Spiritual Awareness

Spiritual Awareness As a Reiki III Master I have practice positive healing energies on both myself and others for many year but the Spiritual awareness class had made me aware of other channels of energy as well and how to work with them.  Often what appeared at first to be heath issues has turned out to be negative energies draining the body that are being sent by others.  Thus now I cleanse the negative energies before I even start to use healing energies, often this alone restores health to the body. When I find this the case then I teach the person to do this for themselves for if we have enemies they continue sending us these negative energies as long as they have them their selves and want to blame others for it.  Using the system taught in this class I have coupled it with a positive energy of love to aid the negative person to gain healing too if they so choose.  I find seldom does the negative energy stop by just telling it to stop thus I send back what they have received and triple it if necessary so they feel the pain the are sending but then I place a crown of thorns around that individual where the thick energy is trapped from being sent out again but then I go a step forward and send an energy of white light and love through the thorns as love energy is light and can move easily and the negative is a heavy, thick energy and cannot pass through the thorns.  Thus for a while the person sending out this negative energy is weakening themselves to the point they must stop sending it out, for it only rebounds and then in the weakened stage they become still and can finally feel the strength of the love energy I am sending to them and thus not only is the person I am working with finds healing the other person does too if they are willing to let go of their anger and do so.  Often these are not bad, mean people but folks who feel trapped in life and cannot find a way out and  thus they find others to blame and send out this pain to them as a sub conscious call for help themselves. This new Spiritual Awareness has served me well and hopefully will do so for the many I am called on to help, as well. Rev. Linda Francis *******************************   The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.  Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.   The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.     Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Christian Studies

Study of the Four Gospels

After studying the Bible for many years, I found this course and study material informative, concise and interesting.  I believe that the lessons offered through the Gospels can be found in all major Religions of the world today.  When read as stories, these 'nuggets of wisdom' gently slip through consciousness and into the deeper self.  It is my belief that Wisdom does not belong solely to Christianity or Buddhism or Islam.  When compared to other teachings, the Bible's encouragement towards gentleness and compassion speaks very clearly to our cultural and historic heritage, as many of us in North America were born into some expression of Christianity.  We grew up understanding 'God', 'Church', and 'Heaven'.  The Bible's four Gospels contain stories for children and adults, offering pause for reflection in almost any circumstance.

During my study of this course, 'The Four Gospels', I was struck with the unique nature of this Holy Book, and our western approach to Spirituality.  Unlike so many other spiritual disciplines, our brand of Christianity allows for interpretation. We can, with full measure, allow these stories and lessons to sink into our hearts and spirits, and then re-tell the story in our own words.  Anyone can do this!  And if by some miracle, others appreciate our way of writing and interpreting the word of God, we find that we have brought a small spark of vision to the world.

The interpretation of the Four Gospels, in my opinion, did away with the disputable verses, questionable translations, and went straight to the point of giving examples of lives well lived, lessons learned, and illustrations of "good and evil" actions.

I don't usually like 'Americanized' bible translations, because they often become too simplistic.  This book, while clearly not written for the Bible scholar, was 'juicy' and readable.

By Rev. Ann-Marie Blanchard

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. 

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use. 

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.   

