I sincerely hope the New Year of 2022 has started off well for you.

It’s interesting to me how the flip of a calendar date has such an impactful influence throughout the world – celebrations, fireworks, spirits flowing, renewed hope and more. Yet for many people it’s barely noticeable because their lives, or at least circumstances thereof, remain the same. Nevertheless, one can hope that there will be truly profound as well as small impactful changes which will bless and benefit all human beings and the creatures on earth.

A year ago, I referenced the novel A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. The novel famously begins, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.” Though written in 1859, and though times now are mostly much better, these words still hold true for many throughout the world. And, for many of those in the healthcare industry, they may have felt at times being a beaten down Dickens’ character or someone on the so-called reality TV show Survivor or probably worse.

The Holy Bible (wherein there are a lot of accounts of survival, usually from obedience to and reliance on God) includes the book of Ecclesiastes; or the Preacher. Perhaps the most familiar passage from this long-ago preacher is, in part: “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven…A time to love…And a time of peace.” (Ecclesiastes 3, NKJV)

Certainly, this relatively brief chapter, with its antithetical pairs using opposites to represent life’s totality and variety, expresses through words much of what the human experience often is influenced by or involves (The Harper Collins Study Bible, NRSV, p. 894). My own lifetime of experience has shown me to believe that usually one’s thought, one’s actions, most often determine one’s experience.

Yet, even with so many daunting challenges and sporadic events at times, I believe no matter what, hope does spring eternal. I also believe love does prevail. And, I’ve always, perhaps unrealistically though ideally, believed peace will reign on earth, even if apparently not in my lifetime. For those who know me, I certainly may be considered more of an idealist than an optimist during my life. Regardless I have tried my best at most times to live a life of hope, faith and love. To be a steady light – though dimly yet consistently – of truth.

So, yes, as Dickens wrote, this can be an “age of wisdom” and a “season of light”, a “spring of hope” and of love universally expressed!

Moreover, as a Christian Science nursing ministry of 70 plus years and a nonprofit organization concluding in its 75^th year, Wide Horizon remarkably continues its good works of benevolent Christian care for our community and hopefully all humankind. Wide Horizon is blessed to be a blessing!

As I shared at the closing of 2020, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy, extemporaneously wrote the following on the morning of January 1, 1910:

            O blessings infinite!
              O glad New Year!
            Sweet sign and substance
             Of God’s presence here.

            Give us not only angels’ songs,
              But Science vast, to which belongs
            The tongue of angels
              And the song of songs.

                                                  MARY BAKER EDDY

(The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 354)

This “Science” is the “Divine Science, Spiritual Science, Christ Science or Christian Science” Mrs. Eddy speaks of synonymously in her seminal work Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures on p. 127. It is the Science which simply stated is the divine laws of Truth, Life and Love made practical, or Christian Science which “relates especially to Science as applied to humanity” in the healing of sin and sickness (Ibid. p. 127). This spiritual practicality pertains aptly to Christian Science nursing.

At Wide Horizon, we provide loving care for those in need. We do our best to live and practice this Science each day, while serving others in support of their own demonstrations of Christian Science. We seek to humbly emulate the good works, ministry and teachings of Christ Jesus. And, we desire that you may feel God’s holy presence, experience health and happiness, and hear Spirit’s angelic song of “Science” wherever you are throughout this New Year!

D. Brian Boettiger

Christmas Day falls on a Saturday this year. And, the winter solstice and longest day of the year falls on December 21.

Citing various online sources convey that Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed primarily on December 25^th as both a sacred religious and a worldwide cultural celebration among billions of people around the world. It’s also called Noel, Nativity, Xmas. The English term Christmas means “mass on Christ’s day” or “Christ-mass.” Although the date is in question, the tradition of observing it goes back to at least the 4^th century. The first Christmas feast was held on December 25 in Rome in 336 A.D., during the time of Roman Emperor Constantine, but it did not become a major Christian festival until the 9^th century. The celebratory customs associated in various countries with Christmas have a mix of pre-Christian, Christian, and secular themes and origins. It’s also a commercial phenomenon, generating a lot of spending and giving. Historian Kenneth C. Davis once told “CBS This Morning” that “Christmas is really about bringing out your inner pagan.” That “inner pagan” is something to keep under control.

