I’m writing this on April 22, 2022. This ties into last month’s blog ‘Renewal,’ particularly as it relates to regeneration and restoration, as well as last year’s Earth Day blog. Then I shared how much caring for the earth by cleaning up – neighborhoods, beaches, parks, trails – means to me, at least in the communities I’ve lived and the places I’ve traveled. I also pointed out how Wide Horizon, a Christian Science nursing care organization, does its part in having adopted and implemented more sustainable practices, which partly reflects its caring mission for the past 75 years, especially as these practices have been updated more recently. In rereading last year’s blog, it remains one of my favorites. (Go to https://www.widehorizon.org/?s=earth+day)

This year’s theme is ‘Invest in Our Planet’ which calls for “businesses to shift towards sustainable practices. This movement is expected to change the business climate, the political climate, and how to take action regarding the climate” in general. This is definitely a very good investment which will garner great returns. (See www.ndtv.com)

Earth Day, which falls on April 22 every year and is a growing movement since 1970, is the most widely observed secular holiday around the globe. It’s not recognized as a federal holiday in the United States, but Americans across the country have observed it for 52 years. It is also a Student Conservation Association (SCA) day of service. (See www.usatoday.com)

And every year, April 22 is celebrated as International Mother Earth Day. The day is observed to create awareness about the rampant increase in pollution and other practices which directly or indirectly harm the environment and which result in the continuing destruction of our planet. Many countries throughout the planet have taken steps to help bring solutions to our Mother Earth.(See www.news18.com)

In my lifetime, I’ve moved many times, although Colorado has been home for a few decades. I’ve also moved figuratively having been a member of several political parties. In more recent years, I’ve become apolitical or independent because of the increase in discord and disfunction in the United States political arena. My values, influenced strongly by my faith rather than politics and news, are what drive my decisions in what I support. For I simply care about what’s best for our planet, including particularly the children, animals, nature and hopefully the majority of people on earth. (Obviously, all man-made wars and all houses continually divided against themselves cannot stand and do not improve conditions on earth.) It is sincere compassion, empathy, understanding, love and care lived and practiced which will bring about true change and improvement for all.

Today I read: “Now is the time for the unstoppable courage to preserve and protect our health, our families, and our livelihoods. We need to act boldly, innovate broadly, and implement equitably. It’s going to take all of us. Businesses, governments, and citizens – everyone accounted for, and everyone accountable. A global partnership for the planet. The Great Global Cleanup is a worldwide campaign to remove billions of pieces of trash from neighborhoods, beaches, rivers, lakes, trails, and parks – reducing waste and plastic pollution, improving habitats, and preventing harm to wildlife.” (I absolutely love it, for I’ve been doing this cleanup campaign for decades as I shared last year.) (Go to www.earthday.org)

Did you know that “the fashion industry is responsible for over 8% of total greenhouse gas emissions on earth” and, “Sustainable Fashion refers to a clothing supply chain that is ecologically and socially responsible”? This is only one of many steps that must be taken because “we need to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by mid-century to keep the global temperature below 1.5 degrees C.” Although for years I’ve given a lot of clothes and shoes away to charities and families, I still have too many, so to do my small part, future purchases will be fewer. (See www.earthday.org)

In the past I have owned a lot of gas-powered cars, including two BMWs that I enthusiastically enjoyed as they were really a joy to drive. For Earth Day 2022, BMW announced “The Future Finds Us” as its initiative. Indeed, the present circumstances partly caused by gas and diesel emissions has found the earth in dire straits. On a brighter note, I see and count many more electric and hybrid vehicles while commuting than even two years ago. Thankfully, auto manufacturers have finally seen the light and are taking serious steps to offset their carbon footprints, and more consumers are doing the same.

I love reading and studying the Bible (which mentions the earth numerous times but does not refer to BMWs). I own different Bibles and have studied many English translations. In Genesis 1, one reads an account of creation that is entirely good. Verses 26 and 28 thereof refer to dominion and replenish, respectively. In a spiritual context, dominion refers to care of or stewardship of creation, including all creatures (as contrasted to only sovereignty or control). Therefore, compassionate care and selfless stewardship are key to caring for the earth and all upon it. In a like context, the meaning of the word replenish includes “to fill with inspiration; to nourish; to fill or build up again; to make good; to become full.” I hope to feel more replenished and inspired so that I may better help to nourish the earth and make our global environment better for future generations and creatures who populate our planet.

