Home Within

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Lesson #182

“I will be still an instant and go home.”

This lesson is asking us to quiet all the hubbub in our existence for just an instant, in order to feel the peace of Mind which is ours. Today I will pause for many instants. I will sink deeper into the wonder of Truth, knowing all else is but a made-up dream of existence. When I hear anything which might cause me to think in a defensive way, I'll remember what is true and what is imagined. If the world has decided to live in an attack mode, defending against everything which it deems to be harmful, I will do my part in bringing in the dawn of Truth by accepting spiritual reality and rejecting material myth. An instant is all it takes to feel the presence of divine Love!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“As mortals begin to understand Spirit, they give up the belief that there is any true existence apart from God.”

Science & Health Page 282:30-32

One Life, Truth, and Love!

photo credit: Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #181

“I trust my brothers, who are one with me.”

I am so I'm very happy to have this beautiful ACIM lesson to guide my thought from defense mode to an understanding which affirms the goodness of all mankind -- and explains the reason why. There are so many disciplines which teach us how to deal with material circumstances. They are lovely reminders of how to improve what we call the human condition. Many tell us that we're humans having a spiritual experience, but very few tell us that we're actually spiritual. In divine metaphysics we learn that everything is an idea of God. I am a spiritual idea right here and now! And you are, too! And so are all those who don't realize their inherent goodness. I'm going to pick a person who seems to fall into this category and concentrate on their true Being as an expression of divine Love. This feels like a Science project, don't you think? I shall record the results!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

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

Science & Health with Key to the Scriptures Page 467:9-13

Amazing Grace

ACIM Workbook Lesson #180

Central Theme: "God is but love and therefore so am I."

Review of: #169 "By grace I live. By grace I am released." #170 "There is no cruelty in God and none in me."

"By grace I live. By grace I am released." This spiritual truth was recently brought to worldwide attention by the president of the United States, Barack Obama. In giving the eulogy at a memorial service for nine people who were murdered by a lone gunman in a church in South Carolina, he twice repeated the words, Amazing Grace. Then he slowly started to sing the old hymn. The whole room began to sing along. In a lifetime of political rhetoric and drama, it was the most moving and heartfelt moment I have ever witnessed from a public figure. It is grace which allows us to embrace those who persistently speak words with which we disagree. It is grace which permits us to look past the actions of those whose lives run counter to the standard we have set for ourselves. It is grace which keeps us looking inward for peace while others shout for revenge. "Twas blind, but now I see."

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"As aforetime, the spirit of the Christ, which taketh away the ceremonies and doctrines of men, is not accepted until the hearts of men are made ready for it."

Science & Health with Key to the Scriptures Page 131:22-25

Graceful Living

photo credit: Judy Kavan

ACIM Workbook Lesson #179

Central Theme: "God is but love and therefore so am I."

Review of: #167 "There is one life, and that I share with God." #168 "Your grace is given me. I claim it now."

There are many definitions given in the dictionary for the word grace. It is a noun, a verb, and an adverb, so it covers a lot of ground. The definition which best suits our review today would be this: "Divine love and protection bestowed freely on people." This grace which is ours shows itself in many ways. Perhaps it is seen in our kindness to others, and in them to us. It is emerging in the synchronicities we see in daily life. It is active when everything works together to bring order to our activities. Perhaps it is demonstrated in an apology, or an act of benevolence, a charitable deed, or an acceptance of someone's opinion which is opposite of ours. Grace is mine today, simply for the knowing of it. To quote William Blake:

“To see the world in a grain of sand,

And heaven in a wild flower,

Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,

And eternity in an hour.”

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Grace and Truth are potent beyond all other means and methods.”

Science & Health with Key to the Scriptures Page 67:23-24

Listening

photo credit: Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #178

Central Theme: "God is but love and therefore so am I."

Review of: #165 "Let not my mind deny the Thought of God." #166 "I am entrusted with the gifts of God."

