Kenya Update

I know that many of you were stirred by our new project in Kenya so I thought I would give you a little update.

Last week we sent a donation to Brother Javan to assist him to visit the five different parishes he cares for in Kenya as well as one in Tanzania. This assisted him to hire a car and a translator for the trip (there are 69 native languages in Kenya - holy big vocab required Batman!)

Below is a picture of one of his recent meetings snapped on a mobile phone (yes, there isn't much electricity, food or water, but there are mobile phones - another of the upside-down, crazy features of the world we live in). At this meeting they discussed the Prayer For Divine Love.

Jarvan has informed us that there are 208 orphans cared for over the 5 parishes, many of them are living without daily food. Today I transferred another donation to provide food for these children for the next few months until the crops are harvested. At harvest time farmers often donate a percentage of their yield to orphanages.

Meanwhile we are discussing with Brother Javan ways that we can support these children and adults to learn about Permaculture techniques, or to support them with resources to begin their own gardens if they already have some skills.

We are also still working on ideas for creating the solar systems to run low powered TVs on which play the Divine Truth material. We have already provided funds to have the E-books, that Barb and her team have been working on for so long, to be translated into the five languages mainly used throughout the parishes. Translations are already in progress.

From the bottom of my heart I want to thank all of those who have donated money to us recently as your donations have enabled us today to give a gift that brought me so much joy. 

Some of you have also donated funds directly for Kenya and I wanted to share with you how our plans for this money are progressing. We really appreciate your generosity and Brother Javan has expressed again and again his gratitude and excitement for all that is happening.

Javan also wrote to ask us for our ideas on celebrating Christmas. This is what I told him:

Regarding Christmas, there are many things that we would like say about this (and there is not time at the moment in this short email) but the main thing we feel is that it is best for people to honour and love each other every day, not just at Christmas. Often here and in many 'western' countries there is a large focus on being loving and giving to others at this time of year, and this message of caring is forgotten for the rest of the year. We believe that a truly loving person is conscious of giving and respect of others at all times.

There is no special significance for the birth of Jesus since he is a man, just like you or anyone else. His only gift has been to show others what they are capable of achieving if they develop a relationship with God for themselves, just as he (Jesus) has done. So if there is any celebration for Christmas it would be to celebrate that God has offered the gift of His Divine Love to the Earth since the time of Jesus. We believe that that is the best possible thing that anyone could ever celebrate!

This Is How We Roll

Photo Source

New Years used to be a time when I would review the past year in terms of the lessons learned, the highlights, the low lights and how much I felt I'd grown. Then I'd look forward - what did I want the next year to be about? what did I want to emphasize and focus on? I loved doing this. I kind of made a big deal out of it. I used to say that New Years was my most special annual event and I'd feel all mature and evolved about it.

Now it all feels kind of 'blah'. It reminds me of the message of Christmas 'Peace on earth, Goodwill to all men' that largely gets lost 11 1/2 months of the year and is then revived briefly while everyone trucks off to family and friends, has a BBQ and tries to promote peaceful, loving relationships under a tree with gift wrapping strewn about them.

(I read an article once that stated that one way to tell how much spiritual progress you had made in the past year was to see how you coped at Christmas time when you are thrown back into all of your family dynamics. I thoroughly agree! Its pretty difficult to fake deep spiritual transformation when you are faced with your parents, your in-laws, and elements of your immediate and extended family all in the same vicinity for an extended period).

So, why aren't we promoting resolving our issues and reviewing our lives more frequently than just one hurried month a year?

That's the question I've asked myself. 

As a result I am now far more aware of what I've learned and where I want to head on a far more regular  basis. 

All that said, it does turn out that a big phase in my learning does seems to be coming to a head at the moment, neatly coinciding with the end of 2012. I'm thinking and feeling a lot about my direction. 

At the moment I have more questions than answers about how I plan to continue to pursue my passion for teaching and sharing Divine Truth. But I don't feel too concerned. Times like these usually signal big changes. And change? Well to me, that's a good thing. 

I already have some concrete ideas about the way I wish to present this blog so look out for some shift in focus here in next couple of months. I am also still working on the 'Humility in Action' Study Course but there are already some slight changes to how I will be presenting it.

Today I'd like to tell you about a new tab (see above) 'Current Projects, Future Dreams' which will tell you about desires that Jesus and I are working towards. These will likely be 'Behind The Scenes' projects that we want to bring into being and are using our time, and resources to support. It is by no means a comprehensive list! There are many, many more dreams and desires that we have but I hope the page will be a small snapshot of our very short range focus at any given time.

I plan to be more transparent about what we do and how we do it. Recently I've realized that many people don't really have an awareness of these things. So I'm happy to share if it helps others to understand our ethos and approach. 

We are always living in God Reliance and by what the Law of Attraction is telling us. i.e. we know that if a desire is not coming to fruition seamlessly then there is a lesson of love for us to learn or embody. Honestly, lately, I'm finding this an exhilarating way to live. 

