December 31, 2011 - Introspection

ACIM Lesson #365

"This holy instant would I give to You. Be You in charge. For I would follow You, Certain that Your direction gives me peace."

"Yield" sculpture by Roxy Paine
Photo by Aaron Springston

[Marsha's thoughts]

At this time of introspection and retrospection, I'm remembering the disciplines people practice which are based in Love. This is the parenthesis in eternity where we are all living the Principle we know as Love. Everyone I talk to is excited about the prospect of this shift in consciousness! Even those who may fear change are wondering what is happening, and many are embracing it. The number of changes we're witnessing around us testifies to the major thought turn-arounds we're experiencing at this moment. It is comprised of a give-and-take which we know as forgiveness. We have learned this year what reality is, and we spend every moment seeing it in our experience. This knowledge and demonstration is what spurs us onward in our daily experience of this Oneness, and our willingness to expel from thought anything which is not a reflection of this Love, which is not the peace of God. I'm ready for a new year filled with present moments!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:
"The divine hand led me into a new world of light and Life, a fresh universe -- old to God, but new to His "little one." It became evident that the divine Mind alone must answer, and be found as the Life, or Principle, of all being; and that one must acquaint himself with God, if he would be at peace."
Retrospection and Introspection, Page 27:29-4

December 30, 2011 - Reality

ACIM Lesson #364

"This holy instant would I give to You.
Be You in charge. For I would follow You,
Certain that Your direction gives me peace."

Photo by Aaron Springston

[Marsha's thoughts]

All the insecurities, the feelings of loss and lack, the guilt and blame, all these things have lost their reality to us through this year of study and insight into our true Self. Now that we see the unreality of these beliefs within ourselves, it's hard to not point them out to others when they present themselves! These last few days, I've noticed what I do say in the face of negativity, fear, anger, and hate. After a snide racial comment from a terse-lipped woman, I said, "Keep smiling!" Whereupon she gave me a fake smile and I gave her a small Namaste' bow and left. When asked advice concerning happiness, (knowing through experience that none of us can fix any other of us) my only suggestion is to concentrate on what brings us happiness and fulfillment, and the unhappiness and emptiness will be lost in its face. We live what we've learned, giving to others from our receiving. What fun to see the joy this day will bring!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The sculptor turns from the marble to his model in order to perfect his conception. We are all sculptors, working at various forms, moulding and chiseling thought. What is the model before mortal mind? Is it imperfection, joy, sorrow, sin, suffering? Have you accepted the mortal model? Are you reproducing it? Then you are haunted in your work by vicious sculptors and hideous forms. Do you not hear from all mankind of the imperfect model? The world is holding it before your gaze continually. The result is that you are liable to follow those lower patterns, limit your lifework, and adopt into your experience the angular outline and deformity of matter models. To remedy this, we must first turn our gaze in the right direction, and then walk that way. We must form perfect models in thought and look at them continually, or we shall never carve them out in grand and noble lives.”

Science & Health Page 248:12-29

December 29, 2011 - Listen and Rejoice

ACIM Lesson# 363
"This holy instant would I give to You.
Be You in charge. For I would follow You,
Certain that Your direction gives me peace."

[ACIM commentary]
"And if I need a word to help me, He will give it to me. If I need a thought, that will He also give. And if I need but stillness and a tranquil, open mind, these are the gifts I will receive of Him. He is in charge by my request. And He will hear and answer me, because He speaks for God my Father and His holy Son.'

[Marsha's thoughts]

"Glacier National Park"
photo by Aaron Springston

Recently my son and I have been making video segments for a virtual studio tour of the artists of Eureka Thyme. Today it was my turn to speak in front of the camera. I didn't anticipate any problems and hadn't planned what to say because I trust these thoughts to flow from their source through me. After the first "take" my son made some suggestions about what I should be saying. At this point, I started to think and plan what I was going to say. He even suggested I practice what I would say, and I did. This was the beginning of an hour-long series of starts and stops which digressed to the point of me not being able to get past saying my name before being tongue-tied or making an odd face. It was ridiculous! At this point, he suggested I speak from the heart. And so I slipped back into my native state of trusting that I will know what to say and do. I got out of my way and let the only Way come through. And so it Is.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:
"Mind is not necessarily dependent upon educational processes. It possesses of itself all beauty and poetry, and the power of expressing them. Spirit, God, is heard when the senses are silent. We are all capable of more than we do. The influence or action of Soul confers a freedom, which explains the phenomena of improvisation and the fervor of untutored lips."
Science & Health Page 89:18-24

December 28, 2011 - Calm Assertive Behavior

ACIM Lesson #362
"This holy instant would I give to You.
Be You in charge. For I would follow You,
Certain that Your direction gives me peace."

