Quietly Led By Love

photo credit: Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #155

“I will step back and let Him lead the way.”

It's sometimes difficult to know when to speak, when to act, or when to be quiet. It’s not always easy to remain silent about something we have passionate feelings toward. Sharing what we’re learning is a good thing, but pushing our attitudes on others, particularly if they’re not ready to hear them, serves no purpose. I recently had a lovely day with old friends who have very strong opinions about a number of things in this life. It was an opportunity to step back and ask myself if I wanted to express my opinions and engage in sport-arguing by joining in the contentious conversation, or if I would choose to enjoy listening while maintaining inner peace. I didn’t feel the need to make my views known or to correct what I feel is wrong, choosing rather to be led by Love. And I am grateful!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Spiritual sense, contradicting the material senses, involves intuition, hope, faith, understanding, fruition, reality." Science & Health Page 298:13-15

Ministers of Love

ACIM Workbook Lesson #154

“I am among the ministers of God.”

Does this statement cause you to be nervous or perhaps feel unworthy of such a title? It sent me to the dictionary to see how our ego-ridden definitions might apply. I like these: "providing spiritual guidance to people" and "tending to the needs of others". The first time I thought of this word in relation to myself was when a friend told me my art gallery was my ministry. Thinking back to the way people in need of spiritual guidance were drawn there as if by a magnet, I must agree with him. We all are "ministers of God" in our own individual way. Just as we all have different talents, we all have something of value to give. As today's lesson states: "It is not our part to judge our worth, nor can we know what role is best for us." We are also advised to not be arrogant nor falsely humble. Our role as a minister of Love is clearly defined, but not by our human desire. Today let's listen with hearts wide open!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Millions of unprejudiced minds--simple seekers for Truth, weary wanderers, athirst in the desert--are waiting and watching for rest and drink. Give them a cup of cold water in Christ's name, and never fear the consequences.” Science & Health Page 570:14-17

Defenselessness or Defensiveness?

photo credit: Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #153

“In my defenselessness my safety lies.”

This is my favorite topic of all! The reason I love this lesson so much is because I feel it pertains to absolutely everything we say, do, and feel in our daily existence. Obviously this topic could inspire the writing of a very large book, but here I shall give you some words from the lesson and a short example of what they mean to me. “Defenselessness is strength; defensiveness is weakness.” How did you feel and what did you do the last time someone disagreed with you, perhaps vehemently? If you began a verbal defense, listing all the reasons you were right, you may have been left feeling many negative emotions such as anger. On the contrary, any time I’m able to witness events and calmly watch and listen, perhaps saying something simple such as, “You may be right”, then I am able to walk away happily and peacefully. We are told in this workbook lesson that we will not see the light until we offer it to others and they take it; then we will recognize it as our own. How lovely is that! I look forward to the opportunities for seeing peace today.

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

Liberal, Conservative, Moderate??

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #152

“The power of decision is my own.”

I received a call from a political pollster which has left me confused about more than a few things. Mainly, I’m wondering when three words in particular began to imply varying degrees of lunacy. Here are the words, with a short definition: Liberal - open to new behavior or opinions and willing to discard traditional values. Conservative - holding to traditional attitudes and values and cautious about change or innovation. Moderate - average in amount, intensity, quality, or degree. These words and their definitions do not convey the extreme meaning which the news media apparently wants us to feel. When I was asked by the pollster which I considered myself to be, I was speechless. But then I threw caution to the wind and answered boldly, remembering what I write about every day: change of thought, seeing a new world where illusions appear to be, living fearlessly as Love!

Mary Baker Eddy quote: “Progress takes off human shackles. The finite must yield to the infinite. Advancing to a higher plane of action, thought rises from the material sense to the spiritual, from the scholastic to the inspirational, and from the mortal to the immortal.” Science & Health Page 256:1-5

Letting Loose the Lies

photo credit: Christopher Fischer

ACIM Workbook Lesson #151

“All things are echoes of the Voice for God.”

