December 12, 2014 - Eternity

photo by Aaron Springston

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, 2014 - Reciprocol Miracles

Photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #345

"I offer only miracles today,

For I would have them be returned to me."

When I first began reading ACIM writings, the word "miracle" bothered me very much. As a student of Christian Science, I had learned that a miracle, as we think of it, is non-existent, because all these wonderful things are natural occurrences. And so there are actually no such things as miracles, only a revealing of the perfection that Is. But, as with many words, it is only the meaning we have placed upon them that makes them good or bad. Now I choose to think of miracles as anything which reveals the omnipresence of God, good. By this I can freely offer miracles to others and accept them in turn. God's goodness is reflected in my actions and everyone else's. This I embrace whole-heartedly. Giving and receiving; receiving and giving. What a lovely cycle!

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, 2014 - Give and Take

ACIM Workbook Lesson #344

"Today I learn the law of love; that what

I give my brother is my gift to me."

Today's lesson is the number one thing to keep in thought during our daily interactions with others. In my position as proprietress of an art gallery in a small tourist town, I am an information center, a museum, a drop off point for others, and sometimes a retail establishment. In the process of talking with hundreds of people on a busy day, I sometimes forget that giving is receiving. I sometimes forget that the law of Love is my only reason for being there. Sometimes I don't see myself as one with those wanting to know directions to the Beaver Bridge, or asking where is the best place to eat, or telling me how their aunt/sister/mother is a fantastic artist, or the multitudinous streams of consciousness that flows from them, through me, and back at them. Whew! It can seem overwhelming from a human standpoint. But on those days when I manage to transcend this maze of materiality, then it's one large, swirling ball of joy. The interactions are enjoyed on a level invisible to me when I'm operating from egotistical ideology. Today I choose Love and receive as much joy as I scatter to others!

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, 2014 - No Sacrifice

Thailand Beach

ACIM Workbook Lesson #343

"I am not asked to make a sacrifice

To find the mercy and the peace of God."

Someone recently asked me if I thought there was anyone on this planet who had attained the ideal of no suffering. One of the reasons she was thinking deeply about this topic was that a friend of hers had awakened in the morning to find that her partner has passed on during the night. How, we wonder, is it possible to not feel pain in such a situation? I believe the key is in knowing that they haven't gone anywhere. Passing on to where? Mary Baker Eddy tells us that the dead will be surprised to wake up and find they are not dead. Of course, we have turned this scenario into a different sort of material life, with the addition of wings and such. Everything we imagine is from our personal standpoint, don't you think? That is why we're endeavoring, in these studies, to release all thoughts which are engrained beliefs. Even within this material existence which we claim as a necessity, many people are able to feel grief and then release it for the joy of time spent together in this realm. Numerous people are able to feel even closer to loved ones after they are gone, as they commune on a different, more pure, level of consciousness than they had previously known. Perhaps we hold on to these feelings of grief because we're afraid that love, too, will be lost in the letting go. I have a hunch that the Love which is left will be sweeter than we ever could have dreamed!

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 (MBE Autobiography)

December 8, 2014 - Accepting Forgiveness

Thailand Morning

ACIM Workbook Lesson #342

"I let forgiveness rest upon all things,

For thus forgiveness will be given me."

I am amazed that it is so difficult to accept myself for what I truly am! In Christian Science, this acceptance is often called "knowing the Truth". In A Course in Miracles, it is forgiveness. Of course, there are many other ways to define this, but it's all semantics. What it boils down to is not just talking about it but really, truly knowing it. We are not material, we are spiritual. Spiritual perception is reality; material illusion is just that. I can talk about this until the cows come home, but it doesn't make it true in my consciousness unless I quit talking and begin knowing! Our learned behavior is strong, but not as strong as Truth. Ego, mortal mind, wants us to stay with what seems real. I've convinced myself it is real and it seems impossible to release this fallacy. I will hold to the Truth of spiritual reality until the false falls away. 

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, 2014 - What is a Miracle?

