Jacob & the Garden- 27th December 1991

LONG ago, in the land of Easter-morn - has anyone ever told you that there is always a special place for every special time? Not just any place, but a location which is designated Easter, say for example; and it might be so many degrees in relation to the other times or it may be so impressed at one particular time, or it may be that the influx is at its greatest at that time. Very good, then we'll proceed.

In the land of Easter it was raining continually - day and night, night and day, without mercy. The red sands were carried and dropped upon the buildings, upon the leaves, upon the statues, upon the sorry folk and forlorn beast; and splashed down leaving red, ruddy residue.

The humidity was high, and although the storm was unrepentant it did not markedly lower the temperature on ground, but seemed to bleed a heat of itself that the earth perspired and more sand and silt was excreted, being muggy and close and tedious to bear.

The elderly had been kept indoors of course, and there were those who had had to venture out, who suffered eye disorders and skin irritations from exposure to the stinging grit.

The sky itself was quite red in hue, an iridescent bloodshot red made gloomy by the clouds which denied the Sun her entrance. A small boy, Jacob, had been distracted by his father's upset, and so pitied him that he bethought it best to go and beseech God Himself that He might give them reprieve from this pestilent weather. He was troubled more by his people's dismay than concerned for his own wellbeing, and took his little coat from the alcove and departed the house, out into the deep red blizzard.

His hens were a'cackling, the poor cattle stood and moved not; the drops pelted upon his head and dribbled down his neck as he made his way to that special place, that special garden in which his father usually would frequent in troubled, miserable times.

The first miracle occurred when Jacob found their small garden to be quite untouched by the rain, for there it rained not. As if a tent had been suspended above, he found the ground quite dry and the faces of the flowers still perfect. He was much overjoyed by this and took this to be a sign of God's mercy, "He must still love them!" thought little Jacob. It was quiet in that garden for the wind was without, and he decided all at once that he must go and fetch the elders that he might show them this small blessing. And so he returned back to his small home, back through the rain again.

At the doorstep he found his mother fevered with anger, desperate with over-worry. He also found his father, who beat and whipped him with the brush-cane. He also suffered much abuse from Grandfather, who bade him attend to his corner, after ridicule and lecture; whilst he had not the opportunity to tell of his tale. His Grandmother only watched on, for she was not ever of a mind to comment. She had lost the power to form words many years before.

That night as he was huddled in his small bed, he began to call out to his father and his mother and ask of them that they might hear his story, for he explained that it was important to them, as it was to God. After much consultation they gave dear smiles - for they so loved their little lad - and explained that he was mistaken, but cared for them, that he had mixed his hopes with his imaginings. Jacob pleaded that he might take them there that they should see for themselves, but they only nodded and said that it was not the time to do so.

At that moment the last of their wood was placed upon the fire and Father and Mother looked across at each other despairingly; for although the days were warm enough, the nights were chilly, and moreso without their stove. "Tomorrow we eat batter", thought Mother.

"Our oldest hen is given one more day longer", thought Father.

The following morning the rains had ceased and the Sun was again its burnished gold. The silt and the mantle of red dust that had been so transported had covered so much and heaped up upon posts and doorways. The vast water had drained well and the plants lay crushed and broken. The people went to view what was damaged and what may have been retrieved - very little was there, so sheltered that it had not been coated so.

Jacob pleaded and begged his father to accompany him along to the precious garden. But Father was busy and Mother was busy and Grandfather had not the legs to leave the house. Grandmother however, rose and put out her little frail hand to Jacob, beckoning that he might help her rise. And she walked with him to the doorway and pointed out there to the garden, and he led her carefully with great happiness.

Almost there, he broke away from her arm and ran to his spot that he might seek the pretty flowers again. But his triumphant smile vanished when he sighted that all was so pummelled and broken and crushed. And the arbour was destroyed and the pond so muddied; and his haven had been as defiled as all of his countryside, so bitterly.

The blooms were bruised, the bushes heaped over, the fruits were squashed and torn. "It is true" Jacob cried, "that I am only a small silly boy who did dream of this only with foolishness greater than my years".

His grandmother steadied herself beside the garden wall and sat upon the stone, peering at the little boy.

"Jacob!" she called to him, "Jacob my boy, you must not hold faith so lightly, nor so heavily as to decry yourself or our God! I believe your story and I also believe that this garden shall be again, for that is the true mercy, nothing more and nothing less".

Jacob believed that an angel must be moving the lips of his elderly grandmother, for truly she had never talked before, in his time, in his memory.

