Brian's Blog - From the CEO

Well, 27 weeks of blogging and counting! Some friends even placed odds that these blogs wouldn’t last beyond a few weeks (basically the first turn on a track); I would not have bet against them (if I were a betting man). Yet, this week I asked myself, thinking of my college days long ago in the storied realm of Shakespeare, “to blog or not to blog?” Well, unlike Hamlet, who considered his mortality in his line of questioning, I answered, “Hey, why not!”

Therefore, although most of what I’ve written during these weeks focuses on topics meaningful to me (some due to the times), and usually including aspects of Christian Science nursing and working life at Wide Horizon, this one is about blogging.

There are hundreds of millions of blogs on the internet. (Apologies for adding to this incredible number.) The history of blogging dates back to 1994, which predates social media by a few years. The term “weblog” was coined by Jorn Barger in 1997. “Open Diary” blogging was launched in 1998. And “weblog” was shortened to “blog” (not to be confused with “bog”) by Peter Morholz in 1999. Ten years later in 2009 the White House debuted its blog. This came after both YouTube launched and the Huffington Post was founded in 2005. Of course, AdSense by Google, WordPress, TypePad, Twitter, Tumblr and others all jumped on the blogging bandwagon in the “aughts” or “double ohs.”

https://online.ndm.edu/news/communication/history-of-blogging/

Definitions from Oxford Languages of “blog” (bläg) are:

noun

1. a regularly updated website or web page, typically one run by an individual or small group, that is written in an informal or conversational style.

verb

1. add new material to or regularly update a blog. (It’s about a week since I last blogged.)

… and from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blog

noun

1 computers: a website that contains online personal reflections, comments, and often hyperlinks, videos, and photographs provided by the writer; also: the contents of such a site

2 a regular feature appearing as part of an online publication that typically relates to a particular topic and consists of articles and personal commentary by one or more authors

verb blogged; blogging

1 intransitive : to write or have a blog

2 transitive : to write or write about (something) on a blog

Merriam-Webster evidently has become “America’s most-trusted online dictionary for English word definitions, meanings, and pronunciation.” Hey, Merriam said so!

Its long track-record dates back to 1828 when Noah Webster’s “American Dictionary of the English Language” first benefited mankind. So, although you won’t find “blog” in that original, I’d say this dictionary is a long-running winner!

And if you’re looking for a business twist: The purpose of a blog is to aid marketing to a point where the content you deliver is targeted specifically to the wants and needs of your audience. Provide answers to their most commonly asked questions or provide advice to areas within your niche that your business is an expert on. www.business2community.com

Although I may or may not be an expert, I appreciate a business twist, and many other types of twists now and then (Nutella or chocolate puff pastry twists, cinnamon twists, “The Twist,” hair twists, film twists, and most of all twisting in golf). Yet, you may ask with a twist, “Why did you decide to start a blog?” Well, the answer may be, “Norm begged me to begin a blog,” or maybe a voice behind me said, “Brian, better to blog.”

Regardless, my sincere thanks to all of you who read these blogs, which supports me blogging on to the next turn on the track!

D. Brian Boettiger

Even after the many months of this pandemic, Wide Horizon is still in good financial shape, with much thanks to our generous donors and a significant generous bequest from the estate of a longtime friend and supporter of Wide Horizon. Although there have been long periods when Wide was closed to visitors, new patients, and new residents, we have been able to allow very select admissions under strict protocols and have limited visitations.  Visitors must still wear facemasks and be scanned upon arrival. And, Wide Horizon’s staff members also must still wear facemasks, be scanned daily, and have to do COVID testing twice a week. Nevertheless, given Wide’s status as a state-licensed nursing care facility, restrictions, though not gone yet, have loosened, such as residents selectively and spatially being able to dine once a day in our spacious dining room. We’re grateful.

