Universal Life Church

God Loves to see you smile

By Scott Phillips

Pass the Word. Sunday 2-3 Tune into 97.3 fm or go to our website and listen to the live stream to our New Radio Show. We take callers with questions and discuss issues that deal with living and pleasing God.

Remember to have a good day,

God Loves to see you smile.

The other day my wife was rushing around the house helping someone get ready for a wedding that attends the church in Clinton. The couple did not have a lot of money and my wife just saw an opportunity to do something nice, because that is the way she is.  For the next few days she was focused and motivated on the task at hand. Through out this process of hard work, I marveled at how thrilled she was doing something for someone else. Through this I had a "TADA" moment. She was demonstrating a characteristic of God.

God loves to see you smile.

He has/does and will go to great lengths to bring joy into your life. If you think of the history of God dealing with man, it is amazing to consider everything he has done had a single overriding purpose and that being for man to find that place of Joy and Completeness.

It started with the carefully planned habitat in Eden. Then his custom made companion for Adam. He then tailored clothing to cover the shame of their sin with clothes. And from there the list goes on and on.

I have often thought of Gods dealing with man for selfish reasons on his part. I have heard it communicated that God did it all because he wants praise or love or some other thing. I however don't believe that is true.

I think God gets more glory when from a thankful heart a smile transforms a face, a heart is filled with love and words of sincere communication transpire. I don't think he does it for praise, I think that God does it simply because he loves to see you smile.

It is sort of like the Chicken or Egg debate. What does God want from you? Is it just to see you "serve him" and worship him or is it that God truly loves his children and wants to see them happy and fulfilled.

The answer is found in the picture of a parent. No doubt parents love for a child to get up publicly and tell how great they are.  However I truly believe what is the greatest source of joy for a parent is to see their children happy and living purposeful, meaningful lives.

Your Heavenly Father loves to see you smile.

The natural outflow of the Goodness of our Father is for us love him. When we think of the great price God has paid to reconcile us back to him and redeem us from the curse of sin, it helps to know why. The purpose is not so he has someone to sing for him, testify for him or even give money for him. The purpose is to see his

children experience true joy.

I did not say God wants you to be a spoiled brat. No good parent gives their children everything they want. No good parent is going to let everything come easy. However the overriding driving passion of God is too see his children prosper and lead productive and meaningful lives.

The scripture says, "If ye being evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Ghost to everyone that asketh."

Does he give the Holy Ghost to his children for "self serving" purposes or does he do it because he sincerely and deeply loves to see his children experience the joy that only the Holy Ghost can give.

I have heard so many preachers preach about praise and worship and they present it as God doing everything because he likes to be praised. I really don't think that is what God likes. I truly believe that What God likes is what produces true praise and worship.

When we recognize that every good and perfect thing in our life comes from one source, when we can see the tremendous price paid for the saving of our souls, when we get a glimpse at the vast reservoir of his love there is a natural by-product that will come flowing from us like a rain swollen river rushing, flowing toward the the source of the rain.

When you smile at God, God smiles back at you. If you have anything you can smile about, it is because of the tender mercies of a savior that has spared no expense to see his child in that place of meaningful purpose. If you have a need and will sincerely and honestly seek his face, he will answer your prayer and meet your

need. Why? He wants to see your life filled with purpose and meaning? Why? Because he loves to see you smile.

Smiling.

In Him, By Him, Through Him,

Scott Phillips

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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 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

What is Witchcraft?

By Lord Starwalker

Witchcraft is the study and wisdom of the Witch, much the way that Magic is the study and wisdom of the Magus. It is a way of knowing, the forces of nature, the nature of being human, the humanity of love. Witchcraft is a way of being a Witch. Today, Witchcraft is one tradition within Paganism.

What is a Witch?

Depending on whom you ask, this question may take on different answers. This short answer will not tell all, and some Witches will even disagree with it.

A Witch is a Pagan or a neo-Pagan minister, sharing in an age-old Shamanic tradition. What really makes a Witch, and not another similar tradition is a willingness to declare, "I am a Witch!" The person will have given this declaration freely and sincerely, even if given in private. She or he spoke to the people for the Gods, to the Gods for the people, brought the children into the world, and led them away again. She was mother, father, and at times God to her or his people.

