Mediumship Development

[Dan Bowman]

Dear brothers and sisters,

A search on Google on mediumship turned up some interesting stuff. I can relate to the first stage of the communication as this appears to be the most awkward. This material comes from a Spiritualist Church on developing one's mediumship. This appears to be from the perspective of a medium standing in front of a group and giving oral communication. I think though that the principals apply to spirit-mortal communication through inspirational writing as well.

Love,

Dan



How To Develop Mediumship:
A Working Guide to Unfoldment
Mediumistic Development



The Phases of a Communication

Many of the difficulties encountered by the student of evidential mediumship arise from a lack of understanding concerning the three phases of a typical message. This very often causes the developing medium to feel that he or she must have a complete message formulated within the mind before standing to give it to the sitter. Let us look at the three phases involved:

Phase One: This first phase occurs when you begin the message. The spirit communicator has made the initial link with you, through your energy field, and begins to draw closer to you. The information which the communicator imparts to your consciousness may not be very clear, because the link is not yet very strong. As you pass on each little bit of information to the sitter, the communicator feels more comfortable with you and is, consequently, able to draw even closer. This, in turn, allows additional information to come more clearly.

Phase Two: This middle phase occurs while the communicator maintains as strong and complete a link with you as possible. This is the period in which the real substance of the message is given, because you and the spirit friend are as close as you will become during this particular communication. The information comes through quickly and clearly here. When the essence of the message is given and the communicator feels satisfied, he or she will then begin the withdrawal process.

Phase Three: This final phase occurs while the communicator is stepping away from you. The information begins to become a little less clear, because the control gradually weakens and the energy fields begin to become separated. The message should come to a close during this phase of the communication.

The problem arises when, during the first phase of the message, the student does not work hard enough to establish a stronger link with the communicator and, thus, get into phase two. It is at this point that many developing mediums encounter difficulty and either stand in complete silence or give up and conclude the message, without offering any tangible evidence or information. This can be very frustrating, because the worker did not give the spirit communicator ample opportunity to get close enough to relate the substance of the message.

As a developing medium, you must understand that the initial stage of a message may not be very clear. The spirit communicator is still feeling his or her way around and trying to blend with your energy field. At this stage, you must work hard, maintain some form of verbal interaction, and attempt to strengthen the link, so that you and the spirit friend can pass onto the next stage of the communication. Be brave and give whatever bit you get, so that the communicator will be given the opportunity to draw closer and work with you even more strongly. This requires that you work hard and not give up! Unfortunately, today, students are simply not trained to work hard at their developing mediumship. Everyone expects instant results. Make me a medium this weekend is the plague of this New Age of frivolous channeling.

This is why we insist that you work at giving the three elements of a message: a communicator; a description; and the message.

Evidential message work is spontaneous. The bottom line is this: you never know how the message will come about, until you open your mouth and begin speaking. This is where you must exhibit trust and faith and understand that the harder you work at giving a message, the better and more clear it will be.

[Geoff]

Dear Dan,

I am not sure if you are aware, but I have collected together all the DL stuff on mediumship onto one page Mediumship (http://www.new-birth.net/mediumship.htm)

love,
Geoff.

[Dan Bowman]

Dear Geoff,

Thank you not only for the link to what appears to be a most comprehensive works on mediumship but also for all your hard work & dedication in developing this. This is a great resource on mediumship & especially tempers it in the light of truth as we know it from the angels.

The recent thread on mediumship began as my admission of fabrication (unknowing at the time) as I/we are but students of channeling & are always learning from our experiences. Since none of us to my knowledge have never had formal training as mediums (not that it would be more beneficial than prayer for Divine Love), this business of mediumship/channeling is largely experential & a by the seat of the pants venture.

When a child touches a hot stove it learns to not touch what is painful. If a channeler, channels in error, perhaps the natural reaction is to avoid spirit-mortal communicatipn for fear of failure. Kathryn said that she stopped receiving messages for a time because she was accused of receiving from imposter spirits. Perhaps the message here for those who channel is to be brave & courageous and don't let your fears prevent you from receiving from the angels as it doesn't need to be perfect. This quote on Mediumship Development, is what caught my eye.

"Be brave and give whatever bit you get, so that the communicator will be given the opportunity to draw closer and work with you even more strongly. "

I realize that the greater audience that reads these posts is not the DL members but the many guests that frequent the forum. Everytime I log on there is usually a 3:1 ratio of guests to members. I hope that our sharings bring inspiration & instruction to these seekers of truth.

Love,

Dan

[R...]

Along those lines, I was also told by Joses the Younger (Jesus' younger brother) that doubtful questioning and testing of the spirit communication can be disadvantageous to the spirit coming through. It's not conducive to opening and communicating.

When reading a channeled message, my motto is, take the best and leave the rest. Just take what rings true for you, and don't worry about the rest of it.

love,
Rebecca

[Kay Ann Ray]

Hi all you good souls seeking truth and Love,

Thank you Dan for investigating the findings of others about the development of mediumship. It is "establishing a rapport between spirit and mortal" which is being refered to when the spirit is enabled to get closer to the medium.

Good thinking, Rebecca, to take the best and leave the rest. It seems that a statement to this effect would be helpful to the seekers at the top of a thread which contains contemporary channelings. Like a statement from the Buddha; Believe nothing, no matter where you read it or who has said it, not even if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.

One of the main reasons, it seems to me, that we cannot evaluate the helpfulness of a channeling is because it may be very helpful to some and not helpful to others. There is a wide variety of interests and developments of souls seeking truth, so it seems that if they are wise, they will take from a message what is helpful and interesting to them and not worry about the rest.

God blesses us with opportunities to find our way toward at-Onement with Him when it is our desire and prayer. It's comforting to me to know that the Divine Love works like leaven in the souls of the prayerful and that when I am humble and longing to do God's will, more of this great Substance of Love will flow into my soul.

I love you, each and every one. Your sister in Christ, Kathryn

[Dan Bowman]

Hi Kathryn,

I wanted to call you this weekend to say hello however had misplaced your phone #. Perhaps you could send it to me via private message/e-mail.

When you wrote about:

"establishing a rapport between spirit and mortal" , I instantly thought about praying together for God's Love. Perhaps this is the best rapport that one can have with an angel. James has been quiet the last few days as it seems like the angels are on vacation (at least with me anyway). It's a good time though to catch up on prayer for the Divine Love.

Your message recently on crossing over was very good as you appear to be in fine form. I'm really happy that you're in rapport with the angels & always look forward to your offerings, encouragement & wisdom. You really do bring allot to the table here.

Love,
Dan

[Zara Borthwick]

I thought I would like to write a little on this subject.

