I always overthink this stuff…..not this time. If it’s good, it’s going on my list. Maybe we could have a Community list of good on the blam. We could all add to it. I’m starting with the image attached. Next to me each night when we settle in, and at the foot of my bed is Love expressed in loyalty, companionship, and endless patience.
Thanks for this awesome assignment. Ready, set…
Love,
Jo ♥️
From Pam
Hi all,
As we are separated physically but united spiritually and mentally, let’s join in rejoicing over our times of healing for ourselves and of our world.
It’s been suggested that we use this Blam as a journal for responding to our Association topic “The Inevitability Of Good”, by listing here every evidence each of us are seeing of good, the good that comes from God, the good that heals, the good that unites us, the good that will bring healing to our world.
Let’s start out with some wonderful healing observations by dear Duffy. Then join in!
What is the good you are seeing, experiencing, recognizing as ever-present, ever available, and everywhere present?
Join the party of Good!
With love as ever, Pam ♥️
GOD is
By Duffy
God, good is ever-present.
God is universal good
God is GLOBAL prosperity
God is comprehensive excellence
God is unlimited dignity and skill
God is all-embracing honesty and grace
God is all-inclusive worth
God is undisputed harmony
Good is omnipotent (unlimited, unrestricted)
God, good is the only power
God is the source of ALL health
God is existence
God is growth
God is consciousness
God is presence
God is Truth: natural and powerful
God, good, LOVE is the origin of us
God, good, LOVE is the root of everyone
God, good, LOVE is the source of all
God, good, LOVE is he wellspring of being
GOD is
4/27/20
The “great white throne”
Elizabeth Earl Jones, From the October 16, 1943 issue of the Christian Science Sentinel
In his letters to Timothy, the Apostle Paul exhorted the followers of Christ to pray for “all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”
Mary Baker Eddy also exhorted her church (Christian Science versus Pantheism, p. 14): “Pray for the prosperity of our country, and for her victory under arms; that justice, mercy, and peace continue to characterize her government, and that they shall rule all nations. Pray that the divine presence may still guide and bless our chief magistrate, those associated with his executive trust, and our national judiciary; give to our congress wisdom, and uphold our nation with the right arm of His righteousness.” In this same message, Mrs. Eddy included a prayer and blessing for the brave men in our country’s armed forces.
Obedient Christian Scientists have prayed thus for many years, and have learned that righteous prayer not only achieves victory and blessings, but purifies the thought of the one who prays, freeing it from destructive criticism and resentful thinking. It also opens one’s eyes to opportunities for service that otherwise might not have been seen.
The following incident, which occurred some years ago, will serve to illustrate this point. The then President of the United States had accepted an invitation to deliver the address at the unveiling of a monument on one of the battlefields of the American Revolution. A few days before the event, a federal agent discovered a plot to assassinate the President as soon as he should rise on the platform to address those present. The agent hastened back to Washington with his report, but he stopped off between trains to seek out two Christian Science practitioners who resided in that state. He asked these practitioners to pray for the President’s safety, which they most gladly agreed to do. For some years they had daily prayed as our Leader had requested in her message, but this was a call for special prayer.
The proper authorities took the human steps necessary to ensure against trouble, and all went well.
During the four hours that the President was in their state, the two practitioners devoted the entire time to prayer. While they were praying a strange thing happened: they both became almost overwhelmed by a sense of crushing burden, so heavy and cruel that it seemed as if no human being could endure it.
Said one to the other, “Can it be that this is the load our Presidents have to bear?” Then they both prayed to lift that load. These words from Isaiah came to them: “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?”
A new light dawned for them upon the vision of St. John, where the Revelator tells of “a great white throne” in heaven, and of the One who sat upon it. These two practitioners saw and understood, as never before, the absolute supremacy of God’s government and the oneness and allness of the divine Mind. They saw clearly that there are not thrones many—just one; also, that there are not rulers many—only One. In the same reality of being there are not minds many, hating and being hated, hypnotizing and being hypnotized, because the one divine Mind includes and governs all. This one Mind is the essence of intelligence and wisdom; therefore these divine qualities are forever reflected by man in the likeness of his Maker.
