April 5, 2015 - The Joys of Today and Every Day

"Picnic Bunny"
painting by Judith Ann Griffith

ACIM  Workbook Lesson #95

“I am one Self, united with my Creator.”

For many of us, the celebrations of Easter hold negative trigger words such as salvation, resurrection, crucifixion. When we look at the metaphorical meaning of those words, we can relax into an understanding which is different from the traditional story telling about the murder of Jesus. I’m not going to delve into those interpretations as you all know them as well as I — perhaps better, depending upon your religious background. No matter what we have believed, we’re asked to put down the sword and pick up the flowers, carrying forth the light of forgiveness and recognizing ourSelves in the light of the Christ, which is what Jesus was trying to tell us in his beautiful teachings. If you want to hear some lovely things about this vision, Britney Shawley has a chat on youtube where she speaks to the resurrection we can experience daily. Happy Easter everyone! May the bunnies bring you joy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TscACpnru4s

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Resurrection: Spiritualization of thought; a new and higher idea of immortality, or spiritual existence; material belief yielding to spiritual understanding."

Science & Health Page 592:9-11

April 4, 2015 - Choose Again!

"White River"
photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #94

“I am as God created me.”

I am often amused by signs I see on billboards of churches. Today I was so appalled by one that a rude word came out of my mouth before I could stop it. On a return trip from a neighboring metropolis, I saw this in front of a small, country church: “Duct tape can mend anything, but God fixes it with nails. Happy Easter.” Perhaps I interpreted this as something other than what they meant it to be. Maybe I’m just on edge from being on the verge of defensiveness too much. Whatever the case, I was wrong. Today’s ACIM lesson reminds us to respond “You are as God created you” any time anyone irritates us. Too bad I wasn’t reminded of that yesterday. But it’s all right, because today I have a chance to choose again!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Sometime we shall learn how Spirit, the great architect, has created men and women in Science. We ought to weary of the fleeting and false and to cherish nothing which hinders our highest selfhood.”

Science & Health Page 68:4-9

April 3, 2015 - Light Materialized

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #93

“Light and joy and peace abide in me.”

Some days it's difficult to feel that light and joy and peace are abiding in me. During one of those times, I watched a documentary called "Queen of the Sun". In this film about bees, we are told that pollen is materialized light. I love that, don't you? When thought of in this way, it seems possible that we, too, are materialized light. As the reflection of God, that's exactly what we are! They also illustrate how the bee's light is freed through blocks of honeycomb, exquisitely shared with all as sweet, beautiful honey. And yet again, the light is freed through the illumination of beeswax candles. The freeing of light is cumulative with the bees, and we can experience the same thing as we unshackle the light and peace and joy within ourselves. Another lesson from the bees is the importance of community. Watching them working together for a common cause is uplifting and inspiring to me. It makes me want to join with my neighbors and do something important. But wait -- I'm doing that! What blesses one blesses all. My awakening to light and joy and peace is yours, too. Bees, people, trees -- as an idea of divine Mind, we're all in this together!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Light is a symbol of Mind, of Life, Truth, and Love, and not a vitalizing property of matter. Science reveals only one Mind, and this one shining by its own light and governing the universe, including man, in perfect harmony.."

Science & Health Page 510:27-1

April 2, 2015 - Light and Miracles

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #92

“Miracles are seen in light, and light and strength are one.”

I just saw a clip from a morning show where they were asking people questions about spirituality and religion. Most people they asked thought of themselves as spiritual but not religious. It seems the religious people were mainly looking for a sense of community and fellowship. An answer which was given often mentioned inclusiveness. People are looking for a spiritual group which will accept them as they are without trying to change them. People talked about doubt and said they needed groups of like-minded people to help them in times of loss and fear. It seems so simple for everyone to live together in Love, being kind, helping each other. Apparently it is not. Long-held beliefs cloud our vision and we fearfully try to pull others into our illusion. Today I will see the light of miracles everywhere I look, refusing to be pulled into darkness, even in jest.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“As a material, theoretical life-basis is found to be a misapprehension of existence, the spiritual and divine Principle of man dawns upon human thought and leads it to "where the young child was," --even to the birth of a new-old idea, to the spiritual sense of being and of what Life includes. Thus the whole earth will be transformed by Truth on its pinions of light, chasing away the darkness of error."

