Tuesday, December 29, 2009


"So many believe that loves grows, but it is the knowing that grows and love simply expands to contain it. Love is just the skin of knowing." (p. 155)

Friday, December 25, 2009

A greater reality to come...

"This life is only the anteroom of a greater reality to come. No one reaches their potential in your world. It's only preparation for what Papa had in mind all along." (p. 167)

Monday, December 21, 2009

Incredible Dance of Being

"Rather than a pyramid, I want to be the center of a mobile, where everything in your life - your friends, family, occupation, thoughts, activities - is connected to me but moves with the wind, in and out and back and forth, in an incredible dance of being." (p. 207)

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

TOGETHER!!!

"I want to be at the center of everything. When I live in you, then together we can live through everything that happens to you." (p. 207)

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control. The world could use a fruit basket.....

Friday, December 11, 2009

And he didnt let go...


"Jesus?" Mack whispered as his voice choked. "I feel so lost." A hand reached out and squeezed his, and didn't let go. "I know Mack, but it's not true. I am with you and I'm not lost. I'm sorry it feels that way, but hear me clearly. You are not lost." "I hope you're right," Mack said, his tension lessened by the words of his newfound friend.(p. 114)

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

My 'church' is all about people... and life is all about relationships

"It's simple Mack. It's all about relationships and simply sharing life. What we are doing now - just doing this - and being open and available to others around us. My 'church' is all about people and life is all about relationships. You can't build it. It's my job and I'm actually pretty good at it." (p. 178)

Sunday, December 6, 2009

So check your Perceptions

"Paradigms power perception and perceptions power emotions. Most emotions are responses to perception - what you think is true about a given situation. If your perception is false, then your emotional response to it will be false too. So check your perceptions, and beyond that check the truthfulness of your paradigms - what you believe." (p. 197)

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

"Power in the hands of independent humans, be they men or women, does corrupt...We want male and female to be counterparts, face-to-face equals, each unique and different, distinctive in gender but complementary, and each empowered uniquely by Sarayu from whom all true power and authority originates. (p. 148)

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

I'm not going to ask you to believe anything, but I will tell you that you're going to find this day a lot easier if you simply accept what is, instead of trying to fit it into your preconceived notions." (p. 119)

Monday, November 23, 2009

We Love You


"So why do I have so much fear in my life?"
" Because you don't believe. You don't know that we love you. The person who lives by their fears will not find freedom in my love."(p. 142)

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Free to love and to serve

"Religion must use law to empower itself and control the people who they need in order to survive. I give you an ability to respond and your response is to be free to love and to serve in every situation, and therefore each moment is different and unique and wonderful." (p. 205)

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

It's ALL covered by my goodness

"The real underlying flaw in your life, Mackenzie, is that you don't think that I am good. If you knew I was good and that everything - the means, the ends, and all the processes of individual lives - is all covered by my goodness, then while you might not always understand what I am doing, you would trust me. But you don't." (p. 126)

Friday, October 30, 2009


"So yes, what we desire is for you to 're-turn' to us, and then we come and make our home inside you, and then we share. The friendship is real, not merely imagined. We're meant to experience this life, your life, together in a dialogue, sharing the journey. You get to share in our wisdom and learn to love with our love, and we get...to hear you grumble and gripe and complain...!" (p. 175)

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

You have judged well

Mackenzie upon being asked to choose among his own children who would be sentenced to hell.

"I can't do this.

You must.

I...will...not...do...this!

You must.

I can't. I can't.

I won't! he screamed, and now the words and emotions came tumbling out.

Could I go instead? Please let me go for my children, please, I would be happy to...

Please, I am begging you. Please... Please..."

"Mackenzie, Mackenzie, now you sound like Jesus. You have judged well, Mackenzie.

I am so proud of you."(p. 163)

Monday, October 26, 2009

Humans often do this...


"Relationships are never about power, and one way to avoid the will to power is to choose to limit oneself - to serve. Humans often do this - in touching the infirm and sick, in serving the ones whose minds have left to wander, in relating to the poor, in loving the very old and the very young, or even in caring for the other who has assumed a position of power over them." (p. 107)

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Exp and Resp...

One of the core concepts in the book:

To live with expectancy instead of expectation and to respond rather than assume responsibility...

"What I do have is a constant and living expectancy in our relationship, and I give you an ability to respond to any situation and circumstance in which you find yourself. To the degree that you resort to expectations and responsibilities, to that degree you neither know me or trust me." (p. 206)

Sunday, October 18, 2009


"Mack, if anything matters, everything matters. Because you are important, everything you do is important. Every time you forgive, the universe changes; every time you reach out and touch a heart or a life, the world changes; with every kindness and service, seen or unseen, my purposes are accomplished and nothing will ever be the same again." (p. 235)

Thursday, October 15, 2009

A false sense of security...

"People are afraid of uncertainty, afraid of the future. These institutions, these structures, and ideologies are all a vain effort to create some sense of certainty and security where there isn't any. It's all false! Systems cannot provide you security, only I can." (p. 179-180)

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

...what we will achieve...

