My Diary...God’s Incredible Gifts... Compare the Principles and Commandments... Turning down an offer... hell here on Earth...

                                                               

                                                           My Diary

February...

2^nd – 3^rd – 4^th... I was at the Glasgow Central Spiritualist Church, 64 Berkley Street, Glasgow G3 7DS always a busy church with their Divine Service at 6.30 on a Sunday evening and two sessions of clairvoyance Monday 7.30pm and 2.30 pm on a Tuesday Top marks to the hard working committee of this church. 

9^th – I attended the Cumnock Spiritualist Centre.  – Which always gets good support from the community

11^th – I only had to travel a short distance to Paisley Spiritualist Church, Glenburn Community Centre, Paisley. PA2 8DX.

20^th – Langside Spiritualist Church, Langside Halls, Shawlands Cross, Glasgow, G41 2QR.

22^nd – 23^rd Bon Accord Spiritualist Church, 37 – 41 Fraser Place, Aberdeen, AB25 3TY.  A great welcome and great hospitality from the committee and ‘members of this church.  All who attended Saturday’ workshop had a great thirst for knowledge and it was a great honour to work with them.  The two Sunday services were well attended.

 

 

 

                                           God’s Incredible Gift....

 It is said that God has blessed his children with so many incredible gifts, and flowers are among the most precious.  Like the humans He created, there are so many different colours, shapes, scents and sizes of flowers. From birth to death and so many occasions in between we commemorate so much with flowers.  . Flowers are sent with love and are greatly received.  To receive such a gift we know that someone cares for us.   The advert slogan “Say it with flowers” is very apt.

Both my grandfathers liked gardening and both in different ways. With one grandfather my memories are of immaculately cut and shaped privet hedge around the front garden and the front lawn was like a bowling green. When it came to flowers he only grew geraniums and with only red blooms.  I wonder if at this time one could only get geraniums in red?

My other grandfather did not have a lot of room in his small walled back garden but with what space he had he used the growing area to its full potential.  He really enjoyed cultivating flowers. His main interest was unusual varieties and when he had a common species he always went for the least popular colours with them.  Three things that stand out in my mind... Someone brought him a plant from the Middle East and it was said that it only flowered once every seven years. He had it for countless years and yet only flowered the summer before he passed over to spirit. He loved experimenting with flowers and he was trying to breed a blue or black tulip. He never succeeded but here again he got a little closer to his dream.  The spring before he past a dark tulip bloomed in his beloved garden.  Nowhere near black. .  But I remember him saying “Finally I am going in the right direction”. He was also looking towards breeding a blue rose.  . .  God’s blessing certainly gave both my grandfathers so much enjoyment. 

Someone said to me recently “Your grandfather (The one who experimented with colours) was born before his time - just think of how he would marvel at the countless new hybrids flowers with such vivid colours we have today”. I thought on this and I don’t think my grandfather would be too happy with the way things are going as far as the commercialism of flowers is concerned. I think we may be taking things too far as far as interfering with the colours and producing so many varieties that have no scent. . My grandfather was working in his own little way to add another colour or shade to a species of flower in a natural way.  I believe that man has interfered too much with God’s little angels and that is showing in so many different ways.  This it is beginning to tell as there are those amongst us who find that the relaxation, peace and tranquillity they got through flowers is now waning.

Jane has never been in good health since she was born and she always felt she was blessed by having a father and then husband who was interested in gardening.  Especially as both concentrated on flowers rather than vegetables.  . As a child and through her married life Jane on a good day could always sit out in the garden relaxing and admiring the flowers. Both father and husband always had flowers in bloom every month of the year. Sadly her husband past five years ago and although her son has as strong an interest in gardening he has brought in so many new variants of flowers, some that have vivid colours. Life in Jane’s beloved garden is now the same as she says many of the colours are harsh on her eyes.  Instead of being relaxed like in the past the vivid colours give her a headache and even bring on a migraine at times.   Plus few have the scent like they did in the past.

That is not just one off the case with someone who does not like change I have heard similar things from others about interference with flowers taking the enjoyment away.

