July 14, 2014 - The Gift of Gratitude

"Water Lily at OMS"
photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #195

“Love is the way I walk in gratitude.”

The previous lessons in this workbook have been helping me to see that I am the reflection of divine Love -- and showing me what to do with that knowledge. I am gaining confidence in learning how to get out of my own way, relying on the wisdom which is heard through spiritual sense. Today is not about being grateful to God, but because of God! God is Love. To experience and demonstrate this Love, nothing is required of me other than my awareness of it. When facing circumstances which feel difficult, I will look at them under the microscope of Love, honestly wanting to know the Truth of the situation. In gratitude, I open my eyes to whatever may be revealed.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"We should examine ourselves and learn what is the affection and purpose of the heart, for in this way only can we learn what we honestly are. If a friend informs us of a fault, do we listen patiently to the rebuke and credit what is said? Do we not rather give thanks that we are "not as other men"? During many years the author has been most grateful for merited rebuke.”

Science & Health Pages 8:28-3

July 13, 2014 - One Thing

"Milky Way in Utah"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Lesson #194

“I place the future in the Hands of God.”

It takes practice to let go. A mere 20 years ago, I still thought I was in control. It took a child's illness for me to realize I didn't have the power to make things all right. In the space it took to hear a diagnosis, I had a change of heart. I'm sure I went through all the emotions associated with this kind of thing: sorrow, anger, blame, and so on. But I knew deep down that there was only one answer. "One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple." (Psalms:27:4) Sometimes I forget this. I'm happy to have this reminder today!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Prayer cannot change the unalterable Truth, nor can prayer alone give us an understanding of Truth; but prayer, coupled with a fervent habitual desire to know and do the will of God, will bring us into all Truth. Such a desire has little need of audible expression. It is best expressed in thought and in life."

Science & Health Page 11:28-32

July 12, 2014 - Letting it Go

"Ancient Enigma"
clay creation of Ken Starbird

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #193

“All things are lessons God would have me learn.”

Any grudges I am holding are being held over my own head. I saw someone today whom I hadn't thought about in a long, long time. Immediately when I saw her, the grudges I held, the blame I apportioned, came to mind. But I stopped and thought about why it had ever mattered so much in the first place. The immediate conclusion was that I had felt self-righteous in the situation. I had taken actions and words personally AND had made assumptions about the reasons for her behavior. Now I look back and see that it just doesn't matter. Any hurt that I thought had been inflicted on me was nothing but my self-important response. Almost immediately I began to wonder if she thought badly of me. Then I realized that didn't really matter either. I'm not responsible for what anyone else thinks, only myself. As a good friend tells me time and again, It's none of my business what anyone thinks about me! I'm so happy to have released yet another perceived pain. Namasté ~~~

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The true Logos is demonstrably Christian Science, the natural law of harmony which overcomes discord, — not because this Science is supernatural or preternatural, nor because it is an infraction of divine law, but because it is the immutable law of God, good."

Science & Health Page 134:21-26

Julyl 11, 2014 - Forgiveness is the Avenger

ACIM Workbook Lesson #192

“I have a function God would have me fill.”

This function I am to fill is forgiveness. How often have you heard it said that we must remember some horrendous event, that we must never forget? Throughout the ages, we've heard these words (or something similar) so often that we think there is a mandate telling us that this is the way to handle our hurt. From the Holocaust to 9/11, these words resound over and over in memory. By releasing this type of fear and hatred and disgust, we clear the way for something else to appear: the reality of our Being, the wholeness of this Life, the beauty of Love. This is not a weakness, but the ultimate strength. Today I want to build on this until it overtakes me. I want to know Truth until illusion is pushed away. In mercy I find freedom. 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Not to avenge one's self upon one's enemies is the command of almighty wisdom; and we take this to be a safer guide than the promptings of human nature. To know that a deception dark as it is base has been practiced upon thee, and yet not to avenge thyself, is to do good to thyself; is to take a new standpoint whence to look upward; is to be calm amid excitement, just amid lawlessness, and pure amid corruption."