And, how did Santa Claus come about? History.com states, “The legend of Santa Claus can be traced back hundreds of years to a monk named Saint Nicholas. It is believed that Nicholas was born sometime around 280 A.D. in Patara, near Myra in modern-day Turkey. He was much admired for his piety and kindness,” particularly toward children and those in need. Evidently, St. Nicholas was a very good man; whereas Santa Claus, though symbolically generous, is a myth that many people love and from which much money has been made.

On a different note, the Scriptural accounts of the birth of Jesus, especially in the Gospel of Luke, and numerous books with Christmas themes are often uplifting. Also, there are many Christmas movies – from “Remember the Night” and “It’s a Wonderful Life” to “Home Alone” and “A Christmas Story.”

In college, I unofficially minored in film studies. I certainly watched a lot of films and took several film courses. (Although much more selective, I still love movies.) My two favorite Christmas themed movies are “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas” – both of which I’ve viewed many times. At different periods of my life, I have related to both George Bailey and Charlie Brown. (That’s another blog.) “It’s a Wonderful Life” is a Frank Capra film that was ranked by the American Film Institute as the most inspirational film. I’ve seen most of the top 100. I’m biased but I agree. Capra is the only film director with two films in the top five, although Steven Spielberg is listed three times in the top ten. I’m fairly certain I’ll be watching George and Charlie again this year.

Well, at Wide Horizon, folks here enjoy good movies too. The Activities schedules this time of year are filled with Christmas inspired articles, readings, programs, talks, residents sharing, music and inspirational movies.  Activities staff have again festively and colorfully decorated Wide Horizon. Uplifting inspirational messages of joy, hope and love have been placed throughout the main building. Wonderful good works are performed and observed daily. Our active days here include selfless service to others. There are also many moments a quiet reflection and sincere appreciation for Christ Jesus. We are blessed.

Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer of Christian Science, wrote in part about Christmas, “The basis of Christmas is the rock, Christ Jesus…The basis of Christmas is love…” (from “The Significance of Christmas” in The First Church of Christ, Scientist and Miscellany, pp. 259 – 260).

So, as much as I appreciate the actor Dwayne Johnson aka “The Rock” and enjoy his movies, it is Christ Jesus who is the guiding light, the “rock” of truth and love, regarding the true Christmas celebration. It is Jesus who has influenced and changed my life the most. It is selfless love I strive to practice. It is a life that gives unto others I attempt to live.

Lastly, may you feel, hear and know: “The spirit of Christmas is joy.  The message of Christmas is hope.  The meaning of Christmas is love.”

Merry Christmas!

D. Brian Boettiger

Thanksgiving Day in the USA was last Thursday, November 25^th. This day is a federal holiday celebrated annually on the fourth Thursday of November. In 1863, it was President Abraham Lincoln who proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November. Now the holiday is a time that emphasizes giving thanks, prayer, feasting, spending time with family, religious services, football games and parades, and for many people a lot of shopping the day after. (https://www.history.com/topics/thanksgiving/history-of-thanksgiving)

Also, today Chanukah begins. The Hebrew word Chanukah or Hanukkah means “dedication” and is a Jewish holiday that lasts eight days to celebrate the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and freedom from oppression. (https://www.britannica.com) But, this is perhaps a topic for another blog. So, back to thanksgiving…

About 53 weeks ago, I dove headfirst into the blogging sea. The quiet splash began with a blog titled “Gratitude & Progress” which included: “In the spirit of Thanksgiving during these unprecedented times, we can find moments in each day to acknowledge the blessings that are evident.  These blessings may include: appreciating a country founded on principles of equality and individual freedom; having the opportunity to succeed and be happy; living in vibrantly beautiful Colorado; being safe in the Kingdom of Heaven; having dear friends; being forever thankful for family; witnessing God’s bountiful provision which includes harmony and health.”

