July 31, 2013 - Trust YourSelf!

"South African Night"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #212

Central Theme: “I am not a body. I am free. For I am still as God created me.” Review: #192 “I have a function God would have me fill.”

With the freedom that we're realizing, many things are becoming clear. I know people who are changing their life's work, following dreams or discovering new skills which they're putting into practice. It's very exciting to see someone coming alive with the excitement of doing what they've always wanted! Whether it's moving to another part of the globe, or beginning a new career, or "retiring" and doing things which make them and others happy, things are changing. It's so wonderful that we're feeling free to follow our heart and move into the space of Love which fulfills our function. And how do we know what that is? Trust yourSelf!!

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, 2013 - We are the Son of God

Photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #211

Central Theme: “I am not a body. I am free. For I am still as God created me.” Review: #191 “I am the holy Son of God Himself.”

We have insisted on separating ourselves from each other by setting up divisions such as nationality, gender, and religion. It seems as though it should be simple to accept our unity as an idea of divine Mind. We all have a song to sing, and we are all  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 we inherently are. I pray to turn away from the illusion of material problems as I wholeheartedly accept my function as a reflection of God, seeing that image mirrored in everyone I meet.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The world believes in many persons; but if God is personal, there is but one person, because there is but one God. His personality can only be reflected, not transmitted. God has countless ideas, and they all have one Principle and parentage. The only proper symbol of God as person is Mind’s infinite ideal"

Science & Health Page 517:15-20

July 29, 2013 - Put Down the Glass

"South Africa Sunrise"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #210

Central Theme: “I am not a body. I am free. For I am still as God created me.” Review: #190 “I choose the joy of God instead of pain.”

I just read a wonderful story that I related to today's lesson. We are asked how much a glass of water weighs. Then we are told it doesn't matter what its weight is, it matters how long we hold it. If we hold it a minute, it's light. If we hold it an hour, our arm and/or hand may become uncomfortable with the weight. If we hold it all day, our arm will feel paralyzed. This is related to holding onto worries and fears. If we keep them with us, we become convinced that they are impossible to overcome. We are paralyzed from the carrying of this weight. All we have to do is put the glass down to be released from our burden! Then we are free to feel the joy which is innately ours as a child of Love.

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, 2013 - Love Liberates

"Mark at the Artrageous Parade"
photo by Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #209

Central Theme: “I am not a body. I am free. For I am still as God created me.” Review: #189 “I feel the Love of God within me now.”

Throughout our lifetime, we have seen oppression falling. I know, I know, there's still a long way to go -- but just think how far we've come! It seems to me it should be easier than it is. The strides I have made in releasing preconceived notions about people who seem different from me are huge! Recently a man said to me that he was afraid to come to Eureka Springs. Of course I asked him why. He said if we were having one of our "diversity" weekends he didn't want to be here. He assured me he had nothing against "gays", but he didn't want it rubbed in his face. This is a learned behavior on his part and has nothing to do with the way he felt when he came out of the womb into this life. As we release what we think we're supposed to think, we open the way for divine Love to guide us. Love is the liberator!

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, 2013 - Peace No Matter What

"Mongolia - Altai Mountains"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #208

Central Theme: “I am not a body. I am free. For I am still as God created me.” Review: #188 “The peace of God is shining in me now."

It's comforting to know that peace is always waiting within, no matter how jarring outside circumstances may seem. Sometimes I fall into that disharmony, forgetting that I have a choice in the matter. Right now my dog is barking at something outside. I feel my muscles becoming tense as the noise reverberates in the house. Should I join in his tension and anxiety, or would I rather bring him along into my oasis of peace? It seems like a "no-brainer" there, huh? But how often have I let outside circumstances dictate my mood? I'm glad I don't need to relive all those moments! Today I will remember I have a choice, and not be swept along in a current of dis-ease.

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, 2013 - Love Life

"Morning Prayer in Mongolia"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #207

Central Theme: “I am not a body. I am free. For I am still as God created me.” Review: #187 “I bless the world because I bless myself.”

