August 23, 2014 - I Am Love

ACIM Workbook Lesson #235

“God in His mercy wills that I be saved."

Do you ever feel punished and try to make deals with God, if only whatever the problem is would just stop? The mass consciousness we swim in keeps telling us we've done something wrong and we can't be saved until we do a whole bunch of things right. Let's allow all of those beliefs to go away today and concentrate on what feels like Truth to us right now, in this moment. I will, at every possibility, quiet my thoughts and allow this Truth to permeate my being. It's there all the time, this Love which is God, this divine Love which supports us more surely than the waters of mass consciousness. Our true consciousness is expressed most perfectly in two words: I Am. I'm going to keep it simple today. Join me!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The scientific unity which exists between God and man must be wrought out in life-practice, and God's will must be universally done. If men would bring to bear upon the study of the Science of Mind half the faith they bestow upon the so-called pains and pleasures of material sense they would not go on from bad to worse …”

Science & Health Page 202:3-9

August 22, 2014 - Never Need Say Goodbye

ACIM Workbook Lesson #234

“Father, today I am Your Son again.”

photo from Aaron Springston

There never was a time when we were separated from God, and separation has no place in what divine Mind has created. When saying goodbye to treasured friends, I realize this Truth more than ever. We share more than a few years' worth of memories. We share eternity. That is, after all, what Oneness is, isn't it? Sometimes I think it may be too difficult to wrap my brain around this we-are-one thing. And sometimes it feels the same with saying goodbye: it's just too difficult to examine closely. For mortal mind, it is too much. Thank goodness we're spiritual! With this knowledge, I am free to examine how divine Mind sees the situation. No separation, no loss, all One. What great opportunities we have to practice feeling this Truth! Namaste', dear One.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Life is without beginning and without end. Eternity, not time, expresses the thought of Life, and time is no part of eternity. One ceases in proportion as the other is recognized. Time is finite; eternity is forever infinite. Life is neither in nor of matter. What is termed matter is unknown to Spirit, which includes in itself all substance and is Life eternal. Matter is a human concept. Life is divine Mind.”

Science & Health Page 568:26-4

August 21, 2014 - Guided by Divine Mind

photo by Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #233

“I give my life to God to guide today."

I have made a vow to myself to only "see, hear, and repeat good". Here's a seemingly harmless repetition that was an example of  mindlessly repeating something for the sake of conversation. One of our local woodworkers makes exquisite boxes which we sell in the gallery. His art is also available at a world-class museum store in a neighboring town. A man had come in looking for his work and was very upset because we had so few boxes available. He grumbled that the museum didn't have many and he had expected more from the artist's hometown. When this particular artist came in to bring us more little boxes, I unthinkingly told him about the encounter with the potential customer who went away in a huff. Why did I do this?? As soon as the "story" was out of my mouth, I realized I was repeating something that was totally unnecessary. This is but one example of how easy it is to jabber for no reason. If I were allowing myself to be guided by divine Mind, I never would have considered repeating such a thing. I'm learning!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“When we fully understand our relation to the Divine, we can have no other Mind but His,--no other Love, wisdom, or Truth, no other sense of Life, and no consciousness of the existence of matter or error. The power of the human will should be exercised only in subordination to Truth; else it will misguide the judgment and free the lower propensities. It is the province of spiritual sense to govern man.”

Science & Health Page 205:32-7

August 20, 2014 - All Through the Day

a

photo by Arthur Lau-Sed 

ACIM Workbook Lesson #232

“Be in my mind, my Father, through the day."

A favorite writing by Bicknell Young begins by telling me that if I don't bring God into my experience first thing in the morning, it may be difficult or even impossible to have It with me throughout the day. Of course, I'm tempted to think, But wait a minute, God is always with me! And while this is, of course, true, it is not the case when we allow consciousness to be ruled by mortal mind. So when we ask God to be in our mind through the day, what we're actually asking is for our material self to be transparent enough to allow divine Mind to be in the forefront.  When I wake up in the morning, rather than planning my activities of the day, I will contemplate the meaning of God. I'll see myself as the expression and experience of divine Mind and see what unfolds!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Mortal mind is the acknowledged seat of human motives. It forms material concepts and produces every discordant action of the body. If action proceeds from the divine Mind, action is harmonious.”

Science & Health Page 239: 23-27

Augudy 19, 2014 - Remembering Love

"Monarch Butterfly"
painting by Judith Ann Griffith

ACIM Workbook Lesson #231

“Father, I will but to remember You."

