Master of Metaphysics Course

Lesson 1

2012-01-21T12:04:00.001-08:00

As I visualized my fear I felt tense. I felt alone and separate. As I paid attention to my breath I felt calm and connected to everything and everyone around me. It was like we were all One and there was no separation- just peace and light. In that peace and light there was no F (false) E (evidence) A (appearing) R (real). It was a sense of complete deep connection with the Truth. Monnie

Monnie WWTD

Universal Life Church

2011-11-21T13:20:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our weekly sermon. We have created this feature to allow you to get regular weekly sermons sent straight to you. These sermons are on a variety of topics and we are neither promoting nor insisting on any particular point of view. We are merely sharing what has been sent to us. If you don't agree with the weekly topic or point of view, please just delete it and wait for next weeks.

Universal Life Church Seminary

#1 - What is the secret of life?

Rev. Linda Anne Spicer

Spiceonian@bresnan.net

(music in background…live guitar, piano…soft recorded instrumental)

Welcome all,

It is a blessing and a gift to be together with everyone this day /evening in the spirit of love and understanding. We are grateful for the freedom to be congregated in body and heart, to give strength, joy and support to each other and the experience of our Creator’s love. Let us take a few moments to look about us, greet your neighbor and feel the presence of life.

(Greetings, hugs, handshakes)

Please join me in a moment of silence to reflect on our blessings. (Quiet reflection)

Prayer-

Blessed Creator and Source of our Heart,

Thank you for another day to live in your world. Guide our thoughts and open our hearts that we may be spend this time in harmony with your Being. May we learn to be Honest, Happy and Free.

Amen

How many times have we wondered “What is the secret of life?”. When life is difficult, confusing or the universe seems to be at a standstill, when we get despondent or afraid, do we wonder “why are we here?“ or “What‘s the use?”. Is there anyone who hasn’t wondered these things if so, come on up and give today’s talk and do you really have wings? (Grin)

Is the Secret of Life wealth, fame, security, good marriage, successful children, health, God of your Heart? Could be, might be.

I went online, typed in “secret of life“, and got 132 million results, so this probably is a big question. Groucho Marx says “The secret of life is honesty and fair dealing. If you can fake that, you've got it made.” Musician James Taylor writes the secret of life is the passage of time. Other places read of the discovery of the DNA double helix, the breakdown of molecules, radiation of the sun, the workings of the mind, belief in God and overpowering fear. One cartoon shows the secret of life guru two levels down from the great golf tips guru. There were books, movies, mantras, endless articles, I finally got bored and pondered these things as I let the cats in from the snow.

For me, the secret of life is breathing, that’s right, breathing.

Genesis 2:7 in the Bible reads “…God formed man from the dust of the ground; and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a living being”

Humans cannot live without oxygen for more than a few minutes. The brain requires more oxygen than any other organ; studies show lack of proper oxygen is one of the major factors in most diseases including cancer. Low oxygen intake causes irritability and depression.

Have you noticed when one is upset, afraid, in extreme concentration, the breathing slows down or stops altogether? A good example is the anxiety or panic attack. (Demonstrate w/ frown, startled gasp etc…) Now think of laughter, a sweet kiss, song. (Demonstrate w/busting out with a favorite tune or something of the like) How does the breathing compare? What joys can be had by the smell of fresh baked bread, lemon blossoms, and the crisp morning air. What about dangers, gas, acids, fire?

The breath of life has many names, prana, chi, anima, mana to name a few, and is recognized as the main Force in most spiritual arenas. Does not the bible read all creation came from God in the words “Let there be…”? How can we have language without breath? In the past a “man’s word was his honor” An interesting word play, change one letter in “words” to get “sword”. How often have our words cut like a sword, or caused countless fights. How much destruction has been started by words either said in jest, spoken in anger, retaliation, jealousy, fear? Ahh...but then again, what about the encouraging word, the sigh of relief, the atta boys/girls, or the words “dinner’s on” yelled from the kitchen or better yet “I love you”? Yes, our breath dictates much of our daily life by how we choose to use it.

Stop now, close your eyes and take a few minutes to just breathe. Even if you are on oxygen, have allergies or a cold, still stop, enjoy your breathing and think of the gift of life. (Music playing softly in background, close eyes and pause as people adjust to breathing.)

Prayer-

Creator,

Thank you for the gift of life today. May we be aware of your gift and speak as you would have us speak, live as you would have us live and love as you would have us love.

Amen

Lets’ try an experiment this week, when the temptation to react unkindly to any situation, be it an irritating driver, the telephone, a persistent child, let’s try to stop and take that deep breath or two or four and remember the life we’ve been given and just what we're about to do with the “ secret of life”.

Note*

The homelitic guidelines suggest an Offeratory section of a sermon. It is my desire to not bring money into a homily, the mixing of masters you know. I do realize money is a necessity, ideally money will be gathered at a drop box at the door or some localized place. Should the need arise for more money than is available, that will be taken up at different meetings and newsletters/postings stating the need and amount needed.

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Universal Life Church

2011-11-02T21:17:00.000-07:00

Unanswered Questions by Rev. Laura A. Alles

Two weeks ago when I found and made the commitment to the ULC Ministry I have been contemplating a sermon. Something has been bothering me for the last 7 months, I would like to put into my very first sermon.

Today as I cleaned up some of the files in my computer I revisited a letter I wrote May 14, 2005. It wasn't a friendly warm letter, it was a letter of pent up anger and just plain old frustration. It started with years of unsaid words and ended with a prayer.

Back to the letter I wrote. Being a mother and one quite involved in the school, and being vested in my community I have met many of the people around me. I have had the opportunity to interact on many levels. About 7 years ago I met, Donna. Donna was a single mom in the community, she had it hard. She was disabled, but mostly because of choices she made - though not all. Donna had grown up "rough" and it showed in her demeanor. She made many adversaries from sometimes honest, sometimes unneeded and hurtful words. A little ADHD was added to the mix also. I held my tongue.

Donna had a lot of life lessons to share with the world, and could have been very beneficial with the right manner of speaking. For years Donna and I watched our daughters be best friends and grow together. As typical best friends, they loved, laughed and fought. During the times of fighting Donna, would get involved in the agruements. She had this way of letting you know she always had it worse than those around her. I held my tongue.

February 12, 2005 my daughter was raped. In an attempt to make sense of the tragedy my daughter went to Donna for advice. The attitude my daughter got was not what I would have expected from a grown adult. Donna had been raped 30 years ago and it was, of course, worse than what happened to my 17 year old daughter so needed to buck up and deal with it. I held my tongue.

The girls had a fight, and Donna got into the middle of the argument. Here is where my unsettled feelings come from, and now 7 months after May 14, 2005 I am still feeling the effects of the letter. I wrote a letter to Donna, expressing all of the years of pent up frustrations that I had held back. In my growing I have been blessed by the Heavens above with patience, I thought it was a gift. The letter started with the hard truth because after all Donna sure dealt a lot of that in her lifetime without regard for who she hurt. I didn't hold my tongue.

I held onto the letter for two weeks, I wanted to make sure it was what I really wanted to say before I sent it. Our girls were graduating, I had bought a gift for her daughter, asked her to stop by pick up the gift and give the letter to her mother. Donna got the letter and freaked out, in a very Donna style - stormed over to my house, with a response that wasn't very friendly. Three days later - Donna killed herself.

Donna's daughter didn't have a mother at graduation. Donna's daughter had to move within 2 days of her death out of her home and out into the world of life. Donna's daughter was left with no immediate family because of Donna's hard life and harsh words. Donna's daughter found crack pipes in her mother things as she packed. Donna's daughter is struggling.

Should I have held my tongue? All of the things I held for so many years and pride myself in got the best of me. All the things I hated in Donna came out in me. What could be learned here? We all still answer for everything we do and say. We all still have to live with what is dealt to us.

Hold strong to your convictions, you have them for a reason.

In Peace

~Laura A. Alles ~

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Universal Life Church

2011-10-05T09:11:00.000-07:00

Methods and Message of the Maker

Changing Methods and the Eternal Message of an Unchanging Maker

"God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;.."

Is it not amazing to consider the different ways God speaks and communicates to this world? If you study Gods dealing with man, you will find he rarely used the same method twice. In the Miracles of Jesus, he never duplicated what he had done before in the same method. He was confronted with the same need many times, but he seemed to reach into the creativity of the Divine to leave a lesson for us to learn.

Though his methods vary, the message of God to humanity has not changed. The Lord has been giving clear signs and confirmations to the things he values. God understands the power of perception. He has gone to great lengths to impress on humanity some basic principles of his nature and desires. Why would God go to such a great length to manifest the divine in humanity for a plan that would not finally culminate for hundreds and thousands of years? I say it is because he wants us to get a picture and perception of his nature. This picture and perception can change the way we see and how we live our lives. This vision of God changes the way men interact with each other. When we get a proper vision of the values of a holy God, it is a life transforming opportunity.

"Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;" Heb 1:3

I believe God is still watching the power of his message bring about the fullness of his will. Person to person as the Gospel is transmitted in words, action and the very spirit/ attitude of those he uses brings about a universal view of the maker of it all.

Imagine in your mind the Eternal Spirit of God putting on the garments of flesh to redeem men from the destructive power of carnality. Eye for an Eye, Flesh for Flesh, Hope for despair, healing for disease, direction for confusion, beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning and whatever the problem there is a corresponding solution found in the revelation of Christ.

Think about the many things God has done for you in your life. Get a picture in your mind of this. Arm yourself with the sword of a miraculous memory. Equip your life with the prophetic words you have received and read. Catch a glimpse of a victorious savior shaking the worlds and bringing all men to bow the knee even to confession of his Lordship.

No matter your situation. God has a Special work he can and will bring to bear.

Just thinking about the only God and Saviour Jesus Christ!

In Him, By Him, Through Him,

Scott Phillips

Jude 1:25

25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

Titus 3:4-7

4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Titus 2:13

13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

1 Tim 2:3-6

3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

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Universal Life Church

2011-09-24T07:21:00.000-07:00

Relax!

God Knows What He is Doing
Lessons From God's Angels

Jesus Said:

Ask for the great things, and the small things shall be yours as well.

Ask for heavenly things, and all the earthly things shall be yours as well.

The Angel Of LOVE

Borne from the Tear that Christ Shed on the Cross

And the Angel Speaks:

Today I bestow the essence of love upon everything. Everyone I meet shall be lovely to me. My soul meets the soul of the Universe in everyone. This love is a healing power touching everything into wholeness.

