Spiritual Awareness

Dr. of Spiritual Awareness Final Essay by Rev Sharon J. Mayer

I used this course to build on the information learned in previous classes I have taken through UL C Seminary. It is much more intense and involved than the wonderful Spirit Quest course, which should be taken before this class is attempted. The instructors are very knowledgeable and each new concept is explained in terms that anyone can understand. Since the concepts and practice, as presented, were complete I did not use other texts or interpretations of ideas or practices during the course. 

Each concept of learning was building upon another. I was so glad to read that not all beings are not able to do all things. So many times I have read that one should just do this or that and everyone who tries is able to see auras, or project good feelings or health to all. At one point I had given up trying and believe that is when my life was in a downward spiral. It has taken me forever to come to terms with where I should be on my path and all because I misunderstood where I should be and what I personally could do or accomplish.   The ideas presented in this course of  Spiritual Awareness is to go at your own speed and practice until you attain the desired level, but if it does not come you are just not to that level on your path as yet.  

The explanation of the Laws was new to me and explained in details that I was able to understand. Many of them I had not heard of before but during the lessons when we were to explore our feelings and understanding I was able to see where each came into play in my own life. I may never attain a high mastery of the all information given but I feel better about what I can do, what I must work on, and what I never might be able to do at this point.   

The course has shown me that I must never feel inferior or give up again. It is very hard to maintain a positive attitude and give of your energy all the time. I believe my next step is to find a way to have more positive energy given to me on a continual basis. Right now that does not seem to be the case. I try very hard to use other energy instead of my own but it seem at present I am in an area of my life where there is more negative energy directed toward me than external positive energy I have been  working on sending to other.  I will be working on that in the time to come.  I have reached a point of self-love which should help and I no longer feel that I have to do things to please others so my esteem is maintained in my own mind. I am finding my own pace and quiet time to enrich my own nature. 

The weeks that have been spent with the lessons are showing an improvement in my well-being and it will be an on-going growth to reach higher levels and goals. This is not a read, learn, and put away class. It is a continual process of growth and the lessons given in the course will assist with the progress I am able to make. I do see very positive change in thought and feelings. I am learning self-love and that it is fine to care about yourself and not selfish at all in doing so to enable you to give more to others. 

Some of the information given was new and I am not sure I can accept all of it at this time but will think about it and try my best to understand. I am new to the lessons of spirituality even after about three years of study. I do have a willing to take all information give to me to move forward in my quest. I have learned from the course that this is normal so it does not worry me as it once would have. Being a person who must understand and study all sides of each idea it may take a while longer for me to accept or reject things but while doing so I am learning and this course has allowed me to think positively about doing things in that manner.  

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As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials. Many have been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and can attest to its ongoing growth and change. 

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Spirit Quest

Final Essay – Spirit Quest by Rev. Arthur Putnam

Over the last several months there has been many manifestations of new perceptions of ultimate reality all around me and within me. The course of Spirit Quest has played a important role in providing new insights and tools in the development of my embracing the new knowledge in a form of experience that has brought on a newest of my view of the every expanding universal life force we all share in.

One of my favorite tools in this course I have found most useful is the grounding cord. What an awesome tool we all have built into us once it is recognized and used in the manner it is explained in this course. I also believe it shows the inter-connectivity that we have with earth but also all of creation. Which I believe the course also bring to light the importance of the ALL of creation in this inter-connectedness of our being. When we view Life Source as the source that is not only in the things around us but also within us. That there is no separation between the individual and the Source of Creation or Life that we are empowered in many new ways of freedom and enlightenment.

Even thou the grounding cord is my favorite from this course, I also found that many of the other subjects covered also proved to be very empowering and revealing to the nature of our being. To be able to draw in the energy of the golden sun or to use the flower as tool of protection of energy you do not choose to have bombard you, is a great concept of the many things the Spirit Soul can manifest for you. 

Over all I rank this as one of the best study course I have done in some time on gifts of the Spirit that we all have, if we would only get to know ourselves and make use of them.

I highly recommend this course to anyone that is interested in expanding their perception of energy fields and nature of Spirit that resides with in each of us.

As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  As an ordained minister with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning, I've enjoyed watching the continual growth of the seminary.  

