January 1, 2013 - Freedom from Belief

"Bryce Canyon Sunrise"
photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Lesson #1

“Nothing I see in this room [on this street, from this window, in this place] means anything.”

Everything is important; nothing is important. This much-repeated Buddhist axiom is the first thing which comes to mind when reading today's lesson. We tend to place meaning and importance on everything around us, in varying degrees of intensity, with good and bad connotations. We set up a dualistic situation with absolutely everything, and then we tell ourselves that it's necessary. People often say that if we didn't have bad, we wouldn't know and appreciate good. I think it's worth giving it a try, don't you? Let's allow it to just Be and see if we don't appreciate how wonderfully perfect it all is! Let's not worry when things are harmonious, wondering how long it can last. Let's accept what's happening around us without placing a meaning on it. The freedom gained from this abandonment of preconceived notions is our heritage. Let's not be shy about claiming it!

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."

Science & Health Page 228:11-13

December 31, 2012 - Retrospection

"Yield" Steel Sculpture at Crystal Bridges
by Roxy Paine
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook 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."

At this time of introspection and retrospection, I'm remembering the disciplines people practice which are based in Love. In this parenthesis in eternity we are all recognizing the principle we know as Love. Everyone I talk to is excited about the prospect of this shift in consciousness! Even those who fear change are wondering what is happening, and many are embracing it. The number of changes we're witnessing around us testify to the major thought turn-arounds we're experiencing. We are learning what reality is, and spending every moment seeing it in our experience. This knowledge and demonstration is what spurs us onward in our daily expression of Oneness. We have a willingness to expel from thought anything which is not a reflection of this Love. The peace of God is ours for the recognition of it.  Happy New Year -- now and every moment! 

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, 2012 - Living Love

"Aaron and the Great Wall"
photographer unknown

ACIM Workbook 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."

All the insecurities, the feelings of loss and lack, the guilt and blame, all these things are losing their reality to us. Now that we see the unreality of these beliefs within ourselves, it's hard not pointing 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!" Upon which she gave me a fake smile, and I gave her a small Namaste' bow and left. When asked advice concerning someone's unhappiness, (knowing through experience that none of us can fix any other of us) my only suggestion was to concentrate on what brings 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, 2012 - Your Direction Gives me Peace

"Mountaintop Experience in Mongolia"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook 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."

It's tempting to think that following divine direction leads to epiphanies in thought and action.  The daily, quietly-received followings are the ones that excite me. This was shown to me when my son and I were making video segments for a virtual studio tour of the artists of Eureka Thyme. After a full day of interviewing and recording artists, it was my turn to do a shoot at the gallery. 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. Could this be why so many creative geniuses have been imbibers of spirits? When we get away from habitual mindsets, there is a freedom which flows through us. It's easy to believe we need help in leaving worn out thoughts behind. But do we? I'm going to let my heart answer this one.

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, 2012 - Kinship with All Things

"Whitefish Lake - Montana"
photo by Aaron Springston 

ACIM Workbook 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."

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. In watching "The Dog Whisperer", I have gained many insights into the reasons our dogs often seem neurotic and out of control. The reason always comes back to us, the people who love these dogs. It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to see what we're really thinking! Calm, assertive behavior is the mantra of Cesar Milan, the dog Whisperer. And assertive doesn't mean aggressive. It involves a certainty which is only attained through inner knowledge only heard in quiet, calm moments. These moments express the eternal holy instant where we forever abide with the certainty of peace. So I will continue to watch and learn from observing this kinship with all things living. 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"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 91:3-6

December 27, 2012 - Peace

"Peaceful Christmas"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #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."

The introduction to these final lessons tells us that we now 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've 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, any thing, appears when I am open with no expectations. 

Peace ~~~

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, 2012 - Acts of Kindness

"Mongolian Mountains at Dusk"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook 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."