To love is to see God in all. This sight, this intelligence, this all light of reasoning, wisdom, understanding, is the light of God that flows within you and every creature in the universe, the home of God, the one only. To trust yourself is to trust God. To love yourself is to love God, God is all. Allow your love forever to flow, the choice is yours. There is only one choice, and that choice is Love, Love God, Love Yourself,

Love Your Brothers, Love Your Sisters, Love Your Vision.

Love, Compassion, Mercy, Creativity, Forgiveness, - These are of all of the Love of God. Chose to see the light of God, for by his mercy you walk in the light of God. He is always by your side, you are chosen. We have no obligation to one another except to give and receive love. Say I love you no matter what you have done or who you may be, for all is God, and I love God as I love all. Step back and allow the natural flow to enter into your life. Allow me the Angel of Love to share the knowledge that God has given me to share with you, allow me to share this Love now.

Meditation
Relax and concentrate your whole self on the thought and the presence of the Spirit of God. Count from ten to zero. As you count, feel yourself moving closer and closer to God. Fell yourself moving closer and closer to your true expression. When you reach zero you will be filled only with the spirit of God. All other thoughts will have vanished from your mind as you begin your journey into your God consciousness. Reflect on this one thought. The knower and the known are one. Simple people imagine that they should see God, as if he stood there and they here. That is not so. For God and I are but one.

See a young man walking along a snow-covered path, surrounded by the stillness of a cold winter's night. Only the sound of the snow beneath his feet breaks the stillness of the night. Above the sky stretches endlessly in all directions, so full of stars it seems like an immense umbrella of light sprinkled with small bits of darkness. The entire country, from the distant peaks and valleys to the green trees along his path are bathed in an unearthly light.

He comes upon a clearing, and the source of the light is suddenly revealed: Amazed he looks at the full moon which seems to have drawn him closer and closer, as if it has singled him out above all. A beautiful woman, a princess with snow-white doves as feet appears. His eyes are riveted upon her beauty. Her lovely glow lights his face.

He feels motion in his motionless legs, he feels himself moving towards her, wanting, willing her to meet him. His every sense is keyed to peak awareness, yet he oblivious of the icy coldness of the wind and the stinging of the snow as winter tears at his soul.

He feels the pale moon woman's floating motion toward him as much as his purposeful advance toward her. They are drawn to each other as if magnetized. Now they are close. He opens his arms and embraces the shadowy form, which takes on substance from his touch. Their shapes blend together.

The merging of their outlines extends to their minds and pervades their blood. He experiences their unity with every fiber; every muscle and cord in his body responds, grows strong in ways they had not been strong before. The wind has joined their union and supports them, carrying them along on violent gusts.

There is a soaring in his mind and heart, almost unbearable in intensity. At last, when the ultimate crescendo has been reached, it begins to abate. The shadow form slips from out of his hold and is swept away by the winter wind. He is left alone with the purity of the night and snow, never to be lonely again, filled with the afterglow of new heights of awareness, aliveness, and unconditional love.

You are now feeling the true nature of love.

And God Speaks;

Love is the central flame of the universe, yes, the very fire itself. It is written that I am Love, and that you are my expressed likeness, the of the One Eternal Being. Love is self-givingness through creation, the impartation of the Divine through you my children.

I have spoken and so it is:

The Angel Of TRUTH

And the Angel Speaks:

I rely on God alone, in whom I live, move and have my being. A sense of happiness, peace and certainty flows through me. I know truth in myself because I know truth in God. I am sure of myself because I am sure of God.

Never accuse the world or yourself of foolishness or ignorance,

Not even God judges. He knows all things and does all things well through you.

All evil is blamed on sin, but sin is only a mistaken idea of life, a mistaken idea of who you are, and the world in which you chose to live. This is all the sin you or anyone has ever committed. Your mistake is of mind, and you have chosen to live that mistake.

Knowing this truth erases all mistakes.

You are now free from your suffering and troubles. Speaking truth, thinking truth will bring to the world all that it is seeking.

GOD WORKS ONLY IN TRUTH!

You have no idea how soon you will forget about the misguided idea of evil.

When you speak and live the truth. Realize the world is not of evil.

Speak boldly and let spirit handle your affairs. Know that spirit occupies the space that form claims to occupy.

SPIRIT IS PURE INTELLIGENCE AND THAT IS TRUTH.

Did Jesus not say that man shall not live by bread alone! But by every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God!

The mind of man is the mind of God
The life of man is the life of God
The soul of man is the soul of God
The spirit of man is the spirit of God

In truth move on.

Relax and concentrate your whole self on the thought and the presence of the Spirit of God. Count from ten to zero. As you count, feel yourself moving closer and closer to God. Fell yourself moving closer and closer to your true _expression. When you reach zero you will be filled only with the spirit of God. All other thoughts will have vanished from your mind as you begin your journey into your God consciousness. Reflect on this one thought. The knower and the known are one. Simple people imagine that they should see God, as if he stood there and they here. That is not so. For God and I are but one.

Daily Prayer (meditation)

I am a center in the Divine Mind, a point of God conscious life, truth and action.

My affairs are divinely guided and guarded into right action, into correct results.

Everything I do, say or think, is stimulated by the Truth.

There is a power in the word I speak, because it is of the Truth and it is the Truth.

There is a perfect and continuous right action in my life and affairs. All believe in wrong action is dispelled and made negative.

Right action alone has power and right action is Power, and Power is God The Living Sprit Almighty.

This sprit animates everything that I do, say and think.

Ideas come to me daily and these ideas are divine ideas.

They direct me and sustain me without effort.

I am continuously directed.

I am compelled to do the right thing at the right time.

To say the right word at the right time.

To follow the right course at all times.

All suggestion of age, poverty, limitations or unhappiness is uprooted from my mind.

And can not gain entrance to my thought.

I am happy, well and filled with perfect life.

I live in the Spirit of Truth and I am conscious that the Sprit of Truth lives in me.

My word is the law unto its own manifestation, and will bring to me or cause me to be brought to its fulfillment.

There is no unbelief, no doubt no uncertainty.

I know and I know that I know.

Let every thought of doubt vanish from my mind.

That I may know the Truth and the Truth may set me free.

And God Speaks;

These things my son hath done you shall have done too.

I have spoken and so it is:

The Angel Of KNOWING

I know exactly what to do in every situation. Every idea necessary to successful living is brought to my attention. The doorway to ever-increasing opportunities for self-_expression is open before me. I am continuously meeting new and larger experiences. Every day brings some greater good. Every day brings more blessing and greater self-expression. I am prospered in everything I do. There is no deferment or delay, no obstruction or obstacle to impede the progress of right action.

And the Angel Speaks:

All was, and is, and ever will be, is the work of the Divine Mind. " God saw everything He had made, and behold it was good.

Our words along with our true nature of Knowing are the only principal at work. The water of a mighty river maybe dammed up, but if a channel were made the water would flow freely over the land making them fruitful and unconfined. This we Know! So why do we become muddled in faith, when we Know!

Jesus said; By thy word thou art justified and by thy word thou art condemned. If a man keep my sayings he shall never see death. Faith? No! Knowing!

Knowing itself as Knowing will feed itself and increase. Knowing will work miracles by reason of itself. Miracles are the power of Knowing.

Know That;
God lives in me as his strength and glory
God lives in me as my strength divine
By His light and love I read life's story
And the key to His world is mine

Old ideas are old beliefs.
You are not obliged to live in the past.
You are the creator of today.

Know this if nothing else,
Know that all is God!

Relax and concentrate your whole self on the thought and the presence of the Spirit of God. Count from ten to zero. As you count, feel yourself moving closer and closer to God. Fell yourself moving closer and closer to your true _expression. When you reach zero you will be filled only with the spirit of God. All other thoughts will have vanished from your mind as you begin your journey into your God consciousness. Reflect on this one thought. The knower and the known are one. Simple people imagine that they should see God, as if he stood there and they here. That is not so. For God and I are but one.

See yourself in a large open-air swimming pool in beautiful surroundings, comfortably immersed in water of exactly the right temperature. Be carried away by the soothing motions of the waves, listening to the sounds of the gentle ripples. The bed of waves supports you securely and surrounds you lovingly, extending far in all directions, further and further beyond all horizons, until you realize you are floating on an endless cloud. There is nothing to break the continuity of support and the rhythm of sound.

You feel the need to share this grand experience with someone. Suddenly you find yourself high above the clouds floating on air, part of an Angel ballet. To your delight, you find that your body is completely at ease performing intricate routines in unison with these Angels. Every move is at once spontaneous and familiar.

Your motions synchronize effortlessly. You find yourself soaring to heights you have never imaged. You easily follow the tempo and rhythm of the winds. Soaring gracefully you rise with them. A great feeling of joy and well being fills your soul as you perfectly perform your routines. You want this ballet to last forever, to experience the sense of well being and accomplishment again and again.

Suddenly, there is a slight difficulty, your soaring has become more difficult than before. Your movements are not as fluid, not as graceful. The wind resists your flight, and the sky is not as clear as it was before. You are not quite sure of the direction in which you are to move. The wind is becoming furious, the sky foggy; somehow you must clear them to see where you are going. If only you had someone to guide you!

The moment you become aware of your need, it is filled;

A golden angel appears to show you the way.

Immediately you find yourself in a perfect private world that is only yours. So perfect you are not startled or surprised. Angels are Gods messengers. You find you silently communicate perfectly with the Angel. You become aware of another certainty in this wonderful place. Language and communication need not depend on words. Without words to inform the angel, it knows that you need a guide; without spoken reassurance, you know that you can trust this spirit. You willingly allow the Angel to guide you, wherever he chooses to lead.

He soars ahead of you and you follow, knowing that all is safe. The Angel's golden light is so bright you unable to see anything clearly beyond his light. Everything here is so beautiful that the thought of missing anything makes you a little inpatient. You say nothing because you so much love the beauty of the angel, but suddenly you know that he knows of your impatience.

He puts on a magnificent display for you; without any break in his graceful soaring ahead of you he answers your thoughts by means of emanating a beautiful kaleidoscope of ever changing designs and colors, each representing an answering word. Only they are lost on you, because you can not understand his language. All you can make out are incomprehensible Patterns.

If only there was a way to learn his language, if only you could discover what is in his head? That's it; you have found the answer; to find the answer you must pursue the Angel to it's source. Allow your mind to become one with the Angel. His thoughts become your thoughts, his soul becomes your soul. All of his senses and his thoughts become your very own.

See and feel yourself moving forward, gaining on him slowly, drawing alongside him, closer and closer, until your outlines blur and merge, until you are a part of him and he is a part of you. Suddenly you know that you understand his language and his thoughts as you understand your own. Spend some time within the angel. Study his feelings, his thoughts, his language as long as you wish.

