January 1, 2014 - A Meaningless Day!

"Loveland Pass, Colorado"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM WOrkbook Lesson #1

“Nothing I see in this room [on this street,

from this window, in this place] means anything.”

At the start of this new year, with its many possibilities and prospects, I reaffirm the desire to release preconceived meaning which I have placed on everything. I know many people think of this as a "bad" thing. I am told that if nothing means anything, then we don't have a reason to be "good". When confronted with this thought, it's difficult for me to keep a straight face! Our innate goodness as the experience and reflection of God shines forth unabashed when allowed to do so. The shackles we've placed on ourselves, either collectively or individually, hold no meaning other than what we give to them. Through the daily practice of letting go of long-held beliefs, we step into the light of Truth. By this discipline, we are allowing ourselves to see through the illusions we have accepted as reality. What a beautiful new day!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The enslavement of man is not legitimate. It will cease when man enters into his heritage of freedom, his God-given dominion over the material senses."

Science & Health Page 228:11-13

December 31, 2013 - New Year's Wish

"Yield" stainless steel sculpture
at Crystal Bridges
by Roxy Paine
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #365

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

My New Year's wish is for more silence, more stillness, in which to experience what that has to show me. It's too easy to fall into habits which keep us busy, always on the go, or always listening to the radio or some such thing. I was on the phone for more than an hour today with a tech guy who was helping me work out some weird things on my new online shopping web site. While we were waiting for something to happen on his computer, we chatted about regular things -- where do you live, do you like working in tech support, things like that. He told me that he went to school, had a small business, and worked at night helping people over the phone. He also said that if he didn't keep busy he would go "insane". So I questioned him about that. Turns out he's never been quiet in his life and he fears it.  I wonder how many people in this world feel that way? In line with "being the change I want to see", I believe I'll have a three-day retreat of silence! Happy New Year Everyone!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Spirit, God, is heard when the senses are silent. We are all capable of more than we do." 

Science & Health Page 89:20-22

December 30, 2013 - First Thoughts in the Morning

"Utah Morning"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #364

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

The first thought we have in the morning can shape the way our day develops. Having spent years training myself to stay away from worry and busy-ness, its disheartening to find myself waking to wondering thoughts. For a few weeks, I've been having vivid dreams and I wake up thinking about what they mean. I've forgotten to bring thought to Spirit and rather I lay there wandering through a maze of odd events featuring people, animals, and places which are well-known to me. And this seems to be affecting the way I think about things all day long. It doesn't matter how much I try to push and pull my thoughts in other directions, they insist on making judgments, comparison, and searching for hidden meanings. I am very grateful for these closing lessons of the year, which urge us to go beyond thought and know that if we can only get out of our own way, God's thoughts are supplying us with direction and peace.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

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

Science & Health Page 248:12-29

December 29, 2013 - Who's in Charge?

ACIM Workbook Lesson #363

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

Sometimes I find myself so caught up in being "in charge" of things that I forget I'm really not! When you stop and think about it, aren't most things redefined moment-by-moment? There may be snow storms, or people not doing what they were going to do, or perhaps loved ones need attention in various ways -- well, you've been there yourself and know what I mean! And so it is that making the decision to live by intuition and spiritual insights works for me. I don't like to worry about what-ifs and make contingency plans to cover alternate possibilities. Even when events are not going the way I had hoped, it's a great comfort to know that "only good can come of this". A number of years ago a good friend told me she always held to those words when fearful challenges were present. And so, I do, too. Only good can come of this. 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Willingness to become as a little child and to leave the old for the new, renders thought receptive of the advanced idea. Gladness to leave the false landmarks and joy to see them disappear, — this disposition helps to precipitate the ultimate harmony. The purification of sense and self is a proof of progress. 

Science & Health Page 323:30-4

December 28, 2013 - Listening to Animals

ACIM Workbook Lesson #362

"This holy instant would I give to You.

Be You in charge. For I would follow You,

Certain that Your direction gives me peace."

I often mention in these writings that I feel animals are showing us how to live true to our Self. Not only do they mirror back to us any emotions we may be secretly harboring, they show us how to communicate more effectively through telepathy and actions, rather than words. Although my dog exhibits numerous behaviors I find baffling, I continue to see positive behavior changes in him as I become more honest and calm in my own actions. In watching "The Dog Whisperer", I have gained many insights into the reasons our dogs often seem neurotic and out of control. It always comes back to people. Calm, assertive behavior is the mantra of Cesar Milan. Assertive doesn't mean aggressive. It involves a certainty which is only attained through listening to an inner knowledge, which can only be heard in quiet, calm moments. These moments express the eternal holy instant in which our natural state shines through with the certainty of peace. And Love is reflected in love.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Let us rid ourselves of the belief that man is separated from God, and obey only the divine Principle, Life and Love. Here is the great point of departure for all true spiritual growth."