I attribute our current status to a spirit of giving while still receiving, to an outpouring of love rather than a sense of need. We have sustained our outreach to the community through personal letters and phone calls as well as informational and inspirational talks over Zoom. We continue to appreciate the wonderful attendance of both our online annual meeting in October 2020 and workshop in February 2021. (We plan to hold more virtual events in 2021.) We strive to reverse the thought of being a non-profit organization that greatly needs financial support to survive, to one of an inspired idea called Wide Horizon that exists to bless the world. We are grateful.

We’ve experienced and witnessed many signs of God’s protective presence and power during these past months in particular. Individually and collectively all of the staff at Wide Horizon rose to the needs, banding together in one accord to protect our guests and residents as well as one another. We witnessed healings of quick reversal of symptoms or complete protection from symptoms of COVID-19. There were continual adjustments made harmoniously and uniformly in regard to all the changing requirements Wide Horizon, staff and residents had to do. Our individual and collective prayer, the practice of Christian Science, and Almighty God notably has protected us all. We are truly grateful.

Personally, there have been numerous times when I have felt professionally drained, physically challenged, or mentally spent. Each of these challenges was met – often reaching out to divine Love, Spirit, for strength, health, and energy, as well as guidance, spiritual discernment, and Mind’s ever-present angel messages. The campus atmosphere and setting are always beautifully peaceful (with the exception of the drumming beaks of flickers or woodpeckers on the buildings and rain gutters). The working environment consistently tends to be conducive to healing, for I have often felt better when driving up the main driveway early in the mornings. When I arrive in my office, I am reminded of God’s Word and the many examples of Love’s presence and power in my life (and in the lives of those who serve and are cared for at Wide).

On my computer desk is a deck of cards – Keep Calm & Trust God – which have many inspirational and scriptural quotes. On one wall I’ve posted biblical verses such as: “Fear thou not: for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy God”; “…when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I”; “Trust in the Lord with all your heart”; “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God”; “Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find”; “Feed my sheep”; “He [divine Love] restores my soul”; “With God all things are possible”; “Let us exalt His name together.” These help to feed and restore my soul. So, I, with numerous very fine individuals of wonderful diversity, continue to work, watch and prayerfully support Christian Science nursing at Wide Horizon, while serving Spirit, God to the best of my God-given talents. I’m grateful.

“That’s all folks!”

D. Brian Boettiger

Yesterday, May 9, was Mother’s Day – a day to appreciate and honor very special women or maternal figures who have influenced our lives. I believe it’s a special day to celebrate selflessness, unconditional love, and sacrifice such women practice for the betterment of others, especially for children of all ages and races.

In the United States, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. In 1914, US president Woodrow Wilson proclaimed this day of May as Mother’s Day “as a public expression of love and reverence for the mothers of our country.” (www.archives.gov>historical-docs)

Therefore, Mother’s Day is a celebration honoring the mother of the family, as well as motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. It is celebrated on various days in many parts of the world, most commonly in the months of March or May. (Wikipedia)

Last week I wrote in appreciation of nurses (many who are mothers). Countless mothers have selflessly nursed and lovingly nourished children throughout the world. My mom (who with my dad adopted me when I was an infant) was one of these women. She was a remarkable Christian woman who loved being a mom, and her loving expression of motherly qualities was a blessing to family, friends and strangers. One way my beloved mom nursed and nourished me was introducing me to Christian Science.

Mary Baker Eddy, who discovered Christian Science and founded The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts (aka The Mother Church), nursed the world through her daily prayers, prolific writings and remarkable works. In the “Glossary” of Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, she gives these definitions:

            MOTHER. God; divine and eternal Principle; Life, Truth, and Love. (p. 592)

            DAY. The irradiance of Life; light, the spiritual idea of Truth and Love. (p. 584)

Think about these two words (with their definitions) together. What inspired sense of Mother’s Day comes to your thought? How does God being our divine Mother influence our lives? How is each day brighter and fuller with Mother-Love always with us?

In Science and Health on page 16, Mrs. Eddy stated: “Here let me give what I understand to be the spiritual sense of the Lord’s Prayer:

            Our Father which art in heaven,
                 Our Father-Mother God, all-harmonious,
            Hallowed be Thy name.
                 Adorable One. 