[Marsha's thoughts]
I have mentioned many times in this past year that I feel animals are showing us the way to living our true Being. Not only do they mirror back to us any emotions we may be secretly harboring, they show us how to communicate more effectively through telepathy and actions, rather than words. Today I visited four homes where dogs were very much a part of the family. Only one of these dogs was not exhibiting aberrant behavior of some sort! I must mention that my own dog has some behaviors which I find baffling. But I continue to see positive behavior changes in him as I become more honest and calm in my own reactions. In watching The Dog Whisperer, I have gained many insights into the reasons our dogs often seem neurotic and out of control. It always comes back to people. It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to see what we're really thinking! Calm, assertive behavior is the mantra of Cesar Milan. Assertive doesn't mean aggressive. It involves a certainty which is only attained through listening to an inner knowledge which is heard in quiet, calm moments. These moments express the eternal holy instant where we forever abide with the certainty of peace.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:
"The Revelator tells us of ‘a new heaven and a new earth.’ Have you ever pictured this heaven and earth, inhabited by beings under the control of supreme wisdom? Let us rid ourselves of the belief that man is separated from God, and obey only the divine Principle, Life and Love. Here is the great point of departure for all true spiritual growth."
Science & Health Page 91:1-6

December 27, 2011 - No Health

ACIM Lessons #361
"This holy instant would I give to You.
Be You in charge. For I would follow You,
Certain that Your direction gives me peace."

[Marsha's thoughts]

Included is the entire introduction to the final lessons, because we do want to go beyond words. Words will be used only as a reminder of that which we do not want in our lives any longer. We have been practicing letting go of each and every belief we ever held to be true -- or false! I am reminded of an Infinite Way tape which is entitled "There Is No Health". By the admission that there is good health, you leave the door open for the belief that there is bad health. This same principle is at work in every facet of our lives. In ceasing to think of anything as good or bad, we are simply open to what Is. Everything I need, whether it be a word, a thought, anything, I need be only open with no expectations in order to receive everything I need.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:
"God gives you His spiritual ideas, and in turn, they give you daily supplies.”
Miscellaneous Writings 1883–1896, Page 307

December 26, 2011

ACIM Lesson #360
"Peace be to me, the holy Son of God.
Peace to my brother, who is one with me.
Let all the world be blessed with peace through us.
 [Marsha's thoughts]

The Village of Elsah

When we are feeling inner peace, it seems impossible to feel anything else. And then we find ourselves in a situation which tries our peace. Is it possible to lose the peace which is God? Of course not, but we certainly can cover it up in unnecessary feelings of angst and worry and irritation. Today I feel as peaceful as I can imagine feeling (which is not to say that more isn't possible!). This feeling was shattered by a visit with a dear neighbor who is solitary and worried about most everything. My plan of spreading a bit of holiday cheer seemed on the verge of backfiring! Why does it seem easier to "catch" disruptive feelings rather than peaceful ones? It seems easier to "catch" a cold rather than to let one go. I was able to recognize what was happening and take myself out of the dis-ease which was threatening to spread to me. I took a breath, felt the peace of God, and left her home with a smile. The "reign and rule of universal harmony" is here and now. We are on the verge of this realization! The shift in consciousness we are in the midst of is causing some of us to fight back. When I feel this reaction occurring within myself, I remind myself to yield to the Peace which is the only reality of my Being. Anything else is a mirage. What a joy to watch it dissipate as I walk through it, oblivious to its seeming reality.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:
"Let us learn of the real and eternal, and prepare for the reign of Spirit, the kingdom of heaven,—the reign and rule of universal harmony, which cannot be lost nor remain forever unseen."
Science & Health Page 208:20-24

December 25, 2011 - Peace Like a River

ACIM Lesson #359
"God's answer is some form of peace. All pain
Is healed; all misery replaced with joy.
All prison doors are opened. And all sin
Is understood as merely a mistake."

 

Mark in Mongolia
photo by Aaron Springston

[Marsha's thoughts]

Peace like a river. As I read the above words this is what keeps coming to mind. Peace like a river. On this beautiful Christmas morning, I allow all imprisoning beliefs to leave my mind, while welcoming God through the Science of the Christ. The Christ that we celebrate today is the spirit which is God, which flows through each and every thing there is. It leads us to healing in all thought and deed. It keeps us happy, safe, wholly directed by eternal Truth to green pastures and quiet repose. Peace like a river, flowing before and around us, pulling and pushing wherever we need to be. I won't fight the flow today. I'll float and rest in the Christ consciousness which we celebrate today. This Spirit which permeates everything is recognized today by me for what it is: God's answer.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:
"This homely origin of the babe Jesus falls far short of my sense of the eternal Christ, Truth, never born and never dying. I celebrate Christmas with my soul, my spiritual sense, and so commemorate the entrance into human understanding of the Christ conceived of Spirit, of God and not of a woman—as the birth of Truth, the dawn of divine Love breaking upon the gloom of matter and evil with the glory of infinite being”
The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 26

December 24, 2011

ACIM Lesson #358

December 23, 2011 - Truth Answers

ACIM Lesson #357
"Truth answers every call we make to God,
Responding first with miracles, and then
Returning unto us to be itself."

[Marsha’s thoughts]

Mongolia photo from Aaron Springston

As this year comes to a climax of spiritual study and demon-stration, I look forward to starting all over again next year with these lessons guiding the way to further exploration.What fun it will be to wonder what insights will be found during daily reading and meditation! The Course in Miracles lessons are such sweet tools to guide us through the Principles we examine daily. The Christian Science Weekly Lesson consists of 26 topics which are rotated through twice a year. Watching these two disciplines flirt with each other and culminate in a merging which is impercep-tible in its union has been an exciting adventure this year! The Truth is the Truth no matter where you find it. What I love about these two ways of thought is that there is no conflict, no space where I must set one aside for the other, they are both saying the exact same thing. They each have an elegant delivery, and I see images from them in different ways, but it's the same thing. May we all realize our sameness when we meet and talk. As a popular soft drink commercial has been telling us for years: "I'd like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony!" And now we're realizing we've always known this, and we're finding ways to demonstrate this Truth.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:
"We call the absence of Truth, error, Truth and error are unlike. In Science, Truth is divine, and the infinite God can have no unlikeness. Did God, Truth, create error? No! 'Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?' God being everywhere and all-inclusive, how can He be absent or suggest the absence of omnipresence and omnipotence? How can there be more than all?"
Science & Health Page 287:9-15

December 22, 2011 - Healing is Ours

"Girl in Snow"
photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #356 

"Sickness is but another name for sin. Healing is but another name for God. The miracle is thus a call to Him."

