You Can't Bully a Wave

 

South Africa - PC: Heather Peters

“Have you ever tried to bully a wave in the ocean?” This is the question a 104-year-old Buddhist nun asks her great-granddaughter in a beautiful novel titled, A Tale For the Time Being, by Ruth Ozeki. The two went into a store to get food for a picnic on the beach. A group of gangster girls were hanging around outside the store and harassed them as they went in. When they came out, the old woman bowed deeply to the group of young women before walking away. After they got onto the train to go to their destination, the older woman wondered aloud if it was a holiday of some sort, mentioning that the girls were all dressed so brightly and seemed so happy. The granddaughter tried to explain that they were gang colors, and that they were being derisive in their words and laughter. The grandmother didn’t see it that way and asked her young charge if she had ever tried to bully a wave, explaining that no matter how much you hit at it or yell into it, it stays what it is. That is its function, and that is our function as well -- to stay what we are. I love that!


“Can we gather peaches from a pine-tree, or learn from discord the concord of being? Yet quite as rational are some of the leading illusions along the path which Science must tread in its reformatory mission among mortals. The very name, illusion, points to nothingness.”  Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 129:24

The Muddy River Bed is Indeed Stirred

 

judyclementwall.com

Every time I feel hopeless and completely demoralized by our country and its leaders, J Clement Wall comes through with a piece of art which lifts me above it, gives me hope, and brings a tear of release. She shows me time and again the priceless gift our artists present to us: hope in its purest form. Thank you, wonderful Woman! And thank you each and every person who is working to support political candidates who represent integrity and truth. Let freedom ring!

"The muddy river bed must be stirred in order to purify the stream. In moral chemicalization, when the symptoms of evil, illusion, are aggravated, we may think in our ignorance that the Lord hath wrought an evil, but we ought to know that God's law uncovers so-called sin and its effects, only that Truth may annihilate all sense of evil and all power to sin." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 540:9

Integrity

 

Fraser, Co - photo credit: Aaron Springston

When did you last tell a lie? We may tell “polite” lies, designed to not hurt our loved ones feelings, or perhaps commit the indiscretion which we refer to as white lies. But what about a lie told to benefit yourself, without care of who it hurts or what harm it causes? And what of cheating? Maybe you moved your Monopoly piece too many squares during family game night, but how about taking goods and services from people and refusing to pay for them, or maybe outright taking a possession from someone? I don’t know many, if any, people who do this. Everyone I interact with has a higher sense of integrity and a moral standard which precludes such actions. Actually, most people I know would never consider lying or stealing or cheating, be it a small indiscretion or a major event. It always comes as a surprise to me when I witness blatant misconduct in public officials, movie stars, ministers — anyone, anywhere. I remind myself constantly that everything is either expressing Love or calling out for love. And so I shall not look the other way, and I will do my best to answer that call. Namaste...

"Take away wealth, fame, and social organizations, which weigh not one jot in the balance of God, and we get clearer views of Principle. Break up cliques, level wealth with honesty, let worth be judged according to wisdom, and we get better views of humanity." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 239:5

Am I Being Manipulated?

 

Mongolia - photo credit: Aaron Springston

Most of us acknowledge that some prescription drugs cause adverse reactions, perhaps rendering us out of control and sleep-driving or eating. We know this and have a choice in whether or not to reap the meager benefits anyway. But what if we were told that our favorite food causes us to believe things which simply are not true, or made us buy things, or think the earth was flat? Would we stop eating it, or would we say, "Oh, I know when I'm being manipulated and I can eat chocolate and still think independently."? There is a new documentary out called "The Social Dilemma" and it tells us in detail how we are being manipulated by Facebook, in particular. This platform is the reason many people have become flat earthers, believing the world is flat and there is a great ice wall at the perimeter and you will be put into jail if you get there. Others believe in pizzagate and think there is a network of well-known people kidnapping children and performing horrendous atrocities. These are the extremes, but what of the influences which are much more subtle? I leave you with this quote from a review posted at Independent.co.uk, of this NetFlix documentary: "“It’s easy to think that it’s just a few stupid people who get convinced,” warns the engineer who created the rogue Youtube algorithm, “but the algorithm is getting smarter and smarter every day. Today they’re convincing people that the Earth is flat, but tomorrow they will be convincing you of something.” I'm not sure where I come down on this theory, but certainly will think seriously about it.

