September 1, 2014 - Heavenly Rest

photo by Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #244

“I am in danger nowhere in the world."

Generally when I read the topic for today's lesson, I think of my world-traveling son, Aaron, who supplies many of the photographs I use in these writings. But today when I read last year's entry with the accompanying Mary Baker Eddy poem, which is set to music and is one of my favorites, I was reminded of something which happened on the last day of August in 1998. On that day, I purchased the Honda Odyssey which I still drive and we were on our way home when we saw a car which had run off the road. We stopped to help and it turned out there were two women and three children in the vehicle. One of the children was bleeding from a wound in her side and they were all crying hysterically. I got a blanket out of my car and wrapped the injured child in it, pulling her to my lap. As we sat on the ground, I started singing this peaceful song to her. Soon everyone quieted down and the authorities arrived. We quickly were on our way home, feeling we had christened our car with peace!

Mary Baker Eddy poem:

Mother's Evening Prayer

O gentle presence, peace and joy and power;

         O Life divine, that owns each waiting hour,

Thou Love that guards the nestling's faltering flight!

         Keep Thou my child on upward wing tonight.

Love is our refuge; only with mine eye

         Can I behold the snare, the pit, the fall:

His habitation high is here, and nigh,

         His arm encircles me, and mine, and all.

O make me glad for every scalding tear,

         For hope deferred, ingratitude, disdain!

Wait, and love more for every hate, and fear

         No ill, — since God is good, and loss is gain.

Beneath the shadow of His mighty wing;

         In that sweet secret of the narrow way,

Seeking and finding, with the angels sing:

         "Lo, I am with you alway," — watch and pray.

No snare, no fowler, pestilence or pain;

         No night drops down upon the troubled breast,

When heaven's aftersmile earth's tear-drops gain,

         And mother finds her home and heav'nly rest.

(Poems by Mary Baker Eddy, pp. 4, 5)

August 31, 2014 - Celebrate!

[Two days ago, I skipped this lesson, so it is out of order.]

ACIM Workbook Lesson #241

“This holy instant is salvation come."

Let's celebrate today by remembering seers whose words have awakened the knowledge of salvation within us. These are people whose words are so familiar they have become a natural part of our conversations and thoughts. I want to commemorate today the wisdom passed to us by John Lennon, Emerson, Shakespeare, Rumi, and others. Today I remember those whose words have encouraged me to live Truth, by helping me to know I'm not the only one who feels this way. And while visiting these words I love, I will know that salvation is not only something to be desired, but that it is here, now, for the remembering.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“When sufficiently advanced in Science to be in harmony with the truth of being, men become seers and prophets involuntarily, controlled not by demons, spirits, or demigods, but by the one Spirit. It is the prerogative of the ever-present, divine Mind, and of thought which is in rapport with this Mind, to know the past, the present, and the future.

Acquaintance with the Science of being enables us to commune more largely with the divine Mind, to foresee and foretell events which concern the universal welfare, to be divinely inspired,--yea, to reach the range of fetter-less Mind.”

Science & Health Page 84:7-18

August 30, 2014 - Quiet Beginnings

ACIM Workbook Lesson #242

“This day is God's. It is my gift to Him."

Starting my day with consecrated, spiritual thought allows intuition to be heard. I think of this as the beginning of "giving this day to God". Without that back-and-forth volley which is so easy to fall into when weighing the possibilities of my actions, I have silent communion with divine Mind. Quietness in the morning is the most important time for me. I'm not sure how people manage who must begin to speak to others when they first wake up. I feel the need for this centering before facing the cacophony of daily life. I have no ritual to these moments of quietude; no set prayers or by-rote actions, but simply a clearing of thought and acceptance of what comes. The practice of turning every thought away from worrying and wondering "what-if" is sufficient to supply me with everything I need to walk this path. And it's exciting to see what will unfold!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Emerge gently from matter into Spirit. Think not to thwart the spiritual ultimate of all things, but come naturally into Spirit through better health and morals and as the result of spiritual growth.”

Science & Health Page 485:13-16

August 29, 2014 - No Assumptions

photo by Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #243

“Today I will judge nothing that occurs."

