August 1, 2012 - Why am I Really Upset?

A Course in Miracles Lesson #213 (review)

Central Theme:

“I am not a body. I am free.

For I am still as God created me.”

Specific Review: (#193) “All things are lessons God would have me learn.”

"Salt Lake City, Utah Sunrise"
photo by Aaron Springston

I'm learning to love the things which I find disturbing, distressing, or even mildly unsettling. When I'm hit in the face with strong or mild negative emotions, I can be pretty sure that it's because of something which I've done, or am doing, some form of thought which correlates to the sense I find so distracting! And so when I become upset over something, I make time to examine it as quickly as possible, before I forget the feeling of this distress. Why do I want to do it quickly? Because I've found that mortal mind, or the ego, will quickly convince me that I am right for feeling this way, and that there is no reason to examine what I'm thinking in my own thought, or doing in my own life, which causes me to feel angry or sad or disturbed -- or whatever way it may be manifested. The Course in Miracles tells us in Lesson #193, "I will forgive, and this will disappear." This is what I'm doing when I say I make time to examine the situation and my reaction to it. I'm not going to analyze and take notes, or make lists of pros and cons, but I am going to seriously look at what is behind my emotional response to the event. Now, when tears come to my eyes because I hear that a fellow gallery owner is near to passing after a long illness, I don't need to sit down and tell myself that there is no death and delineate the reasons this is so. I'm simply feeling sad for her sweet family and friends who will miss her so. And in that feeling of Love which swells my heart and overflows from my eyes, I see them all in their true existence as reflections of All That Is, God. Yes, we are learning, expanding consciousness, accepting Reality. For this, I am most grateful.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Sorrow has its reward. It never leaves us where it found us. The furnace separates the gold from the dross that the precious metal may be graven with the image of God. The cup our Father hath given, shall we not drink it and learn the lessons He teaches?”

 Science & Health Page 66:30-3

July 31, 2012 - What is My Function?

"Aaron in Italy - 2006"
photo by Mike Cheathum

A Course in Miracles Lesson #212 (review)

Central Theme:

“I am not a body. I am free.

For I am still as God created me.”

Specific Review: (#192) “I have a function God would have me fill.”

Throughout our early years we are often asked the question, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" We are encouraged to choose a profession as our function in life. Many of us were never comfortable with that, and didn't manage to do so! For instance, I graduated from high school a year early because I wanted to get out into the world. I went to college because that's what everyone was supposed to do. I majored in music because everyone expected me to. After I year of that, I knew I couldn't stand being a band director in a small town, so I decided to be practical. I spent some time in the college of business, then spent a couple of years taking literature courses, finally ending up in education before I quit entirely. There was absolutely nothing I could imagine doing all my life! But the all-around general education I had acquired perfectly equipped me to be a free-lance court reporter, which I did for thirty years. I suppose it's rather difficult to decide as a teenager that you want to be an art gallery owner and a metaphysical maven :) What if, rather than choosing what we "want to be", we are instead taught to love ourselves and the world around us, with no preconceived notion of what we plan to do with our lives? What if, by living and expressing Love, we find ourselves drawn to our true purpose, the "function God would have us fill"? Just imagine how happy everyone would be! When the expression of Love is our purpose, our function becomes obvious. And it's never too late to see it!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Spirit, God, gathers unformed thoughts into their proper channels, and unfolds these thoughts, even as He opens the petals of a holy purpose in order that the purpose may appear.”

Science & Health Page 506:18-21

July 30, 2012 - Humility in Knowing True Identiy

"Soccer game, Real Salt Lake"
photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #211 (review)

Central Theme:

“I am not a body. I am free.

For I am still as God created me.”

Specific review: (#191) “I am the holy Son of God Himself.”

Humility is the word which jumps out at me from the lesson we are reviewing today. Combine that with the central theme for this review and we see that it is the ultimate humility to accept our true identify as a reflection of God. It seems that all the disagreements between people stem from not realizing this Truth of our Being. By placing our idea of self in a certain nationality, or gender, or religion, is to set up an us-against-them mentality with which we've been shooting ourselves in the foot for far too long. It seems so simple to think we can accept the reality of our being, created as the perfect idea of divine Mind. This realization is the ultimate humility. Some think that to be humble is to be self-effacing and have an I'm-not-worthy attitude. But this does a huge disservice to God, as it assumes that this one Mind has made a mistake. Yet there are no mistaken identifies in the creation of Spirit. We all have a song to sing, and they all are part of the grand symphony of Life. To rejoice in being One with everyone, to live from Love rather than fear and its imaginings, is to humbly accept the goodness inherent in All. I will turn away from the illusion of material problems as I wholeheartedly accept my function as a reflection of God, and see that image mirrored in everyone I meet.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Praying for humility with whatever fervency of expression does not always mean a desire for it. If we turn away from the poor, we are not ready to receive the reward of Him who blesses the poor. We confess to having a very wicked heart and ask that it may be laid bare before us, but do we not already know more of this heart than we are willing to have our neighbor see?"

Science & Health Page 8:20-27

July 29, 2012 - Choose Joy

"Book Club Joy" 

A Course in Miracles Lesson #210 (review)

Central Theme:

“I am not a body. I am free.

For I am still as God created me.”

 Specific review: (#190) “I choose the joy of God instead of pain.”

Gathering with friends is always delicious! One of these feasts which I attend is a book club of women who are connected through our experiences with our children and our school.  The small independent school we were involved with fostered a kinship, a shared vision for education, an experience to be satisfied within. The school’s logo is, The Clear Spring School, Where Learning Is a Joy! Our once-a-month we meet and conversations flow through updates on our amazing offspring, relating of the excitement and chaos of trips, the joys in daily life,  and we even discuss the book! Actually, the books we read lead us in a direction for our discussions, but these books are simply tools to keep us connected, to engage us in a joyous celebration of who we are. I realize now that a common denominator amongst us is that we've always chosen joy over all the rest. There is, of course, pain in our lives, but we continually choose to live  in joy rather than sorrow. When the remembrances of hardships come to us, we acknowledge them and turn them away, in favor of the joy. When I’m with these beautiful people, I remember a Rumi quote: "Be with those who help your being'!

