Changes

November 28, 1993

November 28, 1993

====Opening====

====Opening====

WILL: (Through JoiLin) The love of God surrounds us. The power of God upholds us. The light of God enfolds us. Wherever we go, He is.

WILL: (Through JoiLin) The [[love]] of [[God]] [[surrounds]] us. The [[power]] of God upholds us. The [[light]] of God enfolds us. Wherever we go, He is.

Greetings my students, it is I, your teacher, Will, who loves you. JoiLin did not want to receive my transmissions tonight, however I persevered and she finally stepped out in faith.

Greetings my [[students]], it is I, your teacher, Will, who [[loves]] you. JoiLin did not want to receive my transmissions tonight, however I [[persevered]] and she finally stepped out in [[faith]].

I think I will open the floor for questions at this time.

I think I will open the floor for [[questions]] at this time.

====Dialogue====

====Dialogue====

VINCENT: Will, you've heard us talk about faith and healing and what that might have to do with this group and I would be interested in hearing your thoughts on this.

VINCENT: Will, you've heard us talk about [[faith]] and [[healing]] and what that might have to do with this [[group]] and I would be interested in hearing your [[thoughts]] on this.

WILL: There are certain individuals that may have this ability. This ability would be along the same line as those who are able to receive our transmissions easily. These individuals seem to have this inborn, if you will, in them. This may be something that you or your members may want to pursue in the future. I would think, at this point, the burden of decision would be on your shoulders as a group or as individuals within the group. Is this answer sufficient?

WILL: There are certain [[individuals]] that may have this [[ability]]. This ability would be along the same line as those who are able to [[receive]] our transmissions easily. These [[individuals]] seem to have this inborn, if you will, in them. This may be something that you or your members may want to pursue in the [[future]]. I would think, at this [[point]], the burden of [[decision]] would be on your shoulders as a group or as individuals within the [[group]]. Is this answer sufficient?

VINCENT: Well it is pretty generic actually, I mean, how would you go about knowing if you are one of these people?

VINCENT: Well it is pretty generic actually, I mean, how would you go about [[knowing]] if you are one of these people?

WILL: If someone within the group felt that they have a calling for it, are spiritually drawn to give service in the area of healing, we would find a teacher for that individual to work with. This might be something that an individual would want to address within the setting of a personal session.

WILL: If someone within the group felt that they have [[a calling]] for it, are spiritually drawn to give [[service]] in the area of [[healing]], we would find a teacher for that [[individual]] to work with. This might be something that an individual would want to address within the setting of a [[personal]] session.

(Through Eric) Each of you [[possesses]] the [[power]] to do this and more. We are talking about greater powers than you can presently [[control]]. When you have reached a more [[practiced]] position where you are capable of bringing more constant [[attention]] and [[control]] to your pursuits, then will you be more capable of [[engaging]] in this type of activity. In general, when we above look upon [[mortals]] it is [[analogous]] to you looking upon the face of your [[pets]] because the inconstancy of your [[devotion]] and dedication shifts from [[moment]] to moment up and down the scale from [[adoration]] to hopeful [[anticipation]] to despair and then back up the scale and down and back up and down and back up. You must all learn to rule yourselves more effectively and when you are thus able to [[focus]] yourselves, great things can happen.

(Through Eric) Each of you possesses the power to do this and more. We are talking about greater powers than you can presently control. When you have reached a more practiced position where you are capable of bringing more constant attention and control to your pursuits, then will you be more capable of engaging in this type of activity. In general, when we above look upon mortals it is analogous to you looking upon the face of your pets because the inconstancy of your devotion and dedication shifts from moment to moment up and down the scale from adoration to hopeful anticipation to despair and then back up the scale and down and back up and down and back up. You must all learn to rule yourselves more effectively and when you are thus able to focus yourselves, great things can happen.

Working as a [[group]] and [[focusing]] upon the [[mutual]] [[purpose]], it is possible for you to reinforce each other to the purpose, like, for example, a [[healing]] exercise. However, the results will still be inconstant because, at the present time, you are not capable of controlling the [[forces]] which you unleash. In saying this I do not imply that you are making mistakes, only that you are [[engaging]] in an activity that is somewhat beyond your capability. That is why groups who engage in this activity have names like "[[charismatic]]". They [[focus]] on the [[rapture]] of the forces which they have unleashed through their [[simple]] interest and [[attention]]. But these forces remain beyond their facile [[manipulation]].