A Course in Miracles 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, so 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, 2014 - Be Glad!

ACIM Workbook Lesson #340

"I can be free of suffering today."

On this date last year, I wrote about a snow and ice storm we had which brought the holiday activities in our tourist town to a standstill. Today, we had lovely temperatures and a steady rain, Our Christmas Parade of Lights was postponed for a couple of weeks. A line from today's ACIM workbook lesson tells how I felt about all this: "Be glad today! Be glad! There is no room for anything but joy and thanks today." Each time someone came in the gallery expressing distress that the parade had been cancelled, I told them how happy I was that we were having a nice warm rain. On gray days, all the holiday lights look brighter! In the rain, there are reflections of them in the streets, on windows, and everywhere we look! What a joy it is to be in our sweet town with all the natural beauty and happiness flowing from every place. The gratitude I feel at the end of this peaceful, laid-back day is immense. And the Tour of Homes is tomorrow, and John Two-Hawks holiday concert, and many other reasons to be GLAD!

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, 2014 - What Do I Wnat?

ACIM Workbook Lesson #339

"I will receive whatever I request."

I was reminded recently of a meeting in which a woman confided a situation of abuse from her childhood. Some of the people in the metaphysical meeting we were attending insisted that she had chosen this scenario, whether to rectify something from a "past life" or for some other reason. This woman became very upset to think that a little girl would be tortured and want such a thing. Today's workbook lesson iterates that no one desires pain, but often we are confused about what we would want. Without going into the possibility of past lives, or reincarnation and retribution, I remind myself that all I want is One Thing. My only desire is to know God, and everything else will be attained without my delineation of what that is. I also remind myself not to judge others in any way, as we are all on an individual path. That's what it's all about, after all. We are the experience of God, and there are no outlines as to what that means.

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, 2014 - Only Thought ...

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 Science 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, 2014 - Safe and One

Phi Phi Island, Thailand"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #337

"My sinlessness protects me from all harm."

The sinlessness which protects us from all harm 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, 2014 - Sweeping Away Distortion

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #336

"Forgiveness lets me know that minds are joined."

"Forgiveness sweeps away distortion, and opens the hidden altar to the truth."  Looking at this sentence, even through the limited eyes of our mortal mind, it seems so beautifully true! I was 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 his family's safety". I live in town and my next door neighbor has strobe lights going all night long off of his back porch, attempting to deter turkey vultures from bedding down 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 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

November 30, 2014 - Unforgivable?

photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

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 being too heinous to release from your blame? It could be that something you did, personally, in your past remains unforgivable in your own mind. There are a multitude of 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 a 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, 2014 - Conflicted

photo by Aaron Springston

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

December 1, 2014 - Pure and Sinless

"Thailand Wildlife"
photo by Aaron Springston

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, perpetrated 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. 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 everyone, 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 28, 2014 - Fear Binds; Forgiveness Frees

ACIM Workbook Lesson #332

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

How many things are you bound to by fear? I know there have been many fears which have dictated my actions. Perhaps fear of being alone binds you to relationships which have served their purpose and need to be released. This might be thought of as a "failure" -- which brings up another fear, huh? What if we don't think of the ending of a marriage or friendship as a failure, but as a progression of this life? The same may be said of a career or hobby. These things can be steps on a journey to somewhere you never dreamed you would go. If you've planned your life in every detail, it may seem like giving up to move on to something else. That's why I love this way of thought! There are no rules, other than listening for divine Mind to guide and lead us to wherever we need to be. This guidance doesn't always mean leaving something -- it could be staying with a job or relationship, regardless of what logic dictates. Listening and following is always an adventure!!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Until the majesty of Truth should be demonstrated in divine Science, the spiritual idea was arraigned before the tribunal of so-called mortal mind, which was unloosed in order that the false claim of mind in matter might uncover its own crime of defying immortal Mind." 

Science & Health Page 564:19-23

November 27, 2014 - Awakening Peace

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, 2014 - We Are

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #330

“I will not hurt myself again today.”