What blesses one blesses all! When we open our hearts to the knowledge that God is Love, and that we are the image and likeness of that Love, we are reborn of that Love. I know some people who think it's selfish to pray for themselves. But the knowledge that you bless the world when you bless yourself sets you free to treat yourself as well as you would someone you love. Praying for ourselves: what a concept, huh? Acknowledging the reality of our Being, affirming our goodness as a child of God, knowing that everyone is created as a divine manifestation of Mind, these are some of the ways we bless ourselves and everyone else. Join me in falling in love today -- with Life!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“So-called mystery and miracle, which subserve the end of natural good, are explained by that Love for whose rest the weary ones sigh when needing something more native to their immortal cravings than the history of perpetual evil.

Science & Health Page 501:13-18

July 25, 2013 - Giving and Receiving

"Crystal Bridges Museum"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #206

Central theme: “I am not a body. I am free. For I am still as God created me.” Review: #186 “Salvation of the world depends on me.”

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. A documentary comes to mind about 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 ours. 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:

“Truth should, and does, drive error out of all selfhood. Truth is a two-edged sword, guarding and guiding. Truth places the cherub wisdom at the gate of understanding to note the proper guests. Radiant with mercy and justice, the sword of Truth gleams afar and indicates the infinite distance between Truth and error, between the material and spiritual,-- the unreal and the real.”

S&H 538:3-10

July 24, 2013 - Peace of God

Exhibit at Crystal Bridges Museum
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #205 Central Theme: “I am not a body. I am free. For I am still as God created me.” Review: #185 "I want the peace of God.”

"The peace of God is everything I want." What a lovely thought to hold to today! I just read a Facebook post by one of our social media mavens. She tells us that people seem volatile, jumping to conclusions and reacting in anger. Her advice to us all was to "Calm the f… down!"  I can translate that into wanting the peace of God and making a choice to have it. If you're having trouble slipping away from tension and letting peace be felt, try doing things which can facilitate this: float on a river, walk in the woods, have a massage, get a Oneness Blessing. There are so many avenues to this end. Mainly, I think it's the realization that we have a choice. That opens the door to peace.

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, 2013 - My Inheritance

Photo by Jim Young
www.CreationSpirit.net

ACIM Workbook Lesson #204

Central theme: “I am not a body. I am free. For I am still as God created me.” Review: #184 “The Name of God is my inheritance.”

When hearing the word "inheritance", many material notions come to mind. Maybe we think of things given us by parents -- not just left to us upon their passing, but the way we look and act, perhaps diseases and other DNA-based traits. Through no plan of my own, I've shown 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, 2013 - I Am Free

"Beijing, China"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #203

Central theme: “I am not a body. I am free. For I am still as God created me.” Review: #183 “I call upon God's Name and on my own.”

Today's lesson reminds me of a youTube video from Eckhart Tolle called "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 discovered that my personal history isn't exactly what I had been told it was. My parents had taken me shortly after my birth, moved to another state, and invented a history for their new baby.  Finding this out at the age of 37 enabled me to begin to see who I Am, in reality. My only parent is divine Mind. I have no birth date as I am eternal, without beginning or ending. Every single part of my material history is temporary illusion which can all be released in favor of Truth. 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, and other 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. I am free!

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, 2013 - Likeness of God

"Germany 2006"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson # 202 

Central Theme: “I am not a body. I am free. For I am still as God created me.” Review: #182 “I will be still an instant and go home.”

The spiritual sense we're developing enables us to interpret things without the material meanings we've attached to them. In line with our daily review, which instructs us to "be still an instant and go home", we are allowing ourselves to listen, rather than immediately thinking we know everything. To me, to "go home" means hearing the spiritual message which comes through loud and clear when we are able to quiet material sense. The freedom we experience when releasing beliefs about God also allows us to free ourselves from what we think we are. 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. Science & Health Page 81:17-24

July 20, 2013 - We Are One With God

"Christ of the Ozarks"
photo by Dale Johnson

ACIM Workbook 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."