Man has no power, intelligence, or wisdom underived from God, but this one inexhaustible divine supply is his without limit, because man is the very expression and emanation of the source of all good. Moreover, they awakened to the idolatry of seeing person in the place of divine Principle. All authority is in God. To think otherwise is to think destructively instead of constructively concerning our government.
They saw that the responsibility of government and supply is with God, not man, and that man’s part in government is the joyous, obedient reflecting of the one divine Mind. As these two practitioners prayed in this way, the sense of burden began to lift until nothing was left of it, and in place thereof was a great consciousness of freedom, of absolute safety, peace, and harmony.
Two days later they found in the morning newspaper the account of an interview given to the press by the President’s secretary. The secretary told of how the President had enjoyed his time away, and had returned in excellent health and spirits, and he closed with these words: “The President says that while on this trip he felt the lifting of a crushing mental load which descended upon him when he took the oath of office, and from which he had experienced no relief until now.” It is not difficult to imagine the overflowing gratitude to God, and the humility and joy with which those Christian Scientists read of that interview; nor is it difficult to understand that this was a lesson never to be forgotten.
Every true Christian knows that there is a forever “firmament,” or firm, uncompromising line of separation between good and evil. Right is right, and wrong is wrong. Moral values must be kept straight and clear until all belief in a power apart from God, good, is wiped out by divine Science. But we must observe the Christ-rule in the destruction of evil. This rule scientifically impersonalizes evil, and then destroys it. This action of the Christ-consciousness heals and saves. Cruel and destructive action is not Science, is not the Christ-way, and does not proceed from God.
The Christ Science that uncovers error as impersonal and unreal destroys it. If we personalize error, we give it, in belief, an agent with which to strike back. The whole world has now learned a lesson in the awful error of appeasement. We have tasted and now know the deadly nature of the mental narcotic of apathy, and we want no more of it; but our testing times are not yet over, and we cannot afford to lessen our watch and our prayers. The sword of the righteous can halt the sword of aggression, but it cannot destroy the wicked motives back of aggressive warfare—only the Christ, Truth, can do that.
The signing of peace terms after this global war is ended may be the preface to a period in which varying views of government, both occult and visible, may strive to control the formation of the new world order, but we need have no fear of the outcome. Power is an attribute of God, good, not of evil, and we can foresee and forestall the claims of evil.
The model for a true and universal democracy has already been revealed by divine Love. On pages 246 and 247 of “The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany” Mrs. Eddy writes: “The Magna Charta of Christian Science means much, multum in parvo,—all-in-one and one-in-all. It stands for the inalienable, universal rights of men. Essentially democratic, its government is administered by the common consent of the governed, wherein and whereby man governed by his creator is self-governed. The church is the mouthpiece of Christian Science,—its law and gospel are according to Christ Jesus; its rules are health, holiness, and immortality,—equal rights and privileges, equality of the sexes, rotation in office.” In this great charter Mrs. Eddy shows the church in its correct relationship to government. “Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it.”
As the thunders of the dictators die away into oblivion, the spiritual leadership of the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy, will shine as the sun pointing the way—the only way—through individual understanding and demonstration of the teachings of Christ Jesus. The revelation of this great Leader, and holy messenger of God, gives the kingdom and the power and the glory back to God.
From Pam ♥️
(Thinking of Mary Baker Eddy’s hymn, “ Feed My Sheep,” the last line is, “Shepherd, wash them clean.”)
********
Ah, Shepherd, your precious ones are filled only with pure gratitude for Your love,
We are washed clean
Of fear, doubt, worry or concern,
Of judgment, criticism, or anything that
Would blight or impede our pure love for You, Father.
Your children,
filled only with that Love divine,
feel and share confidence
in Love’s care for each and every one,-
no toxins or poisonous thoughts of any kind can take from us that pure love we have for God.