I love it when something happens which allows me to see my mistaken view of a situation. There's a popular television show called "Duck Dynasty". I've held myself superior to this show which is full of duck calls and strong opinions. On the other hand, one of my favorite TV shows is "Dancing With the Stars". Not only is it a mixture of beautiful dancing and music, but you get to know the dancers on a more personal level as they reveal themselves through dance and competition and fatigue. This season, the duck show's 17-year-old girl is dancing. She had never danced before, other than alone in her room, having a very strict upbringing. I must admit to having some prejudice against her when the season started. I decided she was judgmental and self-important. Hum, isn't it interesting how what we think of others is something bubbling around in ourselves? By watching her these last few weeks, I've come to more fully understand our unity, our sameness, our Oneness as children of God. No matter where in the world we live, no matter what the circumstance of our upbringing, we share divine Love in a way which cannot be denied when we look at ourselves with God's eyes.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Jesus of Nazareth taught and demonstrated man’s oneness with the Father, and for this we owe him endless homage.”

Science & Health Page 18:3-5

November 25, 2014 - One Will

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #329

“I have already chosen what You will.”

I spent a day in a totally unfamiliar situation: a medical facility. Of course, everyone is very kind and caring, facilitating healing in the way they have been taught. In their zeal to cover all the bases and be cautious and ward off lawsuits, they warn you about every possible horror which could befall you. I imagined myself as a video game character, deflecting words of doom from every direction. Lying quietly on a bed waiting for removal of cataracts, I was privy to what I can only imagine would be private conversations. There was talk of a horrid disease one's grandmother had, another woman spoke about her bowel problems -- I could go on and on. Replacing all these images with words of Truth, I emerged unscathed and happy, choosing divine Mind to be my choice rather than the hubbub of material illusions. I am so grateful to know I have that choice!

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

November 24, 2014 - Life

"Utah Morning"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #328

"I choose the second place to gain the first."

A friend asked me if I feel like a failure when metaphysical practice doesn't keep physical maladies at bay. I couldn't help but laugh, as she was so seriously worried about me. I suppose this concern is a result of knowing nothing about Christian Science other than what fictional television shows have depicted. I explained to her that harmonious physical circumstances are not something to be sought, but are an inevitable result of aligning thought with God. Now this alignment is not an easy thing to do, as we're so accustomed to thinking with our mortal mind rather than divine Mind. Mrs. Eddy asks us if we would discount mathematical principles simply because we couldn't solve a problem with our limited knowledge. She tells us it's the same thing with our burgeoning knowledge of divine Science. The principle is sound, but it's often difficult for us to grasp. I will continue to hold to thoughts of Truth and Love as I undergo a procedure for cataract removal. I see this as another adventure in the movement from life to Life!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

'The way is straight and narrow, which leads to the understanding that God is the only Life. It is a warfare with the flesh, in which we must conquer sin, sickness, and death, either here or hereafter, — certainly before we can reach the goal of Spirit, or life in God." 

Science and Health Page 324: 13-18

November 23, 2014 - All Need Supplied

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #327

"I need but call and You will answer me."

√My traveling son is in Thailand right now. He's been a world traveler since his teen years and has always trusted his intuition when it comes to knowing what to do in challenging situations. From the wilderness of Mongolia to the instabilities of South Africa, he has experienced safety in his defenselessness. Today he posted this photo to Facebook, saying that this man had exhibited extreme kindness to him and his traveling companion. Although he didn't say what that kindness was, I know it was in answer to a need, and I know he trusts that his needs will be met, no matter what they are. As he walks roads less traveled, he continues to learn the meaning of Oneness. Namaste!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"God is not influenced by man. The 'divine ear' is not an auditory nerve."

Science & Health Page 7:20-21

November 22, 2014 - Cause & Effect

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #326

“I am forever an Effect of God.”