"Searching for the Wrong-Eyed Jesus" is a documentary on life in the South of the United States. We are taken to small towns where people turn to drugs and/or religion when they've given up all hope of finding happiness. I watched in fascination, realizing for the first time what people find in so-called "holy-roller" churches. In their feverish love of God, they find the pleasure they crave. Others turn to mood-elevating drugs for the same reason. It's stated that everyone is "lonely for God" in these desolate towns. Another line which struck me was this: "He was just a regular ol' Southern lunatic. In his quest for union, he ended up being more separate then ever."  Wow. Yet there is such Truth in their longing! I longed with them as they jumped up and down, speaking in tongues and dancing in odd jerky movements. There wasn't much difference in the drunken barroom scenes on Saturday night and the gyrations of the Sunday morning. gatherings. They're all looking for the same thing. They want to fill the emptiness inside. They want excitement, fun, a way to pass time without really thinking about anything. I can't keep from thinking of how they would be set free with the knowledge of their true Being. The only way this can happen is if I realize it -- really realize it! --  not just intellectually, but with my heart.

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."

Science & Health Page 518:15-19

July 19, 2013 -Claim Peace!

"Utah Sunset"
photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Lesson #200

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

Peace is a spiritual attribute. While we may perceive it as changeable, that is only our material perception of it. When I walked into work yesterday morning, the temperature inside was 93-degrees. The air conditioner was doing nothing to cool things down. I got a bit testy and thought I had lots of reasons to feel that way. But ultimately, whatever is going on around us has absolutely nothing to do with how we feel -- at least once we are able to separate Truth from erroneous belief! Yet once we get into a space of chagrin, it can be difficult to exchange it for peace. True peace, the peace that is God, is ours right now for the accepting. We can't lose it, because it's eternal. 

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

July 18, 2013 - I Am not a body.

"Light Show"
photo by Heather Magnan

ACI M Workbook Lesson #199

“I am not a body. I am free.”

Today's idea that I am not a body is an intriguing thought to ponder! This idea is like a seemingly-unsolvable puzzle, one of those intricate knots with an object in the middle which you're trying to extricate. And then when you see the solution, you wonder what seemed so impossible about it! And if you put the puzzle away and don't look at it for a long time, you forget what you knew about it -- at least you forget until something reminds you of the answer. That's what these studies do for me: they remind me of what's been forgotten. "Mind has set me free from every error." 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.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"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."

[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]

July 17, 2013 - Condemnation

"Washington, D.C. Drain"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #198

“Only my condemnation injures me.”

It seems impossible to stay away from thoughts of condemnation. While it may be tempting to jump up on our high horse and expound on the rightness and the wrongness of external events, this justification is only from the standpoint of belief. Mortal mind, ego, tells us that we know this is real and we must do something about it. But listening and allowing ourselves to be led is much more productive than going off on a tangent 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 share as spiritual beings. The instant and constant connection we all have with each other through our unity is there for the recognition of it. It's akin to flipping on the light switch in a dark room. If we don't know that's possible, we continue to sit in the dark. But when we sit with quiet expectation that our inner knowing will supply us with all we need, we may just find ourselves walking over to that unknown element and turning on the light! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The condemnation of mortals to till the ground means this, — that mortals should so improve material belief by thought tending spiritually upward as to destroy materiality.”

Science and Health Page 545:7-10 

July 16, 2013 - Clearing The Way For Truth

"South Africa Sunset"
photo by Heather Magnan

ACIM Workbook Lesson #197

“It can be but my gratitude I earn.”

Perhaps you think you should be appreciated more, or maybe you know someone who is always "fishing for compliments". Both of these fall under the category of expecting something which you already have. When you appreciate yourself, when you are grateful for the wonder which is you, that's all you need. And it is an all-encompassing gratitude! This recognition is one of the symptoms of loosing the bonds of materiality. The more we let go of expectations and beliefs, the more opportunity there is for Truth to take their place. We needn't do anything but clear the way. And that is what these workbook lessons are designed to do.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“When man is governed by God, the ever-present Mind who understands all things, man knows that with God all things are possible."

Science & Health Page 180:25-27

July 15, 2013 - Only I Can Stop Me

"City Museum in St. Louis"
photo by Heather Magnan

ACIM Workbook Lesson #196

“It can be but myself I crucify.”

This is the point in this Course where we are repeatedly told that we are on the brink of realizing salvation, revelation, heaven. The belief systems we have put into practice throughout the years may begin to talk back to us in protest of our new way of thinking!  Fear not! 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:

“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 96:21-24

July 14, 2013 - I Walk With Love

"Overlooking South Africa"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #195

“Love is the way I walk in gratitude.”

