Defining Spirituality Lesson 17

Lesson 17 ~ Defining Spiritualism ~ Relativism ~ Essay

By:  Rev. Trent Murman, OSM, OSF

 

In my opinion the three men that definitely influenced modern thinking were Marx, Freud, and Darwin.  Although, many of their thoughts were in my opinion somewhat medieval there is still great support for their theoretical thinking.  Man is definitely the dominant force after God of course in the infrastructure of this universe and it is most prevalent all of the religions basically coincide for the good and lasting of mankind.  Some religions strive to be the dominating force and expect other religions to follow their suit.  It is a wonderful place the Almighty has loaned to us to use as we see fit.  I believe he is constantly watching and evaluating our progress regarding the usage of his planet.  This lesson #17 was very informative and as always I learned quite a bit and was fascinated with the presentation of this material.  I feel everything is relative in this existence and all of the building blocks are needed to support the overall structure.  Let us consider there are many building blocks…let us call them religions…. It is most necessary for all religions to be given the opportunity to grow and flourish and not one is less important to its followers than another.  We need the freedom to think on our own and be able to process the gathered information and have the right to make decisions on our own, after all this is what sets us apart from other living orgasms and animals, the ability to think and act.  We collectively need to be ever mindful of our brothers and sisters treating them with respect as they so deserve.  Many things have happened in the world and many things were carried out in the name of a God, but remember God did remind us to beware of false prophets and gods.     

Go In Peace

Lesson 16 ~ Defining Spirituality

Lesson 16 ~ Defining Spirituality ~ Nietzsche ~ Essay

By:  Rev. Trent Murman, OSM, OSF

 

The author of this lesson definitely had some great ideas and concepts, for my essay I chose to include and comment on a few:

Nietzsche was definitely a very interesting man who believed morality exists as it does because we humans have a dark side that should we not heed the lessons of morality, we will certainly suffer. The argument is that as intelligent beings, we became aware of our mortality. As a result of this we developed stories and beliefs designed to delude ourselves into believing that death is not the end; that instead we go on living even though our bodies die. The existentialists believe this to be a lie perpetrated against ourselves so that we can deny the reality of death.  Death is necessary, death is required and death is sad.   

For the existentialist, the body is first because existence is first. The universe came into being, then planets formed, life developed, intelligence followed. From this, the existentialists say, came the idea of a soul.  So what about body builders are they or could they be classified as existentialists?  Talk about food for thought.

 

It was the development of this new scientific world that prompted Nietzsche to say his famous, "God is Dead!" He was speaking of the fact that our religions were two thousand years old and these religions no longer addressed the concerns of the modern man.  So is it possible that religion needs to advance with the advancement of man?  I feel we can still maintain the archived history of religion for it is the building blocks of all mankind.  But, we may need the advancement of religion as well. 

 

Science keeps evil diseases at bay and injuries are quickly treated and healed so that infection and death are no longer a concern. Quite a concept here, I feel that even if science can prolong the demise of biological forms, would this be considered "messing with mother nature"  in the most shocking ways?  I feel Mother Nature is a part of God and His projected plans for every miniscule part of the universe.  Existentialism is the idea that everything we are and everything that exists comes first and foremost from existence.

 

Our challenge is to help those people come to a point of acceptance. For only through acceptance of life as it is, can we ever find meaning and peace.  One can barely comprehend the brutality inflicted upon mankind in the name of God. He believed that religion worshiped the weak while it vilified the strong. Religion was counter-evolutionary and it denied us the right to assert ourselves as dominant beings on the planet.

 

Suddenly acceptance comes upon us and we drop our swords. We are beaten and bloody, and too tired to fight any more. We fall to our knees, cry, and open our hearts to life as it is on its own terms. We stop trying to make life what we want it to be. It comes to us that trying to make life into something it is not is silly, much like trying to make a river flow uphill. It is then that we are finally opened to real beauty, absolute beauty. We are no longer filled with anger over that stubborn, and we suddenly see the beauty of the river as it is.

