October 1, 2013 - Let Love Lead

ACIM Workbook Lesson #274:

"Ozark Rainbow"
photo by Marsha Havens

“Today belongs to love. Let me not fear."

At one point in her writings, Mary Baker Eddy refers to earth as a "preparatory school". To me this means we are learning how to let life become Life! As the image and likeness of God, we reflect eternal Life, divine Mind, healing Love. ​A number of friends are currently facing major challenges in their lives. While I can't experience what they are (as their feelings are individualized) I can remind them that they are always embraced in Love, and that that Love is contained by each and every one of us. We are unified in our essence, but individual in our form. As we go through our day, no matter what the circumstance, let's allow divine Love to lead the way.

 

​Mary Baker Eddy quote: "Suppose

 one accident happens to the eye, another tot

 ​ ​

he ear, and so on, until every corporeal sense is quenched.

​ ​

What is man’s remedy? To die, that he may

 ​ ​

regain these senses? Even then he must gain

​ ​

spiritual understanding and spiritual sense in order to

 ​ ​

possess immortal consciousness. Earth’s preparatory

​ ​

school must be improved to the utmost. In reality man

 ​ ​

never dies. The belief that he dies will not establish his

​ ​

scientific harmony. Death is not the result of Truth but

 ​ ​

of error, and one error will not correct another.

​"

Science & Health Page 468:4-13

September 30, 2013 - The Peace of God is Mine

"Roadside Poppies"
photo by Marsha Havens

ACIM Workbook Lesson #273
“The stillness of the peace of God is mine.”

I've heard it said that the older we get, the less things bother us. In earlier years, when I was bothered by everything, it seemed impossible that this could be so. While it seems to be true now, I see plenty of people riper in years who are much-bothered all the time! And so my conclusion is that peace is a state of mind. As we cultivate an awareness of the presence of God within ourselves, it becomes natural to turn to that gentleness in times of seeming turmoil. The peace of God is always there, whether we choose to acknowledge it or not. Today I look forward to relishing this gentle presence every moment.

 Namaste' ~~~~~~~~~

Mary Baker Eddy quote:
“Mind [God] demonstrates omnipresence and omnipotence, but Mind revolves on a spiritual axis, and its power is displayed and its presence felt in eternal stillness and immovable Love.”
From Retrospection and Introspection Page 88-89

September 29, 2013 - Illusions

"The Spiral Path"
created by Sandy Wythawai Starbird

ACIM Workbook Lesson #272 “How can illusions satisfy God's Son?”


Today's topic causes me to pause and examine what has brought happiness and a feeling of completeness through the years. During the "years that the locust ate", as I tend to think of a particular 20-year period, I generally felt happy, but never complete or fulfilled. Years of substance abuse, flitting from man to man, and activities which kept me busy but never satisfied are what I refer to as the lost years. Looking back, I hardly recognize that person. It's not that I was mean or horrible or anything, but I was living a drama-filled life, going from one disaster to another, finding solace by hiding in hedonistic pleasures. The peace which is found from wanting nothing other than to know God is astounding in its magnitude. What makes the difference in then and now? Obviously there is a world of difference, but I'm not sure what event caused the change in expectations. Ultimately, it doesn't matter because now is all we have! And so let's go forward with joy into what awaits us this day!


Mary Baker Eddy quote:
“Higher enjoyments alone can satisfy the cravings of immortal man. We cannot circumscribe happiness within the limits of personal sense. The senses confer no real enjoyment.”

September 28, 2013 - Spiritual Vision

"Aaron and Marsha - Silly!"

ACIM Workbook Lesson #271

“Christ's is the vision I will use today."