The Father gives Divine Love and every single soul can partake of this Love therefore, every mortal soul can form a personal relationship with the soul of the Father and in this be known and recognised by the Father. Jesus in the Celestial Heaven is the Master Teacher regarding the Father's Divine Love. This means that Jesus can communicate when necessary to a soul receiving the Father's Love, of their experience. Jesus has the capacity to communicate harmoniously with every human soul who receives the Divine Love. This reveals an insight into the Wonderful personality of Jesus for such is he with the Father that he can understand and communicate to the needs to every other mortal personality ever created by the Father. What this means, is that we have an individual whom can convey messages of Divine Love and Truth according to the needs and abilities of the individual medium. Truth and the Spirit of Truth is the determining factor for Jesus can not or would not convey anything other than Truth. The individual receiving a message from Jesus would only ever be receiving Truth and Love for as we know such is the nature of Jesus that he cannot teach and reveal anything that is inharmonious or in error or untrue to the perfect workings of Our Father's Divine Love. I do feel that when we participate in our Divine Love experience, eventually Jesus will pass by your way and say hello and meet with you and give you his blessing and perhaps even desire to write with you and in this experience, is Our Father's Divine Love celebrated.

Zara

[Amada Reza]

Dear Zara and beloved family,

Thank you for sharing your wonderful thoughts about the humility and availability of our beloved brother Jesus. This also aptly describes the personal relationship God has with all of us, communicating only His love and truth. I realized the pervasiveness of God’s Love in our lives – like the rain, its finds its way into every little opening in our hearts and souls.

Mediumship is a resource available to everyone, especially for those seeking the nature of truth and the workings of God’s universe. I would like to think of this higher help as the economy of God’s Love – it comes when we are ready, in a language we understand, and just enough to get us to the next step. Even though our steps vary, it is an orchestrated dance that blends heavenly and earthly influences to bring us to the right place and the right time.

God uses his ministering angels and the harmonious forces of earth and heaven to communicate His love. His communication comes as gifts, abundance, clarity, purpose, beneficence, wisdom, mercy – all things that elevate the human soul. Praise this love and its presence in every part of our life!

Dan, I also want to support your comments on “healthy skepticism.” When we are "awake" to our soulful dialog with God, we can discern whether or not information serves our spiritual progression. It has become ever more important to choose what kind of information we let into our minds and hearts. Focusing on what supports a living connection with God helps us hear our angelic guidance.

Loving you, my brothers and sisters in Christ,

Amy

[Dan Bowman]

Divine wisdom is dripping off those posts ladies.

Dan

[Dan Bowman]

Mediumship is a resource available to everyone, especially for those seeking the nature of truth and the workings of God’s universe. I would like to think of this higher help as the economy of God’s Love – it comes when we are ready, in a language we understand, and just enough to get us to the next step. Even though our steps vary, it is an orchestrated dance that blends heavenly and earthly influences to bring us to the right place and the right time.



Dear Amy and loving friends,

I've heard some say that they are not a medium or that they don't possess mediumistic gifts and I wonder if that is really true? Perhaps we might explore what a medium is as I suspect there are more among us than is realized. One such person said that they are not a medium but have the gift of healing. Is this not a form of channeling?

A Brazilian psychic surgeon, John of God, claims to be a medium as he channels healing to perhaps more people today than any healer has ever done in recorded history. He claims that the spirits of deceased doctors work through him as he heals upwards to 15,000 people a week. He does not channel writings however he claims to be a medium for spirit healers. So perhaps we can say that a healer is a medium.

Amy, I believe it was you who said that the highest form of mediumship is the rapport between the soul of God and that of wo/man. The link or conduit that is opened up as we receive Divine Love is the very principal that makes communication with the angels possible. In this state our souls are hyper-sensitive to the thoughts and influences of the Celestial Spirits. Perhaps many who pray for Divine Love have hunches and thought impressions from their spirit guides and guardian angels. So perhaps we can say that one who prays for Divine Love is a medium to one degree or another.

And then there is art and music as many who have talent in the arts speak to inspiration that appears to come from without. For some it may come spontaneously and others maybe in a dream or in a vision.

Mediumship at one time was pigeon holed to the séance room and was guilty of fakery and charlatans and therefore was misjudged and held in suspicion. We who know the Laws of Rapport and Communication understand that the principal of communication between this world and the next is viable and sound and is a constant interaction. We understand that many of the world's inventions came into being as the result of spirit inspiration. Many of the great medical breakthroughs and advancements may have been born through channeling spirit inspiration also.

Perhaps there are many mediums in our mist just like the many spirits who surround us, just waiting to share that next thought, idea, inspiration or healing for the further edification of humankind.

Love and blessings,
Dan

[Amada Reza]

I've heard some say that they are not a medium or that they don't possess mediumistic gifts and I wonder if that is really true?

Good morning, Dan!

Can you remember the day when you first believed that spirits not only existed, but could influence you? Were you afraid? I certainly was!

When I was young I thought the spirits influencing me were "devils." I was uncomfortable when I felt their presence. I could not see their faces, and didn't know if they were friendly.

Now I understand the nature of my spirit companions coincides with my own spiritual nature. I pay close attention to my thoughts and desires so that I might be in "good company." But not many people are willing to consider that they are in the constant company of spirits, which, considering the nature of their thoughts, can be alarming.

Despite the fact that many people prefer to keep a wall between "life" and "death," it doesn't change the reality that we are surrounded by spirit influence from the moment we are born. Dan, I agree that the inventions and artistic genius of human beings have much (if not everything) to do with spirit influence. Spiritual healing is, admittedly, a result of channeling.

It takes no special gift to be susceptible to spirit influence, but one may develop the ability to perceive them. I believe this is merely an extension of one's ability to observe. Close observation of my thoughts, feelings, and "hunches" lets me to know when I am being influenced by a spirit.

For example, if my thoughts are streaming in one particular direction, and a different thought is "introduced" into this stream, it may have come from a spirit. Spirits communicate through thought, and they are free to share their thoughts with us. Our susceptibility to them is a result of the law of communication and rapport. Perhaps I share the same interest or sympathy with the spirit, or have asked for guidance and have thus received an "answer."

Prayer for Divine Love transforms our spiritual nature so that we might be in the best company. Before attempting to contact spirits, I suggest that you put yourself in a safe and peaceful space and ask for angelic protection. Initiating spirit communication is not for everyone. You may be happy to keep your feet on earthly ground and let all the "unseen voices" be background music rather than your playlist.

Sending you my love and blessings, dear brother,

Amy

[doug]

It takes no special gift to be susceptible to spirit influence, but one may develop the ability to perceive them. I believe this is merely an extension of one's ability to observe...I love it when someone reopens a slumbering thread like this. And we take up right where we left off...

I think I've mentioned before that in some ways Padgett had it easy, since his messages were essentially kept under wrap until after his death. He didn't have to deal with the backlash that inevitably would have (and will eventually ;)) occurred had the Christian establishment been confronted with his messages.