How surprised would you be if your prayers were answered? I have a friend who tells me she's given up on God because she's never seen any proof. Upon questioning her, it turns out she has a laundry list of things she asks for regularly, and none of her wishes have come true. Once again, I feel we often confuse divine Love with Santa Claus. We may be asking some guy in the sky for special dispensation, rather than recognizing that this Principle is an eternal activity which we can plug into at any time. It's kind of like electricity: It's there, but it doesn't supply our needs unless we know how to utilize it. And the secret to plugging in is to not want anything! By not delineating what we think we need, but rather keeping our thoughts tuned to the divine Mind, all our needs are supplied. The nature of this Oneness insures that what we need comes to us, and goes out to others, and we needn't tell It what that need is!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“How empty are our conceptions of Deity! We admit theoretically that God is good, omnipotent, omnipresent, infinite, and then we try to give information to this infinite Mind.”

Science & Health Page 3:17-22

Totally Committed

photo credit: Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #177

Central Theme: "God is but love and therefore so am I."

Review of: #163 "There is no death. The Son of God is free." #164 "Now are we one with Him Who is our Source."

As long as we believe that there is something more important than healing our mind, we will never find peace. This is an idea I heard on an ACIM video today. It goes hand-in-hand with the homily given today at the church where I provide musical accompaniment. Father Joseph, a young Nigerian priest who serves three congregations in our area, began his message by asking if we knew the difference between being involved and being committed. He then told us if we were having a breakfast of eggs and bacon, the chicken would be involved, but the pig would be committed. While getting a laugh from the congregation, it made his point clear: If you’re not giving 100%, you’re not committed, but merely involved. Giving wholeheartedly to learning the meaning of Mind, Spirit, Soul, Principle, Life, Truth, Love — I’m in!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“If men understood their real spiritual source to be all blessedness, they would struggle for recourse to the spiritual and be at peace.”

Science and Health Page 329:27-29

The Emperor Has No Clothes!

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #176

Central Theme: "God is but love and therefore so am I."

Review of: #161 "Give me your blessing, holy Son of God." #162 "I am as God created me."

There’s an article making the rounds on social media concerning a public school in Tennessee which is forcing children to participate in Muslim practices. The comments to this article range from mildly ignorant to wildly speculative. Finally, someone named Doug calmly recited all the reasons this is not happening, stating that the article is a satirical joke, and nicely asking if all the responders feel silly for believing it. In other words, The Emperor has no clothes!!  We see this same scenario take place numerous times a day, in some form or fashion, and usually we look the other way — probably because it’s happening on the television news! We must speak truth to error of all sorts. With the ease of sending messages through emails and Facebook pages, I encourage everyone to refute lies which are “going viral”. May the calm voices of reason prevail!

Mary Baker Eddy quote: “Erroneous belief is destroyed by truth. Change the evidence, and that disappears which before seemed real to this false belief, and the human consciousness rises higher.” Science & Health with Key to the Scriptures Page 297:12-15

Shifting from Fear to Love

photo credit: Heather Peters

ACIM Workbook Lesson #175

Central Theme: "God is but love and therefore so am I."

Review of: #159 "I give the miracles I have received." #160 "I am at home. Fear is the stranger here."   

I'm listening to Eckhart Tolle's classic book, A New Earth. It seems very appropriate at this time of changing values and the fearful actions we're witnessing as consciousness unfolds into form. Living from Love should be as easy as pie, but apparently mortal mind can misinterpret anything in any number of ways. Eckhart has reminded me that every one of us who accepts this shift from fear to Love helps to pave the way for others to move into this space. While every thought we have is important, let's not beat ourselves up when we feel we have failed -- because thoughts of failure and guilt are once again the ego jerking our chain. Let's learn to laugh at ourselves as we choose again and go forward with joy!

Mary Baker Eddy quote: “Erroneous belief is destroyed by truth. Change the evidence, and that disappears which before seemed real to this false belief, and the human consciousness rises higher.” Science & Health with Key to the Scriptures Page 297:12-15

One Moment of Divine Consciousness ...

