A New Earth

ACIM Workbook Lesson #1

“Nothing I see in this room [on this street, from this window, in this place] means anything.”

A new year brings excitement as we dream of how everything can change and be made new. I listen to and read the writings of Eckhart Tolle regularly, and A New Earth is one I frequently revisit. The idea that we are transcending the thoughts which bind us, evolving to another level of consciousness, is very exciting! The possibility of stepping out of habitual thought and living in the present moment can be frightening to those of us who are accustomed to living for the future. Perhaps with the busy-ness of our thinking we have lost connection with our sense of being, the intelligence which is more than thoughts in our head. It is time to move into another stage of evolution, allowing consciousness to release our addiction to circular thinking. For humanity to go on we must transcend the mind, going beyond the compulsion to think, realizing a deeper level of being. This evolutionary transformation of consciousness is no longer a luxury, but a necessity if we are to survive. Giving up beliefs and interpretations which we have assigned to everything clears the way for the thought-expanding ideas which will lead us to exactly where we need to be, doing what needs to be done. What an exciting time to be alive! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The enslavement of man is not legitimate. It will cease when man enters into his heritage of freedom, his God-given dominion over the material senses."

Science & Health Page 228:11-13

Scattering Joy!

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #365 "This holy instant would I give to You. Be You in charge. For I would follow You,  Certain that Your direction gives me peace."

The last day of the year! When people make decisions on how they will change their lives, it’s always an exciting time, full of hope and expectations. We love to dream of how we will become “better”, and often are disappointed in ourselves when this doesn’t happen the way we have dictated. I think one of the problems with these resolutions is that we want to take away things from ourselves, but have nothing to fill the space left behind. So I’ve decided not to attempt to delete anything from my existence, but to add heaping helpings of Truth instead! I vow to be aware of every morsel of media I put into my mind, knowing we are what we think. Although I strive to stay away from judgmental thoughts and actions, the freed space in my mind will be listening for ways to productively cleanse our environment, fill needs I witness around me, and scatter joy freely! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The image of Spirit cannot be effaced, since it is the idea of Truth and changes not, but becomes more beautifully apparent at error’s demise.” Science & Health Page 542:5-7             

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Restored to Sanity

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #364

"This holy instant would I give to You. Be You in charge. For I would follow You, Certain that Your direction gives me peace."

"We are restored to sanity, in which we understand that anger is insane, attack is mad, and vengeance merely foolish fantasy." [ACIM] As the end of this year draws near, many of us reflect on events and plan ways to improve ourselves in the year to come. In the past few weeks, I have allowed myself to slip into thoughts of fear and the negativity which it breeds. What a comfort it is to know that we are all here to walk hand in hand to the light! When we stumble on the way, there are others who will lift us up. This Oneness we speak of so often doesn’t exclude anyone. It matters not if we know this fact or not, because the unity of Mind provides a constant stream of divine ideas, just waiting for us to imbibe. I am extremely grateful to know that we’re all together on this path, sometimes faltering, sometimes running, but ever moving toward understanding! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“We are all sculptors, working at various forms, moulding and chiseling thought. What is the model before mortal mind? Is it imperfection, joy, sorrow, sin, suffering? Have you accepted the mortal model? Are you reproducing it? Then you are haunted in your work by vicious sculptors and hideous forms...To remedy this, we must first turn our gaze in the right direction, and then walk that way. We must form perfect models in thought and look at them continually, or we shall never carve them out in grand and noble lives.” Science & Health Page 248:12

Only Good Can Come of This

photo credit: Dale Johnson

ACIM Workbook Lesson #363 "This holy instant would I give to You. Be You in charge. For I would follow You, Certain that Your direction gives me peace."

