Islamic Studies

admin — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 17:13:00 +0000

Final Essay

I thought that a study of Islam would be appropriate at this time considering the attacks of 9/11 and the war in Iraq. I really didn’t have an understanding of the Islam and the Islamic terrorists and what could possibly be on their minds to attack the very soil of the United States.

Muslims believe that Muhammad is the last prophet sent by God after Abraham, Jesus and others. Muhammad’s beginnings were simple and poor. He was born in 570 and was raised by his uncle Abu Talib who taught him to be a caravan trader. Muhammad was exposed to Jewish and Christian traditions on these caravan journeys. He eventually married his employer, Khadija, who would bare him many children one of which was a daughter, Fatima, who would marry Muhammad’s cousin Ali.

In the year 610, Muhammad began having visions from the angel Gabriel. These visions resulted in the Qur’an. The Qur’an is believed to be a correction of errors in scripture from the time of Abraham. Its message is that there is one true God; there is a Day of Doom coming; the wicked will perish and the Elect will live in paradise. Not much different from Christianity. Islam means “submission to God”. A Muslim is “one who submits”. They believe that the Qur’an is God in the form of words. It “is”, it is not “created”. Muslims believe in the Five Pillars of Islam: confession of faith, prayer, almsgiving, fasting and pilgrimage.

There are two main groups of Muslims that are in the news these days: the Shi’ites and the Sunnis. These are the groups that are at war with each other in the Middle East and the reason the US is there. The difference between these two groups is this: The Shi’ites believe that the successors to Muhammad should be from his family line through Ali and Fatima. They believe that Ali, Muhammad’s cousin and Fatima’s husband, was appointed by Muhammad on his deathbed and should have been the first successor or Caliph. He eventually became the fourth Caliph. But the Sunni’s believe that there should be an elected Caliph. The Shi’ites believe that because of all this confusion the Caliph or Hidden Iman, has been removed from the earth to return in the future. That certainly seems like something to go to war over. To put this into perspective, the Shi’ites could be compared to Catholics, and the Sunnis could be compared to Protestants. We are familiar with how well they get along in some countries.

This brings me to Osama bin Laden, a Sunni. Osama studied the writings of one Ibn Taymiyyah who taught “not a voluntary jihad or holy war to propagate the faith but an involuntary jihad or just war to defend the faith. Under such conditions, all under attack must fight and all others must help them…Government and religion must be intertwined, for religion cannot prosper without the coercive power of government, while government must be subject to Revelation if it is not to fall into error and tyranny…Right religion must have in it the Guiding Hand and the Helping Sword”. Osama says “Islam ceases to exist where the ruler is an infidel”. Is he referring to the United States? He also quotes Ibn Taymiyyah out of context to suit his own jihad because Ibn Taymiyyah also said “The consensus of the community, not the decisions of a militant minority, must be paramount” and that jihad must be fair and without animosity. It seems to me that that statement should be considered by the Whole World.

I’m still not sure that I completely understand what the fighting is all about. Perhaps it’s the innate arrogance of the People of the Book because they were the ones that the Book was given to of all the others in the world.

Rev. Judith Wolf

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A Course In Miracles

admin — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 00:51:00 +0000

I have been studying ACIM for the last seven years. I cannot discuss it with the average Christian in the Bible Belt area in which I live. It is very metaphoric and requires deep thinking but most of all a willingness to question how one could be among the few that was lucky enough to be born in the Bible Belt and to have all the answers to Spiritual questions while the rest of the world is wrong.

At first I had problems believing that a person claiming to be an atheist would have Jesus come directly to her to enlighten our generation about our mis-guidings about the real truth of the Bible and the teachings of Jesus. Still, something kept me reading and searching for more on line and local classes to help me understand it. Seven years later and a study of the book almost daily, along with the classes I have taken, I find myself with an inner peace I never knew possible. I pray in a totally different manner now, not “Why me Lord?” but “What can I learn from this?” I bless with gratitude my pain as much as my joy for I learn from both to be a better person.