It goes something like this:

What do I want to do/ give? 

Will doing it be inline with what I have learned so far about God's Laws, love and taking personal responsibility? 

Yes? 

OK, lets start. 

If it doesn't work - why? 

What more do I need to learn about love, God etc? 

How can I address these issues both inside of myself and practically in my life?

Sorted?
Great lets keep going.....

Its how we roll and I feel closer to God every step of the way.

So folks, whatever you choose to get up to this 'silly season'  - have fun, be real, God Bless.

Mary

'Summerfest' 2012

It’s less than a week till we kick off for ‘Summerfest’.

Here are three reasons I’m excited about this year’s event:

1. There are lots of new experiments to try with the environment. They are all based on loving principles so I can’t wait to see how they turn out.

2. This year is less hard, repetitive yakka. More diversity, lots more opportunities for participants to learn things they can implement on their own land. People have the opportunity to learn while they are giving.

3. There has been more interest this year from other groups in the community who may attend e.g. the local Landcare and the local Sustainability group. Newbies to welcome and meet = yay!

4. There is already a great team spirit amongst those who have been involved in the planning and leadership so far. This usually spells FUN for leaders and participants alike!

Oops that was four things I’m excited about!

If you are still tossing up about whether or not to come here is an outline of the programme:

28th November – Swales, Systems & Contour Planting

We will begin the week in a large paddock (around 100 acres) focussing on large scale soil improvement and water management. Methods to be demonstrated and created include: using contours and ponds to redirect and retain water, and building living eco systems to provide fertility and regenerate soil, and seeding of grasses to prevent soil erosion.

 

29th November – Re-generation and restoration of swampy land 
Activity on this day will using some alternate methods to reduce water logging down from the paddock worked on on day one. We will focus on improving water take up through building living systems above ground and planting shrubs and bushes to absorb water.

 

30th November: Swales & Living Systems

Work on this day will build upon swaling that was completed at last year’s ‘Octoberfest’. We will tend to the planting from last year incorporating living systems into swales to create fertility and improve soil.

1st & 2nd December: Various Activities To Choose From

There are three activities to choose from on both Saturday and Sunday. You can choose a different activity each day and have the opportunity to swap between activities during the day at 11.30am.

Activity 1: Waterless Home Gardening – demonstrating several techniques including fibonachi system to maximise sun and water usage of any area, designing waterflow in your garden, techniques to minimize or completely remove the need for watering, mixed planting incorporating natives both flowering and mulching, fruit trees and vegetables.

Activity 2: Nature boxes – positioning boxes for animals and birds according to their particular needs, providing shelter close to food and water. Scouting for suitable locations and some tree climbing will be necessary. 

Activity 3: Creating reptile habitat – Reptiles are often forgotten or even shunned members of vital ecosystems. This activity will focus on providing habitat for reptiles by placing shelter, food and water in close proximity, providing safe transit zones. We will utilize above ground living systems to incorporate suitable living shelters and abundant insect life. There will also be planting for protection and mulching.

 

3rd December: Unfinished Projects & Possible Green House Construction

The day’s focus will be on completion of any unfinished projects plus green house construction and waterless seedling propagation. Full details TBA on the day.

 

  

If you want more information on Summerfest including prerequisite listening and 'what to bring' its all listed on the 'Whats New' Page of the Divine Truth website.

Hope to see some of you happy campers down there!

P.S. There should also be lots of fun in the evenings. Think: concerts, karaoke, dancing and film nights....

P.P.S. We spent a sometime planning with the leaders team at Kyabra couple of weeks ago . The photos in this post are from that week and were taken by the wonderful Eloisa.

A Right Commencement

In Chapter 13 of 'Through the Mists' Cushna and Fred discuss the barriers to easy communication between those in spirit who wish to assist us and those on earth.

"But we cannot expect too much from them so long as they imagine our only employments are singing 'Glory, glory, glory', or writhing in unutterable torments."  p.152

Fred wonders at how those who wish to be of guidance do not become discouraged.

Cushna responds:

"Our knowledge of the government of God shows us that all the erroneous ideas of men can only delay, they cannot prevent, the success of truth ultimately. They attach an undue importance to the earth-life, and transfer the great advantages, which are the peculiar features of this estate, to the earth condition when they do so. With them everything is determined by the three score years and ten; the temporal governs the eternal; the finite controls the infinite; the things when are not, are placed in jurisdiction over the things which are. We know better and therefore, can wait, if needs be; at the same time, we are not unconscious of the advantage of a right commencement." p.152

Our homework for Book Group this week is to consider and notice the ways in which we place emphasis on the temporal rather than the eternal in our day to day living. e.g. The times that we honour that which is only of this life over our spiritual health and growth.

