I am so grateful for having been raised in Christian Science and to have attended the Christian Science Sunday School. Even though I was only five, I can remember the Sunday School teacher's explination that God is my Father/Mother - a perfect parent who loves me unfailingly, who is the only power (good) and always present with me.
This had not been my human experience with my parents and at the time that I was enrolled in the Sunday School, I had been abandoned and left with relatives to be raised.
This gift of God as all good and as my only parents healed my grief and gave me courage and strength - it sustained me when the school councilor classified me as an at-risk student, because of my home situation.
The next big lesson I took away from Sunday School reversed this diagnosis - that human history has no power to determine today's experience. It could not touch my present. All that was active in my life was right this moment - me and God - divine Love who was guarding and guiding my life. I could let go of the past and dwell in the present.
I had perfect attendance throughout 12 years of school and received outstanding grades, held many elective offices in high school and was a member of the principal's school leaders group.
Although there were no family funds for a college education, I was offered a full scholarship including housing when the time came.
We think it is a miracle when the rules are broken by which we tend to dictate the direction of our lives, but the truth is that your Father/Mother is teaching you to look through these self-created limitations and beliefs to see God's hand in all things.
Thursday, March 03, 2011
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
Burn healed
The other day I was in the kitchen, when I reached into oven to pull out a cast iron skillet that was ready to come out. Even though I knew it would be very hot, I grabbed a small hot pad holder. As soon as I grasped the handle, I saw my bare palm on the metal. Releasing it instantly, I watched as my skin literally bubbled up.
I would like to say my first reaction was spiritually motivated, but it wasn't. After crying "ouch" I knew I had a choice. I could accept the pain screaming at me, or I could know the Truth, that there are no accidents in God's kingdom, and as a spiritual idea, I had no matter to burn. I chose Truth. Taking my stand for my God-given freedom from harm, I continued cooking. I can honestly say that this radical stance brought instant relief from the pain. I didn't look at my hand until late that night, and there were no blisters or marks of any kind.
I'm extremely grateful for this evidence of God's love ands care.
I would like to say my first reaction was spiritually motivated, but it wasn't. After crying "ouch" I knew I had a choice. I could accept the pain screaming at me, or I could know the Truth, that there are no accidents in God's kingdom, and as a spiritual idea, I had no matter to burn. I chose Truth. Taking my stand for my God-given freedom from harm, I continued cooking. I can honestly say that this radical stance brought instant relief from the pain. I didn't look at my hand until late that night, and there were no blisters or marks of any kind.
I'm extremely grateful for this evidence of God's love ands care.
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
Thought for today
Did you know that you are the artistic expression of the greatest artist in the universe?
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Crystal Clear Direction to Find Job
I spent several years feeling trapped in my job. The word was underemployed and nowhere to go. My attempts to find a new position seemed fruitless. I decided it would be more fruitful to shift my thinking from a worldly, limited view of employment to a more spiritual outlook.
So, I strove to make the most of the work I had. Also I prayed to God and listened for His guidance. Although the small company for which I worked did not appear to have opportunities for growth, opportunities did appear. I learned new skills. Then there was a moment when I was praying about this issue and a clear message came to thought. The message was: "this is the time for you to make a move. Put everything into it." It struck me how clear the message was and how close I felt to God. Also, I felt such a certainty that it would all work out. I was able to let go. The "putting everything into it" meant to me putting my complete trust in God.
Within two days, a very unexpected opportunity surfaced in a new field. I was not looking for it. I felt like it was looking for me. I have worked at this firm for over three years and am blessed every day with opportunities. I really felt God's love for me in this experience and I know in my heart that everyone is unique, precious to God and filled with holy purpose. It is this work that fulfills us.
So, I strove to make the most of the work I had. Also I prayed to God and listened for His guidance. Although the small company for which I worked did not appear to have opportunities for growth, opportunities did appear. I learned new skills. Then there was a moment when I was praying about this issue and a clear message came to thought. The message was: "this is the time for you to make a move. Put everything into it." It struck me how clear the message was and how close I felt to God. Also, I felt such a certainty that it would all work out. I was able to let go. The "putting everything into it" meant to me putting my complete trust in God.
