The Alliance of Divine Love Newsletter s3

The Alliance of Divine Love Newsletter December, 2015

New phone # for National Office: 828-388-2102

National and Chapter News (originally published 1st week of December)

Co-Founder Rev. Dr. Barbara Selwa Dear ones: In most Real religions (i. e. those of Love) there are teachings describing how to release yourself from the belief barriers and expectations of physical life. Your consciousness must rise above the mundane world and commune with that which is Real – which has been in the past, is now and will continue so forever. The signs, symbols and language of the mundane cannot be used in experiencing the Real. This must take place directly with Deity through the interaction of Love in the Sacred Heart and the blending of your Heart, which lies within the Sacred Well of ultimate Love. These are big sounding words, and what actually happens within you cannot be told in language, as we have said. Many teaching aids from the Love religions give us help. You have all found some of these and experienced growth – meditation, prayer, yoga, fasting, chanting, drumming – the list is endless. You are probably doing one or more at present and can feel the change in your life as you progress. However, as you do this something else happens to most of you. It is a temporary situation and limited to the physical world. Here, you have risen to a new height. You feel better. Then one day things go all wrong in your life. Perhaps you lose your job or a friend insults and verbally attacks you..What- ever it is, you feel like the walls are coming down upon you. You are lost in your ruined dreams. The lower concepts of your previous life become real to you again. Instead of reaching out to Eternal Unending Love, you fall into the mire of your unloved self. You may feel inadequate, powerless and much diminished. A few of you may even feel sui- cidal. What to do, oh, what to do? Do not worry. Lesser love never has power over the Greatest Degree of Love. You cannot really suffer. There is always a way out, because only Love is Real. You are Real, therefore you are Love. You can always turn to what we call “mark- ers” in the physical world to help you restore your former growth in your consciousness. These are, of course, our previous teaching aids described above, along with rites of communion, counseling, study of great spiritual teachers and many others. These alone, however, will not take you where you want to go. What you must do transcends the mundane world. These actions must be done within the heart. No words will suffice. It must be said that within your seemingly, ordinary heart resides a much enhanced array of super emotions. These probably have been experienced rarely in your everyday life. For example, if you go to a game and your team wins only with great difficulty, you and others are screaming with joy and elation. You may jump and dance with your happiness. These are ordinary, expected emotions. Their super emo- tion counterparts are rapture and ecstasy. In these you are so overcome, so completely immersed that you may be un- able to move. You will feel them fill your being. They will not be brought about because of winning a game. They come directly from Deity and often are aided in this process by angels, saints and higher beings. From that day forth you will seek these super emotions. They are the Waves of the Living God. When confronted with a mundane process as described above, YOU MUST GIVE YOUR HEART COMPLETELY TO GOD. GET YOUR MIND OUT OF SPACE/TIME – GET ON DEITY'S LEVEL. THERE IS NO CAUSE AND NO EFFECT. FEEL, FEEL, MY DARLINGS. THIS IS YOUR ANSWER TO ANYTHING. PLAY GODBALL AND DO NOT SHUT THE DOOR WHEN GOD SENDS THE GOOD BALL BACK. KEEP THE DOOR OPEN AND WAIT! In this way, you will accomplish your spiritual goal. Your loving sister in Love, StAOR

President's Message: Rev. Jo Ann "Elf" Pessagno Dearest fellow ministers, my wish for you is that you are filled with gratitude for all your blessings after a holiday devoted to giving thanks.

I give thanks for the support and love of the Board of Tustees that helps grow ADL into a thriving, loving, caring ministry that shines a light into the veil of darkness, spreads love wherever it is needed and does their best to make decisions all in the greatest degree of love. The BOT still struggles with how best to communicate with almost 900 ministers who have chosen ADL as their path for spiritual development. How do we attract a record number of ministers to Kennebunk, Maine, for the ADL annual conference and extravaganza in June 2016?

It is of no moment that we have not met physically because we all share the same bond, the concept of aligning with Divine Love. We all found this light-filled organization through a word, a search, a friend, a connection, a guide. We all carry this light of Divine Love. Imagine what we can do when we combine our lights to pierce the illusion of darkness. Go to the website directory, find someone in your area, pick up the phone or send an email. See where that connection will lead. There are 900 of these dots of light throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, England, and Columbia. Let’s connect the dots and really shine our light.

Love and hugs,

Congratulations to the following New Ministers of ADL! Ordained on ...

