Saving Grace

 

Photo credit: Aaron Springston

My latest binge-watching series is called “Bull”. It’s about a psychologist who works with attorneys to select juries. Of course, during these trials he ends up discovering the truth and the innocent are always found to be so.  It’s wonderful to hear stories of people being rescued who have fallen through the wide cracks of our legal system. One of my dear friends is in danger of being convicted in what appears to be a victimless crime. Although I don’t know the details (and probably don’t want to know), this man is a fine human being who is trying against all odds to straighten his life out and be an asset to our community. I’ve known him for decades and want to do anything possible to help him. And I feel like I have. Will there be anything to be done tomorrow or the next day? I don’t know. But what I can do every moment he comes into my thought is to see him as a reflection of the divine Mind which created him. Knowing that he is seeing past the impediments which seem to be in his way, listening for the guiding thoughts of Love, he’ll make it through this. On my new favorite show, technology and great employees help “Bull” to see his way to saving clients. Listening for the guidance of the Universe will see my friend home. Namaste ….             

“We cannot fathom the nature and quality of God’s creation by diving into the shallows of mortal belief. We must reverse our feeble flutterings — our efforts to find life and truth in matter — and rise above the testimony of the material senses, above the mortal to the immortal idea of God. These clearer, higher views inspire the God like man to reach the absolute centre and circumference of his being.” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 262:9-16

“Without love is justice prejudiced and weak. And love without justice is impossible. For love is fair, and cannot chasten without cause. What cause can be to warrant an attack upon the innocent? In justice, then, does love correct mistakes, but not in vengeance. For that would be unjust to innocence.” 

A Course in Miracles T-25.VIII.11:7-12

Evolutionary Religion

 

A lot has changed in the last couple of millennia, don't you think? We have a far deeper understanding of the workings of our universe, and our thinking has expanded exponentially about many topics. Something which has not changed appreciably is our idea about God. Religion has pretty well held us locked in to what has been taught as truth. Many of us are fearlessly admitting that we are all, each and every one, the expression and experience of God. We're happily allowing our thoughts to embrace new concepts such as, "I am the light of the world"! This is not a self-important declaration, but an all-inclusive, divine-Love centered exclamation of the wonder we know as Life. Our expanding thought is bringing a joy we never dreamed would be possible on this earth plane. We're beginning to understand that the kingdom of heaven is right here, right now, waiting for us to embrace it. If your belief system doesn’t  answer every question you have, if you are believing doctrine simply because you’ve been told to do so, you aren’t alone. Never be afraid to question so-called authority!

“The Hebrew and Greek words often translated belief differ somewhat in meaning from that conveyed by the English verb believe; they have more the significance of faith, understanding, trust, constancy, firmness. Hence the Scriptures often appear in our common version to approve and endorse belief, when they mean to enforce the necessity of understanding.” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 488:7-1

“A major tenet in the ego’s insane religion is that sin is not error but truth, and it is innocence that would deceive. Purity is seen as arrogance, and the acceptance of the self as sinful is perceived as holiness. And it is this doctrine that replaces the reality of the Son of God as his Father created him, and willed that he be forever. Is this humility? Or is it, rather, an attempt to wrest creation away from truth, and keep it separate” 

A Course in Miracles T-19.II.4:1-5

Right-Mindedness

 During the years I worked with the public, I learned to say "you may be right about that" when someone said something with which I disagreed. It's a good way to say absolutely nothing, yet somehow not agree. But now there are too many injustices being perpetuated all around us to be silent. When I hear someone say that healthcare is not a right, it's a privilege, I must say that it is a privilege for the privileged at this point in time, and that is not right. When someone tells me they've worked hard for what they have and if someone can't take care of themselves then they haven't worked hard enough, I wonder what sect they come from, because the man for whom Christianity was named did not teach this. When someone tells me a woman's body is everybody's business and we should dictate its purpose, I can't even fathom where that idea originated. People who think oil is more important than the natural state of things, when they find fault with the power of the sun and wind and water, I wonder what corporation they are bowing down to. When I am told we can't feed the world by organic means and we must use pesticides and genetically modify our foods, I know the brainwashing which got them to this way of thinking -- because I've seen it develop in my lifetime. I could go on and on, as I'm sure you could, too. But the bottom line is I will no longer be saying, "you may be right about that", when I know darn well they are not. 

