The Elevation of Existence

I want to write about the Ukrainians and their fear and pain. I want to write about a president and his cohorts, and what they do in the name of greed and power. I want to write about my acquaintances, who are still defending the dishonesty in our government; also the conservatives who have realized there is no conservation in their chosen political party. I want to write about the pain of those who love goodness and truth. I want to write about those who cry out for full disclosure, no matter who may fall in this facing of facts, knowing this is the only way to reclaim the lofty ideals this country was built upon. I want to write about the slaves who were abused by our early ancestors, and the aftermath of our self-righteous bigotry. But I’d rather write about the new earth this cleansing fire will bring us, the beauty left in the aftermath of this torment, and the love we have not forgotten.

“How willing are you to forgive your brother? How much do you desire peace instead of endless strife and misery and pain? These questions are the same, in different form. Forgiveness is your peace, for herein lies the end of separation and the dream of danger and destruction, sin and death; of madness and of murder, grief and loss. This is the ‘sacrifice’ salvation asks, and gladly offers peace instead of this.” 

A Course in Miracles T-29.VI.1:1-5

“Earth has no repayment for the persecutions which attend a new step in Christianity; but the spiritual recompense of the persecuted is assured in the elevation of existence above mortal discord and in the gift of divine Love.” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 97:32-3

Criminals Desire Our Apathy

In my younger days, I enjoyed horror stories. Stephen King was a favorite because of his exceptionally good writing and his insights into the psyche of the psychopath. I was fascinated by the awfulness of it. Going hand in hand with that fascination, was my desire to pollute my body with substances which seemed to be fun, but ultimately were not. Over the last three decades, I’ve given up these things one by one, some more readily than others. I’ve been thinking about the horrors of the political scene as we’ve watched it unfold over these same decades. It has culminated in a particularly intense awfulness at this point, and I have no desire to partake of its emotional rollercoaster. While it seems wise to know what’s going on, I’ve begun to question even that. But I go back to the old statement attributed to a wise person: I only want to hear about the problem as an identifier; after that, I only need to think about it to find solutions. As of today, I reaffirm my conviction to do this. I wish you peace in whatever way you choose to do good!

“The Holy Spirit’s problem solving is the way in which the problem ends. It has been solved because it has been met with justice. Until it has it will recur, because it has not yet been solved. The principle that justice means no one can lose is crucial to this course. For miracles depend on justice. Not as it is seen through this world’s eyes, but as God knows it and as knowledge is reflected in the sight the Holy Spirit gives.”
A Course in Miracles T-25.IX.5:1-6

“The mild forms of animal magnetism are disappearing, and its aggressive features are coming to the front. The looms of crime, hidden in the dark recesses of mortal thought, are every hour weaving webs more complicated and subtle. So secret are the present methods of animal magnetism that they ensnare the age into indolence, and produce the very apathy on the subject which the criminal desires.”
Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 102:16

Let’s Talk

Promotional Photo From the Movie Wicked

Today a friend and I went to the movie, Wicked. Wow! What an experience it was! I could talk at length about the costumes, the special effects, the acting, the singing — it was all fabulous. But I want to focus on the animals. In this tale, staged in Munchkinland, Shiz University, and Oz, the animals can speak. Not only that, they are learned teachers and everyone lives together as equals. And then someone wants to promote an agenda, hence the animals become victims of someone else’s power-hungry desires. Many analogies can be made throughout this exciting and delightful story, and I’m sure the internet can put a number of these at your fingertips. In the scenario with the animals and the selfish humans, the metaphorical meaning is fairly blatant: Our voices are being taken away by the rich and powerful. The key to stopping this process is knowing that we can! May we use our voice at every opportunity, because being silent is how we lose it. If we stop speaking up, we end up in cages, speechless and afraid. As Nancy Reagan told us, “Just say NO!” 