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #174

Central Theme: "God is but love and therefore so am I."

Review of: #157 "Into His Presence would I enter now." #158 "Today I learn to give as I receive."

I have a friend who went on an eight-month solo camping trip to remote regions of the United States. At the age of 74, she jumped into her car with a pup tent, a few blankets and changes of clothing, her sketch pad — and not much else! She slept under the stars, when possible by a river, met many interesting people, and got quite an education about Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Oregon, Arizona, and Utah. As I related some of Lizzy’s adventures to a mutual friend, she said she could never do anything like that until she “conquered her fear”. Hum, what an interesting concept! I suppose we are taught that fear is something to be overcome, but I think of it as something to be replaced. I suggested she start by giving up sensationalized news in the media, surrender her addiction to crime dramas on the television, and stop reading horror stories. She thought I was joking, as she can’t imagine life without those activities. I could have given her a lecture, but I let it go with a smile. :)

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"One moment of divine consciousness, or the spiritual understanding of Life and Love, is a foretaste of eternity." Science & Health with Key to the Scriptures Page 589: 8-11

Paths of Love

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM  Workbook Lesson #173

Central Theme: “God is but love and therefore so am I.”

Review of:

#155 "I will step back and let Him lead the way."

#156 "I walk with God in perfect holiness."

Often we realize change is necessary in our lives, but various reasons keep us from moving forward. There may be factors of fear, stubbornness, or hedonistic desires involved in our reluctance. Over 20 years ago, I was prompted to make some major changes. I brought my children to Eureka Springs and started a new life. We changed everything from our furniture to our way of thinking and daily activities. The cleansing effect of this change brought happiness and peace where drama and turmoil had been before. Recognizing that "God is Love and so am I" helped me to begin walking on the path of "perfect holiness", for which I am most grateful.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"… 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 247:25-29

Safely Living Love

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #172

Central Theme: “God is but love and therefore so am I”

Review of: #153 “In my defenselessness my safety lies.” #154 “I am among the ministers of God.”

People often talk about childhood experiences of playing freely in their yards, streets, and parks, with no fear of dangerous people or circumstances. It is thought by many that those days are gone, never to be revisited. I am reminded of an international news reporter who stated that in many war-torn countries life goes on peacefully outside of particular areas where violence is occurring. We all have the desire to be safe, to be happy, to be secure and loved. We cannot change others, but we can change ourselves. By replacing fear with the armor of Love, we can live without defense. By living Love, we are acting as the ministers of God, spreading truth with our actions. It all comes back to Love. "God is but Love, and therefore so am I". I will be led by this Love throughout this day. Namaste ---

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“People go into ecstasies over the sense of a corporeal Jehovah, though with scarcely a spark of love in their hearts; yet God is Love, and without Love, God, immortality cannot appear.” Science & Health with Key to the Scriptures Page 453:14-15

Reflecting Love

unknown photographer

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #171

Central Theme: "God is but love and therefore so am I."

Review of: #151 "All things are echoes of the Voice for God." #152 "The power of decision is my own."

The central theme of our review is that God is Love and we are a reflection of that Love. We may wonder how these ideas fit into our daily life. Feeling the warm, fuzzy love which comes when holding a puppy or seeing a newborn baby with its mother — from that point, it's an easy leap to open my heart to omniscient Love. Today let's concentrate on the Love which is God and the infinite ways in which we reflect that. The understanding that all things are echoes of the Voice for God is a wonderfully comforting knowledge to relax into. There are no decisions to be made when listening to this Voice which leads us in paths of peace and harmony. There can be nothing inharmonious when surrendering my personal will, my so-called ego, to the perfection of divine Love!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Individuals are consistent who, watching and praying, can 'run, and not be weary; . . . walk, and not faint,' who gain good rapidly and hold their position, or attain slowly and yield not to discouragement.”

