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<DIV>
<P style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal
align=center><FONT size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma">Michael--</SPAN><st1:date Month="6" Day="28"
Year="2010"><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma">June 28,
2010</SPAN></st1:date><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma">Marin TM Group--Mill Valley,
</SPAN><st1:State><st1:place><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma">California</SPAN></st1:place></st1:State><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma">--</SPAN><st1:country-region><st1:place><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma">U.S.A.</SPAN></st1:place></st1:country-region><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT
size=3>MICHAEL--T/R-JL<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>(The flowering of
individuality)<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>(Transparency and independence)
<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>(The spiritual side of social
change)<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>(The strength and power of love)
<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>(Turning points in planetary evolution)
<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>(Inner and outer life)<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>(Overt and covert)
<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>(Hollow materialism without direct
personal investment)<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>(The necessity for
effort)<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>Dear Michael and Mother Spirit,<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>As we gather together
tonight with each other and the two of you, we want to thank you for your
orientation all these many lessons with us. <SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We take your point that in a very real
way we are several decades now into an enormous Renaissance of information and,
closely allied to that, an equally enormous wealth of material possessions.
<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Those of us who are more than a few
decades old can remember back when a very proud home could boast a set of
Encyclopedia Britannica. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Now we can
go online, type in a word, and get a thousand references in a hundredth of a
second.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Equally we have this huge
accumulation of material wealth as we’ve been surfing on an enormous wave of
technology, cheap energy and credit. <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>So while that’s the exterior trappings
of our lives in this modern world, we treasure how you’ve teased and encouraged
us all along to have a rich inner life.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>We’ve appreciated all the chapters in your Handbook On Being Human and
all the ways you’ve introduced us to ourselves.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>You’ve helped us make our inner lives at
least one orientation. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We can be
still inside, not only in our meditations but also in all the precious moments
all through the day, still enough to feel what’s happening inside. <SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We can unplug from our electronic
media long enough to listen to our own thoughts and let ourselves wonder about
the true mysteries surrounding us. <SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>You’ve encouraged us to have the courage
to question our own beliefs, and to accept responsibility for our own spiritual
creativity and our attitude towards things that changes those very things so
greatly.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>So for all of this inner
life, and your company, you’ve helped orient us toward, we are truly
thankful.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Amen. <SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>MICHAEL:<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Good evening, my sons, this is Michael.
<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I thank you for your appreciation
of our efforts. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Mother Spirit and I
are tickled to see the seeds we’ve sown coming into bloom for, yes indeed, this
is what your tired old world needs.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>These are the fresh, flowering new shoots and sprouts coming up within
you that we’ve so longed to see. <SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Every generation that comes along needs
this tuning into itself and not only treasuring and carrying on the traditions
in which they were raised, but questioning those very things so that they have
their own, up-to-date generational wisdom that, hopefully, carries everyone’s
treasure of truth just one step further along than their
parents.’<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>(The flowering of
individuality)<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>Our last lesson was on this flowering
of individuality in more modern times.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>Thanks in large part to economic successes, even the excesses you
mentioned in your introduction, greater numbers of people can have such
fantastically individual lives.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>This is due to the specialization that quickly evolved in most societies
worldwide, yet, as you point out, it is also true you are in a planetary
Renaissance of information across lines of formerly different viewpoints, now
worldwide. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This is long overdue
when you compare Urantia to those worlds that have been shepherded along by a
loyal Planetary Prince and his staff, and then a loyal Adam and Eve. <SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>You can only imagine worlds where, for
hundreds of thousands of years, there has been a more uniform worldwide culture
being directed by extra-planetary personalities on the surface. <SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Your planet is very unique in that it has
almost all the stages of cultural, economic, and governmental development still
co-existing, from almost the most primitive to the most advanced.
<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>But this Renaissance of information can
be your saving grace. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>As you noted,
you’ve only to think back a few decades where, in your advanced countries, you
had only a few major television stations and the nightly news was pretty
regimented. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Some folks decry the
loss of this innocence, this monolithic culture, as nothing but a fragmentation.
