August 14, 2013 -Hurry Home!

"Aaron in South Africa"
photo by Heather Magnan

ACIM Workbook Lesson #226

“My home awaits me. I will hasten there.”

What does it mean that my home awaits me? How does this affect my existence? Accepting the Truth of our being has surprising translations. One manifestation I look forward to experiencing is communication without words. We see this sharing of thought in the animal kingdom. It can be observed in watching birds fly in formation, or your dog expecting you home five minutes before you get there, or any number of insights we allow into our awareness. With each stretching past our accepted limitations, fresh insights will appear. I watch those who are frightened of this new/old way of living. They find reasons to stand still, afraid that things could be worse than they are. I see you, dear One, flying, leaving behind stuck thought and seeing from a higher perspective than you knew was possible. Today I change my mind about the purpose of the world, and live the kingdom of God which is within. Therein lies the safety of home.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Take heart, dear sufferer, for this reality of being will surely appear sometime and in some way. There will be no more pain, and all tears will be wiped away. When you read this, remember Jesus' words, "The kingdom of God is within you." This spiritual consciousness is therefore a present possibility.”

Science & Health Page 573:27-2

August 13, 2013 - Living Love

"Happy Child in Mongolia"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #225

“God is my Father, and His Son loves Him.”

The ebb and flow of divine Love does not mean that it comes and goes like the tide, but that there is an ever-present circulation between its Source and the creation of divine Mind. Divine creation includes you and me, our true Selves as the reflection of this Love. The admission to myself that there is only one thing I want, which is to know God, to understand the relation of myself to All that Is, allows me to confess the Love I feel for God and all of Creation. Releasing the full power of this divine Love is translated into loving actions and thoughts in everyday life. We need not plan to be kind and loving, but by loving only God this expression is found in surprising ways!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Not materially but spiritually we know Him as divine Mind, as Life, Truth, and Love. We shall obey and adore in proportion as we apprehend the divine nature and love Him understandingly, warring no more over the corporeality, but rejoicing in the affluence of our God. Religion will then be of the heart and not of the head. Mankind will no longer be tyrannical and proscriptive from lack of love,--straining out gnats and swallowing camels.”

Science & Health Page 140:7-14

August 12, 2013 - One

"South Africa - World Cup 2010"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #224

“God is my Father, and He loves His Son.”

Today's ACIM lesson tells us that God is my Father and He loves His Son. Take away material gender-related terms and know that we are all God's reflection and divine Love is equally available for all of us. There is no division by race or religion, no Love bestowed on someone who does good things and someone who fits the requirements to be called sinner. This perfect Love is available to all, simply for the accepting of it. So as we go through our daily activities, let's remember to treat everyone with the loving respect and courtesy with which we would afford a dearly beloved parent or child. Let kindness and joy spread to every person you come into contact with today, and everyday. We really are all created equally!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"One infinite God, good, unifies men and nations; constitutes the brotherhood of man; ends wars; fulfils the Scripture, “Love thy neighbor as thyself;” annihilates pagan and Christian idolatry, — whatever is wrong in social, civil, criminal, political, and religious codes; equalizes the sexes; annuls the curse on man, and leaves nothing that can sin, suffer, be punished or destroyed. "

Science & Health Page 340:21-29

August 11, 2013 - Life Expressed

"Happy Bird"
by Sandy Wythawai Starbird

ACIM Workbook Lesson #223

“God is my life. I have no life but His.”

I often wonder if we all have this inner knowing that God is our life, but this knowledge is covered up by the material teachings we accept as truth. I met a man who seems to epitomize this knowledge within our Being. He started playing drums and realizing his communion with music at the age of four years. For the last 37 years, he has followed his heart through the expression of music. He is now buying a drum-making business from a local man who has become renowned for attention to detail and trueness of resonance. As he sat in my gallery playing from the heart, I felt filled with the joy that he exuded with his whole demeanor. I loved watching his hands on the drum heads, and the look on his face as he glorified Life unabashedly. I can still feel his joy! I am grateful for this proof of connection with All that Is. Namaste'

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"God is divine Life, and Life is no more confined to the forms which reflect it than substance is in its shadow. If life were in mortal man or material things, it would be subject to their limitations and would end in death. Life is Mind, the creator reflected in His creations. If He dwelt within what He creates, God would not be reflected but absorbed, and the Science of being would be forever lost through a mortal sense, which falsely testifies to a beginning and an end.”