Every time I see a bumper sticker which proclaims "Random Acts of Kindness", or hear of another person promoting good deeds through something like a "Pay It Forward" campaign, it reaffirms my conviction that soon everyone will be expressing the Love from which they are made. Many friends have related their personal stories of such events, and a favorite is from one who lives in Chicago. She has a business on a busy street and has set up her own pay it forward campaign with a box for people to put spare change for the needy. Recently she noticed that a truck stopped outside and two men got out. They were looking at the sign explaining what the box was for, and one of the men bent over the box. So she went outside to see what they were up to. As money was missing from the box, she explained to the man what it was for, whereupon he became verbally abusive to her and got into his vehicle and drove away. Shortly after this, she was relating the story to a couple of people who came into her flower shop. They all decided that this was not the innate nature of this man and they should be silent for a few moments and affirm his reality as a child of Love. She tells me an hour had barely passed when this man came back in and apologized to her and put money into the box. I think this story exemplifies every change of heart we are all witnessing everywhere! I encourage you to share your stories with others through blogs and Facebook pages and everyone you interact with. One of my favorite ways of encouraging the growth of expressed goodness is through Charlie Johnson's campaign: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orzoXmx6b3g

Just this moment I received an email with a blog which seems pertinent to our affirmative expressions:www.LifeTapestryCreations.com

Of course, I love Jim Young's site: www.CreationSpirit.net 

Join with me in spreading the Word in whatever way is comfortable for you. Love and light to you, dear Friends!

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, 2012 - Peace Like a River

ACIM Workbook 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." 

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. I'll float and rest in the Christ consciousness which we celebrate today. This Spirit which permeates everything is recognized 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. 262

December 24, 2012 - Desire is Prayer

"Mongolian Shaman"
fabric Creation of
Sandy Wythawai Starbird

ACIM Workbook Lesson #358 

"No call to God can be unheard nor left unanswered. And of this I can be sure; His answer is the one I really want." 

Today's lesson tells us why there is no need for audible prayer, constant pleadings, repetitious affirmations, or anything else which falls under the heading of talking to God. All is known to the divine Principle of all being. We can't tell It anything! But we can listen. By this listening we remember who we are and become aware of our purpose. There is nothing other than the Love that is God. When we yield to this fact, wonderful things unfold!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Thoughts unspoken are not unknown to the divine Mind. Desire is prayer, and no loss can occur from trussing God with our desires, that they may be molded and exalted before they take form in words and in deeds." 

Science & Health Page 1:1-10

December 23, 2012 - The Truth Is The Truth

"Mongolian Mountains"
photo by Aaron Springston

A CIM Workbook Lesson #357

"Truth answers every call we make to God, Responding first with miracles, and then

Returning unto us to be itself."

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 imperceptible 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 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, 2012 - Sunlight of Truth

"Full Moon/Misty Night: Eureka"
photo by Chris Fischer

ACIM 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 could be to think this means 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 termed 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 mere words. They are principles we live.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Christian Science brings to the body the sunlight of Truth, which invigorates and purifies." 

Science & Health Page 162:4-5

December 21, 2012 - No End to Peace & Joy

"Sunny Ski Day in Utah"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM 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?"

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 in eternity that may be.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"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 423:9-14

December 20, 2012 - Compassionate Thought

"Mongolian Mountaintop"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook 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."

Knowing the Truth and believing it to be True don't always occur at the same time. When we hear of some unspeakable horror, it's hard to believe that such things can happen when we've been holding our thought to all that is good and pure. Once again we have witnessed a massacre of children in our schools. It seems unthinkable, unspeakable, impossible. We find ourselves questioning God as to how this can happen. I find solace in knowing that God has nothing to do with it. God does not create material circumstance and push us out the door to face it alone. This Oneness we all share is Spirit, not form. In Spirit, we all "stand together". Looking with God's eyes shows us the Truth of our being, and that Being is the same whether it's Hitler or Mother Teresa. And so I will look with these eyes in true compassion, as I see the dear children and their families with the same eyes as I witness the perpetrator of this travesty and his loved ones: the same way we are all seen by God. When these people come to thought, I send them peace, Love, calm contented thought. We have all seen how our thoughts affect those around us. In our unity, they are beneficial to everyone. This "certainty of purpose" blesses all.

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, 2012 - Express Joy, from the Heart

"Basin Spring and Hotel in
Eureka Springs, AR"
photo by Richard Quick

A Course in Miracles Workbook 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."

At this time of the year, we are often reminded that not everyone includes themselves in this thing we call Christmas. 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. 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. 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, 2012 - Judgment or Love?

A Course in Miracles Workbook 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."

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 perception allows 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 which 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, 2012 - What Do I Choose To See?

ACIM Workbook 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."

