Earlier this month on the National Day of Prayer (May 5), a favorite hymn from the Christian Science Hymnal came to thought. Since I was a boy who attended Christian Science Sunday Schools throughout the world, I’ve called hymn 267 “the synonym hymn” because it includes some of the synonyms of God as taught in Christian Science. This hymn begins “Our God is All-in-all, His children cannot fear…”

On that day of prayer (coincidentally Cinco de Mayo), I had felt inspired by the concluding remarks given at the 2022 conference of the Association of Organizations for Christian Science Nursing (www.AOCSN.org). I felt grateful for this gathering of so many fine thinkers and doers of God’s Word, so many who are selfless stewards of Christian Science nursing ministries. I thought of a number of areas in my life, including Wide Horizon where I’ve served for nearly 20 years, the church I’ve been a member of for more than 40 years, the world on which I’ve lived and traveled. There was much to pray about.

Scripture states, “God is love.” (See I John 4:8.) The clause “GOD IS LOVE” appears on an interior wall of every Christian Science church and/or Sunday School I’ve seen. Three words that can have much power and give solace to honest seekers of truth.  The words which can comfort. I also thought about God being divine Love, and God’s children not separated from God’s perfect love.  (See Romans 8: 38-39.)

I thought too of words attributed to Apostle Paul, “For in Him [God] we live and move and have our being” (which appeared in a recent weekly Christian Science Bible Lesson). (See Acts 17:28 NKJV.) Admittedly for some time it’s been a struggle for me to consistently feel these words of promise. Yet I believe this declarative statement to be true, particularly when I see myself and others as made spiritually in the image and likeness of God, as stated in Genesis 1. (See Genesis 1:26-27.)

So, on that day of collective and individual prayer, I quietly composed an affirmation or prayer titled “Embraced by Love” which follows:

We (all God’s children, daughters and sons, divine ideas, creation, male and female made in Spirit’s image and likeness) are embraced by God’s allness. We live in God’s embrace. We move in God’s embrace. We have our being in God’s embrace.

Yes, God is All-in-all. I cannot be mesmerized to believe that any erroneous suggestion, any false evidence appearing real has any power, any reality, any influence.

Yes, Spirit is All-in-all. As Spirit’s ideas, Spirit’s children, I cannot believe in any false evidence appearing real. I am embraced by Spirit. I freely live in Spirit’s embrace. I freely move in Spirit’s embrace. I freely have my holy being in Spirit.

Yes, Love is All-in-all. Fear has no power, no presence. I am embraced by Love. I live in Love’s embrace. I move in Love’s embrace. I have my being in Love’s embrace. Yes, Love is All. Love is the Liberator!

Yes, Truth is All-in-all. Error has no reality. I am embraced in Truth. I live freely in Truth. I move harmoniously in Truth. I have my true being in Truth. I am made free in Truth.

Yes, Life is All-in-all. Death is NOT real. I am embraced in Life. I live freely in Life. I move harmoniously in Life. I have my only being in Life. For I know Life is God and “Love alone is Life” every moment.

Yes, Principle is All-in-all. Chaos is not reality. I am fully embraced by Principle. I live securely in Principle. I move freely with Principle. I have my perfect being in Principle, divine Love.

Yes, Soul is All-in-all. Material sense is not real; Spiritual sense is and reveals only Soul’s expression. I am embraced by Soul. I live fully in Soul. I move freely in Soul. I have only ageless, beautiful, full being in Soul.

Yes, Mind is All-in-all. There is only one Mind. I am embraced in Mind. I live eternally in Mind. I move spiritually in Mind – the Source of all movement. I have my perfect being in Mind, Love. I hear only Mind’s voice – the still, small voice within – the Christ.

Yes, God is All-in-all. Let us hear God’s voice. Let us listen and obediently follow. Let us be free and thankful. Let us feel the embrace of Love so that we may embrace all others with love.

Thank you, dear heavenly Father-Mother God for Your infinite embrace of healing Love.

I hope you who have read this far are feeling more embraced by God, ever-present Love. I hope this affirmation of Love helps you feel comforted, cared for, healed. I hope you share more, serve more, live more, move more, even be more.

More recently I read an article in the Christian Science Sentinel titled “You can’t get outside of God” by Charles Ferris (July 2, 2007 issue). The author wrote in part: “The Apostle Paul told the people in Athens, ‘For in him [God] we live, and move, and have our being’ (Acts 17:28, KJV). We are never outside of God. We live because God is immortal Life, and this eternal Life always retains form. …Wherever our life-journey takes us, we are always travelling in God and seeing the spiritual, indestructible nature of His creation opening up before us. There’s great healing comfort in knowing that we ‘live, and move, and have our being’ in God – never outside His presence and power!”

This spoke to me at this point in my life-journey, particularly in my longtime service within the field of Christian Science nursing and practice. For I believe all of God’s beloved children are loved and can feel the embrace of Love! So many people or souls need to feel the comfort and care of the Love that heals.

I believe our individual and collective prayers will and do make a difference. For as the New Testament proclaims, “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” (James 5:16, NLT)

Furthermore, I believe all children on earth need the daily prayers of all adults who have faith – especially those who sincerely believe in and strive to follow the Master Christian, the Way-shower, Christ Jesus, who showed mankind how to love through active compassion and divine understanding.

May you feel the Christ within you, embraced by Love!

D. BRIAN BOETTIGER

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