In modern times, a Witch is one who practices a Culture of Faith, largely drawing on the lessons garnered by that ancient Shaman. Modern Witchcraft has become an amalgamation, a melting pot or salad bowl, of religions, ancient and fresh.

So, What Is a Witch?

By a very conservative etymological _expression, we might say the original meaning of the word that later became Witch was one who bent things to his or her will, one who could turn aside evil or good. These are ideas often used to refer to people performing Magic and divination, and call themselves a Witch.

In legend we say that the Witch has for his or her fortunes:

The ability to bring success in wholesome love;

The ability to bless or curse with power friends or enemies;

The ability to cure and cause diseases;

The ability to make those who seem ugly beautiful;

The ability to change the debased into the more refined, the worthless into something worthy;

The ability to find treasures hidden in ancient places;

The ability to converse with spirts, especially of the honored ancestors and lost souls (necromancy);

The ability to arbitrate between humanity and the gods;

The ability to tame wild beasts and thoughts;

The ability to understand the voice of the wind;

The ability to see omens and read the weather;

The ability to divine with cards, stones, numbers and other means;

The ability to know the secrets of the hand (palmistry), face, body, and mind;

The ability to read the stars, planets, and luminaries.

Is a Witch a Woman?

Dianic Wicca expresses their spirituality directly through their bodies. They do not include men or even trans-gendered (post operative) Women in their covenants. This is solely because their very bodies become the vessel of the Goddess. They believe that only a life of experience can prepare them for such a service. On the other hand we have some groups oriented solely for Male energies. Some of these include effeminate or other Trans-gendered men to help manage the feminine energies of the Goddess. The only restrictions to becoming a Witch that I know of are the need for reverence and focus.

What is a Warlock?

For the most part, a male who is a Witch is a male who is a Witch. Many male Witches disfavor the term Warlock because of its Old English meaning of Oath Breaker. In southeastern Europe, a Warlock was a Warlord who personally used Magic in his War craft. Many Satanists will call any male who is very adept in the use of Magic a Warlock, and call the Female a Witch. Labels are, many times, context sensitive. They also carry the risk of limiting thought.

Is Wicca a Form of Witchcraft?

No.-- Well, sort of. Wicca is an eclectic, neo-Pagan, modern movement, developed mostly by the efforts of Doreen Valiente and Gerald Gardner. It borrows heavily from many movements and traditions. Wicca is a smorgasbord of philosophies, deriving mostly from Pagan sources, dressed up with garments from Thelema and the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Wicca is a gateway. Like many great cultures of faith, Wicca is a worthy pursuit in its own rights. It serves as a cultural decompression chamber. It has just enough familiarity to "Popular" traditions of Christianity to avoid any fear while the new Pagan becomes comfortable with new ways of thinking, talking, and communicating with nature.

It tends to keep the occultnick$ secure with its appeal to elitism and its press toward a group mentality. This attitude, however, is medium-rare and limited to small groups, some of which are not Wiccan at all eccept in name. We may appreciate Wicca as a religious culture in its own right. I would like to note that there are Wiccans who are Witches and some who are not. There are many Witches who are not Wiccans.

Who Can Become a Witch?

The Witch does not really become one per se. One day, a person hears the word, Witch and is somehow fascinated by it. A question or two, and suddenly that person remembers a truth as though it was always there. With that epiphany the person is never quite the same. If Society has raised this person in a family of Witches, then the change is small, and sweet. If not, however, the change can be devastating, shattering a gestalt. This person will begin to look for new answers, new worlds, boldly go where they might never have gone before. Many will step upon the traditions of Theosophy, Buddhism, or Wicca, and find themselves in a cultural "decompression chamber." They may even find another word beside Witch that suits them better.

The Witch is in constant pursuit for answers, many too elusive to be so obvious at first. In their quest, their thirst for that answer, they may stumble upon the heavier disciplines of Pern Buddhism, Satanism, or Witchcraft. There, they find themselves at home, but never so comfortable that they settle down and stagnate. Or, they may return to Christianity with a new, more Christian perspective than they walked away with. The journey is yours. Live it!