Science & Health Page 191:7-15

April 1, 2015 - Cleaning Windows

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #91

“Miracles are seen in light.”

What am I? This question has been asked from the beginning of recorded history -- and probably longer. Spiritual seers inform us that we are not a body. So if I am not a body, what am I? Intellectually, we can say that we are the reflection of God. We can tell ourselves and others that we're not material, we're spiritual. Then we'll stump our toe and declare that we can't be blamed if it hurts because we're not walking on water yet. We make jokes to explain why we aren't living the precepts which Jesus tells us are our heritage as children of God. But really, why is it that we've been so stunted in our realization of what all this means? Actually, we're not evolving slowly. There is no evolution involved in spiritual awakening, there is only getting rid of material belief and dogma. What we're doing now is cleaning the windowpane so the light has a transparency to flow through, rather than thousands of years of grime hiding our illumination. What are we? We're finding out more every day -- but that doesn't mean we have to wait a certain amount of time to learn a set amount of liberating facts in order to experience this light. That's the miracle! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote: "Divine Science rolls back the clouds of error with the light of Truth, and lifts the curtain on man as never born and as never dying, but as coexistent with his creator."

Science & Health Page 596:11-19

March 31, 2015 - Problems?

photo courtesy of CreationSpirit.net

ACIM Workbook Lesson #90

Review: “Let me recognize the problem so it can be solved.” and “Let me recognize my problems have been solved.”

When people ask me for advice, I’m tempted to tell them they don’t know what their actual problem is, and, if they did, they would recognize that it is already solved! But that wouldn’t help anyone to see, and so I don’t say that. I was visiting with someone who knows the veracity of this seeming-conundrum and we mentioned a number of people we know who have problems with drinking alcohol. They don’t see alcohol as the problem; they are thinking of it as the solution. Looking at their situations from the outside, it appears that they are holding onto guilt because of their actions (for example, wartime killing of others), or pain because of others' actions (e.g., abandonment by a mother), or any of a multitude of things we think of as human problems. I bring this up to illustrate today's lesson review: There is only one problem, feeling separated from God. There is only one solution: realizing what the problem is, letting the miracle take over, and being willing to accept it. So, when someone asks my advice concerning a problem of theirs, I will pause and realize God's law of adjustment, which is already done. I will recognize that nothing needs fixing by me or anyone else. By this understanding, I will see them as whole, upright, free. With clear, non-judgmental thought, what they need to hear will come out of my mouth. Namaste'.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Human reason and religion come slowly to the recognition of spiritual facts, and so continue to call upon matter to remove the error which the human mind alone has created.”

March 30, 2015 - Trading In Grievances

photo by Jodie English

ACIM Workbook Lesson #89

Review: “I am entitled to miracles.” and “Let miracles replace all grievances.”

If you're like most people, myself included, when an accident occurs, we tend to replay it in our mind over and over -- and this doesn't include all the times we tell the details to others! When I fell down last week, (or tipped over, as I prefer to call it) my immediate reaction was to deny it. Now, this is not denying that it occurred, it's denying that it has any power over me. But since I had an appointment for a prosthetic fitting the next day, it was necessary to deal with some physical symptoms such as swelling and pain. In my desire to have the situation over and done with and go on with life, I have been focusing on it for the last week. And it's not much better. So I shall start the day tomorrow with a new outlook. I will declare spiritual Truth while denying the illusion of material law. By affirming what I am rather than concentrating on what I am not, I will be replacing grievances with miracles. Affirmations and denials tend to be temporary fixes, although they can align our thought with Truth. I'm willing to listen for what is needed and follow the promptings!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“When an accident happens, you think or exclaim, 'I am hurt!' Your thought is more powerful than your words, more powerful than the accident itself, to make the injury real."

