Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer of Christian Science, wrote, “Pure Mind gives out an atmosphere that heals and saves” (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 260).

The beauty of this statement is that Mind generously gives this atmosphere of healing and saving to its creation. What does each of us accept as truth? What is necessary for us to demonstrate this pure Mind in our experience? What does it take for us to do this more consistently, as Christ Jesus evidently did so well? How do we prove that “Mind is Love” (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 332) and that “Love is Mind” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 330), particularly when it seems that so many independent minds exist? Isn’t this the atmosphere most everyone would desire? Don’t we all desire healing in our lives and communities? Don’t most people who are sick or are sinning wish to be saved?

Mrs. Eddy believed God’s man – made spiritually as His image and likeness – reflects this pure Mind, as did Jesus Christ so perfectly. (See Genesis 1) She wrote that this man is “the full representation of Mind” (Science and Health, p. 591). And, she defined MIND as: “The only I, or Us; the only Spirit, Soul, divine Principle, substance, Life, Truth, Love; the one God; not that which is in man, but the divine Principle, or God, of whom man is the full and perfect expression; Deity, which outlines but is not outlined” (ibid., p. 591).

I believe we must be attuned to divine Love. Know this Love. Feel the impulse of this perfect Love. I believe we must deny the world belief that there are many minds and affirm that all God’s children can and do reflect one Mind. And, we need to do this as often as necessary to feel and see harmony in divine Love, which reigns supreme. Doesn’t this begin within individual consciousness? The consciousness which reflects the only Spirit, Mind.

What do we cherish in thought? The healing atmosphere at Wide Horizon and in our communities must be nurtured by us all. Nurturing is a form of nursing one another through the expression of Love. Christ Jesus said that to love him, we must love God first and love our neighbor as he truly is – the image and likeness of Love, God.

So, we must love who we are as God’s man, His child or idea, His image and likeness. It is therefore up to us to love one another, without fail, in order to love God with all of our heart. It is so vital that we watch, work and pray together, having one God, expressing a higher spiritual sense of Mind, seeing God’s image and likeness in each individual expression of man. If we do this consistently, there will be more receptivity to the healing presence of Christ that is always at work within us. Scripture states, the “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27) Could this hope be the expectation of healing and saving, the glory of God’s perfect man expressed?

Mrs. Eddy also wrote, “The medicine of Science is divine Mind; and dishonesty, sensuality, falsehood, revenge, malice, are animal propensities and by no means the mental qualities which heal the sick” (Science and Health, p.104). She also stated God made medicine and that Mind was the first medicine. (See Science and Health, p. 142). Doesn’t mankind need this medicine? Isn’t it our duty and privilege to love one another by sharing this medicine? Aren’t each of us better off by taking and trusting in this medicine every day? Indeed, because this divine medicine saves and heals!

We can be knowing that there is only one divine Mind – one that all creation and mankind reflects. This “pure Mind gives out the atmosphere that saves and heals.” Each of us can do our best, knowing that “with God all things all possible.” (Mark 10:27) We can help to maintain this healing atmosphere by having one pure Mind. May you be blessed in all that you do in Christ’s name!

D. Brian Boettiger

“Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good.” (Genesis 1:31, NKJV)

The spiritual fact is that all is truly good – no matter what the material senses may claim at times as reality. The healing and comforting presence of Spirit, God, is always with us.

There is so much good to behold taking place at Wide Horizon each day. The good works of Christian Science nurses and support staff are evident in the halls, rooms, offices and on the grounds. Christian Science nursing continually blesses lives and families of our dear guests and residents.

We’ve added a new fountain at the pond. The guests and staff love it. The pond water is cleaner, so wildlife and pond lilies are abundant. The sound is soothing. The grounds are appealing – well-kept by Wide’s maintenance staff. Also, the lighting on campus has improved visibility and safety on the driveway and exterior of the buildings. Custom skylights add natural lighting in the hallways, brightening lives and illuminating smiles. Energy efficient lighting helps toward the electricity costs. Newly applied stucco has protected the buildings from percussion playing flickers or woodpeckers. Colorfully painted birdhouses are placed throughout the campus. The tall grass and alfalfa sway in the summer breezes. Flowers, symbolically speak of God’s goodness, share their hues and perfection. Yes, the sun shines brightly as do bright smiles shining daily.