Go In Peace

Defining Spirituality ~ Schopenhauer ~ Lesson 12

On Tue, Nov 6, 2012 at 6:27 AM, Trent Murman <ddoc10@gmail.com> wrote:

Defining Spirituality

Lesson 12 ~ Defining Spirituality ~ Schopenhauer ~ Essay

By:  Rev Trent Murman, OSM, OSF

 

Write a paragraph regarding living with negativity in our lives.  I had a close relative that constantly lived with and in negativity.  It seemed everything that was said was like a knife stabbing at the other person.  If the person had just bought a new dress, she would say oh why did you buy that color.  Hair cuts….why did u get it so short.  Food…how can you eat it well done?  Anything….well I wouldn't have done it that way.  Negativity seemed to be the vehicle she drew her life's energy from.  Nothing never appeared to be good enough for her.  Which also caused her friends to be dwindling rapidly.  She and I had a heart to heart chat one day and I confronted her about this negativity she was displaying and what do you think happened…yes it was all turned around on me…like how dare you think I am being negative or mean to other people.  You see most people that live in this kind of world they have created and immersed themselves in don't realize what they are doing.  They feel they are always right and if something doesn't go their way it is either not done properly or in their world of delusion they cannot accept another theory or hypothesis and agree that there is another way of doing things…just not theirs.  Through witnessing this blatant negativity I have come to the realization that this is definitely not the way our lives should be lived.  He would not and does not wish people to live like this.  It can also affect their medical health and general wellbeing.  In this kind of delusional world one can die a lonely old person.  It is very difficult to accept and help guide people like this into a new way of thinking, but if the negativity is profound within them…there is no possibility of helping them.  We as ministers need to come a resolve that we cannot help everyone we come into contact with…but, with God's help we are at least obligated to "give it a try".  GO IN PEACE   

--

Go In Peace

 

Trent Murman
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Defining Spirituality

Lesson 12 ~ Defining Spirituality ~ Schopenhauer ~ Essay

By:  Rev Trent Murman, OSM, OSF

 

Write a paragraph regarding living with negativity in our lives.  I had a close relative that constantly lived with and in negativity.  It seemed everything that was said was like a knife stabbing at the other person.  If the person had just bought a new dress, she would say oh why did you buy that color.  Hair cuts….why did u get it so short.  Food…how can you eat it well done?  Anything….well I wouldn't have done it that way.  Negativity seemed to be the vehicle she drew her life's energy from.  Nothing never appeared to be good enough for her.  Which also caused her friends to be dwindling rapidly.  She and I had a heart to heart chat one day and I confronted her about this negativity she was displaying and what do you think happened…yes it was all turned around on me…like how dare you think I am being negative or mean to other people.  You see most people that live in this kind of world they have created and immersed themselves in don't realize what they are doing.  They feel they are always right and if something doesn't go their way it is either not done properly or in their world of delusion they cannot accept another theory or hypothesis and agree that there is another way of doing things…just not theirs.  Through witnessing this blatant negativity I have come to the realization that this is definitely not the way our lives should be lived.  He would not and does not wish people to live like this.  It can also affect their medical health and general wellbeing.  In this kind of delusional world one can die a lonely old person.  It is very difficult to accept and help guide people like this into a new way of thinking, but if the negativity is profound within them…there is no possibility of helping them.  We as ministers need to come a resolve that we cannot help everyone we come into contact with…but, with God's help we are at least obligated to "give it a try".  GO IN PEACE   

Lesson 11 ~ Defining Spirituality ~ How We Know Things

Defining Spirituality

Lesson 11 ~ How We Know Things ~ Essay

By:  Rev. Trent Murman, OSM, OSF

 

Perhaps we are at the same time more than we give ourselves credit for, and less. Why do we choose such an empty worldview? I am not actually sure why one would choose such an empty world.  I has been proven in many ways we humans have the need for human touch and interaction.  Every one of us is most important not only to our immediate family structure, but to the Lord as we are all part of "the big picture"  on one is insignificant or worthless by any means.   Even if you may feel this is impossible at one point during  your journey, it will be most evident at another point, bringing your full understanding of why not to choose an empty world.  

Why do we believe that we are nothing and there is no meaning to life? This philosophical question is definitely a puzzler to me.  Some would believe we are nothing because we came from nothing and thus there is no meaning to life.  However, if one believes in worth and how certain parts of existence plays out in the long run, then they cannot believe that life has no meaning.  Maybe there is something to the old saying "you are a product of your environment".  If you are constantly reminded during your life cycle that you are worthless then you will begin to accept this as the norm.  I believe in God's eyes life that he created here and every place else, universe by universe, yes even the parallel universes out there does have a definitive meaning.  I ask you, should we question His motives.  Be careful what you undertake.