Perhaps we need to set up formal ground rules stating that any message posted to the DLF forum is fair game to be analyzed, dissected, and completely ripped to shreds :eek:. That way, people won't take it personally when their channeling is subjected to such scrutiny...

On second thought, maybe that's not the best idea :p. Honestly, I'm not sure what is the best idea. We do want to encourage everyone to work on developing their mediumship abilities. And most of us probably agree that the sharing of channelings can be of great benefit for all parties. I think this benefit is maximized when we feel free to discuss, and perhaps at times criticize each other's channelings; but at the same time, we don't want a budding medium to inhibit him or her self out of fear of such criticism.

Perhaps the best solution is simply a combination of tactfulness on the part of the "critiquers," and thick-skinedness on the part of the mediums. And of course, if all mediums understand the inherent fallibility of the mediumship process, then any criticism received will feel less like a "personal attack," and more like part of a collaborative creative process.

Which, in fact, is a valuable function that I'd really love to see this forum perform. It's something that perhaps Padgett could have greatly benefited from -- a "peer review" process similar to that utilized in the scientific world. While there was, I'm sure, safety, freedom, and comfort in the way that Padgett received his messages (in a vacuum, so to speak), the format had its downside as well. Essentially, the entire mortal "editorial review board" of the Padgett messages consisted of two people: James Padgett and Leslie Stone.

A consequence of this "vacuum" is that the entire "Padgett messages movement" has for the most part been based on the editorial decisions of these two men. It's true that Stone took great editorial license in preparing the first published books, but it seems that almost no one has felt "authorized" or qualified to question this "canon" since these first books were published.

I'm hoping that we're coming into a new phase of this mediumship adventure, characterized by the understanding that everyone is a medium. Everyone is qualified -- and indeed, obligated -- to run these teachings through their own inner corroboration and verification process.

And no one is exempt from this obligation. To attempt to assign responsibility for one's spiritual perceptions to "someone else" is to abdicate a basic responsibility inherent in the freedoms and capabilities given us by our Creator.

So, we all can help each other in our ongoing quest for truth; but ultimately, we all possess the ability to receive and discern truth directly from God, and directly from His angels. And as Amy channeled awhile back, we all are the "chosen mortal instrument" of God and His angels.

If we choose to be...

~Doug

[Dan Bowman]

I'd really love to see this forum perform. -- a "peer review" process similar to that utilized in the scientific world.


Hi Doug,

Funny you say that as I said the same thing to a dear friend of mine this morning regarding submissions of channelings from DLF members. Before I posted my recent message I sent it off to you guys for review and several recommendations were made that resulted on my editing out about a third of my message. As I told Kay, none of us hit 100 percent with these channelings and as you shared recently, it may be more like 20 percent. So, I didn't feel touchy about torching much of my message as it was probably the 80 percent coming from my own mind.

The question did arise though, who reviews the reviewer? It's like the fox watching over the hen house. Of course that's solved by having more than just one or two reviewing submitted channelings. Another suggestion I heard from another is that when something received goes against the truths as taught in the Padgett Messages that it might be suspicious material.

Anyway, I think that all channeled messages should be submitted first for peer review and evaluation before publication on the DLF. That's my two cents worth. :p

Love and blessings,
Dan

[RaeUK]

Hi!

I'm so glad to see this thread jumping back into life! Personally, I'd like to see a good discussion taking place here about Mediumship, not only from a DL point of view, but in general - as Dan rightly points out many guests wander through these august corridors...

I'm quite happy to hold my hand up and confirm my interest is that of the struggling wannabee, lol. Don't get me wrong, I've had a little success, but I'd put that down very much on the low end of the scale. Indeed, my end of term report as a 'Medium' would probably read: 4/10 Must try harder!

I am always keen to listen and learn. And would be interested to hear what you all have to say.

Mediumship is not easy for most. And it can have its own inherent dangers. But, to my mind, its absolutely imperetive to the developement and advancement of humanity. The more people who begin to understand that life continues - and has its rules - then the less murder / crime / general wrongdoing will occur. And that time will come - with no small thanks to DL.

Amy, thankyou for reminding people that you should'nt contemplate spirit contact without a serious thought towards protection. I don't think it really matters how you come into Mediumship, but one simple rule is that when you 'open' to spirit you 'open' to all. There is no distinction. Essentially, you're putting up a big neon sign saying 'open for business' and that sign can be read by any spirit, be they good, bad or simply indifferent. This was the major reason for those dabbling with ouija boards occasionally falling into difficulty, there was no filtering or control in place.

I would like to think - and your thoughts would be interesting - that those well along the DL road may well attract a reasonable degree of protection anyway, but - to my mind - that should'nt stop you seeking protection as a matter of course, of habit. [I will be revisiting Geoff's 'Medium' research].

I can't underline the importance of protection enough. One widely held view in spiritualist circles is that there are many people incarcerated in mental institutes hearing voices in their mind. And for the large part those voices are'nt a figment of their imagination.

I do think that 'New Age' thinking has hijacked much spiritualist thought and confused the issue to the detriment of many. No reasonable Medium needs a prop, be that tarot cards, crystals or whatever.

Anyway, I've waffled enough for this evening.

Please keep this thread going.

So much love

Rae xx

[InkyWhip]

Dan,

Typically, navigation requires triangulation, or receiving information about one's position relative to at least two other points, making a triangle.

However, I was thinking, rather than 'editorial review' that, within a reasonable period of time, messages regarding a topic coming though more than one
medium would allow a reader to 'triangulate' out the effects of disparate
mediums, and discern the central 'Truth' communicated. Perhaps even messages
communicated from the same spirit through different mediums.

Where is this idea coming from? I don't know, it's just where I've been led to...

Inky

[Dan Bowman]

Richard, your triangulation theory is how my gps works that I use for sea kayaking. Basicly I guess we're talking about feedback which is probably the spirit of this discussion. And your thought about the reader making their own evaluation as fundamental to our discernment of truth is a most valid point. Without that it would be like the time recently when I was looking at a Russian newspaper. Say what? :confused:

When I submitted my recent message to the DLF for feedback, a few good suggestions were made however it was left up to me to accept or reject them. I chose to accept them and integrated into my self-editing of the message. Perhaps this is a more gentle approach to peer review that allows the individual the dignity to accept or reject any criticsm or recomendations.

Your ideas sound good Richard and perhaps feedback like this is how we arrive at some ways to follow up on Doug's ideas about peer review of channeled messages.