Religious Philosophy

******************** The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training. As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site 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

Why I became a minister

WHY I BECAME A MINISTER             People often asked me if I became a minister because my family is FULL of them.  My answer is, "No".             I became a minister because I believe there is more to "religion" than what I was taught growing up.  I don't believe that the so called "Christian" way is the only way and I believe that different "civilizations" for lack of a better word, worship the same "God" in their own way; the main thing is that we are all looking for that "Spiritual" connection and it is done in different ways in different places.             I became a minister because I feel there is a need for compassion and a desire to reach out to those who have been "thrown to the wolves" from churches and so called "christian" families because their belief and/or lifestyle does not fit the "norm" of things.             I believe that a minister must have an open mind, an open heart, an open soul, and a true compassion for those who need to find their "spiritual" path and to help guide them while on their spiritual journey.              I believe the ministry has no place for ministers who are close-minded or have their own agenda for their own glory and that is why I left the "mainstream" ministry.  That is why I have begun the process and work of starting Universal Fellowship, a Universal Life Church, in Baltimore, MD.             I believe in Jesus as God's son, others believe him to be a prophet who God gave supernatural powers to.  I believe that God is our ultimate goal and however one gets there…of course I am not including evil in this picture because God is not evil…God is love.  Sometimes he allows us to go through things to help our "character" grow, things that we all think we could do without.  I know there have been many things I would have rather not gone through, but I did, and I matured one way or another.  I think it all depends on how we "go through it".  A wise man once told me that you determine your outcome.  You can take what you are given with a grain of salt and allow that grain of salt to clean you of what you need to be cleaned of and come out "sweet smelling" and one that others will enjoy being around, or you can allow the situation to make you a bitter, angry person and ultimately cause you to be a very lonely and miserable person, it all depends on you.             I have been that bitter, anger, miserable, lonely person, and I didn't like it one bit!  I asked God for guidance and help, and even though I did not like the answers I got from the people He sent me to help me through it, instead of giving up, I took it with that grain of salt, let it work its way through and I became the better person for it.  Don't get me wrong, I still have days when I'm not all that sweet, but you know what?  God still loves me and that's all that matters…and that's the message I have been given to share.  When it comes down to it, a true minister is one who has been called by God to give a message, like the prophets of old, and my message is, no matter what you have done, who you are, or where you are, God loves you and wants you to come home.  Like the father and the prodigal son!                             Blessings to all, Rev. Lori C ******************** Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button. As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site 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

Mystical Christianity

Lesson 20: Mystical Christianity By Rev. Judith Lichtenberger 1. As outlined in our lesson, intimacy as in any other relationship begins with honest conversation. It is different with a human friend who in the initial stages of friendship often chooses to embellish personality and interests in order to hold attention. God, in contrast, sees through our human façade down to the bare bones. We can not help but be honest with Him. So, what intimacy can we hope to achieve? We can be certain that He will nurture that friendship in spite of our short-comings. We are His children. What good parent will not uphold the positive characteristics of a beloved child? As far as intimacy is concerned – I tell God in prayer my thoughts and desires. I request guidance from Him and I know He will not steer me wrong. I beg Him to stay by me in my worst moments. I know a human friend might try but never be able to impart strength in the throes of illness or mental anguish. 2. On a personal level, I feel that prayer is always keeping in touch with our Savior. It does not necessarily mean "putting in a request" but just ordinary conversations with Jesus which will eventually lead to a positive life-long relationship with God. Meditation is a skill which must be developed. It is leaving the world behind, closing out the distractions and getting a special focus on the divine. This is an aspect of "prayer life" which I need to work on. I am an individual who is easily distracted by worldly cares and I pray that my life journey will lead me one day to the peace contained in that meditative state. Prayer is always with me – meditation is not something which comes naturally to me. Julian requested an affliction from God to develop her focus on the divine and eventually experience a miraculous healing. Her life of humility and self sacrifice was an example to all others. She let the world in so she could show others how to take the good from God's creation (there IS good in the world!) and then let the evil (her disease) out. I am reminded of the "Dr. Faustus" character (novel based on the legend) of Thomas Mann. In his novel, the main character, Leverkuhn, contracts a disease purposely for the sake of his art- the suffering of the artist- but for him, God does not intervene and creativity must be its own reward. With Julian, the reward is hope and her good works for the benefit of her order and the fortunate others who learn from her example. Theresa is a mystery to me with such strength of character that she can dwell in each castle room and leave detailed instructions for us to enter in as well. The effort of her victory is daunting but the "pictures" which she paints of the various "mansions" would certainly make the struggle worthwhile. The 21st century is only a number and name of an era. The divine is not obligated to "modernize" because mysticism is as old as creation – a journey within, of the spirit back to its origins, back to God. ******************************* 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