Forgiveness has a total new meaning to me. I no longer forgive because it is the Christian thing to do because God said to do it, but I forgive because we all fall short and to forgive others is to forgive myself when I fall short. Now, I see myself not as separate from others, but one with others, even one with Mother Earth. I bless a blooming flower, singing bird and falling leaves or dead leaves for I am one with them, as well. A car with a handicap stick drove up and suddenly cut in front of me and too the parking place I had been waiting for while the lady was putting away her groceries in the back seat. In the past something like this would have had me fuming not just all day but perhaps for several days. This time I just thanked the Universe that I was not in as much pain as usual and perhaps I could walk a longer distance this day and perhaps the man that took my parking place could not, and I sent him the energy of inner peace and love that I had come to know since I had been reading ACIM.

Fear, shame, and guilt had been the tools I allowed others to use to control me all of my life but now I attempt to stay so forced in divine love that those games of manipulation no longer work on me for perfect love cast out all fear.

In my garden is where my peace seems to unfold daily in my meditations. There are rabbits that come and sit in perfect stillness. Their big eyes seem so wise as if finding a special inner peace. I painted one and put it up by my deck to remind me to choose peace always by refusing to judge, forgiving others and myself, and having a deep gratitude for the simple beautiful things in life. When I am tempted to go the old ways of my past I look up and read “I can choose Peace, instead of this” and I do.

From where ever ACIM came there is a wisdom there that supersedes even the Bible, that gives clarity and understanding to the teachings of Jesus and it has colored my life with JOY … and if there is ever to be a path to peace, I think the teachings of this book will take us there.

Rev. Linda Francis

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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.

Druidism

admin — Thu, 01 May 2008 23:45:00 +0000

My Connection to Druidism and What I Learned From the Course

The study of Druidism was one I took on initially because of my grandmother. Maud Elizabeth Toward Jemison was from Great Britain and moved to Canada in 1900 to live on her own. She was a very tall and beautiful woman and although she had no formal education beyond the basic schooling of her time she was well learned and very intelligent. She married my grandfather, Thomas Melville Jemison, in 1909 and moved from Canada to Spokane, Washington. She never spoke much about her history but would often speak of the old ways. Nana, as I called her, definitely appreciated the natural life and kept a special garden. The thing that always amazed me was that she just seemed to know things that others did not. She kept to herself most of the time but has abilities I never saw with others. When asked she would just answer “they are the old ways.” I never understood what she was speaking of until I started learning about my heritage and this is what brought me to the study of Druidism.

Because the Druids used an oral history it is very hard to follow the migration of the clan or group over the early years of history. History states that the Galatians in Asia were the peoples later know as the Celts and it is know that they practiced human sacrifice at a central shrine Druneneton (oak-sanctuary.) Despite this indication of veneration for the oak, there is no evidence the Druids existed among the Galatians. Although it is thought by Diodorus that the learned men of Galatia were what were later called Druids He did not call them by name but used the term philosophers and told of them being able to do many things to include being versed in the divine things. He states in battle they stood between the two waring parties to try to gain peace and were also able to place spells on wild animals. The latter history of the Druids is much easier to pick up after the travels of the Celts to what is now The British Isles and this is where we find the truth and the fantasy of what the Druid is to many peoples. In his introduction to The Druids, Peter Berresford Ellis quotes the French anthropologist Claude Levi-Strauss who said: “There are no final truths; the scientific mind does not so much provide the right answers as ask the right questions.” And as Peter Ellis points out to understand Druid history and practices, many correct questions must be asked.

I find my self thinking of Gandalf the Wizard in the Tolkien novels or Merlin of Arthurian legend when I think of the Druids. This of course is the romantic notion of the learned old man who helps people to learn right from wrong and gives tales to bring understanding. It is the idea that there is a back and white to all events and with understanding it is possible to find a correct answer. When I study my family history I can see the connection the people of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales had with the old beliefs. I can see the elder or Druid standing up at time of battle or at a time when a reading of law must be given. I also can see the poets, musicians, seers, and diviners that were traveling the lands. It is said that what is called Celtic Christianity has many hold-over ideas of Druid practices. The ideas were taken as part of the church holidays and practices when the Romans were in control of what is now the British Isles. During the 18th Century there was resurgence in the Druid ideals and the romantic notions of the 19th Century perpetuated this.

