Harvest Healing Ministries, Robin Jones, CS, CHRISTIAN SCIENCE PRACTITIONER

I Live in Spirit

2012-02-01T08:14:00.000-08:00

I live in Spirit; my life is Spirit.

All that I am is the perfect expression of Spirit.

Spirit is with me when I sleep at night.

Spirit is with me when I wake in the morning!

Spirit is with me when I am Parent.

Spirit is with me when I am Spouse.

Spirit is with me when I am sibling.

Spirit is with me in the Practice of Christian Science.

Spirit is with me when I move from place-to-place.

Spirit is with me when I work.

Spirit is with me when I am . . .

Spirit governs me, right here and right now!

God is Spirit!

Robin Glenn Jones

2012-01-22T08:20:00.000-08:00

While praying this morning, I found these comforting words written by Mary Baker Ebby.

"In times like these it were well to lift the veil on thesackcloth of home, where weepeth the faithful, strickenmother, and the bruised father bendeth his aching head;where the bereft wife or husband, silent and alone, looksin dull despair at the vacant seat, and the motherlesslittle ones, wondering, huddle together, and repeat withquivering lips words of strange import. May the greatShepherd that "tempers the wind to the shorn lamb,"and binds up the wounds of bleeding hearts, just comfort,encourage, and bless all who mourn.

Father, we thank Thee that Thy light and Thy lovereach earth, open the prison to them that are bound, console the innocent, and throw wide the gates of heaven."

Miscellaneous Writings, p.275

Healing equates to Openness

2012-01-19T08:05:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday evening I attended the Weekly Wednesday Testimonial meeting at Second Church of Christ Scientist in Fresno, CA. The hyms were inspiring and I thoroughly enjoyed singing the healing words with the congregation.

As the reader began her readings on Christian Healing from the New King James Version of the Bible, a theme for me began to be revealed, that Christian Healing equates to openness.

She began her readings with a scripture from Romans that posed the question, "What if some did not believe?"

That got my attention and opened my thought to receive the Christ!

The Christ revealed to me through out the service, that God is the very source of openness at all times. He is always open for me and every one of His perfect ideas.

God is open for business, the business of Christian Healing. The Christ is here and now and filling all consciouness with the healing power of the Holy Ghost.

Yes, I felt and experienced the Christ as a result of attending this service and the readings the dear Reader had so thoughtfully put together to share with the congreagation. I saw and experienced that this Church is alive with spiritual inspiration based on God centered activity and Christian Healing inspired by the Bible.

"Bible Flow Chart," Christian Science Weekly Bible Lesson, Subject: God.

2011-12-30T09:45:00.000-08:00

I love this Bible Flow Chart found in this week's mybiblesson.com, subject God.

"I will publish the name of the Lord:" Deuteronomy 31:3

2011-12-29T10:53:00.000-08:00

"I will publish the name of the Lord:"

(DIVINE NAMES: IN all religious utterances, whether through prose or poetry, in pulpit or periodical, by preacher or pamphleteer, the name of Deity is of frequent recurrence. Perhaps one should say names, rather than name; yet each term but indicates some trait or element in Him whose nature is indivisible, whose existence is harmony.

The name God, as we all know, is generally regarded as only another way of spelling Good. Not only has God the attribute of goodness, but he is Good, in the very essence of His being.

"God is Love," says John; meaning not merely that God is loving, or has the attribute of love, but is Love; that is, Love is His nature. The Bible calls God just, merciful, pitiful: but it nowhere says God is Justice, God is Pity, God is Mercy, as it says God is Love. In other words, as Love is the fulfilling of the Law, so is Love the fulfilment, or completion, of the divine omnipresence.

Some of the old Pagan writers and poets call God by the name of Father; or rather they call one god by that title. Virgil speaks of Jupiter as the pater omnipotens, meaning the all-powerful Father, — not so much of mankind, or the universe, as the Father of other deities, — that is, the chief god among many. Christianity applies this term to God very differently, meaning by the phrase, "Our Father who art in Heaven," to indicate the spiritual relation which He bears towards His creation; not that the Creator is a Father in a fleshly sense, even of Jesus, as men are fathers, but that this imperfect epithet, as expressive of a tender and world-wide human relation, best shows what God is to man and the universe.

Well does the writer remember first hearing God called the Great I Am, and being told that this was a phrase used in the old hymns; and in the first Sunday-school lesson-book the writer ever studied, there was this sentence, which excited much wonder, printed in this peculiar way: "God said: I AM THAT I AM." What does this mean? "I am that I am," or "I am because I am," or "I am what I am." This is an attempted English equivalent of the Hebrew word Jehovah, or Yahweh, and is really a proclamation of the eternal existence and supremacy of the Infinite One, who then and thus declared Himself to the open thought of Moses.) Vol. 6, 11/1888

"They call me . . . . !'

2011-11-25T10:24:00.001-08:00

"They call me . . . . !'
"That's not my name, That's not my name, That's not my name!"
"They call me . . . . !'

God calls you his perfect idea! His divine reflection made in his image and likeness.

Everyday there is a new claim for the basis of a good and healthy life. Eat this or drink that! Do this or do that!

"The basis of all health," is that God is MInd. Matter cannot be and is not MInd.

NOTHING, can take from you, or rob you, of your divine rights given by God, proven by his chosen son Jesus as found in the Bible. This truth belongs to you! NOTHING, can discount it's effectiveness and your sweet embrace. God's Love is right here and right now! And, Love governs you!

Divine Love is adaptable to meet the call of your prayer and acts in accordance with divine Principle soothing the way for all to act in peaceful agreement to perform properly the tasks divine Mind has instructed for them to do. The body is not self-acting nor self-reliant but is agreeable to the only law truly governing, God, Spirit.

Have a glorious day of Spiritual enlightenment!

Happy Thanksgiving!

MISC.WR. BY MARY BAKER EDDY, ENTITLED “ANGELS”:

2011-11-07T09:07:00.000-08:00

"When angels visit us, we do not hear the rustle of wings, nor feel the feathery touch of the breast of a dove; but we know their presence by the love they create in our hearts. Oh, may you feel this touch, — it is not the clasping of hands, nor a loved person present; it is more than this: it is a spiritual idea that lights your path! The psalmist saith: 'he shall give his angels charge over thee.' God gives you his spiritual ideas, and in turn, they give you daily supplies. Never ask for tomorrow: it is enough that divine love is an ever-present help; and if you wait, never doubting, you will have all you need every moment. What a glorious inheritance is given to us through the understanding of omnipresent love! More we cannot ask: more we do not want: more we cannot have. This sweet assurance is the "peace, be still" to all human fears, to suffering of every sort." 306:22-10

This Week's Daily Bible Lesson

2011-10-19T07:34:00.001-07:00

The subject for this week's Christian Science weekly Bible Lesson is titled, "Probation after Death."

The word probation, defined by Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913 + 1828); "any proceeding designed to ascertain truth;"

This week's Golden Text begins: "Hebrews 12:1. . . let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

What a wonderful directive that any person can accomplish, any where, any time!

To find the rest of this weeks bible lesson, go to www.spirituality.com.

WEEKLY BIBLE LESSON

2011-09-20T07:42:00.000-07:00

"Listen up for the 'still, small voice' of Truth to free you from fear anytime you’re in a challenging situation."

REALITY, WEEKLY BIBLE LESSON, SEPT. 19-25

In Everything You Do . . .

2011-08-22T07:32:00.000-07:00

“In Science, all being is eternal, spiritual, perfect, harmonious in every action. Let the perfect model be present in your thoughts instead of its demoralized opposite. This spiritualization of thought lets in the light, and brings the divine Mind, Life not death, into your consciousness.”

Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures p.407:22 I

In everything that you do you are eternal, spiritual, perfect, harmonious becasue God made you perfect, harmonious, glorious.

Genesis 1:26-27 "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them."

No exceptions!

As the secriputue declares God created man in his own image, in the image of God, all mankind, male and female. No exceptions!

Every move that you make every, in every word that you say or think, be from your heavenly Father/Mother God, eternal, spiritual, perfect, harmonious!

Let your mind and thoughts be filled with perfection and know that you are the perfect illustration of all that God, good, is.

“The divine image is not lost.” “The true likeness cannot be lost in divine reflection.” Science and Health with Key to the Scripturesp. 259

Hmyn 103 Christian Science Hymnal

2011-08-15T10:07:00.000-07:00

As I was praying this morning in preparation for my day God lead me to this Hymn. I opened the Hymnal after praying for guidence and direction this morning and God lead me right to this Hymn!