Only good can come of this. A friend told me this years ago and I find great comfort in affirming the veracity of this statement. At a meeting of Course in Miracles students, a wise man said that the whole world has quite an opportunity at this point in time. Rarely does a person appear who can be such an expansive teacher, showing us exactly what the ego of mortal man is, mirroring this error of thought so precisely for everyone. Within my own microcosm I can remember many times when I had to hit the depths of despair in order to rise and fly free, leaving behind shackles I hadn’t fully realized existed. And only good came of it. Namasté, to us all!!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Whatever enslaves man is opposed to the divine government. Truth makes man free.” Science & Health Page 225:2-4

Love is Reflected in Love

painting by Betty Johnson

ACIM Workbook Lesson #362

"This holy instant would I give to You. Be You in charge. For I would follow You, Certain that Your direction gives me peace."

I often mention in these writings that it seems as though animals are showing us how to live true to our Self. Not only do they mirror back to us any emotions we may be secretly harboring, they show us how to communicate more effectively through telepathy and actions, rather than words. Although my dog exhibits numerous behaviors I find baffling, I continue to see positive behavior changes in him as I become more honest and calm in my own actions. In watching "The Dog Whisperer", I have gained many insights into the reasons our dogs often seem neurotic and out of control. It always comes back our thought. Calm, assertive behavior is the mantra of Cesar Milan. Assertive doesn't mean aggressive. It involves a certainty which is only attained through listening to an inner knowledge, which is only heard in quiet, calm moments. These moments express the eternal holy instant in which our natural state shines through with the certainty of peace. And Love is reflected in love.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Let us rid ourselves of the belief that man is separated from God, and obey only the divine Principle, Life and Love. Here is the great point of departure for all true spiritual growth."Science & Health Page 91:5-8

Safe in Love's Leading

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #361 "This holy instant would I give to You. Be You in charge. For I would follow You, Certain that Your direction gives me peace."

I have been reminded today of ways we perhaps ask amiss for what it is we want. We, as humans, have a tendency to focus on what we don’t want, rather than what we do want — don’t you think? I remember a teacher once telling me to reinforce behaviors in our children rather than trying to turn them away from things we do not want them doing. For example, if you say, “Don’t play in the street”, all they hear is “play in the street”. I see similar behavior in ways we affirm our safety in different situations. Rather than knowing that we are all a product of divine Mind and by listening we are led in paths of safety and harmony, we tend to want to defend against the dangers we see around us. With this in mind, my goal is to listen — to listen quietly, inwardly, for that still, small voice which tells me when to slow down the car, when to delay leaving the house, what to do in any and every situation. I am one with and inseparable from divine Love, I need only remember this glorious fact!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"It is only by acknowledging the supremacy of Spirit, which annuls the claims of matter, that mortals can lay off mortality and find the indissoluble spiritual link which establishes man forever in the divine likeness, inseparable from his creator."

Science & Health Page 491:12-16

Peace is My Purpose

photo credit: Alden Stallings

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #360

"Peace be to me, the holy Son of God. Peace to my brother, who is one with me.

Let all the world be blessed with peace through us."

Let it go. Just breathe. We hear these instructions when learning how to break the hold of distress and open ourselves to peace. It took me years to realize that someone or something wasn't "making" me upset, it was my perception and interpretation and reaction to things which caused these feelings. Even with this realization, it's sometimes difficult to not get caught up in the craziness of the world. When I find myself becoming agitated about anything, I will remind myself to "let all the world be blessed with peace through us." After all, I can't change anything but my own self, and how wonderful that it’s the most important thing to do!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Let us learn of the real and eternal, and prepare for the reign of Spirit, the kingdom of heaven,—the reign and rule of universal harmony, which cannot be lost nor remain forever unseen."

Science & Health Page 208:20-24

Peace Like a River - Happy Christmas

photo credit: Stephen Shogren

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #359 "God's answer is some form of peace. All pain is healed; all misery replaced with joy. All prison doors are opened. And all sin is understood as merely a mistake."

Peace like a river. As I read the above words. this is what keeps coming to mind. Peace like a river. On this beautiful Christmas morning, I allow all imprisoning beliefs to leave my mind, while welcoming Love through the Science of the Christ. The Christ that we celebrate today flows through each and every thing there is. It leads us to healing in all thought and deed. It keeps us happy, safe, wholly directed by eternal Truth to green pastures and quiet repose. Peace like a river, flowing before and around us, pulling and pushing wherever we need to be. I won't fight the flow. I'll float and rest in the Christ consciousness which we celebrate today. This Spirit which permeates everything is recognized by me for what it is: God's answer.

