January 1, 2014 - A Meaningless Day!

"Loveland Pass, Colorado"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM WOrkbook Lesson #1

“Nothing I see in this room [on this street,

from this window, in this place] means anything.”

At the start of this new year, with its many possibilities and prospects, I reaffirm the desire to release preconceived meaning which I have placed on everything. I know many people think of this as a "bad" thing. I am told that if nothing means anything, then we don't have a reason to be "good". When confronted with this thought, it's difficult for me to keep a straight face! Our innate goodness as the experience and reflection of God shines forth unabashed when allowed to do so. The shackles we've placed on ourselves, either collectively or individually, hold no meaning other than what we give to them. Through the daily practice of letting go of long-held beliefs, we step into the light of Truth. By this discipline, we are allowing ourselves to see through the illusions we have accepted as reality. What a beautiful new day!

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, 2013 - New Year's Wish

"Yield" stainless 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."

My New Year's wish is for more silence, more stillness, in which to experience what that has to show me. It's too easy to fall into habits which keep us busy, always on the go, or always listening to the radio or some such thing. I was on the phone for more than an hour today with a tech guy who was helping me work out some weird things on my new online shopping web site. While we were waiting for something to happen on his computer, we chatted about regular things -- where do you live, do you like working in tech support, things like that. He told me that he went to school, had a small business, and worked at night helping people over the phone. He also said that if he didn't keep busy he would go "insane". So I questioned him about that. Turns out he's never been quiet in his life and he fears it.  I wonder how many people in this world feel that way? In line with "being the change I want to see", I believe I'll have a three-day retreat of silence! Happy New Year Everyone!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Spirit, God, is heard when the senses are silent. We are all capable of more than we do." 

Science & Health Page 89:20-22

December 30, 2013 - First Thoughts in the Morning

"Utah Morning"
photo by Aaron Springston

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."

The first thought we have in the morning can shape the way our day develops. Having spent years training myself to stay away from worry and busy-ness, its disheartening to find myself waking to wondering thoughts. For a few weeks, I've been having vivid dreams and I wake up thinking about what they mean. I've forgotten to bring thought to Spirit and rather I lay there wandering through a maze of odd events featuring people, animals, and places which are well-known to me. And this seems to be affecting the way I think about things all day long. It doesn't matter how much I try to push and pull my thoughts in other directions, they insist on making judgments, comparison, and searching for hidden meanings. I am very grateful for these closing lessons of the year, which urge us to go beyond thought and know that if we can only get out of our own way, God's thoughts are supplying us with direction and peace.

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, 2013 - Who's in Charge?

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."

Sometimes I find myself so caught up in being "in charge" of things that I forget I'm really not! When you stop and think about it, aren't most things redefined moment-by-moment? There may be snow storms, or people not doing what they were going to do, or perhaps loved ones need attention in various ways -- well, you've been there yourself and know what I mean! And so it is that making the decision to live by intuition and spiritual insights works for me. I don't like to worry about what-ifs and make contingency plans to cover alternate possibilities. Even when events are not going the way I had hoped, it's a great comfort to know that "only good can come of this". A number of years ago a good friend told me she always held to those words when fearful challenges were present. And so, I do, too. Only good can come of this. 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"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. 

Science & Health Page 323:30-4

December 28, 2013 - Listening to Animals

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 often mention in these writings that I feel animals are showing us how to live true to our Self. 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. Although my dog exhibits numerous behaviors I find baffling, I continue to see positive behavior changes in him as I become more honest and calm in my own actions. In watching "The Dog Whisperer", I have gained many insights into the reasons our dogs often seem neurotic and out of control. It always comes back to people. Calm, assertive behavior is the mantra of Cesar Milan. Assertive doesn't mean aggressive. It involves a certainty which is only attained through listening to an inner knowledge, which can only be heard in quiet, calm moments. These moments express the eternal holy instant in which our natural state shines through with the certainty of peace. And Love is reflected in love.