"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

“I have already said that miracles are expressions of miracle-mindedness, and miracle-mindedness means right-mindedness. The right-minded neither exalt nor depreciate the mind of the miracle worker or the miracle receiver. However, as a correction, the miracle need not await the right-mindedness of the receiver. In fact, its purpose is to restore him to his right mind. It is essential, however, that the miracle worker be in his right mind, however briefly, or he will be unable to re-establish right-mindedness in someone else.” 

A Course in Miracles T-2.V.3:1-5

One Decision at a Time

 

Art: Ruth Evans Art

From Mary Reynolds’ “We Are the ARK”

“It’s time to go to work to save the sovereignty of our land, our water, our air, and all the creatures we share this planet with. The earth has become a barren green, brown, and scorched desert, but we can be the ones to create the island oases in this desert. These oases will be the seeding grounds for our new story. They will be sanctuaries for as many creatures as we can fit into them, safe havens for the magic and abundance in the natural world. They will become the ark for the flood of extinction that is already upon us. We are the last frontier and the last generation with enough time left to save this planet, by the skin of our teeth.

One person can effect such big change in this world, simply by inspiring change all around them.

One person, one patch of land, one decision at a time.

~ Mary Reynolds from “We Are the ARK - Returning Our Gardens to Their True Nature Through Acts of Restorative Kindness”

“The Garden of Eden, or the pre-separation condition, was a state of mind in which nothing was needed. When Adam listened to the ‘lies of the serpent,’ all he heard was untruth. You do not have to continue to believe what is not true unless you choose to do so. All that can literally disappear in the twinkling of an eye because it is merely a misperception. What is seen in dreams seems to be very real. Yet the Bible says that a deep sleep fell upon Adam, and nowhere is their reference to his waking up. The world has not yet experienced any comprehensive reawakening or rebirth. Such a rebirth is impossible as long as you continue to project or miscreate. It still remains within you, however, to extend as God extended His Spirit to you. In reality this is your only choice, because your free will was given you for your joy in creating the perfect.” 

A Course in Miracles T-2.I.3:1-10

“Mortal error will vanish in a moral chemicalization. This mental fermentation has begun, and will continue until all errors of belief yield to understanding. Belief is changeable, but spiritual understanding is changeless.” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 96:21-24

With Apologies …

Photo courtesy of Blake Lasater

It is difficult to express what I’m trying to say in a short paragraph, and sometimes I fail miserably. It seems as though yesterday was one of those times, as this morning I had a response from someone who interpreted my words to mean I want people to ignore the plight of our planet and just be happy. I have apologized to him, and I apologize to you.  My goal had been to address the question of, “Do you want the problem or the answer?” The reason I suggested my fatalistic friend be happy and grateful for every little thing is because he is so miserable. It’s not necessarily climate change he’s given up on, but people as a whole.  He laments life and seems to have no desire to be proactive. And so I suggested he do something to free his mind, hoping that would free up space for something to  get in there other than his circular thinking on problems. A friend and educator once had a poster on her wall which told us she only wanted to hear about the problem as an identifier; after that, look for solutions. I love that. Namaste 

“We should examine ourselves and learn what is the affection and purpose of the heart, for in this way only can we learn what we honestly are. If a friend informs us of a fault, do we listen patiently to the rebuke and credit what is said? Do we not rather give thanks that we are ‘not as other men’? During many years the author has been most grateful for merited rebuke. The wrong lies in unmerited censure, — in the falsehood which does no one any good.” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 8:28-4

“By recognizing spirit, miracles adjust the levels of perception and show them in proper alignment. This places spirit at the center, where it can communicate directly.” 

A Course in Miracles T-1.I.30:1-2

You May Be Right About That

Photo credit: Blake Lasater

I got a phone call today from a rather fatalistic friend on the west coast. He was lamenting the state of the world and predicting this was the end of humanity. As I listened to him, my thoughts went back to a video from David Hoffmeister, a teacher of A Course in Miracles, wherein he asks us, “Do I want the problem or do I want the answer?” My friend wasn’t looking for answers, he simply wanted someone to agree with him. Another thing Mr. Hoffmeister advised in his video was that many people are not ready to hear truth and it’s necessary to meet them where they are. Following his advice, I said something I often say when I disagree with someone: “You may be right about that.” I listened for a while as he presented more horrific scenarios, then ended our conversation by saying the best thing we can do is to be overflowing with joy; to be grateful for every little thing and to express it though happiness. He said, “You may be right about that.” Ha!

