July 8th 2016  Lesson 91(b)

Miracles are seen in light. 

It is important to remember that miracles and vision necessarily go together.  This needs repeating, and frequent repeating.  It is a central idea in your new thought system, and the perception that it produces.  The miracle is always there.  Its presence is not caused by your vision; its absence is not the result of your failure to see.  It is only your awareness of miracles that is affected.  You will see them in the light; you will not see them in the dark.
   
To you, then, light is crucial.  While you remain in darkness, the miracle remains unseen.  Thus you are convinced it is not there.  This follows from the premises from which the darkness comes  Denial of light leads to failure to perceive it.  Failure to perceive light is to perceive darkness.  The light is useless to you then, even though it is there.  You cannot use it because its presence is unknown to you.  And the seeming reality of the darkness makes the idea of light meaningless.
   
To be told that what you do not see is there sounds like insanity.  It is very difficult to become convinced that it is insanity not to see what is there, and to see what is not there instead.  You do not doubt that the body's eyes can see.  You do not doubt the images they show you are reality.  Your faith lies in the darkness, not the light.  How can this be reversed?  For you it is impossible, but your are not alone in this.
   
Your efforts, however little they may be, have strong support.  Did you but realize how great this strength, your doubts would vanish.  Today we will devote ourselves to the attempt to let you feel this strength.  When you have felt the strength in you, which makes all miracles within your easy reach, you will not doubt.  The miracles your sense of weakness hides will leap into awareness as you feel the strength in you.
   

• Intention:  To feel the strength of the One who supports our little efforts to see the light.  His strength brings all miracles within easy reach and removes all our doubts about the reality of miracles.
      
• Practice: Three 10-minute sessions with eyes closed.  In addition, repeat today's statement five or six times each hour. 
     
• Application:  Long sessions -- Repeat the following statement of true cause and effect relationships:  
  Miracles are seen in light.
  The body's eyes do not perceive the light
  But I am not a body.  What am I?
  
  Ask the question in honesty, then devote several minutes to allowing your mistaken thoughts about your attributes  be corrected, and their opposites to take their place  Say for example:
  I am not weak, but strong.
  I am not helpless, but all powerful.
  I am not limited, but unlimited.
  I am not doubtful, but certain.
  I am not an illusion, but a reality.
  I cannot see in darkness, but in light.
  

  
  Relax for the rest of the practice period, confident that your efforts, however meager, are fully supported by the strength of God and all His Thoughts.  It is from them that your strength will come.  It is through their strong support that you will feel the strength in you. 
  Now try to experience these truths about yourself.  Concentrate particularly on the experience of strength.  Remember that all sense of weakness is associated with the belief you are a body, a belief that is mistaken and deserves no faith.  Try to remove your faith from it, if only for a moment.  You will be accustomed to keeping faith with the more worthy in you as we go along.
     
• Application:  Short sessions -- Repeat today's idea with deep conviction, five or six times each hour.   And be sure to meet temptation with today's idea in the following special form:
  Miracles are seen in light.  Let me not close my eyes because of this.



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Insights/comments:
  
• Miracles and vision necessarily go together.  Miracles are always there, but our awareness of them is illumined by the light.  Two obstacles exist:  first our denial of the light, and second, our faith in the darkness.  Denial of the light prevents us from seeing it, which then strengthens our faith in what we seem to see in the darkness.
     
• We are not awake, we are dreaming and in the darkness of our dreaming we created dream bodies that appear to function.  But we are not these bodies.  The body's eyes do not see the light, only the darkness of our dreams.  Because we made these bodies we believe them to be real and have faith in what they tell us, thus our faith is in darkness, not in the light.
     
• To remedy this on our own is impossible, but fortunately we have the might power of God to help support our little efforts.  Let us put our faith in this strength, then doubt and question the reality of the apparent darkness instead.  Miracles can only be seen in the light, and that light God created us to be.

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I and my Creator are One.  
  

May 23rd 2016  Review II 

Lesson 90
Review of Lessons 79 - 80

• 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 (reading slowly) 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 applications.  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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(79)  Let me recognize the problem so it can be solved.