Science & Health Page 91:5-8

December 27, 2013 - Strength in Silence

"Frozen Fog in the Ozarks"
photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #361

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

The final five workbook lessons in A Course in Miracles stress that we are at a point where we use as few words as possible. Having just watched a documentary entitled "Thrive", I'm tempted to use lots of words and talk of things we can do to facilitate change, such as shopping locally with small businesses, supporting organic farmers, and other ways of living in a state of awareness. But instead, I'll focus on something this film stressed as what we can do in order to heal our world: be quiet. We are urged to find our core of strength through silence, which connects us to everyone. This fits right in with the admonition to use as few words as possible. If you have a chance, watch this film. It could be thought of as frightening, but I see it as a reminder that every thought and action counts. Let's join together in silence and see where it leads us!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"It is only by acknowledging the supremacy of Spirit, which annuls the claims of matter, that mortals can lay off mortality and find the indissoluble spiritual link which establishes man forever in the divine likeness, inseparable from his creator."

Science & Health Page 491:12-16

December 26, 2013 - The Time is Now

"Temple Square"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #360

"Peace be to me, the holy Son of God. Peace to my brother, who is one with me. Let all the world be blessed with peace through us."

How many times have you felt that we're on the verge of the realization of universal peace and harmony? I know I have a number of times. January 1, 2000 felt like a tipping point. Although I don't remember specific dates other than that one, I know there have been many occasions when it simply "felt like" this was it; that we would forget differences and only remember unity and the fact that we are all One. I felt this again today. Any unrest and dis-ease going on around me seemed like a cry for Love. Really, truly, I saw people reaching out for something secure in a material world full of insecurity and fear. We are all the same in the reality of Spirit. The "reign and rule of universal harmony which cannot be lost nor remain forever unseen" is waiting for us to cast off fear and embrace it!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Let us learn of the real and eternal, and prepare for the reign of Spirit, the kingdom of heaven,—the reign and rule of universal harmony, which cannot be lost nor remain forever unseen."

Science & Health Page 208:20-24

December 25, 2013 - What Christmas Means to Me

Marsha
photo by Michelle

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

Many people have told me they don't like Christmas. What they mean, of course, is they don't like the way Christmas is promoted by media and corporations, placing emphasis on buying unnecessary things and going into debt to do so. We all know people who are over-stressed for various reasons during this beautiful time of the year. And so the words of Mary Baker Eddy which are quoted below are what I will concentrate on today. Spending the day quietly listening, in peace and joy, today and every day is all I want. This is the gift which is ours for the claiming of it, anytime, anywhere. Happy Christmas to All!!

Mary Baker Eddy quote: "Christmas to me is the reminder of God’s great gift, — His spiritual idea, man and the universe, —a gift which so transcends mortal, material, sensual giving that the merriment, mad ambition, rivalry, and ritual of our common Christmas seem a human mockery in mimicry of the real worship in commemoration of Christ’s coming.

I love to observe Christmas in quietude, humility, benevolence, charity, letting good will towards man, eloquent silence, prayer, and praise express my conception of Truth’s appearing." Miscellany Page 262:18-30

December 24, 2013 - Desire is Prayer

"Mongolian Shaman"
Sandy Wythawai Starbird

ACIM Workbook Lesson #358 "No call to God can be unheard nor left unanswered. And of this I can be sure; His answer is the one I really want." 

Today's lesson tells us why there is no need for audible prayer, constant pleadings, repetitious affirmations, or anything else which falls under the heading of talking to God. All is known to divine Principle, God. We can't tell It anything, but we can listen. By this listening we remember who we are and become aware of our purpose. There is nothing other than the Love that is God. When we yield to this fact, wonderful things happen! This yielding consists of refraining from worry and wondering about "what-ifs". To keep this erroneous thought from taking over, hold to spiritual Truth. If you can only remember one thing that is true, that will do it. God is Love. I Am the expression of Love. That is enough!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

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

Science & Health Page 1:1-10 

December 23, 2013 - Perfect Harmony

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #357

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

The Course in Miracles lessons sweetly guide us through the principles we examine daily. The Christian Science weekly lesson consists of 26 topics which rotate through twice a year. Watching these two disciplines flirt with each other and culminate in a merging which is imperceptible in its union has been an exciting adventure for me! The Truth is the Truth no matter where you find it. What I love about these two ways of thought is that there is no conflict, no space where I must set one aside for the other. They each have an elegant delivery which guides me through the the material maze to spiritual sense. May we all realize our sameness when we meet and talk. As a popular soft drink commercial has been telling us for years: "I'd like to teach the the world to sing in perfect harmony!" There is no teaching involved in this miracle; only a remembering of Truth. Namaste' ….