The only restrictions to becoming a Witch (or the practitioner of any Culture of Faith) that I know of are the need for reverence and focus. No one really becomes a Witch. They just discover that they have certain talents, and hear the label Witch, and marry the two together. Conversely, while a Witch may drop the Label, the talents will continue with them as they contribute to another avenue of _expression.

Do You Have Gurus, Leaders, Priests, or Masters?

In any social group, there are children whom we must teach, and elders who must teach.

Within Paganism, we have some who are just discovering their awareness, learning new languages, finding new talents they have always had nagging at them from the days they were born. In time, they can learn through trial, error, and periodic epiphanies, just how to use their talents and master the world. Some discover that they have a talent for helping others learn these things. These become teachers of a few at a time.

A priesthood would serve to administer a structured rite and organization. Paganism is generally unstructured. Those with a talent for theater and organization may direct some social gatherings, rites associated with them, and rites of passage. However, rites are not spectator events. So, if we gather into groups, they tend to be rather small.

We expect each Witch to be their own priest. To be able to bend the forces of nature to one?s will, one must have a strong will. So a Witch will take responsibility for any relationship they will have with God, to whatever they apply that label.

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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 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

By Rev. Delores E. Burgess

Mary Magdalene

In and among many current spiritual and religious trends, the presence of Mary Magdalene's legacy is emerging with great interest and influence. Within recently unearthed Gnostic doctrines, her role and purpose with Jesus Christ and His disciples has been newly resurrected and can no longer be ignored or considered insignificant but applauded as an ensign for eternal foundations. It is for this cause I would like to share this perspective in hopes of establishing the vital relevance of the feminine message to modern day religion and social enlightenment and reform.

This writing is the result of a friend?s inquiry to me, concerning the life and works of Mary Magdalene and their meaning to mankind today in accordance with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Following, is the dialog which was shared between us.

?...One has to wonder, over the course of 2,000 years, what has *happened* relative to that particular soul... (Mary Magdalene) Certainly, on the *now*-Scene, *lots* of people seem to be interested in her! It's like a Magdalene Renaissance!?

Mary Magdalene bears a powerful revelation; a principle. Perhaps this is her day; but if her truth goes without understanding or application it is lost (to man, not God). I've read much speculations these days of Mary's purpose...but in my estimation, hardly giving her purpose integrity. Tying her to High-Priestess of the Goddess or perhaps carrying Jesus Christ's child in secret, etc., may all bear truth in some respect, but I suspect these inventions are more to influence current theological movements than reveal her truth.

Throughout time, every *revelation* born of/in the flesh, by whatever name they are called by, are all messengers of God. They bear witness of eternal truth which furthers man's comprehensions of God to break down the barriers, through the power of Spirit, which separate us from Love and are continually constructed through ignorance. These souls are God's 'Aces in the Hole' and without them man would most probably be lost. I know this is not popular philosophy today as many choose to believe that everything goes and is as it should be, all progressing into light naturally. But if you consider this world *without* these who have given their lives to *bare* revelations of eternal truth, you must admit that this philosophy would be no more than an illusion or delusion.

To understand Mary Magdalene's truth, you must consider her conditions. Because of her gender and choices in life, her person/ality was considered contemptible among her peers. She was cast off by men and considered the filthiest form of life to the pious; the religious. She knew physical body contact but was empty within her soul. She *knew* she did not know pure love or peace; she *knew* she was lost. But when she found Christ; the revelation of God on earth, she *knew* she was found and brought back to Life and Love again with purpose in God. No *man* could give her this hope or knowledge or love - it was Divine intervention alone. Even the disciples of Christ did not know or carry this potent message. She walked closer to Christ than all of them because in her heart she *knew* her condition and could relate it to the reality of all mankind; though they remained blind to this reality through their own traditions. The disciples were taught these truths/principles but they believed on Christ's words, never truly understanding/feeling how separated they really were from the Eternal Divine. This is their difference. While Jesus' male disciples struggled with pride among themselves, Mary demonstrated the total equality within the nature of God which those of her day (as even today to large extent) could never fully consider. Christ's relationship to her was without prejudice, only established through the love in her heart for His truth. Jesus taught true worship of God through pure heartfelt love, which was considered revolutionary doctrine in that time. He did not allow even His disciples to glorify Him, only love Him. Humility and equality are fundamental principles of spiritual growth and eternal life.