"Remember, I am not about performance and fitting into man-made structures; I am about being. As you grow in relationship with me, what you do will simply reflect who you really are." (p. 148)

"When a disaster happens those same people will turn against the false powers they trusted. In their disappointment, they either become softened toward me or they become bolder in their independence. If you could only see how all of this ends and what we will achieve without the violation of one human will - then you would understand. One day you will." (p. 125)

Monday, October 5, 2009

Questions of the Heart

"It is true that relationships are a whole lot messier than rules, but rules will never give you answers to the deep questions of the heart and they will never love you." (p. 198)

Saturday, October 3, 2009


"When I dwell with you, I do so in the present - I live in the present. Not the past, although much can be remembered and learned by looking back, but only for a visit, not an extended stay. And for sure, I do not dwell in the future you visualize or imagine."
"Mack, do you realize that your imagination of the future, which is almost always dictacted by fear of some kind, rarely if ever, pictures me there with you?" (p. 141-142)

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

A relationship of love



"For now I just want you to be with me and discover that our relationship is not about performance or you having to please me. I'm not a bully, not some self-centered demanding little deity insisting on my own way. I am good, and I desire only what is best for you. You cannot find that through guilt or condemnation or coercion, only through a relationship of love. And I do love you." (p. 126)

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Its the Knowing that Grows


"So many believe that loves grows, but it is the knowing that grows and love simply expands to contain it. Love is just the skin of knowing." (p. 155)

Sunday, September 27, 2009

And the most loving outcome

"There are millions of reasons to allow pain and hurt and suffering rather than eradicate them, but most of those reasons can only be understood within each person's story. I am not evil. You are the ones who embrace fear and pain and power and rights so readily in your relationships. But your choices are also not stronger than my purposes, and I will use every choice you make for ultimate good and the most loving outcome." (p. 125)

Thursday, September 24, 2009

"I already told you that forgiveness does not create a relationship. Unless people speak the truth about what they have done and change their mind and behavior, a relationship of trust is not possible. When you forgive someone you certainly release them from judgment, but without true change, no real relationship can be established." (p. 225)

Monday, September 21, 2009

We Love You

"So why do I have so much fear in my life?"

" Because you don't believe. You don't know that we love you. The person who lives by their fears will not find freedom in my love."(p. 142)

Saturday, September 19, 2009


"Emotions are the color of the soul; they are spectacular and incredible. When you don't feel, the world becomes dull and colorless." (p. 196)

Thursday, September 17, 2009

The wonder and adventure

"But if I give up..."

"Then you would begin to know the wonder and adventure of living in me."
(p. 137)

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

On Judging Another

"Judging requires that you think yourself superior over the one you judge."

"What right did he have to judge anyone? ... All his judgments had been superficial, based on appearance and actions, things easily interpreted by whatever state of mind or prejudice that supported the need to exalt himself, or to feel safe, or to belong." (pp. 159-160)

Saturday, September 12, 2009

I believe in Angels


"Relationships are never about power, and one way to avoid the will to power is to choose to limit oneself - to serve. Humans often do this - in touching the infirm and sick, in serving the ones whose minds have left to wander, in relating to the poor, in loving the very old and the very young, or even in caring for the other who has assumed a position of power over them." (p. 107)

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Let the waters run...

"It's okay honey, you can let it all out... I know you've been hurt, and I know you're angry and confused. So go ahead and let it out. It does a soul good to let the waters run once in a while - the healing waters." (p. 83)

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Everything...is connected to me

"Rather than a pyramid, I want to be the center of a mobile, where everything in your life - your friends, family, occupation, thoughts, activities - is connected to me but moves with the wind, in and out and back and forth, in an incredible dance of being." (p. 207)

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Power in Love and Forgiveness


"I want to help you take on that nature that finds more power in love and forgiveness than hate." (p. 225)

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

It's a process honey

"Take the risks of honesty. When you mess up again, ask for forgiveness again. It's a process, honey, and life is real enough without having to be obscured by lies. And remember, I am bigger than your lies. I can work beyond them. But that doesn't make them right and doesn't stop the damage they do or the hurt they cause others. " (p. 188)

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

This was not his doing!



"Is that who your God is, Mackenzie? It is no wonder you are drowning in your sorrow. Papa isn't like that, Mackenzie. She's not punishing you, or Missy, or Nan. This was not his doing."

"But he didn't stop it."

"No, he didn't. He doesn't stop a lot of things that cause him pain. Your world is severely broken. You demanded your independence, and now you are angry with the one who loved you enough to give it to you.

(p. 164)

Monday, August 31, 2009

"Responsibilities and expectations are the basis of guilt and shame and judgment, and they provide the essential framework that promotes performance as the basis for identity and value. You know well what it is like not to live up to someones expectations." (p. 206)

Friday, August 28, 2009

The Richer the Colors

"Each relationship between two persons is absolutely unique. That is why you cannot love two people the same. It simply is not possible. You love each person differently because of who they are and the uniqueness that they draw out of you. And the more you know another, the richer the colors of that relationship." (p. 213)



Thursday, August 27, 2009

The Possibility of Love

"This world is not a playground where I keep all my children free from evil. Evil is the chaos of this age that you brought to me, but it will not have the final say. Now it touches everyone that I love, those who follow me and those who don't. If I take away the consequences of people's choices, I destroy the possibility of love. Love that is forced is no love at all." (p. 190)

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

A promise we fulfill...

"But can you clean your face with the same mirror that shows how dirty you are? There is no mercy or grace in rules, not even for one mistake. That's why Jesus fulfilled all of it for you - so that it no longer has jurisdiction over you. And the Law that once contained impossible demands - Thou Shall Not...- actually becomes a promise we fulfill in you." (p. 202)

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

"Mackenzie, this world is full of tears, but if you remember I promised that it would be Me who would wipe them from your eyes." (p. 228)

Monday, August 24, 2009

A danger to each other

"When you chose independence over relationship, you became a danger to each other. Others became objects to be manipulated or managed for your own happiness. Authority, as you usually think of it, is merely the excuse the strong use to make others conform to what they want." (p. 123)

Saturday, August 22, 2009

It's all about relationships

"It's simple Mack. It's all about relationships and simply sharing life. What we are doing now - just doing this - and being open and available to others around us. My 'church' is all about people and life is all about relationships. You can't build it. It's my job and I'm actually pretty good at it." (p. 178)

Thursday, August 20, 2009

People are afraid...