Within two days, a very unexpected opportunity surfaced in a new field. I was not looking for it. I felt like it was looking for me. I have worked at this firm for over three years and am blessed every day with opportunities. I really felt God's love for me in this experience and I know in my heart that everyone is unique, precious to God and filled with holy purpose. It is this work that fulfills us.
Friday, February 25, 2011
I Love to Tell the Story
This week’s Bible Lesson, the sermon shared globally in every Christian Science church, is “Christ Jesus.” There isn’t a better story to tell! Hymn 414 contains these lines:
I love to tell the story
Of unseen things above
Of Jesus and his glory
Of Jesus and his love…
I love to tell the story
T’is pleasant to repeat
What seems each time I tell it,
More wonderfully sweet…
We all can relate, I’m sure.
John begins his introduction of the life of Christ Jesus with capsulizing all creation. “In the beginning as the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” He continues, “All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.” (John 1:3) This fundamental truth was the foundation of Jesus’ preaching and healing. The recognition of this truth brought healing to every form of disease, every type of sinful behavior, even death.
Combine this statement in Genesis, “And God saw all that he had made, and behold it was very good.” (Gen. 1:31) and the seal has been set on all that is real.
Creation was finished. God declared it good. There is no other creator. Jesus understood and proved this completely. He told the people, “Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.” (John 8: 22) This has always inspired me.
Beginning with God and seeing only his reality destroys every temptation to believe that there is something competing with God. Whenever presented with a situation or condition that would suggest something other than God, good, is in control, I turn again to these truths and recognize that I can experience only what God has created. Jesus showed me the way.
It’s no wonder I love to tell the story.
I love to tell the story
Of unseen things above
Of Jesus and his glory
Of Jesus and his love…
I love to tell the story
T’is pleasant to repeat
What seems each time I tell it,
More wonderfully sweet…
We all can relate, I’m sure.
John begins his introduction of the life of Christ Jesus with capsulizing all creation. “In the beginning as the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” He continues, “All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.” (John 1:3) This fundamental truth was the foundation of Jesus’ preaching and healing. The recognition of this truth brought healing to every form of disease, every type of sinful behavior, even death.
Combine this statement in Genesis, “And God saw all that he had made, and behold it was very good.” (Gen. 1:31) and the seal has been set on all that is real.
Creation was finished. God declared it good. There is no other creator. Jesus understood and proved this completely. He told the people, “Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.” (John 8: 22) This has always inspired me.
Beginning with God and seeing only his reality destroys every temptation to believe that there is something competing with God. Whenever presented with a situation or condition that would suggest something other than God, good, is in control, I turn again to these truths and recognize that I can experience only what God has created. Jesus showed me the way.
It’s no wonder I love to tell the story.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Make Time to Gain Time
As a college graduate student, I find myself these days doubting why I decided to take on three heavy loaded courses. I started out with four, and thank goodness I was wise enough to drop one I know I did not absolutely need. But now I find myself questioning if I should have dropped another.
The other night as I was checking off my "to do" list for class work and all the other stuff I needed to get done I was panicking. How the ***BLEEP*** was I going to get everything done. Deadlines are creeping up fast, and I seem to be working just fast enough to stay afloat. That was when I knew I needed to turn my thoughts to God. Before, I have turned to him knowing that with God, all things are possible. There is one Mind, the mind of God, and I share that Mind. I knew I could do the work, but could I get it done in time? There is was again, Time. Tick tock. Days are running into each other.
That night, as I climbed into bed, I opened up Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy to the Glossary pages and read the definition of Time. This is what it say:
"TIME. Mortal measurements; limits, in which are summed up all human acts, thoughts, beliefs, opinions, knowledge; matter; error; that which begins before, and continues after, what is termed death, until the mortal disappears and spiritual perfection appears."
