July 1, 2012 - There's no place like Home

Fantasy Photography by Melanie Myhre

A Course in Miracles Lesson #182

“I will be still an instant and go home.”

Although I realize today's subject has nothing to do with the physical presence of home, it causes me to realize how I cherish that space. There is absolutely no place I'd rather be. If I suddenly had a month to do anything I wanted with no obligation, I would remain at home. I'd putter in the garden, I'd read, I'd sit on the back deck and watch the birds and wildlife -- I'd do all the things I do every day, but more of it!! Often I feel I'm in a cocoon of peaceful harmony. My dog loves to hang out and do nothing with me. Although my children are grown, the one who is with me on weekends loves to stay in his downstairs "man cave" and rarely leaves our end-of-the road haven. We live in the type of neighborhood where we freely call on one another for things as simple as borrowing an egg; as complex as fixing a car. It's a lifelong dream to be living this exact life, and I couldn't be happier. And so it seems natural to "be still an instant and go home". This lesson is asking us to quiet all the hubbub in our existence for just an instance, in order to feel the peace of God which is ours. And so I will today pause for many instants. I will sink deeper into the wonder of Truth, knowing all else is but a made-up dream of existence. When I hear anything which might cause me to think in a defensive way, I'll remember what is true and what is imagined. If the world has decided to live in an attack mode, defending against everything which it deems to be harmful, I will do my part in bringing in the dawn of Truth by accepting spiritual reality and rejecting material myth. An instant is all it takes to feel the presence of God!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“As mortals begin to understand Spirit, they give up the belief that there is any true existence apart from God.”

Science & Health Page 282:30-32

June 30, 2012 -Trust Yourself

A Course in Miracles Lesson #181

“I trust my brothers, who are one with me.”

"Joy at Great Wall of China"
photo by Aaron Springston

How easy it is to condemn others for their actions! As I look at my inner thoughts toward people, I see that I am projecting my fears and insecurities outward onto everyone today. The woman with the little boy whose sticky handprints dot my gallery's window, the couple who ignore my greeting and look through me as though I'm not there, the countless people who seem alternatively bored and critical -- they all combine to cause me to take today's lesson to heart and hold it there.  These lines from the workbook lesson #181 speak to the critical assessment I'm throwing at everyone: "When you attack a brother, you proclaim that he is limited by what you have perceived in him. You do not look beyond his errors. Rather, they are magnified, becoming blocks to your awareness of the Self that lies beyond your own mistakes, and past his seeming sins as well as yours." I'll always remember how this was brought home to me one day during a parade. I was standing outside by the door watching the festivities. A fellow shopkeeper on our street was telling me about a rude couple and how the woman had refused to speak to her because (in her opinion) she had tattoos and was a lesbian. She then pointed out the couple, who were walking down the sidewalk. They went into my gallery. I followed them in and began a conversation with the man. I asked him why he wasn't watching the parade. He gruffly said that they were on vacation and they had a schedule to keep; that they didn't have time for fun! He actually said this, in all seriousness. I persisted in talking to him and found out that his wife had lost her voice the year before. She was an attorney, and having been a court reporter myself for years, I know just how much lawyers like to talk! This was the woman the fellow shopkeeper had judged as being rude to her because she didn't respond verbally to a greeting. This so perfectly showed me how our own perceptions are put onto others, and how totally off the mark they can be! Once again, I vow to look past all notions I may have about my brothers, seeing their real Being as the image and likeness of God.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“I saw the love of God encircling the universe and man, filling all space, and that divine Love so permeated my own consciousness that I loved with Christlike compassion everything I saw.”

"We Knew Mary Baker Eddy" Page 68

June 29, 2012 - By Grace I Am Released

A Course in Miracles Lesson #180

Central Theme: "God is but love and therefore so am I."

Review of:

(169) "By grace I live. By grace I am released."

(170) "There is no cruelty in God and none in me.

"Ozark Mountains"
photo by Aaron Springston

For me, preparation for reception of Grace has but one essential quality: silence. Whether you call it meditation, prayer, communion, listening, it matters not. Be kind to yourself. Allow your heart to hear. There's a Joel Goldsmith book entitled "Practicing the Presence" which contains wonderful words speaking to this subject. One analogy he gives is of a person sitting in the dark and declaring that electricity gives light. Of course this is true, but we're still sitting in the dark until we flip the switch and make a connection with the source of the light. He states that nothing is going to happen to us, regardless of how many affirmations of truth we know or repeat, unless we attain the consciousness of that truth and realize our Oneness with the Source. I am particularly struck by the two statements in today's review: "By grace I live. By grace I am released" and "There is no cruelty in God and none in me." Recently I had a conversation with a friend in which it was disclosed that her in-laws and her husband had been abused by their father. The father has passed away and the three children, now in their 60s, suffer in numerous ways from these past actions. The mother knows this, but won't admit it happened. If only she could do this for her beloved children, they could all be set free. Everyone knows, but no one will acknowledge it. "By grace I live. By grace I am released." This grace is ours whether anyone gives it to us or not. This mother does not need to release her children, but they don't know this and so they remain trapped. How many situations do we feel ensnared by, when in actuality nothing can keep us in bondage. All we need do is realize our source is God. Nothing else matters.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"As aforetime, the spirit of the Christ, which taketh away the ceremonies and doctrines of men, is not accepted until the hearts of men are made ready for it."

Science & Health Page Page 131:22-25

June 28, 2012 - Grace for All

A Course in Miracles Lesson Review #179

Central Theme: "God is but love and therefore so am I."

Review of:

(167) "There is one life, and that I share with God."

(168) "Your grace is given me. I claim it now."

"Wildflower"
photo by Aaron Springston

There are many definitions given in the dictionary for grace. It is a noun, a verb, and an adverb, so it covers a lot of ground. The definition which best suits our review today would be this: "Divine love and protection bestowed freely on people." This grace which is ours shows itself in many ways. Perhaps it is seen in our kindness to others, and them to us. It is emerging in the synchronicities we see in daily life. It is active when everything works together to bring order to our activities. Perhaps it is demonstrated in an apology, or an act of benevolence, a charitable deed, or an acceptance of someone's opinion which is opposite of ours. Grace is mine today, simply for the knowing of it. To quote William Blake:

“To see the world in a grain of sand,

And heaven in a wild flower,

Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,

And eternity in an hour.”