In my experience it has been often my avoidance of fear that has caused me to break good ethics towards others in favour of feeling safe or comfortable. It is the terror of how others might treat me that at times causes me to modify expression of my true heart and passion, which limits my growth into the person God designed. When I justify fear, I also find myself justifying poor choices for my health and my relationships.

Fear makes us believe that all that we have is right here and now, and that here and now is a small and dangerous place.

The story of 'Through the Mists' demonstrates to us a different reality, one of hope and love not only for the future but also right here and now. The wealth of information available on the Divine Truth Channel and in The Padgett Messages gives us the keys to a perspective far beyond the 'three score years and ten'.

At this time, with the knowledge that so many of us have already been given of God and His Laws, I believe that we have the opportunity of a 'right commencement' i.e. we can use our knowledge of things spiritual to begin to make choices based in Love, Truth and Humility. We can let decisions based in faith, morality and ethics guide our lives rather than listen to the gripes of fear and doubt.

But are we making this choice?

I am letting this question work on my heart this week and asking for guidance to show me the ways in which I am still clinging to the material things to measure my worth, and the ways in which fear may guide me away from Truth and Love. I don't want to waste more time, nor overlook the gifts already presented to me  - I'm aiming for a right commencement.

If you care to, you are welcome to join our group in this reflection.

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."  Philippians 4:8

Live From The Heart: Dane

*** UPDATE: Sorry folks, the issue still exists with this video (the sound drops out half way through) - we are working on rectifying it! I'll let you know when the video is reloaded properly. Thanks for your patience. M

AJ & I had never met Dane when he completed the following interview with the God's Way of Love Communications Team.

I found his story both interesting and inspiring. Thanks Dane for sharing your journey.

Bound

We are planting trees. 

Some have sat in the nursery a long time, waiting for us to prepare good earth. 

My breath catches as I ease this one out of its pot. Its roots are bound. 

I have to break up them up otherwise they’ll stay growing in circles and the tree never grow tall. 

It will live like it’s still got the limits of a 4x6 pot – when in fact all around is fertile soil. 

My hand is tentative as I work the roots. You see, I know what it’s like – this sudden shock. To have every part of where you thought you were going and growing to, suddenly exposed to naked air. Everything you thought to be truth abruptly in question. Sudden blank space where you thought there would be solid ground. 

It stuns you. It winds you. It’s scary and hurts more than a little. 

It can feel lonely and lost. 

It causes you to question: ‘What is right?’ ‘What is good?’ “What do I really want anyway?’ 

Nothing feels certain for a while. 

But in the end, I’ve come to give thanks for this process. In fact, I know that to grow I’m sure to repeat it. 

Just like this tree, we each of us have things in our roots that would keep us bound and small. We don’t always see them, these patterns of growth that keep leading us toward pain and restriction.

Life has led us to view some errors as truth, some truth as error. There is a great challenge in coming to understand that in at times what seems like comfort and goodness, is actually a limit and drain. There are threads of truth amongst the weave of error and humility is the only way I know to grow in discernment between the two, to grow this soul in love.

photo source with thanks

And this is it - I don’t know of a seamless, sedate and calm way to reassess who you are, and to truly make change. 

It takes a shake up to break out of the mould. 

Some roots are bound to error and breaking that away, breathing into new ways feels foreign and flawed sometimes. It takes faith in things higher to shift forward and expand.

At times, it takes bowing in deepest humility to discomfort and uncertainty, before the greatest truth can come.

So I steady my hands and make them firm as I pull away roots from their inward spiraling course. 

I know the joy that comes out of this kind of struggle and shock. 

I make a good bed for this tree to rest in. 

Don’t worry little one, this shock and upheaval will pass. And you will find yourself in a place to be nurtured; a new world of possibilities surrounds you. 

All this shaking loose is just you shaking free.

I smile and sigh. 

Go well little plant, find new earth, become something you cannot even yet dream. 

  We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them. Albert Einstein

Book Group Announcement - 'Across The Mists' Part 3

Yep, you read right.

In our next book group we'll meet up for part three of the discussion of Chapter 12 - 'Across The Mists'.

Turns out the shortest chapter in the book has many lessons for us all to learn.

So, if you are a part of book group here is some extra homework to prepare for Wednesday (chuckle, I know, I know. Shortest chapter = Most amount of homework ever):

1. In last week's discussion we talked about how sympathetic attraction between people on earth and in spirit, often leads to codependent relationships (and how - lets face it- co dependence is never really a good thing). So how does this knowledge relate to Cushna's statement:

Yes! Love conquers death, and that one great law which governs and controls everything with us, is also the means by which we may reach and save mankind. Sympathy, whether pure or impure, base or noble, holy or unholy, has a natural attraction for that which is like itself, and its power is not destroyed by the grave, as you have seen in the cause of our present mission.

If all laws are governed by the one great law (of Love) as Cushna states - how are sympathetic attractions be loving?