Muriel helps out with a voluntary group, visiting people who through many reasons cannot get out and about. A long time ago she thought on giving a little gift of flowers on each visit and they were gratefully accepted.  But as Muriel’s visiting list grew she could not afford a bunch of flowers for everyone.  So today at each visit she leaves three, two or even a single flower.  .  All used to look forward to this little gift even the men she visited.  One of Muriel’s colleagues said one day “it is not only that they appreciate the flowers, they seem to calm them, they are more relaxed looking at the flowers”.  There came a period when Muriel noticed that the flowers were not having the same calming effect for those she took so much time for.  One day an old lady who was still alert said “The flowers you bring me these days are not the same as the ones in the past.  I don’t think I like flowers now”.  Muriel though this over but had not a clue what the old soul was on about.  Then it dawned on her – for the past year she was buying those dyed flowers from supermarkets again some vivid and some not natural colours for the particular species.  She thought it would be a change and a change it was – the flowers were not having the same effect.   Muriel changed back to bunches of flowers with natural colours where possible flowers that had still retained their scent.  Now those she visits are back to enjoying God’s little gift – God’s little Angels...

 I heard on the radio recently a lady say that had had to care for some difficult people and she had by accident found how to give them a little relaxation and peace of mind.  In summer she takes them to a walled garden that had only old fashioned varieties of flowers and meadow flowers.  The natural colours and the scent seemed to completely change those in her charge’s nature for a few hours.    It was never the same when she took them to gardens in the local parks.

We were given free will and the intelligence to change what is around us but gifts that we must not abuse.  We must not destroy the goodness of what we are trying to change.  But man’s record so far is not good in this respect.  Look at the suffering of animals because we have changed their structure to produce more milk, eggs and meat.  Although some of us may not be too aware of the changes to flowers the most vulnerable in our society do notice - and it is they for whom we should not destroy the goodness of God’s Little Angels.

 

 

 

                                       Principles and Commandments 

 

My last blog showed the Ten Native American Commandments and there was a lot of feedback on this.  Here are a few...

Marie emails: - “Ever since I read the 10 Native American Commandments I have been thinking about them. Anyone living by these 10 simple rules will be leading a good life. If we all lived up to these simple words then what a wonderful community, country, planet we would be living on. Even though I look on myself as a Spiritualist I am putting the Indian Ten Commandments before our Seven Principles.

Kareen and Bill “The Ten Native American Commandments are not as harsh as the Bible’s Ten Commandments with “YOU SHALL NOT” or “YOU”MUST”.

J. Lomax...The Seven Principles; -  As one would expect concentrating on the connection we have with God and other dimensions, telling us life is eternal, our responsibilities and letting us know we will be asked to account stepping out of line.  Uplifting but with gentle warnings.  I can accept this...

The Bible’s Ten Commandments; - make sense but a bit forceful with the wording, although we have to take into account this was written 2,000 odd years ago.  It is not these Commandments but so much more with this religion that makes it too controlling.

The Ten Native American Commandments: - Makes a lot of sense for everyday living and probably more apt today than when it was written with the environmental concerns we have at this time...

Thanks everyone who emailed on this...I think we all know that it is wrong to kill, steal and bear false witness.  For those with an open mind it is time to move on.  What better than the Seven Principles to make us believe that leaving our physical body is not the end of our existence?  We can be guided by those from another dimension and to be reminded of our own personal responsibility.  We cannot always have our heads in the clouds and that is where the Native American Commandments come in.  We can adhere to them in our everyday lives in dealing with each other and preserving the environment

Extremely good points raised by all four.  Here are the principles and Commandments to compare.  I am sure I will get more comments on this...

Spiritualism’s Seven Principles...

 

1.       The Fatherhood of God.

2.       The Brotherhood of Man.

3.       The Communion of Spirits and the Ministry of Angels.

4.       The Continuous Existence of the Human Soul.

5.       Personal Responsibility.

6.       Compensation and Retribution Hereafter for all the Good and Evil Deeds done on Earth.

7.       Eternal Progress Open to every Human Soul

                                                              *****

 

The Ten Native American Commandments

 

1. Treat the Earth and all that dwell thereon with respect.

2. Remain close to the Great Spirit, in all that you do.

3. Show great respect for your fellow beings.
(Especially Respect yourself)

4. Work together for the benefit of all Mankind.

5. Give assistance and kindness wherever needed.

6. Do what you know to be right.
(But be careful not to fall into self-righteousness)

7. Look after the well being of mind and body.

8. Dedicate a share of your efforts to the greater good.

9. Be truthful and honest at all times.
(Especially be truthful and honest with your self)

10. Take full responsibility for your actions

 

                                           *****

 

The Bible’s Ten Commandments...

