Selecting the Present that will Open New Horizons ... Your Comments ... I WANT ... I WANT ... I WANT ... G K Chesterton, Scepticism and Spiritualism ... Website Changes?

    

                            Selecting the Present that will Open New Horizons.

At this time of the year I think that our 5^th Principle “Personal Responsibility” should be at the forefront of our minds.  Take personal responsibility and not succumb to the brainwashing on a commercialized Christmas.  Resist being told to buy the biggest and the best that will put you into debt that may not be paid off until late the following year.

I have said many times over the years there should have been an 8^th Principle, “Common Sense”.   I am now at a stage now where I feel that a 9^th would not be out of place, “Tall Oaks from Little Acorns Grow”. Many a simple gesture takes wings and flies to success.

Take time to think of whom you are looking for a present for.  Tailor it to suit their hidden talents.  Hidden talents that only those of us who are aware will notice.  A small insignificant present may end up being more treasured than an expensive one and be in use far longer.  Even ask for a little guidance from spirit.

A few years ago, a group of us decided to do just that.  When Isobel and I were thinking of a small minding for a young lad who had several health issues.  All of a sudden, we both said in unison a small bird feeder. We were surprised that we not only thought of this at the same time, but we had thought of such a thing at all.  On thinking it over the youngster spent most of his time sitting looking out the back window so this would be ideal.  Little did we realize how much this feeder and two packets of wild bird food would change this little boy’s life.

He livened up as he watched many different of species of birds come to his back garden to feed.   He took so much interest in the birds that his parent’s birthday present for him the following June was a bird table.  This was followed the following year by a neighbour building three nesting boxes for Jack.  All this brought Jack out of his private little world.   He is a different young man these days showing much more interest in life.  Something he does not know yet is that his parents have ordered an aviary for his next birthday.

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                         The Spiritual Association of Great Britain’s Seven Principles.

We believe in an Infinite Intelligence, who governs all.

We believe that personal identity and all sentient forms of life survive physical death.

We believe that continuous existence and eternal progress occur for all in the Hereafter.

We believe in communications with the spirit forms.

We believe is spiritually linked

We believe that in the Hereafter, all must account for their actions on earth and will judge themselves accordingly.

We believe that all are responsible for the way they conduct their earthly lives.

                                           ****************************

                                                      Your Comments

RFM – “Tom, your “Everlasting rose bushes “meant a lot to me. Starting in the early 1940s my grandfather planted a rose bush for every family member that passed away.  This tradition was passed on to my father and now I am the custodian of our family memorial rose garden.  There are rumours that our cottage that has been in the family for four generations might be demolished to make way for a new massive development. I am distraught with worry that our beloved roses will flower no more.  Your article gave me a little hope as if your roses could be replanted elsewhere at such an age ours could too.

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                                     I WANT ... I WANT ... I WANT...

Every day you hear people saying what they want.  Well, this is what I want.

I want people who are sick to be healed...

I want children with no families to be adopted...

I want people never to worry about food and shelter and heat...

Most of all I would like to see people start to care for each other... 

Anon.

                                         ****************************

G K Chesterton, Scepticism and Spiritualism, Illustrated London news 1906.

The name G K Chesterton rang a bell in my mind and it suddenly dawned on me a friend told me recently that after an operation he could hardly move and the only book within his reach was quotes by G K Chesterton.  It was not his kind of book us as there was nothing else within reach, he thumbed through it and nearly burst his stitches laughing.  The quotes were thought provoking but John could also see the funny side to them.

 “Just going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in your garage makes you a car.”

“The Bible tells us to love our neighbours, and also to love our enemies; probably because generally they are the same people.”

“A good novel tells us the truth about its hero; but a bad novel tells us the truth about its author.”

“I believe in getting into hot water; it keeps you clean.”

“Do not be so open-minded that your brains fall out.”

“There's a lot of difference between listening and hearing".

