Saturday, October 31, 2009
It's okay to love yourself
tmcyouth.com posted a new blog I wrote for them this week, "It's okay to love yourself."
Friday, October 30, 2009
God didn’t make you grumpy
Do you ever wake up grumpy in the morning? Ever sit down for breakfast in a sour mood, sending all nearby neighbors in the opposite direction or make them wish they were sitting at a different table?
A depressed attitude is not a good place to be, and definitely not a necessary mood to entertain.
God didn’t make you grumpy!
God is your Mind, and that Mind is filled with inspired points of view, reasons to rejoice and gratitude. If you’ve not feeling inspired in the morning, then you just haven’t awakened yet. So, it’s time to wake up, to wake up to reality.
The reality is that life is spiritual. It’s not a series of events happening over time. It’s Spirit’s ever-unfolding goodness making an impression on your life through spiritual mindedness. To participate, it helps to stay spiritually minded, awake and alert to spiritual messages coming from God.
We can’t just roll out of bed half-dazed and aimlessly wander through our days and expect the results to be reliably fun and enjoyable. We need to put in some effort, some prayer and study, to stay spiritually minded and in mental touch with God’s goodness. That’s part of waking up in the morning. And it’s part of keeping ourselves in a good mood.
Waking up is not just opening our eyelids. It requires us to open our thought.
Open thought to what? To God, to good, to infinite divine Love!
We can’t stay in a grumpy mood if we’re doing our job of being receptive to God’s omnipresent love for one and all. The more we see how much God loves us, the more we love others. Love displaces grumpiness. One can’t be a dark sink hole and a bright ray of light at the same time.
You can choose to be a light.
So, no more grumpiness in the morning. Wake up. Wake up to reality, to God, and let your light of spiritual inspiration shine.
Put in the effort it takes to be a positive influence on neighbors, family and friends. It’s a much happier way to start the day.
A depressed attitude is not a good place to be, and definitely not a necessary mood to entertain.
God didn’t make you grumpy!
God is your Mind, and that Mind is filled with inspired points of view, reasons to rejoice and gratitude. If you’ve not feeling inspired in the morning, then you just haven’t awakened yet. So, it’s time to wake up, to wake up to reality.
The reality is that life is spiritual. It’s not a series of events happening over time. It’s Spirit’s ever-unfolding goodness making an impression on your life through spiritual mindedness. To participate, it helps to stay spiritually minded, awake and alert to spiritual messages coming from God.
We can’t just roll out of bed half-dazed and aimlessly wander through our days and expect the results to be reliably fun and enjoyable. We need to put in some effort, some prayer and study, to stay spiritually minded and in mental touch with God’s goodness. That’s part of waking up in the morning. And it’s part of keeping ourselves in a good mood.
Waking up is not just opening our eyelids. It requires us to open our thought.
Open thought to what? To God, to good, to infinite divine Love!
We can’t stay in a grumpy mood if we’re doing our job of being receptive to God’s omnipresent love for one and all. The more we see how much God loves us, the more we love others. Love displaces grumpiness. One can’t be a dark sink hole and a bright ray of light at the same time.
You can choose to be a light.
So, no more grumpiness in the morning. Wake up. Wake up to reality, to God, and let your light of spiritual inspiration shine.
Put in the effort it takes to be a positive influence on neighbors, family and friends. It’s a much happier way to start the day.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
In a recession but not of it
Have you heard the below quote before when a distinction is being made between eternal individuality at-one with God and the everyday experience of humans?
“We may be in the world, but we are not of it.”
I can’t put my mental finger on where it originated, but I think the same idea is applicable to the economic recession. We may be surrounded by beliefs of an economic decline, but we are not of it.
Elijah, in the Old Testament, foresaw a severe drought coming to his region. The Lord told Elijah to go to Zarephath and there he’d find a widow woman who would take care of him during the drought.
When Elijah arrived, the woman was destitute, with no money, and only a handful of meal left. She was preparing a last meal for herself and son to eat, and then figured the two would die from starvation. Elijah told her to prepare a meal, and that she would not run out of meal or oil to feed her family.
As it turned out, he was right.
God’s promise that the widow woman would care for Elijah was fulfilled. The home had plenty of food throughout the entire drought.
After I studied this story last week, I remembered the above quote and realized that Elijah and the widow's family were in a drought time, but not of it. They didn’t let their thinking fall to the level of want and fear. Elijah knew supply came from God, and he demonstrated it.
We can do the same. God loves us just as much as the widow woman.
Economic reports may forecast doom and gloom all around us, but we do not have to be of it, participate in it, or be adversely impacted by it. Our supply comes from God, just like the meal and oil came from divine Love for the widow woman’s household.
It seems miraculous to material sense how Spirit can supply human needs, but it does. Spirit is the fountain and source of all sustenance for God’s family of man.
“Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need.” Mary Baker Eddy
“We may be in the world, but we are not of it.”
I can’t put my mental finger on where it originated, but I think the same idea is applicable to the economic recession. We may be surrounded by beliefs of an economic decline, but we are not of it.
Elijah, in the Old Testament, foresaw a severe drought coming to his region. The Lord told Elijah to go to Zarephath and there he’d find a widow woman who would take care of him during the drought.
When Elijah arrived, the woman was destitute, with no money, and only a handful of meal left. She was preparing a last meal for herself and son to eat, and then figured the two would die from starvation. Elijah told her to prepare a meal, and that she would not run out of meal or oil to feed her family.
As it turned out, he was right.
God’s promise that the widow woman would care for Elijah was fulfilled. The home had plenty of food throughout the entire drought.
After I studied this story last week, I remembered the above quote and realized that Elijah and the widow's family were in a drought time, but not of it. They didn’t let their thinking fall to the level of want and fear. Elijah knew supply came from God, and he demonstrated it.
We can do the same. God loves us just as much as the widow woman.
Economic reports may forecast doom and gloom all around us, but we do not have to be of it, participate in it, or be adversely impacted by it. Our supply comes from God, just like the meal and oil came from divine Love for the widow woman’s household.
It seems miraculous to material sense how Spirit can supply human needs, but it does. Spirit is the fountain and source of all sustenance for God’s family of man.
“Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need.” Mary Baker Eddy
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Anger not a healthy motivator
Have you ever resorted to anger to get your point across to another person? Perhaps significantly raised the volume of your voice and edginess of your tone to emphasize a message to a child? Ever gotten into an ugly argument with a teenager, spouse or co-worker?
Heated anger can feel so justified to the mind that is embroiled in hate, ill-will, resentment, and self-righteousness. It can feel so “right” to the mind that feels it has to “get it all out.” It even feels normal to people who are used to being angry on a regular basis. But it is not normal, definitely not natural, and rarely justified.
There’s one kind of anger that is not out of place at times—fury at the evils of mortal mind such as at dishonesty, deception, destructive sin, and their kin. But this is not the kind of anger I’m writing about.
I’m thinking about the anger that gets directed at people, rather than at vice.
Talk show hosts targeting specific individuals, leaders, and politicians with venom is one example. Workers at the office seeking vengeance, assassinating the character of a co-worker, or yelling at an underling or peer are others.
It’s important that we defend our thinking from exposure to outbreaks of anger viewed and seen in society. It’s not representative behavior to emulate or model.
God created us beings of love. It’s our God-given nature to see the good in another, honor that goodness, voice acknowledgment of it and show our respect for it with appreciation, care and gratitude.
Anger is not a healthy motivator of good deeds.
I’ve noticed this in raising teenagers.
More than once I’ve been tempted to get mad about something our teens have done, or not done, but in every case, I’ve learned that getting angry does not help. It might kick-jump the errant into rectifying the immediate mistake, but it doesn’t inspire them into long-run reformation. It makes them mad. And when they’re mad, they don’t think in terms of how they can be better individuals, do the right thing next time and avoid the mistake to begin with. They ruminate over how unjustly they’ve been treated,--at least from their point of view,--how their parents are not fair to them, don’t understand them, and are hard to get along with. And so, I long ago came to the conclusion that anger is not a positive motivator of long term good behavior. It’s destructive to happy and healthy relationships between two people, especially between parent and child.
Love and understanding is the motivator of good behavior.
Love inspires people to think better, acknowledge their mistakes, want to rectify them, and do a better job next time. Love opens mental doors to new possibilities, the very doors that anger would close. Love finds ways to get along with people. Anger burns bridges. Love looks for the good in another and capitalizes on it. Anger sees only evil and becomes a victim to it. Love figures out a solution agreeable to both sides. Blinded by its own self-righteousness and pride, anger doesn’t see another side to consider, even when it should. Love is the lubricant that keeps discussion going in a constructive direction. Anger is the brick wall that halts progress. Love finds a way. Love inspires a better way. Love works it out.