I’ve quoted only the first verse of this sacred prayer, yet it gives an embracing sense of God, divine Love as our heavenly Parent who cares for and loves each of us.

Mrs. Eddy also wrote, “Father-Mother is the name for Deity, which indicates His tender relationship to His spiritual creation” (Science and Health, p. 332).

Two prayers she specifically penned for children:

             MOTHER’S NEW YEAR GIFT TO THE LITTLE CHILDREN

             Father-Mother God,
                         Loving me, –
             Guard me when I sleep;
             Guide my little feet
                         Up to Thee.

             TO THE BIG CHILDREN

             Father-Mother good, lovingly,
                          Thee I seek, –
                          Patient, meek,
              In the way Thou hast, –
              Be it slow or fast,
                          Up to Thee.

                          (Miscellaneous Writings 1883-1896, p. 400)

Mrs. Eddy loved little children, as did our Master, Christ Jesus. This “Soul-filled woman” also penned another poem that is both a prayer and hymn. Her poem “The Mother’s Evening Prayer” has blessed countless children and adults (Christian Science Hymnal 207–212). It embodies the comfort arts of nursing. It embraces hearts which need comforting. It speaks to those with open minds. And it shows in a modest way how much this dear woman loved mankind. And yet, she too at times needed to feel the comfort of Mother-God, as given in the Holy Bible: “As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you.” (Isaiah 66:13, NKJV)

I hope you agree we all need to truly honor good mothers, bless all women, care for all children, and embrace all our Father-Mother God’s beloved creation. So, if you can, give a mom a hug!

D. Brian Boettiger

Perhaps you may like to know that National Nurses Week begins Thursday, May 6, and ends on Wednesday, May 12. And, National Nurses Appreciation Day is observed on May 6. In 2020, the theme was “Nurses: A Voice to Lead – Nursing the World to Health.”

Recently I read that the initiative for an official nurse day was first proposed in 1953 when Dorothy Sutherland of the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare sent a proposal to President Eisenhower. Twenty years later President Nixon organized a week in February of 1974 at the White House to recognize the nursing profession. (https://cipherhealth.com )

I learned that May 12, the final day of National Nurses Week, is the birthday of Florence Nightingale (1820-1910). The English nurse became known as the founder of professional nursing, especially due to her pioneering work during the Crimean War (1853-1856). … May 6 was introduced as the date for the observance in 1982. (https://www.timeanddate.com )

And, did you know the color blue denotes depth, stability, trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, and intelligence? It is purported that blue has a soothing, relaxing, and calming effect. It is not a coincidence that NHS [National Health Service] Solutions [in the UK] chose blue and green for its logo colors! (https://nhss.com )

For as long as I remember, my favorite color has been blue (and the hues thereof). I’ve always loved gazing at or being in the ocean and looking up to the sky. I usually have felt more peaceful, and I’ve felt the nursing effect of nature and been inspired by God, Spirit.

The American Dictionary of the English Language partly defines “nurse” as: to cherish; to foster, to encourage; to promote growth in; to nourish; to manage with care and economy, with a view to increase: as, to nurse our national resources.

Thus, all of us can nurse and nourish one another and our earth. Of course, there are those who have chosen to dedicate their lives to being nurses – selflessly caring for others. A dear cousin of mine, who I cherish, is one, and a sweet, kind neighbor another. During this past year especially, nurses and other frontline workers have done remarkable, courageous works, often with personal sacrifices.

In Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy wrote, “An ill-tempered, complaining, or deceitful person should not be a nurse. The nurse should be cheerful, orderly, punctual, patient, full of faith, – receptive to Truth and Love” (p. 395). Most nurses I know continually demonstrate the latter characteristics and qualities rather than the former in their daily work. So, if you know a nurse or a Christian Science nurse, thank this individual, and if you can, give them a hug of gratitude too. This appreciation, this love is nursing one another!