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Universal Life Church

Breakfast at McDonald's This is a good story and is true, please read it all the way through until the end! I am a mother of three (ages 14, 12, 3) and have recently completed my college  degree. The last  class I had to take was Sociology. The teacher  was absolutely inspiring with the qualities that I wish every human  being had been graced with.   Her last  project of the term was called, 'Smile.' The class was  asked to go out and smile at three people and document their  reactions.    I am a very  friendly person and always smile at everyone and say hello anyway. So, I  thought this would be a piece of cake, Soon after we  were assigned the project, my husband, youngest son, and I went out to  McDonald's one crisp March morning.   It was just  our way of sharing special playtime with our son.   We were  standing in line, waiting to be served, when all of a sudden everyone  around us began to back away, and then   even my  husband did.   I did not  move an inch... an overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside of me  as I turned to see why they had moved.   As I turned  around I smelled a horrible 'dirty body' smell, and there standing  behind me were two poor homeless men.   As I looked  down at the short gentleman, close to me, he was  'smiling'   His beautiful  sky blue eyes were full of God's Light as he searched for  acceptance   He said,  'Good day' as he counted the few coins he had been  clutching.   The second  man fumbled with his hands as he stood behind his friend. I realized the  second man was mentally challenged and the blue-eyed gentleman was his  salvation.   I held my tears as I stood there  with them.   The young lady at the counter  asked him what they wanted.   He said, 'Coffee is all Miss'  because that was all they could afford. (If they wanted to sit in the  restaurant and warm up, they had to buy something. He just wanted to be  warm).   Then I really felt it - the  compulsion was so great I almost reached out and embraced the little man  with the blue eyes. That is when I noticed all eyes in the restaurant were set on me, judging my every action.   I smiled and asked the young lady  behind the counter to give me two more breakfast meals on a separate  tray.   I then walked around the corner to  the table that the men had chosen as a resting spot I put the tray on  the table and laid my hand on the blue-eyed gentleman's cold  hand.   He looked up at me, with tears in  his eyes, and said, 'Thank you.'   I leaned over, began to pat his  hand and said, 'I did not do this for you. God is here working through  me to give you hope'   I started to cry as I walked away  to join my husband and son. When I sat down my husband smiled at me and  said, 'That is why God gave you to me, Honey, to give me  hope..'   We held hands for a moment and at  that time, we knew that only because of the Grace that we had been given  were we able to give.   We are not church goers, but we  are believers.   That day showed me the pure Light  of God's sweet love.   I returned to college, on the last  evening of class, with this story in hand. I turned in 'my project' and the  instructor read it.   Then she looked up at me and said,  'Can I share this?'   I slowly nodded as she got the  attention of the class. She began to read and that is when  I knew that we as human beings and being part of God share this need to  heal people and to be healed. In my own way I had touched the  people at McDonald's, my son,the instructor, and every soul that shared the classroom on the last night I spent as a  college student. I graduated with one of the  biggest lessons I would ever learn: UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE.   Much love and compassion is sent to each and every person who may read this and learn how to LOVE PEOPLE AND USE THINGS - NOT LOVE THINGS AND USE PEOPLE.   There is an Angel sent to watch over you. An Angel wrote: Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart   To handle yourself, use your head.. To handle others, use your heart.             God Gives every bird it's food, but He does not throw it into its nest. *******************************   The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.  Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.   The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.     Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Prayer

A Story of a Special Prayer SPECIAL GROCERY LIST Louise Redden, a poorly dressed lady with a look of defeat on her face, walked into a grocery store. She approached the owner of the store in a most humble manner and asked if he would let her charge a few groceries. She softly explained that her husband was very ill and unable to work, they had seven children and they needed food. John Longhouse, the grocer, scoffed at her and requested that she leave his store at once.. Visualizing the family needs, she said: 'Please, sir! I will bring you the money just as soon as I can..' John told her he could not give her credit, since she did not have a charge account at his store. Standing beside the counter was a customer who overheard the conversation between the two. The customer walked forward and told the grocer that he would stand good for whatever she needed for her family. The grocer said in a very reluctant voice, 'Do you have a grocery list?' Louise replied, 'Yes sir..' 'O.K.' he said, 'put your grocery list on the scales and whatever your grocery list weighs, I will give you that amount in groceries.' Louise hesitated a moment with a bowed head, then she reached into her purse and took out a piece of paper and scribbled something on it. She then laid the piece of paper on the scale carefully with her head still bowed. The eyes of the grocer and the customer showed amazement when the scales went down and stayed down. The grocer, staring at the scales, turned slowly to the customer and said begrudgingly, 'I can't believe it.' The customer smiled and the grocer started putting the groceries on the other side of the scales. The scale did not balance so he continued to put more and more groceries on them until the scales would hold no more. The grocer stood there in utter disgust.. Finally, he grabbed the piece of paper from the scales and looked at it with greater amazement. It was not a grocery list, it was a prayer, which said: 'Dear Father Mother God, Angels and Guides, you know my needs and I am leaving this in your hands.' The grocer gave her the groceries that he had gathered and stood in stunned silence. Louise thanked him and left the store. The other customer handed a fifty-dollar bill to the grocer and said; 'It was worth every penny of it. Only God Knows how much a prayer weighs.' THE POWER: When you receive this, say a prayer. That's all you have to do. Just stop right now, and say a prayer of thanks for your own good fortune. Then please send this to all your friends and relatives. I believe if you will send this testimony out with prayer in faith, you will receive what you need Universal God Source to do in your and your families' lives. There is no cost but a lot of rewards. May you always walk with Angels Blessings and Peace!    And So It Is. ++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++ +++++ Three things will happen to you this coming week: (1) You will find favor with someone you don't expect; (2) You will be too relevant to be ignored; (3) You will encounter Universal Source  and you will never remain the same, for you will have the "Knowing" that all is in divine right order no matter what that is. My prayer for you today: The eyes beholding this message shall not behold evil, the hands that will send this message t o others shall not labor in vain, the mouth saying Amen to this prayer shall laugh forever. Remain in God's love as you send this prayer to everybody on your list. Have a lovely journey of life! Trust in the Universe with all your heart and Source will never fail you because Source is  Awesome!  *******************************   The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.  Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.   The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.     Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Metaphysical Healing