This topic comes at a perfect time for me. I just read a Facebook private message sent  by an old man-friend and I'm extremely tempted to judge what he has said. While I moved past what we had 30 years ago, he continues to bring up things in detail that I would rather not contemplate. I tell myself that I have better things to think about. This implies that he does not. That is a judgment. Every thought I have had about this communication feels unnecessary. As I sit and contemplate his words and my reactions, I realize that it simply is what it is. There is no reason for me to think about it as good or bad; it just is. Once again, I turn to the ancient Toltec wisdom as interpreted by Don Miguel Ruiz in "The Four Agreements": I will not make assumptions, and I will not take anything personally. I'm so grateful to be learning to rely on divine Mind and release the circular thoughts of mortal mind!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“It should be thoroughly understood that all men have one Mind, one God and Father, one Life, Truth, and Love. Mankind will become perfect in proportion as this fact becomes apparent, war will cease and the true brotherhood of man will be established.”

Science and Health Page 467:9-13

August 28, 2014 - Fear or Excitement?

ACIM Workbook Lesson #240

“Fear is not justified in any form."

Our lives tend to fall into familiar patterns as we move through our days. We may find ourselves going to the same places, saying the same things, thinking the same thoughts -- and all of  these habits become comfortable. Even if we're experiencing disharmony, we often fear change. We may say, "Something told me I should do so-and-so". We often hear this calling, this inner voice leading us toward a different path than we're on, but we feel it takes courage to walk a road less or never traveled, and so we settle. To settle for anything which brings us less than joyful existence is to dishonor ourselves, which is to dishonor God. The next time I think I'm feeling this thing we call fear, I'll choose to interpret the emotion as excitement about what will come next!

Mary Baker Eddy quotes:

“Walking in the light, we are accustomed to the light and require it; we cannot see in darkness. But eyes accustomed to darkness are pained by the light. When outgrowing the old, you should not fear to put on the new. Your advancing course may provoke envy, but it will also attract respect.”

Science & Health Page 452:7-12

August 27, 2014 - Am I Worthy?

ACIM Workbook Lesson #239

“The glory of my Father is my own"

Often we believe that we are not worthy to accept our divine nature as the image and likeness of God. This false humility is only mortal mind, or ego, trying to keep us from shining. I'm-not-worthy feelings from my past tend to recur in thought, provoked by the most tenuous connection. A teacher's scorn, a friend's put-down, my own disappointment in myself -- these things seem to linger, arguing that I couldn't possibly be good enough to accept myself as a joint heir with Jesus.  But with every affirmation of Truth, with every revelation of divine Mind, I reaffirm  that I Am That I Am, and come a step closer to understanding.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The Divine Being must be reflected by man,--else man is not the image and likeness of the patient, tender, and true, the One 'altogether lovely;' but to understand God is the work of eternity, and demands absolute consecration of thought, energy, and desire.”

Science & Health Page 3:12-15

August 26, 2014 - Life

created by Sandy Wythawai Starbird

ACIM Workbook Lesson #238

“On my decision all salvation rests."

It seems we have too many decisions in daily life. Even the tea section in the grocery store has so many choices it can be daunting! And so when we are told that "On my decision all salvation rests", it's tempting to say "No thanks!" But this salvation spoken of here is received by one decision: to wake up and accept our own divinity. There are no considerations to mull over in this decision, there are no choices which are better than others, nor is there any reason for fear of failure. All duality, all choice, vanishes when we realize there is only one thing to desire: to know that God is Life: not my life, or your life, but Life! From this understanding, everything is manifested in our experience, all from the freedom of knowing that the Love which is God is the only Principle of our existence.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“By interpreting God as a corporeal Savior but not as the saving Principle, or divine Love, we shall continue to seek salvation through pardon and not through reform…" Science & Health Page 285:23-26

August 25, 2014 - As I Am Created

ACIM  Workbook Lesson #237

“Now would I be as God created me."