Report from the National ADL Office by Rev. Pamela Meyer Crissey and Rev. Analisa Domenica In Gratitude, Pam and Analisa All correspondence should be sent to the Hendersonville address below and all emails to [email protected]. We will respond to all communication if we get it, so if we don't respond, contact us again. ADL National Office 707 Brooklyn Ave. Hendersonville, NC 28792 NEW PHONE NUMBER: 828-388-2102

ADL National Conference Kennebunk, Maine June 23-26, 2016 THE PLACE TO BE: KENNEBUNK, MAINE It’s a Divine Love Infusion! The National ADL Conference Committee has been hard at work planning with your input the next ADL National Conference. We are excited to announce that the theme for the next conference is:

A Divine Love Infusion with Inspiration, Education and Fellowship We are beginning to plan our agenda and we have paid special attention to your requests and desires as expressed in the survey sent out earlier this year. Currently you can expect the following activities: Early morning activities will be Yoga, meditation and/or walks through the 66 acre grounds. Thursday evening: Meet and greet. Snacks and beverages will be provided. There will be activities that will help us all get acquainted. Friday morning Whale Watch Saturday evening Down East Lobster Bake Dinner. (We will be providing alternative menus for our Land lovers and Vegan ministers.) Meet our Leadership Meeting with Chapter and National Committee Reports National Meeting of Alliance of Divine Love Interactive Spiritual Counseling Panel where you can ask the experts Pass the Stick with the National ADL Board of Directors, Ask that Question that you always wanted to ask our leadership. Inspirational Speakers Fellowship activities with FUN! Closing Sunday inspirational service Soon you will be receiving a registration form with prices and complete information about registering for this great conference. You will have the option of sending in a $100 deposit, which will hold your room space and give you preference on rooms at the Franciscan Guest House. One of the things on the survey that was very important to you was easy access to the conference location. The Franciscan Guest House has three airports which are in its vicinity. Portland Jetport, is the closest airport. Driving time from the airport is about 26 minutes. American Airlines, Delta, Jet Blue, Southwest, United and U.S. Air all fly into Portland. Manchester, N.H. is the second closest. Driving time is about 1 hr. 14min drive. Southwest, U.S. airways, United, U.S. Air express from Charlotte, Delta, and United fly into Manchester. Boston Logan is 1hr. 38 min. drive. Air Canada, American Airlines, Delta, Jet Blue, Southwest, Spirit, United, U.S. Airways, Virgin and Aer Lingus all fly into Boston Logan. Keep looking for more details in the ADL newsletter, Website and on our ministers Facebook page. Get ready to register early to guarantee your room. We look forward to seeing you there. "Conscious GOlf" by Rev. Randy Fillmore, ADL National Ombudsman Rev Randy FillmoreADL Ombudsman As is my usual situation, I did not practice or play golf as much during the spring and summer as I should have, so my game was not where it should have been, and quite honestly, it was pretty bad.

While I did not hit anyone, instead of hitting the ball through the tree-lined pas- tures where the ball should have gone, I was usually searching (usually in vain) for my ball in those woods, or hitting another ball because the one I hit went into the pond or wetlands.

Was I manifesting that I was in conflict and not in alignment? All I wanted to do was hit this little ball consistently where I aimed a decent distance. Nothing outside what is possible.

The more swings I took, the more frustrated I became, and the worse the shot became.

That still small voice deep within chose not to laugh at me, but to suggest that I take this opportunity to reflect on what was out of alignment within my life and make peace, the kind of peace that comes from forgiveness.

Between the golf strokes, I wracked my mind to figure out or understand just where I was out of alignment. My marriage is wonderful, my work with ADL is engaging but not overly taxing, my professional (day job) career is hectic, busy, and stressful. I would not have thought I was out of alignment, but, what did I know?

Before I left the office for the golf trip, I had left instructions to complete a software upgrade during my absence. During the first few days of the golf trip, during a call to the office to "check in," I learned that things had gone terribly wrong, that the upgrade was not successful, and that all the previous back-up disks were now corrupted.

I did not yell or scream, but I certainly made my displeasure extremely and forcefully clear, and I firmly expressed my position that the contractors working this upgrade needed to fix it and fix it fast.

I thought I had put the upgrade behind me or at least out of my conscious mind as I shifted my focus from work over the next several days to the tree-lined and manicured golf courses. Little did I know those thoughts of unrest remained in my consciousness. When I finally realized that I was in conflict with myself regarding the software upgrade, wanting the contractors to fix the problems they encountered and not being smart enough to have foreseen the possibility of failure, I had to "hit the reset button."