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 91:5-8

December 27, 2013 - Strength in Silence

"Frozen Fog in the Ozarks"
photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

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 final five workbook lessons in A Course in Miracles stress that we are at a point where we use as few words as possible. Having just watched a documentary entitled "Thrive", I'm tempted to use lots of words and talk of things we can do to facilitate change, such as shopping locally with small businesses, supporting organic farmers, and other ways of living in a state of awareness. But instead, I'll focus on something this film stressed as what we can do in order to heal our world: be quiet. We are urged to find our core of strength through silence, which connects us to everyone. This fits right in with the admonition to use as few words as possible. If you have a chance, watch this film. It could be thought of as frightening, but I see it as a reminder that every thought and action counts. Let's join together in silence and see where it leads us!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"It is only by acknowledging the supremacy of Spirit, which annuls the claims of matter, that mortals can lay off mortality and find the indissoluble spiritual link which establishes man forever in the divine likeness, inseparable from his creator."

Science & Health Page 491:12-16

December 26, 2013 - The Time is Now

"Temple Square"
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."

How many times have you felt that we're on the verge of the realization of universal peace and harmony? I know I have a number of times. January 1, 2000 felt like a tipping point. Although I don't remember specific dates other than that one, I know there have been many occasions when it simply "felt like" this was it; that we would forget differences and only remember unity and the fact that we are all One. I felt this again today. Any unrest and dis-ease going on around me seemed like a cry for Love. Really, truly, I saw people reaching out for something secure in a material world full of insecurity and fear. We are all the same in the reality of Spirit. The "reign and rule of universal harmony which cannot be lost nor remain forever unseen" is waiting for us to cast off fear and embrace it!

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, 2013 - What Christmas Means to Me

Marsha
photo by Michelle

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." 

Many people have told me they don't like Christmas. What they mean, of course, is they don't like the way Christmas is promoted by media and corporations, placing emphasis on buying unnecessary things and going into debt to do so. We all know people who are over-stressed for various reasons during this beautiful time of the year. And so the words of Mary Baker Eddy which are quoted below are what I will concentrate on today. Spending the day quietly listening, in peace and joy, today and every day is all I want. This is the gift which is ours for the claiming of it, anytime, anywhere. Happy Christmas to All!!

Mary Baker Eddy quote: "Christmas to me is the reminder of God’s great gift, — His spiritual idea, man and the universe, —a gift which so transcends mortal, material, sensual giving that the merriment, mad ambition, rivalry, and ritual of our common Christmas seem a human mockery in mimicry of the real worship in commemoration of Christ’s coming.

I love to observe Christmas in quietude, humility, benevolence, charity, letting good will towards man, eloquent silence, prayer, and praise express my conception of Truth’s appearing." Miscellany Page 262:18-30

December 24, 2013 - Desire is Prayer

"Mongolian Shaman"
Sandy Wythawai Starbird

ACIM Workbook Lesson #358 "No call to God can be unheard nor left unanswered. And of this I can be sure; His answer is the one I really want." 

Today's lesson tells us why there is no need for audible prayer, constant pleadings, repetitious affirmations, or anything else which falls under the heading of talking to God. All is known to divine Principle, God. We can't tell It anything, but we can listen. By this listening we remember who we are and become aware of our purpose. There is nothing other than the Love that is God. When we yield to this fact, wonderful things happen! This yielding consists of refraining from worry and wondering about "what-ifs". To keep this erroneous thought from taking over, hold to spiritual Truth. If you can only remember one thing that is true, that will do it. God is Love. I Am the expression of Love. That is enough!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Thoughts unspoken are not unknown to the divine Mind. Desire is prayer, and no loss can occur from trusting God with our desires, that they may be molded and exalted before they take form in words and in deeds." 

Science & Health Page 1:1-10 

December 23, 2013 - Perfect Harmony

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #357

"Truth answers every call we make to God, Responding first with miracles, and then Returning unto us to be itself."

