My Diary … Fifty Years ... Can Spiritualism Survive by Walter Taylor ... I disagree with Mr Taylor ... Rami Adham - The Toy Smuggler of Aleppo ... Your Comments.

                                                        My Diary…

September…

13^th…  ASK – Cumbernauld.

28^th - Prestwick Spiritualist Church.  It is always that little bit special to attend this church as it is in Community Centre, Caerlaverock Road, Prestwick, KA9 1HR.   Formerly Prestwick Public School which I attended for a few years. Entering the building brings back a lot of memories.  Although I only moved 23 miles up the road to Beith I have always wondered what happened to my old classmates.  In all those years I have only met one of them.

This month was intentional kept quiet so I could catch up with some of the paranormal research work I have been asked to do and for some lectures and workshops. 

And most importantly we celebrated our Golden Wedding Anniversary.  Fifty-years how time flies.  It has just dawned on me that half of our married life we have been connected with Spiritualism.  More about this later in the blog.

                                                             Fifty Years.  

This month we celebrated our golden wedding anniversary – 50 years married. When someone made a comment married for half a century really made me think in-depth of the last half century.

If it had not been for Isabel I would not be where I am today as far as Spiritualism is concerned.  Isabel was the one who encouraged me to keep going to the development circle when I felt I was out of my depth.   Again, it was Isabel who gave me so much encouragement in the week leading up to my first time on the platform with four other fledglings.  For someone with zero confidence that short time linking with Spirit in public was a complete impossibility for me, or so I thought.  So, I owe a lot to Isobel as well as Spirit and many others in our churches who gave me the confidence and courage to continue along this path.

As I look back over the past fifty-years I feel a tinge of sadness for those couples who have not reached this milestone.  Those who have only had a short time to enjoy married life before one passed over.  And those who were so close to this anniversary or retirement, yet did not get to spend more time together.

                               Can Spiritualism Survive by Walter Taylor, F. S. N. U.

From The Glasgow Association’s  Beacon – May / June 1980

Part 1.

 The question as to whether man survives death is still scientifically, not yet proven.  I would like to state what I think is scientific evidence of human survival of death.  It will be scientifically proven when the evidence is of such a nature, as when for instance, we put the kettle on and know that the water will boil at a certain temperature.  This may seem realistically crude, but surely this is what we mean by scientific evidence?   This definition may seem philosophically disputable, but in what other way can we talk about scientific facts?

It would seem, looking at the Spiritualistic scene, that a scientific basis of the claims made by Spiritualists, will never be established.  Actually, it is far short of meeting any such claims!  There may be evidence coming through that satisfies an individual level, but it is consistently repeatable evidence that is required.   I may be asking far too much, but should we not be seeking a reliable system of communication which would lift the phenomena above the banal and the ludicrous?

I am going to make a suggestion that may not be welcomed by many, but I ask – Should we not seek a Dialogue with the Society for Psychical Research?  I anticipate cries of protest, but let me put the case to you.  First the S.P, R. does not exist to prove survival.  Its task is to experiment and explore physical phenomena. It has no fixed views nor creed nor dogma.  Its purpose is to “examine without prejudice or preposition, and in a scientific spirit those faculties of man, whether real or supposed which appear to be inexplicable on any generally recognised hypothesis”.  I am asking – is it too much to open us a discussion with the S.P.R. to discuss and experiment into psychic phenomena.   This is, or should be, OUR field.  Do we want to widen and deepen our field or are we content and happy with a comforting message from Auntie Mary who will assure us that all is well with everything and we have nothing to worry about?  Is that all there is to psychnomina I would wish to be counted out!       

                                                                 ****

I disagree with Mr. Taylor.  Within Spiritualism we not only believe that man survives death, we give proof.  Whether that proof is accepted by the scientific community is up to them.   We do not need to go cap in hand to other groups to get the scientific acceptance.   All groups have their own agenda and this changes from time to time depending who it at the top.  I can just see experiments going our way and then religions and other interested parties infiltrating the group to dumb down the results.