Science & Health Page 331:1-10

August 10, 2013 - My Home

"Butterfly World in St. Louis"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #222

“God is with me. I live and move in Him.”

We are waking up from our oblivious stupor; from our dream of separation from God and each other. The admittance to ourselves that we are divine has taken us to another level of action to correspond with our thought. We are becoming more consciously intuitive in our daily activities. People are dropping life-long habits, and they're glad to see them go!  Today's ACIM lesson states this: "God is with me. He is my Source of life, the life within, the air I breathe, the food by which I am sustained, the water which renews and cleanses me. He is my home, wherein I live and move ..." And so it Is ~~~

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The universe reflects and expresses the divine substance or Mind; therefore God is seen only in the spiritual universe and spiritual man, as the sun is seen in the ray of light which goes out from it. God is revealed only in that which reflects Life, Truth, Love,-- yea, which manifests God's attributes and power, even as the human likeness thrown upon the mirror, repeats the color, form, and action of the person in front of the mirror.”

Science & Health Page 300:29-4

August 9, 2013 - "This year has brought us to eternity."

"Devi deva"
fabric creation by
Sandy Wythawai Starbird

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #221 “Peace to my mind.  Let all my thoughts be still.”

Today marks a transition with the Course in Miracles Workbook Lessons. The first 220 lessons have been exercises in giving up beliefs, habitual thoughts, inane or destructive actions, and numerous other things which have held us captive to sense. We now know how to differentiate between ego thoughts and the ideas of Mind. And we're not afraid to listen and trust what we hear in that silence between the words. We've been exercising our spiritual sense, while quieting our physical senses. And now we want the "direct experience of truth". Now we are ready to shift attention within ourselves, to the source Itself, letting go of any ritualistic words and dogma we have been harboring. We now understand what forgiveness is about. It's the understanding that there is nothing to forgive. We have also reached the point where we don't need specific times during the day to remind us to think about our nature as a child of God. This shift from habitual, material thought to inspired, divine ideas is feeling more natural to us now. And so, today I see us as quietly devoted to the peace of God. Every time we silently turn whole-heartedly to God -- knowing that all is Mind, Truth, Love -- we remember more of our original Being. We feel a perfect peace which allows our actions and words to be those of divine Mind, without worry, with total trust, knowing that our lack of expectation frees us. To quote from today's lesson: "This year has brought us to eternity."

Mary Baker Eddy quote: “The effects of Christian Science are not so much seen as felt. It is the ‘still, small voice’ of Truth uttering itself. We are either turning away from this utterance, or we are listening to it and going up higher. Willingness to become as a little child and to leave the old for the new, renders thought receptive of the advanced idea. Gladness to leave the false landmarks and joy to see them disappear,--this disposition helps to precipitate the ultimate harmony. The purification of sense and self is a proof of progress. ‘Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.’"

Science & Health Page 323:28-6

August 8, 2013 - Peace

"Bella Donna Eureka"
photo by Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #220

Central Theme: “I am not a body. I am free. For I am still as God created me.” Review: #200 “There is no peace except the peace of God.”

It is quite lovely to watch this peaceful thought demonstrated throughout a group of people who gather together to share good food, companionship, and our understanding of the Principle of A Course in Miracles. Having been acquainted for a number of years, we relish seeing the calm demeanor, the single-eyed pursuit, the palpable peace emanating from and through each other. Some of us are amazed that this could happen to us! Some are surprised that it is even possible. We all are tickled pink that it can be as simple as surrendering belief and embracing Knowledge. How thrilling to know we're all in this together!

Mary Baker Eddy quotes:

"Spiritual living and blessedness are the only evidences, by which we can recognize true existence and feel the unspeakable peace which comes from an all-absorbing spiritual love."

Science & Health Page 264:24-27

August 7, 2013 - Life and Love are Eternal

"Marsha & Jim at Metafizzies 2007"

ACIM Workbook Lesson #219

Central Theme: “I am not a body. I am free. For I am still as God created me.” Review: #199 “I am not a body. I am free.”

Be with those who help your being. I've always loved that thought, haven't you? More and more, I find myself reveling in the company of friends, and being even more content in solitude. This seeming-conundrun feels similar to the realization that I'm not a body. It's both exhilarating and calming. I'm excited that I needn't be a victim of the false beliefs of material life. I'm content in knowing there is so much to realize in this unfolding Life.  Having just spent an evening with a well-loved friend who is moving away from our town, I feel full of Love and peace. I am enriched beyond words for the gifts this friend has given me over the years. His wisdom and inspiration have been such an integral part of me. I cherish our times spent in conversation and laughter. Now I know why I felt I knew him the first moment I saw him. Life and Love are eternal.  