Mary Baker Eddy quote: I celebrate Christmas with my soul, my spiritual sense, and so commemorate the entrance into human understanding of the Christ conceived of Spirit, of God and not of a woman—as the birth of Truth, the dawn of divine Love breaking upon the gloom of matter and evil with the glory of infinite being.

I love to observe Christmas in quietude, humility, benevolence, charity, letting good will towards man, eloquent silence, prayer, and praise express my conception of Truth’s appearing." Miscellany Page 262

Walking in the Light

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #358 "No call to God can be unheard nor left unanswered. And of this I can be sure; His answer is the one I really want." 

Today's lesson helps us understand that there is no need for audible prayer, constant pleadings, repetitious affirmations, or anything else which falls under the heading of talking to God. Everything is already known to this divine Principle, and we can't tell It anything — but we can listen! Through this listening we remember who we are and thereby become aware of our purpose. There is nothing other than the Love which is God, and when we yield to this fact, wonderful things happen! This yielding consists of refraining from worry and wondering about "what-ifs". In order to keep erroneous thought from taking over, we can hold to spiritual Truth — such as, God is Love, or I am the expression of Love. That is enough!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Truth and Love enlighten the understanding, in whose “light shall we see light;” and this illumination is reflected spiritually by all who walk in the light and turn away from a false material sense.” Science & Health Page 510:9-12 

Truth Confers Harmony

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #357

"Truth answers every call we make to God,

Responding first with miracles, and then

Returning unto us to be itself."

Most people I know are enjoying the beauty of the holidays, many even peacefully! But I've spoken with a few people today who are disenchanted with the commercialism and materiality associated with these times, and they're all too happy to tell others just how upset we should be, too! Although I don't want to be upset and, actually, refuse to be, I do want to spread peace and joy to those who can't or won't feel this harmony. I really wish I could spoon feed them and make them be as happy as can be! Unfortunately, there's no magic potion to cause this to happen. But there is a divine Principle which allows Truth to be heard and felt within ourselves, and shared through the miracle of forgiveness. The story of the Christmas miracle is the story of the daily miracle, the Truth, living within each of us, waiting for expression in the reality of Life!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Truth is affirmative, and confers harmony. All metaphysical logic is inspired by this simple rule of Truth, which governs all reality." 

Science & Health Page 418:20-22

The Sunlight of Truth

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #356 "Sickness is but another name for sin. Healing is but another name for God. The miracle is thus a call to Him."

When we read the above words, "Sickness is but another name for sin", the immediate response could be to think these words mean that we're sinners and are being punished for it by sickness. We are learning that sin is defined as anything which separates us from the Love which is God.  Most of us have been taught that sickness, evil, and many other aspects of this material existence are powers over which we have little to no control. Divine Principle, law, negates these mesmeric thoughts. As we wake up to this truth, multitudes of things we thought to be our master turn out to be nothing more than smoke and mirrors. As we lift the veil and reveal reality, the quotations we read here today begin to be more than words. They are principles by which to live. I relish every step of this awakening!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Christian Science brings to the body the sunlight of Truth, which invigorates and purifies. The effect of this Science is to stir the human mind to a change of base, on which it may yield to the harmony of the divine Mind." 

Science & Health Page 162:4-5, 9-11

Giving Place to Truth

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #355 "There is no end to all the peace and joy, And all the miracles that I will give, When I accept God's Word. Why not today?"

If our true selves are the creation — the image and likeness, if you will — of God, then why do we see so much which seems to be unGodlike? Because God did not create matter! This human body we seem to reside in, to be inseparable from, is not our true self. If divine Mind creates everything and it is good, that cannot encompass the dual good/bad stuff we see around us. Our vision for today is to accept our true being, the Truth which does not change. What doesn't change? Our reality as the image and likeness of Love. When we realize we’re not what we seem to be, it brings us into harmony with Principle. Declaring the Truth of our being helps to establish this Truth within our thought. This establishment leads to demonstration of Truth, which brings us back to where we began, and never leads us anywhere other than the home which is forever within -- wherever in eternity that may be!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"To divest thought of false trusts and material evidences in order that the spiritual facts of being may appear,--this is the great attainment by means of which we shall sweep away the false and give place to the true." 