The Course in Miracles lessons sweetly guide us through the principles we examine daily. The Christian Science weekly lesson consists of 26 topics which rotate through twice a year. Watching these two disciplines flirt with each other and culminate in a merging which is imperceptible in its union has been an exciting adventure for me! The Truth is the Truth no matter where you find it. What I love about these two ways of thought is that there is no conflict, no space where I must set one aside for the other. They each have an elegant delivery which guides me through the the material maze to spiritual sense. May we all realize our sameness when we meet and talk. As a popular soft drink commercial has been telling us for years: "I'd like to teach the the world to sing in perfect harmony!" There is no teaching involved in this miracle; only a remembering of Truth. Namaste' ….

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Truth is affirmative, and confers harmony. All metaphysical logic is inspired by this simple rule of Truth, which governs all reality." 

Science & Health Page 418:20-22

December 22, 2013 - The Sunlight of Truth

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #356 "Sickness is but another name for sin. Healing is but another name for God. The miracle is thus a call to Him."

When we read the above words, "Sickness is but another name for sin", the immediate response could be to think it's telling us that we're sinners and are being punished for it by sickness. We are learning that sin is defined as anything that separates us from the Love which is God.  Most of us have been taught that sickness, evil, and many other negative aspects of this existence are powers over which we have little to no control. Divine Principle, law, negates these material mesmeric thoughts. As we wake up to this truth, multitudes of things we thought to be our master turn out to be nothing more than smoke and mirrors. As we lift the veil and reveal reality, the quotations we read here today begin to be more than words. They are principles by which to live. I relish every step of this awakening!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Christian Science brings to the body the sunlight of Truth, which invigorates and purifies. The effect of this Science is to stir the human mind to a change of base, on which it may yield to the harmony of the divine Mind." 

Science & Health Page 162:4-5, 9-11

December 21, 2013 - Peace & Joy

"Salt Lake City, Utah"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #355 

"There is no end to all the peace and joy, And all the miracles that I will give, When I accept God's Word. Why not today?"

Falling off the wagon can mean many things. I no longer worry that I'll hit the bars, but I often feel I'm walking a tightrope between Love and fear. The inclement weather we've experienced in our small tourist town has had quite an economic impact on us these past few weeks. You may remember that I recently wrote about "taking a leap of faith" and changing some long-standing practices in the gallery. With the lack of business and correlating lack of funds, I began to wonder if I was doing the right thing. Then two things happened. I ran across this quote from Mary Baker Eddy which I had never seen before: "Divine principle brings need and supply together for mutual good." And with that reminder, I realized how I've trusted in this precept for the last number of years while building a business which blesses so many people in so many ways. I could write pages about how this principle has been demonstrated in the past, and also proofs I see unfolding at this very moment. I am grateful for this peaceful awakening!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"To divest thought of false trusts and material evidences in order that the spiritual facts of being may appear,--this is the great attainment by means of which we shall sweep away the false and give place to the true." 

Science & Health Page 423:8-12

December 20, 2013 - Standing in Peace

"Light Confusion"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #354

"We stand together, Christ and I, in peace And certainty of purpose. And in Him Is His Creator, as He is in me."

Under any circumstance, it can be difficult to stand "in peace and certainty of purpose". When we fall into a rushed mindset, it's almost impossible to recognize that a peaceful state even exists! Recently I was hurrying to an appointment and needed to drop off something at the post office on the way. As the building came into sight, along with its limited parking spaces, I saw a woman getting into her car and preparing to pull out. Great! I'll pull right in and rush in and out, accomplishing my task. Well, this lady didn't pull out, but rather sat there and made a phone call. I must admit I thought some unloving thoughts toward her as I waited impatiently for her to move. Then suddenly I realized I knew her. Not only knew her, but she is one of my best friends! I had been in such a dither that I didn't recognize her, and I thought ugly things about her, and now was very sorry for all of it. Would I have felt differently if I hadn't known her? Hopefully not! I would like to think I would have awakened and stopped judgmental imaginings without the prompting realization that I knew and loved her. Thinking thoughts of unity, I have patience with all, as I pray they do with me, too. Once again, Namaste' …..