It’s totally doable to love without anger. It’s our God-given nature, and it bodes us well when actively indulged.
Heated anger can feel so justified to the mind that is embroiled in hate, ill-will, resentment, and self-righteousness. It can feel so “right” to the mind that feels it has to “get it all out.” It even feels normal to people who are used to being angry on a regular basis. But it is not normal, definitely not natural, and rarely justified.
There’s one kind of anger that is not out of place at times—fury at the evils of mortal mind such as at dishonesty, deception, destructive sin, and their kin. But this is not the kind of anger I’m writing about.
I’m thinking about the anger that gets directed at people, rather than at vice.
Talk show hosts targeting specific individuals, leaders, and politicians with venom is one example. Workers at the office seeking vengeance, assassinating the character of a co-worker, or yelling at an underling or peer are others.
It’s important that we defend our thinking from exposure to outbreaks of anger viewed and seen in society. It’s not representative behavior to emulate or model.
God created us beings of love. It’s our God-given nature to see the good in another, honor that goodness, voice acknowledgment of it and show our respect for it with appreciation, care and gratitude.
Anger is not a healthy motivator of good deeds.
I’ve noticed this in raising teenagers.
More than once I’ve been tempted to get mad about something our teens have done, or not done, but in every case, I’ve learned that getting angry does not help. It might kick-jump the errant into rectifying the immediate mistake, but it doesn’t inspire them into long-run reformation. It makes them mad. And when they’re mad, they don’t think in terms of how they can be better individuals, do the right thing next time and avoid the mistake to begin with. They ruminate over how unjustly they’ve been treated,--at least from their point of view,--how their parents are not fair to them, don’t understand them, and are hard to get along with. And so, I long ago came to the conclusion that anger is not a positive motivator of long term good behavior. It’s destructive to happy and healthy relationships between two people, especially between parent and child.
Love and understanding is the motivator of good behavior.
Love inspires people to think better, acknowledge their mistakes, want to rectify them, and do a better job next time. Love opens mental doors to new possibilities, the very doors that anger would close. Love finds ways to get along with people. Anger burns bridges. Love looks for the good in another and capitalizes on it. Anger sees only evil and becomes a victim to it. Love figures out a solution agreeable to both sides. Blinded by its own self-righteousness and pride, anger doesn’t see another side to consider, even when it should. Love is the lubricant that keeps discussion going in a constructive direction. Anger is the brick wall that halts progress. Love finds a way. Love inspires a better way. Love works it out.
It’s totally doable to love without anger. It’s our God-given nature, and it bodes us well when actively indulged.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Set the tone
As a child of God, as a reflection of divine harmony and peace, your health, happiness and success are not influenced by other people's attitudes, the weather, contagion or the economy. God is your source, and an unlimited supply of all you need to stay healthy, happy and well.
Understanding this fundamental spiritual truth enables you to go through your day, not as a thermometer rising and falling according to the emotion of the moment, but as a thermostat that sets the tone of the moment and determines the surrounding atmosphere.Be a thermostat today, not a thermometer.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Your inner and outer experience
The following passage written by Mary Baker Eddy has always intrigued me when contemplating the relationship between my spiritual individuality as a child of God and my outward everyday human experience.
She wrote,
“…the human self must be evangelized. This task God demands us to accept lovingly today, and to abandon so fast as practical the material, and to work out the spiritual which determines the outward and actual.”
The words that grab my attention are “…work out the spiritual which determines the outward and actual.”
At first glance, the human mind may jump to the conclusion that the “outward and actual,” refer to material and physical conditions mortals face everyday. But this can’t be what Eddy meant. The teachings of Christian Science explain the nothingness of matter and the totality of Spirit. So the “outward and actual” cannot be material. They are spiritual.
There are countless thought-systems at play in society today telling people how to improve their physical body, increase their monetary wealth, become famous, etc., and in other words, improve their outward and actual experience. But it’s all from a material point of view. This type of counsel is based on the erroneous belief that man is enriched materially, through drugs, money, recognition and their accoutrements.
But man is not a material being. He is a spiritual being. Mortal so-called life is temporal. It’s like a blink of the eye compared to eternity. And all the stuff associated with it passes away with a blink of Truth too. It is as nothing in the eternal scheme of things. It is not the outward and actual for man, the child of God.
“…work out the spiritual which determines the outward and actual.” I love these words.
For me, it means that as I work out my spirituality, which is an "inside job," you might say, my outward experience is going to increasingly reflect what I am discovering spiritually.
For instance, the more spiritual peace I find within, the more peace I feel in my day, in my life, in my home, at work, in church, everywhere I go. But the peace is not emotional, a product of a physical environment, or a factor of material surroundings. It’s the objectification of what I know to be spiritually true.
And it goes to reason, the better my thinking the better my experience, the healthier my thinking the healthier my experience, the more spiritually minded I am the more heaven on earth I feel, see and live.
As one continues to spiritualize thought, "...and to abandon so fast as practical the material..." earth and heaven are seen to be one and the same. There is no more sense of evil, suffering, pain or sorrow.
This is good stuff!
The “outward and actual” is not found in matter or in any believed ideal material condition, situation or circumstance. It’s found in Spirit and we reflect it as spiritual beings.
So, if you want to improve the outward and actual experience of your life, begin by spiritualizing your state of thought. Keep thought in alignment with spiritual truth, and you’ll see evidence of that truth more and more, wherever you go, in whatever you do.
The harmonies of Spirit are the realities of your life. Looking through the lens of spiritual mindedness you find those realities to be tangible and concrete to a spiritual sense of things.
Strive for spiritual mindedness. It’s where the real action of life resides, and it determines the “outward and actual” of your being as a child from above. There is no better experience to embrace.
She wrote,
“…the human self must be evangelized. This task God demands us to accept lovingly today, and to abandon so fast as practical the material, and to work out the spiritual which determines the outward and actual.”
The words that grab my attention are “…work out the spiritual which determines the outward and actual.”
At first glance, the human mind may jump to the conclusion that the “outward and actual,” refer to material and physical conditions mortals face everyday. But this can’t be what Eddy meant. The teachings of Christian Science explain the nothingness of matter and the totality of Spirit. So the “outward and actual” cannot be material. They are spiritual.
There are countless thought-systems at play in society today telling people how to improve their physical body, increase their monetary wealth, become famous, etc., and in other words, improve their outward and actual experience. But it’s all from a material point of view. This type of counsel is based on the erroneous belief that man is enriched materially, through drugs, money, recognition and their accoutrements.
But man is not a material being. He is a spiritual being. Mortal so-called life is temporal. It’s like a blink of the eye compared to eternity. And all the stuff associated with it passes away with a blink of Truth too. It is as nothing in the eternal scheme of things. It is not the outward and actual for man, the child of God.
“…work out the spiritual which determines the outward and actual.” I love these words.
For me, it means that as I work out my spirituality, which is an "inside job," you might say, my outward experience is going to increasingly reflect what I am discovering spiritually.
For instance, the more spiritual peace I find within, the more peace I feel in my day, in my life, in my home, at work, in church, everywhere I go. But the peace is not emotional, a product of a physical environment, or a factor of material surroundings. It’s the objectification of what I know to be spiritually true.
And it goes to reason, the better my thinking the better my experience, the healthier my thinking the healthier my experience, the more spiritually minded I am the more heaven on earth I feel, see and live.
As one continues to spiritualize thought, "...and to abandon so fast as practical the material..." earth and heaven are seen to be one and the same. There is no more sense of evil, suffering, pain or sorrow.
This is good stuff!
The “outward and actual” is not found in matter or in any believed ideal material condition, situation or circumstance. It’s found in Spirit and we reflect it as spiritual beings.
So, if you want to improve the outward and actual experience of your life, begin by spiritualizing your state of thought. Keep thought in alignment with spiritual truth, and you’ll see evidence of that truth more and more, wherever you go, in whatever you do.
The harmonies of Spirit are the realities of your life. Looking through the lens of spiritual mindedness you find those realities to be tangible and concrete to a spiritual sense of things.
Strive for spiritual mindedness. It’s where the real action of life resides, and it determines the “outward and actual” of your being as a child from above. There is no better experience to embrace.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Lessons from Balloon Boy
There has been a large outcry of disgust against the hoax contrived by the Henne family of Colorado last week is what has been dubbed “The Balloon Boy,” drama.
If you’re unaware, millions of viewers sat glued to their screens watching an uncontrolled balloon float over open expanse in Colorado wondering if a little boy named Falcon was in it or not, and whether he would survive or crash.
After the balloon tumbled to the ground and the box was discovered empty, parents found Falcon in the attic, hiding, so they claimed. Later, after the facts unraveled, it became clear that the parents had contrived the whole event to gain publicity.
People with good intentions to help and support the family felt severely let down by the self-serving deceit and dark violation of trust.
