Rev. David Robinson
The Divine Marriage
“All you need is love” John Lennon
“Love is the central flame of the universe, nay, the very fire itself.” Ernest Holmes
February is when we celebrate falling in love, but June is when many people get married. So, let’s take a look at the Divine Marriage – one which all of us have been engaged in one way or another.
Along the way, we’ll look at how engaged we are in this relationship. Do you share and listen? Do you do all the talking? Or do you give your Partner the silent treatment? Do you even know you’re in a relationship with the Divine?
When we truly participate in the Divine Marriage, we open to the full experience of Divine Love. And, since God IS Love, and God is all there is, then Love is all there is.
We say that we believe in an Infinite Presence that is abundant, opulent Good. What if the substance of all that Good – the very core of it all – is Love? Not the mushy, romantic love of romantic
movies & novels. Not the love of, oh say, chocolate or similar things that some of us talk about. No, we’re talking about the Infinite, unfailing Love that is the core of Spirit, the underlying Essence of all. And, the good news is: we’re already married to It!
So, open up to Divine Love all the way and allow It to bless and expand your experience of Good in life.
Helping this expansion of Good, we have the wonderful Karen Ramsey, CSL Seattle Practitioner and Certified Financial Planner coming June 22nd to present her powerful workshop Caring For Your Soul in Matters of Money. You WILL want to be there/ She will also be our guest speaker the next day.
April Rubino returns with her wonderful chanting and music on Sunday, June 16th and we will deepen in satsang with chanting, readings and meditation after.
As we move into the warmth of summer, move into the warmth of Infinite Love!
Rev. David
What’s in Your Bread?
“The kingdom of heaven is like the leaven, which a woman took and buried in three measures of flour, until it was all leavened.” Matt 13:33
The first century Jews to whom Jesus was speaking must have found this a strange analogy. Leavening, called “chametz” in the Hebrew, was considered analogous to corruption. Prior to and during Passover, all traditional Jews still find and burn all chametz to make sure that none affects the unleavened bread. It would be today’s equivalent to rust or mold.
So, how is the kingdom of heaven like this undesirable thing? Is Jesus saying the kingdom of heaven is undesirable? NO! A couple of chapters later, he warns his disciples to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees. What he IS saying is that whatever we plant, will take over. “We know that thoughts planted in mind have the power to chemicalize opposing ideas, and leaven the whole lump of subjectivity. Ideas gradually permeate the mind and influence all thought and action. If the idea is of heaven, it will certainly bring about a heavenly state.” SOM 451.5
Three measures of flour is a huge amount of flour – enough to make 30 or more loaves of bread. The caution here is that whatever is hidden in our consciousness, or as we might say today – whatever we put our attention on – will take over and manifest throughout the whole of our thinking. What is also being said is that, if we just open the door to the ‘kingdom of heaven” – Spirit – a little bit, it will transform our whole lives. Conversely, if we associate with the “leaven of the Pharisees” sticking to the letter of the law, or how things have always been done, that will also take over our whole lives.
What is the nature of the leaven in your consciousness? Are you opening to the kingdom of heaven? All it takes is the willingness to open up a little. Take a class or workshop (a couple of great ones are available this month.) Start a new or deeper spiritual practice. Be willing to say “YES” to the leaven of Spirit and watch your life rise!
Rev. David
April 2013 – Transformation
“Transmute…Transmutation – To change from one nature, form or substance to another. To transform.” SOM Glossary, p. 638
“The whole purpose of the Science of Mind is to reconcile the apparent separation of the spiritual world, which must be perfect, with the material world, which appears imperfect. ONLY THAT WORLD CAN APPEAR TO US WHICH WE MENTALLY PERCEIVE. This is why we are taught to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.” SOM p/ 448.1
We have just celebrated Easter – the transformational experience of one of the greatest spiritual teachers ever. We have noted that transformation is not just an improvement of what exists, rather a change – a complete change! – from one form to another. The caterpillar does not just become a better caterpillar. 2 molecules of hydrogen, combine with one molecule of oxygen – both gases – and become more than a better gas. Something brand new is created, something that has never existed before.