What does it mean to be an Effect of God? Material "laws" of cause and effect tell us that if something is a particular way, then the effect is such-and-such. In the world of Spirit, there is but one Cause, therefore the Effect is a reflection of the Cause. If we are the image and likeness of divine Mind, then that perfection is inherent in each and every one of us. Once again, it's easy to get caught up in materialism and think we are many things which do not resemble the only Cause. This life's illusion is that we have effectively made up a most wonderful and horrible world.  Recognizing our status as the idea of God involves an awakening to the understanding that we are capable of much more than we have known, but we cannot convince anyone other than ourselves that this is so. And that's the nice thing about Oneness! What I know, what I express, is given to the world. Therefore, there is no need to do anything other than live Truth. And how do we know what that is? We ask and listen.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"There is no life, truth, intelligence, nor substance in matter. All is infinite Mind and its infinite manifestation, for God is All-in-all. Spirit is immortal Truth; matter is mortal error. Spirit is the real and eternal; matter is the unreal and temporal. Spirit is God, and man is His image and likeness. Therefore man is not material; he is spiritual.”

Science & Health Page 468:9-15

Novmeber 20, 2014 - Listen and Follow

photo by Richard Quick

ACIM  Workbook Lesson #324

“I merely follow, for I would not lead.”

Many people are concerned about what to do with themselves upon retirement. Most of the people I know are concerned that they may end up working more than before, as there are so many good causes they want to support. Following the guidance of divine Mind never steers us wrong. This following may be difficult for people who are accustomed to weighing the pros and cons of situations before making decisions. What a perfect time to put into practice the reliance on inner knowing we've been learning! To quietly listen is a learned behavior. If you are used to being busy all the time, if your thoughts are constantly in motion, it can be quite a change to expect answers from silence. Start doing it now! Place thought on the question, then let it go, allowing your mind to be quiet. You may be surprised by the immediate results!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“What we most need is the prayer of fervent desire for growth in grace, expressed in patience, meekness, love, and good deeds. 

Science & Health Page 4:3-4 

November 21, 2014 - Reflecting Ideas

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #325

“All things I think I see reflect ideas.”

I Am an idea of God. I am a product of all the thoughts I have, I decide what those thoughts mean, and what might come about because of them. Which one of these do you think is true? Thinking about being an idea of God is one thing; Being that Idea is yet another! Objectively thinking about being that idea is easy, but to subjectively think out from God, as a true reflection, can feel impossible. Could a sunbeam be anything other than an emanation of the sun? We, as a creation of divine Mind, cannot be anything other than Its experience. As a material creature subject to all the whims of mortal mind, we never know what to expect. Thank goodness we're actually spiritual!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The universe reflects God. There is but one creator and one creation. This creation consists of the unfolding of spiritual ideas and their identities, which are embraced in the infinite Mind and forever reflected. These ideas range from the infinitesimal to infinity, and the highest ideas are the sons and daughters of God.”

Science & Health Page 502:24-32

November 19, 2014 - Losing Nothing

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #323

"I gladly make the 'sacrifice' of fear"

Why is it so difficult to let go of something we don't want? No one wants to live in fear, but it seems we've convinced ourselves its necessary for survival. I know I fall into this trap. I want to think subjectively from divine Mind, but constantly fall into the objective stance of thinking about God rather than thinking as the expression of God. The fear-based life going on around us seems to be contagious. I'm tired of living from a place of worry about what-if situations. The confusion which comes from a mind full of crazy scenarios and potentially dangerous situations is not the way I choose to be. So today I am actively giving away these feelings in favor of peace and Love, knowing it becomes easier with every so-called sacrifice of fear.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Give up your material belief of mind in matter, and have but one Mind, even God; for this Mind forms its own likeness. The loss of man's identity through the understanding which Science confers is impossible; and the notion of such a possibility is more absurd than to conclude that individual musical tones are lost in the origin of harmony."

Science & Health Page 216:30-5

November 18, 2014 - Givin' It Up For Reality

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM  Workbook Lesson #322

“I can give up but what was never real.”

