My Diary... Don’t Leave Our Mediums In The North Out in the Cold... Our Seven Principles Suggest As Individuals We Get Involved.... / Spiritualism Losing Members and Churches... Tracy Norton's Concern for the Future Of Spiritualism...

                                                            

                                                    

                                                                  My Diary / 

February...

22^nd – I always enjoy my visit to Inverness Spiritual Church (SNU)  Great enthusiasm in Scotland’s most northerly city as far as spiritualism is concerned.

28^th - Glasgow Central Spiritual Church.  (SNU)

29^th - Glasgow Central Spiritual Church.  (SNU)

March..

1^st - Glasgow Central Spiritual Church.  (SNU)

6^th - The Love and Friendship Spiritualist Church, The Couper Institute, Glasgow. G44 3DA.  A busy church which puts a lot of time into education and training.  In the past year this has paid off as several of the members are now taking services at other churches around Scotland.  President Maureen Winser and Karen Speake have taken time with those in their development circle, not rushing them but letting them matures in their own natural way.

10^th – The Pyramid Spiritualist Church, Leithlands Neighbourhood Centre Kempsthorn Road Pollock Glasgow G53 5SU  – A small church that is well supported by the local community.

15th -  ASK Cumbernauld – One of the busiest Spiritualist churches in Scotland. 

22^nd – A short journey to The Free Spirit Spiritualist Church, 22 London Road,Kilmarnock.

26^th – Falkirk Spiritualist Church (SNU)  Burnhead Lane, Falkirk,  FK1 1UG.  This church has been serving spiritualism in Falkirk for over fifty-years.

28^th – Again my second visit to Kilmarnock in less than a week.  This time to The Kilmarnock Spiritualist Church (SNU) Old Mill Road, Kilmarnock,

                                                                 

                   Don’t Leave Our Mediums In The North Out in the Cold.

February saw me travelling north east to take the service at Inverness Spiritualist Church.  (SNU)  This is a journey I always enjoy for the scenery and for the great Highland welcome and enthusiasm from the committee and members of the church.  In the fourteen years I have been travelling to this church the enthusiasm has not waned in the slightest, in fact it has got stronger.  This is down to the Inverness committee putting in place a lot into good development and training in clairvoyance, healing and knowledge of spiritualism.

Unfortunately, those who eventually end up on the platform have very limited opportunities as there are few churches in the north.  The Spiritualist churches up north have regularly brought mediums up from the central belt to serve their churches, they’ve had too.  But now that there are good mediums coming to the fore in the north they are not getting the chance to serve our churches further south.  In the central belt we have mediums from Northern Ireland and England taking services and workshops, so why not from the Highlands of Scotland?  Many may answer “The cost”.  But surely that does not wash as churches in the north have been bringing mediums from the south to their churches for decades. I have mentioned Inverness but we should not forget the Aberdeen area also.

                                                       

                         Our Seven Principles Suggest As Individuals We Get Involved.

I have often commented that I look on Spiritualism as a quiet religion.  Unlike other religions we don’t; - Get involved in politics...  Criticise certain groups of people... Tell our members that they will not get into the Spirit World if they don’t attend out churches every week... Nor do we hand out leaflets at street corners or put them through letterboxes.

But although our religion does not get involved in such matters I feel that we as individuals have a duty to get involved in situations where we feel there is injustice.  If we feel we are being guided to a wrongdoing especially to another human being, an animal or the environment.  After a little research, to see if we have got the facts right then we should complain to the appropriate authorities.  Remember reading about an incident in a newspaper is not always an accurate version of what has happened.  These days’ newspapers often do not take time to give all sides of the argument or the management may have their own agenda.

If we eventually feel that it is right to do so, a letter /email to the appropriate place can work wonders, especially when a vast number take the time to voice their complaint also.  The old saying “The pen is mightier than the sword” is spot on,  Far more powerful than a march as often this can be hijacked by those wishing to cause trouble and in doing so they ruin the cause. 

