Saturday, December 23, 2017

ANIMAL PHOTO OF THE DAY... Waiting on Angels




This picture of this sad little doggie touched my heart. I saw worry in his eyes, not a picture of lively joy and spontaneous happiness that we love to see in puppies.

Sometimes we may all feel that sense of worry, fear and doubt. We may wonder… are we in this big world alone? Can we handle the challenges that come to us today? Are we loved? Are we loving?

Maybe, like many of us, this dog is waiting on his “Angel.”

Mary Baker Eddy, in her Bible companion book, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, describes Angels this way:

“Angels. God’s thoughts passing to man; spiritual intuitions, pure and perfect; the inspiration of goodness, purity, and immortality, counteracting all evil, sensuality, and mortality. " p 581


These angel thoughts come to us when we are quiet. When we shut out the noise of the world which is shouting fear, mortality, illness, sin, and doubt... in that stillness… God’s thoughts come to us to heal and bless. Our job is to trust, and listen for their message.

As a favorite hymn proclaims:

“O longing hearts that wait on God
Through all the world so wide;
He knows the angels that you need,
And sends them to your side,
To comfort, guard and guide.

O wake and hear the angel-song
That bids all discord cease,
From pain and sorrow, doubt and fear,
It brings us sweet release;
And so our hearts find peace.” **


Take heart little friend. God cares for each of His ideas and you are loved and protected. Cheer Up and listen for the Angels!!!!!


** Christian Science Hymnal #9

Friday, December 22, 2017

ANIMAL PHOTO OF THE DAY... SWEET LAND OF LIBERTY



Sometimes in modern day United States of America, a country characterized in the song, America the Beautiful  as “Sweet Land of Liberty” we seem to fall from the high standard and promise of LIBERTY. 

We often appear to have strayed far from the wonders of that true land of Liberty and have become slaves to anger, held in the bondage of personal opinion and intolerance and even engage in selfishness, bitter political wrangling and hatefulness towards one another.  

The Holy Bible contains the recipe for true freedom and liberty… it is called “brotherly love”.  The main ingredient in the recipe that loosens the shackles and frees us from bondage is Love, as in:  “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; * (I John 4:7)

 And the recipe instructions are:
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.”   (Galations 5)

The Grizzly Bears pictured here seem to have the right idea.  If Bears can love one another… CERTAINLY we can too!!! 


Let’s CLAIM our personal Sweet Land of LIBERTY and Love One Another!!!!    

Thursday, December 14, 2017

ANIMAL PHOTO OF THE DAY.... ETERNAL BEAUTY OF LOVE

Image may contain: dog, outdoor and nature

It may come as no surprise that I LOVE dogs... BIG DOGS, small dogs... every size, shape and breed. Dogs are always beautiful to me!!

The doggies shown here may not be "Show Quality" beauties but I would love them to pieces. I can see the beauty in their eyes and in their spirit!!

My favorite author, Mary Baker Eddy describes true beauty as Spiritual. We see it with the heart. In her "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures", she writes:

"Comeliness and grace are independent of matter. Being possesses its qualities before they are perceived humanly."

"Beauty is a thing of life, which dwells forever in the eternal Mind and reflects the charms of His goodness in expression, form, outline, and color."

"It is Love which paints the petal with myriad hues, glances in the warm sunbeam, arches the cloud with the bow of beauty, blazons the night with starry gems, and covers earth with loveliness." **SH 247

I see the eternal beauty in each of you wonderful dogs!!! Maybe mankind can eventually see that inate loveliness in all of earth's people too.

Monday, November 13, 2017

PHOTO OF THE DAY.... SIMPLY LOVE


Image may contain: plant, outdoor and nature


This morning on my morning “dog walk”, I saw these little yellow flowers peeking out.

While the material world seems to be churning around us, reports of violence, hatred and cruelty, political instability and corruption garnering the headlines,  how wonderful it is when something comes to view to  remind us of what is important.

In the midst of the weeds and underbrush, these  humble little ”yellow Love reminders” made me think of God’s loving tenderness, gentleness and kindness.  No "horn blowing", no boasting, bragging or loud attention getting, they just reflect loveliness and let the observer feel the love.  

This hymn came to thought, one of my favorite “reminders”!!

How gentle God’s commands,
How kind His precepts are;
Come, cast your burdens on the Lord,
And trust His constant care.