Mary Baker Eddy, the discoverer of Christian Science, wrote in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, “Nature voices natural, spiritual law and divine Love, but human beliefs misinterprets nature. Artic regions, sunny tropics, giant hills, winged winds, mighty billows, verdant vales, festive flowers, and glorious heavens, – all point to Mind, the spiritual intelligence they reflect. The floral apostles are hieroglyphs of Deity. Suns and planets teach grand lessons. The stars make night beautiful, and the leaflet turns naturally towards the light” (p.240).

Among many references to God and Good in Science and Health, Mrs. Eddy defined “GOOD. God; Spirit; omnipotence; omnipresence; omniscience; omni-action” (p. 587). This holy divine Good is ever-evident and felt at Wide Horizon.

So, even though Wide Horizon still must maintain certain restrictions and follow specific guidelines pertinent to state-licensed nursing care facilities, we invite you to come to our campus – to see the grounds, visit for a tour, to enjoy some quiet moments for spiritual renewal in Horizon House, to rejoice with grateful hearts in singing. You’ll feel and witness spiritual healing and progress that is evident every day. Simply call ahead to inquire what the protocols may be to follow.

Mrs. Eddy also wrote, “God gives you His spiritual ideas, and in turn, they give you daily supplies.  Never ask for to-morrow: it is enough that divine Love is an ever-present help; and if you wait, never doubting, you will have all you need every moment” (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 307).

Join with us in our gratitude for these “daily supplies” as we affirm that “divine Love is an ever-present help.” We believe Wide Horizon is one of God’s “spiritual ideas” – an idea that we cherish, an idea that is sustainable. So, we hold steadfastly to know that divine Love provides all that Wide Horizon needs very moment. Therefore, we thank God, Good, – and thank you too!

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28, NKJV)

D. Brian Boettiger

Recently a dear friend and colleague to many in the Christian Science nursing field passed on. She was certainly a friend to many of us at Wide Horizon. I’d like to share a tribute that was written and published by The Commission for Accreditation of Christian Science Nursing Organizations/Facilities, Inc. (first shared in its e-newsletter of June 2021).

The Commission Board members join with each of you in remembering our dear friend, Bonnie Castroman. Everyone who knows her has been blessed by her friendship. Everyone who had the opportunity to work with her has been inspired by her example—her devotion, her focus, her perceptivity, her joy. She has been a ray of sunshine wherever she has gone, and we know she continues to bless all in her presence.

Most of us know Bonnie through the loving, humble, tireless service she gave as Manager of Christian Science Nursing Activities at The Mother Church. Christian Science nurses around the world have been touched, blessed, and helped by her, and each of our Christian Science nursing organizations has felt her daily, ongoing support for maintaining the highest standards of our work.

We would like to take this opportunity to pause and express our deep and heartfelt gratitude for all Bonnie did on behalf of The Commission. She served for years as its Executive Director. Then, when there was a need for a different organization model, she met frequently with representatives from The Mother Church and the Partnership for Christian Science nursing. The foundation and initial framework of The Commission as it is today grew from ideas that emerged in these meetings. All of us will continue to learn from Bonnie’s humble, gracious example. What a precious gift she will always be!

Bonnie was a shining light. She embodied Christly qualities. She loved life, was adventurous and shared her joy freely. I am privileged to have known her for 18 plus years. Recently before her passing, we had a wonderful conversation and learned our dads served in government roles which required being stationed and traveling overseas. Our paths crisscrossed without knowing it growing up – in countries and cities such as Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam, Germany. I think we both also lived in California and Virginia too. We were world travelers without having to do the planning! During our conversation, we laughed and shared our respective stories, which included being inoculated as dependents within military or government families. And, perhaps most importantly, we appreciated our lifelong journeys in Christian Science practice.

As Christ Jesus taught and showed us, I believe life is eternal. Ultimately, therefore, I believe Scripture which states Christ will give us the victory over death. I also believe Mary Baker Eddy, the discoverer of Christian Science, when she wrote: “To-day my soul can only sing and soar. An increasing sense of God’s love, omnipresence, and omnipotence enfolds me. Each day I know Him nearer, love Him more, and humbly pray to serve Him better. Thus seeking and finding (though feebly), finally may we not together rejoice in the church triumphant?” (The First Church of Christ, Scientist and Miscellany, p. 174)

I’ve held to and shared this statement often during the years I’ve served Spirit, God, in my work at Wide Horizon. I think dear Bonnie is singing and soaring, knowing and loving God, Love, more – as she continues to rejoice together in selfless service to Spirit, Soul, even better.