Learning to see with " Christ's vision" is a passion with me. I relish letting go of beliefs and corporeal perceptions, reaching toward spiritual sight and Truth. The leaving behind, even to a minuscule degree, of these beliefs, and the replacement of them with the vision of God, is an adventure which allows every moment of this existence to be exciting and new. This doesn't mean that I want to leave behind loved ones or other experiences of beauty and grace. My oldest son, who lives far away and rarely has a chance to be here, left today after a good, long visit. I have loved every minute of our interactions! It has been a joy in every possible way. That's not what I'm striving to give up. But I do want to dismiss any thoughts that we are anything other than a reflection of divine Love. Letting go the past and future, we revel in the now! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“This dual personality of the unseen and the seen, the spiritual and material, the eternal Christ and the corporeal Jesus manifest in flesh, continued until the Master’s ascension, when the human, material concept, or Jesus, disappeared, while the spiritual self, or Christ, continues to exist in the eternal order of divine Science, taking away the sins of the world, as the Christ has always done, even before the human Jesus was incarnate to mortal eyes.”

Science & Health Page 334:12-20

September 27, 2013 - Spiritual Vision

"It's All About the Leaves"
by Sandy Wythawai Starbird

ACIM Workbook Lesson #270

“I will not use the body's eyes today.”

During these times of shifting thought, many of us are frightened by the feelings and insights we are having. I love working with artists, and one of the reasons is that they fearlessly allow multi-dimensional energy into their experience. By the act of looking upon their palpably loving works of Art, I am guided to other ways of seeing. Their artistic expressions take me past the obvious into the ethereal. Every instance of this "seeing through the veil" brings us closer to our goal of seeing that way all the time. Slipping into the silence between thoughts, seeing past the obvious, listening within -- all this and more seeks our awareness. Listen, See, Be.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Spiritual vision is not subordinate to geometric altitudes. Whatever is governed by God, is never for an instant deprived of the light and might of intelligence and Life.”

Science & Health Page 215:11-13

September 26, 2013 - Pure Sight

"The Starbirds"
photo by Judy Rhodes

ACIM Workbook Lesson #269

“My sight goes forth to look upon Christ's face.”

The face of Christ which is spoken of in today's lesson is everywhere. Christ is not necessarily Jesus. Jesus was a man who was here to show us the Truth of our Being. Christ is the Sprit, God (if you will) which is the essence of everything. The Christ, The Universe, Harold -- it really doesn't matter what you call It, because It simply is. So this face of Christ that we are looking at today is what you see when you look in the mirror, what you see when you look at your loved ones, what you see when you look at your so-called enemies -- it is everything, minus material belief and learned behavior. Our earlier lesson, which teaches us that nothing we see means anything, prepares the way for today's truth. Giving up meaning clears the way to accept spiritual reality. The closer I come to knowing nothing, the happier I am!

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

September 25, 2013 - It Is What It Is

"Yellowstone National Park"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #268

“Let all things be exactly as they are.”

The spiritual, metaphysical Truth is that there is no cause for anything unlike good, God. Anything unlike God, good, can be challenged with divine authority. Erroneous thoughts of any sort are the same as a dark closet in a light room. When you open the door, the dark doesn't escape into the light. The light dispels the darkness. And so it is with our realization of the unrealities which seem so solid. When we open the door and acknowledge the Truth, anything unlike God, good, simply dissipates before the certainty of light. I needn't judge or condemn any seeming error. I need only acknowledge the Truth of how things are.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Man and his Maker are correlated in divine Science, and real consciousness is cognizant only of the things of God.”

Science and Health Page 276: 9-10

September 24, 2013 - Peace of God

"Montana Sunset"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #267

“My heart is beating in the peace of God"

Living the "peace of God" may seem like a fantasy to those who abide by the laws of materiality. Some think we're delusional, or sticking our heads in the sand, or denying reality in favor of wishful thinking. But that's okay! When you know the Truth of being, put it into practice in daily life, and watch the demonstration of it bloom in your every activity, your "heart is beating in the peace of God". And that state of mind does more for the world than all the preaching we may be tempted to do!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“More effectual than the forum are our states of mind, to bless mankind”

Pulpit and Press, p. 87

September 23, 2013 - Peace is a State of Mind

Photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #266

“My holy Self abides in you, God's Son.”