“Little child of God, you do not understand your Father. You believe in a world that takes, because you believe that you can get by taking. And by that perception you have lost sight of the real world. You are afraid of the world as you see it, but the real world is still yours for the asking. Do not deny it to yourself, for it can only free you. Nothing of God will enslave His Son whom He created free and whose freedom is protected by His Being. Blessed are you who are willing to ask the truth of God without fear, for only thus can you learn that His answer is the release from fear.” 

A Course in Miracles T-11.VIII.7:1-7

“Imperfect mortals grasp the ultimate of spiritual perfection slowly; but to begin aright and to continue the strife of demonstrating the great problem of being, is doing much.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 254:12-15

Beautiful Women

The Fabulous Virginia - photo credit: John Rankine

This morning I had the honor of playing organ for a celebration of life, and I’m still feeling elated! The well-loved woman had been Eureka’s first woman president of the Rotary Club and the multi-talented owner of a fabulous antique shop (only two hats of many she wore). While listening to people’s words about her, my mind visited two other women I know and love. One is pictured here and she once made national news by stealing Baby Jesus from the crèche in Basin Park. Her granddaughter thought it would be a good idea and Virginia agreed! This photo is from a Sunday visit to church and then lunch at a local restaurant. Another matriarch of Eureka Springs is a personal hero of mine. She is always cheerful and helpful, giving people a boost when they need it, and now that her mobility requires a wheelchair she is receiving that helping hand from many others. She lives an active life of service and is as beautiful as the first day I met her three decades ago. At one time someone suggested we should have a calendar featuring the beautiful white-haired women of Eureka. I must say I agree!! Here’s to all of us who keep on doing what we do best, despite physical and mental impediments. Cheers!!

“How beautiful indeed are the Thoughts of God who live in His light! Your worth is beyond perception because it is beyond doubt. Do not perceive yourself in different lights. Know yourself in the One Light where the miracle that is you is perfectly clear.”
A Course in Miracles T-3.V.10:6-9

“Even Shakespeare’s poetry pictures age as infancy, as helplessness and decadence, instead of assigning to man the everlasting grandeur and immortality of development, power, and prestige.” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 244:27-32

Trust Issues

 

Trust  issues. These words used to be heard only in reference to a romantic break-up, but now it seems to be a national  topic.  People we have learned to trust suddenly feel frightening — i.e., policemen, politicians, preachers. Sometimes we have a tough time trusting our friends and loved ones. I know people who speak in derogatory terms about their children and their spouses. What is this thing we call trust? Does it truly originate in someone else, or does it come from within ourselves? Perhaps we don’t trust others because we don’t trust ourselves, or do we not trust ourselves because we don’t trust others? It all seems terribly complicated, so I’m questioning my beliefs and understanding surrounding trust: what it means, where it starts, where it ends. Perhaps it’s like love, and there is no beginning nor end, although there often appears to be a finite amount to  be allocated. I suppose I’m looking at this from a material view and I should practice what I preach, looking beyond human feelings and fears into the infinite realm of Love.  Be gentle with yourselves when you become caught up in the drama of daily life. Turning to "higher ideals of life and its joys" (as quoted below) is where I want to live today. 

“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.” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 299:7-12

“There is a distance you would keep apart from your brother, and this space you perceive as time because you still believe you are external to him. This makes trust impossible. And you cannot believe that trust would settle every problem now. Thus do you think it safer to remain a little careful and a little watchful of interests perceived as separate. From this perception you cannot conceive of gaining what forgiveness offers now. The interval you think lies in between the giving and receiving of the gift seems to be one in which you sacrifice and suffer loss. You see eventual salvation, not immediate results.” 

