For Sunday September 1st, 2013

Hello all, in the original story of Pandora's Box the 'evils' within the box were meant to be specially crafted 'gifts of learning' for the human race. To engage in any of them was to embark on a full circle journey through many 'learning experiences' and then return back to spirituality. 

The trouble is that humanity has become very enamored of the lures, temptations, and self-focused results encountered along our journeys. We're stuck. This can be seen as nations, political leaders, groups, and individuals of all kinds cling desperately to money, power, anger, revenge, etc. 

Many of the world's problems can be solved if we simply 'move on' along our journeys, back towards spirituality. 

May we sit this Sunday for that movement, that completion of purpose which fulfills us far beyond what we now hold.

With reverence,

Richard

For Sunday August 25th, 2013

Hello everyone, here is a quote from an Edgar Cayce reading, "That is the purpose for which each entity ... enters the material experience; that the glory of the Lord, as manifested in the entity itself, may be magnified in the earth." We can see this in our own lives, and that spirituality often works in tiny increments, nibbling away at our small selves that our greater selves may come forth. 

The ancient promise and process 'As Above - So Below' is in place. Spirituality and compassion are coming forth and we all have our parts to play. Historically speaking, violence is decreasing in the world, between nations and in the home. Yet still, considering the horrendous situations in Egypt and Syria, we have a ways yet to go.

May we sit tonight towards that ancient phrase. May we sit for all those involved in the conflicts of Egypt and Syria. May we sit for the difficulties of the world, and perhaps for what we find at home. 

Thank you,

Richard

For Sunday August 18th, 2013

Hello all, there is a growing sense in the world that human life is meant to be more than a support system for political structures. From Tiananmen Square to the recent difficulties in Egypt this concept keeps peeking through our typical morass.

With your permission may we sit for those involved in the disruptions in Egypt this week. May we petition God's Light to come down for the highest good and greatest upliftment of all concerned. 

Thank you,

Richard

For Sunday August 11th, 2013

Hello all, Chuck Weidenborner a long time member of our list, after 90 plus years, many children, grand and great grand, and with wife Judy Joy at his side, has entered his transition days. While home hospice care sees to his comfort, friends and loved ones gather. Spirituality drops in from time to time, hearts open, and completion beckons.

May we sit this Sunday for Chuck, for Stanley, for seeking the spiritual, for it surely comes to us all in our proper time.

With reverence,

Richard

For Sunday August 4th, 2013

Hello all, there is an old Sufi saying, "God enters our lives through the wounds in our hearts." This is in reference to searching for comfort during times of emotional pain. Stanley Peele writes about finding a connection to God as a result of physical pain, of somehow reaching a place beyond pain:

"When we sink down into this dark pit, we can sink to the very bottom.  Then there is nowhere to go but up.  Then we can experience a glorious blaze of light that completely extinguishes the pain.  We can rise up in spirit and leave our physical bodies.  In that moment we no longer feel the pain, for the pain is only in our bodies.  Our bodies are not who we are.  We are eternal souls.  

And in that moment we become fully aware of the presence of God.   We feel His touch.  He is always with us.  Yet, we had to experience great pain in order to open ourselves to him!  Hallelujah!"

Our eternal selves may not be attainable at this moment but they are always available. Whether we discover this through sincere fervency in our searching, or are driven to it, is difficult to say. May we join with Stanley in this ongoing search this Sunday. May we loosen our material bonds enough to touch the eternal and our guidance lead us ever higher.

With compassion and gratitude to all,

Richard