Science & Health Page 254:1-5

No Cruelty in Love

photo credit: Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #170

“There is no cruelty in God and none in me.”

The belief in separation fosters fear, and fear and cruelty go hand in hand. We think we’re defending ourselves, our loved ones, values which are of importance to us, our way of life. To this defensive end, we are willing to attack others in our words and actions, not listening to the voice of sanity which divine Mind is forever supplying. This sentence from today’s workbook lesson explains many actions: “It is their enemies who are unreasonable and insane, while they are always merciful and just.” As I witness attack thoughts around me today, I will remember that those propounding such ideas believe they are justified in their defenses, and I will see them as a child of Love, knowing it is true, and praying they realize it, too.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

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

Science & Health with Key to the Scriptures, Page 497:24-28

Claiming Grace

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Lesson #168

“Your grace is given me. I claim it now.”

I know you all will have the grace to forgive my blunder of transposing topics. Lessons 168 and 169 speak to grace and what it means to claim it as ours, live it, and be freed by it. By practicing kindness when faced with hardness of heart, meekness when those around us are aggressive, loving those who seem unlovable, and paying it forward at every opportunity, we acknowledge the grace which is our true heritage. When I feel less than at ease with my actions, whatever they may be, I will take that as an indicator that I’ve let something other than the grace of Love rule my thought. I shall not be afraid to admit I was wrong and choose again!

“Grace and Truth are potent beyond all other means and methods.”

Science & Health Page 67:24

The Miracle of Grace

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #169

“By grace I live. By grace I am released.”

“Jesus had long hair!” As a young woman, I remember shouting this at an older relative who was complaining about the trend in hairstyles for men. I would enter into political arguments gleefully, even looking forward to opportunities to do such. Today I am grateful for the gift of grace which allows me to keep my mouth shut. While going about my business and running errands,  there were at least five statements made in my presence which would have set me off on a tirade of pontification in days gone by. I was not tempted to try to refute these statements, or join in with my own strong opinions. In claiming the grace of Love, it’s natural to witness these discussions, perhaps with sadness or amusement, without having the desire to participate. For this, I am thankful!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The miracle of grace is no miracle to Love.” 

Science & Health Page 494:15

The Thought of Life

photo credit: Gerald Wesson Dupy

ACIM Workbook Lesson #167

“There is one life, and that I share with God.”

I’m so grateful this is the topic for today’s lesson. A short while ago, I came home from a meeting of our local Course in Miracles group and found a message that one of my closest friends had suddenly died. There is so much in this lesson I would like to share, but right now I shall simply quote this bit: “The opposite of life can only be another form of life. As such, it can be reconciled with what created it, because it is not opposite in truth. Its form may change; it may appear to be what it is not. Yet mind is mind, awake or sleeping.”

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Question: What is Life?

Answer: Life is divine Principle, Mind, Soul, Spirit. Life is without beginning and without end. Eternity, not time, expresses the thought of Life, and time is no part of eternity. One ceases in proportion as the other is recognized. Time is finite; eternity is forever infinite. Life is neither in nor of matter. What is termed matter is unknown to Spirit, which includes in itself all substance and is Life eternal. Matter is a human concept. Life is divine Mind. Life is not limited. Death and finiteness are unknown to Life. If Life ever had a beginning, it would also have an ending.”

Science & Health Pages 468:26-6

Joyous Contagion!

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #166

“I am entrusted with the gifts of God.”

Laughter is contagious, don’t you think? Most of us have “gotten the giggles” and been unable to stop laughing. There are numerous videos on the internet where people are sharing laughter in the most joyous of ways. I particularly like one which shows people’s reactions when someone tells them they are beautiful. The sheepish grins which emerge, the eyes which light up, are sure to bring a smile to my face and an expansion of my heart no matter how many times I’ve seen it. Joy, laughter, happiness — these are given freely to us as a part of our divine heritage. Today I will make the most of every opportunity I have to give these gifts, freely, joyously, with no reservations or restrictions!