Spiritual Awareness

I have found many things very helpful in this course and have learned a great deal from all that is offered.  I love how Charles is able to make things so understandable.  I have especially liked this course going through the natural laws and I am still working at seeing how these laws are so interwoven into my everyday life.  It has helped me to become more focused and to understand that we have the power to achieve what our desires and whatever our intention may be.  This enables our lives to flow with love and abundance in all areas. I have also learned from the meditation section and bringing in the Christ Light and allowing it to fill my being.  This has really helped to deepen my love for people and enabling me to see this Light in them as well. I also feel that it has made me much more aware of my higher self and it's relation to my own divinity.  This is always something I have struggled with because I was brought up in a very strict religious home and community and have had to relearn all my truth. I have learned from the chakra lesson and the energies that come from them as well.  I have always been aware of these and their associations to different colors but this lesson has led me to do some extra reading about them and I have learned much from it. I loved the part on the Kandalini and other life force energies taught in lesson 19.  These I have greatly benefited from because I didn't have much knowledge about them before. I was also very interested in learning about the Ascended Masters and their various rays and the energies they can bring to our lives.  I am really going to look into these some more and learn more about them so I can call on them for what they have to offer in my life. I also enjoyed the lesson on Spirit communication.  As a medium I am always in touch with my guides and the spirits of those who have passed and I often get asked how people can sharpen their abilities in these areas and so I love ideas and information that I can give them because it works so differently for everyone. One of the things that has really stuck in my mind through these lessons is not using so much of your own energy but using the energy around you from Ley Lines and Ley nodes and tapping into it.  Also just allowing the energy to come to you.  Remembering this has helped me not to feel as drained and also to control more of the energy that comes to me by doing more grounding. I could go on and on about all that these lessons have meant to me and how they have helped me grow as a person and a medium and my spiritual awareness in my everyday life.  I hope that with my learning I can offer more help and guidance to people around me as my own understanding and awareness grows. Rev. Cindy Roskamp *******************************   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

Gnosticism

Master of Gnosticism

By Rev. Patricia Buben

The Gnostics had a very different worldview from that of most other religions.  In their view, the natural world is temporary and evil.  For example, giving to the poor in a world that is temporary and everything is evil, would make no sense.

Their salvation would depend on gnosis (knowledge) so the affected soul wouldn't pass the Archons. It is their fault and not the fault of the Gnostic. 

One of the second century church writers Irenaeus wrote:  "The Gnostic must indulge in everything. To be saved, they must sin. They must learn the role of the poorest farmer, to the wealthiest merchant." 

The soul aspiring to enlightenment must first rid itself of all debts and obligations. The Gnostic seeks to be like the light and return to it. According to Irenaeus, it is impossible for the spiritual element to suffer corruption, no matter what actions they have indulged in. He goes on to explain and illustrates their logic by comparing this spiritual element to a bar of gold dipped in filth, which will preserve its worth and be unaffected by the filth. Such enlightenment is not possible from the creator, for this entity cannot recognize the power greater than itself. It is flawed and imperfect, so he couldn't hope to achieve this revelation.

The concept of salvation to the Gnostic is somewhat simple while at the same time very complex. Most religions require faith, good works or both to avoid damnation. Gnostics believe salvation comes through gnosis or knowledge. Gnosticism seems to indicate that even those who are not pursuing saving knowledge can return to the light someday.

However there are those few unfortunate souls who seem to be damned forever. Studying the universe though comes into play when discussing the Gnostic salvation.

There are many types of Gnosticism that spread throughout the world, but most can be defined as:  "a religious movement consisting of various belief systems generally united in the teaching that humans are divine souls trapped in a material world created by an imperfect god, the demiurge, who is frequently identified with the Abrahamic God.

Gnosticism is very interesting to study, but I did have difficulty relating to some of the underlying philosophies (especially in the beginning).  I'm glad I took the course, though.  Bishop Pat took something that was (in my opinion) very difficult to understand and broke it down thoroughly so that the concepts can be better understood.  I liked the contrast he gave between Gnostics and Christians.  It was very effectively presented.  In summary, I enjoyed the course—both the history and descriptions of the Gnostic beliefs.