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The real man is spiritual and immortal, but the mortal and imperfect so-called “children of men” are counterfeits from the beginning, to be laid aside for the pure reality. This mortal is put off, and the new man or real man is put on, in proportion as mortals realize the Science of man and seek the true model." Science & Health Page 408:11-22

August 6, 2013 - Demonstration

From John Rankine's photo series entitled
"A Community at Peace"

ACIM Workbook Lesson #218

Central Theme: “I am not a body. I am free. For I am still as God created me.” Review: #198 “Only my condemnation injures me.”

Today I want to share this writing by Mary Baker Eddy entitled "Demonstration". 

"I have learned a great secret.

I have learned how to demonstrate, I have learned how to make Science a thing of life, not of words.

I am going to tell you what the secret is, and it is wonderful.

It is this: Not to see or hear or repeat any kind of imperfection.

It is seeing and hearing and repeating good only, at all times and under all circumstances, and in spite of everything that appears to the contrary.

I make this resolve every morning, when I first open my eyes, and I renew it every hour of the day.

I see perfection in myself in my friends, in my so-called enemy, in my affairs and in world affairs.

I take my radical stand for the perfection of God and everything and for everything and everybody He has created. I look upon the world with God's eyes and see it just as He sees it, and I refuse to see it in any other way.

I stop a dozen times a day, and renew the resolve, and make sure that I am not repeating error or giving way to criticism. I watch my thoughts about people, the lame, the old, the unloved to sense that I pass in the street, stray animals, I except nothing. I have taken my radical stand for perfection and I will not, absolutely will not, relax this perfect standard.

The result has been simply marvelous. Try it and you will find that you forget your glasses; they will become unnecessary.

You will be seeing with God's eyes, His perfect sight, and you will behold a perfect universe, the outward condition of your inward thinking. To change the picture you must change the sight that produced the picture." 

By Mary Baker Eddy

August 5, 2013 - Gratitude, No Strings Attached

"Montana Trees"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #217

Central Theme: “I am not a body. I am free. For I am still as God created me.” Review: #197 “It can be but my gratitude I earn.

Gratitude is usually thought of as an outward action to be given, not received. But we have learned that what we give IS what we receive, and this is so with gratitude, also. Salvation often implies a thing to be sought after and earned through attrition of some sort. The salvation we speak of today is a realization that we are Love (God), that the thanks we give is a perpetual realization of this Being that we are, and by this knowing we live in Love and unending gratitude of All that Is.  This understanding brings us to the Truth of Being. The understanding of Truth is salvation, for which I am very grateful.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“One kind of faith trusts one's welfare to others. Another kind of faith understands divine Love and how to work out one's ‘own salvation, with fear and trembling.’ ‘Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief!’ expresses the helplessness of a blind faith; whereas the injunction, ‘Believe . . . and thou shalt be saved!’ demands self-reliant trustworthiness, which includes spiritual understanding and confides all to God.”

Science & Health Page 23:23-31

August 4, 2013 - Why crucify anyone?

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #216

Central Theme: “I am not a body. I am free. For I am still as God created me.” Review: #196 “It can be but myself I crucify.”

When I think back on my marriages, I wonder if things would have been different if I had put as much effort into knowing God as I did into the accoutrements of the union. Expectations abounded in every direction: what we would be doing in a few years, how many kids we would or wouldn't have, how we would grow together until we were some sort of perfect single being. All sorts of odd things go through your mind when you're young and you believe in the mid-1900s television version of marriage. And so I crucified myself time and again (and again!) with false expectations and blame. Would things be different today with the Knowledge I am beginning to understand? I like to think so ~~~~

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Marriage should signify a union of hearts. Furthermore, the time cometh of which Jesus spake, when he declared that in the resurrection there should be no more marrying nor giving in marriage, but man would be as the angels. Then shall Soul rejoice in its own, in which passion has no part. Then white-robed purity will unite in one person masculine wisdom and feminine love, spiritual understanding and perpetual peace."

Science & Health Page 64:17-25

August 3, 2013 - Loving Gratitude

"Bryce Canyon"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #215

Central theme: "I am not a bodyz. I am free. For I am still as God created me." Review: #195 "Love is the way I walk in gratitude."