Hymn 103
Florence L. Heywood GLUECK ZU KREUZ Darmstadt Gesangbuch, 1698 Music from Songs of Syon by permission of G. R. Woodward

Hear our prayer, O gracious Father, Author of celestial good, That Thy laws so pure and holy May be better understood.

Armed with faith, may we press onward, Knowing nothing but Thy will; Conquering every storm of error With the sweet words: Peace, be still.

Like the star of Bethlehem shining, Love will guide us all the way, From the depths of error's darkness

Into Truth's eternal day.

Under Trial

2011-07-11T08:21:00.000-07:00

As the day progresses pray with this song of King David:

Psalms 52:1

The (kindness, justice), goodness, (The quality of being good in any of its various senses; excellence; virtue; kindness; benevolence; goodness of character, of disposition, of conduct, etc.) endureth (2. To remain firm, as under trial or suffering; to suffer patiently or without yielding; to bear up under adversity; to hold out.) continually. (Without pause or cessation; unceasingly)

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913 + 1828)

Colossians 3:14

2011-07-10T11:38:00.001-07:00

Colossians 3:14

The Message (MSG)

12-14 So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.

July 7, More Humility

2011-07-07T08:22:00.000-07:00

As I began my study of the Christian Science weekly bible lesson, "Sacrament," I dug into the Responsive Reading and found this offering:

Colossians 3:16

The Message (MSG)

"15-17 Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way."

Letting the Christ, have the run of the house is liberating and will eliminate criticism, judging, hatred, self-will, arrogance and pride, lust, and any other evil beliefs that wish to influence, direct, counsel or mandate.

Declare with the humility of the Christ, I am God’s perfect child and I am not the material man that wishes to persuade, influence, direct, intimidate or manipulate me into it’s own bidding. God is my true Father/Mother and my creator and the Scriptures declare this truth as the fact of my true spiritual being.

I am reflecting God in his universe , right here and right now; His handiwork, good, pure, abundant, embodies me, mine and all. God’s care and ever presence, protection, and care in every way is here with me, at all times and under all circumstances.

"Truth - Healing"

2011-06-21T08:15:00.000-07:00

“The Spiritual elevator of the human race, physically, morally, and Christianly, is the truism that Truth demonstrates good, and is natural; while error, or evil, is really non-existent, and must have produced its own illusion, -for it belongs not to nature nor to God. Truth is the power of God which heals the sick and the sinner, and is applicable to all the needs of man. It is the universal, intelligent Christ-idea illustrated by the life of Jesus, through whose ‘stripes we are healed.’ By conflicts, defeats, and triumphs, Christian Science has been reduced to the understanding of mortals, and found able to heal them” Miscellaneous Writings. 259

The word natural associated with Truth is refreshing, inspiring and comforting. To often in our day-to-day activites and conversation, the suggestion that Truth is something other than the right way or natural way tempts us to move in a direction opposite of our spritiual good and growth. Rather than accept any belief contrary to Truth, as I align my thought wtih this truism, I am rewarded with clear and uplifted thought in living my day.

In NO Wise

2011-06-15T09:44:00.001-07:00

“Nothing (Not anything; In no degree, not at all; in no wise; No part, portion, quantity or degree: Webster’s 1913+1828)

but Spirit, ( Life itself; the intelligent, immaterial and immortal part of man; Energy, vivacity, ardor, enthusiasm, courage, etc. The renewed nature of man {Matt 26. Gal. 5.} Webster’s 1913+1828)

Soul, (The seat of real life or vitality; the source of action;Energy; courage; spirit; fervor; affection, or any other noble manifestation of the heart or moral nature; inherent power or goodness. Webster’s 1913+1828)

can evolve Life, (Enjoyment in the right use of the powers; especially, a spiritual existence; happiness in the favor of God; heavenly felicity. Manner of living; conduct; deportment, in regard to morals Webster’s 1913+1828)

for Spirit (vivacious or lively; one who evinces great activity; That which hath power or energy; the quality of any substance which manifest life, activity. Webster’s 1913+1828)

is more than all else.” (otherwise; human opinion, aggravation, mortal aptitude, scholastic theology, human impairment, belligerence, unemployment, failure, lack of success, homelessness, frustration, moral dilemma, self-reliance, injury, back pain, human condition and suffering.)

Science & Health with key to the Scriptures p. 335

Weekly Bible Lesson, mybiblelesson.com, God the Preserver of Man

2011-06-09T22:53:00.000-07:00

“Shook off the dust

of their feet” comes from Jesus’ advice to his disciples when he sent them out to heal (see Luke 9:5). He said that if they encountered opposition and felt unwelcome anywhere, they should

simply shake the dust off their feet and leave. So that’s what Paul and Barnabus did when they left Antioch— and immediately started healing in Iconium, which was a political and economic hub in south-central Turkey.”

Weekly Bible Lesson, mybiblelesson.com, God the Preserver of Man

"There are Christ's That Would Deceive"

2011-05-27T07:58:00.000-07:00

"There are Christ's that would deceive, if it were possible, 'by the very elect, by instituting matter
And it's methods in place of God, Mind.'" Misc Writ p175.

The truth is, you must declare that you have no short comings,
any mark's that can injure, deform any part of you or mar you;
not one spot,
not one single stain;
no fault;
no taint;
no imputation;
never any disgrace.

Because, you are made in God's perfect image not the image or images that mortal man advocates!

God beholds you as such so listen and love his way.

The body, some past experience or event will sometimes take the shape of a false Christ but it can only limit you or harm you if you chose to give it power.

God and his angel's will always be there to refute, repudiate and defeat the devil's works. "Angels: God's thoughts passing to man; spiritual intuitions, pure and perfect; the inspiration of goodness, purity, and immortality, counteracting all evil, sensuality, and mortality."
Science and Health with key to the Scriptures p. 581

5/16/2011 "Soul (God), the All-knowing Architect and Builder"

2011-05-16T07:48:00.000-07:00

"Soul (God), the All-knowing Architect and Builder

True concept—

Man: idea of God; spiritual, genuine; perfect; immortal; indestructible; eternal

shows it to be impossible that a material body, though interwoven with matter’s highest stratum, misnamed mind, should be man, — the genuine and perfect man, the immortal idea of being, indestructible and eternal. Were it otherwise, man would be annihilated.

Question. — What are body and Soul?

Answer. — Identity is the reflection of Spirit, the reflection in multifarious forms of the living Principle, Love. Soul is the substance, Life, and intelligence of man, which is individualized, but no in matter. Soul can nver reflect anything inferior to Spirit. (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy)

Reflection

peace hope humor poise

wholeness harmony goodness beauty balance innocence

humility strength nobility serenity gentleness

quietude reflection brilliance control flexibility

artistry modesty patience

joy inspiration reflection strength intuition immortality spiritual sense morality control

courage agelessness nobility

calmness symmetry quietude

boldness artistry serenity humor purity hope clarity

grace virtue agility"

Soul and Body 2 May 16–22, 2011, Weekly Bible Lesson, mybiblelesson.com, Christian Science Publishing Society, Boston, MA.

My Job to Do

2011-04-18T08:58:00.001-07:00

I have a job to do! My job is expressing to the fullest God’s infinite glory.

I am so grateful to be about doing this job. I am at-one-with Life and I express abundance, peace, strength, compassion, fellowship, friendship, prosperity, courage; and I have dominion over hatred, belligerence, war, judging, condemning, anxiety, self-will, self-justification, age, blight, poverty, homelessness.

My hope is an expression of expectancy, God's ever present Love. My joy is a reflection of the trust I place in God. ‘The Lord is good to all (me, my family, my neighbor) and his tender mercies are over me, and mine, and all.’ Ps 145:9

I am deathless, spiritual, because the infinite divine Principle, God, is my true path. Matter has no claim to me, stomach pain, suffering, heart condition, drugs, past mistakes are the work of mortal man. And today, right now, I claim my true spiritual heritage.

“2 | Ezekiel 18:32 I have

I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.”

Probation after Death - 2 Apr. 18–24, 2011, Christian Science Weekly Bible Lesson mybiblesson.com

Isaiah 41:10-13

2011-04-09T08:09:00.001-07:00

Isaiah 41:10-13
New Living Translation (NLT) ¹⁰ Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. ¹¹ “See, all your angry enemies lie there, confused and humiliated. Anyone who opposes you will die and come to nothing. ¹² You will look in vain for those who tried to conquer you. Those who attack you will come to nothing. ¹³ For I hold you by your right hand— I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you. New Living Translation (NLT)Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Isaiah 41:10-13

New Living Translation (NLT)

¹⁰ Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
      Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
   I will strengthen you and help you.
      I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
¹¹ “See, all your angry enemies lie there,
      confused and humiliated.
   Anyone who opposes you will die
      and come to nothing.
¹² You will look in vain
      for those who tried to conquer you.
   Those who attack you
      will come to nothing.
¹³ For I hold you by your right hand—
      I, the Lord your God.
   And I say to you,
      ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.

