Changes

==Session==

==Session==

===Opening===

===Opening===

*Music: Elena on Piano playing "[http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/b/t/btcjesus.htm Beneath the Cross of Jesus]"

*Music: Elena on Piano playing "[https://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/b/t/btcjesus.htm Beneath the Cross of Jesus]"

*Prayer: (Matthew) Let us place ourselves in the [[presence]] of Jesus, the Christ.

*Prayer: (Matthew) Let us place ourselves in the [[presence]] of Jesus, the Christ.

TOMAS: Gracious group of [[listeners]], it is I, your teacher, Tomas, glad again to be among you and part of you, in this [[relationship]] we [[share]] and which we are enlarging as we continue to gather in this way, in order to [[become]] more than you were and to exalt that which is [[the Source]] of our [[being]].

TOMAS: Gracious group of [[listeners]], it is I, your teacher, Tomas, glad again to be among you and part of you, in this [[relationship]] we [[share]] and which we are enlarging as we continue to gather in this way, in order to [[become]] more than you were and to exalt that which is [[the Source]] of our [[being]].

We are [[touched]] by your concerns for the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iraqi_War world condition] and understand your chagrin in light of your [[aspirations]] for [[humanity]]. In your chat before our session, as always, we took note, and I bring to your [[attention]] the fact of those of you who [[protested]] the war have been dubbed a '[[focus]] group.' Well, yes, you needn't [[argue]] with that. [[Jesus]] and his [[apostles]] were a focus group also, and we see the effects of their teachings among you today.

We are [[touched]] by your concerns for the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iraqi_War world condition] and understand your chagrin in light of your [[aspirations]] for [[humanity]]. In your chat before our session, as always, we took note, and I bring to your [[attention]] the fact of those of you who [[protested]] the war have been dubbed a '[[focus]] group.' Well, yes, you needn't [[argue]] with that. [[Jesus]] and his [[apostles]] were a focus group also, and we see the effects of their teachings among you today.

Lest we be [[short-sighted]], remember too, that [[Machiventa]] and [[Abraham]] were focal points at one time in your [[Part 3|global history]], and the effects of their lives upon [[your planet]] also impact the greater [[consciousness]] of Urantia. Those of you who are in line to foster this [[New Age]] in which we walk, and who realize a degree of [[Light and Life]], are a [[focal point]] for that [[value]]. Thus we are [[representative]] of the [[goal]],… and that which is the prevalent [[reality]] is the current and unfortunate [[paradigm]].

Lest we be [[short-sighted]], remember too, that [[Machiventa]] and [[Abraham]] were focal points at one time in your [[Part 3|global history]], and the effects of their lives upon [[your planet]] also impact the greater [[consciousness]] of Urantia. Those of you who are in line to foster this [[New Age]] in which we walk, and who realize a degree of [[Light and Life]], are a [[focal point]] for that [[value]]. Thus we are [[representative]] of the [[goal]],… and that which is the prevalent [[reality]] is the current and unfortunate [[paradigm]].

The Master Teacher will prevail with each of these [[individuals]], regardless of their political persuasion, or the role they play, in the [[unfolding]] of the paradigm.

The Master Teacher will prevail with each of these [[individuals]], regardless of their political persuasion, or the role they play, in the [[unfolding]] of the paradigm.

I, however, will amuse you. For it has been pointed out that in this past week, while so many are [[focused]] on the global concerns, the broadcasts of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jackson Michael Jackson] were a point of interest for so many [[individuals]], proving that there is a need for diversion. I will thus be your diversion. I will [[encourage]] your diversion from this oppressive atmosphere of war and [[violence]]. For whatever reason, for whatever [[purpose]], and to whatever end, it is a far cry from the Elevated and Ennobled state of [[Light and Life]] that we [[aspire]] for - these [[attitudes]] which are appropriate for children.

I, however, will amuse you. For it has been pointed out that in this past week, while so many are [[focused]] on the global concerns, the broadcasts of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jackson Michael Jackson] were a point of interest for so many [[individuals]], proving that there is a need for diversion. I will thus be your diversion. I will [[encourage]] your diversion from this oppressive atmosphere of war and [[violence]]. For whatever reason, for whatever [[purpose]], and to whatever end, it is a far cry from the Elevated and Ennobled state of [[Light and Life]] that we [[aspire]] for - these [[attitudes]] which are appropriate for children.

[[Children]] should not be [[exposed]] to violence like this. So those of you who are children at [[heart]], come along, and Tomas will tell you [[stories]], Miriam will fluff up the pillows and let in the fresh air, the [[Artisans]] will [[encourage]] you to be [[creative]], to color pictures that depict Ideal [[Values]] for which we can reach.

