Oct 26th 2015  Review II 

Lesson 82 
Review of Lessons 63 - 64  

• Intention:  We are now ready for another review.  We will begin where our last review left off, and cover two ideas each day.  The earlier part of each day will be devoted to one of these ideas, and the latter part of the day to the other.  For each idea, we will have one longer exercise period, and frequent shorter ones in which we practice each of them.

• Long Practice:  Spend a total of about fifteen minutes thinking about each each idea and its associated comments.  Devote some three or four minutes to reading them over slowly, several times if you wish, then close your eyes and spend the rest of the time listening attentively.
   
  Repeat the first phase of the exercise (slow reading) if you find your mind wandering, but try to spend the major part of the time listening quietly but attentively.  There is a message waiting for you.  Be confident that you will receive it.  Remember that it belongs to you, and that you want it.
  
  Do not allow your intent to waver in the face of distracting thoughts.  Realize that, whatever form such thoughts may take, they have no meaning and no power.  Replace them with your determination to succeed.  Do not forget that your will has power over all fantasies and dreams.  Trust it to see you through, and carry you beyond them all.
  
  Regard these practice periods as dedications to the way, the truth and the life.  Refuse to be sidetracked into detours, illusions and thoughts of death.  You are dedicated to salvation.,  Be determined each day not to leave your function unfulfilled.
     
• Short Practice:  Repeat the original form of the idea often, and apply it for general situations.  When appropriate, use the specific forms included in the comments which follow the statements of the ideas.  These, however, are merely suggestions.  It is not the particular words you use that matter.  
    

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(63)  The light of the world brings peace to every mind through my forgiveness.

My forgiveness is the means by which the light of the world finds expression through me.  My forgiveness is the means by which I become aware of the light of the world in me.  My forgiveness is the means by which the world is healed, together with myself.  Let me, then, forgive the world, that it may be healed along with me.

   

Suggestions for specific forms for applying this idea are:

Let peace extend from my mind to yours, [name]

I share the light of the world with you, [name].

Through my forgiveness I can see this as it is.

  

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(64)  Let me not forget my function.

I would not forget my function, because I would remember my Self.  I cannot fulfill my function if I forget it.  And unless I fulfill my function, I will not experience the joy that God intends for me.

   

Suitable specific forms of this idea include:

Let me not use this to hide my function from me.

I would use this as an opportunity to fulfill my function.

This may threaten my ego, but cannot change my function in any way.  
  

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Insights/Comments:

• Being the light of the world means that it is our responsibility to bring peace to every mind through our forgiveness by keeping the world free of darkness.  Darkness diminishes clear perception which leads to faulty conclusions, which in turn lead to mistaken and therefore ineffective thoughts and actions.  Darkness may for example cause us to mistake a rope for a snake, and such a mistake in perception can lead to all sorts of defensive thoughts and actions, which greatly diminish our sense of peace. Thus our function as the light of the world is to radiate the light of truth that keeps perception clear and brings peace to every mind through our forgiveness. Forgiveness is the means to fulfill our function as the light of the world, and what we must forgive are all the apparent contradictions to the eternal truth that we are one with God.
  
  That we exist is clear and apparent.  That God is the omnipresent source of all that is, and further that we being part of existence must therefore be one with Him is the truth we aspire to know and experience completely.  To know this truth we must engender the vision that shows the apparent perception of separateness for what it truly is, a grand illusion that caused us to believe we are what we perceive, as apposed to what God created us to be--perfect, Spirit, free!  There is great hope in the knowledge that a god remains a god, even when clothed in tattered garments.  See through the apparent appearance of all things knowing that in truth we are looking only at the one omnipresent God dressed in various garments.

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I and my Creator are One.  

Oct 22nd 2015  Review II 

Lesson 81
Review of Lessons 61 - 62  

• Intention:  We are now ready for another review.  We will begin where our last review left off, and cover two ideas each day.  The earlier part of each day will be devoted to one of these ideas, and the latter part of the day to the other.  For each idea, we will have one longer exercise period, and frequent shorter ones in which we practice each of them.