"As named in Christian Science, animal magnetism or hypnotism is the specific term for error, or mortal mind. It is the false belief that mind is in matter, and is both evil and good; that evil is as real as good and more powerful. This belief has not one quality of Truth. It is either ignorant or malicious. The malicious form of hypnotism ultimates in moral idiocy." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 103:18

Made a Difference to That One!

 

It takes so little to help someone, to make them more comfortable, perhaps to ease their mind. Someone who lives close to us was outside when Kevin was walking our dogs up the street. She seemed a little peaked and so he asked her how she was doing. She said she wasn't feeling well, but wanted to get some fresh air. He offered to walk with her and they went up to the Crescent Hotel and looked around at the flowers. She mentioned that she needed to go to the grocery store as she had nothing for dinner. This is not the weekend to be getting out, even if you feel good, as there are hundreds of motorcycles in our town. So he told her that I always cook and he'd see what I had planned and he would deliver some to her in a little while. It was plain old brown beans and cornbread and apple crisp. But she was so happy with it, and he was happy to have helped her, and I was gratified to have supplied a need so easily. I was reminded of the story of the little boy throwing starfish back into the ocean, which were stranded on the shore. There were hundreds of them and a man came by and asked the child if he really thought he could make a difference to them. "I made a difference to that one!", he said as he happily flung one back into the sea. And there you are: we can make a difference, no matter how small and seemingly insignificant. Have a beautiful Sunday, Friends ~~~

"The rich in spirit help the poor in one grand brotherhood, all having the same Principle, or Father; and blessed is that man who seeth his brother's need and supplieth it, seeking his own in another's good." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 518:15

The Three Stages of Believing Truth

 

How many people need to repeat the truth before everyone begins to see it? Supposedly, Mark Twain jokingly said a lie would travel around the world while the truth was still lacing up its boots. I'm not sure that's true today with the internet connecting everyone in its web. I'd bet the truth will travel just as fast if enough people speak/write it!  It seems Aristarchus first noticed the sun was stationary somewhere around 300 B.C., then it took a few centuries before Copernicus revealed this truth, with a mathematical model in the 1500s. Even then, Copernicus was so afraid of religious leaders, who thought everything was centered around them, that he didn't tell anyone until he was on his deathbed. Sound familiar? What about the earth being flat, railroad tracks coming together, mirages, and other such illusions? How long did it take for us to understand what was happening? While most of us know these things, I saw a horrifying statistic recently which said that 1/4 of the people still believe the sun revolves around the earth every 24 hours. Hearing things like this make it even more important for each and every one of us to speak out about things we know to be true. Research is easier than ever and more fun than it was 50 years ago. So pick a fact, study up, and tell everyone you know! 

 "Agassiz, the celebrated naturalist and author, has wisely said, 'Every great scientific truth goes through three stages. First, people say it conflicts with the Bible. Next, they say it has been discovered before. Lastly, they say they have always believed it." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 104:8

Moment of Lift

 

"Women of Eureka Springs"

photo credit: Richard Quick

Few things bring me more sorrow than to hear of a fine woman running for public office being called a baby killer. I'm reading a book by Melinda Gates titled "The Moment of Lift". In this informative and frank writing, she tells of visiting African countries and realizing what was holding people in their poverty-stricken lives. She saw women carrying water on their heads and babies in their arms, while the men sat and smoked and told stories. She talked to women about their lives, and time and again it came back to the fact that they had no control over how many babies they had. Maybe they were too young, or too old, or too sick to be having a baby, but they had no choice. Oddly enough, many were expected to have as many children as possible because most of them would die. And herein lay the solution: better health care, more abundant birth control, and education were the keys to uplifting these and other societies. This is what her foundation has been doing for more than a decade. For those who believe abortion should be illegal, I urge them to watch the PBS series, "Call the Midwife". This is a show about Catholic nuns and nurses dealing with the same issues -- lack of birth control, education, and health care -- but in 1960s England. What a difference it has made to get these issues out into the open, discuss them, and find solutions! No one wants to abort a pregnancy, and it hurts me when I hear people say that Democrats love abortions. This type of disconnect must stop. How? Education, empathy, facts, truth, love: those are the antidotes as I see them. We must talk about these things and understand that organizations such as Planned Parenthood contribute to lower abortion rates, not higher. Let's choose love over fear!