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 265:23-30

July 28, 2012 - Love is the Liberator

"God is Love - Woman in Mexico"
photo by Jim Young 

Course in Miracles Lesson #209 (review)

Central Theme:

“I am not a body. I am free.

For I am still as God created me.”

Specific review: (#189) “I feel the Love of God within me now.”

To feel Love from a source outside ourselves is impossible. To express a material sense of love is an illusion. But to be the Love which is God, that is Truth. God is Love, and we are Its manifestation. Hence, we are Love. The recognition that we are Love is liberation in and of itself. In a poem by Mrs. Eddy she says, "Love looseth me and lifteth me a'yont hate's thrall". Can you tell she was a fan of Shakespeare? Old-fashioned language aside, she's saying that Love sets us free, lifting us above and beyond any hate we may perceive.  I was talking to a man today who must have been accustomed to inducing angry reactions from people. He said a number of ugly things in a rather loud voice, fully expecting to get a rise out of me.  I found him rather amusing, like a little boy having a tantrum, and so I spoke to him as such. Very calmly I told him that we don't speak that way in Eureka Thyme, that this is a space of Love and beauty, and he really should go outside if that's the way he wanted to act. I’ve mostly given up trying to change anyone, and usually I can resist the urge to want to fix others, but I've come to see that it's my purpose to show them the way to freedom of living in the Truth of their Being. By actions and words we assist ourselves, and thereby everyone, in the realization that Love is the only reality. To live Love allows a total release from past habitual thought and the pain we've chosen. And then there is no need for blame, guilt, nor forgiveness. We are free.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The history of our country, like all history, illustrates the might of Mind, and shows human power to be proportionate to its embodiment of right thinking. A few immortal sentences, breathing the omnipotence of divine justice, have been potent to break despotic fetters and abolish the whipping-post and slave market; but oppression neither went down in blood, nor did the breath of freedom come from the cannon's mouth. Love is the liberator.”

Science and Health Page 225:14-22

July 27, 2012 - Peace is Easy -- until you walk out your door

"Hawaii - 2003"
photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #208 (review)

“I am not a body. I am free.

For I am still as God created me.”

Specific review: (#188) “The peace of God is shining in me now."

Having spent two days in stillness, happily communing with mySelf, it seemed impossible to feel anything other than peace. Then I went outside the sanctuary of my home. Apparently all my senses were intensified, as the strong odors from everything and everyone were overwhelming. Then I was surprised by the jarring words of others. Every idle observation I heard was negative and filled with discomfort, anger, or ennui. Were these observations my perception of them? Of course. Were they misperceived or were they interpreted as how they were meant to be communicated? Who knows!! And I saw that it didn't matter. To simply be present, enjoying the heightened sense of events through the "peace of God [which] is shining in me now", was enough.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Undisturbed amid the jarring testimony of the material senses, Science, still enthroned, is unfolding to mortals the immutable, harmonious, divine Principle,—is unfolding Life and the universe, ever present and eternal.”

Science & Health Page 306:25-28

July 26, 2012 - Blessings for the World

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #207 (review)

“I am not a body. I am free.

For I am still as God created me.”

Specific review: (#187) “I bless the world because I bless myself.”

"Morning Meditation in Mongolia"
photo by Aaron Springston

Isn't it wonderful how we're realizing what blesses one blesses all? We're starting to realize that it's not selfish to open our hearts to the knowledge of God as Love. To accept our goodness as a sinless image and likeness of God is freedom like none other we have felt. This Love lives within us. We're seeing this as we clear away the clutter which has hidden its presence. Blessing myself with the beauty of this acknowledgement is blessing all. While I realize that no words are necessary to convey this message to others, very often I can't be silent. I have learned that when people are telling me their problems, most of the time they are not interested in hearing what I think about it. They just want to talk. But recently I was in the grocery store and a man I've known for a few years began telling me about his cat which had contracted something called bobcat fever and died. He told a rather long story about how he didn't feel it would be responsible for him to get another cat, as he felt he would be dooming it to the same fate because this disease is supposedly rampant in the woods where he lives. During the whole conversation, I sent him love, and when he was through I hugged him and,  with a deep look into his eyes, started to walk away. But he shouted after me, Isn't that right? So I turned back and said, No, it is not. So in the produce section we had quite a talk about what is true materially and what is True in spiritual reality. While I don't plan to carry around a soapbox to jump up on and preach to people, I will not be afraid to correct erroneous thought when asked point blank. Now is the time for us all to realize our goodness and purity. By this knowledge, it spreads out to everyone, because we are all One.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Shall we ask the divine Principle of all goodness to do His own work? His work is done, and we have only to avail ourselves of God's rule in order to receive His blessing, which enables us to work out our own salvation.”

Science & Health Page 3:6-10

July 25, 2012 - What is your function?

A Course in Miracles Lesson #206 (review)

Central theme:

“I am not a body. I am free.

For I am still as God created me.”

Specific review: #(186) “Salvation of the world depends on me.”

"Germany 2006"
photo by Aarro Springton

So often I hear it said that humanity is too far gone for salvation. Looking at the material state of the world, this could seem true. I don't need to reiterate the travesties we hear about every day. You know them as well as I. This is why it's imperative for us to accept our function. And this doesn't mean that what we're doing now isn't important. On the contrary! Everything we do is of utmost importance. It's our function to open our hearts to accept what we should be doing every moment of our life. Part of today's lesson tells us that we have the gifts of God and we must give them where they are intended to be given. This is why it's essential that we allow ourselves to receive. We cannot give what we do not have. This giving takes many forms, and I'm sure you can identify many yourself. Recently I watched a documentary on a group of people whose average age is 80. These delightful people sing in live performances all over the world. Their songs are surprising and joyous, bringing happiness to all who hear them. This ever-changing group of joyful givers call themselves "Young @ Heart", and the film bears the same name. They inspire me to give of what I have been given, to be willing to share the salvation which is mine and yours. And so whenever I forget my true Self, the memory of these resplendent people will remind me that we're all here for each other, and that with giving we receive, and with receiving we give.

Mary Baker Eddy quotes:

"Knowing that Soul [God] and its attributes were forever manifested through man, [Jesus] healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, feet to the lame, thus bringing to light the scientific action of the divine Mind [God] on human minds and bodies and giving a better understanding of Soul [God] and salvation. Jesus healed sickness and sin by one and the same metaphysical process."