“Journalism largely consists in saying "Lord Jones is dead" to people who never knew Lord Jones was alive.”

Taken from the Internet.

                                 ****************************

“No conceivable number of false mediums affects the probability of the existence of real mediums one way or another.  This is surely obvious enough.  No conceivable number of forged bank-notes can disprove the existence of the Bank of England".

G.K. Chesterton

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                                                    Website Changes?

This website has now been online for seven years and has had over 37,000 hits.  There may have to be changes to the site in the future as the site host’s premium is becoming extortionate. 

Wishing everyone A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Success / An Eighth Principle / With More than a Little Help from Spirit / SNU to take part in the National Remembrance Sunday event at the Cenotaph. / Controversial, what is E.G.O.! by Ray Kane Foulkes

                               
                                                               Success.

                                    

Earlier in the year I mentioned how a few of us were going to use our talents, gifts, interests to help others less fortunate than ourselves.  Without being boastful we have all succeed in giving some meaning to the lives of those we have helped.  My contributions have been to frame my paintings/photographs and passing them on to charities and individuals.   My latest venture has putting bedding plants in small troughs/baskets and giving them to those who have been going through rough times at the moment. The latter has been a far greater success than I expected.

With our long dry spell those receiving the plants did not only look out on the colour and beauty of the flowers, but had to get involved with watering them. This has encouraged some to take a greater interest in planting a few of their own.  I decided to take this venture a stage further by planting bulbs and primroses in the troughs to have flowers in bloom all through winter and spring.  

This plan was knocked for six as the summer flowering plants are still in full bloom.  I don’t like to discard a plant that is still flowering.  Also, I would be doing more harm than good if I pulled out the summer plants at the moment. Those who received them would be up in arms. So much has it changed their lives.  As one lady said “These little flowers are my friends - my only friends”.  And as the little girl said which got me thinking about the power of flowers “Flowers are God’s little angels sent down to cheer us up”.

An Eighth Principle.

Over the years I have constantly said in my address that I am surprised there was not eight principles.  The eighth one being ‘Common Sense’.  Act upon ‘Common Sense’ as well as our other seven principles and we would be further along our spiritual path. Spiritualism would be stronger and our communities/world would be in a better place than they are in at the moment.

I saw this on Facebook and I felt I had to add it to this page

An Obituary printed in the London Times....

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has
been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since
his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be
remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:Knowing when to come in out of the rain;

- Why the early bird gets the worm;
- Life isn't always fair;
- and maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more
than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in
charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but
overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy
charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended
from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for
reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job
that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.

It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent
to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform
parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and
criminals received better treatment than their victims.

Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a
burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to
realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her
lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his
wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and by his son, Reason.

He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers;
I Know My Rights
I Want It Now
Someone Else Is To Blame
I'm A Victim

                          

                                     With More than a Little Help from Spirit

One thing that I found difficult and still do to this day, is saying prayers.  I worried more about the prayers than the address or clairvoyance. 

Then spirit came to my assistance.  As I was sitting at my computer listening to some hits of the 60s.  I suddenly looked at my monitor and I had typed with assistance of Spirit an opening prayer.   In front of me was; -

“Divine and loving parent we gather here in your name, which is love.

We gather here, some knowing, some hoping that when we leave this physical body a new dawn will await us.

At this time, we send our thoughts out to those who are suffering, whether it be mind, body or spirit.

That someone takes time for those that are lonely.  Even though it is only the briefest smile.

All those suffering from addiction – are given the strength and courage to overcome their difficulties.

We sent a special thought out to the children of this planet. Especially to those who are abused and those who are unwanted.

We can never end our prayers without a mention of the animal kingdom.  May they receive the food, shelter and apace that they need.

All this we ask in your name which is love”.

I was shocked when I read what I had typed and suggested to spirit that they assist me with a closing prayer.  At that my fingers started to move over the keyboard and the following took shape.