Well, for me, this still holds true today, and probably should every day. For as the Psalmist says regarding the Lord, “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.  For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations.” (Psalm 100:4, 5, NKJV)

Whenever we enter the gates of Wide Horizon, we can be thankful to God for His bountiful blessings. For within these gates, we either directly perform or support the ministry of Christian Science nursing. The more we enter these gates with hearts filled with gratitude and praise, the more we witness divine provision and healing. The more we praise God with heartfelt gratitude, the more we experience the healing effect of divine Love. We can see His bountiful gifts of goodness and appreciate His mercy in all that we do in our daily work. We can praise Him by acknowledging the good works that take place in the symbolic courts or long halls of Wide Horizon. We work within Love’s mercy and strive to see His truth every day. Daily we seek to witness His glory and praise His holy name. And, as we bless one another, we then better acknowledge the nature of God, Spirit. For it is God’s perfect love that heals. This love is everlasting. It is divine Truth that endures and can free mankind. All of us – here or in the Wide community – can be blessed therefore by all the Christly good works done in Truth that occur each day at Wide Horizon.

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” (Psalm 136: 1, NKJV) In my role at Wide Horizon, daily I work to be thankful to the Lord for staff members who put self aside and serve Wide Horizon’s blessed guests with willing hearts. Even with the continual reminder of facemasks, I’m thankful when I witness a smile lovingly expressed – for this little gesture brightens all those who see or feel its glow. Words cannot adequately express my gratitude for such an excellent staff and for Wide’s many volunteers, including the very supportive Board of Directors, who actively and thankfully bless others from a basis of Love. So, join with us in heartfelt praise to God by affirming that “Love’s giving is forever,” (Christian Science Hymnal, 174).

Regarding being thankful and the quality of gratitude, Henri Frederic Amiel, a Swiss moral philosopher and poet of the 1800’s, wrote, “Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts.”  Since I learned of this quote years ago, I’ve found it similar in context to one that is very familiar to most students of Christian Science.

Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer of Christian Science, wrote, “Gratitude is much more than a verbal expression of thanks.  Action expresses more gratitude than speech” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 3).  As a former college English instructor, my action is sometimes expressed in the form of words. So, it is through this action of “blogging” that I’d like each of you to know how grateful I am for your support of Wide Horizon – whether as a donor, volunteer, blog reader, community member, or friend.

Also, I’m often thankful for staff who give service to others whom require care at Wide Horizon. I’m thankful for steadfastness in relying on God and Christian Science for healing. I’m thankful for guests and residents who appreciate and utilize Wide’s services. And, as I think about the future of Wide Horizon, I find it necessary to make time to reflect on all of the blessings that already abound from divine Love which are expressed daily at Wide Horizon.

For, “in every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”  (1 Thessalonians 5:18, KJV)

The Thanksgiving holiday is one that reminds us how important it is to be grateful every day throughout the year. As mentioned, we can be grateful to live in such a wonderful free country and in beautifully colorful states like Colorado. We can be thankful for Christian Science nursing, and grateful for the peaceful atmosphere at Wide Horizon that is conducive to spiritual healing.  We can be thankful for spiritual facts of happiness, harmony, and health that God has bestowed upon us as His beloved children. We can be grateful for Christ Jesus, as our “Way-shower” in Christian living and oneness with God (Science and Health, p. 497).

Lastly, as Apostle Paul wrote: “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding with thanksgiving.” (Colossians 2:6-7, NRSV)

D. Brian Boettiger

So how does Veterans Day relate to Wide Horizon, a Christian Science nursing organization in Colorado? Well, in its 70 plus-year record of uninterrupted service providing Christian Science nursing care, Wide Horizon (probably like other care facilities) has cared for many veterans and their families. It’s a record for which we are humbly proud to include in our history. Also, we are grateful for the veterans who have served on Wide Horizon’s staff or as volunteers!