"Think of this, dear reader, for it will lift the sackcloth from your eyes, and you will behold the soft-winged dove descending upon you. The very circumstance, which your suffering sense deems wrathful and afflictive, Love can make an angel entertained unawares." 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 574:25

Things Are Not Always As They Appear

Many times, things appear to be what they are not. Take this photograph, for instance. It looks as though this young man is doing something dangerous; jumping over a great abyss and courting disaster. He is not. This was taken in Mongolia when my son, Aaron, was there on a college trip. They spent 6 weeks in that country, with two weeks spent in the city and four in the wilds of what we think of as outer Mongolia. What an experience for them! Three teachers and 18 students were involved in this adventure. Aaron shaved his head because they knew they would have a period of time when showering was not possible, and miles of hiking and climbing up hills would be happening. They learned to help each other. They saw the Mongolian people invite them into their huts and offer food when it appeared they had very little. They faced their fears and nurtured their compassionate natures. We can't all go on a trip such as this one, but we can reap the benefits by realizing what is really happening and what is simply an illusion being perpetuated by people wanting to mislead us. We can demonstrate compassion and love everyone, even while recognizing they may not seem deserving of it. There is nothing to forgive if there is no blame in the first place. Today I'm going to look closely at situations, desiring truth above all else, while seeing Love instead of fear. Namaste...

"The earth's diurnal rotation is invisible to the physical eye, and the sun seems to move from east to west, instead of the earth from west to east. Until rebuked by clearer views of the everlasting facts, this false testimony of the eye deluded the judgment and induced false conclusions." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 121:17

 

Living Expressions of Love

 

I'm thinking of people I know who are living expressions of Love. There is the local woman who makes others happy by dressing up as a beautiful clown for various events and, on the side, cares for the elderly.  Many have joined with our humane society to help dogs and cats regain health and find homes. A big cat rescue routinely brings in lions and tigers and bears in need of salvation. Organizations, such as our small independent school, provide children an education in an open atmosphere, allowing them to develop in a joyous way that may not have been possible otherwise. Eureka Methodists have been joined by people in surrounding counties, and many non-church-goers, to feed those in need during this tough time. I'm sure you can name a multitude of people who are examples of Love's reflection. Let's spend today noticing examples of compassionate caring in others -- and in ourselves, too!

“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." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 518:18-22

Fooled By Believing or Not Believing?

 

The quote currently at the bottom of my emails caught my attention when I opened this window: "There are two ways to be fooled. One is to believe what isn't true; the other is to refuse to believe what is true." Soren Kierkegaard  -- Social media, to me, is a way to keep up with loved ones far away, people close by, events around town, and wonderful musical events, such as The Big Barn Dance in Taos, New Mexico. Of course, it is also the avenue for conspiracy theories and purveyors of horrid happenings. There is a story going around about animal mutilations in our neighborhood, which is, of course, horrifying whether it is happening or not. It has caused me to examine why people say these things, and I truly believe most folks think they are helping others by warning them about trouble. Which is the same thing as folks warning us that Tom Hanks is a pedophile and that Hillary Clinton runs prostitutes out of a pizza joint. Here is why the Kierkegaard quote jumped out at me: Am I being fooled by believing or not believing?? It's always seemed to me that truth just feels true. But with so much misinformation going around in everyone's heads, I think it's easier to be pulled into swirling chaotic thought than ever before. It's kind of like an approaching storm with its electric, exciting expectancy: will it be beautiful and cleansing or are we going to Oz? And, is that necessarily a bad thing? Hum...

"Science only can explain the incredible good and evil elements now coming to the surface. Mortals must find refuge in Truth in order to escape the error of these latter days. Nothing is more antagonistic to Christian Science than a blind belief without understanding, for such a belief hides Truth and builds on error." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 83:6

Confederate Flags in Cemeteries?