Spiritually, the child Mary did indeed conceive with Christ would no doubt be the eternal principle of complete and perfect "equality". And truly, she did protect and carry it to the far ends of the earth, wherever His Spirit guided her. Equality is multi-faceted as is all eternal truth. Though Mary's life's demonstration was primarily the spiritual *gender-bender* of all time, it also revealed, in the most profound and blatant way, the misconceptions of *righteousness* through God's eyes. All are worthy: God sees only the heart; it is His temple and if it is open to give place to His presence, then so will He abide there. Her reality is the plight of all mankind: forsake the lie, become married to truth, conceive and bare revelation of it to the world...each according to their own purpose and without exception to race, gender, creed or status in life. She covered 'em all boys - and in one single shot. I know that many believe giving Mary glory as a 'Goddess' stature appears to credit her purpose, but if you see her in her truth you would never concede to do such a vile thing to her face. It is filthy slander to her very soul and discredits, defiles and destroys her work and purpose. To give one's life to establish equality, only to have it torn down so men can glorify an image is blasphemy and I can tell you she would not appreciate it in the least. This concept separates, yet again, men from God...drawing them to glorify *her* - not a chance in hell. Her spirit would not return the compliment in any degree. If people want to know her, they should seek to know her *truth*. If this seems insignificant to their understanding, in comparison to *honorable* recognitions, then these are the ones most in need of her ministry. Man tends to conceives all things in relationship to his own understandings and this is what has been done to Mary Magdalene today. Though I wouldn't consider her a *sexist*, I suspect she has born a male image more than once throughout her vast lifetimes of growth and revelation. Trying to tie her to the tiny concepts of man's understanding only (male/female union) would not be as beneficial as to pursue all the fullest meanings of her known life/lives on earth. This is so much like the Hebrews slaves wanting to go back to the false security of Egypt (despite enslavement) after being freed into new life. Though the male/female aspects of Jesus/Mary bare great significance to spiritual concepts of truth, if not understood and applied correctly, they are worthless. Letting go of traditional beliefs to conceive of higher visions is the path which frees us all up, within and toward each other also.

These are only the basic understandings Mary Magdalene brought to mankind. But as indicated, revelation of truth is multi-faceted so her purpose also bears witness and remedy to spiritual, eternal disputes past. Though elemental time continually projects/reveals all events past unto/until perfection, so these demonstrations convey personal and collective conditions necessary to align all properties in pure Light and Love of the Divine. Mary's personal plight is also to be considered within her demonstration in time, but not so much to the general public as to herself through her own responses in life and her progressions in Love.

Another facet of her revelation validates the truths of God/dess only in respect to revealing the aspects of the Divine which were violated and corrupted, in Creation's infant beginnings, through the designs of those souls who took advantage of Love for selfish intents. The 'female' attributes of God's Spirit drew all souls into intimate *comm/union* to conceive and birth the spiritual truths which enlightened and enlivened to develop her being/soul in and through Love's ever-expanding dimensions. *Intimate* because *His* presence permeated the very core essence of one's being to join within Her body, thus aligning the soul's perspectives to higher/greater vision and experiences of Love. The understandings conceived, bonded that soul to Her in degrees which were inseparable beyond any concept of marriage man has yet to imagine. It was in pure joy, innocence and Love that the soul experienced the internal conception and birth of truths of God never before known...and sadly, it was pride and lust for power which almost destroyed this irreplaceable aspect of God/dess' nature. Such was life before the *fall*. All religions and subconscious fears whisper of this eternal crime, but none remember fully. This gift of Love and Life, was all but entirely demolished, except for the intervention of Christ even then. God's sacred interactions with souls was made a filthy act by the counterfeit spiritual intercourse of arrogant, lying spirits drawing souls to it's/their own diabolical schemes of a world beyond it's Creator.

Infecting unsuspecting souls with his own seed of perversion of misconceived imaginations and illusions of grandeur, power and control. Light became darkness and Life/Love withdrew in pain. As Mary and Christ demonstrated, it was His love and intervention which saved and drew her purpose back to Life again....so did He then also hold the balance of Her eternal purpose in His hands. I know some would debate that God's properties/reality can't be destroyed/altered and I do concede...but God's direct intervention with mankind *is* the negotiable factor and only exercised according to God's will, not man's. But this is another story which could be too lengthy to expound in this setting. Sufficient to say, Mary was/is a very important link to man's evolution back into the Love of God/dess.