Repeat after me

I know my destiny in life. God has ordained a wonderful mission for me, and I joyously fulfill it. I am an emissary for Spirit, and I accept my life in God.

And now you Know!

And God Speaks;

I will provide!

The Angel Of ABUNDANCE

I identify myself with abundance. I surrender all fear and doubt. I let go of all uncertainty. I know there is no confusion, no lack of confidence.

The presence of God is with me. The Mind of God is my mind. The freedom of God is my freedom. The power of God is my power. The abundance of God fills my every good desire right now.

And the Angel Speaks:

Abundance can never be denied of you. As a child of God how can anything ever be denied of you? It can not! But you must we willing to step up and accept you true inheritance without question, knowing full will that the Father is and will always answer you wherever you yourself are in spiritual conscience. The Father would never turn away any of His children. Knowing this we should never question nor need we ever fell alone. Aloneness is your conscience choice of standing apart for our Father. It is your choice, not His, made of your own free will that has been granted onto you. Abundance, true Abundance in Love Peace all that is beautiful, all that is life is yours now just for the acceptance of your true inherence as the child of God. You do not have to force any issue in life. For to do so is to believe in the duality of life, and there can not be duality since all is of and is God.

Relax and concentrate your whole self on the thought and the presence of the Spirit of God. Count from ten to zero. As you count, feel yourself moving closer and closer to God. Fell yourself moving closer and closer to your true _expression. When you reach zero you will be filled only with the spirit of God. All other thoughts will have vanished from your mind as you begin your journey into your God consciousness. Reflect on this one thought. The knower and the known are one. Simple people imagine that they should see God, as if he stood there and they here. That is not so. For God and I are but one.

You are walking into the light, surrounded by a thick mist, feel it clinging all around you feel its softness, white embrace. Now allow the mist to dissipate and allow the warmth from the light to start to take a hold. As the mist dissolves other forms start to emerge and you find yourself walking in a pine forest. Pine needles make a firm springy carpet beneath your feet. You reach out and feel the bark of the trees that tower above you. The scent of pine fills the clean clear air. The light shines warm though the last of the mist and though the green pine branches, and lights your path with cool green shade.

Stand for a moment weave patterns on the forest floor as the light gleams and sparkles though the trees.

Stillness fills the air, as you wander along the path though the trees, that stillness becomes sound-music. Listen carefully and let the guild you. The path opens out into a clearing, there is the source of the music. An angel sitting in the tall grass playing a violin. The notes flow from his fingers. You stop and hold your breath, you know you are on the brink of a new experience, You see the notes flow from the angels hands, spiraling skyward, silver streaks of sound arise in a shimmering spiral, returning to meet golden streaks, blue, red, green, intertwined, then separating, almost to beautiful for the eye to see. On they soar together. Onward they soar together, spinning skyward, soaring to their climax, creating a flame as the approach a crest in the path.

There they remain for an instant, so beautiful, with so much grace; they now burn blue, before falling into the mighty pine forest.

Deeply moved by this marriage of sight and sound you begin to feel new creative possibilities of abundance coming to life within you, growing, expanding, and crying for _expression.

Now watch this new found abundance grow, knowing that you can now express it smoothly, effortlessly and with confidence.

And God Speaks;

Walk onto me,

your Father as the proud child
Knowing that all my gifts are bestowed
Upon you today by your acceptance

And so it is

The Angel Of ACCEPTANCE

The Spirit within me knows the answer to the problems which confront me. I know that the answer is here and now. It is within my own mind because God is right where I am. I now turn from the problem to the Spirit, accepting the answer. In calm confidence, in perfect trust, in abiding faith, and with complete peace, I let go of the problem and receive the answer.

And the Angel Speaks:

All that is, is God! You are of God, I am of God, all is of God. The simple acceptance of this one truth will set you free. All that we have ever wanted or all that we ever need has already been given onto us with love. God wants for us what we want for ourselves. Know that God would never hold anything from you. Understand, that as you know God, so God knows you. This is why it is very important that you know that God is a kind and loving parent. As you know God so you will reflect onto the world.

Relax and concentrate your whole self on the thought and the presence of the Spirit of God. Count from ten to zero. As you count, feel yourself moving closer and closer to God. Fell yourself moving closer and closer to your true _expression. When you reach zero you will be filled only with the spirit of God. All other thoughts will have vanished from your mind as you begin your journey into your God consciousness. Reflect on this one thought. The knower and the known are one. Simple people imagine that they should see God, as if he stood there and they here. That is not so. For God and I are but one.

God who fills your consciousness fills the whole of the Universe. Let yourself be carried by the sprite of God and with this One Sprite roam over the whole of creation. Fill Gods power in the mighty winds, Gods strength in the towering mountains, in the thundering skies, and in the ocean vast blue. This One Universal Spirit with all of its power, love and wisdom fills your consciousness.

God is the warn gentle breeze, the colors of the rainbow, the beauty and the power of the waterfall. The first rose of spring, the wind that fills your sails as you lazily sail into the orange sunset. He is the waves as the drift upon the sandy shores. God is the gentleness and love that fills your soul.

God is the rich fertile soil and the life giving seeds of the earth. God is the green grass blowing in the breeze. God is the mind that creates all that is new. God is all that is life. You are an individual expression of God! God is the power of creation in your hands, in your mind, and in your soul.

Feel God as God caresses you with The Fathers loving hands, feel his love, his wisdom, his peace, his knowing, know that these are also yours. Know that it is God that binds all hearts, all minds and bodies together in peace and harmony. Feel his love, express his love, his kindness and his wisdom. Accept this gift he has given you. Live in his love and all that you touch shall be as his touch and therefore be aglow in love and wisdom.

Now move forth into this world as his massager of love. Let his sprite grow within you until Gods love is all that you are. Know that you are Gods _expression of power, strength gentleness, life, creativity, love this sprite that is you. Know that you are chosen as one of his expressions, give only love even in the face of hate Let his sprite replace all that has died inside of you. Let God make your vision clear and strip you of the illusion of this world.

See God as he creates, see him creating every moment of your life. In God you are continually being reborn. Go now with God in the spirit of love into the newness of life.

Love all that you see and know that by loving all that you see love will be returned to you tenfold. Love all that you do, all that you are, for all that is you, God is also.

With God there can be no evil on your pathway, there is no matter to its laws, there can be no loss or lack, no deprivation. There is nothing to fear, for there is no power to hurt. There is neither sin, nor sickness, nor death. The past is but a dream. The future is but an illusion. There is only now, right now, this moment! And that has already become the past.

And God Speaks;

Go now and know that I am always with you!

Everything that you do, say or think is governed by MY Divine Intelligence and

inspired by My Divine Wisdom. You are always guided into right action. You are

surrounded with friendship, love and beauty. Enthusiastic joy, vitality and inspiration are in everything you do. You are now conscious of My Divine Guidance.

Close your eyes and repeat after me:

I accept complete happiness, abundant health and increasing prosperity. I am aware of my partnership with God. I know that everything I do shall prosper and shall be for the good of all. The law of God is flowing through me. I am one with the rhythm of all life, God.

Know that you have nothing to be afraid of. There is nothing to be uncertain about.

I am over all, in all, and through all. I am right where you are. I am at peace with the world in which you live. You are now at home with the Divine Spirit in which you are immersed. You and I are one. Go and know that truly My Kingdom is at hand today, where you are, as you are, and as who you are.

The Angel of Spiritual Serenity

The greatest gift God has bestowed upon us, is spiritual serenity, how much the greater, given with love. Know that the God gives to the children only with love for God would never want anything but love for his children. Serenity is your natural state of being. You can see it in a child's eyes at play. Peace, calmness, serenity must be guarded every day, indeed every moment with every waking breath. This gift, the most precious of Gods gifts, the simplest gift of all is the most difficult of all to harbor. Know that when peace and calmness are withering from your soul that it is nothing more that your believe in the illusion of this three dimensional world. When you feel your serenity slipping away simply turn within and say God I love you!

Close your eyes for a moment and say God I love you and now simply wait for his answer.

Relax and concentrate your whole self on the thought and the presence of the Spirit of God. Count from ten to zero. As you count, feel yourself moving closer and closer to God. Fell yourself moving closer and closer to your true _expression. When you reach zero you will be filled only with the spirit of God. All other thoughts will have vanished from your mind as you begin your journey into your God consciousness. Reflect on this one thought. The knower and the known are one. Simple people imagine that they should see God, as if he stood there and they here. That is not so. For God and I are but one.

Imagine yourself sitting on a riverbank, observing the configurations of a whirlpool directly in front of you. A small branch drifts towards the eddy, it comes closer and closer, until it is finally caught by the pull of the whirlpool. Your mind's eye now has a point of focus and follows the branch as it is caught in the vortex of the swirling water, drawing a circle around its largest circumference, then around its next one and the one after that, being drawn down deeper and deeper and faster and faster inward.

Retaining your sense of comfort and safety, you begin to identify with the branch. Feeling no fear or threat, you follow the branch, you are now the branch, letting go, relaxing as the whirlpool carries you into its center. You feel relief that burden of control is lifted from you, relief at being allowed to be let go, to follow where the water leads, deeper and deeper into the mysterious depth, leading to the new dimension beneath the point of the funnel, into your inner conscience.

Now you have reached this quiet and peaceful place, begin to explore it. There are some landmarks here, which in the future will immediately reinforce your knowledge of having arrived at the source of your inner spirit, the one you have chosen to surrender to God. Notice how it feels. It is a place and a state of mind to serene to be called expectancy, for you are waiting for something yet to be identified, and yet you know beyond a doubt that you have entered the Kingdom of Heaven within, just as Jesus had promised. You find yourself waiting, not for any solutions to concrete problems, but for a panorama of creative thought. You are now face to face with the creation of God as you.

While you are waiting, empty you mind of all thoughts. Allow only God to enter the temple of your mind. Empty your mind of all concerns as if you were cleaning a table to spread out on it pieces of a picture puzzle. There must be plenty of room to display all the pieces of your reflective thoughts, each piece must lie within its own island of space, so that your inner _expression of God can examine himself from your inner most minds eye.

See and feel as God releases you from the burden of your ego and takes control of your life. Never again need you worry about any outcome in your life as God now has total dominion through your surrender. All that you say and do is now an expression of God.