Hitler, the CIA and KGB have investigated all areas of the paranormal.  By the state of our planet today they have not managed to harness any of the power or knowledge to suit their own causes.  Why?  Why have they not harnessed or made a pact with those on the other side? Because it is not meant to be.  It is obvious that there will be those who will be negative in the Spirit World and they are being kept at bay by the positive realms of this dimension.  Thankfully the hierarchy of the spirit world are keeping any contact with subversive groups in our dimension at arm’s-length.

There are some who believe that Spiritualism is the sole agent for the Spirit World.  Although we may be the biggest player in getting Spirit’s message across I feel that in many ways our religion is losing favour with the Spirit World.  I believe that the powers that be are working more closely with individuals and small dedicated groups. 

Spirit has always worked closely with dedicated individuals, circles and groups.  Many an artist has claimed that their work has been influenced by an outside source. If only those seats of power took time listening to that little voice in their head.  Not telling them what to do, but giving them a little guidance as where to look to solve a problem.

Let me give one example Dag Hammarskjöld (Sweden) second secretary-general of the United Nations, from 1953-1961. He died in an air crash in Africa in 1961 where the details still remain unclear and many still believe foul play was involved. 

He is looked upon by many as the best Secretary general the UN has ever had.   He gained a reputation as a peacemaker, man of faith and a man of peace.  He treated all around him in the same way whether it is a junior member of his staff, a senior politician or royalty.   The more I read about Mr. Hammerskjold they more I believe he has a close link with Spirit.  If only today’s world leaders look of Dag Hammersjold as a role-model, there our planet would be a more peaceful place

 I do agree with Walter Taylor that Spiritualism should be more than a comforting message from Aunty Mary.    

                                    Rami Adham - The Toy Smuggler of Aleppo.

After five years of civil war, Syrian children living in war zones have little to look forward to. But one man is attempting to bring gifts to Syrian children, along with essential food and medicines.  That man is Rami Adham. 

Few will have heard of Rami Adham a 44-year-old father of six, is a Finnish-Syrian originally from Aleppo who has lived in Finland since 1989.  Few ever get to know the real heroes of our time we are too busy worshiping celebrities of stage and screen.  For the past five years he has dedicated his life to helping children in Syria and has now visited the war-torn country on 28 occasions, bringing over 80kg of donated toys across the border from Turkey on each trip.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/syria-war-aleppo-toy-smuggler-man-who-brings-gifts-presents-to-children-in-war-zones-rami-adham-a7333231.htm

                                                        Your Comments.

Tom, a spiritual service is not like Royal Ascot it does not need a strict dress-code.  On saying that a suit and tie to be worn is not too much to ask a male medium who has been given the honour of taking such a service.

LL

Spiritualism has already surrendered to the entertainment industry so why not let the tie drop? 

B L

Bennie.  The story about the son going to the races in memory of his dead father, did he back a winner this year?

Sorry Bennie.  No fairy tale ending to the Peter’s story.   Of the horses Peter selected with names related to his father’s life the only one declared to run was Perfect Pasture.  

The horse started at the odds of 50/1 and finished 10^th in a twenty-three runner field.  Peter’s final comment – “I hope my father enjoyed the day as much as I did”.

BV – Tom – I don’t accept your comment that Spirit Guides may be on strike, from what I have witnessed at my church recently, they are on a go-slow”.

“Tom, spot on with North Korea.  Leaving this country out in the cold at our peril.  Neutral countries must start to build bridges with NK. How about you be one of the negotiators?”   LN….    

My Diary … Dress Code for Our Platforms ... Father and Son’s Day Out ... Keeping Communications Open ... Glasgow Association fills a void ...

                                                        

                                                                     My Diary…

August…

28^th – Falkirk Spiritualist Church (SNU)

September

5^th – The Glasgow Association of Spiritualists.

                                                        Dress Code for Our Platforms.

There are still many in society who don’t look upon Spiritualism as a religion.  Our clairvoyance during a service is the main reason why they think this way.  There are others who feel a paltry Seven Principles with only 47 words is not enough to guide us through this life and make us closer to God.  Or Seven Principles they feel pales in comparison with mainstream religion’s 750,000 plus words in their ancient books of guidance and laws. There will be some who think that the lack of fancy attire of those taking our services don’t give off a churchy, religious feel.  I feel that we don’t need all that is mentioned above apart from the latter, I feel that dress sense – a simple dress sense - is important on our platforms.