New Living Translation (NLT)Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Steep Yourself in God Reality

2011-03-09T12:18:00.000-08:00

How about some God reality?

“Steep yourself in God-Reality

Don’t fuss with what is on the table at meal times or in the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your inner life that the food you put in your stomach, more to your out appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the ravens, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, carefree in the care of God. And you count far more.

Has anyone by fussing before the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? If fussing can’t even do that, why fuss at all? Walk into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They don’t fuss with their appearance--but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them. If God gives such attention to the wildflowers, most of them never even see, don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you?

What I am trying to do here is get you to relax, not be so preoccupied with getting so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep yourself in God-reality, God initiative, God-provisions. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Don’t be afraid of missing out. You’re my dearest friends! The Father wants to give you the very kingdom.

Be generous. Give to the poor. Get yourselves a bank that can’t go bankrupt, a bank in heaven far from bank robbers, safe from embezzlers, a bank you can bank on. It’s obvious, isn’t it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.”

   the Message Luke 12:22-34

This week's Bible Lesson, "Christ Jesus

2011-02-23T07:29:00.000-08:00

This weeks Weekly Bible Lesson published by the First Church of Christ Scientist, Boston, MA, is entitled "Christ Jesus" Here is a an exert from the lesson.

" 269:11–25 (to 1st .) Science of Being

Metaphysics is above physics, and matter does not enter into metaphysical premises or conclusions. The categories of metaphysics rest on one basis, the divine Mind. Metaphysics resolves things into thoughts, and exchanges the objects of sense for the ideas of Soul.

These ideas are perfectly real and tangible to spiritual consciousness, and they have this advantage over the objects and thoughts of material sense, — they are good and eternal.

The testimony of the material senses is neither absolute nor divine. I therefore plant myself unreservedly on the teachings of Jesus, of his apostles, of the prophets, and on the testimony of the Science of Mind."

If you want to read more of this weeks Bible lesson you can go to mybiblelesson.com and download a free copy.

Blessings Galore

2011-01-28T06:56:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday evenings all across the world Christian Science Churches and Societies hold an hour long testimonial meeting. I attended one in Fresno, CA, last evening that was most inspiring as the topic was on prayer.

I enjoy the topic of prayer as it is freshing and rejuvenating. During a portion of the service the congregation is invited to share personal experiences regarding healing’s they have had through the application of Christian Science.

The testimonies people share are full of morsels of spiritual inspiration that I take with me that inspire me in my prayer activities in my daily practice of Christian Science. Last night a testifier sharede how she had just been reading the Christian Science Sentinel’s most recent issue on “Living Church Every Day.”

She cited the article written by Ethel Baker on p. 22, and how this article inspired her to think about blessings. I went the next morning to the Christian Science Reading Room to purchase a copy of the Sentinel as I did not have mine with me. Here is an exert from the article:

“I recall a time when I had been thinking a great deal about the Bible’s description of man (the true identity of each of us) as made in God’s image, after his likeness (see Genesis 1:26). I pondered this one day during a 15-minute walk to the subway.

On entering the station, I passed a man at the top of the stairs. By the time I reached the bottom, I heard him calling to me, ‘I’m sorry. I’m real sorry.’ When I asked why eh was sorry, he apologized again for something he’d apparently said to me. I hand’t heard it.

As I thought about this later, I came to the conclusion that the Truth-knowing I’d been doing had had a cleansing effect, making this man feel uncomfortable with what ever unkindness he had apparently spoken, and leaving me untouched by and offense --intended or not. In a small way, that little bit of ‘rest[ing] upon … divine Principle’ had saved us both. It was a moment of Church.” p. 23, Christian Science Sentinel January 17&24

Blessing as one definition puts it is, “God's favor and protection.” This clearly was demonstrated in this case and in the many testimonies I heard last evening. For me, a personal blessing was the love and fellowship the congregation gave to me visiting their service.

I left the service a stranger no more with a sense of gratitude and fondness for the wonderful healing work the members of Second Church of Christ Scientist, Fresno, CA, are doing in each of their personal lives, blessing the communities where they live and work.

A Church ALIVE!!!!!!!!!

Celebrate Thanksgiving

2010-11-20T12:49:00.000-08:00

thanksgiving

2010-11-05T06:21:00.000-07:00

Dear heavenly Father/Mother God, teach me the pure, heavenly sound, today.

I put my trust in you and through you.
I cannot know humanly what I am to do so lead me spiritually in what you wish for me to do.
I am your humble and obedient servant.

Truth and Love enlighten me. Fill my thought today with peace and joy from Soul.

I am fashioned in your likeness dear heavenly Father/Mother God,
reflecting Truth and truthfulness,
Life in goodness,
with certain at-onement-with peace and permanence,
emboldened in Love with a strong,
distinctive fragrance of unselfishness.

Men and Women, rank and file, are God’s children with no other real agenda other than reflecting and loving all that is good.

Human history is a false concept fraught with lies, deception, arrogance, belligerence and unethical behavior.
I am not beholden to the past, present or future of human opinion, personal sense or mortal belief.

I am God’s perfect reflection, governed by the law of Christ, at-one-with His law.

Draped in the Robe of Righteousness

2010-08-12T10:56:00.000-07:00

You are draped in the robe of righteousness. God is singing praise for you as He sees you as His perfect creation outfitted in His robe of righteousness. God loves you, is right there for you holding you caring for you: as He is All-mighty good, omnipotent Life.

Celebrate today and let the arguments of destruction ruin away in nothingness giving them no power, allowing only good to rest in action.

ProFit-eering Part V

2010-07-17T07:01:00.000-07:00

Today is Part V in my series of Christian Science Practitioner talks at Cedars Camps on ProFit-eering, Jesus and the Transfiguration.

In today's talk I discuss the Transfiguration of Jesus. My hope is to bring the relevance of this incredible event into every day challenges and see how transforming our own thought into spiritual obedience is relevant and current for every day life.

Here is the link to todays spiritual metaphysical talk:

http://cedarscamps.org/metaphysical/default.htm?class=audio

ProFit-eering Part IV

2010-07-16T08:14:00.000-07:00

Today is part IV in my series of Christian Science Practitioner talks at Cedars Camps on ProFit-eering, the Prophet Elijah.

In today's talk I discuss the Transfiguration of Elijah. My hope is to bring the relevance of this incredible event into every day challenges and see how transforming our own thought into spiritual obedience is relevant and current for every day life.

Here is the link to todays spiritual metaphysical talk:

http://cedarscamps.org/metaphysical/default.htm?class=audio

Practicing being a Prophet Part- III ProFIT-eering

2010-07-15T07:33:00.000-07:00

I have the privilege of serving at the Cedars Camps as a Christian Science Practitioner during third session for Main Camp. It is a camp tradition to begin the day with a Spiritual Bible based Metaphysical Inspirational conducted by the CS Practitioner serving Main Camp during that session. I chose to begin the week with a series of Met's on practicing being a Prophet since this week's Christian Science Bible Lesson on Life features the Prophet Elijah.

Here is the link to Part III talk.

http://cedarscamps.org/metaphysical/archives/Jones_1st_Thurs.mp3

Practicing being a Prophet Part- II ProFIT-eering

2010-07-14T07:49:00.000-07:00

Here is the link to Part II talk.

http://cedarscamps.org/metaphysical/archives/Jones_1st_Mon.mp3

Practicing being a Prophet Part-I

2010-07-13T07:23:00.001-07:00

A Prayer from Last Night

2010-07-08T14:43:00.000-07:00

As I prayed for my family last night I was inspired to write this: lay aside every weight that so easily distracts, hinders progress, hardens the heart, and never loose site of Jesus example, striving to do as he did, sacrifice as he did, love unconditionally as he did.

The more you practice this the easier it will be for you to be at peace know matter what storm clouds may appear!

Sacrament

2010-07-07T08:15:00.000-07:00

This weeks Christian Science Weekly Bible Lesson, (mybiblelesson.com), subject Sacrament, has some terrific ideas on healing. This passage from James is really timely!