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Throughout all generations both before and after the Christian era, the Christ, as the spiritual idea,--the reflection of God,--has come with some measure of power and grace to all prepared to receive Christ, Truth. Abraham, Jacob, Moses, and the prophets caught glorious glimpses of the Messiah, or Christ, which baptized these seers in the divine nature, the essence of Love. The divine image, idea, or Christ was, is, and ever will be inseparable from the divine Principle, God. Jesus referred to this unity of his spiritual identity thus: "Before Abraham was, I am;" "I and my Father are one;" "My Father is greater than I." The one Spirit includes all identities.” 

Science & Health Page 333:19-

June 27, 2012 - Is it God or ego?

"Martha Moore Stevens enchanting crowd
at Arkansas Metaphysical Society Meeting"

A Course In Miracles Lesson #178

Central Theme:

"God is but love and therefore so am I.

Review of:

(165) "Let not my mind deny the Thought of God."

(166) "I am entrusted with the gifts of God."

Gathering with others is a lovely way to be reminded of the Truth inherent in these statements. The Thought of God isn't our thinking about God, but our listening to the Thought which is God. I love to talk with others and hear how these Thoughts shine through the myths we have created for ourselves in daily life. More and more we realize what is True and what is simply habitual thinking, perpetuated by repetition. Often I will be troubled by something, and then when I speak it aloud I realize it isn't true. What a treat to bounce these thoughts off of others and have them reflected back at me, to test their veracity when viewed through the lens of Divine Thought. And how do you tell if it's coming from the one Source or your limited thinking? Does it make your heart sing and your mind feel at peace? Does it bless all equally along with yourself? Or do you feel an uneasiness that you can't exactly pinpoint, or perhaps you feel a sense of importance and superiority. These last two things are sure indicators that the thoughts are coming from your limiting sense of ego and not the One Mind, God.  "Be with those who help your being." Rumi --  And don't forget to be one of those helpful Beings!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“How empty are our conceptions of Deity! We admit theoretically that God is good, omnipotent, omnipresent, infinite, and then we try to give information to this infinite Mind. We plead for unmerited pardon and for a liberal outpouring of benefactions. Are we really grateful for the good already received? Then we shall avail ourselves of the blessings we have, and thus be fitted to receive more. Gratitude is much more than a verbal expression of thanks. Action expresses more gratitude than speech.”

Science & Health Page 3:17-27

June 26, 2012

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #177

Central Theme:

"God is but love and therefore so am I."

Review of:

(163) "There is no death. The Son of God is free."

(164) "Now are we one with Him Who is our Source."

"Mongolian Child"
photo by Aaron Springston

It seems we need constant reminders about what we are. “Now we are one with Him Who is our Source.” This statement from #164 is not something we are working toward, but a fact we are acknowledging as true now, always, with no beginning and no end. When we see there is no end, we see there is no beginning. There is not a first cause, but an only Cause. To underscore this daily reminder, I was recently talking with a little girl, maybe four years old, and she was telling me about one of her favorite books. In it, the characters, Max and Ruby, have trouble getting along. She told me that Max would mess up Ruby's tea parties all the time, and do other things that caused Ruby to be sad and mad. I asked her why she thought Max did these things. She told me that Max needed lessons. Wow! Out of the mouths of babes, huh?? Immediately I thought of our workbook lessons and why they are needed. When we understand that we are One with our Source, when we see ourselves as eternal, it's a lot easier to accept our perfection as not only possible, but perpetual. But we need reminders of this all the time, and these studies help us remember that which is so easy to forget: We are One with our Source, forever, and that One is Love, which I Am.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“When the final physical and moral effects of Christian Science are fully apprehended, the conflict between truth and error, understanding and belief, Science and material sense --foreshadowed by the prophets and inaugurated by Jesus -- will cease, and spiritual harmony reign.”

Science and Health Page 288:10–14

June 25, 2012 - Dissolving Anger

"Somewhere in Oklahoma"
photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Lesson #176

Central Theme: "God is but love and therefore so am I."

Review of: (161) "Give me your blessing, holy Son of God." (162) "I am as God created me."

Recently I made a three-hour trip to pick up my son at a small airport in our area. As I was driving into town hoping to see a sign pointing me to the airport, I turned off on a road for some reason and within a short time knew I was going the wrong way. So I pulled into a gas station to ask directions. There were many cars lined up at the gas pumps, lots of cars parked at the convenience store section, and one pickup over to the side at the air pump. It seemed easiest to approach the pickup truck airing up its tire. I couldn't see any people as I approached as they were crouched down on the other side of the pickup.  As I rolled down my window and said, "Excuse me", the man stood up and threw his hat down with an explicative. Then a woman popped up and began cursing and kicking the tire. So I said, "Are you familiar with this area?" The man shouted, "What?" in my direction. So I quietly repeated my question. I continued smiling at him and seeing him in Love as he approached. By the time he got to the car, his demeanor had totally relaxed as he rested his arms on my open window and asked what I needed. Even though it was 100-degrees and his face was as red as his hair, a gentleness was shining in his countenance. The woman who was hopping up and down stopped and walked over to see what we were talking about. The atmosphere totally changed in that short exchange. One of the sentences in Lesson 161 states: "Today we practice differently, and take a stand against our anger, that our fears may disappear and leave room for love." It's not only our own personal anger we can take a stand against, but any and all of it! And that's because "God is Love and therefore so [are we]."

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“God is Love. Can we ask Him to be more? God is intelligence. Can we inform the infinite Mind of anything He does not already comprehend? Do we expect to change perfection? Shall we plead for more at the open fount, which is pouring forth more than we accept? The unspoken desire does bring us nearer the source of all existence and blessedness.”

Science & Health Page 2:23-30

June 24, 2012 - Time Warp?

A Course in Miracles Lesson #175

Central Theme:  "God is but love and therefore so am I."

