Art to Encourage Syrian Children

Diana Brisly, Syrian artist now living in Beirut, sends encouragement to children in her home country. She explains, "You can put philosophy in a painting," and many of her pieces are featured in a surviving children's magazine, Zayton and Zaytona. The aim is to give children hope and help them hold to their dreams while living in a war zone and witnessing things that no one should ever have to face (http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-35847632). 

It is a natural thing to cover your child's eyes at the sight of something bad or frightening. We do it at the movies and should do it for all presentations of evil. The innocent mind full of natural wonder and love of play should not have ugly, violent, war pictures before their gaze every day, no have to bear the loss of loved family members or damage to their own bodies. Brisly is giving them her best in art; she is teaching and encouraging through paintings that people risk their lives and freedom to distribute. 

What can we give? What can we do to help? How can we reach a child in Syria's war zone right now to protect and give hope? Some of us may find ways to respond hands-on or in-person, but most of us need to respond metaphysically through extraordinarily powerful prayer that becomes practical even at such a distance to a multitude of young children to decrease violence before their eyes. Let's put the beautiful and meaningful paintings of divine Spirit and Love before their eyes instead. This requires seeing spiritually, a thing more difficult for the more mature and educated ming than for a child who embraces spirituality naturally.

Our effective prayer comes with seeing from God's eyes. See the Light of Love everywhere, gently embracing everything, filling all the space in Syria and all the space around each and every child there. See them surrounded in a gentle but impervious light -- the light that is God whose Word changes chaos to order, and senseless fighting and violence to peace, rest, calm, and joy. God is ever-present and "where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty" (II Corinthians 3:17). 

Urgent Need: Christian refugees held in Thailand

Please see the news article on BBC. 
http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-35654804

The Christians held in Thailand after fleeing Pakistan

By Chris RogersBBC News, Thailand26 February 2016
There is a very urgent need for practical, powerful prayer in behalf of Pakistani Christians who have fled to Thailand, but are now incarcerated or kept in dire living conditions. The U.N. is to investigate each case, but one family that has been there for a very long time, and is in extreme suffering, must wait until 2018 for this to occur. Although these hundreds, or thousands, of Christian Pakistanis are UN-registered asylum seekers, supposedly under UN protection, they still find themselves in long-term suffering through separation from families and/or imprisonment. 

Police in Thailand, tired of waiting for UN help, break into the overcrowded, dingy rooms where asylum seekers live, often taking the husbands and fathers from the family. An example is given of a ma who has lived in a "small, sparce room with no kitchen or toilet" with 10 family members for two years, and who was arrested and taken from the family two months ago. He explains that in Pakistan "a gang threatened to kill [his] family if they didn't convert to Islam." 
A 19-year-old's comment probably speaks for  the majority when she says that they do not have any faith in the United Nations, but they "only have faith in God. He will bring us freedom." We need to be moved with compassion and help with powerful prayer and voicing of Truth in their behalf. The Scriptures give us examples that parallel situations such as these. Of the many to consider, there is the well-known narrative of Moses who freed the children of Israel after 400 years of hard slavery. They were held by Pharaoh who would not budge in his decision to keep them in bondage. But the Law of God was present, and the Spirit of Truth inevitably brings freedom. Man is not made to be held in bonds or to be imprisoned. 
The result of Moses' obedience to whatever God told him to do or say was that hundreds of thousands were freed and walked out of Egypt in plain sight. This law of God is present today with the Christians in Thailand. They are holding to forgiveness and to Christ's example. Good is powerful, and ever-present. Love frees. God fills all space and is in the prison and in the simple shelters. "Where the spirit of God is, there is liberty." Let us hold to this prayer until we see a break in this situation and the people are freed. Let us know that there is no power to hold up right action in the UN -- that there is nothing to delay God's Law, justice and mercy, so the people can be free, the families can reunite, and the conditions for living be normalized. Let us pray to realize the presence of Love and power of Good. 
Again, "Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." And Spirit fills all space!

The culprit: Aedes aegypti mosquito / The cure: Truth

The Aedes aegypti mosquito appears to be the culprit in the wide-spread Zika virus epidemic moving through El Salvador and spreading through Latin America. The situation urgently needs our prayerful attention. Symptoms can be very mild, or extremely irritating, but worst of all, the virus from the mosquito bites is transmitted to developing babies in the womb. The situation is so bad that the El Salvador government is urging women not to get pregnant during this year (or even next year). The huge problem for the babies is that the virus aims at the brain, and babies are likely to be born with small heads. There is "no known cure." Or is there?

