April 1, 2015 - Cleaning Windows

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #91

“Miracles are seen in light.”

What am I? This question has been asked from the beginning of recorded history -- and probably longer. Spiritual seers inform us that we are not a body. So if I am not a body, what am I? Intellectually, we can say that we are the reflection of God. We can tell ourselves and others that we're not material, we're spiritual. Then we'll stump our toe and declare that we can't be blamed if it hurts because we're not walking on water yet. We make jokes to explain why we aren't living the precepts which Jesus tells us are our heritage as children of God. But really, why is it that we've been so stunted in our realization of what all this means? Actually, we're not evolving slowly. There is no evolution involved in spiritual awakening, there is only getting rid of material belief and dogma. What we're doing now is cleaning the windowpane so the light has a transparency to flow through, rather than thousands of years of grime hiding our illumination. What are we? We're finding out more every day -- but that doesn't mean we have to wait a certain amount of time to learn a set amount of liberating facts in order to experience this light. That's the miracle! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote: "Divine Science rolls back the clouds of error with the light of Truth, and lifts the curtain on man as never born and as never dying, but as coexistent with his creator."

Science & Health Page 596:11-19

March 31, 2015 - Problems?

photo courtesy of CreationSpirit.net

ACIM Workbook Lesson #90

Review: “Let me recognize the problem so it can be solved.” and “Let me recognize my problems have been solved.”

When people ask me for advice, I’m tempted to tell them they don’t know what their actual problem is, and, if they did, they would recognize that it is already solved! But that wouldn’t help anyone to see, and so I don’t say that. I was visiting with someone who knows the veracity of this seeming-conundrum and we mentioned a number of people we know who have problems with drinking alcohol. They don’t see alcohol as the problem; they are thinking of it as the solution. Looking at their situations from the outside, it appears that they are holding onto guilt because of their actions (for example, wartime killing of others), or pain because of others' actions (e.g., abandonment by a mother), or any of a multitude of things we think of as human problems. I bring this up to illustrate today's lesson review: There is only one problem, feeling separated from God. There is only one solution: realizing what the problem is, letting the miracle take over, and being willing to accept it. So, when someone asks my advice concerning a problem of theirs, I will pause and realize God's law of adjustment, which is already done. I will recognize that nothing needs fixing by me or anyone else. By this understanding, I will see them as whole, upright, free. With clear, non-judgmental thought, what they need to hear will come out of my mouth. Namaste'.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Human reason and religion come slowly to the recognition of spiritual facts, and so continue to call upon matter to remove the error which the human mind alone has created.”

March 30, 2015 - Trading In Grievances

photo by Jodie English

ACIM Workbook Lesson #89

Review: “I am entitled to miracles.” and “Let miracles replace all grievances.”

If you're like most people, myself included, when an accident occurs, we tend to replay it in our mind over and over -- and this doesn't include all the times we tell the details to others! When I fell down last week, (or tipped over, as I prefer to call it) my immediate reaction was to deny it. Now, this is not denying that it occurred, it's denying that it has any power over me. But since I had an appointment for a prosthetic fitting the next day, it was necessary to deal with some physical symptoms such as swelling and pain. In my desire to have the situation over and done with and go on with life, I have been focusing on it for the last week. And it's not much better. So I shall start the day tomorrow with a new outlook. I will declare spiritual Truth while denying the illusion of material law. By affirming what I am rather than concentrating on what I am not, I will be replacing grievances with miracles. Affirmations and denials tend to be temporary fixes, although they can align our thought with Truth. I'm willing to listen for what is needed and follow the promptings!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“When an accident happens, you think or exclaim, 'I am hurt!' Your thought is more powerful than your words, more powerful than the accident itself, to make the injury real."

Science & Health Page 397:12-16

March 29, 2015 - Fill Me Up

photo courtesy of Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #88:

Review -- "The light has come." and "I am under no laws but God's"

Many of life’s experiences are humbling. They make it easier to admit that we know nothing or that we’re wrong. I’ve gone through phases in the last 60 years when I didn’t want to admit either of these things, but now I am willing. On this beautiful spring Sunday, join me in having no opinions and allowing belief to dissolve. Let’s see what shows up when we are an empty vessel! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"There is no material truth. The physical senses can take no cognizance of God and spiritual Truth. Human belief has sought out many inventions, but not one of them can solve the problem of being without  the divine Principle of divine Science. Deductions from material hypotheses are not scientific. They differ from real Science because they are not based on the divine law."

Science & Health Page 273:2-9

March 28, 2015 - Love Without the In

photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #87

Review: “I will there be light.” and “There is no will but God’s.”