"People are afraid of uncertainty, afraid of the future. These institutions, these structures, and ideologies are all a vain effort to create some sense of certainty and security where there isn't any. It's all false! Systems cannot provide you security, only I can." (p. 179-180)

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

All woven together

"Have you noticed that in your pain you assume the worst of me? I've been talking to you for a long time, but today was the first time you could hear it, and all those other times weren't a waste, either. Like little cracks in the wall, one at a time, but woven together they prepared you for today. You have to take the time to prepare the soil if you want to embrace the seed." (p. 176)


What's YOUR favorite quote from the book?

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Without something Wonderful...

"What's important is this: If I were simply One God and only One Person, then you would find yourself in this Creation without something wonderful, without something essential even. And I would be utterly other than I am. ...And we would be without love and relationship. All love and relationship is possible for you only because it already exists within Me, within God myself. Love is not the limitation: love is the flying, I am love." (p. 101)


Monday, August 17, 2009

If you could only see...

"When a disaster happens those same people will turn against the false powers they trusted. In their disappointment, they either become softened toward me or they become bolder in their independence. If you could only see how all of this ends and what we will achieve without the violation of one human will - then you would understand. One day you will." (p. 125)

Friday, August 14, 2009

What love does...

Mack: "But why do you love someone who is such a screw-up? After all the things I've felt in my heart toward you and all the accusations I made, why would you even bother to keep trying to get through to me?"

Papa: "Because that is what love does..."


Thursday, August 13, 2009

Power

"It is impossible for you to take power over the future because it isn't even real, nor will it ever be real. You try and play God, imagining the evil that you fear becoming reality, and then you try and make plans and contingencies to avoid that fear." (p. 142)

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

What right...?

"Judging requires that you think yourself superior over the one you judge."

"What right did he have to judge anyone? ... All his judgments had been superficial, based on appearance and actions, things easily interpreted by whatever state of mind or prejudice that supported the need to exalt himself, or to feel safe, or to belong." (pp. 159-160)

Monday, August 10, 2009

Strangely at Home

"I mean, look at this mess. But it really is beautiful, and full of you, Sarayu. Even though it seems like lots of work still needs to be done, I feel strangely at home and comfortable here." (p. 138)

Friday, August 7, 2009

Not the way that you understand

"I'm quite a mess aren't I?"

"Yes, you are a glorious, destructive mess, Mackenzie, but you are not here to repent, at least not the way that you understand. Mackenzie, you are not here to be judged." (p. 158)

Thursday, August 6, 2009

WHO I AM

"He came to show people who I am and most folks only believe it about him. They still play us off like good cop, bad cop most of the time, especially the religious folk. When they want people to do what they think is right, they need a stern God. When they need forgiveness they run to Jesus." (p. 186)



Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Lost any basis...

"And if there is no reality of good that is absolute, then you have lost any basis for judging. It is just language, and one might as well exchange the word good for evil." (p. 135)

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

To Trust

"I don't want to be a judge anymore. I really do want to trust Papa... But I'll need help." (p. 165)

Monday, August 3, 2009

"So what do I do now? "

"What you're already doing, Mack, learning to live loved. It's not an easy concept for humans. You have a hard time sharing anything."

Learning to live loved... I am simply amazed. Some days when I open up the book to find the quote for the day I wonder if I have already found them all, but lo and behold my eyes just land on another good one!

Sunday, August 2, 2009

"The real underlying flaw in your life, Mackenzie, is that you don't think that I am good. If you knew I was good and that everything - the means, the ends, and all the processes of individual lives - is all covered by my goodness, then while you might not always understand what I am doing, you would trust me. But you don't." (p. 126)

Friday, July 31, 2009

You rarely see

"Once you have a hierarchy you need rules to protect and administer it, and then you need law and the enforcement of rules, and you end up with some kind of chain of command or a system of order that destroys relationship rather than promotes it. You rarely see or experience relationship apart from power." (p. 123)

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Freedom or Fear?

This one I posted in March but it's worth repeating. Have a wonderful day, my friends!

"So why do I have so much fear in my life?"

" Because you don't believe. You don't know that we love you. The person who lives by their fears will not find freedom in my love." (p. 142)

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

I am Love

"Both evil and darkness can only be understood in relation to Light and Good. I am Love and there is no darkness in me. Light and Good actually exist. So removing yourself from me will plunge you into darkness." (p. 136)

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Often very contrary to my purposes

"As well intentioned as it might be, you know that religion can chew up people! An awful lot of what is done in my name has nothing to do with me and is often, even if unintentional, very contrary to my purposes." (p. 179)

Monday, July 27, 2009

A Totally Separate Other

"We are already fully fulfilled within ourself. You are designed to be in community as well, made as you are in our very image... Keep in mind, Mackenzie that I am not a human being, not in my very nature, despite how we have chosen to be with you this weekend. I am truly human, in Jesus, but I am a totally separate other in my nature." (p. 201)

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Share life with me

"Because we want you to join us in our circle of relationship. I don't want slaves to my will, I want brothers and sisters who will share life with me." (p. 146)


Friday, July 24, 2009

There's no easy answer

"Honey, there's no easy answer that will take your pain away. Believe me, if I had one, I'd use it now. I have no magic wand to wave over you and make it all better. Life takes a bit of time and a lot of relationship." (p. 92)

Thursday, July 23, 2009

"I'm not going to ask you to believe anything, but I will tell you that you're going to find this day a lot easier if you simply accept what is, instead of trying to fit it into your preconceived notions." (p. 119)

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Spectacular and Incredible!

