Changes

TOMAS: I [[confess]] to having a fragile vehicle this evening, but she is [[stronger]] than she might appear, and much of her strength is due to her [[faith]] and her [[commitment]] to these higher [[truths]] and realities that we have mentioned and that Leah has approached in [[song]].

TOMAS: I [[confess]] to having a fragile vehicle this evening, but she is [[stronger]] than she might appear, and much of her strength is due to her [[faith]] and her [[commitment]] to these higher [[truths]] and realities that we have mentioned and that Leah has approached in [[song]].

My [[words]] to you this evening have to do with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Band-Aid Band-Aides]. It is well known to us who [[observe]] life on [[Urantia]] that there are any number of Band-aides that people apply to their situation in order to heal the [[wound]], be it real or [[imagined]], and it is equally possible for you to approach [[the teachers]] and the spirit realm as if it were yet another Band-aide that when you come and suffer, when you are in [[emotional]] distress, that your [[contact]] with us will provide you a Band-aide that will enable you to [[feel]] better and go out [[renewed]].

My [[words]] to you this evening have to do with [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Band-Aid Band-Aides]. It is well known to us who [[observe]] life on [[Urantia]] that there are any number of Band-aides that people apply to their situation in order to heal the [[wound]], be it real or [[imagined]], and it is equally possible for you to approach [[the teachers]] and the spirit realm as if it were yet another Band-aide that when you come and suffer, when you are in [[emotional]] distress, that your [[contact]] with us will provide you a Band-aide that will enable you to [[feel]] better and go out [[renewed]].

I would like to stress to you, my [[friends]] and my children, that we are not a Band-aide, that the [[spirit]] life is not "[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opiate_of_the_masses the opiate of the masses]," for as you are beginning to ascertain, being [[aware]] of [[spirit]] reality is not always easy. It is not easy to put these [[principles]] into effect in your life. "His [[yoke]] is easy and His [[burden]] is light," but it is also true that you have not all [[perfected]] yourselves, that as you learn and as you come into the [[light]], as you indeed learn how to relinquish the old wounds and the old [[patterns]], there is upheaval in the [[growth]] [[struggle]].

I would like to stress to you, my [[friends]] and my children, that we are not a Band-aide, that the [[spirit]] life is not "[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opiate_of_the_masses the opiate of the masses]," for as you are beginning to ascertain, being [[aware]] of [[spirit]] reality is not always easy. It is not easy to put these [[principles]] into effect in your life. "His [[yoke]] is easy and His [[burden]] is light," but it is also true that you have not all [[perfected]] yourselves, that as you learn and as you come into the [[light]], as you indeed learn how to relinquish the old wounds and the old [[patterns]], there is upheaval in the [[growth]] [[struggle]].

We are not here to assuage your ills and soothe them to the extent that you no longer [[feel]] them, but we will [[comfort]] you as you learn and develop those internal lessons that will enable you to [[heal]] and [[grow]], rise above, and walk through life's [[vicissitudes]] without them [[becoming]] an onerous burden of [[existence]]. We are not a perfume that you squirt over a foul smell in order that it should not disturb you, but we are a medicinal [[salve]] that will help the [[healing]] [[process]].

We are not here to assuage your ills and soothe them to the extent that you no longer [[feel]] them, but we will [[comfort]] you as you learn and develop those internal lessons that will enable you to [[heal]] and [[grow]], rise above, and walk through life's [[vicissitudes]] without them [[becoming]] an onerous burden of [[existence]]. We are not a perfume that you squirt over a foul smell in order that it should not disturb you, but we are a medicinal [[salve]] that will help the [[healing]] [[process]].

If you are allowing yourself to be unduly [[burdened]] by your concept of service, then perhaps you are allowing [[self]]-[[abuse]]. Do not be alarmed by that [[word]]. It is a [[human condition]] based on your need to help and not always [[understanding]] when it is appropriate to back off. You become invested in the situation and, if there is no one there to pick up the slack when you back off to nurture yourself or to take care of your next need or assignment, what's to prevent the situation that you have invested so much [[time]] and [[energy]] and [[love]] into, from falling on its face and all your [[efforts]] going for naught?