“Everyone experiences fear. Yet it would take very little right thinking to realize why fear occurs. Few appreciate the real power of the mind, and no one remains fully aware of it all the time. However, if you hope to spare yourself from fear there are some things you must realize, and realize fully. The mind is very powerful, and never loses its creative force. It never sleeps. Every instant it is creating. It is hard to recognize that thought and belief combine into a power surge that can literally move mountains. It appears at first glance that to believe such power about yourself is arrogant, but that is not the real reason you do not believe it. You prefer to believe that your thoughts cannot exert real influence because you are actually afraid of them. This may allay awareness of the guilt, but at the cost of perceiving the mind as impotent. If you believe that what you think is ineffectual you may cease to be afraid of it, but you are hardly likely to respect it.There are no idle thoughts. All thinking produces form at some level.

A Course in Miracles T-2.VI.9:1-14

“God is the Life, or intelligence, which forms and preserves the individuality and identity of animals as well as of men.”

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 550:5-7

Challenging False Thinking

In the last 13 years of writing this blog, I have never shied away from addressing an elephant in the middle of the room. If there is an ugly issue which is bugging me, I write about it. If I’m not proud of my reaction to something or someone, I write about it. And so after the election at the end of last year, I wrote about it. One person on my email list said they expect spiritually uplifting words from me, and wanted to be removed from my list. She even used the words “political nonsense” when describing what I had written. Although I am dedicating this year to joy and happiness, I’m almost certain there will be political references. I think we should all challenge deceit and erroneous statements. We are being called upon to reinvent our country, from the bottom up. Truth must replace erroneous words. Inhumane actions need to be called out for what they are. I will not ask for forgiveness, as I’m not placing any blame upon myself. Namaste, dear friends …

“A miracle is a correction introduced into false thinking by me. It acts as a catalyst, breaking up erroneous perception and reorganizing it properly. This places you under the Atonement principle, where perception is healed. Until this has occurred, knowledge of the Divine Order is impossible.”
A Course in Miracles T-1.I.37:1-4

“There is magic in the intuitions of Reality, the self-revealing knowledge that is Soul which we see as old things passing away, and all things becoming new.”
Margaret Laird, from “We are the World We Walk Through”

“Right and wrong, truth and error, will be at strife in the minds of students, until victory rests on the side of invincible truth. Mental chemicalization follows the explanation of Truth, and a higher basis is thus won; but with some individuals the morbid moral or physical symptoms constantly reappear.”
Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 453:6-11

Perception of Perfection

My Chair 

The longer I live, the more appreciative I’ve become of the little things. I feel almost giddy about giving away a piece of furniture and rearranging my living room! I’ve lived in this house 30 years, and this is the happiest I’ve ever been about the furniture arrangement. And on the same day, my son brought me a mug that is absolutely the best one I’ve ever had in my life! Perhaps it’s simply the enjoyment of the “little things” which cause my perception to be one of perfection. But seriously, I have never been happier in my life! Hoping you will join me …

“Be not afraid, my child, but let your world be gently lit by miracles. And where the little gap was seen to stand between you and your brother, join him there. And so sickness will now be seen without a cause. The dream of healing in forgiveness lies, and gently shows you that you never sinned. The miracle would leave no proof of guilt to bring you witness to what never was. And in your storehouse it will make a place of welcome for your Father and your Self. The door is open, that all those may come who would no longer starve, and would enjoy the feast of plenty set before them there. And they will meet with your invited Guests the miracle has asked to come to you.”
A Course in Miracles T-28.III.8:1-8

“Suffering is no less a mental condition than is enjoyment. You cause bodily sufferings and increase them by admitting their reality and continuance, as directly as you enhance your joys by believing them to be real and continuous.”
Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 397:8-12

Keep On Singing, Dear Jean …

Marsha and Jean at Heart of Many Ways Event

Today I revisit a writing from two years ago. I first met this sweet woman when she and her husband would attend the Thanksgiving services at the Christian Science Society where I played the organ. The rest of the year, they were Presbyterians. I will be playing for her memorial service this week. Fly high, dear Jean!