"Emotions are the color of the soul; they are spectacular and incredible. When you don't feel, the world becomes dull and colorless." (p. 196)

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Many complications

"Actually, with her everything is normal and elegantly simple. Because you are so lost and independent you bring to her many complications, and as a result you find even her simplicity profound." (p. 172)

Monday, July 20, 2009

Simply opening they way...

"Honey, you asked me what Jesus accomplished on the cross; so now listen to me carefully: through his death and resurrection, I am now fully reconciled to the world."

"The whole world? You mean those who believe in you, right?"

"The whole world, Mack. All I am telling you is that reconciliation is a two way street, and I have done my part, totally, completely, finally. It is not the nature of love to force a relationship but it is the nature of love to open the way." (p. 192)

Sunday, July 19, 2009

"Those who love me come from every system that exists. They were Buddhists or Mormons, Baptists or Muslims, Democrats, Republicans and many who don't vote or are not part of any Sunday morning or religious institutions... I have no desire to make them Christian, but I do want to join them in their transformation into sons and daughters of my Papa, into my brothers and sisters, into my Beloved." (p. 182)

Saturday, July 18, 2009

In truth

"You have judged the actions and even motivations of others, as if you knew what those were in truth. You have judged the color of skin and body language and body odor. You have judged history and relationships. You have even judged the value of a person's life by the quality of your concept of beauty. "Tell me," she inquired, " if I may ask, by what criteria do you base your judgments?" (p. 159)

Friday, July 17, 2009

A two way street

"All I am telling you is that reconciliation is a two way street, and I have done my part, totally, completely, finally. It is not the nature of love to force a relationship but it is the nature of love to open the way. (p. 192)



Thursday, July 16, 2009

If left unresolved

"Pain has a way of clipping our wings and keeping us from being able to fly. And if left unresolved for very long, you can almost forget that you were ever created to fly in the first place." (p. 97)

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

In the midst of your pain

"Give up being his judge and know Papa for who he is. Then you will be able to embrace his love in the midst of your pain, instead of pushing him away with your self-centered perception of how you think the universe should be." (p. 165)

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

YOUR NEW NATURE

"When I am your life, submission is the most natural expression of my character and nature, and it will be the most natural expression of your new nature within relationships." (p. 146)

Monday, July 13, 2009

To see me is to see them.

"I am the best way any human can relate to Papa or Sarayu. To see me is to see them. The love you sense from me is no different from how they love you." (p. 110)

Sunday, July 12, 2009

The richer the colors

"Each relationship between two persons is absolutely unique. That is why you cannot love two people the same. It simply is not possible. You love each person differently because of who they are and the uniqueness that they draw out of you. And the more you know another, the richer the colors of that relationship." (p. 213)

Saturday, July 11, 2009

"Just because you believe something firmly doesn't make it true. Be willing to reexamine what you believe. The more you live in the truth, the more your emotions will help you see clearly. But even then, you don't want to trust them more than me." (p. 197)

Friday, July 10, 2009

We've been seduced?

"So then we've been seduced into this preoccupation with authority?"

"In a sense, yes!" responded Papa, passing Mack the platter of greens, but not letting go until he pulled twice. "I'm just looking out for you, son." (p. 123)

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Take me instead

Mackenzie upon being asked to choose among his own children who would be sentenced to hell.

"I can't do this.

You must.

I...will...not...do...this!

You must.

I can't. I can't. I won't! he screamed, and now the words and emotions came tumbling out.

Could I go instead?

Please let me go for my children, please, I would be happy to... Please, I am begging you. Please... Please..."

"Mackenzie, Mackenzie, now you sound like Jesus. You have judged well, Mackenzie. I am so proud of you."

(p. 163)




Wednesday, July 8, 2009

But I can give you freedom

"Mack, the world system is what it is. Institutions, systems, ideologies, and all the vain, futile efforts of humanity that go with them are everywhere, and interaction with all of it is unavoidable. But I can give you freedom to overcome any system of power in which you find yourself, be it religious, economic, social or political. You will grow in the freedom to be inside or outside all kinds of systems and to move freely between and among them. Together, you and I can be in it and not of it." (p. 181)

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

This whole thing...

"Sitting here with you, in this moment, it doesn't seem that hard. But when I think about my regular life back home, I don't know how to keep it as simple as you're suggesting. I'm stuck in that same grasp for control as everyone else is. Politics, economics, social systems, bills, family, commitments...it can all be a bit overwhelming. I don't know how to change it all."

"No one is asking you to!" Jesus said tenderly. "That is Sarayu's task and she knows how to do it without brutalizing anyone. This whole thing is a process, not an event. All I want from you is to trust me with what little you can, and grow in loving people around you with the same love I share with you." (p. 180-181)


Monday, July 6, 2009

Not even knowing why

"I am here to help you." If a rainbow makes a sound, or a flower as it grows, that was the sound of her laughter. It was a shower of light, an invitation to talk, and Mack chuckled along with her, not even knowing or caring why. (p. 154)

Friday, July 3, 2009

Sarayu: "You humans, so little in your own eyes. You are truly blind to your own place in the Creation. Having chosen the ravaged path of Independence, you don't even comprehend that you are dragging the entire Creation along with you. S very sad, but it won't be this way forever." (p. 132)



Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Fashioning something different

Sarayu: Mackenzie, a created being can only take what already exists and from it fashion something different...I created everything that actually exists, including what you consider the bad stuff. But when I created it, it was only Good, because that is just the way I am." (p. 131)

...more from Sarayu tomorrow...

