Author: Tom

                                        My
Diary………..

 

13th July… My first visit to the new
premises of the Milngavie and Bearsden
Spiritualist Sanctuary at 106 Clobber Road, Milngavie,
G62 7SR.  In only a few weeks President
Elizabeth Halliday and members of the Sanctuary have put in a lot of hard work to
transform the premises.  Services are at
11.15 on Sundays.  Elizabeth is planning
a busy schedule at the sanctuary over the next few months so check on facebook
for what is on offer.

17th – It is always a
pleasure to sit with Kilmarnock Spiritualist Church’s Development Group. (SNU)

20th – Only a short
distance up the road to the Foxbar Spiritualist Church in Paisley.

·       
22nd – I visit a long running church with a new name… The Ascension Christian Spiritualist Church, Fred Paton Day Centre, 19 Carrington
St, G4 9AJ.  Many will know this Church
as Mrs. Primrose’s Church.   Excellent Medium in her own right Jackie McLaughlin
is now President.  The Services are
6.30pm on a Sunday and 7.30pm on a Tuesday. 
Why not go along one evening and give this church some support.

27th – I headed north to
the Bon Accord Spiritualist Church, Aberdeen. (SNU)  A church with its own premises and full use
is made of this with something on most nights of the week.

30th – Again north to Perth
Spiritualist Church (SNU) where Ivy Campbell and her committee make everyone
welcome.  At long last Ivy has decided to
take the step on to the platform and I wish Ivy well in this sphere

1st – August – I attended
the memorial Service for Bill Storey at Stirling Spiritualist Church (SNU).  Bill entered Spiritualism just after WWII and
Spiritualism became a big part of his life. 
A Healer Bill was always on hand to give advice to new Healers coming
through the ranks. 

3rd –I had a pleasant journey
to Dunfermline Spiritualist Church (SNU) – 3 Lady
Campbells Walk, KY12 0QH.

4th – There is always a good turnout  at Pollockshaws and District Spiritualist
Church, Langside, Halls< Glasgow G41 2QR.

5th – I took the service at the Free
Spirit Spiritualist Church Kilmarnock…

                                  
Giving Something Back…

 A Quote from white Eagle; –

“Don’t be in such a hurry about
Spiritual matters. Go step-by-step, and be very sure. When the time is ripe
opportunity will be given to you to do your work which the master as planned
for you”.

The wise words of the likes of White Eagle and Silver Birch were once
revered by Spiritualists.  But sadly today
many look on their teachings as old-fashioned and out of date. Take for example
Silver Birch’s “Go step-by-step”.  Many who enter our churches these days want
to be fast tracked onto the platform and starting out on a money venture within
months. .

When I started out, as I have repeated constantly in this blog, there
was a four year development class. Taking time to go through all issues of Spiritualism,
and personal development. These classes were taken by mediums and experienced
members of the church.  The cost was £1
per evening and that included a cup of tea… What a difference today and I had
to agree with a comment I heard recently, “if
you are a spiritualist wanting to develop and find out more about you religion
you need a deep pocket”. Sadly that is a case, so much taking and not
enough putting back. 

So in trying to give something back and help others to understand Spiritualism
and  psychic abilities I will be taking
five sessions at the Glasgow Association on; –

17th-Sept

1st Oct

15th-Oct

29th-Oct

12th Nov

£5 per class or all 5, for £20.

Please contact the Glasgow Association on 0141 332
4626

 

                                               An Open Mind…

A friend from one of the mainstream
churches is always complaining about society today.  Everything is doom and gloom he never sees that
there is so much good being done by ordinary people.   To be a Spiritualist one has to  have an open mind and with this open mind we
become aware of so much others miss. 
Here is some of the good I have noticed in recent weeks.

A mother was over the moon about the
achievements of her little daughter. 
Seeing the joy on the mother’s face would have made many think her
daughter had won a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games.  Not so, but the achievement was equal to that
of winning such a medal.  The mother told
me that her 4-y-o daughter Sue can now switch on the laptop, link in to a CBBC
game and work out the challenge.  This
was well beyond Sue’s parent’s dreams only six months ago.

The mother was quick to mention 6-y-o
Brenda, daughter of a neighbour.  For six
months Brenda has made sure she has time to visit little Sue for at least
half-an-hour each day.  No matter what
she is doing she must have that time for her little friend.  I was told that Brenda does not pity Sue like
many others do; she treats her like an equal. 
With that and tons of patience Sue has responded and has achieved so
much in the past few months.   

Both Sue and Brenda are champions…

And also…………..

My
sister, her family and members of her church befriended several members of the
Ghanaian Para team.  They were cheering on
Patrick Obeng who had been with the two leaders approaching the final bend of a race when
there was a collision and Patrick fell onto the track. 
Team mates, others in the race, spectators and friends were all devastated
at the young man’s misfortune.  But the
young Ghanaian praised God and got on with supporting his teammates still to
take part in their events. Regularly we see the tantrums of well paid professional
when things don’t go right for them. 
Patrick is a real true sportsman.

 

 

                                                  Jim Brown…

 

As I mentioned in my last blog
Jim Brown passed away on 11th July. 
Holmsford Bridge Crematorium was full to capacity for Jim’s funeral
Service which was taken by Officient Mrs Linda Muir.

Jim and May Brown were great
Ambassadors for Spirit, Jim with his address and May with her
Clairvoyance.  I met May and Jim the
first night I entered a Spiritualist Church. I learned a lot from May as circle
leader in my second year sitting in the development circle.  Jim was always on hand to offer encouragement
and advice when I needed it.

Jim had a great knowledge of
Spiritualism and shared this with us in his lectures.   I
seldom saw Jim without a smile, he enjoyed life, he enjoyed being a
Spiritualist, and he enjoyed taking time for others.  Jim was a well sought after Spiritual Healer.

I am sure all our thoughts go
out to May and her family at this time.

                                  

 

                                                              ******************

 

                            The 5th Principle –   By Jim
Brown

 As Spiritualists, we have received through continuous
communication with Spirit what is now known as the Seven Principles of
Spiritualism.

These principles were given to all Spiritualists to study and use as a
guide by which to live our lives here on earth and to prepare us for our future
life in the world of spirit.     

The fifth principle points us in the direction of Personal Responsibility
and shows that we each have a responsibility towards other people as well as
ourselves.

This responsibility, if we recognize it, towards others should take the
form of help and assistance and we should give it where it is needed.

In the process of doing so we will become more aware of our own selves
and the feelings of caring that will be awakened within us.

As spiritualists, we also know that we are responsible for our thoughts
and actions and by being aware of our responsibilities towards other people; we
will learn to control our emotions.

There will be a time when we will come up against a person or a
situation that we will find difficult.

 However, as I said when we are aware of our responsibility to our
own feelings then we must carry on and do what our conscience prompts us to do.

From what we have been told in the communications and teachings that we
have received from Spirit we know that we have a great responsibility towards
God’s Laws.

In addition, we have the free will to decide to live by these laws and
in doing so, create peace and happiness for ourselves and for those around us,
or to live a selfish and self-centred life of misery and loneliness.

Anyone new who has come into Spiritualism should be encouraged to make a
study of this principle so that in time, they will come to a fuller and deeper
understanding of it.

 And when they do they will find that there is a real incentive to try to
lead a better life here on this earth and to desire a better fellowship in our
relation with other people, and to live in harmony with God, who is our
heavenly Father.          

 To recognize and understand God’s laws will allow us to live in
spiritual harmony with God and other people.

 This is possible for us all and we should try to understand that it
is our responsibility to strive towards this spiritual harmony, for we must
learn to love those with whom we come in contact with, whether we like them or
not, and if we can achieve this goal then happiness and harmony will come into
our lives.

In our relationship with God and our fellowman, we should understand our
responsibility for advancing the development of these relationships.  

The person who leads a good life is one who seeks and strives for the
development of spiritual awareness.

 That person will find that everyday life is kinder and troubles
and worries can be overcome more easily, for the acceptance of personal
responsibility does have a positive effect.

