January 13, 2013 - Why Am I Afraid?

"Aaron at Powder Mountain, Utah"
photo by Heather Magnan 

ACIM Workbook Lesson #13

“A meaningless world engenders fear.”

What is it about a meaningless world that would make us afraid? Today's lesson discussion tells us this: "A meaningless world engenders fear because I think I am in competition with God." So often we act as though we're in charge and that we must tell God what needs to happen. We bargain and cajole to get our way, then get angry with God when we don't. We blame God when anything less than our idea of good comes our way. We thank God when we get our way, perhaps in a boastful or self-satisfied way. All these actions are symptoms of the separation we feel. Allowing everything to be meaningless is similar to letting go of an addiction! Interesting symptoms may show up when we decide to give up the beliefs to which we have grown accustomed. To see everything without the meaning we have given it can be frightening. But it doesn't need to be. The more we practice giving up strong opinions, or by-rote actions, rituals, or other habitual behaviors, the more sensible it seems. While realizing the meaninglessness of these ways we've taken on as our story, let's not be afraid of any rogue thoughts that may seem to assault us. They can be acknowledged as symptoms of a clearing away of self to allow our Self to be demonstrated. 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The Hebrew Lawgiver, [Moses], slow of speech, despaired of making the people understand what should be revealed to him. When, led by wisdom to cast down his rod, he saw it become a serpent, Moses fled before it; but wisdom bade him come back and handle the serpent, and then Moses' fear departed. In this incident was seen the actuality of Science. Matter was shown to be a belief only. The serpent, evil, under wisdom's bidding, was destroyed through understanding divine Science, and this proof was a staff upon which to lean. The illusion of Moses lost its power to alarm him, when he discovered that what he apparently saw was really but a phase of mortal belief." 

Science & Health Page 321:5-18

January 12, 2013 - Nothing Can Upset Me

"Colorado Sunset"
photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #12

“I am upset because I see a meaningless world.”

Have you ever felt that when you are upset you should avoid the situation which supposedly caused it? Maybe you feel you should find the cause of your upset and change it. Or perhaps we say we're upset because of someone's actions and blame them for our chagrin.  So if we give no meaning to anything, if we see a meaningless world, and then become upset by this void, we may be tempted to try to figure out why this is happening. Today's lesson asks us to witness events without giving them any meaning, neither good nor bad, thereby leaving ourselves blank to see what Truth comes through in place of our personal feelings. If we find this upsetting, let's not act upon these feelings; instead, let's witness what happens without placing an interpretation on it. When we allow Sprit (God) to manifest through us -- which is our native state as a reflection, the image and likeness of God -- we open ourselves to the field of all possibilities. We can become a blank slate for Love to write on. Who's to know where this will lead us? To quote Rumi: "Out beyond ideas of rightdoing and wrongdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there".

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Nothing is real and eternal,--nothing is Spirit,--but God and His idea. Evil has no reality. It is neither person, place, nor thing, but is simply a belief, an illusion of material sense." 

Science & Health Page 71:1-5

January 11, 2013 - Utopia

"Glacier National Park"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #11

“My meaningless thoughts are showing me a meaningless world.”

I had a dream of Utopia. We had no need to speak, as we knew each others' thoughts. We had no fear, as our thoughts were uncluttered and pure. Everywhere I looked there were happy people, busy at tasks which would benefit everyone. There was no need for television or radios, as we knew everything, and it was Good. At one point, I thought I was lost in the woods, but that was impossible because others sensed my confusion and were there immediately to lead me to a safe and beautiful home. While traveling on a road, suddenly the way was filled with huge boulders and ancient fallen trees. But to the left side there was a field filled with beautiful flowers, and a pathway leading to my destination. All needs were met before I knew of them. And there was the most wonderful sense of peace. I will hold to these beautiful feelings today, while seeing the meaningless basis of my thoughts and desires. 

Mary Baked Eddy quote:

“Sleep and apathy are phases of the dream that life, substance, and intelligence are material. The mortal night dream is sometimes nearer the fact of being than are the thoughts of mortals when awake. The night-dream has less matter as its accompaniment. It throws off some material fetters. It falls short of the skies, but makes its mundane flights quite ethereal.” 

