Hi (response to a friend),
     Good to hear from you again. Yes, I've read "A Course In Miracles." My story about that goes like this...

Although the story actually goes back further, the more poignant portions began around 1977, some 23 years ago. Spirit began to get through to me and show me things. These things grew and grew. As I followed this source of inspiration and also read in many schools of thought, there were some things that came to me that were not in the books (while many of the things "were" in the books). This went on for about 16 years and then, within two weeks of each other, two people who did not know one another told me about ACIM.

The first one had never read it but told me that what I said to her sounded similar to what her friend said...and her friend was an ACIM student. Well, I still didn't know what ACIM was.

The second friend came along this way. I bought most all of Joel Goldsmith's writings (always recommended) and shelved them for about 10 years after reading about 1-1/2 of them...all long before meeting either of these people. Then, around 1991, I suddenly decided to read his works; which reading resulted in a quantum leap in my spiritual experience. God talked to me at times (via my overactive imagination LOL) and directed my steps, at one time even directing me into a known heavy snowstorm where cars and trucks were flipped over and off the road...AND...told me not to call the highway patrol that I would have no problems (I didn't). So, 1-2 years later, I decided to see if there were any active study groups around to get involved with and see if I couldn't maximize my experiences. I found two. One gave me messages that didn't work out and the second was this woman who kissed me and dumped a whole pile of books in my lap. One of those books was ACIM. Most of these books I simply skimmed through to see what they were about, some I had previous experience with, etc. But for some reason, I sat down and began to read ACIM. As I did, I saw before my eyes and excitedly called down the hall to my wife: "This book! This book has the things spirit has been showing me all these years!!!" [Note: I am not a student of Joel Goldsmith's works, and what I write is often not in agreement with what he wrote. Each person discovers the same reality, but colors it by mental interpretation according to their own belief system filters AND willingness to look beyond them. I recently wrote a paper commenting on problems with a single chapter of his works as an example to a friend who also has read his works. It's not about "being right"...but about not being locked into an intellectual definition or viewpoint about the infinite reality (which is not subject to such limitations.]

I would emphasize that the book itself is a wonderful tool; but that it is not for everyone. However, the course in miracles is, in fact, a literal course that is mandatory to find salvation and atonement...a course within in understanding, taught ONLY by the Holy Spirit itself. So, I would recommend the Course, and throw in that, if the book, "A Course In Miracles" works for you, great! But if it doesn't for some reason, realize that it is based upon something very valid and real. I have found it to be the most truthful and accurate book ever written...and yet, I do not consider myself a student of the book, but of the Course itself.

If you feel hungry, I recommend you regularly read yourself, listening intently to what YOU have to say. For what you have to say is the most priceless treasure you will ever find in this world or any other. When you begin to listen to yourself and trust yourself, even when what you think or have to say is somewhat questionable (and disregarding anything that would harm you or others)...you will eventually reap the reward of self-empowerment that transcends all things, including demons and evil intentions. He or she who commands the universe can not be overpowered by wickedness, the illusory and oft very convincing will-o-the-wisp. As our minds are constantly caught up in thought forms that twist the soul and mind into fearful contortions, appearances come forth that are not so...but are evidence/proof-filled illusion. As our minds bring the eye of their attention upon that which is real, this willingness allows the inevitable erasure of the erroneous and ill-begotten thought forms that have tormented so many for so very long (millennia). Understanding disallows the necessary support to the forms of their appearance and becomes the equivalent of a calm and peaceful command: BE GONE! And so it is that our intention is pure and, as it is discovered within our own selves, it IS in fact, the law and guiding light of love, the Holy Spirit of Truth...and it faithfully draws us quite naturally back home, to awaken with joy.

     Love, Doug (LightDancer)