2. As Fred and Cushna discuss the darkness of the earth plane, Cushna states:

The amount and quality of light radiating from a man, declares his real condition. We do not need to be told, it is impossible to deceive us, because it is impossible to tamper with the witness.

Fred asks:

What does the cold, keen air indicate?

 And Cushna responds:

The degree of charity registered by the spiritual thermometer.

(or in other words the degree of the lack of charity - my words added here)

Consider the questions:
In what ways do I reflect charity in my day to day life?
In what ways is charity extended to me in my day to day life?

3. Listen to the channelling of a local woman who attends book group, and a group of Christian women who also attend.

You can find the downloads by going to this page.

Or you can right-click the following links and save the file:

Mary 20121020 Jesus Talks To Karen (A Christian Spirit Woman Who Attends Book Group).mp3
Mary 20121020 Jesus Talks To Mandy (A Local Spirit Woman Who Attends Book Group).mp3

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There will also be a special guest joining us for the meeting.

Following the group there will be a presentation by Jesus. Topic of the discussion is 'How to Create Loving Eco Systems' and much of these lessons will guide our activities at this year's Summerfest. Anyone interested is welcome to attend and there will be time for questions during the presentation. Full details in the Divine Truth Events tab.

Book groupers, perhaps you would be kind enough to pass on this information to other members who may not have regular internet access?

With love and thanks,

M

The Thing To Focus On First

1.   The benefits of a relationship with God

All of those other beautiful truths, which all of you have been so attracted to for the majority of your lives, will all come to you, if you develop this relationship first. Now those truths may come to you over a period of time if you develop other relationships, instead of this relationship with God, but you’ll never understand them until you receive the Divine Love to understand them. So do that first. Focus on that relationship with God first. When you focus on that relationship and long for God’s love to enter you what will happen is, you will feel this two-way conversation, which is an emotional conversation between you and God. And you will know God exists. That is the way in fact that you will prove to yourself that God exists. And no one will ever be able to shake that in you. And you’ll get to the point when you’ve received enough Divine Love to be at-one with God that no one will ever be able to shake any of the knowledge in you. (02.21.12)

You will feel the truth inside of your being and you will become outspoken about it, you will have no fear about it, you will know it’s the truth inside of yourself. You’ll become the person who speaks in knowledge. Not in knowledge of intellectual knowledge, you’ll become a person who speaks in full emotional knowledge of the truth that you’ve actually personally experienced. That’s what will happen to you. So my suggestion is to really contemplate this stuff about praying for Divine Love and praying for Divine Truth. They are the two greatest things that you could ever pray for and allow yourself to start understanding God’s nature and let yourself to feel and meditate about God’s nature and connect to God. Allow that to occur and your soul will expand a lot more rapidly than if you try to circumvent that or you get interested in other things. (01.22.09)

And the beauty of doing that is that all of your spirit communication will all grow very rapidly as a result. All of your joy will grow rapidly as a result, if you do it that way. If you do it the other way where you’re focused on these other emotions, you’re focused on natural love, you’re not so focused on God, you want to connect with your spirit guide and all those things, it will be much slower for you. So allow yourself to do what’s going to be the most powerful thing. And I know right at this moment many of you may feel like, “Oh, God doesn’t feel real to me.” So say that to God, “You don’t feel real to me. I don’t know why, but I would like you to feel real to me. How do I do that?” And notice what happens in your Law of Attraction. What is it then attracted to you? Say to God the thing that you feel. Just be honest with God. Because remember connection with God is all about honesty and truth. (01.23.10)

Excerpt from the E-book "Longing For Divine Love" 

A transcript of a teaching by Jesus

L to R: Luli, Barb, Lizzi

I'm excited to tell you about the work of these three lovely women. Lizzi, Barbara and Luli have been working to create transcripts of past seminars, and are now putting them into various formats to make them more accessible to others. Due to their efforts many past seminars are now available as e-books.

These books are broken into easy to read chapters, and all the 'ums', 'ahs' and 'does this makes sense's have been edited out. They make for great reading whether it be in chunks or as a long sit-down read.

E-books are available for download to your Kindle, IPod, IPad or computer at this site or at www.divinetruth.com

'Summerfest' Date Claimer

Our friends the Lytton-Hitchins family really inspire me.

After many years as sheep and cattle farmers, they now want to transition their 15,000 acre property into an environment supporting all of God's Creations.

Their farm is already becoming a sanctuary for all kinds of wildlife just through the changes they have made in their souls and the flow on effect this has had on their actions and aspirations. In the long-term I know their desires are to provide a place to demonstrate how farmers can transition from practices that are harsher on the environment to ones that are more in harmony with how God cares for things.

I love that this family recognizes that they are in transition. They can see that some of the things they have done with livestock and the land in the past haven't been perfect or loving, but instead of just dropping everything and starting again somewhere else, they are acting to change from where they are at. I see this as a demonstration of their desire to take responsibility for what they have created and to move from the point of view of 'owners' to become good 'stewards' of the earth.