A Course in Miracles T-26.VIII.2:1-7

Intentions Multiply

           Photo credit: Aaron Springston             

Wayne Dyer told us that we can't feel bad enough to make anyone feel better; we can't be confused enough to un-confuse one person; we can't get sad enough to bring joy to a single being on this planet. These statements were made in a talk having to do with wanting to feel good, and they can be found in his book The Secrets of the Power of Intention. Our intentions multiply, so when we hear about an injustice and become depressed or overwhelmed.    by the situation, we are doing nothing to assist those in need, but we are doing something to bring sadness into our own lives. I know one dear woman who cares so much for the earth and its inhabitants that she cries every day, more than once, when she hears tragic stories about events. This is what Wayne Dyer means when he says, "You can't feel bad enough to make anyone's life better." Lowering our own vibrational energy lowers everyone's, and raising our level of joy affects the world in kind. There are many things we can do physically to help those in need, and we will find our individual path to do so. But as many well-known seers have said in different ways: When we change the way we look at things, the things we look at change.

“You are indeed essential to God’s plan. Just as your light increases every light that shines in Heaven, so your joy on earth calls to all minds to let their sorrows go, and take their place beside you in God’s plan. God’s messengers are joyous, and their joy heals sorrow and despair. They are the proof that God wills perfect happiness for all who will accept their Father’s gifts as theirs.”
A Course in Miracles W-100.4:1-4

“The true idea of man, as the reflection of the invisible God, is as incomprehensible to the limited senses as is man’s infinite Principle. The visible universe and material man are the poor counterfeits of the invisible universe and spiritual man. Eternal things (verities) are God’s thoughts as they exist in the spiritual realm of the real. Temporal things are the thoughts of mortals and are the unreal, being the opposite of the real or the spiritual and eternal.”
Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 337:20-28

Love Must Triumph Over Hate

When we think of extremist religious groups, perhaps the Islamic group al Qaeda comes to mind. Because Jesus was a man who spurned violence as much as he turned away from riches and power, we think of Christianity as a medium for peace and love. Unfortunately, this is not always true. The teachings of Jesus were simple: love your neighbor as yourself and God above all else. In the past few years, we have discovered that many people in our country, who proclaim themselves to be Christians, are waging violence because they think God is telling them to do so. It is beyond my ability to grasp this idea. We see some pastors and political leaders leading their followers down dead-end paths of hatred and violence. And for what reason? Our current president is a devout Catholic. The Reverend Raphael Warnock, newly elected senator from Georgia, is a Baptist minister. Why would Christians -- or anyone -- be opposed to good people simply because they are of a different political party than they espouse? I hope we can all remember that Jesus did not mean to start a religion; he came to teach us the way to peace, how to love without judgment, and to be empathetic to the plight of others. I pray for the day we can free ourselves of political parties and religious sects, allowing the purity of living from the heart without the ritual and rule of power-hungry leaders. Namaste...

"The Science Jesus taught and lived must triumph over all material beliefs about life, substance, and intelligence, and the multitudinous errors growing from such beliefs. Love must triumph over hate."
Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 43:27

“A further point must be perfectly clear before any residual fear still associated with miracles can disappear. The crucifixion did not establish the Atonement; the resurrection did. Many sincere Christians have misunderstood this. No one who is free of the belief in scarcity could possibly make this mistake. If the crucifixion is seen from an upside-down point of view, it does appear as if God permitted and even encouraged one of His Sons to suffer because he was good. This particularly unfortunate interpretation, which arose out of projection, has led many people to be bitterly afraid of God. Such anti-religious concepts enter into many religions. Yet the real Christian should pause and ask, ‘How could this be?’ Is it likely that God Himself would be capable of the kind of thinking which His Own words have clearly stated is unworthy of His Son?”
A Course in Miracles T-3.I.1:1-9

Bringing in the Light, With Joy

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

“We are sometimes led to believe that darkness is as real as light; but Science affirms darkness to be only a mortal sense of the absence of light, at the coming of which darkness loses the appearance of reality. So sin and sorrow, disease and death, are the suppositional absence of Life, God, and flee as phantoms of error before truth and love.” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 215:15-21

“When you wander, you but undertake a journey that is not real. The dark companions, the dark way, are all illusions. Turn toward the light, for the little spark in you is part of a light so great that it can sweep you out of all darkness forever. For your Father is your Creator, and you are like Him.” 