The very first line stood out to me. Mortal Measurements; limits, in which are summed up all human acts... Well I very much knew that in God's kingdom there are no limits. Would God, creator of all good, set up limits to define our human actions? I don't think so.
The next morning I woke up, read this statement again, and worked with it all day. I spent the whole day in the library doing assignments for this week, and while I didn't get everything done, I left knowing that I had made progress. At home I picked up an old Sentinel that I hadn't gotten to yet titled Faith: As a Grain of Mustard Seed. After reading a few articles, I felt that my faith in God to trust in him to get all my work done, had been fully restored. I went to work on some assignments in order to get ahead in a class, and wouldn’t you know it, time seemed to stand still for me? I got so much done in a half hour than I had in two hours. And this included sending important emails, and writing this.
Time might not stop for us, but we can know there are no limits when it comes to what we can do. Time does not need to be measured.
The other night as I was checking off my "to do" list for class work and all the other stuff I needed to get done I was panicking. How the ***BLEEP*** was I going to get everything done. Deadlines are creeping up fast, and I seem to be working just fast enough to stay afloat. That was when I knew I needed to turn my thoughts to God. Before, I have turned to him knowing that with God, all things are possible. There is one Mind, the mind of God, and I share that Mind. I knew I could do the work, but could I get it done in time? There is was again, Time. Tick tock. Days are running into each other.
That night, as I climbed into bed, I opened up Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy to the Glossary pages and read the definition of Time. This is what it say:
"TIME. Mortal measurements; limits, in which are summed up all human acts, thoughts, beliefs, opinions, knowledge; matter; error; that which begins before, and continues after, what is termed death, until the mortal disappears and spiritual perfection appears."
The very first line stood out to me. Mortal Measurements; limits, in which are summed up all human acts... Well I very much knew that in God's kingdom there are no limits. Would God, creator of all good, set up limits to define our human actions? I don't think so.
The next morning I woke up, read this statement again, and worked with it all day. I spent the whole day in the library doing assignments for this week, and while I didn't get everything done, I left knowing that I had made progress. At home I picked up an old Sentinel that I hadn't gotten to yet titled Faith: As a Grain of Mustard Seed. After reading a few articles, I felt that my faith in God to trust in him to get all my work done, had been fully restored. I went to work on some assignments in order to get ahead in a class, and wouldn’t you know it, time seemed to stand still for me? I got so much done in a half hour than I had in two hours. And this included sending important emails, and writing this.
Time might not stop for us, but we can know there are no limits when it comes to what we can do. Time does not need to be measured.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Another Prayer
I found a prayer written by Paul Stark Seeley, one that's a favorite with me. "Pray daily that you may become increasingly conscious of your divine purpose - to evidence the limitless unfolding riches of life, health, wisdom, beauty, holiness and far-reaching service to God and your fellow man."
This reminds me that trusting in human ways and means isn't going to uplift and bless mankind: Only God can do that.
This reminds me that trusting in human ways and means isn't going to uplift and bless mankind: Only God can do that.
Friday, February 18, 2011
YOU ARE INVITED !
If you live in Richmond, Virginia, you are invited to join us any Wednesday evening from 7:30 to 8:30 for our weekly testimony meeting. Members of the congregation share healings, comments and experiences they have had that resulted from relying on prayer.
These meetings are always very inspirational. We are located in the west end of Richmond at 8791 River Road. We look forward to welcoming you!
If you do not live in Richmond, you can be part of these special meetings by logging onto the live broadcast from the First Church of Christ, Scientist in Boston, Mass. Tune in by 2:00 pm EST (19 UTC) to hear the meeting. Simply go to http://christianscience.com/ . In a list at the bottom of the page, you will find "online church services". Click on that and it will take you to the information you need to participate. Don't miss it!
These meetings are always very inspirational. We are located in the west end of Richmond at 8791 River Road. We look forward to welcoming you!