There is of course other sides to the Druids and as archeological findings show a more complete history with evidence of their early history we will have a better picture of the early life of these peoples. It seems that each year more is found and a truer picture is unfolding of how they lived, their beliefs, and what was actually taught to others. As scientific processes advance so does out understanding of peoples of long ago. I have also studied this part of the culture of the Druid and the Celtic Peoples.

There are many Groves, as organizations of Druids are called, now in many countries. Several groups offer the training in song, story, and practices necessary to advance through the profession of Druid training. Total training can take many years to advance and have knowledge of all the gifts.

The Druids were leaders of society and the left many ideas for others to follow. I have often wondered if the abilities of peoples who came to what is now North American did not bring many of the teachings given to them by the Druids of old. The healing, the ability to tell a good story while teaching, the way of living off the land, etc. Some of the early settlers were thought of as not being part of the city mainstream but their ability to live, teach, and help others in many ways show a special training that was received at some point in their lives in the old country. One does not need to be a scholar to learn if taught properly in a manner that can be understood by all.

The class was a pleasure to take and has led me to other areas to continue my study of Druid history and practices. I found that each lesson built on the one before it and gave time to fully understand a concept before a new one was offered. Because of my heritage I will take the information that was given in the class and continue my studies.

Simon James. , The World of the Celts, Thames and Hudson, , page 41

Gerhard Herm, The Celts, St Martins Press, page 56

Peter Berresford Ellis, The Druids, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co page 11

Rev. Sharon J. Mayer

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Metaphysics Course

admin — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 22:10:00 +0000

Dear Amy,

Thank you for all the Spirit quest program. I wanted to focus my 300 word final on Discourse #29 MONEY!!! I guess that gives it away. The exclamation point that is. I consider myself a spiritual being living and adapting to a overly materialistic world. In a way materialism is part of our being. We possess our body and organs so life as we know it is biased towards materialism. What I appreciated about this session is that you where not resisting money and you where reflecting that like everything else its what you do with it. I think I have gotten to a point that I believe you either have it or don’t and live a wondering monk’s life. That is not a choice since I chose to be a proactive part of this world and am married with two wonderful children (9mos and 5yrs old). So I am committed. So how can I make friends with money since I actually would like to have a lot of it and I want all the luxury and freedom that comes with it?

First focusing on the idea that money is good but my impression of people that have it is not very good. I have not met many people that accumulated wealth that I truly respect. The people that are making a lot of money today in especially in sales and money mgt world are mostly fake and are just gaining peoples trust to get their way. So I need to earn my keep by doing what I believe and am good at in the most sincere matter and not getting disappointed when people don’t believe me. I need to use the rejection as a learning experience and not try to save or savor it. I need to move on with that learning experience to the next relationship and sharing of my story and why I am doing what I do.

Another great point was about doing what you love. I love helping people and helping them overcomes their obstacles. I should have become a psychologist but I didn’t because I wanted to be an entrepreneur. I have all these ideas and things in my head that I need to bring to life but get stuck after the creation part. After it is created then the only motivation is money and I don’t follow through. I love working with people so I need to stick it out and reach out despite the rejection. I need to put my self in their position and as I get more confident and can prove my sincerity I will gain the like minded people that can see through me and can place their trust in me.

So I will stop procrastinating and don’t try to make money evil so I don’t have to earn it.

Thanks,

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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.

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 the Universal Life Church for many years and it’s Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

A Course in Miracles

admin — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 19:34:00 +0000

METAPHYSICAL’S AND MIRACLES

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BY: REVEREND KURT FONDRIEST

THIS CLASS MADE ME GO THROUGH MY BOOK SHELF AND PULL OUT SOME FAVORITES METAPHYSICAL TEACHER’S WORKS.