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

It's not for us to say...

"By choosing to declare what's good and evil you seek to determine your own destiny. It was this turning that has caused so much pain." (p. 147)

Monday, June 29, 2009

Institutions

"Marriage is not an institution. It's a relationship. Like I said, I don't create institutions; that's an occupation for those who want to play God." (p. 179)

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Simplicity Profound

"Actually, with her everything is normal and elegantly simple. Because you are so lost and independent you bring to her many complications, and as a result you find even her simplicity profound." (p. 172)

Friday, June 26, 2009

How much is enough?

"The trouble with priorities is that it sees everything as hierarchy, a pyramid, and you and I have already had that discussion. If you put God at the top, what does that really mean and how much is enough? How much time do you give me before you can go on about the rest of your day, the part that interests you so much more? (p. 207)


Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Distinctive yet Complementary, Empowered Uniquely

"Power in the hands of independent humans, be they men or women, does corrupt...We want male and female to be counterparts, face-to-face equals, each unique and different, distinctive in gender but complementary, and each empowered uniquely by Sarayu from whom all true power and authority originates. (p. 148)

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

FEARS

"I am not talking about rational fears regarding legitimate dangers, but imagined fears, and especially the projection of those into the future. To the degree that those fears have a place in your life, you neither believe I am good nor know deep in your heart that I love you. You sing about it; you talk about it, but you don't know it." (p. 142)


Monday, June 22, 2009

Hierarchy makes no sense

"We don't need power over the other because we are always looking out for the best. Hierarchy would make no sense among us. Actually, this is your problem, not ours." (p. 122)

Sunday, June 21, 2009

They simply don't matter

"It is quite simple really. 'Being' always transcends appearance - that which only seems to be. Once you begin to know the being behind the very pretty or very ugly face, as determined by your bias, the surface appearances fade away until they simply no longer matter." (p. 112)



Saturday, June 20, 2009

"You will even lose a competition to accomplish love. It is not about winning and losing, but about love and respect." (p. 107)

Friday, June 19, 2009

Love...within myself

"You do understand that unless I had an object to love - or, more accurately, a someone to love - if I did not have such a relationship within myself, then I would not be capable of love at all?" (p. 102)



Thursday, June 18, 2009

I am about being

"Remember, I am not about performance and fitting into man-made structures; I am about being. As you grow in relationship with me, what you do will simply reflect who you really are." (p. 148)

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

"Among the mysteries of a broken humanity, that too is rather remarkable; to learn, to allow change." (p. 154)

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

A danger to each other

"When you chose independence over relationship, you became a danger to each other. Others became objects to be manipulated or managed for your own happiness. Authority, as you usually think of it, is merely the excuse the strong use to make others conform to what they want." (p. 123)


Monday, June 15, 2009

The wonder of it all...

"I'll never get tired of looking at this. The wonder of it all - the wastefulness of Creation, as one of our brothers has called it. So elegant, so full of longing and beauty even now." (p. 113)

After a particularly challenging week I was sitting on the front porch Sunday morning and heard a strange buzzing sound. When I looked up I saw a beautiful hummingbird hovering and staring right at me. And then in a split second it was gone. I knew instantly what that was and felt so very grateful.




Saturday, June 13, 2009

be free to love, to serve

"Religion must use law to empower itself and control the people who they need in order to survive. I give you an ability to respond and your response is to be free to love and to serve in every situation, and therefore each moment is different and unique and wonderful." (p. 205)

Friday, June 12, 2009

Created to be loved

"Most birds were created to fly. Being grounded for them is a limitation within their ability to fly, not the other way around. You, on the other hand, were created to be loved. So for you to live as if you were unloved is a limitation, not the other way around." (p. 97)

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Power is in the love

"I want to help you take on that nature that finds more power in love and forgiveness than hate." (p. 225)

What if we were to try to love that which we do not care for? I think I am going to to try it! :D

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

But only some choose...

"Forgiveness does not establish relationship. In Jesus, I have forgiven all humans for their sins against me, but only some choose relationship. Mackenzie, don't you see that forgiveness is an incredible power - a power you share with us, a power Jesus gives to all whom he indwells so that reconciliation can grow?" (p. 225)

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

But we do not

"You humans are so lost and damaged that to you it is almost incomprehensible that relationship could exist apart from hierarchy. So you think that God must relate inside a hierarchy like you do. But we do not." (p. 124)

Monday, June 8, 2009

Give Up

"Then why did you give us those commandments?" asked Mack.

"Actually, we wanted you to give up trying to be righteous on your own. It is a mirror to reveal just how filthy your face gets when you live independently." (p. 202)



Saturday, June 6, 2009

Here in the Present

"When I dwell with you, I do so in the present - I live in the present. Not the past, although much can be remembered and learned by looking back, but only for a visit, not an extended stay. And for sure, I do not dwell in the future you visualize or imagine.