How did God create me? If I think of creation from a standpoint of human, mortal mind, I may think of things like the Adam and Eve story. To look past material illusory opinions to pure spiritual ideas is to begin to understand how "God created me". We tell ourselves: I'm only human. I cannot be created in the image and likeness of God. If we accept the Adam and Eve story -- or any other material creation myth -- as the truth of our being, we live the dream of life in and of matter with all the limitations implied. The realization that we are an idea of God takes us to the threshold of  understanding Life. Today I will see all as this spiritual truth, omitting no one nor thing!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The mythical human theories of creation, anciently classified as the higher criticism, sprang from cultured scholars in Rome and in Greece, but they afforded no foundation for accurate views of creation by the divine Mind.”

Science & Health Page 255: 5-10

August 24, 2014 - Stop Thinking

ACIM Workbook Lesson #236

“I rule my mind, which I alone must rule."

Reading today's topic brought a remembrance of a school trip where I had five students in my car. During the six-hour drive, one of the boys kept up an almost non-stop stream-of-consciousness babble. I finally told him that everything that went through his head didn't need to come out of his mouth! That's sort of what we're learning today, too. We don't have to allow every thought that pops into our head to rule us. I don't freak out when I do have thoughts I'm not interested in having, but I do turn them away. We have that power!  We're not victims of random thoughts flying around like pollen. We are created by divine Mind and have that heritage to call upon. Mortal mind, ego, is not our ruler, and we can just say no when fearful thinking wants our attention.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“God's thoughts are perfect and eternal, are substance and Life. Material and temporal thoughts are human, involving error, and since God, Spirit, is the only cause, they lack a divine cause. The temporal and material are not then creations of Spirit. They are but counterfeits of the spiritual and eternal.”

Science & Health Page 286:21-27

August 23, 2014 - I Am Love

ACIM Workbook Lesson #235

“God in His mercy wills that I be saved."

Do you ever feel punished and try to make deals with God, if only whatever the problem is would just stop? The mass consciousness we swim in keeps telling us we've done something wrong and we can't be saved until we do a whole bunch of things right. Let's allow all of those beliefs to go away today and concentrate on what feels like Truth to us right now, in this moment. I will, at every possibility, quiet my thoughts and allow this Truth to permeate my being. It's there all the time, this Love which is God, this divine Love which supports us more surely than the waters of mass consciousness. Our true consciousness is expressed most perfectly in two words: I Am. I'm going to keep it simple today. Join me!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The scientific unity which exists between God and man must be wrought out in life-practice, and God's will must be universally done. If men would bring to bear upon the study of the Science of Mind half the faith they bestow upon the so-called pains and pleasures of material sense they would not go on from bad to worse …”

Science & Health Page 202:3-9

August 22, 2014 - Never Need Say Goodbye

ACIM Workbook Lesson #234

“Father, today I am Your Son again.”

photo from Aaron Springston

There never was a time when we were separated from God, and separation has no place in what divine Mind has created. When saying goodbye to treasured friends, I realize this Truth more than ever. We share more than a few years' worth of memories. We share eternity. That is, after all, what Oneness is, isn't it? Sometimes I think it may be too difficult to wrap my brain around this we-are-one thing. And sometimes it feels the same with saying goodbye: it's just too difficult to examine closely. For mortal mind, it is too much. Thank goodness we're spiritual! With this knowledge, I am free to examine how divine Mind sees the situation. No separation, no loss, all One. What great opportunities we have to practice feeling this Truth! Namaste', dear One.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Life is without beginning and without end. Eternity, not time, expresses the thought of Life, and time is no part of eternity. One ceases in proportion as the other is recognized. Time is finite; eternity is forever infinite. Life is neither in nor of matter. What is termed matter is unknown to Spirit, which includes in itself all substance and is Life eternal. Matter is a human concept. Life is divine Mind.”

Science & Health Page 568:26-4

August 21, 2014 - Guided by Divine Mind

photo by Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #233

“I give my life to God to guide today."