Science & Health Page 397:12-16

March 29, 2015 - Fill Me Up

photo courtesy of Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #88:

Review -- "The light has come." and "I am under no laws but God's"

Many of life’s experiences are humbling. They make it easier to admit that we know nothing or that we’re wrong. I’ve gone through phases in the last 60 years when I didn’t want to admit either of these things, but now I am willing. On this beautiful spring Sunday, join me in having no opinions and allowing belief to dissolve. Let’s see what shows up when we are an empty vessel! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"There is no material truth. The physical senses can take no cognizance of God and spiritual Truth. Human belief has sought out many inventions, but not one of them can solve the problem of being without  the divine Principle of divine Science. Deductions from material hypotheses are not scientific. They differ from real Science because they are not based on the divine law."

Science & Health Page 273:2-9

March 28, 2015 - Love Without the In

photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #87

Review: “I will there be light.” and “There is no will but God’s.”

My thoughts turn today toward the holy relationship. We have many relationships in this life and, if you're like me, you prefer to think of all of them as holy! If God is Love, and we express that Love, then isn't every thing we do coming from that Love which is our essence? Unfortunately, this is not true. What we think of as love is often colored with human emotions such as guilt, jealousy, lust, and fear. This is a hard admission for any of us to make. A dear friend has been talking to me recently about a relationship he is ending. I have been thinking back over relationships I could have stayed in to this very day and how that would have led my life in different paths. The thing that keeps coming back time and again is that each and every relationship I have ever had was based in some way or another on the words, "I want". Maybe I wanted to be loved, maybe I wanted to be IN love, maybe I wanted a love affair like the movies and songs tell us is the be-all, end-all. My friend is feeling sad for the loss of this relationship. He liked so many things about this woman, but there were some basic differences which caused their incompatibility. He could have stayed and been contented, but there was something missing: It wasn't a holy relationship. It was based on expectation of change and other material desires. My friend innately knows there is more than settling down with someone because it's easy. And I know he will recognize, within himSelf, what it is he's waiting for.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The admission to one's self that man is God's own likeness sets man free to master the infinite idea. The understanding and recognition of Spirit must finally come, and we may as well improve our time in solving the mysteries of being through an apprehension of divine Principle. At present we know not what man is, but we certainly shall know this when man reflects God.”

Science & Health Page 90:24-32

March 27, 2015 - One Thing Have I Desired

"Mongolia Trip"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #86

Review: "Only God's plan for salvation will work." and "Holding grievances is an attack on God's plan for salvation."

Once a month I attend a gathering of remarkable women. We have met for a number of years, there are around fifteen of us, and we love and support each other through any and everything. We share good food and drink, laughter, and discuss interesting books. One of these women and I play an online word game similar to Scrabble. She has mentioned that I always get better letters than she does, and that I once told her that I draw these letters to me. Although I don't remember saying this, perhaps I did. Maybe I said it in jest, or it could have been a moment of egotistical mania. I don't know. Something I do in this game, or any other, is not to have expectations. I also don't care if I win or lose -- really, truly! My goal is to make fun words and get the highest score possible, yes, but I couldn't care less if someone else gets a higher score. It's all about what I do, not someone else's actions. This all falls under the same caveat as not holding grievances, not making assumptions, and not having strong opinions. I truly do have one desire: to listen and follow the inner voice of divine Mind. If this brings me better letters in word games or keeps me out of harms way when on the highway, great! But that's not what I'm asking for. I only want one thing: to know God.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Salvation: Life, Truth, and Love understood and demonstrated as supreme over all."

Science & Health Page 593:20-21

March 26, 2015 - Grievance Hides Light

"March Sky in the Ozarks"
photo by Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #85

Review: "My grievances hide the light of the world in me." and "My salvation comes from me."

