tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49857448133194666952024-03-08T10:43:19.708-08:00Purity Is RealityRick E. Mannerino, C.S. BlogRick E. Mannerino, C.S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13509319653716156439noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4985744813319466695.post-602985018563684952017-05-12T15:04:00.000-07:002017-05-12T15:04:29.156-07:00Right Now<span style="font-size: large;">always ...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The spiritual law of Life's clear consciousness is present. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I am one with it, and therefore express it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">=:-)</span>Rick E. Mannerino, C.S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13509319653716156439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4985744813319466695.post-43896871968000998552014-12-16T13:53:00.000-08:002014-12-16T13:53:12.107-08:00<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Internal is fiction. <span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Eternal is fact.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span></span></span><br />Rick E. Mannerino, C.S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13509319653716156439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4985744813319466695.post-11829404883720897502013-05-02T11:56:00.001-07:002013-05-02T11:56:42.392-07:00No Self Damnation<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> There is no mortal history (genetic or moral) that can clog or corrupt divine unfoldment.</span><br />
<br />Rick E. Mannerino, C.S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13509319653716156439noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4985744813319466695.post-55155952526617375572012-05-10T14:39:00.001-07:002012-05-10T14:39:11.938-07:00Inspiration<span style="font-size: large;">There is an ocean of lessons for you to share ... </span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">and there is no tidal wall (in thought) to block the surge of right ideas!</span></div>Rick E. Mannerino, C.S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13509319653716156439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4985744813319466695.post-33694354028622274892011-11-21T13:07:00.000-08:002011-11-21T13:41:41.285-08:00Comfort<span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">All is Love, and all is well. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">There is no abuser and no abused. </span><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">God's children are at all times and all ways in the secret place of the Almighty -- safe, whole, and free from harm (mental or physical). </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Love fills all space, constitutes all essence, presence, power, supply, and action. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">No one is deprived of Love. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">"Love wipes your tears all away."</span><span style="font-size:85%;">1</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>1 <u>Communion Hymn</u></em> by Mary Baker Eddy</span>Rick E. Mannerino, C.S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13509319653716156439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4985744813319466695.post-13160623993619466072011-03-28T11:59:00.000-07:002011-03-28T12:01:30.009-07:00No Friction<span style="font-size:130%;">Universal intelligence is harmonious.</span>Rick E. Mannerino, C.S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13509319653716156439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4985744813319466695.post-81069376974279846812011-03-15T11:35:00.000-07:002011-03-15T11:44:09.982-07:00Approach<span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">I am <em>not</em> impressed with symptoms ... but with divine Presence.</span>Rick E. Mannerino, C.S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13509319653716156439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4985744813319466695.post-30257606807733223692011-01-25T09:52:00.000-08:002011-01-25T09:54:57.398-08:00=:-)<span style="font-size:130%;">Clarity is the lens of completeness.</span>Rick E. Mannerino, C.S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13509319653716156439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4985744813319466695.post-73034235133162458362010-08-02T09:58:00.000-07:002010-08-02T10:13:29.872-07:00Motive<span style="font-family:georgia;">All I want to do or see ... is what God, divine Truth, Life, and Love express through me.</span>Rick E. Mannerino, C.S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13509319653716156439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4985744813319466695.post-14267720549529452472010-07-25T15:15:00.000-07:002010-07-30T13:37:22.293-07:00Battle of the voices -- and getting to the mountainDo you ever feel like you have your whole day laid out in front of you but you just can't get the spark of inspiration to get started? Well that was where I was ... stuck in the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">lazyboy</span></span></span></span> chair and getting a mental beat down from that negative sense of self that kept reminding me, as each moment passed, that I was not getting anything done -- nor would I, unless I hurried up and got myself motivated. <em>Oh the pressure</em>!<br /><br />Finally in a moment of helplessness and humility, I reached out to God and said "Alright Father, what do <em><u>You</u> </em>want me to do?" Immediately, that clear and familiar voice (in my thought) answered: "Go do what you love to do." With that, I found myself launching out of the reclining chair exclaiming, "Surf Fence-line!"<br /><br />Now it might sound crazy to think the answer to getting to a full day of work would be to go out and surf a remote break that is an hour away from my door to the water. In fact as much as I know to obey that voice that said "Go do what you love to do", I was instantly badgered by that voice of mortal reason that asserted "oh please ... you have car stuff, house stuff, bill stuff, work stuff to do ... not only <em>that ...</em> the swell has dropped ... and you surfed yesterday! No way are you going surfing right now!"