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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 16pt">ABRAHAM<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns =
"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns =
"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:date Month="2" Day="20"
Year="2006"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 16pt">FEBRUARY 20,
2006</SPAN></st1:date><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 16pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 16pt">WOODS CROSS GROUP<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 16pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 16pt">I
am ABRAHAM. Greetings. I am in awe of your faith and how you make time to feed
the soul. I realize that you find my words valuable and yet, your fellowship and
ministry to one another is just as valuable.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 16pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 16pt">A
mature individual finds spiritual serenity to come to them somewhat more easily
than it did in their days of youth. There is no doubt that the younger you are,
the more you need to make effort to reach for spirituality. If a man does not
work he does not eat. If a person takes not care of the body then, of course,
ill health comes their way. It is important that you set aside some time to
focus on feeding the soul. It is all too easy to get caught up in the busyness
of life and overlook the meanings and values that could perchance to come your
way.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 16pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 16pt">The
more I get to know mortals, the more I believe that they are good. The goodness
may be far below the surface, but it is there. I believe most citizens of
Urantia make effort to do what is right. There are some extremely hard-working
individuals about. Of course, we always teach balance in all things. To feed the
soul is to enhance every other aspect of mortal life.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 16pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 16pt">A
simple trip to the market may hold unforeseen ministry tasks. It is obvious that
this is a chore and not too much a cause for joy, but something that must be
done. We can look upon our daily tasks as burdens, or we can see them for the
possibilities they could possibly hold. I am in understanding that we have
expectations and in a material world, allowing the unfolding is difficult. There
is always temptation to push the unfolding in our direction. Many of us live to
see these expectations come into fruition and when they don’t; our
disappointment is added baggage and sours our outlook for what is to
come.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 16pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 16pt">Each of you come here with a large percentage of faith
that myself or Mary will be here, yet you push it not. You allow the unfolding
of what may be. It feels natural. It provokes conversation and always is there
value drawn therefrom. It would be wonderful to carry this attitude out into
your daily living. Now more than ever is it crucial to keep in constant
communication with those On High.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 16pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 16pt">In
our ministry we have no idea when opportunities will arise. This does indeed
take some taming of the mind and remembering our commitment to living a
spirit-led life. What about in the meantime? Meantime meaning when things appear
dull, non-active and we are obligated to strive to live our material lives. It
is hard to find joy in the mundane and yet, your outlook and attitude can always
make these boring tasks seem better.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 16pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 16pt">Let
us ponder these tasks and the rewards they may bring. Is it something we must do
to live in a material world to survive or is it simply some task we do to keep
up appearances? Are you understanding of my meaning? Of course, we must perform
regular maintenance on our automobiles to keep them in working order. Is it
necessary we put forth time and energy into driving something that will impress
the onlookers? In all our time management, let us not forget to nourish the
soul, feel closeness to Father, feel balanced self-respect, feed the body and
mind.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 16pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 16pt">Sometimes the mundane must be endured so we can reap the
spiritual reward. Let us not be slothful in our striving. Our lesson is short
this evening. I am due elsewhere, but know that I am filled with gratitude for
our relationship with one another. You are a ray of light in this seemingly dark
world. You help to feed my soul and I thank you. Until next time,
shalom.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
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style="FONT-SIZE: 16pt"><o:p> </o:p></SPAN></P></DIV></BODY></HTML>