Science & Health Page 249:24-30

January 10, 2013 - Meaningless Thoughts

"Glacier National Park"
photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #10

“My thoughts do not mean anything.”

The realization that my thoughts mean nothing is such a freeing concept! If we fall into the habit of believing that every thought we have will cause us harm, it's easy to get stuck in analyzing these thoughts and wondering what pitfalls will come to us because of them. Humility is a word which keeps coming to mind as I read today's lesson. We are accustomed to believing that everything we think and do is important, and it seems hard to admit our thoughts mean nothing. Sometimes it is even difficult to admit we don't know or understand things in daily life, so how can we admit that our own thoughts mean nothing? For me, it's a matter of realizing that my true self isn't contained in this body, and any thoughts which are based in materialism are changeable. And so I can humbly admit that my thoughts (even those which seem to be pretty good ones!) are not "founded on the divine rock". With this humble admission, I am happy to see the beliefs of a lifetime dissipate, leaving me open to the divine ideas which are my true reality as a child of God. 

Mary Baker Eddy quote: 

"Human thoughts have their degrees of comparison. Some thoughts are better than others. A belief in Truth is better than a belief in error, but no mortal testimony is founded on the divine rock. Mortal testimony can be shaken. Until belief becomes faith, and faith becomes spiritual understanding, human thought has little relation to the actual or divine." 

Science & health Page 297:24-30

January 9, 2013 - I Don't Understand

"Moon Over Yellowstone"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #9

“I see nothing as it is now.”

Today's lesson tells us, "the recognition that you do not understand is a prerequisite for undoing your false ideas." What a relief, huh? I'm reminded of attending a talk on quantum physics wherein a number of fairly complex concepts were addressed. The talk lasted an hour and a half and at the conclusion the speaker asked if there were any questions. There wasn't a single one. It could be perceived we knew it all, or maybe we didn't want to know about any of this, or perhaps we didn't know enough to ask questions! When we first hear a concept like today's topic, "I see nothing as it is now", it may seem nonsensical. But the more we study and talk about these ideas, they start to seem not only possible, but plausible. As Mary Baker Eddy tells us in the below quote, it takes the practice of turning away from matter to Spirit to develop the spiritual sense which allows us to understand the concepts we're hearing about. What an exciting adventure we have waiting for us each day as we learn to understand the difference in what we seem to know through material sense and the reality of Spirit.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"If the disciple is advancing spiritually, he is striving to enter in. He constantly turns away from material sense, and looks towards the imperishable things of Spirit. If honest, he will be in earnest from the start, and gain a little each day in the right direction, till at last he finishes his course with joy."

Science & Health Page 21:9-14

January 8, 2013 - What is Possible?

"Glacier National Park"
photo by Heather Magnan

ACIM Workbook Lesson #8

 “My mind is preoccupied with past thoughts.”

There are so many things we're taught are impossible! And usually we don't even attempt them because of these beliefs. For instance, I was always told you couldn't pop popcorn with olive oil because the smoke point was too low. One day I decided to try and found that it works beautifully. For years humans thought the sun revolved around the earth, until someone realized the true nature of celestial movement. Almost daily belief changes about what is nourishing for our bodies and what is harmful. None of these things are important in our pursuit of the new-old knowledge which we are learning to embrace in our daily lives. What is important is what is true, not what is false. When we place our attention on the Truth of our Being, all the erroneous thoughts and false landmarks of our existence simply fall away. They are no longer of importance to us and are replaced by the "new wine" which could not fit into the old, full bottles of our existence before the realization that we have filled ourselves with false ideals. So today I am not afraid to empty myself of past thoughts which have filled my mind, and open up to true thoughts from Mind, God.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Divine Science does not put new wine into old bottles, Soul into matter, nor the infinite into the finite. Our false views of matter perish as we grasp the facts of Spirit. The old belief must be cast out or the new idea will be spilled, and the inspiration, which is to change our standpoint, will be lost." Science & Health Page 281:27-1 

January 7, 2013 - Forgetting the Past

"Fawn in Eureka Garden"
photo by Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #7

 “I see only the past.”