Even though Veterans Day was last Thursday, I’m writing about it partly because my dearly departed Dad – Col. Wilfred Otis Boettiger – was a veteran of four wars in his military career that spanned four decades. He first served in the National Guard and then in the United States Army. Go Army! He was an artillery officer before his long career in the Army Air Defense, which included protecting Air Force bases and being much involved in the Nike Missile program in both Germany and Japan. (Maybe Nike (think swoosh) got its slogan “Just Do It” from the Cold War era? Actually, if you wish to know, read “Shoe Dog” by Phil Knight.) Although my Dad was not a Christian Scientist, he appreciated and often supported the practice of Christian Science (mostly by my devoted Mom) in our family and home. Obviously, he was the first veteran I knew and respected. As a youth, he was also my hero.

Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the United States observed annually on November 11, for honoring military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. (Wikipedia) It was first recognized as Armistice Day in 1919 – its origins go back to the end of World War I. It marks when the fighting ceased on the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month. At the time, November 11, 1918 was regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars,” according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. [How wonderful for all mankind had this statement been true!] In November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day, stating: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory.” About 20 years later, Congress passed a law to mark November 11 as a legal holiday in 1938. In 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower signed a law that changed the name to its current form: “Veterans Day” – shifting the holiday’s focus from the original dedication of WW I veterans to all veterans of all wars. (USA Today)

Coincidentally in the United Kingdom and Canada, it’s called Remembrance Day – a memorial day that’s observed in Commonwealth member states since the end of the First World War to honor armed forces members who have died in the line of duty. Many people wear the Royal British Legion’s poppy, which is a symbol of flowers that grew from the graves of those who fell on the Western Front in World War I. (Online sources)

In the US, government offices are closed – post offices, city and state courts – as well as banks and schools. Many restaurants provide free meals and retailers give discounts to both veterans and active-duty military personnel on November 11^th.

The theme for Veterans Day 2021 is “Honoring All Who Served” – those men and women who have made sacrifices (often extreme) to serve their country by being away from their loved ones in times of need. In 2010, there were about 21.8 million veterans in the United States. (There are fewer now.) There are around 9 million veterans over the age of 65, and around 1.6 million veterans are women. (Google)

President John F. Kennedy stated regarding Veterans Day: “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” I learned that Wreaths Across America (WAA; wreathsacrossamericas.org), which is a nonprofit organization, has an extensive volunteer network. Its mission is “to remember the fallen, honor those who have served and to teach the next generation about the cost and value of freedom.” (Costco Connection, November 2021) Its an organization that exemplifies benevolent action.

Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer of Christian Science, wrote in her seminal work, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, “Action expresses more gratitude than speech” (p. 3). Moreover, Christ Jesus, who showed and taught that life in God is eternal, stated, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (Gospel of John, 15:13, NKJV).

Veterans have often laid down their lives, figuratively and literally, in service to country, friends and strangers. Most veterans and their families have made remarkable sacrifices, usually without great expectations or complaints, in their service.

Do you know a veteran? If you do or even if you don’t, we should celebrate these worthy individuals who have served in the military, whether in war or peace. Regardless of one’s politics, these men and women are to be sincerely appreciated.

So, during the year, thank a veteran on any day!

D. Brian Boettiger

My what important words! Together they are such a simple yet profound prayer of humility. When heartfelt, there’s a recognizable power. As one yields to this statement, one can feel the authority of divine presence within one’s being. Confident trust freely flows within consciousness.

Am I doing God’s will each day?

I’m the first to admit I’ve not done so consistently enough in my life. Yet it is so important to raising and supporting a family. It’s essential in my work at Wide Horizon. It’s vital to the practice of Christian Science nursing.

Is our faith completely in God and His plan for us?

