2/3: Thriving in adversity

Comments:

1. TK from Boston Says:

Thank you Robin. It’s so good to be reminded that even during our individual “winter” experiences, enduring hope nurtures what appears to be a harsh and barren mental landscape, when in reality a lively, robust healing is blossoming.

Love your New England imagery…so helpful!

2. Marilyn in Mallorca Spain Says:

Thank you, Robin! what beautiful metaphors! Your message today is most uplifting!

3. Daisy Says:

Thank you Robin, I needed this message!

4. Robert Says:

Thanks Nathan and Robin.
Goats love evergreen needles, so give them your old wreathes, when you are done with them.

5. Maurice Dawson Says:

Robin

Thank you for reminding me that a spiritual idea can only thrive..

6. J.S. in Ky Says:

Oh!, Thank you, Robin, for this lift. I’ve never read Mrs. Eddy’s quote (My, pg.139) while going through my toughest trials. I’ve looked up many words that relate to a problem, but “adversity” wasn’t one I thought of. “Thriving” would’ve been about the last thing to think of, hoping to just get through the adversity. Your lift makes me feel better equipped again to heal, not just get through. I’m going to put that up where it can reinforce hope, faith, love, & expectancy. Once, at the end of a craft fair, I rushed to close my booth, with only my young daughter to help. Our family, far away, needed us home soon. A dye pot of yarns, part of my demonstration, was boiling. Visitors, leaving, stopped to ask questions. I explained our crafts, while I turned the heat off. Then unthinkingly I reached into the water to squeeze out the large yarn skeins. Instantly I felt the mistake. I knew that as a Christian Scientist, I couldn’t ruin their experience at this fair. That was my biggest concern, despite the pain. I kept on doing what I started, holding & squeezing the hot water out, and they asked with a gasp, how I could do that! It let me share CS a little, and it wasn’t just talk, for the pain was gone almost as soon as I determined I couldn’t have burned hands & arms. There was no hint of redness . (My 1st CS healing was a minor burn, 3 days after starting S&H, but a voice said, “God never made a burn!”). I clung to that memory, too. Yes, we can thrive in adversity, but even with that and other healings, I needed this reminder, especially now. These lifts are so well named. Adversity doesn’t mean struggle, or deprivation, it means joyful healings!

7. Jeanette in England Says:

Thank you Robin. That’s just the thought that I need to hold on to as I drive to an important business meeting today.

8. Rose Says:

Thank you Robin, and thank you TK from Boston – you have both help lift my heart.

9. Joan Says:

Thank you for the lovely message! And thank you for Mrs. Eddy’s quote that we don’t hear often enough. “Like the verdure [flourishing green vegetation] and evergreen that flourish when trampled upon, the Christian Scientist thrives in adversity” (My 139:9-11).

10. Sher Says:

Thanks for the analogy. Just read in “Perfidy and Slander” in Prose works there is a flower that the more it is trampled on the sweeter its aroma. Sweetness thrives in adversity as one of the stocks of our hardiness. Like the goat tip, thanks.

11. Christopher from Germany/Hannover Says:

Thanks a lot for those thoughts!!

12. Jackson from Brazil Says:

Thank you Robin for this message of Christian love, beautiful and practical! Thanks to the broadcasters, the Board of Lectureship, and The Mother Church by creating opportunity this space to share spiritual ideas!

13. Ruth Says:

Thanks Robin. What a great quote to ponder! Here’s a question, though: is it that we need adversity to thrive (that is, would we fail to thrive without adverse circumstances to meet and rise above) or is it just that we’re able to remain unimpressed by adversity, unfazed by its claim to power, so that it doesn’t interfere with our growth?

14. Malcolm Drummond, Henrietta NY Says:

Thank you Robin for reminding us of Mrs. Eddy’s inspiring words from My. 139:9. “Like the verdure and evergreen that flourish when trampled upon, the Christian Scientist thrives in adversity; his is a life-lease of hope, home, heaven…”

15. Patricia Says:

As I look out onto our snowy landscape…with a wonderful mix of conifers…
and oak and Hickory, it reminds me how blessed we are.
Thank you so much for your ideas on the evergreens…Rather than being
burdened by another period of fresh snow enroute to the midAtlantic…I can
and will remember your lovely metaphore for these next days. And think of
beautiful Maine at the uppermost corner of the Eastern United States where a day of snow is as natural as the sunshine ! We all bask in the warmth of good ideas. Thank you Robin for your healing thought. And Thank you Robert for sharing that idea for the farm up the road- why waste a wreath if it can be a snack for our sweet cheese providers.

16. A. M. England Says:

Thank you.

17. donald Says:

thank you, this will help me with the winter storm that I my fighting now that the branches will bounce back . thank you again.

18. Jane Says:

Just what I needed to hear today, too. Thank you, thank you. also, wonderful article on “Discouragement” in ANTHOLOGY II by Louise Knight Wheatley.

19. JODI Says:

Thank you Robin..wonderful idea. I will see those stately trees from now on with new eyes.

20. Paul Marthaler Says:

Robin, this is perfect for our Movement today, thank you! MBE states in Science and Health [page 66, line 10]: “Trials are proofs of God’s care.” and error’s jabs compel us to move forward and upward in our spiritual quest. I often think of Beethoven, Mozart, Lincoln, and others who met adversity with determined courage and hard work to give us the most sublime and beautiful gifts! Like turning a ship directly into the oncoming waves to surmount them, whereas doing the opposite could cause the ship and its passengers to founder.
I’m so grateful for these “lifts” and the comments of the members…

21. Pat from McCaysville, GA Says:

Thanks!! Wonderful thoughts and so timely. Looking out my window I can see the pines thriving under the snow cover. A great reminder!!

22. Maria Elvira – Brasil Says:

Beautiful description of a New England landscape that for us, below the Equador line, such a picture is almost impossible!
Well, I would say that this wonderful metaphor describes exactly what happened to me some years ago when I lost a beloved one and was introduced to Christian Science. That was a very sad an hard time! But as my understanding of this science continuously increased it surely brought me to a broader and more enlightened space like the one described by the phalmist:
“He maketh me lie down in green pastures: he leadth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul…”
And here I am enjoying the possibility of being aware of God´s love and care for me and not fearing anything that could possibly try to prevent me from living in such an illuminated space!
Thank you, Robin, for your inspiration!

23. Nina Says:

I once asked a dear friend who was a Christian Scientists how he viewed adversity, and his reply was that he just looked at it as the next logical step for him to take. I have often thought of that when I was going through some sort of rough time. Thanks for reminding me of this this morning.

24. nancy Says:

I love the thought that we thrive in adversity. What a wonderful sense of triumph amid trials, it is a strengthening concept. Your message is so timely for the world. It is a great help to me. Thank you!

25. Suzeeque Says:

This reminds me of what Paul said, “I take pleasure in infirmities” — I enjoy the touch of weakness, pain, and all suffering of the flesh, because it compels me to seek the remedy for it, and to find happiness, apart from the personal senses. Mis Pg. 200

Moderator’s Comment:
From Miscellaneous Writings 1883-1896 by Mary Baker Eddy, page 200, line 20:
Christians to-day should be able to say, with the sweet sincerity of the apostle, “I take pleasure in infirmities,” — I enjoy the touch of weakness, pain, and all suffering of the flesh, because it compels me to seek the remedy for it, and to find happiness, apart from the personal senses.

26. Betty Says:

Thank you Robin.

27. Nimmie in Vermont Says:

Thanks, Robin. I love the idea of spiritual growth, not only being unstoppable but in addition, enjoying “vigorous growth,” even in the middle of challenges and adversity. It is a wonderful reminder of how cherished we are by Love. It ties in so beautifully with Marta Greenwood’s Daily Lift, “Let Go.” We can see and appreciate the growth once we let go of the darkness to make room for God’s light to shine.

28. Bonnie Says:

Thanks Robin for this important reminder.

29. Diane Says:

I could just smell the pine fragrance as I listened, and feel the baby softness of a hemlock branch. The concept of being “evergreen” in a world of perpetual good from God is so attractive. What a world of fresh spiritual seeing God provides for us all.

30. June Mary Says:

Thank you, Robin. Springing back, resilience. Such words of spiritual action! Now is always the appointed time, isn’t it? Wonderful insights. It’s good to be watching that in Haiti, as the people are gathering themselves together in help groups! Very rewarding! All that is good is ever ours to claim and even to reclaim. Love to everyone.

31. Brad from Houston Says:

Thank you…this is what I needed to hear today!

32. Joan C Says:

Thank you, Robin. Much to think about and use.

33. Martha Says:

I too love the idea of “thriving” not just enduring or hoping to get through adversity. Thanks for this wonderful image and also to J.S. in Ky for the good comments!

34. Margaret, Sunshine Coast, Australia Says:

This is a beautiful Lift, Robin. Thank you so much.
I seemed to only have adversity for years, but
God brought me through with shining colours!
The adversity made me resilient and taught me how to laugh. At myself!

35. BarbaraTempe AZ Says:

Love it, Robin. “sermons in stones”…

36. Bev Newsham – Sandpoint, ID Says:

Thank you, Robin, for reminding us that Adversity is an opportunity for spiritual growth. Wasn’t it Paul that said: (to paraphrase) ” I rejoice in Adversity!” I think it all depends on what we’re going for here – either for ease and comfort in materiality (like just give me a job and money and I’ll be happy) or for spirirtual growth in understanding that real Happiness and Wealth aren’t Material, but Spiritual. I’ve often thought that maybe what the economic discomfort on the planet is about right now, is giving all of us a chance to get a better sense of trusting in God to supply our every need. Any comments? Would love to hear feedback from you, Robin, or anyone else that reads this Lift!

37. Lisa in ME Says:

I have a beautiful 40-ft white spruce outside the window to the right of my computer. Here is where I spend many hours, some of them sorting out adversities. In a wind storm several years ago that uprooted hundreds of trees in our coastal town, I saw this tree bend to an angle of 45 degrees or less as the winds roared throughout the day. The next day, however, no sign of strain. It will be even more meaningful now to look out the window at this forest green reminder of grace and strength bending, as necessary, unto good. My own recent revelation on resiliency is: “Where good ever was, good ever is. This is the permanent nature of goodness, and the essence of our resiliency.” Thank you for a visual reminder delivered so tenderly true.

38. Linda Bargmann Says:

Thanks – I do think of myself as a Christian Scientist, but I don’t know that I would have said I thrive in adversity so this is really something to chew on today. I looked up the line in MW, and it is one of the times when MBE was said to be ill or dead. It always reminds me of Mark Twain who had the same problem with the press, when he retorted “The report of my death is greatly exaggerated!”

39. Carol Says:

Thank you for this message of ever constant, consistent growth and activity, whereby God’s ordering of His/Her kingdom is not thwarted, ignored, or forgotten; that Spirit has substantial, practical, evident presence, operating according to “And God saw every thing that he had made, and behold, it was very good.” Gen 1:31

40. Bev Newsham – Sandpoint, ID Says:

In response to #13 – Ruth: I really feel that if we didn’t have “Adversity” we wouldn’t grow spirituality, but would just coast along in our “material dream”. I’ve thought so often of how Mrs. Eddy viewed her times of trial, when she said, “God had been graciously preparing me……..” Wow! What a way to look at so-called “Adversity”. Is it really “Adversity” or is it God preparing us?

41. Faye’s gratitude!! Says:

Thank you for that beautiful picturesque lift. I was able to picture right with you the goodness of God, going on in spiritual growth, enduring, and thriving forever. And us as His children staying always sweet and resilient like the pines.

42. Christine D Says:

Powerful message, great analogy, important reminder. We can expect to have strength in adversity. Thank you Robin!

43. ANTOINE,HANNIE ET LES ENFANTS DE L’ORPHELINAT RDCONGO BOMA Says:

NOUS SOMMES PROSPERE AVEC DIEU? EN OBEISSANT EN LUI.
MERCI ROBIN

44. Karen, Santa Fe Says:

Yes! I am ready for this lift. Many thanks for delivering it today. Eddy also wrote of “the evergreen of Soul.” [Miscellaneous Writings 1883-1896/Preface ix:21] Good to be reminded on this very cold morning as I keep the fire going in the wood burning stove! Morning Bible study, prayers, reflection, and loving the world also warm me. From my own years of experience I know how an apparent hardship or problem has turned into a blessing, growth, better understanding, humility, willingness and more love. A very good picture, Robin.

45. Robert in Brunswick Says:

When winter winds and howls I like to remember that without winter’s adeverse conditons there would be no apple trees, because they need the winter dormant period to produce apples next summer.

46. robin hoagland Says:

Ruth and Bev both bring up good points. Need adversity? No. It’s not a spiritual need, and God never sends it in any form — neither personal misfortune nor global crisis. But human adversity for centuries has weaned us away from the ‘easy answers’ of material comfort and supply and even companionship which are always limited, exhaustible, illusive, and never truly satisfying. A quick perusal of Psalms shows how adverse circumstances inevitably turn us to God — the truly trustworthy, deeply satisfying, complete Source of everything we need: joy, vitality, opportunity, health, love. And we can’t help but sing praises and thanksgiving for what we have from God (infinite good and unending Love) which can never be taken away because it is spiritual and enduring.

The Apostle Paul’s spiritual exuberance in the face of extreme situations of persecution, hunger, storms, disloyalty, and the temptation to be discouraged is timeless. Nothing, he insists, can separate us from the love of God. He was absolutely persuaded that we don’t just eek through something or barely endure, but instead we are ‘more than conquerors’ through this divine love. (See Romans 8: 35-39). Isn’t nice to have a simple spruce tree like the one outside Lisa’s window illustrates that capacity to remain rooted and grounded through a terrible storm. We can find examples of human triumph over adversity in the ministry of Jesus and throughout the whole Bible. And any one of the Christian Science magazines and websites carries on that record of healing, restoration, and yes — even thriving, no matter what comes at us.

Thanks, too, to Robert for a wonderfully practical and unexpected tip on evergreens and equally hardy, delightfully resilient goats!

47. Dagmar, Hamburg Says:

Wonderful – thank you so much!

48. HAL SAYS. Says:

THANKYOU ROBIN FOR THIS MESSAGE. ALSO FOR THE MANY MESSAGES , THAT FOLLOW. THANKYOU ALL, AND GOD BLESS.

49. GENE STIRLING Says:

It is so uplifting to read the truth in everyones comments,as a business man i’ve been leting error in my thoughts not for me but the two employees i have left.I know that they are wraped in the panoply of love that is enough.thank you all.

50. Rosa from Tn. Says:

Thank you, Robin, I’m truly gratefu for the thoughts on Adversity. It seems that as we age into the senior years, we do have the “adversity” to prove, sometimes daily. But your metaphor of the beautiful Evergreens, reminded me also of the other “bare” trees. which I also love in the winter. That is when I can see the shape and form of the trees that you cannot see in summer. Then spring comes and God demonstrates to us even more of its inner beauty with all the lovely various greens of His creation. As mentioned by Carol No. 39, in Gen 1:31 “And God saw every thing that He had made, and behold, it was very good.” Thank you also No. 22, Maria Elvira – Brasil.

51. Jan J – Grass Valley, CA Says:

Thank you, Robin!
This also reminds me of Mrs. Eddy’s declaration on page 66 of Science and Health: “Trials are proofs of God’s care. Spiritual development germinates not from seed sown in the soil of material hopes, but when these decay, Love propagates anew the higher joys of Spirit, which have no taint of earth. Each successive stage of experience unfolds new views of divine goodness and love.”

52. Kathy M. Says:

In the Northwest where we have a lot of rain and dark days in the winter I like to think of it as liquid sunshine and to always remember that in a way it supply our needs for water. I also like to think as real light as our ability to reflect the love of Christ to others in our day. Robin, I always enjoy your daily lifts. Thank you for sharing these inspiring ideas. Adversity is not from God but God lifts us out of adversity.This is so true, we are resilient.

53. Anne S., Nova Scotia Says:

The more I study Science and turn my thought to God in unceasing prayer, I am finding material situations — whether fleeting joys or problematic situations — have any real substance. This applied study and prayer enables one to handle day-to-day seeming adversity, You have given us a wonderful ‘lift’ to deal with discouragement of any kind. It further substantiates that when a problem seems unsurmountable, we can stand fast — we can “Rise in the conscious strength of the spirit of Truth to overthrow the plea of mortal mind… etc.” We can rise up “in the strength of spirit to resist all that is unlike good.” True joy comes from conquering adversity in all areas of life, from loving and being loved. Thank you, Robin. I am truly grateful for our Daily Bible Lessons and the periodicals.

MODERATOR’S NOTE:
“Rise in the conscious strength of the spirit of Truth to overthrow the plea of mortal mind,…” Science and Health, Mary Baker Eddy, p.390:32
“Rise in the strength of Spirit to resist all that is unlike good.” Science and Health, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 393:12

54. Stephen Pierce Says:

Thanks- As we prepare ourselves on daily basis with inner dominion in order to face anything that will come in our way. Our outcome will be only Victory!

55. Sammie in Texas Says:

Robin, your message was a true healing message for me today. I have a study on the 2nd floor of our home and I look out on a cedar tree that was topped out before we planted several ‘Lady Banks’ rose bushes. These bushes, now about 6 yrs. old cover the whole top like an umbrella and stay green the year around, THEN when spring comes the most beautiful and delicate white roses bloom. They cover the whole top. I think about their beauty all year long, then when they bloom, it is truly humbling. It reminds me that whatever challenges there seems to be I know there will be a complete and beautiful healing along with spiritual growth and transformation. Thank you all for your sharing, I love your message.

56. Cici from Los Angeles Says:

That was quite a “lift” Robin!!! All these trials are for us to purely demonstrate God’s goodness. I never feel at one moment that I’m in court being tried so punishment will be identified, but always feeling an increased growth of my understanding of my relationship with my Father-Mother God. This is thriving in adversity. We will always know that we can fight a good fight no matter what because God is on our side!!! My smile, if it can be measured, is stretched around the universe several times. Thanks Robin.

57. Katie in Stow Says:

A good piece to study in regards to dealing with adversity is Mary Baker Eddy’s “Retrospection and Introspection”, found in Prose Works right after Miscellaneous Writings. After relaying many troubling and sorrowful events, she writes on pages 21-23 about how her “eventful” life had served to turn her thinking toward spiritual methods, “enduring lessons”, and great joy.

On the cloudiest, cold day we can all be full of the joy and warmth of Love, Truth and Life!!

58. Nncls in N.C. Says:

I loved this Lift and so many of the comments today, including Lisa’s (#37) inspiration about the permanent nature of goodness — and our resilience. Beautiful!! Thanks so much!

59. Diana in Indiana Says:

On page 66:6 of Science and Health, Mary Baker Eddy says “Trails teach mortals ….. ” If you believe you are mortal then trials are proof of God’s care. As Kathy M said in #52, God doesn’t send adversity …or trials. We are not mortal. God made us spiritual. Spiritual progress can be sweet and smooth.

60. Maureen from Spearfish Says:

Thanks to all–Robin, for the lift and your follow-up comments. And to all the rest of you for echoing and expanding the message. As I head into this day, I feel much more aware of the forever fact that I am rooted and grounded in Love, strong and resilient in Truth so that I can bend and sway, and absolutely full of the joy of LIfe. Thank you ALL for reminding me of what is true.

61. Kaye Says:

Thank you so much. Your metaphors were beautiful. I, too, have a huge cedar tree on the south side of my house that I look out at from my living room. It really is a great symbol of strength.

62. Susan Carol Says:

Thanks so much Robin for the ideas you shared both in the Lift and in your comments.I’m also grateful for all the comments shared today about thriving in adversity. Thanks so much!

63. Blake S. from Portland, OR, USA Says:

Thanks Robin. One of my favorite qualities for God is EVERGREEN because it makes me think of nature which I love so much and how we all are naturally eternal Life, Truth and Love through God.

64. Jan , Co. Springs Says:

Great message of HOPE.. thank you Robin.

65. Cathy from Oregon Says:

I have a huge evergreen outside my window – I will never view it quite the same again – what an inspiring lift!

66. Phyllis Says:

Thank you Robin. What a lovely uplifting thought!

67. Anonymous Says:

what I am most grateful for today is how these lifts and everyone’s comments meet the HUMAN need. Error often “gets” me by making me feel like CS is too absolutist, and it’s teachings are only accessible if you’re in “the right state of inspired thought”. I certainly was not in this inspired state this morning, and was feeling dissilusioned that my study wasn’t leading me to feel love and peace – for myself or others. (This is also where error tries to whisper – “see? you’re not really that good of a Christian Scientist.”) This lift rooted me to the visual of the tree, and then led upward to sturdy thoughts about the laws of peace and Love. Thank you!

68. Shell Says:

I will always remember this beautiful analogy of our divine being.
Looking out my window, I can see and hear the beautiful story the evergreens tell, as they stand on a Holy ground, embraced by a white blanket of peace—-

Yours.
Shell

Appleton Wisconsin

69. Marilyn from Idaho Says:

I will look at these cold winter days in a new light.
Even the word , Evergreen, has a new meaning,
the layers of snow even protect my roses. Thank you Robin.

70. Barbara Says:

Thank you, Robin! This thought will be my mantra today.

71. Judy in Denver Says:

Thank you for the reminding us that we can “thrive” not merely survive in winter days. I love the strength of your metaphor!!

72. Merry Says:

This was just what I needed at this time in my life.
Just a few months after my husband passed on, I was served
with a Court Summons.
I love the first line of Science and Health”:”To those leaning on the sustaining Infinite, today is big with blessings.”
Also, my mom used to quote a line from hymn 18: “The brave becomre bolder the darker the night.”
This may be an “off the wall comment”, but I also like the feminist quote:
that “a woman is like a tea bag, you never know how strong she can be until she is placed in hot water.” The above blog quotes are all very helpful too,….as we go forth, we are sustained by God for whatever strengths we need.

73. Diana in Florida Says:

What strength and comfort in this lift. Thank you. We are so blessed to have these lifts arriving at our home each day of the week.

74. Joe Beckwith/Genoa, NV Says:

If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small. (Prov. 24:10)

Thanks Robin for this reminder to cherish seeming adversity, using it to amplify and grow our spiritual self.

75. sancy Says:

What suggests itself to us as “adversity” is a distortion or misrepresentation of what God is causing. I love that Christian Science teaches us that God is the starting point, the original. We already have the original of any suggestion to the contrary of God’s goodness/love/provision/protection. Thus I try to understand that the “greatest wrong is but a supposititious opposite of the highest right.”(S&H368:1) Let me change my viewpoint from that of adversity to opportunity to learn more of the blessing today is big with. “God pours the riches of His love into the affections and understanding giving us strength according to our day.” (S&H5:16)) I like to think that the “strength” we are given isn’t strength to eek by the challenges, but rather that we are prepared for the blessing today brings. How grateful I am to you all for this exchange.