<br /><br />As if to aide me in deciding which decision was right, I called my friend "B." who is always beyond enthusiastic to go surf this spot and tends to drag me out when I'm not feeling it. Surprisingly, his answer was "NO" "Too much traffic to get there." <em>Click</em>. Undeterred but still unsure if I should follow that answer from the clear and familiar voice ... I convinced myself to load up my car and drove to the beach just down the street. Hoping the waves there could help validate investing precious moments of my eroding day traveling. I certainly did not want to waste two hours in transit to and fro just to get skunked -- not catching a wave.<br /><br />As I drove up to the local pier (whose waves looked meager, wind blown and uninspiring) I received a call from my close friend "A." who upon learning what I was out and about to do blurted, "Are you nuts!?" "You have car stuff, house stuff, bill stuff, work stuff to do!" When I replied that I had prayed about what to do and this was my answer. I was met with the ridicule of, "R I G H T ... God told you to go 'surf'" Essentially the rest of the commentary was: "um, you must be an idiot to think you're going to get anything done by going surfing." <em>Click</em>.<br /><br />With that, I headed south determined to prove to myself that the clear and familiar voice was right and that the doubting voices were wrong. As I reached the coastline near my destination the ocean looked flat and listless. As I suited up the voice of mortal reason was stating that I was making a mistake; that this was a worthless endeavor. Moreover, as I made the twenty minute walk down the trail and paddled around the point the same voice of reason was exclaiming "why did you choose your smallest lightest board over your proven performance board that you own just for this specific break? Even if there were waves (which at this point looked like an unreality) you won't be able to catch a wave on this puny board!"<br /><br />Within eyesight of the reef to be surfed, I was surprised to see a couple surfers standing on the shore right in front of where I wanted to go out. While walking towards them, I noticed, the ocean was giving its best impression of a flat, glassy, lake! Greeting the surfers, they commented that they had been watching for thirty minutes without seeing one wave ... frustrated, they turned around and traced my sandy foot prints back towards civilization.<br /><br />Left alone and desiring to get wet ... I stepped into the ocean ... and suddenly it was as if someone had just turned on the wave switch! It was perfect! There I was catching long, shoulder to head high, bowl shaped waves that resembled a skateboard ramp. Not only was I riding the unproven puny board ... I was ripping those waves pretty darn good. The beauty of the backdrop and foreground, the thrill of riding the ocean's unexpected energy, and the conquest over the voices of doubt were all an affirmation of Love's presence. If that wasn't enough ... surfing without a leash ... I was separated from the board several times and watched the following waves launch it hopelessly into the rocks -- an event which normally leads to serious injury and demise to a thinly glassed foam board. I'm telling you, there was definitely divine approval for this surf session because my board did not get scratched, dented, or dinged!<br /><br />After 1 1/2 hours of ride a wave in, paddle back out, and then catch another ... I finally climbed out of the water, sat on a rock, and watched the empty waves peel in on their <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">kamakaze</span></span></span> course to the shore -- each one tempting me to jump back in for more. The instant I realized I had been satisfied with the session and that it was time to leave, the wave action shutdown. Again, it was as if someone had flipped a switch (this time off). Walking along the sandy shore back to civilization I felt the warmth and presence of Life. In that moment I realized in small measure the challenges Jesus must have faced on his way up the mountain to commune with God.<br /><br />Clearly the Christ can do all things, but it must have been a huge demonstration in itself to get away from the masses. After a full day of healing the sick and feeding about 5,000 men (not counting the women and children who also ate) with the five loaves of bread and two fish. "... Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">multitudes</span> away. And when he sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone."<span style="font-size:85%;"> 1</span><br /><p>I believe each of us needs a "mountain" to go to. It does take a certain amount of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">exercise</span> to go up the hill which helps us let go of the day's cares, and forces us to relax, as well as breathe some fresh air and clear our thoughts. From here it is certainly easier to pray and get our awareness of divine Presence. The challenge is finding our mountain. For some their mountain might be swimming, others it might be going on a bike ride, whereas for some it might be heading out for a surf -- either way this mountain is where we should feel most alive expressing our true selves. Many might know where their mountain is but they just can't get their feet moving up there-- just like a multitude of reasons voicing why I had no business going surfing this day.</p><p><br />God really does want us to enjoy His kingdom! Serving Him is never punishment or drudgery. Being obedient had its reward, I felt those waves and that experience of solitude in nature were a tangible connection with a living universal consciousness that knows me and wants to show me His Love. </p><p>In that moment of awareness on the beach, I was just coming back from the "mountain" refreshed, inspired, and satisfied ... knowing full well I could get all that "stuff" (that was waiting for me) done in quick order. And sure enough, I did!