Working as a group and focusing upon the mutual purpose, it is possible for you to reinforce each other to the purpose, like, for example, a healing exercise. However, the results will still be inconstant because, at the present time, you are not capable of controlling the forces which you unleash. In saying this I do not imply that you are making mistakes, only that you are engaging in an activity that is somewhat beyond your capability. That is why groups who engage in this activity have names like "charismatic". They focus on the rapture of the forces which they have unleashed through their simple interest and attention. But these forces remain beyond their facile manipulation.

There is [[strength]] in the [[group]]. There is [[safety]] in the group. We say that you may safely [[engage]] in [[healing]] but only as a group. None of you are presently ready to hold yourselves out as healers. Celestial [[contact personalities]] have learned from [[experience]] that the [[answers]] to [[questions]] such as these are [[accurate]] only within the particular set of circumstances from which the question is asked. Because of human inconstancy the answer "yes" today will be "no" tomorrow. We do not [[change]], but you change, faster than the [[weather]]. Therefore we are unlikely to say that this person is a [[healer]] and that person is not, but the group can bring singleness of [[purpose]]. The group, cohesively united and applying its attention, can cause things to happen. These things are still beyond your [[control]]. But by, as a group, [[focusing]] your attention on a single [[purpose]], you allow us to take [[control]] for a moment and cause things to happen. You are not in control. This is presently beyond you. Now, the real [[question]]. Can you help each other? Keeping in [[mind]] all that I have said, the short answer is yes. But it will not be a [[casual]] [[event]] and you will not have [[uniform]] success and you will be skating on thin ice to portray yourselves as having this ability to others not members of this group. Does that answer?

There is strength in the group. There is safety in the group. We say that you may safely engage in healing but only as a group. None of you are presently ready to hold yourselves out as healers. Celestial contact personalities have learned from experience that the answers to questions such as these are accurate only within the particular set of circumstances from which the question is asked. Because of human inconstancy the answer "yes" today will be "no" tomorrow. We do not change, but you change, faster than the weather. Therefore we are unlikely to say that this person is a healer and that person is not, but the group can bring singleness of purpose. The group, cohesively united and applying its attention, can cause things to happen. These things are still beyond your control. But by, as a group, focusing your attention on a single purpose, you allow us to take control for a moment and cause things to happen. You are not in control. This is presently beyond you. Now, the real question. Can you help each other? Keeping in mind all that I have said, the short answer is yes. But it will not be a casual event and you will not have uniform success and you will be skating on thin ice to portray yourselves as having this ability to others not members of this group. Does that answer?

VINCENT: I [[believe]] so.

VINCENT: I believe so.

JUDI: Will, about a year ago we had a couple of series on [[stillness]] which I personally enjoyed and in which we [[focused]] on one particular [[topic]]. Do you foresee another time in the near [[future]] where we focus on a particular topic and [[explore]] it in more depth?

WILL: By your question, if I take your [[meaning]] at face value, I understand you to say that you do not presently detect a theme in our meetings from week to week. This is somewhat of a [[disappointment]] to me. [[[laughter]]]

 

WILL: By your question, if I take your meaning at face value, I understand you to say that you do not presently detect a theme in our meetings from week to week. This is somewhat of a disappointment to me. [laughter]

JUDI: I only speak for myself. [additional laughter]

JUDI: I only speak for myself. [additional laughter]

WILL: I had thought we were doing rather well in that regard. Perhaps we are too subtle sometimes. Our discussions and interchanges, as you know, evolve with the complections of the group. Because we are in the correcting time, it is a necessary function for us on a regular basis to engage in didactic instruction and set out, in some detail, those topics we think are of most application to most members. Short answer, yes. Next question.

