You’ve all heard the expression: ‘all that glitters is not gold.’ Gold miners understand that phrase very well because they know there’s such a thing as counterfeit gold, better known as charcoal pyrites, or fool’s gold. This mineral, more often than not, is mistaken for real gold.

When the “gold rush” hit America 200 years ago, thousands of people followed their dream of striking it rich, only to face a harsh climate, expensive “required” items, treacherous mountain passes, con artists, uncontrollable flooding created by the spring thaw, bacteria-laced drinking water in makeshift tent cities, and digging through granite-like permafrost at the rate of about a foot a day. Very few found enough gold to pay for their trips home.

In 1995 the Bre-X company, actually a group of Canadian companies, started a new “gold rush” in America. They claimed that there were veins of the precious metal in the hills of Busang, Indonesia. Money poured into the company as investors dreamed of striking it rich. When the gold proved to be fool’s gold, fortunes were lost. Charcoal pyrites looks like real gold and is easier to find. It glitters just like gold and is usually found in the same region where there are gold deposits. Its discovery brings short-lived joy because it’s, well, fool’s gold – like most lottery tickets you buy.

The phrase ‘all that glitters is notgold’ was introduced in the 12^th Century by French theologian Alain de Lille. His original phrase was, “Do not hold everything gold that shines like gold.” A more popular version of the phrase surfaced 300 years later. ‘All that glisters is not gold’ was used by Shakespeare in The Merchant of Venice, which was written in 1596. “Almost all of the gold ever mined is still around,” writes Peter  Bernstein in his book The Power of Gold.“Some of it sits in museums adorning the statues of ancient gods; some rests quietly in shipwrecks at the bottom of the seas.” Yet remarkably, Bernstein estimates, if all the gold ever mined were brought together in one place and formed into one solid cube, it would fit on board a single oil tanker. (That’s hard to believe, but the concentration of gold in one place shows how limited the resource is).

Phrases like: ‘All that glitters is not gold’ – ‘Sounds too good to be true’ – ‘Looks can be deceiving,’ are all phrases that remind us that there is more to life than bling.

Humankind’s attachment to material wealth, status, money, power, and prestige has enslaved millions of people to the lure of outer appearances. Humankind’s tendency toward gold fever – in all of its forms – has left us with lead feet when it comes to choosing spirituality over materiality. In your mind’s eye imagine a scene that took place 2,000 years ago. A Pharisee decked out in his silk garb and jeweled cap, his outer garment embroidered with precious stones and gems is standing next to another man. (Actually, Pharisees and Sadducees wore not one, not two, not three, but eighteen garments in all. The more garments you wore the higher your social status.)

The man standing next to him is wearing a modest himation over his unadorned tunic.( A himation is a rectangular garment that is wrapped around the body to provide protection the wearer from the elements.) The two men are standing there talking. As you look at the pair you can’t help notice the difference in wearing apparel. One looks extremely well off and the other looks like a man of modest means. If you judged by appearances you would say one looks rich and the other looks poor. But looks, as we know, can be deceiving. All that glitters is not gold! What if the man dressed in the simple tunic was Jesus? That might change your opinion as to who was rich and who was poor.

As we have mentioned in other blogs and on our website, spiritual understanding which leads to enlightenment is the gold standard. It is the Philosopher’s Stone. It turns base, materialistic thoughts into golden spiritual insights. It turns ordinary thoughts into divine ideas which are gold nuggets in a consciousness focused on abundance. Spiritual understanding, like gold, can only be obtained by washing away from it all that is not gold.

Revelation 21:21b says: “The great street of the city was of pure gold, like transparent glass.” People who believe in a literal Heaven believe the streets ‘up there’ are paved in gold. Is their desire to go to Heaven based on spiritual growth or gold fever? Is Heaven a form of gold rush? Forgive us if we offend you, but a literal translation of this verse is nothing more than ‘fool’s gold.’ It’s religious pyrite. It’s a materialistic bashing of a beautiful spiritual truth.

Let’s take a look at this verse from a metaphysical perspective:The ‘great street’ of the city is the Serpentine Energy, the Holy Spirit, the Kundalini Fire which flows up our spine when we are awakened. The ‘city’ is our Christ Consciousness. The ‘gold’ is the enlightenment that comes from our elevated spiritual understanding. The ‘transparent glass’ symbolizes the knowledge that there is no separation between us and Spirit. When we awaken the unbelievable power of the Holy Spirit, the Serpentine Fire within us, and unleash Its energies we will have struck gold. One day humankind will see its spiritual awakening as the true ‘gold rush.’