DR. ERNEST HOLMES, EDGAR CAYCE, MARY EDDY BAKER, EMMA HOPKINS, LOUISE HAY, THE SECRET AND JUST TO MANY OTHERS TO COUNT. THIS WAS GOOD. ALL TO OFTEN I THINK WE FORGET ALL ABOUT THOSE BOOKS WE READ AND KEPT NODDING OUR HEADS AS WE WERE FINALLY UNDERSTANDING IT ALL. THIS CLASS FOR ME WAS A JOLT TO RE-VISIT IDEAS THAT SOMEHOW HAD BECOME LOST.

THERE WERE SEVERAL LESSON THAT SEEMED TO RE-AWAKEN MY OWN SPIRITUAL VOICE.

LESSON EIGHT-”INTENTIONS”- THIS ENABLED ME TO RECONNECT TO MY STUDIES IN RELIGIOUS SCIENCE. IT MADE ME THINK AND REFLECT ON WHY I WAS CALLED INTO THIS WAY OF THINKING IN THE FIRST PLACE. I NEEDED DIRECTION. I HAD A TURNING POINT WITHIN MY LIFE THAT NEEDED TO BE ADDRESSED. THIS LESSON ENABLE ME TO REFRESH MY MIND ON INTENTIONS. HOW TO KEEP MY MIND OPEN AND MY SENSE OF CLARITY CLOSE TO MY INNER EYES.

LESSON 10 ” THE GIFT OF VISUALIZATION “NOTHING NEW UNDER THE SUN” HOW TRUE . THIS AGAIN HAD ME PICKING ONE OF MY FAVORITE METAPHYSICAL MENTOR’S TO AGAIN COME TO CLARITY. NOW I SAID “TO COME TO CLARITY” THIS IS A VERY POWERFUL STATEMENT . CLARITY IS USUALLY ASSOCIATED WITH THE MENTAL REALM. YET AGAIN ALL REALMS ARE NEEDED TO HAVE A MOMENT OF CLARITY, A TIME FOR A VISION. BASICALLY RENEWING ONES OWN LIFE’S VISION

LESSON 12- ” LETTING GO OF” “GUILT IS THE PROBLEM BUT LOVE AND FORGIVENESS ARE ALWAYS THE ANSWER. AS I READ THIS I REMEMBER ONE OF MY FAVORITE BOOKS, “THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK”. ANNE’S LAST ENTRY IS” I STILL BELIEVE THAT DEEP DOWN INSIDE PEOPLE’S HEARTS IS GOODNESS” ANNE WROTE THIS MOMENTS BEFORE THE NAZI’S BROKE DOWN THE DOOR TO THE SECRET ANNEX. ANNE KNEW WHAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN AND HAD ‘CLARITY’ TO WRITE DOWN ONE OF THE MOST PROFOUND STATEMENTS IN LITERATURE AND JUST BASICALLY HUMAN HISTORY. SHE BASICALLY WAS LETTING GO AND MOST OF ALL FORGIVING THE PEOPLE WHO WERE GOING TO HURT HER.

HOW POWERFUL IF EACH PERSON COULD JUST DO THIS. OBVIOUSLY THIS IS WHERE WE BATTLE OUR EGO’S.

LESSON 16 PART 3 ” MIRACLES AND HEALTH” NOW THIS IS WHERE I FELT MY EGO CREEPING IN. I LIVE WITH FIBROMYALGIA A CHRONIC PAIN CONDITION. READING THAT ILLNESS COME FROM MY OWN MIND IS NOTHING NEW. AS I READ THIS I GOT MARY BAKER EDDY’S “SCIENCE AND HEALTH” FROM MY SHELVES. SURELY ENOUGH THERE WAS MY BOOK MARK WHERE I HAD LEFT OFF. I HAD A HARD TIME WITH THIS BOOK. I THINK THIS IS MY LIFE PROCESS TO UNDERSTAND IDEALS LIKE MIRACLES AND YOUR HEALTH. IT WAS HITTING HOME AND SOME OF IT I WAS NOT WILLING TO LISTEN TO.