Science & Health Page 210:11-18

"Truth casts out error now as surely as it did nineteen centuries ago. All of Truth is not understood; hence its healing power is not fully demonstrated."

Science & Health Page 495:3-5

July 24, 2012 -- Oneness Blessing

"Peace in Mongolia"
photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Lesson #205 (review)

Central Theme:

“I am not a body. I am free.

For I am still as God created me.”

Specific Review: “(#185) I want the peace of God.”

There appear to be countless ways in which our peace is taken from us. We may wake up and hear some terrible news, or find that we have a flat tire on the car, or perhaps we take our peace away with the remembrance of an injustice we think has been done to us. What do these things have in common? They are all material conditions. The peace of God is a spiritual quality which cannot be affected by anything. We start out by realizing that such a higher peace exists and is a very present possibility in our existence. Then we find ways to realize peace. There are so many avenues to this end. I think the first step is to realize what peace is, and there are many effective ways of doing this. One way which I have experienced is through the receiving and giving of the Oneness Blessing. This process is very appealing to me because there is no need to delve into all the reasons we are not peaceful. When becoming a Oneness Blessing Giver, you first go through an intense day of releasing the past. We started with rectifying our relationships with our parents. And this is not done by counting all the ways we feel we have been wronged, or that we have wronged them. It is a release, then a replacement of the space left with peace, through the realization of divine Love.  When you are given this Oneness Blessing you can expect to feel happiness. After completing my training, I gave one to my son. He almost immediately started to laugh. I asked why: was he nervous? No, he said, he just felt happy. And this is what this transmission of divine Love is all about. Leaving us free to feel happy, to be the peace of God. This peace and joy are inherent in our Being. To receive Deeksha (which is the true name for this process, but you know how we're afraid of foreign words in the United States!), or to learn to be a Blessing Giver, there are many websites which will tell how to find these events in your part of the world. This is but one way I have found to facilitate the process of realizing I Am the peace of God. Let me know ways you've found to know this Truth!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“This material world is even now becoming the arena for conflicting forces. On one side there will be discord and dismay; on the other side there will be Science and peace. The breaking up of material beliefs may seem to be famine and pestilence, want and woe, sin, sickness, and death, which assume new phases until their nothingness appears. These disturbances will continue until the end of error, when all discord will be swallowed up in spiritual Truth.” Science & Health Page 96:12-20

July 23, 2012 - What is My Inheritance?

"Mark in Mongolia"
photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Lesson #204 (review)

Central theme:

“I am not a body. I am free.

For I am still as God created me.”

Specific review: (184) “The Name of God is my inheritance.”

When thinking of inheritance, many material notions come to mind. We may think of things supposedly given us by parents -- the way we look and act, perhaps diseases and other DNA-based things. I've proven in my life that these things are simply material illusions. Although my racial heritage is largely Mexican, I carry none of the physical characteristics associated with these wonderful people. The reason for this is based in thought. I was raised as a VERY white person. My parents were so determined that I not carry what they saw as the burden of being a Chicano in the United States, that they carried forth an elaborate plan to negate this. And it worked! I tell you this to illustrate that all material illusions are changeable. We are able to deny any mortal belief, not on the basis of our material manipulations of matter, but based on our understanding of the Truth of our Being as God’s reflection.  In the proverbial twinkling of an eye, perceptions can change and Life may be lived free of illusions, in our Oneness with God.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The eternal Truth destroys what mortals seem to have learned from error, and man's real existence as a child of God comes to light.”

Science and Health Page 288:31–1

July 22 2012 - Tolle: The Flowering of Human Consciousness

A Course in Miracles Lesson #203 (review)

Central theme:

“I am not a body. I am free.

For I am still as God created me.”

Specific review: (183) “I call upon God's Name and on my own.”

"Where We've Been"
photo by Aaron Springston

I feel fortunate to have had the experience of discovering that the name my parents gave me was not the original one given, that my birthdate was untrue, that the whole story of my birth  had been falsified, including who my parents were. Why would I find this to be a fortuitous happening? At first I didn't. I was very angry that my parents, who had taught me to be truthful in every circumstance, had perpetuated a lie concerning my birth. I found out about this around twenty years ago, and within a short time of this revelation, I came to understand that it doesn't matter about all these so-called facts. What matters is who loves you and guides you through the early years, not who actually gave birth to you and what the details of that are. Recently  a YouTube video by Eckhart Tolle has come to my attention: The Flowering of Human Consciousness. This talk starts out with him asking us to pretend we have no name. He wants us to examine how this feels and see who we are without this part of our "story" in place. This is why I feel fortunate to have found out years ago that I wasn't who I thought I was. It enabled me to begin to see who I Am. Our only parent is the source of All That Is. We have no birth date as we are eternal, without beginning or ending. Every single part of our material history is an illusion of the existence we have perpetuated. It can all be released in favor of Truth. I Am a child of God, an idea of divine Mind. I Am only Love. This doesn't mean that I will lose my individuality. On the contrary! We are set free to be more of ourSelves when we release the limitations imposed by heredity, circumstance, material beliefs concerning our capabilities. We are also freed from the pain of guilt, blame, and other derogatory emotions. When we call on God's name, we are calling on ourSelf. Our sustenance, our comfort,  are all found within.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Man's individuality is not material. This Science of being obtains not alone hereafter in what men call Paradise, but here and now; it is the great fact of being for time and eternity."

Science  & Health Page 285:2-6

July 21, 2012 - It's only words

A Course in Miracles Lesson #202 (review)

Central theme

“I am not a body. I am free.

For I am still as God created me.”

Specific review: (182) “I will be still an instant and go home.”

