Changes

[[Humans]] often ask [[questions]] about what will happen in the [[future]]. Without getting bogged down in [[allegory]], I would like to present this [[picture]], this picture of [[analogy]]. The marvel among [[sexual]] [[reproduction]] among the higher [[species]] relies upon [[soul]] division where one half of the [[necessary]] [[chromosomes]] are maintained and delivered, presented by the [[female]]'s egg to which the [[male]] supplies [[sperm]] containing the other half of the necessary chromosomes. Both sides carry the [[spark]] of life, not yet activated but, upon [[fertilization]], [[events]] begin to unfold.

[[Humans]] often ask [[questions]] about what will happen in the [[future]]. Without getting bogged down in [[allegory]], I would like to present this [[picture]], this picture of [[analogy]]. The marvel among [[sexual]] [[reproduction]] among the higher [[species]] relies upon [[soul]] division where one half of the [[necessary]] [[chromosomes]] are maintained and delivered, presented by the [[female]]'s egg to which the [[male]] supplies [[sperm]] containing the other half of the necessary chromosomes. Both sides carry the [[spark]] of life, not yet activated but, upon [[fertilization]], [[events]] begin to unfold.

We can [[analogize]] this [[event]] to the joining of the [[material]] and the [[spiritual]] within a single human [[personality]]. Both the human and the spiritual, the material and the spiritual, have their own independent [[vigor]], but standing [[alone]] do not yet exhibit the [[spark]] of eternal life. Yet, even upon joining, things are not at [[rest]] for long, for the initial complete [[cell]], the original cell, immediately reproduces itself through [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cell_division cell division] and becomes two, which then divide and become four, which then divide and become sixteen, which then divide and become ninety six and so on until, from an exterior view, what was only moments ago a single cell becomes a complex mass of undivided tissue and then, following the normal [[course]] of [[mammalian]] development, when sufficient numbers of the cells have accumulated into an [[embryo]], the cells begin to [[organize]] themselves into separate categories and different tissues begin to occur; one tissue becoming lung tissue, another skin, another becoming bone or [[brain]].

We can [[analogize]] this [[event]] to the joining of the [[material]] and the [[spiritual]] within a single human [[personality]]. Both the human and the spiritual, the material and the spiritual, have their own independent [[vigor]], but standing [[alone]] do not yet exhibit the [[spark]] of eternal life. Yet, even upon joining, things are not at [[rest]] for long, for the initial complete [[cell]], the original cell, immediately reproduces itself through [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cell_division cell division] and becomes two, which then divide and become four, which then divide and become sixteen, which then divide and become ninety six and so on until, from an exterior view, what was only moments ago a single cell becomes a complex mass of undivided tissue and then, following the normal [[course]] of [[mammalian]] development, when sufficient numbers of the cells have accumulated into an [[embryo]], the cells begin to [[organize]] themselves into separate categories and different tissues begin to occur; one tissue becoming lung tissue, another skin, another becoming bone or [[brain]].

Now, when you ask us what will become of me tomorrow we look at a situation [[analogous]] to this situation where one [[opportunity]] duplicates itself, then those opportunities duplicate themselves and so on and on and on until the number of [[events]] directly traceable to a single [[opportunity]] becomes, for all [[practical]] purposes, [[infinite]]. It is not possible for you, with your [[linear]], rational minds to [[forecast]] not only those things which might occur, but those things which are likely to occur. That is why in your [[society]] and all societies on [[your planet]] [[prediction]] of the [[future]] is considered a [[psychic]] or spiritual [[phenomenon]]. It is not a [[logical]] exercise. Your brains are not highly developed enough to handle all the permutations and possibilities and still maintain the thread of likelihood. However, with [[experience]], with [[knowledge]], [[power]], [[wisdom]] and common sense, it is possible to stand back and forecast those things which are most likely to happen, particularly when seen through the lens through a sequence of individualized events which have in fact occurred. But the truth is, that by utilizing this [[technique]] you are nearly as good judges or predictors of likely [[events]] as we are. So it is not possible for either you or us to [[predict]] that any particular thing will happen with any particular [[accuracy]], but we all know that certain things are destined to happen with or without [[cooperation]] of independently minded will creatures.

Now, when you ask us what will become of me tomorrow we look at a situation [[analogous]] to this situation where one [[opportunity]] duplicates itself, then those opportunities duplicate themselves and so on and on and on until the number of [[events]] directly traceable to a single [[opportunity]] becomes, for all [[practical]] purposes, [[infinite]]. It is not possible for you, with your [[linear]], rational minds to [[forecast]] not only those things which might occur, but those things which are likely to occur. That is why in your [[society]] and all societies on [[your planet]] [[prediction]] of the [[future]] is considered a [[psychic]] or spiritual [[phenomenon]]. It is not a [[logical]] exercise. Your brains are not highly developed enough to handle all the permutations and possibilities and still maintain the thread of likelihood. However, with [[experience]], with [[knowledge]], [[power]], [[wisdom]] and common sense, it is possible to stand back and forecast those things which are most likely to happen, particularly when seen through the lens through a sequence of individualized events which have in fact occurred. But the truth is, that by utilizing this [[technique]] you are nearly as good judges or predictors of likely [[events]] as we are. So it is not possible for either you or us to [[predict]] that any particular thing will happen with any particular [[accuracy]], but we all know that certain things are destined to happen with or without [[cooperation]] of independently minded will creatures.

HELEN: Yes.

HELEN: Yes.

===='''''[[Teacher Contact]]'''''====

===='''''[[Teacher Contact]]'''''====

LOREN: Will, at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanksgiving Thanksgiving] dinner last Thursday at my son's house I sensed a [[presence]]. Was it you?

