February 17, 2012 - No Fear

ACIM workbook lesson #48:

"There is nothing to fear."

Photo from watermark on it

In thinking about the things that we fear, it seems they all have to do with lack and separation. Fear stems from the idea that we can be separated from the joy and love, peace and security, which we feel in a particular instance. I remember when my son left home for a boarding school at the tender age of fourteen. I was so sad that I felt I'd never laugh again. I literally couldn't imagine happiness, as everything I looked at reminded me he was gone. After a week or so of living in this maudlin state, I realized I was thinking of him as though he were dead. This led me to examine that avenue. What if he was dead? Wouldn't the love we felt still be alive? Of course, I would miss being around him, enjoying his company -- just as I was missing him right now with 300 miles of physical separation. This seeming loss was caused by separation. So I examined  what it is that allows us to be together no matter where we seem to be in this world. And that something is Love. The Love that we both are as the reflection of the one God is a connection which cannot be broken by any set of material circumstance. When I'm really feeling the security of divine Love, I'm reminded of the way a baby is swaddled in a blanket. The closer and tighter the swaddling is, the more secure the baby feels. Divine Love swaddles us in its ever-present protection. While we may seem to face uncertainties and losses, "Nothing real can be threatened. Nothing unreal exists. Herein lies the peace of God." (ACIM text)

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The Apostle John says: 'There is no fear in Love, but perfect Love casteth out fear. . . . He that feareth is not made perfect in Love.' Here is a definite and inspired proclamation of Christian Science." 

Science & Health Page 410:17-21

February 16, 2012 - My strength is not mine

ACIM workbook lesson #47:

"God is the strength in which I trust."

"Child in Mongolia"
photo by Aaron Springston

[Marsha's thoughts]

I am reminded of the strength two women utilized in order to commit these writings to paper, in a form that could be reproduced and kept alive for others to be reminded of Truth. In order to preserve the words for posterity, Mary Baker Eddy spent years writing, revising, editing that which came through her. Helen Schucman was an unwilling vessel for the Word, but she allowed it to fill her and flow onto paper for the benefit of all. Where does this strength come from, which enables people to start such world-wide changes in thought? I know that Mrs. Eddy gave the whole credit for every revelation to God. She understood that no matter how erudite and learned she had become, (despite no formal education), that there was no way mortal mind could know the divine realities she was writing. At least once she stated that she had no idea what Science & Health said, and that's why she read it daily. She stated her writing was divinely inspired. While today's vernacular would refer to this as "channeled", I think there's much to be said for the notion that everything is channeled! Loosing the bonds of materialism allows us see in ways we didn't know existed. Then every moment we are a channel for Truth!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"The revelation of Truth in the understanding came to me gradually and apparently through divine power. When a new spiritual idea is borne to earth, the prophetic Scripture of Isaiah is renewedly fulfilled: "Unto us a child is born, . . . and his name shall be called Wonderful."

Science & Health Page 109:22-27

February 15, 2012 - Blameless, sinless, free

ACIM workbook lesson #46:

“God is the Love in which I forgive.”

Heather at Glacier National Park
photo by Aaron Springston

[Marsha's thoughts]

We are first told in today's workbook lesson that God does not forgive because there is no condemnation. I easily acknowledge the idea that God does not forgive because there is no need -- indeed, no concept of such! -- as forgiveness is letting go of separation, and how can the One know of such an idea? Unfortunately, it seems I can know of this illusion of thought! A number of years ago, two close friends of mine became embroiled in a difference of perceptions which escalated to the point of one of them leaving the community and the spiritual ties we had with each other. A few months ago, one of these friends showed up in my art gallery and it was as though we'd never had the separation we imagined. We had a lovely visit, with promises of keeping in touch. But this has not happened. Upon reflection, I feel that he wanted an apology from me, and I didn't think there was anything to apologize for. Today's lesson prompts me to do some deep searching concerning my actions. I see that now I would find a way to not "take sides". I regret having done so and wonder what may have transpired had I not. But that is past and there is no need to wonder about it. What I do wonder about is what will be said in the letter of apology I will write him today! The inspiration will come while practicing today's lesson of forgiveness and Love. And whatever it brings will be freeing to us both -- and us All!!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"'God is Love.' More than this we cannot ask, higher we cannot look, farther we cannot go. To suppose that God forgives or punishes sin according as His mercy is sought or unsought, is to misunderstand Love and to make prayer the safety-valve for wrong-doing."

Science & Health Page 6:17-22

February 14, 2012 - Mind

Principia students studying daily
 CS Lesson in Mongolia
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM workbook lesson #45:
“God is the Mind with which I think.”