Also we each have the infinite possibilities of spiritual progress both
here on this physical world and in the world of spirit.

And as we build our own character here on this physical world we will be
making our own future in the world of spirit.

 By a study of this principle, we will learn to overcome any
negative tendencies that we may have, and as we progress and learn to cut out
all misbehaviour from our lives, we will find that we are automatically
correcting those thoughts and actions that will allow us to achieve spiritual
progress.

However, should anyone wish to live a selfish life they will reap the
rewards of that life, not only here on this earth, but also in the world of
spirit, until such time as they decide to change their ways.

They shall merely live a life of spiritual self-deception only to come
to a grim realization of their mistakes when they ultimately arrive in the
world of spirit.

As spiritualists we believe that to a certain degree our own mind
conditions our surroundings here on this earth, for as we think so we are, but
as the World of Spirit is a world of mind and thought, it conditions our
surroundings there to a much greater degree.

 If our minds and thoughts are self-centred making us selfish, if
we care nothing for the feelings of other people, and only for ourselves, we
will create a condition of isolation for ourselves in the spirit world.

 In our study of this principle we will learn to face up to the
reality that all the harmful effects of our own thoughts and actions and they
will remain with us until, by our own efforts we change them and only then
shall we make any real spiritual progress.

There is what is known as the law of cause and effect and it follows us
into the world of spirit and automatically adjusts our relationships.

Therefore, the realization of our responsibilities and a willingness to
live up to them allows us to join with the positive power of goodness and will
change our spiritual surroundings both here on earth and in the Spirit world.

 We are all tied together by the harmony of our common origin, by
the existence of natural law, by the progressive power of wisdom and by the
happiness of love.

All of these display that spirituality that lies within each of us and
is striving to produce a harmonious balance.

 All of what I’ve just said is not a theological statement of some
high church dignitary of what is believed to be the truth, it is the truth as
based on the evidence and the experience of the people who now live in the
spirit world, and which they have communicated to us.

 So, let me close by saying that in the practice of the fifth
principle of personal responsibility we have a moral incentive to lead a better
life, to show kindness and consideration to other people and to live in harmony
with God

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                               My Diary…

June…

12th – Once again it was a pleasure to be
part of the Kilmarnock Spiritualist Church’s Development Group.

15th – 20th – a wee break in
North Devon.  The weather was perfect.

26th –Another enjoyable visit to the Kilmarnock
Spiritualist Church (SNU) for their Development Group.

29th – President Maureen Land could not
have selected a better name for her church. The Love and Friendship
Spiritualist Church.  There is always a
great welcome for everyone who enters  this
church at The Couper Institute, 86 Clarkston Road, Cathcart, Glasgow, G44 3DA
on a Sunday evening at 6.30pm.  ** Due to anticipated travel delays, we are
closed for 2 weeks during the GamesThere will be no Sunday services on 27th July or 3rd
August 2014.  There will be no Wednesday
Circle for the next two weeks. The church will open this Sunday 20th July and
Sunday 10th August 2014.**
The Circle will re-open on Wednesday 6th August
2014.

Maureen Land an excellent medium in her own right of
many years standing and runs an excellent development circle. (closed)  Sharing her vast knowledge of Spiritualist the
Religion.   Maureen’s fledglings are given
personal attention and time to ripen and mature in a natural way to be the
‘real thing before they set foot on the platform. 

3rd – July I was on my way to the Arbroath Spiritual
Centre where there is a great welcome for all who walk through the doors.  Anyone in holiday in the area could pay a
visit to the Church at20-22 Commerce Street, DD11 1NB on Thursday evenings
Divine service starts at 7.30pm.

9th – A meditation class.

I was not so busy in the past month and that let me
get some of my psychic research attended too.

Another celebrity
found guilty of serious crimes that went on for decades and I find it hard to
believe, unnoticed.  I think that most of
us are guilty of putting others on pedestals and worshiping them.  Look at those who go completely overboard
about their favourite singer, actor/actress or sportsperson.  They take whoever it is to a different level
in their mind and totally believe they can do no wrong.  These ‘stars’
are made out to be the greatest singer when they actually are only a good
singer like so many others. But because of their looks, voice or songs that
appeal to you.  They are the greatest and
can do no wrong.

I doubt they would be
exactly the same.  Although I am not
saying that in the end you would completely dismiss the complaint of your
‘super hero’.

Maybe that was part of
the way I was brought up, never to think anyone is better than another.  If the road sweeper does not sweep the streets
or the dustman does not empty our rubbish bins our local area will be in a
terrible state.

I have had several
emails connected with all this and most ask “Why do God / Spirit allow all this
to go on?”

I ranted and raved
about this on Facebook, not always the best thing to do. Someone suggested that
maybe a Spiritualist organisation was asked to take part but declined for some
reason or other.  I could not see this
but I suppose it was possible.  So I contacted
Minister David R Brunton president Spiritualist National Union (SNU) who sent
an immediate reply.

I sent a letter to the
Director-General of the BBC asking why a representative from Spiritualism was
not invited on to the programme, especially when the debate was “Is there life
after death?”   I posted the letter
first-class on 15/6/14 and only today 17/7/14 have I had a reply, well some
sort of a reply.  A standard letter tells
me that the BBC aim to reply to complaints within 10 working days and do so for
most but not for all.  Well it took
24-working days to contact me about my complaint.  Maybe I just hit a busy time, maybe many
Spiritualist writing and emailing with the same complaint.

 A month further on and
I am still waiting on a reply. I am sure I will get a reply but as we all know
the wheels of big corporations turn slowly. 
. Hopefully there will be an explanation from the BBC by the time my
next blog goes online.

 My comments on the BBC
opened up another interesting debate and I was surprised at the number of
people who commented along such lines as

“Do we be need to be on such programmes? We would only be ridiculed.   We are
managing not too bad as it is at the moment – so why not just do our own thing
and let others do theirs?”

That I applaud but it
brought the words from an old Spiritualist friend into my head.  “With all these new rules and regulations
been put into place by Spiritualist bodies it appears Spiritualism is being dumbing
down so it will be accepted by other religions.   Spiritualism should not make and changes so
it can become a member of a club – a club of religions.  We must be true to ourselves and Spirit”…

 

May…

14th – I was at the Sir Arthur Conan
Doyle Centre, Edinburgh…

22nd- My visit to the Langside
Spiritualist Church had to be cancelled because the hall was being used as a
polling station for the European Elections.

27th – I was at the Cambuslang
Spiritualist Church…

1 Junest – Falkirk Spiritualist Church
(SNU).

2nd June I was giving a talk to the
Friendship of Love and Light Spiritualist Church, Paisley.

4th
– It was a short journey to the Kilwinning of Light Spiritualist Church,
Nethermains Community Centre.  One of the
first churches to ask me to take a service all those years ago.  This church started out 45 years ago and
always has been one of our busiest churches in Ayrshire.  President Margaret Jamieson also a medium in
her own right has plans to put in place a more varied programme for the
members.  In the congregation that night
were three other mediums.  Popular
Ayrshire medium John Seery, Paul Erroch now back on the platform after an illness
and also well respected John Edgar.  John
an elder statesman of the Spiritualist movement has had to cut back his church
activities but still takes the odd service.

5th
– The Langside Spiritualist Church.

                    We need someone to speak up for our religion….

·    One would not expect
to go for a drive in a car that had no engine, nor to expect bread to rise if
that was no yeast added to the ingredients. But the BBC’s The Big Question which deals with moral, ethics and religious
debate did not have a representative from Spiritualism, even though the
question was Is There Life After Death.  Yet the BBC’s online website on religion
lists Spiritualism as the religion and tells its readers Spiritualists believe in communication with the
spirits of people who have died.  I have for a long time felt
that the BBC has not given Spiritualism the country’s 8th largest
religion that respect it is due.