After learning about the hoax, I wondered how we as a population could prevent being misled in such a way again.
One way, would be to pray scientifically about any so-called threatening situation the instant it appeared, neutralize any fear about it, dissolve fascination with it, and spiritually contribute to a positive outcome.
For instance, if when the world heard the message, “Falcon is in danger,” they instantly went to the scientific truth that Falcon could not possibly be in danger because he lives, moves, floats, and has his being in divine Love, there would not have been fear and apprehension about his future.
Instead of breathlessly watching TV wondering if disaster was imminent, thought would be weighing in on the side of safety and security for the little one, affirming ahead of time what the outcome would be. And the whole force of world thought on the right side of the equation would contribute to a happy ending.
And if society was in the habit of doing this, misguided publicity-hounds like the Hennes would be discouraged from trying such pranks again because they’d know ahead of time that no one would be impressed with any show they tried to contrive.
Sounds like a better ending to me...
If you’re unaware, millions of viewers sat glued to their screens watching an uncontrolled balloon float over open expanse in Colorado wondering if a little boy named Falcon was in it or not, and whether he would survive or crash.
After the balloon tumbled to the ground and the box was discovered empty, parents found Falcon in the attic, hiding, so they claimed. Later, after the facts unraveled, it became clear that the parents had contrived the whole event to gain publicity.
People with good intentions to help and support the family felt severely let down by the self-serving deceit and dark violation of trust.
After learning about the hoax, I wondered how we as a population could prevent being misled in such a way again.
One way, would be to pray scientifically about any so-called threatening situation the instant it appeared, neutralize any fear about it, dissolve fascination with it, and spiritually contribute to a positive outcome.
For instance, if when the world heard the message, “Falcon is in danger,” they instantly went to the scientific truth that Falcon could not possibly be in danger because he lives, moves, floats, and has his being in divine Love, there would not have been fear and apprehension about his future.
Instead of breathlessly watching TV wondering if disaster was imminent, thought would be weighing in on the side of safety and security for the little one, affirming ahead of time what the outcome would be. And the whole force of world thought on the right side of the equation would contribute to a happy ending.
And if society was in the habit of doing this, misguided publicity-hounds like the Hennes would be discouraged from trying such pranks again because they’d know ahead of time that no one would be impressed with any show they tried to contrive.
Sounds like a better ending to me...
Thursday, October 22, 2009
The benefits of no faith in evil
Interestingly, some of the best snapshots of God that lead to profound revelation of truth later on happen for me while deeply engrossed in a tennis match.
Last weekend, a good friend of mine and I partnered for a doubles tournament. To gain experience, we signed up to play at a level higher than our demonstrated ability.
During our first match, it was obvious that we were out of our division. Our opponents were far better than we were. But we played on in good spirits and with a zest to learn.
Part way through the match, mortal mind hollered across my thinking, “Boy this is going to be messy. These guys are good!”
The suggestion of a bad outcome wanted to demoralize my attitude, but I immediately caught it and retorted, “How could there be an evil outcome if I had no faith in evil?”
I did not understand the thought when it came. It was too big to get my mental arms around while concentrating on serves and volleys and preparing for the next point. But it stuck, and stuck…
I wrestled with it for two days.
What did it mean?
During the match, my partner and I had no illusions about winning. We knew what we were up against before we stepped on court. We were there to learn, not to score the highest.
But, the temptation to measure success according to a score often gets players depressed if they don’t get the highest score.
The world seems to be divided into good and evil experiences. Like classic Disney movies, good versus evil, the darkest against the purest and everyone is on one side or the other. This sentiment spills right on down into the sports arena. You’re either on the winning side or the losing side; a good outcome or a bad outcome, one or the other.
As I fought to see differently, God’s message began to clarify.
I protested against everything in life coming down to standing on either a winning or losing side. It doesn’t have to be that way. Everyone can stand on the winning side if they are motivated spiritually and working for a spiritual purpose.
In competitive tennis, you win some matches, and you lose some matches. There is always someone better than you that you eventually play. But if you measure progress solely in terms of your own personal improvement and you continue to advance with every match, regardless of the score you are never a loser. You’re always a winner. Life is not good versus evil. It’s all good.
Aw, I began to see, for the mindset that believes the world is filled with evil they are going to find evidence of it wherever they look. It’s like paranoia finding reasons to fear when there are no reasons to fear. Faith in evil finds evil to fear and dread where there is no evil to fear and dread.
I got it!
That simple little message on the tennis court was an angel directive revealing to me the benefit of holding to a consciousness of God’s omnipresent goodness. When we are clear that God is all and God is good, we find good and feel good where another mindset that believes in evil finds evil.
To further explain, before the tennis match began, I was clear that winning was all about making progress, and had nothing to do with a final score. When the suggestion came in the heat of the match to get depressed and discouraged, (in other words, think evilly), because the competition was far superior, I quickly rejected it. There was not going to be an evil outcome. There was only going to be a good outcome, measured in spiritual, not material terms. And that was the case. We lost 3-6, 1-6, but were very happy with our performance.
Whew…maybe a bit of rambling here, but the overall message is, have no faith in evil, ever. Lose it in all walks of life.
It will take countless demonstrations for each of us to fully realize the unreality of evil, but every bit of progress toward accepting the allness of God’s goodness will get us closer to winning the final prize.
When we have faith in good, that’s what we see and experience—good! Whether we’re on a tennis court, in conference with a customer, in the marketplace with competitors, at home with a spouse, in the classroom with students, or driving through rush hour, when our perspective is informed by the omnipresence of God’s goodness, that’s exactly what we’re going to find and feel more of. The omnipresence of God’s goodness!
Last weekend, a good friend of mine and I partnered for a doubles tournament. To gain experience, we signed up to play at a level higher than our demonstrated ability.
During our first match, it was obvious that we were out of our division. Our opponents were far better than we were. But we played on in good spirits and with a zest to learn.
Part way through the match, mortal mind hollered across my thinking, “Boy this is going to be messy. These guys are good!”
The suggestion of a bad outcome wanted to demoralize my attitude, but I immediately caught it and retorted, “How could there be an evil outcome if I had no faith in evil?”
I did not understand the thought when it came. It was too big to get my mental arms around while concentrating on serves and volleys and preparing for the next point. But it stuck, and stuck…
I wrestled with it for two days.
What did it mean?
During the match, my partner and I had no illusions about winning. We knew what we were up against before we stepped on court. We were there to learn, not to score the highest.
But, the temptation to measure success according to a score often gets players depressed if they don’t get the highest score.
The world seems to be divided into good and evil experiences. Like classic Disney movies, good versus evil, the darkest against the purest and everyone is on one side or the other. This sentiment spills right on down into the sports arena. You’re either on the winning side or the losing side; a good outcome or a bad outcome, one or the other.
As I fought to see differently, God’s message began to clarify.
I protested against everything in life coming down to standing on either a winning or losing side. It doesn’t have to be that way. Everyone can stand on the winning side if they are motivated spiritually and working for a spiritual purpose.
In competitive tennis, you win some matches, and you lose some matches. There is always someone better than you that you eventually play. But if you measure progress solely in terms of your own personal improvement and you continue to advance with every match, regardless of the score you are never a loser. You’re always a winner. Life is not good versus evil. It’s all good.
Aw, I began to see, for the mindset that believes the world is filled with evil they are going to find evidence of it wherever they look. It’s like paranoia finding reasons to fear when there are no reasons to fear. Faith in evil finds evil to fear and dread where there is no evil to fear and dread.
I got it!
That simple little message on the tennis court was an angel directive revealing to me the benefit of holding to a consciousness of God’s omnipresent goodness. When we are clear that God is all and God is good, we find good and feel good where another mindset that believes in evil finds evil.
To further explain, before the tennis match began, I was clear that winning was all about making progress, and had nothing to do with a final score. When the suggestion came in the heat of the match to get depressed and discouraged, (in other words, think evilly), because the competition was far superior, I quickly rejected it. There was not going to be an evil outcome. There was only going to be a good outcome, measured in spiritual, not material terms. And that was the case. We lost 3-6, 1-6, but were very happy with our performance.
Whew…maybe a bit of rambling here, but the overall message is, have no faith in evil, ever. Lose it in all walks of life.
It will take countless demonstrations for each of us to fully realize the unreality of evil, but every bit of progress toward accepting the allness of God’s goodness will get us closer to winning the final prize.
When we have faith in good, that’s what we see and experience—good! Whether we’re on a tennis court, in conference with a customer, in the marketplace with competitors, at home with a spouse, in the classroom with students, or driving through rush hour, when our perspective is informed by the omnipresence of God’s goodness, that’s exactly what we’re going to find and feel more of. The omnipresence of God’s goodness!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Living without want
There is incredible freedom in not wanting. Have you ever noticed that?