Metaphysical Healing Final Essay Rev. Lindsay Baldassano I began this course a few months ago during a time when I was seeking to refresh my Reiki practice and further my knowledge and understanding of subtle energies and healing. I was very excited about the new seminary program being offered by ULC and am still excited to continue learning in this fashion. I have always been a student at heart and actually looked forward to having to do homework again and having the chance to collect my thoughts about a topic and put the words down, to both express the lesson and what I have taken from it. The range of topics and intensity of knowledge being passed on was impressive for an online course. Teaching such a physical practice as healing can be a challenge when done through a non-physical medium like the Internet. While this course could not provide every little nuance of the hand-on aspects of the healing work, it certainly provided the internal assessment tools to be able to discern when and how you are connected to the Divine energies. These are important tools for healers beginning on their first forays into the healing arts. The thought that the energy bodies and organs of a person is analogous to the physical circulatory system is an extremely important concept to grasp in modern energy medicine. There is a still a dichotomy of information types out in today's field in the States. We are still placed between purely intuitive energy medicine and the energy medicine concepts which are trying to be furthered by the scientific communities. I do feel that once we have a way to better talk about what is perceived and what science can prove with what equipment they have (our current equipment may not be able to read the types of information our bodies perceive and interpret naturally), we will better be able to define our energy systems and their components. It was also very exciting to hear of the advances in the field of professional Traditional healers. It is my hope that this trend continues through out the world, so that in time it is the standard, rather than the exception that we are all assessed and treated holistically. Thank you for offering this course, it was well worth the time and investment it took to make this course an option for me! *******************************   The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.  Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.   The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.     Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Universal Life Church

