Minister’s Musing’s: Sep. 9, 2026

Minister’s Musing: Rev. Sheryl Padgett

As the seasons begin to change, we are reminded that change is one of the great constants of life. Summer gradually gives way to autumn, the days become shorter, and nature begins its beautiful process of releasing what it no longer needs. We, too, move through seasons of change. Sometimes change arrives by our choice, and sometimes it arrives unexpectedly. We may find ourselves beginning a new chapter, letting go of an old one, or simply discovering that who we are today is not quite who we were yesterday.

Change can bring uncertainty, but it can also bring possibility. Just as nature trusts the rhythm of the seasons, we can trust that life is continually unfolding for us and through us. We don't have to know exactly what comes next to embrace the next season with an open heart. Perhaps this is a time to release what has served its purpose, make room for something new, and appreciate the beauty of where we are right now. Every season has its gifts, and every change carries an invitation to grow.

Affirmation: I welcome the changes of life with an open heart. I release what is ready to go, embrace what is unfolding, and trust the wisdom of the Divine within me.

Minister’s Musings, Sep. 2, 2026

Humility is often misunderstood as thinking less of ourselves, when in truth it is the freedom that comes from thinking of ourselves less. A humble heart does not need to defend itself against every slight, react to every inconvenience, or carry the burden of every perceived offense. Humility allows us to become quieter within ourselves—to release the need to be right, to control outcomes, or to take personally what others say and do. It opens the door to peace.

Dr. Bob of the Twelve Steps described humility this way: “Humility is perpetual quietness of heart. It is to have no trouble, it is never to be fretted or vexed, irritable or sore, to wonder at nothing that is done to me, to feel nothing done against me.” What a powerful vision of inner freedom! As we practice humility, we discover that peace does not depend upon the behavior of others or the circumstances around us. We can choose to rest in the quiet center of our being, trusting that the Divine Presence within us is greater than anything happening around us.

Affirmation:

I rest in the quietness of my heart. I release the need to take offense, and I meet life with humility, grace, and peace.

Minister’s Musings: August 26, 2026

Minister’s Musings: Rev. Sheryl Padgett

It is easy to look at the world around us and become focused on what is missing, uncertain, or going wrong. Yet spiritual vision calls us to look beyond present appearances and hold a positive picture of what is possible. A positive vision is not wishful thinking or pretending that challenges do not exist. It is choosing to give our attention to possibility rather than fear, to solutions rather than problems, and to the good we desire to bring forth.

What we consistently hold in consciousness influences how we show up in the world. When we hold a vision of peace, healing, abundance, or greater love, we become more open to recognizing opportunities and taking the steps that support that vision. Today, let us lift our eyes beyond what is and dare to imagine what can be. Let us hold the highest vision—not only for our own lives, but for our families, our community, and our world.

Affirmation: I hold a positive vision for my life and trust that the highest good is unfolding before me and through me.

Minister’s Musings: August 18, 2026

Minister’s Musing: Rev. Sheryl Padgett

Sometimes anxiety arrives quietly—a feeling that something isn’t quite right, even when we can’t explain why. In those moments, we can pause and remember that beneath the noise of our thoughts, there is a deeper place within us that knows peace. We don’t always have to solve, fix, or understand everything immediately. Sometimes we simply need to become still enough to listen to that quiet inner knowing.

There is a calm within us that is not dependent on circumstances. It is the presence of God reminding us that we are not alone and that we can meet whatever comes, one moment at a time. When anxiety rises, may we learn to breathe, become still, and trust that deeper wisdom within.

Affirmation:

When I feel anxious, I pause and become still. I listen to the calm within me, and I trust the inner knowing that reminds me: I am safe, I am supported, and I am guided.

Minister’s Musings: August 12, 2026

Minister’s Musing:

Forgiveness is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves. Holding onto anger, resentment, or hurt can keep us tied to the past long after the original experience has ended. Forgiveness does not mean saying that what happened was acceptable, nor does it require us to forget, excuse, or invite someone back into our lives. It means choosing to release the emotional weight we have been carrying and reclaiming our freedom.

Sometimes the person we most need to forgive is ourselves. We can spend years replaying old choices, wishing we had known then what we know now. But we made those choices with the awareness, understanding, and resources we had at the time. Forgiveness invites us to stop punishing ourselves for being human. When we forgive, we create space for healing, peace, and a new way of being. We cannot change the past, but we can choose what power the past will have over our present.

Affirmation:

I release resentment and embrace freedom. I forgive myself and others, knowing that forgiveness opens my heart to peace, healing, and love.

Minister’s Musings: August 7, 2026

Minister’s Musings:

It has often been said that we are to be in the world, but not of it. That doesn't mean withdrawing from life or pretending the challenges of the world don't exist. It means remembering that while we participate fully in life, we do not have to be controlled by fear, anger, or the endless stream of opinions and distractions that surround us. We can engage with compassion, work for justice, care for our neighbors, and still remain anchored in the peace of God's presence within. Our true identity is not defined by circumstances but by the divine life expressed through us.