[[Children]] should not be [[exposed]] to violence like this. So those of you who are children at [[heart]], come along, and Tomas will tell you [[stories]], Miriam will fluff up the pillows and let in the fresh air, the [[Artisans]] will [[encourage]] you to be [[creative]], to color pictures that depict Ideal [[Values]] for which we can reach.

TOMAS: Then you should have no trouble [[expressing]] your [[enthusiasm]] and the [[contagiousness]] of your exuberance ought to spill out and impact others to think accordingly. As long as you believe in what you're doing and can see certain results, not necessarily gigantic [[support]] but even some support, you will feel you are succeeding. Keep your [[expectations]] within reason or you will set yourself up for [[failure]] and [[disappointment]]. To the extent that you believe in the project, convey that to others. As they respond to you in kind, take heart from their response.

TOMAS: Then you should have no trouble [[expressing]] your [[enthusiasm]] and the [[contagiousness]] of your exuberance ought to spill out and impact others to think accordingly. As long as you believe in what you're doing and can see certain results, not necessarily gigantic [[support]] but even some support, you will feel you are succeeding. Keep your [[expectations]] within reason or you will set yourself up for [[failure]] and [[disappointment]]. To the extent that you believe in the project, convey that to others. As they respond to you in kind, take heart from their response.

It is a [[transitional]] situation. It is growing and, therefor, must be malleable and open to [[adaptation]]. Let not the naysayers overwhelm you nor the grumblers [[discourage]] you. You have a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pollyanna Pollyanna] [[attitude]], an '[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Unsinkable_Molly_Brown_%28musical%29 Unsinkable Molly Brown]' approach to much of your life. I have every [[confidence]] that you will be able to drum up the necessary [[energy]] that will keep your boat afloat.

It is a [[transitional]] situation. It is growing and, therefor, must be malleable and open to [[adaptation]]. Let not the naysayers overwhelm you nor the grumblers [[discourage]] you. You have a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pollyanna Pollyanna] [[attitude]], an '[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Unsinkable_Molly_Brown_%28musical%29 Unsinkable Molly Brown]' approach to much of your life. I have every [[confidence]] that you will be able to drum up the necessary [[energy]] that will keep your boat afloat.

Elena: Thanks, Tomas

Elena: Thanks, Tomas

Paula: Well I've been [[thinking]] a lot about the [[war]] situation again, and I've been thinking very seriously about sending [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Bush_Jr. Bush] a letter and telling him how I don't want to see war start. I have four grandsons - all in the age group that would go (to war) - one of them has a little boy, 3 ½, and I don't want to see them go to war and perhaps get killed. What he ought to do (Bush) is to get some of the smartest [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deadeye_Dick Dead-Eye Dick] spies that we've got and dress up in those robes they wear, and get close enough to that they can kill [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saddam_Hussein Saddam].

Paula: Well I've been [[thinking]] a lot about the [[war]] situation again, and I've been thinking very seriously about sending [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Bush_Jr. Bush] a letter and telling him how I don't want to see war start. I have four grandsons - all in the age group that would go (to war) - one of them has a little boy, 3 ½, and I don't want to see them go to war and perhaps get killed. What he ought to do (Bush) is to get some of the smartest [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deadeye_Dick Dead-Eye Dick] spies that we've got and dress up in those robes they wear, and get close enough to that they can kill [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saddam_Hussein Saddam].

Because once they lose their leader they'll become all [[confused]] and discombobulated and maybe that would stop things, because then they'd be too [[scared]] to get started on anything knowing that the [[United States]] is pretty strong and they'd probably get whooped to nothing. Don't ya think that'd be a pretty good idea to get him (Saddam) good and dead?

Because once they lose their leader they'll become all [[confused]] and discombobulated and maybe that would stop things, because then they'd be too [[scared]] to get started on anything knowing that the [[United States]] is pretty strong and they'd probably get whooped to nothing. Don't ya think that'd be a pretty good idea to get him (Saddam) good and dead?

Elena: I'm glad that you asked that question. I really am because I'm glad to hear what Tomas has to say about it … because a lot people say that we wouldn't have the [[problem]] now if we had 'finished the job' back then, the first time. Lots of people think that if we'd killed Hussein then it would have solved the problem and I'm really glad to hear how Tomas looked upon that [[idea]]. That really helps.

