August 3, 2014 - Releasing the Future

"In-The-Moment Squirrels"
photo by Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #215

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

Today's review tells us to release the future: What does that mean? We've learned that we must release the past in order to live in the present. "Those who live in the past are condemned to live there alone." (Einstein's Dreams, by Alan Lightman) But what of releasing the future? Does that mean we can't make plans and have dreams of what we'd like to do? No, of course not. It simply means that we mustn't allow those "what-if" situations to control us. If we take the future to the level of overwhelming worry, affecting our every moment in the present, then it's time to release it! I feel there is nothing wrong with thinking about the past or the future, unless it begins to be our focus and affects our every action. No fear of the future nor regret in the past places me in the now. I revel in finding out what that means!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“As the crude footprints of the past disappear from the dissolving paths of the present, we shall better understand the Science which governs these changes, and shall plant our feet on firmer ground.”

Science & Health Page 224:4-7

August 2, 2014 - Empty Thought

"Eureka Thyme Window"
photo by Richard Quick

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."

I used to think that "placing the future in the hands of God" meant losing control and being an automaton of some sort. I'm coming to realize that just the opposite is true. One example of being well-served by listening is when I had the thought that a deer was going to run out into the road. I applied the brakes and sure enough, the deer dashed across the road in front of me. Another time of yielding to divine Mind had to do with the impending closure of my beautiful art gallery and all the events which occurred , allowing us to stay open and thrive. I'm so grateful to be learning how to empty thought of needless chatter, enabling spiritual sense to be heard!

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, 2014 - Seeing With New Eyes

"Deer in Lilies"
photo by Richard Quick

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's review is of 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, will change my outlook from one of sense perception and learned belief. No longer will I put meaning on something because that's the way I've always thought about it. Giving up how I feel about death, for instance, allows celebration of Life to replace sadness for my perceived loss. It may be a bittersweet celebration at first, but as I feel the reality of our Oneness, I can allow myself to stop missing someone, because we are never apart. If I've been missing someone because they've moved away, or gone through the change we call death, or any of the many reasons we feel separated from ones we love, 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, 2014 - Trust Your Self

"Aaron at Butterfly World"
photo by Heather Magnan

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.”

Have you noticed people making major shifts in their lives? The cool thing I've observed is that these are not painful changes, but beautifully flowing shifts which seem almost effortless in their perfection. I love seeing people coming alive with the excitement of doing things which bring them happiness and deep fulfillment! Whether it's moving to another part of the globe, or starting a new career, or "retiring" and finding that life is just beginning, people are changing their focus in major ways. 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? Listen inwardly and 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, 2014 - We Are the Son of God

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.”

It's heartbreaking to see segments of the world in turmoil because of beliefs in separation. We have insisted on separating ourselves from each other by setting up divisions such as nationality, gender, and religion. It seems to me 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 human differences, as I wholeheartedly accept my function as a reflection of God, seeing that image mirrored in everyone I meet.

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 340:23-29

July 28, 2014 -

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.”

During my lifetime, I've seen oppression of various types falling. I admit that there's still a ways to go -- but just think how far we've come! The strides I have made personally 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 of prejudice 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 have come to believe that 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 29, 2014 - Put Down the Glass

"Joy in Mongolia"
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 remember a wonderful story which relates to choosing joy rather than pain.. In this story, 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 scenario is a metaphor for 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 27, 2014 - Choosing Peace

photo from 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."

Some days it seems everyone I speak to is adversarial. I often wonder if it's me, and when I notice what I'm thinking, I see that it is. Saturday in the gallery was one of those days when everyone had a complaint: too expensive, a real person couldn't have made something so intricate, things of this nature were said time and again. I was tempted to be defensive and retaliate in kind. It didn't take long for me to realize the error in my thought. As soon as I had a few moments of respite, I silently turned inward, affirming the Truth of Love's creation and requesting myself to return to that space of peace. As my mood shifted, so did the atmosphere of the gallery. I have a sign on the cash register stating: "All who love beauty and grace are drawn to Eureka Thyme." And so it is!

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, 2014 - Fall in Love Today!

photo courtesy of Richard Quick

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 I open my heart to the knowledge that God is Love, and that I am the image and likeness of Love, I am reborn in that Love. We may think it's selfish to pray for ourselves, but the knowledge that we bless the world when we bless ourself sets us free to honor ourself as much as we do a loved one. 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 manifestation of divine 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

July 25, 2014 - Receiving and Giving

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #206

Central theme: “I am not a body. I am free. For I am still as God created me.” Review: #186 “Salvation of the world depends on me.”

Today's lesson, in part, tells me that I have the gifts of God and I must give them where they are intended to be given. This is why it's essential that I allow myself to receive: I cannot give what I do not have. This giving may take many forms. A documentary comes to mind about a group of people whose average age is 80. These delightful people sing in live performances all over the world. Their songs are surprising and joyous, bringing happiness to all who hear them. This ever-changing group of joyful givers call themselves "Young @ Heart", and the film bears the same name. These people inspire me to give of what I have been given, to be willing to share the salvation which is mine -- and yours! Whenever I forget my true Self, the memory of these resplendent people will remind me that we're all here for each other, and that with giving we receive, and with receiving we give.