"THE BIBLE Section 4

12 | James 5:14, 15 (to ;), 16 The
Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:

15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up;

16 The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."

I have been diving into various bible commentaries regarding the Bible Lesson and I found this one from Dr. Barclay.
“For many centuries the Church consistently used anointing as a means of healing the sick. In fact it is important to note that the sacrament of unction, or anointing, was in the early centuries always designed as a means of cure, and not as a preparation for death, as it now is in the Roman Catholic Church. I was not until A.D. 852 that the sacrament of unction did, in fact, become the Sacrament of Extreme Unction, administered to prepare for death.

The Church has always cared for her sick; and in the Church there has always resided the gift of healing.”

The Letters of James and Peter, William Barclay

Healing through prayer in reliance upon God, one supreme infinite good, is achievable today as it was in the early Church. Marker number 17 from the Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy states:

"17] 136:1–5 Science, Theology, Medicine
Jesus established his church and maintained his mission on a spiritual foundation of Christ-healing. He taught his followers that his religion had a divine Principle, which would cast out error and heal both the sick and the sinning."

Spiritual healing practiced today based on the teachings of Jesus are relevant and timely for all of life's challenges.

Superiority of Spiritual Power

2010-06-14T12:45:00.000-07:00

In this weeks Weekly Bible Lesson published by the Christian Science Publishing Society healing inspiration and guidance can be found. So much of the media is focused on disasters and the contentious, loud and insulting commentary surrounding the very emotional discourse, I found myself reacting to the constant fear, anger and outrage.

I realized that I must turn off the human divisiveness and turn up God's voice. In section III:

“There is divine authority for believing in the superiority of spiritual power over material resistance.

A miracle fulfills God’s law, but does not violate that law. This fact at present seems more mysterious than the miracle itself. The Psalmist sang: “What ailed thee, O thou sea, that thou fleddest? Thou Jordan, that thou wast driven back? Ye mountains, that ye skipped like rams, and ye little hills, like lambs? Tremble, thou earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob.” The miracle introduces no disorder, but unfolds the primal order, establishing the Science of God’s unchangeable law.”
Science & Health 134:28-8

www.mybiblelesson.com

With the Gulf Oil Spill, economic swings and shifts and world wide violence, an affirmation of God's true power must be declared and defended. God's law, the law of the Christ, is in operation and that law that parted the Red Sea is operating right now in the Gulf of Mexico, in my city, my county and my own home.

The true authority for all human activity does not come from human reasoning, activity or logic but rather from God, divine Mind. One God, one Mind, governing the entire universe, particularly mankind. Whatever the material evidence may predict, deduce or conjure, God has a remedy to solve mankind's most challenging and pressing needs.

Lift off--and rise above turmoil

2010-06-11T16:30:00.000-07:00

Lift off and rise above turmoil

God-based confidence

2010-06-10T11:26:00.000-07:00

God-based confidence

2010-06-10T11:25:00.000-07:00

God-based confidence

Take Up Permanent Residence

2010-03-30T12:02:00.000-07:00

“God is Love.” I take up permanent residence in His life of love and permanent obedience to the law of Christ, all is well. I know that there are no limits to God’s ever present care, prosperity, wealth, treatment, kindness, forgiveness.

I am humbled in him; I am his servant of good.

I am in His Love, because I serve God. I am not separate from God as He is Mind and I am at-one-with this Mind. The Christ is in me operating fully engaged in all that I am; protecting, supplying and guiding each and every member of my family.

Life is Love and I am in this Life.

God my biggest Advocate

2010-03-05T11:40:00.000-08:00

God dear heavenly Father/Mother, help me!

As I began my morning, I found myself embroiled in conflict, self-criticism, doubt, persecution, and anxiety.

My head that morning was filled with such garbage that I was angry and critical. I was in an internal battle of hugeness brought on by human reasoning, human opinion and past mistakes; arguing against all hope, joy and faithfulness!

So, I turned to God for help. Why God?

It sure seemed that help that morning was far away and the hope for rescue small. But, I have learned to turn to prayer in the most trying of times and lean on my heavenly Father/Mother God. I have seen that if I put my trust in God, completely, fully, He will respond.

God did answer quickly, my sincere calling out to him, with a scripture from Romans, written by Paul, I found in the Christian Science Weekly Bible Lesson. (see mybiblelesson.com lesson on Man) Paul’s words from Romans spoke loudly and directly to me.

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?”

As I read in the scripture what Paul had to say, his wisdom clearly struck a good chord within me. I realized that the love of God, Christ, was ever present. No hardship, misinformation, mistake, hatred, spite, envy, fear not a personal battle of any kind could separate me from the love of God and his infinite blessings.

I could see all these evil suggestions waging war in my consciousness, working to destabilize me, were of no consequence. Simply, no one of them however terrifying, upsetting or persistent, could separate me from the love of God.

Why? Because, God had already acquitted me so knowone else could condemn me!

Nothing could or would separate me from the Christ as I live in Christ. All is well and I am in his good care and company.

All is well as God is right here, right now!

The story board fraught with misinformation cannot injure, deter, keep from or misinterpret, God’s infinite, blessings.

“Not even the grudging, jealous angels can separate us from the love of God, much as they would
like to do so.” the Letter to the Romans, REVISED EDITION, William Barclay, p.118

Whatever someone says cannot separate me from Christ. I cannot be influenced by “grudging, jealous angels” nor can any other person affect my good and perfect Christ like nature given to me by God. I will not, nor can any other harbor violent enmity, spiteful or malicious attitudes toward me.

Whatever my enemies may think, feel, say or speak about me, God is All, Love. Love protects guides, supplies all that I need and any unfavorable, pernicious, injurious statements, thoughts or speech cannot keep me from my success in my Father/Mother’s business.

God is my biggest advocate, loving, supporting and providing me with all that I need. Evil in any form or consciousness, has no power over me. My confidence in Christ was renewed.

Christ walks with me and I love and treasure His blessed hand in all that I do.

God-based confidence

2010-01-13T08:16:00.000-08:00

God-based confidence

Marked by Grace!

2009-12-03T14:34:00.001-08:00

Nothing will impose it's will upon me at this time of year!

Glorious be the blessings in our lives and rest assure that God is with you.

God is mercy and Truth and his law is governing!

You are marked by grace, distinguished by the mercy of God;

choose your disposition to serve another.

You are regarded in divine favor as the beloved child of God.

Justice and righteousness are your mentor

and divine Love pardons

any transgressions or mistakes

that human opinion,

pain,

or,

suffering,

attempts to lay claim too!

Smile!

Sweet Joyous Grace

Soul

2009-11-20T08:49:00.000-08:00

While studying the Weekly Bible Lesson from the Christian Science Publishing Society I found this scriptural citation in the Golden Text

“the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light”

Isaiah 60:19 the Lord, King James Version of the Bible

As I thought about these powerful words and the definition of the word light I was inspired:

the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting means of knowing;

the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting point of view;

the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting knowledge;

the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting moral instructor;

the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting source of prosperity;

the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting guide;

God will be your eternal light;

God will be your eternal happiness;

God will be your personal enlightenment counselor;

God will be your personal employer;

God is clear, not dark or obscure;

God is easy and easy on me;

God is freedom and openness;

God is the illumination of Mind;

I am not heavily laden because of God,

God is Life;

God is my light and my only LIfe.

"The Old Has to Go"

2009-11-11T08:11:00.000-08:00

The bottom line is, "God is Love" and he loves you and her equally and completely. "God is Life" and the originator of all true relations, he is divine Mind.

Think on this scripture!

"The Old Has to Go

And so I insist-and God backs me up on this- that there be no going along with the crowd, the empty-headed, mindless crowd. They've refused for so long to deal with God that they've lost touch not only with God but with reality itself. They can't think straight anymore. Feeling no pain, they let themselves go in sexual obsession, addicted to every sort of perversion.

But that's no life for you. You learned Christ! My assumption is that you have paid careful attention to him, been well instructed in the truth precisely as we have it in Jesus. Since, then, we do not have the excuse of ignorance, everything--and I do mean everything--connected with the old way of life has to go. It's rotten through and through. Get rid of it! And then take on an entirely new way of life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reporduces his character in you.

What this adds up to, then, is this: no more lies, no more pretense. Tell your neighbor the truth. In Christ's body we're all connected to each other, after all. When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself."