Well, there have been times when my faith wavered (whether personally or professionally), when I clearly was not listening for His plan; therefore, following a humanly constructed plan. Yet I believe God, divine Love, is the supreme supplier of all human needs when we completely trust in Spirit. I believe God directs our plans as Principle-Love, provides us counsel and guidance as divine Mind, secures our health and safety as Truth, enables and purifies us as Spirit, inspires us as Soul, strengthens us as Life, and assures our success in divine Love.

It is evident to me that any seeming dilemma or challenge, any decision or topic, any false belief or erroneous claim against mankind must be addressed with the humility and certainty of our Master, Christ Jesus. His character, nature and thought are what we need to emulate and express – to do the best we can. He stated in the Lord’s Prayer and also at a moment of great need, “Thy will be done.” (Matthew 6:10, Luke 22:42) I believe Jesus knew that our heavenly Father met every true need – of his own, of all God’s beloved children, of those who turn to Spirit, Love. The Master’s Sermon on the Mount contains all that we need to know in dealing with the human experience.  It is filled with the richest guidance for daily living. I think Jesus humbly showed and taught that every thought must be brought into the obedience of Christ, as indicated by Apostle Paul, and therefore must put others before self.

I think God’s will for us is to love one another – even our so-called enemies – and to love God with all our heart, mind and being. I feel we need to love God’s spiritual man who is made in His image and likeness. (Genesis 1:26) To affirm that this is the true man – female and male in Spirit’s pure likeness. To learn and practice greater lessons of love in our lives. To move with compassion towards those in need as did Christ Jesus – our Way-shower in true Christianity.

Yet Jesus, who (as the Gospels indicate) fed multitudes, raised those from dead, stilled storms, walked on water, and healed the sick and sinning, said himself, “I can of mine own self do nothing.” (John 5:3) It is God who works with us when we do His will. This work can be and is remarkable. So ultimately “thy will be done” always must be good, must always express divine Love, whether in action, speech or prayer. If we desire to do God’s will, we therefore need to pray often “Let that mind be in us [me], which was also in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:5) This desire brings peace.

Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer of Christian Science and a devout follower of Christ Jesus, informs her readers how important it is to have one God, one divine Mind.  She tells us that “the starting-point of divine Science is that God, Spirit, is All-in-all, and that there is no other might nor Mind, — that God is Love, and therefore He is divine Principle” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 275).

On this solid foundation, we can work, pray and study. We can expect healing. We can handle all that comes to us individually, for “with God all things are possible.” (Mark 10:27) We can see more clearly this spiritual fact of God’s allness.  This may include knowing God as the only Mind, the only Life, the all of Love.  It may lead us to a deeper recognition of the unlimited source of God’s providence as Spirit being all substance.  It may enable each of us to be better spiritual thinkers and thus healers.

As the Leader in Christian Science, Mrs. Eddy stated, “Follow your Leader only so far as she follows Christ” (Message for 1901, p. 34). This was so important that a year later she restated, “I again repeat, Follow your Leader, only so far as she follows Christ” (Message for 1902, p. 4). We too can follow Christ in doing our Father’s will. In loving one another. In healing mankind. If we are doing better Scientific spiritual healing, we will see our communities, our churches, our world both prosper and be more harmonious. We will gratefully recognize and acknowledge God’s bountiful blessings.  We’ll see the realm of the kingdom of heaven as limitless.  We’ll feel boundless heavenly inspiration.  And, the Christ within us, enables us to hear God’s voice – affirming Mind’s intercommunication is evident to each of His ideas.

I know my work at Wide Horizon has blessed both me and Wide Horizon most when I’ve humbly prayed “Thy will be done”, when I’ve followed God’s guidance, when I’ve followed Christ. When I work to humbly to do our heavenly Father’s will, my work is more consistent and disciplined, yet spontaneous and inspired. And, I know the blessings of this desire, of this prayer, will never cease. Yes, “Thy will be done!”

You can do and know this too!

D. Brian Boettiger