Love is one of my favorite synonyms for God. Today as I remember Love, I also remember a lovely documentary entitled, "Wings of Life". At one point, it's described as a love story from flowers to pollinators. Adding to my love affair with this movie is its narration by Meryl Streep. The flowers multiply in beauty, with gratitude to the bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and bats. I pause to think of what spurs me to express more goodness and Love. There are so many things which fill my heart: people, music, nature -- movies like this one! Similar to my quest to be with those who help my being, I will stay with entertainment which brings beauty and grace to life, turning away from inanities and programing designed to disturb the senses. Following the law of divine Love satisfies -- and I am grateful.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Jesus aided in reconciling man to God by giving man a truer sense of Love, the divine Principle of Jesus' teachings, and this truer sense of Love redeems man from the law of matter, sin, and death by the law of Spirit,--the law of divine Love.”

Science & Health Page 18:6-11

August 18, 2014 - The Seeds of Peace

Yoga in Park City, Utah

ACIM Workbook Lesson #230

“Now will I seek and find the peace of God."

I read about an interesting experiment. Two people were placed face to face. One was instructed to smile as happily as possible, and the other was asked to retain a neutral look. In most of the cases, the person who was supposed to stay neutral couldn't keep from smiling, too. Happiness, joy, peace are all spiritual attributes which shine forth through us as the expression of God. They are infectious, don't you think? Let's broadcast this seed far and wide today and watch it grow!

 Mary Baker Eddy quote:

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

Science & Health Page 264:24-27

August 17, 2014 - Peace is the Path

ACIM Workbook Lesson #229

“Love, which created me, is what I am."

Few of us have no regrets when we look back on our lives. Sometimes it's tempting to replay instances in our minds and think of ways we could have done things differently. Thich Nhat Hanh is a Vietnamese man who lost his family during the war in the 60s. He has spent his life practicing peace and showing others how to do the same. He helps American Viet Nam veterans forgive themselves. He tells them that no matter how badly they feel, it will never bring back the lives that were lost, but that there are many ways in which to help people today, right here and now. He shows us how to be the Love which we are. Peace Is the Path, he tells us. I want to follow that Path, without looking back.

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. Wait patiently for divine Love to move upon the waters of mortal mind, and form the perfect concept. Patience must 'have her perfect work.'" 

Science & Health Page 454:18-24

August 16, 2014 - No Condemnation

photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #228

“God has condemned me not. No more do I."

Imagine growing up in a home with a  parent who was very solid in his belief in God and faithfully attended a church based in traditional theological dogma. This way of thought included a belief in original sin and all the ritual you must go through in order to try to win the grace of God. Now let's imagine that your other parent is a Christian Scientist who teaches you that God is Love and you don't have to do anything to earn that Love, because you are an emanation of it. We have two parents whose views of spirituality are as opposed as they can be when talking about the exact same thing from different perspectives. I think it's very possible that you might turn away from both of these teachings, perhaps declaring that there is no God. This was Robin Williams' situation. I would love to know more about it!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Now is the time for so-called material pains and material pleasures to pass away, for both are unreal, because impossible in Science. To break this earthly spell, mortals must get the true idea and divine Principle of all that really exists and governs the universe harmoniously. This thought is apprehended slowly, and the interval before its attainment is attended with doubts and defeats as well as triumphs.”

Science & Health Page 39:23-30

August 15, 2014 - Holy Instant of Release

"Glacier National Park"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #227

“This is my holy instant of release.”

Why do some people seem to have an emptiness which can't be filled? We see beautiful, talented people who fall into depression and can't seem to find the way out. To think an actor like Robin Williams can be anything other than happy is beyond my imagination. I wish I could give him a "holy instant of release", but that's something which must be found individually. To a mind as busy as his must have been, it would be very difficult to see past his thoughts to that holy instant. Once again, dear Robin, you inspire me. I will double my times of quietness and think of you while I release the illusions of my existence. I acknowledge I know nothing, I ask to be empty, and filled with Love.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“If Life or Soul and its representative, man, unite for a period and then are separated as by a law of divorce to be brought together again at some uncertain future time and in a manner unknown, — and this is the general religious opinion of mankind, — we are left without a rational proof of immortality. But man cannot be separated for an instant from God, if man reflects God. Thus Science proves man’s existence to be intact."

Science and Health Page 306:11-20

August 14, 2014 - Hurry Home!