“Divine parent we thank you.  We thank you for your presence here this evening.  And also our spirit friends for proving there is no end. And when it is our turn to mover over to the other side of life – they will be there to greet us.

May we ask that every head bowed here has a safe journey home”.

After all these years, I still use these words at the beginning and end of our services.

  

  

SNU to take part in the National Remembrance Sunday event at the Cenotaph.

At long last A very proud day for Spiritualism, we have asked so many times to be included only to be turned down, now the door is open and we will proudly stand shoulder to shoulder with other faith leaders in respect of those who gave so much in the name of freedom. Spirit in action.

“Spirit in action”? 

When the SNU became part of the Interfaith movement I was sure it was only a matter of time until our wish was granted.  However, should we not have been doing more than “just 'asking'?  For several years I have felt the SNU should have been more active in trying achieving this.  Encouraging all its members to constantly bombard Government and Members of Parliament with letters and emails. Many small spiritualist churches have overcome prejudice and hostility to lay a wreath at their local cenotaph by involving the community to help them achieve their aim.

In October 2008, Steven Upton of The Spiritualists' National Union started an online petition, on the Number 10 web site, to allow a representative of the Spiritualists' National Union to place a wreath at the Cenotaph.  I believe 1,900 signed the petition.  Why did the SNU follow up this by asking its members to regularly contact their elected representatives on this matter. Asking year after year and meekly accepting a “NO” lacks ambition to succeed.

                                           

                                               Controversial, what is E.G.O.!

 Controversial, what is E.G.O.! Everyone has it to some degree: but it should be kept in check. Especially when working for the sprit! My personal view is working for spirit is not about self: because we are the mere voice of greater intelligence. ''We'' as an individual should not be important, ''as I state always'' It does not matter who the medium is, or their name, as long as the message from spirit is fully understood and appreciated by the recipient of any given message. 

The medium is secondary to the greater truth. Again, this is only my opinion, but it is my opening gambit every time I work, call my what you wish, as long as I connect for you, and you receive the relevant proof and information you require. I leave the rest to more powerful benevolent spirit's who have a greater, more refined clearer overhaul knowledge than I will ever understand. 

My theory is ego is a need to feel important, and to feel the need to impress. Spirit always impresses without the need to try, they have nothing to prove, as the proof is awaiting us all after this physical journey ends. E.G.O. To Elbow God Out. I would not dare try, would you? 

Ray Kane Foulkes

Everlasting rose bushes ... A Comment by Wendy Stokes ... Sunday Afternoon Services ... Your emails on “Freewill Offering or Pay at the Door” ... Moving Forward. by Bob MacKintosh.

   

            Everlasting rose bushes

In the early 70s an old neighbour gave me ten rose bushes, telling me that they were his fathers and were 75 years old.  The photos above are the three remaining roses.  When we moved to this house we took them with us and for the past decade I have neglected them.  Apart from pruning them and a little feeding in the spring.  Yet, having seen around one-hundred-twenty summers they still give a wonderfully colourful display.  Jock’s father would never have thought for a second that all these years later his roses would still be blooming and giving pleasure to all who walk past them.

Half of one of the bushes has went back to its wild state and  has a display of wild and cultivated flowers.

A lesson for us all.  Who knows how far our words and deeds will carry on. So, let’s make sure they are beneficial and not a hindrance to others. 

                                                          **************

          

                                     A Comment by Wendy Stokes.

"Four seeds in a row, one for the rook and one for the crow, one to wither and one to grow!

I learnt this rhyme as a child so please remember it when taking blackberries, fungi or whatever from the wild places. Leave some for other species. I live close to the forest, and within just a few years, pickers have stripped the forest bare!

If we all adhered to this old saying and Wendy’s comment, Planet Earth would not be in the state it is in today. We would be helping mother-nature right the wrongs that are destroying our planet". 