<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>They decry the fact you now have
literally dozens and dozens of television stations representing almost every
political, social, and economic viewpoint.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>Yet that decry is merely nostalgia. <SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It really means that just a few decades
ago there were enormous parts of your society with no voice at all, so now even
a cacophony of voices in much to be preferred.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>(Transparency and independence)
<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>You’re beginning to recognize that the
most critical thing for social and economic freedom is the quality of
transparency--the single most important quality for a truly democratic/republic
form of government. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The people have
to have the ability to discern what’s truly happening, and this can only come
about from a variety of viewpoints being freely expressed. <SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>You recognize this in your legal
confrontations in criminal law, of which your television dramas have so many
examples. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Both the prosecution and
the defense need a vigorous presentation of their viewpoints so
a--hopefully--impartial jury can see both sides of the issue.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>In the same vein, Mother Spirit and I
encourage you to be truly independent irrespective of how you are raised, the
accident of your birth.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Be truly
independent and sample the full spectrum of social, political, and economic
thought. <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>Although this is another way of tuning
into that which is external to you, my children, it is also a good way of
knowing your inside self and what you believe, and why you believe it.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>So try not to be inundated with the
entertainment value of all these viewpoints, but enjoy some time alone to give
yourself time to think, time to reason, time to let the spiritual influences
within you come forth. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Let the
presence of your Father have a say in your mind. <SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Treasure Mother Spirit’s augmentation of
your wisdom and your worship and get a good feeling of where your deepest values
lie. <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>These are very challenging times and
it’s good for your spiritual health, as well as your mental and physical health,
to embrace the challenge.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Use this
time. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>If you are undergoing
hardships, let them teach you. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This
requires an inner strength and determination to stay healthy, or even get more
so. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>If you’re suddenly out of work,
consider the initiative it takes to embrace more physical and mental activities
now that both may be less required than before, rather than wallowing in some
kind of self pity. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This is quite a
challenge. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Mother Spirit and I
acknowledge this. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We know what
we’re asking.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We are your spiritual
parents and our love for our children is that they be healthy and strong, that
they use whatever challenges come their way, to grow and not be crushed. <SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>So yes, my children, in these very
difficult times think about the necessity for change. <SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Think about those periods in your
national life that had to come to an end, the things that could no longer be
afforded, and realize the degree to which your parents, your grandparents, your
great grandparents had to change; how this whole world has been enormously
changing in the last few hundred years.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>They had an Industrial Revolution: now you are having a technological,
electronic/information revolution.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>(The spiritual side of social change)
<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>See if you can see the spiritual side
of social change.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Sometimes a
material challenge like the sudden loss of jobs, or the devaluation of certain
kinds of material wealth, can be the occasion for a general spiritual
renaissance. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Your Urantia book
mentions that with primitive folks back in savage times, they only thought
through things when they were hungry.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>Consider how much this is still true today and hardships are needed to
elevate certain spiritual, almost Morontia/soulful truths. <SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>That which comes easy is so often not
valued. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Then during times of
material hardships--simply compared with what came before--folks start getting
in touch with themselves inside, and begin to share their inner life with their
family and friends.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We see this
happening.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>Folks in the more modern societies can
spend their entire days being entertained and never accept the spiritual
challenge of entertaining themselves and each other. <SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>So, if you will, revive the lost art of
conversation. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This is what I mean
by a spiritual Renaissance.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Forego
some of your more habitual entertainments for a richer inner life, a life of
self reliance. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Demand more and more
of your political/economic leaders. <SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Demand more transparency. <SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Demand to know what’s going on. <SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>You once had a slogan: question
authority--even us. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It’s always a
good beginning.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>Finally, my children, get a sense of
history, your own history--your soul. Where have you been and where are you
headed?<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Where has your own society
been and where does it need to go?<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>Often less than half the folks bother to participate in their democracy,
neglecting to vote because they feel there is no real choice.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Yet the choices are always theirs to
make, their voices to be heard. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We
look forward to a time when everybody gets much more interested and active in
their political/economic life, hopefully before they get too merely
re-actionary. <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>Mother Spirit and I have no fear for
you, my children. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>As we’ve said
before, we can directly perceive the enormous spiritual glow of this planet, and
that comes from every single one of you. <SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We can see your spirit. <SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We can see your souls. <SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We know what you are capable of and so,
accept the fact that for large parts of your society you have been coasting for
a while. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Yet it is by God’s good
grace that eternal life is not all downhill. <SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The struggles and challenges of human
life, though particular to this planet; the essence of these challenges you will
have with you always. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Otherwise, as
Mother Spirit has assured you, eternal life would be hell indeed.