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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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The Life of St. Paul

Master of the Life of St. Paul Final Essay

By Rev. Patricia Buben

One of the greatest voices which the world had ever heard was that of the Apostle Paul. He became by far the dominating figure of the Apostolic Age. Peter was great; John was great; most of the Disciples and many of the Christians of that day achieved greatness uncommon to the average individual, but Paul was greater. New Testament history confirms this truth. The greatness of Paul was realized as the direct result of his complete abandonment to the commands of Christ—especially that which states that he who loses his life "for My sake" shall "find it."  Paul achieved his greatness by being tenacious.  He was violently driven out from many cities and towns.  He always reappeared eventually, with complete confidence in the cause he espoused.  His sufferings served to make him strong. Overcoming his prior life as the persecuting Saul of Tarsus, who killed many Christians, was not an easy task.  Saul was converted when, on the road to Damascus, a vivid light appeared from heaven, blinding him.  Jesus appeared to him and asks "why are you persecuting me?" and continues to have a conversation with him directing him to go into the city to learn what he was to do.  Paul went into Damascus and remained blind for three days until Ananias restored his sight and baptized him.  Right then and there, Paul went from being the "chief of sinners" to the "chief of saints".

The success achieved by Paul was because he pursued two important avenues of the Christian experience:

-         He became the interpreter of Christ, speaking the words that Christ himself would have said under the circumstances. He had never met Christ, except in the vision on the road to Damascus.

-         Paul followed the doctrinal and theological school of thought which was nothing more than the explanation of his own, personal conversion.

These two truths explain the reasons for Paul's outstanding success in Christian living, preaching and teaching. Paul focused on the Western world, rather than the Eastern one.  So, it is Paul's influence that carried throughout the Western world and remains today. This is a very in-depth class on St. Paul and every aspect of his life and teaching.  It is very well-written and detailed.  I found it fascinating and would highly recommend it.  St. Paul is a very popular saint who is still in the minds of people today.  A good example of this is the Vatican recently validating that the body in the Tomb of St. Paul is truly his. 

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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

Shamanism

Master of Shamanism Rev. James D Acker/Gray Wolf RMT I have read numerous books on shamanism.    They usually tell of a system of shamanism, but rarely are their practices explained in the detail that this course was.    To be honest I wasn't expecting much more with this course, and was I ever wrong. I am a ordained minister of the Universal Life Church and a Reiki Master/Teacher. To better understand the impact this course has had upon me, you will need to know a little about me.  Though my young life was involved in many different Christian faiths, by their own definition today I am no longer a Christian. Do I believe in Christ?    Yes, but not as most others do.    I do not believe that he died because we were so very bad.    Rather I believe that the people of power at the time believed that his words were worth more with him dead.    Then they could change and alter them for their own needs.    This was told to his closest followers when he warned them to beware of such people. I also do not separate this entity others call God.    Placing him/her somewhere out in the cosmos in a realm called heaven.    Being Native American this is Great Spirit to me, and is within and without of all of creation.    How very shallow of us to think that Great Spirit is stuck with such limits as a human body.   Does Great Spirit wish to be worshipped?      I don't think so, we have been given this wonderful gift called life.     Some seem almost painful compared to others, but when you step back, remembering that our souls are immortal, wow.   What a truly wonderful thing this thing called life is.    Great Spirit wishes to have something much more precious then worship.    Unconditional love is all that is desired.     No longer blamed for things that we have brought upon ourselves. We are here to experience life, and through us Great Spirit experiences life.   Love is what is more desired then wars, turmoil or strife, but that's why we have freewill.    Great Spirit wants unconditional love by our choices, not out of some ill based threats. Off my soapbox… Back to the course…. A very complete understanding of shamanism was given.  Not only were the areas given but their ways and beliefs were explained in detail.     Most I had no idea of.   Organized faith systems have always place anything beyond their scope as evil (ie; the devil made me do it)    Finally taking the image of this person called over the years, like witch doctor, and letting others know that in fact the shaman was every form of know doctor all rolled into this one person.   Though by today's standards the methods may be considered crude, they worked then and they work today. I found myself grinning when you taught me that, some of the very people that have condemned Shamans, were actually rooted in it so deeply, (ie; Judaism and Christianity).     A Shaman (male/female) was the local doctor, the person to seek out when a problem arose.    From Siberia and outward, it was found all across the globe, and though methods differed, the purposes were the same, and everything in all of creation was connected.   Shamanism was finally taken out of the faith based system where it never really belonged, and put where if belonged, a way of life.   The tools used were not to worship, but rather to show respect to the one being connected to, spirit or real.  This of course shown with masks and rattles.   Connection to all that is, to me is the main reason Shamanism worked then and works today.    The Shaman never tried to separate themselves from the animals, plants or minerals.     They were nor a better life form, that had been given to have dominion over everything else, to be used in any manner wished, whether greed based or not.    This is probably best shown in the dealings between even humans themselves by explorers, claiming someone else's home in the name of whatever flag they waved, This connective ness is what Shamans used to accomplish their goals.   A Shaman talks to them, seeking their advice and protection, in every realm that is being dealt with.      This course, though after reading it, it made sense, hypnotism would be needed or guided journeying.     Shamanism is exactly what I knew it was, another piece of the puzzle.   Something that should be used to compliment other healing ways.     Because lets face it, it does no good fighting to destroy the illness alone, unless the cause is also treated. Shamanism, Medicine and Science should become brothers.   Only then can we hope to put illness behind us.    Sadly, human vanity stops this from happening.   Rather then using all the terms used on this course, I thought you wanted what I got from it.     This was best describes in a paragraph from the last lesson.    A Shaman is all of the following,  physician, psychotherapist, magician, performing artists, storyteller and weather person.   A Doctor whose operating room I many cases, is your soul.      I work with many people in some of these ways.    Am I a Shaman, to this I will say because I am not vain, what do others say I am. This concludes my essay, and all that is left to do is say, thank you for a wonderful course, I enjoyed every part of it, and a firm hug to Amy. ******************** Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free  and lasts for life, so use the button. As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials. Many have been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and can attest to its ongoing growth and change. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