I have made a vow to myself to only "see, hear, and repeat good". Here's a seemingly harmless repetition that was an example of  mindlessly repeating something for the sake of conversation. One of our local woodworkers makes exquisite boxes which we sell in the gallery. His art is also available at a world-class museum store in a neighboring town. A man had come in looking for his work and was very upset because we had so few boxes available. He grumbled that the museum didn't have many and he had expected more from the artist's hometown. When this particular artist came in to bring us more little boxes, I unthinkingly told him about the encounter with the potential customer who went away in a huff. Why did I do this?? As soon as the "story" was out of my mouth, I realized I was repeating something that was totally unnecessary. This is but one example of how easy it is to jabber for no reason. If I were allowing myself to be guided by divine Mind, I never would have considered repeating such a thing. I'm learning!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“When we fully understand our relation to the Divine, we can have no other Mind but His,--no other Love, wisdom, or Truth, no other sense of Life, and no consciousness of the existence of matter or error. The power of the human will should be exercised only in subordination to Truth; else it will misguide the judgment and free the lower propensities. It is the province of spiritual sense to govern man.”

Science & Health Page 205:32-7

August 20, 2014 - All Through the Day

a

photo by Arthur Lau-Sed 

ACIM Workbook Lesson #232

“Be in my mind, my Father, through the day."

A favorite writing by Bicknell Young begins by telling me that if I don't bring God into my experience first thing in the morning, it may be difficult or even impossible to have It with me throughout the day. Of course, I'm tempted to think, But wait a minute, God is always with me! And while this is, of course, true, it is not the case when we allow consciousness to be ruled by mortal mind. So when we ask God to be in our mind through the day, what we're actually asking is for our material self to be transparent enough to allow divine Mind to be in the forefront.  When I wake up in the morning, rather than planning my activities of the day, I will contemplate the meaning of God. I'll see myself as the expression and experience of divine Mind and see what unfolds!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Mortal mind is the acknowledged seat of human motives. It forms material concepts and produces every discordant action of the body. If action proceeds from the divine Mind, action is harmonious.”

Science & Health Page 239: 23-27

Augudy 19, 2014 - Remembering Love

"Monarch Butterfly"
painting by Judith Ann Griffith

ACIM Workbook Lesson #231

“Father, I will but to remember You."

Love is one of my favorite synonyms for God. Today as I remember Love, I also remember a lovely documentary entitled, "Wings of Life". At one point, it's described as a love story from flowers to pollinators. Adding to my love affair with this movie is its narration by Meryl Streep. The flowers multiply in beauty, with gratitude to the bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and bats. I pause to think of what spurs me to express more goodness and Love. There are so many things which fill my heart: people, music, nature -- movies like this one! Similar to my quest to be with those who help my being, I will stay with entertainment which brings beauty and grace to life, turning away from inanities and programing designed to disturb the senses. Following the law of divine Love satisfies -- and I am grateful.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Jesus aided in reconciling man to God by giving man a truer sense of Love, the divine Principle of Jesus' teachings, and this truer sense of Love redeems man from the law of matter, sin, and death by the law of Spirit,--the law of divine Love.”

Science & Health Page 18:6-11

August 18, 2014 - The Seeds of Peace

Yoga in Park City, Utah

ACIM Workbook Lesson #230

“Now will I seek and find the peace of God."

I read about an interesting experiment. Two people were placed face to face. One was instructed to smile as happily as possible, and the other was asked to retain a neutral look. In most of the cases, the person who was supposed to stay neutral couldn't keep from smiling, too. Happiness, joy, peace are all spiritual attributes which shine forth through us as the expression of God. They are infectious, don't you think? Let's broadcast this seed far and wide today and watch it grow!

 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

August 17, 2014 - Peace is the Path

ACIM Workbook Lesson #229

“Love, which created me, is what I am."

Few of us have no regrets when we look back on our lives. Sometimes it's tempting to replay instances in our minds and think of ways we could have done things differently. Thich Nhat Hanh is a Vietnamese man who lost his family during the war in the 60s. He has spent his life practicing peace and showing others how to do the same. He helps American Viet Nam veterans forgive themselves. He tells them that no matter how badly they feel, it will never bring back the lives that were lost, but that there are many ways in which to help people today, right here and now. He shows us how to be the Love which we are. Peace Is the Path, he tells us. I want to follow that Path, without looking back.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

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

Science & Health Page 454:18-24

August 16, 2014 - No Condemnation

photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #228

“God has condemned me not. No more do I."