Cynicism hides the light of the world very effectively. As a small child, I freely expressed joy in everything and to everyone, but slowly and thoroughly this joy was quieted by rules and other forces of conformity. By the time I was a teenager, cynicism had taken over my every action. This is a definition of cynicism: "An attitude of scornful or jaded negativity, especially a general distrust of the integrity or professed motives of others." During the 60s and 70s, although it was heralded as the Age of Aquarius, the free love that permeated our atmosphere was actually a charade of the Love I had felt as a small child. We made fun of those who weren't like us, and by doing so became unsure of what we were. There was an attitude of disdain which came with our superiority. We knew our government was wrong, as were our parents, most teachers, and the majority of our peers. It's no wonder that a major magazine's cover declared that God was dead, because materialism and cynicism had killed any expression of real Love. I was convinced that to have children would be a travesty, as this world was no place for humans to be. Nearly half a century past those turbulent times, I see wonderful changes in all of us. Everyone I know realizes that Love is a force within us which can't be quieted; that fear can never be as powerful as Love; that there is no reason to pretend only the foolish think this way. More people every day are waking up to the Truth of their being, living the salvation of this realization, and not allowing anything to hide this light. Any day now everyone will awaken to their function as a living ray of this Love, and we won't be afraid of it. It is our heritage! We have denied it as long as we can. The Truth is alive within us and it only takes recognition to bring it to fruition. Let's live our salvation today!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Ignorance of the divine idea betrays at once a greater ignorance of the divine Principle of the idea — ignorance of Truth and Love. The understanding of Truth and Love, the Principle which works out the ends of eternal good and destroys both faith in evil and the practice of evil, leads to the discernment of the divine idea."

Science & Health Page 560:28-4

March 25, 2015 - Love Holds No Grievance

photo by Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #84

Review: “Love created me like Itself.” and “Love holds no grievances.”

Most of us have a list of grievances we can call up in thought at the slightest provocation. In the past, I've held grievances which ranged from deeds of ex-husbands to actions of politicians. I've resented neighbors’ words and blamed friends for perceived betrayals. As I pause and ponder what grievances I may be presently nurturing, only a few come to thought. I'm in the process of asking myself why I feel the need to hold on to these feelings of discontent. I don't think I do have a reason for these resentments; it's just a habit. I do not want to attack Love with these grievances. "Love created me  like Itself" we are told in part of today's ACIM review. If I attack Love with grievances, I am attacking myself. If I am attacking myself, I'm attacking you. I think I'll just stop it!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Love giveth to the least spiritual idea might, immortality, and goodness, which shine through all as the blossom shines through the bud. All the varied expressions of God reflect health, holiness, immortality-- infinite Life, Truth, and Love."

Science & Health Page 518:18-22

March 24, 2015 - Forgiveness Equals Happiness

"The Junes"
photo by Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #83

Review: “My only function is the one God gave me.” and “My happiness and my function are one.”

My function is to forgive, and through that function I am happy. Often we look forward to events and are disappointed if those plans do not come to fruition. I am schedules to have a fitting for my new prosthetic device today, but yesterday I fell down while filling the bird feeder and my leg is too swollen to go forward with the fitting. I am disappointed. But today is supposed to be a warm, sunny day and I am looking forward to the car trip as much as anything. So I will go forward with happiness, enjoying the company of my friend who is driving. We will take my Chili Dog along with us and have a nice lunch somewhere. I often refer to pointless car trips as "joy riding". So I will forgive myself for not paying attention and tipping over, and we will go forward with a joy-filled day, being happy all the way!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“God has endowed man with inalienable rights, among which are self-government, reason, and conscience. Man is properly self-governed only when he is guided rightly and governed by his Maker, divine Truth and Love.”

Science & Health Page 106:7-10

March 23, 2015 - At Peace With Life

Ozark Night
photo by Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #82

Review: “The light of the world brings peace to every mind through my forgiveness” and “Let me not forget my function.”

