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

November 28, 2011 - Things into Thoughts

ACIM Lesson #332
“Fear binds the world. Forgiveness sets it free.”[Marsha’s thoughts]

photo by Melanie Myhre

Many mind-over-matter systems are part of our society. In the 1800's, mesmerism and hypnotism were thought to be the route to changing our physical experience and getting us what we want. Today we have "The Secret" telling us how to get the mate of our dreams and hot cars and such. Some may think that the way of thought we're studying here falls into the same category, because we are "resolving things into thoughts". Here is an example of how it differs: Let's say we need a place to live. How do we think about this in order to manifest it in our existence? By understanding the substance of an idea! What are the spiritual qualities of this place to live, this house, this home? What does it represent? Some of the qualities of home could be warmth, comfort, peace, safety, beauty, love, hospitality. So the thought of "home" is really a spiritual idea, and these qualities of home already exist in our individual consciousness. We don't have to go out and find them, because they're already a permanent part of our being. We can express all these qualities included in the concept of home no matter where we are. And when we express these qualities, we are cherishing our spiritual home, and this blessing is extended to others as well. As we consistently express these and other spiritual qualities, we won't be surprised when every need we have is supplied.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Divine Science, rising above physical theories, excludes matter, resolves things into thoughts, and replaces the objects of material sense with spiritual ideas.”
Science and Health Page 123:12-15

November 27, 2011 - Radical Reliance

ACIM Lesson #331
“There is no conflict, for my will is Yours.”

Aaron Springston
Mongolia photos

[Marsha's thoughts]
I am reminded of many friends and loved ones who consider themselves victims, at the mercy of drugs and alcohol. With the proliferation of prescription drugs, I must include those dear imbibers in this group, too. In hoping to find fixes for various maladies, we turn to drugs for cure. Seeking a way out of depression and sadness and fear, we turn to so-called recreational drugs to hide. The drugs taken for a cure of disease rarely do more than mask symptoms and bring about other interesting events. The drugs we use to hide from ourselves usually work for a while, but then we're left in a deeper well than we were before. I've found the only way through this despair is a radical reliance on the Truth of our Being. Going within, if you will. Resting in the One. Relying on Love. Living in Truth. This is where healing is found, in this single-minded realization that my will is God's, and God's will is mine. There is nothing to fear when we see the truth in the acronym for that word: False Evidence Appearing Real.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The flesh and Spirit can no more unite in action, than good can coincide with evil. It is not wise to take a halting and half-way position or to expect to work equally with Spirit and matter, Truth and error. There is but one way--namely, God and His idea--which leads to spiritual being. The scientific government of the body must be attained through the divine Mind. It is impossible to gain control over the body in any other way. On this fundamental point, timid conservatism is absolutely inadmissible. Only through radical reliance on Truth can scientific healing power be realized.”

Science & Health Page 167:20-3

November 26, 2011 - True Being

ACIM Lesson #330
“I will not hurt myself again today.”

[Marsha’s thoughts]

Jesus was here to teach us many things, not the least of which was how to be nice to each other. His two commandments were to love God above all else and to love our neighbor as ourselves. I've often thought that we need to love ourselves more, because it seems so many of us are expressing the lack of love for ourselves in our actions toward others. And Jesus was also telling us we are capable of so much more than we know. We are not powerless victims of circumstance. He tells us that the things he does, so can we -- and more! Power and dominion have become ugly words because of the things done to others by ruthless people. True power and dominion have to do with peace and grace and Love expressed through the healing power within. We are capable of more than we know. Let's not be afraid to express that power in healing every ill which seems so real to our material sense. We are spiritual Beings, expressions of God, perfect and whole, needing nothing to be added or taken away for that perfection to show forth and bless all mankind.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“In divine Science, man is the true image of God. The divine nature was best expressed in Christ Jesus, who threw upon mortals the truer reflection of God and lifted their lives higher than their poor thought-models would allow,--thoughts which presented man as fallen, sick, sinning, and dying. The Christlike understanding of scientific being and divine healing includes a perfect Principle and idea,--perfect God and perfect man,--as the basis of thought and demonstration.”

Science & Health Page 259:6-15



November 25, 2011 - Acknowledgement

ACIM Lesson# 329
“I have already chosen what You will.”

[Marsha's thoughts]

We think and do the oddest things don't we? The holidays we invent to insure that we remember certain things -- Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving -- Why would we forget to be grateful, or remember loved ones, or be thankful for everyone who works hard to insure that things keep on keeping' on? And the celebration of birthdays has never felt right to me either. It seems to be just another way to make us feel special. I love the way the Aboriginal people think of this. They see the silliness of celebrating being a year older, of marking a meaningless passing of so-called time, but instead announce to loved ones when they have grown larger in their understanding of Life and say, Let's celebrate! The leaving behind of our personal sense of will and the acceptance of the divine Will leaves nothing but Thanksgiving every day.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. [spiritual interpretation of this line from the Lord’s Prayer] Enable us to know,--as in heaven, so on earth,--God is omnipotent, supreme.”