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Truth is affirmative, and confers harmony. All metaphysical logic is inspired by this simple rule of Truth, which governs all reality." 

Science & Health Page 418:20-22

December 22, 2013 - The Sunlight of Truth

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #356 "Sickness is but another name for sin. Healing is but another name for God. The miracle is thus a call to Him."

When we read the above words, "Sickness is but another name for sin", the immediate response could be to think it's telling us that we're sinners and are being punished for it by sickness. We are learning that sin is defined as anything that separates us from the Love which is God.  Most of us have been taught that sickness, evil, and many other negative aspects of this existence are powers over which we have little to no control. Divine Principle, law, negates these material mesmeric thoughts. As we wake up to this truth, multitudes of things we thought to be our master turn out to be nothing more than smoke and mirrors. As we lift the veil and reveal reality, the quotations we read here today begin to be more than words. They are principles by which to live. I relish every step of this awakening!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Christian Science brings to the body the sunlight of Truth, which invigorates and purifies. The effect of this Science is to stir the human mind to a change of base, on which it may yield to the harmony of the divine Mind." 

Science & Health Page 162:4-5, 9-11

December 21, 2013 - Peace & Joy

"Salt Lake City, Utah"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #355 

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

Falling off the wagon can mean many things. I no longer worry that I'll hit the bars, but I often feel I'm walking a tightrope between Love and fear. The inclement weather we've experienced in our small tourist town has had quite an economic impact on us these past few weeks. You may remember that I recently wrote about "taking a leap of faith" and changing some long-standing practices in the gallery. With the lack of business and correlating lack of funds, I began to wonder if I was doing the right thing. Then two things happened. I ran across this quote from Mary Baker Eddy which I had never seen before: "Divine principle brings need and supply together for mutual good." And with that reminder, I realized how I've trusted in this precept for the last number of years while building a business which blesses so many people in so many ways. I could write pages about how this principle has been demonstrated in the past, and also proofs I see unfolding at this very moment. I am grateful for this peaceful awakening!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"To divest thought of false trusts and material evidences in order that the spiritual facts of being may appear,--this is the great attainment by means of which we shall sweep away the false and give place to the true." 

Science & Health Page 423:8-12

December 20, 2013 - Standing in Peace

"Light Confusion"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #354

"We stand together, Christ and I, in peace And certainty of purpose. And in Him Is His Creator, as He is in me."

Under any circumstance, it can be difficult to stand "in peace and certainty of purpose". When we fall into a rushed mindset, it's almost impossible to recognize that a peaceful state even exists! Recently I was hurrying to an appointment and needed to drop off something at the post office on the way. As the building came into sight, along with its limited parking spaces, I saw a woman getting into her car and preparing to pull out. Great! I'll pull right in and rush in and out, accomplishing my task. Well, this lady didn't pull out, but rather sat there and made a phone call. I must admit I thought some unloving thoughts toward her as I waited impatiently for her to move. Then suddenly I realized I knew her. Not only knew her, but she is one of my best friends! I had been in such a dither that I didn't recognize her, and I thought ugly things about her, and now was very sorry for all of it. Would I have felt differently if I hadn't known her? Hopefully not! I would like to think I would have awakened and stopped judgmental imaginings without the prompting realization that I knew and loved her. Thinking thoughts of unity, I have patience with all, as I pray they do with me, too. Once again, Namaste' …..

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The relations of God and man, divine Principle and idea, are indestructible in Science; and Science knows no lapse from nor return to harmony, but holds the divine order or spiritual law, in which God and all that He creates are perfect and eternal, to have remained unchanged in its eternal history."

Science & Health Page 470:32-5 

December 19, 2013 - Bring Truth to Error

photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #353 "My eyes, my tongue, my hands, my feet today Have but one purpose; to be given Christ To use to bless the world with miracles."

The use of the word "Christ" need not put off anyone who is not a follower of Jesus. Both Mary Baker Eddy and A Course in Miracles define The Christ in many ways. One of my favorites is this from Science & Health: "Christ is the true idea voicing good, the divine message from God to men speaking to the human consciousness." Every day is full of opportunities to bring Christ to a situation by listening to spiritual sense. When thinking about today's topic, I couldn't help but think about a media-perpetrated debate about the color of Santa Claus' skin.  If we bring Christ to this or any other situation, there is no need to take sides, as there are none. Skin color, gender, sexual orientation -- the multitude of dualities we choose to subscribe to, all meant to blind us to our unity -- none of them mean anything when brought to Christ, or spiritual sense. Let's hold to spiritual Truth when faced with erroneous mortal thought. It certainly makes life much simpler!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

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

Science & Health Page 29:20-29

December 18, 2013 - Love, not Judgment

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #352

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

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

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Thought will finally be understood and seen in all form, substance, and color, but without material accompaniments."