LOREN: Will, at [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanksgiving 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.

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.

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 [https://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]].

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.

Because of your setting, your background, your [[experience]] and the numerous [[negative]] [[influences]] which are a part of the formation of your [[character]], each of you is of particular [[value]] to [[the Father]] and His [[eventual]] [[plan]]. Each of you, at some [[point]] in your [[spiritual progress]], can face one or more postings in which you will receive no [[support]] whatever, no [[communication]], no [[encouragement]] beyond the product of your own [[activities]]. We think that you will be well schooled for those postings because of your [[experience]] here.

Because of your setting, your background, your [[experience]] and the numerous [[negative]] [[influences]] which are a part of the formation of your [[character]], each of you is of particular [[value]] to [[the Father]] and His [[eventual]] [[plan]]. Each of you, at some [[point]] in your [[spiritual progress]], can face one or more postings in which you will receive no [[support]] whatever, no [[communication]], no [[encouragement]] beyond the product of your own [[activities]]. We think that you will be well schooled for those postings because of your [[experience]] here.

Your [[poets]] call this life a "[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vale_of_tears veil of tears]", but that is an incomplete [[description]], for with [[disappointment]] and [[mistakes]], the path becomes more [[clear]] to those capable of [[learning]] the lessons which this [[life]] has in store for them. Not every road is a productive road and the partings are as many as the [[meetings]]. Learn what you can. Do no harm to one another. [[Contribute]] for [[mutual]] benefit. Seize what [[opportunities]] arise in [[the Father]]'s [[service]] and you will not long stray from the proper [[path]]. The only thing foredestined for all of you is success in your attempts in spiritual [[achievement]] and [[growth]] in spiritual attainment. Those who part will meet again. [[Isolation]] is an [[unusual]] [[experience]]. But the [[skills]] gained from operating independently are valuable to your [[future]] [[progress]]. Just as the [[equanimity]] of the general group is not seriously jeopardized by this parting [editor's note: Will is talking about the impending [[divorce]] of a couple who are members of the group, both of whom are loved by the group and both of whom [[desire]] to continue to meet with the group despite the divorce], neither is a more [[spiritual]] and complete self jeopardized in its [[equanimity]] by similar and later occurring partings. In the end, all is [[perfection]]. That is all I have to say.

Your [[poets]] call this life a "[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vale_of_tears veil of tears]", but that is an incomplete [[description]], for with [[disappointment]] and [[mistakes]], the path becomes more [[clear]] to those capable of [[learning]] the lessons which this [[life]] has in store for them. Not every road is a productive road and the partings are as many as the [[meetings]]. Learn what you can. Do no harm to one another. [[Contribute]] for [[mutual]] benefit. Seize what [[opportunities]] arise in [[the Father]]'s [[service]] and you will not long stray from the proper [[path]]. The only thing foredestined for all of you is success in your attempts in spiritual [[achievement]] and [[growth]] in spiritual attainment. Those who part will meet again. [[Isolation]] is an [[unusual]] [[experience]]. But the [[skills]] gained from operating independently are valuable to your [[future]] [[progress]]. Just as the [[equanimity]] of the general group is not seriously jeopardized by this parting [editor's note: Will is talking about the impending [[divorce]] of a couple who are members of the group, both of whom are loved by the group and both of whom [[desire]] to continue to meet with the group despite the divorce], neither is a more [[spiritual]] and complete self jeopardized in its [[equanimity]] by similar and later occurring partings. In the end, all is [[perfection]]. That is all I have to say.

Soon arrives the [[ritual]] [[celebration]] of [[Michael]]'s [[incarnation]] in human flesh. Notwithstanding commercial [[exploitation]], many human [[minds]] are open to the suggestion that there was in [[fact]] validity and [[meaning]] and a special [[purpose]] in the [[birth]] and [[life]] of [[Jesus|the teacher of Nazareth]]. Your job is to recognize those openings and, when they occur, to [[respond]] as though Jesus of Nazareth were standing by your side [[silently]] and, by your [[actions]], you [[demonstrate]] to him your understanding and grasp of his [[message]] and all that he lived for and, in so acting, you [[abandon]] [[thoughts]] of yourself and serve as a conduit for the [[light]] of [[the Father]]'s [[love]] to [[flow]] through you so that the Father may [[interact]] directly with the person and that you allow the Father's [[light]] to shine neither filtered nor [[refracted]] by any inappropriate attempts at [[levity]] or deprecation. When you can do this, then you are doing something worth counting. That is [[service]].

Soon arrives the [[ritual]] [[celebration]] of [[Michael]]'s [[incarnation]] in human flesh. Notwithstanding commercial [[exploitation]], many human [[minds]] are open to the suggestion that there was in [[fact]] validity and [[meaning]] and a special [[purpose]] in the [[birth]] and [[life]] of [[Jesus|the teacher of Nazareth]]. Your job is to recognize those openings and, when they occur, to [[respond]] as though Jesus of Nazareth were standing by your side [[silently]] and, by your [[actions]], you [[demonstrate]] to him your understanding and grasp of his [[message]] and all that he lived for and, in so acting, you [[abandon]] [[thoughts]] of yourself and serve as a conduit for the [[light]] of [[the Father]]'s [[love]] to [[flow]] through you so that the Father may [[interact]] directly with the person and that you allow the Father's [[light]] to shine neither filtered nor [[refracted]] by any inappropriate attempts at [[levity]] or deprecation. When you can do this, then you are doing something worth counting. That is [[service]].