"Mack, do you realize that your imagination of the future, which is almost always dictacted by fear of some kind, rarely if ever, pictures me there with you?" (p. 141-142)

Friday, June 5, 2009

Covered by my Goodness

"The real underlying flaw in your life, Mackenzie, is that you don't think that I am good. If you knew I was good and that everything - the means, the ends, and all the processes of individual lives - is all covered by my goodness, then while you might not always understand what I am doing, you would trust me. But you don't." (p. 126)


Thursday, June 4, 2009

Simplicity Profound

"Actually, with her everything is normal and elegantly simple. Because you are so lost and independent you bring to her many complications, and as a result you find even her simplicity profound." (p. 172)

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

I will not abandon you

"Mack, she was never alone. I never left her not for one instant. I could no more abandon her, or you, than I could abandon myself." (p 173)

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Hearing and Change take Time

"So when you don't hear me the first time, I'm not frustrated or disappointed, I'm thrilled. Only forty-six more times to go. And that first time will be a building block to construct a bridge of healing that one day - that today - you will walk across." (p. 187)

Monday, June 1, 2009

We are

"Then," Mack struggled to ask, "which one of you is God?"

"I am," said all three in unison. Mack looked from one to the next, and even though he couldn't begin to grasp what he was seeing and hearing, he somehow believed them." (p. 87)


Sunday, May 31, 2009

Gimme some a that freedom!

"Or if you want to go just a wee bit deeper, we could talk about the nature of freedom itself. Does freedom mean that you are allowed to do whatever you want to do?...What is freedom, really?...Only I can set you free, Mackenzie, but freedom can never be forced...At this point you don't even comprehend that freedom is an incremental process...And freedom is a process that happens inside of a relationship with him." (p. 95)

Friday, May 29, 2009

Can you trust?

Mackenzie, those who are afraid of freedom are those who cannot trust us to live in them. Trying to keep the law is actually a declaration of independence, a way of keeping control." (p. 203)

Thursday, May 28, 2009

"The world, in many ways, would be a much calmer and gentler place if women ruled. There would have been far fewer children sacrificed to the gods of greed and power." (p. 147-148)

hmmmm...... :D

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Judging...to feel safe?

"Judging requires that you think yourself superior over the one you judge."

"What right did he have to judge anyone? ... All his judgments had been superficial, based on appearance and actions, things easily interpreted by whatever state of mind or prejudice that supported the need to exalt himself, or to feel safe, or to belong." (pp. 159-160)

Do you find yourself judging others? Judging your circumstances?


Tuesday, May 26, 2009

That love is Unconditional

"But what about when they do not behave, or they make choices other than those you would want them to make, or they are just belligerent and rude? What about when they embarrass you in front of others? How does that affect your love for them?"

Mack responded slowly and deliberately. "It doesn't really...What they do might affect my pride, but not my love for them."

That's just the way God loves all his children...

Monday, May 25, 2009

Authority

"Authority as you usually think of it, is merely the excuse the strong use to make others conform to what they want." (p. 123)

Sunday, May 24, 2009

"It is a picture of my bride, the Church: individuals who together form a spiritual city with a living river flowing through the middle, and on both shores tress growing with fruit that will heal the hurt and sorrows of the nations. And this city is always open, and each gate into it made of a single pearl...Pearls, Mack. The only precious stone made by pain, suffering and - finally - death." (p. 177)



Saturday, May 23, 2009

"My purpose from the beginning was to live in you and you in me... I choose to live moment by moment fully human. I am fully God, but I am human to the core. " (p. 112)


Friday, May 22, 2009

To learn...to change

"Among the mysteries of a broken humanity, that too is rather remarkable; to learn, to allow change." (p. 154)


Thursday, May 21, 2009

The promise

"But keep in mind that if you live your life alone and independently, the promise is empty." (p. 203)

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Incredible Dance of Being

"Rather than a pyramid, I want to be the center of a mobile, where everything in your life - your friends, family, occupation, thoughts, activities - is connected to me but moves with the wind, in and out and back and forth, in an incredible dance of being." (p. 207)

I love this one!! Makes want to go out and buy a mobile to hang in my house. :D

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

"Responsibilities and expectations are the basis of guilt and shame and judgment, and they provide the essential framework that promotes performance as the basis for identity and value. You know well what it is like not to live up to someones expectations." (p. 206)

If not performance, What do you see as the basis for determining someone's identity and value?

Monday, May 18, 2009

Time to let that go

"Only you, in the entire universe, believe that somehow you are to blame. Perhaps it's time to let that go - that lie. And Mackenzie, even if you had been to blame, her love is much stronger than your fault could ever be." (p. 168)


Sunday, May 17, 2009

I AM NOT A BULLY!

"For now I just want you to be with me and discover that our relationship is not about performance or you having to please me. I'm not a bully, not some self-centered demanding little deity insisting on my own way. I am good, and I desire only what is best for you. You cannot find that through guilt or condemnation or coercion, only through a relationship of love. And I do love you." (p. 126)

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Your new nature

"When I am your life, submission is the most natural expression of my character and nature, and it will be the most natural expression of your new nature within relationships."  (p. 146)


Friday, May 15, 2009

World not a playground

"This world is not a playground where I keep all my children free from evil. Evil is the chaos of this age that you brought to me, but it will not have the final say. Now it touches everyone that I love, those who follow me and those who don't. If I take away the consequences of people's choices, I destroy the possibility of love. Love that is forced is no love at all." (p. 190)

Thursday, May 14, 2009

STOP such an insane lust...

"I can see now," confessed Mack "that I spend most of my time and energy trying to acquire what I have determined to be good, whether it's financial security or health or retirement or whatever. And I spend a huge amount of energy and worry fearing what I've determined to be evil" Mack sighed deeply.

"...You don't need me at all to create your list of good and evil. But you do need me if you have any desire to stop such an insane lust for independence."