1. Do not have any other gods before me.

2. You shall not take the name of the Lord in vain.

3. Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.

4. Honour your father and your mother.

5. You shall not kill

6. You shall not commit adultery.

7. You shall not steal.

8. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour.

9. You shall not covet your neighbour's wife.

10. You shall not covet your neighbour's goods

 

 

 

Recently I got a request to take part in what was called a “Ghost Hunt” and the organisers were not too pleased because I turned the offer down.  I am never happy with the term “Ghost Hunt” I have never went out to hunt Spirit and never will.  The publicity that was going to be attached to it I did not agree with.  I have been asked to many interesting places because of the low profile way I go about it.  Hopefully getting answers to Who, What, Why, When, Where and then trying to sort out the situation satisfactorily for Spirit and those here on the Earth Plane.

 

 

 

 

A panel of experts mandated by the UN's Human Rights Council after a year long research has told us what we already know.  North Koreans had suffered "unspeakable atrocities".   Starvation where there need not be empty bellies,  and the many concentration camps where torture and death is part of everyday life. It is hard to get one’s mind around that only a few miles away in South Korea people are living, in the lap of luxury and yet in the north of the peninsula it is hell on earth. 

       ***

A lot of joy bravery and also heartache at the Winter Olympics but all this was overshadowed by the lack of human rights for those building the stadiums

 

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An Interesting comment.... My hopes and fears got 2014....The Ten Indian Commandments

                                          ...My Diary....

19^th January my first booki1ng of the year at Perth Spiritualist Church (SNU).  There was a good turnout as usual at the friendly little church.

21^st – Only a short journey to ASK Neilston.  As well as a Divine Service at 7.30 on a Tuesday evening there is a development Circle at the same time on a Wednesday evening.  This would interest anyone wanting to know more about their psychic abilities and Spiritualism.  President and excellent medium in her own right, Sheila Caruthers takes this circle and has a wealth of knowledge on both subjects.

26^th – I attended the Stirling Spiritualist Church (SNU)  Linda Buchanan like Sheila above has spent many years in the movement and Linda is rightly pleased at the moment as many from her development circles are setting foot on the platform.  Good reports have come from other churches about these fledglings and soon they will be going far and wide in their own right to churches throughout Scotland and even further afield.

 

 

 

                                     ...This got me thinking...

 I got into conversation with an elderly couple who have been visiting Spiritualist Churches on and off for over fifty years.  The lady came up with an interesting comment that really got me thinking. 

“It is often said that the mediums of yesterday were much superior to the mediums of today and we are totally in agreement with this, and we think we know why...  In the past  mediums went into a quiet room at churches to meditate and get their link with spirit.  Today they just walk in off the street and straight on to the platform, or stand gabbing to all and sundry before stepping on the platform.  They are taking Spirit for granted and that shows up in their mediumship”.

That is a very good point and there could be a lot of truth in it.  I must admit to being one of the mediums who walk in to a church and blether till it is time to go on the platform.  Yet, a great many churches which I serve regularly ask if I would like a little time on my own.  .  That does not mean I walk in complacent and expect Spirit to jump to attention when I ask them too.  I do have my quiet time before I leave the house and open up to Spirit. Many a time i also take a few moments to blend with spirit before I leave the car and enter the church.  So it does not always mean that a medium not taking some ‘quiet time’ directly before a service does not take time to link-in and give Spirit respect

I was talking this over with a friend and they asked me“When did you stop sitting in a little room by yourself?   I stopped that a long time ago because sitting alone before a service made me a nervous wreck – much more nervous than I if I had been chatting to someone.  