And nothing can come from God
but purity, goodness, grace, peace, harmony.
The peace of God
which passes all human understanding,
renews,
refreshes,
restores,
revitalizes.
With joy, Father we thank You for our lives.
From Pam ♥️
From Pam ♥️
From Sharon Anderson ♥️
I have a friend who lives several houses away from me. We would get together occasionally at each other’s homes for a cup of tea to visit and play cards or work a jigsaw puzzle together. Then last May my friend’s new boyfriend moved in with her. I knew they were settling in with each other and although I missed getting together with her, I didn’t think too much about it when I stopped hearing from her. I had no contact with her all summer.
In early October I received a piece of mail for her in my mailbox. I texted her to see if it would be convenient for me to bring it to her and she said yes. She was home alone and we had a pleasant visit. When I was leaving, she told me how happy she is and how close her neighbors (2 other couples) have become with her and her boyfriend. I know these couples quite well and was friends with them also. However, I had not seen them all summer either. I’m glad my friend has found happiness, but I felt very sad and left out. In fact, I was crushed that I was excluded.
When I arrived home, I started to recall some of the negative habits of these folks and a strong question came to me saying, “do you really want to be friends with them?” I immediately thought, “of course not!” Then on the heels of that thought, another strong question came to my thought which was, “then why are you so sad?” I believe that God was speaking to my human consciousness when I received these two questions. One moment I was full of sadness and self-pity and the next moment all of it was lifted off me and has not returned.
In thinking about this, I realize because of my close relationship with these people in the past, God is protecting me from becoming involved with people where the atmosphere was not the kind I desire to be in. God always knows what’s best for me and my knowing I can never be separated from the good God has for me, is one more demonstration of His care and love. I’m so grateful for the friends I do have that are on the same path as me, going in the same direction.
I related to a wonderful testimony in the December 9, 2019 of the Christian Science Sentinel entitled “Unselfishness: A Recipe for Time Management”.
The writer, an “ardent and meticulous planner” called a Christian Science practitioner for assistance in managing his schedule, and was reminded of the value of humbly turning to God for guidance.
Pondering the principles, I could see instances where I operated primarily on self-will in my planning, with resulting turmoil and disappointment. I resolved to do better in seeking God’s guidance each and every day.
Daily seeking God’s guidance lifts the weight of busyness and stress and redirects priorities toward love and service–appropriate seasonal attitudes!
♥️🎄 Jennifer
By Sharon Anderson 🌻
A friend recently stated, “People who work in hospitals are doing something that doesn’t exist.“ I couldn’t stop thinking of that statement. To me that meant that Christian Science has shown me that God is the only healer. He does not heal by material means. The reality is, we are all living in a spiritual world.
What does exist then? The spiritual is untouched by materiality. God is the only healer. “If Spirit is all and is everywhere, what and where is matter?” (Science and Health, page 223:8) I kept with those thoughts, little knowing what that work was preparing me for.
On the following Saturday, I was planning to attend a family wedding. The wedding was some distance from where I live so my cousin said I could come the day before and stay with him at his house. Almost as soon as I got there he told me his 21 year old grandson was in the hospital ICU for the past week and was in a coma. I immediately thought of my friend’s statement and the thoughts I was working with the days before.
The next morning my cousin (who has a large ranch) had outside chores so I had alone time to read the Bible Lesson. The lesson was Man which included part of the definition of man in Science and Health. Whenever “man” was written, I said Daren’s name. Later that day, I went to the hospital with my cousin and we were told that Daren was coming out of the coma and was responsive to the doctor.
Then on Sunday morning, I was alone again for several hours and was able to read the Bible Lesson as well as listen to The Mother Church Sunday service. In the afternoon we went to the hospital and were told that a nurse did a breathing test on Daren and since he was able to breathe on his own they were going to take him off the breathing machine.