If you are allowing yourself to be unduly [[burdened]] by your concept of service, then perhaps you are allowing [[self]]-[[abuse]]. Do not be alarmed by that [[word]]. It is a [[human condition]] based on your need to help and not always [[understanding]] when it is appropriate to back off. You become invested in the situation and, if there is no one there to pick up the slack when you back off to nurture yourself or to take care of your next need or assignment, what's to prevent the situation that you have invested so much [[time]] and [[energy]] and [[love]] into, from falling on its face and all your [[efforts]] going for naught?

Any [[act]] of [[service]] has been beneficial and useful. Any excessive service is what we might call "[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enabling enabling]" and when you determine that you are enabling rather than serving, you are witnessing a situation that the recipient of your [[service]] is "presuming upon divine [[mercy]]." They have begun to feel [[comfortable]] with your [[desire]] to serve and they have gone beyond the requirement; they have gone beyond your [[ability]] to serve in the situation and pressed into [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usury usury].

Any [[act]] of [[service]] has been beneficial and useful. Any excessive service is what we might call "[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enabling enabling]" and when you determine that you are enabling rather than serving, you are witnessing a situation that the recipient of your [[service]] is "presuming upon divine [[mercy]]." They have begun to feel [[comfortable]] with your [[desire]] to serve and they have gone beyond the requirement; they have gone beyond your [[ability]] to serve in the situation and pressed into [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usury usury].

At the point of your [[recognizing]] that … at the point when your toes begin to cramp in [[pain]] from the shoes you are wearing, from the moccasins in which you have been walking … that is the time to step out of those shoes and to step out of that [[assignment]], for it does not serve to provide service where it is unjustified. Allow [[the Father]] to provide other avenues of [[assistance]]; allow the [[divine]] plan to [[unfold]] without you being on hand at every instant.

At the point of your [[recognizing]] that … at the point when your toes begin to cramp in [[pain]] from the shoes you are wearing, from the moccasins in which you have been walking … that is the time to step out of those shoes and to step out of that [[assignment]], for it does not serve to provide service where it is unjustified. Allow [[the Father]] to provide other avenues of [[assistance]]; allow the [[divine]] plan to [[unfold]] without you being on hand at every instant.

Hunnah: I have a suggestion that we have numbers like at the bakery, or at the meat counter, and that will keep us from hogging each other's space, but there is something I've just got to talk about here and then, Leah, it'll be you. In my work it is very important to involve the recipient of the [[service]] into some independent [[action]] solving their [[problem]].

Hunnah: I have a suggestion that we have numbers like at the bakery, or at the meat counter, and that will keep us from hogging each other's space, but there is something I've just got to talk about here and then, Leah, it'll be you. In my work it is very important to involve the recipient of the [[service]] into some independent [[action]] solving their [[problem]].

Managed [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_care home care] is absolutely the big gun right now, that is forcing people to say, "can I really afford the [[luxury]] of a long recovery?" and this luxury of being in a recuperative state, longer than what they consider [[necessary]], is no longer in tempo now, and it is amazing, you will -- the shoe has gotten smaller in the sense that they are given an ultimatum: "you have X number of days in which to rally" and for some reason, this will kick in, and that person will find themselves [[healing]] in less time than they would have before. It will permit that person to involve him or herself in a [[positive]] way so that the task is accomplished (and for some reason or another, I'm not very [[good]] at applying that in my own [[personal]] life), but it is something will be happening in some aspects of our lives - not lounging in a particular [[mode]], but that there will be [[action]], especially for those who wish for [[divine]] [[assistance]].

Managed [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_care home care] is absolutely the big gun right now, that is forcing people to say, "can I really afford the [[luxury]] of a long recovery?" and this luxury of being in a recuperative state, longer than what they consider [[necessary]], is no longer in tempo now, and it is amazing, you will -- the shoe has gotten smaller in the sense that they are given an ultimatum: "you have X number of days in which to rally" and for some reason, this will kick in, and that person will find themselves [[healing]] in less time than they would have before. It will permit that person to involve him or herself in a [[positive]] way so that the task is accomplished (and for some reason or another, I'm not very [[good]] at applying that in my own [[personal]] life), but it is something will be happening in some aspects of our lives - not lounging in a particular [[mode]], but that there will be [[action]], especially for those who wish for [[divine]] [[assistance]].

