The truth you know constitutes the ability to face and diminish difficult situations, not with mere exaltation, but with the very presence of Mind, Wisdom, Love, God, Principle.

Man can never learn his possibilities, except through difficulties and conflicts.

Be like the bird perched upon some frail thing. Although he feels the branch bending beneath him, yet loudly sings, knowing full well that he has wings.

Many times the heart is strengthened in its efforts towards greater trust, by the memory of former victories. What the law of God did yesterday, it can do today, and it only remains for the disciple to be steadfast and single-eyed in his consecration to the power of Spirit, to see its deliverance again and again.

Everything is possible right now to man. The future holds no blessings that are not here now. The Christian Scientist who is awake lives in the present moment, thoroughly enjoying it, for that is the only way to be equal to it.

If one has the slightest understanding of Truth, that understanding of Truth is more powerful than all the fear of the human race.

Truth’s unfailing remedy is in the assurance that there is no fault, no flaw, in God and His likeness, Man.

Man’s status of perfection has not departed. It has not even faded. If unseen or forgotten in this wilderness of mortal ignorance, it is nevertheless at hand. It is not a condition so much to be struggled for as it is to be called to remembrance. Life with all its glories is here to be recognized. It is yours this day, yours to be enjoyed.

God does not withhold any good thing from His children. When man does his part, he receives the blessing. If God requires much, it is because He has infinitely more to give in return.

It is only by looking steadfastly toward the goal of Spirit that we shall advance toward it in a direct line, walking more buoyantly as we drop our burdens by the way.

There is in reality an inexhaustible supply of good; and each idea of God reflects and possesses this good which cannot be taken from, or kept from him.

Prayer begets and arouses courage and confidence, and opens the way to success in every right and worthy human endeavor.

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The “Holy Day” Season

Christian Science Sentinel, 1900

While we strive to give thanks daily and hourly, yet we esteem the privilege of making this day a special season of thanksgiving and praise to Him in whom "we live, and move, and have our being."

Without doubt one of the greatest needs of the hour is a more just recognition and acknowledgment of what God has done for our native land. We must not lose sight of the fact that all the freedom we enjoy — religious, political, and civil — is the result of our country's faith in God, and the triumph of right over wrong. "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord."

Do we, as individuals and as a nation, desire greater freedom and a more liberal outpouring of blessings from on high? Then let us humbly and sincerely thank God for His goodness and devoutly pray that we may be worthy of "the continuance of His divine favor," ever mindful of the fact that as a nation, as well as individuals, we shall reap as we sow.

Christian Science Journal, 1894

Soon the Christian world will be in the midst of Christmas observances. Most of this observance will be of a wholly festive character; but along with it all, there will be special Christmas services held in the churches, and some will worship God in the light of the birth and mission of Jesus Christ. There will be certain devout ones who will think deeply and seriously upon the event which they are celebrating, but how many?

How many will stop to earnestly and soberly inquire: What significance has Jesus' birth for me? How fully have I profited by his teachings and his practices? How fully have I sought to obey his commandments — to do unto others as I would have others do unto me? to love the Lord my God with all my heart, mind and soul? to love my neighbor as myself?

This inquiry includes Christian Scientists as well as all other Christians. It means as much for these as for any others. What account shall we be able to render of our stewardship? The question for each one to consider is not nearly as much, what have other Christians been doing, or what are my neighbors in Christian Science doing, as, what have I been doing in the direction of living the lesson taught by Jesus’ life?

My business and duty is to work out my own salvation with fear and trembling, knowing that if I do my part, I will find God ever working with me. Mighty fact! Stupendous thought! God working with me! Who would not work in such company? Who would not forsake all other companions that he might companion with God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth?

Only in the measure in which we leave behind us all false material conceptions and reach out after the Life which is Love, the Truth which is Good, are we leaving all and following Christ, each day, each hour. This is the meaning of Christmas to each one of us. We should celebrate it by forsaking all the sins and errors which are holding us in false conditions and preventing our realization of the all-ness of Almighty Good.