The previous lessons in this workbook have been helping us to see that we are the reflection of divine Mind -- and showing us what to do with that knowledge. We are gaining confidence in learning how to get out of our own way, relying on the wisdom which is heard through spiritual sense. Today is not about being grateful to God, but because of God! God is Love. To experience and demonstrate this Love, nothing is required of us other than our awareness of it. When facing circumstances which feel difficult, I will look at them under the microscope of Love, honestly wanting to know the Truth of the situation. In gratitude I open my eyes to whatever may be revealed.

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, 2013 - One Thing ...

"Milky Way Over Utah"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #194

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

It takes practice to let go. A mere 25 years ago, I still thought I was in control. It took a child's illness for me to realize I didn't have the power to make things all right. In the space it took to hear a diagnosis, I had a change of heart. I'm sure I went through all the emotions associated with this kind of thing: sorrow, anger, blame, and so on. But I knew deep down that there was only one answer. "One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple." (Psalms:27:4) Sometimes I forget this. I'm happy to have this reminder today!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Prayer cannot change the unalterable Truth, nor can prayer alone give us an understanding of Truth; but prayer, coupled with a fervent habitual desire to know and do the will of God, will bring us into all Truth. Such a desire has little need of audible expression. It is best expressed in thought and in life."

Science & Health Page 11:28-32

July 12, 2013 - See Differently

"Great Wall of China"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #193

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

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. 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 what/whoever we think has wronged us. 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:

"The true Logos is demonstrably Christian Science, the natural law of harmony which overcomes discord, — not because this Science is supernatural or pre‐ternatural, nor because it is an infraction of divine law, but because it is the immutable law of God, good."

Science & Health Page 134:21-26

July 11, 2013 - Release Anger

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook 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. This is a perfect lesson for me today as I contemplate the words spoken in a town meeting. While I never felt what I would deem "active anger", I must admit some of the statements have replayed in my mind and caused a sarcastic chuckle or two. And so I have some feelings to release to fulfill my function. I have already written a letter to the editor and then discarded it. That was a nice release! If any words ask to be replayed mentally (as one woman's derogatory comment toward artists is doing right now!), I will replace it with the knowledge that we both reflect the same Love which is God. Any fearful illusions seeming to be true will be acknowledged and released, time and again if necessary, until they return to the nothingness from which they came. 

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, 2013 - I Am God's Child

Principia at the Great
Wall of China

ACIM Workbook Lesson #191

“I am the holy Son of God Himself.”

This day's lesson is such a tender affirmation of who we are. We think of our limited body and brain as this child of God, and then we begin to question why we are so unlike the Source which we supposedly reflect. Let's expand our mind beyond human assumptions of 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, 2013 - I Choose Joy!

"Joy in the Gobi Desert"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook 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 might seem that if this is so, then any pain we are suffering is our own fault. But let's not allow mortal mind, or ego, to lay a guilt trip on us! The only thing we are guilty of is a mistaken perception, and for that there is immediate remedy: Change your thought! Knowing we are Mind's/God's idea brings us through the material illusion into the spiritual Truth of our being. The world has no power to cause anything, but we have been living as though it does. We have been taught that we are helpless victims of life's circumstances, and it can come as quite a shock to find out this is not true. When we awaken to the joy which is ours as the children of God, these things we think of as miracles show themselves to be the normal, everyday occurrences of our Life.

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." 

Science & Health Page 323:32-4

July 8, 2013 - I Am Love

ACIM Workbook Lesson #189

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

Feeling the Love of God may seem a daunting task. 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!  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, 2013 - Peace Is Mine -- Now!

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #188

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

What a wonderful thing it is to realize that the peace we so crave has always been within, waiting for us to discover it. This peace of God is ours, now and always. The recognition of this fact is the meaning of enlightenment. It isn't necessary to seek for ways to change ourselves in order to experience this light. We're not being asked to change anything, to do anything differently; only to see the truth of our Being. I have a dear friend who 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. Other days 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 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, 2013 - What Blesses One Blesses All

"Aaron in Altai Mountains of Mongolia"

ACIM  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 are discovering that when we give ideas away they become stronger in our own mind. Form is often changed in what we have given and what we receive, but it never leaves us lacking. Thoughts and ideas cannot be lost, whereas material form is constantly changing. By allowing ourselves to bless ourselves, we bless the world. 