The first sentence in today's ACIM workbook lesson could be upsetting to someone who is not familiar with the spiritual sense of the words we use in both these teachings and Christian Science. When we hear "Sickness is but another name for sin", the immediate response is to think it's telling us we're sinners and, hence, are being punished for it by sickness. We are learning that sin is defined as anything which separates us from the Love which is God. If we believe in another power other than God, this is sin. Most of us have been taught that sickness, evil, and many other negative aspects of this existence are powers unto themselves, over which we have little to no control. The law of God, the spiritual Principle which we are learning, negates these material mesmeric thoughts. By that negation, we come to see that our real Being is as a reflection of the one and only Cause, God. Anything else is a learned response in a material world. As we wake up to the Truth of Being, multitudes of things we thought to be our masters turn out to be nothing more than smoke and mirrors. As we lift the veil and reveal reality, the quotations we read here today begin to be more than words we read. They are principles we live. I am most grateful.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Christian Science brings to the body the sunlight of Truth, which invigorates and purifies. Christian Science acts as an alterative, neutralizing error with Truth. It changes the secretions, expels humors, dissolves tumors, relaxes rigid muscles, restores carious bones to soundness. The effect of this Science is to stir the human mind to a change of base, on which it may yield to the harmony of the divine Mind." 

Science & Health Page 162:4-11

December 21, 2011 - All is peace and joy

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #355 

"There is no end to all the peace and joy, And all the miracles that I will give, When I accept God's Word. Why not today?"

"Sunny Ski Day"
photo by Aaron Springston

Our true selves are the creation, the image and likeness of God. Why then is there so much which seems to be unGodlike? Because God did not create matter. This human body we seem to reside in, to be inseparable from, is not our true self. When we declare our perfection as a child of God, that perfection has absolutely nothing to do with this material world we are living in. If God created everything and it is good, that cannot encompass the dual good/bad stuff we see around us. Our vision for today is to see with the eyes of our true Being. That true Being does not change. Reality does not change. What doesn't change? Our true Selves which are the image and likeness of the One; that which we all truly are. So what good does it do to realize that we're not what we see with our so-called mortal eyes? It brings us into harmony with what is True. Declaring the Truth of our Being is more than just a mental exercise. It's establishing this Truth within our thought. This establishment leads to demonstration of Truth. This demonstration of Truth brings us back to where we began, and never leads us anywhere other than to the home which is forever within -- wherever that space may be in eternity.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"A demonstration of the facts of Soul in Jesus' way resolves the dark visions of material sense into harmony and immortality. Man's privilege at this supreme moment is to prove the words of our Master: 'If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.' To divest thought of false trusts and material evidences in order that the spiritual facts of being may appear,--this is the great attainment by means of which we shall sweep away the false and give place to the true. Thus we may establish in truth the temple, or body, 'whose builder and maker is God.'" 

Science & Health Page 423:3-14

December 20, 2011 - Letting go and Being

ACIM Lesson #354
"We stand together, Christ and I, in peace
And certainty of purpose. And in Him

Is His Creator, as He is in me."

[Marsha's thoughts]

Photo by Jim Young

Once again, I've seen proof of how letting it Be, and feeling the omnipresence of the One which brings peace, allows the perfect solution to appear. A good friend has been considering "going for it" with her and her husband's art. They want to open a gallery and make a living from the multitude of wonderful art they create. I've encouraged them, in that I have kept telling her that no one can know if this is what they should do but them. I've explained how listening, being open to anything, with no expectations, is the way I know what to do. I assure her it's not a particular talent of mine, and that anyone can do it. How? By standing with the Spirit, feeling and expressing the Love which is God, knowing and demonstrating Truth, living Life. Through listening, she has found that another avenue is presenting itself which utilizes their talents in ways they hadn't considered, and which seem to make more sense at this time, in this place. And so I celebrate the joy of Christmas with her and everyone, knowing that when we live in this Christ-space which is within us all, things happen which could be considered miraculous. But we know it's just the way it is, when we allow it to Be.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:
"The relations of God and man, divine Principle and idea, are indestructible in Science; and Science knows no lapse from nor return to harmony, but holds the divine order or spiritual law, in which God and all that He creates are perfect and eternal, to have remained unchanged in its eternal history."
Science & Health Page 470:32-5

December 19, 2011 - Bless the World

ACIM Lesson #353

"My eyes, my tongue, my hands, my feet today

Have but one purpose; to be given Christ

To use to bless the world with miracles."