Let our sincere striving be to make the year which is about to dawn, a continuous Christmas, a perpetual day of Christ-living, and thus be the better prepared to do his work, making ourselves receptive to His "working with us."

“As he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written be ye holy; for I am holy.” (I Peter)

Each year the “holiday” season seems to begin earlier and earlier with all the materialism that goes with it. For that reason, I always like to think of this time as “holy days” – a time to become even closer to our Father-Mother God and to feel His presence. “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” (Matthew)

It is well to remember not to do anything that is not inspired by God’s loving direction. He will enfold you and yours in His arms of comfort and direct all your paths. One of the definitions of “holy” from the Webster’s 1828 Dictionary is “We call a man holy, when his heart is conformed in some degree to the image of God, and his life is regulated by divine precepts.” Be that man! You will find all your days to be holy ones.

Sacred history tells us that in the province of Galilee, among the common people there was a little group of metaphysical thinkers. Right in the midst of this dense materialistic thinking of the upper class was this little group, this remnant of Israel who practiced pure and undefiled religion. They taught and practiced the most beautiful moral precepts. In fact, they were full of light in that black night of materialism. This little group knew from actual experience that spiritual law, set in motion by purified and spiritualized thought, was far more effective than the forcing of political issue through material aggression or human will.

Mary belonged to this group. Mary was deeply religious, a woman of strong character and super-intelligence. She was far from the “clinging vine” type to which so many have ignorantly assigned her. It is interesting and wonderful to learn how Mary, within herself, prepared for the coming of the Saviour. She was familiar with the Scriptures and knew that an immaculate conception would not just happen. She knew that an immaculate conception could take place only if the purity of the virgin’s thought was sufficiently demonstrated.

Mary was familiar with the miracles of the ancient patriarchs and prophets. She no doubt prayed and sang the songs of David. To her, the Psalms were the same source of comfort and consolation as they have been to both Christian and Jew alike, down through the ages. Mary knew that all things, circumstances, conditions, and events do not just happen. She clearly understood that any thought held in the mentality tends to express or externalize itself in outward or visible form. Therefore, Mary firmly believed that the longing and the undaunted faith in the certain coming of Israel’s deliverer, would sometime become externalized. Mary knew that if she, a virgin, were to become the mother of the Saviour, this demonstration could only be made through her spiritual understanding of the Fatherhood of God. Her demonstration made, then, indeed, God would be the Father of her child, and her child would truly be the Son of God.

The annunciation, as recorded by Luke, was Mary’s announcement to herself, and to those who looked for Israel’s deliverer that she was to be the mother of the Saviour, who would save, not only Israel of that day, but all generations to come. This annunciation represents Mary’s own reasoning; her communion with the angel, was her communion with her own inner self. In a larger sense, her annunciation was her communion with God, her own mind. This indeed, was the power and operation of the divine idea in human consciousness.

In this annunciation, Mary said, “My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.” (Luke 1:46-50) This annunciation by the Virgin Mary, is the greatest poem in Hebrew literature. I will say, it is the greatest poem that has ever been written.

When the angel, that mighty impression of good, appeared to Mary and said unto her, “The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God,” Mary answered this angel, saying, “Be it unto me according to thy word.” (Luke 1:35, 38)

False theology has made the world believe that this statement made by Mary to the angel, was made in a spirit of mere pious resignation on her part, and that Mary had little or at least very little to do with giving a Saviour to the world. But since “The Key to the Scriptures” has unlocked, for us the “Science of Mind,” Mary’s statement, “Be it unto me according to thy word,” reveals Mary’s thought as being on a lofty plane of spiritual power and realization. This statement was a confident assertion that nothing, not even the bringing forth of Israel’s deliverer, was impossible with God. Her words were the acknowledgment of spiritual law.

It would have been at such a time

the tender Christ-child came to earth, when lovely stillness robed the world,

expectant of a holy birth.

Laughing spring would not have done, nor busy summer, nor fall afar.

it needed soft tranquility,

earth’s silence, and a shining star.