When you think of giving things up, what comes to mind? Perhaps it's giving up certain habits, or maybe foods that we deem to be bad for us, or perhaps things which are cluttering our life. Whatever comes to thought, rest assured it's not real! I often think of this statement: It's not what enters the mouth which defiles us, but what comes out. But giving up negative chatter and gossipy talk is also not real, given the definition we're working with today! Only that which is a manifestation of divine Mind, God, is real. So these things we give up are simply clearing the way for reality! This reality becomes apparent, but we know it's always been there, waiting to be revealed in the "twinkling of an eye" if we're truly willing to release what binds us. Let there be light!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Man is the idea of Spirit; he reflects the beatific presence, illuming the universe with light.”

Science and Health Page 266:27–29

November 17, 2014 - Betrayal? A Matter of Perception

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #321

“Father, my freedom is in You alone.”

Someone very close to me has been going through an experience which would traditionally be thought of as betrayal and a cause for great emotional pain. As we spoke over the phone, he mentioned more than once that it was odd that he was feeling all right about the situation. He is seeing the relationship as one which has brought great joy to his life experience. As we grow in our understanding of Creation, we begin to see that we actually are the expression of divine Love, God. In this realization, we begin to utilize spiritual sense, which opens a whole new view of life. Releasing thoughts of how we should react to situations as dictated by material senses, we free ourselves to be expressions of Creation, without the belief systems we've always relied upon.  And in this freedom, there is joy!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Mortals must emerge from this notion of material life as all-in-all. They must peck open their shells with Christian Science and look outward and upward."

Science & Health 552:19-21

November 16, 2014 - True Power

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #320

“My Father gives all power unto me.”

"We must act as possessing all power from Him in whom we have our being." (MBE) This quote and today's lesson topic bring to mind the self-help axiom, "fake it 'til you make it". Often we feel incapable of believing -- much less understanding -- that the reality of our being is limitless. We are capable of so much more than we realize! The word "power" has gotten a bad reputation because of various abuses of so-called power. But let's shed those notions and see the word as a wonderful, beautiful idea! If we must pretend that we are Love and nothing else, if we must fake it, let’s be certain that we will make it! It is something I will continue to do when I feel fear, or lack, or irritation with someone. My will and God's will are one and the same. I acknowledge that at every opportunity!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Mortals must look beyond fading, finite forms, if they would gain the true sense of things. Where shall the gaze rest but in the unsearchable realm of Mind? We must look where we would walk, and we must act as possessing all power from Him in whom we have our being."

Science & Health  Page 264:7-12

November 15, 2014 - Arrogance or Humility?

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #319

“I came for the salvation of the world.”

I love that this lesson tells us there is no arrogance in the realization that we are here for the salvation of the world! Maybe we have it backwards. Perhaps to think we can do everything through our own mortal thought is the height of arrogance. Perhaps true humility comes from the realization that we can do nothing on our own, but that we are capable of anything when allowing our true self to shine by the demonstration of what it means to be a child of God. By this humble yielding to our divine nature, we are admitting that what/who we are is indeed spiritual not material. From this point, there are no limits and we are free to live Truth.

Mary Baker Eddy quotes:

“Millions of unprejudiced minds--simple seekers for Truth, weary wanderers, athirst in the desert--are waiting and watching for rest and drink.”

Science & Health Page 570:14-17

November 14, 2014 - We're All This Together

photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #318

“In me salvation's means and end are one.”