 

These days there are many points of controversy in our society -- heck, even in our living rooms! One of the biggies in the United States is the flying of confederate flags. Local wonderful man, Doug Stowe, wrote these words as part of a daily post to his Wisdom of the Hands blog. I can't say it any better than he has, so I am quoting him here.

"I was interviewed yesterday by our local paper because of a letter I had written about Confederate flags decorating the graves of former Confederate soldiers buried in our local cemetery. I noted that many of the young men who fought in the Civil War on the Confederate side were conscripts, forced to fight for a cause in which they did not believe, the preservation of slavery and white supremacy. The vote to secede from the Union was narrow and did not take into consideration the slaves who were not allowed to vote.

Now, a group of folks is allowed to come each year to 'honor' the Confederate dead by placing flags on their graves. But how many of those who were conscripted to fight in the 'lost cause of the Confederacy' would feel honored, or if they were alive in modern times feel either embarrassed or ashamed? And how many of their descendants would prefer they be honored for their participation in the 'lost cause' rather than for the many other accomplishments of their own lives? Does their conscription to serve a lost cause have to be continued even to this day?"

Thank you, Doug, for this perspective..

You can find more words from Doug at his blog: WisdomOfHands.Blogspot.com

 "Right is radical." Mary Baker Eddy

Reclaiming the Wise Woman

 My friend, Jana Lynn, posted something to Facebook today about reclaiming the wise woman. I love it so much I'm sharing it with you. Happy Sunday!

Crone, hag, and witch once were positive words for old women. Crone comes from crown, indicating wisdom emanating from the head; hag comes from hagio meaning holy; and witch comes from wit meaning wise. Crones, hags, and witches frequently were leaders, midwives and healers in their communities. The meanings of these three words, however, were distorted and eventually reversed during the 300 years of the Inquisition when the male-dominated church wanted to eliminate women holding positions of power. Women identified as witches, who were often older women, i.e. crones and hags, were tortured and burned, and the words witch, crone, and hag took on the negative connotations that continue in our language. The Crone Movement, however, is re-claiming the positive meanings of these words.

Just Mercy

One of the great things about being a long-time member of a book club is knowing that when one of its members recommends a book, you more than likely want to read it. One of our founding Novel Women suggested “Just Mercy” by Bryan Stevenson. It’s a personal, critical look at capital punishment. I’m listening to it and was only midway through the first chapter when I heard the news that Ruth Bader Ginsberg was gone. A woman who fought for right her entire life, interpreting law with a pure eye, socializing with the most conservative of the Republicans — although she, herself, was liberally progressive and worked toward that goal all the way to the end. She was justly merciful and mercifully just. She has inspired me to go forward and fight injustice as she did, in a respectful and honest way, not pulling punches, but also not stooping to low blows in making her points. Thank you, RBG! And thank you Lisa, for suggesting the book which seems so fitting for these times.

“Let unselfishness, goodness, mercy, justice, health, holiness, love — the kingdom of heaven — reign within us, and sin, disease, and death will diminish until they finally disappear.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 248:29

True Colors

 

words from jim young

Did you know that the same color may appear to look different when placed on various background colors? I read an article about this which explained that the way we perceive a color is based on our education about color perception and how we've been conditioned to see color. Who knew?? As I struggled to grasp this fact, I realized it's the same with our perceptions of what reality is. Spiritual perception allows us to see beyond the seeming reality of our material senses. Interactions with others may be full of judgments and suppositions when we look at the situation with by-rote, learned behavior and the immediacy of emotions. But Truth, which shines forth when seeing from a spiritual perspective, allows for improved interactions with others. This is true because our human experience is the visible expression of our thinking. To see the world through the eyes of Love frees us to love as God Loves: purely, without a skewed view of the color and fabric of everything we see. Now I know what the expression "showing your true colors" means!