 

[Marsha's thoughts]

At this time of the year, we are often reminded that not everyone includes themselves in this thing we call Christianity! In order to be politically correct, we go through all sorts of angst while expressing the Joy of the season to others. Today's lesson states that Christ is but my Self. Not just my Self, but everybody's! The man we know as Jesus was here to show us the Truth of our Being. There were no limitations placed on this message’s target. Everyone, everywhere were and are the recipients of his revelation that we are all the Sons of God, not just him. In seeing, speaking, and moving with the realization that God is our Life, this lesson is demonstrated in everything we do. And so today I will speak from my heart when the occasion arises to express the joy of the season to others.

I will let actions speak for me. What I say will be heartfelt,

with no regard to what should or shouldn't be said.

And I will see everyone as the Christ that they are, regardless of how it may seem to my limited human concepts.

My prayer will be to realize my true conception is spiritual, and to act and speak accordingly as led by Spirit.

Merry Christmas and Namaste'!!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The illumination of Mary's spiritual sense put to silence material law and its order of generation, and brought forth her child by the revelation of Truth, demonstrating God as the Father of men. The Holy Ghost, or divine Spirit, overshadowed the pure sense of the Virgin-mother with the full recognition that being is Spirit. The Christ dwelt forever an idea in the bosom of God, the divine Principle of the man Jesus, and woman perceived this spiritual idea,

though at first faintly developed."

Science & Health Page 29:20-29

December 18, 2011 - Judgment?

ACIM Lesson #352
"Judgment and love are opposites. From one
Come all the sorrows of the world. But from
The other comes the peace of God Himself."

finding of Kasumi Sakai's graduational thesis
(2003, Department of Psychology, Ritsumeikan University

[Marsha's thoughts]

Did you know that colors appear differently when placed on different background colors? I recently read an article about this which explained that the way we perceive a color is based on our education about color perception and how we've been conditioned to see color. Who knew?? As I struggled to grasp this fact, I realized it's the same with our perceptions of what reality is. Spiritual perceptions allow us to see beyond the seeming reality of our material senses. Interactions with others may be full of judgments and suppositions when we look at the situation with by-rote, learned behavior and the immediacy of emotions. But the Truth that comes from seeing from a different standpoint, from a spiritual perspective, allows an improved interaction with others. This is true because our human experience is the visible expression of our thinking. To see the world and others through the eyes of Love frees us to love as God Loves: purely, without a skewed view of the color and fabric of everything we see. Now I know what the expression "showing your true colors" means!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:
"Thought will finally be understood and seen in all form, substance, and color, but without material accompaniments."
Science & Health Page 310: 6:8

December 17, 2011 -- What I choose

ACIM Lesson #351

"My sinless brother is my guide to peace.
My sinful brother is my guide to pain.
And which I choose to see I will behold."

[Marsha’s thoughts]

Reflections
photography by Gerry Toler

One of our local artists tells me that she went to Crystal Bridges, the fabulous new museum here in Northwest Arkansas. When I asked her how she liked it, she told me many wonderful things about it, but then said that she had gotten depressed at one point. This feeling had come about when she met another local artist who was also there. This other artist said to her that she felt hopeless because she realized that no matter how good she was, she would never be as good as the people they were seeing on the walls there! And these words from the other artist had thrown her into a funk, putting quite a damper on her enjoyment of the day. Yikes!! I'm not going into the erroneous thought I see coming from that statement! But let's look at how this relates to today's lesson. If I see the statement-maker as sinless, whatever she says is also harmless. Her words cannot bring me pain or suffering of any sort. She is the pure Idea of God. Her words can only be translated into my depression if that's what I perceive. When I see her as she really Is, there is no need for pain, depression, or blame. She can't ruin my day. Only my thoughts toward her can do that for me. As this story was related to me, these are the things I thought toward the teller. These thoughts replaced all the incredulous ones which first came to me. I chose peace, even though my first reaction was to jump on my soapbox and tell her why she was wrong!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:
"Final deliverance from error, whereby we rejoice in immortality, boundless freedom, and sinless sense, is not reached through paths of flowers nor by pinning one's faith without works to another's vicarious effort. Whosoever believeth that wrath is righteous or that divinity is appeased by human suffering, does not understand God."
Science & Health Page 22:23-28

December 16, 2011 - Miracle of Love

ACIM Lesson #350
"Miracles mirror God's eternal Love.
To offer them is to remember Him,
And through His memory to save the world."

[Marsha's thoughts]

If you have a choice of being kind or right, be kind. These words have come back to me numerous times today, and I hope I've succeeded in being kind. I really, really wanted to be right!! One of these situations involves an artist represented by Eureka Thyme. This dear man had decided that a number of his pieces were missing from our inventory. He gave me a detailed list with over a thousand dollars worth of his art which he stated was not here. To find out if he was correct would have involved a detailed inventory, checking for each piece and for mis-numbered pieces -- in other words, a few hours of time. So rather than rush through this process when I had other things waiting for my attention, I paid him his percentage and told him I'd get back to him when I "found" them (which he assured me I would not do as they were not there). Now that I've taken the time to do this chore, all the "lost" pieces have been "found". Lots of things went through my head as far as being "right". I really wanted to say them, but what good would that do? That old adage "two wrongs don't make a right" is so very true. No matter what I said to him, it wouldn't give back to me what I thought of as "stolen time". I could get huffy and complain about it (which is, I suppose, what I'm doing here!), or I can change my view of it and look at it as a sweet affirmation that my system of checks and balances does work. So by this writing, I offer myself the miracle of seeing this situation through God's eyes. I offer him the miracle of no blame. I offer the world the miracle of recognizing the divine order which is expressed through everything around us. Namaste ~~~

Mary Baker Eddy quote:
"The miracle of grace is no miracle to Love. Jesus demonstrated the inability of corporeality, as well as the infinite ability of Spirit, thus helping erring human sense to flee from its own convictions and seek safety in divine Science."
Science & Health Page 494:15-19

December 15, 2011 - Miracle of Love

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #349

"Today I let Christ's vision look upon all things for me and judge them not, but give each one a miracle of love instead."