We're all in this together. I've said this so many times in so many situations. It appears as though we all see things through different eyes. We seem to be satellites, rotating around something unseen, sometimes floating in unison, often bumping into each other and throwing our orbit out of sync! But we're all in this together. Let's leave out the "in": We're all this together. This togetherness sometimes manifests itself as groups of people who commingle for the joy of being with each other. We may have book clubs, and study groups, and sewing circles, and various groups of people who come together in communion. This fellowship has been sought-after since the beginning of time. Personally, I have no interest in being a part of any group simply to be with others. There must be a communication which surpasses the ordinary. I want stunning honesty, inspiring exchanges, Love shared. From this demonstrated Oneness with each other as reflections of God, salvation is realized as the means, the end, the Only.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

 "Knowing the Science of creation, in which all is Mind and its ideas, Jesus rebuked the material thought of his fellow-countrymen: 'Ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?' How much more should we seek to apprehend the spiritual ideas of God, than to dwell on the objects of sense! To discern the rhythm of Spirit and to be holy, thought must be purely spiritual."

.Science & Health Page 509:28-5

November 13, 2014 - Listening and Following

Zion National Park
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #317

“I follow in the way appointed me.”

Often we think the "still, small voice" will come to us through loud speakers. Only once have I heard an actual voice telling me what to do. Usually it's in the form of avenues opening up in unexpected ways, sometimes over and over until I notice. Through the years, I've learned to recognize the difference in material desire and spiritual guidance. The time I heard a voice, it said: Take the job! It was such a surprise that I looked over my should and said, What? Usually these guiding lights are more subtle, perhaps presenting something again and again until I pay attention.  We are learning, aren't we? Whether it feels too right to ignore, or it's something we wish we could ignore, I think we're finally waking up, don't you?

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“All the evidence of physical sense and all the knowledge obtained from physical sense must yield to Science, to the immortal truth of all things.”

Science & Health 493:6-8

November 12, 2014 - Gifts

Photo by Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #316

“All gifts I give my brothers are my own.”

Sometimes these concepts are not only difficult to comprehend but they may, at first, sound downright silly! Yesterday we pondered that everything anyone gives is mine; now we are told that everything we give is ours, too. How can that be? Ideas like this cause our mortal mind, ego, to jump up and say that if this is true, evil can be spread to everyone, also. And if that is so, how can we keep from feeling doomed? But it's not true because the only thing that is One is what God created. God did not create anything unlike itSelf, so what we term "evil" is actually unreal, as it is only found in the mortal mind, never in divine Mind. And so there is a choice! I can live as though one or the other is true. As Einstein said, You can live as though everything is a miracle or as if nothing is. My choice is easy on this one!

“… that joy which finds one’s own in another’s good”

Miscellaneous Writings 1883–1896, p. 127

November 11, 2014 - Scatter Joy!

"Fun in Mongolia"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #315

“All gifts my brothers give belong to me.”

Every kind word spoken, every heart overflowing with Love, every freeing thought of forgiveness, enriches me and everyone in the world, whether we acknowledge it or not. There are many movements based on spreading love and kindness. One of my favorites was started by Charley Johnson in Utah. It's based on the book and movie, Pay it Forward. As part of his vision, there are bracelets which read Pay it Forward. When someone thanks you for a kindness you've done, you take off your bracelet and give it to them, asking them to do the same for someone else. Let me know about instances you've witnessed which scatter joy!

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 206:15-17

November 10, 2014 - No Looking Back

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #314

“I seek a future different from the past.”

History was my least favorite subject in school. I always questioned why I needed to know these things. Of course, people told me I must know this in order to benefit from the good things and not to repeat the bad. This never felt right and it still doesn't! Now that we're realizing the possibility of living in an entirely new way through other-dimensional thought, my reluctance to read and study past events makes more sense to me than ever before. Understanding the nature of our Being negates the need to educate ourselves by way of past mistakes. Understanding of spiritual Truth, allows us to surpass what has been thought of as human limits. In giving up strong opinions, I am more able to ascertain spiritual perfection. I see a future of happiness and love.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The human mind, imbued with this spiritual understanding, becomes more elastic, is capable of greater endurance, escapes somewhat from itself, and requires less repose. A knowledge of the Science of being develops the latent abilities and possibilities of man. It extends the atmosphere of thought, giving mortals access to broader and higher realms. It raises the thinker into his native air of insight and perspicacity.”