Imagine growing up in a home with a  parent who was very solid in his belief in God and faithfully attended a church based in traditional theological dogma. This way of thought included a belief in original sin and all the ritual you must go through in order to try to win the grace of God. Now let's imagine that your other parent is a Christian Scientist who teaches you that God is Love and you don't have to do anything to earn that Love, because you are an emanation of it. We have two parents whose views of spirituality are as opposed as they can be when talking about the exact same thing from different perspectives. I think it's very possible that you might turn away from both of these teachings, perhaps declaring that there is no God. This was Robin Williams' situation. I would love to know more about it!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Now is the time for so-called material pains and material pleasures to pass away, for both are unreal, because impossible in Science. To break this earthly spell, mortals must get the true idea and divine Principle of all that really exists and governs the universe harmoniously. This thought is apprehended slowly, and the interval before its attainment is attended with doubts and defeats as well as triumphs.”

Science & Health Page 39:23-30

August 15, 2014 - Holy Instant of Release

"Glacier National Park"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #227

“This is my holy instant of release.”

Why do some people seem to have an emptiness which can't be filled? We see beautiful, talented people who fall into depression and can't seem to find the way out. To think an actor like Robin Williams can be anything other than happy is beyond my imagination. I wish I could give him a "holy instant of release", but that's something which must be found individually. To a mind as busy as his must have been, it would be very difficult to see past his thoughts to that holy instant. Once again, dear Robin, you inspire me. I will double my times of quietness and think of you while I release the illusions of my existence. I acknowledge I know nothing, I ask to be empty, and filled with Love.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“If Life or Soul and its representative, man, unite for a period and then are separated as by a law of divorce to be brought together again at some uncertain future time and in a manner unknown, — and this is the general religious opinion of mankind, — we are left without a rational proof of immortality. But man cannot be separated for an instant from God, if man reflects God. Thus Science proves man’s existence to be intact."

Science and Health Page 306:11-20

August 14, 2014 - Hurry Home!

ACIM Workbook Lesson #226

“My home awaits me. I will hasten there.”

What does it mean that "my home awaits me"? How does this affect my existence? Accepting the Truth of my being has many surprising consequences. One side effect is a heightened sense of Oneness, evidenced by a refinement in communication. We see this sharing of thought in the animal kingdom. It can be observed when watching birds fly in formation, or your dog expecting you home five minutes before you get there, or any number of observations we allow into our awareness. With each stretching past our accepted limitations, fresh insights will appear. Many of us are frightened by this new/old way of living.  Most people I know well are embracing these changes and reveling in the synchronistic events and enhanced perceptions. We are changing out thought about the purpose of the world, and living in the kingdom of God, which is within. Therein lies the safety of home.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Take heart, dear sufferer, for this reality of being will surely appear sometime and in some way. There will be no more pain, and all tears will be wiped away. When you read this, remember Jesus' words, "The kingdom of God is within you." This spiritual consciousness is therefore a present possibility.”

Science & Health Page 573:27-2

August 13, 2014 - One Thing

ACIM Workbook Lesson #225

“God is my Father, and His Son loves Him.”

The Biblical quote which advises me to love God above all else and seek nothing other than to know divine Love is the basis for the way I want to live. Recently, I've re-dedicated myself to this way of life by resolving to only see, speak, hear, and repeat good. I knew this would be challenging. Today, while at the farmers' market, I overhead someone say something which I deemed to be horribly bigoted and ignorant. While it's not a temptation for me to repeat the story to anyone else, it has been a challenge to keep from repeating it to myself! In analyzing this scenario, I see that if I weren't judging it to be awful, I wouldn't feel the need to keep condemning him for saying it. Hence, it's my judgment of the situation which wants to keep it alive in my thought. No judgment, no condemnation, no need to replay it for myself or anyone else! Sounds simple, huh?

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"All nature teaches God’s love to man, but man cannot love God supremely and set his whole affections on spiritual things, while loving the material or trusting in it more than in the spiritual."

Science & Health Page 140:7-14

August 11, 2014 - Shifting Thought

photo from Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #223

“God is my life. I have no life but His.”