BTW, how's the move going? Did you move from Jersey north into New England or one of those pretty areas? I just got back from Maine. I thought I saw you driving down the street with that moving van from my 36,000 ft. vantage point. :p

Love ya,
Dan

[Geoff]

Dear folks,

Well my take on discerning Truth is very different. I am very happy to be the ONLY one who believes something to be True, and in this process I rely on my soul impressions, and try to overcome the inhibitions and restrictions of the mind. I have noticed however that two folks following this process do not get the same result, and I now accept that I am not responsible for any other person's take on Truth, so I do not need to worry.

love,
Geoff.

Dan,

Typically, navigation requires triangulation, or receiving information about one's position relative to at least two other points, making a triangle.

However, I was thinking, rather than 'editorial review' that, within a reasonable period of time, messages regarding a topic coming though more than one
medium would allow a reader to 'triangulate' out the effects of disparate
mediums, and discern the central 'Truth' communicated. Perhaps even messages
communicated from the same spirit through different mediums.

Where is this idea coming from? I don't know, it's just where I've been led to...

Inky

[Dan Bowman]

I would like to think - and your thoughts would be interesting - that those well along the DL road may well attract a reasonable degree of protection


Hi Ray,

You got me thinking about what goes into one's safety tool kit as a medium. For instance, as a kayaker, I wear a life jacket, carry a whistle and practice safety drills for re-entry should I capsize. Even though I possess a level of proficiency as a paddler should the time come when I needed these safety aids, I would have them available.

And so it goes for the medium or for anyone on a spiritual path. Our prayers for DL enable the Law of Attraction such that birds of the feather fly together. When our soul is in a state of prayer we are surrounded by our guardian angels and attract those spirits of like mind.

But what happens when the chips are down and we let our guard down. Most of us get the blues and experience times of despondency, negativity, heartache etc. Perhaps at these times we are more vulnerable to "other" influences that may tend to pull us further down the rabbit hole.

So like the paddler who has their safety items when they're most needed, what can we do to protect ourselves when we are vulnerable to dark spirits? Everyone may have different answers here as it would be fun to explore what others do to protect themselves.

My first thought was to pray for DL as this is probably the obvious choice. However, are we able to maintain a constant state of prayer? I will sometimes use humor as a way of breaking through the funk I feel and poke fun at myself. I think what we're trying to do is not disarm the dark spirits around us however to disarm our own thinking that attracts them. I like soft and gentle music that soothes the soul as this may be a way of moving our thoughts away from our problems and find our soul floating above the cares of the world. Perhaps to distract our minds into some good hard physical work, like Kay working on her rock wall or doing yard work or perhaps building something or working out at the gym helps us to take our thoughts off ourselves and our problems.

I guess we're talking about controling our thoughts which appears to be the big magnet that attracts those of like mind. When we're sad we attract sad spirits, when we're mad, the mad ones and when we're bad, the bad one's. :eek: And conversly, when we're happy, the happy spirits. Keeping a rein on our thinking is bottom line here and anything we can throw into our safety kit that can help us when we're most vulnerable can only be to our greater benefit. :) Good thoughts Ray.

Love,
Dan

[Joseph]

Dear friends,

The wave of fresh air coming through the open window feels very refreshing. It is stirring in our souls and bringing greater clarity to our intentions and desires.

It would be wonderful to be on the same page and in harmony with one another. And the only way I see this happening is to recognize our unity resides in the common love for our Heavenly Father. When we are aware of this common love, it seems to me that differences of interpretation of what is or is not a so-called genuine message through a medium fall into a category of secondary importance. Can we express love to one another while also expressing disagreement concerning messages from the spirit world? This is a worthy way to walk the divine love path.

Some of what has been written here looks very attractive to me at first glance. Yet, on further reflection, the suggestions picture a "religious conclave" to censor messages by majority rule. If I believe that I have mediumistic abilities (which I do), will fear enter my soul because I know that I must first submit a message to be scrutinized by a "board of supervisors" (for lack of a better term to come up with)? Or will I feel such love emanating from the "group" that fear will not enter my soul? Will I (and other mediums) feel such freedom in the air coming through the open window that we are able to fling fear, doubt and hesitancy out the door?

Love, Divine Love, is the activating agent to develop the soul into a medium. This same love is the nurturing element to bring confidence to the medium's heart. And it is the experience of this love within this fellowship which will encourage fledging mediums to try their wings.

Geoff brings up a very good point, namely, the final "judge" of any message, regardless of the medium, is the individual soul reading the message. If a message is received and then submitted to this fellowship, and several people are hyper critical of its authenticity, yet it may be just the word another soul requires. And if it is genuine dribble, it will fade. It meets its own demise and has no need of a group decision to cause it to die.

After I have been spending a great deal of time studying and compiling all the Padgett messages in chronological order for publication in three paperback books, I am almost finished with the task, yet I may not publish them after all. Why? I have lost interest and can't seem to generate enthusiasm for taking the next step, which is to publish them. In many ways, I don't see the hstorical Padgett messages as that important anymore. Museums have never held great attraction for me. I recognize that the Padgett messages provide a great foundation, but I am much more interested in what the Celestial angels might have for humanity NOW. In order for this to happen, the free flow of love, the Divine Love, is the all important matter.

Love,

Joseph

[Dan Bowman]

Some of what has been written here looks very attractive to me at first glance. Yet, on further reflection, the suggestions picture a "religious conclave" to censor messages by majority rule. If I believe that I have mediumistic abilities (which I do), will fear enter my soul because I know that I must first submit a message to be scrutinized by a "board of supervisors" (for lack of a better term to come up with)? Or will I feel such love emanating from the "group" that fear will not enter my soul? Will I (and other mediums) feel such freedom in the air coming through the open window that we are able to fling fear, doubt and hesitancy out the door?



Dear Joseph,

This is what I love about this forum as we feel the freedom to express ourselves candidly without fear of censorship. Your's and Geoff's comments are valid and it's feed back like this that shapes our opinions and decisions. This reminds me of a spiritual think tank that streams multitudes of ideas as we search for the most loving way to approach contemporary mediumship.

The DLF has been labeled by some as an "anything goes" forum and at one time I thought this to be a derogatory remark. Perhaps now I see this as more complimentary as we're not a bunch of robotic Padgett clones. :eek:
Ouch! :confused: Hope that didn't sting someone. :D

Joseph, when I submitted my message to the DLF for feedback, (not sure I like the word review) it was voluntary and the suggestions offered were not required to consider. I guess you could say that I self censored my own message. And perhaps like you said Joseph; "if it is genuine dribble, it will fade."

Great thoughts Joseph, as I hope others pop in and share their views.

Love,
Dan

[Kay Ann Ray]

Dear Divine Love Folks, Dan, Joseph, Geoff, Amy, Doug, RayUK, InkyWhip, and all seekers interested in this discourse,

I'm feeling very good about the fact that we are dialoging on this subject. To me this is evidence of advanced spiritual progress on the part of the participants.