WILL: I had thought we were doing rather well in that regard. Perhaps we are too [[subtle]] sometimes. Our [[discussions]] and interchanges, as you know, evolve with the complexions of the group. Because we are in the [[correcting time]], it is a [[necessary]] [[function]] for us on a regular basis to [[engage]] in [[didactic]] instruction and set out, in some detail, those [[topics]] we think are of most application to most members. Short answer, yes. Next question.

 

HELEN: Will, we have talked about saying to persons, "I'm praying for you" and different reactions to that phrase. Can you tell me something of the appropriateness, or how you relate to someone that you care about and whom you would like to be involved in what is happening to them?

HELEN: Will, we have talked about saying to persons, "I'm praying for you" and different reactions to that phrase. Can you tell me something of the appropriateness, or how you relate to someone that you care about and whom you would like to be involved in what is happening to them?

WILL: You are not responsible for how people react to the words that you say to them. You are not responsible for the feelings which your intentions evoke within them. You are not responsible for the transgressions and excesses of their past history with which they have freely indulged themselves or which they have been subjected to by outside forces. What you are responsible for is to measure your words carefully with careful solicitude for the feelings and most likely [tape turns] To rephrase, [What you are responsible for] are the predictable feelings and obvious predictable reactions to persons with whom you are engaged particularly where you possess special knowledge of their sensitivities. Where most people run afoul in their relationships with others is when they adopt a stylistic approach and set of vocabulary which they intend to uniformly apply to all persons without proper regard for the individuality of the people with whom they are speaking. Plain language is usually good enough. It is irksome to many, offensive to a few, when well meaning truly religious people adopt a vocabulary and a manner of speaking to others which seems to imply that they possess some holy knowledge, some special spiritual favor which then becomes a barrier between people. If it is sufficient to say that you care for another person, what profit is there in aggravating them and invoking deep seated prejudices by portraying your concern for them as a religious expression? Your responsibility to yourselves and your demonstration of the Father's love is fully discharged by the simplest and most efficient expression of humanity and loving concern. Plain speech is best. Does that answer?

WILL: You are not [[responsible]] for how people [[react]] to the [[words]] that you say to them. You are not responsible for the [[feelings]] which your [[intentions]] evoke within them. You are not responsible for the transgressions and excesses of their [[past]] history with which they have freely indulged themselves or which they have been subjected to by outside [[forces]]. What you are [[responsible]] for is to measure your [[words]] carefully with careful solicitude for the [[feelings]] and most likely [tape turns] To rephrase, [What you are responsible for] are the predictable feelings and obvious predictable reactions to persons with whom you are engaged particularly where you possess special knowledge of their [[sensitivities]]. Where most people run afoul in their relationships with others is when they adopt a stylistic approach and set of [[vocabulary]] which they intend to [[uniformly]] apply to all [[persons]] without proper regard for the [[individuality]] of the people with whom they are speaking. Plain language is usually [[good]] enough. It is irksome to many, [[offensive]] to a few, when well meaning truly [[religious]] people adopt a vocabulary and a [[manner]] of speaking to others which seems to imply that they possess some [[holy]] [[knowledge]], some special spiritual [[favor]] which then becomes a [[barrier]] between people. If it is sufficient to say that you care for another person, what profit is there in aggravating them and invoking deep seated [[prejudices]] by portraying your concern for them as a religious [[expression]]? Your [[responsibility]] to yourselves and your [[demonstration]] of the Father's [[love]] is fully discharged by the [[simplest]] and most [[efficient]] [[expression]] of humanity and loving concern. Plain speech is best. Does that answer?

HELEN: Yes.

HELEN: Yes.

LOREN: Will, at Thanksgiving dinner last Thursday at my son's house I sensed a presence. Was it you?