One of our local artists tells me that she went to Crystal Bridges, the fabulous 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 saw 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, 2012 - Silence is Golden

"Lake Leatherwood"
photo by Gerry Toler

ACIM Workbook Lesson #350

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

Once, while on a long car trip with five children, I told one of the young people, "Everything that goes through your mind doesn't need to come out of your mouth." I remember this well, because I took the advice to heart and often would remind myself to examine the need to speak. As the years have passed, it seems I have forgotten this integral touchstone. A few days ago, a reminder presented itself in a way I couldn't ignore. While pontificating about something I'm sure I felt was important, in mid-sentence I lost my voice. The enforced silence which has ensued allows reflection on many things.  Am I being overly critical in looking at the actions of others? Am I making assumptions that I know why someone said or did things? In silence and humility, I seek purity.  It's easy to fall into self-righteous indignation and holier-than-thou thought. What I am finding is that I've slipped into ways of thinking which are not in concordance with the teachings I  follow. In this realization, the goal will be to check the thought, hence negating the necessity of wondering if it should come out of my mouth! But knowing the need for silence, I will seek out moments, hours, perhaps days of this precious commodity which is always present, within.

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, 2012 - Miracle of Love

"Colorado Peace"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM 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."

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 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 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." The major shifts in thought that we're experiencing is making many people uncomfortable. Some tell me that they feel restless and discontented. I think this is a symptom of the shift we're experiencing. It is tempting for many to cover these feelings of distress with alcohol and drugs, perhaps even with extreme physical activity. I urge you to fear not, but to hold thought steadily to the good and True. Follow your intuition to find ways to assuage this discontent. 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, 2012 - No Cause for Fear/Anger

"Bob, the Cat"

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."

                  

As these words of today's lesson have swirled through my head, I keep coming back to an event which demonstrates this truth. Our family had a wonderful cat named Bob. While I'm not going to tell the Story of Bob in this writing, one part of his time with us stays with me: It has to do with 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! Bob never exhibited any fear or anger; he never retaliated with his claws; he simply dissipated the anger with Love. When he was 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 great miracle to human sense is divine Love, and the grand necessity of existence is to gain the true idea of what constitutes the kingdom of heaven in man. This goal is never reached while we hate our neighbor." 

Science & Health Page 560: 11-13

December 13, 2012 - Anger/judgment Denounced

"Aaron in Colorado"

ACIM Workbook Lesson #347

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

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, 2012 - Auspicious Date

"Somewhere in Mexico"
photo by Richard Quick

ACIM Lesson #346

"Today the peace of God envelops me, And I forget all things except His Love."

On this most auspicious date in history, 12/12/12, many people are awaiting the change in consciousness and perception which has been predicted. Planets are aligning and many material phenomenon are happening which supposedly portend great change. We who have been studying and practicing divine metaphysics have seen this change occurring within ourselves for quite some time. Perceptions change moment-by-moment as we realize our true Being as a reflection of God. Not only do we see this Truth in ourselves, but in everything and everyone. It's not that we're changing, but the way we're all seeing is changing. We're developing the spiritual realization which puts material senses in their proper place: behind us. So I encourage you to not be afraid if things which were invisible are becoming visible. Embrace change. Let's do what Apple entreated us to do years ago: Think Different!!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The true history of the universe, including man is not in material history but in spiritual development. Inspired thought relinquishes a material, sensual, and mortal theory of the universe, and adopts the spiritual and immortal."

 Science & Health Page 547

December 11, 2012 - What is a Miracle?

"South Africa Misty Morning"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIMWorkbook Lesson #345

"I offer only miracles today,

For I would have them be returned to me."

When I first began reading ACIM writings, the word "miracle" bothered me very much. As a student of Christian Science, 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, 2012 - The Law of Love

"Mr. Scrooge's Gifts"
photo by Melanie Myhre

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #344

"Today I learn the law of love; that what

I give my brother is my gift to me."

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 there. 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 when 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:

"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, 2012 - What Do We Give Up?

Ozark Sunset
photo by John Rankine

ACIM Workbook Lesson #343

"I am not asked to make a sacrifice to find the mercy and the peace of God."

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. What if 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 him. Why would he want to leave? What have I done to cause him to feel this way? Now we're 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, a sacrificing of personal agendas and preconceived notions of how things should be. So wake up in the morning and say "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, 2012 - My Thoughts are Known

Happy Dog
Unknown phtographer

A CIM Workbook Lesson #342

"I let forgiveness rest upon all things, For thus forgiveness will be given me."