In recent years I have heard many older Spiritualists complain that dress-sense on the platform is dropping below an acceptable standard as far as male mediums are concerned.  I have never heard off or seen any female medium drop below a sensible dress sense for the platform, apart from some photos on Facebook showing ridiculous dressing up for Halloween which the churches should not have allowed.  What I am on at here is the dress sense on our platforms at a Divine Service.

I contacted a senior member of the SNU asking about this and here is the reply;

 ‘The SNU has a code of conduct for its exponents which states that 'for men it should be a suit, shirt and tie with shoes suitable for a formal occasion.  However, as an alternative, a semi-formal dress code could be adopted such as jacket, trousers, shirt and tie with smart shoes.'

Several emails to this site over the past year or so have mentioned pullovers and open necked shirts are the order of the day as far as many male mediums are concerned.  Every year a small group of Spiritualists meet for a weekend discussion on Spiritual matters.  This year saw our most heated debate by far and the subject being discussed was ‘proper attire for the platform’.  I was really surprised at some of the comments advocating that almost anything goes dress sense on our platforms these days as far as male mediums are concerned.

Spiritualism is surely the most lax of all religions – we have our Seven Principles, our dress code and very little else.  We rely on our members / mediums to respect Spirit, our religion and the pioneers of our religion.  So, surely it is not too much to ask that a suit/jacket, shirt and tie are worn at our Divine Services and also evenings of clairvoyance within the church?

I decided to do a small poll and contacted Spiritualists old and new.  In favour of the suit, shirt and tie -  54% against 46%.

here are some of their comments and comments from the debate I attended.

Here are some of the comments; -

Tom, life has changed since you came into spiritualism and wearing ties is a thing of the past.  Once old fogies like you pass over a tie will be a rarity…..

Yes, trends are changing, but look at how many men turn up at funerals wearing a tie as a mark of respect.  All I am asking is the same respect in our churches.

“I am with you all the way. I am an old fashioned girl who likes formality, but at the end of the day it is the Church Committee who decides what their dress code will be”.

Being a committee member of a Spiritualist Church is an important position and it is church committees that should enforce the ‘tie being worn’ on their platforms.  They must decide is this a church they run or a psychic Centre.

“I really think it depends on the weather Tom. Our church is really warm so some people have to remove their jackets. I personally think that as long as the medium is neat and tidy it does not really matter, but that is a personal opinion”.  I agree common sense can come into play if weather or church is too warm.  On saying that no matter the temperature I stay with the full dress code during the service – but I have already been called an ‘old fogie’.

“I think as long as they are smart, it doesn't matter. It's more important in my view what comes out of their mouth. I've seen the smartest of mediums talk a lot of rubbish, that does our movement a disservice, and heard casual mediums do a wonderful job. I personally don't mind”.

“I think that as long as the chair has been asked then no not in warm weather”.

“Traditionally men always wore ties and jackets. But now even in high level meetings in the corporate world, they do not wear ties”.

“I absolutely agree that male mediums should wear shirt, tie and jacket and when it is warm in platform, then check in with chairperson to remove jacket”.

“I would say that presenting themselves at church smart no jeans no jumpers personally I was told shirt tie and then you ask the chair if you can take your jacket off if the room is warm and the weather so in answer yes”.

I feel they should be appropriately dressed. If it was scorching hot I would perhaps forgo the jacket. I personally would then like a shirt and tie. If not hot then definitely jacket too, and smart trousers if they have no suit”.

“I’ve been told I have to so I do it think it looks better, but when it's summer in our church it's really hot what do you think should be done when church is like that I not sure”.

“Tom, as you know I have been taking services at some of the small churches over the past two years.  I have never worn a tie while on the platform, never been told to do so or chastised for not doing so.  I can take you point about respect and in future will start to dress as you recommend.  Maybe the absence of the tie is why I have not been asked to any of the larger churches”.