Bonnie was most certainly blessed in her experience on earth to be a blessing! And, I am blessed by our friendship!

D. Brian Boettiger

Today I have some inspirational accounts of healing to share from Wide Horizon’s historical records regarding Christian Science nursing, which supports spiritual healing and regeneration of thought and body.

Progress and healing supported at Wide Horizon

“When I first arrived at Wide Horizon, I was in need of care in the main nursing building because I had fallen and was sick and weakened. I was not able to live alone. At the time it took two Christian Science nurses to assist me in moving from one place to another. I regained a more complete sense of strength and security in movement, and now I get around without assistance. I continue to make a lot of progress in the Progressive Living program.”

“Step by step healing for a member of our family has taken place – first in the nursing building, then in Progressive Living, then at home. At each stage the skill of the Christian Science nurses was invaluable, especially when the [Christian Science] nursing was given in my home. The changing needs were always met, sometimes with innovative solutions. Whatever would we have done with Wide Horizon!”

“Benevolence [is] the disposition to do good; goodwill; kindness; charitableness;
the love for mankind.”

“A woman arrived after suffering many personal setbacks with finally resulted in an emotional and physical collapse. Wide Horizon extended full benevolence since she was unemployed and without either family or friends. The patient worked diligently [in Christian Science] to restore her sense of health and harmony. After a month, she left in good health and was involved in constructive activity once again.”

“A patient was admitted, paralyzed and in great discomfort. Partial benevolence was extended to her over an extended period of time. She made continual progress, returned home healed, and resumed her normal activities.”

“A patient was cared for with dignity, surrounded by love and attention because Wide Horizon was able to extend substantial support to her. She felt the healing presence of divine Love expressed. Occasionally when social service agencies or other third parties suspect a neglectful or abusive home situation, Wide Horizon is called upon to help. Our willingness to provide Christian Science nursing to those in impoverished and difficult situations helps to fulfill the purpose of our Church Manual By-laws ‘…as a help that must be supplied to maintain the dignity and defense of our Cause….’ (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 148:16-17).”

So, how does this look forward? All healing in Christian Science includes spiritual progress. All spiritual healing moves thought forward – often higher and more exalted. Such healing often includes compassionate love for one another, as taught by Christ Jesus, and shows divine Love being demonstrated and felt in lives transformed.

Information to Help One Another

As do other Christian Science nursing organizations, in addition to inpatient care, we at Wide Horizon are asked about residential housing, availability of Christian Science nurses, home care, outpatient care, insurance for Christian Scientists, and more. Please note Wide Horizon has five cozy efficiency apartments in Horizon House – used for both Supervised Residential Living and Rest & Study for Spiritual Renewal. We also provide outpatient services. Also, some of our staff Christian Science nurses will give home care, on a flexible basis. (See https://www.widehorizon.org/)

Now there will be another way Christian Scientists can find information. The Principle Foundation (https://www.principlefoundation.org/), which offers help to Christian Scientists in need, is launching a Caring for Christian Scientists program. The program will include a website and a call center, bringing together a central directory of Christian Science care resources – Christian Science nursing, care facilities and organizations, insurance, issues related to health care, housing, personal assistance, and more.

This program includes the…

The website is www.RiperYears.org. It will provide resources for senior Christian Scientists, their families and friends. Also, for the Caring for Christian Scientists Call Center, individuals can call 800-930-3797 to get phone help, information, and options for care, housing, and assistance that’s consistent with the practice of Christian Science.

Mary Baker Eddy, who wrote Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, penned years ago, “Love never loses sight of loveliness. Its halo rests upon its object…Men and women of riper years and larger lessons ought to ripen into health and immortality, instead of lapsing into darkness or gloom. Immortal Mind feeds the body with supernal freshness and fairness, supplying it with beautiful images of thought and destroying the woes of sense which each day brings to a nearer tomb.” (p. 248)

D. Brian Boettiger