Science & Health Page 423:8-12

We Stand Together

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #354 "We stand together, Christ and I, in peace And certainty of purpose. And in Him Is His Creator, as He is in me."

Once again we have witnessed a massacre of people. It seems unthinkable, unspeakable, impossible. We may find ourselves asking God how this can happen. I find solace in knowing that God has nothing to do with it. God does not create material circumstance and leave us to figure out what to do. The Oneness we all share is Spirit, not form. In Spirit, we all "stand together". Looking with God's eyes shows us the Truth of our being, and that Being is the same whether it's Hitler or Mother Teresa. With this in mind, I will look with true compassion, seeing the dear children and their families with the same eyes as I witness the perpetrators of this travesty, because we are all the same in the eye of divine Love. When these people come to thought, I send them feelings of peace, love, and care, while listening for ways to help. We have all seen how our thoughts affect those around us, demonstrating our unity. This "certainty of purpose" blesses all.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Spirit, God, gathers unformed thoughts into their proper channels, and unfolds these thoughts, even as He opens the petals of a holy purpose in order that the purpose may appear.”

Science & Health Page 506:18-21

True Idea Voicing Good

PC: Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #353

"My eyes, my tongue, my hands, my feet today Have but one purpose; to be given Christ To use to bless the world with miracles."

The use of the word "Christ" need not put off anyone who is not a follower of Jesus. Both Mary Baker Eddy and A Course in Miracles define The Christ in many ways. One of my favorites is this from Science & Health: "Christ is the true idea voicing good, the divine message from God to men speaking to the human consciousness." Every day is full of opportunities to bring Christ to a situation by listening to spiritual sense. When pondering today's topic, I couldn't help but think about a media-perpetrated debate about the color of Santa Claus' skin. If we bring Christ to this or any other situation, there is no need to take sides, as there are none. Skin color, gender, sexual orientation -- the multitude of dualities we choose to subscribe to, all meant to blind us to our unity -- none of them mean anything when brought to Christ, or spiritual sense. Let's hold to spiritual Truth when faced with erroneous mortal thought. It certainly makes life much simpler!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The illumination of Mary's spiritual sense put to silence material law and its order of generation, and brought forth her child by the revelation of Truth, demonstrating God as the Father of men.” Science & Health Page 29:27-29

No Judgment in Love

photo credit: Heather Peters

ACIM Workbook Lesson #352 "Judgment and love are opposites. From one Come all the sorrows of the world. But from The other comes the peace of God Himself."

I know that if I’m not peaceful, I must be choosing separation and exhibiting judgment. I’ve found this to be a good gauge in all areas of life. By noticing whether I feel agitated, perhaps nervous or angry, or if I’m calm and joyful, gives me the clues to recognizing if my thought is being ruled by emotions and beliefs or if I’m allowing a higher thought to be channeled through me. During the five years I spent attending a metaphysical gathering in our town, I had plenty of practice in recognizing these differences. You know how we often refer to people “pushing our buttons” — meaning that we get angry about most everything they say! — well, during these meetings, there were numerous people whom I felt caused these reactions in me. Through years of examining my thoughts and reactions, I’m beginning to understand the source of peace, and it’s the same place I find its opposite: within.  Changing my thought from judgment to Love becomes a reward in and of itself, as I find the pure peace which had always seemed so fleeting. 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Teach them that their being is sustained by Spirit, not by matter, and that they find health, peace, and harmony in God, divine Love.” Science & Health Page 416:32-2

The Revolution Where You Live

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #351

"My sinless brother is my guide to peace. My sinful brother is my guide to pain. And which I choose to see I will behold."