Our preparations to accept Truth mainly consist of learning ways to forget the meaning we have placed on things. In yesterday's writings, I mentioned a man named Joe Hutto who spent a year living with wild turkeys and seeing the world from their perspective. I related the understanding he gained to the knowledge we are gleaning in this metaphysical study. Today's lesson brings to mind something he said about the baby turkeys. He noticed that they knew, without teaching of any sort, which creatures and situations in the woods were potentially harmful to them. I found this to be further proof that when we listen inwardly, we have all the answers. Instinctual behavior is resting within us all, but we, as humans, have found ways to override this knowing with beliefs based on what others tell us and what we have learned from past experiences. It seems our domesticated animals have lost their inner knowing, to some extent, picking up on our fears and doubts.  With these thoughts in mind, I will strive to be more like a young wild animal, with no preconceived notions about what is presented to me today. I will listen for Truth in each situation, doing my best to hear.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The history of error or matter, if veritable, would set aside the omnipotence of Spirit; but it is the false history in contradistinction to the true.” 

Science and Health, Page 521:29-2

January 6, 2013 - Seeing What is Not There

"Aaron in Mongolia (Calm Version)"

ACIM Workbook Lesson #6

“I am upset because I see something that is not there.”

I love incorporating events from daily life into the study of divine metaphysics. For instance, I watched a documentary entitled, "My Life as a Turkey". I found it to be profound in many ways, but today I relate it to our practice in seeing the unreality of everything we have come to think of as real. For more than a year, Joe Hutton lived with a flock of 16 wild turkeys, which he incubated and bonded with while they were still in the eggs. He didn't just live with them as you and I might. He was with them 24 hours a day to the exclusion of seeing any humans. He spent his days walking the woods as part of the flock, seeing through their eyes, speaking their language, striving to match their awareness of nature and their ability to live totally in the moment. The dedication and love expressed by this man is wonderfully inspiring to me. By his all-encompassing need to understand nature, to be a part of it without any learned beliefs he may have acquired in his life, he shows me what is possible when you approach a discipline with a "single eye". It is this singularity of purpose which we are learning to recognize in our study of both A Course in Miracles and Christian Science. I want to know God as much as Joe wanted to know turkeys. He gave it his all, and so will I!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Close your eyes, and you may dream that you see a flower,--that you touch and smell it. Thus you learn that the flower is a product of the so-called mind, a formation of thought rather than of matter. Close your eyes again, and you may see landscapes, men, and women. Thus you learn that these also are images, which mortal mind holds and evolves and which simulate mind, life, and intelligence. From dreams also you learn that neither mortal mind nor matter is the image or likeness of God, and that immortal Mind is not in matter." 

Science & Health Page 71

January 5, 2012 - No Cause for Upset

"Aaron with Falcon in Mongolia"

ACIM Workbook Lesson #5

“I am never upset for the reason I think.”

We think in terms of something upsetting us. Then we like to build up reasons why we are justified in this upset. Today we are asked to forget about any reason for feeling hurt, or angry, or irritated. When a friend shared with me a step into peace and out of worry which she experienced over the holidays, I was reminded that we don't need to examine the form our feelings take. One of her daughters was very upset with her, for reasons which are not important to this writing. And my friend chose to not make those reasons important to her either. She was aware that her beloved daughter was upset, but she was also aware that she couldn't fix it. She knows that her peace doesn't depend on any outside source."Truth is not contaminated by error." As long as we are living in Truth, no amount of erroneous thought can affect our natural state of harmony. So let's not worry about why we may be upset, but reach to the other side of this emotion and realize the One reason we are at peace.

Mary Baker Eddy quote: "Harmony is produced by its Principle, is controlled by it and abides with it. Divine Principle is the Life of man. Man's happiness is not, therefore, at the disposal of physical sense. Truth is not contaminated by error. Harmony in man is as beautiful as in music, and discord is unnatural, unreal."

Science & Health Page 304:17-22

January 4, 2013 - No Meaning Equals Truth

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #4

“These thoughts do not mean anything. They are like the things I see in this room [on this street, from this window, in this place].” 

