February 19, 2012 - Sustained by Love

ACIM workbook lesson #50:

“I am sustained by the Love of God.”

Heather Sustained
photo by Aaron Springston

[Marsha's thoughts]

When an animal looks at us lovingly, do we ever wonder if we need to comb our hair or if we have spinach in between our teeth? This loving glance is pure in many ways which our human love seems to lack. I look to my dog(s) to show me the way to express and to feel the Love that is God. In order to recognize that "I am sustained by the Love of God", I must give up all previous notions of what love is. I once heard a mother say of her child that she had to love him, but she didn't have to like him. I think we often have this idea about God's Love, too. Yes, we'll tell ourselves, God loves me -- but there's a nagging suspicion that it's only because He has to. But this idea never existed in divine Love. Can we even begin to imagine a Love that just is? I certainly want to. I want to know this Love of God and allow it to sustain me constantly, not just when I don't know what to do and reach out in desperation. Today I'm feeling out of sorts for no particular reason. So I think I'll take a walking meditation, stilling my mind and feeling nothing but the air around me. And pretty soon I know there will be a hint of Love coloring my mood. A taste is all it takes for me to want to throw off the shackles of ennui and swim in a sea of all-sustaining Love.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

In the following Psalm one word shows, though faintly, the light which Christian Science throws on the Scriptures by substituting for the corporeal sense, the incorporeal or spiritual sense of Deity:-- Psalm XXIII

[DIVINE LOVE] is my shepherd; I shall not want. [LOVE] maketh me to lie down in green pastures: [LOVE] leadeth me beside the still waters. [LOVE] restoreth my soul [spiritual sense]: [LOVE] leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for [LOVE] is with me; [LOVE'S] rod and [LOVE'S] staff they comfort me. [LOVE] prepareth a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: [LOVE] anointeth my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house [the consciousness] of [LOVE] for ever.

Science & Health Page 577:31-18

February 18, 2012 - All day

ACIM workbook lesson #49:

"God's Voice speaks to me all through this day."

 "Heather in Fall"
Photo by Aaron Springston

When someone says that God is speaking to them, it is commonly thought that they are schizophrenic or unbalanced in some way. This is because we have come to believe that our material brains are the center for ideas and thoughts, and that anything else is some form of supernatural brouhaha.  With the understanding that divine Mind is the creator of all things spiritual, and that ideas are a product of this Mind, then it is easier to understand that it's natural; that we can and do hear God's voice all the time. The cacophony in our mind often drowns out the voice of the divine Mind. By training ourselves to quiet this constant chatter which we have become accustomed to accepting as a normal aspect of our material existence, we allow peaceful inner knowing to be heard. This Voice of God is always present, everywhere, for anyone to hear. But so often we are afraid to listen. Do you remember the last time you "just knew" something, but didn't follow through with it, pushing your intuition aside in favor of what we call common sense? These instances might be something minor in nature, or they may be something which would have resulted in a major shift in events. To know our spiritual nature as an idea of divine Mind is to know that the intelligence of the universe is ours for the listening. To allow ourselves to hear from spiritual sense is to hear God's Voice all through the day.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Infinite Mind creates and governs all, from the mental molecule to infinity. This divine Principle of all expresses Science and art throughout [Its] creation, and the immortality of man and the universe. Creation is ever appearing, and must ever continue to appear from the nature of its inexhaustible source. Mortal sense inverts this appearing and calls ideas material. Thus misinterpreted, the divine idea seems to fall to the level of a human or material belief, called mortal man. But the seed is in itself, only as the divine Mind is All and reproduces all--as Mind is the multiplier, and Mind's infinite idea, man and the universe, is the product. The only intelligence or substance of a thought, a seed, or a flower is God, the creator of it. Mind is the Soul of all. Mind is Life, Truth, and Love which governs all." 

Science & Health Page 507:24-8

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