Name: Shirley Paulson
Where you live: Glenview, Illinois (near Chicago)
What you do as a vocation or avocation?
I am in the healing ministry of Christian Science practice. It's hard to say whether it's a vocation or avocation, because I love it passionately. I also give talks all around the country, explaining Christian Science in university classrooms or churches, because so many people misunderstand it.
I am in the healing ministry of Christian Science practice. It's hard to say whether it's a vocation or avocation, because I love it passionately. I also give talks all around the country, explaining Christian Science in university classrooms or churches, because so many people misunderstand it.
Your two favorite books:
The Bible is always #1 for me, but does that count? As a companion to the Bible, I love Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy. If I could mention one more, it would be The Gospel of Mary of Magdala: Jesus and the First Woman Disciple, by Karen L. King.
The Bible is always #1 for me, but does that count? As a companion to the Bible, I love Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy. If I could mention one more, it would be The Gospel of Mary of Magdala: Jesus and the First Woman Disciple, by Karen L. King.
Your two favorite songs:
Something Wonderful, from The King and I; Touch of the Master's Hand, by Mindy Jostyn
Something Wonderful, from The King and I; Touch of the Master's Hand, by Mindy Jostyn
Why you are interested in spirituality?
Some people confuse my spiritual thinking with gnosticism. But from what I understand of gnosticism, it implies a life apart from here and now. However, I think of all things of God's kingdom as spiritual, and they're relevant, real, and powerful here and now. Finding the spiritual substance and meaning of things, I can trust God's present control and goodness. That's the very foundation of my healing practice, and it brings not only physical well-being but moral strength and life purpose into view. Some healing I've experienced for myself include infection, arthritis, and probable fracture, to name a few. And with those physical healings came more spiritual maturity and grace. I want to bring this kind of spiritual awareness and joy to everyone who wants to hear of it. It's not religious proselytizing, but compassion. It's hope for the oppressed and freedom from suffering.
Some people confuse my spiritual thinking with gnosticism. But from what I understand of gnosticism, it implies a life apart from here and now. However, I think of all things of God's kingdom as spiritual, and they're relevant, real, and powerful here and now. Finding the spiritual substance and meaning of things, I can trust God's present control and goodness. That's the very foundation of my healing practice, and it brings not only physical well-being but moral strength and life purpose into view. Some healing I've experienced for myself include infection, arthritis, and probable fracture, to name a few. And with those physical healings came more spiritual maturity and grace. I want to bring this kind of spiritual awareness and joy to everyone who wants to hear of it. It's not religious proselytizing, but compassion. It's hope for the oppressed and freedom from suffering.
Your favorite quote:
Jesus: "You shall love the Lord your god with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment." And a second is like it: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
Jesus: "You shall love the Lord your god with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment." And a second is like it: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
Your favorite web sites:
csmonitor.com; wikipedia; facebook; youtube; and if I may, a little plug for my own website - spiritualityandchristianity.com
csmonitor.com; wikipedia; facebook; youtube; and if I may, a little plug for my own website - spiritualityandchristianity.com
Your hero?
Since I think so much about the human mission and work of Jesus, I think of him as my hero -- the one I want to follow and learn from. That's why his quotes are my favorite.
A spiritual lesson you hope to learn?
I want the spiritual wisdom and courage to detect the subtle arguments of evil that present themselves as my own thinking. Treating others as I don't want them to treat me, for example; or blaming, doubting, fearing, when I should have confidence; and on the other hand, being naive when I ought to be wary -- these are the things I want to detect before they govern me. With genuine repentance, I trust I can find the freedom to love generously, wisely, and honestly.
Since I think so much about the human mission and work of Jesus, I think of him as my hero -- the one I want to follow and learn from. That's why his quotes are my favorite.
A spiritual lesson you hope to learn?
I want the spiritual wisdom and courage to detect the subtle arguments of evil that present themselves as my own thinking. Treating others as I don't want them to treat me, for example; or blaming, doubting, fearing, when I should have confidence; and on the other hand, being naive when I ought to be wary -- these are the things I want to detect before they govern me. With genuine repentance, I trust I can find the freedom to love generously, wisely, and honestly.
A place in the world where you feel spiritually "connected?"
The issue for me is not so much "where" as "when." So the answer is, wherever I am when I first awaken in the morning. My first thoughts are looking for God. Before the phone rings or others make demands on my time, I want to listen and love God and stay there until God is finished talking with me.
I blog occasionally on christianscience.com and TMCYouth.com.
The issue for me is not so much "where" as "when." So the answer is, wherever I am when I first awaken in the morning. My first thoughts are looking for God. Before the phone rings or others make demands on my time, I want to listen and love God and stay there until God is finished talking with me.
I blog occasionally on christianscience.com and TMCYouth.com.
Most of my work is on my own website, spiritualityandchristianity.com
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