Years ago, I knew a young man who was diagnosed with inoperable colon cancer. In the two or three months he had to live, he and his family never talked with each other about his condition. It was the oddest thing, but everyone pretended he was getting well until the day he passed on. Recently a sweet woman I know has been told she has a brain tumor and doesn't have long left with us. She is at peace with the situation and is attempting to experience every moment of joy and love that is possible. Unfortunately, her only child has been unable to face what's happening and has not been visiting her. Finally, today he did. What a blessing to everyone involved! By facing life's situations, even when they are interpreted as death, we give ourselves the opportunity to discover something far deeper than the mindless chatter we may have been using to fill up time and space. Every time I reach out to a person in need, I am remembering my function of allowing the light to bring peace to every situation. I pray to not be afraid of anything that presents itself, as I use this as an opportunity to fulfill my function.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Death and finiteness are unknown to Life. If Life ever had a beginning, it would also have an ending.” Science & Health Page 469:5-6

March 22, 2015 - What is My Function?

Photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM  Workbook Lesson #81

Review: "I am the light of the world" and "Forgiveness is my function as the light of the world."

I made a mistake. I never, ever post political things to my Facebook page. There was a post someone else had made about an unloving point of view one of Arkansas’s elected officials had voiced, and I was so astounded that I “shared” it without thinking of the consequences. Almost immediately, others began to share their thoughts. Then a distant cousin of mine wrote that he would vote for this politician for president because he was better than who we had — and he gave reasons why he thought so. I read it. Then my thought was inflamed with things I wanted to say to my dear relative. Actually, my first thought toward him was very rude — rude enough that I shan’t quote it here. Without hesitation, I deleted the entire post from my page. I’ve said before that I try not to have strong opinions because it closes my mind to anything else. By the same token, I do not serve my function as a reflection of Love if I post unlovely things about others — even if I deem their words to be ignorant and inappropriate. Especially so!! What is my function? To shine the light of forgiveness within. Namastè.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Self-forgetfulness, purity, and affection are constant prayers."

Science & Health Page 15:26-27

March 21, 2015 - No Problem!

photo by Jim Young

ACIM Workbook Lesson #80

"Let me recognize my problems have been solved."

Yesterday we were told that our only problem is thinking we are separate from God. The understanding that it is impossible to be separated from our source solves that problem. 

The realization that our problem never existed in any way other than belief may seem ridiculous. Most of us can come up with a long list of what we consider to be our problems, and they all seem very real and troublesome. Once again, I am reminded of Don Miguel Ruiz's interpretation of ancient Toltec wisdom as he puts forth in "The Four Agreements". When he asks us to not take anything personally, he gives a rather startling example. He tells us that even if someone shoots you in the head, not to take it personally, because it's not your problem, it's theirs! Although this seems like an extreme example, there are many things we take so personally that we cannot forgive and release them. Next time I jump onto my "high horse" about something, I will remind myself that I am seeing someone as separated from their Oneness source and ask myself how this could be possible.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"This is the doctrine of Christian Science: that divine Love cannot be deprived of its manifestation, or object; that joy cannot be turned into sorrow, for sorrow is not the master of joy; that good can never produce evil; that matter can never produce mind nor life result in death. The perfect man -- governed by God, his perfect Principle -- is sinless and eternal."

Science & Health Page 304:9-15

March 20, 2015 - What's the Problem?

Unknown Photographer

ACIM Workbook Lesson #79

"Let me recognize the problem so it can be solved."