Some exciting things they have been working on this past year have been:

- Breeding intelligence back into their sheep, and breeding sheep back so that they no longer need their tails cut-off

- Investigating (with Jesus’ help) ways to regenerate earth that has been damaged by grazing and by chemicals.

- Experimenting with ‘Back to Eden’ gardening techniques

- Learning about native seed harvesting and propagation

- Experimenting with loving ways to fix erosion, and condition soil. Learning about Living Systems!

To me this family’s journey with the land could be a metaphor for the work we all must do on our own souls. Humbly, we must start where we are at, imperfect and damaged, and take responsibility for what we have done, all the while moving towards the people we hope to become.

Another one of the many things I love about these guys is their passion for giving to others and all of Gods Creations, including plants and animals. Last October they gave us all the opportunity to spend a week planting native trees and shrubs on land that had been grazed for the past 160 years. They took part of what supported their livelihood and gave it back to nature.

Our aim at ‘Octoberfest’ was to form a corridor of native habitation so that birds and animals had safe passage across the property and access food, shelter and water. So much care and planning went into this effort. Jesus and Peter spent a long time in the months beforehand preparing to ensure the trees were well fed and watered through the use of swales and ‘swaling systems’. They also spent time during that week feeling what the land in each area needed and what trees would go together in certain locations in order to form particular and cohesive habitats for certain birds and animals.

 

Some of my favourite things from the week last year were seeing so many of you (around 100) work together so peacefully and with care and regard for giving to the land and the trees. 

I loved that after all that hard work and despite aching backs and arms, everyone still seemed to have energy for singing or dancing in the evening. I loved yoga in the early morning with Cecily.

I loved the spectacular thunder storm that descending after our last day of planting. 

This year the Lytton-Hitchins family are offering us all another opportunity to learn and to give to the land and its systems.

'Summerfest' will be held from the 27^th of November till the 4^th of December (more details at the end of this post).

This year the focus will be on understanding, supporting and creating eco-systems with special emphasis on the importance of bacteria, fungus, insects and creatures that live in the soil. We will also look at ways to create self-supporting systems i.e. planting and creating habitats that don’t need ongoing care and maintenance.

While we will still plant some trees, the week will broken up between different activities that will give you opportunities to learn as well as give to the land.

In the evenings we are hoping to have some fun with Karaoke, dancing and possibly more mediumship. There might also be ‘Finding Your True Voice’ workshops, face painting and various other escapades according to the desire and passion-following of individuals. 

Last weekend we got together to plan and have some fun in preparation for 'Summerfest'!

Summerfest Date details are as follows:

27^th November
Arrival @ Kyabra in the afternoon to set-up camp
Evening welcome and orientation with Jesus and Mary

28^th Nov – 3^rd Dec 
Activity Days in Teams

Activities will include:
Creating a Systems to Support Small Animals
Creating a Loving Home Garden
Working with Swales, Living Systems and Contour Planting
Tree Planting
Tending to Last Years Plantings
Three Considerations for Supporting Wildlife and Planning Where to Position Nesting Boxes

(full programme details will appear later so that you may plan which days you would like to attend, not every activity will be happening on every day of Summerfest)

4^th December
Pack up camp and go home.

Notes:

This event is open to anyone wishing to participate, not just those who are interested in the teachings of Divine Truth.

If a week is too long, it will be possible to attend and participate for only part of the week.

Because of the need to organize teams and events it will be necessary to register your intention to attend. Details on how to register will appear in the Divine Truth Events tab soon. When you register please provide details of which days you plan to attend and if you will be camping.

Camping is available on Kentucky

If you plan to camp please:

1. Advise when you register your desire to camp and the length of time you plan to attend.

2. Observe the Lytton-Hitchen’s guidelines for camping including no alcohol, cigarettes, meat or drugs on the property. More details will appear on Pete and Eloisa's blog.

3. And ask yourself the ‘three questions’ found on their events page.



 
If you attended ‘Octoberfest’ last year, what were your favourite things about the week?

When Would You Like To Meet For Book Group?

Book group meetings should occur more regularly for the rest of the year.

I received some feedback that the usual 3-5pm time slot in Wondai isn't suitable for some of you. So I'm asking that you let me know your preferred time via email (mary@divinetruth.com).

Wednesday Book Group Proposed Time Slots:

10am-12pm
1pm-3pm
3pm- 5pm (current regular time slot)
4pm - 6pm

Please let me know your preference in the next week and based on your responses I'll decide on a standard time we stick to in future.

I'm really enjoying leading this group - big gratitude to all of you participating locally and abroad. I sincerely love hearing all of your comments and insights. There is no book group without all of you and I still find it exciting that you all want to explore 'Through The Mists' together.

M

In Every Heart

In Chapter 11 of ‘Through The Mists’ our narrator Fredrick learns more about life in the spirit world and the great laws governing all of God’s Creation.