TO ALL SANTA CLAUSES I remember my first Christmas adventure with Grandma. I was just a kid. I remember tearing across town on my bike to visit her on the day my big sister dropped the bomb: "There is no Santa Claus," she jeered. "Even dummies know that!"  My Grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been. I fled to her that day because I knew she would be straight with me. I knew Grandma always told the truth, and I knew that the truth always went down a whole lot easier when swallowed with one of her "world-famous" cinnamon buns. I knew they were world-famous, because Grandma said so. It had to be true. Grandma was home, and the buns were still warm. Between bites, I told her everything. She was ready for me. "No Santa Claus?" she snorted.... "Ridiculous! Don't believe it. That rumor has been going around for years, and it makes me mad, plain mad!! Now, put on your coat, and let's go." "Go? Go where, Grandma?" I asked. I hadn't even finished my Second World-famous cinnamon bun. "Where" turned out to be Kerby's General Store, the one store in town that had a little bit of just about everything.   As we walked through its doors, Grandma handed me ten dollars. That was a bundle in those days. "Take this money," she said, "and buy something for someone who needs it. I'll wait for you in the car." Then she turned and walked out of Kerby's.  I was only eight years old. I'd often gone shopping with my mother, but never had I shopped for anything all by myself. The store seemed big and crowded, full of people scrambling to finish their Christmas shopping. For a few moments I just stood there, confused, clutching that ten-dollar bill, wondering what to buy, and who on earth to buy it for. I thought of everybody I knew: my family, my friends, my neighbors, the kids at school, the people who went to my church. I was just about thought out, when I suddenly thought of Bobby Decker. He was a kid with bad breath and messy hair, and he sat right behind me in Mrs. Pollock's grade-two class. Bobby Decker didn't have a coat. I knew that because he never went out to recess during the winter. His mother always wrote a note, telling the teacher that he had a cough, but all we kids knew that Bobby Decker didn't have a cough; he didn't have a good coat. I fingered the ten-dollar bill with growing excitement. I would buy Bobby Decker a coat! I settled on a red corduroy one that had a hood to it. It looked real warm, and he would like that. "Is this a Christmas present for someone?" the lady behind the counter asked kindly, as I laid my ten dollars down. "Yes, ma'am," I replied shyly. "It's for Bobby." The nice lady smiled at me, as I told her about how Bobby really needed a good winter coat. I didn't get any change, but she put the coat in a bag, smiled again, and wished me a Merry Christmas. That evening, Grandma helped me wrap the coat (a little tag fell out of the coat, and Grandma tucked it in her Bible) in Christmas paper and ribbons and wrote, "To Bobby, From Santa Claus" on it. Grandma said that Santa always insisted on secrecy. Then she drove me over to Bobby Decker's house, explaining as we went that I was now and forever officially, one of Santa's helpers. Grandma parked down the street from Bobby's house, and she and I crept noiselessly and hid in the bushes by his front walk. Then Grandma gave me a nudge. "All right, Santa Claus," she whispered, "get going." I took a deep breath, dashed for his front door, threw the present down on his step, pounded his door and flew back to the safety of the bushes and Grandma. Together we waited breathlessly in the darkness for the front door to open. Finally it did, and there stood Bobby.   Fifty years haven't dimmed the thrill of those moments spent shivering, beside my Grandma, in Bobby Decker's bushes. That night, I realized that those awful rumors about Santa Claus were just what Grandma said they were, ridiculous.  Santa was alive and well, and we were on his team. I still have the Bible, with the coat tag tucked inside: $19.95. May you always have LOVE to share, HEALTH to spare and FRIENDS that care. And may you always believe in the magic of Santa Claus! ******************************************** To ordain yourself with the Universal Life Church, for free, for life, right now, click on the Free Online Ordination link. Rev. Long created the ULC seminary site to help ministers learn and grow their ministries. The Seminary offers a huge catalog of materials for ministers of the Universal Life Church, as well as an online seminary program and a chaplaincy program. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Universal Life Church

12 Days of Christmas There is one Christmas Carol that has always baffled me.  What in the world do leaping lords, French hens,  swimming swans, and especially the partridge who won't come out of the pear tree have to do with Christmas? This week, I found out. From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning  plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember. -The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ. -Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments. -Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.  -The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.  -The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.  -The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.  -Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching,  Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.  -The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.  -Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness,  Faithfulness,  Gentleness, and Self Control.  -The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.  -The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.  -The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed. So there is your history for today. This knowledge was shared with me and I found it interesting and enlightening and now I know how that strange song became a Christmas Carol...so pass it on if you wish.' *******************************   The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.  Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.   The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.     Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Wicca