Keeping focused on my breath, concentrating on "being in the moment," and not allowing the monkey mind or outside mental chatter to cloud my thoughts, I started to do much better. The ball would actually go where I aimed, and much further. It was a miracle!

I made a mental note to make a conscious effort to minimize the mental chatter through forgiving others for not living up to my expectations and for not being the people I wanted them to be. It was also important to forgive myself for becoming angry when others did not meet my expectations. American journalist Sidney J. Harris wrote, "It's surprising how many persons go through life without ever recognizing that their feelings toward other people are largely determined by their feelings toward themselves, and if you're not comfortable within yourself, you can't be comfortable with others."

I will and fully acknowledge that changing my thoughts and consciousness did help with my golf. As in any endeavor, practice, practice, and more practice are the keys to success.

I affirm that as I will plan to play more golf in the spring, I can spend the time in between working on my feelings towards others and how I feel about myself.

Blessings along the path. Rev Randy Fillmore ADL Ombudsman

Webmeister Musings November, 2015 - Rev. Brian Crissey The current ADL ministers are reflected in the Directory tab at the national web site. Access is by password, a two-syllable word starting with a capital "O", a word that describes what happens to a person who becomes a fully qualified ADL minister. The fields that ministers can see are Country, State, Last, First, Email, and Phone. The information is current as of November 1, subject to the limitation that we live in a real world, where the data stream that we process from online forms into the database reflects individual ministers' choices as to how to abbreviate their state or country name, whether or not to fill in every field, and the inevitable finger fumbles that pepper our lives with interesting and innovative new words. Please check your information in the Directory, and if there are changes to be made, please email the national office with those corrections. Thank you! CHAPTER REPORTS

Carolinas Chapter Dear Me :) I met Brother Thomas a few months ago at Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers, Georgia during a yoga retreat. Magical! Having been raised a Catholic, I found a rejecting nature in my energy, yet this eighty-five-year-old irreverent, outspoken monk looked into my Heart and I knew, once again, how perfect I AM. When I later learned that Brother Thomas is from the Cistercian monk order, the order of Thomas Merton, it all made sense! Brother Thomas described his contemplative prayer--or meditation--as communing with the Divine. He explained that one day as he was connecting with his mantra for his meditation, he chose "I Am" and heard a still small, delighted voice within say, "We Am." His eyes twinkled as he described this process, available to us All, to connect with the Divine within us...which is the oneness. This is the higher frequency of Acceptance-the opposite of judgement and comparison, that we can tune to in any given moment. Brother Thomas also described his method for tuning in during what he calls his contemplative prayer-or meditation. He starts at his thinking mind level and takes an elevator down to his heart: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. I now practice this all day every day. It is my mindful awareness practice to tune into We Am in each moment. Would you join me now in my elevator of peace and restoration? 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Aaahhh... We Am. And so it is! I am honored to walk this path with you. I join WE AM in the Peace of this perfect moment! President: Rev. Dona Menz V.P.: Rev. Ann Keesler Treasurer: Rev. Pam Crissey Secretary: Candace Lewis

The Florida Chapter

Report on the Annual Florida Conference October 31 at Boynton Beach Saturday, Oct 31, 2015, was the day that the Florida chapter held its Fall conference at the historic Woman's Club in Boynton Beach. The all-day event began with a membership meeting addressing a change in our Bylaws that would bring us into compliance with ADL national. It passed. The remainder of the day featured numerous ADL speakers, a fabulous lunch, and a terrific Chinese auction. This wonderfully productive event prepared the way for an upcoming board election in December through which members will select new Board of Trustees members, to take office in January 2016. Members please watch for last-call nominations coming in the next days. Our election ballot will be mailed to our members in early December. You may vote online or by mail, your choice. President: Rev. Jane Gray Ford V.P.: Rev. Sandra Bolognia Secretary: Rev. Dr. Bonnie Barnes Kelley Treasurer: Rev. Lindsay Babich

Heartland Chapter Report November, 2015

INTERFAITH THANKSGIVING DINNER: SUNDAY, NOV. 8 Heartland ministers spent Friday, Nov. 6, setting up for the dinner, which takes place on Sunday, Nov. 8...and the room looks beautiful, with seasonal decorations and many long tables for the buffet .Since 2010, Heartland Chapter has hosted the Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Dinner, a Kansas City tradition for 30 years. Between 150 and 200 people are expected to attend the event, which will take place at Community Christian Church, overlooking the Country Club Plaza. Community Christian Church is a recognized local landmark, as it was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in the 1940s and includes the unique "Steeple of Light" designed by Wright and brought to fruition in the 1990s by famed Kansas City-based artist Dale Eldred.