D. Brian Boettiger

As for all of you, this question can be answered in numerous ways. For me, I could say, “I am a man, a human being, a husband, dad, son, brother, a thinker, a sports fan, an environmentalist, a CEO, a follower of Christ, a student of Christian Science.”

In The First Church of Christ Scientist and Miscellany, Mary Baker Eddy, who discovered Christian Science and founded a worldwide church, wrote, “…may each member of this church rise above the oft-repeated inquiry, What am I? to the scientific response: I am able to impart truth, health, and happiness, and this is my rock of salvation and my reason for existing” (p. 165).

I’ve been thinking a lot about this during the past year filled with various challenges and heartbreaks. I’ve asked myself have I consistently and daily imparted truth, health and happiness? Sadly, no. Can I do better? Of course. Will I? Yes.

I believe this impartation is essential to my work at Wide Horizon – the only Christian Science nursing organization and religious nonmedical healthcare facility in Colorado. I know it’s imperative to do my work well that I impart these truths.

In 1970, The Christian Science Publishing Society, published a booklet titled, “Who am I?” In it are a number of articles and poems under headings such as, “Why am I here,” “Where am I going,” “Which way do I go,” “Can I change the world,” and “Who is my brother?” A few of these were written by teachers of Christian Science. One poem, “Face to Face,” by Godfrey John, includes:

“Under the same lens of Love there is no black nor white about the perfect man.
… you won’t see human races but the living sons of God, our Father.
… Our hearts beat the same rhythm, then.
In Love’s bright kingdom there is only one Race.
… ‘I know that voice, I know these words.
Here is light breaking through.
Let brother meet a brother face to face!’”

For me, this poem imparts truth, health or harmony, and happiness because it focuses on healing and seeing through the lens of Spirit, God. It focuses on seeing the true man of God’s making. The “light” is the eternal Christ within each of God’s ideas or children.

As you know there is a mountain of so-called self-help books, mostly written within the past several decades, but most don’t look at people as “living sons [children] of God.” Most look at people’s problems and personalities as so real that it’s challenging at best to solve and help them, much less to heal them. Most don’t look to God, divine Love, first and foremost. Yet a book written in 1875 does center on God, Love as our heavenly Father-Mother, and reveals generic man as Spirit’s image and likeness, as described in The Book of Genesis, chapter 1. This book is Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy.

Like most of you, as a youth and young adult, I had many teachers. Some of these were Sunday School teachers, including my beloved mom. And, my Christian Science teacher was a lifelong Sunday School teacher too. One teacher who made a tremendous impact on my life was Glen C. Livezey, C.S. I recently reread two remarkable Christian Science lectures he gave years ago in a book titled The Spiritual Pathway to Freedom. They are “Let Your Basis be Love,” and “Who do You Think You Are?” (Mountaintop Publishing, 2013) The latter lecture includes:

“… reject anything that would obstruct our view of the completeness of God, good, and of man, His perfect expression. …We hear a lot these days about establishing priorities. The priority of knowing life spiritually, of turning to God as the spiritual reality of all being – of seeing a whole new view of man and the universe as Divinity unfolding itself, of seeing from the spiritual heights – shouldn’t this be our first priority? This will give us the courage and strength to wrestle with and overcome the old false sense of self whenever it tries to attach itself to us…Why not practice establishing your priority? … Be grateful for your right to be your Christly self and refuse to be anything else. … And as we establish our priority of putting God first, of identifying in divine Love, we see the purity of Love expressed in our lives” (p. 136-137).

Isn’t this a remarkable first priority? Doesn’t this help in wrestling with a false sense of self? Do you see how important gratitude is to progress and healing?

Apostle Paul wrote, “It is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ – if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.”  (Romans 8:16-17, NRSV)

So, what am I? Spirit’s image and likeness. What is my reason for existing? To impart truth, health, and happiness. Who am I? God’s child. Am I complete? Yes, as Love’s, Mind’s idea. What is my priority? To love God and my neighbor as God’s beloved idea. Can I see a whole new view of man? Yes, and be glorified with Christ! Can I see the purity of Love? Yes!

And you can too!

D. Brian Boettiger