On the Wheel After 17 years as a practicing Wiccan, it might seem strange to suddenly decide to take a class about my chosen path. It's a time of great change in my life. My children are both adults, my parents are beginning to have serious health problems, and my work is threatened by our country's economic crisis.  On my next birthday, I will be 40. As a Wiccan, I understand the cycles of our lives are part of the same cycle that turns the Wheel of the Year. As each season brings forth both blessings and challenges, it is also true for each new phase of our lives. I knew this year would be hard for me, for so many reasons. So, I began to search for ways to support the Wiccan part of myself. The class I have taken at Universal Life Church has helped me move closer to a deeper understanding of my path, and myself. Taking this class has helped me move a little further out of the broom closet at work. I'm feeling more comfortable in my own skin while in the work environment and I have better tools to help my family and others with their needs. I plan to move forward as before. I will walk the path I have chosen, but it always helps to hear a new perspective. This class has helped to open me again to the idea of connecting with the Pagan and Wiccan communities. I've joined several online sites, and I'm keeping my eyes open for opportunities in my daily life. As a Wiccan, I am well acquainted with the concept of connections. We are all connected to each other. What action one takes, or does not take has an impact on others. When any person gains knowledge, it is likely to impact those closest to that person. When a spiritual person gains knowledge, it is likely that a larger part of the world may benefit. My class from Universal Life Church will support me on a path that will help others, and that is the blessing that I take away with me. Rev. Melissa Hayes *******************************   The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more.  Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.   The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.     Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Spirit Quest

Spirit Quest Essay

Reverend Stephen J. LaJoice

Spirit Quest is a program that allows you to take a good look at yourself.  It provides tools to help overcome obstacles for a more fulfilling life. 

I was raised Roman Catholic.  I was educated in the Catholic School.  I ate, slept and lived Catholicism until I left home at 18.  

The question I ask myself is "did it make me a better person?"  In many ways it did and in some ways it did not.  While I have a solid foundation of Christian upbringing through a Catholic education I came to understand the vulnerability of living ones life within the strict confines of a structured religion.  I do have a deep acceptance of God and an understanding of the complexity of how everything in life in connected. I am generous and compassionate. I am also stuck with the "guilt "complex that needs constant work.    

I learned early in my life that religion and religious practices are molded to fit the needs and causes of man.  As man changes so does religion.  In some cases religion has a tendency to divide, promote intolerance and narrow ones focus away from the world.

In my high school years I was introduced to the art of Judo and the study of eastern spiritual philosophy.  I found practices and beliefs that helped to cultivate the spiritual aspects of life.  I learned how one understands oneself through meditation and self-reflection, how to achieve inner peace and become more tolerant and understanding of others.

I came to understand that spiritualism is a way of living.  It is traveling through life in a natural and harmonious way.  I came to understand that all things are connected, how one tug on the web of life can be felt by all creatures.  I came to understand that animals feel just as humans do. I came to understand how my actions affect others.  Say a cross word to your spouse or a friend and they feel it.  Say a cross word to your dog and the reaction is the same.  Spiritual understanding enhances ones ability to understand ones self, get along with others and to greater experience the moment.

In my early 20's I came across a poster of the Deserata written in 1692.  Its advice has been my guide for a lifetime and a mainstay for living spiritually.  It starts "Go placidly in the noise and the haste and remember what peace there may be in silence".  In today's busy world of dead lines and pressure silence is the pathway to mediation.

God has made us in his image and likeness and I believe we were put on this earth to enjoy ourselves and to nurture all we come in contact with.  A life of conflict and desperation was not in Gods design for us.  Moments of quiet reflection are needed to recharge our battery.

In the world today we are continually challenged.  Our day can be filled with stress, of the unexpected and the expected.  We balance our lives against the wants and needs of others as well as what we expect of ourselves……and there are moments when we began to feel enough is enough.

Within ourselves each of us has the desire and the need to feel inner peace.  It is the time when we need to sit back, take a deep breath, close our eyes and just let go.  Many of us choose our own mediums, such as mediation, yoga or music.  However, we choose to get there the ultimate reward is worth it.

As a young man I was plagued with migraine headaches.  At that time doctors knew very little about curing them.  The method was a strong dose of pain killers and rest.  I realized if I was to rid myself of them I would have to do it myself.  I found the way through deep meditation, relaxation and biofeedback.  I was finally able to beat the headaches back and have not suffered for many years.

As I struggled with my cure I found myself in a quiet place close to God and away from the outside world.  It was there that I met myself and began to understand the working of me.  I was able to begin to shed the skin of negative thoughts and behaviors.  I was able to develop tolerance and have that greater understanding of those around me.