</p><p></p><p><span style="font-size:78%;">1 </span><span style="font-size:85%;">Matt 14: 22,23</span></p>Rick E. Mannerino, C.S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13509319653716156439noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4985744813319466695.post-88967916838246374202010-06-24T20:28:00.000-07:002010-06-24T23:44:58.317-07:00Oneness"<em>The scientific unity which exists between God and man must be wrought out in life-practice, and God's will must be universally done." <span style="font-size:85%;">1</span> </em><br /><em></em><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">All is unified expression. The one I or Ego can never act or work against itself. Therefore every action or <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">unfoldment</span> must work in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">unison</span> with its infinite source; without interruption. This includes every aspect of one's being, one's career, one's body, one's relationship with others ... you name it. Each individual idea acts and works harmoniously, for good, with the infinite whole.</span><br /><br /><p><em>1 <span style="font-size:85%;">"Science & Health" </span></em><span style="font-size:85%;">by Mary Baker Eddy, page 202 : 3</span></p>Rick E. Mannerino, C.S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13509319653716156439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4985744813319466695.post-87991123128467869782010-06-22T12:54:00.000-07:002010-06-22T13:33:57.144-07:00Shield<em><span style="font-size:85%;">"In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me. In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me."</span> <span style="font-size:78%;">Psalms 56:4 , 11</span></em><br /><br />In Life, Truth, Love I have put my trust, I will not fear what world belief can do unto me.<br />Through Christ I have dominion over every aggressive mental suggestion that creepeth upon the earth.<br />My capacity is divine ... I can because I'm the child of I AM.Rick E. Mannerino, C.S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13509319653716156439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4985744813319466695.post-88677000781647034292010-05-14T13:05:00.000-07:002010-05-14T14:08:29.433-07:00An Elementary PledgeI love starting my day at elementary school; the innocence, the enthusiasm, the joy ... and then the rush of children to line-up for class once the first bell rings. By the time I have finished hugging my son and seeing him into the classroom the 2<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">nd</span> bell will ring. The hallway now empty, the school Principal (through the p.a. system) warmly welcomes all ... announcing the various events of history that took place on the current day, thanking the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">participants</span> and volunteers of a recent event or reminding everyone of the next. Finally, before she signs off for the Pledge of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Allegiance</span>, she invites everyone to repeat with her the school's pledge. Smiling on my way out to the car I hear the little voices in unison with mine:<br /><br /><br /><div align="center">"<strong>Today is a new day.</strong> </div><div align="center"><strong>I will improve myself. </strong></div><div align="center"><strong>There are no limits to my personal success. </strong></div><div align="center"><strong>I will! I can! I must!</strong>" </div><br /><br />Driving away armed and ready for the day I find a favorite hymn humming through my thought:<br /><em><br />Father, where Thine own children are,<br />I love to be.<br /></em><br /><em>My prayer, some daily good to do<br />To Thine, for Thee;<br />An offering pure of Love, whereto<br />God <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">leadeth</span> me.</em> <span style="font-size:78%;">1</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Hymn 253, Christian Science Hymnal -- words by Mary Baker Eddy</span>Rick E. Mannerino, C.S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13509319653716156439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4985744813319466695.post-49465303129810185802009-12-29T23:23:00.000-08:002009-12-30T00:01:03.307-08:00"Today is the best day ever!"My son kept saying it throughout the day today. From opening a couple presents, to playing catch on the beach with the football, to running to the pier ... under the pier ... and on top of the pier. "Today is the best day ever!"<br /><br />Similarly, I remind myself,<em> The most valuable thing I have ... is "right now."</em>Rick E. Mannerino, C.S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13509319653716156439noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4985744813319466695.post-82558202178815754182009-11-15T21:03:00.000-08:002009-11-15T21:12:38.392-08:00ConfidenceThere is <em>no</em> such thing as an unreceptive thought / consciousness ...<br />just as there is no erroneous truth.Rick E. Mannerino, C.S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13509319653716156439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4985744813319466695.post-79213108660991110682009-01-15T13:58:00.000-08:002009-01-15T14:05:38.266-08:00Nature's Lesson"ADVERSARY. An adversary is one who opposes, denies, disputes, not one who constructs and sustains reality and Truth."<span style="font-size:78%;"> </span><span style="font-size:85%;">1<br /></span><br />When faced with a challenge we’re often confronted with thoughts of failure or doom. In many cases the adversarial voice is just telling us to give up … “Just drop it!” In my experience as a healer I have learned that failure is never an option. As long as one keeps working – even when there is no material evidence of improvement – the victory is always assured. <br /><br />Recently, nature showed me an example of the adversary. A friend and I had been surfing at what would be considered a remote wave for San Diego County. Between waves we sat and enjoyed the scenic view of the shoreline … when I noticed an Osprey gliding down the coast. As it neared us, it stopped in mid-air, powering its wings to keep its elevation while focusing its attention on the water below. Suddenly the bird of prey folded its wings and dove towards the ocean. It pulled up short and returned to its hovering position high above the water … again it dove … and pulled up short just as it reached the sea’s surface. Rising once more to an altitude of thirty plus feet … it stalled for a moment … then rushed swiftly down … crashing into the ocean. For a moment it struggled to secure what was an impressively large fish – the biggest one I have ever seen taken by an osprey or bald eagle.