Science & Health Page 310: 6:8

December 17, 2013 - Guide to Peace

"

"Perceptions"
Photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #351 "My sinless brother is my guide to peace. My sinful brother is my guide to pain. And which I choose to see I will behold."

An old friend whom I hadn't seen in quite some time came in the gallery following a joyous Christmas parade. She told me about taking care of a friend of hers who is very ill. In the telling of this, she mentioned that this woman had been very hurt and upset by a rescue organization here in our town; that they had done many things which caused her anguish, including telling lies about her. In telling this tale, she wept many times and said divisive things about this group of people. My first impulse was to stand up for them. I see them as a wonderful organization, compassionate and caring. My old friend does not. As I hugged her and reassured her the best I could, I realized, once again, that we have choices in perceptions. Feeling compassion for her pain, I didn't defend this group nor try to refute her accusations, as I realized that seeing "my sinless brother is my guide to peace." Namaste' -----

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Final deliverance from error, whereby we rejoice in immortality, boundless freedom, and sinless sense, is not reached through paths of flowers nor by pinning one's faith without works to another's vicarious effort. Whosoever believeth that wrath is righteous or that divinity is appeased by human suffering, does not understand God."

Science & Health Page 22:23-28

December 16, 2013 - The Miracle of Grace

"Christmas Tour of Homes Performance"

ACIM Workbook Lesson #350

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

While acting as a docent at the Christmas Tour of Homes, our lovely almost-100-year-old church edifice was graced with an 8-piece brass ensemble which played carols. This performance could have been considered rather pedestrian by many, but I was reminded that "miracles mirror God's eternal Love" when they did something unexpected in the first number they played. They had launched into "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" when, on the last verse, suddenly everyone stopped playing except the baritone horn and the flute -- and the remainder began to sing. I'm not sure why this particular combination moved me so, but suddenly I found tears streaming down my face as I watched this group performing under the words "God is Love". I can think of many reasons why this happened, but they all fall under the heading of experiencing divine Love. We can see this mirror in everything, when we clear the way for it. I ask to remember this today and every day.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The miracle of grace is no miracle to Love. 

Science & Health Page 494:15

December 15, 2013 - The Miracle of Love

"Colorado Night"
photo by Mawuena Davies

ACIM Workbook Lesson #349

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

When I was in my 20s, I read many science fiction novels, especially reveling in those written by Robert Heinlein. I remember one in particular where no one wanted or needed anything; where there was no room for anger or warlike behavior because all of their actions came from Love; where disagreements were settled by a "fair witness" who would listen and decide what should be done.This utopia seemed so simple to achieve. It feels as if these fictional dreams of perfection are here with us now. They are being realized in a myriad of ways. If you don't think so, do an internet search on subjects such as good deeds, or peaceful living, or pay it forward. The longing we feel for Good is expressed in multitudinous ways. Think of the major shifts in thought we've witnessed in our lifetime!  I know that in the last 20 years my way of looking at things has done an about face. I see now that nothing can keep the miracle of Love away, no matter how hard we try.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

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

Science & Health Page 43:23-25

December 14, 2013 - Grace Suffices

"Bob, the Cat"

ACIM Workbook Lesson #348

"I have no cause for anger or for fear, For You surround me. And in every need That I perceive, Your grace suffices me."

Our wonderful tabby-point cat, Bob, was an inspiration to me. While I'm not going to tell the Story of Bob in this writing, one part of his time with us stays with me, especially when thinking of having no cause for anger or fear. When our household welcomed a Corgi puppy, Chili, it wasn't an easy time for the cats of the house! After an encounter with Clili, Bob's ear was ripped by a herding nip and he decided to live outside. When Chili was outside, occasionally he would challenge Bob by growling and rushing at him. Bob would flop over on his back, squirming happily, while purring and smiling at the dog! Bob never exhibited any fear or anger; he never retaliated with his claws; he simply dissipated the anger with Love. Now this never happened in the house, but outside with his paws in the dirt, he seemed to be centered in nature, knowing what to do at all times in order to either avert or evaporate danger. Bob lived the Love which is God. There was only happiness and contentment surrounding him. Bob "got It"!! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote: "The great miracle to human sense is divine Love, and the grand necessity of existence is to gain the true idea of what constitutes the kingdom of heaven in man. This goal is never reached while we hate our neighbor." 

