November 24, 2013 - Material Sense or Spiritual Ideas?

photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #328

"I choose the second place to gain the first."

Many mind-over-matter systems are part of our society. In the 1800's, mesmerism and hypnotism were thought to be the route to changing our physical experience and getting us what we want. Today we have "The Secret" telling us how to get the mate of our dreams and hot cars and such. Some may think that the way of thought we're studying here falls into the same category, because we are "resolving things into thoughts". Here is an example of how it differs: Let's say we need a place to live. How do we think about this in order to manifest it in our existence? By understanding the substance of an idea! What are the spiritual qualities of this place to live, this house, this home? What does it represent? Some of the qualities of home could be warmth, comfort, peace, safety, beauty, love, hospitality. So the thought of "home" is really a spiritual idea, and these qualities of home already exist in our individual consciousness. We don't have to go out and find them, because they're already a permanent part of our being. We can express all these qualities included in the concept of home no matter where we are. And when we express these qualities, we are cherishing our spiritual home, and this blessing is extended to others as well. As we consistently express these and other spiritual qualities, we won't be surprised when every need we have is supplied.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"Divine Science, rising above physical theories, excludes matter, resolves things into thoughts, and replaces the objects of material sense with spiritual ideas.”

Science and Health Page 123:12-15

November 23, 2013 - All Need Supplied

"Altai Mountains, Mongolia"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #327

"I need but call and You will answer me."

Change is liberating! I'm seeing many people releasing the past, and it's bringing them peace and a new level of joy. One friend tells me of her beloved cat being at the vet's office, perhaps getting ready to pass on. In years past, she would have been distraught, but is surprised that she is not. It's not that she loves any less, and perhaps she's experiencing love even more fully. Another friend tells me she's going through a time of letting go -- without even being aware of what is being released! Isn't this great? We don't have to know what it is that's bothering us in order to be freed from it. This concept in itself is liberating! To have no need for analysis or so-called deconstruction, but to simply give yourself the gift of freedom -- what a joy! These are just two of the ways in which our call is answered and every need is supplied. I am so grateful for all of you who stand unafraid, welcoming the new paradigm!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"God is not influenced by man. The 'divine ear' is not an auditory nerve."

Science & Health Page 7:20-21

November 22, 2013 - Cause & Effect

"Bryce Canyon"
photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #326

“I am forever an Effect of God.”

What does it mean to be an Effect of God? We are all familiar with the "laws" of cause and effect. If something is a particular way, then the effect is such-and-such. In the world of Spirit, there is but one Cause, therefore the Effect is a reflection of the Cause. If we are said to be the image and likeness of the One, of divine Mind, then that perfection is inherent in each and every one of us. Once again, it's easy to get caught up in materialism and think we are many things which do not resemble the only Cause. That's why we say that this life and all it entails is an illusion. We have effectively made up a most wonderful world. As the idea of God, we are capable of much more than we know. But we cannot convince anyone other than ourselves that this is so. And that's the nice thing about Oneness! What I know, what I express, is given to the world. Therefore, there is no need to do anything other than live Truth. And how do we know what that is? We ask and listen. Namaste'.

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

"There is no life, truth, intelligence, nor substance in matter. All is infinite Mind and its infinite manifestation, for God is All-in-all. Spirit is immortal Truth; matter is mortal error. Spirit is the real and eternal; matter is the unreal and temporal. Spirit is God, and man is His image and likeness. Therefore man is not material; he is spiritual.”

Science & Health Page 468:9-15

November 21, 2013 - What I See

"Reflections"
photo by Gerry Toler

ACIM Workbook Lesson #325

“All things I think I see reflect ideas.”

At a meeting where people speak freely about things of Spirit, one person related an interesting story. As a frequent traveler to India, he had often heard tales  of spirit guides, but had never experienced what others talked about. One day he stated firmly that he wanted to see his guide. And next thing he knew, a purple Ganesh came to him, appearing out of the wall. In his surprise, he rubbed his eyes and said something to the effect of, I don't believe it. When he looked back, it was gone. This story caused many things to run through my mind, but mainly this: If we ask for a higher experience -- a metaphysical event, if you will -- and then turn away from it, we effectively send it away. If everything we see is an idea, it can either be an idea from our mind or one from divine Mind. This is what we're learning to differentiate. Oh boy!!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“The universe reflects God. There is but one creator and one creation. This creation consists of the unfolding of spiritual ideas and their identities, which are embraced in the infinite Mind and forever reflected. These ideas range from the infinitesimal to infinity, and the highest ideas are the sons and daughters of God.”

Science & Health Page 502:24-32

November 20, 2013 - Listen & Follow

"Ready to Fly"
unknown photographer

ACIM Workbook Lesson #324

“I merely follow, for I would not lead.”

Many people are concerned about what to do with themselves upon retirement. Most of the people I know are concerned that they may end up working more than before, as there are so many good causes they want to support. Following the guidance of divine Mind never steers us wrong. This following may be difficult for people who are accustomed to weighing the pros and cons of situations before making decisions. What a perfect time to put into practice the reliance on inner knowing we've been learning! To quietly listen is a learned behavior. If you are used to being busy all the time, if your thoughts are constantly in motion, it can be quite a change to expect answers from silence. Start doing it now! Place thought on the question, then let it go, allowing your mind to be quiet. You may be surprised by the immediate results!

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 4:3-4 

November 19, 2013 - Leap of Faith?

Photo by Aaron Springston

ACIM Workbook Lesson #323

"I gladly make the 'sacrifice' of fear"

Taking a leap of faith -- Isn't that an interesting phrase? I think it implies sacrificing fear and trusting inner Guidance. Even after years of practicing this type of reliance, it can be a bit daunting! Today I placed total trust in following what feels right. For quite some time, I've felt it was time for a shift of duties in the gallery I run; that I would be more effective behind the scene. Recently, a woman walked through our doors looking for a job, and I just "knew" she was the one I've been waiting for. She and another beautiful woman, who has been working for us more than a year, will be the two frontline people, greeting the public happily and effectively. Although I'll be there to help them on busy days, my main duties will be securing a niche in internet marketing and being a cheerleader for the artists we represent. I embrace this change with excitement and joy, relying on divine Mind to guide my every step!

SMary Baker Eddy quote:

"Give up your material belief of mind in matter, and have but one Mind, even God; for this Mind forms its own likeness. The loss of man's identity through the understanding which Science confers is impossible; and the notion of such a possibility is more absurd than to conclude that individual musical tones are lost in the origin of harmony."

Science & Health Page 216:30-5

November 18, 2013 -- Givin' It Up For Reality

Magazine Ad from Yesteryear

ACIM Workbook Lesson #322

“I can give up but what was never real.”

When you think of giving things up, what comes to mind? Perhaps it's giving up certain bad habits, or maybe foods that we deem to be bad for us, or perhaps things which are cluttering our life. Whatever comes to mind, rest assured it's not real! Often I think of this statement: It's not what enters the mouth which defiles us, but what comes out. But giving up negative thought and gossipy talk is also not real, given the definition we're working with today! Only that which is a manifestation of divine Mind, God, is real. So these things we give up are simply clearing the way for reality! This reality becomes apparent, but we know it's always been there, waiting to be revealed in the "twinkling of an eye" if we're truly willing to release what binds us. Let there be light!

Mary Baker Eddy quote:

“Man is the idea of Spirit; he reflects the beatific presence, illuming the universe with light.”

Science and Health Page 266:27–29