But each disciple was also a principle of eternal truth; each of their individual personalities is a key to the Divine nature and closer walk with God. To seek to know Thomas' truth, or Peter's or John's, etc., is revelation to all. Each principle also speaks to us individually, according to one's need to overcome or discover. So much truth within life and so little perceived. All one needs to do to know is to ask of God.

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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 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

Online Sermons

The Heavenly Boomerang

Scott Phillips

I received a call yesterday afternoon from the Christian School here in Clinton. The principle called to ask me if I would speak to the Children for their first chapel service this year. He told me that their theme this year would be the golden rule and asked if I could speak to them for about ten minutes on this theme.

My first thought was, how do you communicate to two hundred and fifty kids from seven to twelve years old? I thought long and hard on the Golden rule and wanted something for an object lesson. I called a very talented young lady who works with children and asked her if she had any ideas and she said no. As we were getting off the phone she said, "You could use a boomerang." Below are my thoughts on this subject. This is not what I will say to the children, but what I would say to adults.

The Golden Rule - The heavenly boomerang

"Do to others as you would have them do to you."

Do you love Jesus? The proof is in the pudding, If you say you love Jesus, we demonstrate that by how we treat those we are in contact everyday.

Many of us have forgotten and neglected this famous command of Jesus. Often our clich?s are neglected and forgotten, but the truth of the command is important nonetheless.

The GOLDEN RULE.

The question could be asked, "WHY should we be nice to other people?" The answers would range from the following answers.

The Bible says so.

Jesus told us so.

Momma told me to.

Daddy showed me.

However, the reason why we are instructed this is it is based on the law of reciprocity. It is a fact, you will reap what you sow.

In life, our world is like a Mirror.

If you wave, people wave back.

If you are kind, people will be kind back.

However, some never understand this and they fail to be kind and then wonder why everyone runs from them.

No doubt, they hated Jesus, and the world, as a whole does not appreciate goodness and honesty on a very root level. The business world often mouths words of Christian principles, but in the boardroom these are simply empty platitudes and not governing principles.

The Bible Says that he that hath friends, must show himself friendly.

We get what we give. If we give kindness, kindness will come back.

Blessed are the Merciful, for they shall receive mercy. The Golden Rule is like a Heavenly Boomerang. Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.

Keep Smiling. Keep Waving. Keep being Friendly.

You are the salt of the earth. You are the Light of the world.

Let your light shine through your teeth.

Smile and the World will smile back.

In Him, By Him, Through Him,

Scott Phillips

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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.

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

Life Liberty and the....

Scott Phillips

Universal Life Church

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness

I am thankful today for the founding faith of this United States of America. In careful study you will see the virtue in the core principle that gave rise to this great country we call America.

Sure we are a flawed society eat up with all kinds of vice and violence; still at the foundation we see a wonderful thing that we call liberty. This morning as I came in from doing some shopping for a family cookout, my little blond headed Nate walked in the Kitchen. His big smile and sweet nature just caused me to sweep him up in my arms and thank God for life and liberty and the great blessings I see showered down around me.

I am thankful to be an American. I am thankful for freedom of worship and freedom of speech. Today on this special day where we all say the pledge and gather with family and faith, let us remember all of those still held in the bondage of tyranny and poverty. As we say our prayers of thanksgiving, let us pray that Liberty will capture the hearts of every country. As we walk in the blessings of God let us be mindful that we have brothers and sisters in Christ suffering and hungry around this world who would not even know how to imagine living like we do. We should not feel guilty for our blessings, but thankful, grateful and humble.

Happy 4th to you all!

Scott Phillips

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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 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

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Cherish the Choice of Love

By Dr. Ronald P. MacIntyre

Love is not a feeling or game to be played like a game with no rules but, to say one quits or one wishes to make rules that only they will play the game of Love by.

What is love when love has so many unfounded rules to live by.

To say a man loves a woman for feelings of birth and family. To have that till,? death do we part ?.