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Current Articles

The Bible stories, understood in their spiritual import, are life-changing. Many of the stories are about battles. Before Christian Science, I never related these battles to the battles that we each have with our own false beliefs.

Our wrong thoughts, fears, anxiety, sense of lack, impatience, envy, jealousy, greed, sensuality, hatred, etc. are often mighty battles that can needlessly go on, even for years.

It is heartening, though, that these mental battles can be overcome in the same manner as they were overcome in these Bible stories. The one and only answer is to first turn to God. That is where all the successful battles started — with His unerring direction.

What preceded the “turning,” though, was a life lived with God. Moses, David, and the other examples all walked with God. They humbly obeyed Him, trusted Him, they were familiar with His voice, they revered Him, honored Him, and loved Him. Living this way, when trouble arose, they immediately knew where to go for help, and were never found wanting.

I see clearly that this is the benefit of understanding the Bible stories. Mrs. Eddy has brought them alive through Science for us to learn from so that we may maintain our poise! If we are living Science, it means we are walking with God daily, moment by moment, and He is directing our path. There is no better way to keep our poise, with firm assurance that our security is in God.

As the Psalmist said in Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble”!

I’d like to share a few thoughts on the importance of rejoic-

ing in another’s good.

In working with a Plainfield practitioner on a regular basis (which I cannot recommend highly enough, and for which I can’t be thankful enough), I was reminded of a saying that got me through my childhood. I don’t recall where I found it, but for some reason, it stuck with me. It goes, “To find joy in another person’s joy, that is the secret of happiness.” I think as a young girl I was happy to find the secret of happiness!

As an adult, I left this thought for a while, and would at times feel terrible pangs of jealousy of other people’s things and circumstances. As a result, at times I felt a profound sense of lack. It took me a while to get back to God and to learn that God has only good in store for us! But we must be obedient to Him (this I learned at Plainfield, and what a precious lesson that’s been) and, that there is no shortage of good. In fact, rejoicing in another’s good, and knowing that in reality, everything belongs to God, and nothing really belongs to us, is very freeing. This has allowed me to let go of a crushing desire to possess more and more things, and to instead rejoice, not only in the abundance available to all, but also in the wonderful things happening to those around me, without leaving me with any sense of missing out.

One of the beautiful things of Wednesday night testimony meetings is the occasion to find joy in the joy that is shared by others, for, as we have been taught, “what blesses one, blesses all.” I love coming to these testimony meetings where so many share what’s in their heart. What a gift this is to the world!

I thank God, Christ Jesus, Mary Baker Eddy, this precious church, and all its members and practitioners, who dutifully work to keep spreading the message of pure Christian Science, and with a profound sense of joy. Thank you.

Many years ago, several of the men from Plainfield Church were preparing to plant a tree on the church grounds. It was a hot summer day, and they were grumbling about the heat and what a hard job this was going to be. It was a rather large tree, and the hole had to be big and deep, and the ground was quite hard.

Mr. Evans, a very fine Plainfield practitioner with a wonderful sense of humor, said, “The hole is already there — you just have to get the dirt out!” There was a great roar of laughter, and the men said, “Of course, it’s already there; let’s get the dirt out of it!” And they all had a happy time, teasing each other and shoveling the dirt out of the hole. In a short time, the tree was planted and thriving, and they all went home happy.

I’ve thought of this many times over the years, when I have a task to do that seems big or difficult. It’s wonderful to know that the job is already done, because God did it; I just have to get the trash out of the way so I can see the finished product! Knowing that it’s not my own personal responsibility, that the work is God’s and He’s already done it well, breaks the mesmerism and allows His work to shine through.

One of the many things Plainfield Church teaches is that no matter what situation we might seem to be facing, there is always a reason to be grateful.

Late one Saturday night, a storm passed through our area, resulting in a power outage. Nine hours later, when it was almost time to call in to attend Roundtable, we were still without power and no telephone, not even cell phone service.