We may be
a little to blame for our exclusion from religious programmes because in many
ways we are so fragmented. Is it not time that the SNU and other Spiritualist
associations formed a coalition and elected spokesperson to speak for Spiritualism
in Britain? At the moment two strong candidates come to mind.  President of the SNU Minister David Brunton and
David Hopkins, Minister, author and broadcaster. Either of these two men would
give Spiritualism a boost and could handle the negative comments we would get
from the media. in a very professional way

The last thing we should do is put up mediums for this role. The mediums
that would be at the forefront for such a position would be the so-called big
names, Celebrities.   It would appear to have of one foot in
religion and another in the entertainment industry. Just imagine how easy it
would be to shoot down in flames a medium whose name is up in light’s outside a
theatre, performs on cruise ships or is the star of a psychic TV programme. And
that would do no good for Spiritualism the religion.

After the programme was finished I was so angry that I voiced my opinions
on Facebook – not always the best thing to do. But there were several
interesting comments connected to my outburst

D – “Tom, There is a slight issue here, how do we know that they never
asked a Spiritualist to take part and they refused? In case they were being
faced with hostile people.” …………………….. Yes I had thought
that and I have contacted the BBC and the SNU hopefully I will have an answer
in my next blog.

T – “They could also have asked a psychical researcher like myself whose
book deals completely in evidence.”   ………..This
is  a programme dealing with moral
ethical and religious debate. There are other religions that have views that
are not readily accepted and they do not take along researchers to prove the
point.

? – “We are better out
of it let them have difficulty little chats we would only be ridicule. Let us
keep our heads down as we are at the moment do our own thing not bothering with
the rest think about us.”….    A very good point aI
am tempted to say yes to his but for one thing. Too many look on Spiritualism
is nothing more entertainment and money making ventures. As a have already
said, a big part of needing a strong spokesman is because of the celeb and
entertainment image we have at the moment.

In the June issue of
the Two World magazine is an interesting interview with Pat James President of
the Belfast Spiritualist Church (SNU). It is good to see that local mediums are
now taking the platform at the church. 
On my four visits to Belfast I was impressed with the enthusiasm of both
committee and members and the high quality of education that is on offer.  The church has its own premises and uses it
to the full, with something taking part within the building most nights of the
week.   We seldom see a representative
from Northern Ireland at the Scottish and District Council meetings and that is
understandable because of the distance. 
Maybe the DC could consider funding or part funding the trip for a NI
representative.

Gwen emails; – “Tom
do you wear a tie on the platform? 

Yes – always have done…

To be honest I have not seen a medium on a church
platform without a tie but recently I have heard the complaints that “The medium was on the platform without a
tie”.  I have to be blunt here and
say if I was president of a spiritualist church it would be – no tie – no
platform.  We have to give spirit respect
and also remember we are representing a religion.

 

Bob asks; – “If
you entered a Spiritualist Church today for the first time do you think you
would stay, stay as long as you have done since you first came through our door
over twenty years ago.

 

CR; – “I agree
with you 100% about Spiritualist of the year”.

Marie; – “I
liked your comments about subtle changes to our services and I also feel that
‘sanctuary’ is a better term to use than ‘church’.

Thank you Marie. 
I only mentioned change when all in the church were happy with slight
changes nothing to be forced on a church.

                                                   My
Diary

 26th
April – I attended the Glasgow Central Spiritualist Church’s  Coffee Afternoon which was well attended.

30th
– I received the usual friendly welcome at the College of Parapsychology in
Edinburgh.

1st
May – Another interesting evening working with Kilmarnock Spiritualist Church
Fledglings.

5th
– A Meditation Circle.

7th
– A short journey to the Paisley Spiritualist Church.

8th
– Larkfield
Spiritualist Church, Larkfield Community Hall, Stonefield Road,  Blantyre. G72 9PQ.   Although on this night the service was held
in The Archway Centre, Newton, G72 8RN.  
The service is held in this hall on the second Thursday of each  month.  .   A well run church which has from their first night
7 Years ago been well supported by the local community.

 

                                                Take a little more time…

I was amazed that the first person to come forward was an aunt.
Why not my mother or father?  But I put
these thoughts out of my mind as I listened to the medium. 

“Strange I see a cupboard
door opening and lots of lemonade bottle on the floor…  The all seemed to have been opened – not like
finishing off one bottle and opening another. 
As I have said they have all been opened and are still half full of
different flavours of lemonade” This was spot-on about a house on my father’s
side of the family.  But who?  As it could have been grandmother,
grandfather, an uncle or two aunts… 
Although one particular aunt was foremost in my mind as she was the one
who would tell her nephews and nieces to select whatever flavour you want even
though the parents were saying ‘Take the
bottle that is open’.

“This lady has a very pale complexion, slim and it appears she
wore a lot of brown.  It is like heavy knitted
cardigans and she always seemed to feel the cold – she was never warm.”  This narrowed it down to one aunt – the one mentioned
above.   Lots more evidence that was very
accurate, left me stunned.  I was so
surprised at the accuracy of the evidence I could not remember what the message
– if there actually was one. 

On the way home and for the next few days I kept thinking “Why this aunt and not my mother and father
or even grandparents?”  Every time
this question came into my head I kept thinking of what I had been told when I
asked this question to mediums – “The
right person comes forward at the right time”.

So I started to look at the life of this aunt and a new picture
emerged in my head of her.  She was a
kindly soul who never had a bad word to say about anyone -and I mean that.  No matter what anyone had done she could
always manage to see some good in them.  I
have to admit that infuriated me at times.  
She always used to embarrass me by making me recite a poem when I was
small “I will help my mummy all I can.  So much so that when I saw her coming along
the street I would hide from her.  Now I
feel ashamed at taking this action – because she was one of the nicest people I
have ever come across.

Her health was never all that good but that did not stop her
working in a laundry for a great many years, only leaving to care for her
ailing parents.  Again never a moan because
she had a great love for her parents and when they passed over she was content
to stay about the house rather than go out always giving a loving welcome to
the family when they paid a visit.

In fact she probably was one of the two family members that were
likely to come forward first because on information I was to hear a few years
later.  She had a connection with
spiritualism be it only loosely.  During
the war she befriended a lady who came to stay in the town who was a
spiritualist.

I was sure her visit would be to encourage me on the new path I
have taken unlike some other members of the family.  That gave me a big boost and I went into the
development circles at the church with more confidence in myself.  

And not forgetting the medium who gave me such an accurate
message… A lady who only took the platform a few times a year and today she
has it down to two churches.  Her close
link with spirit has taken her almost away from our churches and platforms to
work with very vulnerable people.

                                                    

 

                                                       A Star but wanted a quiet
life…

 I still get the odd
email asking me if I have been in touch with famous people who are now in
Spirit.  Even at a question and answer
session one night I was asked the same question and when I said “No” a group of young girls looked very
displeased and sat the rest of the evening looking bored

Yet on thinking back I
did really get a message from a gentleman in the spirit world who was a
celebrity when he was here.  But not in
the way many film stars are worshipped today. It started off and ended as a
normal message and I would have been none the wiser if the lady receiving the
message and not given me feedback later. There was no mention during the
message of grandeur or fame it was just a message from one friend to another.  As the lady told me later he kept out of the
limelight as much as possible..

When I was told who he
was and I thought back to the description – yes it was spot on… The friend
went on to comment something like; – “He
came to our home regularly to get away from the glare of publicity.   he
just wanted to be an ordinary person enjoying the simple things of life once
his working day was over..  Two pieces of
evidence you gave was spot-on and would not have been in the media only his
closest friends would know.”  This
gentleman would receive a good welcome into the spirit world not because he was
a well known actor but for the good deeds he would have done here on Earth. 

 

                                                      

                                              A Rude Interruption

I wonder if it is said in other churches before a service “Please put your mobiles off – or if you are
on call please put them on silent?” 
It is common sense to put your mobile phone off before entering a
church, hospital’ doctor’s surgery to listen to a talk/lecture etc… That is
unless you are on-call or waiting on an urgent call your mobile can be put on
silent. BUT… we all forget at times. 

If I am on the platform and someone’s phone rings it does not bother me
as over the years such a thing has only happened the odd occasion.  But at a recent service a member of the
congregation took exception to a lady texting during the service and their
attitude caused more disruption than the lady’s actions.