<br /><br />Just as the osprey began to leave the water it was dive bombed by a lone seagull. Now I don’t claim to know seagull-speak that well, but as the raptor struggled to gain momentum and altitude ... the seagull followed doggedly close behind screaming, “Drop it! Drop it! You better drop it!” Up and down the shoreline the seagull kept at it trying to distract the Osprey before it could find a safe location to dine.<br /><br />It was comical to think that a seagull would even consider challenging such a formidable opponent as the Osprey … and with such determination. Then it hit me … we are like the Osprey; and error, fear, mortal mind, i.e. the adversary is like the seagull (in this instance). <br /><br />The adversary has nothing on us … unless we listen to it and do as it says.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">1</span> <span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, page 580:28-30</em></span>Rick E. Mannerino, C.S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13509319653716156439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4985744813319466695.post-19462222429315575402008-05-13T14:13:00.000-07:002008-05-13T15:39:20.591-07:00Those Pesky MosquitoesBack in the day, I worked on a "hot shot" (fire line) crew for the US Forest Service. Early one Spring morning at a swampy tree farm in the foothills near Lake <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Oroville</span>, I found myself standing at attention with a group of several others. We were sawyers (chainsaw operators) getting advanced instruction on falling large trees. Out of nowhere we were besieged by a cloud of mosquitoes that were intent on our little group supplying their breakfast. I was not wearing mosquito repellent, and apparently the instructor <em>was</em> since he kept the lecture / demonstration rolling. At this point the only thing I was learning was the expression "being eaten alive." I couldn't focus on anything but the sound of the swarm and the irritation of their bites. Seriously, I had to cover my mouth and nose because I actually inhaled a few.<br /><br />Getting to the point where I could not stand it anymore I decided to get to work metaphysically -- this was my only option-- since walking away, complaining, or asking for a break was not an option. The treatment (or argument) was simple and precise. The thought that came to me was, "As a child of God, Spirit ... I am not a piece of meat for another creature to dine on."<br /><br />In the midst of torment, "<em>I am not a piece of meat</em>" became so clear in my thought that there was no way I was going to back down to the evidence of my senses -- or let go of this truth. Immediately the mosquitoes vanished. In fact we did not see another one the rest of the day. Best of all I walked away that morning without any evidence of being bitten.<br /><br />Driving home that afternoon, the two individuals with whom I carpooled with described in dismay how they had never seen so many mosquitoes ... how miserable they were ... and how weird it was that the humming black cloud of blood sucking insects seemed to vanish all at once.<br /><br />;-)Rick E. Mannerino, C.S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13509319653716156439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4985744813319466695.post-26666624336832482052008-04-22T10:05:00.000-07:002008-04-22T10:59:56.444-07:00Brief & PowerfulDo not resent your body. Do not get discouraged because there appears to be a stubborn physical claim to meet.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Your body is your opportunity to "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">unsee</span></span>" (devitalize) world belief.</span></strong><br /><strong></strong>Rick E. Mannerino, C.S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13509319653716156439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4985744813319466695.post-24056614498908963872008-02-01T18:18:00.000-08:002008-02-01T21:59:57.275-08:00What Matters MostThere was a point in my life where I found myself living in a small cell-block room adjacent to my place of employment. I felt a lot of pressure from family and friends for working there – in a position that they all felt I was over-qualified for. On the surface it appeared that I wasn't going anywhere careerwise or financially.<br /><br />I would spend my free moments studying The Bible, and my employment was such that I was able to spend my working hours contemplating the ideas that had surfaced through my study. One evening I was sitting in this little bedroom looking at all my possessions stacked up to the ceiling, feeling sorry for myself and actually considering the thought that I was being a loser. Then I randomly opened the book <em>Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures</em> and my eyes fell on the following passage:<br /><br />“To calculate one’s life-prospects from a material basis, would infringe upon spiritual law and misguide human hope. Having faith in the divine Principle of health and spiritually understanding God, sustains man under all circumstances;”<a title="" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=4985744813319466695#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1"><span style="font-size:85%;">[1]</span></a><br /><br />BOOM! It hit me, this (my life) might not look like much at the moment, but I am growing spiritually… and that is EVERYTHING!<br /><br />From that realization left all fear and self pity. Shortly thereafter a job offer came out of nowhere – the position wasn’t even vacant yet. Moreover I ended up moving into a new place on the beach with an unobstructed view of one of my favorite surf breaks, the Golden Gate shipping channels, and daily sunsets…two blocks from the Golden gate park. The point here is that regardless of how pathetic and discouraging the battle ground of the day is … we can take heart and know that as long as we’re growing closer to God – “All is well.”