Ephesians 4 The Message

A Wounded Man

2009-10-21T12:47:00.000-07:00

"CF Andrews tells of two friends who served together in the first World War. One of them was wounded and left laying helpless and in pain in no-man's land. The other, at great peril of his life, crawled out to help his friend; and, when he reached him, the wounded man looked up and said simply: 'I knew you would come.'" William Barclay

Human need brings God to our side then we must receive, act and follow through on his divine direction. Often we are tempted to argue, deliberate, discuss, question the divine guidance we are given because of fear, anxiety, human opinion, intimidation.

I certainly have given in to all those temptations at one time or another only to learn what I already new; TRUST GOD!

Real simple, RIGHT!

Certainly human conditions, public opinion, finances, can impose awful penalties for opposing their supposed power. But I love the 23rd Psalm as David so boldly states that he is willing to have a "six course meal" (The Message) in front of his enemies declaring his trust and confidence in God.

Bold? Some might say arrogant? But the fact is, David demonstrated a consistent effort to trust God in his daily life, making mistakes along the way, while staying true to his faith.

I have learned through the mistakes I have made to continue to trust God and expect good!

A Call for Help!

2009-10-13T11:49:00.001-07:00

"Jesus left the synagogue and came into Simon’s house; and Simon’s mother-in-law was in the grip of a major fever. They asked him to do something for her. He stood over her and rebuked the fever and it left her. Immediately she got up and began to serve them.

Here Luke the Doctor writes. In the grip of a major fever-- every word is a medical term. In the grip of is the medical Greek for someone definitely laid up with an illness. The Greek medical writers divided fevers into two classes -- major and minor. Luke new just how to describe this illness.”

The Gospel of Luke, revised edition, William Barclay

I received a call from my wife, the school called Jewel is coughing and needs to come home. She had been to swimming for PE and evidently since leaving the pool she had been coughing.

As soon as I learned about her needing to come home I called the school and asked to talk with my daughter and support her through prayer, utilizing Christian Science treatment.

Jewel, “Yes Dad.” You know that you are God’s perfect idea. “Yes.”

You know that all that you are is in good, God. “Yes.”

You know that God gave you dominion over every sickness. “Yes.”

You know that all that your are and all that you will ever be is the loving idea of God. God’s gentle presence is in you. You live and move in love; you live and move and breath in love.

“I get it Dad.”

Do you get that God loves you, cares for you and that is attending to your every need?

“I get it Dad.”

Do you get that you live, and breath and move in God, Life?

“Yes, I get it Dad.”

And she did get it, the word of God, as the coughing subsided.

I could tell recovery was taking place right then. I got in my truck and headed to school knowing that Love is well and well placed caring for this lovely child and all of his lovely children.

As I drove to school, I remembered the Lord’s prayer. Jesus gave us this incredible healing prayer so I decided to utilize this gift.

“Our Father who art in heaven hallowed be thy name.” The Bible

For me this is the affirmation of placing my trust in God first. Affirming my love, my trust, my heart is with God. He is all powerful, all mighty, all loving. He is the great Physician. I can faithfully trust my child to his care because his law, divine Principle is in action governing this child, all my children. All Harmonious, All is harmonious and your law of harmony governs this child and every function of her body.

I thought about the oneness of God, his all-mightiness and I felt deep gratitude for his tender mercy and care for this lovely child.

I called the school again as I got about half way to let them know I would be there in about 20 minutes and that I wanted to speak to Jewel again.

She was much quieter and her joy was very present. I continued with my Christian Science treatment for the rest of my drive.

Oh Lord, how awesome is thy name!

You are the grand creator of all that is good. Sickness of any kind is not of your doing and therefore cannot trouble, harass, tempt, influence, aggravate, infuriate, this child. She is constantly at your side, Father/Mother God. All that she is is perfect.

Jewel exists as perfect, with God, governed by His word, His law, His love. Sickness of any kind cannot touch her perfect nature and body must respond to the Truth. Not one thing has come into being without God and any human condition of flu resulting in coughing, sneezing, wheezing, soar throat, light headedness, fever is a matter based false belief.

I am not tempted to leave God or blame God or question God or think that God has left my daughter to suffer with illness.

Deliver us/her from evil/contagion, helplessness, personal sense, fear, intimidation.

Because I myself have applied this divine law and experienced healing I do have faith in God. I also have a demonstrable understanding that God’s law, divine Truth, renders material belief, no-matter how it is promoted, powerless.

My daughter was resting peacefully when I picked her up and we had a nice drive home. In the face of trial and tribulation, God’s help is immediate and ever-present.

Yes I can!

2009-09-30T08:12:00.000-07:00

"Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands!” Psalms 100:1 New King James Version Bible

“Worship the Lord with gladness.” Psalms 100:2 New Living Translation Bible

Can I follow this idea?

Yes, I can!

“The opposite truth, that intelligence and life are spiritual, never material, destroys sin, sickness and death.” Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy

I can rely on this fact. God the great I am is the sole source of spiritual intelligence. This includes all that is right, good, upright and free. Mind, Spirit, are one and they are the back bone for Principle.

I know that divine Mind overcomes mortal mind, human opinion, hatred, envy, revenge.

I believe it!

I am living it! How about you?

The World calls and the Message...

2009-09-11T09:58:00.000-07:00

The world calls and the message it attempts to deliver is fear, selfishness, anxiety, worry, violence and hatred.

Today! All that I seek is God.

How I do I seek? I begin with gratitude.

I am grateful to be at-one-with Mind, God, and I express sweeping wisdom, intelligence, hope, understanding, joy, memory, instantaneous recall. I have dominion, (“Let Us make man in Our image, according to our likeness.” New King James Version) over self-doubt, criticism, anxiety, worry, stupidity, past mistakes.

I do not belong to a series of events, decisions, someone, anyone’s human opinion. I am not a creation that was made in vain. God himself created me!

What others may say or think is nothing but conjecture and personal observation and is powerless to defeat divine Love, God.

“All substance, intelligence, wisdom, being, immortality, cause, and effect belong to God.”

Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures 275 14-15

I ask for forgiveness and I desire to align my thinking with only good. I face what seems more than I can separate from, bad human relations, current worries regarding self esteem, self-worth, past poor choices, indebtedness, failing health, lack of income, zero growth, depression, guilt, anxiety, death, tragedy; I know I must rely and demonstrate faith. God is waiting for my humble appeal to his mercy. I appeal!

My choice is to face whatever the opposition with God as my guide and so I turn to the scriptures for inspiration and healing.

“Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. You’ll find everyday human concerns will be met. Don’t be afraid of missing out. You're my dearest friends! The Father wants to give you the very kingdom itself.”

The Message Luke 12

I am at-one-with Soul, God, and I express peace, freedom, compassion, forgiveness, kindness, mercy. Think on these qualities and how they work for you.

Question: How can I peaceably respond to the belief that I am less than capable?

By affirming that God created me and all human beings, in his image and likeness; Spirit based not matter based. I live in the Truth, not mythology; mortality; what the human senses attempt to impose on me. God is Principle and His divine law is ever present and governing me and mine and all. I find my resolution for this prayer in God and his beloved son’s, Jesus Christ’s Healing Ministry.

I pattern my Healing Ministry on His Principles. Not matter based principles, hypothesis, theories; but rather Christ’s command, “Love thy neighbor as thyself.”

God is the author of only good and true man, spiritual man. I have dominion over, hatred, revenge, violence, war, arrogance, human history, false identity, gossip, communicable disease.

“God looked over everything he had made; (me, mine and all) it was so good, so very good.!”

The Message, Genesis

Do we accept the awful things we see in our daily lives as truth, or originating in God, or by a God directed activity? H1N1 virus, poor humanity, 9/11, war, poverty, arrogance, gang violence, drug use.

“To material sense, earth is matter; to spiritual sense, it is a compound idea.”

Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures 587:7

I can accept what appears to be the human governance of my life, what all the experts are publishing, the material evidence that supports the theory. Jesus proved and asserted, God’s, all good, spiritual governance; the spiritual option.

KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. The reign of harmony in divine Science; the realm of unerring, (incapable of making mistakes; correct and true; precise; faultless,) and omnipotent Mind; the atmosphere of Spirit, where Soul is supreme.

Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures 590:1

I refuse to fear; I choose to love and express all that is love and face human beliefs, conditions, and challenges with the confidence that “God is All-in-all.”

What is first?

2009-09-02T08:39:00.000-07:00

Good is the real first and last because it is the only law governing. Anything else is a lie.

God is governing all that I am and all that I do. Nothing is important except what God directs because that is all. I am included in his blessing as I am his perfect image and likeness. I serve only God as he is all there is. My supply for all my needs financial, personal, family, housing, employment, practice are met by the law of God, divine Principal.

