June 21, 2013 - Step by Step

"Wildfire Sunset"
photo by Arthus Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #172

Central Theme: “God is but love and therefore so am I”

Review of: #153 “In my defenselessness my safety lies.”

#154 “I am among the ministers of God.”

Our studies take us, step by step, into a new/old world. The spiritual consciousness within us is being opened, allowing new perceptions to become a natural shift in our lives. It's easy to slip back into discarded thought, and I've done so recently. I've been defending silly behavior on my part, lashing out if anyone comes close to exposing my foolishness. I must keep in mind that when I judge others, I judge myself. When I defend, I become defenseless. When I live in Love, I am among the ministers of God. One of my favorite statements from A Course in Miracles is, "Choose again!" And so I shall. Namaste'

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Teach your student that he must know himself before he can know others and minister to human needs. Honesty is spiritual power.”

Science & Health Page 453:14-15

June 20, 2013 - I Am Love

Unknown photographer

ACIM Workbook Lesson #171

Central Theme: "God is but love and therefore so am I."

Review of: 

#151 "All things are echoes of the Voice for God."

#152 "The power of decision is my own."

We often wonder how to demonstrate in daily life the ideas we're learning about. To feel the love that I share with God, the Love that is our essence, it helps to feel the warmth of a puppy, to see a fawn with its mother, or to hold a newborn baby. From that point, it's an easy leap to open my heart to omniscient Love. Today let's concentrate on the Love which is God and all the ways in which we reflect that. Specifically, knowing that all things are the echoes of the Voice for God is a wonderfully comforting knowledge to relax into. It helps me to see God everywhere. In doing that, the decisions to be made are already made. Listening to these echoes leads us in paths of peace and right choice. There can be nothing else when surrendering my personal will, my so-called ego, to the perfection of divine Love.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Individuals are consistent who, watching and praying, can 'run, and not be weary; . . . walk, and not faint,' who gain good rapidly and hold their position, or attain slowly and yield not to discouragement. Imperfect mortals grasp the ultimate of spiritual perfection slowly; but to begin aright and to continue the strife of demonstrating the great problem of being, is doing much.”

Science & Health Page 254:1-15

June 19, 2013 - Kindness is Our True Nature

"Three Generations of Love"

ACIM Workbook Lesson #170

“There is no cruelty in God and none in me.”

It often seems difficult to accept that cruelty is not a part of so-called human nature. We have heard for so long that certain behaviors are built-in and nothing can be done about it. There is a new traffic cop in Eureka Springs who seems to be mean-spirited and rude. I have been trying to see past his actions to his true Being, but without much success. Recently I saw him crossing the street, heading toward a woman, and immediately I thought to myself, What's he going to do to her? He walked up to her and gently reached out and petted a little dog she had in her arms. The expression on his face was that of pure love and kindness. Yippee!! There it was! A symbol of his real Self, expressed in a sweet act. As we learn that we are actually spiritual, we are able to see through the facade built by fear into the face of Love. If it's true that what we put our attention on grows, that's where I want to be!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“And we solemnly promise to watch, and pray for that Mind to be in us which was also in Christ Jesus; to do unto others as we would have them do unto us; and to be merciful, just, and pure.”

Science & Health Page 497:24-28

June 18, 2013 - Preparing the Ground

"Thorncrown Chapel in
Eureka Springs, Arkansas"

ACIM Workbook Lesson #169

“By grace I live. By grace I am released.”

A goal of these teachings we study is to clear our minds of learned beliefs and behaviors, preparing a clean page for grace to be written. We are told that the reception of grace is past learning, yet it is the goal of learning. It is explained that grace is inevitable for the prepared mind. And so we plow and turn, sow seeds and pull weeds, allow lots of light to enter, water lovingly, and expect high yields from our planting. Yesterday evening, I attended a musical performance in a splendid setting. A fellow attendee said of our experience that she felt cleansed and nurtured. These types of activities are integral to preparation for reception of grace. They enable me to say, "God is, and then cease to speak, for in that knowledge words are meaningless."

Mary Baker Eddy quote: "We should strive to reach the Horeb height where God is revealed; and the cornerstone of all spiritual building is purity. The baptism of Spirit, washing the body of all the impurities of flesh, signifies that the pure in heart see God and are approaching spiritual Life and its demonstration." 

Science & Health Page 241:24-30 

June 17, 2013 - Grace is Mine

"Illinois Sunset"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #168
“Your grace is given me. I claim it now.”