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The relations of God and man, divine Principle and idea, are indestructible in Science; and Science knows no lapse from nor return to harmony, but holds the divine order or spiritual law, in which God and all that He creates are perfect and eternal, to have remained unchanged in its eternal history."

Science & Health Page 470:32-5 

December 19, 2013 - Bring Truth to Error

photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #353 "My eyes, my tongue, my hands, my feet today Have but one purpose; to be given Christ To use to bless the world with miracles."

The use of the word "Christ" need not put off anyone who is not a follower of Jesus. Both Mary Baker Eddy and A Course in Miracles define The Christ in many ways. One of my favorites is this from Science & Health: "Christ is the true idea voicing good, the divine message from God to men speaking to the human consciousness." Every day is full of opportunities to bring Christ to a situation by listening to spiritual sense. When thinking about today's topic, I couldn't help but think about a media-perpetrated debate about the color of Santa Claus' skin.  If we bring Christ to this or any other situation, there is no need to take sides, as there are none. Skin color, gender, sexual orientation -- the multitude of dualities we choose to subscribe to, all meant to blind us to our unity -- none of them mean anything when brought to Christ, or spiritual sense. Let's hold to spiritual Truth when faced with erroneous mortal thought. It certainly makes life much simpler!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The illumination of Mary's spiritual sense put to silence material law and its order of generation, and brought forth her child by the revelation of Truth, demonstrating God as the Father of men. The Holy Ghost, or divine Spirit, overshadowed the pure sense of the Virgin-mother with the full recognition that being is Spirit. The Christ dwelt forever an idea in the bosom of God, the divine Principle of the man Jesus, and woman perceived this spiritual idea, though at first faintly developed."

Science & Health Page 29:20-29

December 18, 2013 - Love, not Judgment

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #352

"Judgment and love are opposites. From one Come all the sorrows of the world. But from The other comes the peace of God Himself."

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

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Thought will finally be understood and seen in all form, substance, and color, but without material accompaniments."

Science & Health Page 310: 6:8

December 17, 2013 - Guide to Peace

"

"Perceptions"
Photo by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #351 "My sinless brother is my guide to peace. My sinful brother is my guide to pain. And which I choose to see I will behold."

An old friend whom I hadn't seen in quite some time came in the gallery following a joyous Christmas parade. She told me about taking care of a friend of hers who is very ill. In the telling of this, she mentioned that this woman had been very hurt and upset by a rescue organization here in our town; that they had done many things which caused her anguish, including telling lies about her. In telling this tale, she wept many times and said divisive things about this group of people. My first impulse was to stand up for them. I see them as a wonderful organization, compassionate and caring. My old friend does not. As I hugged her and reassured her the best I could, I realized, once again, that we have choices in perceptions. Feeling compassion for her pain, I didn't defend this group nor try to refute her accusations, as I realized that seeing "my sinless brother is my guide to peace." Namaste' -----

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Final deliverance from error, whereby we rejoice in immortality, boundless freedom, and sinless sense, is not reached through paths of flowers nor by pinning one's faith without works to another's vicarious effort. Whosoever believeth that wrath is righteous or that divinity is appeased by human suffering, does not understand God."

Science & Health Page 22:23-28

December 16, 2013 - The Miracle of Grace

"Christmas Tour of Homes Performance"

ACIM Workbook Lesson #350

"Miracles mirror God's eternal Love. To offer them is to remember Him, And through His memory to save the world."

While acting as a docent at the Christmas Tour of Homes, our lovely almost-100-year-old church edifice was graced with an 8-piece brass ensemble which played carols. This performance could have been considered rather pedestrian by many, but I was reminded that "miracles mirror God's eternal Love" when they did something unexpected in the first number they played. They had launched into "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" when, on the last verse, suddenly everyone stopped playing except the baritone horn and the flute -- and the remainder began to sing. I'm not sure why this particular combination moved me so, but suddenly I found tears streaming down my face as I watched this group performing under the words "God is Love". I can think of many reasons why this happened, but they all fall under the heading of experiencing divine Love. We can see this mirror in everything, when we clear the way for it. I ask to remember this today and every day.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The miracle of grace is no miracle to Love. 