<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>Accept your challenges with a dear love
of God in your heart. Thank Him for them.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>Grow this inner life of yours and be not afraid. <SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>You have such untapped potential for
sharing, for genuine friendliness, for helping each other. <SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It is only sadly ironic that oftentimes
it takes a crisis to bring it out. <SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>So be not afraid. Embrace the challenges
that are laid before you. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Be kind
and good to one another and know that deep spiritual joy of helping another, for
which there is no equal. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This is
God’s gift to you, my children, these economic necessities, these social
responsibilities, this need to advance your civilization--your being truly civil
to one another. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>That’s the
challenge and that’s the joy of it all. <SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This is your potential and this can be
your glory. <SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This is the true
meaning of love, of caring.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>(The strength and power of love)
<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>So feel this, my children.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Feel the strength and the power love
gives you.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>This is my blessing for you this evening: trust in our Father and the way
He has set up life this way--the challenges and the need for love, for us to
rise to each occasion with a thankful heart. <SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>Now if you have any questions or
comments this evening, I open my heart to receive them.
<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>Student:<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It’s good to be back with you, Michael;
it’s been weeks and weeks since I’ve been here.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I do enjoy being with you at times
during the day, and in prayer.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I
feel I’m maintaining OK, but I sense a lot of pessimism around me.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>People feel things are going the
wrong direction and sometimes I’m at a loss as to what to say to help.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Could you give me some words to uplift
in the general way, maybe along the lines of what the lesson was tonight?<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>MICHAEL:<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Yes, my son, I did talk rather generally
tonight, roaming around and touching on a lot of things.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Mother Spirit and I are hopeful for
peoples’ concern and flexibility in adapting, insofar as so many aspects of your
more advanced societies are unsustainable in terms of available energy and
material resources.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>But you are
becoming aware of this fact.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This
brings you face to face with the challenge: what kinds of lives can you evolve
both individually and collectively?<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>(Turning points in planetary evolution)
<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>You were talking before my lesson about
the glut of certain material things your economies have been based upon, for
example, homes and cars.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>What do
you do when faced with more than enough and are stumped on your own surfeit of
these?<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>You have millions of homes
being foreclosed with many being abandoned and rendered unfit, and your used car
lots are choking with millions of perfectly fine vehicles.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Your populations are no longer expanding
at the same rate as before, which was for most of mankind’s history one reason
for such an equal evolution and expansion of better kinds of production.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>But when your populations need to, and
can stabilize with resources; you can imagine this is another great turning
point in planetary evolution.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>Mother Spirit and I have mentioned the
greatest challenge of all--the creation of good work in all human dimensions,
physical, mental, and spiritual.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>Just in terms of ideal health we’ve mentioned how much physical exercise
the human body thrives upon, and how so much of your modern disease is due to
the simple yet profound lack of sufficient physical activity, not only for
bodily strength and flexibility, but also for the feedback from directly
engaging the material world in both work and play.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Yet for mental and spiritual health you
can’t just pay forks to dig holes and fill them back up again.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The challenge goes deeper into evolving
spiritual values.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>So yes, you are facing a truly enormous
challenge because economic necessities will force you to make hard choices in
life-styles.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>But again: this
situation can be the basis for a shift to deeper spiritual values, leading to a
genuine cultural evolution toward spiritual ideals: more truth, more beauty,
more goodness.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>So, my son, I would say: just talk with
folks; reason with them.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Really
listen to their particular situation and point out the spiritual dimensions I
talked about this evening.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This
shift and its attendant concern is already happening, really quite naturally in
terms of basic human creative response to a new and changing situation.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Economic recessions and depressions do
lead to de-valuations of material possessions, and necessitate greater awareness
of the underlying mental assumptions and spiritual values your life choices are
based on.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>(Inner and outer life)<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>This is happening.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The longer people are in an economic
recession the more they are forced to reconsider all aspects of their
lives.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This is not necessarily a
bad thing at all from the standpoint of their overall/comprehensive health as we
see it, especially with regards to their inner life.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>So point this up to your worried friends