Beneath His watchful eye
His saints securely dwell;
That hand which bears creation up
Shall guard His children well.

His goodness stands approved,
Unchanged from day to day:
I drop my burden at His feet,
And bear a song away. **


And I did!!   I dropped my troubles and a song sprung up in my heart and thanked God for  the lovely gift!!

**Christian Science Hymnal #124

Sunday, November 5, 2017

ANIMAL PHOTO OF THE DAY... WASH THEM CLEAN




ANIMAL PHOTO OF THE DAY... 

When I saw this picture of two "freshly laundered" dogs, my heart melted.    Having experienced the joys, challenges and "surprises" we often encounter while bathing a doggie, I could only imagine what it was like bathing two at once.

For Sam, this was his first bath in some years. The lady who rescued him feared that giving him a bath would add to his stress after he was rescued from the heavy flooding in Thailand, and she wanted him to feel safe and secure before getting him wet again. He is understandably afraid of water after his distress in the floods.

His recent encounter with an American skunk led to a "change of plan" and he has just gotten his first bath.

As a guy who loves all dogs, and has participated in the dog rescue process with a local Humane Society, I just wanted to jump in the shower and hug these little ones. 

This sweet picture brought to mind the wonderful appeal to our common Shepherd, the heavenly Father, to support our own efforts to rescue, help and heal all of mankind, written as a poem and hymn, FEED MY SHEEP,  by Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science.


Shepherd, show me how to go,
O’er the hillside steep,
How to gather, how to sow,
—How to feed Thy sheep;
I will listen for Thy voice,
Lest my footsteps stray;
I will follow and rejoice
All the rugged way.

Thou wilt bind the stubborn will,
Wound the callous breast,
Make self-righteousness be still,
Break earth’s stupid rest.
Strangers on a barren shore,
Lab’ring long and lone,
We would enter by the door,
And Thou know’st Thine own;

So, when day grows dark and cold,
Tear or triumph harms,
Lead Thy lambkins to the fold,
Take them in Thine arms;
Feed the hungry, heal the heart,
Till the morning’s beam;
White as wool, ere they depart,
Shepherd, wash them clean.**

WASH THEM CLEAN, INDEED!! And thank you Father for giving us loving animals that set examples of what true love and loyalty and forgiveness are.


**Christian Science Hymnal #304

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

ANIMAL PHOTO OF THE DAY... BE NOT DECEIVED!!!



Today's animal photo reminded me of how easily we can be deceived by the material senses. This little dog seems convinced that there is a real treat hiding in that picture!!


Of course, the Bible is full of examples of how people throughout history have been fooled by the material senses. From Abraham to Moses and from Elijah to Jesus of Nazareth, the material senses have been proven to be "deceivers".

Seeing through the deception of the material senses, Moses led his people to safety through the Red Sea, Jesus of Nazareth made water into wine, gave back sight to the blind, and he and his disciples healed many other people who suffered the illusion of disease and death.


This hymn reassures us that even though the material senses still try to deceive and fool us, God is ever present and ready to deliver us from our worst fears.

In atmosphere of Love divine,
We live, and move, and breathe;
Though mortal eyes may see it not,
’Tis sense that would deceive.

The mortal sense we must destroy,
If we would bring to light
The wonders of eternal Mind,
Where sense is lost in sight.

For God, immortal Principle,
Is with us everywhere;
He holds us perfect in His love,
And we His image bear. **


Better give up believing the deceiving illusion, Doggie. Go for the Alpo!!!


** Christian Science Hymnal #145

Monday, October 2, 2017

Mr. Peanut and the Closet






It's funny how things suddenly come to mind, out of the blue, mostly in my case, glimpses of the past.   Many times we are suddenly reminded of childhood experiences, workplace situations or memories of wonderful family memories.   It seems we are somehow able to put mainly hurtful, painful experiences behind us  and recall fondly the good times.

Last week it was my Mr. Peanut memory that came to thought.. 

There were, in the 1940s, exciting daytime radio shows for younger people.  Captain Midnight,  Superman. Roy Rogers and others were broadcast in the afternoon hours after we returned home from school.  We were glued to the radio in the living room, awaiting each new episode and of course we were always tempted by the trinkets and gifts promised by the sponsors, all crafted to entice young listeners.  Young kids are great targets for advertisers!!!


