September 25, 2014 - One Cause

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #268

“Let all things be exactly as they are.”

Today's Course in Miracles lesson perfectly states the basis of Christian Science healing. The spiritual, metaphysical Truth is that there is no cause for anything unlike good, God, as God is the only Cause. 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:

"Human sense may well marvel at discord, while, to a diviner sense, harmony is the real and discord the unreal. We may well be astonished at sin, sickness, death. We may well be perplexed at human fear; and still more astounded at hatred, which lifts its hydra head, showing its horns in the many inventions of evil. But why should we stand aghast at nothingness?”

Science & Health Page: 563: 1-7

September 24, 2014 - Peaceful Possibilities

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 that in order to live this way they would have to be delusional, or sticking their heads in the sand, or denying reality in favor of wishful thinking. But many of us don't! 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, 2014 - Mastering Belief

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #266

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

Peace is a state of mind. We can feel the epitome of peace in the midst of turmoil. At other times, we may be in an oasis of stillness but, due to our tumultuous state of mind, 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, 2014 - Gentleness

Mt. Timpanogos Goat
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #265

"Creation's gentleness is all I see."

Creation's gentleness is everywhere, but often is covered up by belief in harshness. More and more we're seeing animals showing us the way to being gentle with each other. In our realization of Oneness, we're beginning to understand that if violence is done to or by one, it's done to or by All. And we're allowing our thought to change from fear and anger to Love and gentleness. There may still be many people who want to stay with the old paradigm and say it's necessary for heinous acts to be committed. But there are more people everyday who realize the error of this and know it's possible for the lion to lay down with the lamb.

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, 2014 - Unchanging Love

"Classic Car Parade"
photo by Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #264

“I am surrounded by the Love of God.”

Some days I feel like a used car salesman -- only selling different things in an art gallery. "What do I need to do to put this lovely Van Hollow Pottery platter in your home??!!" Recently, I really had fun with this. There was a young woman from a nearby college town who fell in love with one of our outstanding Ashiko drums. I gave her a deep discount so she could take it home. The fun banter the customers and I had going on made for a delightful, Love-filled day. It's easy to get grumpy when things don't flow smoothly, and it's easy to be happy when they do. Recognizing that I Am surrounded by the Love of God makes it easier to stay on an even keel, because this Love is something which does not change.

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, 2014 - Pure Sight

"Gallery Stroll in Eureka Thyme"

ACIM Workbook Lesson #263

“My holy vision sees all things as pure.”

When I first started greeting the public in my capacity as a gallery proprietress, there were many things people said to which I reacted negatively. If someone criticized the art, I would feel defensive. When people talked about politics and such, I would feel annoyed and perhaps angry. I see these things differently now. I find myself simply witnessing what is said in regard to our art and artists, with no feeling one way or another toward their comments. If someone wants to talk about their strong opinions, I smile and change the subject, with no worry about what they may think. If I happen to fall into old thought patterns, that's okay. I acknowledge what has made me uncomfortable and give a nod of gratitude for the ability to choose again.

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, 2014 - No Differences in Love

photo by Aaron Springston

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 what it means when I affirm that that God is Mind, Spirit, Soul, Principle, Life, Truth, Love. 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