____________________________________________________________

A dear friend’s son died today. He was in his 60s and his mom is 94. I don’t know if it’s any easier for a parent to lose a child at any stage of their life, but I do know sometimes it’s tougher to live with them than it is to lose them. After two decades of her son’s mental illness and alcoholism, she is tired. Her husband has been slipping into dementia the past few years. I think of him fondly, as he was the first excellent duplicate bridge player who was willing to partner with me when I returned to the game a few years back. He was a wizard with cards. My sweet friend has been holding her family together against all odds, and I hope she can relax more now, enjoying her husband of almost 70 years. It brings me joy to think of the happy, positive attitude she has sustained as long as I’ve known her. She knows the art of living: enjoy every moment, all the time, no matter what the appearance may be. Keep on singing, sweet friends …

“So-called mortal mind — being non-existent and consequently not within the range of immortal existence — could not by simulating deific power invert the divine creation, and afterwards recreate persons or things upon its own plane, since nothing exists beyond the range of all-inclusive infinity, in which and of which God is the sole creator. Mind, joyous in strength, dwells in the realm of Mind. Mind’s infinite ideas run and disport themselves. In humility they climb the heights of holiness.”
Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 513:27-9

“You have the right to all the universe; to perfect peace, complete deliverance from all effects of sin, and to the life eternal, joyous and complete in every way, as God appointed for His holy Son.”
A Course in Miracles T-25.VIII.14:1

Joy Is A Song Of Thanks

Laughter is contagious, don’t you think? Most of us have “gotten the giggles” and been unable to stop laughing. There are numerous videos on the internet where people are sharing laughter in the most delightful ways. I particularly like one which shows people’s reactions when someone tells them they are beautiful. The sheepish grins which emerge, the eyes which light up — it brings a smile to my face and an expansion of my heart every time I see it. Joy, laughter, happiness: these are given freely to us as a part of our divine heritage. Today I will make the most of every opportunity I have to give these gifts freely, joyously, with no reservations or restrictions!

"Harmony is produced by its Principle, is controlled by it and abides with it. Divine Principle is the Life of man. Man's happiness is not, therefore, at the disposal of physical sense. Truth is not contaminated by error. Harmony in man is as beautiful as in music, and discord is unnatural, unreal."
Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 304:17-21

“Joy is the inevitable result of gentleness. Gentleness means that fear is now impossible, and what could come to interfere with joy? The open hands of gentleness are always filled. The gentle have no pain. They cannot suffer. Why would they not be joyous? They are sure they are beloved and must be safe. Joy goes with gentleness as surely as grief attends attack. God’s teachers trust in Him. And they are sure His Teacher goes before them, making sure no harm can come to them. They hold His gifts and follow in His way, because God’s Voice directs them in all things. Joy is their song of thanks. And Christ looks down on them in thanks as well. His need of them is just as great as theirs of Him. How joyous it is to share the purpose of salvation!”
A Course in Miracles M-4.V.1:1-15

Do All The Good You Can

Someone I admire said, “I don’t want my imagination to die before I do”. That’s the open secret to a happy life, don’t you think? When each day brings new adventure, we are joyous! And this adventure needn’t be something you’ve never done before, or something which others think of as exciting; it’s simply enjoying every moment of what you do, and not being afraid of a break in routine. And that’s an ah-ha moment! How often do we become disgruntled because our plans for the day are interrupted by an unexpected occurrence? These may be happy interruptions, such as a surprise visit from an old friend, or a necessary chore, such as changing a flat tire on the car; either scenario causes a readjustment of our plans. When we are able to face whatever may come our way, with an inexhaustible joy, life is fun! Imagination and creativity are directly linked to this ability to enjoy ups and downs, without even thinking of them as such. Rolling with the flow makes for a happy trip!

“The miracle is much like the body in that both are learning aids for facilitating a state in which they become unnecessary. When spirit’s original state of direct communication is reached, neither the body nor the miracle serves any purpose. While you believe you are in a body, however, you can choose between loveless and miraculous channels of expression. You can make an empty shell, but you cannot express nothing at all. You can wait, delay, paralyze yourself, or reduce your creativity almost to nothing. But you cannot abolish it. You can destroy your medium of communication, but not your potential. You did not create yourself.”