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, 2013 - Arrogant or Humble?

"Adventure in Mongolia"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #186

“Salvation of the world depends on me.”

Admittance that salvation of the world depends on me may sound arrogant, but the opposite is true. The realization that we are united with God and all that Is -- that's humbling. It's easy to get this concept backwards, believing if we recognize our oneness with God, we are displaying braggadocio. It looks to me as though that is humility. The boastful behavior comes about with a misplaced idea of our heritage, insisting that we're not worthy, that we're weak humans, that we have no choice as to our circumstance. It's arrogant to think your material beliefs are more valid than the ideas of God. Never question what right you have to think this way. It's your birthright!

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

July 4, 2013 - Independence

"Fireworks"
by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #185

“I want the peace of God.”

This is a day of celebration in the United States. On July 4th we celebrate Independence. Today's lesson tells us that if we want the peace of God, it is ours. The reason for this is that peace is our birthright as a child of God. If we don't experience this peace, it's because we don't really want it. So today I will celebrate my independence from thoughts which bind me to old ways which do not bring peace nor freedom. I will throw off the shackles of belief and celebrate the freedom which living my true heritage brings. I won't concentrate on what I am not, but what I Am. I Am a reflection of divine Mind. Woo-hoo!! Let the celebration begin!!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"A few immortal sentences, breathing the omnipo‐tence 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 & Health Page 225:16-22

July 3, 2013 - Key to the Door of Truth

"Glacier National Park"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #184

“The Name of God is my inheritance.”

Not only have we chosen names to delineate things, but we have preconceived notions about what those things represent. These names and our ideas about what they mean separate us from each other: they de-unify us. We think learning is knowing what these things are, and we study to find out everything about them. While we need these symbols, these names, to communicate in the world we have made, we keep getting glimpses of true communication -- and, if you're like me, you want more! Watching birds fly in formation is but one way we get a taste of something beyond what we, as humans, believe to be communication. Rather than learning more about these illusion of names and notions, I'd rather work toward understanding that everything real is a shared unity with God. The knowledge that the confusion we are faced with in daily life is not true creation, this is the key to the door of Truth. Therein we find peace.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“In the Scriptural allegory of the material creation, Adam or error, which represents the erroneous theory of life and intelligence in matter, had the naming of all that was material. These names indicated matter's properties, qualities, and forms. But a lie, the opposite of Truth, cannot name the qualities and effects of what is termed matter, and create the so-called laws of the flesh, nor can a lie hold the preponderance of power in any direction against God, Spirit and Truth.”

Science & Health Page 177:15-24

July 2, 2013 - What is God's Name?

"Aaron in China"

ACIM Workbook Lesson #183

“I call upon God's Name and on my own.”

What is God's name? Certainly it is different things to different people. That's part of the separation we speak of so often. All the names that represent individuality and differences need to be forgotten. Perhaps, like me, you want to think of God as Love. Omnipresent Love.  I also use the seven synonyms given for God by Mary Baker Eddy. These words build upon each other and totally define Deity. Each word alone does not do the job, but when you start to see the connection in these synonyms, there is an overwhelming All-ness which begins to be understood. Mind, Spirit, Soul, Principle, Life, Truth, Love. These seven words combine to give us a gift. This gift grows as it is accepted and practiced within our mind. Through this material insight, we are able to see a bit of our spiritual reality. Translate the word God in any way it feels correct within yourself. You can't go wrong!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Question: What is God?

Answer: God is incorporeal, divine, supreme, infinite Mind, Spirit, Soul, Principle, Life, Truth, Love.

Question: Are these terms synonymous?

Answer: They are. They refer to one absolute God. They are also intended to express the nature, essence, and wholeness of Deity. The attributes of God are justice, mercy, wisdom, goodness, and so on.

Question: Is there more than one God or Principle?

Answer: There is not."

Science & Health Page 465: 8-17