"Jacob hear now, you must believe for your rose is not so dead but has grown here that I might speak again", she said as she placed her finger on her throat. She continued, "It was your love of the garden, and the faith in your heart that gave it a new home, sheltered and perfect".

The small boy understood the sense in this and ran to hug his old Grandmother so tight, "Come Grandmother, we shall tidy this place that it might be again. If you instruct I shall obey. And we will keep to the original plan, for we still can see how the plants have been placed, and I shall move from the soil the soot that would strangle, and un-mesh the dead branches from the root and bring freedom and light to our garden, in respect for this miracle, this Holy happening."

As he said this he began the clearing and was tugging at a muddy tangle, so doing he said, "Grandmother your voice is so sweet, I know now that God does truly love us, to hear you speak". And he turned to her and smiled. And she sang to him all day, and he was happy. 

A Xmas Message- 1991

TRY not to overlook those who are before you, for it is all too easy to disregard. Of course it is natural to tire, but missed opportunities are not so easily picked up again, sometimes it happens that much time has to lapse before they present a second time.

You still worry too much. Distractions, distractions- perhaps a gift of a reassuring sign this Christmas? Perhaps it is time to fill in a few of those gaps? If you were totally sure, you would have to be closed minded - besides which, you would be bound to be mistaken. Contentment with frustration? It is not much to offer- apologies.

But we are here, and when you need us - not writing on a wall! The work is fine: it is O.K. At this point there are hundreds preparing, who shall make themselves known; some will be available, and some will be so intrinsically altered that there will be no turning back. This is satisfying: let it be great satisfaction. For any life so touched remembers unto death and after, and takes it with them further and further - all good is unalterable, all betterment is never casual but Divine motivation, which propels the soul at the speed of life! And that is fast! Faster than light - or of Superman!

Mountains are there to be moved, not climbed! By your work, and dutiful, sincere and trusted labor, you will effect so much more than would have been - had it not been. And so it is worthwhile - difficult at times, yes. And we would not interfere for one moment if we believed that the family would suffer in any way from this time spent.

But there is a halo around your house, this place of teeming thought and intersecting concepts - for they are lively when holy and active - most vital. All to the good: many invisible friends - a Christmas with real Angels upon the doorstep, and many others besides who have come from afar. And the connections between us all are ever stronger: the movement is grand. For we, as you - all of us - are not in intermittent isolation but ever together - and to be called upon if need be.

Good company of good friends - no arguments, no falling outs, no complaints, but ever diligent - for this is what warms us, and from this we all thrive, that we are harmonized in happy conducive co-working (if you like to call it that). We know who we are, all of us; and we do not work separately or against each other, but for one cause and many loves.

We apologize if it becomes tiresome or tedious, and acknowledge that work is work, and for whatever reason may not be known to you, or so apparent. One must not be mediocre, or haphazard or sensational. Quite a mix. Ho hum. Ho Ho Ho. Hum Hum Hum.

Do you realize that every contact made, of itself, is so very important? That each time the aspirations flow, each time from this there is thoughtfulness and deep consideration, we (as one movement) are all stronger - even if we all said 'Frog playing harp' together as one - just being mindful that there is in deep reality, a movement of Heaven for Humanity who genuinely seek to assist and strive, and encourage the world. Be of great cheer. For this is reality. See you soon.

Personality Pick- 25th December 1991

THE AUSTERE Man who has generally good taste, is a man who is not to be argued with. His concerns are firstly propriety, and is insulted by those who impinge upon his stable mind. Therefore he does not take to any concept lightly; nor will he issue or disclose that which he holds proper and correct.

He shall choose his confidantes carefully, and once established a friendship shall become unseverable - at least for his part; unless the partner were to shatter his original surmise. He is devoted to his mother, and although no less to his father, he will be fearsome of him even into old age, and find little comfort in affection but look rather with dutiful response.

The Complacent Man, who is unkempt and untidy, appears so, and does not realize that this is his public face. He may not interpret the systems of the world as being orderly, for he lives amongst vast and overwhelming impressions which inevitably swing between desolate solitude and depression, and blissful overjoy. He loves what he loves passionately; when aroused however, is usually remote from the true realities of that which he could love, if he but knew. 

He seeks comfort, and if without the physical comforts is easily disheartened. He seeks simple pleasures, but is all too easily overwhelmed by intoxicating pleasures which overcome his senses. And this may be his demise, for he is unsure and unstable beneath such experience. However, he is not known to be 'choosy' and is easily pleased - placing limited expectations upon others, as well as himself. His surroundings may be as simple as that of the Austere Man, and is so satisfied, but may also be crude and fall easily into disarray.