“Tom get on the committee of a church and see how difficult it is to balance the books.  Then you will realise that it is not how a medium dress, but how popular he is to draw in a reasonable congregation.  We need money in our collection plates to keep the doors open”.

For the past three months I have been on a church committee and realise the financial issues.  The financial strain on some of our churches is why I have offered to give lectures and workshops free of charge to give churches a boost financially.  Maybe others should start doing the same but that is another topic for debate.

“I think that the dress code for mediums of both sexes is very important. Therefore, in my opinion, a man should wear either a suit or trousers and jacket with a shirt and tie and polished shoes.”

“Personally speaking it is only respectful to the spirit and the religion we are representing to be suitably attired. There is a tendency for men to now wear open necks because fashion dictates that this is ok. Many television presenters have open necks but the news readers always wear ties. There are some shirts that you cannot wear a tie with eg the Gandhi or oriental style. I have seen these kind worn with suits and a waistcoat and they look extremely smart. Smartness is very important; Sunday services especially is a formal service in my eyes.  Demonstrations of mediumship can be more relaxed but I would still expect a shirt to be worn.”

“As I have no interest anymore in Spiritualism I don’t have an opinion about ties or any other aspect of the movement.  The movement we knew has died and gone and the thing that has replaced it has going to hell in a handcart and I want nothing more to do with it?”

Unfortunately, that is the view of many old-timers.  I know many who have just upped up and left never wanting to talk about what they once cherished.

                                                        

                                                           Father and Son’s Day Out

One of my earlier blogs I commented on an email from Peter.  Peter explained how there was no grieving when his father died or on the anniversary of his death.   His dad had suffered so much in the past two years of his life and could do nothing for himself. “His passing was a blessing” he said.  But, Peter had to admit that there was a tear in his eye each year on the day of the AYR Gold Cup.  The day that was so special to his father.  The only day he went off on his own leaving the family behind and headed to Ayr Racecourse.

Last week I met Peter for the first time and he added to the story…

He said that his retirement coincided with the richest horseracing handicap in Europe changing its day of running from a Friday to a Saturday.  Peter decided in memory of his father to go to Ayr Racecourse each year on the running of this race.  Like his father it would be the only day he would leave the family behind and venture out on his own.  On the track he would keep to his father’s ritual of having a meal, a double malt whiskey and have an each-way bet on only the one race, the main race of the afternoon the Ayr Gold Cup. 

“The amazing thing was “said Peter “it was as if my father is with me on these occasions.  I can smell his Old Spice aftershave; I can feel his love all around me on this day.  I am certain my dad is with me on this day each year”.  The only thing is” Peter went on to say “I must not be listening to dad when picking my selection each year.  Dad was successful with the winnings always being given to the children.  My plan was always to give to the grandchildren and now the great grandchildren my winnings, but my only successes since 1992 have been.

1992 – Lochshore  1^st - 10/1.  Dad took us camping one year and we set up our tent on the side of a loch.

1997 – Wild Wood Flowers – 1^st 14/1.  My father liked walking in the country and loved gardening.

2013 – I could not decide between two Highland Colori  - dad’s love of the highlands - and Heaven’s Guest which needs no explanation.  I halved my bet and backed both of them ew.  Dad must have been smiling that day as Highland Colori won and 25/1 and Heaven’s Guest was 3^rd 25/1.  So with my each-way betting I got returns on both of them.

I asked peter what his money would be going on this year and he said “It will have to be once again Heaven’s Guest and if a non-runner I will decide between Piper’s Note, Perfect Pasture or Snap Shots the other three horses in the race where their names have a connection to by Dad.

Let’s hope the sun is shining on the 17^th at Ayr and Peter’s father guides him to the winner.

                                                            

                                                   Keeping Communications Open.

The other evening, I found myself writing; -

Many joke about North Korea’s President Kim Jong-un - but he is by far the most dangerous individual on this planet.

Mr. Putin will only go so far - he will not risk what he already has.

China - although having a vast army and nuclear weapons, yet it has found its more powerful mode of attack is in in the financial sector.