When one devotes many years to an organization called Wide Horizon, whose mission is to provide care for others, one’s perspective is only broadened. The ministry and even name lends itself to looking away from self to practice greater good. It is with this in mind which influences my hope for more focus on harmoniously correcting the issues, challenges and problems of the present, so the future will be a healthy environment that nurtures all children and blesses all individuals on earth.

So, remember our Mother Earth deserves our best efforts every day. Will you join in doing whatever you can to leave the earth better than you found it?

D. Brian Boettiger

A year ago, I wrote a blog titled “Keep the Faith” after the mass shooting tragedy of 10 innocent victims including a local police officer at a Kings Soopers supermarket in Boulder, Colorado, my hometown.  #BoulderStrong continues as there’s still much need for healing and renewal in the community. Prayers and good deeds continue. https://www.widehorizon.org/?s=keep+the+faith

On my daily commute I continue to see the sad remnants of destruction from the massive Marshall Fire in Louisville and Superior that occurred on December 30, 2021. It burned 6,026 acres, several neighborhoods and destroyed 1,084 buildings and houses. Although there continues to be a great need of healing and restoration, and the cleanup process has been noticeably slow, there are signs of renewal, such as new green grasses appearing on the burn areas. The community support of “80027 Strong” has been remarkable. Prayer continues to be part of my daily commute.

There’s so much to pray about each day, including for so many innocent people and children adversely effected and uprooted by the unprovoked war in the Ukraine. There’s such a great need for safety, freedom, healing and renewal.

Yet, I believe prayer is power. Faith is power. Hope is power. Love is power. I also believe Love heals.

Did you notice there’s a lot going on in the month of March? Signs of renewal and growth, recognition of Women’s History, Ash Wednesday, Daylight Saving Time, St. Patrick’s Day, Spring Equinox, even a national Puppy Day, and NCAA March Madness!

Renewal has made its way into my blogs in various forms and references. It is an essential quality of life. Here are some definitions:

RENEWAL—the act of forming anew; regeneration; revival; restoration.

RENEW—to renovate; to restore to a former state; to rebuild; to reestablish; to revive; to resume; to transform; to implant holy affections in the heart; to regenerate; to begin again; to make new; to make fresh or vigorous.

The Christian Science Hymnal includes these lines from hymn 218 by Samuel Longfellow: “O Life that maketh all things new…The seekers of the Light are one…One in the larger thought of God…The wide horizon’s grander view…The Life that maketh all things new.” Such poems and songs of prayer lead to clearer views, uplifted thought and fuller lives. I’m grateful to say this has been the theme hymn of Wide Horizon for many years!

The following are from my collections of writings, documents, memos, and some from Wide Horizon staff members, including Christian Science nurses, who do their best to selflessly work to enable others to feel renewed and experience spiritual healing, while being cared for at Wide Horizon and our sister organizations throughout the world.

• Renewal is a continual, humble consciousness of God’s presence.
• The power of prayer renews each moment.
• Renewal is devotion to Spirit.
• Renewal of Spirit takes place in thought, consciousness.
• Renewal is letting go of the old ways of thinking.
• Put off the old (material sense); put on the new (spiritual sense).
• Renewal is a “fresh start” of holding to the divine with humility.
• Renewal in the church or community begins with pure selfless love.
• Renewal is a warm heart filled with love.
• Generosity of heart increases renewal.
• Renewal is continuous spiritualization of thought.
• Renewal affirms the innocence of God’s man made in Spirit’s image.
• Nature shows us multifarious signs of renewal each day.
• Renewal acknowledges what we know that is true.
• Renewal is being receptive to Christly love which regenerates.
• Today is the first day of the beginning of your life.

Mary Baker Eddy, the discoverer of Christian Science, wrote in her seminal work Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, “The Bible teaches transformation of the body by the renewal of Spirit” (p. 241).

Several of my favorite verses regarding renewal from the Bible are:

• “[The Lord] satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagles.” Psalms 103:5
• “Those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles: they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
• “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalms 51:10
• “…be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2

Remember, dear friend, “What we most need is the prayer of fervent desire for growth in grace, expressed in patience, meekness, love, and good deeds” (Science and Health, p. 4).