Joseph, there are no 'rules' which have been decided upon for the review of any spirit channeling. It was Dan's own decision to ask if we thought it would be appropriate for him to post the message he received on the DLF forum. I always want Amy to edit the messages I receive because I don't have a good grasp on grammar, and hope to present the message in as clear a way as possible for the reader to understand its content.

Each person posting on the Forum may post the messages he or she receives without 'permission' from another member. It sometimes seems to be risky, however, because others also have the free will to post how they feel about the message, if they so choose. I like what Doug said about the reader giving feedback on a channeling, to express views in a kind and gentle way. And for the medium to develop 'thick skin' and know that others may not agree with what comes through.

If I understand what Geoff is saying, each person chosses what she or he wants to believe is true. I think he said that 'he is the ONLY one who believes certain things to be true.' To me, this means or shows that each and every soul has the free will to decide what to accept and/or reject as truth. I am responsible for what I accept as true, and I choose to have faith in what works to improve my happiness. Praying for Divine Love and doing my best to manifest It has improved my happiness.

In the meantime, I need to learn to accept all my fellow human beings at their present level of spiritual development, awareness and beliefs. Reincarnation is a very popular belief. I wouldn't be doing myself any favors by deciding to not accept someone just because I don't believe the same things they do. All souls are God's beloved children. When I love them and accept them, right where they are at this moment, it will be helpful for my soul development and for theirs as well.

So, I guess what I'm trying to say is that, God gave all souls a free will and no one can take that away from them. If I decide I don't like the way they are maifesting that will, that then becomes 'my problem'. I have enough porblems of my own, without making more by interfering with the free will choices of others. I have total faith in the perfect laws of God to govern the lives of his children. Everyone reaps what they sow. If I give love and acceptance to everyone, I will sow love and acceptance from all aspects of my life's events and experiences.

God bless you, each and every one. I love you and hope that you and your loved ones are having a peaceful, happy and love-filled day.

Your friend, coworker and sister in God's Grace, Kathryn

[Amada Reza]

... there are no 'rules' which have been decided upon for the review of any spirit channeling. ... Each person posting on the Forum may post the messages he or she receives without 'permission' from another member. It sometimes seems to be risky, however, because others also have the free will to post how they feel about the message, if they so choose. I like what Doug said about the reader giving feedback on a channeling, to express views in a kind and gentle way. And for the medium to develop 'thick skin' and know that others may not agree with what comes through.

Dear folks,

Just want to emphasize Kay's statement here. This is a public forum. Every member has the freedom to post whatever they wish.

This, of course, opens the forum to all manner of ideas, such as we have seen in the past few years. The "messy" beauty of free will is that we find ourselves needing to deal with things that may not appeal to our sense of what is true. And, as Joseph and Kay suggest, we can share our thoughts and feelings about this with love for one another, understanding that any disagreement cannot touch our common love for God.

How to avoid this becoming another "belief-net"? Without the caveat that ideas shared here must "agree with" the Padgett messages, I'm not quite sure. I agree, Joseph, that it would be an exciting adventure to explore what the Celestial angels have to say now, without being fettered by dogma and canon. The decision not to judge or evaluate the accuracy or veracity of another's mediumship leaves the door wide open for anyone to post anything regardless of their spiritual development.

Any ideas?!

Sending you, my family, lots of love for a wonder-filled day.

Amy

[Amada Reza]

Mediumship is not easy for most. And it can have its own inherent dangers. But, to my mind, its absolutely imperetive to the developement and advancement of humanity. The more people who begin to understand that life continues - and has its rules - then the less murder / crime / general wrongdoing will occur. And that time will come - with no small thanks to DL.

Dear Rae,

I want to underscore your comment here that mediumship is absolutely imperative to the development and advancement of humanity, beginning with the idea that life continues beyond physical "death."

Developing one's skills of observation can be applied to listening to the still, small voice of our conscience. The picture of Jiminy Cricket on Pinocchio's shoulder was the first visual I had of how my conscience is a gentle suggestion rather than a force against my will. I have a choice to listen, or not. The angels' suggestions come to us similarly -- gently, respectfully. If we are not tuned in to them, they are often ignored for the louder, more demanding "voices" of earth life.

Attention to nature of our thoughts and desires is the beginning of a spiritual discipline. We are not at the mercy of these "passing fancies" but can watch them, and in time, change them, as Dan suggests. Coupled with prayer for Divine Love, soul progression can be on the fast track.

Ask for a Celestial angel to guide and protect you. Ask for one by name. And when he or she comes (for they surely will), listen to their beautiful thoughts and ideas. This will make both of your days! :)

Love to you, dear brother,

Amy

[doug]

How to avoid this becoming another "belief-net"? Without the caveat that ideas shared here must "agree with" the Padgett messages, I'm not quite sure... This is a question we've been grappling with, for sure. In some ways, becoming "another Beliefnet" wouldn't be such a bad thing. (For those not familiar, Beliefnet is a huge web site dedicated to all manner of spirituality.) Still, our founding vision of the DLF was to focus on the one truth revealed in the Padgett messages that is largely obscured (if not absent) in the world's religions -- the truth of the Divine Love. Beliefnet already exists, and there's no need to reinvent that wheel.

So we've tried to walk a fine line here in the DLF forum -- keeping a central focus on the "Divine Love Teachings" while encouraging the free flow of conversation about any "somewhat related" topic. But it's always been something of a judgment call whether to put a particular post in the main section of the board, or in the "comparing notes" section, or in the "off-topic" section. One person's "off-topic" might be another person's "main topic" -- or another person's "what the heck is that post doing on this board?"

And nowhere are these judgment calls more difficult than in the area of channeled messages. Sometimes the administrators (of whom I'm one) must simply make the call: "This message contradicts the Padgett messages in significant ways, and so should be placed in the "comparing notes" section." Sometimes the decision might seem a bit arbitrary, it's true. But we've seen that someone has to draw the line somewhere; otherwise the forum descends into chaos, with different factions vying for "control" of the forum.

I need to clarify, though, to Dan and Joseph and anyone else who misunderstood me: I wasn't advocating that channeled messages should go through a "review board" before being posted to this forum. I was saying that I'd like the forum itself to function as a review board, where posted messages could receive frank and constructive criticism from other board members.

As Dan notes, there's really no way that we can "screen" messages posted to the board for their accuracy or authenticity. It's a "catch 22" (as Kay once channeled) to try to use one person's mediumship to verify the accuracy of another person's mediumship.

It's true that we are, in a sense, doing just that, by using the Padgett messages as a "benchmark" against which all other channelings are judged. But, as we've stated in the board "welcome message (http://divine-love.org/forum/faq.php?)," we're using the Padgett messages as a "starting point" for our spiritual investigations -- not as a final destination...