We've recently started Part 2 of these ACIM workbook lessons. The first 220 days were exercises in giving up beliefs, habitual thoughts, inane or destructive actions, and numerous other things which have held us captive to sense. We now know how to differentiate between ego thoughts and the ideas of Mind. We're not afraid to listen and trust what we hear in that silence between the words. We've been exercising our spiritual sense, while quieting our physical senses. And now we want the "direct experience of Truth". Now we are ready to shift attention within ourselves, to the source Itself, letting go of any ritualistic words and dogma we have been harboring. We now understand what forgiveness is about: it's the understanding that there is nothing to forgive. We have also reached the point where we don't need specific times during the day to remind us to think about our nature as the expression of God. This shift from habitual, material thought to inspired, divine ideas is feeling more natural to us now. And so, today I see us as quietly devoted to the peace of God. Every time we silently turn whole-heartedly to God -- knowing that all is Mind, Truth, Love -- we remember more of our original Being. We feel a perfect peace which allows our actions and words to be those of divine Mind, without worry, with total trust, knowing that our lack of expectation frees us. To quote from today's lesson: "This year has brought us to eternity."

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"God is divine Life, and Life is no more confined to the forms which reflect it than substance is in its shadow. If life were in mortal man or material things, it would be subject to their limitations and would end in death. Life is Mind, the creator reflected in His creations. If He dwelt within what He creates, God would not be reflected but absorbed, and the Science of being would be forever lost through a mortal sense, which falsely testifies to a beginning and an end.”

Science & Health Page 331:1-10

August 12, 2014 - One Love Unifies

ACIM Workbook Lesson #224

“God is my Father, and He loves His Son.”

Today's Course in Miracles lesson tells me that God is my Father and He loves His Son. When we take away material gender-related terms, it's easier for some of us to know this is telling us that we are all reflections of creative Mind (God), and that divine Love is equally ever-present for all. There is no division by religion or any other so-called standard. There is no Love more readily bestowed on someone who fits the requirements to be called saint or sinner. This perfect Love is available to all, simply for the accepting of it. We really are all created equally!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"One infinite God, good, unifies men and nations; constitutes the brotherhood of man; ends wars; fulfils the Scripture, “Love thy neighbor as thyself;” annihilates pagan and Christian idolatry, — whatever is wrong in social, civil, criminal, political, and religious codes; equalizes the sexes; annuls the curse on man, and leaves nothing that can sin, suffer, be punished or destroyed. "

Science & Health Page 340:21-29

August 10, 2014 - Seeing With God's Eyes

Judy's cabbage two weeks before
she brought it to me today

ACIM Workbook Lesson #222

“God is with me. I live and move in Him.”

Have you ever experienced a day which feels like a rainbow after the storm? Today was like that for me. I felt at home, at peace, in Love. I spent the day at the gallery where we had a show for my dear friend, Sandy. It was a celebratory affirmation of Life and everyone who walked in the door felt the joy. One man told me we should advertise ourselves as the "happiest gallery in Eureka". A friend brought me the most beautiful cabbage from her garden. A motorcycle racked its pipes right outside our door and I smiled an honest smile at him. I'm coming closer to living as Mary Baker Eddy advised: "I look upon the world with God's eyes and see it just as [She] sees it, and I refuse to see it in any other way." Woo-hoo!!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"God: The great I am; the all-knowing, all-seeing, all-acting, all-wise, all-loving, and eternal; Principle; Mind; Soul; Spirit; Life; Truth; Love; all substance; intelligence."

Science & Health Page 587:5-8

August 9, 2014 - Peace To My Mind

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #221

“Peace to my mind.  Let all my thoughts be still.”

What does peace mean to you? Thinking back through the years, at different times, it's meant different things to me. When I was a child, I didn't want peace because that seemed boring: excitement and adventure was what I craved. As a young adult, I thought that having a husband and plenty of money would mean peace. Later on when I had children, I thought when they grew up I would have peace! Now I see that peace isn't a personal desire or activity: it's a state of Mind. No matter how busy I am today, there will be moments to treasure, slipping into the the space between the thoughts and knowing the peace which is eternally ours.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Willingness to become as a little child and to leave the old for the new, renders thought receptive of the advanced idea. Gladness to leave the false landmarks and joy to see them disappear,--this disposition helps to precipitate the ultimate harmony. The purification of sense and self is a proof of progress. ‘Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.’"