Feeling very cut off from communication and disappointed to miss the Roundtable and church service, I quickly realized that this was an attempt of error to try to separate me from God. I thought about our watch from the night before, which said, “No error can operate to separate anyone from the blessing tomorrow morning brings.” This meant that God is the only power and that my oneness with Him can never be lost. I could still pray, be thankful and honor God.

I picked up my Bible, and it had opened to the story of Jehoshaphat and Macaya, which was the story from that week’s Lesson. I immediately thanked God for this clear affirmation of one Mind, as I was certain this story was being touched upon at the Roundtable.

My second affirmation came when twenty minutes later our power was restored! I was able to join the Roundtable in time to hear the following: Though the fig tree does not bud, and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails, and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stall, yet I will rejoice in the Lord and be joyful in God.

How wonderful it is to know that no matter what may seem to stand in our way, we can rejoice in the Lord, knowing that nothing can ever separate us from God and His blessings.

A recent Saturday morning at about 7:00 a.m., a huge crew of workmen came to replace my neighbor’s house roof, with all the noise of the construction work and people shouting. Since I was to moderate the Bible Study at 10:00 a.m., I felt that there would be way too much noise for me to do it from my regular place of study, so I planned to get in my car and go elsewhere.

Then fear of remembering all my notes, books, etc., that I would potentially need for the Study, began to cloud my thinking. But I quickly countered that suggestion by knowing that the Bible Studies are guided and governed by God, including this one, and if there was anything needed, He would provide it seamlessly, because that’s how these Bible Studies work, through the operation of the One Mind. I collected all the notes and books that I felt I would need to take with me when I left for a quiet place.

Ataboutquarter to 10:00, theconstructionnoisestopped, vehicles revved up, and silence commenced. My thought was, should I still evacuate in case this was a temporary lull in the work? No! Psalm 91:12 says of God’s angels; “They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.” The angels had removed that small stone, so I shall trust in the Lord. And the workmen did not return!

I am grateful for this beautiful demonstration of God’s care for us in every way as laid out in the 91st Psalm. I’m also very grateful for how enlightening the contributions were from everybody during the Bible Study; I learned so much and am finally memorizing this Psalm so I shall never be without it!

In Romans it says, “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.” Christian Science shows us that there is a law of God, the law of good, that heals and blesses all of His children.

In Science and Health, there is another statement that goes along with this which says, “Truth, Life, and Love are a law of annihilation to everything unlike themselves, because they declare nothing except God.” Jesus knew that the law of divine Truth, Life, and Love were laws of God that did away with everything that was unlike God. That is how he

healed, and that is how Christian Science heals.

I have been healed of many things in Christian Science, often with the help of a practitioner from this church. With every healing, there has come a better understanding of God, a greater sense of the presence and power of God, and a greater confidence in our authority over sin, sickness, and death. This is what Jesus taught and what he demonstrated.

It is a wonderfully liberating way to live, knowing that no matter what the problem, there is a law of God that has the answer we can count on, if we live it, apply it, and obey it.

The following Bible quote was mentioned during a recent roundtable discussion. It reads: “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” (Hab. 3:17, 18)

This is a wonderful treatment against worry. The quote means to me that there is nothing that I am to worry about, and more importantly, that I am to thank God continuously, for everything He's doing, no matter what seems to be going on, or not going on, at any given time.

Though I was thrown off track at the beginning of the week, and I began to worry, feel down, and physically ill, remembering this passage woke me up and forced me to regain my joy and peace, which I've since been working to maintain.

I've learned through Christian Science that Divine Love will always meet every need, and this comes with the understanding that each need is met in the perfect way and at the perfect time.

I'm grateful for the strength that I've gained which allows me to better defend myself against aggressive mental suggestion in order to receive every needed healing and I'm so grateful to God for every opportunity to demonstrate what I'm learning in Christian Science through the teachings in this church.

I am so grateful for something I have been learning, and that is to live more and more in the present.