When enough of us search for that kind of gold, there will be heaven on earth. We will glisten and glitter as beings of light. We will stake our claim as spiritual beings who have awakened. We invite you to join us in that gold rush so we can transform the spiritual consciousness of the planet one golden nugget of faith, love, and forgiveness at a time.

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The Spiritual Implications of a Cosmic 2×4

Have you ever said, “Wow! I’ve been hit by a Cosmic 2×4!”? This phrase is traditional theology dressed in New Thought clothes. The phrase “cosmic two-by-four” implies there is something or someone outside of us trying to get our attention to teach us an important lesson. The implication is that God, the universe, something “out there” intends to control us for our own good, even if it means harming us or causing us pain. The idea that something wants to get our attention to force us to do what is “right” so it can teach us something is a perspective that abdicates personal choice and responsibility. Further, if we do not “get it” the first time, the whack becomes progressively worse until we finally pay attention.

We would like to say, “Get Over It!”  There is no Cosmic Two-By-Four. Please read that sentence again! One more time. Thank you. There is no Cosmic Two-By-Four—pine, oak, treated lumber, galactic laser beam, or otherwise. Since there is truly only One Power and One Presence in the universe, God the Good, this “wooden” phrase goes against the grain of the oldest and most revered Truth Principles. We do not believe God, the Good, punishes us with two-by-fours, wooden paddles, willow sticks, baseball bats, or any other “wooden explanations.”

The purely human, not cosmic, two-by-four is in our own hands! It is our poor decisions and errant actions that punish us and hurt us, not God. As long as we keep making bad decisions we will keep getting bad results.

A 2×4 moment is an opportunity to experience an “aha;” however, we can keep creating 2×4 moments if we neglect to learn from our experiences. “Aha’s” are the result of a change in perspective, an insight which comes from an intuitive leap in consciousness. Two-by-four moments occur when we suddenly realize that our own stale thought patterns and belief systems are no longer valid. If we keep beating ourselves up with the metaphorical 2×4, perhaps it’s time to pause and reflect on the thoughts, choices, and actions we’ve taken which lead to our self-flagellation. This awareness is an inside-out realization.

One of the self-denigrating assumptions we invite you to compost is the belief in a cosmic 2×4 – that there is something or someone ‘out there’ trying to get your attention to teach you an important lesson. No one has ever been hit by a cosmic 2×4. It doesn’t come from that direction.

Here’s a replacement phrase for you to try: “I’ve created a 2×4 moment!”

About the author:

Article based on an excerpt from the amazing little book, Get Over It!  The Truth About What You Know That Just Ain’t So! by Paul Hasselbeck and Bil Holton. Used with permission.

Anyone who travels is familiar with all the travel alerts that come out. Some warn us of places to avoid; others give us information to keep us safe; other alerts actually offer special deals so we can travel more economically! There are also alerts to help us on this spiritual journey we are sharing together. This Sunday, discover the power of our Spiritual Traveler Alerts, and how paying attention can bring us inner peace, abundance, health, and joy!

Have you heard the warnings? The sharks are everywhere — even in shallow water. Can you hear the music of Jaws playing in the background? Wouldn’t it be nice to have that same kind of warning music in life, when the sharks of consciousness attack? This Sunday, Rev. Bil will help you discover what the sharks look like, and how you can handle the attacks with spiritual grace and wisdom, and experience a life of joy, abundance, and spiritual enrichment!

Part Two (of 3)

In this three-part series, we are exploring ways to help you with your spiritual growth as you become aware of what you saying. The example we’re using is the phrase, “Cross my heart and hope to…” We certainly don’t want to say “die!” Not what we hope for, if we are living life from the Truth of who we are!

Last week, we completed the phrase by saying, “Cross my heart and hope to SEE Truth!” This week, we have our second suggestion:

Cross my heart and hope to SPEAK Truth!

What this means is becoming acutely aware of what you are saying. We recognize the power of the spoken word, so even those of us who are inherently optimistic and positive must become conscious of what we are saying. For example, one of our favorite recommendations is to switch the phrase “I have to…” to “I get to…” It makes such a difference in Consciousness, and in the energy we feel!

This week, let’s look at two ways we use our words that can have a dramatic impact on our Spiritual journey and our human experience: Denials and Affirmations.

