Greetings Friends,

Have you noticed that the days are still warm, but rapidly getting shorter. I’m not certain where summer went! The children are back in school and summer is officially over as of this Labor Day weekend. By the way, the good folks at the Superintendent’s Office of Huber Heights City Schools were very grateful for all of the backpacks and school supplies you donated for the kiddos. On August 21st, Dora and I delivered twenty-two backpacks and two carloads of supplies. Well done! It was very satisfying to deliver those supplies, knowing that your generosity makes a difference to so many children and teachers. Thank you!

Pay Attention!

Have you ever heard that when something comes into your experience several times you should pay attention to it? Perhaps the Universe has a message for you, and you don’t want to miss it! In the past couple of days, one word keeps popping up for me… “satisfaction.” Human emotion ranges from deep depression to absolute joy, and satisfaction and dissatisfaction are right in the middle of that scale.

Positive Direction

I believe that the simple, and oft repeated, choice of satisfaction over dissatisfaction is enough to turn our lives in a positive direction. If I’m feeling dissatisfied about some aspect of my health, I can focus my thoughts on how well most of my body is functioning. I mean, really, am I going to let a hangnail make me dissatisfied with a body that otherwise functions in miraculous ways? Well, maybe for just for one second… and then I’m going to think about all that IS functioning perfectly. I’ll make a list of all that brings satisfaction, and in only a moment, I’ll regain that delicious feeling of satisfaction-a feeling of divine contentment.

The same practice can be applied to anything we think about. If you’re thinking about something and feel dissatisfied, stop right there and look for things about it that are satisfying. You may not have a million dollars, but you have faith that your needs will always be met. You may not have faith that your needs will be met, but you have the ability to pray and change your thoughts about that. Knowing that your thoughts have the power to change your life is very satisfying!

The 25th annual World Day of Prayer

On Wednesday, September 12th, Unity celebrates the 25th annual World Day of Prayer. I invite you to join us that day at 7 pm for a special service focused on the “Courage to Heal.” There will be a Reiki Circle, quiet meditation, and beautiful music that will satisfy your soul. You have the power to consistently shift your focus and your feelings from dissatisfaction to satisfaction. And that, my friends, will change your life.

Light and Love to you,

Rev. Cindy

Greetings Friends,

As I stepped out of my front door today, I was hit by a blast of hot air radiating off of the concrete. Ahh! The hot days of August are upon us! I’ll not complain because I know that the colder months of winter are right around the corner. I’m reminded of those wise, oft spoken words, “This too shall pass.”

When we’re experiencing unwanted conditions that feel beyond our control, it can be very helpful to remind ourselves that nothing stays the same, so there’s no need to feel so much stress. And… there’s something more we can do.

We Have All That We Need

Charles Fillmore, cofounder of Unity, wrote, “We mold omnipresent substance with our mind and make from it all the things that our mind conceives. If we conceive lack and poverty we mold that. If we visualize with a bountiful eye, we mold plenty from the ever-present substance.” Mr. Fillmore understood that we already have all that we need to shape and mold our lives as we will. We have the power to choose our thoughts, to “visualize with a bountiful eye,” and to draw from the Infinite Field of limitless potential.

A few years ago, when I had very little available cash, I needed four new tires for my old Jeep. Rather than worry about driving on threadbare tires, I focused on researching what would be the best possible tires. Then I began shopping for the lowest possible price. Most importantly, I visualized how wonderful it would feel to pay for the tires with cash! I began putting away $20 each payday, and within a few months, I had received enough unexpected income to pay for the new set of tires! It felt like a miracle to me!

We Have Superpowers!

Mr. Fillmore taught that what seems like a miracle is actually using our superpowers of thought, choice, and visualization to shape and mold omnipresent substance. So, my friends, it you’re experiencing something that you’d rather not, whether it’s about your finances, health, relationships, or anything else, it’s good to comfort yourself by saying “This too shall pass.” And, you can do more than patiently wait. Focus on the solution, visualize with a bountiful eye, and have faith in omnipresent substance. When you use these superpowers, you open the way to the high level well-being that you deserve.