TOMAS: It is very true that as you have [[faith]] in someone, they are bolstered and they begin to [[perceive]] a certain amount of faith in his or herself. This provides a good [[support]] system; it is commendable and most often successful. Do we not [[encourage]] you? Do you not encourage each other? And, in [[truth]], do you not ~ in your own [[privacy]] ~ encourage yourself? For there is [[faith]], in [[fact]], and it will motivate you to improve and succeed.

TOMAS: It is very true that as you have [[faith]] in someone, they are bolstered and they begin to [[perceive]] a certain amount of faith in his or herself. This provides a good [[support]] system; it is commendable and most often successful. Do we not [[encourage]] you? Do you not encourage each other? And, in [[truth]], do you not ~ in your own [[privacy]] ~ encourage yourself? For there is [[faith]], in [[fact]], and it will motivate you to improve and succeed.

Those are the realms in which we work. Some are more amenable to growth [[changes]] than others. It is not always your [[opportunity]] to decide what [[service]] opportunity you will be given. If it were left up to you, you would quickly spoil yourself with only those [[experiences]] that were comfortable for you. In serving others you also learn, and so as you have mastered certain areas, you will be given opportunity for service in other areas that you might expand your palette and your resume of service [[qualities]], that you may expand your own [[comprehension]] of the [[human condition]] in conjunction with [[spirit]] [[leading]].

Those are the realms in which we work. Some are more amenable to growth [[changes]] than others. It is not always your [[opportunity]] to decide what [[service]] opportunity you will be given. If it were left up to you, you would quickly spoil yourself with only those [[experiences]] that were comfortable for you. In serving others you also learn, and so as you have mastered certain areas, you will be given opportunity for service in other areas that you might expand your palette and your resume of service [[qualities]], that you may expand your own [[comprehension]] of the [[human condition]] in conjunction with [[spirit]] [[leading]].

I tell you, when I am off-line, you chatter so fluidly! And then I come along and … I am beginning to feel as if I was ignorant of how to be a conversationalist. I make the suggestion that you provide [[commentary]], and it sounds like a drill sergeant. I [[understand]] the [[method]] of [[transmitting]] sometimes lends itself to this [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Staccato staccato] [[voice]], but I am not staccato in my [[spirit]] or in my understanding [[appreciation]] of you, my fellows. Feel free to [[engage]] me. I enjoy our repartee. Leah, why are you so quiet this evening?

I tell you, when I am off-line, you chatter so fluidly! And then I come along and … I am beginning to feel as if I was ignorant of how to be a conversationalist. I make the suggestion that you provide [[commentary]], and it sounds like a drill sergeant. I [[understand]] the [[method]] of [[transmitting]] sometimes lends itself to this [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Staccato staccato] [[voice]], but I am not staccato in my [[spirit]] or in my understanding [[appreciation]] of you, my fellows. Feel free to [[engage]] me. I enjoy our repartee. Leah, why are you so quiet this evening?

Leah: Well, it has something to do with the [[discourse]] you just gave and [[fear]] of [[rejection]]. I have a question on my [[mind]], but there is the fear that it's going to be — it doesn't really concern you and it's a [[curiosity]] question, but it does concern me, it's weighing on my mind.

Leah: Well, it has something to do with the [[discourse]] you just gave and [[fear]] of [[rejection]]. I have a question on my [[mind]], but there is the fear that it's going to be — it doesn't really concern you and it's a [[curiosity]] question, but it does concern me, it's weighing on my mind.

Leah: My sister is going to have a party here on the Earth plane. When we reach a certain age ~ like 40 or 50 ~ we have big [[celebrations]]. She wishes to have a party for her [[husband]]. He plays in a band; he's a drummer in a band and the people in the band are artists and they tend to be temperamental, to a degree. She has asked two of the persons to come to the party and they have told her that if the third one was invited, they would not come; and she was incensed, and she was saying to me she couldn't [[believe]] that they wouldn't be [[appreciative]] of her [[husband]]'s being there for them.