<br /><br /><br /><a title="" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=4985744813319466695#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1"><span style="font-size:85%;">[1]</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> S&H 319:5-9<br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><span style="font-size:85%;"></span>Rick E. Mannerino, C.S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13509319653716156439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4985744813319466695.post-67197881139059579862008-01-07T09:35:00.000-08:002008-01-07T14:16:01.058-08:00A Prayer for Today<div align="left">There have been times when I have found it difficult to focus on the next step ... over the years this poem has been a helpful prayer in clarifying my thought.</div><div align="right">.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">OBEDIENCE </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">by Marceline F. Jones</span></div><div align="right"><span style="font-size:85%;">.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">What is Thy will for me, Father, to-day?</div><div align="left">What shall I do for Thee? What think? What say?</div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:78%;">... </span>Thine is my life, my wish, my will;</div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:78%;">... </span>Use me to-day, and Thy purpose fulfill.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="right">.</div><div align="left">Guiding the stars through the heavens' great span,</div><div align="left">Guide Thou my life through Thy infinite plan.</div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:78%;">... </span>There is a place, a work, for me,</div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:78%;">... </span>Loving, rejoicing, and living for Thee.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="right"><span style="font-size:85%;">.</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">*</span><span style="font-size:78%;">Christian Science Journal, November 1924, page 419</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="right">.</div>Rick E. Mannerino, C.S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13509319653716156439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4985744813319466695.post-68082403289846442962007-12-22T22:55:00.000-08:002008-01-07T10:05:41.501-08:00NEVER LOSTGrowing up on the outskirts of Chico, above Bidwell Park, allowed for many adventures. In our teens, my brother and I would hop in the car and drive the winding dirt road to the top of the upper park. From there we would hike a trail down to Big Chico creek and proceed to negotiate the rapids, deep pools, and endless boulders downstream with our fins, mask, snorkel, and Hawaiian slings. One summer afternoon my brother Chris, good friend JT, and I had just finished a several hour excursion which covered close to one mile. As we reached the car for our dusty ride home, I realized that the car key was missing. Somewhere along the way I had been separated from it.<br /><br />As the shadows of the mountain ridges were beginning to creep along the landscape. The three of us just stared at each other in disbelief. What were we going to do?<br /><br />Over thousands of years Chico creek has cut a narrow gorge into the bedrock which drops straight down more than 100 feet – from rim to creek bed. Time was of the essence. We had three choices walk the trail above the gorge and start searching the area at the beginning of our swim; or walk upstream from the car and visit as many holes as we could before it got dark; or we could walk half way up (from our car) and scale down the rim on the one trail available to the creek.<br /><br />Well, immediately our friend JT sized up the situation as impossible and decided to head down the road towards town with the hope of hitching a ride back. My brother and I decided to pray – knowing that right ideas can never be separated from their rightful owner’s. That car key being an idea whose rightful home was in our possession. So up the trail we walked with our eyes to the ground, hoping that the key was not somewhere down below us in one of the dozens of swimming holes we had visited earlier.<br /><br />As I walked along the trail above the rim of the gorge I eliminated every fearful suggestion that screamed, “Finding this key is impossible!” I did so by knowing that there is only one God, Mind and that everything is in its right place. I confidently affirmed that, “Nothing is impossible to God.”<br /><br />One of the most wonderful feelings there is, is when we are humbly listening to the “voice within” -- being quiet and obedient. I still remember the peace I felt, being spiritually led down the cliff towards the creek -- at the half way point of our adventure. I was impelled to walk directly to the 2nd pool of water below the trail’s edge. From there I waded out to the middle of the stream put my mask on and dove down to the bottom. Within my first breath or two I saw something shining faintly – it was the car key lying on its side, wedged between two rocks.<br /><br />What a thrill to launch out of the water with the key in hand. Boy were we fired up! What seemed near impossible was proven to be divinely natural. No it was not dumb luck finding that key (and in such a short amount of time). I have since proved this over and over – it doesn’t matter if it is a needle in a haystack, a key in creek bed, a wallet on the subway, a tool in the everglades, or a stolen bicycle… Nothing is lost.<br /><br />Yes, I’ll admit it. It was gratifying to drive upon our friend JT walking down the road. The expression on his face was priceless.Rick E. Mannerino, C.S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13509319653716156439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4985744813319466695.post-14183938345962979822007-10-30T14:35:00.000-07:002007-10-30T19:44:20.870-07:00"I TORE MY ACL!"