Review of:

(159) "I give the miracles I have received.

 God is but love and therefore so am I."

(160) "I am at home. Fear is the stranger here.

 God is but love and therefore so am I."

"Music at Sweet Spring"
photo by John Rankine

Today I've been examining the thought that Eureka Springs is stuck in a time warp! This idea was brought to me by a man I was visiting with in the gallery. He seemed to think this was a detrimental thing. And so, I thought about that. Of course, it's not wise to be stuck in the past, so I asked him if that's what he meant. Yes, he said, but even more than that he found the people here to be oblivious to the "outer world". He actually asked if we watched television and had computers here! He said that everyone he had met was happy, and if we knew what was going on in the world we wouldn't be. Wow!! I really liked that he saw us in this way!! But, as we know, it's more than that. I know lots of happy people who are aware of what's going on "out there". Perhaps this is what is meant by "being in this world but not of it". This happiness we exhibit is being shared unselfishly with all who wander into our world. We happily give our acceptance of Life to everyone we meet. With the understanding that God is love and so am I, there is nothing to fear. To live Love is to claim peace and express it in every action and thought. This man caused me to examine what it is which allows us to live in this way, and I'm happy with what I see! And I'd be willing to bet he's had a few thoughts along these lines too! He's probably out there scattering joy just like we're doing here in Eureka. The time is now. Everybody's doing it!!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Beauty, wealth, or fame is incompetent to meet the demands of the affections, and should never weigh against the better claims of intellect, goodness, and virtue. Happiness is spiritual, born of Truth and Love. It is unselfish; therefore it cannot exist alone, but requires all mankind to share it.”

Science & Health Page 57:15

June 23, 2012 - Healing Truth

"Eroica Trio"

A Course in Miracles Lesson #174

Central Theme:

"God is but love and therefore so am I."

Review of:

(157) Into His Presence would I enter now.

 God is but love and therefore so am I

(158) Today I learn to give as I receive.

 God is but love and therefore so am I

We are having a delightful classical music festival in our small town right now. Having never been one to fawn over movie stars or other popular personalities, it came as quite a surprise to me that I wanted to meet the women of the Eroica Trio. Actually, when I was approached to place an ad in the program for the CICA Music Festival, it crossed my mind that they might come to Eureka Thyme if they saw it! After experiencing them in person at a performance, I thought about hanging around and trying to meet them. But not having anything in particular I wanted to say or ask, it seemed foolish to become a "groupie" at this stage of my life. While at their performance, my left elbow started to throb. Throughout today, whenever I've talked about them, the same throbbing occurs. A quick affirmative prayer of Truth has quickly dispelled that illusion. As our review says:  "We practice but an ancient truth we knew before illusion seemed to claim the world. And we remind the world that it is free of all illusions every time we say: God is but Love, and therefore so am I." I look forward to their visit to the gallery tomorrow, and chatting with the cellist who used to have a painful elbow.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The healing power of Truth must have been far anterior to the period in which Jesus lived. It is as ancient as ‘the Ancient of days.' It lives through all Life, and extends throughout all space.”

Science & Health Page 146:25-27

June 22, 2012 - Tornado clean-up led by Love

A Course in Miracles Lesson #173

Central Theme:

“God is but love and therefore so am I.”

Review of:

(155) I will step back and let Him lead the way.

God is but love and therefore so am I

(156) I walk with God in perfect holiness.

God is but love and therefore so am I

"Harmony in the Springs"
photo courtesy of AETN

These words are from the review which began with ACIM lesson #170: "The self alone knows love. The self alone is perfectly consistent in Its thought; knows Its Creator, understands Itself, is perfect in Its knowledge and Its love, and never changes from Its constant state of union with Its Father and Itself."

I met a young man who spent a week in Joplin, Missouri helping in the aftermath of a devastating tornado. He and some college buddies went there and just walked around finding people who needed help. They cleaned up houses for people who had been working for weeks without seeming to get anywhere. They, with their loving hearts and strong bodies, quickly accomplished what needed to be done. No government aid, no paperwork, no permission from insurance companies: just Love. I am humbled at his demonstration of these thoughts from today's review:

"God is but love and therefore so am I.

I will step back and let Him lead the way.

I walk with God in perfect holiness".

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“I am Spirit. Man, whose senses are spiritual, is my likeness. He reflects the infinite understanding, for I am Infinity. The beauty of holiness, the perfection of being, imperishable glory,--all are Mine, for I am God. I give immortality to man, for I am Truth. I include and impart all bliss, for I am Love. I give life, without beginning and without end, for I am Life. I am supreme and give all, for I am Mind. I am the substance of all, because I AM THAT I AM.”

Science & Health Page 252:32-8

June 21, 2012 - Led by Principle

"Montana Trail"
photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Lesson #172

Central Theme:

“God is but love and therefore so am I”

 Review of:

(153) “In my defenselessness my safety lies.”

(154) “I am among the ministers of God.”

Our central theme and two lesson reviews have been very helpful today while conversing with a friend who persistently referred to a situation as someone stabbing her in the heart and twisting a knife in her back. From past conversations, I knew she did not want me to verbalize what I was thinking in the face of her emotional distress. And so I didn't. But our central theme for this review, "God is love and so is everyone",  was what I held to throughout the conversation. And every time she comes to mind, I remember this profound truth. This is the essence of Christian Science prayer. This is also called "knowing the Truth" about a situation. This truth we are knowing is what we're learning more about every day. And that is also what keeps this study exciting and fresh: we will never know it all!! I love that this is an unfoldment of understanding and realization. There is no end goal. There is nothing I'd rather do than explore the metaphysics of the divine! It is applicable to every situation and there are no set rules to follow. The Principle of All that Is, that's our only governing parameter. What an adventure we have when living each moment as Love!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Teach your student that he must know himself before he can know others and minister to human needs. Honesty is spiritual power.”

Science & Health Page 453:14-15

June 20, 2012 -I Am nothing other than Love

A Course in Miracles Lesson #171

Central Theme: "God is but love and therefore so am I."

Review of: (151) All things are echoes of the Voice for God.

(152) The power of decision is my own.