I believe that our Seven Principles point us in the direction that I have mentioned above.  Not for the hierarchy of our Spiritual associations to stand up and complain, but for each individual to do so when they feel it is necessary.

1 - The Fatherhood of God - We recognise that there is a creative force in the universe. This force did not only created the universe which this planet is part, but all forms of life on this planet.  All forms of life which interacts with each other to make life as we know it possible.   

2 – The Brotherhood of Man - Because we all come from the same universal life source we are, in effect, one large family.  . This means that all mankind is part of a brotherhood and we have a responsibility in supporting our brothers and sisters wherever they are on this planet.  Remember, countries and borders are man-made.

3 - Communion of Spirits and the Ministry of Angels - All religions believe in life after death, but only Spiritualism shows that to be  true by demonstrating that communication with departed spirits can and does take place. There are spirit people who are dedicated to the welfare and service of all mankind. This is where I believe the guidance comes from to look at a particular situation.  And if we decided it is right to do so, make our concern known.

4 - Continuous Existence of the Human Soul. 

5 - Personal Responsibility - This principle not only places responsibility on us all  for our wrongful thoughts and deeds.  It also means we should not stand back doing and saying nothing when we are aware of an injustice to others. Not putting ourselves or our families in the firing line, but as I have already said, an email letter can do so much.

6 - Compensation and Retribution hereafter for all Good and Evil Deeds done on Earth.  Personally I feel it is a cop-out when Spiritualists say “Leave it – they (wrongdoers) will have to answer for their bad deeds when they move over to the Spirit World.  We have to police our own dimension and keep the vulnerable safe.

7 - Eternal Progress open to every Human Soul – Taking time to care for others and make you point of view know will stand us in good stead for the new part of our eternal life when the time comes.

                                                   

An email from EDC “Tom, you comment on hearing others say that numbers at our services are dropping, but you do not notice it to be as bad as many say.  With my work I travel the country and try at least once a week to drop into the nearest spiritualist church.  I do notice less bums on seats than I did a few years ago.  Like you I believe the biggest danger to spiritualism is from within and I saw a comment the other day which I feel fits the loss in numbers. “When a flower doesn't bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower."

SPOT ON EDC.    I have been a little naive in only looking at Scotland as far as attendances are concerned and not that I look further afield I see UK wide there is a big problem.  We need to concentrate from within before it is too late.  In fact a lady said to me the other day “It is too late for Spiritualism”.  I don’t necessarily agree with that, but time is running out.... fast...

Tracy Norton also sees the danger.

 It has saddened me recently to see how some of our churches are struggling to manage with sparse committees and only a few volunteers to keep things running. As a result our beautiful churches are having to close their doors - many shutting on Easter Sunday, and another church we visit cancelling Sunday services due to lack of interest. This is devastating for our religion. I can't help but think that people nowadays don't value the roles the Churches play - they see the numerous roles within the church as being menial and unimportant - but without the Churches where would we mediums be?

When I first became interested in spiritualism over 20 years ago, people were honoured to play a part within the Church however menial - from making the tea, to chairing. Nowadays people are using the Churches rather than giving to them - using them for messages, using them for the training and development, but giving nothing back. The perception is that mediumship is the goal - people are seeking glory rather than a life of service. So if any of you have any time to spare - please remember that all the jobs for the spirit world are important. We don't want our beautiful religion to flounder due to the lack of volunteers. I have written the poem below to help us think about this. A life of Service

Could you be of service?

Is there something you could do?

There’s no need to be nervous,

We need people like you.

People who have time to spare

To help our church stay open

People who are willing to share

Their love and their devotion

So much goes on behind the scenes
and our hearts are always glad

When someone who is really keen

Offers to lend a helping hand

There’s more to spiritualism you see
than just being a medium 

We need folks like you and me

to keep our church doors open

There’s a role for each of us you see
within our beautiful religion
and if no-one worked behind the scenes
there would be no spiritualism

So think carefully what you can do
With love and dedication
knowing that your heart is true
and free from egotism.