A Course in Miracles T-11.III.5:4-7

Do It Now

 

Baking Bread, 1889 - by Andre Zorn

“I've seen women insist on cleaning everything in the house before they could sit down to write... and you know it's a funny thing about housecleaning... it never comes to an end. Perfect way to stop a woman. A woman must be careful to not allow over-responsibility (or over-respectabilty) to steal her necessary creative rests, riffs, and raptures. She simply must put her foot down and say no to half of what she believes she "should" be doing. Art is not meant to be created in stolen moments only.” 

Clarissa Pinkola Estes

After reading the above quote this morning, I visited with a woman I’ve known for decades, but had not seen for quite some time. As she admired the art on my walls, she mentioned how she regretted not taking the time to paint. She told me of her childhood talent and dreams, and how the busy-ness of life had gotten in the way of what she loved. Do it now, Friends. It’s not too late …

“The miracle is much like the body in that both are learning aids for facilitating a state in which they become unnecessary. When spirit’s original state of direct communication is reached, neither the body nor the miracle serves any purpose. While you believe you are in a body, however, you can choose between loveless and miraculous channels of expression. You can make an empty shell, but you cannot express nothing at all. You can wait, delay, paralyze yourself, or reduce your creativity almost to nothing. But you cannot abolish it. You can destroy your medium of communication, but not your potential. You did not create yourself.” 

A Course in Miracles T-1.V.1:1-8

“Spirit diversifies, classifies, and individualizes all thoughts, which are as eternal as the Mind conceiving them; but the intelligence, existence, and continuity of all individuality remain in God, who is the divinely creative Principle thereof.” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 513:1-21

Falling in Love With the Earth

Burgandy Redbud - photo by Steve Shogren

While watching Blue Jays at my window suet feeder today, a memory floated in from childhood. My parents and some of their friends and I were out in the woods when I noticed the most beautiful birds in the trees. Excitedly, I asked what kind they were. The friend of my folks’ said, “Oh, those are just damned old Blue Jays. We use them for target practice.” I was confused and a little bit scared, not understanding why anyone would have such a low opinion of something so beautiful. I can’t remember if I ever asked my kind-hearted mother about this, but I know the man’s words stayed with me these past decades. Today I have pondered why some birds are more valuable to humans than others, why some people are to be honored and respected more than others, and what we can do to allow our neighbors to join us in loving harmony with All that Is. I’ve been watching videos daily from a series entitled “Growing a Greener World”. It showcases different people who are growing food. Some have raised beds in small back yards, and others are forming community farms in New York City. All of these episodes on youTube share a commonality: love of the Earth and everything on it. Let’s fall in love with the earth, then it will be easy to treat it kindly and nurture it back to health. 

“Nature voices natural, spiritual law and divine Love, but human belief misinterprets nature. Arctic regions, sunny tropics, giant hills, winged winds, mighty billows, verdant vales, festive flowers, and glorious heavens, — all point to Mind, the spiritual intelligence they reflect. The floral apostles are hieroglyphs of Deity. Suns and planets teach grand lessons. The stars make night beautiful, and the leaflet turns naturally towards the light.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 240:1-9

“Forgiveness turns the world of sin into a world of glory, wonderful to see. Each flower shines in light, and every bird sings of the joy of Heaven. There is no sadness and there is no parting here, for everything is totally forgiven. And what has been forgiven must join, for nothing stands between to keep them separate and apart. The sinless must perceive that they are one, for nothing stands between to push the other off. And in the space that sin left vacant do they join as one, in gladness recognizing what is part of them has not been kept apart and separate.” 

A Course in Miracles T-26.IV.2:1-6

All Colors are — Brown?

Marsha and Sandy with some of her Art

In my years of running an art gallery, I learned quite a bit about human nature and a little bit about art. I enjoyed every moment of it and had a few favorite artists, one of whom was and is Sandy Starbird. Her favorite color was brown. Her loving expressions, brought forth through creative fabric pieces, were a major aid in my education. I watched her bring brown to life! It was difficult for me to grasp at first, but I did gain an appreciation for the varieties and subtleties inherent in its hues. Today I was listening to a book by Elizabeth Stout and she was describing her first experience with autumnal leaf colors. She saw that all colors were really one color: brown. As I listened to her character, Lucy Barton, describe this phenomenon, I thought of my far-away friend and gained a deeper understanding of what she saw. One of the keys to happiness is the continuation of learning, and I look forward to increasing my appreciation of what my friends see. The excitement of awakening senses is a never-ending delight!