"Tibetan Monks Chanting in
Christian Science Edifice
in Eureka Springs, Arkansas"

I'm really excited about this review! "God is [nothing] but love and therefore so am I." What could be better than to think about an all-encompassing, all-permeating Love for ten days! Heck, if we do it for ten days, why not forever? This is the start of something big, and I hope you are as pleased as I am to be doing this. That's our overall thought to hold to constantly, then each day we'll have a review of two days' lessons. It's always been such a comfort to know that whatever "things" are going on in my life, there will be perfect correlations and answers to my questions found in the weekly Christian Science Lesson. The same is true of these wonderful Course in Miracles daily lessons, too. Actually, it has crossed my mind to do next year's correlations by pulling together these two weekly/daily lessons. But that's a topic for another day. Today let's concentrate on the Love which is God and all the ways in which we reflect that. Specifically, knowing that all things are the echoes of the Voice for God is a wonderfully comforting knowledge to relax into. It helps me to see God everywhere. In doing that, the decisions to be made are already made. Listening to these echoes leads us in paths of peace and right choice. There can be nothing else when surrendering my personal will, my so-called ego, to the perfection of divine Love.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Individuals are consistent who, watching and praying, can 'run, and not be weary; . . . walk, and not faint,' who gain good rapidly and hold their position, or attain slowly and yield not to discouragement. Imperfect mortals grasp the ultimate of spiritual perfection slowly; but to begin aright and to continue the strife of demonstrating the great problem of being, is doing much.”

Science & Health Page 254:1-15

June 19, 2012 - Goodness is our Natural State

A Course in Miracles Lesson #170
“There is no cruelty in God and none in me.”

[Unknown Photographer]

We often hear of cruelty beyond comprehension. How could anyone possibly perpetrate such behavior? I would hazard to guess that if asked, the people responsible would not think they were acting in a cruel manner. They would probably say it was necessary to protect themselves or others from some threat. Somewhere along the way, we have decided that it's all right to kill and perform other heinous acts because it's a logical defense against something or the other! Once again, The Four Agreements come to mind. In this wonderful interpretation of ancient Toltec wisdom, Don Miguel Ruiz explains four simple rules to live by which would ensure peace and happiness for everyone. The second agreement is, "Don't take anything personally". He goes so far as to say that even if someone shoots you in the head, it's not your problem, but theirs! I love this as it puts into perspective what we have misinterpreted. We seem to think retaliation is an acceptable behavior. I have one friend who thinks Jesus tells her it's all right to act in self defense. She tells me that Jesus told her she'd forgiven her sister enough, and it was all right to hate her now. Wow. I guess that's what I mean by people thinking they're doing a service to the world by killing or by other gross behavior. We can convince ourselves, with our mortal minds, that anything is good. And that illustrates the importance of letting go of all material beliefs. How are we to pick and choose what behaviors to keep and which to let loose? We are learning to listen, allowing ourselves to understand that as a reflection of God we are capable of living Truth. We are not only capable of living this pure Life that is God, but it is our natural state, expressing only the goodness which is God. The Utopia which comes with such a dream is a reality, when we allow it.


Mary Baker Eddy quote:
“And we solemnly promise to watch, and pray for that Mind to be in us which was also in Christ Jesus; to do unto others as we would have them do unto us; and to be merciful, just, and pure.”
Science & Health Page 497:24-28

June 18, 2012 - Grace

ACIM Lesson #169

“By grace I live. By grace I am released.”

"To the top of the Mountain in Mongolia"
photo by Aaron Springston

We are taught today that grace cannot be learned, although it is the goal of learning. We are told that grace is laid at the prepared table, and this preparation is what we are doing in these metaphysically divine studies. It takes an open mind to be willing to wake up from the material existence we have accepted as reality. Through the total recognition that our only will is that which is one with God's, we ready ourselves for the revelations of Truth. It is often said that we need not strive for an understanding of God. You know the words: Let go and let God!  And this is certainly true. So what makes this simple, but not easy? I think it's because of the constant cacophony from physical senses, bombarding us every moment with how things are supposed to be.  Once again, we look for ways to tune in to Truth, God, and turn off these constant bombardments. And how else but through these studies which allow a clean slate to occasionally appear?  We feel the Presence and want it more and more. Mary Baker Eddy states, “Desire is prayer". So through our desire for this rest with God, the blissful quiet which has no purpose other than communion with the One, we live by grace and are released from the seeming reality around us, into our true Being as a reflection of God.

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 Page 263:32-9

June 17, 2012 - Grace

A Course in Miracles Lesson #168

“Your grace is given me. I claim it now.”

"Heather, full of Grace"
photo by Aaron Springston

Accepting the grace that is ours involves giving it at every opportunity. Recently someone asked why it doesn't bother me to work closely with someone who seems hard to get along with -- for many reasons! I answered that I realize how miserable she must be to act in such a way. So I don't take her actions personally, nor do I claim them as a part of my existence. And what she thinks of me is absolutely none of my business!  Mary Baker Eddy’s spiritual interpretation of the Lord’s Prayer includes this correlation to "Give us this day our daily bread": "Give us Grace for today, feed the famished affections." Starving affections are a symptom of not accepting the Truth about ourselves and others as a creation of divine Mind. When someone seems agitated and angry, or defensive and irritable, the Grace which is ours is the antidote. By practicing kindness when faced with hardness of heart, meekness when all around us are aggressive, loving those who seem unlovable, and paying it forward in every action, we prepare ourselves to acknowledge the God-given Grace which is our true heritage. I simply say an inward Namaste', recognizing  that their divine essence and mine are absolutely the same. I've found that loving my neighbor as myself is cause for loving myself more -- which is a nice bonus!

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 [Jesus] 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."

[Those commandments being: Love God above all else and your neighbor as yourself.]

Science & Health Page 4:3-10

June 16, 2012 - One Life

"One in Soccer"
photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Lesson #167

“There is one life, and that I share with God.”