Think of a time, if you’ve ever had one, when you really wanted something, and it just didn’t happen.
Maybe you wanted a different job, more income, another place to live, a boyfriend, or time to hurry up. And it didn’t happen! How enjoyable was the time you spent agonizing over getting something you wanted and you never got it? Probably not fun at all.
There’s a lesson in all this. God always gives us what we need, but when we put our “I want…” list first before listening to what God has in store for us, we miss out on the supply already at hand.
Harboring an unfulfilled “I want” list is a sure recipe for living a frustrated and discontented life.
I used to have “I want” lists. I probably still do. But I’ve learned to temper them way down. Why? Because they often don’t work out, and something much better transpires.
God always has our best interests in Mind, and a good purpose is constantly being worked out for us.
Constructing “I want” lists is a sign that we see ourselves as lacking, as needing, as uncared for by God. It’s not a good thing, really. Life is much happier when we spend each day grateful for what we have and trust continued blessings to unfold according to God’s plan.
Let go of those “I want” lists and replace them with “I’m grateful I have everything I need to be happy coming from God right now” lists. You’ll feel much better!
“Godliness with contentment is great gain.” Paul
It certainly is.
Think of a time, if you’ve ever had one, when you really wanted something, and it just didn’t happen.
Maybe you wanted a different job, more income, another place to live, a boyfriend, or time to hurry up. And it didn’t happen! How enjoyable was the time you spent agonizing over getting something you wanted and you never got it? Probably not fun at all.
There’s a lesson in all this. God always gives us what we need, but when we put our “I want…” list first before listening to what God has in store for us, we miss out on the supply already at hand.
Harboring an unfulfilled “I want” list is a sure recipe for living a frustrated and discontented life.
I used to have “I want” lists. I probably still do. But I’ve learned to temper them way down. Why? Because they often don’t work out, and something much better transpires.
God always has our best interests in Mind, and a good purpose is constantly being worked out for us.
Constructing “I want” lists is a sign that we see ourselves as lacking, as needing, as uncared for by God. It’s not a good thing, really. Life is much happier when we spend each day grateful for what we have and trust continued blessings to unfold according to God’s plan.
Let go of those “I want” lists and replace them with “I’m grateful I have everything I need to be happy coming from God right now” lists. You’ll feel much better!
“Godliness with contentment is great gain.” Paul
It certainly is.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Musical inspiration
For an absolutely gorgeous, sweet, yet chest-swelling rendition of Amazing Grace that will soar your heart, listen to this four minute video by Il Divo in the Rome Coliseum.
Il Divo Amazing Grace
Il Divo Amazing Grace
Daily maintenance of thought
This morning I reviewed some odd jobs that needed to be done around the house. The pilot light in the fireplace won’t stay lit. There’s a growing crack in the tile of the dining room floor that needs to be repaired, and my wife needs some yard work done before winter sets in. There’s more…
Geez, I protested. Keeping up a house is a never-ending maintenance project!
As a rule, I don't let jobs accumulate. For the most part, I get them done promptly.
But, I momentarily mused, what if I ignored items needing attention and went on my merry way with only activities I wanted to do?
The answer was simple. The house would fall into a continuing state of disrepair until the number of tasks needing attention was large, the place would look grossly neglected and it would take a huge amount of work to get the premises back into shape. This was not a place I ever wanted to be!
Then I thought about the human mind and body it governs. It seems to be an on-going maintenance project too. If neglected and allowed to fall into a state of disrepair, a huge list of “to-do” items is eventually faced. As with the care of a house, it's better to stay on top of things from the beginning.
Christian Science teaches a unique form of maintenance for mind and body. As Jesus taught, it’s not through material ways and means that an ideal state is attained, but through increased spiritual understanding. The metaphysical “maintenance program,” if you will, of Christian Science, is spiritualization of thought and Christianization of daily life.
But this takes work! It requires prayer and study work!
Many people try to slide by for decades without putting in sufficient prayer time for proper spiritual maintenance of thought. And like a nice new house slowly falling into disrepair, the evidence of need may appear very slight at first. But if repeatedly ignored, eventually the list of to-do items becomes so large that major remedial action is needed to salvage the premises. It’s much easier to stay on top of the to-do list from the beginning and not be overwhelmed later on.
So, after that brief review of the value of on-going maintenance, I decided not to tire of keeping up our home. Be grateful you have it! I reminded myself. And show your appreciation by taking good care of it.
Geez, I protested. Keeping up a house is a never-ending maintenance project!
As a rule, I don't let jobs accumulate. For the most part, I get them done promptly.
But, I momentarily mused, what if I ignored items needing attention and went on my merry way with only activities I wanted to do?
The answer was simple. The house would fall into a continuing state of disrepair until the number of tasks needing attention was large, the place would look grossly neglected and it would take a huge amount of work to get the premises back into shape. This was not a place I ever wanted to be!
Then I thought about the human mind and body it governs. It seems to be an on-going maintenance project too. If neglected and allowed to fall into a state of disrepair, a huge list of “to-do” items is eventually faced. As with the care of a house, it's better to stay on top of things from the beginning.
Christian Science teaches a unique form of maintenance for mind and body. As Jesus taught, it’s not through material ways and means that an ideal state is attained, but through increased spiritual understanding. The metaphysical “maintenance program,” if you will, of Christian Science, is spiritualization of thought and Christianization of daily life.
But this takes work! It requires prayer and study work!
Many people try to slide by for decades without putting in sufficient prayer time for proper spiritual maintenance of thought. And like a nice new house slowly falling into disrepair, the evidence of need may appear very slight at first. But if repeatedly ignored, eventually the list of to-do items becomes so large that major remedial action is needed to salvage the premises. It’s much easier to stay on top of the to-do list from the beginning and not be overwhelmed later on.
So, after that brief review of the value of on-going maintenance, I decided not to tire of keeping up our home. Be grateful you have it! I reminded myself. And show your appreciation by taking good care of it.
“Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” Jesus Christ
Monday, October 19, 2009
The Third Man
I read a fascinating article titled “The Mystery of Survival,” in “Men’s Journal,” this week about special “invisible” help received by explorers and desperate individuals caught in dire and extreme circumstances.
Have you ever heard about the Third Man?
The Third Man metaphor was coined by a poet who wrote about Ernest Shackleton’s trek across South Georgia Island. It was actually a “fourth man,” presence that Shackleton’s group felt, but the poet got the number wrong.
John Geiger’s article includes this paragraph about Shackelton:
“There are some things which never can be spoken of,” Shackleton said of the presence. “Almost to hint about them comes perilously close to sacrilege.” After navigating a small boat on a 17-day sea journey, Shackleton and two other men had to traverse the forbidding peaks of South Georgia Island with little equipment or experience. As he later wrote, “I know that during that long and racking march of 36 hours over the unnamed mountains and glaciers of South Georgia it seemed to me often that we were four, not three.” Both of the other men, without prompting, said the same thing."
Geiger shares many accounts of explorers caught in extreme need feeling the presence of the Third Man.
He tells about DiFrancesco, the last man out of the South Tower on 9/11, who faced horrendous odds to escape as he descended the stairs from the floor where the plane hit, through 4 floors of fire and super dense smoke. When all looked hopeless, something remarkable happened, “Someone," he says, "called me. The voice, which was male but did not belong to anyone in the stairwell, was insistent: Get up!” It gave him encouragement. It said, “Hey! You can do this.” But it was more than a voice, DiFrancesco claims. He goes on to tell how “he received help from a seemingly external source. He had the sensation that ‘somebody lifted me up.’ He felt he was being guided: ‘I was led to the stairs. I don’t think something grabbed my hand, but I was definitely led.’ When facing fierce fire that normally sends people in the other direction, the presence led him through three stories of flames. Once light appeared, the benevolent presence left.
Geiger tells about Reinhold Messner, the first man to conquer Everest solo, and without oxygen, encountering the Third Man more than once. On one tragic descent from Nanga Parbat’s Diamir face that claimed his brother’s life, he said, “Suddenly there was a third climber next to me. He was descending with us, keeping a regular distance a little to my right and a few steps away from me, just out of my field of vision…The mere presence somehow helped me regain my composure.”
Geiger shares other stories of survivors joined by an additional, unexplained friend who lent them the power to overcome the direst of circumstances.
He also addresses the topic of those who don’t survive. Do they feel the Third Man presence? He says, yes. He tells the story of Maurice Wilson, an Englishman who was hell bent on climbing Everest, but had no experience. On his ascent, and encountering severe weather, he was strongly advised by his Sherpa to retreat and not continue. He wouldn’t listen. He advanced on his own. In his diary he wrote about feeling someone at his side while struggling with partial snow-blindness and exhaustion later on. But he wouldn’t turn back. And he died. Geiger concludes, “Wilson’s sad story emphasizes something important: There is no saving the life of one who will not be saved. The Third Man requires a willing partner.”