“Christian Science QuarterlyTM Aug. 31–Sept. 6 2 0 0 9

myBible Lesson

Golden Text . . . all of you are children of the most High.” Psalms 82:6 all

2009-08-26T08:09:00.000-07:00

The government of my home, practice, business affairs, human relations, family, income, job, rests on God’s shoulders. He rules with fairness and justice. There are no limits to what he brings. Jesus demonstrated his passionate commitment proving that God is our everlasting Father/Mother God who cares deeply for each one of his ideas.

Dear heavenly Father/Mother God lead me in the way you wish for me to go. I am your humble and obedient servant. Forgive me for past transgressions as I have truly repented for those things that I have done.

I know with each passing moment that my commitment to living morally, mercifully and humbly is right and fulfilling. Revenge, hatred, anger, frustration, violence are evil and no part of me.

I desire to “wear righteousness like a belt and truth like an undergarment.” NLT Is 11:5

A life with Love

2009-07-30T17:06:00.000-07:00

“It is with lasting love that I am tenderly caring for you.” (I John 4, New Living Translation) I work in Love with Love’s authority and I am at-one-with Love. I confess that Jesus is the Son of God to be the savior of the world. He walked with Love along every way and proved the power of Love to meet all human needs. He met all human needs through his complete expression of Love, and Love’s law.

And I “acknowledge that the crucifixion of Jesus and his resurrection served to uplift faith to understand eternal Life, even the allness of Soul, Spirit, and the nothingness of matter.” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures p. 497)

‘I have chosen to take up permanent residence in a life of Love. What a relief! I live in God and God lives in me.’ “This way love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we are free of worry on Judgement Day”-( every hour and every moment of every hour God stands in awe of his perfect creation, loving each one, treasuring each one, reaching out in love to each one) our standing in the world is identical with Christ’s. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life -- fear of death, fear of judgement -- is one not yet fully formed in love.”

‘I am going to love--love and be loved.’ “First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first.” (The Message I John 4) I take these wonderful words of living to heart and I stand in awe of the inspiring message of healing they represent. I align my consciousness with Love and Love eliminates all evil from me.

The Garden War, Day Two

2009-07-19T10:41:00.001-07:00

The Garden War, Day Two

Well, I must say I began this day much less enthusiastic. I still had large piles of brush and branches around the yard from the day before. I still had a bunch of weeding and planting yet to do.

The angelic tractor driver was back at it, fresh with new inspiration. He wanted to trim the croquet area so as to provide for the best possible surface conditions for ball movement.

I myself had some awesome inspiration, I devised a strategy where the kids would spend some Dad time with me. The strategy was simple. We, my kids and me, would work in the yard together! They would drag all the brush and I would do all the cutting.

I love cutting and trimming, it allows my creative side to flourish. But, I am not a fan of having to pick up all those limbs, sticks and drag them across the yard. Dragging brush for me, is like scrapping the house before you paint! I would rather crawl up in the highest branches of the tree hanging out over a limb thirty feet in the air than drag branches. (It could be that I pile all the branches together and then attempt to drag the pile all at once!)

For some unknown reason, I decided, begrudgingly, to start hauling the cut branches myself. My strategy failed or rather I failed my strategy. I didn’t even attempt to execute it I just plowed right into dragging the limbs. Interesting how the devil (drop the d and it is evil) attempts to influence behavior, decisions or intentions to performing on it’s behalf?

I was into my second round of dragging, still graveling over the fact that I had no help, ( I still had not asked for any), when I severely rolled my right ankle falling to the ground. Fear and pain were screaming at me and enlisting anger and criticism to their side as allies. I immediately began praying. My first response was:

“There is no life, truth, intelligence nor substance in matter. All is infinite Mind

and its infinite manifestation for God is all-in-all. Spirit is immortal Truth; matter is

mortal error. Spirit is the real and eternal; matter is the unreal and temporal.

Spirit is God, and man is His image and likeness. Therefore man is not material;

he is spiritual.” Science and Health with the Key to the Scriptures, page 468

However one defines the scriptures, the message is the same: rely on God and he will support, strengthen, empower, steady, help, those that call on him.

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee; be thou not dismayed; for I am God; yea, I will strengthen thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” The Bible KJV; Isaiah 40:10 (This was is the weekly bible lesson.)

So, as I have learned and practiced christian healing, I made a choice right then to fight the arguments that were being promoted by d-evil in conjunction with human reasoning using my brain to communicate pain regarding my ankle.

My immediate call to action, divine Mind and all it’s resources of infinite good and Love, was effective. My arguments were vocal and specific to the belief of injury, self-criticism and anger.

Prayer, knowing that I was and am governed by God, all that is good, harmonious, sure footed, forgiving, loving, tender, powerful, refuted the testimony of the physical senses that said I had been injured.

My ankle, the tendons, muscles, nerves, were and are governed by divine Mind, God, and this Mind includes perfection, protection from the belief of accident and injury. No amount of human reasoning, fault finding, aggravation, stupidity, human history, d-evil, could change, alter, cause my demise or any injury of any kind.

As I mentally grabbed these spiritual truths and understood their metaphysical effect for healing me, right then, right, there, I felt immediate relief and the pain subsided. I was able to complete my work and did so with a renewed spiritual vigor and insight.

I changed my thinking and turned my thoughts and actions toward forgiveness and gratitude, God, the criticism and self-pity regarding the yard work was removed. I know that I am responsible for my thoughts and actions and that I must recognize d-evil when it tempts me.

“Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.” The Message, Isaiah 40:10

The angelic tractor driver finished his work and I finished mine, with a smile and a renewed appreciation for growth in grace. The yard work was a success for all and all was well. Oh yea, the ankle it is good!

The Garden War, Day One

2009-06-01T13:22:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, I wanted to please my wife and surprise my oldest daughter who is graduating by doing some gardening in the yard to prepare for the guests and family who will be joining us for dinner and graduation celebrations.

Fortunately, I had planned a head and had all my yard equipment tuned up and was ready for bear. I even replaced a choke cable and changed the oil on my riding tractor with the help of my 7th grade son.

I was looking forward to testing out the lawn tractor and getting some drive time. But, NO way! My son had other ideas and was already behind the wheel before I could blink. I mean to tell you that rascal beet me to the punch and was on his way to the great mowing place of heavenly divine on earth.

So, beaten, I got the default fun job; the trimmer, weeding, tackling the honey suckle, branch trimming and removing all kinds of jungle plant life grown wild due to the rains of the spring, (and my procrastination).

Whooooooo!

I began my campaign on several fronts, the trees, the garden and the flower beds. I made great progress and felt confident in my battle plan. Of course the weeds, bushes, grasses, trees were not to go down easily as they released their secret weapon, pollen.

But, I was prepared. I had been studying my weekly bible lesson published at mybiblelesson.com. One of the passages I called on to defeat the nasty beliefs of irritation from the pollen was;

“Evil thoughts, lusts, and malicious purposes cannot go forth, like wandering pollen, from one human mind to another, finding unsuspected lodgment, if virtue and truth build a strong defense.” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, page 234: 32-3)

The arguments of the material senses attacked me mentally trying to impress upon me the belief of itching eyes, runny nose and irritated skin and trying to punish me into mental submission, to quit, give up and become aggravated. I fought back knowing knowing that the activity I was engaged in was a virtuous and right activity. My motives were good and true in serving my family. And, I really do enjoy all the yard work including pulling weeds.

In addition, I believe and I mentally asserted that I am God’s perfect idea (Genesis 1) and that I have dominion over every living thing. Being a farm boy and believing in what the Bible has to say about man’s “dominion over all the earth,” I expected that divine law to govern me, right then and right there. So, armed with these truth's I continued my successful campaign until the call for dinner.

Meanwhile the angelic figure on the lawn tractor created a playing surface in the yard for one of our favorite family games, Croquet. My son had truly been inspired from having spent time in the heavenly sanctuary of tractor time. I was grateful for his dutiful service and the excellent job he did mowing and vowed to let him win again.

to be cont....

Expectations

2009-05-07T10:24:00.000-07:00

Dear heavenly Father-Mother God, divine Mind. I am your humble and obedient servant. I start this day asking humbly for your guidance and gracious mercy. The world calls to me tempting me with worldly things, greed, corruption, criticism, sickness, all manner of sin. I call to your heavenly grace for help, hope, health and prosperity.