A Course in Miracles T-1.V.1:1-8

Reading is Fundamental

Throughout the decades, there have always been people who promoted the joy of reading. Librarians rode through remote areas on horseback, to lend books to people who had no way of coming to town. Book fairs and used-book sales are regular occurrences in many parts of the world. My book club supplies children’s books at a local food bank. Not only do these youngsters have the excitement of new books, but they are able to keep them and learn how a favorite book can be a friend. Reading develops critical thinkings skills, which is much-needed in our current times. I read an article about people in Pakistan who travel around reading stories to any children willing to listen. The director of this program, GoRead, says: “…purposeful storytelling builds a child’s character and brings out the traits for success in life.” And so, let’s support our public libraries and organizations which promote understanding of the written word! Our world needs us …

“Why should you condone insane thinking? There is a confusion here that you would do well to look at clearly. You may believe that you are responsible for what you do, but not for what you think. The truth is that you are responsible for what you think, because it is only at this level that you can exercise choice. What you do comes from what you think. You cannot separate yourself from the truth by ‘living’ autonomy to behavior. This is controlled by me automatically as soon as you place what you think under my guidance. Whenever you are afraid, it is a sure sign that you have allowed your mind to miscreate and have not allowed me to guide it.”

A Course in Miracles T-2.VI.2:3-10

“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.”

Mary baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 22

Wholeheartedly Happy

Photo courtesy of Blake Lasater

“Oh, that magic feeling; nowhere to go.” This line from a Beatles song has always captivated me. I’m sure it can be interpreted many ways, but I’ve always felt in them the coziness which comes from snow outside, with no place I have to go. It’s been delightful on this snowy day, as no one has driven in nor out of my dead-end street. Reading a book, while watching birds at the feeder, is the most perfect day I can imagine. Playing with my cats, watching them decide whether they like snow or not, was delightful. A FaceTime chat with my son and grandsons was the sweetest thing. Texts and chats with friends was a delicious treat. Thinking of all these things at the end of the day brings joy, and I look forward to sleeping and, hopefully, remembering sweet dreams. Oh, that magic feeling …

“To be wholehearted you must be happy. If fear and love cannot coexist, and if it is impossible to be wholly fearful and remain alive, the only possible whole state is that of love. There is no difference between love and joy. Therefore, the only possible whole state is the wholly joyous. To heal or to make joyous is therefore the same as to integrate and to make one. That is why it makes no difference to what part or by what part of the Sonship the healing is offered. Every part benefits, and benefits equally.”
A Course in Miracles T-5.in.2:1-7

“How little light or heat reach our earth when clouds cover the sun’s face! So Christian Science can be seen only as the clouds of corporeal sense roll away. Earth has little light or joy for mortals before Life is spiritually learned.”
Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 548:9-14

Calling in Well!

Snow Messages of Love

We are having a lovely, snowy night in the Ozarks. It brings back memories of when my boys were young and we would be excited about enjoying a snow day. That wonderful, joyous excitement of knowing something different was in store for us, and we couldn’t wait to see what fun it would bring! Thinking of those days, and the breaking of our routine, reminds me of something Wayne Dyer taught me, which I passed on to my children. He tells a story of someone waking up, thinking about how wonderful they feel, then deciding they will call in sick to their work place. He suggested that we call in well! Luckily, my children attended a small, independent school here in Eureka Springs and so we would occasionally (once or twice a year) do just that! Whatever your day is spent doing, I hope you enjoy every little moment of it!

“How beautiful indeed are the Thoughts of God who live in His light! Your worth is beyond perception because it is beyond doubt. Do not perceive yourself in different lights. Know yourself in the One Light where the miracle that is you is perfectly clear.” 

A Course in Miracles T-3.V.10:6-9

“I saw the love of God encircling the universe and man, filling all space, and that divine Love so permeated my own consciousness that I loved with Christlike compassion everything I saw.”