If you do not live in Richmond, you can be part of these special meetings by logging onto the live broadcast from the First Church of Christ, Scientist in Boston, Mass. Tune in by 2:00 pm EST (19 UTC) to hear the meeting. Simply go to http://christianscience.com/ . In a list at the bottom of the page, you will find "online church services". Click on that and it will take you to the information you need to participate. Don't miss it!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Humor and Healing
I can't tell you how many times a good laugh over the silliness of Mortal Mind has lifted me out of a so-called problem. Know that old chestnut? How many Christian Scientists can you fit in a Honda? Answer: An infinite number if they're in one Accord. The image alone makes me smile
I remember once I was dealing with a problem that, humanly speaking, looked pretty serious. I was praying and working with a Christian Science practitioner (someone who helps people through prayer), and I was getting worse, not better. Ultimately, I came to the conclusion that I wasn't going to be impressed by this lie about me, no matter how loudly the pain was screaming at me that it was real, and I'd better believe in it, by golly! No way. At that point, the pain shifted from one side of my body to the other, and all I could do was laugh out loud at how preposterous the whole picture was. It was as if the pain was saying, "okay, you won't believe in me over here, so I'll move around somewhere else until you do believe in me." That was the end of that problem. Healing complete.
Having a good, solid chuckle at a lie never fails to defuse it of any supposed power it claims, but in reality, can't have.
I remember once I was dealing with a problem that, humanly speaking, looked pretty serious. I was praying and working with a Christian Science practitioner (someone who helps people through prayer), and I was getting worse, not better. Ultimately, I came to the conclusion that I wasn't going to be impressed by this lie about me, no matter how loudly the pain was screaming at me that it was real, and I'd better believe in it, by golly! No way. At that point, the pain shifted from one side of my body to the other, and all I could do was laugh out loud at how preposterous the whole picture was. It was as if the pain was saying, "okay, you won't believe in me over here, so I'll move around somewhere else until you do believe in me." That was the end of that problem. Healing complete.
Having a good, solid chuckle at a lie never fails to defuse it of any supposed power it claims, but in reality, can't have.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
MORNING PRAYER
One of my favorite morning prayers comes from an article that was published in the early days of the Christian Science Journal (see note).
Part of it reads: "This is God's spiritual household. Nothing can enter to annoy or destroy. Nothing can enter to manifest sin, sickness, or discouragement, for God, good, governs every member of this household in perfect peace and love. God does in every deed dwell on earth with men and governs every event. The unseen silent forces of God are standing sentinel over me and mine and all, silencing, destroying, and annihilating the unseen, silent arguments of the serpent, material sense."
NOTE: In 1884 the Christian Science Journal was established as a monthly magazine which has continued in publication without interruption. The articles are contributed for publication by Christian Scientists dedicated to living Christian Science, a religion whose members subscribe to the tenet of taking: "the inspired word of the Bible" as their sufficient guide to eternal life. All of these Journal articles have been archived in bound volumes and are available to the public in Christian Science Reading Rooms located in 81 countries throughout the world.
Part of it reads: "This is God's spiritual household. Nothing can enter to annoy or destroy. Nothing can enter to manifest sin, sickness, or discouragement, for God, good, governs every member of this household in perfect peace and love. God does in every deed dwell on earth with men and governs every event. The unseen silent forces of God are standing sentinel over me and mine and all, silencing, destroying, and annihilating the unseen, silent arguments of the serpent, material sense."
NOTE: In 1884 the Christian Science Journal was established as a monthly magazine which has continued in publication without interruption. The articles are contributed for publication by Christian Scientists dedicated to living Christian Science, a religion whose members subscribe to the tenet of taking: "the inspired word of the Bible" as their sufficient guide to eternal life. All of these Journal articles have been archived in bound volumes and are available to the public in Christian Science Reading Rooms located in 81 countries throughout the world.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Reminder
Members, remember that on Thursday, February 17, we will meet at 7:00 p.m. to elect readers.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Love and Romance
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!