2015 PARLIAMENT OF THE WORLD'S RELIGIONS In October, three Heartland ministers (Rev. Kathleen Bergman, Rev. Gregory McCoy and Rev. Mary McCoy) joined 9600 people from almost 80 countries in Salt Lake City.They will join other KC-area participants on a panel on Monday, Nov. 9, to describe the lessons and impressions of that incredibly unique experience. KEEP IN TOUCH WITH THE HEARTLAND. Check our website and our Facebook page to keep up and keep in touch. President: Rev. Mary Gibson McCoy, V.P.: Rev. Gregory L. McCoy, Secretary: Rev. Dr. Kara Hawkins, and Treasurer: Rev. Marci Reardon

Mid-Atlantic Chapter The Mid-Atlantic Chapter is geographically dispersed, so has been seeking ways to use technology to help us keep in touch. Our monthly "call" this month was held on Skype, so that we could see each other as we worked through our agenda. Our Chapter President, Michael Tobolski, initiated the call, even though he was on the other side of the US at the time! It is our custom to ask how we can support each other in our lives and ministries, and we all agreed that being able to see each other brings a higher level of closeness as we discuss our concerns and efforts.A great use of the tools available to us! Rev Mike Tobolski, President, Mid-Atlantic Chapter, ADL submitted by Barbara Harris

Tennessee River Valley Chapter There is no news to report right now. President: Rev. Eve Robinson 423-794-9376 VP: Rev. Janet E. Busvek Secretary: Rev. Lisa Gilchrist Treasurer: Rev. Kay McClain-Davis Past President, Rev. Dr. Linda Marie Nelson

Your Board of Trustees Please feel free to email or call us with your concerns or suggestions. Rev. Dr. Jo Ann "Elf" Pessagno, President - 301-204-2525 Rev. Dr. Wanda Beebe, Vice President - 423-718-3757 Rev. Shellie Enteen, Secretary - 864-877-8450 Rev. Charlotte McGinnis, Treasurer - 828-697-1556 Rev. Dr. Linda Marie Nelson, 615-653-5387 Rev. Lorri Gliner, 561-313-8725

Your Chapter Presidents Rev. Dona Menz, Carolinas Chapter - 828-808-2984 Rev. Michael Tobolski, Mid-Atlantic Chapter - 540-657-4324 Rev. Jane Gray-Ford, Florida Chapter - 561-827-3319 Rev. Mary McCoy, Heartland Chapter - 816-737-5979 Rev. Eve Robinson, Tennessee Chapter - 423-794-9376

Ministers' Submissions – (originally published 3rd Friday of November)

THE SKY PICTURE, NOVEMBER 2015 by Rev. Linda Bender Scorpio is in the limelight this month as the Sun is in Scorpio through the 22nd.Scorpio is extremely intense, secretive, passionate and intelligent. With Pluto the ruling planet, you do not want Scorpio for an enemy, but they are some of the most loyal friends in the world. Scorpio, you have quite a year ahead of you. Jupiter is in Virgo in your eleventh house of friends, groups and hope and wishes. Jupiter will remain here until September, 2016 and it is a time to go after your dreams big time. Persevere, work hard and you should succeed with at least one of your wishes. Venus and Mars are both in Virgo and Libra this month, your eleventh and twelfth houses, respectfully. The planets in your chart right now are part of your solar chart for the year. Venus in your eleventh house is giving you discrimination with your friends and situations. Mars in your eleventh house can stir up energy and perhaps some rebellion with your friends and groups. Venus in your twelfth house gives a tendency to a secretive emotional life and a possible love affair.You can have too much self-indulgence, but for those who are evolved there is a strong compassion and a desire to help those less fortunate. Mars in the twelfth house indicates intense emotional reactions; when they are hidden they will become even stronger. You should not repress your feelings, but learn to express yourself in a calm and peaceful manner. Uranus has been in Aries since March 2011 where it will remain until April 2025.It is in your solar sixth house which suggests unexpected and sudden changes in employment and your health. Eat and drink in moderation and try to remain stable with your job. Neptune has been in Pisces in your fifth solar house since April, 2011.The fifth house is the house of creativity and with Neptune in the house you can do whatever you want to do; singing, dancing, acting, writing, art. With Pisces in Neptune for the next ten years it is a once in a lifetime opportunity to let go of the fear and fly with the wind. The March 8th Solar Eclipse is in Pisces, which highlights pleasure, creativity and children for the next six months. It just further emphasized with Neptune in Pisces in the fifth house. The Lunar Eclipse is in Libra on March 23rd and will be in your twelfth house which will soothe your soul. Yoga, meditation and prayer will help you go deeper into your spirituality. The Solar Eclipse in Virgo is September 1st will be in your eleventh house which emphasizes friends, goals and dreams. The last Lunar Eclipse of 2016 is in Pisces which emphasizes children, recreation, love and creativity. Some Scorpios will be dealing with children or pregnancy after this eclipse. Saturn in Sagittarius squares Neptune in Pisces all month. It is almost exact on the 26th (Thanksgiving) and we will be looking at our hopes and dreams with a very realistic viewpoint and try to consciously make them happen. People in general may doubt their leaders and voice their concerns. This questioning can help identify what is not working and what can be done to improve it. Neptune has been retrograde since June 13th and will go direct on the 18th.When Neptune was retrograde the subconscious was the most important element. When it goes direct, however, we tend to become less introspective and more literal and concrete in our efforts and desires. There is still a trine between Jupiter in Virgo and Pluto in Capricorn for the second month, but the first week of November is the most intensive of all. Jupiter’s enthusiasm paired with Pluto’s changing effect can allow something you have worked very hard for to come to fruition. The New Moon is in Scorpio on November 11th.The wishes and desires to put into place for the next thirty days have to do with a sense of purpose, staying calm under adverse situations, having a positive attitude and having your own passion.