"Glacier National Park"
photo by Aaron Springston

Sometimes I think I can trick myself into not placing meaning on things. For instance, I'll decide that if I see something I've never seen before, I won't put any extraneous meaning to it. Wrong! I just saw a photo of an animal I'd never seen before. My first thought was of how cute it looked, then I decided it was a squirrel -- nope, too small; it must be a chipmunk -- and on and on. It seems impossible to see something and not put some sort of meaning onto it. We suppose ourselves to be creators, and that our thought brings forth what is before us. But what is this thing we see? It can seem to be a pretty picture or an ugly one, according to what thoughts we have about it. And that's what we're practicing seeing beyond! Let's place no meaning, neither "good" nor "bad" on anything. To "let go and let God" requires a willingness to see everything around us just as it is, with no long-held beliefs being expressed toward anything, and to have a willingness to listen inwardly for Truth.  I look forward to the day of a universal epiphany of understanding that thought is, in its truest form, Spirit. That time of seeing reality as spiritual, not material, is visible to all who awaken to its knowledge. 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"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 His own infinite Mind, and expresses all."

Science & Health  Page 310:1-10 

January 3, 2013 - Belief Yields to Inner Knowing

"Breckenridge, Colorado"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Lesson #3

“I do not understand anything I see in this room [on this street, from this window, in this place].”

So far this year, we have practiced releasing meanings which we have placed on everything, while seeing the unreality of these meanings. Today we can relax and admit we don't understand anything! All scholarly beliefs are yielding to the understanding which is revealed when we allow ourselves to be led by God. This listening, this following of intuition, and the demonstration of what we hear moment by moment, is the other-dimensional way of life which we are living in this time of the acknowledgement of enlightenment. Our native state is one which is illumined by this Truth. Overwhelming material beliefs are the only things which keep us separated from Truth. These daily exercises are developing our spiritual perception. Our desire to release erroneous mortal thoughts clear the way for us to see ourselves as God's Idea.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"God's ideas reflect the immortal, unerring, and infinite. The mortal, erring, and finite are human beliefs, which apportion to themselves a task impossible for them, that of distinguishing between the false and the true. Objects utterly unlike the original do not reflect that original. Therefore matter, not being the reflection of Spirit, has no real entity. Understanding is a quality of God ..." Science & Health Page 505:26-5

January 2, 2013 - Perceptions Color Meaning

"Swimming at Sunset - Zion National Park"
photo by Aaron Springston

A Course In Miracles Lesson #2

“I have given everything I see in this room [on this street, from this window, in this place] all the meaning that it has for me.”

Isn't it interesting how the meaning we give something can be entirely different from the meaning someone close to us has given it? And how often we can become embroiled in disagreements stemming from these different perceptions and meanings we affirm to be truth! This was illustrated for me when I wrote a transition piece about Bob the Cat which was published in our local paper. This was done (from my viewpoint) with no thought other than the love that our neighborhood felt for this exceptional animal. But one of my neighbors felt that she was slighted in my depiction of the role she played in Bob's life. The meaning she and I had placed on a number of things soon became evident. As I mulled these difference over, I vowed not to make any assumptions about how she was feeling. By not placing any meaning on her reactions, I was able to walk away from our discussion with no hurt feelings on my part. So does this mean that I won't be interpreting anything and putting it in writing? Obviously not! But it does mean I will continue to work daily, moment by moment, to see through pure eyes, devoid of changeable material beliefs, and glowing with Love.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Erroneous belief is destroyed by truth. Change the evidence, and that disappears which before seemed real to this false belief, and the human consciousness rises higher. Thus the reality of being is attained and man found to be immortal. The only fact concerning any material concept is, that it is neither scientific nor eternal, but subject to change and dissolution."

Science & Health Page 297:12-19

January 1, 2013 - Freedom from Belief

"Bryce Canyon Sunrise"
photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Lesson #1

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

Everything is important; nothing is important. This much-repeated Buddhist axiom is the first thing which comes to mind when reading today's lesson. We tend to place meaning and importance on everything around us, in varying degrees of intensity, with good and bad connotations. We set up a dualistic situation with absolutely everything, and then we tell ourselves that it's necessary. People often say that if we didn't have bad, we wouldn't know and appreciate good. I think it's worth giving it a try, don't you? Let's allow it to just Be and see if we don't appreciate how wonderfully perfect it all is! Let's not worry when things are harmonious, wondering how long it can last. Let's accept what's happening around us without placing a meaning on it. The freedom gained from this abandonment of preconceived notions is our heritage. Let's not be shy about claiming it!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

