Let Spiritual Harmony Reign

Photo credit: Mark McGee

In these times of radical religious pontificating, we often hear disparaging words about science. So when the subject of melding science and religious is mentioned, many people think it is impossible. In the traditional meaning of religion, this would be true. Religion has taken on too many facets to be purely the knowledge of God. On many levels, it has become more political than spiritual. Science, on the other hand, means knowledge. But since its definition includes rational explanations and predictable results, it has long been left out of spirituality. Typically, religion encompasses the knowledge of God, but could never qualify as a provable science. When Mary Baker Eddy discovered the science of the Christ in the 1860s, she envisioned that religious leaders would be excited and happy to share in her vision. In her 600-page textbook, Science and Health, With Key to the Scriptures, she explains this Science to be demonstrable by anyone and everyone. In this time of rapidly shifting perceptions, many people are grasping what this means and embracing the beauty and perfection of it. Mary would be pleased!

“When the final physical and moral effects of Christian Science are fully apprehended, the conflict between truth and error, understanding and belief, Science and material sense, will cease, and spiritual harmony reign.”

Mary Baker Eddy - Science and Health Page 288:10–14

“Brother, this day is sacred to the world. Your vision, given you from far beyond all things within the world, looks back on them in a new light. And what you see becomes the healing and salvation of the world. The valuable and valueless are both perceived and recognized for what they are. And what is worthy of your love receives your love, while nothing to be feared remains.”

A Course in Miracles W-164.6:1-5

Destroy Erroneous Belief With Truth

Photo from Aaron Springston

An article was making the rounds on social media which concerned a public school in Tennessee forcing children to participate in Muslim practices. The comments to this post ranged 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 felt 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 — possibly because it’s happening on the television news! We must speak truth to error of all sorts. I encourage everyone to refute lies which are “going viral”. May the calm voices of reason prevail!

“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.” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health  Page 297:12-15

“Complete abstraction is the natural condition of the mind. But part of it is now unnatural. It does not look on everything as one. It sees instead but fragments of the whole, for only thus could it invent the partial world you see. The purpose of all seeing is to show you what you wish to see. All hearing but brings to your mind the sounds it wants to hear.”

A Course in Miracles W-161.2:1-6

Laugh and Choose Again!

I'm listening to Eckhart Tolle's classic book, A New Earth. It seems quite appropriate at this time of quickly-changing values. As consciousness unfolds into form, we are witnessing fearful reactions from millions of people who are stuck in old ways of thinking. Living from Love should be as easy as pie, but apparently mortal mind (as Mrs. Eddy refers to it, or ego as it’s known in A Course in Miracles) can misinterpret anything in multitudinous 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!

“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.” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 297:12-15

“There is a stranger in our midst, who comes from an idea so foreign to the truth he speaks a different language, looks upon a world truth does not know, and understands what truth regards as senseless. Stranger yet, he does not recognize to whom he comes, and yet maintains his home belongs to him, while he is alien now who is at home. And yet, how easy it would be to say, ‘This is my home. Here I belong, and will not leave because a madman says I must.’”

A Course in Miracles W-160.2:1-4

Love Leaves No Room For Fear

Glacier National Park

A friend went on an 8-month camping trip to remote regions of the United States. She’s 74-years-young and she jumped into her car with a pup tent, a few blankets and changes of clothing, her sketch pad, her dog — and not much else! She slept under the stars, when possible by a river, and met many interesting people, while getting 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 ceasing to listen to or watch the news, and definitely not to watch any crime dramas on television or horror movies. She thought I was joking, as she can’t imagine life without any of those activities. The conversation caused me to stop and think about the things I’m indulging unnecessarily which may bring on angst. I find there are a few!

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

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 589: 8-11

“Into Christ’s Presence will we enter now, serenely unaware of everything except His shining face and perfect Love. The vision of His face will stay with you, but there will be an instant which transcends all vision, even this, the holiest. This you will never teach, for you attained it not through learning. Yet the vision speaks of your rememberance of what you knew that instant, and will surely know again.”