STAR ENCOUNTERS by Rev. Joy "Aphrodette" Gambon, ADL For more detail for each sign – visit my website or call me: 540.400.0110 Oh, how the beauty of the stars, the movements of the planets and Lights and the revolution of the Earth has mystified man through the ages! How blessed are the wonders of Creation. Enjoy a joyous Thanksgiving! Be overpowered by the gifts you have received and be filled with radiant love as you serve the Divine and this magnificent Creation! Know that you are a blessed child of the Most High and be filled with Light and Love and a renewed sense of Wonder! Namasté!

NOVEMBER OVERVIEW

LUNATIONS The New Moon in Scorpio occurs on November 11, 2015 at 12:47:06 PM EST. The Lights conjoin Mercury as they form a triple quincunx to retrograde Uranus in Aries and a triple trine to retrograde Chiron in Pisces. Travel plans for the holidays will be firming up and indulgence in food and drink is seen. Preparations and planning will be intense this year. Beware of the extra pounds pouring on! Healthy snacks can be delicious too! Temperance! The Full Moon in Gemini occurs on November 25, 2015 at 05:44:12 PM EST. The Moon forms a trine to Mars in Libra and a square to Neptune in Pisces as it opposes the Sagittarian Sun and Saturn! Time literally flies with these aspects! Weather can prove to be an obstacle so if you are traveling with children, be sure to pack snacks and games! Much camaraderie is seen and humorous storytelling! Enjoy the entertainment! November Retrograde Stations and Shifts Neptune stations directing Pisces on November 18, 2015 at 11:32 AM EST. Creative imagination moves into the future. Vision of a dreamlike future can easily be seen in movies and video games coming out for the winter holidays. Expect lines at any launch that stimulates the imagination! Uranus stationed retrograde in Aries on July 26, 2015 at 06:38 AM EDST and remains so until December 25th. 2015 at 10:53 PM EST. This cycle is interesting and can help us to re- examine who we really are and what we are about. What facets of our nature have we abandoned and is it possible to reclaim our growth and inspiration as we move forward. Processes more than events are honored in this cycle, Pace yourself.

NOVEMBER MAJOR ASPECTS and INGRESSES (Energetic indicators felt for 3 days prior and following the culmination of the angle) On November 2-3, 2015, Venus is kissing Mars in Virgo and Jupiter in Virgo opposes retrograde Chiron in Pisces! Feeling very fortunate in love, especially in relationships where you are good at working together on plans and projects is seen! Ideas are abundant and time passes quickly and productively! On November 6-7, 2015, Mercury in Scorpio is in trine to retrograde Neptune in Pisces! Mars, the Moon and Venus are hugging in Virgo making this a wonderful time to share traditions with others - particularly children and pets! Planning for decorations or small gatherings in the holiday season is joyful now! On November 17, 2015 Mercury conjoins the Sun in Scorpio! This enhances psychic impressions as it accesses the planet in water in your chart! This is an excellent time to check for safety with electricity and candles. Trust your instincts and practice security with your home and vehicles now. On November 20, 2015, Venus in Libra is in square to Pluto in Capricorn! Obey all traffic laws and be careful coming in and out o festivals or events in the parking area. Know that there may be increased security precautions in public places and simply deal with it! On November 23-26, 2015 there is much energy in the Heavens! The Full Moon is clear but other planets are playing important roles now. Venus in Libra is opposing retrograde Uranus in Aries. Mercury is conjoining Saturn in Sagittarius and they both are in square to Neptune, now direct in Pisces! The family dynamic is very challenging! Whether you are near to or far away from family members, expect some surprises! Trying to keep any semblance of order in a crowded room this Thanksgiving is, indeed, a mammoth task! Just do your best! On November 29, 2015, The Sagittarian Sun is conjoining Saturn and they are both in square to Neptune in Pisces! Yes, you are feeling spent! Thank goodness it is Sunday! You have had much fun but now, you will feel as if you simply need to relax and probably sleep like a baby! Go ahead and snore!