Now repeat after me,

I now let go of everything and turn to that Divine Spirit of God within me, where the spirit of love and the spirit of peace dwells in me with calm serenity. I withdraw into the place in me that has never been hurt, nor has ever been sick, and that has always lived in divine and eternal peace, I choose the Kingdom of God, which is good. This inner Kingdom within is all peace, all power and all perfection. I know that I have entered into the Kingdom of wholeness, perfection, peace, power, beauty, love, supply and life. I know that the abundance of this life is showered upon me, that I am guided into right action, into right decision. I now walk the pathway of Gods perfection into the knowledge, the peace, and the love, knowing that God now makes my every movement and decision for me. I now live in harmony, abundance and peace. I now live in the Kingdom of God.

Now listen as the Spirit of God within you speaks;

I will never leave you nor forsake you. I am with you always, for you are my _expression, the light of my Light. I have fulfilled myself as you, and have given myself to you as you. All that I am, all that you are, we are, for you are my _expression. I am all that you can conceive of me, your supply, your health, your work, your relationships, your protection, all that I am, you are. Know that I will, nor can I ever withhold anything from you, for I am you in true _expression. Take your rightful place upon the throne of my heart, love me as I have always loved you. Know that I now give you divine authority to manifest the fulfillment of your desires, and I will always guild you wisely and rightly. Choose that which you have and accept that have as me, your father, the one who loves you, who wants only good for you.

Oh love what you see. Love everything that you see. See yourself and all in pictures of total fulfillment, see it in your heart, feel it.

Now repeat;

I now totally and completely surrender to the activity of God, the only power at work in my life. I now let go of all that I am or was and do his perfect work. I let go and let God work his miracles through me, as me, as God!

I now move into this world as a co-creator with God, always listening to the inner guild, and doing that which is in front of me to do as one with God.

Now allow yourself a few minutes for this experience to fully what has just happened. You are no longer ordinary, just one of the crowd, you have touched the face of God.

Live it, breath it and
Say unto your heart,
"Peace, be still!"

God's New Meditation

As you close your eyes and relax you concentrate your whole self on the thought and the presence of the Spirit of God you feel yourself moving closer and closer to God. You fell yourself moving closer and closer to your true _expression. Just breath and you will be you will be filled with the spirit of God. All other thoughts will have vanished from your mind as you begin your journey into your God consciousness. Reflect on this one thought. The knower and the known are one. Simple people imagine that they should see God, as if he stood there and they here. That is not so. For God and I are but one.

See yourself surrounded by Jesus, Mohammed, The Buddha, and all the great saints and Gods messengers, because this is truly who you and all of your Brothers/Sister are. We are the messengers sent here from God to share our messages and Gods love. Now I want you to become one with whom they are. Feel and see the white light of Gods power as it flows into you, though you and surrounds you. Feel and know the sense of the omnipotent presence of the Father. Understand and release all that you thought you were. Know that you are so much more. Now form a circle with these great beings and hold hands. Experience the union with the Creator, feeling his light, love, and peace. Release all feelings of tension as you become one with the Holy Father. Know that you are now blessed with the honesty, truth and knowledge of why you are here. Know that you are a minister of His truth as your individual _expression of the Father dictates to your soul. Ask God to bliss all of your Brothers/ Sisters and know that it is so. Know that you now shine with His beauty and love and healing even to those that would persecute you, knowing that any persecution is simply a misunderstanding that they have of themselves. As you forgive them know that they are forgiven, just as you are forgiven. Release all of those that have ever hurt you and see them in Gods loving Light. Know that you yourself are released. Know that though you and your sharing of Gods light, peace and forgiveness that you have done your part in saving this world. Now bath in this understanding and allow it to become whom you are.

Now see yourself carrying this Light, Love and understanding into the world and bless all, even those that would chose to be your enemy, knowing in your heart that no child of God, no Brother/Sister could ever truly be an enemy.

Bless it be, and so it is.

Go in peace, goodwill and love.

Rev. Donald Z

Thank You

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2011-09-19T07:03:00.000-07:00

Woo Hoo, I feel Good!

Woohooo! I feel good! It's a great day!" This and other types of refrains echoed through the rooms in our home early in the morning. I rolled over and wondered, "What is going on? Somebody
is really feeling good!"

I asked my wife, "What is all that about?" She explained to me that Nate, our soon to be six year old bouncy boy, was excited about what lay ahead of him that day."

It really made me day; I could hear those happy refrains playing in my ears all day. His joy brought me joy. Our emotional stance is so much made up of expectations. I don't know when the last time I woke up and audibly, "WoohoooEd!" However I know that if I did, it would have a similar effect on those I came in contact with that day.

You know, later in the day I told my wife, "I sure feel good today."

"She guessed at what she thought was the reason, and she may have been right, there were a few reasons why I should feel blessed.

However, the most outstanding on that particular day was a little blond headed boy greeting his day with a Whoo Hoo.

I challenge you to consider that your expectation level and your response reverberate off the walls of the souls you encounter.

Woohhoo, I feel Good, It's a Great Day!

In Him, By Him, Through Him,

Scott Phillips

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

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2011-08-27T07:50:00.000-07:00

The Reason to Keep Standing

When the Lesser Part does its Part

I was walking through the house when my wife showed my on the computer screen a video of a plane flying through the air. She explained to me that it was a Jet Blue passenger plane that had been flying around in the air for a number of hours because of a malfunctioning landing gear. A short time later she called me in as we watched it slowly land with back tires first and slowly dropping the front tire gently down on the tarmac. On first glance you could see that the tires were positioned sideways, so the momentum of the plane was going across the tire.

Almost immediately the tire started smoking and a few moments later the tire began to ignite in a bright flame.

My wife and eye held our breath and prayed that the front tire assembly would hold. When the planed finally came to a stop, a great relief and celebration for the safety of the plane and over one hundred and fifty occupants. My wife said, "If I was on that plane, I would be shouting!"

As I reflected on this event, it occurred to me that the life and fortune of all these rested on a part of the plane that gets very little attention. On some yesterday someone in a airplane plant gave special care to assemble this important part. In the meantime, maintenance crews made sure it was strong, so when trouble came, the assembly held together. When the smoke cleared and the

fire was extinguished, all of these exited the plane because a small piece of the plane played its unique role and passed the test it was designed for.

No matter your function or skill, you also play an important part.

When the pressure is on and it seems the easy thing would be to give in and give up, remember there are others who are trusting in you to stand, even when you have done all to stand, continue to stand.

You are important and you can handle it. Don't buy the lie that it is more than you can bear, you can bear it, and you can hold up, you have a special reservoir designed in you that will uphold you.

Keep Standing, no matter how insignificant you feel.

In Him, By Him, Through Him,

Scott Phillips

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2011-08-10T20:22:00.000-07:00

By Julie Shephard

Angels and Miracles

Dear members,

Today I would like to tell you a story about a man who is very dear to me.

His name is John. I was drawn to John because of a conversation we had one morning concerning angels and how the world seems to be in shambles, and the middle east seems to be on a collision course. John commented that as long as there are angels and we remember always to consult our higher source, we can't go wrong. The middle east will not be in shambles for no reason, and the world will not blow up. Angels will not allow it.

Angels will always make sure that the guy who was supposed to push the button gets a flat tire that day and doesn't show up for work. Or that perhaps the wires aren't connected properly, or the fuse detonates prematurely, or that a tree branch accidentally falls in the road preventinghim from getting to work on time to make the deadline for the bomb.

For whatever reason it takes, angels are always there over seeing things. And they gladly help us, if we just remember to ask them for help. You see, they need to be asked. Sometimes they won't intervene unless we ask, so we have to be conscious of asking for help.

John says miracles are normal. A friend of mine had made a comment once about how psychics operate quote, "From a different reality" and John asked, "and which reality is that? There is only one reality." And so I had to ask myself if the reality from which miracles spring is the same reality as our own. Because, believe it or not, if it is, then miracles are normal, and we should expect them. For those of us who have experienced miracles, they are easy to overlook. Maybe we need to pay more attention, because they happen every day.

Take, for example, the day I was body surfing in 6th grade with my middle school Oceanography class. This was in San Diego, at a beach known for rip tides, and there I was, the world's weakest swimmer, being dragged out 50 feet by a rip tide. I tried to swim over, through, under, until finally I thought for sure I had no breath left in me and thoughts of dieing were not unrealistic. I prayed for help. I was gasping for air, feeling dumb. And suddenly from behind me came a surf board and a voice that said, "Do you want some help?" I said yes and clung to the board, while the occupant paddled to shore and dumped my body on the sand. When I turned around, the surfer was gone, and I was too tired to care.

At that point I felt the kind of odd sensation you get when you realize a miracle has just happened. How did a surfer come from behind me, and where did he go? Did I pray for help right before he appeared, because I believe I did. And ever since that moment I have thanked the angels for helping me to live, and I became a believer. Just ask around and you will discover friends of yours who have similar stories. They have a bit of surrealism to them, and tend to leave a lasting impression. But what's cool is the amount of detail that one remembers when reciting the stories back. That great detail seems to exist 10 or 20 years later, as if the event was yesterday, and that's because miracles are profound life-changing events. But are they

normal or not? I believe they are.

Please think on this as your week progresses. Take the time to write down any miracles you can remember and share them with your friends. One person's miracle is another person's inspiration and life. We need each other.

Your story, freely given, may be the one that helps a potential suicide victim, addict, or depressed individual. It might be the story that leads them to believe that religion is all about faith in the unseen. So share your story, believe that angels are right there every minute that you call on them and believe in them, and keep the faith. Your testimony counts. Your experiences count. And if you haven't had a miracle happen to you yet, keep looking.

They are happening around you all the time, and sometimes all it takes is awareness to see the beauty which was always there. Just open your eyes and look. The miracles are there, and they are very much a part of our reality.

As for my friend John, he will tell you that he was saved from a terrible big rig crash, in which his truck flew over a hill side into brush and housing many feet below. Witnesses reported an amazing recovery, and John walked away unscathed. Was his story more amazing than mine? I think not. Do you have equally amazing stories? I'll bet you do.

Thank you.

I'm Rev. Julie Shepard

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

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2011-07-21T05:18:00.001-07:00

Thoughts Can Create Great Things
by Isran Komarga

Most of us moat of the time aren't really aware of the thoughts we have and where we're directing out energy to most of the day. We may be aware of our thoughts but we actually don't pay much attention to where they're leading us. We will know which thoughts serve us better and which don't if we pay more attention to them and we try to be more consciously aware of them. Our thoughts precedes our emotions and our emotions actually reveal whether we are focused or not. At times, it may seem like listening to your thoughts is very overwhelming. But it is truly the only way that we can take control of them and change them if we need to.