and suggest they re-evaluate as much as they can their unconscious habits.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>They can welcome this necessity to bring
more and more of their lives into conscious choice, to recognize and manifest
what we mean by free will dignity.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>There is a way of staying ahead of the
economic necessities of life, but it means you choose before you are forced
to.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It means you think through
things and deepen your insight into the causes of your situation, because your
insight into your reality is what your foresight and plans are based on.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>You have to welcome the mental and
spiritual challenge of having to think maybe three or four times about what you
really need to be healthy and happy.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>So be reassured, my son, and reassure
them in turn, that when your friends feel their values shifting--and for some
this can be very much like an earthquake--this shift of values is in the
spiritual dimension of their human being, so this is where prayer and meditation
can help so greatly in keeping up with the changes.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This is where they can find spiritual
help and suggestions, love and peace.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>So many folks taken unawares, with little highly conscious inner life
before, don’t recognize and welcome this sudden upwelling of primal energy.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>They take it all as fear and
worry, anxiety and health-robbing stress.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>Others live in a rather constant and highly conscious inner awareness of
the provisional nature of their ongoing situation, and are therefore more
attuned to changes.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>This ongoing re-evaluation is the
essence of your spiritual life: being open to another’s trials in this regard is
the essence of true commiseration.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>(Ah!)<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>You share your lives
with each other.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>(Yes)<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It often takes a very humble heart to
acknowledge the enormity of the predicament you--or they--might be in, but this
inner realization is the most critical element in any choice.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Humility is a spiritual blessing, so
help folks see the necessity for the shift from the material to the spiritual
aspects of life, as you live it with each other, as a good thing.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>After all, my son, all this--stuff--even
your physical body, goes.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>What is
growing, and potentially eternal, is your spiritual soul, filling with the
contents of their souls. Be unafraid to let yours show, and tease folks into
realizing they have one too.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This
is the true wealth we are all growing as experiential beings.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>Does this help give you some ideas on
how to share with others?<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>Student, laughing:<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Yes!<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Sure.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It’s great.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I think there’s that, and there’s that
pessimism I mentioned, but you’ve given me a lot of<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>good ideas, and I really appreciate
it--the new way you say these things.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>They make me re-think what I’m doing.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>Let me ask you about some work I’ve
been doing recently in politics.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>My
associates and I have coined the term “deep politics” to include a deepening
spirituality.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It’s not the
superficial or run-of-the-mill kind of thing, but trying to get underneath these
into the dimension of covert causes and powers.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>What we seem to find is that there is a
vast hidden dimension; and what I believe is happening is: our civilization is
divided into the overt, or what is presented as happening, and the covert, which
is what is really happening.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I
wonder if you could give me some guidance in that regard because I just keep
finding there’s more there.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>As it
states in the Urantia book, there are undercurrents of truly
Machiavellian/selfish activity in economic and political, even religious
organizations.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I think it’s a
healthy thing to bring that out, and, like you say, transparency it what it’s
all about.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>So could you give me
some guidance or encouragement for the research I’m
doing?<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>MICHAEL:<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Yes, my son: all power to you!<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Go for it.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This will be your unique take on things,
and I encourage everyone to be truly independent within themselves.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Get a good feeling for your viewpoint
and what you uniquely have to offer from all your researches and investigative
reporting.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Keep in mind that
social/political/economic affairs have always gained power from being hidden to
some extent, right from the tribal stage onward. <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>(Overt and covert)
<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>Today there is universally recognized
the need for dozens and dozens of layers of security surrounding various
military, industrial, financial, national and international secrets.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Hundreds of thousands of years of near
incessant warfare have proven the value of security; surprise is one of the
basic principles of warfare, and the perquisite secrecy has extended into all
aspects of modern life, including your own personal situation and what you call
privacy--nearly absent in primitive associations.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>In all levels of society and government,
in all organizations and institutions you have the overt presentation and the
covert, just-between-us shared secrets--even, and I could say especially,
between friends--confidents.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><FONT size=3><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma">A lot of this is inadvertent and unavoidable.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>So long as you have such an enormously