This month, with the rebirth energy of Spring bursting forth all around us, let us open to the idea of our own personal transformation. And, what does this transformation take? A focus on the Divine. Meditation, prayer, study – all of these practices bring us into a focus on the Perfect Nature of Spirit and less on the imperfect nature of the material world.
As Jesus reminds us, we cannot serve two masters. Seek ye first the Kingdom of Heaven – within and all around – and all else will be added. In Spirit, the two worlds are one – only in our mistaken perception are they separate. In Spirit, all is perfect.
Take time this month to renew your mind. You have the chance to study the renewing of mind, and more effective prayer with two classes this month. You have the opportunity to sit and profoundly listen with Tigmonk, as well as your daily meditation.
Renew! Transform! Be made new!
Rev. David
March 2013 Message
Rev. David’s Thoughts
“(The Bible) very boldly declares that death and resurrection are inventions of the human mind and not a decree of the Almighty… (Jesus said), ‘God is not a God of the dead but of the living, for in His sight all are alive.’” SOM p. 311.4
This month, we celebrate Spring and Easter – the (apparent) return of Life to that which appeared dead. But our quote reminds us that what we thought was dead, never was. The trees and dormant plants still contain the life energy. It takes the light to activate that life energy, but it is always there.
I have met people who insist that their life is over, that their spark of life, creativity or whatever, has died. But Life is eternal. We can forget – and, in that forgetting, believe it’s dead. But God only sees Life because God IS Life.
Forms of life change. What was once water becomes ice or steam and shifts it’s appearance. But the changing form doesn’t destroy the water. So, too, with some of our dreams and goals. They may
appear to be dead, but they are only seeking “resurrection” in another form – and usually one that we’ll love much better.
Jesus was able to raise Lazarus from the “dead” because he didn’t believe in death – only eternal Life. “Eternal Life” isn’t some reward that awaits us someday in the Great Beyond – it’s our true nature right now. Many people believe more in the illusion than the Reality.
This month is the reminder for us to wake up! We reset our clocks and have to awake at a new time, we watch nature awakening from its winter slumber, and we celebrate the victory of Life over the illusion of death with the Easter story. While many will spend lots of time focusing on the suffering and death, that’s irrelevant to God’s eyes. God sees only Life.
Where are you being called to realign your vision to match the Divine? What in your life is up for resurrecting, for springing forth? Join us this month to be supported in LIFE!
Rev. David
Rev. David’s Corner, February 2013
“Thought which is built upon a realization of the Divine Presence has the power to neutralize negative thought, to erase it, just as light has the power to overcome darkness; not by combating darkness, but by being exactly what it is: LIGHT.” SOM p. 183.2
February brings two of my favorite times. Ground Hogs Day was adopted by CSL Seattle as the High Holy Day of Religious Science, and that idea has spread. This month, we will living in the realization of the Divine Presence and experiencing the two most powerful qualities of that Presence – Light and Love.
Do we live in fear of our – or the world’s – shadow? Are we afraid to step boldly into the lives we desire because of our past? Do we allow Love & Light in and then to shine through us? Or are we, like our furry friend, afraid of our shadow and duck back into our safe underground (unconscious) as soon as we see our shadow, thus bringing more “winter” into our lives?
Mid-month comes Valentine’s Day – the celebration of love. We’ll look at Love – divine, sacred and human love. If, as Ernest Holmes says, “Love is the central flame of the Universe, nay the very fire itself.” we owe it to ourselves to immerse in this rich topic.
Finally, as mentioned below, we have the opportunity to meet and be loved and supported in the Light by our beloved Practitioner Raylene, as she visits here for the first time on Feb. 17th. Please join me in making her welcome and take advantage of her deep consciousness in supporting your life through our mini-prayer sessions that day. Along with our Quick Start class – a two week introduction to our philosophy and practices, you have a great opportunity to really supercharge your consciousness this month! Step into the Love & Light of your being!