Science & Health Page 560: 11-13

December 13, 2013 - Slow Down

ACIM Workbook Lesson #347

Photo by Aaron Springston

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

It is easy to ignore signs that the brain has blocked out divine Mind. This morning I made a minor, yet glaring, error in a social media announcement concerning an upcoming featured artist at the gallery. If I hadn't rushed through the process, I would have seen it. A few other things happened throughout the day, but I justified them. Then I discovered that my notice to the local Chamber of Commerce, sent in for a blast to more than 500 people, contained a personal letter which I had written to the artists I represent. I'll leave out all the gory details which ensued, but during a rushed time a few days ago, I had inadvertently added the email of a new employee for publicity to my artist list, rather than to the Chamber list. So reading this ACIM lesson caused some major laughter as I realized there had been indicators to slow down and listen all day, but I'd chosen to rush past them. This is yet another lesson I pray to remember! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

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

Science & Health Page 491:7-10

December 12, 2013 - The Gift of Love

photo by Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #346

"Today the peace of God envelops me,

And I forget all things except His Love."

Have you ever felt a moment when it seemed that time stood still? These sentences from today's ACIM lesson brought back a remembrance in me: "What I seek today transcends all laws of time and things perceived in time. I would forget all things except Your Love." A number of years ago I experienced a breach of time when I first saw a man who later became my very good friend. I was playing the organ at a Sunday morning service when he walked in and sat down. As I looked over at him, it was as though time didn't exist. Everything was still, and yet it felt like eons rushed through me. My material interpretation of this event was that I knew this man from forever; that he was the one I'd been waiting for. I see the event today as something different. Our meeting opened a portal, if you will. I became aware of a doorway I could step through where nothing existed other than the Love which is God. What a gift! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote: "Eternity, not time, expresses the thought of Life, and time is no part of eternity. One ceases in proportion as the other is recognized."

Science & Health Page 468:26:30

December 11, 2013 - Giving and Receiving Miracles

"Eureka Springs B&B"
photo by Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #345

"I offer only miracles today,

For I would have them be returned to me."

Today I received a phone call from a friend whose first words were, "Do you think we live in a police state?" Of course, said I. These are the types of conversations I walk away from face-to-face, but since he had just had this realization and was upset, I stayed with him on the subject. While I did express more strong opinions than I generally like to admit I have, the conversation was, for the most part, a cry for him to return to Love. I see our current mortal, mental state as a reflection of the fear we harbor; a fear which is fed by most everything in daily life. I talked to him of tipping points, and mass consciousness, and our true consciousness as an expression of God. We could banter back and forth for a very long time the material conditions, causes, solutions of this existence. But to get to the heart of it all takes spiritual sense, which cannot be gleaned from intellectual exercises. And that's where I see the miracle: the revelation which reveals the omnipresence of God, good. 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

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

Science & Health Page 474:11-15

December 10, 2013 - The Gift of Love

"Harding Spring, Eureka Springs"
photo by Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #344

"Today I learn the law of love; that what I give my brother is my gift to me."

For the past few days, I've been navigating the maze involved in setting up an on-line shopping site for my gallery. It's a fun and exciting project, but those times I've needed to phone tech support have been challenging. For the most part, I've kept in mind the precepts related in today's lesson, that the love and kindness I express to my brother is a gift to me. Being open-hearted has made most seeming impasses a mere stepping stone. But today, after hours of trying to set up payment methods, the last step seemed simple but the form I was filling out wouldn't cooperate! I was stymied by entering my birthday on an application. It kept telling me I needed to correct it when I was typing it exactly as they asked. While talking to Ray at Pay Pal tech support, we ascertained that this was a glitch in their application process. This time it wasn't me being tempted to throw up my hands in frustration, but the tech guy. Rather than join in his tirade about his company, I made a suggestion about how he might help them fix these problems. I told him he was important and he shouldn't be silent when he had solutions. We ended our chat with him talking about his plans for the holidays. What a lovely gift this was -- and not just because I got my form submitted!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

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

Science & Health Page 257:22-29

December 9, 2013 - No Sacrifice Necessary

ACIM Workbook Lesson #343

"I am not asked to make a sacrifice

To find the mercy and the peace of God."