wide spectrum of education, wealth, class, power, possessions; there are limits
as to how much any individual can put themselves into some else’s shoes and
appreciate their profoundly different life; so there are equally enormous
illusions and assumptions projected across these human divides in both
directions.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>There are unrecognized
social/cultural ironies such as in ancient
</SPAN><st1:country-region><st1:place><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma">Egypt</SPAN></st1:place></st1:country-region><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"> where the average citizen or slave was as much
dependant upon the Pharaoh and his priests as they were upon him.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The degree to which an individual is not
being responsible for all aspects of his or her life means they are giving that
material, mental, or spiritual power to someone else to take care of.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This is the unconscious habituation and
identification/association with an organization that gives the leaders such
unquestioned authority.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The only
way toward more individual freedom is for everyone to withdraw their
unconscious, automatic identifications and start making these associations a
matter of conscious, everyday choice with a growingly independent/individual
mind.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>A further seeming irony is
that this individualization is best accomplished by tuning in to the most
universal reality there is, God’s presence within as well as outside you.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>What you share is your soul, the most
truly individual part of you.<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>Only in a potential way can you say
that the people themselves have all social and political power invested in them,
for this power is only real as it is exercised consciously.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The individual, raised by authority,
must, in order to evolve his or her maturity, decide in full consciousness what
is unconditionally real.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This means
they have to deliberately break the hold that unconscious conditioning has upon
them, dare to be individual, and reexamine organizations and institutions in an
ever new and penetrating light.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>This, I take it, is the helpful light you hope to shine on the
hidden/covert aspect of things.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We
look forward to a more enlightened and actively engaged electorate as the only
way forward toward a greater, responsible freedom shared by
all.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>Student:<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Let’s work on that together.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>MICHAEL:<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Yes.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Be in my peace, my son.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I’ll be right beside you.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Keep your heart and your mind open.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>Student:<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Yes, Michael.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>What you said tonight reminds me of a
story or parable about a man being chased by a tiger, and, coming to a cliff,
climbing down a vine to escape only to discover another tiger below waiting for
him.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Then, as he’s wondering what
to do, a mouse comes out and starts chewing on the vine.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Right before the vine breaks he notices
a big, luscious strawberry at hand.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>And how delicious that strawberry was!<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>So in a sense, all we have in this
moment and what we can make of it.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>I’ve been listening to talks given by
Donna on creating Utopia, and I love the meditations she includes.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We’ve created so many false idols of
materialism and got distracted from our true essence.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>So what is left when you have
nothing?--you know, but your essence?<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>You just have yourself and your relationships; and still all your notions
about God, or Buddha, or Allah continue to color your mind-stream.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>But if we allow ourselves to be still
and just let go our projections that keep us from what is more real, then we can
taste that strawberry.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We can see a
whole new, singular/together world that has always been there beyond the
polarities we get caught up in.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>This is what I’ve been experiencing in
spite of feeling kind-of despondent or melancholy at times, maybe even
despairing when I see so many people so full of fear and lacking in love.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>But I also know that their essence is
the same as mine.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>If I can feel
love and encouragement, so can they.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>I remember hearing a talk on the radio where a lady proposed the idea:
what if we grew up knowing there was nothing wrong with us?--we were all
OK.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We weren’t full of sin, or bad
karma, or anything like that.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We
wouldn’t need so much to feel we are OK.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I think your whole life was all
about that, showing us that there is so much more to being human, so much
creative power that is beneficial to everyone.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>So…<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>(Hollow materialism without direct
personal investment)<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>MICHAEL:<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Yes, my son, I think that strawberry you
mentioned in your parable tonight, plucked--and enjoyed!--right in the middle of
a predicament, is akin to what I mentioned as insight into value, the
spirit-substance that can be gleaned and enjoyed from whatever experience you’re
having.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Also you’ve touched on the
contrast I noted between a rich inner life gained through stillness and an
exclusively outward-oriented one, for that is what a hollow-feeling materialism
is all about.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It’s trying to find