"We Knew Mary Baker Eddy" Page 68

Joyous Entertainment

Grace Vanderwaal on America’s Got Talent 

We’ve probably all had an experience of seeing someone who is so delightful that we immediately began to smile and, perhaps, laugh. When I first saw Grace Vanderwaal on America’s Got Talent, she was 12 years old, and she played a ukulele, while singing a song she had written herself. Her voice was so beautiful that she got the golden buzzer, and we all laughed and cried along with her. Now, fast forward a few years to the StarGirl Hollywood movie. I would not have thought of watching this coming-of-age film, had she not been playing the starring role. It was delightful to see a semi-grownup Grace as one of my favorite book characters of all time! When my boys were young and we traveled quite a bit to their soccer games, we listened to scores of books on tape. StarGirl, by Jerry Spinelli, was one of our favorites.  While this sweet movie won’t be up for any awards, it kept me smiling the whole time. And that’s worth a lot in my book! A link to Grace’s AGT performance in 2016 is included here, and the StarGirl movies are found on Disney. We can all use some gentle entertainment, I think. Rock on, Grace!

https://youtu.be/eNxO9MpQ2vA

“Beauty, wealth, or fame is incompetent to meet the demands of the affections, and should never weigh against the better claims of intellect, goodness, and virtue. Happiness is spiritual, born of Truth and Love. It is unselfish; therefore it cannot exist alone, but requires all mankind to share it.” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 57:15

“To be wholehearted you must be happy. If fear and love cannot coexist, and if it is impossible to be wholly fearful and remain alive, the only possible whole state is that of love. There is no difference between love and joy. Therefore, the only possible whole state is the wholly joyous. To heal or to make joyous is therefore the same as to integrate and to make one. That is why it makes no difference to what part or by what part of the Sonship the healing is offered. Every part benefits, and benefits equally.” 

A Course in Miracles  T-5.in.2:1-7

The Garden of Happiness

Most of us know someone who lives with debilitating depression. Something I did not realize is that many family members feel guilty being happy around their depressed loved one. Oftentimes, the whole family ends up depressed, on some level, because of the one who is at its depths. While listening to BK Shivani talk about this phenomenon, I suddenly realized how much I have witnessed this happening amongst people I know. She gives a hypothetical example of a family walking in the woods and one member falls into a pit. Right away, one by one, the others jump in to be with the trapped member. They’re family after all, and they must stick together. But wait! At least one needs stay out of the pit if they are to survive. And so it is with depression and grief: one person must be willing to keep their vibrations high and joyous in order to bring the others up to that level, raising them out of the pit. And so, instead of guilt over feeling happy in the face of someone who is chronically sad, we need to be proud that we have the courage to stay out of the pit and be happy, raising the vibration of everyone around us. An example came to mind of a dark closet. When you open the door, the dark doesn’t escape into the light room; the light chases away the darkness. Let us never feel guilty about our happiness, because it spreads exponentially!

"Harmony is produced by its Principle, is controlled by it and abides with it. Divine Principle is the Life of man. Man's happiness is not, therefore, at the disposal of physical sense. Truth is not contaminated by error. Harmony in man is as beautiful as in  music, and discord is unnatural, unreal." 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 304:17-21

“You have reached the end of an ancient journey, not realizing yet that it is over. You are still worn and tired, and the desert’s dust still seems to cloud your eyes and keep you sightless. Yet He Whom you welcomed has come to you, and would welcome you. He has waited long to give you this. Receive it now of Him, for He would have you know Him. Only a little wall of dust still stands between you and your brother. Blow on it lightly and with happy laughter, and it will fall away. And walk into the garden love has prepared for both of you.”

A Course in Miracles T-18.VIII.13:1-8

Optimists Are Created

Art from Dorima on Pinvibe

Crescent Dragonwagon made a Facebook post today in which she related going to the food market. After checking out, the cashier said, “Be safe!”. Crescent responded that she hadn’t gotten where she is today by being safe. Surprisingly, the young woman asked her: “How DID you get where you are today?” Out of many responses she could have given, this one came forth: “Getting up one more time than I get knocked down. Over and over.” If I had two legs, I would have jumped up and applauded! And the next post I read was from Midwives of the Soul:

“Most optimists are not born that way. They are created. When the world asked them to harden, they softened. When they experienced pain, they vowed not to give that pain to others. When they understood the lineage of trauma, they healed instead of continuing the pattern. Optimists are not people who have never had a hard day or a hard season or a collection of hard years. Optimists are those that have walked through the fire and decided that love, hope, resiliency, and compassion are lighter to carry. For most people, their optimism is hard-won. Fought for. An act of brave resistance in a harsh, demanding, chaotic world.”