He is not given to general nervousness, great reflection or sporadic temper, but may seasonally be affected; and overall this gentle but confused personality, may have difficulty assessing much about that which causes him discomfort or that which he would openly seek for happiness.

The Worrying Man is as stalked prey seized by continual upset. He is unsettled by almost everything outside of himself because of his interior conflict. The blood pushes fast, the glands over work, perspiration excretes rapidly. He continually mourns, but in general terms is quite unmoved by the more serious conflicts surrounding him in the lives of others.

He is of doom itself, and walks under a perpetual shadow of past remorse. His discomfort comes from crimes repented, but not recognized. He seeks consolation, but looks to the world for distraction. He is misery to those around him, and takes a little relief in issuing forth such benedictions of his internal suffering. That which he requires the most, namely good moral conduct, soothing music and proper companions, are usually beyond his trembling grasp.

He has so much difficulty in settling within himself, that meditation or nature appreciation is quite impossible. He is to be encouraged at all times to loosen his perspective, and needs 'cleansing' of his guilt through the means of that which will inevitably arise in life situations to help redeem him.

The Jovial Man cries continually for others. He is as a 'Pierrot' who is both happy and sad, and explicit in both. He has so much joy streaming from him, and yet the world answers back with pressure and false currency abounding. He seeks companionship above all else; and blessed with a quick and cunning mind, he rarely finds another who may match his wit and meet with his perspective.

Although he is rarely earnest, he is pained by such brief reviews, and intensely objects to the inner/outer duality of pure joy and pure sorrow. His feet are quite unattached to the earth, and for this he is often regarded as flip or at best, eccentric; and is often misunderstood to be a simpleton who is pleasure seeking and rarely serious. But in nature he would be continually happy.

The effects of others impinge so upon the inner radiance, and he is forced frequently to weigh this profound joy against the indisputable calls of his neighbor’s 'reality'. He is kindly and where possible, extremely considerate, and is not to be confused with the 'worrying man' in aspect or nature

The Somber Man is as an old spirit, who like to the old trees of an ancient forest, is fixed and rooted within tradition and propriety, family, society, with comfort and call to order. He is not known for vigor or recklessness, but rather of being quite old before his time. He shall be found in libraries or antique shops or museums, or wherever the past is present, for this is preferred by him.

He does not motor around for the sake of it, nor part with his money easily. He cares little for present circumstances, but takes into himself a historical overview which perceives the world before that of his birth, and obviously moving on way past that of his death. Although he is not morbid in this, he has usually that effect upon others.

His expertise or wisdom may be great, and is moved only to stimulation with glinting eye, when called upon in a way he knows best. Although not known for his charity, he asks for little and would take unto himself his basic needs, and that of the past he may harbor for posterity.

The Selfish Man is what he is because he is so busy and self-involved that he has never taken the time to find greater fulfillment. Small setbacks and larger tragedies are bitterly received by the selfish and they have little or no understanding of situations, as they take all such occurrences to be personal afflictions.

The selfish are motivated to positive thinking only with self-interest, and are quick to tire when results are not as instantaneous as they would wish. They are therefore intensely wishful, as they hope to draw ever unto themselves, but are never satisfied. They are frantic to obtain, whether it be kudos or physical memento, for they truly doubt their own self-worth, and seek to establish an exterior value.

They often measure the grace of God by privilege; they seek His approval by means of that which comes their way and are insecure in this, for they are so often met with inevitable disappointment. True love and charity will speak to these people, even though it appears to contradict, because it does yet further their greed. But having said that, there is nothing so valuable as good example, which is the only teacher these people may hopefully take to themselves, eventually.

Yet as thieves among thieves, they are happiest in the company of others who are as equally selfish - those who aspire to society's stations, trying for influence, for status, all the time for self-approval. Would that they were selfish in degrees which led them to sanity and useful values!

They make also for talented confidence tricksters.

Christmas Celebrations- 24th December 1991

'Twas the night before Christmas, and all round the house,

Ran a possum, a rat and many a mouse,

The children were anxious lest St. Nick forget,

Wide eyed, with live fire-crackers a'dancing in their heads.

Hark! we hear a whisper,

Lo, the dogs do growl,

Surely not! The black imp-sprite!

Who 'round the house does prowl . . .

Quickly children, go to bed!

For it is the impish child he seeks.

Many a present he will bestow;

As well as the Saint, he has his work;

And he shall peer in your window.

Have you been good?

I should not wish to see his surprise,

I should not taste his food!

Close your eyes,

Close your eyes and dream of Heaven,

For the morning soon comes.

May your day be sweet and happy,

With love, and gifts and many bon bons!