My thoughts turn today toward the holy relationship. We have many relationships in this life and, if you're like me, you prefer to think of all of them as holy! If God is Love, and we express that Love, then isn't every thing we do coming from that Love which is our essence? Unfortunately, this is not true. What we think of as love is often colored with human emotions such as guilt, jealousy, lust, and fear. This is a hard admission for any of us to make. A dear friend has been talking to me recently about a relationship he is ending. I have been thinking back over relationships I could have stayed in to this very day and how that would have led my life in different paths. The thing that keeps coming back time and again is that each and every relationship I have ever had was based in some way or another on the words, "I want". Maybe I wanted to be loved, maybe I wanted to be IN love, maybe I wanted a love affair like the movies and songs tell us is the be-all, end-all. My friend is feeling sad for the loss of this relationship. He liked so many things about this woman, but there were some basic differences which caused their incompatibility. He could have stayed and been contented, but there was something missing: It wasn't a holy relationship. It was based on expectation of change and other material desires. My friend innately knows there is more than settling down with someone because it's easy. And I know he will recognize, within himSelf, what it is he's waiting for.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The admission to one's self that man is God's own likeness sets man free to master the infinite idea. The understanding and recognition of Spirit must finally come, and we may as well improve our time in solving the mysteries of being through an apprehension of divine Principle. At present we know not what man is, but we certainly shall know this when man reflects God.”

Science & Health Page 90:24-32

March 27, 2015 - One Thing Have I Desired

"Mongolia Trip"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #86

Review: "Only God's plan for salvation will work." and "Holding grievances is an attack on God's plan for salvation."

Once a month I attend a gathering of remarkable women. We have met for a number of years, there are around fifteen of us, and we love and support each other through any and everything. We share good food and drink, laughter, and discuss interesting books. One of these women and I play an online word game similar to Scrabble. She has mentioned that I always get better letters than she does, and that I once told her that I draw these letters to me. Although I don't remember saying this, perhaps I did. Maybe I said it in jest, or it could have been a moment of egotistical mania. I don't know. Something I do in this game, or any other, is not to have expectations. I also don't care if I win or lose -- really, truly! My goal is to make fun words and get the highest score possible, yes, but I couldn't care less if someone else gets a higher score. It's all about what I do, not someone else's actions. This all falls under the same caveat as not holding grievances, not making assumptions, and not having strong opinions. I truly do have one desire: to listen and follow the inner voice of divine Mind. If this brings me better letters in word games or keeps me out of harms way when on the highway, great! But that's not what I'm asking for. I only want one thing: to know God.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Salvation: Life, Truth, and Love understood and demonstrated as supreme over all."

Science & Health Page 593:20-21

March 26, 2015 - Grievance Hides Light

"March Sky in the Ozarks"
photo by Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #85

Review: "My grievances hide the light of the world in me." and "My salvation comes from me."

Cynicism hides the light of the world very effectively. As a small child, I freely expressed joy in everything and to everyone, but slowly and thoroughly this joy was quieted by rules and other forces of conformity. By the time I was a teenager, cynicism had taken over my every action. This is a definition of cynicism: "An attitude of scornful or jaded negativity, especially a general distrust of the integrity or professed motives of others." During the 60s and 70s, although it was heralded as the Age of Aquarius, the free love that permeated our atmosphere was actually a charade of the Love I had felt as a small child. We made fun of those who weren't like us, and by doing so became unsure of what we were. There was an attitude of disdain which came with our superiority. We knew our government was wrong, as were our parents, most teachers, and the majority of our peers. It's no wonder that a major magazine's cover declared that God was dead, because materialism and cynicism had killed any expression of real Love. I was convinced that to have children would be a travesty, as this world was no place for humans to be. Nearly half a century past those turbulent times, I see wonderful changes in all of us. Everyone I know realizes that Love is a force within us which can't be quieted; that fear can never be as powerful as Love; that there is no reason to pretend only the foolish think this way. More people every day are waking up to the Truth of their being, living the salvation of this realization, and not allowing anything to hide this light. Any day now everyone will awaken to their function as a living ray of this Love, and we won't be afraid of it. It is our heritage! We have denied it as long as we can. The Truth is alive within us and it only takes recognition to bring it to fruition. Let's live our salvation today!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Ignorance of the divine idea betrays at once a greater ignorance of the divine Principle of the idea — ignorance of Truth and Love. The understanding of Truth and Love, the Principle which works out the ends of eternal good and destroys both faith in evil and the practice of evil, leads to the discernment of the divine idea."

Science & Health Page 560:28-4

March 25, 2015 - Love Holds No Grievance

photo by Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #84

Review: “Love created me like Itself.” and “Love holds no grievances.”

Most of us have a list of grievances we can call up in thought at the slightest provocation. In the past, I've held grievances which ranged from deeds of ex-husbands to actions of politicians. I've resented neighbors’ words and blamed friends for perceived betrayals. As I pause and ponder what grievances I may be presently nurturing, only a few come to thought. I'm in the process of asking myself why I feel the need to hold on to these feelings of discontent. I don't think I do have a reason for these resentments; it's just a habit. I do not want to attack Love with these grievances. "Love created me  like Itself" we are told in part of today's ACIM review. If I attack Love with grievances, I am attacking myself. If I am attacking myself, I'm attacking you. I think I'll just stop it!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Love giveth to the least spiritual idea might, immortality, and goodness, which shine through all as the blossom shines through the bud. All the varied expressions of God reflect health, holiness, immortality-- infinite Life, Truth, and Love."