 As I recall it was from one of these programs that I ordered this special gift, a genuine “glow in the dark” replica of Mr. Peanut, the advertising symbol of Planters Peanuts.   

Oh the way they described it…  Colorful, Authentic…  Unbreakable they said; it glows in the dark, they promised!!  Be the first in your neighborhood to have this wonderful Mr. Peanut, they suggested.  Impress your friends, they touted!


I waited eagerly for this trinket to arrive, watching hopefully for the mail carrier to come down the street; maybe TODAY would be the day it arrived.

And eventually the day came!!! 

And, true to my expectations,   Mr. Peanut gave me much joy.  I was consumed with wonder about how he could possibly glow in the dark.  Science hadn’t made that much progress back when I was small and “glow in the dark” was a strange concept!!   In order to see the little guy glow, I would go into the tiny closet under the stairway in our small house, close the door  and spend long periods standing in the dark just looking at the glowing figurine.  


I soon discovered that my mother was a little worried about a son that would go into the closet for long periods of time just to look at a plastic peanut.  I took quite a teasing from my family, even from  my dear Mother, about being Closet Peanut Man, and hiding in the dark. , I guess that concern was understandable!!

As I look back on that time I can see how childlike innocence made the whole world a fantastic and interesting place.   Maybe it was because I learned that in that dark closet I was able to shut out the outside  world, drop all distractions and let my mind listen, dream and permit my imagination to soar, see things I couldn't see outside. When I was not in the closet,  Mr. Peanut just looked like another piece of white plastic.


As an adult I can now see that being in the closet helped me close off the distractions of the “outside world”.  There was no light, nothing to pull my thought away.  I could totally concentrate on “my little glowing man” and marvel how it could glow in the dark.

  
Imagine my surprise years later when I was introduced to Christian Science as a way of living, and began to study the Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, and  found out that centuries ago Jesus of Nazareth even RECOMMENDED going into the closet!!!   (Take that all of you teasers who made fun of me for being a little weird!!!)


Apparently Jesus knew that the “outside world” can be a noisy, hectic place.  There are wars, rumors of wars, jealously, hatred, selfishness, cruelty.  On his daily walks he encountered those who were blind, deaf, suffering from illness, crippling disabilities, hunger and sin and disease. 

He, himself,  was not wealthy in worldly terms and traveled the area on foot.  BUT, he was rich in wisdom and understanding.   He knew the power of quiet communion with God, the Divine Mind,  that guided and uplifted him.  

He knew how to pray and that being closeted in a quiet environment helps us to listen more closely to God’s direction. 


He said:  “But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” Matthew 6:6


He knew that even if the storm may roar and the problems of the world seemed overwhelming, peace and joy can be achieved through quiet  communication with God in the “closet” of thought.


He also promised:   “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.  John 16:33


Now we may not always be able to actually be in a real closet like the one in my old house on  Jefferson Avenue when I was a child, but we can enter the quiet “mental closet” of our own thought.   We can be in THAT closet anywhere…  in the car in traffic, in the midst a crowd, at the office, at school,  really anyplace where we can shut out the noise of materiality and listen for a moment. 

 
In the Holy Bible, that treasure trove of “Life Instruction”, we find that even thousands of years ago God was leading our ancestors into quiet closets to pray.   In the Book of Psalms we find wonderful reassurance:  


1. He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

3. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. Psalms 91:1-3

I love to think of that “Secret Place’ referenced above  as the closet of my thought!!!   And the “refuge” in the next verses as the “closet of refuge.”

1.  God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2.  Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 
10. Be still, and know that I am God:  Psalms 46

To me, these verses are saying:  Be Still… Be in the Closet.   Listen in the Silence.  We may not have a Mr. Peanut in there with us but we will definitely feel a glow from God’s presence.  We need only enter, listen and make sure the door stays closed.

Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science counsels in her book Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures:  

  “Stand porter at the door of thought. Admitting only such conclusions as you wish realized in bodily results, you will control yourself harmoniously.”    SH 392:24

Because the closet is our thought, we can exercise our authority,  shut the door and block out unwanted entrance.  We can keep  erroneous thoughts out of  closet by standing “porter”, or guard , at the door. 