Miscellaneous Writings Page 228

July 10, 2014 - Child of Divine Love

"Sunrise at OMS"
photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #191

“I am the holy Son of God Himself.”

There's a young woman who works in a market I frequent. I was surprised when she told me she had been gone for almost a year. Time is so elastic! She tells me she got married and it was a horrible experience. She said she didn't think she could ever look at herself in the mirror without blame. She wanted to tell me details, but I asked her not to. I told her she's the reflection of divine Love and that nothing could change that. I suggested she walk in the woods, plant some flowers, get plenty of exercise. She said there was nothing she would rather do than walk in the woods and talk to God, but that she didn't know where to go. I suggested a beautiful spot out of town called the Outdoor Meditation Sanctuary (OMS). When I described it to her, she began to cry and thanked me profusely for telling her. We all have times we need to hear about our true, pure Being.  Namasté ~~~

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Immortal and divine Mind presents the idea of God: first, in light; second, in reflection; third, in spiritual and immortal forms of beauty and goodness. But this Mind creates no element nor symbol of discord and decay. God creates neither erring thought, mortal life, mutable truth, nor variable love.”

Science & Health Page 503:20-25

July 9, 2014 - Leaving Old for New

Mt. Timpanogos Goats

ACIM Workbook Lesson #190

“I choose the joy of God instead of pain.”

I woke up this morning wishing I didn't need to speak at all today. I didn't even go to the farmers' market, nor did I attend an early-morning monthly meeting scheduled for today. Instead I spent a few hours with some of my favorite metaphysical teachers, via their books and videos, then went for a long walk with my dog around Black Bass Lake. I feel brand new! I realize we can't always have the luxury of choosing peace in our every surrounding, but we can choose it in our thought. I find days like today make it easier to know that peaceful joy no matter where I am. Namastè ~~~

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." 

Science & Health Page 323:32-4

July 8, 2014 - The Art of Loving People

ACIM Workbook Lesson #189

“I feel the Love of God within me now.”

I was at a gathering of friends this evening and the talk turned to traveling and the problems which arise concerning transportation. Someone made the observation that we remember the really bad things and the really good things. In listening to their recounting of these events, it seems the line between a bad experience and a good one is very thin. One woman told of muddled connections in transportation being smoothed out by someone offering to make her a sandwich. She was tired and hungry, and this loving gesture from a stranger made everything all better. I would love to write a book called "The Art of Loving People". It could be based around all the beautiful stories of us being kind to each other. The Love which is God is everywhere! All we need do is clear the way to feel it and express it.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Love inspires, illumines, designates, and leads the way. Right motives give pinions to thought, and strength and freedom to speech and action. Love is priestess at the altar of Truth."

Science & Health Page 454:17-21

July 7, 2014 - Oh, What a Love!

ACIM Workbook Lesson #188

“The peace of God is shining in me now.”

This photo of Ken and Sandy Starbird is my very favorite one. I first met these artists when they came to my gallery seeking representation. No, that's not right. They presented themselves and we all saw at least a glimmer of why we were being brought together. Our association grew into friendship and loving appreciation. Seven weeks ago, Ken was told he had a brain tumor which was termed aggressive. I've always admired their interaction with each other. There is a palpable trust and respect running through their pure and passionate love for each other. In these past few days, I've witnessed an all-encompassing peace surrounding them. They know Love is eternal, and they have inspired me to live Its ever-presence. As I ponder metaphysical statements on physical so-called death, I see that all of us can transcend material belief and see what is just out of sight. As we are told today, "Enlightenment is but a recognition, not a change at all." Here's to you, Ken and Sandy! Cheers for leaving behind the fear and embracing the Love!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Truth and Love enlighten the understanding, in whose "light shall we see light;" and this illumination is reflected spiritually by all who walk in the light and turn away from a false material sense.”

Science & Health Page 510:9-12

July 6, 2014 - What Blesses One Blesses All

ACIM Workbook Lesson #187

“I bless the world because I bless myself.”