Rev. David
A Quantum Look at Manifesting
Heresy! I love a good heresy. Remember when Copernicus was saying the earth revolves around the sun instead of vice versa, and then Galileo used his newly created telescope to demonstrate the truth of that theory? They were so well received that Copernicus fled to Amsterdam for his life and Galileo was made to recant his findings under threat of being burned at the stake. (The story is that, as he walked away from signing the appropriate papers, he said to a friend, “It (the earth) still moves.”)
Fortunately, as Religious Scientists, we tend to take a more open and enlightened view of “heresies”, recognizing them as another point of view to consider.
This month, we’re going to explore new ideas about manifesting, incorporating ideas from quantum physics. Why is this heresy? Well, the Law of Cause & Effect – one of the cornerstones of New Thought – doesn’t work the same at the quantum level. Uh, oh – now what?
“Since Spirit must be manifest in order to be conscious, there must be a way in which It manifests and there must be a manifestation.” (SOM 100.2) Join us Sundays to explore new ideas about “the way” and empower your ability to manifest.
There’s a lot happening at the Center this month. Rev. Eleanor Richard will present her workshop to center us in the power of the Now moment; we begin the very popular and powerful Prosperity Plus series and we’ll let futurist Barbara Marx Hubbard inspire us with her films Humanity Ascending. Come together to drum and/or garden. Explore the Quick Start class, introducing newcomers to SOM and refreshing old timers in some of the principles, also. As with any harvest season, it’s a rich and busy time. I look forward to seeing you.
Rev. David
August 2012 Message
Sometimes we get SO Serious! Everything becomes Very Important! Ernest Holmes, on p. 306 of the 1926 edition of the Science of Mind says “Live, love, laugh!” Interestingly, that was edited out of the 1938 “official” edition. In fact words like “laugh”, “humor” and “fun” don’t appear in the SOM at all. “Play” only shows up as “Creation is the play of Life upon itself.” Sigh… What’s a spiritual person with a sense of humor to do?
Fortunately, other spiritual texts aren’t so dry. The Bhagavad Gita, Tao te Ching and (gasp!) the Bible all have some really funny passages. Intentionally funny by the authors who knew that humor is a high spiritual quality.
Being summer, the high season of play, this month we’ll look at some of the humor and silliness contained in the Bible. Some of it has been lost in translation or understanding of local idioms of the time. Some of it isn’t spoken of because, well, it’s “The Bible” the Word of God (spoken with Great Seriousness) and we all know God doesn’t laugh and has no sense of humor in this God vs. Devil battle for man’s soul thing.
Fortunately, no one told the authors of the Bible and there are now Bible scholars who are timidly (so as not to upset the Serious Bible Folk) admitting that, yes, there is some really intentionally funny stuff in the Bible. So, we’re going to spend some of August looking at the humor, silliness and intentionally shocking metaphors in the Bible.
Why? Two reasons – 1. Many of us got “abused” by the misunderstanding of this book (more correctly, series of books & stories) and it’s time to shift that consciousness and 2. The humor also communicates some really good lessons that are a lot easier to understand if we understand the humor.
Most of the truly spiritual people I know (think of the Dalai Lama) laugh a lot and have fun despite circumstances. Isn’t it time we did, too? Join us for a good laugh on Sundays.
Rev. David
June Message – Going on the Hero’s Journey
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Confucius
This ancient Confucian proverb reminds us to at least begin, to take that one step. Yet, it also reminds us that we have no idea where that step will lead us.
This month, we’ll look at the idea of The Hero’s Journey, which famed mythologist Joseph Campbell observed exists in the mythologies of all “Original People” on the planet. It’s a journey we all take, many times in both large & small ways. Being conscious of the cycles and steps of this journey is like having a guide instead of wandering in the wilderness.
Ernest Holmes reminds us we also take the same journey in consciousness: “We make our own mistakes, suffer from our own foolishness, and we must also make our own return journey into righteousness.” SOM 499.2
This journey is from the forgetting and “domestication” (as don Miguel Ruiz calls it in The Four Agreements) of our early lives, to a consciousness and life of freedom. This is our spiritual journey—one that is not easy, yet is the journey we all will eventually make. Why not take it with greater ease and grace?