Mary Baker Eddy quote: "Thought will finally be understood and seen in all form, substance, and color, but without material accompaniments." Science & Health Page 310: 6:8

Let's Think About Goats

My mind is full of strange ideas brought to me courtesy of the people of earth. Why would anyone think that Alex Jones is a reporter giving us news? Why do people believe the earth is flat? A new world order making tunnels beneath the ground, with headquarters under the Denver Airport, and that's why that crazy horse with glowing eyes is out front? Really?? What are we thinking? The United States of Conspiracy is a PBS, Frontline, documentary which was brought to my attention today. I plan to watch it. It's free on youtube. These ideas are fascinating to me for many reasons. Have I ever believed a conspiracy theory? Probably. Maybe I still do. For a while I thought our government was being run by lizard people (basically aliens from somewhere far, far away). But then I saw what a real monster was like, and didn't need to believe fantasies. Everyday something unbelievable is tossed into our collective minds, and if we choose to believe it, we're doing more than ourselves a disservice. Every thought is important, don't you think? The collective consciousness of life truly is a thing. What goes around, comes around, whether it be thoughts or actions. Let compassion, kindness, understanding, truth, love, fill your head -- and when something else tries to crowd its way into your brain, just look at this picture of a baby goat. Hugs to each and every one of you!

"Mortals evolve images of thought. These may appear to the ignorant to be apparitions; but they are mysterious only because it is unusual to see thoughts, though we can always feel their influence." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 86:13

Happy Trails, Cynthia...

 

"Metamorphosis"

by Judy Griffith

More than three decades ago, I knew a young man who died. The truly horrible thing about the situation was that his family never allowed him to know that they knew it was happening. And he never told his wife or parents that he knew he was never going back home with them. They missed an opportunity, in my opinion. I thought of that situation this evening when a dear friend called to let me know a mutual friend of ours was nearing transition. Her daughter was with her and had a speaker phone so we could say goodbye and remind her of how loved she was by all who knew her. What a blessing to face each stage of life and allow the emotions we feel to be felt by our loved ones, also! At one point during our short conversation, I remembered something from Joel Goldsmith's writings, and asked her if she knew the quote: "People who have shared spiritual Love are bound together for eternity." I didn't feel separated from Cynthia when she moved far away, and I don't feel separate now. That Love we shared in metafizzie meetings, Course in Miracles meetings, Christian Science services, and Joel Goldsmith study groups is alive as much as it ever was. Happy Trails, dear Friend. You are loved...

"Life is real, and death is the illusion. A demonstration of the facts of Soul in Jesus' way resolves the dark visions of material sense into harmony and immortality. Man's privilege at this supreme moment is to prove the words of our Master: 'If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.' To divest thought of false trusts and material evidence 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. Thus we may establish in truth the temple, or body, 'whose builder and maker is God.'"  Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 428:3

Let It Go

Here is a writing from 2012. I'm working on not holding grudges and letting go of past hurts. It's a work in progress... :)

Linwood

For the past ten years or so, my next door neighbor and I have disagreed about the turkey vultures which roost in our neighborhood. He has screamed curses at me in the street. He stated at a city council meeting that my opinions aren't valid because I'm a Christian Scientist and I have strange ideas about wildlife and disease. Events like these come to mind whenever I see him. It's time to change my thought​ ​about him, so I will concentrate on the early years and remember the times we banded together to help others. One of the first conversations I had with him was concerning a neighbor named Margaret, who rarely left her home. One day he came over to ask for my help with her. I'll always remember his mischievous grin as he said: "I know this is sort of like asking a Baptist to go to the liquor store, but would you take Margaret to the doctor?" We became friends that day and worked together to help her in any way we could. One day I saw a copy of Science & Health in her bookcase. Even though she refused to leave her house, I lured her out with a mid-week visit to our church edifice, when no one was there other than us, and I would play the organ for her. This became a regular event, and when she would leave her house to go with me, the other neighbors would go in and clean for her. Margaret was the glue that bound this neighborhood together. That is the loving energy I will remember when I see this other neighbor. And why will I remember only the good in him? Because that's the only reality. Love, and all that emanates from it, is an attribute of God. Anything else is an illusion, and I will let the winds of change sweep it away.

