As we head into Spring, we are celebrating our new members that joined on Sunday. I love when we sing “I Behold the Christ in You” and we see their faces shining with light. Welcome Karen and Scott Mainwaring, Suzanne Vogel, Robert Florence, Kim Schurman, Carol Harris, Joyce Lewis, Cindy Sinanian and Nancy Mitchell. We are glad to have you join our circle of love. Please check out their bios, located in the hallway at the church.

Rev. Linda repeatedly encouraged us to think of God as principle instead of as a person. This prepares us to claim our divine identity and break the old embedded theology that we need a Savior. Charles Fillmore teaches this same idea. “God is not like a man; God is omnipresent Spirit, accessible just like electricity, just like sunshine, just like air, to your mind, your thought. By principle is meant definite, exact and unchangeable rules of action.”

Thinking about an extra day got me thinking about the concept of time. Some enlightened ones would say let go of the past, the future is not real, but Ah, the present moment - that is the thing. In this moment we can love, forgive, we can choose a new thought, we can get lost in the beauty of a sunset or a flower. We can know the Kingdom of heaven is within.

I have not mentioned self-love during this month of love and it is oh so important. When our tanks are empty, it is difficult to stay out of exhaustion and ego and in the Christ mind. We must create our own boundaries for our care. No one else is doing this for us. It is our responsibility. I get this lesson repeatedly. I am a slow learner, apparently.

As we celebrate Teddy Bear Sunday, we continue celebrating the power of love. We will have 2 parts that include celebrating Black History Month. One is a surprise and Yemajah will be sharing an original poem for the other piece. To finish the celebration we will gather around the imaginary picnic tables inside New-Rock Hall and behold the Christ in one another. Much to enjoy.

John 10:10 reads “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” We live in the flow of love and so the truth is that we are always in an exchange. We breath in and we breathe out. We give a hug and receive one. That is the abundant life.

Starting tomorrow we focus on the Power of Love for February, with an emphasis on Love in Action – our 5th principle. Please wear pink any Sunday that you would like. This Sunday we are looking at sacred service’s relationship to spirituality and will also be blessing baby Bentley.

WE continue pondering faith. Daniel will speak on “Faith Lift” on Sunday, so I invite us all to wear the color light blue. Today, I am sharing some words about faith from Emilie Cady, which always fill me with joy. May they also fill your soul.

We are two weeks into the new year, and it is a good time to reflect on that wonderful question –“What feeds my soul?” The thing is, we get caught up in our patterns and habits. We do what is necessary.