I’ve always known that what I need will show up when I need it — or when I’m ready for it! Today I had a long visit with a close friend, after which she sent me an article from the editor of Yes! magazine. I had forgotten about this wonderful publication to which I subscribed over a decade ago, but it has reappeared at a perfect time. This quote grabbed ahold of me and shook hard a couple of times: “When you only see the dying era, things that are full of life appear either irrelevant or poignant. ... These are not anomalies—they are indicators of a much greater dynamic that is allowing us to become whole.” This dovetails perfectly with the series of ten Course in Miracles workbook lessons which delve into the question, “What Am I?” I look forward to an in-depth study of this topic, along with inspiration from Yes! — and also reading the book co-founder, Sarah Van Gelder will be releasing shortly, The Revolution Where You Live.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The death of a false material sense and of sin [separation], not the death of organic matter, is what reveals man and Life, harmonious, real, and eternal.” Science & Health Page 296:10-13

All or Nothing

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #350 "Miracles mirror God's eternal Love. To offer them is to remember Him, And through His memory to save the world."

I love this quote attributed to Albert Einstein: “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” Through various religious teachings, most of us think of a miracle as being divine power setting aside a material law, allowing something otherworldly or supernatural to occur. What if a miracle is simply a correction pf our limiting beliefs, opening us to divine Mind and the limitless Life which is our true heritage as a child of Love? By this remembrance, we heal our mind of separation, giving us a clarity of thought and sight before unknown. I am very grateful —

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The miracle introduces no disorder, but unfolds the primal order, establishing the Science of God’s unchangeable law. Spiritual evolution alone is worthy of the exercise of divine power.” Science & Health Page 135:6-10

Loving Out Loud

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #349

"Today I let Christ's vision look upon all things for me and judge them not, but give each one a miracle of love instead."

It may seem impossible to look upon all things without judgment, seeing the miracle of love instead. When I think about doing this, my ego goes into overdrive and tells me that doing so would be condoning injustice; that instead I must point out wrongdoing and find ways to right it. To me, looking through the eyes of divine Love means that I’m willing to wear my heart on my sleeve and do whatever I’m called on to further the cause of unity. This doesn’t mean that I’ll just say, Oh, bless his heart, and continue on as though nothing is wrong. Seeing with divine vision isn’t a sugar-coating coping device; it’s a way to see through the bullshit to Truth. We hear a lot of discussion about how to recognize what truth is, or how to know what to believe and what to discredit and ignore. We’re discovering that by releasing what we think of as right and wrong allows divine Mind to be heard loud and clear, and we receive that reviving cup of cold water when we feel as though we’re wandering through the desert!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Millions of unprejudiced minds — simple seekers for Truth, weary wanderers, athirst in the desert — are waiting and watching for rest and drink. Give them a cup of cold water in Christ’s name, and never fear the consequences.” Science & Health Page 570:14-18 

On Tipping Points and Such

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #348 "I have no cause for anger or for fear, For You surround me. And in every need That I perceive, Your grace suffices me."

I have always felt as though there is a tipping point in mass consciousness, a point in which everyone sees their perfection and recognizes there is no difference in their own self and the self of that person over there. In this sight, there is a world bathed in peace and contentment. There are no conflicts because everything good and pure is done for the good of everyone, and nothing contrary exists because we do not have such thoughts in the face of beauty and Love. There is no world of separation because we are all One and happily recognize this Truth. In order for perfection to emerge, error must be washed away. A dear friend, who has never believed these things I espouse, called to ask me what’s happening to this tipping point of Love, as he feels we’ve tipped the other way. Once again, I reiterate: Every thought is important! I feel like we're getting close!

Mary Baker Eddy quote: "We cannot build safely on false foundations. Truth makes a new creature, in whom old things pass away and ‘all things are become new’."  Science & Health Page 201: 7-9

Self Judgment

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #347

"Anger must come from judgment. Judgment is the weapon I would use against myself, to keep the miracle away from me."