ACIM Workbook Lesson #226

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

What does it mean that "my home awaits me"? How does this affect my existence? Accepting the Truth of my being has many surprising consequences. One side effect is a heightened sense of Oneness, evidenced by a refinement in communication. We see this sharing of thought in the animal kingdom. It can be observed when watching birds fly in formation, or your dog expecting you home five minutes before you get there, or any number of observations we allow into our awareness. With each stretching past our accepted limitations, fresh insights will appear. Many of us are frightened by this new/old way of living.  Most people I know well are embracing these changes and reveling in the synchronistic events and enhanced perceptions. We are changing out thought about the purpose of the world, and living in the kingdom of God, which is within. Therein lies the safety of home.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

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

Science & Health Page 573:27-2

August 13, 2014 - One Thing

ACIM Workbook Lesson #225

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

The Biblical quote which advises me to love God above all else and seek nothing other than to know divine Love is the basis for the way I want to live. Recently, I've re-dedicated myself to this way of life by resolving to only see, speak, hear, and repeat good. I knew this would be challenging. Today, while at the farmers' market, I overhead someone say something which I deemed to be horribly bigoted and ignorant. While it's not a temptation for me to repeat the story to anyone else, it has been a challenge to keep from repeating it to myself! In analyzing this scenario, I see that if I weren't judging it to be awful, I wouldn't feel the need to keep condemning him for saying it. Hence, it's my judgment of the situation which wants to keep it alive in my thought. No judgment, no condemnation, no need to replay it for myself or anyone else! Sounds simple, huh?

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"All nature teaches God’s love to man, but man cannot love God supremely and set his whole affections on spiritual things, while loving the material or trusting in it more than in the spiritual."

Science & Health Page 140:7-14

August 11, 2014 - Shifting Thought

photo from Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #223

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

We've recently started Part 2 of these ACIM workbook lessons. The first 220 days were exercises in giving up beliefs, habitual thoughts, inane or destructive actions, and numerous other things which have held us captive to sense. We now know how to differentiate between ego thoughts and the ideas of Mind. We're not afraid to listen and trust what we hear in that silence between the words. We've been exercising our spiritual sense, while quieting our physical senses. And now we want the "direct experience of Truth". Now we are ready to shift attention within ourselves, to the source Itself, letting go of any ritualistic words and dogma we have been harboring. We now understand what forgiveness is about: it's the understanding that there is nothing to forgive. We have also reached the point where we don't need specific times during the day to remind us to think about our nature as the expression of God. This shift from habitual, material thought to inspired, divine ideas is feeling more natural to us now. And so, today I see us as quietly devoted to the peace of God. Every time we silently turn whole-heartedly to God -- knowing that all is Mind, Truth, Love -- we remember more of our original Being. We feel a perfect peace which allows our actions and words to be those of divine Mind, without worry, with total trust, knowing that our lack of expectation frees us. To quote from today's lesson: "This year has brought us to eternity."

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

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

Science & Health Page 331:1-10

August 12, 2014 - One Love Unifies

ACIM Workbook Lesson #224

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

Today's Course in Miracles lesson tells me that God is my Father and He loves His Son. When we take away material gender-related terms, it's easier for some of us to know this is telling us that we are all reflections of creative Mind (God), and that divine Love is equally ever-present for all. There is no division by religion or any other so-called standard. There is no Love more readily bestowed on someone who fits the requirements to be called saint or sinner. This perfect Love is available to all, simply for the accepting of it. We really are all created equally!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

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

Science & Health Page 340:21-29

August 10, 2014 - Seeing With God's Eyes

Judy's cabbage two weeks before
she brought it to me today

ACIM Workbook Lesson #222

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

Have you ever experienced a day which feels like a rainbow after the storm? Today was like that for me. I felt at home, at peace, in Love. I spent the day at the gallery where we had a show for my dear friend, Sandy. It was a celebratory affirmation of Life and everyone who walked in the door felt the joy. One man told me we should advertise ourselves as the "happiest gallery in Eureka". A friend brought me the most beautiful cabbage from her garden. A motorcycle racked its pipes right outside our door and I smiled an honest smile at him. I'm coming closer to living as Mary Baker Eddy advised: "I look upon the world with God's eyes and see it just as [She] sees it, and I refuse to see it in any other way." Woo-hoo!!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"God: The great I am; the all-knowing, all-seeing, all-acting, all-wise, all-loving, and eternal; Principle; Mind; Soul; Spirit; Life; Truth; Love; all substance; intelligence."