This is an occasion to express our affection for our special ones. But love and romance are certainly two different qualities of thought. Romance often brings to thought an idealized human sense of love - a love affair. The dictionary defines it as a strong, usually short-lived, attachment or enthusiasim. The actual love that we all desire is a lasting, growing, permanent attachment to others. The Bible gives us "Love" as another name for God, good, Spirit. The Lord's Prayer includes the plea, "And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors."In Mary Baker Eddy's spiritual interpretation of this line, she renders it, "And Love is reflected in love;". That is, God, good, Love in operation in our thoughts and actions is met with love.
Today is a good reminder for us to pray daily that we are loving, loved, and loveable! Know that you are loved by your Father/Mother God, Love, that your are precious to Her and your name is written in the palm of Her hand. (Isaish 49:16)
Much love to you!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Think About It
In the last book of the Old Testament the prophet Malachai poses an interesting question. He asks "Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us?" (Mal. 2: 10 to 2nd?) He doesn't treat this as a rhetorical question. And yet he doesn't answer it either. He leaves it for us to ponder.
The person who answers this question is Jesus Christ.
In the fourth chapter of Matthew, following his defeat of the tempter after 40 days in the wilderness and his calling to Peter and Andrew and the sons of Zebedee, James and John, he begins his mission. It states, "And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of disease among the people."(Matt. 4: 23) As a result the Bible tells us "his fame went throughout all Syria" and that "there followed him a great multitude." It goes on to describe this multitude as "people from Gallilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judea,and from beyond Jordan." (Matt. 4: 25)
When he saw this great multitude he went up into a mountain and the multitude followed him. Beginning with the fifth chapter he delivers what we call the Sermon on the Mount. In the midst of this sermon he teaches his followers how to pray, and in so doing he answers Malachai's question. He begins what we call the Lord's Prayer with the phrase "Our Father." (Matt. 6: 9)
With this phrase he united everyone on that hillside into one brotherhood. He acknowledged that there is but one Father, regardless of human background, and he answered Malachai's question with absolute conviction. Mary Baker Eddy recognized this. In Science and Health she writes, "It should be thoroughly understood that all men have one Mind, one God and Father, one Life, Truth, and Love. Mankind will become perfect in proportion as this fact becomes apparent, war will cease and the true brotherhood of man will be established." (p. 467: 9-13)
As a Christian Scientist I strive to follow the directions and commands of the Master Christian. Each time I pray the Lord's Prayer I am mindful that I am embracing all humanity. Each and every person who offers this prayer is acknowledging that "Yes. One God hath created us. We all have one Father."
What a wonderfully inclusive idea at a time when there seem to be so many things that would divide us.
The person who answers this question is Jesus Christ.
In the fourth chapter of Matthew, following his defeat of the tempter after 40 days in the wilderness and his calling to Peter and Andrew and the sons of Zebedee, James and John, he begins his mission. It states, "And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of disease among the people."(Matt. 4: 23) As a result the Bible tells us "his fame went throughout all Syria" and that "there followed him a great multitude." It goes on to describe this multitude as "people from Gallilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judea,and from beyond Jordan." (Matt. 4: 25)
When he saw this great multitude he went up into a mountain and the multitude followed him. Beginning with the fifth chapter he delivers what we call the Sermon on the Mount. In the midst of this sermon he teaches his followers how to pray, and in so doing he answers Malachai's question. He begins what we call the Lord's Prayer with the phrase "Our Father." (Matt. 6: 9)
With this phrase he united everyone on that hillside into one brotherhood. He acknowledged that there is but one Father, regardless of human background, and he answered Malachai's question with absolute conviction. Mary Baker Eddy recognized this. In Science and Health she writes, "It should be thoroughly understood that all men have one Mind, one God and Father, one Life, Truth, and Love. Mankind will become perfect in proportion as this fact becomes apparent, war will cease and the true brotherhood of man will be established." (p. 467: 9-13)
As a Christian Scientist I strive to follow the directions and commands of the Master Christian. Each time I pray the Lord's Prayer I am mindful that I am embracing all humanity. Each and every person who offers this prayer is acknowledging that "Yes. One God hath created us. We all have one Father."