Science & Health Page 128:11-19

November 9, 2014 - In the Twinkling of an Eye

"Colorado Sunset"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #313

“Now let a new perception come to me.”

A  dear friend told a group of us about being terribly afraid of the dark. She said she had always been this way, to the point she had asked her husband to never leave her alone if it wasn't light. She told us that three days after he died, the fear she had always lived with left her. It was just gone! This story has stayed with me and come to mind often. What a beautiful demonstration of letting go! Just like that, in the blink of an eye, we can be past anything, no matter how long we have claimed it as a part of us. What gratitude I feel to this woman for sharing her story of shifting perception making a huge difference in experience! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The human mind will sometime rise above all material and physical sense, exchanging it for spiritual perception, and exchanging human concepts for the divine consciousness. Then man will recognize his God-given dominion and being."

Science & Health Page 531:10-14

November 8, 2014 - Practice

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #312

“I see all things as I would have them be.”

I have the chance today to "look upon a liberated world, set free from all the judgments I have made." Thank goodness, because I've been blaming the world for lots of stuff! I've recently pontificated on the fact that the world is selling us diseases. Everywhere we look there are certain well-publicized maladies blossoming. I've also been blaming the world for the proliferation of bigotry and closed-mindedness. I've been blaming the world for being willing to spend money on clothing and recreation, but not on art. I could probably find a few other things I've been blathering about, but that's enough for now.  It's difficult to get past ego's need to know everything and be special. It seems difficult to let go of beliefs and trust the divine Mind which flows through all that Is. But that's what I want to do, and so I'll continue to catch myself in judgmental thought, and ask holy Spirit what divine thought is on the subject. Spiritual sense awakens with practice!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The supposed existence of more than one mind was the basic error of idolatry. This error assumed the loss of spiritual power, the loss of the spiritual presence of Life as infinite Truth without an unlikeness, and the loss of Love as ever present and universal."

Science & Health Page 479:5-10

November 7, 2014 - Of Elections and Such ...

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #311

“I judge all things as I would have them be.”

Recently, in the USA, we've had some major elections. I've always thought our political system was just another way of dividing us. I don't watch network television, news in traditional forms, nor political debates and such. I glance through our local newspaper and occasionally watch Colbert and/or the Daily Show (comedy based on the news) to "keep up" with what's going on out there. I did vote a few days ago, but haven't made the effort to find out who won or lost. These results are seeping in to me by various means, but I have no strong opinions on the outcome. I am in total agreement with Mary Baker Eddy in today's  quote concerning politics. I haven't always been this way. I used to campaign, and get involved, and even cry when "my" candidate lost. I like the way I feel now so much more!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

 "I am asked, 'What are your politics?' I have none, in reality, other than to help support a righteous government;  to love God supremely, and my neighbor as myself."

Miscellaneous Writing Page 276:23-25

November 6, 2014 - Letting Go

Structure of Truth and Love

ACIM Workbook Lesson #310

“In fearlessness and love I spend today.”

I spent today in fearlessness and love, loosing some of the past I've been holding tightly. Our hundred-year-old edifice of the Christian Science church here in Eureka Springs has been a part of my life for more than 50 years. I've played the organ for services more times than I can count. I've sat in its sanctuary and soaked in the years of Love this structure has witnessed. It's a part of me. I've been trying to release it from the emotional bonds I've put on it. It's taken a number of years, but I believe it's done. Today I met with a newspaper writer who will be doing a story about its history and its possible future. I felt like it was more than a goodbye I said today. One of Mary Baker Eddy's definitions of church is, "The structure of Truth and Love." As I sat in its walls today, I felt that I Am that, too. We all are! The place you stand is holy ground. Makes me feel like dancing!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Hold thought steadfastly to the enduring, the good, and the true, and you will bring these into your experience proportionably to their occupancy of your thoughts.”

Science & Health  Page 261:4-7

November 5, 2014 - What if ...

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #309

“I will not fear to look within today.”