Due to the fact that Christ Jesus healed "all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people" and said that his followers should do so likewise, we should seriously and deeply pray about this situation with a healing prayer. Do not waste time with doubt or wavering, just know the truth as the Master instructed. Know the truth and let it operate to "make free" (John 8:32). What is this healing truth we are to know? Is it not the truth of spiritual reality, the allness of God, omnipotent Good that fills all space and consciousness? The Scripture says that "God is Light" and that there is "no darkness (no evil) in Him at all" (I John 1:5). A virus that is evil and works evil is definitely darkness; a virus that attacked innocent babies in the process of development in the sanctity of the womb, is nothing but dark. But in God, in the infinite Light that is Good filling all space (which includes within the womb), there is "no darkness at all." 

Our healing prayer then is to realize the presence of the Light of God, Good, gently illumining and encompassing the babies, holding them gently in the golden glow of divine Love -- safe. Then know that this prayer, this realization, this truth, is making "free" as Jesus promised. These little ones are free from effects of the great fear collectively and personally aimed toward them in this regard -- they are rather under the Law of Him that is Life and Love, who protects them in the Light of His own Goodness. These little ones are developing in Spirit and Love, exempt from harm or Zika danger -- for there is "no darkness" in the Light that is God -- no evil at all in the infinitude of Love. The babies are in "the secret place of the most High" (Psalm 91:1).

Hold to this truth no matter what, and it will manifest, it will help, it will heal, bless, and protect. 



See full news article:
El Salvador launches fight against Zika
By Katy WatsonBBC Mexico and Central America reporter, El Salvadorhttp://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-35455871

Threats of Terror

There is a Psalm that is called the Psalm of Protection -- the 91st Psalm. In the shadow of terrorist attacks and threats it would do us well to pray with this Psalm deeply. The spiritual ideas in it are powerful and unlimited in scope and application. In this blog I will share the Psalm and something of its intensely powerful spiritual meaning.

Psa. 91:1 ¶ He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. We are hidden in Spirit when we need to be unseen.

Psa. 91:2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Go consciously into the arms of the loving One, knowing His presence becomes as walls that surround and hide you.

Psa. 91:3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. You cannot be trapped in some evil plan, or terrified by announcements of threats.

Psa. 91:4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Covered and hidden under Love's wings, you are protected by shield (completely covered), and buckler (small specific spot of protection).

Psa. 91:5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Night and day, the ever-present Love of God surrounds you.

Psa. 91:6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. Night and day -- God is Light, Love, Spirit, and the Christ presence abides around you, in you, through you -- and radiates out from you. 

Psa. 91:7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Let all the fears fall -- "God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and love, and of a sound mind" (II Tim. 1:7).

Psa. 91:8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. Evil appears, but it is temporal; there is nothing real or permanent in evil; God is Good, supreme.

Psa. 91:9 ¶ Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; Because you let Spirit dwell in your consciousness...

Psa. 91:10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. No evil will touch you; your whole being is safe.

Psa. 91:11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. Angels, or spiritual intuitions and messages from God, take charge of thought, and thoughts manifest in experience.

Psa. 91:12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Know, when something is frightening, that angels do surround you and that you will not be harmed. Trust.

Psa. 91:13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. That which would devour or poison or sting -- you have power to stamp it out -- put out all suggestions that anything has power over you but God, Good, Love. Trample down even a "dragon" evil suggestion or appearance, such as terrorism -- past acts/ future threats.

Psa. 91:14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. This is God speaking now -- there is a change here. You have set your love upon Him -- He sets His love upon you. You are set on high -- in Spirit, even here and now. His name is holy, His name is Love.

Psa. 91:15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. God continues to speak to you here. He wants you to call on Him, and He promised to answer. The omnipotent Good promises to deliver and honor you. Just call on Him for help -- for everything.

Psa. 91:16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. Long life -- not cut down short -- but long life, in fact, eternal life! Here God promises to show you His salvation -- to heal you, comfort you, and save you. 

As we approach Thanksgiving in the U.S. we are reminded to express and to feel gratitude for many things on all levels. I am grateful that this writing from thousands of years ago still exists in a form where we can access its ideas, and I am grateful that we each reflect the divine Intelligence to absorb its deeper spiritual meaning and apply it for safety and healing.

Paris

The terrorist acts in Paris on Friday the 13th (2015), have been claimed by ISIS. One of the targets was a rock concert that they called a nest of prostitutes. Another, a harmless sports event. Innocent ones in a restaurant suddenly found themselves in a shower of glass and bullets. Hate and fear in this horrendous form of violence can never be met effectively by more hate or fear. It can never be effectively addressed by anything but its absolute opposite -- the love of divine Love.

Terror. From Latin terrorem meaning great fear, dread, panic, alarm. It is to fill with fear, frighten, or tremble. The Oxford English Dictionary explains that a terrorist is one who is "a member of a clandestine or expatriate organization aiming to coerce an established government by acts of violence again it or its subjects." The Bible exhorts, "Dread not." These were words of God to Moses, and they are words of God to us today. God says, "... be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed" (I Chronicles 22:13). How can we do this in the face of terrorism, its devastating aftermath and its future threats? The opposite of dread and dismay is Love, not human or personal love, but the Love that is the nature and substance of the Infinite One. How can we access this for healing and protection?