• Long Practice:  Spend a total of about fifteen minutes thinking about each each idea and its associated comments.  Devote some three or four minutes to reading them over slowly, several times if you wish, then close your eyes and spend the rest of the time listening attentively. 
  Repeat the first phase of the exercise (slow reading) if you find your mind wandering, but try to spend the major part of the time listening quietly but attentively.  There is a message waiting for you.  Be confident that you will receive it.  Remember that it belongs to you, and that you want it.
    
  Do not allow your intent to waver in the face of distracting thoughts.  Realize that, whatever form such thoughts may take, they have no meaning and no power.  Replace them with your determination to succeed.  Do not forget that your will has power over all fantasies and dreams.  Trust it to see you through, and carry you beyond them all.
    
  Regard these practice periods as dedications to the way, the truth and the life.  Refuse to be sidetracked into detours, illusions and thoughts of death.  You are dedicated to salvation.,  Be determined each day not to leave your function unfulfilled.
     
• Short Practice:  Repeat the original form of the idea often, and apply it for general situations.  When appropriate, use the specific forms included in the comments which follow the statements of the ideas.  These, however, are merely suggestions.  It is not the particular words you use that matter. 
    

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(61)  I am the light of the world.

How holy am I, who have been give the function of lighting up the world!  Let me be still before my holiness.  In its calm light let all my conflicts disappear.  In its peace let me remember Who I am.

   

Some specific forms for applying this idea when special difficulties seem to arise might be:

Let me not obscure the light of the world in me.

Let the light of the world shine through this appearance.

This shadow will vanish before the light.

  

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(62)  Forgiveness is my function as the light of the world.

It is through accepting my function that I will see the light in me.  And in this light will my function stand clear and perfectly unambiguous before my sight.  My acceptance does not depend on my recognizing what my function is, for I do not yet understand forgiveness.  Yet I will trust that, in the light, I will see it as it is.

   

Specific forms for applying this idea might include:

Let this help me learn what forgiveness means.

Let me not separate my function from my will.

I will not use this for an alien purpose. 
  

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Insights/Comments:

• Our practice is only to find the quiet within us that rests on the convictions that:  we are the holy children of God; that the apparent problem of separation is only an illusion; and that in God's reality, which is the only reality there is, no problem exists.  Our only function then, is to forgive the apparent illusions to the contrary.  With these convictions firmly grounded in our awareness and memory, we deal with every situation that arises in whatever way we think is appropriate, but with a calm and peaceful resolve, because we know that it is an illusion--granted, a convincing illusion, but still only an illusion.
    
  What does it mean to deal with every situation with a calm and peaceful resolve?  It means to have no judgment about the situation or the people involved.  It means to have no preferences about the outcome.  It means that we let our actions flow naturally according to what the particular situation requires of us or inspires in us, without judgment and without attachment.  And it means that we do this as best we can, from where we are in each present moment with whatever resources, knowledge, and wisdom we have available to us.  And to that extent will we be at peace, remembering that God created us perfect, Spirit, and free.
  

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I and my Creator are One. 

October 19th 2015  Lesson 80(b)

Let me recognize my problems have been solved. 

If you are willing to recognize your problems, you will recognize that you have no problems.  Your one central problem (separation) has been answered, and you have no other.  Therefore, you must be at peace.  Salvation thus depends on recognizing this one problem, and understanding that it has been solved.  One problem, one solution.  Salvation is accomplished.  Freedom from conflict has been given you.  Accept that fact, and you are ready to take your rightful place in God's plan for salvation.
   
Your only problem has been solved!  Repeat this over and over to yourself today, with gratitude and conviction.  You have recognized your only problem, opening the way for the Holy Spirit to give you God's answer.  You have laid deception aside, and seen the light of truth. . You have accepted salvation for yourself by bringing the problem to the answer.  And you can recognize the answer, because the problem has been identified.
   
You are entitled to peace today.  A problem that has been resolved cannot trouble you.  Only be certain you do not forget that all problems are the same.  Their many forms will not deceive you while you remember this.  One problem, one solution.  Accept the peace this simple statement brings.

• Intention:  We will do two long practice periods today, each of which should last some ten to fifteen minutes.  In addition we will repeat today's idea frequently, at least four or five times an hour.
     
• Practice:  In our longer practice periods today, we will claim the peace that must be ours when the problem and the answer have been brought together.  The problem must be gone, because God's answer cannot fail.  Having recognized one, you have recognized the other.  The solution is inherent in the problem.  You are answered, and have accepted the answer.  You are saved.  
    
