A Beacon of Hope

A message from Paul Nunn:

No matter how scary the economy seems right now, it is best for all of us to be a beacon of hope, love and joy with everyone we interact with on daily basis. Changing our perception of what we are witnessing is not only the most important thing each of us can do for ourselves, but it is without a doubt the best gift you can give your family and everyone else your interact with each day.

As soon as you hear someone shifting their conversation to an expose’ on all the negative things they are witnessing, one of the most effective things you can do energetically for them, and the well being of the entire planet for that matter, is to shift their focus to something really wonderful and uplifting you recently noticed.

Because the entire universe conforms to our collective perceptions, it is always good to ask ourselves from time to time if we are being a beacon of hope and love in this world or a purveyor of fear and anxiety.

A Gathering of Energies

Sandra invites all Light Workers to join together each evening at 9:30 pm. She writes:

Dear Friends:

I have been impressed with the thought that a regular time for many of us to join in repeating the Great Invocation would be of great help with the election, the economy, and all of the present conditions we are dealing with. I am suggesting that we all repeat the Great Invocation every evening at 9:30. I am including it here for your convenience. My thought was to begin now and continue at least until after the election or continue longer should you so desire.

If you think this is appropriate for you, please join in. I would also appreciate your sharing it with others that you think may wish to participate. God Bless. Sandra

From the point of Light within the Mind of God
Let light stream forth into the minds of men.
Let Light descend on Earth.

From the point of Love within the Heart of God
Let love stream forth into the hearts of men.
May Christ return to Earth.

From the centre where the Will of God is known
Let purpose guide the little wills of men –
The purpose which the Masters know and serve.

From the centre which we call the race of men
Let the Plan of Love and Light work out
And may it seal the door where evil dwells.

Let Light and Love and Power restore the Plan on Earth.

Alan Cohen writes about The Economy

"The Economy" by Alan Cohen

(author of "The Dragon Doesn't Live Here Anymore" and many other wonderful books)

"...some suggestions on how to get to a better feeling place about the economy, and generate practical results for yourself and others.

Here is my six-point plan. I am not an economist, and frankly I don't understand all of the complexities of the current market. I do, however, understand the relationship between thought, belief, feeling, attitude, expectation, identity, and practical prosperity. So here is my six-point plan, which will surely work if you apply it..."

Elk at Rocky Mountain National Park

Thanks to Pam Morris for sharing this beautiful image!

According to Ted Andrews in his book "Animal Speak" Elk represents Strength and Nobility :

"The Elk is an animal of great strength, power and stamina. It can run at a fast trotting pace for extended periods of time. One of its primary defenses is to outrun its predators. Elk can sustain a strong pace for great lengths of time....If an Elk has come into your life it can mean that you are about to hit your stride....".

October 2: The Great American Think Out

"On October 2, 2008, six million of us are going to come together in our schools and communities to build an unstoppable wave of coherent heart energy that influences the quantum field!"

You can learn more about this at http://www.stopthinkingnow.com/

Thanks to Eda for sharing this info.

SESC 2008

Grace

"Almighty winds of change are sweeping across the toxic plains of an industrial civilization. Tiny flowers, everywhere, are squeezing through the cracks of thick layers of concrete, driven by an unstoppable power. The birds are singing, and a message is blowing high in the treetops. The sunrise and sunsets are broadcasting it, and every ocean wave is delivering the same good news. A power now comes alive, and as the saying goes, it's not over until it's over."

from "Amazing Grace" by David Wolfe and Nick Good

September events

Unity World Day of Prayer
September 11, 2008


11 Days of Global Unity

A world-wide celebration of oneness
September 11-21, 2008

"Celebrating Oneness, Healing the World"

Pam's Owl Friend

Thanks to Pam Morris for sharing this beautiful photo!

SESC 2009

Mark your calendars! June 21-26, 2009

SESC 2008

Hearts

"The world is a wonderfully weird place, consensual reality is significantly flawed, no institution can be trusted, certainty is a mirage, security a delusion, and the tyranny of the dull mind forever threatens -- but our lives are not as limited as we think they are, all things are possible, laughter is holier than piety, freedom is sweeter than fame, and in the end it's love and love alone that really matters." ---Tom Robbins

Art Center, SESC 2008

Wild Times at SESC 2008

The Bank Account of Life

Thanks to Norm Mitchell for sharing this sweet story.

The Bank Account of Life

This is something we should all remember.

A 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud man, who
is fully dressed each morning by eight o'clock, with his hair
fashionably coifed and shaved perfectly, even though he is legally
blind, moved to a nursing home today. His wife of 70 years recently
passed away, making the move necessary.

