July 20, 2014 - Searching

photo by Dale Johnson

ACIM Workbook Lesson #201

Central Theme: “I am not a body. I am free. For I am still as God created me.” Review: #181 "I trust my brothers, who are one with me."

"Searching For the Wrong-Eyed Jesus" is a documentary on life in the South of the United States. We are taken to small towns where people turn to drugs and/or religion when they've given up all hope of finding happiness. I watched in fascination, realizing for the first time what people find in so-called "holy-roller" churches. In their feverish love of God, they find the pleasure they crave. Others turn to mood-elevating drugs for the same reason. It's stated that everyone is "lonely for God" in these desolate towns. Another line which struck me was this: "He was just a regular ol' Southern lunatic. In his quest for union, he ended up being more separate then ever." There is such Truth to be found in their longing! I longed with them as they jumped up and down, speaking in tongues and dancing in odd jerky movements. There wasn't much difference in the drunken barroom scenes on Saturday night and the gyrations of the Sunday morning. gatherings. They're all looking for the same thing: They want to fill the emptiness inside. They want excitement, fun, a way to pass time without feeling alone. I can't keep from thinking of how they would be set free with the knowledge of their true Being. The only way this can happen is if I realize it -- really realize it! --  not just intellectually, but with my heart.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The rich in spirit help the poor in one grand brotherhood, all having the same Principle, or Father; and blessed is that man who seeth his brother's need and supplieth it, seeking his own in another's good."

Science & Health Page 518:15-19

July 19, 2014 - Peace

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #200

“There is no peace except the peace of God.”

Peace is a spiritual attribute. While we may perceive peace as changeable, that is only our material perception of it. As our topic today tells us, "There is no peace except the peace of God." Now, this statement may bring to mind a picture of a big Buddha ohm-ing away up in the sky, because that's the way we've come to think of deity -- something outside of us, looking down on us, watching over us, giving us things. But that's not the God we're beginning to know as Life, Truth, Love. This divine Mind, infinite Spirit, eternal Soul is you and me. As I learn to recognize the difference in material belief and spiritual truth, life becomes easier. The peace that is God is mine right now for the acceptance of it. We can't lose it, because it's eternally available no matter what the outward circumstance!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“It is our ignorance of God, the divine Principle, which produces apparent discord, and the right understanding of Him restores harmony. Truth will at length compel us all to exchange the pleasures and pains of sense for the joys of Soul.”

Science and Health Page 390:7-11

July 18, 2014 - I Am Free

ACIM Workbook Lesson #199

“I am not a body. I am free.”

What an intriguing topic to ponder is today's! "I am not a body. I am free." The idea that I am not a body can seem like a puzzle, perhaps one of those intricate knots with an object in the middle which you're trying to extricate, and there seems no way to do so. Then the solution appears in your thought and you wonder what seemed so impossible about it! If you put the puzzle away and don't look at it for a long time, you forget what you knew about it -- at least you forget until something reminds you of the solution. That's what the writings of Mary Baker Eddy and the teachings of A Course in Miracles do for me: they remind me of what's been forgotten. "Mind has set me free from every error." Today I will look to divine Mind for discernment. Infinite intelligence is my heritage as the expression of God. I pray to release all beliefs I have concerning reality, and allow inner knowing to show me Truth.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"I am the image and likeness of God; no mortal mind can confine this image in a mortal body, harm or touch it in any way, Mind has set me free from every error. Divine Love fills every avenue, flows through every channel and removes every obstruction."

[This is an excerpt from an article entitled "Body" by Mary Baker Eddy, filed in the Congressional Library, January 19, 1886, found by Lyda Sandifer Hord]

July 17, 2014 - The Heart's Nutriment

ACIM Workbook Lesson #198

"Woman in Mexico"
photo courtesy of Creation Spirit

“Only my condemnation injures me.”

For the last several years, I've avoided one of my neighbors, who is 90-plus years old, because it seemed there was no such thing as a short visit. She would tell me things I didn't want to know about her family and other people, so I began to avoid her. This morning she was sitting on her porch and asked for help. Her phone was not working and it's connected to a Lifeline button which she can push if she needs help. As it was going to take some time to get the phone company there to reconnect her, I told her I'd come over every hour and make sure she was okay. Today she started talking about herself, from childhood through more recent times, and it was fascinating! She told me the happiest times of her life were picking cotton with her sisters in the 1930s on a farm in Mississippi. Every visit with her today brought new adventures from her life. When she would wander into condemnation of others, I would simply tell her I had to go now, but would be back soon and wanted to hear more stories about her -- not others. It was like watching a documentary -- and I'm glad I was tuned in! I'm happy to find out what I was missing by not being honest with her. I don't want to hear gossipy things about others, but hearing about her feelings and experiences was lovely. I'm grateful for this day with her.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The poor suffering heart needs its rightful nutriment, such as peace, patience in tribulation, and a priceless sense of the dear Father’s loving-kindness.”

Science and Health Page 365:31-2 

July 16, 2014 - One in Gratitude

ACIM Workbook Lesson #197

“It can be but my gratitude I earn.”

We tend to project our own feelings onto God, don't you think? I guess it's part of our illusionary training to see Source as anthropomorphic, and so it's easy to put conditions and limitations on forgiveness and gratitude. Seeing myself as a reflection of God is a great first step in developing spiritual sense, but it's easy to think that God is a reflection of me! I may feel that I can never forgive certain things because they're just too bad. But God "is of purer eyes" than to see these things. So there is nothing to forgive when I'm living in Oneness. My beliefs may tell me I'm grateful that things aren't as bad as they could be, but God's creation is only good. And so anything unlike God, good, is unreal. Mortal mind, or ego, would tell me many other stories, but I choose to listen to Truth. My gratitude, your gratitude, God's gratitude -- it's all One and the same, as is the Love which conveys it!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“When man is governed by God, the ever-present Mind who understands all things, man knows that with God all things are possible."

Science & Health Page 180:25-27

July 15, 2014 - Secure in Love

photo by Nick Franchi

ACIM Workbook Lesson #196

“It can be but myself I crucify.”

This is the point in these Course in Miracles workbook lessons where we are repeatedly told that we are on the brink of realizing salvation, revelation, heaven. The belief systems we have put into practice throughout the years may begin to talk back to us in protest of our new way of thinking. Fear not! We have the tools to stand fast in our knowledge. We have each other as reminders in support. We have inner knowing to tap into for verification on our path. We can move onward, upward, inward, fearless and secure in Love.

Mary Baker Eddy quotes:

“Mortal error will vanish in a moral chemicalization. This mental fermentation has begun, and will continue until all errors of belief yield to understanding. Belief is changeable, but spiritual understanding is changeless.” S&H Page 96:21-24

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