  Now let the peace that your acceptance brings be given you.  Close your eyes, and receive your reward.  Recognize that your problems have been solved.  Recognize that you are out of conflict; free and at peace.  Above all, remember that you have one problem (separation,) and that the problem has one solution (unity with God.)  It is in this that the simplicity of salvation lies.  It is because of this that it is guaranteed to work.
     
  Assure yourself often today that your problems have bee solved.  Repeat the idea with deep conviction, as frequently as possible.  And be particularly sure to apply the idea for today to any specific problem that may arise.  Say quickly: 
    
  
  Let me recognize this problem has been solved.

• Application:    Let us be determined not to collect grievances today.  Let us be determined to be free of problems that do not exist.  The means is simple honesty.  Do not deceive yourself about what the problem is, and you must recognize it has been solved.
  
      

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Insights/comments:

• The realization that separation is the only problem we have greatly simplifies our life and naturally leads to the greater realization that separation is really an illusion, for we cannot exist apart from our Creator, who is omnipresent.  This leads to the obvious conclusion that our only problem has already been solved.  From this perspective we can now address the events in our lives more calmly and peacefully, for we now recognize that they serve the higher function of providing the means for us to remember our true identity as the holy children of God and perform our holy function of forgiving the world.
    
  Let us then go calmly amid the noise and haste of the world, always doing without attachment, whatever action Life requires of us that is worthy of performance, with the full recognition that there are no problems, only opportunities to perform our holy function.  Let us follow the inner guidance that comes to us at every moment as best we can, knowing that whatever choice we make will always be the "right" one, because we are always guided, and because all our problems have been solved.  The Holy Spirit guides us at ever turn, all we need do is willingly let miracles replace any grievance we may have about the future outcome of our actions--thus will we remain free as God created us.
    

I and my Creator are One.  

October 3rd 2015  Lesson 79(b)

Let me recognize the problem so it can be solved. 

A problem cannot be solved if you do not know what it is.  Even if it is really solved already you will still have the problem, because you will not recognized that it has been solved.  This is the situation of the world.  The problem of separation, which is really the only problem, has already been solved.  Yet the solution is not recognized because the problem is not recognized.
   
Everyone in this world seems to have his own special problems.  Yet they are all the same, and must be recognized as one if the one solution that solves them all is to be accepted.  Who can see that a problem has been solved if he thinks the problem is something else?  Even if he is given the answer, he cannot see its relevance.
   
That is the position in which you find yourself now.  You have the answer, but you are still uncertain about what the problem is.  A long series of different problems seems to confront you, and as one is settled the next one and the next arise.  There seems to be no end to them.  There is no time in which you feel completely free of problems and at peace.
   
The temptation to regard problems as many is the temptation to keep the problem of separation unsolved.  The world seems to present you with a vast number of problems, each requiring a different answer.  This perception places you in a position in which your problem solving must be inadequate, and failure is inevitable.
   
No one could solve all the problems the world appears to hold.  They seem to be on so many levels, in such varying forms and with such varied content, that they confront you with an impossible situation.  Dismay and depression are inevitable as you regard them.  Some spring up unexpectedly, just as you think you have resolved the previous ones.  Others remain unsolved under a cloud of denial, and rise to haunt you from time to time, only to be hidden again but still unsolved.
   
All this complexity is but a desperate attempt not to recognize the problem, and therefore not to let it be resolved.  If you could recognize that your only problem is separation, no matter what form it takes, you could accept the answer because you would see its relevance.  Perceiving the underlying constancy in all the problems that seem to confront you, you would understand that you have the means to solve them all.  And you would use the means, because you recognize the problem.

• Intention:  We will do two long practice periods today, each of which should last some ten to fifteen minutes.  In addition we will repeat today's idea frequently, at least four or five times an hour.
     
• Practice:  In our longer practice periods today we will ask what the problem is, and what is the answer to it.  We will not assume that we already know.  We will try to free our minds of all the many different kinds of problems we think we have.  We will try to realize that we have only one problem, which we have failed to recognize.  We will ask what it is, and wait for the answer.  We will be told.  Then we will ask for the solution to it.  And we will be told.
    