What is truth? Everywhere we look, it seems we have been and are being told lies. Religion, science, politics, the news media, advertisements, history — the list goes on. If we know something is a lie, why would we cling to it so adamantly?? It seems we prefer to live in a world of lies rather than to take a step into the great unknown world of Truth. And then we ask, How do we know what is Truth in a world of lies? That, dear Ones, is why we must listen within. Today’s Course in Miracles workbook lesson describes this as “echoes of the Voice for God”. We are told that all things are these echoes. But what of the lies we just spoke of? Those are all material, mortal, ego-based beliefs. The reality of our existence is covered up so thoroughly we have forgotten how to experience it. But we are remembering, aren’t we? Infinite Mind never hides Its voice! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“As the reflection of yourself appears in the mirror, so you, being spiritual, are the reflection of God. The substance, Life, intelligence, Truth, and Love, which constitute Deity, are reflected by creation; and when we subordinate the false testimony of the corporeal senses to the facts of Science, we shall see this true likeness and reflection everywhere.”

Science & Health Page 516:2-8

Going Viral With Love!

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #150

Review of: #139 "I will accept Atonement for myself." #140 "Only salvation can be said to cure." The main thought to hold to in this review: “My mind holds only what I think with God."

On the last day of our ten-day review, I am thinking about the main theme for this review: "My mind holds only what I think with God". I'd like to see this thought "go viral" today! We've all seen the contagious nature of fear in the web of our existence, but its opposite is infectious, too! Today as we enjoy every moment of this day, let's eradicate all erroneous, fearful thoughts we may witness with the balm of Love. And why are we able to do such a thing? Because of Truth: “Nothing real [Love] can be threatened. Nothing unreal [fear] exists. Herein lies the peace of God.”

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Human hate has no legitimate mandate and no kingdom. Love is enthroned.”

Science & Health 454:9-10

Learning a New Language

photo credit: Gerry Toler

ACIM Workbook Lesson #149

Review of: #137 "When I am healed I am not healed alone." #138 "Heaven is the decision I must make." The main thought to hold to in this review: “My mind holds only what I think with God.” 

We’re learning the language of Spirit through our study of divine metaphysics. For instance, the word "Spirit”, as I used it in the last sentence, has an entirely different meaning from its use on the Ghost Tours at the Crescent Hotel! The capitalization of the word Spirit not only indicates a synonym for God, but incorporates all the other nuances which are a part of its spiritual interpretation. For instance: Spirit is tangible; Spirit is substance. It "blesses the multiplication of its own pure ideas". (MBE) As with the learning of anything new, this new language requires practice for it to become second-nature to us; allowing the incorporation of these ideas into our lives without specific thought of doing so. As we bring this Truth to our illusionary beliefs, we begin to understand that healing is universal, and that heaven is within. Have a joyous day everyone!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:    

“God is Spirit; therefore the language of Spirit must be, and is, spiritual.” 

Science & Health Page 117:6-7

Spiritual Activism

photo credit: Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #148

Review of: #135 "If I defend myself I am attacked." #136 "Sickness is a defense against the truth." The main idea to hold to in this review: “My mind holds only what I think with God.”

I know many people who wear the hat of social activist. They have worked for years to improve our environment, politics, and the multitude of things in need of advancement. Some have told me they are tired of the fight. I am extremely grateful to each and every one of you who work to clean up rivers, who are passionate about producing uncontaminated food, who stand up to various tyrants and declare, "The emperor has no clothes!" Not a single person has told me that they're tired of the physical effort involved in these projects; it's the butting up against thought stuck in strong opinion, or that which is fueled by hate and fear, which is frustrating to them. This is where our metaphysical advice can be helpful: Don't try to change anyone else's mind, only your own. More and more of us are witnessing Truth brought to seemingly impossible situations, and we're finding that new avenues of action appear when this is done. There is no need to defend ourselves or proclaim our own strong opinions in support of this Truth. Knowing it, within our own selves, is sufficient!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“As when an acid and alkali meet and bring out a third quality, so mental and moral chemistry changes the material base of thought, giving more spirituality to consciousness and causing it to depend less on material evidence.” 