Science & Health Page 518:18-22

March 24, 2015 - Forgiveness Equals Happiness

"The Junes"
photo by Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #83

Review: “My only function is the one God gave me.” and “My happiness and my function are one.”

My function is to forgive, and through that function I am happy. Often we look forward to events and are disappointed if those plans do not come to fruition. I am schedules to have a fitting for my new prosthetic device today, but yesterday I fell down while filling the bird feeder and my leg is too swollen to go forward with the fitting. I am disappointed. But today is supposed to be a warm, sunny day and I am looking forward to the car trip as much as anything. So I will go forward with happiness, enjoying the company of my friend who is driving. We will take my Chili Dog along with us and have a nice lunch somewhere. I often refer to pointless car trips as "joy riding". So I will forgive myself for not paying attention and tipping over, and we will go forward with a joy-filled day, being happy all the way!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“God has endowed man with inalienable rights, among which are self-government, reason, and conscience. Man is properly self-governed only when he is guided rightly and governed by his Maker, divine Truth and Love.”

Science & Health Page 106:7-10

March 23, 2015 - At Peace With Life

Ozark Night
photo by Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #82

Review: “The light of the world brings peace to every mind through my forgiveness” and “Let me not forget my function.”

Years ago, I knew a young man who was diagnosed with inoperable colon cancer. In the two or three months he had to live, he and his family never talked with each other about his condition. It was the oddest thing, but everyone pretended he was getting well until the day he passed on. Recently a sweet woman I know has been told she has a brain tumor and doesn't have long left with us. She is at peace with the situation and is attempting to experience every moment of joy and love that is possible. Unfortunately, her only child has been unable to face what's happening and has not been visiting her. Finally, today he did. What a blessing to everyone involved! By facing life's situations, even when they are interpreted as death, we give ourselves the opportunity to discover something far deeper than the mindless chatter we may have been using to fill up time and space. Every time I reach out to a person in need, I am remembering my function of allowing the light to bring peace to every situation. I pray to not be afraid of anything that presents itself, as I use this as an opportunity to fulfill my function.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Death and finiteness are unknown to Life. If Life ever had a beginning, it would also have an ending.” Science & Health Page 469:5-6

March 22, 2015 - What is My Function?

Photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM  Workbook Lesson #81

Review: "I am the light of the world" and "Forgiveness is my function as the light of the world."

I made a mistake. I never, ever post political things to my Facebook page. There was a post someone else had made about an unloving point of view one of Arkansas’s elected officials had voiced, and I was so astounded that I “shared” it without thinking of the consequences. Almost immediately, others began to share their thoughts. Then a distant cousin of mine wrote that he would vote for this politician for president because he was better than who we had — and he gave reasons why he thought so. I read it. Then my thought was inflamed with things I wanted to say to my dear relative. Actually, my first thought toward him was very rude — rude enough that I shan’t quote it here. Without hesitation, I deleted the entire post from my page. I’ve said before that I try not to have strong opinions because it closes my mind to anything else. By the same token, I do not serve my function as a reflection of Love if I post unlovely things about others — even if I deem their words to be ignorant and inappropriate. Especially so!! What is my function? To shine the light of forgiveness within. Namastè.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Self-forgetfulness, purity, and affection are constant prayers."

Science & Health Page 15:26-27

March 21, 2015 - No Problem!

photo by Jim Young

ACIM Workbook Lesson #80

"Let me recognize my problems have been solved."

Yesterday we were told that our only problem is thinking we are separate from God. The understanding that it is impossible to be separated from our source solves that problem. 

The realization that our problem never existed in any way other than belief may seem ridiculous. Most of us can come up with a long list of what we consider to be our problems, and they all seem very real and troublesome. Once again, I am reminded of Don Miguel Ruiz's interpretation of ancient Toltec wisdom as he puts forth in "The Four Agreements". When he asks us to not take anything personally, he gives a rather startling example. He tells us that even if someone shoots you in the head, not to take it personally, because it's not your problem, it's theirs! Although this seems like an extreme example, there are many things we take so personally that we cannot forgive and release them. Next time I jump onto my "high horse" about something, I will remind myself that I am seeing someone as separated from their Oneness source and ask myself how this could be possible.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"This is the doctrine of Christian Science: that divine Love cannot be deprived of its manifestation, or object; that joy cannot be turned into sorrow, for sorrow is not the master of joy; that good can never produce evil; that matter can never produce mind nor life result in death. The perfect man -- governed by God, his perfect Principle -- is sinless and eternal."

Science & Health Page 304:9-15

March 20, 2015 - What's the Problem?

Unknown Photographer

ACIM Workbook Lesson #79

"Let me recognize the problem so it can be solved."