Elena: I'm glad that you asked that question. I really am because I'm glad to hear what Tomas has to say about it … because a lot people say that we wouldn't have the [[problem]] now if we had 'finished the job' back then, the first time. Lots of people think that if we'd killed Hussein then it would have solved the problem and I'm really glad to hear how Tomas looked upon that [[idea]]. That really helps.

Esmarelda: I was watching [http://www.c-span.org/Journal/ Washington Journal] one morning, early, and this lady called in and her wish was that George W. Bush and the whole Bush family be wiped off the face of the earth! So I guess we all have our different wishes.

Esmarelda: I was watching [https://www.c-span.org/Journal/ Washington Journal] one morning, early, and this lady called in and her wish was that George W. Bush and the whole Bush family be wiped off the face of the earth! So I guess we all have our different wishes.

Thoroah: It shows you how ridiculous it is to [[wish]] someone was wiped off the face of the earth.

Thoroah: It shows you how ridiculous it is to [[wish]] someone was wiped off the face of the earth.

This is why the email, Matthew, has merit. [[Prayer]] has Real Power and Illusion does not. It's not [[necessary]] for people who genuinely pray to take up arms. Their Power is [[inherent]] in their [[Faith]] . .. Living Faith. The adage is true that '[[love]] is more [[contagious]] than [[hate]].' It is augmented by the [[fact]] that Prayer has True Power and [[politics]] is an Illusion of Power.

This is why the email, Matthew, has merit. [[Prayer]] has Real Power and Illusion does not. It's not [[necessary]] for people who genuinely pray to take up arms. Their Power is [[inherent]] in their [[Faith]] . .. Living Faith. The adage is true that '[[love]] is more [[contagious]] than [[hate]].' It is augmented by the [[fact]] that Prayer has True Power and [[politics]] is an Illusion of Power.

Even though all of you play politics and all of you subscribe to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_theory political theories], in part, or whole, because of you being residents of this world, you must also realize that [[Spiritual]] Reality is Greater Reality than political reality. And that is why we call upon you to call upon your [[Spiritual Nature]] to direct your [[energies]] in this situation.

Even though all of you play politics and all of you subscribe to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_theory political theories], in part, or whole, because of you being residents of this world, you must also realize that [[Spiritual]] Reality is Greater Reality than political reality. And that is why we call upon you to call upon your [[Spiritual Nature]] to direct your [[energies]] in this situation.

Politically speaking, write letters, yes. Make phone calls. Picket on whatever [[platform]] you choose. But Spiritually speaking, set-aside all those considerations in favor of the [[philosophy]] of the [[Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of man]]. The world is your [[home]]. It is the home of all peoples. All people are [[citizens]] of this world, this globe. All the [[children]] should have enough to eat. All the [[water]] ought to be potable. All the fields should be fertile. And all the temples should be patronized by all people.

Politically speaking, write letters, yes. Make phone calls. Picket on whatever [[platform]] you choose. But Spiritually speaking, set-aside all those considerations in favor of the [[philosophy]] of the [[Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of man]]. The world is your [[home]]. It is the home of all peoples. All people are [[citizens]] of this world, this globe. All the [[children]] should have enough to eat. All the [[water]] ought to be potable. All the fields should be fertile. And all the temples should be patronized by all people.

Lift up your eyes from this place beneath [[the cross]] of Jesus and find yourself risen, along side him. Having found your way out of that [[tomb]] that [[fear]] would love to see you [[buried]] in, alive. 'Be of good cheer,' is not a simple [[salutation]].

Lift up your eyes from this place beneath [[the cross]] of Jesus and find yourself risen, along side him. Having found your way out of that [[tomb]] that [[fear]] would love to see you [[buried]] in, alive. 'Be of good cheer,' is not a simple [[salutation]].

Matthew: I have a question about, what sounded like, in your lesson, Tomas, about those who took part in the anti-war [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protests_against_the_Iraq_War demonstrations last week] made themselves '[[focal point]]s.' It sounds like I'm fearful but I'm just partly playing with the [[idea]]. I was watching the news that evening and saw myself on the very last clip of the News coverage of the Santa Fe demonstration. So I'm just wondering if those cameras are keen enough to know who I am and where I live. What did you mean by 'focal point?' I guess I missed the point.

Matthew: I have a question about, what sounded like, in your lesson, Tomas, about those who took part in the anti-war [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protests_against_the_Iraq_War demonstrations last week] made themselves '[[focal point]]s.' It sounds like I'm fearful but I'm just partly playing with the [[idea]]. I was watching the news that evening and saw myself on the very last clip of the News coverage of the Santa Fe demonstration. So I'm just wondering if those cameras are keen enough to know who I am and where I live. What did you mean by 'focal point?' I guess I missed the point.