  The exercises for today will be successful to the extent to which you do not insist on defining the problem.  Perhaps you will not succeed in letting all your preconceived notions go, but that is not necessary.  All that is necessary is to entertain some doubt about the reality of your version of what your problems are.  You are trying to recognize that you have been given the answer by recognizing the problem, so that the problem and the answer can be brought together and you can be at peace. 

• Application:    The shorter practice periods for today will not be set by time, but by need.  You will see many problems today, each one calling for an answer.  Our efforts will be directed toward recognizing that there is only one problem and one answer.  In this recognition are all problems resolved.  In this recognition there is peace.   
  Be not deceived by the form of problems today.  Whenever any difficulty seems to rise, tell yourself quickly:
     
  
  Let me recognize this problem so it can be solved.
     
  Then try to suspend all judgment about what the problem is.  If possible, close your eyes for a moment and ask what it is.  You will be heard and you will be answered.
  
      

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Insights/comments:

• Today's lesson encourages us to reevaluate our perception and understanding about life.  Our current experience is that our lives are filled with various problems, each of which require our attention and effort to resolve.  But today's lesson brings this experience into question by suggesting that we really do not recognized our problems.  Generally we define a problem as anything that does not seem to work the way we expect it to, for example, we expect our car to start when we turn the key in the ignition but if it does not, then this is seen as a problem to us.  Yet this is only a superficial understanding of what a problem is because it is based on the belief that the apparent world we live in is real and therefore what we do or do not do here has real effects and consequences with respect to our true function and purpose.
    
  The deeper definition of a problem is anything that distracts us from achieving our highest goal, which is forgiveness.  Forgiveness is our God-given function; it is why we exist in this relative world, and it is the means for our salvation from it.  The only thing that can distract and therefore delay the moment of our awakening to this function is our belief in separation.  Separation is based on the beliefs that our apparent world is real; that we are separate individuals frail and limited; and that we must strive for survival in this harsh and dangerous world.  Separation seems real because we do not realize our true identity as children of God, as the maker of our apparent world.  We fail to acknowledge that the world we experience is an illusion, full of imagined self-made-up functions that hide our God-given function.  In truth separation is an illusion for we cannot exist apart from our Creator, Who is All-That-Is, and because we were created in Her image and likeness, our survival is guaranteed; we need not strive for it, so forgiveness is our only function here. 
    
  If we recognize that all apparent problems result from the illusion of separation, and we acknowledge the truth that separation cannot be real, then we have found the solution to all problems, and can now give full attention to our true function of forgiveness.  The questions that will help solve our apparent problems are:  Am I willing to forgive the ups and downs of this relative world?  Am I willing to let all my grievances be replaced by miracles?  Can I view everything that comes to me, without exception, as the means to my salvation and calmly, even joyfully, deal with it as best as I can, with whatever resources and intelligence I can bring to it?   It might just be a dead battery--no problemo! 
    

I and my Creator are One.  

October 2nd 2015  Lesson 78(b)

Let miracles replace all grievances. 

Perhaps it is not yet quite clear to you that each decision that you make is one between a grievance and a miracle.  Each grievance stands like a dark shield of hate before the miracle it would conceal.  And as you raise it up before your eyes, you will not see the miracle beyond.  Yet all the while it waits for you in light, but you behold your grievances instead.
   
Today we will go beyond the grievances, to look upon the miracle instead.  We will reverse the way you see by not allowing sight to stop before it sees.  We will not wait before the shield of hate, but lay it down and gently lift our eyes in silence to behold the Son of God.
   
He waits for you beyond your grievances, and as you lay them down he will appear in shining light where each one stood before.  Fore every grievance is a block to sight, and as it lifts you see the Son of God where he has always been.  He stands in light, but you were in the dark.  Each grievance made the darkness deeper and you could not see.
   
Today we will attempt to see God's Son.  We will not let our selves be blind to him; we will not look upon our grievance.  So is the seeing of the world reversed, as we look out toward truth, away from fear.  We will select one person you have used as target for your grievances, and lay the grievances aside and look at him.  Someone, perhaps, you fear and even hate; someone you think you love who angered you; someone you call a friend, but whom you see as difficult at times or hard to please, demanding irritating or untrue to the ideal he should accept as his, according to the role you set for him.
   