A Course in Miracles

A Course in Miracles It always is fascinating when I read about the ego in metaphysics. I am always reminded of when I first listened to Eckhart Tolle, on Oprah Winfrey, regarding the book A New Earth. By now we know that the ego, is part of our energy body, and it is, in fact, a false self. While it is easy to become mindful of our own egotistical mannerisms, it is not easy to break them. Many times, we become attached to a pattern of using the word, "I" or "mine". Lesson 2 teaches that The ego is the part of us that says I'm me and you're you. It also reiterates that a strong, balanced ego is necessary for getting along in this world.  The hidden goal, in this life, is to create a balance between our strong ego, necessary for getting along in this world, and the other ego, that causes sudden success in the mind, then failure. The over-inflated ego causes us to be judgmental. We must create a deflation by abolishing old patterns. The patterns are habits, which began at a younger age, or are embedded into our intellect by examples from outside forces, such as media. I'm never one to say that media is a poor influence, it isn't, but if used incorrectly, it can be, if allowed. Over-inflated egos cause rambling thoughts, and loudness in the cerebellum area of the brain. We can abolish older patterns that attach the over-inflated ego, by exercises. If an exercise is completed over a period of twenty-one days, it becomes a habit, or a way of thinking. One great way of demolishing the judgmental ego, is by stopping the overuse of the word "I". The example used here will be, "I've earned my doctorate in metaphysics. I've studied for over ten years. I will display the certificate that I earned during the twenty week course of studying. I feel that I've accomplished something that the average person does not accomplish, which in fact, I have." The ego becomes more judgmental, accusing the general population of being not as intelligent. That is the normal pattern of thought. Eventually, the ego takes over, causing the person to become more omnipotent. This is habitual. As metaphysicians, we don't speak of ourselves as greatness, as in the above paragraph states. We speak of ourselves in a smaller form, but nonetheless greater or lesser than anyone else, or equal. Others then, can emulate our mannerisms, and it becomes a transmittable, oral decree. By way of example, we pass the habit to others. This deflates the ego that chooses to be Right. This stops the demanding. Just by not using the word "I". We must be mindful of our words, if we choose to carry ourselves in the correct manner. We can still hold our head high, and be aware of all surroundings, and be present, but without the ego disruption. Now, when we explain our professional attributes, we can say, "I'm hanging my doctorate of metaphysics certificate on the wall. It took me ten years to go this route. My words will emulate what was learned. It's called leading by example." To prevent an under-inflated ego, we must also be very mindful, and create balance. Again, this has to do with thoughts and then, words. Our ego wants us to be saddened, to be grieved in situations that require us to be grieved. Our under inflated ego wants us to carry feelings of depression and guilt in our heads, in fact, it works to force us to believe ill-standing poor self esteem that the under-inflated ego possesses. As a metaphysics counselor of personal goals and grief,  (actually, a very long title for Intuitive Counselor of Metaphysics), my goal is to teach the aspect of not holding onto grief, but letting go of the ego that presents itself in those feelings. To make a list of personal goals, and helping someone get to those goals by counseling and even tapping into energies not known to the one uneducated in this field, will help others with under inflated egos. Meditation, and thought patterns are mindful abilities that help, also. People become self absorbed, and this in turn damages the healthy ego. Our place as metaphysicians is to lead others by being less absorbed, and in turn, the transformation, in lesson 2, can become reality. Seeing through spiritual eyes is a great goal. Developing our third eye area is part of our spiritual eye, and we can show others and demonstrate our knowledge by not becoming self absorbed. The world is now open for us to turn the under-inflated or over-inflated egos of the earth, into balanced, quiet of rambling thoughts, thinking from higher mind, individuals. Imagine the shift this can create! --Rev. Rhonda Straw ******************** Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free  and lasts for life, so use the button. As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials. Many have been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and can attest to its ongoing growth and change. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Christian Studies