Following is part of his discussion with his guide, Siamedes:

“Then perhaps you can answer me a question which puzzled me many times in the old life?”

            “I will, if possible,” he replied kindly.

            “Which of all the denominations, or religions if you will, contribute the highest percentage of the redeemed?”

            “We recognize but one religion here, that is - Love; and all its disciples have but one denomination - lovers of mankind. No one of all the man-made religions holds a monopoly of this attribute. But earnest and conscientious followers of it may be found in all. Its worship is service to humanity; its litany, noble deeds, its prayers, tears of sympathy; its sermons, simple lives, known and read of all men; its songs are lullabies to soothe the brokenhearted; its faith the immolation of self; and its hope - Heaven. This is the only religion which can write the passports of heaven for the pilgrims of earth. Systems of theology have no more charm for us here than they had on earth; but in every heart there is a latent ideal towards which all mankind is blindly reaching out, a vague and undefined hope to which all the nations are ignorantly aspiring, a settlement of political problems that is only just beyond the reach of statesmen, a method of international arbitration by which peace shall reign on earth; these are all generating in the womb of futurity.”

Part of our homework for this Chapter was to consider the following questions:

In Chapter 11 Cushna makes a statement about Love being the only ‘true religion’.

In this chapter and throughout the book, ‘Through The Mists,’ we learn that the qualities of love and sincere service expressed in our lives are the only true measures of our development.

1. Do I think Cushna’s statement about love is in harmony with what you have learnt about Divine Truth from Jesus? Have I understood this truth by listening to the lectures?

2. How does this statement relate to the way I live my daily life?

3. Given that our development in love alone is what dictates the location we enter into in the spirit world, consider - how would I fare if you entered the spirit world today?

4. How many excuses am I making to avoid living ‘the true religion’?

I thought you might like to join in the reflection. I found this to be a great journal activity.

If you are interested, the recording of the book group meeting in which we discussed these questions was held on 26^th of September. It will appear in the playlist on youtube sometime in the next few weeks.

Snippets of Last Week

Last week one of my favourite Christian writers asked her readers and some friends to write a letter to their teenage self.

One day I might be brave enough to post my letter to myself here, but can I recommend the exercise to you? I cried many tears in the writing of mine and I found an opportunity to love and forgive parts myself that were still hurting and alone.

For those of you in book group, after our discussion of Chapter 10 last week and of collecting curios on the beach, one of the letters caught my eye.

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Some years ago I spent time living in Bouj el Barajneh, a Palestinian refugee camp in Beirut, Lebanon. This was such a rich experience. I learnt a lot about myself. I was supposed to be there in service to a community of 20,000 completely dispossessed people, generations of them living piled together in one square kilometre.

After two years, my major impression was that I received far more that I had given. I was so deeply honoured to have been accepted into the hearts and homes of so many Palestinian people. One of my most treasured experiences about living in the camp was sitting in homes in the evenings and listening to stories of Palestine, life in the camps, and the trauma and hardship so many had suffered during the Lebanese civil war. As I said, I felt honoured to be trusted with these stories that sculpt a life.

One of my friends, Kholoud has been working with researchers on an oral history project with elderly Palestinians, having them recount stories of their lives and culture before the nakba. If you are a sucker for people’s stories, or for a slice of history not often heard, you can read some of their stories here.

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We've been involved with more media and interviews in the past week.

Being around journalists always reminds me that so much of what is reported on in the media is all about perspective, perception and pre-determined viewpoints. I am learning to give up the desire to control what happens and how I am perceived.

I came upon this bible verse that gave me solace:

All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, God opposed the proud but gives grace to the humble.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.  

1 Peter 5: 5-6

And I was also reminded of my favourite children’s story.

I couldn’t find my copy of it, so I found it one online. 

I have certainly gone places in the past five years that I never imagined I would go!

Live From The Heart: Humility In Action

What I love about this speech is that Robert Kennedy is basically saying that each of us have a choice. We can choose to be humble to our pain and loss or to retaliate in hate and revenge, in avoidance of that pain.

I believe that humble hearts are the foundations of true and lasting peace on this planet.

Frankly though a problem I see at times is this:

People hear us say that humility involves an openness to every emotion within them.

People try to focus on their emotions without a clear desire to change themselves, see their errors or their embrace their lives. This creates self-absorption. This is not humble.

In fact these people are overlooking the fact that humility also involves openness to every situation and person they encounter. Someone who is self- centered, self-absorbed is the opposite of this. They are actually self-interested. They resist life and those around them in favour of focus on their own emotions.

A humble person allows their own emotional experience without resistance, and without valuing it over another person's experience.

Humility also involves honouring the truth that each of us are of equal value, as brother and sister, all children of God. A person spending all of their time and energy trying to manufacture humility is valuing their own pointless endeavour over the feelings and experiences of others. 

The fact that a person must try to embody humility means that they are resistive to simply putting it into action. When we want a thing, we engage it. When we can't, we find out why and take steps to change these blocks. But we never have to push or force ourselves into it. 