A Course in Miracles W-157.9:1-4

Peace For the Restless

Photo courtesy of Aaron Springston

Often we realize change is necessary in our lives, but various reasons may keep us from moving forward. Perhaps there are factors of fear, stubbornness, or hedonistic desires involved in our reluctance. Almost 30 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. Through an in-depth study of the works of Mary Baker Eddy, and eventually A Course in Miracles, life has become a walk on the path of “perfect holiness” — for which I am most grateful. Accepting that “God is Love and so am I” brings peace to the restless soul. Namaste …

"… we must first turn our gaze in the right direction, and then walk that way. We must form perfecta models in thought and look at them continually, or we shall never carve them out in grand and noble lives."

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 247:25-29

“There is a way of living in the world that is not here, although it seems to be. You do not change appearance, though you smile more frequently. Your forehead is serene; your eyes are quiet. And the ones who walk the world as you do recognize their own. Yet those who have not yet perceived the way will recognize you also, and believe that you are like them, as you were before.”

A Course in Miracles W-155.1:1-5

Seeing Love

We are the consciousness of God, or divine Mind. With this realization we are stepping into a new/old world. Our expanding understanding is allowing natural shifts in our lives. But it's easy to slip back into discarded ways of thinking, and I've done so more than once. I've been defending silly behavior on my part, lashing out if anyone comes close to exposing my foolishness. I must keep in mind that when I judge others, I judge myself. When I defend, I become defenseless. When I live in Love, I am among the ministers of God. One of my favorite statements from A Course in Miracles is, "Choose again!" And so when I find myself indulging in erroneous thinking and/or actions, I won’t beat myself up metaphorically; but rather shall remember I can, literally, change my choice and go forward with joy! 

“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.” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health 453:14-15

“But see the Love of God in you, and you will see it everywhere because it is everywhere.”

A Course in Miracles T-7.VII.10:4

Fall in Love

Photo courtesy of Richard Quick

"May you fall madly in love this year ...in love with someone who unhinges your tired trajectory, in love with a spouse of several years who might be aching for lightning, in love with demanding children and crazy relatives ... in love with the particular pedigree of genius insanity that has perhaps claimed you in spite of your reluctance .. and certainly in love with an animal, a cloud, a redwood, the wild .. these at least once a day.

May you fall in love with this fragile jewel of a world, with hard work, real learning, just causes, petitioning and prayers. May you fall in love with wonder itself, with the grand mystery, with all that feeds you in order that you may live .. and with the responsibility that that confers.

May you fall in love with heartbreak and seeing how it's stitched into everything.

May you fall in love with the natural order of things and with tears, tenderness and humility. May this be a magnificent year for you.

May you fall deeply, madly, hopelessly, inextinguishably in love."

~ Rachelle Lamb: Poetess

“The course does not aim at teaching the meaning of love, for that is beyond what can be taught. It does aim, however, at removing the blocks to the awareness of love’s presence, which is your natural inheritance. The opposite of love is fear, but what is all-encompassing can have no opposite.”

A Course in Miracles T-in.1:6-8 

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

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 280:4-8 

Justifiable Defense?

 

Photo of Unknown Origin

The belief in separation fosters fear. Fear and cruelty go hand in hand. Fear causes us to act defensively: standing up for our loved ones, along with values which are of importance to us, and our way of life. To this defensive end, we are willing to attack others in both our words and actions, not listening to the voice of sanity which divine Mind is forever supplying. This sentence from today’s Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson speaks to these defenses: “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 they will see our commonality, also.

“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.” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 497:24-28

“It seems to be the enemy without that you attack. Yet your defense sets up an enemy within; an alien thought at war with you, depriving you of peace, splitting your mind into two camps which seem wholly irreconcilable. For love now has an ‘enemy,’ an opposite; and fear, the alien, now needs your defense against the threat of what you really are.”