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 with Key to the Scriptures Page 57:18-21

Climbing the Heights

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #165

“Let not my mind deny the Thought of God.”

I love this line from today's workbook lesson: “Sureness is not required to receive what only your acceptance can bestow." How cool is that??! We don't have to be sure of anything, we don't have to know anything, all we need do is be open to the Thought of God. There is no requirement, other than a desire to expand our thought and a willingness to live Truth. When we actively set aside all supposititious material laws, another way of living opens to us. We experience divine Love as a palpable force, and it shows us a peace deeper than we ever imagined. A single glimpse of eternity is sufficient to show us what's been missing in our existence. Today I want to “climb the heights of holiness” and glory in its every manifestation!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Mind, joyous in strength, dwells in the realm of Mind. Mind's infinite ideas run and disport themselves. In humility they climb the heights of holiness.” Science & Health with Key to the Scriptures Page 514:6-9

Many of One

photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #164

“Now are we one with Him Who is our Source."

“Conscious human individuality is not individual as one of many but infinite as many of One.” [Margaret Laird] The enormity of Oneness may seem more than we can fathom, but knowing we are an individual reflection of goodness, and united therein, seems much more manageable! Realizing our spiritual nature as the experience of divine Love opens a new world in which I am not a victim of mortal mind and its manifestations. I am unafraid to take a stand for harmony and peace, knowing that it is our birthright as reflections of Mind.

Mary Baker Eddy quote: 

"As mortals gain more correct views of God and man, multitudinous objects of creation, which before were invisible, will become visible.” Science & Health with Key to the Scriptures Page 264:13-16

Timeless Being

ACIM Workbook Lesson #163  

"There is no death. The Son of God is free."

My first thought, upon reading today's topic was of the death we are said to we experience when we are born into this existence. Suddenly, our spiritual sense is deadened by the deluge of materialistic stimuli which constantly bombards us. In this forgetting of Truth, life becomes very uncertain. We are victims of inharmonious circumstances, until we recognize ourselves as expressions of divine Mind, then we see glimpses of eternity. We know there's something more to life, and we keep grasping for freedom from the belief that we are victims of circumstance. We have the choice of waking up! Today's lesson speaks to waking from this dream of erroneous thought, switching on the light of Truth, and beginning to understand that we may be thinking of everything backwards. We have hung a veil of illusion to hide Truth, and the sight we’re gaining allows the understanding of Life as timeless!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Death is but another phase of the dream that existence can be material. Nothing can interfere with the harmony of being nor end the existence of man in Science.”

 Science & Health with Key to the Scriptures Page 427:13-16

Image and Likeness of Love

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #162

“I am as God created me."

In reading the lesson which goes with the topic above, I was stopped by this statement: “It will mean far more to you as you advance.” As I think back to being a small child and pondering the meaning of “I am as God created me”, I have vague recollections of the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve frolicking in this perfect environment. As years went by, I would often wonder how the world we live in could have been created so imperfectly by perfect Love. Today I’m catching glimpses of Truth, beginning to understand that God did not create an imperfect world, but we have. These ideas have been the basis for many pages in many books, so I won’t attempt to go deeper with this thought today. But I will leave you with an all-encompassing passage by Mary Baker Eddy:

"What is the scientific statement of Being? There is no life, truth, intelligence, nor substance in matter. All is infinite Mind and its infinite manifestation, for God is All-in-all. Spirit is immortal Truth; matter is mortal error. Spirit is the real and eternal; matter is the unreal and temporal. Spirit is God, and man is [Its] image and likeness. Therefore man is not material; he is spiritual." Science & Health with Key to the Scriptures Page 468:8-15

Blessings Unlimited!

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #161

“Give me your blessing, holy Son of God.”