Peace is a state of mind. Sometimes we feel the epitome of peace in the midst of turmoil. At other times, we can be in an oasis of stillness but, due to our tumultuous state of mind, may be experiencing stress and upset. It helps me to know that we are all the "son of God". With this realization, I am able to see everything through the eye of divine Love. This is not to say that I'm always calm. Sometimes I forget I am the idea of God, and that everyone else is, too. At those times, who knows how I may be interpreting events! In a state of forgetfulness, I am at the mercy of material belief, being swayed by thought systems which were put in place long before my appearance in this world. But when I remember my holy Self, things appear differently to me. And there is peace. 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“He that touches the hem of [the] Christ’s robe and masters his mortal beliefs, animality, and hate, rejoices in the proof of healing,—in a sweet and certain sense that God is Love”.

Science & Health Page 569: 11-14

September 22, 2013 - Gentle Sight

"Fall Foliage"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #265

Creation's gentleness is all I see.

The last couple of days, I've mentioned a motorcycle event in our little town. Many people think of this event as being very disruptive. Actually, it's been disturbing to me for the last few years. But this year I vowed to look at it with purer eyes and heart than previously. Today was the apex of the noise and hubbub and, to me, it was just another busy Saturday in Eureka Springs. As one of my friends said, "We live in a lively place! Isn't it fun!!" And so it was. As the day was coming to a close a big biker came in telling me as he entered that he didn't want anything; he was just waiting to get a tattoo downstairs. I started a conversation with him and learned he was a truck driver with a love for photography. He told me of the many photos he's taken, and how he walks out into the desert to find nature scenes which are out of the ordinary. We had a lovely chat and I saw a gentler side of him than what was outwardly presented. I'm very grateful for this sight!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The new birth is not the work of a moment. It begins with moments, and goes on with years; moments of surrender to God, of childlike trust and joyful adoption of good; moments of self-abnegation, self-consecration, heaven-born hope, and spiritual love.” 

Miscellaneous Writings, 1883-1896, p. 15

September 21, 2013 - Surrounded by Love

"World Cup, Germany, 2006"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #264

“I am surrounded by the Love of God.”

While sitting in my gallery with Steve Tyrell singing Frank Sinatra songs,  it's easy to feel surrounded by Love. As this is the first cool day in quite some time, I have the front door open to enjoy the fresh air and invite people to come in and see the great collection of art and fine craft we have. Suddenly, the calm is broken by raucous laughter. I look out to see a seemingly drunken man standing in the middle of the street, pretending he's directing traffic, while his friend takes photos of the performance. I nearly slip into judgmental mode, but refrain. I have vowed to see everyone through the eyes of God today. So I enjoy his antics as I sway to the sultry music filling the air. Shortly thereafter, the man in the street comes in with his friend. They rather sheepishly talk about what they were doing. The friend states that usually the man in the street is a quiet, subdued person who would never think of making a scene. As I watch them enjoying their vacation, I see that they truly are surrounded by the Love of God, too. I see the motorcycles roaring by as extensions of the fun-loving folks riding them. I take a deep breath and smile.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The very circumstance, which your suffering sense deems wrathful and afflictive, Love can make an angel entertained unawares.”

Science & Health Page 574: 27-30

September 20, 2013 - Pass by in Innocence

"Ozark Moon Set"
photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #263

“My holy vision sees all things as pure.”

The commentary in today's ACIM lesson asks us to "Let all appearances seem pure .. that we may pass them by in innocence ...". Wow! I want to do that, don't you?  This is a perfect time for me to practice seeing with my pure vision rather than my faulty material vision. Thousands of motorcycles are in town for a happening in a nearby area. In the past, I've seen them as a nuisance, disrupting peace and quiet in our serene village. I vow today to see with holy vision, pure and true. We really are One! 

Om ~~~~~~~~~~

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“When we learn that error is not real, we shall be ready for progress, ‘forgetting those things which are behind.’”

Science & Health Page 353:22-24

September 19, 2013 - We're All This -- Together!

"Ozark Moon"
photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #262

“Let me perceive no differences today.”