                                                         *****

Continuing on with Wend's comment.; -

When I was young an old neighbour lived for his garden and soft fruits were his speciality. He covered them with a net until they were ripe enough to eat.  When he picked the fruit, he divided his pickings between two pails and left some on the plants.  The contents of one pail were for the family and the other for the children in the street.  He said that was for the kids not stealing his prized fruit.  The fruit left on the bushes were for the birds and insects to build them up for the winter.

Keeping the cycle of nature going means a better planet and a better life for all species who inhabit planet earth.  And every single one of us can play part in that cycle.  Planting wild flowers to attract the insects.  One lady I know who cannot get out of the house came up trumps with her plan to keep the cycle of life going.  She phoned a garden centre asking them to send her two outdoor potted plants that would attract insects.  They are sitting on her window sill and she is amazed at the number of insects that are drawn to the plants.  Where there is a will – there is a way.

Not just helping Mother Nature, but continuing in the same train of thought in our everyday lives to enhance our spiritual growth and in turn help others.  

                                                            *******

                                               Sunday Afternoon Services

The Largs/Ayrshire church is the only spiritualist church that I know that has a service on a Sunday afternoon.  There are many especially our older members who do not like travelling in the dark winter’s night.  So, could this be the answer to our dwindling attendances?

                                                              *******

                       Your emails on “Freewill Offering or Pay at the Door”.

Anon “I had to close the door of my church for the last time because of poor attendances.   Switching from a collection plate to paying £2 at the door made matters even worse.  If I had dropped the address I am sure we would have survived.  

KL - The reason for poor attendances I put down to too many psychic nights in the area”.

Morgan – “My job takes me all over the country and I try to get to two spiritualist churches a week.  I am not there to get a message, but to see how different mediums work with spirit.  My experience shows that paying at the door has almost caught up with the collection plate”.

VE – “To keep our church in the black would have meant charging £4 to £5 at the door.  That is too much to ask anyone to pay for a service”.

Jessie “We found pay as you enter the solution to all our problems.  The congregation and the committee are happy with the present set up”.

                                                       *******

Moving Forward.

Often throughout this blog, I have read articles which showcase the contemporary issues that beset modern day Spiritualism; churches becoming sanctuaries, the ‘celebrity’ culture among some mediums, the lack of appropriate dress code/platform ethics, the lack of philosophy – the list goes on.

In the early days it was thought the unification of the myriad spiritual bodies into a single body - powerful enough to lobby and facilitate change, would be a force for good. The purpose was laudable but, divisions began to surface within some of the larger bodies, which led to the growth of many ‘independent’ organisations. Doubtless, where bodies of people are involved boundaries can become muddied and divisions arise – resulting in the wider movement becoming fractured. At worst outright hostility can fester. Despite our differences, there is a common goal. What can we do on an individual level?

For many of the reasons mentioned earlier, I prefer not to badge myself as a Spiritualist but, rather, as a spiritual being. There is much to celebrate in the communion with Spirit, but first, on an individual basis we have to return to basics to see the figurative wood from the trees.

For those blessed to work as mediums, the hard work never stops. Constant review, study & dedication are required to become a polished instrument for the other world to play a fine tune on.

From my own journey, I feel my soul re-awakened and a fire stoked in my belly. Although I have learned much and moved towards a much better understanding/appreciation of the world around me – I am mindful that I still have a long road yet to travel, one no-doubt with twists and turns. We are all on the same boat in this respect.

As well as healing, comforting the bereaved and giving evidence of survival - spirit communication is a Divine blessing which allows us to unlock our true potential and invites us to look within and should never be taken for granted.

As we awaken and open our minds, let us do so in love; for ourselves and our fellow creatures.

Moving forward into the 21^st Century, may we play our own small part of driving the truth of life eternal forward, devoid of any personal gain or party politics. Let us free ourselves of any chains that bind.  As Robert Burns once said ‘Mony a mickle maks a muckle’. Let us be agents of change – we owe that much to the pioneers of the past and those still to come!

Bob MacKintosh.