While reading these accounts I couldn’t help but think of the fourth man in the fiery furnace with the Hebrew boys who were thrown into the flames by their angry king as told in the Old Testament. That fourth man was Christ. It’s the same “man” who helped the survivors Geiger tells about. And it’s a presence with each of us too, no matter where we are or what we face.
As Geiger recounts, though, it helps to be a willing partner.
Have you ever heard about the Third Man?
The Third Man metaphor was coined by a poet who wrote about Ernest Shackleton’s trek across South Georgia Island. It was actually a “fourth man,” presence that Shackleton’s group felt, but the poet got the number wrong.
John Geiger’s article includes this paragraph about Shackelton:
“There are some things which never can be spoken of,” Shackleton said of the presence. “Almost to hint about them comes perilously close to sacrilege.” After navigating a small boat on a 17-day sea journey, Shackleton and two other men had to traverse the forbidding peaks of South Georgia Island with little equipment or experience. As he later wrote, “I know that during that long and racking march of 36 hours over the unnamed mountains and glaciers of South Georgia it seemed to me often that we were four, not three.” Both of the other men, without prompting, said the same thing."
Geiger shares many accounts of explorers caught in extreme need feeling the presence of the Third Man.
He tells about DiFrancesco, the last man out of the South Tower on 9/11, who faced horrendous odds to escape as he descended the stairs from the floor where the plane hit, through 4 floors of fire and super dense smoke. When all looked hopeless, something remarkable happened, “Someone," he says, "called me. The voice, which was male but did not belong to anyone in the stairwell, was insistent: Get up!” It gave him encouragement. It said, “Hey! You can do this.” But it was more than a voice, DiFrancesco claims. He goes on to tell how “he received help from a seemingly external source. He had the sensation that ‘somebody lifted me up.’ He felt he was being guided: ‘I was led to the stairs. I don’t think something grabbed my hand, but I was definitely led.’ When facing fierce fire that normally sends people in the other direction, the presence led him through three stories of flames. Once light appeared, the benevolent presence left.
Geiger tells about Reinhold Messner, the first man to conquer Everest solo, and without oxygen, encountering the Third Man more than once. On one tragic descent from Nanga Parbat’s Diamir face that claimed his brother’s life, he said, “Suddenly there was a third climber next to me. He was descending with us, keeping a regular distance a little to my right and a few steps away from me, just out of my field of vision…The mere presence somehow helped me regain my composure.”
Geiger shares other stories of survivors joined by an additional, unexplained friend who lent them the power to overcome the direst of circumstances.
He also addresses the topic of those who don’t survive. Do they feel the Third Man presence? He says, yes. He tells the story of Maurice Wilson, an Englishman who was hell bent on climbing Everest, but had no experience. On his ascent, and encountering severe weather, he was strongly advised by his Sherpa to retreat and not continue. He wouldn’t listen. He advanced on his own. In his diary he wrote about feeling someone at his side while struggling with partial snow-blindness and exhaustion later on. But he wouldn’t turn back. And he died. Geiger concludes, “Wilson’s sad story emphasizes something important: There is no saving the life of one who will not be saved. The Third Man requires a willing partner.”
While reading these accounts I couldn’t help but think of the fourth man in the fiery furnace with the Hebrew boys who were thrown into the flames by their angry king as told in the Old Testament. That fourth man was Christ. It’s the same “man” who helped the survivors Geiger tells about. And it’s a presence with each of us too, no matter where we are or what we face.
As Geiger recounts, though, it helps to be a willing partner.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Don’t let guilt overwhelm you
With growing unemployment and jobs hard to find for many, articles have appeared throughout the media reporting the economic hardships individuals and families are facing.
Several stories report highly qualified individuals with a long list of credentials and experience to back them up but still unable to find work. Under ordinary times, jobs would be easy for them to find. But not today, they despair.
My heart went out to a man I read about yesterday who figured he had the experience and knowledge to easily land another job when laid off several months ago. He wanted to work, was able to work, but couldn’t find a job, and he felt horribly guilty because of his predicament. He wrestled with the belief that it was his fault things were so tough.
We probably all know the feeling, “What did I do wrong that got me into such a mess!” we sigh, when events go severely against us.
Sometimes, we do need an honest examination of our attitude and motives and a major course correction. But other times, condemning our self is not the solution. Forgiving our self is the solution.
I think of several Bible stories where Jesus forgave someone and he or she was healed of a crippling disease or infirmity.
To the lame man on the couch, Jesus said, “Thy sins be forgiven thee,” and the man got up and walked. Wow! Think about it. It was the man’s feeling of guilt that kept him hobbled on his bed for years. Jesus’ lifting of the guilt out of his thought instantly freed his mind and body to walk freely. In other words, the lameness was not the man’s fault and he needed to understand that truth.
Bringing the lesson to bear on our current economic times, for the average worker on the street minding his own business and working to care for his or her family, the recession is not your fault! You did not create it, make it happen, or think it up. It did not come out of your mind, and you don’t have to suffer from it. “Rise up and walk,” Christ instructs.
There are many lessons we all perhaps have to learn in demonstrating over the beliefs of shortage associated with recession, but one of them we can quickly embrace is to not feel guilty for a crime we never committed.
God gives each of us the resources we need to rise up and walk through the valley of limited belief, whatever form it takes, and come out on the other end well and strong. Steps to accepting these resources that meet human needs may require a firm proclamation of one’s innocence from wrong-doing to begin with.
You are innocent of having committed a recession.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
What to believe
I was asked today, "How do you stay out of the Adam-dream of material suffering when you hear so much about it all day long?"
I replied,
I replied,
"What is true in heaven is what is true on earth."
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Fitting in
Some time ago, I was listening to the story of a woman who felt she didn't fit in. She listed off all the reasons why she was different than everyone else, why nobody liked her, at least from her momentarily depressed point of view, and why she was an oddball. "I'm never going to fit in," she lamented.
Listening for a comforting reply after she finished, I blurted out, "Oh, that's okay. I don't fit in either!"
Quickly scanning my own personal history, I saw many instances where I did not fit in with people around me. In school, I was not athletic at all, so didn't fit in with all the sports oriented guys. I always have had strong faith in the power of prayer to heal, which has brought scorns and disapprovals from many around me. I don't drink or smoke, which sets me apart from a large bulk of the population. And I could go on and on...
Most everyone likes to be part of a family of people who share common interests, can laugh and cry together, support one another and be there for each other when help is needed. People like to "fit in," for many reasons.
But there's a downside to the desire to fit in that needs to be guarded against. If fitting in requires us to compromise our morals, sacrifice our ideals, and live dishonestly, the effect is harmful and not promotive of happiness and well being. We are unfair to ourselves and to those around us.
I look to the life of Jesus Christ for guidance.
Jesus did not "fit in." He stood out. He stood out and above worldly ideals, material motives, and selfish pursuit. He lived for God's approval, not for mankind's. He strove for spiritual ideals, heavenly reward and eternal life. He did not strive to fit into the world in anyway. In fact, he left it behind, and taught others to do the same. Why? Because he knew one couldn't serve worldly ideals and spiritual ideals at the same time. They work against one another. One seeks the approval of person. The other seeks approval of God. And approval of God is what matters in the long run.
In as much as I don't "fit in," with many people's way of thinking, that doesn't mean I don't have plenty of friends. I do. I don't have to share everything in common with another to love them, see the spiritual truth about them, shake their hand with joy, and be there to help when needed. We all can do the same. Love knows no boundaries or obstacles.
There is one God, and one family under God. Each of us have God's approval already, and we feel that approval as we live true to our lovely spiritual self.
As far as God is concerned, each of us already fit in. It couldn't be any other way.
"With one Father, even God, the whole family of man would be brethren; and with one Mind and that God, or good, the brotherhood of man would consist of Love and Truth, and have unity of Principle and spiritual power which constitute divine Science." Mary Baker Eddy
Listening for a comforting reply after she finished, I blurted out, "Oh, that's okay. I don't fit in either!"
Quickly scanning my own personal history, I saw many instances where I did not fit in with people around me. In school, I was not athletic at all, so didn't fit in with all the sports oriented guys. I always have had strong faith in the power of prayer to heal, which has brought scorns and disapprovals from many around me. I don't drink or smoke, which sets me apart from a large bulk of the population. And I could go on and on...
Most everyone likes to be part of a family of people who share common interests, can laugh and cry together, support one another and be there for each other when help is needed. People like to "fit in," for many reasons.
But there's a downside to the desire to fit in that needs to be guarded against. If fitting in requires us to compromise our morals, sacrifice our ideals, and live dishonestly, the effect is harmful and not promotive of happiness and well being. We are unfair to ourselves and to those around us.