After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the
nursing home, he smiled sweetly when told his room was ready.

As he maneuvered his walker to the elevator, I provided a visual
description of his tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been
hung on his window.

"I love it," he stated with the enthusiasm of an
eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy.

"Mr. Jones, you haven't seen the room; just wait."

"That doesn't have anything to do with it," he replied.

"Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time.
Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is
arranged ... it's how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it.
It's a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice; I
can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts
of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for
the ones that do.

Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open, I'll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I've stored away. Just for this time in my life."

Old age is like a bank account. You withdraw from what you've put in.

So, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories!

Thank you for your part in filling my Memory bank. I am still depositing.

Remember the five simple rules to be happy:

1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less.

Make a Career of Living Happily Ever After...

"A very good career choice would be to gravitate toward those activities and to embrace those desires that harmonize with your core intentions, which are freedom and growth—and joy.

Make a "career" of living a happy life rather than trying to find work that will produce enough income that you can do things with your money that will then make you happy.

When feeling happy is of paramount importance to you—and what you do "for a living" makes you happy—you have found the best of all combinations."

--- Abraham-Hicks

Uncharted Territory

Thanks to Eda for sharing this inspirational quote.


"There is no 'right way' to do anything, there is only the way you are doing it. Never be afraid to "try your hand" because you don't want to make a mistake or not do something "right."
Success in life comes from being willing to move into Uncharted Territory.
Always remember: Life begins at the end of your Comfort Zone.
You will not have to think but a second to know exactly why you received this message today."

~Love, Your Friend.... Neale Donald Walsch

Dante on Love

"The love of God, unutterable and perfect, flows into a pure soul the way that light rushes into a transparent object.

The more love that it finds, the more it gives itself; so that, as we grow clear and open, the more complete the joy of heaven is.

And the more souls who resonate together, the greater the intensity of their love, and mirror-like, each soul reflects the other."

--Dante (poet supreme)

Unfolding

I am a lovely pink rosebud
Turning my face to the sun
Unfurling each petal with new life
Releasing my fragrance to all

Receive it thyself, O my friend
Breathe it deeply within thee
Unfolding the petals of your heart
Release your pure essence of love


By Delores

Redneck Caviar

Thanks to Yonnie for sharing this recipe that many of us at SESC 2008 enjoyed!

REDNECK CAVIAR

2 cans black eyed peas, drained
2 cans shoe peg corn, drained
2 cans Ro-Tel tomatoes, drained
I can black beans, drained
2 lg bell peppers, chopped
12 sm green onions, chopped (top and all)
3 ripe tomatoes, chopped fine
1 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp parsley flakes
16 oz bottle Zesty Italian dressing

Mix all together, refrigerate for at least 12 hours. Serve with Frito Scoops.

Rainbow over Myanmar and Laos

A photo from Pam Morris from her recent trip to Thailand. Thanks Pam!

Southeastern Conference Lecture Series

All lectures will be held in Bryan Jr. Auditorium in the Frank Family Science Center on the Guilford College campus.

Lectures begin at 7:30 pm. There is a $10 admission fee; the Thursday evening Healing Service with LeRoy Zemke is free. The public is welcome to all these events.


SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 7:30 PM
MARGARET MOHR: Opening Ceremony

MONDAY, JUNE 16, 7:30 PM
STAN SCHNIER: “CONCERNED PHOTOGRAPHY”

Many photographers over the past century have used concerned photography to evoke compassion. Stan Schnier is an internationally known photographer based in New York whose photography reflects the mundane world and is directed toward the raising of consciousness. Stan will share some of his photographs and comment upon how they have affected attitudes that have lead to positive changes in our society.

TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 7:30 PM
SHAWN GALLAWAY: “I CHOOSE LOVE”

Shawn Gallaway is a multi-talented guitarist, singer-songwriter, playwright, and visual artist. He weaves music, song, and painting into a richly textured experience that calls for enlightened activism and as a tool for healing. Shawn will present songs and artwork related to his personal spiritual journey. He will address becoming a Spiritual Warrior through art and music.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18, 7:30 PM
GLORIA KARPINSKI: “PROPHECY: REAL? RELEVANT?”

From Nostradamus to the Bible, from ancient mystics to modern intuitives, prophecy is woven into our human experience. Many prophecies are amazingly fulfilled as declared: many are not. So what do we know about this dynamic that seems to observe events outside time and space? After the titillation and the “oh, wows” that prophecies seem to elicit, what is actually the value, if any, for us in the here and now? Gloria will offer some ideas concerning the subject; share some prophetic experiences of her own and lead a discussion.

THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 7:30 PM
LEROY ZEMKE: “A LIFESTYLE FOR WHOLENESS”

This is our annual Healing Service. “Wholeness” is an idea that includes our physical, emotional, and psychological health and our overall wellness. Each of us consciously or unconsciously chooses a lifestyle that supports or hinders the idea of wholeness. With the use of metaphor, humor, and a lively style of presentation, LeRoy Zemke will offer his insights along with some of the most current research that supports a positive program for wholeness.

FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 10:00 AM
CLOSING CEREMONY: “THE SESC SLIDE SHOW”

It’s time to say goodbye to new and old friends but not before we all reminisce about our week with the help of the Southeastern Slide Show. Join us for this annual tradition and a chance to see the smiles and antics caught on camera that are trademarks of this gathering.

Douet's "Spiritual Warrior"

Arthur Douet has donated this beautiful work to the conference. It will be available via Silent Auction at the conference in June. Thank you Douet!

Workshop with Stan Schnier

Workshop with Arthur Douet

Fran Sugar!

Alan Seale's April newsletter has a wonderful article and interview with our beloved Fran Sugar!

Check it out:

Article and Interview with Fran!

Soul Mission Profile:
Fran Sugar—The Aurora Borealis of Love
by Johnathon Pape

Conference 2008 (Message from Warren)

Here we are, only a few months from conference.

As we look over our new brochure and decide what we want to experience this week, I ask you all to set our intent to make this the best we have had. We all need to spend time with like-minded friends, but don't forget that our conference needs us to bring new friends.

Love and light to all, Warren

The Miracle of the Shadows by StanleyP

Many of us are afraid of the dark. Some of us keep our lights on all night; and a few of us even want the TV on all night. We teach our children to be afraid of the dark. We say to them, "Watch out! The Boogey man will get you!

If we look deeply into our own psyche, the bottom line is this: We are afraid of our own shadows.
Last Monday, there were three horror shows on TV. All of them showed scenes of darkness, with eerie music playing. This was an attempt to create an atmosphere of fear. When boy scouts are sitting around the campfire at night, they will tell ghost stories – and the scouts will glance out at the night with apprehension – and, some of them will become fearful.

Recently, on the TV show "Rosemary and Thyme," three women were waiting outside at night, hoping that a criminal would show up. When they heard a noise, all three of them turned on their flashlights to see what it was.
How foolish! Once a person is outside at night, and sits for awhile, her eyes will become accustomed to the light, and she can see perfectly well without flashlights.

Darkness is generally viewed as scary and frightening. This is the way it is pictured in our books, movies, and TV. The message is that darkness is the place where evil dwells.

Nothing could be further from the truth.
Darkness is a natural part of life. Most of the universe is dark.
Our fear causes us to miss a lot. We fail to see the wonderful, creative world of darkness. This world is quite different from the world of light..
I invite you to explore the darkness.

If you have a safe area in your yard or in your apartment area, go outside at night. Do this only if you know of a safe area; or you can do this with friends. If you do not know of a safe area, you can also do this inside. Look for a dark place where you can sit down comfortably. Breathe easily. Allow a few minutes to go by. Be at ease. Be patient. Relax the body and relax the mind. Become absolutely still.

Be very aware of all that is happening in your body. Notice your breathing, how it sounds, how it feels. Notice your heartbeat, the slight rushing of the blood near your inner ear. Notice how your belt feels on your tummy, the feel of your clothing, the feel of air against your skin. Notice the sounds near you. Notice that the longer you remain still, the more you can hear, feel, sense and see. In fact, if someone is walking nearby, they will sound like a clumsy elephant!

When you first sit down you may be a little anxious. Yet, after a while you may feel a sense of security. That which was a little scary at first becomes friendly. In fact, if you are outside, you may have the sense that the earth and the trees welcome you. And stillness banishes fear.
Each tree and each bush has a different quality. You can sense the difference between hardwood trees and pine trees.
If you repeat this exercise, you may feel an increased sense of safety and serenity in the darkness. The night becomes a refuge.

And in time you may find that a trip out into the night will relieve stress. If you will let go of your fear of the night, it will reach out and cover you with a soft blanket of tranquility. You will have found a new friend.
*
The universe is mostly darkness. It is a busy place. Billions of planets and asteroids dash through the darkness.
Many religions tell us to go toward the light. Yet, if we love both the darkness and the light, we elevate our awareness. Light is only understood as the result of the presence of darkness. The darkness is a place of new beginnings. Each morning is born out of the darkness. Thus the miracle of life is born.

Starting in 1930, and ending in 1954, there was an extremely popular radio series called The Shadow. Each show began with two sentences. Here they are, changed to reflect the truth:

"Who knows what virtue lies in the hearts of men? "The shadows know!!!"