I was in the grocery store check-out line. The kid sacking the groceries was trying on the checker's glasses. He tells us he doesn't know how anyone can see through them and the checker tells him they're reading glasses and he'll find out some day.  He says, "I hope God comes before that happens." The checkout lady says, "That's horrible! No, that's wonderful. No ..." At this point, I mentioned that I, too, was somewhat speechless. We interpreted his comment to mean he hoped he died before he lost his 20/20 vision. But upon reflection, he could have meant other things -- perhaps "the rapture"?? The whole conversation reflected muddled, confused thought in so many ways. For one thing, the assumption is being made that getting older requires a loss of close-up sight. Erroneous assumptions abound here! But ultimately the kid was right in hoping "God comes before this happens". This appearing of God doesn't require us to die, and it doesn't require some miraculous change in the way things are, it simply requires a change in our thought about reality. In this change, all sorts of things we thought to be law are seen to be illusion. I prefer to consider what Life is, rather than what it is not. After this event at the grocery store, I came home and watered my flower garden. The beauty of a sunset, combined with earthy scents, brought Life into focus. The fireflies began to come out and the scent of mint, anise hyssop, and wet earth took over my senses. I saw not only the unreality of erroneous material thought but the unnecessity of it. To be still and experience the beauty of this life is enough. All questions are answered in the stillness of yielding to All that Is. I Am that I Am. Amen ~~~

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Question: What is Life?

Answer: Life is divine Principle, Mind, Soul, Spirit. Life is without beginning and without end. Eternity, not time, expresses the thought of

Life, and time is no part of eternity. One ceases in proportion as the other is recognized. Time is finite; eternity is forever infinite. Life is neither in nor of matter. What is termed matter is unknown to Spirit, which includes in itself all substance and is Life eternal. Matter is a human concept. Life is divine Mind. Life is not limited. Death and finiteness are unknown to Life. If Life ever had a beginning, it would also have an ending.”

Science & Health Pages 468:26-6

June 15, 2012 - Spreading Joy!

A Course in Miracles Lesson #166

“I am entrusted with the gifts of God.”

"Peaceful Joy in Mongolia"
photo by Aaron Springston

I receive a lot of good-natured chiding for having a "Pollyanna" attitude.  Sometimes I'm chastised for being happy when others are sad. The following line from today's workbook lesson speaks to this: “For God entrusts the giving of His gifts to all who have received them. He has shared His joy with you. And now you go to share it with the world.” The action of happiness is profound. It affects everything, everyone around it. We all have stories of watching situations change when we touch them with peaceful joy. This doesn't mean we laugh in the face of misery. That is not compassion. But neither is being overly sympathetic while perpetuating the illusion.  To illustrate that I feel sadness just like you do, I've wept three times today. A young man's sudden death has been deeply moving to me. I recently received word that a relative who lives far away is succumbing to the ravages of multiple sclerosis. I haven't slept much in the last few days, so perhaps that's what precipitated the third bout of tears while telling a customer about a work of art.  Whatever the case, I tell you this simply to assure you that I feel sadness, that I am moved by daily life, and I hope to never lose the ability to empathize with others. But, also, I hope to always retain the ability to see past the form of sorrow and know the Truth of the situation. With all the emotional events of the past few days, I'll refrain from maudlin recounting of "what-ifs" and blame apportioning.  But when someone tells of a wonderful remembrance, I'll be there to share the joy. To carry a calm, buoyant feeling of happiness wherever we go is to bring healing to everything, everywhere. Whether it's a peaceful internal smiling or an outward giggling eruption, I invite you to join me today in the expression of Love, "giving living waters to the thirsty", and never fearing the consequences.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Whatever inspires with wisdom, Truth, or Love--be it song, sermon, or Science--blesses the human family with crumbs of comfort from Christ's table, feeding the hungry and giving living waters to the thirsty.”

Science & Health Page 234:4-8

June 14, 2012

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #165

“Let not my mind deny the Thought of God.”

"Washington D.C. Sunset"
photo by Aaron Springston

Most of us "deny the Thought of God" without even realizing it. To understand that we are spiritual right here and now is to accept this Thought of God. When I allow every moment to be a sweet yielding, a peaceful world is mine. I love this line from today's workbook lesson: “Sureness is not required to receive what only your acceptance can bestow." How cool is that??! We don't have to be sure of anything, we don't have to know anything, all we need do is be open to the Thought of God. When we are willing to accept everything as ideas of divine Mind, this breaks through our defense that we don't know enough to put this Truth into practice in daily life. There is no requirement other than a desire to expand thought, to be willing to live Truth. When we actively set aside all supposititious material laws, another way of living opens to us. We experience divine Love as a palpable force, and it shows us a peace deeper than we ever imagined. A single glimpse of eternity is sufficient to show us that's what's been missing in this existence. Today I will demonstrate spiritual reality and glory in its every manifestation!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“God creates all forms of reality. His thoughts are spiritual realities. So-called mortal mind--being nonexistent and consequently not within the range of immortal existence--could not by simulating deific power invert the divine creation, and afterwards recreate persons or things upon its own plane, since nothing exists beyond the range of all-inclusive infinity, in which and of which God is the sole creator. Mind, joyous in strength, dwells in the realm of Mind. Mind's infinite ideas run and disport themselves. In humility they climb the heights of holiness.”

Science & Health Page 513:26

June 13, 2012 - Now, we are One

A Course in Miracles Lesson #164

“Now are we one with Him Who is our Source."