Are you a list maker? If you have a list of problems which need to be solved, it should be a relief to know there is only one problem and only one solution! If you watch or listen to news and feel overwhelmed by the problems of the world, it is a welcome respite to realize there is only one solution, and that solution is shown through a recognition of the problem. Actually, there is no need to think about a solution, you only need recognize that there is but one problem -- and that realization is, in itself, the solution. Every problem which seems to exist is the result of one thing: a belief in separation from God. I remember a friend had a poster in her office reminding the people who came in that the only reason she wanted to know their problem was as an identifier; after that, she only wanted to hear about solutions. Wayne Dyer wrote a whole book about it: There's a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem. The problem is that I believe I have separated from Source. The solution lies in that recognition!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Ontology receives less attention than physiology. Why? Because mortal mind must waken to spiritual life before it cares to solve the problem of being, hence the author's experience; but when that awakening comes, existence will be on a new standpoint."

Science & Health Page 556:25-30

March 19, 2015 - Choose the Miracle

"St. Patrick's Parade in Eureka Springs"
photo by Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #78

"Let miracles replace all grievances."

I'm so happy to see today's topic which asks me to choose one person and see them as God sees them, with pure eyes, rather than with all the muddled grievances I may be holding. A few days ago, I had a brief conversation with a woman which I found to be so distasteful that I nearly told her so! After we parted, I kept thinking of things I could have said to her -- none of which were coming from Love. The conversation recurred in thought until I realized what I was doing -- replaying the past and practicing what I could say to her in the future. Yikes! It was pretty clear I was choosing a grievance over a miracle. "Each grievance stands like a dark shield of hate before the miracle it would conceal." (ACIM Workbook Lesson #78) So although the conversation is still popping up in thought -- or else I wouldn't be writing about it! -- I now tell it that it isn't important, it's not my problem unless I choose to hold onto it. The miracle of forgiveness which is showing itself by this practice will shine forth when I clear the way. How do I love? Let me count the ways!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Human affection is not poured forth vainly, even though it meet no return. Love enriches the nature, enlarging, purifying, and elevating it. The wintry blasts of earth may uproot the flowers of affection, and scatter them to the winds; but this severance of fleshly ties serves to unite thought more closely to God, for Love supports the struggling heart until it ceases to sigh over the world and begins to unfold its wings for heaven."

Science & Health Page 57:22-30

March 18, 2015 - Softly Changing Beliefs

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #77

"I am entitled to miracles."

I'm beginning to see the difference in changing my mind and releasing beliefs. If I change my mind about something, I'm more than likely exchanging one belief for another. I have always had a prejudice against the word "miracle". In Christian Science, I learned there are no such things because what we think of as miracles are simply the way that things ought to be. It is implied in material interpretations that a miracle sets aside a physical law and that this is done by a special compensation from God. But in divine metaphysics, it is the laws of Spirit which have been set aside by our material beliefs. So I am most delighted to see that slowly but surely I am releasing my material beliefs about this word -- and many other things! I'm not changing my mind about this, but letting go of my long-held beliefs about the definition of the word. Every day, fewer and fewer things cause me to cringe. It doesn't matter if it's a political opinion, a person's actions, or my understanding of what something means, I'm becoming softer, and it feels really good. I'm ready to accept all the goodness, no matter what it's named!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"A miracle fulfills God's law, but does not violate that law. This fact at present seems more mysterious than the miracle itself."

Science & Health Page 134:31-32

March 17, 2015 - Living Under Senseless Laws?

"Holiday Island Marina"
photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #76

“I am under no laws but God’s.”

Just where do we find these laws of God which we are under? Certainly they’re not in any book which has been written, even though these texts may be referred to as the word of God. I’m not trying to say that there isn’t some wonderful advice in these books. I particularly like Jesus’s words concerning commandments: love your neighbor as yourself and God above all else. How many wars could have been avoided by the simple realization that we are united in the Love which is God! Does it matter what historians or tyrants or mystical seers have dictated? Perhaps the world is not ready to live by the divine edict which can only be known within our consciousness. But I think we are.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

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

Science & Health Page 227:24-28

March 16, 2015 - I Am Light

Ozark Foggy Morning
photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #75

"The light has come."

I am Muslim. I am Hindu. I am Christian. I am woman. I am man. I am gay. I am straight. I am everything and nothing. I am free! Perseverance in dropping false testimony of the material senses is celebrated today: The light has come! Of course, it has always been there, waiting for us to notice it. Having watched the movie "Gandhi" today, I am feeling as though anything is possible. Critical mass tipping point isn't 51%, because just a taste of goodness spreads exponentially, as all Reality must. The light has come. Thinking that we need a tribe in order to prosper, or that family is necessary for us to feel whole, or that a religion is needed to see God, these are all beliefs we have come to rely upon. We are seeing the Truth, and it has nothing to do with belief, dogma, or creed. The light has come. Let's join thought today in the realization that Love is all that is enduring. Other things pass away, but not this light which cannot be extinguished. The light has come!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Let us feel the divine energy of Spirit, bringing us into newness of life and recognizing no mortal nor material power as able to destroy. Let us rejoice that we are subject to the divine 'powers that be.' Such is the true Science of being. Any other theory of Life, or God, is delusive and mythological.” 