“Today we…take a stand against our anger, that our fears may disappear and offer room to love.” This is the first line of today’s workbook lesson. I like to think that I don’t get angry any longer, but I’ll be happily enjoying life in my rose-colored glasses and them wham! — someone like my gun-toting, martial arts practicing, politically and religiously ultra-conservative cousin will say something and I find myself falling into a long-ago surrendered mode of judgmental anger. It’s a never-ending exercise to keep thought in the Oneness which we all share in the unity of divine Mind. I am grateful for these workbook lessons which help me lasso rampant feelings and bring them into the corral of Love. Namastè, blessings, zegan, muchas bendiciones ! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote: "It should be thoroughly understood that all men have one Mind, one God and Father, one Life, Truth, and Love. Mankind will become perfect in proportion as this fact becomes apparent, war will cease and the true brotherhood of man will be established." Science & Health Page 467:16-20

Antidote to Rhetoric

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #160

“I am at home. Fear is the stranger here.”

“Fear is a stranger to the ways of love.” This beautiful statement is the first line in today’s workbook lesson. At the weekly Course in Miracles meeting, one of the attendees read a statement from a past lesson which had stuck with him: “Love cannot judge.” These two statements seem to fit perfectly as an antidote to the barrage of rhetoric which is being thrown at us daily during the seemingly-eternal political campaigns. As I steadfastly turn from judgment, rather seeing myself as the embodiment of divine Love, I cannot feel fear as it is impossible when living the ways of love!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Let neither fear nor doubt overshadow your clear sense and calm trust, that the recognition of life harmonious — as Life eternally is — can destroy any painful sense of, or belief in, that which Life is not.” Science & Health with Key to the Scriptures  495:16-20

Hearing Impaired or Enhanced?

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #159

“I give the miracles I have received.”

Through these writings, I've made a number of friends. One man in the Netherlands has brought me many insights and new ways of looking at Life. For the past few days, we have been discussing what people might term miracles -- specifically as pertaining to a deaf man who won Dancing With the Stars and a mostly-deaf woman who is an incredible musician, playing with orchestras and contemporary artists all over the world. We're pondering what exactly it is which enables these people to achieve a level of competence which could be thought of as impossible with hearing loss. Evelyn Glennie, a deaf percussionist, states that she hears with her whole body. She has given a Ted Talk on the art of truly listening, which is most enlightening. Is this miraculous or simply the way we are meant to be? It seems that extremities of condition always push us to reach past what we've thought of as limitations. I feel that the world is starting to realize this phenomenon and we are beginning to live in a new way. I thank the Internet for allowing us to hear of these happenings, and for helping us to connect with others of like mind the world over!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Sight, hearing, all the spiritual senses of man, are eternal. They cannot be lost. Their reality and immortality are in Spirit and understanding, not in matter, — hence their permanence.” 

Science & Health Page 486:23-26   

Reciprocity of Love

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #158

“Today I learn to give as I receive.”

Before we learn to give as we receive, we must realize what we are receiving! It could be said we're receiving the gifts of God — but what is that? We are learning it is the knowledge and demonstration of our true being as Spirit; that we are one with All That Is. We needn't worry that we're not good enough, or that we don't know enough, or that we've made too many mistakes to qualify as the reflection of God, the image of Love, the idea of Mind. Many belief systems try to make us think we’re not worthy to think of ourselves in this way, but we can replace those beliefs with truth. And once we have received Love, we can give it away!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The sun, giving light and heat to the earth, is a figure of divine Life and Love, enlightening and sustaining the universe.” 

Science & Health Page 538:11-13

The Presence of Love

"Mexico" photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #157

“Into His Presence would I enter now.”