Why do we then make ourselves responsible for everything in life? I agree hole heartedly with the author of this lesson…."I choose to think of life as meaningful. And at the same time I make myself responsible only for my reactions to life. I have free will. I choose not to kill you and I choose not to do so because it is morally wrong. I choose, and that has made all the difference.".  I am not sure anyone could have said it better and with more conviction.

Go In Peace

Lesson 9 ~ Helping someone in need

Lesson 9 ~ Defining Spiritualism ~ Helping someong in need ~ Essay

By: Rev.  Trent Murman

 

Be good to someone in need.

For the past few months I had noticed a scraggly gentleman either walking along the road, but this time I took the time to stop and spark up a conversation with this man.  I found out he was a Viet Nam veteran who had somehow gotten lost in the system.  He was now homeless, unkempt and carried a hand written sign that said "need help ~ government did me wrong".  I took him in my car to the nearest fast food restrurant and I bought him a meal.  We went outside while he was eating and just sat and talked.  I will only refer to this man by James to keep everything strictly confidential.  James told me he really and truly does want to work or do something with his days.  He conveyed that he dislikes sitting around the shelters and soup kitchens.  He would rather be out earning an honest living.  This man was awarded the Purple Heart and many other distinguished ribbons and medals during his tour in the Armed Forces.  He was discharged from the service with a slight mental condition and therefore was "labeled" and could not get gainful employment in the private sector.  As he ate I noticed he would have his arms in a circle around his food, like someone was going to take it away from him.  I tried to help him relax and reassured him no one would bother him or his food.  James was very appreciative of the time we spent together.  We sat and talked about things that happened during his service time.  I could well relate to them myself being a Viet Nam veteran also.  There were times when I saw tears welling up in his eyes when he spoke of friends he had lost over there.  He would stop choke back the sentiment and go on with his thoughts.  James was never married.  James had no family to speak of.  James reminded me of a lost wondering sole.  We sat for nearly three hours, him talking and me listening.  James told me he had one experience some time ago when he went into a local church for Sunday service and was asked by one of the members of the congregation to please leave and come back after he got cleaned up and more presentable.  James said he got up without saying a word and walked out of the church, as he was walking out he started to cry and thought to himself…does God really care how I am dressed or what I look like…..James told me he never returned to that place of worship again.  As I was about to leave, James asked me if I would say a prayer with him.  I said absolutely, he then asked me if I knew the Hail Mary Prayer, I said I did and we spoke it together.  James told me he repeats that prayer over and over throughout the day because it comforts him.  James is a good man.  Mislabeled by our government and said he was very grateful for the time we spent together.  I did not push religion on him, but when he brought it up we spoke of in endearingly.  He asked nothing more of me than just to say hello when I saw him and knowing there was someone out there that cared made him and me feel very good.  I was so honored to have met him and have him spend some time out of his day.    

Go In Peace

Lesson 8 ~ Defining Spiritualism

Defining Spiritualism

Lesson 8 ~ Spiritualism Philosophies Essay

By:  Rev. Trent

 

The paths we decide to take in life are those of our own choosing.  We are grateful that we have the ability to choose those paths.  No one should tell us and we should not tell others which is the right and must path to take.  We have seen and studied many different philosophies pertaining to the leadership of Christ, each valid in its own perspective.  People have the right to make decisions on their own beliefs, right or wrong.  We as ministers should not interfere or persuade them to our personal way of thinking.  We  can be here to guide them with understanding and help them make the decisions on their own as to the paths of their righteous beliefs.  It is always very interesting to counsel an individual in religious matters and have them on their own make those final decisions which will most affect them.  Once again the greatest gift we can give another person is just to listen and not "preach" to them or make judgments. 

Go In Peace

Defining Spiritualism

Lesson 7 ~ Meditation.