Science & Health Page 17:1-3

November 24, 2011 - First/Second

ACIM Lesson #328
"I choose the second place to gain the first."

[Marsha's thoughts]

The Art of Sherry Young

As usual, we are trying to get out of our own way today! I Am grateful for the footsteps of Truth which have brought me to this present understanding. I Am grateful for where these steps will take me tomorrow. I Am most grateful for the omniscient Love which upholds me right where I Am. Today will be a day of gratitude expressed in every action. May every abundance witnessed today lead me to humble appreciation for All that Is. Thank You greatly ~~~

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Petitions bring to mortals only the results of mortals' own faith. We know that a desire for holiness is requisite in order to gain holiness; but if we desire holiness above all else, we shall sacrifice everything for it. We must be willing to do this, that we may walk securely in the only practical road to holiness. Prayer cannot change the unalterable Truth, nor can prayer alone give us an understanding of Truth; but prayer, coupled with a fervent habitual desire to know and do the will of God, will bring us into all Truth. Such a desire has little need of audible expression. It is best expressed in thought and in life.”

Science & Health Page 11:21-3

November 23, 2011 - Change is freedom

ACIM Lesson #327
"I need but call and You will answer me."

Change is liberating! We hold onto traditions and memories in the hopes of keeping the past alive. This letting go which I'm witnessing in so many is bringing peace and a new level of joy. One friend tells me of her beloved cat being at the vet's office, perhaps getting ready to pass on. In times past she would have been distraught, but is surprised that she is not! It's not that she loves any less, and perhaps she's expressing Love even more fully in her peaceful acceptance of what is. Another friend tells me she's going through a time of letting go -- without even being aware of what is being loosed! Isn't this great? We don't have to know what it is that's bothering us in order to be freed from it! This concept in itself is freeing, to have no need for analysis or so-called deconstruction, but to simply give yourself the gift of freedom. These are just two of the ways in which our call is answered and every need is supplied. I am so grateful for all of you who stand unafraid, welcoming the new paradigm!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:
"God is not influenced by man. The 'divine ear' is not an auditory nerve. It is the all-hearing and all-knowing Mind, to whom each need of man is always known and by whom it will be supplied."
Science & Health Page 7:20-22

November 22, 2011 - Effect of God

ACIM Lesson #326

“I am forever an Effect of God.”

Forbidden City Acrobats
photo from Aaron Springston

 [Marsha’s thoughts]

I was recently given a 20-page address on the subject of "Cause and Effect". It is a thorough and clear explanation of the only Cause and why we cannot be anything other than an Effect of It. I wish everyone could read it and fully demonstrate the effects of this realization! To acknowledge that "I am forever an Effect of God" is a grand step in that direction. On the surface, it seems that knowing what we are would preclude the assumptions of what we aren't. But we seem to need proof -- material proof that we are something other than human beings who are vulnerable to material so-called laws. And that is why every humble protest for Truth is important. By totally giving myself to the pursuit of knowing this Truth, every day becomes an adventure in transformation!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"There is no life, truth, intelligence, nor substance in matter. All is infinite Mind and its infinite manifestation, for God is All-in-all. Spirit is immortal Truth; matter is mortal error. Spirit is the real and eternal; matter is the unreal and temporal. Spirit is God, and man is His image and likeness. Therefore man is not material; he is spiritual.”

Science & Health Page 468:9-15

November 21, 2011 - Ideas Reflected

ACIM Lesson #325
“All things I think I see reflect ideas.”

photo by Mauwena Davies

[Marsha’s thoughts]

Our humanity is so wondrous that we glory in its magnificence. Some of the things humans do are so hideous we are repelled and saddened by the horror.

Is one of these statements more true than the other? Both of them mirror the reflection of human ideas and can be classified as erroneous thought. So where does this leave us? "There is nothing good nor bad, ‘tis only thinking makes it so." (Shakespeare)

By our giving up of insane expectations, foolish judgments, and other preconceived values, we are able to see the world as an unfolding of spiritual ideas. What this unfoldment of Truth consists of, we can't predict. What we do know is that this is our true Being, apart from any thought of good and bad, right and wrong. As difficult as it seems to let go of all these notions, the more we watch the unfoldment of these spiritual ideas, the more we are willing to let go of the contrived and untrue.