TOMAS: I certainly did not mean to instill [[paranoia]]. I do not like the [[fact]], Matthew, that you would feel as if someone had their sights pointed at you, as if it were an occasion to set you up to be destroyed. If this is your underlying sense of [[self]], we have work to do.

TOMAS: I certainly did not mean to instill [[paranoia]]. I do not like the [[fact]], Matthew, that you would feel as if someone had their sights pointed at you, as if it were an occasion to set you up to be destroyed. If this is your underlying sense of [[self]], we have work to do.

And this is the case, no matter what side you are on -- as a wager of [[war]] or a wager of [[peace]].

And this is the case, no matter what side you are on -- as a wager of [[war]] or a wager of [[peace]].

I [[encourage]] you to step out. To see and be seen. To make your [[presence]] known. To be a [[voice]] in the [[wilderness]]. To rise above the throng. To [[reveal]] yourself and reveal [[the Father]] by your loving activist ways. The Spirit needs supporters. The way of peace needs a [[voice]]. [[Creativity]] requires workers in its field. [[Drama]] needs actors and directors. [[Music]] needs conductors and players. [[Readers]] need [[writers]]. The realm of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberal_Arts Liberal Arts] is hungry for the words and work of those of you who will reinforce the [[Value]] of Life in the face of the down-pull of death.

I [[encourage]] you to step out. To see and be seen. To make your [[presence]] known. To be a [[voice]] in the [[wilderness]]. To rise above the throng. To [[reveal]] yourself and reveal [[the Father]] by your loving activist ways. The Spirit needs supporters. The way of peace needs a [[voice]]. [[Creativity]] requires workers in its field. [[Drama]] needs actors and directors. [[Music]] needs conductors and players. [[Readers]] need [[writers]]. The realm of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberal_Arts Liberal Arts] is hungry for the words and work of those of you who will reinforce the [[Value]] of Life in the face of the down-pull of death.

When you band together in [[support]] of one another in what you do, you do create a '[[focal point]].' A bigger 'focal point' than each of you individually. And this is how it is that millions of people, the world over, without "[[leadership]]" are able to make such a [[statement]]. Know that you are a part of that part of [[humanity]] that seeks to live in Peace and seeks to raise its [[children]] and its grandchildren and seeks to raise its crops and seeks to [[learn]] and dance and work and [[sleep]] and play and live, for whatever [[purpose]] Life presents. For Life is Good. Join the side of [[Good]] and speak out on behalf of [[Tbg|Goodness, and Truth and Beauty]]. However you see it. And do it fearlessly.

When you band together in [[support]] of one another in what you do, you do create a '[[focal point]].' A bigger 'focal point' than each of you individually. And this is how it is that millions of people, the world over, without "[[leadership]]" are able to make such a [[statement]]. Know that you are a part of that part of [[humanity]] that seeks to live in Peace and seeks to raise its [[children]] and its grandchildren and seeks to raise its crops and seeks to [[learn]] and dance and work and [[sleep]] and play and live, for whatever [[purpose]] Life presents. For Life is Good. Join the side of [[Good]] and speak out on behalf of [[Tbg|Goodness, and Truth and Beauty]]. However you see it. And do it fearlessly.

What does it matter if you get "picked off" if you are doing what you are doing with complete and total [[commitment]] to its [[Value]]? Now that might sound like the cry of the [[infidel]] or the heathen, but [[Passion]] is a part of Life's experience. Either LIVE it or go [[home]] quietly to pursue the [[dreams]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Mitty Walter Mitty]. The [[choice]] is yours.

What does it matter if you get "picked off" if you are doing what you are doing with complete and total [[commitment]] to its [[Value]]? Now that might sound like the cry of the [[infidel]] or the heathen, but [[Passion]] is a part of Life's experience. Either LIVE it or go [[home]] quietly to pursue the [[dreams]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Mitty Walter Mitty]. The [[choice]] is yours.

Paula: Well, my so-called [[soul]] doesn't want to see my four grandsons picked off and killed before they've had a [[chance]] to live their lives. It'd be so much better to see have that [[evil]] man destroyed anyway we can do it, and then maybe, without his [[leadership]] there won't be anymore. I hope.

Paula: Well, my so-called [[soul]] doesn't want to see my four grandsons picked off and killed before they've had a [[chance]] to live their lives. It'd be so much better to see have that [[evil]] man destroyed anyway we can do it, and then maybe, without his [[leadership]] there won't be anymore. I hope.