From Reverend Arthur Strafuss Last Assignment, Lesson 20.   For the most part I found the course meaningful and appropriate for the path that I am on.  I enjoyed the course and found most of the subject matter worthwhile. The most interesting course for me was Lesson 4 "The Lost Scriptures" Looking into and reading the scriptures gave me a better understanding of Christianity as it developed.  This was important to me as that I am a reader of the Gospel of Saint Tomas, Mary, and Judas.  I use the Gospel of St Tomas as a guide in my study of the new testament as that the copy I have has a cross-reference to the Apostolic Bibles, or four main Gospels. One of the most important parts for me was the section on forgiveness in the 3rd Lesson.  This is the most important area of Jesus' teaching and from my comparison between non-denominational and main-line churches, it is not cover enough.  Why, because: 1.    This gift maybe the greatness of all gifts given by Jesus.  2.   To have a greater relationship with God to forgive our sins.   From is I have formed my basic message whenever I write a sermon, or a one-to-one counsel with someone who needs forgiveness. I love the use of the different Christian Bibles showing that there isn't much difference between the different churches.  But I used the Torah, (which out of respect for my Jewish brothers and sisters I cover my head), the Qur'an (which I read facing east out of respect for my Muslim brothers and sisters.  The lesson on Religious Titles was a little slow but I did remember the addressing of Roman Catholic Bishops which I forgot.  As for myself I will stay with the title of Reverend. Three lesions on St Paul were too much, in that I am more interested in the Church since Paul, and not in history that I had since grade school Sunday School. I would have to have had contact with the instructor during the course.  I am speaking as an Instructional Designer, I would have liked to have the course more interactive and have feedback.  The use of the forum was great, talking to other students and discussing topics' was helpful.    For me, I will continue my studies and use this course in my Ministry.  I am continuing my study into non- denominational churches, and compare them to main-line churches as that I think they have the "IT" that so many churches have lost.     Thanks and blessing from:   Reverend Arthur Strafuss I plan on taking more courses, but not right away. ********************* The Universal Life Church offers free online ordination and an extensive seminary program where we offer a course in Wiccan Studies, one on the Four Gospels, several courses that are based on A Course in Miracles, several Christian Studies courses and a variety of courses on Spiritual Awareness and Spiritual Development.