"Colorado Peace"
photo by Aaron Springston

Science fiction, the speculation of how life will be in the future, has always fascinated me. The serene surroundings of those who neither want nor need anything is very appealing! A place where there is no room for anger and warlike behavior because all actions are filled with Love, where the rare disagreement is settled through the decision of a "fair witness". The utopia which ensues in this atmosphere seems so simple. It feels as though these dreams of future perfection are here with us now. They are being realized in a myriad of ways. Do an internet search on something like good deeds, or Age of Aquarius, or peaceful living, if you feel the need for affirmation that this reality is with us here and now. I recently saw a movie in which a 102-year-old woman said these words: "We ain't what we should be, we ain't what we gonna be, but at least we ain't what we were." I agree that we have made extreme shifts in thought during the last few hundred years. I know that in the last 20 years my way of looking at things has done an about face. I see now that nothing can keep the miracle away, no matter how hard we try.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The Science Jesus taught and lived must triumph over all material beliefs about life, substance, and intelligence, and the multitudinous errors growing from such beliefs.”

Science & Health Page 43:23-25

December 14, 2011 - Bob "got It"!!

ACIM Lesson #348

"I have no cause for anger or for fear,

For You surround me. And in every need

That I perceive, Your grace suffices me."

 

Bob, the Cat

[Marsha's thoughts]

As these words have swirled through my head today, I keep coming back to a recent event which demonstrates this truth. Some of you know that our wonderful tabby-point cat, Bob, passed on recently. While I'm not going to tell the Story of Bob in this writing, one part of his time with us stays with me when I think of having no cause for anger or for fear. When our household welcomed a Corgi puppy, Chili, it wasn't an easy time for the cats of the house! After an encounter with Clili, in which Bob's ear was ripped by a herding nip, this cat called Bob moved outside. When Chili would go outside, occasionally he would challenge Bob by growling and rushing at him. Bob would flop over on his back, squirming happily, while purring and smiling at the dog! This was after he had been attacked by this young dog. Bob never exhibited any fear or anger; he never retaliated with his claws; he simply dissipated the anger with Love. Now this never happened in the house, but outside with his paws in the dirt, he seemed to be centered in nature, knowing what to do at all times in order to either avert or evaporate danger. Bob lived the Love which is God. There was only happiness and contentment surrounding him. Bob "got It"!!

 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The Science Jesus taught and lived must triumph over all material beliefs about life, substance, and intelligence, and the multitudinous errors growing from such beliefs.”

Science & Health Page 43:23-25

December 13, 2011 - Gratitude

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #347

"Anger must come from judgment. Judgment is the weapon I would use against myself, to keep the miracle away from me."

"Aaron in Colorado"
photo by Heather Magnan

There are many reasons I'm grateful to my children. When they were very young it seemed they could push all the buttons which brought forth anger in me. Through their instruction, I've learned that no one can make me angry. Anger is an internal emotion which has no cause other than within myself. And the ability to rid myself of anger is also within myself. Because of my dear children, the desire to be loving and free of destructive emotions was stronger than my need to have them. This realization freed us all from the negative and hurtful results which would boil up from time to time. There are so many wonderful things which have resulted from the interactions my boys and I experience. I am very grateful for the opportunity to love and live with them. Thank you, Aaron and Dylan, for everything!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Material man is made up of involuntary and voluntary error, of a negative right and a positive wrong, the latter calling itself right. Man's spiritual individuality is never wrong."

Science & Health Page 491:7-10

December 12, 2011 - Love is All

ACIM Lesson #346
"Today the peace of God envelops me,
And I forget all things except His Love."
 [Marsha's thoughts]


"Grotto Spring"
photo from Gerry Toler

It seems we usually have today's lesson backwards! It's so easy to forget that Love is all there is. It's so easy to be caught up in our daily activities which seem to preclude the peace of God. I occasionally find myself slipping away from a morning activity which centers me for the day, which I can return to at moments during the day to bring myself back to the space I want to abide. For me this starting point consists of prayer, study, meditation. I choose a citation from this morning meal to carry with me throughout the day. From this remembrance, much inspiration is with me at all times. And so any time (such as now!) when I've let these morning musings be shortened or pushed aside entirely, I redouble my dedication to making this space for myself. Even if it means getting up at 5 o'clock, I vow to do it!


Mary Baker Eddy quote:
Daily Prayer
"Thy kingdom come. May the reign of divine Truth, Life, and Love be established in me. And rule out of me all sin, and may Thy word enrich the affections of all mankind, and govern them."
From the Church Manual

December 11, 2011 - Miracles

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #345

"I offer only miracles today,

For I would have them be returned to me."