WILL: I am present in that time. I am not [[alone]]. We are [[blessed]] with a stream of [[visitors]] who pass through this program as [[observers]] and occasional participants in their individualized [[training]] as teachers and [[guides]] for their own present and [[future]] assignments, not limited to [[service]] on [[Urantia|this sphere]]. I do not mean this to sound harsh, but we are not limited in movement in a way you understand. When you ask if we are here or we were there, your question is meaningful in [[human]] terms but is not quite so meaningful in our terms for, among us, to attend means to go. To attend to a concern means to be there. And so if you were to watch us with human eyes, I think the word that you would use is "flit about" from one thing to another. It is [[necessary]] for us to divide our [[attention]], therefore must we be in many places but we cannot be in all of those places at the [[same time]]. We cannot be even in two places at the same time. We must go back and forth. So the short answer to your [[question]] is, yes. But not like you [[think]] for we are there one moment and in the next moment we are somewhere else and we will return. That is how we must apply ourselves. Even when you should see some one of us that you feel you can recognize and identify, our comings and goings are so [[spontaneous]] and so fast that within your [[vision]] you do not detect our coming and going. We have already been and returned without you being alert to what has [[transpired]]. I mean this as an instruction to you and not in a [[criticism]] in any way. I [[hope]] that the [[knowledge]] will be useful to you. Next question.

JUDI: How do you sense that a [[mortal]] has a concern that needs [[attention]]?

 

JUDI: How do you sense that a mortal has a concern that needs attention?

WILL: Do you wish me to answer in the framework of how a mortal senses such or how we sense such?

WILL: Do you wish me to answer in the framework of how a mortal senses such or how we sense such?

JUDI: How you sense. You mentioned before in your answer to Loren that you attend to a concern. I was wondering how you knew about the concerns that needed attention.

JUDI: How you sense. You mentioned before in your answer to Loren that you attend to a concern. I was wondering how you knew about the concerns that needed [[attention]].

WILL: In my answer I used the word "concern" in an antique fashion, perhaps not applicable in your modern day vernacular. I meant in an event or a duty. However your question is valid and raises a good point. You are mortals, we are eternals, most of us. Even among those of us who are not yet eternals, our time line is tremendously different from yours. When I earlier this evening described the shifting emotions and shifting attention which is typical of humans, I failed to point out that because of our peculiar time line in relation to yours, it is glaringly obvious to us matters to which you return time and again. You may think that you have but a single thought on a matter, but it is not so. Your minds produce a broth of impulses loosely and usually disorganized. Those impulses which coalesce, you recognize as thought. In your minds there is only room for one thought at a time. That is the nature of a temporal being. Our minds function in a similar fashion. But our time line is different. From our perspective we see you returning to the same impulse again and again and again and again. You generally are not aware of the return. You generally are aware of the thought only from time to time. For us it is like reading a newspaper. This does not mean that we read your minds or that we manipulate your thoughts or even that we discuss your propensities or your character. It only means that we have a fairly sturdy readout of those things which are uppermost in your attentions whether or not you are conscious of the same. Does that answer?

WILL: In my answer I used the word "concern" in an antique fashion, perhaps not applicable in your [[modern]] day [[vernacular]]. I meant in an [[event]] or a [[duty]]. However your question is valid and raises a good [[point]]. You are [[mortals]], we are eternals, most of us. Even among those of us who are not yet eternals, our time line is tremendously [[different]] from yours. When I earlier this evening described the shifting [[emotions]] and shifting [[attention]] which is typical of humans, I failed to point out that because of our peculiar time line in relation to yours, it is glaringly obvious to us matters to which you return time and again. You may think that you have but a single [[thought]] on a matter, but it is not so. Your minds produce a broth of [[impulses]] loosely and usually disorganized. Those impulses which [[coalesce]], you recognize as [[thought]]. In your minds there is only room for one [[thought]] at a time. That is the [[nature]] of a [[temporal]] being. Our minds [[function]] in a similar fashion. But our time line is different. From our [[perspective]] we see you returning to the same [[impulse]] again and again and again and again. You generally are not [[aware]] of the return. You generally are aware of the [[thought]] only from time to time. For us it is like reading a newspaper. This does not mean that we [[read]] your [[minds]] or that we [[manipulate]] your [[thoughts]] or even that we discuss your propensities or your [[character]]. It only means that we have a fairly sturdy readout of those things which are uppermost in your [[attentions]] whether or not you are [[conscious]] of the same. Does that answer?

JUDI: Yes and I appreciate the explanation. Thank you.

JUDI: Yes and I [[appreciate]] the [[explanation]]. Thank you.