"Not to avenge one's self upon one's enemies is the command of almighty wisdom; and we take this to be a safer guide than the promptings of human nature. To know that a deception dark as it is base has been practiced upon thee, and yet not to avenge thyself, is to do good to thyself; is to take a new standpoint whence to look upward; is to be calm amid excitement, just amid lawlessness, and pure amid corruption."​ Mary Baker Eddy - ​Miscellaneous Writings Page 228

Take Heart

Take heart. When I read those words in the statement from Mary Baker Eddy quoted below, I did just that. Take Heart. Take Heart! Sometimes it seems the world is trying to wear us down, making us pull the covers over our heads and declare that we've had enough; we surrender. When I feel that way, I know it's time to take a break. Getting into fresh air, communing with animals and trees, is probably the best break possible for me. Any connection with anything not electronic seems to do the trick, don't you think? Although listening to joyous music, preferable something which brings up memories of dancing and laughing, is also a good cleansing for me. Whatever it is you do -- yoga, exercise, gardening, dog walking -- be sure you do it. I can't remember who said, Don't let the bastards get you down! But it was good advice. We can't always be strong, and that's okay. Take a break, but then come back and continue the good fight, spreading truth and love everywhere you go and in everything you do! Never surrender!! 

“Take heart, dear sufferer, for this reality of being will surely appear sometime and in some way. There will be no more pain, and all tears will be wiped away. When you read this, remember Jesus' words, 'The kingdom of God is within you.' This spiritual consciousness is therefore a present possibility.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 573:29-2

Strong Love

photo credit: Aaron Springston

Our hearts cry for the children, the animals, the adults, the trees, the insects — all of life is in need of our higher thoughts and positive actions! When we see a heartbreaking situation and translate it into Love, we are helping. Everything we say or do is either a reflection of Love or fear, and fear seems to try to attach itself to us with every new travesty we witness. But that fearful response gets us nowhere and only causes the situation to be more solid in thought. We are flexible and easily-influenced people, but we are also smart and intuitive. The choices we have may seem overwhelming sometimes, but when we realize there is only one real choice, Love, it becomes easier to see truth. We all want to be loved, to be safe, to be comfortable, to be at peace. It may seem as though hatred spreads like wildfire, but Love puts out the flames of hatred as surely as light brightens a dark room. It may hurt our eyes at first, but those reflective organs are made to adjust. I hope you can do something joyous today. Love as strongly as some are fearing, because it's an incredibly strong and unstoppable force which we hold right here in our hearts. Namaste...

"Walking in the light, we are accustomed to the light and require it; we cannot see in darkness. But eyes accustomed to darkness are pained by the light. When outgrowing the old, you should not fear to put on the new." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 452:7

Don't Stop...

photo credit: Aaron Springston

Looking back in time, it seems we are often on the verge of becoming the best that we can be, and then something happens and we slide back down the hill, beginning our sisyphean push back up the hill, always hoping we can reach the peak and hang out there for a while. In contemplating our human condition today, I ran across this which was written by Mary Baker Eddy in the last 1800s. I know it’s still true and we must continue the push!

“To my sense, the most imminent dangers confronting the coming century are: the robbing of people of life and liberty under the warrant of the Scriptures; the claims of politics and of human power, industrial slavery, and insufficient freedom of honest competition; and ritual, creed, and trusts in place of the Golden Rule, “Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.”

(The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany)

Beauty is a Thing of Life

photo credit: Dale Johnson

Tonight was an opportunity for me to witness the beauty and strength of humanity in the midst of an uncertain, often difficult, time in our lives. I've mentioned my book club before. We are a group of Novel Women who love and respect one another, having met once a month for years. We had not seen each other for six months, meeting last in February and stopping when it was necessary because of this pandemic. Tonight we were outside in a lovely country setting, socially distanced in physical space and connected through our hearts. We didn't discuss any of the books we have read this year, but rather told each other about our lives, our daily activity, our family joys and sorrows and fears. There were stories of teaching women prisoners about computers, but having to do it with a speaker phone because the women had no computers. One woman told us of her studies about racism in our country, causing another to recommend a book by the title of Caste. We heard tales of marriage and celebrations, along with worries for family who live in big cities and work on the front lines. I loved hearing all these stories coming from women who know each other so well. The triumphs which they think of as normal, everyday life made my heart swell with pride in knowing such fine folks. I'd be willing to bet you could talk to five friends (or strangers) and hear some beautiful life stories, too. Maybe that's what we should all concentrate on today!