By:  Rev. Trent

 

In this lesson there was some discussion regarding the art of meditation.  Meditation has been used in many ways for several reasons.  Some of them being medical, psychological and holistic.  However I did learn from the plethora of information presented a more in depth use of meditation.  It  has been learned that many prisoners have survived captivity for many years  with the use of meditation.  There was one "real or fake" story where a man was imprisoned and to keep his sanity everyday he meditated and during his meditation he would play a round of golf at his favorite golf course prior to his incarceration.  Well, upon his release he went golfing with his buddies and actually had knocked off 20 strokes from his previous score.  Now, remember during his incarceration he never picked up a golf club and apparently never had the opportunity to go golfing.  True or Fake?  This happens to be a true story.  So, meditation however not being an exact science, but non-the-less it is a very effective tool.

Go In Peace

Lsson 6 ~ Masters of Spiritualism

Lesson 6 ~ Masters of Spiritualism

Socrates et all

By:  Rev. Trent Murman

Socrates was one of the greatest thinkers of his time and since.  However, his ways of thinking ultimately came to his demise.  His thoughts of being part of a whole for his time was apparently overwhelming for some only to my understanding because of their ego's.  The analogies Socrates used encompassing the bee's and worker ants relating to human societies was in my opinion spot on.  The masterful thinking regarding putting aside individualism and transforming it into a whole was not readily accepted by the Athenians of Greece.  Even though they did not believe in the Greek God's they chose not to be as outspoken as Socrates was.  It was interesting that when Socrates was given the chance to speak to the assembly he chose not to plead for his life, but to stand fast to his premise of being part of a greater whole.  Thus enraging the assembly even more.  In my opinion Socrates was a man of principle and that we have to admire him for especially when all around him were mindset in the mob mentality Socrates stuck to his convictions, not many would attain that, hence to keep peace they might resolve to go along with the crowd, at least in the public eye.  Socrates' theory that the meaning of words was not precise must have truly had his learned comrades puzzled.  However, Socrates understood and we should understand the meaning of words is limited to the society or group of people using them and should not be characterized as wrong from one society to another.  I think Socrates was definitely right that Knowledge is Power and the seeking of knowledge only makes one's Power grow.  This lesson was very enlightening and does apply to even our society today.  It is important, I feel, to act and think for the betterment of the whole.

Go In Peace

Lesson 5 ~ Spiritualism ~ Faith and Learning

Defining Spiritualism

Lesson #5 ~ Spiritualism ~ Faith and Learning ~ Essay

By: Rev. Trent Murman

 

Faith and Learning

I feel thought is the ability to reason out a situation and make an informed decision whether you are going to proceed on this particular path or divert to an alternate route.  It is something that is nontangible.  I believe it is mostly like that little voice you hear inside you that speaks to you when are about to do right or wrong and guides us onto the right path because of what we have learned on this journey called life.  

A scientist might define "thought" in a very different way….not being able to see, touch, smell or hear (except for that little voice inside us), I believe they would somehow molecularize it into a stable atom.  After all the thought was formed within the molecular structure of our brain so therefore it must be of a molecular structure.  The ability to have these "thoughts" is what greatly divides us from the most primitive of animals.  Every moment of the day or of your existence is bombarded by the thought process.  Now if the scientists could only make that into a solid or tangible entity they too might believe in thought as existing.

I believe that if one has a premise to have a thought and then refuses to be open minded to any concept opposing his then he has stopped learning.  So, thought and learning do go hand-in-hand.  This is when we need to remember to be good listeners and realize all persons are capable of having their own opinions and humble enough that we might not be always right. Remember that everyone has an opinion and if we are not open to listening to other opinions then learning is thwarted and we ultimately stop learning.

When ministering the greatest aspect is not to necessarily change anothers opinion to your way of thinking, but to give them another avenue or premise to consider.  What they do with this premise should be totally up to them. 

  Why do doctors wear white lab coats?  Why do biologist and other such scientists wear white lab coats while working in their labs?  They could wear anything and still do their jobs but they instead wear the white lab coats, why?  It is true doctors and other lab workers do wear this white lab coat as a status symbol.  It differentiates them between others.  However, let me present to another theory related to this.  In the medical settings there are many microbes and potential infectious organisms,  As the health conscious lab or doctor does his work within the healing process the white lab coats are also worn to thwart any spillage on the workers civilian clothes and this way infectious organisms or germs are not taken out of the lab, hospital or medical office home to their families or anyone else they may come in contact with.  These lab coats are usually laundered by the hospital or institution so they are not taken home and put with the family laundry so contamination is not passed on to the family clothes.