Interesting this comment was made when it was, because a few days before I was honoured to share the platform with Kilmarnock Spiritualist Church’s fledglings and we all went to a quiet part of the church to meditate and ‘open-up’ before the service.  I really enjoyed this time and thought of changing back to this way...

I spoke this over with another medium and she felt it looked more professional for the medium to take time on their own before a service.  I have to admit I think she was right...

 

 

                                       ...My hopes and fears for 2014....

It may seem like my hopes – some may call it a rant – is the same as the past two years.

A comment from Stewart Alexander in PN; -

“When the messenger becomes more important than the message”. (For far too long it has)

So I am not alone in saying we must stop the slide towards celebratory status of mediums and entertainment as far as our religion is concerned.  This is by far the biggest threat to Spiritualism these days and it comes from within, not from without.   I have heard services and mediums judged on the amount of laughter during the evening... omg.  A Spiritual service is usually a happy service with laughter but as long as the laughter emanates from Spirit and not the medium trying to be a comedian.

In the same edition of PN Aileen Davies comments; -

“Are we failing Spirit?  How many of us ask/consider what Spirit thinks of new proposals connected to our religion?  Realise our healing and philosophy is as important as our clairvoyance”

I hope that in 2014 all connected to Spiritualism will ask Spirit before we act, and that we promote our Healing and Philosophy as much as we do our clairvoyance.

That in 2014 we must be more vocal in protecting our religion from the dross that has gathered around it.  Tarot cards and so much more have nothing to do with Spiritualism but so many think they are part and parcel of what we stand for.

Mediums should be deterred from using our churches as agencies for their own personal finances.  If one wants to go into business using their psychic abilities then our church platforms should not be available to them.  I feel that this should be discussed by all of our church committees as soon as possible.

One church has found difficulty in this area and has spoken up via facebook.

'Many Spiritualist Churches are unfortunately experiencing last minute cancellations.
Some Mediums are busy organising workshops, parties and private readings.
By all means pursue your dreams but please do not abandon your roots.
Please remember these Churches supported you when you were developing your gift.
They need your continuing support to help and comfort those attending services.'

Our churches hold the key to turning this around and now that one has spoken up it may be easier for the rest to follow suite

We must realise that there are who want to understand about their psychic abilities and how it can affect their everyday lives, they have no interest in platform work.  Yet almost all our workshops and classes are tailored for platform training.  This is something that should have been considered a long time ago and I hope that another year does not pass without this being rectified.   It is the same with those interested in the philosophy of Spiritualism – where is the opportunity for this?  Something else we neglect. When I stared out at ASK Stewarton over twenty-years-ago this was all in place but seems to be non-existent these days...

We should endeavour to keep our workshops in churches at the barest minimum of cost. 

And for another year I say that  ‘pastoral care’ is sorely lacking in our religion and I suggest that all church committees put this high on their agenda to be discussed and acted upon in 2014. 

My hopes and fears outside of Spiritualism...

That the young in our society get work with a future and they can start building a life for themselves.  So many over the past few years have become depressed and even thought of suicide as there appeared to be no light at the end of the tunnel as far a work is concerned

We stop conflict around the world before they escalate into horrendous situation like we see in Syria and the Congo at the moment.   Britain and the US are not trusted by many around the world and it is maybe time for countries like the Scandinavian countries, Nederland’s, Belgium New Zealand, Brazil etc to sit around the table with opposing sides.

My battle for the welfare of the racehorse will continue.  This year I will be concentrating on horses that collapse and die during a race.  Yes you could say that they are raced to death. Twelve horses have collapsed and died on our race tracks in 2013.

                                          

               The Ten Native American Commandments...

1.  Treat the Earth and all the dwells therein with respect.

2. Remain close to the Great Spirit.

3. Show great respect to your fellow beings.

4.  Work together for the benefit of all mankind.

5.  Give assistance and kindness wherever needed.

6.  Do what you know to be right.

7.  Look after the well-being of mind and body.

8. Dedicate a share of your efforts to the greater good.

9.  Be truthful and honest at all times.

10.  Take full responsibility for your actions

 

 

 

 

 

My Diary... A Mockery of Divine Justice... Kilmarnock Spiritualist Church... A Stray Cat's Prayer...2013 Looking Back...