All our lives, we are bombarded with other people's beliefs and ideas. While growing up, we were trained on how we can perceive ourselves and what we can expect to achieve. When we are born, the fact of who we really are is known to us, however, we soon forget this because of the ideas of others. then we most likely adapt to our environment and we become who we need to be in order to survive, feel loved and be accepted by others.
If we don't realize that our thoughts are behind the formation of our reality, we will be subjecting ourselves to unconsciously repeating pattern of beliefs that will keep us stuck. If we try to become observers of our thoughts, rather than the victim of them, then we will have the opportunity to change. We can then change the thoughts we have which produce negative emotions into positive emotion producing thoughts. If we try to keep our thoughts positive, it will create an outer world of positivity as well.
Everything that exists or has been created began as an ides, a thought in someone's mind. Thoughts produce things. So it just follows that positive thoughts will create positive things. We cannot change what we don't acknowledge. The first step is to become aware with the things that we have attracted into our lives and then becoming the master of our thoughts so we're able to create something different and unique, and something we can be proud of.

Mastering our thoughts is a choice. Choose the thoughts that feel good for you. This will make you fell peaceful and powerful.

Irsan's passion is to write on wide varieties of subjects. His latest writing is at http://www.honfilecabinet.net which contains reviews on hon file cabinet and other information about filing cabinets.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Irsan_Komarga

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the , is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.

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2011-07-21T05:18:00.000-07:00

Suicide

Good Morning America. This was a column I never wanted to write, but if what I write today can save one person sometime in the future it's well worth it. I never wanted to write this column because it deals with suicide. A topic people try to avoid until the next time a person they know takes their own life and sadly, there will be a next time. This past Saturday we filled the church to an overflowing capacity to bid farewell to wonderful young lady named Amy. As I looked around the church that day, a strange and disturbing thought occurred to me, this was not the first time one of my friends had taken their own lives nor would it be the last. God how I wish it was.

We should pride ourselves on being rational, caring and compassionate human beings. Not boastful or arrogant just happy with who we are and our place in the world. My friend Amy, seemed to exemplify those characteristics. She was beautiful with a wonderful smile and a contagious laugh. Like almost every woman I've ever respected, she also had a temper and was not the least bit afraid to express her opinion. Does this sound like anyone you know? Because it could be anybody.
Then last night I get the call. That call we all dread and you can tell from the tone of the other person on the line that bad news is coming. In this case the call came from my Brother Crash out in Arizona. He was straight to the point; Brother I got bad news, Amy took her life today. The shock and dismay of his words went through me like a hot knife through butter. The thought that overwhelmed me at the time was WHY ? Why, would such a beautiful and seemingly happy 41 year old girl do such a thing ? It still does. That's an answer I'll never learn.

The last words she spoke to me was right after I returned from Savannah Jimmy's funeral. I ran into her at the Harvest Home Parade just as she was getting ready to go home. The Harvest Home Parade is a West Side tradition in Cincinnati, it has always marked the end of the summer season. Her words are still fresh in my mind because it was only 10 days ago. She had ask me how things went with Jimmy's funeral and I told her, it was about the hardest thing I'd ever done. Then ,she put her arms around me gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek and said " Thanks for being such a good friend and I love you" . For those words, I'll be eternally grateful.

To me, suicide is a very permanent solution to what normally is a very temporary problem. Everybody is different. I'm no psychiatrists or an expert, I'm just a fat ol' graybeard Biker who has just lost a dear friend and I'm sad and angry at losing this person. She was damned independent, a proud Biker babe in every sense of the word. Amy lived and unfortunately died by her own rules and under her terms. Amy was very intelligent and rich in things in life that really mattered, like friends. She was also a very gifted artist. All you had to do was look around the church that day as the crowd grew to an overflowing capacity. God, she touched a lot of people. How many of you know a person like this?
We have all been depressed or saddened at one time or another.

Experts do say that about 90% of people have thought about it at some time in their lives. That means that 90 % of the people reading this right now have thought about suicide. Chances are that those who say "I would never", are full of shit. Most people who have thought about it did so before they reached the age of 40. I'm very lucky because thankfully only about 6 people out of the thousands of people I've known the last 49 years have taken their own lives. Still, everyone of those 6 people have had a profound effect on me. Does it have the same effect on you?

Brothers and Sisters if you ever get to that point.... PLEASE call and talk to someone, anyone . Never be afraid to ask someone to listen to you or feel like you're going to be a burden. To a true friend, you never will be a burden. Call any member of the CMA (the Christian Motorcycle Association) they will be there for you. I have a great deal of respect for all my Brothers and Sisters from the CMA and the good work that they do. They pray from me everyday and God bless them for it because God knows, I need it.

You don't have to be an expert to know that we live in a very screwed up world, hell, watch the evening news to learn just how far we've fallen. I laugh when I think of people from another planet coming to earth looking for intelligent life. I watch the news, laugh and think "good luck". No one is perfect and we need to all become better listeners because when someone ask for help, we don't always hear them. Do we?

I've seen alot of my friends over the years, rolling hard down that road to ruin and do my best to talk to them, especially the younger ones. If nothing else, I can always serve as a bad example because I've been there before and maybe they can learn from my countless mistakes. If they blow me off and tell me to mind my own business, well at least I tried and will try again. I never saw Amy rolling down that road, I don't think any of us did and that is what makes this so hard.

My heart goes out to her Husband Mark ( MO) and their kids, her mom and dad and her sisters and to all of her friends who are feeling what I am today. Please, if you need help or need to just talk call someone or pray because God always listens. In closing this month I want to leave you with a passage I read by Jimmy Buffett in his new book " A salty piece of land" I came upon it just as I was preparing to attend Amy's memorial service. It could not have come at a better time. It said ; "grief is like the wake behind a boat. It starts out as a huge wave that follows close behind you and is big enough to swamp and drown you if you suddenly stop moving forward. But if you do keep moving, the big wake will eventually dissipate. And after a long enough time, the waters of your life get calm again, and that is when the memories of those who have left begin to shine as bright and as enduring as the stars above."

Peace...........Until next month...
HamsterT. Halloran

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

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2011-07-05T06:09:00.000-07:00

Clarify the Right Relationship with Yourself

by Val Wilcox

As you travel through life, you will want to have a direction to follow. Clarifying what you desire in your life will give you this map. Not only will this aid you in your path, it will also be a guide for who you attract into your life. If your relationships are not bringing you joy and satisfaction, it may be time to re-evaluate yourself.

Yes, I said yourself, not your partner. Your perception on who YOU are and what YOU feel you deserve in life has a huge impact on your relationships. You do attract that which you send out.

Before you can find the relationship that is right for you, you may want to take the opportunity to define your concept of who you are and what you want from life. One way to accomplish this is to write down the characteristics and values of the partner you would like to have in your life.

I'll start you off with a few examples:

* Honest and caring

* Positive mindset

* Enjoys outdoors activities

* Comfortable with showing affection

As you build this list, you may notice that these traits or values describe the person YOU want to become. So to attract this type of a person, YOU need to become that type of a person. Makes perfect sense, doesn't it?

Part of the journey of finding a partner is learning how to become your own partner. When you can learn to be comfortable with who you are without relying on someone else to complete you, your relationships are not based on need. Getting to know who you are and learning to love yourself creates a solid foundation of self that you can bring to any relationship.

When you discover your true self, speaking from that space is liberating! You approach your relationship as complimenting who you are instead of defining who you think you have to be. It erases any pre-conceived notions on the definition of your relationship. It's empowering to be in total alignment with your perception on life relationships. This is the beginning of a spectacular life which allows you to grow and flourish as a person.

You may be impatient, feel that you don't have time to wait. Remember that everything happens for a reason. The Universe brings experiences to you when you are open to the possibilities. Maybe this is the time for you to focus on yourself and come to accept and love yourself. Become the person you wish to attract into your life and see what occurs.

The journey of finding the right relationship begins with being in the right relationship with yourself.

Here's to your spectacular life!

Have an awesome day!

Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain.

Have an awesome day!

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Val_Wilcox

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the , is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.

Universal Life Church

2011-06-30T11:16:00.000-07:00

Birth of the Song 'Precious Lord' - By Tommy Dorsey

Back in 1932 I was 32 years old and a fairly new husband. My wife, Nettie and I were living in a little apartment on Chicago's south side. One hot August afternoon I had to go to St. Louis, where I was to be the featured soloist at a large revival meeting. I didn't want to go. Nettie was in the last month of pregnancy with our first child. But a lot of people were expecting me in St. Louis.

I kissed Nettie good-bye, clattered downstairs to our Model A and, in a fresh Lake Michigan breeze, chugged out of Chicago on Route 66. However, outside the city, I discovered that in my anxiety at leaving, I had forgotten my music case. I wheeled around and headed back. I found Nettie sleeping peacefully. I hesitated by her bed; something was strongly telling me to stay. But eager to get on my way, and not wanting to disturb Nettie, I shrugged off the feeling and quietly slipped out of the room with my music. The next night, in the steaming St. Louis heat, the crowd called on me to sing again and again.

When I finally sat down, a messenger boy ran up with a Western Union telegram. I ripped open the envelope. Pasted on the yellow sheet were the words: YOUR WIFE JUST DIED. People were happily singing and clapping around me, but I could hardly keep from crying out. I rushed to a phone and called home. All I could hear on the other end was "Nettie is dead. Nettie is dead."

When I got back, I learned that Nettie had given birth to a boy. I swung between grief and joy. Yet that night, the baby died. I buried Nettie and our little boy together, in the same casket. Then I fell apart. For days I closeted myself. I felt that God had done me an injustice. I didn't want to serve Him any more or write gospel songs. I just wanted to go back to that jazz world I once knew so well.

But then, as I hunched alone in that dark apartment those first sad days, I thought back to the afternoon I went to St. Louis. Something kept telling me to stay with Nettie. Was that something God? Oh, if I had paid more attention to Him that day, I would have stayed and been with Nettie when she died. From that day on I vowed to listen more closely to Him. But still I was lost in grief.

Everyone was kind to me, especially a friend, Professor Fry, who seemed to know what I needed. On the following Saturday evening he took me up to Malone's Poro College, a neighborhood music school. It was quiet; the late evening sun crept through the curtained windows. I sat down at the piano, and my hands began to browse over the keys. Something happened to me then. I felt at peace. I felt as though I could reach out and touch God. I found myself playing a melody, one into my head-they just seemed to fall into place:

Precious Lord, take my hand,

lead me on, let me stand!

I am tired, I am weak,

I am worn, Through the storm,

through the night lead me on to the light,

Take my hand, precious Lord, Lead me

home.