THIS IS ONE OF THE REASONS I LOVE BELONGING TO ULC SEMINARY. I DON’T HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS AFTER I READ AN ASSIGNMENT, NOR AM I MOVED , ENLIGHTEN OR HAVE A MOMENT OF CLARITY. ALL I KNOW IS CLARITY OFTEN HAPPENS AFTER I READ AND RE-READ AN ASSIGNMENT, BUT MOSTLY WHEN I APPLY IT TO MY DAILY LIFE.

PEACE,

REVEREND KURT FONDRIEST

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To ordain yourself with the Universal Life Church, for Free, for Life, right now, use the Free Online Ordination, button — Click the link!

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. As an ordained minister with the Universal Life Church for many years and it’s Seminary since the beginning, I’ve enjoyed watching the continual growth of the seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Comparative Religion

admin — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 17:13:00 +0000

This was the first time I took an online discourse with the ULC Seminary. I have been a practicing Witch/Pagan for the past 10 years and am at a place in my learning and working where I am ready to take my spiritual development to the next level. Since starting this discourse back in July 2007, I have received my Mastership in Usui Reiki, plus have taken a few spiritual development classes. In my own personal opinion, in order to know spirituality in its entirety, it is very important to have a broad view of spirituality and religion. In college, I had taken a Philosophy course in comparative religions and the philosophy of faith. When I saw the ULC Comparative Religion class, I was quick to sign up for the discourses based on my own views that knowing about many religions and faiths can broaden your own personal faith and spirituality.

I really enjoy that the discourses are very “do it yourself.” I could read at my own pace, supplement some of the suggested readings and other activities where I needed to, but I liked that I wasn’t required to do so, because I have already read a few of the suggested readings mentioned and have done similar activities that were described.

I really enjoyed that this class was more about the theory of faith and religion. It wasn’t so much – This is Hinduism. These are the tenants of the Hindu faith system. This is Buddhism. These are the tenants of the Buddhist faith. I liked that it was more generic – this is what defines a sacred or holy text and these are examples of such. These are some theories about death, dying and the afterlife. I enjoyed the broadness and generalities. After All, this is a comparative religion course, and many times faith is easier to compare from a general perspective, instead of putting each piece of the belief structure under a microscope.

Specifically, I think that the actual discourses I enjoyed the most were the Sacred Space and Architecture. I was happy that someone finally put it out there that sacred space is more than just a place where you light incense or a candle or pray. There are specifics that most sacred space is picked for – celestial alignment, feng shui principals, etc. I also enjoyed the discussion of the significance of certain parts of architecture such as spirals, pillars, etc. I also think that the discourse on religious titles was very informative and interesting. I also particularly liked the flow chart of the structure of the development of religions and faiths. This reminded me a lot of a previous model that I like to use of a tree – where the oldest religions are the first branches off of the trunk and also the thickest. All of the offshoots of the faiths are depicted as sticks and twigs. I liked seeing this pictured in a different way.

Because I took this class for spiritual enrichment, I don’t really have any negative comments. I took this class to gain further knowledge and clarification on a wider variety of faiths groups. I feel that I have done this, and also have gained new examples and explanations to use to help others understand the wide spectrum of religions in the world. I am the facility director for a New Age/Holistic store in Maryland and I feel that I have a better knowledge base to answer customer questions on a multitude of different topics. I have already signed up for another Masters discourse through ULC Seminary because I really enjoyed the format and structure of this one. I would be willing to take a class from Rev. Kythera again, depending on what the class was on.

Rev. Jacob Perdue

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To ordain yourself with the Universal Life Church, for free, for life, right now, click on the Free Online Ordination link.

Rev. Long created the ULC seminary site to help ministers learn and grow their ministries. The Seminary offers a huge catalog of materials for ministers of the Universal Life Church, as well as an online seminary program and a chaplaincy program.