I love to play bridge. I play a competitive form of this game which takes away the luck of the shuffle and deal, allowing people to compete on a purer level. Part of the fun of this game is watching how I, personally, react to mistakes in play. When I first became involved with this game around a year ago, I was very insecure concerning the play of the cards and would judge myself, often replaying situations while feeling inadequate. There is one couple in our group who regularly berate each other, loudly judging the others' bids and play. At first I found them disruptive, eventually seeing them as amusing. Today I thank them for showing me what I was doing to myself with my self-judgment. I could have easily walked away from this activity, giving any number of excuses for not enjoying something which I find to be fun and challenging. Living a life with no excuses allows us to examine situations for what they are, not for what we fear might be, opening us to the miracle that's looking for us!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Material man is made up of involuntary and voluntary error, of a negative right and a positive wrong, the latter calling itself right. Man's spiritual individuality is never wrong." Science & Health Page 491:7-10

Bathed in Beauty and Light

ACIM Workbook Lesson #346 "Today the peace of God envelops me, And I forget all things except His Love."

I am often chastised for not watching or listening to the news as it's presented through various media sources. I have taken the suggestions of others under consideration and decided I am informed sufficiently on current events, but not over-informed and saturated with people's opinions. A few individuals have insisted I need to know about this or that horrid event in order to "pray about it". Years ago, I discovered that I didn't need to know details in order to see everything in the light of Truth. I feel we all have different purposes in this world, different things we do well, and talents with which to facilitate good. In new age terms, I would perhaps be called a holder of light. We all are part of this light, and when we listen inwardly for what brings peace, we will know our function as an ambassador of Love!

Mary Baker Eddy quote: "Love, redolent with unselfishness, bathes all in beauty and light." Science & Health Page 516:12-13

Karmic Returns

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #345 "I offer only miracles today, For I would have them be returned to me."

"Do you think we live in a police state?” These were the opening words of a phone call I received. I generally steer clear of this type of conversation, but since my friend was upset, I stayed with him on the subject. While I don’t like to express strong opinions, the conversation was, for the most part, a call for both of us to return to Love. I see our current mortal, mental state as a reflection of the fear we harbor; a fear which is fed by almost everything in daily life. I talked to him of tipping points, and mass consciousness, and our true consciousness as an expression of Love. We could go on and on about the material conditions, causes, and solutions, but to get to the heart of it takes spiritual sense, which cannot be gleaned from intellectual exercises. And that's where I see the miracle: the revelation which shows us the omnipresence of divine Mind in every situation, no matter how dire physical sense tells us it is.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The great miracle, to human sense, is divine Love, and the grand necessity of existence is to gain the true idea of what constitutes the kingdom of heaven in man.”

Science & Health Page 560:11-15

The Gift

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #344 "Today I learn the law of love; that what I give my brother is my gift to me."

Some brothers I feel a loving unity with; others seem to illicit fear and anger in me. I have so completely bought into the idea of separation, I think there is something I need to forgive in another. When giving this gift of forgiveness, I feel better for it. Sometimes I may think that someone’s behavior has changed, and I might even attribute it to my generous giving! Perhaps I only think it has changed because I’m seeing it differently. What a gift we have in the opportunity to see our innocence in another’s purity! We have been given a mega-mirror in which to view ourselves reflected in others, moment by moment -- and this may seem like a curse at times! Knowing that I am not like that guy in the mirror allows me to see through the illusion and view the face of Truth. We are all changeless and pure in our spiritual reality, and every time I see this in my brother, I take another step out of separation and one more closer to my true Being. 

Mary Baker Eddy quote: “Truth has no consciousness of error. Love has no sense of hatred. Life has no partnership with death. Truth, Life, and Love are a law of annihilation to everything unlike themselves, because they declare nothing except God.” Science & Health Page 243:25-29

No Sacrifice in This Trade-off

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #343 "I am not asked to make a sacrifice To find the mercy and the peace of God."

I’m witnessing more and more people accepting the gift of peace in exchange for the turmoil and tormented lives they’ve experienced in the past. Perhaps I notice it because I’m accepting peace for myself! I have often fallen totally into sadness of various types, wallowing in the misery, then breaking through the murky belief of whatever it was, with no need of revisiting and retelling the pain. I have done much the same thing in regard to what I perceive to be recent backward steps in the climb to the new earth which is within sight. After spending days in fear and depression, it has been washed away with the realizations of what must be done. What a joy it is to give up personal agendas and preconceived notions of how things should be, welcoming Love without the expectations I so often have of others! I feel no sense of sacrifice in this trade-off!