Let me realize today that the problem is always some form of grievance that I would cherish.  Let me also understand that the solution is always a miracle with which I let the grievance be replaced.  Today I would remember the simplicity of salvation by reinforcing the lesson that there is one problem and one solution.  The problem is a grievance; the solution is a miracle.  And I invite the solution to come to me through my forgiveness of the grievance, and my welcome of the miracle that takes its place. 

   

Specific applications of this idea might be in these forms:
   

This presents a problem to me which I would have resolved.
The miracle behind this grievance will resolve it for me.
The answer to this problem is the miracle that it conceals.

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(80)  Let me recognize my problems have been solved.

I seem to have problems only because I a am misusing time.  I believe that the problem comes first, and time must elapse before it can be worked out.  I do not see the problem and the answer as simultaneous in their occurrence.  That is because I do not yet realize that God has placed the answer together with the problem, so that they cannot be separated by time.  The Holy Spirit will teach me this, if I will let Him.  And I will understand it is impossible that I could have a problem which has not been solved already.

   

These forms of the idea will be useful for specific applications:
   

I need not wait for this to be resolved.
The answer to this problem is already given me, if I will accept it.

Time cannot separate this problem from its solution.
  

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Insights/Comments:

• This lesson reminds us that there is only one solution to all problems--the miracle.  All problems are veils of grievances that mask the miracle, so the solution is always to look past the veil to reveal the miracle.  To forgive is to look past a grievance and let the miracle behind it be revealed.  Forgiveness therefore is the means to miracles, for it opens our awareness to what was always there but which we did not before perceive because it was veiled by a grievance.  To look past a grievance we must first look directly at it--we can call this step observing the problem.  Having observed it we must remind ourselves of what is always true--that a problem is always the mask of a grievance and that behind the mask is the face of a miracle.  Now, remembering that a miracle is always hidden behind the problem, we forgive the problem, look past it, let it go, so that we can perceive the miracle.  By forgiving, looking past, or letting go of a problem we naturally begin to relax and it is in this act of relaxation that we begin to perceive the miracle hidden behind the problem.  The more relaxed we become, the more the miracle reveals itself to our awareness.  To summarize then:  Observe the problem; remember it is a grievance masking a miracle; look past the grievance, which allows us to relax, opening awareness to the solution, the miracle.
    
  
• Because the problem and the answer are like two sides of a coin, their need not be any time between observing the problem and finding the solution, even though we typically think in terms of needing time to "solve" a problem.  Time is simply a delay tactic we use to decide when we really want to apply the solution, either because we are not yet ready, or because we have a belief that certain problems require certain amounts of time before they can be solved.  Clearly this time delay is unnecessary, but because it might make us less fearful or more comfortable with the solution, it may be helpful in accepting the miracle.  Use it with discretion though, remembering that there is no need to suffer waiting for a solution that is already present.   
  

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I and my Creator are One.  

Feb  24th 2016  Review II 

Lesson 89
Review of Lessons 77 - 78

• 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 (reading slowly) 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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(77)  I am entitled to miracles.

I am entitled to miracles because I am under no laws but God's.  His laws release me from all grievances, and replace them with miracles.  And I would accept the miracles in place of the grievances, which are but illusions that hide the miracles beyond.  Now I would accept only what the laws of God entitle me to have, that I may use it on behalf of the function He has given me. 

   

You might use these suggestions for specific applications of this idea:
   

Behind this is a miracle to which I am entitled. 
Let me not hold a grievance against you, [name],
but offer you the miracle that belongs to you instead.

Seen truly, this offers me a miracle.

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(78)  Let miracles replace all grievances.

By this idea do I unite my will with the Holy Spirit's, and perceive them as one.  By this idea do I accept my release from hell.  By this idea do I express my willingness to have all my illusions be replaced with truth, according to God's plan for my salvation.  I would make no exceptions and no substitutes.  I want all of Heaven and only Heaven, as God wills me to have.

   

Useful specific forms for applying this idea would be:
   

I would not hold this grievance apart from my salvation. 
Let our grievances be replaced by miracles, [name].

Beyond this is the miracle by which all my grievances are replaced. 
  