~Doug

[Joseph]

Dear friends,

Thanks for some clarifying points. Doug wrote:

I need to clarify, though, to Dan and Joseph and anyone else who misunderstood me: I wasn't advocating that channeled messages should go through a "review board" before being posted to this forum. I was saying that I'd like the forum itself to function as a review board, where posted messages could receive frank and constructive criticism from other board members.

I feel this helps me to realize what is happening. Yes, I completely agree...allow the members and/or visitors determine what is and what is not a clear message from our Celestial helpers and guides. And, yes, this may require very thick skins on the part of mediums to see that all may not be well in the messages received and posted.

On second thought, I hope that when I do post a message, I will myself have felt the authenticity from the spirit giving the message. Once I get over my own "built-in" monitor, which is too often self-criticism, then I will be ready to believe that the message is from a high spirit. After this, I will be open to the flow of the message when I post it in the public domain. In other words, I must first believe in myself, that I am indeed in communication with a higher spirit. If I have this faith then I feel I will be able to face the public, and whatever is said or not said.

I think the clarity and test of authenticity of messages must begin with the medium and her/his faith in the flow of communication. This is quite different that a stiff stubborness and self-wilfulness.

I am happy with the responses to my questions. The direction we are heading feels like it is being guided by very Wise Angels.

Love and Peace,

Joseph

[Dan Bowman]

I need to clarify, though, to Dan and Joseph and anyone else who misunderstood me: I wasn't advocating that channeled messages should go through a "review board" before being posted to this forum. I was saying that I'd like the forum itself to function as a review board, where posted messages could receive frank and constructive criticism from other board members.


Howdy Doug,

You're going to crack up when I tell you this story. Last year I was the bad boy on the DLF and I was probably a thorn in your side. :eek: I'm not proud to say these things because I was the one who was arrogant but I thought the problem was elsewhere. When I left the forum in a huff and helped start another one I think I left with a bit of a chip on my shoulder. The Master told me something at that time that blew my mind (how he got a message through to me, I have no idea.) :confused: He told me that someday Doug Orek will become your best friend. :) At the time, I said no way.....that's impossible. And today I see the possibilities for such a friendship.

I included the quoted exerpt above to say that I hope that I never misunderstand my love for you again....that our love is true and that you are my dear sweet brother whom I dearly love. ;) Ok, enough of the mushy stuff. :p

I feel like we're all on the same page regarding channeled messages and I can hear the Master say, "let the writings begin". :cool:

Loving you man,
Dan

[David Kenney]

Hello, all. it is wonderful to read all the posts and to consider the experiences shared. i would highly recommend the very thorough and comprehensive work of Allan Kardec (his pen name) The Spirits Book and The Mediums Book. much love to you all on your continued journey's, dave k

[RaeUK]

Hey Dan!

Appreciate I'm interrupting a personal message, apols, just wanted to say you're a star, a good guy and very loving.

"...love and friendship ebbs and flows with the stresses and strains of our everyday lives, which act like the moon over the tide..."

Appreciate that may not make the greatest deal of sense. Just wanted to say its good to see you here.

Much love

rae xx

[RaeUK]

Hi Dan, Amy - and everyone lurking in the background ;),

Thankyou for taking the trouble to reply - this subject is incredibly close to my heart. I will say, I can be just a bit pedantic about it, its just the way I am.

Dan, for me, I ask for protection from my Guides and Helpers, I envisage further protection and go through certain rituals as I 'open' for spirit communication - I did forget to mention, if you 'open' you also need to 'close' at the end. For that, I have a 'belt and braces' scenario. I envisage coming back from the world of spirit, I go to a room where I have a sarcophagus I enclose myself in - and just to be on the safe side, lol, inside that is a sleeping bag I can zip all the way up - did'nt say logic came into this....

This is from a spiritualist pov, not a DL one - which I'm still, to be honest, intrigued by the almost gung ho spirit [no pun intended]. From that, I draw - the most logical conclusion - that there is an inherent protection within the DL concept. Indeed, since coming into the DL way, I've automatically included 'the prayer' as part of my opening and am more earnest in my prayers for guidance.

Amy, to be honest, I've never asked for a Celestial Angel to communicate. I've just always felt that I'm still scratching the surface here and they have far better things to do than spend their time in cahoots with me! I'm thinking of taking your advice, and if I did it'd be Judas that I'd want to speak with. He just comes across to me as incredibly worldly wise with a great sense of humour.

I don't know, still think their time would be better spent elsewhere!

However, for those guests lurking through this thread, one thing I will say is this - My goodness! My life has totally changed and I can trace that change from when I first started to pray for Divine Love. And when I say 'completely changed' I mean exactly that. Don't be afraid. Its a really good thing :)

For me, I would put the discovery of Divine Love right next door to the word 'miracle'. Its had that effect.

Anyway, I better sign off before I digress too far!

So much love to you all.

rae xx

[Dan Bowman]

Howdy pardner Ray,

Down here in East Texas we all pardners -n- we talk kinda funny. Well taok off me spurs-n- slipped on me slippers fer a fun evenin wit u.

Now on to the less serious stuff. When I began praying for DL, I had the feeling then and still have it today that the (Celestial Spirits) pick us rather than us picking them. This isn't to say that we can't ask for a particular angel however this has been my experience. Perhaps others get to pick but for me it always seemed that they came to me and kind of announced that they were now my guide.

My first guide was Thomas the Apostle and also know in the Bible as Thomas the Doubter. Perhaps there wasn't a better match as doubt has been my besetting sin. Later I felt like James Padgett was helping me and lately the Master. Perhaps there's lot's more that I didn't pick up on their names that were part of my band also.

I feel like I've been less structured than you when it comes to protection. It makes me feel like I've been shootin from the hip so to speak. To tell you the truth, I feel less vulnerable during my channeling because I'm on good behavior. I've said my prayers and watched my p's and q's and therefore I seem to be in the right condition to hook up with the angels. My problem has been during half time (normal life) when my guard is down and I run into trouble with some wayward thinking. Bingo....the lower spirits got them some fresh meat and I can see the vultures swirling overhead.

Nice talking wit u pardner. If u git over dis way stop on in fer sum supper and a friendly chat.

Love u,
Dan

[Amada Reza]

[When] I ask for protection from my Guides and Helpers, I envisage further protection and go through certain rituals as I 'open' for spirit communication - I did forget to mention, if you 'open' you also need to 'close' at the end. For that, I have a 'belt and braces' scenario. I envisage coming back from the world of spirit, I go to a room where I have a sarcophagus I enclose myself in - and just to be on the safe side, lol, inside that is a sleeping bag I can zip all the way up

Hello Rae,

Your ritual is a wise one. And although prayer for Divine Love brings angelic protection, as Dan notes, when our guard goes down for even a moment, we are just as susceptible as ever. I encourage anyone experimenting with mediumship to include their own rituals to clarify the reality of spirit influence.

