July 6, 2013 - What Blesses One Blesses All

"Aaron in Altai Mountains of Mongolia"

ACIM  Lesson #187

“I bless the world because I bless myself.”

If we have something and give it away, our material belief is that we don't have it any longer. The truth as we are learning through these studies tells us that giving will increase what we possess. We are also learning that things represent thoughts. And we are discovering that when we give ideas away they become stronger in our own mind. Form is often changed in what we have given and what we receive, but it never leaves us lacking. Thoughts and ideas cannot be lost, whereas material form is constantly changing. By allowing ourselves to bless ourselves, we bless the world. 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“In the scientific relation of God to man, we find that whatever blesses one blesses all, as Jesus showed with the loaves and the fishes,--Spirit, not matter, being the source of supply.”

Science & Health, Page 206:15-18

July 5, 2013 - Arrogant or Humble?

"Adventure in Mongolia"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #186

“Salvation of the world depends on me.”

Admittance that salvation of the world depends on me may sound arrogant, but the opposite is true. The realization that we are united with God and all that Is -- that's humbling. It's easy to get this concept backwards, believing if we recognize our oneness with God, we are displaying braggadocio. It looks to me as though that is humility. The boastful behavior comes about with a misplaced idea of our heritage, insisting that we're not worthy, that we're weak humans, that we have no choice as to our circumstance. It's arrogant to think your material beliefs are more valid than the ideas of God. Never question what right you have to think this way. It's your birthright!

Mary Baker Eddy quote: "God creates all forms of reality. His thoughts are spiritual realities. 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."

July 4, 2013 - Independence

"Fireworks"
by Aaron Springston

A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson #185

“I want the peace of God.”

This is a day of celebration in the United States. On July 4th we celebrate Independence. Today's lesson tells us that if we want the peace of God, it is ours. The reason for this is that peace is our birthright as a child of God. If we don't experience this peace, it's because we don't really want it. So today I will celebrate my independence from thoughts which bind me to old ways which do not bring peace nor freedom. I will throw off the shackles of belief and celebrate the freedom which living my true heritage brings. I won't concentrate on what I am not, but what I Am. I Am a reflection of divine Mind. Woo-hoo!! Let the celebration begin!!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"A few immortal sentences, breathing the omnipo‐tence 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."

Science & Health Page 225:16-22

July 3, 2013 - Key to the Door of Truth

"Glacier National Park"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #184

“The Name of God is my inheritance.”

Not only have we chosen names to delineate things, but we have preconceived notions about what those things represent. These names and our ideas about what they mean separate us from each other: they de-unify us. We think learning is knowing what these things are, and we study to find out everything about them. While we need these symbols, these names, to communicate in the world we have made, we keep getting glimpses of true communication -- and, if you're like me, you want more! Watching birds fly in formation is but one way we get a taste of something beyond what we, as humans, believe to be communication. Rather than learning more about these illusion of names and notions, I'd rather work toward understanding that everything real is a shared unity with God. The knowledge that the confusion we are faced with in daily life is not true creation, this is the key to the door of Truth. Therein we find peace.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“In the Scriptural allegory of the material creation, Adam or error, which represents the erroneous theory of life and intelligence in matter, had the naming of all that was material. These names indicated matter's properties, qualities, and forms. But a lie, the opposite of Truth, cannot name the qualities and effects of what is termed matter, and create the so-called laws of the flesh, nor can a lie hold the preponderance of power in any direction against God, Spirit and Truth.”

Science & Health Page 177:15-24

July 2, 2013 - What is God's Name?

"Aaron in China"

ACIM Workbook Lesson #183

“I call upon God's Name and on my own.”

What is God's name? Certainly it is different things to different people. That's part of the separation we speak of so often. All the names that represent individuality and differences need to be forgotten. Perhaps, like me, you want to think of God as Love. Omnipresent Love.  I also use the seven synonyms given for God by Mary Baker Eddy. These words build upon each other and totally define Deity. Each word alone does not do the job, but when you start to see the connection in these synonyms, there is an overwhelming All-ness which begins to be understood. Mind, Spirit, Soul, Principle, Life, Truth, Love. These seven words combine to give us a gift. This gift grows as it is accepted and practiced within our mind. Through this material insight, we are able to see a bit of our spiritual reality. Translate the word God in any way it feels correct within yourself. You can't go wrong!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Question: What is God?

Answer: God is incorporeal, divine, supreme, infinite Mind, Spirit, Soul, Principle, Life, Truth, Love.

Question: Are these terms synonymous?

Answer: They are. They refer to one absolute God. They are also intended to express the nature, essence, and wholeness of Deity. The attributes of God are justice, mercy, wisdom, goodness, and so on.

Question: Is there more than one God or Principle?

Answer: There is not."

Science & Health Page 465: 8-17

July 1, 2013 - Be Still and Go ...

"Bryce Canyon"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #182

“I will be still an instant and go home.”

This lesson is asking us to quiet all the hubbub in our existence for just an instance, in order to feel the peace of God which is ours. And so I will today pause for many instants. I will sink deeper into the wonder of Truth, knowing all else is but a made-up dream of existence. When I hear anything which might cause me to think in a defensive way, I'll remember what is true and what is imagined. If the world has decided to live in an attack mode, defending against everything which it deems to be harmful, I will do my part in bringing in the dawn of Truth by accepting spiritual reality and rejecting material myth. An instant is all it takes to feel the presence of God!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“As mortals begin to understand Spirit, they give up the belief that there is any true existence apart from God.”

Science & Health Page 282:30-32

June 30, 2013 - We're All In This Together

"Bryce Canyon"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #181

“I trust my brothers, who are one with me.”

[To hear Auntie Patricia read the introduction to the next 20 lessons, and today's lesson, go to: acimessentials.com]

Reading today's topic reminds me of something Marianne Williamson jokingly said: I can't stand fundamentalists; they're so judgmental! And I'm also reminded of how judgmental I was when seeing a man outside my gallery who was carrying a sign saying something about anyone who marries a divorced woman is an adulterer. I have since examined why this man's actions were so disturbing to me. Perhaps it's because I'm thrice-divorced. Perhaps it's because I perceive him to be a religious zealot and I'm afraid I'm one, too. Whatever the reasons are, I am uncomfortable with my feelings toward him, so I know they need to change. We are learning that if something is disturbing to us, we need to look within and root out the cause. It's easy to forget that we are all in this together. It's hard to see past the stories we've chosen for ourselves in this life.  Some of these guises are delightful, some are hideous, but they're all make believe. I will work to rid myself of needless notions, while looking inward to Truth.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“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