2000-7-20 12:00:00
I have just returned from a family reunion my friends and guess where we had it this year? McCall, Idaho; the same place we had The Gathering this year.
Actually it was just a coincidence for it is the first time we had the reunion there. One of the highlights was a ride in my nephew's ancient sailboat held together with chewing gum and barb wire. (LOL) Even so he claims he can out race and out maneuver any other boat on the lake.
On the way up we stopped by to see Lorraine at her new restaurant. She gave us a big hug, and she and Joe seemed very upbeat about starting their new business. We had an extra Grand Opening banner so we gave it to her in appreciation of helping with The Gathering. [Editor's note: Lorraine initiated and organized the first Gathering.] She doesn't have easy access to a computer now, but I'm sure we'll hear from her soon one way or another.
I also had a nice handwritten letter from Mary Ellen who does not have current access to a computer, but hopes to join us again soon.
Just a few comments on your posts. I am sure however that I will make the same mistake as John W and leave many good ones out. I will say that I had over 100 posts to read when I came home and have read them and enjoyed them all.
Jan- great post on healing and the causes of disease.
I want to welcome Henry. I am in 100% agreement with your observations so far.
Thanks for your comments Gloria. We seem to go through conflicts and distractions here about every two or three months or so and then we do get back on track. I think we're about ready to focus again.
Anni, [from Denmark] thanks for posting so we know you made it home safe and sound. She is as sweet in person as she is on this list.
John W made a great comment on the sensitivity lately: "If someone is truly centered to any degree in the Higher Nature, rather than the lower, they don't tend to be easily offended."
This is also supported by the statement of Jesus: "Blessed is he who is not offended in me."
Why did he say this? Because he offended almost everyone. Not because he was obnoxious or belligerent, but because he spoke the simple truth that often was not in harmony with tradition or the lower nature.
A good piece of advice for anyone wishing to get in the good graces of the Masters is to learn to mentally check their offensive meter. If one is easily offended by a wrong or misplaced word then he must wait a while to do the real work. One should never be offended especially when no offense is intended. If the disciple finds the seeds of offense being planted in his emotional body he must move the energy immediately before it interferes with his effectiveness.
I hope I have set the example for you my friends for none of you have ever offended me.
Several have been talking about initiation. I have defined an initiate as one who initiates. Glenys accurately pointed out that this is different from that written of by Alice A. Bailey about the milestones achieved by the disciple.
This is a true statement, but incomplete, for all who pass the milestones of initiation as taught by the Masters are initiates who initiate. As one passes from a lower initiation to a higher his power to initiate becomes stronger with more wide ranging effects.
For instance as one passes from the first to the second initiation the disciple will increase his power to initiate from the purely physical to the emotional, and gain the power to initiate the stirring of people's hearts and ideals.
One of the principles that I am to stress in my writings and teachings is the concept of initiation and what it means to initiate. The coming of Christ will be prepared by those who take unto themselves the power to decide, and then initiate that decision into the real world.
Copyright 2000 by J.J. Dewey, All Rights Reserved