If I have something and give it away, ,my material belief is that I don't have it any longer. I am learning through these studies that giving will increase what I possess. I am also learning that things represent thoughts. I am discovering that when I give ideas away they become stronger in everyone's mind. The form is often changed in what we give and and what we receive, but it never leaves us lacking. Thoughts and ideas cannot be lost, whereas material form is constantly changing. By allowing ourselves to bless ourselves, we bless the world. 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“In the scientific relation of God to man, we find that whatever blesses one blesses all, as Jesus showed with the loaves and the fishes,--Spirit, not matter, being the source of supply.”

Science & Health, Page 206:15-18

July 5, 2014 - Accepting My Function

photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #186

“Salvation of the world depends on me.”

Would you feel uneasy, perhaps arrogant, if you say that salvation of the world depends on you? I know I would have in the past, but that was before I realized that the opposite is true. The realization that we are united with God and all that Is is a humbling experience. It's easy to get this concept backwards, believing that if we recognize our oneness with God, we are displaying braggadocio. I have found boastful behavior comes about from thinking that my material, personal beliefs are more valid than the experience I share with God. The surrender necessary to allow myself to want nothing other than to know God is a yielding of my self-important intellectual sureness. The gratitude I feel from the realization of our unity is priceless. Namastè ~~~

Mary Baker Eddy quote: "God creates all forms of reality. His thoughts are spiritual realities. So-called mortal mind — being non-existent and consequently not within the range of immortal existence — could not by simulating deific power invert the divine creation, and afterwards recreate persons or things upon its own plane, since nothing exists beyond the range of all-inclusive infinity, in which and of which God is the sole creator. Mind, joyous in strength, dwells in the realm of Mind. Mind’s infinite ideas run and disport themselves. In humility they climb the heights of holiness." Science & Health 513:28-9

July 4, 2014 - Celebrate!

photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #185

“I want the peace of God.”

This is a day of celebration in the United States. On July 4th we celebrate Independence. Today's lesson tells us that if we want the peace of God, it is ours if we sincerely want it. The reason for this is that peace is our birthright as an expression of God. Today I will celebrate my independence from thoughts which bind me to old ways; from thoughts which bring neither peace nor freedom. I will throw off the shackles of belief and celebrate the freedom which living Truth brings. I won't concentrate on what I am not, but what I Am. I Am a creation of divine Mind, a reflection of divine Love. Woo-hoo!! Let the celebration begin!!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"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 & Health Page 225:16-22

July 3, 2014 - Symbols and Names

Aaron in Italy

ACIM Workbook Lesson #184

“The Name of God is my inheritance.”

From the moment we come into this form, people begin to teach us the names of things, what those names represent, and the meaning we should place on them. These names and meanings separate us from each other: they de-unify us. We think of learning as knowing what these things are, and we study to find out everything about them. In this world we have made, we need these symbols, these names, in order to communicate, yet we keep getting glimpses of true communication -- and, if you're like me, you want more! Watching birds fly in formation is but one way we get a taste of something beyond what we, as humans, believe to be communication. Rather than learning more about the illusion of names and notions, I'd rather work toward understanding the reality of a shared unity with God. The knowledge that the confusion we are faced with in daily life is not true creation is a key to the door of Truth. Therein we find peace.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“In the Scriptural allegory of the material creation, Adam or error, which represents the erroneous theory of life and intelligence in matter, had the naming of all that was material. These names indicated matter's properties, qualities, and forms. But a lie, the opposite of Truth, cannot name the qualities and effects of what is termed matter, and create the so-called laws of the flesh, nor can a lie hold the preponderance of power in any direction against God, Spirit and Truth.”

Science & Health Page 177:15-24

July 2, 2014 - I Call on Love's Name

photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #183

“I call upon God's Name and on my own.”

There was a time in my life when I declared that I did not believe in God. The act of writing these words brings back the feelings of cynicism and self-importance which accompanied this seeming-revelation. I think what I was pushing away was the universal belief of what this essence we call God consisted. While I had been steeped in the Science of The Christ as a child, when I left home I was sure there was something better waiting to be found. Looking for this illusive something too me along many avenues, from university classes in the bible as literature to LSD trips. During these times, I couldn't even say the word "God". I know many feel this way for various reasons. These synonyms for God bring me to another level of thought when contemplating the meaning of today's lessons: Mind, Spirit, Soul, Principle, Life, Truth, Love. I think the point is that we invoke the essence of God, realizing there is nothing else, that I Am that, and that is all. I have made gods many in my life, but today I will leave them behind and sit with the unity of one God, which is All-in-All.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Question: What is God?