William Blake says it well: "I am in you and you in me, mutual in divine Love". I understand this to mean that the perfection we are learning to see as ourselves also is everyone else. I often tell people “We’re all in this together”, but I think I’ll change it to “We are all this – together!” I love the study of the Science of Being! Every day, every moment, revelations of thought bring me to a deeper understanding of how this Truth sets us free. I am learning more every day what it means that God is Mind, Spirit, Soul, Principle, Life, Truth, Love. And it's a joy to expand thought to include myself in that definition, as a reflection of All that Is!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“With one Father, even God, the whole family of man would be brethren; and with one Mind and that God, or good, the brotherhood of man would consist of Love and Truth, and have unity of Principle and spiritual power which constitute divine Science.”

Science and Health Page 469:30–5

September 18, 2013 - Clearing the Clutter

"South Africa"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #261

“God is my refuge and security."

We all are in the process of getting rid of unnecessary things. The stuff we no longer need comes in different forms. They may be cluttering up our house and material surroundings. More importantly, we're clearing out thoughts and beliefs which no longer are needed in our newfound perception of reality. Recently my son, who is making his once-a-year visit with us, single-handedly carried everything out of a very large storage area in our house. I sat outside going through things and deciding what, if anything, should be kept. As with our mental clutter, there is very little which needs to stay. Tomorrow I will have a second going through of what I decided to keep.  Just as we accumulate more and more books and music and all sorts of things, so we also accumulate erroneous thought. Isn't it just as easy to hold on to Truth as it is error? Now is the time to do just that!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Citizens of the world, accept the ‘glorious liberty of the children of God,’ and be free! This is your divine right. The illusion of material sense, not divine law, has bound you, entangled your free limbs,

crippled your capacities, enfeebled your body, and defaced the tablet of your being.”

Science & Health Page 227:24-29

September 17, 2013 - I Reflect Divine Mind

"South Africa Sunset"
photo by Heather Magnan

ACIM Workbook Lesson #260

“Let me remember God created me.”

Today let us remember that I am a reflection of divine Mind. The Source of our being is Spirit. That is our essence. We are not material; we are spiritual. In its infinitude, divine Mind  knows nothing of the material beings we are portraying. As various sages have told us, "We're not material beings having a spiritual experience; we're spiritual Beings having a material experience." Today I will remember not to limit God through my expectations. One of my favorite books is "Practicing the Presence" by Joel Goldsmith. In it we are reminded that Truth is experienced in the stillness within our own selves. We hear this stillness when we quiet material senses. It needn't be for a long period, but it does need to be thorough. And so I will look for every opportunity to slip into a few moments of deep stillness, and let them spill over at their will.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Infinite Mind creates and governs all, from the mental molecule to infinity. This divine Principle of all expresses Science and art throughout His creation, and the immortality of man and the universe. Creation is ever appearing, and must ever continue to appear from the nature of its inexhaustible source. Mortal sense inverts this appearing and calls ideas material. Thus misinterpreted, the divine idea seems to fall to the level of a human or material belief, called mortal man. But the seed is in itself, only as the divine Mind is All and reproduces all--as Mind is the multiplier, and Mind's infinite idea, man and the universe, is the product. The only intelligence or substance of a thought, a seed, or a flower is God, the creator of it."

Science & Health Page 507:24-6

September 16, 2013 - Reality Awaits

"Mt Timpanogos Goat"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #259

“Let me remember that there is no sin.”

It certainly seems as though sin is a tangible thing in our world. We look at the news and see things which seem too horrible to be anything but. But, once again, this is the material illusion. The reality is God and the creation thereof. This creation is spiritual, everlasting substance, non-changing goodness. That is why there is no sin, because it is unreal. This same revealing of reality exposes other material discord as being mist to be seen through and dispelled. There is no magic potion which allows us to look past the mirage of sin. So many reports of our senses seem real until we look to the other side. And then what a treat we have in store for us! There is the reality of our Being, just waiting for us to discover it.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Question: Is there no sin?

Answer: All reality is in God and His creation, harmonious and eternal. That which He creates is good, and He makes all that is made. Therefore the only reality of sin, sickness, or death is

the awful fact that unrealities seem real to human, erring belief, until God strips off their disguise. They are not true, because they are not of God.”

Science & Health Page 472:23-30

September 15, 2013 - Let Me Remember ...