Mary Baker Eddy quotes:

“Truth should, and does, drive error out of all selfhood. Truth is a two-edged sword, guarding and guiding. Truth places the cherub wisdom at the gate of understanding to note the proper guests. Radiant with mercy and justice, the sword of Truth gleams afar and indicates the infinite distance between Truth and error, between the material and spiritual,-- the unreal and the real.”

Science & Health Page 538:3-10

July 24, 2014 - Calm, Exalted Thought

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #205

Central Theme: “I am not a body. I am free. For I am still as God created me.” Review: #185 "I want the peace of God.”

In the past 19 years, since I've given up my washer and dryer, I've spent quite a bit of time in laundromats, and I've met the most interesting people there. Recently, I met a woman who had lived in our mountain town for about a year. She wasn't happy here in any way. She told me how she couldn't stand the weather, her job, her apartment, the lack of public transportation, our farmers' market. For most of her diatribe, I calmly listened to her and agreed that she should probably go back to Houston where she was happier. But when she started to put down our local farmers' market, I verbally retaliated in a fashion more vehement than expected! Looking back on the situation, I realize that the "peace of God" that we are contemplating today has nothing to do with degrees. Divine Love doesn't stay calm and then get upset if someone says something derogatory about a cause close to Its heart. Today my focus will be on experiencing peace in every situation, not just the ones I have no emotional connection towards. Namasté.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The calm and exalted thought or spiritual apprehension is at peace."

Science & Health Page 506:11-12

July 23, 2014 - True Inheritance

photo courtesy of
CreationSpirit.net

ACIM Workbook Lesson #204

Central theme: “I am not a body. I am free. For I am still as God created me.” Review: #184 “The Name of God is my inheritance.”

When hearing the word "inheritance", many thoughts come to mind. Maybe we think of things given us by parents -- not just left to us upon their passing, but perhaps the way we look and act and other DNA-based traits. Through no plan of my own, I've shown in my life that these things are simply material beliefs. Although my racial heritage is largely Mexican, I carry none of the physical characteristics associated with these wonderful people. The reason for this is based in thought. I was raised as a VERY white person. My parents were so determined that I not carry what they saw as the burden of being a Chicano in the United States, that they carried forth an elaborate plan to negate this. And it worked! I tell you this to illustrate that all material circumstances are changeable. We are able to deny any mortal belief, not on the basis of our material manipulations of matter, but based on our understanding of the Truth of our Being as God’s reflection.  In the proverbial twinkling of an eye, perceptions may change and Life can be lived free of illusions, in our Oneness with God.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The eternal Truth destroys what mortals seem to have learned from error, and man's real existence as a child of God comes to light.”

Science and Health Page 288:31–1

July 22, 2014 - I Am Free

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #203

Central theme: “I am not a body. I am free. For I am still as God created me.” Review: #183 “I call upon God's Name and on my own.”

Today's lesson reminds me of a youTube video from Eckhart Tolle entitled "The Flowering of Human Consciousness." This talk starts out with him asking us to pretend we have no name. He wants us to examine how this feels and see who we are without this part of our "story" in place. I feel fortunate to have discovered that my personal history isn't exactly what I had been told it was. My parents took me from a relative shortly after my birth, moved to another state, and invented a history for their new baby.  Finding out at the age of 37 that my given name and birthdate were fiction enabled me to begin to see who I Am, in reality. My only parent is divine Mind. I have no birth date as I am eternal, without beginning or ending. Every single part of my material history is temporary illusion which can be released in favor of Truth. This doesn't mean that I will lose my individuality. On the contrary! I am set free to be more of mySelf when I release the limitations imposed by heredity, circumstance, and other material beliefs concerning my past. This release also frees me from the pain of guilt, blame, and other derogatory emotions. When we call on God's name, we are calling on ourSelf. Our sustenance, our comfort, are all found within. We are free!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Man's individuality is not material. This Science of being obtains not alone hereafter in what men call Paradise, but here and now; it is the great fact of being for time and eternity."

Science  & Health Page 285:2-6

July 21, 2014 - Nothing changes Here

"Kings River, Carroll County, AR"
photo by Arthus Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson # 202 

Central Theme: “I am not a body. I am free. For I am still as God created me.” Review: #182 “I will be still an instant and go home.”

Many of us are resistant to change. We like the security of things staying the same, and often rebel against changes even though we innately sense they would be wonderful. And the changes that aren't always so pleasant -- the loss of a loved one, being fired from a job, losing a home to fire or other devastating circumstance -- those things are feared and dreaded and worried about. I'm sure you know people who have faced such seeming loss and appear to be serene and happily accepting of whatever may come. That's what it means to "be still and go home". Once I realize that home is within, that nothing can change in my true home where divine Love is always constant, then I can rest assured that all is well, no matter what the circumstance may be in form. For this I am very grateful!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Man in the likeness of God, as revealed in Science, cannot help being immortal. Though the grass seemeth to wither and the flower to fade, they reappear. Erase the figures which express number, silence the tones of music, give to the worms the body called man, and yet the producing, governing, divine Principle lives on,--in the case of man as truly as in the case of numbers and of music,--despite the so-called laws of matter, which define man as mortal." Science & Health Page 81:17-24

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