HELEN: Typically, Will, an [[answer]] stirs more [[questions]] than it should probably, but the "broth of [[impulses]]" from which a [[thought]] is formed. I really can't quite [[comprehend]] the local, the [[impetus]]; what determines the [[color]], if you will, of this broth? Where do we stand in what these [[impulses]] are? Do we have any kind of [[control]]? When these thoughts are [[formulating]] I know we can [[discern]] whether it is a profitable or a nonprofitable thought and file it appropriately, but do we have the ability as these thoughts are forming to [[block]], maybe, some thoughts or is that not advisable? That is kind of a jumbled [[question]].

HELEN: Typically, Will, an answer stirs more questions than it should probably, but the "broth of impulses" from which a thought is formed. I really can't quite comprehend the local, the impetus; what determines the color, if you will, of this broth? Where do we stand in what these impulses are? Do we have any kind of control? When these thoughts are formulating I know we can discern whether it is a profitable or a nonprofitable thought and file it appropriately, but do we have the ability as these thoughts are forming to block, maybe, some thoughts or is that not advisable? That is kind of a jumbled question.

WILL: This will be a difficult question to answer in a fashion that might be instructive. In your lives, today is greater than yesterday. Yesterday is greater than the day before. Notwithstanding that, certain [[events]] are so [[pivotal]] in your lives that their [[resonance]] continues practically forever. Take that [[existential]] [[experience]] and have it inhabit a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simian simian] animal mind primarily concerned with search for [[food]], search for [[mates]], [[hierarchy]] and battle [[conquest]]. There's the rough scheme for production of "broth". If we limited the review of human [[thought]] process to only those [[factors]], I think we would all see that we had very [[fertile]] ground for producing shifting and inconsistent [[impulses]] which occasionally [[coalesce]] in the form of [[thought]].

WILL: This will be a difficult question to answer in a fashion that might be instructive. In your lives, today is greater than yesterday. Yesterday is greater than the day before. Notwithstanding that, certain events are so pivotal in your lives that their resonance continues practically forever. Take that existential experience and have it inhabit a simian animal mind primarily concerned with search for food, search for mates, hierarchy and battle conquest. There's the rough scheme for production of "broth". If we limited the review of human thought process to only those factors, I think we would all see that we had very fertile ground for producing shifting and inconsistent impulses which occasionally coalesce in the form of thought.

One more question. [pause] Well then, there is no better [[dedication]], no better example of the wavering dedication to this kind of pursuit than JoiLin's attempt to assert on my behalf tonight she [[boldly]] stepped out but then wavered and retreated and [[worried]] and [[self]] [[examined]]. And all for naught. She has spent minutes worrying about her own [[performance]] and, yet, I [[love]] her for her boldness and willingness to [[initiate]] this transmission even when she suspected that she was not fully ready. While Eric sat here tonight turning his own [[thoughts]] over with a spade, JoiLin was ready even when she was not ready. We admire her for this.

One more question. [pause] Well then, there is no better dedication, no better example of the wavering dedication to this kind of pursuit than JoiLin's attempt to assert on my behalf tonight she boldly stepped out but then wavered and retreated and worried and self examined. And all for naught. She has spent minutes worrying about her own performance and, yet, I love her for her boldness and willingness to initiate this transmission even when she suspected that she was not fully ready. While Eric sat here tonight turning his own thoughts over with a spade, JoiLin was ready even when she was not ready. We admire her for this.

But it does serve as a good [[example]] how [[difficult]] it is for the human mind to stay locked on anything even for a few [[moments]]. No one need be [[embarrassed]] by [[events]] such as these. It is part of being a [[human]]. Regular [[stillness]] [[practice]] will temper your minds, subdue your [[animal]] [[impulses]], cause you to turn your eyes upward to [[the Father]]'s [[path]] and help you to walk in the [[light]]. Therefore we recommend it to you. That is all I have to say.

But it does serve as a good example how difficult it is for the human mind to stay locked on anything even for a few moments. No one need be embarrassed by events such as these. It is part of being a human. Regular stillness practice will temper your minds, subdue your animal impulses, cause you to turn your eyes upward to the Father's path and help you to walk in the light. Therefore we recommend it to you. That is all I have to say.

[[Shalom]].

===Session 7===

===Session 7===

December 5, 1993

December 5, 1993