What a wonderfully inclusive idea at a time when there seem to be so many things that would divide us.
Thursday, February 03, 2011
Computer issues overcome
Like most computer users, I expect the machine to work with no problems. When issues crop up, I'm fairly adept at straightening them out, but this week I ran into a software problem I couldn't solve. And it was important that it get solved. I needed to print out reports for our accountant for our tax returns, and by accident, an older program had been loaded into the new computer. The program ran, but printing the reports it generated seemed to be impossible. I researched online for a fix, and every single poster said the problem was insurmountable. There was no way to print off the old program using our new operating system. Re-inputting all the information into the newer program would take days, even weeks.
That's when I stopped using human logic and began to pray. I knew from my study of Christian Science that there's no such thing as a problem that can't be solved. Since I know that God is Mind (a synonym for God), and as God's child I reflect the Divine Mind, and the Divine Mind never left a problem unsolved, I had access to everything I needed. One Mind. That's it. Not many minds twirling in a panic.
So I stopped twirling and prayed. I started to see the situation as God sees it. Was there an answer, of course there was! I rejected the idea of insurmountability. I replaced that dark, depressing image of no usable answer to my problem with the truth, that God was in control of everything and everyone. And I was thrilled to know there's a solution for every problem because God's control is unwavering.
I ceased worrying and fooling with the computer and went about doing other work. It didn't take long for an idea to pop into my head, literally totally developed. I knew right away how to implement it. Problem solved. Report printed, albeit in a different format, but still what the accountant needed. Believe me when I say I gave fervent thanks to God.
That's when I stopped using human logic and began to pray. I knew from my study of Christian Science that there's no such thing as a problem that can't be solved. Since I know that God is Mind (a synonym for God), and as God's child I reflect the Divine Mind, and the Divine Mind never left a problem unsolved, I had access to everything I needed. One Mind. That's it. Not many minds twirling in a panic.
So I stopped twirling and prayed. I started to see the situation as God sees it. Was there an answer, of course there was! I rejected the idea of insurmountability. I replaced that dark, depressing image of no usable answer to my problem with the truth, that God was in control of everything and everyone. And I was thrilled to know there's a solution for every problem because God's control is unwavering.
I ceased worrying and fooling with the computer and went about doing other work. It didn't take long for an idea to pop into my head, literally totally developed. I knew right away how to implement it. Problem solved. Report printed, albeit in a different format, but still what the accountant needed. Believe me when I say I gave fervent thanks to God.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Wednesday services on the Reading Room Computer
If you'd like to see the Internet broadcast from The Mother Church of their Wednesday services at 2 p.m., head on down to the Reading Room. Questions: call the Reading Room at 804-358-1232.
January 20,2011 Business Meeting
Members are reminded that our quarterly business meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, the 20th.
Saturday, December 04, 2010
Reading Room Specials
Children's books are reduced 10% for holiday giving. And if you want a copy of Christ and Christmas, it too is on sale. Come on down to the Reading Room at 3431 West Cary Street and see what's new for gift giving this year. Or take some time to sit, read, study, and recharge your batteries in a prayerful, loving atmosphere.
Our hours are 11-3, Tues - Friday, 10-4 on Saturday.
Our hours are 11-3, Tues - Friday, 10-4 on Saturday.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Quarterly Business Meeting
The members are reminded that the Quarterly Business Meeting will be held, starting at 7 p.m., on Thursday, October 21, 2010.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Video presentation Sept. 23 at 7 p.m.
Everyone is invited for a live video broadcast from The Mary Baker Library this Thursday at 7 p.m. The topic is: Strength of Spirit, Engaging with Mary Baker Eddy 100 Years Later.
Actor Val Kilmer and the trustees of the library will participate in this Centenary Webcast event.
Actor Val Kilmer and the trustees of the library will participate in this Centenary Webcast event.
Monday, August 09, 2010
One More Time: Watermelon!
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