Mary Baker Eddy quote: “…divine Principle never repents, but maintains the claim of Truth by quenching error. The pardon of divine mercy is the destruction of error.” Science & Health Page 329:24-26 

Consciously Interconnected

ACIM Workbook Lesson #342 "I let forgiveness rest upon all things, For thus forgiveness will be given me."

Our interconnectedness is shown to us everyday, in many ways. This statement in today's ACIM lesson is worth pondering: “The world goes with us on our way to God."  We believe we can hide our emotions and thoughts from others, simply by not saying anything. Where did we ever get that idea? I guess it's because we have spent so many years not utilizing our innate intuitive, telepathic talents. In an episode of the "Dog Whisperer", there was a dog fixated on attacking its own image in a mirror. This was not its only aggressive behavior, and the dog's person was afraid that it would attack someone or another animal when they were outside. How did Cesar Milan stop this dog's aberrant behavior? By calming its owner. This woman was constantly in a state of fear and worry, and the dog was mirroring her tense behavior. At first she had to pretend she was calm because she didn't know how to be that way! But as she watched the changes in her dog, she began to understand that her feelings and thoughts were being passed to not only her dog, but to everyone around her. And so it is that "the world goes with us on our way to God", whether we realize it or not!

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.” 

Science & Health Page 205:32-3

Making Room For Love

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #341 "I can attack but my own sinlessness, and it is only that which keeps me safe."

In these studies, we are learning to give up beliefs we hold about the meaning of everything. As we do this, we are able to see things as they are rather than as we have decided they are! I read an interesting idea put forth by Helen Wright in Your Divinity Revealed. She says that what most of us think of as "thinking" is no more than rearranging our prejudices. This has come to mind often while I've tried to remain opinion-less and open-minded in dialogues with those who have different political and moral ideas than those I’ve adopted as my own. This past month has been extremely challenging for me, and utilizing divinely metaphysical thought is more important than ever. Today’s lesson reminds me to remember my innocence, for therein lies my safety. This innocence will be reflected back to me as I express unity with divine Love, releasing judgment and fear to make room for it. Namastè.

Mary Baker Eddy quote: "The miracle of grace is no miracle to Love." Science & Health Page 494:15

Be Glad!!

photo credit: Arthur Lau-Sed 

"I can be free of suffering today." ACIM Workbook Lesson #340

"Be glad today! Be glad! There is no room for anything but joy and thanks today." This is sage advice from today's Course in Miracles workbook lesson. While doing laundry, I was visiting with a good friend who mentioned that he knew someone who really disliked doing laundry. He told me that she has all sorts of rules for the way it must be done and he opined that perhaps this was a cause for her dislike. When I saw the aforementioned words from today's lesson, I also thought about someone asking me what I did for fun and their surprised reaction when I told them everything I do is fun! Relating these events reminds me of Wayne Dyer's words: If you drop a pen and don't enjoy picking it up, drop it again!! Let us all remember as we go through the day, whether our tasks be mundane or one of those moments which feels like a gift -- be glad!!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Who that has felt the loss of human peace has not gained stronger desires for spiritual joy? The aspiration after heavenly good comes even before we discover what belongs to wisdom and Love. The loss of earthly hopes and pleasures brightens the ascending path of many a heart. The pains of sense quickly inform us that the pleasures of sense are mortal and that joy is spiritual." Science & Health Page 265:25-30

Contradictions

photo credit: Heather Peters

ACIM Workbook Lesson #339

"I will receive whatever I request."

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

Mary Baker Eddy quote: "Materialists contradict their own statements. Their belief in material laws and in penalties for their infraction is the ancient error…”

Science & Health Page 389:22-24

Angelic Exalted Thoughts

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #338

"I am affected only by my thoughts."