It was during my address the lady’s mobile must have alerted her on
silent mode and she texted back a reply. 
I was aware of none of this.  .  But a member of the congregation took it upon
themselves to walk down from the back of the church and tell the lady to get
her phone off as in texting she was being disrespectful.  Disrespectful to whom?  Not to myself and I am sure not to spirit. It
turned out the lady received some very good news about her family and not
wanting to walk out during the service she texted back to say she would be home
as soon as the service was over. The atmosphere did drop considerably after
that rude interruption and it was midway through the clairvoyance before it
recovered.  The interruption had nothing
to do with a mobile phone, the lady or texting but by a member of the
congregation taking it upon themselves to ??

In a spiritualist church we know that the link with spirit is for all
involved to send out thoughts of love and understanding.  If I felt that a mobile going off on silent
and someone quietly texting put me off then I would feel that is was time for
me to vacate the platform.  I have also
heard complaints about children making a noise something I have only experienced
on the rarest of occasions.  When the
latter happens the little one is usually taken out for a few moments.  In spiritualism these days I feel that
‘spirit’ is being eroded and one puts themselves before spirit. 

                                                     

                                  My usual gripe at this
time of year…

 I receive a letter
from the SNU asking me to consider nominating someone for this year’s
Spiritualist of the Year Award….  This award
was established some years ago with view to recognising a person who has made
considerable contribution to Spiritualism in recent years through their hard work
and dedication to the movement.  So many Spiritualists
fall into this category and it would be unfair to select one over the
other.  Many Spiritualists from Land’s
End to John O’ Groats have put their life and soul into Spiritualism it would
be unfair to put one before another.  How
on Earth could an Awards Committee sitting at Stanstead select one before
another.  Do they go on letters written
by a church or an individual?  If that is
the case then the individual who has a friend who has a talent for writing
stands the better chance.  If it goes by
the most nominations for one person then the individual whose church can muster
the most members to write in will win. 
What other Religion has such Awards? If we are to call Spiritualism a
religion then we will have to discard such an Award or be looked upon as part
of the entertainment industry.

 

 

                                                     

 

 

                                            An extremely
brave young man…

 The words “sorry” “love” and “hero” are often abused.  Take
the latter, how often is someone taking part in a sporting event called a “hero”. 
They may have put a lot of hard work into perfecting their skills and
went through the pain barrier to achieve success – but a hero?  No…  Heroes are those who put their lives on the
line to protect others Police, firemen and those in the armed services who go
over and above the call of duty to help others in life threatening
situations.  Also ordinary members of the
public who for example run into a burning house to try and save someone’s life
etc.

One young gentleman who was not in the categories I have mentioned above
– but was a real hero and an inspiration to us all –19-year-old Stephen
Sutton.  Stephen was diagnosed with
terminal cancer aged 15. And rather than dwell on his misfortune, the teenager
drew up a “bucket list” of things he wanted to achieve before he
died.  This led to him completing a
skydive and playing drums in front of 90,000 people before the Uefa Champions
League final at Wembley last May, among various achievements.  That in its self showed great guts and
determination for one so young knowing he had not long to live – but Stephen’s
amazing spirit blossomed even further as he thought helping others in the short
time he had left.

Stephen dedicated the short time he had left to
raising money for charity and as we all know Teenage has benefited by over £4m and the money will be dedicated
to improving the quality of life and chances of survival for young cancer
patients aged 13-24. The charity fund builds specialist units in NHS hospitals
and provides dedicated staff, bringing young people together so they can be
treated by teenage cancer.  But all this
goes beyond such a brave, selfless and
inspirational young man it shows the kindness of so many who have contributed
towards Stephen’s dream of helping other people in need.  The media would have us believe that the
world is a terrible place but the good and decent folk by far outweigh the bad
in our society. 

Stephen Sutton is a REAL HERO in every sense of the
word.  A brave, selfless and
inspirational young man who brought the best in so many who donated to the
charity of his choosing.  If anyone
should be put on a pedestal and looked up to it is Stephen Sutton….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

24th
– Saltcoats Spiritualist Church, Argyll Community Centre, Campbell Ave, Saltcoats KA21 5AG.  This town has always supported its Spiritualist
Church  and on my latest visit there was
the usual good turnout. 

25th
– ASK Cumbernauld.  This church started
out in 2007 and from day-1 has always been a busy church.

27th
– ASK Dreghorn ASK Dreghorn, Townend
Community Centre, Main Street, Dreghorn, KA11 4EQ   .  ASK could be doing with a little more support
so why not give it a visit.   Thursday evenings with Spiritual Healing from
6.45, Divine Service 7.30pm and an Open Circle at 9pm.

30th
– Perth Spiritualist Church. (SNU)     More about this church later. 

6th
April – Milngavie and Bearsden Spiritualist Sanctuary.  More about this Sanctuary later in the blog… 

17th
– Ayr Spiritualist Centre to give a talk to the Thursday Group.

 

First there was no opening prayer.  In
its place there is five minutes of contemplation which gives us our own
personal space to link with God, our loved ones in Spirit, or just to reflect
on our week.  . During this
time I could feel the atmosphere rise.  .

The second change was having a ten
minute Healing Service as part of the Divine Service, here again I felt the
vibrations rising.  In an earlier blog I
mentioned that many attend our Divine Services but even though they have been coming
through our doors for many years they have never waited on to experience our
Healing Services.  Here at the Sanctuary
one can experience and take part in both. 
By the time it came for the Address and the Clairvoyance there was a
strong link with Spirit and the Spirit World, helped by all playing their part.

Is that not what we are trying to achieve?  To make one feel welcome and safe. Away from
the rat-race of modern living for an hour or two.   For individuals to leave their problems and
stress on the doorstep as they spend the next hour or so in a relaxed peaceful
environment.  Whether it is meditation,
Healing, our Philosophy, linking with Spirit or with education you are in a
peaceful and safe environment for a few hours. 
I am not for one minute saying that Spiritualists should drop the name
‘church’ and replace it with ‘sanctuary’ but it is something each church should
think about “Is you church not more of a Sanctuary for those who enter?”  I am also happy with our usual service format
but again it would do no harm for church committees to think over if any
changes would benefit their service.

For the past two
years the Milngavie and Bearsden Spiritualist Sanctuary have laid a wreath at
the local cenotaph. A few of our churches in Scotland do the same but only a
few.  Here is another area where
Spiritualism should be making inroads. 
We hear many Spiritualists say “We
never get laying a wreath at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday”.  My reply usually is “Has your church asked to take part?” 
Here once again the M & B Spiritualist Sanctuary is showing the
flag and it has only been in existence for two years.

  

On visiting the church a few weeks ago
I was shocked to find that directly outside the door was three household
rubbish bins put there by the council. These containers have been chained into
position with only the width of the pavement separating them from the church’s
front door. What is this going to be like in the summer as far as the smell is
concerned? So far complaints to the council have fallen on deaf ears. I wonder
if the council would have even considered putting such bins/containers outside
the gates of one of the Orthodox churches never mind the actual front
door.  I believe they have caused a
problem already as a car drove into them.

I’m about to contact the council on
this matter and I hope all spiritualist in Perth and the surrounding area are
doing the same.

                                                  
My Diary…

2nd
March I took the service at The Edinburgh Spiritualist Society (SNU) Albany
Street, EG1 3HQ, where there was a good turnout.  This is not far from both bus and railway
station so if any Spiritualist is having a day in Edinburgh on a Sunday it may
be a good idea to catch a later bus or train home.  You could  take in the service at 6.30pm in this
wonderful old building.  There is also an
evening of mediumship on a Thursday at 7.30pm and an Open Awareness Circle at
7.30pm on a Friday evening.

6th
– I only had a short journey to the Pyramid Spiritualist
Church, Leithland Neighbourhood Centre, Kempsthorn Road, Pollock, G53 5SR. 