(p. 136)

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

I am far more than that...

"Mackenzie, I am what some would say 'holy, and wholly other than you.' The problem is that many folks try to grasp some sense of who I am by taking the best version of themselves, projecting that to the nth degree, factoring in all the goodness I perceive, which isn't often much, and then call that God. And while it may seem like a noble effort, the truth is that it falls pitifully short of who I am. I'm not merely the best version of you that you can think of. I am far more than that, above and beyond all that you can ask or think."

"Even though you can't finally grasp me, guess what? I still want to be known."

(p. 98)

I really like this quote! Wow. ++++ I want to send out a special welcome to all the new visitors - from all over the world! So glad to have you reading daily, and hope you will find great comfort in the special messages from the book. :D

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

The most loving outcome

"You are the ones who embrace fear and pain and power and rights so readily in your relationships. But your choices are also not stronger than my purposes, and I will use every choice you make for the ultimate good and the most loving outcome." (p. 125)

Monday, May 11, 2009

Simple yet infinitely complex

"A fractal...something considered simple and orderly that is actually composed of repeated patterns no matter how magnified. A fractal is almost infinitely complex. I love fractals, so I put them everywhere."

"Looks like a mess to me."

"Thank you! What a wonderful complement!"

(p. 129)

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Touched Her

"But the vividness and depth of his memories touched her and slowly undermined her resolve to stay objective. There was life in what he was telling her and she quickly understood that whatever happened had greatly impacted and changed her husband." (p. 243)


Saturday, May 9, 2009

No Mercy or Grace in Rules

"But can you clean your face with the same mirror that shows you how dirty you are? There is no mercy or grace in rules, not even for one mistake." (p. 202)

Friday, May 8, 2009

You're still that kid in the dark

"But why do we keep all that crap inside?" Mack asked.

"Because we believe its safer there. And, sometimes, when you're a kid trying to survive, it really is safer there. Then you grow up on the outside, but on the inside you're still that kid in the dark cave surrounded by monsters, and out of habit you keep adding to that collection. We all collect things we value, you know?" (p. 175)


Thursday, May 7, 2009

Head issues out of the way

"I'm not trying to make this harder for either of us. But this is a good place to start. I often find that getting head issues out of the way first makes the heart stuff easier to work on later...when you're ready." (p. 93)

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Of whispered hopes

"Don't forget that in the midst of all your pain and heartache, you are surrounded by beauty, the wonder of Creation, art, your music and culture, the sounds of laughter and love, of whispered hopes and celebrations, of new life and transformation, of reconciliation and forgiveness." (p. 191)

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

You the Judge?

"Then it is you who determines good and evil. You become the judge. And to make things more confusing, that which you determine to be good will change over time and circumstance." (p. 135)


Monday, May 4, 2009

Supposed to or Want to?

"You're not supposed to do anything. You're free to do whatever you like... Don't go because you feel obligated. That won't get you any points around here. Go because it's what you want to do." (p. 89)


Sunday, May 3, 2009

Created to Fly

"Pain has a way of clipping our wings and keeping us from being able to fly. And if left unresolved for very long, you can almost forget that you were ever created to fly in the first place." (p.97)


Saturday, May 2, 2009

"Broken humans center their lives around things that seem good to them, but that will neither fill them or free them." (p. 125)

Friday, May 1, 2009

But don't let the anger...

"He caused incredible pain to many. It was wrong, and anger is the right response to something that is so wrong. But don't let the anger and pain and loss you feel prevent you from forgiving him and removing your hands from around his neck." (p. 227)

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Submit to LOVE and RESPECT

"Submission is not about authority and it is not about obedience; it is all about relationships of love and respect. In fact, we are submitted to you in the same way." (p. 145)

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Sharing this journey together

"If you try to live this without me, without the ongoing dialogue of us sharing this journey together, it will be like trying to walk on the water by yourself. You can't! And when you try, however well-intentioned, you're going to sink." (p. 180)

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

What you're seeing here...

"Mackenzie, we have no concept of final authority among us, only unity. We are in a circle of relationship, not a chain of command or 'great chain of being' as your ancestors termed it. What you're seeing here is a relationship without any overlay of power." (p. 122)

Monday, April 27, 2009

Prepare the soil

"Like little cracks in the wall, one at a time, but woven together they prepared you for today. You have to take the time to prepare the soil if you want to embrace the seed." (p. 176)


Sunday, April 26, 2009

Recognize my voice

"Of course you will make mistakes; everybody makes mistakes, but you will begin to better recognize my voice as we continue to grow our relationship." (p. 196)

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Completely in my hands

"Don't forget, the story didn't end in his sense of foresaken-ness. He found his way through it to put himself completely into my hands. Oh, what a moment that was!" (p. 96)


Friday, April 24, 2009

Fully Equal...Not Power

"Our desire was to create a being that had a fully equal and powerful counterpart, the male and the female. But your independence with its quest for power and fulfillment actually destroys the relationship your heart longs for." (p. 148)


Thursday, April 23, 2009

Where is your sense of safety?

"Lies are one of the easiest places for survivors to run. It gives you a sense of safety, a place where you only have to depend on yourself. But it's a dark place, isn't it?" (p. 187)

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

"What I do have is a constant and living expectancy in our relationship, and I give you an ability to respond to any situation and circumstance in which you find yourself. To the degree that you resort to expectations and responsibilities, to that degree you neither know me or trust me." (p. 206)


Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Sins are gone in our relationship

"Mack, I am God. I forget nothing. I know everything. So forgetting for me is a choice to limit myself. Son, because of Jesus, there is now no law demanding that I bring your sins back to mind. They are gone when it comes to you and me, and they run no interference in our relationship." (p. 224)

Monday, April 20, 2009

Where it belongs...