The Wisdom of White Feather. “A freewill offering or pay at the door”. Feedback on Platform Dress Code. Let us not forget.

                                                                  

                                                The Wisdom of White Feather.

"When you speak of that which you know to be true, be prepared for some that disagree and do not want to acknowledge what you have offered. They will either ignore you totally or deride what you have said.

Furthermore, be ready for attacks that call into question the very essence of your being and the good that you endeavour to do.

Yet never forget, that if you are overlooked, ridiculed, despised or belittled as a result of speaking out it is probably because your words have threatened the very comfort of those who prefer to remain blissfully unaware of what lies unseen by their vision, even though it is right before them.

Never apologise for saying or doing what you believe to be right. Do the right thing because it is the right thing to do. "

White Feather speaks through Robert Goodwin. 

Robert Goodwin (1954 -) is a trance medium and philosopher. He is the author/co-author of nine books, the latest being Light: The Divine Intelligence, the follow up and companion to Transcognitive Spirituality - cutting edge science and spirituality at its best. His books of spiritual philosophy, received through world famous spirit guide White Feather have also been compared favourably to some of the finest spiritual teachings to appear in print.

Words that have brought strength and comfort to so many.

                                                                    ***

                            “A freewill offering or pay at the door”. 

“A freewill offering or pay at the door”.  This was subject opened up in social media this week.  We also made it the theme for our small spiritualist discussion group.  Some interesting comment from both groups; -

“There should never be a door charge for a Divine Service”.

“Maybe a mix, pay at the door one week and a free will offering.  On saying that it could cause a lot of confusion.

“Some Churches need a pay at the door system to survive.  This means that a church with such a system is a no-go-area for those with no money or only a few pence on that night”. 

“In many areas there is a glut of Spiritualist churches and it may be an idea that those who cannot manage on a free will offering close their doors.  Hopefully their members would move to another Spiritualist church in the area making it a stronger force in the community”. 

“Two churches in this area were struggling financially and they were reluctant to have an entry fee.   It was either that or go to the wall.   Or was it?  They found a way to keep the door charge at bay.  The presidents of both churches explained the situation to their congregations and their freewill offering increased just enough to keep the wolf from the door.  So being honest with your members may be all that is needed”. 

“Some churches hold one or two special nights a year and that helps to keep their finances in the black”.

“I feel that many attending our churches do not realise that rent or council tax, the medium’s fee and travelling expenses have to be paid”.

“It angers me that there are those who will only put a few low denomination coins into our plate yet think nothing of paying £20 plus or more to see certain mediums”.

“Does a medium need a platform fee?  Sensible travelling expenses, coffee, cake, sandwich or a meal if they have travelled far.  That should be all”.

“My local church had pay-at the-door and some weeks as I had only coppers I did not attend.  My position has not changed and as the church has now closed the nearest S Church is further away. As I could not walk to this church and the return ticket on a bus is £3.60.  I just cannot win.

 My view?  I see both sides of the debate.  All comments make sense and it is for each church or area to sort what is best for them.

Yet I think pay- an entrance fee for a divine service should be taken as a last resort.  It does not do our image any good and more importantly it can stop those in need of our sanctuaries coming through our doors.    Some churches have got around this to keep going by dropping the address.  No address, no divine service.  Doing this is weakening the religious aspect of Spiritualism.

On the other side so much has changed since I started out in Spiritualism over quarter a century ago.  Rents for the use of community halls have gone through the roof and that is the main problem today.  I am lucky that I am on the committee of a church that has its own building and not in dire straits as finances are concerned.  Yet, keeping a graded building up to scratch takes a lot of money.  If I was in the committee of a small church that rented out a community centre I would do everything possible to keep the wolf from the door.  Two special nights a year to help with our bank balance.  If that failed, then I would prefer to see the church close rather that have an entrance fee.  Especially if there was another Spiritualist church close bye.