meaning and value in things beyond those in which you’ve directly invested part
of yourself.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>Such an unsatisfied greediness has been with mankind from the very
beginning, the feeling inside of--never enough for real security; never enough
until an Industrial Revolution comes along and there is something called a
steam-powered machine that sits there whirling away making so much stuff for
everyone.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Yet when that becomes the
norm people can still postpone developing their inner life by making it
dependant upon acquiring just one more thing.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It’s a good enough definition of
suffering when, in a downturn or depression, people are suddenly forced to give
up this way of life and reevaluate the very meaning of what they’ve been
accustomed to.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It means they
haven’t been exercising their free will.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>They’ve been going along on the mass-cultural ride and are now being
forced to be individuals and make hard, individual decisions, forced to confront
their own inner creativity, or lack of that.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>So yes, my son, that strawberry is a
rich inner life somewhat independent of whatever predicament you find
yourself.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>You can only sympathize
with those who are being forced to think, forced to re-evaluate.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Introduce to them the notion this is a
spiritual activity now, and has its own inner rewards of self confidence and
personal creativity, its own soul-wealth.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>Remind them it is the other folks in their life that is their true
outward wealth.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Every person they
know and have ever known is another unique creation of God’s, not just another
thing off the assembly line.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>Collectively this does require a
continuing evolution of culture, and this is happening on a worldwide scale as
historically different cultures make ever more intimate contact and
relationship, providing a helpful comparison and contrast with owns own.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It’s part of the recent history of
Urantia, and growing in both breath and depth.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We can see this.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It’s partly why Mother Spirit and I have
so much faith in you.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It’s just
that you each have to earn your faith in yourselves.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>But you can: you are.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>Student:<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Yes, I do feel I am--if I look at it
that way.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The times I feel
despondent or despairing, it’s because I see the possibilities and there’s part
of me that wishes things would hurry up.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>If we need to have all these cataclysms or whatever, let them happen so
we can move on.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>But I realize
that’s not the case; and we’ll have them anyway.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I remember after 9-11 the advice was to
go shopping--buy stuff.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>That’s the
mentality people have been programmed in.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>Don’t feel all the grief, all the fear: go shopping!<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Everything’s OK!--that kind of
thing.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>If people haven’t developed
an inner life before this, then all they feel inside is a big void; and that’s
scary.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Where is my true
identity?<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>I think the answer is that beyond all
the covert stuff B is investigating and writing about, all the hidden
manipulation and taking advantage of people by other people, there is the power
that created all of this--that we can tap into.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>That power of God’s is changeless and
permanent.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>That’s the real
strawberry.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>So: thank
you.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>(The necessity for
effort)<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>MICHAEL:<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It is a challenge to see the positive
aspects of every event.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We point at
this challenge and acknowledge the sheer effort it takes to earn your soul.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We do this so you can feel good in the
effort--the necessity for it.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Does
God feel this effort in His creation?<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>We don’t know, but we do know He feels our effort.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>He has set life up so it does require
effort to appreciate value, but then, on that positive note, my children, by the
very fact you earn your soul, you have it!<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>It is yours.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>You have earned
it with living experience.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This is
definitely the way He set the creation up and created all of us personal beings
to share it with Him.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3>So thank You, Father.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Thank You for the very struggle, the
very effort it takes--physically and mentally and spiritually.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Thank You for the very exhaustion we
experience, for then: Oh!--the glory of the refreshment that does follow.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>And thank You for these dear children of
Mother Spirit’s and mine.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Help them
realize what they are earning.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Help
them feel the priceless souls that are their only true and only necessary
possessions.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Good evening, my
children, my brothers and sisters, my friends.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Be in my peace.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
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style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
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style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Tahoma"><FONT size=3><SPAN
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