Today's topic sent me to Webster's in search of definitions for "grace". The one which seems to fit best is this: Divine Love and protection bestowed freely on people. I urge you to listen to and/or read the ACIM lesson in its entirety at www.acimessentials.com. Accepting the grace which is ours involves giving it at every opportunity. Mary Baker Eddy’s spiritual interpretation of the Lord’s Prayer includes this correlation to "Give us this day our daily bread": "Give us Grace for today, feed the famished affections." It seems everywhere we look, we see these "famished affections". By practicing kindness when faced with hardness of heart, meekness when those around us are aggressive, loving those who seem unlovable, and paying it forward in every action, we prepare ourselves to acknowledge the God-given Grace which is our true heritage. And we learn what it feels like, not just what it means.


Mary Baker Eddy quote: “What we most need is the prayer of fervent desire for growth in grace, expressed in patience, meekness, love, and good deeds. To keep the commandments of our Master [Jesus] and follow his example, is our proper debt to him and the only worthy evidence of our gratitude for all that he has done. Outward worship is not of itself sufficient to express loyal and heartfelt gratitude, since he has said: "If ye love me, keep my commandments." [Those commandments being: Love God above all else and your neighbor as yourself.]

Science & Health Page 4:3-10

June 16, 2013 - Life is Divine Principle

"Principia Soccer Team"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #167

“There is one life, and that I share with God.”

I was in the grocery store check-out line. The kid sacking the groceries was trying on the checker's glasses. He says he doesn't know how anyone can see through them, and the checker tells him they're reading glasses and he'll find out some day.  He says, "I hope God comes before that happens." The checkout lady says, "That's horrible! No, that's wonderful. No ..." At this point, I also was somewhat speechless. We had interpreted his comment to mean he hoped he died before he lost his 20/20 vision. But upon reflection, he could have meant other things -- perhaps "the rapture"?? The whole conversation reflected muddled, confused thought in so many ways. For one thing, the assumption is being made that getting older requires a loss of close-up sight. Erroneous assumptions abound here! But ultimately the kid was right in hoping "God comes before this happens". This appearing of God doesn't require us to die, and it doesn't require some miraculous change in the way things are, it simply requires a change in our thought about reality. In this change, all sorts of things we thought to be law are seen to be illusion. I prefer to consider what Life is, rather than what it is not. After this event at the grocery store, I came home and watered my flower garden. The beauty of a sunset, combined with earthy scents, brought Life into focus. The fireflies began to come out and the scent of mint, anise hyssop, and wet earth took over my senses. I saw not only the unreality of erroneous material thought but how unnecessary it is. To be still and experience the beauty of this life is enough. All questions are answered in the stillness of yielding to All that Is. I Am that I Am. Amen ~~~

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Question: What is Life?

Answer: Life is divine Principle, Mind, Soul, Spirit. Life is without beginning and without end. Eternity, not time, expresses the thought of Life, and time is no part of eternity. One ceases in proportion as the other is recognized. Time is finite; eternity is forever infinite. Life is neither in nor of matter. What is termed matter is unknown to Spirit, which includes in itself all substance and is Life eternal. Matter is a human concept. Life is divine Mind. Life is not limited. Death and finiteness are unknown to Life. If Life ever had a beginning, it would also have an ending.”

Science & Health Pages 468:26-6

June 15, 2013 - Scatter Joy!

"Koi Pond"
photo by Dale Johnson

ACIM Workbook Lesson #166

“I am entrusted with the gifts of God.”

The action of happiness is profound. It affects everything and everyone around it. We all have stories of watching situations change when we touch them with peaceful joy. This doesn't mean we laugh in the face of misery. That is not compassion. But neither is being overly sympathetic while perpetuating the illusion. I hope to never lose the ability to empathize with others. But, also, I hope to always retain the ability to see past the form of sorrow and know the Truth of the situation. To carry a calm, buoyant feeling of happiness wherever we go is to bring healing to everything, everywhere. Whether it's a peaceful internal smiling or an outward giggling eruption, I invite you to join me today in the expression of Love, "giving living waters to the thirsty", and never fearing the consequences.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Whatever inspires with wisdom, Truth, or Love--be it song, sermon, or Science--blesses the human family with crumbs of comfort from Christ's table, feeding the hungry and giving living waters to the thirsty.”

Science & Health Page 234:4-8