<em>“The so-called laws of matter and of medical science have never made mortals whole, harmonious, and immortal. Man is harmonious when governed by Soul. Hence the importance of understanding the truth of being, which reveals the laws of spiritual existence.” </em><a title="" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=4985744813319466695#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1"><span style="font-size:85%;">[1]</span></a><br /><br />It was a beautiful day at Windensea Beach. I had spent the afternoon bodysurfing and noticed that Big Rock – La Jolla’s version of Pipeline was breaking and only one person was surfing it (a rare combination). I ran up the street and borrowed a friend’s surfboard – a shape that is quite a bit different than what I am used to riding. As a wave Big Rock is sexy to look at and difficult to ride. It is fast, hollow, powerful, and breaks over a shallow reef onto an exposed “big” rock. Wave selection is important because if your timing is wrong … you eat it.<br /><br />My first couple of waves were fun; however I was tired from the earlier “body whomping” session. Not being accustomed to my friend’s full figured board made things a bit more challenging. As I attempted to stand up on a fast breaking wave – where the floor drops out from under you – I was thrown but my feet stuck to the board; the mental image of that moment was as if one were twisting a chicken leg off its body.<br /><br />I came up to the surface for air with an unbearable sense of pain in my knee. My first thought was, “I tore my ACL!” What? Where did that come from? (I had a similar first thought when I dislocated my shoulder playing football in high school). Immediately, I got to work metaphysically -- knowing that this was nothing but a false physical claim and that Father-Mother-Love was not its author. Within moments the pain and crunching sensation in my knee left as if it had never happened. I continued to surf, catching some more waves. As I came back to the shore, I realized that I had left my swimming fins up the beach at Windensea. So I left the surfboard with my friend who was watching from a bench on the bluff overlooking the beach. I ran a quarter mile, roundtrip, without any symptoms of the accident. Once I reached my friend back at the bench I excitedly rehearsed the event with my knee out in the water and how I treated it.<br /><br />As soon as I finished describing the event… Guess what happened? Yep, the pain and injury returned. As if flipping a switch, my knee was killing me, making popping/crunching sounds. From that point forward I was gimping around for two weeks asking my self what happened? How could I go from feeling healed, catching waves, and running up and down the beach to incredible pain and physical instability? For two week I hopped on one foot and had to gingerly grab my ankle to lift my leg in and out of bed (or a chair). Without going into more detail, the condition looked and felt very serious.<br /><br />As the healing felt like it was slow in coming, I reviewed the events of the afternoon at the beach. Was it because my friend was upset with me for spending so much time in the water? Was it because I rehearsed the accident out loud so soon after the “healing?” As I thought harder, it occurred to me that prior to going to the beach that day, I had been reading online an interview with Joe Montana, the hall of fame quarterback. The story went into the detail about Joe’s deteriorated physical condition due to football related injuries. As I was reading, I kept thinking “poor Joe” as the article outlined how he still has to have his surgically repaired knees drained now and then after playing a simple game of basket ball with his boys in the backyard.<br /><br />With that I realized that I had been accepting the reality that Joe Montana (or anyone else) could suffer from a torn ACL. In sports these days it seems to be a common injury. Well if I believe that this type of injury is real for someone else, then I am leaving the door open for it to be a reality for me. Consequently, I was able to correct the error in my thinking and the physical claim disappeared.<br /><br />I must admit, it is a wonderful thing to go “back in thought” and correct what appeared to be an innocent, if not unconscious, way of thinking – resulting in an immediate physical healing “in the present.”<br /><br />I also learned that if we are going to share a healing with someone else, we must protect the healing by actively knowing that the accident was not real, and that in describing it to others we must be clear that they cannot believe that it was real as well.<br /><br /><br /><a title="" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=4985744813319466695#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1"><span style="font-size:85%;">[1]</span></a> <span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Science & Health with Key to the Scriptures</em>, by Mary Baker Eddy, page 273:16</span>Rick E. Mannerino, C.S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13509319653716156439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4985744813319466695.post-86307579510435648102007-09-11T14:47:00.000-07:002007-09-11T16:31:42.361-07:00Why Not Get High?Back in the early 1990's I was on vacation visiting friends. It was a Saturday night and we were hanging out watching a movie. My friends were all getting high -- smoking marijuana out of a water bong. One of them asked me if I would like to smoke a bowl too. I was really tempted ... it seemed like a fun idea, taking an edge off, relaxing and watching the movie. I sat there and had a mental argument as to "what's the big deal?" My reasoning was we were just hanging out watching a movie...we were not going out to do anything. So I asked again, "God, why not get high?" As if on cue the answer came loud and fast from outside of the house. There was a long series of screeching tires, a crushing "boom" of impact, then more screeching of tires and another grotesque crashing sound.<br /><br />We all got up to see what we had just heard, our imaginations racing as to what the view outside would be. I being the first one outside the door was a bit confused...on first glance what is normally a very busy street during the day was empty -- no cars, bikes, or grocery carts rolling buy. It was just dark and silent out. Second glance was more frightening...there was a body lying face down in the middle of the street. I ran out alone to the body -- my friends were too freaked out to leave the house. Apparently the moment was too intense to deal with.