Omnipotent in Goodness

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Lesson #119

Review of:

#107 "Truth will correct all errors in my mind."

#108 "To give and to receive are one in truth."

It seems there are any number of errors to correct in this world. It’s quite a relief to discover that I only need to correct them in my mind, not in the fearful and angry minds I witness around me. If I look at these actions with horror, or disgust, or anger, or fear, I have become a part of them and share in them. If I look on others as Love’s reflection, there is forgiveness. By making such statements in public, I run the risk of someone telling me I don’t know what I’m talking about — and, perhaps, they wouldn’t be using words quite so kind! There is a young woman who makes videos about these teachings. She is often verbally attacked in the comments section of YouTube. If the speaker and her supporters are willing to give these derogatory words energy through retaliation and defense, they are accepting attacks within themselves. If we rather send forth forgiveness, realizing we are all One in Truth, then we give the gift of Love — and receive it ourselves. Therein lies correction!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Because Truth is infinite, error should be known as nothing. Because Truth is omnipotent in goodness, error, Truth's opposite, has no might.”

Science & Health Page 329:21-24

Listening

ACIM Lesson #118 Review of: #105 "God's peace and joy are mine." #106 "Let me be still and listen to the truth."

Listening is a learned art, a choice, a possibility! I know how difficult it can be to truly listen to someone, without judgment, without thinking about what I’m going to say next, without daydreaming about something else other than hearing what’s in front of me. Not listening to others is a habit which can be broken. The deep listening which we are asked to practice in order to hear Truth, thereby knowing peace and joy, is also a possibility which can be learned if I so choose. It’s not always an easy task to get out of my own way and listen, to hear what Love is whispering within. These workbook lessons are invaluable in the development of spiritual sense: they teach us to be still and listen, and to recognize the Truth that we are hearing. I am very grateful —

LLL

Mary Baker Eddy quote: “Lips must be mute and materialism silent, that man may have audience with Spirit, the divine Principle, Love, which destroys all error.” Science & Health Page15:11-13

Lifting the Veil of Material Belief

photo credit: Arthur Lau-Sed

ACIM Lesson #117

Review of: #103 "God, being Love, is also happiness." #104 "I seek but what belongs to me in truth."

At a gathering of women, talk centered around how stereotypes of people have changed over the years, what keeps these generalizations alive, and what we really, truly think about such things. While the conversation was stimulating and fun for all involved, we were looking at this from an entirely matter-based standpoint. No mention or thought was given to the reality of our Being and the fact that there truly is no difference in any of us. Our race, nationality, teachings, are said to combine to make us who we are. We supposedly have differences which are sometimes irreconcilable with others of our species. In our study of metaphysical realities, we are eager to let go of these beliefs which keep us shackled to thought which is stagnant. Living every moment in Love precludes thinking of others as different. Although it seems impossible that we could all live in this way, doing no harm to anyone or anything, always expressing our perfection as a reflection of God, it is not. This possibility is an actuality in the reality of our Being, which we're seeing more clearly every day. Love and happiness are our realities, and this Truth is seen clearly when the veil of material belief is lifted.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“...God is Love, and without Love, God, immortality cannot appear. Mortals try to believe without understanding Truth; yet God is Truth.”

Science & Health Page 312:16-19

Rectifying the Past

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Lesson #116 Review of: #101 "God's Will for me is perfect happiness."

#102 "I share God's Will for happiness for me."

Yesterday I related a situation which was happening with my neighbor, in which I felt attacked by his words. I decided to listen for understanding rather than simply responding in the way I was tempted to do. After numerous emails, we have ended the day with a relatively calm truce in which I believe we both understand each other better. We all want happiness, safety, health, and good friends. We would all like to have our opinions respected. Many of us have many regrets from the past, and we feel trapped by the magnitude of some memories. Although we cannot change our past, I’m pretty sure what we do in the present rectifies the past and changed the future. Let’s all live in the moment, doing our very best in every situation, right here and now, and see what happens next!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Upon this stage of existence goes on the dance of mortal mind. Mortal thoughts chase one another like snowflakes, and drift to the ground. Science reveals Life as not being at the mercy of death, nor will Science admit that happiness is ever the sport of circumstance." Science & Health Page 250:28-1

Listening For Understanding

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #115 Review of:  #99 "Salvation is my only function here." #100 "My part is essential to God's plan for salvation."

It’s very easy for me to say that I am going to see the innocence in my fellow beings, that I shall not condemn actions or words which bombard me, that I will recognize my essential part in this universe. But then, I find myself in a situation where I’m insistent on being right about something, and all my good intentions are laid aside in the pursuit of this goal. I’ve written numerous times in the past about the continuing saga of my neighbor and his vendetta against the turkey vultures which live in our woods. The issue has been raised once again, in a way I deem to be even more bizarre than ever before. It would be easy to dismiss his words as nonsensical ravings, but I truly want to look at the feelings behind them. My quest for listening to others with the intent of understanding rather than responding will not allow me to dismiss him so easily. Following the guidance of divine Mind, I will endeavor this day to listen, not just to others, but to the still, small voice inside, allowing my heart to lead my actions.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Society is a foolish juror, listening only to one side of the case. Justice often comes too late to secure a verdict. People with mental work before them have no time for gossip about false law or testimony. To reconstruct timid justice and place the fact above the falsehood, is the work of time.”

Science & Health Page 238:25-30

Cheers to Us!

photo credit: Chris Fischer

ACIM Workbook Lesson #114

Review of:  #97 "I am spirit." #98 "I will accept my part in God's plan for salvation."

Knowing that we are Spirit, and understanding what that means, allows us to live by divine law rather than material belief.  It's difficult to accept that we are so much more than we ever thought! We tend to continue behaviors which are comfortable, rather than opening up to a whole new paradigm of thought and action. Today I’d like to salute all people who have stood up to material laws and worked to end inhumane practices, from Joan of Arc to Elkhart Tolle. Also today I want to salute each and every one of you who aren’t afraid to express divine Love in all action and thought. Accepting our part as an emanation of Spirit brings a freedom to activity before unknown. The willingness to leave the old ways and embrace Oneness in every moment opens us to the grand adventure of Life. Cheers to us! 

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Question. — What are the demands of the Science of Soul?

Answer. — The first demand of this Science is, ‘Thou shalt have no other gods before me.’ This me is Spirit. Thou shalt have no intelligence, no life, no substance, no truth, no love, but that which is spiritual.”

Science & Health Page 467:1-7

Uplifting Dialogues

photo credit: Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #113

Review of: #95 "I am one Self, united with my Creator." #96 "Salvation comes from my one Self."

Do you ever feel a kinship with others which is so perfect that you know you are one Self, united in Creation? Perfect unity precludes conflict, and we feel this perfection with people whom we love no matter whether they agree with our every idea or not. It seems difficult, if not impossible, to feel this wholeness with everyone, especially those who diametrically oppose our beliefs.  Today I will practice enjoying the middle road of conversations. If someone wants to talk about things I think are wrong, or foolish, or simply counter to my thought, I will listen with the purpose of understanding, not responding. I will find ways to encourage deep thinking without jumping up on my high horse and insisting that my way is the only way. It really doesn’t matter what the topic of conversation is, there is a middle ground to be found and an uplifting dialogue to be had. I want that. I want that a lot.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Atonement is the exemplification of man's unity with God, whereby man reflects divine Truth, Life, and Love. Jesus of Nazareth taught and demonstrated man's oneness with the Father, and for this we owe him endless homage.” Science & Health Page 18:1-5