WOW, that was quite an analogy referencing "a trip to the doctors", this is one view I have never considered, but theoretically it was spot on. 

And, yes we as ministers should be "content" in having given the sheep something to think about.  On the flip side of that they also give us many things to think about and ponder.  We should act like investigators when one of our sheep present us with a situation or contemplation we should be able to put the ball back into their court,  not necessarily telling them what they should or how they should think, but giving them the opportunity to evaluate another theory…thus giving them and us the chance to learn. 

Go In Peace

Lesson 4 ~ History of Western Thought ~ Part 3

Master of Spirituality ~ Lesson 4

History of Western Thought Pt 3 ~ Heisenberg

By:  Rev. Trent Murman

 

What would happen in a world without suffering? 

After pondering this for several days, I believe the people of the world would generally be in turmoil and would not have the ability to distinguish happiness from sadness and everyday dwelling would be mundane and possibly without purpose. 

Does suffering make us stronger?

I believe suffering does make one stronger.  It tends to build character and offers that little voice deep inside us the ability not to ask "why me?" 

Abandoned by God?  Why does He make us suffer? 

I have never felt God has abandoned anyone.  There are times situations you may be in are grossly overwhelming and not understandable, however many ministers feel "He will only give or test you with what He feels you can handle.  Whether it be the loss of a child or loss of a great-grandparent.  If one believes and has given himself to God then with His direction everything will be alright.

Why do bad things happen to good people?

It may seem to the persons that can stand back and look at what has happened that this is true.  However, I believe strongly that a roadmap has been predetermined within our genes at conception or even prior to conception as to our destiny in life.  It may seem as "bad things" are happening to "good" people, but in reality maybe God is once again testing us and/or our family and friends as to their own character or substance.

Is it suffering that drives us to greatness?

Suffering does make you make yourself into a better person.  If in that theory one is forced to evaluate and revaluate his/her own pathway in life this is a good thing.  I believe greatness is not thrust upon us and if it is because of heredity then you need to take that greatness and use it for the good of all persons.  It is what you do in life that makes you appear GREAT to others.  Suffering gives us the will to push ourselves harder and help others to understand the purpose He has for us. 

Go In Peace

Spiritual Awareness

Spiritual Awareness

I really like the definitions for Energy and Power in this text: “Power is energy that is formed by the intentions of the soul. It is Light shaped by the intentions of love and compassion guided by wisdom.” Light is the spirit of God, love and compassion are the nature of God. It then becomes clear that all power originates in God. For me then, the sense of being powerful or powerless always comes back to my awareness and alignment with the Lord.

Fear and pain signify the loss of energy or powerlessness. When there is fear for the loss of the ability to love or be loved an individual may experience physical pain in the region of the heart—heartache. Every distress and dysfunction of the physical body, every disease can be traced back to an overwhelming sense of powerlessness over external circumstances. Each of the chakras, or energy focal points in the body, is designed to release potent energies to bless the individual and beyond, but these points can be disturbed and blocked causing discomfort and disease when not allowed to function by reason of the individual’s actions and attitudes.

In my own experience, I felt the heartache when I had to admit my own dear wife into an Alzheimer’s residential facility. I spent from 9:30 until 2:30 each day with her for almost five months. Every day when it was time for me to leave, she would ask me to take her home with me. Every day I thought that my heart would break; even now as I write these words, the memory is so strong that the feelings are overwhelming. Finally I was able to bring her back home, and I became her home care provider.

Miracles do happen. I now take care of her every day and I thank the power of the Spirit that I express. She is slowly making progress, and I know that she is happy to be at home with me in her familiar surroundings. We just celebrated our 57th wedding anniversary. We are blessed with four children and six grandchildren. I had to surrender to the power of the Almighty in those dark days. I had to maintain a thankful heart as much as possible. Little by little fear and pain gave way to trust that “Thy will, not my will be done.” God’s grace and mercy revealed themselves moment by moment through the many blessings that have come for both of us through this experience.