"Beauty is a thing of life, which dwells forever in the eternal Mind and reflects the charms of His goodness in expression, form, outline, and color. It is Love which paints the petal with myriad hues, glances in the warm sunbeam, arches the cloud with the bow of beauty, blazons the night with starry gems, and covers earth with loveliness." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 247:21

Look Out From the Stars

photo credit: Richard Quick

I’ve never been a follower of astrology, but the weekly horoscopes in our Eureka Springs Independent are exceptional! They are spiritual treatises which lead us to a place of higher thought and expectation. I will leave you with “mine” for this week, but it is perfect for anyone (as are they all). “So many things — your faith, wisdom, goals, philosophy of life, politics, travel and adventure, will all be affected by the Mars retrograde. You will need to ponder upon what actions will be best for humanity. You come from the heart of the matter. So, it’s important for you to act within the principle of what is right, what serves others, what serves the world. You have enthusiasm for life. During the retrograde this enthusiasm turns to inner joy. You will rework certain projects, like writing, publishing, and things legal, slowing down to catch up with the happenings of the time.”

Link to horoscope: http://eureka.news/esoteric-astrology-as-news-for-week-september-9-15/

"The astronomer will no longer look up to the stars, -- he will look out from them upon the universe; and the florist will find his flower before its seed." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 125:28

Tending With Love

What “triggers” you? This term has become quite popular this year, and I’m not sure I even knew what it meant until recently. A famous son wrote a book by that name. I checked it out of the library to see what it was all about, and was so disgusted I drove it back there the same day. Now, it seems even the word is enough to “trigger” me! Ha! Whatever the case, it is not a productive reaction. Whether someone wants me to be upset and they purposefully “push my buttons”, or if I get upset because I hear certain things which cause me to jump up on my high horse in disagreement and righteous indignation, it just doesn’t matter. A dear friend posted this picture and saying on social media today, and it will remind me to stay in a space of Love, no matter what I hear or see. Love to you!

"As a man thinketh, so is he. Mind is all that feels acts, or impedes action. Ignorant of this, or shrinking from its implied responsibility, the healing effort is made on the wrong side, and thus the conscious control over the body is lost." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 166:3

Never Upset For the Reason I Think

photo credit: Aaron Springston

As life would have it when we are struggling with something or someone, the answer to our dilemma is trying to find us. One of our neighbors has exhibited some behavior which we find upsetting, perhaps even disturbing. As I was pondering my feelings about this, I opened my email and found a forwarded newsletter from our friend, Jim Young. It's from The Embrace, and the topic of this particular emailing is getting in touch with your real feelings about things we deem upsetting. Of course, as ACIM Workbook #5 reminds us, We are never upset for the reason we think. In sitting and pondering how I really feel about this man and his actions, I'm afraid for him; afraid that he has fallen into a dark void; afraid that he has become separated from divine Love. Hum -- is this even possible? No, it is not. We may think that is true, he may even think that's true, but it never can be reality. I leave you with these words from A Course of Love, which I will ponder as I go to sleep. 

"Now we listen to feelings. Now we listen to feelings and understand what they have to say to us. Now we listen with a new ear, the ear of the heart. Now we recognize the thoughts that would censor our feelings, calling them selfish, uncaring, or judgmental. We examine. And we realize it is our thoughts and not our feelings that are selfish, uncaring, or judgmental. We realize this because we realize the sacred space we have become. Our space is the space of unity. It is the space of ease because thoughts are no longer allowed their rule." Day 12 of A Course of Love

Why Are We So Polarized?

photo credit: Aaron Springston

I just read an article saying that 79% of Democrats and 82% of Republicans overestimate the level at which the other side dehumanizes them. By a large margin, voters on either "side" hold false beliefs about what the other party really thinks of them. At this time when our country faces urgent challenges, we need to find our common ground and work together to solve these issues. So why in the world are we so polarized?? I've never understood political parties. Shouldn't we all be for the good of the people? When I would say that to my parents decades ago, they would tell me what most people would tell me today: Everyone has different ideas of what that good is. Good grief! I remember a word we don't hear much about anymore: compromise. At some point, give and take came to be thought of as flip-flopping or a sign of weakness. It's become "my way or no way" for a lot of people, and it's not working. Let's join together with no thought other than what needs to happen for our citizenry to thrive, for our world to continue to be the paradise that it is, and for evolution to be an upward movement rather than a nosedive and implosion. I know we can do this! Life is Good. Everyone wants good for themselves and their loved ones. And we are all One. Namaste...