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Spirit Quest

admin — Thu, 17 May 2007 16:14:00 +0000

Spirit-Quest is a very private journey deep inside which leads to phenomenal healing and growth. Old prejudices, beliefs about self and negativity are challenged and exercised in a non-threatening way. Little by little over the course of thirty weeks the real self blooms. Confidence grows and the world is seen through calmer, more focused eyes.

I have been on many journeys. This one has had and is having the most profound results, perhaps because of the concentrated time spent over a long period. Seeds are sown and given room to sprout and grow.

I am calmer, more focused and no longer fearful of using my healing talents.

Roses: One of the tools I like best and which I have had the opportunity to use many, many times is “blowing up roses.” So many experiences, both good and bad, can be handled with this tool. When some person or some situation is difficult, it is so easy to put them or it into a rose and blow it up. It makes me smile every time.

One thing I have discovered in attempting to use this tool with truly negative or harmful things. Not wishing to blow up evil and disperse it throughout the world, I tried putting it down a grounding cord. I created a grounding cord right in front of me, dropped the situation down the grounding cord and blew it up deep inside the earth. I created a neutral grounding cord in front of me so I would not have to use my own grounding cord. I did not want the evil anywhere near me.

Spirit Guides: I have been talking with my Spirit Guide for many years. It is not necessary for me to use a rose. I simply ask a question and receive an answer. I also ask for things that I want and feel that the Spirit Guide will either help make it happen or help me to see why I really don’t want it. I also find that I am able to talk with or see people who have died. This is a fairly new phenomenon and one with which I am not altogether comfortable. Because this is helpful to people who are grieving it is an important “talent” for me to cultivate. This course has helped with my comfort level.

Finally, I wish to thank you for a wonderful course.

Yours in light

Rev. Judy Wolf

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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.

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 the Universal Life Church for many years and it’s Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Spirit Quest

admin — Sat, 17 May 2008 17:34:00 +0000

My essay is by way of response to the course and how it has affected me for good.

Techniques: I found the various techniques of value, as often programs do not always address the “how to” component of metaphysics. The Rope as a way to ground myself and let go of unwanted ideas; The centre of my head – sitting in a space ship and seeing the screens before me helped me visualize; Protection Rose – visualizing a Rose and letting negatives flow into it and then destroying them. Later techniques….

These all enabled me to tap into my Intuitive side for spiritual growth. The creative, is one way into the intuitive self.

Teachings: Some concepts really challenged me, among them:

I am a perfect spiritual being on a unique course.

Me taking charge of my life instead of my life taking charge of me.

Setting goals at other levels than the final one, e.g. to become exposed to simple Visualization.

Your intention drives the force of my being.

I am forgiven for EVERYTHING! – after using the forgiveness letter.

Love is what comes around. What “comes around goes around”. The energy I’m

Created from is eternal. This was brought home when my daughter paid for our accommodation when we visited her in Italy!

I was able from these to get a better sense of myself, as unique, able to grow and change, potentially perfect and forgiven by God, the All. Since then I have been realizing my goals and helping others to set and reach theirs.

My Beliefs – what I call my “operational theology”. As a former minister, I thought I had worked my way to what I believed in my heart, what I really operate from. Questioning my decisions and thoughts, Discourse #15 showed me how much they are based in relationships, the way I’ve been responded to. As I step back and see the people involved, I am thankful for their interest in me without having to accept any longer their values. Example: An elderly couple encouraged me in my Christian faith as a young man. It was a fundamentalist faith. Gradually I moved away, yet inwardly their kindness kept pulling me back to their faith. I have been able to visualize them and my telling them my truth now – which they accepted with love. Life is a complicated game!

How Spirit Communicates was very exciting for me, as I have loved colour and music, worked with it and used colour to communicate to others the aliveness of all things. I had not thought of numbers before. This is communication on the spiritual level, especially when I mix and match things, make connections using colour and music. I’m working on the numbers as a way of communication.

I’ve learned that I’m becoming a present time person, putting energy into what I want. Looking to the past, previously, has helped me gain from it. Forgiveness has set me free from having to obey its impulses. Keeping my goals in the present time has progressed using the rose grounding method. I’ve changed my feelings about myself from bad to perfect – the mantra- : God loves you. You were created in perfection, by perfection, for perfection. Your success is guaranteed – Has enabled this.