And the noticing of such allows us to know the difference.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The creative Principle--Life, Truth, and Love--is God. The universe reflects God. There is but one creator and one creation. This creation consists of the unfolding of spiritual ideas and their identities, which are embraced in the infinite Mind and forever reflected. Theseideas range from the infinitesimal to infinity, and the highest ideas are the sons and daughters of God.”

Science & Health Page 502:24-32



November 20, 2011 -- Following

ACIM Lesson #324
“I merely follow, for I would not lead.”


"The Gate"
by Paul O'Neill



[Marsha’s thoughts]
This should be a simple lesson for us, as we seem to enjoy and even need to follow others in various ways. I see us as wanting someone to tell us what to do and when to do it. Often three or four cars turn down the dead-end street that I live on, each following the lead car without noticing that the signs indicate there is no way out and implying that turning around could be difficult. The lemming effect often takes over! And I see us as wanting someone to tell us what to do and when to do it. We seem to seek out and follow orders from anyone we perceive to be wiser or more knowledgeable than we are. It seems we look to this direction because if things go wrong, then we can say it wasn't our fault because someone else told us to do it (whatever it may be!). I'm sure there are more reasons for this behavior than the simplistic examples I've given here today. And these are really irrelevant because we don't need to tarry at the problem, but focus on the solution. And the solution is to follow the inward direction which we all hear, but often ignore. Today I confidently listen and follow, secure in the knowledge that a sure ending is inevitable.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:
“What we most need is the prayer of fervent desire for growth in grace, expressed in patience, meekness, love, and good deeds. To keep the commandments of our Master and follow his example, is our proper debt to him and the only worthy evidence of our gratitude for all that he has done. Outward worship is not of itself sufficient to express loyal and heartfelt gratitude, since he has said: "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
Science & Health Page 4:3-9

November 19, 2011 -- What do we give up?

ACIM Lesson #323
I gladly make the "sacrifice" of fear.


[Marsha's thoughts]

"Bursting with Love"
from Randal Thompson

The word "sacrifice" is another of those which can hold negative connotations!

It seems to embody ideas of giving up something precious to gain favor from God, or sacrificing our own happiness for that of another, or at the very least giving up certain foods for the betterment of our bodies.

But this sacrifice we speak of today only asks that we exchange pain for Love!

Although it seems that we'd be waiting in line to do this, I find it interesting that so many of us seem to enjoy our pain and work to hold onto it! I have a friend who seems to enjoy his pain so much that he constantly recounts the events which have led up to his present circumstance. It seems it would be a diminishment of his perceived self to let go of this sadness in favor of joy.

 Just as we've let go of the idea that wearing animal furs makes us more beautiful,

we shall release beliefs that being miserable will make us more interesting people.

Today I will see grace in everyone I meet, beauty in everything I see, paying the debt I owe to Truth.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Give up your material belief of mind in matter, and have but one Mind, even God; for this Mind forms its own likeness. The loss of man's identity through the understanding which Science confers is impossible; and the notion of such a possibility is more absurd than to conclude that individual musical tones are lost in the origin of harmony."

Science & Health Page 216:30-5



November 18, 2011 - Reality

ACIM Lesson #322
“I can give up but what was never real.”

[Marsha's thoughts]

Oftentimes we don't realize we're holding on to unnecessary illusions. As I look at this world, many metaphors for this holding-on-letting-go action come to thought. The proliferation of storage sheds illustrates how we've fallen into the belief that we need more of everything. And the vastness of our trash dumps are the flip side of this record, where we leave all the big plastic things we've amassed. Most everyone I know is yearning for a more simple existence, in which their needs are met in nurturing ways. We want real food, grown by people we know, with Love. We don't want knick-knacks to fill our shelves, but search for meaningful objects which bring grace and beauty to our lives. These changes in material trappings exemplify the changes in our thought whereby we strive to release illusive beliefs in exchange for the new/old ideas of Soul. Today I will recognize the difference in the unnecessary illusions which only serve to dull my sense, and the palpably glowing Ideas which nourish me.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Man is the idea of Spirit; he reflects the beatific presence, illuming the universe with light.”

Science and Health Page 266:27–29

November 17, 2011 - Freedom

ACIM Lesson #321
“Father, my freedom is in You alone.”

"Bird at Heart"
from Sandy Wythawai Starbird

[Marsha's thoughts]
An old Kris Kristofferson song, Me and Bobby McGee, has the line: Freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose. That seems forlorn on the face of it, as in, I've already lost everything and have nothing left and so I guess that's supposed to be freedom. But then again, there's something to be said for nothing left to lose! Does it have to imply loneliness and emptiness? I don't think so. By not counting on another person, or yourself, or anything other than God to supply everything you need, there is an ultimate freedom in not worrying about what, who, where you'll be or anything else! You may happily follow that inner knowing which supplies you with the freedom to be open to anything and everything without wondering or questioning your own motives or those of others. It's quite a delightful trip, this waiting with heart wide open to see what's coming next!Mary Baker Eddy quote:
“The enslavement of man is not legitimate. It will cease when man enters into his heritage of freedom, his God-given dominion over the material senses. Mortals will some day assert their freedom in the name of Almighty God. Then they will control their own bodies through the understanding of divine Science. Dropping their present beliefs, they will recognize harmony as the spiritual reality and discord as the material unreality.”
Science & Health Page 228:11-19

November 16, 2011 - God is All. I Am All.