Denials are simply our way of crossing out error by refusing to give power to anything not in alignment with Truth. We aren’t saying it doesn’t exist. Goodness knows, if you have a fever and are coughing, your human self is definitely experiencing a health challenge. And if you have too  much month at the end of your money, your human self is experiencing a situation of lack.

But the effect of these experiences is where we can claim Truth! We can deny any power to them by simply stating: “You have no power over me!” When we experience anything out of Truth, simply proclaim, “I refuse to give you any power!”

When someone is speaking angrily or negatively to us, we can claim (to ourselves—not necessarily out loud!) “Your attitude has no power over my attitude.”

Then we want to follow that denial up with a strong affirmation of Truth. For example, we may say,  “I am one with God, and I am filled with radiant health and energy!” Or “I am one with /Divine Substance, and have plenty to share and spare.” Or  “I am filled with joy and a zest for living.”

And remember, we aren’t practicing magic here. Things do not become true because we affirm them — we affirm them because they are Truth!

As we learn to “Cross our heart and SPEAK Truth” we cross out error and move one step closer to Enlightenment. This week, as you continue to see beyond the appearance and SEE Truth, add a new adventure to your experience. Begin paying attention to the words you use, and be sure that you SPEAK Truth. Become aware of the different this makes in what you experience!

Next week, learn the third – and most important – recommendation for completing the phrase, “Cross my heart and hope to…”

Part One (of 3)

How many times have you heard someone say, “Cross my heart and hope to die!” It is used to make it real clear that what the person is saying is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth! But wow! It is really a terrible affirmation! We prefer to finish that statement in a couple of different ways, to help you with your spiritual growth. This week’s article will explore the first way:

Cross my heart and hope to SEE Truth:

What this means is being able to see beyond the world of appearance, and see the Truth of every situation. Have you ever seen one of those Magic Eye posters, the ones that have a 3-D image hidden in an abstract geometric pattern?  They were very popular about ten years ago. When they first came out, we remember seeing one in the lobby area of a business. Both of us stared and stared, seeing nothing. Then someone walked by and told us to change our focus, and look beyond the picture — look through the picture.

We weren’t quite sure what he meant, but as we tried refocusing, all of a sudden, SNAP! It seemed like everything shifted, and there it was — a 3-D picture as sharp and as vivid as you could imagine.

Not everyone can see these 3-D illusions — it takes some effort to move past the appearance of the geometric pattern. That is exactly what is involved as we look beyond the world of appearance to see the vivid Truth.

To the world, there is the appearance of health challenges, but we know the Truth of who we are is absolute health flowing through every cell and atom of our being.

To the world, there is the appearance of lack, but we know the Truth of who we are is abundance and prosperity flowing.

As we cross out error thinking, we begin to stand in the Truth of what we know, and see  beyond that world of appearance…regardless of how much  the world, the media, and other people want to focus on the appearance of things.

As we learn to “Cross our heart and SEE Truth” we cross out error and move one step closer to Enlightenment. This week, practice looking beyond the world of appearance, and seeing Truth.

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In the last article, we explored the first pillar of Prosperity: Demolition. We took a look at the first of four areas that we can institute a Demolition, preparing for the abundant flow of prosperity in all areas of our life: Physical Realm.

This article focuses on the second area of Demolition we can work on, which is in the Mental Realm. Charles Fillmore said, “Thoughts are things and occupy space in mind. We cannot have new or better ones in a place already crowded with old, weak, inefficient thoughts. A mental housecleaning is even more necessary than a material one.”

Listen to your mental thoughts about prosperity. Be aware of your belief in “only-ness.” For example, I only have x amount of money; I only have this much food; I only have this stupid, low-paying job; etc. Transform your language to focus on the joy of what you have, blessing it and allowing it to be more than it appears.

On Good Morning America, we saw a segment where they sent an expert fashion guy to a woman’s house. He raided her closet, and immediately created four new, very trendy outfits from things she already had in the closet! Using that idea, here’s your adventure: Become aware of where you are mentally affirming “only-ness.” It may be with your clothes, your house décor, your finances, your relationships, or some other area of your life. Once you identify your “only-ness” area, see how you can create something new and different out of things you already have within that area.