Online Ordination

Good morning Amy, It's so good to finally receive this ordination and be empowered to marry people and I thought I'd respond to you this morning and tell you how much it means to so many besides myself. A lot of people hold an online ordination in little regard but they don't understand the power that ULC offers ministers like me.  I've been a Pastoral Care Minister for 20 years now, with a special focus on ministry ot the short term, terminally ill.  My wife and I ran the largest ministry to The Sick in the Diocese of San Jose and we wrote and administrated a program to train ministers in the Catholic Church.  We had 97 ministers, 47 active each week in one little parish in Cupertino, CA.  Yup, it was a powerful and dynamic ministry! As Catholics, there are many rules (some followed, some not) but the most difficult thing about being Catholic and hearing the strong call of God is that there are only two paths to ordination, priesthood or diaconate.  Neither path is right for me.  With ULC's empowerment of ordination, now my ministry can extend and I can be even more effective for others. Thank you for what you do and please extend my sincere regards to everyone on your team in ULC. God Bless, Rev. Chad *******************************   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

Why I became ordained

This is Walter Gerorge Smith, one of your newest ordained ministers I have just received my first newsletter, so here is some relevant information about me. I asked to be ordained because the small still voice within me, the one that speaks to me in meditation, told me to.  I will benefit from your fellowship  I'm a retired Board Certified Toxicologist and licensed Pharmacist  When I retired in 1991, I certified as a yoga teacher, then a bodywork practitioner at the Kripalu Centre for Yoga and Health in Massachussetts.  I began studying the vedic literature in detail with the help of the saivite monastery in Hawaii.  In 1995-6 I added ayuvedic medicine to my qualifications and then also  studied vedic astrology.  I became interested in tai chi exercises and began to explore the zen bhuddist spirituality behind them.  I served as the medical advisor to The Yoga and Relaxation Centre here in Kingston when it was a training centre for yoga teachers.  I discovered my gift of" The Laying on of Hands" and found that I could practice Usui Reiki ( the original Reiki tradition).  I was also introduced to several styles of bhuddist meditation to use alongside meditation in the yoga tradition.  Throughout all of  this, I have become amazingly aware of the nature of our God-given Universe and the meaning of humanity. I was a University Professor in England for 16 years before coming to Canada in 1967.  I am currently a certified City Hall tour guide and a certified tour guide of The Museum of The Great Lakes when needed, so I spend my summers talking to a wide range of tourists here in the city.  I spend my winters teching meditation at the Seniors Centre on two days a week.  My teaching experience helps. I am truly aware that all religions are actually different manifestations of God's truth and loving kindness. " We are all one" truly describes my spiritual beliefs.  Allow me to give to you and all other ULC ministers the following poem which I wrote for the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada at the time of their annual conference here at Queens University in 1997.  It was published in their Journal as part of a larger exposition on the origins of astrology. It was written for all believers in the quantum probability theory of reality  My seniors who are  meditation students love it after learning that modern science describes all aspects of the universe as frequency vibrations, so here goes, Peace of the quiet earth to you who live on her cooled magmas rim Piece of the mantle of night to you in the knowledge of time's turning trim Peace of the endless deep to you from leptons, gluons and quarks And photons swimming the vast  dark black with gravitons like arks That Peace which passes all understanding In Love and Light Rev. Walt *******************************   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