There is a lot of temptation to be thinking about the past, either longing for it or thinking how terrible it was and ruminating over it — whether it happened a year ago or many years ago. The other temptation is to be worried about the future; what is going to happen, even tomorrow. As metaphysicians, we need to be living in the present. The Bible says, “now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”

In the Sermon on the Mount, Christ Jesus said, “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” By that it is meant that we have enough things to deal with today, to think about, to pray about, and ask God about.

To live in the present moment is really such a wonderful thing because you are present with the Lord, you are feeling His presence and power, and you are leaving tomorrow to Him — and you know that He also requires the past. This is to be left with Him as well.

One of my favorite hymns says, “Why search the future and the past? Why do ye look with tearful eyes and seek far off for paradise? Before your feet, Life’s pearl is cast.”(Hymn 391)

In the Bible it says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” (Gal. 5)

In the first few weeks of my arriving in Plainfield, these “fruit[s] of the Spirit” were in a Bible Lesson. As I was brand new to Christian Science, this seemed good to think about to make sure my motives and actions were right. Initially it was with only the most basic understanding of each “fruit,” yet reading a more recent Lesson, I realized that because of all I am learning here, each one has a deeper meaning to me now.

Love: To fully love, which means to express divine Love, including the moral courage to cast out error.

Joy: To have the utmost joy in listening to God, and taking

action as He directs.

Peace: To seek God’s presence, free of counterfeit, hypocrisy, and expectation (other than for good!).

Longsuffering: To walk with God through every bit of resistance, always expecting only good and never doubting Him.

Gentleness: To never be holding so hard to whatever I am thinking or doing that I don’t hear God’s call to do something else, or to help someone in need.

Goodness: To know that all good is of God, and not in trying to make people (or myself) happy.

Faith: Knowing “the battle is not yours, but God’s.” (II Chron. 20:15) The victory is His as well!

Meekness: Florence Robert’s article “Meekness and Restoration” really set me straight on meekness. I am grateful to fit into whatever role God would have me fill.

Temperance: “Patience; calmness; sedateness; moderation of passion.” (Webster’s 1828 Dictionary) This means to not get worked up by what human mind and material senses are saying, but to “Stand porter at the door of thought” (S&H, p. 392) and “lean not unto [my] own understanding” (Prov. 3:5), but rely on God for all.

I am so grateful for how each new Lesson here serves to refine and purify the silver of my understanding. Thank you!

And the final, scientific fact, “against such there is no law.” These qualities of thought have all the power of God to heal and bless. They will always prevail, because they are the truth about who and what God created, and He created all! So when you get the thought that you can’t love someone, or you’ve lost your joy, or that you have to tolerate some inharmony in your life, these thoughts are the false mortal beliefs, illusions, that dog us, but have no power other than what we give them. There are no laws of matter! No laws that can undo the “fruit of the Spirit.”

Janet from Georgia

I was searching the web one day for articles on Christian Science, and came across the Plainfield Christian Science Church, Independent, website. I began to read the articles on the website and to listen to the Roundtable discussions. I could not believe what I was hearing, and all the wonderful articles and activities that this church had to offer. I enjoyed it all.

I called a Plainfield practitioner about a problem I was having; and to my surprise, I was given a strong rebuke. At first, I was shocked at this and didn't understand it. But the rebuke revealed to me that there was a great deal of confusion in my thought. I continued to receive help from this practitioner, and soon I was finally able to think and see things clearly.

I became determined to find out all I could about Plainfield. I had never found anything like what is taught here, and I knew that giving up on Plainfield was not an option. I could not turn away from the Christian Science I am learning here, which I instinctively knew was Mrs. Eddy's pure Science. This is the Science Christ Jesus taught. Through the Bible Studies, the Roundtable classes, and our unity watches and independent watches, I am learning how to live Christian Science.

It is a great joy to be a part of this beautiful church. I am so glad God led me here, and extremely grateful that God is keeping me here!