ACIM Lesson #320
“My Father gives all power unto me.”

[Marsha's thoughts]

"The Tarentella of Autumn"
from Sandy Wythawai Starbird

The last phrase in the Eddy quote below reminds me of a popular new age saying that I've always liked: Fake it 'til you make it! "We must act as possessing all power from Him in whom we have our being." (MBE) Often we feel incapable of believing, much less understanding, that the reality of our being is limitless. We are capable of so much more than we realize. Some of the descriptive words used above have gotten a bad reputation because of abuse of power and dominion being exercised in awful ways. But let's shed those notions and see these words defined as empowering and helpful. The power bestowed within us is a wonderful, beautiful thing! And so if we must pretend today that we are Love and nothing else, if we must fake it, let’s be certain that we will make it! It is something I will continue to do today when I feel fear, or lack, or irritation with someone. My will and God's will are one and the same. I acknowledge that at every opportunity.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The fading forms of matter, the mortal body and material earth, are the fleeting concepts of the human mind. They have their day before the permanent facts and their perfection in Spirit appear. The crude creations of mortal thought must finally give place to the glorious forms which we sometimes behold in the camera of divine Mind, when the mental picture is spiritual and eternal. Mortals must look beyond fading, finite forms, if they would gain the true sense of things. Where shall the gaze rest but in the unsearchable realm of Mind? We must look where we would walk, and we must act as possessing all power from Him in whom we have our being."

Science & Health 263:32-12

November 15, 2011 - Arrogance?

ACIM Lesson #319
“I came for the salvation of the world.”

[Marsha’s thoughts]

Sunrise September 12,
captured by Sandy Wythawai Starbird



I love that this lesson goes to there being no arrogance in the realization that I am here for the salvation of the world! If we feel that our material reasoning and contrived actions and reactions are humble, but the admission that we are on the same level of thought as God would have us be arrogant, we are not admitting the powerful, capable abilities which are ours by virtue of this admission. It seems to me that thinking we can do it all on our own is the height of arrogance. The understanding that I can do nothing on my own, but that I am capable of anything when I allow my true Self to be expressed by utilizing the power of the divine, is humbling. By this humble yielding to the divine which we are, we are admitting that what/who we are is indeed spiritual not material. From this point, there are no limits and we free to live in Truth.

Mary Baker Eddy quotes:

“Millions of unprejudiced minds--simple seekers for Truth, weary wanderers, athirst in the desert--are waiting and watching for rest and drink.”

Science & Health Page 570:14-17

“In the scientific relation of God to man, we find that whatever blesses one blesses all, as Jesus showed with the loaves and the fishes,--Spirit, not matter, being the source of supply.”
Science & Health Page 259:15-18

November 14, 2011 - At-One-Ment

ACIM Lesson #318

“In me salvation's means and end are one.”[Marsha’s thoughts]

We're all in this together. I've said this so many times in so many situations. It seems as though we all see things through different eyes. We seem to be satellites, rotating around something unseen, sometimes floating in unison, often bumping into each other and throwing our orbit out of sync! But we're all in this together. Let's leave out the "in": We're all this together. Occasionally this togetherness manifests itself as groups of people who commingle for the joy of being with each other. We may have book clubs, and study groups, and sewing circles, and various groups of people who come together in communion. This fellowship has been sought-after since the beginning of time. Personally, I have no interest in being a part of any group simply to be with others. I need for there to be a communication which surpasses the ordinary. I want stunning honesty, inspiring exchanges, Love shared. From this at-one-ment, this demonstrated Oneness with each other as reflections of God, salvation is realized as the means, the end, the Only.