Rev. James D. Connor

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Defining Spirtuality ~ Lesson 2 & 3 ~ Essay

Defining Spirituality

Lesson 2 & 3~ History of Western Thought ~ Essay

By: Rev. Trent Murman

 

Although in my opinion one of the basis of religion is fear….is it fear of the unknown or fear of the known?  Without this guidance available to us our thoughts would remain primitive and would mainly coincide with the theory of the scientists which says everything has an explaination of its being.  This lesson 2 and 3 can be very confusing.  Although we only touched the surface it does provide two concepts of thought.  Many philosophers and scholars have presented us (the human race) with words and concepts to ponder.  I feel that the scientists and the religions will always be at bay, one thinking they are far more correct than the other.  However there was one statement made by Neitzche . 'Everything' was thought to be a complex machine that began as a collection of matter, which had a beginning, and would one day come to an end'.  This would lead us to believe that in the beginning matter just appeared and started evolving on its own.  Well then how did the matter get there? Something or somebody had to create or put it there even if it was in the depths of space.  However, I do appreciate his reasoning and his ability to conjure up this theory.  There was another statement made by Jesus that said:  faith in anything the size of a mustard seed you can move a mountain.  This I feel simply meant you (the peoples) can do anything you put your mind to.  I certainly have been given quite a lot to ponder over and think about.  Many different theories of evolution and/or conception of the universe and man.  Anxiously awaiting Lesson 4.   Go In Peace

Lesson 1 ~ Driven by the Heart vs Driven by the Mind ~ Introduction to Spiritualism

Lesson 1 ~ Introduction to Spiritualism

Driven by the Heart vs. Driven by the Mind

By:  Trent Murman

Over the past 30 years mainly my background has been in and dealing with those in the medical fields.  I have met many very outstanding persons, but I have also observed many of these people can be and usually are steadfast in their beliefs whether it be "Driven by the Heart or Driven by the Mind".  In many situations it is rather difficult to convince either of these two types of persons to accept or even listen to another point of view.  Some will tell you it has to be scientifically/medically proven and they need to see it in black and white while others might simply say that's the way it is and not question or even want to question the theory there might be a higher power that may have had a part in the situation or concept at hand.

 

I remember quite clearly one incident that happened to me personally when I was discussing a private matter with the father of a 15 year old boy who was so distraught that his son was gay.  After some time of just listening to the dad he turned to me and ask "why and where did this come from?"  I offered to him two thoughts of theorizing on this matter.  One was the concept that a person was born with these tendencies "it's in their biological make up, DNA" and is there from conception and as the child matures it either manifests itself more visibly or somehow they learn to suppress it or hide it.  The latter not being beneficial to the person's wellbeing because it create all kinds of turmoil inside his/her mind.  The other concept is we are a product of our environment.  Meaning if the male child is without a positive role model as he is growing up there are usually the tendencies to acquire feminine characteristics, because that is all they have been exposed to hence they actually know no difference.  I guess you could say both concepts could boil down to we are all a "product of our environment".  Personally I believe whatever you are going to do or be in life is made up of this journey that is pre-planned for you and is in your genes at the time of conception.   Hence, what will be will be. 

 

Some will tell you it has to be scientifically/medically proven and they need to see it in black and white while others might simply say that's the way it is and not question or even want to question the theory there might be a higher power that may have had a part in the situation or concept at hand.

 

So, in conclusion…should we try to change their way of thinking…no, it is necessary to have these types of people around to scientifically explain and map out new trails for others to explore that may lead to a definite hard based conclusion with the facts.

 

On the other hand…should we try to change the way people think about having a higher power to delineate the structure of the essence of "being"…no, we desperately need both of these to balance things out in the universe. 

 

As human beings we need the sole power to choose from one thought process to the other and the option to make that choice. 

 

Just my opinion.  Go In Peace. 

Spirituality

 Universal Life Church Seminary

Master of Spiritualism

            The basis of this course was first and foremost a philosophical look at religion, ideas, and spirituality throughout about the past 3000 years and then explaining how these same ideas are woven into your daily world.  Small sections of the course also went beyond just explaining the philosophical ideas to showing practical uses and placements of those same ideas in modern spirituality and society.

            I liked that the author covered various philosophies some of which may not have explicitly been directly related to religion, such as socialism.  The author does bring up good arguments for all of the theories he covers including socialism, which once looked at through the right lens does relate very well to spirituality and religion.