Prayer Requests We pray for those whose innocent lives were snuffed out in the senseless attacks on Paris. We pray for all those who are so misled spiritually that they would carry out such actions in the name of a loving God. We pray for those who were injured, and those who were traumatized. We pray that the French people and for the peace-loving people of this planet, whose steadfast drive towards a peaceful world will not be denied.

The Tower and the Wind Chime

by Rev. Jay van Schelt

For me, I see the lights going up into the sky as the story of The Tower in NY. All we trusted was taken, and now after more than a decade, we do not have a lot of trust to go around, it seems. But is there a way to live that does not leave you afraid, one that also allows for any and all responses to still be appropriately available if threatened? A way that knows that we are more than this body of flesh and blood? Humankind has for all time worked to understand this concept. We have created elaborate systems to ensure that we can live a life based on something that we can trust. But trust always fails in this life, and we feel fear. So maybe there is another way to begin to discover that trust by connecting to your knowledge of the ultimate truth, connecting in a way that for centuries was being whispered by prophets, saints and mystics to all who would have the presence to hear. ●Consider for a moment that you can choose who you are going to be as you move through this day. ●Consider how that will inform what you know, how you speak and interact with others. ●Consider how the way you act influences the co-created world we live in, creating either more fear or more trust that the outcome will be a flowering of life’s ups and downs. All the joys and sorrows will still come, but you will see it as an opportunity to reflect the light that shines forth from your eyes upon all you meet in this day. And won’t it be interesting to see how that life and light expresses itself in this present moment. You might remember and forget this sometimes, but if you have understood and know this, even for a briefest of instants, then you know. May this bring you clarity in the moment of shock or loss so great that life crumbles completely into nothing, so that in that moment may you be RE-MINDED to your true nature as that is WHO YOU ARE. Peace and light Rev. Jay

Addendum I started this piece on 9-11-15. The next day, I saw a photo of the two lights going up at the twin towers memorial, and I later noticed that I had included two beams of love light shining into the figure in this piece. I found this had me considering ways to express my feelings about the experience of living in that time and this one. I felt how deeply I have changed since that moment of shock and grief that we suffered as a country. This story came out of me one afternoon while I was showing some one, who did not know any "spiritual wisdom from the east," the first incarnation of this art piece that I thought was done. Her response was a feeling of wonder so palatable that I could feel its authentic clarity. If you would like to purchase a high-quality print of this image, please go to http://maddhattermodernart.deviantart.com/art/The-tower-and-the-Wind-chime- 563525394.

Dr. Kenn Gordon on the Paris Terrorist Attacks Shared by Rev. Bob Carrucci "Cease weeping over the mistakes of yesterday and steadfastly holding the face of the great and divine Reality, walk in that Light wherein there is no darkness." ~ Dr. Ernest Holmes