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 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 she had to pretend she was calm because she didn't know how to be that way! 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, 2012 - Love is the Answer

photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #341

"I can attack but my own sinlessness, and it is only that which keeps me safe."

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, 2012 - Stillness is Priceless

"Snowbird in Colorado"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #340

"I can be free of suffering today."

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 finding 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 practice yoga, or study the teachings of something you feel demonstrates Truth. 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 spiritual joy? 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, 2012 - Ask and Receive

"Celestial Garden"
oil painting by Denise Ryan

ACIM Workbook Lesson #339

"I will receive whatever I request."

It's sometimes difficult to realize that we're requesting pain. No one wants to admit they're doing this. I have a friend who is always wondering why she has problems. She repeatedly tells me how her thinking is pure, yet the problems persist. I've been there and know what she's going through. It's easy to fall into defensive thinking, constantly wondering what's going to befall us next. It's difficult to convince ourselves to look for One thing, and through that singleness of purpose solutions appear. To hold thought to God and the demonstration of our reflection of that perfection is the way. We seek and cannot find. When we stop looking and allow ourselves to see Truth, that perfection unfolds and shows itself in every facet of our lives. If I truly let go and let God, there is no reason to worry about results. God is All.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Science only can explain the incredible good and evil elements now coming to the surface. Mortals must find refuge in Truth in order to escape the error of these latter days. Nothing is more antagonistic to Christian Science than a blind belief without understanding, for such a belief hides Truth and builds on error."

Science & Health Page 83:6-11

December 4, 2012 - Metaphysical Joke

Christian Science Edifice
painting by Julie Kahn Valentine

ACIM Workbook Lesson #338

"I am affected only by my thoughts."

When our nearly 100-year-old Christian Science church was on the Christmas Tour of Homes, I had the opportunity to talk to lots of people who wanted to know more about our way of thought. A man came in who 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 the reason it was 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, 2012 - Protection

"Mount Superior in Utah"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #337

"My sinlessness protects me from all harm."

First of all, let's define sin as anything which separates us from the Love which is God. When my children were small, we'd often talk about how they could experience the safety which comes from listening to intuition. When driving a car, I often hear an inner prompting to slow down or sometimes to speed up, 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 a car crossing into your lane, or the moment a deer is stepping into your path, these are the situations which are avoided by listening to intuition. And what allows us to hear this inner direction? First it takes a willingness to hear it, of course. And the recognition of our Oneness with All that Is creates an open heart, willing to know God. 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 have done 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, 2012 - Joined Minds Demonstrate Truth

"Victorian Drummers - 2012"
photo by Jeremy McGraw

ACIM Workbook Lesson #336

"Forgiveness lets me know that minds are joined."

Reading this lesson reminds me of a day when a longstanding, mutually-profitable business relationship 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 Truth. Concepts are changeable and illusive; Truth just stands smiling contentedly. I don't know where this seeming separation will take us, but I'm excited to find out! When she comes to mind, I will not dwell on any thoughts of unease we have put on each other. When I see her beautiful art, I will think only of what we have brought to each other over the years. 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.

Science & Health Page 97:5-8

December 1, 2012 - Forgiveness is a Choice

[source unknown]

ACIM Workbook Lesson #335

"I choose to see my brother's sinlessness."

Today's lesson tells us that forgiveness is a choice. I remember years ago during a metaphysical society meeting someone saying that 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, 2012 - Forgive and Not Forget?

"Ozark Full Moon"
photo by Lorri Carter

ACIM  Workbook  Lesson #334

"Today I claim the gifts forgiveness gives."

I've often heard people say they can forgive, but they'll never forget. But isn't 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

A Course in Miracles Workboo

November 29, 2012 - Ho Ho Ho!

"Night Blooming Cirrus"
photo by David Roll

ACIM Workbook Lesson #333

“Forgiveness ends the dream of conflict here.”

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 the 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, 2012 - Things Into Thought, or Thoughts into Things?

"Snowbird Sunrise"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #332

“Fear binds the world. Forgiveness sets it free.”

Many mind-over-matter systems are a 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" and other systems telling us how to get the mate of our dreams, hot cars, and other material desires. 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, 2012 - Radical Reliance

photo by Heather Magnan

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #331

“There is no conflict, for my will is Yours.”

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 cure of disease rarely do more than mask symptoms and bring about other interesting side effects. 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