The Alliance of Divine Love Newsletter s2

The Alliance of Divine Love Newsletter November, 2015

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

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

Co-Founder Rev. Dr. Barbara Selwa

How pleasing it is to be with you again. Today we will take a sharper look at the differences between real and Real. Let us create an informative story for illustration: Alice and Fred were watching the old TV movie, Gone with the Wind. As the plot thickened, they became more and more rapt. Alice was drawn into the Scarlett role, while Fred became increasingly identified with Rhett. Both absorbed the feelings of the characters. The phone rang several times until Fred hastily shut it down so there would be no interruption. Their children came racing in, asking about dinner and other projects. Alice replied, none too pleased, "We're watching this! Go play somewhere else until we're finished!" Dejectedly the children started toward the door. Their daughter said that their neighbor had some wonderful things to bring over. "Later! You heard your mother!" Fred snapped. Sigh. This is what we, your guides, encounter continually. We have wonderful teachings and help for you but you are so glued to the outer world. Divine Love/God is likewise brushed aside and not paid any attention. You have so much but yet so little. You forget who you are. You suffer and try to work things out with little aid. Ah, my dear ones, you are so immersed in the outer world that you do not recognize your true being. You become mired in the real, instead of participating in the Real. The mundane real world has no power except what you give it. It exists only within you, regardless of what Earth life appears to dictate. What this means is: The mundane real world is, like Gone With the Wind, fantasy. It is a story written only in mist. It is interesting, yes, but it lacks the power to bring you lasting peace, joy, fun and other aspects of God. It has little energy to support you in your needs. It leaves you with emptiness instead of fulfillment. It changes rapidly and constantly. In contrast, the Real is composed of All in the multiverse and beyond. This Real has infinite power to make you perfect and full of success and Love. Therefore: You can never be lonely. You will never Really, suffer. The economy has no effect on you. And a mean boss cannot ruin your day. You will always succeed. Your loved ones will never forsake you. You will have everything in this Real. All negativity is canceled out. This Real is Holy. You cannot fail or die. If the real falls into destruction, you, in Real, cannot be destroyed. In Real, dear ones, the real is nonexistent, as is Gone with the Wind on Earth. It was a novel created by a human being. You thirst after the Real, and this is what you must pay attention to. Yes, we know how hard this is. Most of us, your guides, have lived on Earth, in the arena of the fictitious real. Many of us have left behind wisdom linking us to the Real. Below is such a writing. "...the soul copies the life above, and is conformed to the peculiar features of the Divine nature; none of its habits are left to it except that of love, which clings by natural affinity to the Beautiful. For this is what love is -- the inherent affection towards a chosen object. When, then, the soul having become simple and single in form and so perfectly godlike, finds that perfectly simple and immaterial good which is really worth enthusiasm and love, it attaches itself to it and blends with it by means of the movement and activity love, fashioning itself according to that which it is continually finding and grasping."

President's Message: Rev. Jo Ann "Elf" Pessagno Dearest ministers and teammates,

In October, I spent 2 weeks in St. George, Utah, playing volleyball in the World Senior Games with women between 60 and 70.The lessons I learned on the volleyball court reminded me that ADL is also a team. There are 6 players on each side of the net. In volleyball a team is entitled to 3 hits in order to score a point. There is a player who passes the served ball to the player who sets the ball to the player who hits the ball to score a point. All 6 players must be involved in order to score points to win a game or achieve the goal. If there is a bad pass that results in the other team scoring a point, but a good teammate will let that player know it is OK, we'll get the next one. As a group of almost 900 ministers, we are all players in this organization with the goal of spreading love wherever we go, all in the greatest degree of love. If one of our players is having a day where their love is hiding behind stress or illness, then we pick them up, bring back their sunshine and remind them we are there for them. Their 900 teammates are ready with thoughts, prayers and love to get them back into the game. On another level, the board of trustees is also a team comprised of many talented, caring players making decisions that affect the greater good of ADL. Some of the decisions the board is facing are what to do about ministers who do not pay their dues, what to do about ministers who may have violated ADL's code of ethics, how do we simplify the process of getting an EIN number (a Federal requirement of IRS 501(c)(3), and how do we communicate our decisions to the team. The board of trustees meets each month via conference call to discuss and vote on corporate issues that affect all 900 of the ministers in ADL. The current board of trustees was elected in October 2013 for a three-year term. A call for nominations will go out in June 2016 with the dues notice. Any minister in good standing is welcome and encouraged to run for the Board of Trustees. Help captain and coach this great and wonderful team of ministers! Namasté.