Living is a full time job.  It can and does wear you down, if you let it.  If you seek to find that quiet place you will truly find the heart of peace, you will find you.

Spirit Quest has been a restatement and reminder of those precepts I learned and practiced throughout my life.  It has been an enjoyable experience.

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To ordain yourself with the Universal Life Church, for free, for life, right now, click on the Free Online Ordination link.

Rev. Long created the ULC seminary site to help ministers learn and grow their ministries. The Seminary offers a huge catalog of materials for ministers of the Universal Life Church, as well as an online seminary program and a chaplaincy program.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Shamanism

Master of Shamanism

Rev. Justin Oles

After completion of this course I can honestly say that there were a lot of
things I didn't know about shamanism. I also discovered that there a lot of
misconceptions. I'm surprised to see how little the general populous knows and
how many of the old 18th century misconceptions are still seen.

I have not seen the mixing of the old shamanistic practices with the general
medical field although I know that a lot of nurses are starting to use things
like reiki in their practice. It was nice to see in the various discourses that
professionals in the field are starting to look at some of the "old world"
techniques for treating disease. The studies I have read and  many of the studies
cited in the articles speak of the generalized effects of the treatments. While
many shamanistic techniques have shown promise for treatment of symptoms none
have shown cures. However, if the treatment can make a persons life better the
treatment is helpful regardless of scientific proof of its effectiveness.

An  interesting point brought up several times throughout the discourse was the
similarities among shamans throughout the world. Even though shamans were
separated by thousands of miles many of them shared similar techniques, beliefs
and methods of attaining their desired spirit flight (altered states of
consciousness). I was surprised to see that some of the common techniques used
by people to  "get high" are also techniques, used much more carefully, but
shaman to attain the altered states of consciousness needed for their practice.
I know for one that it explains effects I have felt while drinking various this
such as tequila and absinth. I knew that wormwood (the basis of absinth was a
hallucinogen) but I didn't realize that agave (the basis of tequila) was also
one. That  explains largely why tequila effects people the way is does.
Lastly, I liked the way the author wrote or compiled the discourses. There were
several time where he offered both sides of the argument allowing the student or
reader to form their own opinion. My only recommendation, and this goes for
several courses, is that they be proof read before posting. I found several
cases where parts of  the course were missing or unreadable due to poor
reproduction of articles or poor coding on the part of web builder.

By Rev. Justin M. Oles

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The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity, Wicca, Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. 

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button.We also offer many free wedding ceremonies for your use.


 

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary.  
 

