100% Committed

photo credit: Jerry Dupy

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 recently 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

Destroy Belief, Raise Consciousness

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

Laugh and Choose Again!

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 love 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 accept the 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

Fearless Moments

photo credit: Heather Peters

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, her dog — 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”. 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

Grand and Noble Lives - June 22, 2017

photo credit: Aaron Springston

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."

Often 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. Over 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" helped me to begin walking on the path of "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

Cosmic Storage

"In the Flow" created by
Sandy Wythawai Starbird

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 wake up in a new world every day.” Usually this is said when I can’t remember someone’s name, or perhaps don’t recall having ever met them before. And then we can have a chuckle while they tell me if we know each other. Waking up to a new world, letting go of so-called mistakes, releasing long-held beliefs -- what's wrong with that?! This type of release doesn’t negate who you are, but rather (I feel) you are enhanced by it as you expand thought. What if we truly are One? We would all be a reflection of the one divine Mind and would be accessing all which ever was or is. In this reality, nothing true would or could ever be forgotten. It’s all One, awaiting our recognition. Some call this cosmic storage space the Akashic records: the knowledge of everything that ever was. It's mine today -- even if I don't remember your name!

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

Being Here Now

photo credit: Aaron Springston

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."

“Wild” is the title of a book and a movie I thought were great.  It's the story of a confused and sad young woman who hikes the 1000-mile Pacific Crest Trail. She’s not sure why she's doing it, but knowing she can't go on with 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; I love my pets! 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 -- I wouldn’t do it.  I am learning the differences (and the sameness) in and between loving and being Love. I’m learning 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.”

Science & Health Page 254:1-5