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Letters of Gratitude

Since tuning in to your weekly powerful Bible Lessons last spring, my faith has grown much stronger through prayer and study. I was able to apply the teachings during Hurricane Irma and maintain peace by staying in the “now,” thanking God each moment and not being fearful of what my senses were telling me. By focusing on the eternal now, my consciousness was above the storm, and I knew God was in control of everything. God’s Love was right there, and all was in total harmony.

The next morning, when I looked out, there were tears of gratitude. The old trees knew how far to bend, and only a few branches were down. The pink plastic flamingoes in the garden were still standing, and the feral cat I feed daily showed up at the back door for breakfast.

I took to heart what Mrs. Eddy wrote in “Now and Then” in Prose Works: “‘Behold, now is the accepted time.’ A lost opportunity is the greatest of losses. Whittier mourned it as what ‘might have been.’ We own no past, no future, we possess only now. If the reliable now is carelessly lost in speaking or in acting, it comes not back again. Whatever needs to be done which cannot be done now, God prepares the way for doing; while that which can be done now, but is not, increases our indebtedness to God. Faith in divine Love supplies the ever-present help and now, and gives the power to ‘act in the living present.’”

God bless you and the mighty work you do for the world!

Thank you so much for the wonderful instructional testimony from October 25, 2017, Obey and Rejoice! You have opened my eyes to the fact that when we reach out to God for help, He does answer our prayers and we need to listen and obey Him. I do trust God loves us and is guiding us always.

As you suggested, sometimes I have been trying to humanly look for a different answer, one that seems to fit into a human way of thinking. I can see now this is not the right way. But to realize when I ask God for help, He gives the perfect answer. I absolutely need to listen without any doubt, and obey!

I am so grateful to the Plainfield Christian Science Church, Independent, and all that I am learning here.

My husband and I had the opportunity to attend a Sunday service in Plainfield. What a treat! Science and Health says, “Immortal and divine Mind presents the idea of God; first, in light; second, in reflection; third, in spiritual and immortal forms of beauty and goodness.” As soon as we arrived and saw the church, it stood out as a shining light; when greeted by the members, the reflection of Love was palpable, and the whole experience was so good and beautiful. The presence of God abides in this place; what a joy to be able to be there!

I am very grateful for the Roundtable discussion on debt. As was mentioned, I have found remembering that the money I have, or anything I have, for that matter, belongs to God and not to me. It is a great relief to see it this way. I will ask God before I spend money if He wants His money spent this way. This will help me get closer to God, I believe, if I start to acknowledge Him in ALL my ways.

I am most grateful for the reading of the first part of Unity of Good, which has always been my favorite. It contains the whole of Truth. Also, I have enjoyed the group singing “solos” during the Sunday Service. I keep sharing our material on Facebook and with people close to me.

It is always a blessing to be able to attend the Plainfield Christian Science Church across the miles, and to be able to participate in so many ways through the website’s wonderful offerings. These include an extensive library of articles and books, and there is so much to discover.

Please find enclosed a contribution to help pay for this much needed outreach.

My heart is filled with gratitude to be associated with this Independent Christian Science Church, which is promoting Mary Baker Eddy’s pure, healing Christian Science. It is a joy to be part of a Cause to uplift and heal.

Thank you for the strong Lesson on Sunday, October 8, 2017, “Are, Sin, Disease, and Death Real?” I love the way it compiles the truths, point by point, that we should all adhere to.

Thank you for the church website, publications, services, watches, Roundtables, and Bible Studies. It has been such a blessing to be able to attend and participate via the internet and teleconference calls. The Plainfield Christian Science Church, Independent, has always been a beacon of light and love going out to the world. I am very grateful to be a member of this church.

Please find enclosed my monthly contribution.

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Testimonies of Healing

From T. D. in Iowa

About a year ago I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. I asked a Plainfield practitioner to help me, and she said she would pray for me. She also gave me some pages to read in Science and Health, and told me that God regulates everything in my system. After just a short time, I was completely healed.

Not too long ago a doctor wanted to test my blood sugar, because he wanted to see if the diabetes was really gone. After a week I went back and he said that I am definitely free of it, and it won’t be necessary to test my blood sugar any more.