Science & Health Page 422:14-18

Life is Good!

photo credit: Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #147

Review of: #133 "I will not value what is valueless." #134 "Let me perceive forgiveness as it is." The main thought to hold to in this review: “My mind holds only what I think with God.”

Today has been spent in gratitude for every little thing! I love going to my monthly book club meeting, but tonight I skipped it. The reason I'm writing about this is because it illustrates listening to an inner voice. There are about ten small reasons I felt the need to stay home. Alone, none of these things could keep me from my favorite group of women, but as the reasons kept coming to thought, I stopped and examined what was bringing them. Without going into the details of the miasma of thought processes involved in canceling this anticipated engagement, I feel that to ignore them would be turning my back on intuition -- or that still, small voice in my heart. As I sit on my screened-in porch and watch the rain clouds and the birds playing on the wind gusts, I am grateful for many things, including the love and understanding of good friends.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Spiritual sense, contradicting the material senses, involves intuition, hope, faith, understanding, fruition, reality.” 

Science & Health Page 298:13-15

Optical Illusion of Consciousness

photo credit: Mawuena Davies

ACIM Lesson #146

Review of: #131 "No one can fail who seeks to reach the truth." #132 "I loose the world from all I thought it was." The main thought to hold to in this review: “My mind holds only what I think with God.”

This Albert Einstein quote has played in my thought all day. I share it with you: "A human being is a part of the whole called by us 'the universe,' a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings, as something separate from the rest - a kind of optical illusion of consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening the circle of understanding and compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty." - Albert Einstein

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“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 510:28-31

Oh, The Changes We've Seen!

Eureka Springs, Arkansas
unknown photographer

ACIM Workbook Lesson #145

Review of: #129 "Beyond this world there is a world I want." #130 "It is impossible to see two worlds." The main thought to hold to in this review: “My mind holds only what I think with God.”

The changes we have witnessed in our lifetime have been exciting and (to take a phrase from the ‘70s) mind blowing! Decades ago, when we were told about the Age of Aquarius and recently when 2012 was explained as a shift in consciousness, I'm not sure we thought there would be any real change in our lives. Those who are looking for purely material reasons to explain the huge changes in everything from politics to weather are feeling helpless and overwhelmed. Looked at from a different perspective, we see that changes are necessary in order to facilitate the realization of this new earth we are ready to embrace. As with any shift in thought, some are afraid and working to keep the old ways. But it is impossible to "see two worlds" and, once again, I choose Love!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“During this final conflict, wicked minds will endeavor to find means by which to accomplish more evil; but those who discern Christian Science will hold crime in check. They will aid in the ejection of error. They will maintain law and order, and cheerfully await the certainty of ultimate perfection.”

Science & Health Page 96:31-4

A World of Love

photo credit: Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #144 Review of:

#127 "There is no love but God's."

#128 "The world I see holds nothing that I want.”

And the main thought to hold to in this review:

“My mind holds only what I think with God.”

Thinking about love and perception brings to mind the story a friend once told about a relative who had been married seven times. This man seemed to feel he was a  failure at love for having been divorced so many times, so he was very much surprised when an uncle told him it was a wonderful thing! Why would you say that?, everyone wanted to know. The uncle said, How wonderful that seven women have loved you enough to marry you! This is an example of a slight shift in perception making a huge difference to everyone involved, don't you think? Seeing the world through the love of God shows us reality which looks nothing like what we've become accustomed to seeing. A world of judgment and fear is not one which holds an interest for me.  If "my mind holds only what I think with God", that world doesn't exist -- and I see a world of Love.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“God is individual, incorporeal. He is divine Principle, Love, the universal cause, the only creator, and there is no other self-existence.” 

Science & Health Page 331:18-20

Non-existent Dictators

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #143: Review of:

#125 "In quiet I receive God's Word today."