<br /><br />Assessing the situation, there was body in the middle of the street in a pool of blood. The person had a helmet and leather jacket on for protection, and wearing surf trunks leaving the legs exposed. Apparently the person on the motorcycle was in the process of passing a van that had its right turn signal on, as if it were going to turn right into the alley (along side my friends' house). Unfortunately, the van instead turned left cutting off the motorcycle. After impact the motorcycle veered off to hit a street post, and the van ditched the scene.<br /><br />Shortly after I got to the body a girl ran up who as it turned out was a nurse. We were able to role the body over on its back. She cradled the head in her lap as I slowly removed the helmet. The man was not breathing and completely out. Just as alarming was how his legs appeared to be severed below his knees -- hence the puddle. Fortunately, my thought was clear and I was able to do my metaphysical work. I know the nurse was praying too as she was holding the man's head. We didn't try to revive him physically. We just knelt there quietly appealing to God in our own way. Moments later he gasped for air and slowly came out of his dream...with the nurse quietly and calmly talking him back to consciousness. I felt the urgency to hold his legs down above the knees so as not to let him move them -- the thought being if he moved them at all they would separate even more (sure enough once he became conscious, he was confused, scared, and violently trying to move his body. The whole time my thought was focused on God's presence and love -- and refusing to be impressed with the physical picture. The sirens in the distance drew closer, though it seemed like a long time before they finally showed up. By the time the paramedics arrived the wounds on his legs were significantly changed and the bleeding had stopped. We were able to step away knowing that he was in good hands.<br /><br />That is my answer to: "Why not get high?" Sure it might seem harmless and you might not be hurting anybody but at the same time you probably won't be helping anybody either. I would rather not "lose an edge" and be ready at a moments notice to be of assistance to a brother or sister in need. You never know what the next moment will bring.<br /><br />Purity is reality =:-)Rick E. Mannerino, C.S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13509319653716156439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4985744813319466695.post-752765833843691942007-08-07T10:14:00.000-07:002007-08-07T13:46:27.870-07:00The SecretI am regularly asked if I have seen "<em>The Secret"</em> and what I think about it. My take is that I am sure it has done a lot of good for people, and that the power of <em>intention</em> is similar to what Mrs. Eddy meant when she wrote, "Desire is prayer." One thing I would caution enthusiasts of "<em>The Secret" </em>is to be careful what you wish for -- because you might get it. Meaning, I would warn them of the consequences of human will. I believe we can will ourselves to get what ever we want, but that does not mean that it is what we most need or that is what is best for us. The question: "What is my motive here?" Is what one should regularly ask themselves. Determining one's motive helps one discover whether it is right or not. For example, an individual is putting out to the universe their desire for a house, a certain career, car etc. and saying when I have that in my possession <em>then</em> I will be happy -- they are not acknowledging that they are already complete. They are denying that right now they are whole, lacking no good thing. What happens when that house, relationship, career, or car is taken away? If their happiness and fulfillment comes from that which was just lost then they are no longer happy or complete.<br /><em></em><br /><em></em>Don't get me wrong, I believe everyone deserves a fulfilling career and relationships; as well as a beautiful home and car. Part of my job as a Christian Science practitioner is to help others realize these things in their lives -- to realize that we lack nothing and that it is God's good pleasure to give us those things. In my opinion, the emphasis of obtaining material things was a bit overemphasized in <em>"The Secret."</em> To me that aspect was not much different than a sales seminar where one is taught the secrets of success...where you set a goal, learn to prioritize the steps to obtain that goal, and then drive forward to it.<br /><br />Personally, I subscribe to a couple quotes from the Bible in regards to this topic.<br /><br /><em>"Father...not my will, but thine, be done." </em><span style="font-size:78%;">1</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> <em>"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."<span style="font-size:78%;">2</span></em></span><br /><em></em><br /><em></em>Trust me, I have learned this the hard way. There are several examples in my life where I felt that I was destined and deserving of a certain possession, relationship, or a specific job. Once I acquired what I had desired (or willed myself to obtain) I was miserable. In retrospect, while I was moving forward in the process of acquiring what I was hopeful of, I was ignoring the red flags -- the reasons why I should not pursue what I wanted.<br /><em></em><br /><em></em>Again, I do admire how "<em>The Secret</em>" has motivated many not to accept the concept of lack. I just think there are some misleading aspects to the message that could bring unnecessary challenges or frustration.<br /><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">1 Luke 22:42</span></em><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">2 Proverbs 3:5,6</span>Rick E. Mannerino, C.S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13509319653716156439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4985744813319466695.post-26626114572196592692007-07-30T14:46:00.000-07:002007-07-30T17:17:37.084-07:00Fear & DarknessI love the outdoors and I love my continued growth in Christian Science. Many times over, the challenges out in nature have provided the necessity of my absolute reliance on God; and through the application of my Christian Science studies, absolute proof that all is well. Though I have been in other situations that seemed more "real" or life threatening, the following story is one of those experiences where I learned the deceptive nature of fear and darkness.