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Christian Studies

THE FOUR GOSPELS Rev. Ron Baams In simplest terms, the four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, describe the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. But in a more deeper sense they provide an allegory of human life and how we should live or lives by the principles of God's law and through the teachings of our saviour, Jesus Christ. Before the written Gospels, the stories of Jesus were transmitted orally. They were eventually written down to preserve the accounts of his words and deeds for future generations, in order to strengthen the faith of specific Christian communities, to help better understand the meaning of Jesus' ministry, and to assist in bringing the good news (the meaning of "Gospel") to unbelievers. The first three Gospels are considered the "Synoptics", meaning they share the same or common view. The Gospel of Matthew, while probably not written first, according to most biblical scholars, appears first due to his connection to the Old testament. Matthew emphasizes the links between Jesus' ministry and the Old Testament. In terms of geneology, Matthew directly connects Jesus with Abraham and David, which would indicate that he is demonstrating the relevance of Jesus to Jews. One of Matthew's major themes is the "Kingdom of Heaven" and emphasizes Jesus' teachings about what it means to be a citizen of that kingdom. The first four chapters of Matthews Gospel describes how Jesus' (Messiah) kingdom is prepared. He provides accounts of Jesus' birth; his early life life including the escape from Egypt and his return to Nazareth; his baptism by John the Baptist; and his overcoming of temptation in the desert by the devil. In chapters four to sixteen Matthew descriptively identifies many teachings and miracles of Jesus. These essentially announce the kingdom and provide the principles by which Christians should lead their lives. The teachings gives us insights on what faith truly means and what is possible when we turn to God. In chapters sixteen through 20, Matthew describes Jesus' preparation of the disciples for the coming kingdom. Jesus provides his teachings to them in the form of parables so that they may form a deeper understanding of the moral principles he is attemtping to convey unto them. Jesus also predicts his own betrayal and death. In his last eight chapters, 21-28, Matthew describes how Jesus offers his kingdom to all believers through his rejection, crucifixion, and resurrection (the ultimate triumph). Matthew's gospel terminates with his description of The Great Commission; Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him: but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."      Matthew 28:16-20 The Gospel of Mark is commonly viewed as the "memoirs" of the apostle Peter, and is a more condensed version of Matthew. It should be of note that some biblical scholars believe that Mark was a key source for Matthew and Luke. Unlike Matthew, Mark does not provide accounts of Jesus' birth and early life, but rather begins immediately with Jesus' entry into public life and his ministry. Mark does not mention Jewish laws or covenants as found found in the Old Testament, and alluded to by Matthew. He elevates Jesus as the servant of God for all people. Mark emphasizes that there is good news in Jesus Christ and refers to him as the Son of God and the Son of Man. Mark protrayed Jesus as the suffering servant who came to die, and as the Saviour for the entire world. During the time of Mark's writings the Roman Empire, as the dominant world power, had begun to harshly persecute Christians. It is believed that Mark wanted to encourage these suffering believers. In the first thirteen chapters of Mark's gospel he introduces the great Servant and provides accounts of the teachings and miracles of his ministry. While Mark does not provide the depth of description as found in the other gospels, he provides succinct highlights of Jesus' teachings. In chapters fourteen to twenty Mark describes the sacrificial death and resurrection of the great Servant. Fully forty percent of Marks gospel focuses on the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Clearly demonstrating Mark's perception of Jesus as the suffering servant who ultimately rises to the right hand of God. This is can be witnessed by his last entry; After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and sat at the right hand of God. Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.  Mark 16:19-20 Of the first three gospels, the Gospel of Luke provides us with the widest variety of Jesus' teachings in the form of parables and events from the life of Jesus. Luke also provides his personal perspective of these events. Additionally, Luke emphasizes Jesus' focus on the poor and suffering. Essentially, Luke is the longest and most comprehensive gospel. In chapters one to three, Luke describes the birth, baptism, and early life of Jesus. However he provides a deeper breadth of description and perspective than does Matthew. For example, he goes into great detail of the infant Jesus' presentation in the temple, and the boy Jesus staying behind in the temple when Mary and Joseph were returning home: After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, "Son why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you." "Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" But they did not understand what he was saying to them.  Luke 2:46-50 In chapters four to twenty-one Luke, like Matthew and Mark, gives accounts of Jesus' activities and ministry. He does so in a similar manner by describing parables and miracles, but does so in a more explicative fashion, thus providing us with a deeper perspective of the accounts. In Luke's last chapters, twenty-two to twenty-four, he eloquently describes Jesus' last days on earth beginning with Judas' agreement to betray Jesus and ending with Jesus' ascension to heaven; When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.  Luke 24:50-53 The Gospel of John is quite different from the Synoptic gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. During a time when people worshiped different Gods, John reveals that there is only one faith that worships a personal God who has sacrificial love. John's story identifies this God in the person of Jesus Christ. John explains the goal of his gospel very succinctly; But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.  John 20:31 John captures our attention from the very beginning, demonstrating how something very simple can also be extremely profound; In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.  John 1:1-2 John's gospel is distinguished from the other gospels by extensive looks at several characters; including Lazarus, Mary, and Martha; long speeches provided by Jesus; and lengthy conversations such as Jesus' discussion with Nicodemus, teaching at the last supper, and Jesus' interaction with Peter at the Sea of Galilee. In chapter one, as previously alluded to, John gives a detailed explanation of the "Word". In chapters two to twelve he provides clear accounts of jesus' public ministry including miraculous signs, the woman at the well, and triumphal entry into Jerusalem.  Chapters thirteen to seventeen focus on Jesus' private ministry, specifically his teachings with the disciples during the last week before his death. Chapters eighteen to twenty describes Jesus' public trial, execution, and resurrection. Some argue that this is an evangelical hallmark as it clearly illustrates God's sacrificial love for mankind and forms the foundation of faith that Jesus Christ gave his life freely that so that all who believe in him shall also have everlasting life in the kingdom of heaven. The final entry in John reflects the writer's reverence for Jesus; Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.                                                                                                                                                                &nbs p;                                                                          John 21:25 In summation, I would like to use an excerpt written by Michael Redding in his A Survey of the New Testament, 2006: "That we have records of the history of important people - great men and women, political, military, and religious figures - does not surprise us. That we have many records of the life of Jesus of Nazareth should be expected from the ripples that have kept moving through history since he walked on the Sea of Galilee. What may surprise us is that we have four linked-together accounts believed to be authoritative." The four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John introduce and form the foundation for the New Testament. The New Testament is the basis which guides the principles of Christianity, and more importantly provides innumerable lessons by which to live our lives and spread the Word of Jesus. Rev. Ron Baams ******************************************** To ordain yourself with the Universal Life Church, for free, for life, right now, click on the Free Online Ordination link. Rev. Long created the ULC seminary site to help ministers learn and grow their ministries. The Seminary offers a huge catalog of materials for ministers of the Universal Life Church, as well as an online seminary program and a chaplaincy program. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Paganism