 

 

 

20^th November I was at the College of Parapsychology, Edinburgh.   The college has an interesting programme throughout the year their website is worth checking out for the latest details.  www.edinburghpsychiccollege.com

24^th Was my last visit to Fife for the year and I was attending the Dunfermline Spiritualist Church, 3 Lady Campbell’s walk.

27^th Only a few miles up the road to ASK Neilston for a workshop.

28^th – There was a big turnout at the Larkfield Spiritualist Church, Blantyre.  This church opened its doors in 2007 and was quickly accepted by the community.  The church supports many causes including Hessilhead Wildlife centre in Ayrshire www.hessilheadwildlife.org.uk where we are currently sponsoring a roe deer named Scoobie.

1^st – December I was at the Ayr Spiritualist Centre, 10 Alloway Place.

2^nd – There was a good turnout at the Pollockshaws and District Spiritualist Church.

3^rd – Another good turnout for The Central Glasgow Spiritualist Church’s Tuesday afternoon service.  64 Berkeley Street, Glasgow, G3 7DS

4^th – I had a short journey down the road to The Kilwinning Temple of Light Spiritualist Church, Kilwinning.  This was one of the first churches I took a service at.  This has always been a church that has been well supported by the local community.

5^th Weather caused me to postpone the development circle.  In all the years – even in bad winters I have seldom had to cancel because of the weather.

8^th –I took the Divine Service at Kilmarnock Spiritualist Church on a very wet evening.  So wet that parts of the road were flooded and I am surprised there was a congregation.

9^th – I was again back at Kilmarnock and it was a privilege to share the platform with three of the churches fledglings.   Well done Andy, Elizabeth and Nadine And I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Kilmarnock church for letting me play a part in the development of their fledglings...

 

Silver Birch comments; -

“It is a mockery of divine justice to think that death-bed repentance will wipe away all the wrongs you have done”.  Yet there are many in other religions who believe a death-bed admission of wrong will clear the path in Heaven for their new life.  That is why I look on our 5^th Principle- Personal Responsibility – as being so important and makes it on par with the Clairvoyance in making us so different from other religions

And my thoughts above fitted in perfectly when asked at a discussion group recently, “What is the biggest gulf to bridge between Spiritualism and Christianity”...  As I was the only Spiritualist attending I am sure I shocked everyone by not coming out with “”Clairvoyance”.  I opted for “Our 5^th Principle – Personal Responsibility”.

As Spiritualists we are responsible for our own actions and that no one can bear them for us.  We cannot look on a death-bed confession as a guarantee of forgiveness and we will have nothing to answer for as we move into a new existence.  To do as we please during our prime and then to utter a few words as this life slips away thinking all will be forgiven, surely does not say much for us as an individual or do anything for the reputation of our religion.    We know that as we discard this physical body it is not the end.  The more effort we put into taking Personal Responsibility for our own deeds in this life, the smoother it will be for us in our next life.

Some of those attending were shocked that I did not pray on a daily basis that my sins be forgiven.  Several of the group kept repeating “”We are all sinners – including you”.  Yes, I don’t think anyone leads a perfect life but we just cannot go along each day collecting yellow and red cards, to use a football expression, and then to mutter a few words at the end of each day to get these cards rescinded.  And even we Spiritualists carrying Personal Responsibility to the fore cannot lead faultless lives.  These days we are part of an almighty rat race and the best we can do is hopefully making the right decision at the time.  If later we feel we could have acted differently then we can comfort ourselves by knowing that we did what we felt was right at the time.

Some religions = a religion of salvation by conformity, whilst Spiritualism = a religion of progression by endeavour.

One gentleman on the night brought up what I thought was a comical but also serious food for thought “Just say I am happy to go through life being greedy and tramping on the toes of others.  Having the best life I can, relying on the insurance of asking for forgiveness on my death-bed.  THEN SUDDENLY – I drop dead in the High Street... What becomes of me in the thereafter? There was no time to say I am sorry”. 

I am not making fun or being anti other religions but I feel that one should be able to look openly at their religion and see if what they have been led to believe over the years adds up... 