This evening I received a phone call from a relative I’d lost touch with following the passing of my dad almost 25 years ago. There were some very weird events and ugly words precipitating our split, and I can honestly say years have gone by without her crossing my mind. I was happy to hear from her, and when she mentioned some of the dissension between us, I was able to answer honestly that she had been very helpful in many ways and I was glad she had been here. After our call ended, I asked myself if I had meant what I said! And, yes, I did. Of course, upon examination, I could have said many other things which were not so complimentary, but I had felt no compulsion to do so and don’t feel as though they’re the defining element in our interactions. I’m grateful for these words in today’s lesson: “His thoughts can frighten him, but since these thoughts belong to him alone, he has the power to change them and exchange each fear thought for a happy thought of love.” I hope these beautiful words can influence my thoughts about our future president in the same way they have with my long-lost relative!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“My angels are exalted thoughts, appearing at the door of some sepulchre, in which human belief has buried its fondest earthly hopes. With white fingers they point upward to a new and glorified trust, to higher ideals of life and its joys.” Science & Health Page 299:1-11

Saving Grace of Unity

photo credit: Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #337

"My sinlessness protects me from all harm."

In the last five years of writing this daily blog, there have been multiple days when I've mentioned that every thought we have is important. In tandem with this, I've said how the last thing we think before sleep and the first thing upon waking are the most important of all. While I still wholeheartedly believe this to be true, I find it increasingly difficult to keep my mind from sinking to depths I haven't witnessed since my heavy drinking days of long ago. Today's ACIM workbook topic assures us that sinlessness protects from harm. Since we've defined sin as being anything which separates us from the Love which is God, I feel certain that my lifeline will come by way of accepting our unity with divine Mind and the infinity of Love. I'm going to ask for guidance by way of this ever-presence, listening open-heartedly and trustingly, knowing fear is truly false evidence appearing real.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Hold thought steadfastly to the enduring, the good, and the true, and you will bring these into your experience proportionably to their occupancy of your thoughts.” Science & Health Page 261:4-7

Perception's End

photo credit: Kailey Jones

ACIM Workbook Lesson #336 "Forgiveness lets me know that minds are joined."

Many of us are heartbroken over the recent elections in the United States. This is not the type of sadness which comes from a favorite football team losing to a rival, but rather a disappointment, a fear, a feeling of doom which comes from the disintegration of all the advances we have seen gradually appearing during our lifetime. I am grateful to have the words of today’s lesson to help me through this time. “Forgiveness is the means appointed for perception's ending. Knowledge is restored after perception first is changed, and then gives way entirely to what remains forever past its highest reach. For sights and sounds, at best, can serve but to recall the memory that lies beyond them all. Forgiveness sweeps away distortions, and opens the hidden altar to the truth. Its lilies shine into the mind, and call it to return and look within, to find what it has vainly sought without. For here, and only here, is peace of mind restored, for this the dwelling place of God Himself.” ACIM Workbook Lesson #336

Mary Baker Eddy quote: "The nearer a false belief approaches truth without passing the boundary where, having been destroyed by divine Love, it ceases to be even an illusion, the riper it becomes for destruction. The more material the belief, the more obvious its error, until divine Spirit, supreme in its domain, dominates all matter, and man is found in the likeness of Spirit, his original being." Science & Health Page 97:14-20

The Choice

photo credit: Gerry Toler

ACIM Workbook Lesson #335

"I choose to see my brother's sinlessness."

Forgiveness is a choice. I remember years ago, during a metaphysical society meeting, someone saying, "Evil is a choice". She said this in relation to years of sexual abuse and psychological torture, perpetrated by the two people she should have trusted most as a child. She recognized that evil was a choice when she was presented with what seemed to be an overwhelming suggestion to do something similar to her infant child. In that moment, she realized she could choose, and she did. Now she chooses forgiveness in all aspects of her life. She has chosen to see her parents in the holy light of Love. She has chosen to live her life in peace, with a willingness to turn from past remembrances and see things in the reality of God's Love. She has chosen forgiveness for herself and everyone, knowing that we are One.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Let Truth uncover and destroy error in God’s own way, and let human justice pattern the divine.”

 Science & Health Page 542:17-21