            It was also nice of the author to bring their personal experience in views into the lessons.  It’s unfortunate that the author has had to go through some of the trial and tribulations that they have but they seems to have grown from it.  Hopefully all of the students taking the course are also able to learn something vicariously through their experiences.  

I can personally say that while I have not lived anything to the extremes that the author has I did see certain parts of the story that related to me.  For example, I’ve been lost in the woods alone in the winter in New York State before, true I was not lost for days I was only lost for hours but it gives me an inkling of the feeling the author must have felt.  I’ve never dealt with an abusive lover but I was the child that had to listen to his parents fight all the time.  

These things cause us to grow over time and lead us to be the people that we are today.  We have a choice, we can either learn from our life, from our successes and failures; or we can choose to keep doing what we’ve always done, the only problem with that is, as the saying goes, you’ll keep getting what you’ve always gotten.

Rev. Justin Oles

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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.  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.

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Spiritual Awareness

Spiritual Awareness

I recall asking my parents to have the country song "Me and Jesus Have Our Own Thing Going," played at my funeral if I should die while I was still a child. Looking back I realize, It was my own personal statement of awareness’ perhaps of the first insight even at the age of 5 or 6. As I grew older the awareness grew stronger. I knew that I sensed things that the adults around me did not. My God with his divine unconditional love was not theirs with the big stick of fear, guilt and shame waiting to pounce on your whenever he got the chance. I learned not to asked the questions and upset them but deep inside I knew there was an "energy out there" that was not understood or communicated with by my parents, community and church. As in the 4th insight to remain around certain people would only result in drained energy and I would actually find myself sick. It was then I became somewhat of a loner but seldom lonely except for the cold winters when I could not communicate with nature and be lifted by its beauty and positive energy. Humans who are not aware of the oneness of all things created by the Spirit and thus connect with all things cut themselves off with the selfishness of the ego, where the ego is always focused on self at the price of others.

I am a professional storyteller, often when folks are listening to my stories they will say, "How is it so many astounding and coincidental things seem to happen to you and not others?" For a while I thought I just recalled them to use in my stories and they did not since they were not storytellers. However, lately I realized there is something unique in my life and has been there since I was a child. Perhaps, it is in everyone's life and I just tap into mine. After taking this class and my son saying to me just lately, "Mom you live a most unusual and charmed life. It is as if circumstances and things in life, play right into your hands when least expected, " I am aware that because I attempt to be at one with all things created by Spirit it does seem circumstances unfold upon my behalf with great mystery.

Just yesterday was a great example. I had painted a door prize for the International Thanksgiving dinner for peace among all faith and cultures. A piece of my soul was in the painting for I had felt such love for all mankind as I painted it. It was warm in its earth tones accented with blue for personal truth. I titled it - A Time for Gratitude - Thanksgiving. As I delivered and set it up I held it to my chest and with my minds intent said, "May the person who gets this painting feel the passion and beauty I felt painting it" I did not know the couple who won it but hoped it would not end up in some closet somewhere. Yesterday, I went to church and read that we had guest, Art and Cathy, a man and wife, that would be doing the special music. Suddenly, I noticed their faces and realized they were the winners of my painting, but the real treat came when all 4 of their songs were on Gratitude. I knew my oneness with all the Universe had brought my painting to them and their song, I Danced While I Could was their gift to me. I have loved to dance all my life but after an accident that left my knees in a lot of pain I leaned to swim instead and now instead, make my fingers dance on paper with my paints. As I was painting their painting I had said to myself. This is almost much fun as dancing as I splashed the paint on paper and moved more like a dancer than a painter on the paper.

While I have been involved in a peace mission for years as a teacher I have found until each person hears their own inner calling and listen to this voice within they are not ready to find a better path, and thus the teaching is useless. However, I have noted that just being able to forgive and send love energy to those who seek to hurt me and others often is enough to help the closed door of their minds open to a higher self.