10th
– Pollockshaws and District Spiritualist Church, Langside Halls, Glasgow. G41
2QR.  A church that has been on the go
for many years and is always well supported

11th
– I had an enjoyable afternoon giving a talk to Kilmarnock Spiritualist
Church’s Tuesday Afternoon Group. (SNU).

12th
– Taking part in debate on Spiritualism…

13th
–I was taking the first Development Circle of 2014.

15th
– I attended the SNU’s Scottish and Irish District Council’s AGM which was held
in The Edinburgh Spiritualist Society (SNU) Albany Street, EG1 3HQ.

16th
This was a busy day as first I was at the Glasgow Association’s  AGM and then I was off on my longest journey
of the week to take a service at  to ASK
Dunfermline…  I was surprised to hear
that ASK has been on the go for ten-years. 
How time flies as I took either the first or second service at this
church and it does not seem like ten years since I first attended.  ASK was founded by Jock McArthur and his
sister Helen both now in Spirit.

17th
– Psychic Research…

20th
– I spend another enjoyable evening with the Development
circle.

“All Things Bright and Beautiful”…

My mother’s favourite
hymn, which was played at her funeral… I feel that these are the finest
words ever put together.   And the second
line of the first verse “All Creatures
Great and Small” was my favourite TV programme of all time.

I constantly get asked: “What is the Spirit World like?”  Instantly when I hear this question my mind
goes to the words of this hymn. The words create such an idyllic picture – this
could easily be what the Spirit World is like;-

With everything bright and pleasing
to the eye.

All of God’s creatures wandering
about with no fear.

Flowers in abundance and blooming in
every colour of the rainbow, even colours that we have not seen here on
Earth. 

Every species of birds known to man singing
their hearts out.

All living things that have ever existed,
still alive and thriving.

 Magnificent purple headed mountains
with peaceful rivers running by.  

Marvellous sunrises and sunsets.

Will we have cold winds blowing? – I
believe we will have the four seasons in the Spirit World as each season has
its own beauty and grandeur.

Ripe fruits in abundance, there will
be no one starving.  

Plenty of tall trees and greenwoods
providing homes and shelter for all species.

Lush meadows where animals graze and
children play.

“We were given eyes to see and lips that that we might tell”. …  To tell our loved ones that a new world
awaits them when their time on Earth is over. 
That on the ‘other-side’ we can still communicate with those whom we
have left behind.

Those words by Cecil Francis
Alexander were first published in 1884 for her “Hymns for Little Children”.  It
has become one of the most favourite
hymns of all time.  In days gone by Cecil could be a boy’s or girl’s name)

Yet – although I have said – the
words paint a picture in my mind of what the Spirit World will be like;
Ms Alexander was referring to Planet Earth. And her words would be a
perfect description of our Planet if we add in the verse that so many hymnaries
leave out;

The rich man in his castle,
The poor man at his gate,
God made them, high or lowly,
And ordered their estate.

Now add this verse and you will see
that it is not the Spirit World that Ms Alexander is describing, but here on
Planet Earth. Our World has all that is mentioned in the popular version of
this hymn, but when one adds the verse above it becomes abundantly clear that
it is Our World that she is describing.

In the Spirit World there will be no
rich or poor, no starvation and no illness, 
but it will be no five-star hotel. We will still have to work, work our
way towards even another life, another dimension, but with fewer burdens than
we have here on Earth.

I seldom mention reincarnation as it
was a very touchy subject when I first came into Spiritualism. Now-a-days it is
more freely debated.  Some by the error
of their ways may have another life, or several lives, back here on Earth.  For those that have committed atrocities
while in this life, well, it will be a long time before they enjoy the full
benefits of the Spirit World.

But to those who ask me, “What is it like in the Spirit World? I
try to get them to forget the Spirit World and look at all Planet Earth has to
offer.  There is so much around us that
we take for granted or have never paid any real attention too. 

Many of us in this life fail to
notice the real beauty around us.  We
don’t need to be deep in the country to be enthralled by something that
lightens up our day.  Many a time we fail
to notice the goodness in the hearts of many who do voluntary work to help
those less fortunate than themselves. 
Not even voluntary work being part of an organization but a kind deed
even as little as a smile to a lonely person…

Let us for the moment forget the
Spirit World and concentrate on this life and making it a bit better for
ourselves and in turn for others as well….

 

                                                           My Diary

February…

2nd – 3rd – 4th…
I was at the Glasgow Central Spiritualist Church, 64 Berkley Street, Glasgow G3
7DS always a busy church with their Divine Service at 6.30 on a Sunday evening
and two sessions of clairvoyance Monday 7.30pm and 2.30 pm on a Tuesday Top
marks to the hard working committee of this church. 

11th – I only had to
travel a short distance to Paisley Spiritualist Church, Glenburn Community
Centre, Paisley. PA2 8DX.

22nd – 23rd
Bon Accord Spiritualist Church, 37 – 41 Fraser Place, Aberdeen, AB25 3TY.  A great welcome and great hospitality from
the committee and ‘members of this church. 
All who attended Saturday’ workshop had a great thirst for knowledge and
it was a great honour to work with them. 
The two Sunday services were well attended.

 

 

                                           God’s Incredible Gift….

 It is said that God has blessed his children
with so many incredible gifts, and flowers are among the most precious.  Like the humans He created, there are so many
different colours, shapes, scents and sizes of flowers. From birth to death and
so many occasions in between we commemorate so much with flowers.  . Flowers are sent with love and are greatly
received.  To receive such a gift we know
that someone cares for us.   The advert
slogan “Say it with flowers” is very
apt.

Both my grandfathers liked gardening and both
in different ways. With one grandfather my memories are of immaculately cut and
shaped privet hedge around the front garden and the front lawn was like a
bowling green. When it came to flowers he only grew geraniums and with only red
blooms.  I wonder if at this time one
could only get geraniums in red?

My other grandfather did not have a lot of
room in his small walled back garden but with what space he had he used the
growing area to its full potential.  He
really enjoyed cultivating flowers. His main interest was unusual varieties and
when he had a common species he always went for the least popular colours with
them.  Three things that stand out in my
mind… Someone brought him a plant from the Middle East and it was said that
it only flowered once every seven years. He had it for countless years and yet
only flowered the summer before he passed over to spirit. He loved
experimenting with flowers and he was trying to breed a blue or black tulip. He
never succeeded but here again he got a little closer to his dream.  The spring before he past a dark tulip
bloomed in his beloved garden.  Nowhere
near black. .  But I remember him saying
“Finally I am going in the right
direction”. He was also looking towards breeding a blue rose.  . . 
God’s blessing certainly gave both my grandfathers so much
enjoyment. 

Someone said to me recently “Your grandfather (The one who experimented
with colours) was born before his time – just think of how he would marvel at
the countless new hybrids flowers with such vivid colours we have today”. I thought on this and I don’t think my
grandfather would be too happy with the way things are going as far as the
commercialism of flowers is concerned. I think we may be taking things too far
as far as interfering with the colours and producing so many varieties that
have no scent. . My grandfather was working in his own little way to add
another colour or shade to a species of flower in a natural way.  I believe that man has interfered too much
with God’s little angels and that is showing in so many different ways.  This it is beginning to tell as there are
those amongst us who find that the relaxation, peace and tranquillity they got
through flowers is now waning.

Jane has never been in good health since she
was born and she always felt she was blessed by having a father and then
husband who was interested in gardening. 
Especially as both concentrated on flowers rather than vegetables.  . As a child and through her married life
Jane on a good day could always sit out in the garden relaxing and admiring the
flowers. Both father and husband always had flowers in bloom every month of the
year. Sadly her husband past five years ago and although her son has as strong
an interest in gardening he has brought in so many new variants of flowers, some
that have vivid colours. Life in Jane’s beloved garden is now the same as she
says many of the colours are harsh on her eyes. 
Instead of being relaxed like in the past the vivid colours give her a
headache and even bring on a migraine at times.   Plus few have the scent like they did in the
past.

That is not just one off the case with someone who does not like change
I have heard similar things from others about interference with flowers taking
the enjoyment away.