ISIS - has FEAR as its main weapon.  Although this fear has the rest of the world running around in circles it does not have anywhere near the destructive power of NK.

North Korea is an entirely different kettle of fish as decisions made in Pyonyang could cause so much upheaval -  life as we know it could be turned on its head.  Any nuclear release could contaminate the whole region for many years to come.  Nuclear contamination respects no borders and as well as North and South Korea, China, Russia, Japan and other countries could be affected.

Kim Jong-un being replaced is not necessary the answer as that would see millions of North Koreans flood over the borders to China and South Korea.  The Syrian refugee crisis would pale in comparison.

 We Spiritualists should pray and campaign for negotiations never to stop no matter how futile the situation may seem.  North Korea is never going to trust the US or the UK, so let other countries take the lead.   The Scandinavian countries, Holland, Belgium, Brazil, Australia and New Zealand etc. should keep the lines of communications open – keep talking to make the world a safer place.

And we Spiritualists can keep this volatile situation in our prayers – we need more than help from this planet to sort it out.

A few hours after I typed this out North Korea carried out its biggest nuclear test.

The Glasgow Association  fills a great void in Spiritualist in Scotland with ten evenings of Philosophy.  

My Diary… Hell here on Earth... Spirit Guides on Strike? ... Racism on the rise... Spiritual Mediums serve people both living and dead ... Trance - You've either got the ability (some would say gift) or you haven't

                                                                      

                                                             My Diary…

August…

2^nd –  A short twenty-mile drive to the Free Spirit Spiritualist, Church, Kilmarnock.

7^th – A bit further afield to the Coatbridge Spiritualist Church.

10^th – As always a great welcome from the committee and members of Perth Spiritualist Church. (SNU)

15^th – Back to Ayrshire and to the Cumnock Spiritualist Church. 16^th – ASK Neilson Spiritualist Church.

16^th – My shortest journey of the month – 10 miles – the Neilston Spiritualist Church.

17^th – I took the service at Kilmarnock Spiritualist Church (SNU).  This is a big year for the church 

as they celebrated their 80^th anniversary.

                                                           

                                                                Hell here on Earth.

HELL is not in another dimension.  HELL is here on earth for many people. 

When we think of all the technology, money and medicines we have at our disposal in this day and age, we should be ashamed at the suffering we have all around us.

A three-hour truce was arranged for the Syrian city of Aleppo to let humatarian supplies into the city.  After those three hours it was OK to use chlorine gas, drop oil drum bombs and Internationally banned cluster bombs on to markets.    Innocent men, women and children are maimed and killed on an hourly basis.  One day this month it was reported that there were two-hundred airstrikes on the city.  

For those civilians managing to flee the city and the country their plight is not over by any means.  For some it is to the safety of refugee camps in neighbouring countries, but their future looks bleak many will be destined to live the rest of their lives in these camps.  We have to praise two small neighbouring countries, Jordan and the Lebanon.  Both countries have set up massive refugee camps on their territories and doing their best to make them as comfortable as they can for the refugees.  It is shameful that other countries in the area are refusing to help in this humanitarian crisis.

                                                       

                                                                     
                                                                  Spirit Guides on Strike?


 The pioneers of modern day Spiritualism used to look upon the link with the Spirit World and this dimension with awe, wonder and respect.  Today it is looked upon as a cash cow and a road to fame.  This priceless communication link is being abused by all and sundry these days – or is it?

We constantly hear that “mediumship’ is not the same as it used to be”.  Could that be because Spirit is not participating as fully as they did in the past? Our Guides are willing to work on a long-term partnership with us, but are not willing to be used and abused?  In some cases, not participating at all at some demonstrations? 

The more we put in – the more we get back.  Could that be the cause that both mental and physical mediumship not being as strong and as accurate as in the past?

Mediums are not taking the time to learn, understand and slowly develop a close relationship with our guides and the Spirit World?

Few mediums are willing to sit alone in a room quietly linking with the Spirit World before they take a service like they did in the past.  I am guilty of this also and the few times I take that solitude the link is usually stronger.