Leah: My sister is going to have a party here on the Earth plane. When we reach a certain age ~ like 40 or 50 ~ we have big [[celebrations]]. She wishes to have a party for her [[husband]]. He plays in a band; he's a drummer in a band and the people in the band are artists and they tend to be temperamental, to a degree. She has asked two of the persons to come to the party and they have told her that if the third one was invited, they would not come; and she was incensed, and she was saying to me she couldn't [[believe]] that they wouldn't be [[appreciative]] of her [[husband]]'s being there for them.

The reason they don't want to come to the party is because this other individual is [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcoholism alcoholic] and has a [[reputation]] for ruining everything. And my sister said to me - in [[fact]], he ruined a child's birthday party recently. He [[sings]] in the band with her husband and he's a very [[sensitive]] person, but he has a problem and these two have taken a stand that they will not come. It was her [[intention]] that they have an evening of [[singing]] and playing with the many people and many different bands he has played with for the last 15 years, and this alcoholic person is one of the most recent, and she is in a real [[dilemma]].

The reason they don't want to come to the party is because this other individual is [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcoholism alcoholic] and has a [[reputation]] for ruining everything. And my sister said to me - in [[fact]], he ruined a child's birthday party recently. He [[sings]] in the band with her husband and he's a very [[sensitive]] person, but he has a problem and these two have taken a stand that they will not come. It was her [[intention]] that they have an evening of [[singing]] and playing with the many people and many different bands he has played with for the last 15 years, and this alcoholic person is one of the most recent, and she is in a real [[dilemma]].

She says that she knows that it's true that this alcoholic person will probably be disruptive, but she's annoyed. And she confided to me -- I feel like it's an annoyance, too, like you always should include someone -- but she says she knows this man's [[history]] and probably everything they have said about this man is so. So, I guess I'm just looking for an opinion.

She says that she knows that it's true that this alcoholic person will probably be disruptive, but she's annoyed. And she confided to me -- I feel like it's an annoyance, too, like you always should include someone -- but she says she knows this man's [[history]] and probably everything they have said about this man is so. So, I guess I'm just looking for an opinion.

MERIUM: Tomas, thank you.

MERIUM: Tomas, thank you.

Leah: Thank you. As a matter of fact that's more or less what I did. I [[listened]] to what she had to say and I asked her if these other two [[individuals]] were accurate in what they had to say about the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcoholism alcoholic]'s [[behavior]] and she said indeed they were and that she knew that to be true. She seemed a little more annoyed about them telling her what to do.

Leah: Thank you. As a matter of fact that's more or less what I did. I [[listened]] to what she had to say and I asked her if these other two [[individuals]] were accurate in what they had to say about the https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcoholism alcoholic]'s [[behavior]] and she said indeed they were and that she knew that to be true. She seemed a little more annoyed about them telling her what to do.

TOMAS: It is certainly an affront to the [[ideals]] of your sibling, who has only the highest [[motive]] in having a [[celebration]] for her [[mate]] and for his beloved [[friends]]. It is irksome indeed that someone should say, by way of an ultimatum, what they will do that will impact on your [[ideals]]. It is indeed troublesome as a hostess to [[discover]] that two or three of your guests are so loathing of another that they would refuse to attend, that they could not [[transcend]] their personal difficulties to [[honor]] the host.

TOMAS: It is certainly an affront to the [[ideals]] of your sibling, who has only the highest [[motive]] in having a [[celebration]] for her [[mate]] and for his beloved [[friends]]. It is irksome indeed that someone should say, by way of an ultimatum, what they will do that will impact on your [[ideals]]. It is indeed troublesome as a hostess to [[discover]] that two or three of your guests are so loathing of another that they would refuse to attend, that they could not [[transcend]] their personal difficulties to [[honor]] the host.

TOMAS: Yes.

TOMAS: Yes.