A relationship only to sneak about to find other relationships that have no meaning, but, of a lust that last only long enough for one quick desire of flesh.

Even for a man to love a man is no different then that of a man loving a woman or a woman loving another woman.

Is not love something of meaning and understanding of two people who have committed and cherished each other in a time of truth, or, was it just a moment of lust felt a the moment of desire?

When I think of love, I think of friendship and a relationship of trust, understanding and knowing that it?s held lovingly and tenderly to the heart. A Heart that sings out sounds of soft sung songs of beauty and a pleasure of contentment that means never to venture to just a moment of lust without feeling.

So that means tenderness is felt in the warmth of another persons arms, those feelings are feelings that go deep within.

Only I, and I mean only I can feel that love and no one else can feel that deep willingness to touch that untouched feeling or tear it away from my cherished soul.

The heart is one. One within it?s only moments of sweet tenderness that only one can feel openly and honestly enough to say,? this is love and a love of my own self?.

A self who knows those special times of happiness, and tender dreams of feeling deep inside the memories of each hurting false love of past, yet, also moments to have and cherish, that were also tender within the heart that is like a treasure chest of love that was once gold. Gold that is filtered through the fingers and as it drifts towards the soft green velvet grass without a sound , you quickly grab onto the pieces be collected and cherished forever, locked away to be memories of those tender golden moments.

Moments so long ago and yet so fresh in each new passion of which is fresh with each new love.

Cherish and hold onto the time spent for today, and why it is today. What happened to yesterday and for what will happen tomorrow will not be as the happiest as the moment that is with you now.

Man and woman, man and man, woman and woman. May we be yellow, black, green or blue. Whether we believe God takes us to Heaven or not. One God a spirit, one God an idol that resembles various objects of being. Yet one representing a symbol of Love that to whom every God gave to all to cherish.

To my understanding love is gentle, kind , and giving. Not hurt, selfishness, and to destroy what is given as choice to cherish.

I am who I want to be and give my love to who I love, and be for the person That I love.

He made you in his image and gave you love from birth. So let that love be for all to share and be nourished with the thought that we are as we choose to be no matter what is going on in life.

Do not let humanity destroy this love with false images of no tomorrow. Bring forth the love for there is tomorrow.

Cherish choice of love today and choose the moment to change to the moment of now in love.

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

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is a free and lifetime ordination, so use the Free Online Ordination, button. We also make available many free wedding ceremonies for your use, as well as funeral ceremonies and other types of ceremonies.

 

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program where you can earn the coveted title of Chaplain. We also have a huge selection of Universal Life Church materials to help you with your professionalism and confidence.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and an amazed by the frequent upgrades and new functions of the seminary.
 

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

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Universal Life Church

By Elise Abraham aka Mother Raven

What is in a Name?

While you here know me as Elise Abraham, my pagan community know me as

Mother Raven. Why?

WHAT'S IN A NAME ?

Lots - that's what! One of the most difficult things in the world is choosing the right name for something - very often I have found that whatever moniker you pick will end up being changed when the "right" one becomes clear - the ginger tom TT who became Beetle, our French tripod Labrador Gavroche who has become GubGub which suits us all much better.

So imagine my dilemma many years ago when I realised that with my rebirth as a baby pagan I would have to find a suitable name. Rolled up mental sleeves and ran through every kind of Nature-based name I could think of while begging inspiration - flowers - no I am not a Pansy or Marigold no matter how mellow the light behind me, trees - well my favourites are Mimosa (which sounds too shampoo-ey somehow) or Rowan which has been done to death (and is it Row as in with oars or Row as in argument?), places where I have been inspired - Tintagel (too Arthurian), Carnac (sounds like a vehicle attachment) Zennor (too Buddhist sounding)

I kept coming back to Raven. Yes, I know, groan and shake your head - also done to death and have lost count of the number of silver, gold, white or rainbow coloured Ravens existing in Pagan circles these days. Too Norse - well of course it is! Hugin and Munir are better known than their owner. Too Hammer Horror - yes we all saw The Omen! But nonetheless, I kept coming back to it and I will explain why.