For with loving thoughts, good deeds, consecrated prayer, selfless service, and right actions, we can:

R estore
E verything
N ow
E ternally
W ell

D. Brian Boettiger

The month of March marks Women’s History Month in the United States.

Before we begin on this topic, as a sidenote, Black History Month 2022 ends on Tuesday, March 1. Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, grew out of an idea from noted historian Carter G. Woodson, and then first proposed by Black educators and the Black United Students at Kent State University in 1969. It was first celebrated in 1970, though U.S. presidents began to recognize Black History Month since 1976. (https://www.history.com )

Such celebrations and particularly struggles for and recognition of full equal civil rights took (and has continued to take) too long, yet there have been many signs of healing!

Last year in recognition of Women’s History Month, I wrote a blog titled “Celebrating Women” which celebrated women in general and specifically women who have blessed and made a positive impact in my life. Check out “Celebrating Women” at: https://www.widehorizon.org/news/category/brians-blog/page/8/.

Note that Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society and has been observed annually in the month of March in the United States since only 1987. (https://www.history.com )

This also took too many years, yet there always has been hope!

The 2022 Women’s History theme is “Providing Healing, Promoting Hope” which is what so many women have selflessly done throughout history by raising families, nurturing children and nursing others in countless communities worldwide. As the National Women’s History Alliance stated, “This theme is both a tribute to the ceaseless work of caregivers and frontline workers during this ongoing pandemic and also a recognition of the thousands of ways that women of all cultures have provided both healing and hope throughout history.” (See https://nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org )

My goodness, you may agree the world needs so much hope and healing!

Globally, March 8^th is International Women’s Day, which partly serves as a venue to highlight women’s achievements and discuss continuing and emerging women’s empowerment and gender equality issues and concerns. Also, this day is one to celebrate women’s contributions and support for their rights and participation in society. To commemorate the day and stand in solidarity with women throughout the world, many people wear the official color of International Women’s Day – purple. (https://parade.com)

It’s a good day to wear my purple dress shirt at Wide Horizon!

Recently I did online searches of “famous women” or “women who changed the world” or “noteworthy women in the US” – with a focus on the “top ten” in these categories. These searches were educational as there were many remarkable women represented, yet it was surprising that one woman who certainly brought hope and healing to the world was conspicuously absent from these lists. Mary Baker Eddy is this woman!

Mary Baker Eddy wrote in her seminal work Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, in part, “The First Commandment is my favorite text. It demonstrates Christian Science. … The divine Principle of the First Commandment bases the Science of being; … One infinite God, good, unifies men and nations; constitutes the brotherhood of man; ends wars; fulfills the Scripture, ‘Love thy neighbor as thyself;’ annihilates pagan and Christian idolatry, — whatever is wrong in social, civil, criminal, political, and religious codes; equalizes the sexes; …” (See p. 340 for entire quote)

Perhaps Mrs. Eddy felt as I do that this Commandment must be understood, obeyed and practiced more consistently by millions of men and women throughout the world – for its full import to be acknowledged, recognized and experienced. Wouldn’t this be such a blessing to the children of the world?

An editorial in The Christian Science Journal, March 2022, includes comments others made about Mrs. Eddy’s “… Christian example … representing … ‘the highest type of womanhood, or the love that heals’” (Mary Baker Eddy, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 52). This same Journal reads in part: “Reviving the Christian practice of healing that was at the heart of [Christ] Jesus’ ministry was central to [Mrs.] Eddy’s many significant contributions, and generations of women since have studied and practiced the Science of healing she discovered, demonstrated, and disseminated – including its recognition of God as our Father-Mother. While this idea of God has brought healing to both men and women, from Day One women found it empowered them to break through health and social limitations associated with their gender” (p. 48).

I’ll add, there’s no doubt that Wide Horizon, as a Christian Science nursing organization, has promoted hope and healing for numerous individuals for more than 75 years. The many spiritually empowered Christian Science nurses – the great majority being women – have blessed countless patients, guests and families during these years, by breaking through limitations, with loving hearts in service to and care for others.