The first thing that really got my attention is how much I do not know about Paganism. I think I have a lot of interest finding even more about Paganism even after taking this course. I was really interested in how Pagans worship different gods and goddesses. The first thing that really worked for me was meditating. Meditating really got me relaxed. I was unable to concentrate long enough to do the entire meditation that was suggested but was able to adapt some meditation techniques that really worked for me. The next thing that really interested me is Section 2 and 3 of Lesson #5 about Summerland and Winterland and how some Pagans believe that the go to this paradise (Summerland) until they are reborn and that others believe in Winterland which is where the dead go. I really liked the reincarnation philosophy in Paganism as well with other religions and how it is linked to karma. Another thing that got my attention was the amount of holidays that Pagans celebrate. I know that some of them are minor holidays and others are major holidays and that some are general and some are deity specific. A lot of these holidays I had never heard of before but I am glad I got to be exposed to them. Due to living with my parents and grandmother, I was unable to set up a permanent altar to practice a lot of the rituals used in this course. I had to set an altar each time but was worth the effort. One of the things was that I was unable to get a lot of the tools that were listed because of a really tight budget but I worked with what I found around the house which worked for me. The effect of the music had a big part in my ritual. The music really helped me relax and helped me to practice the visualization technique. I was fascinated by how different trees where viewed and how they were used. Of the trees listed, I liked what was said about Beech, Oak, and Pines. I will have to try to get some things made out of these woods when money is available or if I can find some that has been discarded. I was fascinated by how different trees where viewed and how they were used. Of the trees listed, I liked what was said about Beech, Oak, and Pines. I will have to try to get some things made out of these woods when money is available or if I can find some that has been discarded. Some of the things I had trouble with were the grounding and centering after meditating and the manipulation of energy. I also had a hard time finding a quiet place to do my ritual and I was lacking some items to complete what I wanted at my altar. Unfortunately, my neighbors are noisy along with my family which caused some distraction during my ritual that I am still tinkering with. I had to deal without having any herbs and things like the chalice. I know of a metaphysical store in town that I will have to go to. I had trouble grasping some of the symbolism in Paganism but will continue to try to understand it. This was a real awesome course for me to take. It really opened my mind up to trying new things and trying to find what works for me and what does not. I will have to do more exploration of Paganism. Rev. Michael S. Barth ******************************************** To ordain yourself with the Universal Life Church, for free, for life, right now, click on the Free Online Ordination link. Rev. Long created the ULC seminary site to help ministers learn and grow their ministries. The Seminary offers a huge catalog of materials for ministers of the Universal Life Church, as well as an online seminary program and a chaplaincy program. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar