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“There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so” (Shakespeare). I first read this quote on an opening page of Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science.

Seeking wisdom from the departed was quite fashionable in the 19th century. People would go to a medium to have a séance, in which it was believed the spirit of someone who had passed on could be called up, to communicate with them and offer advice.

At the end of 1894 , Mary Baker Eddy made a radical and unique decision about the church she had founded. She established that two books, the Bible and her Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, would serve as the church’s pastor, and that Bible Lessons drawn solely from these two books would constitute its sermons.

The fourth chapter of the Gospel of John reports that Christ Jesus once spoke with a woman who had come to a well to draw water. Jesus explained to her that he could offer her “living water” that would permanently quench any thirst.

Some time ago I started making a concerted effort to thank God for every small evidence of His care. I used to think those little events were insignificant, and only the big healings warranted recognition.

“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God” ( Psalms 20:7 ). I love this passage from the Bible.

It was supposed to be one of those simple drives into town—to drop off a package for mailing, pick up a loaf of bread, leave a bag of gently used clothes in a donation box.   I’ve learned, however, as a student of Christian Science, that even these so-called mundane tasks are often opportunities to learn more about one’s relationship to God—more about the healing nature of divine Love.

I grew up in the Deep South of the United States, during a time when segregation made it nearly impossible to know anyone outside of their own race. I was also aware of the prevailing belief that not everyone was loved by God.

In meeting and mastering all the various things that may confront us, the guidance we get when we turn to God certainly can be delightfully surprising. The Bible describes the adventures of a vast crowd of newly freed slaves, all following their leader, Moses, away from Egypt into an unknown future.

Before healing two men of blindness, Jesus asked them: “Believe ye that I am able to do this?” They answered affirmatively: “Yea, Lord” (see Matthew 9:28 ).   Spiritual insight into these two words “Yea” and “Lord” has strengthened my practice of Christian Science healing.