Today, as the news media goes about their business of broadcasting stories of threats of war, terrorism, murder, political strife, questionable ethics in government, poverty and  man’s seeming inhumanity to fellow man, it is good to keep our thoughts affixed on the Truth of God’s flawless kingdom. 
 
Is that irresponsible?  Should we be knee deep in the world’s problems and personally dive head first into the muck of human tragedy due to a false sense of responsibility?   Or are we more helpful by praying to see and hear God’s direction and feel His healing presence.  

I love to think of what Jesus did when he faced difficulties.  He went up to the mountain to a place apart… and prayed.  He certainly didn’t shy away from problems but he knew his best help was quiet prayer.


Here is a quick recap of the quotes above from our mentors from centuries back:

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; 
I have overcome the world.

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.




Thanks Mr. Peanut for showing me the importance of discovery in the closet. Your gentle glow has helped me find the rewards of quiet observation and prayer.      

Monday, September 4, 2017

ANIMAL PHOTO OF THE DAY..... TEMPTATION AND THE CAKE







Today's photo reminds me of how hard it is to resist temptation. Sometimes the allure of doing absolutely the wrong thing is almost irresistible.

Now the Bible has some nice reassurance for people who overcome that temptation, but it didn't mention cute little doggies. I am hoping this little boy can resist!!! He may not care about "the Crown of Life" anyway. 

The Bible promise, contained in the Book of Luke says:   

“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”

“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:”

“Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into temptations;   knowing that the proving of your faith worketh patience.  And let patience have its perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing.”     

That cake looks awfully good!   And the puppy is being a very good, very patient  boy.







Wednesday, August 2, 2017

ANIMAL PHOTO OF THE DAY... BEAUTY

   Image may contain: dog



Do we sometimes relate to comedian/actor George Gobel who said: "I feel like the whole world is a tuxedo and I am a pair of old brown shoes!!" ? 

This photo of the little black SILLY LOOKING dog sitting with two lovely dogs reminded me of the many times when I have felt so outclassed, awkward, maybe less than attractive and out of place compared to the "beautiful people" around me.

In her Bible companion book, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy remarks:

"Comeliness and grace are independent of matter. Being possesses its qualities before they are perceived humanly.

Beauty is a thing of life, which dwells forever in the eternal Mind and reflects the charms of His goodness in expression, form, outline, and color. It is Love which paints the petal with myriad hues, glances in the warm sunbeam, arches the cloud with the bow of beauty, blazons the night with starry gems, and covers earth with loveliness.

The embellishments of the person are poor substitutes for the charms of being, shining resplendent and eternal over age and decay.

The recipe for beauty is to have less illusion and more Soul, to retreat from the belief of pain or pleasure in the body into the unchanging calm and glorious freedom of spiritual harmony.

Love never loses sight of loveliness. Its halo rests upon its object.

"One marvels that a friend can ever seem less than beautiful. Men and women of riper years and larger lessons ought to ripen into health and immortality, instead of lapsing into darkness or gloom.

"Immortal Mind feeds the body with supernal freshness and fairness, supplying it with beautiful images of thought and destroying the woes of sense which each day brings to a nearer tomb." (Science and Heath page 248)

So little black doggie, fear not. Your beauty is deep within and you are loved!! And thanks for reminding me that all of God's perfect children are beautiful and can never be less than "lovely"!

No brown shoes here!!!


Saturday, July 1, 2017

ANIMAL PHOTO OF THE DAY - FEAR NO EVIL!!!




When I saw this lovely picture of a VERY BRAVE Cat in the foreground sitting calmly with these German Shepherds, the thought came to me that the cat must surely be familiar with David's 23rd Psalm from The Bible.


He may just know that King David, who wrote the psalm, grew up and worked as a shepherd, so he knew a lot about sheep and shepherding. David loved the metaphor of seeing God, or the Lord, as a shepherd. The shepherd's job is to care for his flock, making sure they are safe, protected, nourished, calm and happy at all times.

Surely a gentle shepherd wouldn't hurt a sheep, OR a loving kitty.  What may seem threatening to some... maybe even seem to be  "the valley of the shadow of death"...  is not threatening when you are with the Shepherd. The Psalm says:

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

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.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever."" Psalm 23


With all of those Shepherds around you,  I am sure you are safe Kitty!!!