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

Science & Health Page 228:11-13

December 31, 2012 - Retrospection

"Yield" Steel Sculpture at Crystal Bridges
by Roxy Paine
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #365

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

At this time of introspection and retrospection, I'm remembering the disciplines people practice which are based in Love. In this parenthesis in eternity we are all recognizing the principle we know as Love. Everyone I talk to is excited about the prospect of this shift in consciousness! Even those who fear change are wondering what is happening, and many are embracing it. The number of changes we're witnessing around us testify to the major thought turn-arounds we're experiencing. We are learning what reality is, and spending every moment seeing it in our experience. This knowledge and demonstration is what spurs us onward in our daily expression of Oneness. We have a willingness to expel from thought anything which is not a reflection of this Love. The peace of God is ours for the recognition of it.  Happy New Year -- now and every moment! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The divine hand led me into a new world of light and Life, a fresh universe -- old to God, but new to His 'little one.' It became evident that the divine Mind alone must answer, and be found as the Life, or Principle, of all being; and that one must acquaint himself with God, if he would be at peace."

Retrospection and Introspection Page 27:29-4

December 30, 2012 - Living Love

"Aaron and the Great Wall"
photographer unknown

ACIM Workbook Lesson #364

"This holy instant would I give to You.

Be You in charge. For I would follow You,

Certain that Your direction gives me peace."

All the insecurities, the feelings of loss and lack, the guilt and blame, all these things are losing their reality to us. Now that we see the unreality of these beliefs within ourselves, it's hard not pointing them out to others when they present themselves! These last few days, I've noticed what I do say in the face of negativity, fear, anger, and hate. After a snide racial comment from a terse-lipped woman, I said, "Keep smiling!" Upon which she gave me a fake smile, and I gave her a small Namaste' bow and left. When asked advice concerning someone's unhappiness, (knowing through experience that none of us can fix any other of us) my only suggestion was to concentrate on what brings happiness and fulfillment, and the unhappiness and emptiness will be lost in its face. We live what we've learned, giving to others from our receiving. What fun to see the joy this day will bring!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The sculptor turns from the marble to his model in order to perfect his conception. We are all sculptors, working at various forms, moulding and chiseling thought. What is the model before mortal mind? Is it imperfection, joy, sorrow, sin, suffering? Have you accepted the mortal model? Are you reproducing it? Then you are haunted in your work by vicious sculptors and hideous forms. Do you not hear from all mankind of the imperfect model? The world is holding it before your gaze continually. The result is that you are liable to follow those lower patterns, limit your lifework, and adopt into your experience the angular outline and deformity of matter models. To remedy this, we must first turn our gaze in the right direction, and then walk that way. We must form perfect models in thought and look at them continually, or we shall never carve them out in grand and noble lives.”

Science & Health Page 248:12-29

December 29, 2012 - Your Direction Gives me Peace

"Mountaintop Experience in Mongolia"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #363

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

It's tempting to think that following divine direction leads to epiphanies in thought and action.  The daily, quietly-received followings are the ones that excite me. This was shown to me when my son and I were making video segments for a virtual studio tour of the artists of Eureka Thyme. After a full day of interviewing and recording artists, it was my turn to do a shoot at the gallery. I didn't anticipate any problems and hadn't planned what to say because I trust these thoughts to flow from their source through me. After the first "take" my son made some suggestions about what I should be saying. At this point, I started to think and plan what I was going to say. He even suggested I practice what I would say, and I did. This was the beginning of an hour-long series of starts and stops which digressed to the point of me not being able to get past saying my name before being tongue-tied or making an odd face. It was ridiculous! At this point, he suggested I speak from the heart. And so I slipped back into my native state of trusting that I will know what to say and do. I got out of my way and let the only Way come through. Could this be why so many creative geniuses have been imbibers of spirits? When we get away from habitual mindsets, there is a freedom which flows through us. It's easy to believe we need help in leaving worn out thoughts behind. But do we? I'm going to let my heart answer this one.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Mind is not necessarily dependent upon educational processes. It possesses of itself all beauty and poetry, and the power of expressing them. Spirit, God, is heard when the senses are silent. We are all capable of more than we do. The influence or action of Soul confers a freedom, which explains the phenomena of improvisation and the fervor of untutored lips."