You know the one to choose; his name has crossed your mind already.  He will be the one of whom we ask God's Son be shown to you.  Through seeing him behind the grievances that you have held against him, you will learn that what lay hidden while you saw him not is there in everyone, and can be seen.  He who was enemy is more than friend when he is freed to take the holy role the Holy Spirit has assigned to him.  Let him be savior unto you today.  Such is his role in God your Father's plan.

• Intention:  We will do two long practice periods today, each of which should last some ten to fifteen minutes.  In addition we will repeat today's idea frequently, at least four or five times an hour.
    
  Today we will go beyond the grievances, to look upon the miracle instead.  We will reverse the way you see by not allowing sight to stop before it sees.  We will not wait before the shield of hate, but lay it down and gently lift our eyes in silence to behold the Son of God.

• Practice:  Begin the longer practice periods today by trying to see the one you choose who you hold a grievance against in the role of your brother, a son of God.  Hold him in your mind, first as you now consider him.  Review his faults, the difficulties you have had with him, the pain he caused you, his neglect, and all the little and the larger hurts he gave.  Regard his body with its flaws and better points as well, and think of his mistakes and even of his "sins."
    
  Then let us ask of Him Who know this Son of God in his reality and truth, that we may look on him a different way, and see our savior shining in the light of true forgiveness, given unto us.  We ask Him in the holy Name of God and of His Son, as holy as Himself:
    
  
  Let me behold my savior in this one You have appointed as the one for me to ask to lead me to the holy light in which he stands, that I may join with him.   
  
  

  The body's eyes are closed, and as you think of him who grieved you, let your mind be shown the light in him beyond your grievances.
  
  What you have asked for cannot be denied.  Your savior has been waiting long for this.  He would be free, and make his freedom yours.  The Holy Spirit leans from him to you, seeing no separation in God's Son.  And what you see through Him will free you both.  Be very quiet now, and look upon your shining savior.  No dark grievances obscure the sight of him.  You have allowed the Holy Spirit to express through him the role God gave Him that you might be saved.   
    
  God thanks you for these quiet times today in which you laid your images aside, and looked upon the miracle of love the Holy Spirit showed you in their place.  The world and Heavens join in thanking you, for not one Thought of God but must rejoice as you are saved, and all the world with you.  

• Application:    For our shorter practice periods, we will remember this throughout the day, and take the role assigned to us as part of God's salvation plan, and not our own.  Temptation falls away when we allow each one we meet to save us, and refuse to hide his light behind our grievances.  To everyone you meet, and to the ones you think of or remember from the past, allow the role of savior to be given, that you may share it with him.  For you both, and all the sightless ones as well, we pray:
   
  Let miracles replace all grievances.
      

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Insights/comments:

• Today's lesson is the actual practice of how to let miracles replace all grievances.  It is not an easy process for it requires great courage to be able to look past our grievances to see others as they truly are--as holy children of God.  If we cannot do this to another, then we condemn ourselves along with that one, for the children of God are one unified whole, which means that what is true for one part of the Sonship is true for the entire Sonship.
    
  The first step is our willingness.  Are we willing to let miracles replace all our grievances?  Answering in the affirmative means that we are willing to lay down our grievances and let the Holy Spirit help us see the truth we know to be there in our brothers, but which is veiled by our grievances.   This is a significant step towards applying this perspective to everyone we meet, regardless of what they appear to be or say or do.
   
  The second step after being willing to let go of our grievances is to ask the Holy Spirit to help you see the one we have a problem with in a different light, i.e. in the light of our savior who has come disguised to bless us and help us learn to expand our love so that it is more inclusive.  Are we willing to see this problematic one as our friend, teacher, and savior?  If we are, we will notice a change in how we feel towards this person.  We will notice that we no longer find them problematic, but rather as someone needing our compassion and our blessing, and perhaps we may even feel tremendous gratitude to them for reminding us that  our love is incomplete when it excludes anyone of our holy siblings.
   
  The third and final step is fairly automatic, for now that we see them in the light of love, we can more easily send blessings to them and to everyone we encounter now, encountered in the past and will encounter in the future, the blessings and forgiveness they deserve from us, not for what they say or do, but for who they are as holy children of God.
    

I and my Creator are One.