Muriel helps out with a voluntary group, visiting people who through
many reasons cannot get out and about. A long time ago she thought on giving a
little gift of flowers on each visit and they were gratefully accepted.  But as Muriel’s visiting list grew she could
not afford a bunch of flowers for everyone. 
So today at each visit she leaves three, two or even a single
flower.  .  All used to look forward to this little gift
even the men she visited.  One of
Muriel’s colleagues said one day “it is
not only that they appreciate the flowers, they seem to calm them, they are
more relaxed looking at the flowers”. 
There came a period when Muriel noticed that the flowers were not having
the same calming effect for those she took so much time for.  One day an old lady who was still alert said
“The flowers you bring me these days are
not the same as the ones in the past.  I
don’t think I like flowers now”. 
Muriel though this over but had not a clue what the old soul was on
about.  Then it dawned on her – for the
past year she was buying those dyed flowers from supermarkets again some vivid
and some not natural colours for the particular species.  She thought it would be a change and a change
it was – the flowers were not having the same effect.   Muriel changed back to bunches of flowers
with natural colours where possible flowers that had still retained their
scent.  Now those she visits are back to
enjoying God’s little gift – God’s little Angels…

 I heard on the radio recently a lady say that had had to care for
some difficult people and she had by accident found how to give them a little
relaxation and peace of mind.  In summer
she takes them to a walled garden that had only old fashioned varieties of
flowers and meadow flowers.  The natural
colours and the scent seemed to completely change those in her charge’s nature
for a few hours.    It was never the same
when she took them to gardens in the local parks.

We were given free will and the intelligence to change what is around us
but gifts that we must not abuse.  We
must not destroy the goodness of what we are trying to change.  But man’s record so far is not good in this
respect.  Look at the suffering of
animals because we have changed their structure to produce more milk, eggs and
meat.  Although some of us may not be too
aware of the changes to flowers the most vulnerable in our society do notice – and
it is they for whom we should not destroy the goodness of
God’s Little Angels.

 

 

 

                                       Principles and Commandments 

 

My last
blog showed the Ten Native American Commandments and there was a lot of feedback on
this.  Here are a few…

Marie emails: – “Ever since I read the 10 Native American Commandments I have been
thinking about them. Anyone living by these 10 simple rules will be leading a
good life. If we all lived up to these simple words then what a wonderful
community, country, planet we would be living on. Even though I look on myself
as a Spiritualist I am putting the Indian Ten Commandments before our Seven
Principles.

Kareen and
Bill “The Ten Native American Commandments are not as harsh as the Bible’s Ten
Commandments with “YOU SHALL NOT” or
“YOU”MUST”.

J. Lomax…The Seven Principles; –  As one would expect concentrating on the
connection we have with God and other dimensions, telling us life is eternal, our
responsibilities and letting us know we will be asked to account stepping out
of line.  Uplifting but with gentle
warnings.  I can accept this…

The Bible’s Ten Commandments; – make
sense but a bit forceful with the wording, although we have to take into
account this was written 2,000 odd years ago. 
It is not these Commandments but so much more with this religion that
makes it too controlling.

The Ten Native American Commandments:
– Makes a lot of sense for everyday living and probably more apt today than
when it was written with the environmental concerns we have at this time…

Thanks everyone
who emailed on this…I think we all know that it is wrong to kill, steal and
bear false witness.  For those with an
open mind it is time to move on.  What
better than the Seven Principles to make us believe that leaving our physical
body is not the end of our existence?  We
can be guided by those from another dimension and to be reminded of our own
personal responsibility.  We cannot
always have our heads in the clouds and that is where the Native American
Commandments come in.  We can adhere to
them in our everyday lives in dealing with each other and preserving the
environment

Extremely
good points raised by all four.  Here are
the principles and Commandments to compare. 
I am sure I will get more comments on this…

 

1.       The
Fatherhood of God.

2.      
The Brotherhood of Man.

3.      
The Communion of Spirits and the Ministry of
Angels.

4.      
The Continuous Existence of the Human Soul.

5.      
Personal Responsibility.

6.      
Compensation and Retribution Hereafter for all the
Good and Evil Deeds done on Earth.

7.      
Eternal Progress Open to every Human Soul

                                                              *****

 

The Ten Native American Commandments

 

1. Treat the Earth and all that dwell thereon with respect.

2. Remain close to the Great Spirit, in all that you do.

3. Show great respect for your fellow beings.
(Especially Respect yourself)

4. Work together for the benefit of all Mankind.

5. Give assistance and kindness wherever needed.

6. Do what you know to be right.
(But be careful not to fall into self-righteousness)

7. Look after the well being of mind and body.

8. Dedicate a share of your efforts to the greater good.

9. Be truthful and honest at all times.
(Especially be truthful and honest with your self)

10. Take full responsibility for your actions

                                           *****

The
Bible’s Ten Commandments…

1. Do
not have any other gods before me.

2. You shall not take the name of the Lord in vain.

3. Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.

4. Honour your father and your mother.

5. You shall not kill

6. You shall not commit adultery.

7. You shall not steal.

8. You shall not bear false witness against your
neighbour.

9. You shall not covet your neighbour’s wife.

10. You shall not covet your
neighbour’s goods

 

 

 

Recently I got a request to
take part in what was called a “Ghost Hunt” and the organisers were not too
pleased because I turned the offer down. 
I am never happy with the term “Ghost Hunt” I have never went out to
hunt Spirit and never will.  The
publicity that was going to be attached to it I did not agree with.  I have been asked to many interesting places
because of the low profile way I go about it. 
Hopefully getting answers to Who, What, Why, When, Where and then trying
to sort out the situation satisfactorily for Spirit and those here on the Earth
Plane.

 

A panel of experts mandated by the
UN’s Human Rights Council after a year long research has told us what we already know.  North
Koreans had suffered
“unspeakable atrocities”.   Starvation where there need not be empty
bellies,  and the many concentration
camps where torture and death is part of everyday life. It is hard to get one’s
mind around that only a few miles away in South Korea people are living, in the
lap of luxury and yet in the north of the peninsula it is hell on earth. 

       ***

A lot of joy
bravery and also heartache at the Winter Olympics but all this was overshadowed
by the lack of human rights for those building the stadiums

 

                                                           ***

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                          …My Diary….

19th January my first
booki1ng of the year at Perth Spiritualist Church (SNU).  There was a good turnout as usual at the
friendly little church.

21st – Only a short journey
to ASK Neilston.  As well as a Divine
Service at 7.30 on a Tuesday evening there is a development Circle at the same
time on a Wednesday evening.  This would
interest anyone wanting to know more about their psychic abilities and Spiritualism.  President and excellent medium in her own
right, Sheila Caruthers takes this circle and has a wealth of knowledge on both
subjects.

26th – I attended the Stirling
Spiritualist Church (SNU)  Linda Buchanan
like Sheila above has spent many years in the movement and Linda is rightly
pleased at the moment as many from her development circles are setting foot on
the platform.  Good reports have come
from other churches about these fledglings and soon they will be going far and
wide in their own right to churches throughout Scotland and even further afield.

 

 

 

                                     …This
got me thinking…

 I got into conversation
with an elderly couple who have been visiting Spiritualist Churches on and off
for over fifty years.  The lady came up
with an interesting comment that really got me thinking. 

“It is often said that the mediums of yesterday were much superior to
the mediums of today and we are totally in agreement with this, and we think we
know why…  In the past  mediums went into a quiet room at churches to
meditate and get their link with spirit. 
Today they just walk in off the street and straight on to the platform,
or stand gabbing to all and sundry before stepping on the platform.  They are taking Spirit for granted and that
shows up in their mediumship”.