A Course in Miracles - W-170.3:1-3

Inevitable Grace

“Grace is acceptance of the Love of God within a world of seeming hate and fear.” [A Course in Miracles] While having an anything-goes conversation with a group of friends, it became apparent that we have different ways of talking to people with whom we disagree. In recent years, I have made an extreme effort to listen to others rather than immediately responding with admonitions and/or corrections of what I deem to be their erroneous thought. I’ve written in the past that a favorite statement in such situations is, You may be right about that. This is something I don’t say anymore. In the face of “alternative facts” I now say something like, “If that’s true, we need to do something about it.” And then I’ll suggest we research the topic and begin a dialogue about it. This has opened up a whole world of communication I would not normally be willing to have. And so “By grace I live. By grace I am released.” [A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson 169] These conversations feel like amazing grace to me!

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

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 494:15

“Grace is an aspect of the Love of God which is most like the state prevailing in the unity of truth. It is the world’s most lofty aspiration, for it leads beyond the world entirely. It is past learning, yet the goal of learning, for grace cannot come until the mind prepares itself for true acceptance. Grace becomes inevitable instantly in those who have prepared a table where it can be gently laid and willingly received; an altar clean and holy for the gift.” 

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #169.1:1-4

The Power of Grace

I remember a young woman who came into my gallery one evening and told me that she loved art, but that she didn't have any talent because she had been sexually abused as a child. I smiled at her and she said, No, really, every day for years and years! I told her I wasn't smiling about what she had said or what had been done, but I was smiling at the part of her which had never been touched by any of this. I told her everyone has tons of talent, and I hoped she would continue trying things until she found something she really loved -- and then keep on doing it! Her eyes lit up as she listed things she loved and wanted to do. 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. By this, we learn what it feels like, not just what it means.

“The notion that animal natures can possibly give force to character is too absurd for consideration, when we remember that through spiritual ascendency our Lord and Master healed the sick, raised the dead, and commanded even the winds and waves to obey him. Grace and Truth are potent beyond all other means and methods.”

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 67:18-24

“If you but knew the meaning of His Love, hope and despair would be impossible. For hope would be forever satisfied; despair of any kind unthinkable. His grace His answer is to all despair, for in it lies remembrance of His Love. Would He not gladly give the means by which His Will is recognized? His grace is yours by your acknowledgment. And memory of Him awakens in the mind that asks the means of Him whereby its sleep is done.”

A Course in Miracles - W-168:2:1-6

Life Is Not Limited

Art by Kaoru Yamada

“There is one life, and that I share with God.” ACIM Lesson #167. This topic reminds me of being in the check-out line at the market when the young man sacking groceries was trying on the checker's glasses. He said he didn’t know how anyone could see through them, and she told him they're reading glasses and he'll find out someday.  He said, "I hope God comes before that happens." The checkout lady replied, "That's horrible! No, that's wonderful. No ..." At this point, I also was somewhat speechless! She had interpreted his comment to mean he hoped he died before he lost his 20/20 vision. But upon reflection, he could have meant other things -- perhaps "the rapture"?? The whole conversation reflected our society’s muddled, confused thought. He was assuming that getting older requires a loss of sight, she was assuming he wanted to die before he was old, he was believing God was somewhere separate from him. Erroneous assumptions were rife. Rather than wonder what others were thinking, I asked myself what I thought of my life, realizing that to relish every moment is enough for me.  Using the word Life as a synonym for deity helps me see that there is no separation, and I can relax into the ever-constant wonder of loving existence!

“There are not different kinds of life, for life is like the truth. It does not have degrees. It is the one condition in which all that God created share. Like all His Thoughts, it has no opposite. There is no death because what God created shares His life. There is no death because an opposite to God does not exist. There is no death because the Father and the Son are one.”

A Course in Miracles W-167.1:1-7

“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.”

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Pages 468:26-6

Shared Joy

My New Grandson

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. 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!

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

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 57:18-21

“Become the living proof of what Christ’s touch can offer everyone. God has entrusted all His gifts to you. Be witness in your happiness to how transformed the mind becomes which chooses to accept His gifts, and feel the touch of Christ.Such is your mission now. For God entrusts the giving of His gifts to all who have received them. He has shared His joy with you. And now you go to share it with the world.” 

A Course in Miracles  W-166.15:2-8

Be With Those Who Help Your Being

Good Friends at a Jim Young Book Signing

Gathering with others is a lovely way to be reminded of the Truth inherent in us. “Let not my mind deny the Thought of God.” [A Course in Miracles Workbook #165] The Thought of God isn't our thinking about God, but our listening to the Thought which is God. I love to talk with others and hear how these images of divine Mind shine through the myths we have created for ourselves in daily life. More and more, we are realizing what is true and what is simply habitual thinking, perpetuated by repetition. And how do we know if it's coming from the one Source or our mortal, limited thinking? Does it make my heart sing and my mind feel at peace? Does it bless all equally, along with me? Or do I feel an uneasiness which I can't exactly pinpoint? Maybe there's a feeling of importance and superiority. These last two things are sure indicators that the thoughts are coming from my limiting sense of ego and not the One Mind, God. Today I want to "Be with those who help [my] being." Rumi

“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. We plead for unmerited pardon and for a liberal outpouring of benefactions. Are we really grateful for the good already received? Then we shall avail ourselves of the blessings we have, and thus be fitted to receive more. Gratitude is much more than a verbal expression of thanks. Action expresses more gratitude than speech.”
Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 3:17-27

“The Thought of God created you. It left you not, nor have you ever been apart from it an instant. ³It belongs to you. By it you live. It is your Source of life, holding you one with it, and everything is one with you because it left you not. The Thought of God protects you, cares for you, makes soft your resting place and smooth your way, lighting your mind with happiness and love. Eternity and everlasting life shine in your mind, because the Thought of God has left you not, and still abides with you.” 

A Course in Miracles - W-165.1.1-7

Many of One

Primal Images from

Sandy Wythawai Starbird 

“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.

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

“There is a silence into which the world can not intrude. There is an ancient peace you carry in your heart and have not lost. There is a sense of holiness in you the thought of sin has never touched. All this today you will remember. Faithfulness in practicing today will bring rewards so great and so completely different from all things you sought before, that you will know that here your treasure is, and here your rest.” 

A Course in Miracles W-164.4:1-5

Letting in the Light

Colorado Sunset

“There is no death. The Son of God is free." Some people may think ideas such as these are simple platitudes designed to placate us with Pollyanna thoughts and wishful thinking. Personally, I see these teachings as much more. Actually, I see them as everything. A well-known author and seer wrote a book declaring there is a spiritual solution to every problem. He was much decried by many serious metaphysical students because he seemed to be admitting there are problems and then trying to solve them. I saw it as using the title to get people to read the book, and then showing them a purer way to think about all of this. Everything we see or read is interpreted by our brain based on past experience. This is what I so badly want to leave behind. This is the freedom I seek. 

“This spiritualization of thought lets in the light, and brings the divine Mind, Life not death, into your consciousness.” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health with Key to the Scriptures Page 407:26-29

“Death is a thought that takes on many forms, often unrecognized. It may appear as sadness, fear, anxiety or doubt; as anger, faithlessness and lack of trust; concern for bodies, envy, and all forms in which the wish to be as you are not may come to tempt you. All such thoughts are but reflections of the worshipping of death as savior and as giver of release.”

A Course in Miracles W-163.1:1-3

Created in Love

Photo courtesy of Aaron Springston

As I think back to being a small child and pondering what it meant to be created by God, I have vague recollections of the Garden of Eden with naked Adam and Eve frolicking in the 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 rather, 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 …

“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." 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 468:10-16

“And who would not be brother to you now; you, his redeemer and his savior. Who could fail to welcome you into his heart with loving invitation, eager to unite with one like him in holiness? You are as God created you. These words dispel the night, and darkness is no more. The light is come today to bless the world. For you have recognized the Son of God, and in that recognition is the world’s.”