Each day offers us a choice. We can react to the world from habit and emotion, or we can respond from the wisdom of our spiritual nature. When we pause, pray, and remember who we are, we become a calming presence in the midst of uncertainty. Rather than adding to the noise, we become instruments of peace, hope, and love. The world needs people who are fully awake—people whose lives reflect the quiet strength of Spirit more than the chaos of the moment.

Affirmation:

I live fully in the world while remaining rooted in Spirit. Divine wisdom guides my thoughts, divine love directs my actions, and divine peace fills my heart. I am a radiant expression of God's presence wherever I go.

Minister’s Musings July 29, 2026

Minister’s Musing:

Humility is often misunderstood. It is not thinking less of ourselves or believing we are somehow unworthy. True humility is seeing ourselves as we truly are—beloved expressions of the Divine, each with unique gifts to offer the world. A humble heart does not need to prove its value or compete for recognition because it rests in the quiet confidence that its worth comes from God. Humility allows us to listen more deeply, learn more freely, and remain open to new insights that help us grow.

When we approach life with humility, we become teachable. We recognize that every person we meet has something to offer, every challenge has something to reveal, and every experience can deepen our spiritual understanding. Humility softens our judgments, strengthens our compassion, and reminds us that we are all walking this sacred journey together. It is not weakness but spiritual strength—the willingness to let Divine Wisdom lead instead of insisting that our own limited perspective is always right. In that surrender, we discover greater peace, richer relationships, and a deeper awareness of God's presence in every moment.

Affirmation:

I walk in the quiet strength of humility. I release the need to be right, to be recognized, or to be in control. I joyfully allow Divine Wisdom to guide my thoughts, my words, and my actions, knowing that as I humbly follow Spirit, I grow in love, peace, and understanding.

Minister’s Musings July 9, 2026

Minister's Musings Rev. Sheryl Padgett

Patience is far more than waiting—it is trusting. In a world that celebrates speed and instant results, spiritual growth reminds us that the deepest transformations unfold in their own perfect time. A seed does not become a tree overnight, and our souls also require seasons of quiet growth before their fruits become visible. When we practice patience, we are not giving up or standing still; we are choosing faith over fear and allowing divine wisdom to work in ways we cannot always see.

This month, I invite you to embrace patience as a spiritual practice. Rather than resisting delays or becoming discouraged by what has not yet appeared, pause and ask, “What is Spirit cultivating in me right now?” Every experience offers an opportunity to deepen our trust, strengthen our character, and remember that God’s timing is never hurried, yet it is always perfect. As we learn to rest in that truth, we discover a peace that is independent of circumstances.

Affirmation: I patiently trust the divine unfolding of my life. I rest in God’s perfect timing, knowing all things are working together for my highest good.

Minister’s Musings June 28, 2026

Minister’s Musing: Rev. Sheryl Padgett

June is the month of Imagination, one of our Twelve Spiritual Powers. Imagination is far more than daydreaming or wishful thinking. It is the divine ability to envision possibilities beyond current circumstances. Every invention, every work of art, every act of transformation began first as an image in someone’s mind. In Unity teachings, imagination is a sacred faculty that allows us to see beyond appearances and align ourselves with God’s highest possibilities for our lives.

When we consciously use the power of imagination, we move from reacting to life as it is to creating life as it can be. We begin to picture health instead of illness, abundance instead of lack, peace instead of conflict, and possibility instead of limitation. As we hold these spiritual visions in consciousness, we open ourselves to new opportunities, insights, and experiences. Imagination becomes the bridge between our present reality and our highest potential.

Affirmation: I use my power of imagination to envision God’s highest good. I see beyond limitations and welcome new possibilities into my life.

Minister’s Musing June 21, 2026

Minister’s Musing: Rev. Sheryl Padgett

As we celebrate Father’s Day, it is an opportunity to honor the divine masculine energy that lives within each of us. Divine masculine energy is not about gender; it is the spiritual quality of strength guided by wisdom, courage rooted in love, and action inspired by purpose. It is the energy that protects without controlling, leads without dominating, and serves without seeking recognition. At its highest expression, the divine masculine provides stability, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to the greater good.

In a world that often feels uncertain and divided, we are called to embody these sacred qualities more fully. Whether as fathers, mentors, friends, teachers, or community members, we help shape the world through the examples we set. Every act of kindness, every word of encouragement, and every willingness to serve becomes a powerful expression of divine masculine energy in action. As we nurture these qualities within ourselves, we help create a world where all people can grow, belong, and thrive.

Affirmation:

I express the divine masculine through wisdom, strength, integrity, and love. I lead by example, serve with purpose, and bring stability and compassion wherever I go.