Trying, as I have often said before, is lying*.

Sad Fact: By trying to focus solely on their emotions people often miss the point. They become less humble and more self-involved. 

Often people try to be humble in order to gain approval, to feel they are 'living the path' the 'right' way. These people miss the point that 'The Way' is a journey, undertaken with the Father. He sees us and knows us but even the attempt to manufacture a facade of humility distances His Heart from our own. It is better to be honest about who we are and where we are at, than to push ourselves towards tears or to create 'paralysis through intellectual analysis'** of our 'issues'. 

Indeed, being real and open about who we are, without expectation or demand for approval or reward, these are the beginnings of walking in humility.

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While people focus totally on their own emotions and try to access them (thinking that this is what we mean is the basis of a relationship with God) they miss out on understanding true humility. Ironically, I have seen people living in emotional addiction, avoiding the deepest truths about themselves, and hiding it all behind the banner of 'humility'. 

Such people become isolated and separated. They use a 'spiritual term' to justify pushing their emotions onto others. In this, they not only distance themselves from God but they damage others' understanding of what it means to live humbly.

In contrast, true humility automatically creates connection, not only with self, but with others.  

The qualities of service, leadership, the willingness to confront error and bring about change, all flow from this magic quality humility.

To be humble we must stop trying, and begin allowing what God is truly telling us through our life and our feelings.

Recently I completed a series of interviews (no less than five) with Jesus surrounding the quality of true humility. I am inspired, as always, by the simplicity and power of what he spoke of.

I feel though that we all must be careful that simply hearing these truths does not lead us the arrogance of believing that we live them. That endeavor will take more of our time. The process of truly becoming humble is far more engaging, and beautiful.

Humility is the gift that we would offer our Heavenly Father in order that we would come to know Him and receive His Love and Truth.

It is the vital key to our homecoming.

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* This saying was told to me many years ago by a workshop leader. As the years go by, I see again and again, how true this is.

**The saying 'paralysis from analysis' comes from one of our dear friends, Susan.

New Radio Interview

AJ and I were interviewed on Irish radio yesterday.

I believe you can now listen to the podcast here, and learn more about the programme we were on here.  **Update: You can now view online here as well.

Last night I was nervous for sure. But its interesting, as I live this strange experience, this life unexpected, to find that the more I face fear, the less power it has over me.

Living in fear, my life is limited to only those events and experiences that I feel comfortable in. I end up feeling puny, powerless and fragile.

Lately, I'm feeling that for every fear I face, my world expands just a little.

Book Group Update

Notice To Local Book Group Regulars

My apologies everyone, I said last week that book group would be held on Thursday but we have only been able to book the hall for Wednesday.

So book group will be held:

Wednesday, 5th of September @ 3pm
Wondai Town Hall
Discussion: 'A Continuation of Chapter 9'

Thank-you for your patience, we'll get back into the swing of things soon.

Also, we hope to be in Kyabra for two weeks after this one.

So Discussion of Chapter 10 will hopefully occur in the Orange Room @ Kyabra Station, exact date and time TBA. Watch the Divine Truth Events Page for details if you are in the Kentucky region.

Here is a flashback to Octoberfest @ Kyabra last year... There is my guy, standing in the light as always

3 Truths

Yvette wrote to me and said:

“I'm also really enjoying motherhood (at last).. instead of being in constant fear that I am damaging my children with my suppressed emotions. I am feeling my own emotions much more than before and my children (especially my toddler) is in such a clearer space.  Its so fabulous when she has a tantrum and is crying and then I sit down and feel what it is about in me and as soon as I start crying...she stops! Just like that! It's like magic! I am telling all the mum's I know about it as it's instant feedback and such a beautiful way to help all parties involved! It seems so logical yet we tend to do exactly the opposite in society! Now I've started to see the results for myself it's so much easier to understand. She is a joy to be around at present and we are having such fun together”… “I feel that for the first time since I was introduced to this path that I am enjoying finding out about myself (flaws and all).. I view it now as very valuable feedback that can change as long as I am willing to be humble.”

I smile because I never get tired of hearing gifts of ‘the Way’ expressed from the hearts of others.

You see I have this notion that Divine Truth changes lives.

And even though it’s a narrow way, that will lead us all to know and understand the same strong truths as we walk it, initially we are drawn to it from different places, from different spheres of interest and concern. Different things matter to each of us. 

When someone like AJ comes along and unlocks the Secrets of the Universe, each of us fall upon different truths, and quickly or gradually they work their way into the fabric of our lives changing the tapestry of our souls forever.

Because of that, I’m always excited to hear the unique way Divine Truth is changing reality for someone right now. For Yvette the understanding of one truth about parenting has not only altered her day to day life, its changed her children’s lives forever.

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A few months ago I asked a small circle of friends:

“What are the three most significant truths you have learned since finding Divine Truth?”