<br /><br />My buddies and I used to take an annual canoe and kayak trip down a northern California river, where we would camp out on a sand bar each night as our trip progressed. Well, one year we decided to extend the trip an extra day and night by launching our boats further up stream. The idea was to explore new waters. The first day and night were absolutely the best we had experienced in our river adventures -- beautiful scenery and a perfect camp site.<br /><br />Unfortunately, at times we can get complacent when things are going well. There is a tendency to not pay attention to the snags around the next bend; as opposed to how alert we are when we're not satisfied with our current situation.<br /><br />The second morning of the trip, I was just ahead of the two canoes carrying my four friends, and I was the only one to have previously navigated this stretch of river. I warned my friends about the upcoming river bend, where there were half submerged snags (fallen trees) reaching out from both sides of the river bank, situated in the narrowest gap of rapids that we would see on our three day trip.<br /><br />As soon as I was near this formidable river bend I dismounted my kayak and was in the process of pulling out of the water so as to walk around the rapids and snags. So caught up in the moment were my friends that they ignored my actions and moved ahead through the rapids. Immediately the current pushed the first canoe into the tree that was jetting out ninety degrees from the river bank. Consequently, the lead canoe was pushed side ways against the snag and perpendicular to the current. My friends made a strong effort to push off of the half submerged tree...just as they were about to recover from their dire situation the second canoe came along striking the distressed lead canoe, and pushing it once again broadside into the half submerged tree. Within seconds, the lead canoe took on water, submerged, and then twisted in half molding itself to the snag. Both passengers were able to grab onto the tree and swim to safety. They lost everything in the canoe but they were happy to be alive. As it turns out, on several <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">occasions</span> before and after this experience, people have drowned in this exact spot under similar conditions.<br /><br />Fortunately, less than two miles down stream was the last bridge or contact with society we would have for the rest of our trip. The remaining canoe was able <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">commandeer</span> a power boat to come up the river and rescue the canoe-less duo. Though shaken, the three of us who still had our boats intact decided to continue on with our trip. The upcoming evening taught me a lot about fear and darkness.<br /><br />We had a full day basking in the sun and taking in the pristine beauty of late summer on the river. As the sun started to going down we were in need of finding a sand bar to camp on. Once the sun disappeared we were out of luck, and we were still hopeful that we could find adequate space on an upcoming island. Unfortunately there was no moon and we realized that the flashlights were somewhere up stream at the bottom of the river, due to the morning's accident.<br /><br />Visibility was zero! As we moved forward the sound of rapids grew louder. As the rapids became more pronounced so did the anxiety grow amongst my two companions. Once the rapids were upon us, my friends in the canoe started panicking -- screaming <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">obscenities</span> at <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">each</span> other and crying out in terror to the doom that was sure to happen. Keep in mind these were two grown men that understand paddling a canoe requires teamwork. Their struggles and fear were so palpable that it started to get to me -- I could feel their fear and it started to make me fearful. In that moment I reached out to God knowing that we were not alone there on the water. The rapids were loud, it was dark, and the situation did not look or feel good. Anyway, the answer to my plea "God what do I need to do here?" came quickly. The thought that came to me was to dismount the kayak and test the river bottom ... not something that I would ever think of doing because it required a lot of risk, especially since I was not wearing a life preserver at that moment. However that was the clear impulse that came to my appeal or prayer, so I was obedient. Too my shock as I slid out of the kayak I realized that we were floating in ankle deep water!! Needless to say my friends did not find the humor in the situation. They definitely did not side with my laughter.<br /><br />The best part was we were right along side the island that we were hoping to reach, which we were soon to discover. Now, if I had not listened and checked the status of the water depth we would have continued on (missing the island) and into a layer of snags and deeper water. The lesson, for me <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">at least</span>, was at the very moment when things seemed dark, helpless, and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">foreboding -- <em>all was well</em></span>. There was an answer, regardless of the paralysis of fear conspiring with the blinded senses and threatening roar of the rapids: we were right where we needed to be.<br /><div align="left"><br />"<em>Darkness and chaos are the imaginary opposites of light, understanding, and eternal harmony, and they are the elements of nothingness."</em> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><div align="right"><span style="font-size:78%;"><em>Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures</em>, by Mary Baker Eddy, page 479:23</span></div><div align="right"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><div align="right"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></div><div align="right"></div>Rick E. Mannerino, C.S.http://www.blogger.com/profile/13509319653716156439noreply@blogger.com1