"Montana Beauty"
photo by Aaron Springston

When I first began reading ACIM writings, the word "miracle" bothered me very much. As a Christian Scientist, I had learned that a miracle, as we think of it, is non-existent, because all these wonderful things are natural occurrences. And so there are actually no such things as miracles, only a revealing of the perfection that Is. But, as with many words, it is only the meaning we have placed upon them that makes them good or bad. Now I choose to think of miracles as anything which reveals the omnipresence of God, good. By this I can freely offer miracles to others and accept them in turn. God's goodness is reflected in my actions and everyone else's. This I embrace whole-heartedly. Giving and receiving; receiving and giving. What a lovely cycle!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Christian marvels (and marvel is the simple meaning of the Greek word rendered miracle in the New Testament) will be misunderstood and misused by many, until the glorious Principle of these marvels is gained."

Science & Health Page 474:11-15

December 10, 2011 - Scatter Joy

ACIM Lesson #344
"Today I learn the law of love; that what
I give my brother is my gift to me.''

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[Marsha's thoughts]

Today's lesson is the number one thing to keep in thought during our daily interactions with others. In my position as proprietress of an art gallery in a small tourist town, I am an information center, a museum, a drop off point for others, and sometimes a retail establishment. In the process of talking with hundreds of people on a busy day, I sometimes forget that giving is receiving. I sometimes forget that the law of Love is my only reason for Being. Sometimes I don't see myself as One with those wanting to know directions to the Beaver Bridge, or asking where is the best place to eat, or telling me how their aunt/sister/mother is a fantastic artist, or the multitudinous streams of consciousness that flows from them, through me, and back at them. Whew! It can seem overwhelming from a human standpoint. But on those days I manage to transcend this maze of materiality, then it's one large, swirling ball of joy. The interactions are enjoyed on a level invisible to me when I'm operating from egotistical ideology. Today I choose Love and receive as much joy as I scatter to others!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:
"Finite mind manifests all sorts of errors, and thus proves the material theory of mind in matter to be the antipode of Mind. Who hath found finite life or love sufficient to meet the demands of human want and woe,--to still the desires, to satisfy the aspirations? Infinite Mind cannot be limited to a finite form, or Mind would lose its infinite character as inexhaustible Love, eternal Life, omnipotent Truth."

Science & Health Page 257:22-29

December 9, 2011 - No sacrifice

ACIM Lesson #343
"I am not asked to make a sacrifice

To find the mercy and the peace of God."

[Marsha's comments]

"Parked at Perkins"
photo by Randal Thompson

To give up our own personalized system of grief and blame sometimes seems difficult. On the surface, it appears that we would do anything in order to gain peace and satisfaction. But when it gets right down to individual events, we want to hold on tight. Let's say all I need to do to find the peace of God is to stop thinking the limiting thought to which I've become accustomed. Let's say someone wants to change a personal relationship which we've had for some time, and to which we've become accustomed. What comes to mind is when my son was 14 and woke up one morning and said he didn't belong here, in this town, going to this school. My first thoughts were ones of blame -- toward myself and to him. Why would he want to leave? What have I done to cause him to feel this way? Now it's ten years past the time this happened, and it's easy to look back and see that his going away to school was the best thing that could have happened for both of us, but at the time it felt devastating. This is the type of feeling we so often bring to our lives when we look at the situation from an egotistical standpoint. But with an acceptance and loving assurance that all is well, these relationships ebb and flow, yielding to the peace of God which is ever-present, and which is found with a letting go which gives without sacrificing, other than a long-held belief in the way we want the situation to be. And so this is a form of giving up personal agendas, preconceived notions of how things should be, and saying "Namaste'" to yourself!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:
"LAMB OF GOD: The spiritual idea of Love; self-immolation; innocence and purity; sacrifice."
Science & Health Page 590:9-10.

December 8, 2011 - All is Known

ACIM Lesson #342
"I let forgiveness rest upon all things,

For thus forgiveness will be given me."

[Marsha's comments]

We believe we can hide emotions and thoughts from those around us, simply by not saying anything. Where did we ever get that idea? I guess it's because we have spent so many years in not listening to anything which doesn't present itself to us in physical form. But whether we recognize it or not, we are passing to and receiving from everything which we encounter. Once again, I am most grateful to the animals in my life for their constant reminders of this fact. I recently watched an episode of the "Dog Whisperer" in which a lovely dog was fixated on attacking its own image in a mirror. This was not its only aggressive behavior, and the dog's person was afraid that it would attack someone or another animal any time it was outside. How did Cesar stop this dog's aberrant behavior? By calming its master. This woman was constantly in a state of fear and worry. The dog was mirroring her tense behavior. At first this woman had to pretend she was calm because she didn't know what that was! But as she watched the changes in her dog she began to understand that her feelings and thoughts were being passed on to not only her dog, but to everyone around her. And so it is that "the world goes with us on our way to God."

Mary Baker Eddy quote:
"The spiritual reality is the scientific fact in all things. The spiritual fact, repeated in the action of man and the whole universe, is harmonious and is the ideal of Truth. Spiritual facts are not inverted; the opposite discord, which bears no resemblance to spirituality, is not real. The only evidence of this inversion is obtained from suppositional error, which affords no proof of God, Spirit, or of the spiritual creation. Material sense defines all things materially, and has a finite sense of the infinite."
Science & Health Page 207:27-4

December 7, 2011 - No Attack

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #341

"I can attack but my own sinlessness, 

and it is only that which keeps me safe."

