November 24, 2014 - Life

"Utah Morning"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #328

"I choose the second place to gain the first."

A friend asked me if I feel like a failure when metaphysical practice doesn't keep physical maladies at bay. I couldn't help but laugh, as she was so seriously worried about me. I suppose this concern is a result of knowing nothing about Christian Science other than what fictional television shows have depicted. I explained to her that harmonious physical circumstances are not something to be sought, but are an inevitable result of aligning thought with God. Now this alignment is not an easy thing to do, as we're so accustomed to thinking with our mortal mind rather than divine Mind. Mrs. Eddy asks us if we would discount mathematical principles simply because we couldn't solve a problem with our limited knowledge. She tells us it's the same thing with our burgeoning knowledge of divine Science. The principle is sound, but it's often difficult for us to grasp. I will continue to hold to thoughts of Truth and Love as I undergo a procedure for cataract removal. I see this as another adventure in the movement from life to Life!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

'The way is straight and narrow, which leads to the understanding that God is the only Life. It is a warfare with the flesh, in which we must conquer sin, sickness, and death, either here or hereafter, — certainly before we can reach the goal of Spirit, or life in God." 

Science and Health Page 324: 13-18

November 23, 2014 - All Need Supplied

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #327

"I need but call and You will answer me."

√My traveling son is in Thailand right now. He's been a world traveler since his teen years and has always trusted his intuition when it comes to knowing what to do in challenging situations. From the wilderness of Mongolia to the instabilities of South Africa, he has experienced safety in his defenselessness. Today he posted this photo to Facebook, saying that this man had exhibited extreme kindness to him and his traveling companion. Although he didn't say what that kindness was, I know it was in answer to a need, and I know he trusts that his needs will be met, no matter what they are. As he walks roads less traveled, he continues to learn the meaning of Oneness. Namaste!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"God is not influenced by man. The 'divine ear' is not an auditory nerve."

Science & Health Page 7:20-21

November 22, 2014 - Cause & Effect

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? Material "laws" of cause and effect tell us that 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 the image and likeness 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. This life's illusion is that we have effectively made up a most wonderful and horrible world.  Recognizing our status as the idea of God involves an awakening to the understanding that we are capable of much more than we have known, 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.

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

Novmeber 20, 2014 - Listen and Follow

photo by Richard Quick

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 21, 2014 - Reflecting Ideas

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #325

“All things I think I see reflect ideas.”

I Am an idea of God. I am a product of all the thoughts I have, I decide what those thoughts mean, and what might come about because of them. Which one of these do you think is true? Thinking about being an idea of God is one thing; Being that Idea is yet another! Objectively thinking about being that idea is easy, but to subjectively think out from God, as a true reflection, can feel impossible. Could a sunbeam be anything other than an emanation of the sun? We, as a creation of divine Mind, cannot be anything other than Its experience. As a material creature subject to all the whims of mortal mind, we never know what to expect. Thank goodness we're actually spiritual!

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 19, 2014 - Losing Nothing

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #323

"I gladly make the 'sacrifice' of fear"

Why is it so difficult to let go of something we don't want? No one wants to live in fear, but it seems we've convinced ourselves its necessary for survival. I know I fall into this trap. I want to think subjectively from divine Mind, but constantly fall into the objective stance of thinking about God rather than thinking as the expression of God. The fear-based life going on around us seems to be contagious. I'm tired of living from a place of worry about what-if situations. The confusion which comes from a mind full of crazy scenarios and potentially dangerous situations is not the way I choose to be. So today I am actively giving away these feelings in favor of peace and Love, knowing it becomes easier with every so-called sacrifice of fear.

Mary 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, 2014 - Givin' It Up For Reality

photo by Aaron Springston

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 habits, or maybe foods that we deem to be bad for us, or perhaps things which are cluttering our life. Whatever comes to thought, rest assured it's not real! I often think of this statement: It's not what enters the mouth which defiles us, but what comes out. But giving up negative chatter 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