Charles Fillmore had another great quote, which I have renamed the Fillmore Challenge! He said, “Never make an assertion, no matter how true it may look on the surface, that you would not want to see manifest in your life.” This is a perfect example of demolition in the mental realm. Every time you become aware of thoughts of lack or fear, demolish them! Refuse to give them any parking time in your consciousness! Only by getting rid of the error thinking can we clear the way for the power of prosperity thinking to make a home!

Next article, we will discuss Demolition on the Emotional Realm!

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Everyone loves a good challenge, right? Well, step right up, because we have a hum-dinger of a challenge for you, if you think you can handle it! When you succeed with this challenge, you will experience an incredible leap in Consciousness, and discover a depth to your spirituality you’ve never imagined possible.

Are you interested? Here’s the deal: In his book, Prosperity, Charles Fillmore writes: “Never make an assertion, no matter how true it may look on the surface, that you would not want to see manifest in your life. For example, don’t say, money is scarce; the very statement will scare money away from you. Do not say times are hard; the very words will tighten your purse strings. Begin now to talk plenty, think plenty, and give thanks for plenty.”

So here’s the challenge! Try to go one full day following Charles’ advice! Refuse to speak any words of your mouth that you do not want to see manifested in your experience! Sound simple? Not as easy as we wish it would be! But a great awareness activity! The very day we created this challenge, we took it on ourselves. Not 30 minutes into it, Cher exclaimed, “Boy, I’m having a bad hair day!” Then we laughed and Cher added, “I sure don’t want THAT\That’s definitely not what I want to be manifested! Let me change that statement: I LOVE my hair, and I look great!”

Perhaps you\You might hear yourself say, “I can’t afford that.” Ooops – you don’t want that idea manifested! How about saying instead, “I choose to spend my money in a different way!”

You could be experiencing a health challenge, and you find yourself complaining about your pain. Take on the challenge, and change your languaging, because you surely don’t want pain manifested. Do not assert what you do not want to see in your life experience! Instead, claim “I am healing I am health I am the nature of God.”

This challenge really forces you to become very aware of the words you speak, which are actually your Subconscious Speaking! This will allow you rewrite the conversation! And switching the conversation alters awareness, which changes thoughts, which changes your manifested reality.

We invite you to take on the Fillmore Challenge, and experience a transformation in your spiritual growth, your abundant prosperity, and your joy!

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One of the most difficult words to handle is NO, especially when we desperately want something, or feel it is critical for our success and happiness. According to sales research, NO is the leading cause of ‘fear of rejection’ complex that causes so many people to get out of business!

As we looked back over our years as consultants, we remember that NO was a tough word for us to hear when we generated amazing proposals, only to find someone else was selected to do the job. But we discovered a fascinating way to hear the YES in NO.

We started saying “Thanks for saying no!” When we received the news that we weren’t selected to give a keynote presentation, for example, we would immediately follow up with a little note, thanking the potential client for giving us the opportunity to be considered ~ and our affirmations for them having a great conference.

We followed this up with offering our services for future events, and also indicated that, should something occur at the last minute where they found they needed a speaker, to feel free to contact us. Then we topped it off by including a copy of one of our books as our “Thanks for saying no” gift.

Incredibly, we discovered that more times than not we were contacted immediately to confirm dates next year’s conference! And we can identify three specific instances where unforeseen events occurred with the selected speaker, and we got the call to replace them! We learned how to find the YES in NO by looking at a more long-term response.

How often do you experience obstacles that seem to wave a big red “NO” in front of you? Giving in may feel like the easiest plan, and say, “Forget it!” But in Mark 10:27, Jesus makes an incredible statement: “With God, all things are possible.”

What is HE talking about? It tends to conjure up all kinds of debates, like “Yeah, possible, but how probable?” Or “This sounds good, but it won’t work in the real world!”

So let’s look at the Unity perspective of what this verse is really talking about, we get a whole different view. It says that as we make that connection with the Christ of us, our God center, we are receptive to the Divine Flow of every thing we ever need. But until we spend that time in Headquarters, in meditation and prayer, our human self sees the appearance of obstacles, of “NOs.”

Here are three keys to discovering the YES in every NO you seem to encounter:

• Spend dedicated time in the Silence, strengthening your connection with Spirit.
• Counter every appearance of NO with a big “Thank You for saying no!” Then identify ways to send positive energy to the situation or people.
• Recognize that there is no being out there in the sky saying NO. We have the power to Divinely order our experience, and create the life we choose. Refuse to let the appearance of NO have power in your life!