Conference Brochures are on the way!

A message from Yonnie: she delivered the brochures to the bulk mail center yesterday, so they are in the mail and on the way.

Mary Ruth (in Winston-Salem) and Karen Mc and Yonnie (in Greensboro) all have extra copies, so if you are willing to help distribute brochures in your area, please get in touch.

We would love to have our brochures at places like Whole Foods, Unity churches, bodywork/healing centers...

Thanks for helping spread the word about SESC 2008!

June 15-20. 2008

Apache Blessing

May the sun bring you new energy by day,
may the moon softly restore you by night,
may the rain wash away your worries,
may the breeze blow new strength into your being.
May you walk through the world and know its beauty all the
days of your life.

- Apache Blessing

Beautiful Bali

Annette and Yonnie spent February in Bali!

Affirmation

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Our lives are interesting, exciting and immensely satisfying for us.
We are healthy and whole in spirit and in body.
We see clearly, we hear clearly, we think and communicate clearly: spiritually, mentally, physically, and verbally.
We make the right judgment, right decision, and right move, at the right time, and in the right place, for ourselves and others.

The places we live in, the places we travel to, and the places we stay in, all give us protection, encouragement and inspiration.
Our being, our thoughts, our statements and our lives all encourage, inspire and give joy to people.

Once a day and or night, we visualize us all living in a peaceful world full of love and fun.
For the highest good of all concerned, so be it.

yoko ono

Lunar Eclipse

A cool photo of this week's eclipse - love the teal rainbow reflection!

Interview with Laraaji

Read a great interview with His Orangeness here.

Following a particularly deep meditative experience, in 1974, Edward believed he had found a new and life-altering direction to take.

“I had a much larger sense of the space and time that I’m actually living in. So the music that I heard in a vision was an endless kind of music, it was multiple layered and supported the intuition that I had that everything was going on in the here and now.”

A Poem by Delores

FIREWORKS ON EARTH

OR, STARGAZING IN REVERSE


There came a look so full of love and acceptance
The flicker of light within me burst into blazing fire,
Like the birthing of a new star in the heavens of my heart.

Turning to another, allowing them room simply to be
Ignited a spark that went flaring out into infinity,
A beacon beckoning untold others to inner transformation.

O gather round, you gentle hearts of unlimited space
The finale has begun
In this, our ever expanding process
Of becoming ONE.

ReikiPam at the Taj Mahal

What an amazing photo! Thanks to Pam for sharing it.

We have a number of adventurous travelers in the SESC family, and Pam is one of them. Not only is the Taj beautiful, Pam is too, plus she's so radiant - you can really see the joy in this photo.

Coming Soon: SESC 2008 !!!!

Southeastern Spiritual Conference


The 2008 info is up on the conference website. Yonnie and Viola have planned a wonderful week for us!

Sunday June 15 - Friday June 20.
Mark your calendars!

Prayer for Inner Peace

Prayer For Inner Peace

Dear God, let me allow Your Love
To enter in.
In this time of turmoil and sadness,
Let peace enter deep within my soul;
And pardon all insults.
Insulate me from regret
Completely.
Help me to go to that place of serenity
Where sadness cannot enter.
Let love shine from me
Like sparking dew in the morning sunshine.
Let this prayer for peace be done
Every morning, at every meal, and every night.
And when walking, with every step.
So that,
When we pray for peace on earth, then,
As it is within, so shall it be without.

Stanley

(Thanks to StanleyP for sharing this.)

Warren's Thoughts about Conference 2007

As I sit here the day after conference, I feel the humanness creeping back in.

I ask within, what is it that has me feeling closer to this group of people, many of whom I can’t even recall their names, than to my best friends?

What would a man like me, who does not like touching or being touched, be doing not just hugging but truly embracing men and women alike?

The answer I received is that the God Within each of us truly communed openly among us. We lost our age, gender, and even some of our humanness as our Being cracked open with love and light.

As our world tries to take over lives once again, let us set our intent to keep the crack in our Being open and flowing. We can change the world for the better. Crack Power to All!!!

WarrenB

New Family Member!

This little beauty is a new member of the Kaney/Baburek family! Susan will tell us all about her (see comments).

Welcome!

Last summer, several of us at the conference talked about how we would like to have a place on the web where we could gather during the year and keep our conversations going in between conferences.

So I thought we could give this blog a try. We can post conference news here as well as anything else we would like to share with the rest of the SESC family.....stories, memories, inspirations, reviews, whatever!

And the "comments" function will allow us to have discussions. (See the "about our blog - view profile" on the left for some instructions about posting comments).

If you have something you'd like to share, please email it to me (Annie). Thanks!