I look to the life of Jesus Christ for guidance.
Jesus did not "fit in." He stood out. He stood out and above worldly ideals, material motives, and selfish pursuit. He lived for God's approval, not for mankind's. He strove for spiritual ideals, heavenly reward and eternal life. He did not strive to fit into the world in anyway. In fact, he left it behind, and taught others to do the same. Why? Because he knew one couldn't serve worldly ideals and spiritual ideals at the same time. They work against one another. One seeks the approval of person. The other seeks approval of God. And approval of God is what matters in the long run.
In as much as I don't "fit in," with many people's way of thinking, that doesn't mean I don't have plenty of friends. I do. I don't have to share everything in common with another to love them, see the spiritual truth about them, shake their hand with joy, and be there to help when needed. We all can do the same. Love knows no boundaries or obstacles.
There is one God, and one family under God. Each of us have God's approval already, and we feel that approval as we live true to our lovely spiritual self.
As far as God is concerned, each of us already fit in. It couldn't be any other way.
"With one Father, even God, the whole family of man would be brethren; and with one Mind and that God, or good, the brotherhood of man would consist of Love and Truth, and have unity of Principle and spiritual power which constitute divine Science." Mary Baker Eddy
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Prayer defied doctor's expectations
I made a new friend who visited my church Sunday with family and shared with me an inspiring story of healing.
Several months ago, she was being treated by doctors for a serious health problem. An angiogram into her brain caused a series of severe health problems for this woman, including three strokes, paralysis of her face and front part of her body, and bleeding on the brain. Her case became so severe that the doctors lost all hope of saving her and predicted she would pass on in a day or so. They gave up and quit trying to help her medically.
This woman comes from a close knit family, several of whom practice Christian Science to varying degrees. They were notified and immediately began praying for their dear one the best they knew how. She was in a coma at this point.
She did not die, but continued to live, defying all the doctor's expectations. She came out of her coma, regained her mobility, was restored to strength and fully recovered.
She stood before me beaming with joy and love as she told her story.
She explained that she did not understand how the recovery was happening, but knew something very spiritual was occuring in her life.
She recounted that during this recovery, she experienced a mass purging of darkness from her thinking. She said that all kinds of hate, resentment, and fear from decades of her past melted away. It was an incredible transformation, she impressed me with. She became a whole new person from the inside out, she stated. All the darkness vanished, and she couldn't even identify with it anymore.
As she told me about this transformation, a brother-in-law standing nearby pointed at her and said, "You can see it in her face. She never used to look like this." And she was glowing with joy, love and purity, as she talked to me.
She said that after getting out of the hospital and thinking it all through, she could then see that she had a spiritual healing. The evil inside was wiped out, and the body was freed.
Even to this day, the doctors are befuddled and can't figure out what happened.
And we agreed, the doctors haven't figured it out yet, because they're looking into matter for an answer, and the answer can only be found in thought where the real improvement occurred first.
Glory be to God in the highest! Prayer heals. Never give up! There's always hope, no matter what the doctors say.
Love is the most powerful healer in the world.
Several months ago, she was being treated by doctors for a serious health problem. An angiogram into her brain caused a series of severe health problems for this woman, including three strokes, paralysis of her face and front part of her body, and bleeding on the brain. Her case became so severe that the doctors lost all hope of saving her and predicted she would pass on in a day or so. They gave up and quit trying to help her medically.
This woman comes from a close knit family, several of whom practice Christian Science to varying degrees. They were notified and immediately began praying for their dear one the best they knew how. She was in a coma at this point.
She did not die, but continued to live, defying all the doctor's expectations. She came out of her coma, regained her mobility, was restored to strength and fully recovered.
She stood before me beaming with joy and love as she told her story.
She explained that she did not understand how the recovery was happening, but knew something very spiritual was occuring in her life.
She recounted that during this recovery, she experienced a mass purging of darkness from her thinking. She said that all kinds of hate, resentment, and fear from decades of her past melted away. It was an incredible transformation, she impressed me with. She became a whole new person from the inside out, she stated. All the darkness vanished, and she couldn't even identify with it anymore.
As she told me about this transformation, a brother-in-law standing nearby pointed at her and said, "You can see it in her face. She never used to look like this." And she was glowing with joy, love and purity, as she talked to me.
She said that after getting out of the hospital and thinking it all through, she could then see that she had a spiritual healing. The evil inside was wiped out, and the body was freed.
Even to this day, the doctors are befuddled and can't figure out what happened.
And we agreed, the doctors haven't figured it out yet, because they're looking into matter for an answer, and the answer can only be found in thought where the real improvement occurred first.
Glory be to God in the highest! Prayer heals. Never give up! There's always hope, no matter what the doctors say.
Love is the most powerful healer in the world.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Sidebar updates
If you haven't noticed, a few new items have been added to the sidebar of Spiritview to aide the navigability of the site.
Among other changes, a rolling "Most recent comments," entry now exists. If you like to follow comments, the five most recent contributions will appear on this roll regardless of where they have been posted on the blog.
There's a "Search box" for finding topics of your own choosing.
Several links have been updated or modified.
A poll may show up occasionally that helps us all learn more about each other. There's one there now!
Change is on-going...
Among other changes, a rolling "Most recent comments," entry now exists. If you like to follow comments, the five most recent contributions will appear on this roll regardless of where they have been posted on the blog.
There's a "Search box" for finding topics of your own choosing.
Several links have been updated or modified.
A poll may show up occasionally that helps us all learn more about each other. There's one there now!
Change is on-going...
Poll for readers
To learn more about who my audience is on this blog, (namely, you!) I just posted a poll in the sidebar of Spiritview. Please check it out and cast your vote.
Civility
I’ve read a number of editorials, opinion pieces and cartoons expressing disgust, dismay and anger over the recent public outbreaks of irresponsible behavior and attitude by Joe Wilson, Kanye West and Serena Williams. It’s disheartening to see role models for millions of people set such poor examples of how to treat a fellow human being.
My heart goes out to all three of them, though, because my God is a forgiving and loving God, and there are times when I've made a mistake that I later regretted.
People make errors, but it’s important that we learn from our mistakes, correct them and demonstrate our true individuality as a child of God. And in this case, as a child of God who is a compassionate, thoughtful, kind, and generous being that is not so focused on selfish pursuit that responsible, loving behavior toward others is thrown out the window.
Their three highly publicized outbursts may be reflections on society in general that we all can learn from. Perhaps it’s an opportunity for us all to examine our attitude toward our neighbor, and see if there is room for improvement. They are hardly the only individuals that have fallen temporary victim to incivility.
What is the solution?
The best answer that comes to mind is “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” This command has been time-tested for centuries, and it works when it comes to maintaining civility, love and goodwill among communities of people.
I’ve played tennis against dozens of different players over the last few years, and have seen a few examples of poor attitude on the court. Never as severe as Serena’s, but occasionally, I find myself facing a player across the net who is hard to get along with.
Typically, the problem is not that they are a bad person. They are good people. But they get so absorbed into a very narrow-minded self-serving, self-focused, “I’m going to win no matter what” attitude, that they forget the common rules of decency when things don’t go their way. Selfishness, anger, and even meanness takes over their perspective to the expense of everyone around them.
Incivility is the often outcome of self-serving motives at work. The person expressing the incivility believes he is justified because all he can think about is what he wants, and anyone who threatens his agenda is an enemy and becomes a target for destruction. Its evil let loose.
And love is the power that restrains it.
My first effort after reading about all three outbursts by West, Wilson and Williams, was to examine my own thought and ask, “Do I manifest any of the same symptoms? Where can I improve?” I do not like to point fingers because when I do, the finger is turned right back on me. Not cool! It’s better to learn, forgive, love more and be a better example myself. So I hold no ire against the three and am grateful for the increased dialogue in the public square on the topic of civility so everyone can do their own self-examination and collectively, we all can improve our attitude toward one another.
So, my prayer for one and all is to see “Love thy neighbor as thyself,” more actively practiced. When we think about the other person first, and what blesses them, we aren’t so quick to condemn and see evil in them.
Everyone is a child of God, filled with worth and value that commands respect, honor and appreciation.
More important than winning an award, trophy, or gaining political advantage, is to love our neighbor unselfishly. Without love, there will be no society to hand out commendations, awards and just legislation. Love has to come first. Love is the foundation of a successful society. Love is the civil way to treat each other.
How important it is to worship a God of love and not the god of self.
“One infinite God, good, unifies men and nations; constitutes the brotherhood of man; ends wars; fulfills the Scripture, ‘Love thy neighbor as thyself,’ annihilates pagan and Christian idolatry,--whatever is wrong in social, civil, criminal, political, and religious codes; equalizes the sexes; annuls the curse on man, and leaves nothing that can sin, suffer, be punished or destroyed.” Mary Baker Eddy
My heart goes out to all three of them, though, because my God is a forgiving and loving God, and there are times when I've made a mistake that I later regretted.