 

The Kilmarnock Spiritualist Church, founded in 1936 this church has long been a place of welcome, support and learning for all those who have entered its doors. This church is proud to be affiliated to the SNU, the leading Spiritualist organization in the UK.  And a quote from the church’s website.  “This church offers an open door to all who wish to enter and hope the saying “...there are no strangers here , only friends who have yet to meet” holds true for all who do” . For those living within traveling distance of the Kilmarnock church and want to know a little more about Spiritualism the Tuesday Group is something you may consider.  This friendly informal group meets at 2pm to investigate and explore all aspects of Spiritualism A very varied and interesting programme is in place and all members and non members alike are welcome to attend

 Weekly services include :

 Divine Service, this in structure probably resembles more orthodox services held on a Sunday at 6pm …with music, a speaker and a demonstration of Medium ship

 Public Demonstration of Medium ship held on a Monday evening at 7-30pm

 Healing Services are held throughout the week and are again open to everyone who would care to join with us and receive the benefits of Spiritual Healing  1pm on Tuesday…7pm on Thursday evenings —and 11am on a Saturday.

 The highlight of the year for many as far as Spiritualism is concerned  is “The Kilmarnock Experience”.  This is a  fantastic teaching  weekend of lectures , workshops and demonstrations with highly acclaimed mediums and tutors .
This is an opportunity to continue to develop and expand your psychic, spiritual and mediumistic potential to the fullest in an atmosphere of harmony and fellowship.

One of the pleasures of being on the platform of Kilmarnock Spiritualist Church is that on the platform one gets to admire the amazing stain glass window in memory of Duncan Bicket who was president of the church for close on three decades.  I find that I get great inspiration from looking at the window during the service, whether it is daylight or the street light that is shining through.    My only regret is that the congregation are not facing this beautiful window throughout the service.

 

 

                          A Stray Cat'S Prayer

Dear God, please send me somebody who’ll care…
I’m so tired of running and sick with despair.
My body is aching and filled with such pain,
And I pray for a cure as I run through the rain.

That someone will love me and give me a home,
A warm cozy bed, and food of my own.
My last owner left me alone in the yard…
I watched as they moved, and man that was hard.

So I waited a while, then went on my way,
To rummage in garbage and live as a stray.
But now, I’m so tired and hungry and cold,
And I’m so afraid that I will never grow old.

They’ve chased me with sticks and hit with straps,
While I run through the street just looking for scraps.
I’m not really bad, please help if you can.
For I have become just a “victim of man.”

I’m wormy, I’m starving and ridden with fleas;
And all that I want is an owner to please.
If you find one for me, I’ll try to be good.
I won’t scratch the carpet; I’ll do as I should.

I would love them, play their games and try to obey.
I would be so grateful if they’d only let me stay!
I don’t think I’ll make it too long on my own,
Because I am getting weak and I’m so all alone.

Each night as I sleep in the bushes I cry,
I am so afraid that soon I am going to die.
I’ve got so much love and devotion to give,
Couldn’t I be given a new chance to live?

So dear God, please hear me, please answer my prayer,
And send someone to me who REALLY WILL CARE.

~ANONYMOUS

 

 

Since its resurrection in December 2011the Psychic News has went from strength to strength and is now a glossy monthly magazine.  But I hope that this magazine does not become all glamour, glitter and celebrities.  We need more space for letters from readers, articles on the experience of the ordinary people who attend our churches...

2013 - Looking Back.....

Over the past few years I have been concerned about the closure of community halls and the increase in rental of those which stay open.  But so far this has not had too much of an impact on our churches.  Long may it remain that way?

Having it confirmed by the SNU that they will take action against any award holder that gives a demonstration of clairvoyance where drink is consumed.  We only need our churches to follow suit as far as the mediums that appear on their platforms.

The entertainment side still grows but maybe not as fast as in recent years.

The ego, fame and fortune still clings to the coat tails of our religion and is something that is not going to go away unless we meet it head on.

But I have seen worse years as far as ‘Spiritualism the Religion is concerned.

 

*** Plese excuse any mistakes as the PC or the site is playing up this exening***