What if all I need do to find the peace of God is to stop thinking habitual limiting thoughts? Let's say someone wants to change a personal relationship which we've had for some time. What comes to mind is when my son was 14 and woke up one morning and said he didn't belong here, in this town, going to this school. My first thoughts were ones of blame -- toward myself and him. Why would he want to leave? What have I done to cause him to feel this way? Now we're years past the time this happened, and it's easy to look back and see that his going away to school was the best thing that could have happened for both of us. But at the time it felt devastating. This is the type of feeling we so often bring to our lives when we look at a situation from an egotistical standpoint. But with an acceptance and the loving assurance that all is well, these relationships ebb and flow, yielding to the peace of God which is ever-present, and which is found with a release of personal sense. All we need give up are long-held beliefs in the way we want situations to be. What a joy to give up personal agendas, preconceived notions of how things should be, and to welcome the Love which is God! I feel no sense of sacrifice in this trade-off!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

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

December 8, 2013 - No Secrets

"Winter"
photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #342

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

"The world goes with us on our way to God." That statement in today's ACIM lesson is worth pondering. We believe we can hide our emotions and thoughts from others, simply by not saying anything. Where did we ever get that idea? I guess it's because we have spent so many years not listening inwardly. In an episode of the "Dog Whisperer" there was a dog fixated on attacking its own image in a mirror. This was not its only aggressive behavior, and the dog's person was afraid that it would attack someone or another animal any time it was outside. How did Cesar Milan stop this dog's aberrant behavior? By calming its owner. This woman was constantly in a state of fear and worry. The dog was mirroring her tense behavior. At first she had to pretend she was calm because she didn't know how to be that way! But as she watched the changes in her dog, she began to understand that her feelings and thoughts were being passed on to not only her dog, but to everyone around her. And so it is that "the world goes with us on our way to God."

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

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

Science & Health Page 207:27-4

December 7, 2013 - What is a Miracle?

"Cardinal Beauty"
photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #341

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

Today's lesson begins the next to the last section which is entitled, What is a Miracle? There is such confusion surrounding this topic, I will simply copy this beautiful introduction here. May it help you to see the miracle of grace, the miracle of Life, the miracle of Love.

"A miracle is a correction. It does not create, nor really change at all. It merely looks on devastation, and reminds the mind that what it sees is false. It undoes error, but does not attempt to go beyond perception, nor exceed the function of forgiveness. Thus it stays within time's limits. Yet it paves the way for the return of timelessness and love's awakening, for fear must slip away under the gentle remedy it brings.

A miracle contains the gift of grace, for it is given and received as one. And thus it illustrates the law of truth the world does not obey, because it fails entirely to understand its ways. A miracle inverts perception which was upside down before, and thus it ends the strange distortions that were manifest. Now is perception open to the truth. Now is forgiveness seen as justified.

Forgiveness is the home of miracles. The eyes of Christ deliver them to all they look upon in mercy and in love. Perception stands corrected in His sight, and what was meant to curse has come to bless. Each lily of forgiveness offers all the world the silent miracle of love. And each is laid before the Word of God, upon the universal altar to Creator and creation in the light of perfect purity and endless joy.

The miracle is taken first on faith, because to ask for it implies the mind has been made ready to conceive of what it cannot see and does not understand. Yet faith will bring its witnesses to show that what it rested on is really there. And thus the miracle will justify your faith in it, and show it rested on a world more real than what you saw before; a world redeemed from what you thought was there.

Miracles fall like drops of healing rain from Heaven on a dry and dusty world, where starved and thirsty creatures come to die. Now they have water. Now the world is green. And everywhere the signs of life spring up, to show that what is born can never die, for what has life has immortality."

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The miracle of grace is no miracle to Love."

Science & Health Page 494:15

December 6, 2013 - One Mind

"Eureka Springs Christmas"
photo by Dale Johnson

ACIM Workbook Lesson #340

"I can be free of suffering today."

In these teachings and in my writings there is much talk about "today". I've had someone ask me, Why are you going to do this today? Why not yesterday or tomorrow? Well, I really hadn't thought about that before, but I understand his consternation concerning this. Today is always, which would be now in no-time days. (I can hardly wait to see his reaction to this!) I have a lovely illustration of things coming together in now-time. We are having a snow and sleet episode in our mountain tourist town. The merchants are distraught because this is the time of year we save up for the slower winter months of January and February. The Christmas Festival started today and includes many fun events from now through the 25th. But everything has come to a standstill because of the snow. Today we were contacted by one of our town's marketing mavens and asked if we had on-line shopping sites which she could promote. I had just started to build one shortly before she contacted me! Talk about One mind! We really are all in this together.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Mind: The only I, or Us; the only Spirit, Soul, divine Principle, substance, Life, Truth, Love; the one God; not that which is in man, but the divine Principle, or God, of whom man is the full and perfect expression; Deity,which outlines but is not outlined."

Science & Health Page 591:16-20

December 5, 2013 - Expect the Best!

"Beautiful Snow, Clear Roads!"

ACIM Workbook Lesson #339

"I will receive whatever I request."