"Top of the Mountain in Mongolia"
photo by Aaron Springston

Many of us feel uncomfortable with traditional Biblical language which may cause us to cling to past beliefs concerning God. Personally, when I hear many of these terms I vacillate between seeing God as a Santa Claus and/or a thunder-bolt throwing Zeus -- and I wasn't even raised to see God in physical ways! But after a lifetime of education, whether collective or individual, it's easy to see God in our mind's-eye as something entirely opposite to what we're learning through this study. So I have become accustomed to changing "Him" to "It" and "His" to "My".  I urge you to use whatever terms feel right to you. I feel absolutely certain it's all right with God! But ultimately, it doesn't matter. What we are trying to do is release all beliefs, and this includes, but is not limited to, the way we perceive the words we read and hear. The spiritual sense we're developing enables us to interpret everything without the material meanings we have developed. In line with our daily review which instructs us to "be still an instant and go home", we allow ourselves to listen rather than immediately think we know what everything is all about. To go home in this way means, to me, to go in thought to the secret place which can only be known when we cease to place learned meaning on everything. The freedom we experience when releasing thought about the meaning of God also allows us to free ourselves from what we believe we are. And knowing ourSelves as the likeness of God then becomes a present reality!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Man in the likeness of God, as revealed in Science, cannot help being immortal. Though the grass seemeth to wither and the flower to fade, they reappear. Erase the figures which express number, silence the tones of music, give to the worms the body called man, and yet the producing, governing, divine Principle lives on,--in the case of man as truly as in the case of numbers and of music,--despite the so-called laws of matter, which define man as mortal. Though the inharmony resulting from material sense hides the harmony of Science, inharmony cannot destroy the divine Principle of Science. In Science, man's immortality depends upon that of God, good, and follows as a necessary consequence of the immortality of good.”

Science & Health Page 81:17-30

July 20, 2012 -Trust Realized Through Sharing

A Course in Miracles Review Lesson #201

Central Theme:

“I am not a body. I am free.

For I am still as God created me.”

Review: (181) "I trust my brothers, who are one with me."

"Joyful Gathering"
photo by Aaron Springston

These next few lessons of review will be great fun to explore! Our central theme is, "I am not a body. I am free." Linking this Truth to the individual daily reviews should open up realizations we haven't thought of before. We are ready for this! Our daily review of trusting our brothers because we are all One in spiritual reality is being practiced in daily life everywhere I look, as I'm sure it is with you, too.  Looking back a few years in my experience, the largest example of this has been our local metaphysical society. This group of people developed a wonderful, trusting rapport. We will always cherish each other, no matter how different our perceptions may have been. And there is a group of women who have met for a number of years. We call ourselves a book club, but we're so much more. We trust each other implicitly, and this feeling expands to our other relationships. Most recently, I have been involved in a joyful  group of friends who meet to discuss, with total honesty, various topics -- while sharing fabulous food and each other's company. These gatherings have the feeling of conversations on a lazy Sunday afternoon, but we are taking them to another level through total honesty and a lack of worry for what others may think of us. What a freeing activity this is!   All of these gatherings are helping us to understand that we are one family, by virtue of our Source.  By letting go of guilt, embarrassment, judgment, we are freeing ourselves to discover our Selves in all our glory, as spiritually pure creations. If you're not already, I invite you to find avenues to open up in similar ways. The more I do this, the more I find it natural to honestly interact with everyone. This remembering of who I Am is so exciting! And I'm very happy to be sharing it with all of you. Namaste'.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The rich in spirit help the poor in one grand brotherhood, all having the same Principle, or Father; and blessed is that man who seeth his brother's need and supplieth it, seeking his own in another's good. Love giveth to the least spiritual idea might, immortality, and goodness, which shine through all as the blossom shines through the bud. All the varied expressions of God reflect health, holiness, immortality-- infinite Life, Truth, and Love.

Science & Health Page 518:15-22

July 19, 2012 - Obey Only Love

"Utah Sunset"
photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Lesson #200

“There is no peace except the peace of God.”

The following  Kahlil Gibran quote is a strong statement of what it means to give up every material belief and live only the peace of God: "Yesterday we obeyed kings and bent our necks before emperors. But today we kneel only to truth, follow only beauty, and obey only love."  Truth beauty, love, are spiritual attributes. While we may perceive these things as changeable, that is only true of our material perceptions of such.  True peace, the peace that is God, is ours now for the accepting. An interesting event happened in the gallery today.  People often comment on how good it "feels" in our space, and this is because everything there is brought forth from love. I was not working today, but my wonderful employee tells me that a blade flew off of the ceiling fan. There were two customers in the room and thousands of dollars worth of pottery and sculpture and glassware which this blade flew over. It landed in an open space on the floor, stopping just short of the front window, which is also full of breakable objects. Some may say this was very lucky. Luck is one of the beliefs I've been working toward releasing. Why? Because if you believe in good luck you must believe in bad luck. This thing called luck is nothing more than a human concept, one which I want nothing to do with! This protection of everything and everyone was a demonstration of the ever-presence of divine Love. When I feel this  presence of Love emanating from the gallery, I am grateful once again for all the beauty brought forth into form by our loving, peaceful artists. We demonstrate this peace everyday as we share it with everyone -- even those who never walk into our space, because we are really, truly One.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“It is our ignorance of God, the divine Principle, which produces apparent discord, and the right understanding of Him restores harmony. Truth will at length compel us all to exchange the pleasures and pains of sense for the joys of Soul.”

Science and Health Page 390:7-11

This material is copyrighted by Marsha Havens, Eureka Springs, Arkansas. All rights reserved. All writings, other than quoted material from A Course in Miracles or Mary Baker Eddy are the personal interpretation and understanding of the author

July 18, 2012 - I Am Free!

A Course in Miracles Lesson #199

“I am not a body. I am free.”

http://acim.org/Lessons/lesson.html?lesson=199

"Light Show Aaron"
photo by Heather Magnan

Today's idea has always intrigued me. Perhaps that's because it's like a seemingly-unsolvable puzzle, one of those intricate knots with an object in the middle which you're trying to extricate. Then when you see the solution, you wonder what seemed so impossible! And if you put the puzzle away and don't look at it for a long while, you forget what you knew, until something reminds you of the answer. That's what these studies do for me: they remind me of what's been forgotten. So today I will look to divine Mind for discernment. Infinite intelligence is my heritage as a child of God. I pray to release all beliefs I have concerning reality, and allow inner knowing to show me Truth.

"The term Mind and body I understand to mean God and man; man the manifestation and embodiment of Mind is the body of Mind; is the Infinite aggregation of spiritual ideas forever held, controlled, and governed by the law of Life, harmony, and completeness, so man was never born, never had a claim, never sinned, never left heaven, but is spiritual, perfect, harmonious and eternal. This understanding is the savior to our belief of body, the law of recovery of every and any claim of error.

