Right Now

always ...

The spiritual law of Life's clear consciousness is present.   

I am one with it, and therefore express it.

=:-)

Internal is fiction.  Eternal is fact.

No Self Damnation

 There is no mortal history (genetic or moral) that can clog or corrupt divine unfoldment.

Inspiration

There is an ocean of lessons for you to share ...

and there is no tidal wall (in thought) to block the surge of right ideas!

Comfort

All is Love, and all is well.
There is no abuser and no abused.
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).
Love fills all space, constitutes all essence, presence, power, supply, and action.
No one is deprived of Love.

"Love wipes your tears all away."1


1 Communion Hymn by Mary Baker Eddy

No Friction

Universal intelligence is harmonious.

Approach

I am not impressed with symptoms ... but with divine Presence.

=:-)

Clarity is the lens of completeness.

Motive

All I want to do or see ... is what God, divine Truth, Life, and Love express through me.

Battle of the voices -- and getting to the mountain

Do 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 lazyboy 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. Oh the pressure!

Finally in a moment of helplessness and humility, I reached out to God and said "Alright Father, what do You 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!"

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 that ... the swell has dropped ... and you surfed yesterday! No way are you going surfing right now!"

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." Click. 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.

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." Click.

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!"

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.

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!

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 kamakaze 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.

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 multitudes 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." 1

I believe each of us needs a "mountain" to go to. It does take a certain amount of exercise 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.

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.

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!

1 Matt 14: 22,23

Oneness

"The scientific unity which exists between God and man must be wrought out in life-practice, and God's will must be universally done." 1

All is unified expression. The one I or Ego can never act or work against itself. Therefore every action or unfoldment must work in unison 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.

1 "Science & Health" by Mary Baker Eddy, page 202 : 3

Shield

"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." Psalms 56:4 , 11

In Life, Truth, Love I have put my trust, I will not fear what world belief can do unto me.
Through Christ I have dominion over every aggressive mental suggestion that creepeth upon the earth.
My capacity is divine ... I can because I'm the child of I AM.

An Elementary Pledge

I 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 2nd 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 participants and volunteers of a recent event or reminding everyone of the next. Finally, before she signs off for the Pledge of Allegiance, 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:

"Today is a new day.

I will improve myself.

There are no limits to my personal success.

I will! I can! I must!"

Driving away armed and ready for the day I find a favorite hymn humming through my thought:

Father, where Thine own children are,
I love to be.

My prayer, some daily good to do
To Thine, for Thee;
An offering pure of Love, whereto
God leadeth me. 1


Hymn 253, Christian Science Hymnal -- words by Mary Baker Eddy

"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!"

Similarly, I remind myself, The most valuable thing I have ... is "right now."

Confidence

There is no such thing as an unreceptive thought / consciousness ...
just as there is no erroneous truth.

Nature's Lesson

"ADVERSARY. An adversary is one who opposes, denies, disputes, not one who constructs and sustains reality and Truth." 1

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.

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.

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.

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).

The adversary has nothing on us … unless we listen to it and do as it says.


1 Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, page 580:28-30

Those Pesky Mosquitoes

Back 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 Oroville, 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 was 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.

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."

In the midst of torment, "I am not a piece of meat" 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.

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.

;-)

Brief & Powerful

Do not resent your body. Do not get discouraged because there appears to be a stubborn physical claim to meet.

Your body is your opportunity to "unsee" (devitalize) world belief.

What Matters Most

There 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.

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 Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures and my eyes fell on the following passage:

“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;”[1]

BOOM! It hit me, this (my life) might not look like much at the moment, but I am growing spiritually… and that is EVERYTHING!

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.”


[1] S&H 319:5-9

A Prayer for Today

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.

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OBEDIENCE

by Marceline F. Jones

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What is Thy will for me, Father, to-day?

What shall I do for Thee? What think? What say?

... Thine is my life, my wish, my will;

... Use me to-day, and Thy purpose fulfill.

.

Guiding the stars through the heavens' great span,

Guide Thou my life through Thy infinite plan.

... There is a place, a work, for me,

... Loving, rejoicing, and living for Thee.

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*Christian Science Journal, November 1924, page 419

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