As he concluded his homily this past weekend, Rev. Ken Foor shared some final thoughts with us that gave the entire room a fabulous energy burst, and set a wonderful uplifting tone for our week. Rev. Ken spoke of the opportunities that are being revealed for us to heal our world by honoring the Divine that is in all. Before we offer our healing thoughts, he said, we should SMILE...

And "SMILE," Rev. Ken continued, stands for "Start My Internal Love Engine!" The room lit up. You could FEEL the collective smile of the entire congregation. Rev. Ken credited Q igong Master Chunyi Lin for coming up with this clever acronym, but it was his warmth and earnestness in his delivery that made us all grin from ear to ear. And we all knew that it just made SO MUCH SENSE. Of course we can -- and do -- instantly access our healing love power by a simple smile. And there we were, sitting in the sanctuary, all smiling! Bravo, Rev. Foor! 

Indeed, I've seen a fair share of gnarly faces lately, haven't you? I know I have made a few of gnarly faces myself! But really, where does that get us? Who feels better with a scrunched, angsty brow? And who wants to talk to someone with a frown or scowl? 

Yes, we have been seeing lots of unrest in the world lately. And some of it is most definitely not smile-inducing. And I promise you, I am not saying to ignore those events that are happening around us, or perhaps even to us. And I am not saying to smile through a big, fake gritted teeth grin.  But if we are going to be the peace we seek to be in the world, we have to start somewhere, don't we? 

"Let it begin with me..." 

SMILE for the gloriousness that is the blue sky. Or your favorite people in life. Or a brilliant piece of music. Or a hilarious cat video. You get the idea. Shift the thought to something that GENUINELY makes you smile... start those internal love engines, and GO! 

What better place to log some bigtime smiles in than our Spiritual Home? 

We are continuing our first "Spiritual Screen& Share" series on Thursday this week, with another episode of Oprah Winfrey's glorious "Belief" docu-series. This unbelievably gorgeous series takes an intimate look at the unique spiritual journeys of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, ethnicities and geographies around the world. We'll screen the episode first, and then we'll share our responses to it! 

Saturday evening, its the first Message Circle of the new year (and the new sanctuary!) Doors close at 7:30, and then that wonderful energy from our dedicated psychics will be humming. Bring a friend for a fun and insightful "psychic play date." 

ISD-DC folks are in for a treat mid-February when Rev. Kathy Kerston from ISD-Sparta returns for a week residency! She'll hold a unique and energized "Treasure Mapping" workshop on February 18 that will feature the "vision-boarding" process based on your customized astrological chart, and charged with fung shui and Emotional Freedom Technique "tapping."  The deadline to reserve a spot for this workshop is February 10 and you must forward your birth information to Rev. Kathy at kathykerston@gmail.com as soon as possible. 

February is the LOVE month, so we are celebrating LOVE on Sunday February 12 with our Service of Love. Bring a photo or a memento of your loved one to place on our Table of Love...everyone will have the opportunity to share stories or memories about their loved ones during the Affirmation of Spirit portion of the service. Or you can just honor LOVE with your presence. Join us!

And guess what is right around the corner? The 2017 Retreat! This year's theme is "Unleash YOUR Super Powers..." Now just imagine having amazing powers that we are born with or can hone and develop. Doesn't that bring a huge smile your face?  Check out the new brochure and register today!

There is even more on the schedule, and more being added, so be sure to check out the ISD website for the most recent updates and additions to the calendar of events. 

If you know someone in need of special prayer, you can fill out our online prayer request. Our weekly Prayer Circle convenes every Sunday evening remotely to pray silently for those on the weekly list of requests. 

Needing some inspiration or a recorded guided meditation to help you attune to Spirit? Check out ISD's Soundcloud page for a comprehensive list of past Sunday Service homilies, Sunday service meditations and evening meditations.

So in the words of Mr. Roarke, the fictional host of the 70's TV classic Fantasy Island,
"Smiles Everyone, Smiles!"

Rev. Rob Banaszak

Pastor, Institute for Spiritual Development, Washington, D.C.