The Miracle of Prayer

Dr. of Spirituality Final Essay – The Miracle of Prayer             As I reflect on my life and its circumstances over the course of the last year and since the beginning of this course I have learned that the power of prayer truly does bring miracles.             I have always felt that my prayer life was stable and that God truly does answer my prayers.  In my earlier years as a young Christian I would find myself asking why God wasn't answering.  Patience is but a virtue ...we all know that, but as humans we fall short daily with a common fault …lack of patience.  And secondly, I would find myself questioning why my prayers weren't always answered with what I had put my faith in.             Through this course I have learned so much more about my own prayer life.  How consistent is it?  What do I put into it?  Am I offering thanks and praise to the Lord for the blessings that He has bestowed upon me?  Am I thanking him for meeting my needs according to his word before receiving those blessings?             A few years ago I purchased a small box for my husband.  He was battling an illness and through it found his faith to be faltering.  I asked him to pray with thanksgiving in his heart and to write those prayers/prayer requests down, put them in the box and leave them in God's hands.  At the end of that year we went back through the box and to his amazement saw how God did bless and answer his prayers.  As a Hospice Chaplain I do the same with my patients and their family members.  I have also begun an exercise with those that I serve that incorporate a "gratitude list" in their daily prayer life.  By using these techniques my patients are more able to find peace and thanksgiving even in the midst of a terminal illness.             I also found myself asking "Have I truly forgiven myself as Jesus has?  I have lived to believe that in order to be forgiven we must first forgive ourselves.  In order to love others we must first love ourselves.  We are God's children and he loves us unconditionally.  Unfortunately, we live in an earthy world full of sin.  We struggle at times in the midst of this stressful world with who we truly are as God's children.  With the pressures of life in all of its demands and judgment we perceive ourselves as less than worthy.  As children of God we have to constantly remind ourselves that although forgiveness from others is at times less than easily obtained – we ultimately are forgiven.  Our Father in Heaven has offered us the most precious gift through His son Jesus Christ.  Because of Him, His ultimate love and mercy we are free.  As I work with my patients, their loved ones and even my own loved ones I try to instill in them the truth that they are free.  I teach them to forgive others as well as themselves.  I ask them to take unforgiveness and doubt to our Father asking that the Holy Spirit offer us strength and courage.  Many find that when they can lay this at the foot of the cross once and for all that they can come to peace.  In my experiences as a Hospice Chaplain, I have witnessed the difference in death experiences with patients who pass with unresolved issues as compared to those who have found peace.  Those who have found resolve with relationships and with themselves tend to pass more peacefully than those who don't.  I see it in other situations as well.  Those who know and understand that they are forgiven and can forgive others are in general happier more relaxed individuals.             In conclusion, through the teachings of this course my overall prayer life has changed.  I find myself in constant communication with my Father in Heaven.  My day is very stressful with my incredible workload, my ongoing battle with my illness and with the demands of being the only source of income in my home, but I can truly say that because of my increased prayer life I can face each day with renewed confidence and peace.  My ministry has strengthened and I see a more powerful positive difference in the way that I serve the Lord in the lives of others.  I continue to live by a few important principals – 1) I am forgiven because of Christ's ultimate love for me; 2) I am nothing without God; and 3) I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Rev. Dr. Terri M. Zastovnik BSW/M.DIV/D.MIN "When God calls you to do something, He enables you to do it" *******************************   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

The Life of St. Paul

Final Essay for "The Life of St. Paul" course:      In an obscure monastic library in Patmos, a research historian comes upon various copies from "Acts of the Apostles" and more interestingly, pages from "Epistles" by St. Paul. These letters copied meticulously from the originals were written in colloquial Greek, the "koine" Greek of the Apostle's time. This was the Greek used by the common man in everyday language.   Paul's writings were found to be highly readable, a style much more than communicative- a style of simple wonder. When utilized by the "Apostle to the Gentiles", it spoke volumes. To the newly converted Greco-Christians, it was as if one of their own, not a university-educated type, had happened by to tell them good news. Later on, the Eastern Church Fathers of Orthodox faith would "translate" Paul's epistles into a more formal and grammatical writing style but by then, Paul would have accomplished much of his work. His mission had been to convey Christ's message and his own wisdom in order to cement together the loosely fitted communities of early Christendom. These communities were separated not only geographically and by local dialect but by background and belief. Paul put it all together: the bolstering of courage, the creation of new traditions, introducing new creeds of moral conduct and most importantly of all-an all enduring love and patience in all of these things about which Jesus Christ would have been proud. Paul never lost his faith or enthusiasm, attributes which shine forth in the manuscripts and Paul, peculiar in the Biblical personality sense, remained even in his street-wise Greek, as Christ-centered as ever he was after his experience on the road to Damascus.                                                                                                                                  He was an inspired preacher, a stern but compassionate father-figure to those in Christian infancy. None of this was lost in translation albeit a bit of the local color/flavor so endearing to his audience.   It is a clever and intelligent man who can argue convincingly in government court and then enter a poor man's abode and be made welcome. The Gentiles who benefited most by Paul's efforts were often the poor or middle class citizens, former pagans, never having had the benefit of a classical education. Paul, with the help of a Holy-Spirit-inspired ministry brought his beloved Gentiles into a cohesive community. Where is the measure of success? When donations are made from poor Gentile-Christians for the benefit of famine-stricken Judeo-Christians (considering how some of the Jewish converts mistreated their Gentile brethren) then I believe that is genuine success.    REFERENCES: THE GREEK WORLD edited by Stonehenge Publishers, Oxford, England 1980      ST PAUL,THE APOSTLE:HIS LIFE AND MISSION by Ronald Witherup,  Catholic Updates July, 2008 Rev. Judith Lichtenberger ******************** Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free  and lasts for life, so use the button. As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials. Many have been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and can attest to its ongoing growth and change. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar