Marked by Grace!

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

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"

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

"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!

"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!

"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...

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?

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

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

“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

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

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

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

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!

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!