~ Jamie Varon

Here’s to all of us who get up one more time — over and over!

Joy Through Interactions

Joy in Mongolia

There is a study, which has been taking place for 40-plus years, following certain people throughout their lives and coming to conclusions on why they are, or are not, happy. It would seem happiness isn’t reliant on how much money people have, nor does it matter what religion they espouse — or not. Happiness isn’t dependent or where people live, what job they have, nor if they’re married or single. But it does have a direct correlation to their interpersonal relationships, their friendships, their interactions with others. Whether or not people were married or had a job, the study showed people are happier if they interact with others on a regular basis. So let’s go out and gather joy, spread happiness, and express Love in everything we do!

"Happiness is spiritual, born of Truth and Love. It is unselfish; therefore it cannot exist alone, but requires all mankind to share it."

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 57:18-21

“Each instant is a clean, untarnished birth, in which the Son of God emerges from the past into the present. And the present extends forever. It is so beautiful and so clean and free of guilt that nothing but happiness is there. No darkness is remembered, and immortality and joy are now.”

A Course in Miracles T-15.I.8:4-7

The Joy of Service

Photo courtesy of Blake Lasater

“Happiness is a byproduct of being useful.” Having no memory of where I first heard this, I did an internet search, which gave me no definitive source. Then I began to think of the numerous studies which tell us that loneliness is at epidemic levels in our world. With all of the people in need of help in various ways — physically, emotionally, spiritually — it seems no one would be unhappy or lonely if they helped to supply the needy. It appears to be a simple solution, but I know it’s not easy. I have a dear friend who lives a mostly isolated existence, and no matter what activity I suggest to her, she finds a reason she can’t do it. Perhaps we humans are afraid of rejection. Perhaps we’re afraid we may love and then the object of our affections will be taken away. Maybe we simply do not want to get dressed and go out into the world. While it’s true we can’t force anyone to accept the wonder of their existence, we can wear our happiness on our sleeve and hope they will want it, too!

“Child of God, you were created to create the good, the beautiful and the holy. Do not forget this. The Love of God, for a little while, must still be expressed through one body to another, because vision is still so dim. You can use your body best to help you enlarge your perception so you can achieve real vision, of which the physical eye is incapable. Learning to do this is the body’s only true usefulness.”

A Course in Miracles T-1.VII.2:1-5

“If we look to the body for pleasure, we find pain; for Life, we find death; for Truth, we find error; for Spirit, we find its opposite, matter. Now reverse this action. Look away from the body into Truth and Love, the Principle of all happiness, harmony, and immortality. Hold thought steadfastly to the enduring, the good, and the true, and you will bring these into your experience proportionably to their occupancy of your thoughts.”

Mary Baker Eddy -= Science & Health Page 260:31-7

Feeling Bad Won’t Make It Better

Wayne Dyer told us that we can't feel bad enough to make anyone feel better; we can't be confused enough to un-confuse one person; we can't get sad enough to bring joy to a single being on this planet. These statements were made in a talk having to do with wanting to feel good, and they can be found in his book, The Secrets of the Power of Intention. Our intentions multiply, so when we hear about an injustice and become depressed or overwhelmed by the situation, we are doing nothing to assist those in need, but we are doing something to bring sadness into our own lives. I know one dear woman who cares so much for the earth and its inhabitants that she cries every day, more than once, when she hears tragic stories about events. This is what Wayne Dyer means when he says, "You can't feel bad enough to make anyone's life better." Lowering our own vibrational energy lowers everyone's, and raising our level of joy affects the world in kind. There are many things we can do physically to help those in need, and we will find our individual path to do so. But as many well-known seers have said in different ways: When we change the way we look at things, the things we look at change.

“We will not let ourselves be sad today. For if we do, we fail to take the part that is essential to God’s plan, as well as to our vision. Sadness is the sign that you would play another part, instead of what has been assigned to you by God. Thus do you fail to show the world how great the happiness He wills for you. And so you do not recognize that it is yours.”

A Course in Miracles W-100.5:1-5

“As human thought changes from one stage to an. other of conscious pain and painlessness, sorrow and joy, — from fear to hope and from faith to understanding, — the visible manifestation will at last be man governed by Soul, not by material sense.”

