November 22, 2013 - Cause & Effect

"Bryce Canyon"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #326

“I am forever an Effect of God.”

What does it mean to be an Effect of God? We are all familiar with the "laws" of cause and effect. If something is a particular way, then the effect is such-and-such. In the world of Spirit, there is but one Cause, therefore the Effect is a reflection of the Cause. If we are said to be the image and likeness of the One, of divine Mind, then that perfection is inherent in each and every one of us. Once again, it's easy to get caught up in materialism and think we are many things which do not resemble the only Cause. That's why we say that this life and all it entails is an illusion. We have effectively made up a most wonderful world. As the idea of God, we are capable of much more than we know. But we cannot convince anyone other than ourselves that this is so. And that's the nice thing about Oneness! What I know, what I express, is given to the world. Therefore, there is no need to do anything other than live Truth. And how do we know what that is? We ask and listen. Namaste'.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"There is no life, truth, intelligence, nor substance in matter. All is infinite Mind and its infinite manifestation, for God is All-in-all. Spirit is immortal Truth; matter is mortal error. Spirit is the real and eternal; matter is the unreal and temporal. Spirit is God, and man is His image and likeness. Therefore man is not material; he is spiritual.”

Science & Health Page 468:9-15

November 21, 2013 - What I See

"Reflections"
photo by Gerry Toler

ACIM Workbook Lesson #325

“All things I think I see reflect ideas.”

At a meeting where people speak freely about things of Spirit, one person related an interesting story. As a frequent traveler to India, he had often heard tales  of spirit guides, but had never experienced what others talked about. One day he stated firmly that he wanted to see his guide. And next thing he knew, a purple Ganesh came to him, appearing out of the wall. In his surprise, he rubbed his eyes and said something to the effect of, I don't believe it. When he looked back, it was gone. This story caused many things to run through my mind, but mainly this: If we ask for a higher experience -- a metaphysical event, if you will -- and then turn away from it, we effectively send it away. If everything we see is an idea, it can either be an idea from our mind or one from divine Mind. This is what we're learning to differentiate. Oh boy!!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The universe reflects God. There is but one creator and one creation. This creation consists of the unfolding of spiritual ideas and their identities, which are embraced in the infinite Mind and forever reflected. These ideas range from the infinitesimal to infinity, and the highest ideas are the sons and daughters of God.”

Science & Health Page 502:24-32

November 20, 2013 - Listen & Follow

"Ready to Fly"
unknown photographer

ACIM Workbook Lesson #324

“I merely follow, for I would not lead.”

Many people are concerned about what to do with themselves upon retirement. Most of the people I know are concerned that they may end up working more than before, as there are so many good causes they want to support. Following the guidance of divine Mind never steers us wrong. This following may be difficult for people who are accustomed to weighing the pros and cons of situations before making decisions. What a perfect time to put into practice the reliance on inner knowing we've been learning! To quietly listen is a learned behavior. If you are used to being busy all the time, if your thoughts are constantly in motion, it can be quite a change to expect answers from silence. Start doing it now! Place thought on the question, then let it go, allowing your mind to be quiet. You may be surprised by the immediate results!

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. 

Science & Health Page 4:3-4 

November 19, 2013 - Leap of Faith?

Photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #323

"I gladly make the 'sacrifice' of fear"

Taking a leap of faith -- Isn't that an interesting phrase? I think it implies sacrificing fear and trusting inner Guidance. Even after years of practicing this type of reliance, it can be a bit daunting! Today I placed total trust in following what feels right. For quite some time, I've felt it was time for a shift of duties in the gallery I run; that I would be more effective behind the scene. Recently, a woman walked through our doors looking for a job, and I just "knew" she was the one I've been waiting for. She and another beautiful woman, who has been working for us more than a year, will be the two frontline people, greeting the public happily and effectively. Although I'll be there to help them on busy days, my main duties will be securing a niche in internet marketing and being a cheerleader for the artists we represent. I embrace this change with excitement and joy, relying on divine Mind to guide my every step!

SMary Baker Eddy quote:

"Give up your material belief of mind in matter, and have but one Mind, even God; for this Mind forms its own likeness. The loss of man's identity through the understanding which Science confers is impossible; and the notion of such a possibility is more absurd than to conclude that individual musical tones are lost in the origin of harmony."

Science & Health Page 216:30-5

November 18, 2013 -- Givin' It Up For Reality

Magazine Ad from Yesteryear

ACIM Workbook Lesson #322

“I can give up but what was never real.”

When you think of giving things up, what comes to mind? Perhaps it's giving up certain bad habits, or maybe foods that we deem to be bad for us, or perhaps things which are cluttering our life. Whatever comes to mind, rest assured it's not real! Often I think of this statement: It's not what enters the mouth which defiles us, but what comes out. But giving up negative thought and gossipy talk is also not real, given the definition we're working with today! Only that which is a manifestation of divine Mind, God, is real. So these things we give up are simply clearing the way for reality! This reality becomes apparent, but we know it's always been there, waiting to be revealed in the "twinkling of an eye" if we're truly willing to release what binds us. Let there be light!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Man is the idea of Spirit; he reflects the beatific presence, illuming the universe with light.”

Science and Health Page 266:27–29

November 17, 2013 - Freedom in Self

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #321

“Father, my freedom is in You alone.”

I know any number of married people who exude happiness and delight in their relationships. It's a joy to be in their company! And so when I say that many of us are realizing freedom through the ability to live our lives any way we choose, setting aside age-old dictums of how we need to live, I most certainly am not saying these happily married couples should separate!  The freedom we speak of today is one which comes through the recognition of ourselves as a reflection of divine Love. In this realization there is no need for seeking validation or security in material circumstance. As I examine past life choices, I see that I've always been happier living alone than I was sharing a home with parents, spouses, or even children. Realizing that the one thing I have desired is to know God, and that this is not going to be facilitated by anyone other than my Self -- this, to me, is freedom! It's quite a delightful trip, this waiting with heart wide open to see what's coming next!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Marriage should signify a union of hearts. Furthermore, the time cometh of which Jesus spake, when he declared that in the resurrection there should be no more marrying nor giving in marriage, but man would be as the angels. Then shall Soul rejoice in its own, in which passion has no part. Then white-robed purity will unite in one person masculine wisdom and feminine love, spiritual understanding and perpetual peace."

Science & Health 64:17-25

November 16, 2013 - Limitless Being

"Beaver Bridge"
photo by Mariellen Griffith

ACIM Workbook Lesson #320

“My Father gives all power unto me.”

"We must act as possessing all power from Him in whom we have our being." (MBE) This quote and today's lesson topic bring to mind the self-help axiom, "fake it 'til you make it". Often we feel incapable of believing -- much less understanding -- that the reality of our being is limitless. We are capable of so much more than we realize! The word "power" has gotten a bad reputation because of various abuses of so-called power. But let's shed those notions and see the word as a wonderful, beautiful idea! If we must pretend that we are Love and nothing else, if we must fake it, let’s be certain that we will make it! It is something I will continue to do when I feel fear, or lack, or irritation with someone. My will and God's will are one and the same. I acknowledge that at every opportunity!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Mortals must look beyond fading, finite forms, if they would gain the true sense of things. Where shall the gaze rest but in the unsearchable realm of Mind? We must look where we would walk, and we must act as possessing all power from Him in whom we have our being."

Science & Health  Page 264:7-12