Answer: God is incorporeal, divine, supreme, infinite Mind, Spirit, Soul, Principle, Life, Truth, Love.

Question: Are these terms synonymous?

Answer: They are. They refer to one absolute God. They are also intended to express the nature, essence, and wholeness of Deity. The attributes of God are justice, mercy, wisdom, goodness, and so on.

Question: Is there more than one God or Principle?

Answer: There is not."

Science & Health Page 465: 8-17

July 1, 2014 - Go Home and Be At Peace

"Homesess ... Again"
ceramic sculpture from Ken Starbird

ACIM Workbook Lesson #182

“I will be still an instant and go home.”

A number of people whom I know quite well have told me that they don't feel they belong here. I think we all, at some time or another have felt this way. What if, rather than us not belonging here, this "here" we speak of isn't what we think it is? What if we don't belong in this crazy world, but the world we see isn't as solid as we think it is? Perhaps our true home is something we've sensed is there, sort of like seeing something out of the corner of your eye, but when you look directly at it, it's not there.  For years I grasped at straws while ignoring the vast Truth of eternity. We're not strangers in a strange land when we realize the truth of the land in which we abide. We think everything is real that we touch and see, but it's shifting and changing, as opposed to the omnipresent stability of our true home. So let's be still a moment and ask to know what that home is. We want it so badly, but we've forgotten what it is. Now we're not afraid to remember!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“As mortals begin to understand Spirit, they give up the belief that there is any true existence apart from God.”

Science & Health Page 282:30-32

June 30, 2014 - Trusting my Siblings

by Sandy Starbird

ACIM Workbook Lesson #181

“I trust my brothers, who are one with me.”

It seems "they" are trying to harm "us" everywhere we look! From fluoride in our drinking water to desecrating our countryside with electrical lines and chemicals to kill the foliage and fauna, it feels as though we're under attack! And so I'm very happy to have this beautiful ACIM lesson to guide my thought from defense mode to an understanding which affirms the goodness of all mankind -- and explains the reason why. There are so many disciplines which teach us how to deal with material circumstances. They are lovely reminders of how to improve what we call the human condition. And many tell us that we're humans having a spiritual experience, but very few tell us that we're actually spiritual. In divine metaphysics we learn that everything is an idea of God. I am a spiritual idea right here and now! And you are, too! And so are all those who don't realize their inherent goodness. I'm going to pick a person who seems to fall into this category and concentrate on their true Being as an expression of divine Love. This feels like a Science project, don't you think? I shall record the results.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"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."

Science & Health Page 467:9-13

June 29, 2014 - Living Grace

ACIM Workbook Lesson #180

Central Theme: "God is but love and therefore so am I." Review of: #169 "By grace I live. By grace I am released." #170 "There is no cruelty in God and none in me."

Although I don't beat myself up over the past, occasionally reminders pop up which I'd rather not acknowledge, but when I saw our review topics, I knew they must be faced. I used to have a very volatile personality. In conversation with a dear friend, I related a few incidents of anger -- which caused me to remember even more occasions. It's certainly not something I'm proud of, but I am happy that those highly-emotional feelings are gone. Many factors were involved in moving past those times, including becoming a parent, stopping alcohol consumption, and a sincere desire to live a life centered in divine Love. I'm glad this has come up now, because I've noticed a certain hardening of heart recently. There may be many supposed reasons for this, but none of them matter to me. I'd rather skip all the causes and return to the one Cause: God. Today I will reread ACIM workbook lessons #169 and 170, listening for inspiration while knowing "God is but love and therefore so am I." I want to feel what it means that "By grace I live. By grace I am released." May I fully accept that "There in no cruelty in God and none in me."

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Christian Science commands man to master the propensities, — to hold hatred in abeyance with kindness, to conquer lust with chastity, revenge with charity, and to overcome deceit with honesty. Choke these errors in their early stages, if you would not cherish an army of conspirators against health, happiness, and success."