The Lord gave me these words and melody,

He also healed my spirit. I learned that when

we are in our deepest grief, when we feel

farthest from God, this is when He is closest,

and when we are most open to His restoring

power. And so I go on living for God willingly

and joyfully, until that day comes when He

will take me and gently lead me home.

Tommy Dorsey

Did you know that Tommy Dorsey wrote this

song? I sure didn't. What a wonderful story

of how God CAN heal the brokenhearted.

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Universal Life Church

2011-06-16T10:15:00.000-07:00

Power in Numbers by Ariannaha Sky

Sending Our Collective Light To The World

Like tiny ripples that merge to form great waves, combined human intent is worth more than the sum of its parts. A single individual can initiate worldwide improvement by emitting conscious frequencies of love, beauty, goodness, and wisdom. A group of people focusing their energy on sending out light to the world can set the stage for positive global transformation. All of us possess the ability to channel love energy, to heal, to be a conduit for white light, and to positively influence our fellow humans from afar. Yet one person can only do so much. Imagine if each one of us took a few moments at the start of each day to send out light to the world from our hearts. Mother Earth would be quickly eased and the planet, as well as every organism and being on it, would be bathed in loving light. The world would be an infinitely beautiful place.

You can help bring about an earth where love triumphs over violence, air and water are nourishing in their purity, and people take pleasure in simply being alive. Alone, the light you emit is a wonderful healing tool, but when you join with others who share your intent to shine compassion and positive energy over the world, a powerful force is created. Your collective consciousness and collective light will wash over the planet, enveloping people, communities, cities, countries, and continents. Inviting others to send light with you can be a daunting task. People may question the benefits of sending light to an already broken world. You will likely need to explain that each person's light joins with every other, and through the joining all are strengthened. Assure them that what matters is not technique or what religion or beliefs you hold but intent.

As more people come in mindfulness to send their collective light to the world, the power of their planetary gift will increase exponentially. You may already be affiliated with groups that would gladly participate in such a noble project. Children, who often feel incapable of influencing their world yet are reservoirs of innate power are usually enthusiastic about sharing their collective light. As you gather together willing people, your individual intent will become a great and powerful wave, and you will see results in your fellow humans, in the news, and in your daily life.

Ariannah Skye de Avalon

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Universal Life Church

2011-06-11T20:36:00.000-07:00

Does A Spiritual Person?

Rev. Ronald L. Koch

Does a spiritual person curse and swear? I say NO!

Does a spiritual person kill? I say NO!

Does a spiritual person ridicule and belittle another person? I say NO!

Does a spiritual person commit adultery? I say NO!

Does a spiritual person laugh at another person who is injured? I say NO!

Does a spiritual person bear false witness? I say NO!

Does a spiritual person destroy the building of another? I say no for a building is not only an edifice but also a life of love, hope and joy.

Do spiritual people really do all the things in their life that represents love, joy and happiness, or are they just pretending to do so? We are human beings who have been taught from birth that “life is the pits” and we are caught up in it. We need to understand that being spiritual is more than just not doing certain things, but doing what is right in the eyes of our God. We know that there are millions of people in this world who are lost in the jungles of life and need to be rescued from it. We as spiritual people need to understand what we mean by being spiritual in order to help others. Life has more good in it than bad and we need to emphasize the good always.

I could go on for many pages asking you about the negative things people do in this world and if a spiritual person does those things and the answer would always be no. However, if I ask you if a spiritual person reads his/her Bible, or Koran or other spiritual scriptures that pertain to the spiritual, the answer should be yes. If I ask if a spiritual person goes to church, Sunday school, Temple, or synagogue, you would say yes. Those are good things for a person to do, but if they do not practice the teachings and principles of their church, etc. would the answer still be yes? Maybe yes, maybe no…

We walk through this life with all the teachings of the masters to call on, and yet, we don’t pay them any real attention. We believe that the teachings are for those who live with them in the past and not for today. The question is why? Why do we disregard the teachings of the masters? Did they say or do things so different than we do today, I say no.

The teachings of the masters were for us, people of all ages, sex and life situations. They studied life and made determinations that were good and uplifting for those who received their teachings. We need to read the teachings of Plato, Socrates, Buddha and Christ. We need to pay attention

to the meaning behind their words. We far too often take things out of context and that is when we get into trouble.

The great philosophers of old had more knowledge of life than all the physiologists who have ever lived. Those masters knew what life was really all about and tried to give their knowledge to others, even us today. Can we learn from them? Yes we can. We can learn from the best and teach our new spiritual knowledge to our children today. Maybe then people would have a little love and understanding one for the other. I hope so….

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Universal Life Church

2011-06-03T07:34:00.000-07:00

Big Bang Vs. Creation
Rev. Samantha Phonix

I chose this topic based on a rather unexpected 4 day vision quest in which this was the first of 2 visions given to me on the 3rd day.

My personal theory based on my current understanding and knowledge, is the big bang theory and creationism are one and the same. The conflicts in science and theology is only in understanding and not, in my opinion, due to conflicts of events. Advocates for both sides continue to try and prove the other to be wrong. I say, they are both right, merely two different perspectives of the same event. Most of all, it is the linier time frames that cause the greatest confusion. Without going into another theory, take a perspective of an infinity preceding the creation of human flesh, Adam & Eve (Gen.2), and the Gregorian time frame around the time of the flood.(Gen.4&5) With this perception, it is logically possible for both to be truth.

Shortly before the vision, I was contemplating and conversing on some aspects of creationism with another party in the vision quest. As we spoke I paused with the images of the vision.

...I looked out over what appeared to be a never ending sea of slowly swirling fog. The fog was filled with an innumerable amount of glistening sparks. The fog had a conscience about it, one, yet many as one. The conscience understood its chaos and thought to create form by balancing its energies. [we will label those masculine(positive) and feminine (negative) ] In the moment of this thought, there was an immense explosion, much like a nuclear division of a single cell. After the flash of the ignition cleared, the scene had changed. To one side a brilliant light radiated (pure positive energy), on the other side, there was a void of darkness (Pure negative energy), and in the middle was a spark kindled from the explosion, existing of a perfectly balanced union of positive and negative energy, the birth of one pure neutral essence in harmony with all existence ( the Christ energy). This spark had a radiance that illuminated the expanse between the two energies,creating a shimmering vale around the central realm that was once in chaos. This area now had form, physical matter was birthed into the midst with orbs of many different types and characteristics, all unique in their creation.....

In asking for understanding in the interpretation of this vision, I connected with the positive energy, or the masculine conscience. It had only one basic emotion in its knowledge and understanding which was Love, the truest sense of unconditional love I've ever felt. I also received its most basic truth, even separated by individual form, it remained one. The connection had a vibrant energizing essence.
I then connected with the negative energy, or feminine conscience. In its purity, it was just as peaceful as the positive energy, however, it had a draining effect on the positive energy that came into contact with it. It felt only the separation, and though it retained all the knowledge of its partnered energy, it lacked the understanding created by the sense of love, being void of emotion without the love of the positive energy permeating through it. In this deceptive perception of separation, the second most powerful emotion was birthed, and it was Fear. From this fear, was birthed all deception throughout the now physical realm of chaos.

Even now in our realm of chaos, the two greatest powers in effect are Love and Fear. In these, our world is manifest through the positive and negative energies utilized by all of creation, physical and metaphysical.

Rev. Samantha Phenix

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

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Universal Life Church

2011-05-26T08:14:00.000-07:00

Contemplation
A commentary…

When we think about something, we are contemplating. Contemplating what to do next, what would be best, what course to follow.

Contemplation is a most useful skill to develop--as we usually make the wisest choices from forethought.

Before I go to sleep each night, I spend some time reviewing what happened that day, and how I wish to proceed on the issues for the next day. Contemplation is a way to mentally houseclean the day's activities--and prepares the space in thought, for tomorrow's unseen situations.

We can also contemplate on qualities we wish to develop in ourselves. By assessing the pros and cons about a quality, we can determine if it will uplift our lives through making us a better person, Because, as we grow in consciousness, we become more conscious of the greater plan for our life in the world. We attain a more universal overview of life.

Contemplation serves as a clearing house in our mind. We bring out a situation for review, process it, and then pass it on into usefulness or discard it as unusable for us. Or maybe send it back into our memory storage to be brought forward at another time.

Contemplation also buys us time to think over and digest new ideas that may come from outside sources--other people or the media.

Contemplation gives us the time to allow a good solution to come to mind. If we are in a hurry or pressured to make a decision quickly, we might not instantly come up with the most useful answer. But if we instead say--I'll think that over and let you know later--tomorrow or next week or whatever future date we choose, then our mind will have time to digest, mull over the situation, and come up with the most workable solution.

As we contemplate we can take notes on ideas that come to mind. Writing down my ideas while contemplating helps me evaluate the best course to follow. I look over my notes and decide the pros and cons of each idea before making an important decision.

As we progress in upgrading our consciousness through sticking to the virtues and truths we have decided to follow, we will more quickly be able to make the best decision when called upon to decide spontaneously.

As we upgrade our consciousness

our conscious decisions become more spontaneously

for the best

Time spent in contemplation

uses our mind optimally

Stirs our thoughts and sifts out the dross

Leaving just the right answer for us

each time

1999 Susan Kramer

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Universal Life Church

2011-05-21T05:58:00.000-07:00

By Scott Phillips

Grapes, a single rose and sugar.

Last night after church, my wife informed me, "We have no sugar, so we have no tea." "Will you go by the grocery store and bring some home for me?" With a smile on my face, I look at those around me and say, "You need some sugar? I will bring you home lots of sugar, baby."

So as a dutiful husband, I go to the grocery store and find myself standing in the checkout with lots of sugar, thirty pounds of sugar to demonstrate my point. As I wait, a young man walks up to the line holding only a few items. He sets on the conveyer belt a bag of grapes and holds in his hand a single rose. It is late, so there are only two lanes open and everyone is standing very quietly. I turn and look him in the eye and say with a smile, "That is so sweet." He sheepishly smiles. A few moments go by and he says, "Well, I don't won't you to get the wrong Idea, but my wife is throwing a shower and needed the rose and grapes for that."

Everyone in the vicinity got a good laugh out of that.

My response was, "So I don't have to go home feeling guilty."

On my drive home I reflect on the comfort in the simple things. The things that life demands of us, at times we can miss the romance of routine. To overlook the obvious blessings of our lives, is a common fault.