[Marsha's thoughts]
The idea that Mind is God has been one of my favorite topics to explore in Christian Science. Actually, this week's study topic for Christian Scientists all over the world is Mind. This topic is explored through citations from the Bible and correlative readings from Science & Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy. The knowledge that there are countless people studying the same topic and readings is a unifying practice in the Science of The Christ. Also, a consistent unity is shown through the study of A Course in Miracles workbook lessons, bringing us together in thought. We are learning to listen for divine Mind's guidance, to listen for the still, small voice of God, to know and to express that knowledge through our actions and words. The demonstration of this truth which is gained through listening can be observed in many ways. One of my favorites is to simply be still when I've misplaced something. Rather than rushing about looking for it, I will sit down and clear my mind of everything. On the occasions this clearing happens, I'm soon smiling as I walk directly to the 'lost" item. This is what these practices are about: getting out of our own way to "hear" spiritually, metaphysically, with Mind as our intelligence and only guidance.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:
“Every concept which seems to begin with the brain begins falsely. Divine Mind is the only cause or Principle of existence. Cause does not exist in matter, in mortal mind, or in physical forms.” Science & Health Page 262:28-32

February 13, 2012 - Seeing through Light

ACIM workbook lesson #44:

"God is the Light in which I see."

Zion National Park
photo by Aaron Springston

[Marsha's thoughts]

Seeing everything in Light, in God, brings us happiness and peace. Reflecting that Light to others shows them that they, also, are this harmony. When viewed as the image and likeness of God, this light is easily seen as the essence of everyone. A few simple words, expressing what we are seeing, brings joy to those we come into contact with every day. A compliment shared with someone in the grocery store or library may be just the encouragement they need at that moment. Shining the light of Oneness from within brings with it big blessings! I think we all know at least one someone whose expression of Love seems to be a bit contrived. It's been my observation (both in others and within myself!) that these loving expressions must be sincere, not simply something we decide to say to make someone feel good. So today I will be feeling the joy which comes from seeing everything through Light, and giving heart-felt expression to that joy, blessing the world.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Spiritual vision is not subordinate to geometric altitudes. Whatever is governed by God, is never for an instant deprived of the light and might of intelligence and Life."

 Science & Health Page 215:11-14

February 12, 2011 - Source and Sight

ACIM workbook lesson #43:

"God is my Source. I cannot see apart from Him."

Glacier National Park
photo by Aaron Springston

A recurring point of semantic difference between A Course in Miracles writings and the works of Mary Baker Eddy is the use of the word ego. In ACIM, "ego" is synonymous with Mrs. Eddy's "mortal mind". When the word is used in Science & Health, it's used with a capital "E", signifying the Only. For example, "When will the ages understand the Ego, and realize only one God, one Mind or intelligence?" (S&H Page 204:19-21) It seems to me that the realization of this idea, that there is one source, one vision,one Mind, Spirit, Soul, Principle, one Life, Truth, one Love -- with that single realization lies infinite peace and harmony. And this from today's ACIM lesson, "You cannot see apart from God because you cannot be apart from God." This statement solidifies our position of Oneness and allows us to assert these facts fearlessly as a child of God. Continuously I will ask myself how God sees a situation, person, place. Do I truly think that God sees one person as holier than another? Does God see one bird as more beautiful than another, one tree more special? I think not. So neither will I.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“In viewing the sunrise, one finds that it contradicts the evidence before the senses to believe that the earth is in motion and the sun at rest. As astronomy reverses the human perception of the movement of the solar system, so Christian Science reverses the seeming relation of Soul and body and makes body tributary to Mind. Thus it is with man, who is but the humble servant of the restful Mind, though it seems otherwise to finite sense. But we shall never understand this while we admit that soul is in body or mind in matter, and that man is included in non-intelligence.  Soul, or Spirit, is God, unchangeable and eternal; and man coexists with and reflects Soul, God, for man is God's image.”

Science & Health Page 119: 25-6

February 11, 2011 - Strength and Vision

ACIM workbook lesson #42:

“God is my strength. Vision is His gift.”

Mark in Mongolia
photo by Aaron Springston

[Marsha's thoughts]

How often I've felt it impossible to go on, as I'm sure you have, too. A child's illness, divorces and other endings, losing a business which is more than just a way to make money, parents' passing, lies uncovered, truths found out -- the situations which seem insurmountable, but never are. No, that's not right. If we really have no idea that God is our life, many things are too large to move past. I had a good friend whose daughters both died in tragic ways. Dear Betty just wanted to quit living, and so she did. First of all she stayed incredibly busy, so she wouldn't have time to think. Then she died of multiple cancers. During this time I would have given anything to impart to her today's lesson; to have the ability to show her what God sees. But only she could have done that. What I did was to offer her a cup of cold water in the form of God's Love. I showed it to her, I gave it to her, I let her know it was hers.  So today, dear friend, I think of you while I go about the day's activities, remembering that I have the strength of eternity and the infinite vision which I share with you and everyone in the Oneness of God, demonstrated as strength and vision by Its reflections. This cup I raise to you, Betty Lou!

Mary Baker Eddy quotes:

“Rise in the strength of Spirit [God] to resist all that is unlike good. God has made man capable of this, and nothing can vitiate the ability and power divinely bestowed on man.” 

Science & Health Page 393:12-15