People make errors, but it’s important that we learn from our mistakes, correct them and demonstrate our true individuality as a child of God. And in this case, as a child of God who is a compassionate, thoughtful, kind, and generous being that is not so focused on selfish pursuit that responsible, loving behavior toward others is thrown out the window.
Their three highly publicized outbursts may be reflections on society in general that we all can learn from. Perhaps it’s an opportunity for us all to examine our attitude toward our neighbor, and see if there is room for improvement. They are hardly the only individuals that have fallen temporary victim to incivility.
What is the solution?
The best answer that comes to mind is “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” This command has been time-tested for centuries, and it works when it comes to maintaining civility, love and goodwill among communities of people.
I’ve played tennis against dozens of different players over the last few years, and have seen a few examples of poor attitude on the court. Never as severe as Serena’s, but occasionally, I find myself facing a player across the net who is hard to get along with.
Typically, the problem is not that they are a bad person. They are good people. But they get so absorbed into a very narrow-minded self-serving, self-focused, “I’m going to win no matter what” attitude, that they forget the common rules of decency when things don’t go their way. Selfishness, anger, and even meanness takes over their perspective to the expense of everyone around them.
Incivility is the often outcome of self-serving motives at work. The person expressing the incivility believes he is justified because all he can think about is what he wants, and anyone who threatens his agenda is an enemy and becomes a target for destruction. Its evil let loose.
And love is the power that restrains it.
My first effort after reading about all three outbursts by West, Wilson and Williams, was to examine my own thought and ask, “Do I manifest any of the same symptoms? Where can I improve?” I do not like to point fingers because when I do, the finger is turned right back on me. Not cool! It’s better to learn, forgive, love more and be a better example myself. So I hold no ire against the three and am grateful for the increased dialogue in the public square on the topic of civility so everyone can do their own self-examination and collectively, we all can improve our attitude toward one another.
So, my prayer for one and all is to see “Love thy neighbor as thyself,” more actively practiced. When we think about the other person first, and what blesses them, we aren’t so quick to condemn and see evil in them.
Everyone is a child of God, filled with worth and value that commands respect, honor and appreciation.
More important than winning an award, trophy, or gaining political advantage, is to love our neighbor unselfishly. Without love, there will be no society to hand out commendations, awards and just legislation. Love has to come first. Love is the foundation of a successful society. Love is the civil way to treat each other.
How important it is to worship a God of love and not the god of self.
“One infinite God, good, unifies men and nations; constitutes the brotherhood of man; ends wars; fulfills the Scripture, ‘Love thy neighbor as thyself,’ annihilates pagan and Christian idolatry,--whatever is wrong in social, civil, criminal, political, and religious codes; equalizes the sexes; annuls the curse on man, and leaves nothing that can sin, suffer, be punished or destroyed.” Mary Baker Eddy
Friday, October 9, 2009
Never tire of prayer
When the latest round of natural disasters occurred in Indonesia, the Philippines and Samoa, a despairing voice sighed in the background of my thought, “Oh not again. These disasters happen year after year. They are never ending…”
I caught the subtle, yet gross, evil and reversed it with a stern proclamation of truth: “Never stop bearing witness to God’s harmonious kingdom and all of mankind’s inclusion in it!”
If we ever get tired of praying, it’s a sign that we’re caving into evil and giving more power to evil than we are to God, good. This is not a healthy mental place to be!
Jesus was adamant in his teachings that evil was a lie and a liar. His understanding of the supremacy of God, good, enabled him to overcome and conquer every single form of evil the world could throw at him. And he left his example for us to follow. He conquered natural disasters too with his stilling of the storm and feeding the hungry thousands.
Prayer is more than uttered words. Prayer is more than time spent studying the Bible or spiritual texts. Prayer is more than thinking right thoughts. Prayer is a spiritual life lived, spiritual mindedness expressed, good deeds done. Prayer is a crystal clear understanding of what is spiritually real, and experiencing that reality in a tangible meaningful way. Prayer is living in the Kingdom. And this kind of prayer is a joy to participate in.
There is nothing burdensome about prayer. Burden comes from not praying, from believing that evil is real and giving into evil suggestions.
God is good, and God is omnipotent. This immortal truth does not seem real to the material sense of things, but the whole purpose of prayer is to break free of any mortal lie of life in matter and accept spiritual reality as the only reality. In a consciousness of Truth, evil disappears, and so does its erroneous effects.
So, when a disaster hits somewhere in the world, it’s not a time to believe that evil is real, destructive and hopelessly in control. It’s a call to do exactly the opposite. It’s a call on our practice of Christian Science to reverse the aggressive claims of evil and vehemently replace them with unmovable statements of Truth that bring healing to those in need.
Spiritual step by spiritual step, prayer by prayer, mankind discovers and experiences to increasing degree the glorious freedom that comes from understanding spiritual truth and accepting its reality. And this progress will include greater dominion over the weather and consequently fewer climate disasters.
Never tire of knowing the truth that helps your fellowman in any part of the world. We are all brothers and sisters, part of one family, under God, and we all benefit from each other’s prayers to understand truth better and see it demonstrated more concretely.
I caught the subtle, yet gross, evil and reversed it with a stern proclamation of truth: “Never stop bearing witness to God’s harmonious kingdom and all of mankind’s inclusion in it!”
If we ever get tired of praying, it’s a sign that we’re caving into evil and giving more power to evil than we are to God, good. This is not a healthy mental place to be!
Jesus was adamant in his teachings that evil was a lie and a liar. His understanding of the supremacy of God, good, enabled him to overcome and conquer every single form of evil the world could throw at him. And he left his example for us to follow. He conquered natural disasters too with his stilling of the storm and feeding the hungry thousands.
Prayer is more than uttered words. Prayer is more than time spent studying the Bible or spiritual texts. Prayer is more than thinking right thoughts. Prayer is a spiritual life lived, spiritual mindedness expressed, good deeds done. Prayer is a crystal clear understanding of what is spiritually real, and experiencing that reality in a tangible meaningful way. Prayer is living in the Kingdom. And this kind of prayer is a joy to participate in.
There is nothing burdensome about prayer. Burden comes from not praying, from believing that evil is real and giving into evil suggestions.
God is good, and God is omnipotent. This immortal truth does not seem real to the material sense of things, but the whole purpose of prayer is to break free of any mortal lie of life in matter and accept spiritual reality as the only reality. In a consciousness of Truth, evil disappears, and so does its erroneous effects.
So, when a disaster hits somewhere in the world, it’s not a time to believe that evil is real, destructive and hopelessly in control. It’s a call to do exactly the opposite. It’s a call on our practice of Christian Science to reverse the aggressive claims of evil and vehemently replace them with unmovable statements of Truth that bring healing to those in need.
Spiritual step by spiritual step, prayer by prayer, mankind discovers and experiences to increasing degree the glorious freedom that comes from understanding spiritual truth and accepting its reality. And this progress will include greater dominion over the weather and consequently fewer climate disasters.
Never tire of knowing the truth that helps your fellowman in any part of the world. We are all brothers and sisters, part of one family, under God, and we all benefit from each other’s prayers to understand truth better and see it demonstrated more concretely.
“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” I Thes.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
The naked guy and the flying pigs
Ever heard the story of the naked guy and the flying pigs? You have if you've read the New Testament.
Check out this short video clip of Ben Gladden explaining the Biblical background of the man Legion, Jesus casting out the demons, and the swine drowning in the sea. Ben does a great job, and answers many questions...
The naked guy and the flying pigs
Check out this short video clip of Ben Gladden explaining the Biblical background of the man Legion, Jesus casting out the demons, and the swine drowning in the sea. Ben does a great job, and answers many questions...
The naked guy and the flying pigs
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
When loved ones pass on
One of the most difficult human experiences to go through can be the passing on of a loved one. A spouse, a child, a parent, a very close sibling or friend, can become fixtures in our lives that we never imagine not being there. Yet, one day, they are not physically with us any longer.
The passing could be from old age, or, in less fortunate circumstances, from accident, illness, war or even crime.
I’ve noticed that some people handle these changes much better than others, and I’ve been thinking through some of the reasons why.
In my own prayers for peace on this issue, I find my greatest protection against overbearing grief about loss comes from knowing that life is eternal, and that we’re all living our eternal life now. No one ever dies or passes on. Our loved ones always were spiritual, and they continue to be spiritual. And we are united with them in Spirit, now and always. This eternal union never changes or dissolves, ever.
Any seeming sense of separation is not a reality, but a false belief that the person we loved was material and capable of dying in the first place. But this is not true! We’re all spiritual and always have been.
