Images in a Reflecting Pool – Introduction

     The dreams the Holy Spirit gives are indeed happy.  I am

still learning, but I know more now.  In 1981, I was dreaming the

dreams of this world, caught in fantasies of an unreal past, and

vulnerable in the extreme.  After fifteen years and many hours of

studying A Course in Miracles, I have experienced more and more

hours and days of peace.  Oh, it is not 100 percent yet.  But

Jesus says, “In this world you need not have tribulation because

I have overcome the world.  That is why you should be of good

cheer.” (T-20.III.10:3-4)

     When I let my mind drop into fantasies, I forget how to

live.  Yet the Course promises that the way will be smooth.  “Time

is kind, and if you use it on behalf of reality, it will keep

gentle pace with you in your transition.” (T-4.I.13:10-11)  It is

not a hard path of learning, this better way structured to bring

us to Awakening.  Every year gets better, every decade a giant

step beyond the previous.  More and more I leave fear behind as I

try to see the face of Christ in my brothers and sisters.

     What lessons am I learning?  Attack is not the way to go.

(T-16.VI.8:2)  Anxiety is borne of the ego.

(T-30.VI.1:2)  And my worth is not measured by what I do.

(T-4.IV.4:1)  Of course, there are many other lessons, some

repeated frequently as I make my way still on this

side of the bridge.  As many before me have said, God is not

finished with me yet.

     This book details the issues and problems arising from my

life story and then dealt with in the manner of A Course in

Miracles.  In looking back, I find that three relationships–

Self-to-self, self-to-others, and self-to-God–have informed the

whole.  These images tell me that it is Love that

undergirds life and all my relationships of whatever nature.

Regardless of the relationship, however tenuous, it is love that

speaks to me in the everyday issues of which I tell you here.

     Images in a Reflecting Pool was written by rereading journal

entries from 1981 (the year I discovered A Course in Miracles) to

1996 (15 years).  If the entry seemed germane to my quest, I have

quoted directly from my journal.  Otherwise, I have penned a

reflection based on some incident recorded there.  I have sought

to follow the way of the Course to the extent that virtually none

of my personal philosophy is not informed by these spectacular

books.

     As you read, reflect on your own developing personal

philosophy.  Don’t take my word for it.  Take nothing unto

yourself unless it finds a gentle place in your heart.

     Jesus walks with us in our quest, as he has promised.

(T-4.I.7:1)

–unpublished writings by author of this blog.