So, we will bring the combination of the depth of exploring the Hero’s Journey, yet it’s also the beginning of summer. So, let’s make it fun? Who says the journey has to be as hard and dark as some make it out to be? While it’s not always easy, we get to choose our attitude and affect our experience on the road of Life.
Bring your driving gloves, sunscreen, your flip flops, pack a beach towel – along with a zest for adventure - and let’s hit the High Road of Spirit!
Rev. David
May Message – What Do We Really Want?
What Do We Really Want?
Often we say we want something only to find there’s more involved than we thought. Think of your first car or driver’s license. We thought with it would come lots of freedom—which it did—but it also involved responsibility. The same with our first apartment (you mean mom’s not here to pick up my clothes, clean and do my laundry?), a relationship and marriage, home ownership, having children. Often, we’re surprised by the extra responsibility that comes with them.
It’s the same with having a church. A lot of people want a church, with a minister and all the classes, vitality and community that comes with it. But, it also comes with responsibility. The consciousness that it takes to maintain a study group will not maintain a church any more than being driven around will work for driving.
As we face creating a CSL community that truly works in our region, we need to ask, “Am I playing at the level it takes to maintain a study group where I can drop in whenever and it doesn’t take much to run, or am I stepping into the responsibility and consciousness of a church.
It’s like our spiritual practice. We can dabble, but if we want to see powerful results, we have to give it the time, love and attention it needs to truly produce results in our lives. We are at a choice point with CSL LCV—do we want to be a true Center? Or do we want to go back to a study group watching DVDs and having an occasional guest speaker. The safety net of a large savings account that allowed this group to operate slightly in the red for years is now gone. The minister and the bills need to be paid, just like we want to be paid for our work and have to pay our bills at home. Randomly dropping in and randomly giving a little here and there—whether it’s money, time, involvement—doesn’t work in a 20—30 person church.
So…what do you want? Are you willing to be impeccable with your word of wanting a church and doing what’s necessary to bring that about? Or do you want to continue with the consciousness of a study group? There’s no right or wrong answer but, as always in the Universe, there are consequences. Are we, as Raymond Charles Barker asks, willing to do the hard mental work of creating what we truly want? We need you—yes, YOU! “All in” to create a thriving Center. I await your answer. Rev. David
April Message
The CSL Board is sad to report that, on Sunday April 1st, the anniversary of his start as our minister, Rev. David was found dead of a lethal overdose of chocolate & sushi. The immense smile on his face tells us that he went into the Great Banquet in the Sky happily and that is how we shall remember him.
Among his effects, we found the following, which we believe he intended as his entry for this column. We also discovered that he had created a life sized cardboard cut out of himself and further pre-recorded all his April talks, so we will still be able to hold services this month. Come and honor his memory by joining us Sundays in April for his aptly named theme—”Lighten Up.”
Beloveds—April marks the real beginning of Spring around here. Daffodils are blooming, the days are noticeably longer and the weather is warmer. The first Spring thunderstorm has rolled through and life is happening everywhere. It’s time to “Lighten UP”!
The weary, withering winter has passed and we step into the new light of freedom. There is a wonderful Zen poem that says: “I can’t smell a thing, can’t see their pink, but they’ll find branches next Spring.” This poem about cherry blossoms carries a powerful message that our consciousness—despite all sensory input to the contrary—knows life, beauty and growth as its True Nature—and knows that it will always manifest in our next Spring.
Join us this month as we step into Spring—from the playfulness of All Fools Day, to the archetypal Resurrection story of Easter, to looking at ways of living that support our full freedom, ease and participation in life here on Earth. We’ll end this month with the beautiful music of Carolyn Cruso on hammered dulcimer, live in our sanctuary during service.
Spring’s a bursting and so are new events at the Center. We even need a four page newsletter to cover it all! Check it out and dig in to plant a wonderful time! Lighten UP!
Rev. David