I am very grateful for practitioner support at this church, to God, Christ Jesus, Mrs. Eddy and this great Science.

From J. P. in New Jersey

Four years ago, I was in a very low place. I had lost my job, been kicked out of my home, and I was left feeling like I would be better off dead and that the world would be better for it. At the last possible moment, I turned to God, and He gave very clear, loud answers that let me know there was still a purpose for me, and then led me to my place here in Plainfield.

Not one day of the past 4 years has gone by without thinking of what God pulled me from and how wonderful it is to be here. He turned me so quickly from darkness to light, while it was very obvious that humanly it was impossible. All this time here, learning about Christian Science has shown me that this transformation is not for me alone, but is available to all who are out there now, feeling like they are alone and useless.

Every portion of this church's outreach, its members, and practitioner support have gone into making me more loving, more useful, and more alive than I ever have been. I am very grateful for all that I have gained here, and for all the ways that this church helps us to give back. It is such a blessing to be a part of this mission for God and mankind. Thank you!

From D. D. in Georgia

One Wednesday morning I woke up with a headache that lasted throughout the day. I studied the weekly Lesson and prayed, and I realized that this was opposition to the church service that night! I went off to work, determined to keep supporting the service, and took time during the day to prepare my thought, asking God for the right testimony to give.

During the afternoon, a coworker mentioned that he was suffering from allergies. The thought that came to me afterward was that there is no power apart from God! This is what I needed to finally break the mesmerism. I thought about the service and the fact that I decided this morning not to be distracted from its importance, no matter what; and the headache quickly left.

I'm so grateful for the daily duties which remind us to defend ourselves daily against aggressive mental suggestion, or the thought of the existence of anything unlike good. I'm finding that the most effective way to do so is to affirm the truth that God, good, is the only power there is, and there's no two ways about it!

I'm thankful for the consistent instruction in this church, which gives us the necessary tools to do God's work, in order to protect ourselves and bless the world each day.

From F. M. in Maryland

Recently I lifted a large load that was very heavy. When I carried it where I needed to put it, I realized I had caused myself pain on my left side, and I became quite anxious about it as possibly a long-term problem.

My first thought was to call my practitioner, and she told me to work with passages from the chapter, “Christian Science Practice” in Science and Health, and she would support me. So I worked with the statement: “Be firm in your understanding that the divine Mind governs, and that in Science man reflects God’s government. Have no fear that matter can ache, swell, and be inflamed as the result of a law of any kind, when it is self-evident that matter can have no pain nor inflammation.”

I was amazed at how quickly the problem lifted. The pain was gone within an hour. I am very grateful for Christian Science, and the freedom that it gives us, and for the help of the practitioner.

From C. G. in Wisconsin

The other morning while trying to move a coffee maker that was still brewing, a lot of steam came out from the back and my hand got badly burned.

At a Sunday Roundtable, there was a discussion on mesmerism and the story was told of the gentleman who had been hypnotized by a friend while out together at a restaurant, and he was not aware of it. He thought he was being served watermelon, when it was really pork chops. I realized I was being mesmerized and was not going to be tricked by the watermelon! Mary Baker Eddy states in Science and Health, “Accidents are unknown to God, or immortal Mind, and we must leave the mortal basis of belief and unite with the one Mind, in order to change the notion of chance to the

proper sense of God’s unerring direction and thus bring out harmony.”

When I was getting ready for work, I was unable to put on my rings but most of the discomfort had left. That night there was no sign of redness or blistering and the rings I had left at home went on easily.

Christian Science is a very special way of life. Thank you to Mary Baker Eddy, Plainfield Church and practitioner for teaching us how to live it every day and make it practical.