I think about how Jesus prepared his followers for his eventual leaving earth as a physical presence. He told them, “I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.”
Think of how attached his disciples could have become to the physical Jesus. Jesus was super special. He worked miracles. He transformed their lives in major positive ways. He healed them. He raised their children from the dead. He restored crippled lives to wholeness. He truly was an irreplaceable person to know. Yet, soon, he would be gone. Yet, he would not be gone, according to his teachings. Jesus told them he would still be with them.
How could this be?
He meant spiritually. He was telling them that his individuality was not in a physical body, but in the Christ he reflected and manifested. He lifted their thought higher to the spiritual reality of his individuality. He was telling them to not get attached to a physical body. And he reassured them that if they stayed clear on this vital point, they would not miss him after he ascended. They would draw even closer to him, for he would still be with them in a very tangible concrete form. And as it turned out, he was. The Holy Ghost, or Christ, moved the disciples to even greater works as recorded in the book of Acts.
This lesson of not getting attached to a physical body applies to our loved ones.
They are not material bodies with temporal lives. They are expressions of God, living manifestations of Christ, reflecting the love and goodness of God in their own unique special way--and forever! This truth about their individuality never changes. They do not die. They do not leave us. They do not depart to another realm. They are always with us in Christ, in Spirit, where they’ve always lived.
Understanding this truth helps me greatly when I think about the safety of my family members. Any fear of loss that suggests itself, I immediately reverse with the truth that there is no loss in Spirit, that each member is a spiritual idea of God, forever safe in Mind, where there are no accidents, no injuries, disease or death, no coming and going, no passing, and no loss. I practice seeing them spiritual now! I do not give mortal mind a chance to suggest loss at a later date.
In seeing them spiritual now I find great peace about their safety and permanence in my life. It also draws me closer to them because I’m honoring who they really are. They are not finite mortal bodies with a temporal shelf-life. They are eternal spiritual beings, just like me. And we are inseparable in divine Love, the one Mind that unites all in one grand family.
How have you found peace about the permanence of loved ones in your life?
The passing could be from old age, or, in less fortunate circumstances, from accident, illness, war or even crime.
I’ve noticed that some people handle these changes much better than others, and I’ve been thinking through some of the reasons why.
In my own prayers for peace on this issue, I find my greatest protection against overbearing grief about loss comes from knowing that life is eternal, and that we’re all living our eternal life now. No one ever dies or passes on. Our loved ones always were spiritual, and they continue to be spiritual. And we are united with them in Spirit, now and always. This eternal union never changes or dissolves, ever.
Any seeming sense of separation is not a reality, but a false belief that the person we loved was material and capable of dying in the first place. But this is not true! We’re all spiritual and always have been.
I think about how Jesus prepared his followers for his eventual leaving earth as a physical presence. He told them, “I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.”
Think of how attached his disciples could have become to the physical Jesus. Jesus was super special. He worked miracles. He transformed their lives in major positive ways. He healed them. He raised their children from the dead. He restored crippled lives to wholeness. He truly was an irreplaceable person to know. Yet, soon, he would be gone. Yet, he would not be gone, according to his teachings. Jesus told them he would still be with them.
How could this be?
He meant spiritually. He was telling them that his individuality was not in a physical body, but in the Christ he reflected and manifested. He lifted their thought higher to the spiritual reality of his individuality. He was telling them to not get attached to a physical body. And he reassured them that if they stayed clear on this vital point, they would not miss him after he ascended. They would draw even closer to him, for he would still be with them in a very tangible concrete form. And as it turned out, he was. The Holy Ghost, or Christ, moved the disciples to even greater works as recorded in the book of Acts.
This lesson of not getting attached to a physical body applies to our loved ones.
They are not material bodies with temporal lives. They are expressions of God, living manifestations of Christ, reflecting the love and goodness of God in their own unique special way--and forever! This truth about their individuality never changes. They do not die. They do not leave us. They do not depart to another realm. They are always with us in Christ, in Spirit, where they’ve always lived.
Understanding this truth helps me greatly when I think about the safety of my family members. Any fear of loss that suggests itself, I immediately reverse with the truth that there is no loss in Spirit, that each member is a spiritual idea of God, forever safe in Mind, where there are no accidents, no injuries, disease or death, no coming and going, no passing, and no loss. I practice seeing them spiritual now! I do not give mortal mind a chance to suggest loss at a later date.
In seeing them spiritual now I find great peace about their safety and permanence in my life. It also draws me closer to them because I’m honoring who they really are. They are not finite mortal bodies with a temporal shelf-life. They are eternal spiritual beings, just like me. And we are inseparable in divine Love, the one Mind that unites all in one grand family.
How have you found peace about the permanence of loved ones in your life?
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
God's pet presence
Here is a two minute video that will brighten your day and put a smile on your face.
God and Dog
By Wendy Francisco
God and Dog
By Wendy Francisco
Monday, October 5, 2009
Peace today
May today be peace within
May you trust your highest power that you are exactly
where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received,
and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God.
Let this presence settle into your bones,
and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise, and love.
It is there for each and every one of you.
~ Mother Theresa
Friday, October 2, 2009
The most important achievement
What’s the one most important achievement you will make throughout all of earthly existence?
Many people look to the accumulation of fortunes, riches, and treasures as indicators of grand success.
Some people seek fame, recognition, and standing in their community.
Some people want to change the world through social reform and political activism.
But when it comes down to the last minute on earth, right before check-out, and you hastily gather up all you can to take with you down the pathway of progress, what will you have to show for your hard work and effort? It will be the love you lived and expressed, and only that love.
The fame, fortune, things purchased, position gained and position in society mean nothing as thought ascends Spiritward. What we find and discover in Love is what stays with us and remains. Living in love is the one most important achievement we can make on earth, and no other claim will surpass it.
Understanding the preeminence of love enables us to love our enemies, not fear injustice, stand strong when things look hopeless, and never cave to despair or discouragement. Why? Because when we have love, and accept the blessings of divine Love, we have everything. There isn’t anything the world can do to us to keep us from love and reflecting divine Love.
Jesus faced horrible persecution, but he kept on loving. He loved his way right into the kingdom of heaven, and said we had to do the same.
Nothing is more important than love.
When your husband keeps throwing his dirty socks on the floor, it’s no big deal compared to love in the home.
When your wife doesn’t put your tape measure back in the tool box, it’s no big deal compared to love in the marriage.
When your teenager flunks an important test…well, that is a big deal…but not as important as being patient, understanding, helpful and compassionate.
Love is the most important accomplishment of your day, your week, your year, your life!
Without love, everything else pales to nothing. Without love, everything else doesn’t matter much. Without love, what is there?
Love is everything.
Love is life. Love is joy. Love is happiness. Love is eternal life.
When you love, you have everything that is truly significant, substantial and important.
Live to love, and you’ll find yourself standing on the winner’s platform at the end of the race.
Live to love, and you’ll be the best you can be.
Love.
Many people look to the accumulation of fortunes, riches, and treasures as indicators of grand success.
Some people seek fame, recognition, and standing in their community.
Some people want to change the world through social reform and political activism.
But when it comes down to the last minute on earth, right before check-out, and you hastily gather up all you can to take with you down the pathway of progress, what will you have to show for your hard work and effort? It will be the love you lived and expressed, and only that love.
The fame, fortune, things purchased, position gained and position in society mean nothing as thought ascends Spiritward. What we find and discover in Love is what stays with us and remains. Living in love is the one most important achievement we can make on earth, and no other claim will surpass it.
Understanding the preeminence of love enables us to love our enemies, not fear injustice, stand strong when things look hopeless, and never cave to despair or discouragement. Why? Because when we have love, and accept the blessings of divine Love, we have everything. There isn’t anything the world can do to us to keep us from love and reflecting divine Love.
Jesus faced horrible persecution, but he kept on loving. He loved his way right into the kingdom of heaven, and said we had to do the same.
Nothing is more important than love.
When your husband keeps throwing his dirty socks on the floor, it’s no big deal compared to love in the home.
When your wife doesn’t put your tape measure back in the tool box, it’s no big deal compared to love in the marriage.
When your teenager flunks an important test…well, that is a big deal…but not as important as being patient, understanding, helpful and compassionate.
Love is the most important accomplishment of your day, your week, your year, your life!
Without love, everything else pales to nothing. Without love, everything else doesn’t matter much. Without love, what is there?
Love is everything.
Love is life. Love is joy. Love is happiness. Love is eternal life.
When you love, you have everything that is truly significant, substantial and important.
Live to love, and you’ll find yourself standing on the winner’s platform at the end of the race.
Live to love, and you’ll be the best you can be.
Love.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
A good attitude
I loved this decal that showed up on my wife's bulletin board this morning.
Wag more
Bark less
