But as I lay there, I suddenly realized that I could do now what MBE provided for me to do in the morning. She had provided the “three Dailies” in the Manual. (Man pp. 40-42) So I started with A Rule for Motives and Acts. When I got to this phrase – “divine Love alone governs man” - my heart was suddenly and absolutely filled with joy and love and safety.

As we pondered this thought and what it truly meant we were able to see that he wasn’t just our pet but he was God’s perfect creation that was equally cared for and no harm could come to him. His life could not be altered in any way.

When I called my friend I was at my desk, pen in hand, ready to scribble whatever he said. I was expecting to be on the business end of a fire hose of metaphysical truths, then immediately dive into the books and study relentlessly. But that’s not what happened. What I heard wasn’t a torrent of words but a calm and brief statement about the nature of divine Principle …

We reassured him he could never fall out of God’s ever-present care…We shared a simple promise – “God is a very present help” and He will shepherd you all the way home.

I was deeply grateful that my kids were safe and that all that had been lost was “stuff.” Over the next few weeks I worked with local and state officials and insurance adjusters to sort through the rubble (literally) and work out the many issues that had to be dealt with. The outpouring of love and support from church members, friends and neighbors (including many of my Association mates) was beyond heartwarming – it was staggering.

As I made my way, I didn’t feel afraid. It just was a clear calm sense that I was in God’s presence. I thanked Him for being with me. And I knew that he wouldn’t leave.

It was arguing vehemently that it would use whatever was at hand in my experience to distract me from my life-purpose, to help heal others, by trying to make this permanent healing appear as a form of reversal. Healing is everything to me! It built our Cause and will continue to rebuild and revitalize our Church and Branches.

I handled the belief that suggested the evidence of healing being delayed or dependent on time. I am always grateful that you mentioned at one Association meeting, that when a case involves a child, there is a need to take it up as a priority.

The situation initially seemed high-pressure, both physically and in terms of my work. I tried to do what I was supposed to be doing. And I could do what I was required to do step-by-step. “I think I am making progress,” my notes from this period indicate.

At the checkout line I leaned in close and asked if she wanted me to pray for her and she responded immediately in the affirmative.

The agent suggested we pay him the upcoming rent until he could get valid information about the upcoming sale. We did not heed this directive, as we continued to listen to God and not the opinion of men. It reminded me of the story of the building of the wall and Nehemiah’s statement, “I cannot come down.” (Neh. 6:3)

My copy of We Knew Mary Baker Eddy, vol. II bristles with post-it flags. Two overall themes that stood out were ambivalence about healing by argument vs. consciousness, and the need to heal before explaining. I was also struck by Mrs. Eddy’s expression of love in donating to the local hospital. It seems clear we face no challenge of mortal mind that Mrs. Eddy didn’t face, even the claim that “things are different today.”

I delayed filing my taxes, and in the early part of the year had some help from a practitioner about the general health and management of the family business, but by mid-summer when I knew I had to file my tax return I still had no idea how I could pay.

The immediate thought was, “Here is an opportunity to demonstrate instantaneous healing.”

I was asked to work and picked up a copy of the Christian Science Journal. I turned to a page and came upon a particular line which talked about God’s seeing, God’s doing.