Science & Health Page 249:6-10

March 15, 2015 - Spiritual Ideas Give Daily Supplies

photo by Aaron Springston

ACiM Workbook Lesson #74

“There is no will but God’s.”

Recently I was asked to step outside my comfort zone and give a short interview on live television at an early morning hour. Neither public speaking nor early mornings are things which seem to come naturally to me! But, as with anything which promotes Eureka Springs and my gallery, Eureka Thyme, I immediately said I would do it. My preparation for this event consisted of holding thought to the spiritual Truth of Being. Any time a critical thought would enter regarding anything, I would correct it with one of Love and the Truth of the situation. In other words, how does God see this? Or as today's workbook lesson states: "There is no will but God's". Although I was feeling ready to go when I got out of bed at 2 a.m. this morning, as I went about my morning ablutions I started to get a bit nervous. In turning thought to God with an earnest plea asking what I need to know in this situation, it came to me to pick up a Christian Science Journal. I opened it at random and there was an article entitled, "Getting Out of the Small Pond" by Irmela Wigger. She tells of having two young ducks who were raised in her small pond. When it came time to move them to a larger pond, they refused to go. Every time they were offered the advantage of the larger pond, they would swim as quickly as possible back to shore. Then these words jumped out at me: "We can accept without fear the tasks God gives us, even if they demand that we break out of our comfort zone." I quickly saw that not only was I being supplied with this particular reading to break the spell of dread I was falling under, but that by listening I was receiving God's ideas and they were giving me everything I needed. With that, I proceeded forward to a delightful morning full of joy and sharing, for which I am very grateful.

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.”

Miscellaneous Writings 1883–1896, Page 307

March 14, 2015 - What Will?

"Loveland Pass"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #73

“I will there be light.”

Much is said about willpower and its role in our self-control. There is always more to be said and written about the subject, because of its changeable nature. But that's not the type of will that is being written of in today's ACIM workbook lesson. It's the same type of will talked about in "thy will be done”, but it's the realization that "thy" is the same as "my" will be done. This will which we are yielding to is not some outer authority in the sky telling us what we should do; it’s the omniscient, omnipresent gentle presence which is always with us, but which we so often hide with our human will. This yielding of self will to the ever-present divine Mind manifests Itself in wonderful ways, when allowed to transpire. Thinking back on this, many instances are remembered: deciding whether to travel through inclement weather, knowing when to postpone plans, finding lost objects — other decisions which can’t be made by weighing “facts”, but where yielding to divine Mind brings answers. Let me know about some of your light-bringing moments!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"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. Material, erring, human thought acts injuriously both upon the body and through it."

Science & Health Page 206:4-9

March 13, 2015 - Upside-Down World

"Yoga in the Forest"

ACIM  Workbook Lesson #72

“Holding grievances is an attack on God’s plan for salvation.”

An upside down world seems normal to us. We have become accustomed to believing that the testimony of our physical senses is reality, while the feelings of intuition gained through what we think of as otherworldly are just that -- unreal and imaginary. Many of my favorite authors write about these concepts, and some of them use the genre of fiction to allow them the leeway to take this new/old thought all the way without empirical evidence in support. And I applaud this method! What better way to introduce ideas to a skeptical audience than through the entertainment field? Dan Brown is an expert at this form of writing. He brings us thought-provoking concepts without asking us to accept them as true, such as in "The Lost Symbol". Paulo Coelho gently hits closer to home in his books. Two of my favorites are "The Alchemist" and "The Aleph". The enjoyment of these novels is softly preparatory for the life-changing concepts presented in A Course in Miracles and also Science & Health. Without prior opening of thought, the ideas contained in these books can be jarring indeed! In the lesson today, we learn that God did not create this body. God created everything that is real and eternal, and it's our realization of this true Self which brings us peace and harmony of being. I find that revelations in thought such as this open doors to understanding. Oftentimes what we think of as religion leads us down dead-end streets, with no logical explanation. "A creator wholly unlike [its] creation is inconceivable." (ACIM) "[You are] not material,[you are] spiritual." (MBE) These concepts are slowly beginning to be understood. To me, this is salvation! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Is Spirit the source or creator of matter? [The] Science [of the Christ] reveals nothing in Spirit out of which to create matter. Divine metaphysics explains away matter. Spirit is the only substance and consciousness recognized by divine Science. The material senses oppose this, but there are no material senses, for matter has no mind. In Spirit there is no matter, even as in Truth there is no error, and in good no evil. It is a false supposition, the notion that there is real substance-matter, the opposite of Spirit. Spirit, God, is infinite, all. Spirit can have no opposite."