A Course in Miracles W-162.6:1-6

Taking a Stand Against Anger

Broomfield, Colorado

Taken during my current visit

Have you ever heard these statements? "It's my cross to bear." "He/a thorn in my side." These are ways of saying that some things and/or people seem to be a problem in our life, and we're carrying them around as though they're a part of us and we have no choice but to bear it. There's a particular topic of contention in our town which never fails to get me riled. I like to think nothing bothers me, but this seems to be my "cross to bear." Motorcycles. Big, loud, revving motorcycles. Obviously I can change the way I think about them. It should be easy to see the drivers as reflections of Love, unified by our humanity, not separated by our mode of transportation. Today I shall choose to look at this differently. Another saying comes to mind: “God, give me strength!”

"’Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.’ 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." 

Mary Baker Eddy- Science & Health Page 467:16-20

“Today we practice differently, and take a stand against our anger, that our fears may disappear and offer room to love. Here is salvation in the simple words in which we practice with today’s idea. Here is the answer to temptation which can never fail to welcome in the Christ where fear and anger had prevailed before. Here is Atonement made complete, the world passed safely by and Heaven now restored. Here is the answer of the Voice for God.”

A Course in Miracles W-161.1:1-5

Where Fear is a Stranger

Photo courtesy of Jim Young

At times, my identity with fear has been so great that it seemed impossible to exchange it, to identify with Love. Everywhere we look, someone is running around like Chicken Little declaring "the sky is falling!" The act of realizing our true heritage as the child of divine Mind is the beginning of freedom from the bondage of mortal mind's beliefs. My home is Love. Fear is a stranger in that home. I want to relax into the comfort of my true home, turning away from every fearful thought. This acronym for fear will help me do this: False Evidence Appearing Real. Years of identification with duality have made me believe it's necessary to have fear and love, good and bad, health and illness. I'm beginning to see the fallacy of this story!

“Fear is a stranger to the ways of love. Identify with fear, and you will be a stranger to yourself. And thus you are unknown to you. What is your Self remains an alien to the part of you which thinks that it is real, but different from yourself. Who could be sane in such a circumstance? Who but a madman could believe he is what he is not, and judge against himself?” 

A Course in Miracles W-160


“The Apostle John says: "There is no fear in Love, but perfect Love casteth out fear. . . . He that feareth is not made perfect in Love." Here is a definite and inspired proclamation of Christian Science.”

Receive It, and Give It Away

Photo courtesy of Blake Lasater

In metaphysical healing, we are not trying to change a physical condition, but rather to change thought about the situation. Although we tend to think there are certain laws of living which cannot be usurped, most of us have witnessed numerous examples of how this is not so. We have witnessed what appears to be a law set aside, and our society generally thinks of this as supernatural intervention. In Christian Science, we call these events the demonstration of Truth. Today's A Course in Miracles workbook lesson asks us to give what we have received. The sharing of the understanding of our relationship to God is gained through our living of it. When we let ourselves slip into that space which releases all mortal thought, we allow the "Mind to be us, which was also Christ Jesus". Through this simple -- yet not always easy -- process, we give all we have accepted, and this is sometimes referred to as healing. I look forward to giving everything I have received, and by that giving, I will come to understand what it truly is.

“You understand that you are healed when you give healing. You accept forgiveness as accomplished in yourself when you forgive. You recognize your brother as yourself, and thus do you perceive that you are whole. There is no miracle you cannot give, for all are given you. Receive them now by opening the storehouse of your mind where they are laid, and giving them away.” 

ACIM, W-159.2:1-5

"Implicit faith in the Teacher and all the emotional love we can bestow on him, will never alone make us imitators of him. We must go and do likewise, else we are not improving the great blessings which our Master worked and suffered to bestow upon us. The divinity of the Christ was made manifest in the humanity of Jesus."

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 25: 27-33