"Aaron and Heather in Montana"
unknown photographer 

Today our little town is saddened by the  passing of a young man who has been a part of this community for most of his 28 years. Every time he comes to mind, I see his mother. A few short months ago, this beautiful woman said goodbye to a daughter not much older than her son. There could be nothing worse than losing a child. When my oldest son went to boarding school at the tender age of 14, I missed him so much I felt as though I'd never smile again. I couldn't imagine feeling joy. At some point, I realized I was feeling the same way I would if he had died. So I examined that. Mary Baker Eddy reminds us that if we think someone is dead because of a mistaken communication, we react in the same way as we would if they were truly gone from our lives. And so I looked at why I was so sad. I would miss talking to him, laughing with him, watching him play soccer. Everything I came up with ultimately was a self-serving feeling on my part. It had nothing to do with him! When someone dies at a young age, we hear people say they feel bad because this person isn't going to get to do the things they "should have". Who are we to judge? None of us know what happens when we leave this plane of existence. We have made up all sorts of interesting and down-right odd things about this change, but none of us really knows. But as we study and practice today's thought of "Now are we one with Him who is our Source", we come closer to understanding what that means! NOW are we one; not sometime in the future, but now. And it doesn't matter if that is in this lifetime or sometime before or after what we're doing now. We are learning to let go of before, after, and even now, because they're all human measures we've made up for various reasons. They have nothing to do with the Is-ness which we are. And that Is-ness doesn't recognize yesterday or tomorrow, life or death, because all is an emanation of Mind, and Life is eternal, without time or space, or illusion of form. So as difficult as it may be for everyone to feel joy at this point, I have decided to do it for them. When they come to mind, I will acknowledge them as emanations of Love, a fire which can never be put out. I recall that the woman who loved Kahlil Gibran sat smiling peacefully at his funeral. When asked how she could do that, she replied that she felt closer to him than she ever had before. ("The Beloved Prophet") Let's all feel this inseparable nearness as we acknowledge our Unity.

“As mortals gain more correct views of God and man, multitudinous objects of creation, which before were invisible, will become visible. When we realize that Life is Spirit, never in nor of matter, this understanding will expand into self-completeness, finding all in God, good, and needing no other consciousness.”

Science & Health Page 264:13-19

June 12, 2012 - Life is timeless

A Course in Miracles Lesson #163

“There is no death. The Son of God is free.”

"Heather at Lake - Sunset
photograph by Aaron Springston

There are many meanings, both literal and metaphorical, which come to mind when thinking of the word "death". The first thought which came to me upon reading today's topic was the death we experience when we are born into this existence. Suddenly our spiritual sense is deadened by the deluge of materialistic stimuli which constantly bombards us. In this forgetting of the Truth of our Being, life becomes very uncertain. We vacillate between multitudes of inharmonious circumstances, until we recognize our relation to divine Mind. Then we begin to see glimpses of eternity. We start to realize the unreality of time and space. I think we've always known this. Perhaps it's part of the dissatisfaction so often felt when "feeling out of sight for the ends of being and ideal grace." (Browning)  We know there's something more than this, and we keep grasping at what it might be. This takes us many places in our search for freedom from the belief that we have no choice in this existence. We have the choice of waking up! Today's lesson gives many examples of how we allow death to be stronger than life. To wake up from this dream of erroneous thought, let's switch on the light of Truth. Then we are able to see that we have it backwards. There is no need to fear this life which can only end in death. Instead we'll allow ourselves to see through the veil we have hung to hide the truth of our being. With this sight will come the understanding of Life as timeless.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The chief stones in the temple of Christian Science are to be found in the following postulates: that Life is God, good, and not evil; that Soul is sinless, not to be found in the body; that Spirit is not, and cannot be, materialized; that Life is not subject to death; that the spiritual real man has no birth, no material life, and no death.”

Science & Health Page 288:20-25

June 11, 2012 - I am not material, I am spiritual

A Course in Miracles Lesson #162

Students, Teachers, Guides - Mongolia 2009

“I am as God created me."

When we hear the above statement, "I am as God created me", we may think that this "me" is our body, which is subject to material circumstance. The same goes when we hear that we are created in the image and likeness of God. How could terrible things be perpetrated by the image and likeness of God? It must be that this body is not what is created by divine Mind, God. Does that make this body worthless, perhaps even abhorrent? Of course not!! By accepting our Being as an idea of divine Mind, we are freed to see the body as a compound idea, an aggregate creation, but not the image and likeness of God, which is spiritual. I remember how upset my oldest son was when he first heard the scientific statement of being, which is the Mary Baker Eddy quote below. It says that there is no life, truth, intelligence, nor substance in matter. He was angry because he thought it was saying he wasn't smart, and he knew he was. "No intelligence in matter" means that you express all of the intelligence of divine Mind, and none of that Mind is found to originate or even exist in the material shell we call a body. The love we feel and express, the intelligence we utilize in a multitude of ways, these are not originated in a brain or a heart. But they are translated into expression through this human body. So the way I see it, human experience should be celebrated and utilized to its fullest! And that fullness comes from the acknowledgement of the Source of all goodness. "Therefore man is not material; he is spiritual."

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Question: What is the scientific statement of being?

Answer: 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 468:8-16

June 10, 2012 - Transforming Anger

A Course in Miracles  Lesson #161

“Give me your blessing, holy Son of God.”

Aaron and Heather in Glacier National Park
(Unknown Photographer)

The first line of today's lesson is thus: “Today we practice differently, and take a stand against our anger, that our fears may disappear and leave room for love." Just when I think anger will never flare within me again, it does! My first reaction is always self-righteous: I'm right; you're not. And examining the seeming motive for my anger usually brings about more self-righteous thought. So I've found the only escape is by replacing the anger with the Love which is our only true nature as the image and likeness of God. If self-justifying thoughts persist, they are replaced again with the Truth of our being. This process may take a while because mortal mind insists that it is justified in this action. But when we know it is not, the process becomes more natural to us. And if anger is not replaced, it can mutate into many forms, all erroneous. Recently a dear, sad woman known to many in our little town committed suicide. A few weeks later, so did her husband. What sadness, fear, anger and other turmoil must have been present in these dear people's minds. We seem to become stuck in feelings, thinking there is no way out. Mrs. Eddy posits that we will be surprised when we die and find out we're not dead. Salvation must be worked out here or hereafter. I remember this in times of sadness or turmoil. There is no escape other than through an understanding that we are a reflection of God, good, and that everything else is unreal. By bringing thought back to this truth time and again, we begin to see the veracity of it and the falsity of any other way of seeing this experience. Our inner peace cannot be taken away, even if joy seems to have disappeared!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"’Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.’ It should be thoroughly understood that all men have one Mind, one God and Father, one Life, Truth, and Love. Mankind will become perfect in proportion as this fact becomes apparent, war will cease and the true brotherhood of man will be established. Having no other gods, turning to no other but the one perfect Mind to guide him, man is the likeness of God, pure and eternal, having that Mind which was also in Christ." Science & Health Page 467:16-22

June 9, 2012 - At Home in Love. No Fear Here!