There is just one God and one body.

I am the image and likeness of God; no mortal mind can confine this image in a mortal body, harm or touch it in any way, Mind has set me free from every error. Divine Love fills every avenue, flows through every channel and removes every obstruction.

Man has no material body through which to express anything; his body is the body of God."

[This is an excerpt from an article entitled "Body" by Mary Baker Eddy, filed in the Congressional Library, January 19, 1886, found by Lyda Sandifer Hord]

http://www.christianscience.org/MBEBody.htm

This material is copyrighted by Marsha Havens, Eureka Springs, Arkansas. All rights reserved. All writings, other than quoted material from A Course in Miracles or Mary Baker Eddy are the personal interpretation and understanding of the author

July 17, 2012 - Peace through connectivity

Unknown Photographer

A Course in Miracles `Lesson #198

“Only my condemnation injures me.”

It seems impossible to stay away from thoughts of condemnation. To listen to the news during an election year in the United States is more than sufficient to bring up thoughts of doom. When we let go of the belief of separation, this condemnation is put into its proper perspective. If I can manage to be still and know what/who I truly am, then there is no reason for thinking in this way. Truly forgiving is recognition that there is nothing to forgive. While it may be tempting to jump up on our high horses and expound on the rightness and the wrongness of these external events, this justification is only of our own beliefs. Mortal mind, ego, tells us that we know this is real and we must do something about it. And by this I don't mean to say that things can't or shouldn't be done about what we see going on around us in this world. But listening and allowing ourselves to be led is much more productive than going off on a tangent, proposing fantastic things of our imaginations, and telling people how they should change their ways and everything will be better. The internet is known as the world-wide web, and that is quite an analogy for the Oneness which we are as spiritual beings. The instant and constant connection we all have with each other through this web of connectivity is there for the recognition of it. It's akin to flipping the switch for light in a dark room. If we don't know that's possible, we don't know to do it, and so continue to sit in the dark. But when we sit with quiet expectation that our inner knowing will supply us with all answers, we may just find ourselves walking over to that unknown element and turning on the light! Whereas, sitting in condemnation of yourself and others for not knowing what to do offers no help other than keeping everyone in the dark. Let's recognize now there is no condemnation outside of our own. As Jesus tells us, "The kingdom of heaven is within you." Today I will remember that the kingdom of hell also resides there. Which will I choose? It seems foolish to think there is a choice!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“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 and Health Page 264:15-18

This material is copyrighted by Marsha Havens, Eureka Springs, Arkansas. All rights reserved. All writings, other than quoted material from A Course in Miracles or Mary Baker Eddy are the personal interpretation and understanding of the author.

July 16, 2012 - How do you see Yourself?

"Montana Lake"
photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Lesson #197

“It can be but my gratitude I earn.”

Why is it harder to see ourselves as God than to see God as ourselves? We are always projecting our silly ways onto God, thinking that we must earn forgiveness from the One which knows nothing of this mortal idea. We are so accustomed to projecting our feelings onto others that we don't realize we're doing this with our ideas of God, too! Correcting our perception allows us to give freely. Strength is found in this way of thought. We release illusions of victimhood and weakness when we replace them with Love. I haven't felt like a reflection of God lately. and hence haven't been acting as such. Today's words in the ACIM workbook lesson speak to why these feelings occur. Basically, we are accepting as truth outside forces opposed to our own inner knowing of Truth. As a result, I may expect praise and reciprocal action to come my way. Or perhaps I pat myself on the back for being so kind and giving, but then think bad thoughts about someone for not accepting my goodness and returning it to me in a way I expect. This is but an example of mistaken identity on my part. God does not conditionally give Love to us, withdrawing it if we don't return it or share it. When we accept ourselves as part of that One, we cannot do this either. Anytime we catch ourselves giving what we think of as forgiveness and then wondering why we haven't had gratitude lavishly poured out to us for the presents we think we've given, let's step back and see what our motives truly are. What is given of ourselves in Truth cannot be given falsely. It's easy to become confused in this world of duality. It becomes necessary to regularly examine our motives behind our acts. How often I have convinced myself that I'm acting from Love, when actually I'm just trying to get my way. Even though I know it's my true nature to express Love, God, often I find that what I'm calling love is no more than self-serving manipulations. So as I sit in prayerful meditation today, I ask to discern the difference. But, also, I will know that even when I forget my function, God has not. And since there is no outside force fighting against my true being, I am free to be as I Am.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Science will correct the discord, and teach us life's sweeter harmonies.”

Science & Health Page 60:27–28

July 15, 2012 - Moral or mortal Chemicalization

"Running in Forest Park, St. Louis, MO"
photo by Heather Magnan

A Course in Miracles  Lesson #196
“It can be but myself I crucify.”

It seems to me that this juncture in our studies could be ripe for a reaction of mortal mind, or ego, which Mary Baker Eddy termed chemicalization. During a twelve-day intensive class in Christian Science, I experienced this backlash in thought. Everything I was learning seemed silly and irrelevant. My supposedly logical mind came up with all sorts of reasons why I should turn away from the teachings of divine metaphysics and go back to the so-called safety of muddled material thought. This seeming-crises may manifest itself in numerous ways, but the basic experience is one of lapsing back into thoughts and actions which you relinquish during a change from material belief to spiritual understanding. In A Course in Miracles, it could be seen as the ego attempting to remain in control, keeping you from experiencing the salvation realized by accepting  Truth. This is the point in this course where we are repeatedly told that we are on the brink of realizing salavation, revelation, heaven. Let's not be afraid if the belief systems we have put into practice throughout the years begin to talk back to us in protest of our new way of thinking!  We have the tools to stand fast in our knowledge. We have each other as reminders in support. We have inner knowing to tap into for verification on our path. We can move onward, upward, inward, fearless and secure in Love.