"Practicing the Presence" was the first book I read by Joel Goldsmith. In it, he reminds us that we already are and always will be "in his Presence", as this Course in Miracles lesson is reminding us today. The space "I enter now" is a shift in my perception, a change of my thought. This shift allows me to realize that I always was and always will be the experience and expression of God. I Am that I Am. If good news were reported in the media, they would be proclaiming universal yielding to Truth, because we're seeing it everywhere! That's what it's all about, huh? We are being "renewed by the transforming of our mind". We're transforming our mind into Mind and entering into the kingdom of heaven which is within. How wonderful to know we have that choice!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“One moment of divine consciousness, or the spiritual understanding of Life and Love, is a foretaste of eternity.”

Science & Health Page 598:23-25

Giving up What?

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #156

“I walk with God in perfect holiness.”

“Walking with God in perfect holiness” implies a yielding, don't you think? How else could you walk this walk without giving up what you think of as yourself? You can't. What finally got through to me was the realization that what I was giving up was NOT myself, but a mishmash of everything I had ever been told was true, combined with an erratic belief system I had decided was me. Add to that the hypnotism of media and the pull of mass consciousness and we're left with a pretty convoluted idea of what we are. Little by little, I'm letting go of beliefs and learned behaviors. Being present in the moment, giving my full attention to whatever may be in front of me, loving myself and everyone and everything in Its oneness -- this is what I see as walking with God. Accepting myself and everything as holy becomes easier when viewed without judgment. Simply witnessing events, perhaps with amusement, is certainly more fun!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“We must look where we would walk, and we must act as possessing all power from [It] in [which] we have our being.”

Science & Health Page 264:10-12

Quietly Led By Love

photo credit: Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #155

“I will step back and let Him lead the way.”

It's sometimes difficult to know when to speak, when to act, or when to be quiet. It’s not always easy to remain silent about something we have passionate feelings toward. Sharing what we’re learning is a good thing, but pushing our attitudes on others, particularly if they’re not ready to hear them, serves no purpose. I recently had a lovely day with old friends who have very strong opinions about a number of things in this life. It was an opportunity to step back and ask myself if I wanted to express my opinions and engage in sport-arguing by joining in the contentious conversation, or if I would choose to enjoy listening while maintaining inner peace. I didn’t feel the need to make my views known or to correct what I feel is wrong, choosing rather to be led by Love. And I am grateful!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Spiritual sense, contradicting the material senses, involves intuition, hope, faith, understanding, fruition, reality." Science & Health Page 298:13-15

Ministers of Love

ACIM Workbook Lesson #154

“I am among the ministers of God.”

Does this statement cause you to be nervous or perhaps feel unworthy of such a title? It sent me to the dictionary to see how our ego-ridden definitions might apply. I like these: "providing spiritual guidance to people" and "tending to the needs of others". The first time I thought of this word in relation to myself was when a friend told me my art gallery was my ministry. Thinking back to the way people in need of spiritual guidance were drawn there as if by a magnet, I must agree with him. We all are "ministers of God" in our own individual way. Just as we all have different talents, we all have something of value to give. As today's lesson states: "It is not our part to judge our worth, nor can we know what role is best for us." We are also advised to not be arrogant nor falsely humble. Our role as a minister of Love is clearly defined, but not by our human desire. Today let's listen with hearts wide open!

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 570:14-17

Defenselessness or Defensiveness?

photo credit: Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #153

“In my defenselessness my safety lies.”

This is my favorite topic of all! The reason I love this lesson so much is because I feel it pertains to absolutely everything we say, do, and feel in our daily existence. Obviously this topic could inspire the writing of a very large book, but here I shall give you some words from the lesson and a short example of what they mean to me. “Defenselessness is strength; defensiveness is weakness.” How did you feel and what did you do the last time someone disagreed with you, perhaps vehemently? If you began a verbal defense, listing all the reasons you were right, you may have been left feeling many negative emotions such as anger. On the contrary, any time I’m able to witness events and calmly watch and listen, perhaps saying something simple such as, “You may be right”, then I am able to walk away happily and peacefully. We are told in this workbook lesson that we will not see the light until we offer it to others and they take it; then we will recognize it as our own. How lovely is that! I look forward to the opportunities for seeing peace today.

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