"Let us resolve today to ask for what we really want, and only this, that we may spend this day in fearlessness, without confusing pain with joy, or fear with love." I've been thinking about this statement today, especially in relation to the weather forecast we have. For the past few days, everyone has been anticipating the worst possible scenario of ice and snow. People have been recounting horror stories from past ice storms and predicting a repetition. I see this as an extreme example of what we do in every day life. We have been taught to expect the worst in every situation and prepare for it. I often wonder what a utopia this world could be if only we would expect it. Isn't that why we all love Christmas so much? The expectation of peace, love and beauty is such an innate desire within us. Let's all feel the Love and visual white, fluffy snow!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Faith is higher and more spiritual than belief. It is a chrysalis state of human thought, in which spiritual evidence, contradicting the testimony of material sense, begins to appear, and Truth, the ever-present, is becoming understood."

Science & Health Page 297:20-24

December 4, 2013 - Only Thoughts

"Utah Sky"
photo by Aaron springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #338

"I am affected only by my thoughts."

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

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

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

Science & Health Page 310:1-10

December 3, 2013 - Sinless, Pure, Free!

"Altai Mountains in Mongolia"
photo by Aaron Springston 

ACIM Workbook Lesson #337

"My sinlessness protects me from all harm."

The sinlessness which protects us from all harm, once again, refers to a realization of our unity with God. Remember we've defined sin as anything which separates us from the Love which is God? I have a very dear friend who was a Marine in the Viet Nam conflict. He spent two years in hell, at times shooting people with machine guns for so long he couldn't feel his arms. Even though he doesn't often speak of those days, his life has been a series of tragedies and illnesses. It could be said he's a victim of life's circumstances. I so often wish he could see his sinlessness as a child of Love. Only through the eyes of God can he be seen in this sinlessness. Left to material sense, there is blame, guilt, shame. I pray today that we recognize the untouched purity which is our birthright as the evidence and experience of God. Namaste' ~~~

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The sinless joy, — the perfect harmony and immortality of Life, possessing unlimited divine beauty and goodness without a single bodily pleasure or pain, —constitutes the only veritable, indestructible man, whose being is spiritual."

 Science & Health Page 76:22-26

December 2, 2013 - Sweeping Away Distortion

[photo of unknown origin]

ACIM Workbook Lesson #336

"Forgiveness lets me know that minds are joined."

"Forgiveness sweeps away distortion, and opens the hidden altar to the truth." Even looking at this sentence through the limited eyes of our mortal mind, it seems so beautifully true! I was just chatting with a friend who tells me that her neighbor is convinced there is a mountain lion in their country neighborhood. He's going through all sorts of interesting practices in an attempt to "insure their safety". I live in town and my next door neighbor has strobe lights going all night long off of his back porch in an attempt to deter turkey vultures from bedding down for the night in the trees surrounding his house. Both of these people are afraid for reasons only they know. I can join them, either by fearing along with them or thinking about how silly I believe their actions to be. Either way would exacerbate their fears. So knowing that our minds are joined by the virtue of our parent Mind, I choose forgiveness and allow love to replace any feelings of ridicule which may tempt me. Now that I've said it, let's see if I can do it!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The nearer a false belief approaches truth without passing the boundary where, having been destroyed by divine Love, it ceases to be even an illusion, the riper it becomes for destruction. The more material the belief, the more obvious its error, until divine Spirit, supreme in its domain, dominates all matter, and man is found in the likeness of Spirit, his original being."

Science & Health Page 97:14-20

December 1, 2013 - Choose Salvation

[Source Unknown]

ACIM Workbook Lesson #335

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

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

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

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

Science & Health Page 467:29-7

November 30, 2013 - The Gift of Forgiveness

"Glacier National Park"
photo by Heather Magnan

ACIM Workbook Lesson #334

"Today I claim the gifts forgiveness gives."

Does the word "unforgivable" exist in your vocabulary? Do you think of certain acts as unforgivable? Maybe even something you did in your past remains unforgivable in your own mind. There are so many things we can hold against ourselves and others. An epiphany in thought can free you from the bonds of guilt and/or blame. The realization that God does not blame anyone for anything frees us to do the same. Allowing ourselves to see the world as God sees it -- because we are the evidence and experience of God -- sets up a whole new paradigm from the religious dogma which has been passed down for millennia. We needn't be afraid to claim our place as worthy and loved individual expression of divine Mind. We're learning to follow our heart rather than our brain -- and it sure feels Good!!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"We acknowledge God's forgiveness of sin in the destruction of sin and the spiritual understanding that casts out evil as unreal. But the belief in sin is punished so long as the belief lasts."