Mary Baker Eddy quotes:
“Here let a word be noticed which will be better understood hereafter,--chemicalization. By chemicalization I mean the process which mortal mind and body undergo in the change of belief from a material to a spiritual basis. S&H Page 168:30

“What I term chemicalization is the upheaval produced when immortal Truth is destroying erroneous mortal belief. Mental chemicalization brings sin and sickness to the surface, forcing impurities to pass away, as is the case with a fermenting fluid.”
S&H Page 401:16

“Mortal error will vanish in a moral chemicalization. This mental fermentation has begun, and will continue until all errors of belief yield to understanding. Belief is changeable, but spiritual understanding is changeless.” S&H Page 96:21

July 14, 2012 - Walking in gratitude

"Overlooking South Africa"
photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles #195

“Love is the way I walk in gratitude.”

Today is not about being grateful to God, but because of God! Our previous lessons are showing us how to trust ourselves through the knowledge that we are the reflection of divine Mind.  We are gaining confidence in learning how to get out of our own way and rely on the wisdom which is heard through spiritual sense. A saying we often hear is "but for the grace of God there go I". Doesn't this say that God loves me more than that person over there? How could this be possible? It can't, because God is Love and requires nothing of us other than our awareness. And so today as I walk with Love, my gratitude will be because God is the source of all good, and there is nothing else but this goodness. If I am tempted to feel put-upon by circumstances, I will remember that I can choose again and think about this in another way. Not long ago I was upset with one of the artists in my gallery, and was chastising her about some behavior that didn't fit my idea of what she should be doing. As I was telling her why I was unhappy with the situation, she simply asked me why I should ever be unhappy about anything because I was, after all, living my dream. I thank her for putting this in perspective for me. Yes, I am grateful for this understanding and the unfoldment which comes of it continually. I remember my son once asked me when the last time was that anyone told me I was wrong. I am grateful for those wise enough to do so! Namaste'.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"We should examine ourselves and learn what is the affection and purpose of the heart, for in this way only can we learn what we honestly are. If a friend informs us of a fault, do we listen patiently to the rebuke and credit what is said? Do we not rather give thanks that we are "not as other men"? During many years the author has been most grateful for merited rebuke.”

Science & Health Pages 8:28-3

July 13, 2012 - Open with no expectations

 A Course in Miracles Lesson #194

“I place the future in the Hands of God.”

"Adventures in Mongolia"
photograph by Aaron Springston

Being open to anything with no expectations is what "placing the future in the Hands of God" means to me. It has taken years to get to this point. I used to be a worrier, too. I remember the feeling. When I would be waiting for a loved one to come home and they would be late, the worry was so intense that I couldn't stand myself! I remember at one point I just started thinking that the worst had happened, that this truck-driving husband had died on the road and I'd never see him again. This seemed to be easier to accept than all the what-ifs involved in the waiting and wondering game. Whew, am I glad that's over! Today, if I made a list of things I could worry about, it would be far longer than it was back in the day when I would imagine insane scenarios. But it doesn't matter now, because I only want to know one thing: the nature of God and what my part is in that relationship. Everything else is incidental to this understanding. When something comes up which requires a decision, I go to God. Not in a pleading or asking-what-I-should-do type of way, but in a quiet, listening way, affirming my Oneness with God and my unity with everything and everyone. And through this prayerful acquiescence and acknowledgement, answers and solutions come to thought. Now I'll admit that sometimes I say, And what am I supposed to do with that? But waiting and trusting has become second nature, and I'm no longer fearful of the silence or of the answer. It is stated in this lesson that if we see this yielding to God for the deliverance it is, we won't be hesitant to give it our wholehearted effort in order to make it a part of us. Eventually it will become the thought that rules our mind, a habit in our problem solving, a quick reaction to temptation. In other words, this trust will permeate our every thought and action, allowing us to see the world as a friend rather than the opposite. What a beautiful Life!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The ancient prophets gained their foresight from a spiritual, incorporeal standpoint, not by foreshadowing evil and mistaking fact for fiction,--predicting the future from a groundwork of corporeality and human belief. When sufficiently advanced in Science to be in harmony with the truth of being, men become seers and prophets involuntarily, controlled not by demons, spirits, or demigods, but by the one Spirit. It is the prerogative of the ever-present, divine Mind, and of thought which is in rapport with this Mind, to know the past, the present, and the future.”

Science & Health Page 84:3-13

July 12, 2012 - Disappearing swords

"Transportation in the Gobi"
photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Lesson #193

“All things are lessons God would have me learn.”

Does God really want me to learn anything? Of course not, because Deity  knows nothing of learning, any more than It knows of pain or sorrow or death. What I am learning today is this: "Forgive, and you will see this differently." Today's lesson reinforces yesterday's plan to cast away the sword hanging over our heads. In other words, any grudges we are holding are keeping us a prisoner to them. "I will forgive, and this will disappear" is my favorite sentence in lesson #193. We often hear people say they can forgive but they can't or won't forget. This forgiving spoken of in today's writings is total; forgetting whatever we think has wronged us. The thought of wrong-doing will not hang around to be brought out and re-lived for ourselves and others. I've often said that the collective consciousness shift which is taking place right now will be such a thorough change of thought that we won't even realize it has happened. It will simply be a brand new world of harmonious being. Those who fought the change will not even know they have changed! But happiness and Love will be the law of the land, and we won't need anyone to tell us what is right or wrong. Haven't we always known this?

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Accompanying this scientific consciousness was another revelation, even the declaration from heaven, supreme harmony, that God, the divine Principle of harmony, is ever with [us], and [we] are His people. Thus man was no longer regarded as a miserable sinner, but as the blessed child of God. Why? Because St. John's corporeal sense of the heavens and earth had vanished, and in place of this false sense was the spiritual sense, the subjective state by which he could see the new heaven and new earth, which involve the spiritual idea and consciousness of reality. This is Scriptural authority for concluding that such a recognition of being is, and has been, possible to men in this present state of existence,--that we can become conscious, here and now, of a cessation of death, sorrow, and pain. This is indeed a foretaste of absolute Christian Science. Take heart, dear sufferer, for this reality of being will surely appear sometime and in some way. There will be no more pain, and all tears will be wiped away. When you read this, remember Jesus' words, "The kingdom of God is within you." This spiritual consciousness is therefore a present possibility.”

Science & Health Page 573:13-2

This material is copyrighted by Marsha Havens, Eureka Springs, Arkansas. All rights reserved. All writings, other than quoted material from A Course in Miracles or Mary Baker Eddy are the personal interpretation and understanding of the author.

