Set Intentions, Tap Into Infinite Source & Supply

While the calendar year turning over is cause for celebration, practically speaking, the new year is just a continuation of what came before.

And yet, after all the festivity and celebration that December holds, January ushers in a welcome quiet, due less because of a new year and more because of winter.

What better time for contemplation and reflection when the external world slows down, and look both forward and backward at what you want to create and what you want to leave behind?

Sunday’s talk with Rev. Marilyn, along with her 2026 Illumed Intentions workshop, set the stage for exactly this. (You can watch it here.)

The Thing Itself

Rev. Marilyn took us back to basics with The Thing Itself, that underlying source of all creation. It’s a reminder, if not an introduction, to what’s already present. What’s always present.

That energy, that thing itself, is our source and supply. We don’t earn it; we just need to remember it's who we are and tap into it. Our power is innate and connected to the all that is. Sometimes it requires surrender. That’s OK. Surrendering is a powerful practice.

Asking big questions

Science of Mind both asks and answers the big questions. That’s part of its appeal. SOM also has answers for our individual circumstances, if we’re willing to invite wisdom in and then listen. It isn’t always easy; the answers may show up in unexpected ways, and not on our preferred timeline.

What that means is we have to stay focused on the what, not the how, both individually and as a community. Collectively, we know we’ll hire staff in 2026. We don’t yet know how that’ll unfold. Our work is taking the next right step as it reveals itself.

We also know there’s more money to raise, more people to attract, and more programs to nurture. What we have is a community of people who give beyond expectation, something that never ceases to amaze and motivate me. Our community is a microcosm of the world at large, and powerful things happen here!

Pro-noia? Why yes!

During the lighting of the oneness candle, practitioner Justin Thuemler introduced the idea of pro-noia, the opposite of paranoia. Life isn’t against us; instead, it's conspiring for us, showering us with our good, even when we can’t see the full picture.

I have a postcard I picked up at a gallery in New York’s Lower East Side at least a decade ago, and I placed it near my bed. It reads, the world is conspiring in your favor. It’s the last thing I see before I turn out the light, and the first thing I see when I wake up.

The universe, that universal energy, is neutral. It always says yes. Expect it to conspire in your favor.

Attention, intention, and expectation

Speaking of expectation, as Rev. Marilyn said, our philosophy is one of empowerment. So I’m also reflecting on one of Rev. Larry’s previous talks: We get what we expect, consciously or unconsciously. That’s why attention matters. It’s also why intention matters.

Spirit responds. We are active participants in what we create.

The intention-setting workshop following the program was a natural continuation of her talk. Naming what we want. Claiming it without overthinking it. Letting go of what doesn't serve us. Then letting Spirit lead.

When we set intentions, we plant seeds for what we expect.

I’m continually reminded why this philosophy matters to me, and why I call it my weekly mindset reset. Evidence continues to support it.

Listen, and take the next right step when it reveals itself, without needing the whole staircase or a roadmap. Aim for the mileposts.

All progress is progress. May you see progress in all the ways that matter to you in 2026!

Core Council Update: December, 2025 Recap

Speaking of progress, I promised a Core Council update from last week's meeting. Here's a quick summary of the important discussion points.

• The team established a framework for a new Sr. Minister Search Committee, to be chaired by Rev. Pam Ninneman. The committee will include Core Council, practitioners, and congregants. Stay tuned for more information, including a date for a member visioning session. You must be a member to participate in the visioning and to vote on a candidate. If you're not a member and want to have your voice heard, consider discussing membership with Rev. Michael. You'll hear more about this at next week's community meeting.

• The team discussed succession planning and the need to recruit new leaders in the next few years. Work continues as we define and refine our job descriptions and document operational responsibilities. This will help ensure smooth transitions and support volunteers.

• We ended 2025 in a strong financial position, and we must continue to build momentum to enable hiring paid staff. 2026 pledges are helpful, and we’ll need additional fundraising efforts to achieve our goals. The marketing committee also met, and we're ramping up for more engagement in 2026.

The December Core Council meeting wrapped with gratitude for the team’s dedication and collaboration. We're very fortunate to have this team of committed individuals.

With love and blessings for an awesome new year.

Laura