Science & Health Page 278:1-11

March 12 2015 - What a Plan!

"Magic in the Moonlight"
created by Woody Allen

ACIM Workbook Lesson #71

“Only God’s plan for salvation will work.”

The topic for today's workbook lesson could be misinterpreted as meaning there is some sort of predestined plan which we must follow if we are to achieve happiness and fulfillment. What we are learning has nothing to do with blindly following something we don't understand. It involves understanding that we are the expression of God, and until we realize what that means, we have no hope of trusting what we hear within our being. But mortal mind (the thoughts which come to us from material teachings and long-held beliefs) tells us that to listen to anything other than "logic" is foolishness. And so we plant our feet on the shifting sands of materialism and think we're doing the best we can under impossible circumstances. I recently watched the latest Woody Allen movie: Magic in the Moonlight. Colin Firth plays a magician who is out to expose a beautiful, young spiritualist/medium as a fraud. His character is an interesting one, absolutely certain there is no such thing as metaphysics. After watching this delightful romantic comedy, I'm seeing their characters through Woody's eyes, being positive that we, as humans, are doomed to a life of misery, perhaps with moments of joy. This is one of the traps we have set for ourselves, thinking that something else is going to bring salvation to us, never guessing that it's already ours! But Woody's dancing closer to Truth with every autobiographical movie he gives us. What fun to watch his journey! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote: “Salvation. Life, Truth, and Love understood and demonstrated as supreme over all…” Science & Health Page 593:20-21

March 11, 2015 - Lives Examined

photo by Glory Leggett

ACIM Lesson #70

“My salvation comes from me.”

A few days ago, an icon of Eureka Springs, a chef and restauranteur, died suddenly and unexpectedly. Facebook has been filled with lovely tributes to his life, and many people have openly questioned their existence and wondered why they haven’t been appreciating every moment of this thrilling life. My heart’s compassion flows to this fine man’s new bride, young grandchild, and everyone else who loves him. But I’m not the least bit worried about him: he’s discovering something about Life. I learned today that a dear friend, companion, ACIM student, was involved in a three-vehicle accident which could have been devastating. In talking to him about it, we were not only extremely grateful to be sitting there talking about it, but we acknowledged how everything can change in the blink of an eye. This leads us back to this moment, the now, and how important it is to be living in it, loving it, accepting our salvation. Healing our thought heals our lives. The kingdom of heaven is withIN. The choice is ours! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“If divine Love is becoming nearer, dearer, and more real to us, matter is then submitting to Spirit. The objects we pursue and the spirit we manifest reveal our standpoint, and show what we are winning.” 

Science & Health Page 239:18-22

March 10, 2015 - Spring Cleaning

photo by Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #69

“My grievances hide the light of the world in me.”

I think of spring cleaning in my home as similar to rooting out hidden grievances which are hiding the light within myself. It's possible I'm holding onto some of these illusions because it's comfortable. The story I've created for myself might just fall apart if I let go any part of it. I may have convinced myself that I like my history and wouldn't want to give up any of it, much less all of it. I'm like a little child holding on to a stuffed animal, feeling like it's my security. Or maybe I'm a little older, holding on to cigarettes because they feel like friends and I'm not sure what I'd do without them. These are stories I've been building for years and years. It seems if I let them go, I may disappear. But what brilliance is hiding behind the cover of these grievance clouds? What light have I hidden behind the illusions I've created for myself and the world? I know something wonderful is there, just out of reach. So when an old story comes to mind, I will turn thought instead to contemplation of the wondrous Truth which flows in, out, and through me when I lift the veil created by my grievances. Now that's spring cleaning!

Mary Baker Eddy Quote:

“The manifestation of God through mortals is as light passing through the window-pane. The light and the glass never mingle, but as matter, the glass is less opaque than the walls. The mortal mind through which Truth appears most vividly is that one which has lost much materiality--much error--in order to become a better transparency for Truth. Then, like a cloud melting into thin vapor, it no longer hides the sun.” Science & Health Page 295:14-24

March 9, 2015 - Love Let's Go

"Moon Over the Ozarks"
photo by Chris Fischer

ACIM Workbook Lesson #68:

“Love holds no grievances.”

Some painful memories seem to stay with us. Throughout the years, certain events have re-played regularly in my mind. Although these re-runs are mostly gone now, there are current events which seem to beg me to take offense. They jump up and down asking to be retold, wanting to hold me to them with emotions. To hold a grievance, you must live in the past. I remember a line from a little book by Alan Lightman called "Einstein's Dreams". He tells us that those who live in the past are condemned to live there alone. Habitually recounting what used to be, or wishing for what never was, or wanting what could have been, are thought processes which are symptoms of holding grievances. Today's lesson commentary tells us that forgetting that I am Love, forgetting that everyone is Love, forgetting that everything is Love, is holding a grievance. So today I will hold thought to a return to Love -- a figurative return, as I remember that I never left, and neither has anyone else. This Love replaces all grievances in my thought, and by this process I am safely and peacefully at One with God and all.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

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

Science & Health Page 574:27-30

March 8, 2015 - I Am Love

"Overlooking Basin Park"
photo by Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #67

“Love created me like itself.”

