This Sunday morning we talked about three important things:

1. Keeping our agreements!
2. Over-committing ourselves!
3. And speaking our truth!

I think everyone there thought the message was for them, but in reality the message, like most of them, are usually for me. The congregation just happens to be there when God and I are holding special education classes for my greater good!

Several people came up and told me that something shifted for them when they realized that by not keeping their agreements to others, others would in turn not be willing to keep their agreements with them. Funny how the Universe works huh? What we put out, always comes back to stare us down!

Keep your word and honor that which you say you will do! Stop promising to do so many things when you know you can't do them well, or won't do them at all. Be willing to speak your truth in the moment with love and humility to others. If you have something to say, take a deep breath and speak from your heart. Powerful things happen when we are willing to step out of the fear realm and into the light of integrity and wholeness.
All in all... I had a good time!

I suddenly realized today that I can allow myself to be set up for hurt and disappointment, by doing just that; ALLOWING.

I am not always the most thoughtful person in the world, I try to be! I don't always do the things that others would like me to do, but I try and honor myself in the process and keep those I care for happy too.

By allowing things to be placed before us and accepting them, we create our life story and it is usually one of feeling unloved and even victimized. I don't wanna play the victim role. I will walk two streets over and around the block to avoid falling into that place of playing the ever so easy blame game.

The question I'm asking myself tonight? Why do we accept crumbs from people? Why do we allow the people we care for, the people we love, to treat us with such little consideration or respect?

I allow people to beat me up verbally when they have had a bad day and want someone to attack or take their frustrations out on. I accept people not keeping their word, not returning calls, not showing up, the list goes on. I allow people to say things to me that they wouldn't say to a total stranger; things that hurt. I stand there and take it and rarely show them my pain. Why? Cause either I'm dumb or I'm overly nice. My bet it's a combination of the two actually. Not been the best day for feeling loved and appreciated... but I will survive!

Hmmmmm..... Allowing..... Accepting.....Maybe that is how we treat ourselves. I'm ready to allow only the good. I am ready to accept only that which I deserve and I claim that I deserve only the very best. Everybody better watch out... Jamie's comin' into his power.... Buckle up baby.

Last night began our new class based on the new book by author, Barbara DeAngelis, "How Did I Get Here." Had a good turn out and the discussion was great, even though we didn't get past the Introduction in the book. I think this is going to be a super discussion group and I'm excited to be teaching it. Barbara DeAngelis is one of my favorite teachers and her material is always very deep.
Once again, just another validation that I do love my job!

Captain's Log... I mean... Minister's Log... Yeah.. that's it!
This whole BLOG thing is pretty cool to me. I can actually have an online diary that people can read and it's from my viewpoint of what goes on in the church and all our activities.
I think this will be fun to post pictures, etc. and share with those who choose to read the postings, what is going on with myself and UNITY of Pensacola.

Renee says each Sunday morning as she steps up to the microphone, "I Love This Church!" Everyone laughs because we all know what she's going to say, because Renee always says that to us when she greets us as a congregation. Truth is I never get tired of hearing her speak those words because I feel the same way. I love Sunday mornings around this place. The love, the energy and the music that rocks this 100 year old church week after week. There is so much good here. There are so many wonderful, powerful people who attend this church and we are growing all the time. THANK YOU GOD!

We are blessed to know one another and share our journey on the spiritual path.

Check back and read more...

Love,
Rev. Jamie