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Insights/Comments:

• It is important to remember that we are entitled to miracles not because of what we do or don't do, but because of who we are as the holy children of God.  Regardless of what we think of ourselves, God, who created us, knows who we truly are and never forgets our true worth.  Just as we would not find a baby unworthy because it cannot recognize what is real from what is illusion, just so, neither does God find us unworthy in our current state.  Knowing our full potential, God has total confidence in our ability to find our way because He has given us all that we need to guarantee our salvation.  We are entitled to miracles just as a bird is entitled to fly, or a fish to swim; it is our natural ability.  We need only remember that holding on to grievances keeps us from using our natural abilities.  Just as it is unwise to hold onto a heavy rock when drowning, it is unwise to hold on to grievances, for they thwart our natural ability.
    
  
• Once we accept that we are entitled to miracles and recognize the great benefit they offer, we have no reason to hold on to grievances, and can now ignore them as easily as we would ignore passing clouds.  Another side benefit of letting go of grievances is that it opens the door to peace, and that is no small matter, for peace is the path to happiness.  It all depends on our belief; if we believe that holding grievances make us safe, we get the world we now see.  But if instead we believe that miracles will replace our grievances, then we will see as we believe.  Let us choose this alternative and rise above grievances as easily as a cork rises in water. 
  

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I and my Creator are One.  

Feb  23rd 2016  Review II 

Lesson 88
Review of Lessons 75 - 76

• 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 (reading slowly) 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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(75)  The light has come.

In choosing salvation rather than attack, I merely choose to recognize what is already there.  salvation is a decision made already.  Attack and grievances are not there to choose.  That is why I always choose between truth and illusion; between what is there and what is not.  The light has come.  I can but choose the light, for it has no alternative.  It has replaced the darkness, and the darkness has gone.

   

These would prove useful forms for specific applications of this idea:
   

This cannot show me darkness, for the light has come.

The light in you is all that I would see, [name].

I would see in this only what is there.

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(76)  I am under no laws but God's.

Here is the perfect statement of my freedom. I am under no laws but God's.  I am constantly tempted to make up other laws and give them power over me.  I suffer only because of my belief in them.  They have no real effect on me at all.  I am perfectly free of the effects of all laws save God's.  And His are the laws of freedom.

   

For specific forms in applying this idea these would be useful:
   

My perception of this shows me I believe in laws that do not exist.
I see only the laws of God at work in this.

Let me allow God's laws to work in this, and not my own.  
  

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Insights/Comments:

• God is our source and the sustenance on Whom we rely for everything.  It is in God that we find our strength and it only seems lost to us when we look instead to the world for support and sustenance.  We exist in God, and fortunately, cannot exist apart from the One Who is All-That-Is.  Yet while we exist in God we are free to imagine, and in that imagination we can make-believe (make ourselves believe) that we are supported by a world apart from God.  This is not inherently problematic, and in fact it can be a source of great joy, as when we experience a movie, knowing that it is only a movie.  What is problematic is our forgetting that it is a movie and becoming so caught up or attached to the experience that we confuse what is real and what is illusion.  In the light we can perceive clearly that a rope is a rope.  It is only in dimness or darkness that we mistake the rope to be a snake and so become afraid.  Our fear seems real, but its cause is an illusion, but that illusion vanishes immediately in the light.  The light of truth, then is our salvation for it alone removes the darkness of ignorance, i.e., all our imagined fears, worries, or concerns about anyone or anything by reminding us of who we really are as the holy children of God and the light of the world, subject only to the laws of God, which are wholly benevolent.
   
  In the light of truth, which is the knowledge that we are the holy children of God, the illusions of ignorance cannot arise, so there is no need to defend against that which cannot be.  In the darkness of ignorance, however, where we depend on perception, as a substitute for knowing and believe that we are subject to the laws of the world, we can only choose among various illusions.  Only when we realize that we no longer want illusions will we seek the path that leads to the light of truth.
             
  We come to the light of truth by stepping away from ALL illusions; by withdrawing our belief in our perceptions; by allowing them to be as they are, but remembering that they hide a deeper truth, which we are now willing to open our awareness to.  When we step aside from all illusions, what revels itself to our awareness is the one eternal silent source from which everything comes.  Here we find the only real alternative to illusions.  In this light of truth illusions vanish, freedom reigns, and the memory of our divine identity returns.  Our challenge now is only to become so familiar with this light of truth that we always remember it.  We are subject to no laws but God's, even in the dark mists of illusions, as stated in Palms 23:4:
    
  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.   

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I and my Creator are One.