76. Eli from Everett, WA Says:

Remember, David RAN to meet and defeat Goliath! Yahoo! Thanks,robin!

77. J.S. in Ky Says:

Forgive me, for adding to my # 6, but I left out the important point I wanted to make! It was identifying myself with CS, not just using it, that enabled me to proceed with my demonstration, and that seems to be implied in Mrs. Eddy’s quote Robin gave in this lift, which made me think of the incident. It was my duty, also my privilege to finish my work and not upset the public at the fair. S&H, 37:22-25 states this. Maybe my slower success at times is because I use CS, but don’t take a strong stand to identify myself as one with that duty. To me, there is a difference- both good roads to take, but together they help make it a speedway. When we seem to do this, but healing is delayed, this S&H statement remains a reachable goal. I think identification with CS is important between healings, too. It goes with what a CS teacher gave at a testimony mtg. when we were new in CS. He said that people say they’ve been in CS “X” many years, but no one is “in” during times they have doubt, fears, anger, etc. Today’s quote emphasizes the need to remember to ID with CS every hour, even when not working on special problems. If we succeed in this, we’ll thrive through longer adversities. Again, much thanks, Robin. And thanks #37, Lisa in ME, for your revelation on resiliency! #67, Anonymous, don’t listen to error. You sound to me like your farther along that it wants you to think. You wouldn’t be questioning where you are if you were still at the beginning of the “road”.

78. stan, Durango, CO, USA Says:

Thanks, I will be an evergreen:)

79. Prince Says:

The Voice of Love is always Admired and met with Deep Gratitude.Thanks for the message of Strength,for the Joy of the LORD is my Strength.Thank You All for the Wonderful Ideas You share.Peace

80. Sally L. from San Diego Says:

First I want to thank the staff at the Daily Lift, especially those who stay up late to insert the Lifts and those who get up early to monitor and add to them when needed. Marta brought this to our attention. You are a selfless group and we all love you for bringing us together! Thanks and Blessings.

Though I don’t think a bird would call his breaking out of his shell, adversity, the bird needs to gain muscle strength that way to fly out of the nest when he’s ready. I love Mary Baker Eddy’s reference to Christian Scientist’s needing to “peck open their own shells”.. I’ve seen such progress when I have made it a good thing to do the work that breaks a belief’s hold on me. Anyway, our God is all good and all that’s really going on is good, so why stand agast at good!

MODERATOR’S NOTE:
“They must peck open their shells with Christian Science, and look outward and upward.” Science and Health, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 552:17

81. anonymous Says:

Thanks to all. I found this Lift topic inspiring, but also challenging this morning . Feeling weary of trials. I came home from work for lunch to re-read and to find the new comments. #59 Diana was particualry healing for my mental wrestling, but all of today’s comments were helpful. I was going to express gratitude for more specific entries, but there honestly are too many. What abundance of Love & infinite Mind expressed! I have even saved some phrases in a “Daily Lift notes” list I have started.

82. Anne Says:

Thank you for the images of trees in winter. I once lived in the Midwest.

83. robin hoagland Says:

I just love JS’s experience at the fair — a wonderful example of what we discover of God’s gentle love in adverse situations. The more I realize that Christian Science is simply how we understand the truth about God, the easier it is to identify myself as a Christian Scientist and my approach to a problem as using Christian Science. But actions always speak louder than words, and that confidence, calm, joy, peace, love, and healing that flow out of studying Christian Science is what people will notice. That’s what prompts the questions: ‘What is it about you that is is so different?’ or: ‘How did that happen?’ or: ‘What is your reason for hope?’ We don’t have to have all the answers or even feel like we have more than a glimmer of the larger ideas of God’s love, but if we feel just a little bit that God’s love is the most powerful thing in the universe, is the only true power, we’re weathering the storm … and in a way that can’t help but touch the hearts of others.

