Amazing Grace

ACIM Workbook Lesson #180

Central Theme: "God is but love and therefore so am I."

Review of: #169 "By grace I live. By grace I am released." #170 "There is no cruelty in God and none in me."

"By grace I live. By grace I am released." This spiritual truth was recently brought to worldwide attention by the president of the United States, Barack Obama. In giving the eulogy at a memorial service for nine people who were murdered by a lone gunman in a church in South Carolina, he twice repeated the words, Amazing Grace. Then he slowly started to sing the old hymn. The whole room began to sing along. In a lifetime of political rhetoric and drama, it was the most moving and heartfelt moment I have ever witnessed from a public figure. It is grace which allows us to embrace those who persistently speak words with which we disagree. It is grace which permits us to look past the actions of those whose lives run counter to the standard we have set for ourselves. It is grace which keeps us looking inward for peace while others shout for revenge. "Twas blind, but now I see."

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"As aforetime, the spirit of the Christ, which taketh away the ceremonies and doctrines of men, is not accepted until the hearts of men are made ready for it."

Science & Health with Key to the Scriptures Page 131:22-25

Graceful Living

photo credit: Judy Kavan

ACIM Workbook Lesson #179

Central Theme: "God is but love and therefore so am I."

Review of: #167 "There is one life, and that I share with God." #168 "Your grace is given me. I claim it now."

There are many definitions given in the dictionary for the word grace. It is a noun, a verb, and an adverb, so it covers a lot of ground. The definition which best suits our review today would be this: "Divine love and protection bestowed freely on people." This grace which is ours shows itself in many ways. Perhaps it is seen in our kindness to others, and in them to us. It is emerging in the synchronicities we see in daily life. It is active when everything works together to bring order to our activities. Perhaps it is demonstrated in an apology, or an act of benevolence, a charitable deed, or an acceptance of someone's opinion which is opposite of ours. Grace is mine today, simply for the knowing of it. To quote William Blake:

“To see the world in a grain of sand,

And heaven in a wild flower,

Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,

And eternity in an hour.”

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Grace and Truth are potent beyond all other means and methods.”

Science & Health with Key to the Scriptures Page 67:23-24

Listening

photo credit: Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #178

Central Theme: "God is but love and therefore so am I."

Review of: #165 "Let not my mind deny the Thought of God." #166 "I am entrusted with the gifts of God."

How surprised would you be if your prayers were answered? I have a friend who tells me she's given up on God because she's never seen any proof. Upon questioning her, it turns out she has a laundry list of things she asks for regularly, and none of her wishes have come true. Once again, I feel we often confuse divine Love with Santa Claus. We may be asking some guy in the sky for special dispensation, rather than recognizing that this Principle is an eternal activity which we can plug into at any time. It's kind of like electricity: It's there, but it doesn't supply our needs unless we know how to utilize it. And the secret to plugging in is to not want anything! By not delineating what we think we need, but rather keeping our thoughts tuned to the divine Mind, all our needs are supplied. The nature of this Oneness insures that what we need comes to us, and goes out to others, and we needn't tell It what that need is!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“How empty are our conceptions of Deity! We admit theoretically that God is good, omnipotent, omnipresent, infinite, and then we try to give information to this infinite Mind.”

Science & Health Page 3:17-22

Totally Committed

photo credit: Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Workbook Lesson #177

Central Theme: "God is but love and therefore so am I."

Review of: #163 "There is no death. The Son of God is free." #164 "Now are we one with Him Who is our Source."

As long as we believe that there is something more important than healing our mind, we will never find peace. This is an idea I heard on an ACIM video today. It goes hand-in-hand with the homily given today at the church where I provide musical accompaniment. Father Joseph, a young Nigerian priest who serves three congregations in our area, began his message by asking if we knew the difference between being involved and being committed. He then told us if we were having a breakfast of eggs and bacon, the chicken would be involved, but the pig would be committed. While getting a laugh from the congregation, it made his point clear: If you’re not giving 100%, you’re not committed, but merely involved. Giving wholeheartedly to learning the meaning of Mind, Spirit, Soul, Principle, Life, Truth, Love — I’m in!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“If men understood their real spiritual source to be all blessedness, they would struggle for recourse to the spiritual and be at peace.”

Science and Health Page 329:27-29

The Emperor Has No Clothes!

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #176

Central Theme: "God is but love and therefore so am I."

Review of: #161 "Give me your blessing, holy Son of God." #162 "I am as God created me."

There’s an article making the rounds on social media concerning a public school in Tennessee which is forcing children to participate in Muslim practices. The comments to this article range from mildly ignorant to wildly speculative. Finally, someone named Doug calmly recited all the reasons this is not happening, stating that the article is a satirical joke, and nicely asking if all the responders feel silly for believing it. In other words, The Emperor has no clothes!!  We see this same scenario take place numerous times a day, in some form or fashion, and usually we look the other way — probably because it’s happening on the television news! We must speak truth to error of all sorts. With the ease of sending messages through emails and Facebook pages, I encourage everyone to refute lies which are “going viral”. May the calm voices of reason prevail!

Mary Baker Eddy quote: “Erroneous belief is destroyed by truth. Change the evidence, and that disappears which before seemed real to this false belief, and the human consciousness rises higher.” Science & Health with Key to the Scriptures Page 297:12-15

Shifting from Fear to Love

photo credit: Heather Peters

ACIM Workbook Lesson #175

Central Theme: "God is but love and therefore so am I."

Review of: #159 "I give the miracles I have received." #160 "I am at home. Fear is the stranger here."   

I'm listening to Eckhart Tolle's classic book, A New Earth. It seems very appropriate at this time of changing values and the fearful actions we're witnessing as consciousness unfolds into form. Living from Love should be as easy as pie, but apparently mortal mind can misinterpret anything in any number of ways. Eckhart has reminded me that every one of us who accepts this shift from fear to Love helps to pave the way for others to move into this space. While every thought we have is important, let's not beat ourselves up when we feel we have failed -- because thoughts of failure and guilt are once again the ego jerking our chain. Let's learn to laugh at ourselves as we choose again and go forward with joy!

Mary Baker Eddy quote: “Erroneous belief is destroyed by truth. Change the evidence, and that disappears which before seemed real to this false belief, and the human consciousness rises higher.” Science & Health with Key to the Scriptures Page 297:12-15

One Moment of Divine Consciousness ...

photo credit: 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 friend who went on an eight-month solo camping trip to remote regions of the United States. At the age of 74, 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, 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 giving up sensationalized news in the media, surrender her addiction to crime dramas on the television, and stop reading horror stories. She thought I was joking, as she can’t imagine life without 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 with Key to the Scriptures Page 589: 8-11