Join with me in sincere gratitude to these Christian Science nurses!

So, this month, as we carry the banner of “Providing Healing, Promoting Hope” high aloft for all to see, let us remember the many remarkable women in history who have positively changed the world. Let us be thankful for the wonderful women who have blessed and are blessing our lives. Let us give gratitude to the ceaseless work of caregivers and those frontline workers who selflessly give others hope. Let us be grateful for the teachings and healing works of Christ Jesus.

Lastly, let us acknowledge our Father-Mother God who said through the prophet Isaiah: “As one whom his mother comforts, so will I comfort you…” (Isaiah 66:13)

D. Brian Boettiger

As I write this blog, it is snowing once again at a Mile High. Snow in Colorado blankets the brown terrain, brightening, refreshing and bringing a calming sense of being (unless perhaps if you’re a daily longtime commuter). Winter snow helps hearken in spring renewal. Sometimes we may watch closely for subtle signs of promise which renew. Other times we may see glorious symbols shine of growth on earth in God’s remarkable creation. Regardless of the season, God’s good work of creation is ever with us – simply focus on it with heartfelt gratitude. We can look for signs of love and joy expressed – the glee of children playing, the romp of a playful puppy, the tender affection of a parent for a child, the loving embrace of a friend, the supportive actions of a community. We can feel peace and freedom by viewing a horizon, a sunrise, a sunset. A small part of this remarkable creation is the wonderfully beautiful setting of Wide Horizon – on a hill with a west-facing view of snowcapped foothills and mountains.

For 19 years, and now 52 blogs, I’ve often pondered Wide Horizon’s Mission “…to provide Christian Science nursing, facilities, and support for those seeking healing accomplished through complete reliance on Christian Science as taught by Mary Baker Eddy.”

I’ve noted three words thereof that are clearly common to much of humanity.  These words are: nursing, support, healing.  A word that’s implied by these three is care. At Wide Horizon, we strive to work from a foundation of true Christianity — caring for one another with sincere unselfish love, with hope, faith, freshness, promise and spontaneity of joy. We are both careful and caring in our work at Wide, and we desire to acknowledge and feel the presence of divine Love while doing our work here. We care for one another by being willing workers of one strong team. Our efforts to express care in doing our jobs is appreciated by the guests at Wide, who pray and study daily, seeking spiritual progress and healing.  We desire to move with compassion toward others, as practiced and taught by Christ Jesus.

Yes, there’s so much good taking place every day. Through our collective efforts at Wide, we have developed into an even stronger team of compassionate, understanding individuals who have a common purpose – to provide the best services we can for those who come to Wide for tender, loving Christian care.

We often consider the performance of our duties in relation to these words – nursing, care, support, healing.  Questions such as these following, when genuinely considered, mentally help with our actions.  What qualities of nursing can be more expressed in my service to others?  How does my job support our guests?  In what ways can my thought add to a healing atmosphere at Wide Horizon?  What do I care most about while I work at a Christian Science nursing facility?  Am I looking for new ways to care for others?  Does the performance of my job support the Christian Science nurses’ role in caring for the guests?

The primary reason Wide Horizon exists is its Christian Science nursing activity or ministry.  The main reason this ministry exists is to serve any of God’s children who solely rely on our Heavenly Father-Mother God and Christian Science practice for healing.  Perhaps the most important reason any of us work or volunteer at Wide Horizon is to support this activity of divine Love’s glorious expression. Sometimes it takes courage and grit to show up when challenges become the focal point. Yet it simply takes the eternal light of love to shine brilliantly, transforming the challenges into opportunities to grow spiritually.

I hope that you too will consider these words of nursing, support, healing, and care in your thought as you let your light shine in whatever good work you do – be it as an educator, a delivery person, a tech expert, a business owner, a retail employee, a healthcare worker, a student, a mom or dad, or a selfless shoveler of snow!

Let us all learn, no matter the season or circumstance, as did Apostle Paul, to “…bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” (II Corinthians 10:5) For this spiritually practical daily activity will help to lovingly care for others on earth — with nursing, support and healing for all.