Usually it’s easier for me to see that Love created me like Itself than it is for me to see that Love created those bigoted people over there. When those thoughts come bouncing into my brain, I’m reminded of something Marianne Williamson said: “I can’t stand fundamentalist Christians; they’re so judgmental!” And that brings a laugh and breaks the spell I’m casting for myself, wherein I’m the kind, open-hearted person and they’re the hate mongers. There is only one Creator and only one Self. My Self is your Self, whether it seems that way or not. This illusion we’ve set into motion changes moment-by-moment with the script we have written for it. The unchanging Love which is our Creator is Truth. All else is a product of the illusion. And so any time I’m tempted to write a letter of chastisement to our local newspaper concerning activities in our town, I will stop and ask myself, What would Love do? And then I’ll do my best to follow where I’m led.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“From Love and from the light and harmony which are the abode of Spirit, only reflections of good can come. All things beautiful and harmless are ideas of Mind. Mind [Love] creates and multiplies them, and the product must be mental.”

Science & Health Page 280:4-8

March 7 2015 - Truth

"Mongolia"
photo by Aaron Springston

 ACIM Workbook Lesson #66:

“My happiness and my function are one.”

Truth has always been very important to me. Having this great love of truth, it came as quite a surprise to find out that the life I'd lived for 37 years, the name I'd used, the birthdate I'd celebrated, the people I'd called my mom and dad, were not the ones I'd been given at birth. When I was two months old, my parents took me from a niece who was 17 and had given birth with no one to help her. Her boyfriend had skipped over the border into Mexico. Her family ignored her, in an effort to convince her to give away her baby. After two months of being on her own, she relented and gave me to her aunt -- which is what her family had wanted all along. These wonderful people (who were the only parents I had ever known) then moved across the country and made a new beginning for us all. They did this in part to save this baby from the flood of criticism and judgment which accompanied a child born out of wedlock in the 1950s. Perhaps it was their living of this huge lie which caused them to instill truthfulness so solidly within me. For whatever reason, I am thankful to have it. Because of this love of Truth, I've always wanted to know it -- in every way. But in the past two decades, it's taken the form of spiritual Truth, which shows me my function and is my happiness. And it has set me free!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Happiness is spiritual, born of Truth and Love. It is unselfish; therefore it cannot exist alone, but requires all mankind to share it."

Science & Health Page 57:18-21

March 6, 2015 - Yielding

photo by Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #65:

“My only function is the one God gave me.”

As a restless young person, I resisted the only thing which was required in order to experience peace. I thought that to live in Spirit would be predictable and boring. Decades past that time, I find that everything is exciting and new! Without the willingness to be open to the field of all possibilities, I would be repeating by-rote behaviors and following learned beliefs. That, I now see, is what would be boring! By being willing to go inward and listen, I'm never sure of what I will say or do, but I'm confident of where that guidance will lead. On the occasions I forget to listen but rather hold forth with long-held, strong opinions, things don't usually work out in the same harmonious ways as they do when I'm willing to yield. That is a strong reminder to remember that I, of my own self, know nothing. 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"This scientific sense of being, forsaking matter for Spirit, by no means suggests man's absorption into Deity and the loss of his identity, but confers upon man enlarged individuality, a wider sphere of thought and action, a more expansive love, a higher and more permanent peace."

Science & Health Page 265:10-15

March 5, 2015 - Pure Expression

photo by Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #64:

"Let me not forget my function"

Have you ever been accused of something you did not do? An unjust charge carries with it a terrible feeling. This same feeling follows many of us around because we have been told that we were born sinners and there is nothing we can do about it. We have come to believe it is our function on this earth to try ever so hard to overcome this innate badness. Isn't it a wonderful thing to experience teachings which show us that this is not true? The understanding of our essence as the pure expression of God, and the realization that anything unlike this experience is a material illusion brought to us courtesy of tainted human beliefs, frees us to be happy. Gone is all the guilt we may have carried around, thinking we were condemned by a power from which we couldn't escape. There has been no condemnation by any power, only illusionary powers to which we have given credence. Breaking free from these beliefs, we are free to be happy, healthy, whole -- and we bloom! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Whatever indicates the fall of man or the opposite of God or God’s absence, is the Adam-dream, which is neither Mind nor man, for it is not begotten of the Father. The rule of inversion infers from error its opposite, Truth; but Truth is the light which dispels error. As mortals begin to understand Spirit, they give up the belief that there is any true existence apart from God." 

Science & Health Page 282:28:3 

March 4, 2015 - Peace Through Forgiveness

"A Community at Peace"
photo series by John Rankine

ACIM Workbook Lesson #63

“The light of the world brings peace to every mind through my forgiveness.”

