Pathways to Peace

Peace begins in the heart of each individual. When you center yourself in divine love and focus your thoughts on peace, you create a sacred place within your heart, dedicated to experiencing and expressing the love of God. As you then begin to let divine love radiate out from you to those around you, you take the first step in generating peace in your life and in all circumstances. When you extend your thoughts of love and peace to others, you create an atmosphere of peace that embraces and unites every heart.

Be a Peacemaker

Think of the great peacemakers throughout history, including Michael Jackson. How are they able to inspire people to follow a path of peace? How has Michael inspired us to be here today on this mission of spreading love and peace to others in his name?

The answer lies within—the great peacemakers of the world remain centered by turning within to “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (Phil. 4:7). The world responds to their inner glow of peace. You may create your own glow by thinking peaceful thoughts, speaking words you'd like to hear, and treating everyone with kindness and compassion, just as Michael always did.

Have you ever noticed the ripple effect created just by smiling at someone? Try this experiment. Smile at people and see how many smiles you receive in return. You'll be amazed at how far kindness can travel in just a short amount of time. Your inner peace is reaching out to others and the ripples of love and understanding are spreading outward in a never-ending circle.

Now visualize the peace of God encircling Michael’s family, extending out to all those who were closely involved in Michael’s life, and beyond that to all of his fans around the world. You are a part of that peace because you're on a spiritual journey—a pathway that includes peace in your day-to-day living. Just as with any journey, you can pack for the trip. Carry with you an attitude of peace, enfold yourself in God's love, and always, always have generous amounts of concern and caring ready to share with others.

When you pray, remember to enfold everyone in your faith-filled thoughts. Even those who may evoke anger and resentment - especially those. Envision each person divinely guided in finding the way to live with integrity in love and peace and truth with others. Although distance may separate you from these people, prayer bridges the gap toward unity and harmonious relationships. To love in God's way is to let it flow freely, not withholding it from anyone.

Make a covenant right now to dedicate your prayers and your thoughts to the fulfillment of love and peace in all you do.

05/02/2011
Copyright © 2011 by Charlene Burgess

Click on the link below to view a guided meditation video, "Song of Peace":
http://www.unity.org/prayer/guidedMeditations/songOfPeace.html

"We are peacemakers, one in the love of God.
With hearts united, we establish harmony and peace in our lives and in the world."

Who Knew?

Light of my life
Hope of my soul
Desire of my heart
Who knew it would be you?
And that you would be who you are?
To the world
To the children
To the heavens and the earth

Of Sacred worth
In communion with all that you are
Mystic... Shaman... Angel of God
Love personified
Dreams electrified
High art in human form
Mystery of our time
Power sent forth to heal the world

Dancing the dream
You endured such pain
Body and blood, heart and soul
Given to heal our sickness
Would take its toll
Our shadow was to blame
Now, we bow our heads in shame

Who knew it would be you?
Brilliant light cast upon the earth
Touching souls
Collecting and gathering
We, your children, into the fold
Before you would exit
Leaving us to be
Your messengers of love
To carry on your dream
Of a world filled with peace
Joy and harmony

Who knew it would be Us?
We are your children
Your chosen ones
Are we up to the task?
Do we have what it takes?
Do we even need to ask?

It's time to take the world by storm
To make truth and justice simply the norm
No more questions
No more doubts
It's time to teach the world
What this thing is all about
With love at the core of all we do
We'll be your voice
We'll tell them...
It was You!

It was you who believed in us all along
That's why you never stopped singing your song
You knew it would be us
Your love was the fuel
Igniting this fire
You knew we'd make a fuss
And carry on your desire

Mystic... Shaman... Angel of God
Love personified
Dreams electrified
Light of our lives
Hope of our souls
Power sent forth to heal the world
Who knew it would be you?

God knew... that's Who

07/20/2010
Copyright © 2010 by Charlene Burgess

That Smile

 
That Smile

Magical

Enchanting

It lights up a room

Changes the atmosphere

Obliterates gloom

Piercing my defense

It invites me to dance

Sends love on a journey through my soul

Bathes me in light

Gives me courage to take a chance

Joy and tenderness

Reflected from within

An offering, a gift from your heart

Shining through the veil of shadow

It opens the door

Becomes a part of me

Extends an invitation to make a new start

That smile could end wars

Dispel hatred and fear

Bring peace throughout the land

A simple gesture bestowed in love

Creates harmony

Bids all people of the world to walk hand in hand

Accept it

Embrace it

Absorb its light

Let it warm your soul

Feel it down to your bones

Hear its music

Move to its rhythm

Take that chance

Open your heart

Invite others to join in the dance

Allow that smile to work its magic

As a flame ignites a burning love

Melting hearts around the world

A gem that sparkles and shines

Transforms humankind

Like a grain of sand turned into a pearl

That smile…

Created to beguile

To inspire, to delight

Brings darkness to its knees

And offers LOVE to light up the night

11/23/10

Copyright © 2010 by Charlene Burgess