Congratulations to the following New Ministers of ADL! Ordained on 10/10/15: Heidi Ann Kowalchyk from New York Angel-Malaya Stephan from Georgia

Report from the National ADL Office by Rev. Pamela Meyer Crissey and Rev. Analisa Domenica

Balance... "The material and the spiritual are but two parts of one universe and one truth. By over stressing one part or the other, man fails to achieve the balance necessary for harmonious development." -- Paramahansa Yogananda As ADL ministers, or spiritually seeking people in general, we often forget to honor the material aspects of life, and often view the mundane sides of living with little regard. Let's not forget that our spirituality is housed within a human container to experience human life on Earth for some important reason. At the national office we often have to ask you to do many “material things” like filling out and sending in forms, paying fees, reading By-laws or letters, etc. However, without those material aspects of ADL, we wouldn't exist in this world, and ministers would not be able to do their spiritual work. It is important. With that said, here is our news for November: The biggest news from the national office is that our phone number has changed. It is: 828-388-2102. Please make a note of it. Right now the old number is being forwarded to the new one, but that will change after a few weeks. If you haven't sent in your license renewal yet, please do so, or let us know why it is delayed. As we enter into this time of Thanksgiving, we send our blessings to all of you and thank you all for your cooperation in getting the mundane into our office and following through on the little details in life that can drive us all crazy at times, but make the world go around. 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.

"Bystanders" by Rev. Randy Fillmore, ADL National Ombudsman In last month’s Ombudsman article, I wrote about experiencing conflict with another, and how author Eric Butterworth writes in “In The Flow of Life”, “…before we try to understand or even correct conditions “out there,” we first need to get ourselves consciously established in the flow of life. The incident is most certainly external, but the reaction is completely our own.” How do we react to confrontational circumstances? Do we walk away, only to be angry with ourselves or the situation and carry that anger or frustration with us for hours, days, months, or even years? Do we aggressively engage with the person or institution that we feel has wronged us? Do we lash out verbally, use social media to “tell our story” so the world knows how we have been hurt? I recently came across a 1976 Unity School of Christianity pamphlet, “Go to God First,” that offers, “When we have done all that seems humanly possible to find the way out of some difficulty, the steadfast affirmation of the Psalmists’s words brings us to God, who knows and makes known the answer to all difficulties. All too often we call upon God only as a last resort. We turn to God only after we have tried everything else, and pray for a miracle. To put God first, last, and always is to live momently in that presence, to dwell in the consciousness that Spirit within us is our answer to every need.” We recognize that turning to Spirit is not going to automatically or magically change a process or frustration caused from some interaction with the phone or power company, or some other action. Maybe it’s an interaction with someone from the grocery store, relative, or service provider. How does turning to God within help? Re-reading Butterworth, by getting ourselves consciously established in the flow of life, we are able to see through the appearances of what we perceive through our vision, and delve deeper into the real reason the issue is causing pain. We consciously see the driving feeling that is causing our reaction. This can only be through our connection with Spirit and going to God first. Once we have found that trigger in us, we can turn back to the situation with a clear, calm mind and heart –- in the Greatest Degree of Love -- and work to resolve the problem. Maybe the resolution is to bless the experience and move on. Maybe it is a situation that involves a conversation with another; such as the ADL Ombudsman, should there be an issue that falls within the scope of ADL. We should be careful about needing to “tell our story.” Telling our story is akin to trying to gain either approval or sympathy for a situation in which we feel we were being wronged. Being in conflict should never be about who is right or who is wrong. It is about how we react to everyday situations. In the movie Forest Gump, the phrase, “stupid is as stupid does”, reminds us that if we seek the level of consciousness that we are experiencing, we need to step back and “Go To God, First.” There will always be times when we experience processes that either don’t seem right, or we find that defined processes are not followed. I offer the ADL Ombudsman’s office to help in those situations related to ADL to assist in those times. If you have any thoughts about this monthly article, have suggestions, or need to reach out to me, as ADL Ombudsman, please contact me at [email protected]. Blessings along the path Rev Randy FillmoreADL 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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