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 45:16-21

November 13, 2011 - Following the lead

ACIM Lesson #317
“I follow in the way appointed me.”
[Marsha’s thoughts]

Sweet Spring Stairs
photo by Gerry Toler

For a number of years I have felt that I am yielding my will to "follow in the way appointed me". Usually this yielding goes by unnoticed and I am happy letting go of strong opinions and other emotions which used to lead to turmoil and difficulties. But this was not so today. Often I will work 12 hours on Saturday, and I usually enjoy this time and even look forward to the second-wind high that kicks in at some point. Around the 10th hour, a woman walked into the gallery whom I hadn't seen in a number if years. When she had been a regular customer, I had always found her difficult to be around and often had to work hard at being nice to her. When she came in the gallery, my first reaction was one of recognizing someone I hadn't seen in a long time and greeting her warmly. That feeling lasted about ten seconds and I was suddenly repelled by her demeanor and the things she was saying. In the past, I would have just accepted this as part of the inevitable way life is: some people we like, some we don't. But that’s not enough now. I understand that my true self and her true self are one and the same. If I dislike her, I dislike myself. I don't dislike myself, and I don't dislike her. I look forward to seeing her again to see if this understanding will be demonstrated in action. (And I almost forgot why I mentioned the hours! After my shift in attitude, not one sale was made in the gallery)

Mary Baker Eddy quote:
“All the evidence of physical sense and all the knowledge obtained from physical sense must yield to Science, to the immortal truth of all things.”

November 12, 2011 - Mine for the Giving

ACIM Lesson #316
“All gifts I give my brothers are my own.”

[Marsha's thoughts]

"Hobbs Trail"
photo by Gerry Toler

Thinking of all the good that is being given and received by everyone everywhere, and thinking of all that goodness being given by and to me, right here, right now, all the time – How far out is that??! After expressing this thought to someone, they said, "But what about the bad? Isn’t it given and received by everyone, and doesn’t it cancel out the good?" We could go through lots of conversation about these points, concerning the unreality of bad and the only-ness of good. But I don’t want to think in those ways any longer -- of right and wrong, good and bad -- so I won’t speak in those ways either. There is only One God, expressing only Itself. If we are the idea of God, there’s nothing else to consider. God is Love. We are Love and that’s a powerful principle to abide by! “Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and right doing, there is a field. I will meet you there.” Rumi

“… that joy which finds one’s own in another’s good”

Miscellaneous Writings 1883–1896, p. 127

November 11, 2011 - Pay It Forward

ACIM Lesson #315
“All gifts my brothers give belong to me.”



Glowing light
photo from Sandy Starbird



[Marsha’s thoughts]

Pay it Forward. Almost everyone knows what this means. In 2000, Catherine Ryan Hyde wrote a book by this title. A few years later, a movie was made based on the premise. In Utah, a man has started a Pay it Forward movement dedicated to spreading this Love. As part of Charley Johnson's vision, there are Pay It Forward bracelets. When you do something nice for someone and they thank you, you give them a bracelet and ask them to pass it on in the same way. This is only one example of the many ways this thought is spreading!

Today is 11/11/11. When I'm asked what I think this means to humanity, my only response can be that anything which brings us together in ways of mutual devotion to good is a wonderful thing. The more people who center their thought in Love, the more we realize how very much we like this way of life and we want it all the time. So let's go forward with Love, joining with all who are gathering in thought to this end today and every day, and paying IT forward with each and every loving action.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:
"In the scientific relation of God to man, we find that whatever blesses one blesses all, as Jesus showed with the loaves and the fishes,--Spirit, not matter, being the source of supply."
Science & Health Page 206;15-17

November 10, 2011

ACIM Lesson #314
“I seek a future different from the past.”

Beaver Bridge
Photo from Jim Young

[Marsha’s thoughts]

History was always my least favorite subject in school. And I always questioned why I needed to know these things. Of course people told me I must know this in order to benefit from the good things and not to repeat the bad. This never felt right and it still doesn't! The statement that "the future now is recognized as but an extension of the present" seems all too true of our existence. And so now that we're more fully realizing the possibility of living in an entirely new way through other-dimensional thought, my reluctance to read and study past events makes more sense to me than ever. With new understanding concerning the nature of our Being, there is no need to educate ourselves by past mistakes. When we live through the understanding of spiritual Truth, many material laws seem pointless and we are able to turn away from them with no worries for our well-being. It is this understanding which allows us to surpass what has been thought of as human limits. I see a future of happiness and love. Giving up strong opinions helps me to see spiritual perfection. How exciting!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:
“The human mind, imbued with this spiritual understanding, becomes more elastic, is capable of greater endurance, escapes somewhat from itself, and requires less repose. A knowledge of the Science of being develops the latent abilities and possibilities of man. It extends the atmosphere of thought, giving mortals access to broader and higher realms. It raises the thinker into his native air of insight and perspicacity.”
Science & Health Page 128:11-19

November 9, 2011

ACIM Lesson #313
“Now let a new perception come to me.”