Science & Health Page  497:9-11

November 29, 2013 - Ending Conflict

photo by Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook  Lesson #333

“Forgiveness ends the dream of conflict here.”

When there is something we feel conflicted about, we can examine it and resolve it through forgiveness. I am reminded of the feeling of conflict I felt surrounding the myth of Santa Claus. When my son was two and I was expecting my second child, I announced to a friend that I wasn't going to do the Santa charade. She told me that was a terrible thing to do to children and gave me many reasons why I shouldn't do away with their belief in this massive illusion. And so I gave in and perpetuated this suppositional conflict within myself. This is a perfect example of all the illusion we willingly put on ourselves, isn't it? The spirit of Christmas is defined in many superficial ways, and it seems the most blatant of these is Santa Claus. It is used in the same way religion tends to use God. If you are good, if you don't cry, if you don't pout, then Santa/God will give you certain things. If you break these rules, you'd better watch out! Yes, Santa is fun and yes God is good. And there are so many ways to celebrate the goodness which is innately ours through our inseparable Oneness with God! There is so much to celebrate in the reality of this beautiful life! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The suppositional warfare between truth and error is only the mental conflict between the evidence of the spiritual senses and the testimony of the material senses, and this warfare between the Spirit and flesh will settle all questions through faith in and the understanding of divine Love.”

Science & Health Page 288:3-7

November 28, 2013 - Gratitude

ACIM Workbook Lesson #332

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

On this Thanksgiving Day, 2013, I'm with Snoopy and Charlie Brown!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Gratitude is much more than a verbal expression of thanks. Action expresses more gratitude than speech." Science & Health Page 3:25-26

November 27, 2013 - Awaken to Peace

"Bryce Canyon"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #331

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

"Conflict is sleep, and peace awakening". I love this line from today's ACIM lesson. Today begins a series of ten teachings geared to help us understand what the ego, which is spoken of so often in these lessons, actually is. If the thoughts we are having cause us conflict, they are of the ego -- or mortal mind, as Mary Baker Eddy refers to it. If there is harmony and peace, then our thoughts are God's ideas. Actually, there is nothing other than divine Idea; everything else is illusion That is why erroneous thought is considered unreal. The only reality is God. Either God is All or God is not. Hearing statements like this is when that little ego kicks in and makes a fuss. How can that be, it says? What about me?? Don't be afraid to tell it to be still. It is, after all, unreal. The silence that replaces the clamor holds the harmony of Being. 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"When advanced to spiritual being and the understanding of God, man can no longer commune with matter; neither can he return to it, any more than a tree can return to its seed. Neither will man seem to be corporeal, but he will be an individual consciousness, characterized by the divine Spirit as idea, not matter."

Science & Health Page 76:12-17

November 26, 2013 - Oneness Heals

"A New Day"
photo by Sandy Starbird

ACIM Workbook Lesson #330

“I will not hurt myself again today.”

I hurt myself by believing in separation more than unity. This feeling of aloneness is manifested in many ways in our daily life. Perhaps we think everyone is out to get us, or maybe we feel like no one knows what's best other than us. There are quite a number of ways we assert our specialness and keep ourselves separate from God, hence from everyone. Sometimes this separation is manifest in ugly ways. Maybe something is said to another which we wish we could take back, or perhaps anger flares suddenly and we feel guilt over our feelings and shame about the outcome. There are a multitude of human actions we may regret. The acceptance of our heritage as a child of divine Love allows us to forgive and choose again. For this, I am grateful.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Error begins by reckoning life as separate from Spirit, thus sapping the foundations of immortality, as if life and immortality were something which matter can both give and takeaway/.”

Science & Health Page 259:6-15

November 25, 2013 - Thy Will Is Done

Ozark Winter Sunrise
photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #329

“I have already chosen what You will.”

How many years I spent searching for love, grasping at brightly colored baubles and bangles, not realizing that I am Love and nothing can be more beautiful and complete than that. Seeing wholeness and unity where I once saw separation, therein lies the peace sought. Looking back, I remember thinking and saying that I'd be happy if I could only be content. Nothing ever seemed to be enough and I found false contentment in marijuana and alcohol. The illusionary peace which came from material soporifics was a hiding place for a while, but eventually I had to emerge and face what it was that kept me restless. When nothing ever seems to be enough, perhaps it's because we need it All. And that Allness can only be found in one place, and that place is not contained in changing, temporal life. This study which teaches me the meaning of reality also fills me with a calm before unknown. I am very grateful!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Will, as a quality of so-called mortal mind, is a wrong-doer; hence it should not be confounded with the term as applied to Mind or to one of God’s qualities.”

Science & Health Page 597:24-26