June 23, 2015 - Let It Go

Glacier National Park
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #174

Central Theme: "God is but love and therefore so am I." Review of: #157 "Into His Presence would I enter now." #158 "Today I learn to give as I receive."

I have a dear friend who just returned home from an 8-month camping trip to remote regions of the United States. She’s 74 years young and she jumped into her car with a pup tent, a few blankets and changes of clothing, her sketch pad — and not much else! She slept under the stars, when possible by a river, and met many interesting people and got quite an education about Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Oregon, Arizona, and Utah. As I related some of Lizzy’s adventures to a mutual friend, she said she could never do anything like that until she “conquered her fear”. Hum, what an interesting concept! I suppose we are taught that fear is something to be overcome, but I think of it as something to be replaced. I suggested she start by ceasing to listen to or watch the news, and definitely not to watch any crime dramas on television or horror movies. She thought I was joking, as she can’t imagine life without any of those activities. I could have given her a lecture, but I let it go with a smile. :)

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"One moment of divine consciousness, or the spiritual understanding of Life and Love, is a foretaste of eternity."

Science & Health Page 589: 8-11

June 22, 2015 - Perfectly Led

photo from Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #173 Central Theme: “God is but love and therefore so am I.” Review of: #155 "I will step back and let Him lead the way." #156 "I walk with God in perfect holiness."

Oftentimes we realize change is necessary in our lives, but various reasons keep us from moving forward. There may be factors of fear, stubbornness, or hedonistic desires involved in our reluctance. Almost 20 years ago, I was prompted to make some major changes. I brought my children to Eureka Springs and started a new life. We changed everything from our furniture to our way of thinking and daily activities. The cleansing effect of this change brought happiness and peace where drama and turmoil had been before. Recognizing that "God is Love and so am I" allowed me to be led in perfect holiness, for which I am most grateful.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"… we must first turn our gaze in the right direction, and then walk that way. We must form perfect models in thought and look at them continually, or we shall never carve them out in grand and noble lives."

Science & Health Page 247:25-29

June 21, 2015 - Would I Rather Be Right or Kind?

"Beaver Bridge in Fog"
photo from Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #172 Central Theme: “God is but love and therefore so am I” Review of: #153 “In my defenselessness my safety lies.” #154 “I am among the ministers of God.”

I’ve been married three times. I used to have a seeming need to speak my mind. It didn’t matter if it was a holiday dinner or family function where everyone was supposed to be having a good time, if I disagreed with someone, I was sure to let them know exactly why! At some point in the last twenty or so years, I’ve lost that desire. If I disagree with someone now days, I’ll most likely say something like, “You may be right about that”, and smile and wander away. One of my favorite sayings is, “If you have a choice of being right or being kind, be kind.” Not having a desire to defend myself or others is my ministry. And there are always lots of opportunities to practice it!!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Teach your student that he must know himself before he can know others and minister to human needs. Honesty is spiritual power.”

Science & Health Page 453:14-15

June 20, 2015 - No Place I'd Rather Be

Marsha at Farmers' Market

ACIM Workbook Lesson #171

Central Theme: "God is but love and therefore so am I." Review of:  #151 "All things are echoes of the Voice for God." #152 "The power of decision is my own."

I watched a movie called "Wild". It's the story of a confused and sad young woman who hikes the 1000-mile Pacific Crest Trail, not sure why she's doing it, but knowing she can't go on in the destructive way she's been living. In the past, there have been many times I've wished I could change parts of my life, but I don't feel that way anymore. A line from this movie exemplifies why that is: "What if all the things I did are the things that got me here?" There's no place I'd rather be; there are no other children I'd rather have; I love my friends and only look forward to adding more! If I had the chance to go back and take out parts of my life -- parts which I wouldn't want put up on a movie screen -- then I wouldn't be here now. I am learning the differences and samenesses in loving and being Love, while finding out how being the experience of divine Mind is as individual as I Am. What an adventure!!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Individuals are consistent who, watching and praying, can 'run, and not be weary; . . . walk, and not faint,' who gain good rapidly and hold their position, or attain slowly and yield not to discouragement. Imperfect mortals grasp the ultimate of spiritual perfection slowly; but to begin aright and to continue the strife of demonstrating the great problem of being, is doing much.”