Science & Health Page 323:32-6

August 8, 2014 - Choosing Peace

ACIM Workbook Lesson #220

photo from Arthur Lau-Sed

Central Theme: “I am not a body. I am free. For I am still as God created me.” Review: #200 “There is no peace except the peace of God.”

Do you ever wonder how to choose peace rather than turmoil and negativity? I've recently found myself being cynical whereas I used to be a Pollyanna. I'm not going to waste time figuring out how this has happened, rather my time will be spent in choosing peace. When we need help, it shows up, and mine did when looking at last year's blog entry where I quoted a statement by Mary Baker Eddy. In it, she tells us the "secret"  of living the Science of the Christ. "It is seeing and hearing and repeating good only, at all times and under all circumstances, and in spite of everything that appears to the contrary." There is more to this statement than this (and it can be found in its entirety on the blog entry for August 6, 2013), but these words are what I will wake up thinking about and bring to mind continually throughout the day. This peace I aspire to is not for a select few, it doesn't run out, it's not difficult to access -- so just say "yes"!

Mary Baker Eddy quotes:

"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

August 7, 2014 - Freedom

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #219

Central Theme: “I am not a body. I am free. For I am still as God created me.” Review: #199 “I am not a body. I am free.”

Have you ever dreamed you could fly? My favorite freedom dream is one of running fast, sometimes leaving the ground and floating in mid-stride. Although I haven't had this recurring dream for some time, I can still fell the perfection of it. As I watch people dance and use their bodies in other life-affirming ways, I marvel at the beauty and grace expressed in these activities. Just as physical boundaries are broken and new records set, there is more to come in this so-called physical existence. We are learning of the limitlessness of God's ideas, of which we are One.   What is your highest ideal of freedom? 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"This mortal is put off, and the new man or real man is put on, in proportion as mortals realize the Science of man and seek the true model." Science & Health Page 408:22-26

August 6, 2014 - Am I Worthy?

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #218

Central Theme: “I am not a body. I am free. For I am still as God created me.” Review: #198 “Only my condemnation injures me.”

"I'm not worthy!" When certain comedians said this in a silly movie, it seemed funny. But when I hear this coming from people in everyday conversations, even though they don't use these exact words, it's tempting to tell them that they are very much worthy!! This evening, I had dinner with a group of people who were going to the Passion Play here in Eureka Springs. One woman stated that she had mixed feelings about the play because no one was "good enough" to play the part of Jesus. She felt it was presumptuous and arrogant for anyone to do so. As you can imagine, it was all I could do to keep a smile on my face and not disrupt this gathering of people who were here to learn more about our sweet town. But I did. And I said a quick, silent affirmation of our goodness as the expression of God, the image of Mind, the reflection of Love. Jesus was here to teach us about our true Being, for which I am very grateful. 

Mary BakerEddy quote:

"And we solemnly promise to watch, and pray for that Mind to be in us which was also in Christ Jesus; to do unto others as we would have them do unto us; and to be merciful, just, and pure." 

Science & Health Page 497:24-27

August 5, 2014 - Gratitude All Around

ACIM orkbook Lesson #217

Central Theme: “I am not a body. I am free. For I am still as God created me.” Review: #197 “It can be but my gratitude I earn.

Gratitude is usually thought of as an outward action to be given, not received. But we have learned that what we give IS what we receive, and this is so with gratitude, also. Salvation often implies a thing to be sought after and earned through attrition of some sort. The salvation we speak of today is a realization that we are Love (God), that the thanks we give is a perpetual realization of this Being that we are, and by this knowing we live in Love and unending gratitude of All that Is.  This understanding brings us to the Truth of Being. The understanding of Truth is salvation, for which I am very grateful.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“One kind of faith trusts one's welfare to others. Another kind of faith understands divine Love and how to work out one's ‘own salvation, with fear and trembling.’ ‘Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief!’ expresses the helplessness of a blind faith; whereas the injunction, ‘Believe . . . and thou shalt be saved!’ demands self-reliant trustworthiness, which includes spiritual understanding and confides all to God.”