Science & Health Page 494:15

December 15, 2013 - The Miracle of Love

"Colorado Night"
photo by Mawuena Davies

ACIM Workbook Lesson #349

"Today I let Christ's vision look upon all things for me and judge them not, but give each one a miracle of love instead."

When I was in my 20s, I read many science fiction novels, especially reveling in those written by Robert Heinlein. I remember one in particular where no one wanted or needed anything; where there was no room for anger or warlike behavior because all of their actions came from Love; where disagreements were settled by a "fair witness" who would listen and decide what should be done.This utopia seemed so simple to achieve. It feels as if these fictional dreams of perfection are here with us now. They are being realized in a myriad of ways. If you don't think so, do an internet search on subjects such as good deeds, or peaceful living, or pay it forward. The longing we feel for Good is expressed in multitudinous ways. Think of the major shifts in thought we've witnessed in our lifetime!  I know that in the last 20 years my way of looking at things has done an about face. I see now that nothing can keep the miracle of Love away, no matter how hard we try.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The Science Jesus taught and lived must triumph over all material beliefs about life, substance, and intelligence, and the multitudinous errors growing from such beliefs.”

Science & Health Page 43:23-25

December 14, 2013 - Grace Suffices

"Bob, the Cat"

ACIM Workbook Lesson #348

"I have no cause for anger or for fear, For You surround me. And in every need That I perceive, Your grace suffices me."

Our wonderful tabby-point cat, Bob, was an inspiration to me. While I'm not going to tell the Story of Bob in this writing, one part of his time with us stays with me, especially when thinking of having no cause for anger or fear. When our household welcomed a Corgi puppy, Chili, it wasn't an easy time for the cats of the house! After an encounter with Clili, Bob's ear was ripped by a herding nip and he decided to live outside. When Chili was outside, occasionally he would challenge Bob by growling and rushing at him. Bob would flop over on his back, squirming happily, while purring and smiling at the dog! Bob never exhibited any fear or anger; he never retaliated with his claws; he simply dissipated the anger with Love. Now this never happened in the house, but outside with his paws in the dirt, he seemed to be centered in nature, knowing what to do at all times in order to either avert or evaporate danger. Bob lived the Love which is God. There was only happiness and contentment surrounding him. Bob "got It"!! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote: "The great miracle to human sense is divine Love, and the grand necessity of existence is to gain the true idea of what constitutes the kingdom of heaven in man. This goal is never reached while we hate our neighbor." 

Science & Health Page 560: 11-13

December 13, 2013 - Slow Down

ACIM Workbook Lesson #347

Photo by Aaron Springston

"Anger must come from judgment. Judgment is the weapon I would use against myself, to keep the miracle away from me."

It is easy to ignore signs that the brain has blocked out divine Mind. This morning I made a minor, yet glaring, error in a social media announcement concerning an upcoming featured artist at the gallery. If I hadn't rushed through the process, I would have seen it. A few other things happened throughout the day, but I justified them. Then I discovered that my notice to the local Chamber of Commerce, sent in for a blast to more than 500 people, contained a personal letter which I had written to the artists I represent. I'll leave out all the gory details which ensued, but during a rushed time a few days ago, I had inadvertently added the email of a new employee for publicity to my artist list, rather than to the Chamber list. So reading this ACIM lesson caused some major laughter as I realized there had been indicators to slow down and listen all day, but I'd chosen to rush past them. This is yet another lesson I pray to remember! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Material man is made up of involuntary and voluntary error, of a negative right and a positive wrong, the latter calling itself right. Man's spiritual individuality is never wrong."

Science & Health Page 491:7-10