"Still Standing"
watercolor by Carol Dickie

When we go into an attack mode, we obstruct the flow of goodness to ourselves. Recently a group of women walked into my gallery. One of them is a long-time "customer" who always tells me what she's bought in other places, never purchasing anything from us. I've learned to enjoy her antics and not fault her. I'm not sure why she would do this. Perhaps she's making it up and she never buys anything anywhere! But it used to make me feel inadequate. Why wouldn't she want what I have to offer? Why would she rather purchase other art and not ours? These questions no longer matter to me. I have stopped having attack thoughts toward her, which were actually towards myself, and through this I feel safety. There is no need to defend, attack, or wonder why. Love is the answer.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Glory be to God, and peace to the struggling hearts! Christ hath rolled away the stone from the door of human hope and faith, and through the revelation and demonstration of life in God, hath elevated them to possible at-one-ment with the spiritual idea of man and his divine Principle, Love." 

Science & Health Page 65:16-21

December 6, 2011 - Peace

ACIM Lesson #340
"I can be free of suffering today."


[Marsha's thoughts]

"Magical Things"
from the flow of Sandy Wythawai Starbird

Why is it that someone who feels they are following their path, who works hard to make a living in this way, seems to fail at every turn? I can't answer this question, but I can ask other questions! Are you desiring success or are you findings ways to understand your Being as the image and likeness of God? Are you expressing joy in everything you do? Are you grateful for every little thing which brightens your day? It seems to me that people are dropping their negative reactions and unfounded beliefs, but may be floundering because they have nothing to fill the void left from this letting go. I feel that some sort of active spiritual practice is necessary to facilitate a joyful existence. So my advice is to go to Sufi dances, or drummings, or yoga, or any of the multitude of nurturing activities which are growing in popularity. But most importantly, meditate. Make time to rest in quietude, regularly and as often as possible. And don't forget that five seconds of stillness, caught in between activity, is priceless!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:
"Who that has felt the loss of human peace has not gained stronger desires for spiritualjoy? The aspiration after heavenly good comes even before we discover what belongs to wisdom and Love. The loss of earthly hopes and pleasures brightens the ascending path of many a heart. The pains of sense quickly inform us that the pleasures of sense are mortal and that joy is spiritual."
Science & Health Page 265: 25-30

December 5, 2011

ACIM Lesson #339

December 4, 2011 - Thought

ACIM Lesson #338
"I am affected only by my thoughts."[Marsha's thoughts]

Christian Science Edifice
watercolor by Julie Kahn Valentine

Recently our nearly 100-year-old Christian Science church was on the Christmas Tour of Homes. A man came in and told me he knew lots of Baptist jokes, because that's what he was, but he only knew one Christian Scientist joke, and asked if I wanted to hear it. Of course I did! A little girl comes home from school and tells her mother that her teacher, Mrs. Smith, is sick. The girl's mom says, No, dear, she only thinks she's sick. A few days later the girl comes home and tells her mother that Mrs. Smith is still sick. The mother once again explains that Mrs. Smith only thinks she's sick. A few days later the little girl comes home and tells her mom that Mrs. Smith thinks she's dead. While I chuckled with him over this joke, I also told him that the reason it was really funny was because it was true! And then we really laughed!Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The artist is not in his painting. The picture is the artist's thought objectified. The human belief fancies that it delineates thought on matter, but what is matter? Did it exist prior to thought? Matter is made up of supposititious mortal mind-force; but all might is divine Mind. Thought will finally be understood and seen in all form, substance, and color, but without material accompaniments. The potter is not in the clay; else the clay would have power over the potter. God is His own infinite Mind, and expresses all."

Science & Health Page 310:1-10

December 3, 2011 - Protection

ACIM Lesson #337
"My sinlessness protects me from all harm."



Aaron Springston



[Marsha's thoughts]

When driving a car, I often hear inner prompting to slow down; once to even stop completely. So when my children began driving, I naturally talked to them about this listening which insures we are where we need to be. That split second which puts you in the same place as the car which crosses into your lane, the moments when the deer is stepping out into your path, these are the type of happenings which are avoided by listening to intuition. What allows us to hear this inner direction? The willingness to hear it, of course. But what allows us to hear is the sinlessness spoken of here. When we define sin as anything which separates us from the Love which is God, this helps us understand how to accept our sinlessness. I think of it as getting out of my way. To the so-called logical mind, this listening to intuition makes no sense, and so we don't pay attention. Think how many times you've said to yourself that you felt like you should or shouldn't do something -- after the fact, after you refused to listen because you decided it was just your imagination. And if you do pull to the side of the road due to a "feeling", there's usually no proof that it was necessary. So living this way of life does develop a certain trust in yourself.

What could be better than that!!

 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:
"In reality there is no mortal mind, and consequently no transference of mortal thought and will-power. Life and being are of God. In Christian Science, man can do no harm, for scientific thoughts are true thoughts,

 passing from God to man."