Science & Health Page 587:5-8

August 9, 2014 - Peace To My Mind

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #221

“Peace to my mind.  Let all my thoughts be still.”

What does peace mean to you? Thinking back through the years, at different times, it's meant different things to me. When I was a child, I didn't want peace because that seemed boring: excitement and adventure was what I craved. As a young adult, I thought that having a husband and plenty of money would mean peace. Later on when I had children, I thought when they grew up I would have peace! Now I see that peace isn't a personal desire or activity: it's a state of Mind. No matter how busy I am today, there will be moments to treasure, slipping into the the space between the thoughts and knowing the peace which is eternally ours.

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. ‘Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.’"

Science & Health Page 323:32-6

August 8, 2014 - Choosing Peace

ACIM Workbook Lesson #220

photo from Arthur Lau-Sed

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

Do you ever wonder how to choose peace rather than turmoil and negativity? I've recently found myself being cynical whereas I used to be a Pollyanna. I'm not going to waste time figuring out how this has happened, rather my time will be spent in choosing peace. When we need help, it shows up, and mine did when looking at last year's blog entry where I quoted a statement by Mary Baker Eddy. In it, she tells us the "secret"  of living the Science of the Christ. "It is seeing and hearing and repeating good only, at all times and under all circumstances, and in spite of everything that appears to the contrary." There is more to this statement than this (and it can be found in its entirety on the blog entry for August 6, 2013), but these words are what I will wake up thinking about and bring to mind continually throughout the day. This peace I aspire to is not for a select few, it doesn't run out, it's not difficult to access -- so just say "yes"!

Mary Baker Eddy quotes:

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

Science & Health Page 264:24-27

August 7, 2014 - Freedom

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #219

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

Have you ever dreamed you could fly? My favorite freedom dream is one of running fast, sometimes leaving the ground and floating in mid-stride. Although I haven't had this recurring dream for some time, I can still fell the perfection of it. As I watch people dance and use their bodies in other life-affirming ways, I marvel at the beauty and grace expressed in these activities. Just as physical boundaries are broken and new records set, there is more to come in this so-called physical existence. We are learning of the limitlessness of God's ideas, of which we are One.   What is your highest ideal of freedom? 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"This mortal is put off, and the new man or real man is put on, in proportion as mortals realize the Science of man and seek the true model." Science & Health Page 408:22-26

August 6, 2014 - Am I Worthy?

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #218

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

"I'm not worthy!" When certain comedians said this in a silly movie, it seemed funny. But when I hear this coming from people in everyday conversations, even though they don't use these exact words, it's tempting to tell them that they are very much worthy!! This evening, I had dinner with a group of people who were going to the Passion Play here in Eureka Springs. One woman stated that she had mixed feelings about the play because no one was "good enough" to play the part of Jesus. She felt it was presumptuous and arrogant for anyone to do so. As you can imagine, it was all I could do to keep a smile on my face and not disrupt this gathering of people who were here to learn more about our sweet town. But I did. And I said a quick, silent affirmation of our goodness as the expression of God, the image of Mind, the reflection of Love. Jesus was here to teach us about our true Being, for which I am very grateful. 

Mary BakerEddy quote:

"And we solemnly promise to watch, and pray for that Mind to be in us which was also in Christ Jesus; to do unto others as we would have them do unto us; and to be merciful, just, and pure." 

Science & Health Page 497:24-27

August 5, 2014 - Gratitude All Around

ACIM orkbook Lesson #217

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

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

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

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

Science & Health Page 23:23-31

August 4, 2014 - Come Down From There!

ACIM Workbook Lesson #216

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

It's easy to fall into erroneous thought. A friend recently caught me attacking others and crucifying myself. We were discussing sales in the gallery and I made a blanket statement, which I must admit I've made more than once. I stated that people were willing to spend lots of money on clothing to adorn their bodies, but they weren't willing to spend that same money to buy art and adorn their soul. My dear friend piped up and told me I was wrong. She said that purchasing clothing might well be adorning their soul every bit as much as art would bring grace to their lives. I'm very grateful, dear Mary Ann, for your insight which has opened my eyes to the crucifixion I had set up for myself. And I thank another friend for helping me see by sending me the following quote. Thank you both. Namastè.

Bicknell Young quote:

"Your cross is your own consciousness of evil, nothing more; and it has been on this cross that you have nailed yourself all these years. You crucify yourself, at the same time call to be taken down from the cross. It is up to you." From an article entitled "Finance", 1917