July 11, 2012 - Hold no prisoner with anger

"Soccer Friends in Spain"
photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Lesson #192

“I have a function God would have me fill.”

Today we are advised to hold no one prisoner with our anger. By releasing them, we are made free. So if we feel a stab of anger toward anyone, we should thank them rather than feel pain. After years of letting go of any residual animosity I may have been hanging onto, there is a big one I persist in keeping. For the past ten years or so, my next door neighbor and I have disagreed about the turkey vultures which roost in our neighborhood. He has screamed curses at me in the street. He stated at a city council meeting that my opinions aren't valid because I'm a Christian Scientist and I have strange ideas about wildlife and disease. Events like these come to mind whenever I see him. It's time to change my thought about him, so I will concentrate on the early years and remember the times we banded together to help others. One of the first conversations I had with him was concerning a neighbor named Margaret, who rarely left her home. One day he came over to ask for my help with her. I'll always remember his mischievous grin as he said: "I know this is sort of like asking a Baptist to go to the liquor store, but would you take Margaret to the doctor?" We became friends that day and worked together to help her in any way we could. One day I saw a copy of Science & Health in her bookcase. Even though she refused to leave her house, I lured her out with a mid-week visit to our church edifice, when no one was there other than us, and I would play the organ for her. This became a regular event, and when she would leave her house to go with me, the other neighbors would go in and clean for her. Margaret was the glue that bound this neighborhood together. That is the loving energy I will remember when I see this other neighbor. And why will I remember only the good in him? Because that's the only reality. Love, and all that emanates from it, is an attribute of God. Anything else is illusion, and I will let the winds of change sweep it away.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Not to avenge one's self upon one's enemies is the command of almighty wisdom; and we take this to be a safer guide than the promptings of human nature. To know that a deception dark as it is base has been practiced upon thee, and yet not to avenge thyself, is to do good to thyself; is to take a new standpoint whence to look upward; is to be calm amid excitement, just amid lawlessness, and pure amid corruption."

Miscellaneous Writings Page 228

July 10, 2012 - I Am an Idea of Divine Mind

"Reflections at Snowbird"
photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Lesson #191

“I am the holy Son of God Himself.”

There are so many reasons we come up with for not accepting our perfection as a child of God. To quote from today's ACIM lesson: "You are as God created you. All else but this one thing is folly to believe." So I guess the question is, how did God create me? We tend to think of our limited body and brain as the child of God which is supposed to be perfect, and then we begin to question why we are so unlike our Source which we supposedly reflect. Perhaps we rationalize that everything is perfect just as it is, and if we're miserable it must be God’s will. It seems to be the only explanation in this scenario. So let's expand our mind beyond human assumptions of creation. If we accept that God does not create in the material realm, then doors are opened in thought, with none of the dead-ends we tend to find in traditional dogma concerning God’s creation. By accepting ourselves as the spiritual idea of God, we claim our birthright as the "holy Son of God". To accept that we are really, truly spiritual allows us to put aside limiting beliefs and see through the illusions which have been created for us. This new-old thought cleanses the murky lens of our sight and allows knowledge to replace beliefs. Then we see our perfection as an idea of divine Mind, and live in the light of Love.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Immortal and divine Mind presents the idea of God: first, in light; second, in reflection; third, in spiritual and immortal forms of beauty and goodness. But this Mind creates no element nor symbol of discord and decay. God creates neither erring thought, mortal life, mutable truth, nor variable love.”

Science & Health Page 503:20-25

July 9, 2012 - I have a choice!

"Somewhere in Italy during World Cup 2006"
photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Lesson #190

“I choose the joy of God instead of pain.”

The idea that we have a choice between joy and pain may not be easy to accept. It could seem that if this is so, then any pain we are suffering is our own fault. But let's not allow mortal mind, ego, to lay a guilt trip on us! If it's true that we have a choice in what we accept as reality, then it might seem we're bringing illness and pain to our existence, and so we must be doing something wrong. The only thing we are guilty of is a mistaken perception, and for that there is immediate remedy: Change your thought! "Phantom pain" attests the cause of pain to originate and live in our mind. If the empty space where there was a limb can continue to ache, obviously the cause of that pain was not originating in the limb itself, but in our mortal mind. A change of that mind's idea to the understanding that we are truly Mind's, God's idea, brings us through the material illusion into the spiritual Truth of our being. So we find that nothing can make us sad or ill or miserable in any way, only us through our acceptance or rejection of what we believe to be true. The world has no power to cause anything, but we have been living as though it does. We have been taught that we are the helpless victims of life's circumstances, and it can come as quite a shock to find out this is not true. Our holiness can only be hidden by us. When we awaken to the joy which is ours as the children of God, these things we like to think of as miracles show themselves to be the normal, everyday occurrences of our Life.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

[Please note that in this quote the capitalized Mind, Truth, Life denote God]

“The divine metaphysics of Christian Science, like the method in mathematics, proves the rule by inversion. For example: There is no pain in Truth, and no truth in pain; no nerve in Mind, and no mind in nerve; no matter in Mind, and no mind in matter; no matter in Life, and no life in matter; no matter in good, and no good in matter.”

Science & Health Page 113:26-32

July 8, 2012 - Love leads the way

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #189

“I feel the Love of God within me now.”

"Aaron and Heather in Red Butte"
photo by Sandy Magnan

Seeing the world as Love is an awakening. Often events seem too sad or troublesome to see through Love, so we block them off from thought and try to pretend they never happened. Or, perhaps, we dwell on them constantly and allow them to shape our lives. To "feel the Love of God within me now" is to see everything as God, Love, sees. With these eyes of Love, we see a world of beauty and innocence, brimming with goodness, hope, charity, compassion. Every day we are called upon to support each other. When people recount their difficulties, we can listen with the spiritual sense of Soul, and through this listening we will hear how to respond -- or not! Typically, people tell me their problems. It's always been this way, and I used to find it distressing. For instance, recently my morning  started with a very vocal resident of our town telling me that their dog had been attacked by a deer, and wanting me to join in a movement to rid our town of wildlife. The next person I met was a local carpenter who had been involved in an accident and was very fearful about his future. And then I was visited by a new gallery owner who was afraid that no one wants the fabulous items she has for sale. Each of these situations presented the opportunity to "see the world anew, shining in innocence, alive with hope, and blessed with perfect charity and love", to quote this day's ACIM workbook lesson.  When we feel the Love of God within us, now, we know what to say to those who need words, we know when to say nothing, and we have the freedom to do either. I look forward to hearing and seeing everything which presents itself today, not with my material, judgmental ears and eyes, but with the spiritual sense which is mine as a reflection of God. 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Love inspires, illumines, designates, and leads the way. Right motives give pinions to thought, and strength and freedom to speech and action. Love is priestess at the altar of Truth. Wait patiently for divine Love to move upon the waters of mortal mind, and form the perfect concept. Patience must "have her perfect work."