After reading, Dr. Emoto book on blessing water. - Messages in Water, A year ago this month I started blessing the water I swim in each day and all the people that swim in the water. I bless the oceans, the lakes, the streams, the rain, puddles, tears and the water in all plants and humans on this earth. Just this simple act appears to have others opening up and asking for a better way. It is at this point I can teach and they are open to learning. I have a blog site where I have asked others to join me as they bath each night or morning in blessing all the water of the earth for in this way all humans and Mother Earth are blessed daily. I have not had a lot of takers yet, but I have faith they will come and join me with time in this blessing. There is a 100 Monkey concept in science that when 100 monkeys are taught a new trick that for some unknown reason the universal mind picks this up and monkeys all over the world can suddenly do the same thing. I believe as more and more of us commit to love and spirit and not the ego that this too will be picked up by all the universe. I feel our reason on this earth is to know this divine love and beauty that is a part of our heritage being created in the image of the Father/Mother Spirit who is Love.

Many of the things shared in this course are things I have been doing all my life. I think the joy of the class has been that I am now aware I am not alone. This inner voice of wisdom is calling to many, I just have not known it until now. It reminds me of a fiction book I read in college long ago by Stephen King, The Stand. In the story there are people all over the US hearing this same inner calling of wisdom to a better way, while it appears the rest if the world is falling apart. Instead, all these people follow the wisdom of the voice and as the world comes to an end for those going the wrong direction, there are those ready to lead those seeking the right direction.

By Rev. Linda Francis

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Lesson 3 Spiritualism - Andrew Longsden

Being ok with the choices my colleagues and friends make giving them assistance and guidance by setting a good example listening to their wishes and desires we each must learn by our own mistakes and choose our destiny.


Being a morale citizen.

Learning an abundance of knowledge and earning wisdom through it being a positive influence and role model for others to follow

Being a good family member and more tolerant being able to communicate effectively so as not too cause discontent amongst family and friends
 

 

Andrew Longsden
Universal Life Church

Final Essay - Spiritual Development

This was the last course in my series towards the Chaplaincy degree (and I will continue with the rest of the courses.

It took me quite a while to finish—the last year I have been sidetracked with many other spiritual/religious activities (more about that in my final essay for the complete chaplaincy program).

 

When starting the Spiritual Development course, I had a hard time getting into it. Even though I understood everything being explained, my heart/mind did not quite follow the materials. I am not sure why—maybe initially I thought some of the ideas were a bit far-fetched, or maybe because some of the subjects scared me a bit. Let's face it: it is a bit scary to start exploring other planes, other worlds, spirits, and so on.

 

But the further I got into the course materials, it all started to make sense to me, and suddenly I realized that a lot of the materials were actually already familiar to me, in some form or another. I may not have called it NLP , "6-Step Reframe", or other terminology as used in the course, but over the years of management training, employee coaching, problem solving and so on many of the same subjects were lightly covered there. This course brought it all together, and with a lot of detail to actually start using it in practice.

 

That brings me to a whole other subject related to this course: It will probably take me months or even years to fully digest the materials and put it all into practice.  I have done many of the exercises, but especially the ones in the second half of the materials are ones that need a lot of time, practice, and repetition. As Dr. Crouch mentioned, some people will "connect" with the materials a lot quicker than others. I have a feeling that I will be fairly quick, but to really take advantage of this vast pool of treasures I will need to go through it several more times while I practice and practice some more until it will come more natural to me.

 

As mentioned, a lot of the materials felt familiar. I am not sure if that also has to do with my history as an avid Science-Fiction reader when I was younger. Many of the stories I read were about alternate universes and changing outcomes.

 

One thing that came to mind as I was going through the course materials was a book I read many years ago as part of my self-discovery and self-improvement: Dianetics from L. Ron Hubbard. At the time, I did not know about the Scientology Church, and the fact that Mr. Hubbard actually used to be a SF author himself (it clicked later when I remembered I read some of his SF work).

As initially with this course, I ended up having a hard time with Dianetics, as I thought some of the concepts went off into an area which I thought was very improbable.  However, after having finished the Spiritual Development course, I have to rethink that. I am even thinking of picking up Dianetics and read it again, in light of what I have just learned. I think that may be an interesting experience.

 

Thank you for yet another excellent course made available through the ULC Seminary!

 

Rev. Peter van Sluis

 

 

 

Rev. Peter Paul Multifaith Minister, Universal Life Church Universal Spiritual Philosopher www.ulcseminary.com Phone:  (612) 208-9168