During my many and varied careers, I spent a mostly very enjoyable year as Manager in a Zoo in Cornwall and had the privilege of meeting and becoming friends with a raven who had been confined in the zoo because, hand reared, he had been re-released into the wild and was unable to cope. He attacked picnickers on the cliffs above St Agnes, he got on a bus going to St Ives and terrorised the passengers - he was, in other words, a bloody nuisance. When I started work at the zoo he was a miserable, lonely and beaten bird. We took an instant liking to each other - it was love at first sight, for me at any rate.

At this park we did demonstrations of falconry and I was very very keen to learn, so I asked the owner if I could take lessons from our Chief Falconer in my own time. This bod - another total maverick looked at me as if I were potty when I said, "I want to fly the Raven". He shook his head and told me it wouldn't be the easiest bird to learn on but if my heart was set on it, we could give it a go - it was, and we did.

Birds of prey, while magnificent, are pretty single minded and stupid - they will do anything for a bite to eat and absolutely nothing when they have eaten enough. They will come to the glove to get the piece of meat and not because they love you - but Ragnar was different - he and I had a truly beautiful relationship.

I discovered very early on that he had a sense of humour. He understood exactly what I wanted him to do but took his time deciding if it was what he felt like doing too. By the time we had worked together long enough to take part in the public displays he had found his metier - he was a clown and I was his straight man!

I would put him on his post and say over my throat mike "Ragnar - stay there" and start walking away. He would jump down from his post and walk after me and I swear on my life that he could imitate my walk! When I turned around to call him he would sit on my foot, laughing at me and then jump on my head, my shoulder - anywhere but the gloved fist I was holding out for him. The public adored him - he put his showy brothers in the shade with his display of intelligence.

Pretending to be angry I would have a conversation with him - all relayed over the tannoy "You stupid bird - I told you to stay there. What do you think you are doing? All these people want to see you fly! Come on Ragnar, they've paid good money to see you do your thing. Get back to your post!" Interspersed with him cawing at me this usually brought the house down and he would reluctantly jump off my shoulder and start strutting back to the post, at which point I would usually tell everyone "Oh no - it's such a nice day he's decided to walk!"

Finally - when he sensed it was time he would turn around and look at me - have you ever seen a bird wink? I have! That was my signal "Ragnar - please, please - behave. Go on - show how you can do it when you want to". He would fly to his post, sit on it and look at me expectantly, shuffling his feet and fluffing his wings - at the dramatic cry of "Fly Ragnar, fly!" he would do a circuit of the field and land gracefully on my fist, cawing and bowing to the audience, who by this time were in raptures. Many times I wanted to kiss him - but with a beak like a chisel one is very respectful of close contact with ravens. Sometimes we would show off horribly and I would send him back and forward to the post just on voice - at no time was he ever attached except when I was taking him to and from the field.

But of course this golden age couldn't last - the owner of the zoo who, if he ever had a soul, had buried it in a bank vault years before, decided that I was spending too much time on the demonstrations. He took Ragnar away from me and insisted that one of the keepers fly him now that he was "properly trained". I was heartbroken. I was not even allowed to see him until the awful day when the girl flying him said to me "I think Ragnar is sick".

With doom settling on my heart I went to see him - he was dying. He had literally pined to death for me. Having tried several times to get back to me by flying away during the display, he had decided to stop eating and the keeper responsible had never noticed. Where I used to stay with him while he fed and count how many chicks he had eaten, she had dumped his food and left - never realising that he was burying his meat rather than eating it.

As a result he had got a fatal infestation of worms in his crop, which meant that even if he did eat, he would not be able to digest them. I grabbed a bottle of antibiotic and worm killer, stuffed Ragnar in a box and took him home with me - that was the Friday. All weekend I got up every two hours to dose him, holding him in my hands and willing him to live. By Monday he had improved and I dared to hope that he would live, but a telephone call from the zoo owner dashed all hope - bring my bird back and don't you dare take him away from the zoo again! His bird! His bird! I still burn with anger at that phrase.

The inevitable happened - I returned him on Monday morning and by Tuesday he was dead - he had realised that the 48 hours we spent together had been only a brief reprieve - he was back in prison. He showed that marvellous independence of spirit that I had always admired in him, and died.