"Bryce Canyon Reflections"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #258

“Let me remember that my goal is God.”

Many of us have gone through life feeling that something is missing; that there's an empty place which can never be filled. When we discover that it's not something lacking in us, we get very excited! This mind training, which is spoken of in today's lesson, is not a system of mind control, it's not hypnotism or cult-like obedience -- on the contrary! We train our mind to recognize and release all the "senseless aims ... and pointless little goals" which have become life practices and learned behaviors. The insights and answers which appear in our lives through spiritual awareness are often thought of as serendipitous, which implies an element of luck. This is yet again something we have made up to explain the inexplicable. But spiritual sense needs no explanation! A mere glimpse through the eye of Spirit is enough to convince us of our true Identity.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Spiritual sense is a conscious, constant capacity to understand God. It shows the superiority of faith by works over faith in words. Its ideas are expressed only in ‘new tongues;’ and these are interpreted by the translation of the spiritual original into the language which human thought can comprehend.”

Science & Health Page 209:31-4

September 14, 2013 - One Purpose

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #257

“Let me remember what my purpose is.”

To paraphrase a Bible verse: One thing do I desire: to love God above all else, with all my heart, soul, mind. And that is my purpose. To Love and be an expression of that Love. This happens in countless ways, which we individualize as a compound Idea of divine Mind. What ways will I be an expression today? Each day is an adventure!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Jesus urged the commandment, Thou shalt have no other gods before me," which may be rendered: Thou shalt have no belief of Life as mortal; thou shalt not know evil, for there is one Life,-- even God, good. He rendered "unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's." He at last paid no homage to forms of doctrine or to theories of man, but acted and spake as he was moved, not by spirits but by Spirit."

Science & Health Page 19:29-5

September 13, 2013 - One Goal

Bryce Canyon"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #256

“God is the only goal I have today.”

It seems simplistic and perhaps impossible to state that I'm only going to think about God today. But when I analyze this thought, it's pretty inclusive! If it's true that God is All, that God is synonymous with Mind, Spirit, Soul, Principle, Life, Truth, and Love -- as Mary Baker Eddy declares -- then how can we do anything other than think of God?? When seeing ourselves as a reflection of God, as embodying all these attributes of God, it becomes easier to see ourselves as the consciousness of all good, from which nothing need be added nor taken away. "God is the only goal I have today." "There is but one primal cause." What effect can there be, what end result can occur, other than a realization that God is all there is? And so it will be easy to attain this goal today, because nothing else exists!!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“There is but one primal cause. Therefore there can be no effect from any other cause, and there can be no reality in aught which does not proceed from this great and only cause.”

Science & Health Page 207:20-22

September 12, 2013 - Breaking the Spell of Error

"Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs"
photo by Steve Shogren

A Course in Miracles Lesson #255

“This day I choose to spend in perfect peace."

Having chosen to spend every day in perfect peace, it always surprises me when I don't! Those first thoughts in the morning are so important, and recently it seemed they had a mind of their own and I couldn't change what was going through my head. From planning busywork for the day to judgmental nitpicking, to total inanities, that was all I could think. I'd try to get on track by repeating well-loved quotations, but it was as though I'd forget and slip into something else. I would determine to affirm what is true of spiritual man and then end up thinking what seems so true of mortal man. It was exhausting! Midday a friend came over to visit and immediately said she'd never seen me looking so bad and asked what was wrong. Apparently more was wrong than I'd been willing to admit, as it all poured out in response to her. And that broke the spell. The act of speaking what frightened me took the fear and confusion away. As I read the below quoted material, I wonder how many of us are feeling the same thing. Fear not! It is the breaking up of error!

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 92:12-20

September 11, 2013 - Listening for God

"Ozark September Sunset"
photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #254

“Let every voice but God's be still in me.”