With this magnificent quote, Dr. Ernest Holmes in the Science of Mind philosophy, calls us to rise above our past and to envision a future that is filled with infinite possibility. As we mourn the dead, once again, this time in Paris, once again, we are pitched into sadness and even a sense of defeat. Humanity is at war with one another, and we are hard pressed to see a way out. Yet, we are called to do just that. We begin by honoring those who perished or were wounded in these attacks and their families, the first responders, and all others affected by these horrific acts. Rather than re- hash what is usually said at times like this, let me speak to a greater future and a way forward. Of course we pray, but let us also act. Let me call on everyone in our great organization to be truly of one mind in seeing the possibility of peace on our planet. Let me call upon our ministers and practitioners to reach out to members of other faith traditions and to become spokespersons for peace, justice and harmony. Let me call upon clergy in all faith traditions to speak out for peace -- not to silence the oppressed, but to give them hope. Let me call upon all those who comprise our news media to be attuned to the many efforts to seek harmony in this world, and not just to show carnage. Let me call upon political leaders of all stripes to stop the discourse of partisanship and disharmony and to lead forcefully and directly toward a more peaceful planet. Let me call upon those who take up arms against innocents in the name of their cause or deity to see a better way forward, and to be open to overtures of peace coming from within and beyond your own culture or faith tradition. Finally, let me offer the services of our organization, the Centers for Spiritual Living, as impartial mediators, to work with secular and religious parties anywhere to help bring resolution to differences. Let us each be willing to take the first step toward peaceful resolution. Let us be willing to truly listen to the grievances of the other and to open our hearts to a greater possibility, as Ernest Holmes called us to do. Let us do what is best for our children and their children. Let us begin right now. Dr. Kenn Gordon, Spiritual Leader, Centers for Spiritual Living shared by Bob Carrucci

Breaking the Cycle by Rev. Brian Crissey We must start with the undistorted children, with love and steadfast confidence in a safe and bright future for all. We must protect the children from being traumatized by induced fear. We must build schools rather than bombs, so Muslims can actually read their Qur'an, where it says, "Do not kill a soul that God has made sacrosanct," and "If the enemies incline towards peace, do you also incline towards peace," and "There is no compulsion in religion." Every act of vengeance starts another cycle of violence, as the surviving relatives and friends focus their aching anger on those who killed their loved ones. And yet there are some among us -- descendants of darker-skinned people whose ancestors were brutalized by our lighter-skinned ancestors -- who understand this truth. These are the true Christians, and they have already begun extending unconditional Divine Love and Total Forgiveness to those who trespass against us. On June 17, 2015, a misguided young white male joined a black prayer meeting in Charleston and then calmly pulled out a gun and killed nine of the worshipers. The survivors and their friends and families might have grabbed guns and begun a violent revenge campaign, but they followed higher guidance. They took the first brave step, from which we all humbly can learn. Nadine Collier, who lost her mother, said, "You took something very precious away from me. I will never talk to her ever again. I will never be able to hold her again. But I forgive you and have mercy on your soul. You hurt me. You hurt a lot of people. But God forgives you, and I forgive you." One day we will surely live on a peaceful and unified planet. Looking back from that time, we will wonder how we achieved that beautiful end, and we will suddenly realize that there must have been a point in time and a place on Earth where savaged Earthlings began to rise, one by one, to refuse to start even one more cycle of violence. Was that time June 17, 2015? Was that place Charleston, S.C., in the Emanuel AME Church? Ponder that and have faith that a better world is coming.

A Message from the Star Nations re: Terrorist Attacks It's vital for people to understand that this whole Jihad/Armageddon mind-set has been engineered specifically as a "divide and conquer" technique to control Earth-plane humanity. It's come about through misinterpretation of texts in both the Bible and the Qur'an. The "battle" referred to as Armageddon and Jihad does not refer to a physical war between religions, nations or cultures. It refers to a battle within our own psyche -- between Higher Self and lower self; between the God and Satanic elements within the heart of humanity; between Love and Fear. This inner battle is also referred to in the Bhagavad Gita and other scriptures, and it applies to all of humanity across all religions and cultures. Fundamentalists on both sides have been cleverly manipulated in an attempt to bring about a Third World War on Earth, but this manipulation is built entirely on misinterpretation and delusion. For those on both sides who are governed by the lower self/Satan within (referred to in Revelations as The Mark of the Beast - 666), which is the source of all thoughts of hatred and vengeance, remember, two negatives do not make a positive. The only effective antidote against fear and hatred is Love. For those of you who are motivated by God/Love, and wish to send positive thoughts and healing to the situation, we suggest that you project pure, Unconditional Love to the Heart of the nation/group involved, and its people, which provides you a prime opportunity to apply your God-given gift of Free Will in order to choose either Love or Fear.