The Chief Falconer called me down to the shed and showed me the body, we were both in tears. He looked at me and said - "he died because they took you away from him" and put his arm around me. I rendered "my" bird the last service I could and removed his jesses, saying "Fly free now, Ragnar, fly free and remember me" and did something I had always wanted to do - I kissed him gently on the top of his head.

So there you have it - hackneyed it may be, but Raven really was the only name I could choose, in gratitude for the most magnificent creature the Goddess has ever confided to my keeping. It was a privilege to know him and I will do my best to carry his name with as much pride and freedom of spirit as he did.

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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 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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By Johny King

The Odds without God

Universal Life Church

Not very often do we as minister have the chance to minister to others. So often we preach the same sermon week after week. Our choirs sing the same song.  Soon Our church are dead. The G in God is gone with the wind and spirit.

We are left with god and no God.

God is the head of our life.

The base and foundation. He is the father.

How odd is it that we forget where we came from.

Let's Help put the G back into God.

Because a Life without God is a life without chance to advance

Put love in action.

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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 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

The Passion of the Christ

By Dr. Jennifer Morse

Universal Life Church

The Passion of the Christ presents a radically counter-cultural view of love. The Established Church of Hollywood and much of current American culture holds to the Romantic creed that love is all about feelings. I am in love, if I like the way I feel when I am with the other person. Those enjoyable feelings are usually some variation of lust, or self-aggrandizement. When the pleasantness or the intensity fades, I have fallen out of love.

By contrast, Jesus demonstrates a love that has nothing to do with feelings. The life of Jesus teaches that love is a decision. To love is to will and to do the good of another person. Jesus made a decision to love: to love His father, to love His immediate followers, and to love all of us. After seeing Gibson?s movie, no one could believe that Jesus allowed Himself to be crucified because He felt like it. But He did it anyway, trusting in the goodness of His father?s will.

When Mary, John and Mary Magdalene followed Jesus up the hill to Calvary, they probably didn?t like the way it felt. Their love for Jesus didn?t make them feel important or special on that particular Friday afternoon. But they followed Him anyway. They had already learned from Jesus that love is a good in itself.

In Gibson?s movie, everybody who acts on their feelings comes off looking like a loser. The unthinking mob demanded the death of Jesus. Pontius Pilate knowingly condemned an innocent man rather than risk his career. Peter acted on his fear, denied Jesus and ran away. Judas succumbed to despair and hung himself.

The Hollywood image of love has only to do with feelings, and with acting upon the passions. An entire agenda of sex, marriage and family, flows directly from this view of love. Love is nothing but a feeling.

But no one can sustain the intense euphoric feeling so common at the beginning of a relationship, and so commonly shown on the Big Screen. Marriage becomes nothing more than a temporary contract between people who ?love? each other, because ?love? is necessarily temporary.

Since children don?t always make us feel good, we certainly can?t be expected to take the demands of childrearing seriously. We come to demand sexual activity unhinged from childbearing, as a constitutional right. In that frame of mind, sex comes to have no social or moral significance. Sex is merely a recreational good.

Everyone wants love in their lives. But the more vigorously we pursue the counterfeit signs of love, the more frustrated we?re likely to become. We go through life feeling cheated, because we know in our deepest hearts, that we were made for love. We can?t get it by chasing our feelings, but we don?t know any other way. We convince ourselves we are entitled to have any kind of relationship with anyone, on any terms we choose, thinking that this time, perhaps, it will work. This is part of the impulse behind the demand for an unlimited right to divorce and remarriage, to cohabitation, and to same sex marriage.

When Jesus tells His followers, ?love one another as I have loved you,? he isn?t telling us to parrot His feelings. He is telling us to make a practice of pursuing the good of others. He is inviting us to be attentive enough to others that we can actually figure out what is good for them.

We have to be realistic about the limits of what we can actually do to be helpful to those we love. It means we sometimes have conflict with others, because we shouldn?t always give them what they are asking for. We can?t use other people as means to achieving our ends.

Committing ourselves to doing the good of another draws us out of our natural self-centeredness and opens for us the possibility of being engaged with others. Jesus invites us to fling ourselves into the adventure of lifelong love with our spouses and children.

His idea is for us to take up the cross and follow Him, as The Passion makes clear.

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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