intimate relationships are one of those things where everyone offers an opinion… And there are as many opinions on how right, wrong, immoral, justified, loving or negative they are, as there are people in relationships!

I can’t encourage you enough, to connect with that indwelling Spirit. It’s right there inside you! You just might have a lot of beliefs, thoughts and accumulated levels to peel off before you recognize it.

But God is within you, at the center of your mind. Ask God to make that Presence known to you. Spend time with that Presence. Remember: We’re going for oneness here, not separation consciousness! The more time you spend in the Presence, the more clearly the Presence will show up in your mind, heart and life.

May it be so for you, and may you realize the blessing of the One Mind!

And so it is!

A Joy shared is a Joy Multiplied!

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A Joy shared is a Joy Multiplied!.

I’m grateful to share a joy of my own:

The CD Baby release of

Crystal L. Howe: And so It Is, Vol. 1

Grab yourself a copy in CD or mp3 format! Discounts apply when purchasing more than one, so share it with a friend! Expand this ministry and get some fun law of attraction based, New Thought Metaphysical music! Use it like I do, to remember who you truly are, and enjoy!

Thanks and blessings!