Think of it – a loved one who feels the need to make contact from the Spirit World through a medium – what options do they have?

A church where there is reverence and respect and a lovely atmosphere or a pub setting where drink is available and even a cabaret where the medium/psychic is only part of the evening’s entertainment.  The other acts could be fire-eaters, belly dancers and so much more that is associated with entertainment.

This wonderful link between our different dimensions is far greater than the whole Internet set-up so this should be used for good – not abused.

If there is to be a non-profitmaking communication 

 

                                                                      Racism on the rise.

My two sisters and I were brought up never to judge anyone by the colour of their skin or their religion.  To judge someone on their actions or what they said was a different matter.  But… with the latter only after we found out why they were talking or acting in such a way we felt was wrong.

Alas – after of appearing to be going in the right direction racism and religious intolerance is rearing its ugly- head again.  The backlash is that so many innocent people will suffer.  Innocent people who just want to lead a normal life.  Political leaders around the world are using these intolerances to suit their own agenda and making the situation worse.

The human race is abusing the freewill it has been given instead of using it to make life better for all. 

                                                        

                                        Spiritual Mediums serve people both living and dead, 

Spiritual Mediums serve people both living and dead, they bridge the gap” were the first words I got out on a talk on Spiritualism and before I could say anything else - the following comments came from those in front of me.

“That gap is not meant to be bridged”. “It is wrong, for those here to bridge that gap, in fact it is an evil act to try to bridge that gap”.

The gap cannot be bridged unless Spirit wants to make contact.  And as far as being evil what evil is there in family and friends communicating from the Spirit World in a gentle friendly manner.  A medium has less power than many people think, Spirit has got to want to communicate.  The medium brings forward Joe Smith to communicate because his wife is sitting in the church that particular evening.  If Joe is to come forward, then he must think that there is great need for him to communicate.

                                                                  

                                 Trance - You've either got the ability (some would say gift) or you haven't

I keep seeing posts about courses that 'teach' trance mediumship. I stand to be corrected but in my view you can't teach trance. You've either got the ability (some would say gift) or you haven't. I've run many development groups over the years but in my experience you can only encourage and facilitate what is already there. True trance mediumship is a high form of mediumship and quite rare, unlike other psychic abilities. I would never state that I could teach trance to anyone. Please tell me how you 'teach' a guide to connect with a medium? You can advise on how to attune and enter an altered state, but it spirit who have the control, not the sitter. So please, let's get real and make some attempt to return to proper teaching when it comes to this type of development, not pseudo 'teaching' that panders to the ego. Even Gordon Higginson, whom I have worked with and who knew a thing or two about trance, said that 'mediums are born, not created'. 

Encourage, guide, inspire but please, don't mislead. We want higher standards of mediumship, not lower.

Ron Goodwin

My Diary... Scotland's Proud History... Your comments on Mr Quastel's Vision on Spiritualism... “We Are all Equal"… We are all on the frontline...

                                                               

                                                           My Diary…

July…

3^rd - I was off to the Kingdom of Fife to take the service at the Dunfermline Spiritualist Church (SNU) 3 Lady Campbell Walk, Dunfermline, KA12 0QH.

10^th / 11^th -  Further north this time to the usual great highland welcome from committee and members of the Inverness Spiritualist Church (SNU) Smithton Hall, Smithton, IV2 7NP.  I hope that those attending the workshop on Sunday enjoyed it as much as I did.  Tremendous enthusiasm by the members of this church to understand their psychic abilities, knowledge on how Spirit work with us and about their religion.  The committee have an excellent training programme that nurtures and helps this enthusiasm to slowly mature rather than a quick conveyer belt process.  On the Monday evening the biggest turnout I have seen at this church and I have been going up there for the past fifteen years.

17^th – Back to Fife.  This time to ASK 30 Mercer Pl, Dunfermline KY11 4UG.  This is another church that takes a lot of time in giving structured teaching to their circle members.

                                                       

                                                  Scotland’s Proud History.

While in Waterstone’s bookshop in Inverness a German tourist holding a book on Scottish History started asking me about certain aspects of the contents.  Once she left I had a quick look through the book I suddenly thought, “Something is missing”.