#126  "All that I give is given to myself."

And the main thought to hold to in these review: “My mind holds only what I think with God.”

Two things which, in reality, do not exist -- mortal mind, as termed by Mary Baker Eddy, and ego as it's called in A Course in Miracles -- want you to think you would no longer be you if you admit that you are unified in Oneness. What if free will does not exist unless you DO embrace this unity and give up what you think of as individuality? I'm beginning to see that I have no will of my own if I'm simply regurgitating well-rehearsed lines from the history of my life. I'm starting to glimpse the freedom which comes from throwing off the chains I have bound myself with throughout a lifetime of fears and learned behavior. The false beliefs which dictate our actions was illustrated by a story told me by a dear friend. He thought his stepmother had never liked him, then one day he found out she was almost deaf. With this realization, he saw that the actions he had interpreted as slights to him were actually moments of confusion on her part. He now sees their relationship in a totally different way, viewed from this new understanding. Today I will quietly listen for that still, small voice which frees me from long-held beliefs!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Man is tributary to God, Spirit, and to nothing else. God’s being is infinity, freedom, harmony, and boundless bliss.” 

Science & Health Page 480:2-4

Living Love

Creation of Sandy Wythawai Starbird

ACIM Workbook lesson #142: Review of: #123 "I thank my Father for His gifts to me." #124 "Let me remember I am one with God."

I rarely leave the beautiful, liberal-thinking village in which I live, but occasionally I must, and recently was one of those times. As I sat in a waiting room with dilated eyes, the other five or six patients began a conversation which quickly turned to politics and related subjects. At one point, it was revealed that everyone in the room had a gun and that most of them carried them on their person. As I already had my eyes closed, I didn't open them. I'll just say the conversation deteriorated to the point of my almost running from the room when my name was called to proceed down the hall! We are in the midst of a great shift in consciousness, which also means a good deal of holding on to the past and a fear of the future. My daily work toward recognizing and living Love is called into practice often in this time of political drama. Let's all be grateful that we are one with Love, while knowing that our only mind is divine. By doing so, the fear of change will banish as quickly as the fear of falling off the edge of the earth did centuries ago!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Identity is the reflection of Spirit, the reflection in multifarious forms of the living Principle, Love.” 

Science & Health Page 477:20-22

Thinking With Divine Mind

photo credit: Chris Fischer

ACIM Workbook Lesson #141:

Today begins a review of the last 20 lessons. Our main theme is: “My mind holds only what I think with God"  Review of:

#121 “Forgiveness is the key to happiness”

#122 “Forgiveness offers everything I want.”

There is a delightful little book called, The Holy Man, by Susan Trott. It is comprised of numerous scenarios recounted through a group of people who are waiting in line to see The Holy Man. They feel all their questions will be answered, all their problems solved, if only they can meet and speak with him. The irony is that when they are finally admitted to his home, he simply leads them through the house and out the back door. The beauty of the book is that everyone sees what they need to see from their interactions with others while waiting in the long line. We, too, have these aha moments while going about our day-to-day activities. The realization that our true thoughts are those we think with divine Mind brings a newness to everyday life. By releasing our by-rote reactions, we are free to practice forgiveness with every blameless thought we have. With this clean slate, who knows what insights will be ours? Like those people waiting to speak to The Holy Man, whom they believed had all the answers, we will be finding insight in every moment, simply by allowing ourselves to accept that we are One!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Life is divine Mind. Life is not limited.”

Science & Health Page 469:4-5

Remembering Who We Really Are

photo credit: Heather Peters

ACIM Workbook Lesson #140:

“Only salvation can be said to cure.”