Science & Health Page 454:17-24

July 7, 2012 - Peace is mine Now

A Course in Miracles Lesson #188

“The peace of God is shining in me now.”

"Ever Presence"
photo by Aaron Springston

What a wonderful realization it is to see that the peace we may have been seeking has always been right here within ourselves, waiting for us to discover it. This peace of God is ours now and always. To recognize this fact is the meaning of enlightenment. We needn't seek for ways to change ourselves in order to experience this light! Where we stand right here and now is sufficient. We're not being asked to change anything, to do anything differently, but only to see Truth. If things need changing in our material existence, then so it shall be. I have a dear friend who recently moved to a remote area in an idyllic setting. There she sat herself down and read through the Course in Miracles book, in its entirety, three times! As I spoke with her on the phone recently, I felt a softness about her which has been growing for years. Its appearance isn't indicative of enlightenment to something new, but of knowing the Truth of her own Self. Some days I feel this same knowing about myself. Others it seems impossible to climb out of the busy-ness which can hide this reality. One thing is for sure, laughter and joy are the keys to opening the door. The more joy which is shared, the more laughter we give to ourselves and others, the easier it becomes to express the qualities of God, which come flowing through us with our recognition of what we truly are -- Love!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Truth and Love enlighten the understanding, in whose "light shall we see light;" and this illumination is reflected spiritually by all who walk in the light and turn away from a false material sense.”

Science & Health Page 510:9-12

July 6, 2012 - What Blesses One Blesses All

"Aaron in South Africa"
photo by Heather Magnan

A Course in Miracles Lesson #187

“I bless the world because I bless myself.”

If we have something and give it away, our material belief is that we don't have it any longer. The truth as we are learning through these studies tells us that giving will increase what we possess. We are also learning that things represent thoughts. And we also are learning that when we give ideas away they become stronger in our own mind. The form is often changed in what we have given and what we receive, but it never leaves us lacking. While reading today's lesson, I’m remembering something from a few years back. I had loaned a friend quite a bit of money. After asking her to start paying me back, she wrote me a letter saying that this money would come back to me in some form since the laws of the universe demand it. It was a beautifully eloquent letter, detailing many metaphysical principles. But this response didn't seem to be of assistance in meeting the obligations knocking on my door. After a while I quit thinking of this situation as a loaning of money, un-repaid, but as a gift to a friend. This came to mind a year so or later when my gallery was on the verge of closing. Within a week's time, friends and people I barely knew had given me more than $17,000. What a perfect demonstration of what we're pondering today! Whether giving ideas and watching them multiply, or giving material things and seeing them as representations of Love, we can be assured of returns when we freely give.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

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

Science & Health, Page 206:15-18

July 5, 2012 - Accepting function is not arrogance

A Course in Miracles Lesson #186

“Salvation of the world depends on me.”

"Couple in Mongolia"
photo by Aaron Springston

"Salvation of the world depends on me." We have been deceived into thinking that accepting this statement as truth would be the epitome of arrogance on our part. Me?? How could that be possible? I'm so ... fill in the blank with how you believe yourself to be unworthy. Yet the first sentence in this lesson tells us that these words will take away all arrogance from every mind. Mortal mind, or ego, tells us these falsehoods about ourselves, which cause us to be, alternatively, puffed up with our goodness or deflated by our badness. The humble acceptance of our part in this whole shows the pointlessness of such feelings. When listening to divine Mind, God, many avenues of expression are shown to us. We may be prompted to speak to people we've never interacted with before, in ways we never dreamed we'd speak. Let us not fear our function, whatever that revealed function may be! Let's listen carefully and constantly, in order to hear the full prompting. So often I think divine inspiration is coming through loud and clear, and then find I only listened part-way and proceeded to fill in the blanks with what I wanted to happen. And so I vow today to listen 100%, putting vain imaginings away! I know my function is forgiveness. Listening will show me what that means today, every moment, every day.

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 570:14-18

July 4, 2012 - Freedom through peace

"London, England, 2006"
photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #185

“I want the peace of God.”

The first two sentences in today's lesson say it all: "To say these words is nothing. But to mean these words is everything." How easy it is to say we want the peace of God. But do we live as though we mean that? That is the question! I am often asked how I expect to pray for the world if I don't know what horrors are happening out there. Even though I don't watch or hear mainstream media news, I do have a few sources of information. My favorite is documentary films. Recently I've watched "Taking Root", telling us about the Green Belt Movement in Kenya. I've received an understanding of how lack of water and forests affect the people, and how things have gotten to the point they're at today. It leads my thought to the personal responsibility we each must take for the environment around us, and ourselves individually. The Christian Science Monitor is a wonderful resource which can be found online or in a weekly print publication. This is a stellar newspaper which Mary Baker Eddy started in the early 1900s, whose mission was and is to "injure no man, but to bless all mankind". Often people tell me that opposites are necessary. For instance, I've been told we wouldn't appreciate peace without unrest, and what would happiness be if we didn't know its opposite, and that we can't know light if we haven't experienced darkness. When these views are voiced, I'm always tempted to say, "Hogwash", or something similar in meaning!! And this seeming need for dualism is what keeps us from wholeheartedly wanting and accepting the peace of God which is ours. If we have peace, how would we recognize it without some sort of struggle to bounce it off of? Let's not think of these things when recognizing the peace of God, which has neither beginning nor end, and is ours now, in this eternity – simply for the acknowledging of it.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

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

Science & Health Page 45:16-21