Science & Health Page 254:1-15

June 19, 2015 - No Cruelty

"St Elizabeth's Belfry"
photo by Richard Quick

ACIM Workbook Lesson #170

“There is no cruelty in God and none in me.”

We often hear of cruelty beyond comprehension. How could anyone possibly perpetrate such behavior? I would hazard to guess that, if asked, the people responsible would not think they were acting in a cruel manner. They would probably say it was necessary to protect themselves or others from some threat. Somewhere along the way, we have decided that it's all right to kill and perform other heinous acts because it's a logical defense against something or the other! Once again, The Four Agreements come to mind. In this wonderful interpretation of ancient Toltec wisdom, Don Miguel Ruiz explains four simple rules to live by which would ensure peace and happiness for everyone. The second agreement is, "Don't take anything personally". He goes so far as to say that even if someone shoots you in the head, it's not your problem, but theirs! I love this as it puts into perspective what we have misinterpreted. We seem to think retaliation is an acceptable behavior. I have a friend who tells me that Jesus told her she'd forgiven her sister enough, and it was all right to hate her now. Wow. I guess that's what I mean by people thinking they're doing a service to the world by killing or other gross behavior. We can convince ourselves, with our mortal minds, that anything is good, which illustrates the importance of letting go of all material beliefs. We are learning to listen, allowing ourselves to understand that as a reflection of divine Love we are capable of living Truth. We are not only capable of living this pure Life which is God, but it is our natural state, expressing only Love. The Utopia which comes with such a dream is a reality, when we allow it.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“And we solemnly promise to watch, and pray for that Mind to be in us which was also in Christ Jesus; to do unto others as we would have them do unto us; and to be merciful, just, and pure.”

Science & Health Page 497:24-28

June 18, 2015 - Receiving Grace

"Thailand"
photo from Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #169

“By grace I live. By grace I am released.”

We are taught today that grace cannot be learned, although it is the goal of learning. We are told that grace is laid at the prepared table. This preparation is what we are doing in these divinely metaphysical studies. It takes an open mind to be willing to wake up from the material existence we have accepted as reality. Most have heard the words, Let go and let God! Why is this simple, but not easy? I think it's because of the constant cacophony from physical senses, bombarding us every moment with how things are supposed to be.  Once again, we look for ways to tune in to Truth, God, and turn off the constant chatter. These studies, the practice of meditation, and other avenues, occasionally allow a clear mind in which to feel the Presence which we crave. Through our desire for rest in Oneness, the blissful quiet which has no purpose other than communion with the One, we live by grace and are released from the seeming reality around us, into our true Being as a reflection of divine Mind.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The fading forms of matter, the mortal body and material earth, are the fleeting concepts of the human mind. They have their day before the permanent facts and their perfection in Spirit appear. The crude creations of mortal thought must finally give place to the glorious forms which we sometimes behold in the camera of divine Mind, when the mental picture is spiritual and eternal. 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 [It] in whom we have our being.”

Science & Health Page 263:32-9

June 17, 2015 - Giving Grace

photo courtesy of Chris Fischer

ACIM Lesson #168

“Your grace is given me. I claim it now.”

One definition of grace is: "Divine Love bestowed freely on people." I’ll always remember a young woman who came in my gallery one evening and told me that she loved art, but that she didn't have any talent because she had been sexually abused as a child. I smiled at her and she said, No, really, every day for years and years! I told her I wasn't smiling about what she had said or what had been done, but I was smiling at the part of her which had never been touched by any of this. I told her everyone has lots of talent and for her to try different things until she found something she really loved -- and then keep on doing it! Her eyes lit up as she listed things she loved and wanted to do. By practicing kindness when faced with hardness of heart, meekness when those around us are aggressive, loving those who seem unlovable, and paying it forward at every opportunity, we acknowledge the grace which is our true heritage. By this, we learn what it feels like, not just what it means.

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 4:3-5