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 125:12-16

Falling In Love With Life

Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra

“May you fall madly in love this year ... in love with someone who unhinges your tired trajectory, in love with a spouse of several years who might be aching for lightning, in love with demanding children and crazy relatives ... in love with the particular pedigree of genius insanity that has perhaps claimed you in spite of your reluctance … and certainly in love with an animal, a cloud, a redwood, the wild … these at least once a day.

May you fall in love with this fragile jewel of a world, with hard work, real learning, just causes, petitioning and prayers. May you fall in love with wonder itself, with the grand mystery, with all that feeds you in order that you may live .. and with the responsibility that that confers.

May you fall in love with heartbreak and seeing how it's stitched into everything.

May you fall in love with the natural order of things and with tears, tenderness and humility. May this be a magnificent year for you.

May you fall deeply, madly, hopelessly, inextinguishably in love."

By Rachelle Lamb: Poetess

“Miracles occur naturally as expressions of love. The real miracle is the love that inspires them. In this sense everything that comes from love is a miracle.”

A Course in Miracles T-1.I.3:1-3

“It is Love which paints the petal with myriad hues, glances in the warm sunbeam, arches the cloud with the bow of beauty, blazons the night with starry gems, and covers earth with loveliness.” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 247:24-27

An Indissoluble Spiritual Link

Eureka Thyme Gallery Show - circa 2005

Today marks the 30th anniversary of when my boys and I moved into our home in Eureka Springs. On this beautiful first day of 2025, Carol Peacock and I went for a long drive and enjoyed lunch at the only restaurant we found open. It was a day in which we remembered connections, while relating stories from our past. Four years ago, Carol’s good friend from forever dropped dead while working at Ermillio’s, a local Italian restaurant. I later purchased his old classic Jeep, and this is the vehicle we used today, while enjoying our mini-road trip. It felt like a tribute to her dear friend, Cliff, while being a celebration of friendship in general. This year my “focus word” will be connections. I’m seeing their importance more clearly, and realizing that many (if not all) of our world’s problems would be resolved if we had more book clubs, front porch visits with neighbors, and all the other forms of communications which may have fallen away in our lives. May we never forget we’re all in this together …

“Matter cannot connect mortals with the true origin and facts of being, in which all must end. It is only by acknowledging the supremacy of Spirit, which annuls the claims of matter, that mortals can lay off mortality and  find the indissoluble spiritual link which establishes man forever in the divine likeness, inseparable from his creator.”

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 491:11-16

“There is nothing to fear. How safe the world will look to me when I can see it! It will not look anything like what I imagine I see now. Everyone and everything I see will lean toward me to bless me. I will recognize in everyone my dearest Friend. What could there be to fear in a world that I have forgiven, and that has forgiven me?”

A Course in Miracles W-60.3:1-6

The Infinite Has No Beginning

As we wake up to a time we call 2025, I wish you each the peace, joy, and love which is innate to our being! For the last year, in these writings, I have focused on the daily workbook lessons of A Course in Miracles and tried to center my thoughts around them. In the upcoming 365 days, my focus will be on current events, daily activities, and the positive results I see happening in our world.  

I have been following the videos of Coreen Walson and Nouk Sanchez. These two women “unpack and promote the deeper, holographic teachings of ‘A Course in Miracles.’” If anyone wants daily inspiration, they have videos of the workbook lessons. You can find their fabulous interpretations and discussions on youtube under the heading of “A Course in Miracles - Daily Lessons Unpacked”.

As we move through what promises to be an interesting time, please feel free to comment on my daily emails or the entries on my blog. We’re all in this together!

“So will the year begin in joy and freedom. There is much to do, and we have been long delayed. Accept the holy instant as this year is born, and take your place, so long left unfulfilled, in the Great Awakening. Make this year different by making it all the same. And let all your relationships be made holy for you. This is our will. Amen.” 

A Course in Miracles T-15.XI.10:8-14

“The infinite has no beginning. This word beginning is employed to signify the only, — that is, the eternal verity and unity of God and man, including the universe.” 

Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 502:24-27