Heaven Within

photo credit: Aaron Springston

Years ago, I knew a young woman who would often fall to her knees and beg God to forgive her and not send her to hell. At the slightest transgression, she would verbally do this! She wouldn’t always kneel during this entreaty, but even a simple verbal request was a surprising event for anyone in her presence. She also would tell me I was going to hell for numerous reasons, one of which was because I didn’t believe in it. She told me it was the devil’s greatest victory, convincing people there was no such place. I remember mentioning that Jesus told us the kingdom of heaven was within, and she said yes, that it was within Jesus; not us. Nowadays, I would probably tell her this was the ego’s biggest victory, to think she was not holy enough for heaven to be found within her. I might have a discussion with her about duality and the belief that there must be an opposite for everything. I could even tell her that the acceptance of Truth obviates any need for choosing heaven or hell, because there is only Truth with no opposite. Hum — maybe I should just know the Truth for myself and let it be!

“The great miracle, to human sense, is divine Love, and the grand necessity of existence is to gain the true idea of what constitutes the kingdom of heaven in man.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 560:12-15

The Elders

 

I slept late this morning and woke up dreaming of well-loved and respected relatives who passed on many years ago. It was a happy dream and I carried their memories sweetly today. These feelings prompted me to telephone a 97-year-old half sister in Beaumont, and a 97-year old sister-in-law in Dallas. Both of these women have lived a full and active life, and even though they are now housebound they continue to find ways to remain joyous. Lucy and Ora Beth have many things in common, including their voracious appetite for biased news. They joyfully told me what Rush Limbaugh had to say today and their belief that they were well-informed by their reading of the Epoch News. Numerous times I reminded myself that I had a choice of being kind or right; telling slant truth when possible, and keeping quiet when I wanted to shout. I am grateful for these dear women, and for their strong opinions built from years of hardship and minding their manners. My very favorite relative passed away in October, having lived 93 years in Lubbock. These tough Texas women have enriched the lives of everyone they touched, no matter how briefly, myself included. Thank you, ​elders of our clan, for your love!

​"Jesus acknowledged no ties of the flesh. ... He recognized Spirit, God, as the only creator, and therefore as the Father of all." Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 31:4​

The Place You Need is Needing You

photo credit: Aaron Springston

A dear friend is trying to make a decision about her future: whether to sell her business, how to sell a house she’s been in 50 years, where to go — if anywhere. Hearing her worries reminded me of 25 years ago when I wanted to move to Eureka Springs. My boys were going to Clear Spring School and I decided to move from Berryville to Eureka Springs. There were obstacles which seemed insurmountable and no matter how much I planned and worried, nothing was working out. At some point I read an article from Mary Baker Eddy entitled “Place”, and it was her words which allowed me to stop all the mental chatter and surrender to divine Mind. Shortly afterwards, I was recycling newspapers and a house rental ad jumped off the page at me. It’s the same house where I’ve happily raised my children, the home where inspiration was sparked for a business which introduced me to hundreds of great friends, the place I love to be more than anywhere. Through the years, I've watched in wonder as answers come when I no longer worry over possibilities. Unfortunately, trying to explain this concept is not easy. Yielding of personal will is not a popular idea. We are learning we can't push the river...

“The place you seek is seeking you, the place you need is needing you.” Mary Baker Eddy 

Happy Opening of Hearts and Minds

 

our "Christmas Stick" - photo credit: Kevin Wright

The changes we have witnessed in the past decades have been exciting and — to take a phrase from the ‘70s — mind blowing! In the 1960s, when we were told about the Age of Aquarius and, more recently, when 2012 was explained as a shift in consciousness, I'm not sure we recognized there would be any real change in our lives. Those who are looking for material reasons to explain the shifts in everything from politics to weather, are feeling helpless and overwhelmed. Looked at from a different perspective, we see changes are necessary in order to facilitate the realization of this new earth which we are ready to embrace. As with any shift in thought, some people are afraid and working to keep the old ways, but it is impossible to "see two worlds”. For this reason, I choose Love and its product! Happy reopening of our hearts and minds to each and every one!!

“During this final conflict, wicked minds will endeavor to find means by which to accomplish more evil; but those who discern Christian Science will hold crime in check. They will aid in the ejection of error. They will maintain law and order, and cheerfully await the certainty of ultimate perfection.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 96:31-4

Tell The Truth But Tell It Slant

 

Poetry from Emily Dickinson

"Tell all the Truth but tell it slant –

Success in Circuit lies

Too bright for our infirm Delight

The Truth’s superb surprise

As Lightning to the Children eased

With explanation kind

The Truth must dazzle gradually

Or every man be blind …"

Hope is a Tattered Flag

 

HOPE IS A TATTERED FLAG - by Carl Sandburg

‘Hope is a tattered flag and a dream of time.

Hope is a heartspun word, the rainbow, the shadblow in white

The evening star inviolable over the coal mines,

The shimmer of northern lights across a bitter winter night,

The blue hills beyond the smoke of the steel works,

The birds who go on singing to their mates in peace, war, peace,

The ten-cent crocus bulb blooming in a used-car salesroom,

The horseshoe over the door, the luckpiece in the pocket,

The kiss and the comforting laugh and resolve—

Hope is an echo, hope ties itself yonder, yonder.

The spring grass showing itself where least expected,

The rolling fluff of white clouds on a changeable sky,

The broadcast of strings from Japan, bells from Moscow,

Of the voice of the prime minister of Sweden carried

Across the sea in behalf of a world family of nations

And children singing chorals of the Christ child

And Bach being broadcast from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

And tall skyscrapers practically empty of tenants

And the hands of strong men groping for handholds

And the Salvation Army singing God loves us….”

Change, Listening, Apprehension

photo credit: Gerry Toler

We would all love to save the world, wouldn’t we? Yet we know we can’t change someone else; change only happens within the individual. But then again, I’ve found many people are simply regurgitating things they have heard all their lives, and when they find something which turns on a light (or rings a bell, if you will!) deep inside them, they suddenly want to know more about these ideas which have piqued their interest. It may seem as though we are not doing anything when we interact with people in our day-to-day activities. When we notice our thoughts, we may find we're listening to another for the purpose of responding to their words. Real listening allows true communication, not just our interpretation of what is being said. I've discovered that my perception of what someone is saying to me may not be what they are really saying, and I am twisting their words to fit what I expect them to say. Every time I catch myself doing this, my desire to understand is renewed. Hallelujah!

“The calm and exalted thought or spiritual apprehension is at peace. Thus the dawn of ideas goes on, forming each successive stage of progress.” Mary Baker Eddy - Science & Health Page 506:11-14