That is a
very good point and there could be a lot of truth in it.  I must admit to being one of the mediums who
walk in to a church and blether till it is time to go on the platform.  Yet, a great many churches which I serve
regularly ask if I would like a little time on my own.  .  That
does not mean I walk in complacent and expect Spirit to jump to attention when
I ask them too.  I do have my quiet time
before I leave the house and open up to Spirit. Many a time i also take a few
moments to blend with spirit before I leave the car and enter the church.  So it
does not always mean that a medium not taking some ‘quiet time’ directly before
a service does not take time to link-in and give Spirit respect

I was
talking this over with a friend and they asked me“When did you stop sitting in
a little room by yourself?   I stopped that a long time ago because sitting alone before
a service made me a nervous wreck – much more nervous than I if I had been
chatting to someone.  

Interesting this
comment was made when it was, because a few days before I was honoured to share
the platform with Kilmarnock Spiritualist Church’s fledglings and we all went
to a quiet part of the church to meditate and ‘open-up’ before the service.  I really enjoyed this time and thought of
changing back to this way…

I spoke this over with
another medium and she felt it looked more professional for the medium to take
time on their own before a service.  I
have to admit I think she was right…

 

 

                                       …My
hopes and fears for 2014….

It
may seem like my hopes – some may call it a rant – is the same as the past two
years.

A
comment from Stewart Alexander in PN; –

“When
the messenger becomes more important than the message”. (For far too long it has)

So
I am not alone in saying we must stop the slide towards celebratory status of
mediums and entertainment as far as our religion is concerned.  This is by far the biggest threat to
Spiritualism these days and it comes from within, not from without.   I have heard services and mediums judged on
the amount of laughter during the evening… omg.  A Spiritual service is usually a happy
service with laughter but as long as the laughter emanates from Spirit and not
the medium trying to be a comedian.

In
the same edition of PN Aileen Davies comments; –

“Are
we failing Spirit?  How many of us
ask/consider what Spirit thinks of new proposals connected to our
religion?  Realise our healing and
philosophy is as important as our clairvoyance”

I
hope that in 2014 all connected to Spiritualism will ask Spirit before we act, and
that we promote our Healing and Philosophy as much as we do our clairvoyance.

That
in 2014 we must be more vocal in protecting our religion from the dross that
has gathered around it.  Tarot cards and
so much more have nothing to do with Spiritualism but so many think they are
part and parcel of what we stand for.

Mediums should be
deterred from using our churches as agencies for their own personal
finances.  If one wants to go into
business using their psychic abilities then our church platforms should not be
available to them.  I feel that this
should be discussed by all of our church committees as soon as possible.

One church has found
difficulty in this area and has spoken up via facebook.

‘Many Spiritualist
Churches are unfortunately experiencing last minute cancellations.
Some Mediums are busy organising workshops, parties and private readings.
By all means pursue your dreams but please do not abandon your roots.
Please remember these Churches supported you when you were developing your
gift.
They need your continuing support to help and comfort those attending
services.’

Our churches hold the key
to turning this around and now that one has spoken up it may be easier for the
rest to follow suite

We
must realise that there are who want to understand about their psychic
abilities and how it can affect their everyday lives, they have no interest in
platform work.  Yet almost all our
workshops and classes are tailored for platform training.  This is something that should have been
considered a long time ago and I hope that another year does not pass without
this being rectified.   It is the same
with those interested in the philosophy of Spiritualism – where is the
opportunity for this?  Something else we
neglect. When I stared out at ASK Stewarton over twenty-years-ago this was all
in place but seems to be non-existent these days…

We
should endeavour to keep our workshops in churches at the barest minimum of
cost. 

And
for another year I say that  ‘pastoral
care’ is sorely lacking in our religion and I suggest that all church
committees put this high on their agenda to be discussed and acted upon in
2014. 

My
hopes and fears outside of Spiritualism…

That
the young in our society get work with a future and they can start building a
life for themselves.  So many over the
past few years have become depressed and even thought of suicide as there
appeared to be no light at the end of the tunnel as far a work is concerned

We
stop conflict around the world before they escalate into horrendous situation
like we see in Syria and the Congo at the moment.   Britain and the US are not trusted by many
around the world and it is maybe time for countries like the Scandinavian
countries, Nederland’s, Belgium New Zealand, Brazil etc to sit around the table
with opposing sides.

My
battle for the welfare of the racehorse will continue.  This year I will be concentrating on horses
that collapse and die during a race.  Yes
you could say that they are raced to death. Twelve horses have collapsed and
died on our race tracks in 2013.

                                          

               The Ten Native American Commandments…

2. Remain close to the Great Spirit.

3. Show great respect to your fellow beings.

4.  Work together for the benefit of all mankind.

5.  Give assistance and kindness wherever needed.

6.  Do what you know to be right.

7.  Look after the well-being of mind and body.

8. Dedicate a share of your efforts to the greater good.

9.  Be truthful and honest at all times.

10.  Take full responsibility for your actions

 

 

 

 

 

24th Was my last visit to
Fife for the year and I was attending the Dunfermline Spiritualist Church, 3
Lady Campbell’s walk.

27th Only a few miles up
the road to ASK Neilston for a workshop.

28th – There was a big
turnout at the Larkfield Spiritualist Church, Blantyre.  This church opened its doors in 2007 and was
quickly accepted by the community.  The church
supports many causes including Hessilhead Wildlife centre in Ayrshire www.hessilheadwildlife.org.uk where we are
currently sponsoring a roe deer named Scoobie.

1st – December I was at the
Ayr Spiritualist Centre, 10 Alloway Place.

2nd – There was a good
turnout at the Pollockshaws and District Spiritualist Church.

3rd – Another good turnout
for The Central Glasgow Spiritualist Church’s Tuesday afternoon service.  64 Berkeley Street, Glasgow, G3 7DS

4th – I had a short journey
down the road to The Kilwinning Temple of Light Spiritualist Church,
Kilwinning.  This was one of the first
churches I took a service at.  This has
always been a church that has been well supported by the local community.

5th Weather caused me to
postpone the development circle.  In all
the years – even in bad winters I have seldom had to cancel because of the
weather.

8th –I took the Divine
Service at Kilmarnock Spiritualist Church on a very wet evening.  So wet that parts of the road were flooded
and I am surprised there was a congregation.

9th – I was again back at
Kilmarnock and it was a privilege to share the platform with three of the churches
fledglings.   Well done Andy, Elizabeth and Nadine And I
would like to take this opportunity to thank the Kilmarnock church for letting
me play a part in the development of their fledglings…

 

Silver Birch comments; –

“It is a
mockery of divine justice to think that death-bed repentance will wipe away all
the wrongs you have done”.  Yet there
are many in other religions who believe a death-bed admission of wrong will
clear the path in Heaven for their new life. 
That is why I look on our 5th Principle- Personal Responsibility – as being so important and makes it on par
with the Clairvoyance in making us so different from other religions

And my thoughts above fitted in perfectly
when asked at a discussion group recently, “What is the biggest gulf to bridge between
Spiritualism and Christianity”…  As
I was the only Spiritualist attending I am sure I shocked everyone by not
coming out with “”Clairvoyance”.  I opted for “Our 5th Principle – Personal Responsibility”.

As Spiritualists we are responsible for our own actions and that no one
can bear them for us.  We cannot look on
a death-bed confession as a guarantee of forgiveness and we will have nothing
to answer for as we move into a new existence. 
To do as we please during our prime and then to utter a few words as
this life slips away thinking all will be forgiven, surely does not say much
for us as an individual or do anything for the reputation of our religion.    We
know that as we discard this physical body it is not the end.  The more effort we put into taking Personal Responsibility for our own
deeds in this life, the smoother it will be for us in our next life.

Some of those attending were shocked that I did not pray on a daily basis
that my sins be forgiven.  Several of the
group kept repeating “”We are all sinners
– including you”.  Yes, I don’t think
anyone leads a perfect life but we just cannot go along each day collecting
yellow and red cards, to use a football expression, and then to mutter a few
words at the end of each day to get these cards rescinded.  And even we Spiritualists carrying Personal Responsibility to the fore
cannot lead faultless lives.  These days
we are part of an almighty rat race and the best we can do is hopefully making
the right decision at the time.  If later
we feel we could have acted differently then we can comfort ourselves by
knowing that we did what we felt was right at the time.