I met a young woman who told me that God was talking to all of us -- and it was time to listen! As we chatted briefly, she told a story of finding out her husband had a girlfriend, getting divorced, feeling hopeless. Then she left a job she didn't enjoy and followed her dream of starting a little antique store where she has lots of cool stuff, like freshly ground coffee and books she wants to share with others: a place where everyone feels welcome. She tells me this happened because she listened to God. Now, this guidance can be called many things -- following your heart, listening for the still small voice, living your dream -- but whatever it's called, it can only be heard by shutting out ego thoughts, the material-based fears, all those other voices telling us we're not good enough, not capable enough. It's heard by silencing the advice of mortal mind, telling us to just stay put because it's safe there and who knows what might happen if we listen to intuition and follow an unknown path. Well, I was very much buoyed by her joy and new-found confidence. It was inspiring that she started the conversation by telling me it was time to listen to God! She made me want to shout Hallelujah!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Nature voices natural, spiritual law and divine Love, but human belief misinterprets nature. Arctic regions, sunny tropics, giant hills, winged winds, mighty billows, verdant vales, festive flowers, and glorious heavens,--all point to Mind, the spiritual intelligence they reflect. The floral apostles are hieroglyphs of Deity. Suns and planets teach grand lessons. The stars make night beautiful, and the leaflet turns naturally towards the light.”

Science & Health Page 240:1-9

September 10, 2013 - I Am

ACIM Workbook Lesson #253

“My Self is ruler of the universe.

Every day's lesson is leading us to the same end. We are learning that we have a choice. We can accept ourselves as limited humans, or we can learn to recognize ourselves as spiritual beings. How does this recognition come about? By continually turning away from the material picture and knowing the spiritual truth. It's easy to fall into the ego's trap of looking at the mortal situation and trying to turn it into something spiritual. And we, with our material thinking, cannot do anything but that. So let's stop analyzing and simply know a truth -- any truth which allows our mind to be cleared of the temptation to analyze and fix. Two times two equals four might work for you, but I prefer something like this: "I Am the infinite reflection of divine Mind". Whatever truth comes to you, clear your thought and then let go. Give it to God, if you will. Sit quietly and listen if you have a moment, or go about your business with a open heart. Live every moment in the conscious awareness of good. Let me know how this works out for you!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The pains of sense are salutary, if they wrench away false pleasurable beliefs and transplant the affections from sense to Soul, where the creations of God are good, "rejoicing the heart." Such is the sword of Science, with which Truth decapitates error, materiality giving place to man's higher individuality and destiny."

 Science & Health Page 265:31-5

September 9, 2013 - What is my Identity?

"Mt. Timpanogos Goat"
photo by Aaron Springston 

ACIM Workbook Lesson #252

“The Son of God is my Identity."

It's very easy to forget our identity of a child of God, and once that's done, it's easy to wander down a path we never wanted to visit. A year or so ago, I found myself thinking uncharitable  thoughts about people at times. I engaged in banter with friends, complaining about other people. I found myself having strong opinions about political stuff. And it has taken its toll. For quite some time I've been experiencing health problems. A rash here, a twisted ankle there -- but a pretty steady stream of material problems. Not long ago I included an article by Mary Baker Eddy entitled "Demonstration". In this she tells us a "secret". And that secret is to have no negative thoughts about anything or anyone -- anytime, ever! In looking over the last twenty years I've spent in serious contemplation of Truth, there was a time I honestly didn't have ugly thoughts about anything. My first thoughts in the morning were acknowledgements of spiritual Truth. That is not true now. In working with a Christian Science practitioner for the last few days, many erroneous thoughts are being uncovered and are laying on the table for examination and excision. This exercise and study is full of joy for the things I'm discovering. I trust delving into my true Identity will not leave me where it found me!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"I watch my thoughts about people, the lame, the old, the unloved to sense that I pass in the street, stray animals, I except nothing. I have taken my radical stand for perfection and I will not, absolutely will not, relax this perfect standard.

The result has been simply marvelous. Try it and you will find that you forget your glasses; they will become unnecessary.

You will be seeing with God's eyes, His perfect sight, and you will behold a perfect universe, the outward condition of your inward thinking. To change the picture you must change the sight that produced the picture." 

From an article entitled "Demonstration"

September 8, 2013 - Truth is Enough!

ACIM Workbook Lesson #251

"Great Wall of China Toboggan"
photo by Aaron Springston

“I am in need of nothing but the truth."