Science & Health Page Page 405:5-11

June 28, 2014 - Deathless Life

photo courtesy of Creation Spirit

ACIM Workbook Lesson #179

Central Theme: "God is but love and therefore so am I."

Review of: #167 "There is one life, and that I share with God."

#168 "Your grace is given me. I claim it now."

I joyously accept the fact that Life is deathless! But then I try to turn that immortality into material existence. I imagine myself going into the "afterlife" in this body, with these feelings, seeing others I love in their bodies with their individuality intact. I may get very upset if anyone tries to tell me differently! I think it's comforting to believe that life beyond the "pearly gates" will be just like this one is -- except better! But wait a minute. If we are spiritual right now, not material, if we are One by virtue of being an idea of God, then we are joined with everyone we love right here and now. We needn't wait until we die to be together because we've never been apart! No one of us knows exactly what will happen after the change we call death. But by listening to those who have more experience than I do in such matters, I am gaining a sense of what seems plausible and what doesn't. One thing I'm absolutely sure of is that there is nothing to fear and nothing to lose. Life is eternal right now!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"If the Principle, rule, and demonstration of man’s being are not in the least understood before what is termed death takes mortals, they will rise no higher spiritually in the scale of existence on account of that single experience, but will remain as material as before the transition, still seeking happiness through a material, instead of through a spiritual sense of life, and from selfish and inferior motives."

Science & Health Page 290:3-10

June 27, 2014 - Answered Prayer

ACIM Workbook Lesson #178

Central Theme: "God is but love and therefore so am I." Review of: #165 "Let not my mind deny the Thought of God." #166 "I am entrusted with the gifts of God."

How surprised would you be if your prayers were answered? I have a friend who tells me she's given up on God because she's never seen any proof. Upon questioning her, it turns out she has a laundry list of things she asks for regularly, and none of her wishes have come true. Once again, I feel we often confuse divine Love with Santa Claus. We may be asking some guy in the sky for special dispensation, rather than recognizing that this Principle is an eternal activity which we can plug into at any time. It's kind of like electricity: It's there, but it doesn't supply our needs unless we know how to utilize it. And the secret to plugging in is to not want anything! By not delineating what we think we need, but rather keeping our thoughts tuned to the divine Mind, all our needs are supplied. The nature of this Oneness insures that what we need comes to us, and goes out to others, and we needn't tell It what It is!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“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.”

Science & Health Page 3:17-27

June 26, 2014 - Science & Spirituality

ACIM Workbook Lesson #177

Central Theme: "God is but love and therefore so am I."

Review of:

#163 "There is no death. The Son of God is free."

#164 "Now are we one with Him Who is our Source."

There is much talk nowadays about the melding of science and religion. In their traditional meanings, this would be impossible. 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. While typical religion may never qualify under this definition, the knowledge of God certainly does. When Mary Baker Eddy discovered the science of the Christ in the 1860s, she first called it moral science. In her 600 pages of explanation, this science is shown to meet all the criteria to be called such. 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!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“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.”

Science and Health Page 288:10–14

June 25, 2014 - I Am ...

photo by Aaron Springston

One of our review topics for today includes the words "I am as God created me." I would be willing to bet that if you asked 100 people what that sentence means, you would get quite a few different answers. It's also a pretty good bet that many of those answers would be influenced in varying degrees by the Adam and Eve story or some other matter-based creation myth. In the spiritual creation story given us in the first chapter of Genesis, God made us in Its image. In the third chapter, there is another story entirely, one in which we are made from dirt and don't advance very far from that sorry beginning. As we learn more about our spiritual self as the expression of God, we realize we have far more choices than we have been taught. As powerful spiritual beings, we are not the victim of fate and circumstance, but are masters of the universe, because we are one with it and it with us!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Keep in mind the verity of being, — that man is the image and likeness of God, in whom all being is painless and permanent. Remember that man’s perfection is real and unimpeachable, whereas imperfection is blameworthy, unreal, and is not brought about by divine Love."

Science & Health Page 414:26-31