On Monday I traveled back home, but kept in touch with my cousin. During the week he said that Daren was going to be transferred to a rehabilitation hospital in another town. This week when I called my cousin I asked if Daren had been transferred to the other hospital, he said no there was no need to do that and that he was home.
I want to say that I never went in Daren’s hospital room. I know that I was able to keep my thinking clear because of not seeing him hooked up to all the medical devices and that was a huge part of this demonstration. Another positive thing was that no one told me why he was in a coma and in the hospital. Because of that I didn’t have to deal with those thoughts in my own thinking.
The family had a private waiting room with 8 or 10 chairs in it and it was always full of family members. At one point, I was standing in the doorway and Daren’s girlfriend was in the hall. I was able to have a private conversation with her and to make some scientific statements to her.
This was a huge demonstration for me and I was prepared because a friend made the thought provoking statement, “People who work in hospitals are doing something that does’t exist.” This struck me so clearly that what is true is always true, regardless of where it appears to be going on. “Truth is always the victor.” (p. 380) In fact this experience has made me a stronger Christian Scientist. I want to include that I am the only Christian Scientist in my family.
Sharon Anderson
By Duffy
Perpetuate Love
Erase hate
Embody human dignity
Embrace our brilliant variety
The authenticity of each individual
God created, God given
Replace hate with friendship, grace, and compassion
Maintain all-encompassing charity and Truth
Live Love and kindness
Learn acceptance and generosity
Engage in connection and communication
With respect and honor for all people
Share smiles and joy with God’s divine creation
Live in kinship
Learn to cherish and adore
Engage empathy, insight, and affinity
With our fellow man in brotherhood and sisterhood
Share God’s camaraderie for every individual
9/18/19
From Pam ♥️
Mary Baker Eddy taught, and asked teachers to teach, by the Socratic mehod. Christian Science class instruction is, in large part, done through this method. I really enjoyed this article and thought it would be worth posting – although it is long. It points out that Socrates always wanted an understanding of the higher good, that he taught one God and would not worship false gods, and that the most important thing in life is to grow spiritually.
Socrates on Wisdom by Anam Lodh, published in Medium
Socrates was by far one of the most important philosophers. However, he wrote no works of his own; therefore we come to know about Socrates’ life and teachings through his student and friend Plato (427 BCE — 347 BCE). The Apology, which was written by Plato, is undeniably one of the most important writings on Socrates’ speech that he gave at his trial. Socrates was accused of impiety and corrupting the youth. In Plato’s Apology, Socrates repeatedly refers to a single God, and he refused to honour the Greek gods. He was defending himself and his conception of philosophy, however, Socrates was found guilty and he was sentenced to death.
We come to know of the phrase that “an unexamined life is not worth living” towards the end of his trial. Socrates believed that the purpose of life was to grow spiritually, and philosophically; he argued that is was important to question and “examine” your values and beliefs in order to determine if they were the correct ones. Socrates’ way of examining people was by using his method of elenchus, in other words, the Socratic method. He believed that this method made people more aware of their ignorance and therefore, leads to humility and modesty.
One of Plato’s most important works is unquestionably the Apology, which is essentially a record of the speech Socrates gave at his trial. The trial took place in Athens in 399 BC. Socrates was not only defending himself, but was also defending his conception of philosophy. According to Socrates, virtue is fundamental and philosophy is an examination of ourselves towards virtue. He was accused of two things, which were corrupting the youth of Athens, and introducing a new God.
Early in Socrates’ defence speech, he explained that his friend Chaerephon went to the oracle of Delphi and asked whether there was anyone wiser than Socrates. The oracle told Chaerephon that no one is wiser than Socrates. Socrates was baffled by this news as he found it very hard to believe that he was the wisest man. Socrates was aware of his own ignorance; he did not think he was wise. Thus, he decided to attempt to refute the oracle by finding someone who was wiser than himself. He spoke to people with different profession’s, such as politicians, poets, and craftsmen; however, he found that they only possessed “human wisdom”. For example, the artisans were only wise in their art, but they lacked wisdom in what Socrates referred to as “higher things” or “human excellence.” Socrates found that:
“I am wiser than this man, for neither of us appears to know anything great and good; but he fancies he knows something although he knows nothing; whereas I, as I do not know anything, so I do not fancy I do.”