Almost everyone has something they wish could or would be cured. Perhaps it’s an addiction to cigarettes, or maybe you have a relationship which is painful and you wish for resolution. Of course, there are the myriad of physical maladies which we are bombarded with daily, many of which are manifest in us or those we love. The multitude of magic potions given us to deal with these conditions are proof that none of them are a healing cure, only a temporary stop-gap put into place while we falter towards salvation. And this salvation spoken of is “the day when separation ends and we remember Who we really are.” (ACIM) Today let’s remember that illusions are not true, and we needn’t feel guilty for denying their veracity!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Salvation: Life, Truth, and Love understood and demonstrated as supreme over all.” Science & Health Page 593:20-21

United in the Oneness of Love

photo credit: Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #139:

"I will accept Atonement for myself."

Life is an unfoldment of consciousness. As today’s Course in Miracles workbook lesson tells us: “We have a mission here. We did not come to reinforce the madness that we once believed in. Let us not forget the goal that we accepted. It is more than just our happiness alone we came to gain. What we accept as what we are proclaims what everyone must be, along with us. Fail not your brothers, or you fail yourself. Look lovingly on them, that they may know that they are part of you, and you of them…Today accept Atonement, not to change reality, but merely to accept the truth about yourself, and go your way rejoicing in the endless Love of God.” As this day unfolds, with all its beauty and wonder, I shall allow myself to be the individual expression of divine Love, knowing what I see in others is what I see in myself and vice versa.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Atonement is the exemplification of man’s unity with God, whereby man reflects divine Truth, Life, and Love."

Science & Health Page 18:1-3

I'm In Heaven!

photo credit: Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #138

“Heaven is the decision I must make.”

Jesus told us that knowing the Truth would set us free. He also mentioned that the kingdom of heaven is within. With these ideas in mind, it seems possible to understand that the Truth he's speaking of is the inner knowing we all hold inside of us: the knowledge that we are holy. We really are the image and likeness of divine Mind, with all the perks that implies. We are the experience and expression of God! We have no function other than to live every moment in the acceptance of our holiness. As spiritual sight outshines material illusions, the kingdom of heaven is our only reality! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The great miracle, to human sense, is divine Love, and the grand necessity of existence is to gain the true idea of what constitutes the kingdom of heaven in man.” Science & Health Page 560:12-15

Love Heals

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #137

“When I am healed I am not healed alone.”

Love heals. We hear this so often, it's probably become somewhat of a cliché. We may think that nothing can heal the ills of the world, certainly not something as intangible as love. What if love were the most powerful force in the universe? Not just an emotion called love, but an omnipotent, gentle presence which is a synonym for God. What if this Love is sufficient to heal every thought of evil or sickness or misery which has ever been imagined? Then we'd all be lining up to get some of this stuff, don't you think? And it's even easier than that! We only need get out of our own way to experience what has always been there. Love heals!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"One moment of divine consciousness, or the spiritual understanding of Life and Love, is a foretaste of eternity.”

Science & Health Page 598:23-25

Defenses Against the Truth

photo credit: Chris Fischer

ACIM Workbook Lesson #136:

“Sickness is a defense against the truth.”

Many new-age thought systems try to find reasons for disease, then work to get rid of the "problem" which is causing you to be unwell. This is something which has no place in quantum thought.  When Mary Baker Eddy realized the nothingness of matter and the substance of Spirit, not many were willing to imagine the possibility until they saw physical proof. The healing which comes about through this understanding is not a manipulation of matter, but a yielding of erroneous belief to the Truth of creation by divine Mind. The Catch-22 is that if you are trying to heal something, you can't. But if you're knowing the Truth of existence, and that knowledge becomes more than just wishful thinking, the changeability of matter is shown in ways which we think of as healing. Knowing that there is nothing to be healed, that all is perfectly reflected as a creation of divine Mind, therein lies the healing. Going to the core of yourSelf and recognizing that your consciousness is One with Spirit, that is what brings an all-encompassing joy and peace which makes us happy to release false belief. Once that is gone, Truth shines forth in all Its magnificence! To learn more about this, here is the link to today's ACIM workbook lesson: http://acim.org/Lessons/lesson.html?lesson=136

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Truth has a healing effect, even when not fully understood.”

Science & Health Page 152:7-8