Science & Health Page 89:18-24

December 28, 2012 - Kinship with All Things

"Whitefish Lake - Montana"
photo by Aaron Springston 

ACIM Workbook Lesson #362

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

I have mentioned many times in this past year that I feel animals are showing us the way to living our true Being. Not only do they mirror back to us any emotions we may be secretly harboring, they show us how to communicate more effectively through telepathy and actions, rather than words. In watching "The Dog Whisperer", I have gained many insights into the reasons our dogs often seem neurotic and out of control. The reason always comes back to us, the people who love these dogs. It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to see what we're really thinking! Calm, assertive behavior is the mantra of Cesar Milan, the dog Whisperer. And assertive doesn't mean aggressive. It involves a certainty which is only attained through inner knowledge only heard in quiet, calm moments. These moments express the eternal holy instant where we forever abide with the certainty of peace. So I will continue to watch and learn from observing this kinship with all things living. 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Let us rid ourselves of the belief that man is separated from God, and obey only the divine Principle, Life and Love. Here is the great point of departure for all true spiritual growth."

Science & Health Page 91:3-6

December 27, 2012 - Peace

"Peaceful Christmas"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #361

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

The introduction to these final lessons tells us that we now want to go beyond words. Words will be used only as a reminder of that which we do not want in our lives any longer. We have been practicing letting go of each and every belief we've ever held to be true -- or false! I am reminded of an Infinite Way tape which is entitled "There Is No Health". By the admission that there is good health, you leave the door open for the belief that there is bad health. This same principle is at work in every facet of our lives. In ceasing to think of anything as good or bad, we are simply open to what Is. Everything I need, whether it be a word, a thought, any thing, appears when I am open with no expectations. 

Peace ~~~

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"God gives you His spiritual ideas, and in turn, they give you daily supplies.”

Miscellaneous Writings 1883–1896, Page 307

December 26, 2012 - Acts of Kindness

"Mongolian Mountains at Dusk"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #360

"Peace be to me, the holy Son of God. Peace to my brother, who is one with me. Let all the world be blessed with peace through us."

Every time I see a bumper sticker which proclaims "Random Acts of Kindness", or hear of another person promoting good deeds through something like a "Pay It Forward" campaign, it reaffirms my conviction that soon everyone will be expressing the Love from which they are made. Many friends have related their personal stories of such events, and a favorite is from one who lives in Chicago. She has a business on a busy street and has set up her own pay it forward campaign with a box for people to put spare change for the needy. Recently she noticed that a truck stopped outside and two men got out. They were looking at the sign explaining what the box was for, and one of the men bent over the box. So she went outside to see what they were up to. As money was missing from the box, she explained to the man what it was for, whereupon he became verbally abusive to her and got into his vehicle and drove away. Shortly after this, she was relating the story to a couple of people who came into her flower shop. They all decided that this was not the innate nature of this man and they should be silent for a few moments and affirm his reality as a child of Love. She tells me an hour had barely passed when this man came back in and apologized to her and put money into the box. I think this story exemplifies every change of heart we are all witnessing everywhere! I encourage you to share your stories with others through blogs and Facebook pages and everyone you interact with. One of my favorite ways of encouraging the growth of expressed goodness is through Charlie Johnson's campaign: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orzoXmx6b3g

Just this moment I received an email with a blog which seems pertinent to our affirmative expressions:www.LifeTapestryCreations.com

Of course, I love Jim Young's site: www.CreationSpirit.net 

Join with me in spreading the Word in whatever way is comfortable for you. Love and light to you, dear Friends!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

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

Science & Health Page 208:20-24

December 25, 2012 - Peace Like a River

ACIM Workbook Lesson #359 

"God's answer is some form of peace. All pain is healed; all misery replaced with joy. All prison doors are opened. And all sin is understood as merely a mistake." 

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

Mary Baker Eddy quote: "This homely origin of the babe Jesus falls far short of my sense of the eternal Christ, Truth, never born and never dying. I celebrate Christmas with my soul, my spiritual sense, and so commemorate the entrance into human understanding of the Christ conceived of Spirit, of God and not of a woman—as the birth of Truth, the dawn of divine Love breaking upon the gloom of matter and evil with the glory of infinite being.”

The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 262