Offer yourself in service 
to spirit and all mankind
working behind the scenes 
there are many ways to shine

My Diary ... Getting Our Priorities Right ... The Passing of May Brown Spiritualist Medium ... A Spiritual Name ... Not all it Seemed ...Lectures - Not Spirit inspired addresses ... Matty Moore comments;-

                                     My Diary...

      

January...

5^th –It was my pleasure to visit the Milngavie and Bearsden Spiritualist Sanctuary in their new place of worship - the Drumchapel community centre, 320 Kinfauns Drive Drumchapel G15 7HA. This is a divine service which takes place on the first Tuesday of the month. The 6.30 for 7.00 start 7.00/8.00-8.15 Short break 8.30/9.00-9.15 for trainees to demonstrate all welcome to both events.  Phone Elizabeth :- 07703337022

17^th - Stirling Spiritualist Church SNU was my port of call  A very enthusiastic committee and membership has promoted Spiritualism at the highest level in the area for many years.  This visit was different from the past as since my last visit the have been alterations which gives more space and brighter outlook to the interior.

20^th – Prestwick Spiritualist Church.  A church that could be doing with a little more support.

February

8^th – Cumnock Spiritualist Church.

9^th -  ASK Neilston

14^th – I attended the Coatbridge Spiritualist Church.

15 – A short journey to the Saltcoats Spiritualist Church.  One of the first churches I took a service at and every time I have attended there has hardly been an empty seat.

                                               Getting our priorities right’

Scientists have discovered gravitational waves, ripples in the fabric of space and time caused by previous collisions in space, and this will increase our understanding of the universe.    It provides us with direct evidence for the first time that black holes exist and can merge together.

All that brainpower and money over the last half century to get a better understanding and take us back to the “Big Bang?  All that would be admirable if all on our tiny planet was rosy, but it is not, far from it.  Poverty, hunger, so many homeless, warfare, barbaric acts of all kinds being beamed into our homes, and cancer still ravaging the human race.  We have got our priorities wrong is a mild way of putting it.  All those poor souls who were killed or maimed during WWI believing they were fighting a war that would end all wars must feel cheated as they look of the mess future generations have made of planet Earth.

This experiment concentrated on looking back in time and it is not wrong to look back, but have the scientists not taken the wrong path in looking back?  Should we not have been looking back at the past, correcting our mistakes and in doing so making this planet a better place for all?   After correcting all that then we can look upwards.

                                                           May Brown

Well known Spiritualist Medium May Brown passed to spirit last month aged 86.  May’s husband Jim passed over  in 2014

May and Jim were involved with the spiritualist movement for over thirty-five years.  And in honour of their stalwart work for spiritualism they were awarded a SNU long service award a few years ago .  Jim gave the address and May the clairvoyance. 

A very loving couple who were always together, where you saw one the other would be close by.  Both were always on hand to encourage new mediums and share their experiences with them.  I owe lot to May and Jim when developing at 

ASK Stewarton., where both served as President.   Jim gave me copies of some of his addresses that I put on this site and will do so again in the future.


Jim and May Brown loyal Ambassadors for Spirit.



                                                        

                                                        A Spiritual name....

“Many people argue that they were named by their parents, and that their names are arbitrarily chosen for them. But I believe that our parents chose names for us by subconsciously picking up on our vibration, and then naming us accordingly.  They gave sound to the vibration that they recognized as us. Misspellings or last-minute changes of mind are part of the fine-tuning process the result of which is that you receive the name most fitting to you”.

In the past most families named their children after the grand parents or parents. Nowadays many a baby gets saddled with a name of the parent’s favourite singer or sports person. But I suppose those parents that have a high degree of awareness might fit into this theory.

What this comment is probably referring to, is the Spiritualist Naming Ceremony.  Naming Services are held for people of any age – babies, young children and when required for adults who may have come into Spiritualism having decided to accept Spiritualism as their chosen religion.  During the naming service, as well as names already given another name is given – this by the world of Spirit through the medium – something which is truly a Spiritual experience.

                                                     Not All it Seemed.