Today we focus on releasing the future. Although the future is an illusion of time and space, we tend to live in it a lot of the time. Fantasies of the way things could be, expectations projected onto loved ones, wondering what tomorrow will bring, all these thoughts can be haunting. One of the lessons I'e learned about planning and predicting the future was brought about by my art gallery, Eureka Thyme. At its inception, I imagined an herbal gift shop, hence its name. But it quickly took on a life if its own, and I chose to follow by listening for inner knowing rather than sticking with what I had dreamed. The business focus has shifted from locally-made herbal gifts to locally-created art and fine craft. This happened by having no parameters for what I would sell there, other than it must be made with Love. And this flowing idea now blesses more than a hundred people who sell everything from handmade wooden toys to fine art! It takes practice to see the difference between pushing for what I want and being led by the Spirit that I Am. Axioms such as "Let go and let God" may seem mundane, even ridiculous to some, but for me it's the only way. If I'd insisted on having what I wanted -- which was, I suppose, to be Martha Stewart of the Ozarks -- well. let's not go there! All I know is that it's wonderful just as it is, for which I'm most grateful.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Spiritual sense, contradicting the material senses, involves intuition, hope, faith, understanding, fruition, reality.”

Science & Health Page 298:13-14

August 2, 2013 - Listening to Intuition

"Monolith in Mongolia"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #214

Central theme: "I am not a body. I am free. For I am still as God created me." Review: #194 "I place the future in the Hands of God."

Recently I was in a local thrift shop and overheard a woman telling of how she had "just known" she should bring her camera with her to work that day. She told her friend that she had repeatedly thought to pick up her camera and have it with her, but she had rationalized that there was no reason for that. So she left the camera behind. I did not have the chance to eavesdrop on why she had ended up needing it, but she had. She also told how she often had thoughts which proved to be valid, but she couldn't make herself believe them. Aren't you glad we're learning that these intuitions are what we receive when we clear the way for spiritual thought to be heard? And we know there is nothing to fear in this. Woo-hoo!!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“We cannot fill vessels already full. They must first be emptied. Let us disrobe error. Then, when the winds of God blow, we shall not hug our tatters close about us.”

Science & Health Page 201:13-15

August 1, 2013 - Changing Thought

"Light Show in St. Louis"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #213

Central Theme: “I am not a body. I am free. For I am still as God created me.” Review: #193 “All things are lessons God would have me learn.”

Today we review a lesson which tells us numerous times to "Forgive, and you will see this differently." See what differently? Everything! Seeing through the eyes of unified goodness, God, changes our outlook from one of sense perception and learned belief. No longer will we put meaning on things just because that's the way we've always done it. Giving up how I feel about death, for instance, allows celebration of Life to replace sadness for my loss. It may be a bittersweet celebration at first, but as I learn the reality of our Oneness, I can let myself stop missing someone's presence, because we are never apart. Whether we're not together because we've grown apart, or maybe someone is moving across the globe, or if they have passed on from their material body, we are never separated by more than the thought which caused the rift in our connection. And I learn peace.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Sorrow has its reward. It never leaves us where it found us. The furnace separates the gold from the dross that the precious metal may be graven with the image of God." 

Science & Health Page 66:30-1

July 31, 2013 - Trust YourSelf!

"South African Night"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #212

Central Theme: “I am not a body. I am free. For I am still as God created me.” Review: #192 “I have a function God would have me fill.”

With the freedom that we're realizing, many things are becoming clear. I know people who are changing their life's work, following dreams or discovering new skills which they're putting into practice. It's very exciting to see someone coming alive with the excitement of doing what they've always wanted! Whether it's moving to another part of the globe, or beginning a new career, or "retiring" and doing things which make them and others happy, things are changing. It's so wonderful that we're feeling free to follow our heart and move into the space of Love which fulfills our function. And how do we know what that is? Trust yourSelf!!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Spirit, God, gathers unformed thoughts into their proper channels, and unfolds these thoughts, even as He opens the petals of a holy purpose in order that the purpose may appear.”

Science & Health Page 506:18-21

July 30, 2013 - We are the Son of God

Photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #211

Central Theme: “I am not a body. I am free. For I am still as God created me.” Review: #191 “I am the holy Son of God Himself.”