Why would we fear to look within? Why would we fear seeing our true self? I think it's because we believe all the little horrible things we've done in our lives are what we'll be looking at. Perhaps we feel that to look within would involve some sort of life review which would require us to answer for every supposed sin we've committed. But what if we're looking within at our pure and perfect Self, as we are created by divine Mind? And what if, after we find what we've forgotten, we allow it to come forth and live with us? In the process, we truly forgive ourselves for all of it, allowing thought to stay on the good and the true, releasing guilt and fear, living only in Love. What if ...

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“When speaking of God's children, not the children of men, Jesus said, "The kingdom of God is within you;" that is, Truth and Love reign in the real man, showing that man in God's image is unfallen and eternal."

 Science & Health Page 476:28-32

November 4, 2014 - It's a Present!

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #308

"This instant is the only time there is."

A quote from "Kung Fu Panda" came to mind when I saw today's lesson subject: "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.” And I'm also reminded of something Deepak Chopra said: "Time is something we have made up so everything doesn't happen all at once." Albert Einstein showed us that time is relative. Time spent in a dentist chair passes differently from time spent visiting with a dear friend. Later in life, Mr. Einstein came to believe that time was not just relative, but unreal! Here is a quote from him, written in a letter to a friend: "To those of us who believe in physics, this separation between past, present, and future, is only an illusion, if a stubborn one." So why do we limit ourselves with time? We always think we're too young or too old, or this physical malady will pass with time, or that we simply don't have time to do the things we want to do. When I realize that I'm not a mortal living in what seems to be now, but an immortal living in eternity, then some major shifts in perception can take place. Only "time will tell" what happens with that realization!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“God gives you His spiritual ideas, and in turn, they give you daily supplies. Never ask for tomorrow: it is enough that divine Love is an ever-present help; and if you wait, never doubting, you will have all you need every moment. What a glorious inheritance is given to us through the understanding of omnipresent Love! More we cannot ask: more we do not want: more we cannot have. This sweet assurance is the ‘Peace, be still’ to all human fears, to suffering of every sort”

Miscellaneous Writings Page 307

November 3, 2014 - A Single Eye

"Fall in Eureka"
photo by Dale Johnson

ACIM Workbook Lesson #307

“Conflicting wishes cannot be my will.”

In the realm of the material world, we often have conflicting wishes concerning events. One area of conflict occurs within what we think of as family problems. When someone in our immediate family has a problem, we tend to think of it as our own. We have been conditioned to think we can fix others, and if we don't try, we fear people will think we don't care. Then we're thrown into a quandary of feelings: love for our family, perhaps embarrassment over their actions, worry about what will happen to them, concern over what others will think -- the list can be endless! When we are able to release these feelings and see everyone as the spiritual creation they truly are, we begin to let go our sense of personal responsibility, while affirming their goodness as a reflection of divine Love. Before we know it, we're thinking something wonderful about them when they come to mind, and we're free from the conflicting wishes born of material sense.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“We cannot serve two masters nor perceive divine Science with the material senses.”

Science and Health Page 167:11-12

November 2, 2014 - Going Home

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #306

“The gift of Christ is all I seek today.”

What do you think of when you hear the word "repent? Many definitions come to my mind, but my most favored definition is "return home". This meaning has nothing to do with confessing sins in order to receive absolution, nothing to do with being sorry for actions, nothing to do with guilt, nothing to do with begging forgiveness. Returning home allows us to see, hear, and feel with the sense of God. We are returning to our original state of being and remembering we never went away. So this idea of repenting, or returning home, is only a matter of letting loose anything which is unlike Love. We are the image and likeness of God. God is Love. We are Love. This is a state we cannot leave, but we can lose sight of this perfect peace. Today I will see the Love that is God, the Love that I am, in everything and everyone.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Heaven is not a locality, but a divine state of Mind in which all the manifestations of Mind are harmonious and immortal, because sin is not there and man is found having no righteousness of his own, but in possession of ‘the mind of the Lord,’ as the Scripture says.”

Science & Health Page 291:13-18