"Quan Yin"
painting by Sherry Young

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #160

“I am at home. Fear is the stranger here.”

I love this acronym for fear: False Evidence Appearing Real. Through our studies, we learn to recognize what this false evidence is, and what it isn't! Yesterday I related a story of a man telling me about his health issues. What I didn't tell you was that at one point he took a step back and said in a surprised voice, "You're a Christian Scientist!" After admitting that he was indeed correct, we spoke for a short time and he hastily left. Well, today he returned. He somehow seemed softer around the edges. He put his hand on my shoulder and said, "I've been thinking about what you said and you might be onto something there." The fear which he had expressed the day before seemed secondary now. He was somehow more alive, perhaps more "at home". Awakening to Truth brings light in unexpected ways. Not so long ago, I was overcome with a variety of fears centered around so-called lack -- lack of time, lack of cool air, lack of ability, lack of patience -- but the realization of the abundance of Love brought things back into focus. I hadn't known quite how flustered I was until our featured artist said to me, "Hold onto Quan Yin", and thrust her painting into my arms. Walking around for a few moments holding this peaceful image broke the spell of erroneous thought. Whether it's called Quan Yin, Buddha, The Christ, God, Holy Spirit -- the words don't matter. The realization that we contain the essence of all we need is enough in which to rest. And soon everything I was distraught about was completed easily, and I even remembered my innate love for the people walking through the doors of the gallery. I was at home in divine Love.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The Apostle John says: "There is no fear in Love, but perfect Love casteth out fear. . . . He that feareth is not made perfect in Love." Here is a definite and inspired proclamation of Christian Science.”

Science & Health Page 410:17-21

June 8, 2012 - Setting aside so-called laws

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #159

“I give the miracles I have received.”

"Forbidden City Acrobats - China"
photo by Aaron Springston

Today I had an interaction with someone who tells me he has cancer. I nearly wrote this as "tells me he has the claim of cancer", because that's the vernacular used in Christian Science to denote the unreality of erroneous thought. But that sounds awfully pompous, don't you think? Semantics notwithstanding, the principle is sound. We are not trying to change a physical condition, but rather to change thought about the basis of Being and what that means. This dear man told me that he felt there were certain laws of living which could not be usurped. Most of us have seen numerous examples of how this is not so. We have witnessed what appears to be a law set aside, and society generally thinks of this as supernatural intervention. In Christian Science, we call these events the demonstration of Truth. Today's ACIM workbook lesson asks us to give what we have received. This sharing of the understanding of our relationship with God is given through our living of it. When we let ourselves slip into that space which releases all mortal thought, we allow that "Mind to be us, which was also Christ Jesus". Through this simple -- yet not always easy --process, we give all we have accepted, and this is referred to as healing. I look forward to a day of flowing miracles!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Though demonstrating his control over sin and disease, the great Teacher [Jesus] by no means relieved others from giving the requisite proofs of their own piety. He worked for their guidance, that they might demonstrate this power as he did and understand its divine Principle. Implicit faith in the Teacher and all the emotional love we can bestow on him, will never alone make us imitators of him. We must go and do likewise, else we are not improving the great blessings which our Master worked and suffered to bestow upon us. The divinity of the Christ was made manifest in the humanity of Jesus."

Science & Health Page 25:22-33

June 7, 2012 - I give as I receive

"Photographer at Rest"
photo by Heather Magnan

A Course in Miracles Lesson #158

“Today I learn to give as I receive.”

The first paragraph of this workbook lesson states: “What has been given you? The knowledge that you are a mind, in Mind and purely mind, sinless forever, wholly unafraid, because you were created out of Love. Nor have you left your Source, remaining as you were created. This was given you as knowledge which you cannot lose. It was given as well to every living thing: for by that knowledge only does it live.” I've said it before and I'll probably say it again: It would be much easier to demonstrate this way of living if I could be sequestered on an unreachable island! Intellectually, I grasp today's lesson and know that what I'm giving by receiving is the knowledge that we are creations of the same Mind, that we are pure ideas of All that Is, that when I see this in others, it becomes what I see in me. Now, I know this to be true. So why is it that when I feel bothered by someone or something, I look for ways to apportion blame and/or find ways to fix it, rather than going straight to the source of my Being and recognizing this Love to be the only fact, both in me and in whatever-it-is-I-think-is-bothering-me? If I find someone to be irritating, perhaps it's because I am. Maybe the neighbor who seems dull and mean-spirited is my reflection pointing to something within my mortal self. What if the micro-managing busybody down the street is me? And with that said, do I really want to pull apart every emotional response, lay it out on the table with the purpose of dissecting it until it disappears? No! I choose to recognize creation in Its perfection. I know this is true for the same reason you do. We all have this knowledge at the core of our Being. We've forgotten this, but we're remembering! This Truth is not just something to be repeated, but rather I will send it out as love reflected in Love. In that emanation there is no place for mortal blame and guilt. Voila! Pure peace is mine -- and yours!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Mind [God] creates [Its] own likeness in ideas, and the substance of an idea is very far from being the supposed substance of non-intelligent matter. Hence the Father Mind is not the father of matter. The material senses and human conceptions would translate spiritual ideas into material beliefs, and would say that an anthropomorphic God, instead of infinite Principle,--in other words, divine Love,--is the father of the rain, ‘who hath begotten the drops of dew,’ who bringeth ‘forth Mazzaroth in his season,’ and guideth ‘Arcturus with his sons.’” 

Science & Health Page 257: 12-21

June 6, 2012 - A shift makes all the difference!

A Course in Miracles Lesson #157

“Into His Presence would I enter now.”