I walk in the door to my home, and I am greeted with five year old Nate beaming brightly, bouncing up and down and speaking quite loudly, "I want some tea, I want some tea, I want some tea!" You get the idea. I look at Becky as I set the 30 lbs of sugar down, "Here is some sugar baby."

The romance of life is easily missed in the mundane cycle and demand of life. However I don't imagine there is greater romance than the

glimmer in the eyes of family and the warmth of home.

Savoring sweet tea and family,

Scott Phillips

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

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Universal Life Church

2011-05-15T06:18:00.000-07:00

Spiritual Perspectives by Rev. Tom Stewart

Being forced into hard circumstances or situations gives us a new perspective on life. Things we once valued no longer hold the same value.

Things that were of lesser concern become very important, and what we once thought important no longer holds such importance.

These hard circumstances allow us to identify with the sufferings of others. They keeps us from having a shallow view of the hardships of others and allows us to truly identify with them. Those who speak of such trials from no experience, often judge others who have had such hardship. It is a superficiality of life experience that often permeates this shallow perspective.

Those who have walked in and through hard times immediately have a kinship with others who have walked there also. They do not need to explain; they merely look at one another with mutual respect and admiration for their common experience. They know that these trials/life experiences worked a special thing in them. This trials and lessons help perceive the life trials of others. It is impossible to appreciate any experience while you are in it.

However, once you have reached the top of the mountain, you are able to appreciate what terrain you have passed through. You marvel at what you were able to walk through. Troubled times have yielded more than you ever thought possible. You are able to appreciate the beauty of the experience and lay aside the sorrow and pain it may have produced.

These hard circumstances and lessons work in us for a greater purpose. . . to be able to recognize what others are going through . . . to have compassion and understanding for them. . . to comfort and help them as a fellow human being.

(One cannot truly understand another until they have walked in the other's shoes.)

Loving our fellow brothers and sisters . . . as we love ourselves. Where have we heard this before? We serve . . . they later serve . . . everybody serves . . . a very simple WIN/WIN equation.

Shalom

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

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Universal Life Church

2011-05-09T11:51:00.000-07:00

By submitted by JoAnn Jenkins

How We Treat People

Five (5) lessons to make you think about the way we treat people.

1 - First Important Lesson - Cleaning Lady.

During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions until I read the last one: "What is the first name of the woman who cleans the

school?" Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50s, but how would I know her name?

I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade. "Absolutely," said the professor. "In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say "hello". I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy.

2. - Second Important Lesson - Pickup in the Rain

One night, at 11:30 P.M., an older African American woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rainstorm. Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car. A young white man stopped to help her, generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 1960s. The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance and put her into a taxicab.

She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A special note was attached.. It read: "Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband's bedside just before he passed away... God bless you for helping me and

unselfishly serving others."

Sincerely,

Mrs. Nat King Cole.

3 - Third Important Lesson - Always remember those who serve.

In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10-year-old boy

entered a hotel coffee shop and sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of him. "How much is an ice cream sundae?" he asked. "Fifty cents," replied the waitress. The little boy pulled is hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it. "Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?" he inquired. By now more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient. "Thirty-five cents," she brusquely replied. The little boy again counted his coins. "I'll have the plain ice cream," he said. The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on the table and walked away. The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and left. When the waitress came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies..

You see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he had to have enough left to leave her a tip.

4 - Fourth Important Lesson. - The obstacle in Our Path.

In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the king's wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the stone out of the way. Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded.

Lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the King indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many of us never understand! Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition.

5 - Fifth Important Lesson - Giving When it Counts...

Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare and serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness. The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, "Yes I'll do it if it will save her." As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheek.

Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, "Will I start to die right away". Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was

going to have to give his sister all of his blood in order to save her.

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

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Universal Life Church

2011-05-05T12:17:00.000-07:00

ULC SEMINARY SERMONS
How to be a man

Hello,

Welcome to our weekly sermon. We have created this feature to allow you to get regular weekly sermons sent straight to you. These sermons are on a variety of topics and we are neither promoting nor insisting on any particular point of view. We are merely sharing what has been sent to us. If you don't agree with the weekly topic or point of view, please just delete it and wait for next weeks.

ULC Sermons
www.ulcseminary.org

Universal Life Church Seminary

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#49 - How to be a Man

Steve Pavlina

How to be a man.

What does it mean to be a man today? How can men consciously express their masculinity without becoming cold or closed-hearted on the one hand...... or wimpy and emasculated on the other? What's the most loving way for a conscious man to express himself?

Here are 10 ways to live more consciously as a man:

1. Make real decisions.

A man understands and respects the power of choice. He lives a life of his own creation. He knows that life stagnates when he fails to decide and flourishes when he chooses a clear path.

When a man makes a decision, he opens the door he wants and closes the doors he doesn't want. He locks onto his target like a guided missile. There's no guarantee he'll reach his target, and he knows this, but he doesn't need such guarantees. He simply enjoys the sense of inevitability that comes from pushing the launch button.

A man doesn't require the approval of others. He's willing to follow his heart wherever it leads him. When a man is following his heart-centered path, it's of little consequence if the entire world is against him.

2. Put your relationships second.

A man who claims his #1 commitment in life is his relationship partner (or his family) is either too dishonest or too weak to be trusted. His loyalties are misplaced. A man who values individuals above his own integrity is a wretch, not a free thinker.

A man knows he must commit to something greater than satisfying the needs of a few people. He's not willing to be domesticated, but he is willing to accept the responsibility that comes with greater challenges. He knows that when he shirks that duty, he becomes something less than a man. When others observe that the man is unyieldingly committed to his values and ideals, he gains their trust and respect, even when he cannot gain their direct support. The surest way for a man to lose the respect of others (as well as his self-respect) is to violate his own values.

Life will test the man to see if he's willing to put loyalty to others ahead of loyalty to his principles. The man will be offered many temptations to expose his true loyalties. A man's greatest reward is to live with integrity, and his greatest punishment is what he inflicts upon himself for placing anything above his integrity. Whenever the man sacrifices his integrity, he loses his freedom... and himself as well. He becomes an object of pity.

3. Be willing to fail.

A man is willing to make mistakes. He's willing to be wrong. He'd rather try and fail than do nothing.

A man's self-trust is one of his greatest assets. When he second-guesses himself by worrying about failure, he diminishes himself. An intelligent man considers the prospect of failure, but he doesn't preoccupy himself with pointless worry. He accepts that if a failure outcome occurs, he can deal with it.

A man grows more from failure than he does from success. Success cannot test his resolve in the way that failure can. Success has its challenges, but a man learns more about himself when he takes on challenges that involve risk. When a man plays it safe, his vitality is lost, and he loses his edge.

4. Be confident.

A man speaks and acts with confidence. He owns his attitude.

A man doesn't adopt a confident posture because he knows he'll succeed. He often knows that failure is a likely outcome. But when the odds of success are clearly against him, he still exudes confidence. It isn't because he's ignorant or suffering from denial. It's because he's proving to himself that he has the strength to transcend his self-doubt. This builds his courage and persistence, two of his most valuable allies.

A man is willing to be defeated by the world. He's willing to be taken down by circumstances beyond his control. But he refuses to be overwhelmed by his own self-doubt. He knows that when he stops trusting himself, he is surely lost. He'll surrender to fate when necessary, but he won't surrender to fear.

5. Express love actively.

A man is an active giver of love, not a passive receiver. A man is the first to initiate a conversation, the first to ask for what's needed, and the first to say "I love you." Waiting for someone else to make the first move is unbecoming of him. The universe does not respond positively to his hesitation. Only when he's in motion do the floodgates of abundance open.

Man is the out-breath of source energy. It is his job - his duty - to share his love with the world. He must wean himself from suckling the energy of others and become a vibrant transmitter of energy himself. He must allow that energy to flow from source, through him, and into the world. When he assumes this role, he has no doubt he is living as his true self.

6. Re-channel sex energy.

A man doesn't hide his sexuality. If others shrink from him because he's too masculine, he allows them to have their reaction. There's no need for him to lower his energy just to avoid frightening the timid. A man accepts the consequences of being male; he makes no apologies for his nature.

A man is careful not to allow his energy to get stuck at the level of lust. He re-channels much of his sexual energy into his heart and head, where it can serve his higher values instead of just his animal instincts. (You can do this by visualizing the energy rising, expanding, and eventually flowing throughout your entire body and beyond.)

A man channels his sexual energy into his heart-centered pursuits. He feels such energy pulsing within him, driving him to action. He feels uncomfortable standing still. He allows his sexual energy to explode through his heart, not just his genitals.

7. Face your fears.

For a man, being afraid of something is reason enough to do it. A man's fear is a call to be tested. When a man hides from his fears, he knows he's fallen out of alignment with his true self. He feels weak, depressed, and helpless. No matter how hard he tries to comfort himself and achieve a state of peace, he cannot overcome his inner feeling of dread. Only when facing his fears does a man experience peace.

A man makes a friend of risk. He doesn't run and hide from the tests of fear. He turns toward them and engages them boldly.

A man succeeds or fails. A coward never makes the attempt. Specific outcomes are of less concern to a man than his direction.

A man feels like a man whenever he faces the right way, staring straight into his fears. He feels even more like a man when he advances in the direction of his fears, as if sailing on the winds of an inner scream.

8. Honor the masculinity of other men.

When a man sees a male friend undertaking a new venture that will clearly lead to failure, what does the man do? Does he warn his friend off such a path? No, the man encourages his friend to continue. The man knows it's better for his friend to strike out confidently and learn from the failure experience. The man honors his friend's decision to reach out and make the attempt. The man won't deny his friend the benefits of a failure experience. The man may offer his friend guidance, but he knows his friend must fail repeatedly in order to develop self-trust and courage.

When you see a man at the gym struggling to lift a heavy weight, do you jump in and say, "Here... let me help you with that. Maybe the two of us can lift it together"? No, that would rob him of the growth experience - and probably make a quick enemy of him as well.

The male path is filled with obstacles. It typically includes more failures than successes. These obstacles help a man discover what's truly important to him. Through repeated failures a man learns to persist in the pursuit of worthy goals and to abandon goals that are unworthy of him.

A man can handle being knocked down many times. For every physical setback he experiences, he enjoys a spiritual advancement, and that is enough for him.

9. Accept responsibility for your relationships.

A man chooses his friends, lovers, and associates consciously. He actively seeks out the company of people who inspire and challenge him, and he willingly sheds those who hold him back.

A man doesn't blame others for his relationship problems. When a relationship is no longer compatible with his heart-centered path, he initiates the break-up and departs without blame or guilt.

A man holds himself accountable for the relationships he allows into his life. He holds others accountable for their behavior, but he holds himself accountable for his decision to tolerate such behavior.