I am at-one-with Mind and I express unity, moral courage. I serve only one master, God, who is all that is good and lovely. I have dominion over failure, termination, indebtedness, unemployment, irregularity, homelessness.

“The discoverer of Christian Science finds the path less difficult when she has the high goal always before her thoughts, than when she counts her footsteps endeavoring to reach it. When the destination is desirable, expectation speeds our progress.” Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures pg. 426

Love Trusts in Faith

2009-04-22T12:08:00.000-07:00

I am blessed to teach weekly a 3rd grade Sunday School class. The class is engaging and rewarding. Each week I begin the class by asking the students to share how they turn to God in prayer for their daily challenges. Their answers and openness are fantastic and full of examples of God’s ever present care for all kinds of things.

This past week, after our sharing, we began our bible lesson by counting the number of times the word love was mentioned in our opening texts from the weekly bible lesson that we recite during the beginning of Sunday School. It was a fun exercise and it allowed me to ask them to be specific about how Love can impact them on a daily basis.

Amazingly, we discovered the word eighteen different times in just a few short citations from the King James version of the Bible.

After the hunt for love, I began our class discussion by asking each student to compose a Love sentence that we could all write out on a piece of paper that we could use during our day. Everyone was eager to share their ideas and all of them did. “Love trusts in faith.” “Love is always with you.”

We had a fun and rewarding class finishing with many practical thoughts about how to demonstrate Love more fully in our daily lives. Shortly after class, my opportunity to see that “Love is always with you” came literally screaming at me.

My family and I, after a lovely Sunday Senior celebration at my daughter’s high school decided to make a trip to the store to pick up some groceries for the week. As we were busy collecting all the goodies into our shopping carts, I made a turn down one of the isles heading for some pancake mix.

My third grader, (who is in my Sunday School class,) managed to get his foot right into the path of my cart. Unfortunately, I did not see him and I ran over his little foot. He let out a scream that sent chills up the back of my neck and I flew into action to comfort him.

I sat right down in front of my cart where he was and cradled him into my arms immediately turning to God in prayer. The bible lesson we had earlier in the day was what I turned to and I worked to demonstrate right then and right there God’s ever-loving-presence. He was screaming and in a seeming great deal of pain. But I held firm to God, Love, and my faith in Him.

As I hugged my son tight, I reassured him that he was being cared for by me and that God, Love, would meet our prayer request for help. We declared the truth that God is always with us and that whatever the suggestion regarding his foot, that Love was right there for comfort, healing and complete recovery. I carried him while he regained his composure so we could finish our shopping.

We made our way through the check out stand and back to our car. On the way home I continued to support him through Christian Science treatment but I found that I was unintentionally blaming myself for having run over his foot. My mood changed and I became increasingly self-damning.

Although I had checked him out in the store, when we got home I again checked his foot thoroughly and found nothing out of place or discolored. He however, was not yet comfortable putting his weight on his foot so I continued to pray for him mentioning to him the truths from Sunday School class we had reviewed earlier in the day regarding Love.

Unfortunately, at this point, I needed the truths more than he did as my thought had noticeably deteriorated to the point that my wife commented on my poor attitude. I was kind of shocked myself and taken aback by these negative thoughts that were attacking me and that I was holding on too.

Where was my joy? Where was I placing my trust? Does Love ever die or cause harm or injury? I had a choice, continue to condemn myself or have faith in my own prayers for myself and my son. I had some work to do and I found myself being grateful for my wife’s comments even though I did not care for them at the time.

Later that evening when I went up to tuck my little guy into bed, I found him reviewing his notes from our Sunday School class. Right then, right there, the mesmerism that had been affecting my thought was wiped out. Tears welled up in my eyes as he told me the truth he was reciting in his prayers.

I hugged him and kissed him good night as he layed down to rest peacefully for the night. I was inspired by the faith of this little guy and his practical application of prayer.

Before going to bed, I read about Jesus’ parable of the talents and again was reminded to trust in God, specifically the gift of knowledge that I have received from my study of Jesus and the Bible. Depak Chopra in his book The Third Jesus states, “ that once you hear the truth about God, which has been freely given to you, you can’t bury it inside yourself but must act on it to make it grow.” That statement was inspiring to me and allowed me to trust God more fully the rest of the night.

When my son got up the next morning he was bright and cheery. I checked his foot and found no discoloration and minimal swelling, but it was still tender and not completely free of pain. He dressed himself and made his way down stairs without any assistance or complaint.

We had a normal morning and he was able to slip on his sneakers without any fuss. When we arrived at the bus stop he walked to the bus unaided with his backpack strapped to him and climbed aboard with a smile.

For my part, I began my day with the study of the Christian Science bible lesson and discovered some very comforting truth that I put into prayer action.

Dear heavenly Father-Mother God “search my life, find out everything about me;” (The Message) I am my Father-Mother’s son. All that I am, every decision I make, every word that I utter, every thought I think must be inspired by God, good, divine Love. As I live and move and breath, I do so as the perfect image and likeness of God.

I am in accord with God, all that is perfect and eternal. Spirit, not human will, is my guide in front of me, behind me, beside me. God will show me the way of life, nurturing reliance upon divine Mind, not human opinion.

This inspiration gave me the confidence I needed and complete freedom from the days previous events. I texted my wife and told her I loved her and apologized for my poor attitude.

I continue to appreciate practical prayer and the immense power of turning to God for every need as Jesus challenged me to do. The value of church work and it’s rewarding, demonstrable effect for me personally and my family. Particularly in this case where the inspiration from a Sunday School class of 3rd graders met the needs of the belief of accident and subsequent fear with immediate results of healing of an injured foot.

I am happy to report that my son is well on his way to complete recovery as all but a bit of pain is gone, no swelling, discoloration and he is walking normally. “I run to you, God; I run for dear life. Don’t let me down.” The Message Ps 31”

What A DaY!

2009-02-27T08:09:00.000-08:00

What a Day!

Good morning Daddy!

WOW, what is this? My baby, a second grader, is up and dressed, early (she loves her warm bed in the morning). My wife and I had been victorious the night before and somehow managed to get her into bed early. Victory is so sweet!

Here she comes, the fifth grader! She is always the first one up, dressed and ready to go! And shortly there-after, the rest fell in as well, without incident, harmony reigning.

We fixed lunches, had breakfast and then headed out for the 6:50 a.m. bus. We made it before the bus arrived, which is not always the case, and off they went. I was so full of gratitude and awe at how amazing they are, thanking God for the opportunity to parent these wonderful people.

I had a day full of activity in front of me. Errands to run, healing practice, computer training-new systems, installs, upgrades, new equipment (completely lost), pick up the kids after school, (flying solo, my wife had to work), two basketball games at the same time and a Brownie party (Dad’s were requested), phone store to return and purchase new phones for my wife and children, dinner for the kids, help children complete homework , drive home, bed by 8:3o p.m. (that wouldn’t happen ), and get ready for tomorrow to start another fun filled day!

Everything was on schedule and on track. I was moving from place-to-place, event-to-event, picked up the kids on time, made the Brownie party on time (I was greeted with cheers and giggles curbside; ate cookies, sang songs and danced with my second grade daughter), watched the first half of the middle-schooler's basket ball game then sprinted to the high school to catch the senior’s dance routine at her POM’s performance then back to finish the middle-schooler’s game. By that time we had exhausted all the snacks, and were ready for dinner.

So, off to the mall for the food court and phone store. On the ride over we all agreed on a dinner plan, within the budget, to feed everyone (except for me, I had to go to the phone store without dinner & would do what all good Dad’s learn to do, eat the cold left-over’s!). Whoohoo!

My oldest daughter, the senior, an experienced camp counselor, baby sitter, Co-Capitan of POM squad, four year varsity lettered athlete, and good student, was joyfully helping Dad and in charge of the dinner party.

All good and I am in the home stretch. All I had to do was walk over to the phone store pick up a couple of new phones and then home.

While at the phone store I needed to ask my middle-school son a phone related question so I called him. No answer. So, I called the senior, no answer. I waited a minute and called them both back, again, no answer. (What good are the darn phones if I can’t get a hold of the people whose phones I’m spending all my time trying to upgrade?)

So, Mr. Logic (human opinion, self-will)stepped in and suggested that I just run back and ask them, (literally within shouting distance).

I could not find them! No where! Vanished! Poof!

Then the heat started rising. Fatigue started to rear its ugly head, hunger started screaming and Mr. Logic stepped in to chat (not good when he shows up, but somehow he always tries to make me think he has the answers). Whew!