The snowdrops remind me of a story a friend told me a few years ago. She was recovering from a serious  Illness and looking out of her window one morning she saw her first snowdrops of the year. Only four, but It gave her so much pleasure as she was feeling sorry for herself that morning.

All of a sudden a neighbour’s little girl appeared in her garden and started to pick the snowdrops. Anne opened the door and shouted to the girl to come back then told her off for picking the flowers. She was floored by the little girl’s explanation. “I only took one and it was for my Nan who I am going to visit in hospital this afternoon, and I left 2p on your doorstep step for the flower.” As Anne looked down, there were three snowdrops still blowing in the wind and two-pence on the doorstep.

  

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Lectures - Now Spirit inspired addresses.

Lomax emails: - “Recently I have noticed that some of our so-called spirit inspired addresses are becoming more like lectures and are going over the top of many in the congregation.  The numbers are small at the moment, but they are on the increase”.

JC – “I hope the cosy wee addresses that gave spiritualist congregations a lot of comfort and inspiration are not going out of the window. Now many are a bit more like a sermon missing out the personal touch”.

I wonder if this has something to do with all those sitting for exams and to pass the medium has to do as the book says, override spirit inspiration?  I will be interested in what others think of this.

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Matty Moore comments;-

So what If mediums, healers.... And spiritualist... Around the world 🌍 stopped competing with each other.... Switched focus from just you’re "self's "... From just "your" church... From just "your" centre.... To embrace to whole idea of "team spiritual"... What if spiritualists of the world become one big unit..... What if spritualist of the world started to speak up more what if spiritualist of the world shined a little brighter...... What If the Light workers of the world stood side by side... Shoulder to shoulder.....I think that would be one bright collective light don't you think? ................................................ Better pack your sunglasses 😎...... Alone we can do so little..... Together we can do so much

My Diary / A Survey on Spiritualism / Sitting it Out / 150th Anniversary / Looking Back at 2015 and Forward to 2016.

                                                                   

                                                               My Diary...

November...

20^th – 24^th... I had a busy but enjoyable time at the Glasgow Association (SNU)...

December...

6^th – It is always a pleasure to attend Perth Spiritualist Church (SNU).

7^th – A short journey this time to the Kilmarnock Spiritualist Church. (SNU)

13^th – Again staying in Ayrshire I took the service at Ayr Spiritualist Church (SNU)

14^th My last Service of the year was at the Pollockshaws and District Spiritualist Church, Glasgow.

                                               

                                                  A Survey on Spiritualism

The Two Worlds magazine has an interesting article connected with a survey on Spiritualism. The results were not far-off the results of a straw poll two mediums and I conducted early last year. The result of the latest survey is as follows: - To be with like-minded people - 65% / to understand my spirituality - 54% / to understand my spiritual experiences – 49%  - Eventual mediumship - 40%

I have said until I am blue in the face, many attend our churches to be among others on the same wavelength as themselves. To be part of a friendly group and to make new friends. To find a little haven quiet, safe and away from the rat race we have around us today. To be encouraged to be yourself and not to be what others expected you to be. To be an equal part of the church/religion.  That is why I am always trying to encourage greater participation by the congregation in the service.

Most of us at one time in our life will ask: -

“Who am I?”

“What is our true nature?”

“What is my purpose in life?”

This is where there is a need for discussion nights – now a thing of the past as far as spiritualism is concerned.  Not to be in way out jargon to be in simple terms with all getting involved.

For many years now I have been trying to make sense of the spiritual experiences of others.  I always start of by saying “Never believe anything any medium tells you – including myself – unless it makes sense to you.  You are the one who has had the experience and the medium can to their best to explain what they feel has been happening. The final say is yours, whether you think the medium’s interpretation is right or not”.   

If the questionnaire had only applied to those new to spiritualism evidential evidence would have received much more than 40%. That is very important to most of us until we get the evidence of survival of life after death.  To keep getting this would get very boring and turn people away from doors.  Once we can accept that we live on after death our thirst for knowledge increases.  That is where we come up against a brick wall.  There is little in our churches to whet our appetites.   Spiritualism will progress as a religion when committees realise that the focal point of the church is a variety of different subjects not just the medium and the clairvoyance.