Science & Health Page 23:23-31

August 4, 2014 - Come Down From There!

ACIM Workbook Lesson #216

Central Theme: “I am not a body. I am free. For I am still as God created me.”Review: #196 “It can be but myself I crucify.”

It's easy to fall into erroneous thought. A friend recently caught me attacking others and crucifying myself. We were discussing sales in the gallery and I made a blanket statement, which I must admit I've made more than once. I stated that people were willing to spend lots of money on clothing to adorn their bodies, but they weren't willing to spend that same money to buy art and adorn their soul. My dear friend piped up and told me I was wrong. She said that purchasing clothing might well be adorning their soul every bit as much as art would bring grace to their lives. I'm very grateful, dear Mary Ann, for your insight which has opened my eyes to the crucifixion I had set up for myself. And I thank another friend for helping me see by sending me the following quote. Thank you both. Namastè.

Bicknell Young quote:

"Your cross is your own consciousness of evil, nothing more; and it has been on this cross that you have nailed yourself all these years. You crucify yourself, at the same time call to be taken down from the cross. It is up to you." From an article entitled "Finance", 1917

August 3, 2014 - Releasing the Future

"In-The-Moment Squirrels"
photo by Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #215

Central theme: "I am not a body. I am free. For I am still as God created me." Review: #195 "Love is the way I walk in gratitude."

Today's review tells us to release the future: What does that mean? We've learned that we must release the past in order to live in the present. "Those who live in the past are condemned to live there alone." (Einstein's Dreams, by Alan Lightman) But what of releasing the future? Does that mean we can't make plans and have dreams of what we'd like to do? No, of course not. It simply means that we mustn't allow those "what-if" situations to control us. If we take the future to the level of overwhelming worry, affecting our every moment in the present, then it's time to release it! I feel there is nothing wrong with thinking about the past or the future, unless it begins to be our focus and affects our every action. No fear of the future nor regret in the past places me in the now. I revel in finding out what that means!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“As the crude footprints of the past disappear from the dissolving paths of the present, we shall better understand the Science which governs these changes, and shall plant our feet on firmer ground.”

Science & Health Page 224:4-7

August 2, 2014 - Empty Thought

"Eureka Thyme Window"
photo by Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #214

Central theme: "I am not a body. I am free. For I am still as God created me." Review: #194 "I place the future in the Hands of God."

I used to think that "placing the future in the hands of God" meant losing control and being an automaton of some sort. I'm coming to realize that just the opposite is true. One example of being well-served by listening is when I had the thought that a deer was going to run out into the road. I applied the brakes and sure enough, the deer dashed across the road in front of me. Another time of yielding to divine Mind had to do with the impending closure of my beautiful art gallery and all the events which occurred , allowing us to stay open and thrive. I'm so grateful to be learning how to empty thought of needless chatter, enabling spiritual sense to be heard!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“We cannot fill vessels already full. They must first be emptied. Let us disrobe error. Then, when the winds of God blow, we shall not hug our tatters close about us.”

Science & Health Page 201:13-15

August 1, 2014 - Seeing With New Eyes

"Deer in Lilies"
photo by Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #213

Central Theme: “I am not a body. I am free. For I am still as God created me.” Review: #193 “All things are lessons God would have me learn.”

Today's review is of a lesson which tells us numerous times to "Forgive, and you will see this differently." See what differently? Everything! Seeing through the eyes of unified goodness, God, will change my outlook from one of sense perception and learned belief. No longer will I put meaning on something because that's the way I've always thought about it. Giving up how I feel about death, for instance, allows celebration of Life to replace sadness for my perceived loss. It may be a bittersweet celebration at first, but as I feel the reality of our Oneness, I can allow myself to stop missing someone, because we are never apart. If I've been missing someone because they've moved away, or gone through the change we call death, or any of the many reasons we feel separated from ones we love, we are never separated by more than the thought which caused the rift in our connection. And I learn peace.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Sorrow has its reward. It never leaves us where it found us. The furnace separates the gold from the dross that the precious metal may be graven with the image of God." 

Science & Health Page 66:30-1