Judy Carroll, shared by Rev. Brian Crissey

KEY 7: THE CHARIOT By Rev. LL Cartin Time moved on. Elgar decided to count the extra money he had saved over the past seven months, reasoning there was enough. He wanted to buy something special for his father – a vintage sports car like his dad had owned as a young man. Not just any car would do—it had to be the exact model, color and interior that his father spoke of so often when Elgar was a boy. Elgar set out one Saturday, following various leads from newspapers. The day wore on. The old cars he found were either terribly rusted or so spiffed-up; they no longer resembled their original state. Elgar’s good intentions were sabotaged by his usual pattern of thoughts —what am I thinking…this won’t work… dad will still hate me…I’ll never find the right car…I can use the money on myself instead. He returned to his studio and fiddled with a blank paper and charcoal. He recalled a childhood memory of an old photograph his dad kept tucked away in a book. To his surprise, he masterfully drew the car with every detail. It had been his dad’s prized possession until the day it regrettably was sold. The more Elgar retrieved from his memory and imagination, the more he understood exactly why his dad sold the car. He hurried to finish his work, becoming very sleepy from such a long day. His eyes closed and he dreamed: Elgar saw a tree-lined street. The houses were all in a row, close to one another, and each with a white-picket fence around the yard. Ahead, he could see his father walking with a stack of money in his hands. Behind him was a man who began to polish the fine-looking automobile he had just purchased. “Dad…!” Elgar shouted, running towards him. “I have the cash to buy back your car.” Elgar’s father didn’t seem to see or hear him and kept on going. Elgar called out again. Finally, Elgar gave up and ran to the man, insisting he have the opportunity to buy back his dad’s car. The man didn’t see or hear Elgar, either. Confused, Elgar followed his father who got into a taxi cab. Elgar ran behind the vehicle as fast as he could. He felt urgency, but didn’t know what it was about. The cab dropped off his dad in front of a hospital. Elgar kept his distance. His heart was wildly pumping in his chest, his ribs straining as he breathed. He saw his father sit down in a waiting room, beaming with joy. “Mr. Smyth, do you have the money?” a woman behind the glass cubicle asked, politely ignoring his prominent facial scar. Elgar’s dad stood up and proudly gave the woman all the money he had. Seven minutes later, he was told his wife gave birth to a son, but there were complications. His beautiful bride did not survive the delivery. Elgar’s father bent to the floor in grief. He lost two treasures that day and was left with something else, a son he didn’t know at all. Elgar woke up in a pool of sweat. He knew exactly where to go to find the old car, as it was located along a detour his father took many times. Hours later, Elgar arrived at a neighborhood not far from his childhood home. He scanned the row of houses. Things had changed over the years; only one house still had a white picket fence around its yard. It was just a hunch, but Elgar knocked on the orange-yellow door. “Hello, young man. What can I do for you?” the homeowner asked. “Uh…I was wondering something,” Elgar stammered. “Yes…?” the gentleman encouraged. “Uh…well… did you buy a used sports car thirty two years ago?” “Why I did, indeed. I bought it from a man whose wife was about to give birth that day. He asked if I would keep it for him. He said he would buy it back from me if he had a son so he could give it as a gift on his 18th birthday. The man never came back, so I figured he had a daughter.” “No, he had a son,” Elgar assured the man, doubtful the car was still in his possession. “Why didn’t he ever come back, then?” the man was curious. “His life was met with tragedy, I guess,” Elgar shrugged. “Well, if you know this man, tell him I still have his car, as good as new.It’s in my garage. I drive it every weekend to services. It’s been in good hands, if you know what I mean.” Elgar was rendered speechless by this news, but it appeared the man had developed quite an attachment to the car and probably wouldn’t sell it now. Elgar hesitated to say anything more and almost walked away when the man spoke. “I’m ready to part with the car. You look like a nice young lad. Perhaps you’d like to become its next steward?” Elgar remained quiet. This would make quite a nice gift for his father. The man coaxed him further. “The minute you sit behind the wheel of this car, you can sense how brave its owner was, a good soldier, loving husband. But sometimes in a man’s life, he breaks under pressure, makes mistakes and hates himself for betraying his very essence.” Elgar listened carefully to every word. The man disappeared behind his door and returned seconds later with a set of keys in his hand. He pointed to an attached pendant bearing the engraved words: Love is With You in Battle. “The owner of the car told me his parents gave him the vehicle for his 18th birthday, the day he was drafted into the army. They took good care of it while he was away. He said the thought of coming home to his car was what kept him alive. Since it has had many guardians, why don’t you consider becoming the next one?” The man didn’t wait for Elgar’s answer. He took him by his elbow and brought him to the heated garage where the car was kept. He then dangled the keys in front of Elgar’s face. “It’s all yours, young Mr. Smyth. I recognized the eyes, the smile,” he said in a softer tone with a wink. “You are every bit your father. Perhaps it’s much later than planned, but the Universe has a funny thing about timing, it’s just not on cue with our own. We must learn to be in its flow of loving energy at all times. Only love will carry us through the battles.”

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