How reassuring it is to know I need nothing but the Truth! All worry and anxiety disappear when I'm not chasing something illusive which I can't quite name. Oh, sure, we may put lots of names on these things we seek in good faith, totally believing they will bring us the happiness we crave -- names like success, fame, marriage. The list of personal fulfillments desired can be quite long. We are even encouraged to make these lists of  goals, to create affirmations surrounding them, to hold them in thought until they become realities in our existence. At this point, I must quote a Bible verse: "Seek ye first the kingdom of heaven and all these things shall be added unto you." And this kingdom is found within, in the understanding and acceptance of our Source. So let's set aside material desires, just as quickly as we turn from fears. When these desires are no longer with us, the void left by them cries to be filled, and it's tempting to just let the old, outgrown expectations come back in. Today I choose to look only toward the Truth we are learning to recognize; to want nothing else; and to listen confidently for where that takes me.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Dost thou ‘love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind’? This command includes much, even the surrender of all merely material sensation, affection, and worship. This is the El Dorado of Christianity. It involves the Science of Life, and recognizes only the divine control of Spirit, in which Soul is our master, and material sense and human will have no place.”

Science & Health Page 9:17-24

September 7, 2013 - Unlimited Life

"Fun in the Gobi Desert"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #250

“Let me not see myself as limited."

Today we are reminded to view ourselves as unlimited. A limited view of ourselves traps thought into a circumstance un-deserving of our true being as unlimited consciousness. To view myself as unlimited is to view others that way, too. I'm reminded of the importance of refraining from talking about people's seeming mistakes and weaknesses. For that matter, it's important to avoid ANY negative banter concerning others. While we're cleaning up our act, let's not indulge in deprecating thoughts about ourselves. All these activities are impediments to the consciousness which sees beyond the material picture of life. In seeing past this illusion, we are able to witness the other-dimensional realization of life as Life. Even if we see no other people today, there will be many opportunities to practice this. When we free ourselves of our stories, we free ourselves (and everyone!) to the actualization of our true identities. And this identity is an unlimited idea of divine Mind. Let's celebrate that!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“It would require an infinite form to contain infinite Mind. Indeed, the phrase infinite form involves a contradiction of terms. Finite man cannot be the image and likeness of the infinite God. A mortal, corporeal, or finite conception of God cannot embrace the glories of limitless, incorporeal Life and Love. Hence the unsatisfied human craving for something better, higher, holier, than is afforded by a material belief in a physical God and man. ” Science & Health Page 257: 30-6

September 6, 2013 - Changes in Perception

"Glacier National Park"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #249

“Forgiveness ends all suffering and loss."

I remember a time when so-called new-age thought was not often spoken of in the media or anywhere other than the privacy of our homes. Now these new-old ideas are seen and heard everywhere. Every day we are witness to more proof that this shift in consciousness is happening now -- and we're talking about it! Thanks, Oprah! And even when these ideas are fictionalized, as in best-selling novels such as "The Lost Symbol", these possibilities are easily translated into plausible realities. This shift in consciousness allows us to embrace peace and harmony. Through this change in perception, we are understanding Truth and the demonstration thereof. It is happening now. We each support this realization in our own individual way. Every instance of pure peace we feel, each yielding of our personal sense to spiritual sense, brings us closer to living this realm of Love. This is where we always have been, but we've forgotten. We are all much-needed at this time, to calm the tumultuous collective thought which fights the idea of such freedom!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“God fashions all things after His own likeness. Life is reflected in existence, Truth in truthfulness, God in goodness, which impart their own peace and permanence. Love, redolent with unselfishness, bathes all in beauty and light."

Science & Health Page 516:9-13

September 5, 2013 - The Unreality of Suffering

"Toboggan Run at the Great Wall of China"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #248

“Whatever suffers is not part of me."