Yet, all is not doom and gloom as I have great faith in our members.  Once they know the financial situation many have that can afford to put a little bit extra in the collection plate have done so.  There are also the mediums who should not be out of pocket but should ask for sensible expenses and if they can forgo a platform fee they should.

                             

                                                                         ***

                                    Feedback on Platform Dress Code.

I knew I would get plenty of feedback on my comment on ‘platform dress code’.  Here, it is; -

Tom “I think you lived in an era that is older than dinosaurs.  With almost every comment you want Spiritualism to be part of the ancient past”.  G

“What does it matter what the platform party are wearing?  The aim is to get an accurate message from a loved one in Spirit to a loved one here.  It would not matter if the platform group were naked if we achieved our aim”.  Anon.

“Our church has no problem with the platform dress code.  If a medium turns up not dressed to the SNU code we say nothing and let them on the platform.  Then, we never book them again.  No use having an argument and lowering the energies before the service”.  A

“Tom, I have to say in all the years I have been going to spiritualist churches I have never seen anyone medium dressed inappropriately on platform. After reading all this I thought jeez......bit of a contradiction between Miriam's Beautiful Writing about how progressive Spiritualism is and yet the rules imply otherwise. How can we stand and preach to congregations about non-judgement of others and acceptance of others when within the very organisation there are contradictions? Things like wearing a suit is a bit outdated now.... some shirt and trousers are what most men choose to be smart in now and comfortable and as for us ladies......well some of us have hot flushes and hot feet so sandals are an ideal way to keep comfy. I don’t believe things should be forced on others, people should have the freedom to dress as they want. What they are wearing isn’t going to stop spirit working”.  YL 

“News readers and mediums are the only people I see wearing ties these days”. BB.

“Tom, in our early days on the platform we would not have been on the platform if we were not dressed according to the dress code. So much has been let slip in the past few years and I fear where it will end”.  BS.

“As you say the tail wags the dog and today the mediums call the shots not the churches”.

“The only time I do not wear a suit on the platform is when I take a service at a church in a deprived area.  Too many attending a suit is the sign of authority and many in the congregation may not have a good experience with authority.  So, at these other churches it is a sports jacket and the tie I wear”.  T.

“Like any other organization you obey their rules or you go elsewhere”. ZB.

“Many spiritualists have a lot of talk, but no action.  If guides are as good and helpful as you tell us they are then surely they will keep the mediums cool in a warm church and comfortable in a cold church?”

“A church I was serving for the first time told me their strict dress code.  No problem as I always dressed that way on the platform.  On the day the chairman had no jacket and was wearing a polo shirt”.  B.

"Garth Southgate England manager and several other managers had a tie in the blistering heat in Russia.  No Spiritualist church has ever been as warm as the temperatures at the World Cup. VP

Finally, an email from “ER” which may have been sent tongue-in-cheek or even have a sarcastic slant towards spiritualism.  However, it may be closer to the truth than many of us will think at first reading.

“You spiritualists say one thing and do the others in so many areas of your so-called religion.  You talk about the great help and assistance you gertfrom the spirit world.  You often refer to your mediums as ‘ambassadors of spirit’.  Ambassadors working for governments, industry etc. are well looked after the best is only good enough for them.  So, surely it is not too much for spirit guides to keep mediums cool in an extremely warm church and comfortable in an extremely cold church?  Has air-con not yet been invented in the spirit world yet?

“ER” – In my experience they do just that.  If there are extremes of temperature in a church I never notice until I sit down at the end of the service.

                                                           Let us not forget.

As the world rejoices at the rescue of the twelve young lads and their football coach.  A team of rescue workers from around the world risked life and limb to safely bring out the thirteen victims trapped in the gigantic cave system.  Let us take a minute out from rejoicing and think of Saman Kunan, Mr Kunan a former navy Seal diver who died while taking part in the rescue mission.  Maybe we should take time in our prayers to say a few words for those who gave up their lives in helping others.  Especially those who may never get a mention as they are working undercover for their country or whatever.