From D. W. in Virginia

I am very grateful for the very effective and loving help of a practitioner in this church. Recently, out of the blue, I developed a very severe and painful back problem. The practitioner was very calm and clear and turned me to God, telling me to relax in Him. She also gave me a couple of paragraphs from Science and Health to study and work with. The marginal heading of the first paragraph is “Blessings from pain.” The second paragraph states:

“The pains of sense are salutary, if they wrench away false pleasurable beliefs and transplant the affections from sense to Soul, where the creations of God are good, ‘rejoicing the heart.’ Such is the sword of Science, with which Truth decapitates error, materiality giving place to man’s higher individuality and destiny.”

This made me think how false and unreal this whole condition was; it wasn’t made by God and could not be any part of His creation, which is only good. This Truth obliterated the problem, giving me the opportunity to claim my “higher individuality and destiny” — which is the most important part of this healing message.

I am very grateful for the clear and insightful healing work of this practitioner, and for always leading me in the

right direction, to God. I am very grateful to be a member of this church, for all its blessings, and for all the work that goes out to bless the world.

From L. F. in Maryland

I would like to express my gratitude for a beautiful healing I had since joining the Plainfield Church and working with a Christian Science practitioner from this church.

Before I found Plainfield, I was taking high doses of iron because I was always tired and I experienced frequent fainting spells and periodic hemorrhaging. Because I didn't know any better, I didn't know the truth that sets free.

I thank God that today I no longer take iron, I have plenty of energy, and both the fainting spells and the hemorrhaging have been completely healed. All because my mind is being renewed and I am learning that God is the only cause and He causes only good! I am truly grateful for this healing and for so many other healings I have experienced since joining this church a little over a year ago.

I thank God for this church, for the practitioner who supports me, for Christian Science, and for Plainfield’s dedication to God, for the rebukes when I'm not reflecting God, and for your enduring love.

From E. S. in Georgia

A few weeks ago, a woman who was scheduled to stay at our property in Florida with her family called me in tears. The woman told me they would have to cancel their week vacation because her 3-year-old granddaughter had been diagnosed with leukemia and it was found near her heart, which made it dangerous to treat successfully.

She talked for a while, and at the end of the conversation I told her God created this little girl perfect in His im-

age, and she was safe there. She had mentioned trusting in God, and I told her I would keep her in my prayers, and she thanked me.

Every time I thought of that little girl, I affirmed that she was an innocent, pure, perfect child of God. Her true identity is spiritual and this illness cannot attach itself to her because it has no source, no cause, no basis since God is the only source of her being. God knows her, Love guides and guards her. And from Science and Health, “A spiritual idea has not a single element of error, and this truth removes properly whatever is offensive.”

A few days ago I emailed the grandmother and asked how things were going with her granddaughter. She texted me right away with lots of sweet photos of her and said:

“She is doing amazing. God has been with her at every turn. She has had no sickness at all. Her appetite has been endless and she has gained 3 pounds. Her white cell count has dropped from 92,000 to 6400. They will retest her bone marrow in 27 days. She tells us all the time that Jesus says she is healed and is all better. She has been able to run for the first time in 3 months and got to ride a bicycle outside for her therapy. …God is a good and faithful father and as much as we love and adore her, He loves her even more. Thanks for the prayers; it is moving mountains,” and then she quoted from Mark 11: 22-24:

“And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.

“For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

“Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.”

Based on Isaiah 6

I, the Lord of sea and sky,

I have heard my people cry.

All who dwell in dark and sin

     My hand will save.

I who made the stars of night,

I will make their darkness bright.

Who will bear my light to them?

     Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?

I have heard you calling in the night.

I will go, Lord, if you lead me.

     I will hold your people in my heart.

I, the Lord of snow and rain,

I have borne my people’s pain.

I have wept for love of them.

     They turn away.

I will break their hearts of stone,

Give them hearts for love alone.

I will speak my word to them.

     Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?

I have heard you calling in the night.

I will go, Lord, if you lead me.

     I will hold your people in my heart.

I, the Lord of wind and flame,

I will tend the poor and lame.

I will set a feast for them.

     My hand will save.

Finest bread I will provide

Till their hearts be satisfied.

I will give my life to them.

     Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?

I have heard you calling in the night.

I will go, Lord, if you lead me.

     I will hold your people in my heart.

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