Monday, June 19, 2017

ANIMAL PHOTO OF THE DAY.... FIGHTING FOXES



In our world today, we observe normally good people pushing and shoving for position and power at the expense of others.

For some, the daily battle to be "The Greatest" or The Best" often causes jealousy, rancor and strife. In her extensive writings, late 19th century theologian Mary Baker Eddy counseled:

"Competition in commerce, deceit in councils, dishonor in nations, dishonesty in trusts, begin with Who shall be greatest?

"The imaginary victories of rivalry and hypocrisy are defeats.
 We are brethren in the fullest sense of that word; therefore no queries should arise as to “who shall be greatest.”

"Let us serve instead of rule, knock instead of push at the door of human hearts, and allow to each and every one the same rights and privileges that we claim for ourselves. "


As the Master, Jesus of Nazareth said, "Love one another."

Friday, June 16, 2017

ANIMAL PHOTO OF THE DAY... A TRUSTING FIELD MOUSE


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When I saw this delightful picture of a little field mouse, sleeping peacefully beside what may be his breakfast, I thought how naturally little animals like this go about their daily business and Trust that all will be well, contrasted with the Worry, Worry, Fret and Hurry of our busy lives. 

While sometimes we humans are "worriers", feeling responsible for making the world go around, this little guy sets a good example of the peace that is there for us when we relax and accept God's beneficence.

The Bible contains the promise for those who are receptive, as in these verses from Proverbs:

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.

Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither 
of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.

For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken."  Proverbs 3

Let's be like this little Mouse today. We can relax and TRUST God to guide and protect us. Then we will not fear and our sleep will be SWEET!!!!!!

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

ANIMAL PHOTO OF THE DAY.... PEACEFUL PUSSYCAT

Shangrala's               This Is My               Spot


When I saw this I was reminded of the Bible's promise of peace and harmony.

In her wonderful work, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy elaborates on God's natural Love and Tenderness. She writes:

"Tenderness accompanies all the might imparted by Spirit. The individuality created by God is not carnivorous, as witness the millennial estate pictured by Isaiah: —

'The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb,
And the leopard shall lie down with the kid;
And the calf and the young lion, and the fatling together;
And a little child shall lead them.'
Isaiah 11"

As I, in my own life, strive to reflect that loving spirit, that acceptance of others who may be different, that lack of "judgement"... and as I work to resist the fear that would keep us at odds with each other, I ponder the verses above from Isaiah.

And, I found a role model!! This lovely cat...a little wary maybe, but cautiously accepting a historic "arch enemy", a bird of all things, into her personal space.

Thanks for the lesson in peace and harmony Dear Pussycat.

Saturday, June 10, 2017

ANIMAL PHOTO OF THE DAY... DOG TIRED

Image may contain: dog


This picture is so appealing to me. This wonderful doggie is completely relaxed, ready to fall asleep. The security of a "doggie toy" gives assurance that all is well.

We too can feel that assurance, as promised long ago in the Bible book of Proverbs. When we are listening for God's direction, shutting out the madness of the material world and being in tune with the one Mind, we can emulate this trusting boy.

The reassuring thoughts from the Bible .....

"When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.
 Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.
For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken." Proverbs 3:24-26


I wonder if this beautiful boy has his own copy of the Bible.

Thursday, June 8, 2017

DAY AT THE CAR WASH!!!!




It starts when your wife tells you that you seem to have become negative over the last week. Negative? Well, I don’t think so. Me?  Of all people???

But, actually it does seem that many things have gone awry lately, maybe I am a little down. Just because my back aches, and I broke a bottle of liquid on the garage floor while getting the groceries out of the car, and… yeah… there is the computer virus someone is trying to implant in my laptop, and… well about a thousand other things.

But, the GOOD news is that the new automated car wash in Palm Coast Florida has lots of suds!! I found out as I tried out the new place which is pretty much completely automated after the initial mirror check and bug removal at Stage 1.  
It is terrific…  You pay for the automated car wash with a credit card device, pull up to the front of the line where two young guys are standing. As you reach the red line, these “almost eager”  workers jump into action. They start washing the bugs off of the front of the car, make sure your side mirrors are retracted, give a special wash to the windshield. Then they direct you to put car in neutral… foot off of the brake…and … the car rolls forward into the wash bay.