Mr. Logic suggested, “They must be in the bathroom.” So, off I went. Nope, not there! “Ok, you must have missed them in your haste walking from the phone store.”

Off I went again, back tracked to the phone store. Nope, not there!

In a few short minutes, after a highly successful day, aggravation, impatience, and anger attempted to turn everything upside down. Thank you, Mr. Logic!

I had some choices to make. Being that I am in the full time healing ministry the thought did cross my mind that maybe I should stop for a minute, instead of racing around, and listen for God’s guidance.

So, Mr. Logic, having failed miserably thus far, suggested that I negotiate with God. That I discuss this predicament while I walk real fast the way he had suggested and listen for God’s guidance!

I did not here the answer from God as I was off and running like Mr. Logic had suggested.

Needless to say, I did not find them in the direction I went.

Then fortunately, the little angel message from God came again, quietly, “Why don’t you go this way and look over there?” As I was hurrying around and being lead by Mr. Logic I suggested to God, “let me look over here one more time.” Of course, it was still not the right place.

By this time frustration, anger, consternation, and anxiety, had begun screaming at me to listen to them, not the quiet little angel voice. Thank you, Mr. Logic.

Thankfully, I had been praying dutifully and successfully all day up until that point and fortunately that work paid off. I finally listened to that “still small voice” and paid attention this time.

I’ll be honest, anger, frustration, self-will, and criticism were still trying everything they could to influence my behavior but I keep on going where the angel voice was directing me. I’m sure I was a sight but I was truly battling and working to stay true to my purpose and complete the tasks.

Prayer really is a powerful thing when you turn to God, Divine Love. I had found some inspiration earlier in my day while praying. It was a quotation from Mary Baker Eddy, in her book, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, on page 307:25, “The divine Mind is the Soul of man, and gives man dominion over all things. Man was not created from a material basis, nor bidden to obey material laws which Spirit never made; his province is in spiritual statutes, in the higher law of Mind.”

Let me tell you, I had no idea at the time how those wonderful words of healing would help me overcome the calls from the devil to arrest my consciousness and ruin my day, more importantly my children’s day.

So, I called on the “divine Mind” to beat back the devilish thinking and heard loudly and clearly God’s directive to stop, wait and watch. Mr. Logic came back and questioned, “right here?”

“YES,” was the answer.

“OK, but this is the opposite direction from where we were and I’m on a different level than the phone store” (Mr. Logic).

God’s message was clear, “Just do it and SHUT UP!”

I got quiet and still. I demonstrated “the Soul of man” and God gave me dominion right then.

Not long after I stopped, I looked up and there they were, walking from the other end of the mall (the opposite direction of Mr. Logic’s suggestions).

My oldest daughter, the Camp Counselor walking toward me with a huge smile chatting merrily with my youngest daughter who was gaming and hopping from tile to tile on tip toes, counting and giggling as she practiced her most recent ballet moves with the music dancing in her head, (I know because when I am happiest I clearly hear my music and am too dancing).

My youngest son, a third grader, was busy in his sport of sports, envisioning a touch-down pass, a huge hit, or a swift move to evade an unseen defender.

The fifth grader was happily strolling along taking in the sights as though she had never been there before.

“And along came Jones, slow walking Jones, slow talking Jones,” my 7th grade young lad moving kind of slowly, but in step. He had had a rough basketball game (his team lost and he took a shot in the jaw).

What an amazing sight! And as I write this, I can’t see the screen anymore because my eyes are full of tears of joy and gratitude for these wonderful people in my life! WOW! The amount of energy, good will, hope, charity, kindness, love fills me to the brim.

They had not seen me yet, thank goodness, and as I walked toward them, all of the angst and frustration just eased away. As I took each step toward them, the angles, “God’s thoughts passing to man” were quietly making their case. (Definition of Angels in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy, page 581:4)

Did you see those smiles? They are perfectly fine. Did you see their body language? It was joyful and happy! What grace and poise. See the harmony, the kindness, the friendship and gratitude being expressed.

No kidding, plain as day, those messages streaming in from the Angels.

But, Mr. Logic wanted to know, “What on earth possessed them to end up at the other end of the mall? Why are they having such a good time when you were searching all over the dad-gum mall?” He wanted to give them a piece of his mind, but, he lost.

LOVE WON!

For my reasonableness I was rewarded with some good ol’ cold chicken pieces that I dipped into coleslaw and I was also offered some cold fries by the group as well.

We quickly finished up at the mall and headed home.

When we got home, I warmed up the rest of my chicken pieces, dipped them into the remaining coleslaw, help put the kids to bed, (made the basketball player take a shower right as he was sliding into bed, Yuk! Whew he was not happy about that but he faithfully executed the order) and took my dogs for a walk.

As the eventful day came to a close, I crawled into bed. My wife was already snuggled in for the night and guess who showed up for one last push? You know it, Mr. Logic.

He wanted me to tell her what a tough day I had had and how I had managed to accomplish so much. She reached up and kissed me goodnight, lovingly, thankfully, but without the slightest urge to ask me to tell her more.

So, Mr. Logic wanted me to give her, a more detailed run down, so as to get a sure “at-a-boy.” Nothing, she just peacefully slipped off into a restful slumber. All I got was, “Yes dear, I’ve done it, and isn’t it wonderful to share that experience with your children. “

And guess what? After that little nugget I actually realized that Mr. Logic was baiting me again to accept that he was right all the while and that I should accept that material laws of selfishness, fatigue, exhaustion, aggravation, pity, ignorance, arrogance, human will, unhappiness were in control of my life and that I was under their influence.

I fought back and shut the door on Mr. Logic for the night. The spiritual inspiration regarding “material laws Spirit never made,” resonated with me again and I choose to take my loving wife’s suggestion; I decided to cherish the day with my children and I filled my consciousness with Spirit’s divine laws; gratitude, love, peace, harmony, joy, happiness, health, unselfishness and selflessness.

What A DaY!

Spirit is good

2009-02-05T09:40:00.000-08:00

“Spirit is good”

As I pray today, I pray for my heavenly Father/Mother God to teach me as I pledge my service to him in all that I do. Unemployment, greed, corruption, homelessness, aggravation, envy, revenge are no part of God’s good grace. God’s divine motivating force, genius, purpose, is where I live today and every day. Every evil threat, suggestion, caution, argument, that tries to tempt me to be other than what I was purposed to do is wrong and I refuse to entertain any or all parts. What happened yesterday is old news and I will only respond with all good today.

My spirit is purposed here today!

Psalms 143:10 … “thou are my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.”

Human opinion from any source, termination, gossip, ill-will, self-will, annoyance, worry, is evil and the root of false belief to which there is no hope of joy or affluence. I will not listen to the noise of hopelessness, fear, intimidation, depression, recession, hatred, violence. I am at-on-with the divine Music, first and only, Sweet Joyous Grace. As I am at-one-with Spirit, I am full, complete, competent, merciful, valid, fearless, clever, skillful, gracious.

Well but! Yes the well but’s are on us as fast as they can. Ignore the well but’s and let them go! Let all that is not good go. Today is the day to live in the spirit of good! Let your divine purpose control your every thought, emotion, decision, motive, drive. Know that all mankind; family, friends, neighbors, associates, co-workers, government officials, administration, lawmakers are in one accord governed by God, divine Mind.

Guide me; Usher me; influence me; move, prompt, cause, persuade, sway, induce, command, order, prescribe, win over, take me by the hand, carry me; to the properity, country, nation, region, neighborhood, province, commonwealth, place, beach, company, corporation, school, college, university, space,(for you QL) field, expanse, champaign, negotiations, boardroom, conference room, bedroom, kitchen table, backyard, playground, school house, legislature relationship of UPRIGHTENSS (in exact conformity to truth, good conduct, honest work, just, impartial, evenhanded, grace, purity, honor , faith, integrity, clean hands.

It matters not what be thy lot,
So Love doth guide;
For storm or shine, pure peace is thine,
Whate'er betide.

And of these stones, or tyrants' thrones,
God able is
To raise up seed — in thought and deed —
To faithful His.

Aye, darkling sense, arise, go hence!
Our God is good.
False fears are foes — truth tatters those,
When understood.

Love looseth thee, and lifteth me,
Ayont hate's thrall:
There Life is light, and wisdom might,
And God is All.

The centuries break, the earth-bound wake,
God's glorified!
Who doth His will — His likeness still —
Is satisfied.
Satisfied
Mary Baker Eddy

GLOAMING
John Stainer
FORTITUDE
Walter E. Young
SATIS
Percy Whitlock