This therefore shows that because they all claimed they were wise this made them not so wise, whereas Socrates never claimed to be wise as he was conscious of his own ignorance about higher matters; thus he had a type of wisdom. Socrates therefore saw it as his responsibility to examine himself and others: that is to live the life of a philosopher.
Socrates provides us with a brilliant method, called the Socratic method, or the method of elenchus i.e. “examination.” The Socratic method was not necessarily used to determine what is not true, but rather to determine what cannot be true. Thus, this method was used throughout the Socratic dialogues. For Socrates, this method of determining what is and is not true occurs always in the context of discourse and dialogue with others. The Socratic method always begins with Socrates asking his interlocutor “what is… X?” For instance what is piety, or what is justice? This question is fundamentally after the essence of something; what is essential about these moral qualities such as courage. Socrates always proclaims ignorance; he always says he does not know anything. The interlocutor then offers an answer, however, the answer given is not what Socrates is looking for, as Socrates wants to know the essence of X. The interlocutor then provides a definition, however, Socrates discovers a contradiction with the answer given and shows that the definition cannot be right. This process carries on and Socrates continues to find inconsistencies by showing that the definitions cannot be true.
An example of this is in Plato’s Phaedo where Socrates asks Simmias “Do we allow that there is such a thing as equality?” Each time an answer is given Socrates finds an inconsistency with Simmias’ answer. This continues until Simmias runs out of definitions of equality, and so the discussion ends. Thus, “Socrates here not only reminds Simmias of his ignorance but makes him painfully aware of his ignorance.” This is important because Socrates wanted people to “examine” their lives and become aware of their own ignorance rather than thinking that they know things when actually they know nothing.
Although the Socratic method does not uncover what Socrates is actually looking for, it instead results in the interlocutors and Socrates himself being left in a state of aporia, in other words, a state of perplexity. Since the Socratic method often leaves people in a state of aporia (perplexity) it could be argued that there is no usefulness to be gained from it. However, Socrates talks about the benefit of perplexity and claims that it brings people closer to the truth: “Sometimes ignorance is better than knowledge; he argues that the only truly valuable knowledge is the knowledge of the good, an authoritative knowledge that will correctly advise us when to use other goods and skills in our possession.”
Therefore, according to Socrates, the elenchus method is essential as it is a way of testing your lack of knowledge by examining your ideas and beliefs. So even though it does lead to perplexity, it makes you more conscious of your own ignorance and consequently it makes you a better person.
In conclusion, Socrates believed that philosophy was an improvement of the soul as it reveals our ignorance; therefore it is important to live an “examined life.” He believed that you will most likely lead a miserable life if you do not question your beliefs and ideas. Socrates always claimed that he did not know anything; this resonates the essence of what Socrates is about. Wisdom is a sort of recognition of your own ignorance, thus Socrates knows that he is not wise; therefore he has a type of wisdom. At the end of his trial Socrates argued: “If I say that it is the greatest good for a man to discuss virtue every day and those other things about which you hear me conversing and testing myself and others, for the unexamined life is not worth living for men, you will believe me even less.”
Socrates concludes that the life worth living is an examined life. “Socrates himself said that he was a horsefly put by the gods ‘on the flanks’ of a ‘sluggish’ Athens in an attempt to ‘wake it up’”. In other words Socrates believed it was his duty to make people aware of their ignorance. He believed that if you do not examine your ideas and beliefs and test them to determine whether or not they are contradictory, and you live your entire life based upon those ideas; you will, according to Socrates, have lived a deceitful life; a life of false belief. This is the great danger that he wanted to tackle.
For Socrates, knowledge is the most valuable thing in life, however, he believed that it is better to seek knowledge and be conscious of your own ignorance than to claim knowledge that you really do not have.