“The artist is not in his painting. The picture is the artist’s thought objectified. The human belief fancies that it delineates thought on matter, but what is matter? Did it exist prior to thought? Matter is made up of supposititious mortal mind-force; but all might is divine Mind. Thought will finally be understood and seen in all form, substance, and color, but without material accompaniments. The potter is not in the clay; else the clay would have power over the potter. God is [Its] own infinite Mind, and expresses all.” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 310:1-10

“Everyone will ultimately look upon his own creations and choose to preserve only what is good, just as God Himself looked upon what He had created and knew that it was good. At this point, the mind can begin to look with love on its own creations because of their worthiness. At the same time the mind will inevitably disown its miscreations which, without belief, will no longer exist.” 

A Course in Miracles T-2.VIII.4:3-5

The Rhythm of Head and Heart

 

Having attended an extraordinary musical performance by the orchestra for our Opera in the Ozarks, I am tired and happy. Here are some words from Khalil Gibran about music:

“Music is the quivering of a string, charged with waves from the upper air, it penetrates your hearing, its echo emerges from your eyes in a burning tear, and from your lips as they sigh for a beloved being far away, or it utters a moan caused by the string of history and the fangs of destiny.

And it can happen that the notes of music are reflected on your lips in a smile of fulfillment.

Music is a houri in the paradise of the gods, who was in love with the sons of Adam. Then she came down to earth and told them of her love. The gods, in a fury, ordered a terrible wind to rush after her in pursuit. In this way she was scattered through the air and disseminated to all the corners of the earth. She did not die, she still lives in the ears of humans.

Music is the echo of the first kiss bestowed by Adam on the lips of Eve. And ever since then this echo has caused pleasure to rebound onto fingers as they play and ears as they listen.” 

Khalil Gibran from The Prophet

“Mental melodies and strains of sweetest music supersede conscious sound. Music is the rhythm of head and heart. Mortal mind is the harp of many strings, discoursing either discord or harmony according as the hand, which sweeps over it, is human or divine.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 213:24-29

“Miracles are a kind of exchange. Like all expressions of love, which are always miraculous in the true sense, the exchange reverses the physical laws. They bring more love both to the giver and the receiver.” 

A Course in Miracles T-1.I.9:1-3

Seating Drama

St. Elizabeth in Eureka Springs

I am the accompanist for two congregations of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church here in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. In the past two days, I’ve witnessed three instances regarding people’s “regular” seats at these services. In the Saturday mass at the Parish Center, there are around 150 chairs set up in a large hall. One woman always — always — sits in “her” spot. This weekend two men decided to play a joke on her and they sat in her regular seat up front. We all knew this was happening and watched to see her reaction. She stared at them for a long while and then took a seat which was usually theirs at the back. We all had a good laugh and then everyone went about their business.  Just before the service started, a woman came in and saw that someone else’s things were in her seat, although the culprit was not present. She sat behind “her” seat and shot daggers at him during the service. Then this morning, at the historic church downtown, a large family, including regular parishioners and visitors, came in and took up the front row in the balcony, where another woman is generally seated. She arrived and saw her row taken up and so went to a seat on a bench in the back. The patriarch of the family noticed what was happening and moved back a row with his wife and visiting grand baby. The woman who usually sat there came forward, gratefully, and took her normal seat. There were many smiles and nods of conviviality. I relate these three instances to show that we can take circumstances in many different ways, accepting or resenting, humbly or arrogantly. The loving choice makes all the difference in the surrounding atmosphere. Let’s spread happiness today, okay?

“If selfishness has given place to kindness, we shall regard our neighbor unselfishly, and bless them that curse us; but we shall never meet this great duty simply by asking that it may be done.” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 9:11-14

“Miracles are examples of right thinking, aligning your perceptions with truth as God created it.” 

A Course in Miracles T-1.I.36:1