Are you a list maker? If you have a list of problems which need to be solved, it should be a relief to know there is only one problem and only one solution! If you watch or listen to news and feel overwhelmed by the problems of the world, it is a welcome respite to realize there is only one solution, and that solution is shown through a recognition of the problem. Actually, there is no need to think about a solution, you only need recognize that there is but one problem -- and that realization is, in itself, the solution. Every problem which seems to exist is the result of one thing: a belief in separation from God. I remember a friend had a poster in her office reminding the people who came in that the only reason she wanted to know their problem was as an identifier; after that, she only wanted to hear about solutions. Wayne Dyer wrote a whole book about it: There's a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem. The problem is that I believe I have separated from Source. The solution lies in that recognition!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Ontology receives less attention than physiology. Why? Because mortal mind must waken to spiritual life before it cares to solve the problem of being, hence the author's experience; but when that awakening comes, existence will be on a new standpoint."

Science & Health Page 556:25-30

March 19, 2015 - Choose the Miracle

"St. Patrick's Parade in Eureka Springs"
photo by Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #78

"Let miracles replace all grievances."

I'm so happy to see today's topic which asks me to choose one person and see them as God sees them, with pure eyes, rather than with all the muddled grievances I may be holding. A few days ago, I had a brief conversation with a woman which I found to be so distasteful that I nearly told her so! After we parted, I kept thinking of things I could have said to her -- none of which were coming from Love. The conversation recurred in thought until I realized what I was doing -- replaying the past and practicing what I could say to her in the future. Yikes! It was pretty clear I was choosing a grievance over a miracle. "Each grievance stands like a dark shield of hate before the miracle it would conceal." (ACIM Workbook Lesson #78) So although the conversation is still popping up in thought -- or else I wouldn't be writing about it! -- I now tell it that it isn't important, it's not my problem unless I choose to hold onto it. The miracle of forgiveness which is showing itself by this practice will shine forth when I clear the way. How do I love? Let me count the ways!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Human affection is not poured forth vainly, even though it meet no return. Love enriches the nature, enlarging, purifying, and elevating it. The wintry blasts of earth may uproot the flowers of affection, and scatter them to the winds; but this severance of fleshly ties serves to unite thought more closely to God, for Love supports the struggling heart until it ceases to sigh over the world and begins to unfold its wings for heaven."

Science & Health Page 57:22-30

March 18, 2015 - Softly Changing Beliefs

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #77

"I am entitled to miracles."

I'm beginning to see the difference in changing my mind and releasing beliefs. If I change my mind about something, I'm more than likely exchanging one belief for another. I have always had a prejudice against the word "miracle". In Christian Science, I learned there are no such things because what we think of as miracles are simply the way that things ought to be. It is implied in material interpretations that a miracle sets aside a physical law and that this is done by a special compensation from God. But in divine metaphysics, it is the laws of Spirit which have been set aside by our material beliefs. So I am most delighted to see that slowly but surely I am releasing my material beliefs about this word -- and many other things! I'm not changing my mind about this, but letting go of my long-held beliefs about the definition of the word. Every day, fewer and fewer things cause me to cringe. It doesn't matter if it's a political opinion, a person's actions, or my understanding of what something means, I'm becoming softer, and it feels really good. I'm ready to accept all the goodness, no matter what it's named!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"A miracle fulfills God's law, but does not violate that law. This fact at present seems more mysterious than the miracle itself."

Science & Health Page 134:31-32

March 17, 2015 - Living Under Senseless Laws?

"Holiday Island Marina"
photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #76

“I am under no laws but God’s.”

Just where do we find these laws of God which we are under? Certainly they’re not in any book which has been written, even though these texts may be referred to as the word of God. I’m not trying to say that there isn’t some wonderful advice in these books. I particularly like Jesus’s words concerning commandments: love your neighbor as yourself and God above all else. How many wars could have been avoided by the simple realization that we are united in the Love which is God! Does it matter what historians or tyrants or mystical seers have dictated? Perhaps the world is not ready to live by the divine edict which can only be known within our consciousness. But I think we are.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Citizens of the world, accept the ‘glorious liberty of the children of God,’ and be free! This is your divine right. The illusion of material sense, not divine law, has bound you, entangled your free limbs, crippled your capacities, enfeebled your body, and defaced the tablet of your being.”

Science & Health Page 227:24-28