                                                      

                                                                 Sitting it Out

My last visit to a church in the old year and the first in the New Year I was not on the platform, but sitting in the congregation and I thoroughly enjoyed the change.  The first service of the New Year I attended the Glasgow Association of Spiritualists and Spiritualism Medium  Diane Mitchell was on the platform.  Being only the third day into the New Year it was understandable numbers were down on a regular Sunday evening.  Diane asked the congregation if they would sit on one side of the church and close to the front instead of sitting in ones and twos all over the church. This concentrated all energy and one area and it turned out to be a fantastic evening. Maybe it’s something other churches should try when numbers are low.

When I started out on the platform I promised myself that if I only lasted for a few months or many years I would still sit regularly in the congregation to get the view of spiritualism from both sides. I did this regularly for many years, but as my bookings increased I let the congregation side lapse. That I now feel was wrong and hope to correct that in 2016.

                                                     

                                                       150^th Anniversary

Glasgow Association of Spiritualists SNU has been in existence since 1866, and celebrates its 150th anniversary with a week of special events from 23^rd – 30^th January 2016.   

                                                          

                                            Looking Back  2015 and Forward to 2016

My fears of previous years about churches may not be able to afford the rising rent for community centres and halls as once again not transpired. It looks like we have been looked after in that direction.

Spiritualism the religion drifting towards entertainment is not abated, but I don’t feel it has got any worse the last 12 months.  That is maybe because the workshop and seminar side of things is proving to be more lucrative. Going to such venues can certainly help you as you travel along your spiritual path, but as an addition not a substitute for good structured development lasting for a few years.

Churches and organisations seem to forget those in there are those in their ranks who only want to know about our religion and their  psychic abilities. Yet, most of the education is geared towards setting foot on the platform. I have tried in my own small way to redress this, taking workshops and dealing with individuals at no cost of almost any cost, from myself.

I still hear complaints about small children attending our services.  There are those who suggest that the earliest age to be in our congregation should be twelve-years-old.  This saddens me greatly as I am always pleased to see children of any age at our services. 

Maybe I’m being a bit petty or old-fashioned when I feel that taking the divine service male mediums should wear a collar and tie.

                                           Looking forward to 2016…

Churches will have more development circles of a structured nature without the plan of having anyone on the platform asap possible.  That they will also cater for those only wanting to understand the basics of spiritualism and their psychic abilities. This can easily be taken by the local medium or long time member of the church in sharing their experiences. Hopefully at little or no cost to those attending.

Social media is now part of everyone’s life. It is also played a big part in the spiritualist movement good and bad. Let our churches think twice before they comment on this media. Informing who the forthcoming medium it opens up spiritualism to a lot of people who may never have known or thought about us. But let it be done in a sensible way – the medium is Jim Smith from such and such a place. If the medium has SNU or other qualifications by all means  mention them after their name. Don’t make it all flowery as you are mentioning an entertainer about to appear on stage. Nor the ‘International Medium’ tag.  You are representing a religion not a cabaret night.

                                                

                                        

My Diary ..... Little Tweaks to our Service can make all the Difference. ... What Legacy Are We Leaving For Future Generations? ... God’s Incredible Gift”

         

                                                             My Diary 

October.

1^st –  A journey to the east coast and Arbroath Spiritualist Centre...

6^th – There was a good turnout at the Ascension Spiritualist Church, Maryhill Community Centre, Glasgow.

9^th – A short journey to the Shining Light Spiritualist Church, Knightswood Community Centre, Glasgow,

25^th –  I always look forward to my annual visit to the Largs Spiritualist Church.

27^th – There is seldom an empty seat in the Coatbridge Spiritualist Church.

30^th – Unfortunately a health problem stopped me attending the Angel Light Spiritualist Church Govanhill Neighbourhood Community Centre, Glasgow.

November...