... to be honest, I've never asked for a Celestial Angel to communicate. I've just always felt that I'm still scratching the surface here and they have far better things to do than spend their time in cahoots with me!

We recently discussed how "lost" souls cannot see other spirits, and that mortals are instrumental in directing their attention to spirit helpers, even if unwittingly. I firmly believe that Celestial angels choose to be with us struggling mortals. So, please Rae, ask Judas to be with you. And, as Dan said, Judas has probably already tapped your shoulder.

The earth plane is fertile soil for the human soul to begin its spiritual ascent. The angels are God's field hands, sowing seeds of love. Let's keep growing, and help the angels spread these seeds! :)

Love to you,

Amy

[doug]

... that you are my dear sweet brother whom I dearly love. Dan, I hope you'll still be feeling this way after I've critiqued one of your channelings... :D

Seriously, I never doubted your love, or that of others here whom I've had disagreements with. We all feel "passionately" (to use a word from your recent channeling) about these areas of disagreement, but I've tried not to take the lack of agreement personally.

I guess a major lesson I've learned in the last few years is that the Divine Love Movement is not a cookie cutter religion, stamping out "members" with identical belief systems. There's a whole lot of diversity going on here -- and we might even conclude that that's how God wants it. As Scott Peck wrote somewhere, God seems to love variety...

It's good to know that we can keep on loving each other even when we disagree completely -- even if "from a distance..."

Sending love back your way,
Doug

[Dan Bowman]

It's good to know that we can keep on loving each other even when we disagree completely -- even if "from a distance".


Hi Doug,

Thanks for your loving note. My lesson here is that it's not always what is said but how it's said that makes the difference. I suppose when we wrap what we say with respect (love) for the other person that we could say probably just about anything as long as it's spoken in love. Speaking with love, even in disagreement appears to be the lesson of the day. This also appears overly simplistic yet may be man's greatest challenge.

The Divine Love here is what can make the difference however I say can because some folks are still struggling with getting their love out even after they may have done a whole lot of praying.
I see this as perhaps a new area of discovery in Divine Love progression: integration. This is another subject for another day so for now, I love you man.

Love,
Dan

[Dan Bowman]

1. Could you express in public the content of a channeling without using an
angel's name to back you up?

2. Is the channeling helpful to your own soul progression?


Hello good friends,

Hope you don't mind Doug and Amy that I re-opened this thread on Mediumship that is a follow-up on our discussion in the New Birth Room in the Canon thread.

I really love these ideas of yours/theirs Amy regarding mediumship. I have sometimes wondered if the name of Jesus has been mis-used and abused in channeling as he's a heavy weight and perhaps some would love to think they got a message from him? The word humility really came to me strongly also when I further thought about removing the name of the spirit sender and using your own, particularly if you weren’t sure who the spirit is or your motive is for reason of ego. I'm amused as I remember my first channeling’s as I used the same sign-in that Padgett used; I am here.....Later I thought that perhaps I was making these messages up and copying Padgett's style of automatic writing and was not original and spontaneous in the channeling. :eek: Later I came to realize that I didn't have the gift of automatic writing but rather inspirational writing as I simply write in a more natural way now.

The second thought regarding channeling speaks to pointing to our own soul progression and to the real nuts and bolts of why angels communicate with us. Perhaps those channeling’s that make broad sweeping comments about humankind and it's destiny are less attractive to me as they don't dig down into the earth of our soul and work on real stuff. It's like fluff, the floaty kind that takes up allot of real estate on paper and says little. When we consider what the objective of an angel is, then we realize that their primary impetus is to assist us in our personal progression. And therefore their communications would necessarily reflect such a purpose and intention.

As I write I ask my angel friends what else they would like to add to this discussion and this is what they say. When you think you have received a channeling/message from an angel; share it with a friend. Don't keep it to yourself if you intend to develop as a medium. If you keep these things to yourself it is possible that you won't be able to break through personal doubt until you are brave enough to share with another individual. That doesn’t mean that you have to post it on a public forum but simply share it with a trusted friend. Generally the information that the angels give us is not so personal that it couldn't be shared with others as we often have the same struggles and issues in our soul development. I share my messages with my wife as she is a great believer in me and I feel safe in these sharings. Sharing a message with another is not only strengthening to one's own mediumship but also may help another in their spiritual progression as well.

Great thoughts Amy….thanks. :)

Love,
Dan

[Amada Reza]

As I write I ask my angel friends what else they would like to add to this discussion and this is what they say.

3. When you think you have received a channeling/message from an angel; share it with a trusted friend. ... Sharing a message with another not only strengthens one's own mediumship, but may help another in their spiritual progression, as well.

Dear Dan,

Thank you for adding your thoughts to this subject. It takes a lot of courage to share a message with another person. In the beginning, confidence is hard-won. Sharing an inspiration helps develop faith in one's goodness. It also serves as a "reality check."

When my kids were growing up and dealing with "the world," I would share angelic inspirations as my own wisdom. Most of the time, they responded positively, and they felt the message was pertinent to what they were going through. The fact of its pertinence in their life was the best confirmation of a "good" message.

As you said, Dan, the angels want to help us personally. Those '"broad, sweeping channelings" about humankind and his destiny do have their place, but getting down to the "grit" of our earth life, and what is and is not working for us in our spiritual progression, is true nourishment. God's Love for us is personal; as Joseph recently shared, His Love is waiting. We don't have to be praying in a cave on a mountain to receive it. Our little ol' human self, with all its bumps and bruises, is worthy of this highest of inspirations.

Thanks, Dan, for taking the discussion into the mediumship development thread. Hope you have an angelically inspired day! :)

Love,

Amy

[Dan Bowman]

Hi Amy,

Got a question today from a dear friend that asked if I meant to discourage others from receiving messages from Jesus. I would encourage anyone to receive his communications. Perhaps I was vague in my post as I was trying to say that many mediums, particularly in the New Age Movement claim to channel Jesus and even claim to be Jesus. Not all can be correct as there is I suspect, some delusional thinking here. This isn't to discourage, rather to encourage quality mediumship by qualified mediums.

What are the qualifications for a quality/qualified medium to channel Jesus? Most of us would agree that a soul condition in Divine Love is fundamental, as a soul condition that is conditioned by God's Love so that love forms the matrix of rapport, is essential. Simply having a willingness or desire to communicate is not enough. Jesus encouraged James Padgett to pray often for Divine Love and think high spiritual thoughts and not let material worries side track him. These are a few of the essentials that that James used and are shared by other mediums who channel him. And to add to this list is to be of sound mind and body as delusional thinking will not form a rapport with a Celestial Angel however may attract spirit imposters.

Mediumship begs a knowing of the unknown, as there's a wide gammet of mediumship that spans from material "manifestation" mediumship to the Divine. The Laws of Rapport and Communication as received by James Padgett in the Padgett Messages are a good study of the principals of mediumship.