[Marsha’s thoughts]

The gift of a whole day to enjoy Being is the epitome of luxury to me! Having spent this day in quiet contemplation (prayer, if you will), I can honestly say there’s nothing I’d rather be doing! The fall colors on this gray and rainy day have intensified throughout, culminating in a dusk which reflected glows of orange and yellow and red. This other-worldly feeling has permeated everything today, including my Self. The electrically-charged atmosphere of rain/ lightning/thunder has mingled with the peace of gently falling leaves. My excitement in living combines with the calm of resting in holy completeness. What a joy, looking inward for the guidance so needed today. What fun to see activities unfold in unthought-of ways, unplanned, even unknown to my current perception! New ways of seeing and opening of Self are revealed to us as we tap into the thought which is God, supplying us in ways we never knew existed. I eagerly look toward new perceptions!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:
“This apodictical Principle points to the revelation of Immanuel, ‘God with us,’--the sovereign ever-presence, delivering the children of men from every ill ‘that flesh is heir to.’ Through Christian Science, religion and medicine are inspired with a diviner nature and essence; fresh pinions are given to faith and understanding, and thoughts acquaint themselves intelligently with God."
Science & Health Page 107:7-15

November 8, 2011

ACIM Lesson #312
“I see all things as I would have them be.”

[Marsha’s thoughts]

Rain catching light

We seem to have enacted laws of illness for ourselves. The common cold (as it's called!) is a perfect example of this, along with all the other dis-ease we take for granted as unavoidable and even necessary. We think that certain symptoms appear, progress through phases with time, and then diminish and disappear. Well, this is not the way I choose to judge today! This morning I awoke with a runny nose and scratchy throat. I am not going to judge what this means. Instead, I choose to drop this illusion as quickly as I would drop one of any false sense which comes to me. Would I be tempted to be mean to an animal or stab my neighbor in the back? No! And so I turn away from the thoughts of coughing and sneezing with the same authority I have to turn away from thoughts of doom and gloom. Today I will keep as a constant companion the words of Mary Baker Eddy which are quoted herein. And as I sit looking at the beautiful fall colors and listening to the intermittent rain, I will see my perfection in every falling leaf.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:
"Take possession of your body, and govern its feeling and action. Rise in the strength of Spirit to resist all that is unlike good. God has made man capable of this, and nothing can vitiate the ability and power divinely bestowed on man."
Science & Health Page 393:10-15

November 7, 2011

ACIM Lesson #311
“I judge all things as I would have them be."[Marsha's thoughts]

Fall in Eureka Springs
Photo by Randal Thompson

I love to see how all disciplines of spiritual understanding show us the same thing from different avenues. As I read today's lesson, I think of ancient Toltec wisdom as shown to us by Miguel Ruiz in the Four Agreements. The guidance for life revealed by two of these agreements perfectly lead us in nonjudgmental ways. "Don't make assumptions", and "Don't take anything personally" are my constant companions and always come to mind when I'm tempted to take offense by someone's statements or to blame someone for their actions or words. If I don't take anything personally, then there are no assumptions as to others' motives. If I make no assumption about why someone says or does something, then I won't be thinking they are attacking me personally. Perhaps the problems with releasing guilt and blame come from our beliefs that these things are true of us. And so when we feel this way, let’s not hesitate to examine these feelings and note if there is something in our actions which needs to be changed or expunged. When we are living our true Being as a child of God, we can rest guiltless and blameless.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"No final judgment awaits mortals, for the judgment-day of wisdom comes hourly and continually, even the judgment by which mortal man is divested of all material error. As for spiritual error, there is none."

Science & Health P 291:28-32

November 6, 2011

ACIM Lesson #310
“In fearlessness and love I spend today.”

[Marsha’s thoughts]

Cheering Life with Eggrolls!

The love we feel for friends is a foretaste of the possibilities of all-encompassing Love which we are left with when all else is gone from thought. Last night, two of my son’s friends from forever came by to visit. It was as though they’d been here every day and the time spent in our home was a sweet reminder of days gone by. At the time my children were growing up, I spent much more time every day in prayerful study and contemplation than I do now. Or so it seemed! But when I stop to think about it, every interaction is expressing this Love with a fearlessness that grows more complete every day. These seeds were planted and are still being nurtured through these moment-by-moment expressions of Love. Even if we are not in the public eye, this Love can be expressed in many ways – actually, in every way! And by loving yourself, you’re loving everyone. By living fearlessly, you’re spreading this confidence to all. I go forth with loving gratitude today and expect only Good.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“If we look to the body for pleasure, we find pain; for Life, we find death; for Truth, we find error; for Spirit, we find its opposite, matter. Now reverse this action. Look away from the body into Truth and Love, the Principle of all happiness, harmony, and immortality. Hold thought steadfastly to the enduring, the good, and the true, and you will bring these into your experience proportionably to their occupancy of your thoughts”

Science & Health Page 260

November 5, 2011

ACIM Lesson #309
“I will not fear to look within today.”