That something was “Spiritualism”.  Modern-day Spiritualism started in 1848 in the US when the Fox sisters heard tapping sounds.  Only eight years later in 1856 the Glasgow Association of Spiritualism opened its door and they have stayed open since. This year Alloa Spiritualist Church celebrated its centenary and there has been a Spiritualist church in Aberdeen for over 100 years.   Scotland has a long and proud history with Spiritualism.

                                                    

                                                 

                                                       Your comments. 

I have received many comments on the vision Mr C. I Quastel (President, of the Spiritualist National Union 1958 – 1965) ,  experienced in1961  On Spiritualism's future.      

KL – “If this gentleman had a vision in all those years ago of what Spiritualism would be like today then surely it came from Spirit.  Maybe it was not a warning, but the way spirit was guiding our movement towards?”

A good point – but maybe also to warn us and prepare us we have a fight on our hands to save our religion from entertainment and financial gain.

LC “If this was known by the Spirit World over half a century ago Spirit had plenty of time to change it if they had wanted too”.

They can make us aware and guide us – but in the end we have free choice and personal responsibility.

Ramos “Tom, move with the times or leave”.

Ramos – I have thought of walking away several times recently and it may happen sooner or later.  Then I think “Why should real Spiritualists surrender”.

PT – I have been so sickened with what has been going on with the movement over the past few years and I doubt I will ever go back.  Many are now in it solely for the money and if your main aim is the £ then you will follow that rather than being true to spirit.  Mediums cancelling long standing engagements because they suddenly get a better financial deal elsewhere.  Churches putting those on the platform who are entertainers and business people rather than true spiritualists”.

PT – the churches have the power to stop Spiritualism dropping into the mire if only they would use it.

Laura – “Mediums giving free tuition with the intention of the students when they return home are expected to arrange workshops for their tutors.

A vast majority of Spiritualists cannot afford or have the time to attend Spiritualist colleges and the tutor coming to their area is a good thing.  As long as the events and tutors are not advertised in the media as a celebrity.

In hindsight we can now see little heed was taken and now we are left with a real mess.  In trying to progress Spiritualism I think that too many in a position of power at all levels have taken their eye off the ball.  Fully concentrating on education, diplomas and adhering too strongly to rules that were initially meant as guidelines.  etc.    That is maybe where the Independent churches have stolen a march on the larger Spiritual organization.  They have not taken their eye off the ball of the needs of those who enter our churches. 

Yes – we need education about our religion – but not that it takes over everything else.  And we must not forget the cost of workshops and training courses mean that many cannot afford them.

                                                 

                                                           “We Are all Equal"…  

As the world mourns a famous person, there are many others making the transition to the Spirit World.  And yet most of these will move over almost unnoticed, on your side of the divide.

In the sight of the Lord/God/Great Spirit, whatever name you wish to use for the Creator.  Everyone is equal.

The Spirit World gives as much attention to those who had nothing on the material, as those who seemed to have everything.

Never feel you are better than anyone else.  Never feel that anyone is better or lesser than you.  In the eyes of the Creator everyone is the same.

One may not be a star, or top of the tree at something that is in the glare of publicity. 

However, to a lonely person we can be a star, or top of the tree, with just giving them a smile or a little bit of recognition.  

Letting someone feel that others care for them, can mean so much to them.  A smile can be worth its weight in gold.

Never feel superior.  Treat others, as you would like others to treat you

Alan.

                 We are all on the Frontline.

The latest terrorist attack in France is something I have always feared.  Terrorists using not guns or bombs, but something more readily available to cause carnage and death.  This makes it so much harder for the security forces to detect individuals or groups hell bent on taking innocent lives.  A new chapter in our lives has now opened up where more and more will fear for their safety going about their everyday lives.  Massive armies and sophisticated weapons are impotent in such a war that terrorists are waging at the moment.  We can only hope and pray that good will overcome evil.  At the same time, we should not condemn all of those who are the same religion as those who commit the terrorist acts.  They are not immune to the suffering and death from terrorism that is occurring around the world.