Some religions = a religion of salvation by
conformity, whilst Spiritualism = a religion of progression by endeavour.

One gentleman on the night brought up what I
thought was a comical but also serious food for thought “Just say I am happy to go through life being greedy and tramping on the
toes of others.  Having the best life I
can, relying on the insurance of asking for forgiveness on my death-bed.  THEN SUDDENLY – I drop dead in the High
Street… What becomes of me in the thereafter? There was no time to say I am
sorry”. 

I am not making fun or being anti other religions
but I feel that one should be able to look openly at their religion and see if
what they have been led to believe over the years adds up… 

 

Since its resurrection in December 2011the Psychic
News has went from strength to strength and is now a glossy monthly magazine.  But I hope that this magazine does not become
all glamour, glitter and celebrities.  We
need more space for letters from readers, articles on the experience of the
ordinary people who attend our churches…

2013 – Looking Back…..

Over the past few years I have been
concerned about the closure of community halls and the increase in rental of
those which stay open.  But so far this
has not had too much of an impact on our churches.  Long may it remain that way?

The entertainment side still grows but
maybe not as fast as in recent years.

But I have seen worse years as far as
‘Spiritualism the Religion is concerned.

*** Plese excuse any mistakes as the PC or the site is playing up this exening***

 

27th / 28th October I was at
the Glasgow Central Spiritualist Church, Berkley Street, G3 7DS.  There was a good turn-out on both evenings
considering the atrocious weather.

2nd November – It is always a pleasure to
serve the Love and Friendship Spiritualist Church, The Couper Institute,  86 Clarkston Road, Cathcart, Glasgow G44 3DA.  President and excellent Spiritualist Medium
in her own right Maureen Wisner (Land) still keeps the old-fashioned values of
Spiritualism going.  More about that
later… 

5th – I
attended the Cambuslang Spiritualist Church which has recently returned to its
home at the Cambuslang Institute, Greenlees Road after a major hall
refurbishment….

9th – My
workshop was postponed at the Glasgow Association and will now take place on
the 16th November…

10th – It was a privilege to be asked to take the
Remembrance Service at Largs Spiritualist Church, The Brisbane Centre, Bath Street, Largs,  KA30 8BL. (Sunday
2.30pm).

11th – It is always a pleasure to head north to the
Smithton Hall,
Smithton, Inverness. IV2 7NP  The people
of this region have great enthusiasm for Spiritualism.  I say once again as the churches in this
area have many mediums from the central belt of Scotland taking their services
– few of the churches down this way invite from the north is it not about time
this changed?

14th
– I attended the Pyramid Spiritualist Church,
Leithland Neighbourhood Centre, Kempsthorn Road, Pollock, G53 5SR.  A friendly little church which gets good
support from the local community.

16th
– I take my final workshop of the year at the Glasgow Association.

17th
– Family health problems meant I had to cancel my trip to Perth Spiritualist
Church… I look forward to seeing you all next year.

 

Attending the Love and Friendship Spiritualist
Church and the Largs Spiritualist Church a week apart I saw little changes to
the norm that other churches could adapt.

The Love and Friendship Spiritualist Church has
stuck to a format that was used in the past and could be introduced again by
many churches.  After the Service there
is a get together with a cup of tea and then on to the healing.  After that those who have waited behind get the
opportunity to say what they thought of the whole evening.  This gives those attending the chance to say
how much they enjoyed or did not enjoy the evening, plus the chance ask a
question about our religion.  I realise
that it is not always possible with churches who rent premises to have time for
this but where there is time it should at least be considered.

And what about the visiting medium staying behind
for this part of the evening?  Distance
to travel home, family and work commitments may mean that waiting that little
bit longer is not possible but when they do stay on this is greatly appreciated
by the congregation and the committee.  In
the past I used always to try to stay on even though my alarm went off at 4am
the following morning But

I have been neglecting this recently and hope to get
back to staying on in situations like this in the future.

Often I hear Spiritualists complain that we don’t
get to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph, by that I am sure they mean in London. But
how many of our churches apply to be part of the local wreath laying service on
Remembrance Day?  Or even hold a
Spiritualist Remembrance Service in their church?  As far as the latter is concerned Largs
Spiritualist Church does just that and I felt privileged to be asked to take
the service.

For this special and important service a few changes
to the norm was made.  Il Silenzio (The
Silence) was played, there was not the normal address but that did not stop a
few appropriate words just before the clairvoyance.  Something different for a very special
day.  Well Done Largs Spiritualist
Church!  So next time you hear a
Spiritualist say to you “We never get to
lay a wreath at the cenotaph” ask them if their church holds a Remembrance
Service and if their church has asked for permission to be part of the local
Wreath Laying Service?

And it is a myth that we are not allowed to take
part in these services.  Stirling
Spiritualist Church has been taking part in the local service for many years
and Milngavie and Bearsden Spiritualist Sanctuary which has only been in
existence for two years was laying a wreath the local cenotaph two months after
they opened. 

 

Ben emails – “Tom – I enjoyed you posting the comments of
others on what you had written in previous blog, as you printed the negative as
well as the positive comments”.

Ben – I have had
several similar comments so I will start them up again.

Plenty of comments on
“Keep Spiritualism a Religion”

R – “If all of those connected to spiritualism
thought first and foremost that they were Ambassadors of Spirit and not trying
to enhance their own ego then we would-be accepted more as a religion”.

Vera – “So many individuals within Spiritualism let
us down – but we are no different from any of the mainstream religions, in fact
we are better off in many respects”.

Tim – “Why bother about other religions we do our
own thing and if you like us you join us, if you don’t, then you go elsewhere.  …

David – “I
hold my hands up to being a bit over the top on facebook in alerting members of
mediums taking our service, yet I am more professional in the advert in our
local newspaper.  I suppose I was not
thinking what non-spiritualists will think of our religion”.  But will I change?  No.  after talking it over with other committee
members we decide that one way is right for the local rag and the other way is
more in line with those on facebook”.

? – “Tom –
move into the modern world”.

Anne – “I was
shocked that my church ran a coach to see a so-called big named medium in a
theatre it just did not seem right”.

? – “It would
only take action against one  award
holder for giving a demonstration of clairvoyance where alcohol was consumed
then the rest would think twice before doing such a thing.  I don’t think this is rife among award
holders but if it does go on let us nip it in the bud immediately”.

Mav “Friends
and work colleagues attend psychic and spiritual gatherings I don’t know the
difference but I look upon it all as a sideshow”.

Lynn – “I
agree with your comments 100%.  I get so embarrassed
these days in what goes on in the name of SPIRITUALISM” on and off facebook. 

J Porter – “Face
book has ruined so much of the good reputation Spiritualism has earned over the
years”.

R Davies – “Two
camps in the movement, those who are willing to serve spirit and those who look
upon it as a money making venture”.

So a wide range of
comment to what I wrote a few weeks ago. 
It is good that we can feel free to comment but should our views not be
directed towards our churches and district councils rather than on the
Internet?  Give you churches and district
councils your positive as well as negative comments. 

I spend much of my
time TV switching between TV news channels and even with the foreign news
channels a snippet of good news is hard to find.  This past week has been no exception with the
reporting of; –

Our minds cannot take in the devastation in the
Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan, destroyed everything in its path.  We moan when a few slates are blown off our
roof in a gale and then reach for the phone to contact the insurance
company.  We cannot begin to put
ourselves in the position of those in the Philippines who have lost everything
and their lives will be changed forever.

By far the most uplifting news report was of Pope Francis
hugging a badly disfigured man.  A truly
great act of kindness and compassion.

 

A date for your
diary…  Saturday, 11 January 2014 at
19:00   GAS Drama Group present “CINDERELLA”
Glasgow Association of Spiritualists, 6/7 Somerset Place, Glasgow, G3
7JT.  Tickets are now on sale at £5.

Good to see
the church branching out and I can see two benefits for the church and its
members.  1… It will give fledglings
good experience in standing up in front of a group of people.  2… Those members with no aspirations to
become mediums will feel they are playing a bigger part in church activities.