We have insisted on separating ourselves from each other by setting up divisions such as nationality, gender, and religion. It seems as though it should be simple to accept our unity as an idea of divine Mind. We all have a song to sing, and we are all  part of the grand symphony of Life. To rejoice in being One with everyone, to live from Love rather than fear and its imaginings, is to humbly accept the goodness we inherently are. I pray to turn away from the illusion of material problems as I wholeheartedly accept my function as a reflection of God, seeing that image mirrored in everyone I meet.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The world believes in many persons; but if God is personal, there is but one person, because there is but one God. His personality can only be reflected, not transmitted. God has countless ideas, and they all have one Principle and parentage. The only proper symbol of God as person is Mind’s infinite ideal"

Science & Health Page 517:15-20

July 29, 2013 - Put Down the Glass

"South Africa Sunrise"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #210

Central Theme: “I am not a body. I am free. For I am still as God created me.” Review: #190 “I choose the joy of God instead of pain.”

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

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Who that has felt the loss of human peace has not gained stronger desires for spiritual joy? The aspiration after heavenly good comes even before we discover what belongs to wisdom and Love. The loss of earthly hopes and pleasures brightens the ascending path of many a heart. The pains of sense quickly inform us that the pleasures of sense are mortal and that joy is spiritual.”

Science & Health Page 265:23-30

July 28, 2013 - Love Liberates

"Mark at the Artrageous Parade"
photo by Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #209

Central Theme: “I am not a body. I am free. For I am still as God created me.” Review: #189 “I feel the Love of God within me now.”

Throughout our lifetime, we have seen oppression falling. I know, I know, there's still a long way to go -- but just think how far we've come! It seems to me it should be easier than it is. The strides I have made in releasing preconceived notions about people who seem different from me are huge! Recently a man said to me that he was afraid to come to Eureka Springs. Of course I asked him why. He said if we were having one of our "diversity" weekends he didn't want to be here. He assured me he had nothing against "gays", but he didn't want it rubbed in his face. This is a learned behavior on his part and has nothing to do with the way he felt when he came out of the womb into this life. As we release what we think we're supposed to think, we open the way for divine Love to guide us. Love is the liberator!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The history of our country, like all history, illustrates the might of Mind, and shows human power to be proportionate to its embodiment of right thinking. A few immortal sentences, breathing the omnipotence of divine justice, have been potent to break despotic fetters and abolish the whipping-post and slave market; but oppression neither went down in blood, nor did the breath of freedom come from the cannon's mouth. Love is the liberator.”

Science and Health Page 225:14-22

July 27, 2013 - Peace No Matter What

"Mongolia - Altai Mountains"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #208

Central Theme: “I am not a body. I am free. For I am still as God created me.” Review: #188 “The peace of God is shining in me now."

It's comforting to know that peace is always waiting within, no matter how jarring outside circumstances may seem. Sometimes I fall into that disharmony, forgetting that I have a choice in the matter. Right now my dog is barking at something outside. I feel my muscles becoming tense as the noise reverberates in the house. Should I join in his tension and anxiety, or would I rather bring him along into my oasis of peace? It seems like a "no-brainer" there, huh? But how often have I let outside circumstances dictate my mood? I'm glad I don't need to relive all those moments! Today I will remember I have a choice, and not be swept along in a current of dis-ease.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Undisturbed amid the jarring testimony of the material senses, Science, still enthroned, is unfolding to mortals the immutable, harmonious, divine Principle,—is unfolding Life and the universe, ever present and eternal.”

Science & Health Page 306:25-28

July 26, 2013 - Love Life

"Morning Prayer in Mongolia"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #207

Central Theme: “I am not a body. I am free. For I am still as God created me.” Review: #187 “I bless the world because I bless myself.”

What blesses one blesses all! When we open our hearts to the knowledge that God is Love, and that we are the image and likeness of that Love, we are reborn of that Love. I know some people who think it's selfish to pray for themselves. But the knowledge that you bless the world when you bless yourself sets you free to treat yourself as well as you would someone you love. Praying for ourselves: what a concept, huh? Acknowledging the reality of our Being, affirming our goodness as a child of God, knowing that everyone is created as a divine manifestation of Mind, these are some of the ways we bless ourselves and everyone else. Join me in falling in love today -- with Life!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“So-called mystery and miracle, which subserve the end of natural good, are explained by that Love for whose rest the weary ones sigh when needing something more native to their immortal cravings than the history of perpetual evil.

Science & Health Page 501:13-18