Love,
Dan

[David Kenney]

Hi guys, just my "2 cents" and i will try to stay withing my own experience and perceptions and inspirations. There are many Jesus' around, here and here after, meaning it was a popular name in the middle east at the time of Jesus of Nazarath. It is a very popular name in Spanish cultures. My perceptions tell me that the spirit, Jesus the Christ, our brother and friend, will take an opportunity to channel with anyone that he felt he could bring a message of truth through, the laws of rapport in regards to the Divine Love and formal messages of very high Truth(s) of God do require a strong development of Divine Love. After all he did make rapport with Padgett, who may have had some Divine Love prior to being instructed to pray "almost constantly" to increase the rapport for the quality of the messages of Divine Love and Truth. Our human tendencies as to power, control and reccognition from others in a perverted exerction of our wills in seeking to get love will manifest in some very strange ways, rather than higher manifestations of desires to give love through loving service, in my experience cannot be denied and must be attended to as to not interfere with the "true" rapport of a message being brought through by a soul developed in love, either from the natural love spiritual heavens or a soul developing in the Divine Love. How ever i trust my own perceptions when reading a message and if i am in a "fit spiritual condition" and it doesn't feel true i might walk right passed it. what i mean by that is that writings have emmanations of their own. When i first picked up the Padgett messages, i was struck by the depth and weight of the Truth of the messages, but i was more struck by the Love. love ya all, and there is not a damn thing you can do about it :) dave k.

[David Kenney]

i was impressed at my last post, and omitted it, to also say that learning the proper techniques for "trying" the spirits as to their identity will benifit all who receive writings and impressions or inspirations from the spirit world. dave k.

[Dan Bowman]

Our human tendencies as to power, control and reccognition from others in a perverted exerction of our wills in seeking to get love will manifest in some very strange ways, rather than higher manifestations of desires to give love through loving service, in my experience cannot be denied and must be attended to as to not interfere with the "true" rapport of a message being brought through by a soul developed in love, either from the natural love spiritual heavens or a soul developing in the Divine Love.


Dear Brother Dave,

I suspect that your quote above is perhaps the longest sentence on the subject I've ever read. Good for you. ;) All jest aside, this is an important consideration as to our motivations in whatever we do. As it relates to mediumship, this becomes paramount as to our sensativity and success in becoming a viable channel for the Celestial Angels. What is the motivation? :)

The "true rapport", is the sweet spot that mediums hope to obtain as they avail themselves to their spirit guides and teachers. As you said Dave, there are spirits from all domains, from the natural heavens all the way to the Celestial Heavens. It is through the Law of Attraction that Kay has spoken to recently, that we are drawn to spirits from either "heaven".

"The pure in heart", is a term I am hearing as I write this post. Becoming pure in heart is certainly the way of good channeling and is the kind of spirit who would communicate with those pure of heart.

Gee Dave, you mean you can love me that much. That's too cool dude. :cool:

Love,
Dan

[Dan Bowman]

It takes a lot of courage to share a message with another person. In the beginning, confidence is hard-won. Sharing an inspiration helps develop faith in one's goodness. It also serves as a "reality check."



Dear Amy, Dave and loving friends,

When I first began receiving Divine Love my over-zealousness found me sometimes jumping into situations where I should have tread a little more lightly. I remember sending my grandpa a letter, who lived in Washington D.C., as I shared a message (alleged) about my younger brother whom would be killed in a motorcycle accident. At the time my brother was a bit reckless and rode motocross (off road) as I had a premonition about his impending demise. My brother is alive and well today and never had the impending fate I had envisioned. My grandpa never responded to the letter and probably thought that I was a bit delusional in my premonition.

It's experiences like this that sometimes cause us to give pause to our "gifts" and may be what makes us second guess ourselves and our visions and premonitions. Fortunately, these experiences for me have not daunted my desire to forge forward and seek such gifts as a channel. I suppose one could see this like anything else; practice makes perfect. Perhaps if we expected to only hit a home run every time we came to bat that we'd never get to first base with mediumship.

Perhaps the of fear of failure is what lies at the foundation of some who channel and is that aspect of thinking that should be addressed in one's personal progression. As I began to write this I felt that this is not a natural fear but one that is learned and engendered through life experience. Some may have none of this fear and others a healthy (actually un-healthy) dose. I have been one to have been encumbered with an extra dose of fear of failure as this has been my nemesis as a medium. Consequently, my effectiveness as a channel has been rather marginal however I don't give up as I continue to work on my personal progression and clear the garbage in my thinking.

I share this personal note so that others who struggle in their own channeling, don't think that it comes easy for all who try. I imagine that for some it may be as easy as one who picks up an instrument and begins to play music for the first time. And for others like myself, it's really been more a work of clearing the clutter within so that I can be clear enough to be a channel.

Dave, Doug and Amy, you have been teaching me that all who seek Divine Love are channels and mediums as it is not the gift of only a few. As we seek the Divine Love, we naturally become sensitive in our hearts as the Divine Love purifies us. During this process we begin to hear things that we never heard before and see new things. Many report hearing the voices of their loved ones who preceded them as they often look around a room they're in thinking that someone was speaking to them as if they were in the same room. Other's report hearing Celestial music or the voices of angels and hear words of encouragement and loving sentiments of praise and All Glory to God. As we pray for Divine Love, the very portals of Heaven are opened to the inner eye of our soul as we see and hear things that no wo/man can see or hear on earth. Yes, the Divine Love is the perfect matrix for clear channeling.

Love,
Dan

[Amada Reza]

As we seek the Divine Love, we naturally become sensitive in our hearts as the Divine Love purifies us. During this process we begin to hear things that we never heard before and see new things. ... As we pray for Divine Love, the very portals of Heaven are opened to the inner eye of our soul as we see and hear things that no wo/man can see or hear on earth. Yes, the Divine Love is the perfect matrix for clear channeling.

Dear family in the Christ Love,

I get the impression that as these doors of Heaven open to us, we are being invited to join the angels in their "good work" of truly loving the human soul, beginning with our own.

Dan commented how becoming pure in heart is the way of good channeling. True, selfless love is always in back of the angels' influence. I aspire to be more like them. Dave describes a few of our "very" human tendencies, and our need to keep an eye out for how these might fuel our motives. I imagine that if we were to turn a loving eye toward these tendencies, and understand the need for love that is behind them, it would be easier to be more like the angels.

True, selfless love needs to start with love for ourselves. Being gentle and kind with our own frailties gives us the experience we need to be gentle and kind with others. When I began to receive messages from Mary, most of her messages were centered around, "I love you, you are a beautiful soul." I must have needed to hear this over and over and over again! I almost really believe it! :)

I love you, dear family, with all my human and divine love,

Amy