Overall I have got freed up to use my energies creatively, to imagine what I want to become – “a fully alive, fully divine man”. I watch my words as they are powerful to attract, so that I say more of what I want. In short this course has brought me onto new ground where spring has broken out!

Rev. John A Simpson

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Spirit Quest

admin — Sun, 11 May 2008 14:55:00 +0000

Spirit Quest

Yes I do choose to accept it.

Its been an amazing 8 months and I’ve learned a lot. I like the idea that we are all perfect spiritual beings on a unique course. We only get out of life what we put into it. Seems to Me my Mother taught Me that as well.

I really enjoyed the lesson on forgiveness. It certainly is true that “holding onto a grudge is like drinking poison and waiting for that person your holding a grudge against to die.” Learning how to forgive is something we should all strive to work at a little more. I know from My own life experience,starting with My parents and now with My Wife forgiveness has always been hard for Me,but yet so essential for My health,peace and well being. With all the conflicts in the world today it is My hope and My prayer that more forgiveness is used and tried for the sake of the human race.

When I read the lesson on affirmations I learned that we should only tell are selves things that are true to us. I’ve done affirmations off and on all My life with only moderate results. It only makes sense now that I think about it to only use affirmations that ring true for yourself or your deep subconscious mind won,t accept it. In the back of My mind I know I’ve read about this affirmation method before,just never really tried it,DA! I certainly will be using it more now though. I guess that’s what a spirit quest is all about.

Getting unstuck,discourse#23 was beneficial for Me as well. I can remember being stuck in the past in certain situations and even today there’s certain things I,m stuck in. Life is certainly about learning there’s no way around it. Life will present us with the same lessons over and over again until WE catch on,its that simple. Life in a way is like a school of hard knocks one way or another we are all going to learn,some a little slower some a little faster. If we find ourselves stuck in a situation in life,life is teaching us something and we have to dig ourselves out an learn from it.The tools discussed in discourse#23 will help with this I have no doubt.

Well it truly has been a spirit quest, I’ve learned a lot and its been fun. One thing I will never forget!

“You are a perfect being.

God loves you.

You were created in perfection,

by perfection,

for perfection.

Your success is guaranteed.”

by Rev. Terry G. Rempel

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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.

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 the Universal Life Church for many years and it’s Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Why I Became Ordained

admin — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 20:40:00 +0000

Storybook project

For Jo Anne and Robert Mauck going to prison has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of their lives.

Granted, the Maucks weren’t behind bars for committing a crime. The members of Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Damascus, MD., have been volunteering with The Community of St. Dysmas, a congregation within the Maryland correctional system. St. Dysmas held its first services in the state’s Correctional Institution for Women in 1985. The Maucks attended their first service in 1989. And earlier this year, Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich honored their volunteer efforts with a certificate of appreciation.
“I will never forget the date we first went because it was my birthday,” JoAnne said. “My husband said, ‘You don’t want to go down there today.’ But I said, ‘I think God wants me to skip this dinner and do this instead.’ ”
From that first visit, the Maucks knew that this was a calling for them. “This work is mandated in Matthew 25,” Robert said. “As well as directing us to visit those in prison, it says, ‘Just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did to me.’ That’s exactly how I feel.”
JoAnne concurred: “If I hadn’t been lucky enough to have family reach out to me when I was young, I don’t know where I would be today. There but for the grace of God go I. So I try to offer the same kind of help. And the truth is I have learned so much from these women.”
After weekly services, the Maucks visit with the prisoners. They also help lead Bible study classes and offer to help inmates find a church when
released.
Robert, who has served on the Prison Congregations of America advisory board for 10 years now, said the recidivism rate for inmates involved in this type of ministry is only one-quarter as much as those who don’t.
“Just being there and talking to them, it helps so much,” JoAnne said. “It’s important to show that there are people who care.”
To learn more about The Community of St. Dysmas, call (410) 233-7897

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