Being the gracious and entertaining fellow that I am, I have the driver’s side window down while the attendants do their job regaling them with some old jokes and friendly comments. Then they finish their work and we move on. AND, at that moment… that particular moment… the driver’s side electric window, for the first time EVER, refuses to go up.

As I frantically wrestle with the offending button, we roll quickly into the car wash, tons of suds washing over and into the car. As the panicking occupant (that would be me!!) wrestles with modern technology, an electric window which having only a two way button is not overly complex, about 1,000 gallons of water and soap suds are poured into the car by a completely unsympathetic automated process which I am guessing gets a perverse kick out of dousing the cheap customer who opted for the low cost wash instead of the $50 FULL SERVICE with hot wax and whitewall tire cleaner. 

As the water and suds flowed in covering the dashboard, the seat, most of the interior AND… the driver, I am almost positive I heard a faint electronic “chuckle coming from the mechanism !!!

Now, having been recently admonished by a certain wife who is ALWAYS correct, and remembering well her exact words about my being negative, I started to laugh!! I laughed with suds on my face and in my mouth, suds on my shirt and pants, suds on my head, suds in my lap and all over the inside of the car, water streaming in as if I was under Niagara falls.

Image result for SPILLED ICE CREAMI FINALLY got a little cooperation and the window suddenly went up just as it dawned on me that the window problem might relate back to an incident some months ago when a foolishly placed cup of soft ice cream slid off of the dash board onto the window button unit as I, oblivious to the danger, accelerated and the ice cream went flying. 

I learn a hard lesson, apparently! But to show that I am NOT negative, TODAY I laughed uncontrollably all the way through the car wash.

As the car rolled out of the bay I smugly thought, “That’ll show her!! Who is negative? Certainly not me!!! “ And then as if to offer one last humiliation, a big blob of soapsuds fell off my head into my lap.

As I pulled off the car wash lot I thought, to paraphrase Rudyard Kipling: “If you can laugh while all those around you are not laughing, you probably don’t understand the situation.” :::sigh:::

It isn’t easy being me.


Thursday, June 1, 2017

MISS PIGGY and PONDERING REALITY

Shangrala's               This Is My               Spot





In a world that seems to have forgotten or neglected the spiritual realities of existence, this lovely hog, I call her Miss Piggy,  seems to be looking though the restraining fence of materiality longing for a more meaningful life.    

Sometimes I feel like this, overweight with self-imposed restrictions and limits, peering through a myriad of physical restraints.   Like many others, I question whether my simple life measures up to the standard set by ancient worthies, and ponder whether we are merely material flesh and blood creatures or entirely spiritual, as taught by Jesus of Nazareth.

In my pondering, I have found, as described by Mary Baker Eddy in the late 1800's, that life is actually spiritual, and best understood through a metaphysical view, a view that explores the fundamental nature of reality.   She wrote:
    

"Metaphysical healing seeks a wisdom that is higher than a rhubarb tincture or an ipecacuanha pill. This method is devout enough to trust Christ more than it does drugs."

"Meekly we kneel at our Master’s feet, for even a crumb that falleth from his table. We are hungry for Love, for the white-winged charity that heals and saves; we are tired of theoretic husks, — as tired as was the prodigal son of the carobs which he shared with the swine, to whom he fed that wholesome but unattractive food."
(Miscellaneous Writings p 359... Mary Baker Eddy)

I love you Miss Piggy. May I join you in contemplating how best to rise above the simple corn husks of self-centered daily living and pursue a Life of Love and service?

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

ANIMAL PHOTO OF THE DAY... GOOD PUSSYCAT

    Image may contain: dog



I really laughed when I saw this picture of a TRUSTING cat letting her doggie friend "attack" her!!! Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could all remain calm and trusting in the face of seeming danger.

Many of us may have pondered and benefited from the following counsel from the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. I certainly have!!

"When the illusion of sickness or sin tempts you, cling steadfastly to God and His idea. Allow nothing but His likeness to abide in your thought. "

"Let neither fear nor doubt overshadow your clear sense and calm trust, that the recognition of life harmonious — as Life eternally is — can destroy any painful sense of, or belief in, that which Life is not. " S&H 495

It is almost like the cat somehow understands Mrs Eddy's guidance and the Bible correlative passage from Proverbs:

" Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3


Good Cat!! Good Cat!!!!