5^th – It is always a pleasure to serve the SSK Spiritualist Church, Dreghorn, North Ayrshire.

8^th – 10^{th -} My three days at the Glasgow Central, Spiritual Church, 64 Berkley Street, Glasgow was cut to two days after the nasty virus that made me cancel a service in October returned.

    

                       Little Tweaks to our Service can make all the Difference.


I have taken many services at the Glasgow Association of Spiritualists (SNU) over the years, but I felt that the Monday evening service of the 24/11/15 was that bit extra special.  Why?  Two small changes to the usual format fairly raised the energies within the Church, giving a closer link with Spirit and involving the congregation in the Service.

1 ... The congregation being asked to shake hands with those sitting close to them in the church. 

2 ... The medium shaking hands with the congregation as they left the church.   

Neither of these two changes is new to Spiritualism, but within my experience is only practised in a few churches.  The congregation being given the time to welcome each other has been ongoing at ASK Cumbernauld since its opened almost ten years ago.  Greeting those sitting close to you I feel plays a big part in this Church having a reputation of being an extremely welcoming venue on a Tuesday evening. 

The Medium shaking hands with everyone as they leave the Church is something that I have experienced only at Kilmarnock Spiritualist Church. (SNU)..  I feel that that it makes the evening that little bit special for both the medium and the congregation.
We often discuss congregational participation in the service, but seldom try to put it in action.

                               What Legacy Are We Leaving For Future Generations?

I constantly wonder what our parents, grandparents and great-grandparents think of the way we live today, how we have shaped the world we live in. They came through two World Wars and had little of what we take for granted today.  Yet their sacrifices seem to have been in vain.  Our young men and women are still losing their lives and limbs in armed conflicts around the world.  Atrocities seem to be getting worse as each year passes and the only way we feel we can react to them is with bombing from the air.  Yes, there may be times when such action has to be taken, but surely after all other avenues are exhausted and a plan for what happens after the bombing has been worked out.  Too much of what is happening at the moment has been caused by airstrikes and leaving a void for the most vile people and groups to fill.

I can just imagine both my grandfathers and father saying “Why is it OK for our bombs to kill innocent people, but not the enemy doing the same thing?  Why do you call certain countries your friends and yet they are committing similar atrocities as those you look on as the enemy?”  We are running around in circles on the international scene making situations worse.  There certainly is a big problem with migrants, but whatever our views we should remember that each person escaping the ravages of war is a human being.

When young I was proud to be British, thankful to have been born in Britain and not first saw the light of day in a Communist or Third World country.  That is not my view today.  I realize that I was looking at my country through rose tinted spectacles.  The massive abuse of children by those in power and those in the limelight being covered up.  I feel that those who were part of the cover-ups are equally to blame as those who committed those terrible deeds.  Yes, they will be judged when they enter the spirit world, but I would have liked them to be brought to justice here first.

The most used phrase in our seat of government the House of Commons is “My Honourable Lady/Gentleman”.   Yet how honourable are these ladies and gentlemen who run all aspects of our life and country.  My opinion is too many follow the party-line instead of speaking up or voting against their party when the genuinely feel the need arises.  One wonders if they are putting their career before the good of their constituents and country.  We need those in power to think more about Spiritualism’s 

5^th Principle “Personal responsibility” before making up their minds on important issues.

I often wonder if my grandfather felt it was worth losing a leg at seventeen-years of age in WWI with what we have become today.  Also my father and his father working double shifts both during the war to supply the coal to keep our nation ticking over.  What do you think your forefathers will be thinking of the country/world today?

                                             

After “Discovering the Benefits of Nature by Accident” in my previous blog,  here is “God’s Incredible Gift”  which I put on-line a year or so ago.

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 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.  When he did grow  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 passed 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 among us who find that the relaxation, peace and tranquility 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 away 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 not the same. 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 found out by accident how to give them a little relaxation and peace of mind.  In summer she takes them to a walled garden that has 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 not to change for the sake of change. We must not destroy the goodness of what we are trying to change.  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.