84. Colleen in Tucson Says:

There is so much fruit and gratitude in the above messages. Thank you, everyone. And thank you, Robin, for providing the beautiful catalyst. All I can add is that the adversity we’ve been through in my family due to the economic downturn has been the hardest thing I’ve ever faced and the greatest blessing of my life. I’ve moved from a pedantic, though often inspired, practice of Christian Science into true and powerful living and proving. Vigorous. Robust. Tender. Compassionate. The motherhood of God seen through the lens of the fatherhood of God. Through it all, my appreciation and love for our Leader has grown like a tall, green pine in the winter snows of circumstance. I may be the most grateful for that. “The Christ is here, all dreams of error breaking, unloosing bonds of all captivity…(Hymn 412)

85. Janet P. J. Says:

Snow is located only on top of the volcanoes here in Hawaii. We have 4 growing seasons, no winter. We would be in tangled jungle, except for the drought that appears about every 5 years, and withers the aggressive vines and weeds and grasses. Mrs Eddy’ remarks [in Science and Health] on p.125, let us look deeper, for the good. Line 22 says that “The agriculturist will find these changes cannot affect his crops”. We saw that this year. Everything does work together for good.

86. cathy Says:

I have been struggling to make it through each day of what mortal mind is calling a “hell on earth.” Trying to “survive” each day. Thank you for reminding me that not only will I “survive,” but through prayer and understanding I will triumph over this mortal dream.

Thank you for the Daily Lifts. They are so often just what I need to turn my thought Spiritward.

87. Rosalinda Says:

Thank you. I can sense the lovely evergreen scent as you speak!!!
Much appreciated message.

88. Bruce Richardson Says:

Thans Robin.

89. Ginny Says:

Dear Robin Thank you for your Lift. and tonight I gave a testimony on Hymn
121 and came home filled with joy and love and also read “God’s Law of
Adjustment by Adam H Dickey

90. B.J.Paine /Washington Says:

The State of Washington is known as the Evergreen State…Seattle as the
Emerald City. Robin’scomparisons caught my eye and ear and I thought about
how I’ve always viewed the gorgeous Evergreen trees here as like God..
constant all the time…always green, always showing strength, beautiful
all through the seasons. beautitul; with snow on the needles, but beautiful
with raindrops glistening on the needles as well. On a beautiful clear, sunny
day (yes we have them, just not all the time) day you look to the S and see
majestic Mt. Rainier, to the North, majestic Mt. Baker, to the E the Cascades
and to the West the Olympic mountain range. There can never be a doubt
that you’re looking at God’s creation and no wonder it is written “Behold,
He saw everything that He had made and it was very good.” Thank you
Robin for a real lovely lift today!!!
B. J. Paine, Mercer Island, WA

91. Rob Wright Says:

Dear Robin– terrific one, Dear Heart. Much love– RW

92. Karen Says:

Thank-you!

93. di-vanc Says:

I am deeply grateful “spiritual hardiness” was instilled in us when we were children. Mom would often remind us to be “spiritually resilient” no matter how severe the storms. In the midst of many a serious battle she would remind us to seek the blessing. As a child I would sometimes think, “seek the blessing? NOW?” But I always did and great were the blessings.

“what a powerful image of enduring vigorous growth no matter what is going on”? Yes!!

“….with a sublime spiritual strength from God which increases season by season, storm by storm.” Yes!!

94. antoine hannie et les enfants RDCONGO BOMA Says:

ROBIN NOUS SOMMES PROSPERE AVEC DIEU NOTRE PERE-MERE ET DECOUVRIR L’HERITAGE DIVIN GLOIRE A DIEU MERCI ROBIN NOUS SOMMES AFFERIMIS ET PLUS FORT .

95. Nena Says:

Thank you so much Robin for this strong and powerful message. The right moment for me to be reminded that whatever it is that suggests otherwise, God is always in throne.

96. cna training Says:

What a great resource!

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