There are many survivors that need healing right now, physically and emotionally. Nothing short of Spirit's lifting consciousness up from the darkness and horror to the Light of Love will do this. Standing in astonishment is a natural reaction, but turning from that blackness to the Light of Life is the only thing that will bring healing, and bring it speedily. "Be not afraid of the terror by night" (Psalm 91:5). Many people who have been through war situations have leaned hard on this 91st Psalm, known as the psalm of protection. If you are ever going to memorize a portion of the Scriptures, this would be one of the best.The first verse reads, "He that dwelt in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." What is this secret place? It is the ever presence of divine Love that continually enfolds us. It fills all the universe with its living Love. 

SO HOW CAN WE HELP? Go to Psalm 91 and let your spiritual sense of its message comfort you and lift you from the depths of reaction to the horrors of the Paris attack to the love of the infinite I AM.  Go in thought, focus on the light of Love that is within, and Love will lift you to spiritual Light and power through His grace. See this energy of the Spirit of Christ resting on everyone touched by this recent event, bringing consolation and healing. See the Light of Love present -- solid present -- no one can get outside of it. 

Do not try to figure everything out. We have healing work to do, and comforting to bring. Thank you for your prayers and brotherly-sisterly love. It is felt. It is helping. It is healing. It is consoling. 

Continuing Refugee Crisis: Continuing Love

As refugees continue to be in crisis, reports and photos keep the world aware of their needs and expose the amount of help offered from various countries. Lebanon has accepted an incredible one million refugees this year, while Germany has received over 570,000. Meanwhile the United States has stuck to its quota of 70,000, to be increased, but not until 2017. Starving, begging, homeless or poorly housed refugees do not have the ability to wait. Borders are closing on them, and desperate people continue to use often dangerous water routes to get around these.

While survival for one's self is a huge motivator and force, parental care for children in extreme need or danger drives individuals to the limits. There are things we will do for the sake of our innocent little ones that we might not otherwise attempt. Behind the courage or daring of this is the pureness of Love, and this higher power of divine Love is what we must call on in prayer to remove obstacles and bring the needed things.

WHAT WE CAN DO. Affirming together that the energy of Love and Spirit is present and can do all things, prayerfully meditate for at least a few minutes to realize the protecting power and Light of the Christ surrounding all of God's children -- and we all are God's children. The practical result is safety and supply. Affirm that your spiritual realization is operating now as a Law that is healing and saving for the refugees, opening the way, feeding their hearts and feeding them needful food. As you pray and rise to the energy of Spirit or Soul, know that your prayer is "not in vain in the Lord" (I Cor. 15:58). You have a direct impact for good on those little ones who need it most -- even just three minutes. We are a collective force for good that reaches those our prayer rests upon whether near or really far, whether we know the ones we are knowing Truth for, or not. Love encircles those of our intention and comforts them right now.

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/11/04/world/middleeast/syria-refugees-europe-crisis-maps-explainer.html?ref=world&_r=0
New York Times, Nov. 8, 2015

Food and Spiritual Grace

The Health/food section of BBC News reexamines the recurring question of what foods are good for us versus those that might harm. Once again, the diametric changes in opinions on this topic are observed incredulously. 

The article, "Are Any Foods Safe to Eat?" poses these startling inquiries: "Is bacon really as bad for you as cigarettes? Will coffee give you a heart attack? Do wheat-eaters suffer - 'brain fog'?" 

The deeper issue, beyond chemical properties of material food, lies in our emotional responses to it -- pleasure, fear, threat, sad memories, indignation as to what was done to obtain the food, the attitude of the one cooking or making your food, and so forth. It has been shown that if one eats while angry, the chemical properties of the food become toxic. 

My daughter and I went to a deli for a sandwich to split. The woman who was making it became very surly and said mean words. We both decided that we did not want to eat that sandwich. Taking in food is really taking it, as an idea, into your consciousness. It should not be eaten when in the midst of negativity either around you or within  you. 

Maybe saying "grace," besides expressing gratitude, is a protection. Saying "grace" requires grace. Grace dissipates negativity, sadness or anger. I like to say that whatever the food is, it is an idea of God (the Creator of all) and therefore can only bless me. It is a protective grace.

Lift your sense of food up from the material to the idea of nurturing and feeding consciousness by Spirit. Try to have love and positive thoughts and feelings surround your food. This is more important than the information on labels or changing beliefs of nutritionists or new findings of research. 

Grace: Thank You, I AM THAT I AM, for this idea of food that can only bless me.