"Whatever suffers is not a part of me". This is not a heartless statement. It doesn't deny the feelings we have in favor of a hardness which excludes emotion. On the contrary! It's a pure Love which allows us to pass through the hard times with a firm understanding of the beauty of Truth. Losing a loved one is difficult in many ways, but I really think the myths we have concocted surrounding death do more harm than good. We tell children they'll see grandma in heaven. We say things like, God took him to be with him because he was so good. What lies we tell ourselves in the name of kindness! As we begin to understand divine reality, we are able to let loose the stories we tell ourselves in favor of the Truth which sets us free. I'll always remember reading in "Beloved Prophet" the story of the woman who loved Kahlil Gibran. She sat at his funeral with a smile on her face. When asked how she could do such a thing she replied that she had never felt closer to him. Never born, never dying -- Life eternal.  

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“A blundering dispatch, mistakenly announcing the death of a friend, occasions the same grief that the friend's real death would bring. You think that your anguish is occasioned by your loss. Another dispatch, correcting the mistake, heals your grief, and you learn that your suffering was merely the result of your belief. Thus it is with all sorrow, sickness, and death. You will learn at length that there is no cause for grief, and divine wisdom will then be understood. Error, not Truth, produces all the suffering on earth.”

Science & Health Page 386:16-25

September 4, 2013 - Definitive Terms

"Fun at the Great Wall of China"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #247

“Without forgiveness I will still be blind."

The sight which comes through forgiveness is our topic today. We are also told that sin is the symbol of attack. The topics of sin and forgiveness can make us cringe! I feel this is because they are not a part of our real Being, and so we recoil at the words.  And that’s what this lesson is about today: the nothingness of sin and the meaning of forgiveness. I think of sin as being anything -- anything at all  -- which separates us from the Love which is God. Since we are the image and likeness of God, there can be no separation other than in our belief. And this thing we call forgiveness isn't some sort of divine pardon, but a yielding within ourselves to purity of thought, without the impediments of holding on to memories of wrongdoing, resentment, and pains of all sorts. This yielding includes the release of things which we think have been done to us and things we think we have done to others. So let's choose again, rest in Love, and go and sin no more!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Sin was, and is, the lying supposition that life, substance, and intelligence are both material and spiritual, and yet are separate from God,”

Retrospection and Introspection (p. 67).

September 3, 2013 - The Panoply of Love

"St, Louis Zoo Penguins"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #246

“To love my Father is to love His Son."

One of my favorite Mary Baker Eddy quotes is, "Clad in the panoply of Love, human hatred cannot reach you." I've always thought of that statement as meaning that the human hatred of others cannot reach me. I now see that it precludes the hatred I may feel toward others, also. It's very easy for me to think that I don't hate anyone or anything. Actually, it's a word I have pruned from my vocabulary and simply do not use. BUT if I am irritated by another's actions or words, or if I replay a past situation in my mind which caused anger in the past, or if I allow criticism to gnaw at me and I think of retaliatory statements which could have been made -- isn't that human hatred? Wearing this cloak of Love calms these nagging feelings and thoughts. I know that if I'm wearing the armor of Love, hatred cannot enter from inside or out!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"God is universal; confined to no spot, defined by no dogma, appropriated by no sect. Not more to one than to all, is God demonstrable as divine Life, Truth, and Love; and His people are they that reflect Him -- that reflect Love."

Miscellaneous Writings 1883-1896 Page 150

September 2, 2013 - Peace Within

"Great Wall of China"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACiM Workbook Lesson #245

“Your peace is with me, Father.  I am safe."

Today's statement of peace and safety may seem downright silly to some people. While we know that peace is a choice within our own selves, we really want that peace to spread to every corner of the world. And while we can affirm our safety, it seems heartless to see war-torn countries as a place of peaceful safety. So we set up a guilt trip for ourselves and won't allow ourselves to feel peace and safety because we think that would be selfish. But wait a minute! There is no separation in the essence of our Being.  While I can't change what anyone else is thinking or feeling or experiencing, I can adjust my vision of reality. Every thought is important! We are all in this together, in every way, at every moment. Today I will make an effort to see everything through the eyes of God, with the vision of Love.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Spiritual living and blessedness are the only evidences, by which we can recognize true existence and feel the unspeakable peace which comes from an all-absorbing spiritual love.”

Science & Health Page 264:24-27