Use your superpowers and get ready for a miracle!

Light and Love to you,

Rev. Cindy

Greetings Friends,

Summer is in full swing and lots of folks are going on vacation! Isn’t it wonderful to get away from the routine, see new sights, and explore new places? We are blessed with the freedom to travel from sea to shining sea in the USA. As we discover this month during our study of The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom, by don Miguel Ruiz, the greatest thing that binds us is our personal belief system… and we can change that! On Sunday, July 8th, we explore the First Agreement: Be Impeccable with Your Word. I hope you’ll join us on this journey to freedom.

Being impeccable with your word means “saying only what you mean“-and it means so much more than that. According to don Miguel Ruiz, it also means using “the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.” It means saying what needs to be said: speaking your truth with love. And it is from that understanding of “impeccability” that I share my thoughts with you as I ponder Independence Day this July.

Blessed with Freedom

We, the citizens of the United States of America, are truly blessed with freedom. There are many in this world, and even in this country, who don’t share the personal freedom that most of us take for granted. We can dress as we please, live where we want, and choose our professions at will. We have the privilege of practicing our religious and spiritual beliefs without interference from our government. We also take our physical freedom for granted. We may be given a ticket for speeding, but we don’t expect to be imprisoned or killed for it! Not everyone has the privilege of taking freedom for granted.

Freedom from Fear

Those of us who have never faced persecution can hardly imagine what it’s like to live in constant fear of violence or death. Freedom from fear is one of our most basic human needs and rights. This July, may we appreciate the freedom that we have, and then let’s also take it a step further. Let us hold a vision of safety and freedom for all those seeking asylum due to threats of violence and death. Let us also pray for those who feel so powerless that they feel compelled to restrict other’s freedom in exercising their authority. Perhaps they have the greatest need for freedom from fear.

I believe our Creator intended freedom for all of us. May we come to see ourselves and others in the light of our true nature–we are all spiritual beings having a human experience. When we remember and live from that Truth, we are truly free.

Light and Love to you,

Rev. Cindy

Greetings Friends,

Does anyone know what happened to Spring? Where did it go? The beginning of June feels like the middle of summer! I’m actually appreciating extra hours of daylight and feeling the sun’s heat soaking into my skin. Isn’t it wonderful to live in a climate with four seasons, where change is always just around the corner?

Change is Happening!

That’s certainly the way it has been here at Unity lately. There’s some serious change happening! As you may already know, we replaced the flat roof in April. Thank you God! We haven’t seen any more leaks and aren’t expecting any. Very soon the work begins on the new steps to the entryway. There has been a slight delay due to the weather, but we believe it will be done within the next two weeks. Thank you God!

Out behind the building there is even more change. In April, we submitted a plan to the city of Huber Heights which would allow us to turn the back two to three acres of our property into a native wildflower prairie with walking paths. Huber Heights approved our plan and the path has been mowed! I invite you to put on your sneakers and check it out. Later this year we’ll be planting native wildflowers that will attract beautiful butterflies and birds. Stay tuned for how you can help by providing plants and seeds for the area.

More change is coming…

Rather than continue to replace the old front parking lot light bulbs, the Board of Trustees recently voted to replace the old lights with new LED fixtures. The cost savings will be significant over the next few years, and the parking lot will be brighter as well. We are prosperous and we lighting up our lives at Unity!Another big change (yes, there’s more!)…, we’ll soon be painting the Social Area and hallway leading to the classrooms. The paint has being donated and the work will be done by volunteers who love to paint! What next, cleaning up the popcorn ceilings? YES!

It feels like all of this is leading up to something big, doesn’t it? Change is in the air and we are all sacred witnesses to the power of Love in action. We really feel the power when we ask ourselves, “What am I growing in my life? How much good can I do?”