[Marsha’s thoughts]

Loving Friends

The concept of fearing to look within seems foreign to me. Although I know there must be lots of reasons that we fear this inner Self, I really don't know why this is. Now that I've said this, something will probably come up tomorrow to bite me in the behind and show me what I'm missing! And I welcome that. The most profound growth noted in this past year or so has come about because of beloved friends leading or pushing me in a new direction, or perhaps rubbing my nose in some mess I've left behind, or flat out telling me to get a grip!! I relish these prompts to look within and past whatever erroneous beliefs or habits have been guiding my actions! Every moment of this weeding out of distracting and unnecessary emotions is leaving more room for flowers and sweet herbs to grow. What a delight to find these inside, rather than hideous imaginings! Knowing that the only Truth to be found is in this inner space, gladly I look there today.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:
“When speaking of God's children, not the children of men, Jesus said, "The kingdom of God is within you;" that is, Truth and Love reign in the real man, showing that man in God's image is unfallen and eternal. Jesus beheld in Science the perfect man, who appeared to him where sinning mortal man appears to mortals. In this perfect man the Saviour saw God's own likeness, and this correct view of man healed the sick. Thus Jesus taught that the kingdom of God is intact, universal, and that man is pure and holy. Man is not a material habitation for Soul; he is himself spiritual. Soul, being Spirit, is seen in nothing imperfect nor material.”
Science & Health Page 476-28-8

November 4, 2011

ACIM Lesson #308
"This instant is the only time there is."

[Marsha's thoughts]

Mark in Mongolia
photo by Aaron Springston

A quote from Kung Fu Panda came to mind when I saw today's lesson subject: "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift, that is why it is called the present.” And I'm reminded of something Deepak Chopra said, too: "Time is something we have made up so everything doesn't happen at the same time." Albert Einstein showed us that time is relative. Time spent in a dentist chair passes differently from time spent doing something we think of as pleasurable. Later in life, Mr. Einstein came to believe that time was not just relative, but unreal! Here is a quote from him, written in a letter to a friend: "To those of us who believe in physics, this separation between past, present, and future, is only an illusion, if a stubborn one." So why do we limit ourselves so by time? We always think we're too young or too old, or this physical malady will pass with time, or that we simply don't have time to do the things we want to do. When I realize that I'm not a mortal living in what seems to be now, but an immortal living in eternity, then some major shifts in perception are taking place and only "time will tell" what happens then!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“God gives you His spiritual ideas, and in turn, they give you daily supplies. Never ask for to-morrow: it is enough that divine Love is an ever-present help; and if you wait, never doubting, you will have all you need every moment. What a glorious inheritance is given to us through the understanding of omnipresent Love! More we cannot ask: more we do not want: more we cannot have. This sweet assurance is the ‘Peace, be still’ to all human fears, to suffering of every sort”

Miscellaneous Writings Page 307

November 3, 2011

ACIM Lesson #307
“Conflicting wishes cannot be my will.”

Hat for Mad Hatter Ball

[Marsha's thoughts]

To be wide open, with no expectations, frees us in many ways. This state of Being especially opens us to the demonstration of the One absolute will. Recently something happened where I really wanted to assert my own will. A month or so ago, I was minding my own business when the thought came to me, "Go to the Mad Hatter's Ball". Well, I didn't want to do this! I don't go to balls, I don't dress up in outrageous garb, and I most certainly don't pay cash money for doing what I don't want to do! A week or so later, (to my chagrin!) I'm given two tickets to the ball. What am I going to wear? A stop by the Doggie Thrift Shop answers this question, and I leave with a wonderful hat, in a style I love, with crazy red polyester curls. So it seems as though I'm going, and at this point I acquiesce. And then while talking to someone in the post office about the event, the postal worker behind the counter tells me she's been working on a hat for three years and asks if I want to wear it. Maybe, I tell her -- Because I'm already pretty attached to my hat with the red hair. This is a long story to tell of a concept so simple that it requires no thought. Do whatever you hear/feel is the thing to be doing. There's no right or wrong with this yielding to intuition. I don't know why I was at this event, but everything came together beautifully and I had a great time, and even won a prize in the wildest hat contest. Perhaps there was someone I needed to meet and this was the time to do so; maybe I just needed to stretch my so-called comfort zone a bit. The possibilities are endless, and I don't have to know anything other than this: Thy/My will be done. And It is done ~~~

Mary Baker Eddy quote:
“We cannot serve two masters nor perceive divine Science with the material senses.”
Science and Health Page 167:11-12

November 2, 2011

ACIM Lesson #306
“The gift of Christ is all I seek today.”