Photo by Aaron Springston

Let us remember that we already are and always will be "in his Presence". The space "I enter now" is a shift in perception, a change of thought. This shift allows us to realize that we always were and always will be the image, the reflection, of God. Anything which separates us in thought from this Love, from this gentle presence, is unreal and will dissolve with our realization of the Truth. In a popular advice-to-the-artist newsletter by Robert Genn, he speaks to what the Course refers to as "ego": "These days, some high-priced shrinks are talking about "Your Inferior Shadow." This creepy critter is a dark presence--always with you--and he wants you to be fearful, incompetent, lousy, victimized, procrastinatory and self-loathing. Some of us have almost untamable Shadows while others have small ineffective ones." This false sense of self jumps out at us in ways which seem logical to mortal mind. When we enter into his Presence in thought, this shadow disappears as we step into that light. Our living in Truth erases any shadow of erroneous thought which seemed so real. I Am that I Am. If good news were reported in the media, it would be proclaiming all the instances of this yielding to Truth. I see it everywhere! I trust you do, too. That's what it's all about, huh? What I give, I receive. What I receive, I give. We are being "renewed by the transforming of our mind". We're transforming our mind into Mind, and entering into the kingdom of heaven. How lovely to know we have that choice!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“One moment of divine consciousness, or the spiritual understanding of Life and Love, is a foretaste of eternity. Time is a mortal thought, the divisor of which is the solar year. Eternity is God's measurement of Soul-filled years.”

Science & Health Page 598:23-28

June 5, 2012 - "Baraka"

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #156

“I walk with God in perfect holiness.”

"Hike Over Alta"
photo by Aaron Springston

Allowing ourselves to be led is such a fun and exciting thing to do! One of the latest adventures in non-planning I've had has been in choosing a DVD at the library. Rather than read reviews, or ask friends, or even read the titles, I stand in front of the shelf and allow movies to call to me. The most recent DVD which jumped off the shelf is entitled, "Baraka". Oh my goodness! When I started watching this, I hadn't even read the cover. I only knew there was a photo of an eclipsed sun with its title. So it was very confusing when this film started and quickly skipped from what appeared to be Mongolian mountains to monks and priests deep in ritual, then moved to a beautiful baboon, with the most wonderfully expressive eyes, sitting in a hot, steaming pool of water. Adding to both my confusion and an attempt to attach no meaning to what I was seeing, there were no words to go with the mind-boggling glimpses into the lives of multitudes of people around the globe. At first I thought this film was not for the faint of heart, but by the end I had decided that all six billion of us would benefit by its viewing. This is the type of movie that will hit you where you need it! Towards the last of this smorgasbord, I had started to hum. I was om-ing in harmony with it, feeling oneness in a way I've not before experienced. I truly felt I was "walking with God in perfect holiness", along with everyone and everything. Another line from today's lesson reads, "As you step back, the light in you steps forward and encompasses the world." As I go through this day, my personal opinions will step back out of the way, allowing a perfect self to shine for the world. Bits and pieces of this beautiful movie will weave in and out of my daily doings, bringing deep reflection and a smile.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“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 Page 264:10-12

June 4, 2012 - What am I following?

A Course in Miracles Lesson #155

“I will step back and let Him lead the way.”

"Gobbler's Knob"
photo by Aaron Springston

As witnessed by the popularity of Harry Potter and other fictional characters, we love to explore the magical and mystical! Most everyone, including myself, has been enchanted by stories involving extraordinary powers.  Could it be we feel very close to demonstrating many of these things for ourselves? Aren't we all realizing abilities which could be interpreted as otherworldly? Mrs. Eddy referred to this as supremely natural, not supernatural. As we begin to understand our nature as reflections of God, we also start to see how material principles have limited us. These long-accepted principles are taking on a transparency in the light of Truth. Our burgeoning understanding of the one Principle is setting us free from the bonds of mortal laws. Through our acceptance of a basis which is all-inclusive, it becomes unnecessary to analyze each and every thing we encounter. There is no need for counting calories, or weighing our options in making decisions, nor worrying over the actions of others. Acceptance of ourselves as God's image and likeness allows an expansiveness to develop which includes an innate knowing of what to do in any given situation. When I "step back" from my planning and worry, I can witness the guidance which is always governing me. Everyday I hear people marveling at the serendipitous occurrences in their lives. We are all experiencing this shift in perception of reality. Today I accept my spiritual sense of Being as a natural, normal expression of consciousness. I embrace it with joyous acknowledgement of its divine origin, translated through me.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Spiritual sense, contradicting the material senses, involves intuition, hope, faith, understanding, fruition, reality. Material sense expresses the belief that mind is in matter. This human belief, alternating between a sense of pleasure and pain, hope and fear, life and death, never reaches beyond the boundary of the mortal or the unreal. When the real is attained, which is announced by Science, joy is no longer a trembler, nor is hope a cheat. Spiritual ideas, like numbers and notes, start from Principle, and admit no materialistic beliefs. Spiritual ideas lead up to their divine origin, God, and to the spiritual sense of being.” 

Science & Health Page 298:13-24

June 3, 2012 - I'm Listening

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #154

“I am among the ministers of God.”

"I'm Listening - At Crystal Bridges Museum"
photo by Aaron Springston 

A few days ago I wrote about women asking me if I suffered the same age-related symptoms they did and the fact that I didn't feel I could be quiet any longer, but must speak from the heart to them. The workbook lesson today reinforces my feeling that Truth is to be both lived and given to others. Now, whether this giving is through spoken words or silent emanations is yet another topic, one which I feel is addressed today. And interestingly, a man I'd never met before came into the gallery and began telling me about his prostate problems and the fact that he had found no relief except through smoking marijuana. As much as I hoped this was a time I would hear the calling to keep my mouth shut, it was not to be. And so we had a rather lengthy discussion, with him telling me things I didn't want to hear and me occasionally interjecting Truth as I heard it given to me. Whew! Often it would be easier to turn our back on what we are led to do, to follow a well-worn path or retreat into oblivion, but it is so much more interesting and fulfilling to listen and be led in paths not only untrod but unknown! Some of my friends don't understand that my gallery is a haven in any number of ways, but another friend tells me it's my "ministry". And so it is.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Millions of unprejudiced minds--simple seekers for Truth, weary wanderers, athirst in the desert--are waiting and watching for rest and drink. Give them a cup of cold water in Christ's name, and never fear the consequences.”

Science & Health Page 570:14-17