God is Moving in and Through Us

Whatever seeds we plant in the new prairie will grow. We won’t get daisies if we plant thistles. Likewise, in our own minds and lives, when we plant thoughts of growth, goodness, and grace, we are open to the power of God moving in and through us. God planted you, a God-seed, in this world. May you grow in goodness and grace, and enjoy the beauty that’s being made manifest in your life!

Light and Love to you,

Rev. Cindy

Greetings Friends,

Finally. It is finally Spring! With the longer days, we have more light. As the northern hemisphere of the planet leans toward the sun, we have more warmth. In our neighborhood, the warmer weather has brought with it the lovely sound of children laughing and playing each evening. There is a rising energy of life within and all around us at this time of year, and it does a body good to get outside and play!

Perhaps this is true for you – I know it is for me – sometimes I become so focused on “adulting” that I forget to go out and play. There will always be dusting, dirty dishes, and drudgery, but we don’t always have the fresh air of Spring, the sweet sound of the birds, and the feel of sunshine on our faces.

The Story of the Frog

You may have heard the story of the frog that died in the pot of hot water on the stove. The water was cool when he jumped in the pot. When it started getting hotter, why didn’t he just jump out? Because the temperature increased so gradually that the frog didn’t notice until after it was too late. Are you in a pot of stress about all that’s happening in your life? Would you, like the frog, not notice the heat because it has risen so gradually?

These days, more than ever, it’s so important that we remember to do things that lift our spirits and soothe our souls. With our busyness and the steady barrage of negativity from the news, we’re like the frog in hot water. We’ve forgotten how it feels to be carefree, light, and fluffy! If you listen to the children, their laughter will remind you.

Check – In

I invite you to take a moment and check in with your feelings. Does your inner child long to go out and play? In a time of prayer and meditation, be still and allow the Spirit of Life itself to fill you up. If you’re feeling sad, frustrated, or overwhelmed by all that’s going on right now, perhaps it’s time to get out of that pot of hot water. Spirit is calling to you, “Come on, let’s lighten up. Let’s go out and play!

It is Spring, and there is a rising energy of life within and all around us. Let that Spirit of Life you up! Come home to Unity where we love to pray and play together. We’ll see you on Sunday.

In Light and Love,
Rev. Cindy

Greetings Friends,

At the moment I’m writing this, I’m hearing loud pounding and banging noises overhead. Things are literally going flying off the building here at Unity. Thank you God! These sounds and sights are truly welcome because I know that workers are busily replacing the 32 year old flat roof above my head. Congratulations and thanks to all who’ve contributed to our “Raise the Roof” campaign! To celebrate, the Board of Trustees is throwing a party on April 22nd following the Sunday service. We’ll be cooking out on the grill, having fun, and enjoying the manifestation of our good! I hope you’ll be able to stay and celebrate with us.

The Roof is Being Replaced!

The roof is being replaced now, and as we know in Unity, the real work began long ago. It started with the belief that we are constantly being sourced by God, the Source of all good. Just as we can’t see the Spring flowers in December, we often don’t seem to have the money that we need. Our work is to give what we can and hold to our faith that the rest is coming at right time and in a perfect way. And so it has, and so it is!

Now, we’re going to keep the momentum going with our next big project. Last Autumn, we created an affirmation to replace the crumbling entryway to our building:

I am open to God’s giving abundance in my life. We are open to God’s giving abundance in our lives. Unity is open to God’s giving abundance in our church. Thank you God for our wonderful walkway!

I invite you to join me in stating the affirmation daily as we prepare to replace the wall, curb, and steps to the entryway. If the weather cooperates, we’re looking forward to having that work begin soon after the roof is finished.

Outer change can only occur where there’s been inner transformation. Clearly there’s some great and growing energy here at Unity of Dayton. Thank you for being part of it!

In Light and Love,
Rev. Cindy

NOTE: Our office hours are Monday and Tuesday 10 am to 4 pm.

Our prosperity affirmation:
God is the Source of Unity of Dayton’s limitless supply.
As the Spirit of God works in, through, and as me, I gratefully receive and generously give.
I live in appreciation and am prospered in all my ways.
Thank you God!