[Marsha's thoughts]

Recently I heard a definition of the word "repent". It had nothing to do with confessing sins in order to receive absolution, nothing to do with being sorry for actions, nothing to do with guilt, nothing to do with begging for forgiveness. Its definition was simply "return home". When we allow ourselves to see, hear, feel with the sense of God, we are returning to our original state of being, and remembering we never went away. So this idea of repenting, or returning home, is only a matter of letting loose anything which is unlike Love. We are the image and likeness of God. God is Love. We are Love. This is a state we cannot leave, but we can lose sight of this perfect peace. Today I look for the Love that is God, the Love that I am, in everything and everyone.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:
“Heaven is not a locality, but a divine state of Mind in which all the manifestations of Mind are harmonious and immortal, because sin is not there and man is found having no righteousness of his own, but in possession of ‘the mind of the Lord,’ as the Scripture says.”
 Science & Health Page 291:13-18

November 1, 2011

ACIM Lesson #305
“There is a peace that Christ bestows on us.”

St Elizabeth's from woodland trail
photo by Dale Johnson

[Marsha's thoughts]

Absolutely any situation can be filled with peace. There are accounts of people in the direst of situations facing them calmly, with a seeming other-worldly and detached sense of peace. The last time someone yelled obscenities at me in the street, I was very pleased to find myself witnessing the scene without emotion. When the day comes that I don't even remember this circumstance occurred, then I will be seeing with the Christ's vision. Today I visited with a couple who are in the midst of a life-changing disease. When I walked in their home, the first thing I felt was an all-encompassing peace. My dear friend related how amazed she was by the leaves falling from the trees this autumn. She stated that they took care of themselves; that she never raked, but they went where they needed to be and changed to whatever form is required of them -- soil, protection for seedlings, shelter for insects and small animals. She sees perfection in this plan and knows that same perfection is taking place in all existence. Deep and quiet peace is everywhere. I am grateful to have experienced this peace today.

Mary Baker Eddy poem:
“Satisfied”
It matters not what be thy lot,
So Love doth guide;
For storm or shine, pure peace is thine,
Whate'er betide.


And of these stones, or tyrants' thrones,
God able is
To raise up seed — in thought and deed —
To faithful His.


Aye, darkling sense, arise, go hence!
Our God is good.
False fears are foes — truth tatters those,
When understood.

Love looseth thee, and lifteth me,
Ayont hate's thrall:
There Life is light, and wisdom might,
And God is All.


The centuries break, the earth-bound wake,
God's glorified!
Who doth His will — His likeness still —
Is satisfied.
(Poems by Mary Baker Eddy, p. 79)

October 31, 2011

ACIM Lesson #304
“Let not my world obscure the sight of Christ.”

[Marsha's thoughts]

China
photo by Aaron Springston

Writings throughout the ages have given us hints as to the grand possibilities we might have as realities. As attested by powerful mythological characters and poetry which transforms our being, we have longed for the ability to change what seems to be the reality of situations in and around our personal existence. The world tells us that we are victims of circumstances, with life being experienced at the whim of chance meetings with luck, this being termed either good or bad. Every time we hear a story telling of something we think is impossible to us, but which contains outcomes so beautiful we wish it were within the realm of our world, let's accept the fact that there are no limits. Who knows what we're capable of doing? We seem to exceed expected outcomes in every avenue of existence. Wasn't it said that running a mile in less than 4 minutes was impossible? And it sure seems like the sun is going around the earth, don't you think? Today I set free any thought of limitation, any assumptions I may have as to what's what, and by doing so open the inner ways of sight.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Truth never destroys God's idea. Truth is spiritual, eternal substance, which cannot destroy the right reflection. Corporeal sense, or error, may seem to hide Truth, health, harmony, and Science, as the mist obscures the sun or the mountain; but Science, the sunshine of Truth, will melt away the shadow and reveal the celestial peaks.”

S&H 299:24-30

October 30, 2011

ACIM Lesson #303 
“The holy Christ is born in me today.”

"County Road"
by Carol Dickie

[Marsha's thoughts]

Today's ACIM lesson and commentary and prayer contain many of the words which sometimes trigger adverse reactions in us. Perhaps these reactions can be set aside by a repetition of what they truly mean, as is illustrated by today's commentary and prayer. I reiterate that there is One God and so we need not think in terms of my god and your god. There is only One God, and our interpretation of what that means is the only way there can appear to be many ruling principles. By saying that "the Christ is born in me today", we are acknowledging that the divine manifestation of God is realized within me today. Please, please, change these words into whatever feels right to you. And please, please don't allow these words' connotations to turn you away from the Love which you are. And if you feel disoriented and sort of happily confused, don't fear that either! This giddiness is part of the shift to this beautiful realization of God within! Embrace it and be free~~

Mary Baker Eddy quote:
“CHRIST: The divine manifestation of God, which comes to the flesh to destroy incarnate error.”
Science & Health Page 583:10-11