I used to have a bad temper. Starting in childhood, I was easily “irritated” by things. The sound of someone eating a banana noisily would “set my teeth on edge”. A lost item in the house would infuriate me. Teachers who I deemed to know less than I did would bring, at the very least, a roll of the eyes in exasperation. I’m not sure when those feelings fell away from me, but I’m really glad that they have! Being angry at anything, for any reason, is not the way I want to feel. I can only imagine the damage these feelings caused over the years. There were ruined relationships, missed opportunities, multitudes of circumstances which could have been joyful but instead were wasted. Nowadays, it’s pretty darned difficult to burst my bubble of happiness. I’m looking through the illusion of the past and forgiving myself more every day. For that, I am grateful.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Gladness to leave the false landmarks and joy to see them disappear,--this disposition helps to precipitate the ultimate harmony. The purification of sense and self is a proof of progress."

Science & Health Page 324:3-5

March 3, 2015 - Letting Go of Illusion is My Function

"Downtown Eureka Springs"
photo by Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #62:

"Forgiveness is my function as the light of the world."

I am so glad to see this reminder of forgiveness as my function! The last two years I have been on the board of an organization in our tourist-oriented town. Even though I am no longer affiliated with this great group of people, I have the utmost respect and admiration for them. Recently the Director has come under attack for taking what is being interpreted as a biased position against gay people. He has been fired and a number of his associates have resigned for various reasons — some in support of him and others because they don’t want anything to do with a prejudiced organization. It would be easy to take sides in this situation. I could easily fall into discussions on chat boards which are buzzing with these happenings. I have always made an effort to refrain from strong opinions, as having them precludes seeing things without prejudice. In today’s topic, I am happy to see the reminder to hold thought to the purity of non-judgment, thereby allowing my mind to be guided by Mind when responding to conflict. Thinking of forgiveness as letting go of illusions helps me to see everyone with the vision of divine Love, freeing me from apportioning blame and feeling guilt. Namastè ~~~

Mary Baker Eddy quote: "Imperfect mortals grasp the ultimate of spiritual perfection slowly; but to begin aright and to continue the strife of demonstrating the great problem of being, is doing much."

Science & Health Page 254:12-15

March 2, 2015 - Liberating Light

photo by Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #61:

“I am the light of the world”

The understanding that we are all "the light of the world" is liberating! So often when we catch glimpses of our light, we deny the sight in the name of humility, or a false sense of sinfulness, or perhaps because we can't accept something so perfect about ourselves. We are learning that true humility is accepting our divine function and proudly reflecting light, never hiding under a guise of smallness. This light is demonstrated in many ways, often contrary to what we've been taught.  Personally, I find that letting my light shine means nothing other than listening for guidance and following through with what I hear. And how do I know that what I hear is not my ego wanting something? If it is, I feel uncomfortable with it, so I step back and start again. If it feels perfect, if it blesses everyone, then I follow through with confidence that it's divinely inspired. Sometimes the perfect, light-reflecting solution simply seems too difficult to do, so I try to convince myself it's an ego-based thought and refuse to do it. Ha! Once again, I go back to how I feel when sitting quietly. Experience has taught me to be ever-alert, as my ego really likes to masquerade as an ell-knowing presence. But the quietude where we may feel our unity with God always exposes the charade -- if I let it.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Light: Symbol of Truth; revelation and progress."

Science & Health Page 591:23-24

March 1, 2015 - The Beauty of Forgetting

"White River Winter"
photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #60

Today we review Lessons 46-50. 

Love, forgiveness, salvation -- these and many other words have taken on interesting connotations through our material interpretations and beliefs. Often our version of love includes jealousy, attachment, and various demands we insist upon for someone to be a worthy recipient of our human-based love. Forgiveness seldom is an acknowledgement that there is truly nothing to forgive, but carries with it superior thoughts and magnanimous gestures. Salvation has an odd interpretation which includes a paying of penance to someone or something. As we turn away from the material conceptions of these and other words, we are allowed to glimpse Love, wherein there is no forgiveness nor salvation as we think of them. We are told in the first lesson review today that "God does not forgive because He has never condemned." And we are told that the forgiveness we are learning of as human beings is "the reflection of God's Love on earth." When looked at from this view, it seems senseless to say that we can forgive but not forget. If we truly are, in reality, the perfect reflection of divine Love, if this is the spiritual reality (hence, the Only reality), it becomes easy to lay down the sword and go forward living from the heart rather than the brain. We can let go all thoughts of retaliation or revenge and live by the law of grace. How I long to forget everything and begin again from Love!

Mary Baker Eddy correlative quote:

"Progress takes off human shackles. The finite must yield to the infinite. Advancing to a higher plane of action, thought rises from the material sense to the spiritual, from the scholastic to the inspirational, and from the mortal to the immortal. Love, the divine Principle, is the Father and Mother of the universe, including man."

Science & Health Page 256:1-8