September 27, 2013 - Spiritual Vision

"It's All About the Leaves"
by Sandy Wythawai Starbird

ACIM Workbook Lesson #270

“I will not use the body's eyes today.”

During these times of shifting thought, many of us are frightened by the feelings and insights we are having. I love working with artists, and one of the reasons is that they fearlessly allow multi-dimensional energy into their experience. By the act of looking upon their palpably loving works of Art, I am guided to other ways of seeing. Their artistic expressions take me past the obvious into the ethereal. Every instance of this "seeing through the veil" brings us closer to our goal of seeing that way all the time. Slipping into the silence between thoughts, seeing past the obvious, listening within -- all this and more seeks our awareness. Listen, See, Be.

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 215:11-13

September 26, 2013 - Pure Sight

"The Starbirds"
photo by Judy Rhodes

ACIM Workbook Lesson #269

“My sight goes forth to look upon Christ's face.”

The face of Christ which is spoken of in today's lesson is everywhere. Christ is not necessarily Jesus. Jesus was a man who was here to show us the Truth of our Being. Christ is the Sprit, God (if you will) which is the essence of everything. The Christ, The Universe, Harold -- it really doesn't matter what you call It, because It simply is. So this face of Christ that we are looking at today is what you see when you look in the mirror, what you see when you look at your loved ones, what you see when you look at your so-called enemies -- it is everything, minus material belief and learned behavior. Our earlier lesson, which teaches us that nothing we see means anything, prepares the way for today's truth. Giving up meaning clears the way to accept spiritual reality. The closer I come to knowing nothing, the happier I am!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The eternal Truth destroys what mortals seem to have learned from error, and man's real existence as a child of God comes to light.”

Science and Health Page 288:31–1

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