D. Brian Boettiger

Today is a holiday and the first to honor an African American. Former President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the third Monday of January as Martin Luther King Jr. Day and legislation was signed in 1983 to create this federal holiday. It took until 2000 to be recognized by all 50 states as a state government holiday, though states are not required to observe it or any other federal holiday. In fact, Alabama and Mississippi have a joint “King-Lee” day to honor both Dr. King and General Robert E. Lee. (newsweek.com) And, New Hampshire was the last state to adopt it as a paid state holiday in 1999, replacing the state’s optional Civil Rights Day. (fortune.com)

So, this day celebrates Martin Luther King Jr., who was an American Baptist minister and activist. Dr. King became the most visible spokesman and leader in the American civil rights movement from 1955 until his assassination on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee.
Dr. King was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on January 15, 1929. He attended Booker T. Washington High School, and in 1948 earned his undergraduate degree from Morehouse College in Atlanta, followed by studying at the multi-denominational Crozer Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania, where King was drawn to the school’s unorthodox reputation and liberal theological leanings. From 1951 to 1955, he studied at the Boston University School of Theology, which is the oldest theological seminary of American Methodism, earning his doctorate in 1955. It’s interesting to note that Boston University is the largest private research university in New England, and it is one of 13 theological schools maintained by the United Methodist Church. (Wikipedia)

This day is one of service. Days of Service help to raise awareness, mobilize volunteers, and provide individuals with an opportunity to engage and build new connections, and help nonprofits (like Wide Horizon) find support for their programs. The MLK Day of Service is intended to empower individuals, strengthen communities, bridge barriers, create solutions to social problems, and move us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a “Beloved Community.” The Reverend King said,
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” (aascu.org)

Reverend King gave many speeches and sermons. He said the following in a sermon, “Love has within it a redemptive power. There is a power there that eventually transforms individuals. Just keep being friendly to that person. Just keep loving them, and they can’t stand it too long. Oh, they react in many ways in the beginning. They react with guilt feelings, and sometimes they’ll hate you a little more at that transition period, but just keep loving them. And by the power of your love, they will break down under the load. That’s love, you see. It is redemptive, and this is why Jesus says…’love your enemies.’” (A Knock at Midnight: Inspiration from the Great Sermons of Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.)

King wrote several books, including: I Have a Dream (1963), Strength to Love (1963), Why We Can’t Wait (1964), Where Do We Go from Here (1967). Also, there are a number of films about King, including: MLK/FBI (2020), I Am MLK Jr. (2018), King in the Wilderness (2018), Selma (2014).

Dr. King said in his acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize on December 10, 1964, “I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.” And he also said in light of unconditional love, “I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.” (Where Do We Go from Here, 1967)

I recently reread a January 2021 issue of The Christian Science Monitor Weekly, wherein were several quotes from distinguished individuals. Here are several:

• “[Martin Luther King Jr. Day] is not a black holiday; it is a people’s holiday. And it is the young people of all races and religions who hold the keys to the fulfillment of his dream.” – Coretta Scott King, 1983
• “This man [Martin Luther King Jr.] spoke to my soul. I think in some way, he was saying to me, ‘You can do something. You can make a contribution.’” – Congressman John Lewis, 2013
• “It was [Dr. King’s] efforts that not only freed Blacks, it freed Americans. … It was something he did for all America.” – Colin Powell, General and Secretary of State, 2018
• “As Dr. King told us, ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,’ and this remains our great unfinished business. Just as we celebrate the progress he helped inspire, we recommit ourselves to our unfinished work – defending the dignity and equality of all people.” – President Barack Obama (44^th), 2015
• “When we look in the mirror, we will agree that we are a great country, flawed though we may be, but we have to fight for the best of who we are. And that’s what Dr. King, I think, wanted us to do.” – Sen. Kamala Harris, 2018 (1^st woman Vice President)

Certainly Dr. King was not humanly perfect, for most or all people are too complex, but he attempted to make the United States and therefore the world a better, more loving place for all to live. This is commendable to say the least.

For many years I’ve collected quotes of various contemporary and historical figures. Here are some from Martin Luther King Jr.:

• “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
• “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.”
• “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”
• “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”
• “Forgiveness is not an occasional act. It is a permanent attitude.”
• “The time is always right to do right.”

So, for me, I believe these, particularly at this time the last one listed, with all my heart!

D. Brian Boettiger