Science & Health Page 103:29-32

December 2, 2011 - One Mind

ACIM Lesson #336
"Forgiveness lets me know that minds are joined."[Marsha's thoughts]

Elusive by Diana Harvey

I'm so glad this is our lesson today! I read this following a day in which a longstanding, mutually-profitable business relationship has ended. My first reactions were entirely ego-based: What have I done wrong? What has she done wrong? What could I have done differently? Is she crazy?? So when I read the words, "Forgiveness lets me know that minds are joined", I really wanted to understand this seemingly illusive concept. But it's not a concept, it's the Truth. Concepts seems to be illusive; Truth just stands smiling contentedly. I don't know where this seeming separation will take us, but I'm excited to find out! We are both being freed to go forward in ways we wouldn't be able to find together. When she comes to mind, I will not dwell on any thoughts of unease we have put on each other. I will see her beautiful art and know only the beauty she Is. Our minds are joined, and I allow forgiveness to show me this union.Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"In reality, the more closely error simulates truth and so-called matter resembles its essence, mortal mind, the more impotent error becomes as a belief. According to human belief, the lightning is fierce and the electric current swift, yet in Christian Science the flight of one and the blow of the other will become harmless. The more destructive matter becomes, the more its nothingness will appear, until matter reaches its mortal zenith in illusion and forever disappears. The nearer a false belief approaches truth without passing the boundary where, having been destroyed by divine Love, it ceases to be even an illusion, the riper it becomes for destruction. The more material the belief, the more obvious its error, until divine Spirit, supreme in its domain, dominates all matter, and man is found in the likeness of Spirit, his original being."

Science & Health Page 97:5-20

December 1, 2011 - Purity

ACIM Lesson #335
"I choose to see my brother's sinlessness."

[Marsha's thoughts]

Forgiveness is a choice". I remember years ago during a metaphysical society meeting someone saying "Evil is a choice". She said this in relation to years of sexual abuse and psychological torture, perpetuated by the two people she should have trusted most as a child. She recognized that evil was a choice when she was presented with what seemed to be an overwhelming suggestion to do something similar to her infant child. In that moment, she realized she could choose. And she did. And now she chooses forgiveness in all aspects of her life. She has chosen to see her parents in the holy light of Love. She has chosen to live her life in peace, with a willingness to turn from past remembrances and see things in the reality of God's Love. She has chosen forgiveness for herself and her brother, knowing that they are One.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Reasoning from cause to effect in the Science of Mind, we begin with Mind, which must be understood through the idea which expresses it and cannot be learned from its opposite, matter. Thus we arrive at Truth, or intelligence, which evolves its own unerring idea and never can be coordinate with human illusions. If Soul sinned, it would be mortal, for sin is mortality's self, because it kills itself. If Truth is immortal, error must be mortal, because error is unlike Truth. Because Soul is immortal, Soul cannot sin, for sin is not the eternal verity of being."
Science & Health Page 467:29-7

November 30, 2011 - Gifts of Forgiveness

ACIM Lesson #334
"Today I claim the gifts forgiveness gives."


[Marsha's thoughts]

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:2) This renewal is "claiming the gifts forgiveness gives." I've often heard people say they can forgive, but they'll never forget. But isn't the forgetting a result of true forgiveness? When we actually let go of our thoughts of any given circumstance, isn't it as though it never happened? I feel certain this has happened within myself, but since the remembrance is gone, I couldn't tell you what has been forgotten! But a small event which remains unforgiven is brought to mind every time I see a turtle crossing the road. When I was quite young, I was sent to get the mail from the box which was located across the highway from our house. As I was going to the mailbox, I met a turtle coming toward me as he crossed the road. I thought I'd get the mail and then pick him up and take him across on my way back. Before I completed my task and turned back, a car came by and hit the turtle. The regret in not picking it up immediately, the guilt for "failing" to safely carry it across the road, these feelings recur every time I see a turtle. In recounting this event, I realize there is no need to examine each supposed wrongdoing on our part. There is no need to examine our lives and be sorry and be forgiven. To accept the gifts of this forgiveness is our heritage when we clear our minds of blame.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:
"We acknowledge God's forgiveness of sin in the destruction of sin and the spiritual understanding that casts out evil as unreal. But the belief in sin is punished so long as the belief lasts."
Science & Health Page 497:9-11

November 29, 2011 - Conflicted Illusions

ACIM Lesson #333
“Forgiveness ends the dream of conflict here.”

[Marsha’s thoughts]

The dream of conflict spoken of here reminds me of the myth of Santa Claus and how conflicted I was when it was expected that I participate in it. When my son was two and I was expecting my second child, I announced to a friend that I wasn't going to do the Santa-thing. She told me that was a terrible thing to do to children and gave me many reasons why I shouldn't do away with their belief in this massive illusion. And so in the face of this hysteria, I gave in and perpetuated this suppositional conflict within myself. This is a perfect example of all the illusion we willingly put on ourselves, isn't it? The spirit of Christmas is defined in many superficial ways, and it seems the most blatant of these is Santa Claus. It is used in the same way religion tends to use God. If you are good, if you don't cry, if you don't pout, then Santa/God will give you certain things. If you break these rules, you'd better watch out! Yes, Santa is fun and yes God is good. And there are so many ways to celebrate the goodness which is innately ours through our inseparable Oneness with God! So let's face up to what is real and true about our Life. There is so much to celebrate in that perfect experience!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:
“The suppositional warfare between truth and error is only the mental conflict between the evidence of the spiritual senses and the testimony of the material senses, and this warfare between the Spirit and flesh will settle all questions through faith in and the understanding of divine Love.”
Science & Health Page 288:3-7