===='''''[[Socialization]]'''''====

===='''''[[Socialization]]'''''====

Anna: The last two days I've been in ''Advocacy for a Welfare Rights'' [[organization]] and something that I noticed about it is it removed me personally. I also receive [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welfare welfare], and I found myself removed from my own [[problems]] more in the last two days than I have been in a long time, looking at it from another [[viewpoint]]. I don't consider it a problem, it's just an [[observation]] that I made. I think [[subconsciously]] I felt that I wasn't able to put it into [[words]], and I don't know how long I'll be able to do that, this [[advocacy]] thing, because they are removing people from the [[roles]], putting them in the work force. I think it's going to be challenging.

Anna: The last two days I've been in ''Advocacy for a Welfare Rights'' [[organization]] and something that I noticed about it is it removed me personally. I also receive [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welfare welfare], and I found myself removed from my own [[problems]] more in the last two days than I have been in a long time, looking at it from another [[viewpoint]]. I don't consider it a problem, it's just an [[observation]] that I made. I think [[subconsciously]] I felt that I wasn't able to put it into [[words]], and I don't know how long I'll be able to do that, this [[advocacy]] thing, because they are removing people from the [[roles]], putting them in the work force. I think it's going to be challenging.

TOMAS: You have been [[challenged]] and true to form you have risen to the occasion. You have been able to take an [[objective]] point of view to what you have been subjectively [[experiencing]] and the new you is expansive and is benefiting of your [[understanding]] of the situation.

TOMAS: You have been [[challenged]] and true to form you have risen to the occasion. You have been able to take an [[objective]] point of view to what you have been subjectively [[experiencing]] and the new you is expansive and is benefiting of your [[understanding]] of the situation.

These individuals who cannot and will not end their regime of presuming upon mercy will be trodden underfoot. It is in many ways -- and do not marry me to this remark -- that the [[difference]] will be made clear between the [[animal]] and the [[human being]]. (One moment.)

These individuals who cannot and will not end their regime of presuming upon mercy will be trodden underfoot. It is in many ways -- and do not marry me to this remark -- that the [[difference]] will be made clear between the [[animal]] and the [[human being]]. (One moment.)

I have been [[admonished]] that I have ventured far afield of my assignment by my [[sociologic]] [[diatribe]]. Remember that I was a [[sociologist]] in my human life. As a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultural_anthropology cultural anthropologist], these are some of the things that I dealt with and have found [[invigorating]] throughout my entire existence. Indeed, these concepts are exciting, but they are not necessarily what [[service]] I am here to perform.

I have been [[admonished]] that I have ventured far afield of my assignment by my [[sociologic]] [[diatribe]]. Remember that I was a [[sociologist]] in my human life. As a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultural_anthropology cultural anthropologist], these are some of the things that I dealt with and have found [[invigorating]] throughout my entire existence. Indeed, these concepts are exciting, but they are not necessarily what [[service]] I am here to perform.

I am, however, encouraged by your [[discourses]] and your [[thought]] [[processes]] along these lines, for as you individually begin to develop a [[social]] [[consciousness]] through true [[morality]], then your [[spirit]] will have questions, your [[soul]] will ponder the latest developments, your [[heart]] will throb to the latest expansion, and this is where I may be of assistant, and NOT in criticizing your [[history]], for, as we have often pointed out, it has been that way for a reason, but now we are into [[Correcting Time]] and it is exciting to see that these many ills are indeed coming to the forefront for [[correction]].

I am, however, encouraged by your [[discourses]] and your [[thought]] [[processes]] along these lines, for as you individually begin to develop a [[social]] [[consciousness]] through true [[morality]], then your [[spirit]] will have questions, your [[soul]] will ponder the latest developments, your [[heart]] will throb to the latest expansion, and this is where I may be of assistant, and NOT in criticizing your [[history]], for, as we have often pointed out, it has been that way for a reason, but now we are into [[Correcting Time]] and it is exciting to see that these many ills are indeed coming to the forefront for [[correction]].

Beloved flock, dear friends, and delightful children, we bid you a fond farewell until we meet again.

Beloved flock, dear friends, and delightful children, we bid you a fond farewell until we meet again.

==Note==

===Note===

Leah sang at the outset of the session

Leah sang at the outset of the session