 

What I really meant was; what would you say if you had to distil the wealth of information offered to you by AJ, down to just three things that have changed the way you view life forever?

They didn't need to be things that encompass or signify everything that this path stands for.

I didn’t want to hear the about what they were on the cusp of learning, things they knew were are ahead to grasp, or the things they thought must be true but hadn’t found home in their hearts just yet.

I didn’t want to hear things that they thought the world should know.

I wanted to hear things that had changed their world, in the way they related to a partner, their family, to life, or to God.

I asked them to tell me the things they had learned about love, or truth, no matter how small.

Because truthfully none of these things, that alter a soul, are small.

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The thing is that when a truth has really entered us, when it has been received by our soul, it becomes something we can share with words of our own.

And you see I have this dream - that one day the world will be full of a thousand voices {dare I hope, even more} that all speak strong, loving, life-giving truth in words from their own hearts. That one day {soon} a group of people, doctors and lawyers, mothers and daughters, florists and farm-hands, fathers through to grandsons, could live their own lives, follow their own dreams, and simultaneously lift up their voices to form a glorious chorus of truth. 

That’s the thing about a chorus, that its not formed by us all singing the same note, or saying the same words. A chorus comes when share the melody, but raise up our own unique offering and make the whole song rich.

I believe that such a chorus, united in truth, conducted by love, could reach into every dark corner on this planet and bring healing, and light.

I believe that the world needs more than one voice to speak about God, and Love and Truth. We are each of us unique and our contribution touches those who have shared something of the same journey as ourselves. One day it may be your voice that moves a person that any other would not reach.

Something exciting happened while we were away. After I asked these friends my ‘three truths’ question, a few of them got together with video cameras and {without our direction} decided to put some answers on film. They have since edited the results and I believe the film will appear on youtube soon.

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Some Truths Shared:

Fabio: 

I have learned:

1. How much I avoided my personal truth and lied to be accepted instead of being me and living passionately doing the things I love to do no matter what people thought about it. 

2. I have learned how much pain I have in me and how much I really don’t want to feel it.

3. That god loves me and how much I am blocked to that love.

Igor:

1 God is Loving and Love Rules (Big Relief )
2 There is no death ( Mountains of my shoulders )
3 Everlasting discovery, higher and higher emotional experiences and of course unlimited gifts ( No boring bits :))

Kate:

even though I do not yet feel God

he is always trying to find ways of reaching me,

and has built a whole universe

to guide me home.

God created me capable of experiencing my most deep and painful emotions. To come to know God and for my life to grow in joy, I must allow myself to fully feel my supressed hurt.

The most beautiful things we know of on earth are but a minute fraction of what God has in store for his children. When my heart is touched by the beauty in nature, I am reminded that these are gifts and expressions of love, from God… to me.

John:

1) I can never have a deep and loving soul relationship with my soulmate until I let go and resolve the emotional hooks and injuries I carry from and with my mother.

2) My children can never be healthy and free to be themselves until I can fully own and feel truly sorry for the damage I have caused them.

3) I can never be free to feel and know who I am until I let go my deep need to look after my family's, and other people's emotions and welfare before my own.

Anna:

1) Obeying God's Laws will lead me to happiness.
(*I almost always forget this one, but there is no denying that it is
significant!*)
2) My unfelt, unloving feelings attack, harm and damage people,
animals and environment, close to me and in the whole world. (I hurt
people by holding onto my hurt)
3) If I am humble, God can show me love and truth.

Joy:

Mathew 19:26  "Everything is possible with God" - at the moment this plays a very helpful role in bringing me from self reliance to God reliance. 

Whenever I am focused on results, or failure, or others opinions I am not being God reliant and I am not giving God my best. God reliance is when I am in my desires and giving my best to God and am not concerned about the results, (provided I am in harmony with love).

Barb:

·        God loves all his children equally.............I haven’t been forgotten.........I am worthy of God’s Love......., God’s love is available to us all and obtainable by all his children.............that includes me and all I have to do is ask..............

·        We have a soul, the soul is eternal and the condition of my soul is the direct result of the use of my freewill ................ My growing relationship with God depends on my willingness to be open to the real condition of my soul

·        The Spirit Life is real and is an extension of this life.......not all spirits are loving..........spirits in poor condition are my brothers and sisters who have never known love and deserve my compassion

Ang:

The three most significant truths since meeting you guys? That's easy, I don't have to cook every night!  Just joking.

1. I can not feel God, connect with God or be helped by God unless I am prepared to be in truth in that moment. To receive Gods Love I must be open to Gods truth, specifically and especially about myself!!

2. Every hurt or belief inside me, every unhealed, unresolved grief is automatically passed to my children and born silently as their own.

3. I’ve learnt how desperately I have sought mans approval instead of Gods Love and how unloving this has been to everyone around me. This makes me cry as I write and reminds me of the bible quote about serving two masters.