A man teaches others how to treat him by the relationships he's willing to allow into his life. A man refuses to fill his life with negative or destructive relationships; he knows that's a form of self-abuse.

10. Die well.

A man's great challenge is to develop the inner strength to express his true self. He must learn to share his love with the world without holding back. When a man is satisfied that he's done that, he can make peace with death. But if he fails to do so, death becomes his enemy and haunts him all the days of his life.

A man cannot die well unless he lives well. A man lives well when he accepts his mortality and draws strength from knowing that his physical existence is temporary. When a man faces and accepts the inevitability of death... when he learns to see death as his ally instead of his enemy... he's finally able to express his true self. So a man isn't ready to live until he accepts that he's already dead.

Talk to you next week!

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the , is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.

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Metaphysics Course

2011-02-07T13:02:00.000-08:00

When I started this course, I was not too sure about how I would feel about it… Personally, I am quite pragmatic and it has taken me a long time to admit to and share my inner feelings. However as I progressed through the course I “warmed up to it” and I must say that it has been quite an eye-opener for me personally.

There were many aspects I learned that I was more or less familiar with and even practiced in some form of another, but the course has given me a framework to put it all in place and to put it into practical use.

Early on in the course when starting the exercises sitting quietly and attaching a grounding cord, I spent a lot of time on that. I found out a really funny experience: I’m traveling by plane a lot, and even when I’m in the plane, I am able to attach the grounding cord going to the center of the earth. First I thought that would not be possible but it felt quite naturally, even at 30,000 feet going fast.

Later I added another technique: Wherever I am, I first imagine myself sitting quietly in my living room. Then from that position I attach my grounding cord and go through the exercises.

“Getting what you want” and “Creating your own reality” were also exercises that kind of came naturally. I have believed in those concepts for a long time, but this course has structured it for me.

On a side note, my stepdaughter is a chiropractor and practices Applied Kinesiology. It has become more clear to me now how that all come together. She has one test she performs regularly on her patients (and on myself and my wife) where she puts pressure on the stretched out arm while letting the person taste several spices and foods. This way she can determine what the body is allergic to. Very similar to the tests in this course.

When the subject turned to spirit communications I became a little wary… I personally found that subject a little scary. My wife is very perceptive to “the spirit world” and after several “encounters” early on in life which were not very pleasant she turns it off. But going through the course it turned out not to be “scary” at all, as I was afraid of initially.

Over the years I have philosophized quite a bit about “the afterlife” and what happens to us. I believe that we all remain as spirits (remaining energy) in some virtual world (in which you would create your own heaven or hell), and where the strong spirits can communicate with our world.

All and all this turned out to be a great course with many tools which can be used from now on (and be used better over time). I also loved the positive message being used throughout.

Thank you!

Rev. Peter van Sluis

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception.

The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge selection of Universal Life Church minister supplies. Since being ordained with the Universal Life Church for so many years and it's Seminary since the beginning, I've watch the huge change and growth that has continued to happen.

Spirit Quest

2010-12-30T08:07:00.001-08:00

Dear Amy,

I’m finally getting a chance to write down what I learned from the Spirit Quest course. It was a very good course, and although many things that were covered I learned during my Reiki and Spiritual Counselor courses.

I think that getting people to think in a new light can have a profound impact not only on themselves, but the people close to them which ripples out to the entire world. At times you may feel like you’re not doing much, but in fact everything we try to do positively does in fact have impact.

Some of the tools I found most useful I will list next.

First, a very important tool that all spiritual workers should learn is Protection. Without it, we soak up and carry other people’s energy with us whether bad or good. It’s like it wipes off them and super glues it to our aura which will seep into everything we touch and do. I had not used the protection rose before but used a protective purple bubble, so it was different, but an exciting way to look at and try a new form of visualization for protection.

Another part I found very good was How Spirit Communicates. The numerology section was very good. I’ve been actually using a form of numerology for myself in times when numbers seem to just “stand out” and sure enough when added up, the numbers make total sense for what I’m looking for. Example: My favorite and resounding number has always been 9. When I started calling out for the Goddess to make herself known, Oya answered. Her magickal number is 9. When I’m not sure about something or am trying to decide something, if 9 comes up I know it’s a sign of the positive nature and I should follow that path.

Getting Unstuck helped me a lot. I tend to hit bumps and now using the tools of amusement and the possibilities that there are other possibilities besides the one I’m “stuck” on… really opens my mind. It’s an amazing thought. Here’s an example of how I’ve used this wonderful tool. I have a client that comes for Reiki. She’s been suffering with a rare pelvic disorder for over 3 years. She is constantly focusing in on the negative and how she feels she’ll never get better. I was getting sick of hearing this from her because it was nonconductive to her healing. The more comfortable I got with her, the more I started to get her laughing and thinking about other things.

In fact one time I made the joke, “How about I drop a rock on your foot.” She looked at me stunned, “What’s that going to do?” she asked. I said, “Well, it’s going to hurt, but it will take your mind off the pelvic pain for a little while.” Well, this got her laughing and she started to lighten up. Since then she’s had better days and even communicates with crystals I use during her healing.

Sometimes when I’ve been with a patient I feel tired and heavy… this is when I realize that I need a good cleansing and clear my chakras. I cannot express how important the chakras are to our living systems and how we feel physically, emotionally and spiritually.

I hope this helps give a better understanding of how I have interpreted the course. I found through this course, I could focus better on my intents which has improved my Reiki sessions, I’ve found ways to better protect myself from sucking up other’s problems/energy, I’ve learned how to better communicate with higher beings and my spirit guides. I notice my hands although they’ve always been hot when I work on clients have become hotter and they tingle. I actually work up a sweat now when doing Reiki. I think it’s part and par because of the course.

I really enjoyed it and look forward to hopefully taking more in the future.

Many blessings,
Rev. Kimberly Bateau

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

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Metaphysics

2010-12-23T10:35:00.001-08:00

Hi Amy,

Working towards my Spirit-Quest, Masters in Metaphysics has been a very rewarding journey. I have learned how something as simple as grounding can pull you through just about anything.

I lost my daughter to unexpected death a few months ago. It has really been difficult to deal with many aspects of my life. However, this course has helped me be able to move through many of the pitfalls that come with grief and what if’s, fairly well.

Prior to this I was in a particularly stressful job, which did not bring out the best in me. This course taught me how to ground myself, and use the roses to protect myself from and get rid of all the negative energy that was coming to me. To let all the bad run right out of me. It was amazing how it would instantly ease my burden and give me a new perspective. This course also taught me how to create my own reality. To forgive, and move on, to not let bad energy stay in my space.

Even now, if a bad situation arises, I catch myself coming out of my protection mode as I call it. Others have noticed it too. And I am not angry. I am better equipped to handle my life and all the aspects of it. Now that I have grown spiritually, I realize that other people’s problems are not mine. Not saying that I don’t help others. I am huge in community service. I am saying that their problems are not my cross to bear. I cannot fix them. I am responsible for me. If we each take care of ourselves, I feel that we will be better grounded to mother earth and able to help out in situations where people may really need a hand, ear or shoulder.

Terrie Hawkins

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.

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Spiritual Development

2010-11-23T11:27:00.000-08:00

Dr. of Spiritual Development Course Essay

By Jason Stone

I sort of have a knack for being in the right place at the right time when it comes to meeting someone in need, spiritually that is. Several of those times although I knew in my heart what I wanted to tell that person, there seemed to be a wall between my heart and my mouth and I just couldn’t seem to find the right words. This course helped me tremendously find what I was missing.

This course hit the proverbial nail on the head with the section on Clarity and my personal favorite was the section about the “Power of Now”. The power of now was very insightful to me. Being pagan I have been involved in many different meditation courses, read many different mind quieting books, and done several “shielding” techniques which are really nothing than blocking yourself from all negativity, all frantic thoughts, or one may say finding clarity and finding the power of now. I work a very stressful job as a Security Officer in a School. Many times I come up on stressful events where I have put myself in the power of now and found clarity without even knowing that is what I was really doing. The power of now is so obviously true. I mean after all you can’t change the past, and you can’t see the future so the only thing you can really address is the present, so why not give every drop of attention you have to it. I very much enjoyed this course. I am looking forward to continuing my education through the ULC. Thank you to all.

Jason Stone

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Ordination with the Free Online Ordination button.

The ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials. I've been ordained with Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

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Metaphysical Healing

2010-11-22T13:12:00.000-08:00

Metaphysical Healing
Lesson 16 Past Life Regression Revision

1) Do some of your own research and:

a) List the benefits of Past Life Regression (13)

Clearing of karmic debt.
Relieve repressed emotions, past hurts and trauma, and to be able to change your reaction to these past circumstances by being able to view them from a safe place where a larger pattern or lesson may become clear.
Recognition of and integration of blocked memories and emotions into present life circumstance.
Integration the Higher and Lower Selves.
Ignite a sense of personal responsibility created by your core values.
Recognition of latent or innate talents and core personal beliefs.
Reveal the meaning and purpose of present life
Develop power, control, choice, confidence in our actions.
Develop a sense of focus, concentration, and visualization.
Control or eliminate and understand the basis for personal and cultural pain, guilt, anxiety, fears and stress.
Gain more control and understanding of your present life circumstance
Understanding the actions of those who are close to you or who are acquaintances from a larger perspective and/or pattern
Recognizing your illness patterns and life choices more clearly and perhaps earlier in the process.
Become beings of action rather than reaction.

What are the dangers associated with Past Life Regression? (9)

The client could release suppressed emotions while the he or she does not, yet, have the necessary tools to deal with the emotions.
They may be horrified to find out what kind of evil deeds they performed in previous life or they may prefer to become the person they were in a previous life and never fully integrate past with present in a real way.
They may be horrified to find out what kind of evil deeds they performed in previous life or they may prefer to become the person they were in a previous life and never fully integrate past with present in a real way.
The person could be thrown into a “spiritual emergency” or feelings of “loosing their reality” when dormant psychic powers become activated overnight or when the client realizes innate powers that have been with them since they were born.
The Client, if not properly cleared, grounded, and shut down, after a regression could have their energy system and emotional body bogged down and blocked by the experiences of their regression.
People with mental illness could become further unbalanced.
If the person has more than enough in the way of current problems, there is no point in going back to look for more.
If there is a history of mental illness in the family that is lying dormant, it could become activated after being regressed.
People with a history of heart disease or stroke, should not be regressed.

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Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials and courses in Metaphysics, Paganism, Spiritual Development and Christian Studies.