WE may be reckless, we may be somber, but truly there is nothing wrong with a little gaiety. Who would quash the happy occasions with sinister and miserable malcontent? It is nice to see such expectation. It is joyous when there are joyous occasions; and that there are fewer than most is pitiful, yes, but that should not mar the children's delight. For how many such times will there be in their lifetime to come? It is natural for parents to wish to see their little smiles and celebrate, that they can celebrate when they can.

And yes too, a holy day. And yes, every day is a holy day - with this one coming perhaps a little more special, because it is made so, because it is recognized as such, because of the starry inclinations, because of the joy which ripples through the kingdoms - and many kingdoms delight in the joy of Man.

Many a time we may focus upon those who derive this and that from the more unfortunate conditions. But conversely and more importantly, the emanations which flow from a truly happy individual, and especially, much more especially, from that of a little child, give to the surrounding worlds all that they would ask for.

For those dear who have moved on into higher spheres, throughout other worlds, they too are so moved and motivated by the greater extremes of certain occasions. 

Who said that there cannot be happiness in holy celebrations? We must at times put aside criticism, and just comprehend those wonderful aspects rather than our suspicions of them. There are other appropriate times to be concerned with bitterness and guilt, frivolity and meaninglessness, and disproportioned wealth. All year round would be nice! But also too, to relax the strain and give time to those who are especially pleased by your offerings and thoughts.

If Christmas has been persuaded by commercial interests in some parts of the world, so be it! Let it not detract or take away in any direction. For we all need a little light-heartedness! Some crave it more than others, and some have forgotten the true and genuine cheer. Furthermore, to be mindful of Christ is a very cheerful thing indeed! There could be nothing happier!

Life itself is a true and precious gift. How often we hear this and yet pass it by. All of that which we experience, and the means we have in order that we recognize this, is from such a great and grand gift. Everything which comes to us: very scheme and fashion within this structure, and yea, the supporting superstructure - all but one great and sublime gift. And when, on a day that many exchange a gift or two or three, they are, with simple acknowledgment, carrying out consciously that which moment by moment is so greatly perpetuated.

Thus is the nature of gift-giving, moreover a celebration of Divine and infinite law. And if we have to weigh the price or the content, it is nonetheless special, because of it being a one-way transaction imparted by the giver to the receiver, from one to another in tradition with Cosmic law. That which we carry out according to the greater laws, is internally, celebratory and so satisfying, and received with immeasurable (as well as measurable) consequences.

On the questions of the true birth date of Jesus, (we shall not speak of the two today) one has to reply: that the time was eastern standard! Unfortunately for men, the only thing which is not factored in, is that time itself has altered - actually since the birth of the Christ Child. As the calendar speaks, with date and daily notation, we may trust that it is more correct than false. For certain things are not allowed to be misjudged or miscalculated, for when they are so important to the Truth, the Truth is ever perpetuated. When people would have it that we may engage in lies (humanity that is) and live mistakenly, it is generally because they have not the faith or the insight which proves to them that wisdom oversees always.

To some the world is a foreign and muddled format. They perceive little reason in life, or for that matter their own lives. Because the perception is so narrowed they are immediately suspicious that all men shall be mistaken on all counts, and question if anything at all is ever right. And this is sorely sad, and it is for these souls that we fervently pray that they should come to acknowledge a higher wisdom, higher truths, with higher instincts and regain a faith and knowledge in the world which will lead to a clearer interpretation.

Most of the time we find that it is not that a 'simple myth' is conjecture or fantasy but rather our understanding is so limited, that it is nonsense to our own person. This is common, as regards many, many teachings and interpretations of that which is sacred and preferred to others. Those stupid to a wisdom are blocked by their own first suspicions of there being no truth to be found and they inquire not, they seek to understand not, having no faith in the sanity and wisdom, concepts and inner truths, that are especially wondrous to others.

However, all men and women understand appreciation of themselves and understand the notion of their receiving a gift! As well as being pleasurable it is also to good purpose, that they are softened by certain happinesses and indeed open to something, rather than nothing at all. Men and women love to be considered and thought of with friendly acts of affection, with mutual recognition - and this is splendid for all concerned! And so if one's company is not particularly open to the more deeper aspects of the mysteries which are foremost connected to them personally, we may still effect a little joy by ways in which they do understand.

Thus, when it can be, the customs of Christmas are essentially good and wonderful. The songs sung, the ways of people who meet again, the old and new friends inspired to be a little closer - all of this is far, far away from any grip of cynicism. For cynicism holds no place on this festive day. Rather, it may have to wait for a period, back in the mud and mire that it crawled out from - or perhaps wash its gloomy face and too join the celebrations!