"One infinite God, good, unifies men and nations; constitutes the brotherhood of man; ends wars; fulfills the Scripture, 'Love thy neighbor as thyself;' annihilates pagan and Christian idolatry, — whatever is wrong in social, civil, criminal, political, and religious codes; equalizes the sexes; annuls the curse on man, and leaves nothing that can sin, suffer, be punished or destroyed." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 340:23-29

Going to the Mountains is Going Home

“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity; and that mountain parks and reservations are useful not only as fountains of timber and irrigating rivers, but as fountains of life. Awakening from the stupefying effects of the vice of over-industry and the deadly apathy of luxury, they are trying as best they can to mix and enrich their own little ongoings with those of Nature, and to get rid of rust and disease.” ― John Muir, Our National Parks

Something Invincible, Within

photo credit: Aaron Springston

"He said, 'In the midst of hate, I found there was, within me, an invincible love. In the midst of tears, I found there was, within me, an invincible smile. In the midst of chaos, I found there was, within me, an invincible calm. I realized, through it all, that in the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer. And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there's something stronger -- something better, pushing right back." Albert Camus 

Lead With Love

graphic of unknown origin

It seems that every day another group of people show up on social media and/or news networks claiming to know things that no one else knows. They have supposed facts which negate things we have heard come out of people’s mouths, and once again we are left not knowing what to believe. And that is the rub: Belief. Believing. Therein lies the problem, don’t you think? I am striving today to stop believing anything, but rather to — as it’s put in Christian Science —know the Truth. As a dear ACIM friend often says, Lead with Love. I hear her voice every time I decide to fight back against insane belief and to pontificate at those who disagree with me. Lead with Love. Thank you, Ramona, for helping me stay with the only reality — Love.

"PSALM XXIII [Divine love] is my shepherd; I shall not want. [Love] maketh me to lie down in green pastures: [love] leadeth me beside the still waters. [Love] restoreth my soul [spiritual sense]: [love] leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for [love] is with me; [love’s] rod and [love’s] staff they comfort me.

[Love] prepareth a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: [love] anointeth my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house [the consciousness] of [love] for ever." Science & Health Page 577:4-18

Who Do You Support in This Election?

Today I spoke on the telephone with a dear, long-time friend. We had a good visit and part of our conversation included how we were going to cast our votes this year — the physical ways we planned on doing it — and, necessarily, we touched on the importance of this year’s election. We both agreed it was the most serious choice we have had in our lifetime. As we discussed the importance of discovering the truth on issues, I visualized a little fact-filled bubble above our heads, hers with Trump’s words, mine with Biden’s. I would happily give up news from MSNBC if she would give up Fox’s stories! I say this jokingly, but we all must delve beneath the veneer of our favorite media entertainment news. I would like to suggest we all read a biography, or listen to an audiobook, about the lives of our presidential candidates. Let’s discover some independent facts about them and let our hearts and minds lead us toward what our country, our world, needs right now and in the future. We have 60 days, which is plenty of time to do this. And perhaps we could also think about our favorite president of all time and read a biography of him, too! That would be a good point of comparison, don’t you think? If you don't know which one to choose, I'd suggest you get suggestions from your library, and then they will make sure you get the book(s) with little to no effort on your part.

"Being is holiness, harmony, immortality. It is already proved that a knowledge of this, even in small degree, will uplift the physical and moral standard of mortals, will increase longevity, will purify and elevate character." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 492:7

Don't Carry That Weight

photo credit: Aaron Springston

I remember a wonderful story which relates to choosing joy rather than pain. In this story, we are asked how much a glass of water weighs. Then we are told it doesn't matter what its weight is, it matters how long we hold it. If we hold it a minute, it's light. If we hold it an hour, our arm and/or hand may become uncomfortable with the weight. If we hold it all day, our arm will feel paralyzed. This scenario is a metaphor for holding onto worries and fears. If we keep them with us, we become convinced that they are impossible to overcome. We are paralyzed from the carrying of this weight. All we have to do is put the glass down to be released from our burden! Then we are free to feel the joy which is innately ours as a child of Love.

“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.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 265:23-30