September 25, 2013 - It Is What It Is

"Yellowstone National Park"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #268

“Let all things be exactly as they are.”

The spiritual, metaphysical Truth is that there is no cause for anything unlike good, God. Anything unlike God, good, can be challenged with divine authority. Erroneous thoughts of any sort are the same as a dark closet in a light room. When you open the door, the dark doesn't escape into the light. The light dispels the darkness. And so it is with our realization of the unrealities which seem so solid. When we open the door and acknowledge the Truth, anything unlike God, good, simply dissipates before the certainty of light. I needn't judge or condemn any seeming error. I need only acknowledge the Truth of how things are.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Man and his Maker are correlated in divine Science, and real consciousness is cognizant only of the things of God.”

Science and Health Page 276: 9-10

September 24, 2013 - Peace of God

"Montana Sunset"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #267

“My heart is beating in the peace of God"

Living the "peace of God" may seem like a fantasy to those who abide by the laws of materiality. Some think we're delusional, or sticking our heads in the sand, or denying reality in favor of wishful thinking. But that's okay! When you know the Truth of being, put it into practice in daily life, and watch the demonstration of it bloom in your every activity, your "heart is beating in the peace of God". And that state of mind does more for the world than all the preaching we may be tempted to do!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“More effectual than the forum are our states of mind, to bless mankind”

Pulpit and Press, p. 87

September 23, 2013 - Peace is a State of Mind

Photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #266

“My holy Self abides in you, God's Son.”

Peace is a state of mind. Sometimes we feel the epitome of peace in the midst of turmoil. At other times, we can be in an oasis of stillness but, due to our tumultuous state of mind, may be experiencing stress and upset. It helps me to know that we are all the "son of God". With this realization, I am able to see everything through the eye of divine Love. This is not to say that I'm always calm. Sometimes I forget I am the idea of God, and that everyone else is, too. At those times, who knows how I may be interpreting events! In a state of forgetfulness, I am at the mercy of material belief, being swayed by thought systems which were put in place long before my appearance in this world. But when I remember my holy Self, things appear differently to me. And there is peace. 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“He that touches the hem of [the] Christ’s robe and masters his mortal beliefs, animality, and hate, rejoices in the proof of healing,—in a sweet and certain sense that God is Love”.

Science & Health Page 569: 11-14

September 22, 2013 - Gentle Sight

"Fall Foliage"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #265

Creation's gentleness is all I see.

The last couple of days, I've mentioned a motorcycle event in our little town. Many people think of this event as being very disruptive. Actually, it's been disturbing to me for the last few years. But this year I vowed to look at it with purer eyes and heart than previously. Today was the apex of the noise and hubbub and, to me, it was just another busy Saturday in Eureka Springs. As one of my friends said, "We live in a lively place! Isn't it fun!!" And so it was. As the day was coming to a close a big biker came in telling me as he entered that he didn't want anything; he was just waiting to get a tattoo downstairs. I started a conversation with him and learned he was a truck driver with a love for photography. He told me of the many photos he's taken, and how he walks out into the desert to find nature scenes which are out of the ordinary. We had a lovely chat and I saw a gentler side of him than what was outwardly presented. I'm very grateful for this sight!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The new birth is not the work of a moment. It begins with moments, and goes on with years; moments of surrender to God, of childlike trust and joyful adoption of good; moments of self-abnegation, self-consecration, heaven-born hope, and spiritual love.” 

Miscellaneous Writings, 1883-1896, p. 15

September 21, 2013 - Surrounded by Love

"World Cup, Germany, 2006"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #264

“I am surrounded by the Love of God.”

While sitting in my gallery with Steve Tyrell singing Frank Sinatra songs,  it's easy to feel surrounded by Love. As this is the first cool day in quite some time, I have the front door open to enjoy the fresh air and invite people to come in and see the great collection of art and fine craft we have. Suddenly, the calm is broken by raucous laughter. I look out to see a seemingly drunken man standing in the middle of the street, pretending he's directing traffic, while his friend takes photos of the performance. I nearly slip into judgmental mode, but refrain. I have vowed to see everyone through the eyes of God today. So I enjoy his antics as I sway to the sultry music filling the air. Shortly thereafter, the man in the street comes in with his friend. They rather sheepishly talk about what they were doing. The friend states that usually the man in the street is a quiet, subdued person who would never think of making a scene. As I watch them enjoying their vacation, I see that they truly are surrounded by the Love of God, too. I see the motorcycles roaring by as extensions of the fun-loving folks riding them. I take a deep breath and smile.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The very circumstance, which your suffering sense deems wrathful and afflictive, Love can make an angel entertained unawares.”

Science & Health Page 574: 27-30

September 20, 2013 - Pass by in Innocence

"Ozark Moon Set"
photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #263

“My holy vision sees all things as pure.”

The commentary in today's ACIM lesson asks us to "Let all appearances seem pure .. that we may pass them by in innocence ...". Wow! I want to do that, don't you?  This is a perfect time for me to practice seeing with my pure vision rather than my faulty material vision. Thousands of motorcycles are in town for a happening in a nearby area. In the past, I've seen them as a nuisance, disrupting peace and quiet in our serene village. I vow today to see with holy vision, pure and true. We really are One! 

Om ~~~~~~~~~~

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“When we learn that error is not real, we shall be ready for progress, ‘forgetting those things which are behind.’”

Science & Health Page 353:22-24

September 19, 2013 - We're All This -- Together!

"Ozark Moon"
photo by Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #262

“Let me perceive no differences today.”

William Blake says it well: "I am in you and you in me, mutual in divine Love". I understand this to mean that the perfection we are learning to see as ourselves also is everyone else. I often tell people “We’re all in this together”, but I think I’ll change it to “We are all this – together!” I love the study of the Science of Being! Every day, every moment, revelations of thought bring me to a deeper understanding of how this Truth sets us free. I am learning more every day what it means that God is Mind, Spirit, Soul, Principle, Life, Truth, Love. And it's a joy to expand thought to include myself in that definition, as a reflection of All that Is!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“With one Father, even God, the whole family of man would be brethren; and with one Mind and that God, or good, the brotherhood of man would consist of Love and Truth, and have unity of Principle and spiritual power which constitute divine Science.”

Science and Health Page 469:30–5