"That is in the past now, where it belongs. I don't even want your sorrow for it, Mack. I just want us to grow on together without it." (p 184)


Sunday, April 19, 2009

Relationship without Power

"Mackenzie, we have no concept of final authority among us, only unity. We are in a circle of relationship, not a chain of command or 'great chain of being' as your ancestors termed it. What you are seeing here is relationship without any overlaying of power" (p. 122)


Saturday, April 18, 2009

Forgiven Completely

"Son you may have to declare your forgiveness a hundred times the first day and the second day, but the third day will be less and each day after, until one day you will realize that you have forgiven completely." (p. 227)

This works for forgiving others, but have you a need to use this on yourself as well? To forgive yourself? Try it. How freeing that can be!

Friday, April 17, 2009

A Growing Friendship...I like that!

"I came to give you Life to the fullest. My life... The simplicity and purity of enjoying a growing friendship." (p. 180)

Thursday, April 16, 2009

No Pressure

"If you think about it Mack it should be very freeing to know that you can offer us nothing, at least not anything that can add or take away from who we are...That should alleviate any pressure to perform." (p. 200)

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

"Emotions are the color of the soul; they are spectacular and incredible. When you don't feel, the world becomes dull and colorless." (p. 196)

challenge yourself to feel...

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Our Precious Earth

"Our earth is like a child who has grown up without parents, having no one to guide and direct her... Some have attempted to help her but most have simply tried to use her." (p. 144)

e a r t h = h e a r t

Monday, April 13, 2009

Circle of Relationship

"Because we want you to join us in our circle or relationship. I don't want slaves to my will, I want brothers and sisters who will share life with me." (p. 146)

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Many Colors=Uniqueness

"As you near them you will see that they have many individual colors that have merged into white, which contains all. As they mature and grow to become who they really are, the colors they exhibit will become more distinctive, and unique hues and shades will emerge." (p. 212-213)

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Together we...

"I want to be at the center of everything. When I live in you, then together we can live through everything that happens to you." (p. 207)



Friday, April 10, 2009

Presence of God

"I'm here," replied Jesus "I'm always here."

Mack nodded. This presence-of-God thing, although hard to grasp, seemed to be steadily penetrating past his mind and into his heart. He let it go at that.
(p. 108)


Thursday, April 9, 2009

A speck of wholeness

"Son, this is not about shaming you. I don't do humiliation, or guilt, or condemnation. They don't produce one speck of wholeness or righteousness, and that is why they were nailed into Jesus on the cross." (p. 223)

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

"To force my will on you," Jesus replied, "is exactly what love does not do. Genuine relationships are marked by submission..." (p. 145)


Tuesday, April 7, 2009

You will see me

"So, will I see you again?" he asked hesitantly.

"Of course. You might see me in a piece of art, or music, or silence, or through people, or in Creation, or in your joy and sorrow."

(p. 198)

Monday, April 6, 2009

I've been talking to you

"Have you noticed that in your pain you assume the worst of me? I've been talking to you for a long time, but today was the first time you could hear it, and all those other times weren't a waste, either. Like little cracks in the wall, one at a time, but woven together they prepared you for today. You have to take the time to prepare the soil if you want to embrace the seed." (p. 176)

Sunday, April 5, 2009

"We don't need power over the other because we are always looking out for the best. Hierarchy would make no sense among us. Actually, this is your problem, not ours." (p. 122)


Saturday, April 4, 2009

"Mackenzie, this world is full of tears, but if you remember I promised that it would be Me who would wipe them from your eyes." (p. 228)

Friday, April 3, 2009

True Love

"I understand how difficult it is for you, so lost in your perceptions of reality and so sure of your own judgments, to even begin to perceive, let alone imagine, who real love and goodness are. True love never forces." (p. 190)

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Moving closer

"Will you at least consider this: When all you can see is your pain, perhaps then you lose sight of me?" (p. 96)

In other words, this is telling me to take action to walk through the pain... and I will move closer to him as a result.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

...and now for a little HUMOR!

"Jesus?"

"Yes, Mackenzie?"

"I am surprised by one thing about you."

"Really? What?"

"I guess I expected you to be more," be careful here, Mack, "uh...well, humanly striking."

Jesus chuckled. "Humanly striking? You mean handsome." Now he was laughing.

Well, I was trying to avoid that , but yes. Somehow I thought you'd be the ideal man, you know, athletic and overwhelmingly good looking."

"It's my nose, isn't it?"

(p. 111)

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Fear or Freedom?

"So why do I have so much fear in my life?"

" Because you don't believe. You don't know that we love you. The person who lives by their fears will not find freedom in my love."

(p. 142)


Monday, March 30, 2009

Independence and Rules vs. Sharing life with us

"Humans have a tendency to restructure language according to their independence and need to perform. So when I hear language abused in favor of rules over sharing life with us, it is difficult for me to remain silent." (p. 201)

Saturday, March 28, 2009

He Knows

"He knows every person ever conceived, and he knows them so much deeper and clearer than you will ever know your own children." (p. 162)

Friday, March 27, 2009

A New Cleansing

"Well Mack, our final destiny is not the picture of Heaven that you have stuck in your head - you know, the image of pearly gates and streets of gold. Instead its a new cleansing of this universe, so it will indeed look a lot like here." (p. 177)